Sparks Of Tommorrow

by jimintinystars7

Chapter 2: Sparks

Summary:

His lip wobbles, “I wish you were real…”

Notes:

I hope you’ll enjoy the end of this story! It is a wild ride.

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Seokjin is eating mulhoe, a Korean dish of raw fish in a savory soup, and Jimin sighs, his eyes are burning and he swirls in the chair, the wheels moving along Jin’s office floor as the sunlight blurs through the windows, and Jimin’s nose twitches to the smell of the spicy food.

Jimin pulls his hood down lower, trying to drown out the sunlight. His omega is still strangely quiet—he has been since the night that Jeongguk got hurt. A week has passed and Jimin has learned a lot in his absence. 

He learned his omega is a greedy bitch. He has learned that his father has really isolated him from missions and the Lotus, and without Jeongguk filling his time, he looks at his apartment walls and the emails and messages piling up for meetings about a wedding he can’t even imagine.

He learned that maybe he needs to let Jeongguk go. Maybe Souta is right, he needs to learn to like the darkness.

“You look like shit,” Jin says around a mouthful of fish.

Jimin flicks his eyes up, he leans back in his seat and rolls his eyes but Jin just laughs, laying his chopsticks down and tilting his chin up, “What did you call this meeting for?”

Jimin shrugs. He doesn’t know anymore. He has Tae and Yoongi taking turns watching over Jeongguk. Secretly. Watching over the younger omega because without a doubt Souta is pissed. 

He is pissed that he stabbed a knife into his shoulder. Pissed that Jimin is seeing someone—an omega at that. Souta won’t take this as anything other than a threat. A threat to him and the control he has over the Lotus and Komorebi.

“Does it have anything to do with Souta’s bad mood this past week in meetings about the merger?”

Jimin smirks, he huffs out a chuckle and meets Jin’s knowing stare, “Maybe.” 

“I should thank you,” Jin laughs, it is loud and much too happy with itself like a mouse in a cheese factory, “I am loving him being all desperate to move the wedding up.”

Jimin jumps to his feet, “What?”

His heart skips a beat, the world whirls and Jimin slams his hands onto the desk making Jin’s chopsticks roll off the desk with a cling. The older alpha sighs, loudly, “Your father is against it. He wants Souta to get more hands-on experience with running the Lotus and Komorebi before the wedding.”

Jimin falls back into the seat, tilting his head up and staring at the ceiling, “Thank fuck.”

“I know that is right,” Jin continues, “Working with him is a nightmare. He is demanding and he doesn’t understand how business works. He is a child. We are the fucking yakuza. Not a little gang with big guns and bloody hands.”

Jimin rolls his neck, tilting his head to look back at Jin, he shrugs, making a face with raised brows because he doesn’t know what to say. He doesn’t get a say in anything.

Jin takes a sip of his drink, smacking his lips, “You would have been the best choice to run us…what do you think…are we going to keep the Lotus or combine the names? The Lotus and Komorebi is a bit long and annoying to say—”

Jimin doesn’t hear anything after Jin’s praise. He would be a better head. A better leader. He could do this without the mating to Souta. His father’s fear isn’t his responsibility. 

Jimin knows that his scent has sweetened when Jin grins, his eyes playful as he rolls his neck slowly, thinking, calculating. Jimin wonders what he sees in his face, what he hears in his silence, and the fact that Jimin is alone more than he is here at the Lotus now.

The older alpha sighs, “Why are you here Jimin?”

Their eyes meet and it is like a kaleidoscope of the last few weeks pass by Jimin and suddenly the praise of him being a good leader doesn’t matter because he doesn’t have Jeongguk.

Not really.

Yoongi and Tae are taking turns following Jeongguk throughout his day because Jimin won’t put it past Souta not to do something stupid. Jeongguk’s safety is the most important thing right now. Regardless, if Jeongguk decides to never see him again.

His heart sinks, his brows furrow and he opens his mouth and the words spill from him without thought, just pure heart and a secrecy finally leaving his lips, “What if I want out?”

Deadly silence.

Jimin watches Jin’s expression carefully and the man who always has it together looks stricken—mouth slacked, eyes wide, and his scent spikes. The alpha holds out his hand before Jimin can even utter a word.

Jimin watches Jin move out from the desk, crossing the room and opening the door, where he speaks to his guards quickly. Both are betas, they each nod and Jin closes the door again.

Jimin licks his lips, his heart pounding at the candor that left him because some things should not be spoken. Some desires are just that, desires. They can't come true because Jimin has to stay here.

He has to be—a leader, a good son, Kitty Gang…he has to be… 

“Do you know what you just admitted to?” Jin asks, standing in front of him and Jimin leans back into the chair, he doesn’t move, he doesn’t speak even as his mouth parts.

“You are not some low-level thug that works for the Lotus. You are the son of our leader,” he breathes out, “You have a mating ceremony in months. Leaving would mean, you will have to run…you would be anything but Park Jimin,” the alpha tilts his head and Jimin’s omega appears for the first time since he last saw Jeongguk as Jin mumbles, “You would lose everything you have.”

Jimin’s omega pushes at him, “I have my own money, I have connections in other countries…I could leave…”

Jin doesn’t budge, “Why? Why now? You have always wanted the Lotus.”

Jimin sticks his tongue into his cheek because it is true but what also can be true is that Jimin wants to take a step back and see who he is without this place. Maybe Jeongguk will never want to be a part of his life but he has shown him life without worrying about looking over his shoulder, life with sunsets is important, cute cafes are worth looking for and fate isn’t cruel.  

Jimin looks straight into Jin’s eyes as he whispers, “I think I am falling in love and not just with him but with life outside of his place.”

Jin doesn't say anything, he doesn’t break eye contact, he leans away until he is leaning against his desk. The food is forgotten, sunlight beams dance through the windows and Jin tips his head back and laughs. 

It is loud, it is unashamed and free.

Jimin startles, his eyes twitch as he hisses, “What is so funny, you asshole?”

Jin huffs out a breath covering his mouth and giggling again as he meets his eye again, “No wonder Souta is walking around like someone cut off his knot, he knows about this, huh?”

Jimin narrows his eyes, standing from the chair but Jin’s grin doesn’t disappear, “Yes.”

Jin whistles, “And what do you think I can do for you?” 

Jimin runs his hands through his hair, his feet shift and he groans, “I will not mate him.”

Jin shrugs like he couldn't care less, “I am going to leave.”

Jin narrows his eyes, his lips pinching together in thought, “And your lover?”

Jimin smirks, “I’ll keep him safe.”

“What about your father?”

The question stops Jimin in his tracks, he looks at the door in front of him and if he were a poet maybe he would think the door is like his freedom. It represents him leaving and taking his life into his own hands. He isn’t going to be the match anymore but the fire itself.

“I can still love him and live my own life.”

He doesn’t look back at the alpha, he lets the words settle not between them but in himself because saying it out loud is one thing but knowing it, believing it? That is going to take time.

“I’ll see what I can do, Jimin—”

Jimin does pause at that, he looks over his shoulder at the man who has watched him grow from a loud teenager to a young adult and it looks like Jin is going to watch him grow again. 

Jimin gives him a half smile, “Thanks, knothead.”

“You are most welcome, you little shit,” He smirks, his eyes twinkle, “And Jimin? Watch out for yourself.”

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Jimin can’t help but roll his eyes, he slaps Tae’s arm and sighs loudly, “It is the first mission my father has asked me to be on in weeks…” He lets the words fade, “I need to keep up appearances.”

“This seems counterproductive.” 

Jimin meets Yoongi’s stare—the alpha is in front of him, his fingers typing on his laptop but his earphones are beside him, “It isn’t—” he hisses.

Jimin told them both about his meeting with Jin yesterday. Tae hugged him, crying on his shoulder like a sibling watching his brother leave the house and Yoongi just patted his head, ruffling his hair and Jimin never felt more loved.

There are details to clean up and having Jin on the inside of him wanting to leave—it gives Jimin a chance to get his cards together but also keeps tabs on what is happening inside of the Lotus.

“Do you think you can trust him?” 

Jimin blinks, turning to Tae, “Huh?”

“Seokjin.”

“Yes.”

It is the short answer but the long one is more like a leap of fate. The alpha is close to his father but he has never betrayed Jimin. If anything the older alpha treats him like an annoying little brother. Jimin can only hope.

It is a dangerous thing that Jeongguk has taught him. 

Jimin’s heart aches at the thought of the other omega. Jeongguk. His smile, his twinkling eyes, and giggles. His passion and at the end of that awful night, his determination to make up his own mind—everything about the other omega makes Jimin weak.

He is falling, falling, falling.

He hasn’t heard anything from the other omega. Not that he thought he would. Jeongguk asked for space so Jimin is giving it to him, even though he misses him. He misses him. 

Jimin bites his tongue, looking around the room as it fills with people coming along on this mission. It is a simple interfiltration. The Lupus, Spain’s major gun distributor, is having a gala in Japan. Neither the Lotus nor Komorebi was invited. 

The Lotus has had a good relationship with the Lupus…until now it seems. Jimin is going to find out why. He is good at this. It is probably why his father broke his silence of not letting Jimin take part in such things of late. 

Jimin fixes the collar of his jacket, which is a grayish color, almost hinting at the color brown—he tugs on the turtle neck he has underneath in a matching color. He looks boring, normal and even more so with his lavender hair dyed brown.

He hasn’t had his hair brown or black for years. He would always bounce between colors. Blond, purple, blue, or even pink. It is his trademark. If anyone asks he will blame the mission but he knows truly, he doesn’t think the bright color suits him at the moment.

“Do I look stupid?”

Tae snorts, “Jimin, my friend, my soulmate. You could make a hot pink jumpsuit with the words ‘kiss my ass’ written across your butt look hot.”

Jimin laughs, shaking his head, “Only if you wear a matching one.”

“Deal!” Tae shouts, turning his head to the other alpha, he quickly asks, “Yoongi…?”

“No. If you buy me one, I am not wearing it.”

“Please!”

Jimin snorts, turning his head as the two alphas flirt in their little strange way. It consists of Tae whining, all up in Yoongi’s space, and the older alpha letting him stay. 

That is the keyword. Stay.

Jimin lets his eyes slip shut, his omega is still oddly quiet. Only appearing in rare moments. His scent is peppery, and he is excited for the mission tonight. He needs the distraction. 

“You look beautiful.”

Jimin's eyes snap open and Souta is next to him. The alpha is in a black suit, his hair is pushed from his forehead and his scent is blooming. He looks classically handsome and Jimin wants to gag.

Souta reaches to trace his cheek and Jimin takes a step back, growling, “Don’t touch me.”

The room falls silent. It is strange how silence keeps following him like an old friend—the silence between him and Jin when he mentioned leaving. Silence between Jeongguk and himself and now this.

It is loud.

“Now, now, Jimin.  We have a mission to complete.”

Jimin pauses, he scans the alpha up and down, “I am not going with you.”

Souta laughs then, it is more a chuckle, a warning, “We are posing as a couple. But since we are mating soon, it is not much of an exaggeration.”

“The hell we are!”

Jimi’s scent blooms like pepper in a hot skillet. He looks down at his watch as he takes a breath, his omega is peeping out, growling in his chest as they both feel the weight of the moon necklace underneath Jimin’s shirt. 

He knows his father thinks this is best for him. He knows he thinks Jimin will be safe but fear is cruel. It is twisted.

“Stop being a child.”

Jimin glares at the alpha, “A child?”

Souta steps closer, dipping his chin as he whispers, “We have a mission. We will do it…” he sighs, “And we will mate but right now pull your fucking self together.”

Jimin shakes, his body literally shakes at the words of the alpha, the smell of a forest after rain fills his lungs and Jimin wants to slap this man. He wants to hurt him. He wants to claw his eyes out.

Souta is right about something. This is a mission. Jimin is a part of this yakuza. This is his home and yet, nothing is the same anymore. Jimin reels in his omega because he still has a game to play.

He needs to keep this alpha dumb so when he does leave…it is a shock.

Jimin pulls away, looking anywhere but at Souta or his men, “I am going on this mission for the Lotus.”

Souta just smiles. He smiles like he won. And he did. He won a battle but Jimin wants to win the war.

Jimin slides his eyes to Tae and Yoongi, both of them have their hands on their weapons but Jimin shakes his head quickly before looking back at the asshole, “Let’s just get this over with.”

Souta holds out his arm and Jimin pushes past him, “We are not at the gala yet! Don’t even think of touching me—or breathing near me.”

Souta’s laugh echoes loudly and Jimin wants to punch something. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The car is comfortable, luckily not full of Souta’s scent but the alpha is grinning at him and Jimin fights not to bare his teeth at the man as he asks, “Why didn’t my father tell me that this would be a joint mission?”

Souta blinks, his smile spreading, he taps a finger on his chin, “I swear I told you about it…” he chuckles, “Must have slipped my mind.”

Jimin growls then. Fucking asshole. 

“It is not like you would have answered my calls anyway,” The alpha says, a hint of bitterness seeping into his scent and Jimin’s omega chuckles because he is right. He wouldn't have looked at any messages, calls, or emails pertaining to his wannabe mate. 

“I don’t like you.”

Souta rolls his eyes, “Tonight you are going to like me a lot,” he hisses, “We are a couple, new to the scene of…” he twists his hands in the air because he doesn’t need to say it. They are pretending to be a couple from a low-level yakuza. 

“Which gang?”

“The Tora.”

Tiger—the gang is smaller, they roam the streets of Tokyo but they haven’t started trouble so they are considered harmless which is perfect for this mission. Jimin needs to find out why the Lupus didn’t announce their arrival in Japan to them. They are allies after all. 

Jimin looks out the window, ignoring Souta because if he is going to have to pretend to be in love with the asshole he needs to pull himself together. He would bet this plan was created by the bastard himself.

Jimin grinds his teeth together, the lights flash by and the sidewalks are full of people. Jimin suddenly wonders if Jeongguk is among them. He most likely is since he needs new photos for an upcoming art show since the other one went so well.

Night photography. There’s something alive about it or maybe it is Jeongguk who makes it feel that way. Jimin tries to catch little moments around him, watching the world move on without him.

He shakes his head, his body tensing and he feels the weapons underneath his clothes as they rub against his skin. His knives and a gun at his side. The gala will be violence free but he knows everyone in that place will have something on them. It's the yakuza.

He wonders what Jeongguk would think of him now. Weapons covering more parts of him than not. The mask he is going to wear. The feelings he is going to fake for this mission.

He sighs, his heart aches, his omega whines in his chest but he knows Jeongguk is safe and it is enough for him to tear his gaze from the windows as if fate would let him see him among the sea of people.

He needs to get his head in the game. 

He glances over at Souta. The alpha is looking down at his phone. He must be busy with his life, with taking over the gangs—something Jimin should be helping him with but there’s no ache or want or even a fight in him because Jimin will leave this world.

He just needs to make sure Jeongguk is safe first. He needs to apologize to the omega because he doesn’t see Jeongguk staying with him and it tears his omega apart in him but maybe fate really isn’t cruel.

It is just. It is fair and if Jeongguk is safe then Jimin might believe in fate. 

Souta interrupts his racing thoughts, his scent must be bitter and peppery, “Ready to look pretty on my arm, darling?”

Jimin grins, it is deadly, “Go fuck yourself.”

Souta laughs as the door of the car opens, the building is huge, it is bright and flowers line the stairs up to the doors with security and mob bosses in well-tailored suits.

It is time.

Jimin closes his eyes, he takes a breath, steadying himself—pushing away everything that makes him feel—his eyes snap open as he smells Souta’s earthy scent. 

He isn’t Park Jimin. He isn’t Jeongguk’s Jimin. He is the son of Sato Ren.

He places his hand on Souta’s arm and he pushes down his omega as he steps from the black car and smiles. Jimin may want to leave this place but it doesn’t mean he isn’t good at his job.

“You think they will have red wine?” Jimin giggles and Souta’s eyes widen before a deadly sparkle flashes in his eyes. 

“Let’s find out.”

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The gala is stunning. The ballroom is huge, chandeliers dance above them with light and shadow, there’s an open bar, and some of the biggest gangs and yakuza in the room. It is amazing. 

Jimin’s blood is racing, he almost wants to start a harmless fight with someone just to spill the blood and watch others hold themselves back or join in on the chaos. This part of Jimin will always be here.

He grabs a glass of wine from a passing waiter and takes a sip. It is bitter and slightly sweet. It is perfect. He hums as he scans the room for the person they need to talk to.

The head of the Lupus.

This mission is perfect for him. Jimin’s face isn’t widely known. His name? Yes. But what he looks like? No. Jimin likes it like that. He doesn’t need people bothering him and it is helpful in moments like these.

Souta gets his own glass of wine and they start the mission.

They move through the crowds, Souta steering them away from people who might recognize the alpha and to safer waters of gangs who look like they rented the suits they are wearing. 

Cheap. Easily drunk. Happy to talk.

Jimin bats his lashes at the alpha in front of him, some man with dark hair and narrowed eyes. The alpha is from Spain. He has to be a part of Lupus. He is rambling on and over to Souta about how he likes Japan. 

Manuel.

This is the alpha’s name. Manuel keeps glancing at him and Jimin smiles prettily, letting his scent bloom in flowers and spice as he sips his wine. The wine settles in his stomach warmly. 

Souta’s scent spikes and they both smell Manuel’s interest in Jimin—a smoky scent. Jimin takes a breath through his mouth so he won’t gag at the two alpha scents.

“I don’t think I have introduced my soon-to-be mate,” Souta starts and Jimin tightens his hand on his arm but he smiles at the smoky scented alpha, he giggles as he tilts his head slightly to the right.

“Hello, Eunwoo,” the fake name slipping from his tongue easily, “I am pleased to meet you.”

Manuel licks his lips, “It is all mine. It isn’t every day you meet a pretty omega…” The alpha looks at Souta, “He is a wild one?” The man jokes.

Souta grins, his scent bursting with pride and Jimin fights himself not to stab both men.

“Yes…” Souta draws out the word, his hand reaching up and he cups the back of his neck, and Jimin jolts, “Though, he is easy to tame.”

Jimin’s omega roars when Souta’s fingers press into his scent gland and Jimin struggles, he moves slightly as a warning sound appears from his lips, something between a whimper and a growl.

He knows this is a good opportunity to get more information from this alpha but Jimin’s omega is struggling for the first time—alpha, alpha, alpha…wrong, wrong, wrong. It wants their omega. He wants Jeongguk.

Souta leans down, his lips brushing his cheek, “You’ll be a good omega, right? You will show Manuel how good you can be.”

Jimin knows Souta is giving him an opening. He can get the information he needs, if only his omega understood this so he twists out of Souta’s grip with a forced giggle because he grabs Manuel's hand, interlocking their fingers.

“You wanna play?”

The alpha’s scent is like a forest fire. The man is half-hard in his pants already, he flicks his eyes from the disgusting sight and winks at the man as he leads him back through the mingling people who don’t give a shit about them.

They are just another couple who are going to fuck. Better than violence. 

Jimin stops in the hallway, the alpha hitting his back and Jimin feels the man pull on his arm. His omega in his chest rumbles unhappily as Manuel steers him back towards the front of the gala.

That won’t do.

Jimin twirls in the man's arms, he releases his scent of Jasmine, blinking wide eyes at the man, “I can’t wait…” he sighs, tugging on his suit.

The alpha crumbles.

What a fucking idiot. Jimin rolls his eyes internally as he lets the man lead him away from the ballroom and up the stairs. The lights are low, the hallway is full of closed doors and it never ceases to amaze Jimin how dumb most alphas are.

Manuel pulls Jimin into a room, the moonlight is soft as it spills across the floor and Jimin lets the other man slam him up against the door as he takes a steadying breath—he can’t stop himself from thinking about Jeongguk calling him Moonbeam but that doesn't matter now. 

It doesn’t matter.

He clenches his jaw and slips his hand behind himself and locks the door just as Manuel tries to scent him, his dry lips on his jaw and Jimin pulls his knife from his sleeve and presses it to the man’s throat.

“Now, now, you are much too eager,” Jimin hisses, pressing the blade until it slices, and a line of blood rolls down his neck.

The alpha hisses, a growl bubbling in his chest and Jimin grins as he pushes the alpha back. He stumbles as his eyes flash red. 

“Aw, puppy is angry?” Jimin bounces on his heels, keeping the small blade between them with a twitch of his lip, “You and I are going to play.” 

Jimin doesn’t have to wait long as the man rushes him. Jimin giggles, weaving underneath the alpha’s arm as he swings to punch—the blade is pressed to his back before the alpha even releases and Jimin is now behind him. 

“Bitch!”

Jimin angles the blade, the tip piercing through the man’s thin dress shirt like butter but the alpha moves and Jimin jumps back as they circle each other. Jimin’s scent of jasmine is almost unrecognizable as the black pepper coats over the flowers, “Why is the Lupus here?”

Manuel bares his teeth, his eyes shoot to the door and Jimin rolls his eyes, “You better not…” The alpha lunges for the door, “You fucking son of a—” Jimin pushes to the door, the man’s head hits the wood and Jimin sinks his fingers into his dark hair before he brings it back down to the door…once, twice and he smells blood.

“Ahhh! Fuck. Shit.”

Jimin drags the man back just slightly and he falls forward, “Why didn’t the Lupus notify the Lotus or the Komorebi that they were coming to Japan?” JImin hisses, leaning down as the alpha looks up at him. 

His nose is clearly broken. Blood coats his teeth and chin as he growls. Pathetic.

“I don’t have to tell you anything!” 

“You don’t,” Jimin says casually, he hums, considering, "But you will.” 

He doesn’t give the alpha time to take his next breath before he stabs his knife into his shoulder between the joint and the man howls.

Jimin crouches down, he touches the handle of the knife gently as if he is caressing a child’s cheek, “Why?”

Manuel spits out words in a ramble. He is truly a lower-level member of the Lupus. He broke so easily for Jimin.

“Ya’ll ugly bastards didn’t tell us you were becoming one.”

Jimin tilts his head, watching the blood bloom along the man’s shirt because this is news to him. He thought his father would have. Maybe even Souta or Souta’s father but Jimin can’t be surprised. 

The loss of his father’s mate has truly made him mad. 

Jimin hums, “We haven't broken any treaty between our gangs.” 

He stands, looking down at the man who will have to die because he can’t let anyone find out he was here. The man can identify him. 

Jimin pulls out his gun, the silencer is in place as he removes the safety and points it at the alpha. Manuel’s scent is bitter, smoky, and just as his mouth parts he shoots. A head shot. Blood splattered onto Jimin’s suit, turning the dull gray color into art.

Jimin stares down at the body.

Jimin’s sway on his feet. He blinks, his hands shaking but not from the kill. He feels off, he shakes his head slightly as his shoulders sag. He needs to tell his father that the Lupus isn’t happy with them but all he wants is to go home to his nest. 

He doesn’t even move when the door is opened and Souta is standing there with a key and a smug expression.

“Well, that went swimmingly.”

Jimin laughs, it is humorless and heavy, he moves closer to the windows letting the moon bathe him, “They found out our families are combining.”

“We are mating—”

“We are not!” Jimin hisses, his heart aches as he looks at this foolish alpha in front of him. 

Souta’s grin falls right off as he spits, “And you think your little Jeongguk will have you? Look at you. Covered in blood. A killer.” 

Jimin stumbles back, the words feel like a physical blow. He snarls at Souta, eyes wide, “You know nothing about him…about…”

Jimin swallows as Souta laughs. The alpha’s footsteps are loud as he steps over the dead body, and blood mixes with the scent of wet earth, and Jimin’s omega whines in warning. Jimin swallows thickly, he doesn’t feel—something is wrong—his omega is crying out for Jeongguk. Jimin gags on the alpha’s scent as the room blurs. 

Souta stops before him, the moon paints his cheekbones and eyes and Jimin watches their shadows behind them as the alpha whispers, “You have blood on your face.”

Jimin flinches as Souta’s thumb presses the blood into his skin, his thumb caressing, “Be mine. You can stay with the Lotus, you can go on missions, and be who you always have been. You won’t want for nothing and...”

Jimin shakes, his omega is twisting, rising in him, “No.”

His eyes harden, “We will mate and if I have to get rid of that omega to do so…” Souta smiles, his teeth shining in the moonlight, his nails digging into his cheek as shadows descend upon Jimin. 

“I’ll kill you!”

Souta jumps back as Jimin pulls two of his knives out. Jimin is breathing hard, his omega is whining, crying out and sweat is peppering his hairline. 

Dizzy.

Jimin blinks. Something is very wrong. He stumbles and Souta’s nose flares as his scent sweetens.

No.

No.

No—

“Jimin?”

He bolts. His feet gripping over Manuel’s body, his shoulder hitting the door as he rips it open, his heart pounding like a trapped bird. 

He is going into heat. Over a month early. This can’t be happening. It can’t.

Tears blur his vision, the building is a mess and his omega begs for one thing. For one person. Jeongguk. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Burning. He is burning. He is wet between his legs and his omega is crying out. The high pitched call for his mate breaks the silence of his apartment. A call for someone who isn’t coming.

His nest is a mess, there are water bottles thrown around his room and Jimin buries his nose into the hoodie that still has a trace of Jeongguk’s scent on it. 

Honey and pine.

He groans, his hips twitch, his stomach burns and slick leaves his body. The peppery notes of his scent can’t be distinguished from the jasmine that blooms with saccharine. Jimin digs his nose into the hoodie and cries out.

Jeongguk’s scent is almost gone.

A tightening gathers in his chest. He doesn’t know how long it has been since he left that gala. Tae and Yoongi immediately found him at his apartment where they both quickly backed off as Jimin growled at them that night. Both alphas covered their noses and gave him space. 

It shouldn’t be a shock that his heat came easily. For two reasons. The stress of the unwanted mating and being away from Jeongguk when his omega clearly sees the other omega as his mate. Both things are completely his own fault. 

Jimin nuzzles the black hoodie, his teeth poking out as he whines—his cock is hard, weeping and he huffs out a breath as he reaches for himself. He feels rubbed raw, open and it still isn’t enough. It feels like his first heat when he was just sixteen years old but maybe, it is worse.

His mouth drops open in a low moan as he imagines it is Jeongguk’s hand on him—strong strokes, the other omega is pressed up against his back, keeping him safe—keeping them safe.

His omega’s instincts are trying to run wild and Jimin hates it. He isn’t safe. He feels alone. He is alone.

He cries out, his hands gripping his cock as pre-come and slick leaves him. His bed is a mess. The so-called nest is worse. He strokes himself, his body curling up and his mind racing to thoughts on Jeongguk.

His heart races, the thing is bruised and a traitor as it remembers Jeongguk’s smile, the dimples that appear only when he laughs loudly, and the way his scent turns golden for Jimin. 

He moans, he tightens his hand and moves slowly, drawing it out as he desperately holds onto his memories of the other omega—the way he whines when Jimin kisses, the way his hips twitch as he scents the younger omega, or the way Jeongguk scents him.

It is slow. It grounds Jimin. Something he never had in life.

He can almost feel Jeongguk covering him now, keeping him safe with his body, the warmth of honey and gentle words of love.

“Come for me, moonbeam.”

Jimin cries out, coming out of nowhere and he strokes himself, his thumb pressing into the head as his breath comes out in pants, little whines and whimpers as he keeps his head buried in the hoodie that doesn’t smell like Jeongguk anymore.

He blinks open his eyes, hissing as he lets go of his spent cock and he looks around his room. His nose wrinkles up, his heart and omega pounds against his chest as he sits up with a groan. 

Everything is a mess. The bathroom door is wide open, the nest is falling apart at the edges and he is utterly alone.

He howls as tears blur his eyes, he throws things out of the broken nest and cries, cries, cries as his scent blooms from sweet jasmine into a wilting spring. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“It has been six days, Jimin!”

The omega looks at Tae. The alpha has a face mask on, his eyes are wide as he takes in the sight of him. Jimin knows he must look insane because after he started howling…he started losing himself a little.

Ugly things. He brings his hand to his neck where he knows long scratch marks extend from his scent glands to his collarbones. He is in distress. 

“Your heat isn’t ending…” he breathes out, taking a step closer and Jimin snaps his teeth at him.

“It will—” he huffs out, pulling on the nasty hoodie as he sits up on his bed. He is dizzy, his mouth is dry and he cringes at the sound of his voice. It sounds as if he has been screaming and honestly, that is probably true.

The days are not making sense anymore. Fuck. He wonders if his father knows. He is scared Souta smelt him that night before he fled. He wonders a lot of things but he can’t sort through them all right now.

Jimin clears his throat, “I am fine,” he whispers, blinking at his best friend who is just frowning at him. His hands are in fists and he shakes his head, “Maybe we should go to the hospital…” 

“No.”

"You are being unreasonable, Min…” The childhood nickname leaves Tae’s lips. The alpha is beyond worried if he is pulling that name out, “Heats and ruts should only last five days max. You are heading for your seventh! I know…” he takes a humbling breath, his eyes are dark as worry courses through them, “Your omega is calling for your mate…”

Jimin frowns, “I am not mated.”

Tae laughs, it is gentle, “Your omega thinks it is Jeongguk, regardless if you both share marks. I have heard you calling for him.”

Jimin trembles, he licks his dry lips, “Fuck off.”

Tae sighs. It is broken. Worried. It is making Jimin hate himself more than he already does but there is nothing they can do. Jeongguk needs space and Jimin’s omega will realize that he isn’t coming.

His scent spikes and Jimin holds back a whimper as slick threatens to leave him. He looks at his best friend and whispers, “I am going to be fine, Tae Tae, mmkay? Please, just go.”

His best friend stares at him. His scent is burning, sad and he just shakes his head as he leaves. From disappointment or something else, Jimin doesn’t know but can’t focus on that right now.

He falls back onto the pillows at the top of the bed and pants, his legs kicking out as the slick rolls down his thighs and Jimin turns his head to stare at the dead sunflowers in the vase on the nightstand.

Even in their death they are facing each other.

Jimin blinks slowly at the dull, wilted plants as he tries to hold back his omega because letting it loose isn’t helping, “He isn’t coming,” he mumbles to himself as darkness creeps into the corner of his vision. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin comes back to himself slowly, his eyes fluttering and his hands opening and closing like a flower in bloom but he is warm. Hot, sticky but not completely uncomfortable. His nose twitches, his mouth fills with spit as honey and fresh pine fill his senses. 

It is perfect.

He hums, smacking his lips as he shuffles closer to the warmth of that honey. His omega is finally calm. Jimin can’t help the purring that spills from his chest. His omega is happy…honey, honey, honey—

His eyes snap open. There’s a body in front of him, that sharp jaw, the round nose and he meets the eyes his heart has been dreaming of for days. Jeongguk.

“I am dreaming…” he breathes out and Jeongguk, the dream Jeongguk smiles at him and it is small but so real. It breaks his heart. 

Maybe fate is cruel after all.

Jimin reaches out, his thumbs brushing the apple of Jeongguk’s cheeks, and the omega shifts. Jimin finds that their legs are tangled and he glances around. The nest is rebuilt and it smells of them both.

Pepper and flowers. Honey and pine.

His lip wobbles, “I wish you were real…” 

Jeongguk’s brows furrow, his hands slide up his arms until they are both cupping his face, “I am, Jimin-ah. I am here.”

Jimin takes in a shaky breath, his omega is clawing at him and he leans in close, his lips meeting his jaw until he stuffs his face into Jeongguk’s neck and breathes.

Utter satisfaction.

He gasps, his hands scrambling as he pulls back, yanking from Jeongguk’s hold, “You shouldn’t be!”

Jeongguk’s eyes flick down to his neck, the ugly scratches before his eyes float back to his gaze but there isn’t tenderness in Jeongguk’s eyes but a quiet fire, “You don’t get to decide that.”

Jimin’s mouth parts, his back is pressed to the edge of the nest that Jeonggguk made for them, and his omega hums in glee but he doesn’t take his eyes from the other omega. There’s something sparking in him.

“You don’t—” he sighs, sitting up, his legs curling underneath him and Jimin groans, huffing as he mirrors his position. He can see Jeongguk trying not to help and he flashes him a sad little smile, “You don’t get to decide things for me, Jimin.”

And he realizes they are not just talking about him being here for his heat.

“I was…” Jeongguk lets out a breath, his eyes searching his and Jimin can’t glance away, his scent withering but he listens to the omega before him, “I was so angry at you for keeping everything about yourself a secret…” his voice breaks on the last word.

Jimin swallows, he watches Jeongguk’s hands in the array of blankets as they caress and paw at the softness, “I know.” 

 Jeongguk laughs, a huff of a breath that sounds anything but amused, “You being in a gang is a lot to take in.”

“It is too much…”

Jeongguk doesn’t speak. He doesn’t utter a word and Jimin braves a look and the younger omega is watching him, “I don’t know but after your heat…I am going to have a lot of questions.”

Jimin’s eyes fill with unsteady tears, his heart pounding as he honestly says, “I will tell you anything but…” Jimin reaches out, his fingers hovering over Jeongguk’s cheek, “You don’t have to help with my heat. Did Tae bring you?” Jimin whispers, his scent spiking again. His friend is a little traitor with a huge heart. 

He groans internally. After seeing his little sunshine, his heat is going to be so much worse—

“The fuck!” He all but yells, “I am not leaving you. My omega would sooner die,” Jeongguk growls, he leans into Jimin’s outstretched hand and the older omega gasps, “I may not understand everything about you but my omega is sure.” 

Jimin can only nod, blinking back tears, “I’m sorry.”

“We both can be sorry later, come here,” he mumbles and Jimin doesn’t hesitate as he climbs into Jeongguk’s lap, his arms wrapping around him instantly and Jimin whines as he digs his nose into Jeongguk’s scent gland.

Honey. Pine. Golden. Warmth.

Jimin gasps, sucking in his scent like a lifeline—how did he survive these last six days without him? His mouth parts and a chirp is pressed into Jeongguk’s skin like a secret but of course his Jeongguk heard it.

He chirps back. Their omegas truly trust each other. Jimin hopes they can learn to trust each other now. He hopes for a lot of things. Many little things he doesn’t think he can keep a secret anymore.

The depth of his feelings for Jeongguk. The wish to leave and abandon his gang and the men he is sworn to protect and the hope to live a little more authentically.

“Go on,” Jeongguk whispers into his hair, his breath is warm and Jimin shivers in his hold, “Take what you need.” Jeongguk slides his hands down his back, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles into his hips as Jimin sinks down onto his lap.

They both groan, Jimin shakes his head, his omega is pulling at the leash Jimin holds to be let go. He doesn’t need to be scared. He doesn’t have to be tough or the Kitty Gang leader. He can be Jimin. 

Jimin's knees sink into the bed on each side of Jeongguk, “That’s it, Min-ah. That’s it.” He shivers again. Sweat peppers his hairline and a whine falls from his lips at the sweet nothings that leaves Jeongguk’s lips.

‘Come on, moonbeam.’ 

‘Smelling so sweet, so good, it is all alright now.’

‘Omega.’

Jimin falls apart, it is like a snap—his omega cries out, the sound leaving his lips as slick pours from him in a wet dollop that drenches Jeongguk’s lap, his jeans and the t-shirt Jimin is wearing does nothing to help. 

He presses his nose into Jeongguk’s neck, the scent gland is red from his teeth and he chirps before sinking his teeth back in, biting and the omega underneath him whines with a jolt. Jeongguk’s arms tighten around his hips and it drives him wild.

Safe.

He is safe.

Jimin slides one hand into his dark hair, tilting his head back as he clings to his shirt with the other as he licks down his neck, tongue flat, the omega tastes like honey and pine and salt—tastes like his, his, his.

He sucks the skin at the base of his neck, nibbles, bites before pulling back to see the red and purple mark. Fucking beautiful. Perfect. It would be better as a mating mark—

“Ah—”

Jeongguk’s hands slide up to his waist then down again, tightening his grip as he moves his hips, “You are so hard, baby-y…” Jeongguk whispers, his words breaking, “So, wet…come on, I need you to come…”

Jimin’s mind is fuzzy, “My come?”

Jeongguk giggles, the sound blooms light in Jimin’s chest and his feet wiggle in the blankets of the nest as Jeongguk nuzzles along his temple, “Mmm, yeah, I need my pretty omega’s come. Want everyone to know I am yours.”

Jimin loves that idea.

His.

His.

His Jeongguk.

Jimin starts slowly, moving his hips with the help of Jeongguk—he can feel Jeongguk’s hardness each time he presses back down and he moans. Jimin hides his face back into Jeongguk’s neck, pressing each sound and whimper into his skin. 

It is slow. As if his omega is trying to keep Jeongguk here longer…as if he is scared he will leave once his heat is over but he is burning. 

“Jeongguk!” He cries out as Jeongguk moves his thigh between his legs, the pressure against his cock is perfect, “Omega.”  He chants it like a prayer, like a need as he moves—slow, slow, slow. 

Jeongguk is groaning, trembling but he helps Jimin as his thighs weaken, his muscles shaking but they both can’t stop. Hard, dripping, their omegas calling out to each other with little sounds.

Jimin pulls back, looking down at Jeongguk and his eyes are bright blue, his lips are wet, open with stuttering breaths and soft moans but Jeongguk isn’t looking at him but rather towards the side.

Jimin blinks before following his gaze to the sunflowers. 

He moans as Jeongguk’s hands slip underneath the long shirt he is wearing. His hands are hot, steady and they hold his hips, his long fingers pressing along his ass, “You have the flowers,” he whispers, the words are breathless.

“Mine.”

Jeongguk flicks his gaze back to him and Jimin wishes he had Jeongguk’s camera because he has never looked more stunning. Smelling like honey and his jasmine and a hint of spicy pepper. His hair is messy, neck all red and purple and covered in his teeth marks.

Jimin's hips stutters, he shakes his head, his cock is so hard that it hurts and Jeongguk just pulls him closer, his hands moving to his ass and he groans, “You are slicking up so much…”

“Please.”

Jeongguk pushes his leg up and Jimin sobs out, tears coating his lash line as he rides Jeongguk’s thigh but he whimpers, “Please…”

The younger omega looks at him, burrow furrowed, “Hmm.”

“Mine?” He chokes out, his hands digging into his shoulders and Jeongguk blinks before he leans in, his hands have to be bruising his skin with how tight he is holding him. Jeongguk mouths at his neck.

Wet, slick as his tongue tastes Jimin’s scent gland.

Jeongguk tugs on his earlobe as he whimpers, “Yours.” 

Jimin drags his cock once, twice and he comes with a yelp. The sound echoing Jeongguk’s whimper and his come paints his belly and his shirt. Slick falls onto Jeongguk’s lap and into the nest. 

Jimin’s omega finally feels relieved.  

He all but collapses into Jeongguk and the other omega holds him like it is the easiest thing in the world. Maybe it is? Maybe Jimin isn’t completely broken yet.  

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Warmth. Not burning. Just gentle warmth. His omega is purring in his chest, the world is quiet and he can feel sunlight along his back for the first time in days. It is perfect. He snuggles deeper into the warmth of honey and pine. 

His body comes back to reality slowly like a flower blooming in morning light, he huffs out a breath as his eyes flick open to pink. Soft, parted, pink lips.

Jimin gasps, his heart hammering but his omega is calm as he looks at Jeongguk in front of him. The other omega is sleeping. 

The night comes back to him like flipping pages through a book—orgasm after orgasm. Jeongguk’s bright eyes between his legs. Him riding Jeongguk’s fingers. The way his omega chirped and purred for Jeongguk.  

Jeongguk never let him go last night. Jimin’s cheeks burn, the flush spreading down his neck and chest as he watches the younger omega before him. He is covered in bites, bruises and scratch marks. 

Jimin shifts, sitting up and his muscles protest the movement but Jimin looks around his room and it is clean. Trash is gone, all the dirty blankets and clothes from his nest sit in a pile by the door and Jimin isn’t sticky.

He doesn’t remember Jeongguk cleaning him. He looks down at the caring man and his heart skips a beat like he is in some romance drama. Jimin smiles as he pets the top of Jeongguk’s head, letting his fingers slide through the dark strands, brushing out the knots and he hums. He just starts humming, a little nonsensical tune as he turns to look out the window. Jeongguk must have opened them before he got into the nest last night or maybe early this morning.

Now what? Jimin sighs, his humming fading because now what? Jimin is going to tell Jeongguk everything. Every darkness that holds him from a peaceful life. Holds him back from Jeongguk, himself and maybe, Jimin is ready for that.

He looks towards the dead sunflowers. Both are still facing each other. Their yellow petals are a rusting color, their dark faces are falling apart but…but…

“Why did you stop singing?” Jeongguk’s groggy voice fills the room and Jimin’s heart blooms, his scent spikes and he turns back to him. The omega’s nose is scrunched up, his two front teeth are on display and his scent is sweet. 

“Good morning," Jimin mumbles, clearing his throat as he lets his hand fall from Jeongguk’s head but he just sighs, eyes flick to his chest and Jimin fights the need to cover up.

Jeongguk’s hand reaches out, his fingertips warm and he brushes the charm that still sits in the middle of his chest. The moon necklace is in its rightful place. Jimin doesn’t even look at it, he keeps his gaze steady on Jeongguk, “You still wear it…” It is in awe, a confession and maybe even a question. 

“You gave it to me,” he answers simply. 

Their eyes meet. Jimin's heart pounds against his chest and he realizes something. The fate that Jeongguk seems to love so much…it is giving him a second chance. A chance to do right by the person in front of him. He better not fuck it up. 

“I am Park Jimin. I am the son of Sato Ren, the leader of the yakuza called the Lotus,” he trips over the words, “I have killed people, I have used people’s hopes against them…” he rushes to speak, his words falling and trembling into heartache.

“Jimin—”

“I am not a good person-n…” his voice breaks on the last word as he shifts up to his knees, wrapping his arms around himself, “I have lied to you so many fucking times…fuck…” Jimin hisses, his nails digging into his arms, “I hate myself!”

Jeongguk grabs him, “Don’t you say that, don’t you dare,” he whispers, his voice is harsh and low, “Jimin!”

He just shakes his head, “And I hate that I hurt you, I hate that I didn’t give you a choice…I hate that I am just like my father! I took your choices away…” 

Jimin doesn’t even realize he is crying until Jeongguk is rocking him back and forth. He is such a mess. He never acts like this but with Jeongguk? He feels too safe. Too grounded. He tucks his face into his neck and stutters on his breaths and heartbeats. 

Jeongguk breaks his racing thoughts with a question, one that puts him at a standstill, “Your father is making you mate that alpha then? Souta?” 

Jimin’s omega growls involuntarily, “I am not mating him.”

Jeongguk’s scent spikes, the pine swirling as he mumbles, “I should hope not,” his arms tightening around him as he nuzzles into his hair and they fall silent. 

It isn’t uncomfortable. It is steadying. Jeongguk scents him lightly, his round nose pressing along his jaw and Jimin sniffles, tears drying as they both calm down.

“Your dark hair is pretty, hyung,” Jeongguk mumbles and Jimin blinks, eyes sore, heart is aching and Jeongguk is all warm in his arms like a tiny flame. One he doesn’t want to watch burn out.

Jimin feels the laugh fills his lungs, it drifts up his throat and bursts around them. He throws his head back and Jeongguk’s scent blooms as he pulls Jimin back to his chest before he falls backwards. 

He giggles, cupping Jeongguk’s face, “Thank you, baby.”

The younger omega blinks, his eyes wide as his mouth follows the same path, “I have missed the little names. Your laugh, the way you look like you are moments away from kissing me or seconds from calling me a brat…Missed you.”

Jimin’s smile splits his face, he tilts his head slightly as he leans back to see more of Jeongguk but there’s a tug. He glances down and the moon and sun intertwine. Jeongguk is wearing his courting gift. The sun charm. Their necklaces are twisted, the charms holding on as the tip of his moon charm is wrapped round the top of the sun.

Jimin sighs, “I am so sorry for hurting you, Jeongguk,” his lashes flutter but he catches Jeongguk’s gaze and the omega doesn’t look mad. He looks hurt but there’s a smile in the corner of his mouth.

“You have to be honest with me, Jimin hyung.”

He nods, “I know and I am sorry. I am so fucking sorry,” he whispers, his thumbs stroke the top of each of Jeongguk’s cheekbones, “Can I…” he shakes his head, “Let me show you that I want this. I want you.”

Jeongguk’s eyes fill with tears, they don’t fall, “No more lies.”

“No more lies.”

Jeongguk doesn’t even hesitate, “Tell me everything.”

He doesn’t waver. He tells him about his life. About missions, about Tae and Yoongi, about his favorite guns and knives. He tells him about Jin and the Lotus, leaving out things that might get Jeongguk hurt because he doesn’t need to know the inner workings of the yakuza and he tells Jeongguk that as well. 

He tells Jeongguk about his father. His fading mating mark. The plan for his mating and the merging of two yakuza clans. He tells him about the mission before his heat hit him earlier this week.

“I don’t want Souta near you,” Jeongguk growls, his wide eyes narrowed and flashing blue as he hisses the statement and Jimin’s heart swells. He feels as though he can tip over with how much it grows for the man in front of him, “Jimin!”

“Baby,” he starts and Jeongguk just pouts, shaking his head as the morning sun shifts along their nest. 

“You are mine.”

Jimin blinks, his world is rebuilding itself because of his words—the truth, the softness, everything that they have been through has made these words more true, “I am yours.”

“Then kiss me.”

Jimin pecks the side of his mouth, gently, gently, gently pulling a sound from the back of Jeongguk’s throat. Jimin’s omega makes a rumbling sound back as he traces his lower lip with his tongue before capturing his mouth with his own.

Jeongguk sighs into the kiss, his scent is sweet honey, all golden and Jimin doesn’t want this to ever go away again. He pulls back, their lips making a soft smacking sound followed by Jeongguk whining.

Jimin places a peck, then another one and another one pulling out tiny sounds from the other omega. He runs his hands through his hair, tugging at the hair at the base of his neck. He presses forward again, their chest meeting and Jimin kisses him slowly, tender as they pant and share mingling breaths and tiny wants. 

Jeongguk's hands slide up his waist, gripping his arms, squeezing before wrapping them around his neck, his hands hanging off his shoulders and it is so casual. As if they make out in Jimin’s room all the time. As if Jimin doesn’t know seventy ways to kill a man. As if Jeongguk doesn’t know his life is about to become dangerous. 

Or maybe they both know these things and it makes their kisses more addictive.

Their tongues intertwine and Jimin moans, his eyes cracking open as they pull apart and Jimin studies the flush on Jeonguk’s cheeks, the way the sun warms his hair as three words try to claw up his throat but Jimin swallows them down.  

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“You both stink!” Tae grumbles, and Yoongi rolls his eyes as he pulls the other alpha down onto the sofa as Jimin and Jeongguk cling to each other on the loveseat across the way.

“Jealous?” Jimin smirks, his hand is on the back of Jeongguk’s neck, rubbing and the other omega blinks rapidly as Jimin presses his thumb into his scent gland—honey and pine blooms and Jimin’s smirk turns possessive. 

Tae gags, “I am more into knots than slicks.”

Jimin laughs, “You just don’t know what you are missing.”

Jeongguk’s face is red and Jimin wants to coo at the other man but Yoongi yawns, looking at the youngest, “Don’t worry, kid, they are always this annoying. You will get used to it.”  

Jimin scoffs but his scent betrays him. He is happy. 

“You should be thanking me. I brought Jeongguk here when you were too stubborn to know you needed your mate.’ 

“Tae!” Jimin yells, his omega claws at his chest and his scent blooms as Jeongguk coughs beside him, eyes wide and sparkling.

“That heat came early because of the stress, the pain and…and...” Tae frowns, his scent burning, “I was done watching my best friend scream for—”

Jimin stands, he feels Jeongguk’s hand on his wrist as he growls, “Enough.”

Jimin stares at Tae, his eyes shaking but Jeongguk tugs on his wrist once more, “Hyung. It is okay.”

Tae doesn’t back down but Jimin gets it. He does but he doesn’t want to think about all the pain he has caused. He has done that enough this past week. All he wants now is to fix it. He wants his future.

Jimin sits back down next to Jeongguk but the younger omega doesn’t let him go. He lets their hands tangle together like old roots. Like something that will last. 

“What has happened the past week?” Jimin finally asks.

Yoongi pulls out his laptop, the low lighting throughout the apartment is cozy and the place smells of both omegas and the spicy ramen that Jeongguk made Jimin eat about an hour ago. 

His bedroom door is cracked and he can see their nest. He smiles softly as Yoongi’s arcane voice fills the room, “The merging is complete in a more office setting, the men on both sides are still picking fights but Seokjin is handling it,” he reads off his screen, “Your mating is in three weeks…”

Jeongguk growls, chills break out along the back of Jimin’s neck as he turns to look at the omega but not before seeing Tae and Yoongi’s smiles.

Jimin ignores them as he cups Jeongguk’s face, “Hey, darling,” he whispers, “I am the scary one, remember?" 

Jeongguk sticks his tongue into his cheek, rolling his eyes, “I can be scary too…”

Jimin bites his lower lip, the smile that threatens to leave him would have Jeongguk into a pouting mess. He pats the side of his neck, “No, you are my sweet Jeongguk who likes singing while making ramen, loves finding life from behind your camera lens and loves sweet coffee.”

Jeongguk glances at the two alphas on the sofa, his face reddening and Jimin grins, “Don’t worry about them. They are basically your personal body guards at this point and know all but your cuteness." 

He groans and Jimin laughs, he throws himself against Jeongguk and nuzzles his chest before pulling back, “I am the mean one.”

Jeongguk rolls his eyes again, slapping his thigh as Tae whispers (loudly) to Yoongi, “We can teach him how to use a knife—”

“Absolutely not.”

Jeongguk giggles next to him and Jimin twirls to look at him and his body warms at the sound, “Don’t worry about them or listen.”

“They have been following me around for weeks,” he says, “I am very curious about them at this point.”

“I always forget how much you notice,” Jimin whispers, thinking back to things Jeongguk has picked up about him and the time he remembered Tae from the street. Jeongguk isn’t stupid.  

Yoongi clears his throat and Jimin flicks his hand for him to continue, “Your father isn’t doing well.” 

It shouldn’t be a surprise because he hasn’t been doing well for a while but his heart stops in his chest because after his mother died he lost the last bit of softness in his life and when his father goes he is going to lose the man who did his best for him.

Jimin licks his lips, his scent is burning pepper and he feels Jeongguk move closer to him, “In what way?” 

Yoongi looks at Tae and they share a look. Jimin’s hands ball into fists, “What?”

Jeongguk’s scent surrounds him like a blanket but Jimin stands but he wishes he would have stayed seated as Tae speaks, “The doctor thinks it will be less than a month. He is shocked he has lived this long without his mate.” 

It is true. True mates don’t live long after one dies but somehow Sato Ren has beaten the odds and it has been years. Years of hanging on. Fighting, surviving for the sake of the Lotus. For the sake of Jimin.   

Jimin inhales sharply, moving from the sofa as Jeongguk’s fingers slip from his as he stands in front of the windows showcasing Tokyo turning from golden into neon colors of night. 

“Your parents were true mates?”

Jimin turns his head, looking over his shoulder at Jeongguk. His mouth is parted, eyes sparkling because true mates are rare. A wolf can never know if another is their fated mate until a bite is exchanged. It is an outdated thing to even think about when looking for someone but in those rare moments where fate and the moon seem to intertwine, some wolves do find their soulmate.

“Yeah,” he breathes out. Their eyes meet and it is simple, the way his heart jumps in his chest, his omega whines out for the other and he can’t look away. Jimin gives a soft crooked smile, tilting his head just slightly.

Jimin can tell that Jeongguk wants to ask more but he just smiles back, shifting slightly as if he doesn’t know what to do with the extra room next to him now that Jimin is standing so the older omega crowds back into his space. 

His hand finds the nape of his neck, squeezing as he looks at Yoongi, “Has he been asking for me?”

Yoongi nods, “But he was informed about your heat.”

Jimin growls but the sound is silenced by Yoongi’s next words, “And he wouldn’t let Souta move up the mating nor come to you.”

Jimin closes his eyes, his scent spiking from pepper to jasmine because maybe he doesn’t always get along—from his arranged marriage to ideas on running the Lotus but he still cares.

“How is he?”  Jimin whispers, he swallows hard as he peers at his friends in front of him, his wolf curling up in him.

“Bed ridden. He does go see the Japanese maples he planted for your mother.”

Jeongguk speaks next to him, “He isn’t going mad?” The question is whispered like he is scared to break into something that he hasn’t been a part of for very long.

Jimin leans his head on his shoulder, breathing in Jeongguk’s gentle scent, “He thinks he is helping me…preaping me for the future of running the Lotus…” he whispers, the words gentle, almost thoughtful.  

“With an alpha by your side?”

Jimin turns to look at Jeongguk and the other omega is frowning, his eyebrows are pushed together and his scent isn’t at its normal sweetness. Jimin hates it. 

Jimin cups his cheeks, his thumb pressing into the corner of his mouth, “Never. Never, baby,” he whispers, letting his hands drop until Jimin tugs softly at the sun necklace around Jeongguk’s neck. 

“I never thought I would see Jimin so in love,” Yoongi grumbles and Tae snickers, his head falling onto the other alpha’s shoulder as Jimin bares his teeth at them. His omega clawing at his chest at the word love.

He doesn’t look at Jeongguk but he can feel his stare, he clears his throat, “I need to speak with Jin.”

Both Yoongi and Tae smile then, their scents are happy but also curious, “And why is that Jiminie?” Tae sing-songs as if he knows and he probably does. They have three weeks before he is going to mate Souta. Three weeks for him to finally stand up because he has something to fight for now. 

“To end this,” Jimin says, turning to look at Jeongguk.

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin stares down at the photo of his mother. The tiny frame is chipped but it is faced down on the desk next to his record player. It is in his hand. He stares down at her smile. The one he sees when he looks in the mirror. They have the same lips, nose and he wonders why he sometimes feels like he will forget her when they look so much alike.

He misses her. More than ever now. 

He brushes the glass with his fingertips and sighs as he leans back into the nest, Jeongguk’s and his scent mingles in the sheets and blankets and it feels safe but his heart aches.

It is funny how safety and pain aren’t mutually exclusive. 

“Min-ah?”

Jimin lifts his head from the photo and Jeongguk is standing in the doorway of the bathroom, his hair dripping onto his black shirt with rosy cheeks from his shower. He looks like home, smelling like Jimin’s shampoo and wearing his clothes that don't look loose on the younger omega.

“Come into the nest, sweetheart,” Jimin whispers and Jeongguk smiles, his hair still wet and Jimin pulls the towel from around his shoulders as he throws it on top of his head, drying the strands as Jeongguk grumbles.

“You are going to get sick and make our nest wet.”

“I can think of a few other ways to make the nest wet,” Jeongguk giggles, pulling the towel from his head with a wink.

Jimin slaps his chest and Jeongguk laughs, it echoes through the room and Jimin wants to bottle the sound for his loneliest nights. He tucks a few pieces of his hair behind his ear and Jeongguk’s eyes are looking down at the frame in his lap.  

“She looks just like you—” he exhales as he plops himself down in front of Jimin, his legs tucked underneath his bottom.

“Yeah, she did,” Jimin says, smiling gently at Jeongguk who isn’t even looking, “I wonder if she regrets marrying my father.” 

Jeongguk’s head snaps up, “I don’t think so.”

Jimin hums. He doesn’t try to question or fight Jeongguk on his opinion because her choices were all her own. She did marry, mated his father and had him. She lived the life of a yakuza's wife and died one.

“She was killed in a gang fight,” Jimin mumbles, “I was a teenager." 

“Oh, Jimin, moonbeam,” Jeongguk pulls him close, his cheek resting on Jeongguk’s chest and he inhales the omega’s scent.

“I don’t want you to live the life she had,” Jimin confesses. 

“Jimin…”

He pulls back, looking at the pretty omega, “No. We will leave Japan. I am leaving the Lotus. I can’t live like this anymore.”

“What?” Jeongguk grabs his shoulders, “You can’t leave your life behind—” 

“What life?”

“Huh?”

Jimin ducks his head, his cheeks turning rosy, “A life where I kill people. One of ruling over others and making money from weapons…” He laughs, the sound is soft, humorless but gentle as he lifts his head, “Plus, some pretty omega showed me a life that is gentle.”

Jeongguk’s eyes brighten with tears but Jimin smiles, “He has shown me that the thrill of living isn’t something that lives at the edge of a knife but at the start of a sunrise or...some kind of poetic shit.”

Jeongguk laughs, he doesn’t speak just pulls him into a kiss. A firm press of lips. It is warm, dripped in honey and moonlight. 

Jimin wraps his arms around Jenogguk's neck and captures his mouth again before the other omega can even think about pulling back—their scents both sweeten as Jeongguk’s tongue presses against his lips. 

Jimin groans, his omega jumps around in his chest as he opens his mouth for the other omega. Jeongguk exhales, his tongue dipping into Jimin’s mouth as he climbs onto his lap like he belongs there. And he does.

Jimin’s hands pull at his shirt, moaning at the taste of the younger omega—minty and something that is purely Jeongguk. They both pull back, their chests brushing as they pant into each other's mouths. Jimin breaks the string of spit between them.

Jeongguk is watching him, his eyes are nearly shut but Jimin can see the stars in them. Fucking beautiful. He is so in love.

“How are you going to leave?” Jeongguk asks, breathlessly and his hands tug at Jimin’s hair, keeping him close.

Jimin smiles, his eyes drift from Jeongguk's pink swollen kissed mouth to his eyes, “I am giving up my position to Seokjin.”

“Who? Who is that again?” Jeongguk mumbles, dipping his head down to mouth at his jaw like a pup wanting more, more, more and Jimin is willing to give him anything and everything. Always.

“He-e is—ah—” Jimin moans softly as Jeongguk sucks on the skin underneath his ear, “Umm, umm…someone who helps my father a lot—second in command-d.” Jimin nails dig into Jeongguk’s shoulders as he licks along his scent gland, humming as he scents him roughly.

“Trustworthy?”

Jimin nods, dizzy, so dizzy from the other omega.

Jeongguk pushes him down into the nest and Jimin growls softly, looking up at him, their chests heaving, “Do you want to come with me?”

Jeongguk’s eyes are hazy, he blinks quickly, “What?”

Jimin reaches up, cupping his face, “I can’t stay in Japan. It wouldn’t be safe and I—I have enough of my own money to keep you safe, here, in Japan if that is your wish but…” Jimin glances at the ceiling, his heart pounding out of his chest as he searches for the next words.   

“I am a photographer, Jimin…”

Jimin snaps his gaze back to his, “Huh?” 

Jeongguk leans down and presses a kiss on his upper lip and then his bottom, “I can work anywhere.” 

His words sink in and he pulls Jeongguk down, kissing him as their scent blooms around each other. Jimin pulls back, he knows his eyes are matching Jeongguk’s blue ones. Their omegas are close to the surface.

He grins, patting Jeongguk’s hip, making him sit up again as Jimin jumps from the nest. He hears Jeongguk call for him and Jimin grabs his laptop from the kitchen table before he is sprinting back into the nest.

“So! This is just an idea,” he opens his laptop, turning the screen for Jeongguk to see the tiny little house, “It is in Busan. It is a mile from the beach,” Jimin starts, his cheeks burning red, “It has a small garden…I thought maybe I could try my hand at that since I will have some time not being a gang leader and all…how hard could sunflowers be to grow, right?” Jimin rushes on, his heart aching in his chest, “And, Jeongguk,” he stresses his name, “Just a few more miles there is a studio for rent…for you…and I thought…” he stops himself from rambling, lifting his eyes to Jeongguk.

“You thought what?” He whispers softly, Jeongguk’s eyes are soft, his scent is everywhere as he fiddles with his necklace.

“…it would be a perfect studio for you.”

“I love you,” Jeongguk hugs him, pulling him close, his hands on his waist then his shoulders and then back to his waist like he doesn’t know where to hold him, where to keep him close as he whispers again, “I am so in love with you. I don’t care. I love you, Jimin.”

“Sunshine,” Jimin mumbles, his heart finally opening fully, his worries becoming smaller, “My sunshine,” he mumbles as he nuzzles his temple.

Jeongguk pulls back, smiling wide, his teeth on full display as the moonlight drifts into the room, the place is quiet except for Jeongguk pointing at the laptop, “The house is yellow. It is yellow!” 

Jimin just nods, his fingers tangle into the sheets as he listens to him and he doesn’t look when it starts raining, the puddles or the people running on the streets below doesn’t matter. The dreamers or the hard workers. Jimin feels calm, happy—once Jimin would have declared that he is a fiery person and maybe that still stands true but the flames in him feel like the sparks of tomorrow. 

“Do you think we can get a dog?” Jeongguk asks, breathless, happy and Jimin laughs, he nods, throwing himself onto Jeongguk as he mumbles into Jeongguk’s smiling lips, “Whatever you want, baby.” 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“I want to go to Kyoto.”

Jin blinks, shrugging as he continues to sign papers, “I don’t care what you do, Jimin.”

The omega grins, swirling in the chair in front of Jin’s desk as the alpha grumbles about paperwork and idiots.

“I am taking Jeongguk with me.” 

“Have fun. Don’t let anyone see you.”

“I am leaving the Lotus after the Kyoto trip so, I hope you will have a good life,” Jimin says, pausing his movements as his heart jolts…as he waits. 

“I don’t care—” Jin’s eyes snap to him and everything falls quiet as he whispers one word, “What?”

Jimin stands, he moves around to Jin’s side of the desk as the alpha looks up at him, their scents battling each other, “I am leaving, Jin.”

Jin snorts, his eyes go wide but there’s no surprise in his scent but the alpha stands, making Jimin tilt his head up slightly. The asshole.

“And why are you telling me?” 

Jimin shrugs, he doesn’t know why, maybe because he wants Jin to succeed in taking over the Lotus. Give him a heads up that Souta is going to go out of control once he finds out that he is gone. The alpha won’t have him. Maybe he feels guilty.

“Do you want this?” Jimin asks instead, waving his arms around the office—the place is overrun with papers at the moment, guns and Jimin can see his phone lighting up with emails and messages.

“I want it like I want another drink,” Jin answers honestly.

“Wanting something can kill you.”

“You would know, wouldn’t you?”

Jimin smiles. He does. He wants Jeongguk more than he wants anything else. He is willing to give up the life he was born into for something he doesn’t know—for a life he has only tasted in these months with the other omega.

Jin’s eyes are always kind, his mouth sharp but he has always looked out for him, “You got everything in order?”

Jimin nods, “Yes.”

“New bank accounts? Money transferred? You got everything for your omega settled?”

Jimin scoffs, “Who do you take me for?”

“Sato Ren’s son.”

“Exactly, I know what I am doing.”

Jin sighs, he looks towards the windows on the back wall and the maple trees can be partly seen from his office—unlike his father’s where they are in plain sight. The trees for his mother.

“Ready to be just Jimin?”

It is a loaded question. One he is tired of hearing but he knows, he feels it in his bones…he is just Jimin. It is that simple.

He doesn’t look out the windows but to the door, “Well, I wish you luck…with…everything,” Jimin grins, he winks at his old friend and Jin just rolls his eyes, motioning him out of his office.

“Go. Be happy or some shit.”

“I will be!” Jimin shakes his head, his dark strands falling into his eyes, he doesn't leave at the obvious dismissal. He pulls out a letter, sliding the envelope along the desk, “Give it to my father in a few days?” 

Jin stares down at it, “You don’t want to see him?”

“He stopped being my father when he tried to sell me like an omega in heat.”

Jin doesn’t speak, he touches the corner of the letter, “You can live with this choice?”

He doesn’t hesitate, “Yes.”

Jin grabs the letter, unlocking his desk as he lays it down amongst a few other letters and a photo that looks strangely like Namjoon but Jimin just turns his head and leaves Jin with more hope than his father had in him when it came to running the family.

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Life isn’t without its shadows. It can’t be but Jimin can continue to choose to step out of those shadows and into the sunshine.

He looks over at Jeongguk, the omega is wiggling in his seat on the train, the sun is a highlight to his already beaming smile and the scrunch of his nose, “Kyoto! Really? The whole weekend? Just us?”

Jimin grins, “Just us, sweetheart, and then to Busan to sign the papers to our house.”

Ours.

It is happening. Life is happening and Jimin has never been more scared. Not even on his first mission, the first time he killed but starting over with someone he loves? It’s terrifying. 

His heart pounds, his hands are sweaty but his omega is calm. Ready. 

Jeongguk leans his head on his shoulder, his scent shines all golden and sweet, “Are you excited, baby?” Jimin whispers.

“Hmm. Yes, I feel like it is going to be like those little trips students take in high school!”

Jimin chuckles, he nuzzles Jeongguk’s check and mumbles, “Also, like in anime.”

Jeongguk pulls back, “You watch anime?” His eyes sparkle, “How have we not discussed this?” The younger omega rocks back and forth, excitement blooming not just from his scent but the way he pats Jimin’s thigh.

“I wasn’t that deprived as a child,” Jimin scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief of the younger omega.

He shrugs, grinning, “I don’t know…I bet you were fighting others and using those pretty knives Tae Tae was telling me about and not sitting in front of a TV.”

Jimin leans in closer, his lips brushing Jeongguk’s jaw, “Don’t believe everything Tae tells you.”

Jeongguk’s cheeks bloom into roses, “Not even about that mission where you took down two alphas twice your size and stole their drinks?” He tilts his head, his mouth is parted and his breath smells like sugar, “I bet it was hot.” 

Jimin snickers, “I was a little younger then.”

“I bet your stamina is still insane.”

Jimin blinks, his lips curling up, “Maybe you will find out.”

Jeongguk coughs, twitching in his seat, “Anime!” He yells, “What anime did you watch?” His face is red as he changes the subject and Jimin wants to take a bite out of him.

Adorable. His heart skips a beat and he feels like they are back at that tiny cafe months ago before Jimin completely fell for the other omega—he feels free.

“Naruto.”

Jeongguk claps his hands, turning fully in his seat to face Jimin, “Naruto and Sasuke were in love, were they not?”

Jimin covers his mouth, his smile is trying to break his face as he says, “What are you talking about?”

Jeongguk groans, throwing his hands up, “Jimin! Hyung, they were chasing each other from day one!”

“They are rivals,” Jimin says calmly, his scent blooming as he hears Jeongguk gasp in shock.

“You have to be kidding! Naruto made it his mission! His life,” Jeongguk mumbles, his lips pressing together into a pout, “To save him. To bring him back—” Jeongguk huffs out a long breath and Jimin breaks.

He leans closer, his head hitting Jeongguk's shoulder as he laughs. He rubs against his hoodie, breathing in his scent of honey and pine as Jeongguk sighs, “Why are you teasing me?”

Jimin grins, his feet tapping against the floor of the train, “Can’t help it,” his words are muffled, his heart is full and Jeongguk leans down and sniffs his dark strands.

Jimin doesn’t move, they are all curled up together, and Jimin let his eyes slip shut for a moment. The train is moving forward—it is roughly a two hour journey and then they will have their whole lives ahead of them.

It is crazy.  There’s so much to talk about but not right in this moment, not in this second, no. Jimin breathes in Jeongguk’s scent and just lives.

“Min-ah?”

Jimin blinks, suddenly drowsy, “Hmm?” The sound comes out more like a purr than anything else. Jimin pulls back slightly, ears burning but Jeongguk just holds out an earphone.

Jimin fights a yawn, he blinks again and Jeongguk chuckles, “Let’s share, hmm?”

Jimin nods, music fills his ears and it isn’t what he expected. It is some English song singing about love, yearning and Jimin’s heart swells as he looks out the window. Jeongguk settles in next to him, his head bumping against his as he hums to the song, his fingers tapping along to the beat on Jimin’s thigh. 

“Do you not think Sasuke was toxic?”

Jeongguk groans, “He is just a fixer-upper…”

Jimin grins, he turns his head slightly, just enough to look at the other omega, “You like dangerous men?” 

Jeongguk sticks his tongue out at him, “No, I like you.”

The younger omega turns back around, staring out the window and Jimin bites his lip, his cheeks burn in a pretty flush and Jimin wants him—soon. Very, very soon. Soon he will have this omega underneath him, his teeth in his neck and his scent forever in him.

“It is because of my new dark hair, huh?” Jimin chuckles.

Jeongguk whips his head around, “What?” He whispers, eyes wide, pout in place and the blush of his cheeks roaming to his ears.

“Do I look like Sasuke? Is that why you—”

“Shut up!” Jeongguk laughs. The sound is bright, in awe and Jimin grins as he watches Jeonguk shake his head in amusement.

Jimin leans closer, his lip brushing his ear, “Should I call you Naruto?”

“Jimin!” 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Kyoto has always been beautiful. Jimin used to come here more during the summers but life gets busy. Especially after the passing of his mother and leaving childhood behind for a life that is balanced on the edge of a blade.

There’s so much Jimin wants to do with Jeongguk. So much he would love to show him from the red Tori Gate to experiencing a tea ceremony. Jeongguk has traveled much around Japan and since they are leaving come Monday…Jimin wants this weekend to be perfect. 

It is the start of their life together. The start of the new Jimin. 

“Oh my god!”

Jimin bites his lip as he watches Jeongguk roam around their small hotel room—the place is more traditional—a ryokan. There’s tatami-mat flooring, sliding doors that lead to a small private garden that has access to the onset (hot spring bath). 

In the middle of the room there's a huge futon displayed with a colorful blanket—red and gold. Jimin’s omega is yipping in his chest, clawing at the idea of them wrapped up together on the futon with the sliding door cracked as spring blooms and the moonlight as their witness.

Jimin snaps his attention back to the omega who is bouncing around the place, their bags are forgotten on the floor, the host is explaining about dinner and breakfast that can be served in their room while Jeongguk twirls from looking out into the garden to him. Jeongguk looks at him.

He smiles, nose all scrunched and scent sweeter than a buzzing bee hive, “Hyung! This is amazing!”

“Only the best for you, baby,” Jimin says.

Jeongguk fakes a gag, “Cheesy.”

Jimin sees their host shutting the door to their room. Jimin takes quick steps over to the other omega, his scent is fresh pepper and jasmine as he pulls Jeongguk by the collar of his shirt until their nose brushes, “Cheesy? Hmm?” Jimin nips at his lower lip, “What should I have said in front of the host?” Jimin tilts his head, “What should I have done? Pushed you down into our bedding and ravished you?” Jimin presses a gentle kiss to his lips before pulling back.

Jeonguk’s eyes are blown wide, his scent thickening as he clears his throat, “I wouldn’t have minded…”

Jimin grins, his tongue behind his teeth before he pulls back, watching Jeongguk make a soft sound, a little growl and Jimin huffs a laugh, “We have Kyoto to explore today and most of tomorrow before we leave. We better get a move on.” 

Jimin takes a step back, winking as he grabs his bag from the floor as he listens to Jeongguk grumble, his scent mellowing out, “We have an afternoon appointment. We better hurry so we can see the Tori Gate.”

“An appointment?”

Jimin nods, pulling out a black cardigan and leaving his leather jacket on top of his bag, pushing it to the side with his foot, “A tea ceremony and I have dinner plans for us…whoa!”

Jeongguk pushes him to the floor, his scent happy as the younger omega makes room for himself in Jimin’s space—nose in neck, lips at his scent gland and a purr vibrating onto Jimin’s chest from the other. 

“Thank you,” he whispers, it is a quiet, quick thing but Jimin softens. His head hitting the floor with a gentle thunk.

“We can do more trips down the road, after we get settled in Busan, darling.”

Jeongguk lifts himself, his hands on each side of him, “It’s not about the trip, hyung. It is about you caring for me. It is about…” he shakes his head, exhaling as he looks so soft, “I—I just love you.”

Jimin’s heart pounds against his chest, his omega is silent, steady and he knows his scent is all over the place. His mouth parts as he reaches up, his fingers brushing over his jaw, “You mean everything to me.”

It aches. The words arches, they stand true and real between them and Jeongguk smiles before pulling back, “I have a surprise of my own for you,” he grins as he jumps up and pulls his bag closer.

Jimin lifts himself up to his elbows. Jeongguk pulls out his shirts, some pants and everything is folded perfectly. Jimin can’t help but to smile. Endearing. He is so fucking endearing.

“Ah-ha!” Jeongguk pulls out a disposable camera before he is in between his legs again, “A camera.” He holds it out like it is made of gold, “Since we sent all my stuff to Busan ahead of us…” he shrugs his shoulders, “I know we have our phones but I can develop the film myself and…and…it is kinda romantic…” he whispers the last word but Jimin hears it as if it is a bomb.

He takes the camera from Jeongguk, he flips it over once, twice before bringing it up and snapping a photo of Jeongguk in this moment—bright eyes, messy hair that is falling into his face, his tiny waist between his legs. .

The younger omega blinks before he grabs the camera from his hand and turns the lens onto him and Jimin wonders what he sees. After everything. He wonders what Jeongguk sees as he snaps the photo.

Jimin’s heart catches, his breath stutters but he doesn’t say anything. Not even when Jeongguk moves away to grab his jacket and huge backpack with too many keychains. Not even when they leave their room and the small ryokan. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

It is a warm spring day. Kyoto is busy with tourists and locals alike. The sidewalks are full of people but Jimin doesn’t even notice them. His eyes are set on Jeongguk. The omega is breathtaking. His heart is swelling up each time their eyes meet. 

The sun drifts through the trees and Jeongguk begs him to stand in front of him, their shoes touching as Jeongguk snaps a photo of their shoes in leftover cherry blossoms. The honey-scented omega giggles, “Komorebi.”

Jimin stiffens, he glances up at Jeongguk but he is watching the way the light drifts through the trees—there’s no Souta here. His gang isn’t here. No one but Jin, Tae and Yoongi knows where they are.

They are safe.

His omega growls. Jimin inhales deeply, feeling the knives hidden underneath his clothing before reaching out for Jeongguk’s hand. Their fingers interlock and Jeongguk pulls him along as they explore Kyoto.

They snap photos underneath the Tori Gate with Jeongguk pretending to be a master at martial arts in some and then Jeongguk making Jimin laugh—the older omega is sure there are too many close up photos of his mouth (his smile). 

They have matcha ice cream along with a group of tourists and Jimin gets to impress them with his English and coos at Jeongguk when he tries to communicate as well—his English is loud but adorable. His lips pushing toothier in a pout as his eyes narrow as he looks for the right word.  

An older alpha tells Jimin to hold onto Jeongguk—there’s something bright and beautiful about him and Jimin can’t agree more. 

The disposable camera is being used more and more as the sun sets. Their day is coming to a close but Jimin has one more thing he wants to do with Jeongguk. One place he must show Jeongguk.

“Where are we going?”

Jimin grins, he pulls on Jenogguk’s fingers, tugging him down a smaller alleyway with traditional wooden buildings and lanterns that glow yellow and red. It is narrow and comes to life like a forest and fireflies when the moonlight is high and dreamers are about.

“Wow,” Jeonguk breathes, his chest hitting Jimin’s back as his scent brightens like the restaurants and bars opening around them.

“This is Pontocho alley.”

Jeongguk is buzzing beside him and Jimin smirks, it eases his sudden nerves because the restaurant he is taking Jeongguk to isn’t just homey with fantastic food but there’s someone Jeongguk needs to meet.

“I know you must have traveled a lot for your…work,” Jeongguk starts and Jimin tightens his hold on his hand as they weave through the people. Scents of food, spicy and happiness from the wolves around them makes Jimin remember his last time in Kyoto—memories blooming thoughts of loneliness and confusion.

“Yeah,” Jimin exhales, “I have not been back here in about a year though.”

Jeongguk hums, “But I am special enough to bring you back here?” Jimin tips his chin up, the back of his head hitting Jeongguk’s shoulder.

They stare at each other, grinning and Jimin has to stop himself from kissing him, “You are more than special.”

Jeongguk’s scent sweetens, “Then show me a good time.”

Jimin chokes, his scent bleeding thicker and spicier as he looks at the pretty omega who just smiles so hard at him that a dimple appears, “Fuck me,” he mumbles.

“I think I want you to fuck me first but I am flexible.”

Jimin growls softly. They are both painted in gold and red from the lights, Jimin’s heart pounds and he once again feels three words dance across his tongue—

Jeongguk’s hand goes to his belly as a growl comes to life and they both fall silent. The younger omega's ears burn red and Jimin snickers before he pulls Jeongguk along, “Let me feed my omega.”

Those words keep Jeongguk quiet and his scent happy the whole way to the small restaurant near the edge of the glowing alleyway. 

Spring Day, the tiny gyoza and ramen shop sits underneath a few Japanese maple trees and the moonlight. It is just as Jimin remembers it from a year ago—the red sliding door, the cherry blossoms painted all over the front of the place and the scent of cinder and spice. 

Jimin exhales as he slides the door open and steps into the place. Jeongguk is right on his heels, his pretty eyes are full of stars and Jimin stares at his profile. It makes him think of when he first saw him in the Indigo. 

The camera lens in his face, those giant eyes that looked at Jimin not in fear but in awe with his sweet rosebud mouth as the neon lights painted them in shades of blues and greens. Now, he is bathed in yellow.

His sunshine.

“Jimin-kun.”

Jimin turns his head from Jeongguk and he meets the owner of Spring day, “Yuto.”

The old omega smiles, he scoffs, “Still a disrespectful brat.”

Jimin’s lip turns up, he bows his head, “I am back.”

Yuto’s eyes twinkle, his scent of cherry blossoms burst around the tiny place as his eyes flick over to Jeongguk and Jimin swallows hard because there is another reason why he brought Jeongguk to Kyoto. It isn’t just a layover for waiting to sign the papers to their new home in Busan. 

He clears his throat, “Jeongguk, this is Yuto. My mother’s oldest friend.” 

The younger omega’s scent spikes, he bows deeply before lifting his head with a kind smile, “It is wonderful to meet you.”

Yuto comes forward, reaching out and Jeongguk meets him steadily as the older omega wraps his hand around Jeongguk’s, “Come on in, come on in.”

Both of them move through the tiny restaurant—wooden tables, little laps and a view into the spotless kitchen where hand cut noodles are being prepped and gyoza is sizzling on hot pans. 

Yuto sits them in the seat by the window, there’s still a good view to all the chefs working but the streets are aglow just out the window. Jimin sits, watching as Yuto fusses over Jeongguk.

His heart warms, his chest aches as he listens to Yuto explain the history of the place, “His mother used to come here almost weekly when she was pregnant with Jimin. She loved my gyoza and I loved her company,” Yuto sighs, lost in memories that Jimin has heard more times than he can remember.

He settles into his seat, his eyes never on Jeongguk's face, "Probably why Jimin loves any kind of dumpling.”  

Yuto laughs, a hand on his chest as he grins, “I think so as well. Jimin used to come more often but life gets in the way of simple things sometimes.” 

The words are forlorn but true. Jimin's life got so complicated as he grew—living the life as a yakuza took much from him. There’s a darkness that he never thinks he will be rid of. Souta said something along the same lines and they hurt but most things in candor do. 

“Jimin has been working so hard to live the life he wants now,” Jeongguk’s voice breaks through the hurt, the darkness and Jimin feels breathless as he looks at the other omega.

Jeongguk is already looking at him and he doesn’t look scared. He looks in love. He looks like he knows what he wants.

Jimin wonders if fate led him to his moment—this moment where he is so in love and the crimes he has seen and committed doesn’t matter. His father's choices don't matter. Souta’s control means nothing. 

“I think you are right, Jeongguk.”

Jimin finally looks back to Yuto and the omega winks, “Let’s go order at the counter, Jimin,” Yuto says before bowing his head to Jeongguk, “And you lovely little omega, someone will bring you our famous cherry blossom tea in a moment.”

Jimin stands but not before he moves to Jeongguk, he leans down and presses his lip to his temple, “I’ll be right back, darling.”

“Okay, hyung.”

Jimin nuzzles the top of his head once as he follows the older omega to the kitchen—he used to eat his meals hiding in here with blood underneath his nails and hate in his scent. So much has changed. 

Jimin’s nose twitches as gyoza cooks slowly—the bottoms getting crispy as the insides stay juicy and perfect. The kitchen is still a well oiled machine and a few of the people bow their heads at Jimin. 

Jimin bows back, acknowledging them and Yuto giggles, “Much has changed from the loud-crazy brat who wanted to rule the world.”

Jimin rolls his eyes, “Not the world. Just the Lotus.”

“Same thing.”

Jimin snorts, he leans against the wall and sighs, “I can’t even tell you how this happened.”

The old man pats his cheek, “Fate. Love. And maybe, you realize that life is more than the rush of a pack of leaders and blood underneath fingernails.”

“I don’t know,” he murmurs, “Just know I want to wake up with Jeongguk next to me each morning and know that he is safe…he will always be safe.”

Jimin knows they both think of his mother and her cruel death.

Yuto moves around the area—placing bowls of spicy ramen on a tray as he waits for a fresh batch of gyoza to be ready. They both fall silent, letting the kitchen fill in the words that Jimin isn’t ready to speak.

“I told you not to come back until you had a reason to live.”

“At least I am not bleeding on your floor this time.”

Yuto doesn’t look amused, he sighs loudly, his head tips to the ceiling before his gaze lands back on Jimin, “Jeongguk must have a lot to do with it.”

“Everything to do with it,” Jimin whispers, unashamedly honest—his scent of pepper and jasmine blooming gently, kindly. 

“Your mother would love him, I think,” the older omega says, a hint of an old smile on his lips—a smile that Yuto probably gave to his mother a long time ago.

Jimin snorts, “She would,” the words feel freeing as he says them, “She would have someone to take shopping and to art museums and…and…” Jimin bites his lip, running his hands through his hair as he whispers, “I love him.”

Yuto smiles, “And I am happy I am alive to see it for your mother.”

Jimin blinks rapidly, “Father isn’t doing well.”

“I wouldn’t think he would be,” Yuto says, pausing and the pause feels huge within the seconds that it takes from Jimin’s life, “You can’t live for him.”

He nods, “I wanted to say goodbye.”

“This isn’t goodbye. Maybe one day you’ll find yourself in Kyoto and back down this path again. Fate is a funny thing, you know?”

Jimin does know. 

Yuto places seven fresh gyoza on the tray next to the two bowls of ramen, “Go feed your omega. He keeps looking through the bar opening and his eyes get bigger each time he sees you,” Yuto chuckles, sliding the tray to Jimin.

There’s no more words that need to be said so Jimin whips his head around and watches as Jeongguk ducks down like he hasn’t been trying to spy on him. His heart races and he smiles. 

Fuck. He is so in love. He never wants it to end. This feeling. He wants it forever. 

Jimin makes his way back to the small table and back to Jeongguk. He sits the tray on the table and Jeongguk’s eyes narrow as he plans his attack on the poor food.

“I am back, baby. I am sorry to keep you waiting.”

Jeongguk pops a gyoza into his mouth, “You are worth waiting for.”

Jimin’s cheeks burn, his scent blooms and he doesn’t even try to hide it. Jeongguk's nose twitches and he lifts his eyes from his food, “You smell good,” the younger omega whispers.

Jimin shakes his head, his hands are tingling as he doesn’t even glance at the food before him, “Finish eating, darling so that I can.”

“What?”

Jimin grins, “I am having you.”

Jeongguk sputters, scent thickens and he turns to look out the window at the red and gold lights, “Dummy, hyung.” 

They both know where this evening is going to end—on their futon with the garden blooming beyond the sliding doors of their room and Jimin is sure this is where fate is leading them. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin slides the doors to the garden open, just enough for moonlight to spill across the floor and their bedding. Spring air blooms as it mixes with their steady scent of honey and pepper and jasmine.  

He can hear Jeongguk shuffling around in the bathroom—he can almost feel his heartbeat. It is fluttering in his chest much like his own. They may have spent his heat together but Jimin doesn’t remember much and they didn’t even have sex. Jeongguk kept him sated with his fingers and mouth.

Jimin takes a breath as he pulls his eyes from the maple trees and pretty red flowers just beyond his reach but the scent of honey and pine is waiting for him—calling to him like a wolf to howl at the moon.

Jimin throws his cardigan onto his bag near the wall, his matching shirt follows and a soft sound makes Jimin whip his head around to Jeongguk but the younger omega’s eyes are tracing the harness that carries his favorite knives.

Jeongguk hasn’t seen much of him like this. Minus the night at the club, his motorcycle and the blood that stained both their shirts and hands. 

Jimin swallows hard, his scent is simmering peppercorns, his hands shake but Jeongguk’s eyes look like dark determination and softness. There’s no fear or hurt. Just his Jeongguk with his big doe eyes and pouty lips.

“Jimin?”

He snaps his attention to the other, stepping lightly until they are both before the futon, their scent claiming the room and Jimin reaches out, his fingertips brushing along Jeongguk’s cheekbone as the younger omega flushes from his ears to his neck.

Jeongguk licks his lips, he glances down at the weapons, “These are the knives that have kept you safe all these years?”

Jimin blinks, his hand pausing from cupping Jeongguk’s jaw as he narrows his eyes, he is nervous, “Yes.” The word is whispered between them and Jimin tries not to shake but he doesn’t know where this is going.

“And will they keep me safe?” Will you keep me safe?

Jimin tips his chin up on an exhale and Jeongguk reaches out. His touch is gentle as his fingertips move over the skin of his shoulders, floating down as they pause briefly at each weapon strapped to him. 

Jimin shakes, his heart is shaking, burning in his chest like a fire as he watches Jeongguk—his eyes aglow with stardust, honey scented and he touches him like he has always wanted him.

Maybe he has. He probably has. Even when Jimin lied to him. Fuck. He doesn’t deserve this beautiful man but he is going to spend the rest of his life trying. 

Jimin’s nose runs along his jaw, “Get into our nest, my darling.”

The other omega’s scent is pure honey. Jimin’s mouth fills with saliva.. He wants to bite. He wants to eat him whole. 

Jimin growls as Jeongguk lowers himself onto the queen sized futon. He looks up, eyes shiny and fingers curling into the fabric, “Jimin,” he chirps, his eyes flashing blue as his omega comes forth.

He doesn’t waste a moment, he pulls off his knives, letting them fall useless to the floor but he doesn’t take his eyes from Jeongguk. He is all soft in his black hoodie, baggy jeans and flushed face.

The younger omega is slowly scenting the futon, the nest, making it perfect for them. Their scents are full of need. The moment feels like a spring storm—the rain, the thunder and the lightning that strikes. 

Jimin dives down, his harness is among the floor with the small weapons, his black slacks are undone as he presses Jeongguk back into the fluffy fabrics. Jeongguk makes a soft sound from the back of his throat, it is breathy, and Jimin’s chest rumbles as he pushes a leg between Jeongguk’s.

Their eyes meet for a split moment. It is just for one moment before Jeongguk tilts his head back—bare, unmarked skin—his throat is bathed in moonlight and Jimin’s omega whines in his chest.

Jimin licks, tongue flat, from the base of his throat to behind his ear. Jeongguk whines loudly into the room, his hands slapping Jimin’s back, holding on to ground himself and Jimin bares his teeth, nipping at his scent gland.

They are both sweet. There’s no musk from an alpha. Jimin groans.

Jeongguk shivers, his nails digging into the skin of his shoulders with a soft chirp. Jimin presses his lips to his scent gland, his chest making a gentle sound, calling back to the omega in his arms.

His omega. His omega—

“Mine,” Jeongguk whispers, the words spoken from Jimin’s mind into the room around them. 

Jimin pulls Jeongguk’s skin to his mouth, sucking, mouthing until his honey is covered in his peppery florals. Jeongguk moans, his hands grabbing the futon underneath them as his hips twitch. 

Jimin trembles, slowly dragging his lips down Jeongguk’s neck as he claims him for his own. 

“Only mine,” Jeongguk grumbles, he twists and it forces Jimin to lift up as he looks down at the omega. His dark eyes are blown wide, mouth parted, his lips are pink from his teeth.

“Baby?”

Jeongguk bares his teeth, “You—you aren’t Souta’s…mine…” he growls, baring his teeth as his eyes flash blue again. Jimin licks his lips and Jeongguk tracks the movement—slow, slow, slow.

Jeongguk pushes himself up, twisting them until Jimin hits the futon and Jimin? Jimin lets him. His omega whines as Jeongguk fits himself against him, chest presses to chest, their hips meet and Jimin exhales. 

Jeongguk’s hand slips into his hair, tugging, a tiny growl slipping through, “Mine.”

Jimin’s scent spikes, he grins, he runs his hands down Jeongguk’s back as they both inhale together, smelling their mixed scents. 

Jimin tips his chin up, looking at Jeongguk through his lashes, “I’m yours.”

Jimin can’t help but to feel a thrill at Jeongguk’s need to say that he is his—he doesn’t want Jeongguk to think of Souta. That alpha doesn’t matter. He doesn’t matter at all.

“Ouch!” He hisses, Jeongguk’s teeth biting down on his shoulder. His scent is blooming and Jimin feels slick leave him, dripping from his rim at the sting of the bite, “Darling-g.”

“No, alpha can love you like me,” he huffs. Jeongguk’s breath is warm against his neck and Jimin moans softly. His hands slip under Jeongguk’s hoodie and he meets warm, warm, warm skin.

Love. Love you. Jeongguk’s words burn him alive.

He soars forward and their lips meet. The kiss is desperate from the start. 

Jeongguk softens above him, all gentle, lips soft as Jimin licks into his mouth—his tongue running along the roof of his mouth before sucking Jeongguk’s tongue into his mouth.

The younger omega moans, all breathless and a trembling mess as he ruts forward. Their pelvises meet, the angle isn’t just right but it’s enough.

Jimin breaks the kiss with a smack as he growls, the sound breaking into a soft moan as Jeongguk moves above him. 

Slow, messy, hot.

Sweetness fills the air and Jimin’s omega blooms in his chest much like it did during this heat—his eyes turn blue as he smells Jeongguk’s slick.

Golden honey.

Jimin hooks his leg around Jeongguk’s and flips them. Jimin smirks as he stares down at the pretty omega. His eyes all wide, chest rising and falling with pretty little noises.

Jimin pulls off his black hoodie, the disposable camera falls from the big pocket in the front next to them but Jimin’s eyes are on his nipples—dusty pink and hard as Jeongguk’s honey skin turns red in a flush.

“Moonbeam,” Jeongguk whispers on an exhale.

Jimin smiles down at him, “You have no idea what you do to me,” he breathes out, leaning down, their lips brushing, “No, fucking idea—”

Jimin’s mouth falls open, moaning—the sound echoes as Jeongguk rolls his hips up, arching, “I think I know,” he giggles and Jimin is about ready to fall apart as he sees that smile he fell in love with.

Their clothed cocks rutting together. Blissful. Jimin grips his hips and Jeongguk spreads his legs, making room for him with his chin turned up, looking at Jimin through his lashes.

Jimin hooks his thumbs into his jeans hoops, tugging once and Jeongguk whines and Jimin feels slick drip from his cheeks, his black slacks are ruined. He scans the happy trail leading down to the sweet smell that is driving Jimin’s omega wild in his chest.

“Can I, baby?” Jimin mumbles, his eyes lift from the abs, honey skinned neck that is bared to him and then meeting Jeongguk’s stare. The younger omega nods and Jimin doesn’t waste a moment.

He unbuttons Jeongguk’s jeans, hooking his thumbs and pulling them down along with his underwear—honey blooms and Jimin’s chest purrs—the sound is gentle as he spots the glistening slick that covers Jeongguk’s thighs. 

“Fuck, sunshine…you’re so wet for me,” his words are broken up with the little purrs that keep falling from his lips. 

“For you-u—” Jeongguk chirps, his omega calling out to Jimin, his eyes are more blue than not at this point and Jimin feels insane. His heart is pounding and Jeongguk is looking at him so softly. He always has. 

Jimin leans down, pressing a kiss to his chin, jaw and nuzzling the scent gland of on his neck, “I’m gonna taste you,” he whispers, nipping at his collarbone, sucking a purple bruise for later.

“Please, please, please!” Jeongguk chants, his legs kicking out before wrapping around Jimin, trying to keep him close.

Jimin licks down to his stomach, the younger omega tastes salty and smells like honey and pine and Jimin—it’s addictive, it’s perfect. Jimin swirls his tongue into Jeongguk’s belly button and Jeongguk squeaks.

Jimin’s nose flares as he bypasses Jeongguk's pretty cock. It’s all flushed, pink and leaking on his stomach, hard and curved.

Jimin spreads Jeongguk’s legs, his hands meeting slick covered skin and he groans as he pushes his legs up, “Hold them, baby.”

Jeongguk reacts immediately, holding his legs and Jimin’s eyes find his hole. Winking, wet and all for him.

He dives down, tongue flat as he licks over Jeonguk’s awaiting rim. Slick pours from the younger omega in syrupy saccharine, causing Jimin to groan as he circles his hold, collecting the sweetness on his tongue. 

Jimin spreads his cheeks with his hand, opening up and Jeongguk keens—voice higher than the moon that shines on them—the garden sliding doors letting in the warmth of a spring night. He sucks, bites, growling at the sweetness that Jeongguk gives him. 

Jimin thrusts his tongue in, stretching and he growls against him, his omega in his chest is ravenous. He hopes his fingers are leaving marks on his ass, he slides his hands up and squeezes Jeongguk’s hips then up to his tiny waist.

“Jimin—”

The older omega’s chest purrs, the sound is gentle compared to Jeongguk’s rough panting. He slides his hands back down, the slick skin on his fingers makes him shake. 

Perfect. Perfect wet omega.

Jimin lifts his head, resting on Jeongguk’s inner thigh as the younger’s omega legs hit his shoulders, his heels digging into his back, “Jimin.” He calls again.

Jimin smiles, mouth wet, as he licks off Jeongguk’s slick from his lips, “What do you want my sweet pup?”

Jeongguk’s eyes are blown out—blue and dark and swirling with need. Sweat peppers his hairline, his lips are kissed-bitten. He is a fucking vision. Jeongguk’s head hits the futon at the question and he whines, his cock twitching and slick pours from him.

Jimin grins, he can barely see the pretty omega as he smiles. He leans back down, mouth watering as he watches his cock all pink, and drooling pre-come but he has to open Jeongguk up first.

His omega wants more and more of this man.

Jimin sucks at his rim once, thrusting his tongue in to check how open he is but the younger omega just relaxes and makes a chirping sound that Jimin answers before sliding a finger in along with his tongue.

Jeongguk bows off the bed, his thighs are trembling and Jimin’s nails bite into his skin, keeping him down on the bedding as he opens him up. One finger becomes two easily. Jimin isn’t as big as an alpha and omegas are made for knots but Jeongguk is calling for him. For him.

Jimin’s omega is starving for the slick of his omega—the safety of his gentleness, soft scent and big eyes.

His third finger slides in and Jeongguk gasps, his hands finding Jimin’s hair and tugging. The older omega whines, the sound high in his throat, spilling into the room with their sweetness. 

Jimin crooks his fingers and Jeongguk comes as he touches his prostate. It is unexpected but perfect. Jimin quickly pulls his head up from between Jeongguk’s legs to watch pleasure rack his body.

He doesn’t once stop his fingers from thrusting into the younger omega as he rides out his orgasm—keeping his prostate at the mercy of his fingers until Jeongguk tries to move back from over-sensitivity. 

Jimin pulls his fingers from him. He sits up, Jeongguk’s legs are open, his body slack on the futon and Jimin can’t stop himself from purring as he looks at the slick that covers Jeongguk’s lower half, his come that paints his stomach and chest.

He wiggles and jasmine and the light spicy scent of his pepper floats around and he looks down. His own slick is everywhere. This futon is covered in both their slick. It is ruined.

He grins, his omega is happy, wiggling in his chest and Jimin grips himself, stroking lightly as he scans Jeongguk’s body, from his spent cock to his flushed chest and cheeks. 

Their gazes meet. 

It is Jenogguk who speaks next, “I love you.” The words are whispered but his steady gaze leaves no room for doubt. Jeongguk really loves him. It shouldn’t be shocking. Jeongguk has said these words before but Jimin’s heart shatters. The pieces fill him up and Jimin will give every single one to Jeongguk for the rest of his life.

Jimin crawls over him, hissing as his cock throbs for relief and Jeongguk tips his chin up, their noses brush, lips meeting as Jimin mumbles, “You are my sunshine. You are everything—the light in my dark-k…”

Jeongguk arches up, he smiles up at him, “You are your own light, Jimin,” he murmurs the words, tucking a stray piece of hair behind his ear, “But I am glad you need me.”

Jimin blinks back tears, pressing a kiss to his lips as Jeongguk giggles, “Now fuck me, omega. You smell so good,” he moans, “I love the pepper accent of your scent. Drives me wild.”

Jimin shakes as Jeongguk sticks his nose into his neck, lightly nuzzling as Jimin keeps himself steady as Jeongguk wraps his legs around him, pushing him in close and they both mewl as Jimin pushes in.

Their high pitched whines echoing loudly, slick drips down Jimin’s thighs and he hisses as he pushes into Jeongguk. The younger omega licks at his scent gland, nipping and trilling. 

Jimin groans, the sound is pressed into Jeongguk’s ear as he bottoms out, he is breathless, panting as his elbows hit next to Jeongguk’s head as the younger omega squeezes his cock, “You’re so tight. Fuck.”

Jeongguk’s scent is sweet like morning light and whipped cream and honey. Jimin’s omega roars in his chest and Jeongguk tightens around him—Jimin snaps, he sink his teeth into Jeongguk’s shoulder and pulls out just as Jeongguk yelps, slick flows between them and Jimin fucks him.

Jimin mewls, the sound is rough as he still has his teeth in Jeongguk’s shoulder. The sound of skin moving through the dance along with Jeongguk’s breathy little hiccups and Jimin pulls out just to push all the way back in.

It is too good. It is additive and Jimin is lost. 

Jeongguk’s fingers slip into the hair at the back of his neck, tugging and Jimin pulls back, licking over the bite he made, nuzzling it gently as Jeongguk moans. The older omega kisses up his neck, their lips meeting and tongues intertwining as he speeds up.

Jeongguk throws his head back as Jimin’s cock nudges the special spot instead of him, “Oh. Oh—oh! Omega. Jimin,” he cries out and Jimin’s scent is all over the place, he is trembling in pleasure. Jeongguk’s heels keep slipping back to the futon because of his slick that coats his ass and thighs.

“I am close-e—ah!” Jeongguk mewls as Jimin circles his hips, pushing deep into the other omega. Jimin’s lips quiver along Jeongguk’s as they both stare at each other—moonlight and sunshine.

Jeongguk comes first, clenching down on Jimin as he twists his head to the side, baring his neck as he shudders underneath Jimin—baring his heart and trust to him. Jimin snaps, slick gushing from him as he comes into the warmth of Jeongguk.   

They both collapse. Jeongguk into the futon that smells of them and Jimin onto Jeongguk who smells like him. Their chests rising and falling, their breathing syncing up as they calm like they are one.

Jimin moves to pull back but Jeongguk whines, his eyes narrowing, “Stay. A little longer, please.”

Jimin looks down at him like he is fate itself—all pink, covered in moonlight and sweaty from their need for each other. Jimin doesn’t think as he reaches behind himself, his fingers coating in his scent of pepper and jasmine.

Jimin brings it between them, smearing it along Jeongguk’s neck, his scent gland and down to his cock where he strokes it once, twice just to cover Jeongguk in his scent. He blinks, looking down at his work as his heart calms with the claim he has left on Jeongguk.

The younger omega makes a soft sound, a trill from the back of his throat as he wraps his hand around Jimin’s wrist and tugs. Jimin’s mouth drops open, he tilts his head as Jeongguk’s tongue caresses and licks off the remainder of Jimin's slick from his fingers. 

The younger omega looks up at him through his lashes, eyes as shiny as his mouth now and swallows, “That was hot,” Jeongguk mumbles, his voice quiet as his scent mellows out in satisfaction.  

Jimin looks at him and smirks, “Yeah?”

Jeongguk giggles, pulling Jimin down to him and his cock slips from Jeongguk but the younger omega just snuggles into his neck, a purr building up in his chest and Jimin reaches out, his fingertips brushing Jeongguk’s cheek.

Jimin can’t believe he got to have Jeongguk like this. Everything is going to be perfect, they will get to live happily. Jimin will get to really live and maybe learn to say ‘I love you.’ He will learn to grow sunflowers for Jeongguk. 

He smiles down at Jeongguk, his cheeks are hurting, his jaw aches as he smiles at him, he can barely see Jeongguk but his heart is in Jeongguk’s hands, he can see that for sure as Jeongguk’s mouth parts in awe.

Jeongguk turns his head, grabbing the disposable camera that is now on the floor next to the futon—there’s one photo left to take. Maybe it is fate that it is the last photo. Jimin smiles harder as Jeongguk presses the button, capturing him and he is sure it is blurry but this memory will never be.

“You are okay?”

“Perfect.”

“We should clean up…”

Jeongguk frowns, he blinks slowly and shakes his head, “No. You should cuddle me. I want to be the little spoon this time.”

Jimin laughs, moving to grab Jeongguk as the younger omega starts to purr as Jimin holds him to his chest and his own purrs start up as the night continues on until dawn breaks into the sparks of tomorrow. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin sighs, eyes blinking against the sun that spills into the room, he nuzzles his face into Jeongguk’s hair, the dark shards tickle his nose and mouth as his eyes flutter open to the morning. 

The room still smells greatly like them, even keeping the doors to the garden open didn’t help the scent of lust and want to vanish from the room. Jimin’s omega is glad, proud in his chest as he lifts up to look down at the other sleeping omega. 

His lashes are draped along his cheeks, fluttering in dreams, mouth parted as his arm moves slightly in his sleep. His scent is gentle. Hair is a mess. Fuck. He is beyond beautiful. 

Jimin lets his hand drift over the apple of his cheek, he smiles as Jeongguk smacks his lips, snuggling deeper into the futon—a new one that they had to wake their host for since their other one was soaked in slick.

Jimin bites his lower lip, remembering Jeongguk’s red cheeks, bowing over and over again as the host just rolled her eyes at them. Jimin paid for all the rooms on this wing so he isn’t worried about anything. He paid a pretty penny to be here. Jeongguk doesn’t need to know that though.

He lifts his eyes to the sunshine bleeding into the room and he yawns. He sits up, careful of his sleeping omega next to him as he rolls his neck and runs his fingers through his hair.

He is going to tell the host they will be having breakfast here today and to pay for the futon but he doesn’t want to leave him. 

“Just a moment longer,” he whispers to himself.

He moves the hair from Jeongguk’s eyes with fingertips, letting his hand slide down his arm before leaning down to nuzzle his temple, scenting him lightly, “I love you.”

He whispers the words, they are almost too gentle, so soft that the world doesn’t hear them but maybe that is okay. Jimin has time. They both have time. 

He shifts, pulling the blanket over Jeongguk as he stands, grabbing a shirt and a pair of sweatpants as he leaves their room with his heart still cradled in Jeongguk’s arms. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin is giddy to see Jeongguk. It has only been around twenty minutes since he left him sleeping in their nest. Jimin will have breakfast sent to their room within the hour. There’s enough time for Jimin to fuck Jeongguk again and for them to get lunch and check out a few more places around Kyoto.  

The host wouldn’t stop cooing at him, asking if they are freshly mated after last night's futon switch and Jimin couldn’t stop himself from rambling on about the younger omega like a fool. 

Jimin can’t wait for tomorrow and the next tomorrow and then the next one. He gets to spend the rest of his life watching Jeongguk, being with him and he gets to learn how to live without worrying if death is easier than living.

He wants everything with Jeongguk. Each moment, each pain or joy—he wants to live. 

Jimin pauses as he steps down their hallway. Silence. Utter silence. Jimin frowns, he doesn’t hear Jeongguk’s little snores and puffs of breath. He doesn’t hear anything and Jeongguk is always making a sound. He moves even when he is relaxing. 

Something is very, very wrong.

His omega is on high alert. 

He pauses outside the door and he smells it. A strange scent mixing with Jeongguk’s honey. He slams the door open, his heart in tatters but it is empty. Jeongguk isn’t on the futon. The room is still and Jimin’s heart lurches in his chest—it booms like bombs and the thunk of a knife hitting its mark over and over. 

He scans the room. Everything is in order from last night. Their bags against the wall, clothes among the room, Jimin even moved his knives from the floor along with their camera. He suddenly feels very naked without any weapon. 

His omega knows. He omega knows that Jeonggukk is gone. 

“Jeongguk? Baby?” He calls out, his scent is overwhelming pepper, the doors to the garden are now closed. Jimin tilts his head, his omega growling, clawing at his chest and moving over to his bag. 

His steps are light like a ghost who is going to haunt for the next few decades. He pulls out two of his favorite knives, twirling them in his hands—the feel of them isn’t forgotten.

He moves to the garden doors. The ones he left open for the moonlight and the dawn to witness them and he knows that he didn’t close them.

He slides one of the doors open, his heart pounding as sunshine throws his shadow onto the floor behind him, “Jeongguk? Sweetheart?” The words are mere whispers as he steps out.

Jeongguk’s scent lingers. His honey scent is burnt and it surrounds one other scent that is clear, stronger now. Jimin’s jaw clenches, his hands shake as his weapons glisten in the morning light. Jimin knows this scent. 

Wet earth. Petrichor. Souta. 

No.

No.

No.

This can’t be happening. They had everything planned. Everything is planned. A house by the sea. A garden to grow sunflowers. Jeongguk’s studio is just blocks from their new home. Jimin should have known it was too good to be true. 

Jimin moves, his ears alert and his weapons ready. The garden is small as he scans the area. Souta definitely didn’t get Jeongguk over these high fences. He pulls back from the blooming flowers, the red and golden petals and the looming Japanese maple trees. 

He kicks the sliding door down, the paper and wood breaks like twigs as he growls out, the sound echoing in the quiet of their room as he looks over at his bags. Where the gun is and that damn leather jacket. Where Park Jimin, Kitty Gang exists. 

He is going to get Jeongguk back. He is going to get Jeongguk back and send him away from this world that Jimin can’t leave—he thought he could beat fate. Maybe Jeongguk isn’t right about everything. Fate didn’t bring them together. Jimin’s selfish choices did.

Everything is wrong. He can’t think clearly as his omega is a mess inside of him. He takes a deep breath, looking for that fucking scent he first noticed when he entered the room. He is going to tear this whole place down if he has to. 

The handles of his knives bite into his skin as he moves to their bedding. It is messy, the scent is full of distressed omega, an acrid aroma that is blooming in the futon, their bed, their nest.

He screams as he looks down at the futon. Jeongguk’s scent is burnt, it is nothing like Jimin has ever smelt on the other omega before. He growls as a whimper threatens to leave him but he buries it. The scent of alpha is mixed in the fabric. He falls to his knees, tilting his head down, his teeth bared as he looks down at the nest. 

A powerful alpha. A distressed omega.

Souta was in their nest. He touched Jeongguk—

Jimin would have gagged but his eyes caught the red. Blood. Blood is spattered like dying stars on the futon and he roars—spit flies from his mouth as he spots a letter in the twisted bedding. 

There’s Souta’s messy handwriting. His scent. Nothing but a location. That’s it.

Jimin shakes, his omega sees red and he growls as he twirls his knives in the air before running the blades down the futon, ripping the soft fabric and the memories of this morning that is now spoiled by Souta’s scent.

He screams, his chest vibrating with growls as cotton and strips of their nest fly through the air. His scent is covering the room, cloying pepper and anger as he stabs the paper with one of his knives. He throws the other one and screams again. 

His chest heaves, sweat coats his spine, “I am going to kill him!”

The blood. What if it is Jeongguk’s? What if he is bleeding now, hurt, scared—Jimin said he would protect him. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

He stands, legs shaky as he moves to his bags. Jimin is going to place a cut on Souta for every single mark that he puts on Jeongguk’s body. He knows this alpha. 

He knows what Souta can do. Jimin is good at undercover missions. Fitting in, flirting and getting what he needs with words and slices of his knife. Souta lives for fishing information with torture. He didn’t get where he is now with just a pretty smile and words. He isn’t taking over the Lotus without reason.

Jimin rips his clothes out of his suitcase and pulls off the false bottom to a row of his favorite knives and his small handgun. 

He grins, hands are steady as he reaches for them—each one finding a home on his body. His harness strapped to his chest and he growls as he thinks of the way Jeongguk looked at him last night. The way the younger omega trusted him. 

He walks over to the ruined futon, ripping out the knife he left impaled in Souta’s note.

Jimin’s eyes flash blue, he can only smell Jeongguk’s pain. His fear.

Souta is going to pay for taking his mate. Jimin doesn’t care that they aren’t wearing each other’s bites. Jeongguk is his. 

If there’s even one mark on Jeongguk…or worse, then Souta isn’t going to survive what Jimin has planned for the alpha. 

First, he’ll stab him in the shoulder, where Jeongguk’s scar is from that bullet. He is going to burn his fingerprints for even touching Jeongguk with his hands. 

He will chop off the alpha’s knot. Watch him bleed. Watch him scream. Watch him die. Jimin won’t be satisfied until he has Souta’s blood underneath his nails. 

Jimin pauses as he notices the camera. His heart breaks, his eyes harden as he grabs it, leaving the room behind.

He leaves the hope for a life with Jeongguk behind. Leaves the memory of Jeongguk sleeping next to him this morning as he throws his leather jacket on.

He presses Tae’s number and puts the phone to his ear and it rings once, twice—

“Miss me already?”

“You have two hours to meet me here,” Jimin says, his voice right, “Bring Yoongi. Bring your favorite weapons.”

Jimin steps out into the sunlight, he doesn’t even blink, “What happened?” He can hear Tae moving, Yoongi’s voice floating around behind Tae. 

“Souta.”

Silence.

“He took him.”

It’s not a question. It’s not anything but an ache.

“I’ll send you a location,” Jimin mumbles, ending the call without hesitation. He looks at the river next to the ryokan. 

It’s the same one that runs through the alleyway of restaurants that they visited last night but there’s no smiling Jeongguk with him now. 

He is alone. Jimin is a fool. He is going to save Jeongguk and send him to Busan where he will be safe. Away from him. Away from the shadows of those that are cast in flames. 

He is going to kill Souta. He is going to kill anyone who gets in his way and if he has to dull the spark inside of himself to do it then he will burn himself into something unrecognizable.

He pulls the disposable camera from his pocket, he flips the camera around and he pockets it again. It might just be the last memories he will have of Jeongguk after he saves him. The film feels as heavy as his heart.  

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jeongguk has been scared lots of times. The first time he rode a bike without training wheels. He was scared when he left Busan to come to Japan for photography and starting his own business. He was scared shitless the night he found out Jimin’s true identity—scared, worried, in love.

He knows what being scared is but this is far from it. It’s pure fear. It tugs at his chest, growing down his bones and burning his soul. 

The room is bare. He has been staring at these four walls for hours it seems. He pulls on the chains again, heart hammering against his ribs and he bites back a whimper as his fingertips tingle. His arms are chained above his head and he whirls his head around looking for a window. For anything but the steel beams along the ceiling is his only company. He looks to be in a kind of warehouse, an old one at that—as mold and rust keeps catching his eye. 

He can’t stop shaking, his legs are pulled underneath him, making himself as small as he can as he gags on his own burning scent of honey. 

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He should be waking up with Jimin—they should be kissing slowly in their nest. Jeongguk should be day dreaming about Busan and that tiny house by the sea.

Jeongguk doesn’t even know what happened to Jimin. His omega is a mess in his chest, pacing, whining that their Jimin—their mate was missing this morning and in his place was the alpha that smells like wet earth. Mud. 

Jeongguk's head jerks back, hitting the wall with a thunk. He can still feel Souta’s hand on the back of his neck, holding him down into the nest as he growls at him to submit before knocking him out and that scares him more than anything.

He is completely at the alpha’s mercy. 

Tears fill his eyes, he hiccups as he looks for a door but there’s nothing but old metal boxes and useless equipment and broken glass that shine like starlight as the holes in the ceiling bring in the sunlight.

Jeongguk tries to steady his breathing because he has to believe Jimin is coming for him. He has to believe that. His omega is crying out and Jeongguk swallows each wail like bitter medicine. 

And yet, Jeongguk worries about Jimin because he knows that the other gang leader isn’t going to take him being kidnapped well. It doesn’t take a genius to know that this will end in one or two ways.

Jeongguk will watch Jimin kill Souta or he won’t be alive for it to even matter—

“Omega.”

Jeongguk jolts, his back hitting the wall and he pulls his knees to his chest, making himself as small as possible as the alpha chuckles, stepping out from some boxes near the right of the room. Jeongguk makes a note that the door must be that way.

Souta smiles and Jeongguk feels sick. 

The alpha is wearing a suit, his hair is pushed from his face as his scent of mud fills the room, cloying it with its earthiness. Jeongguk can’t stop the whimper that slips from his lips, he tracks the alpha as he strides over.  His shoes make a tapping sound as he steps on the shining glass.

Jeongguk is pressed so far into the wall, he wouldn’t be shocked if he has bruises on his spine. He growls, baring his teeth as Souta squats down, tilting his head as he scans Jeongguk up and down, his eyes lingering on his wrists that are above his head in chains.

“I finally get to talk to you,” the alpha mutters, his eyes are honey brown and Jeongguk blinks, confused—his heart is going to break inside of him and he will die before getting to see Jimin smile just once more.

“Jimin-ah, didn’t let me talk to you in the club,” the alpha continues, “Which is such a shame, don’t you think?”

Jeongguk narrows his eyes, his throat is tight but he breathes out, “No.”

Souta’s smile widens, his scent spikes and Jeongguk’s omega whimpers as mud clogs his lungs. Souta blinks once, twice.

“Ah!” Jeongguk gasps as Souta tugs on his hair, pulling the dark strands.

“This is the omega that Jimin is so enraptured with?” Souta whispers, talking to himself as he scans his face with a shake of his head, "Pathetic.”  

The alpha tugs his head to the side and Jeongguk growls—the sound echoes and Souta grins then, he tugs harder and Jeongguk hisses. His eyes water as he snaps his teeth. Souta pulls back and chuckles, “There’s a fire in you. A little spark.”

“Shut up,” Jeongguk spits out. He doesn’t know where this ounce of bravery comes from as he glares at the man, “Alpha mad he can’t keep his fiance happy?” 

Jeongguk hates this man. He hates that he is engaged to Jimin, even if it is a one-sided arrangement. He hates his scent, his smile, that he has the upper hand at the moment. He hates him.

The alpha’s scent pours like being buried alive by wet dirt, it spikes like a thunderstorm and Jeongguk’s omega whines but he doesn’t look away from the alpha’s honey eyes. His lip and eye twitch and Souta laughs, his free hand slapping him across the face. His nails dig in and pull.

Jeongguk screams. He doesn’t mean to but he does as his nails rip across his face. He feels the well of blood before the stinging hurt of each mark. 

Jeongguk doesn’t look back at the alpha, he can’t stop the tears so he doesn’t even try as they mix with his blood. He licks his lips, staring at the broken glass just feet away from him.

“Jimin is mine!”

Souta’s voice echoes, he leans in closer, his lips brushing Jeongguk’s ear, “Mine, you dumb bitch. His father promised him to me.” 

Jeongguk shakes, his arms are pulling against the chains, rubbing raw along the delicate skin. He can feel Souta’s breath on his neck. The alpha inhales deeply and Jeongguk pulls away so fast his head cracks against the wall behind him.

“You smell like him.”

It isn’t a question. Jeongguk knows he does. Jimin rubbed his slick all over him last night. He is burning with the other omega’s peppery flora scent. 

Souta pulls back, his hand slipping into his hair and tugging his head up until they are inches apart and the alpha snarls, “You fucking slut. You think he cares for you? Loves you?” He spits, his teeth bared. 

Jeongguk can’t feel his fingers, his legs scrambling on the floor as the glass cuts into his legs and feet—his sleep clothes are soft, dirty and he wants this to stop. He wants it to stop. 

“Park Jimin is a killer.”

Jeongguk whimpers, mud fills his lungs and he looks at the sunlight just behind Souta from the broken ceiling.

“Say it!” The alpha screams, his eyes flashing red and Jeongguk whimpers, his heart is pounding, the ache is stronger than the drying blood and the fingers in his hair.

Jeongguk swallows, “Park Jimin is a killer-r,” he whispers.

“That’s right,” Souta says, “He will never leave the Lotus. We are family. It is our lives and these last months are nothing more than an illusion. Jimin survives in darkness. You won’t mean anything in the long run.”

Jeongguk sobs, his voice cracks as he tries to pull back from the red eyes staring down at him. His omega is clawing at his chest, pacing, wanting to fight but Jeongguk doesn’t know how—he doesn’t know how—

A crooked tooth. Rose petal lips. Crescent moon eyes. 

His Jimin is kind. He has thorns and shadows but he is so pretty, so bright and Souta can’t take his Jimin from him. He knows that Jimin isn’t the best person in terms of society but Jeongguk fell in love anyway.

He fell for someone real. Someone who is trying and if this stains his own soul then at least he is happy. 

“I love him,” Jeongguk whispers, his throat is sore but he blinks tears from his lashes.

Souta snorts, “And I bet he hasn’t told you the same.”

Ouch.

Jeongguk flinches, it is true.  He hasn’t spoken the words but Jeongguk doesn’t want to love someone easy—he wants to love someone alive. Someone much like his photography. Jeongguk always looks for the light. The moment when life seems hard to find in the dark. That’s why he is mainly known as a night-time photographer. 

Souta doesn’t need to know all of this. Jeongguk harnesses all of his hate for the man before him and whispers “Fuck you.”

The alpha growls, he shakes his head, “Well. You are lucky I need you alive…” he pauses, tightening his hold in his hair as his free hand brushes over his chin, “I can see why he strayed. You are pretty. Your scent is honey?”

He leans closer and Jeongguk tugs on the chain again, his legs moving along the ground as Souta speaks into his neck, “You know…I should punish Jimin for being unfaithful. Don’t you think, pretty?” 

Jeongguk shakes his head, his hands balling into fists—his body locks up as Souta rubs his cheek against his scent gland—he is being buried in mud. He twists his head, baring his teeth and snapping. 

An unwanted claim.

He screams—his throat burning as the so-called spark that Souta mentioned dies out. He screams as Souta scents him, washing away Jimin’s beautiful scent. His omega. His mate. The alpha presses his muddy scent into his skin.

Jeongguk headbutts the alpha, the pain is nothing compared to the scenting, “Stop! Please!”

Souta snaps, biting his ear before wrapping his hand around his throat, keeping him in place and Jeongguk screams at the feel of the alpha on him. He wonders if his fingerprints are going to be ugly bruises.  

Blood fills his mouth but Jeongguk keeps screaming, sobbing, until his head falls forward. Until he tires himself out and his heart feels like nothing more than a hole in his chest. Souta pulls back and stands. Jeongguk doesn’t move. His omega is oddly silent in his chest, his own scent isn’t even honey but pure fear.

His body jerks as Souta speaks, “I am sure Jimin will find you. That is the point after all.”

Jeongguk really doesn’t know. Right now he doesn’t care. He just stares at the broken glass, the blood in the dirt and the burning of his scent gland. He is going to be sick. He is so dizzy.

“Do you believe in fate, Jeongguk-ah?”

He doesn’t know. At this moment he doesn’t know. Everything feels so small and so big all at once. He doesn’t know. He lets the alpha talk and talk until another voice appears in the room. Jeongguk doesn’t move. 

“Jimin,” he whispers the word, the name but he knows no one hears him as both alphas leave him chained to the wall until Souta decides to come back. Until…Jeongguk doesn’t know. 

“Jimin,” he says again, holding on to the thought of the other omega like a lifeline because he knows that he will come for him but is not scared to meet the Kitty Gang leader. He isn’t going to be scared. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The shitty hotel smells like smoke and cheap cleaning products. Jimin draws a line with his knife on the wooden table he sits at. He can hear Tae and Yoongi bickering as the older alpha hacks into the camera around the location that Souta left for Jimin.

It is a small park here in Kyoto. 

Jimin carves another line. It has been three fucking hours since Souta took Jeongguk. Three hours. The things he could do to Jeongguk in that amount of time. Jimin tightens his grip on the knife, his stomach turning. He is going to be sick. Again. 

He threw up as soon as he got into the room. That is where Tae and Yongi found him. Sitting on the floor in the nasty bathroom as he tossed his guts.

His omega is raging war in him. He is scared. He is so fucking scared. If Souta even thinks about hurting him…his knife digs a little harder into the wood as he growls. 

He is on his seventh line when Tae calls out to him. He lifts his head, raising his brows, “What? You better both be ready to go because I am tired of waiting on ya’ll’s slow asses,” he bites out, his words are sharp as he looks at his friends.

If it was up to him it would already be at said location. He looks down at the shredded paper he took with him from the ryokan. He doesn’t know what game Souta is playing but Jimin has always been a fan of cat and mouse.

“Jimin!” Tae scolds, “We need to be safe! We have no idea what you could be walking into!”

“It’s a park! It’s early afternoon! I am walking in the sunlight! Fuck, Tae!” 

Tae narrows his eyes, his scent blooms and Jimin’s omega bares its teeth as he stares at his best friend. Jimin opens his mouth, he feels heartless but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care if he is being rude. He cares about Jeongguk. Fuck everyone and anything else.

“Jimin’s right.” Yoongi says, his eyes never leaving his laptop screen, his fingers flying across the keys.”

Jimin and Tae whips their heads to the older alpha but it is Tae who snaps, “What?”

Yoongi hums, “I understand,” he shrugs, keeping his eyes on the screen, “I know you are worried Taehyung, that Jimin is going to do something stupid—” Yoongi takes a breath.

Jimin looks at Tae, his eyes narrowed, cheeks puffed out in a pout as his scent battles that of Yoongi’s. The two alphas are clearly communicating without speaking and Jimin feels a spark of jealousy.

It is unfair. It feels so unfair. Jimin clenches his jaw, his heart swallowing his pain like a black hole as Yoongi continues, “…but if I were Jimin and someone took you…” the older alpha begins, looking at the tall alpha, “I would kill anyone who made me stop, made me wait, made me think of a plan…I think he is doing well right now.” 

Jimin lifts his head and meets Yoongi’s gaze. He has always been closer to Tae but at this moment he realizes how similar he is to the older alpha—both in love, both obviously scared but they know what they want. Jimin knows what he wants.

He takes a steadying breath, his heart is in a free fall, “I am going to kill Souta.”

It is a fact. He isn't going to let that alpha live after taking his mate. He won’t. He doesn’t care if that makes him a bad human. Honestly, it makes him feel better. It makes his omega calm again.

He can see Tae’s worry, his mouth is opened but Jimin holds out a hand, pausing him, “I am going to kill him. Take Jeongguk somewhere safe and then I am going hom—” his voice breaks, he shakes his head but he isn’t going home. Home is a tiny house in Busan.

“I am going back to the Lotus and settling this. ”

Tae and Yoongi exchange a glance but it is Yoongi who speaks up, “You are sending Jeongguk away?”

Jimin doesn’t like the wording, he doesn’t like the stares they both give him because right now, Jimin is feeling a lot. His omega is crying in him. He can barely hear anything over the growling, crying and ache. 

He presses a hand to his chest as if it is going to crack open and spill across this dirty hotel floor at the feet of his friends. He doesn’t know what state he will find Jeongguk but the omega can’t stay with him. A whimper slips past his lips.

The room is silent. Jimin grips his shirt, he turns to look at the windows with their curtains drawn. Right now, he just needs to get Jeongguk. His omega isn’t going to stay even twenty-four hours with Souta if he has anything to say about it.

“Souta will be expecting me,” Jimin continues, “He just wants to show me that he is better…that I can’t leave him…this…” he grabs his knife from the table, looking down at the lines he drew. His leather jacket feels heavy on his shoulders, “And he is right.” 

“Jimin—”

He shakes his head, “Let’s focus on getting Jeongguk back…please,” he whispers the last word, “Please.”

Yoongi clears his throat, “I am hacked into the cameras around the park. We are ready.” 

“Then let’s go.”

They move. Jimin slides the knife into his jacket, he looks around the tiny room in its messily made bed, the cracked ceiling and he hates this is the place he will have to bring Jeongguk back to. But it is safe. It is paid in cash. 

Jimin pockets the paper from Souta. He feels Tae and Yoongi behind him, both of them are mumbling to themselves—

‘I’m worried.’

‘Souta might have—’

‘Why?’  

‘Jeongguk.’

Sunlight hits Jimin first as he steps into the afternoon. The park isn’t far from where they are but he doesn’t feel his friends anymore when he heads to the right. People are milling around, screams and laughter of children fill the air and Jimin’s heart breaks more in his chest. 

He shakes his head, he stills his mind—he shakes off his omega wailing in his chest, he doesn’t think of Jenogguk’s bright smile or his honey-pine scent and he follows the plan.

Tae will follow him into the park, pretending to be a tourist while Yoongi will be outside the park on one of the benches that line the opening with his laptop. He will keep his eyes on the surrounding area and Tae will be close by if something goes south. 

Jimin’s hair falls into his eyes, he will need to cut it soon, it is turning into a dark mullet. It is a far cry from his lavender hair he had months ago when he first met Jeongguk. 

He passes the playground—pups are running amuck with loud voices and bright eyes. People are snapping photos of the trees, of the river that runs through Kyoto and Jimin almost misses the branch underneath the Japanese maple.

The scent blooms and Jimin bites his tongue as he remembers his mother. Her scent, her gentleness and Souta is just a piece of shit for choosing this spot. The scent of his mother lingers around him and it shows him someone he already lost.

He swallows a growl as he sits down. The tree keeps everything shady, cool from the incoming summer heat in a month or so. He doesn’t know what he is looking for. He just knows this is the location Souta wrote. 

He glances down. The sunlight throws the shapes of leaves along the ground. The shadows dance in the wind and he blinks—his heart picking up as he mumbles, “Komorebi.” 

He looks up, slowly and his mouth parts in a sigh as he sees a small black bag hidden in the tree above. 

Komorebi. The sunlight that filters through leaves that create a play between light and shadows. Souta is such a son of a bitch. He hides the next clue, the next moment to find Jeongguk within the name of his own yakuza.

It is poetic. He will give that to Souta. The alpha did say Jimin can only survive in shadows. 

“Fuck.”

He stands, moving closer to the tree trunk because he is going to have climb this tree to get the bag. He sighs, looking over his shoulder before stepping up behind the tree and the growing shrubbery.

Jimin pulls himself up, his cheek knocking against the bark before he grabs the first branch and pulls himself up. He doesn’t look down, he doesn’t look away as he moves. Being slow will just grab people’s attention. He swings himself up onto another branch and then another until he touches the small back bag.

It is light.

He stuffs the handle into his mouth and his eyes catch the sunlight beyond the leaves—blue sky and warm sun. Something in him startles at the sight but he leans down onto the branch and jumps. 

He grunts, his feet meet the ground, the pain is more shocking than painful, he pulls the bag from his mouth and annoys the children who are looking at him with wide mouths and cheers. 

The pups must have seen him jumping from the tree. He looks at their tiny faces and he doesn’t smile but nods his head—leaving their tiny voices as he sees Tae snickering at the innocence of the children.

Jimin leaves the park. Yoongi is already gone from his spot and Jimin doesn’t hesitate as he opens the bag. A phone falls into his open palm. Simple, black and he opens it. There’s only one number programmed into it.

He tightens his grip on the phone, his stomach swoops but he sticks to the plan by meeting back at the hotel because he doesn’t know what is going to happen when he calls the number. 

“What is it?”

Jimin doesn’t even make it through the door of the room before Tae is before him. Jimin holds up the phone and Yoongi immediately tries to hack into it. No words need to be said.

Jimin hands the phone over and Yoongi plugs it into the laptop—Jimin moves to stand behind him, looking over his shoulders and Tae stands next to him. Their scents are cloying—bright and almost in a frenzy. 

“Call it.”

“On speaker,” Tae reminds him.

Jimin’s hands shake, his omega whimpers and growls, he almost feels light headed as he hits the call button. 

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

“Jimin-ah!” Souta's voice fills the room and Jimin growls—the sound echoes and Tae covers his ears.

“Now, now, that is no way to greet your soon-to-be husband,” the alpha starts, “Our wedding is next week!” He sings, “Did you forget?” 

“Shut the fuck up,” Jimin spits.

Souta’s voice drops, the alpha sighs, “Be careful omega, I have something of yours.” 

“I am going to kill you!”

Souta laughs, “Threats are unkind, Jimin.”

“It isn’t a threat.”

Souta goes quiet for a moment, he hums and then Souta begins walking, there is the sound of something opening and crackling, “I don’t have to kill the omega to hurt you, Jimin.”

Jimin’s breath catches, his scent burns and Jimin’s fingers tremble, his chest is rumbling, “What do you want?” He grits out, teeth bared as his voice sounds more animal than human. He stares down at the phone, wanting to throw it.

“You know what I want.”

Him.

Souta wants him like the knot head he is. He thinks Jimin is here because of a damn promise. An arrangement. or maybe Souta isn’t used to the word ‘no.’ 

“How do we know you haven’t killed him?” Tae asks and Jimin whirls his head around to the alpha, mouth parted and his chest cracks. 

Souta scoffs, “You want proof?” Souta not even caring that Tae is speaking and Jimin isn’t alone but then again, Souta is a lot of things but he isn’t a fool. 

“Pretty?”

“Don’t call me that,” Jimin hisses.

“Jimin. Jimin-ah, I am talking to the omega chained to my wall.”

Silence.

Silence.

Jimin doesn’t hear Yoongi cursing, Tae’s intake of a sharp breath or his own growling. He snaps, Tae pulls him to his chest before he can smash the phone, his vision bleeding blue as the call switches to video.

Yoongi answers the new call and the older alpha nods to his laptop—the phone call is on the bigger screen now and Jimin whimpers. Nothing could have stopped that sound from him.

Jeongguk is chained to a metal wall. His wrists are bleeding from pulling on the metal but his face is down like he is sleeping. His clothes are muddy but it is the blood along the shirt that has Jimin wiggling in Tae's arms.

“Darling—”

Souta steps closer, “Omega, speak.” His tone is harsh, Souta pushes the phone into Jeonggu’s face and he whimpers. The sound is so soft.

“Jeongguk?” Jimin speaks, he needs to see his face—he needs to see him, “Baby!”

The omega lifts his head; he doesn't even speak as he blinks his big doe eyes. There’s marks on his cheek and by his mouth, old blood coating his skin and bruising along his throat. 

Blue and purple fingertips along the love bites that Jimin left the night before. His mouth is swollen from a split lip but it is the deep marks along his face that look angry that has Jimin worried. 

“What did you do?” Jimin asks, his rage is boiling as Souta pulls the phone back from Jeongguk, flipping it and Jimin growls as he sees Souta’s smile.

“Nothing. Wanted to see if he put up a fight and…” His smile fades, “And imagine my surprise when I noticed how much he smelt like you,” the alpha shakes his head, his eyes burning red, “I just scented the poor omega as he screamed for you.”

Jimin elbows Tae, ripping the phone from where it is plugged into Yoongi’s laptop, “I am going to fucking kill you!” 

Sweat peppers down his spine, his eyes turn blue as he meets Souta’s alpha, his eyes red, through the phone, “I am going to chop your knot off!”

He hears Jeongguk’s little trill, it sounds so soft, so gentle as he calls for him and Jimin makes the sound back. He must get to him, he must save him—

“Do that again, Jimin-ah and it will be much worse for you…for him…” Souta growls, his eyes aren’t on the screen but over it, looking at Jeongguk and Souta licks his lips, “His scent is sweet…”

Jimin doesn’t like the way he says that. As if it is an invitation. As if Souta wants to taste Jeongguk again.  

Yoongi waves his hand, thumb up and he knows he has Jeongguk’s location, he wishes he could see Jeongguk again. His omega is pacing, roaring in him like a trapped animal. He can barely breathe, his breaths coming up in pants and barely-contained snarls.

Jimin is going to gut this alpha. Slowly. He can almost feel his knife biting into Souta’s skin—the way his knife will move like butter as blood bubbles up from the wound. Jimin feels gleeful at the idea of watching his blood hit the ground.

Souta’s voice cuts off his train of thought, “I am assuming you tracked the location,” he says, licking his lips, “Wear something nice when you come for Jeongguk. It might just be our mating after all.” He looks thoughtful, his teeth sharp and shiny. 

The call ends.

Jimin immediately turns to Yoongi, “Give me the location.”

“Hold on, Jimin.”

Jimin slams his hands down on the table, swiping Yoongi’s laptop off the table as he whispers, “Give. Me. The. Location.” Each word is punctuated with a snarl. His omega is completely in control. Fate be damned, Jimin is going to create his own.

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The warehouse looks golden in the evening sun. The rust is chipping off like sunrays and the windows hold back shadows. Jimin is calm as he takes in the building. Jeongguk is here somewhere. He is going to get him back. He takes a breath, his omega breathes in with him and he takes a step forward.

His heart is wild, his scent is overwhelming but he isn’t going to lose this fight. Yoongi is waiting for him down the road in a car along with Tae who is rambling on about needing more medical supplies. And Jimin, Jimin is here. He is getting his mate back.

He leaves his gun at his side, his knives hug his body as he steps through the smashed door—the place is huge, one room that is full of trash, metal and the ceiling is broken in spots. Sun drifts in like starlight on the broken glass. 

He tilts his head, narrowing his eyes as he scans the room. He inhales deeply, his omega is at the forefront and then it smells it.

Fear.

Burning sugar, an omega in distress and he moves—pulling his gun from the holster, he points it to the ground as he moves through the place. Jeongguk has been here for around ten hours at this point. The air is chilly, moldy and Souta’s scent still lingers amongst the place. The amount of pheromones he had to release to have it this strong is sickening.

Jimin shakes his head, his omega ready to pounce as he comes to the edge of one of the metal containers and he stops. It feels like lightning cracked through him as he spots Jeongguk.

The world stops, his world stops as he darts across the building, his scent bursts from him, calling out to the omega as he slides the last few feet to him, his knees digging into the mud and glass that lay shattered around Jeongguk. 

The omega looks worse than he did over the phone. Dried blood runs down his arms and neck. His hair is matted with sweat and Jimin reaches out for him, his body is shaking as if this is a dream. 

Jeongguk whimpers—the sound is loud, it echoes and he jolts back, his head hitting the wall and his spine glues itself back as his scent spikes from a lull into burning sugar and pine needles.

“Darling,” Jimin whispers, his voice breaking but he doesn’t touch Jeongguk. His hands hover just near his chest, waiting as the younger omega’s blue eyes soften. Jeongguk stares at him, mouth parted in shaky exhales, “Jimin?”

And for the first time since this all started, Jimin lets tears line his lashes and fall, “I’m sorry-y.” 

Jeongguk struggles against the chains again, whimpering, trilling, his voice breaking into hiccups, “Mud. Mud. Mud. Mud-d!”

Jimin stares at him. Jeongguk thrashes about and Jimin cups his cheeks, “Shhh, calm down for me. Calm down.” 

Jeongguk stops, he blinks when Jimin touches him and the older omega tries to smile, “Hey, sweetheart,” he whispers, tilting his head slightly, “I’m here. I’m here now. I am going to get you out of here-e,” he breathes out, his eyes scanning the chains with a frown.

“Mud.”

Jimin eyes flick back down to Jeongguk who is watching him with bright blue eyes, Jimin rubs the delicate skin underneath his eyes, mindful of the scratches along the side of his face. He bares his teeth at them. 

“Mmm-mud.”

Jimin snaps his attention to Jeongguk, tears are streaming off his lashes,  “What?” 

Jeongguk tilts his head, his scent gland is red—it looks painful, itchy and there’s a bruise on his ear like someone had their teeth on it. Jeongguk smells like Souta.

His heart clenches in his chest as he realizes that Jeongguk is saying he smells like the alpha, like the earth after it rains. Mud. Jimin has never thought about it that way before. 

Jimin swallows, “Want omega to scent you?”

This gets the biggest reaction out of Jeongguk so far. He throws his head back, baring his throat and Jimin quickly moves his hand behind Jenogguk’s head before it hits the wall again. He feels blood coat his palm and he swallows the guilt. He wonders how many times Jeongguk hit his head on the wall behind him, trying to get free or move from Souta.

“I’ll scent you, Jeongguk,” he leans closer, his eye catches his gun next to Jeongguk, making sure it is close by but first he is going to do this before he finds Souta.

Fuck it. 

“You’re okay, you are okay—” Jimin breathes, his mouth pressing into his scent gland and Jeongguk whimpers, he shakes as Jimin presses his cheek to the soft patch of skin until the younger omega’s head falls to his shoulder.

Pepper and jasmine is pressed into Jeongguk’s skin and Jimin lets his eyes slip shut and he loses himself in scenting him. Just for a moment. He keeps his hold on him gentle, feather-like presses against his sensitive skin and he inhales the honey-pine that had him in a chokehold from the start.  

It doesn’t matter how they got here because Jimin is going to take him from this place. He exhales and Jeongguk makes a gentle sound from the back of his throat. Jimin nuzzles closer, his fingertips slipping to his ruined shirt. The fabric is still soft. 

Jeongguk’s scent mellows out. Honey, honey, honey and he doesn’t stop the chirp that comes out. He embraces it. His lips pressing to the scent gland and he mumbles, “Mate.”

It feels right.

He wonders if they are true mates. He wonders if this is how his parents felt. He wonders. He wonders and he stops wondering when Jeongguk speaks, “Mate.”

Jimin pulls back, his eyes are a little hazy as he looks into Jeongguk’s. The blue is fading to his dark browns. He looks more clear-eyed now. 

“Yes, baby. Mate,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to his temple. 

Jimin tips Jeongguk’s head to the right and then the left with his fingers on his chin, his scent grows darker at all the damage. He needs to get him home now. 

“It’s so nice of you to join us!”

Jimin whirls around, his knees shaking as he grabs his gun and stands in front of Jeongguk. He growls, “I am going to kill you!” He points the gun at Souta. His hand is steady, his heart is shaking and he snarls as the alpha steps closer.

“But you won’t.”

“Fuck you!”

Souta laughs, “I wanted too,” he sighs, scanning Jimin up and down, “…and I think we would have been possible but fate fucked me over,” he breathes out, “But…no matter. We can solve it now.”

“What?”

Souta shakes his head, petrichor blooms in the air and Jeongguk gags behind him. The younger omega whines, the sound of chain moving and spiked honey as Jimin wants to rush to him, calm him again but he doesn’t take his eyes from the alpha.

He rolls his eyes, “Come on, Jimin…” he sighs, running his hand through his hair, his other hand is holding a gun much like Jimin’s own, “If you didn’t meet him,” his eyes flick behind him to where Jeongguk hisses, “I think we would have mated. Maybe not soon but you wanted the Lotus. Our families have merged. I think I could have won you but, like I said, fate brought him into the picture.” 

Jimin laughs, the sound is deep, humorless, “I would have never mated you. Regardless, if I met Jeongguk or not.” Jimin takes a step back, his shoe hitting Jeongguk’s bare foot and Souta tracks the movement. 

Jimin may have wanted the Lotus. It is a part of him. It always will be and maybe, just maybe Jimin would have never wanted to leave his family, his yakuza if he didn’t meet Jeongguk but he knows he would never have looked Souta’s way. 

Fate has been kind to Jimin. So fucking kind. 

“You know,” Jimin whispers, “I am guessing no one has ever told you ‘no’ before,” Jimin grins, flashing the alpha a bright smile, “No. No, I won’t mate you.”

Souta growls, it is low and menacing, “The Lotus?”

Jimin shrugs, “Not your business,” he sighs, lowering the gun, “Since you are going to die.”

Souta’s growls echo but Jimin puts his gun in his holster and moves—he darts out, ramming into Souta, his arms knocking his gun out of the way as they both fall into the mud. Jeongguk screams but Jimin doesn’t look over at the younger omega.

Souta’s eyes are burning red. Jeongguk is right, the alpha’s scent is really like mud and he wonders if Jeongguk will hurt each time it rains now because of his actions. Because Jimin didn’t keep him safe. 

The omega snarls, pulling the knife from his waist, twirling it before slamming it down into Souta’s hand, his palm breaks with blood and a crack and the alpha howls. Jimin straddles the alpha, pulling out another blade and placing it along the front of his throat. The knife slicing his skin each time he swallows. 

Souta kicks, he wiggles and Jimin presses the knife harder, “You know what I think?” He whispers, voice low and tempering on a growl, “No one knows you are here. I bet your daddy is gonna be really mad when I return your body.”

“Fuck you!” The alpha screams, throwing his head back only to smash it forward. Jimin grunts as the alpha headbutts him—his ears ringing, teeth clenching as he finds himself staring up at the alpha and the broken ceiling. 

The knife that was in Souta’s hand is now patting his cheek, the alpha’s bloody hand is cupping his jaw and Jimin shivers. He twitches, legs kicking out as he struggles underneath the alpha.

“Good omega,” Souta whispers, his breath exploding from his mouth, spit foaming as he gazes down at Jimin.

Jimin’s heart slumps against his chest, his omega whines, its teeth bared as he stares up at him and he is scared. Jimin is fucking scared. 

Souta leans down, drinking in his scent of pepper as he nuzzles into his neck and Jimin snarls. The sound shocks even himself as he twists and turns.

Jeongguk whines, screaming for him—his voice breaking on each sound of his name.

“You aren’t as good as you think you are, Jimin-ah—” Souta hisses, his alpha is at the forefront, “…but you are mine,” he whispers, his mouth sucking on his ear.

Jimin whimpers. He doesn’t mean to do it but the sound escapes him, his heart is pounding in his ears and he wiggles his arms from being pinned just as Souta pulls down his shirt by his neck. 

Jimin’s scent explodes in fear. Black pepper. 

“I’ll do—” Jeongguk screams, “I’ll do anything!”

Jimin turns his head, looking at the younger omega, “I’ll do anything. Please-e. Please, let him go…” he sobs out, tears streaking down his face along with blood and dirt.

Jimin twists again, reaching out to Jeongguk when he feels Souta’s tongue on his scent gland. It burns. 

“Fuck!” Jimin snarls and he barely moves to the side fast enough before Souta’s teeth sink into his shoulder instead. 

It’s agony. Pure agony as Souta bites him. His omega is thrashing in him, he snarls as he smashes his elbow into Souta’s temple. The alpha yelps, releasing him.  

Jimin knees him, putting space between them for Jimin to flip them. Souta’s back hits the ground and Jimin slaps him. The alpha growls but Jimin is faster. He pulls his last knife on his body and it hits Souta’s throat. 

They both look at each other in surprise and Jimin laughs. He laughs at Souta’s shocked face. He laughs at fate. He laughs in pain.

He leans down, his knees digging into the earth, thighs tight along the man’s waist, “Your first mistake was thinking that I would mate you because of my father,” he whispers, his lip brushing along his cheek, “Your second was taking my mate,” he snaps his teeth on the last word, pressing the knife in harder and Souta screams as the scent of blood blooms.

Jimin giggles, he sighs deeply before lifting his head, he stares down at the thrashing alpha, “And your third mistake was thinking you could take me down alone.” 

Jimin’s omega is growling in his chest, snarling at the alpha and Jimin’s vision is almost blue but doesn’t look away from Souta—he stares into his brown eyes, he inhales his scent of mud and he knows by killing this alpha, he is going to make his life harder. Jimin will have to take over the Lotus.

His heart aches. He can’t think about this right now. He just needs to get Jeongguk into his nest, cleaned and taken care of. He can think about everything else tomorrow.

“Look away, sunshine,” Jimin calls out, his voice soft and Souta’s eyes turn wide. His mouth parts but Jimin has already sliced his knife along his neck. 

It is quiet for a moment of time before bubbling blood pours from the alpha and Jimin stares until he swears the last of the light leaves the man’s eyes. His face is spotless but Jimin’s eyes drift lower to the mess on his neck. 

And like anything else on earth, it is quick—a moment in time as fate delivers her sentence to Souta and ultimately Jimin. 

Jimin drops the knife, his hands and fingers are red but he moves back, swiping around Souta’s body until he pulls the key for the chain around Jeongguk’s wrists. He moves. His heart pounding as he whirls around to Jeongguk.

The younger omega’s face is turned, his eyes closed tightly and his scent is burning honey and smoky pine. Jimin falls before him, leaning up to unlock the chains around the younger’s wrists. Jeongguk gasps, hiding his face in Jimin’s chest as he inhales his scent.

“Min-ah—” his voice is soft, breathy.

“I am here, baby. I’m here,” Jimin whispers, as the first chain falls and Jimin quickly moves to the other one as Jeongguk whines, his breath labored.

The chains hit the ground with a thunk into the soft mud and Jimin pulls Jeongguk into his chest, he is breathless, sweaty but shakes as he rocks Jeongguk back and forth. He presses his lips to the crown of his head and breathes in his sweet, sweet scent. 

“I’m sorry, moonbeam—” Jeongguk mumbles, voice thick with tears.

It aches. Jimin’s chest aches to hear those words, he shakes his head, pulling back to cup his cheeks, “You have nothing to be sorry for-r—” his voice cracks and Jimin closes his eyes and he shakes as he sees Souta’s blood on Jeongguk’s face now, “I’m sorry, darling. I am so fucking sorry!”

Jimin can’t even look at him. The warehouse is dark now. The sun has set and Jimin needs to move—he needs to move. He takes a steady breath but not before kissing his lips to Jeongguk’s temple, “Let’s go.”

Jeongguk mumbles, “I’m okay, me’s okay.”

Jimin wants to crumble to the ground and sob. He is far from okay. He is beaten, bruised, bleeding and worse. Jimin’s omega is wailing inside of him as he wraps his arm around Jeongguk’s waist. 

They leave the warehouse, Souta and everything that could have broken them. Jeongguk is leaning heavily on him, his scent is more mellow but there’s still that underlying hint of distressed omega. Jimin feels feral. 

“Jimin!”

The older omega grunts as he sees Tae and Yoongi who is stepping out of the car. They must have driven closer to the warehouse as time went on. Tae is running over, his face is scrunched into doctor mode as he scans over Jeongguk.

He whines, it is high pitched and Jimin, baring his teeth at Tae—at the two alphas who wants to help but Jeongguk begins shaking, teeth chattering and as he stares wide-eyed at his friends.

“It’s okay, baby. I promise. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Jimin whispers, nuzzling his cheek with his own, “You know that, right?”

Jeongguk blinks, he chirps, breathing out his name like he is making a wish at the end of the omega sound and Jimin looks back to Tae who is stepping closer, slower than last time. 

“Hey, Gguk,” Tae whispers.

The younger omega looks at him before turning his head into Jimin’s neck and Tae just grins, and Jimin sighs as they move into the car. It is clean, there’s a blanket that they stole from the hotel and Jimin can barely move as they get into the car, settling down as Jeongguk keeps himself glued to him.

But it is fine. It is perfect. 

“It’s done?” Yoongi asks, getting behind the wheel, his eyes are dark as they meet Jimin’s in the mirror. 

“Yes.”

He nods and Tae immediately pulls his phone to his ear, “Seokjin? We need help…”

Jimin tunes out the conversation. He can hear Jin yelling and he almost smirks but he catches Jeongguk watching him from his face on his shoulder, “You should be resting.”

Jeongguk’s lips twitch like he wants to smile, “I love you.” 

Jimin feels on fire. He feels like he can do anything and he will have a lot to do but not right now, not now. His heart jumps in his chest and his scent blooms into jasmine as he whispers, “I—”

“Not yet.”

Jimin bites his lips, leaning down to press his lips to Jeongguk’s cheek as the younger omega whispers, “Not yet-t…not in this way.” 

“Okay,” he mumbles into his skin and Jeongguk relaxes then, his body sags against him and Jimin can’t tear his eyes from him. He doesn’t want to look away from the sunshine in the middle of the night. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“This is going to sting,” Tae says, his mouth is sat in a firm line as he looks at his shoulder. The bite is bloody and that is all Jimin wants to see of it for now. Jimin nods but he never looks away from Jeongguk. The omega has bandages along his wrists, his neck and his hair is messy at the back from Tae cleaning away the blood. 

Jimin hisses and Jeongguk growls. 

The sound makes Tae slow his movement, “I have to clean it, Jeongguk,” Tae smiles, there’s an obvious smile in his voice, “Don’t get all growly.”

Jeongguk looks away, there is color to his cheeks again and Jimin wants to scent the poor omega. His pepper and jasmine flies into the floor and Tae sighs.

“I’m okay, darling.”

Jeongguk stiffens, his eyes flickering from the bite to his eyes and back to the bite as he frowns, a rumbling in his chest as his eyes flash blue for a moment. Jeongguk clearly does not like the bite mark. 

It is almost cute. Jeongguk’s pouting. If it weren’t for the pain. The memories of the last day that weighs on them both and Jimin gives the younger omega a gentle smile as Tae works on him.

The hotel isn't the best but it is better than hiding out in the car for the night. Come tomorrow, they will all have choices to make and Jimin isn’t ready. He isn’t ready to face his father nor is he ready to go back to Tokyo.

“Play nice, you both!” Tae sing-songs, “No sex just yet!” The alpha giggles, leaving the hotel room to go across the hall to his room with a grumpy Yoongi. 

The silence doesn’t exist with them anymore. Jeongguk is in his lap within a second after the door closes, Jimin’s head hits the headboard and they are left in the dim light of the lamp across the room. 

Jeongguk nuzzles the white bandage around his shoulder and neck. Gentle presses of his nose as he tries to press his scent into him, “Mine,” he whispers.

Jimin’s eyes slip shut, his heart is in a lull as he wraps his arms around his waist, his fingers pressing into skin and he tugs Jeonghuk closer. Their chests meeting, their hearts touching and Jimin nuzzles into his neck.

“Yours,” Jimin whispers back, tightening his grip on the other omega as he lets Jeongguk do whatever he wants. 

Jeongguk’s hand slips into his hair, his fingertips dancing along his scalp and he inhales. Deep breaths of his scent and Jimin bites his lip, looking to the yellow light of the lamp to hold back his tears.

Jeongguk makes a small chirping sound, each breath getting deeper and slower until a purr starts up. The omega scents him, up and down the bandage until he is wiggling in his lap as his free hand falls along his back. 

“Thank you,” Jeongguk whispers, the words are a little desperate with the purring from his chest. Jeongguk presses his lips to the scent gland on his neck. 

Jimin shakes, his body is aching because why is he thanking him? He wouldn’t be hurt if it wasn’t for him. He would be safe. He would be happy! 

His breathing changes, his lungs and throat burn as tears clog his chest and Jeongguk pulls back. Jimin turns his face to the side, he looks at the windows with their curtains drawn. The fabric is a deep green. It looks scratchy and a little sun damaged. 

“Look at me, Min-ah,” Jeongguk cups his cheeks but doesn’t force him to turn. He waits. He gives Jimin every single second he needs. 

It hurts. It hurts so much and Jimin doesn’t want it to stop. His chest is heavy. He swallows, blinking fast as he tugs on Jeongguk’s shirt. 

They both got cleaned up the best they could in the small bathroom earlier—mostly Jeongguk as he was covered in dirt and Tae took extra care in that moment. While all Jimin could do was watch blood and mud slip from his body as Jeongguk sobbed. 

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Jimin whispers, his voice cracks and he looks at Jeongguk, finally letting their eyes meet and the younger omega is watery, “I am so sorry, sunshine. Fuck.”

And Jimin breaks. He falls apart in Jeongguk’s arms and he can’t stop. He can’t stop the guilt, the pain and the love. He can’t stop the love he feels for him.

Jimin buries his face into Jeongguk’s chest, he cries and cries. Wetting Jeongguk’s shirt, his fingers digging into the fabric and his heart doesn’t calm. It spills from him.

“It’s okay, baby,” Jeongguk whispers, his fingers gently untangling knots in his hair. His scent of honey is sweet and flowing like a spilled jar. 

Jimin pulls back and looks at Jeongguk—his gaze dances to each bruise, cut or bandage. He shakes his head, “How can you say that?” His voice is rough, raw and tears and snot cover his face and neck.

Jeongguk smiles. It’s a soft one. Gentle. The room is still, washed in yellow and Jimin bares his heart out but Jeongguk cradles it. He holds it close and smiles. 

“I made my choices, hyung,” Jeongguk whispers, leaning closer and Jimin watches Jeongguk’s own set of tears blink from his eyelashes like raindrops, “You are not—” he takes a breath, “When I decided to come to you during your heat…I knew what I was choosing. Not just you,” he says, letting their noses brush, “But the life you have lived.”

Jimin swallows, the hurt, the worry as his heart constricts in his chest—their scents are mixing and he inhales, their breath mingling, “I want you to be safe. I want….” He closes his eyes, cupping Jeongguk’s neck and jaw, “I want so much with you.”

“Your sunflower garden?”

Jimin chokes on a laugh, it is wet as he nods, their foreheads meeting, “I want to see how you will decorate your studio.”

“Too much black and purple,” he smiles, eyes blooming, “You’ll have to remind me it is for photography and needs to be bright.”

“I’ll remind you, baby.”

“But our room can have lots of purple?”

Jimin pulls back, just a few inches and he can taste the younger omega’s honey on his tongue. He looks so stunning. Even with the marks along his cheeks, his bruised lip and tear coated lashes. He is beautiful.

It hurts in so many beautiful ways. 

“You know I have to go back to the Lotus.”

Jeongguk bites his lip, and Jimin uses his thumb to tug it free, “Don’t do that.” 

They both fall quiet. Jimin looks back towards the window as rain hits the glass like tiny music trying to create a soundtrack for the moment. Jeongguk tucks his head into his neck and inhales and Jimin slips his hand into his dark strands and keeps him there.

“I’ll come with you,” Jeongguk whispers, his knees shifting on each side of him as he settles closer on his lap and Jimin drops his hands to his waist.

“Baby…”

“No,” Jeonggguk mumbles, his scent strengthening like a beehive in spring, “I am coming.”

This scares the shit of Jimin. He can’t imagine Jenogguk within the walls of the Lotus. Around gunpowder, weapons, smirks and people looking for the next easy mark. He can’t see Jeongguk standing next to his father but Jimin can see one thing—he can see Jeongguk standing next to him. 

If there is one thing Jimin has learnt…it is that Jeongguk can make his own choices.

“You can come—”

“Moonbeam!” Jeongguk says, his nose scrunching up, the mole underneath his lip shows itself like a fallen star.

“Sunshine,” Jimin counters.

Jimin watches as Jeongguk pulls his necklace out from underneath his shirt and he doesn’t wait for Jimin—his warm hands pull on the chain from the collar of his own shirt and the charms meet. 

It makes Jimin want to give Jenogguk more gifts. He still wants to court him, love him, and so much more. His heart feels huge, he grins looking down at the tiny moon and sun. 

Jimin’s eyes flutter, watching Jeongguk for a moment, soaking in the beautiful omega before he asks something else of the other. Something that will be the best for them both. Even if it hurts for a little while. 

“You know that…” he starts, clearing his throat, “…I killed Souta.”

Jeongguk nods, his smile fading as his lips form a firm line, his scent burning at the sound of the alpha’s name and Jimin takes a deep breath, “I will have to help Jin with taking over the Lotus now and I want to send you to our house. Our home,” he whispers the last of those words, his ears burning. 

Jeongguk’s scent burns, from sweet honey to roasting pine needles and burning sugar as the omega makes a growling sound, eyes narrowing, “Mmmm.” 

“Darling,” Jimin can’t help but smile at the pouting omega. His own omega is begging to scent him but Jimin sighs, touching his cheek gently before tucking a piece of hair behind Jeongguk’s ear. 

“I make my own—”

“Choices. Your own choices. I know, my love.” 

Jeongguk’s cheeks flush at the pet name and Jimin’s heart skips a beat at the sight, “You will come back with me to Tokyo and I will talk to my father but then I want you to go get our house ready,”  Jimin finishes.

They stare at one another. Everything is warm—the yellow light from the lamp, the blankets under them, Jeongguk in his lap and their mingling breath and scents. Their omegas see each other as mates. It is so clear. 

Jimin tilts his head, he gives Jeongguk a soft smile as he smooths his shirt down his back, repeating the motion over and over as Jeongguk frowns, his eyes shiny because Jeongguk isn’t dumb. He knows why he wants to send him to Busan before him. It will keep him safe. 

Jimin tears his eyes from his, they move to his neck, his collarbones and to the piece of hair sticking up on the back of Jeongguk’s head like a cow licked him just to see if he tastes as sweet as he smiles. 

“For how long?”

The question snaps Jimin out of his thoughts. He meets Jeongguk gaze and the younger omega is waiting, kind and open. Jimin licks his lips, “Months.”

“Months,” Jeongguk echoes.

It would take him months to get everything settled. He killed the next leader of a yakuza. He made a mess of things because he is in love. And gods, he is in love.

“I’ll come to you. I will always find you,” Jimin whispers. 

Jeongguk doesn’t speak for a moment and Jimin watches their shadows dance on the wall before a question is whispered like a lull in the sea, “Will you find me tomorrow?” 

“Yes.”

“And the tomorrow after?”

Jimin nods, “Every single one.”

Jeongguk leans forward and kisses him. It isn’t full of passion or depth. It is more than a peck, it is a little like love and all the mess in between and Jimin wouldn’t have it any other way. 

He kisses Jeongguk for each hurt, each joy and tear. He kisses him until their lips are pink and bruised. He keeps the omega close as the lights are turned down, the blankets are around them and Jeongguk’s breathing evens out and Jimin feels each puff of warm breath on his face as they face each other. 

Jimin stares at his face and he thinks back to when Jeongguk told him how sunflowers face each other in the dark as he snuggles in closer to the other omega and he swears he hears Jeongguk whisper to him but he is too far into sleep to hear the words. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

“This is him?”

Jimin sighs, as he shuts the door to Jin’s office. Jeongguk is standing next to him—standing might not be the word as Jeongguk is shifting on his feet, his fingers are tapping on his leg as he looks at Jin with wide eyes.

Jeongguk is anxious. Maybe it was the group of alphas when they walked into the building or the way Jimin threw a knife at the knotheads. Maybe it was Tae whispering about all the weapons Jimin can hide on his body. Jimin swears he saw Jeongguk turn red and his scent spiked in sweetness.

“This is Jeon Jeongguk.”

The younger omega bows, Jimin keeps a hand on his back as he says, “It is nice to meet you.”

Jin waves him off, coming out from around his desk and Jimin is glad the curtains are shut so he doesn’t have to see the windows of his father’s office, “Don’t bow to me, kid. Anyone who helps kill off that sick Komorebi alpha is a friend to me.”

Jeongguk blinks, his eyes are huge and he looks at Jimin. 

Fuck, he is endearing. It makes Jimin’s heart race, “He means Souta, baby.”

Jeongguk whips his head around, “I didn’t help kill-l—”

“From what Tae and Jimin have told me, you did a lot and I thank you for that,” Jin bows, it is a quick thing but he bows and Jimin can’t keep his mouth from dropping open.

“You never bowed to me!”

“You are much too annoying for me to bow to.”

Jimin scoffs, his lips twitching into a smile as he leads Jeongguk closer to Jin and the center of the room where they all sit in the three plush chairs—it seems like Jin is already redecorating the place. 

“How did Souta’s father take the news?” Jimin asks and Jeongguk reaches out and links their pinky fingers. 

Jin smiles, it is barely there but he smiles something very gentle, “Better than I hoped but there’s not much he can do. He kidnapped Jeongguk without permission, he left half a dozen bodies of our men dead when he left here to get to Kyoto when they heard that Souta was coming after you and he tried to kill you.”

Jimin swallows, “And my father?” 

It is a loaded question. It is a painful one. One that Jimin is ready to face head on and not through a letter this time. Jeongguk’s scent blooms and Jimin turns to him, breathing in the sweetness and he smiles at the younger omega. They both talked a little more last night before sleeping—things like hopes and fears.

Jimin bites his lip, tilting his head slightly and Jeongguk cups the back of his neck, his thumb pressing into his scent gland. It is enough for now. Jeongguk will always be enough. 

Jimin exhales as he looks towards the alpha. He wonders if Jin knows that Jimin will hand the Lotus over to him. It was always the plan but now that Souta is gone…Jin will rule alone.

“You know…” Jin sighs, he doesn’t beat around the bush and it is always something Jimin has liked about the man, “He has weeks…days…at most.” The alpha leans closer, his elbows on his knees as he waits, watching Jimin and it is crazy how they are not bickering.

No remarks or jokes. Just silence and patience. Just understanding.

Jimin doesn’t know what he will say to his father. There’s so much anger. It bubbles in him as he thinks of everything his father tried to do. He wanted him to mate—his stomach turns, a cold sweat slips along his palm and he wonders if maybe fate had this plan along. 

He met Jeongguk. He fell in love. He has never been stronger emotionally. 

“I want to see him,” he breathes out, lifting his eyes from the floor, not even realizing he was looking down. His heart thuds, it pounds in nerves and something like love.

“Then go. You know where he is,” Jin says, there is kindness in his eyes, his scent is mellow but there is something like pride in the way he is looking at him. 

“We still have so much to talk about,” Jimin says, standing as his heart tries to leave the room before him.

“And we will.”

He doesn’t know how he will ever thank this man and Jin groans, “Don’t get all emotional with me, you are so annoying now that you are in love,” he chuckles, throwing his head back but his gaze lands on Jeongguk. 

The younger omega’s leg is bouncing up and down but he is looking up at him. His eyes hold stars in them, “I will be okay here. Go talk to him.”

Jimin steps closer, his knee hitting the bouncing leg and Jimin leans down, cupping his cheeks as he watches those starry eyes widen, “Before we leave I want you to meet him,” Jimin whispers.

He watches his mouth part, the healing marks on his cheek that look pink and red but he tears his eyes from them as Jeongguk mumbles, “Okay.” 

“This is sick!” Jin yells, standing, his scent betrays him as the room blooms in happiness, “Go on, Jimin! I’ll watch your omega,” Jin shoos him away before. The alpha looks over at Jeongguk with a face-spilting grin, “Do you like fishing, kid?”

Jeongguk blinks, “No.”

Jin scoffs, “The youth of today! Next you’ll tell me you hate sunlight and play games all night.”

Jeongguk’s mouth twitches, “I do prefer nights. I love nighttime photography.”  

“Do you like beer?”

The younger omega nods and Jin cheers, “Maybe this will work out.”

Jimin smiles, pulling back from Jeongguk who is bickering with Jin over beer brands and Jimin leans back down quickly, scenting his temple before he takes a step back. He doesn’t get far, Jeongguk’s hand grabs the edge of his shirt and butterflies explode in his chest.

He looks at the younger omega, he is smiling, “I’ll be there soon.”

“Yeah! I’ll bring your lover boy! Don’t worry.”

Jimin rolls his eyes, he can’t stop smiling, not even as Jeongguk lets his finger hook into the loop of his jeans before Jimin leaves the room to face his father for the last time. Jimin isn’t going to back down, he isn’t going to fight…he is going to meet his father and not the feared yakuza leader.

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The Japanese maples are fading as summer creeps closer. Jimin steps closer, their pretty leaves still there, just bare spots along the branches that let the sunlight dance through. Jimin doesn’t say anything as he stands next to his father’s chair. It is plush, red fabric and flowers decorating the back and sides with roots growing down the fabric. 

“It is getting warmer,” Jimin says, looking up at the maples and he stops his eyes from slipping shut as he inhales. The fresh scent calms his heart. His mother’s scent. 

His father hums, he shifts in his chair but he doesn’t look at Jimin, just stares out into the courtyard, “Jimin-ah.”

Jimin swallows the knot in his throat, his chest aches as he says, “Father.”

Silence. 

The day moves on—wind, the branches above, the sun and the clouds shift as cheers echo from across the yard of their men laughing, probably coming from the practice rooms. The day moves and Jimin’s heart is steady, there’s a tiny flame flickering in his body, more of a spark than a flame. 

So, he moves. 

He stands before his father, looking down at him, “I’m back.”

HIs father smiles, it isn’t gentle or kind but it is a smile, his scent is so weak, “I would say that I am shocked, especially after reading the letter you left me but…” he lifts his head, his eyes casting shadows as he watches the trees, “After everything I have heard from Jin. I am glad you came back.”

“Not forever.”

The words leave Jimin in a rush. He is here to say goodbye but to also let his father see that maybe he is more like his mother than either of them ever thought could be possible. He is here to fix things before he starts living.

“This is it then? You are leaving?”

Jimin’s hand shakes, the knives that cover his body are useless now but he has learned to use other things than weapons and threats and jokes. He kneels down, bowing his head, “Fate is a funny thing.”

Sato Ren laughs—it is breathy and also crooked but he laughs, "Raise your head. You don’t bow to anyone. You are the leader of the Lotus…” he says, the words a whisper as he adds, “For however long you wish to be.” 

Jimin nods, blinking quickly as he looks up, “Seokjin will be a better leader. A stronger one. Someone who wants it.” 

“You used to want it.”

There’s a question in that phrase, something harsh and gentle all at once, “I didn’t expect to change,” Jimin starts, his scent strengthening. The pepper notes pop within his jasmine scent, “…I didn’t expect a lot of things. I didn’t expect to fall in love with walking down the street without looking over my shoulder. I didn’t think I would love tiny cafes and looking at art and watching the sun set, or making ramen at midnight with no lights on just the refrigerator door open and someone laughing at me because I overfilled the water in the ramen cups…” Jimin spills out, the words flowing and landing around them, “I didn’t expect to want a garden or to come home to him,” his voice breaks. 

His father’s eyes are shaking, his throat bobbing, “Fuck, you look so much like her right now.”

“I didn’t want to fall for him but I did,” he quickly wipes his eyes, breathing hard through his nose.

“I just wanted you to be safe.”

Jimin nods, he knows, he knows this, “I would have never mated Souta.”

“Death does awful things to people,” Ren exhales, looking back at the Japanese maple. 

Jimin also knows this. He couldn’t imagine living without Jeongguk and they aren’t even mated with bites yet. He wonders if he would also lose a little bit of himself. He also hopes that he won’t—that he and Jeongguk will live long and safe lives. 

“Do you want to meet him?” Jimin asks.

Ren looks at him then. His father is so pale, the mating bite on his neck is gone and Jimin isn't ready for a funeral. He isn’t ready to see another death so soon. 

“Your omega?”

Jimin’s face flushes at his words and his father laughs, “I still talk to Jin, daily.”

“Should have known he would rat me out,” Jimin chuckles, shaking his head with a scoff.

“You better stop complaining about Jin and introduce me to this young man behind you.”

Jimin snaps his attention to Jeongguk. He is standing about ten feet away and Jimin feels all the air leave his lungs as he looks at him. The sun is making shades of blue and red appear in his hair, his cheeks are rosy, his eyes are huge as he shifts from foot to foot. 

His gentle honey and pine scent blooms around them. Even his father looks a little in awe, a little less like the former leader of the Louts so Jimin stands.

“Darling,” he says, holding out his hand and Jeongguk doesn’t hesitate as he jogs over. Jeongguk grabs his fingers, squeezing them before their fingers interlock and Jimin can’t take his eyes from the younger omega.

“It is nice to meet you,” Jeongguk says, his voice stuttering a little but his scent is clear as he bows to his father.

“So, you are the man who turned my son’s world upside down.”

Jeongguk blinks, once, twice before his bunny smile appears, “That’s me!”

“It is more like he set my world on fire…” Jimin says, cheekily, and his omega is so happy in his chest as he looks at Jeongguk who just rolls his eyes.

“You were holding matches and waiting for something to catch fire and burn around you,” the younger omega giggles, swinging their hands. 

Jimin sputters.

Ren laughs.

Jeongguk bows again, before standing up straight, “Don’t worry, I think he doesn’t like to hold matches anymore so I will make sure he doesn’t start any more fires.”

Jimin sighs, pulling Jeongguk close and wrapping him up in his arms and Jeongguk leans back against his chest, “My love, the only thing I want is a life with you.”

Jeongguk lets his head fall back, it hits Jimin’s cheek and side of his head, “Is that a promise?”

“Yes.”

There is much work to be done. Questions left to find answers to and emotions for Jimin to understand but he looks at his father who is smiling at Jeongguk and then at the huge maple tree. Jimin has never been more excited for the future. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Six Months Later 

 

“It is your last day,” Tae says in mid-yawn, “You think you’d look happier.” 

Jimin whirls around, his scent spikes and he growls. Tae just holds out his hands in peace, shrugging his shoulders as he rolls across Jimin’s bed, barely missing the bag Jimin is trying to pack.

“I am happy!”

It has been six months since the day by the maple trees with his father. A lot has happened. The transition of power from Jimin to Seokjin was seamless. The alpha was basically running the place anyway. Only in name did it seem like the Lotus was Jimin’s but that soon changed as well.

There were fights, clearing out the men who were still loyal to Souta. Some nights Jimin went back to his apartment bleeding, bruised, his heart aching for the softness of Jeongguk but Jimin knew sending the other omega to Busan was the right choice. Even if it hurt them both. 

Day by day, month by month everything changed—the day his father died was one of the hardest. It was the end of not just his father’s life but the truly the end of the life Jimin had in Japan.

Jeongguk left for Busan a week after the death of his father. It was a moment of weakness for the Lotus and Jimin wanted him far away from any wars or gangs thinking they could tear them down with the change of power. 

Jimin has hated the time apart from Jeongguk and he knows the other omega feels the same way. The distance hurts but Jimin’s peace of mind and listening to Jeongguk tell him about the house or the studio or the new clients he has gotten made it all worth it.

Yoongi is with Jeongguk—the younger omega has told him he loves Yoongi’s cooking and getting on his nerves. He smiles at that. He knows that Tae is missing the other alpha. 

“You look grumpy.” 

“It is four in the morning and we both need to leave to go to the airport so I can—”

“Make it to Busan before Jeongguk’s heat starts,” Tae says, looking down into Jimin’s half empty bag because truly, he doesn’t need anything. He just needs Jeongguk.

“He was there for me during my heat!”

“You still haven’t thanked me for that!”

Jimin groans, tugging on his hair as he throws in two of his favorite shirts and a few CDs he made for Jeongguk on the nights he missed him the most. He looks down in the bag. There’s some clothes, a photo of his parents, CDs and his laptop and chargers.

He doesn’t need much. He is starting over. He will just be Park Jimin. 

He doesn’t know how to feel. With the money from working at the Lotus and the money his father left him, he doesn’t have to work in his lifetime but he wants to find something to do. 

He’s got all the time in the world to find out now.

He zips up the bag and leaves his room—he doesn’t look back, he doesn’t stare at the large windows in the living areas or the boxes by the door for Jin to worry about as the apartment now belongs to the Lotus.

He hears the saying, “Finally.”

Jimin smirks, “Finally,” he agrees, his omega is clawing at his chest because they are going to see their omega. 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

The house is more beautiful in person. Jimin stands outside of the door, Tae dropping him off and Yoongi handing him the key to the house, his own set of keys to his home. The door is painted bright yellow, there is a swing on the porch and flower pots with green plants with browning leaves from the incoming winter.

There’s a chill in the air, salt and the sound of the ocean isn’t far off and Jimin stares at the door for a moment, then to the keys in his hands and back to the door—he can’t believe he is here.

When Jeongguk asked him if he believed in fate over half a year ago, he said he didn’t know but now he is standing in the proof of the word—of the universe and the poetic nonsense called love.

He takes a deep breath before opening the door with his set of keys. There's a keychain of a sunflower on it and he knows Jeongguk is the reason for its existence. He steps through the threshold and his omega howls in his chest. 

Honey. Pure sweet, sweet, honey.

Jeongguk is definitely in pre-heat. Jimin lets his bag hit the floor with a thud as he takes a step and then another into the house. It is almost eight in the morning. Sun is beaming through the windows.The place is bright, airy but also cozy. 

There’s a huge sofa, a tiny nest in the corner and a TV that hangs on the wall. The walls are painted white, the floors are hardwood throughout the house and Jimin peers into the kitchen and it is clean, well-loved and has three packs of ramen on the counter for easy access. 

He shakes his head, his scent is blooming as his omega pushes him to follow the scent of honey. He climbs the stairs and walls are covered in photographs. Jimin can’t help but smile as he passes them all. Ones of the sea, the beach, a starfish, the night sky and the moon. 

He peers into one room that has a desk, film and so many cameras. Jimin bites his lips, happiness is going to spill from him soon if he doesn’t get ahold of himself. He steps back from the room and toward the last bedroom in the house.

Honey seems to be dripping from this door. It is open, sunlight spills from it into the hallway and Jimin steps into the omega’s room. Into their room. The walls are a light purple, almost the same shade as his hair when they met. There are  fairy lights above the bed and a huge nest of blankets.

Jimin leans against the door. He spots his old leather jacket at the head of the bed next to some pillows. His scent spikes—pepper and jasmine. 

There’s a soft sound from the nest, a little rumble before Jeongguk’s head appears from a blanket at the center of the bed. He blinks slowly at Jimin. His hair is longer, there’s no bandages or blood on his face. Just a tiny scar on his cheekbone as a reminder of Souta.

Jeongguk smiles, all soft, eyes twinkling as a chirp bursts from his chest and Jimin can’t stop himself from calling back out to the omega.

The sound is gentle and Jeongguk’s smile shines like a fallen star along a beach shore.

Jimin shifts on his feet, scent growing each minute he inhales Jeongguk’s sweet scent from his pre-heat. It’s mouth watering. It’s delicious.

He steps lightly into the room, his feet hitting the soft plush carpet before the bed as he looks down at the omega, nesting and staring at him through his lashes.

His omega in his chest growls, wanting the claim but Jimin doesn’t move. He licks his lips before looking at the window and the sun. The light drifts in creating little dancing dust in its rays. His eyes flicker around the room, the nest and back to Jeongguk.

His heart is soaring, it is fluttering and his cheeks burns, “I love you.”

The three words he hasn’t uttered. The three words he also didn’t say the night they were both crying and broken. The three words he has felt for the omega long before he knew what it was.

“What?” Jeongguk whispers.

Jimin doesn’t look away, “I love you, Jeongguk.”

The younger omega blinks, his cheeks turn red and then his nose before tears bubble up along his lash line. Jimin tilts his head, barring his neck but Jeongguk is pulling him into the nest. He goes into the softness and honey like a bee to a flower.

“Whoa,” he breathes out, giggling but Jeongguk is pushing him down into the bedding, it puffs out around them but all Jimin can see is Jeongguk as he straddles his waist, knees on each side of him as his hair falls forward.

Jeongguk giggles. It is high pitched, airy and loud all at once, “You can’t say this while I am going into heat!”

Jimin smirks, “And why not, darling?”

“Not that!” Jeongguk grumbles, the mole underneath his lip stands out as he pouts.

Jimin smirks, “Not what, sweetheart?”

Jeongguk narrows his eyes, “You know what…”

And Jimin does. Jeongguk has a thing for Jimin calling him ‘my love’ and he wants to be called that more times than not but Jimin can’t help not to tease him. Especially, since he can see his pout in person again. 

Jimin lifts his hands, his thumb swiping along his bottom lip, “My love,” he breathes out and Jeongguk’s scent blooms. Slick. 

Jimin growls, letting his hand drop from Jeongguk’s face as he stares up at Jeongguk before baring his neck and Jeongguk dives down. His mouth instantly on his scent gland and Jimin moans.

Jeongguk presses his scent into him as his slick covers his sweater, the younger is only wearing boxers and an oversized t-shirt, “Fuck—” he exhales when Jeongguk bites the side of his neck, sucking lightly, “I missed you.”

Jeongguk hums, pulling back and his lips are pink and slick. Jimin raises his elbows and kisses him. Their lips fall together and it is like they have never been apart. 

Jimin’s tongue swipes at his bottom lip and Jeongguk lets him in. It is warm, honeyed and Jimin groans as he tangles his fingers into Jeongguk’s hair. He tugs once and Jeongguk whines into their kisses, his feet kicking in the nest as Jimin lets his hands drift from his waist to his hips. 

“What do you need?’ Jimin asks, panting the question into Jeongguk's mouth.

Jeongguk shakes above him, “I am usually not so needy in my pre-heat—ah!”

Jimin smirks as he flips their positions. Jeongguk hitting the bed, the nest blooms with their mingling scents as the younger blinks up at him with a flushed face. The sunlight falls upon them.

“You’re so pretty,” Jimin whispers, lifting one of Jeongguk’s legs to his shoulder before moving in closer. The younger omega pants, his eyes tracking each of his movements as he bares his neck to Jimin.

“I am going to mate you, one day—soon,” he growls, rocking his hips down and their clothed cocks brush, the feeling is messy and perfect as they both moan into the room.

“Fuck, mate me now,” Jeongguk says, grinning when Jimin nuzzles their noses together.  

“Soon but not now. You want something romantic, baby. I know you,” Jimin whispers, “And I am going to give you romance.”

The room is sweet—the scent of their slick, Jeongguk’s pre-heat pheromones and their want turns the nest into theirs and not just Jeongguk’s. It makes Jimin’s omega wild in him as he moves his hips again.

“I need more—” Jeongguk gasps out as they rut against each other, “Please-e!”

“I got you,” Jimin whispers, he mouths at his jaw, “I have got you.” 

Jimin does have him, he always has him, he will keep him happy, safe and warm. Jeongguk whines as Jimin pulls back but it is easy to undress. Jimin’s comfortable airport clothes are thrown into the nest, Jeongguk’s shirt and boxers find themselves on the floor and they both find each other as Jimin opens him up.

It is slow, wet and Jimin’s slick is leaking from him faster than he can collect Jeongguk’s slick into his mouth. 

It isn’t until he has Jeongguk on his stomach, his cock in the younger omega and his face in his neck, leaving love bites and marks for the world to see and Jeongguk begging him that Jimin snaps beautifully, “I love you, I love you-u—”

Jeongguk whines, “Love you, love you, Min-ah—”

Jimin fucks him slow, the sunlight warming their skin as they slide and the blankets become wet with their need. Jimin slips his hands underneath Jeongguk and strokes his cock once and the younger omega comes with a keen. 

Jimin growls, his teeth nipping at Jeongguk’s shoulder as his omega chants to mate him as he comes into the warmth of Jeongguk. He falls forward and Jeongguk giggles into the messy nest, “Welcome home.” 

 

 

⋆˙⟡

 

 

Jimin stares into their tiny backyard from the kitchen door. The evening has set in and Jeongguk is napping in their nest. His heat will start by tomorrow morning at the latest. Jimin is ready to spend it with him. He feels ready for anything.  

He eyes the spot by the back fence as he grips the packet of sunflower seeds in his hands. He sighs as the chilly night air brushes over him causing him to shiver. The sky is purple and the stars are appearing as guests to his day dreaming. 

Dreams of picnics, too many sunflowers, photos filling photo albums and the wall. A future with Jimin’s bite mark on Jeongguk’s neck and Jeongguk’s own on his neck. Ramen, messy sex and slow love making, sunlight and Jeongguk’s smile.

He pictures tomorrow. And it isn’t scary.

“Why are you standing halfway outside?”

Jimin looks over his shoulder at Jeongguk. His face is still red but his eyes are clear so he says, “I am just dreaming.”

Jeongguk steps closer, wrapping his arms around him, “Of what?”

“The sparks of tomorrow.”

 

 

Notes:

Thank you for reading! <3 Please don’t be silent reader.

Notes:

I will add my socials after the fest ends!~