Archive of Our Own ^beta

horny.

“Oh my God,” Jeongguk moans, his voice trembling as he grinds against Taehyung’s fingers. His slick drips down, coating Taehyung's hand, the scent of aroused omega filling the room. “Please, Taehyung, just fuck me already.”

Taehyung grins, his sharp canines peeking through as he slowly pumps his fingers in and out of Jeongguk’s tight heat. “Don’t be so impatient, baby,” he whispers, his deep voice carrying a teasing lilt. His free hand strokes the soft curve of Jeongguk’s inner thigh, where the scent gland in the neck area pulse with omega pheromones. “I need to make sure you’re ready for me. You wouldn’t want me to hurt you, would you?”

Jeongguk buries his face in the pillow, his cheeks flushed with frustration and desire. His omega instincts scream for him to submit, to take Taehyung in fully, but his pride—always nags at him. “I’m ready,” he breathes, his words coming out as a needy whimper. “Please, Taehyung. I need you.”

Taehyung chuckles softly, leaning down to nuzzle the back of Jeongguk’s neck, where the scent of his omega is strongest. His alpha rumbles in approval as he adds another finger, stretching Jeongguk further. “Such a good boy for me,” he murmurs against Jeongguk’s heated skin. “I’ll make you feel so good, I promise.”

Jeongguk’s body jerks when Taehyung curls his fingers, brushing against the sensitive bundle of nerves deep inside. “Ah—Taehyung!” Jeongguk cries out, his back arching as a wave of pleasure rolls through him.

The alpha smirks, repeating the motion again and again, watching with pride as Jeongguk writhes beneath him. “Look at you,” Taehyung growls, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “So pretty, hyung, and all mine.”

Jeongguk moans, his breath coming out ragged gasps. The term of respect sends a spark through him, though it’s quickly drowned out by the overwhelming heat pooling in his stomach. “Taehyung,” he whimpers, his tone softening into a plea. “Stop teasing me. Please, fuck me senseless.”

Taehyung pulls his fingers free despite Jeongguk’s whine of protest. He shifts, his strong hands gripping Jeongguk’s hips to guide him. “Turn over,” Taehyung commands, his voice firm yet gentle.

Jeongguk doesn’t hesitate. He rolls onto his stomach, arching his back and presenting himself. His slick glistens between his thighs, the swollen, needy entrance twitching as if begging for Taehyung.

Taehyung lets out a low growl at the sight. His alpha instincts claw at him to claim, to mark Jeongguk as his, but he reins himself in —for now. He leans down, spreading Jeongguk open with his hands, his tongue darting out to taste him.

“Ah!” Jeongguk cries out, pushing back against Taehyung’s mouth. The sensation of the alpha’s hot tongue teasing and licking him drives him wild. “More—don’t stop.”

Taehyung hums against Jeongguk’s sensitive skin, his tongue delving deeper. The room fills with the lewd sound of his tongue and Jeongguk’s soft whimpers. The omega’s scent grows stronger, heady and sweet as his arousal peaks.

When Jeongguk finally gasps, “I can’t take it anymore,” Taehyung pulls back, licking his lips with a satisfied grin.

“You’re so beautiful like this,” Taehyung murmurs, running his hands over Jeongguk’s trembling thighs. He positions himself behind the omega, stroking his length to ensure it is coated and ready. His knot aches with the need to lock them together, but he knows Jeongguk needs to adjust first.

“Take a deep breath,” Taehyung says softly, the edge of dominance still lacing his tone.

Jeongguk obeys, his body trembling as Taehyung slowly begins to push in. The stretch is intense, a delicious burn that has Jeongguk gasping for air. Taehyung moves carefully, inch by inch until he’s fully seated inside.

“Is it too much?” Taehyung asks, his voice tinged with concern despite his alpha instincts roaring with satisfaction.

Jeongguk shakes his head, his voice breathless. “It’s perfect. Don’t stop.”

Taehyung growls low in his chest, gripping Jeongguk’s hips tightly as he begins to move. The pace is slow at first, every thrust deep and deliberate, drawing broken moans from Jeongguk’s lips.

“Faster,” Jeongguk begs, his voice cracking with need.

Taehyung obliges, his thrusts growing quicker and more forceful, the sound of their bodies meeting echoing through the room. Jeongguk’s cries grow louder, his omega instincts fully taking over as he submits to the alpha above him.

When Jeongguk finally gasps, “Taehyung, I’m close,” the alpha shifts, angling his hips to hit Jeongguk’s prostate with precision. The omega screams out; his release hits him hard, his body trembling violently.

The scent of Jeongguk’s climax fills the air, intoxicating and sweet, as Taehyung follows soon after. His knot swells, locking them together as he spills deep inside Jeongguk.

But just as Taehyung leans down to press a gentle kiss to Jeongguk’s shoulder, everything starts to fade. The warmth, the scent, the weight of Jeongguk’s body—all of it dissolves into nothing.

“Taehyung!”

The sharp sound of Yoongi’s voice jolts Taehyung out of his dream, and he blinks in confusion. For a moment, he’s still caught in the haze of the fantasy—Jeongguk’s warmth, his scent, the desperate way he’d moaned for him.

Then reality slams into him.

A dream.

He glances down at himself. His boxers are tight, his knot still swollen, and his chest is bare, a light sheen of sweat clinging to his skin.

“Taehyung!” Yoongi’s voice grows louder, punctuated by a loud knock on the door.

Taehyung groans, throwing an arm over his face. “What, hyung?!” he shouts, his voice muffled by the pillow.

“It’s almost noon, you lazy idiot!” Yoongi yells back. “Get your ass out of bed!”

Taehyung sits up, wincing as his movement reminds him of his current… predicament. He grabs the nearest pillow, pressing it against his lap as he glares at the door. “Go away! I’m busy!”

“Busy doing what?!” Yoongi snaps.

Taehyung rolls his eyes, his irritation mounting. “Busy minding my own damn business, unlike you!” he shoots back.

“Don’t make me come in there!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake—fine!” Taehyung growls, stomping to the door while still holding the pillow against himself. He yanks it open, ready to unleash a stream of curses at his nosy older brother. “What the hell do you wa—”

The words die in his throat.

Standing next to Yoongi, looking infuriatingly amused, is Jeongguk.

Taehyung freezes. For a split second, he wonders if he’s somehow still dreaming, but the grin on Jeongguk’s face and the soft, sweet scent of his omega pheromones tell him otherwise.

“Uh…” Taehyung’s brain goes blank.

Jeongguk tilts his head, his beautiful brown eyes glinting with mischief. “Good morning, Taehyung,” he says smoothly, his tone far too casual for the situation.

Taehyung’s face turns a deep shade of red as he realizes what he must look like—dishevelled, shirtless, clutching a pillow in front of him like a lifeline. “Morning, Jeongguk hyung,” he stammers, his voice cracking embarrassingly on the honorific.

Yoongi, oblivious to Taehyung’s internal meltdown, snorts. “See? This is why I yell at you. You look like you just rolled out of a dumpster.”

“Hyung!” Taehyung hisses, mortified.

Jeongguk chuckles, his gaze flickering over Taehyung’s flustered expression and the pillow he’s clutching so desperately. “What were you doing?” he teases, one eyebrow quirking.

“Nothing!” Taehyung squeaks, stepping back and trying to slam the door shut.

Yoongi wedges his foot in the door before it can close, glaring at his younger brother. “Oh, no, you don’t. Jeongguk brought snacks. The least you can do is say thank you instead of hiding like a weirdo.”

Taehyung reluctantly lets go of the door, avoiding Jeongguk’s gaze as he mutters, “Thanks.”

Jeongguk smiles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re welcome, Tae. I’m glad I could drag you out of bed.”

Taehyung scowls, trying not to think about how fetching Jeongguk’s smile is—or how the omega smells so much better up close. “Yeah,” he mumbles, clutching the pillow tighter.

Yoongi rolls his eyes and mutters something about "useless alphas" under his breath as he walks away, leaving Taehyung alone with Jeongguk.

Taehyung stands frozen, gripping the pillow like a lifeline. He dares a glance at Jeongguk, who’s still leaning casually against the doorframe, one brow slightly raised.

“Hi,” Jeongguk says simply, his tone neutral but laced with a hint of amusement.

“Hi, hyung,” Taehyung stammers, the honorific slipping out awkwardly.

Jeongguk nods slightly and stands up straight, letting his arms drop to his sides. "I didn’t expect to see you like this today,” he remarks, subtly indicating Taehyung’s messy appearance, though his tone remains non-judgemental.

Taehyung clears his throat, trying to muster some shred of dignity. “Uh, yeah. I—I was just… getting up,” he mumbles, shifting the pillow slightly to make what he’s hiding less obvious.

Jeongguk’s lips twitch, but he doesn’t comment further. “Yoongi’s been complaining about you all morning. Said you’d sleep through an earthquake if he let you.”

Taehyung scowls, his irritation briefly overshadowing his embarrassment. “Well, maybe I would if he didn’t bang on my door like a lunatic,” he mutters, shooting a glare in the direction Yoongi had gone.

Jeongguk chuckles softly, sending an unwelcome flutter through Taehyung’s chest. “He’s been like that since, like, —forever. You know that."

Taehyung lets out a small huff, feeling a bit unsure of how to reply. He shuffles a little, suddenly aware of how exposed he feels. With his chest bare and his hair all messy, he can't help but notice how perfect Jeongguk looks, standing there so effortlessly gorgeous, just like always.

Jeongguk pushes off the wall and gestures toward the kitchen. “Yoongi’s already nagging at me about lunch. You should probably join us to eat before he storms back up here.”

“Right. Okay.” Taehyung nods, his voice tight and strained as he watches Jeongguk turn and walk away, his broad shoulders disappearing down the hallway.

As soon as Jeongguk is out of sight, Taehyung groans softly, letting his forehead fall against the edge of the door. He clutches the pillow tighter, his face burning with embarrassment—and something else he refuses to name.

Why him? Taehyung thinks, his mind racing. Of all people, why did his stupid, traitorous heart have to latch onto Jeongguk?

It’s not like Jeongguk is just some random omega. No, he’s Jeongguk, his hyung's best friend, the one who’s been around their house more times than Taehyung can count. Jeongguk, who always looks so annoyingly pretty, like he just stepped out of a magazine. Jeongguk somehow manages to smell amazing even after hours of playing basketball with Yoongi.

And then there’s him—Taehyung. Messy-haired, barely functioning, perpetually awkward Taehyung. The thought makes him cringe internally.

He drags himself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face in a futile attempt to cool down. As he stares at his reflection in the mirror, he tries to steady his racing thoughts.

“Get it together,” he mutters to himself. “It’s not like he knows.”

But deep down, Taehyung isn’t so sure. Jeongguk’s eyes—they’re too sharp, too perceptive. And how he looked at Taehyung earlier, with that faint smirk tugging at his lips... Taehyung shivers, gripping the edge of the sink.

He doesn’t know, Taehyung tells himself firmly. He can’t know.

Because if Jeongguk did know—if he realized how much Taehyung’s chest tightened whenever he smiled, or how Taehyung’s mind wandered to places it shouldn’t during sleepless nights—then it would ruin everything.

Taehyung can handle many things, but the thought of Jeongguk looking at him with pity? That’s unbearable.

Taehyung shuts the bathroom door behind him, twisting the lock with a shaky hand. His heart pounds relentlessly in his chest. The lingering scent of Jeongguk is still vivid in his mind, mingling with the memory of the dream that had woken him in a haze of heat and want.

He lets out a shaky breath, his gaze flickering to his reflection in the mirror. His cheeks are flushed, his lips slightly parted as he struggles to calm himself, but it’s no use. The image of Jeongguk’s smirk —those plush lips curved just enough to be teasing—burns behind his eyelids every time he blinks.

“Fuck,” Taehyung mutters, dragging a hand through his messy hair. His skin feels hot, his body tight with unresolved tension. He tries to shake the thoughts away, but they cling to him, wrapping around his senses like a vice.

His back hits the wall, and he slides down, sitting on the cool tiles. The pillow he’d been clutching earlier lies abandoned on the floor, exposing him to the mounting ache in his core. His hand trembles as it hovers over his lap, hesitating.

He shouldn’t. It’s wrong, isn’t it? But the need twisting inside him, the memory of Jeongguk’s voice, the dream—it’s all too much. It’s suffocating.

Slowly, he lets his hand dip beneath the waistband of his sweatshirt, his breath catching as his fingers wrap around himself. His mind conjures the image of Jeongguk without hesitation as if it’s been waiting for this moment.

He thinks of Jeongguk’s body first—broad shoulders and lean muscles that flex effortlessly whenever he moves. Taehyung remembers how Jeongguk’s shirt clung to his chest one afternoon after basketball practice, damp with sweat, revealing the sculpted planes of his torso. He remembers how Jeongguk’s veins stood out along his arms and how his strong hands gripped the ball easily.

His thumb swipes over the sensitive tip, and Taehyung moans softly, his head falling back against the wall. His free hand clenches at the fabric of his shirt, his body trembling with every shallow breath.

Then there are Jeongguk’s lips—pink, soft, so ridiculously full that they almost don’t seem real. Taehyung imagines them parting slightly, glistening as Jeongguk runs his tongue over them. He imagines what they’d feel like, pressed to his own, how they’d taste. Sweet, probably, like the honey-flavoured candies Jeongguk always carried in his pocket.

“Jeongguk,” Taehyung whispers, the name slipping out before he can stop it. His strokes grow faster, his hips lifting off the floor as he chases the heat coiling in his stomach.

He pictures Jeongguk leaning over him, those brown eyes boring into his own. Jeongguk’s voice echoes in his mind, low and commanding, laced with the same teasing tone he’d used earlier. “What were you doing?”

“Thinking of you, hyung”, Taehyung mutters in response to the phantom voice, his breath hitching. He bites down on his lip to stifle the sounds from his mouth, but it’s useless. The fantasy wraps around him like a shroud, pulling him deeper.

He imagines Jeongguk’s hands on him, tracing every inch of his skin, firm yet careful. He imagines the weight of Jeongguk’s body pressing him down, the heat of their skin together, the way Jeongguk’s name would fall from his lips over and over until his voice was hoarse.

The pressure builds quickly, the tension in his core winding tighter and tighter until it finally snaps. Taehyung shudders as his release spills over his hand, his body sagging against the wall as waves of pleasure crash over him.

For a moment, he sits there, his chest rising and falling as he catches his breath. The room is quiet, save for the faint hum of the bathroom fan, but Taehyung feels anything but calm.

Shame washes over him in an instant, cold and unforgiving. He wipes his hand on a tissue, his movements mechanical and stiff. His head falls back against the wall with a dull thud, and he closes his eyes, letting out a soft, bitter laugh.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” he whispers, his voice barely audible. But no answer comes, only the deafening silence of the empty bathroom.

Taehyung forces himself to his feet, splashing water on his face once more before avoiding his own reflection entirely. He knows he’ll have to face Jeongguk again soon, and the thought makes his stomach twist.

But for now, he pushes it all down—the guilt, the longing, the ache that never really goes away. Because as much as he tries to ignore it, one thing remains painfully clear: Jeongguk has a hold on him that Taehyung can’t seem to break. He is irrevocably attracted to him —he has a crush on him.

When he finally steps into the kitchen, Yoongi barely spares him a glance, too busy scrolling on his phone. Jeongguk, on the other hand, looks up immediately, his gaze sweeping over Taehyung in a way that feels far too intentional.

Taehyung fidgets under the scrutiny, his hand tightening around the chair as he sits down. He doesn’t trust himself to look at Jeongguk; instead, he focuses on the plate Yoongi pushes toward him.

“You’re lucky Jeongguk brought food,” Yoongi says flatly. “If it were up to me, you’d be starving.”

“Thanks, Jeongguk hyung,” Taehyung mumbles, keeping his eyes fixed on the table.

Jeongguk hums in acknowledgement, his tone light. “No problem.”

For the rest of the meal, Taehyung stays quiet, speaking only when directly addressed. But every now and then, he feels Jeongguk’s gaze flicker towards him, and his stomach twists uncomfortably.

When Jeongguk finally leaves, Taehyung slumps back in his chair with a groan, burying his face in his hands.

“Ugh, why me?” he mutters under his breath.

From across the room, Yoongi snorts. “What’s your problem?”

“Nothing,” Taehyung snaps, glaring at his brother.

But the truth is, it’s not nothing.

It’s Jeongguk. It’s always Jeongguk.

lovesick.

When Taehyung sees Jeongguk for the first time, Jeongguk is ten, and Taehyung is six.

When his brother Yoongi tells their mother that he is bringing a friend home again, Taehyung initially doesn't care because he thinks it will be one of his usual friends coming over. Seokjin, Hoseok, or Jimin.

But that day, someone else comes home —an Omega named Jeongguk.

Taehyung smells him before he sees him. The first thing he perceives is a sweet but not overwhelming aroma: a mixture of honey and soft white flowers. However, beneath the scent, a more profound note hints at his Omega nature: fresh peach and pine resin. This scent feels both warm and comforting while leaving a sharp freshness at the tip of the nose.

When Taehyung turns around in his kitchen chair to see who this beautiful scent belongs to, he sees the brightest person he has ever seen.

Yoongi notices his brother's stunned gaze and smiles. "This is Jeongguk," he says. "My new friend."

Taehyung can't respond. He can't take his eyes off Jeongguk. There is a strange feeling inside him - an urge to protect, to be close. Despite being only six years old, his Alpha instincts have already begun to awaken, and he feels a strong attraction to the young Omega before him.

Jeongguk approaches Taehyung with confident steps. There is a bright smile on his face. "Hello!" he says cheerfully. "I'm Jeongguk. You must be Yoongi hyung's little brother."

Taehyung still stares in fascination. Jeongguk's beauty has left him speechless. The young Omega has a round face, full cheeks, and huge brown eyes. His black hair falls over his forehead. Every movement is graceful, and his smile lights up the entire room.

Yoongi laughs at his brother's unresponsiveness. "Yes, this is my little brother Taehyung. He's usually not this quiet, but I think he's a bit surprised to see you."

Jeongguk curiously moves a bit closer to Taehyung. "How old are you?" he asks, with a playful sparkle in his eyes.

Taehyung swallows hard. "S-six," he finally manages.

"I'm ten," says Jeongguk proudly. "So I'm your hyung!" Then he takes Taehyung's hand. "Come on, let's play. Yoongi said you have really nice toys."

Taehyung nods, still unable to speak. When Jeongguk starts pulling him by the hand towards his room, the little Alpha's heart beats wildly. Jeongguk's hand is small and soft, and his scent is even more beautiful up close.

That day, they play together for hours. Jeongguk talks constantly, laughs, asks Taehyung questions, and keeps the conversation going despite his silence. Taehyung gradually begins to relax, but he remains mesmerized by Jeongguk's presence.

When Jeongguk leaves, he hugs Taehyung tightly. "I'll come again tomorrow!" he says cheerfully. "You're really a sweet kid, Taehyungie."

This is how Taehyung and Jeongguk meet — an Alpha enchanted at first sight and a bright, beautiful Omega coming together by fate's whim.

"The problem is..." Taehyung sighs and puts his head down on the cafeteria table, pushing aside his half-drunk americano. "Jeongguk hyung still sees me as that six-year-old kid."

Namjoon takes a sip of his own coffee and nods. They have both just come out of morning class and met during break. "What do you mean?"

"Jeongguk hyung still sees me as Yoongi hyung's cute little brother. Sometimes he even ruffles my hair and calls me 'baby Alpha.'" Taehyung wrinkles his face, still not lifting his head from the table. "Fourteen years have passed, but in his eyes, I'm still that little kid."

Namjoon slowly stirs his coffee and says, "Maybe that's how you present yourself?"

"What? What do you mean?" Taehyung lifts his head to look at his friend.

"How do you act around him? Natural, or still enchanted and shy like the first day you saw him? I saw you two in the library yesterday. You could barely speak."

Taehyung falls silent, starting to fidget with his coffee cup. Namjoon is right. Despite fourteen years passing, he still feels like that six-year-old kid around Jeongguk. The Omega's presence still affects him the same way.

"It's so hard," Taehyung mutters, glancing at the students passing by. "When he's near me, it's like the world stops. His scent, his smile, even his posture still affects me just like the first day."

"Hmm," Namjoon adjusts his glasses, a group of passing female students' conversation drops. "Well, have you tried talking to him normally? I mean, as an Alpha? Potential mate?"

"I tried but..." Taehyung groans, covering his face with his hands. "Every time I either say something stupid or my tongue gets tied. This morning when he saw me on campus, for example... I literally just froze."

"Maybe it's time to talk about your feelings," Namjoon says as he finishes his coffee.

"What am I supposed to say? 'Hyung, when I first saw you at six years old, you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and after fourteen years, you're still the most beautiful thing I see'?" Taehyung laughs joylessly. "I don't want to lose him. Even our current relationship is precious to me. At least he's around, he talks to me... Sometimes he comes to the faculty to see me, invites me for coffee..."

"But if you continue like this, you'll forever remain the 'baby Alpha' in his eyes," Namjoon, says pointing to the campus lawn. "Look, even now, the way you look at him is like a six-year-old child's gaze."

Taehyung quickly turns his head. Indeed, Jeongguk sits on the lawn with some friends, laughing. The sunlight hits his face, and as always, he is breathtaking.

"I know..." Taehyung whispers. "But what if he rejects me? What if our friendship gets ruined?"

Namjoon thinks for a moment. "Why don't you court him?" he asks.

Taehyung can't help but roll his eyes. "We're in 2025. Is courting still a thing?"

"Why not?" Namjoon says, finishing his coffee. "I mean, even in this modern age, those basic dynamics between Alphas and Omegas haven't changed. At least you can really impress him."

"How?" Taehyung furrows his brows, taking a last sip of his coffee.

"Now..." Namjoon leans forward. "Right now, in his eyes, you're Yoongi's little brother, right? That's why he treats you like a 'baby Alpha.' But what if you show him what a mature and responsible Alpha you are?"

Taehyung purses his lips. "How am I going to do that?"

"For example... spend more time with him. But this time not as Yoongi's little brother, but as your own person. Show him your interests, share your thoughts. Let him get to know you better."

"What if I mess up? What if my tongue gets tied like always?"

"Then that's an honest reaction," Namjoon says smiling. "Maybe your nervousness might actually impress him."

Taehyung looks back at the lawn. Jeongguk is still there, laughing with his friends. His hair shines in the sunlight, and with that familiar smile, he captivates everyone around him.

"Show him special attention, spend time with him, you can buy small gifts, take interest in his interests, I wouldn't recommend scent marking. I think it's too early for that, —what are you doing?" Namjoon's sentence is cut short when he sees Taehyung rapidly taking notes in his small notebook.

Taehyung, with his tongue slightly out, concentrated, looks up at Namjoon. "Taking notes..?" he mutters quietly.

Namjoon chuckles slightly. "Are you really taking notes?"

"What?" Taehyung clutches the notebook to his chest. "I want to do everything right. Besides, this counts as an academic approach, doesn't it?"

"Academic approach?" Namjoon laughs. "Jeongguk hyung isn't a course subject, Tae."

Taehyung feels his cheeks redden. "I know... but..." His eyes drift back to the lawn. "I don't want to mess everything up."

"Look," Namjoon says, lowering his voice. "It's good that you're making plans but don't overthink it. Just be yourself. Show him who you are."

Taehyung scribbles something else in his notebook, then hesitates. "But what if—"

"No," Namjoon interrupts. "No more 'what ifs.' Come on, get up, we'll be late for class. And please, stop taking notes about this."

Taehyung smiles as he puts the notebook in his bag. Maybe Namjoon is right. Maybe just being himself and showing Jeongguk the real Taehyung is enough.

For the past few days, Taehyung's Google history consists only of different versions of this phrase: "Ways to court Omegas," "Alpha-Omega flirting in the modern age," "How do I attract an Omega's attention," "How do I make an Omega feel special?"

He looks at the last tab open on his phone:

"TIP #1: Value the Omega's interests and initiate conversations about them."

Taehyung sighs. Jeongguk plays basketball and is incredibly good at it. The stands echo with his name at every game. But Taehyung's only interest in sports is the games Yoongi forces him to watch, and that's only because Jeongguk plays.

"TIP #2: Give small, meaningful gifts. Pay attention to what the Omega likes."

He has some luck in this area. Having known Jeongguk for years, he knows what he likes and doesn't like. For example, he loves banana milk and lollipops. He always carries strawberry lollipops with him. And after games, he never skips his protein shake.

"TIP #3: Control your Alpha pheromones. Avoid being aggressive or dominant."

Taehyung groans, covering his face with his phone. This part is difficult. His scent gets completely out of control around Jeongguk. The other day, when passing by the basketball court, Namjoon even teased him, saying, "You smell like you're lost in a pine forest."

"Why is this so hard?" he mutters to himself while continuing to read the articles on his phone. Jeongguk has a game tomorrow, and Taehyung will be in the stands again —watching him beside his brother as always.

Maybe all this Google research could be useful. Or maybe he'd just make more of a fool of himself.

"Maybe..." he mutters to himself. "Maybe I should learn basketball?"

With this thought, he quickly picks up his phone again and makes a new search: "How to play basketball basic rules"

A few minutes later, when Yoongi barges into his room, Taehyung is watching basketball tutorial videos on YouTube.

"What are you doing?" Yoongi asks, seeing his brother making strange hand movements.

"Well..." Taehyung blushes. "Learning how to dribble?"

Yoongi stays silent for a moment, then laughs. "Don't tell me this is about Jeongguk."

"Hyung!"

"God knows, you've probably researched 'Ways to impress handsome Omegas' too."

Taehyung throws a pillow at his brother, but Yoongi has already left the room, though his laughter can still be heard from the corridor.

He falls back on his bed with a deep breath.

Maybe tomorrow would be different.

The next day, excitement peaks in the gym. The stands are packed, and there's only one name on everyone's lips: Jeon Jeongguk.

Taehyung sits next to Yoongi as usual, but this time there's a different feeling inside him. Maybe thanks to the basketball videos he watched for hours last night, he could at least understand the game better.

When the teams come out onto the court, his eyes immediately find Jeongguk. He looks confident as always, and when he wears the jersey, Taehyung swallows. This game would be long.

Taehyung can't take his eyes off Jeongguk. The Omega moves almost like he's dancing on the court, easily passing his opponents. The stands rise with each of his points, but Taehyung is already standing.

"Sit down," Yoongi says, pulling his brother's arm. "The people behind can't see."

Taehyung blushes as he sits down.

As they approach halftime, Yoongi looks at a message on his phone. "The team's run out of water," he says. "Jeongguk asked me to bring extra water but—"

Taehyung's heart tightens. "I'll take it!"

Yoongi looks at his brother with a knowing smile. "There are extra  bottles of water in the locker near the deposit. You can take them." Then he touches his brother's arm. "Let our strong Alpha be useful."

Taehyung rolls his eyes at his hyung before quickly getting up, almost falling down the stairs. Finding the water, going to the locker room... Everything feels like a blurry dream.

When he reaches the door, he takes a deep breath. Jeongguk is inside, talking with his teammates. He's covered in sweat, his hair is sticking to his forehead, and he still looks amazing. It becomes immediately apparent that an Alpha has entered a locker room full of Omegas as all eyes turn to him, —despite how much Taehyung tries to control his pheromones.

"Tae!" Jeongguk smiles when he sees him. "Did Yoongi send you?"

"Yes." Taehyung puts the water bottle son the nearby bench and starts handing them out to the other players and Jeongguk. His hands aren't shaking - at least he tries not to make it too obvious. "You're playing really well."

"Were you watching?" When Jeongguk takes the water, their fingers touch and Taehyung feels his breath catch.

"I always watch." he whispers, then quickly adds, "—I mean, your games. I come with Yoongi hyung."

Jeongguk smiles while wiping his face with a towel. "Right. I always see you in the stands."

Taehyung's heart stops. Does Jeongguk notice him? In every game?

"The second half will be tougher," Jeongguk says, throwing the towel around his neck. "But..." He pauses, there's a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe a lucky Alpha will give me strength?"

Taehyung blushes. Is this flirting? Or is he just teasing him as usual?

"Well..." Taehyung stutters, trying to understand that look in Jeongguk's eyes. "I—"

"Jeon!" The Coach's voice echoes in the room. "Second half's starting, come on!"

Jeongguk gives Taehyung one last smile. "Thanks Tae." Then he turns to his teammates and gets them all moving to leave.

Taehyung stands frozen in place. As Jeongguk passes by him, his scent fills his nose - a mixture of honey and white flowers, slightly sweet but also sharp. As enchanting as always.

When Taehyung returns to the stands, Yoongi gives him a suspicious look. "What happened? Your face is bright red."

"Nothing," Taehyung says as his eyes turn to the court. The second half is about to start and for some reason, there's a strange feeling inside him.

The second half starts very differently. The opposing team comes with aggressive defense and begins to constantly mark Jeongguk. Taehyung can see the tension on the Omega's face - he has never seen him like this before.

"This is not good," Yoongi mutters. "They are playing very tight defense."

With each passing minute, the gap between scores widens. Jeongguk does his best but two tall players from the opposing team have practically trapped him. The situation worsens in the last quarter and the game ends with a 78-65 victory for the opposing team.

Taehyung sees Jeongguk's shoulders drop. This is an important game for him, they need to win to get to the season finals.

"Go," Yoongi suddenly says.

"What?"

"Go, talk to him. He needs a good friend right now."

Taehyung hesitates. "But—"

"I said go," Yoongi pushes his brother's back. "I'll wait in the car."

Taehyung slowly walks towards the locker rooms. He finds Jeongguk outside, in the back corridor. He is alone, leaning against the wall with his eyes on the ground.

Taehyung doesn't know what to do for a moment. He has never seen Jeongguk like this. The Omega who always smiles and shines now looks so fragile that he doesn't know what to do.

"Hyung?" he says softly.

Jeongguk raises his head, his eyes slightly red. "Ah, Taehyung-ah..."

Taehyung approaches him. "Are you okay?"

Jeongguk laughs bitterly. "I'm terrible. I let the team down."

"No," Taehyung says, his voice far from its usual timidity. "All your three-point shots went in during the first quarter. They started double-teaming you in the second half because they realized they couldn't stop you with one person. Especially that tall forward who would come to your side during every penetration and block your shots. It wasn't fair."

Jeongguk raises his eyebrows, looking at Taehyung in surprise. "How do you know all this? I thought you didn't play basketball."

Taehyung blushes. He probably couldn't explain the videos he watched for hours last night. "I learned while watching you. I mean... while watching your games. I even start to understand pick and roll defense now."

"Do you really watch my games that carefully?" There is another tone mixed with surprise in Jeongguk's voice.

"Of course," Taehyung says, then hurriedly adds. "I mean... you're very good. Especially your shooting technique... The angle of your wrist is perfect, that's why the ball's rotation..."

He stops. Had he gone into too much detail?

A small smile appears on Jeongguk's lips, this time it's real. "Wow... even I haven't analyzed my own shooting technique this much."

Taehyung swallows. "I just observe."

"You're an observant observer," Jeongguk says, his voice soft.

At that moment, voices come from the other end of the corridor. His teammates are approaching.

"Thank you, Tae,"  Jeongguk says slowly. This time there is a different expression in his eyes. "Really... thank you."

Before Taehyung can say anything else, Jeongguk goes to his teammates. But when left alone in the corridor, he thinks about the Omega's last look. Maybe watching basketball videos for hours last night wasn't in vain.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

———-

After that day, Taehyung often finds himself on the way to the gym. At first, he just hides in the back of the bleachers and watches the practices. Every day at the same time, with Jeongguk's favorite protein shake and banana milk in hand. It's incredible to watch the Omega from afar, to think about how beautiful he looks even while training covered in sweat, to feel how his heart fills with pride with every successful shot.

Sometimes he goes to the locker room and leaves the drinks in his locker before Jeongguk notices him. His hands shake every time - what if Jeongguk suddenly comes, what if he catches him? Then he quickly runs away with his heart pounding as if he has committed a serious crime. But deep down, he feels happy about this little ritual. At least he can make Jeongguk's day a little better.

This continues for about two weeks. Each time he quietly leaves something in Jeongguk's locker and leaves. Sometimes he gets the chance to see the smile that appears on the Omega's face when he finds the drinks after practice - and in those moments, his heart feels like it's going to stop.

"So you're my mysterious fan?"

Taehyung freezes with the protein shake still in his hand, not yet placed in the locker. When he turns around, he meets Jeongguk's eyes. The Omega is covered in sweat, practice has just finished. His hair is stuck to his forehead and his scent... that sweet-sharp scent has now mixed with the antiseptic smell of the gym, becoming even more dizzying. And he is smiling - with that dimpled smile that Taehyung loves most.

"I... well..." Taehyung stutters. Jeongguk's scent is much more intense up close. Despite the sweat, he can smell that sweet-sharp aroma underneath: fresh peach, white flowers, pine, and honey... The same scent of fourteen years, still making his head spin like the first day.

"I've been wondering for two weeks," Jeongguk says, approaching his locker. His voice is soft, slightly amused. "Every day after practice, I would find my favorite drinks. At first, I thought it was one of my teammates but..."

"I'm sorry," Taehyung says hastily. His scent is about to get out of control, the pine scent becoming sharper with excitement. "I didn't want to seem creepy, I just—"

"Creepy?" Jeongguk laughs. His laughter echoes in the gym, squeezing Taehyung's heart. "I thought it was sweet."

Taehyung's face burns. "What?"

"And you watch the practices too, right?" Jeongguk takes another step closer. "I see you sometimes, in the back."

"I..." Taehyung swallows. He can't think straight with Jeongguk this close. The soft expression in the Omega's eyes, the way sweat drops trickle down his neck... "I wanted to understand basketball better."

Jeongguk stays silent for a moment, tilting his head slightly. This movement makes him look even cuter. "I can teach you if you want?"

"What?"

"Basketball. I can show you the basics if you want. Since you're so interested..." Jeongguk smiles. "That way you won't have to hide in the back of the bleachers."

Taehyung looks at him as if he can't believe it. "Really?"

"Why not?" Jeongguk reaches out and takes the protein shake from Taehyung's hand. When their fingers touch, Taehyung shivers as if shocked by electricity. "Plus, you won't have to sneak in to leave drinks anymore. We can drink them together."

And so it begins. Every Tuesday and Thursday, after team practice, Jeongguk shows Taehyung basic basketball moves. When the gym empties, only they remain - Jeongguk's scent fills the entire gym, making Taehyung's head spin.

The first lesson is a complete disaster. Every time Taehyung dribbles the ball, he either drops it or loses control. He wasn't even this clumsy when he was little. But how could he not be? Every time Jeongguk comes near him, his heart feels like it's going to jump out of his chest, and when his scent fills his nose, his brain stops working.

"Keep your wrist a little more flexible," says Jeongguk, moving behind Taehyung and placing his hands over his. "Like this..."

Taehyung holds his breath. Jeongguk is so close, his back almost touching his chest. Their scents mix together - pine and peach, sharp and sweet. His Alpha instincts are screaming, the scent glands at his neck are throbbing, but he tries to stay calm.

"Now try," Jeongguk says, stepping back. Taehyung notices him slightly wrinkle his nose. Had he caught his scent too?

This time the ball at least touches the hoop. That counts as progress.

"See?" Jeongguk smiles, with a bright sparkle in his eyes. "You can do it."

After each lesson, they drink banana milk together and chat. When they sit under the bleachers and Jeongguk tells him about matches and practices, Taehyung just watches him. The Omega moves his hands while talking, his voice rises when he gets excited, his eyes disappear when he laughs. These moments are special to Taehyung - moments that no one else sees, moments that belong only to him.

Sometimes when Jeongguk talks, Taehyung feels like he's back to that day when he was six years old. Wasn't it like this back then too? Jeongguk talking, laughing, while he just watched in fascination. Nothing had changed in fourteen years - or everything had changed.

Now he can talk more comfortably around Jeongguk. Yes, his heart still races, his scent still makes him dizzy, he still stumbles over his words sometimes but... At least he can talk. Basketball has given them a common language somehow.

One evening after practice, while Jeongguk is telling him about legendary players in NBA history, Taehyung watches his profile. The sun is setting and its last rays filter through the gym windows, illuminating Jeongguk's face. His hair is still damp, his cheeks slightly flushed from exercise.

At that moment, Taehyung understands - this feeling will never pass. This enchantment that began at first sight, this love that has lasted for fourteen years is only growing stronger.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Let's do something different today," Jeongguk says after practice. "We need to improve your conditioning. Should we go to the weight room? We can lift weights."

Taehyung's heart tightens. Weight room? He knows that's where Jeongguk works out - he lifts weights every day before practice.

"I don't really lift weights," he says hesitantly.

"That's okay, we'll start light." Jeongguk smiles. "It'll be good for basketball too."

When they enter the weight room, Taehyung feels tiny. Jeongguk naturally walks towards the weights, as if it's his second home.

"Let's warm up first," Jeongguk says. "Then we'll start with bench press."

Taehyung swallows. Bench press... Despite being an Omega, he knows Jeongguk lifts at least 70 kilos every day - yes, he knows him that well.

"Actually..." Taehyung suddenly gathers courage. Maybe it's time to show Jeongguk what a strong Alpha he is. "I can lift some weights."

Jeongguk's eyebrows raise. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Taehyung quickly moves to the bench press. He sees the weights Jeongguk uses every day. "I can lift this much."

"Tae, wait." He ignores the concern in Jeongguk's voice.

The moment he tries to lift the bar, he realizes his mistake. The weight pulls him down and—

"Be careful!" Jeongguk quickly jumps forward and grabs the bar, preventing it from falling on Taehyung. Their faces are very close, and Taehyung can see the worried look in his eyes.

Taehyung feels his face burning. He didn't think he could embarrass himself this much.

But Jeongguk smiles softly, with a gentle expression in his eyes. "Come on," he says gently. "Let's learn the proper technique first, okay?"

Taehyung nods, feeling like he could die from embarrassment. But at least Jeongguk's hand is still on his shoulder, his scent closer than ever.

"Let's start with the correct posture," Jeongguk says, moving beside Taehyung. "Your back should be straight. Position your feet... yes, like that."

Jeongguk is professional as always, but Taehyung can see the small smile in his eyes. He seems to be trying hard not to laugh at the failed attempt.

"And we'll start with much lighter weights," Jeongguk says while changing the weights. "There's no point in showing off, proper technique is what matters."

Taehyung can still feel his cheeks burning. As an Alpha, he had tried to appear strong to the Omega, but the opposite happened. Jeongguk had to save him.

"Hey," Jeongguk says suddenly, as if reading Taehyung's thoughts. He lightly touches Taehyung's chin to make him look up, and the Alpha feels his breath catch. "Everyone starts somewhere. When I first came here, I could barely lift the bar."

Taehyung looks at him in disbelief.

"I had to work hard too. And in case you forgot, I'm an Omega. My body adapts and changes much more slowly compared to Alphas and Betas."

Jeongguk moves behind him and starts correcting his position. As his hands move over Taehyung's arms, the Alpha's breath catches. He's so close that their scents mix.

"Now," Jeongguk says, his voice lower. "Lift slowly."

This time Taehyung succeeds. The weight is very light, but at least he doesn't drop it.

"See?" Jeongguk's eyes sparkle. "You can do it."

That smile... At that moment Taehyung realizes he would embarrass himself a thousand times just to see Jeongguk smile like that once.

"Good," Jeongguk says. "Now we'll do ten repetitions."

Half an hour later, Taehyung starts feeling his arms burn. Jeongguk corrects every movement like a trainer, constantly giving warnings like "Keep your back straight," "Don't forget to breathe."

"I think..." Taehyung is out of breath after finishing the last set. "I think I'm going to faint."

Jeongguk giggles. "We're just getting started. Your muscles will hurt tomorrow but..."

"Tomorrow?" Taehyung groans. "So it's going to get worse?"

"Don't worry," Jeongguk hands him one of the protein shakes. "The first days are always hard. But you'll get used to it."

When Taehyung takes the drink, he accidentally touches Jeongguk's fingers. As always, even that small contact makes his heart race.

"Actually..." Jeongguk takes a sip from his own shake. "You did well. With a bit more practice..."

"Could I be as good as you?" Taehyung blurts out.

Jeongguk looks at him, with both surprise and something else in his eyes - something Taehyung can't quite understand.

"Of course," says the Omega, and then asks softly, "Are you taking me as an example?"

Taehyung panics. What could he say? 'You're perfect, I've admired you for fourteen years, I watch your every move'?

Just then, the gym door opens and several students enter. Taehyung feels both relieved and disappointed - he doesn't know what to say, but maybe... maybe this was a chance to say something.

"Come on," says Jeongguk, handing him a towel. "You should shower, or your muscles will hurt more tomorrow."

As Taehyung takes the towel, he catches the expression in Jeongguk's eyes - as if he too is waiting for something. But what?

On his way to the shower, Taehyung looks at himself in the mirror. His hair is messy, his face is sweaty and bright red. But Jeongguk looks perfect as always. How is it possible to look so beautiful even while working out?

"Same time tomorrow?" Jeongguk calls after him.

Taehyung turns. "If my arms can still move..."

Jeongguk laughs. "Don't worry, tomorrow is leg day."

"Oh great," says Taehyung, but he's smiling inside. He gets to spend more time with Jeongguk. Maybe he's embarrassing himself, maybe everything will hurt, but it's worth it.

"Are you home?"

"Yes, what's up?" Yoongi has the phone on speaker. Taehyung listens intently while stirring something in the kitchen.

"I'm coming over, do you have food?"

Taehyung almost drops the pan. "Yes!" he shouts excitedly, then blushes when he realizes how loud his voice is.

After a brief silence on the phone, Jeongguk's laughter is heard. "Was that Taehyung?"

"Yes," Yoongi says, rolling his eyes. "For some reason he wanted to cook today. First time he's ever entered the kitchen."

"Really?" There's a curious tone in Jeongguk's voice. "What's he cooking?"

Taehyung frantically signals to Yoongi —as if saying 'Don't tell!'

"It's a surprise," Yoongi says, grinning. "Come and see for yourself."

After the phone hangs up, Taehyung frantically returns to the kitchen. He looks at the recipe he found online - japchae, Jeongguk's favorite food. He had watched videos for an hour and gone from store to store looking for the best ingredients.

"Calm down," Yoongi says, seeing his brother's panic. "It's just Jeongguk."

"Just?" Taehyung almost turns around angrily. "What if it's terrible? What if he doesn't like it? What if..."

"Then we'll order pizza," Yoongi says casually. "Stop being dramatic."

But Taehyung can't stop being dramatic. This isn't just any meal. He's making it for Jeongguk and it has to be perfect.

This is his courting gesture to Jeongguk. He read on a website that Alphas and Omegas cooking for each other is considered courting, and Taehyung needs to make sure this meal is perfect.

Twenty minutes later, when the doorbell rings, Taehyung's heart feels like it's going to stop. He looks at the food one last time - at least it looks decent.

"It smells amazing,"  Jeongguk says, as he enters. He's wearing a simple t-shirt and sweatpants but to Taehyung's eyes, he looks magnificent as always. "Did you really make this, Tae?"

Taehyung nods, too nervous to speak. As Jeongguk's scent fills the kitchen, he seems to have forgotten all the steps he memorized throughout the recipe.

"Is this japchae?" Jeongguk's eyes light up as he approaches the counter.

"Yes." Taehyung swallows. "I heard from Yoongi Hyung that you like it."

Yoongi rolls his eyes. "What? Since morning—"

"Hyung!" Taehyung hastily cuts off his brother. His look says 'Don't tell him I've been watching videos since morning, went to three different markets, checked the ingredients three times.'

"Shall we taste it?"  Jeongguk says, his smile brighter than usual.

Taehyung's hands shake nervously as he prepares the plates. He holds his breath while watching Jeongguk take his first bite.

"This—" Jeongguk stops chewing. "is amazing!"

"Really?" Taehyung's face lights up.

"Yes! In fact..." Jeongguk takes another bite. "It's as good as my mom's."

Taehyung's chest swells with pride. Hours of effort, making it wrong three times and starting over... It was all worth it. That happy expression on Jeongguk's face is worth everything.

"Where did you find the recipe?" Jeongguk asks, having almost cleaned his plate.

"From the internet..." Taehyung says, watching with pleasure as Jeongguk takes each bite. "I... researched a bit."

"A bit?" Yoongi looks up from his phone and grins. "I woke up to kitchen noises at five in the morning. He made it three times, each time saying 'This isn't right' and throwing it in the trash—"

"Hyung!" Taehyung cuts in frantically again, his cheeks red.

Jeongguk's eyes soften. "You went through all this trouble for me?"

"I—" Taehyung starts playing with his plate. What could he say? 'Yes, because I'd do anything to see you happy'?

"That's very sweet," Jeongguk says quietly. "Thank you, Tae."

That 'Tae' nickname squeezes Taehyung's heart the same way every time.

"If you want... I mean, if you liked it..." Taehyung gathers his courage. "I could make it again another time?"

"Really?" Jeongguk's face lights up. "That would be great! Maybe one day I can make my specialty for you too?"

"You cook?" Yoongi asks in surprise.

"I can make a few things," Jeongguk smiles. "I'll think of something special for Taehyung."

Taehyung's heart stops. Jeongguk would make something special for him? What does this mean? While Alphas and Omegas cooking for each other is considered courting, does Jeongguk's statement carry just a friendly meaning or...?

"Actually..." Jeongguk blushes slightly. "I've been trying to learn how to cook these days. My mom is teaching me."

"You?" Yoongi raises his eyebrows. "Mr. 'I can't even make ramen' Jeon Jeongguk?"

"Hey!" Jeongguk laughs. "People change. Besides..." His gaze shifts to Taehyung. "Sometimes you want to try new things for someone."

At that moment, Taehyung forgets how to breathe. This look and implication couldn't be his mind playing tricks.

"Anyway," says Jeongguk, standing up. "I'll handle the dishes. You've done enough work today."

"No, you can't!" Taehyung quickly stands up. "You're a guest."

"A guest?" Jeongguk laughs. "I've been in this house for fourteen years, Tae, I'm not a guest anymore."

While washing dishes together, Taehyung feels strangely peaceful. Jeongguk splashes water at him with his soapy hands, and he returns the favor. In the kitchen, his scent, his laughter... Everything feels so natural, so right.

"You two..." Yoongi shakes his head. "I'm going to my room. Don't wreck the kitchen."

After Yoongi leaves, the kitchen becomes quiet. Just the sound of running water and their breaths...

"Tae?"

"Hm?"

"Maybe," Jeongguk hesitates. "Maybe we could try cooking together sometime? You can teach me japchae, and I can—"

"Yes," Taehyung says quickly, his heart fluttering in his chest. "If you want, —whenever you want."

That night, lying in his bed, Taehyung is still smiling. Jeongguk's scent that remained in the kitchen, his laughter, all those small moments they shared fill his entire heart. Maybe he isn't just the boy who loves from afar anymore. Maybe something is changing.

Jeongguk's birthday party is energetic and lively, just like him. The apartment is full of people —friends from his basketball team, acquaintances from university, and of course his close friend group; Seokjin, Hoseok, Jimin, and Yoongi Hyung. Taehyung sits in a corner, watching everyone with a half-full beer bottle in his hand.

Jeongguk tries to tend to everyone, constantly smiling, his eyes sparkling as he receives gifts.

This year, Taehyung decides to do something different - for the first time, he prepares handmade gifts. He researches online for days and finally decides: candles inspired by Jeongguk's favorite scents and a scarf he knits specially for cold winter days. (He even joins candle-making classes at the photography club to make the candles.)

"Why haven't you given him your gifts yet?" Namjoon whispers as he sits next to him.

"I wanted to wait," Taehyung says, his eyes still on Jeongguk. The Omega is opening another gift - an expensive-looking pair of sneakers. "It would be weird to give them in front of everyone."

"Why?"

"Because..." Taehyung swallows. "It's very personal and obviously a courting gesture."

The alcohol slowly blurs the part of his brain trying to make good decisions. Looking at Jeongguk, the growing feeling inside him and this love that has lasted for fourteen years makes him form sentences starting with 'maybe today...'

"Don't drink too much. You'll get drunk. Your alcohol tolerance is low."

"I know but," he murmurs to himself. "I'm not drunk enough to tell him I love him. I'm still in my right mind."

Namjoon looks at him but doesn't say anything.

In the late hours of the party, Jeongguk disappears. Everyone is dancing, laughing, having fun, but Taehyung's eyes constantly search for him. Isn't it always like this anyway? Even in a crowded room, his eyes would always find him.

Finally, he notices that the door leading to the balcony is ajar. The cool September night air seeps in.

He finds Jeongguk there —under the moonlight, eating his usual strawberry lollipop. He's had this habit since high school; whenever he's stressed or thoughtful, he would always pull out one of those lollipops. Taehyung knows his favorite brand, color, even which market sells them by heart.

The Omega looks so beautiful... His hair is slightly messy, the silver moonlight accentuates his features. His cheeks are pink from the heat inside and the few drinks he's had. He leans against the balcony railing, looking down at the city below.

Taehyung touches the gift package in his bag. Everything inside is carefully chosen, patiently prepared. The scarf he knit three times —he thought of Jeongguk with every stitch. Burgundy, his favorite color, yarn soft enough not to irritate his neck when wrapped around... Every detail is for him. He showed the same care while preparing the candles too. He researched Jeongguk's favorite scents, specifically choosing vanilla and cinnamon. While pouring each candle, placing tiny flowers on them, he always thinks of him.

"Is it that beautiful?" he finally asks as he approaches. His voice comes out softer than planned, maybe because of the few beers he's had.

When Jeongguk turns to him, his smile is brighter than the moonlight. His cheeks are even redder from the cold and alcohol. The muffled sound of music from inside plays in the background, but Taehyung can only hear his own heartbeat.

"Would you like to try?" says Jeongguk, his voice slightly husky —maybe from the cold, maybe from something else.

The lollipop has just left Jeongguk's lips, it's still warm. Taehyung swallows. At that moment, everything feels too much —Jeongguk's scent is sharper and sweeter than usual, maybe because of the alcohol, maybe something else. His smile, that look in his eyes, the closeness between them... Time seems to have stopped.

Just as Jeongguk extends the lollipop to him, Taehyung notices the Omega shiver slightly. He's only wearing a thin shirt.

"You're cold," Taehyung says, taking off his own jacket. Seeing Jeongguk cold hurts him inside —it's this protective instinct. His Alpha side has awakened. "Here, wear this."

"No," says Jeongguk as Taehyung puts the jacket on his shoulders. "You'll be cold."

"I'm fine," Taehyung says, adjusting the jacket's collar. His fingers lightly touch Jeongguk's neck and they both shiver from this contact. "It was too hot inside anyway, and I'm an Alpha. Our bodies are much warmer than Omegas."

The feeling of seeing his jacket on the Omega is unlike anything he's felt before. His own scent now wraps around Jeongguk and this thought triggers his Alpha instincts, but he controls himself, as he always does.

"By the way..." Taehyung reaches for his bag, his heart beating wildly in his chest. "I haven't given you your gift yet."

"Ah," Jeongguk's eyes light up. The lollipop in his hand is forgotten. "You seemed to be hiding when everyone was giving gifts."

"Mine is a bit different, —from the other gifts I mean." says Taehyung, his voice trembling. "For the first time... I prepared something handmade. I mean, I made one by watching videos online and for the other one I took classes but it might be a bit amateur since I didn't go for very long..."

"Handmade?" Jeongguk's voice is soft, filled with surprise and curiosity. His eyes sparkle like they have constellations in them, as always.

Taehyung extends the package. "I hope you like it."

Jeongguk first takes out the candles, the tiny flowers on them sparkle in the moonlight. "Did you really make these?" he asks, his eyes widening in surprise. "And... is this vanilla?" He brings it closer to his nose to catch the scent better.

"Yes, I mixed it with cinnamon."

Jeongguk looks at him, there's a different expression in his eyes. "How do you know my favorite scents are cinnamon and vanilla? I don't remember ever mentioning it."

"I... pay attention," Taehyung says, his voice barely a whisper.

When Jeongguk opens the other package and sees the scarf, his breath catches. His fingers trail over the soft knitting. "Did you make this too?"

"Yes, I had to undo it and start over three times. The first time it was too thick, and in the second one the stitches weren't even and—" No. He had gone too far. "It wasn't how I wanted. Yeah. That's why."

Jeongguk slowly wraps the scarf around his neck, his fingers caressing the soft fabric as his smile deepens. "You know," he says, his voice lower and softer than before. "An Alpha preparing handmade gifts for an Omega, especially using their favorite scents and colors..."

Taehyung's breath catches. Is Jeongguk implying what he thinks he's implying? Has he understood? And is this a positive sign?

"And now," the Omega slightly buries his nose in the scarf, his eyes finding Taehyung's. "With your jacket on me, your handknit scarf around my neck... I'm completely wrapped in your scent."

"I..." Taehyung stutters. "I just..."

"Hmm?" Jeongguk takes a step closer. "You just what?"

"I wanted to make you happy," Taehyung whispers, sincerely. Perhaps too sincerely.

The expression in Jeongguk's eyes softens. "You know..." he says, looking at the lollipop in his hand. "Some traditions are still beautiful. Especially when they come from the right person. From the person you want."

Taehyung's heart beats wildly in his chest. Is this an answer? A sign? That look in Jeongguk's eyes, that tone in his voice... Everything looks different. The jacket on him, the scarf around his neck, their mixing scents... Everything seems to be changing tonight.

"Tae?" Jeongguk's voice is soft, almost a whisper.

"Yes?" Taehyung's voice trembles. The Omega stands closer than ever and his scent, —that sweet and sharp scent has now mixed with Taehyung's.

"Do you still want to try?" Jeongguk raises the lollipop again, with a playful glint in his eyes. But this time it's different. There's another meaning in this look, in this offer. As the moonlight hits his face, his eyes sparkle and that half-smile on his lips suggests something very different to Taehyung.

Taehyung swallows. Is this the moment he's been waiting for fourteen years? Is Jeongguk giving him a chance? Has he understood everything? Or did he already know everything,  even before all of this?

Jeongguk slowly brings the lollipop to his lips, running his tongue around the candy while keeping his eyes locked with Taehyung's. As the shiny surface of the candy slides between his lips, there's a slight sparkle in his eyes —a challenge, an invitation.

The distance between them has almost disappeared. Taehyung's breathing has quickened, his heart can't fit in his chest. Jeongguk's scent, the sweet and spicy mixture, intoxicates him.

Then Jeongguk smiles slightly, pulling the lollipop from his lips and briefly running his tongue over the candy. His eyes are locked with Taehyung's.

"Are you going to taste it?"

The teasing but soft tone in his voice sweeps away the last rational thought in Taehyung's mind. He doesn't answer. There's no need to.

The lollipop falls to the ground from Jeongguk's hand but no one cares. Because at that moment, Jeongguk closes the remaining distance between them and presses his lips to Taehyung's.

Sweet. Strawberry. And completely Jeongguk.

Taehyung closes his eyes as he feels the Omega's warm breath, soft lips, and the electricity between them. Jeongguk's fingers lightly grip Taehyung's shirt collar, seeming to tremble slightly from the effect of their contact.

The kiss starts slow —careful, as if wanting to explore. But then, when Jeongguk's fingers grip Taehyung's shirt tighter, everything changes: Deeper, hungrier, more real.

Taehyung's arms wrap around Jeongguk's waist, pulling him even closer. Jeongguk's scent, the warmth of his skin, the taste of his lips... Everything is like a dream he's been imagining for years but thought he could never have.

But this isn't a dream. For the first time, it isn't a dream.

Jeongguk is really there —here. In his arms. Kissing him.

As Taehyung's fingers wrap tighter around Jeongguk's waist, their kiss slowly deepens. Jeongguk's breath gets lost between their lips, his fingertips lightly holding onto Taehyung's chest. The air between them trembles—hot and thick.

Jeongguk's lips are sweet, soft but also stubborn. He sets his own pace; first light, gentle, then suddenly more demanding. Taehyung's head spins, not knowing if it's from the alcohol or from the effect of Jeongguk's lips, hands, presence.

Finally, as Jeongguk's fingers lightly push against Taehyung's chest, he slowly pulls back his lips. His breathing is irregular, his eyes slightly hazy but something burns inside them—a fire, a spark.

When Taehyung opens his eyes, he sees Jeongguk's face up close for the first time.

The moonlight hits his cheeks, shadows accentuating his features even more. The slightly smudged eyeshadow on his eyelids makes his eyes look darker and deeper. The light glitter he applied to the corners of his eyes sparkles in the moonlight. His lips look a bit redder, a bit fuller from the effect of the kiss.

And his neck... His neck where the scent glands are.

Taehyung's breath catches in his throat. Jeongguk's neck is elegant and attractive, adding a seductive innocence to him. And that red top...

His chest is completely open. The fabric is soft and light, fitting his skin almost like a second layer. The outlines of his chest are visible, his collarbones gleaming sharply in the moonlight. The thin texture of the fabric follows his body's curves with the slightest movement.

Taehyung's throat goes dry.

Jeongguk like this... is breathtaking. Seductive, but unknowingly. Beautiful and seemingly unreachable.

And now, with Taehyung's jacket fallen to his shoulders, he's covered in his scent.

When Jeongguk tilts his head and takes his lower lip between his teeth while looking at him, it makes Taehyung shiver inside. There's something in his eyes—something he can't quite figure out yet but that completely takes over him.

The thousands of thoughts running through Taehyung's mind scatter when Jeongguk's phone vibrates in his pocket. The Omega startles slightly, taking his eyes off Taehyung for a brief moment to take out his phone.

"They're calling me inside, I think," he says, turning his eyes back to Taehyung. His voice is still soft, but there's a slight reluctance in it.

Taehyung opens his mouth to say something but Jeongguk moves first. He tilts his head slightly, pausing for a moment as if weighing whether to lean in more, then pulls back with a subtle smile on his lips.

"Wait for me, okay?" his voice is almost a whisper.

Taehyung can only nod. If he speaks, his voice would tremble, or he might not be able to stop himself from grabbing Jeongguk's hand, showing that he doesn't want to let him go.

Jeongguk smiles one last time and steps inside from the balcony. Taehyung watches how his shirt fits on his back, his soft steps, how the indoor lights hit him. And then, when the door closes, only the cool silence of the night remains.

For a moment, he questions if everything was real. But then, the sweet warmth he still feels on his lips reminds him of the truth.

He slowly raises his hand, his fingertips touching his lips. He stays like that for a few seconds, tries to slow down his heartbeat but it's useless. He closes his eyes and tilts his head back slightly, an involuntary smile appears at the corner of his lips.

He had kissed him. Jeongguk had kissed him.

The person he's loved for fourteen years had pressed his lips against his, clutched his shirt with his fingers, shared his breath with him. And for the first time, it wasn't just a dream. It was real.

He takes a deep breath, inhaling the vanilla and cinnamon scent in the air. The candles he made for Jeongguk sit at the side. At that moment, he is the happiest person in the world.

Minutes pass. Taehyung still stands in the same position—fingers on his lips, Jeongguk's warmth in his mind. But as time passes, Jeongguk's failure to return starts catching his attention.

He turns his eyes to the ajar balcony door, music still comes from inside. Maybe he got caught up talking to someone? Maybe someone pulled him aside because it's his birthday?

But why had it taken so long?

He slightly furrows his brows, the feeling of unease inside starts to grow.

Finally, he can't wait any longer. He rolls up his jacket sleeves and opens the door, stepping inside.

As he mingles with the crowd, his eyes immediately search for Jeongguk. The warm excitement inside slowly gives way to tension. Because no matter how much he looks, Jeongguk is nowhere to be found.

Taehyung's brows furrow more and more. Not being able to see Jeongguk in the crowd increases his unease. A voice inside tells him something is wrong, but he tries to think rationally.

He finds Jimin first. He's drinking something at the edge of the dance floor, spreading smiles around. Taehyung approaches and tries to suppress his voice. "Have you seen Jeongguk hyung?"

Jimin raises his eyebrows. "He was here just now. Why did you ask?"

"Just wondering," says Taehyung, not giving him a chance to think too much. "Have you seen Yoongi hyung?"

"I think he went to the kitchen."

Taehyung quickly heads there. Yoongi looks up at him while trying to open a bottle in the kitchen.

"What's wrong?"

"Have you seen Jeongguk hyung?"

Yoongi thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "No, last I saw he was going to the balcony. Wasn't he with you?"

"Yes, but then someone called him and he went inside." Taehyung's voice starts to harden. "But he's nowhere to be found."

Yoongi's brows furrow slightly but before he can say anything, someone calls from the corner of the kitchen.

"Were you asking about Jeongguk just now?"

Taehyung quickly turns his head. The person speaking is someone random he doesn't know but who's at the party. Swaying his drink, he continues.

"I don't know but he was talking with an Alpha. Then they went down that corridor together."

Taehyung's heart speeds up. With an Alpha?

Without saying anything, he quickly heads in that direction. Yoongi calls after him but Taehyung doesn't even hear. His steps quicken, the unease inside almost turns into nausea.

At the end of the corridor, under the dim lights, a shadow moves. Taehyung's steps stop.

Jeongguk is there. But he's not alone.

An Alpha has him pinned against the wall.

Jeongguk's face is tense, his discomfort obvious in every way. He tries to push the Alpha's hands away slightly but the Alpha is too close. He blocks the Omega's escape with his arms, closing his body over him.

"Get off me." Jeongguk says, his voice uncomfortable but firm. "I won't say it again."

But the Alpha doesn't back off.

Taehyung's vision darkens.

Something like an explosion of anger happens in his body—his blood boils, his instincts scream for him to protect his Omega. His feet move on their own, his breath sharpens.

And a second later, without thinking, he grabs the collar of the Alpha who's cornering Jeongguk.

"He told you to back off, can't you hear?" he hisses with anger.

The Alpha turns his head to look at Taehyung when he hears his angry voice. First, he raises his eyebrows with a condescending expression, then snorts with a mocking smile.

"Who are you?" he asks, giving a brief look at Taehyung's hand gripping his collar. "If you're not his Alpha, mind your own business."

Taehyung's teeth clench tightly. His chest rises and falls rapidly, his anger spreads through his body in waves. His instincts scream that Jeongguk isn't safe. A sudden pain passes through his heart and spreads like fire. Taehyung isn't Jeongguk's Alpha, but why does hearing this out loud feel like a slap to the face?

"Can't you smell the scent on me?"

Jeongguk's voice is low but sharp. When the Alpha's eyes turn to him, the Omega slightly tilts his head to the side, keeping his chin up. There's a challenging light in his eyes.

"I smell like him."

The Alpha's expression freezes for a moment. His eyes drift to Jeongguk's open collar, then turn to Taehyung. In a few seconds, he notices how the scents are mixed together. The deep, woody undertones absorbed into Jeongguk's skin... Taehyung's distinct dominant scent.

This isn't a coincidence.

The Alpha's face tenses. After growling with furrowed brows, he reaches for Jeongguk again.

But before that hand can reach its target, Jeongguk, without even blinking, throws a hard punch.

The Alpha staggers to the side, cursing as he touches his cheek where he took the punch. But Jeongguk doesn't back down. His chest rises and falls rapidly.

"I said I won’t say it again."

The Alpha looks angrily through clenched teeth but hesitates this time. Jeongguk's anger, Taehyung's dangerously tensed posture. He weighs both of them for a few seconds. Finally, cursing through his teeth one more time, he growls and backs away.

As he turns his back and walks away from the corridor, Taehyung and Jeongguk remain motionless.

The silence breaks only when the Alpha's footsteps completely disappear.

Jeongguk lets out a deep breath, closes his eyes. He clenches and releases his hands, trying to release the tension in his body. But just then, Taehyung takes a step.

And suddenly, his hands cup Jeongguk's face.

Jeongguk's eyes open in surprise.

Taehyung has gently placed his thumbs on his cheeks. His eyes examine the Omega who is still breathing heavily from throwing the punch.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low and hard. But there's a suppressed concern in it.

For a moment, Jeongguk doesn't know what to say. His heart beats as if it won't fit in his chest.

He clears his throat. "I'm fine."

But Taehyung doesn't remove his hands.

His eyes are still on Jeongguk's. His fingers slide slightly on the Omega's skin.

"Your hand..." Taehyung's voice is still tense. He slowly takes Jeongguk's clenched fist, his fingers running over it. "Does it hurt?"

"No,"  Jeongguk says but Taehyung continues to gently check his knuckles. "I'm really fine, Tae."

Taehyung's fingers still trace over Jeongguk's hand. The silence continues for a few seconds, then Taehyung takes a deep breath. "My pheromones..." he begins, his voice lower than usual. His brows furrow slightly as his eyes move from Jeongguk's hands to his face. "They were aggressive. I was out of control." He pulls his fingers back from Jeongguk's wrist but his gaze remains on him. "I'm sorry," he adds, sincerely. "I couldn't control myself."

Jeongguk narrows his eyes for a moment, examining Taehyung's expression. Then, the corner of his lips curves up slightly.

"You don't need to apologize," he says, his voice relaxed now. He tilts his head to the side and studies Taehyung. "You were hot."

Taehyung's eyes widen slightly. For several seconds, he doesn't know what to say. "I, sorry, what, —hot, —what?!" He knows he looks like an idiot but he doesn't care.

Jeongguk moves even closer to Taehyung. "I liked how strong your protective instinct was. Despite usually being non-violent, you were seconds away from punching that guy." Then he licks his lips. "And you don't have such a strong protective and possessive instinct for any other Omega, do you?" he asks expectantly.

"I don't," Taehyung responds, as if hypnotized.

Jeongguk smiles slightly and then places his hands on Taehyung's neck, pulling him closer. "Like I said, you were hot."

Taehyung's brain is busy short-circuiting.

"Should we go to the balcony?" Jeongguk suddenly whispers, there's a playful sparkle in his eyes. "Your gifts are still there. My candles, I mean."

Without giving Taehyung a chance to respond, he slides his fingers from his collar and pulls slightly. "Plus... there was something else we left unfinished there."

Taehyung furrows his brows. "What?"

Jeongguk leans forward again, pressing his lips to Taehyung's so lightly that Taehyung isn't sure if it's real. "The lollipop," Jeongguk whispers as he pulls back, with a mischievous expression in his eyes. "I don't think you tasted it enough."

And as he takes Taehyung's hand and pulls him towards the balcony, the echo of Jeongguk's giggle can be heard in the corridor.

Finally, after fourteen years, Jeongguk and Taehyung's relationship had gained a different dimension, and Taehyung feels that he has finally shed the title of 'baby Alpha' for Jeongguk.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

mess.

Jeongguk isn't answering Taehyung's calls.

They kissed yesterday, and today Jeongguk isn't answering his calls.

Taehyung is, to put it mildly, losing his mind. He can't even keep his pheromones under control.

His hands shake as he dials Jeongguk's number one more time. The same cold message appears on the screen: Call unanswered. His heart clenches, like there's a huge stone sitting on his chest. Last night he felt Jeongguk's lips against his own, he can still feel the warmth of his fingers on his skin, but now that warmth has been replaced by an icy uncertainty.

It's already evening. Outside it's dark, and the room is almost completely dim. Taehyung's pheromones spread uncontrollably, making the air in the room heavy. He's disappointed, his heart is broken, and the same question keeps spinning in his head: What happened? Why isn't he answering me?

Just then, there's a sound of a key at the door. Taehyung looks up and sees Yoongi entering. The cold seeps from his coat, but Yoongi's expression shows he immediately notices the storm inside Taehyung.

"What's wrong? Why does the whole house smell like you?" Yoongi asks, slightly furrowing his brows. He shields his nose with his arm.

Taehyung fixes his eyes on Yoongi, his voice almost a whisper but filled with obvious desperation. "Jeongguk hyung isn't answering my calls."

Yoongi sighs deeply, looking at Taehyung's expression. While taking off his shoes, he stays silent for a moment, as if weighing what to say. Then, fixing his eyes on Taehyung, he speaks.

"Jeongguk might have gone into heat."

These words echo in Taehyung's brain, but it takes a few seconds to understand. "What? Heat?" he asks, his voice almost panicked.

Yoongi nods. "Yes. Jeongguk's heats are intense and difficult. His pheromones go out of control, his mind gets clouded. That's probably why he can't answer you. He's not doing it intentionally though."

Taehyung's heart feels somewhat relieved, but his worry hasn't dissipated. "He was fine last night. Why would he  go into heat now? Suddenly?"

Yoongi shrugs. "Maybe there was an emotional trigger. Something that affected or triggered him."

Taehyung takes a deep breath, but the unrest inside him doesn't settle. "I need to see him," he says determinedly.

Yoongi knows Taehyung is going to be stubborn. "It's best to wait until his heat passes."

Taehyung has heard Yoongi's warning, but his patience is wearing thin. One way or another, he needs to reach Jeongguk. Only he can calm the chaos in his heart.

When he takes his coat from the coat rack and steps out, he doesn't even feel the cold air hitting his face; he just quickens his steps. His heart beats wildly in his chest, his pheromones spreading so intensely they're spilling into the street. He can't suppress the turmoil inside him; instead, it grows with each step.

When he reaches Jeongguk's apartment, his breath turns into mist in the cold air, he rings the doorbell. Once... twice... three more times. But there's no sound from behind the door.

Just as he's about to give up and turn back, the door cracks open and he sees Jeongguk. The Omega's face is flushed, his hair disheveled, and his scent—his scent is much more intense and sharper than ever.

"Tae..." Jeongguk's voice is cracked. "This isn't a good time."

"Hyung, I—" Taehyung tries to take a step forward but Jeongguk closes the door slightly more.

"I'm in heat," Jeongguk says, his voice trembling. "Let's talk after my heat is over, okay?"

Taehyung's heart clenches. Seeing Jeongguk like this, not being able to help him hurts. "Is there anything I can do?" he asks desperately. 

Jeongguk hesitates for a moment, his eyes roaming over Taehyung. "I'm making a nest," he finally says, his voice almost shy. "Maybe you could give me something with your scent?"

Taehyung's eyes widen. An Omega making a nest during heat is normal, but wanting to do it with an Alpha's scent is different.

"Oh..." Taehyung quickly takes off his jacket. When Jeongguk reaches for the jacket, their fingers brush and they both shiver.

"Thank you," Jeongguk says, pressing the jacket to his chest. His eyes are half-closed as he inhales Taehyung's scent. "This will help."

"Is there," Taehyung swallows. "Is there anything else you need?"

Jeongguk shakes his head, but hesitates before closing the door. "Tae?"

"Yes?"

"I went into heat because of last night," Jeongguk says, his cheeks reddening further. "I mean, it was the trigger. It wasn't supposed to be my time yet."

Taehyung freezes when he hears Jeongguk's words. His heart seems to stop for a moment before suddenly starting to race. What? He went into heat because of him? It's hard to believe that Jeongguk could be affected by him this much. But the words had fallen from Jeongguk's lips and couldn't be denied.

On one hand, he's stunned with surprise; on the other hand, a warm wave rises inside him. His pride swells. Jeongguk hyung was affected by me, this much?The thought alone is enough to spread a light blush across Taehyung's face. This is more than he ever thought possible. His heart feels like it might burst out of  his chest.

Jeongguk, from behind the door, misinterpreting Taehyung's silence, adds, "But it's not a bad thing, okay? I was just caught off guard."

Taehyung finally comes to his senses, his voice trembling slightly, but this time from excitement, not worry. "Hyung," he whispers, "I… I didn't know that."

Jeongguk laughs softly, his voice soft through the door. "I didn't know either. But now... I think I understand."

Taehyung takes a deep breath. He can smell Jeongguk's scent even through the door, and it's driving him crazy. Jeongguk hyung is affected by me. He's really affected by me. The thought clouds Taehyung's mind. But at the same time, he knows Jeongguk needs support right now.

Jeongguk is holding his jacket to his chest, inhaling his scent. He's going to fill his nest with Taehyung's scent. This thought triggers his Alpha instincts, but Taehyung tries to maintain control.

"I can..." Taehyung takes a deep breath. "I can help you." Then, blushing at his own words, he quickly adds, "I mean, with food or... I know Omegas need physical contact during heat."

When the silence from behind the door stretches, Taehyung panics and adds, "Just cuddling, I mean! Nothing else! Purely friendly!"

Jeongguk's soft giggle comes through the door, his voice softer than before. "Friendly? After we kissed for minutes last night, you want to cuddle me in a friendly way, Tae?"

"I..." Taehyung stutters. "No, that's not what I meant. I just..."

"Tae?"

"Yes?"

"You're even more attractive when you get flustered like this, and it's not—it's not helping at all. It's getting harder to control myself when you're here."

Taehyung's breath catches. Jeongguk just called him attractive. And he's in heat because of him. And he wants his jacket. And...

"Hyung..."

"Go now," Jeongguk says, his voice trembling. "Please. Because when you're here, it's getting harder to control myself."

"Okay," Taehyung manages to say. "If you need anything, make sure to text me."

When Jeongguk acknowledges and closes the door, Taehyung stands there for a few more seconds. Then, when he leaves the apartment building, the cold air hits his face but he barely feels it. His steps are slow, his mind a mess. Jeongguk's words, his actions, even his voice keep echoing in his mind. 

He went into heat because of him. He's going to make a nest with his scent. He called him attractive. As Taehyung turns these sentences over and over in his mind, his heart is still beating uncontrollably.

His hands are trembling involuntarily as he passes under the street lights. We kissed last night. He kissed me. I kissed him. The warmth of those moments can still be felt on his lips. And now Jeongguk can't control his own body because of him. It's getting harder to control myself when you're here. This sentence is hammered into Taehyung's brain.

He tries to quicken his steps, but the chaos in his mind slows down every movement. He remembers that shy but clearly wanting look in Jeongguk's eyes. He remembers how the pheromones made the air heavy in that moment, how their lips pressed together, and how Jeongguk's fingers traced his neck... This isn't just biological.

Taehyung takes a deep breath, knowing that even the cold air filling his lungs won't be able to calm him down. Jeongguk is in his body, his blood, every cell. I need to go back to him. But Yoongi's words echo in his mind: It's best to wait until his heat passes.

But how can he wait? How can Taehyung stay calm here while Jeongguk is there, pressing his jacket to his chest, making a nest filled with his scent? He wants me. He's affected by me. This thought fuels Taehyung's Alpha instincts even more.

When he reaches home, he closes the door and leans against it, closing his eyes. He takes a deep, shaky breath. The pressure in his chest still hasn't eased.

The next day, when Taehyung finds himself at Jeongguk's door again, he doesn't have a clear explanation for why he's there. Just checking on him, he thinks. I'm not going to do anything. But now, as he prepares japchae in the kitchen, he realizes how weak this excuse is.

Through the steam rising from the pot, he can still smell Jeongguk's scent. This scent hasn't left his mind since last night anyway. Although he tries to focus on stirring the noodles, his mind is elsewhere: on Jeongguk's lips, his soft smile, and... his words. It's getting harder to control myself when you're here.

When he finishes cooking, he takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself. Just a friendly visit. I'm just making sure he's okay. He takes the plate and walks slowly toward Jeongguk's room. When he enters without knocking, the sight before him overturns all his thoughts.

Jeongguk is half-sitting on his couch, wearing thin shorts with his legs completely exposed. His hair is messy, and there's a slight flush on his face. Taehyung's eyes involuntarily drift to Jeongguk's muscular legs before quickly returning to his face. But it's too late. Jeongguk has noticed.

Raising his eyebrows with a teasing smile, "Like what you see?" he asks, his voice soft but clearly amused.

Taehyung's face suddenly burns. He almost drops the plate. "I—! I mean, no! I just... brought food!" He quickly puts the plate on the bedside table and clasps his hands behind his back, averting his eyes.

Jeongguk laughs softly, his voice almost a whisper. "Did you come just for japchae? Or to 'friendly' revisit last night?"

Taehyung takes a deep breath, but can't hide the blush on his face. His Alpha instincts are being provoked, but he's still trying to maintain control. Without looking at him, he says, "Eat before it gets cold," and turns toward the door.

"Thank you," Jeongguk says from behind him. His voice is so soft, so sincere that Taehyung freezes in place. "Not just for the food, but for taking care of me."

Taehyung grips the doorknob tightly. He wants to turn and look at Jeongguk, but he knows if he looks at him now - at his messy hair, his half-naked skin, his soft expression - he might lose control.

The scent in the air intensifies. As Jeongguk's heat pheromones fill the room, Taehyung's hands start to tremble. His instincts are screaming to take him in his arms, hold him, protect him... But he shouldn't. Not yet. Not without Jeongguk's permission, not before he takes the first step.

Taehyung squeezes his eyes shut. Jeongguk's voice, his scent, his presence... everything is too much.

"I should go," he says with difficulty. "Or else..."

"Or else?"

"Or else I'll want to take you in my arms," Taehyung confesses, his voice almost a whisper. "And right now... I can't do that."

"Why can't you?" Jeongguk asks this time. "Yesterday you said you could help me in a 'friendly' way." There's a slight teasing in his voice.

Taehyung slowly turns around, his breath trembling. "Hyung,"

"I want to," Jeongguk reaches out his hand. "I want your help too. I wasn't sure yesterday, but I'm sure now, my mind is clearer than yesterday. You gave me your jacket, but one piece of clothing with your scent isn't enough."

Taehyung freezes. Jeongguk's words, his outstretched hand, his gaze—everything pulls him in.

"I made a nest," Jeongguk says softly. "Your jacket is in it."

​​​​​​​​​​​​And in that moment, Taehyung feels his resistance crumble. He takes the outstretched hand, and Jeongguk slowly pulls him into his room, to his nest. On the bed are blankets, pillows, and Taehyung's jacket - all carefully arranged.

"Can I get in your nest?" Taehyung asks. He's never entered an Omega's nest before. He knows how precious nests are, how they're considered almost sacred.

Instead of answering, Jeongguk pulls him onto the bed, and Taehyung finds himself in his arms. The Omega's head is resting on his chest, their scents mixing together. Taehyung buries his nose in Jeongguk's hair, taking a deep breath.

"Better now," Jeongguk murmurs, snuggling into Taehyung's chest. "Now the nest is complete."

Thump.

As Taehyung continues holding Jeongguk in his arms, the turmoil inside him grows. He can feel his own scent blending with Jeongguk's, and this situation makes it harder for him with each passing second. His Alpha instincts are screaming wildly. While he feels relieved on one side, he faces a kind of protest on the other.

They hold each other for a while, in silence, only the echo of their heartbeats present. Jeongguk's body moves closer against Taehyung's, and this fuels the instincts inside him even more.

When silence prevails for a moment, Taehyung takes a deep breath and moves a little closer, "Can I scent you?" he asks, his voice trembling noticeably. He realizes how direct his question is, but thinking of anything else is impossible at this moment. He can feel how much his desire for Jeongguk's scent is affecting him. "Can I... leave my scent on you?" Taehyung asks, rubbing his nose along Jeongguk's jaw, desperately hoping not to cross any boundaries.

Jeongguk stays silent for a few seconds, then answers, "Yes. You can do that."

When Taehyung buries his nose in Jeongguk's neck and starts deeply inhaling his scent, the bond between them grows stronger. While releasing his own pheromones, he can feel Jeongguk responding. They both seem lost in each other's scents. Taehyung, feeling this moment even more deeply, slowly scent-marks Jeongguk's body.

"Your scent drives me crazy," Taehyung murmurs, and he feels Jeongguk shiver at his words, making him smile with a sense of triumph.

He thinks about how their scents are mixing, becoming one. This feels like more than just a moment - it's a sign of a deeper bond. Taehyung takes another deep breath, and a few seconds later hears Jeongguk's voice, "Now it's my turn, I'll do it too," says the Omega. "I want everyone to know that you're mine."

Taehyung swallows at Jeongguk's words. The excitement inside him spreads like a warm wave through his body. He knows how serious Jeongguk is, but he's still unsure if he's ready to hear something so possessive. Yet his instincts whisper that this is what he wants. Being scent-marked by his Omega, being surrounded by his scent - it's what he needs.

Jeongguk moves slowly, positioning himself over Taehyung, placing his knees on either side. The distance between them is almost nonexistent now; Jeongguk's warm breath is right above his neck. Taehyung notices his breathing becoming irregular from having him so close.

When Jeongguk leans closer to Taehyung's neck and inhales his scent, Taehyung feels his body tremble slightly. Instinctively, he tilts his head to the side, exposing more of his neck. He's ready to do anything for his Omega.

Jeongguk accepts this as an invitation and slowly rubs his nose against Taehyung's neck. At first gently, taking deep breaths, losing himself in his natural scent. As he scents every corner of his neck, he feels his body relaxing more with this contact. But at the same time, he feels something stirring inside him, burning with an uncontrollable desire.

"You smell perfect," Jeongguk whispers, his voice soft and gentle. 

Taehyung's hands instinctively move to Jeongguk's back, gently gripping the fabric. The slow, deep contact affects him more than he expected.

Jeongguk pauses for a moment. Then, approaching his neck again, he first makes a long stroke with his nose, before pressing his lips to Taehyung's skin. It's a light, barely-there kiss. But Taehyung's body responds immediately, his heart racing.

Jeongguk's lips continue to move along his neck. He kisses lightly, then scents again with more pressure. "Now everyone will know," he whispers against Taehyung's skin. 

"Yes," Taehyung breathes out, holding Jeongguk closer. 

Their scents mix completely, creating something new and unique - a perfect blend of Alpha and Omega. The bond between them grows stronger with each passing moment, both physical and emotional.

"Thank you," Taehyung says suddenly.

"For what?"

"For letting me into your nest. I know how special that is."

Jeongguk smiles, his fingers tracing patterns on Taehyung's chest. "The nest wasn't complete without you. It needed your scent, your presence."

Taehyung’s heart beats faster. 

Taehyung wakes up in the silence of night to the feeling of a light touch on his skin. Before he can fully open his eyes, he becomes aware of warm breath traveling across his neck. His heart pauses for a moment before starting to beat rapidly. Jeongguk's scent becomes more distinct in the air; familiar and comforting yet intense enough to make his skin tingle.

Jeongguk places soft kisses on Taehyung's neck, his lips gliding gently on the skin, leaving warmth with each touch. Taehyung takes a deep breath but keeps his eyes closed, not wanting to break the magic of this moment. Jeongguk's touches are slow and cautious at first, but then they become bolder; as his lips move from neck to jaw, occasionally brushing his skin with the tip of his tongue, leaving a pleasant shiver through Taehyung's body.

Taehyung now struggles to hold his breath. He softly murmurs, involuntarily turning his head to expose more of it to Jeongguk's touches. This encourages Jeongguk further. His lips linger longer on Taehyung's neck, his kisses becoming deeper.

"Hyung," Taehyung whispers, his voice filled with a subtle desire mixed with sleepiness. When he opens his eyes and looks at Jeongguk, he sees his eyes sparkling. There is both playfulness and possessiveness in Jeongguk's gaze.

"I didn't mean to wake you up," Jeongguk says in a low voice, but his lips remain close to Taehyung's neck. "Smelling you, touching you... I can't stop myself."

A warmth spreads through Taehyung’s chest. He reaches out, threading his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair. “Go on,” he murmurs, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s fine. Yoongi hyung said your heats are intense.”  

Jeongguk’s lips return to his neck, and Taehyung takes a deep breath, closing his eyes. They are completely lost in the moment—scents, touches, and an unspoken bond dissolving every barrier between them.  

Jeongguk’s lips keep tracing along Taehyung’s neck, his breathing growing deeper and more uneven. Taehyung feels Jeongguk leaning into him more, the heat and tension between them building steadily. When Jeongguk’s lips move from his neck to his jaw, then softly to his earlobe, a shiver runs down Taehyung’s spine.

For a moment, Jeongguk stops, resting his forehead against Taehyung's neck as he takes a deep breath. In the silence, only their heartbeats can be heard. Then Jeongguk speaks, his voice low and almost like a whisper, but not hiding the desire within.

"I need you, Tae," he says, his lips continuing to brush against Taehyung's skin. "I want you."

These words echo in Taehyung's mind. His throat goes dry, and he has difficulty swallowing. Jeongguk's voice, his warm breath, and the meaning carried by his words stir all the emotions inside Taehyung. Along with his Alpha instincts, that deep devotion and desire he feels for Jeongguk in his heart come together.

When Taehyung opens his eyes and looks at Jeongguk, he sees not only desire in his eyes but also trust and need. This isn't just a desire for physical intimacy; it's a yearning to belong to each other, to find refuge in one another.

Taehyung takes a deep breath, touches Jeongguk's face with a soft look in his eyes, and instead of giving Jeongguk a verbal answer, he simply joins their lips together.

Taehyung's approval and desire erase all hesitation from Jeongguk. He slowly moves on top of Taehyung, pressing their bodies completely together. As his lips return to Taehyung's neck, his kisses are now more greedy, more passionate. After kissing his skin, he trails his tongue along his neck and bites gently.

Taehyung's breathing quickens, his heart beating wildly in his chest. His hands roam over Jeongguk's back, pulling him even closer. As Jeongguk's warm breath travels across his neck, Taehyung feels his entire body surrendering to Jeongguk's touches.

This isn't just a moment of passion. This is two souls' desire to touch and complete each other. In that moment, the whole world in the room falls silent, and only their presence, their scents, and their heartbeats remain.

When Jeongguk slowly lifts his head from Taehyung's scent glands, the air in the room has reached an almost tangible density. When Taehyung notices that hazy look appearing in Jeongguk's eyes, he instinctively feels his weakening breath and the slight trembling in his body. Jeongguk's strong reaction to Taehyung's scent shows that their bond isn't merely physical, but reaches a more primal and pure level somewhere deep within.

Leaning against Jeongguk's neck, Taehyung feels his warm breath mixing with his own skin. Jeongguk's hands are tightly wrapped around Taehyung's body, holding on as if Taehyung is the only fixed point in the world. As Taehyung watches Jeongguk in this state, his alpha instincts stir; the desire to protect, possess, and completely envelop him resonates strongly in his heart.

The heat and scent radiating from Jeongguk’s body sharpen Taehyung’s senses. Jeongguk’s needy gazes ignite an indescribable feeling of possession deep inside Taehyung. Jeongguk’s vulnerable and needy state creates both a softness and a determination within Taehyung. He not only wants to touch and feel Jeongguk but also to completely take care of him and become one with him.

Taehyung runs his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair and gently lifts his head. When Jeongguk’s eyes lock onto Taehyung’s with a passionate and hazy gaze, Taehyung rubs his lips together and feels Jeongguk tremble.

Jeongguk impatiently throws himself at Taehyung’s lips. He kisses him harder as his tongue slides over the Alpha’s lips. It is funny how quickly he parts them for Taehyung and how loud the sharp breath he takes when Taehyung’s tongue enters his mouth sounds in his own ears.

“When I go into heat, I get really needy,” Jeongguk murmurs against Taehyung’s lips. Pressing his hips against Taehyung’s hardness, he adds, “You’re going to fuck me so well, right Taehyung? You’re going to make your hyung feel so good.” And in that moment, Taehyung thinks he’s dead.

“Shit,” Taehyung curses, feeling himself heat up just at the thought of holding Jeongguk’s hips and leaving beautiful little marks. “Yeah—yeah, I’m going to make you feel amazing, hyung.”

Jeongguk’s smile deepenes, his gaze darkening. “Good boy.”

All Taehyung wants is to grab the younger again, pull him close, and feel his mouth on his. He wants to run his hands all over Jeongguk’s body and just feel him.

When Taehyung feels he can’t hold back any longer, he pulls Jeongguk on top of him, burying his nose in the scent gland on his neck. It’s as if he can’t get enough of this scent, and somehow, it turns him on even more.

At that moment, Jeongguk starts moving his hips. As he positions Taehyung’s cock and presses himself down in slow circles, his breathing quickens. “I can’t wait to have you inside me,” he murmurs softly.

When Jeongguk sits fully on top of Taehyung, he slides his hands under the Alpha’s shirt and quickly pulls it off. He starts running his hands over Taehyung’s body while still grinding his hips against Taehyung’s dick

Taehyung doesn’t think he will survive this; he doesn’t believe he can make it through the day alive. The way Jeongguk looks at him, as if he could devour him whole, is going to kill him.

"Your cock is getting bigger and bigger, I can feel it," Jeongguk murmurs as he lifts up his T-shirt with one hand and starts playing with his nipples. "I wonder how big it is."

Fireworks could go off and Taehyung wouldn't notice, couldn't divert his attention from Jeongguk's hands on his bare skin.

Suddenly the dream came back to him, the dream of Jeongguk moaning and groaning beneath him and waking up wet. "I saw you in my dream," he says breathlessly. His hands are caressing Jeongguk's thighs.

"What were we doing?" Jeongguk asks sweetly, but in a completely frightening manner.

Taehyung swallows. Jeongguk is half-naked, rubbing against him on his lap, and the words just won't come out.

"What were we doing in your dream, Taehyung?" he says, panting this time. In one swift motion, he pulls off his shirt and takes one of Taehyung's hands caressing his thigh and places it on his chest. His face is covered in sweat. "Tell me, don't be shy."

Taehyung can barely speak. "I was fucking you."

Jeongguk groans, unable to control himself, and throws his head back. Taehyung holds himself back from fucking him as he lays him down on the bed in one fell swoop.

"Hm, is that so?" says Jeongguk, "Did my hole feel good?" he asks this time. He starts rolling his hips faster, as if that were possible.

"You were so good," Taehyung feels the need to swallow. Not a day went by that he didn't think about that dream. "You kept begging me to fuck you, your moans never stopped for a second. You were amazing."

Jeongguk smiles flirtatiously. "You're such a dirty boy, aren't you?" he says. "After you had those dreams about me, you acted like nothing happened. Like you never dreamt of fucking me... That's not something good boys do."

Yes, Taehyung had dreamt of it once, but he had fantasised about it countless times.

The wet kisses and heated touching continued.

Taehyung thought he would die of embarrassment when he felt a wetness on his cock, underneath Jeongguk, but after only a few seconds, with the smell of white flowers and honey wafting through the room, he realised that it was Jeongguk's slick; Jeongguk had come slick just by rubbing against him.

Taehyung's cock betrays him as it twitches at the thought of sinking into Jeongguk's soaking hole.

Jeongguk gets off Taehyung and quickly removes his shorts and underwear. Now the smell of white flowers and honey is more intense, more pungent. 

Omega climbs back onto Alpha's lap and starts stroking Taehyung's cock with his hand. The scent of both of them begins to fill the room and Taehyung begins to feel faint from the need that penetrates his bones.

Taehyung feels his mouth water as Jeongguk finally gets off his lap and moves to his side, spreading his legs. His pink, slippery leaking hole is right in front of him. Just as he is about to touch it, Jeongguk grabs him by the wrist. "No touching for now," he said, then positioned his finger on her hole. "You will watch me." Taehyung looks at Jeongguk's hole as if hypnotised as he slowly starts to push his finger into it.

"Tch, tch, tch," Jeongguk touches Taehyung's chin with his free hand, causing him to raise his gaze to his face. "I want your eyes up here, I want you to look at my face while I finger myself."

Taehyung's eyes are fixed on Jeongguk's face, holding his breath as he watches the omega finger himself. Jeongguk's face was flushed with pleasure, his lips parted. His eyes are half-closed, his long eyelashes fluttering. "Mmm, it feels so good," Jeongguk moans. "I wish I had your fingers inside me. Thicker, longer..." He gropes for Taehyung's hand and interlaces their fingers. "You could probably touch my prostate with those beautiful, long, elegant fingers, couldn't you?"

Taehyung swallows, his hands ball into fists. He yearns to touch his Omega, moaning impatiently inside his Alpha. Jeongguk's facial expressions turn him on even more.

When Jeongguk finally removes his fingers from his hole, he licks them without breaking eye contact with Taehyung and then rubs them on Alpha's lips. "Would you like to taste me?" he asks

There's no way Taehyung can say no. 

As he takes Jeongguk's fingers into his mouth, his body fills with pleasure like never before in his life. Feeling the taste of honey, Jeongguk's taste, on his tongue is unlike anything he has ever tasted. He thinks he might have an orgasm at that moment.

Jeongguk is impatient now. When Taehyung is in a sitting position, he sits on his lap again and starts kissing him. Alpha's hands are everywhere; on Jeongguk's neck, back, hips, ass - everywhere.

Taehyung loves every reaction he can get from Jeongguk; every moan, every shudder, he devours it all in one kiss.

Taehyung had imagined many different ways to kiss Jeongguk; quick and needy, slow and consuming, - but this is different from all of them. Jeongguk is so sensitive that every movement of Taehyung's lips brings out the silent whimpers inside him, making his body come alive. Jeongguk, as if reacting to Taehyung's movements, squirts more slick from his hole and completely wets the Alpha's cock, right on top of it.

The slickness makes a loud noise in the normally quiet space except for the sounds of kissing, lewd and jarring and straight into Taehyung's mind.

Jeongguk quickly gets up from Taehyung's lap, his cheeks red, "I can't take it anymore," he moans as he hastily removes the Alpha's trousers and underwear.

He is silent for a few seconds at what he sees and stares at it in shock. 

Omega's wet hole contracted and relaxed on its own as it stared at Taehyung's cock. His cock twitches, growing slippery at the thought of his hole being filled with something this big. 

Taehyung is big. So big.

"Fuck," Jeongguk moans loudly. "I can't wait to have youinside of me.You're bigger than my biggest dildo," he says breathlessly as he starts stroking Taehyung’s cock. It's like he's dying to get it inside him.  "Mmh, I want to use you like a fucking dildo. I want to fuck myself on you."

Touching Taehyung's chest and pushing him to lie down, Jeongguk repositions himself on Alpha's lap. On his knees, he looks up at Taehyung with a grin as he positions Taehyung's cock at his hole. It's as if he knows how he struggles with himself, with his Alpha. 

He begins to whimper as his slick, wet hole slowly sinks down onto Taehyung's cock. "Oh, my God," he says out loud. "You're so big I can't get to the bottom."

When he finally sits fully on Taehyung's cock, he has to breathe for a while. Taehyung moves from lying down to a sitting position and touches Jeongguk's back, trying to comfort him. Taehyung murmurs, "Are you okay?" as he kisses Jeongguk's shoulder and scent glands. He may want to fuck Jeongguk so fast that his mind flies, but his priority is always him.

"I'm fine," Jeongguk gasps and licks Taehyung's lips. "I just," he lifts his arse slightly and sits on it again, "Ah, -I just want to bounce on you until the blood comes out of your cock."

Taehyung's brain short-circuits, he never expected Jeongguk to have such a filthy mouth. Jeongguk simultaneously puts his hands on Taehyung's shoulders and starts jumping on his lap as his heart starts beating even faster, as if it were possible. 

"Tae, oh my god, -you're so big," The sound of skin against skin, the sound of the slick from Jeongguk's hole meeting Taehyung's cock - it's all too much, and Taehyung thinks he might come at that moment.

Jeongguk is beautiful like this, with his hair sticking to his forehead from sweat, his face flushed red and his cherry lips swollen from kissing.

But Taehyung can't take it anymore. His Alpha is screaming at him to take control and please his Omega. 

He can't silence his thoughts any longer. In one fell swoop, he puts Jeongguk on his back and spreads his legs apart. As he starts pushing his cock into Omega's hole, Jeongguk starts moaning louder than he has all night.

Taehyung approaches him carefully to see every wrinkle on Jeongguk's face, every reaction. Alpha tries not to miss a single expression on Omega’s face as he whimpers and moans. 

Taehyung doesn't slow down until Jeongguk starts moaning frantically and his hips start twitching.

"Tae, -Taehyung, -Mmh, Ah!"

It's almost impossible for Jeongguk to control himself when all that comes out of his beautiful lips are moans and Taehyung's name.

"Oh my god, -You fuck your Hyung so well, don't you, Taehyung?" Jeongguk says with difficulty. He holds onto Taehyung's shoulder with one hand while he positions the other on his stomach, on the bulge that appears on his stomach every time Taehyung pushes himself inside. "See, Tae? You're so big you can see and feel your cock from here, -Ah!"

Jeongguk is telling the truth. Taehyung can see the imprint of his cock on Omega's stomach every time he thrusts his hips into him.

"Fuck me like this," Jeongguk said through his teeth. "That's my good boy. You're being such a good boy for me. My strong, wonderful Alpha."

Taehyung was panting. Jeongguk's words ringing in his mind. You're being such a good boy for me. My strong, wonderful Alpha.

Jeongguk's moans increase as Taehyung continues his strokes. The words that come out of his mouth don't even make any sense anymore.

"Tae, -Tae, please, oh my god,"

Jeongguk looks great lying on his back on the bed, letting Taehyung do all the work.

"Tae, please, please faster, don't stop, don't slow down. Please, please." His voice becomes high-pitched, his facial expression turning Taehyung on even more.

It was the first time all night that Jeongguk had been so submissive, so meek and obedient, and it triggered something inside Taehyung. His Alpha is begging him to take charge and show his Omega who's really in control.

"Do you like it hyung?" Taehyung asks. Jeongguk lying on the bed with his eyes closed and only moaning brings out the controlling side of the Alpha in him. "Do you like my cock? Do I fill you up enough?"

"Yes, -Yes. You're the best." Jeongguk pauses as Taehyung suddenly and quickly thrusts his hips into him

"Oh, yeah? You're crazy about my cock, huh? Is that it?" says Taehyung. His pride has never been so flattered. His Alpha howls with joy inside him, overjoyed that he has shown the Omega who is actually in control.

"It is!" Jeongguk screams as if he's lost himself and then continues to whisper dirty words in Taehyung's ear. In this situation, it is impossible for Taehyung not to come. 

"I'm close," he warns Jeongguk. 

"Cum inside me, —please cum inside me," Jeongguk says hurriedly. "Fill my hole with your cum so I'll leak for days."

Taehyung has never wanted to bite Jeongguk so much before, to mark him. As he strokes Jeongguk's cock with one hand, he knows he has to control himself, but it's hard. As if Jeongguk understands him, he rubs his wrists against Taehyung's scent glands and whispers, "Bite me, -mark me."

When Taehyung, without waiting, buried himself in Jeongguk's neck, where the scent glands were, kissed and then bit it, Jeongguk came in his hand and let out the loudest moan of that night. As his body trembles with the effects of his orgasm, Taehyung cums inside him a few seconds later, just like Jeongguk said. He continues to stay inside Jeongguk for a few seconds. Then Omega has a mischievous smile on his face when he gets out of it and rises on his arms to look at Jeongguk's face. He wraps his arms around the alpha's neck and kisses his lips, then licks and bites.

"You're so beautiful, Tae," he says breathlessly. "I don't want anyone to see you - I want you to be mine. Just mine. I want only me to see you."

They'd fucked, Taehyung had cum inside Jeongguk, but nothing, -nothing had moved him as much as these words he was hearing now.

"You're so beautiful, so beautiful, —I need to sit on your face so no one can see you."

Taehyung wants to laugh at this sentence, but Jeongguk looks very serious, more serious than ever.

"Do you want to eat me out?"

There's no way Taehyung can say no to that.

When Taehyung lies on his back on the bed and Jeongguk sits on his face and places his hands on his chest, Taehyung feels his cock stir again, —shameful. 

Jeongguk starts moving his ass back and forth and Taehyung licks Omega's hole with his tongue. 

It's the best thing he's ever tasted. 

Honey, white flowers and pine resin from below. He feels like he's going to pass out any second, and it's not from lack of breath.

"Tae, eat me out, come on, don't wait. I want to feel your tongue inside, licking is not enough," Jeongguk says as he positioned his hands on Taehyung's throat. He doesn't choke Taehyung, but having his hands on his throat made him feel like he was choking.

Taehyung doesn't mind too much, though. Jeongguk occasionally rises with the support of his knees and gives Taehyung space to breathe. 

Jeongguk's voice rises and falls with every movement of his tongue as Taehyung easily inserts his tongue into Jeongguk's hole, which has just widened due to their fucking. After about a minute, when Jeongguk came on Taehyung's chest without being touched, it was over.

Jeongguk gets on Taehyung's lap again and starts kissing him. "You thought we were done?" Jeongguk breathes out. "We're not done yet."

Taehyung knew Jeongguk was getting tired. "Hyung-"

“I said I’m not done, understand?” he says as he kissing Taehyung. 

The night is just beginning.

A few hours later, (after fucking three more times) they lie in bed, wrapped in each other's arms.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung whispers, gently stroking Jeongguk's hair. His eyes linger on the bite mark on the Omega's neck. His own mark... While the thought fills him with pride, he also feels worried.

"Mmm," Jeongguk murmurs, burying his face in Taehyung's neck. Their scents are now completely intertwined. "I'm very good. You?"

"Me too," says Taehyung, then his voice comes out a bit anxious. "I bit you. It happened so suddenly. You don't regret it, do you?"

Jeongguk lifts his head to look at him, a soft smile in his eyes. "I could never regret it. I've been waiting for this for a long time."

His fingers wander over Taehyung's bare chest. "Actually..." He hesitates, his gaze shifting to Taehyung's neck. "Can I bite you too?"

Taehyung's heart speeds up. "You want to?"

"Yes," says Jeongguk, his eyes fixed on the scent glands on Taehyung's neck. His fingers gently caress the spot. "I want everyone to know that you're mine too. Just like you marked me, I want to mark you."

Taehyung just nods.

Jeongguk leans forward, his lips first gently touching Taehyung's skin. Then his teeth... And in that moment, they both feel like they completely belong to each other.

After the bite, Taehyung lets out a soft moan, but it's from happiness, not pain. When Jeongguk pulls back, his fingers gently stroke the bite mark.

"Did it hurt?" Jeongguk asks worriedly.

"No," Taehyung smiles. "It was perfect."

"Mmm," Jeongguk snuggles back against Taehyung's chest. "Now no one can approach you."

"I've always..." Taehyung sighs softly, his fingers tangling in Jeongguk's hair. "Every moment, every second, you're on my mind. For years, it's been only you."

Jeongguk laughs softly, his eyes sparkling. "Yes, I know."

"What?" Taehyung sits up in surprise.

"Tae..." Jeongguk looks at him with an amused but soft expression. "You showed it in everything you did. Watching all my basketball games, hiding in the back of the bleachers... Coming to every practice to watch me. Even Yoongi hyung would say 'my brother came to see you again.'"

"I..." Taehyung's face turns red. "It wasn't that obvious..."

"The banana milk you left in my locker every morning? Coming to my house every day with different excuses? Your hands would shake from excitement around me, you'd start stuttering when talking." Jeongguk strokes Taehyung's blushing cheek with his finger. "You were so cute. How could I not notice?"

"What about you?" Taehyung murmurs. "Did you also...?"

"I was watching you too," Jeongguk says softly. "When you were taking photos, sitting with your friends... And your pine scent has always drawn me in."

Taehyung's heart beats wildly in his chest. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because," Jeongguk snuggles closer. "I was waiting for you to come to me." He pauses briefly. "I always found you sweet. When you were little, I saw you as a little brother, but things changed two years ago. You started catching my attention and I... couldn't take my eyes off of you."

Taehyung's heart races as if he's run a marathon.

"I found you so sweet and... perfect for me, and I was aware you felt the same way. I could see the effect I had on you. I tried to flirt with you sweetly so you'd make a move, but you always... pulled back."

"Finally, when you started courting me, I thought 'This is it.' You had finally decided to take a step toward me. That's why I didn't hesitate at all when I kissed you last night."

"I'm so stupid," Taehyung says with a sigh. "Namjoon was right. He always told me to 'confess to him' but I was scared. Scared of losing you."

"Namjoon?" Jeongguk raises his eyebrows, propping himself up on his elbow to see better. "You told him too?"

"Yes," Taehyung covers his face in embarrassment. "I was always complaining to him about you. Saying 'he sees me as a baby Alpha, I can't be more than Yoongi hyung's little brother.'"

Jeongguk giggles, pulling Taehyung's hands away from his face. "I never saw you that way. You were just so cute. And believe me, I was just as nervous. My heart would race wildly every time you came near me."

"Really?"

"Mmm," Jeongguk nods. "Especially lately... Those handmade gifts, the drinks you left every morning... Each time I would think 'maybe today?'"

"Then," Taehyung suddenly sits up, a determined look in his eyes. "Can I take you on a proper date? Everything happened a bit fast and I... want to court you properly. Take you to nice places, hold hands, eat together—"

"Tae..." Jeongguk's eyes soften, a sweet smile appearing on his lips. "You've actually been courting me for years. With every look, every action." His fingers trail along Taehyung's jaw. "Yes, I want to go on dates with you. Let's do everything in the right order."

It's ironic coming from a couple that has fucked four times that night, but neither of them minded. 

They stay wrapped in each other's arms in silence for a while, just listening to their heartbeats and breaths. Taehyung thinks about the warmth of Jeongguk's skin, how perfectly their scents blend together. Everything he's dreamed of for fourteen years has become real - being able to touch Jeongguk, hold him in his arms, be his.

He knows words would be inadequate. How could he explain? That he's thought about him every day, every moment since he was six? That he went to see Yoongi just to catch a glimpse of him? How his heart stopped with each of his smiles?

But it's time to say it now. Maybe words would be inadequate, but Jeongguk needs to know.

"I like you," he says in a soft voice, feeling the weight of the words.

I love you.

"I like you so much."

Jeongguk lifts his head to look at him, his eyes shining like moonlight. "I like you too," he says with a smile. "I like you so much that I don't know how to express my feelings."

And maybe no more words are needed. Because now everything is exactly as it should be.