Jungkook, a lone omega, finds the perfect nest to stay in on a nest-surfing website. It’s fine that he can’t afford the supplies to have his own nest, but at least Taehyung seems like he’s happy to have him.
Taehyung just maybe forgot to mention he had 5 alpha packmates.
Taehyung just maybe forgot to mention he had 5 alpha packmates.
The 2.5k fic that you all voted for!
🎒Atypical A/B/O AU
🎒Jungkook-centric/OT7
🎒Hurt/Comfort
🎒Omegas TaeKook, the rest are Alphas
🎒Qrts only and also: enjoy!
🎒May be added to if people want more!
🎒Atypical A/B/O AU
🎒Jungkook-centric/OT7
🎒Hurt/Comfort
🎒Omegas TaeKook, the rest are Alphas
🎒Qrts only and also: enjoy!
🎒May be added to if people want more!
“I don’t see what the big deal is,” Taehyung voiced his opinion the second his boyfriends had stopped talking. “Nest-surfing is perfectly safe. Our scent profiles matched and he even has a similar scent to Hobi-hyung.”
Hoseok, who had decided to remain impartial when it seemed the rest of his boyfriends had some clear issues regarding Taehyung’s recent decision, smiled a little. There was a reason why Taehyung loved his pack alpha so much. He always listened first.
Namjoon was more than a little concerned. “A stranger in your nest?”
“Yes, Namjoon, my nest, not the pack nest. My nest on the couch.” Taehyung enunciated his words clearly, trying very hard not to raise his voice. “I thought none of you would mind so much. It’s why I told you all; I thought you would be supportive.”
Jimin was the next person to speak, though he, like Hoseok, had been a lot less vocal. “Why, Taehyung?”
Taehyung shrugged, eyes looking down at the ground. “I was at work and someone talked about how a cousin of hers died because she didn’t have a pack or even a nest.”
Taehyung shrugged, eyes looking down at the ground. “I was at work and someone talked about how a cousin of hers died because she didn’t have a pack or even a nest.”
Jimin nodded, listening intently, chewing the inside of his cheek.
“So, I thought I should look up what I could do to help and I found out about nest-surfing. It’s confidential and most of all, it’s where packless people go when they need a little bit of a pick-me-up.”
“So, I thought I should look up what I could do to help and I found out about nest-surfing. It’s confidential and most of all, it’s where packless people go when they need a little bit of a pick-me-up.”
“You remember how I was.” Taehyung knew he had been lucky to find a pack so soon after he had moved to Seoul to attend his dream university for their MA programme. “There are other people out there worse than me.”
The room was quiet and it was clear, from the guilt emanating from Namjoon’s scent, that they were seriously considering Taehyung’s decision as one they could agree with.
“I, for one, don’t oppose it,” Jimin said, eyes looking over at the rest of them.
“I, for one, don’t oppose it,” Jimin said, eyes looking over at the rest of them.
Seokjin, who had obviously been a little bit rattled by the fact that a perfect stranger would be using Taehyung’s nest, nodded his head slowly, his forehead clearing of wrinkles. “Now that you’ve explained it, I don’t mind either.”
One by one they nodded, Namjoon having been fully chastised once he had realised he had jumped to a conclusion before allowing Taehyung the chance to speak, nodding as well in agreement.
Lastly, it was Hoseok who agreed.
Lastly, it was Hoseok who agreed.
Hoseok never voiced his opinion first; it had been something he had been sure to stress at the beginning when they had all formed a pack, and he had been chosen as the pack alpha. It would simply not do if he spoke first because his opinion had sway in their pack.
“You are going to meet him before he comes over for the night, aren’t you?” Hoseok asked when most of the pack dispersed to do their daily routines.
Taehyung grinned. “I just wanted to make sure my alphas were still as kind and as fair as they were when we first got together.”
Taehyung grinned. “I just wanted to make sure my alphas were still as kind and as fair as they were when we first got together.”
Hoseok shook his head, resting his forehead against Taehyung’s chest. “You were testing us to make sure we had not become unreasonable or possessive, weren’t you?”
Patting his back with a small satisfied look on his face, Taehyung nodded. “You treat me like an adult, not a child. That is… I know it’s something I should expect from you all, but it’s so nice. So unlike my childhood.”
Hoseok nodded, expression growing sad, as he cupped Taehyung’s face, always being sure to hold back his strong pheremones from overpowering Taehyung.
“Thank you for expecting us to be more than unruly animals with a knot as their rudder.”
“Thank you for expecting us to be more than unruly animals with a knot as their rudder.”
Taehyung could not help the giggle that emerged from his mouth at those words and he nodded, blushing at the way that Hoseok was looking at him. “You all were pretty perfect when I met you. Not much work needed on my part at all.”
Having another omega over for a short while would be nice, Taehyung knew. It had been a while since he had spent time with an omega. Taehyung had friends, of course he did, but most of them were betas or alphas.
It would be nice.
It would be nice.
—
Jungkook was a shy little thing. When he walked into the coffee shop where Taehyung had arranged to meet him beforehand to make sure he really was who he said he was, Taehyung was struck with how familiar he looked to his own eyes.
He looked like Taehyung 2 years ago.
Jungkook was a shy little thing. When he walked into the coffee shop where Taehyung had arranged to meet him beforehand to make sure he really was who he said he was, Taehyung was struck with how familiar he looked to his own eyes.
He looked like Taehyung 2 years ago.
His eyes were wide, slightly fearful as he looked around the cafe, eyes searching for the jacket Taehyung told him he would be wearing. Jungkook was adorable, Taehyung mourned, feeling suddenly very unfortunate. Why couldn’t have been an average-looking omega?
Instead, he was, dare Taehyung say it, adorable. His hair was tapered in at the sides, but with a healthy helping of hair atop his hair. He looked like a little boba ball. And Taehyung was absolutely devastated.
Waving at Jungkook when the omega looked close to fleeing, Taehyung smiled.
“Sorry,” was the rushed first word Jungkook uttered, hurrying to sit down in the seat across from him, “I… There were a lot of people wearing tan coats. I wanted to make sure.”
“Sorry,” was the rushed first word Jungkook uttered, hurrying to sit down in the seat across from him, “I… There were a lot of people wearing tan coats. I wanted to make sure.”
Taehyung was hit with the familiar, and frankly, unsurprising scent of chemical scent blockers. He had not expected a lone omega like Jungkook to let his scent free, but it tugged at his heartstrings that this man could not let loose a little at all.
“It’s no problem, Jungkook-ssi,” Taehyung spoke softly, taking in the man’s muscles through his coat, and the tattoos on his right hand, the piercings on his eyebrow and lip. “I was aware after the fact that my coat was not the best choice for the occasion.”
Jungkook flushed as he warmed his hands, rubbing them in front of them. “This is…”
“A little awkward?” Taehyung was a good conversationalist, but this meeting was delicate and unusual in its context.
“A little awkward?” Taehyung was a good conversationalist, but this meeting was delicate and unusual in its context.
Jungkook nodded, huddling a little in his chair, almost as if he both wanted to hide and be honest in the same breath.
“I don’t have a pack and… a few of my friends are a little concerned, you know, because of the whole no pack thing for 4 years, so I thought… I would try this out once and see.”
Taehyung could understand that and knew that Jungkook was undoubtedly understating just how bad things were for him. Taehyung knew what that was like. “That’s a long time.”
Jungkook let out a small laugh, a little sad in its execution. “It is… I mean, I’m mostly fine, just sometimes… Anyway, that’s when I found you on the website.”
Taehyung nodded, unsure how deeply he wanted to get into Jungkook’s personal problems, considering Taehyung was this close to taking him in himself.
It would probably be better for his heart if he did not grow too attached to Jungkook. He had a pack, a pack of five alphas, who were perfect in every way, and Jungkook was just a walking temptation of both cute and hot.
Probably a bad idea.
Probably a bad idea.
Jungkook lowered his eyes after Taehyung’s non-verbal response and began to fiddle with the zipper on his jacket, expression unreadable. “So… Do you have any requests for when I come over tomorrow… or not, I suppose.”
“No, I see no problem with what I see, Jungkook-ssi,” Taehyung uttered, because really, Jungkook was just an omega seeking a brief reprieve. “I don’t have any requests. My nest will be in the main room on the couch and no one will bother you, or go near the nest.”
Jungkook nodded heaving a small sigh of relief, expression growing redder by the second at the discussion of something so intimate, but so clinical in the way Taehyung was describing it. “It’s okay if… you want to keep some of the scented items in the nest away from me.”
“Why would I do that?” Taehyung was getting a little confused. “I promised that you could nest-surf in my nest and that includes with my pack’s scents. Jungkook-ah, I can call you that, right? I am not a possessive omega, nor are my packmates. None of us mind in the slightest.”
Jungkook let out a shaky breath and nodded, biting his lip, the side with the piercing. “So can I… not wear my scent blockers for the night? I’ll still take the suppressants obviously, but…”
Taehyung nodded, reaching a hand over the table for Jungkook to take, which he did after a brief moment of hesitation on Jungkook's part. “You can do that. Scent blockers mute scents of others, Jungkook-ah. I know. My nest will be in good hands with you. I promise you’re safe.”
Jungkook nodded hastily. “My friends… can they have your address, just in case…”
Taehyung didn’t ask why his friends couldn’t offer Jungkook their nest, but the urge was there. Something was not making any sense.
Taehyung didn’t ask why his friends couldn’t offer Jungkook their nest, but the urge was there. Something was not making any sense.
–
Taehyung had been in a flurry since the time he had returned home from meeting Jungkook. It had taken a lot of wheedling on his part, but he had finally managed to convince Yoongi and Seokjin to make dinner, with enough leftovers for Jungkook when he came the next evening.
Taehyung had been in a flurry since the time he had returned home from meeting Jungkook. It had taken a lot of wheedling on his part, but he had finally managed to convince Yoongi and Seokjin to make dinner, with enough leftovers for Jungkook when he came the next evening.
“Taehyung, he’s literally only here to sleep in your nest for one night,” Jimin noted unhelpfully as Taehyung ladled some leftovers into a microwaveable container. “You might not… see him after this one time ever again.”
Taehyung knew that Jimin said these things to him, not because he liked to rain on Taehyung’s parade, but because he knew Taehyung’s heart was far-reaching, and in being so, was often easily broken or trampled on.
“I know that, Jimin-ah,” Taehyung admitted, despite how much it hurt to admit. “But, I would like for this experience to be a good one. He needs this and I don’t want to scare him so badly that he never uses the site ever again.”
Taehyung was also not going to go into how difficult it had been to even be considered an acceptable option for nest-surfing. Two references from two co-workers, proof of address, among other things, were some of the many hoops he had had to go through.
Which was good, Taehyung was not complaining about keeping omegas safe, but it meant that he was going to see this to the very end, even if he only ever ended up helping one person after all the trouble he went to just to be approved.
“I know you know, Tae,” Jimin murmured close to him, wrapping an arm around his waist. “I’m just not sure whether your heart knows.”
—
Taehyung had made sure to leave the main room empty at the time when Jungkook said he was arriving. It was easy to clear out the alphas. He just asked for them to give Jungkook privacy. They understood, after learning how hesitant Jungkook had been in the first place.
Taehyung had made sure to leave the main room empty at the time when Jungkook said he was arriving. It was easy to clear out the alphas. He just asked for them to give Jungkook privacy. They understood, after learning how hesitant Jungkook had been in the first place.
So, when Jungkook knocked on their apartment door, Taehyung was ready for him, smiling softly, until it stiffened when he saw just how much worse Jungkook looked compared to the last time he had seen him.
Whatever had happened between yesterday morning and this night, Jungkook looked terrible. No matter how bad he looked, Jungkook still smiled at Taehyung, piercings glinting in the soft light of the hallway.
“Jungkook-ah.” Taehyung beamed, perhaps overcompensating for the fact that his scent had grown a little sour. “I am so glad you could make it! Come in!”
The man shuffled in, accepting the slippers Taehyung offered him, and looked around, eyes wide at the large space and high ceilings.
“Your apartment is really nice, hyung,” Jungkook let out briefly and that’s when Taehyung finally caught a whiff of his scent. Almost exactly like Hoseok’s scent, though with a little more lime in it compared to Hoseok’s lemon-heavy scent.
“It’s not mine,” Taehyung let out a small laugh. “I have a rich pack. I just pay for the groceries.”
Jungkook looked over at him, expression a little wistful. “Still, it’s… It’s nice… Not impersonal even though it’s so big, you know?”
Jungkook looked over at him, expression a little wistful. “Still, it’s… It’s nice… Not impersonal even though it’s so big, you know?”
Taehyung had never seen the apartment as anything other than his pack's place, but now that Jungkook mentioned it, it was like home, the scents of his pack intermingling with the candles Yoongi for some reason liked to light sometimes.
For the ambience, he said.
For the ambience, he said.
“My pack and I will be retiring for the night, so you can do what you need. There’s also food for you in the fridge, I labelled it. You can have it or not, I won’t be offended either way.”
“Oh,” Jungkook appeared touched, expression flitting between appearing troubled and touched. “You didn’t have to.”
“I didn’t.” Taehyung agreed, “But I wanted to."
“I didn’t.” Taehyung agreed, “But I wanted to."
Jungkook nodded hastily, turning his head, and Taehyung without even trying to inhale his scent, could tell that Jungkook was having trouble keeping his tears in.
Taehyung was quick to lead Jungkook to the nest; the whole reason why Jungkook was here was for the nest. It was neat, impersonal, but Taehyung had made sure to choose only the best of blankets, pillows, and clean, but scented, items of clothing from his pack members.
It was not a nest that Taehyung would have built for himself, but he had always had a gift for being able to build a nest for others. Jungkook needed a nest and he was going to deliver on that, no matter how much he wanted to build a nest with Jungkook.
Jungkook stopped in his tracks when he saw the nest, large and covering the very large and wide couch they had, right in front of their large TV screen.
“I hope it’s okay?” Taehyung asked softly. “You can of course adjust it to your liking, I don’t get all crazy possessive over the placement of things, so fix it to your taste however you like.”
Jungkook shook his head, swallowing past a lump in his throat and blinking a couple of times. “I… I don’t know what kind of nests I like, but… It looks perfect.”
It took everything in Taehyung not to immediately question what Jungkook had said because what omega didn’t know what kind of nest they liked?
Taehyung had built more nests than he could count since he had presented at fourteen.
How did Jungkook not know?
Taehyung had built more nests than he could count since he had presented at fourteen.
How did Jungkook not know?
He settled for a quasi-sincere smile, struggling to find the positivity in the information he had just been left with. “Well, I am glad.”
Jungkook dropped his backpack and walked a little closer to the nest, Taehyung tracking the way his entire body seemed to be trembling, with what Taehyung knew not. Then Jungkook was picking up the closest item, a pillow, and pressing it to his nose.
Immediately, his body seemed to sag, and Taehyung was proud of how he reacted just in time to catch Jungkook before he hit the hardwood floor.
“Jungkook!” Taehyung was not proud of how he panicked, but Jungkook shook his head, and Taehyung helped him to sit down in the nest.
“Jungkook!” Taehyung was not proud of how he panicked, but Jungkook shook his head, and Taehyung helped him to sit down in the nest.
“Sorry,” Jungkook sniffled, pressing the pillow under his nose again. “It’s… It’s been a long time since I have…”
Taehyung was hardly certain where Jungkook was going to lead with that sentence, but he didn’t like any of it. What had happened, or rather, not happened to Jungkook in order for him to react like that?
“Your pack smells really nice,” Jungkook said awkwardly, pulling the pillow away from his face, shame-faced. “It’s just been a while.”
Been a while since what? Taehyung’s mind was screaming. This was beyond just missing a pack, Jungkook looked like he hadn’t smelled anything remotely like a scent for a long time, far longer than 4 years.
Taehyung didn’t think he would allow it if he never saw Jungkook again.
“Thank you, hyung,” Jungkook murmured, eyes bright with unshed tears. “You’ve been of great help.”
“Thank you, hyung,” Jungkook murmured, eyes bright with unshed tears. “You’ve been of great help.”
Taehyung nodded mutely, unable to string a sentence together, too focused on the fact that something was wrong with Jungkook. What was he going to do?
“You’ll be okay if I leave?” Taehyung asked, kneeling down in front of Jungkook, searching his face for any signs that he was going to pass out again. “You won’t be passed out on the floor in the morning, will you?”
Jungkook giggled a little, shaking his head, feeling a little lighter, the constant ache in his chest lessening a little. “I’ll be okay, you should go back to your pack now.”
Taehyung did eventually leave, but his heart hurt for the omega in the main room.
Taehyung did eventually leave, but his heart hurt for the omega in the main room.
Jungkook fell asleep almost right away after changing into his pyjamas and availing himself of the bathroom Taehyung had directed him to. He was proud of himself, he had done well.
Nothing bad had happened. He would set his alarm early and leave before they woke up.
Nothing bad had happened. He would set his alarm early and leave before they woke up.
Clutching the pillow to his chest, Jungkook buried his face into a nest that smelled like a pack that was not his own.
When he woke up, someone was looking at him, and all Jungkook could remember was the last time he had been caught sleeping in another omega’s nest.
When he woke up, someone was looking at him, and all Jungkook could remember was the last time he had been caught sleeping in another omega’s nest.
With a squeak, high and frightened, Jungkook jumped up, and grabbed his bag. Adrenaline was running through his veins and unable to detect anything other than the alpha pheromones in the air.
Grabbing his shoes and ignoring whoever was speaking, Jungkook opened the door and ran down the hallway. He didn’t want Taehyung to hate any of his packmates for the fact that they were protective of him.
Jungkook was always the one causing trouble. He was the one who always caused rifts and he never could give what packs wanted of him. He should have worn his scent blockers, even if they made things worse. He should have known.
Taehyung woke up and knew that something happened because Jungkook was gone and Jimin was sitting in the nest, expression sorrowful, and scent sour.
Would you all like more?
🛋️
Jungkook was unsure how long he could keep going.
He was trying. He made sure to eat every day and he even remembered to feed the small goldfish Beomgyu had given him. By all accounts, he should have been getting by just fine.
Jungkook was unsure how long he could keep going.
He was trying. He made sure to eat every day and he even remembered to feed the small goldfish Beomgyu had given him. By all accounts, he should have been getting by just fine.
Going on that website to find a nest to stay in for one night, despite how strange it seemed to him, was the only way he had been able to appease Mingyu and the rest of his friends. It wasn’t difficult to see why they were concerned, at least when he looked in the mirror.
There was nothing really that stood out other than the bags under his eyes but Jungkook looked… abandoned. There was something about the curve of his shoulders, like he was craving for someone to hold him.
“You look like you need a good hug.” Soobin had been the one to note after going to a cafe together. “You look like you should be flanked by a….”
Jungkook knew what he had been about to say, but knew Soobin did not want to make Jungkook curl in on himself again.
Jungkook knew what he had been about to say, but knew Soobin did not want to make Jungkook curl in on himself again.
Jungkook looked like he should be flanked by a pack.
“You look like you need someone to lean on, hyung,” Hyuka had whispered into his ear one night after Jungkook had almost cried in front of the younger because his thesis was dragging him under.
“You look like an omega who was never given the chance to be one,” Mingyu had murmured, eyes lowered to the floor, voice breaking. “And it’s my fault–”
Jungkook had quietly cut him off, unwilling to allow his friend to say any more.
Jungkook had quietly cut him off, unwilling to allow his friend to say any more.
Jungkook could not blame Mingyu, could not blame his pack for what had happened, but it had happened.
Regardless of what Jungkook wished had happened instead, he couldn't change that it had happened. It was too late for that now.
Regardless of what Jungkook wished had happened instead, he couldn't change that it had happened. It was too late for that now.
Yeonjun and Soobin had insisted that he cut off ties with Mingyu and his pack, but the reality was that Jungkook could hardly bear the thought of losing the one person who understood him intrinsically and knew why he was the way he was.
Yet, at the same time, there were some days where Jungkook could hardly stand to look at Mingyu or any of his pack. Some days the scars ached a little more, hurt a little more, made it more difficult for him to even get out of the bed.
Not because of the pain, no, but because of the way the pain would bring back the memories. Those were the days he would not allow anyone to see him and he would curl up in his bed, the covers and pillow the closest thing to a nest he could manage.
Going to the café to meet Taehyung not only made his friends happy, but Jungkook felt like maybe he would be all right, even for just a little while.
The problem was not the fact that Jungkook felt his heart beat faster when he saw Taehyung sitting there, but that Taehyung reminded him of Jungkook the way he had been. Perhaps Taehyung was a little older than Jungkook had been but…
Taehyung was handsome, and Jungkook, who hardly had time to think about what he found attractive, was entranced. It felt like a cruel punishment to be sitting across from a man who clearly had a pack who cared about him and who looked cared /for/.
Jungkook had cared for himself since the tender age of 18. He had needed no one else, but Mingyu had been there so he had not felt so alone. Except then Mingyu had found a pack and things went from bad to worse in a heartbeat, leaving Jungkook a different person.
Jungkook considered himself doing quite well for himself if he went to bed without feeling hungry and still had a roof over his head. He was doing well for himself, but sometimes he forgot that the life he lived was not normal by any standards.
—
“So?” Mingyu plopped down on the seat beside him in the library, hair wet from the rain he had walked in. “How did it go?”
Hyuka, who was seated across from Jungkook, wrinkled his nose. “You smell like you rolled in your pack’s scent and then bathed in it.”
“So?” Mingyu plopped down on the seat beside him in the library, hair wet from the rain he had walked in. “How did it go?”
Hyuka, who was seated across from Jungkook, wrinkled his nose. “You smell like you rolled in your pack’s scent and then bathed in it.”
Mingyu accepted the criticism with grace and shrugged. “Seungcheol was feeling a little possessive this morning is all.”
Hyuka rolled his eyes, lowering his eyes back to his studies. “Great, don’t care, just keep your activities to yourself.”
Hyuka rolled his eyes, lowering his eyes back to his studies. “Great, don’t care, just keep your activities to yourself.”
Jungkook felt the urge to tell Hyuka to stop being so hostile towards Mingyu, but knew that it would not make the atmosphere any less awkward or tense than it was. Hyuka’s shoe carefully nudge him under the table, as if in reassurance that he was there if Jungkook wanted out.
It would be wrong to chastise Hyuka for feeling a little protective over Jungkook of late, having seen Jungkook break down in tears just recently. His chest felt warm at the reminder that Hyuka cared about him, though it made him sad that he had to.
Jungkook smiled and nodded, trying to convey with as much energy as he had that it had gone well. “Pretty good. Taehyung-ssi was very kind.”
Mingyu rested his head on his hand and wiggled a little closer. “That’s it?”
Mingyu rested his head on his hand and wiggled a little closer. “That’s it?”
Jungkook let out a small laugh, eyes returning to his laptop if only to avoid Mingyu’s searching gaze.
“I don’t know what else I’m supposed to say.” Jungkook fixed a grammar error and removed a sentence from the document.
“I don’t know what else I’m supposed to say.” Jungkook fixed a grammar error and removed a sentence from the document.
“That they swept you off your feet?” Mingyu whined, reaching over and poking Jungkook’s shoulder. “They saw you and wanted to make you part of their pack because you’re just what they’ve been missing this whole time?”
Hyuka let out a derisive snort. “What garbage poly pack flicks have you been watching, hyung?” Hyuka flicked to the next page of his book, not bothering to look up whilst speaking. “I heard there’s a new one called ‘Shut the Fuck Up’.”
“Hyuka, that’s enough.” Jungkook knew that Hyuka was still a little sour that Jungkook still talked to Mingyu, but that wasn’t Hyuka’s decision to make. “Please. I want to talk to Mingyu. You may not understand why, but he’s my friend.”
Hyuka pouted, but he sank in his chair and nodded, cheeks flushing at being chastised in front of the person he had just been insulting.
Mingyu’s eyes looked pained and he bit his lip, clearly in anguish at the reminder from Hyuka.
Mingyu’s eyes looked pained and he bit his lip, clearly in anguish at the reminder from Hyuka.
Jungkook, despite everything, did not want that look to stay on his face any longer, and with a small sigh, knowing he was going to get no work done today, closed his laptop.
Then he turned to face Mingyu. “I only met one of them, well two, if you count the brief moment where one of the alphas in the pack was looming over me as I slept–”
Mingyu sat up, reaching over as if to check Jungkook over for injuries, but Jungkook batted his fingers away.
“It just scared me a little, so I left.” Well, really, Jungkook practically fled the scene, but that would do little to ease Mingyu’s worries. “I feel better though.” He smiled at Mingyu, patting his knee. “It was a really good idea. Thank you. I feel much better.”
Mingyu’s ears grew red and he nodded, eyes losing that look Jungkook had seen far too often. “I am glad you are feeling better, but Jungkook-ah, you have to avail of the nest-surfing service at least once a week.”
For once, Hyuka was agreeing with Mingyu (a rarity indeed), and was nodding his head emphatically. “Agreed.”
Jungkook could tell that he was about to be cornered again, so he tried to appease them. “Once a month.”
Jungkook could tell that he was about to be cornered again, so he tried to appease them. “Once a month.”
Hyuka shook his head and spoke before Mingyu could. He pointed the end of his pen at Jungkook. “I haven’t seen you look so healthy in my life since last night. I don’t want you back-tracking and undoing the good you just did.”
Mingyu nodded and Jungkook, though he could see that he was losing, tried again. “Three weeks. Every three weeks, I promise.”
“Two weeks,” Mingyu butted in, driving a hard bargain. “Once every fortnight.”
“Two weeks,” Mingyu butted in, driving a hard bargain. “Once every fortnight.”
Jungkook shook his head. “My thesis is due in two weeks. Every three weeks.”
“Okay, every three weeks, but,” Hyuka glared at Jungkook, “if at any point we think you are getting worse, we get to make an executive decision and make you go again if needed. Deal?”
“Okay, every three weeks, but,” Hyuka glared at Jungkook, “if at any point we think you are getting worse, we get to make an executive decision and make you go again if needed. Deal?”
Jungkook nodded, eyes wide. “Promise. You get to boss me into going.” It wasn’t ideal, but Jungkook knew makeup was a powerful thing. Three weeks was the most he could imagine setting himself up for.
He almost had not gone last night because he had gotten so anxious thinking about everything that could have gone wrong.
Nothing had. Not really, anyway.
Nothing had. Not really, anyway.
He wondered if Taehyung was upset with him, then he scoffed at his train of thought. Who was being delusional now? Taehyung probably didn’t think twice about Jungkook leaving.
Jungkook held no importance in Taehyung’s life so why would he be concerned for him in the slightest?
Jungkook held no importance in Taehyung’s life so why would he be concerned for him in the slightest?
Jungkook had too much he did not know, too much of a sad past to be appealing to a man who clearly wanted for nothing and had everything he needed. Maybe he had overreacted when the alpha had looked down at him, but Jungkook figured it could have been worse.
As if to remind him, the scars on his body twinged.
A lot worse.
A lot worse.
—
Taehyung hardly knew what to say when he saw the way Jimin looked at him, remorseful as if he had done something wrong.
“Where is Jungkook?” Taehyung asked, drawing closer, not liking how upset and sorry Jimin seemed.
Taehyung hardly knew what to say when he saw the way Jimin looked at him, remorseful as if he had done something wrong.
“Where is Jungkook?” Taehyung asked, drawing closer, not liking how upset and sorry Jimin seemed.
Jimin opened his mouth and shook his head, pulling his legs up onto the couch to press them to his chest as he wrapped his arms around them. Taehyung drew nearer and sat beside his packmate, wrapping an arm around him. Jimin’s next breath came out shakier than the others.
“I woke up early and saw that he was still here and I was checking to see if he was okay,” Jimin explained, biting his lip with a vigour that concerned Taehyung. “I didn’t go into the nest or anything, just looking over him, you know?”
Taehyung knew. He knew that Jimin had a beautiful way of caring for others. One of those ways was checking in on someone even if he did not know them very well. It had nothing to do with being an alpha and everything to do with who Jimin was as a person.
Taehyung nodded, always trusting Jimin at his word. There was no question that he trusted everything any of packmates said. They had never lied to him and they would not start now.
“I must have frightened him.” Jimin’s eyes were now calculating and now Taehyung knew that Jimin was thinking back on it now in a critical manner instead of blaming himself for whatever had occurred like he was prone to do.
“So he left?” Taehyung looked over at the door and saw that Jungkook’s shoes were indeed gone, the slippers he had been using lined up neatly with the other shoes.
“He left in a hurry and he looked terrified.” Jimin looked over at Taehyung as he leant into his hold. “I didn’t do anything that would have warranted such a reaction so I am sure it was something about the situation that scared him enough for him to leave.”
Taehyung tugged Jimin a little closer and rested his head on his soft hair. “You did nothing wrong, I think you know that.” He patted the curve of his shoulder. “Jungkook was a little skittish. He’s a lone omega; he’s probably unused to the caring ways of alphas.”
Jimin nodded, closing his eyes and huffing a little, his scent slowly morphing into something a little more pleasant, the soft lilac taking on a fragrant hint.
“You’re worried about him,” Jimin stated more than asked. “You think there is something else going on.”
“You’re worried about him,” Jimin stated more than asked. “You think there is something else going on.”
Taehyung was not quick to respond, so quiet for so long that Jimin raised his head to look at his face to ensure that he had not fallen asleep. “Worried or confused,” Taehyung finally settled on. “I don’t really know a lot about him but…
Taehyung shook his head. “I am not going to speculate on the life of a stranger, but some things do not seem to be adding up.”
Jimin nodded, patting Taehyung’s face when he saw the way Taehyung was staring into space, lost in his own head. “Let’s make breakfast. You’ll probably never see Jungkook again. We’ll leave it at that.”
The problem was that Taehyung did not want to leave it at that, but he knew that Jimin was thinking of Taehyung and the way he tended to care beyond his reach and out of bounds. “You’re right. I most likely will never see him again.”
“You helped him more than you know,” Jimin finished, patting his back. “You did something a lot of people would not be willing to do.”
Taehyung knew that and he smiled for Jimin’s sake, but it didn’t feel like he had done enough.
He only hoped that Jungkook was all right wherever he was.
He only hoped that Jungkook was all right wherever he was.
—
“I think hyung is too forgiving.”
Taehyun raised his head from where he was poring over his study materials at their small coffee table. “What makes you say that?” He asked, muttering under his breath some phrase he needed to remember for exams.
“I think hyung is too forgiving.”
Taehyun raised his head from where he was poring over his study materials at their small coffee table. “What makes you say that?” He asked, muttering under his breath some phrase he needed to remember for exams.
“I just think, if I were Jungkook-hyung, that I would not be friends with Mingyu,” Yeonjun looked out onto the balcony, seeing the way Jungkook giggled at something Hyuka said. “Seems a little strange to me is all.”
“Hyung, as long as we’ve known him, has always been very charitable.” Taehyun was distracted but he could tell what Yeonjun was getting at. “I think he would rather be friends with Mingyu and accept the fact that he will cross paths with his pack than not.”
Yeonjun stuck his bottom lip out as if it would help him understand Jungkook a little more. “I don’t mean to be that person, but why should he forgive Mingyu, never mind his pack? You saw how he was this morning. Breaks my fucking heart when he has one of those days.”
Taehyun, by now, had realised that something was bothering Yeonjun and finally lifted his head from the pages in front of him.
“I think… Just because Jungkook-hyung forgives them doesn’t mean he has forgotten what happened.”
“I think… Just because Jungkook-hyung forgives them doesn’t mean he has forgotten what happened.”
Taehyun removed his glasses from his face to rub his eyes, weary with the thoughts Yeonjun was bringing up, and with the exhaustion of how long he had been studying.
“It’s easier to forgive than to forget.” Yeonjun rested his head on the glass of the balcony door.
“It’s easier to forgive than to forget.” Yeonjun rested his head on the glass of the balcony door.
“It’s easier to forgive, forgiveness is words, and realising that keeping a relationship alive is better than breaking it. Even if it means that seeing that person every day will be painful.” Taehyun looked out at their maknae and their hyung setting up the lights on the balcony.
“That’s why Mingyu never pushed when Jungkook said he couldn’t come to the party on Saturday. He knows that it is by Jungkook’s goodness that they are still friends,” Yeonjun mused, brows furrowing. “A friendship with limits.”
Taehyun sighed and stood up, letting his bones crack, relieved to be in a position different from the past few hours. “You’re not going to let me study, are you?”
Yeonjun looked over at him and Taehyun tried not to think about pretty Yeonjun looked with the light filtering through his pink hair. “No. Hug me.”
Taehyun let out a weary sigh as if it was agonising him to do so, but he went anyway, and wrapped his arms around Yeonjun’s waist, resting his head on his chest. They both looked out at Hyuka and Jungkook, unable to contain their smiles.
“He wouldn’t accept Hyuka’s offer of sharing a nest if he asked, would he?” Yeonjun asked, though Taehyun knew he already sort of knew the answer.
“You know he wouldn’t.” Taehyun snuggled further into Yeonjun’s warm chest.
“You know he wouldn’t.” Taehyun snuggled further into Yeonjun’s warm chest.
“I know.” Yeonjun wrapped an arm around Taehyun’s shoulders, eyes still looking out at the two omegas. “I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
“Jungkook-hyung would never accept.” Taehyun was resolute in his answer.
“Jungkook-hyung would never accept.” Taehyun was resolute in his answer.
“You’re right, he wouldn’t.”
“He looks pale again.”
“I know, that’s why I asked.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“He looks pale again.”
“I know, that’s why I asked.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
—
Seeing what he could do involved Taehyun cornering Jungkook one day, watching like a hawk the way Jungkook looked like he was fading away again. He wouldn’t allow it to happen under his watch, not if he could help.
Seeing what he could do involved Taehyun cornering Jungkook one day, watching like a hawk the way Jungkook looked like he was fading away again. He wouldn’t allow it to happen under his watch, not if he could help.
“Hyung, you need to go and find another nest to use.”
Jungkook flushed, his smile very slowly turning into a frown. “Please don’t say it like that, you make it sound like I’m… anyway. I’m fine.”
Jungkook flushed, his smile very slowly turning into a frown. “Please don’t say it like that, you make it sound like I’m… anyway. I’m fine.”
“Try again.” Taehyun was not having it and he had exams hanging over his head, so he was feeling a little low on patience. “Hyuka told me about the deal you struck with him and Mingyu.”
Jungkook winced and rubbed the back of his neck, where Taehyun knew there were scars. “He told you. Of course he did.”
“He’s concerned, Jungkook-hyung, what did you expect him to do?” Taehyun asked cooly, expression not changing, not even when Jungkook looked uncomfortable. “We all are.”
Jungkook hung his head. “I know, it’s just that my thesis is due in two days and I swear I can do something about the nest thing as soon as I have it handed in.”
Taehyun could understand that. Jungkook had just gone down so far last time that all of them, least of all Taehyun, had been close to putting him in hospital when he stopped eating meals.
“I have exams, hyung, I know the pressure and stress it’s putting on you.” Taehyun was not some control freak who liked to boss his hyung around. “But, I need you to promise me that you will find some nest to stay in on the day you hand in your thesis, okay?”
Taehyun rather hated bossing his hyung around, if he was being honest. Someone like Jungkook should not have to carry everything himself and it hurt even more when he willingly leant on any of them.
When Jungkook leant on them it meant that he was too far gone to rely on himself anymore and knew it. For the past few days he had been coming over to their pack’s apartment with his thesis work, and whilst he said it was because he missed them…
Taehyun and the rest of them were not inclined to believe it.
They knew that Jungkook cared about them and he probably did miss them, but that wasn’t the full truth, they knew that much. He had downed about three bowls of stew claiming he was hungry for no reason.
They knew that Jungkook cared about them and he probably did miss them, but that wasn’t the full truth, they knew that much. He had downed about three bowls of stew claiming he was hungry for no reason.
Beomgyu had definitely not believed that, but seemed relieved that Jungkook was eating at least, as had the rest of them. No, Jungkook was most likely in their apartment because he was afraid of being alone.
Afraid to be alone because he knew he would not be able to look after himself. Jungkook cared a great deal about others and to some extent himself, but Taehyun and Soobin saw the way he thrived when he was told to eat, when he was made to do something.
Jungkook was leaning on them again and that meant that he was in need of some nest time, as sad as it sounded. Taehyun knew that Hyuka was just waiting to ask for Jungkook to share a nest with him, but he knew Jungkook would balk at the thought alone.
Jungkook looked like he was going to reject Taehyun’s request, so Taehyun gave him an ultimatum, as much as it hurt him to do so. “If you don’t, hyung, you will have to share Hyuka’s nest.”
That certainly got Jungkook stiffening, expression dropping into one of complete and utter fear. “You can’t do that.”
“I can, hyung,” Taehyun’s voice was soft, despite the harshness of his words. “You need to sit in a nest and bury yourself in it. Do you promise?”
“I can, hyung,” Taehyun’s voice was soft, despite the harshness of his words. “You need to sit in a nest and bury yourself in it. Do you promise?”
Jungkook nodded, expression still holding a degree of fear that hurt Taehyun’s heart. “Hyung.”
Jungkook’s eyes focused on Taehyun’s face again. “Yes?”
“I love you, hyung.”
Jungkook’s eyes focused on Taehyun’s face again. “Yes?”
“I love you, hyung.”
Swallowing with some difficulty, Jungkook let himself smile a little. “I love you too, Taehyun-ah.”
“I do this because I love you, not because I take delight in bossing you.”
“I do this because I love you, not because I take delight in bossing you.”
Jungkook knew that.
He just wished he could be loved in a way that did not make him feel betrayed like this.
He just wished he could be loved in a way that did not make him feel betrayed like this.
—
*Jeon Jungkook, 22, has requested your nest.*
Taehyung was sitting on a sleeping Namjoon’s lap when his phone got the notification and he let in a small intake of breath, expression morphing into one of disbelief. The rest of the pack hardly noticed, except Yoongi.
*Jeon Jungkook, 22, has requested your nest.*
Taehyung was sitting on a sleeping Namjoon’s lap when his phone got the notification and he let in a small intake of breath, expression morphing into one of disbelief. The rest of the pack hardly noticed, except Yoongi.
“What is it, honey?” Yoongi asked from his place at the counter, peering over at the way the omega was sitting up straight. “Something happen?”
“Jungkook…” Taehyung looked up at Yoongi, eyes shining. “Jungkook put in a request to nest-surf here again.”
“Jungkook…” Taehyung looked up at Yoongi, eyes shining. “Jungkook put in a request to nest-surf here again.”
Yoongi was a little disconcerted at the way Taehyung looked delightedly down at phone again and he exchanged a look with Jimin.
"Can I, hyung?" Taehyung looked to Hoseok, who had buried his face in a book Namjoon had recommended him.
"Can I, hyung?" Taehyung looked to Hoseok, who had buried his face in a book Namjoon had recommended him.
"Can you what, dear?" Hoseok looked up, entirely unaware of what was happening.
"Can Jungkook come over again to nest-surf?" Taehyung's eyes were wide the way they were when he was trying to contain his excitement. "Would you mind?"
"Can Jungkook come over again to nest-surf?" Taehyung's eyes were wide the way they were when he was trying to contain his excitement. "Would you mind?"
"You didn't ask last time." Hoseok closed the book softly and rested it on his lap, leaning forward. "Why are you asking now?"
"Well, last time it was just a one-off, but the second time... It feels more like it could become a regular occurence."
"Well, last time it was just a one-off, but the second time... It feels more like it could become a regular occurence."
Taehyung tightened his grip on the phone. "It's okay if you say no, I won't mind."
Hoseok smiled, leaning over to ruffle Taehyung's wild curls. "I don't mind. If anyone else does speak now or forever hold your peace."
Hoseok smiled, leaning over to ruffle Taehyung's wild curls. "I don't mind. If anyone else does speak now or forever hold your peace."
No one said anything.
Taehyung immediately accepted the request and then proceeded to message Jungkook in the app's chat function. "I'll meet him over coffee again."
Taehyung immediately accepted the request and then proceeded to message Jungkook in the app's chat function. "I'll meet him over coffee again."
Hoseok dared anyone to dampen Taehyung's spirits with his eyes, perhaps for the first time since becoming pack alpha, letting them know exactly what he thought.
Taehyung threw a pillow at Hoseok, destroying his train of thought.
Taehyung threw a pillow at Hoseok, destroying his train of thought.
"Scent it, please. He really liked the scent you left on that pillow last time." Taehyung grinned, beginning to throw items at his packmates with wild abandon. "Start scenting things! Jungkook is coming and I want to make my nest even better."
Jungkook, in the meantime, was smiling at the messages Taehyung had sent him, unaware of the lengths Taehyung was going to to make his next experience much better.
🛋️
The very next morning, Taehyung was awake and clearing out their storage room which really just existed to collect dust and hold all of Yoongi’s and Namjoon’s old recording and producing equipment.
The very next morning, Taehyung was awake and clearing out their storage room which really just existed to collect dust and hold all of Yoongi’s and Namjoon’s old recording and producing equipment.
Jin was the first to find him, or rather, the things he had dumped outside the room and into the hallway. Poking his head in, he found Taehyung kneeling by the walls and scrubbing at what looked like scuff marks from whatever had been leaning against it before.
“Tae-yah.” Jin weaved his way through the sea of cables on the floor. “What are you doing?”
Taehyung seemed to then realise that he had an audience and looked up. Once he saw Seokjin he grinned and waved around the room.
Taehyung seemed to then realise that he had an audience and looked up. Once he saw Seokjin he grinned and waved around the room.
“Hyung!” He dropped the sponge into a bucket of soapy water. “I’m going to paint the walls so I’m cleaning them with sugar soap!”
Jin blinked. “Paint? Why?”
Taehyung grinned up at him, expression bright. “To make this room into a nest room, of course!”
Jin blinked. “Paint? Why?”
Taehyung grinned up at him, expression bright. “To make this room into a nest room, of course!”
Looking around, Jin realised that Taehyung wasn’t just cleaning; he was ready to redecorate the entire room.
Jin knelt down beside Taehyung who had returned to scrubbing the walls, huffing as he wiped his hair from his eyes with his forearm.
Jin knelt down beside Taehyung who had returned to scrubbing the walls, huffing as he wiped his hair from his eyes with his forearm.
“Is there something wrong with your current nest?” Seokjin asked tentatively, unsure of what was wrong with Taehyung. “Is your heat coming up?”
Taehyung scrunched his nose and shook his head, sucking his lips into his mouth at the ferocity with which he was cleaning the walls. He mumbled something under his breath that Jin did not catch.
“Could you repeat that?” Jin asked patiently, aware that Taehyung was clearly trying to avoid having to answer the question properly. “I didn’t quite hear what you said.”
A burst of cherry blossom scent hit him and Taehyung lowered his head. “Promise not to tell me to stop even after I tell you?”
Jin crossed his legs and reached over to pet Taehyung’s hair, carefully combing through his wild curls. “Promise.”
Jin crossed his legs and reached over to pet Taehyung’s hair, carefully combing through his wild curls. “Promise.”
“Jungkook didn’t feel safe staying here last time because the nest was where everyone could walk in and just be there, so I thought…” Taehyung looked into Jin’s eyes, his own wide and pleading. “He would be more comfortable here.”
“Plus!” Taehyung grabbed Jin’s hands, his bare hands… which… Jin would get him gloves after this conversation. “I always wanted to have a whole room just for my nest and Yoongi-hyung was mentioning wanting to clear out this room. Kill two birds with one stone.”
Jin wanted to ask Taehyung why he was going so far for a stranger, but he had promised, and Taehyung clearly had thought of the counter-arguments. It wasn’t a rash decision. Sudden maybe, but not by any means something done on a whim.
“All right.” Jin nodded, patted his cheek, hoping that he could convey the trust he had for Taehyung’s decision that way. “I’ll grab you some gloves and a hairband, then make Namjoon and Yoongi figure out what to do with all this stuff. Maybe resale.”
Taehyung nodded and smiled, his scent enveloping the room that only an omega knew how. Jin pressed a kiss to the crown of his head, leaning over to hug his boyfriend. “I’m proud of you, Tae. I trust you. Just keep me informed about Jungkook, hm?”
Taehyung nodded excitedly in his hold. “Promise.”
Jin got up to leave and just as he was about to leave the room, Taehyung called out to him. “Hyung, want to come to the paint shop with me and help me pick a colour?”
Oh, Jin was going to have fun decorating this nest room.
Jin got up to leave and just as he was about to leave the room, Taehyung called out to him. “Hyung, want to come to the paint shop with me and help me pick a colour?”
Oh, Jin was going to have fun decorating this nest room.
A few hours later, after everyone had woken up, and Jin had made Yoongi and Namjoon begin labelling the things they wanted to keep and putting up their equipment up for sale, Jin and Taehyung went to the paint shop.
“What colour were you thinking of Tae?” Jin asked when they walked in.
Taehyung shrugged, looking around, and inhaling the strong and pleasant smell of freshly churned paint. “I figured I would know when I saw it.”
Taehyung shrugged, looking around, and inhaling the strong and pleasant smell of freshly churned paint. “I figured I would know when I saw it.”
Jin tried not to sigh, but he pointed to the aisle with the pastel colour palettes. “Probably something softer and relaxing then? Pastel is a good place to start.”
Taehyung was already halfway there when Jin pointed and Jin quickly followed, finding Taehyung looking at the pinks. “Maybe pink?”
Jin was not, not going to push for pink, but… Clearly it was the superior colour for a nest in his very honest opinion, so he nodded. “Something peachier, or something a little more on the purple-pink side?” Jin started flicking through the sample cards.
“Something like cherry blossoms?” Taehyung flushed a little, looking away. “But I was thinking of maybe having an accent wall too. They have really pretty floral wallpaper here too.”
Jin hummed, hardly paying attention until he found a colour that would suit. “How about this?” When he looked up, Taehyung was no longer there beside him, but he could see where he was by the wallpaper displays.
“Taehyung, really, I–” Jin paused when he saw the way Taehyung was rubbing the wallpaper, looking at a green floral wallpaper.
“I thought the next time I would be decorating a room would be…” Taehyung shook his head, expression pensive. “I like this one, hyung.”
“I thought the next time I would be decorating a room would be…” Taehyung shook his head, expression pensive. “I like this one, hyung.”
Jin’s heart broke a little, but he swallowed and nodded, seeing that Taehyung wanted to move on. “I think it would go well with this pink shade.”
He held the card up against the wallpaper Taehyung had chosen. “I think the wallpaper would be great as a backdrop for your nest.”
He held the card up against the wallpaper Taehyung had chosen. “I think the wallpaper would be great as a backdrop for your nest.”
Taehyung smiled, expression slowly losing it’s desolate look. “It looks really pretty together, hyung!”
“I’ll tell the sales assistant then.” Jin was going to spoil Taehyung to lunch afterwards. It had been a while since they had gone out to eat.
“I’ll tell the sales assistant then.” Jin was going to spoil Taehyung to lunch afterwards. It had been a while since they had gone out to eat.
—
When Taehyung and Jin returned home from shopping and a tasty lunch, Namjoon and Yoongi had just finished assembling a couch. A brand new one.
Taehyung almost dropped his roll of wallpaper in his excitement to flop down on it. Thankfully Jimin was there to take it from him.
When Taehyung and Jin returned home from shopping and a tasty lunch, Namjoon and Yoongi had just finished assembling a couch. A brand new one.
Taehyung almost dropped his roll of wallpaper in his excitement to flop down on it. Thankfully Jimin was there to take it from him.
“Hyungs! You didn’t have to!” Taehyung was already sitting down on it. “It’s so soft!”
“If you think we were going to let you have a nest on a hardwood floor, you would be wrong.” Yoongi smiled, expression giving away how besotted he was. “It turns into a bed too.”
“If you think we were going to let you have a nest on a hardwood floor, you would be wrong.” Yoongi smiled, expression giving away how besotted he was. “It turns into a bed too.”
Taehyung was about to try out just how soft the bed was until he remembered that he was supposed to be redecorating the walls so he could move the couch in.
Yes, right, focus, Taehyung.
Yes, right, focus, Taehyung.
“Thank you.” Taehyung tried not to tear up as he stood up to hug them both, but he was going through a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions today. “Thank you for going along with my last minute plans.”
Yoongi shook his head as did Namjoon.
“We really needed to clear out that room anyway. Consider it money well-spent and earned from the equipment Yoongi and I are finally selling.” Namjoon’s voice was soft, comforting.
“We really needed to clear out that room anyway. Consider it money well-spent and earned from the equipment Yoongi and I are finally selling.” Namjoon’s voice was soft, comforting.
Yoongi wrapped his arms around Taehyung and steered him into the room in question. “I replaced the door handle. Thought it might be a good idea to have one that only locks from the inside only. If it’s an emergency and we fear for your safety, there’s a metal pin to open it.”
Taehyung tried not to break down at the thoughtfulness of his pack. “It’s… Jungkook’s going to feel so safe now, thank you, hyungs.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you.”
“And you’ll hopefully feel safe in it too, Taehyung-ah.” Yoongi patted his back. “I think it’s a good idea to have your nest be somewhere more secluded. Most omegas do.”
Taehyung pouted. “I’m not most omegas. And you are not like alphas who get possessive and dangerous when an omega outside the pack shares the nest of their omega. There was never a need. And that's not the reason now."
“Just self-control.” Namjoon shrugged, thoughtful. “Alphas who do that are just making up excuses for their uncontained and uncontrolled emotions.”
Taehyung knew he was lucky, and knew that their relationship, though not uncommon these days, had been, decades ago, something almost taboo. It was an even split now, though people were beginning to learn.
“At least now it’s considered assault for an alpha to do that instead of self-defense like it was until 2 years ago,” Jin muttered angrily, plopping down the paint cans onto the floor.
Taehyung was lucky, he knew that.
He just didn’t know how lucky… yet.
He just didn’t know how lucky… yet.
—
Hoseok had been away early for some dance practice with the company’s rookie group, but he had let Taehyung know through text that he wanted to help decorate.
Hoseok had been away early for some dance practice with the company’s rookie group, but he had let Taehyung know through text that he wanted to help decorate.
The room itself was airy and spacious, but it was too small to be anything other than an office or a very small bedroom, so a nest room was perfect for its size.
Whilst Jin and Jimin went out to look for odds and ends (“Really, Taehyung, you’ll need curtains!”), Hoseok and Yoongi taped up the edges of the baseboards so they could paint almost immediately.
Taehyung was glad of that, because taping things up was maybe his least favourite part about having to paint. Namjoon was off taking photos of their equipment and posting them on eBay, hoping to get rid of the clutter in the hallway sooner rather than later.
By the end of the day, they had managed to put one coat of the base coat on the previously blue walls.
“We’ll be able to paint on the pink paint tomorrow, hopefully it won’t need more than two coats at least,” Yoongi mused as he surveyed their handiwork. “Everything should be done by Thursday.”
Taehyung was delighted he had started when he did, giving them enough time to paint and fix up everything before Jungkook came on Friday.
He really hoped Jungkook like Taehyung's nest. Though, he had liked his nest when it was on their old living room couch.
He really hoped Jungkook like Taehyung's nest. Though, he had liked his nest when it was on their old living room couch.
Hoseok was lying like a starfish on the floor, having been painting the higher parts of the wall, his neck aching from craning his neck up. “Someone carry me.”
Taehyung huffed out a laugh at his pack alpha’s dramatics and reached out a hand. “You can take a bath with me, hyung, you’re covered in paint.”
Covered may have been an exaggeration, but Hoseok had paint flecks on his face, and his hair had a few streaks of white as well.
Covered may have been an exaggeration, but Hoseok had paint flecks on his face, and his hair had a few streaks of white as well.
Hoseok raised his head at that offer, smiling a little. “We can wash each other’s hair.”
Taehyung nodded. “I don’t see why not.”
His pack alpha... Taehyung liked nothing better than to spoil him, to be privy to his smile.
Taehyung nodded. “I don’t see why not.”
His pack alpha... Taehyung liked nothing better than to spoil him, to be privy to his smile.
Hoseok took his hand, which was still outstretched and they wandered into the bathroom together, Hoseok asking Yoongi if they could borrow one of his bath bombs.
“It’s not borrowing if I won’t get it back,” Yoongi griped as he followed them, “ but yes, you can /use/ it.”
“It’s not borrowing if I won’t get it back,” Yoongi griped as he followed them, “ but yes, you can /use/ it.”
By Friday, the nest room was complete and whilst Taehyung was exhausted, he felt inordinately pleased with himself.
Jungkook would just love the nest now, he knew it.
If he didn't, Taehyung would surely cry.
Jungkook would just love the nest now, he knew it.
If he didn't, Taehyung would surely cry.
Which alpha should Jungkook meet first?
🛋️
Hyuka grinned at his phone and Yeonjun looked over at the omega curiously, wondering what on earth he could be so pleased about considering it was a Monday, and they all had assignments due.
Hyuka grinned at his phone and Yeonjun looked over at the omega curiously, wondering what on earth he could be so pleased about considering it was a Monday, and they all had assignments due.
Yeonjun certainly did not like assignments, but he liked what his pack did when a few of them had things due around the same time. They would all sit around their low table on soft cushions, a bowl of snacks in the middle.
Some of them found it harder to focus on their work if they did it alone, so being around others encouraged those that tended to lean towards procrastination. That way Taehyun could click his tongue whenever he saw one of his packmates opening a tab that wasn't for work.
They took breaks every hour and Taehyun had gotten up to refill their snack bowl, which had been severely depleted of its contents, courtesy of Soobin who had munched his angry way through an assignment he absolutely hated with a passion.
Soobin stretched his arms up and practically face planted onto the table, groaning. “I’m done and I never want to write another word ever again.”
Beomgyu poked him, Soobin’s laptop now acting up since the boy had decided to land face first on the keyboard.
Beomgyu poked him, Soobin’s laptop now acting up since the boy had decided to land face first on the keyboard.
“There, there, you big baby, you’re okay. You can start cleaning the dishes in the sink since you’re free now,” Beomgyu pointed out and though Soobin protested, he did get up and make his way to the kitchen.
“What are you smiling at?” Taehyun asked Hyuka, balancing their snack bowl, and a few drinks. Yeonjun realised he had been zoned out watching his pack, forgetting that he had been wondering the exact same thing. “Must be something good..?”
Hyuka nodded, shoving his phone up to show Taehyun, smile brightening even further. “Hyung sent me a screenshot that he’s going to share the same omega’s nest he was in last time.”
Taehyun snatched the phone and let out a small noise of approval until he saw the day it was booked for. “Why is it on Friday? I told him he had to go the day he submitted his thesis, but it’s due today? Why is he waiting so long?”
Taehyun pinched the bridge of his nose, slightly aggravated though he reined it in to avoid his scent taking over. “I specifically told him–”
Hyuka took his phone back, pouting. “He said that this omega’s nest was only available on Fridays.”
Hyuka took his phone back, pouting. “He said that this omega’s nest was only available on Fridays.”
Beomgyu perked up at that, his expression growing gleeful. “You could say that he’s going more for the omega than for the nest.” He made a face that was quickly removed when Yeonjun threw a pillow directly at him.
“And you will keep that thought to yourself for now,” Taehyun practically growled, expression growing serious. “I mean it. Jungkook-hyung hardly has any new friends and if he’s going because he likes the omega’s presence, then none of us will point it out to him.”
Beomgyu had the pillow in his lap and rolled his eyes. “I know that, I was just saying. I wasn’t going to say anything to him.”
Taehyun let it go, knowing that Beomgyu was having a difficult time with his current workload and undoubtedly was just acting a little out of sorts because he was stressed. “I never doubted that, I was also just saying.”
Beomgyu held out a hand for a drink, expression a little subdued now. Handing him a bottle patiently, Taehyun placed his spoils on the table. Hyuka put his phone away and then they were back at work, though Hyuka was smiling, the relief clear in his scent.
—
Jungkook was not panicking.
Perhaps he was a little bit but he believed he was justified. Before he had gone to Taehyung’s home, he had only expected to be allowed into the nest and then leave. But now?
Jungkook was not panicking.
Perhaps he was a little bit but he believed he was justified. Before he had gone to Taehyung’s home, he had only expected to be allowed into the nest and then leave. But now?
Now Jungkook had met Taehyung, had seen how kind (how handsome) he was, so now it felt like he had to put in effort as to what he wore. Last time, Jungkook had worn whatever had been clean, but now, he wanted to look a little more presentable.
Jungkook also felt a little bad for leaving without warning last time and the manner in which he had left. Jungkook knew, he knew that most alphas were kind and sweet, his own dongsaeungs were examples of that.
Despite the fact that Jungkook knew, alphas still scared him. New ones, at least. There was no logic to responses learned through traumatic experiences, Jungkook supposed, but he still felt awful for the way alphas made him react... as if they were going to hurt him.
Jungkook eventually settled on a black t-shirt, comfortable and a little oversized. Next came the black skinny jeans and thick black boots that he loved so much. Pulling a large grey hoodie over his t-shirt, Jungkook considered himself all ready to go.
Last time he had packed himself some snacks, but he had ended up not needing any of them. Peeking into the fridge made him a little sad, but he ignored the mostly empty shelves for grabbing the leftovers from his dongsaengs.
Yeonjun had been sure to assure him that neither Huening nor Soobin had been near the food at the time it had been made, which Jungkook had laughed at when he saw the offended looks on both of the boys’ faces.
Jungkook’s stomach rumbled as he opened the tupperware of the doenjang jjigae, inhaling the familiar scent. He reheated some of it in a small pot, leaving it to warm up as he went to get some rice from his trusty rice cooker.
There had been a period where Jungkook had not accepted food from his friends because not only had he felt bad, he had felt as if he did not have the right to accept food from his younger friends. Jungkook should have been the one giving not taking.
Yeonjun had been quick to end that train of thought once he had found out exactly what Jungkook had been thinking.
“We’re a pack. You have to pay rent alone, but we have 5 different incomes paying for our apartment. It’s okay, hyung.” Yeonjun had pressed the box into his arms, not accepting Jungkook’s attempt at refusing it. “Just accept it. It will go to waste otherwise.”
Jungkook could hardly stand the thought of food going to waste, of course he couldn’t, but now that he knew how much all the boys ate, he knew Yeonjun had been lying. Yet he still accepted their food because it made it easier to work with a full stomach.
Sitting down on his sofa, Jungkook relished the food as he watched something on the television that he was hardly paying attention to. Jungkook had felt lonely at first, of course he had, but it got easier to be the only one in a room.
There was still the occasional moment where the silence almost crushed him, pressing in too close to be comfortable. Days where the echoes of the past in his apartment were louder than his own breathing. Those were the days he hid.
Once he had eaten and made sure to pack his pajamas in his backpack, he tried to get rid of any lingering anxiety by recalling the way Taehyung had been so kind and welcoming last time.
Jungkook would be okay. He just had to believe it.
Jungkook would be okay. He just had to believe it.
Jungkook took the bus to the apartment, recalling where it was but not the apartment number. Taehyung had offered to have coffee again with Jungkook if he wanted, but Jungkook had been so close to submitting his thesis so he had rejected the request on Tuesday.
Taehyung had seemed all right with it, but Jungkook had still explained to him that he couldn’t because he was still finishing his thesis, and it wasn’t because he just didn’t want to. The last thing Jungkook wanted was for Taehyung to dislike him.
Taehyun had not mentioned the fact that Jungkook had not listened to his advice about nest-surfing on Tuesday instead of waiting 3 extra days. Jungkook knew how he looked. It was obvious when he looked in the mirror that he wasn’t at peak health.
Jungkook had had to change his scent blockers after they started to cause the area around his scent glands to itch. His suppressants had thankfully never let him down, apart from the occasional nausea, but such was not the case with scent blockers.
For now he had dealt with the itchy and inflamed skin by covering them with scent patches, an expense he would have to cover until he found a better scent blocking solution. It felt good not to be wearing the patches now, though his scent, as always, was a little muted.
The scarf that he had remembered last minute ensured the rashes stayed hidden, but the wool chafed at the skin uncomfortably. It was unfortunate, but Jungkook could live with it even if every now and then he reached up to rub at them discreetly.
Taehyung had texted him and Jungkook could hardly hold back the small smile that lit up his features as he responded to Taehyung’s whining about the fact that Jungkook was taking too long to get there.
Replying (cutely) that he was trying his best to get there quickly so that Taehyung would not be alone for much longer, something eased in his chest at the messages Taehyung sent him. Clearly there were no hard feelings, at least not from Taehyung’s point of view.
Getting off the bus, Jungkook hiked up his backpack a little higher up on his back and clung to the straps, feeling a little nervous as he stood outside the apartment building. He felt nauseous but he couldn’t be sure whether that was the anxiety or suppressants talking.
Eventually Jungkook was raising his hand to knock on the apartment door but he hesitated, dropping his hand by his side as he thought about it. It really wasn’t ideal that Jungkook was excited to be there because it was meant to be a transaction, a charity for omegas like him.
Before he could even contemplate the thought of running away and telling Taehyung a blatant lie that would undoubtedly upset him, the door opened.
“Jungkook-ah!” Taehyung was wrapping his arms around him before Jungkook had time to realise that he had been caught loitering outside the door. “I’m so glad you’re here! I forgot to mention that Yoongi-hyung was going to be here a while, I hope that’s okay?”
Jungkook nodded, arms hovering behind Taehyung, unsure of what he was meant to do. Did he hug him back? Would Taehyung be hurt if he didn’t? Jungkook wrapped his arms around him, melting a little into the contact.
The casual touches between himself and his friends were always nice, but he could not for the life of him recall the last time he had been hugged, hugged like it was on purpose.
“It’s okay, hyung.” Jungkook did not even know who Yoongi was, but he trusted Taehyung and that somehow was all he needed to know for now. “It’s your home, not mine.”
Taehyung let go and so did Jungkook, feeling a little warm and soft in the after effects of the hug. “As long as you keep coming over,” Taehyung uttered, clutching Jungkook’s hand in both of his own, “I want you to make yourself at home here.”
Jungkook could not detach his gaze from the sincerity in Taehyung’s eyes and he suddenly did not know how to speak so he settled on nodding.
The spell was broken when Taehyung looked away and tugged gently at Jungkook’s hand, leading him into the apartment.
The spell was broken when Taehyung looked away and tugged gently at Jungkook’s hand, leading him into the apartment.
The first thing that Jungkook noticed was different was that the pile of pillows and blankets on the couch were all gone. Maybe Taehyung wanted Jungkook to build his own? Jungkook could already feel his hands sweating and he swallowed, hoping Taehyung wasn’t upset with him.
The second thing he noticed when he removed his shoes was that there was a lovely smell of something delicious being cooked and his mouth watered a little, even though he had just eaten.
“Yoongi-hyung wanted to make sure I had food before he left to do work,” Taehyung explained as he waited for Jungkook to put on his house slippers.
The second Jungkook was done, Taehyung was beckoning him into the kitchen area where a shorter and smaller figure had his back turned, working hard at the stove top.
Beneath all the sesame oil, garlic, and onion, Jungkook could detect the sweet and sour tang of tangerines. His sense of smell was still a little weaker than he would have liked, but he could tell that this ‘Yoongi-hyung’ was an alpha.
Jungkook could feel the way his body locked up a little, but he followed Taehyung as he approached the bar stools, holding the edge of the counter with his hands which were trembling. Gosh, Jungkook was better than this, he shouldn’t be so scared, he was okay.
Nothing was going to happen to him. What had happened four years ago was a rarity and something that wouldn't happen again, it wasn’t such a big deal, so why was he panicking at the mere whiff of another alpha? He didn’t mind their scents in the nest, so why..?
Jungkook in everyday life was not scared of alphas. He could walk by them every day, he could serve them at the counter at his workplace, but something about being in an alpha’s territory, something about the way in which he was technically encroaching–
Jungkook’s grip on the counter tightened as Taehyung called for the alpha, his heartbeat speeding up to the point where he felt shaky, like an article of clothing that only had one clothespin keeping it from blowing away from the line.
“Hyung, Jungkook-ah is here!” Taehyung’s smile was wide and then the alpha was turning around and Jungkook felt like he had been punched in the gut.
Yoongi seemed used to Taehyung’s loud ways and smiled as he turned, eyes landing on Jungkook, expression melting even further into a small smile.
His face was so gentle to look at. His button-nose, his soft cheeks and jaw, and his eyes, quiet and piercing at the same time.
His face was so gentle to look at. His button-nose, his soft cheeks and jaw, and his eyes, quiet and piercing at the same time.
Yoongi looked like a doll, at least that was the thought that first came to mind. His lips were pink and soft too and… Jungkook’s grip grew lax as the tangerine scent grew a little more pronounced in the room. It felt like they were having a stand-off but…
Jungkook felt safe.
Jungkook felt safe.
It was foolish, perhaps, to think so, so soon after meeting a strange alpha when he was an omega about to borrow his omega’s nest. Something about how small and slight Yoongi was compared to Jungkook and his bulk and muscle, settled something in him.
Jungkook could hardly be afraid of an alpha he could pick up without much difficulty. That was what was different about Yoongi: his demeanour did not scream dangerous. It wasn’t just his size or height, but the way he looked at Jungkook.
Before he could allow his thoughts to move any further along than they already had, Jungkook wrenched his eyes away, and lowered his head, hoping his show of meekness would placate Yoongi, just in case.
“It is nice to meet you, Jungkook-ssi.” Yoongi sounded like he was smiling, but Jungkook could not look up to confirm it, only curl his toes in the slippers as he bit his lip. “Taehyung-ah, you should show him your new nest.”
“Oh!” Jungkook could tell that Taehyung was ecstatic, oblivious to the way Jungkook had shied away from the alpha. “You have to see what I, well, what we did! You’ll love it, I know you will!”
Taehyung took his hand again, as he seemed to be fond of doing, and gently dragged Jungkook away. Before he left Yoongi’s line of sight, Jungkook looked up, and saw the alpha was smiling, hand raised in a signal to say goodbye. His scent remained sweet.
Jungkook followed Taehyung down a short hallway until they stopped at a door. They paused outside it and Jungkook looked curiously over at Taehyung, only to see that the omega looked a little apprehensive, eyeing Jungkook as he bit his lip.
Jungkook could not help but ask, “What’s wrong?”
Taehyung smiled, flushing a little at the question. “Nothing’s /wrong/… exactly. I just hope you like it.”
Taehyung smiled, flushing a little at the question. “Nothing’s /wrong/… exactly. I just hope you like it.”
Squeezing his hand, Jungkook could not help but try and comfort Taehyung, not liking the way he appeared so nervous, for whatever reason, about Jungkook’s opinion of his nest.
“I loved it last time, I don’t see why I should hate it now.”
“I loved it last time, I don’t see why I should hate it now.”
Taehyung seemed a little reassured by his words and held the handle of the door and opened it, revealing the room inside.
Jungkook’s mouth opened a little and he let out a small exhale of air at the sight of the nest before him.
Jungkook’s mouth opened a little and he let out a small exhale of air at the sight of the nest before him.
“Oh… Taehyung,” Jungkook whispered, eyes wide as he looked about the room.
The walls were a light, dusty pink, reminiscent of Taehyung’s soft cherry blossom scent. Fairy lights had been strung up along the top of the walls, twinkling prettily, casting a golden glow on the room.
The wall in front of Jungkook was covered in a pale green wallpaper, pale lily-of-the-valley and white roses adorning it, but what really made Jungkook breathless was the nest.
The couch was wide and had large armrests and back, tall enough to hold in all the pillows and blankets and the sheer amount of softness that it contained. Jungkook wanted to dive in it, ‘bury’ himself in it, as Taehyun had eloquently put it.
A hanging bed canopy had been drilled into the ceiling above the nest, allowing for the soft and sheer drapes to surround the nest, giving it a sense of privacy.
Jungkook had never seen a nest have the word beautiful come to mind, but in this instance it was the only word that suited.
“Do… Do you like it?” Taehyung asked, expression attentively watching Jungkook’s face for any signs of disgust. “I didn’t know if you minded fairy lights, so we can take them down if you don’t like them and Yoongi-hyung thought the canopy would be pretty–”
Jungkook let go of Taehyung’s hand and walked over to the sheer curtain of the canopy, rubbing the coarse and light fabric in between his fingers. Something in him felt overwhelmed, overwhelmed that Taehyung was sharing such a space with him.
Overwhelmed because Jungkook had never seen something so beautiful and comfortable in his whole life. All those times he had scrolled through photos of ‘aesthetic nests’, wondering what it would be like to have a nest, never mind a pretty one.
Taehyung was sharing this space with him and had worried that Jungkook may not have liked it. What did it matter what Jungkook wanted? A pressure built up behind his eyes and his head. Why would it matter what he thought? It was Taehyung’s nest.
Jungkook closed his eyes, focusing on his own breathing, and the feeling of the fabric against his fingers. “I love it, Tae-hyung.” The words came out a tad wobbly, but he was proud he spoke at all with the way his throat had closed up.
Taehyung’s scent bloomed and Jungkook could smell a hint of a fresh breeze, the cherry blossoms in the wind. “You mean it?” Taehyung asked again, voice a little more sure. “You really do like it? It’s not too much?”
Shaking his head, Jungkook let out a shaky breath, opening his eyes to meet Taehyung’s questioning gaze. “I love it and it’s perfect, thank you.”
Taehyung could tell Jungkook was trying his very best not to cry, but he kept quiet as he watched the way Jungkook looked about the room again.
Taehyung had made the nest room because he had thought it was a good idea, but the more he had decorated the room, the more he had realised that he was picking things that he hoped Jungkook would like.
f Jungkook had not liked his nest, Taehyung would not have known what to do with himself. Sharing his new nest with Jungkook had wracked him with a nervous energy he had not experienced since he had courted his own pack.
“I’m glad you think so,” Taehyung murmured, hardly able to look away from the sight of the gold lights landing on Jungkook’s form, nor the way his eyes sparkled like the stars in the heavens.
A moon among the stars.
A moon among the stars.
Jungkook removed his backpack, expression still in awe as he set it down reverently by the wall. Taehyung took that as his cue to make a hasty retreat, to leave Jungkook alone with his emotions for now.
“I’ll go now, but I’ll just be in the kitchen if you need anything.”
“I’ll go now, but I’ll just be in the kitchen if you need anything.”
Jungkook nodded, though he hardly seemed to notice that Taehyung was there as he sat down and picked up the familiar pillow, pressing it to his nose. He seemed to sink into the pillow, curling around it as if he was afraid it would go away.
Taehyung left Jungkook there, closing the door quietly behind him. Approaching Yoongi, who was now dishing out two servings of japchae, he wrapped his arms around him from behind.
“Did he not like it?” Yoongi asked, moving over to the other bowl as he filled it. “You seem a little upset.”
Taehyung huffed and rested his chin on Yoongi’s hair. “I am upset, but not about the nest.”
Taehyung huffed and rested his chin on Yoongi’s hair. “I am upset, but not about the nest.”
“Then what is it?” Yoongi moved about to put the pan into the sink, used to Taehyung clinging to him when he was trying to cook.
“He makes me sad, hyung,” Taehyung explained, tightening his hold a little more. “He… almost cried when he saw it.”
“He makes me sad, hyung,” Taehyung explained, tightening his hold a little more. “He… almost cried when he saw it.”
Yoongi hummed, running the water in the sink to let the pan soak. “He may not have seen a nest like that. He doesn’t have one, right? So, he’s probably overwhelmed. You did go all out in that room.”
Taehyung knew that, he knew that, but it didn’t make it even easier to recall the way Jungkook had practically held himself back from crying in front of an almost complete stranger. No, friend. They were friends now, because Taehyung did care about him.
“Sorry…” Jungkook’s shy voice from behind made Taehyung whirl his head around and he almost cooed at the way Jungkook was dressed in loose pyjamas, expression a little lost. “I was just wondering if I could have something to drink, I forgot, but it’s all right–”
Yoongi was already headed to fridge and he opened it, all whilst dragging Taehyung along with him. “Any preferences?”
Jungkook shook his head and flushed. “No, anything is okay with me. Water, maybe?”
Jungkook shook his head and flushed. “No, anything is okay with me. Water, maybe?”
Yoongi completely bypassed the bottles of water and took out one of the flavoured milk drinks that Jin had brought home one day. “How does banana milk sound?”
Both of them immediately caught the way Jungkook’s scent grew a little sweeter, giving him away completely. “No, water is enough for me. I’m sorry for the inconvenience." Jungkook's voice was certain though his scent grew a little sad.
Yoongi hesitated, but all the same, he put back the banana milk, and took out a bottle of water. Taehyung huffed and took it from his hands, steering both of them toward Jungkook.
“Here.” Taehyung pressed the water into his hands. “If you need anything, you can open the fridge and eat what you find as long as it’s not labelled with someone’s name on it.”
Jungkook nodded, taking the water gratefully, clearly flustered at the attention from both men. “Thank you, I’m… Goodnight and thank you.”
“Sleep well, Jungkook-ssi,” Yoongi said kindly, “I hope you rest well.”
“Sleep well, Jungkook-ssi,” Yoongi said kindly, “I hope you rest well.”
Taehyung said goodnight, but he hardly noticed what he said when he saw Jungkook shuffle away awkwardly. As soon as the door was closed, Taehyung let go of Yoongi and shook his head, voice a little frustrated.
“Hyung, he wanted the banana milk!” Taehyung whisper-yelled at his mate, expression.
“I know. He also had a rash on his neck.” Yoongi was looking off in the distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“I know. He also had a rash on his neck.” Yoongi was looking off in the distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"You're plotting something, aren't you?" Taehyung knew that look anywhere.
"No."
"You're lying but okay." Taehyung conceded, expression brightening when he remembered Yoongi had cooked for him. "Thank you for the food."
They exchanged a sweet kiss.
"No."
"You're lying but okay." Taehyung conceded, expression brightening when he remembered Yoongi had cooked for him. "Thank you for the food."
They exchanged a sweet kiss.
Yoongi would later buy a mini-fridge and cream that was meant to soothe skin sensitive to scent blockers that very night. Taehyung would probably use the mini-fridge as well, so it was for both omegas really.
Yoongi bought a box of banana milk, enough to fill the mini-fridge as well.
Taehyung may end up liking banana milk as well.
None of it was just for Jungkook, but Yoongi knew he was only lying to himself.
Taehyung may end up liking banana milk as well.
None of it was just for Jungkook, but Yoongi knew he was only lying to himself.
Which alpha should Jungkook meet next?
🛋️
Jungkook was trying his very best not to be attracted to Yoongi and Taehyung. He had been tired but the ache in his throat reminded him that he had not had anything to drink with his food earlier and Taehyung had said he could be at home here.
Jungkook was trying his very best not to be attracted to Yoongi and Taehyung. He had been tired but the ache in his throat reminded him that he had not had anything to drink with his food earlier and Taehyung had said he could be at home here.
That did not mean that Jungkook would stroll over to the refrigerator and take what he wanted, but what he had not expected upon entering the kitchen was the sight of Taehyung practically engulfing Yoongi in a backhug and the alpha seeming to act like it was normal.
Jungkook was surrounded by the scents of tangerines and cherry blossoms and cherry wood, scents that complimented each other like spring and summer intermingling. Jungkook tried not to interrupt them, he really didn’t want to be a bother.
Banana milk had been a treat Jungkook remembered fondly as a child when he was still living in his parents’ home. Nowadays, things he liked took secondary place over things he needed to live like food and paying rent.
Every time he thought of splurging on something like banana milk, he would remember that he would need the money for something else that was a little more important, like new socks, and so he would never get some for himself.
Jungkook could spend money on things he liked when he was finished with college and had a steady job that paid more than minimum wage.
What Jungkook did not do was begrudge people for the money they had that he did not.
What Jungkook did not do was begrudge people for the money they had that he did not.
He did not begrudge Taehyung nor his pack their large fridge, filled with food from the door to the shelves with fresh produce, to the tupperwares filled with leftover food, and banchan. If anything Jungkook was so glad, so glad that Taehyung was living well.
Yoongi had offered the banana milk and Jungkook had hesitated because it had been so long and it would be so easy to accept, but even easier to take advantage of their kindness. He was already asking a lot of Taehyung as it was.
It would be better not being too comfortable taking from them in case he ever had to move on to another nest, not that he wished to think of that option either. There was no use in getting used to a commodity that could be taken away just as easily as it had been given.
So, Jungkook, as much as he had wanted the banana milk, had declined it and scurried away back to the nest, clinging to the cool bottle of water in his two shaking hands.
Which brought him back to where he was now, buried under two soft blankets, face buried into the same pillow that smelled incredibly warm and familiar already. Jungkook could not help the way he inhaled the scent, breathing in its fresh scent of lemon.
Jungkook was trying very hard not to get attached to a scent, when it likely belonged to one of Taehyung’s packmates. That would not do anyone any good. The scent did not smell particularly like a dynamic, but then again, Jungkook’s sense of smell was a little screwed up.
What he could decipher made him feel warm and soft on the inside, like the scent wrapped him in its embrace, promising safety and comfort. Maybe another omega?
Jungkook did not know, but he pressed the pillow closer, and rubbed his neck over one of the corners, leaving a little of his weak scent behind. He sighed, wrapping both arms around the pillow, and curled up in a foetal position.
He watched the fairy lights twinkle over the top of the pillow and for the first time in quite some time, he felt safe. The door to the nest was locked from his side only and he would be safe. No one could come in accidentally and if they did…
No, they were kind, and if Taehyung said it was all right and had promised that none of his packmates would go near him, then Jungkook was going to have to trust him on that. It was not that difficult considering what Taehyung had done for him, after all.
For now, he would listen to Taehyun’s advice, and bury himself in this nest, and he would do his very best to enjoy it whilst it lasted. Tomorrow, he was working at twelve, so maybe he could sleep in here.
Reaching for his phone, Jungkook messaged Taehyung and he waited for an answer with heavy eyelids, the phone almost falling from his grasp a few times. Taehyung eventually answered, though after many attempts by Jungkook’s body to make him fall asleep.
Notifications (3)
Taehyung hyung: Of course it’s okay if you sleep in!
Taehyung hyung: I’ll make sure my pack goes to work quietly!
Taehyung hyung: I don’t want to see you before 10!
Taehyung hyung: Of course it’s okay if you sleep in!
Taehyung hyung: I’ll make sure my pack goes to work quietly!
Taehyung hyung: I don’t want to see you before 10!
Jungkook could not help the way he smiled at the messages, each one followed by an exclamation point that seemed to suit the goodness and spontaneity of the man’s personality.
Jungkook responded to him with a simple ‘thank you, hyung’, hoping that it did not come off as too formal. As it was, he could hardly keep his eyes open any longer, and after setting an alarm for ten the next morning, Jungkook sighed and closed his eyes.
There, in the darkness with occasional twinkling of the lights falling over Jungkook’s sleeping form, Jungkook felt like maybe things would be looking up from now on. The soft lemon-y scent soothed him to sleep, pressed close to his chest.
Somehow, he felt as if he had stumbled across something, though he wasn’t sure what, that would change his life for the better.
Perhaps Jungkook did not realise that ‘something’ would end up being ‘someones’.
Perhaps Jungkook did not realise that ‘something’ would end up being ‘someones’.
—
Jimin knew, all things considered, that he was a reasonable person. Which was why it was utterly unreasonable that his pack insisted he stay home.
Jimin knew, all things considered, that he was a reasonable person. Which was why it was utterly unreasonable that his pack insisted he stay home.
“You feel bad, Jiminie,” Taehyung tried to explain as Jimin was attempting to leave their apartment. “Jungkook didn’t seem to mind Yoongi-hyung last night and I think he’ll like you too. You’ll be able to explain yourself and stop feeling guilty.”
Jimin was not someone who ever let things affect him greatly but once guilt had already taken root, it tended to grow until it almost crippled Jimin in his social interactions.
Jimin’s guilt was never reasonable.
Jimin’s guilt was never reasonable.
“I’m sure Jungkook has met enough alphas in the past 24 hours, perhaps some other time.” Jimin crossed his arms at the way Taehyung had spread his arms out in front of the door, stopping him from leaving.
“There is no time like the present!” Taehyung insisted, expression growing a little harder at Jimin’s stubbornness. “C’mon, I wanted to have an alpha home today.”
Taehyung’s sweet scent grew a little sour and Jimin could feel his resolve slipping. “Taehyung–”
Taehyung’s sweet scent grew a little sour and Jimin could feel his resolve slipping. “Taehyung–”
Taehyung shook his head, expression growing genuinely distressed. “You all asked why I did this and I explained, but I’m also lonely sometimes.” Taehyung lowered his head slightly, enough for Jimin to see the way his lips quivered.
“I know that you all have work to do, but we have so much money. I thought at some point I would be able to spend more time with all of you.” Taehyung raised his eyes to look at Jimin. “It’s not a ploy, or a lie to make you stay, but two interests meeting.”
Jimin dropped his bag and held Taehyung’s head in his hands, raising it to look him in the eyes. “I never thought for a minute that you were lying to me.”
Taehyung nodded, smiling a little weakly. “I know, but sometimes it feels like I have to justify…”
Taehyung nodded, smiling a little weakly. “I know, but sometimes it feels like I have to justify…”
Jimin hushed him, pressing a kiss to his lips. “You’re lonely and I feel guilty, so staying home does seem like the best option. You’re right.”
“It’s not childish of me to ask, is it?” Taehyung asked, voice uncertain. “It’s not..?”
“It’s not childish of me to ask, is it?” Taehyung asked, voice uncertain. “It’s not..?”
“Not, what?” Jimin asked, patient especially when Taehyung got too far in his head.
“It’s not going to change your opinion of me if I do ask this of you?” Taehyung was so quiet and it almost broke Jimin’s heart again.
“It’s not going to change your opinion of me if I do ask this of you?” Taehyung was so quiet and it almost broke Jimin’s heart again.
“Why would it? You’re expressing a need. Not childish or silly in the slightest.” Jimin pressed a kiss to his cheek and pulled Taehyung close to him, dropping his hands to hug him. “It just makes me proud that you’re so honest with us after all you went through.”
Taehyung knew that he was lucky, though it ought not to be considered luck to end up with a pack such as his, to have such kind and wonderful packmates. Jungkook clearly had gone through something, perhaps entirely different to Taehyung but…
That didn’t change the fact that Taehyung saw something in Jungkook that made him want to fix it, to change it, to do something that would get rid of the fear that seemed to surround the man at all times.
Taehyung could only imagine what had happened, but he wasn’t going to wait to find out, not when he could treat Jungkook with all the things he had wanted when he was younger right now.
“I could do with a better breakfast than the one I just ate,” Jimin suggested. “Maybe we can make something for Jungkook as well.”
Taehyung raised his head, wiping the few tears that had filled his eyes, and with a nod, he gave a watery smile. “Let’s do that.”
Taehyung raised his head, wiping the few tears that had filled his eyes, and with a nod, he gave a watery smile. “Let’s do that.”
—
When Jungkook woke up, he wasn’t sure where he was at first.
There was always something strange about waking up in an unfamiliar place. Even if Jungkook knew he had fallen asleep there, there was always something off not waking up in his own bed.
When Jungkook woke up, he wasn’t sure where he was at first.
There was always something strange about waking up in an unfamiliar place. Even if Jungkook knew he had fallen asleep there, there was always something off not waking up in his own bed.
Jungkook’s bed faced the door too, but it was never this warm, nor ever this comfortable. Once the memories of the day before trickled back into his head, Jungkook slowly recognised the comforting fairy lights, and the soft drapes overhead.
One look at his phone told him that he had woken up far too early. Setting down the phone, Jungkook closed his eyes, tightening his hold on the pillow. It was a little misshapen and Jungkook wondered if he had hugged it to death in his sleep.
Just when he thought he could drift off into delicious slumber, there was the sound of giggling, and the pitter-patter of bare feet on hardwood floors. Jungkook opened his eyes, listening as he heard loud whispers, the sound of happy chatter.
Dropping his head back down, Jungkook wondered if he would ever be comfortable enough with a pack to be able to act silly, to be unafraid of retaliation. He wondered if there was such a pack out there that did not mind an omega like him.
He knew from his dongsaengs that it was possible to be a pack with a less-than-traditional pack dynamic. Yeonjun and Soobin were examples of that. Yeonjun, an alpha uncomfortable leading, Soobin, an omega comfortable taking charge of pack matters.
Jungkook just didn’t know, he didn’t know if he would ever be comfortable enough to be in a pack. There was the Jungkook that had been hurt, the one who had been raised a certain way, and there was the Jungkook who knew better now.
Jungkook may know many more things now than he had before but it didn’t make it any easier to turn off the voices of his family pack members, or situate what he knew now to be true in between the way he had always been raised to think.
There was a huge difference between knowing something and being able to apply that knowledge into behaviour and a way of thinking. Jungkook knew that all too well. Even now, Jungkook did not know where he was, he didn’t know how he was.
There was no right way to be an omega, Hyuka would always say, always repeat when Jungkook began to question his own way of being. Jungkook knew he could like going to gym as an omega now, he knew that, but there was so much Jungkook simply did not know.
He had reached a point that he had begun to note the things he did like, the things he did enjoy, and ask Hyuka his opinion of them, as a fellow omega. Hyuka was always so patient with Jungkook, never condemning him for any simple questions he had.
Jungkook knew that there was so much he had yet to learn, but he knew that his dongsaengs would never lose patience with him, no matter how silly he thought the question was. It was nice having people there who would help him whenever he had a question.
A whiff of the fresh and tangy scent of lemon hit his nostrils as he was thinking and Jungkook lifted the pillow to press it against his face.
Like a question involving why Jungkook was so attached to the scent of someone he hadn’t even met.
Like a question involving why Jungkook was so attached to the scent of someone he hadn’t even met.
Jungkook had seen the way Soobin would sometimes melt whenever he was tired and stressed as soon as he pressed his nose to Yeonjun’s throat, as if it brought him comfort. Enough comfort for him to lower his defences and be cared for.
He could hardly think about the first time he had held the pillow, flushing at the mere remembrance of practically fainting in Taehyung’s arms over a stupid scent. Jungkook let out a muffled groan and threw the pillow onto the floor, ignoring the way his stomach dropped.
Ignore it, he said to himself as he changed into a clean set of clothes.
Ignore it, he told himself as he tried to tidy up the nest a little, aware he had rumpled the blankets and flattened some of the pillows.
Ignore it, he told himself as he tried to tidy up the nest a little, aware he had rumpled the blankets and flattened some of the pillows.
Ignore it, his mind told him as he picked up the bright yellow pillow, embroidered with small daisies, and held it close to his chest, before throwing it onto the nest.
Ignore it, he tried to convince himself as he picked up his bag and left the nest room, it’s just a pillow.
Ignore it, he tried to convince himself as he picked up his bag and left the nest room, it’s just a pillow.
He paused once he was in the hallway and looked back on the twinkling lights and the warm and safe haven. Maybe someday he would have a nest like this. It hurt him, his chest aching and eyes burning at the thought of leaving the nest.
Sentimental over a nest? Jungkook was stronger than that. He closed the door behind him ignoring the way he felt like he was leaving something important behind.
If Jungkook was a master of anything, it was denying himself of the things he wanted.
If Jungkook was a master of anything, it was denying himself of the things he wanted.
The giggles only grew louder the closer he grew to the kitchen and Jungkook hunched his shoulders, unsure of who he would find around the corner.
The first person he saw was Taehyung taking something from the refrigerator, hair still mussed, expression gleeful as he turned around. His eyes met Jungkook and his face immediately grew brighter.
“Jungkook-ah! Morning!”
“Jungkook-ah! Morning!”
Jungkook could feel himself curling in on himself at the attention, able to detect the scent of cherry blossoms.
Then he could tell there was someone else there, a faint hint of baked vanilla cupcakes hitting his nose.
Then he could tell there was someone else there, a faint hint of baked vanilla cupcakes hitting his nose.
As Jungkook approached the kitchen island, he saw a small and slender form sitting down at one of the stools. When the figure turned their head, Jungkook was sure he lost all the breath in his lungs.
It was the alpha that had been hovering over him as he slept. Jungkook eyed the door out of the corner of his eye, unsure of how long he had until the alpha jumped him and–
“Jungkook-ssi.” It was not a question, rather it was a statement. “I apologise for scaring you when we first met.”
–and why was the alpha apologising to him? Jungkook’s head snapped up, eyes wide.
–and why was the alpha apologising to him? Jungkook’s head snapped up, eyes wide.
The alpha, upon a longer look, was exceedingly pretty. His hair was dyed blonde, fluffy and like spun sunlight in the gold glow of the overhead lights. His eyes were caring, lips plump and red, like he had been biting them for quite some time.
“Apologise..?” Jungkook could hardly keep the shock and surprise from his expression. “I don’t–” He cut himself off, unsure of what was happening, because last Jungkook knew, alphas never apologised, at least not to non-pack members.
“My intention was to lay a blanket over you,” the alpha explained, speaking slowly, ensuring Jungkook understood what he was saying, “but I scared you instead, and I do apologise for doing so. I took liberties I should not have.”
Jungkook shook his head, feeling like he was being watched by both men, as if he was going to keel over any minute. “That’s okay, but I should apologise for–”
Taehyung clapped his hands loudly, making Jungkook and Jimin jump in surprise.
“You have nothing to apologise for Jungkook-ah, all is forgiven. Would you like some breakfast? I made you some just in case.”
“You have nothing to apologise for Jungkook-ah, all is forgiven. Would you like some breakfast? I made you some just in case.”
Jungkook blinked, still recovering from the surprise of being apologised to by a pretty alpha. The kitchen smelled wonderful and Jungkook was a little hungry and his fridge and cupboards were a little bare until his next paycheck. It wouldn’t hurt, surely?
“If it’s not too much trouble, thank you.”
Jungkook set down his bag at Taehyung’s pleased grin. There was nowhere else to sit except next to the other alpha and if he sat at the table, it would be rude. So, swallowing down his fear, Jungkook sat down.
Jungkook set down his bag at Taehyung’s pleased grin. There was nowhere else to sit except next to the other alpha and if he sat at the table, it would be rude. So, swallowing down his fear, Jungkook sat down.
The alpha turned his head, smiling, his eyes crinkling, and Jungkook revelled in the comforting warmth of his vanilla scent.
“Park Jimin.” The alpha inclined his head. “It’s nice to meet you properly.”
“Park Jimin.” The alpha inclined his head. “It’s nice to meet you properly.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook fiddled with his sleeves, unsure of where to look, unused to interacting with other people, never mind alphas he hardly knew.
It was so odd that nothing about this alpha spoke danger now, not even when he was sitting so close to him. Jungkook could recall the terror still when he had woken up to a foreign person visible above him, the scent of alpha in the air.
“Did you rest well?” Taehyung asked from where he was at the stove, turning around as he stirred something in a frying pan. “I hope the nest was comfortable?”
Jungkook lifted his head, reaching up to scratch absentmindedly at his itching scent glands, wincing at how hot they felt to the touch. “It was very comfortable, thank you. I love the fairy lights,” his voice was soft and he flushed when Taehyung smiled at him.
“I thought you might,” Taehyung uttered cryptically before focusing his attention on the food in the pan again.
Jungkook hardly knew what Taehyung meant by that, still trying not to jump at every little movement of Jimin.
Jungkook hardly knew what Taehyung meant by that, still trying not to jump at every little movement of Jimin.
Taehyung placed a steaming plate of egg omelettes on the table, which Jimin reached for as soon as it was safely on the counter.
“Hey!” Taehyung rapped the alpha on the knuckles with a spatula. “No touching until Jungkook has taken his portion.”
“Hey!” Taehyung rapped the alpha on the knuckles with a spatula. “No touching until Jungkook has taken his portion.”
Jungkook watched Jimin out of the corner of his eyes, wondering how the alpha was going to react to the way Taehyung had so clearly swatted him away, disrespecting him, and his position in the pack.
Jimin just laughed and retracted his hand. “Oh, I see how it is.”
Jimin just laughed and retracted his hand. “Oh, I see how it is.”
Jungkook watched as Jimin pushed the plate over until it was right in front of Jungkook. “I suggest you listen to Taehyung, he’s very serious about getting his way.”
Nodding, Jungkook panicked when he noticed the way his shirt fell away from his neck, revealing a long and jagged series of scars on his collarbone and neck, disappearing under the fabric further down the slope of his back.
Eyes widening, Jungkook tugged the collar of his shirt up, reaching down to grab his hoodie, putting it on before continuing to accept food from Taehyung, hoping against hope that none of them had seen.
Jungkook always remembered to wear clothing that covered his scars. He had been so warm in the nest, so comfortable that he had foregone the hoodie or jacket, unwittingly risking showing complete strangers his scars that he hid so carefully from everyone.
Scars had a tendency to silence people, had a way of changing the way people viewed him, and Jungkook didn’t want that, least of all from a strange alpha like Jimin.
He still remembered the day Hyuka and Taehyun had spotted his scars. They knew the story, of course they did; they had been the ones to pick Jungkook up when he was drowning in pain and loneliness. But he would never forget that day.
It had been a momentary lapse in judgement, when the boys had decided that a trip down to one of the beaches during the summer would be a good idea. Jungkook had been invited along and he had been so excited to splash in the salty, blue sea.
The rest of the boys were already in the water by the time Jungkook, Hyuka, and Taehyun had arrived with the snacks and towels. Jungkook had removed his t-shirt and it was only when he heard the twin gasps behind him that he realised his mistake.
What hurt most was perhaps the way Hyuka looked at him like he was something porcelain, breakable, and vulnerable. Taehyun’s eyes were wide, but he had smiled up at Jungkook, eyes filled with sorrow. All the same, the t-shirt went back on.
Jungkook had hated the scars for so long, had hated the way they felt, the way they had tightened the surrounding skin, and made some exercises painful. He thought they were ugly for so long, hated the way they looked more than anything.
Now, Jungkook wasn’t necessarily proud of them, but had faced the fact that they told a story, one that he had lived, and had survived through. They were a part of him now, whether he liked them or not, but he still didn’t like it when others saw them.
Jungkook swallowed the breakfast, hardly tasting anything, even though he was sure it must have been tasty.
“Will you come back next week?” Taehyung asked halfway through their meal. “Not… Not that you have to, I was just wondering.”
“Will you come back next week?” Taehyung asked halfway through their meal. “Not… Not that you have to, I was just wondering.”
Jungkook chewed and swallowed before answering, before nodding. “If it is not too much trouble. I think it would be a good idea for me.”
Jimin nodded, expression thoughtful as he rested his head on his palm, elbow on the counter. His hair fell a little over his eyes and in Jungkook’s eyes he looked ethereal. Like a renaissance painting, just begging to be painted onto canvas to preserve the sight forever.
“Taehyung likes your company, I think,” Jimin spoke up, ignoring Taehyung’s loud voice, “and he tells me you’ve been suffering from some side effects from lack of nest-time.”
Jungkook bit his lip, looking over at Taehyung who was furiously focusing on his plate of food. “I’ve been all right up until now, but I have been growing a little more tired of late,” Jungkook admitted quietly.
“Well, I do hope that you will come over as often as you need.” Jimin’s voice was genuine and Jungkook could find no lie in his scent nor his expression.
Taehyung nodded, looking up from his plate after having controlled his blush. “Please do, Jungkook-ah, I really don’t use my personal nest that much anymore, so it’ll be free whenever you need it.”
Jungkook tried to swallow past the lump in his throat, but the words he spoke next came out hoarse. “Thank you, I will come next Friday then.”
Taehyung shook his head, reaching a hand over to cup Jungkook’s cold hands in his large, warm ones. “Whenever you need it. I don’t think you have to use the app anymore to request time, okay? I know you now, so I can give you my number.”
Jungkook nodded, trying his best to contain the tears that sprung in his eyes at the genuine concern in Taehyung’s gaze.
Jungkook left the apartment feeling a little lighter, a little warmer, but a lot lonelier once he entered his own apartment.
Jungkook left the apartment feeling a little lighter, a little warmer, but a lot lonelier once he entered his own apartment.
When he slept that night, he wrapped his arms around himself, feeling as if it should have been a certain yellow pillow to his chest instead.
Somewhere else, Jimin was sitting alone, thinking back on the scars he had seen on Jungkook’s skin.
Somewhere else, Jimin was sitting alone, thinking back on the scars he had seen on Jungkook’s skin.
Which alpha should Koo meet next?
🛋️
Jungkook was beginning to wonder how many packmates Taehyung had. It made sense after he met Jimin and Yoongi, both alphas, that perhaps there was one more. Packs where Jungkook came from were smaller and Mingyu’s was a big one, even for normal standards.
Jungkook was beginning to wonder how many packmates Taehyung had. It made sense after he met Jimin and Yoongi, both alphas, that perhaps there was one more. Packs where Jungkook came from were smaller and Mingyu’s was a big one, even for normal standards.
He had taken Taehyung’s phone number gratefully, so beyond unbelievable that the omega had allowed him to have his own personal phone number. Taehyung may have told him to come over whenever he needed to, but Jungkook was not going to test his kindness.
Not to mention that Jungkook was unbelievably busy the following week. Or rather, he had made sure he was busy to avoid thinking about Taehyung, Jimin, and Yoongi too much.
Jungkook had no such aspirations as to his future and for now he just wanted to get through each day.
Whether he felt bad about it or not, Jungkook did not see Mingyu, and he was so relieved. There was something about the way Mingyu looked at him that made him feel like he was being held back in some way.
Jungkook tried to focus on his assignment, the second one he had started this week. Now with his thesis behind him, he had a stockpile of other assignments to focus on.
Hyuka, who was sitting right beside him watching at videos on his phone, as he dipped into his bag of chips every now and then, looked over at him curiously.
“You’re not wearing those scent patches, hyung.” Hyuka was peering at his neck and Jungkook flushed.
“You’re not wearing those scent patches, hyung.” Hyuka was peering at his neck and Jungkook flushed.
There was an urge to reach up and shield the area that should have been covered. The rashes had grown a little more painful and Jungkook was trying to give his skin time to breathe until he could find a new kind of scent blocker.
“No, the scent blockers and patches were giving me the rashes,” Jungkook pulled his hoodie away a little to show Hyuka, who hissed in sympathy. “So I thought I should stop using them for a bit, just for now.”
Hyuka pouted, eyes looking up to meet Jungkook’s eyes. “Your scent has gotten a little stronger, hyung. I like it.”
Jungkook flushed and laughed nervously, unsure how to take the compliment. It was considered strange to point out someone’s scent.
Jungkook flushed and laughed nervously, unsure how to take the compliment. It was considered strange to point out someone’s scent.
“It’s not very omegan, is it?” Jungkook rested his hands over the keyboard, unsure of where to look, so he settled for the screen of his laptop.
“I don’t see how that matters,” Hyuka chirped, the chip packet rustling as he took some more. “On average omegas have sweeter scents, but it doesn’t mean every omega has one. Besides, I just like yours because it’s yours, hyung.”
Jungkook’s fingers pressed a little on the keys, unsure of how to respond to what Hyuka had said. It had always been a point of contention with some members of his family pack that he did not have a very omegan scent profile.
“What does it… smell like?”
“What does it… smell like?”
Hyuka shifted his feet beneath him as if readying himself to tell all. “Like… Like limes. Not very strong, but the lime scent like when you cut one and the scent transfers onto your skin, you know?”
Jungkook could not help but smile at the way Hyuka described it. “So, kind of a sour lime?”
Hyuka shook his head vehemently, popping another chip in his mouth as he thought a little more about it.
Hyuka shook his head vehemently, popping another chip in his mouth as he thought a little more about it.
“No, not like how a lime tastes, hyung, like how it smells. That sweet smell of the juice and peel together.” Hyuka paused. “Like key lime. I helped my mother make a key lime pie when I was younger. A little stronger but sweeter than a normal lime.”
Jungkook chanced a look over at Hyuka and saw the way Hyuka was watching him. “You’re not just any lime, hyung, you’re a special lime.”
Unsure whether to laugh or cry, Jungkook settled for hugging Hyuka, arms wrapping about the younger man.
Unsure whether to laugh or cry, Jungkook settled for hugging Hyuka, arms wrapping about the younger man.
“Thank you.” Jungkook didn’t know if it was because of his explanation, or the fact that Hyuka had always been by his side since that fateful day.
“Don’t thank me, hyung,” Hyuka lectured a little, melting into his hold. “It’s what you deserve.”
“Don’t thank me, hyung,” Hyuka lectured a little, melting into his hold. “It’s what you deserve.”
Jungkook may have had a lot of things happen to him, a lot of bad things, but it was worth all of those things happening to him if he had Hyuka and his other dongsaengs at the end of it all.
Jungkook continued with his work, chest a little full with emotions, Hyuka now resting his head on his shoulder, a little closer to his scent glands.
—
It was when he walked into the apartment the next Friday that he first laid eyes on Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon.
Jungkook had been finding himself struggling by the time Friday came and it had become clear to Taehyun, again, who was continuing to watch him like a hawk.
It was when he walked into the apartment the next Friday that he first laid eyes on Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon.
Jungkook had been finding himself struggling by the time Friday came and it had become clear to Taehyun, again, who was continuing to watch him like a hawk.
Jungkook let out a loud huff of air, palm resting on the edge of the sink as he guzzled down water after having to run in the rain to get to his dongsaengs’ apartment. Taehyun was standing across from him, arms crossed, clearly unimpressed.
“Hyung,” his voice held more disappointment than judgement, “you promised.”
Jungkook was not going to get frustrated, he wasn’t. Taehyun was coming from a place of love, he knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear it, when Jungkook was /trying/.
Jungkook was not going to get frustrated, he wasn’t. Taehyun was coming from a place of love, he knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear it, when Jungkook was /trying/.
“I’m going tonight, Taehyun-ah, after I help Beomgyu with his project, and go home to take a shower.” Jungkook lowered his water bottle, his other hand reached up to dry the rainwater in his fringe.
With a hum, Taehyun was walking closer, and then he seemed to be analysing Jungkook’s face, which made him shuffle his feet a little, unsure of what the younger man was trying to see.
“You look tired, hyung.” His voice was low.
“You look tired, hyung.” His voice was low.
“I am tired, Taehyun-ah.” Jungkook was not afraid to admit it, but it was marginally more difficult to tell Taehyun.
“Tired, like you’re tired of life, hyung.” Taehyun reached over to squeeze Jungkook’s hand. “I want your life to be enjoyable, not something to get through.”
“Tired, like you’re tired of life, hyung.” Taehyun reached over to squeeze Jungkook’s hand. “I want your life to be enjoyable, not something to get through.”
Maybe someday, Jungkook’s life would be more than just something to survive, but for now, Jungkook would accept his lot in life and push through, longing for the day when life would be a little kinder to him.
Jungkook did not hold on hope for that to happen for quite some time, but he wasn’t unhappy. There was something about the challenge of life that made him want to keep going, so he could say he beat life instead of the other way around.
“If life were too easy, there would be no point in getting anything done,” Jungkook whispered, squeezing Taehyun’s hand. “If there was no enemy, we would turn the good around us into the enemies.”
Taehyun was silent after that, clearly struggling to respond to Jungkook’s words, but Jungkook didn’t expect an answer.
“I don’t want to be so content that I blame the good around me for the reason why I can’t get anything done.”
“I don’t want to be so content that I blame the good around me for the reason why I can’t get anything done.”
There had been no intention by Jungkook to lecture his dongsaeng, but sometimes Jungkook wanted to say what was on his mind, and share his thoughts. He felt bad, because he knew what Taehyun meant. It had been Jungkook who had turned into a philosophy lesson.
“I can’t wait to graduate, though.” Jungkook ruffled Taehyun’s hair, who rolled his eyes, expression brightening a little. “It’ll be nice not to have to do anymore assignments. How about dinner? We have to make sure the rest don’t eat ramen.”
Jungkook still felt bad for the way he had handled his conversation with Taehyun, but he already intended to make it up for him by buying him an egregious amount of snacks the next morning as a form of apology. Though he would make sure Taehyun didn’t know the reason why.
The weather was cold, bitingly so, and Jungkook wished he had thought to wear a pair of gloves at least. His hair was still wet, not having had time to dry it, really, not when he didn’t want to be rude and arrive at Taehyung's apartment late.
By the time he arrived at their apartment complex, Jungkook’s fingers were bright red and frozen stiff, and he rubbed them together as he waited for the elevator. His nose felt a little cold and it was beginning to run because of the temperature difference already.
By the time Jungkook had arrived on their floor, his hands were marginally warmer, and he had managed to quell his sniffling. Rubbing them together once more for good measure, Jungkook pressed on the buzzer and waited for someone to open the door.
Taehyung had mentioned that some of his pack were home, though he had not said who that meant exactly, so when someone other than Taehyung opened the door, Jungkook had a bit of a fright.
Nothing could have ever prepared him for the sight of whoever this packmate was. Broad shoulders, a trim waist, hair that delicately brushed against his temples was all Jungkook could see as he tried to scramble for words, anything.
“Jungkook-ssi!” The man’s voice was not deep, somewhere in mid-register and it oozed camaraderie and cordiality, already putting Jungkook at ease. “Come in, come in, it’s wonderful to meet you, finally.”
Unsure of what words he could even speak, seeing as whoever this was was dressed in pink and was unspeakably attractive, possibly two of Jungkook’s weaknesses, he entered past the stranger, only realising as he walked by him that he were an alpha.
Another alpha? Taehyung never spoke of his packmates unless it was with vague fondness but three alphas was already more than Jungkook trusted himself to be safe around, but…
He looked so kind and his scent was so familiar, like freshly washed laundry having just come out of the dryer, still warm. The alpha reminded Jungkook of his favourite fabric softener, fresh and long-lasting.
Jungkook almost tripped over the entryway as he thought exactly about how he smelled to him, but the alpha reached out a hand to steady him, hand wrapping gently around his upper warm, and Jungkook startled at the contact.
Fortunately, the man just smiled and tutted as he closed the door behind them, unaware that now Jungkook was terrified because his only mode of escape was blocked by him. What would happen if he angered the alpha accidentally by being in the pack’s space?
“Be careful, Jungkook-ssi, don’t want you hurting yourself the second you get in through the door, do we?” His voice was cheerful and Jungkook nodded as he tried to undo the laces with his numb fingers. “Kim Seokjin by the way, but you can call me hyung.”
Jungkook was struggling to remove his laces and then, before he realised what was happening, hands that were not his own entered his field of vision, and began to carefully undo the double-knot in his laces for him.
An alpha, Seokjin, was kneeling in front of Jungkook, completely focused on helping Jungkook remove his shoes. Jungkook was looking down at him and something in him felt lost. Alphas weren’t supposed to… kneel. Not the ones he remembered.
Something in Jungkook thawed, something in him told him that this was an alpha like his dongsaengs. This was an alpha who didn’t care about traditional conventions. This was an alpha who lived to serve those because it was how he loved.
“Your poor fingers must be frozen,” Seokjin tutted softly, completely unaware of Jungkook’s thoughts, as he succeeded in undoing the laces, his fingers nimble. “I’ll be sure to turn on the heat for you in a minute. Have you eaten? I made dinner and there was some left over.”
In fact, Jungkook had not eaten at all, not since that morning, but he had been intending to eat before he realised what time it was.
“If it’s not too much trouble, Seokjin-hyung.” The alpha was offering and Jungkook was incredibly hungry, the more he thought about food. “Thank you.”
Seokjin waved his appreciation away, the edge of his smile tucked under his round cheeks as he straightened up to full height. “Get into your bedclothes and I will see about warming up the food for you, yes?”
Unable to do anything other than listen to the alpha, Jungkook shuffled away, still reeling from the utterly muscle-melting scent that he left behind, so like his own fabric softener he splurged on occasionally. And he was so kind too. Taehyung deserved Seokjin.
Something formed in his chest and he hoped that it was not longing because they were Taehyung’s pack, they were all Taehyung's.
They were kind, but not Jungkook’s to long for.
They were kind, but not Jungkook’s to long for.
Entering the nest room felt like coming home and Jungkook brushed the stray tear from his cheek, swallowing down the feeling of home that coursed through his very being. It felt more like home than his apartment and he had missed it so.
Being sure to shut the door behind him, Jungkook lowered his bag to the floor, and checking to make sure that there was no one watching him (the room was empty, but just in case), he dove into the wide couch. Something loosened in his chest.
Searching around with his hands, Jungkook’s hands found the familiar material of the pillow, the one he had managed to live without for seven whole days. Dragging it close to his face, Jungkook pressed it to his nose, anticipating the particular scent it had.
Except… it didn’t smell like the lemon scent he had been so used to. It smelled like a mixture of Yoongi and Taehyung and under normal circumstances, Jungkook would not have minded, but it was the lemon pillow. It was supposed to smell different from the rest.
Something in him coiled up inside, some part of him felt like he had been abandoned, which was silly. It was just a pillow, he wasn’t meant to get so attached to something so trivial. Yet here Jungkook was, tearing up because the scent was gone.
He pressed his nose a little closer to the pillow, trying to find a trace of the scent, but all he got was tangerines and cherry blossoms. It was all gone. Jungkook blinked and found tears falling onto the pillow, eyes overflowing with disappointment and hurt.
Pulling the pillow away, Jungkook sat up, scrubbing at his eyes, trying to will the tears back in. He could cry later when he wasn’t about to back out and see Seokjin again. It felt like he was using a bottle cork to stop a river from flowing, but it would do.
Pulling on his pyjamas in a numb haze, Jungkook tried not to trip over himself as he patted his cheeks with his sleeves, hoping the remnants of crying were not that obvious. He didn’t want to be seen by anyone like this, least of all an alpha, no matter how kind.
Sniffing once for good measure, Jungkook blew upwards on his face, trying to cool down his red cheeks, which felt warm, and itchy. He scratched the rashes on his neck, pulling away once he realised what he was doing. Scratching would make the rashes worse.
Peering out into the hallway, Jungkook could hear muffled voices from the direction of the kitchen, Seokjin’s voice paired with Taehyung’s low tones. Good, at least Taehyung was there now. He could hide behind him if he needed to.
Slipping out into the hallway, Jungkook made his way awkwardly to the kitchen. Seokjin was laughing at something Taehyung had said, squeaky and high, drawing a small smile out of Jungkook’s lips.
Taehyung was laughing too, head thrown forward as he rested a fist on the counter, hardly able to contain his mirth.
Then he spotted Jungkook out of the corner of his eye and he was turning around in his seat, laugh forming into a wide smile. “Jungkook-ah!”
Then he spotted Jungkook out of the corner of his eye and he was turning around in his seat, laugh forming into a wide smile. “Jungkook-ah!”
Getting up from his seat, Taehyung approached him, but Jungkook saw the moment his expression morphed into one of concern, the second he saw what must have been the sight of his red-rimmed eyes and red-stained cheeks.
“Kook-ah?” The alarm in his voice alerted Seokjin who had just set a plate down on the counter. “You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”
Jungkook shook his head and swiped under his nose, closing his eyes in a vain effort to stop the tears. He couldn’t cry here.
Jungkook shook his head and swiped under his nose, closing his eyes in a vain effort to stop the tears. He couldn’t cry here.
“Jungkook-ah, would you like us to leave the kitchen for you to eat in peace?” Jin was giving Jungkook a clear way out of this and Jungkook grasped at it.
“Please… I’m sorry.” Jungkook winced at how croaky his voice was.
“Please… I’m sorry.” Jungkook winced at how croaky his voice was.
“Oh no, honey, no need to apologise. We were planning to go to bed early. Help yourself to anything you want in the fridge.” Jin’s scent and words were like a balm to Jungkook’s shot nerves.
Taehyung clearly wanted to protest, but when Jungkook’s hands fisted at his own pyjamas bottoms, he snapped his mouth shut. Reaching a hand out, Taehyung rested it on Jungkook’s shoulder.
“You call me if you need anything at all, okay? I’ll have it beside me when I sleep, all right?” Taehyung’s thumb brushed gently against Jungkook’s scent gland briefly and then they were both leaving, as indicated by their voices growing further away.
Once Jungkook had gathered what little dignity and nerves he had left, he sat down and began to eat, though it grew more difficult to eat as the tears fell from his eyes and onto the plate. Halfway through, Jungkook almost choked on a sob and food and gave up.
Standing up, Jungkook cleaned off the plate, apologetic that he could not finish the food. Once he had cleared up after himself, Jungkook headed back to the nest, dreading it more than he was willing to admit. It just wasn't the same.
The nest wasn’t the same, the pillow abandoned in the corner of the room Jungkook could not see from where he lay. Closing his eyes was easy, but falling asleep proved to be more of a challenge. Eventually Jungkook fell asleep, tear tracks dried on his cheeks.
Jungkook woke up, lungs heaving, a scream on his lips. Before he could think, Jungkook was scrabbling out of the nest, a phantom of a past event haunting his movements. He had to go, there was someone here and they were going to hurt him–
It wasn’t until he was out in a low lit hallway, not the living room that haunted his dreams, that Jungkook realised that it had been a nightmare. It wasn’t real, he was okay. No one was going to hurt him, it had already happened.
Convincing his lungs otherwise was something else. Jungkook stuttered and pressed a hand to his chest, fresh tears springing to his eyes, his scars pulsing in a grim reminder.
Once he had calmed his breathing to something slower, he made his shaky way to the kitchen, tempted to find a banana milk carton, and sit on the sofa to convince himself he was all right before he tried to sleep again.
That was when his eyes adjusted the lights that were on in the sitting room and kitchen area and saw a figure sitting on the couch, tucked in the corner, flipping the page of a book. Oh, there was… someone else here and Jungkook–
The figure paused, then turned their head. Glasses, hair slicked back from his forehead, and perhaps a little older than Jungkook remembered him being. Then again, it had been a few years, but he would recognise that side-profile anywhere.
The figure seemed to hesitate, then they placed their book down beside them, and they were standing up and Jungkook could hardly contain the small whimper that rose from the back of his throat because it was…
The Kim Namjoon. The Kim Namjoon who had released an album when Jungkook was going through one of the hardest moments of his life.
The Kim Namjoon who had comforted him when Jungkook had felt alone and had been in so much pain, whose voice had soothed him to sleep when nothing else would work. The person whose voice bled comfort and care.
It didn’t help that Namjoon not only had the perfect voice, but that he was tall and so beautiful to look at. Strong jaw and cheekbones, plush cheeks that revealed dimples when he smiled, and the most intimidating stare that would melt into a soft gaze in mere seconds.
He was tall too. Jungkook had known from low-quality fan-cams that he must have been tall, but he didn’t account for the sheer bulk and space Namjoon took up.
“Jungkook-ssi?” The Kim Namjoon held out a hand for him to shake and when Jungkook took it, he swore he had never felt so lost and found at the same time. “It is wonderful to meet you. Taehyung has told me a lot about you.”
‘You have no idea’, Jungkook swallowed back the tears that rushed to his eyes, ‘how you saved my life.’
The scent of alpha, a warm fire in the shelter of a snowy mountain, hit Jungkook slowly, like the comforting feeling of flames licking cold fingers and cheeks. Jungkook could hardly speak, hand clutching Namjoon’s like if he let go, he would go adrift.
Namjoon smiled and Jungkook trembled a little in the face of it. Namjoon seemed to realise that Jungkook was cold because now he was frowning, peering at Jungkook like he was worried about him.
“What can I do for you, Jungkook-ssi?” His voice rumbled, lower than anything Jungkook had heard from him
Jungkook moved his mouth and spoke, voice broken and tremulous, “Banana milk… please?”
Jungkook moved his mouth and spoke, voice broken and tremulous, “Banana milk… please?”
“As you wish. Why don't you sit down on the couch?” His warmth left Jungkook, hand slipping out of their grip, and Jungkook hardly remembered the walk to the couch at all.
Suddenly Jungkook felt drained, back and shoulders aching painfully, and he leant forward, watching the way his hands shook against his will.
He felt sick, stomach churning uncomfortably, noting the way his knees were quivering too, the after effects of the adrenaline fuelled by his nightmare.
“I got two, just in case.” Jungkook raised his head, meeting Kim Namjoon’s bright eyes, so familiar that it almost hurt. “Hold on.”
For the second time that day, an alpha was kneeling in front of him. Namjoon poked the straw into the plastic carton and pressed it into Jungkook’s hands, ensuring that both hands gripped it.
“Sip slowly, you’re okay.” Namjoon's warm hands covered his and helped him take in a sip of the sweet drink that Jungkook remembered tasting during better times. “There you go.”
Jungkook blinked and tears were falling down his cheeks again, for what felt like the tenth time that day. The day really had not gone to plan and here he was crying in front of someone who was a stranger, but who felt more like a lost friend.
A tissue was pressed gently to his face as he sipped again of his own volition, Namjoon attentively dabbing at his cheeks with every tear came that came out.
“Finish that carton,” Namjoon commanded gently, “then if you don’t think you can sleep, we can find something to watch. Or you can watch alone if you prefer. Whatever you want. I’m sure Taehyung told you, but treat this as your home.”
“Can you stay?” Jungkook asked, unable to believe that he was asking someone he hardly knew to stay with him. An alpha no less. But Kim Namjoon wasn’t a stranger. He was comfort when Jungkook was at his lowest. “Please… hyung?”
Namjoon treated him with another smile and he nodded, eyes forming into half-crescents. “I can stay as long as you like, Jungkook-ah.”
'Forever,' Jungkook whispered to himself, 'can you stay forever?'
Like the rain Namjoon spoke of in his final track of 'mono'.
'Forever,' Jungkook whispered to himself, 'can you stay forever?'
Like the rain Namjoon spoke of in his final track of 'mono'.
🛋️
Namjoon had been the person who had been the most hesitant to allow Taehyung to share his nest with an unknown omega. It hadn’t come from a place of ill-will towards any omega other than Taehyung, nor because he thought Tae couldn't handle himself.
Namjoon had been the person who had been the most hesitant to allow Taehyung to share his nest with an unknown omega. It hadn’t come from a place of ill-will towards any omega other than Taehyung, nor because he thought Tae couldn't handle himself.
Heaven knows, Namjoon knew Taehyung could handle himself and didn’t need someone to watch out for him. Rather, Namjoon knew that Taehyung’s goodwill could often colour his judgement of others. He could think on his own two feet, but he was so good.
People would often take advantage of that and the last thing Namjoon wanted was for Taehyung to like whichever omega came over, only for the omega to treat Taehyung badly or leave the second Taehyung started growing attached.
The last thing Namjoon wanted was for Taehyung’s heart to be broken, or for him to be saddened by a rejection. Taehyung’s heart was so big and whilst he knew Taehyung and everyone else was happy with their pack as it was, another pack member wasn’t off the table.
Hoseok never said anything, but before he had left to go to Japan for an award show one of their groups was attending, he had kissed Taehyung softly and squeezed his hand, nodding once. Taehyung had smiled as if he had understood.
None of them had thought anything of it, but Namjoon felt as if Hoseok had been giving Taehyung permission of some kind, though of what he knew not.
Namjoon missed Hoseok now and wished he could ask him what it meant.
Namjoon missed Hoseok now and wished he could ask him what it meant.
When Namjoon came home, Taehyung had greeted him sleepily, lying on top of Jimin, though the alpha was fast asleep so it hardly seemed to bother him. Jin had waved, though he passed out soon after. Yoongi was nowhere to be seen; he was probably working late again.
“Jungkook’s here, hyung,” Taehyung had mumbled as Namjoon changed into something more comfortable. “Be nice.”
Huffing out a laugh, Namjoon had nodded and kissed all of their cheeks and foreheads before going to get something to eat.
Huffing out a laugh, Namjoon had nodded and kissed all of their cheeks and foreheads before going to get something to eat.
Unfortunately, Namjoon wasn’t tired, especially after that ill-advised nap he had taken which would undoubtedly ruin his already-abysmal sleep schedule. The food only served to make him more awake and that’s when he decided curling up with a book would be a good idea
Meeting Jungkook had not been envisioned in Namjoon’s night, but that was not to say that Namjoon had minded. The omega had shuffled out and at first Namjoon wondered if he should say anything, or leave the omega be.
It wasn’t until Jungkook had not moved for quite some time that Namjoon stood up to greet him. His hair was tousled and his scent, the closer Namjoon got, smelled upset and sour. The omega was tall, as tall as Namjoon, but something about him seemed small.
Jungkook’s eyes hardly seemed to be able to look away from Namjoon and soon enough, Namjoon saw the way his eyes were swimming in tears. Of all the things Jungkook could have asked of Namjoon, banana milk was the last thing he expected.
Somehow, it made sense. The omega was upset, clearly trying his best to maintain some sense of decorum even in his distressed state, but he wanted something sweet. Namjoon could understand that, the need for something to focus on.
By the time Namjoon returned, Jungkook had devolved into a shaking mess, hands trembling visibly. Helping him, though not planned in the slightest, seemed like the right thing to do, so Namjoon did, watching as his tears finally escaped their confines.
Comforting Jungkook whilst he was upset seemed like the most natural thing to do, so Namjoon did, ever watchful in case he did something that was a step too far for the omega.
Namjoon never expected for Jungkook to want him to stay.
Namjoon never expected for Jungkook to want him to stay.
“Would you like to watch anything in particular?” Namjoon’s voice was so low it was verging on a rumble, though it seemed to ease Jungkook little by little.
They were both sitting on the couch, Jungkook sipping the second carton of banana milk by himself now, a blanket draped over his shoulders.
Jungkook paused, eyes widening, cheeks hollowing as he sipped, lips in something akin to a pout, and shook his head. It did not seem as if he wanted to talk and that was more than all right with Namjoon.
“We’ll watch a nature documentary, then.” Namjoon knew, from watching enough of them again and again, which ones to watch that did not involve too many terrifying creatures. “The red crab migration one, I think."
Jungkook hummed softly in agreement, shuffling a little as if to make himself comfortable, his knees brushing against Namjoon’s thigh briefly before he moved them away in his quest to sit comfortably.
The documentary began to play as they sat there side by side, Namjoon speaking up every now and then to comment on something, Jungkook humming occasionally or giggling softly when Namjoon said something funny. Over a period of a few minutes, Jungkook shuffled closer to Namjoon.
Whether it was on purpose or not, Namjoon did not know, Jungkook’s shoulder brushed against his once, twice, then finally settled until their shoulders were touching. His scent was very muted, but Namjoon could tell he was happy, happier than he had been.
Glancing over at him, Namjoon saw that he was done with his second carton of banana milk, but still holding it, as if he didn’t want to move to put it somewhere. His eyes were wide as he watched the screen, seeming to enjoy what Namjoon had chosen.
“Would you like me to put the carton on the table beside me?” Namjoon asked, watching the way Jungkook blinked and looked like he didn’t remember that he was holding it.
Cute.
Cute.
“Please,” Jungkook whispered, seeming grateful as he handed the carton to Namjoon. “Thank you.”
“Of course. If you would like more, just let me know.” Namjoon set the carton down and smiled. “Or anything else for that matter.”
“Of course. If you would like more, just let me know.” Namjoon set the carton down and smiled. “Or anything else for that matter.”
“No, I’m good now, thank you.” Jungkook tugged the blanket a little tighter around himself, sighing softly.
Good was not the word Namjoon would have used, but Jungkook did look a lot better than he had before, though there was a lingering sadness in his scent.
Good was not the word Namjoon would have used, but Jungkook did look a lot better than he had before, though there was a lingering sadness in his scent.
Thinking it best to leave it, Namjoon crossed his arms and settled into the couch cushions a little more, knowing he would be sitting here for longer than he had anticipated, but that was all right.
It wasn’t long until Namjoon noticed that Jungkook was trying his best to stay awake, slow and long blinks before his head dipped forward a little, only to jerk up after a few moments of reprieve. Namjoon would have laughed if the sight had not been so endearing.
Jungkook’s cheeks were still blotchy in parts, eye bags prominent, skin paler than what would be supposed healthy. Even now, Namjoon could see red rashes over his scent glands that looked puffy and painful. Something would have to be done about those.
Namjoon knew, he knew that omegas could care for themselves, flourish alone, but just because they could didn’t mean they had to. Taehyung had been flourishing alone, but he had felt so lonely, thus oftentimes forgetting to feed himself.
Jungkook, Namjoon hardly knew, but he had clearly lived many years alone and this was maybe only a rough patch he was going through worse than the others. Taehyung had mentioned that it had been 4 years since he had had a pack and he was doing well.
That didn’t mean Jungkook couldn’t be doing better. Something in Namjoon ached to make it better, but that would be overstepping. Or would it? When did caring become caring too much?
So far into his head was he that Namjoon hardly noticed when Jungkook’s head gradually made its descent onto his shoulder. It was only when he felt soft curls tickling his neck and a heavy weight against his side that he realised.
Jungkook was fast asleep, arms wrapped around his stomach, his entire upper body resting against Namjoon. Careful not to move too much, Namjoon slid an arm behind Jungkook carefully to allow for his head to rest more comfortably against his chest.
Shutting his eyes, Namjoon decided that even if this wasn’t the most ideal sleeping position, that he wouldn’t trade it, not with the way Jungkook’s scent bloomed, sweet limes swaying in the summer breeze contentedly.
—
“Shh, you’re going to wake them.”
Namjoon twitched, sure there was more noise than there had been when he had been awake. It was nice and warm here, he decided. There was a reassuring weight against his side and the scents around him were happy ones.
“Shh, you’re going to wake them.”
Namjoon twitched, sure there was more noise than there had been when he had been awake. It was nice and warm here, he decided. There was a reassuring weight against his side and the scents around him were happy ones.
“Namjoon-ah,” Seokjin’s voice was closer now. “You’ve got to get up, you have that meeting at nine.”
Namjoon groaned and squeezed his closed lids tighter for a moment, not wanting to move but knowing he had to eventually.
Namjoon groaned and squeezed his closed lids tighter for a moment, not wanting to move but knowing he had to eventually.
Squinting his eyes when they were hit with the bright overhead lights, Namjoon met Seokjin’s warm expression, finding joy in the fact that he looked like he had slept well.
“I see you met someone.” Seokjin looked over to his right and that’s when it all came back to him. What had happened the night before. “We should let him sleep a little longer. Breakfast is ready.”
Namjoon already understood, eyeing Jungkook, whose mouth was a little open, pressed up close to him still. Carefully and ever so slowly, Namjoon eased his arm away and together with Seokjin, they settled Jungkook to lay horizontally on the couch.
The boy hardly stirred, burying his face into the soft couch cushion, as he continued to slumber. Cracking his back, Namjoon picked up the banana milk cartons and followed Seokjin to the kitchen table. Yoongi was there, nursing a cup of hot chocolate.
“Morning, hyung,” Namjoon murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek before sitting down to the food in front of him. “How did you all sleep?”
Seokjin smiled and inclined his head. “Slept okay. Taehyung and Jimin are sleeping in.”
Seokjin smiled and inclined his head. “Slept okay. Taehyung and Jimin are sleeping in.”
Namjoon began to eat, chewing a few times before looking over at Yoongi.
“Didn’t sleep.” Yoongi sipped his drink without ever looking up from the table. “Jin-hyung has banned me from caffeine until I get a night’s worth of sleep.”
“Didn’t sleep.” Yoongi sipped his drink without ever looking up from the table. “Jin-hyung has banned me from caffeine until I get a night’s worth of sleep.”
“Well, if it helps, you do look tired, hyung,” Namjoon uttered, reaching over to squeeze Yoongi’s free hand. “A track bothering you?”
Yoongi snorted as if it were even a question and shrugged. “Just the usual. I need to get a song done, but it’s like everything is trying to stop me from doing that.”
Namjoon hummed, familiar with the occasion wherein there was a deadline looming but the drive and inspiration were non-existent. “If you need any listening ears, or any ideas, I’m here, hyung.”
Yoongi raised his head at that, smiling at Namjoon. “I’ll be sure to ask when I need help. So, you met Jungkook?” There was curiosity in Yoongi’s eyes as he looked at Namjoon, then Seokjin over the rim of his mug.
“I did.” Namjoon put some food in his mouth and chewed, unsure of how much he was going to tell them. “He couldn’t sleep, so he came out to get something to drink.”
“Oh, dear…” Seokjin seemed genuinely distraught. “He came to sleep in the nest but ended up sleeping on the couch.”
Namjoon was quick to reassure him. “It couldn't be helped. At least he slept, hyung."
Namjoon was quick to reassure him. “It couldn't be helped. At least he slept, hyung."
The fact that Jungkook had come to him near tears and that Namjoon had had to dry them away was something he would only share if Jungkook shared so first.
The kitchen was quiet after that, Yoongi slowly getting to the bottom of the contents of his mug, a pensive expression on his face. Seokjin was looking at something on his phone and Namjoon… Namjoon was just thinking.
Maybe thirty minutes later, when Namjoon had managed to peel himself off the chair to shower and get dressed, Jungkook shuffled into the kitchen, hair pointing in multiple directions, yawning. He was in clothes now, having evidently changed out of his sleepwear.
“Good morning.” Jungkook’s voice was quiet and he reached up to rub at his eyes, then scratch his neck as if it was out of habit and he wasn’t thinking about it. “Sorry if I disturbed your sleep, Namjoon-ssi.”
Namjoon shook his head, endeared by the sight of Jungkook in an oversized sweater, looking like he had slept well, no trace of tears on his face. “You didn’t, Jungkook-ah, and it’s hyung, please.”
Yoongi mustered up a sleepy grin and waved Jungkook over, patting the empty seat beside him. Unsure, but still trusting, Jungkook toddled over, footsteps a little disorganised still. Jungkook seemed to flush under the scrutiny of both Namjoon and Yoongi.
“I have some cream for rashes, Jungkook-ah.” Yoongi pulled out a small tube from a box in front of him Namjoon only noticed now. “Now, you can put it on yourself or one of us can, but it should go on regardless, all right?”
Yoongi was using that crooning voice, that gentle but no less strong voice that he only used when he wanted something to be done, usually for another’s benefit. He cared for Jungkook, Namjoon knew that, just by the way he looked at him.
Still a little sleepy, Jungkook seemed to take a moment to register what Yoongi had said. Once he seemed to understand, he shifted in his seat a little, as if unsure of how to respond.
“If… Would you mind if I asked you to do it for me, hyung?” Jungkook bit his lip, lowering his head, lashes brushing against the ends of his wild curls. “It’s okay if you don’t want to.” His fists curled into his sleeves, messing with the frayed edges on his lap.
“Of course I wouldn’t mind,” Yoongi uttered, eyes peeking down to look Jungkook in the eyes. “I offered, so I will do it now that you asked, all right?”
Jungkook’s shoulders slumped a little and he nodded. “Thank you, Yoongi-hyung.”
Jungkook’s shoulders slumped a little and he nodded. “Thank you, Yoongi-hyung.”
Leaning over a little closer, Yoongi unscrewed the cap and smeared a little on the pad of his forefinger. “Now, would you mind raising your head a little, Jungkook-ah.”
Obediently following Yoongi’s orders, Jungkook raised his head and tilted his neck a little to the side, looking over at Namjoon shyly, cheeks pinkening a little. It was a vulnerable position for an omega and Yoongi could see the way his pulse fluttered.
Without further ado, Yoongi began to apply the cream, wincing when Jungkook let out something akin to a sigh of relief.
“Feel okay?” Yoongi asked, knowing what the answer would be, but asking it anyway.
“Feel okay?” Yoongi asked, knowing what the answer would be, but asking it anyway.
“Nice and cold,” Jungkook affirmed, tilting his neck a little more when Yoongi went back for more on the other side of his neck. “Scent blockers have been giving me some trouble and the patches only make it worse.”
Yoongi hummed and continued to apply the cream, asking Jungkook to turn his neck in the other direction. “Good job, thank you. Would you ever consider not wearing them?”
Jungkook blinked, body loosening a little under Yoongi’s gentle care. “I stopped wearing them for now but…”
“I don’t understand, being an omega, or what it’s like.” Yoongi spread the cream around a little, noting the way Jungkook’s scent sweetened a little more. “But I think, for now, you would be better off not wearing the blockers.”
“My friends think the blockers are a little excessive,” Jungkook admitted, closing his eyes as Yoongi continued, wincing at how the rashes had travelled up his neck a little since he had last seen them. “I’m just… I don’t know.”
Yoongi hummed, motioning for Namjoon to get something for Jungkook to eat. “There, all done.” Jungkook startled a little and opened his eyes, eyes wide as he curled in on himself with a small thank you. “For now, you may have to do without.”
Yoongi went to wash his hands and Namjoon was quick to put down the food for Jungkook, who could hardly protest, not with the way his stomach rumbled.
“Thank you, hyung,” Jungkook whispered, looking at Namjoon like he wanted to say something about him he wasn’t ready to tell. “For the banana milk and the documentary.”
‘And for the tracks on your album that kept me alive.’
‘And for the tracks on your album that kept me alive.’
Namjoon’s dimples appeared when he smiled, expression melting into one that was so hard to look away from. “You’re very welcome, Jungkook-ah. Now eat.” Words no more demanding, just as kind and as gentle as they had been the night before.
—
Yoongi gave Jungkook the box with the cream tube inside and told him to follow the instructions. Grateful, almost unbelievably so, Jungkook nodded, trying not to let his eyes water too much.
Yoongi gave Jungkook the box with the cream tube inside and told him to follow the instructions. Grateful, almost unbelievably so, Jungkook nodded, trying not to let his eyes water too much.
Picking up his bag in the nest room, Jungkook also picked up the pillow, sniffing at it again in the hope against hopes that it smelled like it always had. Alas, that was not the case and he swallowed down the lump in his throat when he placed it back in the nest.
He really should not be so ungrateful, but now the nest… It felt wrong and something about it no longer oozed the comfort and safety he had begun to associate with it. Jungkook would come back, of course, but… He felt saddened.
When he left the apartment, he turned to say goodbye to Namjoon, Yoongi, and Seokjin, three alphas who had completely changed his perspective on what alphas could be like. They almost gave Jungkook hope, hope that he would find his own.
“Come back soon, hm?” Seokjin said, handing Jungkook what he could only understand to be a lot of food put away in plastic containers. “Taehyung and Jimin will be sorry they missed you this morning.”
“Oh, Seokjin-hyung, you don’t have–” Jungkook panicked as he tried to hand the food back.
“No, but I want to.” Jin crossed his arms with a reassuring smile, refusing to take the bag back. “Look after yourself until we see you next.”
“No, but I want to.” Jin crossed his arms with a reassuring smile, refusing to take the bag back. “Look after yourself until we see you next.”
“Be sure to put on the cream per the instructions, all right?” Yoongi was resting against Namjoon, one of the taller man’s arms wrapped around him. “Even if the rash starts going away, you should still keep applying it.”
“Watch nature documentaries when you can’t sleep.” Namjoon smiled. “It worked well for you last night.”
Jungkook’s chest felt heavy, like there was too much in his heart to contain the sheer amount of concern and love that seemed to pour from the three alphas in waves. They had no right to care, care for someone like Jungkook when they had their own omega to worry about.
There was a pressure building up in the back of his throat, the back of his eyes, the overwhelming urge to let out how much he appreciated it, how he didn’t understand why they cared so much for someone like him.
As a friend, as an omega with no one, he reminded himself. No one would see him as anything more than an omega with too much wrong with him to actually be in a pack. There was so much about Jungkook that wasn’t normal.
For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to live among such love, such care, daily. What it would be like to go home, knowing people like this were waiting for him. Jungkook went home to no one, went home to a door with more deadbolts on it than he cared to admit.
Jungkook was never safe, would never really be safe anywhere. He had found a semblance of a reprieve in each of the members of this pack, each giving him a semblance of peace in his mind that felt like it was both sluggish and racing at the same time.
The pillow! His mind reminded him. The pillow was safe, the pillow had encapsulated the need Jungkook had, the thing that stopped him from sleeping. Now, Jungkook was certain he must have dreamt that lemon scent, his mind and nose messing with him.
There was no way that such a person existed who could help Jungkook feel safe. The only person Jungkook could rely on was himself for that. Even that was difficult, but he would have to do his best in that regard.
Jungkook bowed and waved goodbye, looking over the three faces, savouring their scents until the next time he came over, which would not be for quite some time, he felt. Not with the way his traitorous heart was beating for all of them.
Now, more than ever, Jungkook longed for a pack he had no right to long for.
Turning on his phone, after leaving it silent the whole night, he was bombarded with messages from his dongsaengs and from Mingyu. Hyuka was bemoaning that Jungkook had forgotten all about them, probably, and would ignore them for the rest of the day.
Smiling down at his phone, Jungkook was quick to reassure his dongsaeng, only to get a flurry of messages consisting of random emojis and a reenactment of Romeo & Juliet. He was missed here, Jungkook reminded himself, he was okay with just this.
Hyuka and Yeonjun both had papers due on Monday and since it was the start of the weekend, they all planned to go to the library to get work done. Jungkook promised to join them as soon as he had dropped off some of his things at his apartment.
Jungkook really didn’t have much work to do, but he did want to spend time with his dongsaengs. Mingyu, having caught wind of some meet-up, demanded to be allowed in as well, and though his dongsaengs whined and complained, they did not mind too much.
On his way to the library, Jungkook was sure to stop by the convenience store to buy an unholy amount of snacks, mostly for Taehyun, but under the guise as being for all of them, though most of them were clearly Taehyun’s favourites.
Jungkook felt good. His rashes were not itchy at all and he felt grateful to Yoongi for giving him the rest of the tube. He hardly had enough money to buy food and keep his dongsaengs supplied with snacks, on top of buying any kind of medicine.
It was still cold outside and Jungkook felt frozen to the bone, or at least his hands did, though he tried to make the sleeves of his jacket cover them. The night before had been colder, Jungkook mused, and today the sun was warm at least, which was nice.
Jungkook felt a little better, though no more refreshed than if he had slept in his own bed. He supposed that it was his own fault for having a nightmare because of his problem with a silly pillow and falling asleep on the couch. He hoped Taehyung would not mind.
The last thing Jungkook wanted to do was to presume and assume that Taehyung would always be comfortable with him being there in their apartment.
By the time he got to the library, which was where they had decided to meet, Jungkook had thoroughly convinced himself that he needed to take a step back from Taehyung and his pack for now. Jungkook had lived without a nest for four years.
He could live without one for another while longer.
—
His dongsaengs were already there in their usual corner, hidden from the librarian's sight, and enough out of the way that no one saw them. It was the perfect spot. Mingyu was there too, though he looked exhausted.
—
His dongsaengs were already there in their usual corner, hidden from the librarian's sight, and enough out of the way that no one saw them. It was the perfect spot. Mingyu was there too, though he looked exhausted.
Jungkook waved to them, smiling when they waved back at him wildly, faces delighted.
Yes, this was all Jungkook needed for now, it was all he would ever want.
Yes, this was all Jungkook needed for now, it was all he would ever want.
Setting down his bag in his usual spot, the seat that stuck out the most, thus allowing his dongsaengs the seats that offered the most coverage, Jungkook unpacked the snacks he had put into tupperwares to do away with the suspicious rustling of bags.
Yeonjun immediately dove in and took a tupperware, scarfing down a few of the sweet cinnamon chips in one go. Hyuka made a face and opened his mouth, expression radiating false demurity. Yeonjun, the ever-whipped alpha that he was, fell for it.
Jungkook watched, frozen as he saw the way Hyuka grinned mischievously, the way Yeonjun ruffled his hair and kissed his nose, then going in to scent him. Looking away, Jungkook unpacked the rest of the snacks, took out his books and laptop, and sat down.
Once everyone was settled with their headphones, earbuds, and work, Jungkook reached over with his pen and poked Mingyu gently. The omega looked up from his work, eyes bloodshot, and Jungkook frowned.
“What’s wrong?” Jungkook asked, because something had to be. “You look like you’ve hardly slept.”
Mingyu smiled, ducking his head sheepishly. “Nothing… Just… We’ve been having some issues with…” He seemed to hesitate, looking at Jungkook as if he was afraid of how he would react. “Seungcheol is considering making him leave.”
Jungkook could not help the way he shrank at the mention of that man, could not help the way his dongsaengs all turned to look at him, undoubtedly because of the way he had reacted.
Reaching a hand over, Jungkook squeezed Mingyu’s arm, running a thumb over his forearm. “He didn’t hurt any of you, did he?”
Mingyu shook his head vehemently. “No, he wouldn’t– Seungcheol was up with him all night, really tried to understand why he was acting so poorly of late. He… He hasn’t been around as much and Chan swore he reeked of another omega a few nights ago.”
Oh, well that… Jungkook reached over with his other hand and squeezed Mingyu’s hands tightly.
“I trust Seungcheol-hyung,” Jungkook whispered softly. “He’ll make the right decision for all of you.”
“I trust Seungcheol-hyung,” Jungkook whispered softly. “He’ll make the right decision for all of you.”
For the fact that /he/ had hurt Jungkook, he knew that Mingyu and his pack genuinely cared for him, as messed up as it seemed to him a long time ago. He had hurt Jungkook, sure, but he hadn’t hurt any of his pack, and he had hurt Jungkook in defence of them.
Nothing about it had been easy for Jungkook to swallow at the time. He closed his eyes at the reminder of the arguments and the yelling that he had employed in, beseeching in his pleas to Seungcheol to please reconsider, you have no idea what he is capable of–
Except they did know. They knew but they kept him in their pack because Jungkook wasn’t pack, which was the real problem, wasn’t it? He trusted Seungcheol to make the right decision for his pack, but maybe not for Jungkook.
It had been too much to ask and had been too exhausting to argue. Over time Jungkook had forgiven the pack, had forgiven /him/ for what he had done. It didn’t make it any easier to forget, but Jungkook had made peace with it all a long time ago.
Mingyu didn’t look like he believed Jungkook, but his posture did relax a little, and that was enough for Jungkook. He held Mingyu’s hand for about an hour, squeezing it every now and then as he read his textbook.
They settled into their gentle quiet of studying, broken only by the occasional crunch of snacks, sighs, and shuffling as Beomgyu eventually fell asleep on one of his books, exhausted from his studying.
Jungkook would wake him up in thirty minutes. It was growing late in the afternoon, having been there for a few hours, long enough for the snacks to be severely depleted in quantity (and there had been a lot of them).
Namjoon had given Jungkook a banana milk carton before he had left and Jungkook took it out now, pursing his lips in an attempt to stave off the smile on his face. Taehyun looked up briefly and seemed to be watching him, in a way that was fond.
Swallowing the sweet drink, Jungkook was glad it was still cold, likely from having been outside for a while before in the cool breeze, combined with the fact that the library floor was a few degrees cooler than the rest of the building.
All he could remember was the way his palms had been cold but Namjoon’s had been so warm covering his.
Namjoon was so warm. Jungkook did not doubt that he gave hugs as warm as his expression, as warm as his scent. Like a fire crackling in a small cabin hidden away from the rest of the world. Jungkook wouldn’t mind a hug from Namjoon.
It was with these thoughts in mind that he didn’t notice the way Mingyu sat up a little in his seat, suddenly looking frantically down at his phone, furiously typing. All Jungkook could think of was the way Namjoon had been warm when Jungkook had been cold.
Footsteps drew nearer, throwing Taehyun and Yeonjun, the closest to Jungkook, a look that said enough for both of them to be on alert.
“Hyung, get behind me.” Hyuka was never someone who ordered him around, not without any warning, so Jungkook looked up.
“Hyung, get behind me.” Hyuka was never someone who ordered him around, not without any warning, so Jungkook looked up.
cw // panicking, general descriptions of someone panicking
That’s when the godforsaken scent hit his nostrils and all Jungkook could remember was the panic, pain, I’m sorry, sorry I didn’t know, I’m sorry, please, stop–
Taehyun was standing up and so was Jungkook, banana milk abandoned on the table. Yeonjun stepped in front of him and Taehyun was pushing him behind Hyuka, and now he pressed into the corner of the large room.
“Hyung,” Hyuka was holding his face and his cheeks were wet, though Jungkook hardly remembered when he had started to cry. “Hyung, don’t look, it’s okay, just look at me.”
Jungkook’s vision was blurring and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the tears or if it was because he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t breathe, and he had to get away, he was trapped–
He couldn’t help it when he looked past Hyuka’s shoulder and saw him, Junsoo, standing only a few feet away, laughing as if he hadn’t hurt Jungkook, as if he hadn’t ruined Jungkook, and made him fear alphas for years upon years.
There was a river roaring in his ears and Jungkook choked on his own tears, his own sobs, scrabbling desperately at Hyuka’s chest as if he could help him get away when he was trapped. Hyuka was still holding his face, saying words but Jungkook couldn’t understand.
Why was he here? Jungkook had only asked that he never had to see him again, he just asked for that. Was it so hard to ask for peace, to ask for time to get over his fear? Was it too much to ask that the alpha stay away from him?
Four years had gone by just fine, so why now? Why now of all times was he showing his face when Jungkook had been getting happier? He had felt safe, he had felt like maybe he could move on and meet another pack and he had and–
Jungkook trembled, unable to keep his emotions or panic at bay, and he slid down the wall, Hyuka going down with him. Then Soobin was there, Soobin made him rest his head on his knees, patting his back as Jungkook tried not to pass out or get sick.
His vision blurred and in this position, he could hear how loud his breathing was, how ragged and wet his gasps were even more. Someone was holding his hand, squeezing it in time with the pats on his back.
His dongsaengs were so good to him, so good to bear with him, so good to stay by him even when it was difficult to be around. Like the days when his shoulders and back hurt, phantom aches, his nerve endings on fire.
Yeonjun was angry, Jungkook could tell and he whined, not liking it when his dongsaeng had to raise his voice because he knew Yeonjun hated playing the part of an angry alpha. Beomgyu was upset, his voice high and questioning.
“Make him leave,” Hyuka hissed in the other direction. “Mingyu, I swear to God, this isn’t about our stupid quarrels anymore. Go. You have to leave, now.”
“Hyung.” Jungkook felt like he was underwater. “Should we..?”
“Hyung.” Jungkook felt like he was underwater. “Should we..?”
“We’ll ask him in a bit. He should still get to choose.” Soobin murmured above him, rubbing gentle circles into his back as Jungkook squeezed his eyes shut, tears burning hot trails along his skin.
Then the scent was fading, he was /gone/, and Jungkook was being helped up, led to Hyuka's chair. Yeonjun looked enraged, standing stiff as he looked off in the distance, somewhere Jungkook couldn't see.
Soobin was kneeling in front of him, eyes watering.
Soobin was kneeling in front of him, eyes watering.
"Hello, hyung," Soobin sounded so upset. "He's gone, it's okay."
Jungkook knew that, he could tell he was gone, but that didn't mean it made breathing any easier. Hyuka wrapped his arms around him from behind and Jungkook sank into his hold.
Jungkook knew that, he could tell he was gone, but that didn't mean it made breathing any easier. Hyuka wrapped his arms around him from behind and Jungkook sank into his hold.
“Hyung, would you like to go back with us, or would you rather go see Taehyung again?” Soobin asked softly, close enough that Jungkook could hear it.
"Just left," Jungkook croaked out. "Silly... to go back."
"It's not silly if that's what you want, hyung," Hyuka whispered.
"Just left," Jungkook croaked out. "Silly... to go back."
"It's not silly if that's what you want, hyung," Hyuka whispered.
Jungkook’s mind, a blurry chaos of fear and panic, exhaustion and , latched onto the warmth of Namjoon’s presence, the solace in Yoongi’s touch, the comfort in Jin’s scent, the compassion in Jimin’s eyes, and the promise in Taehyung's words.
Oh, did Jungkook want, did he so want.
"I want them," Jungkook's voice broke. "I know it's silly, I know 'm not supposed to–"
"It's not silly if it's what you want," Soobin repeated softly. "Do you want us to call Taehyung?"
Jungkook nodded.
"I want them," Jungkook's voice broke. "I know it's silly, I know 'm not supposed to–"
"It's not silly if it's what you want," Soobin repeated softly. "Do you want us to call Taehyung?"
Jungkook nodded.
Link to the top of the thread:
https://twitter.com/preciousbirdie/status/1493680369798950912
[Do not bookmark this tweet as it will be deleted!
A 6k update!! ;-; asdfghjl this story could have gone so many ways, but i hope i chose the path that people will enjoy 🥺 No spoilers for the next update, just buckle up, I finally get to give Jungkook proper cuddles >.<]
A 6k update!! ;-; asdfghjl this story could have gone so many ways, but i hope i chose the path that people will enjoy 🥺 No spoilers for the next update, just buckle up, I finally get to give Jungkook proper cuddles >.<]
🛋️
Jungkook had felt safe when he was younger. Being in a pack like his family pack was nice, being the youngest was easy, and it was safe.
Safety was something he had taken for granted. Taken for granted when he had been unaware of how lucky he truly was.
Jungkook had felt safe when he was younger. Being in a pack like his family pack was nice, being the youngest was easy, and it was safe.
Safety was something he had taken for granted. Taken for granted when he had been unaware of how lucky he truly was.
His formative years had been relatively normal, uninteresting in that comforting and safe way. Jungkook had never considered his life to be particularly different from other’s lives, but there had been safety in that, there had been comfort in the mundane.
His parents weren’t worried about him, focused on their alpha son, ensuring that he would make something of himself that would help him later on in life. Jungkook was never meant to be the son they worried about. Jungkook, himself, was nothing out of the ordinary.
He would never say that his parents had forgotten about him, never would admit that their focus on his elder brother meant that he sometimes was left behind.
Until he had turned eighteen, Jungkook had been thought to be a beta, after all.
Until he had turned eighteen, Jungkook had been thought to be a beta, after all.
—
Jungkook hardly remembered much.
Hyuka was pressed to his back still, Soobin kneeling in front of him, holding his hands which were trembling. If he had more awareness and control over himself, he would have apologised for the way he was shaking hard enough to be noticeable.
Jungkook hardly remembered much.
Hyuka was pressed to his back still, Soobin kneeling in front of him, holding his hands which were trembling. If he had more awareness and control over himself, he would have apologised for the way he was shaking hard enough to be noticeable.
The library was quiet, quiet after Yeonjun had managed to make them leave. Yeonjun was pressed close to Beomgyu, face pressed to his neck, visibly trembling as well. Taehyun was crowding the alpha from behind and Jungkook felt awful.
His head hurt, his eyes burned, of course, he didn’t feel like time was passing by him as he was perceiving it, but he felt worse because one of his dongsaengs had to go out of his comfort zone to defend him, when Jungkook probably could have defended himself.
“Hyung?” Soobin squeezed his hands a few times and Jungkook blinked, blinked to look down at the fellow omega. “Yeonjun is okay, hyung.”
Jungkook knew he was okay, but it didn’t mean that at one point he hadn’t been. “Didn’t… He didn’t have to.”
Jungkook knew he was okay, but it didn’t mean that at one point he hadn’t been. “Didn’t… He didn’t have to.”
Didn’t have to jump to defend Jungkook, didn’t have to fight Jungkook’s battle for him, didn’t have to go out of his way to make sure that Junsoo left.
Soobin seemed to exchange a look with Hyuka, something Jungkook thought was sorrow, sorrow mixed with confusion.
Soobin seemed to exchange a look with Hyuka, something Jungkook thought was sorrow, sorrow mixed with confusion.
Jungkook tried to focus on the world around him, but everything was murky, thicker than fog, but unlike syrup, impenetrable but also encompassing. His face felt stiff, the way skin felt when tears dried and became almost like glue on skin.
Soobin shook his head, eyes meeting Jungkook’s, as his hands clasped Jungkook’s between his. “He didn’t have to, hyung, but Yeonjun wanted to.”
Hyuka’s arms, which were loosely slung around Jungkook’s front, tightened a little.
Hyuka’s arms, which were loosely slung around Jungkook’s front, tightened a little.
Jungkook wished he could smell them, wished his suppressants allowed him more than just faint glances of a scent, wished he could understand just by scenting them. Even now, he couldn’t smell anything, not with the way his nose was blocked.
To this day, he still didn’t really know what they all smelled like. He knew what their baseline scent was, knew enough to differentiate, but not enough to fully understand what they were meant to smell like. Even… Even Taehyung and his pack.
There was something Jungkook was missing out on, experiences that were passing him by. By the time he he realised how someone was feeling, most people knew minutes before him because of the way scents often revealed the emotions of the people they belonged to.
It felt like a lie, a lie that he knew them, but he still wouldn’t be able to pick out their scents if they were in a public place. Jungkook didn’t want to think about all the ways he had missed subtle cues in people’s scents.
Jungkook looked over at Yeonjun again, watching the way he was pressed between two of his packmates and a part of Jungkook wondered.
He wondered what it would be like to be hugged by Taehyung and someone else at the same time.
He wondered what it would be like to be hugged by Taehyung and someone else at the same time.
Jungkook had woken up on the comfortable couch, but he didn’t remember Namjoon leaving, in fact, the last thing he remembered was falling asleep and Namjoon being a warm presence by his side.
What he wouldn’t give to go back.
What he wouldn’t give to go back.
The night before had felt surreal but so easily captured between his fingers. His eyes landed on the unfinished banana milk on the table, which had somehow managed to stay upright during the scramble. Jungkook wanted to finish it.
Soobin seemed to notice where Jungkook was looking to and he smiled, expression lighting up. “Do you want your banana milk, hyung?”
Jungkook nodded, not understanding why Soobin seemed ecstatic.
“I didn’t know you liked banana milk,” Hyuka murmured from behind.
Jungkook nodded, not understanding why Soobin seemed ecstatic.
“I didn’t know you liked banana milk,” Hyuka murmured from behind.
There were a lot of things his dongsaengs didn’t know about him. It wasn’t even on purpose. They shared so much with Jungkook, trusted him so much, but even so, Jungkook had somehow woken up and realised they hardly knew him.
“I haven’t had it in years but…” But someone had reminded him of something he hadn’t thought of in years. “It tastes good.”
Hyuka hummed in acknowledgement. Soobin was handing the carton to Jungkook and the deja vu struck him then.
Hyuka hummed in acknowledgement. Soobin was handing the carton to Jungkook and the deja vu struck him then.
Just the night before, Jungkook had just finished crying, and Namjoon, an alpha, knelt for him, holding the container for him. Soobin handed it to Jungkook, being careful with his shaky grip.
‘I wish you were Namjoon.’
‘I wish you were Namjoon.’
The realisation that he would rather an alpha that he hardly knew over one of his dongsaengs that he had known for years, felt cold. Cool and refreshing. Jungkook hadn’t wished for many things. Not recently. At least not things that were within his reach.
Jungkook had wished for things he knew to be impossible because then at least he could know in his heart that he would never have a chance of having it come true. This wasn’t the case with Taehyung and his pack. In fact…
Sipping down the milk, which was still cool, though a little warmer than it had been before, felt good. His throat was aching from crying and it felt like a good shock to his system. That this was real and that Jungkook was here, he really was.
“Do you want me to call Kim Taehyung now, hyung?” Soobin asked, now moving to sit in a chair across from Jungkook, rubbing his knees. “I don’t mind doing it if you can’t do it.”
Jungkook really did want Soobin to call for him, even though he knew he probably could call Taehyung himself. But that wasn’t really the point, was it? Soobin would do what Jungkook wanted, regardless of whether he could do it himself.
Like Yeonjun had.
It didn’t take long for Soobin to notice that Jungkook was staring into space again.
“I’ll call the number but you can talk to him if you like?” Jungkook nodded at that. Pressing the call button sounded like the harder part of that task.
It didn’t take long for Soobin to notice that Jungkook was staring into space again.
“I’ll call the number but you can talk to him if you like?” Jungkook nodded at that. Pressing the call button sounded like the harder part of that task.
It would also mean that he got to listen to Taehyung’s voice again. He had hardly spoken or interacted with the omega recently, not on purpose, but due to the circumstances of the night and the following morning.
Jungkook had pushed away Taehyung in the kitchen, preferring to be alone. In the morning, Namjoon and Yoongi had taken care of him, for a moment allowing Jungkook to feel like he belonged somehow. That he had a place with them. He wished that were the case.
Taehyung was tender and soft.
Jungkook could feel his heart picking up pace as Soobin handed him his phone. Pushing down the urge to hang up and insist on going to his own apartment, Jungkook reached for the phone and held it up to his ear, closing his eyes with a shaky exhale.
Jungkook could feel his heart picking up pace as Soobin handed him his phone. Pushing down the urge to hang up and insist on going to his own apartment, Jungkook reached for the phone and held it up to his ear, closing his eyes with a shaky exhale.
It did not take Taehyung long to pick up and Jungkook tried not to sob at the relief that ran through him at Taehyung soft tone
“Jungkook-ah?” Taehyung’s low timbre almost broke down Jungkook’s carefully constructed composure. “I missed you this morning, are you calling to apologise?”
The mirth was easily detected in his tone and Jungkook could only manage a very unconvincing chuckle that sounded more like a strangled call for help than anything else.
“N-No…” Jungkook whispered, then he rallied his courage. “I was… Are you busy, hyung?”
“Not if you want me to be free,” Taehyung responded, tone inviting, like he was ready to drop everything if Jungkook so much as said the word.
“Not if you want me to be free,” Taehyung responded, tone inviting, like he was ready to drop everything if Jungkook so much as said the word.
Jungkook reached up and ran a hand through his hair, swallowing. “Could I… Could I come over, hyung? Would that be all right?”
There was an audible commotion in the background of Taehyung’s audio and Jungkook hoped that he had not called Taehyung in the middle of something important.
“Of course!” Taehyung sounded delighted, like he had been hoping that Jungkook would ask that very question. “Jin-hyung wants to know if you’re coming with an empty stomach.”
“O-Oh– No, it’s all right if you’re about to eat, I don’t want to intrude.”
There was a laugh in the background and then shuffling, Taehyung yelling at whoever had appeared to steal the phone. “Jungkook-ah, you wouldn’t be intruding.”
There was a laugh in the background and then shuffling, Taehyung yelling at whoever had appeared to steal the phone. “Jungkook-ah, you wouldn’t be intruding.”
Jin’s voice came through to Jungkook and he was reminded of the food the man had cooked him that he wished he could have tasted beyond his misery at the time.
“Seokjin-ssi, I just don’t want to stop you from having a pack night or anything,” Jungkook explained hastily. “I just… I don’t want to interrupt a date night or anything.”
“You’re not intruding if you have an invitation from us,” Jin uttered gently, tone patient as the noise in the background seemed to grow quiet. “Would you like any of us to pick you up or can you make your own way to the apartment?”
Why? What had Jungkook ever done to warrant such kind attention?
“You don’t mind?” Jungkook could not help asking, could hardly wrap his head around the unerring kindness the pack continued to show him.
“You don’t mind?” Jungkook could not help asking, could hardly wrap his head around the unerring kindness the pack continued to show him.
“No, Jungkook-ah, we don’t mind,” Jin repeated back. “We’ll see you at five, all right?”
“Thank you,” the response was closer to a breath than it was words.
“Thank you,” the response was closer to a breath than it was words.
“You’re welcome, now, be sure to bring yourself safely in one piece. Don’t trip over anything on your way here.” That brought a small smile to Jungkook’s face.
"I'll try not to... hyung."
"I'll try not to... hyung."
Once Jungkook had managed to hang up, Yeonjun and the other two were standing behind Soobin. Expressions of relief met his own when he opened his eyes again.
“They said they want to see me for dinner,” Jungkook whispered, still hardly able to believe that it had been that easy. “I should probably start going over now.”
Yeonjun nodded, arms crossed and Jungkook watched his features for any signs of anger or upset, but found none. Instead, all he found were sparkling eyes.
“Beomgyu and Hyuka can take you over,” Soobin nodded as if he had decided just then that it would be the best course of action.
“No– That’s all right, I can walk myself there.” Jungkook didn’t want to put out his dongsaengs more than he already had. “I’ll be okay.”
“No– That’s all right, I can walk myself there.” Jungkook didn’t want to put out his dongsaengs more than he already had. “I’ll be okay.”
“I know you can, hyung,” Soobin raised a placating hand, “but I would like you to be escorted there in any case. Please?”
Jungkook had always been very bad at denying his dongsaengs anything and this proved to be no different. It was decided.
Jungkook had always been very bad at denying his dongsaengs anything and this proved to be no different. It was decided.
Before he picked up his backpack, Jungkook glanced over at Yeonjun. The young alpha had appeared all right, but he had not spoken more than a few words at a time.
Jungkook couldn’t go without making sure that his dongsaeng truly wasn’t angry or upset at him for putting him in such a situation.
Yeonjun smiled at Jungkook as he approached him, backpack slung over one shoulder.
Yeonjun smiled at Jungkook as he approached him, backpack slung over one shoulder.
“Thank you, Yeonjun-ah,” Jungkook started off with, “you went out of your way to make sure I was kept safe and I really appreciate it. I’m sorry you were put in that position.”
Yeonjun frowned once Jungkook stopped speaking and he could feel his heart rate picking up pace. “Why are you apologising, hyung?” Yeonjun’s expression was curious.
“You had to get angry on my behalf.” Jungkook was floundering, he knew he was because Yeonjun wasn’t reacting the way he had been expecting. “You– You don’t like to get angry.”
“Oh, hyung,” Yeonjun shook his head, bright hair falling over his forehead. “I don’t like getting angry for no reason. I don’t like using the excuse of being an alpha to be angry.”
Jungkook blinked, trying to understand what Yeonjun was trying to tell him. “You…”
Jungkook blinked, trying to understand what Yeonjun was trying to tell him. “You…”
Yeonjun was laughing, but it was careful, as if he hardly knew how to react to what Jungkook was saying. “I got angry for a reason, hyung. The reason was you being terrified of that waste-of-space of an alpha. There is no way I would have let him near you.”
‘Not after what he did to you,’ was left unsaid, but Jungkook knew that was what Yeonjun meant.
“But,” Yeonjun continued, “I would never have laid a finger on him. No matter how angry I claim to be, I would never hit him, only if he had hit one of you first.”
“But,” Yeonjun continued, “I would never have laid a finger on him. No matter how angry I claim to be, I would never hit him, only if he had hit one of you first.”
‘I got angry for a reason, hyung’ reverberated in Jungkook’s mind even on his way over to Taehyung and his pack’s apartment. Yeonjun got angry because he believed his anger was justified. For so long…
For so long Jungkook had believed that alphas got angry and lashed out because they could. It had taken years and the example that Yeonjun provided, to see that that was not always the case.
Alphas could be thoughtful, they could be kind and gentle, but they could also hurt and cause pain. It was the reminder on Jungkook’s skin that made him so afraid, despite what he had seen exemplified in Yeonjun and the way he treated his pack and Jungkook.
The small chance that an alpha could hurt Jungkook again made him afraid to this day. It didn’t matter that, in theory, his case was isolated. It didn’t make the fact that only a small percentage of omegas were injured by alphas a year any easier to note.
Jungkook found it hard to look away from the small numbers that dwindled every year, not when Jungkook had, at one point, been counted in the small percentage. Just because it didn’t happen that often, didn’t mean it didn’t have the chance of…
Junsoo, despite the fact that it had been almost 4 years since the incident, still kindled fear in Jungkook. His face flickered into Jungkook’s mind and he shivered, Hyuka tightening the arm around his shoulder a little.
Beomgyu and Hyuka were most likely chosen to take Jungkook to the apartment because they were the two Jungkook usually went to when he was having trouble.
When they arrived at the apartment complex, Beomgyu whistled. “Hyung, you caught the eye of a /rich/ pack.” Jungkook flushed and shook his head. “The /least/ they can do is feed you.”
Hyuka laughed and his wide eyes took in the sight of the interior. “Wow, hyung, you’ve been holding out on us.”
Despite the fact that Jungkook could feel the embarrassment crawl up his cheeks, he knew that they were trying to distract his thoughts.
Despite the fact that Jungkook could feel the embarrassment crawl up his cheeks, he knew that they were trying to distract his thoughts.
It was working, he supposed, though he still felt a little on-edge, as if waiting for the other penny to drop, hoping that it wasn’t the euphoric high before the fall. It felt too good to be true that he had been invited over for dinner without a second thought.
As they rode the expensive elevator, Beomgyu eyeing the buttons as if he wanted to press them all to see what would happen, Jungkook sank into Hyuka’s side. The exhaustion from his panic was only now setting in and he felt spread out too thin.
“Tired, hyung?” Hyuka carefully pressed his nose to Jungkook’s neck. “You smell tired.”
“Are you going back home after you eat here, or are you going to stay the night?” Beomgyu asked, resting against the railing of the elevator.
“Are you going back home after you eat here, or are you going to stay the night?” Beomgyu asked, resting against the railing of the elevator.
Jungkook shrugged, curling into Hyuka without meaning to. “I’m not sure… I didn’t ask.”
Beomgyu hummed, gaze flicking over to the doors when they opened.
Beomgyu hummed, gaze flicking over to the doors when they opened.
When Beomgyu went forward to knock on the door, it opened almost immediately, and Taehyung was on the other side, grinning. “Jungkook-ah! You’re here!” He seemed to realise there were people with Jungkook and he smiled even wider.
“Oh! Are these some of your friends?” Beomgyu nodded and Hyuka seemed a little taken aback by Taehyung’s forthcoming and outgoing personality.
“We’re just here to make sure that Jungkook-hyung got here in one piece,” Hyuka’s voice was delicate, soft, and hopeful. “Take care of him for us.”
Jungkook felt as if there was something going on that he knew not, something more than just what Hyuka was saying to Taehyung. Whatever it was, Taehyung nodded subtly.
“Of course, he’s in good hands,” Taehyung uttered, smile lowering a little once he seemed to realise the lingering sombre atmosphere surrounding the three of them. “No harm will come to Jungkook-ah here.”
Jungkook carefully extracted himself from Hyuka’s grip, which had grown painfully tight, shooing them away. It was only when the boys had each hugged him, that they left, leaving Jungkook alone with their retreating backs and Taehyung in the entryway of the apartment.
“Come here.” Taehyung held out his hand and Jungkook took it without a second thought. The omega tugged him into the apartment and Jungkook could have cried then and there because… It smelled so comforting. A combination of familiar scents all intertwined.
Before Jungkook could even begin to remove his backpack and his jacket, Taehyung held onto the edge of the strap.
“May I?” His face was earnest and Jungkook nodded, unable to deny those large puppy eyes anything. “Let hyung look after you today, okay?”
“May I?” His face was earnest and Jungkook nodded, unable to deny those large puppy eyes anything. “Let hyung look after you today, okay?”
That was all Taehyung ever seemed to do though, Jungkook thought. All Taehyung ever seemed to do was find new ways for Jungkook to be loved and cared for. All he seemed capable of was finding ways to fill the void in Jungkook’s heart.
It seemed hardly fair that Jungkook always be on the receiving end of this affection, of this way of loving, but he could not find it in himself to say no. Not with the way Taehyung carefully lifted his arms and helped him remove his jacket.
“There,” Taehyung reached up to fix something in Jungkook’s hair, possibly some piece of hair that was sticking up, “now, let’s go to the bathroom and soothe your red eyes, hm?”
Jungkook wanted to hide, wanted to hide from the fact that Taehyung knew, but was not asking any questions. There was no curiosity in his eyes, there was no malice, no hidden agenda to find out why Jungkook looked like he had been crying.
Taehyung took his hand, this time without prompting and they were walking past the kitchen and living room, both occupied, and Jungkook hardly had a chance to see who was there. The food smelled good, however, and he hoped there would be a lot of it.
Once they were in the bathroom, Taehyung directed Jungkook to sit on the counter, which he did, lowering his head, a little taken-aback by how direct Taehyung was being. It wasn’t unpleasant, in fact… It felt reassuring that he didn’t have to think.
Procuring a clean and soft washcloth, Taehyung was ran it under the cold water, then reached up to press the cloth on Jungkook’s cheek in careful and cooling presses, before switching to the other side.
“I heard you slept well.” Taehyung pressed a little closer, standing between Jungkook’s legs, looking up at him. “Namjoon-hyung said that you both watched a crab documentary and then you fell asleep.”
Jungkook blinked and nodded, not wanting to move too much, not when Taehyung was so close to him, and still holding the cloth up to his face.
“Can you close your eyes for me?” Taehyung asked softly and Jungkook obeyed, finding relief in not seeing just how close Taehyung was to him. The cool cloth was pressed over both eyes, held in place by Taehyung’s hands.
Jungkook let out a slow breath, limbs losing some of their rigidity in the face of Taehyung’s close proximity, his sweet and comforting scent. It smelled like cherry blossoms in the waxing light of a spring day, gently ruffling his hair and brushing against him like an embrace.
“Jimin-hyung and I were both surprised that you left without saying goodbye.” There was an apology on Jungkook’s lips, but Taehyung continued, “But I am glad my other alphas were able to take care of you like I would have.”
There was something there, something in his words that Jungkook wanted to ask about, but he kept his thoughts to himself for now. “Yoongi-hyung had been holding onto that rash cream since he spotted them on your neck.”
Jungkook wished he could hide, but he couldn’t, he was stuck and so he let the pink overtake his cheeks. “I think he knew that any of us could have given it to you, but hyung loves to give things to people, things he’s had to remember.”
“Namjoon-hyung…” Taehyung lowered his hands and Jungkook heard the tap running again, so he kept his eyes shut. Already, his eyes felt a little less hot and burned less than before. “Namjoon-hyung has a terrible sleep schedule, but he loves watching documentaries.”
“I fell asleep,” Jungkook blurted out, “I wasn’t… the best company.”
“You must have been, because he’s been incredibly happy, even the meeting he had on a /Saturday/ couldn’t stop him from smiling the whole day. I think he even wants to watch another one with you tonight,” Taehyung’s tone was fond.
“Oh, I wasn’t planning on staying, I didn’t pack any pyjamas or spare clothes.” Jungkook should have thought of that, but he had not thought they would also want him to stay the night. That would be two nights in a row.
“If you do want to, and it is up to you, I would be happy to lend you some clothes.” Taehyung was so close to Jungkook that the cherry blossoms took on a sweet tinge. “I did say you could treat this apartment as your home.”
Jungkook wanted Taehyung to stop saying things like that because Jungkook… Jungkook was beginning to regard the apartment as… It wasn’t his own apartment, cold and impersonal, because it was so much better, it was a reprieve and it felt…
It felt like home and it scared Jungkook no end.
This was meant to be something temporary, a temporary arrangement. He never expected to want to keep the people in this apartment close, he never thought he would ever find… this.
This was meant to be something temporary, a temporary arrangement. He never expected to want to keep the people in this apartment close, he never thought he would ever find… this.
“If you say so, hyung,” Jungkook whispered, fiddling with his fingers in his lap. “Then I would be happy to stay, if you do not mind me staying.”
“Never and I don’t just say so, I mean so.” Taehyung removed the cloth from Jungkook’s eyelids. “You can open your eyes.”
“Never and I don’t just say so, I mean so.” Taehyung removed the cloth from Jungkook’s eyelids. “You can open your eyes.”
It took a while to adjust to the brightness of the lights again, but once Jungkook could see again, he noticed that Taehyung had moved away and was instead watching him, expression pensive.
“Jungkook-ah.” Taehyung’s eyes were tender and bright. “I would very much like to kiss your cheeks. Would that be all right?”
Blinking rapidly, hoping that he had imagined those words, Jungkook could feel his eyes widen and mouth grow slack. Would it be all right? Of course it would be all right, but what would it mean?
“If… If I let you, what would it mean?” Jungkook asked carefully.
“If… If I let you, what would it mean?” Jungkook asked carefully.
Taehyung’s expression grew more serious but his eyes twinkled, and Jungkook could hardly look away. “Why, Jungkook-ah, it would mean that I like you.”
Jungkook could not help the way his entire expression dropped in shock. “I don’t– I don’t know if I–” It had never seemed like something close to reality, so Jungkook had not hoped, or not allowed himself to hope beyond surface attraction.
Taehyung reached up and squeezed his shoulder, expression never faltering. “It’s all right if you don’t want me to. I won’t take it personally.”
The problem was that Jungkook already liked Taehyung, but he had buried himself so far into the idea that there was no way he would stand a chance of actually having a life with them, but now… Jungkook wanted to try. He wanted…
Jungkook wasn’t going to cry, he couldn’t start crying again, not after he had ruined everything twice by doing so, but he did so wish to try wanting something. Wanting something meant he was opening himself up for possibly heartache.
Yet in that moment of vulnerability, there was freedom.
Looking down at Taehyung from his perch, Jungkook knew that even then, Taehyung would never allow the heartache to hurt too much. Someone with a heart and smile as wide and spacious as Taehyung’s could never.
Looking down at Taehyung from his perch, Jungkook knew that even then, Taehyung would never allow the heartache to hurt too much. Someone with a heart and smile as wide and spacious as Taehyung’s could never.
“I think I like you too,” Jungkook admitted softly, lowering his eyes to his lap. “My dongsaengs gave me two options and… I chose you all.” He raised his head. “I’ve only known you all for such a short time but…” His voice cracked and his fingers twisted in his lap.
“Do I have permission to kiss your cheeks?” Taehyung asked again and Jungkook nodded, hardly capable of denying Taehyung anything, not when he was offering Jungkook more than he ever thought possible. “Please.”
“You have permission,” Jungkook rushed out, fingers continuing to twist into his shirt.
“Oh.” Jungkook hardly had any words in his mind, other than what kind of dream was this? “You would like me to?”
“Oh.” Jungkook hardly had any words in his mind, other than what kind of dream was this? “You would like me to?”
“I would.” The urge to lower his head was there, but Jungkook settled for focusing on how pretty Taehyung looked with his wild curls. “If you would still like to.”
Taehyung’s lips parted and he laughed. “Of course I would.”
Taehyung’s lips parted and he laughed. “Of course I would.”
He grasped Jungkook’s chin between his forefinger and thumb and kissed one cheek, then the other, turning Jungkook’s head for better access on both occasions.
Perhaps it wasn’t the romantic place to have an affectionate moment, but with the lights overhead a soft golden glow, casting gorgeous tones on Taehyung’s skin and hair, Jungkook thought it was perfect.
Before the omega could move back, Jungkook leant down to wrap his arms around his shoulders. “Thank you,” his words sounded a little wet like he was about to cry, but he wasn’t. “Thank you…”
Thank you for your pack, thank you for the way you welcomed me in like an old friend, thank you for the way you always welcome me back, thank you for offering your home to me just as readily as your heart. Thank you.
Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook and pressed his face to Jungkook’s chest. It wasn’t comfortable by any means, but Jungkook sank down into Taehyung and his cherry blossom scent, his brown sweater and soft hair that tickled his face.
It was only when Jin was calling them both for dinner that they untangled themselves. Taehyung held out his hand for Jungkook to take and Jungkook took it as he slid down from the counter.
“Ah, there you both are!” Jin crowed as they entered the kitchen. “Sit down, Jungkook-ah. Tae-yah, I require your assistance bringing the food to the table.”
It was with a semblance of regret that Jungkook let go of Taehyung’s hand, but he brightened at the sight of Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jimin at the table already. The blonde alpha smiled at him and patted the seat beside him, which Jungkook took gratefully.
As much as he had enjoyed being in such close proximity to Namjoon, his idol, the night before, he had only spoken to Jimin once, and he had seemed kind.
Is this what it was like to trust? Jungkook wondered.
Is this what it was like to trust? Jungkook wondered.
Being able to sit down at a table with four alphas, knowing that none of them would hurt him? Is this what it was like to just know that the alphas in the same room as him were nothing like the one at the library?
Jimin, upon sitting beside him for longer than the other occasion, smelled like cupcakes with purple lilac icing. The longer he sat there, the longer he watched the way they loved, Jungkook wondered if… If he could hope he would be part of this someday.
Already exhausted by his earlier panic, Jungkook hardly spoke at the table, but no one seemed to mind. If anything, Yoongi seemed to appreciate having someone else who was quiet, considering the alpha hardly spoke too.
His eyelids were having a hard time staying open by the time the meal was finished, but he was sure to thank Jin for the food and the alpha seemed genuinely touched by the compliment.
“Jungkook-ah…” Jimin tutted, as he clearly observed his exhaustion. “You should go to sleep soon. You can shower too if you like.”
A shower sounded like absolute heaven, especially the taxing day, and the tears he had shed, leaving Jungkook feeling a little wrung out. Without a word, Jimin and Taehyung were whisking him off with a towel and comfortable clothes with instructions to take his time.
It was in the shower that Jungkook faced a dilemma.
There were too many shower gels and shampoos. After choosing the ones that were the least offensive to his sensitive nose, Jungkook tried to take his time, revelling in the steam to clear his throat and lungs after his tears.
There were too many shower gels and shampoos. After choosing the ones that were the least offensive to his sensitive nose, Jungkook tried to take his time, revelling in the steam to clear his throat and lungs after his tears.
Once he had gotten out of the shower and had towelled himself dry, he picked up the clothes Taehyung had given him. Before he pulled them on, he pressed the clothing to his nose hesitantly.
He didn’t know what he expected, but it wasn’t the combined scent of Jimin and Taehyung. Something in his chest ached and Jungkook pressed a hand to his heart. It was so silly, it was so foolish of him.
For a moment, Jungkook had hoped the lemon scent would come off the pyjamas in his hands. He missed it terribly and he was almost afraid to go to the nest again and be faced with another false hope, because the pillow wouldn’t smell of lemons.
Despite the initial disappointment, the pyjamas were very comfortable, and the combined scents of the omega and the slight alpha were comforting, almost warming Jungkook from the inside. The top was a little large, but he did not mind so very much.
When he emerged from the bathroom, he headed over to the living room, where he found all of them seated. Taehyung and Jimin were sandwiched together in an armchair, covered with a blanket.
At the appearance of Jungkook, Jimin seemed as if he was going to get up, but Jungkook shook his head. He could… He could sit somewhere else, couldn’t he? Yoongi was curled up alone on the other armchair and seemed to be close to sleep.
That only left room in between Namjoon and Jin.
“Would you like to sit here, Jungkook-ah?” Namjoon asked, face breaking out into dimples, which Jungkook could hardly say no. “There’s plenty of room.”
“Would you like to sit here, Jungkook-ah?” Namjoon asked, face breaking out into dimples, which Jungkook could hardly say no. “There’s plenty of room.”
Jungkook ducked his head as an answer and sat down between the two alphas. Any nervousness or anxiety he may have had left him as soon as he was seated beside both of them, clean linen and a warm fire, both radiating comfort and warmth.
Namjoon procured a blanket and then Jungkook was certain that he would never be able to leave this spot for the rest of his life.
"Here," Jin raised his arm, "lay against me, hm?"
"Here," Jin raised his arm, "lay against me, hm?"
Jungkook looked at Jin, at the way he waited patiently, the way he regarded Jungkook in that inviting way, never pushing. He was everything Junsoo wasn't.
This was an alpha who wouldn't hurt him, Jungkook was sure of it.
This was an alpha who wouldn't hurt him, Jungkook was sure of it.
Resting his head against Jin's chest, Jungkook let out a small noise of contentment, allowing himself to soak in the scents surrounding him.
"Jungkook-ah?" Taehyung uttered from across the room. "I can't wait until you meet my pack alpha."
"Jungkook-ah?" Taehyung uttered from across the room. "I can't wait until you meet my pack alpha."
Jungkook raised his head at that, a little confused. There was one more?
"There's more of you?" He didn't mean to blurt it out, but it amused Namjoon a great deal, if they laugh he let out meant anything.
"There's more of you?" He didn't mean to blurt it out, but it amused Namjoon a great deal, if they laugh he let out meant anything.
"Hobi-hyung!" Jimin added, voice revealing his elation. "He's away for work, but he should be back soon."
Taehyung nodded in agreement and it was the words he spoke next that turned Jungkook's world upside down. "I miss his lemon scent."
Taehyung nodded in agreement and it was the words he spoke next that turned Jungkook's world upside down. "I miss his lemon scent."
Oh.
Jungkook hadn't thought it all up, he hadn't come up with the scent to trick himself.
The lemon scent, the pillow, the safe haven, the scent that spoke of safety, that whispered softly in his ear, was... A whole person. An alpha.
The pack alpha.
Jungkook hadn't thought it all up, he hadn't come up with the scent to trick himself.
The lemon scent, the pillow, the safe haven, the scent that spoke of safety, that whispered softly in his ear, was... A whole person. An alpha.
The pack alpha.
🛋️
The last thing Jungkook expected was for Taehyung to drop the bomb he had, just when Jungkook was trying his best to move on.
It felt like there was a reason for him to stay now. Not that there had not been a reason before.
The last thing Jungkook expected was for Taehyung to drop the bomb he had, just when Jungkook was trying his best to move on.
It felt like there was a reason for him to stay now. Not that there had not been a reason before.
Jungkook was curious, God, was he wondering who ‘Hobi-hyung’ was. Too many nights and days had been spent envisioning the pillow and the scent that rested on it.
Jin’s chest was warm and there was something about the rise and fall that made Jungkook want to bury himself further in his hold. There was a breathing and living person allowing Jungkook to be this close, an alpha, warm and like laundry on the line.
Perhaps it was the comfort and the lull in the room, the comfort that seeped through his skin like water to a dry plant, that made him comfortable enough to speak.
“The lemon scent on the pillow…” Jungkook tried to focus on the way Namjoon turned his head to look at him, the tilt of his head, the way his smile was encouraging. “That was… the pack alpha, Hoseok-ssi?” Acting uninterested was in his best interest.
Taehyung nodded, something in his expression shifting as if he was finding what Jungkook was asking to be interesting. Ducking his head, Jungkook tried to sit up, not liking how his tongue had been loosened by the atmosphere he was surrounded by.
Now that he was no longer leaning against Seokjin, Jungkook felt like an outsider again. Focusing on his fingers, Jungkook lowered his head even further, not noticing the way Taehyung seemed to be exchanging looks with everyone in the room.
Namjoon was there on his other side, Jungkook suddenly remembered, hardly able to comprehend that he was flanked by two alphas who both radiated strength and care.
It wasn’t anything noticeable. It wasn’t the fault of Namjoon that his scent, this close again, reminded Jungkook of the night before. He felt like he was floating away again, floating away at the thought of having to go into the nest room with no lemons.
There was something stopping him from sleeping there now and Jungkook, at the moment, wanted nothing more than to rest on Namjoon, sink into his side, and bury his face in his neck. It was so difficult to ignore how comfortable it was, sandwiched between Seokjin and Namjoon.
In the end, getting what he wanted was a lot easier than he expected.
To begin with, as the evening progressed, Jungkook felt inordinately tired. It made sense, once he thought about it, but he didn’t want to think, he wanted to forget what had happened.
To begin with, as the evening progressed, Jungkook felt inordinately tired. It made sense, once he thought about it, but he didn’t want to think, he wanted to forget what had happened.
Namjoon was so warm against him, a breathing furnace, encapsulating warmth. Jungkook felt the way he had when he had first arrived, the first time he had met Taehyung. It was all so wrong, and he wanted…
He wanted more.
He wanted more.
His sleepy blinks did not go unnoticed by Taehyung, who noted the way Jungkook’s eyelids kept closing for longer periods of time.
“Jungkook-ah, you can go to sleep if you’re tired,” Taehyung’s voice rumbled its way into Jungkook’s ears.
“Jungkook-ah, you can go to sleep if you’re tired,” Taehyung’s voice rumbled its way into Jungkook’s ears.
“I want to stay here,” Jungkook mumbled, yawning as he tugged the blanket up under his chin.
“All right,” Taehyung left it at that, but Jungkook wished Taehyung would have pushed, just a little.
“All right,” Taehyung left it at that, but Jungkook wished Taehyung would have pushed, just a little.
When Taehyung announced that he was not going to watch anything without some snacks, Yoongi was quick to join him in the kitchen to find things to eat. Jungkook was left alone with the alphas and Jimin, who was eyeing him with something like determination in his eyes.
“You know, Namjoon-hyung is really comfortable to sleep on, Jungkook-ah,” Jimin whispered conspiratorially, despite the fact that both Namjoon and Jin could also definitely hear him. “I’m sure if you asked, he wouldn’t mind.”
If there was a way to die of embarrassment, Jungkook was sure this was the closest thing to it that he would ever experience. “No, it’s okay. I don’t want to bother Namjoon-hyung.”
The flush rising up to his cheeks felt like molten heat and Jungkook wanted to hide.
The flush rising up to his cheeks felt like molten heat and Jungkook wanted to hide.
There was a cough from Namjoon, and it broke the silence between them all. Jungkook was almost fully under the blanket, unable to look anyone in the eyes.
“It wouldn’t be a bother, Jungkook-ah.”
If comfort was a person, it would be Namjoon.
“It wouldn’t be a bother, Jungkook-ah.”
If comfort was a person, it would be Namjoon.
The large alpha moved to nestle himself into the corner of the large couch, head propped up between the back of the couch and the armrest. He spread himself out a little more and held his arms out. “How about this?”
Jungkook could tell that Namjoon was not entirely unaffected by what was happening, but his scent never wavered, and his dimples appeared as he motioned for Jungkook to come closer. Looking between his current position and Namjoon, Jungkook hesitated.
“You… It’s okay?” He turned his head to Jimin and Jin, who didn’t look bothered, but sometimes people were good at lying. “You don’t mind?”
“Don’t mind at all,” Jin reassured him, reaching over to rest a hand on his shoulder. “You look tired, Jungkook-ah.”
“Don’t mind at all,” Jin reassured him, reaching over to rest a hand on his shoulder. “You look tired, Jungkook-ah.”
There were some things Jungkook had wanted, longed for, but he always shied from things that were new, things that had never happened to him before. Of course, he knew this was not the way to live, knew this was not the way to progress in relationships.
Taehyung had kissed his cheeks, had told Jungkook he had liked him, but his felt like something more. This felt like an admission that he was tired, that he really couldn’t hold his own head up anymore, that he wanted someone to rest on because he was…
Exhausted. Exhausted by the way he had lived his life for the past four years, exhausted by the life he lived that hardly seemed to cease just because Jungkook wasn’t having a good day. Jungkook worked for life, but this time… He wanted life to work for him.
And it was Namjoon. Kim Namjoon, the person who had unknowingly been so helpful to Jungkook as he lay there, in pain, in agony, fearful of every person who walked into his sterile room. Namjoon who reminded Jungkook of the nook in a tree a hedgehog hibernated in.
“Okay,” his voice trembled far more than he was willing to think about. He nodded, looking Namjoon in the eyes and then carefully, being sure the blanket came with him, draped himself on top of Namjoon’s body.
It was difficult not to do /exactly/ what he wanted, which was to bury his face into Namjoon’s neck, but instead he rested his head on his chest, letting himself relax. Gosh, Namjoon was so warm. Jungkook had forgotten what it was like to be pressed close to someone.
Close human contact was not something that Jungkook was necessarily deprived of, but he was so unused to being given it by someone like Namjoon, someone bigger, broader, and stronger, that it felt different.
Different in a good way, Jungkook decided. Good in the way safety felt, good in the way that Jungkook didn’t think he would be moving from his current position unless someone dragged him away very unwillingly.
Seokjin hummed behind Jungkook, and he reached over to pull the blanket up a little higher. “You look a little cold too,” the alpha uttered aloud, pressing a hand to Jungkook’s forehead. “Would you like another blanket?”
Jungkook shook his head as best he could without lifting his head from Namjoon’s chest, hands reaching around Namjoon to hold him in a careful hug. “It’s warm enough, thank you.”
“Just say the word, hm, and I will see if I can find another for you.” Jin finally stopped fussing and sat back down on the other end of the couch.
Why did it matter if Jungkook was cold? Why… Why were they all caring so much and being so kind?
Why did it matter if Jungkook was cold? Why… Why were they all caring so much and being so kind?
“Would you like to watch another documentary?” Namjoon’s question, though not unexpected, still startled Jungkook enough that he flinched and pushed his forearms up to hover above Namjoon. “You seemed to enjoy the one you watched yesterday?”
Whatever it was about the alpha, the way his personality was much different compared to the way he rapped, the way he looked at Jungkook like he mattered, resonated with Jungkook. The most he could do was nod, fingers twisting into the blanket.
“Would you like me to pick again?” Namjoon asked softly and Jungkook blinked at the alpha. “Perhaps something on whales?”
“Whales sound nice,” Jungkook whispered, watching the way Namjoon smiled, and nodded.
“Whales sound nice,” Jungkook whispered, watching the way Namjoon smiled, and nodded.
Before he could relax and go back to becoming a puddle on Namjoon, the alpha wrapped his arms around Jungkook in a loose hold, and then he was craning his neck to press a gentle kiss to his forehead.
“Whales it is.” The alpha brushed Jungkook’s hair from his forehead, then rested back to his previous position. “Your wish is my command, Jungkook-ah.”
Rather than focusing on the fact that /the Kim Namjoon/ had pressed a kiss to his forehead, Jungkook watched the alpha’s face for any sign of deception. Instead of that, he just saw compassion. It made Jungkook’s eyes water.
Jungkook hesitantly lowered his head back down onto Namjoon’s chest, careful not to press too hard in case he hurt him, though he was certain that would be difficult, considering how broad and muscular Namjoon was.
Resting his head on the wide expanse of Namjoon’s chest felt like coming home after a long day to a warm home, warm because of the people in it. Jungkook… He let out a quiet breath and sank a little more onto Namjoon. This was better than… than any hug.
Taehyung had been clear with his words, with his intent, but there was something about the way that Namjoon had merely pressed a kiss to his forehead without any explanation that… was perfect to Jungkook.
Despite the fact that Namjoon had only spoken about a film, something to watch, Jungkook felt as if that Namjoon meant more. Jungkook was okay with the vague hint in Namjoon’s words and actions. It was… Comfortable. But then, so was Namjoon.
No alpha ever usually allowed an omega to rest atop them. Jungkook remembered the way he had been taught not to tempt alphas into making omegas submit. It hadn’t occurred to him until now, but now, he knew.
Alphas, though not all of them, could be kind and these ones… Jungkook tightened his hold on Namjoon a little, turning his head a little so he could take in his scent on his shirt. God, this wasn’t… This had never been part of Jungkook’s plan.
So used to hiding away, so used to watching packs around him find their loves, and their lives. Naturally, Jungkook had assumed that he would find a pack and that maybe they would allow him to stay, but never… Never something like this.
Never something that felt terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, not something that he knew would hurt to lose. Therein lay the beauty of it, Jungkook mused, for what better love was there than the kind that was like this?
Love that wasn’t selfish, love that was not brutal in its haste, one that did not ask, one that did not assume. Love that was patient, kind, gentle.
Packs like this were for other people, never for people like Jungkook.
Packs like this were for other people, never for people like Jungkook.
Love like this was never something Jungkook thought he could experience. Of course, he knew it had existed, had watched the way his dongsaengs loved each other, but he had never once thought he would be fortunate enough to experience it.
What had Jungkook ever done to deserve them? To deserve alphas who were as gentle as a spring breeze, an omega who did not mind that Jungkook receive comfort from the pack, one who had offered his nest, and had not minded.
It wasn’t about deserving, was it? His mind wondered. Love was never about what someone deserved, but about what was offered. Jungkook never had to prove himself yet they had offered their home and love readily.
Jungkook was hardly going to wonder what kind of love they felt for him, but he was curious. Perhaps they viewed him as a friend, a friend who could be a lover. At least that is how it seemed to him. Taehyung seemed to have implied as much.
Loved… To be loved intimately by six people. It was far more than Jungkook had ever dared dream of. It was too much, but somehow, it felt like maybe Jungkook maybe could hope. Maybe he could hope a little and give himself a chance.
A chance to dream, a chance at something he would not have been able to handle four years ago.
Yet somehow, now, he didn’t ever want to let go. Without realising it, Jungkook had begun to sink further into Namjoon’s chest, arms tightening little by little. This was something Jungkook hardly dared to let go of.
By the time Taehyung and Yoongi had returned, Jungkook had surrendered to his urges, and fully rested his full weight on Namjoon. The alpha’s breathing was soothing and Jungkook could hear his heartbeat, hear the steady ba-bump-ba-bump like a personal lullaby.
One arm was loosely slung around his back and the other was curled around his head, allowing him to run his fingers through Jungkook’s rapidly drying hair. Everything the alpha had done had been light and balmy as a summer's eve, touch barely grazing his skin and hair.
“You want anything to eat?” Taehyung asked, head appearing in Jungkook’s line of vision. His expression appeared desperately enamoured and Jungkook wondered why. “I brought some snacks, if you would like.”
The answer was easy and Jungkook shook his head. “No, thank you.”
Eating would mean he would have to lift his head and the idea of leaving this cocoon of warmth (even a smidgen) was too abominable to think of. That wasn’t something Jungkook wanted in the slightest.
Eating would mean he would have to lift his head and the idea of leaving this cocoon of warmth (even a smidgen) was too abominable to think of. That wasn’t something Jungkook wanted in the slightest.
“You sure?” Taehyung asked again, thumb reaching forward to brush over Jungkook’s visible eyebrow. “It’s not trouble at all.”
“Sure,” Jungkook asserted, blinking at Taehyung slowly. Why was the omega so pretty, so pretty in his pyjamas, with his hair a little mussed?
“Sure,” Jungkook asserted, blinking at Taehyung slowly. Why was the omega so pretty, so pretty in his pyjamas, with his hair a little mussed?
The omega squinted at him and then nodded, smiling a little before leaving to sit beside Jimin again. Something in Jungkook ached, ached because Taehyung was simply too far away. Why was he so far away?
Once everyone was settled, Namjoon turned on the documentary. There was something about Namjoon talking as Jungkook rested on his chest, the soft rumble under his body soporific in its effect on Jungkook.
Without Jungkook’s bidding, his eyes slowly slid shut, enveloped by warmth, held close to the person with dimples who saved without realising his ability to do so. The dulcet tones of Taehyung helped, as did Jimin’s and Yoongi’s bickering, and Jin’s fond chastisement.
—
A few days after the time Jungkook fell asleep on Namjoon for a second time, Jungkook was trying his very best to occupy his thoughts with university and work, rather than with thoughts of the pack.
A few days after the time Jungkook fell asleep on Namjoon for a second time, Jungkook was trying his very best to occupy his thoughts with university and work, rather than with thoughts of the pack.
When he had returned the next day, his dongsaengs had walked around him as if anything they did would somehow make him breakdown again. Jungkook so wanted to share with them what had happened, but something about that evening felt sacred.
Almost as if he spoke about what had happened would somehow make it less real and less special.
Jungkook had woken up the next morning still laying on Namjoon’s chest, the alpha snoring below him, unbothered by the weight directly on top of him.
Jungkook had woken up the next morning still laying on Namjoon’s chest, the alpha snoring below him, unbothered by the weight directly on top of him.
It had taken all of five seconds for Jungkook to realise where he was and for him to scramble out of Namjoon’s hold and into the bathroom, hoping to remove the permanent flush to his cheeks.
The pack had not uttered a word about it, Taehyung merely inviting him into a hug with a raised arm as Jungkook shuffled into the kitchen, feeling a little out of sorts. Of all the idiotic things he could have done, he had fallen asleep on the alpha again.
Something about the way they treated him as they always did, not once mentioning the way he had fallen asleep ten minutes after the documentary had started. Like it was to be expected, like it wasn’t as big of a deal as Jungkook had thought it to be.
All the same, Jungkook had been quick to apologise to the alpha when he shuffled into the kitchen.
The alpha had listened to his apology, then had spoken, “Thank you for considering me, Jungkook-ah, but I didn’t mind in the slightest.”
The alpha had listened to his apology, then had spoken, “Thank you for considering me, Jungkook-ah, but I didn’t mind in the slightest.”
It had ended with that, the alpha’s hand reaching over to ruffle his hair in an act that seemed natural. Jungkook’s cheeks had grown rosy, but Namjoon hardly seemed phased, only nodding once and smiling sleepily, asking for coffee from Seokjin politely.
His dongsaengs had of course questioned what had transpired, but they had been careful with their prodding, eyes wide and innocent, though Jungkook did not believe them for a second. He knew them well enough to know they had an ulterior motive.
Mingyu had spoken to Jungkook once over the phone and the omega had been exceedingly apologetic, though Jungkook had already forgiven him. It had hardly been his fault that Junsoo had decided to show up without asking.
Thinking back on it, Jungkook knew that he had probably overreacted. The incident with Junsoo had been a one-time incident and nothing had ever occurred afterwards, so sometimes Jungkook wondered if it had just been a fluke for the alpha to lash out.
Mingyu had not brought up his name in the slightest during their short and emotional conversation, but it was clear that Mingyu had been rattled by Jungkook’s reaction. He wished he had not reacted so, but he could hardly have helped it.
At least, that was what Jungkook had allowed himself think. Maybe if Jungkook wasn’t just the type to freak out, maybe if he had just contained himself, he would not have scared his dongsaengs so much. Hyuka cuddled him far more these days.
“You smell much better now, hyung,” Hyuka murmured into his hair one day after Jungkook met up with the boy to help him with an assignment. “Your scent is a lot stronger.”
The scent blockers, at Yoongi’s mild suggestion, had been done away with and Jungkook was all the better for it. The cream had helped and now the rashes were gone, his scent glands aching a little less, a little less tight and painful.
Not to mention, it was one less expense for Jungkook to worry about. His ability to smell other people had grown tremendously in the past few days too. Hyuka smelled a little stronger and he could smell him from far away now, at least by a few metres.
To say that it almost brought tears to his eyes would be understating how devastated Jungkook had been when he had been able to distinguish Soobin and Hyuka from each other.
Hyuka was sweet brown sugar, warm like in hotteok, whilst Soobin more of the scent of butter and sugar intermingling. It was distinct, but so comforting to finally understand their scents fully. His mind could not help but wonder what Taehyung and—
No, Jungkook needed to focus on his work, needed to finish this assignment before he even considered how his ability to perceive scents would affect the scents of Taehyung and his pack. Definitely not thinking of the intricacies of the lemon scent either.
Now that Jungkook knew there was another pack member, there was something that had him so curious, so curious to meet this pack member. The ever-elusive Jung Hoseok that Taehyung mentioned in his messages over the week.
Ever since that Saturday, Jungkook had been feeling a little weak, a little like how he had been feeling before he had met Taehyung. He hardly noticed until he was chopping vegetables for his dinner and saw the way his hands shook.
Squeezing his hands reflexively, Jungkook stared down at the way his hands hovered in the air, the way his fingers hardly seemed to be able to stay still. Not to mention the nausea. It wasn’t like he couldn’t eat, it was just that sometimes he felt like he would be sick.
With the excuse of having work to do, Jungkook had holed himself up in his apartment, only leaving to go to work or to class. He knew the ways to lie to his dongsaengs without concerning Taehyun, though he was loathe to admit it.
The bruises that had disappeared from under his eyes had returned, no matter how much Jungkook tried to sleep more, eat more, look after himself more.
Jungkook perhaps should have known that not sleeping in a nest because he was afraid of finding it bereft of a certain scent, would only bring consequences for him. It hadn’t been wholly intentional on his part.
Thursday came around and Jungkook only realised how bad he had gotten when he found himself wondering if adding another lock to his bedroom door would be a good idea. Nowhere felt safe anymore. Not even his own apartment.
The last time Jungkook had truly felt safe had not been when he had been resting on Namjoon, or hugging Taehyung, but the last night the scent on the pillow had been prominent. Somehow a scent on a pillow had lowered all his defences.
It was exhausting being on alert all the time, always wondering when something was going to drop and change everything. At one point, Jungkook had almost texted Taehyung to cancel coming over on Friday, just because he couldn’t imagine leaving his space.
Jungkook doubted that his run-in with Junsoo had helped in any way. If anything, Jungkook had grown even more paranoid whilst on campus, always feeling as if he should have another pair of eyes just to watch his back.
The problem was that Saturday had ended up being a perfect day, but now it felt like he hadn’t seen any of the pack for longer than just 4 days.
He would be okay until Friday, Jungkook reassured himself. He would be all right until then, he could hold off until then, surely.
He would be okay until Friday, Jungkook reassured himself. He would be all right until then, he could hold off until then, surely.
Thursday night was a day Jungkook usually worked at a small convenience store, close to where he lived so he did not have far to walk in the dark at the end of his shift. Walking back to his apartment with only the street lights was terrifying, but he was used to it.
What Jungkook was not used to were the footsteps behind him, the footsteps of someone else walking behind him. It was likely someone out late, wholly unrelated to Jungkook, his mind reassured him. That was what he thought, until he caught a whiff of their scent.
All of a sudden, Jungkook was sure there was no more air to breathe, was certain that it was just his mind making things up, it had to be, because there was no way that it was—
“Jungkook-ah,” a debonair voice murmured right behind him, a familiar hand pressed against his scars, which throbbed painfully at the contact as if they remembered who inflicted them. “It has been a while.” God, no, it couldn’t be, Jungkook couldn’t—
“P-Please,” Jungkook sounded pitiful, he knew that, but he didn’t care. “Please, go away.”
Maybe Jungkook had forgiven him because not forgiving him was more exhausting. Maybe Jungkook should have put his foot down.
Maybe Jungkook had forgiven him because not forgiving him was more exhausting. Maybe Jungkook should have put his foot down.
His muscles tensed in his back and he closed his eyes, feeling the way his heartbeat made his entire body shake. Jungkook couldn’t breathe because breathing meant inhaling his scent, and Jungkook couldn’t handle that.
Not when the memories that came with that scent circled around pain, agony, apologies, fear, and the feeling as if he was going to die because he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t—
Jungkook had to get away, he had to, he couldn’t stay here and let Junsoo be around him any longer. There had to be a way out. He released a shaky breath and then, fists to his sides, Jungkook opened his eyes, and ran.
Later on, Jungkook would hardly recall for how long he ran, or where exactly he was headed, but he knew that he had to get away. Junsoo couldn’t chase him forever, surely not. Yet, even as Jungkook ran, his mind focused on finding somewhere safe—
Junsoo could be heard giving chase.
Safe, his mind screamed, somewhere safe, somewhere safe, somewhere not here—
Safe, his mind screamed, somewhere safe, somewhere safe, somewhere not here—
If Jungkook stopped, he was sure he wouldn’t see Taehyung again and Jungkook didn’t want that, he didn’t, he didn’t—
Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, Jimin, and Taehyung, he wanted to be back to watching documentaries tomorrow.
Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, Jimin, and Taehyung, he wanted to be back to watching documentaries tomorrow.
Jungkook hardly recalled when he had been inside, but now he was, somewhere warm, somewhere where there might be people.
His body came to a staggering halt when he collided with another person, someone warm, someone safe, someone…
Familiar.
His body came to a staggering halt when he collided with another person, someone warm, someone safe, someone…
Familiar.
Jungkook inhaled a lungful of the familiar lemon scent, now more potent, and far sweeter than he recalled, and promply burst into tears.
“My, what do we have here?” The voice was gentle, concerned, and Jungkook let out a wet sob. “Oh, you poor dear.”
“My, what do we have here?” The voice was gentle, concerned, and Jungkook let out a wet sob. “Oh, you poor dear.”
🛋️
Hoseok was not someone who ever thought that he was missing out on anything. Not even when it felt like work was in his life more than his own pack was. It was only recently that he had begun to feel a little more like… There was someone important he was missing out on.
Hoseok was not someone who ever thought that he was missing out on anything. Not even when it felt like work was in his life more than his own pack was. It was only recently that he had begun to feel a little more like… There was someone important he was missing out on.
When Taehyung had first mentioned Jungkook by his name, Hoseok had seen the delight in his expression, the way his face revealed more than perhaps he was willing to admit. Unlike Jimin, Hoseok had not the heart to tell him to reel in his heart.
Taehyung could not very well help the way he loved.
Neither could Yoongi, with the way he carefully mentioned Jungkook in conversation during dinner. Hoseok was far better at understanding his pack than he possibly knew. The shy, restrained smile of Yoongi’s gave it all away.
Neither could Yoongi, with the way he carefully mentioned Jungkook in conversation during dinner. Hoseok was far better at understanding his pack than he possibly knew. The shy, restrained smile of Yoongi’s gave it all away.
Jimin was hardly subtle. The irony was there in the way that he had told Taehyung to hold back a little in his enthusiasm. Jimin had mentioned Jungkook as he slung an arm over Taehyung, like he needed his presence to be comfortable to share his own thoughts.
Leaving without ever meeting this Jungkook, Hoseok felt like he was waiting for something to happen. Scents were strange, at least for Hoseok. He adored his packmates and the comfortable scents that lingered around the apartment. Jungkook’s… had slowly begun to seep in too.
The problem wasn’t that Hoseok minded, no, it was the problem that it seemed to fit right in. His delicate and fresh lime lingered like a mist on the couch. Hoseok hadn’t asked and his pack, hardly hiding from him what had occurred, had been willing to share.
Hoseok had been waiting to hear what Seokjin and Namjoon had to say. It wasn’t that he needed their approval because it seemed everyone had agreed without words that Jungkook could be a potential packmate. It was because… If they liked him then it said a lot.
Namjoon and Seokjin weren’t difficult; they were easy-going and easy to get along with. No, Hoseok was curious because they were the two possibly the most protective over the rest of them. They didn’t take kindly people trying to take advantage of their packmates.
There had been a little swoop in his chest when he saw the way Namjoon casually (though, perhaps not so casually) mentioned Jungkook.
“Jungkook really enjoyed the documentaries I picked,” Namjoon uttered as they were on the couch.
“Jungkook really enjoyed the documentaries I picked,” Namjoon uttered as they were on the couch.
Humming, Hoseok made eye contact with Namjoon, who looked like he was ready to fly away with how much energy he seemed to have.
“Hob-ah, he said he couldn’t wait to watch more,” Namjoon continued and then he was smiling, looking down at his book, fingers fidgeting.
“Hob-ah, he said he couldn’t wait to watch more,” Namjoon continued and then he was smiling, looking down at his book, fingers fidgeting.
There was Hoseok’s Namjoon, dimpled, comfortable in his sweats, large hands fumbling with the bookmark.
“I’m sure he enjoys the company too.” Hoseok was not impervious to how difficult Jungkook’s life likely was.
“I’m sure he enjoys the company too.” Hoseok was not impervious to how difficult Jungkook’s life likely was.
Taehyung’s whispered confession one night of “hyung, he’s like I was” was not lost on Hoseok and the underlying implications of those words had kept him awake.
Not speculating on what Jungkook’s life may or may not have been like, but recalling Taehyung, a marginally younger Taehyung, and the things he had dealt with. The way he had grown into the person he was now. The way Hoseok had watched him thrive.
His heart ached at the thought of Taehyung seeing this Jungkook and seeing himself, a past self. It was difficult to see yourself in someone else and Taehyung, though he had mentioned it casually, had learned to accept what had been his life.
The day Hoseok had returned, a Sunday, his pack were bright and buzzing, happy to have him back. It was clear they had missed him, but it was also clear that there was an underlying thrum of excitement going through their veins, leftover from Jungkook’s unexpected stay.
“He’s very quiet,” Jin had told him when Hoseok had asked him about Jungkook, “like Taehyung was. Like he had a lot to say but doesn’t know how to speak out loud.”
“You like him, hyung?” Hoseok sipped his coffee, enjoying the early mornings with only the hum of the fridge and dripping of the coffee.
Jin eyed him over the rim of his coffee mug. “I do. I think… He’s as good for us as we would be good for him.”
Jin eyed him over the rim of his coffee mug. “I do. I think… He’s as good for us as we would be good for him.”
It wasn’t a cocky thing to say. It wasn’t like Jin didn’t think Jungkook couldn’t do better without them, Hoseok knew that. It was an acknowledgement that maybe, their pack, as used to themselves as they were, would be something Jungkook would benefit from.
“You think we would be good for him?” Hoseok asked softly, finding himself lowering his mug to fix his gaze on the way Jin was staring into space. “Would… Would you like us to court him properly, hyung? Not that you need my permission—”
Seokjin laughed. “Pretty sure the mini-fridge Yoongi got him would count as courting. We used all the best ideas for Taehyung.” Then he was serious again, as he was often apt at doing. “What about you, Hoseok-ah? What do you think?”
Hoseok truly found that all of his mates thinking highly of Jungkook was enough for him. “I think that if you all want to, then I wouldn’t mind either. If… If he makes Namjoon smile and gives Taehyung the companionship he seems to miss then…”
Seokjin hummed and then he reached a hand over to the middle of the small table, which Hoseok took. “Hoseok-ah, it’s all right for you to have an opinion. You have a say.”
Hoseok found himself smiling at the alpha’s words. “I know that, but I find that… I am happy with whatever you all want.”
In the very beginning, when it had been just the 5 of them, 5 alphas in love in a world that scorned them, Hoseok had an opinion, a very loud one.
In the very beginning, when it had been just the 5 of them, 5 alphas in love in a world that scorned them, Hoseok had an opinion, a very loud one.
It was only when Taehyung came to them, delighting in the ways they acted that would not have been considered very ‘alpha’, that Hoseok allowed himself to act as he did now. Taehyung not only helped them discover that there was no way to be an alpha…
He had taught Hoseok that there was nothing wrong with the way that he found it very difficult to be truly angry. From a young age, Hoseok had been amiable, the person everyone wanted to be friends with, but when he presented, people expected things.
Taehyung had been so cowed by his former pack, so scared of the world around him, that it had set alight a part of Hoseok that had longed to be an alpha in his own way.
That was the most difficult: changing himself in front of the people who thought he was just a certain way.
That was the most difficult: changing himself in front of the people who thought he was just a certain way.
“You are?” Seokjin traced his forefinger over Hoseok’s palm. “I think you will like him.”
“I know I will.” Hoseok may not have met Jungkook yet, but he had seen enough on his mates’ faces, heard in their voices, the tenderness they held for Jungkook.
“I know I will.” Hoseok may not have met Jungkook yet, but he had seen enough on his mates’ faces, heard in their voices, the tenderness they held for Jungkook.
They had left the conversation at that and after informing the rest of the pack of what they had said, Taehyung had begun to count down the days until Friday.
“Hyung, I have a list of things we could give Jungkook as his first courting gift.” Taehyung came up to him on Wednesday, hand holding out a piece of paper with what appeared to be a brainstorm of ideas. “I think I know what his first gift should be.”
Yoongi grunted from his spot on the armchair. “My mini fridge of banana milk doesn’t count, does it?”
Taehyung shook his head, wagging his finger at the alpha. “First /official/ gift. You cheated, Yoongi-hyung. I don’t even think he noticed it yet.”
Taehyung shook his head, wagging his finger at the alpha. “First /official/ gift. You cheated, Yoongi-hyung. I don’t even think he noticed it yet.”
Hoseok picked the paper from Taehyung’s grasp and smiled at the ideas, some drawn out, others in small, neat writing. “I was thinking it would be best if you chose his first courting gift, Tae-yah. You likely know what he will like best.”
Taehyung’s curls swam back and forth over his forehead in his excitement. “Thank you, hyung. I’ll plan the first one right away.”
Hoseok watched the omega disappear with a bounce in his step and let out a small sigh. “I think… Taehyung is looking forward to having another omega in the pack.”
Yoongi hummed, cheek smushed to the arm, laying down lengthwise on the armchair. “I think he… Needed Jungkook to recover from his recent... news. It's like Jungkook was meant to be here.”
Cold water felt like it was trickling down Hoseok’s back, and he leant back against the couch. “I think he did too. Redecorating the room must have helped him.”
They both said nothing after that, both too caught up in their own heads. Jungkook had already aided Taehyung more than he likely knew. Jin-hyung had been right, Hoseok realised, but then again, Jin was rarely wrong.
The following day saw Hoseok back in his studio. There was something about the space he had that made him want to create and he hadn’t touched his computer for quite some time.
He had been focusing on a specific track for so long that he jumped when there was a knock on his door. Knowing who it was before he even opened the door, due to the familiar combined scent of warm tangerines, Hoseok grinned at Namjoon and Yoongi.
“Any reason for visiting?” They didn’t need a reason, but it was funny to see Yoongi carrying his laptop under his arm, sporting the same exhausted look Namjoon was also wearing. “I was just working on a track.”
“No reason.” Yoongi and Namjoon both allowed themselves in. “We just felt like having company as we suffer like the artists we are.” By the time Yoongi had finished speaking, he was sprawled on Hoseok’s large couch.
Noting the way Yoongi was practically inhaling his scent from the cushions, Hoseok had not the heart to tease. In fact, it warmed something in him to know that he had been missed. Or rather, his scent had been missed.
Namjoon, who seemed to be faring a little better, sat in the corner closest to Hoseok’s studio chair, peering at the screen with tired eyes.
“Coffee?” Hoseok asked. “There’s that coffee shop close by that has good, iced coffees.”
“Coffee?” Hoseok asked. “There’s that coffee shop close by that has good, iced coffees.”
Yoongi let out something similar to a grunt of disagreement. “I’ll bring you back something with no coffee, hyung. How about you both take a nap? By the time I come back, you’ll have been able to rest a little. Then we can order food and start work again.”
After hums of agreement from both of the alphas, now with their eyes closed, Hoseok left, being sure to dim the lights a little more and close the door behind him softly. Letting out a sigh, Hoseok zipped up his jacket, and rolled his neck before heading to the lobby.
It was nice and quiet due to the hour, with only a few people walking through the lit lobby. This time of the evening was nice, especially in such a large and open area. Being able to walk through a space that was usually filled with people was nice.
Hoseok was close to the exit when there was someone bursting through the entrance and then, then he had his arms full with someone who was sobbing against his chest. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw security approaching him, but he waved him off.
“My, what do we have here?” Hoseok was unused to dealing with distressed strangers, particularly ones he did not know. “Oh, you poor dear.”
The stranger sobbed and it was only when their hands curled into his jacket, holding on for dear life, that Hoseok caught a whiff of their scent. Limes. Sweet and tart. Not unlike the scent lingering on their couch in their apartment.
“Jungkook-ssi?” Without meaning to, Hoseok found himself wrapping his around the boy. “It’s all right, it’s all right to cry,” he soothed, mind unable to wrap around why Jungkook was here and why he was so upset. What had happened?
—
Jungkook hardly knew what to do. It was like envisioning something for so long that he didn’t know how to react when it was right there, right there in-person. Maybe it was all a dream, a way of coping with being chased by Junsoo, being—
Jungkook hardly knew what to do. It was like envisioning something for so long that he didn’t know how to react when it was right there, right there in-person. Maybe it was all a dream, a way of coping with being chased by Junsoo, being—
But it couldn’t have been a dream because the body he was pressed to was warm, the voice was kind, and the scent was potent. He didn’t mean to take in so much of the lemon scent, but it was so strong, and he felt so safe.
The roaring in his ears was still prevalent and he hardly heard a word being said, not over his own sobs, his tears, as he clung to an alpha that he did not know but had mapped out the scent of in his dreams.
Hoseok’s scent like this, concentrated and focused was almost too much. It was when arms wrapped around him that Jungkook sagged a little more, mind still reeling from the shock and fear of being chased in the dark by the person who haunted him to this day.
The fear was slowly being replaced by the feeling of safety which enrobed him like a warm cloak. Without meaning to, Jungkook had buried his face in the alpha’s shoulder, trying his best to take in as much of his scent as he could. It felt greedy of him.
This alpha wasn’t his, Jungkook tried to remind himself, trying to sober his thoughts, not wishing to stray. Taehyung was kind, it only made sense that his packmates were all the same.
“Jungkook-ssi?” The alpha spoke, his voice traveling to Jungkook’s ears this time. “Would you like to sit down?”
Jungkook raised his head and saw the alpha’s face for the first time. He didn’t have any right to have a face like that, nor the right to have snowy hair that framed his face perfectly. Handsome hardly covered Jung Hoseok and his looks.
His breaths were still aborted little things, sobs inhibiting the way he inhaled. His face felt wet, lashes weighed down by the liquid sticking to them. Jungkook wished he could feel shame, but all he felt was the unerring urge to curl himself around the alpha.
“I’m so-sorry…” Jungkook choked out, reaching up with a sleeve to wipe his face clumsily. “I— There was an alpha…” He gestured behind him to the door. “He was… Chasing me and I didn’t think, I just—”
The alpha shook his head and for a moment Jungkook’s heart sank like a stone in his chest. Had he disappointed him? Had he made him uncomfortable?
Already, he was undoing his hand from the death-like grip it had on the man’s jacket.
Already, he was undoing his hand from the death-like grip it had on the man’s jacket.
“An alpha was chasing you?” The alpha’s eyes looked into Jungkook’s and all Jungkook was smell was lemonade, frayed and shattered nerves soothed by the scent. “Did he hurt you?” Hoseok’s eyes were searching Jungkook for any signs of injury and Jungkook’s heart leapt.
‘Don’t worry,’ Jungkook whispered in his head, ‘he already hurt me a long time ago.’
Standing before Hoseok like this, without having any grip on him like he had moments before, Jungkook felt exposed. Jungkook fiddled with cuff of his sleeve.
Standing before Hoseok like this, without having any grip on him like he had moments before, Jungkook felt exposed. Jungkook fiddled with cuff of his sleeve.
“No, I’m okay…” Jungkook shook his head, lowering his eyes to look at the sparkling marble floor. “I’m… Thank you and I’m sorry, Hoseok-ssi.”
“Hyung, and you’re not okay,” Hoseok’s voice was placating, “I think you’re in need of a little hot chocolate, hm?”
“Hyung, and you’re not okay,” Hoseok’s voice was placating, “I think you’re in need of a little hot chocolate, hm?”
Jungkook blinked back the rush of tears that came to his eyes. Hot chocolate sounded wonderful, it sounded perfect. His hands and his entire body was shaking from the shock and adrenaline of what had just transpired.
So much had gone wrong and so much could have gone wrong? What if he hadn’t got away, what if he had been caught? What would have happened then? What would have happened if he never got away from Junsoo?
Hot chocolate sounded perfect and Jungkook did not want to leave, not when he had just met the very person he had been thinking about for 5 days. So, Jungkook tried to be selfish and think of himself and nodded hastily before he lost the gumption to be honest.
“Namjoon and Yoongi are in my studio and I was going to the coffee shop anyway. Would you like to come with me or go to the two of them?” Hoseok was giving him options and Jungkook… He wanted to go with Hoseok in case he disappeared again but…
Jungkook looked outside at the dark world outside and he shook his head (though very reluctantly). As much as it hurt to imagine leaving Hoseok now, now when he had just managed to find him, the idea of going outside again scared him more than he would like to admit.
"Namjoon and Yoongi, please."
“All right,” Hoseok decided, holding his hand out for Jungkook, “I’ll take you there and key you in. They’ll be happy to see you.”
Surely, surely all this was a dream that Jungkook would awaken from.
“All right,” Hoseok decided, holding his hand out for Jungkook, “I’ll take you there and key you in. They’ll be happy to see you.”
Surely, surely all this was a dream that Jungkook would awaken from.
Alphas didn’t just offer their hands like that, alphas that he used to know wouldn’t have allowed such disrespectful behaviour from an omega like him. Yet, here Hoseok was, smiling genially, cheeks crinkled up. Jungkook looked down at his hand.
It was tempting. Handholding was a pleasure Jungkook was not used to. There was something in the casual affection, casual tethering of someone to another person, that was appealing. Now, Jungkook felt uneasy, his stomach twisting into knots, breathing still laboured.
Jungkook should have expected Hoseok’s hand to be warm, much like his voice and his smile, but it still surprised him. Jungkook breathed out of his mouth, sure he would be dreaming of Hoseok’s scent until the end of time.
Smiling impossibly brighter, Hoseok gave his hand an experimental squeeze and then he was carefully leading Jungkook down a warm hallway. Namjoon and Yoongi… It would be nice to see them again, especially a whole day early, Jungkook mused.
He tried to focus on the warmth of Hoseok’s hand, the warm air in the hallway, the way it was so quiet, so quiet compared to his mind had been mere minutes before. For now he would ignore his aching chest, his uneven breaths, and the fear lurking in the back of his mind.
Hoseok stopped by a door, keyed in the passcode, and then with a promise to be back soon (something that eased Jungkook greatly), he left Jungkook with the door ajar. It was an invitation, Jungkook could enter if he wanted to, but… There was no pressure to.
Stealing into the room, Jungkook made sure the door was shut properly, the fear still there that Junsoo would find him again.
When he turned around, he was greeted by the two alphas passed out on the sofa. Namjoon was curled up in a seated position, whilst Yoongi was laid out flat on the couch.
Yoongi slid one eye open, squinting at Jungkook for a few moments before sitting up and beckoning him over. It still felt unreal that Yoongi was calling him over, but Jungkook dropped his bag carefully, removed his shoes, and then made his way over to Yoongi.
“Jungkook-ah,” Yoongi’s voice was hoarse and a little croaky from sleep, but it was comforting. “Come here.” He held out his arms and Jungkook reached out and held the alpha’s hands. There was a huff of laughter. Handholding was nice. “Sit down beside me.”
Yoongi guided Jungkook to sit next to him and then he was tutting. “Your hands are so cold. Hold on.”
The alpha stood up and then he was opening a drawer in the corner of the room. Jungkook curled up, shifting until he was in the corner of the sofa, legs curled up.
The alpha stood up and then he was opening a drawer in the corner of the room. Jungkook curled up, shifting until he was in the corner of the sofa, legs curled up.
“You’re up late, hyung,” Jungkook whispered, being careful of the fact that Namjoon was sleeping. “Do you usually stay up working?”
Yoongi returned, arms filled with blankets, which he dumped beside Jungkook. Then he was carefully laying a blanket over Jungkook’s, being sure he was entirely covered, before laying on another.
“Not usually. Not all of us together, anyway.” Yoongi sank down beside Jungkook, legs touching. “Hob-ah just came back, and Namjoon and I decided to keep him company. We usually try not to stick together and to have one of us home, but…”
Jungkook’s hands moved to rest atop the blankets, appreciating the comforting weight of the blankets. Yoongi’s hair was pretty, soft and shiny in the lowlight. His face was moisturised and there was the urge to poke his cheeks, to see if they felt as soft as they appeared.
“But you’re both busy tonight.” Jungkook finished, watching the way the alpha was resting his cheek atop the pillow in his arms, watching him with something he couldn’t quite decipher in his eyes.
“You met Hob-ah,” Yoongi stated, rather than asked. “What did you think?”
“You met Hob-ah,” Yoongi stated, rather than asked. “What did you think?”
Jungkook could not help the flush that rose over his cheeks, unsure of what to say. What did Jungkook think? Where was he even to begin? There was so much he could say, so much he wanted to share, but… What was appropriate?
“I think…” Jungkook bit at his bottom lip. “I think you’re all very lucky to have him. And that… He’s lucky to have you all.”
“Lucky how?” Yoongi seemed genuinely curious and there was no amusement in his tone.
“Lucky how?” Yoongi seemed genuinely curious and there was no amusement in his tone.
“He seems very kind.” Jungkook wanted to hide away, but it was the truth. From Yoongi he could not hide anything. “And I know you are all kind and patient, especially with me.”
Yoongi smiled sadly, as if what Jungkook had said had pained him somehow. “Perhaps, we’re the lucky ones, Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook’s raised his head to peer at Yoongi, unsure of what he meant by his words. But the alpha didn’t continue and a silence settled over the room, though it was not uncomfortable or awkward.
Little by little, in the presence of the alphas, curled away in a corner of the room, where he had a clear sight of the rest of the room (and more importantly, the door), Jungkook relaxed into the cushions. Then he jolted when the handle turned and Hoseok entered.
“I see Yoongi and Namjoon entertained you whilst I was away,” Hoseok whispered, lowering the carrier of drinks onto the coffee table.
Both alphas were asleep, Yoongi curled over himself, head buried in the pillow in his arms.
Both alphas were asleep, Yoongi curled over himself, head buried in the pillow in his arms.
“Yoongi-hyung got me blankets.” Jungkook felt the need to defend the alphas and Hoseok smiled at him, handing over a disposable cup, which warmed Jungkook’s fingers quickly. “Thank you, Hoseok-ssi, you didn’t have to.”
Sipping the drink, Jungkook sighed when the warm and sweet hot chocolate and foamy cream slid down his throat. It was exactly how he liked it.
“I think you needed it. Sugar is good for shock.” Hoseok sat down across from him on the coffee table, huddling himself around his iced-coffee. “Do you feel all right?”
"I feel better, thank you," Jungkook responded truthfully, though a few moments later he shuddered, as a wave of cold fear washed over him.
Likely leftover from his ordeal, but it only served to make Jungkook press further back into the couch.
Likely leftover from his ordeal, but it only served to make Jungkook press further back into the couch.
"Hm," Hoseok took a sip from his own drink, "I'd still like you to stay, if you do not mind, for at least another hour. Just to make sure."
Jungkook felt warm at the idea of the Hoseok wanting to keep an eye on him and he wanted to stay, wanted to stay with the pillow alpha.
Jungkook felt warm at the idea of the Hoseok wanting to keep an eye on him and he wanted to stay, wanted to stay with the pillow alpha.
"That's... I can stay." Jungkook's fingers trembled around the cup. "If it would assure you."
"It would."
Hoseok woke up the other two alphas gently and though Namjoon was confused by Jungkook's presence, he didn't ask any questions.
"It would."
Hoseok woke up the other two alphas gently and though Namjoon was confused by Jungkook's presence, he didn't ask any questions.
It was after a while, when everyone had woken up a little and Jungkook had practically melted into the couch that Yoongi spoke.
“Jungkook-ah,” Yoongi’s voice was like a pebble skipping over the surface of the water, “we were going to order food. Would you like something to eat?”
“Jungkook-ah,” Yoongi’s voice was like a pebble skipping over the surface of the water, “we were going to order food. Would you like something to eat?”
The studio, Hoseok’s studio, was warm and the lights were dim, bright enough to see, but low enough not to bother his weary eyes.
The couch he was sitting on was spacious and comfortable and despite the fact that Jungkook was alone with three alphas, he had never felt more at ease in his life.
They didn’t ask if Jungkook wanted to stay, didn’t ask any questions Jungkook knew he would have lied about. Jungkook didn’t want to leave ever again.
The soundproofing meant that it was quiet, the studio void of sound from the outside, but maintaining the comfortable noises of the people that mattered.
Jungkook looked up from where he was curled up in the corner of the couch and nodded. “Please.”
'Please, I don’t ever want to leave.'
'Please, I don’t ever want to leave.'
Yoongi took his phone and ordered for all of them. It was easy for Jungkook to allow the alpha to order for him, especially when lamb skewers had been brought up. Food sounded good especially because he hadn't eaten since that morning.
Hoseok moved away to work on something on his computer and... It was so silly, so foolish, but the second he left again, the second he was out of reach, Jungkook felt off-kilter, like some small noise would have him crying again.
Hoseok was resting his head on his palm, elbow resting on the desk in front of him. The line of his shoulders was loose, a small smile playing on his lips. It didn't look like he would mind if Jungkook drew a little closer.
He had to be subtle, Jungkook thought, he had to make sure it didn't look obvious. Namjoon was sipping his drink and scrolling through his phone, so he hardly noticed when Jungkook moved a little closer in the direction of Hoseok.
"Are you making... music?" Jungkook asked softly, sliding himself a few inches closer.
Hoseok turned his head to look at Jungkook, his smile growing watts brighter. "Yes. Would you like to see?"
Hoseok turned his head to look at Jungkook, his smile growing watts brighter. "Yes. Would you like to see?"
There was something like relief when Hoseok asked Jungkook because it meant he didn't have to, or try and weasel his way into drawing closer. It also meant that maybe... Maybe Hoseok wouldn't mind if Jungkook looked over his shoulder. Maybe it was okay.
Jungkook nodded and got up from his spot on the couch, taking both blankets with him and wrapping them about his shoulders. Squeezing past Namjoon and the coffee table, Jungkook stood behind Hoseok's studio chair.
"Oh, Jungkook-ah, I don't know if you will be able to see well from there, hold on."
Then the alpha was getting up from his chair and gesturing for Jungkook to take a seat. Jungkook was too shocked to think before he was already sitting down.
Then the alpha was getting up from his chair and gesturing for Jungkook to take a seat. Jungkook was too shocked to think before he was already sitting down.
Hoseok rested his stomach against the desk, crowding in beside Jungkook as he leant over to reach the mouse. It was comfortable, being so close, especially when Jungkook took in the lemonade scent, tart and safe.
Hoseok showed Jungkook what he was doing, moving his mouse around to show how he got certain effects, how the programme worked, really. It was all so new to Jungkook, but he was intrigued, could hardly look away, especially with how animated Hoseok was.
It was a gradual descent when Jungkook found himself leaning his head against Hoseok's upper arm, enjoying the way it moved every now and then as the alpha continued his small tutorial.
This was so much better than a pillow, Jungkook thought. It was so much better than he could have imagined.
Yoongi came back with food eventually, announcing his return with great gusto. Eventually Jungkook had to move to eat, but even then, Hoseok was serving him food.
"Oh, Jungkook-ah, you have to try this!" Hoseok held out his chopsticks invitingly, holding a cut of meat.
"Oh, Jungkook-ah, you have to try this!" Hoseok held out his chopsticks invitingly, holding a cut of meat.
Leaning over, Jungkook accepted it, flushing a little when he realised what he had done. It was... Was he too forward? He chewed thoughtfully and at Hoseok's expecting face, smiled, nodding as he ducked his head.
Jungkook didn't want to leave. Didn't want to leave this cacoon of comfort and safety. It was safe. A haven in a studio with three alphas. He focused on his warm food, the intermingling scents, and companionship in every corner of the room.
They never brought up Jungkook leaving again, not even when all three alphas were at work. They never brought up Jungkook leaving even when night turned into early morning and Jungkook was struggling to stay awake.
The only time they brought up Jungkook leaving was /with/ them.
"Would you like to come to our apartment for breakfast, Jungkook-ah?" Namjoon asked, a hopeful dimple emerging. "We would be happy to have you."
"Would you like to come to our apartment for breakfast, Jungkook-ah?" Namjoon asked, a hopeful dimple emerging. "We would be happy to have you."
Jungkook wasn't used to this, wasn't used to people caring because they simply could. But would Jungkook like, would he like to see the rest of the pack?
"Please," Jungkook whispered, "I would like to."
"Please," Jungkook whispered, "I would like to."
🛋️
It had not taken long for the alphas to finish up their work, Jungkook hovering over all three of them as the alphas saved all the hard work they had accomplished in the waning hours of the night.
It had not taken long for the alphas to finish up their work, Jungkook hovering over all three of them as the alphas saved all the hard work they had accomplished in the waning hours of the night.
“Did you save your work, hyung?” Jungkook asked, almost afraid to repeat the words (because he had repeated them twice already to the other two alphas).
Instead of a sigh, like Jungkook would have expected, Hoseok tilted his head back to look up at Jungkook, a bright smile on his face, reassurance written all over it.
“I did, thank you, Jungkook-ah.”
“I did, thank you, Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook was not someone who easily faltered or was intimidated by the words of others. Such was not the case with Hoseok. Every word had Jungkook flushing and he would have felt like an idiot if he had not the scent of Hoseok around him.
Hoseok’s scent was simple, but so complex. It spoke of lemonade on a day where the sun was just warm enough and the breeze was not too cool. It spoke of picnics in a meadow, laughter tinkling like that of the cutlery used to consume dainty cakes.
It was calming. It felt like…
Jungkook knew exactly what it was like but saying it out loud or evening coming to the conclusion in his own mind was too much even for him.
Jungkook knew exactly what it was like but saying it out loud or evening coming to the conclusion in his own mind was too much even for him.
“Are you all ready to go?” Hoseok asked, turning off his monitor, and pulling on his coat. Then he frowned when he looked at Jungkook, eyes looking him up and down. “Jungkook-ah, you don’t have a coat”
Jungkook was wearing his hoodie and whilst it had been a good idea that morning when he had started work, the night had proven to be colder. It wasn’t something he was unused to, the cold, but it did not make it any easier to bear.
“No, but I’ll be all right,” Jungkook shuffled his feet, looking down at his stockinged feet.
There was no hesitance when Hoseok stopped putting on his coat and undid the clasps, removing it before extending it to Jungkook.
There was no hesitance when Hoseok stopped putting on his coat and undid the clasps, removing it before extending it to Jungkook.
“Take it,” Hoseok offered, urging Jungkook with his eyes to accept the coat, “you’ll be cold otherwise.”
“But… You’ll be cold then,” Jungkook protested, already wanting to take the jacket from Hoseok’s grasp, because it probably smelled divine–
“But… You’ll be cold then,” Jungkook protested, already wanting to take the jacket from Hoseok’s grasp, because it probably smelled divine–
“And?” Hoseok shrugged, smiling. “I’d rather I be cold than you be cold. So please? Will you accept?”
Would he accept? Jungkook wanted to. The sleeves were wide and the jacket itself was long. It would probably be nice and warm. Not to mention the fact that it would probably smell strongly of Hoseok’s scent.
Accepting it would mean that he would smell like Hoseok and Taehyung would know. They would be able to tell and whilst the jacket was something he wanted, what would Taehyung think? What if Taehyung misunderstood?
On the other hand, rejecting the jacket would maybe make Hoseok feel bad, after all the effort he took in removing it. Jungkook stood there wordlessly with all these thoughts running through his mind.
Then Hoseok dropped his jacket about Jungkook’s shoulders until it ensconced him like a cape.
“There,” Hoseok squeezed his shoulder once. “Let’s go and get some breakfast.”
“There,” Hoseok squeezed his shoulder once. “Let’s go and get some breakfast.”
It wasn’t until they were walking through the corridor and the lobby that Jungkook realised he hadn’t been breathing, or inhaling. When he did, he felt the way his shoulders dropped and the way his mind quieted.
Making sure that no one was watching him, Jungkook turned his head and pressed his nose to the fur of the hood. It couldn’t have been called an assault of the senses, because Hoseok’s scent was not intrusive.
Jungkook was covered by Hoseok’s scent and he felt everything that had happened to him melt away slowly.
That was until they were outside. Outside.
The last time Jungkook had been outside, he had been chased by someone he had forgiven.
That was until they were outside. Outside.
The last time Jungkook had been outside, he had been chased by someone he had forgiven.
Despite the fact that he was walking side by side with three alphas, Jungkook could not help the way his eyes darted around, afraid that Junsoo was lurking around some corner waiting to pounce.
It had been only a few hours since he had last been followed by the alpha, hunted down like he was nothing more than prey to be captured and devoured.
Jungkook was scared, he didn’t want to be scared, yet here he was, struggling to pay attention to anything else other than the fear that ate at him.
So involved in his own thoughts, Jungkook hardly noticed Hoseok had stopped walking until he ran into the alpha’s back.
“Jungkook-ah,” Hoseok’s voice was like someone peering into a quiet room, hesitant, but purposeful. “How can I help?”
“Jungkook-ah,” Hoseok’s voice was like someone peering into a quiet room, hesitant, but purposeful. “How can I help?”
Jungkook wondered if they could tell he was scared because of his scent, but for now he would shake his head, because there was no real way in which they could help. Jungkook… He would have to help himself, he would have to be okay alone.
Without even realising it, Jungkook had pressed himself closer to Hoseok’s back, and something in the way Namjoon and Yoongi had continued walking, something in the way Hoseok was standing still, as if waiting, made his heart stumble.
Waiting for Jungkook to take what he needed, perhaps waiting for Jungkook to make his mind up as to what he wanted. Alphas like this weren’t meant to be real. Alphas like this were only meant to be figments of Jungkook’s wildest dreams.
Sometimes… Jungkook pressed his face into the alpha’s hair and wrapped his arms around his waist. Sometimes he just wanted to smell lemons forever.
“Can… we walk like this, hyung?” Jungkook wondered when he had grown so brazen. Maybe it was Hoseok’s presence.
“Can… we walk like this, hyung?” Jungkook wondered when he had grown so brazen. Maybe it was Hoseok’s presence.
Maybe it was a number of things, but if Hoseok was offering, much like Yoongi had offered, much like Namjoon had offered, nothing would happen to him, Jungkook was sure.
That amount of trust should have crippled him, but it didn’t. It felt… freeing.
That amount of trust should have crippled him, but it didn’t. It felt… freeing.
“How about I carry you?” Hoseok offered and his scent bloomed, freshly squeezed lemons bursting out into the air. “You must be tired.”
“I won’t… I won’t hurt you?” Jungkook asked, doubtful that Hoseok could carry him because Jungkook was so tall and–
“I won’t… I won’t hurt you?” Jungkook asked, doubtful that Hoseok could carry him because Jungkook was so tall and–
“I don’t think you could hurt me if you tried,” Hoseok huffed out and that’s when he bent down a little to make it easier for Jungkook to drape himself over his back. “Here, wrap your legs around my waist.”
It was with great difficulty that Jungkook followed Hoseok’s instructions, still so very hesitant to get so close. When Hoseok righted himself, Jungkook buried his face into Hoseok’s neck. He was enveloped on all fronts by Hoseok’s scent.
If Jungkook had been standing, his knees would have buckled. As it was, their grip on the alpha’s waist loosened and his arms almost let go from around his neck. Hoseok’s hands instinctively reached to support Jungkook’s thighs to stop him from falling.
“Oh– Jungkook-ah?” Hoseok’s voice belied the undercurrent of panic Jungkook sensed. “Are you okay?”
“Fine…” Jungkook murmured into the alpha’s neck, lashes fluttering against his skin. “Just tired.”
“Fine…” Jungkook murmured into the alpha’s neck, lashes fluttering against his skin. “Just tired.”
“If you’re sure…” Hoseok continued walking, Yoongi and Namjoon having ceased walking a few metres ahead. “You would tell me if you weren’t?”
Jungkook was pretty sure all of his limbs had been turned into jelly, hardly able to find the strength to say more than a few words at a time. Not only was he tired from his ordeal and indeed, the night he had spent in the studio, but he felt sore.
Giving a noncommittal hum, Jungkook turned his head and rested it on Hoseok’s shoulder. His back and shoulder felt as they were about to act up again. He supposed the strain the running had put on them had been a little more than usual.
For now Jungkook could forget about that. For now he could enjoy how close he was to Hoseok, how close his scent was. It was hard not to focus on the fact that Hoseok was so warm with his back pressed to Jungkook’s front, or how safe he felt like this.
It was no wonder, then, that Jungkook dozed off a little. He was sure he must have because he hardly remembered the rest of the walk, just remembered when they entered the lobby of the apartment building, remembered getting on the elevator.
Not once did Hoseok suggest that Jungkook get off his back, merely speaking to Namjoon and Yoongi about something. It was warm. Warm to be in the presence of people who did not expect anything, nor suggest that Jungkook contribute.
The next time Jungkook remembered anything was when he was being lowered onto a soft surface and his grip was being gently loosened. If Jungkook had been more awake, he would have died of mortification at the whimper he let out.
“Shh, Jungkook-ah…” Taehyung was holding his face in his palms, eyes glistening like melted chocolate. “You’re okay. Hoseok-hyung just really needed to go to the bathroom. Seokjin-hyung made breakfast. You’re probably hungry, hm?”
Jungkook blinked slowly, mind slowly whirring back to life. He was in their apartment, had been carried in by Hoseok, and was still wearing his jacket. He probably stank of Taehyung’s pack alpha. His eyes watered, pleading with Taehyung silently.
'Please', he thought, 'please don’t be angry with me.'
“Let’s go get food.” Taehyung’s lips curved up into a small smile, reaching up with one hand to ruffle his hair. “I want you to sit beside me. My alphas have been hoarding you all night.”
“Let’s go get food.” Taehyung’s lips curved up into a small smile, reaching up with one hand to ruffle his hair. “I want you to sit beside me. My alphas have been hoarding you all night.”
Taehyung wasn’t angry. Jungkook’s eyes widened. Taehyung wasn’t angry and he didn’t even seem to mind that an omega like Jungkook had spent a night with three of his alphas. He didn’t mind. It was like…
“I trust you,” Taehyung uttered cryptically, smiling when Jungkook stood up. “C’mon, hyung made so much more food than usual. You’ll have to take some home with you.”
Jungkook sat down at the breakfast table, greeted Seokjin, who was delighted to see him, as was Jimin, when he entered the kitchen. Eventually everyone was seated and they began to eat, Jungkook pressing close to Taehyung without meaning to.
The omega had a presence that soothed, soothed the anxiety he had been feeling about spending time with who were technically /his/ alphas. The fact that he was not angry not only relieved Jungkook, but made him inanely curious as to why.
Taehyung was so kind, so gentle, and Jungkook… Jungkook had missed being able to be close to people because he got along with them. He missed the ways in which his parents had cared for him in the small ways. Missed the ways he had been loved.
Jungkook focused on his own plate and tried not to think about the fact that Hoseok was across the table from him. It would not do him any good to look at him or even acknowledge that he was there. It wasn’t going to be good for his heart.
“Jungkook-ah,” Jimin spoke up halfway through their meal,”you’ve met all of us now! Hobi-hyung was the last one you hadn’t met.”
Jungkook ducked his head, briefly meeting Hoseok’s eyes, the alpha’s face wearing something a little more contemplative.
Jungkook ducked his head, briefly meeting Hoseok’s eyes, the alpha’s face wearing something a little more contemplative.
“It’s funny you met him by chance,” Jimin continued, tone light, and Jungkook buried his face further into the jacket, the jacket that he was still—
He was still wearing the jacket indoors at the breakfast table for all to see.
He was still wearing the jacket indoors at the breakfast table for all to see.
“Oh, right,” Taehyung turned to look at Jungkook curiously. “How did you meet Hoseok-hyung?”
Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat and he raised his head, immediately searching for Hoseok’s face. The alpha was on alert, expression shrewd. He didn’t mind if he shared, but Jungkook didn’t want to be the one sharing. He didn’t want to relive—
Hoseok seemed to understand, expression melting into something comforting and reassuring.
“Would you like to go for a shower, Jungkook-ah?” Hoseok asked softly, giving Jungkook an out from the other’s reactions. “I laid out some clothes for you as well as a towel.”
Everyone appeared a tad surprised at the alpha's words, but Jungkook took the chance to leave with a grateful heart. “Thank you… I’ll be done quickly.”
Jungkook could not leave the kitchen soon enough. It wasn’t that he minded what he had told Hoseok would be shared with the rest of the pack, but he did mind being the one to tell it. He trusted Hoseok, he trusted him to share enough without sharing how Jungkook had sobbed.
Locking the bathroom door, Jungkook pressed his back to the door, closing his eyes with a small sigh. Lemons were in the air and Jungkook reverently removed the coat, being very careful to fold it, and then place it on the counter.
Even as he was undressing for the shower, his eyes roved back to the coat, folded up neatly. Shaking his head, Jungkook got into the shower, being sure to not take too much time. He chose the same shampoo and body wash he had used before.
As much as it pained him to envision the lemon scent pressed onto his skin going down the drain, Jungkook knew he couldn’t hold on like this. It wasn’t like he couldn’t just… drench himself in Hoseok’s scent again.
Yes, only if no one minded of course. Jungkook could hardly begin to think about what exactly had happened and why he had lost so much time. Maybe it was because he had been so close to Hoseok?
Jungkook wasn’t sure, but as he washed himself, his shoulder twinged, and he winced, rolling his shoulder in an attempt to stop the pain from flaring. Once the pain had abated, he continued.
Running his fingers over the bumps and gnarled skin, Jungkook tried not to think too much. Thinking meant he would remember more, meant he would think about what had happened, the fact that he could have been hurt again.
By the time he had finished showering, Jungkook was ready to fall asleep again. As much as he had enjoyed his time with the three producers, he had missed out on an entire night of sleep. Even when Jungkook’s schedule got bad, he always managed to sleep.
The clothes laid out for him by Hoseok were a pair of sweatpants and a thick black hoodie, both comfortable enough to sleep in. The fluffy socks, a baby pink, made Jungkook want to curl up somewhere.
Neatly folding the damp towel and putting it in the laundry basket, Jungkook picked up the coat. Despite the fact that Jungkook had worn it for quite some time, the coat was… It still smelled strongly of Hoseok.
He had done too much indulging today and so with great regret, he pressed his nose to the fabric once, and did not more.
Hoseok would want it back.
Hoseok would want it back.
Bracing himself, Jungkook exited the bathroom and entered the living room, able to see that Yoongi was washing the dishes in the kitchen. The rest of the pack were laid out around the couches, Taehyung curled up beside Namjoon this time.
There was a faint hint of upset in the room and Taehyung’s cherry blossom scent was more wood than flower, the omega’s scent darker than was usual for him. They were all watching something, though Jungkook could not pay it much attention.
“Jungkook-ah,” Jimin called, patting the spot beside him. “Sit by me?”
Nodding, Jungkook first went over to where Hoseok was sitting, snow white hair striking in the low light. “Hoseok-hyung… Here’s your coat.”
Nodding, Jungkook first went over to where Hoseok was sitting, snow white hair striking in the low light. “Hoseok-hyung… Here’s your coat.”
The man looked up at Jungkook and he struggled to hold in the sound that wanted to form in the back of his throat. The scents in the room… They were perfect now. It didn’t feel like there was anything missing.
“Oh, thank you,” Hoseok smiled, taking the coat and resting it on the armrest, “I hope you had a nice shower.”
“I did, thank you.” Jungkook shuffled away, though it pained him to, and sat down beside Jimin, curling himself up.
“I did, thank you.” Jungkook shuffled away, though it pained him to, and sat down beside Jimin, curling himself up.
Beyond being tired, Jungkook suddenly felt as if he just… Nothing was enough. Now that… Now that Jungkook was allowing himself things, the possibilities were more and now, Jungkook wanted more.
In allowing himself more, there was more to have and—
In allowing himself more, there was more to have and—
Taehyung spoke up, voice low, and raspy. “You’re… If you want to sleep, you can, Jungkook-ah. The nest is free.”
Taehyung looked tired, Jungkook could tell, could tell in the stoop of his shoulders, even as he leaned against Namjoon. Was Jungkook thinking what he was thinking? The last time he had shared a nest with an omega—
“Would you…” Jungkook had to be brave. He had to learn, he had to take a leap, even though it made him feel sick. “Would you like to… lay down with me? You don’t have to, but…”
Jungkook swallowed, closing his eyes, unable to keep them open for fear tears fell. “I would like it if you would.”
Taehyung appeared startled, and sat up, eyes wide. “You would?”
Taehyung appeared startled, and sat up, eyes wide. “You would?”
Jungkook swallowed down the nervous giggle that wanted to bubble up, but he nodded hastily. “Please, if you don’t mind.”
Jimin gave him a look, one that spoke of gratefulness and gratitude.
Jimin gave him a look, one that spoke of gratefulness and gratitude.
“Mind?” Taehyung stood up and pulled Jungkook up, brows furrowed as if Jungkook’s admission worried him. “Of course I wouldn’t mind.”
Taehyung’s hand tugged him insistently into the nest room and then the door was shut and Taehyung was face down on the nest.
Taehyung’s hand tugged him insistently into the nest room and then the door was shut and Taehyung was face down on the nest.
The nest… It was so wrong and Jungkook picked up the pillow, sniffing it, only to find nothing of what he wanted.
“I’ll be right back.” Jungkook left and brought the pillow with him.
The nest had to be made right again, Jungkook had to. He had to try.
“I’ll be right back.” Jungkook left and brought the pillow with him.
The nest had to be made right again, Jungkook had to. He had to try.
The alphas were all talking in hushed tones, but grew silent when Jungkook approached.
Jungkook just had to do it. Don’t think, don’t think, just do it.
Jungkook just had to do it. Don’t think, don’t think, just do it.
Walking up to Hoseok, Jungkook thrust the pillow out to him, eyes wide, sparkling, and pleading. Vulnerable. It was difficult to stand there and reveal what he really wanted, what he was afraid of getting because it was too much and—
“Would you like me to scent it, Jungkook-ah?” Hoseok’s tone wasn’t mocking or teasing, he was asking.
“Please, it…”
'It doesn’t smell the same. The nest is all wrong. I can’t sleep without your scent nearby.'
“Please.”
“Please, it…”
'It doesn’t smell the same. The nest is all wrong. I can’t sleep without your scent nearby.'
“Please.”
“Of course,” Hoseok took it from his grasp reverently and rubbed it gently against his scent glands, being sure to get every corner before scenting the entirety of it. “Anything else?”
The pillow in his arms, Jungkook could tell tears were going to spring in his eyes, but he shook his head. It was perfect, it was… His hands shook, the pillow growing blurry in his vision.
“Just… Thank you.”
“Just… Thank you.”
“No, thank you.” The pack alpha’s gaze was steadfast, steadfast like his scent. “Thank you. You don’t know how you have helped, but you have.”
Heart pounding, Jungkook bowed and left, closing the door of the nest room. Taehyung was now laying down on his back, staring up at the fairy lights in the curtains. Even from here, Jungkook could tell the omega was near tears himself.
Being careful, Jungkook inched in beside him. Something in his chest tightened, the memories flooding back. There was something about Taehyung being in the same comfortable space that had Jungkook both terrified and ecstatic.
“Hyung…” Jungkook held out the pillow to the omega, who merely turned his head, a tear falling down his face. “Do you want a pillow?”
Taehyung smiled brilliantly despite the tears now falling fast down his face. “No, that pillow is y-yours.”
Taehyung smiled brilliantly despite the tears now falling fast down his face. “No, that pillow is y-yours.”
Jungkook moved closer until he was on his side, pillow pressed to his chest, face inches away from Taehyung’s. “You’re crying, hyung.”
It hurt Jungkook to see the inviting, welcoming omega, who had made everything better, who had… changed Jungkook’s world, in tears.
It hurt Jungkook to see the inviting, welcoming omega, who had made everything better, who had… changed Jungkook’s world, in tears.
“I am,” Taehyung didn’t try to wipe away his tears, “I d-don’t know how to make them stop.”
Jungkook could not help but reach up, gently dabbing away the tears from the omega’s cheeks. “You don’t have to know how. I’ll stop them for you.”
Jungkook could not help but reach up, gently dabbing away the tears from the omega’s cheeks. “You don’t have to know how. I’ll stop them for you.”
Because Jungkook would. He would stop anything if it meant Taehyung was happy. He would hold back, run faster, do less, do more, do anything if it made sure that Taehyung was happy at the end of it all.
Shuffling closer, Jungkook used one hand to hold the pillow to his chest and the other to carefully drape over Taehyung’s chest. Then he was inching his head until his forehead was resting against his shoulder, the omega not moving or protesting in the slightest.
“Let’s sleep, hyung,” Jungkook whispered, closing his eyes.
Later they could talk, later they could share, later they could divulge each other’s fears. Later. But for now, Jungkook wanted to make sure Taehyung was not alone. Safe.
Later they could talk, later they could share, later they could divulge each other’s fears. Later. But for now, Jungkook wanted to make sure Taehyung was not alone. Safe.
Jungkook fell asleep before Taehyung, who pressed a kiss to the top of the boy’s head of curls. The pillow was pressed tightly to his chest and even if he was afraid, even if Jungkook feared ruining all of this, he cuddled closer to Taehyung in his sleep.
Jungkook was afraid, but he trusted these alphas. He trusted them and even if there was the chance he would destroy what they built, Jungkook wanted to chance it. The nest was safe, the nest was whole again.
A few feet away, the door to the room remained unlocked, because Jungkook had left it that way. Because Jungkook trusted, much like Taehyung trusted him. Sometimes trust wasn't built up over time. Sometimes trust was a decision.
Jungkook had made his.
Jungkook had made his.
Look!! At this fanart!! 🥺🥺
https://twitter.com/amkeyboardsmash/status/1514317976383766539?s=20&t=VfKtE1hOJ1eh0ynbulCvoA
🛋️
When Jungkook woke up it was to the sight of Taehyung’s face across from him. It took a while for his blurry vision to take in all there was to see of Taehyung (because there was always so much to take in with Taehyung).
When Jungkook woke up it was to the sight of Taehyung’s face across from him. It took a while for his blurry vision to take in all there was to see of Taehyung (because there was always so much to take in with Taehyung).
His eyes were wide, the sun from the curtains peeking through the gap to set his dark hair alight, some strands going a soft gold. From this close, Jungkook could see the way his eyes sparkled.
Jungkook wondered why they sparkled so much. Was it what was contained behind those orbs of his, or was it what he was looking at that reflected in his eyes? Taehyung was ethereal, ethereal in the sense that he shouldn’t exist.
But what made Taehyung so much more ethereal was that he did exist, that he was real, and that he was looking at Jungkook like he meant something to him, like he was important.
Jungkook had never truly felt that he was worthless, had never really thought of his worth, because he had so many other things to worry about. Like bills, like his grades, like his friends, like what he would eat the next day, like if he even should bother—
It was the way in which Taehyung looked at him that made Jungkook feel as if he was worth something, or at least, worth more than he had first thought himself to be.
“Good morning,” Taehyung uttered, voice somewhere between a low hum and a whisper. “I hope you slept well?”
Jungkook nodded and then Taehyung was raising his head to rest it on his hand, though his gaze never wavered.
Jungkook nodded and then Taehyung was raising his head to rest it on his hand, though his gaze never wavered.
“Hyung,” Jungkook whispered, voice cracking from disuse, eyes flickering over to admire the way the lights above cast a warm glow along with the glow of the day behind the curtains. “Hyung,” he tried again, “is this a dream?”
It certainly felt like one. Not that it didn’t feel real, but that it felt so real, so palpable, that perhaps Jungkook could have imagined it in his own dreams, could have crafted such scenarios in his own mind.
Taehyung’s hand, which had been laying by his front on the bed, inches from Jungkook, reached over to rest on Jungkook’s chest.
“Does it feel real, Jungkook-ah?” Taehyung asked, no teasing to be found in his expression or tone. “Because it feels real to me.”
“Does it feel real, Jungkook-ah?” Taehyung asked, no teasing to be found in his expression or tone. “Because it feels real to me.”
Jungkook blinked up at Taehyung, then, letting go of the pillow with one hand, pressed his atop Taehyung’s warm hand.
Closing his eyes, Jungkook breathed. He breathed in the faint lemon, the other scents of the pack, then the strong and gentle scent of cherry blossoms, delicate at the petals, brushing against his senses. It was all real and yet—
“I don’t want to go,” Jungkook let out, voice cracking, but for a different reason, berating himself when he felt tears prick his eyes. “I don’t want to leave the nest, hyung, I—”
Before he could say another word, Taehyung was wrapping his arms around Jungkook, pressed chest to chest, the pillow trapped between them.
Jungkook had just woken up, there was no reason why he should be so upset so early in the morning, but the idea of leaving, the remembrance of the night before—
What would have happened if Jungkook had not bumped into Hoseok? What would have happened if Junsoo had managed to hurt him again? There were too many things that could have gone wrong, too many things that Jungkook dared not think of.
The nest was so safe, the pack’s apartment safer than Jungkook’s own apartment, and the thought of leaving so soon, almost seemed like too much to bear. It had taken so long for Jungkook to feel safe anywhere, it had taken years…
It felt like every aspect of his life had been eroded and exposed to show just how dangerous it was for Jungkook to walk around in public. First, his body had been damaged, then his personal life had been infringed upon, and then his work life.
Junsoo had breached all three aspects without permission, and Jungkook was tired. Exhausted.
“Jungkook-ah, shh…” One of Taehyung’s hands was rubbing small circles in the middle of his back and Jungkook pressed closer, pressing his nose to Taehyung’s neck. “It’s all right… I’m right here and you don’t have to go anywhere.”
Jungkook wasn’t crying, but he was in that place in between where everything was too much, though not enough to shed tears over. Maybe he smelled distressed? He couldn’t tell.
“I know but…” Jungkook had hardly been aware of the passage of time, though he did recall the night before spent in the studio, but that now felt like a pretty dream. “What time is it?”
“Just after twelve,” Taehyung murmured close to his ear, “which is nice. It means we can sleep tonight at a normal time.”
Jungkook hummed, the warmth of Taehyung’s body and the safety of the scents dancing around him almost tugging him back into the land of dreams again.
Then Taehyung was pulling back a little and Jungkook let go, aware of the limits he had to set around Taehyung. He had a pack. He wasn’t Jungkook’s. He may have kissed him, but that had been… Because Taehyung liked him.
Jungkook wasn’t sure where he stood.
Jungkook wasn’t sure where he stood.
Taehyung’s face was serious now, expression pensive as he looked at Jungkook. “We have something to ask you and you can say no, but it’s something we all want to ask you. Not just me. Would it be a good time to ask you a serious question?”
Jungkook shut down the nausea that bubbled up with the uncertainty of what Taehyung was asking, because as scared as he was as to what Taehyung was referring to, he was also… Intrigued.
Taehyung and his pack had never once scared Jungkook, had never once made him doubt their goodness, because they were just good people. There was no underlying deceit, no reason to distrust them and their intentions.
His eyes flickered over to the door, then back at Taehyung. The fact that Taehyung was still here and that Jungkook was in one piece meant something more than anyone else could have understood. Jungkook above all, trusted this pack.
That’s why he nodded and Jungkook marvelled at the way Taehyung’s face lit up with a smile, one that belied his excitement that was thrumming off his entire body.
“We can come back to the nest, promise, if that’s what you want, but we want to ask you in the living room,” Taehyung further explained, watching for any signs of discontent in Jungkook. “Is that okay?”
‘Anything is okay if it’s with you.’ Jungkook stopped himself from saying out loud, even as he agreed with a small nod that he hoped did not show how nervous he was.
Getting up from the nest, Taehyung reached a hand out, which Jungkook took, not forgetting to take the pillow with him. He wasn’t letting it leave his sight. Taehyung didn’t say anything, but there was something akin to hope there.
Jungkook stumbled behind Taehyung, who was far more awake than he was. Then again, Jungkook had missed out on an entire night of sleep, whilst Taehyung had essentially taken a long nap.
The clothes he was wearing were so comfortable. Maybe he could ask Taehyung where the clothes came from and he could buy himself a pair? Jungkook was not nervous, not in the slightest.
All thoughts concerning clothing were instantly removed from his mind when he saw that the rest of the pack were in the living room, all with various degrees of nervousness on their faces.
“—bad idea? Maybe asking at his friends’ apartment?” Namjoon was whispering urgently to Hoseok, brows furrowed in concern. “What if he thinks he can’t say no?”
Jimin elbowed Namjoon in the ribs, eliciting a small groan from the large alpha. “Be quiet, he’s here.”
Jimin elbowed Namjoon in the ribs, eliciting a small groan from the large alpha. “Be quiet, he’s here.”
Suddenly, Jungkook felt as if he was in the spotlight, as everyone’s eyes were suddenly on him. It wasn’t unpleasant, though it was wracking his nerves a little when he saw the serious expression on Namjoon’s face.
Where were the dimples?
Where were the dimples?
Were they going to ask him to leave? No. They wouldn’t do that. They would ask in a nicer way and certainly not with all six of them here in the room. So why were they all so serious?
Taehyung brought Jungkook to the centre of the room, then urged him to sit on the floor. Jungkook followed his instructions, unsure of what was to happen next. He placed the pillow in his lap, resting his hands on top.
Jungkook really did not know what he expected, but he did not expect for Hoseok to kneel.
His breath caught in his throat when Taehyung followed suit on his left, Namjoon on his right. Jimin, Yoongi, and Jin then followed.
His breath caught in his throat when Taehyung followed suit on his left, Namjoon on his right. Jimin, Yoongi, and Jin then followed.
Jungkook sat on the floor, a semi-circle of the entire pack before him. Five alphas... all kneeling for him, an omega. Perhaps he should have been terrified, perhaps he should have panicked, but looking into Hoseok’s kind eyes, made all of those fears fade.
“Jungkook-ah,” Hoseok uttered, “it would be an honour if you allowed us to court you.”
Of all the things Jungkook expected Hoseok to say, this was perhaps not at the top of the list. In a dream, somewhere in the recesses of Jungkook’s mind, there had been thoughts, whims, imaginations of being courted by a pack.
But never in his wildest imaginations would a pack this good, this kind, this safe, ever choose Jungkook. Things like these only happened in movies, like the ones Hyuka would laugh at, like the ones Taehyun liked to watch in secret for fear of being made fun of.
Jungkook knew the appropriate response to being courted was usually elation, joy, but for Jungkook, the joy was clear from the tears that arose in his eyes.
Being courted… Jungkook hadn’t thought he would ever be fortunate enough to end up with a pack. The way his mother had spoken, the way some of his family had spoken of him, they had often made it seem as if a pack was out of the question.
Maybe an omega like Jungkook would be lucky enough to snag a single alpha or a single beta, but not an omega and five alphas. That had just never been envisioned in Jungkook's future.
Being courted meant that a lot of the things Jungkook hid from his friends, from his peers, may come to light in front of the people he wanted to disappoint the least. It meant…
It meant telling them the truth, somewhere down the line, about what had happened with Junsoo. It meant not having any option but to share and to be vulnerable, even if the thought made him want to curl away.
In telling them the truth… Jungkook could be comforted. He wouldn’t have to explain, they would just know because Jungkook had shared the truth with them, and as much as it was daunting, it felt like relief.
From this pack, Jungkook realised, he didn’t have to hide.
His eyes roved over all of them, vision growing blurrier with each face he landed on until his eyes rested back on Hoseok’s.
His eyes roved over all of them, vision growing blurrier with each face he landed on until his eyes rested back on Hoseok’s.
It would be an honour? It would be Jungkook’s honour. Allowed? Of course, they were. As if there was even a question. There was nothing Jungkook was rather more than anything else, and Jungkook had let go of a lot of dreams.
“Does… Does it mean what I think it means?” Jungkook asked, afraid to ask in case he had got it all wrong.
“What does it mean to you?” Hoseok asked back, eyes kind, always so kind.
“What does it mean to you?” Hoseok asked back, eyes kind, always so kind.
“It means… Receiving gifts…” Jungkook hid his hands in the sleeves of the sweatshirt. “It means maybe going on dates and scenting and… kissing and… maybe a pack bite… someday. After.”
“That’s what we mean, Jungkook-ah,” Hoseok uttered gently. “Do we have your permission to court you? You can say no or even think about it and tell us at a later date. We won’t mind.”
Jungkook immediately nodded, not wanting Hoseok to think he wanted to wait. What was there to wait for? “Yes, of course you do! You didn’t… You didn’t even have to ask—”
“We didn’t have to,” Taehyung interrupted, shuffling forward with a package under his arm that he laid in front of Jungkook. “Here's... your first courting gift. I hope you like it.”
For the first time since Jungkook had met him, Taehyung was nervous, eyes flickering over to the left, hands squeezed in his lap to the point where the knuckles had turned white.
Focusing on the package in front of him, Jungkook began to undo the bow wrapped around the soft pink tissue paper. “You all… You all like me?”
His voice was so soft that it could have been carried away by the sounds of him unravelling his gift, but they heard it nonetheless.
His voice was so soft that it could have been carried away by the sounds of him unravelling his gift, but they heard it nonetheless.
Taehyung relaxed a little and let out a small laugh. “I did say I liked you, didn’t I? I don’t change my mind that easily, Jungkook-ah.”
At the reminder, Jungkook flushed, as if his cheeks remembered whose lips had been pressed to them only weeks ago.
At the reminder, Jungkook flushed, as if his cheeks remembered whose lips had been pressed to them only weeks ago.
“Like me enough…” Jungkook’s voice trailed off when he unfolded the rest of the paper.
There were many kinds of courting gifts. Usually courting gifts were meant to symbolise something the pack was able to provide, though some were more obvious than others.
Scarves or chokers were common gifts, ones that promised protection from any harm that may befall an omegas. There were of course variations of all of these, but every gift given was meant to mean something more.
Richer and more well-off packs were well-known to offer entire houses, entire islands in some cases, as courting gifts for an omega. Jungkook hoped they would never go that far. More than anything else, Jungkook valued the sentimental things.
The cape was a dark green, dark green enough to appear black in certain lights. Jungkook let out a breath and held it up so he could look at it. It was lined with fleece and had a collar that clasped with a pretty brass button.
Clothing were common items to be gifted, but as Jungkook looked over it, he noticed the trail of cherry blossoms along the bottom, the small lemons embroidered to the throat, the lavender flowers trailing down the back. This was anything but a common gift.
Jungkook could feel the exact moment when his throat closed up. It wasn’t the fact that it was so beautiful or the fact that it had little markers for each of the pack embroidered on it, but that it…
It smelled like all of them.
It smelled like all of them.
It wasn’t cheap to have scent permanently etched onto clothing, nor was it common practice. It required painstakingly hours on behalf of the pack members involved and indeed on the company who carried out such projects.
“I hope it’s all right,” Taehyung’s voice was hoarse. “I know it may be a little much to have our scents but…”
Jungkook swallowed and shook his head, eyes watering until some fell down his face. “No, please, it— It’s so perfect.”
Jungkook swallowed and shook his head, eyes watering until some fell down his face. “No, please, it— It’s so perfect.”
Pressing the collar to his nose carefully, he found the comforting scent of lemons. He blinked and moved the cape away, not wanting to get it wet with his tears.
Tear after tear fell down his face and Jungkook continued to stare down at the cloak in his hands, unable to fully comprehend why he was holding something so precious in his arms.
“You didn’t have to… go to so much trouble for me.” Jungkook’s voice was wet and he knew he probably looked a mess, face lined with tears, cheeks red, and hair mussed from just getting up. “I don’t…”
“It wasn’t any trouble at all,” Namjoon reassured, voice breaking through the respectful silence as the pack allowed Jungkook to have his moment. “We wanted to get you something special. And even if it was, you are worth it, Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook raised his head, tears streaming down his neck and settling uncomfortably on the collar of the sweatshirt.
His heart felt full, perhaps in the first time in his life. “Can I… Can I wear it now?”
His heart felt full, perhaps in the first time in his life. “Can I… Can I wear it now?”
Jungkook looked to Hoseok, wide, glossy eyes pleading with the alpha, as if he needed his permission.
“You can.” Hoseok nodded, something like relief bleeding through his expression. “Though you might get a little too warm.”
“You can.” Hoseok nodded, something like relief bleeding through his expression. “Though you might get a little too warm.”
Jungkook shook his head and sniffed, tugging the cape around his shoulders, finding that it fell just below his waist, spacious and comfortable. Once he clasped it around his neck, Jungkook marvelled at the way it lay about him.
“Thank you,” Hoseok uttered, smiling brightly, before moving from the floor to stand up. The rest of the pack followed and Jungkook hoped they did not hurt their knees on the carpet on his account. “It will be an honour to court you.”
“And an honour to spoil you,” Jin added, handing Jungkook some tissues, before bending down to help him wipe them away with a small laugh. “If you cried after the first gift, I wonder how you will react to the rest.”
Jungkook pouted allowing the alpha to wipe away his tears. “That’s not fair. I can’t help it.” He reached out to lightly hit his chest.
He froze, unsure of whether an omega hitting an alpha would be the last straw, but Jin continued with a chuckle as if nothing had happened.
He froze, unsure of whether an omega hitting an alpha would be the last straw, but Jin continued with a chuckle as if nothing had happened.
“Yoongi-hyung got you a mini-fridge filled with banana milk,” Jimin spoke up, expression gleeful from the sofa. “I don’t think it counts as a courting gift, but it is a gift for you.”
Jungkook’s eyes widened and he looked over at the quiet alpha who looked both ready to disappear and show off exactly what Jimin was talking about.
“Can I—Can I have a banana milk, please, hyung?”
Tears followed by banana milk seemed to be an ongoing trend, but Jungkook was hoping it wouldn’t continue to be something that happened so often.
Tears followed by banana milk seemed to be an ongoing trend, but Jungkook was hoping it wouldn’t continue to be something that happened so often.
All six packmates rushed to carry through what Jungkook had asked and that was when he realised his mistake. “Sorry, I meant… Yoongi-hyung?”
The other five immediately appeared crestfallen, though not permanently affected, so Jungkook knew they would be all right.
The other five immediately appeared crestfallen, though not permanently affected, so Jungkook knew they would be all right.
One by one, they all trickled away to do their daily tasks, though they each went over to Jungkook, who had now migrated over to the couch, to thank him for accepting their courting offer.
Jungkook felt he should have been the one thanking them.
Jungkook felt he should have been the one thanking them.
Yoongi returned eventually, cheeks less red than they had been before, and carefully handed Jungkook the banana milk, the straw already poked in for him.
"Thank you, hyung," Jungkook accepted it carefully, hoping the alpha would sit beside him.
"Thank you, hyung," Jungkook accepted it carefully, hoping the alpha would sit beside him.
Yoongi moved to sit in the armchair, like he oft seemed to do, but Jungkook didn't want him so far away. In fact, no one else was in the room at the moment, and he rather loved Yoongi's scent.
"Can you... Sit beside me, hyung?" Jungkook asked, biting his lip.
"Can you... Sit beside me, hyung?" Jungkook asked, biting his lip.
"If you would like me to." Yoongi was waiting for confirmation and at Jungkook's nod, sat down gingerly beside Jungkook.
Watching the alpha for any signs that he was uncomfortable, Jungkook leant his head on his shoulder.
"Thank you for the fridge of banana milk."
Watching the alpha for any signs that he was uncomfortable, Jungkook leant his head on his shoulder.
"Thank you for the fridge of banana milk."
"You're welcome," the alpha's scent bloomed at his words and Jungkook supposed he was doing something right.
"Thank you for... noticing things and then doing something about it. The rash cream too." Jungkook lifted his head to undo the clasp of his cape a little. "See?"
"Thank you for... noticing things and then doing something about it. The rash cream too." Jungkook lifted his head to undo the clasp of his cape a little. "See?"
The skin was a little discoloured, but the red and itchy skin had faded into nothingness, leaving behind nothing but Jungkook's bare neck.
"It all healed up nicely," Yoongi smiled, helping Jungkook fix the clasp again, smoothing the fabric gently. "I'm glad."
"It all healed up nicely," Yoongi smiled, helping Jungkook fix the clasp again, smoothing the fabric gently. "I'm glad."
Jungkook had twice bared his neck to an alpha with its pretty and unmarked scent glands. Once in the presence of other alphas and now in the presence of just one. They were not going to hurt him. That much was clear.
Taking a sip from his carton, Jungkook pressed into Yoongi's side, burying his hands beneath the folds of the cape, fiddling with the pillow on his lap.
There was so much Jungkook could do. There was so much he... He could allow himself to do with this new pack but... For now he would enjoy the things that were familiar and easy for him to do.
Maybe tomorrow, maybe tomorrow he would ask if he could kiss Hoseok's forehead, kiss Namjoon's dimples, Jimin's pretty eyelids, Taehyung's temples, Yoongi's cheeks, and Jin's lips...
Maybe he wouldn't do /all/ of that tomorrow. Maybe that wasn't something he could do in one day. Maybe he didn't have to rush.
Jungkook wouldn't realise it until later, but the cape he wore was like a nest he could take anywhere with him. He didn't need to be in a specific place to feel safe, to feel warmth. He didn't need anything except to wear the cape.
The cape that felt like home.
The cape that felt like home.
fanart of the taekoo cheek kith scene 🥺😭
https://twitter.com/amkeyboardsmash/status/1516769872256061450?s=20&t=RjlV1DA47R3n_16qwfp9Ow
🛋️
It had been a few hours already, yet Jungkook had yet to remove the cape that had been given. Why would he, really, when it was the most beautiful and perfect thing he had ever owned?
It had been a few hours already, yet Jungkook had yet to remove the cape that had been given. Why would he, really, when it was the most beautiful and perfect thing he had ever owned?
Yoongi had stayed still all the while as he sipped on his banana milk and when he was finished, the alpha was asking if he wanted another one.
“Want? Or need?” Jungkook mused, looking over at Yoongi, his eyes zoning in on his pink lips, pretty like raspberries after being picked from the bush.
He curled his arms around the pillow again, suddenly missing Hoseok’s presence in the room.
Not that he needed Hoseok there, he just… He just missed the bright alpha.
Not that he needed Hoseok there, he just… He just missed the bright alpha.
“Sometimes wants and needs can overlap.” Yoongi smelled like tangerines, sweet and a little tart, but it was missing more lemons and Jungkook wanted…
He sat up a little on the couch. “Where’s Hoseok-hyung?”
He sat up a little on the couch. “Where’s Hoseok-hyung?”
Yoongi smiled, a small thing that used only the right side of his lips. "Why? Am I not good enough?"
Jungkook panicked and sat up, reaching for the alpha in a way that was familiar, familiar to his mind, but not familiar to his limbs because he almost slammed his hand into Yoongi's chin in his haste to disprove what the alpha had implied.
"No!" Jungkook did not realise he had raised his voice until he realised just how loud he sounded to his own ears. "You're good enough, I just–"
It really shouldn't have been that difficult for him to explain, but he really didn't know how to explain to Yoongi that whilst he adored his presence and his company, that he needed Hoseok in the room too. Preferably by his side on the couch.
Well, perhaps he did not just need him in the room, perhaps he also wanted him to be close to him.
Without meaning to, Jungkook's mind returned to their time in the studio, the way Hoseok had stayed close, near, not necessarily touching him, but close enough that Jungkook knew he was there.
It had been so comforting at the time to have the alpha so close by, especially since he had been chased into the unfamiliar building. Out of desperation, by chance, Jungkook somehow ended up with Hoseok.
He wondered about that. All he could remember was the way he had been so frightened, sure that he wouldn't make it out alive, yet there he was in Hoseok's arms minutes later. Almost as if his omega had led him to the alpha.
Almost as if, no matter what, something was tugging Jungkook to Hoseok, guiding him into his arms like two opposite ends of a magnet that were driven just to be together.
Yoongi was watching Jungkook quietly, something like fondness in his expression.
"I'm sorry." Jungkook wasn't really sure what he was apologising for, but maybe it was because his bias towards Hoseok was growing a little too obvious.
"I'm sorry." Jungkook wasn't really sure what he was apologising for, but maybe it was because his bias towards Hoseok was growing a little too obvious.
"Why would you be sorry?" Yoongi leant back into the corner of the couch so he could look at Jungkook a little better, gaze unwavering. "You have nothing to apologise for. I was just teasing, Jungkook-ah."
ungkook had gathered that he had just been teasing, but it didn't make it any easier to ignore. "You know I don't... like any of you any less? Hoseok just..."
Jungkook wasn't really sure what it was, but Yoongi had that look in his eyes, that demeanour around his person that just begged to be confided in. It was comforting. It was nice... to feel as if he could share with an alpha like this. That he wanted to share.
"You like his scent," Yoongi observed, his voice gentle. "You don't have to explain."
Jungkook looked down at the pillow on his lap, partially concealed by the cape he wore. "I like all of your scents though." He flushed, ducking his head.
Jungkook looked down at the pillow on his lap, partially concealed by the cape he wore. "I like all of your scents though." He flushed, ducking his head.
"You can like someone's scent a little more or find comfort in someone's scent more than others. I know it doesn't mean you hate ours. It just means that Hoseok's brings you comfort." Yoongi was too kind, too kind to Jungkook and his fickle, biased preferences.
"It doesn't make sense." Jungkook picked at the seams of the pillow, unable to think that he wasn't casting aside the other members in the pack.
Yoongi hummed, crossing his arms as he regarded Jungkook. "What do you think of my scent?"
Yoongi hummed, crossing his arms as he regarded Jungkook. "What do you think of my scent?"
"It's... fresh." Jungkook looked at Yoongi from under his long lashes, eyes wide. "I like how it smells sweet and sour at the same time. It smells like when you peel a tangerine and the juice goes up in the air like mist. It reminds me of when I was younger."
Yoongi's eyes smiled first before his lips did. "Scents are perceived a little differently by everyone." He reached a hand over to rest on Jungkook's shoulder. "The base scent is the same, but it can mean different things for different people."
Jungkook watched Yoongi's lips move more than he listened to what was being said with them. They really were so pretty. "So, everyone smells the same thing, but memories associated with the scent can colour their personal perception of it?"
Yoongi nodded, squeezing his shoulder with a smile. "Yes, exactly that. It's the same with most things though. Some things carry different meanings for different people and that is all right."
Jungkook had never been taught much about anything when he was younger. It just seemed like he was expected to know things, but Jungkook had never had scents explained to him like that before.
"So, do you have a scent you prefer of all your pack?" Jungkook asked, moving a little closer to the alpha since he had moved away since the beginning of their conversation. "Not that you hate the other ones, but..."
"Namjoon's," Yoongi said easily, as if he had known the answer before Jungkook had even asked the question. "It's because I've known him for so long. It's comforting to me, personally, because it reminds me of when I was younger and having a hard time. Namjoon was always there."
"So he reminds you of... When you were having a hard time, but he was always there to help you through it?" Jungkook could understand that.
"Exactly." Yoongi smiled at Jungkook's attempt at wiggling closer to him. "Of all the scents of my pack, if I was really, truly upset, I would seek out Namjoon first."
"I heard my name being mentioned?" Namjoon's voice sounded from behind them and Jungkook jumped, almost falling off the couch. "Oh, sorry, Jungkook-ah."
The alpha's warm hands found his that were intertwined on his lap and gave them a squeeze. "I didn't mean to scare you." His smile was so disarming and then the dimples emerged and Jungkook knew that he was utterly smitten and incapable of looking away.
"You didn't scare me just..." Jungkook lowered his face because he could feel the heat in his cheeks growing worse under the gaze of the two alphas in the room. "I can't really smell you when you enter the room. Because of the suppressants and everything..."
Jungkook fiddled with his fingers on his lap, uncertain of why he had brought up those series of words. It would be nice to be able to smell all of them, to know when they had last been in the room, but for now, he was happy with what he had.
Yoongi looked like he was thinking hard about what Jungkk had said, expression thoughtful, but Namjoon merely smiled, ducked his head in apology, and then sat down on Jungkook's other side.
Something in Jungkook settled once the alpha sat down beside him and the itch to go up and find Hoseok was lessened. Namjoon looked comfortable.
Comfortable enough to lay down on. He was wearing a loose pair of sweatpants and a loose sweatshirt that appeared comfortable enough to sink into.
Grabbing a book from the low table nearby, Namjoon flipped it open to where it was bookmarked, and began to read. Jungkook was between two alphas on the couch and yet was touching neither of them. It felt like a temptation to just lean on one of them, but...
How much was too much? Was Jungkook supposed to be the one guiding their courtship? Was he supposed to be the one to set the boundaries, to lay out the rules, to bite the bullet and ask for what he wanted?
Over time, Namjoon rested the book on his lap, occasionally turning over to the next page. Yoongi every now and then would let out a soft sigh as he looked at his phone. Jungkook wanted so much, he wanted to lean on, to rest, to be able to just get what he craved.
At some point Jungkook had been so used to wonderful things ending abruptly that he was afraid of reaching out in case he grew accustomed to something only for it to be taken away again. Jungkook had grown used to nice things ending.
But the courtship was just beginning! Jungkook had just gotten here, it was all right if he didn't know what to do, or what was expected of him, but he would like to know. He would.
He didn't realise it, but he was furrowing his eyebrows the more he thought, his face burrowing further into the collar of his cape, until all that could be seen was the bridge of his nose and his intense gaze on the coffee table in front of him.
"Everything all right, Jungkook-ah?" Namjoon's hand paused halfway to turning over a page and Jungkook looked up, now suddenly aware that he had sank into the couch with the force of his thoughts.
The alpha's hand reached over and warm fingers were pressing to his forehead as if to rub away the tension. "I can hear you thinking from here."
Jungkook blinked and shook his head, sitting up a little. "I... I was just thinking about--"
Jungkook blinked and shook his head, sitting up a little. "I... I was just thinking about--"
Namjoon closed the book softly, body turning to look at him fully as if he had Jungkook's full attention. Jungkook paused in his speech, unused to people just dropping everything in order to listen to what he had to say.
"You were reading a book," Jungkook uttered, looking down at the book in Namjoon's lap, then back up to look at his face. "I don't really... I wasn't really thinking about anything."
"If you're sure," Namjoon hummed, reaching up to run his fingers through Jungkook's soft curls. "I am ready to listen to you if you ever want to say anything."
Jungkook didn't know what kind of luck he had to be sitting right next to Namjoon, had no idea why the stars had aligned so that he may be this close to the person who had likely saved his life. It simply didn't make any sense that someone like Jungkook should be so lucky.
Did Namjoon know? Did Namjoon know how much he was appreciated? Did he know the impact he had on people's lives, on Jungkook's specifically? Did he know that he was one of the reasons why Jungkook was here now?
"Hyung," Jungkook's mouth grew dry as he looked into the man's eyes, feeling as if everything he had ever gone through had been leading up to this moment. Then he spoke before his brain had time to think. "You... You used to go by the stage name RM, didn't you?"
The first emotion that crossed over Namjoon's face was surprise. Surprise, as if he had no idea why Jungkook knew that. Then there was embarrassment, as if he was embarrassed that Jungkook knew who he had been a few years ago.
Then... Uncertainty, as if he didn't know what Jungkook thought of what he did.
"Yes, I did... For a while." Namjoon licked his lips, dimples emerging a little. "I stopped making my own music though and began to focus more on the composition and lyrical side of things for other people."
"Oh," Jungkook had never been good at following producers or composers, though he knew of a few of them, "I didn't know that."
Namjoon gestured over to Yoongi, who had looked up from his phone to watch the two of them converse and Jungkook swore Yoongi knew what Jungkook was planning to say.
"Hyung was the one who said I would be good at it. Writing songs for other people and helping them find their own sound." Yoongi nodded. "Did Taehyung tell you?"
Jungkook's brain stopped processing as soon as he heard Namjoon utter those words. What did he mean did Taehyung tell him? Namjoon had been part of Jungkook's life before he had ever known any of them so why–
Oh. Namjoon didn't think anyone listened to his music. Kim Namjoon didn't think that someone like Jungkook would find enjoyment in his music. For all the things that Jungkook had prepared for, being baffled by Namjoon's humility was definitely not one of those things.
"No." Jungkook let out a breath, reaching out to carefully rest his hand on Namjoons, which were clasped together over his closed book. "I really like your music, Namjoon-hyung."
Namjoon blinked, eyes widening. "You listened to my music?"
Namjoon blinked, eyes widening. "You listened to my music?"
Jungkook nodded, biting his lip, the ring he had on his lip tempting to chew on as he thought about how he was going to phrase what he said next. "I listened to it a few years ago... when I was going through a difficult time."
That was putting it lightly, Jungkook knew that, but for now, he didn't think he wanted to share any more beyond that. For now he would tell the truth, though with no depth for the sake of not crying again that day. He really couldn't keep falling apart in front of them.
"You did?" Namjoon's eyebrows rose to his hairline in disbelief. "You listened to my music that long ago?"
Jungkook nodded emphatically, the grip he had on the pillow in his lap loosening a little. "I listened to 'mono' when it first came out. I really... I really loved it."
Jungkook nodded emphatically, the grip he had on the pillow in his lap loosening a little. "I listened to 'mono' when it first came out. I really... I really loved it."
Namjoon's cheeks were turning a pretty shade of pink and there was nothing Jungkook wanted to do more than to kiss him to see if they grew any redder.
"You... really listened to my music?" Namjoon's tone was incredulous and Yoongi reached over to whack him none-too-gently on the shoulder.
"He just said that a few times, Joon-ah," Yoongi chastised him softly. "Believe him."
"He just said that a few times, Joon-ah," Yoongi chastised him softly. "Believe him."
"Oh," Namjoon looked a little apologetic, turning over his hand so that his fingers intertwined with Jungkook's, "I didn't mean to make it sound like I thought you were lying to me."
“I just think,” Jungkook’s squeezed his eyes shut, now suddenly aware of the way he had essentially outed himself, “that you’re really talented and your next album will be even better.”
Jungkook… He buried his face in his hands, the long cape hiding the entirety of his face quite successfully. They weren’t supposed to know that he was a fan of Namjoon. Gosh, what if Namjoon… What if he thought Jungkook was too much of a fan to be comfortable around?
“You like my music, Jungkook-ah?” Namjoon asked softly, reaching a hand over to rest on Jungkook’s shoulder.
Jungkook was eternally grateful that neither of the alphas had teased him, for at this moment in time, he was sure that he would have cried if they had.
Jungkook was eternally grateful that neither of the alphas had teased him, for at this moment in time, he was sure that he would have cried if they had.
"I love it, Namjoon-hyung," Jungkook annunciated each word he said with a nod of his head. "Please, if you ever want to make another album, I would... I would really like to hear it."
Namjoon looked like he still couldn't believe his ears and Yoongi appeared as if he was having the time of his life. Jungkook... He shuffled a little closer to Namjoon until their shoulders were brushing each other. Being close to Namjoon felt wonderful.
He could understand what Yoongi meant. Though not to the same extent.
"Have you heard of Agust D?" Namjoon asked curiously, though Yoongi seemed to be suddenly moving a lot as if he was going to leave the room. "I think you would like his music as well."
"Have you heard of Agust D?" Namjoon asked curiously, though Yoongi seemed to be suddenly moving a lot as if he was going to leave the room. "I think you would like his music as well."
"Oh, I did!" Jungkook gushed, looking up at Namjoon. "Before... I used to listen to his music a lot. I still listen to it! Do you think he'll release another album soon?"
Namjoon laughed and gestured over to Yoongi. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"
Namjoon laughed and gestured over to Yoongi. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"
What..?
It took everything Jungkook had in him not to immediately leave the room after the information that had just been given to him.
It took everything Jungkook had in him not to immediately leave the room after the information that had just been given to him.
Whilst he did listen to Agust D, it was music he had enjoyed listening to before things had taken a turn for the worse.
He listened to his music occasionally and he enjoyed it immensely, but it just didn't hold the same emotional attachment for him as Namjoon's music held in his heart.
That being said, Jungkook didn't know how he was supposed to react to the fact that he was currently sandwiched between two artists whom he listened to and looked up to at different points of his life.
"Yoongi-hyung is Agust D?" Jungkook gaped, lifting the pillow so he could hide behind it, not wishing to be perceived. "Why are you both..?" Jungkook had no idea where was planning on taking that sentence, but he didn't really know how to react to the fact that he was here.
"I..." Jungkook's voice was muffled by the pillow, but he could hear Yoongi and Namjoon speaking to him just fine, though that didn't really make it any easier for him not to hide himself away. "You can't just... Tell me that."
"Jungkook-ah..." Yoongi let out an exasperated laugh, reaching over to pat his head. "Can you show us your face?"
Jungkook shook his head, already able to feel the way the blush was beginning to travel to his ears and his neck. "No." Jungkook didn't really want to look at them because then all he would remember was the way he had gushed in front of both of them.
"Are you embarrassed?" Namjoon asked softly, body pressing a little closer to his side. "It wasn't really my intention to embarrass you, Kook-ah."
Jungkook had been prepared to eventually tell Namjoon how much he liked his music and originally, he had been all right with sharing with Namjoon exactly how much he enjoyed his music. It had been a little embarrassing on his part, but now it was different because...
Jungkook had not been prepared to be thoroughly exposed for his love for Agust D either. He wasn't an artist Jungkook listened to as often, but if he were to be asked which rappers he enjoyed, he would say that Agust D was perhaps in his top 2. After Kim Namjoon.
Both of them were beside him and Jungkook was trapped.
"Would you like us to go?" Yoongi asked gently. "We won't mind. If you're too embarrassed, we can go. Whatever makes you comfortable."
"Would you like us to go?" Yoongi asked gently. "We won't mind. If you're too embarrassed, we can go. Whatever makes you comfortable."
Before he could think about the implications of what 'to go' meant, Jungkook nodded, hiding his face further into the pillow until he was bent over on the couch. "Please."
Jungkook didn't think he would ever be able to live this down. He didn't know if he would ever be able to look the two of them in the face ever again either. Jungkook hadn't meant to say all those things (he had), but he really had not expected it to occur twofold.
The two weights beside him left and then Jungkook was alone in the living room. It was so silly, yet the alphas had not hesitated to leave in order to make him more comfortable. But it was so embarrassing... Jungkook let out a small noise into the pillow.
It simply wasn't fair.
After a few minutes, Jungkook raised his head. He let out a breath and fanned his red cheeks, sure that they were still as red as ever despite the amount of time that had elapsed.
After a few minutes, Jungkook raised his head. He let out a breath and fanned his red cheeks, sure that they were still as red as ever despite the amount of time that had elapsed.
The guilt followed soon after when he saw that Namjoon had left his book on the couch beside him. Picking it up, Jungkook looked it over, noting that the bookmark was in between the pages where Namjoon had evidently stopped.
Maybe Namjoon wanted it back but didn't want to go back in and embarrass Jungkook.
Deciding that he would have to meet them again and that it would be much easier just to get it over with, Jungkook stood up, the pillow under one arm, the book in his other hand.
Deciding that he would have to meet them again and that it would be much easier just to get it over with, Jungkook stood up, the pillow under one arm, the book in his other hand.
Jungkook was used to doing things that made him marginally uncomfortable and these were...
Two of the sweetest alphas he knew. They wouldn't tease Jungkook, not when they had just left the room just so that he could gather himself and collect his embarrassing emotions.
Two of the sweetest alphas he knew. They wouldn't tease Jungkook, not when they had just left the room just so that he could gather himself and collect his embarrassing emotions.
Shuffling his way into the kitchen, Jungkook didn't expect to see Jin there as well, working at the stove. The two alphas who had just left were seated at the bar facing Jin and the kitchen and they looked up from Yoongi's tablet when he entered the room.
Yoongi was smiling softly, not any trace of mirth on his expression, and Namjoon was the same, though he appeared a little nervous.
"Are you all right, Jungkook-ah?" Namjoon's voice was careful, low enough so that Jin did not hear it. "You don't have to be out here if you don't want to be. You can spend time alone if you need to."
Jungkook shook his head and held out the book. "You forgot your book, hyung."
The alpha took it from his grasp, eyes tender. "You really didn't have to bring it to me. I was happy to get it myself later."
The alpha took it from his grasp, eyes tender. "You really didn't have to bring it to me. I was happy to get it myself later."
"I wanted to." Jungkook slid in beside Namjoon, lifting the pillow up onto the countertop so he could fold his arms on top of it to watch Jin. "I don't really like being alone for too long anyway."
They had no idea how true that statement was, how Jungkook would sometimes be unable to sleep because the noises in his apartment were too loud, too scary to imagine falling to sleep around.
If someone had told Jungkook that he would be willingly offering up information like that to two alphas a few months ago, he would have laughed. Now, now Jungkook didn't think he would ever want to hide anything from them.
He didn't think he would be very good at hiding anything from them.
"Then we'll be sure that you don't end up alone for too long." Jin turned around from his place at the kitchen counter where he was cutting up a large amount of onions. "Can I get you anything, Jungkook-ah?"
Seokjin really liked to cook, Jungkook realised, and he really liked to offer people food. It was almost as if it was one of the ways in which he loved. Like him offering food to people was his way of saying that he loved them.
"You're busy, hyung," Jungkook crossed his legs at the ankles and rested his head atop his folded arms. "I just wanted to watch you cook."
"That's not an answer to my question," Jin's tone was gentle in its prodding and so Jungkook did not protest when the alpha dropped a bowl of what appeared to be potato chip snacks in front of him. "I'm never too busy for you."
The alpha leaned over to press a gentle kiss to the crown of Jungkook's head, then returned to his work as if nothing had happened. Jungkook blinked. This was... This was warm. His socked feet curled up. This was... Perfect.
Jungkook reached for some of the chips, putting them into his mouth as his eyes followed Jin around the kitchen. It was nice in the kitchen, a low warmth coming from the open pans on the stove, the soft murmurs of the two alphas beside him discussing something work-related.
There was nothing that Jungkook would rather, though he would not mind being hugged, or his hair being petted. Maybe he could ask someone to do that for him later. But only if they wanted of course.
Jungkook let the potato chip rest in his mouth until it went soggy and then he went for another. It was at that moment when he felt his phone buzz in the pocket of the sweatpants he was wearing.
He hardly remembered putting it there, though Jungkook hardly remembered much of that morning anyway.
Pulling it out, he saw it was Mingyu and already he could feel the dread fill his stomach. He doubted that Junsoo had said anything, but just seeing Mingyu's name come up on his phone made him think of Junsoo.
Which wasn't fair to Mingyu, because Mingyu could not very well help the fact that it was how he was associated in Jungkook's brain, but Jungkook felt no less apologetic for it. He was likely wondering where Jungkook was.
Jungkook had not necessarily been avoiding Mingyu, but he did go out of his way to be busy when Mingyu would ask if he was free to meet up. That had been since Junsoo's surprise appearance in the library.
He also had ended up spending a lot more time with his dongsaengs, which hardly helped since his dongsaengs did not like to spend time with Mingyu themselves. They only allowed it because he was important to Jungkook, which he was grateful for.
Jungkook didn't want to stop being friends with Mingyu, but he had the strong urge to not spend as much time with him of late. He felt like he was pulling away, just because of what had transpired.
Something in Jungkook was just upset. He was upset that he had not been considered, that what had happened to him had apparently had no weight when it came to Junsoo's membership in Mingyu's pack. Like he didn't matter.
His shoulder twinged, a sharp pain cutting down his back as if to remind him. Without thinking, Jungkook reached over to rub at it.
The phone was still buzzing in his hand. Jungkook didn't want to answer it, he really didn't. He had just been given his first gift of courtship. He was being courted! This day and the night before had been nothing if not some of the best moments of his life since the incident.
Nothing would ever change that.
What better time to answer a call than right away. He may as well get it over with, right?
What better time to answer a call than right away. He may as well get it over with, right?
Despite his reasoning, Jungkook swallowed down the urge to hang up like a child would, too afraid to answer the call because it meant facing the music. It was probably nothing. Mingyu probably just wanted to know where he was.
It didn't make it any easier for Jungkook to finally press the answer button and hold it up to his ear, the new chip now soggy in his mouth. He swallowed it down and opened his mouth in what was going to be a faux-cheerful greeting until–
"What did you do?" A chill ran down Jungkook's spine and he sat up a little, swallowing thickly at the way his stomach went sour at the ire in his friend's words.
Jungkook didn't know how to respond. What was he supposed to say? He hadn't done anything, not anything he could recall.
Had he?
Had he?
"Junsoo said-" Immediately Jungkook's mind was shutting down, disbelief hitting him hard in the chest, breathing suddenly difficult as he tried to comprehend what his friend was saying to him.
"-can't believe you would do something like that." Jungkook could hardly focus on what was real around him, not when his friend, someone he would have considered his best friend, continued to speak down to him on the phone without giving Jungkook a chance to explain.
"What did I do?" Jungkook knew his voice sounded wrecked, knew he sounded weak on the other end of the phone, but that was how he felt. "That /I/ would do something like that?"
Namjoon and Yoongi were suddenly quiet and Jin had ceased his humming, though he was still chopping away at the counter. Jungkook didn't care if they heard. He trusted them.
He couldn't say that Mingyu felt the same way towards Jungkook.
He couldn't say that Mingyu felt the same way towards Jungkook.
He shook his head, running a shaking hand through his hair. "Why would you--" His voice cut off abruptly as he struggled to contain the disbelief and anger that filled him. "Don't you trust me?"
"That's not what I'm saying, Kook-ah," Mingyu's tone was placating, a tone he used when he meant exactly what he said but was trying not to start an argument. "I'm just asking why you approached Junsoo when you're apparently so afraid of him and said all those horrible things."
Jungkook wasn't going to cry or lose his temper. Neither of those two reactions would do anything productive or aid the conversation at hand. He wasn't. Not even the tell-tale prick of tears would convince him of that.
Then his blood turned cold and instead of the cold rage, it was the cold feeling of betrayal and abandonment.
"What happened to you was years ago, Jungkook-ah. Can't you just let it go? Can't you just forgive him?"
"What happened to you was years ago, Jungkook-ah. Can't you just let it go? Can't you just forgive him?"
Jungkook had forgiven him, Jungkook had made every attempt to just allow Junsoo to live his life and for Jungkook to live his. Jungkook had forgiven so long ago, had given up so much just so that he could see Mingyu again. Jungkook had forgiven Junsoo...
He had forgiven him because he didn't want to hold on, didn't want to remember, didn't want someone to say he was unable to forgive, because Jungkook was kind, he was.
Jungkook had forgiven Junsoo a long time ago, but now he wondered if it was deserved. Mingyu seemed to think he was holding on and Mingyu believed Junsoo, not Jungkook, his friend.
He hadn't believed him then either. Not until he saw the injuries.
He hadn't believed him then either. Not until he saw the injuries.
Nothing was real. Jungkook opened his mouth but no words came out.
Then a hand was resting against the small of his back and a head was resting on his shoulder. "Jungkook-ah... Would you like me to end the call for you? You're not breathing right, honey."
Then a hand was resting against the small of his back and a head was resting on his shoulder. "Jungkook-ah... Would you like me to end the call for you? You're not breathing right, honey."
Hoseok was right there, Jungkook could feel the way his hair brushed against his temple, could feel the way his body sagged in relief at his arrival.
"Please," Jungkook was an adult, but this was no longer something he could do alone.
His pack alpha would take care of it.
"Please," Jungkook was an adult, but this was no longer something he could do alone.
His pack alpha would take care of it.
koo and his first courting gift 🥺🥺
https://twitter.com/amkeyboardsmash/status/1518178179613184000?s=20&t=tLcTfLCsi3f59vPRXSe9UQ
🛋️
Jungkook held the phone in his hand, hardly aware of the fact that he wasn’t breathing, or that tears were forming in his eyes. Hoseok’s hand was warm against his back and it was the only warmth Jungkook felt.
Jungkook held the phone in his hand, hardly aware of the fact that he wasn’t breathing, or that tears were forming in his eyes. Hoseok’s hand was warm against his back and it was the only warmth Jungkook felt.
Hoseok carefully picked the phone from his loose grasp and his firm words felt like a tight hug, reassuring and steady.
“Jungkook will call you back.” Hoseok’s voice was close to Jungkook’s ear and he shuddered, leaning back against Hoseok’s chest a little more. “He will call you back. Not you.”
Hoseok kept talking and Jungkook let out a shaky breath, suddenly aware that all the alphas in the room were looking at him.
He picked at the seam of the pillow in front of him, staring into space as the call was ended and the phone was set down beside him.
He picked at the seam of the pillow in front of him, staring into space as the call was ended and the phone was set down beside him.
“How can we help, Jungkook-ah?” Hoseok was asking, still behind him, still there. “What can we do for you right now?”
A hug. Jungkook wanted a hug.
A hug. Jungkook wanted a hug.
Jungkook was used to having people offer things first, was used to having affection being prompted to him. This was a case where he knew he would have to be the first person to reach out first, but he didn’t know how.
He didn’t say anything, unsure of how he was supposed to ask for something like a hug. So far everything he had ever experienced with the pack was because they had asked or offered and Jungkook had readily accepted.
How was Jungkook meant to ask for something simple like a hug from them? How was he meant to ask for more, always more, more kisses, more hugs, more affection when he felt like being held together so that he wouldn’t fall apart?
Slowly, Hoseok turned the bar stool around and then Jungkook was met with the pack alpha’s face. The expression on his face was easy to decipher and that soothed something in him. That was one of the things he was beginning to love about Hoseok.
The man was very free with his emotions, especially when it came to facial expressions. If he was truly bothered, if he was angry or annoyed by anything Jungkook did, Jungkook was sure he would see it written all over his visage.
Hoseok’s hands rested on the sides of the chair, effectively making sure that Jungkook couldn’t look away from the concern that intermingled with the questions in his eyes.
His eyes were inches from Jungkook’s and all Jungkook could think about was the fact that if he just…
If he just leant forward a little more, he could kiss the alpha on his pretty pink lips.
If he just leant forward a little more, he could kiss the alpha on his pretty pink lips.
“Are you okay?” The alpha asked, breaking the silence. “And if you aren’t, what can we do to help?”
‘I’m not okay,’ Jungkook wanted to say, ‘I don’t know if I have been okay for a long time, or if I just thought I was.’
‘I’m not okay,’ Jungkook wanted to say, ‘I don’t know if I have been okay for a long time, or if I just thought I was.’
Instead, Jungkook lowered his head, embarrassed at the fact that he wanted to kiss Hoseok, embarrassed that he always seemed to be falling apart just when the pack had to be around to witness it. Jungkook hadn’t cried this much in a long time.
His mind brought him back to the time when Namjoon had patiently knelt in front of him, a perfect stranger, and had been sure to wipe away his tears as if it was nothing.
Maybe he was crying more because there were people there to catch his tears.
Maybe he was crying more because there were people there to catch his tears.
Jungkook shuddered before he spoke, as if admitting to the alpha in front of him was a struggle. “I’m not… I’m not okay.” His voice shook and he bit his lip when he felt the prickling of tears in his eyes. Raising his head, he blinked up at Hoseok.
“You’re not okay,” Hoseok repeated, his mouth turning down, as if the idea that Jungkook was not okay upset him. “And can we do anything to help you when you’re not okay?”
A delicate flush overcame Jungkook’s cheeks and he nodded up at Hoseok, hardly able to look away from the alpha, expression tender, and scent close, near, all he ever wanted. It wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t.
“What is it?” Hoseok whispered, hand reaching up to wipe away a stray tear that escaped the confines of Jungkook’s eyes. “What can I do for you?”
“I want a hug.” Jungkook felt his cheeks grow warm, tears forming in his eyes at the idea that he would be thought childish. “Can– Can you hug me, hyung? Please?”
Something in Hoseok’s eyes changed, as if he could hardly believe what he was hearing, something close to disbelief, something close to fond affection and–
Hoseok wrapped his arms around Jungkook and tugged him forward until his face was pressed to the crook of his neck. It was like before. Jungkook let tears fall onto the alpha’s neck shamelessly. It was like when he had found Hoseok for the first time.
He inhaled and almost let more tears fall because the lemon scent was so close, it was so potent this close up and Jungkook never ever wanted to leave. Whatever would he do if he ever had to leave? What… What would he do?
His cape’s scents were strong, but no matter what, it didn’t replace the warm and breathing lemon existence that Hoseok was.
Hoseok spoke into his hair, face pressed into the omega’s loose curls. “Is that all you wanted? You wanted a hug?”
Hoseok spoke into his hair, face pressed into the omega’s loose curls. “Is that all you wanted? You wanted a hug?”
“Oh, Jungkook-ah, I would give you as many hugs as you wanted,” the alpha uttered gently, hand reaching up to cup the back of his neck, petting at the hair by the nape of his neck. “You never have to ask for a /hug/.”
Jin spoke up from behind Jungkook. “We will always want a hug from you and we will always have time to hug you.”
Jungkook nodded, lifting his head a little to wipe his tears, rubbing at Hoseok’s neck to remove the wetness that he had left behind.
Jungkook nodded, lifting his head a little to wipe his tears, rubbing at Hoseok’s neck to remove the wetness that he had left behind.
“Would you like it if I scented you?” Hoseok asked and Jungkook almost fell out of his chair at that request. “Or if any of us did? It might help. Your breathing is still a little uneven.”
“Scent… But… We’re courting. Wouldn’t Tae-hyung mind?” Jungkook’s big, wet eyes met the alpha’s sincere ones and he bit his lip. “I don’t… I don’t want Taehyung to…” Jungkook looked over at Namjoon and Yoongi who had remained quiet thus far.
“I’m… You want to scent me?” Jungkook came up short and his plaintive voice, questioning and so unsure, made Hoseok’s scent spike.
“I scented the pillow for you,” Hoseok’s voice was steady, “so of course I wouldn’t mind scenting you in the slightest.”
“I scented the pillow for you,” Hoseok’s voice was steady, “so of course I wouldn’t mind scenting you in the slightest.”
“But… my suppressants, I can’t…” Jungkook swallowed thickly, something in his throat making it difficult to do so properly. “I can’t scent you back.”
Something flickered over Hoseok’s face, but the look in his eyes didn’t change in the slightest.
Something flickered over Hoseok’s face, but the look in his eyes didn’t change in the slightest.
“I don’t mind that. I don’t offer you things because I want something in return,” Hoseok explained, holding Jungkook’s gaze, “I offer because I want to and I think it might help.”
“The same goes for all of us with everything.” Yoongi’s voice was low and soothing to Jungkook’s frayed nerves. “We offer things because we want to and not because we expect the same thing from you. That’s not how it works in this pack, all right?”
It was all so much. Jungkook knew that people did things because they wanted to and not because they wanted something back, but Jungkook had never really been at the end of such care and love. Love that didn’t just expect things. Love like this.
“Then… Can you scent me, hyung?” Jungkook asked, fiddling with his fingers in his lap, unable to sit still. “I want to smell like your lemons.”
Hoseok let out a huff of laughter and rested a hand on the curve of Jungkook’s jaw. “Of course. And you already smell like all of us with your courting gift. You smell like our pack.”
“Our… pack?” Jungkook had to know and he looked desperately into Hoseok’s eyes.
“That includes you too, if you want it to.” Hoseok knew how to reassure and assuage Jungkook’s fears and questions, almost as if he knew what Jungkook was thinking. “We are courting you but you decide what that means and how much you want from it.”
“Courting to be part of your pack,” Jungkook wanted that, knew he was being courted, knew what it would signify later on in their relationship, “courting so I can… I can join your pack.”
Hoseok smiled and nodded. “Of course. We want to show you what it would be like and whether you think you can… see it being forever.”
How did Jungkook explain that when he had first arrived that he had been longing to never leave? How did he ever explain that all they had given him and offered him so far was far more than he had ever hoped to have a few years ago?
How did he explain to Hoseok that his scent had been one of the reasons why it had been so hard to leave every time he came over? How did he explain how attached he already was, how he wanted to run instead of walk through the courting process?
It was so much to have, so much at his fingertips and Jungkook wanted to gather it all at once to his chest and never let go. He never wanted to leave, could not stomach the idea of ever leaving them, of not having a future without them.
Curbing his excitement, curbing his need to rush into everything was going to be difficult, Jungkook knew, but he wanted to see what they would do. He wanted to know what it would be like to be in a pack with them, though he would need no convincing.
“I’ll scent you a little,” Hoseok’s voice broke through Jungkook’s musings, “nothing too much.”
Jungkook didn’t think anything Hoseok ever did would be too much and he made sure to say as much. “You could never be too much, hyung.”
Jungkook didn’t think anything Hoseok ever did would be too much and he made sure to say as much. “You could never be too much, hyung.”
It perhaps brought him more delight than he was willing to admit when he saw the way Hoseok’s eyes widened, something akin to a pleased spike in his scent emerging.
“Would you like me to scent your wrists or..?” Hoseok was asking and Jungkook…
He held out his wrists, even if every part of him wanted the alpha to press himself close to Jungkook’s neck and hold him a little closer for a little longer.
He held out his wrists, even if every part of him wanted the alpha to press himself close to Jungkook’s neck and hold him a little closer for a little longer.
There was only so much Jungkook was willing to expose himself for. There was only so much he could do in one day without feeling as if he was just asking for too much, even if they had reassured him that everything he did did not have to be reciprocated.
What am I doing for all of you? Jungkook wanted to know. He wanted to know what he had done to deserve any of this and how it was all right that all he seemed to do was take and receive. What had Jungkook done for them?
“Would you like me to… scent you, hyung?” Jungkook asked, knowing in his own heart that anything he left on Hoseok would be very faint, and for some reason that knowledge made his heart ache. It wasn’t fair, he wanted Hoseok to smell like him too.
“Would I like you to? Yes, of course. But I don’t mind if it makes you more comfortable to take your suppressants around us.” Hoseok didn’t bat an eyelash at what Jungkook was implying. “Whatever you want.”
“I…” Jungkook had taken suppressants because he did not want to take up space. He had taken them because he didn’t want another alpha to find a reason to attack him again. But now… “I… I want to talk to Tae-hyung about it… if that’s okay.”
“Why would I have a problem with that?” Hoseok moved his other hand to cup the other side of his face and he carefully lifted Jungkook’s face to face the alpha’s expression. “Nothing you do could bother me, Jungkook-ah.”
Jungkook could not help the way his eyes zoned in on Hoseok’s lips when he talked. There was so much Jungkook wanted but he didn’t… He didn’t know what to do about it. There was so much shame and fear in him still, afraid of crossing a line.
They had talked about it, they had agreed with him when he had mentioned kisses, hugs, joining a pack, but it was difficult to forget the way he had always hidden his needs. Jungkook’s whole life thus far had been repressing his needs for the sake of his safety.
Jungkook’s arms were growing tired and he reached up, resting his hands on Hoseok’s shoulders. “Can you still… scent me, please?”
If Jungkook could have seen the sight he made in front of Hoseok, curls awry, softly falling about his eyes, sparkling as they looked up at the alpha, he would have understood why Hoseok leant forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
“Anything for you.”
“Anything for you.”
Before reaching over to scent the glands on Jungkook's wrists, Hoseok wrapped his hands around Jungkook's bare wrists and pressed a kiss to the underside of each one. Jungkook was sure his face was aflame, but all he could think of was how gentle Hoseok's grip was.
Pressing his wrists to his neck, Hoseok rubbed the glands against each other carefully and Jungkook melted into his hold, the idea that he smelled like Hoseok enough, even if he couldn't smell a thing on himself.
In his excitement, Jungkook had forgotten (forgotten!) to share the news of his courtship with his dongsaengs. In all the excitement of six people wanting him, the cape, the gifts, the scents, he had forgotten.
It was the evening and Jungkook had received a message from Soobin, who was ready to come and check on him. There was a part of him that hadn’t wanted to share what had transpired, but he knew he didn’t want to hide it from them either.
Mingyu had apparently shown up to his dongsaengs' apartment in tears, blubbering about making a mistake. That had prompted Soobin to message him, panicking at the thought of Jungkook being alone. So, sharing had been something he had to do.
Soobin had called him immediately. “You’re okay, hyung?” Soobin’s voice had been reedy and panicked. “You promise you’re okay? I can’t believe–”
“I’m okay, I promise. I’m… I’m with Taehyung’s pack.” Jungkook didn’t want to explain to them what exactly had happened over the phone because they deserved better. “I’m not alone, I promise you.”
“I still want to see you. Please, hyung, I–” Soobin cut himself off and Jungkook could hear the way he was telling the others to be quiet. “Please. I know that you like them so if they don’t want me showing up, I can… I can meet you up somewhere else.”
“No…” Jungkook looked at Hoseok, who was sitting beside him on the couch, eyes wide as he lowered the phone from his ear. “Can… My friends want to see that I am okay after last night? And… I want them to meet you. Please, hyung?”
Hoseok did not stop to think and just sat up, smiling softly and reaching over to run his fingers through Jungkook’s hair once. “Of course. If you want us to meet them then they must be important.”
‘They are,’ Jungkook wanted to say, ‘they’re the reason I ended up being courted by you in one piece. They’re the reason I am here now. They’re the reason why I am not falling apart. They’re the reason why I am sitting beside you now.’
That was how Soobin was coming over with Yeonjun, just to check on Jungkook and to ensure that he really was okay. Jungkook knew that with his track record that they had every right to be suspicious of him when he declared he really was all right.
Too many times had Jungkook lied to his dongsaengs about how he was just so he could feel as if he wasn’t burdening them too much with his problems.
After one time when they had found him in pain a few weeks after the incident, curled up on the bathroom floor, the bandages seeping with blood after he had torn the stitching, they had watched him more carefully.
That had been years ago now, but Jungkook could hardly fault them for worrying and he… He could not say that he hated it. It meant they cared about him, worried about him and always watched out for him, even though he wasn’t pack.
There was so much Jungkook had to thank them for, there was so much they had done for him that he could hardly fathom how he was ever going to repay them.
Hyuka was the reason why he trusted more. He had been the one to teach Jungkook everything about omegas, undoing all the ill his family pack had done to him over the years.
Beomgyu… Beomgyu had been the one to help him, the one who had shown him that asking for help and accepting it wasn’t a sign of weakness. He was the reason why Jungkook was better at asking for things.
Taehyun… Taehyun had been the one to show him that all his thoughts and worries were not foolish or unfounded. He had been the one to help Jungkook understand his own experiences and find out the ways in which he had been hurt.
Soobin had been the one to teach Jungkook that there was no way to be an omega. He had been the one to show Jungkook that there was nothing he did that would make him any less or more of one. He had taught Jungkook so much.
Yeonjun… Jungkook blinked as he stared at the door, waiting for them to arrive. Yeonjun was the reason, the catalyst to trusting alphas again. Without Yeonjun, Jungkook would have never gone outside again.
Without Yeonjun, Jungkook would not have braved getting to know the alphas that now stood by his side.
WIthout any of them, Jungkook would never have braved this new pack, nor trusted them enough to stay.
WIthout any of them, Jungkook would never have braved this new pack, nor trusted them enough to stay.
When the doorbell buzzed, Jungkook shot forward to open the door, not caring about how eager he seemed.
The cape was calming as he looked at his dongsaengs, all of them.
The cape was calming as he looked at his dongsaengs, all of them.
Soobin had the grace to appear apologetic. “They found out and wanted to come too. I couldn’t make them stay home.”
Jungkook did not mind, just smiled a little sadly, watching the way his dongsaengs drank his appearance, clearly looking for any signs of injury or pain.
Jungkook did not mind, just smiled a little sadly, watching the way his dongsaengs drank his appearance, clearly looking for any signs of injury or pain.
He spun around, the cape twirling elegantly with him, wanting to show them that there wasn't a scratch on him. and that was when their expressions changed.
“Hyung…” Taehyun’s voice was quiet, delicate. “Is that..?” His eyes locked onto the cape, glorious in the bright light, the pearlescent embroidery thread shimmering in the light of the hallway and the backlight of the apartment’s entrance.
‘Is that what I think it is?’ The boy seemed to be asking. ‘Is that… what I’ve been hoping for since I knew you?’
“Hyung?” Hyuka sounded breathless, his eyes widening as he took in the cape, the clear marks of a very expensive present written all over Jungkook. “Are you..?”
Jungkook did not think that he would be asked so directly or that they would have figured it out so soon, but he was very quick to nod.
If his dongsaengs suddenly looked relieved it was because they could see the moment Jungkook lit up like a Christmas tree, his eyes brightening, smile widening, a soft blush overcoming his features, as if he couldn’t contain the sheer joy he felt inside.
“You’re… being courted.” Yeonjun stated more than asked, expression unreadable as he looked over Jungkook’s shoulder to look directly at Hoseok. “I hope they know if they hurt you that we know where they live.”
Hoseok bowed and Jungkook, noticing that Hoseok had stayed, because of course he had, he wanted to meet his friends… It felt like two parts of his life meeting and… He wanted them to get along, he wanted them to like each other.
“I was just asked today so…” Jungkook bit his lip and looked over at Hoseok for help, unsure of what he was meant to say, unsure of how Hoseok wanted to tell other people. “I wasn’t hiding it from any of you.”
Soobin’s face had softened and when he walked forward, Jungkook just knew he would bow, the omega’s posture respectful.
“Please look after our hyung.” Hyuka’s voice was thin as if he was having a hard time trying not to cry. “We… He deserves the best.”
“Please look after our hyung.” Hyuka’s voice was thin as if he was having a hard time trying not to cry. “We… He deserves the best.”
Hoseok smiled, that bright one that was hard to look away from. “We are lucky to have the opportunity to court him. Thank you for looking after him.”
Hoseok wasn’t stupid, Jungkook knew that, but he didn’t think Hoseok was so intuitive. He knew there was something. Of course he did, but Jungkook did not find that he minded that much.
For a moment they stood there, Hoseok and Yeonjun having some kind of stand-off, though Hoseok merely smiled and bowed to Yeonjun. It was a little unusual for any alpha to do that and Yeonjun, though surprised, relaxed a little.
Hoseok rested a hand on Jungkook’s upper arm. “I’ll take my leave. Let me know if your plans change and you would like to go with your friends for the night.”
Jungkook almost whined out loud at the thought of leaving when it felt like he had just arrived, but he nodded and watched when the alpha disappeared around the corner into the kitchen.
“Hyung…” Beomgyu’s expression was sly as he sidled up to Jungkook to run his fingers over the soft fabric of the cape. “You snagged yourself some súgar daddies…”
Soobin sighed. “This is what you think when hyung tells us he’s being courted?”
Soobin sighed. “This is what you think when hyung tells us he’s being courted?”
Taehyun waved his hands around, the boy unable to disagree with his packmate. “Look at this place? I’ll bet the rent for the elevator alone would be more than our own apartment.”
Beomgyu was searching for a tag on the cape and once he found it, snapped a picture of it with his phone. “Just to make sure they spent enough money on your first courting gift.”
Jungkook wanted to bury himself under a blanket and never come out. He knew they would be excited, but somehow now it was embarrassing and he covered his face, trying his best not to appear as smitten as he felt.
Hyuka was hanging back, his expression forlorn, though he quickly schooled himself when he saw Jungkook looking over at him. “You like them, hyung?”
“I…” Jungkook halted his speech, because… “I think I could love them.”
That was enough for Hyuka and then he was wrapping his arms around Jungkook, bending down to bury his face in Jungkook’s neck. “Hyung, I am so happy for you,” the boy whispered, “please let them in, like you let us.”
Jungkook thought about Hyuka’s words as he watched the alphas cooking in the kitchen, thought about them as he curled up beside Namjoon again, finding his way into the alpha’s lap again because it was a ritual at this point.
The cape stayed on during dinner, stayed on during their nightly documentary watching, stayed on even when Jungkook changed his clothes, able to wiggle on a shirt but putting it on the wrong way. Jungkook was never going to remove it, not if he could help it.
Hoseok and the rest of the alphas who had been present did not mention the phone call again and for that Jungkook was grateful, but a part of him also wished they were a little nosy, a little curious, because he wanted to share.
Jungkook knew, at some stage, he would share everything, knew that he would have to share with them what had happened, knew that soon everything would have to come to light again. He would rather ease them into it than dump it all at once.
Jimin had been rather quiet and though Jungkook knew that the alpha was quite a bright personality, something was weighing him down.
Jungkook wondered what it was, but it seemed that Hoseok had noticed too and both alphas went missing as soon as the documentary ended.
Jungkook wondered what it was, but it seemed that Hoseok had noticed too and both alphas went missing as soon as the documentary ended.
Which was fine, really. It wasn’t as if Jungkook was clingy and pretty much needed Hoseok to be around or he would feel anxious, feel as if there was something off-kilter, feel as if the second the alpha left he wouldn’t come back.
A completely normal reaction to someone Jungkook had met less than 24 hours ago.
So when Jungkook murmured a soft goodnight to the people left in the room, he was relieved when Taehyung followed him. The omega sped up to hold his hand, not letting go even when Jungkook brushed his teeth in the bathroom.
Jungkook met Taehyung’s eyes in the mirror and smiled. The omega looked troubled and seemed to be looking at Jungkook as if he was unsure of what to say. It was so unlike Taehyung to be like this that Jungkook could not help but squeeze his hand.
“Is something wrong?” Jungkook asked, a part of him hoping that the omega would admit right away, because Jungkook didn’t know how much was too much to ask. Everything was so new. “You look… like there’s something on your mind.”
There had been many things Jungkook had been expecting Taehyung to say, but the question that he posed was perhaps one of the last things he could think of.
“Will you stop taking suppressants now?” Taehyung’s eyes levelled with Jungkook in the mirror and Jungkook could see the way he swallowed. “We’re courting you now so if… If you want to stop taking them, I’m giving you permission.”
There was something in the way that Taehyung said those words that spoke of care, as if he had been thinking of the best way to phrase it for quite some time and it made Jungkook’s heart soar at the thoughtful way he conveyed his words.
“You won’t mind?” Jungkook turned to face Taehyung, linking his other hand with Taehyung’s and squeezing both his hands thoughtfully as he looked him in the eyes, watched the way his lashes fluttered prettily against his cheeks.
“Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung’s tone was serious, but it was belied by the way he smiled, as if he expected what he said, but adored it, “do you think I would say that if I really did mind? I want you to if you want to… How long have you been taking them?”
“Four years.” Jungkook noted the way Taehyung stiffened, noted the way his breathing picked up as if he was afraid for Jungkook because four years was a long time, such a long time for an omega to be taking any suppressant.
cw // very vague (like really vague) mentions of mpreg, but it could literally be referencing anything it's that vague (so vague I am impressed by the vagueness)
“Is… Is everything okay? With you… you know…” Jungkook flushed and nodded, seeing the way Taehyung appeared as if he was about to cry.
“I switched prescriptions a few times to make sure that nothing was ever too much. I got checked a few months ago, to make sure, you know?” Jungkook had never spoken to anyone about such things before, but with Taehyung it was safe.
“So… Everything is… It’s okay?” There was a tinge of hope in Taehyung’s voice, as if he had been searching and found something to help him hold on. “Not that you… Obviously it’s everyone’s decision, you know, if you…”
Jungkook knew what he wanted, but he didn’t want to dance around it, least of all with Taehyung. Taehyung had been honest, had been clear, and Jungkook wanted to be the same. It was only right.
They were omegas, they shared so much already, and Jungkook was very sure he had fallen for Taehyung first. Was still falling, going by the way he couldn’t look away from his face even for a split second.
“I do want to.” Jungkook whispered, admitting to something he had been sure would never become a possibility so many years ago. “Maybe someday… You know if… All of you want it as well. If you don't mind.”
Jungkook had no idea how much Taehyung did not mind.
Jungkook had no idea how much Taehyung did not mind.
“Jungkook-ah…” Taehyung shook his head and then was tugging him into the nest room, the room that Taehyung had claimed was for himself, but that Jungkook now knew as their space. “I want to kiss you, but I want it to be in the right place.”
Jungkook was too surprised to stay still, so he let Taehyung pull him into the nest, until they were facing each other laying down, the lemon pillow back in Jungkook’s arms, his head pillowed in Taehyung’s warm palm.
“You want to kiss me?” Jungkook asked, watching the way the fairy lights made Taehyung’s skin glow golden, the way he seemed to exude power and grace at the same time. It was when his eyes lowered to Taehyung’s lips that he shut his eyes.
“I really want to kiss you.” Taehyung whispered in return, his voice so tender that Jungkook wondered if he kissed the same way. “I want to kiss you, Jungkook-ah, may I?”
“Please.” Because Jungkook wanted to be kissed under the fairy lights, wanted to be kissed in the safest place he could find, wanted to be kissed where it all began: with a nest and an omega who was scared, but hopeful.
“Please, I want you to, but I don’t… I’ve never kissed anyone before so I don’t know how.”
“You don’t have to know how.” Taehyung moved a little closer, his breath ghosting over Jungkook’s closed eyes, his nose, before hovering over his lips. “We can kiss like they did in the old movies. How does that sound?”
Jungkook wanted to kiss however Taehyung wanted to, so he nodded, opening his eyes briefly, catching the way Taehyung was looking at him, like he had found something he thought he would never find.
“And it’s not because of… What we talked about.” Taehyung kept talking, but Jungkook just wanted him to skip to the part to when Taehyung kissed him. He listened patiently though, because Taehyung wanted to share something, even if it was another delay in Jungkook's eyes.
“I want you to know that… I wanted to talk about just the suppressants, but I wanted to know. I can’t… I can’t have…” His words hung in the air, but Jungkook understood.
Something in Jungkook broke at Taehyung's admission, broke at the thought of a bright Taehyung unable to have what he wanted. Jungkook was hope to him –brought him hope when he had lost all of it. Jungkook understood.
He understood because Taehyung had done the same for him.
He understood because Taehyung had done the same for him.
"Can you kiss me, Tae-hyung?" Jungkook asked, reaching a hand up to rest on Taehyung's cheek. "Kiss me like the old movies you talked about?"
Taehyung blinked and then the upset morphed into something like love and Jungkook...
Taehyung blinked and then the upset morphed into something like love and Jungkook...
Jungkook knew he would not be ready for his first kiss, knew that there were so many hopes he had for it, but never in his wildest imaginings did he think it would be so perfect.
There, under the twinkling fairy lights, in the golden glow of the nesting room, enveloped by a nest that smelled like home, Jungkook was kissed by Taehyung.
Taehyung leaned forward and then he was kissing Jungkook, a press of the lips, but it was more than enough.
Taehyung leaned forward and then he was kissing Jungkook, a press of the lips, but it was more than enough.
The kiss was gentle, like a breeze, and Taehyung's lips were as soft as cherry blossom petals. Taehyung's hand moved to cup the back of Jungkook's head and the touch was reverent, like Jungkook was precious.
Jungkook opened his eyes when it was over and when he saw Taehyung, mere inches away from his face, curls lit from behind by the fairy lights, he knew that he was already in love.
"Can I kiss you back?" Jungkook asked softly. "Like the old movies?"
"Can I kiss you back?" Jungkook asked softly. "Like the old movies?"
Jungkook kissed Taehyung and then they curled up together, Taehyung pressing a kiss to his hair again, before whispering a soft goodnight. Sleep came easily to Jungkook, surrounded by the scents of a pack.
His pack.
His pack.
[Do not bookmark this tweet as it will be deleted!
That was a wild whirlwind of an update! Maybe one of the longest ones? Thank you again for all the love and support🥺💛
Next update: Namjoon plans his date with Jungkook and Jungkook's past injuries begin to bother him again.]
That was a wild whirlwind of an update! Maybe one of the longest ones? Thank you again for all the love and support🥺💛
Next update: Namjoon plans his date with Jungkook and Jungkook's past injuries begin to bother him again.]
🛋️
Jungkook blinked, eyes wide and sparkling as he looked down at the alpha. Namjoon knew that they had snapped up an omega who was beautiful, but from his position on the floor, he could see the way he looked, lashes casting a shadow over his pink cheeks.
Jungkook blinked, eyes wide and sparkling as he looked down at the alpha. Namjoon knew that they had snapped up an omega who was beautiful, but from his position on the floor, he could see the way he looked, lashes casting a shadow over his pink cheeks.
There was something so beautiful in watching Jungkook allow himself to be loved, allowing them in. There was something so lovely in the way he reacted to every little thing they did for him.
Things they did without even realising that they were so important for Jungkook to experience.
The morning after Taehyung had kissed him, after they had kissed each other in the nest, Jungkook had been so skittish and shy. It was as if he was afraid that the alphas would react badly, or that they would make fun of him.
Taehyung had told them of course without Jungkook in the room, though they had been able to gather for themselves what had occurred because Taehyung looked as if he wanted to dance about the room and sweep Jungkook up in his arms.
They agreed to keep this knowledge a secret.
They agreed to keep this knowledge a secret.
There had also been an agreement amongst all of them that Namjoon would be the first alpha to take Jungkook out on a proper date.
When asked why they had all decided on him, Yoongi had smiled fondly. “That boy is smitten with you, Namjoon-ah. I think, out of all of us, you would be the best to go on a date with him first. You are good at setting people at ease.”
Namjoon hardly understood what they meant by that, but now, as he watched the way Jungkook’s hand reached up to cover his mouth in shock, his eyes brightening as if he was tearing up, Namjoon realised that his mates had been right all along.
“You… You want to go on a date with me?” The surprise and delight in the boy’s expression was enough to make Namjoon’s heartstrings tug uncomfortably. “Namjoon-hyung… Me?” His hand had dropped to his side and he looked around as if he was sure it was a joke.
“You’re the only Jungkook-ah here.” Namjoon could see the moment the realisation hit Jungkook. “Of course I mean you, Jungkook-ah. Would you like to go on a date with me?”
Jungkook opened his mouth and let out a small squeak, flushed even darker, and then nodded, nodded hard enough for his hair to fly about the air until it finally settled in disarray on his forehead. “Please, I would… love to.”
Namjoon stood up then and reached down, taking the man’s hands in his own. They were small, practically tiny in Namjoon’s larger hands. They were cold too, the knuckles a little pink, and he smoothed his thumbs over them gently, hoping to rouse the warmth back into his hands.
Jungkook’s eyes were like the night sky, dark, vast, wondrous, and dotted with luminous stars. A piece of hair lay over one of his eyes and without thinking, Namjoon reached up a hand to brush it away.
“I was thinking we could go to a greenhouse cafe,” Namjoon uttered softly, hand sliding down to comfortably cup Jungkook’s cheek. “Maybe go for a walk by the riverside afterwards.”
When thinking of a date idea for Jungkok, Namjoon had considered every high-end restaurant, every expensive trip he could think of, but when he thought of Jungkook… He knew the omega deserved more than an expensive meal just because Namjoon could afford it.
Jungkook deserved to see them as they were and Namjoon was not going to give him any false ideas regarding who he was.
As it was, Jungkook deserved to be reassured and pampered, and when he thought of the stuffy manner in which expensive restaurants often operated, he could not imagine Jungkook being happy there.
“I think if you are comfortable, Jungkook will be too,” Hoseok had said after Namjoon had gone down a rabbithole of expensive ideas. “Go somewhere you want to go or have gone to before. I think more than anything, Jungkook deserves comfort.”
That was how Namjoon had finally settled on the greenhouse cafe. It was somewhere Namjoon had always wanted to go, with its high ceilings, open space, plants, and light coming in from all sides. They had beautiful plants and it was a casual place to be.
The way Jungkook’s breath caught and the way a small smile came to his lips as he stared up at Namjoon convinced the alpha that he had chosen well.
“That sounds perfect.” Jungkook had not blinked but he did so now, eyes fluttering down to alight upon the sight of Namjoon’s hand holding his. “When are we going?”
The excitement in his scent, as faint as it was, was not lost on Namjoon and he could hardly help the way he laughed and ran his thumb gently over the apple of Jungkook’s cheek.
“I was thinking about next Monday. I will be free that morning and afternoon.” Jungkook’s shoulders lowered as if he was disappointed. “Is that too soon?”
The expression that came over Jungkook’s face could only be described as disbelieving. “I have to wait,” there was a small whine in the way he spoke, “I have to wait two days.”
“Is that too long a wait?” Namjoon asked, feeling as if he had let Jungkook down even though he had originally believed he was asking for a date too soon after the courting ceremony. “It is the soonest I can do it. I am sorry.”
Jungkook’s bottom lip jutted out a little and he lowered his head, as if to avoid being caught with a petulant expression on his face. “Don’t apologise. It’s… I am impatient.”
Namjoon was so unbelievably endeared, so very ready to love this man in front of him, so ready to give him the world if he only asked. “If it helps, I don’t like the idea of waiting either.” He leant down and pressed a kiss to Jungkook’s hair. “We will be impatient together.”
Jungkook did not seem genuinely upset, but the way he raised his head, pout visible, made Namjoon panic, because he hardly knew how to react with Jungkook looking so visibly put-out.
“After the cafe and the walk…” Jungkook’s eyes were pleading. “Can you find another documentary for us to watch… with everyone? If they are free?”
There were very few things that made Namjoon excited, very few things he did in his free time that he genuinely did not know how he could live without. His packmates watched his documentaries because they loved Namjoon and all his interests, but Jungkook…
“You like watching them that much?” Namjoon could not help but ask. “You enjoy my documentaries and my commentary?”
“I like them because you sound and look happy when you watch them.” The colour in Jungkook’s cheeks rose, almost as if he was embarrassed to admit it. “And I like it when you look happy. RM was so sad and I always wondered if he ever smiled.”
Namjoon hadn’t necessarily been unhappy in that period of his life, but he was nowhere near as happy then as he was now. That had been before everything had slipped into place, before things had looked up for him, before he knew how to love himself for all his flaws.
Jungkook continued, “I’m just happy to see you smile, Namjoon-hyung. I’m glad I get to see you smile.”
Namjoon could not help the way he reached for Jungkook, pulled him into his chest, and pressed another kiss to his curly head.
Namjoon could not help the way he reached for Jungkook, pulled him into his chest, and pressed another kiss to his curly head.
“You make me smile too, Jungkook-ah.” Namjoon wrapped his arms around Jungkook, who hesitantly snaked his arms around the older man’s waist. “Thank you.”
—
Jungkook was beyond excited.
For the past few days he had been busy working shifts, hardly having time to think unless he was lying in bed about to fall asleep or in the shower trying his best not to fall asleep.
Jungkook was beyond excited.
For the past few days he had been busy working shifts, hardly having time to think unless he was lying in bed about to fall asleep or in the shower trying his best not to fall asleep.
He was going on a date, going on a date with Kim Namjoon, and it was his very first date ever. It was difficult to maintain his professionalism at work when all he wanted to do was sing and dance his way through the aisles of the small convenience store.
Mingyu had been mostly silent, or rather, Jungkook had him on silent, because he had temporarily blocked his number. The man would likely try to speak to him sooner or later, but for now, Jungkook wanted to allow himself the time to process and the time to be glad.
Because was Jungkook glad. Was he so glad! There was so much to be grateful and happy for. There was so much he had now and for now, he would ignore the eventual conversation with Mingyu in favour of daydreaming about kissing each and every one of the pack.
Taehyung’s kiss had been gentle, like a whisper, like a promise of more if Jungkook just asked. He wondered how Namjoon would kiss. He wondered if he kissed as softly as ‘everythingoes’ or if he was as fiery and aggressive as his rapping was.
Regardless, Jungkook could only ever imagine as he curled up with his cape that he hardly ever took off unless it was to work, and even then he always took it with him. He was spoiled by their scents now however faint they still were.
Jungkook had spoken to his doctor on the phone about weaning himself off his suppressants, but knew that it would be a while until his previously dulled senses would return in full force.
Each day he was taking a prescribed dose lower than the day before, but it would be a while until the effects went away completely. Jungkook didn’t mind the wait; just the thought of being able to scent people with his own scent was enough to keep him positive.
Things were looking up, things were going so well, so Jungkook should have known something would go wrong, should have known something would have come back to haunt him. Life had never been easy for him and it would not start now.
Jungkook knew that sooner or later, that his past injuries would come back to bother him, but it simply had not happened since he had met Taehyung and subsequently, his pack.
Now, with Jungkook curled in on himself, back stiff with pain as the old scars felt tight and hot, he didn’t know what he should do. He could lie here all day and wait and hope for the pain to end or he could call Namjoon and apologise for having to cancel their first date.
Jungkook’s first date. Tears filled his eyes as he tried to sit up and he lay back down, heart ready to break. He had been looking forward to the date, had hardly thought about anything else, yet here he was: unable to move and get up and suck up the pain.
Jungkook knew he was hard on himself, knew he should have been kinder to himself, but as he called Taehyung to apologise, but he wouldn’t be able to make it, he felt like he was the most selfish person on the earth.
“I’m sorry, Tae-hyung,” Jungkook blurted out before Taehyung could even greet him, “but can you tell Namjoon-hyung that I won’t be able to make his date today.”
“Is something wrong?” Taehyung sounded far from angered, in fact, he sounded concerned. “You were really excited to go, Jungkook-ah.”
“I…”
‘I’m in pain and I can’t move but I want to go, Taehyung, I want to go.’
“I just had a class suddenly scheduled for today at the same time.” Lies, you can’t move, you’re in pain, why don’t you share anything? “Can you please tell him for me and tell him I am sorry.”
‘I’m in pain and I can’t move but I want to go, Taehyung, I want to go.’
“I just had a class suddenly scheduled for today at the same time.” Lies, you can’t move, you’re in pain, why don’t you share anything? “Can you please tell him for me and tell him I am sorry.”
A twinge ran up Jungkook’s spine and the grip on his phone tightened, muscles tensed as the pain rippled, landing finally at his shoulder.
“Of course I can.” Why was Taehyung being so kind, why was he being so gentle? “Namjoon won’t mind scheduling the date for another time.”
“Of course I can.” Why was Taehyung being so kind, why was he being so gentle? “Namjoon won’t mind scheduling the date for another time.”
Jungkook didn’t want to schedule it for another time, he didn’t want it to be moved when he had already waited two whole days to go on a date with The Kim Namjoon, the Namjoon who liked nature documentaries and crabs and plants, the one who had the deepest dimples.
“I can come by tonight…” Jungkook didn’t want to hope, did not want to be optimistic about the pain today, not when he woke up to it being this bad. “If… We could watch the documentary like we had planned still.”
“You won’t be too tired after the class?” Jungkook heard the hope in Taehyung’s voice and that was enough for him to be sure of his decision.
“I won’t. Never tired of any of you.” Jungkook clung to the phone as if it was a lifeline and when Taehyung promised to convey the message to Namjoon, he let out a breath. “I will see you later, Tae-hyung.”
“See you later, Jungkook-ah!” Taehyung sounded so happy, so chipper that any thought Jungkook had of sharing just how much pain he was in was thrown out the window. “Namjoon has the best documentary picked out next!”
When Taehyung hung up it felt as if some part of Jungkook was lost. For a while all Jungkook could register was the dull ache in his bones and the pain that seemed to move like oil in a pain, bubbling up in one region before spreading to another.
Normally, Jungkook would be able to manage the pain, would be able to get up and move around enough to make sure that he stayed alive, but now…
Now with the possibility of receiving comfort, he wanted nothing more than to bury himself into Hoseok’s or Yoongi’s or anyone’s side and not leave for days.
As it was, the cloak kept him company. The small whiff of lemons he would get when he buried his face into the collar was enough to help him fall asleep when the shooting pain left him alone long enough for him to drift off.
The closer it got to the time when he had to move and get up, try to look presentable in front of the people who were courting him, Jungkook found it harder to imagine himself leaving the bed. It was never usually this bad. Jungkook usually had things under control.
It wasn’t until time slipped through his fingers, mind nothing but a landscape of harrowing paths and treacherous hills, and Taehyung was calling him again that Jungkook thought that he was already late to the one thing he had promised.
It was hard to pick up, the phone lost somewhere in the sheets. The sheets which Jungkook had tossed and turned in and that were tangled so badly that one of his feet was stuck in its folds.
Jungkook almost cried when he located the chiming phone, shoulder and back on fire, tears dangerously close to falling.
“Jungkook-ah,” it was Jimin, Jimin’s lilting voice on the other end, “would you like us to pick you up? It’s dark outside and we would feel better if we drove you to our apartment.”
The idea of moving was so abhorrent that all Jungkook could muster was a very small hum, eyes slipping shut as he reached a shaking hand up to rest on his collarbone, hoping for the pain to abate, even just a little bit.
“Namjoon-hyung and Taehyung will be the ones picking you up, all right?” Jimin’s voice was like a soothing balm and Jungkook could almost envision the alpha’s scent in his mind’s eye: soft vanilla cupcakes decorated with beautiful purple frosting that tasted faintly of lilac.
It wasn’t until Jungkook realised that Jimin had phrased what he had said as a question, that he spoke. “Sounds…” He licked his dry lips, not wanting to sound as bad as he felt easy to tell through the phone. “Sounds good.”
"And Jungkook-ah,” Jimin spoke up after a beat of silence, “Namjoon-hyung is not upset. He’s very happy to change the day to suit you and excited to see you again."
When Jimin hung up, Jungkook wondered why he had agreed to some of the pack coming over. Why was he inviting two people who were courting him over to his shabby apartment in which he had been spending the better part of the day wracked with pain?
Jungkook knew, knew that they would not drop him that easily, knew that this pack were genuine, however impossible it seemed that six people cared about him enough to want to know him more and to grow closer.
How close was too close? How long would it take for them to realise that having Jungkook so close would mean they would have to deal with days like this? How long would it take for them to understand just how bad of an idea Jungkook was when it came to joining their pack?
Of course, he knew that they were not perfect, knew they had faults, but this was something visible, this was something that Jungkook could not change, something that haunted him to this day.
How long would it take for them to realise that Jungkook was more of a burden than they had originally believed?
When there was a knocking at his door, Jungkook got up. Somewhere in between getting up and getting to the door, Jungkook had walked the few metres, figure hunched in his cape, trying to minimise movement as much as possible.
Jungkook let out a breath, let in a breath and stared at the door handle. It was as easy as opening a door. Once Jungkook opened this door, the rest of his tale, his past, would eventually follow. But he had left the door to the nest ajar, he had propped doors open.
Opening the door to Namjoon and Taehyung should have felt like dread culminating into one disastrous scenario, but Jungkook stumbled forward and rested his head on Namjoon’s chest in one stilted movement.
A hand found its way to rest at the small of his back and Jungkook shuddered, pain glancing up his back again.
“I’m sorry, hyungs,” Jungkook whispered. “It hurts and I don’t want to hurt alone anymore.”
“I’m sorry, hyungs,” Jungkook whispered. “It hurts and I don’t want to hurt alone anymore.”
"Oh, darling..." Another hand reached up to rest on the back of his head. "Oh, Jungkook-ah, there is no need to apologise. You don't have to hurt alone. Not anymore."
'Thank you for trusting us, Jungkook-ah. Thank you for trusting us to care for you.'
'Thank you for trusting us, Jungkook-ah. Thank you for trusting us to care for you.'
Jungkook pressed his nose further into Namjoon's neck, trying to breath evenly, tears impossible with the way it would only worsen the pain in his back.
"I'll carry you, Jungkook-ah," Namjoon uttered gently. "And we'll see how we can help you at home."
"I'll carry you, Jungkook-ah," Namjoon uttered gently. "And we'll see how we can help you at home."
Home. Because that was what it was, was it not?
Jungkook smiled a little as Namjoon rambled about the documentary on butterflies he had found.
"Can we still watch it?" Jungkook asked, face pressed to Namjoon's neck when he was hoisted up in his arms.
"Of course."
Jungkook smiled a little as Namjoon rambled about the documentary on butterflies he had found.
"Can we still watch it?" Jungkook asked, face pressed to Namjoon's neck when he was hoisted up in his arms.
"Of course."
[Do not bookmark this tweet as it will be deleted!
This update is a lil shorter due to personal constraints and >.> my other plans I have for next week! I hope you all enjoyed regardless ;-;
Next week should be!! We find out what happened to Jungkook that fateful day!! tysm🥺💛]
This update is a lil shorter due to personal constraints and >.> my other plans I have for next week! I hope you all enjoyed regardless ;-;
Next week should be!! We find out what happened to Jungkook that fateful day!! tysm🥺💛]
🛋️
Jimin was not someone who ever stopped feeling. There was so much that Jimin felt, so much in him that longed to care for and hold people close, if only to spare them from the cruelty of the world for a few brief moments.
Jimin was not someone who ever stopped feeling. There was so much that Jimin felt, so much in him that longed to care for and hold people close, if only to spare them from the cruelty of the world for a few brief moments.
There was so much Jimin felt, so when he saw those scars on Jungkook by accident, he never forgot.
Someone had hurt Jungkook.
Someone had hurt Jungkook so badly they had left permanent marks.
Someone had hurt Jungkook.
Someone had hurt Jungkook so badly they had left permanent marks.
Yet, Jimin kept this knowledge to himself. And what a burden it had proven to be for him to shoulder.
It was difficult watching Jungkook, watching the way his eyes would widen in surprise, as if he was unused to being treated so well by alphas. It was difficult watching, especially for Jimin, even more so, because he had an idea of what had occurred.
If anything, it made the smile and laughter on Jungkook’s countenance all the more miraculous.
Jungkook was not beaten down by his past; he had beaten his past down instead.
Jungkook was not beaten down by his past; he had beaten his past down instead.
There was no way that Jimin would ever reveal what he had accidentally seen, but did he want Jungkook to eventually open up about it to them? Yes.
When Taehyung had informed Namjoon and by default, Jimin, who had also been in the room at the time, that Jungkook would be unable to meet Namjoon for his scheduled date, something flared in the back of Jimin’s mind.
Something is wrong. Something felt wrong about the fact that Jungkook could not make it for something he had clearly been looking forward to.
So, Jimin had called him.
So, Jimin had called him.
The second he heard Jungkook’s voice, which was markedly more tense than his usual way of speaking, as if he was trying to mask how he was truly doing.
The idea that some of his pack would pick Jungkook up came to Jimin as inspiration, because he was worried about Jungkook.
The idea that some of his pack would pick Jungkook up came to Jimin as inspiration, because he was worried about Jungkook.
And something told him that his knowledge, which the rest of the pack did not have, would prove to be useful.
As soon as Taehyung and Namjoon left to pick up Jungkook, Jimin got to work.
As soon as Taehyung and Namjoon left to pick up Jungkook, Jimin got to work.
Jimin was not someone who felt instincts very often, even less than Namjoon, who in his own endearing way stumbled around situations in that gentle and lumbering manner that immediately placed people at ease.
His body was on auto-pilot when he began to prepare a bath for Jungkook, finding a bag of epsom salts that he remembered helping Hoseok when he had suffered from a back injury.
It was only when he was checking the temperature of the water that he realised that he truly had no idea what was wrong with Jungkook, but his instincts told him that Jungkook was in pain, and would appreciate this. At least he hoped he would.
Maybe making up a bath for him was a little creepy? Jimin sat on the bath mat, his mind coming back to earth. Maybe it was too revealing, maybe he had assumed too much.
But maybe… Maybe this was exactly what he was meant to do and maybe Jungkook would appreciate it.
But maybe… Maybe this was exactly what he was meant to do and maybe Jungkook would appreciate it.
It was too late to think back on his decision, because just then Jimin heard the front door of their apartment open, and then there was a flurry of sounds, soft voices, and something in Jimin’s heart clenched because his pack were so good.
Jimin refrained from feeling prideful fairly often, but it was humility to admit that his pack was one of the best around. They were good for Jungkook and he believed Jungkook was good, not only for Taehyung, but for the rest of them too.
That was not to say that they had not been happy, because they had been content before knowing Jungkook, but that he was here… Now that they knew him, it felt like they had been missing out before. Not on anything other than Jungkook as a whole, as a person.
Jimin got up from his position on the floor and made his way over to the main room.
The scent is what caught Jimin off-guard. Before, there had only been a slight trace of Jungkook’s scent, but now, it was as if a thin veil had been lifted, because now his scent was more present, though not as pronounced as the rest of them.
Limes.
A little sharper than limes he was accustomed to, but it suited Jungkook.
What did not suit Jungkook was the tense posture or the eyes that looked a little too bright, as if he was seconds away from shedding tears.
A little sharper than limes he was accustomed to, but it suited Jungkook.
What did not suit Jungkook was the tense posture or the eyes that looked a little too bright, as if he was seconds away from shedding tears.
Namjoon was beside him and had a hand pressed to the small of his back and Jungkook seemed to lean into it. The cape they had gifted him with was on him, as it now tended to me, and Jimin’s heart warmed at the sight.
“I am sorry,” Jungkook whispered, moving slightly to press against Namjoon’s side a little more.
“What is there to be sorry about?” Jimin found himself asking, watching the way Jungkook raised his eyes to look at him. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“What is there to be sorry about?” Jimin found himself asking, watching the way Jungkook raised his eyes to look at him. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“I–” Jungkook seemed unsure, biting his lip, a habit that Jimin had noticed at the very beginning. “I kept some secrets from you all and that’s why I couldn’t go on the date with Namjoon.”
There was a curl to his shoulders, a resigned stance, as if now he would suddenly be removed from their apartment without another word.
“Do you really think we mind that?” Taehyung asked, his tone soft, as if afraid of scaring Jungkook off. “You’re hurting, Jungkook-ah, you’re in pain. We don’t have to know the reason why, just the fact that you are is enough.”
Tears sprung to Jungkook’s eyes, as if that was all the confirmation he needed to finally let himself go around them.
Before anything more could be said, Jimin spoke up. “I set up a bath and we have epsom salts for muscle pain. I don’t know if it will help, but it is there if you would like.”
Namjoon and Taehyung hardly reacted but Jungkook hesitated before nodding.
Namjoon and Taehyung hardly reacted but Jungkook hesitated before nodding.
“Of course,” Jimin found himself rushing to say, “we will leave you alone for your own privacy.” He had to explain that he did not expect anything, even if a little part of him ached to help.
“If…” Jungkook had grown so much better at speaking his mind and revealing his wants of late and Jimin hoped he would continue to grow in that regard, “if I asked you to stay, would you?”
There was something vulnerable in Jungkook’s question, because more than a question, it was admission as to what he wanted.
“If that was something you wanted, then I would be honoured to stay.” Jimin tried not to hide the delight in his voice. “Would you like me to?”
“If that was something you wanted, then I would be honoured to stay.” Jimin tried not to hide the delight in his voice. “Would you like me to?”
Jungkook nodded quickly and stepped forward, clearly eager to go and not be seen by multiple people during a vulnerable time. It was why the rest of the pack was steering clear for now, having been warned by Taehyung by text to give him space.
They would all slowly filter in for the documentary watching, but for now, Jungkook would be granted the peace and lack of prying eyes that he clearly wished for.
Jimin walked slowly, giving Jungkook time to follow him, because it was clear that he was in pain, just by the grimace on his expression. The bathroom was warm from the steam and Jimin set about sprinkling in a generous helping of epsom salts in as Jungkook followed behind him.
“You can leave your boxers on if you like,” Jimin found himself saying as he swirled the epsom salts around. He flushed at the acknowledgement. “Or… I can look away and just keep you company facing the wall.”
There was a small catch in Jungkook’s breath that had Jimin looking up. Jungkook was looking at Jimin as if he could hardly believe what he was saying. Then he spoke, voice trembling with a barely concealed emotion.
“I might… need help undressing,” Jungkook admitted. “It hurts to move. If you do not mind. If it makes you uncomfortable–”
Jimin could hardly help the way he approached Jungkook, reaching up to place a careful hand on top of his tousled curls. “I would let you know if it did, but thank you for thinking of me. Let me help you.”
Once he had received a jerky nod from Jungkook, Jimin began to remove the cape from Jungkook, which thankfully did not involve Jungkook moving in the slightest. He folded it carefully and placed it on the counter. It was the long-sleeved shirt that would prove to be a problem.
“It hurts to move, does it?” Jimin asked. “You can leave the shirt on if it would make it easier for you.”
Jungkook shook his head, seeming to ponder the question, lowering his head.
Jungkook shook his head, seeming to ponder the question, lowering his head.
“Promise you won’t say anything.” Jungkook let out in a strangled voice. “Not right now, but later… Later I will explain.”
Jimin knew what he was referring to, or at least he had a fairly good idea, but he would not let Jungkook know that.
Jimin knew what he was referring to, or at least he had a fairly good idea, but he would not let Jungkook know that.
“You do not have to explain anything.” Jimin whispered, reaching forward. “If we remove the sleeve from the side that hurts the least, I will be able to remove the rest without having you move too much.”
Jungkook nodded and took a breath, then lifted his arm up so Jimin could remove his shirt.
Now, Jimin had seen the scars, but he had not realised the scale of them. Keeping the gasp from passing his lips was difficult, but for Jungkook, who was trembling from the effort of moving his shoulder even a little, he kept silent.
It was five distinct lines, though they appeared to be more akin to tears, clearly having been stitched, but not without leaving behind some significantly visible damage. The damage itself spanned from his collarbone, over his shoulder and down his back.
Where the scars were worst, was before the curve of his shoulder, as if something, or someone, had pressed harder there.
'Or dug into,' Jimin's mind supplied.
'Or dug into,' Jimin's mind supplied.
Looking away quickly, Jimin helped Jungkook sit down so he could remove his socks, then carefully helped him get rid of his trousers. Jungkook was trying to hide the fact that he was sniffling, and it broke Jimin’s heart a little to hear him.
Once Jungkook was stripped of his clothing, Jimin held his hand and helped him step into the bathtub, which had enough bubbles to offer Jungkook a modicum of privacy.
Jungkook let out a small sigh of relief, eyes red from what clearly were the remains of tears.
Jungkook let out a small sigh of relief, eyes red from what clearly were the remains of tears.
“You can just soak in the water for now,” Jimin uttered, kneeling alongside the side of the bathtub. “It might help with whatever aches or pain you have.”
Jungkook nodded, leaning a little further against the back of the bath, and he closed his eyes.
Jungkook nodded, leaning a little further against the back of the bath, and he closed his eyes.
“Thank you,” Jungkook murmured, opening his eyes slightly to look at Jimin. “For being so kind and for not saying anything.”
“You asked me not to.” Jimin reached over and squeezed Jungkook’s hand, which rested on the edge. “It’s as simple as that.”
“You asked me not to.” Jimin reached over and squeezed Jungkook’s hand, which rested on the edge. “It’s as simple as that.”
—
Jungkook was confused. There were no questions, no prying words guised as mere concern. Rather, the journey in the car had been comforting.
Jungkook was confused. There were no questions, no prying words guised as mere concern. Rather, the journey in the car had been comforting.
It had felt like someone pressing a warm mug of tea to chilled fingers, felt like hunched shoulders being gently draped with a thick blanket.
At first, Namjoon had offered Jungkook the front seat beside Taehyung, but Jungkook had been very bad at hiding what he wanted. Which was being curled up beside Namjoon in the back seat.
Jungkook had tried to speak, but now his throat felt tight, and as Namjoon helped him get into the car, Jungkook grasped his upper arm, trying not to flush at how much muscle Namjoon hid beneath his comfortable sweater.
“I think,” Taehyung spoke from the driver’s seat, making eye contact with Jungkook in the rearview mirror, “Jungkook would like you to stay beside him, hyung.”
And Namjoon did.
He stayed.
And Namjoon did.
He stayed.
Jimin…
Jimin stayed too.
It was not as if Jungkook was unused to people staying, but he was used to having to move on from people. His family had wanted him to move on, his friend, or who he had thought was his friend, had implied that he should move on.
Jimin stayed too.
It was not as if Jungkook was unused to people staying, but he was used to having to move on from people. His family had wanted him to move on, his friend, or who he had thought was his friend, had implied that he should move on.
Even now, thinking of Mingyu hurt.
All Jungkook wished to do for the time being was stay in the warm water of the bath and watch Jimin smile to himself as he reached for a bottle of shampoo.
All Jungkook wished to do for the time being was stay in the warm water of the bath and watch Jimin smile to himself as he reached for a bottle of shampoo.
Was it really that simple the way Jimin implied? Was it really that simple that Jungkook only had to ask and he would receive? Jungkook was also not unaccustomed to being given things, but he never asked for what he really wanted.
This pack had very slowly changed that.
They had made it easy for Jungkook to ask for things, because they loved and cared so much that it eased Jungkook’s mind.
They had made it easy for Jungkook to ask for things, because they loved and cared so much that it eased Jungkook’s mind.
Jimin’s lips were pretty, Jungkook noted, and the flush high on his cheeks made him look like a blushed rose, delicate and almost out of reach.
“Would you like me to wash your hair for you?” Jimin asked, already flicking open the cap of the bottle in his hands.
“Please,” Jungkook uttered hoarsely, clearing his throat to continue, “if you do not mind.”
“Please,” Jungkook uttered hoarsely, clearing his throat to continue, “if you do not mind.”
Jimin shook his head and laughed a little, pouring a generous helping of the neutral shampoo on his palm, not before reaching over for the shower fixture and wetting Jungkook’s hair gently.
“If I minded, I would not have offered.” Jimin sat up and reached over to slowly massage the soap into Jungkook’s mussed curls. “Let me know when you think I have washed your hair thoroughly.”
Jungkook could only nod with the alpha so close to him, completely focused on the task at hand, brow furrowed in concentration, and pink lips in a small pout. As much as Jungkook wished he could focus on other things, he found himself staring.
At some point Jimin had paused in his gentle massaging of Jungkook's hair and scalp, a fond smile playing at his lips when he caught Jungkook looking at him.
“Is there anything you need?” Jimin asked softly, pushing Jungkook’s hair back from his forehead with his fingers. “Anything at all?”
Jungkook would not have considered it a need, but something about Jimin, something about everything to do with this pack seemed so right.
Jungkook would not have considered it a need, but something about Jimin, something about everything to do with this pack seemed so right.
It never hurt to ask with this pack.
“I don’t… need, but…” Jungkook lowered his head, fiddling with his fingers even when the muscles ached dully by his shoulder. “Can you kiss me?”
“I don’t… need, but…” Jungkook lowered his head, fiddling with his fingers even when the muscles ached dully by his shoulder. “Can you kiss me?”
“Kiss you?” Jimin seemed a little taken-aback, but before Jungkook could rush to apologise for his impudence, the man smiled, eyes crinkling. “Of course I can.”
Without another word, Jimin’s soapy hands cupped Jungkook’s cheeks and then the man was leaning in. Jungkook’s eyes closed automatically and before they kissed, he caught a whiff of Jimin’s scent, a bakery and a garden intermingling joyfully.
It was hardly a kiss, Jungkook supposed a little while later as he sat on the counter of the bathroom, swaddled in a large towel Jimin had wrapped him in. It could have been called nothing more than lips pressing together, but it had been enough, more than he ever thought.
His fingers pressed over his lips, Jungkook startled when Jimin returned with some loungewear. They were the comfortable ones Jungkook adored from before, just in a different colour.
“Namjoon said you could have these. In fact, he insisted.” Jimin grinned as if he was proud of himself for procuring them. “They are loose enough that they will not press too tightly anywhere, all right?”
“Thank you,” Jungkook uttered, feeling exhausted, even though all he had done the whole day had been wallowing in self-pity and pain.
Jimin’s smile did not dim any, but his eyes had that look in them that suggested he was concerned. Laying the clothes beside Jungkook, Jimin stood in front of him and looked up to meet his eyes.
“Let any of us know if we can do anything for you.” Jimin’s eyes were pleading with Jungkook. “You do not have to explain, but please…” The alpha closed his eyes, chin trembling a little. “Let us help you.”
“You already help me so much,” Jungkook pleaded, “and I can’t keep asking for help when I hardly pay it back in any way.”
“Even if you didn’t help, which you do,” Jimin’s voice was calm, “it doesn’t matter. We help because we care, because it’s you we care about, Jungkook-ah. It’s as–”
“Simple as that,” Jungkook finished, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “Then… Please help me put the clothes on.”
“Gladly.” And Jimin did, because it was really as simple as that, Jungkook realised.
“Gladly.” And Jimin did, because it was really as simple as that, Jungkook realised.
—
Namjoon was not someone who was good at hiding what he was thinking, but he was when it came to feeling. When Jungkook emerged from the bathroom wearing the comfortable sweats that Namjoon had been all too glad to lend him, something in him ached.
Namjoon was not someone who was good at hiding what he was thinking, but he was when it came to feeling. When Jungkook emerged from the bathroom wearing the comfortable sweats that Namjoon had been all too glad to lend him, something in him ached.
Looking at Jungkook like this made him sad.
Shoulders hunched, expression hiding what could only be a grimace of pain.
Shoulders hunched, expression hiding what could only be a grimace of pain.
His admission at their arrival to his apartment, was something that Namjoon knew would haunt him for the rest of his life. The clinging desperation as if his confession to feeling pain and not being as happy as they knew him to be, would be reason enough for them to abandon him.
Who had left him when he had been open about his struggles? How many times had Jungkook been left behind after something like this, where he opened up?
Namjoon shuddered to think.
Namjoon shuddered to think.
When Jungkook entered the living room where Namjoon was sitting in his usual corner, the documentary ready to go, Jungkook immediately made a beeline for Namjoon. Hoseok was sitting in an armchair and Namjoon was surprised that Jungkook had chosen to sit beside him.
Namjoon knew that Jungkook did not have a preference per se, but Hoseok was Jungkook’s safe place. It was odd, but he relished in the presence of Jungkook, his body pressed close to Namjoon’s side, a warm presence.
As opposed to his usual place beside Taehyung, Jimin sat on the floor, his back pressed to the bottom of the couch, in between Namjoon’s legs. Namjoon reached forward to press a sure hand on his shoulder, sensing he needed a little reassurance.
“Do you feel a little better?” Namjoon asked softly.
“A little.” Jungkook inclined his head, wincing when he went to lean against Namjoon. “Thank you.
“A little.” Jungkook inclined his head, wincing when he went to lean against Namjoon. “Thank you.
Before Namjoon could wonder where the rest of his pack was, Jin and Yoongi entered the room, armed with snacks, though Jin was holding a glass of water and a bottle of pills in his hands.
“These are painkillers.” Jin’s tone suggested that disagreeing with him would be inadvisable. “You can take them yourself, but you are taking them because you are in pain and these will help.”
Jungkook smiled a little and scrunched his nose up at the alpha. “I wasn’t going to argue with you, hyung. Thank you.”
Once Jungkook had swallowed down the prescribed dosage, Jin looking not only relieved, but satisfied, Yoongi handed him a banana milk with a little smile.
Once Jungkook had swallowed down the prescribed dosage, Jin looking not only relieved, but satisfied, Yoongi handed him a banana milk with a little smile.
“You were wise not to disagree with Seokjin-hyung when he’s on the warpath.” Seokjin let out a huff as if he was affronted, but the smile at the corner of his lips said otherwise.
“Sit beside me, hyung?”
“Sit beside me, hyung?”
As if Yoongi had a choice when Jungkook asked in that soft tone. As if any of them stood a chance against Jungkook and his charms that he was completely unaware of wielding.
Once everyone was settled, Namjoon started the documentary, speaking lowly enough not to annoy his packmates, but loudly enough so that Jungkook could hear.
Jungkook always hung onto Namjoon’s every word, lips parted as he watched the documentary.
Jungkook always hung onto Namjoon’s every word, lips parted as he watched the documentary.
Until his eyes began to slide shut, until the tension and pain bled from his muscles, until Jungkook fell asleep, still clutching the banana milk in his hands.
Without a word, Namjoon paused the documentary, and the jostling roused Jungkook, who smacked his lips and opened his eyes with a squint.
“I’s over already?” His voice was croaky from disuse.
“It’s getting a little late,” Namjoon reassured. “We all decided to go to bed.”
“It’s getting a little late,” Namjoon reassured. “We all decided to go to bed.”
“Oh,” Jungkook got up and began to make his way to the nest room that he loved so, then he paused and turned around to see that they were all watching him. “Let's go Tae-hyung." He held out a hand expectantly, which Taehyung gladly took.
"Would you like anyone else to join us, Kook-ah?" Maybe it was his sleep-addled brain that made him so honest, but there was something heart-wrenching at the way Jungkook's head snapped up to look at Taehyung in disbelief and /want/.
"Wh- If you would like, Tae-hyung," Jungkook murmured.
“Would you like someone to?” Namjoon asked softly.
“Would you like someone to?” Namjoon asked softly.
Jungkook, who was looking more awake by the minute, opened his mouth, and then shut it before speaking again, this time more hesitantly. “I... would." Then he appeared panicked. "I don't know who..."
Oh.
How precious.
Jungkook could not decide who else he wanted to have share the nest with himself and Taehyung.
He blinked and looked over all of them, his eyes landing on one of them, gaze longing, yet guarded.
How precious.
Jungkook could not decide who else he wanted to have share the nest with himself and Taehyung.
He blinked and looked over all of them, his eyes landing on one of them, gaze longing, yet guarded.
Who does Jungkook choose?
🛋
Jungkook had chosen Hoseok, because that was who his eyes landed on first when Taehyung had suggested that perhaps someone else could join them in the nest. Of course Jungkook did not have a preference.
(Except he did.)
Jungkook had chosen Hoseok, because that was who his eyes landed on first when Taehyung had suggested that perhaps someone else could join them in the nest. Of course Jungkook did not have a preference.
(Except he did.)
“Hoseok… hyung?” Jungkook knew that no one would mind if they were not chosen, but it did not stop the habit of Jungkook bowing and letting out a soft apology to the rest of the pack.
Hoseok smiled, that quick pull up of the lips that seemed to light up the entirety of his face. “Of course, Jungkook-ah.”
Standing in front of the nest, Jungkook flushed when he realised that they would have to squeeze tight for all three of them to fit.
Standing in front of the nest, Jungkook flushed when he realised that they would have to squeeze tight for all three of them to fit.
“You go in the middle.” Taehyung entered behind him, having done his skincare routine and brushed his teeth. “That way you can have both of us on either side.”
Jungkook nodded, wincing when a spark of pain went up his back. The painkillers that Jin had given him had worked for a short while, but none of them ever seemed to work. Taehyung noticed and Jungkook turned to look at him when his hand came to rest on the small of his back.
“If you do not feel well enough tomorrow, you can call into work, and we can go to a doctor if you like.” Jungkook’s breath hitched and then Taehyung was pressing a kiss to his good shoulder. “Only if you want.”
Taehyung chose the left side of the nest, resting his head on his hand as he watched Jungkook, his features softened by the golden glow of the twinkling fairy lights. He patted the space beside him and Jungkook went.
Over the years, Jungkook had learned that sometimes it was better to move as quickly as possible just so the pain would be over sooner, and that was what he did.
Something in his scent must have shifted slightly, because when he was finally lying on his back, Taehyung was looking at him in only the way Taehyung could, concerned, yet nobly so.
Letting in a small puff of air, Jungkook let out a small hiss, his chest aching slightly.
“Do you hurt a lot?” Taehyung whispered softly, shuffling closer to Jungkook until his nose was pressed against Jungkook’s hair.
“Do you hurt a lot?” Taehyung whispered softly, shuffling closer to Jungkook until his nose was pressed against Jungkook’s hair.
Jungkook closed his eyes and smiled, reveling in the scent of Taehyung and the hot puffs of air that landed on his ear and cheek. “It’s always there, lingering, I think. It hurts like this only sometimes.”
“I wish it didn’t.” Taehyung rested an arm over Jungkook’s waist. “I wish you didn’t hurt so much. I wish I could help more than I can, but…”
“You help, Taehyung-ah.” Jungkook was used to people being overly sympathetic and making false platitudes about his injury. “You help by letting me know you are here and care about me. I don’t need you to help make it better, because sometimes that isn’t possible.”
Hoseok entered the nest room and Jungkook could not help the way his head shot around to look at him. The pack alpha stood there for a moment as if relishing in the sight at seeing the two of them curled up in the nest.
Jungkook patted the space next to him and then there was a flash of a smile and then the alpha approached the nest. Logic should have told Jungkook that he was meant to be scared at the mere thought of an alpha approaching their nest, and yet…
This was Jung Hoseok. This wasn’t just any alpha. This was the alpha that carried him home, gave him his jacket to keep warm, provided him endless comfort with just a whiff of his scent.
Hoseok was comfort, cleanliness and kindness wrapped up into one soothing bundle.
“May I come in?” He paused before the two of them, watching them as if making sure they truly wanted him there.
“May I come in?” He paused before the two of them, watching them as if making sure they truly wanted him there.
It made Jungkook’s heart flutter, because he still asked. He asked to be sure because he cared.
Hoseok wouldn’t hurt him. He wasn’t Junsoo.
That thought and realisation alone was almost enough to draw Jungkook to tears.
Hoseok wouldn’t hurt him. He wasn’t Junsoo.
That thought and realisation alone was almost enough to draw Jungkook to tears.
“Please, I want you here.” Jungkook looked at him directly in the eyes, trying to subtly dab at his eyes which were filling slowly. “I asked for you.”
“You did,” Hoseok’s voice was soft, as if the admittance was sacred and precious to him, like the words weighed on his mind. “I am honoured.”
Taehyung was clearly growing impatient because soon he let out a huff that tickled Jungkook’s hair around his ears and spoke, “hurry up, hyung, Jungkook and I are tired.”
A huff of laughter then and then Hoseok was sinking down beside Jungkook and suddenly Jungkook felt every muscle in his body relax. Sleep sounded wonderful and even though sleep had seemed so far off a few moments ago, now…
Jungkook closed his eyes, warm because of the two people who were on either side. Lemon and cherry blossom produced a soporific combination that had Jungkook yawning.
Taehyung let out an aggravated puff of air and reached over Jungkook and soon another arm settled around his waist. “He asked for you, Hoseok-hyung, not a plank of wood.”
Cracking his eyes open, Jungkook noted that Hoseok was closer than he had been before. His body was pressed flush to Jungkook’s side and his hand was resting over Taehyung’s.
“Is this good enough now, Taehyung-ah,” Hoseok asked softly.
“Is this good enough now, Taehyung-ah,” Hoseok asked softly.
“It’s perfect,” the omega whispered and then there was a kiss pressed to Jungkook’s cheek.
If Jungkook let a few relieved and happy tears slip out whilst he slept, it was a secret between himself and the fairy lights overhead that seemed to be winking at him, as if pleased.
If Jungkook let a few relieved and happy tears slip out whilst he slept, it was a secret between himself and the fairy lights overhead that seemed to be winking at him, as if pleased.
—
“Over here, Jungkook-ah!” Namjoon, wrapped up in a warm jacket, a scarf wrapped around his neck all the way up to his chin, and a hat that made him appear all the more like a bear, waved over at near the entrance of the cafe.
“Over here, Jungkook-ah!” Namjoon, wrapped up in a warm jacket, a scarf wrapped around his neck all the way up to his chin, and a hat that made him appear all the more like a bear, waved over at near the entrance of the cafe.
Jungkook tried not to grin too hard at the way Namjoon almost hit a passerby with his excited greeting, but the happiness and delight bubbling up in his chest was something that felt like a soda drink ready to burst from the confines of its bottle.
Jungkook was wearing the cape that he had managed to wash at the pack’s apartment, too scared to wash it without Seokjin guiding him through the trepidation of the delicate cycle of the washing machine.
It smelled the same, none of the scent having diminished, which had been Jungkook’s biggest fear. Even now, the lemon scent calmed any anxiety he had about his first date.
After sharing the nest with Hoseok and Taehyung, Jungkook had woken up the next day feeling a little sore, but much better. Yoongi and Seokjin had insisted on walking him to work that day and every day after that, even if Jungkook believed it to be an inconvenience for them.
It had been a few days, but even still, Jungkook had not shared the full details of his injury and he did not want to. There was no ‘right’ time per se, but Jungkook wanted them to view him as he was.
No matter how he knew in his heart that they would not view him differently because of his past and his injury, some part of Jungkook feared that they would hold back more and not be as free with physical touch as they were now
Jungkook neared Namjoon, his head bare and nose pink from the cold, and the alpha immediately took his hat off his head and placed it on Jungkook’s mop of curls.
“You should have worn a hat,” Namjoon frowned.
“You should have worn a hat,” Namjoon frowned.
“But we’re going to be inside–” Jungkook tried to protest and remove the hat carefully to return it, but Namjoon shook his head.
“I’m warm enough and I still don’t want you to be cold even if it is a few minutes.” Jungkook flushed and ducked his head, allowing the man to arrange the hat according to his desires. “There. Shall we head inside?”
Namjoon held out his arm and something about it made Jungkook smile as he linked arms with him, enjoying the heat that radiated from his body.
As soon as the bell above the door rang, Jungkook almost let out a gasp at the interior of the cafe. Although Namjoon had told him they would be going to a cafe with plants, he had not been prepared for what he saw.
Whilst the structure of the building was largely made up of wood, the windows were large and the roof held multiple skylights, allowing natural sunlight to fall on the plants that were spaced evenly around the space.
“I thought you would like this more than the other place I had in mind,” Namjoon uttered. “It’s quieter and… I thought you would enjoy painting as well.”
“Painting? We can paint here?” Jungkook had never heard of painting cafes but something about it immediately appealed to him. “Together?”
“Of course. I reserved a spot near the corner for us. I’ll order the drinks and you can make your way over to our spot.” Jungkook nodded, his eyes already narrowing in on the spot that Namjoon indicated.
Jungkook settled himself down in the chair in front of the easel that was wedged cosily into the corner. Something about the space felt safe and hidden from prying eyes. It was warm and inviting and... perfect.
Namjoon returned just in time to see Jungkook pull on his apron and struggle with tying the bow in the back before smiling when he achieved his goal. He was still wearing the hat Namjoon had given him and when Namjoon asked if he could have it back…
And well, without even thinking about it, both of Jungkook’s hands reached up to hold onto the edges of the hat on either side and he shook his head, eyes wide.
“You gave it to me to keep me warm, hyung.” Jungkook’s eyes were wide and something in Namjoon’s expression and demeanor wilted as if he was unable to fight him on it. “And… I like how it smells like you.”
“You’re not disappointed it doesn’t smell like Hob-ah?” Namjoon removed his coat and busied himself with putting on his own apron and so he did not see the way Jungkook’s expression grew a little put out.
“Just because, in general, I prefer how Hoseok-hyung smells doesn’t mean I don’t like how you do.” Jungkook crossed his arms and if Namjoon wasn’t so nervous about the date, he would have laughed at the expression on his face.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Jungkook-ah,” Namjoon reached over and cupped his cheek gently. “I meant it in a joking way.”
“Well, even if it’s just a joke, I don’t like you saying unkind things about yourself and your scent.”
“Well, even if it’s just a joke, I don’t like you saying unkind things about yourself and your scent.”
Jungkook still looked a little angry and now Namjoon took the time to laugh. “Ah, all right, I won’t say things like that again, okay?” His hand moved away from Jungkook’s face and the expression on the omega’s face appeared… disappointed?
It was then that their drinks arrived and Jungkook ooh-ed and ahh-ed at how pretty they looked, both topped with whipped cream, and Namjoon was glad his expression had perked up.
Once they had taken a few sips and Jungkook had inspected the brushes and the paints with an ascertaining eye, they began to paint. Namjoon did not think he was much of an artist, but he enjoyed it and it usually relaxed him more than anything else.
Jungkook seemed to be focusing intently on his canvas, expression verging on a pout as he dabbled away. When Namjoon tried to peer at his painting, Jungkook shook his head.
“It’s meant to be a surprise for you, hyung. You can’t look!”
“It’s meant to be a surprise for you, hyung. You can’t look!”
Namjoon was not put off by Jungkook’s newfound passions but he was slightly surprised at the enthusiasm with which the omega painted. There was a looseness to his features and posture that he had never seen before.
Jungkook wore joy well.
Jungkook wore joy well.
What Namjoon realised now as he snuck a glance over to the man was that whilst Jungkook had many things, he had been lacking that which made it easier to smile and move with energy in every fibre of his being.
Jungkook did not just wear joy well, but he looked dazzling with it on, his lips forming into a pleased smile as he painted, his eyes bright as they focused on his personal project, his nose adorably scrunched as he laughed at something Namjoon said.
They spent time together like this, Jungkook focused completely on the task at hand, whilst Namjoon painted, sometimes pausing to sneak glances at Jungkook, and reminding him not to forget about his coffee.
Before Jungkook and Namjoon knew it, they were having small conversations, not things like the weather, but things such as music, though Namjoon steered clear of his own, and whether or not Seokjin needed a haircut.
“I like his hair long,” Jungkook mused aloud, blushing when he realised that he had said it out loud rather than in his head. “It makes me want to put ribbons in it and little butterfly clips, you know? It’s all… fluffy.”
Namjoon let out a deep, rich laugh that Jungkook wished he could hear as he went to sleep, because it was warm and comfortable, much like Namjoon and his scent. “I would like to see you do that. He would probably let you.”
“You think?” Jungkook looked delighted at the prospect of putting Seokjin’s hair through his whims and wishes. “I think he’d look… pretty with them.”
“Seokjin-hyung is very pretty.” Namjoon added the final touch to his painting and put it down on his palette with a satisfied hum. “I think I am done here. How is yours coming along?”
Jungkook stopped and looked at it, turning his head side to side and squinting at his work. “I think five more minutes. I want it to be perfect.”
Namjoon busied himself with cleaning up and washing his hands by the large paint-splattered sink and by the time he returned, Jungkook smiled up at him. “I’m all finished.” He motioned for Namjoon to draw closer and then the painting was revealed.
Namjoon was stunned speechless because he didn’t know Jungkook was talented at painting and certainly not to this extent.
It was a painting of a house that rested near the base of a large group of snow-capped mountains. A moon illuminated the snow that lay on the ground and the house inside was lit from within with a warm orange glow.
“Jungkook-ah…” Namjoon hardly knew what to say, but his expression must have said it all because next thing he knew, Jungkook was smiling.
“That’s how you smell, hyung.” Jungkook was solemn as he said it, but his eyes were alight. “You smell like a warm fire in a safe place. Like walking through a cold and snowy night, but with a warm place to rest your head.”
Of course Namjoon knew what he smelled like, had heard from his packmates how his scent came across to them, but never had he seen it visualised so viscerally. It made something in him want to shy away with the intensity of the image before him.
“It’s for you, hyung.” Jungkook began to remove his apron, fingers stained with colours. “You can put it in your studio and remember how I feel about your scent… and… you. It’s my courting gift to you.”
Namjoon was so in love with Jungkook, there was no way to ignore it or mistake it for something else. “But we’re courting you. That’s… You’re our courting gift, just you.”
Jungkook seemed to hesitate and then he was cupping Namjoon’s cheeks and pressing a gentle and loving kiss to his mouth. Namjoon didn’t mind that Jungkook had left his fingerprints in paint on his cheeks, but he did mind how he moved away too quickly.
Namjoon hardly knew how to fit his body into the world around him, was spatially clumsy and unaware, but it was easy to fit his arms around Jungkook’s waist and press him close to his chest, easy to press a kiss to his forehead.
“I like how all of you smell, hyung. You all mean something different to me and are perfect for certain moments. You’re warm, hyung. So warm and safe.”
Namjoon only hoped he could keep Jungkook safe for the rest of his life.
Namjoon only hoped he could keep Jungkook safe for the rest of his life.
Namjoon didn't remove the paint marking how Jungkook had held him because he wanted to keep the memory of their kiss for as long as he could, wanted to look in the mirror and see how he had been held.
Jungkook recounted the date later to his dongsaengs, all of them whooping rambunctiously when they heard how Jungkook initiated the kiss.
Namjoon never got his hat back and it was now hung up in Jungkook's apartment, another item Jungkook loved to wear.
Namjoon never got his hat back and it was now hung up in Jungkook's apartment, another item Jungkook loved to wear.
Who should Jungkook go on a date with next?
[Do not bookmark this tweet as it will be deleted! NamKook are my babies, they are my beans, my loves, my pining n tol duo. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. The date updates (aha) will be a little shorter, but the last angst hurdle is on the horizon! Tysm for reading 🥺💛)
🛋
Yoongi had never considered himself a perfectionist and yet now, now he was seriously reconsidering his entire personality. The thing was that Yoongi did not overthink things because treating those he loved around him was easy, it was easy for him.
Yoongi had never considered himself a perfectionist and yet now, now he was seriously reconsidering his entire personality. The thing was that Yoongi did not overthink things because treating those he loved around him was easy, it was easy for him.
Not so with Jungkook it seemed. Every courting date idea he had seemed wrong and very un-Jungkook-like and it was bothering him more than he cared to admit to himself. Even his pack were beginning to notice.
“Why don’t you take him somewhere you like to go to?” Taehyung suggested, leaning over the back of the couch, stealing some of the popcorn Yoongi had in his lap. “Jungkook really liked Namjoon hyung’s date because it was so Namjoon.”
“But I like too many things.” Yoongi munched viciously at the poor kernels of popcorn. “I have too many places I like to go to relax or feel comfortable in. And what if Jungkook doesn’t have any fun?”
“You’re overthinking it.” Taehyung pressed a kiss to his temple. “Jungkook will love whatever you choose to do. Sleep on it, hyung. It will come to you.”
It had come to Yoongi, Taehyung had been annoyingly right, as usual, and after receiving permission from the pack, Yoongi got to work preparing for his date with Jungkook. He so hoped he liked what Yoongi had in store.
Jungkook appeared happier of late and Yoongi entertaines the thought that it was perhaps because of them that Jungkook was a little more carefree, a little more open with his happiness.
Maybe it was a selfish hope, but he could not help but see a Jungkook who was very different from the Jungkook they had first met. Jungkook slept over more than once a week and very often, would stay until he had to go to work.
His cheeks were rounder and his scent had begun to grow in its potency, now almost completely discernable. Where there had been a muted lime scent there was now a sharp and sweet smell that clung to their couch. Always the same spot beside Namjoon.
The day of the date came and Yoongi had expected to feel anxious and completely nauseous with nerves, but instead something inside of him had settled. He felt secure and sure that Jungkook would enjoy himself.
Jungkook arrived outside the small carpenter’s garage that Yoongi often frequented, bundled up in his cape and the hat he had… borrowed from Namjoon permanently. His eyes looked up at the sign and then he spotted Yoongi.
“Oh, hyung!” Jungkook waved carefully and then he was walking over, cheeks rosy and nose red from the biting winds around them. “I’ve never been to a place like this before. I can’t wait.” So excited, so overjoyed and filled with raw anticipation.
Yoongi should never have worried. Of course he should never have worried. Jungkook enjoyed everything as long as it was with them and there was something so beautiful in that. Yoongi believed the wetness in his eyes was because of the wind.
Jungkook looked around in awe as they entered the warm building that smelled of freshly cut wood and sawdust. The floors were made of wood too and they creaked under their feet as Yoongi reached his station he was going to use.
The item he had in his coat pocket felt like it was burning through the fabric.
“I like to come here and make things for people I love… And I thought you might like to help me make something for you.” Yoongi was afraid Jungkook would be disappointed, but the way Jungkook’s eyes lit up made all those temporary fears vanish.
—
Jungkook could hardly believe what he was hearing. Yoongi liked to… make gifts with his own hands for those he cared for. Something about the gentle and kind alpha spending hours creating something to be used for someone he loved…
Jungkook could hardly believe what he was hearing. Yoongi liked to… make gifts with his own hands for those he cared for. Something about the gentle and kind alpha spending hours creating something to be used for someone he loved…
Jungkook tried not to swallow hard because… Surely, Yoongi had misspoken. Could… Could Yoongi love Jungkook?
Could they all..? Surely not. Not so soon. And yet Jungkook was sure he loved them.
Could they all..? Surely not. Not so soon. And yet Jungkook was sure he loved them.
Jungkook tried not to think of the implications of the small jewelry box that Yoongi was helping him make. Instead, Jungkook enjoyed the way Yoongi would wrap his arms around him from behind as he showed Jungkook how to use the machines.
Jungkook knew how to sand down wood, but the way Yoongi hugged him from behind made him want to pretend not to because the alpha would only smile and show him again and again. Because Yoongi was so patient and so soft with Jungkook.
Something in Jungkook’s scent must have alerted Yoongi, because soon the arms were not wrapped around him and the alpha was sitting in the stool beside him and looking at him, something akin to panic in in his eyes.
“Did I do something wrong?” Yoongi asked, his hands hovering near Jungkook’s cheeks as if he wanted to check for tears. “Are you all right, Kook-ah?”
Jungkook found himself nodding and he bit his lip as he tried to keep in the sob that desperately wanted to emerge. He was not going to cry on a date. He was not going to cry on a date-
“There’s nothing wrong…” Jungkook reached up to rub his eyes and he finally looked up at Yoongi, lips bitten raw. “You’ve done everything so right and…” Jungkook looked up at the ceiling, trying not to let any tears fall.
“You’re so good, Yoongi-hyung. You have never done anything wrong and that’s what… That’s what makes me want to cry. I never knew… I never knew alphas could be so kind.” Jungkook hid his hands under his large shirt, fiddling with the lining.
“Can I hold your face, Jungkook-ah?” Yoongi acted as soon as Jungkook nodded and then warm hands were cupping his cheeks. Their eyes met and Jungkook could not look away from the kindness shining through Yoongi’s eyes.
“There’s your beautiful smile.” Jungkook hardly realised he had begun to grin and then he could feel his cheeks growing hot. “Jungkook-ah…” Yoongi rubbed his thumb over the corner of his lips. “I wish you could have been treated better sooner.”
Jungkook wished he had been too. Sometimes he wondered what it would have been like to have a different past, whether he would have been a better packmate. Whether he would have been different.
“I can’t do anything about that, but I can promise you that my pack and I intend to treat you with every good thing we can. I want to be good for you, to be the best I can be, because it is what you deserve."
Jungkook felt the back of his eyes prickle and then a tear fell, then another followed. “Hyung…” Jungkook felt as if he had been trapped by Yoongi’s warm hands and even warmer gaze. “Don't make me cry even more."
“That was never my intention. May I kiss you, Jungkook-ah?” Yoongi's thumbs were still stroking Jungkook’s cheeks and then Jungkook let out a soft assent.
He wanted. He always wanted.
He wanted. He always wanted.
Kissing Yoongi was different from Taehyung. Both of Yoongi’s hands came down to rest on Jungkook’s neck and then he was kissing him. Yoongi kissed with intent, kissed like it was all he ever wanted.
Jungkook wasn’t nervous because Yoongi took the lead. Jungkook felt as if Yoongi was restraining himself, that he was holding back, even as he was kissing him and that… Yoongi was so thoughtful and careful.
The kiss was over all too soon and then Jungkook was opening his eyes with a gasp and one of his hands snapped up to touch his lips which were tingling. Yoongi smiled at him and reached up to pull Jungkook’s hair behind his ear.
“Hyung…” Jungkook rested his head on Yoongi’s shoulder. “That was… Lovely.”
Yoongi’s chest rumbled with the laughs he let out, his scent exuding comfort and somehow that was the best part about the kiss, Jungkook mused. Somehow the fact that he didn’t feel nervous or unsure even after a kiss, made him fall for Yoongi a little more.
Jungkook knew that time was flying by but it was only when Yoongi was cursing because he didn’t realise it was now dark outside that Jungkook realised that time spent with Yoongi felt effortless.
“I will come back some over time and varnish it for you, hm?” Yoongi asked Jungkook as if his opinion mattered on the subject. “We should go home and eat with the rest of the pack.”
“You don’t mind that we didn’t finish it, hyung?” Jungkook asked, accepting Yoongi’s help in putting on his cape again. “I know I am a bit of a slow learner…”
Yoongi shook his head and put his scarf around his neck. “I chose this as a date because I wanted to spend comfortable time with you. The only goal was for us to be together today.”
Jungkook flushed and once they had cleaned up, he found himself reaching to hold Yoongi’s hand. It was much larger than Jungkook’s and it enveloped his small ones which was nice because Jungkook’s fingers were cold once they went outdoors into the cold night.
“I hope you had fun?” Yoongi asked as they walked through the quiet streets. “I know I did.”
“I did, hyung, I always like to learn new hobbies and skills. And… I liked… the kiss too.” Jungkook looked away but he heard Yoongi let out a small laugh.
“Well, I am glad.” Yoongi squeezed Jungkook’s hand a little tighter. “I’m afraid my pack would never let me live it down if I gave you a bad kiss.”
Jungkook felt too much all at once. The thought that the pack discussed their kisses with him and likely shared their thoughts of him even when he was not there… It felt… special. That Jungkook was worth thinking and speaking of.
In the elevator on the way up to their apartment, Yoongi reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. “Jungkook-ah, all of us have pack promise rings and they all look different so you may not have noticed them but... here.”
Jungkook was given the box and when he opened it, he saw a beautiful and delicate ring that looked like twining leaves and branches. The ring itself had a small oval green diamond set in the centre.
Yoongi was talking but Jungkook could not hear him because of course he knew they were courting him but… a pack promise ring was something else entirely. It meant that their courtship was more than just courtship. It meant…
“You don’t have to wear it–”
Jungkook almost glared at Yoongi and carefully removed the ring to place it the his ring finger of his right hand. “Hyung… You all see me as being part of your pack in the future? This isn’t a joke is it? Of course it isn’t, it’s you, but…”
Jungkook almost glared at Yoongi and carefully removed the ring to place it the his ring finger of his right hand. “Hyung… You all see me as being part of your pack in the future? This isn’t a joke is it? Of course it isn’t, it’s you, but…”
“We care for you, Jungkook-ah, and we mean for this courtship to end in you being one with our pack.”
Whatever did Jungkook deserve to receive such kindness, such thoughtfulness, such desire from such wonderful people?
Whatever did Jungkook deserve to receive such kindness, such thoughtfulness, such desire from such wonderful people?
"You're as good as pack now, Jungkook-ah, we'll still take things as slow as we have been, but this is a promise." Yoongi reached down and took Jungkook's hand and then he pressed a kiss right there the ring was placed. "We promise to court you and promise to be here."
Jungkook could not help the way he showed off the ring to the rest of the pack even though they had known already, judging by the soft looks on their faces.
"I'm never taking it off," Jungkook whispered to himself as he fell asleep in the nest. "It's a promise."
"I'm never taking it off," Jungkook whispered to himself as he fell asleep in the nest. "It's a promise."
Taehyung and Yoongi heard him of course, for they were in the nest with him, but they said nothing, only drew closer and pressed kisses to his hair and cheeks.
His dongsaengs didn't tease him when he showed the ring, but Taehyun seemed as if he as crying.
His dongsaengs didn't tease him when he showed the ring, but Taehyun seemed as if he as crying.
Taehyun, the one who had unwittingly helped Jungkook on his journey to meeting the pack because he was worried about his hyung.
"You deserve it, hyung. So much."
Jungkook was beginning to believe that he did.
"You deserve it, hyung. So much."
Jungkook was beginning to believe that he did.
[Do not bookmark this tweet as it will be deleted! Next date is Jin and it doesn't go according to plan, but that's okay, Jin doesn't mind 🥺 Tysm for reading ;-; i love this fic sm so im honoured people feel the same way 🥺💛]
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
