Chapter Text
The next few days passed so quickly that Taehyung almost lost track of time. Life within the pack slowly settled back into its familiar rhythm. Every morning Taehyung woke early in Jeongguk’s bed and walked to the communal kitchen before the sun had fully risen, tying his apron around his waist while the hunters began gathering outside. Pots simmered, bread baked, and the scent of herbs and roasted meat spread through the room as Taehyung moved steadily between the counters.
And almost every morning someone from the pack asked the same question. “How’s Jeongguk-hyung doing?”
Taehyung always smiled when they asked, “Better every day,” he would answer. And it was true.
When Taehyung returned to Jeongguk’s house after work, he often found the living room occupied by two or three hunters sitting around the table while the older Alpha discussed hunting strategies with them in a tracksuit, such a rare and funny sight. Even while recovering, Jeongguk carried the authority of someone who had led them for years. Taehyung often paused quietly in the doorway for a moment, watching the scene with quiet affection. Jeongguk would sit comfortably on the couch or in one of the chairs, maps or notes spread across the table while the hunters listened carefully.
“Don’t track them toward the river this time,” Jeongguk would say “The wind shifts there and the scent spreads too easily.” Or sometimes he would shake his head at one of their stories. “You split the group too early. Next time wait until you’ve confirmed the tracks.” The hunters listened seriously, even the more stubborn ones like Seojoon nodded along.
And every time Taehyung stepped into the room with food or tea, the conversation softened immediately. Jeongguk always looked up first and his expression would change instantly, he would smile softly at his intended and usually the hunters would tease them. Each evening the house felt a little more alive again and the days passed like that until another week passed.
That morning Taehyung accompanied Jeongguk to the infirmary, though he tried very hard not to look nervous about it. The healers had already told them the stitches could come out that day. Jeongguk, however, looked far more relieved about the idea than Taehyung did.
“These things have been pulling for days,” he complained mildly while sitting on the examination bed.
Taehyung hovered next to the bed and, when the healer began removing the bandages, the Omega felt the same knot of anxiety twist in his stomach that had appeared the first time he saw the wounds. He had only caught glimpses of them over the past week while Seokjin cleaned them. This time he forced himself to watch when the final bandage came away. The wounds were still there, long diagonal scars across Jeongguk’s chest and shoulder where the bear’s claws had torn through him. But they no longer looked raw or angry and the swelling had faded completely. The skin was knit together cleanly, and as the healer carefully cut the threads of the stitches one by one, Jeongguk sat still with only the faintest tightening in his jaw.
Taehyung exhaled softly without realizing he had been holding his breath. Jeongguk noticed immediately and extended a hand for him to hold.
“Are you ok?” He asked Taehyung.
“Me? I’m – I’m fine. Totally.” Taehyung lied, holding Jeongguk’s hand a little tighter than necessary. “Does it hurt?” He whispered.
“No, not at all. Does it all look better?” Jeongguk asked.
Taehyung nodded slowly. “So much better.” And he truly meant it, albeit frowning.
The healer smiled slightly as she finished cleaning the area. “They’re healing exceptionally well, you’re a very healthy Alpha and the wounds heal much quicker because of it” she said. “He’ll still need to avoid heavy strain for a while, but the worst is over.” She turned to Taehyung saying that last sentence.
Jeongguk leaned back with visible relief. “Finally. Oh, this already feels so much different.” He said brushing his hand along his side. Taehyung and the healer smiled softly at the satisfaction in the Alpha’s voice.The healer had also said that he should continue applying the salve, but didn’t need the bandages anymore.
After that day Jeongguk began moving around the pack more freely again. At first it was only short walks through the village holding Tae’s hand, greeting people and stretching his legs after spending so much time confined to the house. Then, one morning the hunters returned from their hunt earlier than expected. Taehyung was in the kitchen finishing lunch when they entered. They dropped their gear near the entrance and sat around the long table after having each filled a plate. A moment later, the door opened again. Everyone looked up and stopped for a second, chopsticks mid-air.
Jeongguk stepped inside in his grey tracksuit pants and white t-shirt. The entire room went quiet for half a second and then chaos erupted.
Minho practically jumped up from his chair. “You should have told us you were coming!”
Jeongguk looked mildly amused by their reaction. “I only came for lunch,” he said calmly.
The hunters grinned like children who had just gotten their favorite teacher back and Taehyung watched him settle back in his role with pride. Jeongguk moved toward the table and sat down among them, at his place at the head of the table that had been left empty all this time.
The hunters asked about the stitches, complained about the difficulty of the last hunt, and began describing the tracks they had followed through the forest. Jeongguk listened and occasionally offered a calm observation or suggestion. Taehyung set a bowl of pasta in front of him and Jeongguk looked up at him smiling, thanking him with soft eyes and was immediately teased by the others.
“Shut up, we’re courting. I am allowed to smile at him.” He muttered, to which everyone laughed even harder, Taehyung joining in the fun.
The next morning began quietly, Taehyung woke later than usual since the hunters were off duty and so was he. He was preparing Tea for himself when his phone buzzed on the counter next to him. The message was from his father. Taehyung’s stomach tightened before he even opened it, almost feeling faint at the words.
Send me your address. Your mother and I are already on our way. We will arrive around lunchtime and meet the Alpha.
For a moment, he simply stared at the screen. “They’re coming,” he said aloud.
From the living room, Jeongguk looked up immediately. “Who’s coming?” Seokjin asked. The Omega had come over to check on Jeongguk and stayed to chat for a while.
Taehyung held up the phone weakly. “My parents. They’re on their way here, actually” Taehyung added with horror.
Seokjin blinked. “When will they be there?”
“They said lunchtime.” Taehyung suddenly moved into motion. He tied his apron and begun cooking.
Jeongguk watched him quietly from the sofa. “Tae? What are you doing?” he asked.
“Cooking,” Taehyung replied immediately.
“You’re stress cooking,” Seokjin corrected.
Taehyung didn’t even deny it. His movements became quick and efficient as he began washing vegetables and arranging ingredients across the counter. Just the idea of his parents coming there to insult Jeongguk or to talk him out of the courtship was making him nauseous. “I can’t have them come all this way and not feed them properly,” he said.
Jeongguk leaned back slightly, watching him with calm amusement. “Tae.”
Taehyung didn’t stop chopping. “Yes?”
“You already feed the entire pack every morning,” Jeongguk said gently. “Do you want me to help you?”
Taehyung shook his head. “They have certain - expectations.”
Seokjin wandered into the kitchen, leaning casually against the counter while observing the growing chaos of ingredients. “What are you making?”
“Japchae,” Taehyung said quickly.
Seokjin nodded in approval. “Good choice.”
Taehyung glanced at him. “My father doesn’t eat spicy food.”
Seokjin hummed thoughtfully. “That’s safe then.”
Meanwhile Jeongguk was still watching the scene from the sofa, looking far more relaxed than Taehyung felt. “You don’t seem nervous at all,” Seokjin commented, glancing back at his younger brother.
Jeongguk shrugged slightly. “I’m not. I just don’t like to see Tae as upset.”
Taehyung stopped chopping for a second and looked at him in disbelief. “I’m not – upset. Yet. And - you’re not? Nervous?”
“No.”
Taehyung stared at him for a second “My parents are driving here specifically to evaluate you. Especially my father. Who said that he’s going to drag me out of here if you’re not to his liking. And you’re already a year older than him, which, in his mind, already means that you don’t stand a chance against his interrogation.”
Jeongguk nodded calmly. “That’s fine, he can interrogate me.”
Taehyung turned back to the counter with a quiet groan. “How are you so calm?”
Jeongguk tilted his head slightly. “I’ve negotiated with angry hunting leaders before. I had a physical altercation with one who punched me in the face because he said I had trespassed his territory, which I hadn’t. It ended in a fistfight. And I recently fought a bear and survived” he said mildly. “Meeting your parents sounds easier.”
Seokjin laughed. “That’s not entirely wrong. Was it the retired hunter from Daejon? The one you fought? I remember, it was such a big deal to them.”
Taehyung shook his head helplessly and resumed preparing the noodles, though the tension in his shoulders remained obvious. Seokjin watched him for another moment before turning his attention back to Jeongguk.
“Well,” he said thoughtfully, “if you’re expecting such important visitors, we should at least make sure you look respectable.”
Jeongguk raised an eyebrow. “And you want to what? Be my stylist?.”
Seokjin snorted. “I’m sure I can at least make you look – decent.”
Jeongguk opened his mouth to protest but Seokjin had already moved toward the bedroom. “Come on,” he said, gesturing for his brother to follow.
Jeongguk stood slowly and looked at his tracksuit. “Do I look that bad?” He asked Taehyung, who had turned to look at him. The short hesitation in the Omega’s eyes made Jeongguk frown.
“I’m going – I’m going” the Alpha sighed, placing his reading glasses and book down.
“I think that you’re always very handsome.” Taehyung said, blushing because Seokjin was rolling his eyes.
“Thank you, sweetheart, so are you. My beautiful Omega.” He blushed even more, as the older Omega dragged him to the corridor. Taehyung watched them disappear while he continued cooking, the noodles softening in the pan and vegetables sizzling lightly in oil. His heart was beating faster than usual.
A few minutes later he heard Seokjin’s voice from the bedroom. “No, not that one.”
Jeongguk sounded mildly offended. “What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s black.”
“Black’s my favorite color.”
“Black is not a color, hyung. And you’re not going to your own funeral. Yet. Until Tae’s dad gets his hands on you. Then you can wear black.”
Taehyung couldn’t help smiling slightly despite his nerves.
Seokjin continued. “Wear the beige sweater.”
“That’s too -.”
“Too what?”
After a long moment Jeongguk reappeared in the hallway. Dressed in a cream sweater and brown pants he looked – much less threatening.
Taehyung glanced up, in surprise. The Alpha looked slightly amused but cooperative.
“You have a stylist now,” Jeongguk said.
Taehyung’s shoulders relaxed just a little.
Seokjin followed behind him, looking satisfied. “There,” he said. “Now at least you won’t scare them immediately. Looking like a composed and nice son-in-law. You could also try and do that thing with your mouth” he gestured to Jeongguk’s lips, making the Alpha look confused for a second “it’s called a smile, I think.”
Jeongguk rolled his eyes and silently flipped him off.
Taehyung giggled, returning to the food, carefully mixing the noodles and vegetables together while the rich scent of sesame oil filled the kitchen. Despite his nerves, the familiar rhythm of cooking began to steady him again. And also, Jeongguk was looking very angelic. And that could? Maybe? Help their case.
“Is that really better?” He asked.
“You do very – diplomatic.”
“Am I not always?” the Alpha whispered.
“Yes, you are.” Taehyung smiled at him, feeling a little less anxious, even though his scent was betraying him. Behind him, Jeongguk stepped closer and rested a gentle hand against his back.
“They’re coming because they care about you,” he said softly.
Taehyung nodded. “I know.” He had always ignored all his problems with his parents and having to face them for once made the whole thing so surreal and – unpredictable. Which was the main reason why he was stressed.
Jeongguk squeezed his shoulder lightly. “And we’ll handle it together.” Taehyung exhaled slowly. The tension in his chest eased just a little. Jeongguk was and would always be his rock. His safe space. He leaned closer and scented the Alpha for a quick second, basking in his perfectly calm pine and breeze scent.
“After this dinner, and since Jeongguk is better now, you’re invited to my home again. This time for dinner with my husband so you can get to know him better.” Seokjin said to Taehyung “And I want to interrogate you at dinner too, so you better come prepared, young man”, The older Omega fake threatened, making Taehyung giggle.
“Deal, hyung”.
As Seokjin had left and Taehyung had gone to brush his hair, braiding it quickly and changing in a beige sweater himself – thinking it made them look like a cute couple – he heard the sound of an engine park outside.
“They’re here.” He said to Jeongguk, who leaned closer, pecking him on the lips softly.
“It’s going to be fine, sweetheart.” The Alpha smiled unwavering.
Taehyung stood still for a second longer before forcing himself to move. “Okay,” he whispered under his breath. Then he walked to the door and opened it, to see his parents standing there.
His mother’s expression softened immediately when she saw him, her eyes scanning his face as if checking that he was as fine as he had told them. Before Taehyung could even greet her properly, she stepped forward and pulled him into a tight embrace. “Taehyung,” she breathed, holding him close.
“Hey mom,” he said softly, though the familiar warmth of her hug made his chest tighten. He didn’t have an amazing relationship with his parents, but he loved them nonetheless.
She pulled back slightly, her hands still on his arms, looking him over again. “You look - well,” she said, relief flickering across her face and scent. His father stood just behind her, more reserved, his gaze more observant.
Then Taehyung became aware of Jeongguk behind him. The Alpha had stepped forward quietly, giving them a second to take him in while he did the same. “Look more approachable”, Seokjin had suggested. And he was doing so.
Taehyung turned slightly toward him. “Mom, Dad - this is my intended - Jeon Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk bowed respectfully, then stepped closer, offering his hand first to Taehyung’s father. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Kim” he said in his usual steady voice.
Taehyung’s father took his hand and Taehyung observed how the contrast between them was striking. Taehyung’s father was small, and thin. Though he was technically younger than Jeongguk, the lines on his face and the stiffness in his posture made him appear older. Jeongguk, in contrast, stood tall and broad, his shoulders even wider in that light-colored sweater. His handsome face and fancy haircut making him seem at least ten years younger than he was.
Taehyung’s mother stepped forward next, and Jeongguk greeted her just as respectfully. She did look surprised at the Alpha’s politeness and maybe even presence and gave him a tight smile. “You have a beautiful home,” she said after a moment, glancing around.
“Thank you,” Jeongguk replied.
Taehyung stepped aside, letting them in. As they entered, his mother’s gaze drifted across the room until it settled on the sofa, on the knitted blanket. Her eyes lingered there.
Taehyung noticed. “I made it for him,” he said quietly.
She looked back at him, something soft flickering in her expression. “You moved here?” she asked, observing how the house smelled of both of them.
Taehyung looked a little nervous at the question. “Jeongguk’s been – recovering after an injury. And I’ve spent some time here but – I haven’t moved in. Yet.” He said.
They moved toward the table, and Taehyung began serving the food he had prepared, the familiar motions helping him steady himself again. Once they were seated, the conversation began.
His father leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze settling fully on Jeongguk, who straightened in his chair, ready for whatever interrogation was coming.
“So,” he said, “we’ve heard that you’re 42.” He said.
Jeongguk blinked, as if waiting for the other Alpha to go on. When he didn’t, Jeongguk answered: “Yes, that’s – correct.”
“How is it that a man your age is courting now?” Taehyung’s father asked very directly.
Taehyung’s chest tightened slightly; his parents didn’t know. He placed a hand on Jeongguk’s lower back, his gesture getting his father’s attention.
“I was mated before,” Jeongguk said ever calmly. His scent incredibly stable. “My wife passed away during childbirth.”
The room fell quiet at the words. Taehyung’s mother lowered her gaze slightly, while his father looked really taken aback and horrified for a second.
Then Jeongguk continued. “I haven’t courted or taken another mate in nineteen years.”
Taehyung’s father studied him carefully for another second. “Then why do it now?” he asked. “And why him?”
Taehyung inhaled, closing his eyes. Before Jeongguk could answer, he spoke. “It wasn’t him,” Taehyung said. Both his parents looked at him. “I started it and approached him first.”
There was a flicker of surprise.
“When I met him for the first time” He said, turning to look at the Alpha, whose soft eyes were already on him “my wolf - reacted to him immediately,” Taehyung continued, his voice soft. “It’s never happened to me before.” He stopped for a second, seeing his parents’ surprised expression. “And he had the same concerns you do,” he added. “About the age difference.”
His father’s gaze shifted back to Jeongguk. “And now you don’t, anymore?” he asked.
Jeongguk didn’t hesitate. “They mattered more at first,” he said honestly. “They still do.” The answer took them aback. “But,” Jeongguk continued, his voice softening, “I never thought someone like Taehyung would look at me the way he does.”
Taehyung felt his breath catch slightly.
“I believed I would spend the rest of my life as a hunter,” Jeongguk said. “That part of my life was over.” He turned his head slightly, looking at Taehyung. “But he changed that by choosing me and believing in us first.”
The room felt still. Jeongguk looked back at his parents. “You raised an extraordinary son,” he said.
Taehyung’s mother blinked. Jeongguk’s voice remained steady, sincere. “He is patient in ways most people are not,” he continued. “Gentle, even when he is tired. He gives without expecting anything in return. He has given me more than I thought I would ever deserve again,” Jeongguk said softly. “And I love him dearly.”
Taehyung reached for his hand on the table without thinking, his fingers curling around Jeongguk’s. Jeongguk held it gently, while looking at Taehyung with a small smile.
Then he looked back at them, taking a deep breath. “I understand that this is difficult for you,” he said. “That it may not be what you expected for him. That I’m not the person you envisioned for your son.”
He paused. “But I gave him my word and my full heart when I asked for his courtship. I will take care of your son. And I will cherish him.”
The sincerity in his tone left no room for doubt. Taehyung’s parents were quiet, his mother’s eyes softened first. She almost looked like bursting in tears from what the Alpha had said and the certainty in his tone and sincerity in his clean scent.
His father leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression less rigid than before.
After a moment, his mother spoke. “What are your intentions, Jeongguk?” she asked gently. “Do you wish to mate again? To marry? To have children?” There was no accusation in her voice this time she only sounded curious.
Jeongguk answered without hesitation. “For a long time, I believed I wouldn’t have all that anymore,” he said. His thumb brushed lightly over Taehyung’s hand. “But with Tae - I would want whatever he wishes for our future. I want to put his happiness before mine. He can decide all that. As long as he’s by my side, I’m happy.”
Taehyung’s breath hitched, a shaky breath escaping him as he turned to look at Jeongguk with all the love he could put in his eyes. The Alpha was already looking at him. His pinewood scent beautifully blending with the overpoweringly sweet happy butter scent he was pumping out. Taehyung’s father exhaled slowly, his posture shifting as he leaned back more fully.
“I did not expect -” he began, then paused. He gestured between the couple “this.” His voice was quieter now. “But I am relieved,” he admitted, nodding.
Taehyung blinked in surprise. What? So soon? He looked at his mother, who had a bigger smile on, this time her kind eyes were settling on Jeongguk and on the way he was still glancing at Tae and on their hands together. Then, his mother’s gaze drifted to Taehyung’s wrist.
“That bracelet,” she said softly. “It’s new?” She asked, tilting her head.
Taehyung lifted his hand slightly, proudly leaning it forward for his parents to see.
“It was Jeongguk’s grandmother’s,” he explained. “It’s my courting present.”
Her expression softened deeply. “It’s beautiful.” Her fingers brushed on the little ribbon, which made her smile.
“Yes, it is. I love it.” Taehyung answered, his heart beating loudly at the fact that his parents had really accepted this so easily. Or maybe – it hadn’t been easy. But Jeongguk had exactly nailed the right words to say and had showed true honesty, making his parents trust him.
Taehyung’s mother looked at him again, really looking this time. “You look very happy,” she said. Taehyung swallowed. “You’ve always made yourself small,” she continued gently. “To fit what others expected of you.” Tears pricked at Taehyung’s eyes at those words. “But here -” she said, glancing briefly at Jeongguk, then back at him, “you seem genuinely happy and – like you found your place.”
The words broke something open in his chest. “If you are happy,” she added softly, “then we are happy.” Taehyung stood abruptly, stepping around the table and pulling her into a tight embrace.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered against his shoulder, her voice trembling. “I didn’t understand before.”
Taehyung held her tightly, tears slipping down his cheeks as he shook his head. “It’s okay,” he whispered. For the first time since the call, the weight inside his chest lifted completely.
After the tension of the first part of the visit slowly dissolved into something softer and they had eaten lunch, Taehyung stood up almost automatically, gathering the empty plates before anyone else could reach for them. “I’ll take care of this,” he said quickly.
Jeongguk shifted as if to stand. “I can help—”
“No,” Taehyung cut in gently but firmly, already moving toward the kitchen. “You sit.”
Jeongguk exhaled through his nose, clearly recognizing that tone. From the sink, Taehyung called back, “And while you’re sitting, you can tell them how you were almost mauled by a bear a week ago.”
Jeongguk closed his eyes briefly. “Tae.”
Taehyung didn’t even turn around. “Don’t downplay it.”
Jeongguk’s parents-in-law—because that was what they would become, eventually—looked between them with mild confusion. “It wasn’t that bad —” Jeongguk began.
Taehyung cut him off again from across the room. “It was bad.”
Jeongguk sighed, as Taehyung’s mother laughed softly at their bickering. “It was a hunting accident,” he said finally, tone measured. “A bear attacked.”
His mother’s eyes widened immediately, the laugh dying on her mouth, her expression suddenly serious. “What? A bear?”
Taehyung turned slightly at that, drying his hands. “He nearly died,” he added, not even pretending to soften it.
Jeongguk shot him a look. “Tae.”
Taehyung lifted his chin slightly. “He just took out the stitches like – a week ago. It’s all still tender.” There was a quiet stubbornness in his voice that made Jeongguk pause.
Then, slowly, his expression softened. Like with his brother, there was no way of fighting the Omega. “But I’m recovering well,” he said instead, more gently.
Taehyung watched him for a moment longer before turning back to the sink, though his shoulders had relaxed slightly now that the truth had been spoken aloud. He rinsed the last plate and set it aside, then moved quickly to prepare coffee, his movements smoother now that the initial tension had faded. The familiar routine steadied him again, grounding him in something simple and warm while Jeongguk told the story cutting away all the dramatic parts like the blood-loss and the “let’s see if he survives the night” scenario.
A few minutes later he returned with a tray—four cups of coffee and slices of apple pie. “I made this yesterday,” he said, setting everything down.
His mother’s face lit up. “It looks delicious.”
They settled back around the table, but this time the atmosphere felt completely different and lighter. Taehyung sat closer to Jeongguk now, their sides brushing naturally as he reached for his cup. Without hesitation, Jeongguk’s arm came to rest loosely around his waist. The gesture was so natural that Taehyung leaned into it without thinking.
His parents noticed, but this time, instead of tension, there was something softer in their expressions. “So,” his father said, taking a sip of coffee, “tell us more about your job.”
Taehyung brightened at that, glancing at Jeongguk before answering. “I’m - busy,” he said with a small smile. “The hunters go out almost every morning, so I cook for them when they come back from the hunt or the fishing. And then there’s preparation for supplies, cleaning the kitchen and so on.”
His mother nodded, listening closely. “And you enjoy it?”
Taehyung’s answer came easily. “I do.” He said smiling brightly.
Jeongguk glanced down at him, the corner of his mouth lifting faintly. “He runs that kitchen like a commander,” he added.
Taehyung nudged him lightly. “That’s not true.”
“It is,” Jeongguk said calmly. “No one dares argue with him about anything anymore since he feeds us so well. We’ve all gained weight since he’s been cooking for us.”
His father let out a small huff of amusement. “I kind of believe that.”
Taehyung shook his head, smiling. “He’s exaggerating.”
“And the self-defense classes you mentioned?” his mother asked. Taehyung nodded. “It’s part of the pack’s system. Everyone is trained at least a little. Although they’re on hold at the moment, until the instructor recovers.” He turned to glance at Jeongguk.
“You’re trained in martial arts?” Taehyung’s father asked.
“Yes. I’m a black belt in Taekwondo.” Jeongguk nodded.
Taehyung’s father seemed impressed at that. “I trained jiu-jitsu in high school”, he said turning to his wife. “What dan?” He turned to Jeongguk again.
The Alpha seemed to hesitate. “Ninth.” He said, making Taehyung’s father open his eyes wide.
“I was a very hyperactive kid – my parents enrolled me when I was three years old. And I got my ninth grade two years ago” Jeongguk nodded.
“That’s impressive.” Taehyung’s father complimented, making Taehyung almost huff in disbelief. His father rarely gave compliments. And they seemed to come so easily with Jeongguk.
“Thank you sir.”
“Oh, stop it with that nonsense. Call me Doyun. You’re even older than me. We should speak formally to you” Taehyung’s father huffed.
Jeongguk seemed taken aback for a second. “You can call me Jeongguk, please. There’s no need for honorifics.”
His father seemed to approve of that. “Alright.”
The conversation flowed more naturally after that, moving between small details of daily life and stories from the pack back at home. As evening came, the room grew dimmer. Eventually, Taehyung’s father set his water glass down.
“We should leave soon, it’s getting dark and we have a two-hours drive” he said.
The words made Taehyung’s chest tighten slightly. They were having a wonderful time and he was enjoying Jeongguk getting along with his family so unexpectedly yet perfectly somehow.
They all stood. His mother stepped toward Jeongguk first, her expression warm.
“When you are fully recovered Jeongguk,” she said gently, “you must both come visit us.”
Jeongguk inclined his head. “I would like that, thank you.”
“So you can meet his brother properly,” she added.
Jeongguk nodded again. “I look forward to it.”
She stepped closer then and hugged him carefully, mindful of his injuries, her arms light but sincere. “Take care of yourself,” she said softly.
“I will, and you too” Jeongguk replied, putting his hands lightly around her. It did look cute since Taehyung’s mother was quite petite as her son. Taehyung briefly wondered if his mother felt reassured by Jeongguk’s strong built in the same way he did when he was hugged by him.
Then his father stepped forward. He looked at Jeongguk for a moment before putting out his hand to shake. “Take care of my son, Jeongguk.” The words were simple, but there was weight behind them.
Jeongguk met his gaze steadily, shaking the offered hand. “I will,” he said with no hesitation.
His father gave a small nod with a reassured smile. Taehyung walked them to the door, the cool evening air brushing against his face as they stepped outside. His mother hugged him again, softer this time. “Call us more often,” she said.
“I will.”
His father rested a hand briefly on his shoulder before stepping back. And then they left. Taehyung stood there for a moment, watching until they disappeared down the path.
The moment he closed the door, Taehyung crossed the room in two quick steps and threw himself at Jeongguk—careful and mindful of his injuries, but still unable to hold back the rush of relief and emotion that had been building inside him the entire afternoon. His arms wrapped around Jeongguk’s shoulders as he leaned in and kissed him.
Jeongguk let out a soft breath of surprise, but his hands came up immediately, steadying Taehyung at his waist as he returned the kiss just as warmly, their tongues brushing passionately for a few long minutes.
When Taehyung pulled back, his eyes were bright.
“I guess - that went well,” Jeongguk said, his voice roughened by the intensity of the moment.
Taehyung shook his head, almost laughing. “Well?” he repeated. “That’s an understatement.”
Jeongguk raised an eyebrow slightly.
“They loved you,” Taehyung said, still breathless in a way that had nothing to do with the kiss. “Like - actually loved you. My father never gives a compliment in his life. And he complimented you. Twice.”
Jeongguk’s expression shifted, something quieter and more emotional flickering through his eyes, though he tried to hide it behind a small smile. “I’m glad you’re relieved,” he said simply.
Taehyung leaned in again, pressing a softer kiss to his lips this time, lingering just a little longer before finally pulling away. “I knew they would love you, but I was also afraid of their judgement. But you blew them away before they could even question you” he murmured.
Jeongguk brushed his thumb lightly along Taehyung’s side. “I was honest about everything.”
Taehyung smiled. “Even when you said that you loved me dearly?” He repeated those words, making his heart stutter in his chest.
“Of course.” Jeongguk smiled, leaning for another kiss.