Chapter Text
It’s been a month since Jeongguk crossed paths with Jimin again. He still remembers that moment as if it was yesterday. The world stopped spinning, everything around him disappeared. For a brief second, all Jeongguk was aware of was Jimin’s presence. So tangible, so real.
They hadn’t seen each other in a year. And he’d been expecting it, he knew that if he saw Jimin again it would be so much different to how it was in the past, what with all the changes that his body went through and the heightened senses he was supposedly gifted with.
Jeongguk bumped into him at a coffee shop.
It’s a day that he still thinks about frequently. Because he’s glad. He’s so happy that he and Jimin crossed paths again. They drifted paths a little over a year ago. Jimin went to Busan for a college scholarship, Jeongguk presented as an alpha and it was hard for him. His senses were heightened to an extent where it was hard to focus. Even though he had been an alpha for almost a year, he was still getting used to it all.
That day, Jeongguk realized that Jimin had the ability to settle down his alpha. He realized that he’d missed Jimin more than he thought he could. Suddenly, in that moment, Jimin was all he could see. And he’d had this sudden urge to just hug him, hold onto him, burrow his face in his neck and never let go.
“What are you thinking about?” Jimin’s voice interrupts his trail of though. He turns around briefly and tilts his head to the side. “Your eyebrows are furrowed.”
Since then, Jeongguk has wanted to do that. To hold onto Jimin. They used to be so touchy with each other. Jeongguk has always been sensitive to everything sense related. He could hear and smell great, and his skin was sensitive. So, naturally, Jeongguk relied on all of that, on closeness.
Ever since they bumped into each other, Jeongguk has been hesitant because he’s not sure what he’s allowed to do now. He and Jimin went back to being the same way they always had been. Even though a year had gone by, things fell into place easily and quickly. The only thing that hasn’t is the touchy relationship they used to have.
“Nothing bad, I just have a lot of assignments to give in next week and I’m kind of stressed out about it,” he says.
It’s not really a lie. He really is stressed out about it. But he wasn’t particularly thinking about that right now. Jimin looks at him for a second longer, as if he doesn’t quite believe him. But then he shows him that familiar reassuring smile of his. He turns back around and focuses on what he was doing.
Ever since the day they bumped into each other, Jimin has been coming over almost daily. They really just fell back into place with each other. No hesitation, no awkwardness. Just them. The only new thing is this urge . Sure, Jeongguk has always been touchy, especially when it comes to Jimin, but it’s never been so strong. And now that they’re spending so much time together, it’s growing and growing.
It’s not like it’s something bad. It’s just something strange. It makes his alpha feel fuzzy. It’s a feeling he can’t explain all that well.
Jimin turns around with a couple of books in his hands and heads towards Jeongguk’s bed. He places them there and starts walking back to the bookstand. As he walks past Jeongguk, he reaches out and ruffles his hair. It’s not something he was expecting. It’s something that was common before, but not since they saw each other again. Either way, Jeongguk closes his eyes and tilts his head forward the way he used to. He even leans forward when Jimin starts to pull away.
His laugh makes Jeongguk’s heart beat faster. He scratches at his scalp and it sends shivers down Jeongguk’s body.
“Always such a puppy,” he mentions. It’s something he always told Jeongguk. That he often acted like a giant puppy, all big and strong, but melting entirely whenever Jimin touched him, excited about the small things.
Jeongguk hesitates. It’s like his alpha is clawing at his chest for him to reach out, touch Jimin, remind himself of how it feels to have his hands on him, his face burrowed in his neck. He missed him so much, though he didn’t even realize it was that bad until they saw each other again.
He swallows down the lump in his throat and just goes for it. He can’t hold back any longer. He reaches out and fists Jimin’s shirt, tugging at him closer. A part of him, for some strange reason, is almost expecting Jimin to stay back and let go. But the second his fingers tug, Jimin goes. He steps forward and lets Jeongguk do as he pleases.
He’s suddenly glad he took a seat on his rolling chair while Jimin checked out some of his books. He likes this just as much as he likes burrowing his face in Jimin’s neck. He can feel the heat of his skin through his shirt as he presses his face to his belly. Now, both of Jimin’s hands are in his hair, tugging gently at the strands.
Jeongguk sighs and wraps his arms around Jimin’s hips, squeezing, holding on for dear life. Yes. He wants to stay here forever and his alpha is more than happy with that too.
“Everything okay, Jeongguk-ah?” He asks.
Jeongguk nods softly. He squeezes harder because there’s still a part of him that feels like it isn’t enough. Jimin doesn’t protest. He laughs softly and stays exactly where he is, fingers slipping down to Jeongguk’s nape. He hesitates for a second. Jeongguk silently begs for him to go lower and when they do, squeezing around the muscles of his nape, he fists the back of Jimin’s shirt.
It feels better than he remembers. It feels like something else entirely. There’s a part of him that’s currently wishing he could stay like this, with Jimin, forever .
“Well,” Jimin says, his voice laced with concern. “I can help you with your assignments, if you’re too stressed out about it.”
Jeongguk didn’t want to worry Jimin. He’s just very overwhelmed right now, this feeling inside his chest is taking over him. It always was this way with Jimin, being around him brought a sense of calmness that nothing else ever managed. Only now, it feels ten times more intense. He think about Jimin all the time and he’s glad that he’s over a lot, that they spend a lot of time together, because he doesn’t have to miss him as much as he did when they were away from each other.
“It’s fine,” Jeongguk mumbles against Jimin’s belly. “I’m not that stressed out about it. But I’ll let you know if it gets too hard,” he promises.
Jimin hums and slides one hand down in between Jeongguk’s shoulder blades. He rubs gently, soothing, as if he knows it’s what Jeongguk needs. And, maybe he does. Maybe he understands all of it without Jeongguk having to explain. It always was like that, Jimin knowing how to comfort Jeongguk even when he didn’t know that he needed comforting.
“Are you sure everything’s alright?” Jimin asks again.
And Jeongguk has to physically force himself to lean away, let go. He smiles and nods. He doesn’t want to worry Jimin with something he himself doesn’t particularly understand.
“Yeah, everything is fine,” he reassures.
Jimin doesn’t seem convinced. He takes a seat on the end of the bed and focuses on Jeongguk, the books long forgotten.
“You can talk to me, you know that, right?” He asks. “I know we only just started talking again a month ago, but I’ll always be your best friend, Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk would never doubt that Jimin will always be there for him. But hearing him say it makes his heart beat faster and it makes his alpha want to be close again. They’ve been spending so much time together, he’s not surprised that he’s feeling this way. His alpha is getting used to the closeness. It wasn’t like this before because he hadn’t presented. Now that he has, his instincts are much stronger.
“I know that,” he quickly says. “And you are, hyung. I know I can talk to you. You can talk to me too.”
Jimin nods, but he seems a bit distracted, lost in thought. He’s hesitating. Even after all this time, things having changes all that much. Jeongguk still knows Jimin pretty well. And he can tell that he’s contemplating whether to speak up about what he has in his mind or not. Finally, he looks up and finds Jeongguk looking at him.
“Things are different now, right?” He asks, clearing his throat. “We didn’t really talk for a whole year and you’re an alpha now. I just―” he stops himself, shaking his head. “I’m sorry we drifted apart, Jeongguk-ah. I wish I could have been here for you when you presented.”
“Hyung, no,” Jeongguk quickly says, shaking his head. He moves to take a seat beside Jimin, turning his body towards his. “It’s not like I made an effort. We just drifted apart. It happened. You’re back now and everything is okay. Things are different, but it doesn’t mean it’s something bad. I’m glad you’re here now. That makes me happy. The rest just doesn’t matter.”
Jimin’s eyes meet his. He stares at him for a couple of seconds and then smiles softly. He reaches out and places his hand on Jeongguk’s nape, a gesture that Jeongguk is all too familiar with. He squeezes at the muscles for a moment before he replies.
“I’m happy too, Jeongguk,” he whispers. “You make me happy.”
Jeongguk’s heart does this thing. It beats so fast that he feels breathless and his body feels so suddenly warm. It’s like all he can focus on is Jimin. Jimin here, looking at him like that, touching him like that. Sure, he wishes that they’d never drifted apart, but they found each other again, they’re here now. And it’s really all that matters to him now.
It’s easy to just jump Jimin. He suddenly wraps his arms around him and pushes him onto the bed, falling onto him. Jimin laughs and doesn’t protest, a protective arm around his waist.
“Well, you’re still the puppy you were back then,” he murmurs.
It’s Jeongguk’s turn to hesitate now. Some things are harder to do than others. The touching, because he was unsure if he was allowed to after they drifted apart. The scenting, although he didn’t have a scent back then, he still liked the motions of it, sliding his nose up and down Jimin’s neck, having Jimin’s thumb pressing to his scent glands. They were sensitive, even if he didn’t have a scent yet.
He wonders how it’ll be now.
“Wait, let me lie down properly, my legs are hanging off the bed,” Jimin says before he can figure out what to do. Jeongguk reluctantly leans away and watches Jimin shift upwards, his head falling to the pillow. His gaze falls on Jeongguk and he opens his arms. “Come here, you’ve always loved cuddling.”
Yes, Jeongguk always has. He doesn’t hesitate then. He’s quick to settle next to Jimin and he lies on his side, wrapping an arm around him. He tilts his head back, nose brushing softly against Jimin’s jaw. It only takes that for Jimin to tilt his head back as well, giving him space to do what he wants. Jeongguk dives into it.
But it’s different. It feels so much more intense than it ever has. He rubs his nose across the crook of Jimin’s, sighs when his alpha finally feels content. It’s a strange feeling. It’s satisfying. The way Jimin’s neck is exposed for him, the way his fingers slip into his hair and press him closer, keep him there, as if he likes it too.
“How does it feel, hyung?” He asks.
He wants to know if he does. If he likes it. If he wants more of it just like Jeongguk does.
“Good,” he mumbles. “It feels so nice, Jeongguk-ah.”
A soft rumble settles in Jeongguk’s chest, but he stops it as soon as he realizes. Instead, he focuses on the scenting. He trails upwards, rubs under Jimin’s jaw. He wants more . He wants to use his mouth. He wants to lick and bite. Hesitation takes over him again, but he gives in quicker this time. He opens his mouth and leans closer. But the doorbell rings and it startles him.
Right. He forgot Namjoon and Yoongi were coming over today. He groans and presses his face to Jimin’s neck, frustrated. He doesn’t really want to move away from Jimin. His actions make Jimin laugh.
“Are those Namjoon and Yoongi hyung?” He asks, pulling his fingers out of Jeongguk’s hair. “I think you mentioned they were coming over.”
“Yeah,” he whispers, rolling away and sitting up.
Jimin follows suit, reaching out and pinching Jeongguk’s arm softly. “Don’t look so frustrated. You can scent me whenever you want.”
And honestly, Jeongguk is almost ready to jump him again. But the doorbell rings once more and he scrunches his nose. Jimin just said he can scent him whenever he wants. So, he’ll do that later. He’ll do it all he wants. The thought is enough to finally get him to stand up.
He reaches the front door and opens it. Namjoon and Yoongi look at him for a split second.
“Why do you smell like that?” Namjoon asks, stepping forward and leaning into him. He sniffs at his neck, tilting his head to the side before he leans back. “You smell happy but also frustrated. I don’t understand.” Jeongguk hears Jimin’s footsteps entering the living room and Namjoon looks behind him, probably spotting him. He snorts. “Now I understand.”
Jeongguk rolls his eyes. Both Namjoon and Yoongi always enjoy teasing him about Jimin. Still, Namjoon wraps his arms around him and hugs him tight, gently rubbing his nose against his scent gland as greeting. Jeongguk lets him and scents him back when Namjoon is done. He and Yoongi are like his older brothers. They’ve always been there to take care of him and, being werewolves themselves, they’ve always helped him out with everything he’s unsure about or doesn’t know.
“Sorry to interrupt, but we did agree to meet up here,” Yoongi says, reaching out and ruffling Jeongguk’s hair. He slides his hand down and rubs his thumb back and forth Jeongguk’s scent gland.
“It’s fine,” Jeongguk grumbles, also reaching out and scenting him back. “You didn’t interrupt anything. How are you?” He asks both of them, stepping aside to let them in.
“Good,” Namjoon responds. “We ordered food, it should be here soon.”
“How are you doing, Gguk-ah?” Yoongi asks, following Namjoon inside and placing his hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder.
“Good,” he replies with a smile.
They greet Jimin with quick hugs and smiles. Jeongguk watches them head into the living room while he closes the door. Jimin wasn’t going to come over today, but Jeongguk asked him to because he really wanted to see him today. They’ve been seeing each other almost daily.
He’s not sure when it became like this. He’s always been very close to Jimin, but this urge to be around him, to never leave his side, it’s been growing and growing inside his chest. It doesn’t bother him, it’s just something he doesn’t fully understand. It’s also not something that worries him. He likes being around Jimin, spending time with him.
“Really?” Jimin is asking Yoongi. “I thought you said you wanted to focus on being a producer only.”
“Yeah, but I enjoy rapping and honestly, it’s been a wild ride ever since I started properly working on both things,” he responds. “Namjoon here doesn’t let me work, though,” he adds, glancing towards him.
Namjoon rolls his eyes and reaches out to squeeze Yoongi’s thigh.
“I don’t let you work over the normal hours,” he shoots back. “He likes to stay up all night working on songs.”
“It’s when I’m the most productive!” Yoongi exclaims, but he’s smiling fondly.
Namjoon and Yoongi aren’t in a relationship, but Jeongguk often thinks that they’re closer than they let on. They spend the night at each other’s place, they’re together half the time. And they’re always sharing those fond smiles, looking at each other as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Jeongguk has asked. Both of them. But their response has always been that they’re best friends.
The door bell rings and snaps Jeongguk out of his stupor. He’s quick to open and accept the food that the delivery guy hands over. Namjoon comes to the door and pays before helping him take it all inside.
When they all have their food, Jeongguk settles next to Jimin. Jimin reaches out and squeezes his nape softly, showing him a smile before focusing on his food. Jeongguk does the same, wishing they could go back to lying down together. Jeongguk wants to spend more time scenting Jimin.
“Jeongguk, did you finish reading the book I bought you?” Namjoon asks.
He looks up from his food and shows him a grin. “You’re asking as if you didn’t know I read it that same day, hyung.”
Namjoon laughs and shakes his head.
“It’s an obsession,” he mutters.
“I’m surprised you haven’t bought a new shelves,” Yoongi adds. “I hope you don’t have books lying around your room.”
“He does,” Jimin jumps in. “Like, a whole corner full of them.”
“ Hyung ,” he grumbles, scrunching his nose. “I got a few new books, that’s why,” he explains.
All three of them have always enjoyed teasing him a lot, so it’s nothing new that they’re teaming up against him with the books situation. Despite the teasing, they’ve gifted him almost ten books last month. Jimin gave him a new one a couple of days ago. Reading is one of the things he enjoys the most in the world and the three of them know that very well.
“We’re just teasing you, Jeongguk-ah,” Jimin reassures, his hand falling to Jeongguk’s thigh.
He’s nowhere near being done eating, but he doesn’t move for a long while. Jeongguk is glad because now that they’re back to fully being the way they used to be, he doesn’t want Jimin to stop touching him. He wants to be close enough that he never stops feeling his warmth.
“I know,” he says with a smile.
He eats in silence for the next couple of minutes, more focused on Jimin’s hand on his thigh than on anything else. Namjoon, Yoongi and Jimin talk about their days and about how life was during the month that Jimin was away. Jeongguk is done with his food first and as soon as he is, he sets his plate down on the small center table. He’s quick to slide closer to Jimin, his whole side pressing to him. Jimin shows him a smile.
“Hyung, what about that project you were working on?” Jeongguk asks, content now that he’s touching Jimin.
“Oh,” Namjoon says, clearing his throat. “Yoongi and I decided to work on it together. It’s been a while since we’ve done something together, so we wanted to give it a try again.”
“Yeah and now he’s the one making me stay up until late,” Yoongi points out, but he’s smiling fondly.
“ Well , I get randoms bursts of inspiration,” Namjoon argues.
Yooni hums and it makes Namjoon laugh, embarrassed. He rubs at the back of his nape in a gesture that Jeongguk easily recognizes. He does that when he’s nervous. Yoongi must know too because he reaches out and wraps his fingers around his wrist, pressing his thumb to his scent gland. Namjoon relaxes instantly, although he seems to slump back in his spot. His eyes meet Yoongi’s and for a second, he seems lost in him, completely forgetting about the rest of the world.
Maybe something has changed because they’re being so obvious about it. Jeongguk figures they’ll tell him if that’s the case, so he turns to Jimin instead.
“Hyung, what time are you leaving?” He asks, leaning close enough that he can whisper in his ear.
Yoongi and Namjoon start talking between each other, but Jeongguk drowns out their voices, fully focused on Jimin. He watches him take his phone out and check the time.
“Actually, I should get going,” he replies. “It’s getting late.”
Jeongguk scrunches his nose. He doesn’t want Jimin to leave yet, but he did warn him that he could only come over for an hour or two. He’s already done eating, so Jeongguk has no reason to ask him to stay longer. Jimin smiles knowingly, as if he can easily notice Jeongguk’s disappointment.
“Will you be coming tomorrow?” He asks, tilting his head to the side.
Jimin looks regretful even before he responds. Jeongguk’s heart sinks. “Don’t think I can, pup. I have a group project to finish and we’re supposed to meet up all day tomorrow. If I finish early, I’ll try, yeah?”
It takes Jeongguk a few seconds to formulate a response because his brain stopped processing after Jimin called him pup . He’s called him a puppy several times before, but pup feels different. It feels so strangely intimate. Jeongguk can’t help it. He leans closer and presses his face to Jimin’s neck. Jimin reaches behind him and scratches at his scalp, tilting his head a bit to the side, giving him space.
He tries so hard not to make a noise, not to let the grumble in his chest grow. He just rubs his forehead back and forth against his skin for a few seconds before leaning away and clearing his throat.
“Only if you can,” he mumbles. “I’ll see you when you’re free.”
Jimin nods and smiles. “I’ll miss you, though.”
“Me too,” he whispers.
When Jeongguk finally remembers about Yoongi and Namjoon, he turns towards them. They’re both staring at them. Jeongguk’s cheeks heat up, but Jimin doesn’t say anything. He stands up and carries his plate and Jeongguk’s away. Namjoon and Yoongi still have food on their plates. Jimin comes back and smiles towards both of them.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, I have to get going,” he tells them. “We should see each other again, though.” Both Yoongi and Namjoon get up to say goodbye. Jeongguk gets a little bit distracted, still feeling hot in the cheeks. When Jimin ruffles his hair, he looks up. “I’ll text you, yeah?”
Jeongguk nods and watches Jimin go, a little bit too lost in his thoughts. When the door closes and he turns to look at Yoongi and Namjoon, he feels embarrassed all over again.
“What?” He asks.
“You and Jimin have gotten…closer,” Namjoon voices out.
“We didn’t see each other for a year, we’re reconnecting,” he explains, even though that’s not really an explanation. He and Jimin were always this close.
Yoongi snorts. “Right,” he says. “You two were like this back before Jimin went to Busan.”
“He’s my best friend,” Jeongguk mumbles. “He means a lot to me, you know that.”
“Hey, we’re not questioning you or anything like that, Jeongguk-ah,” Namjoon says. He’s up and sitting next to Jeongguk before he can respond. “We’re just teasing you. We know you’re close.”
He scrunches his nose. “I know.” He hesitates a few seconds, but finally voices out his question. “What about you two? Are things different now? You seem…I don’t know.”
Silence. He looks up and stares between them, confused as to why they’re not responding. It’s Yoongi who finally speaks up.
“We’re giving it a try,” he states. “We’re just seeing where things go.”
“Yeah,” Namjoon adds. His hand is on Jeongguk’s back, rubbing gentle circles.
Jeongguk’s eyebrows furrow.
“That sounds dangerous,” he points out. “I mean, you’ve always been best friends and now you’re giving it a try. It sounds like you don’t think it’ll work out.”
“That’s not what we mean,” Namjoon replies. “We’ve just been best friends for a long time and we’ve been very close all this time. Changing things is scary, so we’re going one step at a time, seeing how it works for us.”
Jeongguk nibbles on his lower lip. He doesn’t feel fully reassured by that, but it doesn’t sound like they think it won’t work out. He actually understands. Changing things out of nowhere has to be scary.
“Everything will be okay,” Yoongi steps in. He suddenly takes a seat on Jeongguk’s other side. His hand falls to his thigh, a gentle reassurance. “We both like each other a lot and, even if thinks didn’t work out―which we don’t expect to happen, we’d be okay. Maybe it would be hard for a while, but we’re not planning on letting anything get in between us. So, don’t worry, Gguk-ah.”
“Okay,” Jeongguk mumbles, finally reassured. “I just want you two to be okay. I know you’ve liked each other for a while. You’re both so obvious .”
“Hey,” Namjoon says, gently sticking his finger into Jeongguk’s waist. He groans and moves away. “We’re not that obvious.”
Jeongguk snorts and this time it’s Yoongi who attacks his waist. He groans again and stands up, pointing at both of them. “I’m ticklish, stop. And yes, very obvious.”
Namjoon and Yoongi stand up. Jeongguk bolts. They follow him to his room and catch him just on time to throw him onto his bed. They laugh and rolls around like kids for a long moment before they all settle down. They lie staring up at the ceiling, him in between the both of them. And Jeongguk closes his eyes, a smile on his lips. He’s happy. Now that Jimin is back, he feels complete. The two people who’ve taught him everything he needs to know about being a werewolf and the person who’s been there to take care of him always.
He’s complete.
↢↣
Jeongguk doesn’t remember the last time he was sick. Being a werewolf comes with it’s perks. It’s not frequent for them to get sick. So, why is he feeling like this? There’s this ugly feeling clawing at his chest. It hurts.
He misses Jimin. Maybe if he was here he’d feel better. Everything is always better when Jimin is with him. But they haven’t seen each other in almost five days. It’s the longest they’ve gone without seeing each other since the day they crossed paths again. As a matter of fact, they’ve been seeing each other daily for almost two months now.
Closing his eyes, he presses the crook of his elbow over them. It feels like he’s had a permanent headache for days. A dull ache under his temples that hasn’t gone away at all.
“Jeongguk, I’m worried about you,” Namjoon says.
He’d very briefly forgotten that Namjoon had come over and it startles him when he hears him. It feels wrong. He should be able to smell him. He does , he just has to focus a little bit more to actually be aware of it.
“I’m okay, hyung,” he mumbles, even though he very clearly isn’t.
“You’re sick ,” Namjoon points out. The bed dips beside him and then Namjoon’s fingers are brushing over his scent gland. It should be calming, but it doesn’t really help. If anything, Jeongguk’s senses have been going crazy for the past two days. He scrunches his nose when Namjoon’s scent invades him. “See? That usually calms you down. What is it? Why are you scrunching your nose?”
“I just feel very exhausted, hyung,” he replies softly. “I’ve had a very busy week, a lot of assignments. I just need to rest.”
“It doesn’t look like you just need rest,” Namjoon says. “And you smell weird. Distressed but there’s more. I’m not sure what it is.”
He groans and sits up, even though he doesn’t want to and it takes a whole lot of effort. Jeongguk does his best to show Namjoon a smile.
“Really, hyung,” he reassures. “It’s just exhaustion and stress and I had a lot of soda at night to keep myself awake. Maybe I shouldn’t have had cold soda so late,” he explains. “But I’ll be fine, I promise. I’m feeling better than I did yesterday. If it doesn’t get better, then I promise I’ll go to the doctor. Okay?”
Namjoon doesn’t seem convinced, but Jeongguk reaches out and brushes his thumb over the scent gland under the skin of his wrist. Namjoon relaxes the slightest bit. He still doesn’t seem fully reassured, but he nods and scents Jeongguk back. It takes every fiber of Jeongguk’s being to keep himself from showing how nauseus it makes him.
It has nothing to do with Namjoon’s scent. He smells nice, as he always does. But for some reason, it’s so strong that Jeongguk’s head spins. He hasn’t told Namjoon anything about what’s going on with his senses. He hasn’t told Yoongi either. He’s sure that it’s just some once in a life time thing. Something that will go away soon on it’s own. It had started off as just some strange feeling in his chest. A couple of days and he started feeling like he was coming down with the flu. His body ached, his skin felt sensitive. Everything felt terrible.
Today it’s even worse than yesterday. But he doesn’t want Namjoon to be worried. He’s sure that it’ll be fine soon.
“Okay,” Namjoon whispers. “I’m coming over tomorrow, so don’t even think about lying to me,” he adds, pointing an accusing finger at him.
Jeongguk laughs softly and it’s genuine, even though it makes his body ache even more.
“I won’t lie,” he promises.
“Good,” Namjoon states. “When does Jimin come back?”
At the mention of Jimin, Jeongguk’s heart constricts. He really misses him so much. He wishes he was here to hold him and just be here with him.
“The day after tomorrow,” he mumbles tiredly. “Why?
Namjoon shakes his head. “I’m just worried about you being alone.”
“Don’t worry about that, hyung,” Jeongguk replies. “I’ll be fine, seriously. Go if you have to.”
It takes Namjoon a couple more seconds of hesitation, but he finally sighs and gives in. “Fine. But call me if it gets worse, yeah?”
Jeongguk nods. A part of him wishes Namjoon would stay. Maybe being alone just makes everything worse. But, truthfully, he just wants to close his eyes and sleep.
“Okay, I will,” he replies. “Bye, hyung.”
Namjoon says goodbye and stands up. He cards his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair just briefly before leaving. Jeongguk is dropping down on his bed the second Namjoon is out of the front door. He closes his eyes and tries his best to settle down. Truth be told, he wants to cry. He hates feeling this way. It’s painful and unsettling. It’s not something he’s used to.
He takes a few deep breaths, but stops short when he hears foot steps. He almost thinks Namjoon has come back, or that he never actually left. But when he opens his eyes, Jimin is the one standing by the entrance of his bedroom.
For some reason, seeing him there makes Jeongguk’s heart start beating faster and his eyes fill with tears. He closes his eyes again to keep them at bay. He’s not sure how Jimin is here. He wasn’t supposed to come back until they day after tomorrow. That’s what he told him on the phone earlier.
“Jeongguk,” Jimin says.
The bed dips a second later and his fingers are in his hair just as fast. Jeongguk shakes his head, confused.
“Hyung,” he mumbles, hoping it’s not evident in his voice how close to tears he is. “What are you going here? You said you weren’t going to be home for another two days.”
“I was going to surprise you. I wanted to know if you were home” Jimin quickly replies. “You didn’t tell me you were sick. Why didn’t you tell me, Jeongguk? I literally just found out because I came across Namjoon on your doorstep.”
Jeongguk takes a deep breath. “Not sick, I’m just feeling a bit tired.”
“Come on, you’re running a fever,” Jimin states, his hand splaying out over his forehead. He is? He didn’t think he was. “And your voice is hoarse. You sound sick to me, Jeongguk. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to worry you,” Jeongguk mumbles. It’s not like there was something Jimin could do about it. And, anyway, he was away. He had an important project to work on, Jeongguk didn’t want to ruin things for him in any way.
“Jeongguk, I hate that you were here all alone,” Jimin whispers, his fingers sliding down to Jeongguk’s scent gland. Jimin doesn’t have a scent, so he isn’t expecting any sort of nausea to overcome him. And yet, something does wash over him. Relief. The ache disappears, the pain is gone, everything ceases to exist. For some reason, that makes the tears finally spill. “ Pup .”
Jeongguk covers his face with his hands, overwhelmed with the feeling. It’s so pleasant. Just having Jimin here takes away everything bad. He hears Jimin asking him not to cry, asking him what’s wrong. His body settles down in bed beside him, arms wrapping around him and Jeongguk goes. He presses his face to Jimin’s neck and breathes him in and he finally feels better.
Jimin’s fingers slip into his hair, tug at the strands gently. Jeongguk fists the back of his shirt tightly, afraid that he’ll disappear any second, even though that’s clearly not possible.
“Hyung,” he pleads. He doesn’t even know what he’s asking for.
He’s just so relieved. He can’t believe that all he needed was to have Jimin here with him. He’s feeling so much better already, much calmer.
“It’s okay, I’m right here, Jeongguk-ah,” Jimin reassures. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”
Jeongguk nods, but he doesn’t let go. He can’t let go. All he wants is to stay in Jimin’s arms forever. Because nothing has ever felt better. Nothing has ever made him feel this way. He’s perfectly content, perfectly calm. He fits perfectly in Jimin’s arms and Jimin’s warmth is enough to take away everything bad. He doesn’t want to move.
“I’m sorry,” he breathes out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t―”
“Don’t apologize, pup,” Jimin whispers, interrupting him. He places a hand against Jeongguk’s nape and squeezes reassuringly. “I just hate that you were feeling this way. I wish I could make it stop.”
He is making it stop. It’s mostly gone. All Jeongguk feels right now is relief and warmth and he’s safe.
“You make it better,” he confesses. “I’m just happy you’re back. I missed you a lot.”
He can even breathe better. It doesn’t make sense, but he doesn’t want to question it right now. He just wants to focus on this, on how better everything is in Jimin’s arms.
“I missed you too, Jeongguk,” Jimin replies, pressing a kiss to the top of Jeongguk’s head. “You have no idea how much.”
But he does. Jeongguk has missed Jimin more than he did during that year they didn’t see each other. It was never this bad, never this painful. He doesn’t tell Jimin this because he doesn’t want him to feel like it’s his fault. It’s not. It’s just something that happened. Now that the ache is gone, Jeongguk can think better, he can breathe better. It’s alright.
“How was it?” He asks, even though he wants to ask something different. He wants Jimin to touch him, scent him, press his thumb to his sensitive scent gland and make a shudder take over his body.
“The trip?” Jimin asks, as if he’s surprised Jeongguk is asking about it. Jeongguk knows it’s something Jimin was looking forward to, so he doesn’t want to overshadow it with what he’s feeling. He wants Jimin to be happy. “Good. I had a lot of fun, took a lot of pictures. I’ll show you later, okay?”
Jeongguk senses he’s going to ask more about how he’s feeling, so he’s quick to go on.
“Okay, yeah,” he says. “How did you end up finishing up earlier? I thought it was supposed to be a week.”
Jimin is quiet for a long moment and Jeongguk isn’t sure if it’s because he’s confused about Jeongguk changing the subject so abruptly and refusing to go back to the one they were discussing before, or if it’s because he doesn’t have an answer.
“I made sure to finish up fast,” he finally murmurs. Jeongguk’s eyebrows furrow. He’s stopped crying, but his face feels warm as he lifts his gaze towards Jimin. He finds him looking down at him. “I was um, I don’t know. I felt strange,” he starts to explain. “I had a lot of fun, I really did. But I wanted to get back here. I missed you a lot. ”
Jeongguk’s eyebrows furrow.
“I missed you a lot, too,” he responds softly. But that’s the thing. A lot doesn’t even begin to cover it. He missed Jimin so much that it hurt at some points.
He thought it was the sickness, he thought it was because he was coming down with the flu or something. Because, how could he be in pain just because Jimin wasn’t around?
“Yeah?” Jimin asks, his fingertips sliding to Jeongguk’s cheek. He touches him softly, his gaze gentle. “I feel so much better when I’m with you. I think some of your werewolf things might be rubbing off on me,” he adds, lips turning up into a small, teasing smile.
Jeongguk isn’t really thinking when he tilts his head further back and presses his nose right under Jimin’s jaw. It’s so gratifying, the way Jimin sighs and tilts his head back to give him space, to let him take as he pleases. It feels, for a second, as if Jimin’s body is attuned to his own. As if Jimin knows how to move or what to say, even when Jeongguk doesn’t. And he likes it. He likes that it somehow all came down to this, to having Jimin in his arms, pressed to him.
He’s so glad, that after a whole year, they somehow found each other again.
“I feel that way, too,” he confesses close to Jimin’s skin. “It’s like everything I felt this past week just disappeared,” he explains.
There it is again, a desire so intense he doesn’t know how to keep at bay anymore. The urge to use his mouth for his scenting, to nibble and suck and explore all of Jimin’s skin. It’s too intimate, something he doesn’t even do with Namjoon and Yoongi. And yet, here he is. He wants it so bad.
“Is it always like that?” Jimin asks, his fingers in Jeongguk’s hair. He’s holding on tight enough that Jeongguk can’t move his head without it tugging at the roots of his hair. He doesn’t care. He likes it just as much as he likes everything happening right now. “Is it supposed to be that way? I’m worried, Jeongguk. I don’t want you to be in pain. Shouldn’t we ask Namjoon or Yoongi hyung?”
“Hyung,” he whispers, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He knows already that he’s going to cave, but he tries to give himself a few more seconds, tries his best to not do it. “Don’t be worried,” he pleads. He doesn’t want to worry. Not right now. He’ll talk to Namjoon. Just…right now, he wants to focus on this. “I’ll ask. I promise. I just really…” he trails off, pushing against Jimin’s chest until he’s on his back. He settles over him, straddling his belly.
Jimin stares up at him. He doesn’t look scared, nor worried. He’s so relaxed, so pliant under him. “Really, what?” He aks softly. “What is it, Jeongguk-ah?”
Jeongguk leans forward, pressing his forehead to Jimin’s collarbone.
“I want to scent you,” he whispers.
Jimin doesn’t seem fazed by this. “You know you can. Why are you hesitating?”
“I want more,” he says, turning his head to the side, leaning close enough that his lips brush against Jimin’s skin the next time he speaks. “I want to use my mouth. Can I?”
He sounds so desperate, but he couldn’t care less. Jimin’s fingers slip into his hair, pushing him closer to his neck, a silent invitation that he follows with words that Jeongguk has never been more grateful to hear.
“Yes,” he replies. “You can. You know that. Do it, Jeongguk-ah. There’s nothing I want more than that right now. I wish I could feel it, too. I wish I could feel you the way you feel me.”
He’ll show him. He’ll make sure Jimin can feel it. He finally presses his mouth to the crook of Jimin’s neck. It’s tentative at first, but Jimin’s response pushes him forward, the way he groans and tightens his hold in his hair. It drives Jeongguk’s alpha crazy. He opens his mouth and takes. He sucks on the skin lightly, not too hard that he’ll leave a mark―even though a part of him wants to. He trails up until he’s right under Jimin’s jaw and then goes back down.
Jeongguk follows that trail over and over again, marveling in the way Jimin moves, how he stays in place, but lets his hands do the talking, do the pulling. The pull Jeongguk close, never let him move too far away. Jeongguk could do this for hours on end, he realizes. And he wouldn’t need anything else in the world to be perfectly content.
When he’s done―although a part of him isn’t entirely satisfied―and leans back, he finds Jimin’s gaze drowsy, his expression sleepy. Still, he reaches upwards and pushes Jeongguk’s hair back away from his forehead.
“Did you feel it?” Jeongguk asks, a bit desperate for that too. To know that Jimin could feel him, that he could make Jimin feel at least something remotely similar to what he feels when he’s scenting him or touching him, or just in his arms. “Did you like it? How was it, hyung?”
“I did like it,” Jimin murmurs. He sounds exhausted all of a sudden. “It felt soothing. I―” he cuts himself off, taking a deep breath. “Scent me more?” He asks. “I think I might fall asleep because I’m very exhausted. But I want more. Jeongguk―”
“Yeah, yes,” Jeongguk interrupts, immediately diving in. He doesn’t know how he was feeling terrible minutes before and now he feels better than ever. He really should ask Namjoon or Yoongi. He will. But right now, he’s exactly where he wants to be and he doesn’t want to move away. He wants to stay in Jimin’s arms and scent him like he’s asked him to. “You can, hyung. Just stay with me, please. I missed you so much.”
“I’ll stay,” Jimin mumbles, eyes falling closed. He’s smiling, though. A small smile that takes over his lips as Jeongguk burrows his face in his neck again. “I missed you too, I really did.”
Jeongguk scents him until he starts to feel drowsy himself. And even though his alpha is content with the scenting, it still doesn’t feel like enough. He could go on for hours, he’s sure of it. But he gets tired and quickly rolls onto his side, pulling Jimin with him. When Jimin him he has to leave early morning, Jeongguk protests softly. But Jimin reassures him that he’ll be back as soon as possible.
He has things to do, he can’t spend all day in bed with Jeongguk. He knows that. And yet, he wishes they could . He wishes they could stay like this forever and never have to be apart.
↢↣
Jeongguk doesn’t feel well. Jimin left sometime during the morning. When he woke up, he found that he was already gone. And after he left, he was fine for a while. He was. But now he feels terrible. This time, though, it’s different. He doesn’t feel sick. He knows he’s feeling like this because he’s in pre-rut. Which shouldn’t be the case because it’s a month early. Normally, he goes through a rut once every five months. It’s too soon right now.
It’s scary, even though it’s not his first one. He’s had two more before this one. It’s just that this time, there’s something new. It’s mixing up with the ugly feeling in his chest. That feeling that followed him around after not seeing Jimin for five days. The feeling that went away after Jimin was here, with him. It’s now back and making his pre-rut worse.
He wants Jimin again. Even though he’s human, he understands everything related to Jeongguk. Yet, this is new, the ruts. Jeongguk hadn’t presented back before Jimin left for Busan. But he’s sure Jimin would still understand it. He sent a text to Namjoon and Yoongi earlier. They’ll probably let Jimin know not to come around. Still, Jeongguk is sure that just a gentle touch of Jimin’s fingers in his hair would make him feel better, would take everything bad away. It did yesterday.
He wishes he’d had the time to ask Namjoon or Yoongi like he promised Jimin. But he wasn’t expecting it to happen today. He thought that maybe it was a fluke, that it would disappear and he could pretend it never happened. And yet now he’s here, feeling the same sort of ache he wishes he could get rid of. It’s as if his rut is accentuating it, making it worse.
Jeongguk rolls onto his belly and presses his face to his pillow. He’s overwhelmed with all of these emotions, they’re messing with his head. Just thinking about Jimin makes him feel everything more strongly. He’s very sensitive to smells when he’s in pre-rut, but when he catches Jimin’s scent, he almost thinks he’s imagining it. Jimin doesn’t have scent glands, but he always smells so nice. Warm and soft and Jeongguk is addicted to it.
When he feels fingers in his hair, he tiredly turns his head to the side. Jimin takes a seat on the edge of his bed and scratches at his scalp, making goosebumps arise all over his skin. He’s not supposed to be here, Jeongguk isn’t even sure whey he’s here. But he’s so glad. Because the ache in his chest quickly lessens and he feels a little bit better.
Jimin’s expression is fond, also worried. His eyebrows furrow.
“Is everything okay, Jeongguk-ah?” He asks softly, sliding cold fingers down to Jeongguk’s nape.
It’s refreshing. It must be cold outside. Jeongguk is grateful because his body is burning up. His eyes flutter shut and he sighs loudly, swallowing down the lump in his throat. Even though the pain quickly starts to leave, he’s overwhelmed for different reasons now.
Jimin’s closeness does that to him. The fact that he has such an effect on Jeongguk’s body and his feelings should be worrying. But Jeongguk wants this. He wants to be close to Jimin always. It feels like it’s been growing inside his chest for ages and only now he’s starting to understand it.
“Hyung, I missed you,” he whispers, reaching up and circling Jimin’s wrist with his fingers. “So much,” he adds, softer.
There’s something clogging up his throat. He feels his eyes sting and he’s glad that he closed them because he’s almost sure he would have started to cry. He missed Jimin so much before they saw each other yesterday. It was such a painful feeling that Jeongguk didn’t even feel like getting up from bed. But Jimin came back and made everything better.
How can everything hurt so bad when Jimin isn’t around?
They just saw each other yesterday, but Jeongguk feels like it’s been a lifetime. It’s hard to keep his tears at bay. He doesn’t even understand why he feels this way. Perhaps he should know, instincts and his alpha. They should tell him. He should know why he feels like the world is ending whenever Jimin isn’t around.
“I’m here, Jeongguk,” Jimin promises. “Right here, with you. Did something happen?” He asks. “I saw you yesterday. You were feeling better, weren’t you?”
Yes, and Jeongguk missed him, even though it’s been less than twenty-four hours. He shakes his head. He doesn’t know why he’s acting this way. He’s never felt anything like this.
“It’s probably not a good time to be here, hyung,” he murmurs, hoping his voice doesn’t give away how he feels.
Jimin’s fingers still against his skin. Jeongguk doesn’t want Jimin to leave, but his rut will surely start in a while, give or take a few hours. It’s not like Jimin is in danger or anything like that. Jeongguk is normally very in control with his alpha when he’s in rut. He doesn’t lose himself to it. But he’s grown to feel so many things for Jimin. Having him here right now might make things worse later. And it’s scary.
“Why?” Jimin asks.
Jeongguk realizes that he’s yet to let go of Jimin’s wrist and he’s holding on so tightly that he’s worried he might be hurting him. So he drops his hand and fists the sheets instead, trying to hold himself back. He’s shaking. It feels that way, at least. Maybe he’s just imagining it. His body isn’t making any sense right now. It feels like it’s been all messed up for days.
“My rut will start soon,” he murmurs tiredly.
They’ve talked about ruts before. Jeongguk told Jimin vaguely about it after he asked. Namjoon mentioned something about ruts one day when they were eating together and he was curious about what it meant.
It’s like everything is growing the more time goes by. Jeongguk wants to calm down, but Jimin’s natural scent is so overwhelming Jeongguk can taste it on his tongue. That’s never happened to him before.
“Isn’t it a bit early?” Jimin asks.
He remembers. Jeongguk told him that it’s something that happens every five months. And he must have stored that information in his head, the way he always does when it comes to the things Jeongguk tells him.
“Yeah,” he mumbles tiredly.
Maybe it’s early because of all the things he’s been feeling. It might be messing with his instincts, with his alpha. Maybe that’s why.
Jimin is silent for a long moment. But then he goes back to squeezing at Jeongguk’s nape and Jeongguk all but melts into the sheets. A low rumble settles in his chest before he can stop himself. His instincts are always jumping out more whenever he’s around Jimin and even though he knows he’ll never hurt him because of it, it’s always scary to let them take over him. He’s normally good at keeping them at bay, at controlling his sometimes overly eager alpha, but it’s hard when he’s with Jimin.
“You just don’t look well,” Jimin whispers, worry edging his tone. His fingers slip back into Jeongguk’s hair and the feeling increases, the rumbling in his chest grows louder. “I’m worried. Is it always like this? You were feeling bad yesterday when I came to see you. And then Namjoon told me earlier that you needed some space for a while. I thought something had happened.” Jeongguk is struggling so much right now. He wants Jimin to wrap his arms around him and never let go of him. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep and then I’ll go, okay?”
Yes, Jeongguk wants him to stay. He wants him to stay forever, even after he falls asleep, even after he wakes up. He wants Jimin so badly. He shouldn’t, but he wants to beg him to stay. Just the thought of him leaving later makes his chest constrict painfully, tears forming in his eyes again.
“I’ll be fine,” he whispers, once he’s sure that he won’t blurt out everything he feels. “It’s always kind of overwhelming.”
He doesn’t say more because he doesn’t think he can without ending up begging. Jimin is quiet for a moment, but it’s not long before he responds.
“Do you have everything you need?” He asks. “I’ll check out if you have food and water before leaving. So don’t wo―”
Jimin’s voice cuts off when Jeongguk suddenly turns around. He can’t help it. Panic takes over his body when he feels like Jimin is going to leave. Jimin’s fingers float in the air in front of his face. And, Jeongguk can’t help it. He gives in .
Slowly he starts to sit up, tilting his head back and pressing his face to Jimin’s palm. He takes a deep breath. Jimin remains frozen, hand in the air, staring at him. Jeongguk doesn’t stop looking at him either. He turns his head to the side and reaches up to circle Jimin’s wrist with his fingers. He places his palm on his cheek for a second. It doesn’t feel like they’re close enough.
He turns his head again and runs his nose along Jimin’s palm. He shifts closer, leaning towards Jimin and pushes his face into his neck. He’s so warm. So soft. He feels heavenly. Jimin still hasn’t moved. Jeongguk wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him to his chest, holding on tight, desperate. Scared. When Jimin still doesn’t move, he can’t help the whine that leaves his mouth.
“Hyung,” he pleads, although he’s not sure what he’s asking for.
It seems to snap Jimin out of it. When Jeongguk pushes against him gently, he falls back easily, Jeongguk on top of him. Jeongguk is quick to rub his cheek up and down Jimin’s neck. He can’t hold back now that he’s given in.
Jimin laughs softly, his hands settling on Jeongguk’s back. He rubs up and down, comforting, calming. It does nothing to soothe Jeongguk’s emotions. They’re all over the place.
“I’m here,” he promises.
He is, but Jeongguk is so scared of what he’ll feel when Jimin leaves. He doesn’t want him to. He doesn’t want Jimin to ever leave his side. He wants him to stay and card his fingers through his hair, take care of him when he’s feeling like everything is too intense. He just wants Jimin beside him for as long as he can have him.
“Don’t leave,” he whispers, arms wrapped around Jimin’s neck. He can feel all of him, his warmth and the softness of his skin. “I don’t want you to leave, hyung. Please don’t leave me.”
“I’m not leaving you,” Jimin reassures, fingers sliding into Jeongguk’s hair. “I’ll stay. I’ll stay with you, don’t worry, Jeongguk-ah.”
Jeongguk is quick to lift his head from it’s hiding spot, searching for Jimin’s eyes. “Yeah?” He asks. “You’ll stay?”
Jimin smiles, seeming endeared. “Of course.”
It dawns on Jeongguk just then, what it means, the fact that he just asked Jimin to stay. And Jimin said yes. He moves, crawling away towards the headboard and settling against it. He pulls his knees to his chest and holds onto them for dear life.
“Hey,” Jimin calls out, sitting up. He keeps his distance, as if making sure Jeongguk doesn’t feel uncomfortable. “What’s wrong, Jeongguk? Talk to me. I just want to be here for you.”
“My mind is a mess right now,” he mumbles, shaking his head. He swallows down the lump in his throat and takes a deep breath, trying to settle down his rapidly beating heart. “I shouldn’t be asking you to stay. You don’t have to stay, hyung.”
Jimin’s eyebrows furrow.
“Why not?” He asks. “Tell me what you mean. I’m not sure I understand.”
His voice is so gentle and so soothing. Jeongguk could listen to him speak for hours and it would surely keep him calm. He lets his eyes meet Jimin’s, so inviting, his lips pulled up into a small reassuring smile.
“I want you to stay,” he confesses softly. “You said yes, but I don’t think you understand what you said yes to.”
Jimin inches closer, reaching for Jeongguk’s hand. Jeongguk lets him because he can’t help it and he honestly doesn’t want to.
“Explain it to me, Jeongguk-ah,” he says. “Tell me.”
“I meant, during my rut,” he whispers, clearing his throat. “I don’t want you to leave. It hurts when you’re away.”
He wasn’t planning to confess that. Because he doesn’t even understand why he feels that way. His body heats up after he says the words, but Jimin squeezes his hand reassuringly.
“It hurts?” He asks, thumb moving back and forth against the skin of his hand.
Jeongguk doesn’t even know how to explain it. He shakes his head and sighs, frustrated.
“It just does,” he mumbles. “I don’t know why. I just hate it. Everything feels so terrible when you’re not around. I just―I’m sorry,” he mutters, shaking his head again. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to. You don’t have to stay.”
“No, I’ll stay,” Jimin says quickly. “I want to stay, Jeongguk. I’ll stay with you.” Jeongguk stares at him in disbelief. “Tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it, Jeongguk-ah. I’ve never spent a rut with an alpha so…” he trails off.
Jeongguk feels his body heat up even more just at the thought of Jimin being here, of taking care of him in whatever way he can.
“When I’m in rut, I’m pretty in control of my alpha,” he murmurs, clearing his throat. “It’s not that way with everyone, but it is with me.” Jimin hums and nods reassuringly, encouraging him to continue. “So, you don’t have to…do anything,” he whispers. “You can just be here, hold my hand, touch my hair. That’s enough for me, hyung. It’s just that I’ll be…” he trails off again, nibbling on his lower lip nervously.
“Turned on?” Jimin asks, finishing the sentence for him. Jeongguk can’t believe they’re talking about this. He can’t believe that Jimin wants to stay and take care of him. “I understand, Jeongguk-ah. I’ll stay and be here to take care of you. You don’t have to worry about anything, yeah? I promise I’ll take care of it.”
Jeongguk slowly moves closer to Jimin. He wraps his arms around him and they fall to the bed again, Jimin’s arms wrap around him as well, hands sliding down his back, reassuring. Jeongguk presses his face to Jimin’s neck and breathes him in, sighing in content. He doesn’t really think about it, just nibbles on Jimin’s skin. He traces his skin with his mouth, licks and sucks.
Jimin’s breathing grows heavy, his hands fist the back of Jeongguk’s shirt. It feels more urgent then it was yesterday, more intense in a way. But Jimin doesn’t seem to mind. His hand slides under Jeongguk’s shirt, touching his heated skin. It feels so good.
“You’re burning up,” he murmurs.
Jeongguk hums because it’s nothing strange when his rut is going to start soon. He stops nibbling in favor of hugging Jimin tighter.
“Thank you, hyung,” he whispers into his neck, closing his eyes.
He can’t believe that Jimin actually wants to stay, that he’ll be there for Jeongguk. All the time. Every time he needs him. And during a moment in which Jeongguk feels the most vulnerable, the most overwhelmed.
Jimin’s fingers slide into his hair the way they always do, making goosebumps arise over his skin. He’s already so sensitive to the touch, his alpha is a mess in his chest.
“You don’t have to thank me, Jeongguk-ah,” Jimin reassures, his breath tickling Jeongguk’s neck, so close to his scent gland. “I just want to take care of you. And I don’t want you to hold back, okay? Whatever you need or want, just tell me. I’ll give it to you.”
His words make Jeongguk’s body heat up. I’ll give it to you . He rubs his face up and down Jimin’s neck, a soft whine leaving his mouth. He can’t help it when Jimin is saying things like that. Jeongguk wants so many things. He wants to bite down on his neck and lick at his skin more. He wants Jimin to smell only like him, even though his scent won’t remain too long on him. But most of all, he never wants Jimin to let him go. He wants them to be so close that the strange feeling in his body never comes back.
“Hyung, what does this mean for us?” He asks against his neck. “I just really―I really like you,” he whispers.
There’s no point in pretending he doesn’t feel that way when he just told Jimin that his closeness takes away any sort of pain he feels. He has to know. There’s no way he doesn’t. Jimin’s hands cup his cheeks and lift him away from his neck. Jeongguk’s heart is beating fast in his chest as their eyes meet. And Jimin smiles, brushes his thumbs over his cheekbones before lifting his head and pressing a gentle kiss to Jeongguk’s mouth.
Unable to hold back, Jeongguk leans down and kisses him properly. He kisses him desperately, quickly getting lost in it. It’s fast and messy. Jimin tries to keep up but Jeongguk is aware that he’s not keeping a pace, he’s just trying to feel closer. As close as he can. His tongue slips into Jimin’s mouth and he groans at the feeling of Jimin’s tongue swirling around his own. It feels so good, so warm. He never wants it to stop.
“Wait,” Jimin stops him after a long moment. He smiles reassuringly when Jeongguk leans away, eyes wide with panic. “Are you still…okay? Like, can we talk for a little bit more?”
Jeongguk nods, eager. “Yes. Yes, hyung. We can talk. Lets talk.”
Jimin laughs and reaches up to card his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair. “You’re such a puppy.”
It’s impossible not to melt into Jimin’s touch. “Mm, hyung .”
Jimin’s fingers play with the strands for a moment. He scratches at his scalp and then slides them down to Jeongguk’s nape. He squeezes softly, Jeongguk sighs and presses his face to Jimin’s neck again.
“I like you too, Jeongguk-ah,” Jimin whispers, pressing a kiss to Jeongguk’s head. The words sink in quickly, but Jeongguk doesn’t have a chance to respond. “When we bumped into each other at the coffee shop, it was like all of these emotions came rushing back to me. I never really questioned what I felt for you before I left for Busan. It was just there and I didn’t think much of it. But after that day, I realized that everything I felt wasn’t just…wanting to be your best friend. I wanted to be there for you in any way possible. I wanted to hold you more and touch you more, take care of you.”
“Hyung,” he whispers, lifting his head again, wanting to look at Jimin’s face.
Jimin smiles softly. “So, know that I want to stay and take care of you because I really like you, Jeongguk. I like you so much that I sometimes can’t breathe. It feels like the feeling is crushing me, but I like it. I like liking you.”
Jeongguk’s emotions ar all over the place. He can’t believe Jimin just said all of those things. He was hoping that what he felt wasn’t one-sided, but he never expected Jimin to say all of that.
“I feel that way too, hyung,” he replies softly, pressing a kiss to the corner of Jimin’s mouth. “I like you so much that I never want to be away from you.”
Jimin smiles and wraps his arms around Jeongguk’s shoulders, pulling him in. They kiss again, but slowly this time. Jeongguk isn’t in rut yet, but he knows it’ll happen any time now. He wants to enjoy this moment, focus on it before his mind starts to be filled with other needs.
“You never have to be,” Jimin breathes against his mouth.
Jeongguk closes his eyes and presses featherlike kisses all along Jimin’s jaw. Jimin laughs softly and lets him, hands sliding down Jeongguk’s back.
“Then,” he mumbles, rubbing his nose along the skin he just kissed. “Could you cuddle me until I fall asleep? I feel so tired, hyung.”
Now that all of these emotions have washed over him, he’s starting to feel the exhaustion again.
“Of course, “ Jimin replies quickly. “Are you comfortable like this? Should we move?”
Jeongguk contemplates for a second. He doesn’t want to move away from Jimin, but he knows it’ll just be for a second. They can get more comfortable, hug each other tightly. He finally nods.
“We can move,” he whispers, gently rolling off Jimin’s body.
He moves into a better position, laying properly with his head on the pillow and he gestures for Jimin to come closer. He lays down beside him and Jeongguk is quick to slide down until he can press his face to Jimin’s chest. Jimin feels so warm, his heartbeat steady, calming.
He snuggles as close as he can get and reaches for Jimin’s hand, guiding it to his hair. Jimin quickly complies, scratching at his scalp.
“I like it here,” Jeongguk confesses.
He always feels so content in Jimin’s arms. They’ve always shared this strong connection and he feels safe in his arms, as if there’s nowhere else he should be. Jimin’s lips press to the top of his head again.
“I like you here, too,” he whispers, his arm wrapping around Jeongguk and pressing him closer to his body.
Jeongguk hooks his arm around Jimin’s hips and finally lets sleep take over him.