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Namjoon didn’t plan on staying for too long, he just needed somewhere to clear his mind and rid himself of everything that reminded him of his ex. Getting away to the small coastal town where his uncle stays during the summer, usually, but just so happens to be abroad for the next three months is his plan. He’s really hoping it works because it felt like everything reminded Namjoon of his ex back in Seoul – the little Korean barbecue place at the end of his block, their favorite dive bar with the exposed brick walls, and even his little old lady neighbor who keeps asking when they’ll be back over.
Namjoon might be a 26 year old alpha, but he felt like a love sick puppy.
He arrived in town around lunch time and quickly made his way to his uncle’s house using what he thinks is probably the only uber the town has. He was warned about the tiny size of the town, but he didn’t realize it was small enough to where people would actually be curious about him bringing his bags into the home. It made him feel seen in a way that was uncomfortable and got under his skin.
That was one thing he could count on Seoul for, to be able to go about his days without any sort of spotlight on him. He appreciated laying low and getting by without too much attention on him, something that was characteristically un-alpha of him, as pointed out by his ex.
Regardless, Namjoon is who he is and what he wants to do right now is get his bags inside as quickly as possible, away from prying eyes.
The inside of the quaint little home is everything he expected it to be, cozy with charming coastal decor. It’s nothing like he’s ever experienced in the city and he’s grateful for it, he needs something new and unfamiliar. Even his uncle’s light beta scent is gone from the home, maybe thinking that Namjoon would want it to be scent free when he arrived. He doesn’t think he would’ve minded, the calming scent would have just reminded him of simpler times from his childhood.
He’s unpacking all of his clothes into drawers in the guest room when there’s a knock wrapping on his front door. He groans immediately, not really wanting to be bothered and just needing some time to get settled in. Regardless, he walks to the front door and swings it open revealing a doe-eyed man standing on his screened-in front porch.
“Hi,” he says quietly through the screen door that Namjoon has yet to open. “I, uh, saw you bringing your stuff in and thought I’d bring you a welcome gift.” He gestures to the plate of bungeoppang in his hands.
Namjoon must wait too long to say anything (or change the expression on his face) because he notices the man start to shrink back into himself. “I- I can just leave it here for you. Sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you when you’re only just settling in.”
That’s when Namjoon notices it, the wilting floral scent of an omega, a note of disappointment and worry. It’s this that finally causes him to respond, not wanting the man to think he’d done something wrong.
“Oh, no, no! I’m sorry, that was so rude of me,” he says, letting his face soften and opening the screen door. “I think I’m just not used to the friendly gesture. People don’t really do this where I’m from.”
The man nods in understanding, but he’s still not smiling and Namjoon has an intense need to make things right.
“I’m Namjoon,” he offers while sticking his hand out, giving his best dimpled smile.
“Jungkook. Nice to meet you Namjoon-ssi,” Jungkook replies back as he takes Namjoon’s hand to shake it. Namjoon can’t help but notice how small Jungkook’s hand feels in his own – cute.
“Nice to meet you too.” He’s not really sure what else to say at this point, not one that’s accustomed to having small talk with someone he hardly knows. He sees Jungkook shift from side to side awkwardly, still smelling a bit like disappointment. “Ah, and thank you for the treats. These are actually one of my favorites.”
That seems to do the trick, at least a little bit. Jungkook’s bunny-like teeth bite into his bottom lip as he tries to hide a small smile. “It’s nothing, I made them earlier and had a bunch of extras. I should probably get going now. My appa might wonder where I’m at. Nice meeting you again, Namjoon-ssi.”
With that, he starts to walk away, and Namjoon yells out “you too!” before he gets too far away. Although, it probably wouldn’t have mattered because Namjoon watches him walk into the house that’s right next to his. Namjoon figured he lived in the neighborhood if he was bringing him treats after seeing him arrive, but it didn’t dawn on him that Jungkook could be his literal next door neighbor.
He’s not quite sure what he’s going to do about the fact that he lives next door to probably the prettiest omega he has ever laid eyes on. For now, though, he’ll busy himself by continuing to unpack all of the belongings he brought with him to last him for the rest of the summer.
__
It’s been about a week now since Namjoon arrived and all he’s done is work remotely from the dining room of the home and sleep. Namjoon’s never been depressed before but he wonders if this is what it might feel like – not having any motivation to do anything, and losing hours each day to drifting off in the middle of the day and sleeping. Either way, he’s so tired of feeling like this, but he’s also not sure what to do.
With the slam of his laptop, he pushes his chair back and starts walking to his door. He at the very least wants to get more acquainted with the town, maybe find a quaint small-town book store or a cozy coffee shop to do work in.
His plans change just slightly the second he steps out the door and sees Jungkook helping his dad walk down the stairs. Jungkook notices Namjoon’s movement and waves hello from across the yard. Namjoon waves back with a smile.
“Where’re you headed today? I haven’t seen you all week!” Jungkook yells across the yard.
“Uh, I’m not really sure. I don’t really know this place well. Where are you two headed, if you don’t mind me asking?” Namjoon asks as he walks closer to Jungkook and his dad so that they don’t have to shout as much.
“There’s a pier nearby that appa likes to sit at while he reads the weekend newspaper. You’re welcome to join if you want!”
It dawns on Namjoon in that moment that he has not introduced himself to Jungkook’s dad, so he gives a slight bow and smiles at the older man. He also wonders how the city could have changed his manners that much.
“Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Kim Namjoon. I’m staying in my uncle’s house, Kim Doyun?” Namjoon supplies.
Jungkook’s dad nods enthusiastically, “Yes, yes, Doyun-ie is a good man. Always checks on me. You should come with us. You can help Jungkook get me down to the pier safely.”
And how could Namjoon say no to that.
All three of them walk together in amicable silence for the majority of the trip to the pier. Namjoon uses his forearm to support Jungkook’s father as he walks. Namjoon thinks he catches Jungkook staring at his arms a couple times, but that could just be his own delusional mind trying to trick him. There’s also no change in their scents, nothing to indicate anything more than a friendly walk.
When they finally get to the pier and help Jungkook’s dad down into a bench with his newspaper, Namjoon goes to sit down on the opposite side of him to Jungkook when the older man smacks them both on the arms with his newspaper.
“You two go do something! I’m not completely useless, I just have a bad hip. You don’t need to babysit me! Go have fun and let your old man read in peace,” he demands with no real fire behind his voice.
Jungkook gives Namjoon a look asking ‘ is this okay with you? ’ and Namjoon thinks he would be the dumbest alpha alive to turn down a chance to hang out with Jungkook alone. He promptly gets up and extends a hand to Jungkook, causing the omega’s eyes to go round, but he takes the help to stand to his feet anyway.
“I won’t have him gone for too long,” Namjoon assures Jungkook’s dad.
The older man waves Namjoon off with a pshh sound, “Please, Jungkook could use some time away from me. Make sure he laughs a little today, there’s not enough of that around here.”
Namjoon smiles as Jungkook’s dad and falls in step behind Jungkook who has already started to walk away and is smelling slightly embarrassed if the red tips of his ears weren’t already a giveaway. He does a little half jog to catch up to Jungkook’s side so they can actually walk together. Jungkook hasn’t made any attempts at eye contact since leaving his dad.
“So, your dad is really nice,” Namjoon tries, running a palm up and down the back of his neck.
Jungkook let’s out a sarcastic laugh, “Yeah, he’s something alright. Sorry about him, I hope he didn’t make you feel,” he gestures wildly with his hands, “Weird or anything.”
Namjoon chuckles at that, “No, no. He’s funny, and I’m fine.” They pause for a moment as they continue to walk to… well, Namjoon isn’t really sure where he’s being led. “Are you okay?” Namjoon asks.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I just worry about him, is all, but he’s always trying to send me off somewhere,” Jungkook explains.
Namjoon nods, but doesn’t say anything else since he doesn’t know the whole situation – yet. “So, where are you taking me?”
Jungkook finally looks up with a small smile on his face, “There’s this cool place that sells coffee, but the back half is a record shop. I’m not sure if you like either of those things, but it’s one of my favorite places in town.”
“Sounds great to me. I actually think there’s a record player in my home, now that I think about it.” Namjoon isn’t sure at all, but he wants to see Jungkook smile some more. His uncle would be the type to have one, though, so he might not be too far off.
Instead of sitting at a table to drink their coffees, Namjoon follows Jungkook’s lead into the record store part of the place. They meander around for a little bit, going their separate ways to look at any records they would find interesting, until Namjoon sees Jungkook looking intently at a vinyl.
“Whatcha got there?” Namjoon asks once he’s closer.
“Fleetwood Mac,” Jungkook responds as he flips it over in his hand, inspecting the quality.
Namjoon hums and starts looking at vinyls in the same row so he can be a little bit closer. Jungkook seems to be content right now, but Namjoon wishes he could say something to draw Jungkook out of his shell.
Although, he doesn’t have to wait long until Jungkook speaks up again. “So, what are you doing here? Like, in town?” Jungkook eyes him like he’s trying to figure him out.
“Ah, do you want the truth?” Namjoon asks.
“Always.”
Namjoon hums and clenches his jaw for a moment, bracing himself, “I am trying to get over being dumped.”
Jungkook looks surprised by the answer, “Really?”
“Yeah,” Namjoon awkwardly chuckles. “I feel a bit pathetic to be honest, running away from it almost, but I just needed to get away for a bit.”
“It’s not pathetic,” Jungkook says while shaking his head lightly. “I don’t really get it, but it’s definitely not pathetic.”
Namjoon quirks an eyebrow and stops sifting through the vinyls, “What don’t you get?”
“Why someone would dump you. I mean, I don’t know you very well, but you seem nice enough. You’re polite and generous. You’re, uh, good looking,” Jungkook stops there and vaguely gestures to Namjoon’s form as he says the last part.
That has Namjoon cracking a smile at the omega, “Aish, you’re very straight forward, but thank you. I guess it just wasn’t enough for him. It’s okay, I’ll get over it and that’s what I’m here to do.”
“I just call ‘em like I see ‘em. Hopefully this place is good to you. It always has been for me,” Jungkook says wistfully as he puts down the Fleetwood Mac record and heads for the door out to the main street through town.
Namjoon dutifully follows him, thinking about what Jungkook just said. “Have you always lived here?”
Jungkook nods and takes another sip of his coffee as he leads them back into the direction of the pier. “Yeah, my mom passed when I was young and my appa has always been a staple to this town as a fisherman. I didn’t want to leave him and I like the people here. They’re reliable and constant.”
Namjoon likes the sound of that, a town so vastly different from Seoul. “I’m sorry to hear about your mom, but I’m sure your dad appreciates you wanting to stay with him.”
Jungkook laughs at that, “I don’t know, you saw how he pawned me off on you earlier.”
“Hasn’t been such a bad thing, though. Has it?” Namjoon asks playfully. It works beautifully because Namjoon gets a small burst of that light floral scent indicating that his flirting is being taken well even before Jungkook speaks.
“No, not too bad. You’re pretty good company, Namjoon-ssi,” Jungkook smiles brightly at him as he playfully bumps into Namjoon’s side.
“Hyung, please. If I’m going to be here all summer you might as well get more familiar with me,” Namjoon suggests.
“Okay, hyung, ” Jungkook responds, dragging out the end of the word and effectively making Namjoon’s stomach knot up.
When they make it back to where Jungkook’s dad is still sitting on the bench, they get scolded for having not given him enough time by himself, but Jungkook still seems lighter than before. A soft smile stays on his face as they begin walking back toward their homes. Namjoon’s alpha feels pretty pleased with himself, deeming it a successful afternoon with the sweet omega.
__
Nights have been the hardest for Namjoon. It’s easy during the day to distract himself with work or the new town he is in (or even the omega next door that he often sees in the yard or on his porch), but it’s not so easy at night when he’s laying in bed with all of the lights off.
His relationship seems to come to him in flashes at night – bits and pieces of the last 6 years coming in and out of the forefront of his mind. Memories of their first date, the home they had built together, and the times Namjoon had looked at rings and collars with a proposal in mind. Those racing thoughts are often accompanied by stress dreams, tossing and turning, and a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
That’s how it starts, at least. It often turns into more deprecating thoughts: why wasn’t he enough? What more could he have done? How could he have been better? This is the first long relationship that he’s had come to an end, but not the first serious one. Namjoon is always serious about his relationships. He’s a date to mate kind of guy, casual isn’t really his thing, but one way or another they always seem to leave.
It seems like the only way he can shut these thoughts off is if he takes a walk, tires himself out. Helps quiet his mind and shake out the restlessness. There’s never anyone else awake or out in his neighborhood at this time, just him and the sounds of the coastal town. It’s peaceful in a way he didn’t know life could be having lived in a city his whole life. Only after that is he able to fall into a sleep that maintains throughout the rest of the night – waking up hopeful that the next night will be different.
__
Namjoon’s been here for about two weeks now and he’s yet to do any substantial grocery shopping. He can’t just continue to live off of ramen, though. He’s going to have to learn to cook for himself, something most of his partners used to do since he’s likely to burn the place down if asked to operate a stove. That excuse isn’t going to work anymore, so he decides to make his way to the local market to hopefully find some easy meals to make for himself.
It isn’t until Namjoon is in the aisles of the market that he starts to feel completely lost. He knows some basics like rice and pork belly meat and noodles, but he’s not sure what brings separate items together to make them a meal. He’s scratching the top of his head while looking at a can of tuna when he hears a familiar voice.
“Oh, you don’t want that brand. Here, take this,” Jungkook says from behind him as he puts his own tuna into Namjoon’s cart.
Namjoon is bewildered by the action, left completely speechless.
“What were you hoping to make?” Jungkook asks.
Namjoon stumbles for a second because he honestly has no idea, “I have no idea.”
Jungkook let’s out a light laugh before shaking his head, “Not much of a cook, I guess?”
Namjoon shakes his head, confirming Jungkook’s guess.
“Alright, let me help you pick out some easy stuff to make. Follow me,” Jungkook says as he starts pushing his cart down the aisle.
Namjoon watches as Jungkook starts putting things into his cart: chicken, lettuce, eggs, seaweed, and a few different herbs and spices. Again, Namjoon isn’t sure how any of these things relate to one another, but he’s hoping that Jungkook will take some of the mystery out of it.
“Okay, so you have all the makings of a couple of good simple meals here, Bulgogi chicken, lettuce wrapped pork belly, and fried rice. I’ll bring you over some of my dad’s kimchi later on too. Think you can manage with that for now?” Jungkook asks kindly.
“I think so? I’ve just never been good at cooking, I always burn everything or it’s not seasoned correctly. I’m the only one who has to deal with it now though, so I guess it doesn’t really matter in the end,” Namjoon laughs awkwardly at the end of his last sentence.
Jungkook looks at him curiously for a moment, seemingly tossing a thought around in his head before he decides to speak, “How about I come over and cook one of these for you? I can show you how easy it is and maybe give you some tips.”
Namjoon wasn’t sure what he was expecting out of the conversation, but it wasn’t that. He can’t say he’s disappointed, though.
“Uh, yeah, sure. That would be great actually. As long as it’s not too much trouble, that is!” Namjoon doesn’t want his cute neighbor to feel like he needs a babysitter.
“No, I don’t mind. To be honest, this town is filled with a lot of older people so you’re one of the first people close in age to me that I’ve spoken to in a while. It’d be nice to spend more time with you!” Jungkook says brightly.
“Well, I’m glad I could be good company. Just let me know what time works best for you,” Namjoon says with an earnest smile on his face.
“How about 7 o’clock?” Jungkook suggests as he pushes the cart toward the cashier.
“Sounds good to me, but, um, what about your stuff?” Namjoon reminds Jungkook.
Only then does Jungkook realize he had abandoned his own cart to help Namjoon with his. “Uh, it’s okay, food’s on you tonight anyway,” and Jungkook winks at him.
At this point, it’s hard for Namjoon not to acknowledge how smitten he is with Jungkook and the charm that seems to radiate from him. So, he plays along and helps Jungkook load everything onto the conveyor belt (and he eventually runs back to the aisle to return the empty shopping cart so that it’s not left abandoned, Jungkook gives him a big smile for that one and Namjoon’s alpha preens).
__
Jungkook’s knock at Namjoon’s front door comes right at 7 o’clock like he said. Namjoon is all simple smiles and warm greetings when he invites Jungkook in and leads him towards the kitchen.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Namjoon asks, playing the role of the perfect host even though Jungkook will be the one cooking for him and not the other way around.
Jungkook nods and he enters the space, getting his bearings about him, “Yes, please. What do you have?”
“If there was one thing my uncle wasn’t lacking, it’s wine,” Namjoon chuckles as he pulls out a few bottles. “White or red?”
“Red. I know it’s summer, but I’m not one to really worry about seasons or proper pairings. I like what I like,” Jungkooks responds with a shrug of his shoulders.
“No need to explain on my account – red it is!” Namjoon begins unscrewing the cork from the bottle of a red blend.
Jungkook begins pulling out the pots and pans he’ll need to begin cooking, already making himself at home in Namjoon’s kitchen, and that simply does something to him. It settles something very innate inside of him to see Jungkook in this capacity. Jungkook continues to set out his food and necessary preparations as Namjoon sits back and watches.
“I figured I’d make you the Bulgogi Chicken since that’s the one that probably requires the most steps. I also brought the kimchi over, like I promised,” Jungkook turns to face Namjoon after washing his hands and drying them off, a smile spreading onto his face when he catches Namjoon watching him so intently. “Alright, you’re not going to get away with just standing there. You need to learn. Come over here.”
Namjoon goes easily, having absolutely no problem with being closer to Jungkook. “Alright, master chef, teach me all I need to know.”
Jungkook laughs at Namjoon’s cheesy jokes and then sets out to show him each step to creating the relatively simple meal. Everything seems easy enough for the most part, the chicken being the most difficult part as it can be finicky to cook sometimes, as Jungkook has explained. Jungkook lets Namjoon mix the herbs and sauces together, even lets him fry some of the chicken at one point, and he’s never felt more capable in his life.
It’s also nice that Jungkook doesn’t treat him like he’s a disaster waiting to happen. He doesn’t tiptoe around Namjoon like he’s fragile and shouldn’t be bothered with. Namjoon actually feels fairly certain by the end of it that he could cook this meal on his own – a confidence he’s never felt when it comes to providing in this way, whether for himself or someone else. For that alone, Namjoon already owes Jungkook big time.
“Alright, that’s it! Let’s sit and eat,” Jungkook says as he settles the last serving plate on the table and grabs his wine glass, raising it. “To the first meal of many that will keep you well fed while you’re here!”
“Can’t not cheers to that.” Namjoon clinks his own wine glass against Jungkook’s and they both sip from their glasses.
They eat together in companionable silence. It’s just the sounds of their chopsticks hitting their plates, chewing, and contented hums as they take in what they created. Namjoon doesn’t mind, though. His mom always told him that silence while people were eating was a good sign because it meant they were too busy enjoying their food to say anything.
Namjoon also notices that Jungkook makes this scrunched up, brows furrowed face that is too cute to ignore. It’s so incredibly endearing because it’s very clear Jungkook is enjoying his food despite what his face is conveying.
“You know, you do this thing where you look angry while you’re eating,” Namjoon tries to explain.
Jungkook looks puzzled for a moment as he swallows his bite of food, “I do?”
“Yeah, you get this line in between your eyebrows and a really serious look in your eye. It’s cute.”
A rosy pink dusts across Jungkook’s cheeks and down his neck before he speaks, “Ah, hyung, I didn’t realize.”
Namjoon can’t seem to wipe the smile off of his face as he looks at Jungkook. He can smell that Jungkook is pleased, whether he admits it aloud or not. Namjoon assumes it’s from the compliment he easily gave him purely based on how right it felt to say it.
“Thank you for the meal, by the way. It was probably the best thing I’ve eaten in a while. Actually, probably since the last time I was home visiting my parents, which was six months ago.”
“You must starve in the city, but either way, it wasn’t just me. You could definitely do that yourself now.”
“Still thanks to you,” Namjoon pauses to take another sip of his wine, now feeling slightly buzzed from his second glass. “Any way I can repay you?”
Jungkook’s eyes go wide and Namjoon suddenly realizes how that may have sounded, despite not necessarily meaning for it to come out that way. Although, upon further thought, Namjoon wouldn’t mind if it was taken as more than what he meant, but maybe that’s just the wine talking.
“Ah,” Namjoon laughs and scruffs the back of his head. “Sorry, I just meant that I’m really grateful and I’d like to make it up to you in some way.” Namjoon’s hoping that his scent doesn’t give him away too much because thinking about the pretty omega across from him in that way, even just briefly, may have had an effect on him.
Jungkook shakes his head and clears his throat, as if needing to clear his mind of something (and if Namjoon isn’t mistaken, there’s a little uptick in Jungkook’s scent too, but he won’t mention it to avoid further embarrassment for the both of them). “Sailing,” he blurts out.
Namjoon raises an eyebrow up, “Sailing?”
“Yeah, my dad has a sailboat and he taught me how to use it. You should come with me sometime this week. Could be nice,” Jungkook suggests.
Namjoon nods along to what Jungkook is saying. It does sound kind of nice. Also, kind of sounds like a date, which he’s not opposed to in the slightest. “Okay, yeah. Is there a day coming up that’ll be best for sailing?”
“Looks like the weather will be pretty clear on Thursday and enough wind to actually take us somewhere, but we’ll know more once we get closer to that day. Weather can be fickle,” Jungkook explains.
“Gotcha, okay, well, that sounds good to me. Should I bring anything?” Namjoon inquires
Jungkook shakes his head slightly, “Just yourself.” He pauses for a moment and then has a look like he remembered something, “And maybe some more of that wine.”
Namjoon laughs lightly at that, “Okay, will do.”
“It’s a date then,” Jungkook says brightly as he gets up with both of their plates and sets them in the sink.
Namjoon hums in agreement as he collects some of the other dishes, “It’s a date.”
__
That night, Namjoon doesn’t have nearly as much of a hard time falling asleep as he usually does. His nighttime walks had become routine, but he didn’t find himself needing to clear his mind as he had become accustomed to. It’s only been about a month and a half since the break up, but Namjoon wonders if it’s possible that he’s already starting to move on.
He could absolutely attribute some of it to his newfound friendship or whatever it is he has with Jungkook, but he also thinks it’s the town. There’s no need to rush. People enjoy helping each other out just for the sake of it. No one seems to be judging him, as he first thought they would when he arrived. Everything is different here.
Namjoon lays in bed that night and instead of thinking of everything he has lost and all of the uncertainty ahead of him, he finds himself thinking about his short time in this coastal town and how different he already feels. He thought that it being small meant that people would notice him – notice all of his flaws, but that hasn’t been the case.
People say “hi” to him as he walks down to the coffee shop in the mornings. The sounds of the ocean are infinitely more comforting than the sounds of the cars that used to be right outside his window in Seoul. There’s growth in what he’s been doing here, carving his own path and learning things that he never felt empowered to before.
Then of course, there’s Jungkook. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but Jungkook has been there since the first day. He’s kind and funny. He’s always willing to help Namjoon or include him in something so he doesn’t feel alone. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s one of the most attractive men he’s ever met.
He’s not like a lot of the omega’s back in Seoul that Namjoon has been accustomed to interacting with. He has tattoos and he's clearly very strong, and he’s assertive. He’s different from what society would expect, much like Namjoon is, too, and he can’t help but wonder if that would make them a perfect match. Something that has put off his other partners in the past may be just the thing that brings him and Jungkook closer.
With that last thought lingering in his mind and all of the happy thoughts that came before, Namjoon is able to drift off into sleep. It’s one of the most peaceful nights of sleep he’s had in a long time, and it allows something within him to finally settle.
__
Thursday evening comes around and Namjoon hasn’t heard anything from Jungkook. If this were any other random person he’d let it go and move on, but it’s Jungkook. The one person who has made an effort to be his friend from the very first day. The one person who has already helped him feel at home here. He’s the kindest soul he’s ever met and Namjoon feels like this couldn’t have been on purpose.
That said, he still can’t help that sinking feeling in his gut. There’s also the small voice in the back of his head (that sounds faintly like his ex) telling him that it’s because Jungkook finally realized how useless he is as an alpha. He tries to ignore both of them as he puts on his shoes to head toward the marina where Jungkook said the sailboat is kept.
He stops by a coffee shop on the way down and gets two coffees – hope obviously fueling that decision. He tries to cling onto that hope as he gets closer to the marina and the warmth from the coffee starts to fade. He starts to feel a little silly when he can see the boats ahead of him and no one even remotely looking like Jungkook in eyesight.
Namjoon, feeling almost as dejected as the day he was broken up with, decides to sit on the edge of the dock where the boat sways along with the water, and sips on his lukewarm coffee. He tries really hard to keep the negative thoughts at bay as the sun slowly makes its way toward setting and Jungkook’s coffee goes cold. It’s harder than it sounds, though, and Namjoon feels like he needs to get up and do something before the thoughts start to eat away at what little barrier he has up.
He makes his way further into town when he comes to the pier and notices Jungkook’s father sitting on the same bench they walked him to just a few weeks earlier. Despite part of his brain telling him “this isn’t a good idea” and “stop here before you get your feelings hurt even more,” he heads in the direction of his father, hoping to get some clarity, possibly.
Before he can even say anything, Jungkook’s father looks up at him with a smile on his face, “Ah, Namjoon-ah! How are you?”
Namjoon nervously runs his hand through his hair, “I’m, uh, I’m okay. How are you doing?”
His father shakes his head and pats the space next to him on the bench. “You think I can’t tell when someone is upset? My sense of smell may not be what it used to be, but I can still tell. What’s wrong?”
The voices are there again: “No, stop! This is his dad, are you crazy? Suck it up and walk back home.” Namjoon swallows it all down and takes a deep breath before speaking again.
“I was actually supposed to meet with Jungkook to go sailing today,” Namjoon hopes his voice doesn’t sound too torn up.
“Aish, he didn’t tell you! What a silly boy,” his father shakes his head again.
“Tell me what?” Namjoon asks, feeling wholly confused at this point.
“His, uh, his season. It came a little early. That’s why I’m out here at this hour. I try my best to give him as much privacy as I can.”
“Oh, um, is he okay? I mean, if you’re not there caring for him– does he have everything he needs?”
Jungkook’s dad smiles at him and it feels really unexpected, “Ah, look at you. Already wanting to be the doting alpha. He’s okay, I promise. I never leave without making sure I leave food and drinks outside of his door.”
Namjoon feels himself flush at how obvious he is to Jungkook’s dad. “I just– I care about him. Just want to make sure he’s okay.”
“Well, today should be his last day, since it started the night he came home from cooking with you. If you walk me back I can let you know if it’s okay to check on him,” his dad suggests.
Namjoon is almost too taken aback by what he was just told to even think to move to help Jungkook’s dad up off the bench. The night he came home from cooking with you. Did he send Jungkook into heat? It feels impossible. They didn’t do anything that could have been perceived as anything but platonic, outside of Namjoon putting his foot in his mouth right at the very end. Still, it couldn’t be a coincidence, could it?
Jungkook’s dad clears his throat to get Namjoon’s attention, arm held out in a hook so that he can loop it easily with Namjoon’s. He quickly works to help Jungkook’s dad up and their arms stay linked as they walk back to the house. They’re about half way through their walk back when Jungkook’s dad speaks up.
“You know, Jungkook seems to really have taken to you!” he says, almost like he’s surprised.
“You think so?” Namjoon inquires.
He begins nodding his head, “Oh, yeah. There’s not a lot of younger people in this town, but the ones that are here don’t seem to appeal to him as much as you do. He talks about you all the time.”
Namjoon can’t help the smile that creeps onto his face, “I have a feeling Jungkook would be embarrassed if he knew you told me this.”
Jungkook’s dad laughs and waves his hand at Namjoon as if it’s nothing to worry about. “I’m just telling you what I notice, is all. Sometimes I think the boy needs a push in the right direction.”
“And you think I’m the right direction?” Namjoon asks earnestly.
Jungkook’s dad hums contentedly, “I think you could be.” He looks up at Namjoon and there’s so much honesty, trust, and fondness in his eyes. Namjoon has no choice but to believe him.
They walk the last little bit to the house while chatting about the other neighbors, what plants Jungkook is growing in their garden right now, and some history about the sea-side town. It’s light and easy between them which makes Namjoon happy because he’d never gotten along well with any of his past partner’s parents, if he was ever introduced to them. Not that Jungkook and him are partners or anything, but with the way Jungkook’s dad talks about them, it’s hard not to imagine it.
When they finally reach the house, Jungkook’s dad unloops his arm and holds up his hands, “Stay here. I’ll be back and will let you know if you can come in.”
Namjoon listened, but he felt no less awkward – and maybe equally concerned – as he stood there, hands in his pockets and shifting on his feet. What was probably no more than 5 minutes felt like an hour of waiting. He almost went into his own home after just a couple minutes, but his want to see Jungkook and make sure he’s okay kept him there.
Jungkook’s dad did come back to the door after those five very long minutes. He waved at Namjoon to walk forward. Suddenly it dawned on him that he’s never been inside their home, and he felt nervous.
Even if Jungkook was done with his heat, this home would smell so much like him. That’s the thing though, Jungkook did just finish with his heat and Namjoon’s not sure how well he’ll fare being near his strikingly beautiful friend who just got done with suffering through the instinctual need to be bred during his season.
Against every logical part of his brain, Namjoon walks up to the threshold of their home where Jungkook’s dad is still standing. He takes in a deep breath and offers a soft smile when he’s finally about to enter.
“I think someone wants to apologize to you,” Jungkook’s dad says with a hint of playfulness as he ushers Namjoon inside.
First thing he notices, their home smells intensely like Jungkook – soft, floral notes that are just as sweet as he is. It also doesn’t smell as much of heat as he initially suspected, but it’s still there and it stirs something in Namjoon’s belly. He shoves it down quickly, though, because the second thing he notices is Jungkook in the kitchen making tea. His back is turned to him right now, but Namjoon feels pulled to him in a way he hadn’t before.
Namkook walks closer to the kitchen and clears his throat by way of getting Jungkook to turn around. When he does, Namjoon is struck by how Jungkook looks like he’s glowing. He’d been with his ex through his heats before, but he doesn’t remember him ever looking like this. Namjoon wonders if maybe it’s just Jungkook and has nothing to do with his heat.
“Hey, come sit, please,” Jungkook gestures to the table where he’s placing the tea. He looks nervous. Probably because he thinks Namjoon will be mad for bailing on him. Namjoon can’t wait to squash that thought and make Jungkook feel okay.
Namjoon sits on the pillow on the floor and Jungkook does the same. From here Namjoon can smell his worry. He has to quell the urge to reach over and massage away the furrow in between his brows.
“Look, I’m so sorry about bailing on you and not saying anything. I don’t know what happened. My heat came on so quickly over night the other day and it wasn’t planned and it hit really hard. It didn’t even occur to me to send a text to you since you’ve, um, never been here for one of them and it was so unexpected!” Jungkook bumbles out quickly. There’s a dusting of red high on his cheeks.
Namjoon shakes his head lightly and smiles, “Jungkook-ah, you don’t have to worry. I understand these things happen sometimes.”
Jungkook lets out a breath of air and the lines of his face relax, “Okay, I- I am sorry, though. I was really looking forward to taking you sailing.”
Namjoon shrugs his shoulders, “It’s okay, you can just take me some other time. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Jungkook smiles at this and Namjoon’s alpha feels pretty happy about that. They sip their tea and fall into silence. It still feels like there are things left unsaid and Namjoon kind of just wants to address the elephant in the room.
“So, um, your dad. He actually told me that it started that same night you had come over to cook. Is that true?” Namjoon softly inquires, sipping from his tea to busy himself as he waits for Jungkook’s answer.
The blush is back again, but Jungkook’s scent hasn’t really changed so there’s no indicator that he’s deeply uncomfortable with the question. “Yeah, he told you right. He’s a nosy man, though.” He shoots a look toward the hallways where his father disappeared down, presumably to his bedroom. “I felt fine when I first got home, and even when I went to bed I only felt a little warm, but not enough to really think anything of it. I thought, I don’t know, that maybe I was just feeling extra warm after being around you.” Jungkook hides himself behind his cup of tea after he lets the words out.
Namjoon feels encouraged to prod a little more because this version of Jungkook is very cute. “Extra warm because of me? How?”
Jungkook gives him an exasperated look, “Well, I mean, we basically established that we were going to go on a date and- and you’re nice and funny, if not a little bit clumsy, but it’s cute. I thought it was obvious that I liked you!”
Namjoon laughs a little bit but that doesn’t mean his heart isn’t beating a million miles a second, “I mean, I figured you at least liked me as a friend, but I haven’t known you that long so I didn’t want to make assumptions. Maybe you’re that friendly with everyone.”
“Trust me, I am not that friendly with everyone,” Jungkook deadpans and now Namjoon is the one blushing.
“I guess you’re right. I’ve never sent an omega into heat before. That could have been an indicator, I suppose,” Namjoon teases.
“ Ha-Ha. That was hellish thanks to you,” Jungkook bites back, but it’s all in jest.
Namjoon throws his hands up dramatically in defense, “I had no idea that being around me would drive your omega so wild. Sue me.” Those words seem to have an effect on Jungkook if the uptick in his scent is anything to go by, but his face doesn’t give anything away.
“I won’t sue you, but you definitely owe me,” Jungkook narrows his eyes and Namjoon. “This weekend, a date. Like, a real one, and I want you to plan something nice. I think I deserve it after what you’ve put me through.”
Namjoon lets out a big laugh, “I’m the one who was stood up and had to walk sadly down to the marina all by himself.”
Suddenly Jungkook’s face falls, “Did you actually do that?”
Namjoon reaches out and rubs his thumb over the top of Jungkook’s hand, their tea long forgotten now. “It’s okay, I’m just teasing you. I’d love to take you out on a real date. I’ll text you when and where once I’ve got it figured out, okay?” Namjoon stands up, feeling like he should probably get back to his own home before the effect of being around an omega freshly out of heat sends him into an unexpected rut.
Jungkook stands up with him and starts walking with him to the door, “Sounds good. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Namjoon chuckles lightly at how formal Jungkook is with his response, but he gives him a smile before stepping out the door. It’s only then, after taking in some fresh air that he realizes how dizzy he feels after being around Jungkook for that long and all of the post-heat pheromones. He really hopes that effect wears off by this weekend, otherwise he’s a goner.
__
The coastal town is pretty sleepy for the most part and there aren’t a ton of people his age, but there are a couple of bars in the area and one of them happens to have a dance floor. He’s not sure if anyone actually goes to the bars or dances considering he’s not stepped foot in them (most of his research was done online), but he’s hopeful. Namjoon isn’t really one to dance either, but Jungkook seems like he might be the type and Namjoon is willing to keep stepping out of his comfort zone if it’s for him.
Namjoon tells Jungkook to be ready by seven o’clock. The plan is to go to dinner at a seaside restaurant that Jungkook has probably eaten at before considering he’s lived here all his life, but it’s still nice enough, and then to head to the bar afterwards. If Namjoon is lucky, he’ll get to spend the night with Jungkook laughing and smiling and maybe with his body pressed up against his own as they move to the music in the bar.
Jungkook is waiting outside, right on time, as Namjoon steps out of his uncle’s house, “I would have come to the door to get you.”
Jungkook laughs and shakes his head, “Seems a bit silly, though, since I live next door. Doesn’t it?”
“I don’t think so. I still would have done it.”
“Well, a bit too late now, I guess.”
Jungkooks says it casually, but there’s a rosiness to his cheeks and his scent is a little stronger. Namjoon’s alpha is fairly certain that doing things like that would make Jungkook happy. Namjoon wonders if anyone else has ever treated Jungkook like that – the way he should be treated, nothing less than special.
The restaurant they eat at is nice, if not a little bit humid by the water. The sun is setting as they eat and it casts a beautiful glow over the water. Quite literally a watercolor of oranges, reds, pinks, and purples. It’s the perfect backdrop to a date with Jungkook.
They eat their food and each have a glass of wine with their meal. Most things in the town are within walking distance so if needed they could leave their car here and walk to the bar. Jungkook doesn’t know the plan for the rest of the evening, but it’s not for lack of trying.
“You seriously won’t tell me?” Jungkook asks with a pout. One that Namjoon finds himself wanting to kiss.
He shakes his head, “Nope. It’s a surprise.”
“What if I don’t like it?”
“I hope you will, but if not then we can leave and go somewhere else?”
Namjoon figures that if Jungkook doesn’t like it then they can head toward the pier and share a bottle of wine there. He stashed one of his uncle’s bottles away in the car in the event that Jungkook hated bars and dancing and would want something more lowkey. Namjoon thinks it’ll go over okay, though. He’s seen Jungkook out in the yard with headphones on and singing along to music as he tends to it, to know that he at least likes listening to it and maybe the dancing part will come along with it.
Jungkook considers Namjoon’s response and nods his head before finishing off his glass of wine. “Okay, I trust you, but can we get dessert first?”
“Absolutely,” Namjoon says, smiling at Jungkook as he looks over the dessert menu.
They end up sharing a few bites of mochi ice cream and then leave the restaurant hand-in-hand. It feels a bit surreal to Namjoon. He’s only been here for a little over a month and he’s already finding himself wanting to have more and more moments like this. He came here to temporarily escape and now he can’t imagine leaving at the end of the summer.
Namjoon walks them to the bar and as soon as they come close enough to see the dim lights inside and the dull music, Jungkook looks up at him.
“A bar? Are you sure?” Jungkook asks and he’s not sure what to make of his tone and facial expression.
Namjoon guesses that explaining his thought process would be the best way to go, “Yeah, I thought you might like to dance and maybe have a couple more drinks before heading home, but we don’t have to!” Namjoon stammered out the last part. “I have a back up plan in case you don’t like this sort of thing.”
Jungkook blinks at him, “Do you like this sort of thing?”
Realization dawns on Namjoon then. Just as Namjoon had grown to know Jungkook more and infer things he would like, Jungkook had likely been able to do the same and can tell that this typically wouldn’t be Namjoon’s scene. He would normally be right, but Namjoon’s been in the habit of trying new things this summer and he’s keen to keep doing so.
Namjoon shrugs, “Sometimes. I think I’d like it with you.”
Namjoon feels Jungkook squeeze his hand that he’s still holding and a small smile grows as he stares up at Namjoon. Jungkook’s eyes are wide as he looks at him and they’re almost as sparkly as the night sky above them. Namjoon can feel himself getting lost in them, but is pulled back down to earth when he feels Jungkook tug on his arm in the direction of the doors.
When they get inside, it’s busier than Namjoon expected it to be considering how sleepy the town usually is. There’s people here he’s never seen and more people his age than he’s ever witnessed between his walks around town and his trips to the grocery store. The mix of alpha, omega, and beta scents is heady with the smell of sweat and alcohol. It’s as if he’s been transported back to a club in Seoul just slightly less crowded and the interior isn’t as modern.
Jungkook brings them up to the bar and orders them two beers, which is such a stark contrast to the fancy wine they were drinking not 30 minutes ago, but Namjoon can drink beer with the best of them. It’s a light beer and probably won’t get him drunk unless he drinks 5 of them quickly, but it gives him something to do as he tries to adjust to the atmosphere. Maybe it’ll loosen him up enough to dance with Jungkook, too.
Almost as if he can sense Namjoon’s thoughts (or maybe he can smell the nervousness in his scent), “You still okay with this?” Jungkook is looking at him with those big doe eyes again and suddenly Namjoon thinks he’d do anything to keep having Jungkook look up at him like that.
He nods his head and takes another sip of his beer, “Yeah, I am. We could- we could dance if you want?”
“Really?” Jungkook asks excitedly. “I thought you’d need at least two drinks in you before I’d be able to get you on the dance floor.”
Namjoon shrugs, “Why waste time like that when I can dance with you now?”
Jungkook finishes off his drink quickly and pulls Namjoon into the crowd where everyone else is moving to the rhythm of the music. Namjoon’s not entirely sure what to do with his body at first, but Jungkook very quickly slots himself into place, his back to Namjoon’s chest and their hips flush. Namkook puts his hands on Jungkook’s hips because it’s the natural thing to do and he follows Jungkook’s lead.
He feels a bit awkward at first but after a beat or two all he can think about is how good it feels to have Jungkook up against him like this. His shirt has ridden up a bit and he can feel Jungkook’s skin under his fingertips and it’s like molten fire to his own skin. He can feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up and sweat start to bead around his collarbones, but he can’t help but want Jungkook to be as close as humanly possible to him.
Jungkook leans his head back into Namjoon’s shoulder, almost in a submissive way Namjoon’s alpha notes, and suddenly he has the urge to kiss him – to leave his mark. He knows he can’t really leave a mark, but he can kiss him.
Namjoon plants a kiss right at the crook of Jungkook’s neck and travels up the side. He tastes the saltiness of Jungkook’s own sweat and feels the cords of his muscle as he makes his way up. He laves his tongue over Jungkook’s sensitive scent gland without thinking. He gets a burst of that scent that is so clearly Jungkook and he feels his knees nearly go weak. He’s not used to feeling this way with anyone so he shakes it off and moves up to his ear where he takes his ear lobe between his teeth, pulling a strangled moan out of Jungkook.
Namjoon’s fully hard now, what with the way Jungkook smells and the way his body moves against his own. It’s hot and sticky and intoxicating. He feels like his head is swimming even though he’s only had the one beer. His grip tightens on Jungkook’s hips as if to ground himself. Being unable to help himself, he drags his nose along the side of Jungkook’s throat, scenting without realizing it and a low growl settles in the back of his throat.
Jungkook’s body slows down until he’s standing stiff against Namjoon. He feels like he’s in a daze and it takes him a moment to realize that Jungkook has turned in his hands and is staring at him with a look of concern. Namjoon slow blinks at Jungkook, trying to make sense of the situation, but his mind feels foggy.
“We need to get you home,” is all Jungkook says before he’s taking Namjoon’s hand again and rushing him out of the bar.
Namjoon would follow him anywhere so he goes where he’s pulled. The air outside feels almost like ice pricks against his damp skin, but it feels so nice. He didn’t realize he’s gotten so hot inside of there.
“I think we need to just walk home as quickly as we can. It’s only about 10 minutes from here. It would take longer to go back and get your car.”
Namjoon notices that Jungkook sounds like he’s in a hurry. He can notice the concern in his scent – tainted and wilted with worry. He wants to fix it. No, he needs to fix it, but he’s not sure how and he’s having a hard time thinking straight so he simply does as Jungkook says and walks with him toward his uncle’s house.
By the time they get there Namjoon is sweating bullets and his mouth feels like sandpaper. When had he gotten so thirsty? Jungkook gets him into his home and plops him onto the couch before he starts puttering around the kitchen. When he comes back he has a glass of ice water and some medicine.
“Here, take these, it’ll help with your fever and make sure you drink all of that,” Jungkook hands him the water directly.
Namjoon suddenly realizes he hasn’t said anything since the bar and wants to ask what’s going on, but his throat feels thick and it’s hard to swallow. “Wh- what’s wrong?” He manages to get out, sounding a bit garbled.
“You’re in pre-rut,” Jungkook says matter-of-factly. “The medicine is for your fever. We should actually probably get you to your bed. Come on.”
Namjoon is being lead by Jungkook again and it’s only once he’s in his room that he registers what he said. Pre-rut. How had he missed the signs? He growled in Jungkook’s ear, for god’s sake, and all they were doing was dancing. Suddenly, Jungkook’s worried scent makes sense to him, and now he’s worried too. Jungkook shouldn’t be here.
Namjoon quickly sets his water and medicine down and starts to gently push Jungkook out of the room by his shoulders. He wordlessly brings Jungkook to the hallways and tries to close the door. He doesn’t want to hurt Jungkook, so he can’t be here. If he’s here then the need to breed will be even stronger and he doesn’t want to put Jungkook in any sort of situation that would make him uncomfortable or put him at risk.
“What are you doing? Stop it,” Jungkook says as Namjoon tries to close the door.
“Can’t be here. Please,” Namjoon practically begs, but Jungkook keeps the door open with his body. His strong, lithe body that Namjoon will very soon wish he can sink his knot into if he doesn’t leave.
“I want to help you. Someone has to take care of you,” Jungkook pleads, his lips as pouty as ever. The words aren’t lost on Namjoon, though, and they’re not at that point yet. He couldn’t possibly ask Jungkook to see him through his rut.
“I don’t- I don’t want this to happen like this. I’ve never even kissed you!” Namjoon explains louder than he meant to.
Realization seems to dawn on Jungkook and he quickly shakes his head, “No, no, I meant that I should be here to make sure you’re safe and have food and water. N-not that I wouldn’t like to have sex with you, I would, but you’re right. We’re not there yet, but I do want to help. Please let me stay, I won’t bother you too much.”
Namjoon takes in the rush of words that we’re just thrown at him. He tries to forget about the fact that Jungkook said he would like to have sex with him because if he lets that train of thought go too far, he’ll find himself pulling Jungkook into his room.
He nods stiffly, “Okay, but try to stay away from the door unless I’m sleeping. You can leave me food and water outside the door. If I see you or smell you, I- I’m not sure what I’ll do once I’m deep in it.”
Jungkook agrees easily and backs away from the door. Namjoon strips from his clothes and lays down on the cool sheets. The medicine is helping with his fever but he still feels warm all over. He knows this is going to be a rough one considering it’s not his season either.
He starts to slowly drift off to sleep. All he can hear are the far away crashing waves and the sound of Jungkook making something in his kitchen. He’s still nervous about having Jungkook here at all, just the sheer knowledge of him being here might drive his alpha wild, but he’s hoping if Jungkook keeps his space then it won’t be too bad.
Namjoon does eventually fall asleep, but when he wakes up he feels worse than he did before. His head is pounding, the sheets beneath him are drenched in his own sweat, and he’s achingly hard. His stomach growls loudly as he sits up and it dawns on him that Jungkook might have left some food for him.
It’s quiet now, so he saunters to the door and cracks it open. There he finds another glass of water, some more fever reducing medicine and kimchi-jjigae. The smell of the food has his stomach growling even more loudly so he quickly pulls everything inside his room and eats it on the floor beside his bed.
After having a full stomach, he starts to feel sleepy again. His pre-ruts usually go like this, as if his body knows what he’s about to endure for the next several days and is conserving as much energy as possible. Namjoon tries to ignore his raging hard on and fall back to sleep so he can attempt at feeling well rested when his rut actually hits.
Namjoon is able to fall back asleep, but it’s fitful and when he wakes up fully about 10 hours later, he’s fully in rut. He hasn’t spent one alone in a long time, but even if he had it wouldn’t compare to what he’s feeling right now. Every part of him is aching to sink into something warm and wet. His alpha’s urge to breed is stronger than he’s ever felt it and Namjoon has this niggling feeling that it has something to do with the pretty omega he’s been spending time with.
He tries to keep his thoughts away from the subject of Jungkook, though, because if he lets them run wild he knows he’ll break through that door to hoist him over his shoulder and bring him into the room with him. So, instead, he focuses on what he can which is eating, sleeping (if he’s able to), drinking water, and rutting against all of his favorite toys and pillows.
Just as he promised, Jungkook stays to make sure he’s safe and well cared for. Even when he doesn’t feel like eating he still takes the food that’s offered and swallows it down because the sweet omega made it for him and he wants to show his gratitude. Every once in a while, Namjoon will catch a whiff of Jungkook’s scent and it makes him feel funny in combination with Jungkook caring for him. Almost feels like Jungkook is his .
It takes a few grueling days, but eventually Namjoon’s rut breaks and he feels exhausted. His room smells of sex and sweat and empty bowls of food. He desperately needs to shower but he doesn’t feel like he has the energy.
To his luck, Jungkook knocks on the door just a few moments later, “Can I come in?”
Namjoon grunts as he gets up to put a robe on and then opens the door. When he sees Jungkook, he’s hit with the strong urge to scoop him up and bring him to the bed to snuggle. Namjoon loves to snuggle post-rut – loves to feel like he did a good job of pupping his omega and taking care of them afterward. He knows it’s the post-rut fog in his brain making him feel this way, but he can’t help it.
“I, um, I came to clean your sheets and stuff. I know I hate the stickiness of it afterwards so I thought you might appreciate a new set,” Jungkook offers as he steps into the room.
Namjoon nods his head and speaks for the first time in days, his voice coming out gravelly, “Yes, please, that would be great.”
Jungkook gives him a soft smile and then pulls up all of the sheets into one safe ball and carrie’s them out to where the washer and dryer are. Namjoon follows him and watches him dutifully put everything into the washer. With slow steps, Namjoon comes up behind Jungkook, wraps his arms around his waist, and rests his head on his shoulder. It startles Jungkook at first, but he relaxes quickly after that, letting out a low hum as he adds scent beads and sets the washer to the right setting.
“What’re you doing, hyung?” Jungkook asks softly.
Namjoon hums and sleepily mumbles out, “You smell nice.”
Jungkook laughs, but it’s not unkind. “Thank you, but I’ll need you to let me go if you want me to put new sheets on your bed.”
Namjoon lets go and is struck with how badly he wants to tell Jungkook that he’s good, so he does. “You’re such a good omega. Took care of me and everything.”
Jungkook’s scent instantly tells Namjoon that he likes what he hears, but he doesn’t respond right away, just finds the sheets and starts working on putting them on the bed.
Namjoon lingers by the doorway as he watches Jungkook make work of the bed linens. His mind starts to wander to Jungkook nesting and what it would look like to see his nest in his bed. He knows he’s daydreaming and that part of it is just his hormones, but he finds that the more rational part of him still likes the idea.
“There you go!” Jungkook says as he lightly hits the freshly made bed. “All done. Now you can get some good sleep.”
Namjoon walks a little closer to him, but tries to go slow so that he doesn’t alarm Jungkook since he did just walk into an alpha’s den straight after rut. “Can we- would you be okay cuddling with me?” Namjoon asks, feeling a bit nervous, but no less wanting.
Jungkook looks a little shocked at first, but then considers it, “Yeah, sure, we can cuddle, hyung.”
This makes Namjoon’s alpha preen. He’s going to have Jungkook, the sweet and kind omega, in his arms again. He quickly walks over to the bed and pulls the blanket back and gestures for Jungkook to get in first. Jungkook slides in and fluffs the pillows to his liking, he watches Namjoon as he settles into the bed after him. Namjoon quickly, but gently adjusts them both so that he is spooning Jungkook and tucks his nose into the back of Jungkook’s neck – breathing in deeply and letting it settle something inside of him.
Jungkook feels relaxed in his arms and smells content, which makes Namjoon feel proud. He doesn’t want to come on too strong, but he can’t hide the fact that he’s constantly pulled in Jungkook’s direction. Namjoon starts to feel sleepy again and before he knows it, he’s muttering the words that have been dancing around in his mind his entire rut.
“Wish you were mine.”
If it alarmed Jungkook in any way, he didn't make it known because a few minutes later Namjoon is falling asleep to the deep purring noise that’s coming from Jungkook. Neither of them say anything after that and they both fall into a peaceful sleep. Namjoon stays wrapped around Jungkook and Jungkook seems to be just as happy to be enveloped by Namjoon.
__
When Namjoon wakes up he thinks it must still be early because there’s barely any sunlight coming in through the windows. Now that the fog has cleared, it dawns on him that he has Jungkook in his arms, who is very cutely snoring, and he also remembers what he said just before he fell asleep. He could feel mortified by it, but he also remembers that Jungkook didn’t seem put off by it and that he really would like to start properly dating Jungkook.
He tightens his hold around Jungkook and breathes in his scent, tucking his face back into the crook of his neck and lightly scenting him. This causes Jungkook to stir a little before his eyes blink open, likely taking in his surroundings. He eventually turns in his arms to face Namjoon and blinks up at him sleepily. Namjoon wants to melt on the spot.
“You never showered last night, still smell like rut,” Jungkook says with his nose scrunched up, faux disgusted.
Namjoon realizes that he’s right and he just slept on perfectly clean sheets in his bathrobe without having showered first. “I’ll get up in a few and shower. I can put new sheets on again, so that you don’t have to.”
Jungkook considers Namjoon for a moment, almost as if he’s taking in all of Namjoon’s facial features, committing them to memory. He hums then and scoots a little closer, “I don’t really mind.”
They lie there in silence for a few minutes, snuggled up and unsure of where to go from here, but enjoying it nonetheless. Namjoon isn’t even sure that Jungkook heard him last night until he brings it up himself.
“Did you- did you really mean what you said last night? About me being with you?” Jungkook asks quietly, like he’s nervous to hear the answer.
Namjoon answers truthfully and hopes for the best, “Yeah, I did. I think I’d really like getting to have you as my boyfriend, my omega. That is, if you want it, too?”
Jungkook mumbles something into his chest that Namjoon can’t hear, so he uses his thumb and index finger to tilt Jungkook’s chin up so that he’s looking at him. “What was that, Jungkook-ah?”
“‘Said I think I’d like that too,” He replies, spoken with his signature pout.
Namjoon can’t help the smile on his face and takes their current position as the perfect opportunity to kiss Jungkook for the first time. It’s sweet and soft and perfect – the way their lips slot together is everything Namjoon could have dreamed of. They don’t deepen it any further, just continue the sleepy morning, saccharine kisses until they’re both just the tiniest bit out of breath.
Jungkook’s cheeks are a light shade of pink again as he speaks, “Is this your way of asking me to be with you?”
Namjoon nods and plants a chaste kiss to his lips again, “Yeah, it is.”
Jungkook beams up at him before kissing him again and pulling the blankets over their heads, surrounding them in the fluffy comfort as they settle back in. Namjoon is so pleased with how the conversation went. He’s actually pleased with how everything has gone this summer. He came here with the sole intention of escaping the mess that his life was slowly becoming and the insecurities that were gnawing away at him and found a place - a person - that has brought him so much comfort and warmth.
Namjoon supposes he’ll have to figure out how to stay here just a little bit longer than he originally planned. He can’t reasonably see how he could leave at the end of the summer now. Not when he has everything he could ever want right in his arms.