Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

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Jimin was pacing a literal circle in his bedroom, clothes strewn across the floor in a chaotic battlefield of discarded fabrics.

He couldn't just look good, he wanted to look devastating.

Ever since he’d returned home that morning - clutching that crumpled note in his hand while enduring Nayoon’s relentless teasing - he had been a mess of restless energy. He’d actually run to the Council building earlier, hoping to find Jungkook.

Did that idiot alpha really think Jimin would just wait patiently all day after a night like that? After being told he was his without Jimin having the chance to make it clear that the alpha was his too?

He had an entire speech prepared, he was going to scold him for leaving, but would actually thank him for taking care of everything, and then drag him into a corner to scent him until his head spun even if Jimin still reeked of smoke from their passionate night.

Jungkook was nowhere to be found, he was on patrol all day, an Advisor said. Fine. If he had to wait, he would make the wait worth it. He was going to make his alpha’s heart stop, the omega could well torment the alpha a little too.

When he finally emerged from his room, Seokjin, who had been pacing the hallway threatening to leave for his shift at the infirmary if he didn't come out soon, stopped dead in his tracks.

"Wow, Jimin! You’re gorgeous. Do you have someone to make fall in love with you tonight?"

Jimin tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear, shrugging with a feigned nonchalance that didn't hide the sparkle in his eyes.

The two omegas walked toward the village before parting ways.

Seokjin pressed a kiss to Jimin’s cheek, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Enjoy your evening," he whispered knowingly.

The festivities were in full swing. It was the season of new beginnings, and as usual, the air was thick with the scent of pairs of lovers whispering to one another. Jimin scanned the crowd, his patience wearing thin. He spotted Mingyu with Jinha and hurried over.

"Hey! Have you seen the guys?"

"Tae, Yoongi, and Eunwoo are still on patrol, they'll come littlea later" Mingyu replied, "and I saw Hoseok and Namjoon already heading home after one drink, all lovey dovey, if you know what I mean." He gave a suggestive wink.

Jimin snorted, those two hid their nature very well, but they were rabbits. "And Jungkook?"

"I'm not sure, but he should be here. He pulled every string to get the night off, even traded shifts with Eunwoo."

Jimin turned back to the crowd, his inner omega pacing with impatience. He needed to touch him. He needed to see him.

Finally, he spotted a tall silhouette standing back from the main celebration, near the edge of the forest where the shadows offered some privacy to observe the crowd.

The alpha was dressed in an all black ensemble - a vest and pants embroidered with intricate dark blue patterns - with a short-sleeved black fur draped over his broad shoulders.

Jungkook was there, and his eyes were searching the throng with a focused, hungry intensity.

When their gazes finally locked, the music and the laughter of the pack faded into a dull hum. There was only Jungkook.

Jimin didn't even realize he was moving until he was already halfway there.

Jungkook had barely taken a single step forward when Jimin was already on him. He grabbed the alpha’s hands, tugging them down to force him to lean over, and Jimin immediately dove his nose into the crook of Jungkook’s neck, inhaling deeply. Jungkook’s arms wrapped around him instantly, one hand resting protectively on the back of Jimin’s head.

"Still haven't had enough?" Jungkook’s voice was a low rumble against his ear, chuckling at Jimin’s demeanor.

Jimin just shook his head against the alpha's throat, breathing him in.

Jungkook pulled back just enough to look at him, his gaze sweeping over Jimin’s form with a hunger that made the omega’s skin tingle.

The outfit was a breathtaking display of craftsmanship that seemed to catch the moonlight in every thread.

He was wearing a two piece ensemble in shimmering shades of silver grey and deep indigo. The cropped top featured long, wide sleeves adorned with intricate dark blue patterns and delicate silver tassels that swayed with his every movement. Around his neck and chest hung heavy, ornate silver jewelry, clinking softly as he breathed.

The high waisted skirt was equally stunning, featuring a broad indigo panel down the center decorated with geometric silver motifs and hanging medallions. Layers of sheer fabric drifted around his legs like mist, while a silver belt cinched his waist, draped with chains and crescent moon charms, dangling over his exposed tummy. Jimin looked like a celestial being.

An angel.

“Jimin, you’re ravishing,” Jungkook breathed, his voice a low, rough caress.

Jimin met his gaze, his own eyes ablaze with a newfound confidence. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook whispered, completely consumed by the beauty of his omega. “I can’t even find the words.”

"When are you going to kiss me then?" Jimin whispered, his fingers fidgeting with the embroidery on Jungkook’s vest, his eyes shining.

Jungkook’s stomach flipped with a thousand butterflies. Jimin was asking him to kiss him, out in the open, at a festival, looking like a dream specifically crafted for him. It felt so real it almost felt like a hallucination.

The alpha slid his hands from Jimin’s forearms up to cup his cheeks, tilting his head up.

He leaned in, closing the distance with a kiss that was incredibly tenderly slow and deep, their breaths mingled in a shared, pleasurable sigh that seemed to vibrate between them and when Jungkook pulled back and opened his eyes, he saw Jimin still had his eyes closed, his lips still pouting out from the kiss, looking utterly entranced.

Jungkook cooed at the sight, unable to help himself, and leaned back in for several light, lingering pecks on those soft, pouty lips. He continued to pepper his face with soft pecks until Jimin’s defiant facade broke into breathless giggles.

They ended up melting into another hug, the kind where you try to merge two souls into one.

Finally, Jimin pulled back, his eyes dancing with mischief as he grabbed Jungkook’s hand and began tugging him toward the center of the celebration.

"Let’s dance," Jimin urged.

Jungkook hesitated, his feet heavy as he looked toward the center of the square.

"Jimin, Homin..." He trailed off, the warning clear.

They couldn't just do this in front of everyone. Homin or any other advisor could easily remind him that this was forbidden, that by being like this in public, was directly trespassing against the Head Alpha’s words.

Jimin cocked his head, wearing that stubborn, cocky, and terrifyingly confident smile of his.

"You think they would do anything? If you’re with me? The very person you got into trouble for in the first place?"

"Jimin, I want to do this right," The alpha said, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "I don't want people, or you, to think I believe I'm above everyone else, or that I’m taking this situation lightly."

Jimin’s eyes flashed with a playful and predatory light.

"Oh, but you won’t take it lightly, Alpha. I’ll make sure of that." Jimin laughed, a light, melodic sound. "I’ll make you beg and kneel before Homin just to be allowed to court me, huh? You'll have to show him your biggest resiliency, telling him how sorry you are and how this situation is a punishment you dreaded on yourself... you’re going to beg him, and then you'll beg me to support your request. You’ll do that, right?"

Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek, his nostrils flaring. He could feel his inner wolf preening at his tone and defiance dripping off Jimin’s honey voice, but he knew he would do all of that and more, seeing how happy and smug it made Jimin secretly thrilled him, though Jungkook would never admit it out loud.

"I'll do whatever it takes," Jungkook murmured, his grip on Jimin's hand tightening.

They joined the festivities around the campfires. They danced together, arms seeking each other's body, in an intimate, tactile, and dangerous way that left no wonder to the nature of their sentiments.

Jimin was so incredibly happy, his laughter ringing out over the music. He wasn't drunk on alcohol this time, he was intoxicated by pure joy, and it felt even better. Having Jungkook there - making him twirl until the shimmering fabrics of his outfit blurred into a silver mist - was everything he had dreamed of.

Every time Jimin asked, Jungkook would happily lean in to scent him, his nose dragging along Jimin's neck as he whispered sweet nothings into his ear - telling him how beautiful he was when he moved, how gorgeous he looked when he laughed.

Jimin let himself be carried away by the happiness galvanizing his soul. He didn't care if people saw them sharing quick, secret kisses in the shadows of the dance.

He didn't care if their friends caught their hands roaming over each other's bodies or if the entire pack finally understood the truth behind the glimmer in their eyes.

What they had was theirs to live now. No more secrets or holding back or hesitation. Under the light of the solstice, they were finally exactly where they were meant to be.

At one too many swirls, Jimin said he was thirsty.

Jungkook leaned down, his voice warm against Jimin's ear. "Stay here and keep dancing, I’ll go get you some water."

Jimin nodded, swaying to the music, he joined some other dancers and looked around to see if their friends had arrived yet, but couldn't find anyone.

After a few minutes, the wait started to feel a little too long. He turned around, his eyes scanning the crowd in front of the bar, and his heart immediately sank.

Jungkook was standing near the drinks table, but he wasn't alone. Soomin was draped around his right arm.

Jimin had a flashback of another drunken night with that very same vision of horror.

Even if from a distance, Jimin could see Jungkook looking uncomfortable, his body language stiff and unreceptive to the heavy flirting - and while Jimin’s inner omega was pleased at the alpha's lack of interest - his human side was boiling in a seething fury.

He wanted Jungkook’s absolute, undivided attention to be solely on him.

Jimin marched over with a sharp pace, almost shoving anyone who was on his path. When he arrived at their level, he slid right between them, pushing away Soomin’s hands which had been lingering on Jungkook’s arm.

"Don't touch him," Jimin hissed, his voice like a whip.

He stepped sideways, partially shielding Jungkook. As he did, Soomin’s eyes dropped, watching as Jungkook’s hand instinctively slid down to brush his fingers against Jimin’s waist in a grounding touch.

Soomin looked at the physical contact, his expression shifting into a scowl, he didn't look particularly intimidated. He huffed, crossing his arms.

"We were just talking. Who are you to touch me like this?"

"And who the fuck are you to touch him?" Jimin snapped back. "I’m pretty sure you didn't have his consent, but he’s way too much of a soft-hearted asshole alpha to tell you that." His eyes narrowing to the the alpha.

The hidden insult didn’t get lost on Jungkook who pursed his lips to contain his snort.

"The fuck is your problem?" Soomin sneered. "We’ve done way more than just touching arms. I think Jungkook will be fin–"

Jimin saw red.

Before the omega could finish the sentence, Jimin lunged toward him in a blur of insults and raw possessive instinct. Jungkook was faster, he hooked his arms around Jimin’s waist and hauled him backward before things could get physical.

"Jimin, calm down! Hey, hey, wow!" Jungkook breathed as Jimin trashed in his arms, quickly retreating from the scene while Soomin stood there, looking absolutely flabbergasted and confused.

In Jungkook’s arms, Jimin was still fuming, his words tumbling out in a heated rush.

"No, I don't think he understood, Jungkook. Did you hear him? I don’t think he got it! And you! You need to make things clear, because how is he so comfortable making those kinds of remarks right in front of me? Me?"

Jungkook wanted to laugh, but he was mostly just enamored by Jimin’s behavior. In Jimin’s head, they were clearly together, making Soomin’s words a blatant lack of respect.

Meanwhile, the rest of the pack, including Soomin, still assumed Jungkook was a free agent.

They wound through the shadows until they found themselves in the heart of the forest, standing before a very familiar tree. Jungkook realized with a start that they were back at their tree - the site of past panic attacks, heated arguments, and heavy conversations.

With a smile, the alpha thought about how it seemed the forest was determined to keep drawing them back here.

Jungkook finally set Jimin down. Jimin huffed, his silver jewelry clinking as he crossed his arms and glared up at the alpha, though he stayed put.

"So," Jungkook asked, a small, teasing smile playing on his lips. "Are you calmed down now?"

The omega’s scent spiked instantly with anger, Jungkook grimaced. “You want me to calm down when he clearly implied your sexual past–”

“Oh, Goddess.” Jungkook stepped in close, covering Jimin’s mouth with his hand to stifle the outburst. “You know perfectly well I feel nothing for him and that he’s just getting the wrong ideas.”

Jimin pulled away, his eyes flashing. “I don’t know, you tell me! That Soomin guy sure likes to cling to you every chance he gets.”

“Reminds me of another omega I know,” Jungkook teased, a smirk tugging at his lips his arms keeping Jimin close.

He was in love, and seeing Jimin this jealous was the most incredible feeling.

Jimin burned him with a glare. “Don’t get too confident, Jeon Jungkook. Stop mocking me, I’m angry if you hadn’t noticed. Freaking go back to him then!”

The alpha knew he was playing with fire by baiting Jimin, but he couldn't help it. Jimin was his entire world, Jimin took up all of Jungkook’s energy and attention, and honestly, Jungkook had always loved that -  having the focus of this easily irritable healer.

Finally he nuzzled, tried, to nuzzle against Jimin’s neck

“Jimin, he was just speaking to me about his brother. He wants to become a hunter in the future.”

It was true, though it had annoyed Jungkook to listen. If it were just flirting, he would have pushed Soomin away, but since it involved his role as an Advisor, he’d felt obligated to listen.

That night the other day, he hadn't wanted anything more than to stay with Jimin but he’d been stuck being responsible until Taehyung finally showed up to save him from Soomin.

The omega pretended to be annoyed by Jungkook's clinginess but let him have his way. He rolled his eyes.

“Is that what you talked about last time, too?”

“Yes, actually.”

“And the whole touching you, leaning in, and batting his eyes, is that part of the hunting team, too?”

Jimin tried to act nonchalant, but the fact that he had just made such a massive scene made Jungkook want to burst out laughing and pull him into a hug.

He was melting for this version of Jimin.

“I’m not saying he didn't try to get into my pants while we were talking.”

“If you’re that easy,” Jimin muttered, “should I have just done that three years ago to keep myself on the team?”

That stung. Jungkook’s expression shifted, and he began walking them backwards with purpose.

“Jimin... I know he was trying to flirt, but I didn’t care. I thought it was obvious how uninterested I was, apparently not if which made him think he stood a chance. I never had any feelings for him.”

Jimin backed up until he hit the bark of the tree, his dark eyes fixed on Jungkook.

“Everyone knows you two fucked during cycles. What he said didn't feel nice.”

“Jimin,” Jungkook growled softly. He cornered him against the tree, cupping Jimin’s face in his hands. “I’m sorry you felt that way.” Jungkook leaned in closer, his voice a taunt. “Go on, look at me. Do you really not know how I feel?”

He was challenging him. Jimin felt the urge to rise to the bait, his pupils no longer blown out with pleasure but sharp with defiance.

“You seem to already know,” Jimin fought back. “Why don’t you tell me?”

“You’ll be the death of me,” Jungkook whispered, leaning their foreheads together. “I only ever had eyes for one person. I only ever felt feelings for one omega. Why do you think I’ve always been incapable of being out of your way since we’re pup? Hate love, jealousy, admiration, it always comes back to you. To have your undivided attention.” Jimin’s eyes soften, the shine of a thousand unsaid whispers shining in the dark of his iris. “When you give me those eyes, you don't even need to ask, I’ll give you everything. Soomin? Any other omegas? I don’t give a damn about them. You’re the only one for me, Jimin.“

Jimin finally smiled, his hands reaching up to brush Jungkook’s cheeks. He rested his cheeks on his, closing his eyes.

“I think you haven't quite understood, Jungkook. You are mine, too. And you better let everyone know now.”

The alpha squeezed him tighter,  before chuckling.

“Whose fault is that? You’re the one who didn't want to talk, if I recall,” Jungkook teased. “I wasn't sure where we stood, even though you kept kissing me.”

“I kissed you, let you fuck me, asked for your scent, wore this outfit, and joined you here... and you didn’t know where we stand? That it was just for fun? Jungkook, is your goal to anger me to my maximum tonight?”

Jimin pulled back slightly, looking genuinely hurt.

“I didn’t think it was for a night, Jimin.”

Jungkook gathered Jimin’s frame back into his arms, cradling him.

“I wasn’t sure at first of anything. Like, you didn’t have to feel anything back, because of our past, I didn’t want to jump to conclusion, to think you’d want me back just as much as I did. If you had just wanted me to please you, I’d have done that. If you’d have wanted me to be more, I’d have been the happiest man alive. If you’d have wanted to stop, I’d have stopped. Anything for you, Jimin.” He pressed their noses. “I need us to put words on this, now.”

Jimin looked at him, his furrowed brows only accentuating his beautiful face. He seemed to be in such deep thought that Jungkook didn't expect the omega to suddenly pull him by the shirt and crash their lips together.

Jungkook kissed back with a desperation that matched Jimin's, but he eventually disconnected their mouths slightly, whispering, “Jimin, I need your words.”

Jimin realized he couldn't just hide behind his difficulties about showing his emotions anymore, he couldn't leave Jungkook to decipher everything on his own. Jungkook deserved to hear what the omega's heart had been screaming for weeks.

Jimin reached up, his fingers soft as he tugged at the alpha's hair, nuzzling their noses one more time before locking eyes.

“Jungkook, I’ve fallen for you. You are the one I think about all the time. I’d do anything for you too.”

He followed the confession with a soft, lingering kiss.

“Because, that’s the problem. Even with our past, it was so, so easy to fall for you that it made me mad. That’s why I must have been so confused, kissing you on that hill and telling you to forget it the next day.” He pressed a kiss to Jungkook's cheek. “We’re a mess, aren’t we? How can you think you don’t need anything back from me? I know I’m bad at expressing my feelings, but I’ll get better. Am I so bad at making you feel like I care for you?”

“No. Never,” Jungkook replied instantly. “I've never felt so known and cherished. You needed time, and that’s okay.” He kissed Jimin's temple tenderly.

Jimin felt his knees go weak. “Our friends are going to faint when they see us together,” Jimin laughed.

Jungkook bit back the urge to say that half of them already knew - and that his own friends were likely just as aware.

They had both been so oblivious. Jungkook just cooed and pecked him one too many times on the lips and cheeks, he would never get tired of kissing the omega, and to smell his breathtaking wild flower scent.

“Jimin, we’re really doing this? Us?” Jungkook asked, suddenly sounding shy. Jimin thought it was adorable to see the powerful alpha stripped of his might, and he felt a surge of pride knowing he was the reason for that vulnerability.

Jimin pushed him back, Jungkook's eyes growing wild, taking a step back.

Leaning against the bark of their tree in an alluring way, the omega slowly hiked up the hem of his skirt, his eyes turning sultry and daring.

“Yes,” he whispered. “But do you think you deserve it after letting another omega touch you and think they had a chance?”

Jungkook gulped, his eyes fixed on Jimin’s legs. “I’ll make it up to you, Jimin. It won’t happen again.”

“Mh. Then next time, what do you do?”

“Tell them I already have the most perfect omega.”

“Yes, good.” The fabric had ridden up so high that it now revealed the top of Jimin’s voluptuous thighs. The alpha felt a guttural sound welling up his chest when he saw the omega run his tongue over his lips. “Are you obsessed?”

“Fucking obsessed, Jimin.”

“You’re mine, right?” Jimin asked, his voice shaking.

“I’m only yours, Jimin. Always have been."

“Perfect. Because I’m only yours, too. Now,” Jimin whispered, “make me the happiest, most worthy wolf in the pack, hm?”

Jungkook groaned, amorcing to grab Jimin before he pushed him back.

“No. On your knees, remember? I’m an angel, right?”

“Right.”

Jungkook dropped to his knees without hesitation, his hands sliding up Jimin’s expensive, silken thighs.

Jimin gave a shy, triumphant smile, he had gotten exactly what he wanted. He leaned to rip at his cheeks with one hand and kissed the alpha, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of his own emotions.

“You’re going to make it up to me?”

Jungkook shook his head eagerly. He was completely done for, he would do anything Jimin asked. He crawled closer, wrapping his arms around Jimin’s waist to pull him flush against him, burrowing his face in the blue fabric and his tummy’s skin.

“I’m so I’m going to eat you out again,” Jungkook murmured.

“Love my ass that much?”

“Jimin, you are an angel sent to earth from our Goddess, I swear.”

“Can’t believe I fell for such a simp,” Jimin teased, though his breath hitched as Jungkook’s hands moved higher, his mouth kissing his exposed thighs.

“I’ll do anything for you. Didn’t you wish for a clingy alpha? Should I step back?” He asked, fluttering his eyelash innocently while dragging his tongue all over his skin in a wet trail.

The praise and the heat of Jungkook’s gaze made Jimin feel like he was losing his mind.

Pressed against the tree, Jungkook completely lowered Jimin’s silk undergarments, attending to him with a worshipful intensity that left the omega breathless.

When he felt his fingers and tongue, Jimin kept a hand clamped over his own mouth to stifle his cries, his eyes wide with shock and pleasure.

Being in the wild like this, with the fear of being caught mixed with the thrill of being caught in such an intimate act, unmistakably together as lovers, sent Jimin straight to the clouds.

As one leg ended up on the alpha's shoulder and the omega gripped at hairs and tree barks to anchor his orgasm, Jungkook kept whispering that he was beautiful, that he tasted and smelled so, so good.

When Jimin’s legs started to shake around him, Jungkook didn't need to think twice. He scooped Jimin up, the omega’s legs locking around his waist as they shared a final, feverish kiss in the shadows of the forest.

“Let’s go to your place,” Jimin breathed against his lips, eager for the privacy of a bed and the rest of the night to explore exactly what it meant to finally be together.

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They had been inseparable all evening and through the night, a clinginess Jimin blamed on the euphoria of new, youthful love and raw passion.

He wasn't exactly surprised when Jungkook insisted on helping him open the infirmary and they barely made it past the door before Jimin found himself pinned against the apothecary room entrance. Jungkook’s tongue shoved deep in his throat, and Jimin’s hips were moving instinctively against the alpha's groin.

Between messy kisses, they both giggled, Jimin breathlessly whispering that they actually had to work, even as he kept his arms locked around the young Advisor's neck, scenting him deeply

They were so lost in each other that they didn't hear the front bell chime, nor the sudden ruckus of Seokjin, Taehyung, and Yoongi’s voices.

"Seokjin, you're here!"

"Look at everyone hooking up this spring!"

"Oh my god!"

"We made the decision yesterday!"

"Jimin! Yoongi and Taehyung just announced they're gonna mate in the spring!" Seokjin’s voice boomed behind them, the handle moving.

Unable to withstand the weight of the two men leaning against it, the door suddenly gave way, making Jimin and Jungkook lost their balance, tumbling out in a heap of intertwined limbs, hands, and tongues right in front of their flabbergasted friends.

Time seemed to freeze.

Jimin and Jungkook, mid-kiss with their cheeks pressed together and lips still half touching, slowly turned their heads to look at the trio.

Jimin broke the silence first, laughing nervously as he scrambled to disentangle himself from Jungkook. The information finally clicked in his brain, and he shrieked,

"Goddess, I'm so happy!" He practically flew into Yoongi’s arms, grabbing his face. "Hey! You’re gonna mate!"

His desperate attempt to act like they hadn't just been caught did absolutely nothing. 

Taehyung wore a smug pout, barely containing his overwhelming joy at finally catching them in the act. Seokjin stood with his arms crossed and a knowing smirk, his expression screaming I told you so as he shook his head slowly.

And Yoongi? Yoongi was completely still, his mouth hanging half-open, looking at them like they had both grown second heads.

"Uhh..." Yoongi finally managed to let out.

"Hey, um...You, we– Congratulations!” Jungkook stuttered, his face turning a brilliant shade of crimson as he tried to stand up with some shred of dignity. “ We’re... we’re..." 

Jimin cooed at his alpha’s confusion, reaching out to take Jungkook’s hand. He laced their fingers together and raised them high for their friends to see. With a wide, beaming smile, he put an end to Jungkook’s agonizing stutters.

“We’re together,” the omega announced firmly.

Jimin had been expecting a sensational moment. Shocked faces, gasps of disbelief, perhaps a few dropped jaws, but the brief silence that followed his announcement was met only with snickers and groans.

The three of them let out long, synchronized sighs of relief, as if they were all thinking finally it was about time.

Jimin’s smile faltered. He dropped his hands to his hips, narrowing his eyes in confusion.

“What’s so funny? What is this reaction? I just told you Jungkook and I are together! We’re kissing, we're sleeping together-hello, me and Jungkook!”

This only caused his friends to redouble their laughter, looking at the pair with mocking affection.

“Yeah, and? Nothing new under the blue sky, Jimin,” Taehyung managed to say between fits of giggles. “You’ve been eye-fucking each other for weeks now.”

Yoongi, who was usually more reserved, couldn't help but chime in.

“Jimin, we obviously suspected something was up. You think we didn’t notice? You aren't exactly slick. Did you forget we’re wolves? You’d stink up the whole room with each other's scents sometimes when we hung out. I can’t believe it took getting caught at your workplace to finally clear things up... you two are unbelievable.”

“You knew...” Jimin trailed off, feeling incredibly dense. Now that he actually thought about the evidence, it was obvious they hadn't been discreet at all. Had they even tried to be?

Beside him, Jungkook shifted on his feet, looking guilty of keeping a secret. Jimin whipped around to face him.

“You knew they knew?!”

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, looking completely sheepish under his omega’s inquisitive stare.

“Well, it's not that I told them, but...”

“You know we talk to each other too,” Seokjin interrupted, taking Jimin’s free hand. “We just let you be. It was cute watching you dance around each other. It’s your mess, not ours. You’ve always been like that, it’s no use for us to intervene because you’re always in your own world together, whether it’s rivalry, ego, lust, or love.” Seokjin stepped forward and took Jimin’s hand. “We’re happy you finally figured it out.”

Jimin looked at them, seeing the pure sincerity reflected in his friends' eyes as they nodded. He couldn't stop the sudden wetness welling up in his own.

He was just happy.

He gave a quick sniffle and squeezed Jungkook’s hand. Jungkook, who always seemed to read his mind, squeezed back with a shared, tender smile.

“Okay, the real topic now,” Jungkook exclaimed, shifting the spotlight. “You’re actually going to mate?”

The conversation shifted instantly back to Yoongi and Taehyung.

Taehyung beamed under the attention, launching into a detailed explanation of how they reached the decision the night before.

He gushed about how incredibly romantic Yoongi had been and how they couldn't wait to celebrate their union with their families and everyone they loved.

They flowlessly went from one topic to another like the breeze following the natural twizzle of the air, like Jimin and Jungkook being together was just as evident and natural as the love Yoongi and Taehyung shared, that it didn't need to be questioned, that it was fate.

Taehyung and Jungkook finally headed off to start their work day, leaving the infirmary quiet once again. Yoongi was supposed to go home and rest before his next patrol, but he decided to stay behind.

The three friends settled into a comfortable rhythm, chatting while they restocked jars of medicine and prepped dried herbs.

Jimin sat near the fire, sorting through herbs for remedies, while Seokjin worked on a salve nearby. It was a rare, peaceful moment, punctuated only by Yoongi aimlessly fiddling with and sniffing every plant within his reach.

“I don’t know,” Jimin replied softly when asked why he hadn't confided in them about him and Jungkook sooner. His friends weren't upset, just genuinely curious. “Even I was in denial for a long time. It was my parents who finally made me see things clearly when I described what was happening with him. I was just... holding back. I convinced myself it couldn't be, blinded by the fear of our past and these new, intense emotions coming from someone I supposedly hated for so long.”

Jimin looked down at his hands, his voice dropping an octave.

“Maybe I was also scared of what you’d say about me. That I fell for someone who hurt me. I was scared you would oppose it and try to reason me out of following my heart. I didn't want to feel that conflict.”

His friends stopped what they were doing, looking at Jimin with eyes full of compassion. 

Yoongi stepped closer. “Jimin, we would never have imposed our vision on you. I mean, maybe a year ago we would have been worried, but a year ago, you never would have been with Jungkook anyway.”

“Yoongi is right,” Seokjin added gently. “We’re here to support you and comfort you in your choices. Why would we judge you?”

“Well, you guys have been protective of me,” Jimin reminded them with a weak smile.

“Well, if you haven't noticed these past months, Jungkook has proven to be a better friend to you than us in some aspects,” Seokjin admitted.

“We told you we’ve seen how he changed, too,” Yoongi added, pulling Jimin into a warm hug. “We would have listened to you because we know now that Jungkook is a good man. You know that, right? We love you.”

Seokjin quickly joined the embrace, making it a group hug.

“You really like him?” Seokjin asked playfully, pulling back just enough to see Jimin’s face.

Jimin shook his head, his cheeks turning a brilliant shade of red as he tried to hide his embarrassment by burying his face further into Yoongi’s shoulder.

“Then that’s all that matters,” Seokjin said warmly. “I’m so happy you found the love you so desperately craved. You deserve it the most, Jimin.”

“I never thought I’d say this,” Yoongi mused, “but looking back now, it actually makes sense that you found your path with Jungkook.”

“But what are you doing about the forbidden courting on his side?”

“Oh that,” Jimin said, waving his hands dismissively.

He really didn’t get why everyone was worried about that. Jimin wanted Jungkook to court him, so he’d get what he wanted. Homin was such a small obstacle to their story.

“I’ll make sure Jungkook’s begging to our Head Alpha to lift his punishment as soon as tonight.” he merely said with a small smile that held all the confidence in the world.

“I see our little Jimin as everything under controle.” Seokjin remarked.

Jimin did feel very confident about it all.

But the sentiment didn't last long before his friends started teasing him again.

They spent the next hour laughing about Jimin and Jungkook’s cat and dog history, making jokes about their stormy past and how they used to snap at each other constantly and how they managed to keep on entertaining them and their other friends recently with their new dynamic.

“So, after two years you finally had sex again, huh?” Seokjin asked casually a bit later, once they had returned to their tasks.

Jimin slammed a jar onto the counter a little too hard.

“Goddess, stop!”

“You definitely had sex that night in the hot spring,” Seokjin continued unbothered, turning to Yoongi for backup. “He dared to tell me he didn't, even though he was reeking of slick and smoke.”

Yoongi chuckled, raising his eyebrows in faux-complaint.

“I'm never going to that hot spring ever again...”

“Oh, but I think they did worse,” Seokjin added, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “The other day, Nayoon and I found some sheets that–”

Yoongi laughed at the exact same moment Jimin lunged forward to clap his hands over Seokjin’s mouth to silence him, looking absolutely scandalized,

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

The evening sun cast long shadows across the Council hallway as Jungkook and Jimin stood before Homin’s heavy wooden doors.

Taking a deep breath, they entered. True to his promise, Jungkook didn't hesitate and kneeled before their Head Alpha.

The alpha spoke with a humility that surprised even Jimin, actually begging for the removal of the restrictions placed upon him. Jungkoook spoke of his growth, his regrets, and his unwavering devotion and feelings about Jimin.

Jimin once again found himself at a loss of words, taken aback by how Jungkook was such a pure soul, doing things with all his might and heart. It didn’t take Jimin any more than Jungkook confessing his desire to court the omega his wolf and him recognize as their mate, for him to step forward to anchor the request, his voice clear and steady.

“As the omega who was at the heart of this punishment,” Jimin began, tilting his head with that spark of newfound authority, “I believe I have the right to ask for its withdrawal.”

Homin watched them for a long silent moment, a surprising glimmer of softness in his eyes.

Finally, he let out a slow breath.

“Jungkook, you have indeed proven yourself,” Homin stated. “I do not doubt your feelings and good attention. More importantly, if Jimin has found the strength to forge a future of forgiveness and beauty with you, I cannot be the one to stand in the way of that light.”

He granted them permission to court, but with one firm condition, they were to wait at least a year before mating.

Neither of them minded, Jungkook wanted to cherish Jimin properly, and they both knew that a bond this deep didn't need to be rushed to be real.

The moment the office door clicked shut behind them, they collided. Jungkook hoisted Jimin into his arms, crushing their lips together in a breathless kiss.

“Told you I always get what I want, Jungkook,” Jimin whispered against the alpha's mouth, his eyes dancing with triumph.

But history has a way of repeating itself. A pointed throat-clearing echoed through the corridor.

They pulled apart, breathless, to find Sae and Jungul standing just a few feet away in the corridor.

The two lovers could only offer shy, stuttering laughs and giving half explanation under the intimidating - yet secretly amused - gaze of their fathers.

News traveled like wildfire and by the time they reached Jungkook’s home square, their mothers had already knocked on his door, inviting them to a dinner for the six of them. 

Though they briefly considered declining, Jimin shrugged with a smug grin.

"Let’s just rip the bandage off. My parents already knew, anyway."

Inside Jungkook’s room, as they prepared for the evening, Jungkook teased him, “Oh really? You were so obsessed about me you already told your mom and dad?”

“Don’t get cocky, Jungkook,” Jimin countered, checking his reflection. “You’re the one who’s going to be interrogated tonight. I’m not the one with the bad record.”

Jungkook sighed, poking his tongue out, his heart thumping with a mix of anxiety and excitement. He stepped behind Jimin, circling his waist and nipping playfully at his neck.

“Aren’t you happy,huh?”

“Behave, Alpha…” Jimin murmured, though he leaned back into the touch.

The dinner went better than they could have dreamed. Their mothers laughed through the entire meal, reminiscing about how the two of them had spent their childhood as bitter rivals. 

“Look at them now,” they joked, clinking glasses.

“Deep down I always knew it would happen.”

The two sons just looked at them, amused. Letting them finally decompress years of pent up worry and tiring avoidance because of their pup’s antics.

As they expected, at one point their parents turned more serious, asking legitimate questions about their feelings, Jungkook’s redemption, if they really thought this through. Jungkook answered every lingering doubt, worries Jimin’s parents might not outrightly show, but knew they had in their protective instinct.

Under the table, hidden by the heavy cloth, Jungkook and Jimin’s hands remained tightly intertwined all evening. Every time a heart-swelling word had been spoken or a nervous thought had crossed their minds, they had squeezed their fingers, a silent language of support and love that promised a future far brighter than their past.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

It was only once they were halfway up the mountain hills - though not covered by snow for much longer - that Jimin noticed what Jungkook was carrying in his other hand. As they walked, he leaned forward to get a better look and pointed.

“Are those sleds?”

Jungkook finally let out a laugh.

“You're just now realizing?” He lifted his hand, jiggling the two boards. “Since there’s still a bit of snow left, and I remember how much it put you in a good mood last time despite your grumpy attitude... I thought...” He suddenly became a bit shy, as if the whole idea had turned foolish now that he was actually saying it out loud. “I thought it would be fun and make you happy to go sledding one last time before next year.”

Jungkook stopped abruptly, second-guessing everything and feeling incredibly stupid. Inviting Jimin, the omega he wanted to court and eventually mate, to go sledding?

Were they sixteen? Goddess, Jungkook felt so dumb he had never formally courted an omega before and felt overwhelmed, like a young pup despite being twenty-four.

What an embarrassment.

“Sorry, this is lame. It’s really lame, I don’t know what came over me, Jimin. We can go back if you want and do something else.”

Jimin, who hadn't had a chance to get a word in or express his joy, was a bit appalled. He laughed and took Jungkook’s face in his hands.

“Jungkook, it’s not lame! I love snow, I want to go sledding with you,” he said in his most convincing tone, squeezing the alpha's cheeks before giving him a quick peck on the lips. He tilted his head, looking at him with endearment. “You’re so cute when you're shy and uncertain. Of course it’ll make me happy to kick your ass at races!”

Jimin tugged on his hand again, and they resumed their walk toward the snowy slopes.

Jungkook’s confidence slowly returned, fueled by Jimin’s enthusiastic tugs on his hand. By the time they reached a perfect, steep incline that overlooked the valley, the alpha was grinning again, with this boyish excitement Jimin had learnt to love so much.

“Alright, ènjaa,” Jungkook challenged, dropping the two wooden sleds onto the snow with a muffled thump. “You said you wanted to kick my ass? Prove it. Last one to the cluster of pine trees at the bottom owes the other piggy back ride.”

Jimin’s eyes widened, a competitive spark igniting in his chest.

“Oh, it is on. Prepare to lose, Advisor Jeon.”

They positioned their sleds side by side. On the count of three, they pushed off, the cold wind immediately whipping through their hair and stinging their cheeks.

Jimin shrieked with laughter as he gained speed, his sled carving a jagged path through the powder and Jungkook was right beside him, shouting enthusiastically and occasionally playfully pushing the omega to make him lose speed.

At the very end, Jungkook’s sled hit a hidden bump, sending him tumbling into a soft drift, Jimin distracted by his laughter, lost control and veered right into him.

They ended up in a tangled mess of limbs, sleds, and freezing snow.

Jimin lay on top of Jungkook, both of them breathless and panting, their chests heaving in unison. Jungkook’s hair was matted with white crystals, and his nose was pink from the cold, but his eyes had never looked more certain. He reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jimin’s forehead.

“You’re so beautiful,” Jungkook whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I want to see you laugh all the time.”

Jimin softened, his competitive fire melting into a warm, gooey center. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against Jungkook’s.

“See? You already know what to do to court me, because you know me, Jungkook. And you just need to be you. This? This is perfect.”

For the next few days, Jungkook went out of his way to take Jimin out every single time they were free, much to Jimin’s absolute delight - and to the relentless teasing of Jin.

Jin never missed a chance to poke fun at them whenever Jungkook came knocking at their door to swoop Jimin away for yet another shared activity, no matter how simple or grand it was.

One afternoon, Jungkook led him on a mission to sneak into the Hall’s kitchens to gorge themselves on venison pies after Jimin mentioned he had been craving them the day before.

They ended up running away hand-in-hand, fits of laughter bursting from them as pie crumbs fell from their stuffed mouths when Hoseok suddenly walked in on them.

They didn't stop running until they reached Jungkook’s office, where they made out for the remainder of their break before having to return to work.

In truth, it didn't even feel like formal courting to Jimin.

These weren't just moments spent for the sake of passing time, every second together was about eliciting that spark of life within them.

And maybe that was what was courting was all about  maybe his preconception of dates - being where you just sit and ask questions about the other or the alpha showing off more for reputation than to prove himself to the omega - had always been false and the reason why he always was bored or never reciprocated feelings in his past experience.

Maybe also just because there weren’t the right wolf.

For Jimin, Jungkook didn't have to prove himself anymore and they didn’t really have to learn each other, they had known each other since they were pup, they already had learnt what the other liked and despised to get at the other when growing up, and now it was all the more useful to impress or tease the other.

Jimin simply wanted to love, to laugh, to make up for lost time, and to live through his emotions that were magnified a thousand times over when with the alpha.

Jungkook had always managed to make Jimin feel things intensely, but now that it no longer came from a place of hate or annoyance, but rather joy and love, it felt like a thrilling rush of a drug Jimin couldn't live without.

Their days were a blur of variety, from escapades into the forest in their wolf forms to hunt and race one another, to Jungkook accompanying him to gather herbs, asking a thousand questions while Jimin mocked his lack of knowledge.

There were the frantic make-out sessions against the walls of the Hall when they barely had time to see each other, though Jungkook always made sure to leave a small gift at Jimin’s doorstep before he left for work.

On the evenings when they were both free but exhausted from their workday, they stayed at Jungkook’s place, simply cuddling in bed and sharing family anecdotes or Jimin teaching him a few Irfancäs.

That evening, Jungkook had invited him over for dinner.

Jimin sat by the fireplace on the sofa, watching Jungkook busying himself in the kitchen.

The alpha was talking to him, but it was nothing more than a dull hum to Jimin, who was slumped over with his chin on his knees, his lip caught between his teeth.

His eyes traced Jungkook's narrow waist, accentuated by the small apron tied around his hips. His rolled-up sleeves did nothing to help Jimin’s wandering gaze, which was fixed on the muscles of those tattooed arms flexing with every culinary movement. Jimin had offered to help, but the alpha had forbidden him from doing a single thing, insisting that he wanted to entirely cook just for him and that Jimin was to be wined and dined.

“Please, rest and stay comfortable on the sofa, love.” He had said.

But since when did Jimin ever listen to what he was told?

Jimin stood up, his feet nearly silent as he crossed the room.

The delicious aroma of spices and roasting meat filled his senses, a scent so inviting it made his stomach growl.

Moving with the stealth his hunter instincts had granted him, he slipped behind Jungkook and wrapped his arms around the alpha's waist. He pressed his cheek against the broad expanse of Jungkook’s back, purring softly and letting his happy pheromones flood the kitchen.

Jungkook froze for a split second, his muscles tensing in surprise, before he melted into the touch.

He chuckled, resuming his stirring while resting his free hand over Jimin’s on his stomach.

“I’ve got myself a clingy omega,” he teased.

Jimin hummed, squeezing him tighter before propping his chin on Jungkook’s shoulder to watch the progress of the meal.

The sight and smell were divine, looking more like a feast for a pack event than a simple dinner for two. Saliva pooled in his mouth.

“You never told me you could cook,” Jimin whispered.

Jungkook turned his head, their faces inches apart in their position, and arched an eyebrow.

“But you already knew? I always help Hoseok or Yoongi when we’re at their places.”

“No, but like, you can cook, cook,” Jimin admitted, unable to hide the spark of admiration in his eyes.

It was incredibly, very, overly sexy to have been blessed to watch the alpha cook but it also happened that it was not just for show, but that he was good at it. That was how he knew he was truly gone for Jungkook, getting turned on simply because his alpha had a hidden talent he never bothered to boast about.

“Wait until you taste it first. You can’t always trust the visuals,” Jungkook joked, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly register.

He lifted a wooden spoon over his shoulder, holding it out for Jimin.

Jimin tasted the red sauce eagerly. After a moment of savoring the flavors, he groaned, lightly thumping his forehead against Jungkook’s back.

“Av toä fùtr, Jungkook. I’m only going to say this once, but if there’s one thing you might actually be better at than me, it’s probably cooking.”

Jungkook cracked up, holding back the urge to tease him further.

Instead, he just leaned in and pecked Jimin’s pouty lips, leaving a tiny smudge of sauce onhis own lips in the process.

He gave up on trying to send Jimin back to the sofa, even if it wasn't the most practical thing to cook with a shell glued to his back, the sheer domesticity of it made his heart swell.

Jimin followed his every move, creating a comical scene as they shuffled backward and forward through the kitchen.

When the food was finally ready, they sat down at the small table. Jungkook insisted on lighting a few candles and even pulled out Jimin's chair with a flourish, making Jimin laugh at how serious the alpha was being about his duties.

The dinner felt like a rhythm they had practiced for a lifetime. They sat close, their knees occasionally bumping under the table, sharing bites from each other's plates as they talked about everything and nothing.

Jungkook recounted a funny mishap from his patrol, while Jimin told him about a particularly stubborn patient at the infirmary.

Between mouthfuls of the savory meat, Jungkook would reach over to wipe a stray drop of sauce from Jimin’s chin, his thumb lingering a second too long just to feel the softness of his skin, and try to ease compliments out of JImin’s mouth about his dish and Jimin would tautly say white lies just to spike him up - or really just so Jungkook could press his hands further on his thighs under the table as he softly groaned at him.

Jimin couldn't help but think about how all of it felt natural, the kind usually reserved for mates who had spent decades by each other's side. 

Jimin could hardly believe the new life and routines taking shape before him.

In just one year, his life had been turned upside down, he had gone through the worst, hit rock bottom, and yet today, he had never felt happier. Hands of gold and warmth had appeared to pull him out of his hole and hoist him up to what he currently considered the best and most peaceful moments of his life. It had been so easy, too easy, to weave Jungkook, Taehyung, Hoseok, and Namjoon into the fabric of his existence.

Sometimes, four new people were all it took for a life to feel more fulfilled than one could have ever imagined.

Staying true to his earlier gentlemanly fervor, Jungkook insisted on clearing the table and doing the dishes all by himself.

Jimin watched him for a moment, a dreamy smile playing on his lips, before shaking his head to stop himself from practically drooling over how sexy his alpha looked just by doing the chores.

Turning his gaze away, Jimin wandered around the living room with his hands tucked behind his back, taking in every small detail that made this house Jungkook’s home.

Each time he visited, he was surprised by how sparse the decor was for such a large house - the strict minimum for comfort, with only a few small frames here and there, mostly gifts from his parents.

Without even meaning to, the omega found himself making plans on how he could better decorate certain corners or which colors would suit the sofa or cushions, and which blankets of which fur to add to the bed.

Driven by curiosity, he opened the chest beside the sofa. It was overflowing with children's toys, likely kept there for when Haneul came over to play, Jimin thought with a surge of tenderness.

Then, his eyes landed on a wooden box decorated with black and white painted ornaments.

Jungkook set his dish towels aside and turned at the sound of Jimin’s voice, his eyes landing on the familiar wooden board.

“Oh, the sling-puck game,” He murmured, his voice warm. “I haven't pulled that out in months. Haneul loved it but she prefers other games now, but my brother and I used to play it all the time! It was one of our favorites too.”

Jimin settled himself sideways on the sofa, tucked against the armrest rather than the back, and placed the game on the cushions in front of him.

He gestured for Jungkook to come closer, his face already transformed by that competitive glint that made his eyes narrow with mischief and his lips curled into a sparky, confident smile.

Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek, recognizing that specific look from across a thousand memories.

“Okay. I get it. Obviously,” he deadpanned, sitting on the sofa directly across from Jimin.

“Obviously,” mimicked Jimin, “we have to find out who’s the best, since we never got to do this as pups. We have to establish the winner tonight,” Jimin added, completing Jungkook’s thoughts.

Jungkook smirked, he began dividing the black and white pucks, five for each side.

“If I win, you have to give me a massage tonight.”

Jimin’s cheeks flushed, but he didn't back down. “And if I win, you have to let me braid your hair with those tiny silver bells I found in the apothecary. You’ll be jingle-jangling with every move you make during training."

Jungkook barked out a laugh, reaching forward to adjust the tension on his elastic band.

“Deal. On three?”

“One... two... three!”

The room was suddenly filled with the rapid-fire clack-clack-clack of wooden pucks hitting the frame. They were both fast, their fingers blurring as they pulled back the elastics and sent the pucks flying through the narrow slot.

They dove into the game, both of them going all-out as usual. They never took anything lightly when it came to competing against one another, but the atmosphere remained playful and lighthearted.

Several times, the wooden pucks went flying across the room and landed on the floor, launched by their over-eager movements or, conversely, getting stuck when one of them was too excited to pull the elastic back properly screaming as they crawled to take it back before the other would win during their short absence.

Before long, Jimin was down to his last two pucks while Jungkook’s side was still cluttered.

“Take that!” Jimin shouted, successfully sliding his second-to-last black puck through the small gap. He was now only one shot away from victory.

“You know damn well it’s harder when there’s only a few left,” Jungkook said, a smirk playing on his lips.

With nine pucks still on his side, he began firing them back with rapid-fire speed, purposefully aiming to block Jimin’s attempts and flood his camp.

Jimin screamed and laughed in pure frustration as his side of the board filled up again.

“Nooo!” he yelled, shifting from his seated position to rise up on his knees.

He was so close to the finish line, and he wasn't about to let his alpha win that easily. He needed to see Jungkook in a cute hairstyle again, it was vital indeed.

Eventually, Jimin managed to sling his final black puck through the gap just a split second before Jungkook’s white one could pass through.

“Victory!” The omega threw his hands up in the air.

Jungkook slumped back against the sofa, pouting but breathless from laughter.

“My elastic was obviously looser than yours.”

“Sure. Just admit it, you will never win against me.”

“Oh, you clearly are the winner, love. But…”

“What? Is your alpha pride wounded?” Jimin teased, poking and tickling at Jungkook’s feet, which the alpha had untucked from his seated position to encircle the game and Jimin’s thighs. “Scared to be such a bad, non-providing alpha? Scared Mingi might have been better, able to beat me?”

Jimin knew it was a low blow, but he loved to rile up his alpha just enough to see those big eyes darken and narrow, his scent spiking so Jimin could egoistically drink it in.

Jungkook suddenly lunged at him on the sofa, sending the game clattering to the floor.

He pinned Jimin down, covering him entirely, cuddling and nuzzling the omega while letting out a light, possessive growl. He then looked up at Jimin with wide, intense eyes.

“Oh, too soon to laugh about it?” Jimin asked, half-giggling.

“It’s not funny.”

“It’s very funny to me.” The omega snuggled deeper into the skin that emanated the most his smoke scent.

“First of all, Mingi would get his ass beaten by you at everything. You’re clearly superior,” Jungkook muttered.

“Secondly, I’m not worried about my ability to provide. My omega can be better than me in every way, and I wouldn't be offended. It’s just... it’s not about the game. It’s just my mind overthinking sometimes, making me feel like I’m not the best for you.”

“We know each other since we’re pups and have been at each other 's faces one way or another, we know our best and worst sides, I know what I want, I know you're my best.” Jimin tapped his fingers on his lips. “I mean, I never been bad so you only knows my best.”

Jungkook nibbled at the omega’s neck. “No, I know your darker side as well, and I cherish that part too, love.”

Jimin giggled, spreading his legs wider, he made exaggerated faces of fake concern while sliding his hands up Jungkook’s legs until they hovered over his lower back.

“You were scared that I’ll be swept up and leave you for another alpha, hm?”

Jungkook caught his wrists. “Don’t joke about other alphas. You wouldn’t like me to talk about other omegas, huh? Want me to say I’d prefer to play against Soomi-”

Jimin shut him up with a growl of his own, shoving Jungkook over to reverse their positions. He pinned Jungkook on his back, straddling him with a triumphant look.

“Oh, but which other alphas? I had none, thanks to a very specific someone,” Jimin teased.

It was a half-truth, they both knew Jimin had past lovers and casual encounters, but they knew what it was about.

“Not the same!” Jungkook protested.

Jimin raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“Jimin, do you know how many–” Jungkook broke off with a desperate gaze, sighing as he closed his eyes.

He ran his tongue over his teeth before cupping Jimin’s face with one hand, while his other hand settled firmly on the omega's lower back.

“Jimin, have you looked at yourself? Do you know how many alphas I had to chase away back then? And I know I was wrong, I still shouldn't have! But you’re magnificent, smart, a dream on legs. There were more alphas queuing up for you that I had to scare away than you think. So sometimes, I do feel insecure. There are so many better men out there, who never hurt you.”

Jimin’s brows furrowed, his expression softening with emotion.

“Jungkook...”

“No, Jimin, I want us to be honest. I know my past behavior was unacceptable. Even if you forgave me, it doesn't erase everything. If you ever feel insecure or want us to talk, please tell me. I was a huge, conceited man, making fun of you every chance I got. That isn't something you should ever feel embarrassed about–that was on me. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

Jimin cocked his head with a soft smile.

“Jungkook, I promise you that I don’t feel insecure. And if I have to reiterate it to you: even if it doesn't erase your past, I have forgiven you. Don’t think for a second that I could regret this or want to turn to another alpha. Even if you do suck at this game...” he couldn't help but add, lightly tickling Jungkook's flanks.

The alpha squirmed with a low groan, a pout forming on his lips.

“See? You always have to make sarcasm out of it. How are we supposed to have a conversation?” The alpha let out a slow breath, he glanced away, pushing his tongue onto his cheek before looking back.

“Jimin, you believe me, right? I need you to tell me, I need reassurance about– It’s– because if you don’t tell me, I'm scared I'll overthink. I want to make sure you've completely moved on from our past and aren't holding back some unaware resentment...”

The tremor in Jungkook's voice and the sheer vulnerability pouring from him instantly made Jimin turn serious.

He understood that Jungkook was bearing a real, crushing weight that was burdening his soul.

Moving out of his straddling position, Jimin lay completely flat on top of Jungkook. In turn, he cupped Jungkook’s remarkably soft face in his hands, summoning the purest, most sincere truth from the depth of his gut.

He prayed that the absolute trust and emotion swelling inside him would find a way to translate into words, however small they might seem compared to the vast intensity of what Jimin felt in his heart.

“Jungkook, love,” the sweet name slipped as effortlessly from his heart as it did from his lips. “Whatever people might think, that I’m stupid or naive, that you don’t deserve me or that this is toxic. They’re wrong. They don’t know you, they don't know us. You saw my family and our friends, how they’re happy for us, because they know what was our path, our values, they know us. Not everything must be perfect, Jungkook. I never asked to have a perfect love story–just one that is true and deeply real. And I know you. I know who you are, you are the one I want to be with.” He pressed his face affectionately against Jungkook’s, both of them closing their eyes as they released waves of calming pheromones into the air.

“Some people would have never looked past it, I know, but I’m not like that. I value your evolution. It’s something that means a great deal to me. Since the time we were pups, we’ve both grown and changed regarding so many things, so many major issues. And thank goodness! Thank goodness I gave you a chance, because that is exactly what makes you admire and love a person. It's what feeds desire. When I think back to years ago, to how we acted, how you acted, and how now you’re right here in my arms and I've never felt so happy... then I’m just glad.

"Glad I had hope for you, glad I gave you the time and the desire to find yourself as a person. I’m glad because now I can look at you and see the spark in your eyes, and I see how you are more at peace than ever. My own soul is more at peace than ever, too. Life isn't a long, quiet river. Our past is twisted and winding, but that is exactly what makes our present so beautiful. Jungkook, love, I moved on. I have no resentment left in me toward you. Do you believe me?”

Jimin gently took Jungkook’s hand and placed it flat against his chest, right over his heart.

There, beneath the alpha's palm, his heartbeats were calmer than a midnight ocean, transmitting every ounce of serenity and pure bliss that having Jungkook by his side brought to the omega's soul.

“Can’t you feel it?”

Jungkook placed his second hand firmly over theirs, right above Jimin’s heart, thinking about how the omega had carved a space in his soul in the exact shape of Jimin, soothing his own heart forever as well.

The alpha pulled just enough to tug at their hands, drawing Jimin closer so he could capture his lips in a deep kiss, a kiss that stole their breath and made their bodies erupt in a fire as soft and warm as a hearth's glow.

Jungkook let his tongue flicker against Jimin's bottom lip, watching from beneath his eyelashes as the omega's mouth went slack and his eyes fluttered shut.

Then, the words murmured into the silence of their shared breath created a literal earthquake within Jimin’s body.

“I love you, Jimin. I love you so much it hurts my chest.”

Jimin choked up with emotion, rendered completely speechless as his eyes snapped open.

He blew out a shaky breath. Love felt like such a small word to fit around the great, yawning thrum of feeling within him.

Trying to convey what he felt into that single, small word - to describe what he had never been able to say - felt like trying to capture an ocean in his hands. He desperately wanted to say it back, but that vast ocean only made him choke on his words.

But Jungkook didn't seem disheartened by Jimin’s silent storm, as if he didn't need to hear the words to understand, he recognized the truth through his palm, still resting on a heart beating to the rhythm of that very love.

The alpha continued to kiss him with a devotion Jimin had never experienced before.

Jimin shivered from the unspoken weight of Jungkook’s every gesture and moves.

The alpha tilted his head closer, his face pressing against the soft expanse of Jimin's neck before following the familiar path down to the juncture of his throat and shoulder. He traced the line with his lips, kissing every inch of skin softly until the omega's flowery scent was entirely blanketed by his own. There, he bit down hard – not sharp enough to break the skin, but firm enough for Jimin to feel the weight of it.

It was hard enough to send a shock through his system, jolting his omega wide awake.

The electric pulse of sensation was like a bolt of lightning through the bond, a reverberation of pleasure that made Jimin arch back instinctively into his alpha's bite. Jungkook released his skin, his eyes blown wide and his pupils as dark as the night sky at Jimin's reaction.

He kissed the omega's lips softly once more.

“Let me make love to you, Jimin,” he murmured, his hands roaming along Jimin’s trembling legs as they rested on top of his own. “Please, ènjaa. I need to make you feel good...need to give all my love to you.”

“Jungkook,” Jimin whispered, sliding his hands into the alpha's hair to cling to something - anything.

He felt as though he were drifting into an abyss of sensory overload, his heart on the verge of combusting from the sheer weight of Jungkook hands, gaze and love. It was a divine excess, a feeling so beautiful and good that one could get lost in it forever.

Only the sensation of Jungkook’s fingers tracing patterns along his legs and arms, moving through him in vast undulating waves, kept him tethered to consciousness.

“Yes. Please, please, please.”

“Jimin,” Jungkook breathed.

He gripped Jimin by the thighs, effortlessly reversing their positions. His fingers began tracing idle circles under the hem of Jimin's shirt, grazing his belly, while he sucked softly at the scent gland on Jimin's neck. He savored the taste of the omega’s building lust - the shifting scent and the broken sounds escaping his mouth.

Before long, the wetness of Jungkook's mouth against such a sensitive zone had Jimin whining and dripping with need, arching his hips to create friction between their hard on through the barrier of their clothes.

His delicate wildflower scent bloomed thicker, now laced with heavy notes of vanilla plant.

By the time Jungkook began sucking harder, nipping at the already-marked skin once more while his hands moved to knead and massage his nipple, the pooling warmth in Jimin's core had become a total inferno.

“Off... I need to feel your skin, please, Jungkook.”

Jimin’s trembling hands tugged desperately at Jungkook’s shirt and pants at the same time disorderly and failing to achieve his goal in either direction.

Jungkook chuckled tenderly, pulling away from his neck just enough to rise.

He pressed a soft kiss to Jimin’s forehead before moving to strip away his clothes just as his omega so ardently desired.

Once he stood naked, his clothes discarded on the floor, he did the same for Jimin. He pulled the sweater slowly over Jimin’s head, planting kisses on every inch of skin revealed as the fabric rose. He unfastened Jimin’s belt and slid his trousers down the length of his milky thick thighs, never once taking his eyes off him.

He murmured compliments, telling him exactly how beautiful he was, wanting the omega to know just how much his alpha loved him, how attractive he found him, and how violently his own body reacted to Jimin’s presence.

The intensity of that gaze made Jimin shy away, almost bringing his hands to his face to hide his flushed cheeks from the sheer weight of desire shining in Jungkook’s eyes.

The alpha parted Jimin's legs, sliding sensually between them. He lay partially over him, supporting his weight on one elbow while his hand tangled deep into Jimin’s hair.

His other hand traced a path up Jimin’s left leg to his inner thigh, where sweet slick was already pouring from the omega's entrance.

Tugging gently on Jimin’s hair, he turned the omega's face toward his, kissing him deeply while his other hand tentatively circled his rim before sliding a first finger into the wet heat.

Biting his lip, Jungkook pulled back slightly to watch Jimin's expression as he penetrated him with a second finger. He began thrusting and dragging them in and out, curling them against all the right spots. Jimin moaned loudly, his hands flying to Jungkook’s hair to pull him closer.

"Jungkook." Jimin breathed between broken sounds of pleasure. "J-Jungkook, love."

Jungkook began to rut his hips against Jimin’s in response to the unbearable desire, matching the pace of his fingers. He added a third finger, nearly losing his mind at how much slick was coating his hand and slipping between Jimin’s cheeks.

If Jungkook hadn't been so obsessed with keeping his eyes on Jimin and his lips pressed to his neck and throat, he would have long ago moved down to collect that nectar with his mouth, eating him out like a madman and tasting the slick like it was dessert.

Instead, he kept petting Jimin’s sweaty hair out of his face, muffling the omega's cries with his own lips as he worked his fingers inside him.

“Feels good, love?” Jungkook murmured. Jimin hummed, his nails digging into the skin of Jungkook’s shoulders. “You’re so pretty, taking my fingers so well... all perfectly wet for me, angel.”

Jimin arched his back, wrapping both arms around Jungkook’s neck to pull him down completely. Jungkook adjusted, moving from his side to hover directly over him, supporting himself on his forearms.

As he pushed himself up, their hard, wet lengths slid together, the friction and pressure sending waves of delirium through the overstimulated omega.

“Jungkook, I need you.”

“Need you where?” Taunted the alpha, nibbling at his earlobe.

“Need you inside me, Jungkook.”

"Can you say please for me?" he asked against Jimin's lips, feeling almost sheepish at the request– he never imagined making Jimin beg for him. “Want me to make love to you?”

When a tiny, whispered "Yes. Please," fell from Jimin's mouth, the sound pulsed through Jungkook's body, forcing his eyes shut as he groaned. His hips rutted harder against Jimin's instinctively.

But as always, if Jungkook thought he was the one in charge, the one to have to take care of them, he was proven wrong when Jimin grabbed Jungkook’s hand in his hair shamelessly as he guided it between them, over his tummy.

“Wanna feel your cock here.”

“Fuck–”

Jungkook rested his forehead against Jimin's collarbone, forcing himself to take in the sight of the omega's rosy cheeks and pearly, sweat-slicked skin before continuing.

He withdrew his fingers swiftly from his hole, using the slick and their mixed pre-cum to coat himself before nudging the head of his cock against Jimin's rim. He applied just a bit of pressure, watching as Jimin's pupils dilated at the sensation.

“I love you so much,” he breathed against his lips.

His eyelids fluttered as he slowly began to press inside.

Jimin’s gaze dropped down between them, fixed on Jungkook’s narrow waist between his legs.

A tingling sensation erupted in his groin like bubbles in his veins. Jungkook was so handsome, so perfect - it drove the omega wild to have this man all to himself. To be the only one allowed to touch those toned muscles and feel that skin flush against his own. As the alpha pushed his hips completely in, they became one, and Jimin felt his entire core twist with a taunt, exquisite ache with every move.

“That’s it, angel,” Jungkook groaned directly into the shell of his ear. “You feel so fucking good around me. Made only for me.”

Taking advantage of the omega’s natural flexibility, the alpha hooked his arms under Jimin’s thighs, pulling them up over his shoulders.

He planted his palms on either side of Jimin's head to draw their bodies even tighter together. His hips began to undulate with deeper, more deliberate thrusts, moving in a slow and powerful rhythm that made Jimin moan out loud. The omega was already panting heavily, his eyes rolling to the back of his head from the intensity of it.

He was the most beautiful thing Jungkook had ever laid eyes on.

“Look at you. Fuck–ènjaa, I’ll never get enough of you,” he whispered, stroking his thumb over the flushed pink of the omega’s cheek where a tear of please had fallen. Jimin whimpered at the touch. “Prettiest angel I've ever seen. You smell so so good, love.”

“I’ll never get–ha–never get enough of you either, Jungkook,” he gasped out, burrowing his head to scent and bite at the alpha’s neck. He pressed his hands firmly against the alpha’s back, pulling him down. “I want more, please, please Jungkook. Need you closer.”

After that, not a single atom of their skin remained separate, their bodies could not have been any closer than they were in that moment. If the concept of a mate had not already existed in their world, they would have found its true meaning in that exact instant.

The sounds Jimin was making went directly to fuel the fire in Jungkook's groin. Their mouths are having a dance of their own.

Without breaking their kiss, their body moved on their own accord, hips rocking to chase pleasure. Jungkook’s hips snapped quicker, heat pulsing through his veins where Jimin was sucking him in, making his stomach tense.

“Jimin.” 

Jungkook felt his desire building to a breaking point, his movements becoming frantic and uncoordinated as he teetered on the edge of the precipice.

Beneath him, Jimin arched his back, his heat clenching tightly around the alpha - a clear sign that he was dangerously close to his own release.

“You close, love?” Jungkook rasped, sweat beading at his temples and stinging his eyes. “Do you like the way I make love to you?”

“L-Love it. Love” you, Jimin tried to whisper, but the words were stolen by a sharp gasp of pleasure as Jungkook caught his sweet spot with a particularly deep, grounding thrust. “Holy Goddess, Jungkook.” he hissed, white hot pleasure shooting through his nervous system until his vision sparked.

“I love your pretty smile and the way you laugh,” Jungkook murmured out of nowhere, peppering Jimin’s face with kisses between every word, his voice thick with a raw, unfiltered devotion. “I love your frown when you’re mad. I loved it when you got all competitive earlier. I love that you’re the best soul I know, the way you truly see people. I love you Jimin.”

The alpha’s hand wrapped around his cock between their belly.

Pumping up and down, pre-cum making the slide easy, Jungkook teased the head watching the omega trash beneath him, relishing in the moans he made.

Jimin’s eyes grew glossy, his hands balled tightly into Jungkook’s long hair.

His bottom lip trembled, and a stray tear escaped, tracing a path down his flushed cheek into his hair. the omega’s eyes grew glossy, his hands balled tightly into Jungkook’s long hair. His bottom lip trembled, and a stray tear escaped, tracing a path down his flushed cheek into his hair.

“Jungkook... Jungkook. I’m close,” he whimpered, pulling the alpha’s face down to his to kiss him messily.

With a final, shattering thrust, they went over the edge together. Jimin cried out, his voice cracking with emotion as his climax rolled through him in waves, while Jungkook let out a guttural growl, burying his face in the crook of Jimin's neck. “Fuck, Jimin.”

In the heat of their shared release, Jungkook’s knot began to swell, anchoring him firmly inside the omega.

They collapsed into the sofa, limbs still tangled, holding one another with a desperate strength as if the physical act itself still wasn't enough to bridge the distance between two souls, indifferent to the fluid sticking their stomach.

As Jungkook’s seed poured into him, Jimin felt a profound sense of completeness, a quiet, radiant peace that whispered that they were no longer two separate entities, but one heart beating in two bodies.

In the afterglow, surrounded by the scent of their union, coming down from their high little by little, Jimin chuckled, tingling Jungkook's skin.

“We ruined your sofa’s plaid.”

The alpha groaned, “Worth it. I’ll just clean it or throw it away, don’t worry.”

He cupped Jimin’s face gently and placed a soft kiss right there, on his lips. And then another, even softer and sweeter.

Still buried deep inside him, Jungkook suddenly hooked his arms under Jimin's thighs and stood up, never separating them as he began to move toward the stairs.

Jimin gasped, "What are you doing?"

Jungkook started up the steps, the movement inevitably causing his knot to twitch inside Jimin. The omega muffled a moan by burying his face into the crook of the alpha's neck, his breath hitching with every step.

“It’s late, your legs are trembling, and we need to clean up.”

Jungkook pushed open the door to his bedroom and headed straight for the bathroom.

He never faltered despite the physical effort of their recent exertion, walking and then bending down to start the bathwater and pull towels from the cupboard, all while supporting Jimin with one hand firmly under his thigh.

It would have been a lie to say Jimin didn't feel a fresh rush of slick escape his knotted core at this display of raw strength.

Once the tub was filled with steaming water, Jungkook slid them both inside. Jimin let himself be cradled by the warmth and the gentle friction of Jungkook’s hands on his skin, lolling his head back against the alpha’s chest.

The omega was so content and satiated that he didn't even realize he was drifting off.

By the time the knot finally subsided, Jungkook had lifted them out, dried them off, and carried him to the clean, woodsmoke-scented sheets of his bed.

By instinct, Jimin curled against the alpha’s chest. Jungkook wrapped his arms securely around him, pulling him into a tight embrace as they prepared for sleep.

Jimin’s breathing slowed, sinking into a slumber, his exhales like tiny breezes no stronger than the beat of a hummingbird's wing.

Jungkook stroked his damp hair, pressed a final kiss to his forehead, and lingered there for a moment with his eyes closed. He focused on where their chests met, feeling their heartbeats through the skin, until they slowly found the exact same cadence.

“I believe you,” he whispered into the quiet of the room. “I hope you felt it, too.”

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

The next morning, when the call of duty woke them earlier than most other members of the pack, they shared soft, sleepy kisses in the quiet of the room.

Jimin didn’t forget his promise.

He sat on the bed with Jungkook positioned between his legs, his back to the omega. Jimin’s hands moved deftly through the silky dark hair, sectioning it into small pigtails and intricate braids, carefully tying the elastic bands decorated with the tiny, jiggling silver bells.

They ate their breakfast before heading out into the morning air. They walked hand-in-hand toward the village center, the rhythmic tinkle-tinkle of the bells in Jungkook's hair punctuating every step they took, making Jimin giggle.

Once they reached the heart of the village, they stopped to say their goodbyes. They parted with a tender, lingering kiss and the whispered promise to see each other soon, even if soon only met the following day to help Yoongi and Taehyung move into their new home.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

“Wow, that is a very unique table,” Hoseok said, eyebrows raised as he watched Yoongi and Jungkook carry an abstractly sculpted table into the house.

The three wolves' heads who were on the sofa tilting to the side to decipher what thing that table was supposed to represent.

Hoseok, Jimin, and Seokjin were already seated on the sofa after finishing their own mission, which was hanging all the frames and various decorations from Taehyung’s old apartment.

They watched the alphas troop in one after another, hauling the heavy furniture. The three of them could have easily helped, but the men had tripped over their own alpha pride, insisting they didn't need any assistance because it was just a few pieces of furniture and that, really, the others should just sit back and relax.

Of course, they hadn't accounted for the dozens of pieces and strange artifacts Taehyung actually owned.

Jimin found himself wondering how all of this had ever fit into Taehyung's old hut, it suddenly made perfect sense why he had insisted on building such a big house with Yoongi.

So they watched as the boys made yet another trip back and forth.

“Yes,” Taehyung chirped, arriving right behind them with Namjoon as they carried a dresser with legs carved into the shape of wolves. “It’s for my office. As easy-going as Yoongi is, he said no to having it in the living room. I can’t imagine why.”

The three on the sofa exchanged a look, sharing a silent laugh. Seokjin finally stood up, his eyes wide as he puffed out his cheeks.

“Right, I’m going to make tea for everyone. It’ll be ready by the time you're finished. Well... I hope so, anyway,” he grumbled, watching Yoongi and Jungkook head back outside for another load.

Jimin and Hoseok snickered and followed him into the beautiful, brand-new kitchen. It had never been used before, so the water pump was still a bit stiff and stubborn.

The two omegas and the beta set to work preparing the tea and unpacking the snacks they had brought along, well that hoseok most of brought along, ensuring everyone would be rewarded for their efforts once the alphas finally finished.

Since the weather was beautiful, they set their trays on a table in the garden, which overlooked a path leading toward the village center and another stretching east toward the forest.

This table, too, had a peculiar shape and style, Jimin was certain it hadn't come from Yoongi.

Exactly how many tables did Taehyung own? Jimin simply shook his head with a smile.

Finally, almost miraculously, the boys joined them just as Jimin was placing the last cake on the table. He felt strong arms wrap around him from behind, a nose pressing firmly into the crook of his neck. Jimin smiled.

“Taehyung, honey. Promise me we won’t ever have to move again,” Yoongi groaned, collapsing into one of the chairs and pulling Taehyung down onto his lap. He buried his face in the younger man's neck, eyes squeezed shut. “You lied to me and said you’d give half your furniture to the market… I should have known better.”

Taehyung breathed out a sorry that wasn't sincere in the slightest, judging by his mischievous grin, but he wrapped his arms around Yoongi’s neck to scent him.

That small bit of comfort was enough to make all the annoyance melt away from his future mate.

“Well, lovebirds, I hate to interrupt, but my mate spent his entire evening yesterday making these cakes and appetizers,” Namjoon said, clapping his hands together. “And we are all starving after that effort. We have your new home to celebrate!” He handed a glass to everyone.

The seven friends toasted to their hard work and to Taehyung and Yoongi’s beautiful new home, wishing them a joyful and trouble-free future mating ceremony.

“Do you have a date yet?” Seokjin asked, his mouth full of cranberry pie.

Jimin’s plate was continuously refilled by a tattooed hand with vanilla cakes - the only sweets he really liked. Each time, he pressed a tiny kiss to Jungkook’s cheek. The alpha pretended not to be affected, keeping his eyes fixed on their friends, but Jimin could see the blush creeping up his neck. Cute.

“No, but we’re seeing Homin this week to find a free date and talk about how we want our ceremony to go,” Yoongi replied.

“I’m so excited,” Taehyung whispered, turning toward Yoongi. “I can’t wait anymore. I’ve had my eyes on you for years, Min Yoongi, and these last few weeks before our mating feel like the longest.”

Jungkook chuckled. “Just don’t accidentally mate one night now that you’re living together. Homin would be furious.”

Namjoon nearly choked on his tea. “Look who’s talking.”

Jungkook stared at Namjoon with wide eyes, head tilted, looking confused.

Beside him, Hoseok rolled his eyes. “Bold move coming from you, Jungkook. If anyone at this table is impatient enough to mate ahead of schedule, it’s you two.”

Yoongi gaze pointed directly at Jimin’s neck. “I see Jungkook isn’t taking Head Alpha Homin’s one-year rule very seriously.”

Jimin’s hand flew to his neck, covering the spot where Jungkook’s teeth had left their mark while they made love the other night.

His face turned a shade of red that rivaled the berries in the pie.

“Shut up.”

The group erupted in laughter, teasing Jimin and Jungkook mercilessly.

Eventually, the focus shifted to Taehyung’s questionable decorating tastes, ending with Yoongi being very serious about defending his lover, despite secretly being the biggest hater of his future mate's style in decoration.

They ate and talked in high spirits, singing the praises of Hoseok’s cooking talents. Neighbors and acquaintances passed by, waving and congratulating the couple, occasionally exchanging extra treats as they went.

At one point, just after Seokjin had left to head back to work, a silhouette that the rest of them hadn't seen in a long time passed by on the path.

No one paid any attention until the shadow moved close to them, letting out a sharp snort.

“Pathetic.”

Everyone turned toward the voice, barely having time for the words to register before seeing Taesun watching them with pure animosity. The alpha began to walk away, but it wasn't in Jimin’s nature to let things go unsaid.

“What did you just say?” the omega called out.

Taesun turned back, a smug look on his face and hands in his pockets. His eyes darted between Jimin and Jungkook’s arm draped over the back of the chair, fingers resting near the side of Jimin’s neck.

His tongue darted over his lips before he rolled his eyes in a judging, mean way.

“I see you quickly got past his actions, huh. Greedy Park, as always.”

Jimin’s blood turned to ice in his veins.

Around the table, the others hissed and bared their fangs in a collective defensive instinct. Jungkook started to bolt from his chair, but Jimin threw an arm across his chest to hold him back.

Jimin didn't break eye contact. He refused to give Taesun the satisfaction of seeing him hurt or angry. Flatly, he spoke.

“You quickly forgot your place, Taesun, thinking I would hold any regard for your opinion. How’s life in the northern manure treatment plant?”

Taesun growled, stepping off the path toward them. “You don’t got a clue how crude he was about you. I hope the Advisor’s dick is good and worth it, omega.”

Jimin had no time to react this time. Jungkook lunged from his chair, closing the distance instantly to grab the other alpha by the collar.

“If I’m the bastard you love to imply I am, how about I bash your face in and then, as Advisor, reprimand you before the Council for sexist remarks toward an Omega? That would be a heavy file against you. And I don’t think you’re ready to act so tough if it means joining your little friend Hungwan in marginalization, hm?” He shoved him back hard, sending Taesun stumbling. “I may not deserve him, but trust me, I’ll die before I let anyone talk to him the way you just did again. Got it?”

Taesun scrambled away, his face contorted with rage but powerless against the weight of the consequences.

“What an asshole,” Yoongi breathed, his hand moving to Jimin’s thigh in a comforting gesture.

“Some people are beyond saving. It’s crazy that he still thinks he's allowed to say things like that,” Namjoon said, shaking his head.

“You’re a better man than me, Jungkook, because I would have put my fist through his teeth!” Taehyung added, his expression dark.

Jungkook reclaimed his seat beside Jimin, replacing Yoongi’s hand with his own.

He searched Jimin's face with a look of deep worry - aching because he had caused a scene, because he was the root of the altercation, and because he feared he was still filling Jimin’s life with unpleasantness.

Jimin placed his hand over Jungkook’s, squeezing it, but he didn't say a word. The omega bit his lip and tried to force a smile, his gaze downcast.

Jungkook should have known right then that something was wrong behind the omega’s fleeting, evasive look.

On the way back to Jungkook’s cabin, Jungkook could clearly see that Jimin was silent and withdrawn, completely unlike his usual self. He waited until they were inside the entryway to lance the abscess that Jimin was trying, very poorly, to hide.

Jimin took off his fur coat or rather, the one he had stolen from Jungkook several days ago - to hang it on the coat rack, when Jungkook finally broke the silence.

“Jimin, tell me if I’m wrong. But I feel like you’re holding something in.”

Jimin turned toward him, his eyes wide, as if he had truly thought he’d been discreet in the eyes of the alpha, who was tuned to every little detail of the omega.

Jimin gave a small pout and let himself fall onto the sofa.

Of course, Jungkook was going to see that Jimin was under the mood.

Taesun’s intervention, and Jungkook’s reaction and words - it had all rubbed Jimin the wrong way.

Jimin could defend himself and speak up on his own, but he hadn't been able to get a single word in. Worse, Jungkook’s words irritated the omega more than he would have thought, because they were steeped in self-deprecation.

Was it that Jimin was really bad at expressing his feelings, or did Jungkook really think about himself and their relationship that way?

He thought he had made it clear the other night.

This wasn’t how Jimin wanted their relationship to be built on, underlying doubts.

The omega fidgeted with his hands.

“I didn’t like what you said to Taesun. The part about you being a bastard, not deserving me, and that you would only be good for dying for me.”

Jungkook’s lips parted and then closed, clearly confused and expecting something else.

“What do you mean, Jimin?”

“Don’t you see how it can hurt me when you talk about yourself like that?” Jimin raised his eyes to lock them directly into his. “Hearing you say you don’t deserve me, like you could be tossed aside at any moment, like your existence was meaningless to me. Because that is how I feel you feel sometimes.”

“Love, I’m so sorry I made you feel that way. I didn’t know...”

Jungkook looked completely crestfallen, unaware once more of how his words could have hurt the omega again.

“What he said, it just–it reminded me of how bad I’ve been to you in the past. And he must not be the only one who thinks that... and I know, I know you told me that those people don't know us. I know, I know. But those thoughts are what they are, parasites, and I can’t shake them out of my system. Sometimes they get the best of me. I'm terrified people must think so badly of me and that I might have forced you into this, or that you could only be with me now because of my position. Because clearly, who would want an alpha like me?”

“Stop it!” Jimin jerked up from the sofa, hitting his own chest with the palm of his hand. “I want you! I thought I was clear last night when I told you I moved on, that I forgave you. You don't have to feel that way, so stop pushing that narrative in your head–this is not true!”

Jimin lashed out, his voice ragged.

“I know what I feel. Fuck you! You can’t throw away the truth of my feelings. It doesn't work like this. It hurts me that you think that way of us, of my feelings. It cannot b healthy if one of us thinks the other’s not sure about their feelings and that one day they’ll open their eyes and–and–what the fuck, Jungkook?”

Jungkook’s heart dropped, because that was exactly the kind of paranoid thinking he would sometimes feel - the crippling anxiety that his mind would make him imagine.

“It isn't fair, it hurts, and it can’t be healthy for you or for me,” Jimin continued. “Would you like me to say that when I see you with other omegas? That I don’t deserve you, that you must be with me just to clear your conscience, or whatever other far-fetched scenarios?”

“No!” The alpha screamed, pulling at his hair, pacing left and right.

“Do you see the anger it brings to feel like your feelings are not being taken seriously?!”

“Jimin, love, I am taking them seriously.”

“No! You’re not!”

Jungkook felt like shit because Jimin was right, but it wasn't easy to just let go of intrusive thoughts.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I do believe you, but you’re right, sometimes, I just–I just feel like you could leave me.”

"You think I'm going to leave you?" Jimin asked, and now he wasn't just hurt, but horrified.

"I always hope you won’t," Jungkook whispered.

Jimin stepped back, his jaw tight.

"I'm trying, Jungkook. I try to always reassure you. I told you how important you are to me. I trusted you and turned to you at my worst. And you still don't trust me to stay?"

"It's not about trust–"

"It is. Maybe not trust in me, but trust in yourself as well," Jimin said, pushing his hair off his forehead. "You became the most important person in my life. You’re the one I turn to when I feel down, the one I seek out for every single emotion in my life. The one I want to make happy, the one I want to share both the happy and sad parts of my life with. You can’t ask me to close my eyes when the person I hold dearest to my heart still feels like they’re not enough for me. You are enough. If you get brought down by any words people throw at us, and you don't trust what I feel, what does that leave me with?"

"I love you. I love you, Jimin, you know that, right?" Jungkook said quickly, taking Jimin’s hands in his. “I trust you to stay. It's myself I don't trust to stay good enough to make it worth it. . I’m terrified I’ll hurt you one way or another, becoming a bad person unwillingly, again. Fuck–look, even now I’m messing it all up, hurting you, and I hate that."

He ran his hands over his face in despair.

Saying it out loud was worse. It was so much worse than just thinking it, and he shied away from the sound of his own voice.

JImin lips wobbled.

"Jungkook, you were always a good person… who just fucked up.” Jungkook whimpered tearfully, glancing away. “Weak people might not get it, that making mistakes doesn't taint your soul forever. We have a lot of baggage but we can manage. Because I trust you. I feel safe with you.”

“But I hurt you so much. I don’t deserve you, it’s tr–” Jungkook lashed out, head completely lost to his doubts.

“No.” Jimin shook his head vehemently. "You know you talked about being honest, reassuring one another, and making sure there was no resentment left in us?" Jimin asked, looking at him with shiny, his soft, small hands slipping out of the alpha’s to stroke his cheeks. "I don’t think any of this was not about me. I moved on, Jungkook. I forgave you. I don’t have an ounce of resentment or regret in me.” He squeezed their hands. “Jungkook, you need to let go of your past. You’re not that man anymore. I forgave you, so you need to forgive yourself now, let go of your self-hatred.”

The fingers on his skin vanished, leaving Jungkook cold. 

The alpha was nailed to the spot, as if glacial ice had just been poured directly into his chest, the sheer truth of the words stealing his breath like a plunge into freezing water.

The front door creaked open, and then clicked shut behind him.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

Jimin stepped outside. He needed to clear his head. He could have stayed, should have stayed, knowing that leaving like this would only plunge Jungkook deeper into a spiral, causing him to think that Jimin was angry or disappointed with him.

But that wasn't the case. Not really. Jimin just needed to give himself time for his emotions to fade, to process everything that had just happened tonight, and to gain some perspective on the situation without being blinded by the heat of the moment.

Beneath his steps, the ground became browner and greener as branches, leaves, and twigs cracked under his shoes. The shadows were almost non-existent now, with the sun having already dipped below the horizon, bringing on the twilight. His deep inhales filled his nostrils with the fresh scent of the forest, wood, and moss.

Jimin put his head in his hands, letting out a heavy breath.

This was their first real fight. It was nothing, he reassured himself. It was bound to happen eventually, given their history

It was not meant to be easy or perfect, and that wasn't what Jimin wanted anyway - Jimin knew what he had gotten himself into when he said they were courting.

Suddenly, he felt really bad for having left Jungkook behind.

He didn't want this to turn into a bigger fight than it actually was. It was just that when he had heard Jungkook speak to Taesun, despite their night of confessions just before, it had felt like an absolute heartbreak for Jimin how Jungkook himself down so much in their relation.

Jimin realized that the alpha still carried so much resentment inside himself regarding their past, and that despite what Jimin had told him, it hadn't been enough to make him understand.

While Jungkook had insisted multiple times on confiding, talking, and naming things to move forward and ease Jimin's doubts and fears, the omega now realized that Jungkook was the one who least applied his own advice.

And Jimin blamed himself. He blamed himself so much.

He had praised and felt so light with his vision of a Jungkook who was so open about his emotions, unafraid to speak his mind. This was true for most of his feelings, but when it came to what was eating at him most deeply, Jungkook was just like Jimin in the end.

He didn't speak about it, he took it all upon himself and didn't share his fears and lack of confidence.

Was it out of fear of looking weak? From a desperate desire to be a pillar for Jimin? Out of fear of burdening him?

So Jimin felt guilt.

He didn't feel guilty because he had snapped at him tonight - what he felt was entirely legitimate - but he did feel like he had failed to make Jungkook feel at ease enough to be fully transparent and to confide in him. Jimin feared that because they had gotten closer at a time when the omega showed his darker side, a time when the omega needed undivided attention and care, Jungkook might not want to burden him with his own demons as to not add to Jimin’s life.

Which made Jimin sob

Jimin should have asked him that, he should have insisted again, to make sure that Jungkook could be vulnerable with him too. First, because the omega cared so much about Jungkook, and also because if they didn’t do this, this was exactly what was going to burden them - the unsaid things, the doubts.

Jimin was terrified that Jungkook had taken so much upon himself, to the point of not admitting that he felt illegitimate being together.

The feeling that he had somehow failed to be the person Jungkook could lean on, just as Jimin could lean on Jungkook, tore his heart apart.

He let out a whine, leaning his back against a tree and closing his eyes, pressing his palms hard against his eyelids.

Jimin let out a dry sob because he wanted to comfort Jungkook, to completely and irrefutably drive that idiotic idea that he wasn’t good enough for him, that guilt, out of his stubborn little brain.

He wanted to tell him that he didn't want him to live with that kind of pressure on his shoulders for the rest of their lives.

That Jimin loved him.

Goddess, Jimin loved him so much.

And only now did his breath hitch as he realized he had never said it out loud to him, he hadn't said it back when they made love. Jimin prayed to their Goddess that Jungkook had at least felt it a little bit. Because for Jungkook, it was all about saying the words, they were so important to him.

The omega felt so foolish. Now, he had only one desire, to run back to the alpha, to the scent he already missed so much, and to tell him all of this.

He couldn't leave Jungkook alone with his confusion any longer and make things worse. Jimin already knew the alpha must be blaming himself alone in their living room, but he also hoped that Jungkook had understood what he had been trying to convey, so they could move forward on a healthier path, especially regarding Jungkook’s own mindset.

Jimin reopened his eyes, which were a bit wet and blurry from the pressure of his palm, but he recognized his surroundings despite the evening that was beginning to fall.

He realized that instinctively, he had ended up at that tree. It had decidedly been a witness to so many moments in their lives.

Jimin wanted to run back to him, right now. Ugh, he was just so completely done for that alpha. Jimin let out a wet laugh, smiling to himself as he got up and brushed the dirt off his pants.

The sound of heavy, ragged breathing echoed from just behind him. For a split second, a jolt of panic shot through Jimin, his defensive instincts flaring instantly - only to completely melt away a moment later as his senses registered the familiar scent of rich woodsmoke.

A silhouette detached itself from the shadows of the trees.

“Jungkook,” Jimin breathed in surprise, immediately taking a step toward the alpha.

Jungkook’s hair was wild and completely windswept, his breath catching in his throat as if he had run non-stop through the forest just to find him.

“How did you find me?”

“I left immediately after you did,” Jungkook cut in, his voice desperate. “I ran to your place, but no one was there… I just–I don’t know, I just knew you’d be here.”

Once he was standing directly in front of Jungkook, Jimin could see the alpha's frantic eyes searching his, and the unmistakable, damp tracks of tears staining his cheeks.

“You cried,” Jimin whimpered softly. “Jungkook, I–”

“No, please let me talk, Jimin.” Jungkook reached out, wrapping his fingers tightly around Jimin's hands. “Please.”

Jimin nodded silently, yielding to him. Jungkook opened his mouth to speak, his eyes widening slightly as he stared down at Jimin’s face with a vulnerability and fragility that was utterly shattering to witness.

“Jimin. It’s-it’s just that you’re so perfect… you’re so perfect to me,” Jungkook stammered, his words spilling out in a breathless rush. “You–I made you go through so much, but you never gave me that same cruelty in return. You were so much less angry with me than you should have been for my hunting sabotage. You saved my life even when Jaekyun was being abusive. And when you found out about the entire mating mess, you just slapped me when I said you weren’t worth it.” His voice cracked violently around those words, as if speaking them aloud and reviving that night physically pained him, leaving a taste of blood on his tongue.

“But even after all of that, you found the strength not to take it out on our friends. You tolerated my presence. You accepted my apologies. You were the one who came to me and told me not to close myself off, not to walk on eggshells around you and the others. You opened yet another door of kindness to me. We got closer, we hung out, we played and teased. W–we fucking started to get closer somehow, and then–then your dad’s trial happened and you actually opened up to me. You trusted me, told me your deepest fears. You forgave me on that bed in the infirmary. When all I ever did to you before was… God, you’re the most selfless person on this planet, Jimin. You see the good in people even when they can’t see it in themselves anymore. You gave me the strength to fight back, to find myself again in the dark labyrinth I’d been wandering lost in for years. I fell in love with you.”

His voice faltered under the crushing weight of his emotion, as though he still couldn't fully believe that Jimin - the absolute love of his life - could actually reciprocate his feelings.

“And then, we were friends, and we flirted. You kissed me. You kissed me. You fell for me, too. You, the very omega I mistreated, insulted, and hurt… So please, try to understand where it comes from when I can’t help but feel guilty, afraid, and never enough. Because you gave me everything. I still feel like what I give back isn't even one percent of what you’ve given me. Even when you tell me you love me, that I’ve been there for you in a way no one else ever has… I believe you when you tell me that. And honestly, that’s what makes it all the worse. Because you’re right - I thought this was all in the past, that I had finally turned the page completely. But I haven’t forgiven myself. And when you tell me beautiful things like that, my mind just poisons me with thoughts that I should be hearing 'you don’t deserve me' or 'you need to do this to make up for it' instead.”

“Jungkook, I'd never think that. Please, I don't want you to think I'm too weak to share your burden. I want to be here for you and sooth your tormented mind, just like any human goes through in their life.”

“I’ve hurt you so many times that I’ll blame myself for the rest of my life, surely–I’m scared that’s not something that’ll change, I have to accept it. But you’re right, it’s not fair to you. Or to me. I’m sorry, I understand you were mad. I’m so sorry, love. My way of thinking isn't right, and I should have spoken to you about it, because I know you are strong. I don't want my lack of confidence to alter yours, too, or for you to believe that I don't want to open up to you, or that I don't trust you to handle all of me. On the contrary, but I think I was still blind to certain things, and once again, you've opened my eyes to parts of myself I hadn't even noticed yet. I want us to be able to share our burdens together. Loving someone isn't only about giving the best of ourselves, but the worst, too. We should be able to show our deepest fears and our imperfect sides. Just like you did for me, I will do the same, because I want you, and I trust you.”

Jimin leaned his cheek into Jungkook's hand, closing his eyes as a fresh tear escaped his lashes.

“I love you so much it hurts,” Jungkook said, letting out a breathless, emotional laugh. “I look back at our past and... Jimin, you were always there. I've detested you, hurted you, hated you, been consumed by you, admired you, cherished you, consoled you. But more than anything today, I just want to love you. I want to shower you with so much love that you'll never have to remind me that I’m enough. I'll love you for the rest of my life anyway.”

He leaned forward until their foreheads pressed together, their gazes locked.

“I have desires and goals that I've never had before. I have so many plans for the future, and Jimin, I want you to be there for all of them. It's stupid and cheesy, but sometimes I imagine these scenes, and when I turn around, it's you standing there by my side,” Jungkook murmured, making Jimin smile as he thought of his own identical daydreams about the alpha. “With that exact smile.” Jungkook’s thumbs brushed the side of his lips.

“I want to cherish every single inch of your skin that hasn't been loved enough yet, because dammit, Jimin, you are so incredibly easy to love. I want to give back a hundredfold everything your body and soul deserve. I to make love to you, care for you, bake you venison pies on a rainy day, bicker with you, run through the forest to see who can hunt the best game, go swimming and fight in the water just as an excuse to touch each other, keep making fun of Taehyung and Yoongi and steal from Hoseok’s kitchen, get myself hurt just so I can look up in the infirmary and freak out because, damn, Park Jimin accepted to heale me?!”

They laughed.

“I have a big house, too many empty rooms, and a bed that's far too large, and I want to see you in it every single day of my life, as my mate. I want to fill those empty rooms with our pups and make you the mother you dream of being so dearly.”

Jimin giggled through his tears, and the sight of his eyes crinkling in that distinct, uniquely Jimin way - tugged violently at something deep in Jungkook’s chest. Love, pure and simple. 

Their lips ghosted over one another, barely touching.

“You’ve been through so much, and now I only want your life to be filled with joy, happiness. I know we'll face hardships and that we don't know what life has in store for us, but that is my goal either way. Together.”

Jimin was fully sobbing now into Jungkook’s calloused palms. He couldn't even see through the blur of his tears anymore, save for the wide, shiny, dark depth of Jungkook's eyes on him. His throat felt completely clogged by the sheer amount of love pouring out of his very being.

“T-Together,” he choked out. Unable to contain the overwhelming tidal wave of affection and love swelling in his heart, he pushed up onto his tiptoes to cup Jungkook’s face, bringing their lips together in a searing, wet kiss, salty with the taste of their shared tears.

“I was never mad,” the omega breathed between frantic, desperate kisses. “Jeon Jungkook, you twist my heart into such foreign, intense feelings that I’m persuaded no one else on Earth has ever felt them, not even Taehyung and Yoongi, or my parents.”

They both let out a wet laugh, their teeth bumping together in their eagerness.

"But you’re such a pain in the ass. You better start relying on me from now on if we want to achieve all those wonderful goals.”

Jungkook pulled back just an inch to nod fervently, still far too emotional to find his voice.

Then, his bright eyes crinkled as he leaned down to claim Jimin’s lips once more - but his gaze suddenly darted past Jimin’s shoulder to the side and if he was not in his human form, the omega could swear he saw the alpha’s ears straighten up in attention.

In a fraction of a second, Jungkook’s entire body went rigid beneath Jimin's fingertips. Before the omega could even begin to comprehend what was happening, Jungkook violently shoved him behind his back with a raw, panicked shout, his skin already shifting and expanding before Jimin’s very eyes as his wolf took over.

“Rogues. Run! Go ring the bells!”

Lost in the depth of their emotions, Jimin hadn't been paying attention to his natural instincts.

But now, the realization slammed into him like a physical blow - the foul, unfamiliar scent cutting through the woods, the rustling crashing through the undergrowth not far away, the sudden, crippling instinct of pure danger crawling beneath his skin.

Of course Jungkook had sensed them first. He was always alert. That is why he’s the best patrolman we have, Jimin couldn't help but think, a fierce spike of pride cutting through his terror.

“Jimin!” Jungkook’s voice thundered, a guttural mix of human and beast as his form abandoned its final human attributes

His piercing, wild wolf eyes practically begged Jimin to snap back to reality.

Finally, Jimin’s survival instincts kicked into gear.

Giving Jungkook one last, desperate look - his entire being screaming against the agony of leaving him behind - he turned on his heel and bolted down the path toward the village center just as he saw Jungkook jumping were a flash of red eyes and low growls behind branches.

As much as it absolutely killed him to leave Jungkook alone in the dark forest, this was their duty. This was what Jungkook had trained for his entire life. Jimin also had the duty to protect the pack, and above all, he needed to warn other warriors to send help to the Advisor.

They had always handled threats before. Even if it was weird that the bells had not already been rung if an intrusion on their land was so close. 

When he burst into the village center, the clearings were entirely deserted. The shadows of twilight had fully taken over, and he couldn't spot a single pack member to help spread the word or summon the elders. It made sense, night was falling, and who else would be loitering outside besides him and his equally stubborn alpha?

Jimin charged like a madman into the Council hall, the heavy wooden doors slamming violently against their hinges behind him.

With his lungs burning and his breath completely gone, he scrambled up to the small side door that led to the tower, grabbing the heavy rope of the warning bell and pulling down with every single ounce of strength he possessed, unleashing a deafening, echoing clanging that shattered the silence of the night and alerted the entire pack.

When he estimated that he had rung the alarm long enough, he finally let go of the rope and sprinted in the direction of the infirmary, knowing that was where everyone would be gathering.

Outside, he recognized several reservists, as well as Taehyung and Yoongi, all running toward the exact same staging area.

Seeing Jimin burst out of the Council hall, they instantly understood that he was the one who had sounded the alert, their eyes locking onto him with silent, frantic questions.

Just as he had anticipated, a massive crowd had already assembled inside the infirmary. By pure instinct, Jimin’s eyes scanned the room until he spotted Seokjin, Nayoon, and Yerin. Once he was sure they were safe, he wasted no time and marched straight toward Homin and the other Advisors, who were urgently demanding if anyone knew what was happening or who had triggered the bell.

“Head Alpha,” Jimin barked out, stepping forward with his heart still hammering against his ribs from the adrenaline.

He couldn't afford to waste a single second, Jungkook needed reinforcements, and he needed them now

“I was the one who rang the bell.” Beside him, he could feel Yoongi’s heavy stare, radiating silent questions about why Jimin had been outside and how he had ended up in the presence of danger.

“We caught the scent of a rogue in the eastern forest, about a kilometer away from the first houses. Jungkook is on the scene, he already shifted. I don't know who is on patrol duty tonight or if they'll reach him quickly.

He spun around to face Taehyung and Yoongi, their expressions dark and alarmed. “You need to go help him right away.” The two alphas nodded fiercely.

Homin didn't hesitate, throwing his arm toward the exit to command them to leave immediately. The two alphas bolted for the exit, though not before they offered a tight, reassuring squeeze to Jimin’s shoulder before they disappeared into the night.

“Jimin, how many rogues were there?” Jungul demanded, stepping up.

“I only smelled and heard one, for sure,” Jimin answered, his voice breathless but steady. “But I don't know what the situation is in the other sectors.”

Homin gave a firm nod, shifting into command mode turning to the other seven hunters.

“Scatter and back up the other one on patrol. Form a perimeter to ensure there are no other hidden dangers. Take two reservists each with you.”

They were about to follow the order when Namjoon grabbed Mingyu by the arm, stopping him in his tracks.

“But why wasn’t the alert given sooner? How could this rogue penetrate so deeply and so quickly into our lands? Who is on patrol duty tonight, and where?” he demanded.

“Tonight, it was Soohyung in the west, Minsool and Bongcha in the north, Haewon and Yoomi in the south, and Jungkook in the east,” Mingyu replied quickly.

Jihyo turned her head, her brow furrowing.

“But Minsool fell sick, she wasn’t able to make her shift tonight. Jungkook said this morning that it was fine, that he would compensate and cover both the north and the east with Bongcha.”

“So there were only five of them. That must have left a breach, especially since Bongcha and Yoomi are still new...”

Jimin gasped, the realization hitting him like a physical blow.

“No, four…”

“What?” Homin asked, his sharp gaze instantly locking onto the omega.

Jimin kept his eyes fixed on the floor, a hand pressing over his heart as his mind went into a complete tailspin. They had fucked up.

“Jungkook–we... we had a fight and–he should have gone to work, but we–all of this must have distracted him from his duty and...”

“Oh my Goddess, if no one knew for that period of time, no one was covering his sector, and he was supposed to be on the East side,” Jihyo muttered, terror bleeding into her voice.

Homin’s eyes darkened with a grim severity, but he simply pursed his lips, tearing his gaze away from Jimin to face the hunters.

“Take three reservists with you. Mingyu, go directly to the spot Jimin mentioned and join Taehyung, Jungkook, and Yoongi. Hurry.” He then turned to the remaining reservists. “The ones staying here, roam the pack and the paths in your human forms. Just make sure everything is fine and act as messengers for us if you get any news from the borders.”

Instantly, the room erupted into a frenzy of motion.

Without losing a second, Jimin vaulted behind the counter to grab one of their emergency first-aid field kits bag.

Seokjin stopped him, a hand clamping down on his wrist. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Seokjin, I need to go. It’s my fault. I left him alone with a rogue.”

He remembered the last time Jungkook faced a rogue. If Jimin or anyone else hadn’t been here…Panic and bitter anger gnawed at his insides. They had been so incredibly imprudent. If only Jimin hadn't stormed out, if only he had waited until the next morning to talk things through, Jungkook would never have had to run after him in the dark.

He would have been at his post on time, and this dangerous breach would never have happened.

Seokjin saw the look in his eyes and knew it was completely useless to try and make him change his mind. Neither could Homin, who could only watch as the healer flew past him, rushing to catch up with Mingyu's departure.

Jimin sprinted through the dark woods, keeping up with the pace as best as he could behind Mingyu’s wolf form. He prayed that Jungkook hadn't moved too far from his last known position.

Fortunately, the two excellent wolves ahead of them used their keen sense of smell to track Jungkook, leaving theirs behind in a trail, and soon enough, the chaotic sounds of a struggle guided them straight to the clearing.

There, through the trees, Jimin saw them. The midnight-brown wolf that was Jungkook, along with the lighter brown wolves of Taehyung and Yoongi, were taking turns tearing into the rogue, finally pinning him securely to the ground.

Once the intruder was entirely immobilized and neutralized, Jungkook’s wolf form staggered, collapsing onto his haunches with his ribcage heaving at a frantic pace.

“Mingyu, hold the rogue!” Jimin called out.

At the sound of his voice, the wolves snapped their heads up to register their arrival.

Mingyu immediately threw himself over the pinned grey rogue to keep him down, while Taehyung and Yoongi lifted Jungkook's human form. Jungkook was conscious, to Jimin’s relief, but heavily bruised and entirely spent, as they propped him up against the trunk of a tree to assess his injuries.

Jimin sprinted forward, sliding onto his knees right at Jungkook's side.

He immediately wrapped his arms around him into his fur. However his healer instincts took over completely after. There was no time to yield to the sheer terror that had been gripping his chest. Jimin took him firmly by the jaw, tilting his big head up to scan for injuries with a fierce, intensely concentrated gaze.

Despite his exhaustion, Jungkook let out a soft growl under the weight of those intense eyes.

But his inspection was short-lived as Yoongi quickly intervened, shifting back to his human form with Taehyung.

“We can’t stay here. Jimin, inject the rogue with a de-shifting antidote, please. We need to get back to the center, lock him up, and interrogate him. You can take care of Jungkook's wounds properly back at the infirmary.”

Reluctantly, Jimin nodded. Yoongi was right. He gave Jungkook a comforting rub right between his ears, then stood up, rummaging through his medical kit for the antidote as he turned toward Mingyu and the rogue.

He approached with extreme caution.

The rogue had remained completely motionless since they arrived, making Jimin wonder if the beast was even conscious. It was certainly still alive, its belly rising and falling with a weak, shallow breath. Despite this facade of calm, Mingyu was taking no chances, holding it to the ground with a grip of pure iron.

Jimin gripped the syringe firmly in his right hand, kneeling down near the rogue's hind legs. He cast a final, questioning glance up at Mingyu's muzzle to make sure the alpha was ready.

Behind him, he could faintly hear Taehyung complaining, telling Jungkook to hurry up and shift back into a human, because they weren't going to break their backs carrying him or helping him walk if he insisted on staying a stubborn wolf.

Jimin placed his left hand on the rogue's hind leg to stabilize it, lifting his right arm and preparing to drive the needle down with a sharp, swift motion to pierce through the thick, muscled hide characteristic of wolves.

In a fraction of a second, everything in Jimin’s vision shattered into absolute chaos.

A blur of gray and brown collided in a mess of feral snarling and snapping jaws. Jimin's hand never met gray fur; instead, it was Mingyu’s brown wolf form that suddenly found itself violently pinned to the earth, the rogue now looming over him.

The monster had been faking it.

It had lain low, biding its time perfectly to strike at the exact moment their guard dropped. Mingyu was completely paralyzed as the powerful antidote immediately took effect, forcing him to shift back to human form right beneath the predator.

Jimin watched as the rogue whipped its head toward him, its eyes burning with pure fury, its jowls dripping with saliva as it prepared to lung forward.

I'm going to die.

For the second time in such a short period of his life, Jimin truly believed his time was up.

Someone screamed Jungkook's name or his, the omega wasn’t sure, it was just a muffled echo in Jimin’s ringing ears.

The blow - the agonizing pain of razor-sharp claws tearing through his skin never came.

Instead, an immense weight crashed brutally into Jimin’s chest, throwing him flat onto his back and knocking the wind entirely out of his lungs. A thick, scalding liquid immediately began pooling and running down his skin, painless.

Jimin snapped his eyes open.

Through the blurry, watery film over his vision, the first thing he saw was the pale moon shining brilliantly through the canopy of the trees.

Then, the frantic movement of fur caught his ears and eyes - Taehyung was off to the side, engaged in a savage blur of snarling, snapping jaws, and the sickening sound of teeth ripping deep into flesh.

A second later, Yoongi’s dark, frantic silhouette bolted toward him, sliding hard across the wet grass to hover directly over him.

“Goddess.” Jimin had never heard that specific, terrified tone in his best friend’s voice before.

Was he dead? Was that it? The crushing weight paralyzing him - was it his own mangled body, shredded and torn in half?

“Jimin, if you can move, hurry up and get out from under him. U–unless you’re wounded too.”

The heavy mass finally vanished as Yoongi used all his strength to heave what weight off Jimin's chest. Who had shielded him from the blow.

“JUNGKOOK.” Jimin’s voice ripped through the darkness of the night.

Finally, the agonizing torpor shattered, and feeling flooded back into Jimin’s limbs at the sight of Jungkook.

The alpha lay completely unconscious, his head lolling limply in Yoongi’s arms like a marionette with its strings brutally cut.

Jimin scrambled to his feet, staring down in horror at the sheer volume of blood soaking through his own clothes. He felt himself over, he was fine, he wasn't wounded at all. All of this red, gloomy red, dark red - it had all come from Jungkook. Jimin cupped his cheeks, searching for any sign of life, consciousness, but his bright doe eyes were rolled back in their pockets, mouth ajar.

Immediately his fingers went inside to keep his tongue from choking him.

“Jimin, stop screaming, please. I–I know that…” Yoongi pleaded, his voice shaking. Jimin hadn't even realized that the terrified shrieks were still tearing from his own throat. “Please, Jimin. I don't know what to do. You're the healer here, I-I don't know!”

Jimin’s hands hovered helplessly over Jungkook’s body, trembling violently

Completely trapped in a state of sheer shock, he couldn't form words or think, his brain had entirely shut down. For a split second, a bizarre, detached urge washed over him - he just wanted to get up, walk away, lie down somewhere deep in the moss and leaves, and sleep. He wanted to sleep and wake up to find that this was all just an horrific nightmare, a desperate defense mechanism to convince himself and protect his mind from reality.

Because in reality, Jungkook did not have two colossal, jagged gashes tearing all the way down his right pectoral, cutting across his ribs and extending past his belly button. In reality, dark blood wasn't gurgling out from the gaping wounds, exposing the stark white of his ribs and the terrifying darkness of his internal organs beneath.

“Fuck, Jungkook. We need to get him to the infirmary right now. Jimin, can we move him? Jimin?” Mingyu’s voice suddenly cut through the panic as he dropped to his knees beside them. “Jimin!”

“He’s in no condition to answer!” Yoongi shouted back, leaning his entire body weight into Jungkook’s chest to try and contain the torrential flow of blood. “Check if he still has a pulse, and then find some clothes, anything to compress these wounds!”

Yoongi cast a careful, deeply worried glance at Jimin, but seeing that the omega's eyes were wide, unblinking, and that he was muttering mindlessly to himself, he whipped his head around.

“Taehyung! If you're done with that rogue and he's dead, we need you! Get over here! NOW!”

“There's a pulse, but it's... it's incredibly weak, Yoongi...” Mingyu announced frantically, tearing open the first-aid kit to yank out rolls of gauze, even ripping the fabric off the sleeves of Jimin's shirt, who remained entirely lost in his head.

Frozen in his own powerlessness and psychological absence, the omega watched like a ghost as Yoongi and Mingyu wrapped and bound the gaping wounds as tightly as they could.

Jimin wondered bitterly why he couldn't do anything - this was the exact moment everyone relied on him the most, especially for the person he loved, and yet here he was, standing over him like a helpless, overwhelmed child

Or perhaps it was his pragmatic healer’s mind subtly whispering that a trauma this severe was already a lost cause, allowing denial to take the reins completely, preventing him from the pure terror to take over him and making him puke his heart out.

An anguished cry from Taehyung made him flinch. For the first time, Jimin tore his gaze away from Jungkook to look at the other alpha, who was already sobbing and panicking at the sight of his torn-apart best friend.

Quickly, they lifted Jungkook’s limp body, two arms supporting his shoulders, two beneath his back, and two cradling his legs. Jimin followed behind them like a robot.

The only thing he was capable of doing was keeping his fingers gently inside Jungkook's mouth, holding his tongue to ensure his airway stayed clear, keeping him tethered to the agonizingly shallow breaths he was still taking.

Faster than he would have believed possible, they reached the village center. Yoongi barked a fierce command at a passing reservist to run ahead and warn the infirmary of their imminent arrival - to tell them their Advisor was critically wounded.

“He needs iron, blood” Jimin mumbled under his breath, the words slipping out without him even realizing he was speaking. “We have to notify his family. Go find his mother and his brother, we’re going to need their blood.”

Fortunately, Yoongi caught the muttered instruction and instantly ordered another reservist to do exactly that on the spot.

The moment they crossed the threshold of the infirmary, faces lit up with relief as people hurried toward them, calling out that everything was under control because no other rogues had been detected.

They clearly assumed Jungkook’s injury was nothing more than the usual battle scratches - until their expressions froze into pure horror. The main hall erupted into a frenzy of screams and absolute chaos as dark blood began dripping heavily through the crude bandages, splashing onto the floor after barely holding together during the frantic trek.

Homin turned completely pale. His hand reached out toward Jungul as if to hold him back, but it was entirely in vain the moment the alpha saw his son.

Jungul shoved past him without a word, stepping in to help the others support Jungkook’s weight.

“In here!” Nayoon’s voice cut through the noise as she threw open the door to the room.

She and Seokjin had prepped for the absolute worst like the true professionals they were, though they had undoubtedly expected a more routine injury, judging by how their pupils dilated with shock when Jungkook’s body was carried past them.

They laid him flat on the table.

Seokjin ordered to grab every single compress available in the drawers, while he and Nayoon began assessing the true extent of the damage, cutting away the makeshift, blood-soaked bandages.

Their eyes met for a fraction of a second, heavy with a grim, silent realization, before they both turned their gazes to Jimin. The omega was standing frozen at the foot of the bed, his white-knuckled hands gripping Jungkook’s feet.

“Jimin…”

The unsaid words hung suffocatingly heavy in the air, striking Jimin like a physical blow to the ribs. One far more crushing than when Jungkook had collapsed against him in the woods.

It was the worst injury they ever had to treat afterall.

Jimin, his wounds are too severe. I don’t know if he’s going to survive.

He had thought it too. He had looked at those wounds and thought it was impossible, that it was simply too much. But hearing someone else think it, hearing someone put his deepest, most buried terror into actual words, triggered a fierce, absolute refusal in his brain.

How could he have been so passive?

Suddenly, a violent roar filled his ears, as if the blood in his veins had instantly turned to boiling water. The desperate need to believe - to fight against anyone who dared to doubt - surged forward, completely obliterating his fear. Jungkook had finally torn down his walls.

He had been ready to confide in him fully, offering an absolute, blind trust. Together.

Jimin had to be strong for the both of them. Jungkook was going to survive this.

Taking a steadying breath, he marched around the table and stepped directly into Seokjin’s space, standing nose-to-nose with him.

“We are going to stay calm, we are going to stay professional, and we are going to minimize the hemorrhage,” Jimin commanded, his voice deadly quiet and precise. “We will collect his family's blood the second they arrive. In the meantime, we are going to stitch every single open vein, organ, and laceration, pump him full of every supplement we have, and be patient. We will check his vitals constantly, his pulse, his breathing, until he is stable. I will do it entirely by myself if I have to, Seokjin. So do not look at me with those eyes. The eyes that say it’s over. You give me those analytical, cold-blooded eyes that I know you have, and you help us save the love of my life.”

For a long, agonizing moment, they just stared at each other. The room fell into dead silence, everyone’s breath caught in their throats as Seokjin’s gaze darted rapidly between Jimin’s eyes, searching his resolve.

“No,” Seokjin’s voice finally broke through, ringing out with a rigid, unyielding authority. “Nayoon and I are going to do exactly what you just said, and the guys will assist us. Jimin, we will do our absolute best. You know we will. But you are in no shape or state of mind to be in this room right now. You are going to go with Yerin, and you are going to draw the blood donations from Jungul, Inja, and Jungyun, and bring them back to us as fast as possible.”

Jimin bit his inner lip so hard the iron taste of his own blood flooded his mouth.

Jimin and Jungul stepped out of the room, back into the main hall, where only Homin and a few remaining hunters were gathered. They were surrounding a frantic Inja and Jungyun, trying to soothe them and explain the sudden chaos.

The moment the doors opened, Jungul's mate and son practically threw themselves at them, firing off a thousand hysterical questions, desperate to know why they were being barred from seeing Jungkook and why he suddenly needed their blood.

From the shattered look on their faces, and from the stark, fresh blood still staining Jimin's clothes, Jungyun and Inja understood everything without a word being said.

“Inja, he needs us,” Jungul said, his voice thick as he tried to ground his family. “Jimin and Yerin are going to take our blood. That’s... that’s all I can say right now, all I can even process. We shouldn't see him like this right now, it’s better this way. ”

Without wasting another second, Yerin guided the three family members toward the nearby cots, quickly gathering the necessary syringes and blood collection bags.

Meanwhile, Jimin was pulled aside by the Head Alpha.

Now that the initial panic had ebbed, Homin’s role demanded that he keep a clear head, despite the collective horror gripping the pack. He quietly questioned Jimin about exactly what had happened out there, what the status of the rogue was, and where they could find it. Jimin answered every query with a hollow, detached numbness, his eyes permanently glued to the heavy wooden door behind which a future he no longer had any control over was unfolding.

With a parting, empathetic squeeze to Jimin’s shoulder, Homin turned and left with Eunwoo and Jihyo to retrieve the rogue from the coordinates Jimin had provided and reorganise the hunters patrol and hunts for the next few days.

Jimin glanced over at Yerin as she wrapped elastic bands around the family's arms.

He could see the burning questions in their eyes, the desperate need to ask him anything, but they held back, refusing to overwhelm him. Jimin’s heart squeezed painfully at the sight of their complete utter bewilderment. They had been abruptly awakened in the dead of night by a rogue alert, then hurried over just to save a son and a brother they weren't even allowed to see, with no one able to tell them exactly what was wrong except for the grim, ghostly expressions on everyone’s faces.

Trust. Jimin reminded himself.

I have to trust my friends.

Taking a long, steadying breath, he stepped forward. No words were exchanged, no one in the room needed to speak to understand the crushing weight of reality, sadness, and shock choking them all. He took his place beside Inja, picked up a needle, and carefully located her vein.

The silence in the infirmary was heavier than any noise could ever be.

Even from behind the urgent room door, nothing could be heard except for the faint, muffled, and entirely unintelligible rumble of Seokjin’s voice. Jimin forced himself to stay completely focused on the dark crimson blood flowing from the needle, through the plastic tubing, and into the collection bag. This was the blood that would save his love - the man who had poured out his own to shield him.

All that blood, would it be enough? A bitter wave of frustration washed over Jimin, a profound ache because he didn't share their bloodline and couldn't drain himself to give Jungkook everything he had.

Jungkook had lunged to protect him before he had even fully completed his shift into his wolf, completely disregarding his own safety just to ensure he arrived in time. Jimin's gaze drifted down to his own tunic, ruined and soaked in acrid, heavy red.

Yet, beneath the stained fabric, his own skin was entirely immaculate.

And that was the exact moment Jimin finally broke.

Not a single scratch on him while Jungkook lay dying.

The omega cried, uncontrollable sobs echoing in the infirmary.

His tears cascaded down, splashing like heavy rain against Inja’s bare arm. She didn't say a word. Jimin simply felt her hand softly pressing against his back, rubbing reassuring circles.

He didn't dare lift his gaze to meet Jungkook’s mother’s eyes, because he knew that if he did, he would only see an identical, devastating torrent of tears reflecting his own.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

The next morning, news of the tragedy spread through the pack like wildfire.

By dawn, Hoseok, Namjoon, and Jimin’s parents had arrived at the infirmary, expanding the desperate vigil of people waiting for that heavy wooden door to finally swing open.

No one had caught even a fraction of a second of sleep during the night. Yerin had spent the hours running back and forth, delivering the blood bags and returning with the exact same update each time

“They are trying to stabilize him. He’s still here. He’s holding on."

To be completely honest, Jimin normally would never have permitted it, but Jungkook's family had stubbornly insisted on donating again and again, pushing far past what was medically safe. When they began getting dangerously close to the limit - on the verge of collapsing into the same state as Jungkook - Jimin had put a definitive stop to the madness.

After that, they simply huddled close together, seeking a wordless comfort in each other's presence.

During the day, every now and then, Homin, a hunter, or a concerned pack member would quietly slip into the hall to check for any updates.

Then, the sharp, heavy creak of the trauma room door instantly jolted everyone out of their exhausted lethargy.

One by one, Taehyung, Yoongi, and Mingyu stepped out into the hallway. Their faces were entirely hollowed out by fatigue, and the bitter, sour scent of their distressed pheromones hung heavily around them after hours of agonizing tension.

Finally, behind them, Seokjin and Nayoon made their appearance, wiping their stained hands on their medical gowns, looking doubly spent.

The entire room collectively held its breath, terrified to imagine the worst, yet utterly incapable of letting go of hope.

Seokjin, true to his nature, was not the type to drag out the suspense or inflict unnecessary fear.

“He’s alive,”

Jimin squeezed his eyes shut, his hand flying to his chest as his pulse suddenly surged with a fierce, frantic rhythm - as if he himself had just been brought back to life.

“He’s alive, but he is extremely weak,” Seokjin continued, his voice tight with exhaustion. “Your blood was enough to keep him tethered here, but it’s going to take a long time for his body to naturally regenerate enough to reach a healthy level. We will have to be incredibly patient and alert. His wounds are going to require constant, meticulous care to prevent infection.”

“Thank you…” Inja sobbed, burying her face in her hands. “Thank you all so much.”

Shortly after, they were finally allowed into the room to see him.

Jungkook’s skin was entirely bloodless, a stark, fragile white, his scent almost gone. If they hadn’t just been assured that he was alive, and if they couldn't see the painfully shallow rise and fall of his chest, they would have feared the absolute worst.

The first few days that followed were an intense, agonizing blur. Jimin was finally permitted to take over his care, stepping into his role as a healer to help change the heavy bandages and apply their salve and inject the necessary cocktail of vitamins, supplements, and fluids.

Every single passing moment felt like a fragile battle, as though Jungkook’s heartbeat and breathing were as delicate as the wings of a bee, capable of stopping at any second.

Jimin, along with Jungkook’s family and their friends, made it a point of honor to turn his hospital bed into a safe cocoon, almost like the nest you keep your pup in on the first day of its life.

Everyone brought heavy blankets and worn clothes from home, knowing how vital familiar scents and the presence of family were for a recovering wolf, and believing it would guide him back to them.

Days bled into a week, and then two weeks slipped by. Jimin barely ate a thing, consenting only when his parents or Taehyung insisted while sharing a vigil in the room, or when Inja practically forced him to take a few bites during her visits.

It was during the dead of night, when he was completely alone and the others were asleep on the cots across the room, that Jimin truly lived.

He would carefully climb into the bed, lying precisely along Jungkook’s uninjured left side, curling himself into the alpha. He would scent him as deeply and intensely as he could, whispering words of love and strength to the shell of his ear.

And Jimin could swear that the rich, comforting scent of woodsmoke grew a little stronger each morning after they spent the night pressed together - Jungkook's inner wolf was actively responding to his presence, slowly painting a whisper of healthy color back into his pale cheeks.

“Please, wake up soon. Everyone miss you so much. I miss you so much, love.”

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

His chest ached brutally, the agony flaring with every single shallow intake of breath, making his skin feel as tight and brittle as paper, as if it might tear completely open if he dared to breathe too deeply.

“Jungkook?”

Hearing the sound of a voice felt incredibly foreign. A sharp, rhythmic lance of pain throbbed inside his skull, heavy and blinding, like the worst hangover he had ever experienced. His mouth was completely dry and pasty, and his entire body tingled with a numb, prickly sensation.

Why did everything hurt so badly? He tried to force his eyes open, but the lids felt heavy and glued shut, stinging as if they hadn't seen the light in an eternity. When was the last time he had even opened them?

Then, a sudden, terrifying memory flashed through his mind - the rogue lunging directly at Jimin.

“Jimin!” he choked out, his voice turning into a ragged shout as his body jolted fully awake.

e hissed in pure agony, his eyes burning as his sudden movement sent a scorching wave of fire ripping across his torso and belly. But the pain was nothing compared to the frantic rush of adrenaline still pumping through his veins, screaming at him to protect the omega.

“Jimin? Where is he? Is he fine?”

“Jungkook? Oh, my Jungkook…” Inja sobbed, unable to believe her own eyes as she realized her son was finally awake. “Jimin is perfectly fine, sweetheart. He’s safe. He’s going to be so relieved to see you.”

“Son, calm down,” his father’s voice added, and Jungkook could see the blurry, tearful silhouettes of his parents hovering over him. “Stay still. You’re going to tear your stitches right open.”

His mother, on the verge of tears, gently stroked his hair, whispering for him to stop talking because it would only cause him more pain. Jungkook let out a weak hum.

He wanted to ask a thousand questions, his mind was entirely lost in a fog of confusion. But the reunion was cut incredibly short.

The crushing weight of the pain and exhaustion proved too much to fight, and Jungkook felt his consciousness slipping away once more, plunging him back into the dark.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

A warm, soft presence was ticking against his hair, and a gentle breath was brushing the sensitive skin just beneath his left ear.

“...so handsome, and I still can’t believe I actually fell for that.”

He recognized that sweet, honeyed voice instantly.

Jimin, whispering so close to him in the dark.

Jungkook’s fingers ached with a desperate urge to reach out, to wrap the omega in an embrace so tight he would practically suffocate in his arms and his scent. The lingering fatigue evaporated by the sheer force of his will because he needed to hold his love, to see with his own eyes that he was truly unharmed.

But his body felt incredibly heavy and unresponsive. He forced his eyes open with great effort, greeting a dark ceiling illuminated only by the faint silver of the moon streaming through the window. His hands twitched as he tried to lift them.

“En…jaa.”

“I love it when you call me that.” Jimin broke off as the mattress shifted violently under his weight.

He bolted upright, his hands instantly cupping Jungkook’s face.

“Jungkook?”

The sight of Jimin's wide, adrenaline-spiked eyes was almost comical, framed by heavy, dark dark circles and wet, wobbling lips. He was fine. Jimin was completely okay.

A weak smile of pure relief broke across Jungkook's face, and he desperately tried to lift his hands to brush the tears from the omega's cheeks.

But Jimin had a pre-planned agenda of his own. Muttering frantically to himself, he scrambled off the bed, rummaged through the medical supplies, and scooped up an armful of tools and charts.

“Tell me where it hurts. I-I need to check your vitals. If you can manage it, eating solid food will tremendously help your recovery, and now we can finally ask…” he stopped to take a breath, “...ask you questions to adjust the treatment and your dosage. Your torso is a mess, but I think it’ll be okay. And as for your pinky, well, that’s your decision."

Jungkook tore his gaze away from the panicking healer to look down at his own body.

His entire torso was heavily wrapped in thick layers of bandages, and now that he was conscious enough to actually process it, the fierce wave of pain surged across his chest again. By reflex, he went to rest his hand on his stomach - and that was when he caught sight of his finger. It was saved, it was there, and it wasn't completely dead, but it was incredibly mangled and gruesome to look at.

This was undoubtedly what Jimin had been referencing in his frantic monologue.

“At least missing this finger won't stop me from giving you pleasure,” the alpha croaked out, trying to joke.

Jimin whipped his head around, staring at him as if he had temporarily forgotten that Jungkook was actually awake and alert, and not just a wishful dream.

He looked entirely unamused by the attempt to deflect, his expression tight with a trauma that was still visibly immense.

“That’s not funny,” Jimin snapped, but Jungkook could see the sharp edge in his voice was fueled entirely by a volatile mix of fear and lingering anguish.

“It was a little bit, come on,” Jungkook croaked, bracing his weight against his good arm to push himself up into a semi-sitting position. The movement immediately sent his omega into an absolute frenzy.

“Stay laying down!”

“No,” he hissed, gritting his teeth against the sudden, blinding flare of pain in his ribs. “I want to get a better look at you fussing over me.”

“I cannot believe we waited weeks for you to wake up, and this is the first thing you say and do!”

“Weeks? How long was I out?”

“Two weeks.”

Jungkook gingerly rubbed his left pectoral with a wince, shaking his head as a bitter, disbelieving smile touched his lips.

“Wow. Damn. Yeah, okay.”

“Enkùl, you think this is funny?”

Jungkook stared at the sheer terror and rage consuming the omega. Jimin was rooted to the spot, his eyes as wide as marbles, his hands trembling so violently that the medical supplies he was holding looked ready to crash to the floor at any second. “Jimin, I'm sorry. Calm down.”

“No! You’re insufferable! You–you–”

“Jimin. Look at us,” Jungkook interrupted softly.

Seeing this scene - so chaotic, yet so achingly familiar, mirroring the rough-edged way they used to bicker back then - brought a profound wave of reality crashing over him.

“We’re arguing. We’re fine. So can you please stop fussing and just come hug here before I fall asleep again?” His tone shifted, dropping into a deep, earnest seriousness, his unwavering gaze locking onto Jimin.

It was exactly the validation Jimin needed. A broken sob escaped his lips, and he finally dropped the supplies, stepping up to the edge of the mattress. Pushing his face close, he pressed his forehead against Jungkook's, a delicate, fragile sound that was half-laugh and half-cry echoing between them.

Jimin wrapped his arms around him with agonizing tenderness, keeping his distance just enough to ensure their chests didn't collide.

He finally allowed himself to collapse completely, weeping silently against the junction of Jungkook's neck. Jungkook didn't fully comprehend the sudden shift in behavior, but he welcomed the embrace with a fierce joy. He cradled the omega close, entirely ignoring the agonizing fire ripping through his ribs.

He whispered that the whole situation was rather ironic given that he was supposed to be the patient, but the wild floral scent of Jimin’s pheromones - even heavily tainted by deep worry - smelled so utterly divine that Jungkook swore it could heal every single one of his wounds.

“I’m fine,” he murmured into Jimin's hair, desperately trying to quiet the omega's tears.

Jimin shook his head violently against his neck. He pulled back, letting the raw, ugly tears stream down his face as he finally spoke his absolute truth.

“No, you’re not,” Jimin sobbed, his fingers tangling tightly into Jungkook's hair. “It’s not fine! It's not okay at all. You have no idea. You were dead, Jungkook... If it had been anyone else... Goddess, if it had been anyone else, someone less close to us, healer…we wouldn’t have… For the first time in my entire life, I was actually grateful that they let me abuse my privilege for you.” He hitched, a violent gasp racking his frame.

“We could see everything. Your blood, your bones, it went so deep it almost touched your organs, your lungs! All the blood your family gave you, Jungkook... it completely crossed the line of medical safety. But I didn’t care! I was happy to do it, as long as it brought you back to life! You cannot sit there and laugh about this. No. I know you’re trying to lighten the mood, but stop it. You almost died, Jungkook. You are allowed to be terrified. Because we–me, your friends, your family–we were utterly terrorized!”

Jungkook flinched, his face twisting into a grimace. It wasn't from a physical pang this time, but from the realization that his attempt to deflect had completely minimized the profound psychological trauma his actions had inflicted on the people who loved him.

“I spent my days, between checking on you, running into the woods to gather herbs just to restock the shelves because everything we had was being poured into keeping you alive, and we had other patient to treat you know” Jimin wept, the words tumbling out in a frantic, suffocating rush. “We would have never authorized that level of care for anyone else, but I begged Homin and Seokjin with every single ounce of my soul, week after week. It’s horrible, and yet I don’t care... b–because Jungkook… Your blood... it was…my clothes, my hands... all of your blood, everywhere. Everywhere, Jungkook. I can still feel it against me, hot and liquid and–”

His voice shattered completely, his face broken and ruined by tears. He brought his trembling hands up to cover his own face.

“Why did you do that? Why did you jump? Toä eup sap air–I thought–I thought I lost you. And all i could think abo–”

Jimin’s breathing turned ragged and dangerously hollow. His eyes rolled slightly, and his entire body began to vibrate with violent tremors.

Jungkook recognized the signs instantly - Jimin was on the verge of a panic attack. Wasting no more time, Jungkook reached out and pulled the omega forcefully against his uninjured side, wrapping him tight.

To hell with the stitches holding his flesh together, his only true agony right now was the agonizing heartbreak of watching his omega shatter into pieces.

“I’m here. I’m alive, love. I’m so sorry I made you all go through that. But you obviously know the answer... I couldn’t just stand there and not step in, or you would have died, Jimin,” Jungkook whispered fiercely into his hair, his good hand rhythmically stroking the nape of the omega's neck to ground him. “I’m here now. You saved me. I’m here. I love you.”

Jimin suddenly pulled back, his hands slamming onto Jungkook’s cheeks. His eyes were frantic, scanning every inch of the alpha's features as if to physically verify, over and over, that his soul was truly back, alive and anchored in those dark irises.

“The days passed, all I could think about was that I never got to tell you.” Jimin’s voice broke completely, a tiny, fractured sound. “I love you too. I love you so much, Jungkook.”

At that exact moment, Jungkook’s heart bloomed, swelling with a love so radiant like a wild flower, strong, beautiful on the first day of spring.

Before he could even catch his breath, the omega leaned in and kissed him with everything he had - igniting a brilliant explosion of wild floral pheromones that seemed to soothe the ache in Jungkook’s chest.

“I know you saved me. I know, and I would have done the exact same thing,” Jimin murmured against his lips, his kisses trailing up to soothe Jungkook’s cheeks and tear-stained eyelids. “I know... I’m sorry I’m such a mess, and that I’m so worried and still terrified. But Jungkook, please, never do that again. I wouldn't survive it a second time. Because I need you. Okay? Now, I’m done panic-talking. You are the injured one, and it’s my turn to take care of you.”

Jimin wiped a stray tear from his own cheek, his gaze turning incredibly fierce and resolute.

“I told you yesterday... don’t hold your fears inside anymore. Share them with me. I can handle it. I want to handle your fears. I want to comfort you just like you did for me, to hold you, to soothe your soul, and erase your worries. I’ll tell you a thousand times if I need to that I love you, that I know you're worth my love. I fell in love with you because you’re imperfect, but you try. You always try. You don’t just dwell on things, at least not forever. You’ve taken such deep care of me. I know we aren't perfect, and we still have such a long way to go, and Goddess, how ironic all of this is... but I want you. I love you.”

He leaned down, pressing another soft, desperate kiss to Jungkook's lips.

“And I want to reach those goals together. I want to wake up in the same bed as you every single morning in that big house you built. I want to make you the father of our pups and fill those empty rooms that hold our entire future, to become mates.”

He kissed him again. “Ej toä aim.” And again. “Ej toä aim.” And again. “Ej toä aim.” And one more time. “Ej toä aim. I love you.”

“I love you,” Jungkook choked out, his throat tightening.

“Jungkook, I’m so relieved you’re alive.”

Jungkook swallowed hard, trying to cling to the final remnants of his humor.

“I"m a strng wolf. I’m just gonna lose a pinky.”

Jimin let out a wet, breathless laugh. “You lost your right tit.”

Jungkook's mouth dropped, the joke died on his tongue.

“I almost died…”

Finally, the staggering weight of reality caught up to him. With the immediate terror gone and his desperate urge to lighten the burden for Jimin finally fading, Jungkook’s own mind finally forced him to look and care for himself.

He had almost died.

He wouldn't have regretted it - not for a single second if it meant saving Jimin’s life - but he had almost passed every single beautiful thing they were supposed to build together.

The realization hit him like a physical blow. The first tear slipped silently down his temple, followed by another, until the heavy, repressed trauma of the attack finally evacuated through his eyes, weeping silently into the safety of his omega's embrace.

Jimin held him tightly in his arms, rocking him gently as he whispered his own steady stream of comfort.

He promised Jungkook that he was right here, that he would never go anywhere without him again, and that he would stay by his side for as long as it took to nurse him back to full, vibrant health.

“I’m here, love. I’m right here. Hey, breathe... just breathe,” Jimin murmured softly, scenting the alpha continuously, wrapping him in a thick, protective blanket of wild wildflowers to quiet his racing heart.

After a long while, as Jungkook's trembling finally began to subside, Jimin gently asked if he wanted to rest a bit longer or if he felt up to having Seokjin called in for a complete check up.

Despite the heavy, crushing fatigue he could feel clawing its way back into his mind, Jungkook gave a weak nod. He wanted to get it over with.

Of course, the moment Jimin stepped out and announced that Jungkook was truly, fully awake, the quiet room was instantly flooded with people.

His parents, his brother, and his closest friends descended upon him, dotting on him and fretting over him as if he were nothing but a tiny, fragile pup again, wrapping him in a chaotic warmth before they were finally swept out of the room by the healers.

Then, at last, he received a full recap of everything that had transpired after he had lost consciousness. They told him about the frantic, terrifying sprint back to the village center, the catastrophic extent of his injuries, and the jagged, heavy scars that would now mark his skin for the rest of his life. Seokjin explained the severe blood loss, warning him that a complete recovery would still take several weeks of strict, unyielding rest.

Finally, they addressed his mangled finger, explaining that they had patched it up as best as they could while waiting to see if Jungkook wanted to keep it or not.

Jungkook looked at the heavily bandaged digit and sighed.

“You can just amputate it whenever it’s safe to do so,” he muttered.

They proceeded to carefully peel back his current chest bandages, and Jungkook was finally forced to look at the brutal reality they had all been fighting for. Two angry, crimson ridges of violently stitched flesh tore across the entire right side of his torso.

And, just as Jimin had said, his right nipple was entirely gone, replaced by a thick, jagged crater of the scar.

For the time being, Seokjin informed him, he was strictly ordered to remain entirely bedridden for at least another week.

They would reassess his mobility after that, but for now, his vitals were remarkably good - even more so if he could begin eating solid food again, with an emphasis on rich, red meat to help rebuild his blood supply.

“It’s so good to see you back, Jungkook,” Seokjin concluded, offering warm smile as he packed up his instruments. “You need to rest now. Sleep is going to be your absolute best ally for the next few weeks. Sorry to break it to you.”

As Seokjin turned and walked out of the room, Jimin began to step away to follow him, but Jungkook’s hand shot out, his fingers weakly hooking into the omega’s wrist to anchor him in place.

“Don’t go,” Jungkook pleaded, his voice small and thick with impending sleep. “Stay close to me. Sleep with me... I don't care about the wounds.”

♪

Jimin’s expression melted entirely, a soft, incredibly tender look overtaking his exhausted features.

“Jungkook, I’ve slept right by your side every single night that I could,” Jimin admitted softly, stepping back to the edge of the mattress. “I may be a healer, but you were still also my alpha. I couldn’t bear to sleep away from you, and that’s certainly not about to change now. I just need to step out for a few minutes to see my parents, tell them the good news, make sure they know I’m still alive so they finally rest tonight and stop worrying about us both.”

As promised, Jimin returned quickly, bringing with him a basket of fresh, warm food sent directly from his mother.

Jungkook ate with a bit of difficulty, his body completely exhausted after being awake for several hours, but his system welcomed the savory, rich food as if his stomach had a desperate, instinctual craving of its own.

Once he was finished, the two wolves finally lay down together on the narrow hospital bed. Jungkook’s eyelids were already incredibly heavy, but he still wound his left arm securely around Jimin, pulling him flush against his side.

The omega rested his palm flat above Jungkook’s heart, anchoring himself to the steady, rhythmic beat beneath his fingers. Jungkook burrowed his face deeply into the soft, comforting crown of Jimin’s black hair, breathing in his scent, the scent that he knew allowed him, a little more each night, to cling to what little strength he had left.

“You saved my life again, Jimin,” Jungkook whispered into the dark, his voice thick with emotion. “Back then when you hated me, and now when you love me.”

Jimin’s response was just as quiet, a soft murmur against Jungkook’s chest that resonated deeply within both of their souls. “You saved me too. I would save you every single time, in any context, Jeon Jungkook, because that is who I am. And because in any life, you just need to be in mine, no matter what role the Goddess designed for you to play.”

Utterly spent, they finally drifted off to sleep.

For the first time in two grueling weeks, Jimin slept without a single crushing weight pressing against his chest - whether it was the physical one or the agonizing worry that had been consumed him.

The next morning, when Seokjin pushed the door open to perform his daily rounds, flanked by an incredibly eager Taehyung, Namjoon, and Hoseok, they all stopped in their tracks.

A collective, tender chuckle rippled through the group at the sight of the two lovers completely curled into each other.

Even Seokjin, despite letting out a mock groan of protest at the sight of Jungkook twisted onto his side and hopelessly wrinkling his bandages, couldn't hide a soft, affectionate smile.

By silent, unanimous agreement, they gently pulled the door shut again to let them sleep a little longer. They desperately needed the rest, and seeing Jungkook peacefully resting was all the relief his friends needed to know he was truly out of the woods.

The four friends walked back out into the main hall, setting themselves down on one of the empty cots.

Namjoon let out a long, heavy sigh of pure relief.

“I'm so glad the worst is behind us. I don't think I could have handled that agonizing wait much longer. Watching his parents and Jimin suffer in silence like that was breaking my heart,” he admitted, a melancholy but visibly lighter smile gracing his features.

“Yeah, well, knowing Jungkook, now that he’s awake he’s never going to want to let go of his omega. I wouldn't celebrate too quickly, he’s going to pop his stitches, I can already feel it,” Seokjin grumbled lightheartedly. The others snickered in absolute agreement.

Suddenly, Seokjin’s stomach let out a loud, traitorous rumble. “Oh,” he muttered, rubbing his middle as he stood up. “I think I have some bread and honey left in the back office.”

The elder omega trotted into the adjoining room. A moment later, the sound of drawers slamming and papers being shifted echoed out, followed by a loud groan.

“I swear it was right here!”

Taehyung rubbed his eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

“Was your bread wrapped in a purple dish towel, Seokjin?”

“Yes. How do you know that?” Seokjin demanded, stepping back into the hall empty-handed.

“I’m pretty sure I saw a completely sleep-deprived Jimin mindlessly eating it in the middle of the night yesterday and he might have shared some with me...”

“You little– What am I supposed to eat during my breaks now?”

“Hey, don’t forget who I am,” Hoseok interjected, proudly pointing a thumb at his own chest. “If that’s all you’re worried about, I’ll personally whip up a whole new batch of snacks for our healers again.”

“You are an absolute angel, Hoseok.” Seokjin sighed dramatically.

He grabbed a stray bottle of dried lavender sprigs from a nearby counter and began playfully shaking it over Hoseok in a mock gesture of reverent blessing.

“You know your mate is a literal angel, right Namjoon?” 

Namjoon hugged Hoseok, eyeing his friends, laughing again, happy again.

“Honestly, thank you, Taehyung and Yoongi, for falling in love and merging our two packs together. Best decision ever.”

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

Jungkook was supposed to remain completely bedridden for at least one more week.

However, a small, stubborn infection flared up near the edges of his chest sutures, forcing him to stay tightly under the healers' watch for a few extra days until the redness and fever finally cleared. He finally went home.

Every single time the heavy bandages had to be peeled away for cleaning, Jungkook made it a point to ease Jimin pained expression, that he wasn't the least bit bothered by the tracks across his skin.

If anything, he would smirk, flexing his uninjured shoulder and teasing that the jagged lines only gave him a rugged, dangerous edge that made him even more attractive, Jimin would let out a soft chuckle at the sheer stupidity.

But when Jungkook went a step further, his voice dropping as he murmured that he would do it all over again even if it left his entire face heavily scarred, so long as it saved Jimin's life - Jimin's laughter would die down.

The omega’s heart would swell, practically bursting with an overwhelming wave of pure devotion. To shut the stubborn alpha up, Jimin would simply stop pulling the gauze, lean over the edge of the mattress, and press a deep, loving kiss to Jungkook's lips before quietly resuming his work on the bandages.

By far, the absolute hardest part of the entire ordeal for Jungkook was the forced inactivity.

Whenever he tried to do more than just doing his bed, or go up and down the stairs more than once per hour, a sudden wave of dizziness would wash over him, leaving him completely spent. His body simply wasn't strong enough yet.

Seokjin repeatedly reminded him that his blood count was still low and that rebuilding his system would take time. He couldn't go out hunting, he couldn't run, he couldn't even stand on the sidelines to coach the  daily training sessions. He could do absolutely nothing.

Frustrated by the paralysis, he eventually begged Yoongi to at least bring him the paperwork. He insisted that his second in command visit him every single evening for a full briefing. Jungkook refused to fall behind or let his men think their Advisor was no longer invested in their safety.

Above all, he hated the thought of saddling Yoongi with the entire weight of the security stuff. But Yoongi shut him down every single time, firmly assuring him that it was no trouble at all. The team was well-oiled, and this was entirely temporary, joking with a wicked, teasing smirk, that the very second Jungkook was cleared for duty, he would take immense pleasure in dumping every single piece of responsibility back onto his shoulders.

Still, his fragile condition came with its fair share of undeniable perks as well.

His parents coddled and pampered him like never before, dropping by far too often with heavy bowls of food. Within days, his kitchen counter was so packed with provisions that Jimin and him could easily survive a week-long siege without stepping foot outside. Hana and Jungyun would slip into the house whenever they had a free moment, bringing the little girls along.

Watching his nieces play around the living room, Jungha rolling on the carpet, never failed to bring a warm, healing balm to his spirit.

Taehyung, true to himself, never stopped pulling ridiculous pranks. He would routinely burst through the door with plates of fresh pastries that Jungkook’s mother couldn’t bake - clearly stolen from Hoseok’s kitchen.

A few hours later, Hoseok would inevitably come knocking on Jungkook’s front door, scratching his head and suspiciously asking if anyone happened to have seen the three lemon tarts he had specifically prepped for the hall gathering the next day. 

And then, of course, there was Jimin. The omega was the absolute definition of attentive, hovering over him with a gentle devotion.

Jimin would have happily abandoned his duties to stay glued to Jungkook's side all day long. But Jungkook was the one who firmly insisted that Jimin continue his shifts at the infirmary.

Deep down, a selfish part of the alpha desperately wanted his omega trapped in the house with him twenty-four hours a day - but to do what, exactly? He didn't want Jimin forcing himself to stay cooped up inside just to babysit him. This wasn't some deeply buried toxic habit of trying not to burden Jimin again, either.

If Jungkook were genuinely feeling worse physically, he would have asked him to stay. He truly felt perfectly capable of managing a few hours alone.

It wasn't as if he were healthy enough to take Jimin out on dates, spoil him properly, or even make love to him.

He spent the vast majority of his daylight hours drifting in and out of sleep, eating whatever meal had been delivered that morning with Jimin or whoever came to visit him that day, and slowly chipping away at the logs Yoongi left behind during their nightly debriefs.

So, he finally learned to just lean back into the pillows and enjoy it. He listened to Jimin, who gently reminded him every night to look at this forced pause as the very first vacation of his entire life.

He took the time for himself, allowed his body to rest without a shred of shame, and simply opened his heart to welcome the tender, unconditional care his omega was so beautifully pouring out for him. On his nightstand was even the Irfancas book he had borrowed from Sae to learn the language of Jimin's family. They had come one evening while Jimin was at work, delivering touching words to thank him for saving their son’s life once again, Jungkook had cried, and they did too.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

Jimin had practically moved in with him by now, a transition that allowed Jungkook to discover the messy, everyday realities of living with a highly dedicated, perpetually busy omega.

Jimin was always on the move, constantly balancing the stress of his demanding job with the lingering anxiety over his alpha's recovery.

These were beautifully imperfect traits, and Jungkook uncovered each one with a secret sense of joy.

What the omega hadn't fully realized yet, however, was that beneath Jungkook's rugged exterior lay a surprisingly meticulous, borderline tidy streak.

There was now a second toothbrush sitting in the bathroom sink, and Jungkook found himself constantly adjusting it, making sure it was placed on the left side rather than the right.

When the omega rushed out the door in the morning, leaving a whirlwind of chaos in his wake, Jungkook would slowly get out of bed to find clothes strewn across the floor and freshly washed coffee mugs sitting in the sink, clean but never put back in the cupboards.

Jimin always took charge of dinner in the evenings, but he possessed a stubborn preference for eating on the living room rug, leaning against the cushions and using the coffee table rather than sitting at the actual dining table.

When they took their baths together, Jimin couldn't care less about splashing water all over the floor, far more interested in wrapping his arms around the alpha and peppering Jungkook's neck with wet, ticklish kisses.

They had even naturally claimed their own sides of the bed, Jimin slept on the side to the warmth of the fireplace, while Jungkook slept closest to the door.

Jungkook’s strength steadily returned. He was not wearing bandages for a while now, and once the sutures were finally snipped and removed, the angry ridges of his scars began to flatten, the fierce crimson fading into a lighter, silvery pink.

His mangled pinky finger had been amputated and healed over without a single complication, and his vitals and blood pressure finally leveled back out to a perfect baseline, signaling that his red blood cell count was entirely out of the danger zone.

Feeling the old spark of restlessness burning in his veins - and keeping a very careful eye out to ensure he was shielded from Jimin’s inquisitive gaze - Jungkook secretly began exercising in the privacy of his bedroom during the day.

It was nothing too intense, and he was careful not to put any stretching pressure on his chest scars.

He stuck to lifting light weights with his arms and performing basic bodyweight leg exercises, desperate to maintain his conditioning and reclaim the muscle definition he had lost over a month of total bedrest.

Of course, his luck eventually ran out.

One afternoon, he was in the middle of a set of push-ups when Jimin walked through the front door much earlier than expected.

Both of them froze on the spot.

A second later, Jimin lunged at him, a whirlwind of furious concern, peppering his shoulders with fake, harmless slaps and scolding him at the top of his lungs. 

Jungkook, acting the part of a charmingly wicked brat, ignored every single word of the lecture. Instead, he flashed his widest, most innocent doe eyes, even letting out a dramatic, exaggerated groan of pain just to manipulate the omega into hovering over him with soft, panicked hands.

“I’ve lost muscle, love” Jungkook whined, successfully trapping a pouting Jimin against his chest as he wrapped his arms around his waist. “I’m a hunter, if I wanna go back soon I have to be in shape.”

“You are already more than muscular enough, and above all, you are supposed to be taking it easy.” Jimin scolded, though his hands were already softening against Jungkook's shoulders.

“No, absolutely not,” Jungkook countered smoothly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I need to be in peak physical condition if I want to be able to do this…”

With a sudden surge of strength, he scooped Jimin completely off his feet, catching him under the thighs to hoist him up into a secure bridal carry.

Jimin let out a loud, startled squeal, his hands instantly clutching at Jungkook's neck for balance.

“...so I can carry my omega like this whenever he’s exhausted from his long shifts, or when he’s sick,” Jungkook murmured, his voice dropping into a deeper, velvety register as he stepped closer. “Or to carry him to our bed at night. Or, even better..."

Jimin’s exasperation evaporated entirely, his heart completely melting at the sight of Jungkook looking so vibrantly healthy and full of life. Deep down, the relief of seeing his alpha capable of such effortless strength after everything they had been through was too much a relief to fight.

He arched an eyebrow to encourage him to finish his thought.

“What if I want to carry my mate around everywhere he desires when he’s carrying a heavy baby bump, hm?” Jungkook whispered, pressing his nose against Jimin's temple.

Jimin went completely still, his dark eyes widening as a vivid crimson blush instantly flooded his cheeks. He let out a soft gasp, feebly squirming to be let down.

Jungkook caught a sudden, overwhelming spike of pure sweetness and arousal in the omega's scent.

Grinning, he tightened his grip, refusing to let him go as he marched over to the living room and collapsed safely onto the cushions of the couch, keeping Jimin firmly pinned on his lap. He would never admit it aloud, but the brief exertion had already left him a little breathless. 

Step by step, he reminded himself. One little victory at a time.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against the shell of Jimin’s ear as he murmured a piece of ancient lore.

“You know what they say about true mates, right? Rël livass oirva ètpro mecidi.”

Perhaps that was the exact reason why Jimin never quite got around to preparing their usual dinner that evening.

The sunset faded into twilight, leaving them tangled together on the soft fabric of the sofa, Jungkook’s shirt discarded, tossed carelessly onto the hardwood floor, leaving the broad expanse of his chest entirely bare.

Jimin moved over him, his warm tongue trailing delicately over every single inch of the thick, jagged scars marring the alpha's skin, breathing out soft, needy moans against his chest.

Jungkook’s breath hitched, his good hand sliding down to grip the waistband of Jimin's pants, slipping his fingers beneath the fabric to cup the soft, warm curve of his omega's ass.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

After one final check-up at the infirmary, Jungkook was finally cleared.

While he was allowed to step back into his role and take the lead on the training sessions, Seokjin put a strict, non-negotiable delay on shifting and hunting for a while longer.

Jimin watched pure joy and a wave of relief explode across the alpha’s face at the news.

To celebrate the milestone, Jungkook had invited both of their families over to their house for a celebratory dinner.

As the comforting clatter of silverware and the warm hum of overlapping conversations filled the dining room, Jimin took a moment to just step back mentally and admire the picture painting itself before him.

A happiness bloomed in his chest, seeing their two worlds merge so effortlessly together.

Off to one side, their mothers were already whispering and gossiping like teenage best friends, playfully arguing over who loved their son-in-law more. Across from them, their fathers were exchanging stories about the various wounds they had collected over their worktime.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was locked in an animated debate with his brother and Hana.

Suddenly, a sharp, tiny cry from Jungha pulled everyone out of their bubbles.

The entire table turned toward the sofa, where the baby, who had been peacefully napping, had just woken up.

Since Jimin was standing closest to the living room, he instinctively stepped away from the table to gently pick up the small pup. He lifted her with practiced delicacy, noting her bright, tear-filled little eyes.

“Oh, sweet girl. What is it? What’s the matter?” The very second she was securely cradled against his chest, her panicked cries began to soften, tapering off into tiny whimpers. “Do you want mommy or daddy?”

Jimin walked back over to the dining table, preparing to hand the little bundle over to either Hana or Jungyun, but the beta simply smiled, waving his hands.

“Look at that, you can keep holding her if you want. She’s already completely calm down.”

“That little one only likes being carried,” Haneul piped up, her young voice sounding remarkably mature as she proudly repeated a phrase she had undoubtedly overheard her parents say a thousand times before.

A collective chuckle rippled around the table.

Jimin cradled the pup warmly in his arms.

At a few months old, she was growing beautifully, but she still retained that irresistible, squishy baby fat. He cooed softly at her, captivated by her now wide and calm eyes as she stared up at him with that distinct spark of wonder unique to all young pups.

“She looks so much like you, Hana,” Jimin murmured softly.

“That’s funny, because your parents just told me they think she looks exactly like Jungyun,” Hana replied with a laugh.

Jungul interjected, raising a finger in the air

“Jungha doesn't look like Haneul did at all, and she is the spitting image of her mother. So I think Jungha will grow to have Jungyun's features.”

Hana shrugged, a fond smile on her face.

“Well, you Jeons have beautiful eyes, so I certainly wouldn't mind that.”

“And we also have some incredibly fat cheeks,” Jungkook teased, leaning over to gently poke Jungha’s chubby cheek before reaching over to do the exact same to a giggling Haneul.

“Jimin had very chubby cheeks when he was a baby, too. He was adorable,” Jihye cooed, her eyes shining with nostalgia.

“Do you think your pups will look more like Jungkook or Jimin?” Inja asked, the question slipping out with complete - Jungkook knew fake - simplicity.

An immediate cacophony of voices erupted around the dinner table.

Jungkook groaned loudly, his entire face turning a flushed crimson as he frantically told his family not to put that kind of pressure on Jimin, however adding that if they did have pups down the line, they would definitely inherit Jimin’s breathtaking beauty anyway.

Jungyun chimed in, jokingly saying he desperately hoped so, because it would be a tragedy if the poor kids inherited Jungkook's big nose and bunny teeth.

Jimin just snorted, an easy grin spreading across his face as he watched the Jeon and Park happily bicker back and forth.

He didn't feel a single ounce of pressure from the question.

Instead, he looked back down at the quiet baby in his arms, his mind naturally drifting to what a pup created by him and Jungkook would actually look like.

Would they be just as sweet and beautiful as little Jungha and Haneul?

Gently, his finger traced the tiny slope of Jungha’s nose.

“I wouldn't mind chubby cheeks, big nose and bunny teeth at all,” he whispered softly to himself, his heart melting at the thought.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

Lanterns transformed the clearing in the eastern woods into a sanctuary of light. Dozens of small glass bubbles hung gracefully from the low branches of the trees, illuminating the dark forest with countless glittering points, all centered around a hollowed-out wooden stump where a small fire crackled.

On opposite sides of the flame stood Yoongi and Taehyung.

Both alphas were dressed in long, flowing white tunics, accented by colorful woven ribbons that fluttered in the light evening breeze, and adorned with brilliant family heirlooms that caught the firelight. Yet, nothing shone brighter than the radiant, breathtaking smiles painting their faces.

The sheer, tender devotion in the way they looked at one another was so tender that it squeezed the hearts of every guest watching them.

Gathered in a wide and reverent circle around the couple were their loved ones.

The innermost ring was held by Taehyung’s family, followed closely by Jimin, Jungkook, Hoseok, Namjoon, Seokjin, and their tight-knit group of friends, leading out to the hunters and other close pack members. It was an intimate gathering of barely thirty people.

Jimin remembered attending ceremonies in the past where couples invited nearly a third of the entire pack, but this felt entirely right for Yoongi and Taehyung.

Standing in the second row, Jimin slipped his fingers into Jungkook’s large hand, squeezing it tightly.

A shared, knowing look passed between them, their eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. Just that morning, they had met up and burst into laughter after exchanging stories about how their respective best friends had completely freaked out. Yoongi had been a pacing, grumbling mess of nerves, while Taehyung had practically vibrated with anxious energy, convinced he was going to trip over his own tunic.

Seeing them now, completely anchored in each other's gaze, it was impossible to deny that they were made for one another.

Homin stepped forward, his expression solemn yet warm as he performed his duties as Head Alpha.

He carefully poured a thin stream of sacred oil and a handful of aromatic incense branches over the flames, causing the fire to flare with a sweet scent of pine and amber.

Taehyung’s mother then stepped in, giving them a carved dagger.

Yoongi took the blade first, pressing the sharp edge to his thumb to draw a bead of red. He let it drop directly into the burning wood. He handed the dagger to Taehyung, who replicated the action, letting his own blood mingle with Yoongi's in the flames. Together, they reached for a heavy slate lid and placed it firmly over the hollow stump, smothering the fire.

As the smoke curled out, the entire gathering began to chant a traditional pack prayer.

Once the embers died, Homin carefully lifted the stone lid. He dipped his thumbs into the warm ash.

Gently, he pressed a gray smudge across Yoongi’s forehead, then did the exact same to Taehyung, murmuring words of blessing. It was a sacred foretaste of the precious, unbreakable bond that would soon link them - a reminder of the weight and beauty of the act they would complete later that night.

In their pack, couples rarely claimed their marks out in the open.

There was no strict rule forbidding it, and on rare occasions, a couple might choose to bite each other during the public ceremony, but the vast majority preferred the raw, unshielded vulnerability of doing it in the absolute privacy of their own home.

Homin stepped back, spreading his arms wide to address the circle.

“Tonight, your loved ones, your pack and our Goddess bear witness and stands as one to celebrate a bond forged long before this fire was lit. Yoongi, Taehyung, you have run the same paths, guarded the same borders, and sheltered each other's spirits through the darkest winters. May the Goddess bless your path with an unyielding hearth, may your scents forever harmonize to bring peace to your home, and may your strength double now that your souls will be bound.”

Taehyung took a deep breath, his large hand reaching out to firmly clasp Yoongi’s.

“I used to think my life was meant to be loud, to live entirely on the run,” Taehyung spoke first, his deep voice carrying beautifully through the quiet woods.

He looked at Yoongi, his eyes shining with a vulnerability he rarely showed the world.

“When I met you, I instantly knew. Knew you’d be someone important to me. You became the quiet I didn't know I needed, the steady ground beneath my step. I promise to protect your peace, to fight by your side, and to love you through every season this life brings us.”

Yoongi swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as a rare, incredibly soft smile broke across his face.

“I love your loudness, Taehyung,” he murmured, eliciting a soft ripple of laughter from the guests, especially from Hoseok and Jungkook.

Yoongi’s gaze softened further, his voice dropping into a rough, earnest register.

“You’re a mess I never want to live without. You brought light into the corners of my life that I thought would stay dark forever, you became my family along my two favorite omegas, and Goddess knows how hard it is to let people enter my heart. You’re my miracle. I promise to hold you up when you’re weary, to listen to your wild ideas, and to guard your heart full of wonder with my very life. I am yours, completely.”

A murmur of agreement washed through the crowd as they leaned over the tree stump to share a tender kiss.

Jimin felt a tear escape his eye as he leaned his head against his alpha’s shoulder, eagerly anticipating the day they would stand before the fire themselves.

Following the solemn vows, the clearing melted into a flurry of laughter, a small arranged buffet, and the soft strumming of music.

Yoongi invited Seokjin to dance, while Taehyung took his mother by the hand, guiding her gently into a slow, rhythmic waltz.

The two best friends exchanged muttered words of teasing during their turns, their smiles soft and easy. The moment the dance ended, he marched straight over to the buffet table where Jimin and Jungkook were standing and smoothly stole Jimin away.

Jimin laughed, easily wrapping his arms around his oldest friend's shoulders as Yoongi took his waist.

They began to spin, their movements light. As the rhythm slowed, a sudden, powerful wave of nostalgia washed over them.

Jimin looked into Yoongi’s eyes and saw them shining brightly beneath the lantern light. They had grown up. Far, far away was the time of their pup days, the scraped knees, and the shared, terrifying turmoil when Yoongi had lost his parents. His friend had survived the darkest winters of his soul, and now, he stood here with a mate, looking more radiant and genuinely at peace than Jimin had ever seen him.

Overwhelmed, Jimin leaned forward, hiding his face in the crook of Yoongi’s neck. He took a deep, steadying breath of his scent. It was a comforting, familiar fragrance of leather and gentle warmth - a scent that had anchored Jimin for more than half his life, alongside the sweet strawberry pheromones of Seokjin.

“I’m so happy, Yoongi,” Jimin whispered. “You deserve all the love in the world. And honestly, it pains me to say it, but I think Taehyung holds so much love for you that I’m actually a little jealous. I think he might love you more than we do.”

Yoongi let out a we chuckle, his own eyes brimming with emotion as he tightened his grip around the omega's waist.

“Jimin... I’m going to miss our life as just the three of us against everything. But hey, isn't our future looking even brighter now? I love you too, you know.”

Yoongi pulled back slightly, his rough hand gently cupping Jimin’s cheek to wipe a stray tear.

Jimin nodded quickly, a bright smile breaking through his tears before they shared one last, tight embrace.

After that emotional dance, Jimin found himself swept across the clearing. He danced with Jungkook, then shared a joyful, bickering turn with Seokjin, followed by a remarkably clumsy and hilariously uncoordinated waltz with Namjoon that had half the guests giggling.

By the time he was pulled back into Jungkook’s strong, protective arms, Jimin had completely lost track of how many hours had passed.

The music turned slow and swaying, and Jungkook became entirely soft, incredibly affectionate, and intensely romantic.

He held Jimin flush against him, his large, scarred hands roaming lazily along the bare skin of the omega’s low-cut back, mapping every contour.

They leaned close, their lips practically brushing as they whispered in the privacy of the music.

“You’re the prettiest omega,” Jungkook murmured, his voice low, which sent a shiver straight down Jimin's spine.

“You absolutely cannot say that at our friends' mating ceremony, Jungkook. Tonight, they are supposed to be the most beautiful.”

“But you are the most beautiful,” Jungkook insisted, his expression shifting into that deadpan, intensely serious seriousness that made him look like a complete, love-struck dork.

Jimin smiled, his fingers playing with the hair at the nape of Jungkook's neck.

“You can tell me that on the day of our own mating ceremony.”

“I’ll tell you every single day of our lives, love.”

“Oh, please,” Jimin teased, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Wanna play the perfect alpha, don’t you? Showering me with compliments all the time.”

“Gotta catch up on years of fumbling, ènjaa,” Jungkook countered smoothly.

Jimin immediately pinched his side in retaliation.

“Ow! What? I am the best alpha, aren't I?” When Jimin just shrugged noncommittally, Jungkook narrowed his eyes, shifting his weight to squeeze him closer. “I’m the best alpha. Just say it.”

“Not yet,” Jimin smirked, loving the way he could still rile him up. “There are still some goals that haven't been checked off on my list.”

Jungkook groaned against Jimin’s chest.

“Oh, right. The famous list you unceremoniously dumped on me when you were completely wasted and without an ounce of shame? You little mommy freak.”

Jimin’s smile turned soft, since, his memory had come back and he rememebered everything he told Jungkook. His gaze dropping to the space between them.

“I want two pups, alpha. At least.”

“Perfect, I want three,” Jungkook answered instantly, his tone turning fiercely possessive.

“I’ll be the best at playing with them,” Jimin asserted, tilting his chin up.

“No way. I’ll be the best at playing with them. You’ll clearly be the absolute best at soothing them and healing their little scratches... considering my own niece preferred running to you for help rather than her own uncle.”

Jimin snickered loudly.

“You're still on that? Forget it, Jeon. I’ll just be the best at everything. I’ll even be the one to bring home the food and provide for them.”

Jungkook smiled softly, shaking his head.

“Oh, Jimin, I know you could. But you’re too busy saving lives, love. Please let me at least have that one thing? Let me bring home the food.”

Jimin burst into a loud howl of laughter. Jungkook could be so delightfully dense sometimes.

He leaned in, his gaze dropping pointedly to the alpha's chest, a sharp, teasing spark of his floral scent flaring into the air.

“With what? Your dry single tit? I’ll definitely be the one providing the milk, alpha.”

Jungkook’s entire mood switched in a fraction of a second. All the dorkiness vanished, his playful grin dissolving as his eyes darkened. Jimin felt a delicious thrill race through his veins, he loved this side of his alpha more than he would ever express.

“You always have to win, don’t you...” Jungkook growled softly.

Before he could lean down to claim a kiss, his eyes suddenly darted over Jimin’s shoulder, shifting toward the edge of the clearing.

Instantly, Jungkook’s scent flared, and he heavily scented Jimin's neck.

Jimin blinked, startled by the sudden, aggressive shift.

“What’s with the sudden possessiveness?”

“People are looking at you,” Jungkook muttered, his jaw clenching tightly as he struggled to mask his intense displeasure.

A few unbonded alphas near the buffet weren't even trying to hide the way their eyes were raking over Jimin's exposed back, even while he was wrapped tightly in the Advisor’s arms.

“Do they honestly think you would ever leave me for an alpha like them?”

Jimin couldn't help the wicked chuckle that bubbled up.

They had talked again about their past extensively over the last month - specifically, Jimin had checked to make sure it was okay to joke about it.

Jimin was entirely confident in the unbreakable foundation of their love, and he simply adored teasing his stubborn alpha.

“Well... you see, apparently it’s not so crazy to think an omega might leave you for someone else,” Jimin whispered mischievously, trailing a finger down Jungkook's chest. “Are you sure you're worth sticking around for...?”

Jungkook’s grip tightened significantly, his hand sliding down to pin Jimin firmly against his thigh.

“You are playing a very dangerous game, omega. Just you wait until your next heat and see if I don't leave your needy ass to beg for me.”

“Ah, hopefully we aren't officially mated yet. Maybe I should just go look else–”

Before he could finish the sentence, Jungkook leaned down and sharp teeth nipped aggressively at the sensitive column of his neck, right over his un-marked skin, grounding him instantly.

Jungkook growled softly against his skin, his voice thick with a promise of the future before he smoothed his tongue over the sensitive sting.

“I love you.”

Around them, their friends rolled their eyes at this blatant possessiveness.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

This year, for the traditional Four Quarters Festival, Jungkook joined the Park family for their usual first day spent together.

He was happy to share the evening with them.

Jungkook had practiced hard enough to understand the most of their exchanges in Irfancas, and he even managed to respond with a few shaky words of his own.

Sae was incredibly moved and overjoyed to witness the sheer amount of effort his son's alpha was pouring into integrating with their customs, welcoming the alpha with a proud, open heart.

At the end of the night, Jungkook had proudly presented his handcrafted log of wood to Jimin, engraved with a field of blooming wild flowers.

Thus passed the remaining weeks of their spring.

They both felt as though far too much had happened in such a short span of time, yet the days had simultaneously bled past in a flash. Their lives settled into a comfortable rhythm dictated by their work. Jungkook fully recovered his strength, his body healing well enough that he was finally permitted to shift and join the hunting parties again.

On the especially beautiful, warm afternoons, the group of friends would spend hours by the river, cooling off in the clear water.

They also survived their very first heat together - an intense, chaotic blur of raw intimacy. The omega’s overwhelming desire for breeding had driven Jungkook completely wild, triggering his rut.

Needless to say, Yoongi had been moody when he was forced to step in at the last minute, running the hunting duties for six straight days while the couple remained completely locked away.

It was, without a doubt, the greatest spring of their entire lives, and it was drawing to a close.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

The very moment the Summer Solstice arrived, a firm knock echoed through the front door of the Park family home. Jimin, who was standing in the living room having just finished adjusting the folds of his red and white traditional ceremonial attire rushed over to throw the door open.

Jungkook was coming with them this year.

When the heavy wooden door swung inward, Jimin’s breath hitched completely.

His hand flew to his mouth as hot, sudden tears instantly flooded his eyes. Jungkook took a slow turn on his heel, showing off his attire with a soft smile.

“Jungkook, you…” Jimin breathed, his voice trembling as his fingers reached out to delicately touch fabric woven beautifully into vibrant shades of red and green.

“Your father made it for me,” Jungkook murmured softly, looking down at him with an affection so deep it was practically tangible. “Now I match your family, in addition to mine.”

Jimin threw his arms around the alpha's neck, burying his face in his chest.

It was such a simple gesture, and perhaps it was something he should have always expected from his future mate - but Jimin had never truly allowed himself to imagine that his other half would go to such lengths to invest in his culture, to proudly represent his heritage alongside him.

Jungkook was simply incapable of doing the bare minimum. He would never be the type of alpha to feel ashamed or prefer to stay quiet about the cultural differences of his omega.

Silence was a killer, it was the exact thing that could slowly erase his father’s heritage, but Jungkook was loud, unyielding standing  right beside Jimin to ensure that their custom would burn brighter than ever.

“I love you,” Jimin wept against his skin.

His parents approached from behind, both of them fully dressed and ready for the solstice.

“You look absolutely magnificent, Jungkook,” Jihye praised, her eyes crinkling with pride.

Sae stepped up beside her.

“Well, we can certainly thank my hard work for that. Are you completely sure you want to spend the solstice night with us, Jungkook?” 

“My parents have my brother, Hana, and my nieces to keep them company tonight. I think they’ll manage without me,” Jungkook replied easily.

He reached down, his large hand sliding perfectly into Jimin’s, linking their fingers tightly as they joined the hundreds of other wolves filtering through the trees toward the grand clearing.

“Besides, I’m not going to deprive you of your only son.”

After greeting their various friends, the four of them settled onto the soft grass around a fire.

Homin stepped forward to deliver his traditional solstice speech, rendering a beautiful honor to their Goddess and the prosperity of the pack, of their devotion to maintaining peace, and how every member fulfilling their duties allowed the pack to thrive in its matings, its new births, and its bountiful food supply.

When the speech concluded, Jihye pulled out the traditional incense - in addition to a plant that carried the aroma of woodsmoke this year – and tossed the bundle directly into the heart of the flames.

As the smoke billowed up toward the sky, voices began to rise all around the clearing. The air vibrated with the sound of collective prayers, to Jimin's absolute delight, the traditional songs filled the night.

He lowered his head, parting his lips to seamlessly follow the rhythm of his parents' voices.

Then he lifted his gaze, his chanting never faltering, and looked directly at Jungkook. His heart nearly stopped.

Jungkook’s mouth was moving, voice perfectly reciting the ancestral prayer right along with them in flawless Irfancäs.

A smile broke across Jungkook’s face.

He reached out, his thumb gently catching and wiping away a single tear of pure, unadulterated happiness that had escaped Jimin's eye. 

“Ej cirmè’ Edeèss Lùen,” the four of them finished in perfect, ringing unison. 

Sae stepped closer to the hearth, dripping sacred oil onto the flames.

Then placed his fingertips directly against the blackened wood to coat them up with ash. Jungkook reached down to do the exact same, looking up at Sae, his eyes silently asking for permission. 

Jimin’s father offered a nod.

Turning fully toward Jimin, Jungkook leaned in close.

His ash-coated fingers gently grazed the top of Jimin’s forehead, drawing a slow line down the bridge of his nose, finally resting just above the delicate bow of his lips.

The touch felt like a current of pure electricity snapping across Jimin's skin, rendering him entirely breathless. He was utterly incapable of tearing his gaze away, locked in the dark, swirling depths of Jungkook’s eyes.

Off to the side, Jihye duplicated the beautiful gesture on Sae.

Jungkook painting the sacred ashes onto his face was so intimate that Jimin felt as though he was dreaming.

Jimin remained frozen, unable to see anything in the entire universe except for the alpha before him. Sensing his omega's vulnerability, Jungkook gently took hold of Jimin’s hand. He guided his hand down toward the embers, helping him coat his own fingers.

Then, Jungkook guided Jimin's two fingers up to his own face, mirroring the exact same design across his features, above his forehead, nose and lips.

Jungkook was telling him, without a single shred of doubt, that their family, their future family, would forever bear the mark and design of the Parks.

“Soün ert’ons amë pro tëmpri.” Jungkook whispered, his deep voice carrying a lifetime of devotion, making Jimin's heart stutter. “Next spring, I’m going to ask you to be my mate, Park Jimin,”

Jimin whispered, his fingers lingering tenderly above Jungkook’s lips. “Amë.” 

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆

2 years and 6 months later

The arrival of winter always brought a wave of chaos, heavy labor, and intense preparation. Jungkook was busy hours a day, though it was still a vast improvement compared to the brutal trial of his very first winter in charge.

Because being the Head Alpha was absolutely no joke.

Following Taehyung and Yoongi’s beautiful ceremony, he and Jimin had patiently waited a full year, taking their time with courtship, solidifying their couple, and establishing their lives before finally claiming their own marks.

Their mating ceremony had been beautiful and passionate - so much so that Homin practically had to physically hold the reins on Jungkook's instincts, or the alpha would have mated Jimin right there in front of the guests.

The alpha had been particularly wild that day, a fact that had brought a low-key thrill to Jimin’s heart.

Jungkook’s mind had completely drifted away from the old conversation, but then, during the autumn four months after their mating, Homin had approached again “If you are willing, and if the pack approved, I still see you as my successor.”

Jungkook had immediately brought the matter to Jimin. They had only just mated, after all, Jimin would become the first Head Omega since Homin's passed-away mate.

They were still actively learning to navigate the bond that now linked them - that undeniable, magnetic tug in their chests that allowed them to feel the echo of each other’s emotions.

Jimin had been nothing but fiercely supportive. They both knew the transition would be complicated, demanding an immense amount of patience and communication while Homin handed over the reins, but they found their equilibrium. 

That happiness had only multiplied when, a mere five months later, they discovered Jimin was pregnant.

“You’re in my way,” Jimin muttered, sulking heavily as the alpha carefully escorted him back through the snow blanketed woods. “You’re literally stepping on the hem of my dress.”

Jimin had the absolute audacity to look completely pouted, as if he hadn't just committed a reckless stunt.

He was being utterly petty, while Jungkook was actively fighting off a full-blown panic attack.

His heavily pregnant omega - who was due to pop at any literal second - had decided that instead of resting safely in their warm nest, it was a fantastic idea to trek through the freezing forest at the crack of dawn just to visit Jungkook at his patrol post.

“I’m sorry, ènjaa,” Jungkook replied, his voice a strained mix of exasperation and terror as he tried to adjust the heavy winter cloak around Jimin's shoulders. “But what on earth were you thinking, walking out here all alone in the dead of winter, wearing nothing but a nightgown and my old furs, when you’ve been having contractions for days?!”

“Well, if you weren't so busy and actually spared me some attention, I wouldn't have had to cross the entire forest just to see my own mate,” Jimin huffed, his lower lip trembling slightly.

As he felt the raw anxiety radiating through the bond from his alpha, his posture softened. He knew he had been reckless.

“I just wanted to spend time with you, Jungkook. I miss you. We miss you.”

Goddess, the pregnancy had turned Jimin into the most needy wolf.

Jungkook knew it was true that his schedule was packed, but he was nowhere near as absent as Jimin liked to dramatically claim.

Even with the winter protocols, Jungkook made it an absolute point of honor to be home every single midday to share their lunch and he never missed a night of crawling into their nest to cradle Jimin against his chest.

However, he also understood it was just the overwhelming surge of hormones making his mate exaggerate. 

Jungkook secretly loved how glued to his side Jimin had become since carrying their pup.

The omega was beautifully round, glowing with a healthy fat of pregnancy weight that made him look like a literal deity. If it were physically possible, Jungkook would never leave his side for a single second.

“I know, love. I know,” Jungkook murmured softly, rubbing his scent against Jimin's temple to soothe him. “I’m bringing you straight back to our nest right now. I’ll find Yoongi the second we’re back and see if he can take over my duties for today, or even for the next few days. If it helps ease your needy ass.”

They quickened their pace. 

Without warning, Jimin came to a dead stop, his body freezing completely.

Jungkook blinked, his eyes tracking downward as a sudden dark stain began to rapidly spread across the front of Jimin’s skirt, heavy drops hitting the snow beneath him.

Jungkook’s heart leaped into his throat.

“Tell me that is not what I think it is. Please tell me your water didn't just break. Jimin, we are in the middle of the forest!”

Jimin let out a nervous chuckle, his fingers tightening like vices around Jungkook’s forearm.

“Well... it's happening right now, so... yeah, no  need to shout.”

“Of course, out of all the omegas I manage to get myself the only one who decides to go for a casual winter stroll while fully in labor.”

A sudden, sharp wave of agony flickered across Jimin’s features. He doubled over completely, his eyes squeezing shut as he slammed a hand against the curve of his belly.

“Jungk–”

This time, the last remnants of Jungkook’s composure shattered. True panic seized him. He rushed his hands instantly cupping Jimin’s shoulders to stabilize him.

“Okay, okay. You are absolutely not giving birth out here in the snow. Let me lift you, I’m going to carry you to the infirmary, we need to run.”

He lowered his hands, preparing to slide his arms beneath Jimin’s thighs to hoist him into a bridal carry, but Jimin immediately let out a sharp cry.

“Stop, stop! Do not move me like that, it hurts too much when the contractions hit.”

“Jimin!” Jungkook yelled, his wide doe eyes darting around the isolated, forest. “So what do we do? We just stand here in a snow?”

Jimin took a deep breath as the contraction slowly receded, straightening up just enough to glare at his alpha.

“No, we are not going to do nothing. And I need you to calm down, Jungkook.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Jungkook chanted, his breathing ragged as his inner wolf began to claw at his consciousness.

He ran his fingers through his hair, his scent spiking with distress.

“My alpha is completely restless right now, Jimin. Knowing that you are out here in the wild, completely exposed and vulnerable during birth, is driving my wolf insane. We are so deep into the eastern woods... I can’t even ask for help or call a neighbor to assist us.”

Jimin offered a soft smile.

“You won’t need to call anyone, alpha,” Jimin whispered, his voice settling into an authoritative calm that instantly quieted the storm in Jungkook’s chest. “Because you are going to help me deliver our pup right here.”

“Huh?”

“What do you think I’m doing, doubled over with my face completely strained? I feel like I need to push,” Jimin said, his tone irritated from the pain and an uncanny, serene calmness given the gravity of the situation.

Jungkook was horribly, utterly amazed by his mate.

“Jungkook, remember, stay calm,” Jimin added, his voice dropping as he carefully slid his back down against a tree, letting out a sharp hiss of discomfort.

Jungkook followed him instantly, dropping to his knees directly in front of the omega in the snow.

“Okay. Okay, love. Wait, you can’t just sit on the freezing snow.” Jungkook ripped his fur from his shoulders sliding it right under Jimin’s hips to cushion him from the ice. “Tell me, tell me what to do. Are you in pain?”

“I’m about to be in a lot of pain, Jungkook,” Jimin deadpanned, his breathing starting to quicken. “Lift my dress and pull down my undergarments. Look and tell me exactly what you see.”

With trembling fingers, Jungkook lifted the layers of heavy fabric to check his mate's legs.

His face turned completely pale

“Love, the pup’s head is right there.”

Jimin’s hand automatically moved down to touch and feel himself. His fingers brushed against it. The baby’s head was indeed right there. It was clearly, definitively making its way out.

“Okay. really have to do this right here,” Jimin mumbled to himself, drawing in a long breath to gather up every ounce of courage.

He closed his eyes, tilting his head back against the trunk as he prepared to accompany the agonizing waves of pressure that were beginning to rip through his abdomen with each tightening contraction.

Leaning in close, Jungkook released soothing pheromones, his hand gently patting down the dark strands of Jimin’s hair, which were already damp with sweat.

“You are so incredibly strong, ènjaa. I’m right here. You are going to be perfect, you already are. I am in complete awe of you, I love you.”

“I–I have this incredibly strange sensation,” Jimin whispered. “I feel in perfect alignment with my omega, more than I ever have before. I feel completely ready. I'm in survival mode, Jungkook. The well-being of o–our pup is my absolute priority. I will give you the instructions. You’re going to do just fine.”

Jungkook’s head darted back and forth between Jimin’s face and his legs, his heart hammering against his ribs.

“Are you absolutely sure?”

“I trust you, Jungkook. Even with one missing finger.”

Even in this circumstanes, his omega didn't lost his fire.

Then, Jungkook’s eyes caught something over Jimin's shoulder. His gaze locked his mate.

“Jimin, look. It’s that tree.”

Jimin looked up, and laughed. They were going to be fine. 

Jimin quickly began to explain everything Jungkook would need to do, wanting to lay out the steps before the pain became too blinding and took away his ability to guide him. He walked him through how to carefully turn the shoulders, and how to handle the umbilical cord. 

Jungkook listened, focused.

Time lost all meaning in the woods. Jimin screamed, his fingers digging into the bark of the tree and the skin of Jungkook's arm, while the alpha remained a rock for him, kissing his brow and scenting him continuously to ground his pain.

And then, with one final, agonizing push, the pup slid into the world.

Jungkook’s trembling hands safely caught their baby - weeping with his elbows a mixture of raw tears falling from his eyes.

“Love, you did it." he whispered as he looked at their pup. "Here, go to mommy.”

Jimin instantly stretched his arms out as Jungkook carefully parted the layers of his tunic and delicately laid the crying baby directly against the bare and warm skin of Jimin’s chest.

“My pup, my pup, my pup. My beautiful baby,” the omega sobbed uncontrollably, his voice fracturing into a thousand pieces of pure devotion as he wrapped his arms securely around the tiny bundle.

Jimin leaned down, his nose pressed firmly against the baby's fragile skin

His mind was so far gone into the deep, primal depths of his omega instincts that if he hadn't been so completely overwhelmed by the incomparably divine scent of his pup, he would have instinctively started licking the vernix from the skin to clean him.

Jungkook, unable to contain himself as well, leaned over them, plunging his own nose into the soft, downy black hair of their pup.

“It’s a boy,” Jungkook whispered.

They had held a bet - Jimin had been convinced it was a girl, while Jungkook had stubbornly bet on a boy.

Jimin let out a laugh against the baby’s head.

“Well, he’s going to be just as beautiful as I am. Perfect.”

Jungkook pulled his head back for a fraction of a second to look at them, he yanked his own pullover, leaving his broad chest completely bare.

He leaned down, pressing his clothes against his baby's back and Jimin's chest.

Jungkook looked at his smiling mate and realized his he had never looked more beautiful than he did in this exact moment - even with his dark hair soaked in sweat, his cheeks flushed from the effort, and the sticky residue of birth drying on his neck from where he had been nuzzling their boy.

“He has your big nose. and our fat, squishy cheeks.”

The tears continued to stream down Jimin's face, but his smile only grew wider.

Gently, Jungkook placed his palm against Jimin’s cheek.

“Love, are you happy?”

Jimin looked up into his eyes, his expression glowing with absolute peace.

“I have never been this happy in my entire life,” he leaned forward, pressing a sweet kiss against Jungkook's lips. “The more I think about it, the more I am utterly convinced... I was born to know you. My soul was meant to collide with your life, just so it could shape our destiny. Our future.

Internally, the Head Alpha made a vow to the Goddess that he would spend every breath in his lungs ensuring his mate remained this happy until their very last days.

Jimin carefully lifted their pup toward his mate. “Hold him.”

Jungkook carefully took his son into his arms again. The second the tiny weight settled against his chest, a burst of pure warmth and protective love exploded through his entire being.

He stared down at the tiny, blinking face.

“Saeja, welcome to this world.”

A short while later, they prepared to make the trek back home. Jungkook carefully scooped Jimin up bridal style, Saeja wrapped in his mommy’s arms.

As he took his first steps through, Jungkook looked down with a smug smirk.

“See? I told you that one day I would have to carry you along with our baby, and that all that training was necessary.”

Jimin burst into a loud howl of laughter.

⋆˙⟡ ঌ ⟡˙⋆