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—ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“What are you doing?”
Jimin jolts at the sound of a small voice. He’d been so busy digging out worms from the ground that he didn’t even notice someone getting close. His instincts haven’t quite honed in yet, so it’s easy to miss the signs of danger.
Without turning to look—much too focused on the task at hand—he replies exasperatedly, brushing the fringe out of his eyes with the back of his hand.
“I’m looking for fish food.”
“Fish food?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m five.” The stranger offers, and Jimin just shrugs, still not turning to look because he didn’t even ask. This conversation is boring at most and he really needs to keep his eyes focused or else he might miss his chance. Worms can be slippery little suckers.
Still, he’s been at this for a long time, and maybe if he had a little help, catching them would be easier. He frowns and then sticks out his chest, his reflection blurred in the puddle.
“I’m seven. I’m bigger so I’m in charge. You do what I say, got it?”
No sooner do the words leave his mouth does the other pup smile wide and nod excitedly. “Yes!”
Jimin scooches over slightly when he feels the other slide in next to him, so incredibly excited to join that he doesn’t even care about getting mud all over his clothes. Jimin isn’t sure if he’s made a good choice by inviting some strange kid to help him, but this is the first time any kid has come by these parts. Usually he plays alone.
“What is fish food?”
Jimin scoffs, eyes glued to the hole he’s digging, slightly annoyed that he has to teach this pup anything. “Oh, you know. Worms and bugs. I need to catch a fish for Jia.”
“Who’s Jia?”
“My mate. She likes me. Appa said mates need to be curted.”
“Curted?”
Jimin sighs out, finally turning to take a long look at the boy next to him. How many things does he have to teach this pup? When their eyes finally meet, Jimin’s demeanor softens, intrigued by the puppy-like expression of the boy in front of him. His eyes are the biggest he’s ever seen and the look of curiosity is so overbearing Jimin can’t help but answer him.
“Yea. Appa says that you have to curt a wolf if you’re going to get married.”
“Married? But…we’re kids.”
“So. I’m gonna be a big strong alpha some day. I need to be ready.”
“Oh. I wanna be a big strong alpha, too. My eomma says I’m gonna be the biggest.”
Jimin frowns. “NO! I’m the biggest because I’m seven.”
“So! I’m almost seven.”
Jimin huffs,” That doesn’t even make sense. Don’t you know Math?”
The pup pouts and looks at his fingers, pretending to count. “I’m in kindergarten.”
“Exactly! I’m in second grade so I know more than you.”
“I know stuff, too! I can count to ten!”
Jimin grunts, getting up off the floor abruptly. “You’ve scared them away!” He shouts, annoyed, turning to walk off, but a small voice stops him before he gets too far.
“Wait! Where are you going?!”
“Far away from you.”
As soon as those words leave his lips, the pup’s eyes start to tear up and an anguished cry pours out of him.
“But…but…I wanna curt you!”
Jimin rolls his eyes, already done with this kid. “You can’t curt an alpha!”
“Yes I can! Yes I can!!”
Wanting to stop the pup from crying, and already exhausted from dealing with him, Jimin steps up to the smaller and grabs his hand.
“Come on. Stop crying. Tell me where you live and I’ll walk you.”
With a big pout on his lips and large tear-filled eyes, the little pup sniffles, staring intently at where Jimin is holding his hand.
“Okay.”
Together they walk in silence, Jimin’s annoyance slowly tapering away.
He doesn’t like the idea of some annoying kid getting in his way because alphas are strong alone, but he guesses he has no choice now. The pup doesn’t seem so bad when he’s listening and he is kind of cute.
It’s obvious that he most definitely is not going to be an alpha, though Jimin must admit he has courage like one.
—
A few weeks later Jimin is walking to school when he sees that familiar pup kicking rocks as he stands in front of the school building. He’s surprised to see they attend the same school when before this he never saw the pup otherwise.
“Hey, you!” He calls out, scoffing when the little one’s eyes open wide and a huge smile spreads over his lips.
“It’s you! I knew it! Pretty hyung goes to my school.”
Jimin scoffs even louder, approaching the younger with an endeared annoyance. “I guess I do. When did you start coming here?”
“I don’t know. My eomma brings me.”
“I guess since we go here together we should be friends. I’m Jimin.”
“Oh! I’m Jeonggukie. That’s what my eomma calls me. My appa calls me Koo. You can call me whatever you want, hyung!”
“Stop calling me hyung. We only just met properly.”
Jeongguk pouts at being scolded and Jimin regrets it instantly.
“Hey! None of that. Let’s go inside. Hyung will take care of you. I can walk you to school from now on.”
Jeongguk brightens instantly, hugging Jimin tightly. “I promise I’ll be good!”
Jimin instantly melts, taking the smaller’s hand to guide him inside. As a future alpha he’s going to have a lot of responsibility taking care of Jeongguk, but he will do it proudly. It’s what good hyungs do.
—MIDDLE SCHOOL
“How could you do that to me, hyung!?”
“Do what? It’s not my fault you tripped, little alpha.”
“You just did that so I would lose!”
“Wow, Jeonggukie. You really think I would cheat? I don’t have to prove I’m better. We both know I’m going to be the strongest alpha between us!”
Jimin snorts when Jeongguk quietly growls, endeared by the dominating display being put out.
“Just because I’m still smaller doesn’t mean I won’t grow! These fitness tests are designed to show progress and I’m already close to beating you, hyung!”
“Close, but not there. I am the best and will always be. Cuz that’s what alphas do! You just have to get used to that.”
“You don’t even know if you’re going to be an alpha!” Jeongguk whines, clenching his fists and really testing Jimin’s patience. He’s too cute for his own good sometimes. It’s almost funny the way the younger insists he’ll be an alpha.
“That’s not what the coach says!” Jimin gloats, puffing out his own chest proudly. “I already made it to the basketball team. And I plan to take on other sports too. I’m gonna be the best.”
“Well, you’re a pain in my ass!” Jeongguk slips out, fully growling out with tear-filled eyes.
“Jeon Jeongguk, don’t you speak to me that way.”
Jeongguk freezes knowing he’s taken it too far and hating that he’s fighting with his best friend. Jimin can see the moment regret takes over and mentally starts counting down the apology.
3…
2…
1…
“Sorry, hyung.” Jeongguk whispers with a frown.
Jimin steps closer, grinning. Cute aggression is a real thing and Jimin battles against it at least ten times a day. Being friends with Jeongguk isn’t easy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. If Jeongguk does turn out to be an alpha, he’s going to be the cutest alpha ever.
“You know I just like to tease you. I think it helps us become better alphas. Competition is good.”
“You only say that cuz you win everything.”
“Well…” Jimin says smugly, moving to walk away, but Jeongguk rushes forward, climbing onto Jimin’s back unexpectedly.
“Are we gonna have lunch together?”
“You know we are, little alpha. Hyung will buy you an extra bowl of rice.”
At that Jeongguk’s mood shifts, almost like a light switch, and the anger he felt before vanishes as if it never came. Although he and Jimin always fight, they make up almost immediately after, so it doesn’t really count as a fight.
They’re in middle school now so they’re getting closer to presenting and Jimin can’t wait. When he presents as alpha, he’s going to show Jeongguk just how strong he can be. He might even have a little mercy on him when it comes to sports. For now he’ll coddle Jeongguk to his heart’s delight and continue buying him extra rice. It’s the least he can do when he teases the boy constantly. Although he knows Jeongguk will most likely be an alpha too, he will always think of him as that big-eyed puppy he met all those years ago.
—HIGH SCHOOL
“Come on, Jeongguk!” Jimin whines, grinning wolfishly and using every trick in the book to get Jeongguk to do his bidding. “Be a good pup and cover for me. I’ll be back in an hour. I promise!”
Jeongguk pouts, laying back down on Jimin’s bed without a sound. Usually he’s a lot stronger, but lately Jimin has been extra…convincing. It’s always been like this between them. Ever since they met Jimin has always taken the lead. Even now that they’re in high school things haven’t changed. Jeongguk knows it’s because Jimin is going to be an alpha, so it’s natural he possesses these traits, but it’s not easy giving in every time.
Jeongguk also hopes to be an alpha, but as the youngest, he still has to submit to the oldest. He doesn’t like it, but when it comes to Jimin, he can’t help it. His hyung just has a way about him.
Sighing out in defeat, Jeongguk nods and crosses his arms over his chest. “Fine. But if you get caught it’s not my fault!”
Jimin already has one leg dangling out of his bedroom window, but when he sees Jeongguk’s face, he crawls back in and sits on top of him, leaning down with a frown. “I won’t get caught because my best friend always looks out for me! Besides, I can’t keep Ara waiting.” He pecks Jeongguk on the cheek once and wiggles his eyebrows. “You know how girls can be.”
Jeongguk swallows hard, always a little freaked out when his hyung is intimate in any way. It’s weird, but he doesn’t hate it. And maybe he’s also a little embarrassed about the fact that he actually doesn’t know anything about girls because every ‘experience’ he’s told Jimin he’s had has been nothing but lies.
“Ara has a boyfriend.” He says instead, hoping to convince Jimin to make better choices.
“Yes, but her boyfriend is a beta. She wants an alpha.”
Jeongguk rolls his eyes, hyper aware that his hyung still hasn’t moved from the straddled position on his lap. “You’re not an alpha.”
“Yet. I’m not alpha…yet. But I will be.”
“Sure, Jimin hyung.”
Jimin nods and starts to get off, leaving Jeongguk to bite back his last retort. Jimin is never easily swayed, and no matter how much he argues, his hyung will never listen to him. It’s just the way it is.
As soon as Jimin is out of the window, Jeongguk releases a slow, drawn out breath. Even though they've known each other for almost ten years, Jeongguk has recently started struggling with how touchy Jimin is. It’s nothing new, they’ve always been close. It’s very natural to be close and seek out intimacy. It builds trust and helps ground him. But tonight he’s secretly glad Jimin left so fast.
Whenever Jimin sits on his lap like this, he gets a strange feeling in his gut. He doesn’t know what it is, but he’s sure it’s not good, and he doesn’t ever want to have to explain it to his best friend. He also knows Jimin hates rejection. One time Jeongguk pushed Jimin away and they didn’t talk for about a month after. It wasn’t until Jeongguk apologized with tears in his eyes and snot dripping down his nose that Jimin accepted him again.
They’re sixteen and eighteen now and puberty has been messy. Jimin hasn’t presented his sub gender yet, but he’s very close. Jeongguk thinks he might even be able to pick up on his scent a little. It’s especially strong when he returns from these ridiculous escapades with girls.
Usually when Jeongguk comes to sleep over, Jimin doesn’t leave, but lately he’s been using the excuse of them being together as a way to meet up with girls in secret knowing Jeongguk will cover for him. They’ve been having sleepovers for as long as he can remember, so Jimin’s parents won’t even bother to come check on them. It bothers him a little that his hyung would use him like this. But he knows once Jimin comes back, he’ll find a way to weasel into his heart and do something that will make Jeongguk forget why he was upset in the first place. It’s part of his charm after all.
Once the silence of the night fills the room, Jeongguk feels his eyes drifting closed. He usually waits up for Jimin, worried that his friend is out in the world all alone. But Jimin is technically an adult, so Jeongguk just needs to trust that he’ll be fine. They’re both going to be alphas and part of that is learning how to be strong, fearless and independent.
And along with being an alpha is the natural tendency to seek out a mate. They may be young, but as future alphas they should already have an eye out for potential mates. Jimin has always been a romantic, dating left and right, honing his skills for ‘the one’. Jeongguk isn’t the same, though. He’s been shy since forever, with Jimin being the only exception. He doesn’t know what it’s like to kiss or touch anyone. He just hasn’t ever had the desire for it.
He doesn’t feel the urgency like Jimin. It’s almost like his friend has something to prove, which Jeongguk gets. Jimin is smaller than most potential alphas which is funny considering that at one point he was bigger than Jeongguk. He’s also softer, something Jeongguk never mentions in order to prevent any arguments. His scent, although muted, often comes through as something sweet. That is typically not common amongst alphas, but not entirely unheard of.
It could all be the process of changing, of course. Alphas come in different shapes and sizes, so there’s no way of knowing how one will present exactly. Once they present, things will be easier and then they will have less reason to argue.
—
When the morning hits, Jeongguk stirs first, his nose picking up a sweet scent. He’s never smelled a scent so powerfully, and out of all the people he knows, none of them smell like this.
Perhaps Jimin’s mother is making something sweet to eat.
But still…it’s just too potent.
His nose having been awakened, Jeongguk opens his eyes and finds that Jimin is tucked into his side, completely absorbing all of his bodyheat. This position is nothing new, and for as long as he can remember Jimin has always called him a walking furnace.
Tired from a restless night, Jeongguk stretches his body, slightly shifting Jimin. The movement causes Jimin to turn away, nuzzling into the pillow beside him and groaning. Jeongguk rolls his eyes, knowing his best friend probably stayed up all night and will more than likely be whiny if he gets woken up. It’s his own fault for staying out so late—
“Ughhhh…” Jimin groans louder, drawing Jeongguk’s attention.
When he focuses his half-lidded eyes on Jimin, he does a double take, confused at what he’s seeing.
Jimin seems to be sweaty and his face looks a little flushed. Leaning in to take a better look, his hand pressed into the mattress for support, Jeongguk tries to gauge the situation only to be distracted by something else.
The mattress is wet and so are Jimin’s pants. “What…” Confused, he sits up abruptly, bringing his hand up to inspect.
Did his hyung wet himself in his sleep? Did he spill a drink?
But when he looks closer, he notices that the liquid is thick and there’s a scent…sweet and syrupy.
“Hyung?”
His voice stirs Jimin a bit, and the smaller groans again, pressing his hips down onto the mattress vulgarly. Jeongguk swallows, turning his head away, suddenly feeling flustered.
“Hyung…are you sick?”
Jimin stirs from his sleep, sitting up slightly. Jeongguk can see him in his peripheral vision, but he’s too freaked out to look him in the eyes.
“Wha—” Jimin slurs, his scent becoming stronger the more he shifts around. Jeongguk is just about to repeat himself, but then Jimin moans out in pain and falls onto Jeongguk’s chest.
“Ohhh…oh God. I—it hurts.”
Jeongguk panics then, turning to Jimin and helping him to sit up. “Are you okay, Jimin hyung? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Jimin shakes his head and then leans in closer, settling against Jeongguk’s shoulder. He’s whining pitifully, gripping his stomach and crying. Jeongguk can feel the wetness of his tears coating the skin of his neck and worry makes his chest ache.
“Should I get your mom?”
Jimin nods, finally responding, but it’s clear he’s just as freaked out. But when Jeongguk tries to leave to go get her, Jimin cries out, gripping his wrist tightly.
“Don’t leave me…”
Jeongguk feels torn. He knows his hyung needs help, but he’s also scared that something Jimin did the night before could be the cause of this which will get them both in trouble. He pauses, bouncing back and forth with indecision. Jimin moans against the skin of his neck, suddenly closer than he was before. He’s in pain, that much is clear, but there is something else.
Just as Jeongguk is deciding to get himself out of the bed, Jimin’s bedroom door swings open and his mother flies inside.
“Jimin! Oh my God. Darling. Oh no…” She rushes to his side, pulling him off of Jeongguk and replacing his spot on the bed. Jimin cries in his mother’s arms while Jeongguk stands off to the side of the bed, worry etched on his brow. When Jimin’s mother finally remembers him, she looks up with gentle eyes and smiles.
“Jeongguk, sweetheart. Be a doll and get yourself together and go home. I promise you Jimin is okay. He’ll call you soon.”
Unsure of how he can help, but feeling incredibly torn by having to leave, he simply relents, grabbing his overnight bag and stepping out of the room. He rushes to the bathroom, showering quickly to get the scent of whatever that wetness was off of his body. He’s pretty sure it shouldn’t be on him.
When he’s all dressed and ready, he gives one final glance towards Jimin’s door and then he’s rushing out of the house.
He doesn’t hear from Jimin for a week after the incident and Jeongguk doesn’t sleep.
Jimin doesn’t come to school either, but it seems they’ve been notified of his absence because the teachers don't ask about it. Everyday Jeongguk checks his phone multiple times a day hoping to get some sort of information, but there’s nothing. He’s already texted his hyung a million times asking if he’s okay, and whether or not he got in trouble, but Jimin never replied.
He’s also been to his house multiple times, only to be turned away by Jimin’s mother who sweetly asks him to be patient and wait for Jimin to reach out.
It’s been torture.
It’s on a random Tuesday during his lunch that Jeongguk sees him. Because Jimin is older, he’s not in the same classes as Jeongguk, but they always managed to have the same lunch. With his best friend in his sights, Jeongguk rushes straight toward him, everything else blending into the background. He gets within a few feet and Jimin suddenly freezes, body completely taut and ears turning red.
“Hyung…” Jeongguk breathes out in relief, suddenly realizing just how tense he’s been without Jimin. Ever since he and Jimin met, they haven’t been apart for more than a few days. They’re like family, in the sense of what packs were like in the past. They’re bound to each other naturally with an invisible string. Their connection was the first instinctual response Jeongguk remembers experiencing so strongly. Being away from each other this long has really taken a toll.
Jimin doesn’t look up, he can barely acknowledge Jeongguk, but knowing his friend like he does, Jeongguk takes a step forward and wraps his arms tightly around him. Even though Jimin feels tense in the beginning, his body slowly melts and he relaxes into Jeongguk’s hold, releasing an anxious breath and returning the hug.
“Jeongguk–ahh…”
“Jimin hyung. I missed you so much!”
In the middle of the cafeteria, in front of everyone, they hug for what feels like forever. No one looks twice since they already know how close the two are, so he hugs his hyung tighter, feeling an intense relief deep inside. But there’s something off. Jeongguk can’t pick up a scent. If Jimin presented, then why can’t he sense it?
They agree to meet up to talk at the end of the day. It’s awkward at first, entering Jimin’s home after being away for a whole week. Jimin takes him up to his room, and for the first time in his life Jimin’s mom looks at him funny.
He shakes it off, more worried about what he and Jimin will talk about. Jeongguk is sure everything is going to be fine, until it’s not. In a matter of minutes things turn very, very bad.
“What do you mean you can’t tell me?” Jeongguk complains, annoyed that his best friend would keep something as important as his subgender from him. They share everything.There should be no exceptions.
“Because, Jeongguk. I want to take time getting used to it. I don’t want to let out my pheromones all willy nilly. I have to adjust. You, of all people, should understand that.”
At first Jeongguk doesn’t say anything, just listens to Jimin explain why he doesn’t want to tell him. Then he starts to get confused because, surely Jimin is an alpha, so what’s the big deal? This is something they’ve both wanted since they were kids. Why would that have to be kept secret? Pheromones are just part of it. There’s no reason to wait.
Alphas should stick together. Jeongguk would be more than willing to help him deal with his pheromones. Sure, it would be something new, but it shouldn’t be that hard.
“That’s silly, Jimin hyung. Why would you hide that you’re an alpha? I mean, it’s not like you’re an omega or something. That would really be weird.”
Jeongguk tries to lighten his mood, chuckling at his comment like that will make Jimin feel more at ease, but for some reason, it has the opposite effect.
“I mean, you are tiny like an omega, but we both know you’re an alpha, so—” He goes on, knowing damn well he’s digging a deeper hole, unsure of how to shut up.
“Get out.”
Jeongguk jolts, shocked by the growl in Jimin’s tone. He knows his response to Jimin’s dilemma probably wasn’t the best, but he’s trying his best.
“What do you mean—”
“Go, Jeongguk!”
“But, hyung. Why—”
“Because I am an omega you stupid idiot!!” Jimin screams, eyes shutting with the force of it.
Jeongguk barely gets a chance to utter another syllable before Jimin rushes to the bedroom door, opening it wide and gesturing for him to leave.
To say Jeongguk is shocked is an understatement. He can see Jimin is visibly shaking and the sound of Jimin’s mom’s footsteps are approaching fast. He has no choice but to run out like a coward, Jimin’s eyes never looking his way.
Two weeks pass.
Currently he’s eating lunch alone; again. He hasn’t tried to contact Jimin at all knowing he won’t get a response. When Jimin gets angry, he really gets angry, so Jeongguk is just riding this wave until it calms down.
Jimin, it seems, has recovered just fine. He doesn’t seem the least bit shaken up about their fight or the fact that he’s a fucking omega. In fact, he’s become quite popular these days. It’s gotten to the point where Jeongguk can’t even talk to his friend, let alone find a moment to discuss what happened. Selfishly, Jeongguk is almost relieved. To be honest, he’s still trying to process the whole argument, and he still doesn’t know what to say about the fact that his best friend is an omega.
Jeongguk grumbles as he watches what he thought was his best friend, giggle and blush in front of fuck boy alphas as if he’s been doing it all his life. It’s incredibly weird, the concept of Jimin being an omega still hard to digest. He’s only ever idealized him as an alpha. It makes his stomach turn and his lunch suddenly tastes like garbage. Unable to eat anymore, he gets up to toss his food and makes his way to the library.
He and Jimin used to come here to study after school. Jimin used to be on him all the time about his academics and how important it was to prepare for college. Jimin was amazing that way. Not only was he into sports, but he also prioritized his education.
But now, as Jeongguk walks down the Science section, he finds himself feeling a bit lonely, and he worries that Jimin might be slipping through his fingers. He can’t pretend to know what Jimin is going through because he hasn’t presented himself. He also knows he probably didn’t respond the right way. But does that justify Jimin ignoring him like this?
His eyes glance at medical books about wolf anatomy and biology, and he can’t help himself. In truth, he’s actually incredibly curious about what Jimin might be going through. All his life he’s been in competition with his best friend to be the better alpha, but it never dawned on him that he might have to be the only alpha.
What exactly will his role be in this relationship? Jimin seems to be really interested in alphas right now for unknown reasons, so Jeongguk needs to be better prepared. Will Jimin like him better once he presents? Is him being an alpha the only thing that will make them friends again?
With all of these questions swirling in his mind, Jeongguk settles for the first book he sees about omegas and darts out of the library to make it to his next class. The day drags on with the book burning a hole in his backpack. He’s felt a little tense all day, nervous that someone might see what he’s hiding in his bag, but he does his best to remind himself that it’s important he be informed.
As soon as he gets home, he runs straight to his room and locks the door.
He tugs the book out of his bag and takes another look at the cover. “The Omega Codex of Body and Heat”.
He gasps, face turning bright red as he drops the book, the thump resonating over the wood floor.
“Jeonggukie, is that you?”
At the sound of his mother’s voice, Jeongguk picks up the book and hurries to hide it under his pillow after a chaotic back and forth.
“Yes! Sorry, eomma!”
When he hears nothing else, he takes a deep breath and pulls the book back out.
“What the hell? Why didn’t I read the title?” Jeongguk groans, remembering he saw the word omega and hastily checked it out when no one was looking. Now, as he stares at the word heat, his face blazes, the fact that his hyung will have heats not something he even thought about at all.
He ends up reading the entire night, losing sleep as each chapter draws him in with diagrams and detailed explanations of omega biology and sexual reproduction. By the time the morning sun dawns, Jeongguk feels even more freaked out, but at least now he can prove to his hyung that he knows all about omegas. If he can prove he understands, they can return to the way they were and then his hyung will certainly stop being mad at him.
Because…
That’s what this is. They’re just having a little spat. It happens all the time. Jeongguk knows he can fix this. They always make up right away and the best thing about him is that he doesn’t care whether he’s right or wrong. All he ever wants is to be by Jimin’s side. His pride always takes a back seat. The fact that Jimin is an omega doesn’t matter to him really. It might be difficult to work through some things, but he’s willing to try.
So as he makes his way to Jimin’s house, a lump in his throat, Jeongguk takes a deep breath and starts to walk up to the door.
His fist raised, he doesn’t even get to knock before the door swings open. In the entryway stands some guy he doesn’t know and Jimin right behind him.
“Oh. hello.”
Jeongguk sneers, not very happy at being greeted by some stranger at seven in the morning. He doesn’t respond, just stands there, staring down at what he suddenly realizes is an alpha. A weird gurgle bubbles up in his throat and it feels strange. Was he about to growl?
“Jeongguk–ah?”
Jimin steps into view, clearing the strange red haze that somehow started taking over Jeongguk’s vision. He takes a deep breath, and whatever emotions he was feeling vanish.
“Jimin hyung. I was wondering if you wanted to walk to school together.”
Jimin pouts, biting his bottom lip anxiously and then turning to the alpha next to him. “I’m…sorry but…Yoonwoo and I already made plans to walk. He’s been waiting for me all morning.”
Jeongguk’s heart shatters. Jimin has never denied him before, not even when he was angry at him. His chest burns and that strange feeling from earlier starts to resurface, but he bites it down and smiles. “Oh…yeah. No problem. I’ll see you at school then.”
As he turns away, he thinks he hears Jimin attempt to call him, but he’s sure the alpha stops him from doing so. Either way, he doesn’t care. His own hyung has made it clear he already has plans so he’s not going to wait around or try to beg for first place.
Even if it looks like Jimin might be replacing him, he knows it’s not possible.
Jeongguk has always been number one in Jimin’s life. Maybe right now his friend is trying to figure himself out a little due to this new change in his life, but Jeongguk is sure he’ll come crawling back in no time. They’ve been best friends since they were children. A stupid alpha is nothing to worry about.
—
“I heard they’re dating.”
Jeongguk’s ears perk up. For the past ten minutes he’s been listening in on the gossip being shared in the locker room. Mingyu, who knows Taehyung, who knows Jimin (apparently), confirmed that Jimin is indeed in a relationship with Yoonwoo.
His stomach does a weird flip and then the nausea creeps in. Why the hell would his best friend even be interested in dating? And why hasn’t he told Jeongguk any of this? They haven’t spoken in weeks and suddenly some stupid alpha shows up and Jimin just agrees to date him. That’s so unlike his hyung!
The Jimin he knows is competitive and strong, not some pathetic softie that would accept whatever idiot asked him out.
Without realizing his own strength, he slams the locker too hard and rushes out of the room. He hears a few whispers about him, but he ignores them, rushing to make it to his last class. Maybe those guys were all full of shit. They don’t know anything about Jimin!
He’s going to find Jimin and ask him himself. The only way he’ll believe it is if he hears it straight from his mouth. Only Jimin can clear this up. He’s over them not being on speaking terms. As soon as the bell rings he’s off, dashing to wait outside where he knows Jimin always passes before going home.
He gets there first, seeing a few people he recognizes, but still no Jimin. His hyung usually arrives a few minutes after, so he has plenty of time to get himself together. But soon five minutes pass and then ten. Jeongguk is starting to wonder if he missed him altogether when out in the distance he makes out his form.
Jimin is walking, a big smile on his lips, and the sun is shining behind him making him look angelic. Jeongguk can’t help but smile to himself, drawn in by the beauty that is his friend. But then his eyes pan to the right, where they find Yoonwoo grasping his hand tightly.
His throat suddenly closes and a low rumble starts up in his chest. This time he doesn’t bite it down. He doesn’t like that guy for some reason and it bothers him even more that Jimin seems to be so oblivious.
He starts to walk towards them, his long awaited speech ready on his tongue, but his words get swept away when he sees Yoonwoo lean down and kiss Jimin.
Jeongguk feels the very breath get sucked right out of his lungs. He stops instantly, body frozen in a state of shock. Jimin doesn’t even notice him, or maybe he’s too busy getting his mouth devoured to even realize that his best friend is standing down the street watching this whole thing unfold. It’s almost as if he doesn’t have any shame.
Unable to take another minute of the disgusting display, Jeongguk finds the will to blink himself free of the hold he’s in and turns to run. He runs for so long he doesn’t know where he ends up, until the beachside tells him he’s made it thirty minutes from his house. When his feet slow down due to the sand, Jeongguk's heart rate starts to slow down with it, and needing to ground himself, he removes his shoes and socks. The moment the soles of his feet make contact with the sand, he releases a heavy breath and walks to meet the sea.
Time slows down in an instant, and he makes himself comfortable, doing his best to forget. As soon as the moon hangs high in the night sky, Jeongguk snaps out of his haze. He’s not even sure what he’s feeling, or why he’s so upset, but he’s glad he didn’t show this side to Jimin.
He’s already fumbled the part where he should have been supportive when Jimin told him his subgender, so he can’t imagine what would happen if he had acted out his emotions now. In all, he thinks what he’s really upset about is the fact that Jimin seems to have forgotten him so easily. Not a month ago Jeongguk was sleeping next to him, and prior to that they were attached at the hip. But right now he feels so far away from his friend.
He decides to text him one last time, and if Jimin doesn’t reply, he’ll take the hint and stop trying. One thing he’s sure about is that when Jimin makes up his mind about something, he doesn’t budge. And right now it seems his hyung is really into that alpha and less into being friends with him.
He takes his phone out, calls his mother to tell her to pick him up, and then he texts Jimin.
[hyung, i miss you. let me know if I can see you sometime soon.]
He gets no reply for days, and so on a random Friday afternoon, Jeongguk decides to back off. That’s the last time he tries to reach out and accepts it when he doesn’t get a reply in return.
—
It’s Jimin’s graduation date and Jeongguk is beyond anxious about it. There’s no reason for it since it’s been months since Jimin and he have even talked. Though he should’ve been invited, Jeongguk never waited for it, knowing that it would have been awkward to self-invite.
He’s at home in bed, watching the sun rise, running the senior schedule for graduation in his mind. These are things he and Jimin would have talked about. Things he would have helped his hyung process and celebrate. But today he will be doing none of that. Right now he’s on summer vacation and he has no plans to do anything but wallow.
Last they spoke, Jimin had plans to go to Seoul university to study sports and Math. He was always so driven, ready to take on the world and be Jeongguk’s guide, but now Jeongguk feels lost. He doesn’t know if his hyung’s plans will still be the same, or if he’s decided to change them thanks to his new boyfriend— which by the way, they haven’t broken up.
The only good thing he can say is that he made a new friend. Mingyu, the guy who knows Jimin’s friend Taehyung. He’s not friends with Mingyu only because of this reason or because he wants to try to get information from him. He actually thinks Mingyu is pretty cool and they have a lot in common. But he’s not Jimin in any way, so Jeongguk doesn’t seek him out often.
And today he won’t seek him out either. Today Taehyung also graduates, so he’s sure Mingyu will be attending. But that’s none of his business. Today he’s going to spend the day gaming and being lazy.
He doesn’t want to think about anything. Because if he thinks, it’ll hit him how Jimin will be leaving and he never got to say goodbye. If he thinks, he’ll realize that he may never see Jimin again. If he thinks he might…
When the first tear slides over his cheek, Jeongguk takes a sharp breath, and jumps off the bed, turning on his gaming computer. He plans to lose himself and forget everything. All he has to do is pretend like he doesn’t care. Because he doesn’t. He doesn’t care at all.
—
Today Jeongguk graduates from high school. It’s been two years since Jimin left and he hasn’t heard much about him except for what his mother shared. Apparently Jimin went to Seoul University like he planned, and Jeongguk only knows this because his mother still keeps in contact with Jimin’s mother.
She did inquire about why they weren’t close anymore, but Jeongguk just told her that they outgrew one another. She seemed like she wanted to probe more, but eventually let it go.
Jeongguk will also be attending Seoul University, but only because that’s what he had planned all along as well. He’s done exceptionally well in his academics and even got into the university baseball team, so everything is going really great for him. With everything going on, he’s certain he won’t run into Jimin at all. They won’t even be taking the same major.
The only thing he’s still waiting for is to present.
He knows he’s close, can feel it creeping up his skin and festering in his chest. The alpha inside of him has made itself known for quite sometime, but for some reason it remains dormant, unwilling to make an appearance. Jeongguk is sure he’s an alpha. There’s no other way about it. These days he finds himself feeling a lot more aggressive and unstable. His father, thankfully, has been guiding him through it and it's been helping. Jeongguk is able to control himself most days, but sometimes he finds that he needs to stay away from everyone.
The doctors assure him that it’s fine and all part of the process. The delay is just making things a bit more intense. Jeongguk isn’t so sure if that’s true, but what he does know is that he’s not some savage that lets himself lose control. He is more than capable of handling himself accordingly.
Thankfully, none of the others make fun of him for not having presented yet. Mingyu presented an alpha, which was no surprise, and the other guys presented as a mix of alphas and betas. A few of them presented as omega, and have stopped spending time around their group. It reminded Jeongguk a lot of how Jimin did the same when he first changed. Out of nowhere he stopped being his friend, so maybe it’s just something omegas do for some reason.
Jeongguk can’t pretend to understand because his own struggles with presenting have been tough as well. Maybe once he presents fully he’ll be able to understand a little more.
He’s been able to forgive Jimin after all this time, having matured and making up his mind to get over it. He was a bit younger then so he didn’t get it, but now, faced with college and presenting, he’s in a much better place to understand.
That’s why summer passes in the blink of an eye with new and happy memories made. His friends all chose different colleges, so Jeongguk finds himself standing anxiously in front of his new dorm room all alone, staring at the door he will call home for the next year. Seoul University is everything he expected it to be, but no matter how much he tried to prepare for it, the concept of having a roommate made him incredibly nervous.
Overcoming his fear, he walks inside, finding it empty. He releases a relieved sigh. For now he’s alone, so it’ll give him time to adjust and settle down without someone else’s presence. He takes his time making his side of the room his own, making the bed and adding some books to the provided shelves. It’s not exactly like his bedroom at home, but it’s something.
While unpacking he finds an item he doesn’t remember packing. It’s a keychain Jimin gave him once, of a little plastic worm. He’d given it to him as a memory of the first time they met.
He frowns.
His mother must have put it in here. She kept nagging him about finding Jimin and talking to him. He told her he’d try, lying through his teeth, and still hiding the fact that they are no longer friends.
Hopefully with time she’ll forget and Jeongguk won’t have to keep making excuses.
By the time the sun sets, Jeongguk is exhausted and still without a roommate. He decides to order dinner and then take a walk around the campus to check things out. His fried chicken comes fast, and he devours it happily, famished after such a long day.
His walk on campus is peaceful. There are some small crowds formed near different departments, all trying to share information and welcome new students, but none of it is overly loud.
He’s just turning the corner of the Arts department when a familiar voice on a megaphone causes a chill to flow down his spine.
“Welcome! Please sign up for our dance classes! Free Tuesday nights!”
His eyes find him in an instant, and he almost doubts himself at first. Everything is still the same except for the hair. Jimin is now blonde and for obvious reasons he looks really good with it. Jeongguk wants to laugh at how Jimin can make anything look good.
He’s locked in a stare, forgetting his environment, and causing people to have to walk around him as he stands like a statue unmoving. He’s only knocked out of his trance when someone accidentally bumps into his shoulder.
And for some unknown reason, perhaps the gods mocking him, Jimin chooses that exact moment to look in his direction. Instead of standing his ground and acknowledging an old friend like a mature adult, Jeongguk books it out of there.
He doesn’t look back once, just runs and runs until he makes it back to his room. Inside it’s still empty, save for his own things, and he only now registers that perhaps he lucked out this semester and doesn’t have a roommate.
With his back pressed to the door, his head knocks back onto the wood, and he takes several deep breaths, doing his best to calm his rapid breathing. “What the hell was that?!” He complains to himself, feeling awfully pathetic that he ran away like that.
Not to mention, why the hell was Jimin even in the arts department? From what Jeongguk remembers, Jimin always said how he wanted to be a Math major and do sports as well. If there was any way he thought they might accidentally bump into one another, sports would’ve been it, but he wasn’t certain. Now he knows for sure they never would have if not for these first night events on campus.
What kind of arts is Jimin even doing?
When his breathing finally calms and his mind relaxes, he slides down the door and plops on the floor, his chest feeling tight. He knew that seeing Jimin again might have some effect on him, but he didn’t expect it to be so…overwhelming. When they first stopped talking, Jeongguk had felt like absolute shit and researched all of his symptoms. It turns out wolves can have these types of reactions when a bond is severed.
But after all this time, when his heart should have been healed by now, he’s finding his body and mind reacting in a much worse way. He shakes it off as best as he can, gets to his feet and decides this day has been long enough. After a quick shower he tucks himself into bed, glad to be all alone, and lets sleep take over him.
—
Classes go smoothly for the first week, and after the Jimin incident, he hasn’t run into him since. Jimin is two years ahead of him so he knows they can’t have any classes together unless Jimin purposely chose lower level ones. But that’s unlike the Jimin he knows. His Jimin was brilliant and would be well ahead of the game by now. He’d be in much more advanced classes already.
His Jimin.
He scoffs at himself, the ridiculous way he claims the old Jimin embarrassing. He doesn’t even know where the thought came from. He’s just about to get up and leave class, when a student he didn’t even realize was next to him taps his shoulder.
“Hi, I’m Jingi. I was wondering if you had a study group to work with for the project we were assigned.”
Jeongguk takes in the omega before him. He knows she’s an omega instantly, her soft, rose scent clean and inviting. His nose has gotten a lot more powerful the closer he gets to presenting, and lately certain scents make him nauseous when they shouldn’t.
Like right now.
He does his best to hide it, doesn’t breath through his nose as he rejects her offer gently. He wants to say yes because he does need a group to work with, but being around certain scents is too much to handle. Hopefully when he presents as alpha, he’ll be able to handle it better.
For now he’ll stick to alphas and ask his family doctor to up his medication for his sensitivities. Now that he’s in college, he’ll be around way too many people, and he doesn’t want to get sick. So far he’s been lucky, but he remembers getting scent-sickness only once before. It was right after the whole thing with Jimin happened. He was in school minding his business, when an omega coming from the gymnasium walked past him. He got so sick he threw up and had a migraine for days.
He had never heard of such an ailment before, but apparently young pre-presenting alphas can go through such things when they’re between phases. It’s not very common, and all they can offer is medicine for relief. He hasn’t really had a reaction since then—his last encounter being omegas in high school—but now that he's surrounded by endless omegas, he knows it can’t get any better.
As time goes by, he makes friends with some of the alphas on his baseball team. Namjoon, Hoseok and Jin. They hit it off right away. He gets so distracted by practice nights and homework assignments that he doesn’t even realize it when a month goes by.
And still no Jimin.
Which he isn’t complaining about.
Right now college life is feeling great and he is living his best life. His scent-sensitivity has gotten a little better thanks to his medication, so he’s been able to tolerate omegas more, and man have they been appearing in droves. It turns out the baseball team has a little following and a lot of the omegas on campus tend to show up for games if only to get the attention of the players.
Which is why the team is headed to a party tonight. They were invited by one of the omegas— Jeongguk can’t remember who—and since he’s part of the team, it would be rude of him not to go. Unlike his friends, Jeongguk isn’t really looking for an omega himself, but he can’t say he doesn’t like the attention.
The moment he enters the party, he can feel the intermingling energy of all the subgenders inside. Omegas give off subtle pheromones to intrigue the alphas, who respond in kind. The betas, who have a milder scent, also give off the energy that they’re willing and seeking. It’s the first time in a long time Jeongguk finds himself closed in with such a large group of scents. It doesn’t take long for him to start feeling off.
He decides to go toward the kitchen, hoping a few drinks might help his senses calm down and allow him to enjoy the party. He hasn’t taken his medication yet, not wanting to mix it with alcohol, but right now he’s rethinking his decision.
He finds the kitchen easily after greeting some of his friends. Namjoon introduces him to Yoongi, a beta he’d never seen before tonight. Apparently, he’s Namjoon’s future mate which leaves Jeongguk a bit surprised, not expecting someone so young to already be committed. It reminds him a little about that time he told Jimin he was going to court him. He was only a little kid then, but he remembers being dead serious about his declaration.
Shit.
He shakes his head, clearing his thoughts. Of all the times to be reminiscing, tonight is not the night. Tonight he’s going to let loose and relax. It’s what he needs after weeks of hard work. Jimin should be the last thing on his mind.
He makes his way to the next room where he gets caught up in some drinking game he got wrangled into. After a while he starts feeling pleasantly buzzed, not minding the omega who is currently plastered to his side. She’s really pretty, and though Jeongguk has no intention of taking things far, he’s got no problem with messing around.
He makes his way to the couch, having lost the game, and turns his full attention to the omega. He really should remember her name, but what does that matter when they’re only going to make out?
“Hey.” She whispers, smiling like a fool, face inches from Jeongguk’s. Her eyes are shining, probably because she’s also a little buzzed, and she looks very interested. Her scent, though not exactly enticing to him, is bearable. If he were any other alpha, he’d take advantage of this situation. It’s just that…he’s not exactly very experienced, and though he has kissed others before, this situation feels a little different.
She leans in to kiss him and Jeongguk closes his eyes.
All he has to do is kiss her back. It’s very easy. He may be feeling a little nauseous, but it’ll go away soon. Maybe tonight he can take things further. Maybe tonight he can lose his virginity.
Maybe tonight he can…
“Jeon Jeongguk. Long time no see.”
In an instant his eyes snap open and he jolts. The omega whines out, forcing herself closer, but Jeongguk turns his face to find the source of the voice.
“Have some self-respect, Lilly. Jeongguk clearly doesn’t want to kiss you.”
When he locks eyes with Jimin, now certain he isn’t going crazy, his mind starts spiraling. Suddenly all the scents become too much and he feels like he might actually throw up.
He can’t believe it. Jimin? Park Jimin? Here at the houseparty of all places? What are the odds? And why does he look so good?
Jeongguk’s eyes travel over him quickly, taking in his black leather pants and wispy, white, croptop. He looks gorgeous….
Jeongguk’s stomach starts to turn.
He’s up out of the couch, racing towards a bathroom, acutely aware that he’s being followed.
He makes it in time, locking the door, and spilling the contents of his stomach out into the toilet. His head is throbbing, and he’s sweating, a reaction he hasn’t experienced in a long time. Could this be due to him not taking his medication? Were the scents just too overwhelming?
He’s just finished heaving, when he hears a knock at the door, and that same damned voice muffled on the other side comes through, making his head spin.
“Jeongguk? Are you okay?”
Jimin sounds worried, and for a moment Jeongguk relishes the thought. Good. He should be. For once he actually remembers that Jeongguk exists. For once he’s showing he cares.
“Jeonggukie…please open the door.”
Jeongguk manages to stabilize himself on the sink, washing his mouth out and splashing water on his face. His hands shake as he goes to grab his medication, knowing damn well he shouldn’t be taking it, but needing it to bring him relief.
He pops two pills, sipping water from the faucet and doing his best to ignore the light knocks on the bathroom door. He’s just getting himself to breathe normally, when the door opens, surprising him.
Jimin stands there with a concerned look on his face, yet he’s still just as beautiful as Jeongguk remembers.
Jeongguk takes a deep breath, searching. He barely got a chance to experience Jimin’s scent back when he first presented, so it’s annoying him right now that he can’t pick anything up.
He tries to refocus, the nausea still gripping him tight and the alcohol swirling in his gut. Jimin is much closer now, leaning in to gauge his vitals.
“Jeongguk. Hey. Look at me. Are you alright?”
Jeongguk nods lightly, the movement making him dizzy again. “I’m fine. No worries.”
He attempts to walk off, bumping into the door frame, squinting to help clear his vision. He makes it all of five steps before Jimin is grabbing at his arm to stop him. He can’t help the shiver that goes through him, and he does his best to tug away, surprised by Jimin’s strength.
“Don’t you dare. Tell me where your dorm room is. You are in no shape to be out like this.” Jimin leaves no room for argument, pulling Jeongguk by the arm to lead him out of the party.
Jeongguk snorts, looking at Jimin’s back, laughing out at the audacity. He doesn’t even know where to go, yet he’s back to his old ways, bossing him around as usual.
“I can handle myself just fine, Jimin. Let go of my arm.”
“Sure you can. Still thinking you’re so big and tough.” At these words, Jimin actually looks back at him, eyes taking him in from top to bottom. Jeongguk shivers again. It’s obvious Jimin must’ve noticed how big he’s gotten. He’s not the same little kid he used to be. He’s gotten stronger and more muscular. All signs he’s an alpha.
So why the fuck hasn’t he presented yet?!
Jimin turns back to the task at hand, non-chalantly walking Jeongguk out of the party and towards the dorm rooms. He’s holding Jeongguk’s hand now, which is making him realize just how small his hyung really is. It seems nothing has changed.
He chuckles. “You have tiny hands.”
Jimin stops abruptly, almost causing Jeongguk to bump into him.
“I’m going to forgive you this time because you’re drunk, but if you bring up my size again, I’m going to kick your ass.”
“Do it.”
Jeongguk’s reply is snotty, filled with a challenge that blazes in his eyes. Jimin’s face is priceless. Jeongguk almost wishes he had his phone ready to take a picture.
“Keep walking, little alpha,” he replies, disappointing Jeongguk. Jimin used to be more feisty. Who even is this guy?
“Pffft. I’m not an alpha and you’re being weirdddd.”
Jimin turns again. Staring at him intently and then frowning. Jeongguk doesn’t know what that’s all about, but when Jimin starts tugging him toward the dorms again, he just follows like a lost puppy. When they get closer, somehow Jimin manages to extract the building number from him and even his pass code to enter his room.
Jeongguk is barely aware of Jimin helping him wash his face and brush his teeth. He doesn’t even feel Jimin’s tiny hands strip him of his clothes and set him down on the bed. But for some reason, deep inside, he does feel when Jimin tries to leave.
He reaches out to stop him, tugging him onto the bed and searching his eyes with urgency. “Please, don’t leave me.”
That’s the last thing he remembers.
After that, everything is a blur.
He wakes up suddenly, his eyes adjusting to the dark, hoping it was all a dream. But that hope dies quickly when he finds himself in a compromising position.
On his small bed, squeezed in close together, lie he and Jimin, Jeongguk hugging him from behind. Apparently, it’s still the middle of the night, the sun not having made an appearance, and Jeongguk is seriously considering bolting. The only problem is he has nowhere to run. This is his dorm room, afterall.
Never in a million years did he think something like this would happen.
Sure, he was expecting they might bump into each other. And there were plenty of scenarios he played in his head to prepare for such things. But ending up in the same bed together again??? After years??? Yeah, that’s certainly not something he was ready for.
He tries to inch away, hoping not to wake Jimin. The last thing he needs is for the blond to wake up and realize the situation.
Unfortunately, that idea doesn’t work well due to Jimin’s head resting on his upper arm. Maybe if he pretends to be asleep when Jimin wakes up, things will be less awkward. Then they won’t have to talk about any of this.
All he has to do is…
He freezes.
A slight cramp in his abdomen throwing off his thoughts. He breathes through it, wondering if maybe he’s still feeling sick from drinking too much.
It comes again, this time a little sharper, and he almost slips out a groan.
He attempts to breathe through it, waiting for it to go away, but then a pain unlike anything he’s ever experienced before pulls a whimper from his lips. The sound wakes Jimin immediately. From the look on his face, he’s also realizing the position they’re in, but then his expression shifts when he sees Jeongguk’s state.
“Jeongguk, what’s wrong?”
Jeongguk doesn’t even get a chance to breathe as another wave hits him, every muscle in his body locking. His body trembles in pain, and Jimin starts to panic, checking him over, unsure of what is happening.
Jeongguk tries his best to speak, but words won’t form on his tongue. He can’t communicate what he’s feeling, leaving Jimin helpless.
Jimin tries to calm Jeongguk down, getting a little closer to whisper soft reassurances, but nothing seems to be working. It’s when Jimin's eyes turn large, almost like a sudden awareness has come over him, that Jeongguk realizes what’s happening as well.
“Jeongguk…I think…I think you’re presenting.”
Jeongguk can’t hide the shock on his face. Presenting? Now? With Jimin in his bed? Why now of all times? And also, how the hell does Jimin know whether or not he’s presenting? For all he knows, Jeongguk could just be having his rut!
In a chaotic mess of pain and confusion, Jeongguk barely gets time to process all that’s happening, but for some reason he is more than able to hone in on Jimin, and the blond doesn’t look so good. Sweat beads are forming on his upper lip and his pupils are blown wide. It’s like he’s two seconds away from fainting.
And then it hits him. A scent he hasn’t smelled in over two years infiltrating his senses entirely.
Peaches, with a hint of vanilla.
His chest tightens, an aggressive need to taste that scent suddenly all he can think of. Huffing and puffing, Jeongguk turns away, gripping the edge of the mattress as he stands up and tries to make his way to the bathroom. He needs to get away. He doesn’t know why, but he can feel something deep inside clawing its way out, something primal, and it’s itching to claim.
“Jeongguk…are you okay?”
Jimin’s voice is hoarse at this point, and his scent is getting stronger by the minute. Now that Jeongguk is presenting, everything is ten times more intense. Everything is heightened, including scents. He breathes in in an attempt to calm down.
Big mistake.
“Jimin…you need to leave.”
Jimin whimpers, high and whiny, almost like he was chastised. The scent intensifies and Jeongguk licks his lips, his teeth aching. Normally omega pheromones make him sick, but right now they’ve got him drooling. Before he can tell Jimin to get out again, the omega gasps sharply and Jeongguk snaps his eyes to him.
On the bed where Jimin is sitting there is a wet patch. It looks like it just formed, which means it must’ve come from him, but why? The look on Jimin’s face is a mix of mortification and something else.
Jeongguk can’t help himself when he inhales deeply, unsure of why he’s doing it, but delighting in it nonetheless. Jimin whimpers again, and when Jeongguk finally looks directly at his face, he sees Jimin on the verge of tears, his body shaking and chest heaving.
The pain in Jeongguk’s abdomen sharpens.
“Jeongguk…this…this isn’t right. Something isn’t right.”
Jimin rushes to stand, but his legs go numb and he crumbles to the ground. Jeongguk wants to help him, but he’s in too much pain, and a new scent starts taking over the room.
It’s thick and heady, almost oppressive, and it’s having a severe effect on Jimin.
“Hyung, I really think you should go.”
Somehow Jeongguk manages to growl out the warning, but it has the complete opposite effect on Jimin. From the ground, Jimin turns toward him and starts crawling until he is seated right before him, neck thrown back and eyes seductive.
“A–Alpha…” He breathes out, the word something Jeongguk has never heard directed at him his entire life. Instead of feeling embarrassed by the title, Jeongguk feels aroused.
No. NO. NO!!!
He reaches out, gripping Jimin’s hair without meaning to be so rough, and tugs him up, needing him to understand the severity of the situation. “You need to leave now!”
Jimin shakes his head. “No…No…I—”
Jeongguk’s nostrils flare at Jimin’s cries and then his eyes snap down between the omega’s legs. Jimin’s pants are soaked through and a small amount of his slick is dripping onto the floor.
“What is happening to me, Jeongguk?”
Inside, Jeongguk can feel his wolf making its appearance, and things start to feel more consuming. It’s almost like it knows there’s a willing omega waiting to be taken. “Jimin…I don’t know if I can control it. It’s telling me to…”
Jimin turns his head slightly, the grip on his blond locks not allowing him much movement, but enough to where he starts kissing over Jeongguk’s forearm. His tongue slips out next, licking over Jeongguk’s hot skin. When he starts rolling his eyes back and releasing more pheromones, Jeongguk chokes on his breath.
“Stop that!”
Jeongguk’s words penetrate Jimin, low and dark, more dominant than he meant to say them. He hears Jimin mewl, more slick coating the ground, the quiet trickling sound blaring in Jeongguk’s sensitive ears. He doesn’t think he can take much more of Jimin’s scent. Feels on the verge of doing something he may never be able to come back from. But his conscious mind is slowly starting to fade, and the wolf that had yet to make an appearance all this time, takes over the forefront of his mind.
And then it all comes to a head.
He blinks, eyes burning, and looks down at his prey.
“Omega.”
Jimin bows his head, suddenly unable to look Jeongguk in the face. His entire body is shaking, both in fear and an uncontrollable need to be claimed. If Jeongguk were fully conscious, he'd fight this as much as possible. But right now, he’s lost as to what to do, and he feels incredibly powerless to stop this.
“Come to me.”
Jimin shoots up without a second thought, standing before Jeongguk with shaky legs and burning skin. He jolts when Jeongguk lifts a hand to pull him forward. Jimin lets it happen, eyes glazed in arousal, almost like he can’t wait.
“Sit.”
With that one simple command, Jimin does what Jeongguk tells him, settling onto Jeongguk’s lap without question. It’s like he doesn’t even need context to understand what Jeongguk is asking. His ass molds Jeongguk's arousal in an instant, and before he knows it, they’re kissing. Jeongguk’s brain malfunctions for a split second, but then it comes back to him.
Jimin. His Jimin, is sitting pretty on his lap. His beautiful, creamy and unblemished neck is practically begging to be marked. Slick still leaks out of him without pause and it would only take one more command for Jimin to give everything.
And they’re kissing!
But this doesn’t feel right. This isn’t what he wants. This is what his wolf wants. Jimin can’t help but to obey. It’s in his nature.
It’s all wrong!
With the rich scent of peaches assaulting his nose and his own dark amber drowning the room, Jeongguk fights against himself, pushing back through with all the willpower he possesses. It hurts, and the pain he felt earlier returns tenfold. Still, he endures it, getting to his feet and placing Jimin down gently.
He reaches for his phone, unsure of what he even means to do with it.
Jimin makes a sound of disapproval when Jeongguk steps away, unable to hide the needy expression on his face.
Resisting even that, Jeongguk searches for the contact he knows can help him in an emergency and hits the call button.
“Hello?”
At the sound of Namjoon’s voice Jeongguk breathes out in relief. “Hyung…I need your help. Can you send Yoongi?”
“Um, sure, but…what’s going on?”
“I think…I think I’m in rut and there’s an omega here and—”
“Oh shit! Okay. Just sit tight, Jeongguk. We’ll be right over!”
At Namjoon’s words, Jeongguk growls. He thinks he knows why, but that would seem totally unreasonable. Jimin isn’t his omega and Namjoon is already taken. Acting this way is entirely uncalled for.
“Sorry…it’s not me, hyung. It’s my wolf. I’m trying. Please hurry.” He apologizes, hoping that Namjoon understands.
“Yeah, yeah. It’s no problem. Um, make sure to place the omega away from you. Somewhere safe and try to take suppressants.”
Jeongguk nods, hearing the worry in Namjoon’s voice. “I will, but this feels so strange. It’s nothing like I’ve learned in school. I–I’m not sure how much longer I can hold back.”
“I get it, Jeongguk–ah, but you’re going to have to try. First time ruts can be rough. You don’t want to make a mistake you can’t come back from.”
They end the call, and gripping the phone so tight it feels like it will crack, Jeongguk turns to look at Jimin. The omega is much closer than he was before, testing the last shreds of his patience.
“Jeongguk, please…I—” Jimin begs, reaching forward to try and wrap his arms around Jeongguk’s shoulders.
On the verge of snapping, Jeongguk grabs Jimin by the shoulders and pushes him back gently. Jimin tries to fight it, hungrily tugging at Jeongguk’s clothes and releasing more pheromones.
Unsure he can keep himself from falling for the omega’s whims, Jeongguk uses the only thing he knows will stop him.
A command.
“Go sit in the bathroom. Lock the door. Now.”
Eyes glazing over, Jimin does what he’s told, but it’s clear he does not want to. Jeongguk’s alpha hates it, too, and it’s taking everything within him not to cancel what he’s just commanded. Never in his life has he witnessed an alpha command being used, let alone has he used it himself. The wood on the edge of his desk creaks with how tightly he’s gripping it, but thankfully Jimin disappears before Jeongguk breaks.
Not minutes later there’s a knock at his door.
“Jeongguk? It’s me. Yoongi.”
Jeongguk runs to the door, opening it fast. The beta on the other side flinches, the scent of dark amber and smoked vanilla hitting him hard. For a moment Jeongguk thinks Yoongi might sway, but he quickly recovers, smiling in greeting.
“Where is the omega?”
“In the bathroom. Please help him.”
Though he asked for this, knowing someone is about to touch Jimin makes him so upset he has to suppress the growl building in his chest. He sits on his bed, eyes closed and chanting to himself. He knows it’s his wolf being irrational, but the feeling of wanting to rip the beta to shreds is not far from his mind.
“Jeongguk?”
Jeongguk’s eyes snap to his door where he finds Namjoon standing, nervously looking about.
“It’s me, Jeongguk–ah. I’m just here to check on you. Is Yoongi with the omega?”
Jeongguk nods and clenches his jaw. “Yes. I—it happened suddenly and I—”
“It’s okay, Jeongguk. You did the right thing! We’ll take care of it.”
Suddenly, Yoongi pops out of the bathroom with Jimin in tow. Jeongguk jumps to his feet a little too quickly causing Namjoon to shoot forward.
“Hey. It's okay. Yoongi is just helping.”
Jeongguk’s chest rumbles, not once removing his eyes from Jimin’s form. “Mine…”
“Yes. Your omega. He’s yours. It’s okay, alpha. Look at me.”
With the last ounce of control he has, Jeongguk looks at the other alpha, but he can feel himself slipping away fast. He also doesn’t like how this other alpha is addressing him.
“I’ve brought you some suppressants. I need you to take them now. Do you have any water?”
Jeongguk points to his mini fridge, vaguely realizing Jimin is now out of his room. Namjoon goes to grab it and returns quickly, medicine in hand.
“Here, take this.”
Jeongguk nods, taking the pills out of Namjoon’s hands and taking them with a big gulp of water. He sighs in relief when his mind slowly starts to clear a bit.
“There ya go! Now lay down. This will make you sleepy. That way your rut won’t be so bad. I’ll stop by again with some snacks and water. If you need anything, call me. Also, I’ll let your resident advisor know so that no one comes to bother you.”
As soon as he’s alone again, Jeongguk starts to feel exhaustion take over, and he closes his eyes, Jimin’s sweetness still clinging to the sheets.