Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jungkook rouses from his slumber when the Seong mansion comes into view. He blinks a couple of times and raises his arm to check his watch for time. It says 8:47 pm. He wishes he’d wasted more time traveling so that when he arrives, he'd be able to just have a short chat with Taehyung and call it a night. That's the whole reason for embarking on a four-hour drive to Yeosu, after all.

He sits up properly when the gates of the mansion are opened by a man in a uniform. They drive slowly through the gate and stop when there's a knock on the driver's window. His driver, Saem, rolls down the window and a guard comes into view. "Welcome, Jeon Jungkook-ssi?" He leans into the window to take a proper look at Jungkook. "Lovely. Just follow the path, it'll lead you to the entrance, then wait for them to open the door. I'll call up the guards in the mansion and inform them of your arrival."

Saem thanks him and rolls the window back up, then they continue their journey on the wide pathway. The pathway is lined by lamp posts on each side, which illuminate the yard in an orange glow, casting soft warm tones on Jungkook as they drive through them. The pathway becomes narrow when the entrance to the mansion comes into view and Saem parks the car. Jungkook opens the door and gets out of the car, his shoes softly landing on the grass.

It is not news that the Kims come from old money, specifically from their maternal side, but at this moment he's witnessing just how rich they really are. The building’s design is based on the traditional Hanok, but it seems that the materials used were not the same. He leans on the car, looking around the yard as he waits. The front yard is devoid of trees, but towards the far end of each side of the building, several trees stand tall.

The door of the mansion opens with a loud creak, thudding heavily against a wall when it's fully ajar. Jungkook guesses that it's his cue to enter. He walks towards the entrance stairway, admiring the fountain placed in front of it. The lights of the fountain create a diffused glow on the surface of the water gushing out, making it an aesthetically pleasing sight.

As he starts walking up the stairs that lead to the porch, a car speeds into the compound and parks, a series of impatient horns blares from it. He stands still in curiosity, wondering if it’s one of the Kim siblings. The mansion does seem too quiet - like nobody has arrived yet.

Not giving it a second thought, he continues climbing up the stairs, thinking that he'll meet whoever’s in the car in the building. Suddenly, someone runs out of the mansion and brushes past him down the stairs. He takes a whiff of their lingering sweet scent without meaning to. Omega.

"I'm coming!" The person yells, then turns around to face the doors.

Jungkook uses the moment to take a good look at the person. His sharp eyes are what he notices first, then his shimmering pink lips. He's tall—taller than most omegas. Almost at the average height of an alpha—, well-proportioned with how his thin, pink blouse hangs off his torso. The top buttons are undone, revealing his collarbones. The blouse is tucked into dark leather pants, showing his slim waist and wide hips. The pants were so tight that the seams look like they might rip at the thighs with any strong movement. Jungkook swallows involuntarily.

"I guess this is where I tell you guys to have a good night, because I know I will." The boy sneers towards the door, with his hands tightened into fists. The jewelry adorning his ears, wrists, and fingers shimmer in the light bringing Jungkook's attention to them.

"Joon, please! Your father will kill me." Jungkook turns his head back towards the door to see someone running out.

The boy—Joon, Namjoon, Jungkook remembers his full name—runs away to the car, pulls open the door, and gets in. The car speeds away before he fully even closes the door.

The man at the door lets out a deep sigh before he notices that he's being watched. "Oh, oh my! Jungkook-sii. Please come in, sorry you had to see that." He bows in greeting, which Jungkook returns. "My name is Shin Dae-Seong, I've been expecting you. Please follow me." He gestures for Jungkook to come in and waits for him to finish climbing up the stairs.

"I'm assuming that was Namjoon?" Jungkook doesn't even know he opened his mouth until he’s halfway through his question. He usually stays off topics that aren't his business, but this encounter has him feeling a little bit intrigued.

Dae-Seong winces before he scratches his scalp in embarrassment. "Yes, of course. You know they're the only ones in the house right now with their grandparents and they're supposed to stay indoors today, but of course, our Namjoon is a bit too excited to stay still."

Jungkook just nods, already figuring things out. He remembers the way Namjoon stands on the stairs, with a lamp casting light on him, looking like he’s pulled out straight from a painting. Beautiful omegas are always troublesome.

 

They walk through the mansion and Jungkook appreciates the interior architecture even more, beautiful art pieces have been collected and displayed in the hallways. He is so lost in awe that he notices too late they are walking out of the building and into a backyard.

The backyard is a wide expanse of grass with a fence at a long distance. On one side there is a huge bench with a person already sitting on it. His head is down, staring at his phone. On the other side, there's a pond lined by rocks and lotus flowers floating in it; there's a gazebo at its side with trees around it. Music is playing softly in the background and Jungkook suddenly feels exhaustion weighing him down.

"He's been waiting for you here," Dae-Seong whispers to him with a fond smile. Jungkook only nods in answer. He walks down the stairs and quietly approaches the man, clearing his throat to announce his presence. Taehyung looks up and puts his phone aside when recognition flashes in his eyes.

"Sit." Jungkook orders when Taehyung is about to stand up. He takes a seat opposite from him and tries to stop himself from frowning, "good evening."

"Evening, I hope your journey was okay." Taehyung greets him back.

"It was okay," Jungkook replies.

"I see." Taehyung nods before he turns his attention to Dae-Seong. "Can you please inform the kitchen staff to bring refreshments first?"

"Sure," Dae-Seong answers and excuses himself, leaving the two alone.

"I hope you don't mind the music." Taehyung pins him with his gaze. His dark, thick eyelashes flutter in the breeze, yet his eyes are a little too clouded for Jungkook to weave any genuine emotion from.

"I don't, you can keep it on." Suddenly Jungkook feels sorry for him. But it's not his fault really, he knows that much. His mother had already proposed setting them up before she informed him of her plan. She did it so he wouldn't weasel out of it, of course. But reality is that Jungkook’s content without a partner and he doesn't intend to lead Taehyung on. Seeing the omega and gently rejecting him is better than outright rejecting him without seeing him; that'd come off as disrespect to the Kim clan.

It's not that Taehyung would be bad company; he's very beautiful and well-mannered, as Jungkook was told. But he also is very young, probably hasn't even had his first serious relationship, and is yet to plan out his future. Jungkook is older, more experienced, and not to mention, divorced. With three pups and with no need for more, it seems unfair to pair them up.

"I think I haven't seen you since Park Jun's party." Taehyung offers, probably trying to make small talk. His voice is quiet and a little unsure, as if he doesn’t know whether he should say anything at all.

"I suppose." Jungkook doesn't really remember if he met him at the party or not. He knows of the Kim siblings and he's seen them several times at parties to be familiar with them, but he's yet to confirm who's who. He knows the eldest omega married into the Min family, he's met Namjoon and now Taehyung, so he mentally confirmed that Seokjin is the eldest.

When the silence stretches on for a while, Jungkook puts his elbows on the bench and leans in, "I'm sure you've already been told about our arrangement?"

Taehyung shrinks into himself for a moment before he squares up his shoulders and meets him head-on, wearing an entirely different look on his face. "Of course. And I already gave my consent. I just have one issue that I'd like to discuss."

"What would that be?" Jungkook enquires, an uneasy feeling settling in the pit of his stomach.

Taehyung doesn't answer immediately because of staff coming out with a tray in hand. He places down a bottle of water, wine, and drinking glasses then excuses himself and leaves.

"Pups," Taehyung goes right to it without holding back, impressing Jungkook with his straightforwardness. "I've always dreamt of being a dad."

"I'm not marrying you for pups, Taehyung. I already have heirs with another omega and she's raising them back at her home. Having another pup with someone else will complicate things for me. If I'm ever having more pups then it’ll be much later in the future, when they're older." Jungkook explains as calmly as he can, not wishing to upset Taehyung more than the situation already has.

"So I'm only supposed to stand beside you and look pretty?" Taehyung scoffs at him with an incredulous look in his dark eyes. It seems this is something that they'll definitely have issues with if they pursue a relationship. This brings up a strong point of argument for Jungkook when he informs his mother that he has no intention of marrying Taehyung.

"That's pretty much it, you ought to know. I told them not to hide anything from you when seeking your consent. I'm only remarrying to have an omega at home who'll keep my mother and I company. That's it." He clarifies.

Jungkook knows he sounds like an asshole, but it's the truth. Whether he's marrying Taehyung or not, he has no intention of lying to him.

Taehyung scrunches his nose in distaste but doesn't say anything in retaliation. He just drums his fingers on the bench, drawing Jungkook's gaze to his hand. He also has delicate wrists and hands, with jewelry adorning them both, just like Namjoon. They must've gotten their impressive genes from their late omega mother, he heard in passing that she was an enigma even amongst the most beautiful omegas.

Taehyung doesn't say anything else until dinner is served. When they are done with dinner, he stands up, says goodnight, and goes back into the house. Jungkook stands up, feeling a bit bad for how he acted. Maybe he should've been gentle with Taehyung, he seems to be laid-back and coolheaded. He'll just have to talk to him properly in the morning, he's too exhausted to dwell on anything other than rest now.

When he goes to sleep that night, he sleeps like a log.

•••

An insistent knocking wakes him up from his sleep. Jungkook drags himself into a sitting position and swears, waiting to see if the person knocking will eventually give it up. Unfortunately for him, the knocking doesn't let up, so he stands up and walks to the door, opening it. A male staff is at the door, he bows in greeting then straightens up. "I apologize for waking you up from your sleep, but your mother has arrived and is requesting you join them for lunch."

Lunch? Jungkook turns back and looks around his room; the sun rays filtering through the curtains are golden. How long did he sleep for?

"Tell them I'll be right down." He instructs the staff, then closes his door and walks to the bedside table, and picks up his phone. The time reads 2:17 pm. He puts the phone back and stretches, feeling deep satisfaction at the popping sounds his joints make when they move.

He walks into the washroom and sees bathroom slippers have been provided for him as well as some towels hanging on the towel rack. The more time he spends in the bathroom, the more he keeps being continuously impressed. Everything has been provided for him, even things he doesn't think he'll need. If they intentionally did it to impress him, then they've done a good job.

He’s quick with the shower, so he wouldn’t have to waste more time than necessary and keep them waiting. As he’s getting dressed though, he pounders on how he thought this is a good idea. He's in somebody's house, about to go down to their dining room and have lunch with them. The only times he finds himself in this situation is if he's the host or another family member is hosting. Well, there's a first time for everything, anyway.

He rolls up the sleeves of his shirt, undoing the top two buttons to give himself some room to breathe, and wears his shoes, foregoing socks and a belt. He steps out of his room and walks down the hallway, hoping that he doesn't get lost on the way. He doesn't and finds the stairs quite easily. Jungkook descends to the lobby where a staff awaits and leads him to the dining room.

It seems Jungkook is the last person to join since everyone is seated and already eating. He gets a glimpse of Namjoon for a moment, surprised that he came back early. With such a dramatic escape the night before, he thought he'll take days to come back. He spots his mother and brother next, so he stands in his spot and greets the crowd. There is a chorus of replies but Jungkook waits for the head alpha Kim's. The man holds eye contact with him for a few before he gives him permission to sit.

"I hope you had a good rest, I was told you arrived late last night." Head alpha—Kim Sehun—says.

Jungkook nods, "Yes. There was something I had to finish before leaving."

As if it's her cue, his mother sighs, "This is what I've been talking about, Pack Alpha-nim. He's become a workaholic these two years he's been single. Having someone come home to is bound to break this lifestyle of his."

"Of course, of course," is all Alpha Kim replies, before he picks up his chopsticks and resumes his meal.

Jungkook ignores the comment in favor of seeking Taehyung's gaze, ignoring him at the dining table will come off as rude. When Taehyung finally meets his gaze, Jungkook nods in greeting then picks up the chopsticks kept on the plate setup for him and starts adding dishes to his plate.

As he is piling up the food on his plate his gaze flicks up to study Namjoon. His face, devoid of makeup, shines with a healthy tan. His blond hair is not styled so his bangs hang over his forehead, reaching up to his brows. He’s in a beige shirt with the top buttons undone, neckline dropping low on one side, exposing the shoulder and collarbone. Jungkook finds himself frowning slightly, eyes sharpening for just a second as he wonders if it's appropriate to dress like that in front of guests. He quickly brushes the dangerous thought aside, concluding that it’s probably just him being too strict. After all, Namjoon is not his responsibility, he shouldn't care what he does or doesn't.

Jungkook's gaze goes back to his meal, but a few moments later, it goes back to Namjoon again, unable to look away. The person sitting next to Namjoon suddenly comes into his view when he leans towards Namjoon to whisper something. Jungkook suddenly remembers him; that's Park Jimin. He sees him at almost every party and function, his father is the owner of Park Automobiles, if he remembers correctly. He wonders what his history with Namjoon is.

On Namjoon's right is an elderly woman, Seong Minji, Alpha Kim's mother-in-law—probably. Her posture is straight, even with her old age, her white silky hair has been gathered into a bun and a few loose strands sweep off to the side of her forehead. She eats slowly and delicately, skillfully chewing as if she isn't. This is how you tell who's rich in the olden days, the unremarkable table manners. Her husband, Seong Hye sits next to her and Alpha Kim sits next to him, followed by Jungkook's brother, then his mother, then himself. On the opposite side of the table, Taehyung sits next to Park Jimin, then two other people that Jungkook recognizes as Kim Seokjin and Min Yoongi.

"Jungkook-sii." Jungkook raises his head when he hears his name being called, it’s Seong Minji.

"We're going to the stables today to ride. We'd love to have you join us and if you're a rider then we'll get a horse ready for you." She says.

"Sure, I'd be pleased to join you. However, I do not ride horses." Jungkook gives a bashful smile as he replies.

"Oh, halmeoni. We're going to have to ditch coming to the stables. Jimin and I are going to Yeongchwisan." Namjoon speaks up for the first time, he waves his hand a little bit in the air to get his grandmother's attention.

Taehyung perks up when he hears that and holds onto Namjoon's sleeve, "I wanna come too, hyung." He whines a bit, oblivious to the look Namjoon and Jimin share.

"Ah Taehyung, you have a guest to entertain, remember?" Jungkook internally winces when Seong Hye speaks up, looking up from his plate of breakfast. "Unless you'd like to join them too?" Jungkook feels like squirming in his seat as the sharp gaze is suddenly directed at him.

Taehyung levels him with an intense look and doesn't budge until Jungkook replies, "Of course, I'm welcome to anything Taehyung suggests."

"Hey, we want to come too." Seokjin suddenly pitches in.

"No way! Old people are not allowed!" Namjoon seethes, his face flushes with indignation, and a pout set on his lips. Jungkook feels something electric course down his spine. He's older than Seokjin, does that mean he's not welcome too?

"Namjoonie-ah. What'd I say about being a brat?" Yoongi scolds him reaching over to swat the omega, yet his tone is so fond that he's not fooling anyone but himself.

Jungkook tunes out the conversation, something hot and scorching slithers from his gut to his heart when he hears that nickname, Namjoonie-ah, he thinks. Suddenly his surroundings start to blur and the noises blend with one another.

He startles when he feels a little nudge. He turns to his mother, but she doesn't say anything. Just looks into his eyes with a strange glint, almost akin to curiosity. He feels like she is prying into his soul, trying to dig up something hidden in there. Jungkook doesn't know what she finds, but eventually, she looks away and picks up a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.

Not long after Namjoon excuses himself from the table, together with Jimin in tow. Taehyung gets up too hastily, almost dragging the tablecloth with him, and runs after them. Jungkook couldn't stop his gaze from following Namjoon's back even if he tried.

"They're going to leave you behind if you don't go, Jimin doesn't have the patience to wait for anyone." Jungkook turns around to discover that it's Seokjin who's talking to him. He nods, then he gets up and gives his thanks for the meal, before excusing himself.

 

When he walks out of the house he sees Taehyung sitting on the stairs with a frown etched on his face. "Is everything okay?" Jungkook asks.

"They didn't wait for me. Said I have to come with you." He pouts, eyes wide and holding entirely too much emotion not to be noticed.

Jungkook bites the inside of his cheek and nods slightly. "You know the way, yes?" Taehyung nods. "Then I'll call my driver to take us there."

Taehyung huffs but doesn't say anything and Jungkook feels lost on what to do. He takes out his phone from his pocket and calls up Saem, requesting that he gets the car ready.

The car arrives in no time and Saem gets out and opens the door for them. Taehyung gets in first, then Jungkook. "We're going to Yeongchwisan Mountain," Taehyung speaks up. Saem inputs the location into the GPS and waits for it to come up.

The drive to the location is silent, Jungkook tries to think of a way to initiate a conversation and hopefully find a way to link it to the conversation they had the night before, yet he can't come up with a single word to say. Taehyung doesn't bother saying anything to break the silent atmosphere, too. Jungkook can't even smell his scent to know what he's feeling.

He wonders if they're all using scent patches, he can't pick up a scent on any of them—except for Namjoon, of course—, not even on the staff. He understands that the staff wears them in order to not overwhelm anyone by exposing them to multiple scents at once. And for Taehyung, maybe he doesn't want anyone he's not familiar with to perceive his scent.

Jungkook spends the rest of the ride lost in thought, hence his surprise when Saem pulls over explaining that he needs to find a place to park the car. Taehyung gets out of the car at record speed, and Jungkook doesn't waste time following him. They walk for a bit before they spot Namjoon and Jimin, talking with a group of three.

"Hyung! We're here." Taehyung announces, and all heads turn towards them. Jungkook slows his pace, feeling self-conscious with all the stares he's getting.

When they reach the group—a mother and her two kids, they exchange pleasantries with them. Apparently, they were waiting for them to arrive.

"Please join us on our picnic, we have enough food and drinks for all of us." The mother—Ye-rim— beams at them.

"Of course, we'd love to," Jimin replies, taking the backpack slung over Namjoon's shoulder and slinging it on his. He also offers to take Ye-rim's picnic basket, which she relents and gives to him after a minute of back and forth between them.

They start their climb towards the peak of the mountain when Jungkook realizes they didn't bring water for their climb. He continues to silently climb, listening to the three boys talk among themselves, hoping that none of them gets a heatstroke. Later on, Jimin suggests that they rest for some minutes and brings out bottled water from his backpack, offering it to anyone wanting to rehydrate.

"You've been quiet since we started our climb, Jungkook-sii." Jimin inputs after a while.

Jungkook shakes his head, "I assure you it's not intentional. It's just that most of your conversations are not something I can comment on." he answers honestly.

"Oh, of course, sorry. We'll try to include you from now on. I heard Jiang Lee worked with you not long ago." Jimin offers. It comes out too innocent for Jungkook to feel like there's any ulterior motive behind it. Eventually, he concludes that Jimin really doesn't know why he worked with Jiang Lee.

Jiang Lee is a lawyer who was hired by a client he sued for trying to sell off his land behind his back. The previous year was hell for him because of that trial. Jungkook hums, trying to think of what to say. "We didn't work together per se, he was hired by a client as his defense lawyer. But we are good friends."

"Totally unrelated but, I heard his daughter was on drugs—" Namjoon doesn't continue his sentence as Taehyung quickly nudges him. He sheepishly flashes his teeth at the shocked stares directed his way and doesn't say anything else.

They continue their journey until they come to the peak and reach a place with abundant shade.

"I think this is a good spot," Ye-rim suggests and then brings out a big blanket from her basket, which they spread on the grass. As promised, she shares the prepared lunch with them. And she was right, it was more than enough for all of them. "I actually came prepared to share lunch with other families." She admits while taking a huge bite of her sandwich.

Jungkook eats his sandwich, giving up trying to talk to Taehyung, and decides to enjoy himself instead. It being late May, the Jindalai flowers and cherry blossoms have both bloomed magnificently, painting the mountain in vermilion.

He thinks of bringing his kids next year to witness the beautiful scenery, Ye-rim's kids seem to love it, so they'll also love it. The said kids gather leaves and petals to make flower crowns and give them according to beauty—their mother first, then Taehyung, Namjoon, Jimin, and surprisingly, him.

Jungkook carefully places the flower crown on his head and leaves it there to please the kids.

"Let me take a picture of you guys!" Taehyung gushes with a boxy smile on his face, taking his phone out of his jeans pocket and running some distance away from them to get a better angle. They all hurriedly gather in one place and pose for the picture.

A shoulder pokes Jungkook in the arm when someone leans into his space. He turns around and sees Namjoon laughing, with his arms around Jimin. The flower crown sits gingerly on his head, his hair flutters around with every movement, skin glowing golden under the sun and Jungkook makes a discovery of his deep dimples.

How beautiful, Jungkook thinks, if only you'd smile like that at me.

How troublesome.

       

 

 Jungkook pants as he continuously lifts the barbell above his chest, yet no matter how much he tries, he can't get rid of the memories that haunt him since he came back from Yeosu. Every single time he closes his eyes, his brain bombards him with the menacing image of Namjoon standing right in front of him - adorned in nothing but his ridiculously expensive jewelry and enticing scent. He just looks at him with disdain in his sharp eyes and a mocking smile on his full, shimmering lips.  

Either that or the memory of Namjoon with a flower crown on his head, laughing with his dimples showing. His head is nothing but a merry-go-round of Namjoon, Namjoon, Namjoon. 

His muscles tense up as he lifts and refuses to relax. His chest expands twice in volume trying to compensate for the increased oxygen demand. His arms start to cramp from lifting the barbell, luckily it doesn't take long before his muscles start to relax and Jungkook manages to put the barbell back on the rack. He turns limp on the bench, still panting from overexertion, his heart beating like crazy and there's a buzzing sound in his ears due to the increase in his blood flow. He covers his face with his hand and swears. 

It doesn’t make sense to him. Jungkook had only seen Namjoon a few times during the vacation and they didn't even exchange a single word between them. So why did Kim Namjoon leave such a huge impression on him? Could it be because he's the only one that didn't wear scent patches so Jungkook's only familiar with his scent? That seems like a logical explanation. 

However, that's not the only thing that got his attention. Namjoon was very open about who he is. It quickly became obvious that he doesn't hide it when something pleases or disgusts him. He voices how he truly feels without holding his emotions back or filtering the words that might shock the ones who refrain from such expressions.

Jungkook simply finds him very admirable, considering that he himself struggles with expressing himself so often that he just doesn't make an effort anymore.   It crosses Jungkook’s mind that maybe he too is finally tired of hiding how he truly feels.

He takes a shallow breath and closes his eyes;  searching within himself and trying to make these emotions coherent. When he's done, he opens his eyes with a new-found clarity. 

Jungkook wants to know more about Namjoon, yet he's also interested in knowing what kind of person Taehyung is. He wants to know their likes and dislikes, what makes their heads spin and hearts beat in an extraordinary way, what makes their lips pull into a genuine smile, and what sort of things make them scowl with pure glee in their eyes. He wants to know what drives them right through the doors of their sanity. The Kims have a wonderful relationship with each other, he wouldn't mind witnessing it more. 

Jungkook scoffs to himself. Somehow, marrying Taehyung doesn't sound like a bad idea anymore. 

He walks out of his gym much later. He's on his way to the bathroom when he hears a "Master Jeon," from his living room. 

"What is it?" He calls back, knowing the staff can hear him. 

"Your mother would like to speak with you," is the reply he gets.

 "Tell her I'll be there," he says, then continues on his way to the bathroom to take a shower.

After he's done with the shower he throws on a pair of brown pants and a white sleeveless shirt, then takes his phone and wallet before leaving. 

Jungkook moved into this house not long after establishing his own company. He brought his mother and mate, at the time, along with him. They had both lived in the Jeon family home before.  His father, being the pack alpha, made them reside in the pack's den, where the unmated family members and a few mated alphas that decided to live close to the pack stayed.

Living there quickly became suffocating, not to mention his pups would be forced to grow up in such a competitive environment. Moving out was the best option for everyone, even if his father didn't approve at the time.

 He gave his mother a different part to live in peace and quiet, only letting people she approves of into her space. He lives in the other part of the building, with a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. When his ex-wife moved out, he turned the other room into his personal gym.

Both he and his mother lived on the second floor, the first floor consists of communal spaces like living rooms, leisure rooms, guest rooms, dining rooms, and a kitchen. 

He reaches the bifurcated staircase and descends down the stairs to reach the landing, then climbs up the opposite staircase to his mother's wing. He knocks on her door to indicate his arrival and opens the door when she gives him permission to enter.

"Jungkook-ah, I've been waiting for you." She mutters, rolling the sleeves of her hanbok and dropping the paintbrush in her hand on a pallet. She turns away from the painting she's been working on for weeks to face him. "Have a seat," she points to the chair she does her writing on.

Jungkook watches her wipe her hand with a handkerchief and wait for him to sit.  Jungkook drags the chair towards him and sits, "is something wrong?" 

"Oh no, not at all. I just want to tell you that I've been informed Taehyung is at home this weekend. I know that you haven't seen him since Yeosu, and you might not see him anytime soon since he's going back to his dorms." She reasons with a small smile tugging on her lips. And it’s not like she’s telling or commanding him to do anything, they both know that her tone and choice of words are meant to come across as a mere suggestion shared with Jungkook without much thought behind it.  

Yet Jungkook has been on this earth long enough to understand what his mother is implying.   Jungkook fights the urge to roll his eyes and just gives her a tight smile instead.   "I think it’d be rude to visit them on such short notice. I'll inform them that the next time he's around I'll go give him a visit instead." Jungkook replies, unable to stop his jaw from locking up and his brows furrowing. 

The look of glee doesn’t seem to leave his mother’s eyes though, it makes Jungkook’s spine run with electricity the more he stares at her.   "This shouldn't be a concern. I've already discussed it with Alpha Kim. Some of his relatives are going to be around this week so they might ask you. If you go to the Blue Villa today, you'll see Taehyung and speak with his father. Seems much more convenient now, doesn't it?" She smiles as she talks, and Jungkook understands that he has lost the fight before it even had the chance to begin. 

 But as it usually goes, he relents and stands up with a finalizing sigh. "If you say so, then it must be. Very well, I will go today." 

"My greetings to them." She calls after him. 

"I will deliver them." 

••• 

Jungkook drives himself to Baekjegobun-ro after he’s done with work. He hopes that the air-conditioner will make his sweat dry up so his sandalwood scent could decrease in intensity. It’s already too late to go back home and change, then drive to the villa. Once he arrives, he is taken to the drawing room to wait for Alpha Kim.

He spreads on the sofa due to exhaustion, eyes flitting from one thing to the other in the room.  The room is furnished in a simple manner; cream-colored walls (with the exception of one, which is brown), matching sofas, and a carpet. The floor is dark brown, the same shade as the wall. The said wall is decorated with art pieces and portraits of people he doesn't recognize.

There is, however, a family portrait of Alpha Kim, his late omega, and their three pups. There's another one, consisting of Alpha Kim and his wife, both of them standing up. 

Alpha Kim's late wife is a head taller than him in the picture and she's wearing flats. Her height is very unusual for an omega. Omegas are usually built shorter than alphas and betas, the tall ones stand shoulder to shoulder with an Alpha of average height.

Alpha Kim is of average height, yet his wife is taller. Namjoon, being the tallest of the three omegas, is taller than Jimin, who is also of average height. But he should be shorter than Jungkook since he’s taller than the average Alpha. He finds himself wondering how they would look standing side by side. 

He is alone with his thoughts for a while before Alpha Kim joins him. He straightens his posture and greets the man. He tries to dispel the interest in his scent before Alpha Kim catches a whiff of it in the air.

"Good evening to you too, Jungkook-sii. I hope you've been well." Alpha Kim sits down on the sofa opposite him and his scent of roasted nuts instantly hits him; yet the scent notes don’t seem to give any type of emotion away. 

"I have, and you?"  

"I'm very good, thank you. I asked for your presence because I think it's high time we properly discuss your engagement to Taehyung." Alpha Kim begins without stretching out the time for useless small talk. 

Jungkook swallows a lump in his throat and tries to subtly shift where he's seated, putting entirely too much effort in trying not to squirm in the presence of the alpha. He nods nonetheless, just to show that he's listening. 

"First off, I need to know if the two of you are even compatible but I’m afraid that’s something the two of you will have to decide much later in the future after you've gotten familiar with one another. Then maybe we can discuss other topics. But I must warn you, Jungkook-sii, there are a lot of complications in this engagement of yours. Your age difference is the first issue I'd have with you, but you're a good alpha, you'll treat him right." He rubs his temples and it seems like he’s trying to find words to articulate his thoughts better. 

"But what also concerns me is that the two of you are in two different generations. These kids nowadays want to go out and sweat under the sun; get shoved by crowds and work for their earnings. You're more used to omegas staying at home and being lavished and cared for by their alphas. I don't know what Taehyung will do with his degree, but I haven't heard him talk about work yet. But I don't know, his feelings might change. It seems like they always do." 

As if on cue, a door somewhere nearby slams and Jungkook hears thundering footsteps coming towards the room. Eventually, they pass by. 

 "Appa! Appa!" A familiar voice rages.

 Something drops from Jungkook's chest and splats murky fluid all over his pelvic floor.  Alpha Kim closes his eyes, then slowly exhales, the sound quiet in itself but still somehow thunderous.

 "This is un-fucking-believable! They might as well make an attempt on taking my life! They're booked for ice sculpting all through this weekend, why the fuck are there so many people needing ice sculptures when I need them?! Now what will I have displayed for the guests?!" The angry rant keeps decreasing but the sound still echoes enough for everyone to clearly hear what's being said.

 "I'll ask the staff to bring you refreshments. Is there anything you'd like? Tea? Coffee? Alcohol? I know I'll need one to deal with that." Alpha Kim mutters and makes a swift exit from the room. 

Ice sculptures? Jungkook knows where to get someone to do something like that for him.  He shakes his legs a little before it turns into full-blown jitters. He can definitely get someone to sculpt for him, he'll call them right now. But no, he doesn't even know what he wants. But doesn't everyone ask for a swan or some Ancient Greek sculpture, anyway?

He forces himself to take a deep breath and tries to ground himself for a second. Finally, the slight fog goes away and his mind clears up enough for Jungkook to recognize that his anxiety was coming from his alpha wanting to impress the omega.  This is new, he thinks. His alpha has been dormant for months, he has no competition, has secured his territory, had a good omega and pups. Nothing gets him worked up anymore, not in a very long time. Or so he thought.

Call him, call him right now! Book an appointment, and explain the details later. He scrambles to bring out his phone from his back pocket when he hears a deep, cheerful, "Hii!"  behind him. 

His heart lurches upwards to his throat before it drops down back to his stomach. He slowly turns around just in time to see Taehyung slip into the room entirely. His hair is black instead of brown, fluffy and disheveled; like he got out of bed without bothering to comb through it. Yet somehow he still looks effortlessly gorgeous. Ethereal, even.

 "Hello, Taehyung. How are you this evening." He greets back slowly, hoping that his voice doesn’t tremble while he’s trying to clear his thoughts. 

"Awesome! I hope you've been well." Taehyung flashes him a blinding smile, looking not entirely unlike an angel in just a cardigan and pink pants. Jungkook wonders what's got him in such a good mood.

"Yes, of course." 

"Oh great! Appa told me to come and see you. Which is good, because I've been wanting to talk to you for some time." He steers himself into the room, his silk pants swishing and swaying as he moves in a fluid-like motion. It’s almost mesmerizing. Taehyung plops on the sofa his father just got up from. 

"I’m listening." Jungkook nods and sits back properly for what Taehyung has to say. 

"I know we had a bit of a heated conversation last time we met.” Taehyung offers him a bashful smile yet it doesn’t look entirely innocent. It’s the coquettish look in his eyes that cancels it out. “But I want to tell you, you're right!" Taehyung spreads his arms out into the air as he talks in an animated manner. 

"About?" Jungkook asks, unable to hide his utter confusion. 

"Having kids immediately after marriage! As you know I'm still an undergrad, so it'd be a hassle to be run 'round with a pup in hand. And I'd honestly like to finish college sometime soon. Appa also said I'm too young to have kids, he wants me to enjoy my youth before committing to such a thing."  

"Those are very good points."  Jungkook absentmindedly replies, ice sculptures still floating around in his mind.

"Yeah," Taehyung agrees, slightly less enthused than before. "I'm sorry I was rude to you. This could've been avoided if I stayed and we discussed it properly."

"I apologize for being rude too. And I'm also at fault for not handling things properly." Jungkook replies and offers a calm, slightly grounding smile.  The gesture seems to work in his favor since Taehyung’s face immediately loses the grim shadow that doesn’t seem to suit him at all.  

"I'm glad everything is resolved. I'll go call Appa now." Taehyung grins at him, stands up, and walks out of the room in the same well-practiced fluid-like motion he seems to have mastered.

A staff struts in after a while with a teapot and a cup, he serves him the tea and walks out without saying anything. Jungkook takes a sip of his tea for the lack of something to do. Ceylon? Good choice. 

Alpha Kim returns shortly after, his face and scent still not giving anything away. Jungkook wonders if it's a skill a parent acquires if they have troublesome kids. "Sorry I had to leave you like that. You know how omega pups are when they're upset."

"Of course. It's no problem at all." Jungkook says, trying to appear coolheaded and not like he'd like to hear all about how omega pups are like.

Alpha Kim breaks out into a hesitant smile, "Joon-ah's graduation is happening this week and his celebratory party is on Friday. You're welcome to join us too."

Oh. Oh no. Even though Jungkook is basically seething with glee on the inside, he knows that there’s no need to make things much more complicated than they already are. He shall just politely decline and be on his way. Besides, he's booked on Friday. There’s really no need for him to get tangled up in webs he doesn’t really know how to navigate.  

Jungkook should just make the right choice and think logically for once.

"I'd be delighted to." He hears himself say.

What a fucking idiot. 

When he arrives home later, he sees a text from an unknown number. 

Appa said you should arrive early to talk to our family members before guests start to arrive. 5:00 pm-ish.

This is Kim Taehyung. 

•••

 Jungkook meets up with Jung Eunjoo on Thursday instead. She's someone he has worked with in the past. He constructed her first shop and made some renovations to it over the years. Now, however, her business has expanded beyond the shop and she needs something bigger. They're meeting up today to further discuss her vision for the shop and she requests they meet at a cafe because his office makes her anxious.  They rushed through the meeting since both of them have plans later during the day.

"Why did you even shift the meeting on such short notice?" She complains when he suggests they wrap up quickly if he wants the board meeting to start with him. 

"Eun, I was invited to Kim Namjoon's graduation party, so I had to reschedule. I apologize for the inconvenience caused, once again." He explains to her in a nonchalant tone and instead of taking notice of how his stomach starts to flutter for unknown reasons, he starts arranging the papers spread on their table.  

"Ah, no worries. So Kim Namjoon, huh." The way she says it got his attention. He nods in affirmation.   "So it's true that you're seeking a Kim omega's hand in marriage?" He nods again.   "But Namjoon, really?" Her tone makes Jungkook tense up for a second. 

He bristles and feels his stomach knot up for different reasons now. Jungkook doesn't really know why he feels offended or why he cares about these assumptions at all. Nonetheless, he shifts in his seat and looks straight at her, "why? What is wrong with him?" 

"He's not really your type. Oh no, don't look at me like that. You know it's true." She panics when she makes eye contact with Jungkook, the intensity of his reaction is something that neither one of them could have expected.  

"Why is he not my type?" He asks, even though the inner voice in his head is stirred up and is demanding that he clears things up immediately. Apparently, Jungkook has his priorities all messed up cause it’s not loud enough for him to be sane when needed.

"Well, he's a spoiled brat for one.” She says with a small laugh as if stating a fact. “An attention seeker, talks too much and his confidence is borderline arrogance. Your type is the quiet omega. Like Taehyung, he'd be perfect for you!"  

Jungkook feels himself flinch, feeling as if she just doused him in boiling water and then proceeded to rip off his skin. It stings like it, too, as if all the things she said were nothing but direct attacks on him and his pride. Somewhere deep down in his consciousness, Jungkook knows that he shouldn’t take it personally, after all, Namjoon doesn’t concern him in any way.

Well, he shouldn't concern him, yet here he is, seething and barely holding back the unhinged rage that seemed to come out of nowhere.   In some way, Jungkook feels like he’d lost track of his logical thinking a while ago.   "You don't even know what he's like, these are all just rumors." He manages to grit out in a somewhat calm tone and scoffs.

Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline in shock.  "No, I'm not telling you a rumor I heard from someone, Jungkook-ah. I'm speaking from experience. And before you say anything, he's been very good friends with my brother, Hoseok, since middle school so he hangs around a lot in our house." 

Jungkook leans back in his seat and just stares at her, unable to say anything. His overheated brain seems to have trouble catching up.  

"Seriously, don't get involved with him. He hangs out with some questionable crowds." She leans in towards him and lowers her voice. "He started a riot in his uni back in 2012. At that time lecturers didn’t give omegas retakes for missed tests or exams because they can't really prove they were in heat. It makes things worse since some people have heats more often than others and college stress even makes some have irregular heat periods. When the riot was subdued, there was footage of him actively participating in it and he was called into the admin office. But the next day everything was back to normal, any footage of that day had been deleted and everyone denied his participation. Till this day, nobody knows what happened." 

Jungkook tilts his head when he hears the chilling story.   "Well, he did a good thing, did he not? Since there were some major changes done in favor of the omegas that year in universities, weren't there?" 

She just gives him a tight-lipped smile and nods her head just slightly.   "I apologize. I didn't say this with the intention of ruining his image. But you have to admit that it is scary. The next day both Jimin and his father went to the school separately and they were told the same thing, the issue has been resolved."

Eunjoo chews her lower lip in apprehension, "that was when Joon admitted some weird things that have been happening. If he goes to a cafe for the first time and he comes back a second time, he gets things for free. Sometimes when he goes to a restaurant, his food is already paid for. If he goes to a bar, everything he orders is on the house. Up till this day, not a single person has come up and taken credit for any of it. They gave this weird phenomenon a title, 'the shadows', and describe it as an entity that's made up of people who've been hypnotized by Namjoon's vanilla walnut scent." 

Jungkook breathes in and arches his eyebrow. 

"Is that not scary at all?" She hisses with a slightly crazed expression. 

"I can handle it. Whatever or whoever it is, I can handle them."   He can handle Namjoon too, he can handle anything concerning him.

Jungkook breathes out. 

Eunjoo stares at him for a moment, as if trying to confirm something for herself. Then she laughs in delight, "I see, you've been hypnotized too. He's not your type, but the two of you are a good match. Actually, you're perfect for each other! Congratulations on your engagement, I wish you happiness." 

When Eunjoo leaves the cafe, Jungkook stays longer than intended. He feels weak for some reason, like he's been turned into a steamed vegetable. Namjoon is not his type? What does she know? He ignores the thought that nags him, though. He shouldn't dwell on why it felt easier saying he's engaged to Kim Namjoon and not Kim Taehyung. He didn't even bother to correct her, or himself for that matter.

Maybe he can tell himself that all he wanted to do was to protect his fiance’s family’s honor, but the excuse doesn't seem to hit a nerve. It’s better to ignore the situation altogether, Jungkook doesn’t feel sane enough to confront it, anyway. 

It shouldn’t make sense, shouldn’t even be an option swirling around in Jungkook’s head. Instead, he focuses on what has been looping in his mind ever since he heard it.  

Vanilla walnut, what a scent. 

••• 

  A few minutes to five, Jungkook leaves for Baekjegobun-ro when the rainfall becomes lighter. Goosebumps rise on his skin, though he's not sure if it's because of the air-conditioning or his hyper-awareness of the gift basket in the passenger seat. He ignores it throughout his journey and focuses on reaching the villa safely. He has a family to feed, he can't get himself killed in a road accident because of anxiety. 

As he arrives at the Blue villa's street, he sees someone waddling with numerous umbrellas, but not a single umbrella raised up to shield them from the rain. He slows down when the figure approaches him and rolls down his window. Namjoon's face peeks from the umbrellas when he lowers them, his scowl deepens when they make eye contact. 

"Oh. It's you."  What's wrong with him being there? Is he expecting someone else?

"Namjoon-sii." He calls the omega who's already waddling away.  

"Leave me alone. Go bother someone else, I have somewhere  to be." Namjoon retorts, his tone dismissive and not the slightest bit bothered.  It’s as if Jungkook’s brain short-circuits upon hearing himself be dismissed.

It takes a second for him to make a decision, then he makes a U-turn and goes after Namjoon. "Come in then, I'll take you wherever you want to go." 

"Go away," Namjoon shoos back, a mocking tone in his voice. "I'm not stupid, I know you're going to take me back home." 

"I swear on my honor, I'll take you wherever you want to go. Please come out of the rain, you'll get sick." Jungkook doesn’t even address the fact that he sounds equal parts desperate and excited. He’s just trying to be a decent human and help Namjoon out, it’s not like he has anything to gain from it.  

Namjoon stands still and puckers his lips out in thought. Jungkook keeps quiet, wondering if he'll decline again, but Namjoon suddenly opens the door of the rear seat and shoves the umbrellas inside the car. Jungkook hears him mutter something about alphas, stupid, and honor, but he ignores it and focuses on his little victory.

He puts the gift basket down on the floor, his long coat that he kept underneath the basket comes into view. He takes it and puts it on his lap.  His celebration dies down when Namjoon plops down on the rear seat. He closes the door with a bang and aggressively shifts in his seat. "Well? Go!"

"Where exactly?" Jungkook peers at Namjoon using his front mirror, his sour vanilla scent already diffusing in the car. He wonders why he's upset today. 

"Jamsil park. So can you please drive faster?" 

"Sure," Jungkook replies and presses down on the accelerator. After letting the silence stretch out for a bit, he decides to speak up, not really able to sit still in his skin for some reason. "You're upset." 

"No shit," Namjoon responds, his eye roll almost audible from behind Jungkook.

"May I ask why?" Jungkook steals a glance at him from his front mirror.

"Some stupid aunt of mine decides to run her mouth against me. Said something about Taehyung already—wait!” He suddenly halts his mini-rant as realization creeps into his tone. “Now that I've thought about it, you're the reason for all of this!"

The sudden accusation causes Jungkook to lose control of the car and violently swerve them to the left before he grips the car and brings them back to the lane.

"Me?!” He shouts in confusion, his brain not catching up with any of it. “What on earth have I done?!" He asks, unable to hide his shock. 

"You were the one that decided to seek Taehyung's hand in marriage! Now they're saying all those mean things to me because I have no marriage proposal even though I'm older! My aunt wants me to marry some grandpa since Taehyung is going to marry an old man too." Namjoon rants as he pushes the umbrellas to the floor and lies down on the seats in a dramatic manner. 

Jungkook wants to coo and sneer at him at the same time. His brain isn’t able to comprehend the entirety of Namjoon and what he says, yet he does manage to pinpoint some things that the younger one accused him of.  

"But I'm not old, I'm still youthful." Jungkook hears himself pout like he’s nothing but a pup seeking approval, Namjoon really does make him act in the strangest of ways.

The said man just scoffs audibly, yet it’s different than before. The tone sounds more playful like he’s a little too eager to tease his target.   "You're older than Seokjin-hyung! And he's almost thirty. You're like some musty old man." 

Jungkook grits his teeth to prevent a fond smile. What a brat.   "I was born in the early 80's!" 

"Oh my god, you're ancient! Look at your loose skin and your crow's feet. Stop arguing with me, you're old! By the time you're willing to give Taehyung pups, you won't even be able to." Jungkook peers at him again; Namjoon has raised his legs and placed his feet on the window. His soaked shirt has ridden up showing a sliver of skin and his shorts bunched up to expose the skin of his inner thighs.  Whatever intelligible thoughts Jungkook had at that very moment were flushed out and buried somewhere deep within the graveyard of his sanity.

He is stunned into silence by both the words thrown at him and the view. He clears his throat and lets out a deep breath that’s been stuck somewhere in his throat.  "Do you not wish to marry then?" He asks instead, doing anything and everything to rid himself of the dangerous thoughts that lurk in the corner of his mind.

"No, I want to. With the right person, I suppose." Namjoon speaks and it gives Jungkook whiplash. The younger has switched to the softest tone Jungkook's ever heard him speak in. 

"I see," Jungkook's tone matches his as if it’s the only logical thing to do, he tries to not let the bitterness show. "Don't let anyone decide who you get to marry. Choose them based on your free will."  

Namjoon hesitates before he speaks, it’s giving Jungkook the impression that it’s something he’s thought of a lot, "it's not bad if someone chooses for you, but I'd like to at least be attracted to them."  

"That should be the least of your problems. You don't even know what the person's like at all, you don't know how the two of you will end up! I don't support it." Jungkook borderline growls out the last part, his insides almost boiling over just from entertaining the thought.  

"What the hell?” Namjoon almost laughs in disbelief and it makes Jungkook clench his jaw involuntarily. “Why is the person arranged to marry my brother sounding against the idea of arranged marriage?" Namjoon fires back, head raising up to seem more intimidating. "You'd have better made up your mind at this point because if you hurt him I'll—" 

"Calm down!" Jungkook cuts him off, "I won't hurt him." He spits out in a tone that he knows should be more controlled.

How stupid of him to forget his reality. The person he's going to be engaged to is Kim Taehyung, the youngest Kim omega. Nobody else, not in reality, anyway. He keeps repeating it to himself, no matter how much easier it is to dream that it's someone else. He rolls down the window to get rid of his burning scent, ashamed that he lost control of his temper so easily. 

The rain has ceased by the time they arrive at the Jamsil bridge. None of them said a thing after Jungkook's outburst, except Namjoon who mutters and huffs a few times before going completely silent.

He suddenly jolts up and leaves the car in a haste when Jungkook parks in the parking lot. 

"Would you like something to eat?" Jungkook asks when he spots a GS25 convenience store, he keeps his coat on the car seat and exits the car. 

Namjoon takes his sweet time before responding. "Yes, I'd like to."

"Wait here then, I won't take long," Jungkook instructs before he walks to the convenience store. He pulls out his phone and turns on the front camera. Crows feet? He doesn't see them. He decides to just let it be and dials Taehyung's number, yet he doesn't pick up. He dials again, but the result is the same. He sends his a text instead.  

Tell your dad to not worry. Namjoon's with me, we'll be back later. 

He gets burgers, hotdogs, and some dried squid. He also picks up some canned coffee, energy bars, and water as the food is being microwaved. When he comes out of the store he checks his phone again.

Oh, thank God!! Thank you so much for informing me, we were so worried. 

He puts his phone back in his pocket, a strange feeling of pride blooming in his chest. 

"Let's go find a seat." He suggests to Namjoon when he finally reaches him. Namjoon just nods, but Jungkook notices him shrink into himself and shiver violently. Jungkook wordlessly opens the passenger side door, takes out his coat, and hands it over to him. Namjoon purses his lips at first, the stubbornness seeping out of his in waves, yet eventually, he relents and puts it on after some contemplation.

Jungkook tries not to show it, but he’s not able to contain the proud smirk that pulls at his lips once he has Namjoon following his silent requests. It’s a good feeling, extremely dangerous, too. He allows himself to bask in it for just a second too long before he lets it go.

Namjoon doesn’t seem to notice it and Jungkook’s not entirely sure how he feels about it. Despite all this, they make their way toward the benches without addressing Jungkook’s inner turmoil. 

They find a seat with a clear view of the Han river. Namjoon eats his burger in silence while Jungkook brings out his phone and scrolls through his emails, resting his chin on his palm as he reads.  

"Where are you going after this?" Jungkook jolts a bit because of how close the voice seems to be but quickly regains his composure. He looks up at Namjoon and just stares at him for a second.

"Mhm? Oh, I have nowhere to be now, I've already cleared up my schedules for today. I'll take you back home when you're ready." Jungkook answers, his voice low in tone and a little raspy.

"Oh, okay," Namjoon just mutters absentmindedly, his gaze shifting back towards the river.  

"So you come here when you're upset?" Jungkook asks, trying to make conversation, but also feeding the ever-growing curiosity that seems to be only concerned with this specific omega. 

"Sometimes. But it's mostly when I need to think." Namjoon doesn’t look at him when he speaks.

"And the umbrellas?"

Namjoon suddenly descends into laughter, an airy sound that makes little bolts of electricity run across Jungkook’s skin. He can blame the wind later, right now he’s unable to feel anything apart from Namjoon’s essence.

Still, the younger continues.  "Well you see," more laughter, "I know they'll look for me when they find out I'm gone. So I snuck out and I took all the umbrellas we have. We keep them all in a single bin." He explains, his tone sounding so proud that it almost makes Jungkook chuckle along with him. 

"Petty." He remarks, remembering Namjoon waddling on the street, struggling with all those umbrellas. 

Namjoon suddenly gasps, his eyes wide and reflecting all the stars that he was staring at earlier. "you're smiling!" 

Jungkook freezes up for a second and realizes it too late, yet he doesn't do anything about it, "I guess I am."

The atmosphere becomes lighter after that and they’re able to have a simple conversation.

"Why'd you and your partner separate?" Namjoon abruptly asks, absolutely no shame or reservations about the way that he treats Jungkook.  It’s kind of refreshing in a way, yet the bratty undertones do make Jungkook want to do something about them. He brushes that thought away, though.  

"It was part of our agreement. When I met with her, we were both pressured by our families to marry. Hence we decided to marry each other. One of her terms in our contract was that after we have pups, she could leave anytime she wanted and I'd let her. Honestly, we get along just fine with each other and our marriage had no issues. But she prefers to be single and not be in a marriage based on convenience and so, here we are." 

"Oh, I see," Namjoon replies and nods, his eyes shining with questions that never really get voiced out. The conversation stays light after that.  

When it finally gets late, Namjoon requests that Jungkook take him back home.   "I know by now she's already soaked in the rain looking for me and is miserably waiting for me to come back home. She'll be done writing several apology letters to me by the time I arrive."  

Jungkook doesn't know why but he finds the statement funny; maybe it's because he sounds so sure of himself, but he bursts out into laughter anyway.

Namjoon whips his head towards him in delight.  "You laughed!" He cheers, but then he bursts into giggles himself.

"You—, you—!" He tries but he gets overcome by laughter every time he tries. "No wonder you don't laugh," he howls, "you look like a bunny!" He doubles over and almost falls off the seat. But Jungkook is quick to hold onto him and that provokes a new wave of laughter from them both. 

They lean towards each other, Jungkook's nose poking Namjoon's cheek, their happy scents of sandalwood and vanilla walnut mixing, and the sound of their laughter wafting in the air. Jungkook for the first time in a while doesn’t mind how hard he’s smiling.

Jungkook packs Namjoon's leftover meal back into a plastic bag and waits for him to stand up so they can walk back to the car together. The last rays of the sun have faded, like the sun has been extinguished by the river, leaving streaks of purple and pink smoke in the sky. The day turned out better than Jungkook had hoped for, his initial plan was to stay at the party for an hour after talking to Alpha Kim and his family, then discreetly make his way home without being noticed.

Jungkook gets surprised when Namjoon opens the passenger side door and slips into the car. He makes a soft exclamation sound when he sees the basket. 

"It's yours.” Jungkook clears his throat when the sound of his overly-shy voice reaches his ears. “For your graduation. Sorry if it's not much, I haven't given anyone gifts for their graduation before." Jungkook explains bashfully as he hands Namjoon the plastic-wrapped basket. He avoids eye contact and turns on the ignition.

"Anything is good actually. It's the thought that counts." Namjoon smiles serenely and starts to gently go through the contents of the basket. The sounds of chafing plastic make Jungkook nervous for some reason, he doesn’t even notice how his eyes shift from the road to Namjoon every few seconds, trying to sneak a glance. It’s not like he’s supposed to be nervous, he just didn’t expect for this gift exchange to be so personal. And it’s nothing much, really, just a banquet of flowers—yellow peonies—, a box of chocolate and perfume. 

"These are so wonderful, I can't believe they're all for me. Thank you so much." Namjoon gasps out with genuine gratitude and his head dips low in a half bow. Jungkook’s gifted with a small smile when he raises his head back. 

Jungkook can't count how many smiles he got today, but he starts with this one. One.

Namjoon shamelessly opens the box of chocolates in front of him and his fingers dance on top of the variously shaped pieces, trying to decide which one to take. How childish, how endearing, they're all the same. He finally decides on one and picks it, then offers it to Jungkook. "You get to eat this only if you won't tell Appa I ate the gift in front of you."

Normally, Jungkook would've just declined with the excuse that sweet things don't bother him. But if he could've denied him, he wouldn't even be here with him in the first place. "My lips are sealed."

"Here then, you can have it." Namjoon thrusts the chocolate into his face and waits.

Jungkook takes his right hand off the steering wheel and accepts the chocolate. Ignoring the intrusive thoughts coming from some archaic part of his mind, telling him to eat directly from his hand. He's better than that, he was raised better than that.

Namjoon apparently doesn’t share the same demons as Jungkook and isn’t fighting his own reservations; he just sprays the perfume on his wrist as sighs in content, "this smells wonderful! 

And the scent is so soft, it doesn't bother you at all." He puts the perfume back into the basket and picks up the tulips. "I have the perfect vase for these! They'll look perfect on my chest of drawers."

Two.

"I'm pleased you like the gifts," Jungkook says barely suppressing a proud grin. He knows the gifts are simple and thoughtless, the type of things you buy at the last minute for someone you're not familiar with. Yet Namjoon's happiness and gratitude make it seem like he picked out just the right things. His scent is light and saturates the whole car, leaving a buttery and saccharine sweet taste on Jungkook's tongue.

"You're actually not as stuck-up as I thought you'd be," Namjoon abruptly says, "I don't know why you don't put in much effort in trying to get along with Taehyung, you guys will make the perfect couple." 

Jungkook purses his lips at the statement, "You think Taehyung and I will get along?"

"Of course! I had so much fun hanging out with you today. You're great company." Namjoon replies, taking out a can of coffee from the plastic bag and opening it. 

For some odd reason, Jungkook feels something crack somewhere deep inside of him. It just feels like he and Namjoon fit together so well. Even though this is only just the first time they've hung out just the two of them, it feels like spending time with an old friend, with someone who makes Jungkook feel as comfortable as one can. There were no awkward silences, no awkward conversations, he didn’t even catch himself feeling that usual hesitation he gets when talking to people he's not familiar with. The strangest part though, is that Jungkook didn't feel any type of regret after he shared some information with Namjoon. He still doesn't. 

So why? Why can't Namjoon, sitting beside him in the car, wearing his coat and drinking the coffee he got him, be his reality? Why can't he drop Namjoon off and promise to call him later? Why can't he call this a date? Why can't he ask him out on another date? He tramples the moody thoughts into the back of his mind and focuses on the present. "You're a good person too, Namjoon." 

The smile on Namjoon's face slowly fades away. "I know you're saying this to be polite, but I'm not really a good person. Nobody who knows me calls me a good person. I'm selfish, too loud, too annoying, too much of a smart mouth."

He places his elbow on the door handle and rests his head on his palm. It doesn’t look like he’s upset about voices these things; more like he’d made peace with it a long time ago. Jungkook doesn’t really know how he feels about it. He can see that there definitely are some things that Namjoon left unsaid, for reasons known to only him.

He doesn’t want to pry, yet the need to assure Namjoon is overwhelming. 

"Those attributes can be good, depending on the intention of the person and who they really are. That's what I believe." Jungkook tells him.

"I suppose." Namjoon looks out the window just as they pass by Lotte world, the lights from the outside rain down on his face, illuminating his features and making him glow golden; like something that's almost sacrosanct. The moment of serenity is lost once his scent fades away, leaving a stale smell that irritates Jungkook's nose.

They're both quiet after that, but Namjoon's scent keeps getting worse as they drive through Songpa-gu. When they make it to Baekjegobun-ro, however, something clicks in Jungkook's mind; he finally understands how dire the situation is. "Your father is upset with you." 

"No shit. I fought his sister, then I stole all the umbrellas and ran away. He's going to be livid." Namjoon scoffs, sips the remnant of his coffee, and crushes the can in his hand.

"You're angry, too, and you have every right to be. You should marry someone you want to." 

"I wish it'd be that easy." Namjoon sinks into his seat and hides in Jungkook's coat. He doesn't move again until they arrive at the gates of the Blue villa.

Jungkook presses the horn until someone opens the gate, rolls down his window for the security to see his face, then drives into the compound when they're allowed to progress into it. The compound is already filled with cars, the party began more than an hour ago, after all.

When Jungkook parks his car, Namjoon puts the plastic bag in the gift basket and exits the car. He takes off the coat and folds it haphazardly, then carefully places the garment on the seat. "I'll see you around then."

Jungkook turns off his ignition and gets out of the car too. 

He speaks before he has the chance to think.

"I'm coming with you, actually," Jungkook knows that it sounds ridiculous, since Namjoon is probably going to get ready for his party and Jungkook is going to where the guests are. There's no need to walk inside together, but Jungkook doesn't want to part with the omega just yet.

Namjoon just nods and they both start walking towards the entrance, but instead of following the usual path, Namjoon leads them towards a secluded backdoor instead. Once they reach it, Namjoon knocks not long after Jungkook finds himself walking into a massive kitchen. 

The kitchen is bustling with activity and is filled with stifling heat. There's a muted, unidentified scent that's a result of the staff wearing scent patches, Jungkook shudders when he thinks about how suffocating the atmosphere would be if the staff didn't wear the patches, the environment would not be conducive to work in.

He follows Namjoon through the kitchen, dodging the staff as they move about, some arranging food on platters, some leaving with snack-fillet trays, and some coming in with empty, dirty plates. Words are being exchanged as some are accepting ingredients and adding them to dishes on fire and some are evading a chef that is running about with a steaming pot trying to find a spot to put it down.

They manage to squeeze out of the kitchen and come into a hallway, with a staircase adjacent to them. Namjoon stops a server with a tray of eomuk in hand. "Take him to the bar room."

"Of course, right this way sir."

"I'll see you out there, Jungkook-sii. I have to get ready for the party now." Namjoon waves at him and climbs up the staircase with the basket in his arm, leaving Jungkook to be led out by the server. 

The bar room is a bit spacious, the air already saturated with various scents from the guests. They’re mild and not overpowering though, partly due to the guests being in a good mood and the windows being left open to allow fresh air in.

Several big, round tables are arranged at the center and there's a long table with all sorts of food and snacks arranged on it. Then, of course, a home bar with a tender making drinks and placing them on a tray for the servers to distribute to the crowd around them. Right next to the bar, a DJ has set up his table and is playing music, slowly bobbing his head to the beat.

The party is already in full swing, most of the guests have already eaten, it seems. Some servers are making rounds and collecting plates. Most of the guests are young, college kids, from the looks of them. They've gathered to one side where dark, leather couches are arranged and they're using the space in the middle as their dance floor. Surprisingly, many of them are dressed in suits and are dancing reasonably, exhibiting decorous behavior. The older guests keep to the round tables, some are sitting, while some are going around to greet others.

For lack of something to do, Jungkook walks to the table and adds kimbap, Jeyuk Bokkeum, and kimchi salad to a plate and finds an empty seat at a table to sit. He exchanges greetings with the people already sitting there, none of them are familiar to him and he doesn't think they know him either, so he eats his food and picks a glass of water when a server makes another round with alcohol and water arranged on a tray.

Much later, he spots Taehyung flitting from one table to another, until he makes it to Jungkook's table. "Good afternoon Jungkook-sii, I'm glad you could make it." He greets him, a fond smile on his lips.

"Good evening Taehyung, I hope you've been doing well." Jungkook greets back with a small nod. He doesn’t realize it at first, but that awkwardness that he feels when talking to people he's not familiar with is back with full force, making him want to retreat as soon as possible. 

"I don't think Appa has seen you, has he?" Jungkook shakes his head. "I'll take you to him if you're done with what you're doing."

Jungkook stands up straightening his clothes, "I am done, lead the way."

"You look great by the way!" Taehyung cheerfully compliments him as he leads him around the room. The music suddenly changes to something more upbeat and the crowds at the couches cheer. 

Jungkook looks down at his outfit, it's nothing special, just dark gray pants and a matching shirt. Taehyung, though, is wearing a sky-blue blouse and dark pants with slicked-back hair and a blue bandana around his forehead. He wears a blue crystal water drop earring in one ear and a silver chain around his neck, he looks—, "gorgeous, you look absolutely gorgeous."

Taehyung hides his smile behind his hand, but a blush still colors the apples of his cheeks. "Thank you."

Jungkook's nose instantly becomes assaulted a mix of coconut and ginger. Oh, he thinks, this must be Taehyung's scent. He feels something raw and visceral unfold within his gut, a flame that spreads through his loins within seconds. Taehyung's scent isn't something that's meant to be perceived by just anyone, this is the kind of scent that drives alphas into their primal selves. He should definitely use scent patches when in crowds.

As they are about to leave the room, however, Jungkook notices another scent. He quickly glances at the direction it comes from and catches a glimpse of Namjoon. He’s adorned in a lilac shirt and dark pants, laughing as he converses with someone. Transfixed by the sight, Jungkook almost trips over nothing and falls, barely managing to keep himself upright as he walks out of the room in a hurry. 

He lets out a deep breath and sucks his teeth in. He's…, Jungkook doesn't know how to describe him. He simply cannot find the words nor appropriate comparisons to put whatever he’s thinking into sentences.

Taehyung is the type of person that takes your breath away at first glance. The moment you see him, with no doubt, you'll think he's absolutely gorgeous. But Namjoon, if you see him for the first time, you'll think of him as good-looking. But when he smiles, you'll think, oh, he's pretty and that'll be the end of you. Such a simple, suble thing, yet it weighs heavy on your eyelids even when you try and close them to flush out the images.

The second you see Namjoon and he decides to gift you his smile, he's all you'll be seeing. The image of him seeps ino your very core, something that you’ll have to make peace with, since Jungkook’s pretty convinced that Namjoon isn’t something that can be uprooted easily. Even when you go to sleep, the feeling of his is ever-present, here to remind you to not forget. He knows that from experience.

Nonetheless, Jungkook follows Taehyung into another room, where Alpha Kim is seated with some other guests. The room is sophisticated, with furniture in the middle of the room, arranged in a rectangular sequence. There's a dark, wooden table with a glass top, abstract sculptures spread across the area and scenery art pieces hung up in intervals. The lighting in the room is dimmed down.

The people seated there had just finished having a meal, and a staff member by the side is arranging the used plates on a tray, carrying them out. Alpha Kim looks up as they arrive, "there you are."

Jungkook bows to the crowd and waits for an invitation to sit.

"Come and sit here," Alpha Kim gestures to a couch that's occupied by a single person.

Jungkook nods politely and sits as Taehyung sits beside him. Instantly he panics a little bit when the realization that everyone's eyes are on him his him. They’re all carefully watching him; not entirely unlike hawks. He thought he'd escaped the family meeting, but apparently, that isn't the case. All of these people are rich and successful; Jungkook is nothing but a speck of dirt in their presence.

"Everyone, this is Jeon Jungkook. Jungkook-sii, these are my siblings," he gestures towards three people, a man, and two women; all of them with noticeable grayness in their hair. "And those are my in-laws, with their family." He gestures to another group, there’s about about six or seven of them, Jungkook can't tell, his gaze doesn't linger on them. But four of them are younger, probably the oldest alphas of each family.

"Jeon Jungkook." One of the women speaks up, she's probably the eldest one there. The sharp, knowing glint in her eyes makes a chill run up Jungkook's spine. 

He straightens his spine and regards her, "Yes."

"You're the youngest child to your father, CEO of Golden Constructs, former CEO of Jeon Industries branch of Seoul. You worked under your father for four years, fresh out of college, then after that, you started your own company at the age of 27. Your company is slowly expanding, your biggest project this year was building labs and toilets for KHU," she drones on and Jungkook feels something plummet down to his gut. "You married an omega from the Yin clan, divorced, the marriage ended amicably—no complaints. Three pups live with their mother and you live with your own here in Seoul. Go easy there Alpha, I have no concern for your pups." She says with a shark-toothed grin.

Yet Jungkook can't unclench his jaw since his previous mate and pups were mentioned.

"There's more, you see. I am very shameless when it comes to telling people I can dig up every piece of information about them.” she continues in an ice-cold tone, something that triggers unpleasant feelings deep within Jungkook’s sanity. 

“I have the resources, I have the connections, I have the power. I'm very ruthless, too, as you can see, that's probably why my younger brother was made the head of our pack. He's more compassionate than me. I am Kim Gyeong and I have several questions for you, but I'll ask just one."

Jungkook unclenches his jaw to reply, "ask.

"Gyeong's grin becomes sharper as if he’d just fallen into her trap. It’s an unnerving position to be in, Jungkook feels like he’s being pricked with needles with every breath he takes.  

"If anyone else had met Namjoon outside today, they would have acted differently. But you did the opposite, why?" 

Jungkook stalls for a bit, losing his train of thought upon hearing the words directed at him. His mind suddenly clears up, sight and hearing become less sharp; colors flood into his vision and he feels the tension in him deflate. That is not the question he expected. He doesn’t even know if he can come up with a plausible answer. 

"If it had been a different situation, I also would have acted differently. But it was raining and he was clearly upset, there was no need to further agitate him by bringing him back to the house, as long as he was out of the rain. That was my thought process."

Gyeong peers at him for a while, before she sits back down and picks up a glass off the table, and takes a sip of her drink. She puts it back and looks back at him. It seems like the gears are turning in her head, Jungkook’s not sure what they are exactly. 

"You're a good Alpha. You have my blessings."

Jungkook lets out a shallow breath; his chest doesn’t feel as restricted anymore.

"I think it’ll be useless to introduce ourselves to you after that intense grilling you got from Eonni. You probably won't even remember us after the tension you've been put through. But it’ll come o you eventually, since we're all going to be family." The other woman speaks up, from the gaze in her eyes, he knows she's also an alpha. But her hair has less gray in it and her face looks younger than Alpha Kim and Gyeong.

"Well, I think we are done here. Jungkook, you can go back to the party." Alpha Kim concludes.

"I'm going back home from here, I'm afraid." Jungkook stands and Taehyung stands up with him. That's when he remembers he was with him the entire time.

"I see. Taehyung-ah, come here." Taehyung walks over to Alpha Kim without complaint and Jungkook sees the older man whisper something in his ear. Taehyung just nods and leaves the room. 

"I shall walk you out." Alpha Kim turns to him.

They walk out of the room in tow until Alpha Kim requests that they wait for a bit. Not long after they stand, Taehyung returns with Namjoon by his side.

"Boys, come and say goodbye to Jungkook-sii," Alpha Kim says.

Taehyung bows to him first, before he straightens up. Namjoon follows suit, "thank you for taking care of me today and for the gifts. They were lovely."

"You're welcome," Jungkook replies, stealing a quick look of Namjoon's smile. He should start getting used to it, but still, he gets blinded by his incandescent beauty. Three. 

He turns to Alpha Kim, but he's already looking at him. So he continues on his way out knowing the man is not far away from him.

"Thank you for coming, please get home safe." The omegas chorus their goodbyes.

Jungkook makes his way out of the villa with Alpha Kim beside him, he doesn't make an effort to fill in the silence, besides, he knows there's something the man wants to discuss with him in private.

"I apologize for Noona's crass attitude. She's just very protective of our clan, you see. I'm just the pack leader in name, but she's the one that oversees everything in the pack and our clan as a whole. I hope you can forgive her for how she came off," Alpha Kim pauses for a bit before he continues. 

"I also know I haven't given you permission to start courting Taehyung, but honestly, I still can't reach a conclusion. I'm very fond of Taehyung, you see, I don't want to let him go. But I've been told every parent feels the same way. I can't seem to stop considering something that's been on my mind for a while, too. You're a good alpha, I don't know if I can get another one like you for my kid. I'll try to make up my mind quickly and when I do, I will contact you."

"Of course sir. I'm by no means in a hurry, please take your time." Jungkook replies in farewell and takes his leave.

Later that night when he goes to bed, his chest feels congested. He turns to his side, hoping that his breathing would get better. But if anything, he feels his airway narrowing. Alpha Kim may reject him because he feels that Taehyung is not ready for marriage, so his mother will move to another omega. 

But Jungkook can’t focus on any of it at all. His mind keeps going in circles, offering images that shouldn't even occur to him, let alone disturb his sleep. Maybe that’s the main reason why it feels like he’s trying to breathe underwater, yet Jungkook is not about to entertain these ideas. 

Nonetheless, it’s impossible for him to mute his own brain. He knows he’s trapped. Trapped in those deep dimples and sharp glare. He closes his eyes and recalls everything that he got to experience that day. From seeing Namjoon's face up close, taking in all those details he missed before, to talking to him and hearing his deep voice talk about what cheers him up, with a permanent pout on his face, his cheeky smiles, and witty replies. His euphoric scent that sets Jungkook's soul ablaze and makes him feel more than a little rabid. 

Now that he's finally in the sanctuary of his own room, Jungkook lets himself feel those urges with full force; lets them consume him in entirely. He knows that it isn’t exactly morally right to fantasize about certain things, but Jungkook really couldn’t be bothered with moral virtues when he’s drenched in sweat just from his imagination alone.

He imagines catching Namjoon's delicate yet sharp jaw between his fingers when he's being a brat, tasting those sinful, sinful lips that part in a mischievous way just to taunt him; he imagines putting them to good use. Jungkook growls silently under his breath, fisting his sheets with such intensity he wouldn’t be surprised if they tear. He wants to push him down beneath himself, hold him in place, and watch him struggle. He wants to leans down and feel him shudder as Jungkook whispers in his ear that he shouldn't reveal all that skin to just anyone. 

But he also wants to hold his hand, wants to eat chocolate off of his hand, wants to kiss his dimples, and count his smiles to infinity—he's got three today. Jungkook lets out a deep sigh and scoffs in frustration. 

Disgusting, it's disgusting how much unhinged desire consumes his entire being, how much he wants him. Pathetic, it's pathetic how much he yearns for him.

Pathetic indeed, how Kim Gyeong disrespected him in public by showing him the difference in their status. She sat there and proudly proclaimed that she made people investigate him, probably hoping to dig up some dirt. And it didn't stop with him, she also had information on his family.

Jungkook can’t help it, he lets himself drown in that shame since thinks he deserves it. He also swears that there wouldn't be a next time. He may never be as successful as they are, but he's done the best he could and he can afford a life of luxury with his money. He's proud of that, he has his pride, and he'll defend it next time. But for now, he turns around to his other side, closes his eyes shut, and lets himself burn.

•••

The next few weeks he busies himself with work, especially that of Jung Eunjoo. He has already shown her samples of projects they've done before and she chose the one she wants. They spent two days going back and forth with making a draft of their contract. They've drafted a timeline, twelve milestones altogether and their estimated dates of achievements and the money Eunjoo will pay for each achievement. They've written down how to resolve issues when goals have not been reached, and covered what to do if Eunjoo wants to add or remove something else from the project, even though she kept saying that she's satisfied with the blueprints drawn by the company's architects.

Today, they finished discussing everything in the boardroom and signed their copies of the contract in the presence of their lawyers. "All that remains is for you to make the non-refundable deposit and the project will begin." Jungkook puts the contract in Eunjoo's folder and closes it. They've already gotten government approval on the site; the next action is for the team to start the site clearing and leveling.

"You'll see it by Friday." Eunjoo promises and packs up her papers in a briefcase. 

They end the meeting and Eunjoo leaves the building. Jungkook leaves the boardroom with his folder in hand and enters the elevator. He steps out when he reaches his floor and walks to his office. At the waiting area, next to his secretary's desk—the beta sits upright with a grimace when she spots him—, a blonde woman sits on one of the chairs. Ohk Sena. He wonders what brings her to his office today.

He walks past her and unlocks his office before he enters it. His secretary—Mae—is right behind him. "Did you call up those financing companies like I told you to?" He plops down in his chair and opens the last drawer of his desk, putting the folder in it.

"Yes Jungkook-sii, I have. Several of them are in good shape financially but Chang Financing & Co. seems like our best option. I've already made an appointment for you, next Tuesday by 11:00 am. I've marked the date on your calendar, too." She reads the information to him in a monotonous voice.

"And her? How long has she been waiting for me?" Jungkook asks, picks up a pen on his desk and twirls it between his fingers.

Mae flounders a little bit, "she came in a few minutes after you went to your meeting. She refuses to leave and come back for another time, saying it's urgent."

Jungkook sighs in exasperation. "You may go. Send her in."

Mae bows and makes her exit. Not a moment later, Jungkook hears the click-clack of Sena's heels. She opens the door and sets her feet into the office then turns around to close the door, her hair swishing with every movement. 

"Good evening Oppa," she greets him then takes a seat, her scent of flowing river and flowerbeds reaching him immediately.

"Evening, Ohk-sii. What brings you here today?" He replies in a clipped tone.

"Oppa, I've been telling you not to address me so formally, just Sena is okay. We've already passed that stage." She frowns, hellbent on pretending that what they had is exclusive. He met her at a party, they exchanged contacts and arranged for her to spend his rut with him. That was after he's been divorced. He slept with her a few times and she's gotten it into her head that they're a thing now, no matter how much he tells her otherwise. In short, she's obsessed with him.

"I don't have all day, Sena." He barks out, feeling the irritation creep up.

Sena deflates on the chair, the corners of her mouth pull downward in a crestfallen expression, her scent turning sour. "Oppa, what's this news I'm hearing that your mother is seeking the hand of a Kim omega for you? Please tell me it's not true!"

Jungkook feels a vessel pulse in his temple. "Yes, it's true."

Sena chokes out a sob. "But does she know? Does she know about me? Does she know about the two of us?" she hisses it out like it’s a secret that they should make public. 

Jungkook sucks his teeth in and tries his best not to roll his eyes. 

He fails.

"Sena, there is no us," he firmly says as he crosses his arms over his chest, muscles tensing in irritation.

"There could be!” she says with an overly wide, borderline delusional smile. “I don't know why you're so afraid of commitment, but I know what you feel for me deep in your heart. Who do you think of when you're alone?" she whispers in a sultry tone, making Jungkook tense up for all the wrong reasons. 

An image flashes in Jungkook's mind instantaneously. 

"Who do you see when you close your eyes?" Another one flashes. "Whose scent do you smell even when they're not there? Whose smile do you think of the most? Who does your heart choose Oppa?! Stop denying yourself." Flash.flash.flash.

Jungkook pinches the bridge of his nose, how annoying. 

"I will say this for the last time, Sena. What happened between us was something we both indulged in as adults fully knowing that there will be no strings attached. We don't have anything special, there is nothing exclusive about us."

Sena sniffs, "you say that now Oppa, but you'll realize the truth soon enough. And when you do, I'll be waiting for you." She gets up, clutching her skirt tightly for purchase before she leaves the office in a hurry.

Jungkook slumps down in his chair, tortured by the images of Namjoon in his head. If he could have him, make him his, it would please him to the fullest, Jungkook’s sure of it. But that's not his reality, Alpha Kim is going to reject him, there will be nothing between them after this; Jungkook won't see him anymore. 

He should've looked at him properly the last time he saw him since he doesn't know when he'll see him again. But he'll survive, yearning has not killed anyone yet; Jungkook won't be the first.

He picks up his phone to check his schedule when he sees a message on his lockscreen,

Kim Taehyung: Appa says you should go and see him on Friday.

•••

Around 8:30 pm Jungkook finds himself in the drawing room again, waiting for Alpha Kim to come and pass on his judgment. He sits in silence, leaving the refreshments provided by staff untouched.

Jungkook doesn’t really feel nervous, not sure if he feels anything at all. 

Not long after, Alpha Kim walks into the room and Jungkook stands up to greet him. "Terribly sorry I had to take a while to contact you. I got busy, then had issues gathering the elders of the clan for our meeting."

Jungkook can only nod weakly. "It's of no concern."

Alpha Kim gives him an apologetic smile. "I know I said I'll think about it, but I just can't change my mind. Taehyung, he's still in college, he's staying in his dorm, marriage or not, he has so much on his plate now and he's already stressed enough. I don't think marriage is what he needs right now."

"If you're requesting for me to wait, then I will. However long you want me to." Jungkook replies in a polite manner, not really exaggerating his response to fit the narrative. 

His feelings for Namjoon will fade, they're not meant to stay forever, after all. Either he marries Kim Taehyung or he marries someone else. Yet he doesn't know who his mother will go to next, better stick to Taehyung, at least he's very lovely. And Jungkook is sure that his feelings will develop for him naturally, all he has to do is put in the effort.

"Oh no, Jungkook-sii, that's far from it. It wouldn't be fair to you at all to make you wait for him. What I'm offering is the hand of my other child, Namjoon. If you're willing, that is," Alpha Kim declares.

Jungkook's entire world goes mute in that exact moment. 

He doesn't know how his meeting with Alpha Kim ended, nor does he care to recall it. One moment he finds himself in his car and the next moment, he is climbing up the staircase to his wing. He strips off everything as if he’s on autopilot, climbs on his bed and lies on his back.

It feels like something weighs him down and he sinks into the mattress. After some time, he manages to shift to his side and it’s if something dislodged from his airway; he finally, finally breathes in. Everything crashes down after, he feels several emotions at once, all of them as intense as the other, all of them consuming him to the fullest. 

Guilt, anger, happiness, greed, lust. All of it is merging within him, clouding any kind of sanity that he has left. His thoughts are no longer coherent, just he can be mine now. Mine. Mine. Mine.

He can think of him openly now, not only hidden in the darkness of his room, in the safety of his sheets. Something springs in his lungs and Jungkook chokes, violently coughs until he's sitting upright. Namjoon, Namjoon, Namjoon. The name swirls in his head until he's dizzy. 

Namjoon, mine, Namjoon, mine. 

He falls asleep like that, no other thought forming in his mind. 

"Please take care of me." He says in a monotonous voice, while giving him the deepest bow he's ever seen him give. When he raises his head, he does not look at him, he directs his gaze to his lap. He wears a hanbok every time they meet up. A soft color that's always pleasant to the eye. Everytime Jungkook sees him, he feels like he's seeing a fake version of the Namjoon he knows. He does not speak until he is spoken to. It unnerves Jungkook in a way he can't describe. Seeing Namjoon being quiet, obedient, easygoing, it is unnatural, unusual, odd.

"I'm not sure if he wants me." He tells his mother one day, she looks shocked when she hears him say it.

"It's an arranged marriage, of course he wouldn't want it, because he didn't choose it. But you can change his mind. You're a wonderful person, no person would reject you." She says, but it doesn't settle Jungkook's doubts. "Stop worrying, all omegas act like that during the courting period. He's probably asked to be on his best behavior. Taehyung was like that too, wasn't he?" 

And, it's true. Taehyung now acts differently in front of him. Sometimes he broods throughout Jungkook's stay. Sometimes he snorts into his plate during dinner and laughs until tears stream out of his eyes, rendering him speechless. But Namjoon quietly takes small bites of his food and keeps his face down.

"Does he really want this?" He asks and Alpha Kim looks offended.

"You think I can wed him off to you if he's against it?" He tells him while tiredly massaging his temples. Maybe, it wouldn't be the first time an omega is arranged to marry someone they don't want.

He knows he's being a coward, if he wants to know if Namjoon wants to marry him then of course the omega is the only person that he can confer with. But the intense fear he feels towards the answer he might get stops him from bringing up the topic with Namjoon. Besides, if Alpha Kim says it's alright, then it's alright.

"Give him gifts, they create a door into the heart." His mother advises him, she might be onto something.

•••

Anytime he is able to visit the blue villa and meet up with Namjoon in his father's study room, he brings something along with him to make him happy. The gifts started out small snacks, drinks, earrings, a necklace, pens. Then Jungkook gets to know Namjoon bit by bit, he starts to buy gifts that are a bit more specific to him. A frog charm bracelet, feline earrings, Ryan stickers and an art book he bought impulsively, Munch & Warhol. 

 

 

Namjoon usually thanks him and says something along the lines of, "I'll make sure I cherish it." Although there's a subtle change when Jungkook gives him the specific gifts. The disinterest in his eyes clears up and his scent turns pleasant. 

For the Munch & Warhol, however, he turns the book several pages and traces the art on a page. Light shines on the emerald gem sitting on his engagement ring and makes it gleam. Since his ex-wife still has the previous engagement ring, Jungkook got another one for Namjoon. When he entered the jewelry store, he saw the emerald rose immediately and something told him it was the one. He got it without remembering he doesn't have Namjoon's ring size, so he brought it along when he visited. Namjoon refused to come down that day, the ring was taken to him by a staff member and when the staff came back, he didn't bring the ring with him. "It fits. He says it's—" 

"Gorgeous." Namjoon blurts out, he freezes as if shocked, then takes a peak at Jungkook. The alpha doesn't say anything to him, so his attention goes back to the book. "Gorgeous." He repeats, but this time it's much more purposely.

Jungkook's lungs inflate a little bit with pride, he and Namjoon may not know much about each other. But sitting down like this, close to each other, Jungkook gets to know a little more about him and he hopes Namjoon will know a bit more about him too. It gives him hope that if he tries his best, the Namjoon he interacted with weeks ago will peek out from those almond eyes. That said, it doesn't mean Jungkook doesn't look for shortcuts, impatience was a trait he's still unable to rid himself of.

 

"I have a deal for you." He tells Eunjoo during one of their meetings. She looks up from the building update to look at him. "Tell me gifts Namjoon will appreciate and I'll give you a 10% discount on your next payment."

Eunjoo scrunches her face in confusion, "I'll tell you for free, but since you offered, I'll take up that deal." She gives him her hand and they shake on it. "Get him something cute, something sweet, jewelry from an antique store that's old and cheap. He'll love just about any book you give him and he'll literally kiss you on the mouth if you get him a plant but flowers make him happy too. For dates, take him on walks, to museums or art galleries, to small cafes or restaurants with the cheapest food you can get. He grew up in luxury and money, he's seen it all, so expensive things don't excite him. Except for clothes."

Jungkook sits there contemplating, this information is much more worth than that 10% discount he's giving her. "Thank you, that was very helpful." He says as he scribbles a reminder on the papers, close to the date of her next payment. A kiss on the mouth? This beta deserve a 50% off.

"It's so refreshing to see an Alpha completely smitten by their fiance. I haven't seen that in a long time." She teases.

"You've been married for four months, you're still in your honeymoon phase." Jungkook easily counters.

Eunjoo hums, "it's just not the same you know. The whole honeymoon magic starts to fade when you start learning each other's toilet habits."

Jungkook makes a face partly in disgust, partly in curiosity. "Does it apply to arranged marriages?"

"I think it's different for arranged marriage. You don't know each other, so you take your time in knowing who your partner really is and you both adjust in order to find a middle ground. But for someone you're already dating, you feel like you've already known them, but of course there are some habits and quirks you don't really see until you're married. It's hard to adjust the dynamic you've already built sometimes, and sometimes you have to destroy what you've already built to start anew. I think this is an advantage to you, all you have to do is be patient. Wait, you've been married before!" She accuses him, exasperated.

"I was, but this is different." Jungkook replies.

"Well you're already experienced, you know how marriage works and how hard it gets. So you should know how to tackle issues when they come." She says this as she starts to pack her things in her bag.

"I hope so. Thank you for the advice."

"You're welcome, I'm expecting my discount next time." She laughs, waving goodbye before leaving the office.

Jungkook leans back into his seat and sighs. He's been married for eight years, but he hasn't had a single fight with his wife. There were arguments here and there, some misunderstandings, but it has never escalated to the point they raised their voices at each other. They found ways to peacefully coexist and spend their time together only when they absolutely need to. But everything with Namjoon is different. 

He yearns for him, all the time. Sometimes he can't even put into words what he feels for him, because he doesn't understand what those feelings are. He knows that he wants to embrace his whole being. He wants to hold him, and twirl him and sway him in his arms in their home. He wants to sleep and wake next to him everyday, he wants to eat together, share drinks and trade stained, sticky kisses with him. He wants to hold him down and thrust into him in the warmth of their room and softness of their bed. He wants to be connected to him in the most intimate way possible. He wants to be one with him in the most gruesome, intense way that scares him sometimes. 

That's right, he is afraid of Namjoon and what he is capable of doing to him, what he's capable of turning him into. If Namjoon doesn't want him, he'll never, ever recover, he won't make it alive. Jungkook's body goes limp from the mere thought of being rejected, his heartbeat slows down and he feels his heart burrow deep into his chest to hide itself from any hurt. He prays to the sky, to the woods, to the rivers and oceans, that Namjoon should show him mercy.

•••

His engagement with Namjoon is a total of six weeks, meaning in mid July, he and Namjoon are going to get married. Only two weeks remain now, he and Namjoon have already started planning the wedding. Jungkook has already rented a venue, which already has planners and they've gone through what they want to do with them. However, "why are you writing invites, I thought we're already done with them?"

"Well, there's this family tradition of ours where we give out handwritten wedding invites to important people. My grandparents, some of Appa's friends and his siblings." Namjoon replies. 

"I see." Jungkook had given him a tiny cactus in a hello kitty pot and the cactus had bloomed a single flower. Namjoon took one glance at the cactus, then hid his lips with the sleeve of his hanbok. He kept glancing at the plant throughout their meeting and hiding his lips each time he did, even though his eyes crescendoed with happiness too. He's been talking freely ever since he got the cactus.

When Namjoon is done writing the letters, he keeps his calligraphic pen aside and stacks the letters together.

"Wait for them to dry completely or you'll smudge the ink." Jungkook scolds him.

Namjoon just gives him a sheepish smile. "Aish, too late now I guess." He puts his hand in his hanbok and brings out a jewelry box, pushing it towards Jungkook. "It's for you." He softly says.

Jungkook opens the box and brings out a bracelet. It's a bunny bracelet that matches the frog charm bracelet he gave Namjoon. "You got me a gift." He says, his feelings already softening his scent. He looks up to see Namjoon looking away. "It matches the one I gave you. Did you personally get it made? Or did you search through stores for it?" Namjoon flushes and hides his face in his hands.

Jungkook moves closer to him and tackles him to remove his hands. "Well? won't you look at my reaction to your gift?" He teases.

"I've already seen enough." Namjoon struggles in his arms, his eyes closed shut and cheeks dimpling.

Jungkook can't help but laugh. "You should let me thank you then." 

He successful takes Namjoon's hands off his face and holds his wrists behind his back. He grabs his jaw with his other hand, exposing the column of his neck, he plants a kiss to the corner of his lips. He hisses when his heated skin meets the cool skin of the omega, instead of cooling him down, it only adds fuel to the fire burning in a pit underneath his navel. With an urgency he hasn't felt in a while, he places more kisses on his jaw, on his chin, on his throat—where he is assaulted by the scent of vanilla walnut. Namjoon whines low in his throat and collapses on him, pressing his body to his entirely. Jungkook lets him go and cups his face with both hands.

 Namjoon finally opens his eyes and stares into his eyes, he's so close that his warm breath caresses Jungkook's cheek. He pins him with his heated gaze, underneath it though a mischievous glint dances in his eyes. Before Jungkook can react, he wrenches himself free and runs out of the study, displacing the letters and scattering them on the floor. His laughter echoes in the hallways as he runs away.

Jungkook simply exhales and looks around the room. The letters scattered on the floor and the single bloom on the cactus seem to be judging him. He drops his head on the desk to calm himself down. He's overheated, his heartbeat is erratic, electricity is coursing through his veins and he has the dopiest smile on his face. What has this omega done to him?

•••

Few days until their wedding, Jungkook brings Namjoon to meet his family officially. He's been quiet since they came, only smiles politely, nods and answers in a soft tone. 

"He's such a sweetheart." His sister, Heejin gushes after she sees Namjoon's table manners. "When are you introducing him to Soo-Yun and the kids?" 

"And Abeoji?" Jae-sung, their eldest, chips in.

"At the wedding." Jungkook says, tone flat in order to not convey his annoyance. He plans to keep Namjoon away from his father for as long as possible. They would never meet if it were up to him.

"And I'm guessing everyone else is seeing him at the wedding too?" Heejin grimaces.

"Yes, and that's final." Jungkook dismisses the conversation in favor of looking for Namjoon, who he has left with his mother after they're done with dinner.

He finds Namjoon sitting on the carpet while his mother is sitting in a chair in their leisure room. They're both crocheting. "It's time to go." He says and both of them snap their eyes towards him.

"Oh, we've just begun though." Namjoon quietly says in displeasure and his mother stares at him with pleading eyes.

"You can do it another time." Jungkook frowns, he doesn't want Namjoon to stay around his siblings any longer than necessary. They have the tendency of cornering people he associates with and try to fish for information.

"Well, thank you for stopping by, dear. It's been a pleasure." His mother coos at Namjoon and accepts the yarn and hooks from him.

Namjoon gets up and straightens his hanbok. "I'll say farewell to the others."

"Hyung! Noona! We're leaving!" Jungkook shouts as they walk towards the door.

Both Heejin and Jae-sung rush to the expansive lobby to meet them. "Kook-ah how can you be shouting in the house like this in front of your fiance?" Heejin complains, then turns around to tease Namjoon. "Namjoon-ah are you sure you want to marry someone so ill-mannered?"

Namjoon presses his lips in a thin line, "ah. Well." He shrugs.

"Say your farewells we're leaving now." Jungkook presses. 

"Ah of course. It was a pleasure meeting you Namjoon. We'd be glad to have you join our family." Heejin says.

"Thank you very much for your kind words. I'd be honored to be a part of your family, please take care of me." Namjoon bows to Jae-sung first, then to Heejin. 

"I'll come back later." Jungkook says and walks out of the house with Namjoon trailing behind him.

"Here." Jungkook brings out a Ryan keychain and hands it over to Namjoon.

"Thank you very much for this. I will cherish it." Namjoon accepts the keychain and holds it in his hands.

"You say that to every gift I give you." He unlocks his car and opens the door for Namjoon.

"Well," Namjoon smiles at him, "maybe I cherish everything you give me." He sits on the seat and Jungkook closes the car.

"Flattery won't take you anywhere." Jungkook teases, hoping to rile up that cheeky attitude.

"I suppose." Is the only thing he replies with.

Jungkook adjusts himself as he sits on the driver's seat. "I wanted to take you to the POSCO museum tomorrow but apparently they're closed. They said they'll be open Monday but I'm afraid it'll be too late by then." He planned to take Namjoon out on a date before the wedding begins to somewhere he's sure he'll like, but things didn't go as planned.

"Well, we can go some other time." Namjoon consoles him.

"Why don't we go to Jamsil Park now?" Jungkook asks out whim.

"I don't really know." Namjoon trails off, dubious.

"It'll be in public." He's not allowed to take Namjoon out without a chaperone. Except places that they'll be out in the open.

"Okay." Namjoon hesitates. "But we have to go back early so Appa won't be mad." 

"That's fine." 

 

•••

"Have you ever been to the POSCO museum?" Jungkook stealthily asks, sipping on his hot coffee in hopes of Namjoon being unable to catch on to him.

"I have." Namjoon replies, sipping on his Americano.

"Is there a museum you haven't been to in Seoul?"

"There aren't really many museums in Seoul to begin with. But I've been to most of them."

This Namjoon isn't really so bad. When he's dressed up in his expensive hanbok, with make-up making him soft and rosy and his sweet scent of vanilla walnut, he looks gorgeous, untouchable. He breathes and acts gracefully, he is grace himself. Then he opens his mouth and he's so soft spoken, his words are well thought of. He's this enigma that's suddenly out of Jungkook's league. Jungkook feels like he's committing a crime for existing in front of him, for touching him, for brushing hair to the back of his ear. "Is there a museum you'd love to visit? Anywhere in the world?"

"I'd love to go to just any museum, even if I'm going again. However, there's one that I was supposed to visit with my friends after graduation. But the engagement happened before we could properly plan the trip." Namjoon smiles, his eyes filled to the brim with an emotion Jungkook finds himself unable to identify.

"What's it called?" 

"It's called Dak Lak Museum, it's in Vietnam." He takes a sip of his drink. "We discussed going there for our vacation at three in the morning, instead of studying. We both had exams in the morning the next day."

Jungkook watches the omega in front of him. The evening sun has cast a golden light on him and his peach hanbok. This is the first time he smiles hard enough to show his perfect teeth, and even so, everything about him is impeccable. His father will love him, actually. There's no flaw about the current Namjoon that he'll point out. Everything about him is perfect, perfect, perfect. He hates it, so much.

•••

He watches from afar as Namjoon is rushed from one guest to the other to say his farewell. The Kim family are taking him back to their home where he'll be dressed up and delivered to his matrimonial home. First the gifts Jungkook gave to him will be delivered, then the groom himself. He on the other hand stays to greet the guests that are still enjoying their buffet. A little much later Jungkook leaves the venue with his siblings, cousins and some friends for a much private celebration.

"Your father has been boasting non-stop about his new in-law." Sang-hun, a cousin of his, nudges him on his side. He knows how insufferable his father can be.

"I've heard." Jungkook answers, but that isn't all he's heard.

During the wedding ceremony Namjoon transformed into an angel. His golden skin was luminous silk, blonde hair slicked back—not a strand out of place, rouge on his cheeks and lips, he was dressed in expensive fabric. He carried an air of sophistication and humbleness, his posture was erect, his face was devoid of emotion. If anything, he seemed sad, as if he came to the wedding not by choice. He kept his gaze low, held the cup of his wine with two hands, carefully took a sip and stained his lips blood red. Jungkook watched him the entire time, he watched him throughout the ceremony. He did not smile, not while welcoming guests, not while sitting next to him, not while taking pictures. Not even once. 

His father's eyes gleamed with pride. The perfect omega, from a prestigious family, beautiful, well-mannered. Even better than his first omega. So of course, people will talk.

 

 'He sure knows how to pick them.'

'Where does he even get these kinds of omegas?'

'I heard he's trying to expand his company using the omegas money.'

'His ex-wife—Sooyun, couldn't come to the ceremony. She simply went straight to the buffet after giving her gift. She didn't bring the kids with her either.'

'She didn't?! That's awful, they deserve to attend their father's wedding.'

'No I think it's better this way. He doesn't care about them after all. If he had, they'd be living with him instead of her. Now she gets the kids and he gets to be with his younger, prettier omega. Male too, he obviously doesn't want more kids. Just wants to enjoy himself.'

'Oh enjoy he will. Did you know he rented this venue for the whole day?! Imagine how much money he spent!'

'And the gifts he sent to the omega and his family, it was astronomical! But of course that's expected since he's marrying an omega of such a class. There's no way you can convince me he's not investing in this omega!'

How awful, he drains his shot in one cup. The whole situation is awful. Jungkook wanted to marry the omega that carried the air of arrogance, who laughs pettily, who rolls his eyes, who's not afraid to speak his mind, who sits with his thighs far apart, who says the most inappropriate things, who wears loud make-up and provocative clothing. All those little habits and quirks that the world hated about Kim Namjoon, Jungkook fell in love with him because of them. 

It doesn't mean that he doesn't like this mild version of him, he wants him anyhow he can get him. That's what he told himself before he got him, and now that he's got him, he'll cherish him with everything he has, he'll love him with every fiber of his being. But for tonight, he lets himself mourn that bratty spitfire.

He isn't drunk when Saem arrives at the bar, but he is tipsy. The rest decided to stay longer, since it's only 9:00pm. He sobers up when the car becomes too cold for him.

"Are you making a stop anywhere?" Saem asks.

"None." He drones as he stares at the buildings they're passing by on the road.

When he arrives home, he is directed to his mother by a staff member, who has been waiting for him in her room. She's stirring her tea when he arrives, "you're already back?"

"Yes, I am." He's surprised she's back at this hour, she has so many guests coming to congratulate her during the ceremony. He's not surprised if half of Seoul came to greet her.

"Your groom is already settled in. But I wanted to talk to you before you meet him." She takes a sip of her tea and puts the cup down.

"Of course," Jungkook sits on a chair and waits for her. 

"I've come to understand that you and your groom are still looking for ways to communicate with each other and are yet to find a middle ground. That's okay, it's not something that's never happened before. When two people come from different worlds, it takes time for them to be able to understand each other. But I need you to be patient with him, he's very young, just 24 years old. You have to be very patient with him, the youngsters nowadays, they're very fragile, if you're too hard on them they break. So today, if he doesn't cooperate with you," she holds eye contact as she says this, "it's okay, it's fine! Let him come to you on his own. Let him decide things on his own terms." 

"Of course, Eomeoni. I will try my best. Will that be all?" 

"Of course, my child. Good night." She smiles and picks up her teacup to take a sip of her tea.

Jungkook is almost to the door, but he halts and turns back to her to drop a kiss on her forehead, "have a good rest, Eomeoni." Then he makes his way to his wing.

•••

Namjoon startles when he opens the door to his room. He's already dressed in a silky blue sleeping shirt and trousers. "You're back already." He says as if he isn't expecting anyone at the moment, even though he's just standing in the middle of the room, wearing bedroom slippers. 

"Yes, I am. You can go ahead to bed, I'll take a while." Jungkook moves to his dresser and takes off his earrings and wrist watch. He takes off his socks and belt. When he turns to Namjoon he sees the omega sitting at the edge of the bed, his eyes round with fear? Anxiousness? Apprehension? Jungkook can't tell. Maybe he'll be comfortable once he leaves the room. He walks to his closet and takes out his pajamas.

When he walks to the bathroom though, he can't shake the feeling that something's wrong. Namjoon looks downright terrified, like an animal has been brought to a slaughterhouse. Maybe he should sleep on the couch to make him more comfortable. He washes off the sweat and grime and the exhaustion. How long will he sleep on the couch though? How long until Namjoon accepts him as his spouse? It's going to be a very long, very painful trial for him. But he has to be patient, he needs to be patient. Right until Namjoon comes to him. 

He wears his Pajamas and comes back to an empty room.

•••

"It's been an hour now. I had the staff check everywhere in the house. He's not here." He tries to keep his voice steady but he fails. He's shaking, he's been shaking since he saw the empty room. His mother's hold on him tightened to calm him down.

Alpha Kim sighs through the phone, "come over then. We'll decide what to do when you arrive."

"Get Saem to drive you. Do not drive by yourself because I'm afraid of what will happen on the road. And for heaven's sake please calm down, be aware of your blood pressure." She scolds him, but she's pacing back and forth in the lounge. 

Calm down. Calm down?! How can he? When he lost Namjoon on the first day his father handed him over to him. Where will he even go, if his family doesn't know where he is? Did he elope? Was that what he was planning throughout the wedding, was that why he looked so sad? Because he was leaving his family? Was that why he looked scared when Jungkook came into the room, because he didn't expect him to return early? And to think he helped him escape when he ran away at some point, the irony. Karma must truly exist, and it is ruthless when it strikes.

Jungkook tries to steady his breathing on the way to the blue villa. But his breath keeps slipping, it keeps escaping his lungs and no matter how much he tries to breathe in and keep it in his lungs, the air never makes it past his bronchi before it comes back up. He's not going to make it, if Namjoon doesn't come back to him, his alpha will wilt and die.

He finds Alpha Kim pacing around, the mirror image of how he left his mother back at home. "That brat, how could he do this to me?! On his wedding night no less! He couldn't wait until after the honeymoon! He's going to be the death of me, if I escape a heart attack, surely shame won't let me live."

Jungkook sits in silence as the Alpha calls several people to ask if they've seen Namjoon, then requesting they call back if they see him. He wonders how many times Namjoon has run away for the Alpha to be calm now when it happens again. He wonders how many times Jungkook will become like him in such a situation. They keep at it until Taehyung comes back home, panting from exertion. 

"I called up Hobi-hyung. He said they bought concert tickets to see a Jung Yong Hwa at Olympic hall before Hyung's engagement so they decided to give away the ticket to someone else. I think Hyung decided to go instead." He puffs and huffs and he speaks. 

Alpha Kim smacks his forehead hard. "It's not even far, it's here in Songpa-gu. Goddamn kid! Where's your car keys, we're going to the concert."

"Appa please!" Taehyung exclaims, "it's a concert, there's like hundreds of people in there! Let's just wait for him to come back."

"I'll go and look for him." Jungkook stands up.

"But, Jungkook-sii, if you go there you might miss him when he returns. I think it's best to just wait for him back at home. It's either he's coming back here or going back there." Taehyung tries to reason with him, but at this point Jungkook's mind is anything but reasonable.

"I'll call you when I see him." He says instead and bids them farewell.

He drops his whole weight in the car when he sits, "Take me to Olympic hall." He gives his orders to Saem.

Saem obediently drives to the venue but there isn't a place to park nearby. Jungkook walks up to the venue and luckily meets a group of people willing to resell their tickets. He buys two without care for the price and goes into the venue with Saem. They push and shove into the crowd aimlessly, with no sight of Namjoon. When Jungkook becomes absolutely exhausted, he gives up and screams for Saem that they're leaving the venue. 

Jungkook gasps for air the moment he comes out, Saem has to grab him by the arm to keep him upright. "Easy there." He soothes.

Jungkook grits his teeth to keep the nausea away, he hasn't eaten anything since breakfast, he'd been too stressed to eat anything at the wedding, too busy worrying about Namjoon, who's only concern is the concert. "Let's go back home." He says, even though his heart is telling him that Namjoon's not in the concert, that he's run away to somewhere else because he doesn't want to be married to him. It's his god-damned fault in the first place, he should've asked if he wants to be married or not.

When they arrive at the gate of his house, he instructs Saem to turn in for the night, it's almost half an hour to midnight.

"Sir, I don't think it's wise to stay here." Saem replies with concern laced in his citrus scent.

"Leave." He gives no room for argument and Saem walks away in defeat.

Jungkook comes back to the driver's seat and lays his head on the wheel. He's exhausted, he's barely keeping himself upright, he's probably going to develop an ulcer after this, he's sure. 

He must've dozed off, because light suddenly flashes in his direction. He startles and looks up to see a taxi parked in front of his car. He exits the car and he sees Namjoon giving cash to the driver, he looks up and freezes when he sees Jungkook.

The taxi leaves but Namjoon is still frozen. He's in his nightwear and fuzzy bedroom slippers. He looks absolutely ridiculous.

"Get in the car." Jungkook says in a low tone, but Namjoon only shudders in his spot.

Jungkook loses control, grabs Namjoon and drags him to the car. He opens the car, flings him into it and slams the door shut. His head clears when he hears Namjoon whimper. Patience, patience, he's fragile, treat him gently. He chants in his head. He sits in the driver's seat and heaves, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. That was inconsiderate of me." But Namjoon looks wary of him, the damage has already been done it seems.

He drives them back home. They meet his mother in the lounge chair, waiting for them. Namjoon runs up the stairs, but Jungkook is held back by his mother. "Remember, patience."

"I know." He hates how his lips quiver.

"Be more patient. What you had before, was not marriage. It was simply a contract you obeyed. Now, you'll know what marriage is like."

"Is it, really? This is just the first night." He huffs, still unable to steady his breathing.

"Look at it this way. He gave you the most memorable wedding night. I'm sure you'll never forget this day."

He won't, he never will. Till the day he takes his last breath.

•••

A concert. He thinks as he climbs up the stairs. He was ready to drag the heavens to earth for this man. He would've gotten him tickets if he wanted, he would've let him go. Anything for him. Is he completely unaware? Or is he trying to warn him, tell him he can leave anytime? He leans by the door as the room suddenly starts to spin. He waits until his dizzy spell goes away, he pushes down his turmoil, this is going to be the moment of truth, he's going to do what he should've done since the beginning. He opens the door and walks into his living room, walks into the hallway, opens the door to his room.

Namjoon is sitting on the bed gripping the covers with his hands, it seems he wants to say something. He closes the door and waits for him.

"I know you're mad, and I know I should've told you. But today's the last day of the concert, I can't miss it. I've been looking forward to it for months, I wouldn't know what to do if you say no. I didn't even expect you to say yes."

Could it be?

"I've done everything asked of me for six weeks! I acted like the perfect omega, I deserved this!"

Could it be?

"No, I earned this! You know that, I've done such a good job, this is my reward." He punches the air in tiny gestures and crosses his arms, a huge pout on his lips.

"You came back here." Jungkook says as a statement and not a question.

"Well yes, where do you expect me to go? This is my home now." He petulantly mumbles, pout still in place.

Jungkook leans on the door and watches Namjoon, who's staring back at him. As if daring him to do something. He feels something settle inside him and he turns to the light switch and flicks it off. 

"Woah, okay, back up a bit. We can talk with you over there, until you're not angry anymore. You're not even saying anything. I hope you're not waiting for an apology because I'm not sorry for that." Namjoon babbles as Jungkook stalks over to him. He crawls towards him as he climbs on the bed and Namjoon makes an attempt to crawl away but Jungkook has already taken a strong grip on his leg.

"What are you doing?" He asks in panic.

Jungkook uses that opportunity to grab the back of both his thighs and drags him forward till he's falling back on the sheets and his crotch is pressed flush to his thigh. Jungkook chases after him and claims his lips.

When they separate, Namjoon is breathing heavily but he's quiet. "Go to sleep." Jungkook instructs as he reaches for the bedside lamp and turns it off. He drags Namjoon further into the sheets and holds him in his arms. He doesn't know when he falls asleep.

•••

When he stirs in the morning, he's alone in bed. He turns around and finds Namjoon in a bathroom robe, sitting on the dresser's stool and eating chocolate. He looks up when Jungkook turns around and pauses, then he takes a bite of his snack. "Stop judging me," he complains, "I'm hungry."

Jungkook pushes himself upright and stretches. "I'll get breakfast, then we'll talk."

"No, no. Let's talk now. Nothing will ruin my appetite." Namjoon gets up and walks back to bed to sit down.

"I feel like I've put off this conversation for so long when it's the one we should've had ages ago. Be honest with me, do you want this marriage?"

Namjoon looks at him like he grew another head. "What are you even talking about? Of course I want you and this marriage. You think I'd stick around to a wedding I don't want to happen?" 

Jungkook feels a knot undo in his chest. "Why do you look so sad then?"

"My aunts said it's not appropriate for me to smile. It'll make me look like I'm happy to leave home and have a steady sex partner."

Jungkook bursts into laughter. "I should give my condolences to you for losing multiple sex partners."

Namjoon gasps comically, "sex partners?!" He exclaims, "sir, I don't even know how to have sex!"

Jungkook kisses him. "Liar."

Namjoon breaks out into a huge grin, like the sun peeking from the clouds, dimples out, eyes scrunched upwards. "I'm not lying, I'm a virgin." He whines, his lips brushing Jungkook's every time he speaks. Jungkook can't help but press another firm kiss on his lips.

"Let's talk business now. I think it's time we lay some ground rules." He maneuvers Namjoon to sit on his lap.

"Good! I have a few." Jungkook nods for him to continue. "I don't cook, I don't clean, I'm not a slave. I don't want kids, I'm not a puppy dispenser."

"Good thing I have people who do that for me here. And I'm not looking for more pups either. You can go out, but you have to tell me where you're going, what you're doing, who you're doing it with."

"What? No way! What if I get a job?" He complains.

"Omegas don't work in our pack." Jungkook says, firm.

"But—"

"Absolutely not!" 

Namjoon huffs and looks away. "That's unfair."

"Those are my rules. And I'm still punishing you for misbehaving yesterday. No concerts until further notice." He holds his chin and turns his face back to him.

"Fine. Anything else, oh great one?" Namjoon rolls his eyes.

"No. But talk to me, okay? If there's anything you want from me, or if there's something you need me to know, I'll always listen to you." Jungkook says, wrapping his arms around Namjoon's waist and bringing him closer.

Namjoon grabs onto his top with both hands and buries his face in his neck. When he brings his face back up, his eyes are glassy. "I feel trapped. I feel like I'm stuck in one place. I've planned so many things before I graduated, but nothing's going according to plan. This is something I've never imagined happening. I don't know how to move forward from here."

"You want me?" He gets a nod. "You trust me?" Another nod. "Then let me take care of you."

"Okay." Namjoon replies with his voice cracking from emotion. He wraps his arm around Jungkook's neck. "Please take care of me."

Jungkook wraps Namjoon in a towel and places him back on his chest where he has been sleeping for almost two hours now. It's their first day of honeymoon, so Jungkook suggested that they explore the beach at noon. Namjoon protested, saying he'd like to sleep in for the first day, but of course Jungkook insisted on going out, so he gave in. He did, however, warn Jungkook that he'll most likely fall asleep and drown on the beach, but Jungkook thought he'll stay awake when he sees the crowd. Turns out, Namjoon had not been bluffing.

 To make up for it, Jungkook is letting him sleep on his lap and drooling on his shoulder, mostly because the alpha is afraid of him drowning on the beach like he said and mostly because he felt responsible for contributing to exhausting Namjoon. He did kept him up until early in the morning. He sips his drink, his gaze flitting from one person to the other on the beach, most of which cast a fleeting glance on both him and his spouse. And is the main reason Jungkook wraps him in a towel in the first place if he's honest. The other reason is because it's gotten sunny.

With the exception of the unwanted glances though, it's not so bad, actually. Namjoon is soft, plaintive and so warm against him. His full lips part, letting out soft snores and his lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. His sweet scent is muted enough to lull Jungkook into sleep, but he's afraid of changing his position in case he'll wake the omega up. So he endures it until Namjoon stirs up much later in the afternoon. Jungkook first notices a sharp spike in his scent, but the omega doesn't move. "Are you awake or are you asleep?" He asks in amusement.

"I'm waking up," is the gruff, raspy reply. Namjoon takes his time in opening his eyes, pinning the alpha with his dark gaze.

"Welcome back to the world, how was the nap?" Jungkook teases him.

"Heavenly."

"I could tell by how you drenched my shirt with your drool."

"Well who's fault is it that I'm so goddamn spent?" Namjoon cheekily replies, pulling back to stare at him.

"It's mine," Jungkook admits, kissing the tip of his nose.

Namjoon doesn't say anything and slumps back on his chest, wriggling and humming a song until he's fully awake. Suddenly, in a blink of an eye he's zipping back and forth on the beach buzzing with excitement. Jungkook lets him do as he pleases, they have about two hours until they can go exploring. 

"Don't get in the water." He calls after Namjoon when he notices him running to the coast. He's seen the reviews by tourists online that the water is dirty, so swimming inside is unwise. Although it currently looks clear, Jungkook prefers to be on the safer side.

"But hyung, I'm looking for crabs!" Namjoon whines and stomps his feet in a tiny tantrum.

"Look for it on the beach, don't get in the water." He instructs. "Do you hear me?" He tries to reaffirm when Namjoon ignores him.

"I heard you." The omega mutters with a pout.

"Good boy."

Namjoon's whole demeanor brightens and he goes back to his crab hunting. He's been in a good mood ever since he found out where Jungkook is taking him for their honeymoon. They spent an entire week at home before they left for the honeymoon. Mainly due to Namjoon having a lot of furniture that would be delivered to the Jeon mansion. Hence they had to stay for the furniture to arrive and be arranged however the omega wanted. So that when they return, he'll settle right into his new home. 

Jungkook also used the opportunity to take Namjoon to visit his relatives and greet them properly, upon his mother's insistence of course. Which was something he regretted immensely. His paternal side of the family is very, well, Jungkook doesn't think there is a good word that can be used for them. He'd rather not think of them at all if he's being honest. 

Namjoon handled the disrespect quite well though. He did flinch when not one, but two of his Aunt's called him, the new 'wife'. One corrected herself and said, 'omega' in a derogatory manner, like how some female omegas view male omegas, unworthy of the title. The other one didn't even bother to say anything after that blunder, just grimaced and sipped on her wine. Jungkook didn't know which one was worse and waited for Namjoon to say something about them after they headed home that day. But Namjoon didn't say anything at all, and Jungkook was determined to reward him for being so well behaved throughout their visits. 

The alpha tried his best to keep it a secret until the very last minute in the airport. Though it wasn't that hard at all, since they were too busy for Namjoon to even suspect anything. So when Jungkook handed him his ticket and he saw their flight was to Hai Phong, he let out a shrill scream of excitement and embraced him so hard they almost tumbled to the ground. "Was that why you kept asking me if there's a museum I wanted to go to?" He laughed, clutching the ticket close to his face as if he couldn't believe it's real.

"Of course, anything for you. Now be a darling and pose for me for a bit." He requested, bringing out his phone and tapping his camera icon. He directed his camera to Namjoon's blinding smile, with craters so big they take up half his cheeks. And that, that was Jungkook's reward for enduring his disrespectful family.

 

"Namjoon, we're leaving soon." He calls after the omega much later. They have to get lunch first before exploring Do Son. He approaches Namjoon and sees him staring at his hand in astonishment. "What are you doing?"

"Look at the friend I made." He raises his palm and shows him a small white crab struggling to escape from him. He pins him with an expectant gaze filled with childlike innocence, awaiting his response.

Jungkook gets a hold of himself, discreetly inhales and puts his hands in his pockets. "Your little friend is trying to escape, so I'm not sure your friendship is mutual." He coolly replies.

Namjoon's eyes become impossibly bigger, pupils covered with a glassy sheen. "Of course we're friends. Aren't we, crab-sii? I'm just talking to you at an inconvenient time, aren't I? You probably have something to do."

He tries to fight it so hard at trying to  remain coolheaded, but loses the battle. "Look up at me." He brings out his phone and takes a picture of his spouse. He checks the photo; Namjoon sits delicately on the sand. He's looking up and smiling, dimples popping, with his palms stretched out showing his crab. He looks so adorable that Jungkook becomes overwhelmed with the urge to squash him in the sand together with his crab and flee to some other country. But he can't, look at his huge puppy eyes, look at his  round face, unbelievable. Jeon Jungkook you weak alpha, you're a shame to other alphas, you're weak for this omega. Look at his little teeth peeking, look at his pink lips, his dimples, simply revolting.

•••

Jungkook finds a restaurant for them that seems decent. They have a menu for foreigners and each dish has its ingredients listed by the side. "I'll have the pho." He returns the menu back to the waiter when he spots rice noodles, cilantro, bean sprouts and beef in the ingredients.

"I'll have it too." Namjoon passes the menu back to the waiter. 

Their food takes a while before it arrives, so both of them have built up an appetite by that time. They eat their food in relative silence, with only a few passing comments. "The flavor is kind of mild. Like it comes in strong and then leaves a weak aftertaste. Does that make sense?" Namjoon comments as he's eating. 

"It does actually," Jungkook replies. Somehow, Namjoon manages to perfectly describe his thoughts with words and it's not the first time he does it. He wonders the kind of intelligence the omega hides behind his coquettish acts to deceive people into thinking he's gullible and how many people discover his cunning nature when it's too late.

They leave the restaurant by 2:30 pm and start their journey to the Bao Dai Villa, where they look around for a while, simply appreciating the architecture. "I wonder how much it costs to stay here." Namjoon thinks aloud.

"Not as much as you think it'll cost, perhaps."

They didn't spend much time in the villa, leaving for Cave Pagoda a bit later but first make a stop at a convenience store to get some refreshments and bring water along for their trip. Jungkook becomes the photographer on the trip with the way Namjoon keeps begging that he takes his photo every second after. "I might have to start charging you after this one." 

"But Hyung, you take such good photos. Have you ever taken a photography class?" Namjoon bats his eyes in flirtation.

"I took it as an elective course in university." Jungkook replies, still clicking the pictures.

"That's so cool! Hyung, you're so cool." Namjoon gushes at him, his head bobbing back and forth in excitement.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere without a kiss."

Namjoon crosses his arms and harrumphs, "you're being mean to me." He's probably right, but Jungkook honestly doesn't know what to do. Everything Namjoon does is so endearing and enchanting that he triggers the alphas' fight or flight response.

"Isn't this how newlyweds are supposed to act, though?" He smiles when he's met with Namjoon's frown. "Why, I apologize. It seems I've lost my touch."

"It would seem so." Namjoon cheekily retorts.

"Let's keep moving, we still have a few places to go." Which is why Jungkook makes them use the elevator to reach the pavilion instead of taking the endless stairs, against Namjoon's insistence. Namjoon gets bored easily after he made Jungkook snap his photos several times and complains that he's done with the cave and wants to leave.

They leave the cave late in the evening to their next destination, which is the Ba De Temple. They walk around the temple to appreciate its simple and elegant architecture. There's a group of people there already who are also admiring the structures of the temple and a man amongst them that's explaining the history of Ba De. When the mini tour ends, Namjoon takes Jungkook back to the front of the temple yard where there is the image of a boat with a statue of Bodhisattva, surrounded by dragons. They stand shoulder to shoulder just taking in the calm atmosphere— the blues and orange and yellows mixing together with the sound of waves coming from the sea contribute to the scene.

The man that gave them a tour suggests that they stand at the bell tower of the temple to look at the sun setting behind Doc Mountain. "Can you hear her singing?" Namjoon whispers to Jungkook, hugging his arm and leaning on him.

Jungkook listens, there are no birds chirping, no sound of the waves, and it feels like the sky is silent too. Maybe she is singing, maybe that's why there's so much tranquility around them, within them. He buries his nose into Namjoon's hair and breathes in his scent that has been tainted with dust and salt, none of that chaos that he feels around him. Everything is serene.

 

By 6:00pm, they check out of their hotel and board a ferry that'll take them to Cat Ba island. They are silent for most of the ride and Namjoon ends up lightly dozing on Jungkook's shoulder. When they disembark the ferry, they take a taxi into Cat Ba town. By that time they're already exhausted and Jungkook simply focuses on finding a restaurant for them to have their dinner.

They walk for a while before Jungkook settles on a restaurant that has an English translation of its signboard, hoping the employees are also fluent in English. They enter the restaurant and settle on their seats and wait for the waiter to attend to them. The waiter brings the menu for both of them and Jungkook orders rice wine first. He pours wine in his glass cup and picks up his menu to go through the dishes listed on it.

"Shall I order Banh Da Cua for us?" The alpha asks.

Namjoon looks down to his menu and looks up with a frown. "No, that's brown noodles with crab. I don't eat seafood."

Well, it makes sense that he likes the pho they got earlier. "Okay, order something else for yourself."

"You plan on eating seafood in front of me? After I showed you crab-sii?" Namjoon asks in exasperation. 

"It doesn't make them any less delectable now, does it?" Jungkook feels a rise in his recklessness that he associates with being around Namjoon.

"How can you be so heartless? If you can eat my crab friends then you can eat my other friends, you can eat me!" 

"If you put it that way…" Jungkook hides his smirk behind his glass as he takes a sip of his wine.

Namjoon huffs and looks away from him. Jungkook just smiles and signals for their waiter. He orders chicken rice porridge and some grilled chicken for them. They eat in silence, with Namjoon fuming as he chews his food. Jungkook searches up nearby hotels that they can spend the night in, he sees a few and look through the directions for the nearest one. When they finish eating Jungkook pays for the meal and they walk outside to get a taxi.

Jungkook notices the sneaky glances they're getting from passersby, probably due to Namjoon's bittersweet scent. "What is it?" He asks, but he ends up being ignored.

"Oh, you're still angry because I tried to order crab? Is that it? Did I hurt your feelings?" Namjoon aggressively nods in answer. "We can't have that now, can we? Look at the passersby, they think I'm not treating you well." He gets another nod as an answer. "I see, what do I do now to apologize?"

Namjoon taps his lips with his index finger and goes back to fuming. Jungkook bites his lower lip to stop it from spreading into a smile. "You want a kiss?" He hooks his two fingers underneath Namjoon's chin and raises his head to make him look up. "You're going to have to come here then, Yeobo." He wraps his forearm around his waist and brings him closer. He leans down and captures his lips in a slow kiss, tongue seamlessly rolling into his mouth and lapping the sweet and salty remainder of his dinner. Jungkook pulls back and smiles against Namjoon's lips, swallowing the bittersweet aftertaste of the omegas' scent. "Let's go find a place to stay." He says, and yet Namjoon still doesn't say anything to him.

It didn't bother Jungkook though, not after he checks him into their hotel room and fucks him deep and slow until he pulls out the sweetest sounds from the omega.

•••

On the third day, they explore Cat Ba town a bit before they embark on their journey to Halong Bay, where Jungkook has innocently booked a two day cruise for them. When the horrors of the journey from Haiphong to Halong Bay were unknown to him at that time.

They spend the first day sleeping, kayaking and caving. The second day they go parachute gliding, Namjoon bothers their instructor to take a video of him from the moment they'll jump until they land, Jungkook leaves him to it. When they're done with it, they go back to their ship and swim in the pool until they're tired. They go to sleep early.

The next day they repeat the excruciating journey back to Cat Ba, then take a bus to the Haiphong airport to board a plane to Bounmethout and from there, they take a taxi to Buon Ma Thuot. They check into a hotel and collapse on bed with limbs tangled up. They didn't get to eat at all because they fell asleep right away.

Jungkook calls for room service in the morning and they eat their breakfast in their room. They take turns to shower, Namjoon going in first and Jungkook going in last. When he comes back into the room, Namjoon is already dressed and looking at his outfit in the tall mirror in their room. He walks up to the omega and cradles the side of his head so he can place a kiss in his hair. "You look marvelous today."

"I look marvelous everyday." Namjoon speaks and Jungkook wraps his arm around his head and brings him to his chest, trailing kisses from his jaw to his collarbone, tasting his clean, warm skin.

"I suppose I can't argue with that." Jungkook agrees, leaving a final kiss on his hair. He walks over to his backpack to bring out his outfit for the day and change into them. When they're both ready they take a taxi to Dak Lak museum. Jungkook opens a map on his phone, determined to see which building is the construction building that is beside the museum. He saw it when he first checked the direction of the museum online. It's too much of a coincidence to him, more like fate. There's a construction company near a museum that Namjoon has been wanting to go to, like they're meant to exist side by side in every form.

Namjoon spends the whole visit with a grin on his face and his phone in hand taking endless pictures of the artifacts and images displayed. They spend hours in the revolutionary traditions section because Namjoon is determined to learn about each and every exhibit there. Jungkook spends the visit with his gaze shifting from the displayed items to Namjoon, taking his pictures when he can't resist the urge. They have the most wonderful time at the museum.

•••

Jungkook resumes work on Thursday, even though he came back to Seoul on Monday. He spent ten days on his honeymoon, he initially was supposed to spend just a week. But, he miscalculated how complicated the journey in Vietnam would be and hence the additional three days. When they returned on Monday, he had to book them a session at the spa to get body massages, which helped immensely in alleviating the muscle ache they suffered after the vacation. 

He's been congratulated since at the parking lot, and now that he's on his floor, he picks up his pace so he can avoid any more awkward, stilted conversation. Mae looks up at him when he reaches her desk. "Jungkook-sii, you've arrived. Welcome back." 

Jungkook mutters a welcome under his breath and unlocks his office and steps right in. Letting out a sigh of relief that he finally made it. He throws his bag on his sofa and notices a collection of gifts by the side of his desk. He sits on his chair and waits for Mae to arrive. "Come in." He says when he hears a knock on his door. Mae walks in with a jotter in hand, going through it as she walks to his desk. 

"Good morning Jungkook-sii. Congratulations on your wedding, I hope you've had a good rest on your honeymoon." She finally looks up to greet him.

"Yes. Sit, update me on what's been going on."

She sits down and flips back to a few pages on her jotter. "Jung Eunjoo has made her third payment and the financing department have already made our payment to Chang Financing & Co. You have a meeting with a Senator today, he contacted me last week and asked for an appointment on your resumption date, his intentions are unknown. Ohk Sena came to see you four days ago, too."

"Call up Jun for me when we're done and tell him I want a debriefing on the payments made. What time is my meeting with the senator? And what of those gifts." He points to the gifts he saw when he came in. He refuses to even acknowledge Sena and Mae seems to have understood.

"I'll tell him right away, sir. Your meeting with the senator is at noon and those gifts are from colleagues that used your office address instead of your home address. The big box with the blue wrapping paper, however, is the one your employees got for you." She explains with a shy smile appearing on her face towards the end.

"I see. Thank you for the gifts, I appreciate it." He throws a glance at the gifts one last time before he gets into work.

 When it is exactly noon, Mae calls his desk to announce that the senator has arrived. Jungkook gives his permission for her to send him in. He clears his desk and puts the folders in a drawer. The door to his office opens and the senator walks in. Jungkook stands up and they exchange pleasantries, before he requests that the man— an alpha—to take a seat. The man is in his middle age, the skin of his face pale and loose and he has more grey hairs than black. He's broad, wears thick square glasses with crows feet on either side of his eyes and frown lines visible between his eyebrows. He wears cream and brown hanbok with his walking cane between his legs.

"I am Senator Baek Dae-jung. The husband of Kim Gyeong." The alpha introduces himself and something clicks in Jungkook's mind. "Ah yes, I see you've connected the dots, but I'll add one more fact for you to add, I am Joon-ah's godfather."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir. What brings you here?" Jungkook goes straight to the point, somehow, he feels uneasy being in this man's presence. Everything about him screams power, he feels like if he makes a single wrong move he'll be squashed beneath his shoes.

Senator Baek chuckles loudly, shoulders rising and falling with the force. "Well you see, I might've committed an offense to my Namjoonie-ah. My wife informed me that my invitation letter had arrived home but by that time I was in Italy. I could not leave what I was doing to attend and consequently, I missed the wedding. My boy's upset with me, he refuses to pick up my calls, so I'm taking the easy way out." He grins. "Here's my wedding gift to you." He pulls out a thick white envelope from the pocket of his trousers and places it on the table.

"Tell him that I am terribly sorry for missing the wedding and that anytime he's ready to talk to me I will always be available. I'm done with the important part of work, so I'll be around town. My wife has already approved of you, there's no need to corner you again. But I will remind you, our boy is precious to us, to me. If you hurt him," he lets out a chilling laugh, puts a hand in his pocket and holds out the object for Jungkook to see, it's a gun. "You'd better not. I will personally make sure life on earth becomes hell for you. But that aside, you have my blessings, please make my boy happy." He gets up as he says this and Jungkook gets up with him, giving him a curt, rigid bow. His mind filled with gushing sounds and his body devoid of warmth.

"I have apology gifts in my car for him and I'll have my driver bring them up here, if you'll have it." The senator says, an easygoing smile already replacing the menacing one.

"Of course." Jungkook replies monotonously and sits back down when the senator makes it to the door.

"I'll see you around then, it's been a pleasure." He says his farewell and leaves. 

Not much later, Mae opens the door to his office and a young man brings in four boxes into the office. "From the senator," he bows and then takes his leave.

When he's leaving the office for the day, he had the security man at the entrance bring the gifts to his car. "That's all of it." The security informs him and closes the door to the back seats. Jungkook turns on the ignition and drives away to home. 

When he arrives back home, he finds Namjoon already asleep in bed. He has the staff prepare his dinner and bring it up to him and he uses that time to take a quick shower and change into his pajamas. He turns on the news channel as he eats, just to have a background sound in the room.

Coming back to someone in the house definitely feels different. Even though he had Sooyun and the pups before, he never really made much effort to make it home early. But now, coming home and seeing Namjoon asleep, he feels bad. He wants to kiss Namjoon in greeting when he returns and breathe in his scent when he's awake and not the lulled, diffused scent of his when he's asleep. He stacks his dirty dishes and puts them aside for the staff to pick up in the morning.

He picks up the gifts he brought home and takes them to the bedroom and puts them by the side of the dresser. He walks to their bed and places a kiss on Namjoon's cheeks, making him stir. "You're back?" He mutters, changing his position.

"Yes." Jungkook answers and pulls the sheets back up to cover the omega.

"Did you eat?" Namjoon burrows deeper into the sheets, hiding his face with his blond strands peeking.

"I have, go back to sleep now, jagiya." Jungkook walks to the window that's close to their bed and slides it shut in case it rains at night.

He returns to the dresser and sits down on the carpet, folding his legs. He puts Namjoon's gifts aside, keeping his mind blank because he's too exhausted to think about his meeting with the omegas' godfather. He takes the ones addressed to him to go through, wanting his dinner to digest a bit before he goes to bed. He starts with the one his colleagues at work got for him. It's a mug, with a picture frame, couples shirts, cufflinks and a couple of pens. 

He keeps them aside and reaches for a box that seems to pop out of air, he's certain that he didn't see it in his office throughout his stay, so he wonders where it came from. He picks it up, it's not addressed to either of them. He unwraps it, its contents involve an envelope attached to a box of what seems to be chocolate. He opens the box and confirms that it's chocolate, he turns the letter, it still has no address of the sender, nor the one it's sent to, but it holds a letter with a message written in three lines. He checks the box of chocolate, it's vanilla walnut in flavor.

•••

Jungkook watches Namjoon slump on Hoseok, making them tumble off the couch and onto the floor, yet they only doubled over in laughter. They've been invited to the Min penthouse for a movie night on Saturday and so far it's just the six of them talking and no sign of a movie yet. 

After he got rid of his shock concerning his meeting with the senator, he reasons with himself. Namjoon is a person that is loved immensely by his family. Namjoon is also a person that is being stalked frequently and has been attacked once. It makes sense that his family are very protective of him, that they'll go through lengths to ensure nobody hurts him. Alpha Kim has already told him before the wedding, told him the real reason he decided to switch up the omegas, and told him if he messes things up he's going to be eighteen feet deep into the ground. Jungkook has accepted his conditions wholeheartedly before the wedding. 

However, now that he's seeing how serious the situation is, how much danger Namjoon might be in, he wonders how much Alpha Kim is hiding from him, what is he being kept in the dark about. He has every reason to be concerned and he's wondering just how far things will go before he contacts Alpha Kim and demands for the whole truth. He inhales, then exhales; he steals a quick glance at Namjoon, but he's surprised to see him already looking at him. Namjoon grins and stands up from the floor, detangling his limbs from Hoseok. "No, don't leave me alone." Hoseok whines and flails his arms in the air.

"Leave me alone. Look at my husband, he's all alone. I have to keep him company." Namjoon waddles over to Jungkook with a huge grin on his face. Jungkook feels his chest fill up with pride and hides his own smile as Namjoon gracefully plops down on his thighs.

"Boohoo, you've had this husband for like four weeks now and you're hurting our ears with, 'my husband this,' 'my husband that.' sit back down, amateur." Seokjin attacks the omega and he puts down a bowl of popcorn on the table.

Namjoon glares at him for a bit, "this is why you're the ugly Kim."

"Bitch we look alike!" Seokjin exclaims. Which is a fact, actually. He and Namjoon took after their mother.

"Well, if you and I look alike then," he and Seokjin both turn to Taehyung who's sitting down separately on a couch and looking at his phone.

"What? You don't get to do this to me all the time!" He heatedly complains. And Jungkook is guessing that he's been tricked multiple times because of the fact he's the odd one out of them. 

"It's your fault for looking like dad." Seokjin easily replies and Taehyung indignantly squawks.

"He's not coming, you know. Better keep your phone aside." Namjoon offhandedly comments.

"What do you know? He's my soulmate." Taehyung spits back and storms out of the living room.

"He'd be here if he gives a fuck about you!" Namjoon screams after him and Taehyung lets out a loud, albeit muffled scream in retaliation.

Namjoon fumes, and huffs out a breath. Jungkook holds his chin and turns his face towards him. "What's with the sudden outburst?" He asks.

"He just pisses me off so much." Namjoon rants.

Jungkook tries to hide his surprise, "but he didn't even do anything to you."

"No but he's been texting Jimin nonstop since we got here. He's not coming, there's no point in contacting him any further. Nobody cares about him, not me at least." 

He looks over to Seokjin for assistance but he just rolls his eyes at him and stuffs his mouth with popcorn. He wonders what happened between the two of them.

"Well he wants his friend to be with him, doesn't he? You have Hoseok over, don't you?" Jungkook tries to reason with him.

"Whatever." Namjoon says.

"Cheer up now. How else will you enjoy the movie?" Jungkook pecks him on the mouth several times until he's loosened up and giggling.

"Daily reminder that couples are disgusting." Hoseok boos at them.

"I think it's just them that's disgusting. Look at them, how sickening." Seokjin pipes in.

"I think they're sweet, revolting, but sweet. At least now we have someone to handle Namjoon's tantrums." Yoongi inputs and Jungkook wonders when he walked back into the living room. He went to order their dinner, saying the omegas become nasty when they're hungry. He might be onto something.

They settle down and put on the movie they spend almost an hour fighting over before they agreed on one. It's snow white and the huntsman. Taehyung returns to the living room when the movie starts, kicking Seokjin away and placing his head on Yoongi's lap. Namjoon cuddles with him for sometime, but he moves over to where Hoseok is and lies on top of him. They mutter and whisper throughout the movie no matter how much Seokjin shushes them and throws popcorn at them. 

The movie night ends somewhere around 11:30 pm. Hoseok isn't leaving yet and Taehyung is spending the night there. Jungkook and Namjoon bid them farewell and take their leave. When they're at the parking garage of the apartment building, however, Namjoon lets out a strangled noise and rushes over to a black Toyota Camry and kicks the tire. "Unbelievable! He made it to the apartment building but refused to go up?" He frantically looks around, then suddenly trots over to Jungkook's car. "Whatever, I don't care."

They drive home in relative silence, Namjoon's scent is normal and doesn't reveal what he's feeling, but somehow Jungkook feels on edge. "Did you have a dispute with Jimin?" He decides to just ask straight away

"Why would you think it's me that he's fighting with?" Namjoon skillfully evades his question with his own.

"No reason at all." Jungkook gives up, if Namjoon wants to discuss the matter with him, he will. 

When they return to their home, Jungkook is the last one to use the shower, as usual. He dresses up in his pajamas and comes back into to their bedroom.

"—made him cry, you piece of shit. You better keep avoiding me, because if I see you, I'm setting you and your Chanel shirts and Chelsea boots on fire." Namjoon abruptly locks his phone and throws it aside.

"Who was that?" Jungkook asks drying his hair with a towel.

"Nobody." Namjoon replies, picking up his phone and dropping it on the bedside drawer.

Jungkook walks over to the dresser and picks up a lotion to apply to his skin. Whenever his skin dries up, it becomes itchy and irritates him to the point that he has to take a shower again and moisturize it properly. The gifts given to Namjoon by the senator are untouched, right where he left them. When he told Namjoon about them he looked him dead in the eyes and asked, "he told you I'm not talking to him, am I right? But you still accepted his bribe?" So he guesses the Senator is just going to endure the omegas wrath until he decides to forgive him.

He joins Namjoon on the bed, the omega snuggling up to him the moment he's on the bed. "Stop worrying about it, I'm sure everything will sort itself out."

"You make it so hard for me to be difficult." Namjoon whispers to him as rests his face in the column of his neck, rubbing his nose on his scent gland and inhaling his sandalwood scent.

"That's good then, all I want is to make your life easier." Jungkook replies, leaning down to claim Namjoon's lips and it feels like sealing the deal between them. He gets to love, cherish and protect Namjoon in exchange for these private, sacred moments between the two of them. He'll take this over everything the world has to offer to him.

"Good night." Namjoon says and he goes to sleep. 

Jungkook, though, stays up until he's sure Namjoon's asleep, then he mouths the three words that have been haunting him for a while. He'll say them but not now though, later. He glances at the drawer that contains the ominous letter. Much, much later. He turns off the lamp on their bedside drawer and goes to sleep.

 

Congratulations on your wedding, make sure to appreciate my gift because you're on borrowed time. I'll come for it when it ends.

 

A knock makes Jungkook to look up from his screen to the door, "come in."

"Jungkook-sii, you're still here?" Mae asks as she walks into the room.

"Of course. Where else will I be?" Jungkook asks in bewilderment. Did he miss a meeting, maybe?

"You're done with work since 1:00pm today. Don't you think you should go back to your spouse early? Enjoy the day together?" Mae raises her eyebrows in suggestion as she speaks.

"But it's not even two…" the Alpha hesitates, before he finally understands what she's implying.

"That's the good thing about being self-employed, isn't it? You can go back to your spouse and plan a nice little date for yourselves." Mae shyly smiles, giving him a tiny shrug.

"That sounds wonderful." Jungkook tries to contain his grin at the wonderful idea. Namjoon will absolutely love the impromptu date, he knows he hates staying at home, doing nothing. Good thing he's picked out a hobby or two to keep him occupied at home. He stands up and starts to gather his things into his bag. "Thank you for the advice, Mae. You're so useful in more ways than one. Why don't you pack up early too? Spend the rest of the day with your family." Jungkook swiftly makes his way to the elevator, waving Mae good-bye.

"Have a good day sir. I'll see you tomorrow." Mae calls after him.

 

He keeps thinking of where he should take Namjoon to have a good time. Maybe he should let the omega decide, then later at night, they'll go to a cinema and watch a movie. It sounds like a perfect plan already. He arrives home in no time and hastily gets out of the car. "Call up Saem and ask him to park my car in a garage and keep the key with him." He hands his car key to a staff and ascends up the staircase. He climbs to his mother's stairs first to inform her of his arrival. He finds her having her afternoon siesta and she probably won't wake up until three. He power-walks down the stairs and runs up the stairs that lead to his wing.

A staff catches up to him as he's walking through the hallway that leads to his space. "Welcome back sir, should I request the kitchen staff to bring up your lunch?"

"Did Namjoon have his lunch already?" He asks instead. They can eat together if he doesn't, then they'll dress up and go out. Namjoon is going to be super excited, he's probably going to suggest that they go shopping, or the likes. It's all he's been talking about for days now. Hyung, I need new outfits, the ones I have now are too flashy. He wonders of there's a party he wants to attend in the nearby future. Jungkook promised to take him shopping when he's free, of course, since the request doesn't seem urgent.

He knows Namjoon has his own money, but clothes are his responsibility so he's using his money to purchase them. And he doesn't plan to let Namjoon go to the mall on his own, ever since that letter, the alpha has been wary of where Namjoon goes. If he's going alone, without anyone he knows, then Jungkook has to be aware of the place he's going. If he has no idea where the place is or what it's like, then Namjoon isn't going. The omega didn't like that of course, all he did was stink up the room and left it at that. Well, today is good day for him then.

"Master Namjoon is not yet back." The staff replies.

Jungkook straightens up to regard the staff, he isn't informed of this outing, "where did he go?"

"Ah to work of course. Maybe he met traffic on the way, but he's never made it past 2:30pm. If you want to eat together, he'll still make it in time." The staff responds.

"I see, bring up lunch then." Jungkook says, as he pushes the door to the living room open and enters into the room. Of course, it makes sense. Why Namjoon never argued much about staying at home. Why he sometimes ask if he can hangout with some of his friends at a bar, friends Jungkook is not familiar with. Why sometimes he's exhausted when Jungkook returns from work. Why he wakes up randomly at night to watch a movie on his computer. Why he needs outfits that are more mature. All this time, Jungkook has been blind to it. His mother also doesn't know because he comes back before she wakes up from her siesta. Not only that but he uses public transport, exposing himself to whoever wishes to harm him.

Jungkook lies down on their bed, it's hasn't even been made, their scents on the sheets have gone stale. Namjoon isn't in this house since morning. He's been watching Jungkook be an idiot all this time while secretly laughing into his sleeves. He feels as if his consciousness is held by vines in muddy water and he's dragged down to the bottom. He's sinking, sinking, sinking.

A gasp brings makes his eyes snap up to the bedroom door. "You're back, um so." Namjoon gulps, he shakes in his spot. He drops his bag to the side in fear. He's devoid of color and he's emersed in an orange mist. His face looks odd, like it's him, but also, not him. 

"Where did you go?" The voice sounds foreign to his ears, his vision is foggy and unreliable. The objects surrounding him can't seem to choose a shape, from one thing to another.

"Calm down, okay. I went home to see Appa—"

"Where did you go?!" 

Namjoon flinches when Jungkook raises his voice.

"No where. I'm right here, I stayed where you told me to. I didn't go anywhere." He keeps shrinking more and more as Jungkook stalks up to him. He appears to be rooted to the spot.

"You dare lie to me when you went to work? You go out everyday to mingle with people when you know someone is a threat to you out there. You use public transport, where you can be easily kidnapped. You disobey my simple order, every single day!" Jungkook screams at him.

"Well what do you want me to do?! Stay here in this hellhole and do nothing every single day until I die of boredom?!"

"Yes, you goddamn child! You stay here in this house and die of boredom if you have to. Get it into your stupid omegan brain."

Namjoon slaps him. Colors and sound come back to Jungkook, the objects have finally come back to their shape and remain still. "Fuck. You." And even though the words were whispered, they are the loudest ones that have been spoken ever since they've begun their fight. 

When the world becomes steady enough for Jungkook to move his feet without faceplanting, Namjoon has disappeared. He hears the bathroom door slam loudly. He covers his eyes with his hand, letting out a groan that sounds like something  is facing it's death and walks back to the bed and lies down on it. That ended up being disastrous, Jungkook can complain that he had lost control somewhere in the beginning, but he's not even sure he's been in control at all. He breathes in and out to dispell the remaining rage that's residing inside him.

When Namjoon cools down and comes out of the bathroom, they'll have a conversation on trust and boundaries. They'll revisit their rules and make new ones. He turns to his side an breathed out, today feels unreal, unbelievable. He's so disappointed in himself, all these years that he's been trying to control his anger have gone down the drain.

He thought he was in control of himself and his alpha more, but it seems he's just been deceiving himself this whole time. His alpha was merely sleeping, not tamed, he understands that now. No wonder Namjoon had been so scared when he saw him, his eyes have gone alpha gold. How did things go from good to worse in such a short amount of time? When he turns to his other side, he realizes he's being waken up by his alarm. He's the only one on the bed when he scans the room. He walks out to the living room but there's no one there. He walks to the bathroom but it's occupied. It seems Namjoon will need more time to cool off.

Jungkook picks out his outfit for the day, takes his phone, his wallet, his accessories and briefcase then he walks out of his wing, locking the entrance door with a key. He goes downstairs and uses to guest bathroom. He eats his breakfast in the dining table and calls a staff when he's done.

"This is the key to my wing, you unlock it only when you take Namjoon his meals before I return. Tell the guards to stand by my bedroom window, make sure he doesn't leave like he did last time." He gives his instructions very clearly, even as the face of the staff keeps paling with shock. He gets up and leaves for work in a sullen mood.

•••

He drives straight to the blue villa when he is done with work for the day.

"Yes I'm aware he goes to work. Yoongi got it for him." Alpha Kim sighs as he crosses one leg on top of the other.

"And did you know he did all of this behind my back?" Jungkook asks cradling the teacup in his hands. His tea has already gone cold, but he just wants to do something with his hand.

"I don't know. It's Namjoon we're talking about, he lets you know only what he wants you to know."

"But I found out about his job." Jungkook argues.

"Well you can't not know forever. You just knew sooner that he'd like, probably. But now that you know, what do you plan on doing?" Alpha Kim asks, his gaze becomes sharper with the question.

"What would you do if it was you? No, just humor me." Jungkook insists as he places his teacup back on the saucer and pins Alpha Kim with his gaze.

"Well, for now, I think Namjoon should pause his career, since it's the reason both of you are currently charged up. Then you two need to discuss your way around the issue, properly this time. Include your guardians when the time comes, to make sure it goes a bit more smoothly. If things still don't settle, then you need to resort to contract to reach an agreement." Alpha Kim tells him.

"Well to begin with, I don't think Namjoon is going to resign from work. So I might need to know his place of work." Jungkook begins.

"Jungkook," Alpha Kim sighs, weariness lacing his words, "Namjoon works part-time in a Capstone Academy here in Songpa-gu. It's a private school, and he works with preschoolers. His schedule is very flexible since he isn't assigned a classroom. He just reads to the toddlers and helps out the other teachers when necessary. He's not even putting his degree to good use considering the places he could apply to, he just needs to get out of the house and do something. The school has very good security considering that it's a private school, especially the toddler's section. He goes to the school by 10:00am and is done by 2:00pm. He spends only four hours outside the house. Please, think carefully about your next decision."

Jungkook's jaw clenches in distaste as he thinks of what to do next. "I've already thought of what to do. I'll take my leave."

"Jungkook." Alpha Kim calls out to him. "Remember, no one cares for Namjoon-ah more than I do, more than his family does. Yet I still let him go out to the world filled with malicious people with the hope that the world will bring him back to me safe and sound. Just because the wrong person has taken a fancy to him, doesn't mean he gets to stop living his life because of that."

"If he keeps going to work, he's going to face a bigger threat; my father. For he has broken the pack rules."

"Good, those medieval rules should stop existing at this time of age. I did not raise my child for his life to be squandered by the likes of your father. I've transferred my responsibilities to you, protect him from any harm because if you can't, then I will have to step up. Finally, I will once again, implore you to think carefully about your next course of action. Have a good trip home." Alpha Kim stands up and walks out of the drawing room with those final words.

Jungkook is at a loss of what to do. His marriage has reached crossroads at its infantile stage, the two choices present to him are both equally horrible. What a dilemma. He gathers himself and stands up to leave the blue villa. He drives home while weaving numerous thoughts in his head, yet when he arrives, his mind is still unclear on his next course of action. He goes to this mother first, as he always does.

"The staff said the food they brought up to Namjoon was untouched today, is he home or did he go out and forget to tell them he's out?" His mother asks immediately after exchanging pleasantries with her.

"He's at home today."

"Is he not feeling good? I tried to go and see him but the door was locked and there was no answer when I knocked." She frowns, her petrichor scent becomes turbid with concern.

"He's…, we're currently having some issues. I wouldn't know how to explain it any further." Jungkook tells her. He does want to say more, yet the words are stuck to the roof of his mouth and refuse to come loose. He's afraid of how she'll act, when she hears the reason they are in a conflict. 

"Oh, I see. If things drag on without you two finding any resolution, I hope you'll reach out." She offers, drumming her fingers on her knees. 

"Of course, Eomeoni. Have a good night." He gets up to leave.

"And you." She replies just as he closes the door.

 

He unlocks the entrance door and sees that their dinner have already been served. He walks past the living room and goes to their room, Namjoon is not there. He backtracks out of the room and heads straight to the bathroom, it's still locked. "Namjoon, aren't you tired of staying there? Please come out and eat. You haven't eaten all day, I don't want you to get hurt," there's no response. "I've brought chocolate for you, you can eat it, then yell at me all you want."

He stays in front of the door for a while before he realizes that the omega has no intention of coming out. "I'll keep your chocolate on the table and stay out of your way. But please come out and eat." He sighs in defeat, walks back to the living room and puts the chocolate on the table. He eats very little, not having much of an appetite. He sits on the couch, somehow unable to make himself get up and go to the bedroom. He feels like he's stuck, unable to move, afraid of what to do next. Unable to sit back comfortably on the couch, unable to stand up and leave his current position. As a result, he ends up falling asleep awkwardly on the couch.

 

He wakes up empty, shivering from how cold the atmosphere has gotten. He gets up and massages his neck to get rid of the kink that has formed from sleeping on the couch. He scans his environment, the food on the table hasn't been touched but the chocolate is missing. He walks to the bedroom with his hopes high, instead it gets squashed as he meets an empty room. He bumps the back of his head on the wall in frustration, he waits for a moment, then he composes himself and enters into the bedroom. He repeats the same routine for yesterday, with the exception of locking the entrance door. 

As he is driving to work, he gets a sudden impulsive thought. He takes the next right turn and drives to Songpa-gu. He looks put for the signboard of the school he's looking for until he sees it, then he parks his car nearby. He enters into the school through its massive gate, the second one is narrower and there's a guard positioned to it. "name and business." He says, short and clear.

"Jeon Jungkook. I'm here to speak to the principal," he pulls out his ID card and shows it to the guard. The guard scans the ID then places a metal detector on him. When he's satisfied he lets him pass through the gate.

"Do you know which office is his?" He shakes his head in answer. "It's the first one by your right." The guard calls after him and directs him to the office.

Jungkook sees the office, it has the word 'principal' boldly written on top of the door. He enters and sees a young man behind a desk typing on his computer. Further into the room, there's another door that's labeled 'principal's office'. "Hello. How can I help you?" He asks as he looks up and sees Jungkook.

"I'm here to see the principal." Jungkook replies and breathes out to dispel the jitters in his limbs.

"Of course, can I have a name and reason for visiting? Enquiry, complaint, or enrollment?" The man asks, tearing a paper off a memo pad.

"Enquiry, I suppose. The name's Jeon Jungkook." 

"Of course, please take a seat and wait a bit." The man says and gets up to knock on the door and turns the handle to enter into the room. He comes out moments later and signals for him to enter. "The principal will see you."

Jungkook nods his head and enters the office. A middle-aged man is sitting behind a desk and is sorting papers on the desk. "Good morning, Jeon Jungkook-sii. I am Principal Han. Please sit down and tell me how I can help you on this wonderful day." 

"Good morning. I'm here because of my spouse, Kim Namjoon." 

"Ah, Namjoon. I see, give me a moment, let me confirm something." He puts on his glasses and glides his finger on the pad of his laptop. He takes a minute before he hums in acknowledgement. "I see, I see. Jeon Jungkook, spouse of Kim Namjoon. He's been absent for two days now without contacting anyone, I hope all is going well."

"Of course, he's been battling a fever and he's absolutely upset that he's unable to come." Jungkook tightens his hold on his knee and tries to will his voice cracks away.

"That's bad, that's bad. I pray for his quick recovery." The principal tusses.

"I'm here to report his reason for absence and of course, make some adjustments." Jungkook says. This is it, there's no going back after this one.

"Well, I'm all ears."

•••

He goes back home much later than he does because he stays in his office to make up for the hours he spent in the academy. He goes to his mother's wing first, as usual. He thought that he'll be ready, or have  some kind of revelation announcing it's a good time to tell her what has been going on with Namjoon. She takes one look at him and knows that they are going to discuss something serious. He waits for her to sit before he begins.

"These two days we've been having a conflict with Namjoon, it's about something that I thought would be too early to have a disagreement over." He keeps his breathing steady and steels himself for the next part. "He's been talking about having pups."

His mother's eyes bulge out of their sockets and she holds onto her the fabric of her dress. "Pups? But does he know you can't give him any at the moment?" She replies in incredulity.

"Of course. But as expected he didn't take that well. I suggested that we adopt," his mother almost doubled over to the floor because of how much she flinches, "but he showed aggression at the prospect of having someone's pup in his space. So I thought of the only option I have, I got him a job as a kindergarten teacher."

"Dead Lord!" His mother exclaims and shoots up from the chair. "Have you gone mad?! What if your father hears of this? He'll murder you on the spot!" She panics, covering her face with both palms as if she's praying.

Jungkook of course shares the sentiment, however, his relationship with Namjoon is already faltering. They haven't even gotten far and there are already cracks in it, he's just trying to save it before it breaks and becomes irreparable. "He might, but I won't go down easily. I refuse to live the life of a coward anymore. I get to decide how my spouse lives, and I want him to be happy. He has no right to tell me what to do or not do in my marriage or my life. My spouse is closer to me than he is, so I shall put him first."

His mother doesn't do much for a while, he waits for her breathing to come back to normal. "Well," she sniffs, "I guess it's about time things start to change in our lives."

"I thought the same too." He comes closer to her and embraces her. "It's okay, Eomeoni. Calm down. Why don't I put you to bed?"

She only nods, then lets him lead her to bed and tucks her in when she gets under the sheets. "You have my support and my blessings." She rasps, looking up at him as if she's seeing someone else.

"Thank you, have a good night." He says, switching off the lights in her bedroom. He walks out with determined steps, there's no way in hell he's dragging her into this fight that he's started. She's going to stay oblivious for as long as possible. Jungkook is going to face his father's wrath alone.

When he arrives at his quarters, he walks straight to the bathroom. The door is locked, as he expected but it doesn't make him any less disappointed. He lets him be, if the staff had informed his mother Namjoon didn't eat, she would've said something when he went to talk to her. He changes into his pajamas and climbs up to the bed that now feels foreign to him without Namjoon in it. He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

•••

There's a whine, then a sob. Then waves and waves of sadness and something bitter coating the air, making it impossible to breathe. Jungkook changes sides and burrows deeper into the sheets. But a whine wakes him up properly. His alpha is agitated, trashing wilding in his mind. Go, go, go to him! He stands up and carefully makes his way to the living room, where the bitter scent and whimpers are coming from. He sees Namjoon, lying down on the couch with his knees brought up in a fetal position.

Jungkook approaches him and crouches down next to him. He runs his fingers through his hair to see how Namjoon will react, the omega only looks up at him. "There, there. It's okay now, Yeobo. I got you." He fully caresses him, to calm him down. Namjoon is shivering underneath his palm and Jungkook realizes just how out of it he is.

"It's okay, I'm here now I'll take care of you." He carries Namjoon in his arm, but the omega shifts and wraps his legs around his torso and his arms around his shoulder. Jungkook carries him to the bathroom this way. He struggles to start a bath with Namjoon wrapped around him and manages to regulate the temperature of the water without tumbling into the tub together with the omega. When the volume of the water is enough he gently strips the omega and places him in the tub. Scooping water and dumping it on his head. He applies shampoo to his hair and washes it off immediately so that it doesn't run down into Namjoon's eyes.

"Give me your leg." He instructs as he finishes scrubbing his back and torso. Namjoon glares at him, but he raises a leg towards Jungkook. Jungkook grabs the leg and scrubs it. He takes the other one as the omega raises it up and he scrubs it too. "Do you need to use the bathroom?" Namjoon shakes his head. Jungkook picks him up and makes him stand as goes to pick up a towel and comes back to wrap the omega in it. He picks him up again and stares at the Omega who is already looking at him. He drops him on the bed, and opens the bedside drawer and takes out chocolate and unwraps it before he hands it to him. Namjoon accepts the chocolate and takes a bite. Jungkook walks to his closet to pull out some old pajamas of his when Namjoon suddenly bursts into tears and succumbs to hysteria. He panics and runs back to his side. 

"You were so mean to me! You yelled at me and you hurt me!" He screams so loud that his chewed chocolate is visible on his molars.

"I know, I'm sorry Jagiya, I've been bad. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"You said I wouldn't go to work, then you locked me up in here and left me alone. You also called me a stupid omega!" He wails, tears endlessly streaming down his face.

"I'm sorry, Jagiya, I'm so sorry. Look at me, see, I'm miserable without you. Alpha is miserable without you. I'm sorry I was mean to you, I'm sorry I hurt you. I'll do whatever you want from now on. I'll take care of you properly."

"You were supposed to be better than the others. I chose you because you were good." Namjoon says and Jungkook's spirit crumbles and breaks. What the fuck is wrong with him? Jeon Jungkook, you had one job. He had one job and he ended up hurting his omega to the point he's fallen into a subspace, when he had sworn to take care of him.

"I'm sorry," he chokes. "I'm sorry I disappointed you, I'll do better from now on. You'll go back to work any day you want to. You can go anywhere you want to. I won't stop you anymore." He embraces the omega and rocks them back and forth until the omega's sobs have quietened down and he lets out only hiccups. Namjoon whines when Jungkook lets him go and he is quick to reassure him, "it's okay, I'm just getting water for you, okay? You need to drink it before you sleep."

He rushes to the hallway and fetches water from the dispenser, then he rushes back to the room and places the cup in the omega's hand. "Be good and drink this up, okay?" He picks up the pajamas, accepts the empty cup, keeps it aside then helps Namjoon into the pajamas.

"I'm sorry for being stupid and hurting your feelings. I'll do better, okay? I'll be the best alpha to you from today. Let's go to bed now, we'll talk about it more, in the morning." 

Namjoon nods and lies down on the bed. Jungkook gets up to switch off the light and comes back to bed. Namjoon wraps himself around him as he immediately climbs on the bed, legs hanging low on his hips. He struggles to find the sheets and drag them up to cover them. Then he searches for Namjoon's face and brings it closer to his. "My prettiest omega. The best omega there is. My love, my soul, my heart. That's right. He's the best boy out there. Did I mention he's the prettiest? And so hardworking, my hardworking prince. As beautiful as a flower, his fragrance is like petals." He ends each statement with a kiss to the omega's lips. "His scent is like a flower that is blooming in the spring. You have the best scent though, don't you?"

"I do." Namjoon quietly agrees. His scent turns sweet with each kiss.

"You're better than any flower, aren't you? Why don't you bloom for me?" Jungkook is assaulted by the sweetest scent of vanilla walnut as he shuts his mouth and he properly connects his mouth to the omega's.

"Alpha," Namjoon heaves, "I'm sorry. I've been a bad boy. I hit you,"

"No you're the best boy, Yeobo. I hurt you first, I'm sorry." Jungkook holds him closer until their bodies are flushed together. Then he kisses him until he can no longer taste the chocolate stuck to his teeth. He wraps his tongue around Namjoon's and sucks out the sweetest whines from him. Namjoon keens and his body limps back further into the sheets. Jungkook follows him and connects their lips again. I love you, he thinks. I will do anything for you. I'd give anything to you. I'd worship you. They fall asleep with their lips still connected.

•••

Jungkook wakes up when his alarm clock rings. He takes his phone and turns it off then goes back to bed. When he stirs, he feels pecks being placed on his face but he's too tired to open his eyes and he ends up falling back to sleep. He wakes up again, but the bed feels empty. He pats around for Namjoon, but there is no one there. After what feels like an eternity, he hears someone slide up to his side and holds him, "shhh I'm here." He smells meat and spices on him. After that there's a hazy moment, where he's not sure if he's awake or if he's dreaming, he keeps staring at Namjoon and the other is staring back at him. "You're no longer afraid of me?" He hears himself say.

"You wouldn't hurt me." He hears the reply then everything goes dark. When he wakes up again, it's morning and an unfamiliar alarm is blaring. 

"Namjoon, aren't you going to work today?" He asks, a yawn barely letting him complete his sentence. He feels the omega shoot out of bed and there's a series of clattering around him, before someone hurriedly kisses his eyelid.

"I'm super late, I gotta go, see you. Bye!" He hears before he hears some thumping and a clatter. "I'm okay!" The omega calls back. Then there's the sound of a door opening and slamming shut. 

Jungkook wakes up an hour later and gets ready for work. He ended up sleeping through the previous day. It's probably the effects of Namjoon falling into a subspace that unsettles him also. His mind is still hazy as he does his work. He makes Mae get him coffee to drink with the hope that it'll make him more alert. It works a bit, but he stops fighting his fatigue and takes a nap until 1:00pm. 

He walks out to his building and drives to Capstone Academy, he arrives around 1:40pm, then he waits. By 2:00pm the teachers have started to walk out of the gates. Namjoon comes out with a blonde woman holding onto his arm. Both of them are looking around until the woman spots Jungkook in his car and taps Namjoon's shoulder then pointed in his direction. Namjoon nods at her, then she whispers something to him, waves and runs off after some of the teachers that have started walking in another direction. 

Namjoon walks towards the cars and peers through the window, "it's really you." He gushes.

"Of course, who else would it be?" Jungkook teases as he watches Namjoon to go around the car to reach the passenger side door and get into the car. 

"I was surprised when the guard said my husband told me to wait for him and that he's picking me up. I thought there was a misunderstanding." He sinks into the seat with his thighs pressed to each other and a flush prominent on his cheeks.

"No, it's me. So how was your day?" Jungkook asks as he drives them out of the area.

"It was, phenomenal. I felt like I changed bodies with someone and I might change anytime soon." He breathes out, he rests his head on the seat and tilts his head to look at Jungkook.

"It's yours to have, for as long as you want it." The Alpha replies, heart thundering in his chest from the way Namjoon keeps staring at him.

Namjoon smiles in answer, and he doesn't stop smiling until Jungkook pulls up in their compound. "Go on, get inside. I'll see you after work."

"Okay," Namjoon drags himself forward and places a kiss on his cheek. Then he gets out of the car and closes the door. 

Jungkook watches him until he's safely in the house, then he reverses out of the compound and goes back to work.

Jungkook wakes up to the sound of chewing nearby. He turns and sees Namjoon on the bed, in an old white shirt that is falling down one shoulder, white shorts that have ridden up to expose his inner thighs. He's eating sugar, in their bed. It's a Saturday and they've both had a hectic week, but of course his husband is an early bird that doesn't sleep in, even during the weekend.

"Sugar? Really?" He croaks, his voice stuck in his throat.

"I'm hungry, okay. I'm a hungry, hungry omega. I need my sweets to function properly." Namjoon retorts and aggressively chomps down a spoonful of his sugar.

"I am waking up to the sight of my husband eating sugar in bed. This is not a normal household occurrence." Jungkook complains. My husband, that will never get old, not any time soon anyway.

"Well I'm not a normal omega, now am I? Where the hell did you think all that sweet slick came from? My heart?" Namjoon snorts into his spoon and the sugar particles spread out on the sheets. Jungkook sighs and turns away from him. They're going to change the sheets today, because Namjoon, that sneaky little shit is not going to sleep on that side of the bed when night comes. He's going to snag Jungkook's clean side and make the alpha roll on the sticky side of the sheets. He starts to drift off into sleep, when the omega clambers on top of him. "No, don't go back to sleep, I need to go shopping today." Namjoon whines right in his ear.

"We can do that later, Namjoon stop being ridiculous please. I need to sleep." Jungkook chides.

"But you slept early yesterday, and I know you took a nap because you came back home energetic." Namjoon shoots back.

"Namjoon, you have a job where you handle toddlers. I saw you making notes even yesterday, you ought to be exhausted. You should rest today, please. We'll go tomorrow, let's sleep now."

"No way, if tomorrow comes you'll say we'll go Monday and the circle will never end. Besides, I have to go shopping today!" Namjoon shakes him frantically.

"Fine, fine. We'll go later then."

"No, it takes forever for us to get ready and I want to be done with it as soon as possible."

"It can wait, please just give me one hour, I'll get up after that." 

"By one hour you would've been too deep into sleep and then it'll be impossible to wake you up."

"What do you even need to buy that's making you all whiny?"

"It's your birthday present! Okay, you jerk, I need to buy presents for you."

"You're taking me to shop for my birthday presents?" Jungkook asks, eyes shot open in incredulity.

"Well yeah, you're staying out of the store, obviously. And I'll come out and pretend none of that happened." Namjoon replies.

"You don't really have to, I don't even celebrate birthdays."

"I don't give a flying fuck if you don't celebrate birthdays, I will do as I damned please in this mad house." Jungkook hears the man's voice fade away as he quietly drifts back to sleep. "I cannot believe you went back to sleep while I was talking, you asshole." He startles when he's whacked with a pillow. Well, so much for resting on a Saturday

 

He finds himself outside a clothing store of Lotte Mall two hours later. Namjoon had snatched his card with two fingers and a thank you very much, then he waltz into the store alone. He catches a few glimpses of him when he walks his field of vision. Somehow, he had acquired a staff that was holding a basket already filled with items in it. If it had been anyone, it would have been a sore sight for Jungkook, because Namjoon looks like those vain rich brats that make an employee's job even harder. Except the staff looks so damn thrilled to be doing the work. He looks perfectly content with holding the basket for Namjoon, and every time the omega adds something to the basket he grins wide enough to show his teeth. Jungkook rolls his eyes, his suffering is well deserved.

He's not the only one that's looking though, as soon as Namjoon danced into the store Jungkook noticed how everyone's gaze gravitated towards him. Men and women, regardless of subgender. None approaches him, as far as Jungkook can see anyway. Not when he's reeking of Jungkook's sandalwood scent and the wedding ring that firmly sits on his ring finger. Namjoon comes out of the store with a shopping bag in hand, either he's oblivious to the stares or he doesn't care about it, but he looks utterly unbothered. The rest of the shopping bags are held by the employee. "Can you please keep these with you, I need to check out other stores." 

Jungkook wordlessly accepts the bag from both Namjoon and the employee. Namjoon walks into a jewelry store with the employee trailing behind. The alpha stands there in astonishment, isn't the guy an employee of another store? Why is he following him to the next one? Whatever. He shrugs his shoulders and decides that leaning on the glass railing is not a good choice, considering Namjoon is just getting started with the shopping. 

He walks a bit further and finds a circular bench with a few men already sitting on it. He takes a seat and pulls out his phone to go through the news. He is startled when he sees more bags dropped next to the previous ones. He looks up and locks eyes with Namjoon's, full grin displayed on his face, "hey there handsome."

"Hello. You look like you're having fun." Jungkook comments as he arranges the bags together.

"I am, I'll just check out a few more shops and then we can go." Namjoon says, then he waves at Jungkook and goes back to the employee. 

Jungkook can feel the attention of the man next to him, he's probably wondering what his relationship with the omega is. He ignores him, simply watches his husband talk animatedly with the employee, gaining the attention of passersby. The whole situation is kind of amusing, because Namjoon isn't even dressed up. He simply wore a yellow dress shirt tucked up in mom jeans, he accessorized with a simple chain around his neck and wrist. But the way people stare, you'd think that he's an idol and they're all trying to remember where they've seen him before.

Jungkook imagines himself in their situation, he comes to the mall for some reason and ends up seeing this beautiful omega on the way, talking too loud while having the most beautiful smile on his face, he'd probably stop and stare too. The employee points to a cosmetic store, then he and Namjoon walk into the store and a handful of people trail behind him, none brave enough to follow him into the store though. Huh, is this what Namjoon's friends call the shadows? The entity of secret admirers that have been captivated by Namjoon? He wonders, if he didn't marry Namjoon, if he'd watch him like that too. Helpless to the swarm of admirers that follow the omega wherever he goes, waiting for a chance, or luck to be picked amongst the crowd. What an ugly thought that is.

Namjoon comes out of the store with three bags held in his hands, the employee comes out with nothing in hand this time. Jungkook rests his chin on his hand and watches him, helpless to his charms. Namjoon is beautiful, captivating, he talks with his whole body, and his smile seems to breathe air into your soul and make you feel lighter. He's just so…alive. Like he's the embodiment of what life is and what it ought to be, no wonder someone wants to steal him all for himself. Jungkook wonders if he'll be any better if he was in that situation.

Something strange or magical—to be more accurate—happens next. Namjoon stops talking and then he turns towards Jungkook. His smile and his waves, they're for him. When he starts walking, it's towards him he's walking, with his shopping bags. He's mine, he has that epiphany in an instant, right in the public. Others will look at him, love him, want him, but they'll keep their distance. Because Namjoon is his, his, his. "I'm done! Get up, let's go."

Jungkook stands up on weak knees and pockets his phone. He starts to gather the bags on the floor when Namjoon barrels into him, his shoulders shaking with giggles. "What is it?" Jungkook asks, steadying the omega so he won't topple to the ground. 

"Nothing, I'm just so happy today."

Jungkook kisses him, deep and searching. He's beautiful and so full of life and he's mine. Mine, mine, mine. 

"Hyung," Namjoon draws out as he pulls away. "Not here, okay? Look, everyone's looking at us."

Let them look, he thinks, that's all they'll ever have. He picks up the bags and Namjoon carries some with him. He suddenly remembers the employee that's with them, he looks around and he doesn't see him. "Where's the man that's with you?"

"Oh, I'm done shopping so he went back. He was very nice, so I made sure I paid him generously." 

Jungkook scoffs, he probably walked away to tend to his broken heart, probably. They struggle through the crowd with their bags and make it to their car heaving with exertion. "What did you even buy?"

"A lot of stuff. So your present will get lost in the list of items in the receipts. Can you drive me to Montblanc next, please. I have one more thing I need to buy." One more thing ended up being, Hyung, please stop by Sephora, Hyung! Toy R us, Hyung! I want lunch. 

•••

Jungkook's birthday is uneventful, he goes to work, it's on Tuesday after all. And when he drives back home he goes out to dinner with his siblings, mother and Namjoon at a restaurant. When they are done, they all go back to Jungkook's residence and have a nice chat while sipping on a Pinot noir Jungkook is given as a birthday present at work.

"You've started working?" Heejin repeats after Namjoon's story, putting her glass down.

"Yeah, I started a few days ago." Namjoon answers with so much ease that Jungkook's impressed.

"That's awesome, what's it like being with other people in the office? I'm starting my job next month and I'm so nervous that my husband threw me out of the room twice because I've been stinking up our bedroom." Heejin easily replies, like she didn't mention that she also broke the rule of the pact. 

Jungkook puts his glass down, his mother mirroring his actions. "Jae-sung," she calls, "are you aware of this?"

"Of course, Eomeoni." Jae-sung swiftly answers, and even though he tries to sound indifferent, there's an undertone of worry in his voice.

"And your Abeoji, is he…also aware?" Their mother asks in a tiny, shrill voice.

"Probably. But what does it matter? We're the future of the pack, we get to make the rules. The company is already under me, the pack will be under my leadership too, no better time to start making changes than the present." And this is what Jungkook hates about Jae-sung. He's the first child, an alpha, the heir. Their father's attention is on him, yet it is Jungkook that suffers the consequences of his actions. It's like he's a spare, a punching bag for his father to take his anger out on since his father can't touch the precious, precious heir. As a result, Jae-sung does anything he wants with no fear, because he faces zero consequences of that action. But Jungkook, he can't even make an attempt.

Namjoon catches his eyes over the conversation, then he smiles to reassure him. He turns back to Heejin and holds her hand. "Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm just a preschool teacher. I do meet up with other teachers in the staff room but they're mostly older people and omegas. So, I'm afraid I have no tips for you." He drains his wine in one gulp and puts his glass down. "Let's talk about you though. Where do you work? In your family's company?"

"Oh, no. She said she wants experience first before she comes to work with me, so she applied for a job in another company." Jae-sung answers the question and the conversation changes course immediately, the tension in the room finally diffuses.

The tense atmosphere has already taken a toll on his mother, so Jungkook takes her to her room to put her to bed. When he comes back down he sees Jae-sung and Namjoon deep in a serious conversation. When his brother sees him, he says his farewell and stands up. "I believe it's time for me to go." 

"Ah, I need you to drop me at home tonight." Heejin says as she picks up her coat and they both leave the house.

After his nightly routine, Jungkook sits on the carpet and starts opening his presents one after the other. Namjoon got him shoes and a Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie—Dual Time. The rest of all that shopping was for Namjoon, he got himself snacks, jewelry, outfits, shoes and makeup.

"There's one more." Namjoon laughs and points at a big red box that's a bit further from them. Jungkook drags the box towards him and unwraps it, a big pink bunny sits in the box and stares back at him. He laughs, suddenly understanding why Namjoon finds the situation hilarious.

"There is," Namjoon drags him to bed and kisses him until he's breathless, "the bunny smile."

•••

A few days to Namjoon's birthday, Jungkook asks him if he'd like to throw the party in the blue villa, which the omega is strongly appreciative for from the way he rides him that morning. When Jungkook comes out of shower Namjoon is dressed up for work and is waiting for him on the bed so they'll have breakfast together and leave for work. "Do you still want ice sculptures?" Jungkook asks, sitting on bed to put on his socks.

Namjoon puts his phone down and regards Jungkook carefully. "What ice sculptures?"

"Well you demanded some for your graduation party, I thought you'd want one now." Jungkook replies, confused. And the omega also looks confused.

"What the hell? How did you know that? Did Taehyung run his mouth? That fucker." 

"No, I was there when you screamed the whole house down, actually." Jungkook says, feeling a bit evil but not trying to be obvious. He bites his lips to stop a smile from forming.

Namjoon cringes, his entire face flushes with embarrassment. He swiftly picks up a pillow and jumps on top of Jungkook, struggling to suffocate him with it. "Let go, let go! I'm trying to suffocate you here." Namjoon grunts as he tries to escape from Jungkook's grip.

"Namjoon please, I don't want to have wrinkles on my clothes!" Jungkook yelps, his laughter stops him from being able to restrain Namjoon properly.

"No way, this is a secret that will die with you." Namjoon pouts and slumps on his chest, peering at him from underneath his eyelashes.

"My lips are sealed, I won't tell anyone about it. Deal?" Jungkook gives him his hand to shake.

"Take it to your grave." The omega huffs, blowing his hot breath on Jungkook's chin. He gives up too easily, bringing his hand to shake Jungkook's and the alpha swoops down and captures his lips with his to seal the deal.

Namjoon gets off him and tries to straighten his outfits. Jungkook gets up too, the shirt can be managed, but his slacks are completely wrinkled. He hastily picks another one from his closet to change into them and goes out to the living room to eat breakfast and leave for work.

"I think you should leave for home today." He suggests it when he's driving Namjoon to work.

"But it's only Thursday, and my birthday is on Saturday. Why do I need to go home so early?" The omega asks, his eyes round with surprise. He looks ridiculous, there are a few strands of hair standing up on their own, resembling a sprout and a smudge of chocolate on the corner of his lips.

"Don't tell anyone I told you this." Jungkook whispers conspicuously, internally laughing at the bullshit he's going to articulate. He glances at Namjoon and he sees that he's already looking at him with rapt attention. Good. "They're planning a themed party as a surprise. Last time I heard, they're trying to settle on a clown theme." 

"Clown theme?!" Namjoon screeches, shooting up erect on his seat.

"Eun. I told them it might upset you and they said that they only want you to be surprised." Jungkook keeps his gaze on the road and patiently waits for Namjoon to say something.

"But I hate surprises. They're going to ruin my birthday party? No way, not on my watch." Namjoon harrumps, arms crossed and scent spiced up with anger. 

"That's why I suggested you go there and supervise. They won't do anything drastic when you're around." 

"Damn right they won't!" Bingo.

He drops Namjoon at the gate of his school and gets a sweet kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for watching out for me."

Jungkook smiles wide and nods in response. "I'll tell Saem to get the car ready for you when you get back. I'll come straight to the blue villa when I'm done with work."

"But, isn't that too early?" Namjoon falters, shoulders slump and his expression portrays uncertainty.

"Well they're already planning to start preparation today, don't you think it's better to go early?" 

"I don't know, maybe the clown theme won't be so bad," Namjoon looks at him, his eyes filled with something that fills Jungkook with apprehension, and with hope, strangely. Why don't you want to go? Why the sudden change of heart? Is it me? Do you not wish to leave me?

"You don't want to go?" Jungkook hesitantly asks, feeling like they've stepped into an unfamiliar territory. And this moment can take them a few steps forward or take them a few steps back.

There's an urgency in Namjoon's eyes after he says that, his breath visibly hitches. "I don't know. It just seems a bit extreme to go home and spend the night there just so they wouldn't throw a party. I'd rather stay cuddled up in bed with you while eating chocolate."

The honesty hits Jungkook harder than he thought. He doesn't know what to do. Maybe give up the gift, get him a different one, or somehow finish the work in a day. But something nags at him, something he wants to confirm. "What if I come with you?"

Namjoon's mood made a 180° shift. "Best idea ever! We'll have sleepovers, watch scary movies, and prepare for my birthday together! Yes, that's perfect!" Jungkook gets an armful of the omega and before he could react he's being kissed within an inch of his life. "Aigo, I gotta go. But I'll call Appa and tell I'm bringing you along for a sleepover. He's going to hate it, it's brilliant!" Namjoon kisses him again, "I'll pack our bags before you return," he gushes against his lips, then he all but runs into the school gate.

Jungkook sits there in a daze, trying to process the emotions that are abuzz within him. Namjoon wants him, everytime he gets reminded of this, he feels breathless. He feels like he fell asleep in his office after he came back from Yeosu and is dreaming everything up. Please don't be a dream, he prays. And if it is, please don't make me wake up. Namjoon wants him, he repeats to himself, engulfed in a cloud of euphoria. He looks at himself in this mirror, he has a sickening smile plastered on his face. He carries that smile to work.

•••

He takes out his phone to check the time but there's already an incoming call displayed on his screen, it's Namjoon that's calling. There's already an icon of a missed call on his notification bar. A quick thought comes to him, he wonders if he gets off early from work. He walks out of their bedroom, and goes downstairs with the hope that Namjoon won't hear the sound of their bedroom being renovated. Or maybe Jungkook will tell him he's at a construction site if he asks. "Hello."

"Hey, hyung. You said you were coming to pick me up but you're still not here. Did you get stuck in traffic?" 

Jungkook feels his fight or flight response activate. What an unusual thing for Namjoon to say, because they didn't have such a conversation at all and Namjoon's tone sounds normal, yet also, odd. "I'm on my way, stay put."

"Okay, please be quick, I'm super hungry." 

Jungkook barely lets Namjoon finish before he's rushing out of the house and into his car. He tries so hard to not break any traffic law, if he gets pulled over, Namjoon will have to wait some more. The only way to get to Namjoon quickly is to drive reasonably. He repeats this to himself over and over again. When he pulls over to the gates of the school, he sees Senator Baek also pulling over.

"Jungkook-sii. You're here? Well, where's Namjoon?" He frantically says in lieu of greeting.

"What are you doing here?" Jungkook asks, a bit dubious. Why would the Senator come to the school? What is happening?

"Yes, apparently around 1:00pm a person came to the school premises—armed and demanding for Namjoon to come out of the school. So they're calling parents and guardians to come and pick up their kids. And for the omega teachers, they're also calling guardians to come for them. They said they couldn't reach you so they contacted the next of Kin." 

Jungkook frowns, he unlocks his phone and checks his call logs. There were missed calls from an unknown number before Namjoon started calling. "I was at work so I couldn't hear my ringtone. Did they divulge anything about the person? Shouldn't they call the police first, get the perimeter secured before letting anyone come into the premises?" What a crude and illogical action they took. What if the person takes a parent as a hostage, there are so many ways things can go wrong.

"The person ran away immediately after threatening the teacher that came out. I was told that the teacher ran back into the school and when the security came out of the school he was missing. Listen, why don't you go pick up Namjoon-ah and take him home. I'll feel better if he's out of this environment, safely. I'll go and discuss with the principal on what actions they're going to take after this, because this is such a weak and unacceptable performance. If my godchild is going to work here then I'd rather know he will be safe and secure. Go on in, I'll tell you how things went with the principal later." Senator Baek urges him as he swiftly walks into the school. 

Jungkook walks into the school too, sees the guard that's stationed in the second gate. "He said you should call him when you arrive." The guard relays the information. 

"Of course," Jungkook brings out his phone and dials Namjoon's phone. He picks up in the first ring. "I'm here."

"I'll be right out." Namjoon replies then he hangs up.

Jungkook awkwardly waits for him in front of the gate, wondering if he should also go to the principal's office and find out what happened. But his main priority is Namjoon, he doesn't want to miss the omega on his way. Besides, that old man doesn't need two angry alphas in his office, that can't be good for him. He doesn't wait much longer when he sees Namjoon stomping towards him with his bag gripped in one hand and a book on the other. Jungkook silently steadies him when he comes close enough, then he holds his hand and guides him back to his car.

Namjoon puts on the seatbelt and stares ahead.

"What happened?" Jungkook asks, turning back to reverse his car out of the compound and on the road.

"Some idiot decided to bring me a birthday gift and he met that confused old man, unfortunately, now the school has turned into a whole circus." Namjoon huffs. 

"Of course they'd be alarmed. An unknown person came to the school with something in his hand while demanding to see you. They'd be wise to act accordingly. Tell me what actually happened though."

"Well, I was in my classroom, when the vice principal came and told me to come out. He said there's an armed person demanding to see me and they want to confirm if I knew him. They wanted me to take a peek from the gates, which was ridiculous, so I went outside to see who it was. The security had already apprehended him and I don't know who he was. He said he came to wish me happy birthday and give me a gift. From what he said, we went to the same uni together. We checked the gift, it was a book, I took it and told him to scram. The school announced it on their page and demanded the parents to come pick up the kids to be extra careful. That's it."

"Namjoon, you realized some things don't add up, right? Why would you let him go, when you clearly don't know him, but he knows where you work? And he's coming to give you a gift? Does that not sound odd to you? And why is it that the school that handles toddlers is not doing much about it?" Jungkook replies, frustrated. He can't seem to understand Namjoon's inability to realize how dangerous a situation is. 

"He's harmless, he barely managed to summon the courage to come and deliver the gift to me. I know I won't see him again after this. If I had paid much attention to him, and ended up making it a big deal, he would've made more effort to see me again. Just to give himself a memory of us interacting pleasantly." Namjoon replies, him tone sombre.

"Sounds like he's unhinged to me. And someone like that should not be kept in the society. He should be taken to where he can get help, less he finds someone else." Jungkook stresses on it, hoping the omega will see things his way.

"Maybe, or maybe he's just a helpless, smitten boy that finally got his wish and can go to sleep easily. Listen, this isn't an unusual occurrence for me, if I have to fight off everyone who tries to talk to me, or tries to approach me or admires me, it would be too exhausting. If I have to sue people for invading my privacy, Appa would've gone bankrupt, I'd have to do it everyday. All I have to do is ignore it, and hope that a person is good enough to not hurt me. It sounds sad, but this is the life of most omega. Although, having an alpha, actually does help."

"Well why did you call me sounding all frantic?" Jungkook asks, hoping to finally settle this issue and close it up.

"It was because I don't want the Senator to come before you." Namjoon shrugs, simple and easy. 

Ah, so he's still on the blacklist, it seems. He must've been so lucky that Namjoon forgave him so quickly. He wonders how long Namjoon's grudge for the Senator will hold. He takes them back to the blue villa, because it's closer, but mostly because of the ongoing renovation their bedroom is going through back at home. It's part of his gift for Namjoon, who had complained that the bedroom is too dark several times.

 They left for the blue villa the previous day early in the afternoon, and the team he assigned to renovate the room went immediately to set up and paint the ceiling and floor, then take out the windows. Today, they cut out more space in the window to install bow windows and add a few more accessories to brighten up the place. They're halfway through the mini project, they might even finish it up today. And then tomorrow they'll clean up and pack up early, in case Namjoon wants to go back home the same day.

Nobody is around when they make it back to the blue villa. They're currently occupying Namjoon's room in the house. Namjoon plops down on the bed and stretches. "Hey, can we keep this just between us? I don't want to make a big deal out of it."

Jungkook has an inkling that he just doesn't want Alpha Kim to know about it, he'd probably give them shit for it. Jungkook has already gotten his first strike out when Namjoon nagged at them for wanting to throw a clown themed party. There was no such plan, obviously, but they went along with it, looking a little too amused for Jungkook's liking. Seokjin and Yoongi being in the villa was convenient enough for Namjoon to believe his lie. 

Alpha Kim let the dig at him slide with a simple, make yourself scarce, to Jungkook. So, he's not going to try and push his luck at all, thank you very much. He stays in their room to avoid him, coming out only to eat dinner and to attend the scary movies marathon they had with Taehyung and Hoseok joining them. Jimin is still no where to be seen, but Jungkook has already learned not to question anything anymore. At night, he allows Namjoon to apply his skin care products on him because he has to look 'fresh' for the party. Apart from the discomfort of his face being lathered with the products, he had a good time

 

Jungkook somehow forgot that his definition of party is different from other people's definition. He's in a crowd of almost a hundred—and he's not even exaggerating, the ground floor and second floor are filled with people—, with a drink that he's been nursing for hours. He's not sure if he has a headache, or if it's the beat of the music that reverbates in his head. He also hasn't seen Namjoon for almost an hour. He's been swallowed up by the crowd and he's nowhere to be seen.

"Jungkook-sii. There you are, come with me, we have family members that would like to meet you." Gureum, Alpha Kim's other sister, says as she grabs onto his arm and tugs him towards her. He nods in response, then he follows her out of the crowd. She's actually the one with the mildest aura of the three alphas, since Ji-hun, the youngest, is an omega. Turns out, it's the Aunties that want to see Namjoon's husband properly. He endures the, "why, aren't you strong and handsome"s, with a painful smile etched on his face until Seokjin comes to his rescue.

"Aish, I see you've been held captive by the hags." He says as he makes it towards Jungkook.

"Seokjin-ah! You never told me Namjoon-ah's husband is such a handsome young man." An auntie exclaims as Seokjin gives her a hug.

"I'm much more handsome so there's no need to tell you such trivial information." Seokjin replies with a chuckle.

"Not to be nosey, young man, but I saw Chan-yeol somewhere in the crowd. If I were you, I'd go find out where Joon-ah is." Another Auntie speaks up.

Jungkook turns to Seokjin in utter cluelessness. "He's Namjoon's ex." Seokjin explains to him.

"We thought he's the one Namjoon's going to marry. He was so heartbroken when their relationship ended." The Auntie emphasizes.

Seokjin bursts out into laughter. "You're just saying that because he's the only boyfriend you know of. But Chan-yeol? Pfft, Jungkook-sii should be worried more about Jimin, actually."

"Hey, be nice, you brat." Kim Gyeong suddenly appears and cuffs Seokjin on the back of his head. Seokjin rubs his head with a pout, but he says nothing afterwards.

Jungkook immediately becomes alert when she shows up, he thinks she'll permanently have that effect on him. He suddenly remembers that he's yet to hear from Senator Baek. "Gyeong-sii, I'm wondering if the Senator came to the party."

"Did you see him in this party?" Gyeong ask him, face impassive with an eyebrow raised at him. Jungkook shakes his head, "well, if you see him, you tell me. Got it?" 

"Of course." 

•••

The party was a success. It ended so late into the night that Namjoon and Jungkook had to crowd together in their room and crawl into bed in a tangle of limbs. The next day, they left the blue villa in the afternoon after they had lunch. Thankfully, the renovations were done the day before.

"Hyung. What, what happened here." Namjoon gapes at the room when he enters it. Because they had limited time, they could only renovate the windows. A window seat cushion is placed on one window with pillows arranged so Namjoon can sit and read comfortably. The other window has potted plants arranged on it. The plants were lavender, aloe vera, orchids and the cactus he gave Namjoon as a courting gift. The ceiling and the floor were painted white, too. Then a bonus, a tv and a white couch. "So this was why you were adamant about me leaving early."

"Of course. Do you like it?" He asks, because Namjoon is not saying anything about it and he badly needs his approval.

"I love it! Hyung, this is insane! You did all of this, for my birthday?! I get to sit here and bask in the morning sun during the weekend with a cup of coffee. And I can just spend some time watering my plants, or simply watch tv in bed. All of this in addition to the jewelry you gave me yesterday. This is the most thoughtful gift I've ever gotten. Thank you so much, even if I feel like it's not enough." Namjoon drops his bag and hugs Jungkook.

His alpha finally settles back when he smells waves and waves of happiness and gratitude coming from the omega. "Anything for you, Jagiya. Anything."

They're sitting in bed, Jungkook is doing crossword puzzles on his phone and Namjoon is far into his skincare routine. "My son's birthday is coming up next week."

"Yeah, I know. Eomeoni told me about it the day before. She asked me if I'm comfortable enough to go and I said I'd rather not." Namjoon replies, hollowing his cheeks as he's applying lotion to his face. "So many people born in September. Why couldn't I have been born in a month with less birthdays, like January, or February?"

"Well I apologize on behalf of my son and I for being born in the same month as you," Jungkook deadpans, "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I wanted to say that this year's birthday coincides with Chuseok so they're coming to Seoul instead of me going to them." Jungkook keeps his phone aside. There are several things that he's supposed to inform Namjoon about, especially concerning how the dynamics in his family work. He has kept off this conversation for a long time, he feels that it's time to clear everything up. "Sooyun and the kids will be staying with her sister when they're in town. I'm going over there too and will spend three days, hopefully. But I'll be back after Chuseok."

"Oh, I thought she was in her family's house? Why is she coming to Seoul to celebrate Chuseok though?" Namjoon asks, confused.

"Most of her siblings are in Seoul, so they meet up to celebrate with their kids, not with the clan." Jungkook explains.

"That makes sense.  It's not uncommon for parents to take their kids away from toxic clan environment so they can live much better lives. When do you leave?" Namjoon asks. He cleans his hands with a towel after he's done and he walks over to Jungkook and crawls into bed. The lotion paints his skin white and together with the headband holding his hair back should make him look ridiculous. However, it doesn't. He looks as pretty as ever. Or maybe Jungkook is just being biased.

"I'm leaving on the 23rd, his birthday is on the 24th and I'll come back on the 25th." Jungkook replies.

"That's short though, they haven't seen you since the wedding, maybe you should spend some more days." Namjoon suggests, struggling to pull the covers from underneath him.

"No, it's not plausible. I don't do well around alphas for long." Jungkook sighs as he admits this. Most people think it's just him being arrogant, but he genuinely cannot be around alphas for a prolonged time. This is something he had learned the hard way.

"May I ask something?" Namjoon ask, pulling the covers over his thighs and straightening the creases that formed from his struggle earlier.

"You may proceed." Jungkook fully turns to him, sensing a shift in the atmosphere.

"You're a dominant alpha." Namjoon states.

"That is not a question, Jagiya, but yes."

"What does that mean, exactly? Jae-sung explained a bit, but he said you have to explain the rest. And I don't really know how to go about this. So, uh, I'll just list what I know and you can explain further. Starting with, you always need an omega to smooth out your aggression, which is why Eomeoni has been looking for an omega for you since your divorce. You have wolf-like features when your alpha takes over and your aura agitates other alphas." Namjoon pins him with eager eyes.

"Well, to start with, a dominant alpha is someone with dominant Alpha genes. Which was one of the traits the Jeon clan were able to retain during evolution. Our forefathers had a quarter of their were-abilities, so of course what I have is a very small fraction of what they had. I can't turn into a wolf, but when my wolf takes over, I have wolf-like features. Things like long sharp nails, fangs, the eyes, increased senses and the strength and agility of a wolf. Something of the likes, since the gene is being constantly weakened due to genetics." Jungkook carefully explains, almost losing his composure several times because of how Namjoon is looking at him with big, wide eyes.

"Dominant Alphas are very rare, we usually have one for each generation. In simpler terms, only one person had it in the Jeon clan and they became pack alpha. Also, only this person can pass the gene to one person in the next generation, their offspring. To summerize it  for you, the first alpha born to pack alpha is the next pack alpha." Jungkook finishes his explanation.

"Oh. But, you're not the heir." Namjoon says. It seems that some things are finally dawning on him. "Is…that why you left?"

"Almost, but not quite. My brother was supposed to inherit the dominant Alpha gene, however, it skipped both he and my sister. My perfectionist of a father didn't take it lightly to heart. Did everything in his power to remind me that I had something that wasn't supposed to be mine and just because I have the gene doesn't mean I should dream of being the pack alpha," and maybe he shouldn't say something like that yet, maybe he should wait until after Namjoon meets his father before he says anything about. But saying it just feels so good.

"That's horrible. He held you accountable for something you had no control over." Namjoon says, face scrunched up in disapproval.

"Oh, it wasn't me that he held accountable for. It was Eomeoni he blamed. When it was too much to bear, I decided to move out and take her with me. Being around a mate and a pack that hated her was not good for her omega. She was sick and delirious to the point she was bedridden." Jungkook admits

"That's not right, fathers and husbands should provide and protect their family. They should love them no matter how they turn out." Namjoon says with such firm belief. The one formed from having an unshakable father figure in one's life. He moves over to Jungkook and drapes himself over his back.

"Not mine. He did nothing but make my life miserable, since from the day I knew who I was. At first it was because I was not aggressive enough, then it got worse when I presented. He turned his back on me, never spared me another glance," he feels Namjoon tighten his arms around him, making him feel like he's covered with a blanket, he feels warm and safe. The omega's scent slowed down his racing heart, he feels like he's removed from the world, like he's untouchable, like he can confess anything and not face the repercussions. So he confesses something he has never uttered before, "he hates me."

"You proved you don't need him, he has nothing against you. You built your life on your own, with your blood and sweat." Namjoon says, trying to cheer him up.

"It doesn't matter, I only became lonelier than I was before. The solitude makes it a bit hard to appreciate anything in life." Jungkook replies, shoulders slumped with defeat. A lot of people said walking away from a toxic environment makes your life much better. For Jungkook, it didn't turn out to be so. It's always one struggle after the other, always wondering when things will finally turn out better for him.

"But you have me now." Namjoon mutters, using this opportunity to lay on the bed, dragging Jungkook with him.

"I do." Jungkook wholeheartedly agrees, turning around and burying his face in the crook of Namjoon's neck. Having Namjoon in his life makes everything better, not only that, but he also makes him want to be a better person. "And I'm grateful for having you."

•••

As planned Jungkook packs his bag and leaves on the 23rd. Namjoon is also leaving for the blue villa to spend Chuseok with his family and Jungkook's siblings are coming to celebrate Chuseok with his mother so she won't be lonely. He has bought a video game for Byungho, his first born, who is turning 7 years old.

His mother had sounded frustrated when he asked about the ideal gift for his birthday this year. "I don't know, he's been too quiet for a while now and somehow it keeps getting worse. I don't even know what he likes, he just sits in his room, does homework and sleeps all day. I'm starting to think he doesn't even have friends, Jungkook. I can't even explain it, you just have to see it when you come."

He has heard of all those complaints before, and every time he requests to talk to Byungho about it the boy just shrugs and says he's okay. Jungkook wonders if it's his lack of a  definitive father figure that's affecting him. It's one of his deepest fears, that his lack of understanding of a healthy relationship between a parent and a child will be detrimental to his children's life. Is it too early to bring the kids back? No, his last born, Eunsook, is just three. Separating her with her mother is not a smart decision. He also can't separate the kids, not to talk of Namjoon, he's not sure he can take care of three pups. His mother is definitely out of the question and leaving them with their mother is a better decision than leaving them with his siblings. He sighed, "maybe we should get something that would encourage self expression." He had answered, then he looked up articles about gifts encouraging self expression, none was helpful so he decided to go with a video game. 

He arrives at the house in the afternoon, he checks his phone and he sees a recent message from Namjoon asking him if he arrived safely and that he's also on his way to the blue villa. He shoots him a quick text informing him that he has arrived safely and he'll call him later. He stretches when he gets out of the car, this is one of the reasons he makes Saem drive when going on a long journey, he hates sitting down in one place for too long. He slams the door shut and walks up to the door. 

Sooyun opens the door when he rings the doorbell. "You've already arrived? Welcome." She gives him an awkward, albeit tight hug, then she turns to shout into the house. "Kids! Appa's here!"

He hears their squeals, then their heavy thumps of footsteps come towards the living room.

"Appa!" Eunsook screams and she literally climbs up his leg and hugs it with both arms and legs. Doyun is close behind her, he jumps and hugs his other leg.

Byungho walks towards him slowly and solemnly says his greeting, "Hi Appa. You're welcome." 

Jungkook doesn't miss the side eye Sooyun throws at him. He hands her the gift bags to hold, then he extracts each kid from his leg and places them on each hip.

"Appa. Eomma said you're bringing the bride, but I don't see any bride here." Eunsook complains with a pout. 

Bride? Jungkook frowns and looks at Sooyun, but she only shrugs at him. "Sook-ah, a bride is a term for girls, like you. The correct term would be groom."

"But Appa, the bride is supposed to be the prettiest person in a wedding and he is!" Eunsook argues.

"Well, you can't argue with that logic, now can you?" Sooyun throws in a snide remark. 

"Sook-ah, the prettiest lady in a wedding should be a bride and the prettiest man in the wedding should be the groom." Jungkook patiently corrects the girl.

"But you're also a groom and he prettier than you. Does it still makes him a groom?" Jungkook nods at her. "Okay, then he's the prettiest groom I've ever seen. Did you bring Oppa with you? Did he wear flowers like the last time?" She asks, pinning him with her huge eye.

Jungkook swallows, Oppa? What is happening? It's too early to start scolding them, but this is definitely something he'll circle back to, maybe after the birthday party. "Oh no. He's not here today, just me."

"Aww," both Eunsook and Doyun whine at the same time when they find out Namjoon didn't come with him.

"Are you not excited to see me?" Jungkook replies, indignant.

"Appa, it's just that Namjoonie-hyung is very pretty and colorful and shiny. And you, you're old. And boring." Doyun adds as an afterthought, as if he's not attacking Jungkook's heart with his harsh words.

"And Namjoonie-oppa smells really nice!" Eunsook adds.

"Okay, okay, points have been made. Go tell your cousins your Appa's here." Sooyun interrupts the conversation and shoo them away. The kids slither down from Jungkook's hips and run into the house. "Byungho, don't you want give your Appa a hug before you go?"

Byungho shakes his head, then he heads into the house. Jungkook waits until the coast is clear before he talks. "Why are they addressing Namjoon as an older brother, also the 'bride'? Sooyun the wedding took place months ago, how long has she been saying that?"

Sooyun frowns, her mint scent comes out pinched, irritating Jungkook's nose. "Well you heard what she said, I don't want to argue about not calling your spouse a bride because he was not pretty enough. And two, they started calling him that on their own. I don't know what to tell them, it's not my business. You can correct them now that you're here. Three, I sure as hell know you have eyes in your head, you saw how your kid was acting seconds ago but of course all you want to talk about is your omega!"

Jungkook is taken aback by the sudden outburst. She's never been like that to him before, but he guesses some things are bound to change. "Yes I saw what has been happening. I apologize, I'll talk to him and get to the bottom of things. But if you will talk about Namjoon, you shall talk about him with respect. Am I clear?" 

Sooyun exhales, then her shoulders droop down in defeat. "Good, fine, I'm sorry or whatever. Thank you for being understanding," she begrudgingly says. "Where's your luggage? Let me take you to your room."

Jungkook goes back out to get his bag and comes back into the house. He follows Sooyun as she leads him up the stairs to the guestrooms. 

"Nayeon and Baekhyun are out with their partners to buy ingredients for tomorrow's dinner. The kids decided to stay because they don't want to miss you when you arrive. You can rest for a bit before you come down. We're going out to the amusement park with the kids later and we're having dinner out too." She unlocks a room and he walks into it. He hears the chatter of the kids climbing up the stairs, coming after him. "I'll leave you to it."

The kids arrive in his room before Sooyun can even close the door. He unpacks while answering questions thrown at him. Eventually, the kids—Eunsook and Doyun—demand that he shows them the pictures of their pretty Oppa/Hyung, "no he's your Saeappa," Jungkook uses this opportunity to correct them. Initially, Jungkook is going to decline, he has an embarrassing amount of pictures of Namjoon in his gallery, but then he remembers that it's the kids, it won't hurt anyone if he shows them. So he sits on the bed and they all gather on the bed with him and he starts from the wedding up to the recent pictures. 

"See, I told you he's very pretty." Doyun boasts, chest puffed out in prides. Jungkook can only chuckle in delight.

"Imobu, why didn't you bring him with you. We could've taken so many pictures with him!" Jiji, one of Eunsook's cousin complains.

"Maybe next year." Jungkook replies with a smile, the tiny promise he makes gets tucked in the crevice of his heart. The kids are so delighted by the statement that they don't pay attention to what it means. Jungkook notices Byungho sitting at the edge of the bed, consciously, he's not part of them. He wonders how on earth he'll tackle this issue. "Byungho, don't you want to see the pictures of your Saeappa?" He asks, hoping that he can get him to join.

"No Appa, I'm okay."

Jungkook doesn't really know what to say after that, thankfully, the kids carry on with their chatter and the occurrence is swept under the rug.

They go downstairs much later, when the others have returned. After spending an unnecessary amount of time catching up, they decide it's time to leave the house. They prepare in a storm of kids and clothes and shoes and screaming and crying, before they finally make it out. The kids stay in his car while Sooyun and her siblings take a different car. Apparently, the kids brought the fight that started at home along with them. After several minutes of the car ride filled with screaming and crying and scratching, Jungkook arrives at the park in one piece, absolute in his belief that Sooyun knowingly set him up with all the kids.

Luckily, the fight dies down immediately they go into the park and hours pass by with Jungkook being followed by a flurry of kids that want to try every ride. He sits on benches to rest with whoever is too dizzy to go on the next ride and tries to talk to Byungho in between giggles and pants. The boy tapped out after three rides, much more content with being around Jungkook. "Are you sure you don't want to join them on the teacup ride?"

"No Appa. Thank you." Byungho declines. 

Jungkook's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. This is a new behavior that's been happening quite a lot, his rowdy boy is being withdrawn, level headed and polite. He plays with the nail of his left thumb between his teeth, he turns the thoughts in his head over and over and over. Come to think of it, hadn't he been like that too, at that age? Suddenly gaining clarity and maturity. Can it be? He takes a glance at Byungho, the boy is sitting down with his hands tucked between his thighs. He's staring ahead, nothing seems to hold his interest. "Byungho-ah. What does Appa smell like to you?"

Byungho pins him with a disinterested gaze, cold, sharp, almost apathetic. "Appa smells like perfume and ice cream now."

Jungkook stays still, feeling as if he's being doused in cold water. That's a very spot on statement, not to mention the keen sense of smell a kid his own age shouldn't possess. How precise he's able to link his senses to previous memories.

Oh.

It makes sense, it explains everything. He glances at Byungho, he's already retreated back into his head. Jungkook should've been the error, the outcast of the family. Jae-sung is supposed to give birth to the next pack alpha, the gene shouldn't have shifted to a different lineage, this is all Jungkook is hoping for. This...no, this is ultimately not something to think about in a kid's amusement park. This is bigger than Byungho, bigger than Jungkook, bigger than his father; pack alpha himself. So one step at a time. One, step, at, a, time. They sit there in silence until Sooyun brings the kids and proclaims that it's the last ride for the night.

They purchase ice cream for the kids to eat before dinner, mostly just to keep up their energy until they go to the restaurant they're eating. And by the secret looks exchanged between the adults too, they also need an instant sugar boost before one of them drops to the floor due to exhaustion. Keeping up with eight kids is beyond exhausting. He and Sooyun got mint choco and chocolate to split between the two of them, they're usually on the same track when it comes to food. The rest of the kids are bold with their ice cream combo, but the one that gets Jungkook attention the most is Byungho's, who asked for a plain vanilla. "Appa," he calls, raising his ice cream for Jungkook to see, "this is what you smell like."

And if Jungkook wasn't sure before, he's sure now. "I suppose you're right." He replies, then simply opts to ignore the issue for now and eat his ice cream in peace. When they're done with their ice cream they make their way back to the parking space where they parked their cars.

"Appa, gimme a swing." Eunsook pleads, reaching for his hand with hers. Jungkook holds her hand and Sooyun holds her other hand. Once they're sure that their hold on her is secure, with the help of Eunsook's sticky palms, they raise her up together and give her a couple of swings. The little girl's giggles fill the night air and her carefree joy makes Jungkook's heart painfully contract. He hoists her up to his hip and mount several wet kisses on her cheeks. "Appa stop," she squeals because of the assault and uses her sticky palm to push Jungkook's face away.

"Okay, okay, Appa will stop now." He gives up with a smile, his heart does a sudden flip and he wants nothing but Namjoon to be here with him to experience this joy that's swarming around his viscera. He wants him to complete the image of Jungkook's family. He wants to see all the people he calls family in the same room, happy. He wonders if it's too selfish to want such a thing. 

They use the same sitting arrangement as before when driving to the restaurant, and Jungkook is glad for the subdued atmosphere filled with the kid's quiet chatter this time. When they arrive at the restaurant, Jungkook tells them to go ahead and sits in the car by himself. He dials Namjoon's number and waits for it to go through. He hears the ring, but Namjoon doesn't pick up. He tries again, but the result is the same. He gives up after the third try and exits his car. When he meets up with the rest, they've already gotten a table and have already made an order. He takes a seat and keeps wondering what Namjoon is up to.

•••

The next day, they celebrate both Chuseok and Byungho's birthday. The birthday party takes place in the late afternoon and the few friends the kids made when they come for holidays were invited. The event is relatively small, since Byungho doesn't really like noise much and they're already exhausted from celebrating Chuseok earlier. Three cakes have been ordered for the birthday, so everyone ends up with a decent share. By the time the adults leave the party, it's already past 10PM, so most of the kids have fallen asleep.

"A video game, really?" Sooyun says with such incredulity when they gather the gifts and take them up to the bedroom Byungho shares with the rest of the boys. 

"I thought it would make him break out of his shell. I've checked the rating for the game, it's safe. And if it's influencing him negatively you can seize it." Jungkook says.

"Honestly, I'd take anything at this point. As long as he talks." Sooyun replies and Jungkook understands her conflict. Having your kids express themselves negatively is better than not knowing what is happening to them. Jungkook opens the door to the bedroom, and all the kids have already fallen asleep.

"I fear that he's acting this way because he might bullied at school and he doesn't trust me enough to say it, so he ends up withdrawing from everyone. But at the same time, I don't want to go to his school and ask about it. I feel so insecure about people judging me for not being good enough for my child." She confesses as she drops the gifts on a chair.

"I understand, but if it comes to that, then I'll go instead. Remember, you and I are a team." Jungkook drops the gifts in his arms on top of the ones previously deposited. 

Sooyun waits until they're outside before she speaks again in a whisper, "sometimes I wonder if the divorce was a great idea."

"I don't know, since you were the one that wanted it in the first place." He says, and currently he's past the stage of being bitter. Hell, he thinks the divorce is a good idea now. But he also understands where she's coming from, seeing the lives of their kids being torn in half like that will never settle well with him. "Regardless of that though, what's been done is done. The only way you can compensate for it is to be happy. And if you're happy, our kids will be happy too."

"Are you happy?" Sooyun asks with such vulnerability that makes Jungkook's soul fold.

"Of course I'm happy." He replies.

"Then half of the goal has been reached. I promise to not let you down." She awkwardly pats him, then she walks off to her room, leaving a trail of bitterness as she goes.

When Jungkook goes back to his room, he calls Namjoon again but he doesn't pick up. He wonders if Namjoon has thought about him at all after he's left. He wonders if he tried to reach out, and what was the reason if he didn't. He wonders if Namjoon cares about him as much as he does for him. Suddenly, he's not sure if he has fully attained that happiness he spoke of.

•••

He's thoroughly exhausted when he reaches home, but all he wants is to see Namjoon. He trudges into the house, his bag completely neglected, he's already decided to get it in the morning. All he needs now is to see Namjoon. Eomeoni had told him that he's coming back from the blue villa today, he just hopes that Namjoon didn't change his mind and decides to stay at the blue villa until tomorrow. He goes straight to his wing, he knows that Eomeoni has already been put to bed, they'll get plenty time to catch up in the morning.

He sees Namjoon already under covers when he makes it to their room. He strips in record time before he even makes it to the bed. "You're back," is all Namjoon gets to say before Jungkook claims his lips in a brutal kiss. Every cell in his body is screaming for Namjoon, he wants to be close to him in any way possible, he wants to mend with him, wants to be one with him. 

"Woah, slow down," he says when Jungkook starts to strip him of his pajamas. But Jungkook doesn't think he's capable of slowing down, he feels so frantic, fueled by so much desire that he burns with it. There's no time for foreplay, any second he spends not being inside of Namjoon is a second wasted. He holds Namjoon's cheeks with one hand and the other trails down on a nipple, ghosting over his cock and perineum before stopping over his pucker that's already beginning to contract. "Hyung just needs to feel you around me, okay? I know you can take it. You'll be a good boy and stay still for me, won't you? Namjoon-ah?"

Namjoon bites his lip, face already painted bright red, "Yeah but you gotta prep me well, it's been days since you've been inside."

"You can take it, I know you can." Jungkook smushes Namjoon's cheeks and makes him look into his eyes as he pushes a finger into him. Namjoon whimpers and squirms, trying to shift. "Shh, you agreed to stay still for me, aren't you the good good boy you said you were?" He asks, curling his finger inside the omega, making him keen. He gathers slick that's been gushing out with his middle finger, circling it around the rim then pushing the second finger into Namjoon.

"Hyung." Namjoon lets out a loud whine and wriggles his hips but Jungkook runs out of patience and pins him down by the hips, grinding his cock against his perineum as a warning.

"Just a tip, okay? You can take that can't you?" Jungkook pleads with him in order to soothe him. He circles his tip around Namjoon's rim several times until it catches, then he pushes against the resistance without a pause, into the deep, deep, heat until he bottoms out. Namjoon arches with a loud groan and heaves out a huge exhale as if the air has been punched out of him. He falls back limp on the bed, letting out short, quick breaths. "I know I said just a tip, but I couldn't help it. Hyung is sorry. Will you forgive him?" Namjoon nods. "You do? My good boy, so patient, so forgiving." Jungkook praises him, rewarding the omega with sweet little kisses all over his face.

Namjoon opens his eyes and his iris has turned to electric blue, his lips quiver and he's sniffing. "Hush now, it's over, see? You're such a good omega, you do everything your alpha asks of you. How did I get so lucky? My beautiful and obedient boy. Why don't you go to sleep? I won't bother you anymore." Jungkook keeps praising him while still raining kisses on him.

"Okay," Namjoon mutters, voice as cool as ice, before he turns to his side and closes his eyes. Jungkook reaches over to turn off their bedside lamp and lies back on bed, dragging Namjoon to lay on top of him. He's never felt this better, finally, he's home.

•••

Jungkook watches Namjoon in disdain as he giggles, it's like he's turning this into some kind of game. The room is devoid of nothing but the obscene sound of skin slapping against skin as he rides Jungkook and somehow, he finds it funny. Jungkook's cock slips out, again, and springs backwards to slap on his abdomen, slathering slick all over his skin. Namjoon doubles over in laughter, dimples as deep as they can get. He grips it and guides it back to hole, it slips in easily because of how much slick is gushing out of Namjoon, a testimony of how long Jungkook has let Namjoon play around with his patience.

Jungkook quietly waits for him to settle on it, like a predator watching a prey, before he plants his heels into the mattress and thrusts deep into the omega. Namjoon falls limp on him with a choked moan. Jungkook holds his wrist and overturns him, pining him down the bed. "You think this is funny? You think this is a game? Maybe it's because you're doing such a lousy job that's why. Let me show you how it's done." 

He pounds into him fast and hard without letting him catch his breath. It's only when Namjoon's moan reaches a crescendo that Jungkook slows his pace, his thrusts turn slow but deep. Namjoon's cock spills so much precum that it drips and coats his hips. The omega shudders with every thrust and Jungkook is mesmerized by how the movement starts from his abdomen up to his throat. He begins to feel merciful and picks up pace, slipping out a few times because of the amount of slick that's dripping out, and finally, finally, Namjoon cums with a scream stuck in his chest. Jungkook doesn't ease up, he pounds into him blindly chasing his release. Namjoon wildly trashes on the sheets. "Hyun' is too much." 

"Just a bit longer," Jungkook shushes him and after a few more thrust he reaches his climax, knot forming at the base of his cock. He falls to his side and drags Namjoon with him, panting from exertion. When his knot goes down he gets up and stretches, almost dropping from lightheadedness. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up."

Namjoon sends him a dopey smile and spreads his arms in a 'pick me up' gesture. Jungkook huffs and picks him up without any argument. He takes him to the bathroom and cleans him up in the shower. He rewards himself by indulging into leaving hickeys on any part of skin he can find. Namjoon got tired of He puts a towel around him and picks him up, bringing him back to their room and putting him down on the stool of the dresser. 

"Hyung is so annoying." Namjoon complains when he sees the hickeys littered on his skin.

"It's your fault for having such soft luscious skin that's too tempting, I am nothing but a mere mortal." Jungkook tackles Namjoon into a hug and takes a huge bite of the skin on his neck. Namjoon shrieks and kicks up his legs in a tantrum.

"You bit me again, you bit me again!" He cries.

So Jungkook bites him a third time. When he's done teasing Namjoon he changes the sheets on the bed and puts on his clothes. "Are you having breakfast now?" He asks Namjoon because he's the only one going to work, the break given by the school on Chuseok involves Friday. 

"Yeah, I've been starving for hours." Namjoon whines.

"You woke up less than an hour ago." Jungkook retorts back at him.

"I've been starving in my sleep, Hyung. I dreamt that I was going to eat turkey when you woke me up. Now I want to eat turkey so bad." 

"Turkey? Well, we can go out for dinner today, you can eat your turkey then." 

"Can we go shopping too?"

"Alright." 

He gets a peck in gratitude.

 

•••

"Hello." He says immediately as he picks up his phone. Sooyun's name has flashed on his phone and he wonders why she'd be calling him then.

"Hey, Jungkook," she greets and her tone already indicates that something's wrong, "so here's the thing, the kids miss you a lot and they've been crying that they want to see you since you've left. Conveniently, Nayeon is coming into the city today and she volunteered to stop by and drop them off." Sooyun pauses, as if waiting for his permission to continue

"Okay, did you call Heejin and tell her they're coming?" He asks, turning a page in the folder he's been reading.

"Well, here's the thing. I called her but she was with Eomeoni at that time and now Eomeoni wants the kids to be taken to your house so she'll see them." Sooyun continues.

"Oh," he says, feeling as if a lightbulb has been switched off in his head, leaving him fumbling in the dark. "Okay, that works too."

"Eomeoni said that if you get back from work you can take them to Heejin to spend the night." Sooyun says, then she lowers her voice and inquires, "I hope this won't be an issue."

"Of course not, it's okay." He replies, as long as the kids stay with Eomeoni. He's not sure how Namjoon will act when he's around the kids. It's best if they meet a bit later, when both Namjoon and the kids are much more settled with the existence of each other.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later." Sooyun hangs up and Jungkook hangs his head back and sighs in apprehension. He hopes Namjoon is going out somewhere today, so he won't meet the kids. He calls the house and requests that they take the phone to Eomeoni. "Eomeoni, please let the kids stay with you until I'm back. Namjoon doesn't know they're coming and he definitely needs to be prepared when he's meeting them."

"Okay, I understand. They'll meet next time, I suppose." She replies. Probably, Jungkook thinks when he hangs up.

 

When he returns home he finds Eomeoni alone in her room. "Where are the kids?" He asks, already thinking of the damage control he has to do.

"Well, they wanted to play in the house and I decided to let them."

"Eomeoni, you know kids, they always go to places they're not supposed to be." 

"Well I don't think there's anything wrong. They've been out for long and I haven't heard from them since. If something's wrong surely, I'd have known by now."

Jungkook holds his temples with one hand and runs it down his face. "I'll go have a look."

He goes straight to his wing, that's definitely a starting point to start looking for the kids. He sees nobody when he enters the living room, he makes a beeline to the bedroom and he hears the two chatterboxes before he even opens the door. He opens the door and finds Namjoon sitting on the bed, Eunsook is standing up and holding strands of his hair with a butterfly clip. Doyun is sitting down in front of him and painting his nails with nail polish.

"Only two more clips remain, then we'll be done." Eunsook announces, crouching down on the mattress and rummaging through a bag beside her.

Namjoon looks up when he notices Jungkook, "oh look, your Appa is here."

The kids look up to his direction and smile. "Hey Appa! Come and see what we're doing."

He decides to ignore the distracted greetings from the kids crying about wanting to see him and walks to the foot of the bed to get a closer look. "What are you guys doing?"

"They are helping me glam up." Namjoon replies with a smile.

"Should you really trust them with nail polish?" Jungkook asks.

"It's nothing to worry about, Doyun has very steady hands so he's applying the nail polish just fine. I've put tape around my finger so only my nails get painted, we're good." Namjoon explains.

Jungkook looks over to the other side of the bed and Byungho is sitting and quietly observing. "Hi Appa," he greets him when their eyes meet.

"You're not participating?" Jungkook asks, worried that the boy has already decided he doesn't like Namjoon.

"He couldn't come up with what to do so he's just observing." Namjoon answers for the boy.

"Well fun's over. Come now, I'm taking you guys to Heejin's house."

"But Appa, we're not done yet." Eunsook whines, eyes immediately turning round and glassy.

 "We're almost done, can you please wait for a bit?" Namjoon requests.

Jungkook shrugs and simply complies. He sits on the stool by the dresser and watches Namjoon chatter with the kids. When they are done, Jungkook gets up and says, "okay, we're leaving," in a definite tone.

"Okay, bye you guys, I'll see you later." Namjoon says his farewell and gives the two kids a hug, which is an amusing sight because Namjoon tries to avoid smudging the paint on his nails. "Hey, where are you going? I haven't given you a hug yet." He says as he drags Byungho back to him and gives him a tight hug. The boys owlishly blinks, rubbing his arm in embarrassment.

They leave for Heejin's house later where the kids are going to meet their cousins and spend the night. 

when Jungkook returns late in the night, he finds Namjoon on the bed, designing a pink flower on his already done nails. "Is it dry enough?"

Namjoon looks up and smiles at him, "yeah, I wanted to paint them since, I'm glad the kids came and helped me out."

Jungkook sighs. Now that he's finally alone with Namjoon, he can let himself let loose. Seeing Namjoon handle the kids was so hot to Jungkook, not only that but he also appeased his alpha immensely. He just proved how competent he is to take care of his pups. "I didn't think you'd be able to handle all those kids at once. I'm really impressed."

"Hyung," Namjoon says with exasperation, "I handle kids for a living. I have a classroom filled with pups, three have nothing on me."

"Well, I thought it'll be different for you. I apologize for assuming you couldn't handle the kids, you did a great job today." Jungkook confesses. Namjoon smiles in answer, then continues to paint his nail.

"It doesn't mean I like it though. I hate handling the kids." The confession almost knocks Jungkook off his footing. 

"You just said it's your job, how can you hate it?" Jungkook, feeling a bit too amused.

"I don't know, it seems like the only job available at the moment so I just accepted. Doesn't mean I like it...or the kids. I'm just doing it." The omega says as he presses his lips in a thin line.

"Namjoon I honestly don't know what to say to you." Jungkook replies.

"Not everyone gets to do the job they want. There are people who happen to hate their jobs Hyung, they exist."

•••

He's sitting down in the living room and watching a football match the next day when Sooyun calls his tab. He accepts the video call and Sooyun appears on the screen.

"Is it alright if the kids talk to Namjoon? They have been talking about him non-stop ever since they've come back. And don't even get me started on Byungho, he has been gushing endlessly about nail polish. He wants me to buy nail polish for him!" She says, with a pinched expression. 

"Well, buy it for him," Jungkook says.

"Jungkook, this is insane! I don't know why my son is suddenly demanding for nail polish just because of Namjoon. I am literally calling right now because they're driving me insane. They've been demanding that they want to talk to their Saeappa."

Jungkook mutes the video call and goes to the bedroom. He asks Namjoon if he's ok with talking to the kids. Namjoon takes the phone and unmutes the call. 

"Saeappa! Did your nails come out good? Can you show us?" Eunsook gushes.

Namjoon raises his nail, the floral design he added on the initial blue polish came out lovely, "I was sad you weren't around to help me finish it but, I managed to do it alone."

"Oh, so pretty! May we see your hair too?" Doyun requests and Jungkook has never heard him be this polite.

"Of course." Namjoon replies as he holds up the tab and shows them the hair. It isn't any much different from his hairstyle of the previous day, but the kids still let out a collective sound of bewilderment. 

"Saeappa is so pretty." Eunsook rains compliments on Namjoon and it quickly turns to Doyun and her trying to outdo each other on who can give the best compliment. 

Namjoon simply laughs, "I hope you guys have reached home safely." He says, stopping the competition before it escalates any further. The two kids nod their heads, "that's wonderful. I'm passing the tab back to your Appa, okay? See you later." He waves goodbye and blows a kiss at the kids. 

Jungkook accepts the tabs from him and goes out to the living room again. "Where's your Eomma?"

"Eomma, Appa is asking for you." Doyun calls out.

The screen shifts and Sooyun appears on it, "I'm here."

"Where's Byungho?" He asks, already knowing that he's in his room.

"Oh don't worry, we're getting there." Sooyun looks ahead as she walks around the house. She doesn't go up to Byungho's room, instead she walks to the living room. She turns the camera to face the living room and Jungkook sees a mass slumped on the couch. "Byungho, your Appa wants to talk to you."

Byungho sits up and accepts the tab, his eyes turn glassy and his lips wobble. But before he can say anything, he bursts into tears. "Appa," he huccups, "Appa, tell Eomma to buy me nail polish. I didn't paint his nail, I want to paint Saeappa's nail too."

Jungkook forms a fist over his lips in shock. "If you want nail polish your Eomma will get it for you. Dry your tears now, stop crying." He consoles the wailing child.

Sooyun takes the tab from Byungho and sighs into the screen. "The last time he cried this much was when he was like five. He's been throwing tantrums since they came back yesterday."

"It's nail polish, Sooyun, it won't hurt anyone if you get it for him." Jungkook reasons with her.

"I didn't say I wasn't going to buy it. It's the fact that he wants to paint somebody else's nails that doesn't sit right with me." She complains.

"Well you don't really have a choice, now do you?" Jungkook asks.

"I don't. This is the most expressive I've seen him in months, afterall." She says in resignation.

Jungkook smiles in answer. He understands how that feels.

Jungkook carefully cuts his steak into slices, then picks up the slice and puts it in his rice. He wraps rice around the slice before putting it in his mouth. His chef really outdone himself today. The steak is juicy and rich in flavour, it's already making Jungkook's day. Namjoon leans over to steal a slice of his steak and stuffing it in his mouth. He picks up the invite he dropped moments ago to go through it again. 

"A Christmas party invite, from the governor." He repeats himself.

Jungkook hums in response with a smile, Namjoon has been repeating the words ever since he saw the invite. "I told you it's not an odd thing to occur. I did a few projects for him previously, you know this."

"Doing a project for the governor is different from being invited to his party." Namjoon frowns, "what's the catch?"

"None. I just happen to share a few mutual friends with him. A friend recommended my company to him and after we worked together, we realized we share a lot in common. Nothing else." Jungkook replies, then raises his eyebrow in question when Namjoon makes a noise in his throat.

"What do you mean mutual friends, the governor is a geezer, all his friends are old too." Namjoon says.

"Well some of his friends were classmates of mine," Jungkook carefully explains.

"Hyung," Namjoon drops his chopsticks and watches him warily and hesitantly asks, "just how old are you?"

"I'm 34," Jungkook replies, chopsticks paused midair because he wants to see Namjoon's reaction. Namjoon doesn't disappoint, he fists his mouth to stop either a sob or laugh from escaping. Jungkook can't be sure, and the way his shoulders shake also doesn't indicate what he is feeling.

"My husband," he chokes shaking from a silent cry or a silent laugh, "is an old man!" He wails. He slaps his palms over his forehead and crouches to the ground.

Jungkook lets out a sigh, before rolling his eyes. Such a drama queen. When Namjoon doesn't raise soon enough for Jungkook, he grabs his collar and raises him, "okay, show's over. Get up and finish your breakfast."

"Hyung, next year you'll be eligible to be a presidential candidate in some countries and five years later you'll be eligible in South Korea." He says, and he's laughing but tears are streaming down his face. "I'm married to an old man, does that make a gold digger?"

"Yes, now dig into your breakfast."

 

 

Namjoon dyes his hair black for the party, the color makes a wonderful contrast with his skin complexion, making it shine even brighter. He wears a forest green blouse that's carefully tucked into dark pants; the curves of his hips and the slim of his waist shows. He stylishly drapes a black jacket on one shoulder and the other sleeve hangs over his back. Then he accessorized with a silver chain, a silver watch and small hoop earrings.

Jungkook sits on the bed, chin resting on his palm, watching him. He loves seeing Namjoon get ready, he's so creative when he's styling his outfits and the results are always breathtaking. However, he doesn't really bother with his own appearance, so he doesn't put much effort into his outfit. He's just wearing a black suit, with a black shirt and a green tie—Namjoon got it for him, so that they can match. The combination looks borderline hideous, but he guesses if you look at him from a certain angle he looks kind of good. When Namjoon stands next to him in the mirror though, he looks amazing, so he's good to go.

 

They listen to Namjoon's 'i feel good' playlist on the way, and if Jungkook didn't know who Namjoon was, he would've sworn that a teenager created the playlist.

"Is this a real song?" He asks when it's too much to bare. 

"Of course it is! What do you even mean by that?" Namjoon scrunches his nose in offense.

"Why would anyone think it's a good idea to release such a song? Who would be their target audience? Children? What's even the name of the artist?" Jungkook raps, and maybe it's a little bit harsh, but the song is grating to hear. 

"It's barbie! And her target audience is fabulous people, like me! You just have a bad taste in music." Namjoon cheekily replies with a pucker of his lips.

"Barbie? The doll? So I was right when I said the target audience is children." Jungkook concludes with a chuckle. Namjoon blows him the raspberry and looks away with a huff. The next song on the playlist sounds similar to the previous so Jungkook asks, "is this Barbie too?"

"That's Winx club." 

"Who?"

"Can you just stop being judgemental?" 

"Of course. I apologize."

Namjoon, of course, takes this to heart. So he picks up his phone and switches playlists. He waits for the song to start before he asks, "do you have an issue with this song?"

"No, I don't." Jungkook replies, this one was slightly much better than the last.

"Good, it's Taylor Swift." Namjoon says as a matter of fact.

"I see," he has no idea who that is.

"I once had a fan account of hers on twitter and participated in so many fan wars. Ah, those were the good times." Namjoon speaks with so much nostalgia.

"What happened to the account?" Jungkook asks him.

"I abandoned it when uni started kicking my ass for real." Namjoon replies, "when you leave that scene, it's hard to get back to it."

"You're a grown man with a job now." Jungkook says.

"Yeah, not much different from when I had the account. I used to be the fabulous account that everyone wanted to be friends."

"Then it really isn't much different from before." Jungkook smiles at the thought.

Namjoon grins when he says that, dimples popping, his scent unfurling, filling the car with vanilla walnut.

•••

The party is as fancy as it gets, guards by the door accept your invitation card and a staff member takes your coat and gloves. The hall is toasty warm, so they have no issue with discarding their extra layers and showing off their outfits—Namjoon words. They find the Governor and the first gentleman together by sheer luck. They exchange pleasantries with them and the first gentleman recognizes Namjoon.

"A few people from our social circle are friends and sometimes we meet up in parties and such." The first gentleman explains with a wave of his hand. After exchanging a few more words the governor tells them to have a good time at the party then he excuses himself.

Hours later, Jungkook finds himself losing count of how many times he's nodded his head. He can't even remember the name of the man he's been talking to for more than 30 minutes now. He has lost the thread of the conversation and can't even remember what prompted it. He thinks the man is talking about his stocks, and profit, he can't remember what sector the man said he's under too. He's really not cut out for this social event, he thought bringing Namjoon would take some of the social interaction off him.

Namjoon, however, slipped into the crowd after he had two glasses of champagne in him. He gushed about wanting to know more about the history and architecture of the building, to which Jungkook tried to offer his knowledge but his husband turned him down. He must've really forgotten what Jungkook does for a living. He had placed a quick peck on his cheek and slipped into the crowd with, "I'll be right back, Hyung." 

Jungkook has caught sight of Namjoon a few times since he left. He has acquired a staff that points at something while talking and the omega nods at whatever is being said to him, wildly gesticulating as he talks back. He's never alone too, every time Jungkook finds him in the crowd someone is walking by his side and saying something. A few even come up to him to tell him how lucky he is to have such a beautiful omega, hell, even the governor commented on Namjoon's beauty. Jungkook's frown deepens the more he thinks about it. Maybe he should've stayed by Namjoon's side no matter how much the omega insisted on telling him he'll get bored by all the history talk.

"Ah, I think I should be heading home now." The man finally says, bringing the one-sided conversation to an end.

"I agree, it's starting to get late." Jungkook says, because he's honestly ready to leave the party. He's sure Namjoon is done wandering around strangers by now.

"And there's more I'd like to discuss with you actually. I'm just learning that you're Namjoon's alpha today when I met him and I learned you're CEO of Golden Constructs?" The man puts his hand in his back pocket and takes out his wallet. He flips it open and takes out a card, then he presents it to Jungkook. "I've heard a lot about you before and I would love to work with you sometime soon. Please give me a call after the holidays so that I can make an appointment to discuss the work I have in mind."

Jungkook takes the card with a thank you and tucks it in his front pocket. The man bids him farewell and he walks away.

"I thought he'd never leave."

 Jungkook's nose picks up the scent of a flowing river and flowerbeds. Of all times, he miserably thought. He turns around and comes face to face with Ohk Sena, someone he hoped he had finally gotten rid of. 

"Hello, Oppa." She greets him in a sultry voice.

Jungkook does a double take when he finally registers her look. She cut her hair to her shoulders and dyed it blonde. She's wearing honey colored lenses and her outfit consists of a silk shirt, dark pants and a watch. He doesn't want to jump into any kind of assumption, but right at that moment, she looks like—

"Your spouse, where is he? I heard you came with him but I haven't seen you together yet. Could it be that he ditched you for guests who are much richer and are of higher status than you?" She asks with a sly smile and a raised eyebrow.

"I believe what my spouse does is none of your business, Sena." Jungkook says, turning away from her. 

His response seems to make her even more delighted, she sides up to him and takes a hold of his arm, placing it between her bosoms, "I didn't say that to cause any trouble, Oppa. It's just that he's somewhere chit-chatting with all sorts of alphas in here, totally unbothered by how they're touching him and tainting his scent, while you're here alone. So I decided to come and keep you company until he's back."

Jungkook yanks his arm from her hold and steadily turns to her, "I'm doing just fine by myself. Please don't invade my personal space because your scent can stick to me and my spouse is sensitive to scents. It's best if you keep your distance from me."

He walks from her, feeling ugly in the inside. He tried so hard to stay positive, to make sure it he's unaffected by it, but that woman knew how to strike a nerve. He shouldn't have come to the party in the first place, none of this would've happened. He pauses when he's sure he's a safe distance away from her, he breathes out all the rage, all the ugly thoughts starting to pile up, all the—he swallows down the bitter feeling—jealousy he's been feeling. It's okay if Namjoon talks to other people other than him. Namjoon had never given him any reason to doubt him, he's sure he'll set boundaries and will take actions if anyone crosses it. But he's done with the party, he's going to find Namjoon and they'll be leaving immediately. 

Just as he was making his way into the crowd he sees the governor in one side waving him over, he's standing with a few men by the table displaying alcohol. He walks to the man and bows to him. "Jungkook-sii, hello again. I hope you're having a good time here."

"Of course, sir. The party is splendid." Jungkook replies.

"Wonderful, that was all I intended. Gentlemen, meet Jeon Jungkook, our upcoming entrepreneur that started his business from scratch. Remember that school that was finished last year, I contracted this alpha to construct it for me." The governor says conversationally.

"Ah, I've heard of him from Kahn. He says you're classmates with Jun?" A middle-aged man asks.

"I was." 

"Splendid. I went to the same school too, but I graduated when you were in middle school, maybe." The man replies.

"He had quite the reputation when he entered highschool. He was a prodigy, but a lazy student. Gave his teachers hell, ditched classes and got tattoos at such a young age." Another person speaks up. And Jungkook feels like he knows him, but can't exactly remember where he's seen him. He also probably went to the same school as him.

Jungkook smiles politely, suddenly remembering his rebellious age. At that age he thought that he was making a statement to his father, that he couldn't control him. The more his father was hard on him, the more he acted out of line to get his teachers to bother his father about him. His thoughts immediately turned dark when he remembered how that ended up for him. His father, with his already short fuse had grabbed his neck and pinned him to the ground. He told him he already had an heir and he wouldn't mind losing an extra mouth to feed. He looked at his father's eyes and saw that he was not bluffing at all, he would simply blow out the flame on the candle of his existence with no remorse in his heart. The next day, he wore the tie of his uniform for the first time.

"Look at him now, a whole different person. Who would've thought you'd end up like this, a fine young man, with a successful business and a beautiful omega by his side." The governor compliments him with his own smile.

"Ah yes, his omega. Simply a wonderful fellow he is. I had a nice conversation with him and I was blown away by his knowledge. I've never seen anyone like him, luck was on your side when you picked him as your partner." 

Jungkook feels his cheeks start to ache from holding back a frown, with no warning, he bows at them, "gentlemen, I'm afraid I have to retire for the night. If you'll excuse me."

"Ah, of course, Jungkook-sii. Have a safe journey home." The governor says. 

Jungkook turns around and walks away from them. Namjoon ends up being the one to find him first. He feels someone drape themselves on his back and he picks up his scent before he even sees him. He turns around and sees a steel gaze set on Namjoon's face. "You smell odd."

Which Jungkook finds ironic, "you smell odd too."

Namjoon snatches a champagne flute when a waiter passes by and takes a sip. "I was literally gone for an hour, Hyung. Who the fuck touched you?"

Jungkook crosses his arms in disapproval, because he can't believe they're doing this. "Namjoon, I cannot tell how many scents I'm smelling off you right now. Let's not do this."

"I didn't mean to, I just couldn't stand smelling another omega on you. And I'm sorry for the intrusive scents on me, I did tell people not to touch me but those elderly people are persistent with their hugs." Namjoon unclenches his jaw and sighs. 

"What elderly people?" Jungkook asks, letting himself relax also.

"Honestly I don't know, I just got dragged by a grandma to their table and they kept cooing and feeding me like some puppy. I'm invited to their next tea party by the way and I promised to bring you along." Namjoon says with a soft smile.

"Yeah?" Jungkook mutters. Namjoon nods in reply, wrapping his arms around him and giving him the first taste of his lips for the night.

"I'm tired, I wanna wash all these scents off me. Home?" Namjoon warmly whispers in his mouth. Jungkook hums, the omega's lower lip still between his teeth. He wraps his arm around his hip and pulls him back into a deep kiss, uncaring for whoever is watching them. He kisses Namjoon for some blissful seconds before someone tugs him away.

"I can't believe you'd do this to me! First you discard me like an old doll, now you're kissing him in front of me! How long do you plan on humiliating me?!" Sena screeches, she looks wild, with a crazed look in her eyes. 

Namjoon pushes him aside with a dark expression, "who are you?"

"Oh, you don't know me? You damn well should! I'm the woman you took everything from! Oppa was mine before his family settled for greed and arranged his marriage with you!" Sena points a finger at Namjoon.

"Kids, kids, please let's not do this here with people. Why don't we settle this in a more private room?" The governor's mate, the first gentleman, rushes to Sena's side with some of his friends and they coerce them all to move away from the gaze and whispers of people.

"Your Excellency, I'm going to say now in case you won't say I didn't warn you. I have nothing to say to this woman nor do I have anything I want to hear from her. If she pisses me off further I will do something so nasty that none of you will want to see." Namjoon speaks up as they're walking through a corridor.

"Namjoon, please. We just want to make sure both of you leave this place with your dignity intact." Deputy governor replies as the first gentleman pushes a door open.

They all quietly shuffle into the room and stand in the middle, watching each other in confusion. "Okay," the governor as he walks into the room, "what is going on here? Why are you two fighting."

Namjoon takes a sip of his champagne before he answers, "I think that lady over there is the only one who can answer this question. My husband and I were just planning on leaving when she started her tirade."

"You're the girl the land commissioner brought as her date," the deputy states.

 

"Where is the commissioner?" Governor asks his deputy.

"She followed our trail but I told her to wait outside, I think we can settle the issue without her. Now, what's your issue with Namjoon that you're causing a scene?" One of the governor's friends asks.

"He stole my alpha, Jungkook was mine! He was supposed to be my mate, but I was cheated on. After enduring all of that, I had to witness the two of them being shameless in public, it's too much of a despicable thing to do." Sena covers her mouth to suppress her sobs.

"Sena, this doesn't excuse your awful behavior towards the couple. I understand that you're hurting, but what's done is done. There's no need in arguing who did right and who did wrong. I advise you to start anew, and at the very least try to be civil around them. Please apologize to them and then we can all leave this behind." The first gentleman scolds her and awaits her apology.

"No!" Sena screams, "I refuse to apologize for anything! I cannot be silenced! Jungkook and his family treated me so unfairly, and everyone deserves to know what they did."

"Enough." Jungkook speaks up, "this show has been dragging on for long enough. What I had with you meant nothing to me, and no matter how much you're going to cry and scream about it, it won't change a thing. Marrying Namjoon was a choice I made on my own, the sooner you accept this, the better. I have nothing else to say to you. Please excuse us."

 Jungkook grabs Namjoon's wrist and drags him away. The moment he turns his back he feels Sena rush up to Namjoon. Even though it is just for millisecond, the sight of Sena's red nails winding around Namjoon's neck enrages his alpha so much that he has to be held back by a guard. Another guard is holding Sena by the waist, and the woman is heaving with so much exertion like she just ran a marathon.

"I will end him with my hands if I have to, then I'll see the reason you're saying whatever you wish to me." She darkly threatens him.

"Sena, don't say things that'll put you in trouble," the first gentleman warns. "I will not go easy on you if you don't behave yourself."

"First I picked up your scent on him, then you attacked me unprovoked, now you're threatening me? I think I've let a lot of things slide, but this is your last warning." Namjoon says.

"Yes you picked up my scent on him, because I was there with him while you're out there running after one rich alpha to the other. I wouldn't blame you though, that's how you were brought up by your father. He built his empire with the money he got from whoring out his omegas." Sena spits out word after word, struggling in the hands of the guard. Namjoon doesn't say anything in retaliation, he drains the champagne from his flute, then smashes the glass on her forehead.

Sena's blood curdling scream is what notified the crowd of what really happened. In a blink of an eye, Namjoon flings himself at her. "No!" Jungkook yells, running to the omega and grabbing him by the waist, holding him firmly against his chest. He isn't quick enough though, because the omega has already caught a fistful of Sena's hair, he gives an unforgivable yank that brings out the ugliest scream from the woman.

The deputy governor and first gentleman rush to Sena's aid and try to pull the strands out of Namjoon's grasp but it only causes the omega to yank even harder, Sena's screams turn into sobs and her distressed scent makes even Jungkook feel sorry for her. "Namjoon, please let go," he begs.

Namjoon just mercilessly pulls on the hair again. Damn he's strong, Jungkook thinks when he sees how much he is struggling to keep him in place. Another guard rushes to Sena and the two guards pull Sena back hard enough to finally get the woman out of Namjoon's grasp. Sena gasps out loud, shivering from head to toe. She raises her head to stare at Namjoon with an unforgiving gaze, she has a cut on her forehead and her scalp is angry red from the violent tug of war that occured.

"I warned you, didn't I?! You think you're some hot shit, coming here running your mouth and putting your hands on me?! And that's not enough, you think you can talk shit about my family?" Namjoon relaxes in Jungkook's arm, but the alpha doesn't let up one bit. "Listen and you listen good you fucker, whatever you had with my alpha ended before I even came into the picture. Jungkook was never yours in the first place because he didn't want you, he didn't marry you. It's me he wants and it's me he got married to. So store these words in that empty head if yours, Jungkook is mine, mine, mine! If you want to talk shit, do it away from my orbit but I swear to the moon, if I ever put you in my sight again, I will end you."

With the exception of Sena's labored breath, the room is devoid of sound, everyone is too stunned to speak after Namjoon's words. "Get her out of my sight." He said, and the guards are smart enough to drag her out of the room.

"Damn it, Namjoon. You will never change." Deputy Governor chastises Namjoon, but the omega doesn't even dignify that with a response.

•••

Even though Jungkook had expressed his desire to leave the party earlier, they didn't leave until the first gentleman had thoroughly scolded both of them. Then he said the issue will be settled after the party so he'll be calling both of them and Sena to come for reconciliation. "I don't want this fight to drag out much longer than it needs to, it can get ugly from the course it's already set on."

"I don't care, stop acting all holier than thou in front of him, you'd do worse if it's your alpha she came after," Namjoon defends himself and the first gentleman breaks out into a smirk with a nod of his head.

"Honestly, if it was me she wouldn't even make it out of here on her own." He wraps his arm around Namjoon as he says this, but Namjoon shrugs him off and pushes him away. They're closer than how Jungkook thought they were, it seems.

They finally get to be able to leave an hour later. They grab their coats and gloves at the door and walk out of the huge villa. Jungkook is beyond exhausted, he just wants to put this accident behind his mind, continue with his life and deal with it when the time comes. He turns around and sees he has left Namjoon behind. "Come here," he gives his hand for him to hold. Namjoon looks startled, he seems to be deep in thought. But he reaches out and grabs his hand to intertwine their gloved fingers.

"You must be exhausted." Jungkook drags him towards him and holds him.

"Yeah, can we just get out of here please?" 

"Sure, let's go." Jungkook lets him go and continues to walk to their car with hands still intertwined. He wonders if Namjoon thinks he's mad at him, he looks so wary of Jungkook, like he'll scold him anytime. That will explain why he still hasn't noticed how lighter his scent has become, how he couldn't stop smiling ever since it happened, why his alpha is settled with him, softly purring. His omega has publicly declared his claim on him, has fought and won a fight for him, nothing can ruin his mood now.

Namjoon's scent sours throughout their ride, he wraps himself in his jacket like he's trying to hide away from the world. When the silence becomes overbearing, he plugs his phone and selects a playlist for them. Jungkook uses this opportunity to break the ice. "Who is that?"

"It's Eminem." Namjoon replies, finally looking at him.

"Uhm." Jungkook hums, he listened to a song or two of his during his rebellious age, but he's never heard this one before.

"You don't know him?" Jungkook shakes his head, "Slenderman? Slim shady? Damn, you really don't know?" Namjoon twists his whole body to look at him in astonishment.

"He's not familiar," Jungkook replies, trying to sound confused.

"Hyung, what rock are you under exactly?" Namjoon asks, a smile appearing on his face.

"Well—," just as he is about to reply, he hears the siren of the police.

He swiftly pulls over and rolls down his window. Two policemen came up to his window and one of them raised his ID, "Good evening. I'm Officer Lee and I want to know if I'm talking to Jeon Jungkook."

"It's me." Jungkook replies, wondering what this is about.

"We just received a complaint about you from Miss Ohk Sena and we would like to invite you to the station right now." Officer Lee says.

"Okay." Jungkook complies and the other police officer sits in the back of the car while Officer Lee goes back to their car. Jungkook notices Namjoon's silence ever since the police pulled them over. He wants to say something reassuring, but the officer in the back makes it hard to. 

 

"Sena-ssi has filed a complaint against you and said that she was physically attacked by you." The officer says when they make it to the station, but he's looking at Jungkook instead.

"But, I was the one who did it. So why are you talking to him?" Namjoon makes his confusion clear, he gets in a defensive posture, making the office halt for a bit.

 The officer regains his composure quick enough, "Alphas are responsible for their omega's actions. Sir, I'm afraid I have to put you under arrest for physical assault."

"What the hell? You're just spouting bullshit at this point because we both know that's not how things are done." Namjoon gets up from their chair.

"Sir, please sit back down. I'm just trying to do my job." Officer Lee cautions.

"No, you're just jumping into conclusions like that. And where the hell is that bitch? Did she make you do this? I demand her presence." Namjoon rages with his arms crossed.

"She went away to get her injuries treated and this is something that no longer affects you, sir. I'll have to keep this gentleman here in the station until morning." The officer calmly replies.

Jungkook gets up from his seat after processing all of that information, his heart feels like it's shaking and his bones are quivering within his flesh, but he needs to diffuse the situation before it escalates to something else. "Namjoon," he grips the omega's arm, "please just settle down for now. I'm sure the office has more to say. Officer, if I've confessed to my crimes or have been found guilty, what am I going against?"

"Well, you're staying here for tonight, that part's clear. In the morning, a judge will deem you fit for bail or not. It depends on certain circumstances in your favor or not, and after that you'll get a lawyer to gather evidence of your innocence or not. If you're found guilty, you'll pay a fine to the victim and be sentenced to hours of community service. And if the judge sees fit, he can take Namjoon away from you until you're capable of handling him. If he's not convinced you could keep him in line, we'll wait until he gets a better alpha." The officer explains, Namjoon stands up abruptly after that. "Yes?"

Namjoon doesn't say anything, but his breathing becomes heavy enough for Jungkook to be concerned. He reaches for him but Namjoon shrugs him off.

"Is there something you want? Someone you want to contact?" The police ask in a tone that doesn't settle down with Jungkook.

"No. I have nothing to say to you. We'll stay here until tomorrow." Namjoon replies.

"I'm afraid I can't keep you here, you're not the one the complaint is filed upon. If you're willing, I can get one of the officers here to take you home." Officer Lee offers.

"I'm staying here." Namjoon firmly replies.

"Sir, this way please." Officer Lee ignores Namjoon and leads Jungkook to a cell, before the omega can rush to the cell he drags the bars and slam them shut.

"Open the bars!" Namjoon frantically orders.

"Go home," The officer spits back, putting emphasis on each word.

"No! I'm not leaving him here, open it!" Namjoon shouts back, voice shaking with emotion.

"Namjoon please, let them take you home. Come back tomorrow." Jungkook orders and Namjoon's face scrunches up in pain. It hurts to see Namjoon like that, but he can't let him stay here in the station, it's not secure.

"No! I'm staying here with you. I'm not going anywhere," Namjoon holds onto a bar tightly with a tear making its way down his cheek.

"Namjoon, stop arguing with me, please just go. It's cold out here, you're freezing, you need to sleep. Let them take you home, you can come back in the morning."

"How do I leave this place when I'm the one that hit her but you're the one paying the price. How do you expect me to sleep with this on my conscience?" Namjoon asks, as stubborn as ever.

"You leave this place, you go home, you lie in bed and you try. Don't you understand that by refusing to do what I ask of you, you're already showing them that I have no authority towards you?" Jungkook reaches out through the bars to hold onto Namjoon's face. He wipes the tears streaming down his cheek and mutters, "I don't want you to be taken away from me."

"They won't, I won't let them." Namjoon replies. He grits his teeth and sniffs, then he wipes his tears before turning around to face the officer. "I want to make a phone call."

"Well, right this way," The officer gestures to the door.

Namjoon turns back to him with a determined look on his face, "I'll be right back."

 

The clang of the bars wakes Jungkook from his slumber. He had paced himself to exhaustion and ended up falling asleep when Namjoon didn't return. He jerks his head upwards and hisses when the light shines directly upon his eyes. "Come on, you're free to go."

He comes face to face with a female officer. His gaze flickers to the side and he sees Namjoon outside the cell, he has slumped into himself to make him look smaller. Jungkook walks out of the cell and faces the officer, "what now?"

"You go home, come back tomorrow when the judge is available from 10:00am." The officer curtly says.

"Why am I leaving now though?" Jungkook asks, still confused.

"You've been given bail, you can go home now. Have a nice day." She says, even though it's still dark out. She turns around and leaves them alone without any more words.

"Namjoon, how did this happen?" He walks up to the omega and inspects him to make sure he's okay. He can't pick up any scent on him and this fact agitates his alpha so much.

"I made them call the judge to issue a bail to you. He already knew about you, so he was okay with giving the bail. Can we go home now please?" Namjoon begs, his voice quivers and his eyes are still glassy. He hands Jungkook his things that were confiscated by the officer, his car key, his phone and wallet.

 Jungkook feels a surge of emotion when he thinks about how long the omega has spent crying. He holds his hand and they walk out of the building hand in hand. When they make it to their car, Jungkook holds him in place and scents him thoroughly. Placing kisses on his eyelid, his nose, his jaw and down his neck. He doesn't let up until he feels Namjoon's omega calming down and his tensed-up muscles relax. They get in the car and Namjoon slumps down into his seat and makes himself smaller. Jungkook doesn't say anything too, he focuses on taking them home.

When they arrive home, it's already past 3:00am. Jungkook doesn't bother with the parking, just turns off the ignition and exits the car. He walks a few distance then waits for Namjoon to join him. Namjoon rushes up to him and throws himself on him, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I've done today. I put you in so much trouble, please forgive me."

"I'm not mad at you," he moves back so he can be able to look at Namjoon in the eyes, "look at me, see. I'm not angry, accidents happen all the time."

"It wasn't an accident though, that was me fucking up big time. I shouldn't have done any of that, now look at what happened." Namjoon cries.

"No, Sena was the one that started this. She agitated your omega then she attacked you, anybody else would've the same thing. And I'm the reason she even started all that drama, I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry my past has came back to hurt you."

Namjoon shakes like a leaf in a storm in his arms, "you're too good to me. You don't deserve someone like me. You don't deserve all that drama and trouble I bring."

"Don't say that," Jungkook chastises him in a firm tone. "I will take on all the trouble in the world and then some if I get to have you. I know who you were before I married you, I wanted you like that and I want everything that comes with having you, I have zero regrets. So don't say I don't deserve anything, we're a team now, we share everything between us. Understand?"

Namjoon nods, then he hides his face in the crook of Jungkook's neck, softly inhaling his sandalwood scent. "Can we go in now, I wanna make a nest and lie in it."

"Sure, let's go inside, I'll help you with your nest."

 

They both slump down in the nest immediately Namjoon deems it okay. They took a shower immediately after they came in, then started building the nest without bothering to even change out of their bathrobes. Namjoon rolls over to Jungkook and climbs onto him. He huffs a hot breath on Jungkook's chins and rumbles, "you're too good to me."

"If I'm not too good to you, who else will I be good to?" Jungkook whispers against Namjoon's lips.

"I would've done much worse if you weren't there. I let it go because of you. Next time she'll think twice before touching you. She called you Oppa too," Namjoon mutters, mouth set on a frown.

"Thank you for fighting for my honor and yes she did. I never gave her permission to." Jungkook kisses him, soft and warm.

"Oppa," Namjoon tests it out, he swipes his tongue over Jungkook's lips as he says it.

Jungkook hums, "I like Hyung better."

"Okay," Namjoon mumbles, and Jungkook reclaims his lips again. They trade slow, languid kisses, none of them bothering to chase anything more. Both content with just kissing. They kiss and kiss, until their lips are slicked with spit, until their lips are swollen, until Jungkook drifts into sleep.

He feels himself displaced, he opens his eyes and is met with darkness. Namjoon must've turned off the light and dragged him properly on the bed. He burrows into the warm sheet and fixes his position to lay down much more comfortably. He's somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness when he hears a tiny little whisper.

"You're mine."

He blindly reaches for Namjoon's hand with his eyes closed and gives him a warm squeeze. "You're mine too."

•••

They go back to the station the next day, where they stand with the just judge, Sena is absent. Jungkook doesn't believe his ears when the judge reads out his sentence. Sena has dropped the case because she has no intention of pursuing it anymore.

"Furthermore, we've been informed that she was the one that agitated your omega and striked first, so what happened was the omega acting out in defense." 

It didn't even take an hour for Jungkook to walk out of the courtroom with all his charges dropped. He drives back home with Namjoon by his side, smiling non-stop at him. Jeon Jungkook, had been arrested because of this omega. The future is a weird county to be in.

Later when he is out alone, he sees a paper tucked into his windshield.

He always comes back to me, it reads.

•••

They're arguing about which movie to watch, again. He and Namjoon have been invited to Seokjin's new year's party, but it's more of a get-together and less of a party. Namjoon is by the end of the couch, checking out the spoilers for a film with Taehyung because they wanted to see if it's scary enough for them to put it on. It was supposed to be a secret between them and Jimin, but Jungkook's heightened senses didn't really give him a choice.

"Okay, this is good enough. Let's watch it." Taehyung sniggers, putting his hand over his mouth to contain it in case it gets Hoseok's attention.

"Hyung, we've found the perfect one. Hurry up and bring the popcorn!" Jimin shouts at Seokjin, who's in the kitchen with Yoongi.

"Play the movie, we'll hurry up and join you!" Seokjin shouts back from the kitchen.

They start watching the movie, Hoseok sits next to him on the couch with a blinding smile, totally oblivious to the trap the boys set for him. Namjoon is sitting with Jimin and Taehyung on the other couch, they discuss quietly that even Jungkook can't pick up what they're saying. He didn't even know they'd made up. But he doesn't know how their friendship works so he can't really say anything. 

Seokjin and Yoongi join them not much longer, bringing bowls of popcorn, chips and different dips. They realize it's a horror when it's too late. Hoseok screams and falls on him when a jumpscare scene comes up. "Please tell me when it's over," he sobs, teeth chattering from fear.

Jungkook becomes at a loss of what to do, does he pat him to calm him down? There isn't a significant change in his lavender and cotton scent, but then again he's a beta, so Jungkook can't really tell.

 "Dude, I turned around for a minute and you're feeling up my alpha. Move, go cuddle with Taehyungie." Namjoon practically peels Hoseok off Jungkook and throws him to the side.

Hoseok screeches like he's the one the demon is possessing, "I don't wanna see what it's doing to him, no!"

He falls to the floor and crawls towards Taehyung's couch, but he attached himself to Jimin. "Hobi, goddamn it lose the hug. I need to breathe!" The alpha complains.

"The movie isn't even scary enough, you spineless weakling." Namjoon calls him with a wicked smile. Jungkook drags him over to his lap to stop him from saying anything anymore, he has gained enough experience to know anything can start a fight during movie nights. "Hey Yeobo," Namjoon preens under the attention, someone—Seokjin—makes gagging noise behind them. Namjoon shows him the finger before he turns back and plants a big kiss on Jungkook's lips. He giggles from the collective groans the rest let out.

"They're so annoying." Taehyung complains.

"Just because you're not getting some." Namjoon shoots back, then he kisses Jungkook deeply out of spite.

That little stunt got them kicked out of the living room. They sit at the dining table in the kitchen and watch videos on Namjoon's phone for quite some time, but Namjoon quickly discards the phone in favor of kissing Jungkook. And this is how Jungkook starts his new year, with his beautiful husband sitting on his thighs, tongue deep into his mouth. He thinks back to how he spent the last year, alone in his bed. He went to bed early because he had nothing to look forward to. He opens his eyes and stared into Namjoon's eyes. Now he has to wake up to this person, why wouldn't he look forward to spending every day with him?

"Hyung, they're tainting your dining table!" Taehyung snitches on them when he walks into the kitchen.

"Yah! Get out of there you disgusting people. Don't you dare do anything to my kitchen, that place is holy!" Seokjin's scream comes from the living room.

Namjoon collapses into him from how much he's giggling. Spit bubbles in his mouth because his lips are in contact with Jungkook's chin, but he doesn't find it revolting, it's actually kind of endearing. They are forced to migrate back to the living room, where Seokjin will monitor their movement and stop them from being too naughty. They switch the horror movie to romcom and Namjoon ends up falling asleep on his shoulder. When he's sure that Namjoon is deep into sleep, Jungkook gets up from the couch and starts to clean the place because they're laying futons down there to sleep. 

Jimin gets up to help him clean, it seems they're the only ones that didn't fall asleep. He disposes the trash while Jimin gathers the dishes they used during dinner. "We'll do the dishes in the morning. I'll go bring the futons out then we can wake them up to go to sleep," he says.

Jungkook nods in answer, he's tired too and wants to lay down and go to sleep.

"I don't think we've ever really talked just the two of us after the wedding," Jimin flashes him a smile.

"It's probably because this is the first time we're meeting properly since the wedding." Jungkook replies.

"Well I'm glad both of you are doing well. Whatever you're doing, it's making Namjoon happy, so thank you." Jungkook only nods, stifling back a yawn. "You pay attention to him in front of anyone, you accept his affection all the time and you're not afraid of giving it back. I wish I could be like you."

"You're already a good friend, from what I've heard and seen. Don't beat yourself up for nothing, I can see how important you are to the guys, to Namjoon too." Jungkook says, and none of what he says is a lie.

Jimin smiles when he says that, "you're a good alpha, just what Namjoon deserve."

"Thank you for your kind words, Jimin-sii."

"Please, just call me Jimin. We're all friends here."

"Of course, I see. Then Hyung will do it too."

"Sure. Happy new year, Hyung." Jimin sings with a smile.

"Happy new year, Jimin." Jungkook replies with a mirrored smile.

•••

He gets another message when the holiday is over. 

Tick, tock, tick, tock. 

Namjoon sits on the couch primp and proper next to Jungkook. Eomeoni has requested for the both of them in the leisure room. She informs them that Jungkook's pack decided to spend seollal over at their mansion. Which, they already knew, because Heejin heard from Jae-sung and had warned Jungkook in advance.

"I apologize that I asked so much from you while you still haven't recovered your strength, but the family notified me of their decision to spend the seollal here in order to bless Jungkook's new home and mate," Eomeoni finishes her explanation with an apology.

"I understand Eomeoni, you don't have to apologize for anything. I shall fulfill my duties as an in-law without any hindrance." Namjoon replies.

"I keep saying I am lucky for getting you as an in-law. Thank you for being so understanding. Why don't you see Jungkook out, we need to get to work immediately." Eomeoni says, gingerly standing up, "Jungkook-ah, have a good day. Come back home safe."

Jungkook waits until she's gone for good when he speaks, "I'll tell her you still haven't recovered from your heat so she should let you rest."

There's already a frown on Namjoon's lips, he rubs his hand on his forearm and shrugs, "no, don't worry. It's whatever."

"Namjoon, you need to rest. The staff are perfectly capable of doing everything." Jungkook frowns too, not wanting to argue about something so trivial.

"Ugh, can you just stop?" Namjoon groans out loud. "I'm not doing doing shit, all I'm doing is supervising the staff to make sure they've done things right. I can survive."

Jungkook can't help the sigh that makes its way out of him, Namjoon has been insufferable ever since his heat. He did warn him, to be honest, but he didn't think he'd be this cranky. 'I wasn't really lucky when it comes to heat partners, so my omega is always cranky during heats. Don't worry about it.' Namjoon had said. And Jungkook is worried about how many topics he's not supposed to be worried about until something worrying does happen. "Fine, I'm sorry."

"Great, you can see yourself out," Namjoon replies then turns around to leave. Jungkook is swift to grab him and pull him flush against his chest. He drops a kiss directly on his lips. He waits until Namjoon unclenches his fists and relaxes on him. He run his hand through the omega's hair until he starts purring.

"There you go," Jungkook soothes, dropping several kisses on his lips, until Namjoon finally opens up and lets him in.

Namjoon sighs against his mouth, swaying along with Jungkook as the alpha rocks them side to side. He mumbles something against Jungkook's lips that made Jungkook's heart miss a beat. "What did you just say?" Jungkook forces out, heart wildly trashing in his ribcage, his breath yoyoing in his lungs.

Namjoon blinks, clarity returning to his eyes. He smiles, until his dimples pop out and he looks like an innocent toddler, "I didn't say anything, Hyung."

Jungkook is reluctant to let him go, "If you say so," he pecks his lips once more in farewell before he walks out of the house. His heart is still trashing in his chest and he can't seem to get his breathing in control. The moment keeps looping in his mind, he could've sworn he heard those words, I love you. No, it can't be. Maybe he was the one that muttered those words. When is it too early to say them, anyway? He wished he had someone who he can discuss these things with.

•••

Jungkook goes out for lunch at a restaurant that's not far from his company building. Just as he crossed the street, he hears an exclamation mark. He turns and finds Jimin, blinking at him in surprise. "Jimin-sii, hello."

"Ah, Hyung. Hi, what a coincidence meeting you here." Jimin smiles, showcasing his crooked front tooth.

"Oh, do you work around here?" Jungkook asks, finding it quite easy to talk to the younger alpha. He can't place his hand on it, but something about Jimin and his scent that carries a familiar underlying scent, is comfortable. He wonders if that scent is Namjoon's.

"Oh no, I'm still a student, final year. I'm just going to get lunch in one of the restaurants I frequently a lot." Jimin replies.

"Oh, could it be that we're going to the same place?" Jungkook asks.

"After you then." Jimin gives him way. Jungkook walks ahead, with the younger trailing after him. They end going to the same place. "I guess you're right."

They both make their orders to-go and find seats to sit and wait for their food. Jungkook drums his finger against his pants, thinking of what to ask the alpha. He wants to be closer to Namjoon's friends, since they spend a lot of time together now, might as well get comfortable with them. Jimin beats him to it, though, he flashes him a smile and asks, "so how's your grumpy fairy?"

Jungkook blinks in surprise, "excuse me?"

"I meant Namjoon, how is he doing? Have the little toddlers run him to the ground and out of the school yet?" Jimin asks, fishing a quiet chuckle out of Jungkook. Well, that is definitely an image.

"Ah, not yet. But he's getting there. He's talking of going into pottery, there aren't much details for now. But he's always muttering about little devils when he's doing his night skin care routine." Jungkook replies. And, it's super easy being with Jimin like this. He doesn't know why he didn't think of it sooner, but of course the person that linked them will be the reason they get closer, it should've been obvious from the beginning.

"I'm impressed he lasted this long, but he's quite stubborn isn't he? When he sets his mind to do something he gives it his all," Jimin trails off as he's talking, his mind seems to be elsewhere. He blinks and then he's consciously back in the restaurant, "it's quite funny when he's around toddlers. You can't tell who's older than who. It's like he's a 305 months old baby."

Jungkook chuckles when he heard that, "he handles kids wonderfully, I can't deny him that."

"Oh, he met your kids?"

"He has," Jungkook replies, and their orders are being called immediately he closes his mouth.

Jimin quietly accepts his order for two and something clicks onto Jungkook, that soft scent, he suddenly remembers who it belongs to, "well, wish him a good seollal."

"Won't you be meeting up with him and the rest of the guys? Or did you two fight again?" Jungkook asks as he accepts his order.

"Hm, no. I won't be around, that's all. And I also just didn't know what to say to you, is all." Jimin says, holding eye contact for some odd seconds, before he shrugs and walk out of the cafe.

"Goodbye then. See you some other time. Please deliver my greetings to Hoseok." Jungkook bids his farewell.

Jimin trips on air, eyes wide and face flushed with embarrassment, "I will," he speaks, rushed, almost annoyed.

Jungkook watches his retreating back before he makes his way back to his work building.

 

Jungkook goes back home early, mostly because he wants he doesn't want Namjoon to overwork himself, but largely due to the fact he misses him so much he's sick with it. He goes up to his wing, when a staff tells him that his mother is downstairs supervising the staff cleaning the guestrooms. "Tell Namjoon to come up," he leaves his message on his way up.

Namjoon joins him after he had taken a shower and was combing through his wet hair. "Welcome home."

"Thank you, are you done with your work?" Jungkook asks him as he drags him towards him.

"I am now that you're back, we're finishing everything tomorrow." Namjoon mumbles against his throat.

"Did you eat?"

"Yeah, Eomeoni made me eat." Namjoon sighs against him and sinks into Jungkook's hug.

"Okay, go freshen up and then come to bed to rest early." Namjoon doesn't respond to him, he just clings to Jungkook and scents him. "Cheer up now, won't you? I told you we'll try again in your next heat."

"They would've been the cutest little things, with doe eyes and dimples, can you imagine that?" Namjoon whispers. To say that his omega is upset about not being knocked up is an understatement, his brooding has taken over every part of Namjoon's rational mind. All he could think of are the pups he should've gotten during his heat. Anytime Namjoon is in control of his mind, he's beyond pissed off at his omega, so Jungkook is just dealing with a never ending cycle of an cranky omega. Not that he minds it.

Jungkook won't dare say these thoughts out loud, at least not any time soon. But when Namjoon pouts, when he gets mouthy and cheeky, when he throws a tantrum, he gets so insanely aroused that it's shameful even to him. He'd get too frustrated before, when his cock would get rock hard, red, angry and weeping, wanting any sort of attention and he can't do anything about it without feeling disgusted with himself. But now that Namjoon is his, now that it's acceptable to want Namjoon openly and not be ashamed of his desires, he slots Namjoon's crotch flush against him and grinds down to relieve his aching cock. He relishes in the chocked moan Namjoon lets out. "Of course I can. Why don't we try right now, see if it will catch?"

He drags Namjoon over into an open, filthy kiss, tongues rolled up together in an obscene dance and spit getting mixed up and dripping down the side of Namjoon's mouth. Jungkook follows the trail to drop wet kisses on Namjoon's jaw, he swallows, his mouth already getting dry. He walks Namjoon backwards until they've reached the bed. He undo Namjoon's buttons and takes off his shirt, then he grabs the omega's thighs and hoists him up on his waist, biceps bulging from how hard they flex. Namjoon immediately wraps his thighs securely against his waist. 

"Hyung," Namjoon heaves, chest rapidly expanding and deflating. He's just where Jungkook wants him.

Jungkook puts his mouth on a nipple and sucks, Namjoon moans and arches backwards, pushing his nipple even deeper into Jungkook's mouth. The alpha runs his unoccupied hand down the omega's lower back, down, down to his ass to grab a handful. He felt the warmth that signifies slick dripping and dampening Namjoon's pants, just a few moment before it seeps through the fabric and ruins it. Jungkook drops Namjoon on the bed and takes off his shoes, then peels off his pants and underwear in one go. Namjoon's inner thighs are smeared with slick, another gush of the lubricant trail down Namjoon's thigh. 

"Stop looking at me like that and do something." Namjoon complains when Jungkook stares much longer than necessary.  Like Jungkook's the one at fault. Like this isn't the normal reaction to have when presented with the image of the most beautiful person to ever exists in the world. 

Jungkook scoops up some slick with his fingers and starts to work those fingers into Namjoon's hole. The squelching sounds the hole makes as Jungkook tries to open it up are so obscene that Namjoon flushes deep and hides his face with his hands. He barely waits until he's loose enough before he complains. "Hyung, I'm loose enough please just put it in already."

Jungkook scissors his fingers inside of Namjoon to utterly make sure he's loose enough, he is. He then gently pushed his cock into the omega. The pace of his thrusts start out slow, then he gradually picks up the pace until Namjoon's moans become higher and higher. He slows down and shallowly thrusts into Namjoon's tight heat, dick pulsing inside the hole from how good it feels.

When Namjoon's breathing becomes a bit more stable he picks up the pace again, only to pull out when Namjoon lets out the loudest moan. The omega pants from frustration, sinking into to mattress from how hard he buries himself in it. His face is red from exertion and completely soaked with sweat. Jungkook trails his cock from his hole to his perineum, making sure to catch another spurt of slick on himself. Then he gently grinds his cock against Namjoon's perineum until it catches the omegas dick at the end.

He reinserts himself back into the hole and pounds deep and hard into Namjoon, only to slow down his pace as Namjoon is about to reach orgasm again. He repeats it two more times until Namjoon's lashes are soaked with tears. Until the omega cries out from the edging, his breathing shallow because of how tense his abdominal muscles are. Jungkook finally lets himself go, he angled himself to brush against Namjoon's prostate with every thrust and pounds into the omega in abandon.

Namjoon's moans become so high that they're practically screams. When he comes he ejaculates ropes and ropes of his cum until his stomach is covered with it. Namjoon's muscles immediately relax when he's finally relieved. His face loses its flush color and his breathing returns to normal. Jungkook cums under the omega's sharp, lazy stare. Jungkook plops down next to Namjoon and tries to catch his breath. When he turns to Namjoon, he seems much more lucid than before.

"Hey," he whispers in a deep voice, his dimples popping from how hard he's smiling.

"Hi," Jungkook smiles back, reaching over to brush some strands of hair that fall over Namjoon's forehead. "Do you feel better?"

"Yeah," Namjoon replies, he turns over to his other side, his back facing Jungkook now.

Basically, Jungkook learns that the only way to make Namjoon's omega content pre-heat and post-heat was to edge him and then give him a good orgasm. Jungkook has never been grateful for having the stamina of a dominant alpha until now. And he's even more grateful for having Namjoon in his life. He was always careful during sex before, mostly just focused on his partner's pleasure, to scared to indulge in his because he tends to be a bit rough sometimes. But Namjoon can take so many things others couldn't, with Namjoon, he learns to let go a little bit and not be scared to indulge in his pleasures.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up." Jungkook gets up after that and picks Namjoon up to take him straight to their bathroom.

 

"If you actually do end up knocking me up, I'm going to be so mad at you." Namjoon speaks up much later when Jungkook had run a bath and washed him up.

"Well, it's a good thing I can't, isn't it?" Jungkook replies. He puts the products he used back in their places, picks up a towel and comes back to the tub. 

"You can never be sure." Namjoon pouts, putting his arms around Jungkook when he opens the towel to wrap him with it. Jungkook sighs, forgoing the towel and carrying Namjoon up from the tub, immediately soaking his pajamas. 

"Be assured, you have nothing to fear." Jungkook pecks his lips and walks out of the bathroom with him securely in his hands. This wasn't really the first time they had this conversation, Jungkook told him since the beginning that he got a vasectomy a little while after Eunsook had been born. When he got it, it was because he didn't want to risk his child inheriting the dominant alpha gene. Little did he know that he was already too late.

Jungkook drops Namjoon on the bed and walks over to their closet to take out a robe and pajamas for Namjoon. He comes back and dresses him up in it. He walks over to their dresser and gathers all of Namjoon's beauty products. He quietly starts applying them to Namjoon's face, he's getting better and better at it with each try. He applies the toner first, then serum, eye cream and finally moisturizer.

"I wouldn't actually mind having pups, if I do get one." Namjoon mutters with a pout, eyes averted. "It's just, I can't seem to get past the fear of it first."

Jungkook hooks his index finger under Namjoon's chin and makes him look up at him, "anytime you feel ready, or when you feel sure of your decisions of having pups, don't hesitate to come to me. You hear?"

"Yeah, yeah. You know I'd always tell you how I feel." Namjoon replies, firm in his tone.

"I know, and that's what I like the most about you." Jungkook replies, stealing a kiss from the omega before he gathers everything and puts them back in place. He wonders if there's a universe where a different Jungkook settles with Taehyung instead of Namjoon, and how they're ever going to make a compromise in order to build a proper relationship. He throws that thought aside, there's no need to think of unnecessary things like that anymore.

"Do you want me to get you something to eat?" He asks as he wipes his hands with a towel.

"No, I'm not hungry." Name replies, he has changed into his pajamas and dropped the robe to the side of the bed.

Jungkook picks it up and hangs it in the bathroom. He comes back to their room and switches off the light. He walks to bed and switches off the bedside lamp too and gropes for the covers in the dark. Namjoon reaches out for him and pulls him to bed, his arms and legs immediately clamping around him. Jungkook hums, "you know, I've been having recurring nightmares about an octopus squeezing me to death."

Namjoon bites him on his shoulder, "take that back you meanie."

"I didn't even say anything." Jungkook laughs despite himself and burrows deeper into Namjoon's chest.

"But you implied it, didn't you. Whatever, if you will suffocate in your sleep then you will. It's your duty as an alpha and my husband to cuddle with me every night." Namjoon scoffs.

"Of course, of course," Jungkook yawns, already falling asleep.

 

•••

Jungkook drives Namjoon to a florist the next day. They're running an errand for Eomeoni, who requested fresh blooms delivered on the day their guests will start coming over. Namjoon asks him to wait for him in the car as he goes inside to make the appointment, but Jungkook gets tired of waiting for him so he locks the car and goes after Namjoon. 

He finds Namjoon talking to a man in the shop with a frown set in his face. As he approaches however, he notices the man about to move his hand. He swiftly catches his wrist midair and very calmly, he asks, "what do you think you're trying to do?"

The man's eyes widen at his presence, he snatches his hand away and steps back. "I was going to point out a flower I recommended to him. I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression. Like I said, sir, the clematis are behind you. Right next to those violet flowers." The man points with his chin this time instead. 

Namjoon turns behind him and checks out the flowers. "No, I think I'll just go with the peach roses."

"Of course. Will that be all?" The man asks.

"Of course." Namjoon says.

"Okay, I'll put that down in our records then I'll be right back with the bill." The man smiles, his gaze flickers to Jungkook, scent revealing his uneasiness, before he walks away.

Jungkook is beyond mortified, he waits for Namjoon to tease him for overreacting but instead the omega just smiles and runs his palm over his arm before giving him a hug. "Let's go pay for the order, then we can go to the Han river and get lunch."

"Of course. I'm sorry I embarrassed you like that." Jungkook apologizes.

"It's okay, don't worry about it." Namjoon replies.

They go over to the counter and Jungkook pays for the order. They finalize the order by telling them the time they want the flowers delivered, and before they leave, the man wraps a single yellow tulip separately and hands it to Namjoon. When they walk out of the shop, Jungkook eyes the flower. "What's this about?"

Namjoon laughs, "it's part of the order I made. I saw them the moment I walked into the shop and just had to get one."

"If I knew of it I'd have gotten more for you." Jungkook tells him, unlocking the door and opening it for Namjoon to slide in.

"Don't worry, just one is enough." Namjoon reassures him.

"I think I got you yellow tulips for your graduation." Jungkook says. He doesn't know why he acts like he's unsure of it. It's not like he'll ever forget about that day in his life.

"You did. They mean a lot to me." Namjoon beams at him when he says it.

"I got them because the florist said they'd be a good choice to give you then. I'm glad she recommended them to me." Jungkook says.

"I'm glad she recommended them to you, too."

 

•••

 

The day the Jeon clan will start arriving at Jungkook's mansion, he repeats his warnings to Namjoon again. His anxiety has been high through the roof, his alpha wailing in helplessness, but there's nothing he can really do. He can only hope that the celebration ends with no issue. "Do not spend any unnecessary amount of time around him. Do not engage in a conversation with him. Greet him only, nothing more, nothing less. If anyone else says something to you, or does something to you and you didn't like it, tell me. I'll set things straight with them."

"Don't worry about it, I'll be on my best behavior. And nothing will escalate to the point you have to intervene." Namjoon says with a smile.

Jungkook brings him flush towards him and kisses him hard, "behave."

Namjoon hums and nods several times in response.

And honestly, he should've seen it coming, he should've known that Namjoon is just too goddamn stubborn to listen to what he's asked to do. But he never knew that the situation would get out of control to that point.

•••

The celebration starts out like how it's supposed to. Namjoon is dressed up in the prettiest hanbok with accessories on his hair. He is polite to a fault, greets everyone with a smile. But his smile gets impossibly wide when he meets Sooyun and the kids. They have dinner without any mishap. And pack alpha Jeon, doesn't say anything that makes Jungkook upset. His Eomeoni sits there happily bedsides the pack alpha and Jae-sung sits at his other side. Jungkook and Namjoon sit opposite to them.

They finish dinner in one piece and all the guests migrate to their assigned rooms.

 

The next morning during breakfast, however, everyone has a plate with the exception of two of Jungkook's aunts. The same ones that were rude to Namjoon during their honeymoon. Jungkook mentally sighs when he adds the point together.

"Oh," Namjoon innocently gasps, "how could that be? The plates were enough during dinner yesterday."

"Some people weren't present during dinner yesterday." Heejin speaks up from where she was seated next to her beta husband.

"Oh, well can't you find any more plates?" Namjoon asks the staff.

"I'm sorry sir, but these were all we have." The staff replies.

"Eomeoni?" Namjoon turns to Eomeoni in fake helplessness. Jungkook finds his thigh underneath the table and pinches him hard. Jungkook retracts his hand, pissed that the man didn't even flinch.

"Oh, we're going to have to get more plates later today then. For now I guess some of the kids have to give up their plates for the adults." Eomeoni replies.

"Did you not know you're short of plates before? This is an inefficient behavior, and I do not condone such a thing." Pack alpha Jeon speaks up immediately, his statement directed at Namjoon.

Namjoon frowns, "well, next time I'll make sure we have plates enough for half a hundred."

The table becomes uncharacteristically quiet, no one has ever talked back at pack alpha Jeon before.

Namjoon looks around and hums, "well, I apologize you didn't have enough plates to have your breakfast with. But now that the issue is settled, I hope you all enjoy your breakfast. But of course I know some of you will give up the plates for the kids, I'm sure it will be such a great attribute to teach the kids growing up in the pack." He says hit after hit with a charming smile on his face, "besides I'm sure at your age you have to regulate your calorie intake, I wouldn't know that though."

Namjoon shifts properly on his seat after that, hands on his lap, smile on his face, chin cheekily tilted, bows adorning his hair.

Jungkook looks up and sure enough, he meets the suspected pack alpha's glare sent towards him. Oh, well.

"Is Namjoon available?" 

Jungkook's heart jumps a bit before his gaze flicks to their bedroom door and back to his Aunt Juhwang's. "Good morning and Happy New year. Namjoon's getting ready right now. Why don't you come in and wait for him here?"

"I shall and happy new year, Jungkook." Aunt Juhwang nods her head and comes into the living room when Jungkook opens the door wider for her to come through. He doesn't wait for her to sit before he goes back to their room. She's here to pick a fight, he concludes. Or maybe she's just coming to scold Namjoon for what he did the day before. He needs to think of damage control already, stop the fight before it even starts. 

He finds Namjoon struggling to put on his jeans in their room, he lets himself in and closes the door. "Aunt Juhwang wants to talk to you." Jungkook says, trying to convey how grave and serious the situation is.

Namjoon looks up at him with a frown and Jungkook isn't surprised when he takes a whiff of his displeased scent. "Did she say why?"

"No, but whatever she needs from you, I need you to be patient and accommodating. I'll make sure she doesn't cross the line and if she does I'll deal with it. Can you do this for me, please?" Jungkook comes closer and holds onto Namjoon's arm. "I'm certain she's trying to bait you into a fight then pin the blame on you."

"That's impossible, because she's the one  coming to my space, not the other way around." Namjoon looks at him for some odd seconds, then sighs out, "but fine, I'll be patient and accommodating." 

"Why are you putting on those outfits? You know we'll be joining everyone soon and it'll be too late to change into your hanbok by then." Jungkook asks, if his Aunt sees him dressing this way, she'll find more reasons to scold Namjoon. 

"I can't even dress however I want in my house. Fine, I'll go see what your Aunt wants then I'll come back to change. Can't keep her waiting now, can we?" Namjoon shrugs Jungkook's hand off him before he stalks off.

Jungkook lets out a deep sigh that displaces his bangs to the side of his face. "Namjoon—"

"Behave, yeah I got it." Namjoon cuts it with his hands up in surrender. He walks out to the living, Jungkook follows him in tow.

"I'm sorry that I'm bothering you so early, but I wanted to have a bit of privacy while we talk." Aunt Juhwang says immediately Namjoon comes into the living room.

"What do you want to discuss privately so early in the morning?" Namjoon asks, trying but failing to hide his irritation. He spreads himself on the couch and pins Aunt Juhwang with a stare. "Well? I don't have all day."

Jungkook doesn't sit with him, he loiters in the background, trying to seem busy but also wanting to be close enough to intervene if he needs to. He bends down to sort their shoes into place, they don't need to be sorted at all. But Jungkook can shamelessly watch them better this way.

Aunt Juhwang's legs jitters in one place before she confesses. "You're right. I've let myself go for so long, I've lost control a long time ago."

Jungkook's gaze jumps over to Namjoon only to meet his eyes. He shakes his head in warning, but the omega answers with a mischievous grin then turns his gaze back to the poor woman and replies with so much delight in his voice. "Oh? Well go on, let's hear more about how right I am."

"I can't control my calorie intake! I've put on an obscene amount of weight last year, yet I can't seem to stop eating. Please, help me out, what do I do to lose weight?" The omega pleads desperately.

"I knew it! I knew since the first time we've met you're jealous of my physique, you went out of your way to antagonize me every time. What makes you think I'll be inclined to help you lose weight?" Namjoon cheekily replies, sitting upright and crossing his arms.

Jungkook moves closer to Namjoon and pointedly runs his fingers down his spine. "Aunt Juhwang, you look fine to me. Your calorie intake is probably due to your alpha providing so much to you and your omega wishes to show gratitude to her mate by consuming all that provision. All you have to do is exercise regularly to stay healthy and you're good to go."

"Is it really?" Aunt Juhwang asks, doubt coloring her tone.

"Of course. Losing weight so suddenly is going to put your alpha in so much distress and in turn it'll make your omega distressed. So as I previously stated, regular exercise is all you need."

"If that's the case, then I'll start enduring exercise so I can eat to my heart's content and show my mate I'm grateful for all that he's done to me!" Aunt Juhwang proclaims. 

Jungkook walks her out to the door, opening it to make sure she walks out immediately and won't come back for a fight now that her omega's fear has been settled. 

"Oh thank you, my beautiful boy. You're an absolute angel. Oh and Charye preparations have just begun, Namjoon-ah. Don't stay up too long or you'll catch a scolding." She pats Jungkook's chest before she walks off. 

Jungkook closes the door and turns back to Namjoon. "You will never listen to what I tell you, even for a second."

"I said I wouldn't start a fight and I didn't. Also, you like it." Namjoon says with a pout.

"Go and change into your hanbok. You heard her, you're needed downstairs." Jungkook sits on the couch to wait for Namjoon. Instead of the omega to do as told, he does a body flop on Jungkook, making the alpha groan out in pain.

"Don't act like that now. Weren't you the one that made a whole speech on how you can handle me?" Namjoon moves in order to squish Jungkook further. "Say, what if I go down to join the others dressed this way?"

Jungkook grabs onto Namjoon's ass cheeks and steadies him, then he drags him further towards him. "Abeoji will stab me with a butter knife."

Namjoon uses the opportunity to steal a kiss. "I'll stab him back with a fork for you." He turns back to look at Jungkook's hands that are kneading his plentiful mounds. "See? Aren't you glad I wore the jeans?" He teases.

"I am." Jungkook honestly confesses, pressing a kiss on Namjoon's lips. He remembers what Namjoon said about stabbing the Pack Alpha back, and knowing in his heart that he won't hesitate to make an attempt if it comes to it. He likes the feeling that settles in him from that admission, "my hero."

 

•••

 

"Hey! Hoist me up for a bit, won't you?" Namjoon drags him to the window that's located on the landing. 

"Namjoon, we're already running late." Jungkook complains, but he easily goes along with Namjoon.

"I'm just going to open this window. All that mixed scents that wafts up towards the stairs is supposed to escape through here. No wonder it goes up to our living room and drives me insane instead. Now hurry up, you said it yourself we're running late." Namjoon grabs Jungkook's wrist and pins his hand on his hips.

Jungkook gives up and hoists Namjoon up. They struggle a bit before Namjoon gets a hold of the window and pushes it open.

"I hope you remember that you're in public, please spare our eyes from seeing you two in such inappropriate positions."

Both Namjoon and Jungkook's head whip towards the flight of stairs that leads to Eomeoni's wing to see Sooyun coming down from it.

Jungkook puts Namjoon back down and turns to her. "Sooyun, you're yet to join them for Charye preparations too?"

"Well, yes. Eomeoni took the kids with her so they wouldn't bother me and I overslept. We all know the staff are going to do all the work anyway, it's all for the sake of appearance." Sooyun replies, reaching the landing. "Jungkook, Namjoons-sii, happy new year."

"Happy new year." Jungkook greets her back, nudging Namjoon when he doesn't say anything.

"Happy new year, Sooyun-sii." Namjoon rolls his eyes and puts on a performative smile. Jungkook isn't sure why he was hopeful they'd get along before, when they're the total opposite of each other. Sooyun is also intolerant of people like Namjoon and has been vocal about it several times. Jungkook had hoped she'd like him, since he gets along with the kids just fine.

Sooyun eyes Namjoon for a while, before her eyes turn back on Jungkook as if to say, 'is this really what you like?' She walks away from the two of them without anything else.

"She's quite the delight, as always." Namjoon says with disdain.

"Hey, hey!" Jungkook pinches Namjoon's hip hard until the omega winces in pain. "Respect her, she's older than you."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry." Namjoon pouts even more. "I hate this so much, I want it to end already."

"I know, baby. But just endure it for a while. We have a day more to go." Jungkook tries to uplift the omega's spirit.

Namjoon slumps onto him and puffs his cheeks out. "After this, let's find a beach house and move out. We'll have a garden where I'll grow my flowers and vegetables. Then I'll open a floral shop and sell all sorts of plants. And you'll stay home to clean and cook. What do you say?"

"I can't cook." Jungkook laughs, grabbing Namjoon's cheeks with his hand and squishing them.

"You can learn." Namjoon mumbles.

"You two are still at it?" Sooyun speaks up, almost as if she's in physical pain.

The two of them break apart and turn to face Sooyun. "You're still here?" Jungkook asks, surprised.

"No, I came back to call Namjoon. Everyone's awaiting the presence of his royal highness." Sooyun replies.

Namjoon huffs out a breath, his scent turns spicy, before it goes back to being steady. "Well I'm here." He says in a controlled voice, which indicates that he has slipped in his role of an in-law. "Let's go."

Sooyun turns around and walks ahead of them. They walk closely behind her into the main room, where they're holding the festivities. The space has been cleared and tables have been arranged for them to sit on. They greet Jungkook's father and the older alphas before finding a place to sit. 

The kids start moving around to offer their greetings. Jungkook takes out a wad of envelopes containing the kid's sebaedon from his hanbok and puts them on their table. He blesses each kid that wishes him luck in the new year and hands them their own envelope. When everyone has made their rounds, Eomeoni stands up and signals for the omegas to come with her. Namjoon stands up and moves out of the room with them. 

The omegas come out not much later to serve the dishes prepared for the occasion. Jungkook's gaze finds Namjoon and doesn't waver even for a second. The omega works diligently, serving their guests with a smile and warm greetings. 

Once everything has been prepared Jungkook watches the older alphas and first borns offer food to their ancestors, then they finally go back to their seat. The omegas step out from the side of the room to join the alphas in sitting. Namjoon sits up close next to him, bringing wafts of vanilla walnut and food spices with him. Sooyun sits at a table next to them but she switches sides with the kids so that they can tell Jungkook all about their recent adventures. Jungkook sneaks in more ddeokguk into Eunsook's bowl as she shows him the part of her wrist where Dahee had bitten her earlier.

Jungkook's gaze jumps to Sooyun and she quickly shakes her head, signalling for him to not say anything about it. He lets it be and continues his conversation with Sooyun. Much later, she blinks in shock and keeps quiet. Jungkook also keeps his mouth shut and turns to see what has gotten her attention. He sees Eunsook hanging off Namjoon's neck and Byungho sitting besides him, he's picking seeds off watermelon with his chopsticks before he puts the watermelon on a separate plate for the kids. 

Sooyun is quiet for a while, the scene must've left her very surprised. Jungkook hopes she's reconsidering Namjoon's character, he knows sometimes the omega can come off as shallow and insufferable. And he's a decent amount of all of that, but there's also more to him. There's an unshakable amount of kindness, determination and righteousness in him that's enough to sway one's opinion for him. A person has to dig deep to find it for himself, and once they do see all those hidden attributes, they find a treasure beneath all that facade.

The alphas later relocate to the leisure room to play Yut Nori while the omegas busy themselves with tidying up. Namjoon is tasked with serving alcohol to them. He brings glasses arranged on a tray and takes the used glasses back with. He makes three rounds but on the fourth, Sunmi, Jae-sung's omega, is the one to bring them their refill.

"Where's the young omega?" Aunt Juhwang's alpha, Uncle Dong-geun asks.

"Oh, Namjoon has retired for the night." Sunmi arranges the glasses aside and picks the used ones up.

"Are you done already? Tell Eunbyul that I want a bath to be prepared for me, I'm going to retire early tonight." Alpha Ga-eul, who's a mate to Pack Alpha's sister, speaks up.

"Ah, you'll have to wait a bit because we're still not done." Sunmi replies, she sees the confusion on his face and elaborates further, "Namjoon is really exhausted, he worked so hard to serve you and us as well. Not only that but he also took care of the kids, so we told him to go ahead and rest up early."

"I see. I've heard that he's quite good with pups." Uncle Dong-geun states.

"I heard that too." Pack Alpha says, swirling his drink in his glass. 

Jungkook knows that the statement has a double meaning to it and is directed at him, but he pretends like he doesn't know what his father means by.

"Yes," Sunmi inserts. She smiles at Jungkook with bright eyes, "he's quite wonderful. I'm certain he'll make a great parent. Jungkook smiles back at her for successfully changing the topic, then he goes back to his cards, not wanting to make eye contact with his father again. He plays several rounds before he excuses himself and goes back to his wing.

 

•••

 

On the third and final day of Seollal, they all skipped breakfast because of exhaustion. They have lunch around 2:00 PM, the alphas occupy the leisure room to have a drink and the omegas leave them to go back to their respective rooms. 

They come out again later in the evening to have tea with Eomeoni. Jungkook doesn't get the entire gist of it but a fight broke out between Inhye and Eunha, both of which are his cousins. It blows up to the extent that their alphas get involved and several malicious words are exchanged. Jae-sung finally gets between them and the root of the problem is traced; Dahee had bitten Hyo-rin, both which are respective kids of the omegas. Namjoon had scolded Dahee for her bad behavior but Inhye defended her daughter, which in turn enraged Eunha and the situation escalated into a fight.

Jae-sung tries his best to settle the fight, he orders the two families to apologize and make up. Apologies are exchanged but it seems each of them have words in their mouth they won't dare voice out in front of the alpha. The tense atmosphere lasts throughout the evening.

 

"What if we take the kids out tomorrow on an outing? Does anyone have a suggestion on where we can go?" Jae-sung speaks up during dinner to dissipate the air of hostility that's still thick in the air.

"Well," Aunt Eunbyul, Pack Alpha's sister, pitches in when she understands what Jae-sung is trying to do. "It should be something that the kids will enjoy, maybe give them an opportunity to get along and have fun. Pack Omega, what do you suggest?"

Eomeoni chuckles quietly before she speaks up. "Well this is a question for those with little kids, I suppose. Sunmi-ah, any ideas?"

Jungkook for a second thought she's going to call on Sooyun, there has already been gossips making it's way round on Namjoon and Sooyun's relationship. Eomeoni calling on Sooyun because she's the one with kids is going to cause a new wave of gossip. Maybe Eomeoni is aware of it, that's why she calls on Sunmi instead.

"Well, they're are several amusement parks we can go. But with our number, I don't think it's possible. The beach sounds kind of more practical, but a lot of supervision is needed and I think we're all too exhausted for it." Sunmi replies with her airy voice. 

Jungkook keeps his head down and focuses on his dinner. The whole conversation sounds ridiculous to him, Jae-sung probably started it to have something to talk about. Maybe he wants to get an activity for the kids to participate in within the mansion, but needs someone else to say it. Jungkook keeps his thoughts to himself. He doesn't want to make someone feel moronic and start a fight with whoever gets offended.

"I'm also sure a lot of people here aren't enthusiastic about having sand up their ass crack." Namjoon pitches in.

Jungkook closes his eyes and prays that he isn't audible enough for anyone else to hear. But the snickers and the chortles tell him otherwise. 

A loud bang resounds, shutting the whole table up. Ceramics and cutleries clatter from the force. "Enough!" Pack Alpha roars. Waves of muted sour scents become washed over by the acrid scent of a furious alpha. The alpha stands tall, flecks of gold coating his irises, his heated gaze pinned on one omega.

The said omega grimaces in distaste, regarding the alpha carefully. And Jungkook keeps quiet, coming up with scenarios after scenarios, all with a solution with it. 

"What is wrong with you?" Namjoon spits out, it seems that he realizes the Pack Alpha is for real.

"You dare to commit yet another offense and have the face to speak up against me?" The Pack Alpha demands. 

The omegas start to rush the pups out of the table, out of sight, knowing too well that things can get nasty real quick when the Pack Alpha is involved. Eomeoni stays in case she needs to be around to calm him before he goes into an alpha rage.

"Literally what have I done? All I did was share an opinion that everyone would've forgotten by tomorrow. But no one would forget you making a spectacle out of it." Namjoon shoots back. 

The whole room is silent for a bit until, "stand up."

"No," Namjoon fixes his posture and becomes comfortable on the seat. Jungkook watches his father's face in rage. He knows there are several things about Namjoon that sits wrong with the alpha. He knows they're going to have a problem with his father when he learns of Namjoon's way of life. But he never thought he'd be so desperate enough to attack him that he'll start a fight over something so trivial.

"Stand up!" Pack Alpha roars.

"He does not answer to you!" Jungkook stands, finally fed up with the whole situation. He pushes Namjoon's seat behind his back and leveling Pack Alpha's gaze with his own. It's too late to back out and discuss this in a calm manner, the bastard is already agitated, he's been looking for ways to take his anger out of Namjoon and it seems he's got what he wants.

"You," Pack Alpha says, narrowing his eyes at Jungkook.

"Yes me. If you have an issue with my spouse, you bring them to me." Jungkook challenges the alpha.

"If you dare to side up with your omega against me, I will rip you limb from limb." Pack Alpha threatens, looming over Jungkook with a predatory gaze.

"Move, get out of this." Namjoon also gets up and pushes Jungkook to the side. "You want me to stand up. Well I'm up. What are you going to do about it?"

"I have been lenient towards you, because I know of your upbringing. I know the situation of your household, your father doesn't teach his pups how to respect a person, much else an elder. Today, I will teach you respect! Kneel." Pack Alpha commands with an air of might.

"Kneel?!" Namjoon exclaims in exasperation. "You don't have that right. Respect you? You haven't earned it yet."

A collective gasp is made in the room. The air is thrumming with hostile pheromones and Jungkook makes quick mental calculations of the possible number of Alphas he might fight tonight.

"Mind your tongue! Damned omega! You dare to talk to your Pack Alpha like this?!" Alpha Jeon demands, second away from leaping towards Namjoon.

"What Pack Alpha?" Namjoon asks and the room temperature drops from the question. "Who told you that nonsense?"

Seeing Pack Alpha Jeon hesitating makes Jungkook move again. This is his chance to put distance between Namjoon and the alpha, calm himself down and summon enough patience to face his father afterwards.

"Let's go." He orders and starts to drag Namjoon away. But Pack Alpha only leaps over the table towards them, toppling the dishes and the food they contain out of his way.

"Do you think you can escape after the atrocities you've said? After you've just challenged my status as the leader, omega?" Pack Alpha taunts, stepping closer and closer to Jungkook, who puts Namjoon behind him.

"Abeoji—"

"Shut up you ungrateful child! I will address you after I'm done with him!" Pack Alpha shoves Jungkook out of way and grabs onto Namjoon's collar.

"Oh no! Please calm down, please don't hurt him! He's just a boy!" Eomeoni exclaims. Alpha Ga-eul drags her out of the room, but her pleads are loud enough to still be heard.

"I didn't challenge any status of yours because you're not this pack's leader. Look around you, the fact that you're the only one reacting to it says a lot, doesn't it?" 

Pack Alpha Jeon pauses, then he looks back to their audience and watches them one after the other. None of them allows for eye contact.

"Do you understand now?" Namjoon asks, when he sees the understanding dawning on the Alpha. "You've just been the leader in name, but what is it that you control anymore? The company? Your packmates? Your family?" The omega asks with a bitter laugh.

Jungkook gets up, holds onto the Pack Alpha's wrist and dig his nails into his ski. "That's enough, let him go. It's me that you want, isn't it? Well here I am." He offers, wanting his father to just let go of Namjoon and turn to him, hurt him like he always loves to do. But he's also afraid that there's no going back from this, the topic has already been broached, and he's not sure who'll come out with more damage after this.

"Well? Aren't you flaunting your status some seconds ago? Are you realizing you're not in control as you thought?" Namjoon presses, unbothered by Jungkook's presence nor the hand on his neck. "There's no reason to be surprised. Who in their right mind would let you lead them? When you can't even take care of your family. Your omega—"

"Don't you dare!" Pack Alpha speaks over him, index finger raised in warning.

"You don't get to demand respect when you don't have it. You've never gave a fuck about your mate, whether she eats or not, whether she's healthy or not, whether she's satisfied or not. None of that! How many times do you even see her in a year? Once or twice? Same thing with the pack and your business, your kids have to step up to taking care of her too. Yet you think such an alpha deserves to lead a pack? No, you don't deserve it. And you're so pitiful that no one can even correct your ways, nor be upfront with you. Because they know you'd throw a tantrum, just like you're doing right now. Instead, they just let you play pretend while they do everyday behind your back, making it seem like you're in charge."

Pack Alpha raises his hand to strike Namjoon and Jungkook catches his wrist mid air.

"Don't you dare! We don't hit omegas in our pack." Jae-sung stands up, eyes gold with fury. 

Pack Alpha snatches his wrist from Jungkook and shoves Namjoon hard until he falls. Then he huffs out of his flared nostrils. "I will show you that I'm still in charge of this pack. I challenge you to a fight, come out if you're man enough to fight me." He declares, looking directly at Jungkook before he walks out of the room.

"Hyung—" Namjoon turns to Jungkook in panic.

"Leave." Jungkook orders, heart thudding insistently in his throat. His mind is already clouded with rage and he doesn't want Namjoon to experience it again. But he has made up his mind, He's going to kill today.

"But Hyung—"

"Do not argue with me, go." Jungkook fights hard to not raise his voice, he is pissed off with Namjoon for not listening to what he has been telling him, over and over again. This is because he simply wants to protect him from his horrid father. But he's realizing how unfair he had been to Namjoon, especially when the Pack Alpha was hellbent on finding flaws of the omega just so he can humiliate him however he wants to. Since all of that is futile, now he'll just have to warn the Pack Alpha to stay away from his omega this time.

He waits until Namjoon walks off, leaving a trail of sourness on his path, before he makes his way out of the mansion.

"Since he's challenging my status as the new leader of the pack, this duel is mine to fight." Jae-sung speaks up, catching up to Jungkook's side. The few alphas that agreed with him murmur their agreement as the also follow them. "I always knew that it'll have to come to this, one way or the other."

Jungkook doesn't say anything to him, because he's busy trying to stay in control. His alpha is restless, pacing in circles, making Jungkook dizzy. Whether Jae-sung decides to fight their father or not, his own fight is sealed. He knows the Pack Alpha is also going after Jae-sung, to keep his status as the Pack Alpha intact. He also doesn't give a fuck about the fight for the position of Pack Alpha. Whoever is the leader of the pack, he needs him to know that he will never let anyone touch Namjoon, not only him, but the rest of the people he considers family.

Why should he even care about who rules the pack anyway? He's sure that the moment a leader is determined, he'll be banished from the pack as a punishment, because he'll continue to be perceived as a threat to the leadership of the Pack Alpha.

They meet Pack Alpha by the gate and he leads them out of the neighborhood and into the woods. Jae-sung and Jungkook lead the pack in silence, while the people at the back murmur among themselves. Jungkook tries to hold his head high, tries to stop his shaking hands from anger, tries to stop his scent from turning acrid so as to not agitate the others 

But he keeps seeing his father's hand on Namjoon and he can't help the the rumble he makes in his chest. After all those years he spent tolerating his father's bullshit, taking in all of that anger directed towards him for crimes he didn't commit, letting his mother to subdue him and forcing him to not retaliate for how badly she was treated by that scum. Today his father didn't consider all of that and went ahead to cross a line forbidden to be crossed. Well then, today, he shall end whatever animosity is between him and the Pack Alpha.

The alpha in his father is swift, powerful, ruthless and relentless. He doesn't give up until the Pack Alpha feels that he's made a point and calls him back in. To put his thoughts short, Pack Alpha Jeon is a true beast that prowls in the night. But today, Jungkook is going to make that alpha live the horror he had once witnessed from his hands.

"You guys should stay here, we'll be the only ones to proceed further." Jae-sung calls over his shoulder and the pack stands still as he and Jungkook move deeper into the woods.

Once Pack Alpha deems it deep enough into the forest, he turns back and faces them, his eyes gleaming gold and they are the only thing visible about him. He seems to have merged with the night. "What is he waiting for?" Jae-sung mutters, confused.

"He's giving us time, once it's up he'll attack us." Jungkook answers, his eyes pinned on the Pack Alpha, gaze unwavering.

"It's unwise to attack first, he'll crush our skulls in a second." Jae-sung says, and Jungkook realizes too late that he is scared. He inwardly scoffs, it seems his brother is all bark and no bite. He probably makes a show of going against their father in front of the pack because he's sure Jungkook can stand his ground against a fight with Alpha Jeon. He's waiting for Jungkook to fight his battle for him, how pathetic.

"Don't move until I have," Jungkook finally orders, he doesn't wish for his brother to be harmed, it'll only make things complicated for him

"Do you have a plan?" Jae-sung cowers in such a way that makes Jungkook's alpha want to start the fight with him.

"Just to make it out alive."

The Pack Alpha's eyes become wider in a miniscule, being more and more frenzied by the second. Before Jungkook can breathe out he has already propelled himself towards them. Jungkook studies his direction and momentum, he's going after Jae-sung first. Right at the moment he reaches out to strike, Jungkook takes a hold of his claw and uses his momentum to capsize him to the side, taking him down.

Alpha Jeon is shocked, Jungkook isn't. He always knew he's faster, stronger and greater than the alpha. But he never fought back against him, even when the alpha's attacks enraged his own alpha to an astronomical level. The last time his father had attacked him, it left him traumatized. His alpha cried for days, because he knew he's capable of fighting back, but he chose not to. Except now, he has Namjoon to go back to and he doesn't plan on dying in this forest.

Alpha Jeon uses his slight distraction to kick him in the stomach and uses all his strength to flip their position. He sinks his claws into Jungkook's ankle and drags him through the forest floor, then he lands a knee directly onto Jungkook's thigh. Jungkook yowls from the pain and before he can recover Alpha Jeon lands a punch on his jaw that rattles his skull. Jungkook's teeth shake with the force, his canine sinking and tearing into the flesh of his cheek, drawing blood from the cut. The Pack Alpha punches him again and Jungkook screams from the rage that builds up inside him.

He draws out his claws and strikes over Alpha Jeon's eyes, but he can only get an eye before the other alpha draws back in pain. Jungkook kicks the alpha off him and stands. He has already made up his mind, he will not die in the forest, he will not lose to Alpha Jeon. He has exceeded the alpha in every way! He is nothing like his father! He has a husband to get back to, he has pups who need him, he has a mother to take care of. To hell with the pack, to hell with the Pack Alpha, to hell with anyone who tries to get between him and his family. He howls into the cold air of the night and then pounces on Pack Alpha. His claws sink into Alpha Jeon's neck and connect his head to the hard earth until he hears a sickening crunch.

He stomps his shoe on the alphas hand and grabs the other hand that held Namjoon in his. He twists it until Alpha Jeon screams in pain but he doesn't let up till he hears the bones crack and the hand goes limp. He looks over his father's face and breathes hot air over the bridge of his nose. "If you ever touch anyone from my family again. I will kill you."  

He replaces his claws with his teeth and holds the alpha down, waiting for him to surrender.

"Yield!" Jae-sung orders, but Alpha Jeon struggles underneath Jungkook, causing blood to flood into his mouth. 

"I said yield!" Jae-sung screams, stepping on Alpha Jeon's leg and twisting the sole of his shoe on it. The Pack Alpha groans in rage and madly trashes around. He keeps bleeding from the bite in his neck and Jungkook lets the blood seep out from his teeth and trickle down to his jaw. Slowly, the fight leaves the alpha and he goes limp against Jungkook, too tired to fight anymore.

Jungkook lets him go, standing up and limping out of the forest. Whatever happens between Jae-sung and his father now is none of his business. All that matters is that he has made his point. When he limps halfway through the forest, he hears Jae-sung's victorious howl. The rest of the pack joins their new leader in howling at the new moon.

Jungkook passes them, no one stops him and he doesn't bother with any of them. When he's far away from the pack he spits out the blood that's been sitting on his tongue. He feels a lower incision shake from the action and makes a mental note to make a dentist appointment to fix the loose teeth. He uses his sleeve to wipe the blood on his lips and jaws, the shirt is ruined already anyway.

 

He makes it back to the mansion, but he doesn't meet anyone on his way to his wing. The omegas are probably cooped up in a room waiting for orders to come out. Jungkook doesn't bother with any of them, it's not his place to break the news to them. They can hear the howls from here, they know the fight is over and the Pack Alpha will be announced soon. He has broken his promise to never fight his father but he also hopes that she'll finally accept that peace was never an option.

 

•••

 

Jungkook finds the living room empty. Namjoon is definitely in their bedroom, buying more time for himself when Jungkook is back. He enters the bedroom and finds Namjoon slumped on the bed. "Hyung," he calls him out in a rush. "You're back!"

Jungkook quietly pushes the door shut.

Namjoon scrambles to a sitting position. "I know you're pissed, and I know I got you in trouble. But I've repented like a thousand times already and I'm willing to go down there to the Pack Alpha to apologize, on all fours. I will go down right now and face the consequences. So please don't be mad."

And it's almost comical how much this parallels his first night with Namjoon. Namjoon on the bed apologizing, while Jungkook approaches him until they're face to face. Only this time, Namjoon doesn't flinch because he's afraid, he flinches when he smells blood on Jungkook. "There's blood on your shirt!"

"It's not mine." Jungkook kisses him, he holds his head to keep him still. Namjoon gasps when he tastes blood on Jungkook's tongue. 

"Hyung," he pushes Jungkook off him, "what did that bastard do to you?" 

Jungkook kisses him again, despite knowing his mouth still carries the tang of blood. He pushes Namjoon to lay on the sheets and watches him for a bit. "So troublesome." He rasps, placing his hand by the side of Namjoon's head to support himself, smearing blood on the sheets in the process. He looks at it, then he looks back at Namjoon. He remembers Namjoon telling him several times that he's not a good person, and here is Jungkook, staining his sheets with his father's blood. He's not that much of a good person either, is he? They must be made for each other.

"Hyung, please." Namjoon begs, tears pooling in his eyes.

"It's fine, everything's fine now. Just be a good boy for me, won't you?" Jungkook asks, already littering kisses on Namjoon's jaw, his chin and down to his neck. He notes that the omega has showered his father's bitter scent off him, good. He's not sure what he'll do if he smells that rotten scent on him. He takes off Namjoon's shirt and peels off his shorts, then he makes sure to mark every bit of skin he can get his mouth on. He makes his ways down, drawn by the sweet scent of slick that's sliding down Namjoon's thigh already.

Jungkook places a finger on the omega's rim and pushes against resistance. He tries to take his time to work Namjoon open, but he loses his patience halfway through and puts his mouth on Namjoon's cock. Namjoon grabs his hair harshly and tugs in response. Jungkook ignores it and works a second finger into Namjoon, he's already slicking so much the slide into him is easy. 

Jungkook twists and turns his fingers inside Namjoon, scissoring them to make him loose. He's trying not to rush the process but he's shaking so hard with the need to be inside his omega. His alpha is restless, howling insistently at Jungkook to hurry up, almost as if he'll rip his way through skin and flesh to take Namjoon himself.

He finally reaches Namjoon's prostate as he gives a harsh suck. Namjoon shivers and cries out from the multiple stimulation at once. His scent thickens so much until Jungkook can taste vanilla on the back of his tongue. Jungkook is already spilling so much precum, he finds himself restless to keep up with manu things so he gets his mouth off Namjoon and focuses on fingering him.

"Hyung," Namjoon gasps, "Hyung, please." Tears are already rolling down his temples, his nose is tinged pink and his mouth is red and swollen. He looks so innocent like this, but that's not what Jungkook wants, he wants him absolutely wrecked.

"Don't you dare." Jungkook warns him and Namjoon whines in disapproval, he's also leaking too much precum and Jungkook fingers slide easily into him due to the large amount of slick he's making. "Don't make me punish you."

Namjoon struggles for a bit, thighs quivering, stomach cramping. When Jungkook sees that he won't listen, he slaps his cock, then clamps his finger around the tip. "Hold it in." He orders and Namjoon whimpers and heaves like he just ran a marathon, looking out of it already. He takes pity on him and decides to give him what he wants.

He pushes his cock into him in a single stroke, Namjoon moans in sync with the howls of the pack coming from their window. Jungkook also groans out in pleasure when he's sucked in by the wet, tight heat of the omega. He sets a slow pace and fucks Namjoon languidly. 

The omega struggles underneath him, restless and unable to stay still. "Hyung please, faster, faster please."

"You've been bad today, Namjoon. You don't get to make requests." Jungkook berates him, panting hard.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Hyung. I'll make it up to you." Namjoon moans out, tears streaming down his face. And Jungkook is getting off of it, this feisty omega that doesn't bow his head to anyone except him, but this is what he had reduced him to.

"Well take what I'm giving you then," Jungkook grits out. He gives a few harsh thrusts and enjoys the way Namjoon's body trembles from it. The slick makes it easier to thrust in faster and faster. He moans when he's hit with another wave of Namjoon's syrupy scent. He's already enveloped entirely by the fragrance of vanilla but now it seems as if his every sense is assaulted by it.

"Oh, oh." Namjoon moans higher and higher. "Hyung, hyung I can't." He cries out, he grabs onto the sheets as he arches off the bed. Jungkook pushes him back into it and pins him down, making him sob out in earnest.

Jungkook kisses him, deep and open mouthed, swallowing every moan he makes and hoping to convey what he feels for Namjoon from it. He kisses the crook of Namjoon's neck and his Adams apple, tasting salt off the sweat-slicked skin. He lingers for a while, unsure of what he's about to do, then he simply drops a kiss to Namjoon's scent gland and moves on to his shoulder. 

Namjoon drags his back to his gland, "do it, please." And how could Jungkook resist, when Namjoon begs him so nicely with his big round eyes full of tears. Jungkook loosens his jaw and sinks his teeth right into Namjoon's gland. He hears Namjoon's scream just as his knot forms at the base, then his vision becomes washed with white. When he comes to, his knot is yet to go down and he's lying in the bed with his teeth still in Namjoon's flesh, his mate's—mate!—blood in his mouth. Unlike the other blood he tasted earlier that night, he welcomes this one, and swallows it right away. 

The whole night flashes in his mind, how he made a choice between Namjoon and his pack. And now he's lying in bed with his mate. He thinks he's shed a few tears, because he tastes salt on his lips, but he's not quite sure, everything's muddled up. He releases Namjoon from the bite and the omega drags him towards a hug, placing a kiss on his lips and tasting his blood on Jungkook's tongue. 

"Stay with me." Jungkook begs, knowing that he's crying for real this time.

"You're stuck with me, Hyung." Namjoon softly says. "I'm not going anywhere."

 

•••

 

It takes a while before Jae-sung ask for him. He finds him going through files in his office but it seems like he just wants to look busy, or maybe give the impression that he's doing something important. "Sit," he tells Jungkook, making brief eye contact before he loosens his tie. "I think you know why you're here."

"I do, but you're going to tell me regardless." Jungkook says, leaning back into his chair.

"Jungkook, it hurts me to do this. But you know this is the only way to go about with it. If the pack finds out it's you who took down our father, there will be total unrest and a civil war no one wants. You can't be the Pack Alpha, the pack won't allow it. Especially with how your omega acted during Seollal. And the pack needs someone who's been trained their whole lives to lead them through prosperity, someone they can trust their lives with." Jae-sung drones on and on and Jungkook has no choice but to listen to it.

"You think Abeoji will keep quiet about it?" Jungkook asks, just to hear what he has to say. He has no objective of being the Pack Alpha, he just wants a family. For so long, he just wants to have people to call his. It seems no matter how much he tries, this is the single wish he can't have granted.

"I'll tell them myself. And then I'll tell them that you're no longer a part of the pack, so that means I have to step up to the position. Abeoji is too weak to protest anyway." Jungkook stares into Jae-sung's dark eyes for so long. Seeing his older brother, his Hyung. The person that's meant to protect him, but instead it's Jungkook that always takes the brunt of their father's wrath for him. He's the one that takes all of the darkest of the world so Jae-sung can shine, just like he does now. Jungkook wonders why that is and if he has committed a heinous crime in his past life to warrant such a punishment.

"Don't look at me like that." Jae-sung sighs. "You can't act like you're completely innocent in this. You let your husband stand up in front of everyone in the pack and disrespected the Pack Alpha. You knew what was coming for you."

Jungkook understands that, yet it also seems that none of them remembered that it was the Pack Alpha that attacked his mate first.

"I'll show you a single mercy, however. Eomeoni will continue to live with you, for borrowed time. If she wishes to return to the pack, then there's nothing else I'll do for you." Jae-sung finishes. 

"I see. If there's nothing else, then I'll see myself out." Jungkook raises up and walks out.

"I hope there's no hard feelings between us, Jungkook. After all, we're still brothers." Jae-sung calls after him. Jungkook ignores him.

On his way to the elevator, he gets struck by the image of the city from the floor he's on. He suddenly remembers what Namjoon told him about moving to a house near a beach. They'll have a garden to grow their own vegetables and Namjoon will grow his flowers and open a floral shop. It will be nice to have the kids and Heejin with her kids come over for vacation. A huge space for Jungkook to practice new hobbies of his. Maybe…have a space big enough for a pup or two to play in.

He runs a hand through his hair and breathes out in finality. Well then, the sooner he starts searching, the faster they can move.

Early in the morning, Jungkook feels Namjoon swinging a leg over him to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. He doses off when Namjoon returns to bed, with the cold air from outside stuck to his clothes and his scent nowhere to be found. Jungkook turns and blindly reaches for him and tugs him close. He feels Namjoon place their face together, but the omega's skin is slicked with something wet and cold.

"Go back to sleep." Namjoon says in a hushed tone before he tucks himself in Jungkook's chest and throws a leg over his hip.

When Jungkook wakes up later, Namjoon is as energetic and bubbly as ever. As a result, he comes to a conclusion that he dreamt it up and continues with his day.

"Will you stop by anywhere today after work?" Jungkook subtly asks Namjoon as he ties his tie around his neck. 

Namjoon looks up at him and is lost in thought for a little while before he replies. "I'm going to the Mall with Misoo because she wants to shop for her alpha, but I don't think I'll take long at all." 

"Will you be done by five?" Jungkook asks. He made dinner reservations for them to have a nice meal in a fancy restaurant. Afterwards, he'll trick Namjoon into choosing an activity or a place to go from there. This is the first time he's actually planning on how to spend his Valentine's day, so he's quite lost on how to go on with it. He usually brings flowers to Sooyun on that day since she thinks going out to celebrate is hectic. He hopes he can give Namjoon a memorable valentine this year, it's their first together after all.

"I'll try. Why are you asking, are we going somewhere?" Namjoon asks, suspicion coloring his tone.

Jungkook hums, thinking of keeping it a secret, or just outright telling him. Namjoon hates surprises because he hates not knowing. "I made dinner reservations."

Namjoon looks at him with a blank stare for a while, before he perks up. "Oh! It's valentine's day, isn't it?!"

Jungkook nods, already smiling. Namjoon's happiness is very contagious, he wonders if it has to do with the dimples sitting proudly on his cheeks.

"Oh this is wonderful! What are we doing?" Namjoon gushes, jumping off the bed to scutter towards Jungkook. His jewelry glimmers in the morning rays filtering from their windows. 

"Well, we're having dinner. Then we can do anything you want." Jungkook replies, hoping Namjoon enthusiasm won't be diminished by the lack of originality in their schedule.

"That's wonderful! I'll come up with nice places I'd like to take you, it's going to be so good." Namjoon squeals. Dancing in a way that is way too energetic, feet squeaking as they slide one after the other on the wooden floor. 

 

He doesn't let up even as they eat breakfast, even as they put on their shoes and go downstairs. He vibrates as he runs down the stairs and Jungkook has to warn him to slow down twice. 

"I can't! I'm just too excited, I can't even decide where I want us to go!" Namjoon toots, then he tackles Jungkook into an enthusiastic kiss.

"Oh my!" Jungkook whips up his head to see Eomeoni in the lobby with them. She pats her pink, flustered cheeks and averts her eyes to the floor.

"Good morning Eomeoni and happy Valentine's day!" Namjoon greets her, unashamed by the fact that they were caught in an inappropriate position. He takes Eomeoni by her arms and twirls her around.

Eomeoni's shoulders shake so much from how hard she's giggling, there's concern in her eyes, but she still trusts Namjoon to keep twirling them around the room. "Oh happy Valentine's day to you too, my boy."

"I'm going to get you the most colorful flowers, Eomeoni. And those nice little doughnuts you like too." Namjoon whispers conspicuously even though he knows Jungkook is capable of hearing them. Jungkook feels his heart squeeze at the sight of these two. Namjoon has been good for both him and his mother. He brings hope and laughter, something they've never had before, into this house.

"Oh, Namjoon-ah. Don't you worry about an old frail omega like me. Just make sure to have fun, I'm happy just by seeing you happy." Eomeoni replies, fixing her hanbok back in place when she breaks free from Namjoon's hold.

"Oh that simply cannot be, I'm afraid. Right Hyung?" Namjoon asks, getting Jungkook's attention, who has drifted off from the sight of his mate and mother laughing as they danced around the room.

"Right," Jungkook quickly replies, snapping out of it.

"See? We'll make sure we share the love all around the house. It's the day for love after all!" Namjoon laughs, squeezing Eomeoni's hands before he lets go. 

"We'll be taking our leave, Eomeoni. See you later." Jungkook gives her his farewell, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

"Take your time coming back," Eomma warmly calls after them. 

 

•••

Jungkook gets a text from Namjoon telling him he's done with school work and heading to the mall. 

Don't worry about me, I'll come join you in the restaurant.

I have a surprise and I can't wait for you to see!

Jungkook replies to his messages but he doesn't get a reply back so he keeps his phone aside and goes back to work. 

When he's sure he has time to spare, he drives back home to change his outfit before he heads over to the restaurant. Eomeoni is taking a nap but then, thankfully. He's not sure how he'll handle her teasing today. He tries to make sure he's at least a bit more presentable, he slicked his hair a bit with gel to get it to cooperate with him. And he also borrowed a little bit of Namjoon's strawberry flavored lip balm to soften his chapped lips.

He arrives at the restaurant hoping that Namjoon hasn't arrived before him. Luckily, he's the first to show up to the place and he takes his seat, waiting for Namjoon. A few minutes of waiting he decides to call up Namjoon and ask for his whereabouts. It goes through but Namjoon doesn't pick up. He tries again, but Namjoon doesn't pick up this time either.

Where are you? 

He texts Namjoon and waits for a reply. He waits some more before he decides to head out and look for Namjoon. He starts thinking of where to start. Should he go to the mall, or should he loiter around the vicinity of the restaurant so he doesn't miss Namjoon's arrival?

He should have gotten Misoo's number in case of situations like this. He'll definitely propose a dinner between them and Misoo's family so that he can formally meet her alpha, so that their acquaintance will be easier. 

He gets up from his table and goes to the reception to explain he'll be back in a bit. He selects his orders and asks them to just deliver the meals to their table whenever it's ready. He's asked to leave his car key and wallet with them and he doesn't waste a second doing so.

He leaves the restaurant and walks aimlessly. 

He's so lost in his thoughts that he almost misses his phone ringing. He picks up immediately and notices that it's Namjoon.

"Yes, I know I'm late. Our cab dropped me off a little bit further from Toh Lim and I realized it when it's too late. It's not too far from here so I'm walking, please wait for me." Namjoon explains.

"Where are you right now?" Jungkook asks, his thoughts still rampant due to his initial panic.

"I'm by the road at Eulji-ro right now, near the Parliamentarian's Society of Korea." Namjoon replies.

"Can you stay put? I'll come get you." Jungkook asks, he waits for Namjoon's confirmation before he starts moving.

"I'm standing by the sign of Flower Shop Kyuk Mui Gong Boo, you can't miss it." Namjoon replies, before he says his farewell and then hangs up.

Jungkook moves, hoping to use the time to fully calm down. Most alphas tend to be much more relaxed with their mate once they've mated. But Jungkook has gotten a lot more clingier and much more possessive of Namjoon. Simply because he knows Namjoon has a horde of admirers everywhere he goes. 

He tries to tell himself that once they realize he's mated they'll let him be, but his mind keeps telling him this will make them more desperate, much more obsessive because of their heightened need to claim. And this puts Namjoon in even more danger than before. 

He moves as fast as his legs can go without bringing much attention to himself, his breath escaping at a rapid rate. He crosses the street and takes a left turn, once he comes to the street he starts to look for a theater. He slows down his pace, taking in everything at once. His gaze narrows on a figure waving at him from a distance. It's Namjoon.

 

His hair is pink.

 

And he's wearing a whole different outfit from the ones he wore in the morning, that's much expected. But not the hair. He walks towards him, taking in more details about his mate, from his peach glossed lips, to his soft makeup, to his bright silky blouse and dark trousers. He's holding a banquet of red roses in his hands. No, those are red tulips, Jungkook realizes when he's much closer.

"You like?" Namjoon grins. Like he doesn't know the answer already, like Jungkook isn't able to take his gaze off him even for a second, like he's not contemplating getting married again.

"Gosh you're so beautiful." Jungkook says instead, taking Namjoon's face in his hands and cradling it before he drops a kiss on his lips. He presses more pecks to his lips before he lingers, taking in the floral scent of the shampoo used. "You look heavenly. Are those for me?"

Namjoon looks at the flowers, then backs up to Jungkook. "Not really. I wanted yellow but they gave me red instead. Now that I've seen you, I don't think I want to give it to you. Yellow tulips are our thing now, I guess."

"Well, I can accept the red ones today. The theme for today is red after all." Jungkook says in an attempt to complacent him.

Namjoon flinches. "Nope! Yellow is a much happier color, no arguments. Hyung you should actually scold me for being so lousy with you, I should've planned this whole thing ages ago. I want to spoil you rotten, too."

Jungkook chuckles at the statement. "But you've already spoiled me rotten though. Look at the effort you've put on to look like this for me in such a short notice. You look wonderful, by the way. In case I haven't said that before, I almost didn't recognize you."

"It's me, it'll always be me." He drops the banquet aside and clasps his hand in Jungkook's. "Maybe someone will pick them up and it'll mean something to their relationship. But for us, we'll always have the yellow tulips."

"Always." Jungkook promises, kissing Namjoon's hands.

They walk back to the restaurant, hand in hand. Their food has already been arranged when they arrived, so they sit and dig in. 

Namjoon starts telling him how he managed to leave school before it ends by getting another teacher to substitute for him. "I didn't think I'd take so much time dying this hair. I called as soon as I made it to school to make an appointment but of course I had several clients that made appointments way before me."

"Why did you go for pink this time? You like blond a lot." Jungkook asks, curious.

Namjoon blinks at him, before he purses his lips. "You surprise me sometimes," he says, before shrugging. "It's because it's valentine's day today, obviously. I also haven't dyed my hair pink in years too."

He gives Jungkook a pointed look, like he's trying to communicate something silently to him. But Jungkook is lost, he waits for Namjoon to say something. But he changes the topic instead. The look haunts him throughout the dinner. 

Namjoon updates him on some drama that's been ongoing in the staff room and retells some story that Jungkook has heard several times already. But he listens to them again and still laughs at them, because Namjoon is damn funny and knows how to deliver the punchline at the right time.

Once they're done, Jungkook thinks Namjoon will drag him to somewhere complicated, but he only takes him to an ice rink. He's not good at skating, so he let the omega lead him. "I've totally swept you off your feet haven't I?" Namjoon grins, tightening his grip on Jungkook. 

"Yes, Jagiya. You have." Jungkook replies and they continue to skate with the song once upon a dream playing in the speakers.

They head back to Jung-gu to a bakery to get doughnuts and flowers for Eomeoni then head back home.

 

•••

He stares at the invites in his hands. He read the names again and again, Park Jimin and Jung Hoseok. They're getting married. Namjoon has not told him of it even in the passing. Surely, he would've been involved with planning the event. He keeps the invites aside, deciding to ask for more information from Namjoon himself. 

Though he's quite sure Namjoon hasn't visited his friends in a while. He finds himself wondering if something happened again? Jimin and Namjoon have something that's quite thin and fragile between them. Even though they seem to be on good terms now, there's always a twinge of bitterness and animosity underlying their every interaction. He doesn't want to go deep into it, doesn't want to know how things got to be so sour between them. But he knows if it's bad enough to upset Namjoon for a long while, it'll upset him too.

 

 

He gets the perfect opportunity to bring it up during dinner that day. "I received an invitation card to Jimin's and Hoseok's wedding today. I didn't know they were close like that."

"Oh it's not just you, we were surprised as well. But they've always been close, it's just odd to see their dynamic change so quickly." Namjoon replies.

"Did you also know about the wedding just recently?" Jungkook asks, getting even more confused. He gets it if it's just Jimin, but Hoseok is Namjoon's best friend. Why would he hide something like this from him? 

"Oh I knew about it some time ago. But they rushed through it, like we did, I suppose. So not much planning was done." Namjoon replies.

"Why is that?" Jungkook asks. He wonders why their own wedding was also rushed. They could've taken their time. They could've gotten a better wedding ceremony too. Now all he remembers is Namjoon's sad face, with lips stained blood red from the sips of the wine he took. He wishes he can go back, do some things differently.

"Hobi is moving to Toronto for two years, but his family is not letting him go without a spouse. They're obviously just trying to pester him into marriage. And since Jimin is the heir of the Parks, he's also pressed to get married immediately after he graduates from college. It's a great thing that they've found love with each other along the way." Namjoon explains.

Are you happy with it? Do you ever wish that it is you instead? But he can't ask something like this at all, so he tries to bury those thoughts in his mind. Yet it seems like they have a shovel, those thoughts. They dig themselves out every time Namjoon refuses to meet his eyes.

 

 

He goes out to buy matching suits for the two of them days later, he holds onto the package like a crutch. He feels desperate in a way he has never felt before. He has reached a point where he can no longer delude himself of what he thinks Jimin means to Namjoon. He knows, he knows. And he wants to shake Namjoon and tell him he belongs here, with him. He belongs to his side in their bed, he belongs across from him as they eat, he belongs beside him as he drives them to work. 

It's irrational, they're mated. But mating bites can be overridden now, replaced. Namjoon can go to the wedding, see it and decide he wants to be happy after all. Happier, maybe. And Jungkook will have to go back to the bleak world he came from, bereft of color, of laughter, of hope for the future. He looks at the yellow shirts that accompany the ash suits, he can't be robbed of this color. Not when he finally understands what it means. 

 

•••

The wedding day comes quickly, no matter how much Jungkook wishes it doesn't. He dresses up for the occasional none of the less. Namjoon is happy about the matching outfits but isn't as happy as Jungkook drives them to the venue. 

If he's being honest with himself, he knows Namjoon won't leave him for Jimin. He knows Namjoon won't leave him for anyone. But he can't shake this irrational fear of it. Jimin is younger and possesses the strength of youth. He's loud and outgoing, smart and absolutely gorgeous. He's so many things Jungkook isn't, even at that age. But the fact that absolute wrecks him and gives him sleepless nights is that Namjoon loves him, to an extent. While Jungkook is still unsure on how much Namjoon feels for him. So in his mind, he isn't much of a competition when he's up against Jimin. 

 

They arrive at the venue and take their assigned seats. But immediately they greet family and guests Namjoon drags him towards the seat in the back of the venue. "I don't feel like talking much." He says in explanation. That's the most he has said ever since they've arrived. 

The venue is big enough to get a good view of the wedding when it begins. Hoseok and Jimin meet up at the altar, both wearing white. Hoseok has a corsage with beautiful blooms spreading out on his suit. His cheeks and lips shimmer with a sheen left by his tears, but the huge smile on his face shows that he's just beyond ecstatic about getting married. Jimin himself has tears in his eyes, as he says his vows. "I've spent years searching in the dark for a love I never knew was close by." He says.

Jungkook watches them as they say their vows, a dull throb spreading in his chest. This is what it means to have a wedding, where people actually come to witness and celebrate your love for one another. Something that was missing in his own wedding. He wonders what he and Namjoon looked like to the outside world. Did it look like a marriage of convenience, where both looked at each other with empty eyes? Where it's obvious that their feelings for each other were not mutual?

He risks a glance at Namjoon, who's been quiet since the wedding started. He watches the wedding with a sort of melancholy set on his face, an expression Jungkook has never seen on his face. Tears start to fall on his face when the couple are pronounced husbands and Jungkook can't take it anymore.

"Why are you crying?" He asks, not sure of what he wants to hear. The truth, or a lie.

When Namjoon looks at him, his tears have slid down the fist that supports his chin. "It's odd to witness this kind of love, don't you think? It's such a beautiful wedding."

Jungkook looks away from Namjoon as he speaks. "It's everything our wedding isn't, right?"

"Well, we're both different people. So we can't really compare." Namjoon replies.

"But do you regret it?" Jungkook presses, wanting to hear more of Namjoon's thoughts on the matter.

"No, never." He replies.

"Really? You don't want to have something like this? You wanted what we had?" Jungkook turns to face him, and Namjoon looks at him with a gentle frown on his face.

"Of course it doesn't matter. What matters is that I married you, that's all." Namjoon tells him in a definite tone. 

"Even now, you still feel the same?" Jungkook asks and Namjoon looks distraught by the constant pegging.

"Of course, Hyung. It was you I love, not the fancy wedding." He pauses when he realizes Jungkook has been staring at him for a long time. "What? I'm not always materialistic." 

Jungkook doesn't know what to do with himself. His heart is beating loud and his palms are clammy with sweat, his mouth is dry and his breath is coming out in puffs. "What did you say?" He manages to drag out after a while.

"I don't want a fancy wedding. I just want you." Namjoon says, pausing with each word.

"You love me?" Jungkook asks, feeling tears flood his eyes.

The expression on Namjoon's face turns skeptic, his pout prominent. "What are you saying, Hyung? Of course I do. You think I'd marry you and take your bite if I don't?" He says with a snark at the edge of his tone.

"You never said."

"I—I never said?" Namjoon does a double take. "So what did all those words and all those promises mean if I don't? Why are you doubting my love for you, when I've never doubted your love for me?" He pauses, then blankly stares at Jungkook right in the eyes, slowly pulling away from him. "You do love me, don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Jungkook replies with more heat than he intends. He holds onto Namjoon's wrists to pull him to his lap and wrap his arms around his waist. "I love you," he says, even if his voice shakes and cracks towards the end.

"Then stop being dramatic please." Namjoon huffs, smacking his chest a few times before he wiggles off his laps. 

Jungkook hears a few people cooing at their little display and he faces the couple opening the dancing floor with their first dance. Cheeks blooming red, heart stuttering in his chest and a smile sitting definite on his lips. He suddenly decides to be brave once more and asks Namjoon, "why are you crying then?"

"I'm glad we all found love, is all. We all deserve to be loved." Namjoon replies with a small smile.

"And Taehyung?" Jungkook asks.

"He's a pest, he'll survive anyhow." 

Jungkook doesn't believe the pest part, but he does believe that Taehyung is capable of surviving anywhere.

They stand up not much longer to greet the couple, and dance for a few songs before the wedding guests are moved to a different hall where they are served food.

The wedding turns out to be quite fun. The seven of them squeezed themselves in a table for four, couples sitting on each other's lap. Jungkook knows that they look quite a sight, especially since they're so loud and rowdy. They're so hellbent on sharing a plate, even though there's more than enough. A fight breaks out for every single bite taken and Jungkook isn't even exaggerating. He's still learning to adjust to the chaos the group brings with them everywhere. But he loves every minute of it. He always laughs harder, and carelessly when they're all together. And he's glad that they're together, he's glad that they're chaotic, he's glad that they're happy and he's glad that Namjoon gave him something like this, even though he knows he can never repay him.

 

So he tries, however he can. He tries by loving him, by doing anything he can to make him happy, by being there for him when he's in his blues. And it makes it even more easier now that he knows Namjoon loves him.

"I love you." He tells him when Jungkook thrusts so deep within him. He says it as he kisses the birth flowers of the kids Jungkook got tattooed on his arms. He says it when Jungkook flips them to their side as they wait for his knot to come down. It's like a dam has broken down and he's gushing nothing but words of love and affection for Jungkook. Like he's on a mission to make him finally understand what he feels for him.

"I know, I love you too." Jungkook replies, holding the back of his head and dragging him into a kiss.

"What do these flowers mean?" Namjoon asks when they break apart from each other.

"They're all the birth flowers of the kids." Jungkook points at the three birth flowers he has tattooed on his arms. He tells him about each birthday and each year and their meaning.

"You didn't get anything for Sooyun?" Namjoon asks, as perspective as ever.

"She wanted it this way, didn't want anything temporary inscribed on my skin." Jungkook explains.

"Well, if you decide to get something for me, I want something blue. Something abstract." Namjoon says with a smile, dimples deep.

"Your wish is my command." Jungkook replies with a yawn. He has been thinking of getting more tattoos to be honest, a bird, a smiling emoji, a red pulsing heart and now something blue. He's sure his tattoo artist will think of something good.

He holds onto Namjoon as he drifts into sleep. He thinks of the sea, he wants to move somewhere near the sea. "Won't that be nice?" He whispers to no one in particular.

•••

Namjoon wears a light shirt with jeans. He has a straw hat with a blue bow pinned to it. He looks like he's on a vacation in Hawaii. He even looks the part, a healthy tan with a blush sitting right on his cheeks. He smiles so much lately that he's getting wrinkles by the side of his eyes.

"Hyung," he whines.

"Yes, I'm listening." 

"No you're not. You're busy thinking dirty thoughts about me." The omega huffs.

"No, I'm not!" Jungkook panics, keeping his mug aside.

"Yes you are, you have the same expression you don when you think of me." Namjoon pouts, blinking cheekily at him.

"I always think of you." Jungkook replies, shoulders sagging in defeat.

Namjoon drops the pretense and giggles into his hands. "Hyung you're so cheesy, I swear to fucking god."

"I'm helpless, you're just so charming." Jungkook teases him with a smile of his own.

Namjoon groans out loud, "I'm never going to work at this point. Come on, lazy pants! Come and drive me to work."

"Fine, fine." Jungkook agrees. Standing up to follow Namjoon out of their living room.

They say goodbye to Eomeoni as usual and leave for work.

"Saem's coming to pick you up today, I have a meeting until six." Jungkook tells Namjoon as he drops him off.

"Of course. I'll see you at home then." Namjoon drops a sweet kiss on his cheek before he walks into the school.

Jungkook drives off to his place of work and gets lost in paperwork before his meeting starts. His deal with the loan company is changing now that his company has been expanding. They're having a long meeting to discuss changes that need to be made and of course, compromise. The hardest thing about business.

The meeting lasts longer than he thought it would, but he's finally free by 7:00 pm. He walks back to his office to gather his stuff and call it a day. He picks up his phone and sees two missed calls from Same and a message from Namjoon.

 

Time's up. He's with me now.

 

He feels his blood run ice cold. He calls Namjoon's number, but it goes into voicemail. He tries again and again, but the result is the same. He swings his bag over his shoulder and runs out of his office, and down the stairs. He doesn't think he can handle the elevator in this situation. He doesn't even know who to call, doesn't know where to start. He's not brave enough to call pack Alpha Kim. 

The Senator comes to his mind. He doesn't have Gyeong's number, but he has Gureum's number and he's sure she will be able to connect him with Namjoon's godfather. He calls her number, she picks up on the third attempt.

"Hello?" She answers.

"Hey, it's Jeon Jungkook. Can you please send me the Senator's number? It's urgent." He says, hyper aware of how much he's huffing into the phone.

"What Senator?" She asks, confusion laced with her tone.

"Kim Gyeong's husband." He replies, hopping off the rest of the stairs and walking briskly to his car.

"Jungkook-ssi." She carefully says, getting his full attention. "Noona has been divorced for years."

 

His therapist once requested that he compile a list of what he thought were his flaws.

In response, Namjoon mentioned that his flaws seemed never-ending. His therapist made him narrow them down and he listed three major flaws which elaborated from there.

At the top of the list was Namjoon's tendency to make terrible decisions, not just bad ones, but nightmare inducing choices.

In the future, his therapist would inquire about the reasons behind his actions, and he would struggle to articulate around the bitterness that welled up his throat, admitting that it stemmed from a longing for love.

When asked if he felt loved, he would solemnly answer in the negative, reflecting the truth of his emotions.

Namjoon had never experienced the warmth of his Eomma as she fell ill when he was just a few months old. Consequently, he was cared for by a nursing nanny who breastfed both him and her own child.

At around fifteen months old, Namjoon's Eomma gave birth to Taehyung. The whole pregnancy was unplanned and despite her declining health, she chose to proceed with the pregnancy. That had not endangered her but Taehyung as well.

"Well," his Aunt would explain to him later on. "It was a lose-lose situation actually. She would not be able to withstand abortion either, the stress would've been fatal for her. Keeping the pregnancy not only gave her time to regain some kind of strength, but she would also be on medication for a long time by then. So keeping the pregnancy was the better option."

And Namjoon would've been a bit more forgiving at that age.

However, young Namjoon harbored deep bitterness in his soul. His early memories were filled with resentment and animosity towards everyone, especially Taehyung. Which should've been ridiculous, since they were almost in the same boat.

Their mother was unable to care for Taehyung as she had become paraplegic after giving birth. She had been too frail to deliver him on time and couldn't undergo surgery due to her prolonged use of steroids. And as a consequence, Taehyung had inhaled a significant amount of amniotic fluid and fell severely ill. This was why he was constantly in his father's arms.

After their Eomma passed away from her illness, Alpha Kim was left to care for the pups alone. His fear of losing another family member after losing his mate made the Alpha even more watchful when it came to Taehyung. Despite the boy becoming more active and healthy, Alpha Kim still preferred to have him close at all times. The Alpha continuously explained to the older Kim siblings why Taehyung needed extra attention and why he was different.

Namjoon tried to be understanding, but his mind told him that their Appa could have been extra protective of them as well, and that he could have loved them all equally. Instead, he was forced to spend his childhood under Taehyung's shadow. When Taehyung was involved, they were treated almost as an afterthought. Seokjin might have accepted his reality, but Namjoon was never one to settle.

Even after Seokjin had repeatedly explained to Namjoon that fighting for the same attention was pointless and would never amount to anything, Namjoon refused to give up.

If they were being honest, their Appa did his best. Namjoon knew that deep down. But it killed him every time his Appa paid more attention to Taehyung rather than him. He was simply following his instincts and doing everything he could to ensure Taehyung's survival.

Nonetheless, Namjoon screamed loudly, stomped hard, and threw massive tantrums to make his point. To ensure that his Appa did not forget about his existence. It only irritated his Appa, who would mercilessly scold him and never hold back with punishment. So, out of the three Kim siblings, Namjoon bore the brunt of his Appa's wrath.

•••

As he grew older, he realized he was capable of receiving different types of attention from other Alphas. He had recently presented as an omega, fresh enough to still have the scent of a pup lingering. He was young and stupid, and his presentation left him desperate to feel loved.

It was the first week back from the summer holidays. His friend Nini was telling him about her summer activities. She had shown him the brand new phone that her older boyfriend had purchased for her. "He treats me very well, Joon-ah." She sighed, "He gets me gifts, takes me shopping, and he's such a good kisser." Completely smitten with her Alpha.

"You're so lucky, Nini. I'm so jealous of you, I want a boyfriend who spoils me too." Namjoon had complained, despite the fear churning in his stomach due to the danger of his friend's lifestyle. But his Omega had preened at the prospect of being lavished on by a powerful Alpha. To be held in the Alpha's strong arms and loved by him alone. Alone!

"Honestly, just look for older men. You can get all of this, plus more. Nothing these little boys can offer you." Nini whispered.

Namjoon decided to give it a try, despite his apprehension.

It wasn't that difficult if he was honest. All he had to do was tell his Appa that he was going to spend the night at Nini's. They dressed up and sneaked out of the house together to explore clubs. Namjoon had styled his hair with gel, wore light perfume to hide his scent, and neon lights reflected on his lip gloss. He was approached by many people of different sub-gender, but he turned them down because none of them were of his taste.

Nini remained by his side as he rejected them. He was finally approached by a blonde Alpha with hazel eyes. He had a sweet voice, but his scent was sharp with a bitter aftertaste. Namjoon fell in love with him immediately. Nini called her Alpha to join them when they had settled in a club of their choice.

He drank and danced without a care in the world. He ended up going back to a hotel with Byeol, the Alpha who had picked him up earlier. Fortunately, the Alpha did not force himself on him. Instead, he made out with him and they fell asleep together. They were too hung over to do much in the morning, so Byeol treated him to breakfast before dropping him and Nini off at her house.

Nobody suspected anything, and the rest, they say, is history.

Namjoon dated Byeol for some months, he had a lovely time with him. Byeol treated him gently and moved at a slow pace. Everything about him was soft, almost as if he wasn't an alpha. Even when they consummated their relationship, he had rocked gently into Namjoon. It wasn't what type of relationship he wanted, but he loved the attention nonetheless. Especially after Jimin started noticing the changes in him. He'd feel elated anytime Jimin glowers at his phone when it rings. Namjoon felt like he was in heaven.

Namjoon was eventually forced to end their relationship after Byeol suggested that they move in together after he graduated. Even brought up the subject of getting married.

"I'm sure you can find someone who's more than willing to marry you. I'm too young to be considering marriage." Namjoon had said to deflect the conversation.

"I thought you loved me? Wouldn't you want to be with me?" The Alpha had said. He was utterly devastated by Namjoon's decision to end things, and his eyes were filled with tears.

"I do, but I honestly shouldn't have been with you in the first place. I'm literally doing you a favor, Hyung, my Appa will kill you if he discovers I'm in a relationship with someone as old as you."

That was how he had broken up with Byeol
His first boyfriend, his first bad decision.

•••

After Namjoon's graduation, his Appa took him to various events to introduce him to other Chaebols. Namjoon wasn't particularly enthusiastic about these gatherings. He didn't mingle with his friends at the parties, spent little time with his Appa, and felt uncomfortable with the way older Alphas leered at him. Nevertheless, he persevered as he had no plans of his own. His friends were off enjoying family vacations; Seokjin was off to college, and Taehyung was still in school. Attending the functions was better than rotting at home.

At one charity event, an Alpha placed a hand on Namjoon's hip, leading him around to socialize with other wealthy Alphas. He endured several awkward moments filled with intense stares and comments that barely skirted the edge of propriety.

Eventually, he couldn't take it anymore and rushed out of the venue, seeking refuge beneath the staircase. It was a school night, so Jimin had opted out of the event, and his Appa was nowhere in sight. Left to his own devices, Namjoon found himself hiding under the stairs like a character from a fairy tale. Later, he heard footsteps approaching while he aimlessly scrolled through his phone.

"—was kind enough to offer me a room to recuperate," a feminine voice remarked.

"I think we should just call it a night. Beta won't mind if we head out early," another voice suggested.

It made his heart flutter in an odd manner.

"I assured you I'm perfectly fine. There's really no need to leave so soon," the feminine voice admonished.

Namjoon inhaled the scent of the strangers while eavesdropping on their exchange. One had a spicy, woodsy aroma, while the other carried the fresh scent of morning dew on fruit, leaving a tangy sensation on his tongue. All of them were alphas, albeit one seemed to be pregnant. He dared to glance at their backs as they walked by. The duo consisted of a man and a woman.

The man stood tall, his broad shoulders adorned with long, dark hair and shimmering silver earrings that caught the fluorescent light. The woman, with her dark, silky hair cascading to one side, was a head shorter than him, even in her powder-colored heels and flowing peach dress.

He couldn't quite understand why he had gotten up to follow them back into the venue after watching them disappear inside. Perhaps it was his curiosity that drove him, a desire to learn more about who they were. The woman's striking outfit made it easy to keep them in sight, but he was careful to maintain a safe distance to avoid revealing his presence through his scent. He marveled as the man expertly guided the woman through the throng of partygoers.

He chose not to approach them, as the air of mystery surrounding them only added to the enchantment. Instead, he caught the attention of a nearby woman, grasping her arms and exchanging hurried pleasantries. He inquired about the couple as they mingled with other guests. She informed him that they were Jeon Jungkook and Sooyoung. Grateful for the information, he resumed his pursuit.

Namjoon was lucky enough to observe their features without raising any suspicions. Jungkook had large, expressive eyes, a long nose with a rounded tip, and a prominent arch to his upper lip. The woman, on the other hand, possessed sharp eyes, a pointed nose, and a small mouth with defined corners.

In all honesty, they didn’t seem particularly extraordinary; people greeted them as they would anyone else. Namjoon had never encountered them before and couldn’t recall seeing them anywhere, suggesting they weren’t part of the elite social circle. Perhaps they were simply affluent individuals fortunate enough to receive an invitation to this charity gala.

Their dynamic however, still captivated Namjoon. He couldn't help but notice how Jungkook treated Sooyoung with such reverence. Every gesture was tender—his hands, his words, his gaze, and even his smile were all imbued with a softness that suggested she was fragile, as if she might shatter at any moment. But when Jungkook's attention shifted away from her, a stark contrast emerged; his eyes turned icy and calculating, his lips formed a disapproving line, and his brows knitted together in deep thought. It was as if he was acutely aware of everyone else in the room, yet utterly indifferent to them, focused solely on his beloved. The sweetness of it all was almost overwhelming.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Namjoon decided to step away. Their affection felt too saccharine, too restrained, too careful for his taste. Still, a pang of guilt tugged at him, revealing his own hypocrisy. He had never yearned for someone to call his own as intensely as he did in that moment. He longed for a love as tender as Jungkook's for Sooyoung.

As he rode home after the charity event, he reflected on these feelings. He finally acknowledged what his omega had been trying to convey: he desired a partner. Someone to share those mundane gatherings with, someone who would shield him from the predatory alphas, and someone who could be tough and unyielding to the outside world, yet gentle and caring in private.

It should have been straightforward from there; he had plenty of admirers vying for his attention. But his own stubbornness proved to be his greatest downfall.

•••

So then, at 18 years old, Namjoon dyed his hair pink with the hope of finding someone like Jungkook. He didn't know that he was about to witness the most horrifying experience of his life, one he could never have imagined.

He got an older Alpha girlfriend, twenty years his senior.

Kang Misook was the epitome of a red flag. Her presence was marked by her distinctive style, from her signature matching red lip, nail polish, and heels, to her extravagant lifestyle. Namjoon was captivated by her lavishness. She'd shower him with gifts; diamond jewelry, high-end clothing, and perfumes. They dined at upscale restaurants across the country and hosted lavish parties on a yacht. Yet, what Namjoon truly cherished was the attention he received.

She was the only person his Appa knew he was dating. This was because she would completely envelop him in the scent of clementines and ginger, drowning him in it. She was quite possessive, ensuring that no other Alpha came near him. She would drag him to clubs where Namjoon had a permanent place on her lap. She would make him dance, spray him with money, and feed him with her mouth. Namjoon loved every second of it.

She assured him that she was all he required and to forget about furthering his education. "People go to University to secure their future. Namjoon-ah, your future is already secured with me." She had rasped, Namjoon thought she was correct.

He spent so much time with her that he began living in her penthouse without even knowing. Her scent was hypnotic, her words were like spells, and her kisses were addictive. She was just that good.

Namjoon was always in a dream sort of daze, plastered off her pheromones, never aware of his environment. He let Kang Misook settle on each choice for him, and entrusted her with his body and soul. He would only come to his senses when she was mad at him. Her eyes would be ragged looking, her mouth would tear into a monstrous jeer. She'd never hit him, yet she would break anything within her scope.

Despite this, he stayed with her because she knew how to seek his forgiveness. She would apologize, grovel if she had to. Promise she would never do it again, and get him whatever he wanted. It was hard to stay mad with diamond encrusted heels in his sight. She knew how to play dirty too. She would give him a wet, deep kiss and make sweet, sweet love to him. Forgiving her was as simple as submerging oneself in the expensive wines she owned.

Several months into their relationship, he got into a nasty fight with his Appa. His mates had started registering for the college of their choice, while Namjoon had turned into a party monster.

Namjoon had screamed that he had zero interest in proceeding with his education. His Appa called him a fool, and he told him that he needed to get a better education to fit in with the elite.

Namjoon reasoned that he was already a part of the elite, his level of education be damned. He had gone to significant events with Misook as her omega, one that even his Appa wasn't invited to. Misook was not only rich, but also influential with connections globally.

She was excessively rich to connect with other elites at trivial events like local birthday parties or even some arbitrary evening gathering. She never wasted time with such details. The ones she'd go to were at upscale levels and she always brought Namjoon with her. Namjoon felt like he was the one who was getting somewhere, instead of those college kids.

Even though he got exhausted at those gatherings in order to maintain a good image in front of those Alphas, Misook would kiss him endlessly to assuage his attitude. Therefore, he was more than happy to appear as her omega.

"I want you to be your own individual, Namjoon. The future is not certain, even more so when you depend on someone. You're still not sure of who Misook is, you don't know what she's capable of. I need you to be able to fend for yourself, there ought to be more to life than just being someone else's omega. You must also lead your own life!" His Appa scolded him.

"I don't care! This is my future so only I get to say how I want it to be!" Namjoon screamed.

"Well no son of mine is going to wind up with no tertiary education!" Alpha Kim screamed back at him.

Namjoon inhaled loud and hard as countless terrible words whirled in his mind. Screw you, he'd thought. Don't treat me like some fucking child, he wanted to say. Don't act like you gave a fuck about what I've done before, don't act like I didn't end up this way because of you.

"Sometimes I wished it was you who had died." He blurted out. He looked up to his Appa to see his shock reflected in his eyes. The Alpha's jaw clenched and his gaze sharpening, a telltale of how much the words had hurt him. Namjoon didn't mean it, he never meant those words, and he wasn't sure why he said them.

Ashamed by his outburst, he retreated from the room and quickly left the house. He heard his father's call for him, but he didn't have it in his heart to go back to him. Maybe it's time to step out into the world on his own, maybe it's time to be independent of his Appa. Maybe it's time to build a new home, the one he deserved.

A few days later, Kim Gyeong found him moping in a club he frequented and dragged him back to her mansion. Namjoon was aware that she had little compassion compared to his Appa and would use any means at her disposal to persuade him to leave Kang Misook.

"I'm not going back no matter what you say!" Namjoon challenged and he meant every word, he would fight tooth and nail before he went back home.

"I'm not taking you to your Appa so that he'd let you roam about in the city again. You're staying here with me until Kang Misook leaves you be." Aunt Gyeong had replied. "By then I should've gotten some sense into you."

"What makes you think I won't go back to her? I was the one that approached her, after all." Namjoon said, crossing his arms.

"Because by then you would've realized how much your actions are hurting your father. Namjoon-ah, you're breaking his heart." Aunt Gyeong scolded him.

"He broke mine first!" Namjoon snapped at her. "I'm done with him. I'm old enough to make my own decisions, I no longer care about him."

And he wanted to lie to himself that he's not sure why his heart was breaking, why it ached and throbbed and trashed around. Or maybe he did, maybe he wanted his Appa to come to him, to apologize and take him home. But his Appa did no such thing. He hadn't contacted him since he left, so maybe the Alpha had accepted that it's time for Namjoon to leave the house.

"You don't know how stupid you sound right now. You're throwing your life away for an Alpha you met not too long ago." His Aunt had chewed him out.

"Maybe you should worry less about my life and more about that husband of yours who's busy terrorizing pups in elementary school!" Namjoon had retorted, tired of being under her scrutiny for so long.

That shut up the Alpha for a couple of days, fortunately. However, Namjoon was still confined to her house and prohibited from leaving.

Kang Misook was away on a business trip for a couple of days when all that had happened, and when she returned she had called to enquire about his whereabouts. He informed her that his Aunt had brought him to her residence and would not let him leave anytime soon.

"You must slip away when you get the chance." Misook had sighed in defeat.

Despite the fact that she was of a higher status than the Kim family, she knew to be careful with Kim Gyeong. That was reasonable, considering that his Aunt was known to be a ferocious Alpha that was persevering in her battle. She had little influence over the community on the surface, but everyone in the underground world knew her. She would use brute force and sometimes even blackmail to settle matters when power or status were not an option. As long as she would win, she would never hesitate to use dirty tricks.

That was, in her claim, the reason she was still with her rotten husband. To hold him under tight supervision, and to be able to track his every move. Alpha Baek Daejung was absent from the mansion during Namjoon's stay. He was thankful for this because the alpha had already made a number of advances towards him before he even presented. He hadn't met the Alpha after he had presented and he was aware that it wouldn't be a decent encounter for him.

He never had the guts to tell anyone about the harassment, even though he had repeatedly overheard his Appa engage Aunt Gyeong in heated discussions about similar cases. His Appa would demand Gyeong to leave her husband, since he had no intentions of correcting his ways. Gyeong would argue that since her husband won't be prosecuted by the law for his wrongdoings, the only way is to be near him in order to prevent him from doing worse.

Namjoon knew that if Kim Gyeong found out about his uncle's harassment, she would make things a nightmare for her husband and ensure that they—at absolutely no point ever—meet in the future. The old man also knew this, it was why he had threatened the omega into keeping his mouth shut for so long.

Namjoon recalled the last time he met the fucker, he murmured something about how Namjoon was going to be ripe soon, something about being his true mate and how he would wait for him to present so they could run off and be mated. He shivered when he recalled the chill he got from how those dead fish eyes of his that peered into his very soul. That crazed Alpha had meant every word he said.

And he should've taken it seriously, should've said something sooner, perhaps things would've gone different to the way they did.

It had been his second week living in Gyeong's mansion when he awoke in a state of panic. There was something that was crushing his ribs, preventing him from breathing properly. He tried to pull away from the force only to feel that his arms were bound together. Alpha Baek Daejung was the only person with whom he came to terms when he opened his eyes. His terrified eyes were reflected in the Alpha's manic ones.

"Finally, Namjoon! The wait is over, you're mine now."

Namjoon screamed in terror. He clawed at the Alpha's skin with his might, kicked at him with everything he's got. He pulled his wrists free from the Alpha's hold and went for his eyes and missed. Instead, his fingers slipped into the old man's mouth and Namjoon didn't hesitate to use that privilege to tear the man away from him. Anything to prevent him from gnawing at the sweat gland on his neck.

 

He struggled so hard to fight the Alpha, and just as Namjoon was losing his strength the Alpha off him in a moment. Namjoon's vision was blurry with tears but he still saw Kim Gyeong slashed her claws in her husband's neck.

"Have you gone insane!" She had thundered in her alpha voice before she landed a punch that made the other Alpha's jaw slack.

Namjoon was overcome with fear and his instincts for survival were stoked to an extreme. His mind was nothing but chaos and he didn't know when he made it out of the mansion.

He only found himself running through the streets in his sleeping shirt and shorts, not knowing what had happened between those moments. He ran vigorously, until he ran directly into no one but Kang Misook's arms.

He had not contacted anyone since it happened. Misook took him to Italy, to unwind and forget about the event. He changed his phone number, tired of the endless calls from his family members. He didn't want anything to remind him of the incident. They spent weeks in and when they returned to South Korea, Misook took him to a different apartment of hers to settle and Namjoon never looked back since then.

A few months later, Baek Daejung and Kim Gyeong got divorced. She then took him to court and prosecuted him with multiple claims of domestic abuse and sexual assault against him. The charges, shockingly to nobody, were dropped.

The influential politicians that the Alpha associated with had withheld the trial from proceeding had done everything in their power to stop it. They depicted it as Gyeong trying to damage his reputation by collaborating with opposing political parties. Finally, the Alpha, knowing that Gyeong would be persistent in her aim of ruining him, left the country immediately.

At the same time, Namjoon was persuaded by Kang Misook to dye his hair cherry red.

•••

When Namjoon's 19th birthday rolled around, Misook told him to spend it with his family.

Namjoon didn't want any such thing. He only fought with his Dad, Taehyung pissed him off and Seokjin treated him like some pitiful child.

He'd rather have a raving party with his friends in Misook's penthouse and get blackout drunk than go through a melancholic party in the Blue Villa. After all, she was the only one he considered family. And if his hunch was real, Misook was going to propose to him anytime soon.

He was just not sure if that excited him or scared him. That was a bridge he would cross when he reached it.

So he meticulously planned his birthday party, he wanted everything to be perfect. His friends need to know how lucky he was. He's living in luxury while they're a cup of coffee closer to their graves in an attempt to beat their next deadline.

The party was a success. His friends kept admiring the penthouse he lived in. Most acted as if they were unaffected, but they couldn't conceal the envy in their voices.

Celebrations were still going strong even after midnight, Namjoon's shirt was drenched with sweat from how much he had danced. The room was spinning and everything was hazy from how intoxicated he was. But he had never been more comfortable, due to the fact that no one dared to touch him inappropriately with Misook in the background.

The party quietened down eventually. Namjoon was dozing off on Misook's shoulder when he heard someone bellowing his name from the foyer of the apartment. The voice was so familiar, it almost sounded like it was…

"Kim Namjoon!" Without a doubt, it was Park Jimin.

Jimin sprinted into the room with a wild look in his eyes. Namjoon sprang up and moved towards him on instinct. He felt something stop him in his tracks and held him in place.

“I can not believe the nerve of you!" He gave a furious yell. “You're here having the time of your life, while your family back home is worried sick about you”. He blamed Namjoon, chest quivering with emotion.

"Who the hell is that?" Misook rasped, anger coloring her tone.

“This is Jimin, he’s my-”

"Stay the fuck out of this! I'm here to talk to Namjoon only!" Jimin impatiently spat out.

"You dare talk to me like that when you're standing in my territory?!" Misook heaved, her scent spiking in the air, burning at the eyes of Namjoon.

Jimin completely overlooked her, his gaze fixed to Namjoon. "You fucking asshole! Of all the things you decided to do, this was by far the worst thing you have done!"

Misook grabbed Jimin's collar and dragged him over to her. "Do not talk to him!"

Namjoon shrunk in size, moving a few steps away from the action. The scent of two Alpha's in conflict made him panic. The whole room stilled in fear and anticipation. Then, one after the other people in the crowd skittered about, picking their belongings and running out of the apartment.

"You have no right!" Jimin swung at Misook, catching her off guard. Namjoon’s heart raced in his chest, making his breathing difficult. He had no idea about Misook’s next course of action. She could hurt both Jimin and him and nobody would be able to do a thing. This wouldn't be the first time such a thing was done to him. He knew how the world of these kinds of people worked.

Misook stood still in place, as if she was making some calculations in her head. She raised her head slowly, and before Namjoon could register her next move her red nails were raised in the air and swiftly buried themselves in Jimin's cheek.

Namjoon didn't know when a wail was ripped out of him. "No!" He begged. "Please stop!"

He flung himself in between the two alpha's and wrenched Misook's hold from Jimin. "Let him go please, he doesn't know what he's doing!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jimin grabs a hold of Namjoon's shirt.

"Get out of my way!" Misook bellowed at the same time and threw Namjoon to the floor.

She took a swing at Jimin but he stepped out of the way, tumbling to the ground in the process. She took out her phone from her pocket and smashed it on JImin’s face. Hitting him square on the lips. "You're fortunate I'm feeling merciful today. So get out of here before I change my mind and tear you to pieces." Misook huffed out, shifting in a fighting stance. She looked ready for Jimin to make a mistake that would make her act on her word.

Jimin paused on the ground, his eyes finding Namjoon's again. The omega whimpered when he saw how Misook’s nails slashed through Jimin’s left cheek. The wound took the shade of fiery red, blood smeared around it. "This is who you're picking over your family? Your friends? Fine then, I wish you two miserable fucks a happy life." He stood up and adjusted his blazer, before he walked away. "Oh and happy birthday, we got you gifts and a cake back at the blue villa. Guess I'll tell Alpha Kim it’s no longer necessary to wait for you."

Namjoon watched with bated breath as Jimin walked out of the living room, signaling his departure with the slam of the apartment door. He let a deep sigh out, heart breaking in two.

"Come here." Misook ordered, her hard gaze shifting to him.

Namjoon frantically scrubbed his eyes to stop the tears from falling, but it didn't work. Because when he pulled his forearm away it glistened with moisture. He heaved himself up and turned to look at Misook, assessing the situation.

She was displeased, if her expression was any indication. But her acrid scent had mellowed down to a few notches. He had no choice but to robotically move towards her, head hung down.

He cried out in pain when she grabbed his hair and roughly pulled on the strands. "I want you to be clear with your friends and family, because I will no longer be as generous as I was today. If any of them even set a toe into my apartment I will take their leg as a prize. Do I make myself clear?"

Namjoon shivered in fear when he understood that this wasn’t a bluff.

Misook pulled on his strands harder until she had Namjoon arching on his toes. "Do I get my point across?!" She denounced.

"Yes, Eonnie!" Namjoon cried out.

"Good!" She spat, finally letting him go.

Namjoon stumbled backwards in his haste to put distance between them. "I'm sorry, Eonnie. I didn't know how he found out where I was. I wasn't the one to tell him. I swear!" He rushed to explain himself, terrified of Misook's ire. She had never laid her hands on him and he wasn't sure of what she would do straightaway.

Misook stared at him for some startling seconds, as if she was studying him. "Regardless of who did, I'll let this slide. But remember, if anyone else comes here again, I won't spare them." Her scent spiked up till it burned at Namjoon's nostrils. "And if that bastard comes back here again, I'll kill him."

"I understand." Namjoon whimpered.

“I’ll kill you both,” Misook darkly re-emphasized. Namjoon remained motionless, afraid to even breathe in her presence.

Misook huffed indignantly and walked over to the coat rack. She dug through the coats until she tracked down a jacket to drape over her shoulders. She picked up her heels and walked into the foyer. Namjoon heard her fiddling with the keys for a moment, before she slammed the apartment door shut and a resounding click of the door being locked followed.

Namjoon didn't let his guard down until he was certain she would not return anytime soon. He slumped to the floor in tears. What was he to do? He couldn't flee, Misook had locked him in. Should he call a friend and ask for help? He doubted anyone would come to his aid after what happened earlier. What should he do? Who should he ask for help?

In the end, nothing came to mind. After all, he wasn't the one who did anything. It was Jimin who barged in and started talking shit. The night was fine until he appeared. So perhaps, if Misook had cooled down, things would go back to normal.

Namjoon stood up weakly and trudged to the bedroom. He laid himself on the bed, cheek squished on the sheets. None of his family members sought him out, none even wished him a happy birthday. Not a single one contacted him to ask about his whereabouts, to ask what happened with Jimin.

Another thought told him they couldn't have, when they didn't have his new number. But he was stubborn, he refused to accept that none of them had gotten their hands on his new number. After all, his friends had it. And Jimin even managed to track down his new apartment. So they could've done it, if they wanted to.

He dozed off for a long time, slipping in and out of consciousness. He didn't know when warm tears started to trail to the side of his eyes. "Appa." He discretely sobbed. "Appa, Appa." He repeated himself several times. Wishing with all his might his Appa would come and find him. He'll take him home, tuck him under his arm and feed him a birthday cake like he did the previous year and the year before. As he always did.

However, despite his cries for him, his words wouldn't reach him.

•••

Regardless of how much Namjoon had hoped things would go back to normal afterwards, they simply didn't. Misook acted fine, she never brought up the incident again. Yet, there was some underlying vileness to her actions.

She'd be subtle about hurting Namjoon, but he was smart enough to know what she was doing. She was trying to break him by putting him down.

She'd occasionally leave a comment or two that dug at Namjoon. Nothing too obvious. She would degrade Namjoon by throwing things on the floor for him to pick up instead of handing them to him, for example. She'd ruin his things, promising to buy him a better one since he deserved something even more expensive.

She also lavished him with gifts more than she ever did before. Saying that he deserved more than the life his father gave him. She was shackling him to her with her wealth and making him question his worth. Demonstrating that even if he left her, he wouldn't find anyone like her.

"No one but I can handle this awful mood of yours." She'd drawl, full of arrogance.

"Who would love this rotten soul of yours?" She'd tease him.

"Only me Joon-ah," she'd murmur in his ear as she gripped his arms sufficiently to bruise. Which was also a new habit of hers. Namjoon was constantly spotting a bruise or two on him from how rough Misook played. She'd nudge her bony ends into Namjoon's skin deep enough to have scarlet blossoms appear in a few hours. She'd clutch onto him hard enough for her imprints appeared on his skin.

Namjoon didn't know why he stayed; maybe her psychological manipulation was successful. It could have been awkward to disclose to others that he, Kim Namjoon, was involved in an abusive relationship. Perhaps he was scared to tell his father that he had been correct about Misook all along. It might have been that he realized she was correct when she said he was too terrible for anybody else to deal with. He told himself he would stay till she got tired of him and sent him on his way, whenever that would be. She would be the one to come to that decision, that way there would be no resentments.

 

In all the possible scenarios he'd cook up in the middle of the night, not a single of them were close to what Kang Misook would actually do to him when she got bored of him.

•••

When he would look back to that day in his memories, he'd realize that he started the day in a gloomy mood. He had no idea why he felt like shit, Misook had been lovely for a few days. She did everything she could to cheer him up.

She finally sat him down and told him that she wanted to start things anew. She wanted their relationship to be better than it was even when they started dating. She explained how she wanted him to be part of her business. She envisioned them as partners in every sense of the word. In an attempt to show him she intended what she said, she announced that she was taking him to meet a few of her colleagues that day.

Namjoon felt sicker than he did when he was anxious, for reasons he didn't understand. Later he decided that he must be late into his cycle, and made a mental note to check it later on when they’ve returned from the meeting. He hadn't stock up on his supplies for his heat and he didn't want to be caught off guard by it.

Since Namjoon had nothing to do that day, he binge watched some series to pass the time.

Misook returned late in the evening, after the last sun rays were extinguished, to bark orders at him. She told him to, "dress cute, smell nice and wipe that frown from his face."

She then proceeded to take him to a club as their hangout venue, typical. It was one he had never been to before though. And it was discreet enough to not be noticed by just anyone.

"We've never been here before." He commented, peering at Misook.

"We haven't. This isn't your average club, you need to pay for membership to be let in. It belongs to a friend of mine and it's a sanctuary to unwind with our colleagues without any interruption." Misook had explained. She dragged him to the entrance and the guard nodded when he saw her face. "He's with me," she gestured at Namjoon with her chin and the guard wordlessly let them into the dim venue.

"We need to get you acquainted first, let them know that they'll be working with you from now on. I need you to impress them, none of that snarky bullshit, no one finds that cute. And I need you to be cute today, can you do that?" She had asked.

"Yes, Eonnie." He replied, despite the fact that he was getting peeved by how often she repeated those words to him. Even before he got ready, she told him to dress cute to appeal to the other party. He wondered if he was meeting those knothead Alphas that were intimidated by ambitious omegas. The kind that would only accept an omega who was dumb and cute and was in the team solely for the sake of diversity.

He did, however, obey Misook's orders. His crimson hair was swept back, exposing his forehead. He used pink eyeliner to soften his eyes, pink blush to make him appear innocent, and pink liner and lip gloss to make his lips shine. He repeated soft and delicate, over and over again as he monotonously did his make-up. He utilized silver jewelry to lighten his complexion before wearing a white dazzling shirt and pink pants. He paired his clothing with white sandals to show off his freshly painted nails. Everything about him screams pure and unadulterated. And to complete his naive omega appearance, he plastered his best smile.

They were the last to arrive at the booth that was reserved for the team. A series of introductions went round and by the time they've settled Namjoon's cheeks were cramped from smiling too much. His head hurt from both nodding and the chorus of; aigoo what a cutie you are.

After an hour Namjoon realized that yes; they are a group of knothead Alphas who'll quake in their boots when they cross paths with an omega that is able to form thought. So basically, every omega on the planet, Namjoon scorned. No wonder Misook didn't want him to pursue further education. She was completely at home in the company of the vile Alphas.

"Okay, okay. Settle down guys, the show is starting in a few and Brown Sugar is performing today. I recommend we move to the front before we lose the good seats." An Alpha, Namjoon remembered being called Big Ice, announced. They squeezed and nudged themselves towards the first seat and as usual, Misook dragged Namjoon to sit on her lap.

Namjoon spotted two dancers warming up on their poles, waiting for the music to start the show. Their stage was a huge round platform in the middle of the crowd. One was a blond boy, dressed in a white two piece body suit designed with blond turkey feathers. He had matching leather boots adorned with rhinestones arranged in different patterns.

The other was a voluptuous woman dressed in a brown sheer robe that barely reached her thigh. She had brown high heels and fishnet stockings fastened by garter belts mid thigh. The gown shimmered gold as she seductively moved her hips under the stage lights. The DJ on a different stage by the side of the room started playing music and the moment the performers started dancing the crowd went wild.

Namjoon watched the dancers perform with disinterest. Typical of the Alphas to find this shit entertaining. He managed to watch the show for a few minutes, before he took out his phone to catch up on his messages. He looked up when Brown Sugar stood in front of them and reached out to the Alpha next to them. He was middle aged with a head full of gray hair. He had thick glasses that hid his eyebrows and prominent frown lines. The rest of the Alphas called him Boss and Namjoon wondered if he truly was their boss.

"She's magnificent." Misook said to Boss. "Your best investment yet."

Boss flashed her his yellow teeth in response as he sprayed wads of cash on Brown Sugar.

A thought nagged at Namjoon since he had been in the company of these Alphas. None of them used their real name. They went by code names, The Boss, The Secretary, Firewall, Grouchy Hank and so on. Misook herself had her own code name. They called her Red Lady.

"Isn't she wonderful, Namjoon?" Misook asked directly into Namjoon's ear, breaking his train of thoughts. He shivered from the sensation, before he nodded.

He looked up at Brown Sugar and understood why the Alpha's would think so. She was thick in all the right places. Her fat, juicy thighs look ready to burst out of her stockings. Her waist was curved, but she had a bit of a pooch at her lower gut, the Marilyn Monroe type of pooch that was attractive.

She had taken off her robe, and underneath was a rhinestones covered two piece bikini set that had a star top covering just the nipple area, showing ample cleavage. The bottom was a thong with two straps connected to front and back pieces.

She was truly wonderful, she had all these influential Alpha's at the edge of their seats. So if she had that much power, why was she up on the stage, being controlled by these Alpha. What led her up there while Namjoon was sitting down here? What was the difference between her and Namjoon?

These thoughts made Namjoon squirm and he went back to tapping his phone, to dispell his discomfort. He didn't know how long Misook planned to stay in the club. But he'd give her an hour, then he'd pout and beg for her to take him home. He was sure the rest of the Alphas would be powerless against his puppy dog eyes and his jutted bottom lip. All that was left to do now was to wait like a good boy.

When his leg began to tingle from sitting too long, Namjoon excused himself to go to the restroom.

"The first corridor on your left, Namjoon-ah." Misook directed, way too engrossed in the show.

Namjoon slipped through the crowd and went to relieve himself. He was washing his hands in the sink when another man entered the bathroom. He was tall, with his square jaw as a distinct feature of his face. He looked relatively young compared to the others he had encountered earlier.

"You must be Red Lady's omega." The man casually remarked.

Namjoon nodded, avoiding eye contact, unsure of why the man was addressing him.

"Ah, of course. Where are my manners? I go by Green Shark and I’m just curious since Misook hasn’t brought any of her omegas to this club before. The performances can sometimes be a bit much for them," Green Shark said, his gaze fixed intently on Namjoon.

"Actually, I'm about to be her business partner and she wants me to know the nature of her work." Namjoon replied, reaching for the paper towel to dry his hands.

"Is that really what she said to you?" Green Shark asked, disbelief etched on his face. Namjoon nodded, making an effort to mask his irritation at the question. "Oh you poor thing. You have no clue what you've gotten yourself into. Misook and her crew are going to eat you alive."

And with that, Green Shark left the bathroom.

Namjoon was left pondering the meaning behind those words. Why would Green Shark make such a remark? What could Misook possibly do to him? He reasoned that even if Misook crossed a line, he could always just leave the club.

As he pushed his way back to the front row of the show, he was met with a shocking sight in front of him.

Brown Sugar was on her hands and knees, legs spread apart in front of the Boss. She had two fingers pumping in and out of her slick covered hole and was moaning like she was in heat. The Boss gestured for something and someone handed him a bottle of whiskey, which he opened with his bare teeth. He plunged the head of the bottle deep into the omega's hole and swirled the neck inside of her. Brown Sugar let out a howl, eyes rolling back into their sockets.

The boss pulled out the bottle and gathered the slick between the omega's folds into the bottle, then he passed the bottle to accept another one. Namjoon watched in horror as the process was repeated a few times until the Boss patted Brown Sugar's ass-cheek and the omega stood up to continue dancing. He had a few rumors on how some elites spike their drinks with omega's slick, but he never thought that it was something that happened in real life.

Namjoon mindlessly returned to Misook and took a seat in her lap. He fiddled with his rings, trying to think of an excuse to get him out of the club.

"Are you feeling bored?" Misook inquired after half an hour had nearly passed. Namjoon was taken aback, as he hadn't expected things to turn out in his favor without any effort on his part. His gaze jumped at Boss's sudden intense stare, so he responded with a smile. Then turned his attention back to Misook and nodded as adorably as he could.

Boss threw back his head and let out a loud laugh. "I warned you that he would quickly get bored of us old timers," he said, chuckling. He whistled and motioned for Brown Sugar to come over to him. Without saying a word, he gestured toward Namjoon and gave her a chilling smile.

Namjoon didn't want to misinterpret the situation or panic, but Misook was urging him to stand up while softly whispering, "Would you mind dancing for a little while? The Alpha needs to have some important discussions with the boss."

Brown Sugar sweetly smiled at him, before she took his hand and weakly tugged. "Relax," she whispered in an assuring voice, then she ran her fingers down Namjoon's side, placing them on his hips.

He didn't know what to do except to take Brown Sugar's outstretched palm and let her lead him round the stairs that led up to the stage. The crowd went silent with the new addition as Brown Sugar dragged him towards her. As if waiting for what would happen next.

Namjoon felt a chill as he faced the crowd. White lotus was twerking for a crowd by another side of the stage so it was only the two of them under the spotlight.

Namjoon was acutely aware of how hard and rapid his heart was beating. His breathing came out in quick, shallow bursts. What was the purpose of him standing on the stage? How would this correlate with his work? What specific role was he supposed to fulfill in this business? Was he merely going to be a pretty face that fetched coffee every morning? Or was he supposed to appear attractive for the other Alphas during meetings? Was he expected to provide entertainment? Was this a test to see how many Alphas he would appeal to?

A short while back, he pondered on the differences between him and Brown Sugar. It came down to the stage, the spotlight, and the leering Alpha eagerly anticipating her compliance. Now, Namjoon was standing on the same stage as she had. Their circumstances were no longer different from each other. It finally dawned on him what Misook desired from him. He realized what she had been doing all along. Just as Boss had vested in Brown Sugar, she had also vested in him. This meant that Namjoon was going to pay with his body, his soul, his dignity, and his freedom.

He deeply inhaled, focusing all his anger into a single thought; he needed to get out of there. He yanked his hand away from Brown Sugar's hold and marched off the stage.

"Namjoon!" Misook’s voice reverberated, drowning out the club's music.

Ignoring her, Namjoon descended the stairs and shoved past every Alpha in his path.

"Return to the stage this instant, or I swear!" Misook’s roar hit Namjoon like a jolt of electricity. She had used her Alpha voice on him. Namjoon found himself rooted in place, his omega trembling with fear. He willed himself to move, refusing to succumb in this grimy club. If she wanted him, it would have to be over his cold, dead body.

"Kim Namjoon!" Misook ordered once more, advancing towards him.

"Fuck you!" Namjoon raged. "You can use my full name all you want. You can use your Alpha voice as much as you want, but it won't affect me, Kang Misook! You're not my Alpha, your commands will not work on me!" He clenched his teeth to stop them from chattering. Cold sweat had broken out in his temples, and tears clung to his lashes.

Misook made no further attempt to speak, instead, she folded her arms and glared, as if challenging him to make a move.

Namjoon turned back and walked towards the door. He had brought himself to a den full of wolves. Now he found himself surrounded by them, sensing their ill intent and rancid scents. He forced himself to move, placing one foot in front of the other.

He knew that Kang Misook and her gang were following close behind, observing his every move. A chilling thought crossed his mind that something was amiss; they should have been trying to stop him, yet they were not.

When he reached the door, he mustered enough strength to say, "Let me out." The guard looked from him to Misook, as if he was waiting for her approval. "Let me out, I said!" Namjoon spoke again in a frantic manner.

"Yes, you should know that guests aren't allowed to leave until the member who invited them gives their permission." Misook grins, an amused expression on her face.

"Then tell them to let me go." stated Namjoon. He was practically begging, but he wouldn't admit it.

"I will, provided you settle your debt with me." Misook grinned.

"If you let me go, I will. Please, Misook, I will pay you back every single penny."

"Who mentioned anything about the money, Namjoon? I have more than you could possibly imagine. What I spent is insignificant compared to what I have. I want to be repaid for the effort I put in." Misook demanded.

Namjoon struggled for a moment, a sob stuck in his throat. "I'll repay you for that, too. I'll do anything except this, Eonnie."

"Why not this? Didn't you enjoy what the other two performers were doing a while back? Why should you back out when I expect you to do the same?" Misook made a show of surveying the room. "Not only that but you also spoiled the show for everyone today. Do you know how much time and money was wasted in the planning process? Isn't performing the best way to repay us?"

"So what are you saying? How many performances do I have to give to repay you?" Namjoon dared to ask.

"As much as I want. I tried so hard to present you in a positive light to the Boss, make sure you're treated properly from the beginning. But look at what you did, you made me seem foolish in front of my colleagues. And for that you'll start from the bottom and fight your way to the top, just like everyone else." Misook said.

"And you think my Appa won't look for me?" Namjoon challenged.

Misook's shoulders trembled with suppressed laughter. "He will not. All I need to do is circulate a rumor that you have departed the country with a new lover, accompanied by video evidence of your lookalike boarding an airplane. Do not take me for an amateur, I have been working in the department for years."

"Capture him, take to the back rooms, and lock him up. Allow him time to reflect on his choices. I will deal with him appropriately upon my return for the next performance." Misook commanded the guards.

One of the guards seized the omega while another rifled through his pockets, subsequently presenting his possessions to Misook. The Alpha grinned at the items, brandishing Namjoon's phone in front of him. "If you work diligently and adhere to my regulations, you may be granted the privilege of using this."

"Now, now, Red Lady. Show some compassion for the omega. Just look at him," An Alpha amongst the crowd spoke up.The two threw pitying glances at Namjoon before turning back to each other. "He is unaccustomed to such hardship and it would only be fair to treat him in accordance with the standards of his home. Leaving him in the back rooms would cause a drastic shift in his way of living. I am uncertain whether his delicate omega heart can withstand such a transition."

A few murmurs broke out in the room.

The Alpha continued with newfound confidence, "I am certain that the others share my perspective. Therefore, how about we consider this?"

Misook raised an eyebrow, the corner of her lip dragging upwards in a playful manner. "I am all ears. What do you propose?"

The Alpha, with a self-satisfied demeanor, stated, "I will provide you with compensation for today's performance, including interest. Additionally, I want to be the first client of Namjoon."

Another Alpha nearby chuckled, remarking, "As expected of Blue Mint, always a step ahead. In that case, I shall treat every gentleman present to a drink, hoping to secure the position of the child's second client."

A wave of enthusiasm surged through the room, with one Alpha exclaiming, "The show must go on!"

The excitement escalated, prompting the DJ to respond by playing another track.

With a teasing glimmer in her eyes, Misook remarked to Namjoon, "You must possess an innate fortune. Kindly escort him to room 4."

They quietly pulled Namjoon away from the scene and escorted him to a corridor lined with rooms on either side. Once there, they thrust him into one of the rooms and slammed the door behind him.

Namjoon fell onto the bed, trembling as tears streamed down his face, leaving a chilling sensation in their wake. His heart twisted and turned with hurt. He lamented his encounter with Kang Misook and the time spent in her company. She had meticulously orchestrated her approach, biding her time until she was certain he had severed ties with everyone before making her move.

He was sure that no one would search for him once they discovered his absence. Particularly given Misook's intricate scheme to suggest that he had eloped with another partner abroad. He feared that this narrative would be easily accepted, as it aligns with the ordinary expectations of those around him. Consequently, he realized that no one was likely to come to his aid. If he was to escape this predicament, he must rely solely on his own resources.

Namjoon pressed his lips together, attempting to dispel the tumult of thoughts racing through his mind. He focused on calming himself and devising a strategy. Misook was a lost cause to him, her opinion of him was unlikely to change. However, there was a time when she was infatuated with him, and she possesses a rational demeanor typical of Alphas. This suggested that he could potentially win over another Alpha, they all share common traits. All he needed to do is present himself as a vulnerable, defenseless omega. Alphas with a savior complex would undoubtedly rush to assist him, eager to earn his gratitude. Namjoon intended to leverage their assistance as a means to escape this dire situation.

The door swung open, and Blue Mint stepped inside, a broad grin plastered on his face. "There you are," he cooed.

Namjoon's heart raced wildly, thumping against his ribcage as panic surged through him. He attempted to steady his breathing, to eliminate the chaos from his mind. Yet, the dread was overwhelming. He felt utterly cornered, surrounded by Alphas who seemed eager to claim him, to use him, and then toss him aside. The only familiar face in this situation was Misook, the one who had brought him here.

At that moment, he thought of his Appa, who was likely lost in a classic novel, drifting off to sleep. Seokjin might be out enjoying a date with Yoongi, while Taehyung was probably either asleep or glued to a movie with Jimin, ignoring his curfew. None of them had any idea of Namjoon's predicament. None of them could fathom that he was ensnared in a room with an Alpha approaching him with sinister intentions. None of them would realize that he had walked into this situation willingly.

With trembling legs, he stood his ground, facing the Alpha. "Stay back," he warned, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him.

"Oh no, you poor lamb. There's no need to be frightened of me, I promise I won't harm you. In fact, I can help you escape this situation and treat you far better than any Alpha ever could. But you must trust me, let me in." Blue Mint said gently, inching closer to him.

Namjoon recoiled, tumbling back onto the bed with a startled cry. His heart raced as he scanned the room for an escape route.

"Don't fret, it won't be as bad as you think, I assure you. I'll be kind and gentle. Remember how I helped you earlier? I saved you from Lady Red's fury, didn't I? She would have locked you away in a room filled with rats, leaving you to starve. You heard her threats, right? But I intervened, so that has to mean something, doesn't it?" Blue Mint continued, reaching out to card his fingers through Namjoon's hair.

Namjoon remained motionless, his eyes locked on the nightstand in front of him, a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind. This was his only chance. He had to strike the Alpha, render him unconscious, and grab his phone to call his Appa.

He bided his time until Blue Mint's guard wavered, then he slipped away, yanking the top drawer from its place and bringing it crashing down onto the Alpha's head. The sickening crunch and the Alpha's agonized scream at the moment of impact turned Namjoon's stomach, but he didn't falter in his mission. He swung the drawer down again, ensuring the Alpha lay limp on the bed.

Frantically, he searched the Alpha's pockets for the phone just as the door burst open and two uniformed men stormed into the room. "Get him!" one shouted, but the other was already charging toward Namjoon.

Namjoon screamed and lashed out in the grip of the man holding him. A sudden, forceful strike to his head left him momentarily dazed. When he regained his senses, he realized he had been whimpering, practically limp in the man's hold.

A bitter scent in the air prompted him to lift his gaze, searching for its source. There stood Misook, radiating fury that words could hardly capture. "I hope you enjoyed yourself today, you despicable bastard, because this little stunt has cost you any chance of freedom you have, forever. I will make you pay for your insolence every single day, and I will make it excruciating. I will shatter you until you forget who you are outside these walls."

"Now, now. We can't have that, can we?" a new voice interjected.

A man entered the room, arms crossed, a smile plastered on his face despite the tension in the air.

Misook shot him a look of disdain, her scowl deepening. "Who invited you here?" she demanded.

"He did." The man gestured toward another sharply dressed individual standing behind him. Namjoon immediately remembered the man that introduced himself Green Shark. "I had him keeping an eye on my little Namjoonie here. He called me to let me know the boy had gotten himself into a bit of trouble with you folks. Naturally, I had to come and sort things out with you."

Namjoon struggled to focus on the man, the ringing in his ears making it difficult. He locked his gaze onto the man, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him, he knew this man. Yet, he couldn't quite place the scent or the voice that seemed to elude his memory.

"I recommend you head back out and enjoy the performance, Baek Daejung-ssi. There's nothing you can do for that omega," Misook replied in a clipped tone.

Namjoon's heart stuttered at the mention of the name. He never imagined that the two antagonists in his life would be standing together like this. A chilling thought crossed his mind—was this how it would all end for him?

"And I will recommend you take that Alpha to a proper hospital; your little nurse won't be able to assist him in this rundown club. Also, it would be wise to pay attention to what I have to say while we're both in a decent mood. Alpha Baek Daejung responded in his characteristic drawl.

"I'm all ears," Misook replied, crossing her arms in frustration.

"Well you see, I'm not quite fond of sharing what’s mine. I allowed Namjoon to be around you because I assumed it was just a fleeting summer romance. I never foresaw you parading him around to every Alpha who showed interest," Baek Daejung reprimanded her.

"You are well aware of the way my business functions, so this should not come as a surprise to you," Misook replied sharply.

"Well that tracks. Here's my proposal: first I will take Namjoon off your hands and then I will compensate you for the damages incurred," Baek Daejung suggested.

"No deal," Misook replied through clenched teeth.

"Allow me to present another alternative," the Alpha said with a sinister laugh. "I could shut this place down and expose everything you and your associates have been up to this year, complete with your names and faces splashed across the headlines. And as a gesture of goodwill, I could transform this establishment into a shelter for stray mutts. I understand that the public appreciates when candidates undertake such charitable acts. It demonstrates my compassion."

"Is that a threat?" Misook seethed.

"Am I not capable of doing it? Do you think you can escape my wrath? Do you think anyone would save you? I will ruin your life, Kang Misook. I will strip you of every possession you hold dear and drive you into the streets. Right here, right now, I hold the power to decide if you see another sunrise." He strode in front of the female Alpha, locking his gaze onto hers. "Do you still think I won't follow through?"

"You can have him," Misook spat, dismissing him with a flick of her wrist. She turned away, her cheeks burning with humiliation.

"Green Shark, take him to the car. I’ll catch up with you once I conclude my business here," Alpha Baek Daejung ordered.

Green shark approached Namjoon, gently taking him from the grip of the two guards. He led him out of the tension packed scene and through the dimly lit corridors until they reached the exit. The guards at the door silently stepped aside, allowing them to leave.

Namjoon was jolted into awareness by the biting chill of the outdoor air, realizing only then how much he was trembling. The cold seeped into his bones, and he clenched his teeth, trying to withstand it. The contrast between the raucous sound of traffic outside and the booming music inside the club was stark. Even with the pulsating beats echoing within the club, the noise barely penetrated those shadowy back corridors. Those eerie, dimly lit passages would linger in his mind for an eternity.

Green Shark guided him to the car, opening the backseat door with a gentle motion. Namjoon sank into the plush seat, waiting for the door to close behind him. When he felt the warmth of a thick blanket envelop him, he looked up in surprise, he didn't realize his shivering was that obvious. As the door clicked shut, he leaned against the window, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts.

He pondered his fate, wondering what lay ahead. Perhaps Alpha Baek Daejung had chosen this moment to claim him. The thought of being taken far from home, hidden away from his family, sent a shiver down his spine. He thought he had exhausted his tears, yet a few slipped down his cheek, betraying his turmoil.

Had he known that his final words to his Appa would be so cruel, he would have chosen his words more wisely. He would have shown more gratitude to him. He would've hung out more with Seokjin, and looked after Taehyung with greater care.

Namjoon was oblivious to the moment the Alpha entered the car; he only registered the sound of the passenger door opening and the Alpha settling in next to him.

"Drive me back to my hotel room," the Alpha commanded, and Green Shark nodded in acknowledgment.

•••

Alpha Baek Daejung took him up to his hotel room, where a doctor was on standby to tend to Namjoon's head injury. Once that was taken care of, he insisted that Namjoon take a shower in his bathroom to wash away the lingering scent of other Alphas from the club.

Emerging from the bathroom, Namjoon found fresh clothes laid out on the bed for him.

"Have some dinner first, then you can change," the Alpha directed.

Namjoon managed to take a few bites of his Manduguk before the Alpha stepped out to take a call. He absentmindedly played with the dumplings, eventually pushing the bowl away. The thought of the sickening crunch of wood making contact with a skull made it impossible for him to eat.

Alpha Baek Daejung took his time returning to the hotel room. Seizing the moment, Namjoon slipped into the clothes that had been provided. The simple cardigan and jeans fit a bit too snug, but he felt he had no right to voice any complaints.

"Come on then, if you're finished. Let's move out."

Namjoon stepped out of the room, trailing behind the Alpha as they left the building behind. A profound sadness weighed heavily on his heart. This might be his final moment in Seoul, and only they were aware of it.

He gazed out at the city, trying to etch every sight into his memory. Who could say when he would have the chance to return? He was convinced that Alpha Baek Daejung intended to take him into hiding and he would never let him out of his sight.

The thought of never seeing his Appa again filled him with despair. He was so lost in his melancholy that he failed to notice when the car came to a stop.

"Namjoon-ah, this is your stop."

Startled, Namjoon looked up and glanced outside. They had arrived in his neighborhood, right in front of the Blue Villa.

Confused, he turned back to Alpha Baek Daejung, unsure of what game he was playing.

Upon realizing Namjoon's thoughts, the Alpha let out a dismissive chuckle. "Indeed, while my urgency to have you with me is undeniable, Namjoon-ah. I find myself preoccupied with numerous responsibilities. I must admit, it was all indirectly connected to you. Leaving the country has introduced me to numerous opportunities and connections that have been immensely advantageous."

Namjoon fixed his gaze to the floor, his head devoid of a single thought. The nature of his emotions remained unclear to him, at least not until this journey had been concluded.

"This does not imply that I will abandon you. I do intend to return, though not at this moment." The Alpha's tone shifted, his eyes finally meeting Namjoon's. "Until then, Namjoon, I urge you to pursue higher education diligently. Avoid keeping the company of the likes of Kang Misook. And continue living life as you did before."

Namjoon gave a slow nod, not because he had understood the words, but because he knew it was the correct action to take.

"I'll be departing soon after completing my assignment. However, my absence doesn't mean my team will be. So, if you ever find yourself in a bind, know that I'll be there to support you. Now hurry, it's getting late."

Namjoon nodded once more, and grabbed the knob.

"Namjoon-ah."

Namjoon looked back to meet the Alpha's expectant gaze.

"Don't you have anything for me?" He asked, dragging his words syllable by syllable.

Namjoon felt a moment of panic, unsure of what the Alpha might ask for. He felt vulnerable as he anticipated the outcome. "Thank you immensely for rescuing me, Uncle. I am truly thankful, and I promise to avoid causing you any trouble in the future." He said hastily, hoping to dampen the Alpha's spirits.

"How absurd!" The Alpha sneered, firmly holding Namjoon's chin and gradually pulled the omega closer. "I am no longer your Uncle, I am now your Alpha. So, please, make my life even more difficult. Your Alpha is more than capable to face anyone on your behalf. So, go ahead, be my troublemaker and I'll be your guardian angel."

Alpha Baek Daejung kissed him.

In Namjoon's thoughts, a piece of him shrieked and died instantly. The elder man released him, and he felt his surroundings tilt and darkened. He scrambled to unlock the door and staggered out of the car, nearly twisting his ankle in the process. The car raced off, and Namjoon dashed into the Villa's gates, hoping to reach his home before the Alpha decided to return.

Namjoon staggered to the villa's door, the guards staring at him in shock when they saw him. "Welcome home Young Master." they had said, but Namjoon didn't bother to reply.

Namjoon climbed up to his room, neglected to turn on the lights, and stumbled his way to his bed in the dark before finally collapsing into it and taking a deep breath.

Tomorrow, he would face his Appa and his siblings. Tomorrow, he would ponder on what had happened to him in that club. Tomorrow, he would think of how he would move on from everything and face his future.

Tonight, he would sleep.

One thing that he was sure of though, it would take years before he would even attempt to dye his hair pink.

Another thing he was sure of was that he would never, ever in his life dye his hair red.

Step outside, or I’ll come in, and it won’t end well.

Namjoon's heart swells several times bigger, heavy enough to cut off his breathing. His hands quiver, the phone vibrating in his grip like it’s trying to warn him. He believed he had more time; no, he stupidly thought Alpha Baek Daejung would lose interest in him now that he was bonded with Jungkook. That’s what his Appa had assured him—that was the very reason they had arranged his marriage to Jungkook in the first place. 

That belief feels like a cruel joke now, a flimsy illusion he clung to with both hands while the ground crumbled beneath him. He should’ve known better. Baek Daejung wasn’t the type to let go—especially not of something he believed he owned. The bond with Jungkook was never going to be a shield; it was a red flag waved in defiance, and Namjoon had waved it proudly, blindly, thinking love might be enough.

The reality hits him like a blade to the gut, sharp, cold, and merciless. This was never about love or protection. They didn’t just tolerate Jungkook; they weaponized him. Used him as leverage in a game Namjoon didn’t even realize he was still playing. From the beginning, Jungkook was a convenient distraction, a pawn placed perfectly on the board with every intention of being sacrificed once the pieces fell into place. They thought no one would notice. They thought Namjoon would stay quiet. But now, their scheme has spiraled beyond control, dragging him—and everyone he loves—into the jaws of something far more dangerous. Something permanent.

With each shaky step, Namjoon's knees threaten to buckle. His heart pounds violently against his ribcage, like it’s trying to escape. All he wants is to break free and run—run to Jungkook, grab his hand, and beg him to come with him. To leave everything behind. To whisper promises they might never keep. To plead for his love to last until they find a way out of this nightmare. To ask him to hold onto the memory of their time together, just in case Namjoon can’t make it back. Just in case this is the end. Even if fate keeps them apart forever.

Instead, he finds himself swinging open the passenger door of the sleek black car that looms ominously in front of the gates of the Jeon Mansion. He manages to take a seat without sparing a glance toward the older Alpha. Nothing he says will change his mind. Nothing he does will alter the result. It’s too late now—too late for running, for praying, for bargaining. All that’s left is to go with him and hope the Senator will be merciful enough to not harm the Jeon family in the aftermath.

A low, gravelly growl escapes the Alpha's throat.

"I did not expect you to show up, Namjoon-ah," he says, voice dipped in mock surprise. "Given how I have been urging you to come, but your stubbornness seems to have the upper hand. So, I decided to pay you a visit myself. Thought maybe that would do the trick."

Namjoon presses his lips into a thin line, jaw tight.

"It appears that your bond with that Alpha is clouding your judgment," Alpha Baek Daejung drawls lazily, eyes gleaming with malice. "Preventing you from heeding my words like you once did. Which is quite disappointing and disheartening, honestly. I cannot take an omega who is too entangled with an Alpha along with me. I'm not that heartless."

Namjoon's eyes brim with unshed tears, clinging desperately to the edges but never spilling over. He won’t let this man see him cry, he refuses to give him that satisfaction.

"Maybe it is time to sever those connections, would you not agree? I gave you a heads-up a long time ago. I told you to say your goodbyes, did I not? Even though you are still so resolute in your mission to make things difficult for me." He leans in closer, his breath cold and sharp. "I think it is time I start to set you straight, Namjoon."

When Namjoon stays silent, his shoulders trembling, Daejung chuckles, a sound without warmth. "You know, I could have just taken you. No warning, no message. But I gave you the courtesy of choice. I could also barge in, hurt everyone, leave no stone unturned. But I also did not. That is more than most would get from me."

Alpha Baek Daejung’s lips twist into a cruel grin. "I trust you kissed your husband goodbye this morning.”

Namjoon can’t stop shaking.

 

•••

 

His tremors have increased since he was brought to the warehouse. He sits on the floor beside Senator Baek Daejung whilst the Alpha sits on a chair provided for him by his minions. The Alpha noticed his shaking when he had first arrived, and he undid the upper layer of his hanbok and draped it over his shoulder. The situation oddly reminds him of the time the Alpha saved him from Kang Misook. How cold he felt, how scared, how it looked like the Alpha was saving him, but in reality, he was just simply plunged into even more danger.

Namjoon doesn't believe in any higher being, but he prays and prays and prays. If there's anything that stands in the name of all things good, if there's any being that stands for the weak, for the ones who were wronged, for the ones who were being harmed, let them stand for Jungkook. Let Jungkook understand that he's outnumbered and overpowered. Let him give up the fight, before it costs him his life. Let him give up on Namjoon.

He knows the Alpha will know about the arrangements done by his Appa and his Aunt. How they had put him and his family in danger for the sake of Namjoon alone. They deceived him, and hid Namjoon's predicament, now he's going to reap the horrible decisions Namjoon made in his life. It weighs on him, the knowledge that everything is unraveling because of choices he made that he thought he could contain, secrets he thought would never surface. 

He also knows Jungkook is capable of forgiving him, of accepting him, despite how much he had messed things up. What he's not sure of, is if Jungkook will make it to that point alive. The fact that Senator Baek Daejung brought him here instead of just whisking him somewhere else meant he meant business. He won’t let Jungkook make it out of this mess alive. And that thought, that chilling certainty, claws at the edges of Namjoon's mind. Louder than guilt, heavier than fear.

He clutches his heart and hunches over. His breaths are coming out in quick, shallow puffs, each one betraying the strain on his overworking heart. His omega is restless, frantic—running up and down like a trapped dog, releasing the most acrid, desperate scent he's ever smelt, all in the wild, aching hope that if Jungkook comes, he’ll know Namjoon is here. And this feeling, this unbearable yearning, hidden somewhere in the deepest pocket of his soul disgusts him. He just wants Jungkook to love him enough to come and get him, despite the danger. He wishes, with a raw, helpless kind of hope, that Jungkook will be strong enough to fend off Senator Baek Daejung and his rookies, to put an end to this conflict once and for all. Just like his Aunt had told him.

Namjoon-ah, she had said, Jungkook is a strong Alpha. Independent and unshakable. He is a man of principle and is fiercely loyal when you earn his trust. I heard he doesn’t get too attached to an omega, so once we deal with the Senator, you can leave him and live your life as you wish.

The truth was, Aunt Gyeong was getting desperate. Alpha Baek Daejung had grown powerful, far more than she had ever anticipated. And uprooting him from power would take more than she was willing to admit, more than she could afford to say aloud. So she crafted a plan, hastily but with purpose. She would get an Alpha to guard Namjoon, someone strong enough to keep Baek Daejung at bay while she set her real strategy into motion.

Jungkook’s marriage proposal came at the perfect time.

Who knows, she had shrugged, maybe the old bastard will lose interest when he sees you with an Alpha.

They thought the hardest part was getting Jungkook to agree to the switched omegas, although his Appa was somewhat confident it wouldn't be an issue. And he was right, too. 

It didn't take long for Namjoon realized Jungkook was different than the rest of the Alphas he has mt. For starters, he was genuinely interested in Namjoon. He wanted to know everything about him and he never crossed any boundaries with him. Naturally, he didn't protest much to the idea of being married to him. In fact, it was like a breath of fresh air.

Or rather even, it's being able to breath for the first time in his life. He felt seen, he felt like he finally existed to someone, felt like he didn't need to put in effort for the Alpha to notice him. He was loved in a way he didn't even think he needed, in ways he thought he was just being unrealistic, but Jungkook brought his dreams to reality.

And he felt immense guilt for keeping Jungkook in the dark. But his Aunt had warned him sternly, almost fearfully, and made him promise not to tell Jungkook anything. She was convinced that if Jungkook knew the truth, he might be put off and reject Namjoon entirely. But Namjoon still wished he had told him. Because after seeing the way Jungkook fought Alpha Jeon for him, with no hesitation or second thoughts. He knew, deep down, that there was nothing about him that would ever drive Jungkook away.

Still, Alpha Baek Daejung was dangerous. Ruthless. Well-connected. If Jungkook came, he wouldn’t just be fighting one Alpha, he’d be fighting a whole network of them, powerful, loyal, and just as merciless. So maybe it’s for the best if he doesn’t come.

Even though Namjoon knows he will.

The Senator had called him just a while ago, voice smug and cruel, and shared the location of the warehouse. Told him to come alone, or to bring backup, even the police if he wanted.

"It doesn’t matter," the Alpha had mocked. "No one would be able to help you either way. I’ve already taken back my omega.”

 

 

•••

 

He's here!

His omega perks at the scent he picked up. The Senator has also noticed his arrival. He sits back down on his chair and stares at the door to the room they're in. 

Jungkook walks in, all in his glory, and for a second it feels like the air shifts around him. He seems taller, heavier with purpose. There’s a presence about him that is larger than life. His gaze is hard, sharp, a deep frown carved onto his lips. He is alone.

“I must say, you have thoroughly impressed me, Jungkook,” the Senator begins, voice smooth with mock admiration. “Truly, you're an exceptional Alpha. It pains me to have do this, it really does. In another life, we might’ve been unstoppable, you and I. You have the will I respect in an Alpha.”

Jungkook takes a step forward, and immediately, the Senator jerks upright. “Stay right there. Not another step.”

“You’re wasting my time, Baek Daejung,” Jungkook snaps, his tone colder than steel. “You said come alone or bring backup. I’m here alone. I’m not here for chit-chat. I’m here for Namjoon.”

Namjoon flinches, a chill runs down his spine and goosebumps stretch across his skin. He’s never heard Jungkook speak like that. His voice is deeper, heavily laced with satoori dialect. Something is wrong with Jungkook, and he can’t put his finger on it.

The Senator chuckles, a low mocking sound. “Well, here you are, Jungkook-ssi. And Namjoon-ah is here too. So tell me, how exactly do you plan to save him?”

Then it happens.

The click of the safety pin being released is so quiet, it’s almost a whisper yet it screams in Namjoon’s ears.

Baek Daejung raises the gun with an ease that betrays how practiced he is, his eyes locked on Jungkook, steady and cruel. There’s no hesitation. No warning. Just a flash.

A crack like thunder.

The bullet rips through the air, and in seconds Jungkook jerks, staggering back as the force knocks him off balance. It’s so sudden, so violent, Namjoon doesn’t even realize what’s happened until he sees Jungkook crumbling to the floor fast and horrifyingly real.

Namjoon’s scream catches in his throat. He’s frozen, heart pounding, vision tunneling.

“How will you save him, Jungkook, when you are bleeding out on the floor from way over there?” the Senator sneers, voice booming in the suffocating silence.

“No!” The cry rips out of Namjoon before he registers it. He bolts forward, feet pounding against the floor, instincts driving him toward Jungkook, barely dodging the Senator’s claws as he reaches for him.

He drops to his knees beside the Alpha, who is grunting through clenched teeth, his face twisted in agony. Namjoon’s hands won’t stop shaking. He can’t stop moving, frantically searching. 

“Jungkook, can you hear me?” he pleads, voice cracking. “Where does it hurt? Where?” His words tumble out between gasps and sobs, disjointed and desperate. The room is spinning, there's a ringing in his ear, and the heat he feels is suffocating him. 

Reality slips sideways.

Namjoon is no longer sure of what's real or not. If this is a nightmare, if he's really touching Jungkook, if he's really alive. The thought makes him pause, is he alive? Is he dying? Then this must be what hell is like. Maybe the Senator shot him instead, maybe this is his personal hell.

His hands settle on something wet and warm, almost like a cavity. Jungkook lets out a strangled groan, pain flickering across his face. His eyes open just enough to meet Namjoon’s, dark and glassy and filled with something that makes Namjoon want to scream.

Namjoon jerks his hands away, his fingers are stained red. It can't be, surely, he must've been hallucinating. He must've gone mad. There has to be an explanation on why Jungkook is here in this warehouse, bleeding on the floor because of him.

A voice slices through the fog.

“Well, this makes me feel like the bad guy.”

Namjoon lifts his head, vision unsteady, eyes swimming with tears and confusion but he still sees him clearly. Baek Daejung stands tall, not a hair out of place, gun still loosely held in his hand. His expression is calm. Like he’s watching a performance he already knows the ending to.

There’s nothing in his eyes. No remorse. No regret. But maybe there never was.

Namjoon’s breath stutters in his throat. He had been a fool all along, he knows how things would end. He knows this is the only route they will follow. So why is he shocked when the Senator actually tries to kill Jungkook, when he has warned him several times that he would do it?  

God, he was so stupid, no wonder everyone pitied him everywhere he went. How could he have thought that Baek Daejung loved him? How could he have thought the man would protect him, that would keep his promises? How did he come to the conclusion that he would never hurt him?

He was even ready to leave with him sometimes ago. He had made peace with it. Before Jungkook came along and showed him what it meant to be truly loved. To be seen and to be chosen, simply for being himself.

“Don’t look at me like I’m the reason he’s lying in his blood,” the Senator says, voice calm and clinical, like he’s giving a speech. “You walked into his life, knowing exactly what danger you were dragging in. You ignored every warning I gave you. You dared to even cut me off and refused to come when I called for you.”

He steps forward, just enough to let the weight of his words settle.

“You knew the deal. You had it coming. This?” He gestures lazily to Jungkook’s broken body. “This is your fault.”

Namjoon's gaze falls back to Jungkook, trying to locate the injury again. He finds it easily this time, in the right side of his torso. He gently adds pressure to the wound to slow the bleeding. Jungkook looks at him with an absent gaze, but the moment he touches him, his hand shoots up to wrap around Namjoon's wrist, holding his hand in place. Namjoon's heart splits into two, and bleeds everywhere, drowning him in his grief.

"Please." He begs, looking back at Senator Baek Daejung. "Please let him go. I've learned my lesson, I'll come with you, I'll take your mark. But please let him live." The room is silent except for his anguished sobs and Jungkook's harsh, labored breathing.

The Alpha is burning underneath his palms, his skin stretched taut, muscles bulging, his pulse loud and erratic. Namjoon's worst fear is coming to life, he's losing him.

"You're coming either way, Namjoon. Nothing you offer me will change the outcome," Senator Baek Daejung says cruelly, his voice void of empathy.

"You don't understand. He and I are bonded. I will feel it if he dies. And I won't survive it, I’ll die with him," Namjoon says, his voice trembling with desperation. He means every word.

The Senator is quiet for a few seconds, but to Namjoon, it feels like an eternity. Jungkook is still bleeding, still in pain, writhing on the dirtied floor. Every second that ticks by is a sentence passed, a breath closer to death.

Finally, the Senator hums, cocking the gun to his side in contemplation. "You do make a point. Well then, Namjoon, I'll listen to you and I'll let him live. In return, you will never disobey me. Do I make myself clear?" he asks, tone slick with satisfaction.

"Yes," Namjoon says instantly, nodding. He bites his lower lip to stop its trembling, swallowing everything else he wants to say.

"Don't just stay there. Come to me. We'll wait until they take him away so say your goodbyes now." Alpha Baek Daejung turns back to his seat and lowers himself onto it. "And you will never doubt my mercy again. If it was someone else, you'd both be dead by now."

Namjoon turns back to the wound he's pressing on. The bleeding seems to have slowed, just barely. It would be stupid to linger any longer. It would be unwise to say anything with the Senator still watching. He’s not even sure if he deserves to speak to Jungkook at all. But still, he can’t help himself.

"I'm sorry," he rasps, the words catching in his throat. He leans closer, voice dropping to a whisper, "I'm so sorry you've met someone so horrible. And I hope you never meet someone like me again. Please hang on until they take you to the hospital, Hyung. Then get well soon, be healthy, find someone who really loves you, live a good life."

His hands are shaking as he tries to lift them off Jungkook. He attempts to loosen the Alpha's grip that's still on his wrist, but fails. "Let go," he whispers, tears still falling. Fear curls in his gut because he doesn't want to draw the Senator's attention again.

"Stay," is the only thing Jungkook forces out, his grip tightening.

"I can't, you need to forget about me." Namjoon says, his voice cracking at the seams.

"What is it now?" The Senator snaps, frowning.

Namjoon feels his blood pressure spike, leaving him weak and hollow. He needs to cover for Jungkook. He needs to think fast. "I can't leave him like this, he's still bleeding. Please let me stay beside him until he's being taken away."

"Namjoon, come to me. Now," the Senator orders, his tone turning sharp.

Namjoon struggles even harder to free himself. "Jungkook, please let go. If I enrage him further, all my efforts will be in vain. He’ll kill you."

"Don’t…go. I'll die if you do," Jungkook grunts, his gaze finally focusing on Namjoon. There’s determination set in his eyes now, and he shifts slightly to regard Namjoon properly. "I will forgive everything. But I’ll never forgive you if you abandon me."

"Maybe you're not as smart as I thought," Senator Baek Daejung scoffs, understanding what is happening. "He's trying to keep you alive, but you're not cooperating. If you die, you’ll completely lose your claim on him compared to when you survive."

“If you truly loved me,” Jungkook whispers, completely ignoring what the senator said to him, “then you’ll stay by my side. Until the very end.”

The room holds a charged silence. Namjoon's breath is caught somewhere between fear and heartbreak. He opens his mouth, searching for the right words but no words come. His heart pounds against his ribs, aching with every beat. He takes a step forward, unsure if it's love or guilt guiding him, then he reaches out holding onto Jungkook. “Okay,” he sobs when it finally dawns to him that this is truly the end. Being separated from Jungkook, whether he lived of not, is the end for him. He can't imagine life after he walks out on Jungkook, he doesn't think he will ever recover from it too. 

So let Baek Daejung do the worst he can do. There's no future for him without Jungkook, anyway.

“How dare you!” Alpha Baek Daejung roars, shooting upright and knocking the chair in his haste. “After all I've done for you, after everything I've endured and excused. This is how you repay me? Namjoon!”

“Do your worst, you sick bastard. I never asked you for anything in the first place. You decided I was yours from the beginning. But I'm not yours. I have never belonged to you and I never will.” Namjoon replies, his heart beating on overdrive. Fear coursing through his veins, but he's done living life in fear. Death, will be far much lighter than the heaviness of living life in fear.

“I'll kill him and I'll make you watch. I'll kill every single person you hold dear. Then I'll see who will protect you after that.” Alpha Baek Daejung spat, face flushed with anger. His grip on the handle of the gun unsteady.

“I'll protect him from you, Baek Daejung. I won't let you hurt even a single hair on his head.” Jungkook charges, raising to his knees.

Alpha Baek Daejung let's out a scoff in disbelief. “Oh really? And how will you do that, brat?”

Before Jungkook can reply, he staggers back to the ground with a strangled groan. His hand flies to his chest and clutches it as if something inside is tearing him apart. His breath comes in ragged bursts. His body arches, muscles locking as if pulled by some invisible string. 

The light flickers.

Namjoon's mind blank out but he takes a hesitant step forward in confusion. “Jungkook?”

“I told you I'll protect you. I'll protect you from anything so don't leave me,” Jungkook growls, though his voice is now layered, distorted, something ancient curling beneath it.

His eyes flare gold. His skin glistens with sweat, veins darkening beneath the surface like a tree taking roots in his flesh. Then a sound, like bones splintering beneath the weight of something monstrous. Namjoon flinches at the loud crack of a bone, then another, then several at once—until Jungkook's half-collapsed on the ground, convulsing, snarling.

“What the hell is happening to him?” Senator Baek Daejung breathes, voice edged with horror, but Namjoon barely hears him.

Jungkook’s fingers tear open with claws. His spine arches, body elongating and reshaping in agonizing jerks. A strangled scream rips from his throat, cut off midway as his jaw unhinges and reforms into a monstrous muzzle.

Namjoon watches in frozen horror, his feet remain rooted in place, but everything inside him screams to move. His heart pounds as he watches fur burst through Jungkook's skin, black and sleek like shadow incarnate. The man he loved is vanishing and something else is taking his place.

Jungkook’s eyes meet his, as if making sure he's still here. His body contorts, muscles spasming, skin rippling like it can no longer hold him. There’s agony in his face, but also something worse: shame. Shame that Namjoon is seeing this. That this is the truth he tried so hard to hide.

Namjoon’s breath catches in his throat. His instinct is to help, to run forward, to do something—but his body betrays him. All he can do is watch.

“Stay with me,” Jungkook begs him again. His voice barely whispers.

Namjoon’s eyes sting. It’s not fear that grips him anymore. It’s heartbreak. This was the man who used to smile at him in the quiet and used to tremble when he reached for his hand, not from fear, but from love.

Now he stands before him, caught somewhere between man and monster, barely breathing from the toll of it. Then he situates himself on four limb, completely converted by dark fur. Ears sharp and triangular, canine teeth with fangs peeking, coated in thick saliva. A bushy tail standing still between his hind leg. A giant wolf stands in place of Jeon Jungkook.

“Jungkook…” Namjoon whispers, a sob at the edge of his voice. Even now, in this unrecognizable form, he knows it’s him. And worse he knows Jungkook is still in there, hoping, aching for him not to run. So doesn't move. He can't. Because leaving now would be the cruelest thing he's ever done.

Jungkook looks away from him, eyes locking on the Senator, golden eyes narrowed, nostrils huffing smoke out of them. The room becomes eerily quiet, then Jungkook bolts.

The moon poured its sickly light over the solitary figure of a man with his breath blooming like ghosts upon the air, his revolver a trembling extension of his will. He aims, but Jungkook is too fast to be tracked by the eyes. 

Namjoon can see him move though. He sees how he bounds forward with monstrous grace, each movement a blasphemy against nature’s laws. His eyes glowed with hellfire, and his maw parts in an angered grin. Revealing those fangs that are as long as a man’s fingers.

Senator Baek becomes desperate, he simply aims and fires again. Thunder cracked. Muzzle-flash tears through the darkness. But Jungkook is no longer where he is. He has darted aside with unnatural speed, as if time itself bends to accommodate his wrath. The bullet flies past him, harmless, swallowed by the void.

The Senator’s breath catches in his throat.

Jungkook moves again, faster now. The sound of his paws against the pavement is loud and certain. He is no longer a creature—he is fate itself, made of flesh, bearing down with inevitability. 

The Senator tries to fire again, but his fingers fumble and his will falters. Powerless against what he's up against, with no place to run to.

And in that moment, Jungkook leaps and Namjoon understands, this is not a battle. It was a reckoning. A single devastating strike brings the Senator down. 

 

Namjoon staggers back, his heart slamming against his ribs, shaken by the scene. He pulls into himself wanting to take less space, hoping that he could disappear. The Senator’s eyes find him in the chaos. His mouth strains to form words, but only a broken gurgle slips out. Three deep, gaping wounds bloom across his necks, blood threading down like rivers in the dark.

Jungkook regards him for a long, aching moment. Then he bolts out of the room. Namjoon waits in anticipation, not knowing what to do next. He stills when the building shudders with the sound of screams — sharp, panicked, and human. He hears gunshots, more screaming and then nothing. By the time Jungkook returns, bloodied and wild, still in his heavy coat of fur and wet snout. Namjoon feels like a ghost standing in the ruins of something he cannot name.

Jungkook bears his neck to him, waiting. Namjoon’s throat tightens but he bares himself and slowly reaches out his hand clumsy, trembling and buries his fingers into the thick, warm fur.

Climb, comes the word, heavy with urgency but lined with something gentler underneath. It is plea, not just a command. Despite how weak his legs feel, he drags himself up, muscles screaming, and folds himself over Jungkook’s back. His arms slide around Jungkook’s neck, clinging not for balance but for something deeper, something that feels like survival itself. Jungkook shifts his weight, steadying him, and without another pause, runs.

They break through the shattered warehouse doors into a flood of cold moonlight. Namjoon flinches, overwhelmed. It feels as though he’s been buried in the dark for years, not hours.

"Jungkook," he croaks, voice scraping the inside of his throat. "His men are coming. We can't take the usual road. They'll find us."

Jungkook huffs in response and then he’s veering off sharply, towards the forest behind the warehouse where the trees knot thick and wild. Branches tear at them. Brambles snag at Namjoon’s legs. Every step is violence against the earth a desperate, messy flight.

Sorry.

It's okay, Namjoon thinks. He knows Jungkook can hear him, can feel him. He buries his face into the coarse hairs of Jungkook's neck. A sob finds it's way around his throat and he stifles it against the fur. I should be the one apologizing. I would have to apologize for a thousand years before I make things up to you. He clutches tighter, feeling the warmth of Jungkook’s body beneath him, steady and real.

Okay. Jungkook's thoughts filter into the back of his mind after a long, aching pause, the thought soft as a heartbeat. And then, just stay.

Namjoon swallows around the knot in his throat, feels it shatter under the weight of everything they’ve survived. He presses a kiss that is feather-light into the thick fur at Jungkook’s nape.

"I'm not going anywhere," he whispers, a vow. "You're stuck with me. Forever."

Good.

And they run, the night folding itself around them like a promise.

 

 

•••

 

They manage to make it far, way further than Namjoon ever thought possible. They slip along the edge of a road he doesn’t recognize. But he knows it’s way too late. There isn’t a single car in sight, nothing but the empty sprawl of asphalt and the bruised sky overhead. Namjoon clutches tighter, feeling every ragged breath Jungkook pulls in. The Alpha’s paws drag against the ground, heavy like he’s wading through mud. Namjoon noticed that they’re moving slower than usual and he owns it up to exhaustion at first, but he believe it’s exhaustion anymore.

“Hyung... is everything alright?” Namjoon asks, voice cracking under the weight of his fear.

Jungkook doesn’t answer. He just keeps moving, stumbling forward with brute, trembling force.

“Hyung,” Namjoon pleads, pushing himself up to take a proper look but then he’s slipping and falling. The ground rushes up to meet him with a bruising thud. He scrambles up, heart thundering in his chest, fright seizing his omega.

Jungkook has collapsed right there. Limbs crumpling in on themselves, body folding into the darkness with a low, broken whine.

“Hyung!” Namjoon gasps, crawling to him, hands fumbling uselessly across thick fur matted with sweat and blood. A coldness grips his gut like a claw. No, he thinks. Please, they are so close to getting help and putting this nightmare behind them. 

“What’s wrong? What—” His voice cuts off, there is no point in asking. He knows what’s wrong, Jungkook was shot. Probably more than once, too. And he still carried Namjoon on his back, through the night, through the thorns, through the pain.

But now he’s down.

Jungkook’s body shudders, struggling to stay awake. His eyes flutter, rolling back into their socket. Namjoon watches, helpless, as the great beast’s eyes slide shut. A strangled sound breaks from his throat, a whimper he barely chokes back with a hand clapped over his mouth. He’s alone. Alone with the cold witness of the moon, and his husband dying at his feet.

They were supposed to make it, they’ve scaled over the danger now, they’ve made it so far. So why can’t Jungkook hold on for a little while longer? They were supposed to go into town. He was supposed to find a phone. Call his Appa. Beg him, for once, to come save him.

Save them.

Instead, Jungkook is folding by the side of a deserted road, his breath thinning, his pulse a fading ghost against Namjoon's shaking fingers, like a weak flame flickering out.

And Namjoon is helpless. Useless to stop it from happening. He feels so out of his depth, he never faced this kind of situation with someone else. He has always been alone, nothing but just a boy who never learned how to hold onto anyone. Now he's watching the only person who ever stayed through the storm with him take his last breath.

His mind drowns, thick and heavy. He presses himself closer, curling up around the battered shape of Jungkook's body, desperate to stop the world from pulling him away. Why is life so fucking unfair? Why can’t things look up for him this once?

The moon hangs above them, silent, unfeeling, and Namjoon realizes with a sudden, sickening clarity. There’s no one coming. No rescue, no miracle. Just him and Jungkook. It's just the two of them against the world right now.

“I’m here,” Namjoon chokes out, the words tearing him apart. “I’m not leaving. I said I’ll be with you and I mean it. I’ll go wherever you go. I meant it when I said it and I swear by it, hyung.” The sobs tear free, harsh and ugly. He clutches Jungkook tighter, burying himself in fur, blood and body losing its heat so fast.

Not a moment later, he feels it. A shift beneath him. The coarse fur thins under his hands, dissolving away. Bones shift, muscles stretch, and the beast beneath him stretches, reshapes and shrinks into something smaller, more human and terrifyingly fragile. Namjoon looks up and sees whiskers falling off, like they are being shed off. The snout gives way to rounded nose. Eyelids flutter, but they didn't open. Jungkook's face comes to view, the scar on his cheek glinting under the silver wash of moonlight. His Jungkook lies there pale and unmoving.

"Hyung," Namjoon whispers, numb. But Jungkook doesn’t stir. He stares, gut turning to stone.

Jungkook is soaked with sweat. His breathing is so faint it barely stirs the air. He has already lost too much blood. He's vulnerable, at risk of slipping, never opening his eyes for good.

"No," Namjoon gasps, staggering upright on shaky legs. "No, no, no, stay with me!"

And then he runs. Praying now more than ever that the universe has mercy on him to meet even one person that can help him. His tears blur his vision as he speeds down the empty road, lungs burning, heart breaking with every step.

He doesn't know where he's going. Doesn't know if he’s running toward help or into deeper darkness. It doesn't matter. He knows he can't do this alone, he can't watch Jungkook die. So he can't stop, won't stop. Not until he finds a house, a car, a person, anything. Not until he finds—

"Appa!" he screams into the cold, endless night.

"Appa, please! I need you!" The words rip out of him raw, howling, desperate.

"Appa! Appa! Appa! Please!" Each scream is sharper, more broken, until his voice gives out and all that's left is the sound of his sobs splintering against the empty road.

Yet he keeps running, blind, mindless, feral, because he has no choice. Because Jungkook is dying, because love demands it. 

He trips and finds himself stumbling, falling, but drags himself upright again.

"Appa! Appa, please, God, someone—anyone!" Each word tears something loose inside him. Each step feels like ripping open a wound. All he knows is that if Jungkook dies, Namjoon doesn’t know how to be alive.

He doesn’t know how long he’s been running.

Seconds, minutes, or hours. The road just stretches out forever under his feet, cruel and endless. Every breath is a sob. Every exhale feels like it might split him apart.

He falls again, knees scraping against the asphalt, palms burning. But he pushes up — hands bruised and angry, throat wrecked — and staggers forward, because he has to.

"Please—" The word is barely a whisper now, cracked and broken. "Appa... Appa, I’m here, please..."

The world is so dark around him, the trees looming like monsters at the edge of his vision.

Namjoon crashes to the ground, shaking and sputtering. He curls in on himself and sobs silently into the dirt. He doesn't give himself a moment, he tries again. He stands, dizzy and disoriented. Thinking of how much longer help is on the way. That's when he sees it.

Light.

A faint, distant glow. Then brighter, cutting through the blackness like a blade. Headlights.

A car.

Namjoon is stuck in place, dizzy and disbelieving.

The engine roars closer, and closer but he doesn't move out of the way. Either the car stops or it runs him over. He doesn’t mind any of the choices. The tires screech against the pavement as the vehicle swerves to a halt. 

The driver’s side door flies open and for a second, Namjoon can’t breathe, can’t believe it.

Because it’s his Appa.

 

"Joon-ah!" Alpha Kim's voice raw with terror tears through the haze clouding his vision. 

Namjoon sobs out something that isn’t even words and lurches forward, collapsing into Alpha Kim's arms. He grips him like he’ll fall apart if he lets go shuddering and gasping, not making any sense, but his Appa understands.

"I've got you," Alpha Kim breathes into his hair. "I've got you, I’m here— where is he, Joon? Where’s Jungkook?"

Namjoon can only point, hands trembling violently.

“And Baek Daejung?” Alpha Kim asks, urgent.

“We left him at the warehouse.”

His Appa doesn't say anything else. Just lifts him with terrifying strength, shoves him into the back seat of the car and sits in the passenger seat. Namjoon looks up and sees Aunt Gyeong in the driver's seat, gripping the wheel like her life depends on it. When Alpha Kim pulls the door shut she guns the engine down the road — back toward where Jungkook is dying under the indifferent sky.

Namjoon’s head lolls against the window, tears still streaming, eyes wide and unseeing.

Please be alive. Please be alive. Please, please, please. He begs and begs.

He doesn’t even realize he’s whispering it aloud, again and again, like a prayer he has no faith in but he has no choice except to say it anyway.

Because if the universe heard him once. Maybe it will listen again.

The tires screech as the truck jerks to a stop.

Namjoon stumbles out before the vehicle fully halts, legs crumpling beneath him, but he forces himself upright. His Appa is already sprinting faster than Namjoon has ever seen him move towards the dark shape lying by the road.

“Jungkook,” Namjoon gasps, chasing after him, throat raw and burning.

Namjoon’s heart tries to crawl out of his chest.He falls to his knees beside him, hands fluttering uselessly over Jungkook’s body.

"Is he—?" He can’t finish the question. Can't survive the answer if it's the wrong one.

His Appa presses two fingers to Jungkook’s neck stone-faced. The seconds stretch out endlessly.

Namjoon feels the edges of the world blur.

Alpha Kim's shoulders slump in visible relief. "He's alive," Appa says, voice tight, urgent.

"Just barely, but he's still with us."

Namjoon lets out a sound that is part sob, part gasp, part something deeper and more broken than he’s ever known. He bends low over Jungkook’s chest, pressing his forehead there, feeling the weak thump of his heart against his skin.

"I’ve got him," Appa says, standing up and rushing to open the door to the backseat. Namjoon can’t do anything but watch, tremble, and whisper Jungkook’s name like a prayer.

"You stayed," he whispers into Jungkook’s cooling skin. "You stayed, you stayed.”

And he knows even if Jungkook never hears it. He will never stop saying it.

Alpha Kim comes back, then shushes him by running a hand along his shoulder blades. A grounding touch that cuts through the chaos still ringing in Namjoon’s ears. “Your Aunt Gyeong will take him to the hospital, stay by his side for everything that will be done to him.”

Namjoon nods his head, lips quivering, his gaze finally clear for once in this cursed night. He watches as his Appa carefully lifts Jungkook from the ground, cradling him like something sacred, and carries him to the backseat. There's a space left for Namjoon beside him, and that alone steadies something frantic inside his chest. He lifts Jungkook's head, then sits and puts the head back on his lap.

Alpha Kim doesn't sit back into the passenger seat, he opens the glove compartment and searches for something in it.

“What are you doing?” Aunt Gyeong demands, her voice fraying at the edges.

“Just take them to the hospital. Wait for me there.” Alpha Kim says in a voice that brooks no argument as he pulls out a gun from the glove compartment, checks it with a click, and cocks it without hesitation. "I'm done playing things by your rules. I'm doing things my way now."

“And what are you doing exactly?” she asks, a bite in her voice, one that says she knows, too well, the weight of what he's about to carry.

Alpha Kim gives a small, grim smile. “Something I should have done a long time ago, Eonnie.”

Without waiting for a response, he disappears into the night, the trees swallowing him whole as he strides toward the warehouse.

Aunt Gyeong stays frozen for a beat longer than she should, her hands tightening around the steering wheel until her knuckles turn bone-white. Then she draws a trembling breath, turns the ignition, and steers the car away from the clearing, from the violence, from the heavy things that no longer belong to them.

Namjoon knows he should panic, beg for his Appa to come with them to the hospital but he knows he's already made up his mind. And with Jungkook's weight pressing against him, warm, breathing, and alive, he feels only a fragile sense of peace beginning to stitch itself inside him. The worst has passed already. The danger, for now, has been left behind. He knows his Appa will make it back to them safely.

He finally breathes in fully, the air cold but clean, filling spaces in his lungs that had felt locked for what seemed like forever. He tucks Jungkook closer into his lap, the small, unconscious murmurs from him more precious than anything.

“You’ll be okay, hyung," he whispers, voice thick but sure. "I've got you. We’ve got you now."

Outside the windows, the forest rolls past, dark and endless. But for the first time in a long time, Namjoon isn't afraid of what comes next.

 

•••

 

Namjoon keeps his promise. He doesn’t leave Jungkook’s side during their entire stay at the hospital. The only time they’re separated is when Jungkook undergoes surgery to have the bullet removed. Namjoon waits in tense silence beside Aunt Gyeong, afraid to make a strong movement in case he'll upset an unseen force that will make the surgery go awry. 

Alpha Kim arrives after Jungkook is already taken into the theater room. Aunt Gyeong doesn’t ask what happened, and he doesn’t explain. But when he returns, his eyes are darker, something quieter settled in his shoulders. He brings Namjoon burgers and his favorite chocolate, then sits bedside him like nothing has changed. Namjoon manages a few bits, then keeps the food aside. He rests his head on his Appa's shoulder, finally getting some shut eye since the shit show started.

He stays there throughout the hours of the surgery, only standing when the surgeon finally steps out of the operating room. He has changed out of his scrubs, and tells them he's coming. He comes back sipping a canned coffee before he asks them to follow him. They get up and silently follow him into a secluded room.

“The bullet was lodged tight,” the surgeon begins, voice neutral, clinical. “Oddly enough, the pressure might’ve saved him, it clamped down on a major vessel and kept him from bleeding out.” He flips through the chart, then adds, “But we found bleeding from other areas. Several vessels were ruptured, and somehow, he managed to tear his Sartorius tendon. That kind of trauma… How do I say it? It doesn’t match a simple gunshot.”

There’s a beat of silence before Aunt Gyeong responds smoothly, “He fell. After he got shot.”

The surgeon blinks, not quite believing, yet still humors her. “From where?”

“A balcony. Second floor,” she supplies. “Landed wrong, probably.”

He frowns at the explanation but lets it go. “Strange. Arterial bleeds like that usually come with worse damage. He got lucky.”

“Yes,” she says with a blank stare. “He did.”

“Well, the major bleeding has been stopped. We'll keep a tight monitor to make sure we didn't miss anything. The anaesthetic team is trying to wake him up or just get any kind of response before he'll be wheeled out.” The surgeon says as a word of finality.

When Jungkook is wheeled out of the theater, pale and unresponsive, Namjoon feels his stomach drop. The relief of seeing him alive is quickly overshadowed by the weight of what comes next, his recovery. The Alpha slips into unconsciousness and has to be kept monitored in the ICU. 

Namjoon is allowed to stay close, with the hope that his presence will arouse the Alpha to wake up. He is always at the edge of the room, sometimes seated, sometimes pacing. He doesn’t eat much, can't find it in himself to do so. He doesn’t sleep unless his Appa makes him. 

Jaesung and Heejin come the next day after Jungkook had his surgery. Heejin offers to stay with Namjoon and help to look after Jungkook but he tells her he prefers to be alone and she gives up after failing to convince him to stay. Seokjin and Taehyung ended up staying with him and try their hardest to take his mind off things. He's beyond grateful, but he's still in the edge, fear of losing Jungkook gripping him by the throat, refusing to let him breath even for a moment.

Miraculously, after the universe has decided he has suffered enough, Jungkook wakes up two days later.

It’s slow at first a flicker of fingers, then a furrow of the brow, a wince. Eventually, his eyes crack open, glassy and disoriented, and Namjoon is there to catch the moment. Aunt Gyeong breathes a sigh of something too quiet to be called relief. She holds onto Alpha Kim's hand like a lifeline.

They move him to a private suite when he stabilizes. The staff remark on his resilience, whisper about fast healing and Alpha stamina. Namjoon just nods, barely reacting. His gaze is always on Jungkook. The day is filled with chaos, tears being shed constantly, especially from Heejin.

Sooyun brings the kids to see Jungkook, too scared to do so when he's unconscious, not knowing what to tell the kids when they ask. Jungkook just tells the teary kids he had his appendix removed. Namjoon watches in stilled silence.

The Jeons were now aware of the situation—at least, the official version. They knew only the political implications, that Senator Baek Daejung had allegedly targeted their family in retaliation for exposing his corrupt dealings, and that Jungkook had been caught in the crossfire of that vendetta. According to Alpha Kim and Aunt Gyeong, the senator had since been apprehended and was scheduled to undergo a closed trial for his crimes.

What they didn’t know, however, was that Baek Daejung had been shot dead by Alpha Kim at the warehouse. His body was quietly cremated, and Aunt Gyeong had spent an enormous sum to orchestrate the arrest and conviction of a lookalike. Eventually, once sufficient time had passed, that double would be ‘killed’ by hired men posing as agents of a rival political party. The double would be allowed to be free and live his life by staying low. Only the Kims and Jungkook would ever know what really happened. And they would be the only ones to bear the burden of that secret.

The days that follow are quiet. Recovery is slow, but Jungkook gradually becomes more aware of his surroundings, his speech returning in fragments, then sentences. Sometimes he stares at Namjoon too long, as if trying to remember something that got buried under pain.

Namjoon stays through all of it. Not just because he promised, but because something in him won’t allow otherwise. 

 

Nothing is said of Baek Daejung after that.

 

•••

 

By the end of the week, Jungkook is strong enough to sit up on his own. The bruises along his ribs have started to fade, and the body aches from shifting subsiding with each physiotherapy session. The nurses are still cautious with him, but they've been saying that he's recovering well. Namjoon knows better, knows when Jungkook is pretending to be stronger than he is, just to feel like he’s in control again.

“You don’t have to force yourself,” Namjoon says quietly as he adjusts the blankets around him. Trying to find something to do. They still have much to discuss, they still have much to settle between them. And the weight of things unsaid makes the whole environment stifling. “You’re allowed to rest.”

Jungkook huffs, his voice rough around the edges. “I’ve had enough rest to last me a year.”

Namjoon lets out a breath, then sits on the edge of the bed, his hand resting gently on Jungkook’s knee. “I need you to rest, hyung. I need you to recover properly because you’ve already scared me enough to last a lifetime.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Jungkook says softly. After a beat, he adds, “It was the shift, wasn’t it? I swore I wouldn’t end up like him. I pushed it to the back of my mind, never to think of it again. I never thought I'd be in a situation where I’d need to do it.”

Namjoon looks away, shame enveloping him. “God, I’m awful, aren’t I? If you hadn’t met me, you wouldn’t be in this mess. You wouldn’t have to destroy your body just to protect me.”

“Don’t say that.” Jungkook’s voice is calm, steady. “Being able to shift is the reason we’re both alive right now. There's damage, yeah, and it sucks. But it’s something I’m aware of a long time ago. Abeoji might be too proud to admit it, but I learned from the other Alphas. Shifting wrecks you. It breaks you in ways that don’t fully heal—physically, mentally. You become something in-between, not quite man, not fully wolf.”

His eyes turn distant. “The thing is when I walked into that warehouse, I was already shifting. I knew what it meant. I knew what I was giving up. But I did it anyway but not for power, not to prove anything. I did it because I had to save you. I did it out of love. Something Abeoji has never done, not once. And that’s what makes me different from him.”

He flexes his fingers against the sheets like he’s testing if they still work. He’s been doing that a lot lately.

Namjoon watches him closely, concern deepening in his eyes. “Hyung, you will never be like him even if you shift a hundred times. I believe this with everything in me. But you said it affects you mentally. Is it that you remember what happens when you shift? Do you black out? Is that why you can’t recall much from that night?”

Jungkook doesn’t answer right away. He stares at the wall, jaw tight. “No, that’s not it. If anything, I remember everything that happened during the shift vividly. It's everything else that’s a blur. What I meant is, it rewires you. The more you shift, the more your instincts take over. You start losing pieces of yourself.”

Namjoon lets that sink in. He tries to make sense of it. “You don’t seem that different. Aside from, you know, bleeding out and not even noticing.”

“You don’t notice the changes right away,” Jungkook murmurs. “They creep in until you finally become someone else entirely. And I knew I was bleeding, I just didn’t care.”

The silence that follows isn’t heavy, but it settles like mist in the room. Jungkook leans forward, placing a hand on Namjoon’s cheek, gently turning his face to meet his eyes.

“Once someone shifts, even once, the changes start. Namjoon-ah, you’ve seen what my father became. That’s where this road leads to right now. That’s what I’ll become. Can you handle that? The mood swings, the rage, the loss of control? Can you live with me like that?”

“Hyung,” Namjoon breathes, “I should be asking you that. You saw how my bad choices came back to bite us both in the ass. Can you handle the rot in me? Can you live with the skeletons in my closet?”

“Of course I can, Namjoon. Your past can’t hurt me. Not now. Not ever.”

Namjoon’s voice breaks. “Hyung, you’re lying in a hospital bed. My crazy uncle shot you.”

“And I shifted and took him down.” Jungkook holds his gaze. “I can handle whatever you throw at me. I’m not afraid. But I need to know what I’m up against.”

Then he leans in and kisses him.

Namjoon wraps his arms around Jungkook’s neck, pulling him closer, the kiss deep and anchoring. It feels like the first time all over again—maybe it is the first time, now that they’ve finally seen each other for who they truly are. And still chosen to love each other anyway.

When they part, Namjoon wipes at his tears and sits upright. There’s something flickering in Jungkook’s eyes—something fragile. Guilt, maybe. Or gratitude, or maybe both. He doesn’t say anything, just laces his fingers with Namjoon’s and gives a quiet, grounding squeeze. Namjoon squeezes back, wanting Jungkook to know just how much he loves him

Namjoon hesitates, then speaks. “A lot of shit has happened to me. The Senator was unhinged from the start, but I managed him just fine. Things only started spiraling when I crossed paths with an Alpha named Kang Misook.”

The morning light spills through the wooden slats of the hanok’s windows, warm and slow like honey. Somewhere on the second floor, laughter echoes faintly, tangled with the creak of old beams and the rhythmic sound of Namjoon's baritone and he lists off the things Sooyun asked them to buy for the birthday party.

“More fairy lights?" Jungkook echoes, "I guess I could check out a shop I've been seeing in town to see if we could get them. But they're a lot as it is. Sooyun better pay for my electricity bills this month.” Jungkook grumbles as he takes a sip of his tea.

“I told you she's lost it.” Namjoon complains, cutting up some strawberries and putting them on top of Hyeri’s oats. He drops a kiss to the giggling girl and turns back to Jungkook.

“And we need more nails to hang up those fairy lights everywhere. I think Noona will really have my head if things aren’t perfect.” Then, without any warning, Namjoon's voice bellows out. "Sook-ah! Eunsook!"

Jungkook snorts over his tea, cradling the cup in both hands.“You know she’s ignoring you on purpose, right?”

Namjoon doesn't even pause as he opens another cabinet in search of the elusive extra candles. “I know,” he says, voice raised again, “Sook-ah, you better not be hiding the streamer box again!”

Upstairs, a teenage girls’ voice replies with flat disinterest, “Why don’t you ask your mate, Joon-ah. Maybe he hid them!”

Jungkook doesn’t even try to hide his laughter this time, almost spilling his tea. “Oh, she’s in a mood today.”

“She’s always in a mood when it comes to me. She thinks she's the fucking queen bee or something.” Namjoon mutters under his breath.

“Language, Saeappa!” Hyeri scolds Namjoon before Jungkook can.

The omega ignores the pup and then yells out, “What did I say about calling me names you feel like! Don't think I won't come up there, because I will. And I will hurt you!”

“Fine, Saeappa,” Eunsook calls back. “You're like… an app upgrade I didn’t ask for.”

There’s a thump, a groan, and then Doyun’s voice breaks through the chaos: “She said you’re a beta update, Saeappa. With bugs.”

Jungkook keeps his mouth shut at the exchange. Back when Eunsook was entering her adolescent stage, she started being mouthy with them. Especially with Namjoon. Jungkook wanting to be a good dad and mate, had cut into their heated conversations to talk some sense into the girl. Even going as far as he could to punish her when she goes to far. But one day Namjoon had sat him down and told him he could handle her, and he should mind his business. Jungkook learned to stay in the sidelines during their showdowns.

Namjoon sighs deeply. “Remind me why I haven't shipped her ass to boarding school?”

“Because she's a scary teenager that'll scale the school fence and swim through the ocean back home powered by nothing but spite and contempt,” Jungkook says, still grinning. “And you secretly love her.”

“Fairy lights,” Namjoon mutters, ignoring him, and jotting it on the list. “More ice cream, cupcakes, paper lanterns, nails too. Oh and glitter glue. Because apparently this is a glitter glue event now.”

The shoji door slides open, and Byungo walks in, his presence solid and quiet as ever. “Eunsook,” he calls, calmly but firmly, “stop being disrespectful.” Apparently, it seems that his oldest son is allowed to join in on the fight.

“He started it,” Eunsook’s voice comes again, muffled.

Namjoon tosses his hands up. “I literally told you to make oats for your sister and you gave her biscuits and let her starve!”

Doyun runs down the stairs, his feet thumping hard on the wood.

“And you! I always told you to come down those stairs like a sane person. I don't want to deal with any of you concussed. God knows you're already insufferable without a head injury.” He grumbles, chewing on a strawberry.

“Yeah, no concussion, whatever. Where's the rest of that oats?” Doyun asks, already peeking through the pot in the sink. “Aw man. You left none for us?”

“Yes. You can all feed yourselves today.” Namjoon grouches, moving next to Hyeri.

Predictably, Doyun moves over to the four-year-old and hovers. “Hey munchkin, wanna share your oats with your poor brother?”

Byungo sighs and nudges Doyun away, who’s now giggling into his sleeve. “Leave her alone. Geez Doyun, have some shame.”

Namjoon collapses dramatically on the floor next to Jungkook. “Your children are savages.” Jungkook leans down and kisses the top of his head. “My children are your children.”

Namjoon looks up at him, feigning betrayal. “Even the one plotting my downfall?”

"Especially her.”

“Saeappa,” Hyeri says while chewing her meal, “can I help with the decorations? I saw the glitter glue. I won’t eat it this time.”

Jungkook raises his brows over the rim of his cup. “Big words.”

Namjoon fixed his bangs and tuck some strands of hair behind his ear. “You can help, baby. But promise me something.” He casts a glance upstairs as Hyeri nods seriously. “Promise.”

“Don’t grow up to be like your sister. She’s turning into a villain.”

A faint "Heard that!" floats down from upstairs, followed by a very deliberate slam of a drawer.

“I’ll be good,” Hyeri whispers. “I’ll only use the glitter glue for love.” The sun ray catches on her auburn hair, striking it like a match giving birth to flames. Her huge chocolate eyes sparkle gold in the lighting.

If an angel replaces her at that moment, Jungkook isn't sure they will be able to notice.

Namjoon places a hand over his heart, as if struck. “That’s all I ask.”

They sit like that for a moment, the bustle of life padding through the old house, thudding steps above, Doyun’s wheeze-laugh bouncing off the walls and the gentle hum of preparations for a party neither of them ever thought they’d live long enough to host.

“But seriously, I am really starving guys. What are we having for breakfast.” Doyun speaks up, breaking the peaceful quiet that has descended in the room.

“Don't worry,” Jungkook replies, not wanting to drag the joke out for too long. “Gilyeong and Yoon are making something right now.”

 

They move to their dining room. Consisting of a huge wooden low table and cushions spread to accommodate the Jeon’s increasing family.

They made it right on time, Hwapyung is arranging plates and utensils on the table which is occupied by steaming dishes. They all troop around the table to find a place to sit. Greetings sound throughout, and with a thank you to the chefs they dig in their food.

Jungkook sits on his cushion next to Namjoon. Hyeri plops herself right on his lap, dragging a plate towards them so that he'll serve them. Jungkook almost rolls his eyes, of course she's sitting with him now so that her Saeappa will eat in peace.

Areum is missing from the table because she left to the The Bonsai club– flower shop Namjoon owns in town— to make a flower arrangement for a customer that wants to pick it up later in the morning.

Sooyun is also missing for some reason.

“Has anyone seen Sooyun today?” Yoon speaks up. Always the one being considerate and mature. Jungkook has never regretted a day he let them in his mansion. They take the weight of some responsibilities off his shoulders.

“Sooyun has literally gone mad right now. The only way for her to be back to her senses is after she hears Areum’s answer tonight.” Namjoon supplies.

“I've seen her. She's not looking good. Her hair's ruffled like she fought a raccoon and she was talking about flower arrangements and fairy lights.” Gilyeong replies, picking up some meat with her chopsticks and feeding it to Hwapyung.

“I thought you're on fairy lights duty?” Hwapyung asks after he finishes chewing.

“I am, unfortunately. I really can't wait for all of this to be over.” Namjoon replies, going for a nonchalant tone.

Doyun pokes his head in, a gummy smile on his face. “Saeappa. Everyone knows how hard you're trying to impress Eomma and her soon-to-be girlfriend.”

Jungkook snorts and turns to the omega. “Well, are you?”

Namjoon squints. “No, I'm not trying to impress anyone. But maybe I do want credit for the fairy lights.”

The room descends into another burst of laughter. Jungkook leans down and kisses Namjoon’s cheek while Hyeri proudly marches off to the living room to get the glitter glue.

When they're done, the room is finally settling into something calm—glitter glue is under supervision, streamers are found, and Namjoon has momentarily stopped yelling up the stairs.

That’s when the front door bangs open.

Sooyun storms in, hair windswept, phone clutched in one hand and a sheer look of panic on her face. “I forgot the cake,” she breathes out like it’s a death sentence. “I forgot the cake! How could I forget the damn cake?!” She’s already pacing, muttering about sponge versus fondant and Areum specifically said lemon and not vanilla, and now she’s not even sure if the bakery still has the order because she didn’t confirm the pickup time.

Jungkook, unfazed, calmly stands and smooths his palms down her back. “I’ll go. I’m heading into town anyway. Meeting at the firm.”

Sooyun halts, mid-spiral. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Namjoon’s lips lift a knowing smirk. “You’re so down bad for her. I have never seen you so disorganized before.”

Sooyun turns slowly. “Excuse me?”

“How do you forgot your own cake order? No amount of digging can bring you out of the ditch you've fallen.”

“I’m not—” she sputters. “It’s just a cake!”

Namjoon puts a hand over his heart, mock-serious. “Don't worry Noona, love makes fools of us all.”

“Oh, you want to talk about being down bad?” Sooyun’s eyes narrow like a hawk spotting prey. “You spent a whole week talking to yourself about Jungkook like he was the moon and you were cursed to orbit him.”

“Literally journaled about his dimples,” Eunsook chimes from the stairs, grinning like it’s the best day of her life. “Eomma, don’t forget the part where he started bringing yellow tulips home because it is the first flower Appa got him.”

Namjoon gapes. “I did not—”

“Oh my god,” Doyun giggles, and even Byungo cracks a reluctant smile.

Jungkook leans against the doorframe, watching the chaos unfold, utterly entertained.

“I’m pretty sure,” Sooyun adds with faux sweetness, “you nearly died of allergies, and you deflected so hard that the doctors had to ask Jungkook instead.”

Namjoon’s ears are visibly red now. “Geez, sorry for trying to keep the romance alive. And he does have dimples. Only I see it”

Jungkook can no longer resist the urge to kiss the fumbling omega. So he strolls over and drops a smacking kiss to Namjoon's lips. “And I loved those flowers very much.”

Their crowd let out a series of ew’s, but Jungkook only hears the giggles Namjoon lets out.

Hyeri, sitting primly with glitter glue on her fingers and stars in her eyes, looks up and asks, “What does down bad mean?”

Jungkook ruffles her hair. “It means you love someone so much, your brain goes bye-bye.”

“Oh,” she says seriously. “Like how Appa looks at Seappa when he thinks no one’s looking?”

Namjoon slaps a hand over his face. “Traitors. All of you.”

Sooyun and Eunsook share a high-five, with their giggles in sync.

 

•••

 

Surprisingly, Jungkook didn’t leave Seoul right after the whole ordeal with Senator Baek Daejung. Despite the trauma and the risk, he stayed. The first few months were consumed by rehab and recovering his bruised body, mending his bones and slowly regaining his strength. Everything else had to wait before that.

After the physical healing came the heavier part, therapy. Jungkook and Namjoon both began attending sessions, sometimes together but often separately. It wasn’t just about survival anymore, it was about learning how to live again without constantly looking over their shoulders. For Jungkook, it was living in fear of Alpha Jeon and for Namjoon it was the Senator.

Jungkook brought up the topic of moving during one session and his therapist advised caution when it came to relocating. Taking Namjoon, who was still fragile and untethered to a new city where he had no grounding, no familiar faces or rhythms, could do more harm than good. So they stayed for Namjoon to stabilize, and for their world to feel safe enough to start over.

The peace didn't last long in the way they had hoped. A few quiet months into things winding down, Namjoon began getting sick. At first, it was subtle things like tired eyes, loss of appetite and complaints of headaches. But soon, the scent of distress clung to him like smoke. He became restless, paranoid and sleepless. He developed a separation anxiety towards Jungkook and clung to him like a tick.

After insistently begging, the omega finally agreed to let Jungkook bring him to the hospital. The doctors ran tests. His omega body was reacting to years of stress and trauma and he body is finally coming down from the fight or flight mode. There wasn't much the doctors could do other than symptomatic treatment.

But as the days went by, Namjoon grew anxious and restless in a way that therapy couldn’t untangle. He didn’t want to be alone anymore. Not just metaphorically, not just with Jungkook beside him. He wanted permanence. A bond deeper than paperwork, a pack, a future. He wanted a pup. The need gripped him harder the more unstable his health felt, like his body was trying to root itself in something lasting before it fell apart.

Jungkook had never imagined he’d reverse his vasectomy. He’d gotten it at a time when he thought he had completed his family. That the world doesn't need more from the Jeon pack running around and terrorizing people with their cursed genes. But now, looking at Namjoon being sick, scared and yet trying to be brave. He knew there was no question.

He booked the consultation himself. Secretly at first, to know of his status and if he has a high percentage of being fertile again. His doctor ran some tests and told him there's nothing wrong so far and as long as the reversal surgery was successful, he has nothing to fear. That was when he told Namjoon of his intentions. When Namjoon found out, he cried tears, but a smile was spread wide on his face.

 

•••

 

The reversal went well, clean reconnection, high success rate, the surgeon had said. But they still had to wait. Wait through tests and hormones, through cycles and uncertainty. Namjoon didn’t expect it to work right away. In fact, he prepared himself for disappointment, whispered warnings early in the morning and late at night to not hope too hard. But Jungkook had secretly hoped for both of them, because Namjoon smiled more, had an appetite and the rosy color returned to his cheek and tip of nose. He kept track of dates, adjusted meals, learned about herbal tonics from Namjoon’s grandmother’s old notebook like it was scripture.

And then, Namjoon started complaining of weakness, developed aversion to the scent of boiled meat and was throwing up so much in the morning.

He laughed at first, shaking, breathless, tears gathering in his eyes as he leaned over the sink. “It’s probably the antibiotics,” he mumbled. But the test said otherwise. And the blood test confirmed it.

 

Pregnant.

 

Namjoon sat on the clinic bed, staring at the report in his lap, hands trembling. Jungkook knelt beside him, their fingers tangled together. They didn’t speak for a while. Until Jungkook broke the silence, “our dream is becoming reality.”

Namjoon could only nod in response.

The months that followed weren’t easy. Namjoon’s sickness lingered in the background, managed but never fully gone. Some days were better than others; some nights he sobbed in Jungkook’s arms, terrified he wasn’t strong enough, terrified of what it meant to bring a child into a world that once treated them like nothing. 

“I'm I allowed to have this?” He would mutter in the crook of Jungkook's neck in bed.

“Am I worthy?” He would ask over breakfast.

And Jungkook would always reply with, you are, you are, you are. And he dared anyone, god or man, to say otherwise.

And when the baby finally came, wailing and pink and impossibly small, Namjoon wept like the world was ending again but this time, in the best way possible.

It didn’t fix everything. They still had nightmares. Still flinched at shadows sometimes. But now, they had something to anchor them. Something warm and real and breathing between them.

 

 

Jungkook had an idea on what to name his child if she ended up a girl. 

Because of that, he made a detour to the Blue Villa one evening to talk to Alpha Kim. He found him in the garden, where he had spent most of his time after stepping down from his position of pack Alpha and letting Alpha Gyeong take her rightful position.

The Alpha stared at him for an uncomfortable moment after he heard his question, almost as if he wasn't going to reply.

But then he did.

“Serin. That was her name.” He said, in a defensive way that made Jungkook pause a bit. 

He went back to the pot he’s tending, fingers deep in soil. Then, without prompting, he added, “She was a beautiful omega, bold but quiet, liked lavender. And chrysanthemums. Said they made the air feel lighter.”

Jungkook didn’t know what to say to that. He watched the way Alpha Kim's hands moved slow and tender, like he’s repotting something fragile enough to remember.

“I was thinking of picking the name,” Jungkook said quietly. “For the baby, if it’s a girl.”

Alpha Kim stilled. “Personally, I wouldn't care. But you should ask Namjoon first.”

Jungkook nodded, lips pressed tight. He thought about the curve of Namjoon’s sleeping back, the way he curled inward sometimes even in his sleep, as if he's trying to protect something that was already gone.

If it was before, he knew a delicate name like that couldn't handle the life she would've been brought to, but things were safe now. And a name like that would signify the peace that came after years of struggle and fear. It tied both the past and the present, it seemed perfect.

He told Namjoon two days after he had given birth.

The omega said nothing at first. Just stared at him while he folded tiny clothes into the bag they packed for the hospital stay. 

“No Jungkook, I'm not naming her that.” Namjoon finally said.

Jungkook glanced up from the bag, unsure what the issue was. “You don’t want to honor her? Love her in a way you hadn't before?”

“My mother is dead hyung. And I prefer she stays in the grave.” 

Namjoon's crass way of talking rarely put him off, and even now he knew he was talking from a place of hurt. Yet Jungkook still wanted to argue his point.

“I thought—”

Namjoon’s voice had cut sharper than intended. “I know hyung, I'm happy you're doing this with me in mind. But my child can't fill the blank a mother left.” His gaze softened, but only slightly. “All I remember of that name is a soft-voiced woman who was often asleep or weak from illness. Just a blur of pale hands and lullabies I can’t remember. And later on, all of that was replaced by the ache of her absence. Don’t give that absence to our child.”

Jungkook apologized for it finally, realizing that some wounds would always be bleeding. And all you could do was to not poke at it. Namjoon asked him to pick another name.

Later on, he found something adjacent to the name, something new. He named their daughter Hyeri.

 

Namjoon approved of the name.

 

•••

 

Jungkook found the mansion by accident, the way you find seashells after a storm, like it was kept there for you to find it. Unexpectedly, a little weathered and quietly waiting for the right person to see.

It happened during one of his work trips to Busan, the sky was dark, the shore pulling gently at the ocean. He had wandered down a quiet road after lunch when he saw it: a sprawling hanok nestled behind a stone wall, its tiled roof bowed like it's in a prayer, its wooden pillars telling of another lifetime.

It was a short walk to the beach. He could already imagine morning strolls with sleepy children in tow, or a sleepy husband in a towel, nestled against his chest. Sand clinging to their feet, sea salt curling in their hair.

Curiously, he made an inquiry. The mansion, it turned out, had belonged to an elderly woman who had passed away the year before. Her granddaughter, who was a college student, had inherited it, but she had no use for creaky floors or garden gates that stuck during the rain. She was ready to sell as she already had a home of her own. 

He toured the mansion with reverence, his palms brushing door frames and the smooth grain of old wood. It was charming and run-down but beautiful in the way abandoned places sometimes are. It was perfect for new beginnings, so Jungkook expressed his interest in it.

It cost a fortune, of course, hanoks usually do. Jungkook walked away with the thought already blooming in his chest: get the down payment. He could make this work. He just needed to be patient.

Later, he told Namjoon about it in a way you'd share a secret. He talked about the beams and the breeze and how you could hear the ocean if you listened closely. He told him about his idea of fixing it up until it became something that was theirs. A home with soft corners and solid walls. A space to finally grow into something more.

He took Namjoon to see it a week later. The sky was clearer this time. Hyeri was strapped to Namjoon’s chest, her fists clinging to his shirt as she blinked up at the trees.

Jungkook watched as Namjoon stepped through the frame of the courtyard, light slanting golden against the wood, striking his dark strands into gold. His husband turned towards him, soft-eyed, the scent of vanilla and walnuts thick in the air like a lullaby. Hyeri giggled, dimples flashing, soaking in the joy like sunlight. Jungkook once told Namjoon that she looked a lot like Doyun. Just that her dark hair had some ginger highlights, and those massive craters on her cheek she got from Namjoon made her look different. But the moment you look at her, you'd know she was his. And the moment she smiled, you know she was Namjoon's.

This house is an opportunity for her to grow up with the rest of her siblings. An opportunity for him to have all his loved ones in one place. It would take a lot of work, but this would be the building block. 

Namjoon looked around once more, then turned back with that gentle smile that still knocked the wind out of Jungkook after all these years. “I like it,” he said simply. “It's us.”

Us, Namjoon had said. They’d been an “us” for years — tangled fingers and sleepy mornings, late-night fights and making up over breakfast. And yet, Jungkook never got tired of hearing it. There was something magical about the way Namjoon said it, like he meant everything, like he found a home in him.

And that was enough.

Jungkook tucked his hands in his pockets, heart thudding with the promise of it. “Well then,” he murmured, smiling quietly to avoid his tears from spilling, “we will have it.”

 

The email came two months later. It blinked onto his phone screen while he was having dinner with Namjoon. Hyeri was babbling in his lap and Namjoon was serving him a bowl of seaweed soup that was gently steaming. He opened it without thinking twice and then froze.

Attached: official documents. Ownership transfer. The Busan hanok. His name. All of it.

He blinked once, then twice. Was it a mix-up maybe? Or a mistake? He didn’t remember sending the last forms. He didn’t even remember being able to afford it yet.

He set the phone aside, heartbeat a little too loud in his ears. It sat there untouched for the rest of the night, like a letter from the universe he wasn’t ready to open yet.

It wasn’t until a few nights later, when the house was dim and quiet and Namjoon was folding laundry with Hyeri cradled in his chest that he brought it up.

“Appa asked if you’ve got the papers for the mansion,” Namjoon said, like it was any ordinary thing.

Jungkook blinked. “Wait. He did this?”

Namjoon looked up, lips tugging into a knowing smile. “Yes. I talked to him after we visited. I mean, Eomma left a fortune for us we never quite knew what to do with. And I figured…” He shrugged. “What better way to use it than building our dream into something real?”

Jungkook’s mouth parted in protest with half disbelief and half guilt. But Namjoon held up his hand.

“Nope. Don’t start. You told me we’re a team, hyung.” His voice was soft, but certain. “So this isn’t a favor or a charity. It’s for us. You don’t need to worry about the cost anymore. Just…” He paused, eyes glinting in that earnest way that always unraveled Jungkook. “Just focus on making it ours. For us, for the kids and for whatever comes next.”

Jungkook exhaled shakily. Feeling warm and cold at the same time.

He had no words for it, really. Just this sense that maybe love looked like this too, an old hanok, a long stretch of beach, a partner who believed in their forever enough to build it, brick by brick.

 

Fixing the house started with him standing barefoot on the creaking wooden floorboards, the early morning air slipping through the hanok’s paper doors, cold enough to sting. He breathed in the silence, the scent of pine and old dust and then exhaled, hard. He rolled up his sleeves and started working before his team arrived at the site.

They installed underfloor heating beneath the ondol stones, threading warmth into the walls of the house. Copper tubing laid out, then sealed carefully with clay and care. 

He turned a few rooms into bathrooms, then ripped out the dilapidated outdoor latrine and constructed a clean-lined bathroom in its place, tiling it in earthy browns and whites. A rainfall showerhead hangs like a small miracle from the ceiling. And a pool, raised from the ground with concrete.

The cooling system came next, sleek ductless AC units discreetly mounted in corners, behind carved screens and wooden lattices. They made sure to cut no beams and break no ridgelines. Every new wire is hidden in the folds of tradition. The house hummed with electricity.

His wing was next, he gave it a second floor, low and discreet, matching the flow of the architecture. Bamboo scaffolding creaks as the workers carry planks around, every nail hammered with a purpose. The upper room has a slanted window where the morning sun can spill over their bedroom.

They varnished wood until the grains shine like rivers, fixed a smart intercom gate, built shelves into old closets, and hid a coffee machine behind sliding panels. 

At night, they light the courtyard lanterns. Tested the motion sensor lighting along the stone path and everything glows. 

 

 

•••

 

When Sooyun saw Hyeri for the first time, she burst into tears.

By then, Jungkook had already settled into the hanok. He hadn’t thought much of Sooyun’s refusal to see the baby before. He’d assumed it was about the gossip, whispers of family members in the shadows, the kind that latch onto women's hearts and won’t let go. He didn’t realize she was protecting herself from something much deeper than that.

She came that morning to drop off the kids for their first visit since the move, her hands tight on the steering wheel, her lips set in a straight line. Jungkook offered her a tour of the mansion as a small, sincere gesture but she declined with a shake of her head.

It was Doyun and Eunsook who changed her mind, tugging at her arms and pleading in that way only children can. She finally gave in and stepped out of the car wordlessly.

As they walked through the hanok, her eyes trailed the sliding doors and quiet hallways, the sunlight slanting in through hand-oiled beams. Room after room, her silence deepened. The tears didn’t come yet, but they shimmered, sitting heavily in her lashes, as she touched the edge of a doorway like it was sacred.

They found Namjoon in the courtyard, reclined on a woven mat with a book open in his lap. He was in a tank top and short. Moles scattered on his golden skin like a constellation. His hair had gotten longer, splayed over his cheek in their signature golden hue. 

Hyeri was nearby, contently chewing a fallen hibiscus petal with both fists. She giggled when Eunsook scooped her up.

“Hey guys. Hey, Noona,” Namjoon warmly greeted them with his dimples. He closed his book and stood, offering a pat on Sooyun’s shoulder. They were somewhere past handshakes, but not yet at hugs.

Eunsook proudly presented Hyeri to Sooyun, arms outstretched. Sooyun took her wordlessly, almost reverently and rocked the baby against her chest. Hyeri relaxed there without fuss, as if her little body recognized something safe in the scent of her.

Jungkook led them to the dining room and served lunch. It was jin guksu, simple and made with care.

The broth had simmered all morning, dried anchovy, kelp, and radish. The adults had theirs with spicy kimchi and pickled radish. The kids got the milder version: soft noodles, julienned egg and cucumber, tiny star-shaped ice cubes floating on top.

Eunsook complained dramatically. Then slurped it down without another word.

Byungho added kimchi to his like a grown-up. 

Doyun quietly hoarded tofu, eyes wide with joy, and Jungkook slipped him an extra piece behind Namjoon's back with a smile.

They ate, they laughed and talked. For a moment, everything felt peaceful.

After the meal, Sooyun stood and quietly asked the kids to grab their things from the trunk. “I’m heading back,” she said in finality.

Namjoon took the kids inside to drop their bags off and let them say goodbye.

That’s when she turned to Jungkook, eyes shining, arms still wrapped around Hyeri.

“Can you please hold her?” Her voice cracked with an odd urgent tone to it.

Jungkook looked up, caught the tremble in her lip and the sheen in her eyes. “Of course,” he said, stepping forward gently. “Sorry, I should’ve—”

But before he could finish, Sooyun’s hands fell to her face, and she dropped to her knees.

A sob ripped out of her like something ancient and aching was crawling out of her. This was grief pulled from the gut.

Hyeri shrieked in surprise, her wail cutting through the air like glass. Namjoon came running at the sound, with the kids right behind him. "What happened?" He demanded.

Jungkook only passed the baby into Namjoon’s arms with a helpless look, communicating that he didn't know what’s happening, but he'd like some privacy.

Namjoon nodded, murmured something soothing to Hyeri, and disappeared inside with the kids trailing after him.

Sooyun stayed on the floor, curled forward, breathing like it hurt to do so.

Jungkook crouched beside her without touching her, just close enough. He waited for her cries to quieten down and for her to finally look up at him, her face was streaked with tears.

“What’s going on?” he asked, softly. “You’ve been in a bad mood since you got here.”

She managed a miserable sound. “Everything, Jungkook. Just… everything.”

She pressed a palm to her chest like it was all lodged there. “I see you in your beautiful home, with sunlight on the floors and trees that sing when the wind comes. I see you with your new pup with the huge eyes she got from you and I see your omega. I see the way he looks at you and the way you look at him. And I live with the knowledge that he has unraveled a version of you I’ll never get to know.”

Jungkook bit his lip. They’d had versions of this talk before. He knew this was not jealousy, this was the pain of loss speaking. The kind that lingered even when you love each other enough to let go.

“I see you building something soft, something pulled out of dreams and I keep asking myself, why not me? Why can’t I have that? Am I not lovable? Am I not worth that kind of life?”

Her voice cracked on the last word. Not angry, just wounded and tired.

Jungkook exhaled. “You are, Sooyun. You are lovable and you’re more than worth it.” He reached for her hand this time, slow and steady. She held his tightly between hers

“The thing with love — the right kind — is it doesn’t always come the way you thought. Sometimes it finds you late. Sometimes it finds you tired. But it does find you.”

She closed her eyes, breathing him in.

He gave her hand another gentle squeeze. “Don’t count yourself out yet.”

Hyeri’s wails had faded into a gurgle of laughter. Namjoon, no doubt, made silly faces until she calmed down.

Sooyun wiped her cheeks with her sleeves but her tears still cling to her lashes. “You and your poet words.”

“You caught me,” Jungkook smiled, brushing a fallen petal from her hair. “Living with Namjoon does things to a man.”

 

He gave her time afterwards, then he broached the topics of the kids moving in with him with the hope that she would finally, finally agree. If he had the kids, it would lessen the burden on her. She would be able to go back into the dating pool easily, find someone and settle down too. And Namjoon was okay with having the kid with them.

 

She agreed.

 

•••

 

A year after moving into the hanok, the house had settled around Jungkook like a second skin, the wood no longer creaked with unfamiliarity, the sea breeze now felt like it belonged to him. And with that sense of settling came something else, a need to belong.

He started out small conversations with old fishermen at the pier. A curious glance at the boats bobbing against the dock. A question about where the best catch came from, and who got left out when the tide wasn’t kind.

By autumn, he’d opened a modest shop near the harbor, half supply store, half meeting place. A place where the fishermen could repair their nets and drink barley tea while waiting for the weather to turn. Jungkook stocked it with the basics: lines, hooks, oars, waterproof gloves. But more than that, he offered something harder to come by: trust.

He bought several small boats and let the local boys take them out on rotation, free of charge as long as they shared the catch with the elders in town. He hired out nets, coolers, gear. Sometimes he’d sit at the dock himself, sleeves rolled up, learning to tie knots while the sun dipped low behind the waves.

He didn’t make much money from it but that was never the point.

Namjoon once teased him, calling him “the fisherman with a Seoul accent.” But Jungkook just shrugged, smiling as he passed a fresh roll of netting to a sunburned teen. “That makes you the fisherman's wife, you know.”

“Your wife might secretly be a mermaid.” One of the boys had whispered in conspiracy.

Namjoon only doubled over in laughter.

One day, the net of the boys caught someone in their net. A man floating in the sea. They pulled him out to the beach and called Jungkook over. 

“Turn him over.” An ahjussi said with a glint in his eyes. He pushed at the man's chest until he was spurting out sea water from his lungs. He was alive.

The man's name was Yoon Hwapyung, he was running from his own demons and had nowhere to go. Jungkook offered him a place to stay in exchange for help at the pier. Hwapyung is an easy going omega, loud and funny. Namjoon and the kids had easily taken to him. 

A year later though, his past came knocking on Jungkook's door in the form of his two childhood best friends. Choi Yoon and Kang Gilyeong. 

Choi Yoon is a soft spoken beta who was a priest. 

Kang Gilyeong is a very beautiful, albeit hot-headed alpha who is a detective that is quick to throw punches when her hackles have been raised.

It was obvious that she and Jungkook had gotten off on the wrong foot initially. But she loved Hwapyung and Yoon more than she was prideful and she was able to interact with Jungkook peacefully for the sake of her two friends. 

Hwapyung, while happy to see them again, was adamant on making them understand that Jungkook's mansion was his life then and that he was not coming with them.

Several months later, Gilyeong and Yoon told Jungkook about their intentions of moving back to the town to be closer to Hwapyung. Gilyeong had asked for a transfer to the police station stationed in their district and Yoon left priesthood but he still goes to the church close to them.

Knowing that he was stuck with them either way, for unseen time. He offered them a place to stay in his mansion.

 

•••

 

A bit more than a year later, Jungkook came to answer his door at night from the insistent knocking. Yang Ahjussi stood by the door with a frail looking woman on his side.

“She needs a place to stay, Jungkook-ah.” He had requested. “She ran from her abusive Alpha but her family were determined to take her back to him. She came here, begging for a place to stay. I don't have a place to put her, but I can't turn her away.”

“She can stay.” Jungkook had answered. He had more than enough rooms for her to choose.

Sim Areum was the last to join the band of misfits that was the Jeon clan.

Namjoon joked once, while using his back as a pillow. “No wonder you felt like something was calling you here. You were fulfilling your prophecy of being Old man Jeon here. The leader of the community that gives refuge to the ones shunned by society.”

“Oh hush.” Jungkook chortled, pinching Namjoon's hips.

“My hero,” Namjoon groans through the pain.

Life had been going smoothly for them ever since.

 

•••

 

The road into town is familiar now, dusty along the coast, lined with tall grasses that sway like watchers. Jungkook rolls the window halfway down, lets the salt-brushed air pass over his skin. He stops by his main office that he opened a while back. The building he got was small, serving as the branch of his construction company he left in Seoul. He picks up a few paperwork on the project he's working on before he continues to the site of his project.

The construction site stands as a skeleton of what will soon be a community center. The walls are up, tiles halfway done, wiring in progress. A few men wave when he pulls in, and Jungkook lifts a hand in return. This project is smaller than the ones he used to scout in Seoul, but it feels closer. Rooted. Like something he’s choosing rather than chasing.

Inside, the office smells of paper and cement dust. The main room is warm with the noise of fans and low conversation. His foreman, Minseok, is already waiting with a file folder open.

“Payments are on track,” Minseok says, flipping a page. “The materials from Daegu got delayed, but the tiles will still be in by Monday. Roofing's a maybe.”

Jungkook nods. “I’ll call the supplier again. Worst case, we reshuffle the schedule. Push the garden prep up.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Minseok replies, relieved.

Before they can get deeper into the blueprint debate, the glass door swings open and a woman strolls in like she owns the place.

“Heejin,” Jungkook says, straightening with a small smile.

His sister strides in, all crisp lines and city polish. CEO of his Seoul branch, and possibly the only person who intimidates Minseok without speaking a word. She drags Jungkook into a tight hug, hiding her giggles in his neck. It's like he hadn't met her the week before when they had a meeting in the Seoul branch of his company. 

She pulls away from the hug and walks over to sit on one of the chairs in his makeshift office. She pulls out a tablet and hands it over to Jungkook for him to see.

“Updated projects. Seoul’s office is slightly ahead on the fourth tower. Busan’s still behind by three weeks.”

“That’s generous,” Jungkook says. “More like three and a half.”

Heejin shrugs, sharp and amused. “I’m being nice today.”

They go through the numbers efficiently, budget, labor flow, client feedback. Then she glances at him, head tilting.

“Are you seeing Eomeoni this weekend?”

“I’ll drive up Sunday,” he says. “I want to bring her strawberries. The red ones she likes.”

“She was upset you didn’t come last week.”

“I was pinned under plumbing issues and Eunsook’s PTA meeting.”

Heejin smiles faintly. “She misses you.”

“It's been just a week. But I miss her, too.”

The Jeon pack refused to let Jungkook bring his Eomeoni with him to Busan. Since he has been exiled and she still belongs to the pack, he had no right to take her with him. Instead, he endured the four hour trip to Seoul on Friday evenings. And another four hours back on Sundays. Sometimes he brings the kids and Namjoon with him but most times he goes alone. 

After he left, Heejin moved into the mansion in Seoul with her family in order to keep Eomeoni company. This was also the only way to stop the pack from dragging her back to their estate. Jae-sung might have been the current pack Alpha, but his opinion tends to sway under the pressure of the pack. Jungkook would rather not risk it.

“You sure you're not staying for Areum’s birthday party tonight?” Jungkook asks her when he sees her packing up.

“I have kids I need to get back to Jungkook, I need to leave now if I want to make it before dark.” She replies.

The meeting ends without ceremony. She waves off his offer to walk her out, vanishing into the glossy hum of her car. Jungkook grabs his keys, checks the time, and heads to the bakery.

It’s a tiny shop tucked beside the fish market, with a hand-painted sign and the faint smell of sugar in the air. The cake is waiting, lemon sponge with real flowers piped on top, just like Sooyun ordered. He almost laughs when he sees it. The baker, an older man with pink-dusted fingers, offers a smile and a box sturdy enough for the drive.

Jungkook thanks him, holds the cake box with both hands like it’s something precious. Because it is. Because all of this is.

After picking up the lemon cake, Jungkook checks the time to see that he’s still early. Which means he can make one last stop without being late.

He turns off the main road and heads to Bangsan Market, tucked in a quieter part of the city. Though mostly known for baking supplies and packaging, there’s a small lane behind it, older than the buildings around it, where a few family-owned shops still deal in ceramics and traditional wares.

He finds what he’s looking for in a narrow store with wooden shutters and a hand-painted sign that simply reads: “Yugi & Porcelain.”

Inside, shelves gleam with white-blue glaze, patterned celadon, and delicately hand-brushed baekja that feels almost too fragile to touch.

A woman in hanbok greets him, bowing lightly. “Looking for anything special?”

Jungkook clears his throat, holding out a photo on his phone. Areum had once shown him a picture—an old set she used to serve guests when her former mate held court in his mansion, back when she was more ornament than wife.

“I’m looking for something like this,” he says. “Porcelain. Simple and traditional. She said she used to own a set for tea and rice cakes.”

The woman’s eyes soften. “A wedding set?”

He pauses, then nods. “Yes. It was part of her dowry.”

She leads him to a high shelf where sunlight touches a five-piece set, white porcelain with faint peony etchings that bloom only under certain angles. Graceful, timeless and traditional to the core. He orders the set and then another set of bowls that has called for his attention.

“She’s lucky,” the shopkeeper says as she begins wrapping the dishes in silk paper.

Jungkook almost says no, she’s not but instead, he just smiles faintly. “She deserves something beautiful.”

He pays, tucks the box gently in the passenger seat beside the cake, and drives off again, towards home this, towards fairy lights and chaos and love hard-won.

He remembers it like it happened yesterday.

Areum seemed like she hadn’t meant to say anything that day. It was late afternoon, the kitchen was still warm from lunch. The kids had gone outside to fight over bubble wands, and Namjoon was upstairs fixing the loose panel in Eunsook’s closet. Sooyun had fallen asleep on the veranda, a book open on her chest.

It was just the two of them at that time. Jungkook was wiping down the counter, Areum was rinsing strawberries at the sink.

She said it so casually that he almost missed it. “I had a set of cherished dishes I used to serve guests with,” she kept her head down, not looking at him. “Porcelain with blue edges. The peonies were so faint, you’d only see them if the light hit just right.”

Jungkook had paused, dish towel in hand. “Did you now?” He asked, encouraging her to continue.

“Yes. Though I was never allowed to host, really. But when the Alpha had visiting elders over, he liked me to serve tea. I think it made him feel generous.” She said “Alpha” like a stranger’s name. No bitterness or anger, just indifference.

Jungkook liked to think that they were good for her, just like she was for them.

“He didn’t want children. Not from me, anyway. Said that he had more than enough from the first omega. I didn't even know I was pregnant the first time, but he knew, from my scent. He made the appointment without even telling me, took me to the procedure ignorant of what awaited me. I bled for days, didn't think that I would make it. The second time…” She trailed off, brushing a strawberry clean. “He threw me out when I refused.”

Jungkook had said nothing. Not because he didn’t care but because he was afraid if he opened his mouth, something raw would come out.

Areum looked up and smiled, as if sensing it. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not sad about it anymore.”

Jungkook hadn’t believed her. Not entirely. But he respected the lie.

“I just miss the dishes, sometimes. Isn’t that funny? I've lost so much, and a porcelain tea set was what I mourn the most.” She laughed when she said it, though it sounded hollow.

He didn’t think it was funny at all. He remembered at that time, he told her that she would be safe, both her and her unborn child. He would make sure of it.

What he hadn't told her was that he would make sure she would be happy too. For as long as he was around.

He can already picture her hands holding them. Can already hear Sooyun’s breath catching when she sees the gift. It isn’t a grand gesture, not from him. But from the right person, it would be a memory of a lifetime.

 

•••

 

Before Areum came along, Sooyun didn’t stay long when she came to pick up the kids from Jungkook’s place.

She said it was easier for her that way. Clean handoffs, no mess, no confusion. Just hugs, back pats, and a wave from the gate. They had a good rhythm. Co-parenting without awkward tension. The mansion was big, full of new life, Jungkook’s world was shifting toward peace and Sooyun didn’t want to disturb that.

But one afternoon, she parked outside like usual, got out of her car and turned to the front steps and paused at the sight of the woman in pale linen, crouched by the flowerbeds with Doyun, gently brushing dirt off the child’s hands. Her long hair was pinned in a loose twist, strands slipping free. Her sleeves were too long, trailing delicately near her wrists, and her voice was soft, barely audible and carried with the breeze when she laughed at something the little boy said.

Sooyun, a level-headed Alpha and professional human being, had tripped over nothing. She looked up like she was witnessing her ancestors digging themselves out of their graves.

Areum had looked up with wide eyes. Her form was framed in afternoon light like a painting.

Sooyun cleared her throat and tugged her coat straighter. “Hi. Sorry. I’m not usually… falling over.”

“Are you alright?” Areum asked, voice feather-light. Sooyun seemed to have forgotten how to speak

Jungkook finally made his presence known after deciding he had seen Sooyun make a fool of herself enough.

"Ah,” he said, good-naturedly. “Sooyun, it seems you have met our new member of the family, Areum.”

Areum bowed politely. “Hello.”

Sooyun bowed back, too deeply. “Hi. Yes. I’m… just picking the kids up.”

“Every other weekend,” Jungkook added, not hiding his smirk. “Like clockwork.”

Areum smiled, shy and sincere, before retreating back inside with Doyun and the empty flower pots. Sooyun stared after her, brain fried.

“She lives here?” she asked Jungkook, trying for casualness and landing squarely on nosy.

“She’s staying here,” he corrected. “It’s complicated.”

“Right. Complicated.” Sooyun was already peeking toward the door again. “She’s really polite.”

“She’s very shy,” Jungkook said in deadpan. “Do not scare her.”

“I’m not scary.”

“You’re exactly scary to people like her.”

Sooyun returned the kids that Sunday like always, but this time, instead of leaving right away, she lingered as if she was weighing her next decision.

Jungkook caught her hovering near the door and made it for her. “You want tea?”

“No,” she said, already taking her shoes off. “Yes. I mean…, sure. Just one cup.”

It was three cups and dinner. Then her coat was draped over the back of a chair. Then somehow, it was almost midnight, and Areum—sweet, oblivious, soft-spoken—asked her gently if she’d like to stay the night instead of driving.

Sooyun said yes.

The next weekend, she was back but she stayed instead of taking the kids. Just for a visit, she had said. Then she was back the weekend after that again. By the end of the first month, she had a drawer in the guest room. By the second month, she was helping Areum fold laundry in the sunlit hallway and waking up to Jungkook’s knowing look over breakfast.

“Don’t say it,” she warned.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“But you were thinking about it.”

He only smiled. “She’s a very sweet person, isn't she?”

Sooyun’s ears turned red. “Shut up.”

By the time the leaves began to turn gold, she transferred to a smaller chamber in the town to work there. And Areum, still oblivious to the nature of affection she was receiving, continued to hold her hand every morning and night as if it meant nothing. 

Sooyun swore to change how things were during the birthday party.

 

•••

 

The house is glowing when he arrives.

He finds Eunsook jostling with Namjoon's hair in front of the mirror, the omega wincing in pain when she pulls.

“Oh my God, I didn't even touch you that hard. You're so dramatic!” The fourteen-year-old complains, then continues to braid the hair she had in her hand.

“What the fuck, Eunsook? I can literally see my scalp turning red from over here!” Namjoon spits out.

“Please stay still.” Byungho calls from where he is painting Namjoon's nails. 

Doyun and Heejin are nowhere to be found. 

“I'm back.” He calls from the doorway. Then he enters the room and drops the wrapped porcelain aside.

“Oh my God! You found it?!” Eunsook shrieks, accidentally pulling at more strands in her fingers as she turns around. Namjoon groans out in pain.

“I did.” Jungkook replies, stopping Eunsook on her way to check the dishes. “No touching. You'll see it when Areum unwraps them at the party.”

“Well that's no fun!” Eunsook grumbles, backing away.

“You know this is important to Noona,” Namjoon scolds her in his no nonsense voice. Then he softens his tone when he accepts a kiss from Jungkook. “Hi, Jagi.”

Jungkook moves over to the bed to rest before it's time to go downstairs and start welcoming guests. He lets the banter of Namjoon and Eunsook, with occasional input from Byungho, wash over him.

Paper lanterns hang from the eaves, fairy lights wrap around beams and trees, and laughter drifts out of open windows like something spun from warmth and sugar. The living room is overflowing with family and neighbors, people from the district who’ve grown to love the quiet omega who once flinched at every knock on the gate.

Areum has never seemed as happy as she does now.

Her cheeks are flushed from so many well-wishes, she was round, just a week before her delivery date so she looks like she would burst any second.

Her arms are full of gifts wrapped in silk and soft paper. Small things, that are thoughtful, handmade soaps, herbal teas, embroidered socks from the halmeoni across the street. Jungkook had slipped her a hand-painted fan with her name stitched in Hangul. Doyun gave her a drawing. Even Eunsook grumbled a “happy birthday” and handed her a basket of citrus from the tree she usually refuses to water.

She’s glowing, but she's tired, no matter the amount of cake she had shoveled in her mouth.

Sooyun manages to convince her to open her gift at the moment, very close to begging her. “This can't wait until tomorrow, Areum, please.”

Maybe it's the continuous leg bouncing or the insistent nail biting. Or maybe Sooyun is flustered, her hair's a mess and her shirt is slightly wrinkled. 

Areum decides to have mercy on her and opens Sooyun's gift before retiring.

“It’s from Jungkook,” Sooyun blurts out. “I mean, it’s from me. Jungkook got it. But I asked him to.”

Areum gently unwraps the bundle. Inside is a set of white porcelain bowls with pale peonies blooming faintly across the surface—just like the ones she told Jungkook about months ago. Just like the ones she thought were gone forever.

She gasps. And then blinks fast, like she doesn’t want the tears to fall but they’re coming anyway.

“I—I don’t understand,” she croaks out. “Why would you…?”

Sooyun shifts her weight, clearly nervous. “Because I wanted to give you something you’d recognize. Something you’d serve our guests with. In your home, with your new family. With me.”

“I could never…” Areum says, fingers trembling around the bowl. “You could have anyone. And I’m—I’m already…”

“Areum,” Sooyun interrupts, voice firmer now, more grounded. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Not just how you look but how you move and how you just are. And I don’t care that you’re carrying someone else’s child. I want you and the baby. I want to make a home with you.”

Areum’s eyes shine, lips trembling. “You do?”

“If you’ll have me.” Sooyun shrugs like this is normal. Like she’s not putting her entire heart out for Areum to have her ways with it. “We could start a family. Ours. However you want it to be.”

And then Areum sets the porcelain down carefully, steps forward, and throws her arms around Sooyun like she’s afraid she might disappear.

“I want that,” she whispers with reverence. “So much.”

Sooyun wraps her arms around her, grounding her, holding her steady and they stay like that for a long time.

The chatter in the room has quieted. Someone nudges Doyun toward the hallway. Namjoon lifts Hyeri gently and backs away with a soft smile. Jungkook raises his brows and mouths, giving them room, before tugging Eunsook—already recording—by the collar.

Within moments, the living room clears out completely.

Then it’s just the two of them. Areum and Sooyun, the glow of the lights making the porcelain glisten between them.

From the hallway, Namjoon peeks one last time and whispers, “They’re still hugging.”

Jungkook nods, eyes soft. “About damn time.”

 

 

The last of the guests are gone. The lanterns and the fairy lights still glow gently under the eaves, casting warm puddles of light on the courtyard stones.

Inside, Jungkook clears the dishes without being asked. He doesn’t expect company, but he isn’t surprised when Areum drifts in, hands clasped in front of her, eyes still wide from the night.

“I’ll help,” she says softly.

“I thought you were going to sleep.”

“I can't, too much energy. I need to burn it off before I explode.” She laughs, front teeth glistening in the fairy lights’ glow.

They work in tandem, he scrubs, she rinses and dries. It’s quiet at first, just the sound of water, clinking of dishes and the occasional hum of wind outside. But then Areum starts talking.

Not carefully. Not quietly. Not like she’s afraid she’ll be overheard or misunderstood. She talks like someone who’s been holding a whole world in her chest and finally feels safe enough to let it spill out.

She tells him about the cake, about how Doyun gave her two extra hugs, about the gift from Eunsook that had a note inside that said, “You’re not that bad.” She tells him how Sooyun cried when they hugged, then immediately denied it, and how she wants to make seaweed soup for everyone tomorrow even if it’s not the tradition.

Jungkook just listens, smiling into the sink, heart warm. “It will be if you want. This is your home.” He replies.

“Then, I want it. So much.”

Jungkook doesn't tell her that she can have it, he thinks she understands anyway.

When the last bowl is dried and the counters wiped clean, they say goodnight. Areum disappears into her room and Jungkook steps out into the night air.

He finds Namjoon and Hyeri on the daecheongmaru. They’re sitting side by side, legs tucked up, wrapped in a blanket. Hyeri leans against Namjoon’s arm, eyes fluttering between sleep and stubbornness.

The moon hangs low and silver in the sky, a slender crescent in a bowl of stars.

“You two hiding out here?” Jungkook asks quietly.

Namjoon looks over and smiles. “Just resting. Hyeri wanted to say goodnight to the moon.”

“It’s new,” Hyeri murmurs, voice small. “A baby moon.”

Jungkook sinks down beside them, stretching his legs out. The wood is cool beneath him. The air smells like citron candles and night flowers.

Namjoon glances up at the moon again, something tender in his expression. “Do you remember that night? When the moon was full. It was so different to a night like this.”

Jungkook nods, remembering the night he took Namjoon from the senator one last time and ran like his life depended on it.

After that night, he thought he was going to be temperamental and impossible to be with like his father. He thought Namjoon was stuck with a grouchy old man, like how his mother had. He never knew that the grouchiness was just a part of his father. The cruelty of his pride was just him, not what shifting had made him be.

Jungkook had shifted and he was just as he was before.

“And now?” Jungkook murmurs, glancing at Hyeri curled between them, her tiny hand wrapped in Namjoon’s sleeve. “Look at us.”

Namjoon hums. “A new moon and a new start but the same stars witnessing our journey.”

Jungkook doesn't speak. He just leans his head lightly and kisses Namjoon. Then he rests his head against Namjoon’s shoulder, heart full.

 

Areum and Sooyun are starting something new in the room across the hall. The children are growing like wildflowers. Hyeri calls Namjoon Saeappa and Sooyun, Eomma. Namjoon is okay with all of it. Hwapyung and his mates were also flourishing in the environment. Most of his family are together in one place.

 

Back in Seoul, his brother is the pack Alpha. The Jeon clan is still horrible, but they're getting better with each day. His Eomeoni is safe in the house he built, his sister is by her side. His company under Heejin in Seoul is thriving and the Busan branch is also thriving. His shop at the docks is filled with different people, all adoring him and his family. And then finally, this house and this life—it’s not perfect. But it’s theirs.

The wind shifts. Hyeri breathes evenly now, asleep. Namjoon gently pulls the blanket higher over her.

Jungkook closes his eyes and lets it sink in.

 

•••

 

The sky is still soft with early light when Jungkook wakes.

There’s no alarm. Just instincts and the quiet pull of routine and the sense that the house is holding its breath before the day begins. He faces the side of the wall Namjoon is keeping a collection of photographs.

There's one of his whole family, with a faceless man that stands next to Alpha Gyeong, looping his arms around a young Namjoon. 

There's one of Kim Serin that Namjoon likes to stare at whenever he's passing by. Some days there's muted pain held in his gaze, other days he has a small smile on his face. He hung a picture of Hyeri next to it recently, Jungkook likes to think that that wound is slowly healing.

There's one of Seokjin, when he was pregnant with his twins, with Yoongi looking pale and spotting very dark panda eyes besides him. He doesn't think they want to go through another pregnancy after that. But maybe Yoongi can convince Seokjin to try again.

There's one of Taehyung on stage, performing with a band of friends he formed during his college years. They called themselves the Wooga. And they travel worldwide when they're not performing. The omega is the reason Alpha Kim has only grey hairs in his head right now.

There's one with Jimin and Hoseok grinning with their whole set out, with their boy imitating their pose, showing his teeth gaps.

And then there are bits and pieces, Jungkook standing in the first building he completed in Busan, Sooyun, Hwapyung, Yoon, Gilyeong and the kids. Namjoon recently made room to hang up a picture of Byungho, who is graduating highschool in a few weeks.

 Jungkook pulls on a sweater and pads into the kitchen, ready to make breakfast for everyone—eggs, rice, soup, something warm to start the day. The kids have school. Namjoon and Areum, will head to the The Bonsai Club, Namjoon’s pride and joy tucked into a quiet alley in town, to work there. Sooyun is going to the chamber, Gilyeong is working on a case of theft. Yoon will go to church to help out with work and then he will join Hwapyung later in the day. Hwapyung will go to the docks to fish, sometimes when Jungkook is free, he joins him in the sea.

When Jungkook steps into the kitchen, he pauses.

Areum is already there.

The porcelain bowls are laid out on the table like a celebration. Steam curls from their rims—one set filled with miyeokguk and another with kalguksu in savory broth that smells like home. Her sleeves are rolled to her elbows, hair pinned back, face flushed with the soft work of morning. Gilyeong works quietly beside her.

She looks up, startled, mid-reach for the sesame oil.

“You’re early,” she says, like she’s not the one who’s been up since dawn.

Jungkook smiles, a little dazed. “So are you.”

“Just… wanted to do something nice. For everyone.”

He sees Yoon then, setting spoons and chopsticks with intense focus.

“And you’ve got helpers, already” Jungkook says, voice warm.

Areum grins, eyes crinkling. “They said they’d work for extra dumplings to bring to work.”

"How about non-helpers? Do they also get dumplings?" Jungkook asks crosses to the table and runs a finger gently along the edge of one of the bowls. The faint peonies bloom in the light, just like before. But this time, they’re hers.

"No." Gilyeong protests.

But Areum giggles and says yes.

He throws a smirk in Gilyeong's direction before he sits.

“Noona, can you please go wake the others up. I don't want their meal to get cold.” Areum asks. She tries so hard to speak in a steady voice, but it still cracks with nerves mid-sentence.

Jungkook doesn't tease her for it. He knows she has all the time to grow into that confidence. She already knows that she's safe, and this home is permanent. He thinks they all understand that Jungkook will protect them. From the horror of their past. And that they will live happily, forever if he has anything to say about it.

Gilyeong throws her a reassuring smile before she heads out to wake up the rest of the family members that are yet to join the dining table.

Jungkook closes his eyes and buries his face in his arms. Trying to squeeze in a moment to dose off before everyone joins in. 

 

Behind him, he hears the rest of his family wake up from their slumber.

 

•••

 

𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳.

—Richard Siken