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Ah, there goes another one.
It was the fourth deer that had escaped him that week. But could he really be blamed? It wasn’t all that common for him to go after bigger prey—he was one wolf after all.
Years of living on the edge of the pack that no longer wished to mingle with him had made him quite the hunter. Survival was always the best teacher after all. By now, hunting rabbits and squirrels was like second nature to him. Deer, on the other hand, required a skill that could only be taught. One that he was deprived of, given he was a packless pack member.
As if losing his parents at the age of 9 was something he wished upon himself.
As if the constant taunts, pity, and ridicule weren’t what drove him to the most outer boundary of the pack at the age of 14. Away from it all.
Leaving him on his own.
If only he could have left. If only he still didn’t need the community to trade for things he still wasn’t self-sufficient enough to produce himself. If only, despite his loneliness, he stopped finding solace in being part of something.
And now, 11 years later, the skill of hunting down bigger prey still escaped him. He did have a bit of rabbit meat cured and stored, but that would be nowhere near enough to last him through the colder months that were coming. If he was lucky, he’d make it three weeks before he had to start relying solely on bread and jam.
The thought made him shudder.
With a new found determination, he set further into the woods, his ears twitching for any sound of movement. He made sure to keep his paws careful of stepping on any twigs, lest it scare any prey that were nearby.
He knew, after a few more steps, he would be venturing out of pack territory. But he couldn’t care, or at least couldn’t afford to care. It was now or never.
He had made it to the river, the one that marked the outermost boundary of the pack. It didn’t take long before he spotted a doe innocently lapping at the water just on the other side. He was hidden behind a large bush, allowing him to go undetected.
This is it, he thought. All he had to do was pounce on the unsuspecting prey on the other side, and he’d be set. With nimble steps, he stalked as close as he could to the river without giving away his position, crouching as low as possible. Once he felt confident he would make the jump, he positioned his hind legs, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
He was about to finally make the leap when he heard the sound of a body slamming against something followed by a pain howl. He quickly turned his head to the source of the sound, finding it was coming from upstream. When he looked back to where the deer was, it was long gone, likely startled by the sound.
Before he could lament the loss, he heard the sound again, this time a pained whimper that made Yoongi’s heart clench.
Without much thought, he ran forward, trying to see what it was. He didn’t have to travel too far, just a few paces before he finally was able to see what happened.
There, clinging to a large rock on his side of the river, was a giant auburn and black wolf. The breeze had kicked up then, allowing him to catch the scent of the other wolf. Petrichor. An alpha.
Yoongi didn’t have very much experience with them, apart from his pack, and even those were quite unsavory. Something he would really like to avoid repeating again. He stayed there hesitating and confused, shuffling back and forth in his spot. The current wasn’t strong at all. If the alpha wanted, he could remove himself from the water. So why isn’t he?
He looked around, assessing the scene, when his eyes finally noticed the alpha’s plight.
Red.
Dark red against the clear blue pooled along the alpha’s flank.
He’s hurt, he realized with a start.
Against his better judgement, he took a step into the clearing, deciding he would help after all.
The minute he stepped out from behind the foliage, the alpha’s head snapped to him, making him abruptly pause. The two kept their eyes locked on one another, the stare starting to fray at Yoongi’s nerves.
Only, the alpha gave another pitiful whimper, eyes almost imploring for help. And Yoongi wasn’t raised cruel.
He slowly made his way towards the alpha again, their eyes never leaving each other. Yoongi tried not to flinch at the glowing red eyes fixed on him, lest he come off as weak. When he got closer and saw the alpha remain perfectly still, he looked around to assess the situation.
He trailed a bit further into the water, and saw that the alpha wasn’t stuck under the rock. He just couldn’t move for reasons he couldn’t see.
The omega decided being as careful as possible was the way to go. He made his way back out of the water, approaching the alpha again. At the pace that could rival a turtle, he slowly made his way to the alpha's neck. He needed to scruff him to be able to pull him out, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t terrified of the alpha’s reaction at having a foreign wolf at his neck.
But, to his shock, the alpha didn’t even flinch at Yoongi’s proximity, allowing Yoongi to gently nip him. With all his might, he pulled the alpha out of the water and onto the land, proud that he only struggled a little bit. Though, that was quickly replaced by concern when he heard the pained howl from the alpha at the movement.
Now that the wolf was no longer submerged in water, he made quick work to assess the point of injury. But it didn’t take long to find the source of the alpha’s pain. There, from his hind leg all the way to his flank, was a deep, ugly-looking gash. With the amount of blood spilling, Yoongi could tell it wasn’t fatal, but it would most definitely take a couple of weeks to heal even in wolf form.
He wanted to say it was not his problem. Say he did his due diligence as a good person and just walk away.
But he watched the rapid rise and fall of the alpha’s chest. The occasional whimpers that kept escaping against his will. The blood that would not stop spilling no matter what.
And that’s when he decided. If this was going to come back and bite him in the ass, at least he kept his conscience clear.
After a moment’s hesitation, he shifted back, needing to communicate with the alpha. He tried not to think too hard about how he was completely in the nude, instead crouching next to the him. Partly to get closer to the wolf, partly to hide some of himself.
“Y-you’re hurt. Badly might I add. I can help you, but I’m gonna need you to promise you won’t hurt me in return,” he managed to muster out.
Because this was an alpha. An alpha, if taken back to his small hut, would eventually heal. An alpha who, once healed, would be in an isolated area with a lone omega. An alpha who Yoongi silently prayed and prayed wouldn’t turn out to be a bad person.
He watched the alpha look at him for a moment. Maybe a flicker of distrust ran through him too. But he ultimately just nodded his head before laying back down and closing his eyes.
“Okay. I don’t want to drag you by your nape as I’m afraid I might hurt you more. So I’m going to go grab something to help carry you and come back. Okay?”
Yoongi waited for a response, only to see the alpha’s eyes remain closed while he breathing was getting more and more shallow by the second.
“Oh no,” he panicked, shifting mid-way as he broke out into a run towards his hut. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, feeling his legs go faster once his hut was in sight.
He rounded to the back finding what he was looking for. It was a wheelbarrow of sorts, something he had fashioned from wood in order to help him transport bigger prey more easily. Now, it will host a predator. He quickly grabbed the rope with his teeth before setting off again to where he left the alpha.
The minutes felt like hours as he desperately hoped for nothing to have happened in his absence. When he got back to the riverside, he found the alpha exactly as he left him. The only sign of life being his scent, sour from pain while still permeating the air.
Yoongi made quick work of dropping the opening of the wheel barrow right at the head of the alpha before pushing it a bit beneath. Then, he rounded to the other side before he pushed on the wolf from the back, thankful the alpha was passed out. He couldn’t imagine the pain the alpha would have felt at being all but shoved on to the wheelbarrow.
Once he felt he was secure, he grabbed the rope and briskly made his way back, careful not to jostle the alpha too much.
Yoongi felt his wolf getting tired, not used to lugging so much weight, but he was determined to get the alpha to safety and save him.
After finally making it back to the hut, he gently set the wheelbarrow down. Luckily, he had left his door open. He grabbed the alpha by his good leg and then proceeded to drag him inside.
Thank God, he can’t feel this, he kept thinking to himself. After finally securing the alpha in the middle of the floor, he immediately shifted back to start a fire. Once that was done, he grabbed some water from the basin in the kitchen—thank goodness he refilled it that morning—some cloth strips, some leaves, his pastes, and some twine.
Methodically he cleaned the wound, thankful it wasn’t bleeding as much anymore and so far, showed no signs of infection. Once clean, he used the leaves to apply the healing paste to the wound.
“Please don’t get infected,” he whispered.
After thoroughly coating the leg, he wrapped it in cloth and secured it with twine. Once done, he crawled up closer to the alpha’s face. He watched how the shallow breaths still remained while the alpha panted for air. He couldn’t help it as he ran his fingers through the alpha’s fur.
“You can do it,” he softly spoke. “You can push through this…please do.”
Yoongi knew he did all he could up until this point. So with one final glance at the alpha, he made his way to the kitchen, hoping to distract himself.
He was sure the alpha would be hungry if… when he woke up.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was a few hours later, when he was stoking the fire, that he heard rustling movement behind him. He turned around to see the alpha stirring about, his eyes roaming around his surroundings before he grew agitated. Yoongi would have been scared if he hadn’t smelt the fear invade his nostrils before the alpha quickly suppressed it, most likely not to come off as weak.
“Hey, hey, look it’s me,” he assured as he crouched in front of the alpha at a safe distance. “The one who found you. This is my home. You’re safe I promise.”
Yoongi watched the alpha assess him before relaxing completely.
“See, nothing to worry about. I dressed your wound. With how nasty it is, I think it’s going to need at least a couple of weeks to heal. So I truly advise you not to shift.”
The alpha seemed to listen, if the huff was anything to go bye.
“Well, I’m sorry, but unless you want to permanently lose your leg, you’re gonna have to stay off it and not subject it to shifting. Besides, we heal faster as wolves anyway.”
He made his way to get up, feeling the alpha’s eyes on him the entire time.
“You slept for the entire day, so I can imagine you must be hungry.”
He dished out both of their dinners before making his way back to the alpha. He sat a bowl down in front of him before sitting a respectable distance away.
“You’re gonna need to get your strength up, so I made some broth. It’s not too hot, so you should be able to slurp-”
Yoongi didn’t even get the chance to finish his sentence. The alpha was already licking at the bowl, greedily gulping down the contents at record speed. Within 3 minutes flat, the bowl was empty, the alpha licking his muzzle clean. Until he watched him eyeing the bowl in Yoongi’s hand with the widest puppy dog eyes he could manage.
Yoongi couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “No need to look so pitiful. Lucky for you, I made plenty of broth,” he laughed.
He moved forward, dumping the contents of his bowl into the alpha’s. Once again, the alpha lapped everything up like he’d been starving for days. Which Yoongi guessed wasn’t too far off from reality.
“Cute,” the omega cooed before making his way back to the kitchen to grab himself a bowl.
He could have sworn he smelled a burst of petrichor, but when he looked back, the alpha was busy cleaning his muzzle, bowl completely empty.
After the two, or well Yoongi, finished with dinner, Yoongi made quick work of cleaning before making his way to his bed. The minute he lied down, he felt the exhaustion of the day's events wash over him.
“I’m going to head to bed,” he yawned. “But if you need anything, just give me a shout. I’m a light sleeper.”
He doesn’t remember if the alpha responded or not, too exhausted to listen. Within seconds he was out, the delicious scent of petrichor lulling him to sleep.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Something was tickling his hand. Or at least he thought it was. The more the tickling went on, the stronger the scent of petrichor got. Almost to the point where he couldn’t smell his own tangerine scent on him.
Slowly, he opened his eyes, feeling how his arm was sticking off the bed. And attached to his arm, was the alpha who was nosing along his hand. Probably in an effort to wake him up.
“You’re up?” he yawned, moving to sit up as he stretched. “Damn what time is—,” he paused, now more aware of his surroundings. “Wait, how did you get to my bedside? I thought I left you in the middle of the room.”
The alpha had the audacity to roll his eyes at him with a huff before hobbling his way back, at a turtle’s pace, to the center where Yoongi had set him up.
“Are you sassing me? In my own home?” the omega let out in disbelief. “I’m only saying it for your own good. You shouldn’t move around. Not unless you want to aggravate your injury.”
The alpha laid down again, front legs extended as he stared at the omega, almost like he was telling the omega Sure, but I’m going to do what I want to do.
And Yoongi, for some reason, couldn't help but be a bit annoyed at that. Here he was, trying his best to help the alpha heal, but he just wouldn’t listen. It hadn’t even been a day for crying out loud!
With a deep exhale, he decided to get started on his chores, before he got into it with someone who couldn’t even talk back to him.
“Fine, do what you want,” he huffed out.
The omega swung his legs off the bed, moving to find his fur coat and made his way to the door. He had barely made it a step out before he heard scrambling followed by an oomph behind him. He quickly turned around to see the alpha trying to get up in haste. Yoongi could only think the alpha’s stubbornness from earlier exhausted his legs and now his body needed rest to muster the strength to get up again.
But of course, he had to get stuck with the most stubborn alpha on the planet, who was now growling at the bandages on his leg, his petrichor scent going stormy.
Yoongi let out a deep sigh before making his way back to the agitated alpha. He slowly knelt in front of the alpha, whose attention immediately snapped to the omega. Yoongi doesn’t know what possessed him to do this, but he was desperate to get the alpha to listen. So to him, anything was fair game.
He gently cupped the alpha’s hands in his face, internally cheering when the petrichor scent picked up again.
“Look, I’m not sure what it is. If it’s some alpha thing that makes you not want to seem weak, or something on your human side that thinks resting is above them, but I need you to pretty please listen to me. I understand it’s frustrating not to move now, but if you bear with it now, you’ll be up and about in no time. But, if you choose to not listen to your body and push it to do what it’s not ready for, you might be stuck in this position for a lot longer than you like. Is that what you want?” he softly asked.
He could see the alpha’s resolve crumbling before him, as he finally relaxed in Yoongi’s hands. Yoongi took it to mean he will listen, or at least he hoped that’s what that meant. Slowly, he began to move his hands, only for the alpha to whine in protest, trying to nuzzle back into the retreating touch. It made the omega chuckle.
“I have to fetch more water, I ran low after yesterday. After that, I’ll help you make your way out so you can relieve yourself and then we can have breakfast. Okay?”
The alpha gave a bark at that, which Yoongi took as an affirmative. He got up, giving the alpha one last head pat before finally heading out.
From there, they had set up a routine. Nothing much changed for Yoongi if he was honest, except having to help the alpha move in and out to use the restroom and change his dressing. Otherwise, it was all just more of the same. Familiarity that continued the following days. All except Yoongi had found someone to talk to. Or talk at, he should say.
He found himself mindlessly talking about anything and everything under the sun, including his winter storage woes.
“Ah, damn. Looks like my rabbit meat is nearly gone.” He turned to the alpha, who was looking much better than before. “I’m going to go hunting tomorrow. So you might be left alone a bit longer. Who knows, maybe it’ll be my lucky day and I can finally catch a deer. Then I’ll be set for at least two to three months,” he enthused.
He didn’t know where this new found confidence was coming from, but he was certain he was going to have deer tomorrow. He could feel it in his bones. He made his way over to the alpha then, assessing the wound as he always did.
“Wow, I know you're an alpha but this healed quicker than I could have expected. I don’t think I even need to bandage it anymore. Maybe in a few days you’ll even be able to shift,” he said excitedly.
They may be wolves but being stuck in one form or the other could lead to a certain restlessness. He could only imagine how awful it must have been to be stuck for almost two weeks in his animal form. Though he wasn’t sure why the alpha wasn’t sharing his enthusiasm. If anything, he looked a bit sad.
“Anyway, we should go to sleep. Along with the deer, I need more firewood so I have to be up early,” he sighed, looking at the flame that was beginning to die.
He could shift and sleep, but then that would mean stripping in front of the alpha. And if he needed him and he had to shift back, he’d be completely exposed again. So instead he crawled into his bed, pulling the covers high and hoped he wouldn’t freeze to death. That was easier said than done when he found himself violently shivering at night, the blanket doing nothing to block out the late autumn air. He was too tired to get up so he just prayed for sleep to overtake him.
All until he felt warmth suddenly engulfing his back. His half-conscious state was barely registering the softness, but he relaxed into it nonetheless. It felt like the warmth was engulfing his form, cocooning around him better than any fur could.
And just like that he found himself drifting off again, rainy summers infiltrating his dreams.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was the bright sunlight pouring in from the window that finally woke him up. He had been sleeping well for the past couple of weeks, but nothing beat how relaxed he was last night.
Maybe too relaxed.
He realized with a start he was late to start the day. On top of that, the hut was quiet. Too quiet.
He frantically looked around to see the alpha was missing, nowhere in sight. A pang of hurt struck his heart. Did the alpha really leave in the middle of the night without so much as a goodbye?
Yoongi wasn’t holding any expectations for him, that wasn’t why he helped him. But did their time really mean so little to the alpha that he didn’t even deserve a goodbye?
The omega started blinking rapidly, not even sure why his eyes were feeling more wet than before.
“Ugh it’s not even a big deal. Why am I like this?” he gritted, furiously wiping at his eyes.
Whatever. Fuck stupid alphas and their stupid selves. He had a winter to prepare for.
He grabbed his cloak angrily marching his way towards the door, determined to move on with his life.
He threw open the door, ready to march outside, when he found his exit was blocked. There, laying on his doorstep was a large deer. Not even a fawn. A full adult-size deer.
Before he could even fully process it, he heard the rustling of leaves not too far from him. And then, trotting into the clearing was him.
The alpha had a slight limp in his gait, but otherwise he looked like he was doing much better. And behind him was his wheelbarrow, being pulled by the wolf with at least a month’s worth of firewood.
Yoongi couldn’t help it then. Now, the tears flowed freely, cascading down his porcelain face one after the other. It didn’t go noticed by the alpha, who most likely smelled his sour tangerine scent. Within a second, he quickly dropped the rope from his mouth, before limping full speed to the omega. He stood back on his hind legs, favoring his right over his left, while trying to nuzzle at the omega. He whined as tear after tear escaped the omega, the alpha trying his best to lick them away.
“I just… I thought you left without a goodbye,” the omega sniveled, finally calming down after crying his eyes out.
The alpha whined even harder at that, licking furiously at the omega, almost saying How could you think that?
“Okay, okay,” Yoongi eventually chuckled, the alpha’s tongue feeling ticklish. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have thought that. But I do want you to promise me. Promise you won’t leave without saying goodbye?”
The alpha barked out a response, which Yoongi took to mean he won’t. And the omega was going to hold him to it.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was later that night, when Yoongi was finishing their dinner that he broached the topic. He gave a last few stirs of the stew, the deer smelling heavenly, before he turned to approach the alpha.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” he started.
He watched the alpha staring at him, probably sensing there was more with the way Yoongi was nervously playing with his tunic.
“I can see you’re quite healed now. I think it would be safe to shift,” he nervously said, knowing the alpha wasn’t the biggest fan of the topic.
But it’s been a couple weeks now and Yoongi would be lying if he didn’t say his curiosity was really starting to get to him. He moved to his cupboard, grabbing a tunic and a pair of pants and leaving it on the bed. He left it open ended at that, not wanting to pressure the alpha into more.
He started plating the bowls when he heard the familiar crack of bones, his breath hitching at the sound. A few moments later he heard the rustling of clothes. And then, it was silent.
Slowly, he turned around bracing himself. For what? He didn’t know. But he wished he braced himself harder.
There, in front of him, stood one of the most beautiful men he had ever seen in his entire life. A long face with a defined jaw line, high cheekbones, a sharp nose, and wonderfully tan skin, despite it being almost winter. But what caught his attention the most were the heart shaped lips that sported a small mole on the upper right lip that Yoongi felt a need to get to know intimately. He could tell he was bigger in build than him, with the way his pants were short on him and his shirt a bit snug, But that still didn’t deter anything from his beauty.
And then he spoke.
“Yoongi,” he rasped, voice a bit hoarse from disuse. And oh, Yoongi was not going to make it if this man kept talking to him like that.
So he quickly turned back around, focusing his attention on the bowls.
“I, uh, *ahem* see you changed back. H-how are you feeling?”
“Much better, thanks to you,” he spoke again.
He stalled for as long as he could, but eventually he couldn’t avoid the alpha longer. So he made his way over to the small table in the center of the room where the alpha already sat down and set the bowls down. He avoided eye contact with the alpha at all cost, instead staring fixedly at his food.
“That’s good to hear. I’m quite glad it didn’t get infected. Would’ve made it impossible to move around then, let alone travel,” he noted.
He picked up his spoon to eat, missing the alpha’s reactions to his words.
“Though, my leg is still quite a bit sore. Doesn’t allow for much usage until it feels like it might cramp. As such, I think I might have to impose on you a bit longer until I’m able to make the trek home. My apologies for that,” the alpha lamented.
Though Yoongi didn’t know why, the apology felt a little less sincere than it should have been. Especially with how the alpha’s scent did not waver in the slightest. But he could have also just been imagining it.
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I would rather you be a hundred percent before going back home. Especially since the weather is only getting colder. That most definitely won’t be good on your muscles,” he reassured.
“Are you sure? What if your… alpha were to return soon?” the alpha questioned.
Yoongi wasn’t sure why the word alpha was said with such disdain, nor how this clueless alpha has still not concluded that Yoongi lived alone. But he decided to indulge. Maybe the man before him thought he had a mate away on a trip or something.
“I’m very sure. And I don’t have an alpha. I thought that was pretty obvious from how everything only smells of me,” he chuckled.
A spike of petrichor flooded the tiny hut before it was quickly subdued. “GOOD! I mean *ahem* it’s good I won’t be inconveniencing you anymore than I have been, haha.”
“But I don’t think of it as an inconvenience. I mean, it’s been nice to have someone to talk to. Or talk at, I should say,” Yoongi giggled, until he sobered up. He bit his lip a bit before finally asking what he really wanted to know. “Although, now that you’re going to be here for a bit longer, can I possibly get your name, and what happened?”
He watched as the alpha froze in his seat, his petrichor scent going stormy again. Maybe the memory of the injury is too painful, Yoongi thought. He was just about to apologize and say to forget it when the alpha spoke again.
“Hobi. My name… is Hobi,” the alpha, Hobi, responded.
Even his name is cute, the omega internally cooed.
“Well Hobi, it’s finally nice to put a name to my housemate’s face. I have to say, you do look a bit younger than me. How old are you?”
“I’m 24.”
“Ah so I’m your hyung then. I’m 25. So you must respect me,” he cheesed, ecstatic at being older.
“Sure thing, hyung,” the alpha laughed back, though Yoongi felt his heart flip at how tenderly the alpha was looking at him. “As for how I ended up here. Well, I was out hunting and I may or may not have been trying to take down a bear.”
That caught Yoongi’s attention. “You mean a bear cub?”
“No, I mean a, uh, full adult bear,” the alpha winced.
Yoongi stayed quiet for a moment, until realization dawned on him. “By yourself?!”
He watched the alpha pout at that bit. Cute.
“I had the situation under control… mostly. I just got side-swiped at the last second when I pounced and got thrown into the river. And well… here we are.”
The omega couldn’t help but stare in bewilderment at the alpha. “I genuinely can’t tell if you are incredibly brave or just plain stupid. And I’m already heavily leaning towards one. Seriously, why would you do that? You could have died!”
A shadow casted on the alpha’s face before he cleared his expression. “In my family, it’s customary for alphas to hunt for the biggest game possible in order to prove they can provide. I was practicing.”
For what? Yoongi wanted to ask, but the question died in his mouth after seeing the alpha’s downturned lips. Maybe it could be a question for another time.
“You know, with how stubborn you were during our first few days together, I should have figured. But please, I’m sure there are people who love you. So let’s not try to get ourselves actively killed, hmm?” he gently chastised, moving to pick up the bowls.
“Wait, I’ll clean them!” the alpha cut in, quickly moving to pick up the bowls and hobbling towards the basin in the corner.
Yoongi was surprised to say the least but obliged, letting the alpha do what he wanted.
Except, he watched in horror as the alpha held the bowl like it had personally offended him, before almost completely emptying his supply of fresh water.
“What the- what are you doing? You don’t need to use that much water to clean! And you need to actually hold the bowl in order to clean it!”
He watched Hobi flinch at his words, at least having the decency to look apologetic. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to it.”
That most definitely earned an eye roll from the omega. Oh, so he’s one of those alphas.
“Sigh, it’s fine. I’ll just have to run out and fetch clean water in the morning.”
“I can do it!” the alpha volunteered again. Though Yoongi would be lying if he said he wasn’t a bit hesitant, for more reasons than one.
“Are you sure? Your leg may be more healed, but I think you're still gonna need a couple of days to adjust after being off of it for so long.”
“No, no. I can go. I’m feeling much better,” the alpha reassured. “... just not enough to travel long distances!” he quickly added.
Yoongi let out a chuckle. Does this alpha really think I’m cruel enough to kick him out when he still needs more time to heal? “No, I got it. Baby steps, right? You can grab the water in the morning,” he said. “I’ll just go and collect more firewood while you do that.”
“I’ll do that too,” the alpha said again.
“Uhh you really don’t have to. I’m quite used to going. Plus, you don’t want to over exert yourself.”
“No, please I’ll go,” the alpha pleaded.
He really didn’t look like he was going to back down from this. And if Yoongi was honest, he was starting to find this whole exchange a bit bizarre. So instead, he just nodded his head in agreement before going to his cupboard. Now that the alpha was in human form, he’d need a place to sleep.
Yoongi sifted through his supply of sheets, which were very limited, before moving to the floor. He arranged them on the floor, mindlessly working until the intense scent of petrichor hit his nose. He looked up to see the alpha looking at him in awe. Confused, Yoongi looked down to see—oh, that’s why.
Somehow, Yoongi had ended up making a nest on the floor. Well, that’s embarrassing.
“Oh, I didn’t realize. Let me just fix-”
“No!” Hobi yelled, startling Yoongi a bit. “I mean no, if you don’t mind. I’d like to sleep in it. It, um, it looks cozy” the alpha sheepishly ended, cheeks coloring a rosy pink.
Yoongi’s own face felt quite heated as well, biting his lip in contemplation. But what would be the implications if he let him sleep—
“Ow!” the alpha shouted, clutching his leg.
“What happened?!” The omega quickly got up and made his way to the alpha, assessing him top to bottom.
“I, uh, think I’ve been standing too long. My leg might be weaker than I thought, haha,” he nervously chuckled.
“Ugh, you stupid alpha. Why are you so stubborn and refuse to listen? You know what, why don’t you take the bed and I’ll take the floor,” he decided with an air of finality.
That had the alpha standing straight immediately. “Wha—no, no. I can sleep on the floor. It was just a momentary cramp. Look, I’m fine now.”
Yoongi finished setting up the nest, already waving him off. He moved to the center, getting comfortable on the floor, fixing the sheets a bit as he sat.
“You say that now, but then your leg might get stiff on the ground. It’s fine, it wouldn't be the first time I slept on the floor. Goodnight,” he yawned, already moving to lie down.
He was beginning to enter dreamland when he smelled the alpha’s scent tickle his nose, laced with guilt.
“Don’t feel guilty. I’m alright. Just go to sleep. We have a lot to do in the morning,” he mumbled, before finally letting sleep pull him under.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Hmmm, since when did the floor get so soft?
The thought came unbidden as the omega nuzzled into the surface beneath him. And then all of a sudden realization dawned on him.
He quickly sat up, looking to confirm that indeed he was in his bed. It was then the alpha walked in through the front door, carrying two large buckets of water.
“Oh you’re up!” he enthused, setting the buckets down before hobbling his way over.
“Why am I in my bed?” Yoongi rasped, his body still waking up.
Hobi looked away, rubbing at his nape a bit before answering. “Oh well, y-you looked uncomfortable on the floor. So I moved you to the bed. Nothing else. Um, I’ve already collected the firewood and water. I’ll get started on breakfast.”
Before Yoongi could even answer, the alpha was making his way to the kitchen, leaving Yoongi a bit dazed if he was honest.
After shaking his head a bit, he decided to finally start the day. He was just standing up when he heard a curse from the kitchen.
“Shit!” the alpha yelped.
“What happened now?!” the omega shouted, as he ran over to the little space.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” the alpha shook his head, hiding his hand behind his back.
Yoongi gave the most unimpressed look to the alpha before holding his hand out. He raised an eyebrow when the alpha showed no desire to move. Moments passed as the two stared at each other, before the alpha finally gave in.
“Aish, it’s just a small nick, thank God,” Yoongi murmured as he inspected Hobi’s hand. “Okay, that’s it. You are officially banned from doing anymore house duties,” he declared.
“What? No! I can help. It was just a small cut,” the alpha protested.
“Nope, we need you to get better, Hobi, not add more injuries. Or do you have no desire to fully heal?”
“No,” the alpha mumbled.
“Hm?” Yoongi hummed in confusion.
“I mean fine, but I’ll do all the outside work,” he bargained.
Yoongi couldn’t help but let out a sigh. “Hobi, please be honest with me. Are you having cabin fever? Is that it? How about this? After lunch, we can go on a walk. That should help get some of the restlessness out.”
“It’s not that,” Hobi objected.
“Then?”
The alpha just stared at the omega for a moment. “...Nothing. Just consider it my way of saying thank you. Please,” he begged.
Yoongi didn’t understand why he felt the tiniest bit disappointed in that answer. Of course the alpha wouldn’t have any other motives. Why else would he be so stubborn to want to work?
“Fine, we can split the chores. But the minute you feel like your body can’t handle it, you have to tell me. Your recovery is and will be the number one priority. Promise?”
The alpha beamed at that. “I promise.”
“Good, let me go wash up and then I’ll get breakfast going,” he smiled before leaving to officially start the day.
And just like that the two fell into a routine. Hobi would go out to grab fresh water every morning, and some more kindling to add to the winter stock. Yoongi in turn would cook and wash the dishes. To his delight, he finally had more time to dedicate to his hobbies.
“What’s this?” Hobi asked one evening, holding up a small squirrel figurine.
“Oh it’s a squirrel carving. I made it last winter.”
“You made this? Hyung, you’re so talented!” Hobi praised.
Yoongi could’ve sworn he was red head to toe. “It’s nothing really, just something I do on the rare times I have downtime.”
“No you don’t understand. I’m not just trying to flatter you, your craftsmanship is almost professional,” the alpha insisted.
“Well sometimes I do go into town to sell them, but that’s about it. They help with bartering” he shrugged, fingers twirling in his apron.
He watched the alpha gently set the figurine down, before fully turning to him. “I did want to ask that, but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. But why do you live so far away from the pack?”
Yoongi couldn’t help the humourless chuckle that escaped him. “I’m honestly surprised it took you so long to ask.”
And that’s how he found himself regaling the tragedy that was his life. To a complete stranger at that.
Or well, maybe he wasn’t a stranger anymore.
“Well, I was orphaned at 9. My dad used to work in the army. He died while breaking up a riot that had erupted in the capital. And my mom, she died of a broken heart. You see, my parents were deeply in love. They actually met when my father was passing by here while patrolling and fell madly in love. So, it really wasn’t a surprise she wasn’t able to hold on. Not even for me. I don’t blame her. Never have. I could only imagine how painful it must have been to have your anchor ripped away like that.” He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “And I held on. As long as I could. Was passed around like a hot potato between some of their old friends since I didn’t have any other family. But everywhere I went, I was seen as another burden, another mouth to feed. And then at 14, I sort of snapped. Overheard the last pair I was with talking about how I was bad luck and needed to be rid of. So before they could do it themselves, I ran away and have been here ever since. I did write to the pack alpha that I’d be staying at the abandoned hut on the edge of the pack, since I couldn’t exactly go rogue. And it’s been like that ever since.”
When he finished, he looked up to see the alpha staring at him, but his eyes were glowing bright red.
“Hobi?” he whispered.
One second the alpha was staring at him, and the next he was being coccooned in strong arms, holding him so tightly like he would break.
“Yoongi, I’m so sorry that happened to you. You didn’t deserve any of that.”
The omega felt his eyes getting moist, but he really didn’t want to cry now. So instead, he tried to play it off. “It’s fine Hobi, it was years ago.”
“No, it's not fine. Time may make things feel less awful, but it doesn’t make things less awful. But don’t worry I’m here now.”
For how long? The question was on the tip of his tongue. But he kept it to himself. Instead, he burrowed further into the warmth he’d been missing for years and let his tears fall freely.
For once, he let his guard down.
After crying for who knows how long, Yoongi finally spoke again.
“H-hobi?” the omega quietly sniffled.
“Yes hyung?”
“U-um well you see the floor isn’t exactly the best place to sleep.” Yoongi felt his face heating up from where it was buried in the alpha’s chest, but he still continued. “M-maybe we can share the bed?” he whispered.
Yoongi felt Hobi freeze in his hold before relaxing again, bursts of petrichor filling the air.
“Are you sure?” he asked, just wanting to confirm.
Yoongi nodded his head, suddenly feeling very tired.
“Let’s go to sleep,” he mumbled.
“Anything you want hyung,” the alpha softly responded.
He carefully maneuvered the two to the bed, making sure to be extra gentle with the omega.
Yoongi thought he would be more on edge, being in bed with an alpha. Instead, he felt blissfully warm, feeling so protected and small, that he fell asleep within seconds.
“Sweet dreams,” he thought he heard, before feeling a light pressure on his forehead. But by then, Yoongi was already out like a light.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Two months had passed since Yoongi had first met Hobi.
While he really did love having him around, Yoongi was sure that was ample time for the alpha to fully heal. But to his surprise, the alpha still walked around with a noticeable limp.
Another thing he noticed was that the alpha had not once mentioned anything about needing to return or trying to leave. It was almost like he was avoiding the topic all together.
Yoongi had thought maybe it was a sensitive topic. Maybe the thought of not being able to leave made the alpha not want to acknowledge it at all. But all such thoughts vanished when he woke up a bit too early and made his way outside to use the bathroom. Only to see Hobi walking back towards the hut.
On both legs.
Normally.
Maybe he’s feeling better today, Yoongi hoped. Except when he was closer to the house, he stopped and shook his head a bit, almost like he was getting into character, and then proceeded to limp his way back to the house.
And now, Yoongi was mad.
He quickly made his way back inside, the alpha still not having seen him. He laid back down on his bed, making it seem like he was just waking up.
“Good morning kitty!” the alpha greeted as he entered the house, seeing the omega awake.
That was something the alpha had started calling him after the first night they shared a bed.
“You were completely curled into my side, like a cute little kitten. Now that I think about hyung you really are a cat. From your eyes, to your affinity for naps, to your general grumpiness in the morning. I think I’m gonna call you kitty now.”
That made a pout form on Yoongi’s lips. “But I’m a wolf.”
The alpha only chuckled in return. “That you are, but you can’t deny your cat-like tendencies. For me, you’ll be my kitty.”
Oh.
Okay, maybe being a kitty wasn’t so bad then.
Yoongi had been shy, while outwardly annoyed at the nickname. No one ever called him anything cute like that before, making him blush every time he heard it.
Now, he was genuinely annoyed and paid it no mind.
“Morning. How was fetching the wood and water today? Your leg give you any trouble?” he innocently asked.
He watched the alpha’s smile falter a bit before it returned like nothing happened.
“Well you know, it still aches. Maybe my muscles just need more time. But otherwise it was fine,” he responded.
Oh so that’s how it’s going to be.
Yoongi gave him a nod before he calmly got up from the bed, expression carefully neutral before making his way to the door.
“I’ll just go wash up,” he slightly smiled before leaving.
He walked about a few paces from the house, waited a few moments, and then unceremoniously plopped to the floor.
“Hob-ah help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” he cried.
Within seconds, the alpha was running out of the hut to him, in perfect form.
“Kitty! What happened?! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”
The alpha frantically assessed the omega head to toe, and maybe Yoongi felt a bit bad for making the alpha so panicked. But he hated being lied to even more.
“I see your leg is fine,” he deadpanned, pushing the alpha back before slowly rising up as he dusted off his clothes. Hobi truly looked like he was caught flat-footed. Gotcha.
“... It was the adrenaline?” he nervously chuckled.
Yoongi nodded his head. “Hm, okay well in that case, I’m sure the adrenaline of avoiding me trying to kill you should fix your leg riiiight up, don’t you think?”
He lunged at the alpha, who quickly avoided his attack. But that didn’t stop Yoongi from trying. “How could you lie to me like that? How long have you been lying to me?”
“Wait, I can explain. Please!” the alpha pleaded, frantically avoiding Yoongi’s fists.
After what felt like an eternity of chasing the alpha, Yoongi finally stopped to catch his breath.
“Well, out with it,” he heaved.
Hobi looked down at the floor, avoiding Yoongi’s eyes.
“I may or may not have been feeling better since about a week after I started doing the outside chores.”
Yoongi felt his mouth drop. “That was almost a month ago,” he gasped.
“I know! And I know I should’ve told you but… but…”
“But what?!” Yoongi shouted.
“I was afraid you’d make me leave!”
The revelation left Yoongi stunned, his heart fluttering at the implication.
“Kit-Yoongi, I—I have something to tell you,” the alpha spoke.
Oh my God, was this happening? The omega couldn’t help but blush. All this time, he thought it was only him feeling the constant butterflies around the alpha. Wanting to melt at the sight of his smile. Wanting to drown himself in his scent all the time. Wanting him. But maybe, just maybe, that wasn’t the case. He could feel his omega rolling around his chest in excitement—was sure it was starting to bleed into his scent. But he quickly pulled it back, not wanting to seem too eager.
“What is it?” he asked, nonchalantly.
“Tomorrow. Believe it or not, I was already planning on telling you tomorrow after breakfast. Is that okay?”
Yoongi felt his heart racing, though he was a bit petulant. Why can’t he just say it now? But he figured it was because the alpha probably planned something and he wasn’t going to be a spoil sport.
“Fine, tomorrow it is then,” he cooly agreed, even though his heart was doing somersaults in his chest.
The rest of the day went on with quiet anticipation for the next day, nothing else out of the ordinary happening. Yoongi felt the nerves thrumming under his skin, unable to contain his excitement.
So much so, he decided to finally give the gift he made for the alpha that night. Just a little something to channel his nerves into.
“Hobi?” he called out, watching as the alpha fixed the bed.
“Hmm?” the alpha hummed back.
Yoongi gingerly approached him before he held his fist out.
Hobi finally turned around, his eyes immediately locking in on the omega’s hand.
“What’s this?” he asked.
Yoongi opened his fist, allowing a beautiful, squirrel pendant to dangle from his hand. He couldn’t help but bite his lip in anticipation.
“You, um, were really admiring the squirrel carving. So I decided to make you a pendant of one. Plus you kind of remind me of one, so I thought it would make sense for you to wear it,” he blushed, avoiding all eye contact with the alpha.
“Oh kitty…” the alpha whispered, his scent bursting in the air around them.
Yoongi was about to hand it to him when the alpha crouched down a bit, making Yoongi’s eyes go wide and his heart simultaneously explode.
“Put it on me, please?” the alpha softly asked, his arms already finding Yoongi’s waist and bringing him closer.
Yoongi knew his scent was betraying him. Cloyingly sweet tangerine tinged with nerves escaped him in droves, but he still tried to play it as cool as possible.
“S-sure,” he responded, internally cursing himself for stuttering.
Slowly, he brought his hands around the alpha’s neck. He tied the pendant securely, making sure it wouldn’t come loose before stepping back. Except, the alpha’s hands stayed where they were, preventing him from moving too far back. Their faces were only a breath away from one another, and Yoongi was sure his heart was about to give out. He could see the alpha eyeing his lips intensely, to the point where Yoongi couldn’t help but squirm. He started to lean in, ever so slightly. Any more closer and—
“T-tomorrow,” he shakily said. “We should go to sleep so that we’ll be well rested for tomorrow,” he blurted before practically throwing himself into the bed and under the covers.
He heard the warm, honey chuckle of the alpha, before he felt the familiar heat against his back.
“You’re right. Tomorrow awaits us indeed,” the alpha whispered, though Yoongi could hear his smile. “Good night, my kitty.”
He felt the alpha leave a peck on the back of his head, making his tangerine scent explode. Ugh, stupid alpha making me feel like I might die, he grumbled to himself. Although the smile on his lips said otherwise.
Tomorrow. What a wonderful word it was indeed.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Tomorrow. What a horrible word it was indeed.
Laced with false hopes and fictitious promises.
At least, that’s what Yoongi’s tomorrow held. Instead of waking in cuddled warmth, he was met with cool air. Which was fine because the alpha usually got up early to fetch the water and kindle. What wasn’t fine, was that the basin was full and the supply of kindle was easily double of what it was yesterday. But there was no sign of the alpha.
“Hobi?” he called out.
No response.
He made his way outside, his breath visible in the air.
“Hobi?” he called again, a bit louder.
Still nothing.
No…
He was starting to get panicky. Did something happen to the alpha? If the water and wood had been collected, there’s really no need to be outside. Even their food storage was fine because every now and then the alpha hunted small game to add to the winter supply.
Real panic was starting to set in, Yoongi already starting to shed his clothes to shift. Except, when he looked to the side, he saw a pair of clothes folded neatly on the wheelbarrow. For a minute, he just stood there, trying to pretend he didn’t see it. Maybe it’s from before? Still, he made his way over to where the wheelbarrow was. Only, the closer he got, the more his heart sank.
It was the tunic and trousers the alpha had been wearing last night. Even if Yoongi wanted to pretend otherwise, the heavy scent of petrichor that was drenching the clothes left no room for mistake.
His hands shook as he reached out to pick the clothes up, bringing them closer to deeply inhale the scent that would no longer permeate from his small hut.
“B-but I asked you to say goodbye,” he choked out, finally falling to his knees as sob after sob wracked through him while still clutching the clothes close to his chest.
Tomorrow truly was a cruel word indeed.
~ 👑🐺👑~
That winter was truly a brutal one. Maybe because the skies were weeping for Yoongi as well.
Short days and long nights cooped up in the hut, save the occasional trip for water, left Yoongi a victim of his own thoughts.
Maybe that’s what the alpha had been planning on telling him all along. That he had to leave. And Yoongi? Silly, pathetic Yoongi thought there was a love confession coming. As if he wasn’t an orphan that was practically packless. As if he wasn’t dainty like most omegas were, and had calluses up and down his hands instead of soft supple skin. As if the alpha didn’t have an actual family to return to.
As if Yoongi wasn’t so starved for affection that he practically latched onto it the first chance he got.
For all he knew, the alpha could have had someone waiting for him at home. Someone actually worthy of him. All he was feeling towards Yoongi was thankfulness. Gratitude towards his savior.
Which Yoongi mistook for affection. Because of course he did.
But then why did the alpha tell him he did not want to leave? That he was afraid of Yoongi telling him to leave? That just didn’t make sense.
How was he so afraid of leaving only to leave without a word? Like Yoongi wasn’t worth a goodbye.
The more Yoongi thought, the more his head hurt. As such, he just spent his winter almost entirely sleeping. Not having the energy to do much. He just prayed the winter would freeze his feelings with the flowers. Both frozen in a more beautiful time.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was the first clear day that had come with this season when he heard a knock on the door. Yoongi sat up in his bed, startled, as no one ever really ventured out to these parts. Unless…
Hope bloomed in Yoongi’s traitorous heart as he all but leapt for the door, expletives and confessions already ready at the tongue.
Except it was not the person he longed to give them to.
Instead it was Sora, a beta Yoongi knew from his childhood that he still kept amicable relations with. Last he heard, she was working at the pack house.
“Sora? What are you doing here?” he breathed.
“Yoongi, you’ve been summoned,” she said, tone carefully neutral.
Yoongi did not know why but everything felt too ominous. Nevertheless, he quickly got dressed before following Sora back. It was a path Yoongi was familiar with, but as one would be with an acquaintance not a friend. He couldn’t help how his stomach felt tighter and tighter with each step, like an impending doom was looming over him.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the familiar pack came into view. Heads turned as the “mysterious omega of the woods” moved past the pack members, but Yoongi paid them no mind. Instead, keeping his head held high as he entered the packhouse.
Once inside, his eyes first landed on the pack alpha. He looked more aged than Yoongi last remembered him, tired but… culpable eyes that landed on him as Yoongi bowed in greeting.
“Good afternoon, pack alpha.”
“Yoongi, it’s good to see you after so long,” he answered in greeting.
Yoongi didn’t rise to the bait. This man may not have been cruel but he had still failed him. So instead, he kept his face neutral.
“Is this him?” a voice cut in.
Yoongi looked to his right to see a gentleman standing there. His emerald green hanbok was made of fine materials, but not overtly luxurious. Anyone could tell he was important.
“He is, Chasa (Envoy)-nim,” the pack alpha responded.
Yoongi stood there confused, looking between the two for an explanation. Instead, the gentlemen took out a scroll from his sleeve.
“Very well then,” he said before turning to Yoongi. “Min Yoongi, son of General Min Yeonghwa, you are hereby summoned by the decree of the royal palace to serve as the concubine for the Crown Prince of Goryeo. Appointment to such a position is non-negotiable. Should you decline your role, you will be held in contempt for your actions, subject to due trial. Should you accept, your presence will be expected within five days' time in Hanseong.”
Yoongi stood frozen at the man’s words. Concubine? Him?
“I’m sorry, what? I-Ibelieve there may be a mistake. I am not of noble blood,” he stammered out.
“I assure you there is no mistake, Omega Min. Your father was a Min of the Yeoheung clan, making him a part of the Yangban, which is only made up of the highest nobles. I can see how that may be confusing as you lived here, but that was due to your father’s personal choice to remain rooted in your mother’s birth pack. Surely, that must have been made clear in the inheritance left to you.”
Yoongi’s eyes immediately snapped to the pack alpha, his throat closing as he watched the alpha avoid eye contact with him.
Why would he—
Oh.
Suddenly, his silence when Yoongi left to live on his own, after being treated like a nuisance by the pack, spoke volumes. Why those eyes when he saw them again are now filled with guilt. Guilt not about failing to protect Yoongi. But of also being one of his perpetrators.
He blinked the burn in his eyes away, cause he’d be damned if he gave this man anymore then he clearly already had.
“No… I can’t say it did,” he responded instead, eyes never leaving the alpha’s.
“Well it doesn’t matter much in the end. You will be fully taken care of in the palace. That is, if you choose to accept of cour-.”
“Yes,” he immediately said. He didn’t even need to let the man finish. “Yes, I accept. I know it says to arrive within a five days’ time, but is there any way to leave as soon as possible?”
He saw the man look a bit taken aback at his brashness, but he couldn’t care less. He needed to leave. Desperately so.
“Uh, it is about a day’s trip if we travel in wolf form. We can leave tomorrow morning at dawn. You may bring whatever you’d like of your belongings.”
“I’ll be sure to meet you here at that time then,” he bowed before practically running away.
He had barely made it half-way back before the tears were clouding his vision terribly so. Once he made it to the clearing of the hut, he collapsed on the ground.
The wetness of the snow seeped through his clothes, but could barely feel it over the shattering of his heart.
“Why?!” he sobbed to no one. “Why am I constantly being punished? What have I even done? Why me?”
Eventually his body felt too tired, causing him to collapse onto his side. He just wanted to live a peaceful life.
If only someone had told him that was the worst wish he could have ever made.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was pathetic how everything Yoongi held dear could be packaged into one bag. His clothes, his pitiful collection of books, and his wood carvings.
Everything else was to be left behind. He had heard from the envoy that had shown up that morning that the pack alpha would allow the cottage to remain his property as a parting gift.
How gracious of him.
Like that could somehow fix everything he had done.
Like he would actually be able to come back to the only home he knew for almost half of his life.
“Are you ready to go? Is that all you will be taking?” one beta who was in the group asked.
Another beta, who was already shifted, moved to take his bag. It was then Yoongi noticed, surprisingly, it was a group of four betas that will be escorting him to the palace, including the chasa. He was secretly very thankful for that.
“I can take it myself!” he rushed out, unwilling to even have a remote trace of any scent on his things. “And yes I am.”
“Very well. Please shift and we will be on our way.”
Yoongi watched them walk a bit forward, their backs turned to him to give him privacy. He quickly took off his clothes, haphazardly throwing them into his bag to not be exposed for too long. A moment later, in his place stood a beautiful beige-colored wolf, shaking out his fur in the process. He then took his belongings and headed towards the others.
As he moved forward, the others shifted around him to box him in.
They would say it was for his protection.
He would say it was to ensure he didn’t run away.
Not that he would. He had nothing anywhere anymore.
He spared one last glance at the hut behind him, committing what he could to memory.
And then they were off.
~ 👑🐺👑~
True to the chasa’s word, they were at the outskirts of town by sunset. As the townline came more and more into view, the knots in Yoongi’s stomach grew.
Suddenly, everything came crashing down on him. Hobi’s departure, the pack alpha’s betrayal, his immediate acceptance of being the prince’s…
Yoongi fought the gag that threatened to escape him.
This is it, he thought, this is where my story ends.
A glorified pleasure doll for a spoiled royal.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not realize the envoy had stopped. He was only just barely able to stop himself from crashing into the beta in front of him, who had already begun shifting.
“Omega Min, you may shift now. The rest of the journey will be on foot,” the same beta from earlier said.
Once again, the betas turned their backs to him, allowing Yoongi to quickly shift and put on his clothes. Once everyone was dressed, they made their way into the capital. Yoongi looked on in awe at the vast architecture, taking note how much more grand and well structured the hanok (traditional house) was compared to the huts he was used to seeing.
He even watched mesmerized how the neatly paved roads began to harden under his feet, stepping on the cool stones the closer they got to the palace.
And then he saw it. Grand in its nature, there was no mistaking this large, ornate structure would be his new home. It was strange really. Yoongi could feel the grandiosity of it all, but it only served to make him feel smaller and smaller.
At least my prison is pretty, he lamented.
As they made their way up the steps, he noticed there was an older short woman with an imposing aura standing there, assessing him with her narrowed eyes while maids stood behind her. She looked him top to bottom with a slow, uncomfortable gaze before humming in approval.
“Thank you, chasa-nim. I will take it from here,” the woman, an omega Yoongi realized, said as she dismissed the betas.
“Come with me,” she boomed, no room for argument in her voice.
As if Yoongi could protest even if he wanted to.
She turned to leave, speeding off almost immediately. Yoongi found himself almost in a half run to keep up with her. The walk seemed endless in the vast palace, to the point Yoongi started getting dizzy with the amount of turns they took. Finally, after what seemed like forever, they entered a vast room. It was circular in nature, the center holding some cushions surrounding a center table. Along the walls were a vast amount of doors, one of which Yoongi was being led to.
“This will be your room. Wash up and wear what’s on the bed. You are my last arrival. After you are ready, we can begin formal introductions.”
Without a second glance, she exited the room, replaced by two palace maids in her stead, who were already bowing to him in greeting.
Yoongi looked to his side to stare at the hanbok lying on the bed. A tea pink chima (long skirt) along with a light blue jeogori (short jacket) stared right back at him.
They were beautiful as they were binding.
Once he wore those clothes, he would no longer be Min Yoongi, lone omega of the woods. He would forever be Omega Min, concubine of the Crown Prince.
Suddenly the room in the air wasn’t enough. He was trying his best to breathe it in, but for some reason it kept escaping him. It must have apparent, as one of the maids approached him like a frightened animal. Most likely because he was a frightened animal.
“If I may,” she bowed, “allow us to assist you with a bath. It might help take away the stress of the long journey.”
She made sure to speak in a light, soft tone, one Yoongi could grasp onto. He was grateful how she made it seem like he almost had a choice. Almost.
He gave a small nod of his head, too tired to do more, but it was all she needed. She helped guide him to the bathing room, where he saw how the other maid had already prepared a warm bath.
“Omega Min, would you like us to assist you with your clothes or would you like to take them off on your own?” she asked.
Omega Min.
God, the title felt like an insult to injury. He didn’t want to hear it now. Not yet. Not when he felt like a dam about to break.
“I’m so sorry, but is it possible that I can bathe myself? I promise I won’t take too long.”
He bit his cheek waiting for a response, feeling like he was holding on by a thread. His silent plea for space must have been heard as the two maids gave him a bow before leaving him alone. Yoongi mechanically stripped out of his clothes before slipping into the warm basin. He tipped his head back, willing the warm water to soothe the ache within. Sour tangerines filled the air as he let a few tears escape. Just enough to not feel like he would burst at the seams.
And then, as quickly as they came, he wiped the tears and forced his scent to mellow out again.
No more tears. Whatever happens, just no more tears.
With that, he quickly finished his bath and got dressed, making his way out to the main room. There, he found five other omegas already standing in the center. Or more accurately, it was two male omegas and two female omegas practically flocking around one. It didn’t take a genius for him to understand why.
While he and the other omegas were dressed in less ornate hanboks, she stood there in a florid, more elaborate version of there’s, gold embroidery almost blinding, all completed with a cheopji meori.
Regal, was the word that came to mind.
Her eyes eventually met his. As seemed to be the custom of the palace, she let her eyes drag his form from top to bottom until meeting his again, this time expectant. Yoongi just stood there, not understanding what was being expected of him, so he just stayed in his place. That seemed to have been the wrong move as the smell of burnt rose promptly made its way to his nostrils.
Great, now I’ve managed to piss off a royal only hours after coming here.
Thankfully, the older omega from before entered the room again, shifting everyone's attention to her. Yoongi couldn’t believe he was actually glad to see the woman, but any distraction was welcome.
“Now that everyone is gathered and bathed, allow me to introduce myself. I am Head Mistress Choi, head caretaker of all concubines in the palace.”
Yoongi watched as her eyes swept across the room. Though Yoongi could have sworn she was paying closer attention to him. Probably because she knows I’m not like the others. Then, it landed on the intricately dressed omega. He may have only known her for about an hour, but even he picked up on the flash of annoyance that crossed her features for a moment.
“Head Mistress,” she bowed. “I apologize for not wearing the attire laid out for me. My family only wished for me to look my best on such an important occasion, and I simply wish to honor their sentiments.”
Yoongi watched the head mistress assess the omega before turning away.
“Very well Omega Kim. The palace holds the Andong Clan to the highest regard. Their wishes will be respected.”
The Andong clan? Yoongi knew of them very well. They were among the top royal clans of their time. Yoongi wondered how she wasn’t chosen to become queen, but it was best if he stayed away from the politics of it all as best as possible.
“Now, all of you were given a small briefing before your journey here. But allow me to reiterate. With your presence here today, you are now a part of the Crown Prince’s royal harem. You will be presented to the Crown Prince on his Silver Birthday in one week’s time. However, your full roles are to be assumed after the coronation on the summer solstice, following his mating with Omega Lee of the Jeonju Clan. It will give you plenty of time to learn all the ways of your new role. Until then, we will spend this week going over the basics. Do not disappoint me.”
After her introduction, they were all dismissed to their rooms, where dinner would be served. Surely enough, when the candle he had lit was a fourth of a way done, the same maids from before came in with his dinner.
A lavish spread of breads, meats, soup, kimchi, and sweet cakes was laid before him. But he did not possess the ability to stomach any of it.
With your presence here today, you are now a part of the Crown Prince’s royal harem.
It was final. Set in stone. No turning back.
Up until this point, Yoongi could pretend this was just a horrible fever dream. That if he just woke up, he would be back in his cottage stoking the fire while checking on his reserves and seeing if he had to go back out to get more firewood.
Normal. He’d be back to normal.
What was meant to be an escape was another prison. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, as they say. Was he really so blinded by emotion that he jumped into the first thing that came his way no thought? Was it really his fault he wished to be someone’s omega, and now would be someone’s bitch?
No matter how much he pinched his forearm, he was still in this elaborate bedroom, with a spread that could feed at least 4 people, wearing the finest silk money could be.
Things he knew his mind was simply incapable of imagining.
He took another deep breath before he finally tried to eat. With the way the head mistress spoke, he knew this “training” wasn’t going to be easy. And it wouldn’t help if he made things harder on himself by starving away.
It’s okay, Yoongi. It’s okay. There’s four months until anything is actually going to happen. And the other omegas are far prettier than you. He won’t even spare you a second glance. He’ll be too busy looking at the others, especially Omega Kim.
He won’t want you.
He won’t want you.
He won’t want you.
He repeated that phrase over and over again in his head. If things went the way he hoped, he could resign to having a quiet life here.
He could do this.
He had to.
~ 👑🐺👑~
The following week was one of the most gruelling weeks in Yoongi’s life, and this was coming from someone who had to single handedly repair a giant hole the size of baby bear in his hut at the tender age of 14.
Apparently, everything he did was wrong.
He sat wrong, he ate wrong, he walked wrong, he talked wrong.
He even breathed wrong, a little too loud for the head mistresses’ liking, who didn’t waste time making him repeat a lesson if she deemed it… wrong.
To add to the humiliation, he was the only one struggling as hard as he was. It was extremely apparent all the others were trained for this since the beginning. Their lessons being more of a formality to ensure they didn’t forget.
And this disparity didn’t go unnoticed.
“My, you are the omega from the woods, aren’t you?” he heard to his side.
He was sitting on the floor, attempting to balance a damn book on his head, when he turned to see it was none other than Omega Kim standing beside him, her puppets, as Yoongi, had taken to calling them, right behind.
If Yoongi was the black sheep of the harem, Omega Kim was the angel sent from above. All the other omegas seemed to worship the ground she walked on, as if she was the end all be all of omegas.
Yoongi hated it.
He may not have much in life, but he did have his pride. And he’d be damned if he reduced himself to some mindless duckling.
“Omega Kim,” he bowed. “To what do I owe this pleasure to your esteemed presence?”
“Hmmm, oh nothing. I just wanted to see if I could be of any help. I have always found it more rewarding to help those that are more… troubled,” she smiled sickly sweet—as if Yoongi couldn't hear the taunt laced in his voice.
He may have had little interaction with other wolves growing up, but that only made him more reliant on his instincts. Instincts that were screaming that his omega meant no well. And he would be damned not to trust them.
“I appreciate the offer, Omega Kim, but a troubled omega like me couldn’t possibly accept your gracious offer. You see it will take me some time to become someone who can no longer think for themselves and only wish to be a vessel of pleasure. I wasn’t granted the same resources as you growing up, and seeing as you fit the role so well, I can only aspire for as such. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I already have another lesson with Head Mistress Choi scheduled, for which I am running late. Have a good day.”
He bowed again before quickly leaving there to the head mistress’ quarters, heart pounding in his chest at what he had just done.
Ugh, me and my stupid mouth, he chastised himself. The last thing he needed was enemies. He had a sick feeling he had already dug his grave.
He blew out a breath before knocking on the door, walking in after hearing a “Come in.”
He gave a bow before sitting across from her, eyes resolutely fixed on the floor. He didn’t have to look up to feel her eyes practically burning a hole in him.
“I see we have decided to cause trouble before you even assume your role,” he spoke, tone as emotionless as possible.
Yoongi flinched at the words, hands getting clammy in the process, not realizing the news had already reached her.
He inhaled a small breath. “Head Mistress Choi I-”
“Good.”
Yoongi’s eyes snapped to the other’s, unbelieving of what he was hearing.
“I’m sorry?” he breathed, unable to keep the shock out of his tone.
She sighed, fixing her jeogori, before continuing.
“The others know, but it is my fault for not reiterating the same to you. Part of your four months until the coronation is to train for your new role. But above that, it will also be to determine who will be the Bin (Royal Noble Consort).”
She paused to gather a scroll, before laying it before him, letting him absorb the shock in the meanwhile.
“You can read it here. I am sure you have caught on by now, but if not, let me explain it clearly. Each omega in this harem comes from the highest noble clans. You are not simply ‘vessels of pleasure’ Omega Min, you will be an extension of the throne. And from you while rise an omega fit to aid in the ruling of our kingdom, One who will be expected to assist the Queen Consort in her duties and assist in managing the inner court. In some cases, if she is unable to produce an heir, the responsibility will fall upon the bin. But only, if the Queen Consort is unable to. It is a role of utmost importance that will require a strong will and a just heart.”
Her eyes narrowed as she pinned her gaze on the omega, making him unable to look away.
“The only one you submit to, Omega Min, is the Crown Prince. Here, in this harem, you will be equals and it is important to establish this from early on. Which is why I will excuse the exchange of words that happened earlier. But you will also learn how to hold your ground while respecting your position in this palace.” She paused, before continuing. Yoongi may have imagined it, but her eyes seemed a tad bit softer here. “I can see it. You have a fire, Omega Min. Learn to control it, but do not douse it. It will be your greatest strength here.”
From there, she immediately jumped into the day's lessons, rambling on and on about how everything needed to be perfect for tomorrow.
But Yoongi heard none of it. His mind was too full of this new information that was bestowed upon him. Of all things he wished to be, important wasn’t one of them. He did not want to be important. He wanted to be forgotten. Kept in the shadows, called upon as little as possible.
But then, the way the head mistress looked at him. Like she saw something in him. Like she believed in him. It made him feel almost guilty. Like he would be letting her down.
And Yoongi couldn’t afford guilt. Couldn’t look into the nuance of things.
He just needed a quiet life. That was it.
He won’t be someone important.
He just won’t.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was barely dawn when Yoongi was roused from sleep.
“Omega Min, please get up, we need to get you ready,” the maid, Nayeon as Yoongi learned, gently whispered.
“Mmmph, five more minutes Nayeon-ah,” he whined.
Head Mistress Choi had kept him late, going over every detail with a fine-toothed comb. To the point where Yoongi found himself reciting it in his sleep.
Sit straight. Keep your head down. Pour the tea, do not spill it Omega Min. How many times am I going to have to say this?
From what he understood, the festivities wouldn’t start until later, but it was their duty as the future inner court to welcome all guests who would be trickling in all day at the gate.
How exhausting.
Momo, the other maid, chuckled at his antics. They both had gotten quite friendly with him during his week here. Dare he say, they may have been on the cusp of a friendship.
“Omega Min, you know it’s going to take quite some time to get you ready. We have brought your breakfast. As soon as you are done, we can start getting you ready.”
After grumbling under his breath for a good few minutes, he finally dragged himself out of bed, trudging his way to the bathroom. Breakfast was relatively peaceful, despite what the day had in store for him. He even allowed Nayeon and Momo to bathe him without resistance, much to their shock.
Not for no reason. He had a plan, after all. And it started when the two were getting him ready.
“Nayeon, Momo, please I don’t want anything to elaborate. Can you help me get dressed as plainly as humanly possible?” he asked, already anticipating their response.
The two maids looked flabbergasted, looking at each other before looking back at Yoongi.
“Omega Min, today you will be presented to the Crown Prince. We must dress you accordingly.”
Yoongi already knew what they were going to say, which was why he had a response ready.
“I-It’s to help me stand out of course. Imagine all of the other concubines will be dressed as lavishly as possible. If I look less gaudy, then I’ll surely attract his attention,” he pouted, innocently batting his eyelashes.
As if. Yoongi may not know much about the life of nobility, but he knew like stuck with like. There was no way a prince, who had spent his entire life surrounded by the most beautiful omegas who practically bathed in luxury, would look twice his way. He might momentarily be caught off guard at the contrast Yoongi would provide, but ultimately not bat an eye.
That’s what Yoongi hoped and prayed for. He just needed an opportunity to slip into the shadows and he’d be fine. Everything would be fine.
He watched the two silently deliberate with each other, before a beautiful smile overtook their faces.
“Omega Min! You are a genius! Not only will you capture the prince’s eye, but you’ll also show how connected you are to the people. That’s exactly the kind of bin we need,” Momo exclaimed.
“Absolutely! And I know exactly which hanbok to get for you,” Nayeon cheered.
Yoongi nodded in silent thanks, letting the two flit around gathering what they needed. He felt a bit awful for tricking the two people who had been nothing but kind to him since he was brought here. But he couldn’t help it. In his head, his harmless lie was the foundation for his sanity. So in the end, he hoped they’d forgive him.
All too soon, Nayeon returned with a simple charcoal grey jeogori paired with a deep red silk chima. It had no intricate designs save for the belt, but it was still quite beautiful all on its own.
It was plain.
It was perfect.
“Since your skin is so pale, the dark grey and red would contrast beautifully. Do you like it?” Nayeon asked, poorly concealed excitement in her eyes.
“It’s perfect, Nayeon-ah. Thank you,” he smiled.
“Oh, and I found this as well!” Momo piped up, holding it out in her hand.
In her hand was a gold phoenix cheopji with ruby and emerald stones adorning the beak and tail. Yoongi felt his breath catch in his chest at how beautiful it was.
“Momo, I can’t,” he shook his head. “The phoenix is only for the Crown Princess.”
That didn’t seem to deter the other omega in the slightest. “It can also be worn by the royal concubines, which you will be. It’ll be perfect, Omega Min.”
He stared at the object in her hands. It felt like it was mocking him. A phoenix. A being known to rise above the ashes, while Yoongi wanted nothing more than to be buried beneath them. He swallowed the bile that threatened to rise, before raising his eyes to meet theirs.
“Very well. I’ll trust you both on this,” he relented.
From there began the long, arduous task of getting him ready. What he thought was going to be a simple helping him get dressed and fixing his waist-length hair in a bun, turned into steaming his hair with rose petal fragrance before putting it in a complicated updo, massaging oils onto his arms and legs, caking rice powder onto his face, and finishing it off with rouge on his cheeks and lips. After what seemed like forever, he was finally deemed ready.
He made his way to the common area, seeing how the other omegas were exiting their respective rooms at the same time. As expected, everyone was wearing the fanciest hanbok they had at their disposal, attempting to outshine the other. Yoongi knew they would wash him out in the process. Exactly how he wished. Suddenly, he felt like he could breathe a bit easier.
Just then, Head Mistress Choi walked in, causing everyone to bow in greeting.
“Good morning. Before we leave, I will conduct a quick inspection of you all. Line up in the middle of the room,” she commanded.
Obediently, every one stood as requested, Yoongi to the far right. He kept his head down, but felt how she was slowly making her way down the line, inspecting everyone with a fine toothed comb. When she got to him, he had expected to be reprimanded for his choice of attire, for which he had the same excuse ready.
Instead, he felt her presence linger until he finally looked up.
To his surprise, rather than finding disappointment marring her features, he found calm eyes. And then she smirked.
Before Yoongi could stew in the confusion he was feeling at her reaction, she was already turning to leave.
“Alright. Follow me. Remember, you are all to be on your best behavior and do exactly as you were taught. Any transgressions made today will be met with swift punishment, regardless of your familial ties. No exceptions.”
They made their way through the labyrinth that was the palace until they were once again at the main palace doors. The air held the same chill as it did a week ago when Yoongi last felt it. And yet he couldn’t shake the foreboding it held. Like it was trying to tell him something, but he did not possess the ability to decipher its meaning.
Nevertheless, he and the other five concubines stood in rows of three on either side of the door. To Yoongi’s luck, he was given the side closer to the door, allowing him to half hide himself from the oncoming guests. From there, the morning bled into afternoon as Yoongi and the others welcomed noble after noble to the palace. Truth be told, Yoongi’s back was starting to ache and he could not wait for this to be over so that he could sneak in a quick nap before the festivities in the evening. He was practically salivating at the thought of rest when Head Mistress Choi addressed them again.
“The last and most important guests are arriving now. I need everyone to be on high alert or I swear I will make sure you do not get a morsel for lunch,” she hissed.
Yoongi barely suppressed an eyeroll at her pestiferous threats. He just truly wanted this over with so he could go back to his bed already, food be damned.
“Announcing the Lee Family of the Jeonju Clan,” the guard boomed.
Yoongi felt himself and the others go on stand at attention at the announcement. Just then, the most beautiful omega with wide eyes and porcelain skin along with other clan members walked in through the door.
Only she wasn’t just any ordinary omega.
She was the future wangsejabi (Crown Princess).
“Alpha Lee Kibum, it is an honor to have your presence here in the palace,” Head Mistress Choi bowed.
“Well of course it is. My Jieun has been waiting for this day since she was born. Haven’t you daughter?” the alpha huffed.
Yoongi watched the omega give a polite smile and bow before standing straight again, eyes seemingly fixed to the floor. She was the picture perfect image of elegance and demurity. She would make an excellent queen, he thought. Not to mention, her beauty was otherworldly, surely enough to keep the prince’s attention to herself.
Maybe he wouldn’t even need the harem, certainly least of all me.
It was the thought that kept him going as they were escorted back to their rooms shortly after the Lee family was led to their rooms.
He could do this. All was not lost.
~ 👑🐺👑~
God, this is so boring, he internally sighed for the nth time that night.
So far, the only highlight to his day had been the nap he was able to squeeze in before Momo and Nayeon were shaking him awake to fix his look.
And now he was standing there, herded with the other omegas trying his damn best to hide behind the tallest one and not fall asleep where he stood.
The prince had yet to make his grand entrance, not that he would be able to see anyway since his view was thankfully blocked. They were all standing on the side of the Phoenix Throne, the throne designated for the future ruler, under Head Mistress Choi’s watchful eyes. They were not to interact with anyone in the party until they were formally presented to the prince.
Like cattle.
He forced himself to not outwardly scoff at the whole ordeal. Just a few more hours, and then he could blissfully find himself once again in the company of his bed.
A few moments later, Head Mistress Choi appeared before them once again.
“Alright, the Crown Prince is about to make his presence known. After he is seated and presented his gift by Omega Lee, you will be introduced one by one. I will line you up myself when it is time.”
And then, as dramatically as she always does, she turned away seemingly to prepare for the prince’s arrival.
“Eeeee, the prince is so handsome. I can not wait to see him!” one omega squealed.
“I know! I haven’t seen him since he started his training at 18, but I heard he’s gotten even more buff!” another one gushed.
“I heard he’s been practicing to take down a bear for his coronation! Can you imagine? Our future king would be the strongest of them all!” another cheered, which led to all of the omegas collectively squealing together.
“Lord, what kind of stupid alpha attacks a bear on his own?” he grumbled to himself.
Only to feel the way his heart panged. Because he once had a stupid alpha who attacked a bear on his own.
He was pretty sure other things were said too but he pointedly tuned it out, unwilling to hear more as he fought to keep his tears at bay.
Thankfully, a welcome distraction came in the form of an announcement.
“Now entering, Choha Mama (His Royal Highness) Jung Hoseok!” the guard boomed.
Yoongi watched as a palanquin was ushered towards the throne. He could barely see anything nor did he care. So he instead busied himself, looking at the floor and admiring the tile work. It was only when he felt the other omegas move to bow that he did the same, before standing upright again.
He hadn’t even fully stood back up when a whiff of a scent caught his nose: petrichor.
No, it can’t be…
It was impossible. Why would that scent be here? In the royal palace of all places?
Still, that didn’t stop his head from turning in every direction, frantically looking for the source of the scent with his limited vision. He was so caught in his head he didn’t even realize the future wangsejabi had already presented her gift to the Crown Prince. All too soon, the head mistress was back, lining them up. Yoongi would be the last one presented.
“Choha Mama, many congratulations to you on such a momentous day. As the head mistress of your future harem, allow me to introduce the omegas of your court.”
Yoongi didn’t hear much after that, too busy trying to discreetly look around him, his heart hammering in hope.
All until it was his turn.
“And finally, Choha Mama, I present to you Omega Min of the Yeoheung Clan.”
Yoongi dutifully bowed, before lifting his head to greet him.
Except, the words never escaped him.
Instead, his breath wound so tightly around his throat, he was sure he would not be granted a morsel of air ever again.
Because there, sat on the throne, in his royal blue myeonbok paired with myeonryugwan, was him.
The man who has haunted his dreams for what seemed like forever.
His Hobi.
His Hobi, who didn’t fail to recognize him either. If the way his eyes flashed red was indicative of his remembrance. He was sure his own flashed blue in response, his omega unable to contain itself at seeing the one they’ve been longing for again. He felt absolutely frozen in his spot as he watched the alpha mirror him. That was until Head Mistress Choi finally intervened. And for once, Yoongi found himself grateful for her meddling.
“My apologies, Choha. Omega Min is new to the life of nobility. I request your forgiveness and understanding for his impudence,” she bowed before attempting to usher him away.
It was then he found his limbs working again, quickly giving another bow before turning to move back to the rest of the harem.
Except, he barely made it a step when he heard a ferocious growl rip through the air. He quickly turned to see the alpha standing in front of his throne, chest heaving as crimson eyes locked onto his. Every instinct he screamed to run. But not out of fear. No. He wanted to run up the throne to soothe the alpha. To scent him. To tell him it’s okay. That he’s here.
All for the alpha that left him behind.
This time, it was the seungjeongwon (royal secretary) of the Crown Prince that intervened. His dimples on display as he diffused the situation.
“It seems Choha Mama is a little too excited about his future harem,” he laughed. “Perhaps we can let them retire early, Head Mistress Choi?”
The head mistress sprung into action then. “Of course, Seungjeongwon Kim. I thank you for your guidance on this matter,” she bowed before quickly ushering the omegas away.
As Yoongi moved to join them, he heard the growl again, almost compelling him to stay. But the head mistress was firm. She stood behind him and forcefully nudged him forward, staying behind him the entire time until they were out of the Grand Hall.
The walk back to their quarters was mind-numbing to say the least. He knew they had reached there in record-time. He knew he was held back by Head Mistress Choi. He knew she had something, probably chastising him. But none of it was significant enough to combat the static that filled his head. He had sat almost lifeless on the stool in his room as his maids helped undress him, before he mechanically laid in bed, staring at the wall as if it would piece together the chaos in his mind.
The night was spent in a fitful sleep, the shock unable to leave his system.
Hobi, his—no not his—the companion from the forest… was the Crown Prince?
How cruel was fate to play such a joke on him.
To send him the one light in his life after so long, only for him to be unattainable in every way imaginable.
It made sense now, why the alpha had left like a thief in the night. Stealing Yoongi’s heart with him.
He must’ve deemed me unworthy. A prince and a pauper.
And now, he would have Yoongi, but Yoongi would never have him. He would be one of countless bodies to warm the prince’s bed.
And that would be it.
That would be all.
After everything they went through together, that’s all it amounted to. He felt an emotion so strong course through his veins before he could help it.
Anger. Pure, unadulterated anger.
At Ho—the Crown Prince, at fate, and most especially at himself. For letting himself be so vulnerable.
But above all, he felt humiliated.
Now, everything felt so tainted. He hated how overly eager he was for their “tomorrow.” Giddy at the prospect of hearing his crush’s confession, giving him a stupid gift as a sign of his affection, blushing as bright as a tomato at the thought of sharing their first kiss.
Only to be left behind, and return to the same man’s life as his glorified whore.
This time he didn’t fight the feeling.
He sprinted for the bathroom, frantically grabbing the nearest bucket before emptying all the contents of his stomach. It was too much, it was all too much. He washed his face, thankful he wouldn’t be able to discern his tears from the water. He took a deep breath as he dried his face. He was finally returning to bed when he heard a knock on his door. A quick glance from his window told him the moon was quite high in the sky. Surely a visit at this time did not mean something good. He tentatively opened to the door, only to be faced with the person he least expected to see.
“Good evening, Omega Kim. My apologies for disturbing you so late.”
Yoongi quickly bowed in response. “It’s no problem at all, Seungjeongwon Kim. To what do I owe this visit?”
“Please. In private, you may call me Namjoon. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a bit of each other,” he smiled.
“I’m sorry?” he uttered in confusion. Did he mean in the future when he’d visit the Crown Prince as his—
The alpha carried on, ignoring Yoongi’s question. “I am here to escort you to the Crown Prince’s chambers. Your presence is being requested.”
Yoongi knew his tangerine scent spiked in nerves, seeing how the alpha in front of him wrinkled his nose a bit.
“Seung—Namjoon. I can not. Head Mistress Choi made it strictly clear—”
“What Head Mistress Choi does not know won’t harm her, or you. And if I may, it would be in best interest to heed to my request. Lest you wish for the Crown Prince to come here himself,” he politely said, but there was a hint of a challenge in his words.
Yoongi’s eyes widened at Namjoon’s words. That would surely have even more disastrous consequences.
“Just a moment. I will be right out,” he conceded.
He shut the door and quickly changed back into his robes from the evening. With shaking hands, he opened the door, seeing the alpha turn to him in response.
“Ready?” he smiled, his dimples making themselves known again.
Yoongi hoped his blush didn’t show as he gave a small nod.
The path to the prince's quarters was much more straightforward than Yoongi imagined it would be. He slightly shuddered when he realized the reason why. As they approached the door, Yoongi took note of the two guards stationed on either side of the door. But what stood out was that they were dressed differently than the normal royal guards, and that they were also extremely good-looking.
Exactly, how many handsome alphas make up this damn palace? he internally grumbled.
He knew his face must be the deepest shade of rouge by now, and instead focused on the task at hand, which only sent his stomach into knots again.
God, he didn’t want to do this. But it seemed the choice was out of his hands when Namjoon knocked for him and a clear “Enter” was heard from the other side. The alpha gestured for him to go in before bowing and taking his leave.
Yoongi had half a mind to stop him. Wanting some sort of buffer to ease the turmoil he was about to face. He didn’t realize how long he must have been standing there, battling with himself, until one of the guards spoke.
“It’s best if you do not keep the Crown Prince waiting,” the one on the left spoke.
It was the one with tiger-like eyes who looked like he could kill you with one glare. But Yoongi watched as his eyes softened, silently encouraging him to enter.
Yoongi blew out a breath, mustering all the courage he could before he finally opened the door.
He kept his head down as it shut behind him.
Yoongi gave a deep bow to the man before him before standing straight again, finally looking at the man before him. The same man whose eyes traced every inch of him like he would disappear from in front of him. Like he too couldn’t believe he was there.
“Choha,” he greeted.
Yoongi watched as the prince’s jaw ticked at the address before he lowered his gaze again. It was too overwhelming. All of it was.
But that was his title, and he shall be called as such.
“We are alone,” the alpha responded.
Yoongi kept his head bowed, unsure of how to answer.
“I said we are alone, Yoongi,” the prince stressed again.
The omega finally looked up at the sound of his name. The prince kept his eyes trained on the omega, almost challenging him with his gaze. Yoongi couldn’t help but feel he was being baited by the man before him. To do what, he wasn’t sure. But he would not be played with.
Not again.
“Yes, Choha,” he quietly responded, eyes finding their way back to the floor.
The stormy scent of petrichor filled the room within a second, making his omega bristle in discomfort. He wanted nothing more than to release his own soothing tangerine scent in response. But that would be inappropriate. Especially if someone caught traces of it in the Crown Prince’s bedroom prior to him taking his position. The consequences would be disastrous.
“Is this your act of defiance?” the alpha calmly said, though there was a sharp edge to the words.
“No, Choha.”
He stood his ground. He had to. He was well aware of what happened the last time he carelessly opened his heart. Not again. Never again.
It didn’t take long for the stormy scent to wash away, immediately replaced with a deep sadness in the prince’s scent that made Yoongi’s heart ache. Before he knew it, a pair of heukhye had found their way into his line of vision, making him abruptly look up. His eyes widened at how close the alpha had gotten, immediately noting the hurt and… longing in the alpha’s eyes.
“Kitty…” the alpha whispered.
Yoongi gasped sharply at that, not expecting to ever hear that name again. His eyes never left the alpha’s as he felt the heat of the alpha’s hand hovering over his cheek. It was only when he closed his eyes, letting a tear run down his cheek, that he felt the first gentle brush of knuckles against his skin. The touch so gentle, so warm that Yoongi couldn’t help but lean into it. Somehow, everything melted away in that moment, every defense falling. Like it was only them two in this world.
“Kitty,” the alpha whispered again.
It was so warm. The touch, the scent cocooning him, the call of his name in the melodious voice he yearned to hear again.
He felt the fight leaving him, but what was he even fighting? It’s just the two of them. Just like before.
It was there, on the tip of his tongue, waiting to escape. What he wanted to say. What he’d been aching to say since his eyes landed on the alpha again.
“H-”
Knock, knock, knock
Yoongi’s eyes snapped open. And just like that, the spell broke.
He quickly took a step back, heaving a breath he didn’t know he was holding, as one of the guards made his announcement.
“Chonha Mama (His Royal Highness The King) requests the presence of Choha Mama in the throne room. Immediately.”
All too quickly, Yoongi bowed his head again before fleeing the room.
“Yoongi!” the alpha cried behind him, but he continued on, his walk almost bordering a run.
He knew he committed a transgression, leaving without being dismissed. There were sure to be consequences for his actions.
But right now he couldn’t care. Right now he couldn’t be there. He shouldn’t have been there in the first place. The head mistress was extremely clear. They did not assume their roles until the prince was crowned king. And he could not afford to stir trouble. Or more trouble than he already had.
But more than that, he couldn’t afford to hope. To dream. To let himself fall back into that Yoongi of all those months ago. The one who was stupid enough to fall for the first kind soul he met. The same kind soul that left him in the blink of an eye because he had a duty to his people. The same one who wasn’t worthy of a goodbye even when the omega pathetically asked—no pleaded—for one.
This was not the forest anymore.
They were not tucked into a corner away from the world anymore.
They were not waiting for “tomorrow” anymore.
They were no longer Yoongi and Hobi anymore.
They were Omega Min and the Crown Prince.
And Yoongi had to do his best to make sure they both did not forget that.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was safe to say Yoongi hadn’t gotten a moment of sleep the night before. Thankfully, he and the other omegas were granted the day off for their “hard work” the previous day. Because of course, the hardest thing an omega could do was stand there and look pretty.
But no matter what he did, the racing in his heart would not cease, his thoughts buzzing in every direction. Begrudgingly, he got up and got dressed for the day after dismissing his maids, opting for a very simple look, before deciding to finally venture around the palace. He decided to make his trek towards the courtyard that hosted a vast garden in the inner part of the palace, wishing to see the fountain he knew resided there.
The concubines were allowed to roam anywhere except near the Crown Prince’s and King’s rooms. He could already see Head Mistress Choi bursting a vein if she knew what had happened the night before. God, if she found out. She would probably accuse me of tempting the prince. The thought made him laugh. As if he had that kind of power.
He wasn’t even able to make him stay.
“But why did he ask to see me?” he muttered to himself.
Maybe… he had been overthinking this. Maybe this wasn’t just some game to the alpha, Maybe he was going to explain himself. Maybe—
“Oomph,” he and the one he collided with cried out.
“Ouchie,” the newcomer said.
Yoongi looked about in confusion before he looked down, only to see wide-doed eyes and a trembling bottom lip look back up at him. He quickly knelt down to be eye level with the pup.
“Hey little one, are you okay?” he asked as softly as possible.
The pup began to nod before quickly shaking his head, growing more and more distressed. Yoongi made sure to pump out as many soothing pheromones as he could, internally sighing in relief when the pup finally began to relax his pout.
“Did you get hurt, sweetie?” he asked, already looking over the toddler top to bottom.
Again, the pup shook his head no.
“I-I wost my papa,” he stuttered out, his wide eyes quickly filling with tears again and his milky scent going sour.
“Okay baby, do you remember where you last saw him?”
He reached up to gently wipe the tear that had fallen, cooing to himself when the pup leaned into his touch.
Again, he shook his head no. “I was chasin’ a budderfly and—and I wen too faw, and now papa gone.”
Now, the pup was full-on wailing. Although he had very little experience with his kids, he let his omega instincts take the lead as he quickly scooped the distressed pup up, who instantly stuck his nose into his neck. He began rocking him in his arms as he shushed him.
“It’s okay baby. It’s okay. How about this? Why don’t you sit with this uncle here while you wait for your papa? I’m sure he’s looking for you everywhere, so we can make it easier to find you. Is that okay?”
To his relief, he found the pup nodding, finally quieting down as he continued to take lungfuls of Yoongi’s calming scent.
“Unc’ah smell nyummy. Like tananines,” the pup slurred, likely getting tired after crying so hard.
That got a chuckle out of the omega, who moved to sit on a nearby ledge that overlooked the outside of the palace.
“Yeah. You like tangerines?”
The pup nodded in his neck, though his movements were getting more lethargic. “Nammie wuvs tananines. They Nammie’s favowite fwuit.”
So the pup’s name is Nammie? He internally made a note.
“What a coincidence! They’re my favorite fruit too!” he enthused.
That got Nammie to immediately sit up, eyes wide in wonder as he clapped his hands in excitement. “Yay! Unc’ah my new fwiend. We eat los and los of tananines, okay?”
He held up his little pinky to the omega, a determined look on his face. Yoongi knew his scent was bursting with fondness at this little toddler, already unable to deny him anything.
“I promise. We’ll eat all the tangerines in the world together,” he solemnly swore, looping his much bigger pinky around his little one.
It was then that he heard the frantic calls.
“Nammie! Nammie! Where are you baby?” he heard, getting louder and frantic the closer they got.
Not a moment later, a frazzled looking man came turning the corner, eyes locking immediately on his pup.
He knew it was because of instincts, but he felt his hackles rise at the loud growl that escaped the man before him. Yoongi found himself frozen in his spot, his omega not reacting kindly to the imminent “threat.” Thankfully, before anything could happen, the little pup hopped off his lap and ran towards the man.
“Papa!” he squealed, running as fast as his little legs could take him.
“Nammie!” the man sobbed, as he knelt down and hugged his pup.
“Kim Jeongnam, don’t you ever leave my side like that again! I was worried sick, baby. Are you okay? Are you hurt?” he frantically assessed him.
“I sowwy papa. I saw a budderfly and it was weally pwetty and I wanted it to be my fwiend but it went away.” He then turned to Yoongi. “But wook appa! I made a new fwiend! Unc’ah come hewe!” the pup enthusiastically waved him down.
Yoongi instead made eye contact with the man, who now Yoongi could tell was an omega as well once his scent mellowed out. He was unsure if the omega would be okay with him approaching him, still high on instinct. But the pup was undeterred.
Instead he ran back to Yoongi, tugging on his hand. “Unc’ah why you no comin’?” he huffed, stomping his little foot before dragging Yoongi by both his hands with as much strength as he could muster.
Finally, he stopped them in front of his papa, who looked at the two with an unreadable look on his face.
“Papa dis is my new fwiend, Unc’ah… hah!” the pup gasped, covering his mouth with both his little hands. “Unc’ha I fogot to ask you’ name.”
That got a genuine laugh out of both omegas, finally easing the tension. “Yoongi.” He turned to the other omega. “Min Yoongi.”
Just like that, any mirth that may have appeared on the kneeling omega’s face vanished in the blink of an eye. Instead, Yoongi watched in horror as he threw himself to the ground in a full bow.
“Omega Min,” he trembled. “Please forgive me. I failed to recognize you. I did not mean any transgression. Please I humbly request your understanding and forgiveness.”
“What the—Please get up!” Yoongi shrieked, forgoing all manners as he tried to haul the omega up from his position. “Do not ever do that again, not to me at least.”
It came out more harshly than he meant, which only made the omega shake even more. To make matters worse, the little pup’s lip was starting to tremble again at the sight of his papa in distress. Yoongi took a deep breath, before speaking again.
“What’s your name?” he softly asked.
The omega blinked his big doe eyes at him as he held back his tears. Ah like father like son, he mused.
“J-Jeongguk,” the omega stammered out.
“J-Jeongguk or Jeongguk?” Yoongi teased.
That only made a very familiar pout appear on the omega’s face.
“Jeongguk,” he said more firmly.
“Okay, Jeongguk. You seem a little younger than me. So allow hyung to impart some wisdom. I don’t want you bowing to me like that, especially not in front of your child. I understand there are rules in the palace, but they can’t be cruel enough to not recognize that you were in a clear state of distress. If I or someone expresses wrongdoing, then that’s one thing. But you did nothing wrong, okay?”
Jeongguk gave a meek nod, though his spearmint scent began to mellow out again. “Okay, Omega Min.”
“Aish, did I not just refer to myself as your hyung but a few moments ago?” he playfully scolded.
“Yes, h-hyung,” the omega smiled, a wide bunny grin spreading on his face.
“Say Jeongguk, now that we’re more familiar. You mind showing me where the kitchen is? I promised the little one we’d eat our weight in tangerines. Isn’t that right, Nammie?”
“Yes! Yes! Tananines! Tananines!” the pup squealed, jumping up and down as he clapped his hands.
“Ah, of course I can hyung! It’s where I happen to work. Come with me, I’ll take you there.”
Like that, the three set off, with Jeongnam stopping half way demanding Yoongi carry him. Yoongi couldn’t remember the last time his cheeks hurt so much from smiling.
But you do, his traitorous mind supplied.
And unbeknownst to him, the cause of those smiles, that felt like eons ago, watched from the shadows. His heart aching at being so close yet so far.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Yoongi spent the rest of the morning and the afternoon in the kitchen, offering to babysit Nammie while Jeongguk did his work. He did feel a bit bad though, seeing how everyone was on edge with his presence. But he’d like to think that the other workers were able to relax after a little while, seeing that there was nothing to fear. He was once one of them after all.
True to his word, the newly minted uncle/nephew duo ended up indulging in way too many tangerines, promptly leading to them cuddling up on a nearby bench for a nap. It was close to dusk when Jeongguk finally shook him awake.
“Ome-hyung, my shift is over. I was going to head home,” he softly spoke as he gently pried the sleeping pup off Yoongi, who was using the omega as a human bed.
“You’re going ho—What time is it?” he grumbled, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
“The sun is about to set, hyung. It might be best to head back to your room, so they can serve your dinner soon,” he replied, adjusting the sleeping pup in his hold.
“Hmmm, I think I’m gonna explore a bit more. I wanted to see the gardens and the fountain in the inner court before I don’t get the chance to,” he grimaced, though he wondered if Jeongguk could tell.
As he suspected, Jeongguk did not say anything, instead finally getting ready to leave.
“Of course hyung, whatever you desire.”
Jeongguk was kind enough to drop him off at his location, despite his many protests, before heading off to his quarters. He found a nearby bench to rest on, being able to clearly take in the entire view in front of him.
It was all too beautiful. The way the sky was painted in pretty hues of pink, purple, and blue, the flowers that seemed to represent every variety in existence, the pretty guard from the night he was in the Crown Prince’s ro—the pretty guard?
Yoongi startled out of his reverie as he looked across the courtyard to see the guard standing there, arms crossed as he leaned against the archway. It wasn’t the one who spoke to him, it was the other one that Yoongi had questioning if it was a requirement to be beautiful to work around the Crown Prince.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” the alpha spoke.
He slowly made his way across to where Yoongi was, making the omega’s hackles rise.
Except, he didn’t come near the omega. Instead, he steered away to a nearby bed of flowers.
He crouched next to them, and looked right at Yoongi.
“It’s impossible to tell who’s the flower, isn’t it?” he asked, pointing between him and the flowers, before he broke out into a squeaky-broken laughter.
Yoongi couldn’t help chuckling along, his unease replacing with amusement for the alpha in front of him.
“Are you familiar with plants?” he went on once his giggles finally died down.
“I’m good at discerning edible from not. But that’s as far as my knowledge goes,” Yoongi earnestly replied.
The alpha hummed at the answer. “These are zinnias. In the language of flowers they mean friendship, lasting affection, and endurance.”
He broke off the flower from its stem before handing it to Yoongi, who accepted it, not wanting to seem rude.
“Do not be alarmed. This flower is not lying to you on my behalf. Nor are the other meanings not applicable as well. Though if you ever wish to trade a platonicity of a zinnia for the romance of rose, I would be honored to oblige. I am afterall, quite the catch,” the alpha winked. “I’m Seokjin by the way.”
That got a chuckle out of Yoongi, formally introducing himself as well, although all formalities went out the window when the alpha found out he was his hyung.
He didn’t know why, but he was already seeing a wonderful friendship on the horizon.
And he’d hold on to that, as he held onto the zinnia.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It wasn’t too long after that the omega finally retired to his room. The day had been so pleasant, filling every part of him with warmth. It felt almost perfect. Almost.
He couldn’t help but think back on the night before. The alpha’s scent, his words, his eyes. Eyes that could barely conceal what he felt.
Maybe…
Before he could overthink, Yoongi found himself going to the last place he was allowed to. If he was caught, the consequences would be dire. But he couldn’t help it. He had to know. This longing, this yearning pleaded to be vanquished.
He was just rounding the corner of the hallway that would lead him to the alpha’s room when he saw it, making him freeze in his spot.
There, on the opposite end of the hallway stood the Crown Prince himself… and Omega Lee.
He quickly hid behind the wall, making sure he wasn’t seen, as he peered at the scene before him. From the looks of it they were returning from their own stroll, both laughing so hard as they clutched their bellies. He couldn’t hear anything but he didn’t need to. His eyes were enough.
They were perfect together.
And it hurt.
Yoongi may have noble blood, but he could never be a noble, one fit to stand beside the future king. He may not know the omega personally, but from even the little he’s seen, she would make a great queen.
And a great mate.
Biting his lip as hard as he could, he finally turned away, wanting nothing more than to retreat back to his room. Even while his omega howled within him to go back and stake his claim.
“Stupid, stupid omega,” he chastised himself the minute he was behind closed doors. “Let it go. He’s going to mate her and you’re going to be nothing but a bed warmer. Get that through your thick skull.”
When Nayeon and Momo came with his dinner, he turned them away, opting to turn in for the night. This time when sleep came knocking on his door, he welcomed it with open arms. Wanting anything that will help him escape the burn that has made a permanent place in his chest.
In his turmoil, he didn’t realize he had let his scent run wild when he ran away.
Didn’t realize he’d dropped the flower that was given to him along the way.
Didn’t know it caught the attention of a certain alpha.
Didn’t know what it meant.
~ 👑🐺👑~
From there began his rigorous training. Some of it was just more of his basic etiquette classes. Some were learning surface-level diplomacy. Others were learning how to… please a partner.
Those always left Yoongi blushing so bright he feared his face might burn off.
Just like that two weeks went by. Whenever he had free time, he made sure to stop by the kitchen. Always so excited about his new omega friend and his pup. It was always there though, on the tip of his tongue, why the poor pup had to spend the day at the kitchen. Why there wasn’t anyone who could watch him for a bit. But he knew it wasn’t his place. Instead he tried to offer subtle relief, finding his way to the kitchen to entertain the pup as long as he could so that Jeongguk could work in peace. He really didn’t even know why he tried so hard. Perhaps because he saw himself in him. An omega struggling on their own just to survive to the next day. Whether it was pity or adoration, he didn’t care. He rather welcomed it.
After bidding Jeongguk farewell, he would typically take the time to roam the different parts of the palace. Like any other day, he was set on his daily walk again, aiming for the gardens he had come to love.
He was just rounding the corner when he saw his new alpha friend… hiding behind a pillar.
A little confused, the omega walked closer, about to call out to Seokjin, when he noticed how his eyes were glued to the scene in front of him.
Following his gaze, he saw how there was a new, but familiar occupant sitting on the ledge of the fountain, book in hand, seemingly unaware of the world.
It only confused the omega more because why was Seokjin spying on his fellow guard?
He looked back at the alpha, peering at his eyes, only to finally see it.
Oh.
Oh.
Yoongi looked between the two before understanding finally dawned on him. He couldn’t help smiling to himself. That warmth. That unmistakable, painfully beautiful warmth that was oozing from his hyung’s eye was one Yoongi was all too familiar with.
He was going to leave the two alone, not wanting to ruin the moment, but a nearby clatter of something dropping snapped the alpha right out of his reverie. It was only then he noticed the omega's presence, his eyes going wide as saucers.
“Yoongi!” he yelled, a bit too loudly. “You’re here! I was—”
Now, he couldn't help but want to tease a little. “You were?” eyes moving between the two alphas.
Except that didn’t have the effect that he thought it would.
To his horror, the alpha’s face fell immediately, his usually calming vanilla scent souring rapidly.
“I was just keeping watch. I wasn’t doing anything else I swear!” he frantically got out.
“Hyung what—”
Yoongi felt his own panic start to rise when he saw the alpha’s chest rise and fall all too rapidly.
“Hyung!” he shrieked.
The omega felt helpless. The alpha was going to pass out from how hard he was panicking. And he knew they were in an open space. Far enough away from the main garden area, but anyone could pass by them. Anyone could see them, and the last thing he knew his hyung needed was an audience. He quickly surveyed his surroundings, seeing a small corner at the other end of the hall where the wall was indented. He wasted no time, dragging his hyung away from potential prying eyes. Once there, he leaned the alpha against the wall while he held his hand, pumping out as many calming pheromones as he could.
“Hyung, look at me. I need you to breathe with me. Follow what I’m doing.”
He spent the next bit of time showing Seokjin how to breathe again. To his relief, he finally started to calm down, breathing much more normally. Only the calmness didn’t last long enough before tears were falling from his eyes.
“I wasn’t—I didn’t mean to—I just—He just—,” he stammered before slumping down against the wall, pulling his knees towards him.
Yoongi sat in the space across from him, letting the alpha gather his thoughts. Quite a bit of silence passed until the alpha finally opened up.
“We’re both from the Gwangsun clan. Our families are quite close, so we practically grew up together. Thick as thieves. We were inseparable really. We did everything together. Even planned our futures, ones where we’ll join the Royal Guard, together.” The alpha paused then, swallowing thickly before continuing. “I presented first at 16. Everyone knew I was gonna be an alpha. Even me. But that’s also when I realized… Taehyung was also growing up with me. His cheeks were losing their baby fat, and he was filling into his body, and his voice was getting deeper. And I…suddenly didn’t want him joining the Royal Guard with me anymore.”
He paused to sniffle, biting down on his lip. “Three years. I spent three years hoping and praying he’d present as an omega. I had a whole plan for when, not even if, but when it would happen. But then… Mother Nature can be so cruel, you know?” he humorlessly chuckled, wiping a tear that fell. “And I decided I’ll put it to bed. Forget about the whole thing. Lock it away somewhere in my heart. But no matter how hard I tried, my heart wouldn’t stop racing for him. I’d feel restless if I didn’t see him all day, and the minute my eyes would find him, it felt like all was right again in the world.” He scoffed again. “It still does.”
The alpha fiddled with his fingers, anxiously biting his lip before continuing. “I tried so hard to push him away too. The minute my posting came for the Royal Guard, I left and never turned back. Ignored his letters, refused to go home during training, even found my way to the kisaeng (courtesan) house. Which turned out to be pointless, cause it seems not even the scent of a needy omega can fix me.” His lips began to wobble again, making Yoongi’s own heart sting in response. “No matter what I do I can’t get my feelings to stop. And now that he’s also here, it’s like this is my punishment. Having him so close, yet so far” he sobbed.
At that, Yoongi finally spoke. “But hyung, is it such a bad thing if you fell in love? He could also feel the same for you too, no?”
Seokjin frantically shook his head at that. “No Yoongi, you don’t understand. He can’t. We can’t. If word gets out, we’ll be hanged from the gallows. It’s not allowed here. If something happens to him b-because of my stupid f-feelings…”
Yoongi gasped as the alpha fully bowed in front of him.
“Please Yoongi. Please don’t tell anyone. I only told you cause… cause I just couldn’t keep it in anymore, but please…” he pleaded.
And that absolutely broke Yoongi’s heart. He gently pulled the alpha up looking him square in the eyes, wiping the tears that wouldn’t stop falling.
“Told me what hyung?” he shrugged, wiping his own tears. “I’m not quite sure what you're talking about.”
That seemed to be the right thing to say as Seokjin practically threw himself at the omega, squeezing the life out of him, which only made a delighted giggle burst from Yoongi in return. Finally, the vanilla scent began to mellow out again as Seokjin profusely thanked him.
They were so caught up in the warmth of the moment that they failed to register the pair of eyes watching them.
If only they did.
~ 👑🐺👑~
“Orabeoni, please, just a little!”
“Nayeon-ah, for the last time if you put any more powder on me, I’m afraid people are going to confuse me for a dumpling.”
“But Orabeoni, it’s your birthday!”
“Ugh, not you too Momo.”
That was how the morning was going. Honestly, it was his mistake. It all started when he had accidentally let it slip when he woke up that he was in the mood for some seaweed soup. It was a weird thing to crave really. The last time he ever had it was when his parents were still around. Maybe it was the subconscious knowledge of knowing things were different now. That he had the luxury of options.
What he didn’t know when he made the innocent remark, just casually saying how he’d ask Jeongguk for some, that it would lead to this. He was starting to regret letting his maids be so casual with him.
(No he wasn’t. Not even in the slightest.)
“Orabeoni please! You forbade us from telling Head Mistress Choi. But pretty please let us dress you up a little. It’s such a special day!” Momo pleaded again.
The two looked at them with wide eyes, matching pouts on display and, damn it, Yoongi was way too soft for his own good.
“Sigh, nothing too crazy. Or I swear I will wash it off in an instant.”
He covered his ears as the other two squealed in joy before they started fussing over him. Truth be told, there was a part of him that didn’t mind. Not one bit.
It was nice to be pampered like this. Not to impress someone else, but solely for his sake. And he just so happened to have the day off today as well, which was strange as he wasn’t due for one yet, so maybe… just maybe… this was going to be a good day.
“They're all done! Ugh, orabeoni you look so good! If you weren’t already taken, every alpha would be falling over themselves just for a moment of your attention!” Nayeon clapped.
Yoongi couldn’t help the blush that found its way onto his face, thankful it was hidden in a good layer of rouge.
“Aish, you're flattering me too much. Now go take the day off. I’ll be heading to the kitchen,” he waved them off before he left.
He’d be lying if there wasn’t a bit of pep in his step as he made his way over to the kitchen. He was a bit later than his usual time, but Jeongguk should be heading there around this time as well, since he had the evening shift today.
Except when he got to the kitchen area, he heard harsh whispers coming behind the storage unit in the more secluded part.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he walked closer looking in between the barrels to see Jeongguk and… Namjoon?
“It’s just a bit more my love,” the alpha pleaded, desperately holding on to the omega’s hands “Just a bit more and then everything will be fine.”
He watched how Jeongguk let out a tired sigh before wrenching his hands out of the alpha’s tight grip.
“Seungjeongwon Kim, it’s been three years. Please, just let it go. It’s not possible to change how the palace functions over one mist—”
“Don’t you dare!” the alpha seethed. “Don’t you dare call our pup a mistake. Don’t you dare call us a mistake. Jeongguk please, I love you!”
Yoongi covered his mouth at the revelation, tightly forcing his scent down lest it alert them of his presence.
“And you're also the advisor to the future King! The Crown Prince lied for you to be able to hold your current position. What do you think will happen when they find out not only is the Head ‘Naesi (Eunuch)’ not who he says he is, but he has a pup as well? And that with the orphan omega cook from the kitchen?”
Yoongi’s heart wrenched when he watched Jeongguk bite back a sob. “Joonie,” he whispered, watching the alpha’s eyes shut tight at the name. “Please. I know the Crown Prince has power, but you and I both know it’s not enough to completely upend the entire functionality of the Inner Court. Not overnight at least. You’re doing more than enough already. Nammie loves his Uncle Joonie to death. Don’t risk taking that away from him. He wouldn’t be able to bear it. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if something happened to you.”
The two stood there for a few moments, foreheads pressed together, when Yoongi finally tore himself away from the scene.
Exactly what is with this place and their asinine rules? When did love become a crime for crying out loud?
Suddenly he didn’t feel like asking for his soup anymore. Instead he made his way to the garden, this time finding another familiar face gazing at the flowers. He quietly made his way over, hoping not to frighten them.
“Pink Camellias. Beautiful aren’t they?” he asked.
The other person startled a bit, bowing to him quickly. “Omega Min, excuse me for not noticing your presence.”
“Aish, none of that. You can just call me hyung when we’re alone. Is that alright, Taehyung?”
“Uh, s-sure. Um, hyung,” the alpha stammered out.
The omega chuckled at the alpha. Cute. “Excuse my forwardness. I feel we have seen each other from a distance enough times that we can skip formalities, right?”
“Um, y-yes I guess so,” Taehyung stammered out
Yoongi turned back to the flowers.
“Do you know what they mean?” he asked, nodding to the flower bed in front of them.
Taehyung quickly shook his head.
“‘Longing for you.’ That’s what they mean.” He turned to the alpha then. “Do you know who taught me that?”
The alpha shook his head again.
“Seokjin hyung did,” he softly smiled.
He carefully observed the alpha’s reactions. Noting the way his cedarwood scent spiked with a burnt note momentarily before he controlled it again.
“I see.” He answered, expression carefully neutral. “Though, it’s not entirely appropriate, it's also not my business. I wish you two happiness.”
Yoongi bit his inner cheek as hard as he could, suppressing his bubbling laughter. The little baby alpha was trying so hard to act tough. But someone should really let him know how expressive his sad, pitiful eyes were.
“Oh make no mistake, Taehyung-ah. That wasn’t directed at me. Not even in the slightest.” He looked back at the flowers, smiling only slightly at the relief that bloomed in the alpha’s scent. “First loves are like that. For all the beauty and innocence they hold, they make you yearn in equal fold. Even when the distance is but a step away.” He plucked a flower off the stem, handing it to the alpha. “I hope your first love is a success, Taehyung-ah.”
Taehyung took the flower, his cedarwood scent going haywire. He wasn’t able to get another word out before the alpha gave him a quick bow and practically ran away.
“Sigh, Min Yoongi, when will you learn to stop meddling?” he chastised himself as he sat on his favorite bench.
He just couldn’t help it. After witnessing his hyung breakdown like that, he couldn’t help but want to at least see if his love was as unrequited as he made it seem. He laughed to himself as he realized it took only a few moments in the younger alpha’s presence to know it wasn’t. If only one of them was just brave enough to take the first step.
Yoongi didn’t know how long he stayed there, thinking and not thinking about the day’s events. It was a gentle touch on his shoulder that brought him out of his stupor.
“Yoongi, why are you staring off into the distance like that? And so late in the evening, too?”
It was then that Yoongi noticed that the sun had already set. Just how long was I sitting here for?
“Ah hyung. I didn’t notice. I should probably head back.” He got up, only to quickly grab his arms when the wind blew his way.
“Here,” Seokjin said, already shrugging off his outer robe and wrapping the omega with it.
“Hyung, wait, you don’t have to-”
“Aish, and let your stubborn-self freeze to death. That wouldn’t be very alpha-like of me would it. Trust me, it’s okay. I run hot anyway, in more ways than one,” he smirked, flashing his signature wink at the omega.
“God hyung, do you ever get tired of singing your own praises?” Yoongi laughed, wrapping the robe tighter around himself.
“Hey if you won’t do it, then I have to make up for it myself, don’t I?” he snickered back, gently bumping his shoulders with the omega.
“Thank you though, truly.”
He watched the alpha start to walk backwards. “Eh, what are friends for, Yoongi-ah?”
He made sure to give Yoongi his signature flying kiss, making the omega laugh again, before finally leaving. He looked on as Seokjin walked away, warm not only from the blanket, but from the friendship he had grown to treasure so deeply. He was itching to tell him what he had found out, but decided maybe he shouldn’t interfere. More than he had at least. He did promise to pretend he didn’t know anything anyway.
If only he had realized another pair of eyes had watched from the shadows.
If only he knew the storm he created from the dollops of sunshine that had come his way.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was still quite dark when Yoongi was startled awake by the wails. He had returned shortly after parting ways with Seokjin, eating a light dinner, then promptly heading for bed. He couldn’t have been asleep for more than an hour. But he quickly sat up when he heard another scream come from the common area. He blindly searched for his robe, throwing it on in haste, before power walking to the source of the commotion.
“Head Mistress Choi!” the guard who came huffed, trying to catch his breath. “The prince has gone into rut!”
Yoongi felt his breath catch, as did the others around him. That couldn’t be true. Mating cycles were only triggered after bites were exchanged at the claiming ceremony.
“Don’t lie! You very well know that’s not possible,” the head mistress boomed.
“I do not! We are also alphas, we know. He had returned to his room in an extremely agitated state. The minute the smell hit us, we quickly locked the door. But…”
“But what? Spit it out!” Choi roared.
“T-the smell… something is off about it. We can’t tell.”
Yoongi’s stomach churned at that. Is he sick? Is he hurt? He wanted nothing more than to run to the prince’s quarters and check for himself. But he knew he couldn’t. And so he kept still, silently praying for everything to be alright with the prince.
The head mistress swept her eyes across the room, her eyes pausing longer on Yoongi, before shaking her head. He watched her blow out a breath before fixing the guards with a glare.
“I’m afraid I know. Our prince has entered a pseudo-rut, which will be a discussion for a later time. For now, go to the kisaeng house and find two omegas, discreetly. If even a word of this gets out, I will have your head on a platter. Understood?”
The guard quickly nodded his head in understanding before bowing and leaving for the aforementioned place.
Yoongi felt like he was going to throw up. He felt his wolf whining in distress at the thought of what was to come. But it’s not like he didn’t know. Hadn’t mentally prepared for how he would be all of the Crown Prince’s but the Crown Prince would not be his. Alas, he could do nothing more than force his omega down and silently endure it.
However, either to his relief or his worry, barely any time had passed before there were two omegas rushing into the common area.
“Head Mistress, spare us!” the smaller girl cried as she threw herself to the floor in submission.
The other omega with her fell to the floor as well, crying hysterically.
“Head Mistress please! We couldn’t stay. We had barely stepped into the room before the prince charged at us to leave. The guards were just barely able to restrain him and now he is even more upset!” the omega wailed.
Yoongi watched as the elder omega ticked her jaw in anger. But he could see it in her eyes that she too was starting to get antsy, deep in contemplation. Before he knew it, the words were tumbling out of him.
“Let me go,” he whispered into the quiet, tense air.
He felt all eyes snap to him, but he instead moved to kneel before Head Mistress Choi, head bowed.
“If the head mistress allows, I would like to try and be of assistance. I understand we are not to assume our official roles until after the coronation. But I wish to be of service to my kingdom. And if this is how I am able to fulfill my duty, I accept it.”
He waited with bated breath. He didn’t know why but he felt compelled to go. Like he needed to go. All he knew was he needed to be there, immediately.
It may have been seconds or hours that passed before the head mistress finally spoke. “Fine. I will allow it. Perhaps a familiar scent shall do the trick. But you are not to go there without a collar. Under no circumstances are you to mate with the prince. Is that understood?”
Yoongi swallowed at the request, feeling as though a part of him was being denied. But beggars could not be choosers. So he obliged.
“Yes, Head Mistress,” he bowed again.
In the next moments, he was quickly given proper clothes to wear, not having enough time for a bath before an attendant fixed him with a thick, brown leather collar. He could hear the other omegas begging to be the one to go in the background, but he paid them no mind. He knew once Head Mistress Choi decided something, she stuck to it.
And just like that, he was sent away with the guard.
As he walked down the halls, nearing the prince's chamber, the stormy scent of petrichor saturated the air. His omega immediately perked up in distress, wanting nothing more than to soothe the alpha. It didn’t escape his notice how the halls were completely deserted as well, the only signs of life were the two guards by the door, to his relief being Seokjin and Taehyung. But even they seemed like they were fighting the alpha’s pheromones.
It was then he realized despite him wanting to comfort the alpha, he was rather clear headed. Dare he say… unaffected. He wondered why.
All too soon, he was standing in front of the prince’s door. He watched as Taehyung moved to open the door, his hands shaking the entire way. He decided to spare him.
“It’s okay, I’ll do it,” he reassured him before finally pushing the door open.
He made haste to go inside and close the door, not wanting the pheromones of other wolves to filter in. He moved to take a step into the room.
“Cho- ha” he gasped.
His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the destruction that had swept the room. Broken vases, ripped partitions, and scattered books amongst other things littered the room, not an inch of floor to be seen. He took another step forward, his gut twisting at the utter destruction before him. As his eyes roamed the room, something caught his attention to his right. He stepped closer to the ripped clothes on the floor, his eyes getting bigger as recognition dawned on him. Amongst the carnage, sitting on top of the wreckage, he found the one thing that seemed to be intact in the room: the pendant he made of the squirrel.
He crouched down, hand automatically moving towards it, when he heard a terrifying growl rip through the air. His eyes snapped up across the room, watching as a large auburn wolf walked out from behind the partition at the furthest end of the room. He held his breath as the wolf bared his teeth, seemingly ready to charge, before he took a loud sniff of the air.
Within seconds, Yoongi watched all of the aggression leave the wolf’s body, before he was charging full speed at the omega.
Yoongi didn’t even have enough time to brace himself, before the wolf collided with him, taking them both down until the omega was lying flat on his back with an oof. He felt like he should’ve been scared, truly. But seeing as how the aggressive scent of the alpha was finally starting to mellow out, he couldn’t find himself too. Instead, he let himself surrender to the prince’s incessant need to lick him all over, making him release his own giggles at the ticklish feeling. He could feel the alpha’s tail wagging furiously against his legs, making his heart feel even more warm.
That was, until the alpha moved down to his neck. And then the displeasure started to seep into his scent again, growing more and more agitated with the collar in the way.
Yoongi knew he shouldn’t. He truly knew he shouldn’t. But he also needed to get the alpha out of his frenzied state. So instead he gently grabbed the alpha’s face in his hands, thankful he didn’t lash out at being handled in such a manner.
“I’ll take it off. But no biting. Promise?” he gently asked.
He waited for his words to settle in the alpha, before the alpha moved to sit on his hind legs. Seemed answer enough, he concluded.
Slowly, Yoongi sat up as well, the alpha tracking every movement. He brought his hands back, his eyes never leaving the wolf’s, as he undid the clasp. He had only taken his eyes off of him for a second to set the collar down that the alpha was already on him. Although he didn’t push him back onto his back, he firmly planted himself into the crook of the omega’s neck.
Yoongi, in turn, kept his neck bared in submission, his hands finding their way into the prince's soft fur. He was relieved that the alpha listened, only going as far as thoroughly scenting both of his scent glands on his neck before finally sitting back.
The scent high that coursed through Yoongi’s vein was like no other. He wanted nothing more than to cuddle up in his nest and purr to his hearts content.
And so that’s what he did.
His own omega came to the forefront, already moving him towards the prince’s bed. Though, that was not met too kindly. As he made to stand up, he heard a warning growl before they turned into pitiful whines as the omega moved further away from the alpha.
He immediately made his way back, releasing his calm tangerine scent in droves, while he cradled the alpha’s face in his hands. His heart broke at the sadness reflecting in the red glowing eyes.
“Alpha, I want to nest,” he pouted.
Suddenly, the alpha was on high alert, all despair forgotten. He gently nudged the omega towards the bed before running around the room like a mad man.
Yoongi collected the bedding that was laying on the floor and quickly got to work. As he fixed the sheets, the alpha dutifully brought him more things to nest with. After he brought him one last blanket, he deemed he had enough items.
“That’s enough alpha, I don’t need more,” he said as he continued to work.
The alpha listened and instead obediently stayed by the omega’s side as he fixed his nest. Everything felt so fuzzy. It seemed like nothing existed outside of the alpha and the nest. Like the world had melted away and it was just them too. While fixing the last sheet in the nest, he quickly glanced up to see a mirror stand on the dresser across the bed. Blue glowing eyes reflected back at him, but he paid it no mind. He had a nest to perfect afterall.
Once he was satisfied, he made his way in, sitting comfortably in the middle. He looked up at the alpha expectantly, growing agitated the longer the alpha stayed in his spot.
“Alpha, come here,” he whined.
Within a second, the alpha was in the nest, circling in his spot a few times before finally lying down. The omega wasted no time snuggling up the alpha, feeling the high starting to come down. Before he knew it, he was drifting off, cocooned by the content petrichor scent enveloping him like a blanket.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Warmth.
That was the first thing the omega registered. It was like someone had personally attached the sun to his back, allowing him to soak up all the rays.
Then he felt a firm weight across his stomach. When he wiggled a bit, the grip only tightened, pulling him closer, if possible, into the warmth.
And then there was a gentle, almost circular pressure on his neck, before he felt a sigh being blown onto his skin.
His eyes snapped open immediately, the events of the previous night crashing down on him. How the prince had gone into a pseudo-rut. How he came to his room. How he was scented. How he built a…
He knew his scent spiked in emotion, because in the next moment, he was being gently turned over by the alpha.
“Kitty, are you okay? Do you want me to get you something?” the prince softly asked, moving his hand to his cheek to gently caress it.
Yoongi felt the alpha delicately trace the features of his face, gently moving his hair off of his face, while giving him the sweetest smile. He felt his own heart fluttering in return.
“No, Choha. I’m fine,” he replied in earnest.
Immediately, the smile vanished, a deep frown marring his face. Yoongi could visibly see him trying to control his emotions, trying not to let the anger bleed into his scent.
“That’s not my name,” he said, voice kept purposefully neutral.
“Choha, I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean,” he sincerely answered, confused as to why the alpha was getting so upset.
All the warmth the morning held was ripped away as the alpha practically leapt off the bed. Yoongi only then noticed he was in nothing but his robe.
“STOP IT!” the alpha roared, making Yoongi flinch at the volume. “I can’t take it anymore! Stop erasing what he had! I know I wasn’t alone. I know you felt it too. I know your feelings aren’t shallow enough to change just because of who I am, right? You’re just being like this to punish me right? Because I left without saying goodbye? Kitty I swear I didn’t want to. You have to know, right, what you mean to me?”
Yoongi watched as the alpha started to pace in front of a bed, too shocked at the prince's words to respond. But his inability to speak only agitated the alpha more, his eyes flickering between brown and red.
“Why won’t you say anything?! Is it because of Seokjin? Cause you want that other fucking alpha now? Is that it? Constantly meeting him, hugging him, letting him leave his scent on you. You think I wouldn’t know? If Namjoon hadn’t been there, I would have ripped him to shreds. Cause let me tell you, Yoongi, you are mine and mine alone! He can’t have you, even if you were allowed to be with him. I won’t let him, I won’t let anyone.”
Yoongi watched in horror as the alpha’s scent grew aggressive again, eyes fully turning red now before he was marching towards the door.
Finally getting his body to work, Yoongi flew off the bed as quickly as he could before he crashed into the alpha’s back, holding on to him as hard as could.
“Hobi, no!” he wailed.
That seemed to finally stop the alpha in his tracks. Yoongi felt the tension in his muscles starting to leave slowly, but his scent had yet to return to normal. So he continued.
“He’s just a friend. I don't want him like that. I don’t want anyone.” He felt his voice break. “How could I? When I had already given my heart to a silly alpha who thinks he can take down full adult bears on his own.”
He knew his tears were starting to soak the alpha’s back but he couldn’t care. He just couldn’t keep it in any longer.
It all happened so quickly. One moment he was clinging to the alpha. The next, he was spinning in his hold, grabbing him by the waist and crashing their lips together.
Yoongi gasped at the contact, taking a moment to get over the shock before he finally returned the kiss.
For as rough as it first started, the kiss started melting into a more passionate rhythm. Yoongi let the alpha take and take, trying his hardest to keep up. He felt himself being slowly walked back, until his knees hit the bed. The two tumbled down, Yoongi’s back softly hitting the mattress, lips still attached to one another. Hoseok broke the kiss for a second, allowing the two to breathe, before he dove back in. His lips were so soft, making Yoongi’s toes curl at the feeling. And then, the alpha swiped his tongue against his, making him moan at the contact. It felt like hours later when the two finally stopped, gasping for air at the end. He couldn’t help smiling wide, all gummy teeth on display, when he felt Hoseok leaving little pecks all over his face.
“Hobi stop! It tickles!” he giggled.
Hoseok laughed in return before adjusting the two on the bed, hugging Yoongi close to his chest.
“You have no idea how long I have been waiting to do that,” he whispered into Yoongi’s hair, still leaving small pecks every so often.
They stayed quiet for sometime, silently basking in each other’s warmth. But then enough time had passed for reality to settle back in, making Yoongi finally ask the question that has been burning him.
“Why?” Yoongi croaked, his throat already feeling tight. “Why did you not say goodbye?”
He felt the alpha hold him closer, until they were practically one. Unable to decipher where one started and the other ended.
“I didn’t mean to, kitty, I swear. I didn’t even want to leave. Especially not like that. But there’s things going on here that you don’t know about. Let’s just say my father isn’t a very good person. I—I couldn’t risk letting my father know about you. So when I smelled the guards approaching the hut after I finished grabbing the kindle and water, I just acted as quickly as I could. Making them think I took shelter in an abandoned hut. It killed me to just leave you like that, knowing I was breaking a promise. But I’m sorry kitty, if your safety is involved, I’d break a hundred promises as long as you're okay.”
That made Yoongi furrow his brows a bit. “But, I don’t understand. Why is it so bad if your father knew? I could’ve just been any random omega who saved you.”
Hoseok pulled back, cupping his face and tilting Yoongi’s head so they’re eyes locked. “Because they would’ve seen it, anyone would have seen it. How in love I am with you. Because I am. I love you, Yoongi.”
A tear escaped Yoongi at the confession, a breath he felt like he was holding since forever finally releasing. That was all he desperately ached to hear, after all. That everything really was real between them.
“And at the time I didn’t know anything about your noble blood. If my father had known about me falling in love with a commoner… let’s just say he wasn’t too fond of distractions. And I’d be damned if I let anything happen to you.” He brought his forehead to rest against Yoongi’s. “I’m so sorry for hurting you, kitty. I really didn’t mean to. All I wanted to do was confess to you the next day and ask if I could court you. I didn’t know our time together would be cut short just like that.”
Yoongi nodded in understanding, finally relieved to know he didn’t make everything up in his head. But some things still didn’t make sense. “But you would have had to return eventually. You’re the Crown Prince, Hobi. Which I sort of understand why you hid from me in the beginning, but why didn’t you tell me later?”
The alpha anxiously wet his lips. “Would you believe me if I said I hoped you never found out?” He began to rub soothing circles on Yoongi’s back, his other hand still caressing his cheek. “The anonymity, the freedom, your closeness. I loved and still love being your Hobi. So much so, my brain convinced me I could somehow just settle with you in the forest. Just the two of us in our own corner of the world. It was my fault really. I should have known that nothing good lasts forever,” he finished with a humorless chuckle.
Yoongi couldn’t stand the sight of Hoseok’s downturned lips, so he shyly pecked his lips in reassurance. “We’re here now though.”
“We are, kitty, we are,” the alpha smiled leaning in to take the omega’s lips again. The two kissed for a bit more before Yoongi remembered. “Wait, Hobi. The night of your birthday. There’s no way your father didn’t notice what happened that night.”
Hoseok’s petrichor scent grew stormy again for a moment, before he tucked himself into Yoongi’s neck, greedily inhaling his tangerine scent.
“He did, but I managed to convince him it was purely a physical response to an alluring omega. It seemed to pacify him, but in turn he had me escorting Jieun everywhere during her stay.”
At the sound of her name, Yoongi’s scent soured before he quickly fixed it. He knew his face was already burning in embarrassment at his reaction.
“Oho, what’s this? Is my omega jealous?” Hoseok teased, gently nuzzling his scent gland to soothe him.
“I—I have no right to be. She’s your future mate and Queen,” he lamented.
Before he knew it, Hoseok laid him flat on his back, hovering over him as his eyes flickered between red and brown.
“Min Yoongi, take this as my sworn oath to you. My mate, my Omega, and my queen will only be you. I am yours as you are mine.”
“But your alliance, your father—”
“You let me worry about that, kitty. Whether you take this as a threat or a promise, you will be mine, and only mine.”
Overwhelmed, Yoongi looped his arms around the alpha’s neck and yanked him into a hug, letting his weight fall on top of him. He thought back to Namjoon and how he was so passionately convincing Jeongguk that it was only a bit more.
Maybe it really was. Maybe, he does have a shot at happily ever after.
So he decided to be brave with his heart for once.
He squeezed the alpha closer, wanting to feel every inch of him.
“Hobi?”
“Hmm?” the alpha hummed.
“I love you too.”
Bursts of petrichor filled the room as the alpha nuzzled deeper into him. Yoongi could have sworn he felt a small dampness on his neck and collar of his clothes, but he didn’t say anything. They didn’t need to.
He wished this moment could last forever.
He hoped it did.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was well past dark when he finally returned to his room. His heart was tearing apart from having to leave the alpha but they both knew it must be done.
“My love, I’ll come find you again soon, okay? Just trust me.”
He soothed the omega with a few more kisses, both for Yoongi and himself, before he let him go.
The walk back made his heart flutter and sink at the same time. He could still feel the alpha’s petrichor scent cocooning him in safety, while the ache of being apart again kept building. The alpha had promised he’d see him again, but he knew that wasn’t guaranteed. Too many eyes roamed the palace. He was lucky enough to steal these moments. He did not think he’d be lucky again.
He entered the common area, trying to head to his room as discreetly as possible.
But maybe not discreetly enough.
“I see you finally made your way back.”
He startled at the voice looking to his left to see Head Mistress Choi standing there, hands clasped behind her back.
“Head Mistress Choi,” he bowed.
He had desperately hoped he would avoid seeing her before he had a chance to bathe. But it would seem luck was not on his side.
She slowly walked towards him, eyeing him up and down as he did. When she was about an arm’s length away, she lifted her hand to tilt his head left and right.
“I see obeying orders isn’t your strong suit, is it Omega Min?” she spoke, tone and face both expressionless.
It was then Yoongi realized he had forgotten to put back on the collar that was given to him.
“Head Mistress Choi, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to disobey. It was just—”
She held up her hand to stop him, effectively making his ramble stop. She eyed his neck again before meeting his eyes again.
“Some things are out of our control, Omega Min. It’s best if we do not fight it. I suggest you retire to your room. Quickly.”
He furrowed his brows a bit at her words. That’s it? He was sure she was going to chastise him to hell and back for risking himself like that. But he decided not to push his luck.
Instead, he went straight to his room, closing the door as softly as possible. Suddenly, the tiredness of the last two days washed over him, making him unable to even wash up.
Not that he wanted to.
He wanted to drown in Hoseok’s scent for as long as possible.
After a moment of contemplation, he took off his robes, using them to finally make a nest in his bed. When he first got here, he was too emotionally distraught to do so. But now that he had what he’d been craving for so long, he wasted no time in putting it to use. Once he was satisfied, he quickly put on his sleeping robes and curled up right in the center, his nose buried in the delicious smell of his alpha. Sleep came for him easily, with dreams of tangerines growing in summer rain keeping him company.
~ 👑🐺👑~
The next morning his maids came to get him ready for another training session. Today, it was going to be about the art of tea making, which he was actually looking forward to. He went about his morning routine, thankful neither maid commented on the very apparent alpha scent in his room, before he went out to the common area.
While his maids had been magnanimous, the others weren’t as much.
It started with cold stares being sent his way all morning. Anytime Head Mistress Choi’s attention would be diverted from them, a death glare would be sent his way. Surprisingly from all but Omega Kim.
After their morning session was done, she approached him before he could retreat to his room.
“Omega Min, I must commend you. You were able to fulfill your duty so early on and so efficiently. Please allow me to pour you a cup of tea in your honor.”
“Oh, um, thank you that won’t be necessa—”
“Nonsense. You served your kingdom well. You deserve to be treated as such. Though, I will say. It is an excuse to pick your brain,” the omega tittered.
The sound may have been innocent, but Yoongi couldn’t help the sense of foreboding washed over him. But he also couldn’t say no. He knew he had to pick and choose his battles. So, instead, he watched the omega pour him a cup, a small smile on her face. He raised his hand to accept, but his hand never reached the cup.
“Omega Min,” he heard, turning to see Head Mistress Choi with her eyes fixed on the two. “My quarters.”
The relief that washed over him at the sight of the elder omega made him almost laugh. So there are moments I can actually be glad to see her. He turned back to the other omega, watching as her smile stayed in place, albeit a bit tight.
“I’m sorry Omega Kim. Maybe next time. If you excuse me.”
“No worries. I’ll see you tomorrow, Omega Min.” Omega Kim bid him farewell before leaving.
He quickly sped away from there, wanting to be away from the discomforting situation as soon as possible. Except the situation he found himself in wasn’t any better.
Just when he thought he was improving in Head Mistress Choi’s eyes, she made him repeat every lesson they had learned up until that point, making him redo it in its entirety if he messed up at any point. By the time they finished, his stomach felt like it would cave in on itself. And to make matters worse, the kitchen had long closed.
When he finally exited the Head Mistress’ office, tired and beyond hungry, he found Nayeon waiting for him at his door.
“What are you doing here? It’s quite late.” he asked.
“I was just about to retire, Orabeoni. Momo has gone to see if there is a chef still available to prepare you a meal. Once it’s prepared, she’ll serve it to you before she also ends her day. I just wanted to let you know so you don’t go to sleep with an empty stomach. Goodnight!” she cheered before heading off without letting him get a word in.
Probably because he knew he would protest. He fondly shook his head at their dedication and loyalty to him, grateful to have such pure souls in his life. Until it dawned on him exactly who she was most likely going to ask. He quickly made his way to the kitchen, hoping to be able to dismiss the omega before he started anything. He knew Jeongguk would cook for him in a heartbeat, but deserved the rest. He had to have been exhausted between working and looking after Jeongnam.
In his haste to get to the kitchen, he failed to realize someone was following him. So imagine his surprise, when as soon as he crossed the threshold of the empty kitchen, he felt an arm grab him and pin him against the wall.
“AH—” he was about to scream when a hand covered his mouth.
His eyes still hadn’t adjusted to the dark, so he couldn’t see in front of him. But eventually the familiar scent finally hit him.
Petrichor.
Just like that, every muscle in his body relaxed, all the fight leaving him. Instead, he felt his tangerine scent spike in excitement at seeing the alpha again.
The alpha let out a chuckle, finally bringing his hand down. “I missed you too, kitty.”
“Hobi, what are you doing here?” he exclaimed.
Hoseok moved away, expertly finding a few candles and lighting them, before returning to the omega.
“You think I could resist the opportunity to be alone with you again when you so expertly created one?” he smirked in response.
The omega’s scent spiked at the statement, feeling flustered at having the alpha maneuvering him flush against the wall again.
“Wha—No, I wasn’t sneaking away for that. Not that I didn’t want to see you. Of course I do. It didn’t even occur to me to do that. But I didn’t know you were going to—”
The alpha landed a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Hobi! What are you doing?! Someone could stop by and see us!” he sputtered.
“Let them,” Hoseok shrugged, leaving another kiss on his cheek.
“A guard could see us,” he gasped.
The alpha trailed downwards, leaving a kiss on his jaw. “Let them.”
“An advisor could see us,” he breathed, internally mewling at the sensation.
Another kiss on his neck. “Let them.”
“Head Mistress Choi could find out,” he whispered, biting his lip.
Another kiss, this time closer to his scent gland. “Let her.”
Wet kisses trailed all over his neck, the omega unable to stop the moan that escaped him.
“God, you sound so good. Fuck, if this is you now, kust how are you going to sound when I finally have you under me, writhing on my—”
*Crash*
The sound of pot clinging to the floor broke them apart.
The two turned to see a wide-eyed Jeongguk darting his eyes between the two before realization dawned on him of who was standing in front of Yoongi.
“Choha!” the omega gasped, immediately dropping to the floor in a bow.
“At ease, Jeongguk. You may rise,” Hoseok spoke. “And I told you, you can call me hyung too. Any friend of Namjoon’s is a friend of mine.”
Spearmint, laced with distress, filled the vicinity immediately as his eyes shifted to Yoongi then back to Hoseok, before Jeongguk pushed his scent down. And unfortunately, Yoongi knew why. He was probably scared of Yoongi, or rather more people, knowing. Even if he considered him his friend. And Yoongi couldn’t blame him. He was so young, with a pup at that. He probably lived in constant fear of something going wrong. So he decided to help spare him of his turmoil, while simultaneously entrusting him with his own secret.
“Hobi,” he softly called. “I was going to ask Jeongguk for a late meal. Plus, I needed to pick his brain about something.”
He could feel Jeongguk’s eyes practically bugging out of his head at the name, but he paid it no mind. He hoped it would ease some of the tension the younger omega was feeling. That he had an ally.
“Kitty, you know you shouldn’t skip meals like that,” the alpha pouted.
“Tell that to Head Mistress Choi,” he grumbled.
Hoseok chuckled in response, moving forward to leave a peck on his forehead. “I’ll leave you two then.”
The alpha left after bidding the two goodbye. Yoongi stood there, flustered at almost being caught, while the other omega wasn’t doing any better. The two kept avoiding eye contact, looking anywhere but at each other. So, Yoongi grasped at the first thing he could.
“Um, w-where’s Nammie?” he stammered out.
That may not have been as safe as a topic Yoongi thought, noted by how Jeongguk’s scent spiked before mellowing out again. His doe eyes got even wider, opening and closing his mouth in answer.
“Um, yes, h-he’s with his, um, u-uncle.”
So he’s with Namjoon.
“That’s good. I’m sure he’s probably all tuckered out and not giving him much trouble,” he smiled.
Jeongguk smiled, or more accurately grimaced, back before quietly moving towards the stove. Yoongi took a seat nearby, watching the other whip some noodles up in silence. He swiftly and efficiently plated them up, placing it in front of Yoongi and taking a seat in front of him.
Yoongi in turn dove into the food like he’d been starving for days, almost burning his mouth in the process.
“Careful hyung!” the younger omega giggled. “It’s hot.”
Yoongi just grunted in response. “Can’t help it. I think Head Mistress Choi is trying to slowly starve me to death, but I can’t prove it. Also, this is really good, Jeongguk. Thank you for coming in so late.”
“Aish hyung, just doing my job,” the other waved off.
The two fell into comfortable silence. That was until Yoongi felt the other fidgeting in his seat.
“Gukk-ah, you okay?” he softly asked.
The younger was chewing on his lip incessantly. Any harder and he will practically bite it clean off.
“I won’t tell!” he blurted. “I promise hyung, your secret is safe with me.”
Yoongi looked a bit taken aback before he absolutely melted at his words. “I know you won’t, bun.” He bit back a laugh at the flush that overtook the omega’s face at the nickname. “I trust you. I consider you a friend. I hope you consider me one too,” he finished with a smile.
Yoongi continued to slurp the ramen until he heard small sniffles coming from his left. He looked up in alarm to see the omega crying in his seat.
“Jeongguk-ah what’s wrong?”
The omega looked at him with his big, doe eyes, bottom lip trembling in a very familiar manner before he all but threw himself on the older.
“Hyung!” he sobbed into his neck. “H-hyung, it’s so h-hard.”
Yoongi felt his own tears forming as patted the others head and back, shushing him as best as he could.
“I know, bun, I know. I would know better than anyone, wouldn’t I?” he soothed.
From there, it was like a dam broke. The younger omega rattled off everything that he’d kept tightly inside How Jeongguk had met Namjoon one morning, when the alpha had come into the kitchen looking for something to eat after pulling an all-nighter. How he almost set the kitchen on fire while trying to boil some water. How Jeongguk, who was coming in for his morning shift at the same time, quickly doused it with a nearby bucket of water. How Namjoon thought the omega was so cool. How one meeting became two, became three, became enough for Jeongnam to come about.
“I-It would have been fine. I wouldn’t have minded us being a secret forever. B-but then Choha announced that Namjoon would be his advisor as he prepared to take over the throne, and you have to be a eunuch to do that. If people found out that Nammie and I exist, he’d be killed, hyung!” the omega bit back another sob. “So I tried to distance myself, but h-he won’t listen!”
Yoongi couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Unfortunately, Jeongguk-ah alpha’s are very stubborn creatures. Mine sent himself into a pseudo-rut at the thought of losing me. I would at least say Namjoon’s level-headedness is exemplary. Very fitting for an advisor.”
That seemed to pull a giggle from the other. “What about you hyung? C-can I ask?”
“Sure, bun,” he smiled.
Just like that, the two spent the night exchanging stories up until the crack of dawn. They both may have been very tired the following day, but Yoongi couldn’t help feeling lighter in a way. While he exchanged a secret for his own, it fell into his heart a much easier weight.
~ 👑🐺👑~
Days bled into nights. Winter bled into spring.
Since that night, both kept up the pretense of dutifully fulfilling their roles, like Hoseok had asked, which meant much less time together. Yoongi had only been able to see the prince a handful of times, each one more beautiful than the last. But doubt had its way of creeping up on even the strongest of believers.
The coronation, and subsequent mating, were just on the horizon. Yet, everyday felt like it was the same. He was fine, holding on just fine, until he heard some palace maids tittering nearby on his return from the gardens.
“They’re so good together!” one laughed.
“I know! No wonder Choha is so smitten with her. She could charm a rock with her personality.”
Something ugly burned within him at the words. They were together. Hoseok had said so. He had said, promised, he was the only one. He had said it with so much conviction that Yoongi believed it.
But what if that changed?
He spent almost a fraction of the time with Yoongi than he did with Omega Lee. Deep down, Yoongi knew why. How important appearances were. He knew it was important no one knows. Not yet at least. But it still hurt. Oh so very much.
He was so lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice a hand reach out and grab him, dragging him to the end of an abandoned corner.
“Kitty,” the alpha breathed, immediately pulling the omega into a soul-crushing hug. “I missed you.”
Yoongi was about to return the hug, cause he too missed him so much. Ached for him in ways he did not know was even possible. Until it hit him.
Apples. Sweet ripe apples filled his nostrils, making him almost recoil. And to make matters worse, the scent was coming most strongly from around the alpha’s neck.
He pulled back like he’d been burned, making the alpha drop his hold.
“Why do you smell like that?” he asked, thankful his voice didn’t waver.
The alpha smelled himself, only now realizing what Yoongi was referring to. “Oh, this must’ve been from when I bid Jieun goodnight.”
Sour tangerines filled the space between them, and this time, Yoongi let it bleed.
“Is that so? Well then, we should also turn in for the night. It is quite late after all. Goodnight,” he bowed, turning to leave, when the alpha grabbed his wrist.
“Kitty, what’s wrong? Why are you leaving already? We haven’t seen each other in almost a week!”
Logically he knew why. He knew the reason made perfect sense. But he was only human.
“You’re right. It’s so difficult to meet, isn’t it? You should stick to seeing Omega Lee. Things with her are far more easier after all,” he scowled.
“Yoongi—”
“It’s late Choha. Good night.”
He shook his hand out of the alpha’s grip to leave again. He may have made it a step before he heard a loud growl tear through the air. In a flash, the alpha pounced on him, pinning him flush against the wall. His eyes glowed red as he snarled in his face.
Yoongi could already feel his omega surfacing, blue eyes meeting the alpha’s head on. But to his surprise, it wasn’t cowering in submission. No. It was equally pissed.
“Put your fucking alpha away right now, Jung Hoseok, or I swear to God, you will never see me again,” he boomed.
To his surprise, he found his omega trying to claw his way out, chanting bad mate, bad mate, over and over again in his head. In an instant, all the aggression left the alpha. Instead, he stood there like a pup waiting to be scolded.
“What the hell was that?!” Yoongi hissed, beyond aggravated now.
“Y-you called me Choha and were going to leave. My alpha panicked and well…” he grumbled.
“You listen to me right now. You do anything remotely like that again, and me calling you by your title will be the least of your problems. Got it?”
This time when he turned to leave he wasn’t stopped. Instead, he marched away, heart breaking at the whine he heard behind him. But he ignored it. He just needed time to get his emotions in check again, and then everything will be fine. He was sure of it.
~ 👑🐺👑~
The next morning, Yoongi was woken by the hustling and bustling happening all around him. He had barely rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, when his maids came barging into his room.
“Orabeoni! Oh thank goodness, you’re up. Please get washed soon. We don’t have much time to spare,” Nayeon pressed.
“What? What is going on? Why is the entire palace in a frenzy?” he asked, seeing passed them how everyone was running around the common area as well.
“The wedding. It’s been moved to five days from now,” Momo supplied. “Chonha Mama ordered it to be moved sooner while the coronation is to remain for the Solstice. We’re not sure why, but rumor has it a shaman advised him Choha’s reign as king would be even more prosperous if he had an heir on the way during his coronation. That’s why we need your measurements now to make sure your outfit is prepared in time!”
It was like time had stopped right then and there. Maybe his heart did too.
Five days.
The wedding was in five days. Yoongi bit his inner cheek as hard as he could, as he let his maids fuss about him while he sat there like a limpless doll. We get into one fight, and all of a sudden he can’t wait to marry her.
Yoongi would have to watch him take on a mate, while he remained nothing more than a bedwarmer. After all the promises of love and devotion and exclusivity. He was going to be sick.
“Excuse me,” he retched before running into his bathroom, looking for the nearest bucket.
They had a plan.
Or Hoseok, had a plan.
He asked for trust and Yoongi gave it blindly, only for it to explode in his face in the worst way possible.
The rest of the day went on rather mundanely. Or at least Yoongi thought. He had been completely spaced out the entire day, up until he made it to his room. He made no move to change or wash up for bed. Instead, he plopped right into the middle, finally letting the tears he’d been holding for the entire day flow, letting his grief run with them.
~ 👑🐺👑~
An incessant knocking had woken him from the slumber that had finally taken him under after tossing and turning for what felt like eternity.
He grumbled, as he finally got up, uncaring of his appearance. He opened the door, ready to snap at whoever was there, including Head Mistress Choi, when someone he was last expecting stood there.
“Namjoon? What are you doing here? It’s well into the night.” he whisper-shouted.
“It seems that this is going to be our thing from now on.” the man smiled. “Just follow me, please. We don’t have much time.”
Namjoon quickly guided him out of the harem's quarters. They were practically sprinting, Yoongi blindly following the other until they reached their destination. It was the servant’s quarters, this specific section for the kitchen staff. It was then, a very familiar omega emerged from the room.
“Jeongguk? You’re in on this too?”
The other nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! When Joonie told me about it, I practically begged him to let me help too. I would do anything for your happiness, hyung.”
Yoongi could see the sincerity oozing from the other’s eyes. But his utter confusion wasn’t allowing him to properly appreciate it. “It? What’s ‘it’? What are you talking about?”
“Well, let’s just say if everything goes well, then I will be taking care of you, while Joonie’s taking care of Nammie. It’s a win, win for everybody.”
Well, that did not help in the slightest.
“Best of luck Yoongi-ssi,” Namjoon smiled. Why is this man always smiling? “And please let Hoseok know that Seokjin hyung and Taehyung are positioned like he asked. Good night.”
Yoongi watched him hold out his hand for Jeongguk who giddily took it. “Congratulations in advance hyung! I’ll see you soon.”
And with that the two were gone.
Yoongi blinked once, then twice, his mind having a hard time catching up to how bizarre everything was, until he finally entered the room he was left in front of.
As soon as he walked in, he noted faint whiffs of spearmint and milk in the otherwise aired out room. But the strongest scent by far was the petrichor that was saturating the air. The source of which was standing in the middle of the room, holding a large bouquet of red roses.
“Hobi?”
He visibly watched the alpha let out a breath he seemed to be holding before he held out his hand.
“Kitty.”
Yoongi made his way over, hating how easily this alpha made his defenses fall, and slipped his hand into his. The alpha wasted no time pulling him closer, until they were pressed chest to chest. And then the alpha was falling to his knees.
“Mate me.”
“Wha—Hobi what are you saying?”
“I’m sorry kitty. This isn’t at all how I wanted to ask you. I was going to properly court you, and woo you with a grand proposal. But my father… ugh he knows. That’s why he sped up the marriage. And that also means he might come for you. Kitty, please. I now know why you were so upset. Jeongguk was kind enough to knock some sense into me. I don’t want Jieun at all, I only want you. I’m sorry that I let her scent cling to me, and that I growled at you. But, please, don’t leave me because of that. You have to know how desperate I am for y—hmph.”
Yoongi pressed his lips to the other’s, effectively shutting him up. “Yes,” he chuckled.
“Huh?” Hoseok looked absolutely dazed, eyes fixed on his mouth.
“I said yes, I’ll mate you,” he said again.
Hoseok blinked at him for a long moment before he was tackling him to the ground. “Oh kitty, I love you so, so much,” he whispered into the omega’s neck.
“I love you too, Hobi. To the moon and back.”
Hoseok pulled back enough to capture his lips in a searing kiss. Yoongi pulled the alpha even closer, using the opportunity to reach between them for the bouquet and throw it somewhere. He’d deal with it later.
The two exchanged kiss after kiss, mouths getting messy with saliva . Finally, Hoseok pulled back enough to lift Yoongi clean off the ground, standing with him as he made his way to the mat in the corner. Yoongi let out a yelp of surprise at the alpha’s strength, holding back a moan when the alpha adjusted him in his hold in an almost effortless manner. This was certainly another thing they would be coming back to.
Hoseok gently laid the two down, roaming his eyes all over Yoongi’s face. He couldn’t help but feel shy at the attention.
“God, you’re so, so beautiful. When you came to me at the riverside, I knew you would be the prettiest person I’ve ever met, cause your wolf was so gorgeous. And I was right. So pretty, and all mine,” the alpha praised with a hint of a growl.
Yoongi squirmed at the sound. Not because he felt threatened, no. But because it sent a shock of arousal up his spine. His tangerine scent sweetened exponentially, rising to meet the alpha’s rising petrichor scent.
“Alpha, please,” he begged.
“Please what kitty?” the alpha smirked.
Yoongi pouted at him. “Don’t tease alpha.”
“Okay, baby, I won’t,” the alpha chuckled.
Baby. Yes, that’s right. Yoongi was baby.
Hoseok made quick work of removing their clothes, betraying his own eagerness. Warm hands traveled up Yoongi's sides, making him shiver at the touch.
“Fuck,” the alpha cursed.
Hoseok captured his lips in a harsh kiss, before trailing his way downwards. Yoongi could feel his mind going hazy as wet kiss after wet kiss was seared into his skin. When the alpha finally made it to his scent gland, the first brush of his tongue had him crying out.
“Ah, alpha,” he breathed, overwhelmed with how the petrichor scent was invading his veins.
“Fuck, you smell so sweet, kitty. I can’t wait to taste you,” the alpha groaned in his neck.
He continued his way down, giving special attention to his chest. Yoongi’s mouth stayed open as moan after moan escaped him as Hoseok licked and sucked on his buds, alternating between his left and right. He could feel how his slick was gushing out of him, practically pooling on the mat beneath them. The alpha continued his way down, making him clench his stomach when he felt lips press on his belly, tongue briefly flicking his bellybutton.
Hoseok didn’t stop until he reached what he was looking for. “Eyes on my kitty,” he commanded before engulfing his small cock in his mouth. Yoongi arched clean off the mat, the sensations entirely overwhelming, only to be pinned right back down by the alpha. He laid there, his hands trying to find purchase, as the alpha delivered harsh suck after suck. And then he pulled off, making the omega whine in displeasure.
Hoseok chuckled darkly. “Oh kitty, I’m far from done.”
Confusion overcame Yoongi, until the alpha laid flat in front of him, hoisting his legs onto his shoulders. He parted Yoongi’s cheeks, understanding finally dawning on Yoongi.
“Alph-ah,” he moaned, loud enough to be surely heard by the palace.
The alpha licked a broad stripe from his leaking hole to his balls, letting out a loud groan of his own. “Fuck, I knew you were gonna taste do fucking good kitty.”
Hoseok proceeded to eat him like a man starved, lapping incessantly at the slick gushing out of him. Yoongi couldn’t decide if he wanted more or to get away, squirming the entire time, until he felt the alpha’s tongue finally enter him. The sensation lit his entire body on fire, his hole relaxing so easily at how aroused he was. It took a few thrusts before he was pushing his ass back on the alpha’s tongue, not even realizing his hand had found its way to the alpha’s hair.
“Alpha, please, just a bit more. I’m gonna—oh.”
He didn’t even get to finish the thought. He felt his hole clench hard around the alpha’s tongue as his own cum splattered around his stomach. Hoseok continued to lap at his hole, letting him ride his high, until he finally collapsed into the mat. His limbs felt like they lost all strength as his mind filled with such a pleasant hum. He only faintly registered the alpha kissing his way back up, cleaning the cum on his stomach with his tongue, before taking his lips in a kiss.
“How are you feeling, baby?” he softly asked.
Yoongi could only give him his gummy grin. “I fee’ goo’,” he slurred.
He felt another tender kiss pressed on his forehead. “Do you want to pause here for now?”
That made the omega frown in displeasure. “No, I wan’ a knot. And I wan’ it now,” he pouted.
Hoseok only smiled in response, his face showing how impossibly endeared he was. “Demanding aren’t we? As if I would ever deny you anything.”
They stayed facing each other, as Hoseok used his slick to coat his cock before lining himself up.
He held the omega’s hands at the side of his head, peppering his face with kisses.“Deep breaths, kitty.”
Slowly, he inched himself forward, pausing every now and then to let Yoongi adjust. Once he was finally in, Yoongi felt himself shake in pleasure, clenching and unclenching around the alpha’s cock.
“Feels good, love?”
Yoongi nodded in response. “Move, please,” he whined.
“So polite,” the alpha teased before finally moving his hips.
In and out, Yoongi felt him move within him, making him choke on his moans. “Oh Hobi, y-you feel so good,” he cried.
The alpha, for his part, kept grunting on top of him as well. “Shit Yoongi, it’s like your hole is sucking me in. So perfect for me. Fuck, and all mine.”
Eventually, he picked up the pace, both unable to hold on any longer.
“Kitty, bite me first.”
“You want me to—ah—bite you?!” the omega gasped, taken aback from the request. Alpha’s almost never carried a mating bite, as it was seen beneath them.
Hoseok stilled on top of him for a moment, instead moving down to nuzzle his nose. “As if there would be anyone else I would rather be bound to for the rest of my life,” he smiled.
Yoongi bit his lip hard, not wanting to cry, but he knew his scent betrayed how touched he felt by the words. Instead, he just pulled the alpha down for a bruising kiss.
“I love you, my alpha,” he whispered between them.
“I love you too, my omega.”
Hoseok started his rhythm again, both feeling closer to the edge than ever before. Yoongi finally bit him on his neck, causing the alpha to spill inside him and knot the omega. Once he licked the wound clean, Hoseok reached between them and used his hand to finish the other off, as he left his own mark on Yoongi’s bared neck.
And just like that, they were one.
Only the sounds of them catching their breath filled the air, until Hoseok gently turned them to their side. Neither said a word. They didn’t have to. The bond did all of the talking for them.
Yoongi almost felt himself cry again from how overwhelmed he felt, now that he could really feel all Hoseok felt for him. How immensely the alpha loved him. He was grateful when the alpha just silently pulled him closer, pressing reassuring kisses onto his head while holding him tight.
Soon after, they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms, coccooned in the safety of one another.
~ 👑🐺👑~
As expected the two woke up in heat and rut the following morning, both absolutely insatiable for one another. They managed to leave not one corner of the small room untouched, finding themselves in every position imaginable. Yoongi quite thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the alpha’s face while he took his large cock in his mouth the way he’d been aching to since he first laid eyes on it. Only to then be positioned on all fours and taken from the back.
Jeongguk, for his part, dutifully looked after the two. Providing them with meals, fresh cloths and buckets to wash themselves down with when the occasional moment of clarity came about, and to make sure they remain undisturbed.
Typically, the mating cycles only lasted for as long as it takes for conception to occur. So when Yoongi stirred awake in the middle of the night, feeling his mind and body returning to normal, he couldn’t help but sit up in shock.
“Oh my God. Hoseok. Hoseok! Get up!” he shrieked, violently shaking the sleeping alpha next to him.
The alpha shot up in his seat, frantically looking around them. “What? What happened? What happened?!”
He grabbed Hoseok by the face. “Hobi, I’m not in heat anymore. And you’re not in rut.”
The alpha frowned in confusion, not understanding what Yoongi meant.
“Jung Hoseok, our cycles ended early!” Yoongi stressed.
Finally, as if the fog lifted from his brain, Yoongi watched the alpha’s eyes go wide as saucers. Darting between Yoongi's face to his stomach then back again.
“Oh my God,” he breathed, before all but tackling Yoongi to the floor. “Oh my God! Yoongi!”
Bursts of petrichor filled the air, but Yoongi didn’t even need that to know how ecstatic he was. The bond was humming in elatement and excitement, making Yoongi feel even more excited for the future.
Before they could celebrate more, there was a knock on the door. Hoseok’s eyes flashed red, his base instincts still lingering on the surface. He sniffed the air, detecting the familiar sandalwood scent he knew, before finally relaxing and making his way to the door.
Hoseok opened it, to reveal none other than his royal advisor standing on the other side.
“It’s done,” Namjoon spoke. Only two words before he left again. But it seemed to be enough.
As Hoseok closed the door, Yoongi felt the rush of relief, with a tinge of sadness running through the bond. He couldn’t help but ask.
“What’s done?”
The alpha sat next to him, taking his hands into his own.
“The king. He’s dead.”
~ 👑🐺👑~
The coronation was a solemn affair. At least for the state officials.
For the new Inner Court, as Hoseok had dubbed them, it was a sigh of relief.
The official lie had read the king had died from his heart giving out. The unofficial truth that Yoongi was aware of was that the king was given a special tea that tasted of bitter almonds.
It should have scared Yoongi how effortlessly the new king was able to dispose of the old one. But from what Hoseok had told him that night, how corrupted his father was, how he would steal from the royal reserves to spend on kisaengs left and right, how he kept raising taxes every year on their subjects only to pocket the money himself, how he controlled every aspect of Hoseok’s life from who he met to how he breathed, he decided to turn a blind eye. It was his mate after all. The least he could do was trust his judgement.
Furthermore, as expected, the Royal Court did not take too kindly to his and Hoseok’s spontaneous mating. There was uproar on how it was against their laws, a transgression to the crown.
“Enough!” Hoseok boomed. “If the court is not already aware, I am now the new ruler. Any deals made by father will be null in void, including my engagement with Omega Lee. Omega Min is of the Yeoheung Clan, meaning he is of noble blood. Which means our future pup is also to be acknowledged. We will hold a formal ceremony once the grieving period is over. If any one objects, they are more than welcome to address it with me directly,” he growled at the end, eyes flashing red in challenge.
No one said a word after that. There was not a single soul that didn’t know the alpha was the strongest fighter in all the land. Yoongi couldn’t help the surge of pride that went through him knowing such an alpha was his mate.
“Furthermore, I will be formally abolishing the harem that was intended for me. Each omega is free to stay in their quarters or return home. But they will no longer be bound to me. Dismissed.”
Yoongi watched it all from the side, not allowed next to Hoseok until they were formally married. Most advisors seemed to accept the new king’s power, but there were certainly those that grumbled their discontentment all the way out. He had thought everyone had left, until a new figure approached him.
“Omega Min,” the voice softly called out.
Yoongi turned abruptly, eyes going wide at the newcomer.
“O-Omega Lee,” he bowed, though he couldn’t hide his nervousness even if he wanted to
“Please, Jieun is just fine. So you’re the omega that stole my fiance, hmm?”
Yoongi felt his hands get clammy at the words. “I… um… I…”
Jieum grabbed him with both hands. “Thank you so, so much!” she beamed.
“Huh?” the omega blinked back, dumbfounded.
“You have no idea what a relief it is to be freed from this engagement,” she happily sighed.
Yoongi just looked at her like she grew another head. Relief? What did that mean? He was torn at being relieved that this went easier than he thought it would and offense because what’s wrong with his mate? Anyone would be lucky to have him. Thankfully, she saved him the trouble of actually opening his mouth and asking.
“Don’t get me wrong. Chonha is a wonderful alpha. Truly. But I don’t think I could’ve come to love him. Or anyone for that matter. Mating would’ve been a chore for more reasons than one.”
She gave him a final wink before leaving. Yoongi had a feeling it wouldn’t be the last he saw of her. He didn’t think he minded. It was only then Hoseok approached him.
“You okay, kitty? I felt you were in slight distress for a bit, but when I looked over, you seemed to have it under control so I did not want to interfere.”
Yoongi smiled over at his mate. “She’s funny. Jieun-ssi.”
“How so?”
The two turned to leave, hand in hand. Yoongi only laughed. “She was thanking me for my sacrifice. You know, mating you.”
The alpha tilted his head in confusion. “Sacrifice?”
Yoongi just shrugged. “She’s not wrong though. Took one for the team here really. I mean how many omegas can you think of that want an alpha who shrieked at the sight of a bug, yet is stupid enough to single handedly hunt bears?”
“It was one time and it was because I had just woken up and it was on the pillow next to me, “the alpha whined. “And you just wait, when we have my formal coronation, I’m gonna hunt the largest bear in the forest and put it at your feet. Now, come on kitty. Take it back! Say it wasn’t a sacrifice to mate me.”
Yoongi didn’t. He didn’t have to. He knew Hoseok could feel how he was practically bursting at the seams with love for him, and in turn he could feel how smitten Hoseok was with him.
And so the alpha carried on whining all the way to their room while he feigned nonchalance. Because they could.
Because nothing could tear them apart.
…Perhaps except themselves.
~ 👑🐺👑~
“Yoongi, I can’t do this.”
Yoongi sighed for the nth time that day. Before this was cute, but now he was getting annoyed.
“For heaven’s sake, we’ve gone over the plan over ten times. I guarantee nothing will go wrong!”
“Hey, no need to snap at me. Just because you're annoyed at Chonha doesn’t mean you can take it out on me. I have every right to be nervous. My life is on the line here!” Seokjin pouted back.
It was then the omega took a deep breath. He was right, he had no right to misplace his anger like that. It wasn’t his fault that his first trimester was coming to an end so he was moodier in general. It wasn’t his fault Hoseok was so tied up in transitioning the court to fit his rule that he’d been barely in their bed, or their nest for almost a month. It’s not Seokjin’s fault that he was lonely.
So, very lonely.
“*Sigh* You’re right, hyung. I’m sorry I shouldn’t be pushing you like this. We can do it when you’re ready. Let’s just forget the whole thing,” he waved off, already turning to leave.
“No! Yoongi, I need you to actually push me this time. I’m tired of waiting and being scared. Between you and Chonha, and Jeongguk and Namjoon, I want my happily ever after too!” he whined.
“Well technically Jeongguk and Namjoon are still sneaking around. Which reminds me, I have to talk to Hoseok about a few things.”
If I actually ever see him, he internally huffed. He knew the alpha already had a plan to eliminate the prohibition of inter-caste marriages. But he wanted to bring Seokjin and Taehyung’s situation to light as well. Because if he couldn't do much else, at least he could do this for them. The two people who deserved it most.
“I don’t care. Even if it’s in the shadows, I still want him,” Seokjin whispered.
Yoongi couldn’t stop the smile that spread on his face even if he tried. If he was honest, he too was tired of seeing the two circling each other, inching closer and closer to one another at a turtle’s pace. He also wanted to scream at Seokjin how his love wasn’t unrequited. Far from it actually. But alas, Taehyung made him swear on his unborn child that he wouldn’t tell, after finally confessing to Yoongi. But he did not say he couldn’t meddle.
“Then, let’s get you your alpha hyung. Do you have the letter?”
“I-I do.” The alpha nervously held out the letter to show Yoongi. The omega’s heart clenched at how his hands were shaking, so he tried to ease the tension Seokjin was feeling.
“Hyung, is that a drawing of a rose on there?” Yoongi asked.
Before the alpha could respond, he snatched it out of his grip. “It is! Awwww hyung, that’s soo cute!” he cooed.
“Yah, Yoongi-ah give it back,” the alpha whined again.
But who would be Yoongi if he listened?
Instead, he decided to start a game of keep-away, running around in Jeongguk’s former room, which had now become the group’s hideaway. Eventually, Seokjin abruptly came in front of him, causing Yoongi to double back. The sudden movement caused him to trip on his chima, making him almost slip backwards.
“Yoongi!” the alpha shrieked as he lunged for him. He quickly spun their bodies around so Yoongi would land on top of Seokjin, thus cushioning his fall.
Seokjin groaned at the impact, making Yoongi’s eyes widen. “Oh my God hyung, are you okay?!” he panicked, patting Seokjin’s head in every direction to make sure he wasn’t bleeding.
“Min Yoongi! What is wrong with you? Do you have zero self-preservation? You are pregnant! You can’t be running around like that,” he chastised instead.
“Oh really? And who was the one chasing me?” Yoongi clapped back.
“Well you started it!”
“Well you continued it!”
“Well—”
The door abruptly slammed open. “Well, I’ll end it.”
The two looked up to see who it was, only for the color to drain from both their faces. They looked back at each other, their compromising position, before they were scrambling to get off the floor.
But it was too late.
Bright red eyes stayed locked on Seokjin, as Yoongi felt pure rage run through their bond.
“C-chonha,” Seokjin bowed, his vanilla scent reflecting his turmoil.
“Hobi,” Yoongi softly said. “Look. It’s not what you—NO!” he screamed as Hoseok lunged at Seokjin, shifting mid-air.
Seokjin was able to quickly duck out of the way, which only served to irritate the wolf more. Yoongi couldn’t just sit by and watch. When the alpha made to attack again, Yoongi stood right in front of Seokjin, arms spread wide as he stared his mate down. Hoseok was just barely able to stop in front of him, instead growling right in Yoongi’s face.
“What have I said about you and your growling?” Yoongi seethed.
Hoseok shifted back immediately, red eyes locked on Yoongi’s blue ones, as an attendant came rushing in with a robe for the king. It was only then Yoongi noticed there was quite an audience gathered at the door, including the royal advisors. Before he could dwell on that, his mate growled.
“Move Yoongi,” he commanded.
“Are you going to hurt him if I do?” the omega retaliated.
“I swear to God, Yoongi, don’t test my patience. Move.”
“I won’t. Not until you hear me out,” he snapped in defiance.
He watched Hoseok’s eyes flick between Yoongi and Seokjin, the implication of the action making Yoongi’s heart clench. All of a sudden, he watched Hoseok’s face go blank.
“Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be,” he calmly said, not an emotion to be detected in his voice.
Yoongi furrowed his eyes in confusion, trying to see if he could reach into their bond to get through to his mate. Only, he felt nothing. No matter how hard he tried, he felt nothing. Almost like… Hoseok was actively blocking him out.
And that stung. Hard.
“Guards!” the king ordered. A group of alphas and betas immediately flooded the room. “Seize him.”
Yoongi barely had time to register the shock, when he felt the beta guards come for him. “What- Hoseok what are you doing? Don’t you dare touch me!” he screamed at the approaching guard.
Before the beta’s outreached hand could touch him, a growl ripped through the air. “Don’t you dare put your hands on him. Take the alpha to the dungeons. Lock the omega in this room and make sure he doesn't escape. If I come to know that a single person laid a finger on him, I will personally rip their throats out.”
Yoongi watched in horror as Seokjin was dragged out of there by four guards. When he tried to run after them, the door was shut in his face, locking him in no matter how hard he pounded.
He kept pounding and pounding until he crumpled to the floor, the tears he’d been holding back finally escaping. He sobbed and sobbed, but alas his cries fell on deaf ears. In his mind, he had hoped the king keeping him here was a sign that he would come back and listen when he’d cooled down a bit.
But the night turned to dawn, and there was no sign of the king. Instead, at the first ray of light, a very unexpected and very unwanted visitor made their way through the door.
“Well, this turned out better than I thought it would,” sneered the newcomer.
“Omega Kim,” he spit with as much vitriol as he could.
“The one and only. Say Omega Min, how does it feel to think you’ve won only to completely lose in the end?” she snickered.
“I knew you were a psycho bitch, but even this has to be a new low for you, no?” he fumed.
She pretended to inspect her nails before speaking again. “New low? Is that something an omega who’s been friendly with every alpha in sight while bound to the king should be saying?”
“They’re my friends and Hoseok knows that!” he roared.
“Did he? Is that why you’re under house arrest right now?” she mocked him. “Does he also know of those alpha’s odd preferences? The one who confessed to you in such a heart-wrenching manner.”
Yoongi tried to keep his expression as stoic as he possibly could, but he couldn’t help dread that washed over him at the words.
“I stayed quiet when I first saw it. You two together, that is. Hell, maybe you could have even corrected him too for all I care, as long as you stayed in your place and left the position of Bin to me.” The smile vanished off the omega’s face, leaving her with a crazed look in her eye. “But no, you aimed higher, like the sneaky bitch you are.”
Then she went back to a neutral expression, like nothing ever happened. “It was quite easy, you know. All I had to do was tell my father all about your inappropriate relationship with the alpha, and he did the rest. Honestly, I thought we’d have to put in a bit more effort, with how smitten Chonha is with you,” she said in disgust. “But I guess distance makes the heart grow weaker, or something like that,” she tittered.
Yoongi looked at her for a long moment, before steeling himself for his next words. “What do you want?” he hissed out.
“Me, oh nothing anymore, dear. You’ve already fallen. That’s all I needed.”
“You don’t know that,” he protested,
“Don’t I? They're getting the square ready for you and that alpha’s trial which should be in about half a candle’s time. You can’t prove your innocence without revealing that man’s lewd thinking and probably getting him killed, and your silence on the matter will only make you seem guilty… and then get you both killed. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, right? ”
Yoongi nodded his head at the words. “Damned if I do, damned if I don’t,” he repeated.
He calmly got up from where he was perched and the mat corner, dusting off his clothes in the process. He approached the omega, with a blank look on his face, before grabbing her by the throat and slamming her into the nearest wall.
“If that’s so, why don’t I damn us both then, hmm?” he smiled, watching the other thrash under his hold. Only when he felt she was on her last breaths did he let her go, watching in satisfaction as she slumped to the floor.
“There was a Yoongi who would have silently sat in the corner and taken your words to heart without a fight. That’s because that Yoongi only wished to survive. This Yoongi was meant to thrive. Meant to love. And meant to protect. Especially those who taught me what it was to be brave in the first place. So don’t you even for a second think I will take any of this lying down. I will overcome this, and I will overcome you. So you better hope and pray I actually do die there today. Or you’re going to spend the rest of your life wishing I did.”
He banged on the door, letting the guards know to come collect her.
As soon as she was out of sight, he couldn’t help crumple to the ground. Not even to cry. Just to allow a moment of weakness before he went into the lion's den.
For all his faux courage, one thing was true.
He would overcome this, or die trying.
~ 👑🐺👑~
The entire palace was gathered in the square. Not a single soul missing. Except one.
Taehyung had been out on an assignment at a neighboring town until he returned the following week.
Good. He shouldn’t have to see this, he internally sighed in relief.
Yoongi was standing in the middle of the courtyard, eyes not straying from the king in front of him since the moment he was brought here. The king for his part looked right at him. But his eyes didn’t hold the fire that Yoongi’s did.
To others they were emotionless, but Yoongi was not an other. He could see it, hidden in his eyes. A deep sadness filling them to the brim. Sadness Yoongi was well aware of. It reflected in his own eyes after all.
Finally, an advisor stepped forward, breaking the tension that had filled the air.
“This hearing will now begin. Bring forth the prisoner,” he boomed.
Yoongi’s eyes finally left the others darting to his right, aching to see his friend. Except, not a moment later, he wished he didn’t.
He watched the alpha be dragged to the center square next to him, half conscious with bloody bruises and cuts marring his skin. The moment the guards dropped him next to him he rushed over, uncaring of the warnings he was receiving from the advisor.
“Y-yoongi,” the alpha groaned out.
Yoongi choked on his sob seeing how difficult it was for the alpha to formulate even that one word. And yet he did.
“Hyung,” he breathed back, hands hovering over the alpha, afraid to touch him lest he hurt him more.
“S-still look handsome don’t I?” the alpha laughed, only to end up in a coughing fit.
“Even now, you must make the most horrendous jokes, huh?” he chuckled back in tears.
The alpha made a noise between a grunt and a wheeze before he kept whispering something to him. Yoongi leaned closer, uncaring of the audience before them.
“T…” another wheeze, “t-tell them Yoongi. Iss okay.”
“We will now begin court, Omega Min. Please rise.”
Yoongi chose to ignore them instead.
“Hyung,” another tear ran down his face. “You remember when we first met, you had handed me a zinnia. Among the many meanings there was endurance, remember? Let me prove that meaning wasn’t wasted on me. You’re going to get your happily ever after, too, hyung. And that’s a promise.”
“Yoongi, no—”
“Omega Min—”
He stood up, all fear leaving his body. “I wish to enter a plea.”
Gasps were heard all around the court, but Yoongi did not care. He only looked ahead.
“Omega Min, you must first be read what you are charged with,” the advisor nagged.
“Please, tell me how that will make a difference? Whatever sin you have slandered me and my friend with you already deem us guilty of. I do not care. I wish to accept all punishment on behalf of us both. Whatever is decided, I will endure alone. Alpha Kim will be spared.”
“So you are saying you are guilty of adultery as a member of the king’s harem, guilty of adultery as the king’s mate, guilty of conspiring against the crown, all of which are acts deemed as treason?”
Yoongi had tuned the man out at some point. Instead he looked straight at the king. The king who wore the face of his mate.
“Omega Min, I repeat, are you saying…”
Min Yoongi, take this as my sworn oath to you. My mate, my Omega, and my queen will only be you. I am yours as you are mine…
“Omega Min, your answer?”
I’m sorry kitty, if your safety is involved, I’d break a hundred promises as long as you're okay…
“Omega Min?”
So, he let it flood.
“Omega Min, answer the court!”
Like a dam waiting to burst. He pushed every ounce of love he felt for the man before him through their bond.
“Omega Min, this is your final warning.”
He pushed and he pushed until he finally felt the king’s self-imposed seal break. Watched him clutch his mating mark at the overwhelming sensation Yoongi knew he felt. Watched the facade finally break. Watched the king’s expression fall and his mate’s expression rise in guilt and horror at his actions.
As it should.
“Om—”
“Yes,” he breathed. “I acknowledge the charges presented to me.”
Yoongi felt it, the spike of fear pass through him from the alpha’s end. Knowing he couldn’t publicly pardon a crime as high as treason lest he lose the faith of the people. Especially at the turn of a rule. But surprisingly, he himself was calm. Maybe because he knew why he was doing it. Maybe it was because he had made peace with fate long ago.
“Omega Min, for the crimes stated previously, this court finds you guilty. However, with respect to you admitting it on your own and acknowledging you are with offspring, the court hereby banishes you from the palace. All nobility and rights thereof are to be stripped, effective immediately.”
Gasps were heard around the square again. Some saying the punishment was too light. Some saying the future heir was being compromised. Others doubting if he even was the heir or not. But Yoongi was only concerned with one thing.
“And Seokjin hyung?”
“As per your request, he shall be spared his life, but all nobility and rights thereof are to be stripped effective immediately. His position as Head Royal Guard is to be terminated at the conclusion of this hearing.”
As long as he lives.
Yoongi looked back down at the alpha, seeing him crying silent tears while fighting to stay awake.
He knelt down beside him, moving to wipe his tears. “It’s okay hyung,” he whispered. “Make sure that rose finds its rightful owner, okay?”
He stood again and gave one last look at the crowd, looking for a pair of doe eyes. Surely enough he spotted them relatively close by, trying to calm the wailing pup in his arms who was no doubt affected by his papa’s distressed scent. To his side stood his two precious maids, both weeping with no end. He gave them all a small nod, small enough to let him know it was okay, before he finally turned around.
He didn’t look back again. Knowing full well there was a set of eyes hopelessly looking at him. Could feel the bond ache more and more, distress building with every step he took away from the palace.
But he didn’t look back.
In the end, maybe it really was his fault. He was told promises would be broken.
He just didn’t know he’d break with them.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was surprising that there was actually someone in Yoongi’s life who could keep their word.
When he found himself at his cottage shortly after leaving the palace, he was surprised to see everything was exactly as he left it. Just minus his belongings.
He’d miss his wood carvings dearly, but everything else was more or less replaceable. Though, acquiring clothing would mean he’d have to venture into town. And he was simply not anywhere near ready for such interaction. So instead, he spent the better part of the afternoon cleaning the place up. Then going out to grab water and kindling. All things second nature to him.
Except, eventually all the chores ran out. Meaning he was left alone with his thoughts.
It was then he finally let himself collapse in the center of his little hut, crying and crying his eyes out. He truly wondered why happiness went out of its way to avoid him. What grave sin must he have committed in his past life for everything to eventually leave him.
Finally, after what felt like hours, he got up off the floor. In his sadness he had forgotten he’s not actually alone. There was someone else he had to take care of now. And he’d be damned if he didn’t try his hardest to make sure they were okay. He couldn’t afford for them to leave him too. He wouldn’t survive it. He wiped his eyes, looking for the kindle he had brought earlier to start a fire, when he heard a knock on his door.
He looked up, startled by the sound.
Oh no, not now. Please not now.
He prayed and prayed for whoever was at the door to just go away. But alas, the knocking only grew louder and louder.
Eventually, after summoning all the courage, he finally opened the door. Only to be met by the last person he thought he’d ever see.
“Head Mistress Choi,” he gaped in shock as the women all but barged her way in.
“Have you gone deaf my boy? This hut isn’t even large enough for you to say you didn’t hear me knocking. And why have you not started a fire yet? Just because we are in the summer months, does not mean it does not get cold. And have you eaten? You have to remember you’re taking care of two people now. Oh, this won’t do,” she continued to nag.
Yoongi paid no mind to any of it. Too shocked at what he was seeing.
“Head Mistress Choi, please excuse my bluntness. But what are you doing here?” he asked, bewildered.
“What does it look like? I’m here to take care of you. I even brought so many provisions, and you don’t even have the manners to thank me. I taught you better than this,” she clicked her tongue. “Now go sit down, while I make supper.”
Yoongi obediently sat at the chair, too confused to even respond. Instead he looked around, to see indeed there was all of Yoongi’s belongings from the palace, along with more clothes, food, and other supplies stalked neatly next to the door.
“H-How did you lug all this here on your own?”
“Who says I brought this here on my own? Surely you don’t think after working years in that palace, I wouldn’t have anyone to do my bidding. Don’t you worry about that,” she said as she turned back to the stove.
A short while later, the two were eating the surprisingly delicious broth that the elder had made. Though eventually, it was finished, leading Yoongi to finally say what was on his mind.
“Please Head Mistress Choi, no more riddles. How did you even find me?” he pleaded, needing to know the truth.
Head Mistress Choi looked at him for a long time, before she finally spoke.
“You most resemble your mother, but I’d be damned not to recognize my own son’s eyes.”
Yoongi felt his throat clog at her words. “Wha—What are you saying?”
“Allow me to finally introduce myself. I am Choi Ryujin, wife of Min Yeongsu, mother of Min Yeonghwa.”
One tear after another escaped from him, the revelation being too much. “Y-you’re my grandmother?” he gasped. “You—did you know about me this whole time?”
The Head Mistress at least had the decency to bow her head in shame.
“I did. And this whole time, I truly thought I was doing right by you. You see, there was a large reason you were kept here. Both your mother and father wished to keep you from the life of a noble. Your father… he especially hated it. I think the events of today are more than adequate to prove why.” She paused to let out a humorless chuckle. “Was always a free thinker, that one. It’s what I noticed first in you. You have his fire in your eyes.” She wiped a tear that fell. “I had respected their wishes when they passed. Left you to lead a normal life. Or at least I thought I did. But your pack alpha… that cursed man. He kept making us believe you were well taken care of here. That he was helping to raise you. Until one day I grew suspicious, so I had sent an envoy to patrol the area. Imagine my surprise when I found out how he’d been siphoning all your funds for years, while you were reduced to this.”
She took his hands in his, as he silently listened. “It was around the same time the announcement of the impending coronation was made. I had seen it as the perfect opportunity to bring you to the palace, where at least you can be taken care of.”
“B-but I was with you for months. How come you didn’t say anything? And why were you so mean to me?”
She let out a bitter smile at that. “The less you knew, the less of a target you would be. Or so I had at least though. I truly did want you to be Bin, Yoongi-ah. And as such, you needed to desperately play catch up. If there was anyone who could connect with the people on such a deep level, it would’ve been you. If people would have known about our connection, I knew you would’ve been the subject of more scrutiny than anyone imaginable.” She then let out a genuine smile. “But imagine my surprise when I go to present you all to the prince, I discover two true mates instead.”
“True what?” he sputtered.
“Oh Yoongi, I know you feel it too. How special your bond is. How you’ll never submit to your alpha unless it’s willingly. It’s why he ended up in pseudo-rut in the first place. The thought of losing you was absolutely unbearable to him. It’s why I sent those two omegas to him to. To confirm my suspicions. And it turns out, I was right.”
“But then why—how could he—he just—” Yoongi felt the dam break all over again.
She quickly moved to take him in her arms. “That, only he has the answer to. But, I can assure you, pup. While you have the baby to help sustain the bond on your end, he has nothing but regret to nurse his. And until he gets his head out of his behind, I’ll be right here with you.”
He spent the night crying and crying after that. Anger, sadness, longing, betrayal all poured out of him. And she held him through all of it.
For the first time in a long time, he truly did not feel alone.
And he was so, so grateful for it.
~ 👑🐺👑~
“Halmeoni (grandmother), I’m going to go fetch some water,” the omega called out.
“Oh no, you’re not. I told you. It’s been three weeks since you started showing and three weeks of me repeating myself. No heavy lifting for you!”
“So what, are you going to lift the pails?”
“What, do you think I’m frail?”
“Well, do you think I’m weak?”
The two stared at each other. Turned out, when Choi Ryunjin wasn’t rattling on the significance of various types of china, she and Yoongi had a lot in common. Mainly their stubborn personalities.
“Fine, but don’t overdo it, okay?” she relented.
“Of course I won’t. Who do you take me for?” he winked, before opening the door, only to find something familiar on his door step.
“Halmeoni, seriously, who did you blackmail for this?” he asked, huffing as he pushed the bundle of clothes, blankets, kindling, and food (including a large crate of tangerines) inside. “Seriouly, this is the fourth time in these past weeks this has shown up!”
As per usual, his grandmother shrugged it off, and Yoongi, as per usual, made a note to himself to quit questioning her ways.
Instead, he headed down to the river bend, with two buckets rather than one like his grandmother insisted. What she didn’t know wouldn’t harm her. He had just finished filling one bucket, moving on to the second when he felt it. How his bond thrummed alive in elation and longing.
He quickly snapped his head to the side, sure enough seeing a large, auburn wolf sitting a short distance from him.
His first instinct was to run to him, fall into him, tell him how much he missed him, how much he longed for him.
But Yoongi already had very little left to his name, his pride being one of them. So instead he grabbed his buckets, marching his way back to the hut.
He heard a loud whine behind him, followed by the sounds of leaves crunching.
“Kitty!”
He heard it echo through the forest loud and clear, and that only made his blood boil more.
He dropped the buckets in his hand, uncaring of where they spilled, and abruptly turned around. Only to find the alpha standing right behind him, uncaring of his nudity. So he did what he felt best.
The loud slap echoed through the forest, the force making the alpha’s head turn to the right.
“How dare you?” he seethed. “How dare you call me that, after everything you did?”
“Please ki-Yoongi, I can explain. Just give me a chance,” he pleaded.
“Did you?” He hated how his voice cracked at the end. Hated how he was being vulnerable. But God, he was tired. So, so tired. “Did you give me a chance? You locked me in that room and I still waited. For you to come. For you to ask. Still willing to forgive you for being like every other typical alpha. And yet you didn’t. You left me and you hurt an innocent man without so much as waiting for an explanation. The same man who treated you like a brother. Who, with one order from, you helped you kill your own fucking father! Like who even are you? Cause my Hobi would’ve trusted me like I trusted him. Like he asked. So please, just go back, Chonha Mama. You’ve left me once. You can very easily do it again.”
He turned to walk away, picking up the buckets and intending to march away once and for all.
“They were trying to kill you!”
The omega froze in place, unable to move forward no matter how much he wanted to.
“That’s why I was away most of the time. The way I took over… I knew it wasn’t going to sit well with many people. But I never expected the sheer amount of people planning your murder to get back at me. I was in the studies with Namjoon most of the time trying to make sure no one slipped past our radar. And it was exhausting, Yoongi. I could barely sleep. Every time I even so much as thought of sleeping even for a moment, the fear that something would happen to you while I did kept me from it.”
Yoongi finally turned around, looking at the man who stood before him with his head bowed.
“I didn’t know the distance from you and the constant vigilance would affect me so greatly. Well, I should’ve since it’s quite obvious it would affect me negatively. So when Advisor Kim told me about reports of you spending time with another alpha… Please Yoongi, I wasn't thinking straight.”
Yoongi walked back to the alpha, his heart clenching at the sight of his tears. Even when he was so angry with him. “I thank you for doing your best to protect me. I really do. But what good was it when you were the one to harm me the most in the end? You killed me, then let me live, Hoseok.” He heard the alpha make a choked noise, but he continued on. “I waited all night for you to let me explain. I waited most of the morning to let you explain. I even tried to reach you through our bond, only to find you completely shutting me out. And now, after I already damned myself to my own corner of the world, you come almost a month later to tell me you ‘weren’t thinking straight.’”
Yoongi let out a humorless chuckle. “So what I’m hearing is every time you face some sort of hardship and decide to take it out on me in the worst ways possible, I should forgive you because you ‘weren’t thinking straight?’”
“What? Yoongi, no! I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt you. But please understand how it seemed from my perspective. The one time I was able to find my way back to chambers, I—I smelled the vanilla on you. And logically I knew it meant nothing. But I told you, I really wasn’t thinking at all. It felt like my brain was completely turned to mush. Please, just understand me this one time.”
“I did.” Yoongi seethed, feeling the anger boiling all over again. “Which is why I keep saying I waited! I WAITED JUNG HOSEOK! If not that day, then the next. I would have told you everything. But rather than giving me a fair chance, you quite literally threw me to the wolves. Do you even know what I was doing there? I was trying to help Hyung confess. To another alpha at that. I was teasing him and in the process I tripped and he saved me and our baby by cushioning the fall. God.. do you even remember that? I’m pregnant for God’s sake! But even that wasn’t enough to curb your anger!” Yoongi was heaving at this point. “Unless… unless you… you don’t think this is y—”
The alpha wasted no time pulling him into his arms. Yoongi hated how he went so easily.
“No, no I would never doubt that. I never doubted anything. Not truly at least. I just used the worst possible place to lash my anger about everything else. I’m sorry Yoongi, I’m so sorry. As for what happened that day… I know. At least, now I do. A few days after you left, Taehyung came running into my study to explain everything. But he truly didn’t need to. I was already working on a way to get you back regardless. I—I wanted to follow after you the second you left, but I couldn’t because of all the uproar the palace was in. The second I was able to settle it all I came to you. I’m sorry I keep messing up. But please come back! I’m nothing without you. I’ll fix everything I swear,” the alpha begged again, squeezing Yoongi tighter.
Yoongi let himself be held for a few more moments, before finally taking a step back.
“No! Please kitty, I love you,” the alpha pleaded, already trying to pull him back into his arms.
Yoongi couldn’t help chuckle through his tears. “You know what’s the sad part? I believe you. Really, I do. But you do not respect me. Which was why it was so easy for you to throw us away. And you know what, Chonha Mama? I throw you away. Because I love you too. But I’ve lost all respect for you. And I can’t return to a place where respect doesn’t exist.”
Finally, ignoring the persistent pleas of the alpha, Yoongi walked away. For good this time.
~ 👑🐺👑~
“Wahhhhh!” The shrill cry rang through through the hut, probably able to be heard at least within a mile’s radius.
“Ah Jimin-ah, is my baby up?” Yoongi cooed at the 3-day-old pup.
“Wahhhhh!” was all he got in response, making the omega chuckle.
He turned over on his side, scooping the baby up and bringing him up to feed. He was quite lucky in this regard. Jimin was such an easy baby. Granted it had only been 3 days, but Yoongi was truly prepared for the worst. But to his surprise, he came out in two pushes, ready to be caught by his grandmother, with barely any pain. She stitched him up as well, and hasn’t faced any infection as of yet. The baby himself rarely ever fussed, only when he was hungry or needed his cloth changed. Otherwise, he was rather calm.
He was softly cooing at his baby, caressing his adorably chubby cheeks, when the door opened.
“Ah you’re back. How was the market trip?” he asked, eyes still on Jimin.
His grandmother laid down her shawl, the cold picking up more and more as the days went by.
“Hmmm, it was good. Definitely some interesting finds.”
She pulled out four scrolls from her pouch, leaving it beside him before moving to the kitchen area. Yoongi finished feeding his baby, burping him and putting him to sleep beside him, before he picked up the first scroll.
By Decree of Chonha Mama,
It is here by legal for all individuals to be able to mate freely with the wolf of their choice, regardless of gender, subgender, caste, or any other restriction that may occur so long as they are of age.
All rights and privileges that were previously reserved for alpha/omega, alpha/beta, and beta/omega couples only shall be extended to these couples as well.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
His heart hammered in his chest as he read the words. He shakily picked up the next one.
By Decree of Chonha Mama,
The stipulation of royal advisors being castrated is hereby abolished, so long as they continue to serve the Crown with the same dedication and loyalty as they have before.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
He felt his heart burst, seeing his sacrifices finally coming to fruition.
By Decree of Chonha Mama,
Starting from today, all pack alphas will be required to submit their packs accounts to the Royal Treasury for an audit. Any discrepancies that may point to fraudulence and/or thievery is a crime punishable by the law.
Packs will be subject to an in-person inspection if suspicious activity is noted.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
He didn’t bother to wipe the tears that were already soaking his face. With shaky breaths, he finally opened the last one.
By Decree of Chonha Mama,
By order of Wang (King) Jung Hoseok, the Crown issues a public apology and pardon to Omega Min Yoongi of the Yeoheung Clan and Alpha Kim Seokjin of the Gwangsun Clan.
Omega Min and Alpha Kim were subject to a conspiracy led by Alpha Kim of the Andong Clan, for which evidence has been submitted and processed.
The Andong Clan will be brought to trial and reserves the right to due process.
Therefore, in light of such events, Omega Min and Alpha Kim are returned to their respective noble status with all rights reserved effective immediately.
The Crown extends its sincerest apologies for the distress and turmoil caused to these individuals.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Silent tear after silent tear escaped him as he read the scrolls over and over again. His scent must’ve been fluctuating too much, as it woke the pup up.
Yoongi immediately picked him. “Oh my Jiminie! I’m sorry. Papa didn’t mean to wake you. He just got a bit overwhelmed,” he soothed.
He quickly wiped his tears as he rocked the fussing baby. Once the pup was fast asleep again, he softly called for his grandmother.
“Halmeoni…” he whispered into the air.
His grandmother came immediately, a very knowing look on her face.
It took one look from him for her to know.
And that was that.
~ 👑🐺👑~
It was amazing how very little could change in almost a year. Almost as if time had stopped.
Yoongi adjusted the giggling 6-month-old in his hold as they got out of the carriage, who was absolutely fascinated by everything around him.
“You see that Minnie? That is where I first met your grandmother. She was really scary,” he stage whispered to the excited baby.
Jimin clapped his hands in response, as if he understood.
“I heard that,” came the voice from his left.
“You were meant to hear that,” he jested back.
They made their way up the familiar stairs, Yoongi’s heart pounding more and more as they made their way to the top. To his surprise, no one stopped him. Whether it was because they remembered him or because they recognized Head Mistress Choi, either way, he found himself roaming the familiar halls.
He had just rounded the corner before he heard the familiar voices. “Orabeoni!” they shouted in tandem.
Next thing he knew, he had his two beloved maids clinging to him as they cried and cooed at him and the baby. It was the moment when his grandmother excused herself, having her own business to attend to. After making him spill everything about his time away to them, he bid them goodbye. His destination already set in his mind.
It didn’t take him long to find his beloved courtyard. Which just so happened to have his beloved people as well.
Three sets of eyes snapped to him at once, making him blush at the attention.
“Oh my God. Hyung…” the dow-eyed omega gasped.
Almost immediately, he came barrelling towards Yoongi, or well the best he could at least, with his large belly in the way. Almost immediately he latched on to the other, holding Yoongi, and by proxy Jimin, in a death grip.
“Jeongguk-ah, the baby…” he wheezed, causing the other to let go. He let out a chuckle as tears formed in his eyes. “I missed you too.”
“Oh my God! Hyung! He’s adorable,” he cooed, already scooping the baby out of Yoongi’s hold. “But don’t tell Nammie I said that. His seonsangnim (teacher) has been telling me how he’s not taking the news of the new baby too well.”
“I promise I won’t. And of course my Jimin-ie is cute. He takes after me,” he gloated, flipping his hair in the process.
“So I finally rubbed off on you, I see?”
Yoongi turned his head, the tears that were building finally falling.
“Seokjin Hyung…” he breathed before running towards the other. He pulled the other in a bone-crushing hug, melting more when he felt it being returned. It was after a few moments where he finally pulled back. “You’re okay,” he giggled and cried in relief as he let his eyes roam all over the others.
He could see the other wasn’t doing much better, but he wouldn’t be Kim Seokjin if he didn’t try to make a joke out of it. “Yah, of course I’m fine! I’m one of the strongest and handsomest alphas ever. Nothing can break me,” he huffed.
“Yeobo, enough. Let him fuss. Last he saw you, you looked like you were on death’s door. I know I wasn’t any better,” came Taehyung from behind.
He then turned to Yoongi, taking his hand in on both of us. “We owe you our lives, hyung. Everything you did for us, for Seokjin hyung. I’ll be in your debt for the next seven lives,” he tearily thanked him.
Yoongi shook his head at his words, using the opportunity to pull the other into a hug. “All you have to do is live a good life with one another. That will be repayment enough.”
He then used the time to catch up with the others, taking note how everyone was sporting a mating bite. It truly made everything he went through seem worth it.
Once the sun started to set, he decided to finally make his way to his room, only to be stopped.
“Chonha isn’t there hyung. He hasn’t used your room since you left…” Jeongguk solemnly said.
“Wha—Then where is he?”
A few moments later, he was standing outside a familiar room. One he’d only been to a few times. He raised his hand to knock on the door, holding his breath, only for it to open at the same time.
“Yoongi hyung,” Namjoon gasped in shock, before giving him his widest smile.
“It’s been a long time, Namjoon-ah,” he smiled back.
His attention then turned to the cooing baby, who was watching him with rapt attention. They laughed as the baby held out a hand to try and poke his dimple.
“I’m sure I’ll get the opportunity to know him more soon. But for now… he’s asleep on the couch,” Namjoon gestured in the room, before taking his leave.
Yoongi took a deep breath, before walking into the study. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he watched the alpha shoot up in his seat, frantically looking around. Until he noticed him.
“Yoongi…” he breathed as he slowly stood up, his eyes never leaving the omega’s.
He slowly walked his way over until he stood right in front of the omega. Yoongi in turn let his eyes roam all over the alpha. Heart clenching more and more as he noticed how baggy his robes were on him. How his eyes had sunken in. How his beautiful tan was replaced by a more sickly looking color. He kept looking and looking until he saw the alpha raise his hand. He watched him hesitate for a moment before he finally cupped his cheek. Yoongi, in turn, melted into the touch, letting a tear drop right into the alpha’s palm.
“Y-you’re real. You’re here. You’re really here,” Hoseok mumbled like he was in a trance. “You came back.”
“You earned my respect back. How could I not come back?” he smiled back.
It was then the baby made his presence known. After silently observing the exchange, Yoongi watched in amusement how he shot his hands out for the alpha, desperate to be in his hold.
It seemed it only dawned upon Hoseok at that moment that there was indeed someone else in the room as well. He lifted his hands slowly, reaching for the baby while a choked sob escaped him.
“Is this…?”
Yoongi nodded his head. “Jung Hoseok, meet Jung Jimin.”
The second Jimin found himself in Hoseok’s arms, he immediately buried his face in his father’s neck, messily rubbing his head everywhere. He was too young to leave his own scent behind, but Yoongi understood what he was trying to do. Their baby knew who this man was.
“Hey little one,” Hoseok giggled, finding the baby’s movements ticklish.
It seemed after Jimin was satisfied, he reached for his father’s necklace, trying to put the very familiar object in his mouth.
“I guess he’s marking his territory everywhere he can,” Yoongi chuckled gently trying to pry the squirrel pendant from his surprisingly firm grip.
Only to be met with a tiny growl, as Jimin buried himself further into the alpha, unwilling to let go of both him and the necklace.
Yoongi could only gape in shock. “Did you just growl at me? That’s my alpha too you know,” he playfully scolded.
Jimin seemed like he couldn’t care less, instead making himself more comfortable in his father’s hold, nose buried in his neck as he started to fall asleep.
While Yoongi kept laughing at his son’s antics, he failed to notice the alpha that was gaping at him.
“I am?” he heard Hoseok ask in such a meek voice.
That wiped the smile clean off of his face. Instead making him look right into the alpha’s eyes.
He moved as close as he possibly could before he brought the alpha down, pulling him for a kiss.
“Forever and always. As I am yours,” he whispered between them, before pulling him in for another kiss.
He felt the alpha’s other arm wrap around him as he pulled him in tightly. They kissed and kissed and all felt right in the world. As if Yoongi could ever feel complete anywhere else.
Like animals, the heart was untameable afterall.