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Pin drop silence.
That’s what happened to the boardroom when the bomb was dropped. A heavy atmosphere, a sour scent instead of the omega’s usual sweet honeycomb quickly spreading through the air.
“So…” Taehyung muttered, breaking the deafening silence, face still buried in his hands.
“You,” The omega raised his head and looked his parents dead in the eyes, “The two of you want me, your only child, to marry an alpha I've never met in what? Two months?” Taehyung huffed in disbelief.
“Are you kidding me?” He almost shouted out of frustration. He cannot believe it. Taehyung absolutely cannot fathom why, for the love of everything good and holy, his parents wanted to marry him off to some stupid stranger all of a sudden.
“Taehyung, sweetie, please hear us out first.” His mother pleaded.
Taehyung scoffed, “Alright, mom. Let's hear the amazing reason behind this wonderful proposal.” He said sarcastically with a fake smile.
“Taehyung.” It was his father this time, not liking his son’s current attitude.
“Yes? Please, do go on. I'm ecstatic to know how the two of you came up with this awesome idea.”
His father sighed, “Son, I'm sure you know how close our families are. The Kims and Jeons have this unbreakable bond in the business world. We run the two most successful companies in the country.” Mr. Kim raised an eyebrow as if asking his son whether he really was listening.
“So it is business related after all.” Call it a gut instinct but Taehyung kind of predicted that already. Afterall, everything has always been about business. About staying on top of the food chain. What was that saying again?
Money makes the world go round.
“No.” His father countered.
It was Taehyung’s turn to raise his eyebrows at his father’s answer, “No?”
Taehyung’s mother felt the palpable tension rising. She released calming pheromones to ease the situation before asking her husband to just lay everything on the table.
Mr. Kim let out a long sigh, “Okay, yes. The actual reason was because the Jeons needed our help. Their company is on shaky ground and the easiest solution we could think of is, well, solidify our business partnership with a union.”
“Please tell me you're kidding.” Taehyung couldn't believe everything his father just said. He had come to terms that the alpha was dead serious and was definitely not joking when he was answered with silence.
“No. There is no way I'm going to agree with this.” Taehyung shook his head in protest.
“Son, they’re not the only ones benefiting from this. We'll be gaining more investors if people find out about the official partnership. Look at it as an opportunity to expand our horizons.” The alpha explained, doing his utmost to convince his son.
“Have you, even for a tiny bit, considered how I’ll feel about all of this?”
“Taehyung, honey,” Mrs. Kim butted in between the two males in a soft tone. “This will be good for you as well. Most wolves your age were already mated or have found a potential partner.”
“I don't need anyone right now, thank you very much.” Taehyung really, really dislikes the topic about finding the right mate. You see, he's got a lot of suitors lined up wanting to court him but he’s always turning everyone down. The reason? They only want to be with him either because of his status or because of his otherworldly beauty.
Everybody wants to be with the Kim Taehyung.
So yes, he's not going to let another asshole break down his walls.
“You're probably thinking about how everyone's the same, but you haven't even met Jeongguk yet. There's a lot of reasons why we think he's the best for you.” It may look like the mother and son duo weren't on good terms at the moment, but in reality, they're each other's best friend. Mrs. Kim knows all the heartbreak her son went through. She was there for him for all the times the male omega needed a shoulder to cry on.
Taehyung was fuming. He's always been the perfect child a parent could ever ask for. Always following the rules, doing everything he was told, never opposing their decisions.
But there is a limit to everything.
“Here we go again with the 'what's best for you’ speech.” Taehyung did his best to endure his parents’ controlling behavior all this time but he had reached his limit. “It was fine when you chose the clothes I wore. It was fine when you chose whom I should be friends with. It was fine when you decided I should study business instead of letting me pursue my passion which is art, by the way in case you didn't know.”
All the frustrations Taehyung tried to suppress resurfaced one by one and he's having a hard time controlling his mouth.
But can you blame him?
When everything in his whole life has been completely planned out for him? When he has no choice but to grant his parents’ every wish?
Taehyung took a deep breath in an attempt to compose himself before continuing, “But you know what's not fine? Deciding on who I will be spending the rest of my life with.”
“Honey please, give him a chance. Jeongguk is a great guy. There's quite a number of omegas desperately wanting him to be their mate.”
“Then they can have him for all I care.” Taehyung said with conviction. “I'm done, I have had enough. I do not agree with this union. And if you can't respect my decision, consider saying goodbye to your only heir.” He stood up and was about to walk away when his mom grabbed his arm.
“Taehyung, sweetie, please don't do this.” His mother begged with worry-filled eyes and a shaky voice.
“I'm sorry mom.” It breaks Taehyung’s heart to see his mother’s beautiful brown orbs glistening with tears threatening to fall. But he's got to do this. He needs to stand up for himself. It's time for him to finally take control over his own damn life.
“Please, don't look for me.”
Taehyung gently removed his mother's hand that slid down his wrist before he turned on his heels and made his way out.
Click.
The sound of the door closing behind him gave Taehyung a sense of freedom and melancholy at the same time. He leaned back on the door with his eyes closed for a moment to mentally bid his farewell to the two people on the other side.
It's time to close this chapter of his life and create a new one.
Away from everyone.
🎨
“Jeongguk, he ran away.”
“I know.”
“He doesn't want to marry you.”
“I know.”
“Then why the hell are you still trying to look for someone who clearly isn't interested?” Min Yoongi, Jeongguk’s best friend, was having a hard time understanding what's going on in the younger alpha’s head.
“It's not like that. It's just, Taehyung hasn't seen me yet. Again.” Jeongguk confidently said.
“What do you mean by ‘again’?”
Jeongguk picked up the remaining clothes from the closet and put them inside his suitcase. He's all set now to travel across the world and chase after his runaway mate.
“Hyung, Taehyung and I have already met. We even made a promise to get married one day when we’re all grown up.” Jeongguk rummaged through his backpack to retrieve an envelope with a written contract and handed it to Yoongi.
“A pwomise to mary each otter sumday.” Yoongi read the ‘contract’ out loud, “Signed by a certain Tae and Kook, written in purple crayon.” He stared at Jeongguk who's sporting a shit-eating grin.
“Jeongguk.”
“Yes?”
“How old were you again when you made this 'contract’?” Yoongi swore this kid’s going to turn his hair grey at an early age.
Jeongguk hummed, pondering for a moment, “I think I was seven and Taehyung was six back then.”
“You were literally kids. Kids, Jeongguk.” Yoongi couldn't believe his friend. He knows the other alpha was quite unique and a little childish despite his intimidating look most of the time but this, this was way beyond his imagination.
“So? A promise is a promise. It's a written contract with our signatures on it.”
“You're going to marry an otter.”
“It's ‘other’, it was just an innocent misspell–hold on, you're my best friend, you're supposed to support me.” Jeongguk whined at his hyung.
“That's the point, kid. I'm your best friend, that's why I'm here to slap some sense into you.”
“I'm not a kid, grumpy cat.” Jeonggok rolled his eyes at the older.
“Well, you sure are acting like one. Seriously, Guk. Don't get your hopes up, you're gonna get yourself hurt on this one.” Yoongi sighed, Jeongguk was more like a little brother to him. He might be brutally honest but he means well.
“I know I won't. Have a little faith in me, will you?” Jeongguk playfully punched his friend in the arm. “Besides, we won't know unless we try, right? It's time for us to take a risk.”
“You're too optimistic for your own good.” Yoongi shook his head, he’s too–wait what?
“Hold on. We? Us?” The older alpha asked in confusion, pointing his finger on the younger then back at himself.
“Yes, hyung. You're coming with me.” Jeongguk proudly declared.
“Uhuh, no.” This kid really is something else.
“No? Even if I tell you I know exactly where Taehyung is and who he's with?”
Yoongi took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Jeongguk please, keep me out of your crazy plan. I don't even care what he's doing or who he's with.”
Jeongguk leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms as he looked at the older with a smug, teasing smile.
“Park Jimin. Taehyung’s supermodel best friend.” Oh, Jeongguk definitely knows how to lure his hyung in.
Yoongi started to cough, choking on his own saliva upon hearing the new information. He didn't know the two omegas knew each other. “Okay and? That–that doesn't change anything.” He stuttered, ignoring the heat that crawled up to his face.
Jeongguk snickered at his hyung, “Really, hyung? You just stuttered and your ears are red.”
Yoongi’s hands automatically went to cover his warm ears, “They're not, shut up.”
The older’s flustered state just made Jeongguk laugh harder. It's rare to see his hyung like this. He’s always got this strong, cold aura surrounding him but in reality, Yoongi is just a soft ball of fluff. He's usually smart and composed but, mention the name of a certain omega model and Yoongi’s mind will be all over the place.
“Whatever you say.” Jeongguk humored him, “Don't want to waste the ticket so I guess I'll just take my friend with me who, might I add, is a huge fan.” He waved the ticket in the air, a bluff that he knows will surely work.
Yoongi quickly stood up to snatch the ticket from the younger, “You asked me first, this is mine.”
Well that was easy, Jeongguk mentally fist pumped on his success.
“Thought you weren't interested." Jeongguk’s having fun, sue him.
“I'm a changed person.”
“It was literally just a minute ago.”
“Time is an illusion.”
Oh, how the tables have turned.
Jeongguk straightened up, face painted with a smile of victory, “Then it's settled! We are going to Paris; we are going to see the love of our lives and we are going to win their hearts.”
“And how are you planning to do that? I would've believed your confidence if I didn't know for a fact that you're the very definition of shy.” Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the younger.
“Years of pining does that to you, my friend.”
“Yeah years and you’ve never, not even once, got the courage to say a simple ‘hi’ to him. Care to tell me why?” It's true.
Yoongi was always there every single time Jeongguk said “Hyung, he's here. I'm going to say hi” in every business convention hosted by their families and ending up returning with a defeated look on his face, “Nope, still can't do it”. The older alpha had lost count on how many times he had witnessed the younger’s dilemma.
“I don't know, hyung.” Jeongguk shrugged. “Taehyung–he’s just so amazing, you know? He's like a dream. An unreachable star so bright he outshines everything in the vast midnight sky.” He flopped down back on his chair with a dejected sigh. “And I'm just–I'm just me.”
“What do you mean you're just you? You're Jeon Jeongguk.”
“That's what I said, I'm just Jeon Jeongguk. Nothing special, nothing great.” Jeongguk threw his head back and closed his eyes.
“You really need to work on that low self-esteem, kid.” Yoongi won’t allow it no, not anymore. He's going to make sure Jeongguk won't back down this time. He can't just sit back and watch his best friend wallow in self-loathing. Yoongi stood up.
“Get up.” Yoongi said in an authoritative voice. “Stand up.”
Jeongguk got startled by the older’s sudden change of tone and immediately did what he was told. He got even more scared when Yoongi put his hands on Jeongguk’s shoulders.
“You can't sweep Taehyung off his feet with that attitude. Now, repeat after me.” Yoongi didn't sign up for this but Jeongguk left him with no choice.
The younger nodded quickly.
“I am Jeon Jeongguk.”
“I am Jeon Jeongguk.” Jeongguk wasn't sure where this was going but he played along anyway.
“I am Jeon Jeongguk, heir of Jeon Enterprises and I'm a great alpha. I'm smart, I'm good-looking, and I can make Taehyung fall in love with… you fill this part up.”
“Hyung, what's this? A pep talk?” Jeongguk snickered.
“Just say it!”
“Okay, okay, geez. I am Jeon Jeongguk, heir of Jeon Enterprises and I'm a great alpha. I'm smart, I'm good-looking, and… how was it again?”
“Jeongguk.” Yoongi squinted his eyes and gritted his teeth.
“Fine.” Jeongguk took a deep breath before continuing.
“I am Jeon Jeongguk, heir of Jeon Enterprises and I'm a great alpha. I'm smart, I'm good-looking, and I can make Taehyung fall in love with–with my charms… and with my soulful voice, my delectable desserts, my smooth pick-up lines, my breathtaking smile, my handsome face, my washboard abs, my thunder thighs, my monster co–”
“Okay! I get it, you're amazing but let's not go there.” Yoongi prevented the innocent pep talk from turning a little too explicit. TMI Jeongguk.
“Too much?”
“Too much.”
“That felt good though.” Jeongguk admitted.
“I believe in you. You clearly needed a little push and that's what I just did.” Yoongi smiled proudly at his best friend.
“Alright. Let's do this!” Jeongguk exclaimed with a newfound confidence and determination.
🎨
“Is it really okay?” Taehyung asked his best friend for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.
“I've already told you but I'm gonna say it again for your peace of mind, yes, red looks good on you.” Park Jimin playfully ruffled Taehyung’s newly dyed hair. “Made you even more beautiful than you already are.”
“You're just saying that because you're my soulmate.” Taehyung whined with a pout, making the older omega coo at his cuteness.
Jimin pinched the other’s cheeks softly, “I'm not, I'm just telling the truth. And this is the first time you changed your hair color.” He smiled at Taehyung with so much fondness on his face. “I'm so proud of you, Taetae.”
“I just dyed my hair?”
“Exactly. You've been wanting to do it for a while now but you kept on refusing everytime I offered to do your hair because of, well, your parents.” Jimin let out an exasperated sigh. Don't get him wrong, he loves both Mr. and Mrs. Kim almost like they were his second parents but they could be very, very controlling sometimes.
“Well, now that I'm far from them, I can finally do all the things I could only dream of back then.” It's only been a week but Taehyung was able to do a lot of things for himself already. Like purchasing his own art studio, buying tons of art supplies, and coloring his hair fiery red.
“Finally ticking off things on your bucket list, huh?” The blue-haired omega giggled, making the other smile as well.
“Yeah, thank you, Minnie. You've always been there for me and I seriously don't know what I would do without you.”
“You're such a sap, there's no need to thank me. Soulmates, right?” Jimin raised his pinky finger.
“Soulmates.” Taehyung said as he intertwined their little fingers. “But, you don't have to babysit me all the time. I mean, I'm sure you're busy and have a lot of photoshoots and other modeling stuff you have to do.” He's extremely grateful to have a best friend like Jimin, a literal angel on earth.
“Lucky for us my latest project is based here.” Jimin wiggled his eyebrows while grinning at the redhead.
“Here? Oh my moon goddess, it's Paris Fashion Week, isn't it?” You could say that he's quite knowledgeable about the fashion industry thanks to a certain supermodel.
“Yes!” Jimin exclaimed in a cheerful tone. “And you are coming with me.”
“Of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world.” Taehyung has always been there to support his friend’s runway shows, squeezing them in his hectic schedules.
“I know. Oh and, who knows, maybe you'll meet someone that will catch your eye.” He winked at the younger.
Taehyung playfully rolled his eyes, pretending to be annoyed, “Jiminie, please, you've been saying that on every show I've attended.”
“You're too stubborn, never letting anyone break down your walls.”
“I'm just being careful.” Taehyung shrugged. “You ever had those moments where you feel… you just feel used? Like no one ever sees you for who you really are. They only see Kim Taehyung. No one sees me. I don't even know if that makes sense.”
“Hello? I'm literally here?” Jimin jokingly clutched his chest as if he was hurt.
“Minnie,” Taehyung whined, “you know what I'm talking about.”
Jimin knows, of course. He walked towards Taehyung and engulfed him in a tight embrace. “I know, Taetae. Just so you know, those assholes don't deserve you. You deserve someone who will love and accept you for who you really are. Someone who will see past your title and status, someone who isn't superficial. And that someone will definitely come one day so, don't close your heart. Open up a little, yeah?”
It's nice to have someone say the right things at the right time. The exact words you need to hear when you feel like the whole world is against you. To be given the affection you're craving for when you feel like you're isolated on a lonely barren road.
Kim Taehyung will always be grateful to have Park Jimin in his life. An angel in disguise, an angel in his eyes.
“Can I just marry you instead?”
Jimin laughed heartily at that. “You know what? If no one will be able to sweep us off our feet, let's just marry each other.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Now that it's established, enough sulking, okay? Let's go find a suit to match your hair.” If there's one thing these two omega enjoy doing together the most, it's shopping.
“A suit? For what?”
“For the runway? You'll be watching, remember?”
“Oh right. Yeah, okay. Let's do that.” Taehyung beamed at his best friend.
They both share this feeling of excitement they can't explain. Maybe the two omega will finally meet the ones that will make their inner wolves purr in contentment, maybe not. Who knows?
🎨
Paris Fashion Week
As usual, the runway show was a huge success. Big names were invited, including the two young heirs.
Jeongguk’s eyes kept scanning the crowd the entire night, looking for a certain omega. What he didn't know was that the person he was looking for was sitting just a few rows in front of him. He's so used to Taehyung’s natural chestnut hair he didn't think for a second that the one with the attention-grabbing hair color was him.
The show has finally ended and Jeongguk still hasn't noticed him. He and Yoongi had another pep talk before going to the venue, which Jeongguk felt was a waste because the omega did not attend.
Or so he thought.
It was time for the after party and everyone was having fun. The models came back in different outfits from high-end luxury brands, showcasing their sponsors’ products.
“Hyung, he didn't come. I finally got the courage and he didn't show up.” Jeongguk let out a defeated sigh.
Yoongi patted his back, “The party's just getting started Jeongguk-ah, there's still hope.”
Jeongguk closed his eyes and silently prayed to the moon goddess, asking her for a chance to let their fates intertwine.
“Open your eyes, Guk-ah. Look who just got out of the limousine.”
And just like that, endless camera clicks and a series of gasps were heard. It was almost like the moon goddess immediately answered his prayer.
There he is, the man he's been looking for the entire evening, the prettiest omega in the place (the whole universe if you'll ask for Jeongguk’s opinion), wearing a pristine suit in the hottest shade of red to match his blazing red hair, the only person who had managed to capture Jeongguk’s heart without even trying, without even knowing, Kim Taehyung.
“Red.” Out of all the praises he just thought of, the only word he was able to say was the damn color. Jeongguk was pretty sure his brain just malfunctioned upon seeing the red-haired omega. He was right about Taehyung outshining the brightest stars because right now, everyone's attention was on him, which was astounding considering the place was full of supermodels and celebrities.
His feet unconsciously dragged him closer to the entrance where dozens of paparazzis were too engrossed in asking questions and taking pictures of the two omega on the red carpet. One particular man asked something that made Jeongguk stop in his tracks.
“Taehyung, is it true you're getting married?”
Taehyung’s smile dropped. “No, I'm not.”
Jimin noticed his friend's distress so he took the redhead’s hand and held it firmly as he led them both inside the venue for the after party.
Jeongguk, on the other hand, heard everything. He had seen the way Taehyung’s mood turned sour in a split second. The confidence he had a while ago vanished instantly. Does he really find it appalling to marry me? Jeongguk asked himself.
Jeongguk’s train of thought got interrupted when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Guk, don't think too much about it. For all we know, he might not even know who you are.” The bitter scent Yoongi had been smelling from Jeongguk got stronger, making him realize the implication of what he had just said. “Which is a whole lot better than him hating you or the arrangement because he knows it's you he's going to marry. I think.”
Jeongguk understood what the older was trying to say and he appreciated the attempt to salvage the situation but he couldn't help himself from feeling a little down when he saw Taehyung’s reaction.
“You have a point. And you know what? I'm going to prove to Taehyung that my intentions are clean, my feelings are true, and that I am one hell of a worthy alpha.” Jeongguk said with his head held high. There's no turning back now. He's determined to win the omega over, and he's going to make sure he's going home victorious.
“That's the spirit! So, what's the plan?”
“I have no idea, but I'm finally going to do it tonight.” Well, in all honesty, Jeongguk didn't really think things through. The only concrete plan he had was the flight to Paris. That's it, he's just going to wing it and see how everything will go.
Yoongi was happy for the younger’s determination but, he knows Jeongguk’s going to need his help eventually so he'll do that one thing he's been longing to do (just like the younger alpha) to aid his best friend in his non-existent plan.
“That won't do. Follow me.” Yoongi made his way to look for the two omega.
The party had already started a while ago so, the place is quite packed as of the moment. It took them almost half an hour before they finally spotted the ones they were looking for.
“Found them. Now kid, watch carefully what I will do, okay? Stay here and wait for my signal.”
“What are you going to do?” Jeongguk asked in confusion.
“Just–just trust me on this.” Yoongi took a deep breath and let out a sigh. “The things I do for you.” He chuckled as he shook his head. This one's also for himself but Jeongguk doesn't need to know that.
Jeongguk watched as Yoongi walked towards the two omega who were having a lively conversation about who knows what. At least he's in a better mood now, he thought. Jeongguk’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Yoongi approach Jimin.
“No way.” He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His best friend, the one who’s always getting flustered at the mention of Park Jimin’s name, was talking to the omega himself. He was like a whole different person.
Yoongi offered a handshake to the two best friends after introducing himself. Jeongguk was nervously chewing on his bottom lip while he watched the three have a conversation. He had no idea what the older alpha said but he managed to make them laugh at whatever it was. After what seemed like forever, Yoongi looked back at Jeongguk’s direction and nodded his head once. That must be the signal. But for what?
Yoongi grabbed his and Jimin’s empty champagne glasses while the blue-haired omega said something to the other before walking away with the alpha.
Oh. So that was his hyung’s plan all along, to be his wingman. May the moon goddess bless Min Yoongi a thousandfold.
Jeongguk waited for a few minutes before making his way to the redhead, who's now standing alone with his elbow perched on the table. His heart was thumping wildly in his chest, it's finally happening.
🎨
Taehyung was twirling the champagne glass in his hand, eyes glued to it, when he smelled a distinct scent. A mellow lavender scent invaded his senses, sweet and oddly comforting.
Like a soft sweater.
It reminded him of that small lavender sweater hidden in his huge closet. He wasn't sure whose clothing it was or where he got it but, he knows it's something important to him if his younger self kept it in a safe place where no one else but him will see.
Taehyung raised his head to look for the source and was met by a pair of big doe eyes owned by a rather handsome man. The raven-haired was exuding a dominant aura but his scent is the most calming he's ever smelled.
An alpha with a soft, sweet scent.
The omega’s inner wolf purred, clearly basking on the calming flowery fragrance.
“Hi.” The stranger greeted him in his mother tongue with a soft sounding voice to match his unbelievably soft scent.
Taehyung wasn't sure why he's feeling elated upon meeting this certain alpha but this was definitely a first for him.
“Oh, hi.” Taehyung gave him a shy smile.
“I was wondering if you're an artist.” The alpha said, making Taehyung a little confused at that.
Taehyung cocked his head, wondering what he meant. How did he know? Is he talking to me for an art commission?
“I–uhm, may I know why you're asking?”
“Because you were so good at drawing me in.” The raven-haired continued as he looked away, pink dust staining his cheeks.
It was silent for a few seconds before Taehyung bursted into a fit of giggles. “Did you just–” giggles turned into uncontrollable laughter. “A pick-up line?” It was a silly one but it managed to make Taehyung laugh hysterically, something he hasn't done in a long time.
“Was it that bad?” The stranger mumbled, sounding almost like a whisper, still not looking at Taehyung as he scratched his neck out of embarrassment.
Taehyung took his sweet time to calm himself down before responding. “Definitely cheesy but it's kind of cute.” The omega chuckled, “Haven't had a good laugh in a while, thank you…?” Taehyung asked, wanting to know the stranger’s name.
“Can we uhm, can we go somewhere more quiet? It's kind of loud here.”
“You're not going to kidnap me, are you?” Taehyung raised an eyebrow at him.
“No! No, of course not. I just– I want to– I–” The alpha struggled in finding the right words to say, making the omega laugh once again.
“Relax, I was just kidding. Alright, come with me.” Taehyung gave him a reassuring smile first before turning around to lead the way outside. He can't explain it but he's comfortable around the strange alpha. Heck, he even found himself endeared with the man’s cheesy pick-up line and stuttering.
When they had reached the garden, the two took a seat at the wooden bench that was facing a beautiful fountain surrounded by pretty yellow tulips.
“Is this spot good enough?” Taehyung inquired.
“Better.” The alpha answered after letting out a long sigh.
“Is everything okay? Oh and, may I know your name?”
The other man took a deep breath to muster up some courage. “Promise me first you won't run away after I tell you.”
“Why would I do that?” Taehyung was beyond confused now.
“Because you probably hate me.”
“I don't get it. How can I hate someone I just met?” The alpha’s lavender scent turned into something bitter. Taehyung could tell how scared and nervous the other was based on his smell and the way he was gnawing at his bottom lip. He took pity on the man and released calming pheromones to help the alpha relax. Taehyung smiled in relief when he saw the alpha close his eyes and take in a lungful of air.
“Promise me first. Please.” The raven-haired pleaded, worry still evident in his voice.
“I promise I won't. Now, can you please tell me what's going on?”
“The reason why you left Korea was because of the arranged marriage, right?” The alpha stated with certainty in his tone.
“How–how did you know?” Taehyung was taken aback. The only people who knew the exact reason were his parents and Jimin.
“Because… I'm the one you're running away from.”
Taehyung went pale, color drained out of his face. “You're–you're Jeongguk.”
The alpha nodded slowly, “The one and only, Jeon Jeongguk.” He confirmed in a joking way but with sadness written all over his face. Jeongguk braced himself for the rejection that was about to come.
If Jeongguk hasn't given Taehyung a good impression, he would straight up leave and run as far away as he could. But he can't shake off the unusual feeling of comfort and calmness he got the moment their eyes met. He's well aware of his bad habit of trusting people way too fast that often puts him in a messy situation.
But this one's different.
First things first. This alpha traveled thousands of miles to meet him and introduced himself without hiding the truth even after knowing how much Taehyung hated their parents’ outrageous decision. Admirable guts. Secondly, Jeongguk was able to actually make him laugh, something Taehyung thought he wasn't capable of doing anymore. Because of a lame pick-up line. Last but not the least, his unique scent. Really. An alpha sporting a flowery scent. He's so used to the usual strong, musky scents he finds repulsive sometimes (most of the time) so, smelling a mellow and sweet lavender scent on an alpha was definitely like a breath of fresh air. Just like the lavender sweater.
So yes, Taehyung’s willing to hear whatever Jeongguk has to say.
“Spill. I feel like you have a lot of things you want to tell me so spill it all out, I'll listen.”
Jeongguk was expecting a harsh rejection, to be honest. Imagine his surprise when Taehyung told him he'll hear him out.
“You're not going to run away?”
“Do you want me to?”
“No! Please, dont.” Jeongguk unconsciously grabbed the redhead's hands as they stared at each other’s orbs, coloring both of their faces into a beautiful shade of red.
Taehyung was the first to retract his hands and looked away. “I was joking, why are you always taking things seriously?”
“Sorry, I'm a little fidgety. I'm just really, really scared. I get extremely nervous whenever you're around.” Jeongguk awkwardly apologized.
“Whenever I'm around?” The omega caught that little slip up.
“Fuck.” Jeongguk cursed.
“Tell me, have we met before?”
Jeongguk quickly shook his head.
“Really?”
Jeongguk nodded.
“I hate it when people lie to me.” Taehyung said, emphasizing the word ‘hate’.
“We were kids when we first met, you were six and I was seven so, that was a long time ago which is why you don't remember who I am but I do remember you, also, as silly as this may sound, the promise we made back then which is a topic for another time, if there will be another time because I don't have it with me at the moment, please forgive me, and–and we moved to another place so we haven't met again after that, but I got to see you several years later on a business gala your family held and you were so, so, pretty I was blown away by your beauty and trust me, I've made countless attempts to approach you but I just couldn't because you're this amazingly beautiful strong-willed omega with an intimidating aura which scared me to death because I'm just this awkward bundle of shyness who doesn't have the guts to say ‘hi’ to the love of his life, so in conclusion, we kind of already met but haven't at the same time?” Jeongguk inhaled deeply to catch his breath when he was done talking at a speed he didn't know he could.
Taehyung on the other hand was astonished by the alpha who practically rapped the entire summary. He was blankly staring at the alpha with his mouth open the whole time he was explaining.
“Did you just call me the love of your life?” Taehyung pointed at himself.
“I–that's the only thing you got from everything?” Heat crawled up Jeongguk’s neck, making his face redder than it already was.
“And what's this promise you were talking about?”
“I told you that's a talk for another time, I didn't bring it with me, I left it in my room.” Jeongguk pouted at the omega.
“What do you mean by ‘it’?” Taehyung’s running out of patience for this alpha.
“I swear I'll show it to you next time. If you'll let me?”
“Say ‘it’ one more time and there will be no next time.” Eyebrows furrowed, Taehyung squinted his sharp eyes in annoyance.
Jeongguk zipped his mouth locked and nodded.
“Good. Give me your phone.” Taehyung held his hand out.
Jeongguk quickly fished his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Taehyung, which is a horrible mistake because, let's just say that his lock screen wallpaper was none other than the omega who's holding it now. Jeongguk’s eyes bulged upon the late realization and attempted to take his phone back but Taehyung’s reflex was fast enough to avoid his hand.
“What now?” Taehyung looked at the raven-haired with confusion written all over his face.
“Please don't look at the screen.” Jeongguk pleaded with his head down, too embarrassed to face the other.
“How am I supposed to use it if I'm not going to look at the–” Oh.
Taehyung snorted, trying to hold back his laugh. He should be weirded out by it but, this alpha was obviously so whipped for him and he found it very endearing instead.
“This is an old picture, do you want a new one?” Taehyung teased him and, you know how Jeongguk takes things a little too seriously sometimes.
“Really? I mean, it's my favorite picture of yours on the internet but I don't mind changing it to your liking.” Jeongguk beamed like a puppy receiving a treat.
Yep, he's definitely whipped. True to his words, Taehyung took a selfie on Jeongguk’s phone.
“Hmm, I think I look okay in this picture.”
Jeongguk gasped in disagreement. “Okay? Are you kidding me? You look more than just ‘okay’. You're ethereal. Your red hair made you look even hotter, by the way”
“You don't have a brain to mouth filter, do you?” Taehyung, once again, was amazed by the alpha’s transparency.
“I'm going to keep my mouth shut now.” It was so embarrassing Jeongguk wanted to bury himself six feet under.
Taehyung let it slide to save the alpha’s remaining dignity. “Passcode?”
“901230.” Jeongguk answered without thinking.
Taehyung successfully unlocked the phone when he realized something. Blame his keen attention to detail. “Jeongguk, when's your birthday?”
“September 1st. Why?”
“Hmm, so your passcode is a combination of our birth dates. Interesting.” Taehyung said in a teasing tone.
“Someone please end me.” Jeongguk buried his face in his hands, he couldn't take the embarrassment any longer.
Taehyung smiled for the nth time that night as he created a new contact using his full name 'Kim Taehyung' and typed in his personal phone number. He took another selfie and set it as his contact picture. Jeongguk deserved it for making him laugh a lot in just a short period of time. Taehyung called his own phone so he, too, could save the alpha’s number.
“There we go.” Taehyung handed the phone back to Jeongguk. “This is a lot to take in, so I'll have to go now and give my head a rest. I'll text you for that ‘next time’, okay?”
Jeongguk grinned at Taehyung, showing his adorable bunny teeth, making the omega coo internally. “Thank you, Taehyung, for hearing me out.”
“You amuse me. You're so… different. In a good way.” Taehyung added.
“Thanks, I guess?” Jeongguk chuckled nervously.
“Take that as a compliment.” The redhead winked at Jeongguk, making the alpha's heart flutter. Taehyung stood up and the other followed.
“So, see you soon?” Jeongguk asked, excitement clearly showing on his face.
“Yup. See you soon, alpha.” Taehyung noticed how the other man’s posture stiffened when he called him ‘alpha’ as if his entire system had a short-circuit.
“Y-yeah.” The alpha was too stunned to speak.
Taehyung turned around to walk back inside the building, leaving Jeongguk flustered and dumbfounded.
Maybe Jeon Jeongguk wasn't so bad after all.
🎨
“Jeon Jeongguk!”
Jeongguk was brought back to earth from his daydreaming when an angry Min Yoongi shouted his name accompanied by an incessant knocking on his hotel room’s door. He hurriedly went to open it and the older let himself in.
“What's up, hyung?”Jeongguk, albeit scared at the other alpha, still asked.
“Don't 'what's up' me. Where did you go? Why did you leave me at the party?” Yoongi questioned the younger. His role as Jeongguk’s wingman was dutifully accomplished but he was baffled when Kim Taehyung was the only one who returned to their table, leaving him all alone with the two omega.
Don't get him wrong, he had an amazing time with the two, even got along really well with Park Jimin, but he couldn't stop himself from getting worried about his friend and his whereabouts. Especially when Taehyung asked Jimin if they could leave the party after mentioning the ‘strange’ alpha he just met. Yoongi asked where he last saw the said alpha and immediately excused himself to look for Jeongguk but he was nowhere to be found.
Yoongi gave up after an hour of searching and went back to the hotel where the two of them were staying and he was right, Jeongguk went back without him. The betrayal.
“Shit, I'm sorry, hyung. I kind of malfunctioned after talking to Taehyung and I guess my body went on autopilot and brought me back here.” He felt bad for leaving Yoongi behind but his mind went blank after the redhead called him ‘alpha’ and his thoughts were solely, fully occupied by the beautiful omega since then.
Yoongi sighed in relief. Though still feeling a little betrayed, he's happy to see that his best friend was safe and smiling like an idiot.
“I take it the talk went well?” Just like the raven-haired, Yoongi had mentally prepared himself for the worst possible outcome.
“It did.” Jeongguk’s smile grew even wider. “He doesn't hate me. I mean, he gave me his number and told me to wait for his text when he's ready to talk more about our… situation? So that means he doesn't hate me, right?”
“Are we talking about the same Taehyung here?”
“Is it so hard to believe that I'm capable of having a decent conversation with the love of my life?”
“Taehyung called you a ‘strange alpha’ so I think ‘decent’ isn't the best word to describe the conversation you two had.” Yoongi’s certain that their talk was a total chaos.
“Well, this ‘strange alpha’,” Jeongguk pointed at himself, “managed to make him laugh, even though it was a little embarrassing. But, I'd gladly make a fool of myself anytime just to keep him smiling like that.” Jeongguk sighed dreamily when he remembered how pretty Taehyung’s smile was and how beautiful his laugh sounds, easily beating his favorite song.
“Oh you're down bad, kid.” Yoongi shook his head at his love-struck friend.
“I'm undoubtedly whipped for Kim Taehyung and I am not going to deny it.” The younger alpha grinned proudly.
“No need to deny since it's painfully obvious anyway.”
“Transparency is one of my charms, thank you very much.”
Yoongi rolled his eyes at that. “So, what now? Are you guys going to start dating?” Funny how marriage was mentioned first before going on dates.
“What? No, of course not. We're going to have another talk and that's when I'm going to ask for permission to court him properly.” Twenty-first century's definitely different from the old times but Jeongguk’s a hopeless romantic and he wanted to keep the tradition of courting. Taehyung deserves only the best.
Yoongi couldn't be any prouder of his friend. He came a long way from being a timid boy who's always shying away from his crush to a proper alpha anyone could ever ask for. Please excuse Yoongi for having a proud parent moment.
The two alpha spent the entire night devising a plan to help Jeongguk win the heart of the red-haired omega, listing down all the things they could think of.
Jeon Jeongguk will do whatever it takes to make Kim Taehyung fall in love with him.
🎨
It was after three days of their first meeting when Jeongguk received a text message from Taehyung. The alpha almost screamed when he saw the notification on his phone.
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
Hey, Jeongguk
Jeon Jeongguk
HI
I mean hi
Hi Taehyung 🥰
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
You're so
Jeon Jeongguk
I'm so?
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
Nothing, nvm. Anyway, about that ‘next time’, I'm free tomorrow so…
Jeon Jeongguk
Are you asking me out on a date? 😌
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
Bye
Jeon Jeongguk
NO WAIT COMEBACK
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
🙄
Jeon Jeongguk
🥺
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
Do you wanna have that talk or not?
Jeon Jeongguk
Of course I do 🥺
My (soon-to-be) mate 🥰❤️❤️
Tomorrow
Le Café Pierre Hermé, 3PM
Don't be late
Jeon Jeongguk
I'll be there
See you tomorrow baby ❤️
Jeongguk tossed his phone on the side and grabbed a pillow to put over his face, muffling his inhumane squeal.
“I have a date tomorrow. I'm going on a date tomorrow with Taehyung.” His chest felt like it's about to burst with how fast his heart was beating. He used to just dream about talking to the omega and now he's going on a date with him. Everything felt so surreal.
Well, the omega did not really specify if it's a date or just a casual hangout to have a talk but, Jeongguk convinced himself that it was the former.
Meanwhile, Taehyung found himself staring dumbfoundedly at their exchange.
Baby.
Jeongguk called him ‘baby’. It shouldn't be affecting him this much, that's just ridiculous. But he would be lying if he'd say that it didn't make his heart skip a beat. It was just a simple term of endearment but he was blushing furiously at the word.
“Why the hell am I reacting this way to every little thing he does?” Taehyung asked himself, wondering how the alpha was able to make him feel things he hasn't felt before.
There's a lot of things he wasn't sure about at the moment, but one thing's certain. He's looking forward to tomorrow.
🎨
Le Café Pierre Hermé
Taehyung walked through the patisserie, scanning the place to look for a certain alpha. He was able to spot Jeongguk easily because there's just a few customers inside. It's actually one of the reasons why he chose this particular café. The atmosphere's always so serene and their desserts are world class.
The redhead made his way to where the alpha was sitting.
Jeongguk was staring blankly at his phone when a familiar scent invaded his senses. Honeycomb. He knows that scent all too well; he can distinguish it even when the place was practically drowning in the sweet aroma of different pastries on display. He raised his head and his eyes were blessed with the sight of the most beautiful being he has ever seen in his entire life. And in all honesty, he’s only got eyes for one pretty redhead.
“Taehyung.” Jeongguk stood up to pull out the chair for the omega.
Taehyung thanked him for the simple gesture that he appreciates a lot and took a seat in front of the raven-haired. “So I'm 'Taehyung' now?”
“What?”
“Thought I was ‘baby’?” Taehyung asked with a pout, messing around with the alpha.
“Oh.” Jeongguk wasn’t sure if he's serious or if he's just teasing him because of his text message in their previous conversation. He doesn't know what possessed him but he suddenly got the guts to fight back. “Hmm, so you like being called ‘baby’ huh? I'll keep that in mind.”
Taehyung was expecting Jeongguk to get all shy but his teasing back-fired at him instead.
“Wha–whatever. Whatever is fine.” Taehyung grabbed the menu to hide his blushing face which the other male pushed back down with his index finger.
Jeongguk grabbed the bouquet of flowers and handed it to the omega.
“I–they're beautiful, thank you.”
“They are. But you're definitely a thousand times more beautiful than those carnations.”
Taehyung couldn't help the heat that rose up to his cheeks.
“Stop it.”
“Alright, doll.” Jeongguk said, making the omega glare at him.
“What? You said whatever is fine.” Jeongguk just grinned at the flustered male.
“Shut up. Can we choose something to eat now? I'm kind of hungry.” Taehyung wasn't really hungry, he's just trying to change the topic.
“Sure.” Jeongguk went along with it. “What's their best selling dessert?”
“Oh, they're pretty famous for their macarons.”
Taehyung doesn't know this but Jeongguk likes to make desserts and pastries were his specialty.
“Okay then, let's try those delicious-looking macarons.”
The two placed their order and the waiter immediately returned with an assortment of macarons in different colors and flavors.
Taehyung was the first to initiate ‘the talk’.
“So, I have a question that's been bugging me for days now.” Taehyung said after taking a bite on his pastry.
“Okay, ask away.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
Jeongguk furrowed his eyebrows upon tasting the chocolate flavored one. He now understands why they're famous; these macarons are heavenly. “Huh? Oh, that. I have my ways.” Jeongguk winked at the other.
“What do you mean?”
“Relax, I just have a friend who's smart and good at searching things on the internet. He googled Park Jimin’s latest scheduled fashion show and articles showed themselves one by one, leading to him connecting the dots.” Jeongguk explained with honesty. He's going to make sure to bring a box of Pierre Hermé’s macarons home with him for his genius friend back in Korea.
“I see.” It's kind of hard to hide when both you and your companion are famous. “Well, did anyone else figure it out? Our families?”
“No. They have no clue and don't worry, I didn't tell them.”
Taehyung sighed in relief. “Oh, thank you, really. I appreciate it.”
“It's nothing. Figured you don't want to be found so I kept the information to myself.”
“But you still looked for me.”
“Because I'm one stubborn alpha.”
“That, you are.” Taehyung won’t argue with that. “Another thing, you mentioned this ‘promise’ we made when we were kids.”
“Hold on.” Jeongguk took the envelope inside his bag and handed it to Taehyung. “Open it.”
Taehyung pulled the paper out of the envelope and was surprised by what's written on it. It was obviously done by kids judging by the sloppy handwriting and the choice of writing material, a purple crayon. Definitely the most adorable thing he's ever seen.
“Is this supposed to be a marriage contract?” Taehyung asked while smiling.
“I'd like to think so, yes.” Jeongguk was astonished by the omega’s reaction.
“It's cute.” Taehyung gave it back to Jeongguk. “Are you the type that keeps his promises?”
“Yes! I mean, yes. Definitely. I'm a man of my words.” Jeongguk answered enthusiastically.
“I see. So you're definitely going to fulfill this promise we made, huh?”
“I want to. I really, really, want to. That is, if you'll allow me.” It's wishful thinking but the alpha was hoping for the best possible outcome from this conversation.
“Okay. Court me first.” If Jeongguk wants to make him agree with it then he'll have to prove himself first. Taehyung wanted to get to know him better and see if he's worth it and if his intentions were true.
“I uhm, that was the plan. I'm supposed to ask for your permission if I could court you but... you beat me to it.” Jeongguk scratched the back of his neck.
Oh. Taehyung was surprisingly happy to hear that. That just proved how genuine Jeongguk’s feelings were for him.
“Permission granted, show me what you got then.” Taehyung crossed his arms, challenging the alpha in front of him.
“Challenge accepted, baby.” Jeongguk scrunched his nose as a huge smile bloomed on his face.
Taehyung suddenly remembered something. “One last thing.”
“Shoot.”
“Did you give me a sweater back then?”
“Oh yeah, I remember giving you my sweater as a parting gift before we moved to another place. It was lavender colored and I gave it to you because you liked my scent so much.” Jeongguk recalled.
“I did?” Taehyung couldn’t remember anything from their childhood memories. Maybe that explains why he found the alpha’s scent so comforting.
“Yeah you did. Why'd you ask, by the way? Do you remember me now?”
“I'm sorry but I still can't, think I was too young to remember anything at that age.” The omega apologized. “Oh and, it's because your lavender scent reminds me so much of that small sweater hidden in my closet.”
Jeongguk’s heart soared, “You kept it.”
“More like, my younger self did.”
“Hmm, it's still a win for me.” The alpha wiggled his eyebrows, making the omega roll his eyes.
“Whatever. I'll go now, Jimin and I have to go somewhere.”
“I'll drive you home.” Jeongguk offered.
“It's fine, I'll just grab a cab.”
“Please, I insist. Consider this as the start of my courting.” Jeongguk tried to convince him, hoping for the omega to say yes.
“You really are stubborn.” Taehyung chuckled. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Jeongguk raised his fist to the air for his small victory.
Taehyung picked up the bouquet of carnations and stood up while Jeongguk scrambled to wear his bag and trailed after the omega, leading the way to where his car was parked.
Jeongguk opened the car door for him and Taehyung got inside.
“Would you like some music?” Jeongguk asked after igniting the engine.
“Sure.”
The alpha connected his phone to the car’s bluetooth speaker and randomly selected a song from his playlist.
“Oh, I love this song!” Jeongguk exclaimed while maneuvering them to the main road. “Where are we going, by the way?”
“Make and Mark.”
“Mate and what?” Jeongguk’s face turned red and his eyes widened in surprise. He's not sure if he heard it right or if the music was too loud that it obscured his hearing.
“Make and Mark! Oh my moon, you have a dirty mind.” Taehyung giggled at the alpha’s flustered state.
“I do not. I just thought– nevermind.” Jeongguk stopped before he embarrassed himself even further. He searched the mentioned place on the GPS and was surprised to know that it does exist and it's an arts and crafts shop, way too far from what he initially thought it was. Blame the loud music.
Jeongguk began singing along to the song that was playing to divert Taehyung’s attention from his silly mistake.
“I stare up at the stars. I wonder just where you are. You feel a million miles away...”
It seemed that Jeongguk’s like a box of chocolate, always full of surprises. Taehyung was amazed by Jeongguk’s voice. It was euphonious. He thinks this is the kind of voice you'll hear when you enter the gates of heaven.
How can he be more attractive when he's already so fucking perfect?
“I need a little more luck than a little bit. 'Cause every time I get stuck, the words won't fit. And every time that I try, I get tongue tied. I need a little good luck to get me by...”
Jeongguk was casually singing along to the chorus, unaware of the way Taehyung was looking at him. If he were to turn his head, he'll see the fondness in the omega’s eyes.
“I need a little more help than a little bit. Like the perfect one word no one's heard yet. 'Cause every time that I try, I get tongue tied. I need a little good luck to get me by this time…”
The alpha realized how fitting the lyrics were for him and his usual predicaments. He's trying, but he's always struggling with composing the right words to say when talking to Taehyung, always getting tongue tied whenever he gets flustered.
“Damn, didn't know I could relate to a song this much.” Jeongguk chuckled at his realization.
“Didn't know you could sing so well.” Taehyung admitted, surprise evident in his voice.
“Ah, there's still a lot of things you don't know about me.” The alpha said in a teasing tone. “Would you like to know all the things I'm good at?”
“Wow, your confidence, I'm speechless.” Taehyung scoffed. Well, he did challenge the alpha to show him what he's got. “Alright, woo me.”
“Oh, prepare yourself to be blown away.” Jeongguk glanced at the omega and gave him a smirk before returning his focus on driving.
More teasing and light-hearted bickering ensued, making the entire car ride enjoyable for the two. They got to know each other more. They also talked about the things they wanted to do together and planned their future dates, much to Jeongguk’s delight because finally, it's clear to the both of them that they are indeed going to go on dates.
And it's official. Jeongguk’s courting Taehyung now.
🎨
Days turned into weeks and Taehyung was slowly, steadily, falling for Jeongguk. How could he not when the alpha has been nothing but the sweetest? When he had shown that he really was the best for him? When Jeongguk literally set the bar so high that every other alpha Taehyung sees now is just mediocre, average in his eyes. Or it could just be him being somewhat biased here, he supposed.
Taehyung had grown to adore the alpha he once thought of as a strange one. Well, he's definitely different from the rest. Truly exceptional. Really. Is there something Jeongguk isn't good at?
Jeongguk has a wonderful voice. That impromptu performance in the car was not the last time he heard him sing. Actually, Jeongguk made sure to sing a song for the omega every single time they saw each other. The alpha said it's his way of sharing his favorite songs with him, a whole lot more romantic than sharing his playlist. And Taehyung wholeheartedly agreed with the raven-haired. Must be one of his love languages.
Taehyung was also blown away by his talent in making desserts. The alpha’s very own macarons were able to match Taehyung’s favorite and that's a huge deal considering Pierre Hermé’s macarons have an international reputation for their top notch rich flavors. It's not just that, Jeongguk also baked a cake for him. A very pretty one at that. A vanilla bean cake with white chocolate ganache, topped with fresh strawberries. And if Taehyung is being totally honest, the quickest way to his heart is through his stomach.
This is all new to Taehyung. No one has ever courted him the way Jeongguk does, and it seems like the alpha isn't going to run out of ideas and surprises anytime soon. The omega has never been this happy to spend time with someone. Especially with someone he had just met a few weeks ago. You can't really control your heart, can you? It wasn't a complete surprise for Taehyung though. He's got to admit, it's not that hard to fall in love with Jeongguk. There's no ‘maybe’ anymore.
Jeon Jeongguk wasn't so bad after all.
It was after a month when Taehyung had decided to invite Jeongguk to his art studio. This time, he'll be the one to share what he loves the most, painting.
“Wow, Tae, this place is huge.” Jeongguk scanned the entire studio, walking around to admire the paintings on the wall. “These paintings deserve to be put on display in the Louvre.”
“You're exaggerating.” Taehyung laughed at that.
“I mean it, you're really good. You have an outstanding talent in making art.” Jeongguk doesn’t know much about art like Taehyung but, he's got eyes and he knows how to appreciate beautiful things. Jeongguk traced the eloquent brush strokes on the canvas with the tip of his fingers, feeling the painter’s emotions being conveyed through the expressive splashes of colors.
The thing is, no one else has ever seen Taehyung’s works of art except for Jimin. He doesn't have enough confidence to actually let other people see them, much more sell or put them on display. So, to have someone else appreciate his works made his heart soar. Taehyung watched the alpha marvel at his favorite piece, the one where he poured every ounce of his pent-up emotions, ‘The Lone Wolf’.
“You're lonely, aren't you?” Jeongguk can tell after studying the acrylic painting in front of him.
“I was.” Taehyung breathed out. “But I'm less lonely now.”
Jeongguk turned around to face the omega, lips curled in a fond smile. “Hmm, I wonder why.” He couldn't imagine how hard life has treated the man he adores so much if he was able to express such strong emotions using a mere paintbrush as a medium.
Taehyung didn’t answer right away. He picked up some art materials on the table and placed them on the floor which made Jeongguk cock his head in confusion. “Sit on the floor, I'll be right back.”
“Okay.” Jeongguk obediently did what he was told. He had no idea what the omega was planning but it looked like they're going to paint. Why on the floor, though?
It didn't take too long for the omega to return. Taehyung came back wearing a loose white button down shirt that was a size or two bigger for him and a skimpy denim shorts to match. Mile-long legs on display that could make even the most sought after models jealous.
Jeongguk’s eyes bulged at the sight in front of him and choked on his own spit, making him cough and turning his face scarlet red. He wanted to look away but he couldn't.
The alpha’s reaction didn't go unnoticed. Taehyung saw the way Jeongguk’s jaw dropped open and the way his eyes raked all over him, checking the omega out from head to toe.
“Maybe because of a certain strange alpha who came along the way?” Taehyung talked like he did not just punch the air out of Jeongguk’s lungs.
“Huh?” The alpha absentmindedly asked, still in a daze.
Taehyung chuckled softly, “You asked why I feel less lonely now, right?” He sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the alpha, the assortment of brushes and paints in between them. Taehyung prepared the set of oil paint he was planning to use while waiting for Jeongguk’s answer.
Jeongguk doesn’t know where to focus. He should be celebrating right now, doing something like lifting Taehyung off the ground and spinning him around but the legs are out and he can't stop himself from staring like a Victorian man seeing an ankle for the first time. Jeongguk looked up and was met with the omega’s feline eyes staring back at him, wide and surprised, cheeks dusted with a light shade of pink. That's when he realized something.
His scent reeked of arousal.
The dominant male closed his eyes shut to control his scent and pheromones, chanting don’t pop a boner, don't pop a boner over and over in his head in an attempt to, well, not pop a boner. He’s twenty four for fuck’s sake, not a hormonal teen. It would be embarrassing to get a hard on just by seeing a pair of legs. Jeongguk tried not to think more about it to calm his wolf down.
Jeongguk opened his eyes once his scent returned to its normal lavender fragrance, slowly checking for the omega's reaction.
“Uhm, everything okay now?” Taehyung asked in a shy tone while dabbing his brush on the palette.
“Y–yeah, wonderful, just peachy.” Jeongguk shrugged like nothing happened.
“If you say so.” The omega scoffed at the dominant male's nonchalance. Taehyung grabbed Jeongguk’s tattooed arm and began filling in the patches of ink with colors, startling the alpha in the process.
“What–what are you doing?”
“What does it look like?”
“Uhh, using my arm like a coloring book?” Jeongguk tilted his head to the side with furrowed eyebrows.
The omega laughed heartily, “I've always wanted to do this when I saw your tattoos.” Taehyung continued to turn the raven-haired man’s skin as full of colors as he could.
“Why?”
“They're beautiful, Jeongguk. I'm kind of jealous because you're always carrying a nice piece of art with you… on your skin.” Taehyung has keen eyes for beautiful things and the black inks swirling around the alpha’s right arm were treasures themselves.
“Why would you be jealous when you yourself is already a complete work of art?” To Jeongguk, nothing can top the redhead’s exquisite beauty. He's a walking masterpiece with a face so perfectly sculpted it could rival Michaelangelo’s most renowned marble sculpture. Jeongguk looked at the omega’s exposed skin once again, admiring how blemish-free it was. A perfect canvas.
“Can I… can I paint on you as well?” The alpha timidly asked.
Taehyung stopped his movements for a moment, contemplating what the other man was asking for. He agreed nonetheless at Jeongguk’s harmless request. “It's only fair, no?” Taehyung grabbed a clean brush and handed it to the other.
“Exactly.” Jeongguk beamed at the omega. “Where would you like me to go all Van Gogh on you?” He asked, making the redhead giggle.
“Anywhere you want.”
“Hmm, okay.” Jeongguk scooted to Taehyung’s side to lift both of his legs and placed them on top of his own. “I hope you don't mind.”
Taehyung’s face turned ruby red at their current position, “N–no, go ahead.”
Jeongguk dabbed his brush on the yellow paint and started painting on the omega’s golden skin. The two of them basked in the comfortable silence while Jeongguk completed the first sunflower before he spoke, “You know, I sketch sometimes but, this is the first time I've ever held a paint brush.” The alpha admitted.
Taehyung was watching Jeongguk’s delicate brush strokes the entire time, amazed at how good he was considering it was his first time painting. “A sunflower, huh?” It's pretty. “Mr. Van Gogh, are you planning to paint fifteen sunflowers on my thigh?”
Jeongguk understood the reference. He took a quick glance at the omega’s amused face before returning to work. “No, just three.”
“Why three?”
“Van Gogh’s first piece in his sunflower series, Lausanne, the Three Sunflowers.” Jeongguk admired his own work on Taehyung’s skin before continuing, “The one that has always been hidden away in private collections unlike the later ones.” He was so focused on finishing his masterpiece he didn't notice Taehyung’s endeared smile. “You know how well known we are in the business industry back at home, almost like we're celebrities.” Jeongguk snorted at that. “But, just like Lausanne, I'd like to hide you away from the cruel world and keep you safe in our own private bubble.”
“Wow, I'm impressed. Seems like you did your research on art.” Taehyung admitted with amazement.
That made Jeongguk laugh because, “I'll be honest, I really did that to impress you at first but as I delved deeper, I learned to appreciate and love art in the process.” The alpha admitted, flicking his brush in tiny movements to give his masterpiece a finishing touch. “There, all done.” Jeongguk grinned proudly at the other.
Why is he so perfect? Taehyung internally screamed in his head because he's a hundred percent certain now that he had fallen completely, irrevocably, in love with Jeon Jeongguk.
“Kiss me.” Taehyung blurted out, making the alpha freeze.
“Wh–what?”
“I said kiss me.”
“Tae– I– are you sure?” Jeongguk’s more than happy to oblige but he's a little too stunned at the omega's request.
“Yes! I'm one hundred percent su–” Taehyung wasn't able to finish his outburst when Jeongguk grabbed him by the nape and crashed their lips together in a searing kiss, the omega moaning in surprise.
Their lips moved in unison, almost like in a practiced rhythm. It wasn't chaste and rushed like how Jeongguk imagined their first kiss would be. It was rather slow, passionate, and full of emotions. The alpha pulled away to catch his breath, making Taehyung whine.
“Again.”
And Jeongguk happily obeyed, locking their mouths once again. It was more intense this time. Their lips moved in a tempo that made both of their scents spike. Jeongguk swiped his tongue on the omega’s bottom lip, begging for entrance, which made Taehyung part his lips to welcome the alpha’s soft flesh inside his wet cavern. Their tongues danced languidly together, battling for dominance, a fight the alpha easily won. Jeongguk explored the other’s mouth as he licked on the roof, tickling the omega and making him moan.
Jeongguk groaned when Taehyung sucked on his tongue, his hand sliding down to the dip of the redhead’s back while the other one tapped Taehyung’s thigh, urging him to sit properly on his lap.
Taehyung understood what the alpha wanted him to do. He was able to maneuver with ease because of their former position, placing himself right on top of the raven-haired’s crotch. Jeongguk’s hands snaked inside Taehyung’s shirt, sensually moving up and down to trace his curves.
Taehyung pulled away to look down on his thigh, “Aw, your painting’s ruined.”
Jeongguk glanced at his work and saw that it was now smeared all over the omega’s tanned skin but he couldn't care less. All he could think of at the moment was kissing Taehyung senseless. “I don't care.”
Taehyung yelped in surprise when Jeongguk attached his lips on his neck and nuzzled over his scent gland.
“You smell so good.” Jeongguk inhaled deeply, savoring the enticing smell of honeycomb. His own lavender scent spiked, arousal evident in the air making the omega on top of him dizzy from the strong pheromones. The alpha groaned when Taehyung pressed his ass down on his semi hard-on.
“Baby, stop moving like that.” Jeongguk said as he continued to trail wet open-mouthed kisses on Taehyung’s neck.
It has been quite long since the last time Taehyung had someone like this. Someone to explore the expanse of his skin. He wants to be touched. He needs to be touched. He can feel his slick slowly wetting his underwear, making him whine.
The omega's already so worked up and that fact didn't go unnoticed by the alpha.
“What is it, doll? What do you want?”
“Alpha.” Taehyung whimpered.
“Yes, pup?” It was the way Taehyung called him alpha in a lustful tone that made his blood rush south.
“Want you, alpha.”
“Are you sure? You're not in heat, are you?” Jeongguk was trying his best to control his wolf. Yes, he's an alpha, a dominant one at that. His wolf wanted to just pounce on the omega and claim him on the spot but he's got a strong self-control. He's not going to take advantage of Taehyung if his mind’s being clouded by his heat.
“No, I'm not.” Taehyung detached the alpha from his neck and made him look dead straight at his eyes. “I'm in my right mind and I want this.” He gave Jeongguk’s lips a soft peck. “I want you to make love to me and I want to have something that will make me remember our first time.”
Jeongguk tucked the omega's unruly strand of hair behind his ear, “What do you have in mind?”
Taehyung looked around and saw a big unused canvas. Big enough to fit two people. He stood up on his feet and quickly took the canvas to place it on the floor, making the alpha’s jaw drop.
“You're kidding.”
“I'm not.” Taehyung grabbed the set of paint they were using a while ago and let them drip on the white cloth. Once there's enough paint, Taehyung pulled Jeongguk up and wrapped his arm around his shoulders, one hand playing with the raven locks on the back of his head, the other on his nape. “Let's make our own first piece.”
And that did it for Jeongguk.
The alpha captured his lips for a smoldering kiss while his hands were working on the omega's shirt, undoing the buttons one by one. The opened button down fell on the floor, exposing Taehyung’s honey skin. Jeongguk took off his own shirt to match the redhead’s nakedness.
Taehyung’s mouth watered at the sight of the alpha’s toned body. His hand went to Jeongguk’s hard chest, sliding down his washboard abs and stopping on the sweatpant’s waistband. Taehyung can see the outline of his cock straining against the fabric, getting him more turned on if that's even possible.
Jeongguk’s hand caressed the other’s soft cheek, “Tae, baby, be a good doll and take it off for me, will you?”
Taehyung hooked his thumbs on the waistband including the boxers as he pulled the two articles of clothing down in one go and dropped down on his knees in the process, revealing Jeongguk’s erection. It was thick, standing long and proud against the alpha’s stomach.
Jeongguk shivered when the omega grabbed a hold of his cock, stroking it torturously slow.
“Can I?” Taehyung looked up at the man in front of him.
“Hmm?”
“Can I suck you off?”
“Go ahead, pup. ‘S all yours.” Jeongguk let his hand rest on top of Taehyung’s head to play with his red strands.
Taehyung used both of his hands to hold the length and started giving kittenish licks on the tip, tongue pressing on the slit to lap up the leaking precum.
“Shit.” Jeongguk cursed when he felt the warmth and wetness of the omega's mouth slowly taking him in inch by inch. Jeongguk glanced down and the sight of Taehyung kneeling in front of him with his lips wrapped around his cock intensified his arousal to a whole new level. He's trying so hard not to buck his hips forward and fuck his throat until he lose his voice.
Taehyung loved the heavy weight of Jeongguk’s manhood on his tongue. He wanted to see if he could take the alpha’s entire length so he tried to relax his throat to accommodate Jeongguk’s girth, making the man growl when the tip hit the back of his throat.
“Ah, fuck, Taehyung.” Jeongguk was drowning in so much pleasure he couldn't help himself from thrusting into Taehyung's mouth, choking him with his cock. He could see tears wetting the pretty omega's long lashes and it made him wonder, how is it possible for Taehyung to still look so fucking beautiful even while doing something as lewd as sucking cock. Jeongguk felt Taehyung’s throat constrict around his member when he swallowed the spit that was pooling inside his mouth. “Doll, enough, don't wanna cum yet.”
Taehyung gagged as he pulled away from the alpha’s dick. Jeongguk wiped the drool dribbling down the omega's chin with his thumb, “Messy baby.”
“Alpha, please.” Taehyung pleaded, voice hoarse after the raven-haired fucked his throat.
“Please what?”
“I want you.”
Jeongguk lifted the omega and laid him down on the canvas which made him let out a soft yelp when he felt the cold paint touch his skin. His hands went to Taehyung’s hips, tugging the fabric of his denim shorts. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes.” Taehyung whined. “Want you in me, alpha.”
Jeongguk proceeded to remove the redhead's remaining garments with one swift movement, getting him fully naked. He wasn't lying when he said that the omega was a complete work of art. Taehyung lying down on a canvas with paint smeared on his alluring body is a thousand times more appealing than those erotic paintings at the Musee de l'Erotisme.
Jeongguk spread Taehyung’s legs to claim the spot between them. He looked down and saw how the omega’s slick gushed out of his pink pucker, mixing with the pool of paint. “Close your eyes.”
Taehyung followed the alpha’s command and closed his eyes.
Jeongguk dipped a finger on the blue paint, “Let's see if you'll be able to tell what I'm going to write.” The alpha went ahead to start writing on Taehyung’s soft stomach. He started with the letter D. “What did I write?”
“D.”
“Good pup.”
Taehyung’s wolf howled at the alpha’s praise. He felt the other’s finger tip touch his skin again, going in a circular motion. An O, followed by two vertical lines. Two L’s. Jeongguk asked him again.
“Doll.”
“That, you are. Such a doll.” Jeongguk will never get tired of letting him know how much he appreciates his ethereal beauty. He then proceeded to write one last thing. “How about this?”
Taehyung blushed when he recognized what the alpha wrote on his body. The possessiveness made his heart beat faster, the temperature of his body rising higher. “JK’s”
“Damn right.” Jeongguk laid himself on top of Taehyung and started sucking on the exposed skin, painting his neck red with love bites. His tongue left a wet trail of spit when he licked a long strip from the redhead's collar bone up to the juncture between his neck and his shoulder where the scent gland was. Jeongguk nuzzled on it to scent the omega before biting lightly, canines grazing on the golden skin and leaving a shallow mark.
“Alpha.” Taehyung’s scent spiked and more slick oozed out of his hole when the alpha almost marked him. “In me now, please.” He can't take the teasing any longer.
Jeongguk took mercy on the omega and went on to gather some slick with his clean fingers before prodding on the other's entrance. He heard Taehyung moan quietly when one of his digits made its way in. Jeongguk thrusted his middle finger in and out of the omega's hole for a short while before adding another one, scissoring him open to prepare him for his size.
Taehyung writhed in pleasure when Jeongguk curled his fingers and pressed on his prostate. “E–enough. I'm ready Gukkie, please.” Taehyung sobbed, begging for the alpha to fuck him.
Jeongguk spread his fingers to give the omega’s hole one last stretch before taking them out and gathering some slick on his hand. The alpha grabbed his own member, coating it with the omega’s natural lubricant and aligned himself on Taehyung’s entrance. “Gonna make love to you now, pup.”
The alpha grabbed the back of Taehyung's thighs to spread his legs wider and proceeded to push his length inside the tight heat, earning a loud moan from the omega. It was heavenly. The tightness and the warmth surrounding his member is pure bliss. Jeongguk let the other man adjust to his size after completely bottoming out.
“Alpha, you're so–so big.” Taehyung choked on a sob. The alpha was the biggest he's ever taken and he's most definitely not complaining. He's absolutely loving the stretch and the feeling of being stuffed with Jeongguk’s cock. “You can move.”
Jeongguk began thrusting his hips after getting his go signal, pulling out until just the head of his cock remained inside only to slam back in, making the omega jolt upward, paint smudging on the white cloth. He started out on a slow pace, gradually increasing until he's ruthlessly pounding into the other. The alpha let Taehyung’s legs down on the canvas and went to grab his hands and placed them above his head, the movement creating a beautiful streak of mixed colors on the canvas. Jeongguk laid himself on top of Taehyung to let every inch of their skin touch.
Both of their wolves howled in contentment, bodies and souls becoming one. It was euphoric.
Taehyung let out a loud cry when Jeongguk found the sensitive bundle of nerves that made him see stars from so much pleasure. The alpha continued to fuck into him, never missing the omega's sweet spot. He's writhing and thrashing under the alpha's weight and the paint on his back that’s letting his body slide up on Jeongguk’s every hard thrust was not helping at all.
Jeongguk felt Taehyung’s walls getting even tighter than it already was. “Are you close, doll?” To which the omega responded with a frantic nod. Jeongguk can feel the familiar coil in his stomach as well.
“Knot.” Taehyung mumbled in a low voice.
“Yeah? Want alpha's knot?”
“Yes!” The omega screamed when Jeongguk gave a particular hard thrust and pressed down on his sweet spot. “Yes yes yes please, I want your knot.” Taehyung rambled.
Jeongguk’s movements became sloppy and erratic, a sign that he's close. He grabbed the omega’s aching cock that was begging to be touched and started pumping it in time with his thrusts. “Cum with me, pup.”
Taehyung felt the familiar electric tingles spreading through his body leading to an earth-shattering orgasm. It was the most intense and the highest level of pleasure he's ever felt. He can feel Jeongguk’s knot beginning to swell, stretching his walls even more as he continues to chase his own release. One, two, three hard thrusts and the alpha spilled his seeds, filling him up to the brim.
Jeongguk let out a loud groan when he released his cum deep inside the omega, his knot locking them up as one. The alpha collapsed on top of the redhead due to exhaustion.
The two struggled to catch their breaths after their intimate love making.
“Does it hurt?” Jeongguk asked with concern, afraid that his knot was too much for the omega.
Taehyung hummed in contentment, “I'm okay, I can take a knot.” He chuckled lightly.
“Hopefully just my knot from now on.” Jeongguk pecked Taehyung’s rosy lips.
“Preferably yours, yes.”
“Even if it takes an hour to die down?” Jeongguk jokingly said.
“No way!” Taehyung exclaimed in horror.
“Relax, I'm just kidding.” The alpha laughed at the omega’s unreadable expression. The two wolves engulfed each other in a loving embrace while they rested and waited.
It didn't take an hour for Jeongguk’s knot to eventually return to its normal size. The alpha slowly pulled his member out of the omega, making him wince in oversensitivity.
Jeongguk laid down on the canvas beside Taehyung as he intertwined their hands between their naked bodies.
“Let's go home.” Taehyung broke the comfortable silence.
“Alright, let's clean up then I'll drive you home.” Jeongguk was about to stand up when the omega spoke again.
“No, Jeongguk.” Taehyung’s grip on Jeongguk’s hand tightened. “Let's go home.”
Jeongguk finally gets it. His heart didn't thump wildly on Taehyung’s implication, no. His heart was calm and serene. His heart was in complete contentment.
“Did you mean that? What you just said?” Jeongguk’s voice cracked, he swore he's about to cry because of how happy he was.
“Yes.”
“Does that mean…”
“Yes Jeongguk, I'm going to marry you.”
“No!” Jeongguk whined. “I'm supposed to bring you somewhere romantic and sing you a self-composed song after a five-course meal prepared by yours truly and get down on one knee, say the cheesiest pick up lines I could think of and ask for your hand in marriage.”
Taehyung bursted into uncontrollable laughter at the alpha’s rambling.
“You beat me to it. Again.”
“You idiot. Did you forget that we are going to get married in less than a month with or without a proposal?” Taehyung teased the whining alpha.
“Yeah but, I had it all planned out.” Jeongguk pouted at him.
“Okay fine, proceed with your plan.”
Jeongguk kissed the back of Taehyung’s hand before standing on his feet and pulling the omega up. The two of them admired the masterpiece they made with their bodies while making love on the big canvas.
“Where are you planning to place it?” Jeongguk inquired.
“Away from the public eye, somewhere private.” In the master bedroom of their future house where they would spend the rest of their lives together as a married couple if you want Taehyung’s more specific answer.
“Just like Lausanne.”
“Just like Lausanne.”