Taehyung didn't hesitate. "Okay," he said simply, voice low and decisive, before turning away.
Jungkook watched him move across the room, the Omega feeling small, fragile, as the Alpha pulled open the wardrobe doors. Taehyung rifled through his clothes, casually selecting a set of nightwear, his shoulders relaxed, as if the weight of their heavy conversation had been nothing but a passing breeze.
But then—he paused. Glancing back over his shoulder, his dark eyes found Jungkook's uncertain ones.
"Suppose I did think about myself," Taehyung mused, tone deceptively light. "Suppose I left you to fend for yourself. Tell me, Jungkook... where would you even go?"
The question, though spoken softly, landed like a stone between them.
Jungkook tightened his hands in his lap, spine straightening stubbornly. "I can live on my own," he said, voice firmer than he felt.
Taehyung's mouth twitched, not quite a smile. He pulled his shirt free from a hanger, his movements unhurried, deliberate.
"Without any degree? Without any experience? And without a roof over your head?" Taehyung's voice was gentle, but there was a firm edge beneath it—one only an alpha could carry. He tilted his head, eyes soft with worry. "You really think I'd let my omega wander out there like that—with my scent on you, my bite on your neck? The world wouldn't know how to treat you, Jungkook. It would devour you. Especially an unmated Omega, freshly bitten, scent-linked yet unclaimed? You'd be prey before sunset."
Jungkook's chest ached. His throat burned.
"If my own father can abandon me," he muttered bitterly, "then so can you."
Taehyung froze for the briefest of moments.
Then he turned, full-bodied, a slow exhale leaving him. His voice when he spoke again was low, almost fond.
"Too late for that," he said. "I've already bet everything on you. Risked everything." He took a step closer, a naughty light glinting in his eyes. "So you're stuck with me now, pretty boy…"
Taehyung's smile widened—bright and boxy, pure and unfiltered.
"Whether you like it or not."
Jungkook's bottom lip trembled into a pout. "You're making fun of me," he murmured, voice catching, soft and unsure.
Taehyung, unable to resist, reached out and brushed the tip of his finger against the Omega's sensitive ears, earning a tiny shudder from Jungkook.
"I wouldn't dare," Taehyung whispered, eyes warm with teasing.
Jungkook's heart raced, heat pooling under his skin, making his scent turn sweet and nervous.
"Why are you behaving like this?" he asked, voice half-scolding, half-pleading. "Do you think Hana wouldn't marry you anymore?"
Taehyung shrugged lazily, as if the idea held no weight in his chest. "She would…" he said.
He let the silence linger between them, heavy and full of things Jungkook couldn't understand.
"But I won't," Taehyung finished, voice gentle but certain.
Jungkook blinked, confusion chasing across his delicate features. "Why?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Taehyung moved closer, their bodies almost brushing now. His fingers found Jungkook's slim waist, pulling him forward, and Jungkook gasped softly at the sudden warmth of the Alpha's touch.
"Because I already have a bondmate. One I bit. One I chose." Taehyung murmured.
His eyes gleamed with mischief—and something deeper, something older—something instinctual.
Jungkook's face flamed. He stumbled over his words, trying to deny, trying to protest. "You're wrong… you shouldn't leave your family for someone like me—"
But Taehyung only smiled, all slow, patient Alpha calmness.
"And you think they're right?" he asked quietly. "For even thinking about leaving me because of you?"
His hand, warm and sure, tilted Jungkook's chin up between thumb and forefinger.
"If they can leave me," Taehyung whispered, his breath brushing the shell of Jungkook's ear, "then so can I."
Jungkook's lashes fluttered. His heart hammered in his chest.
And Taehyung, sensing the Omega's helpless trembling, leaned in closer still—so close that Jungkook's scent, sweet and panicked, enveloped him fully.
"Don't tempt me, Jungkook," he rasped, voice thick with strain. "I'm already hanging by threads here."
And with that, Taehyung's tongue flicked playfully against the curve of Jungkook's ear, quick and wicked.
Jungkook gasped, a whimper escaping him as he stumbled back, face flaming red, hands covering his ears in embarrassment.
By the time he dared to look up again, Taehyung had already disappeared into the washroom, the door clicking shut behind him—leaving Jungkook standing there, trembling, blushing, and far too aware of the Alpha's lingering heat.
============
When Taehyung finally told his family of his decision, the silence that followed was heavy. Mr. and Mrs. Kim, who had raised only two sons—Yoongi and Taehyung—sat back quietly, exchanging glances but saying nothing. Their family had always been small and close-knit. Losing Taehyung was not an option they were willing to risk, no matter how much their traditions and expectations weighed against him.
In the end, they decided not to kick him out.
But acceptance was another matter altogether.
Though they allowed Taehyung and Jungkook to stay, a cold distance settled in their home like an unwanted guest. No harsh words were said aloud, but their silent disapproval spoke volumes. Jungkook remained the outsider in their hearts, no matter how pure and gentle his presence was.
Taehyung hated it—the way they treated his precious Omega. But he left it alone for now, choosing to believe that time might thaw frozen hearts.
Meanwhile, life had to move forward.
Taehyung resumed his classes at university, throwing himself back into his MBA studies with more determination than before. His final year was demanding, exams loomed over him like dark clouds, and afterward, he would be expected to step into his father's business. He needed peace. Focus. Discipline.
And he tried—he truly tried.
But how could a married Alpha concentrate on his studies when a beauty like Jungkook was near him all the time? Sweet, soft, untouched. His scent filling the air. His presence filling every lonely corner of Taehyung's world.
Taehyung fought against it with everything he had. The more he tried not to think about Jungkook, the more his mind betrayed him—drifting again and again to the Omega who belonged to him in name, but whom he dared not touch.
Even Jungkook's smallest gestures—the way he adjusted his sleeves, the way his nose wrinkled when he was confused, the innocent curve of his mouth when he slept—set Taehyung's blood humming.
Tonight was no different.
He had tucked himself away at the far end of his bedroom, sitting stiffly at his writing desk under a dim light, desperately trying to memorize financial formulas. He ignored the steady rise and fall of Jungkook's breathing across the room, forcing himself to focus.
But eventually, thirst won out. With a soft groan, he pushed his chair back and made his way toward the bedside table for a glass of water, careful not to glance at the bed.
Almost successful.
Almost—until he bent to pour the water, and his eyes betrayed him.
There, under the soft halo of moonlight, lay Jungkook. His bangs messily fanned across the pillow, one hand clutching the blanket, the other resting lightly against his own shirt. His cheeks were slightly flushed from sleep, his lashes casting soft shadows on his skin.
Taehyung's heart clenched painfully. He froze, glass forgotten, as he simply stared.
How could anyone look so ethereal?
Before he realized what he was doing, Taehyung sat on the edge of the bed, breath shallow, and reached out with trembling fingers to tuck a few stray strands away from Jungkook's forehead. His fingertips brushed lightly against soft skin, and he felt a shiver travel down his spine.
And then, without thinking, his touch lingered—ghosting over Jungkook's cheek, down to the curve of his lips.
Soft. So unbearably soft.
The forbidden touch sent a wildfire through Taehyung's veins. His instincts roared, the Alpha in him desperate to claim, to mark, to pull this Omega into his arms and never let go.
He had known Jungkook would be temptation. He hadn't known it would feel like an addiction.
A slow, burning craving he could barely control.
No. Not yet. Taehyung clenched his fists, forcing himself to pull back. He had made a promise—to himself, to Jungkook—that he wouldn't cross any lines until the right time. They had agreed to take it slow, to sleep separately for a while. He couldn't betray that trust.
Breathing heavily, he stood up—ready to flee to the window for some cool night air.
But then, from the corner of his eye, he saw Jungkook stir.
The Omega blinked sleepily, sitting up with a soft whine. His big eyes found Taehyung immediately, still glassy with sleep.
"W-what happened?" he asked, voice hoarse and delicate.
Taehyung scrambled for composure, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "N-nothing," he stammered.
Jungkook tilted his head, concern painting his pretty face. "You need something?"
Caught off-guard, Taehyung's mind raced for an excuse.
"A-actually… I have a big exam tomorrow," he blurted. "And, uh, the couch gave me a neck cramp... I can't sleep there tonight."
He winced internally at his own awkwardness.
But Jungkook, ever the gentle soul, misunderstood the wince. His eyes widened in worry, and he scooted back on the bed, patting the empty space beside him.
"Come here... I'll massage it for you," he offered sweetly. Instead of getting angry for being woken up at his hour.
Taehyung froze, struck silent by the innocent kindness. How could he possibly deserve this creature?
He shook his head quickly, cheeks burning. "No, no need. I just— I think I should sleep on the bed tonight. You, um, you can take the couch."
Jungkook pouted slightly, not moving. "But it must hurt… A massage can make it better," he insisted, taking a small step closer.
Taehyung immediately backed away, heat flooding his body. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Jungkook could hear it.
"D-don't add fuel to the fire, Jungkook," he croaked, his scent had already thickened, betraying the instincts clawing at his control. One touch—just one—and he might forget every promise he'd made. He practically fleed to the bed and pulled the blanket over himself.
Jungkook stood there, confused and blinking. "Fuel? Fire?" he whispered to himself, scratching his head.
He eventually sighed and curled up on the couch obediently, still puzzled. He watched Taehyung's back for a long while, wondering if the Alpha was really hurting. But sleep claimed him before he could solve the mystery.
Morning came too soon.
The first thing Taehyung heard was Jungkook's soft voice floating over to him:
"How are you feeling?"
Taehyung blinked awake, disoriented. "Yeah… why?" he mumbled.
"Your neck… You said you had a cramp last night," Jungkook reminded him, fidgeting adorably.
"Oh," Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "All better now."
"Thank god. I got so worried." Jungkook's relief was genuine, and it made Taehyung's heart ache.
"I got worried too," Taehyung muttered under his breath.
But Jungkook heard him.
"Why?" he asked, blinking innocently.
Taehyung panicked. "Nothing," he said quickly, masking it with a small laugh. How could he ever tell Jungkook that it was his own intentions that had cramped—not his neck?
Instead, he smiled at the precious Omega and got up to freshen up.
As he grabbed his clothes, his gaze inadvertently fell on Jungkook—and his heart twisted again.
The Omega was still wearing the same faded, wrinkled clothes from the day they had fled the flat. Taehyung hadn't even noticed. He had been so wrapped up in his own struggles, his own desires, that he hadn't thought of Jungkook's comfort at all.
A sigh escaped him.
"What now?" Jungkook asked curiously, setting the bedsheets neatly on the bed.
"Nothing…" Taehyung shook his head again, slipping into the bathroom with a heavy heart.
But the guilt lingered.
He would fix it. He had to.
For his omega.
===================
"Let's go for breakfast," Taehyung said as he came out of the shower, towel-drying his hair, droplets still trailing down his collarbone."
"D-Downstairs?" Jungkook asked, his fingers curling into the hem of his shirt
"Yeah. Or... do you want to eat here? I can send it up if you—"
"No," Jungkook cut him off quickly. "I want to come... but everyone..." he trailed off, chewing his bottom lip.
"They're going to be there all the time. So what? Would you always stay holed up in this room?" Taehyung asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Not always... but..." Jungkook pouted, looking small and unsure.
"No buts. Let's go." He grabbed Jungkook's wrist and gently tugged him toward the door.
Jungkook had no option but to follow. He didn't want to disappoint the person who had saved him.
"Good morning," Taehyung greeted loudly as he entered the dining room with Jungkook in tow.
"G-Good morning," Jungkook echoed quietly, almost shrinking behind Taehyung as all heads snapped toward them, stunned.
Eun-jung furrowed her brows in open annoyance. Sang-ho lowered his newspaper just enough to shoot them a disapproving glance. Meanwhile, the couple sitting across the table shared an interested look, their eyes flickering with unspoken words.
"Let's eat," Taehyung said, completely unfazed, pulling out a chair for Jungkook.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jungkook caught Jimin trying—and failing—to hide his smile at Mrs. Kim's thunderous expression.
"I'm going to bring Hana back," Mrs. Kim said abruptly as she put her cutlery down, her voice loud enough to slice through the tension.
"It's your house, Mom. You can bring whoever you want," Taehyung said nonchalantly, spreading jam on his bread and placing the jar in front of Jungkook.
Mrs. Kim's lips thinned into a hard line. "And you're coming with me."
"I'm going to university," he replied calmly, sipping his coffee.
"You've already taken so many days off. One more won't kill you."
"But it will, Mom," Taehyung said, forcing patience into his voice. "I'm trying to make up for the absences. I can't afford another day off, especially with exams around the corner. You can take Jimin or Hyung with you."
"I don't know about them. You're coming," Mrs. Kim said, final and sharp. "She left because of you. Now you'll bring her back."
"You mean," Taehyung raised an eyebrow, "you want me to apologize and bring her back?"
"What's the harm in that?" she shrugged as she spread the jam on bread.
"Mom..." he took a deep breath, setting down his knife. "You can't drag me into this every time she gets upset."
"Don't lecture me," Mrs. Kim cut him off sharply. "Just say yes or no."
"No. I'm not coming. And you can't force me," Taehyung said simply, reaching for his coffee again.
Mr. Kim slammed his newspaper down. "Oh, so you can do whatever you want, but we can't even ask for one small thing?"
"But Dad... my university—"
"To hell with your university! You're going, and that's final!"
Sang-ho shouted, making everyone flinch. Jimin almost dropped his mug but thankfully yoongi was there to hold his omega's hand with a sweet smile, completely unbothered.
Taehyung clenched his jaw, staring down at his plate. Maybe just this once... he could listen. Just once. He glanced at his mother's now-satisfied expression, at the careless couple sitting across from him, lost in eachother… something tae wanted in his life too.. and then finally, he turned to look at Jungkook.
What he saw twisted something deep inside his chest.
There was nothing on Jungkook's face—no anger, no sadness, no tension. It was like he wasn't even there. He had finished his bread quietly and now sat with his head bowed, hands folded neatly in his lap. he looked like a child told to stay quiet in a room full of adults. Small. Silent. Invisible.
Taehyung sighed.
Maybe it was a good decision to listen to them this time. At least, before Jungkook became a victim too.
=====================
So you finally came to get me," Hana said proudly, arms crossed as she turned to face the door. Her lips curved into a smirk, but her eyes held the unmistakable shine of hope.
Taehyung stood just inside the doorway, one hand in his pocket, the other still on the knob. He didn't move forward.
"What? Am I looking too pretty?" she teased, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a flick of her fingers.
"Taehyung, I'm talking to you!" Hana snapped, frustrated by his distracted stare.
"What?" Taehyung finally lifted a brow at her, almost as if he'd just remembered she was there.
"What are you thinking about? It's just you and me here."
"Sometimes," he said, a small smile playing on his lips, "you don't need someone's physical presence to feel them."
Hana's face twisted with jealousy. "Were you lost in thoughts of that simpleton?"
"Almost," he nodded calmly.
"Oh yeah? And what were those thoughts?" she retorted bitterly.
"I was thinking... maybe I should do some shopping for him," Taehyung said thoughtfully. "Ever since he came into my life, it's been so chaotic. I was so busy that I didn't even stop to think about what he might need."
Hana stared at him like he'd grown an extra ear. The same man who used to whine and avoid malls like the plague was now considering shopping — voluntarily — for someone else?
"You're going shopping. For him?" she repeated, almost in disbelief.
"Of course," Taehyung said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "If his Alpha doesn't do it, who will?"
"You never did any kind of shopping for me," Hana grumbled.
"That's because," he said with a small shrug, "I'm not your Alpha."
Hana's eyes narrowed, a breath of disbelief as she studied his face. "You've really started to like him."
Taehyung tilted his head slightly, gaze distant "Like..." he sighed softly. "It's the first step to love.
She stared at him.
"And honestly..." he smiled, almost shyly, "I think I already crossed that line."
"You once liked me too," Hana whispered, grasping at the fading memory of what they used to be.
"I did," Taehyung admitted without hesitation. "And I won't lie about that. But even when I tried to, I never felt anything beyond that for you. I don't know if that was because of me... or maybe you never gave me anything to hold on to."
The color drained from Hana's face. She couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment... or the crushing feeling of losing something precious.
"What's so special about him?" she asked, voice trembling — a question she had asked before, but this time it sounded more like a plea.
Taehyung smiled, his eyes still distant, as if seeing Jungkook standing right there.
"I don't know what's special about him," he said softly, "but I do know... I'm climbing the steps — like, interest, trust, gratitude — one after another... and somewhere at the end of it all, there's love."
Hana felt her heart splinter into pieces. And Taehyung might have shattered it completely with his next words... if her mother hadn't entered the living room alongside Mrs. Kim.
"Let's go," Taehyung said, standing up with a smile.
It was time to go home.
===========
Taehyung dropped everyone off at home before turning his car around again.
"Where are you going now?" Mrs. Kim called after him.
"To the mall," he replied casually.
"The mall? Why?" Mrs. Kim asked, surprised that after such a long, tiring journey, he was still heading somewhere.
"Hana knows. Ask her," Taehyung said before driving off without another word.
Mrs. Kim turned to Hana immediately. "Where is he going?"
"To do some shopping for his lovely mate," Hana said bitterly, twisting the word 'lovely' like poison in her mouth.
Mrs. Kim frowned deeply. "We should do something about that lovely mate..." she muttered, worry creeping into her voice.
"Oh, hi Jimin!" Hana spotted Jimin sitting in the living room and hurried to hug him, switching to her brightest smile. "I missed you," she said sweetly.
"Hi Hana," Jimin returned the hug with polite warmth. He knew better than to step out of line with his powerful in-laws.
Mrs. Kim collapsed onto the couch, clutching her head in frustration. "I have no idea where Tae found that piece of crap," she groaned.
"I know exactly where he found him, Mom," Hana said, patting her mother's back. "And don't worry. We'll throw him right back where he belongs. He won't stay long in this house. Not if we do things right."
"
"What are you two talking about?" Jimin asked, looking between them, alarmed.
"She's right," Mrs. Kim said darkly. "Taehyung brought him home out of a passing infatuation. These few days were enough to satisfy his curiosity... Now it's time to put an end to it."
"But... how?" Jimin whispered.
Mrs. Kim smiled coldly and patted his cheek. "That," she said softly, "I'll tell you later."
"You're amazing, Mom!" Hana hugged her tightly, a wicked glint in her eye.
In the background, the clock ticked away loudly in the silent house — marking the beginning of the end.