Chapter Text
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jeongguk enjoys his life. It is something people say day in and day out until there’s a night they can’t sleep, and the thoughts start to creep in like crystallized sugar on the last of honey in a jar. Jeongguk usually reads during those moments—losing himself in words, sentences, and stories that ease his own thoughts and aches. Eases the loneliness.
Except it isn’t night. It is three minutes before seven o’clock in the morning, and the café is about to open for the morning rush. There’s no time for Jeongguk to pull out the book he is reading and observe the love that blooms within its pages.
The espresso machines are ready. Jeongguk tested each one before restocking the milk, cups, lids, and cinnamon rolls in the display case. Everything is as it should be in the cafe named after the tiny dwarf planet, Pluto.
Although Jeongguk thinks it is silly to have reclassified the planet from being a part of the solar system to be something else—something smaller. Jeongguk doesn’t understand the decision to do this after all these years, but change makes the world go around; however, it just makes Jeongguk dizzy.
He sighs, pushing up his glasses that keep wanting to sit on the edge of his nose as he looks up at the sign in the window. The name is printed in a deep purple. Planets and stars surround it as if it were the center of the universe and not the sun. Pluto is the planet farthest from the sun. It is mainly composed of ice and rock, but it is still important. Jeongguk snorts at his own thoughts as he wipes down the counter once more, his mind running away from him again. Thoughts upon thoughts that are slowly crystallizing.
He really shouldn’t have stayed up so late reading his book but one more page became one more chapter until he is halfway through it—it is a story of an omega prince falling in love with a commoner. Jeongguk couldn’t put it down. The love, the secrets, and the longing.
Jeongguk smiles, humming to himself because he can’t wait to finish the book tonight after his shift. He is so ready to go home, shower, and eat something warm before falling into the chair by the windows in his loft with that old green blanket that is coated in his almond scent.
He is hoping for a happy ending.
So, Jeongguk loves his life. The routine, the smell of coffee, his small apartment, and falling asleep each night reading romance books with his cheeks full of color. “Jeongguk-sii?”
Jeongguk looks up, his scent of almonds spiking, honey seeping into the nutty scent as his eyes meet ones of dark chocolate. The café is open and a few customers are already milling around but it is the omega in front of him with his dark eyes that are turning into tiny crescent moons and a wide smile, that has him blinking fast, his heart sputtering, “Jimin-sii! Hi! How are you?”
The omega’s smile deepens, his fruity scent sweetens, “I am well. In need of a morning coffee to get through the day!”
Jeongguk’s nose twitches, his fingers dancing along the counter. He doesn’t know exactly what Jimin’s scent is but it is beautiful, soft, and fresh.
Jeongguk doesn’t ask what the omega wants because he knows. Jimin has been coming into Pluto for months now.
They are not really friends but they know each other. Jeongguk probably knows too much about the omega that has his alpha in a tailspin. Jimin owns the tattoo parlor down the block, Etched in Ink, and he loves caramel macchiatos.
He knows Jimin is amazing at drawing, the omega will sit here some mornings and work on tattoo sketches while he gossips with Taehyung, the other alpha who works here with him or, most importantly, Jeongguk’s best friend. Tae is funny as hell, loud, and witty with a nice smile.
Even though it irks him when Tae and Jimin talk. His alpha has never been a jealous beast…unless it is about Jimin. All Jeongguk can do is listen until Jimin brings him into the conversation and out of his daydreams. Jimin always tries to make him feel included while Tae is smiling like he knows something. It's frustrating, it's annoying, but he always sticks his tongue out at Tae during those moments.
Jeongguk moves to the espresso machine. He can feel that Jimin is watching him—his dark-colored eyes never leaving him and it has Jeongguk’s alpha wanting to whine or worse, ask the omega on a date but he can’t.
That wouldn’t be right. Jeongguk would at least need flowers…it is the least of what Jimin deserves and maybe some honey-covered almonds. Jeongguk bites his lip, trying to stop himself from giggling, from daydreaming. He pours the espresso over the steamed milk for the macchiato, his hands moving without hesitation as he grabs the caramel sauce.
Jeongguk wonders if Jimin likes flowers. Maybe he should get him candy? Jeongguk sways a little on his feet, his body happy as he dreams about asking Jimin out.
“Jeongguk-sii?”
He blinks, looking back at the pretty omega with silver hair, rings along each finger, and that smile that is teasing—a smile that shows itself a lot to whoever he passes. Jeongguk admires people who can smile at anyone, while he spends his time looking down.
“Huh?” He says, shaking his head, his cheeks filling with heat as he has been caught daydreaming like a fool. He can hear his coworkers snickering, Tae’s voice the loudest amongst them—his cheeks heat like coals in a fire.
Jimin giggles, his scent blooming, “I think that is enough caramel,” he points down at the cup. He looks down, mouth falling open because he has been squeezing the caramel sauce all over the top, there’s like two inches of caramel…he wonders if he can even put a top on it without it overflowing.
“Sorry,” he whispers, blinking fast, “I’ll remake it.”
Jimin laughs, moving towards the register, “I want it. It will bring a little extra sweetness to my day,” Jimin says, his eyes wandering from the coffee, along Jeongguk’s hands, arms, and landing on his neck where Jimin licks his lips.
The omega taps his card and takes the coffee that will definitely not be good and heads back towards his tattoo parlor. Jeongguk stands and stares, his hands opening and closing like he should be doing something, anything. The tiny bell above the door still rings in his ears as Tae says from the register, “You got it bad.”
Jeongguk bristles, “I do not! I don’t even know him!”
Tae smirks, a sigh falling from his lips, “And you won’t if you don’t do anything about it.”
Jeongguk looks down at the next ticket, which is an all black cup of coffee. No sugar, no milk or cream and for some odd reason Tae’s words make him feel as bitter as the coffee in front of him.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jimin burst through the door of his tattoo studio, careful of his precious coffee made by Jeongguk. The alpha who has him completely smitten, his omega is ready to claim him but Jimin’s omega has always been a little more…active, greedy, and maybe some people will say possessive. Jimin just knows what he wants and he isn’t scared of trying to get it—he loves to try things, he doesn’t like to wonder ‘what if’ when all he has to do is try.
That is how he got into art, into tattooing at nineteen, and how he is now the owner of Etched In Ink. This place means a lot because it shows his hard work. Shows a bit of fuck you to the people who look down on him for being an omega in a more alpha and beta dominated field.
But Jimin is a wonderful tattoo artist—he loves doing fine line tattoos. They are delicate, minimal in a way that has people looking at it for more but the knowledge of what the tattoo means is only for the people whose skin it is etched in too.
Yoongi and Hobi both look up at his loud enthusiasm—one is frowning while the other is smiling.
“I am in love!” he says, giggling as he holds onto the coffee like it is his lifeline.
Yoongi scoffs, spotting the coffee and Hobi leans over the grumpy omega with a laugh, “Got to see that cute barista?”
Jimin swirls, his black boots making a loud sound as he moves through the tattoo shop. His scent of cassis blooms, the black currant is tart and sweet. It is a fresh scent that people have told him he is like spring incarnate.
“Yes!” He gushes, his heart is happy, his omega is already begging to go back and watch Jeongguk work. Jimin spends too much time there. He will get his morning coffee, spend his free time there as he draws or works on paperwork but he can’t stop the feeling to try when it comes to the shy alpha with fluffy hair, glasses, and those rosy cheeks.
Jimin presents his coffee that is overfilled with caramel to his best friends, it looks sickeningly sweet but Jimin takes a huge sip.
“Whipped,” Yoongi says, yawning as he nuzzles into Hobi. The alpha just smiles, kissing Yoongi’s temple before moving to grab his dance bag.
“It does look…sweet,” Hobi says, before waving, “Okay, my loves—gotta go! Dance won’t teach the kids without me.” He gives a pointed look to Yoongi, “And don’t tease Jiminie about his crush.”
Yoongi scoffs, moving to his work station, “He is an embarrassment all on his own.”
“Hey!” Jimin says, licking his lips and teeth, hoping the caramel won’t stick to his teeth. He has a super busy week—overbooked with customers since one of his posts on Instagram went semi-viral.
Jimin plops down in his seat, taking another sip of the coffee and he can’t stop himself from smiling. His scent is happy, his omega wanting to purr and he looks down at the sketches he worked on until morning.
He has three clients today but all of them are getting pretty big pieces which Jimin loves—he looks down at the daisies he worked on. The young omega is getting a vine of them with three butterflies. One for each one of her miscarriages.
Jimin has allotted her the biggest amount of time today. Some tattoos are just silly little things—wild, dreamers, and freedom but some tattoos are earth shattering. They heal as you bleed.
It is what made Jimin want to become a tattoo artist in the first place. He looks over at Yoongi who points at his neck and Jimin nods—heading to the back room to place a scent blocker patch along his gland because this is a space free of scents.
Jimin doesn’t put them on until he is at work though, not the smartest but truthfully, he wants Jeongguk to smell his scent. He hopes the alpha would respond but he isn’t sure of his scent at all with all the coffee, muffins, and snacks in Pluto.
He looks in the mirror, his ash-blond hair is wind swept, his cheeks rosy from looking at the sweet alpha and Jimin smiles, placing the scent patch on his gland as his omega whines but it is a part of the job.
“You'd better come and finish this coffee before your first client or I will drink it for you!” Yoongi yells and Jimin’s omega growls, low and he reappears in the main room where Yoongi’s shoulders are shaking with laughter, “Damn, Jimin-ah, you got it bad for an alpha you don’t even know much about.”
Jimin’s eyes flash, he gumbles, “I know a lot!” He snatches the coffee, draining it, not looking away from Yoongi—even if the other omega is mated to Hobi—Jimin’s omega doesn’t want him to have the coffee Jeongguk made just for him.
“You are so possessive,” Yoongi rolls his eyes.
“I know plenty! He loves coffee, he loves books even more—he is always reading one on his breaks and Tae told me that he is a romantic! Isn’t that so cute? I need to sweep him off his feet!” Jimin says, bouncing on the balls of his feet, the coffee has gone to his head and Jeongguk is in his heart.
What a combination.
“You are going to court him?”
Jimin pauses—it isn’t as odd now for omega to also court someone back. Jimin can’t stop the smile that overtakes him. He does purr then, the soft sound leaving his chest and he can hear Yoongi saying ‘Oh god.’
Jimin is going to court this alpha with eyes that hold the stars he used to watch when he lived in Busan, “Do you think he will accept?”
Yoongi rolls his eyes just as the door to the tattoo shop opens, “Jimin, you are a firework—overly excited about things and he seems…shy.”
Jimin huffs, pouting as he looks out towards the street, the sidewalk that could lead him back to the cafe with the pretty alpha. Jimin can’t help that he knows himself. He knows what he wants. And he wants to get to know the shy-bibliophile alpha.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
“Make sure to sleep well tonight, Jeongguk!” Tae calls, lifting his eyebrows, wiggling them with a grin and Jeongguk shakes his head, fighting a blush that he will blame on the November winds, “You don’t want to be stupid again and overfill another coffee with caramel for a certain omega while daydreaming about kissing him or some shit!”
“Shut up, Tae!” Jeongguk says, his friend and co-worker laughs, leaning over the counter as Jeongguk rushes out of Pluto.
Tae will never let him live this down. Jeongguk doesn’t usually make mistakes nor does he have crushes on customers or crushes…ever.
The night is golden with the streetlights and the tiny shops’ storefront windows full of holiday cheer. Jeongguk is exhausted, he is glad his shift is over for today. It was a long one. Ten hours. Ten long hours of coffee, customers, and wishing to go home.
Ever since Jimin left that morning, he has been out of sorts. His alpha wants to see the omega again but Jimin doesn’t reappear throughout the day. Not even for lunch or an afternoon coffee or tea like normal. Maybe the omega is busy. Maybe Jeongguk is overthinking it but his scent dulls as he remembers Tae’s words. ‘And you won’t if you don’t do anything about it.’
Jeongguk sighs, he doesn’t have a lot of romantic experience unless you count reading books. He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his black jacket, and his yellow scarf is slightly itchy along his scent glands. His rut is coming closer and closer with each day and Jeongguk isn’t looking forward to it.
It is always an ordeal.
His alpha is very particular during his ruts, more needy and the wolf is a romantic much like his human side. So, spending it alone is usually better for him than finding a one-time partner who will leave before his wolf is fully settled again. He hates the rut centers for this reason.
Maybe he should go home to Busan for this rut at least he will have someone to bring him food and water. He shakes his head, he can’t imagine being in his family home again during a rut like a teenager. He could always ask Tae but he isn’t sure if that is a good idea either. He is much too tired to decide this right now.
He fights a shiver as he walks along the sidewalk. It is really cold, December is on its way for certain. His apartment isn’t far but it is getting colder and colder. He shivers again, his nails digging into his pockets, trying to find warmth but only coming up with dust and an old candy wrapper.
Jeongguk pauses as he passes the new tattoo shop—Etched in Ink shines brightly, the red tattoo sign making the street glow like a nightclub. Like freedom and being found all wrapped up in one.
Jeongguk stops in front of the door, he can’t bring himself to go in, even though he does have a sleeve that is unfinished and could use that as an excuse to see the omega owner but it feels cheap to do that. Jeongguk doesn’t have any plans to finish the sleeve. He doesn’t have any inspiration…
His alpha is flopping down on its back, belly up, tail wagging at the thought of having Jimin help design and complete the sleeve. Jeongguk’s cheeks burn, he shakes his head for the third time tonight, and moves away from the tattoo parlor’s door.
He needs to go home, remove the itchy scarf, and settle in for the night. He has a morning shift tomorrow as well. This entails a five in the morning wake-up call.
He doesn’t have time to break routine, his anxiety eases as he moves away from the door but the loneliness echoes loudly as his heartbeat but he ignores it as he heads home.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jeongguk is ripping off his scarf, throwing it along the bench by the door, kicking off his black-chunky books, and the coat as he switches on the lights. Jeongguk smiles, his wolf calms down from its pouting since he left the tattoo shop.
Jeongguk’s apartment is small, overfilled with books, records, and large windows. There’s a tiny kitchen in the corner, two doors leading to a small bathroom, and his bedroom but Jeongguk spends most of his time on the L-shaped sofa that is covered in blankets, pillows, and book stacks next to the coffee table.
He moves over to the TV, turning it on, finding one of those ten-hour videos of jazz music and a fireplace burning as he immerses himself in gentle notes.
“Welcome home,” he whispers to himself, immediately heading to his room for comfortable clothes because he needs a shower. His scent is covered in coffee and scents of others, making his alpha a little stressed.
His incoming rut is showing its ugly head and he still has at least a week before it hits.
He briefly wonders how his alpha would feel if Jimin’s scent were to coat him, surround him and he sticks his tongue into his cheek, eyes wide as he looks at himself in the bathroom’s mirror.
He wonders if Jimin likes his scent—toasted-honey almonds. After months of seeing the omega, he knows the most basic things and yet, it isn’t enough. He wants to dive into Jimin like he is one of his books. Get lost in the details and the nuances that make Jimin Jimin.
He wants to stick his nose into Jimin’s neck, wants to see the omega smile at him alone, he wants to take him on dates, and he wants to read Jimin his favorite books and poems.
Jeongguk typically doesn’t want for much. He is a creature of habit but for some reason ever since meeting Jimin…Jeongguk wants, wants, and wants. He can’t get the feeling out of his chest.
“Foolish,” he murmurs, tearing his eyes from his reflection as he showers.
The night flows like any other. Home, shower, food, and finding himself with a book by the windows as he watches the street lamps flicker, people roaming and dreamers living.
The words on the page are merely black and white shapes, he huffs, running a hand through his hair, his fingers getting caught in the curls along the base of his neck as he finally tosses the book aside.
His scent is burning, almonds burning but his alpha is very unsettled tonight.
Jeongguk flops over, his cheek smushing into the fluffy blanket, and huffs—his wolf is wide awake instead of falling into a story.
He is anxious.
Tae’s words float back into his head, “And you are not going to.”
“Maybe I should call Tae…and yell at him for making me think even more about Jimin-ssi…” Jeongguk grumbles, his eyes closing, turning the warmth of the apartment darker.
His alpha whines, and Jeongguk frowns, “Stop longing for the pretty, talented omega,” he whispers to his alpha. His brows furrow because he doesn't want to? Wants to get to know Jimin more…
His alpha howls, Jeongguk scoffs, and looks at the book that held all his interest last night but now the only thing he wants to read is Jimn’s mind. Peer into it like it is a book at the bookstore—he can look at the opening page, smell the ink, look at the last sentence, and know that it will all end happily.
But life isn’t a book. He can’t see if he will get a happy ending or not.
Jeongguk stretches out his arm, the unfinished tattoo sleeve is a swirl of ink, a tower, a book, and stars that fill in blank places along his skin. The sleeve is more about his favorite books than about himself but as the saying goes, ‘A reader lives a thousand lives’ and it is true.
Jeongguk has spent hours, days, forgetting himself just to read—to find the happy ending for the characters that live on pages, that become his friends for a short while. It is like magic on earth. It is sure that they will get their happy endings unlike in life. He loves reading more than anything, covering himself in tattoos of such works and words, and yet, he is now longing for something out of his routine.
His alpha wants to know Jimin.
He looks at his bookshelf across the room, which is next to the TV and the fairy lights that dangle like falling stars. Maybe he just needs a new book.
He groans as he leaves the comfort of the sofa, the wood floors sighing as he walks to the bookshelf, letting his fingers glide along their spines in search of his next escape. His eyes catch on his tattoos again—the stories that are not even his marking his skin like they are.
He frowns, his heart settling into melancholy. His alpha is now strangely silent, he bites his lips as he pulls his hand back from the books. He flips off the TV, turning off the lights letting the night shine in through the windows before turning to go to bed.
Jeongguk really likes his life. He likes working as a barista, he likes his little apartment, and he likes his books. He likes his routine, he knows himself and he doesn’t have time to let his heart fall.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Four days. Four days and Jeongguk is a liar because his heart has already fallen—falling, longing and Jimin hasn’t visited Pluto since the day he added an obscene amount of caramel to his coffee.
It is a slow afternoon, the light is waning fast as the winter night tries to claim the sky far faster than Jeongguk is ready for it because for the first time in a long while he doesn’t want to go home.
Even though he still has that unfinished book, at this point he might just put it in the small pile of books that he couldn’t read or finish for one reason or another. Sometimes the characters are boring or flat but mostly, Jeongguk put books in his ‘didn’t finish pile’ because he found out the ending is sad. A foolish reason.
“Your scent is getting stronger,” Tae says, hitting his shoulder against his, and Jeongguk hums, a pout forming on his face as he watches people move past the cafe in their own little world.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come over a few times during your rut next week?”
Jeongguk whirls his head around, “No! You have been planning to go visit your grandma before the holidays for weeks now…I will be okay,” Jeonggu says because he always is.
“No, to a rut center?”
Jeongguk grumbles, shaking his head, “Hate those places.”
Tae smiles, it is a gentle, “I can tell…you grumbled…that’s basically growling for your alpha.”
Jeongguk reaches over, pinching Tae’s arm, “Shut up.”
The other alpha laughs, his scent of leather brightens like opening a fresh new leather-bound notebook, “I am sorry your little omega hasn’t been by,” he continues and Jeongguk lets his head hit the counter with a thunk and a sigh.
“He isn’t mine…”
Tae is quiet for a moment, “You both are idiots.”
“Hey! Don’t say that about Jimin-ssi!”
“You admit that you are one though?”
Jeongguk slowly blinks at his friend, his alpha circling his chest, anxious, “He isn’t though…”
“An idiot of yours?”
Jeongguk sighs, burying his eyes into the crook of his arm, his chin resting on the counter as he waits for someone to come into Pluot—anyone because he wants to be done with this conversation, “You are the only idiot, I see.”
Tae ruffles his hair and Jeongguk jerks, his scent spikes, “Easy there, alpha.”
Jeongguk covers his head, “I hate ruts…the lead up to them…during them…all of it…”
“Go home. Jeongguk-ah.”
The almond scented alpha lifts his head, looking at his friend, “Huh?”
“We are slow, your alpha is grumpy and you need to chill…”
Jeongguk's legs shake as he pulls himself to his full height, “I guess that would be for the best.”
“Don’t bother coming in tomorrow either, I know it is your last day before time off for this rut but just take an extra one,” Tae says, reaching for his coat and scarf, “Go home, Jeongguk-ah.”
He hums, looking at the falling sun from the window—he stuffs himself into his coat and he holds the yellow scarf to his chest, his alpha not wanting anything along its neck.
“See you in about a week then, Tae Tae,” Jeongguk mumbles, the cold hitting him in the face as he leaves the cafe. He looks through the glass and Tae is smiling, his cheeks rosy because Jeongguk hasn’t called him Tae Tae in forever. A little nickname he used when they first met years ago in college.
Tae has always looked after him, his friend, or more so like an older brother—Jeongguk is grateful for the alpha. He always let him express himself even if some of his traits, people would consider a bit more gentle for an alpha.
Jeongguk put one foot in front of the other, he doesn’t want to go but it is late, he is tired and at least he can hide in his blankets until tomorrow.
Jeongguk’s heart rate soars at the sight of Etched In Ink—the red sign is aglow, the windows are clear and Jeongguk pauses. He hasn’t done this all week. He hasn’t stopped in front of the omega’s shop even though it is on his way home. His feet slowing, his heart racing, and the universe seeming to pause.
Jeongguk read about fate a lot.
How people are bound together by some greater power. Maybe it is a red string, maybe it is like the myths or true mates but whatever it is…Jeongguk is starting to wonder if they are even true. He used to believe in such things. Being a reader, a romantic.
Now he is standing in front of a shop that has an omega in it that has Jeongguk’s alpha and his heart beating differently than any other crush, one-night stands but there’s no fate or a greater force making them fall in love.
There’s just Jeongguk standing outside in the cold, nervous, longing, and stupid.
Maybe Tae is right, he is an idiot.
He walks past, his toasted almond scent burning instead of the sweetness that usually complements it—Jeongguk isn’t a character in a book after all. He is a shy alpha going into rut with stories of true love that won’t happen in his head.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jimin doesn’t read. It is his first day off from the shop in weeks. He did stop by this morning but Yoongi threw him out. Now he is spending his day in a bookstore. He did go by Pluto but Jeongguk wasn’t there, much to his disappointment.
Tae told him that Jeongguk was out for a week and it didn’t take much to read between the lines. Jeongguk’s rut. Not with Tae’s smirking, or jokes. Heats and ruts are just a part of life but Tae isn’t a fool. He can obviously see Jimin is smitten with his friend.
His omega is now being a bitch—their alpha is in rut or about to be and he is here, standing in front of books as his friend Kim Namjoon looks for a few books on the history of tattoos. Jimin wants to add a few to the small coffee table in his home and at the shop.
Jimin met Namjoon while he was exploring the area before buying the building for Etched In Ink—they became friends who yap because Namjoon loves to talk and Jimin also loves to talk. So, they talk about everything and nothing.
The beta is a calming wolf and Jimin is trying to convince him to get a tattoo but he is being a big baby about it—
Jimin's attention snaps towards the right, and he tilts his head, his omega wanting to whine out at the smell of honey almonds. It is the most mouth-watering scent. He looks back over his shoulder but Namjoon isn’t back, must be lost. In his own bookstore or he has found someone who will listen to him talk about how he organized the bookstore.
Jimin doesn’t even hesitate as he follows the scent through the bookstore.
His omega is clawing at his chest, and he looks up along the shelves—the tiny little black labels marking each section. Fantasy, Sci-fi, and he stops at Romance.
“You stink, man—”
Jimin blinks, the smell of the almonds starting to burn and Jimin’s omega isn’t happy, he has to physically hold him back from throwing himself down the romance section.
“I-I am sorry,” a soft voice stutters and Jimin blinks, his heart fluttering because that is Jeongguk. His scent is honeyed almonds.
He smells delicious—smells cozy and safe. He smells like fate like in books and movies—he is home. Jimin’s omega is wild for the alpha.
Jimin is still wearing his scent blocker patch from when he stopped by the shop earlier but if he wasn’t he is sure his scent would be flaunting itself, making itself known as he smells the scent of another alpha near Jeongguk. The other alpha smells like something smoky. There’s an edge to it and Jimin swallows a growl.
“You are close to rut? Stinking up the whole place!” The voice gets louder, “This is a family place…and you are reading romance?” The alpha laughs, “Should you be looking for an omega to fuck?”
Jeongguk grumbles, scoffs at the words and the sound has Jimin’s omega perking up, his scent trying to come through the blockers.
What a piece of shit—some man who has a fragile masculinity—Jimin comes up behind Jeongguk, watching the dick-head of an alpha pause in his speech. His eyes wide, a smug smile that fades into something darker as he spots Jimin.
Before the asshole can say anything Jimin shouts, “Who the fuck are you?”
The alpha blinks, the darkness in his eyes swirling, his fists clenched but Jeongguk whirls around.
Jimin’s breath catches, his fingers shake as he meets those starry eyes. Jeongguk’s scent blooms and it takes everything in Jimin not to shove his face into his neck. To lick along his scent gland and taste that sweetness on his tongue.
Jimin turns to look back at the other alpha, “His,” he says, all confidence. His omega agrees happily.
Jeongguk’s cheeks are rosy, his scent sweeter, and Jimin giggles but he doesn’t touch Jeongguk because he isn't really his but, but, but Jimin sometimes gets ahead of himself.
The other alpha scoffs, “This piece of worthless shit, not even a real alpha—”
Jimin growls—the sound is loud, Jimin jerks forward but Jeongguk pulls him back, “It’s okay…hey, hey, hey…don’t bare your teeth at him,” Jeongguk whispers, his voice soft. Jimin twists his head, and he sees Jeongguk's nose—it is perfect before flicking his gaze back to the other alpha, not wanting to take his eyes from the shithead.
Jeongguk is smiling, it is a small one, something soft, “Let’s not get into trouble for my sake.”
Jimin’s lips pull together, a pout forming, and he leans back against Jeongguk, “But he is a prick.”
The romance section falls silent, the scent of the two alphas roaming about but Jimin doesn’t break away from Jeongguk’s gaze.
The pretty alpha laughs, his scent blooms causing the other alpha to curse, covering his nose and Jimin’s mouth parts as he watches Jeongguk laugh. His teeth look like a rabbit’s, his cheeks are rosy and his hair is falling into his eyes.
He is fucking beautiful.
“What is going on?”
Jimin feels a growl build up in his chest, he blocks Jeongguk and the alpha lets him go much to his disappointment but Jimin stands in front of him—watching Namjoon who is looking between the three of them.
Jimin speaks first, “This dumb shit,” pointing to the smoky scented alpha, “…is bothering…the customers…and my—I mean Jeonggukk,” he nods his head, quickly looking back at Jeongguk whose scent is burning again.
That just won’t do.
“I don’t want to shop here anyway with an alpha in rut and his omega acting like a—”
Namjoon isn’t easily annoyed but when he is, he is for good reason—sharp like a knife, keen as a poet with fresh ink, “How about you get out of my store then, hmm?” The beta grabs the alpha by his nape and drags him out.
Jimin can only grin, Namjoon is the hero of the day—he is so—
“Sorry…”
Jimin swirls around, facing Jeongguk, “Ah! What? Why? Because you are in pre-rut? That's okay!” Jimin says, moving his hands around, wanting to reach out, to comfort, “I mean, I am concerned…because this is such a vulnerable time for wolves…and…”
Jeongguk nods, his eyes are hazy as he whispers, “Just wanted a new book to comfort me…after…after all the stress…you know?” His voice shakes, he licks his lips, running his hands up and down his chest in comfort.
Jimin sticks his tongue into his cheek, letting his hands fall to his side but fuck, how he wants to touch Jeongguk, give him a hug, and push his sweaty hair from his face but he doesn’t. That wouldn’t be right.
Jimin takes a steadying breath, “You need to get home, darling.”
Jeongguk’s pheromones are everywhere, sweet and tender and Jimin’s omega is drooling. He closes his eyes for a moment, pulling himself together because truly, even if Jimin feels like he can fall for Jeongguk…the alpha is just an acquaintance. Yoongi told him he needs to be careful since he can be very protective and loud about his feelings.
“I just—”
Jimin’s eyes snap back open, peering at the alpha—his head is bent so Jimin leans down, looking at his red blush that covers his ears and cheeks.
God. He is beautiful.
“You just…?” Jimin whispers, his heart stumbling over itself.
“I wanted a new book, it is comforting…after my rut…having a book…”
Jimin’s heart swells, he swears his chest is going to crack open, “Well…” he breathes out, “Did you find one?”
Jeongguk blinks, nodding as he pulls the book from the shelf next to him and Jimin tries to look at the cover but Jeongguk pulls it to his chest, his lips pressing out into a pout and Jimin smiles.
“Come on then, I am taking you home.”
Jeongguk whines, his face blooming a brighter red, if it is even possible and then Jimin realizes his words and he bursts into laughter. He leans onto the shelves, “I mean, I am walking you home, cutie.”
Jeongguk looks away quickly, “You don’t have to do that.”
Jimin pauses, knowing what he is going to say is probably moving too fast but fuck that. He doesn’t care, he feels this way, “My omega is protective of you…I would feel better if I knew that you got home.”
Jeongguk exhales, his glasses sliding down his nose and Jimin's hand twitches but the alpha mutters, “Okay.”
The omega is giddy, grabbing Jeongguk’s jacket sleeve and leading him towards the front of the bookstore. He didn’t expect his day to turn out this way but the universe is magical. His omega is puffing out his chest and Jimin feels like he won something better than a prize.
If it wasn’t for the patch dulling his scent, he is sure Jeongguk would be breathing in nothing but his pheromones—no books or the dust of the shop around them.
Namjoon is looking at Jimin, his eyes narrowing, lips arching into a knowing smile as he shows Jimin the books on tattoo history he pulled. Jimin listens, nodding as he claims he will buy the books before snatching Jeongguk’s romance book and putting it on the pile, “And this one as well.”
Namjoon just rolls his eyes, ringing him up as Jeongguk stutters beside him, “Jimin-ssi!”
Jimin smiles, his cheeks aching as he looks at Jeongguk, “Let me get it for you, please?”
Jeongguk shifts from foot to foot, “Just because I am feeling bad…I don’t want to argue but next time you come into Pluto, your coffee is on me.”
Jimin hums, a twinkle in his eyes, “We shall see about that darling,” he whispers, leaning closer to Jeongguk, watching him frown but his eyes sparkle.
Jimin hands him back his book in a tiny brown bag with the shop’s name printed across it. Jeongguk grabs the bag with his book in it and sticks out his tongue before walking ahead and Jimin? He falls, his heart tumbling and free-falling for the cute alpha.
“Wait up!” He calls, turning to Namjoon, tapping his card before running after the alpha who should be in bed but as if it is fate…Jeongguk is with him.
The November cold causes them both to shiver but Jeongguk is side eyeing him before he motions his head towards the right, “I live this way.”
Jimin nods, his heart creating harmonies as he follows Jeongguk. He stands close, fighting himself not to growl at anyone walking too close or giving Jeongguk weird looks for being out in pre-rut.
Jimin grabs the sleeve of his jacket again just as Jeongguk stops in front of an apartment building with big windows, ivy growing along it and truthfully, Jimin thinks the alpha is only two or three blocks from his own apartment.
Jeongguk leads him up and when Jimin steps into Jeongguk’s apartment he wants to stumble because of the scent of toasted almonds—the greens, creams, and darker colors that adorn the place but it is the huge sofa and books everywhere that make him want to know everything about this man.
He wants to know his favorite books, he wants to know his least favorite food, and his favorite color—the stupid little things people learn over time. He wants to be able to know everything concerning Jeongguk without words but for now, “So, do you have a bag for a center or…” Jimin tries to keep his voice even, happy that his scent patch is still on, “…is someone coming over?”
Jeongguk just shuffles back, his jacket is gone along with that bright yellow scarf he always wears, “Umm, I am spending it here…alone.”
Jimin’s omega blooms in his chest, no one will help their alpha but Jimin frowns, “No one will be here to help? Even with water? Food?”
Jeongguk shakes his head, pulling his lip between his teeth, “Tae is out of town and…” he shrugs.
Jimin doesn’t like that at all. He doesn’t like it one bit. He frowns, sticking his tongue into his cheek before he slips his shoes off. He can feel Jeongguk's wide-eyed stare and he swears he can taste Jeongguk’s almond scent on his tongue.
“What? What are you doing?”
Jimin shrugs like it is obvious, “Taking care of you. I will get you food, water…and you can just stay…” Jimin looks towards what he assumes is his bedroom door, “There…but I just…” Jimin’s chest is so uneasy, tight and he pulls off his coat—the collar ripping off his scent patch.
Jimin hisses, bringing his hand up as his scent joins Jeongguk’s like the chorus to a song. Jimin stiffens, looking up at Jeongguk who covers his nose and mouth, his eyes blown wide.
“Jimin-ssi…”
Jimin shivers, reaching into his pocket and pulling another patch out and slapping it on his neck but Jeongguk huffs, the alpha watching him—his eyes still gentle, always so gentle and Jimin whispers, “Easy, little alpha.”
Jeongguk is sweating, his chest shaking and Jimin needs to be sure, “That will be okay?”
“Staying?” Jeongguk clarifies.
Jimin nods and he watches Jeongguk struggle—and once again, maybe it is fate but Jimin knows Jeongguk is someone who is going to be in his life. Jimin’s heart flutters as the alpha nods before stepping back, his toe socks catch Jimin’s attention and he smiles as Jeongguk lets him into his apartment.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jeongguk must be crazy. He must be out of his mind. Letting Jimin stay during his rut. His alpha disagrees entirely with him and Jeongguk reasons with himself—it isn’t like Jimin is actually helping. Just bringing water, food…just…being kind. It is better than going to a center and Jeongguk is left feeling scared or hurt over something that is just more biological than heartfelt. Or so, he tells himself.
His scent is floating around the room like snowflakes, heavy like a winter storm. Jeongguk watches Jimin pace from his bed. The omega is moving swiftly in front of his bedroom door, pacing the length of the cream colored sofa as he mumbles to himself.
Food. Water. Need to text Yoongi.
Jeongguk can’t take his eyes from the pretty man—all soft and sharp edges. He is everything all at once. It is addictive to watch, to see, and Jeongguk’s alpha is smitten as much as he is. Jimin is running his fingers through his hair, his sweater looks well-loved and Jeongukk wants to touch, touch, touch.
He shakes his head, the haziness is trying to creep up on him like a bad dream—running his hands over his thighs, his palms are sweaty and he groans at the feel of fabric against his skin. Jeongguk looks around his bed, his skin prickles and everything is wrong.
Wrong.
It is wrong.
His eyes twitch, his lips pull together and his hands move without thought. He rearranges the pillow, pulling off the knitted blanket in favor of the soft cotton one, he pulls off his hoodie, and the air on his sweaty skin pulls a shiver from him.
He places the hoodie by one of the pillows before looking around, dissatisfied.
His alpha whines, he shakes his head before snapping his attention to the stare that is coating his skin like a morning dew. Jimin is watching him, his phone forgotten in his hand, head tilted slightly and eyes blown wide.
He swallows down another sound that threatens to break free from his chest, unhappy that the omega scent isn’t around him like comfort, like something he can’t even name right now—Jeongguk looks down, his hands clenching the blankets.
He is nesting, something he doesn’t do much. Just in time of stress, loneliness, or rut but he loves it. His mother never discouraged him from building nests after he presented but it is still embarrassing to show people he doesn’t know all that well.
It isn’t like it is Tae, who probably knows too much about him. This is an omega he is crushing on hard.
Jeongguk can’t even look away, his hands digging into the fabric of the mess around him like a cat making biscuits. His cheeks are hot, hair sticking to his face but Jimin’s eyes are swirling with darkness, his lips pink and parted as he says, “Do you want any of the blankets from out here?”
The question breaks the tension. His heart swells—he feels like a seed wanting to bloom…Jeongguk feels absolutely relieved but also helpless. He releases his hold on his bedding, nodding, “Yes, please—the green one and maybe the black one with the stars?”
Jimin moves, his feet slipping on the floor as he whirls around to collect the blankets and reappearing faster than a heartbreak, his hair is fluffy as he moves into the room—the evening sun highlighting his cheekbones and the fullness of his lips.
Jeongguk watches him from the foot of the bed, he is sure his pheromones are going crazy, his glands feel oily with need, “Thank you,” he whispers, his eyes don’t even blink as the omega sets the blankets on the bottom of the bed.
Jimin clears his throat and Jeongguk watches his Adam's apple move. He has the sudden need to bite, run his nose along the other man’s neck, and just breathe but he can’t smell the omega’s scent at the moment, thanks to the scent patch the other is currently wearing.
Which is for the best but the longing hits him in the gut, twists like a knife as he lifts his eyes and watches Jimin smile at him, all knowing and gentle.
“You have a beautiful nest, alpha,” Jimin murmurs, his tiny fists clenching.
Jeongguk pulls the green blanket closer to his face, almost covering it as he nods, “Thank you…” he whispers, looking around at the messy bed. It isn’t a nest yet but it will be one soon. He just needs to work on it.
“I just ordered some food, water, and tea…anything else I could think of for your rut…” Jimin says, trailing off and it is the first time Jeongguk has seen Jimin shy. A blush along his cheeks where his freckles sit and make constellations.
“You…you are being too good to me Jimin-ssi.”
“Hyung.”
Jeongguk's ears are on fire, doesn’t release his hold on his blanket, just looking at the omega over the soft cotton, “Hyung…”
Jimin smiles, it is wide—glowing. His cheeks bunch up, his eyes turn into tiny moons and Jeongguk giggles despite himself. The omega is so pretty. His heart wants to swell like a balloon then float away.
“I guess…we need to talk about how this will go?” Jimin says, hands in the pockets of his jeans, his eyes wide and unblinking and Jeongguk can only nod until Jimin says, “What will you need?”
Jeongguk’s heart races, “I will…I‘ll handle the more biological needs…alone,” he starts and the omega doesn’t even smirk, just a small smile in agreement. Jeongguk looks down, picking at a loose thread on the green blanket.
His alpha is close to begging, wanting the omega above him, under him, everywhere. He wants to rip that scent patch off and smell that fresh berry scent…he still needs to ask Jimin what his scent is but it is rude and and and—
Jimin’s voice brings him from his thoughts, “How about this, darling…” Jeongguk swallows down a whimper at the little nickname as Jimin continues, “I’ll knock on the door and…you can…knock back? Two knocks can be for…’I can come in’ and one knock is ‘You don’t want me to open the door’.
Jeongguk blinks, that isn’t a bad plan especially since he can go mute during his ruts, “Okay, hyung…ummm…”
Jimin waits, and Jeongguk is grateful, he doesn’t even twitch just waiting for Jeongguk to speak—it is calming, refreshing and Jeongguk sighs, “I can go mute sometimes during my ruts and…towards the end…I can get emotional.”
“That’s fine, sweetheart,” Jimin whispers and Jeongguk can’t take his eyes from the omega, his body is starting to feel heavy but Jimin seems to notice everything because he takes a step back, slowly and Jeongguk’s alpha hates it.
He narrows his eyes, watchful of the pretty omega near his nest.
“It’s okay, you got everything you need,” Jimin says, voice soft, “Your nest is pretty, water and some snacks by your bed…your rut is starting, isn’t it?”
Jeongguk looks around the room, it is hazy like looking through a kaleidoscope, “Yeah,” his voice soft, rough like touching sandpaper.
“Rest and I’ll check on you later, okay?”
Jeongguk blinks slowly, his hands twitching in the blankets as he watches Jimin leave the room as softly as the sun setting, gone without even saying goodbye.
Jeongguk takes a deep breath, his chest heavy, wanting. He groans as his lower stomach burns, twists and turns—his rut is here.
And he hates it. He lowers his head, looking at the closed door that has a random flower sticker on it from months ago and Jeongguk’s whines, his cock is hard and heavy. He flips onto his stomach and takes a deep breath as his alpha, the needy little wolf comes to the forefront as it can only remember one thing.
Jimin, Jimin, Jimin.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Jimin is a mess. It isn’t like he hasn’t helped a few ex-boyfriends with their ruts before but why is this so different? Jimin covers his face, his scent patch is working overtime now. It feels like fate, how strongly his omega is attached to the alpha.
He feels crazy.
Jimin can’t help but smile, his heart racing but he moves away from the door—looking around the apartment where he is going to make his home for the next three days or so.
He already texted Yoongi, who will bring him a bag from his apartment and work out his schedule at Etched In Ink. Jimin is the owner, and he can take a few days off. He will just work longer hours next week to fit everyone in.
He walks into the small kitchen which is much like the rest of Jeongguk’s apartment…pretty, earthy tones and dark colors. The tiles along the back are dark but the random set of Hello Kitty knives has Jimin covering his mouth to stop himself from giggling.
The alpha is a paradox.
Jimin is certainly gone for him, whipped as Yoongi would say but he isn’t about to leave the alpha alone. He growls lowly at the thought of Jeongguk being without help.
Mating cycles are no joke. That’s why there are centers for such things but right now, he is going to take care of his alpha. Jimin shakes his head, ‘his alpha’…Jimin is so screwed. Jeongguk isn’t his but his omega doesn’t listen to reason.
Jimin would laugh at the eagerness of his wolf but right now, he has an alpha to take care of which consists of checking what food Jeongguk has in his kitchen. He is going to need strength if he wants to make it through this rut. Jimin isn’t going to let him down, his omega refuses to let anything happen to the sweet alpha.
Kimchi-jjigae is simmering on the stove—the rich and hearty stew will be easy for Jeongguk to eat with the soft tofu. Jimin didn’t make it as spicy as he normally would, he doesn’t want to upset Jeongguk’s stomach but the stew is perfect.
Jimin smiles at the red broth, covering the pot with a lid just as he looks at the rice cooker, it is humming and Jimin feels proud of himself. He isn’t much of a cook but he can do at least this.
He is amazing at cooking rice though.
He grins, his omega tail wagging back and forth. It has been a few hours since he talked to Jeongguk but…Jimin knows he needs a little time to take care of some things.
Jimin shakes his head, his heart racing just as his phone dings.
He reads the text once, looking at Jeongguk’s door but not hearing anything. He smiles softly, turning to grab his jacket and Jeongguk’s yellow scarf as he runs down to meet Yoongi.
“Do you think this is a good idea?” Yoongi asks in a way of greeting.
Jimin rolls his eyes, stepping down from the doorway as he grabs his overnight bag, “And why wouldn’t it be a good idea?” He ruffs, peering inside to see clothes, a blanket, chargers, and stronger scent patches that will help contain his wolf. His normal ones only mute his scent but this one will help him not smell Jeongguk as well.
“Thank you,” he breathes, looking up at his best friend, his co-partner in the tattoo shop but Yoongi is still frowning.
“What?”
“I know you are smitten with Jeongguk…”
Jimin crosses his arms, the evening is settling in fast and Jimin looks around Jeongguk’s neighborhood. Winter is coming in even faster, the cars are parked neatly on the side of the road and people mill about, probably heading home from work. The sky is darkening and the wind blows leaves down the street.
Jimin buries his nose into the yellow scarf, breathing in the toasted almond scent he has come to love.
His omega settles as he looks back at Yoongi who is smiling fondly at him, an arch of his lips, “…you feel so loudly and quickly but…”
Jimin smiles, his feet shifting, “But Jeongguk likes to sit in his feelings and just…feel…I know,” he whispers, “It is something I think I like about him a lot…”
“Oh?”
Jimin nods, giggling, his heart bouncing like bubbles in the air, “You know I used to watch him while I would sketch at Pluto?”
Yoongi nods, encouraging him to continue.
“Jeongguk is the type of person who watches a sunset from start to finish. He doesn’t take a photo of it and moves on. He sits and watches the light disappear,” Jimin licks his lip, “He makes coffee one at a time…even in a rush…calm and quiet,” he exhales, his breath clouding around him, “He reads gently like each word is a friend and…my omega is beyond smitten…”
Yoongi clasps his hands on his shoulders, “I know, so…go easy.”
Jimin laughs, throwing his head back, “I’ll try, Yoongi Hyung.”
The older man nods, his scent is content, “Head back to your alpha then.”
Jimin smiles, it is giddy, he can barely see his friend as he heads back inside—he is so happy. What a wondrous feeling.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
His skin is burning. The world is a wash of colors and night—the moonlight shining but it doesn’t bring him comfort like it usually would. He growls, trying to lift himself up from the mess he just made in his nest.
The last orgasm left him wanting more, he knotted into his own hand—his alpha is exhausted, he is hurting and Jeongguk blinks back tears as he looks down at the cum covering his sheets, his nest is beyond help.
“Please,” he murmurs, his voice is soft, wrecked and he can’t stop the tears.
He manages to pull himself up onto his knees, shaking, breath coming out in pants and whimpers as he cries for a whole lot of things.
For relief, for warmth, for a clean nest…for…for…
Knock.
Jeongguk’s head whirls to the door, and he opens his mouth but only a cry falls from his lips, his alpha baring his teeth as he tries to cover himself—the mess, the shame of not having an omega. Not having someone to touch.
The knock doesn’t come again.
“Jeongguk-ah?”
The alpha blinks, a heaviness keeping him from moving but his mind clears at the sound of the other wolf. He needs to knock back. That is what they said they would do. He needs, needs, needs.
Jeongguk exhales, his feet touching the cold floor as he keeps his blanket tight around himself—his fingertips touch the door first before he knocks back. His knuckles hit the door twice and it opens without hesitation.
Jeongguk stumbles back, his butt hitting the bed and he whines as he sees Jimin—his dark eyes are aglow, his hair is messy but bright and he is wearing a giant hoodie and sweats.
He looks perfect.
“Are you doing okay?”
Jeongguk blinks fast, his heart following the motion as it pounds in his chest, he rumbles at the omega, tilting his head as Jimin steps into the room. His scent is completely gone, muted, and Jeongguk hates it.
He hates it. He hates it.
But the softness in the omega’s eyes…he huffs, his nose twitching as he moves back into his nest, trying to fix it again. His face is burning, not from the fever but from how disgusting and ugly the nest is now.
He growls at himself, throwing the cum splattered blanket to the floor—he can’t even care that he is completely without clothes. The nest needs to be right for his omega.
“Alpha.”
Jeongguk snaps his attention to Jimin. He has moved closer, his hand is stretched between them, “Let me help you clean up, hmm?”
Jeongguk looks down at his hand, which is small but steady. Jeongguk lifts his eyes to the darkness of the omega’s eyes that he wants to fall into.
Jeongguk hums, tilting his head and gently pulling on the omega’s wrist, Jimin’s knee hits the bed and the omega smiles at him, all pretty.
“Hi, darling,” he whispers, running his hands through his hair and Jeongguk fights a shiver, “Let me go get a warm cloth and some new sheets.”
Jeongguk whines, watching the omega leave him—he feels foolish, he looks at this nightstand and sees the book that the omega got him. His alpha thought it to be a courting gift but that is impossible. He nuzzles into one of the pillows and reaches out, his fingertips brushing the edge of the book.
“On your back, alpha,” Jimin whispers, reappearing in the room with a cloth. He kneels on the bed and the alpha does as he is told—he wants the omega happy.
“Good,” the omega breathes out and Jeongguk holds his stare.
He feels so warm, dizzy, and butterflies emerging from his chest and landing along his ribs at the first touch of the cloth—wiping the cum off his stomach, his thighs, the head of his cock.
Jeongguk hisses, his body sensitive. He watches the omega—the gentle curve of his cheeks, the tiny bridge of his nose, and the sharpness of his jaw as he works with ease. Jeongguk's eyes follow his lines, from his neck, spotting the scent patch that has him growling softly—the omega looks at him.
“What got you all growly?”
Jeongguk doesn't look away from the patch and the omega touches it, “It is best for now...maybe one…maybe one day…this could be different but for now,” the omega giggles, “Let’s clean your nest up.”
It isn’t easy, Jeongguk is tired, his body weak so he watches Jimin from the floor as the omega builds him a nest.
Safe.
Safe.
Safe.
Jeongguk is sitting in the middle of the nest, his skin is heating again and he covers his face—he wants this to be over…he wants…he wants…
The omega is gathering the dirty bedding, his cheeks rosy as he looks at him from the door, “I am going to bring you dinner in a moment then I think your second wave is going to hit.”
He is gone in a heartbeat and Jeongguk looks out into his apartment—it looks soft, golden but there’s a bag that has to be the omega’s on the back of the sofa. His candle is lit and the windows’ curtains are closed from the night unlike the ones in his room.
The omega is clearly making himself at home.
He moves back and forth. Happy, giddy and he rumbles a small sound in his chest.
“Now you are happy,” Jimin smiles softly, just an arch of his lips, “What made you all happy?”
Jeongguk tilts his head, smiling as Jimin sets a tray of food on the bed, “It is kimch-jjigae.”
The omega sits on the edge of the bed, and Jeongguk can’t take his eyes from him—the omega bites his lip, Jimin’s fingertips ghosting along his cheekbones, and Jeongguk purrs.
The sound is soft, barely there but they both freeze—it is rare for an alpha to purr. He just can’t help himself. He feels so protected, cared for. Jeongguk nuzzles into his palm, seeking that connection.
Jimin grins, wide, toothy, and sweet, “Let’s get you fed, sweetheart.”
Jeongguk’s alpha is completely gone for him and maybe, Jeongguk's feelings are a bit more honest at the moment, so he nods, humming as his chest keeps on rumbling in contentment.
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
It has been three days. Jimin is so tired but so happy. His omega is loving taking care of Jeongguk. His rut has been intense. The last time he checked on him before another wave hit his hair was sticking up, dark circles underneath both eyes and his lips were cracking. Jimin tried to get as much water as he could but Jeongguk is suddenly fussy, especially when it comes to the nest.
It is a mix between being territorial and embarrassed that the nest is messy—it has Jimin’s heart wanting to combust. Jeongguk also isn’t talking much, he did say that it happens but it makes Jimin on edge.
His omega is coming more and more to the forefront, trying to get the alpha to stay calm but the last few days have been rough. Jimin has taken to wearing headphones, he is always half-hard in his own pants, slick collecting at his rim and he tries not to think about the needy alpha just beyond the door.
His rut should be breaking anytime now—it is only a matter of time.
But what really has Jimin in a tailspin is the unfinished sleeve on Jeongguk’s arm—he saw it when he was cleaning him up on that first day. The alpha didn’t seem to notice, didn’t even care that he was naked but he did care about having a perfect nest for himself…for Jimin, as well.
Jimin shakes his head, his cheeks burning as he thinks about Jeongguk. He has almost gone through the whole box of scent patches that Yoongi packed into his bag. His omega is fighting to release its scent, wanting to claim.
Jimin curls up onto the sofa, he is using one of the blankets that he washed that Jeongguk had in his nest, he shivers as he remembers the cum, the rich scent of almonds covered in honey.
Jimin is trying to sketch out Jeongguk’s sleeve from memory. He has seen it multiple times now. His artistic side wants to complete the sleeve—wants to create and build upon the story of Jeonguk’s sleeve. His tattooist side wants the story. Some tattoos can be a bit of fun, a shout into the void but a lot of the time a tattoo is letting go, it is about healing and sometimes it is even about loving.
Jimin’s pen is tapping at the edge of the page, making tiny dots as he looks down at the sketch of Jeongguk’s tattoos. He wants to add flowers in between the stars that are already there…like the sky meeting earth. Something grounding.
He hums, sticking his tongue into his cheek as he looks at the sun peering into the windows—the golden hour is bright today. Rare for winter but most definitely welcomed.
Jimin’s eyes land on Jeongguk’s books or more so, his bookshelves since he has a few piles of books on the windowsill and by the sofa. He groans as he stands, his legs sore from sitting at an angle for too long.
The omega runs his hand along the spines before he plucks one from its home on the shelf and runs back to the spot on the sofa, the one by the window since it is saturated with a honey-almond scent. Must be Jeongguk’s favorite spot.
Jimin immediately opens the book and his lips arches, a smile stretching across his face because Jeongguk writes in his books. He flips through the pages and there are doodles, sticky notes, and little tabs to mark quotes.
It is so…Jeongguk.
His loudness is hidden between pages for no one to see. Jimin frowns, his heart falls at the thought of not many people stopping to…not being patient enough to see Jeongguk open up. Jimin swears he is going to be someone to see all there is to see in Jeongguk.
He flips back to the first page of the book and starts to read—the sun flickering from the page, to his leg then Jimin is turning on the light next to him as the sun leaves the room as he reads the book but also Jeongguk’s thoughts on the story. Each little note, idea, or discussion within the margins.
It is addictive reading Jeongguk’s thoughts on what is just a simple love story. The alpha picks out such small moments to highlight, to remember, or add his own words.
Such as when the omega in the story won’t come clean about a secret that kept them alive but the alpha is patient. The king who would do whatever he wants, waits for the omega to tell him. Jeongguk wrote that “the act of love isn’t rushed or bloomed from hatred but from waiting in winter and hoping it will bloom in spring” or the page Jimin is reading now, the alpha is about to kiss the omega character but the alpha called him little prince.
Jeongguk has drawn hearts and stars around it with a simple note, "I wish to be someone’s little prince one day”. And it could be seen as cheesy or dumb but technically Jimin shouldn’t be reading all of this. His heart pounds, and he smiles as he traces the words on the page.
How beautiful, how innocent Jeongguk's thoughts on love are. They are sincere.
Jimin’s wolf tenses, he jerks his head to the door at the first sound of Jeongguk’s sob. It is not earth shattering, everything moves forward, the world keeps spinning as Jeongguk cries but it doesn’t for Jimin’s world. He is up, the book hitting the floor with a thunk. Jimin’s feet drag the blanket with him as he opens the bedroom door. He forgets to knock, he forgets the silly code, he forgets everything as those doe eyes stare at him.
“Jeongguk-ah—” he breathes out.
The alpha’s face crumbles, and he cries out, covering his face as he tries to make himself smaller in the nest. Jimin can’t move for a moment—words of Jeongguk telling him that he can get emotional at the end of ruts slam into him like a rocket.
He climbs into the bed, uncaring of the cum or other bodily fluids, everything smells of sweetened almonds but the pheromones coming off the alpha now are burning. Jimin’s omega ruffs, rumbling in its chest, and the sound of the alpha whining.
“Baby,” he breathes, his hands hovering over Jeongguk but he doesn’t touch. He doesn’t have permission and clearly the rut is over. The alpha is… “What is wrong?” His hands are shaking as he waits for Jeongguk.
The alpha blinks his eyes open, tears running down his cheeks and nose, “What is wrong?” He asks, his voice is so soft despite the moment, “I…it…my rut…you took such good care of me…and I was so…” His face is red, his chest is heaving and Jimin hates it.
“I loved taking care of you, I loved helping with your nest, Jeongguk,” he whispers the words in a rush but the alpha just shrinks into himself.
Jimin looks around the room, it is a mess. The last wave must have been something else—there are empty chip bags, water bottles, a bottle of lube in the sheets and Jimin stares at it a little too long then at Jeongguk’s long fingers. He certainly used a good amount. The bottle is empty.
Jimin’s mind heads to a place that shouldn't be. His gut tightens and he hopes he doesn’t leak any slick. Jimin mentally slaps himself as Jeongguk makes a soft sound, “Baby, how can I help?” Jimin asks, his heart pounding.
Jeongguk huffs, he nuzzles into his pillow and Jimin tilts his head, “Please.”
Jeongguk looks at him, really looks at him. Not his alpha like the past few days but as Jeon Jeongguk from the cafe with his shy personality.
Jimin swallows, he doesn’t want Jeongguk to shy away from the moments of the last few days off. Jeongguk is—Jimin wants, he wants and he can’t help as he looks towards the window feeling selfish.
Yoongi told him to give Jeongguk space but—
“Scent me.”
Jimin pulls his attention back to Jeongguk. He moves his head slowly, the night sky in the window appears in Jeongguk’s eyes when they meet and Jimin’s lips tremble, “What?”
Jeongguk looks honest at this moment, his scent is a bitter-burning thing but Jimin waits. He wants for his little ‘what’ to be answered because Jimin decided he will be patient for each moment he gets with Jeongguk. In whatever form it takes.
“Scent me, hyung…I am not in rut…I know what I am asking,” he whispers and it is like stardust is floating from his lips.
Jimin tips his head to the side, he rips off the scent patch, throwing it somewhere in the room. He rubs at his own scent gland, trying to pull his scent back but he doesn’t look away from Jeongguk.
His scent of black currant comes to the surface, mingling with Jeongguk’s and they both smell sweet, nutty, and fresh. Jimin’s omega is on the edge as he looks down at the pretty wolf.
Jeongguk inhales, his mouth parted, and he tips his head back as he whimpers, “What is your scent?”
Jimin smiles, all mirth and wonder as he places his forehead against the alpha’s. He watches as his pupils expand, he pulls back for a moment—Jeongguk is lying in bed, Jimin is halfway stretched over him. The omega hands are twisting in the messy nest, “It is cassis…or simply black currants. A sweet, tart fruit like raspberries but maybe more like cherries…” Jimin shrugs.
“It drives me crazy,” Jeongguk whispers, and Jimin’s eyes widen before he soars down, nuzzling into his temple, his lips gliding along his jaw as the alpha tilts his head back.
Jimin groans, the sound is followed by Jeongguk’s whimper. His scent gland is oily with pheromones, definitely just come off his rut.
Fucking hell, Jimin thinks—his mouth parts as he inhales.
“Jimin,” Jeongguk begs, his hands reaching up, finding purchase along his shoulders and Jimin sucks his skin right into his mouth, biting gently as he pushes his nose into Jeongguk—taking that scent of almonds all for himself.
“Oh god,” Jeongguk muses, his breath shaky as he grips the fabric of Jimin’s sweater.
Jimin is lost—he licks, easing the sting from the bite as he presses his nose just underneath Jeongguk’s jaw, moving slowly, savoring the scenting. He hums in appreciation as the burning almonds turn sweet—golden.
Gods, it is perfect as the scent fades to his own black currant—fresh and warm their scents are as they combine. Jimin lays his tongue flat, licking up until he nips at his ear, “Mine,” he says. His omega claims.
Jimin dives forward into the gland again, sniffing as his hand tangles in the dark curls of Jeongguk’s hair, pulling it back to give him more access to the younger’s throat. He places a gentle kiss, a peck more than anything.
Jeongguk is whimpering underneath him, his hands fall from his sweater onto the bed and Jimin pulls back to find hazy eyes, mouth slick and pink from his teeth as if Jeongguk tried to keep quiet.
Jimin smiles, his fingers scratching his head. He leans back down, humming as he kisses the front of his throat, his lips finding the alpha’s scent gland once more as he kisses it softly, his lips pulling back as he feels Jeongguk's pulse point.
The alpha is sleeping, completely knocked out from the scenting and Jimin sits back on his knees, brushing Jeongguk’s hair out of his face.
Yeah, Jimin is definitely smitten. He is definitely falling for the alpha. Jimin can’t help as he lets his fingertips dance over Jeongguk’s nose. It is so cute, so perfect. Much like the man himself.
Jimin looks around the room and he grabs one of the blankets from the bottom of the bed, tucks it around Jeongguk before he starts to clean up the place. Jimin looks back towards Jeongguk, his tattoos are on show and Jimin will learn what each of them means.
Maybe falling in love is a bit cheesy, it is a bit embarrassing and maybe, it is just a bit of everything. It looks like Jimin is going to find out. The omega bends down, his mouth brushing Jeongguk’s cheekbone as he whispers, “Little prince, will you let me fall for you?”
✎﹏﹏﹏﹏
Pluto is busy. Jeongguk is back from his days in bed, the rut was hard but it was also strangely beautiful. Jimin didn’t leave right away. The omega made him breakfast, had him shower, and tucked himself onto the sofa with the new book that Jimin brought him before he left. But not before Jimin added his phone number to his contacts with a promise to text him if he needed anything. That was days ago.
Jeongguk shakes his head, his hair flying into his eyes as he looks down at the shot of espresso he just made for a banana latte.
Jeongguk's crush for Jimin is getting a little out of hand, his mind isn’t messy from his rut, his alpha isn’t in charge anymore but still…his heart beats, beats, beats for the smaller man with the bright hair and smile.
His scent is lingering in his apartment.
Jeongguk grabs another ticket, forgetting about the half-finished latte as he looks down at the words for the next coffee he has to make but his heart is above the cafe, above the buildings and the streetlights. His heart is in the clouds, living there in happiness as he thinks of Jimin.
The pretty omega with a heart that glows like his fairy lights, his emotions are so loud compared to him and Jeongguk is about to burst—
“Little prince.”
Jeongguk drops the ticket, knocking off the shot of espresso from the counter as his heart slams against his chest—falling from the clouds and back where it should be as he looks at Jimin who is smiling widely. His eyes, just as big, swirling as his scent invades Jeongguk like dawn appearing to chase the night.
“What-t?” He stutters out, and the loudness of the busy cafe fades.
“I am in a rush,” Jimin starts and Jeongguk nods—he can see Tae moving closer probably because this isn’t the time but Jimin’s emotions can be loud in moments that should be quiet but the alpha has seen the patience that comes from the omega.
Jimin keeps him on his toes.
“I want to finish your sleeve!”
Jeongguk blinks, “What?” He asks again. Jimin laughs, his head tilts back and Jeongguk snaps his attention to the pale skin.
“Your tattoo sleeve, I am going to finish it.”
It isn’t a question but something akin to a fact and Jeongguk is speechless as the cafe slams back around them—the chatter, the coffee, and Jimin’s smile that is more of a smirk.
“It is my courting gift, little prince,” Jimin says, his cheeks rosy—his eyes looking at him a lot like he did when the omega scented him that night. It is a claim, something like Jeongguk has read in his romance books.
“What?!” Jeongguk yells, his loudness is a rare thing but Jimin doesn’t look offended but happy. He looks happy with the emotion he pulled from Jeongguk and the alpha heart agrees with the happiness. He has to hold down a purr but Jimin, Jimin? He boops his nose.
“Come by my shop after your shift,” Jimin giggles, his eyes sparkling and as he leaves Jeongguk notices that Jimin is wearing his yellow scarf. He can’t hold back the tiny purr that leaves his lips, his face flushing.
Tae whistles and the cheers from the cafe’s staff and customers are enough to know that this love story isn’t going to be hidden between paper but something…something completely unexpected.