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His world ground to a halt. Everything stopped.
Taehyung stood there, mouth agape.
He never thought it would hurt this bad; he should've expected it, should've seen the signs. They were right in front of him but Taehyung was a man in love; his heart chose to ignore it to protect itself.
He really thought he had a chance.
Hah.. How foolish he was.
He watched, pain searing through him, as Jimin carefully covered the new mating mark on his neck. Taehyung desperately tried to keep his expression neutral--or at the very least, less like someone whose dog just died--as he struggled to control his feelings. It was just so hard . His heart was broken and Taehyung didn't think he could pick up the pieces scattered on the ground no matter how much he tried.
It hurt that much.
"Taehyungie?" Jimin called out as he took a few steps forward but suddenly stopped midway, looking at Taehyung with uncertain eyes. He probably thought Taehyung didn’t want him anywhere near him right now.
Get a grip of yourself, Taehyung!
He took a deep breath and willed himself not to cry. He could do this. He was strong. He had to be.
If he could endured years of unrequited love, this was nothing.
He forced out a smile-- the boxy one with his teeth on full display and the corners of his eyes crinkled-- while silently praying that Jimin believed it. He waited with bated breath to see how Jimin would react.
Jimin always noticed whenever Taehyung was feeling rather down or sick or even stressed. It amazed Taehyung every time whenever Jimin could detect even the slightest changes in his mood, so he was afraid that Jimin would immediately notice how fake his smile was right now.
He would ask questions that Taehyung knew he wouldn't be able to answer.
Imagine his surprise when Jimin almost instantly threw himself at him, arms circling his neck and legs wrapping around his waist.
Taehyung's reaction was immediate. His palms gripped Jimin's thighs, supporting him so the omega didn't fall as he clung to him like a koala.
He flinched when Jimin buried his nose on his neck, nosing his scent gland. As a Beta, he didn’t have the intense scent like Alphas or Omegas had. Instead, he had a soft lavender scent; soothing, calming and it apparently has a relaxing effect on the other ranks.
Jimin especially loved it. And he most likely felt anxious if he was seeking out Taehyung’s scent.
It was cute though. If this was what it took to be useful to Jimin, he was going to grab it.
He was brought back to reality when Jimin's sugary scent hit him so hard that Taehyung felt like he was suffocating. Holding Jimin in his arms meant the omega was that close to him and whenever he was happy, his scent would be more potent than it usually was.
In this case, Jimin was elated to finally have his daily dose of Taehyung.
Taehyung knew because Jimin, sweet Jimin, always told him how important he was as a friend of his, the one he treasured the most out of everyone else.
He was Jimin's important friend .
Well, that was just lovely .
A friend .
Staring down through the mess of Jimin's hair, he could see the source of his pain in the first place. He winced slightly when he finally saw it because the bite mark looked pretty painful; it was so red it seemed like it was still bleeding even though it wasn't and the teeth mark ran deep into the skin. It almost looked like someone tried to eat him.
But a mating mark was still a mating mark.
A mating mark that wasn't from him.
In the next minute, Jimin unwrapped his legs to stand on the ground while still had his arms around Taehyung's neck, keeping him in a close quarter. "Taetae! I thought you were mad for a second!" Jimin sighed in relief, mouth formed into the cute smile that Taehyung loved the most.
If he wasn't in this situation, he'd have pinched Jimin's cheek because of how adorable he was.
But he wasn't.
And if Taehyung's heart was broken before, it sure as hell shattered to bits by now because Jimin didn't notice. He didn't notice how much Taehyung was hurting, how close he was to cry his heart out from how painful everything was.
Even though Taehyung said he didn't want Jimin to ask questions, it was still nice to hear his outward worry because it meant that he cared.
But he didn't ask.
Jimin really didn't notice that he was dying on the inside.
His tears overflowed unbiddenly, causing Jimin to release his arms from his neck to cup his face, thumbs rubbing gently on the waterfall of tears that didn't seem like it was stopping.
It hurt.
Everything hurt.
"Taetae!! Why are you crying?!" Jimin asked, panicky, eyes wide with worry and unshed tears. He had his bottom lip tucked between his teeth so hard it almost bled.
Taehyung blinked at Jimin blurrily. "S-sorry! I-I don't k-know why these s-stupid tears w-won't stop!" He stuttered, holding Jimin's hands tightly with his own. "I'm just so overwhelmed for some reason."
Jimin looked at him with eyes that seemed like they knew more than they should and Taehyung hated it. He hated that Jimin didn’t seem to understand this time.
The elder switched Taehyung’s hold on his hands so he was the one gripping onto Taehyung's hands instead. Taehyung’s eyes flickered downward.
A second later, Jimin tugged Taehyung toward the sofa just behind them and then almost swiftly pulled Taehyung to sit on his lap once he was finally seated.
Taehyung was by no means little, he knew that, but somehow he found himself curling his body to fit perfectly on Jimin's lap, looking impossibly small and soft. He tucked his head under Jimin's chin when the elder pulled him even closer, wrapping his arms around Taehyung's body.
The hand that carded through his hair was gentle and caring. It made Taehyung feel slightly better, his eyes no longer leaking tears and his heart no longer felt as painful as it was a few minutes earlier.
Taehyung really felt bad. He couldn't believe he just broke down like that. He basically ruined Jimin's day.
Why was he like this? Why was he such a bad friend? Why couldn't he just be happy for Jimin?
Why? Why? Why?!
"I'm sorry, Jiminie." He muttered as his right hand found purchase on the front of Jimin's shirt. "I didn't mean to cry. I-I promise that was my happy tears. I swear!" He cried out, finally meeting Jimin’s eyes. Taehyung hoped to hell it was convincing.
He schooled his features, tamping down his heartache because Jimin shouldn't know about his feelings. Shouldn't know that Taehyung was in love with him.
Has been for years.
He knew it would end up badly because Jimin was a soft soul. The elder couldn't bear to see his loved ones in pain and Taehyung was sure Jimin would do anything to make him happy again.
That was Park Jimin's most treasured behavior.
The fingers on his hair pulled back abruptly, causing Taehyung to dread for what was to come.
"Baby bear…" Jimin started as he cupped Taehyung's face with his small hands, thumbing his cheek softly to wipe away the dry tear tracks on his cheek. "Don't lie to me, please," he looked at Taehyung with pleading eyes and Taehyung felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach.
"I'm not lying!"
"You are!"
"I'm not!" Taehyung insisted, pouting at Jimin with his eyes narrowed.
Jimin looked somewhere between wanting to drill Taehyung for answers or cuddling him to death. In this situation, it seemed like it was the first one when Jimin just immediately started asking before blurting out an apology.
"You wouldn't cry for a reason, Tae! Was it me? If so, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!"
Worry creased his brow and that made Taehyung want to punch himself because the last thing he wanted to do now was to make Jimin sad. The omega didn’t have to apologize for the whirlwind of emotions in him.
"No, no, Jiminie! It's not your fault!" He choked out, tears pooling in his eyes again. He swiped at them quickly as he brought his arms out to hug Jimin tightly, wanting the love of his life to know that he was not at fault.
They sat there hugging one another for about five more minutes, just enjoying the warmth that radiated from each other's bodies.
Jimin was so small in his embrace, so perfect, and so precious. Taehyung loved him.
He loved him so much.
As Taehyung looked back on it, he realized that he should've never acted like that because the whole thing was ridiculous in the first place.
How could a Beta like him end up with an Omega as perfect as Jimin?
He should be fine with just being friends. He had to. For Jimin's sake.
With that thought in mind, Taehyung finally locked up his feelings in the deep recesses of his heart with a key that he threw away almost instantly. Never to be found again.
Taehyung took a deep breath before untangling himself from Jimin, ignoring how his wolf whined miserably at that, not wanting to be parted from Jimin. He tamped it down, and cupped Jimin's face, thumbing at his cheeks. "Jiminie?" He pulled his lower lip between his teeth.
Jimin exhaled a soft, "Yeah?", as he covered Taehyung’s hands with his own on his cheeks. "What is it?" Jimin whispered, keeping the air around them light and soft.
Taehyung took another deep breath, this one steeling himself as he slid forward, coming face to face with the boy who owned his heart. They were so close, less than an inch apart, that they were basically breathing each other's air.
"You know that I love you, right?" He began, hoping that the painful truth didn't come out, and Jimin would think that Taehyung just loved him as a friend. Pain sliced through him again and Taehyung struggled to suppress it. Despite the fact that his confession probably sailed over the omega’s head, this was about Jimin. Not him. "And I want the best for you always," Taehyung continued as he thumbed the corner of Jimin's lips, smiling when the latter's eyes brightened at that.
"Yoongi-hyung is the best. He's perfect and has obviously fallen for your cute, charming self." Taehyung laughed when Jimin's face reddened.
Oh god, he's so cute .
He then yelped when the omega pinched his waist. "Okay okay! I'm sorry, Minnie!"
Jimin just huffed. Taehyung was so endeared.
"Anyway, as I was saying before you rudely interrupted me," he glared at Jimin playfully while the Omega just grinned at him. "I approve of Yoongi-hyung." He stated, his voice laced with the confidence he didn’t really feel. His chest tightened and everything still hurt but he had made up his mind and didn’t want to hurt his Jimin.
It's okay though, right? It was for Jimin.
Jimin squealed as he literally pounced Taehyung, causing them to fall back on the sofa. With Taehyung's back on the soft cushion; he clutched Jimin tightly in his arms, kissing the top of his head with everything he had, wanting to convey how happy he was for Jimin to be mated with his chosen Alpha.
Taehyung ignored his wolf that was crying inside him, sobbing with such a painful wail that he could almost physically feel its loss.
I'm sorry , he apologised to his wolf.
He's not ours, he whispered again to him.
We'll be fine, he promised his wolf, we'll get through this.
"Taetae?" Jimin whispered, clutching onto Taehyung's shirt with his tiny hands, successfully pulling Taehyung’s attention back to him.
"Hmm?" He hummed as he played with Jimin's hair. The omega practically purred into his chest, nuzzling his nose onto his shirt cutely. That action brought a smile to Taehyung's face, glad that he was the one to make Jimin this happy.
"Can we stay like this for a while?" Jimin softly asked as he rested his chin on Taehyung's chest, looking at him with that adorable smile on his face.
Taehyung hoped that Jimin didn't hear how hard his heart was beating in his chest from how close he was currently.
"Of course, Minnie. Always." He replied, giving Jimin a soft kiss on his forehead. He totally missed the way Jimin's cheeks flushed at that when he just leaned back again onto the cushion, closing his eyes to take a few minutes to calm down his heart. "We'll take a nap then wake up in a few minutes, okay?" He mumbled, already feeling the exhaustion catching up to him.
A few minutes went by without Jimin responding caused Taehyung to open his eyes, and the sight in front of him would forever be engraved in his mind.
Jimin had fallen asleep on his chest, head cushioned on top of his clasped hands. Taehyung's heart soared. He felt lucky to be blessed by this.
He slowly brought a hand up to pat Jimin's head, smiling when the omega purred in his sleep.
"Sleep well, my love. I love you so much." He muttered softly. This was only the time he would say it out loud, the only time he would utter those words because Jimin was not his.
Will never be his.
With a heavy heart, he fell asleep with Jimin sleeping peacefully on top of him.
"Are you sure you're okay, Tae?" Jimin asked as he stood there by the doorway of Taehyung's apartment, fidgeting on the balls of his feet nervously.
Taehyung smiled brightly, deciding whether or not he should lie or admit that he wasn’t really fine. The latter option tempting him as an excuse to have Jimin’s arms around him again. But he knew it wouldn't be fair, for either of them. "Why wouldn’t I be, Jiminie? You said you had to go. Say hi to Yoongi-hyung for me!" He answered.
Jimin looked relieved by that, and Taehyung tried not to feel hurt because he didn’t want to keep Jimin away from his mate.
He kissed Taehyung on the cheek. "Okay Tae bear. I trust you! Call me whenever you need anything!" He said as he quickly hugged Taehyung and ran down the hallway toward the elevator.
Taehyung watched him slowly disappear and closed the door once Jimin was finally out of sight. His back hit the door, knees giving out almost immediately as his hands gripped his shirt tightly, right above his heart. He felt like Jimin walking away without a backward glance shattered him in more ways than he could count.
Taehyung figured he should probably call his roommate since he didn't want to be alone right now. The apartment was quiet, even with the TV on. He didn’t feel like watching anything or playing games. The air around him was suffocating. Jimin was usually the first one he called when he felt upset but he couldn’t do that this time around.
He just needed someone there.
Stumbling onto his feet, he grabbed his phone and shakily pressed the fourth speed dial. He sat down on his bed with his back on the headboard, heart thumping so fast against his chest that Taehyung felt faint.
'Please pick up. Please pick up. Please pick u--'
The other side clicked. "Hello, hyung!"
"J-Jeonggukie." He breathed out, relief evident in his voice.
"Hyung? What's wrong?" Jeongguk asked, his tone worried. Taehyung could hear papers shuffled, the sound of a zipper, a chair scraping back; it sounded like Jeongguk had rushed out of the room, someone calling after him.
Oh god. He winced. Taehyung remembered that the Alpha said he’d stay at the library today to borrow some books and study for his exams. He knew they had months left before CSAT but Jeongguk liked to be prepared.
Taehyung clutched his phone tightly. "Gukkie! I'm so sorry, I forgot you were--"
"Don’t worry, hyung, I'll be there in five." The alpha interrupted and the line promptly died. Taehyung looked at his phone in shock.
Jeongguk was unbelievable.
The Alpha arrived exactly five minutes after he ended the call, covered in sweat from head to toe. It was a fifteen-minute walk from the local library to their apartment so Taehyung was incredibly impressed and was grateful that the Alpha had actually run back to the apartment.
Jeongguk’s windswept hair looked like a bird’s nest and his sweatshirt was soaked with sweat, sticking to his torso. His eyes flitted wildly around the apartment as if he was looking for something. Moreover, the Alpha’s scent was almost strong enough to knock him off his feet that Taehyung almost pinched his nose to stop inhaling the younger’s pheromones.
Jeongguk kicked the door shut. "Tae..." He whispered as he strode to Taehyung’s bed and dropped to his knees.
Taehyung’s nose scrunched up. Jeongguk’s scent practically wrapped around him, potent and slightly more overpowering than it usually was. But it didn't matter because Jeongguk was actually there .
He finally had his best friend with him.
He didn't realize he was shaking and crying until Jeongguk basically cooed at him, wiping away his tears with the sleeve of his sweatshirt and attacking his face with kisses. Jeongguk knew it would calm Taehyung down in an instant. He loved physical affection.
"Baby, don't cry. You're okay." Jeongguk's voice was soft and soothing as he reassured him, sitting down on the bed beside Taehyung to pull Taehyung on his lap facing him so that Taehyung was straddling Jeongguk instead.
Jimin had once commented that he kind of envied Taehyung and Jeongguk’s friendship because they all knew how much Taehyung craved physical touches and Jeongguk had never minded providing a shoulder for Taehyung to lean on. The fact that he was on his best friend’s lap, nuzzling into the crook of his neck was a normal thing.
And Taehyung would never let Jimin straddle him anyway. He’d probably keel over from a heart attack.
Taehyung liked Jeongguk. He was kind, handsome, talented, and seemed to be good at everything he put his heart into. He was also a health buff and liked spending time in the gym, which resulted in a lean, muscular body.
He was almost perfect.
Taehyung wished he fell for Jeongguk instead, along with the Alpha’s other admirers. It would have saved him from all the heartbreak. Alas, the heart wanted what it wanted.
"Baby?" Jeongguk called out to him softly.
Taehyung pulled back and looked at Jeongguk for a second before burying his face into Jeongguk’s neck again, inhaling the calming scent of cedarwood Jeongguk released in the air. This close, he could smell Jeongguk strongly and he sighed in relief because it instantly made his heart lighter.
"I'm so sleepy, Gukkie." He mumbled against Jeongguk's neck as his hands clenched tightly onto Jeongguk's shirt. "I promise I will tell you later, just cuddle me please." He begged him, yawning. He cuddled closer to Jeongguk, curling around him like a cat.
Jeongguk ran his fingers on Taehyung's hair and scratched his scalp lightly causing Taehyung to purr in delight. "Sure hyung. Sleep now. I'll wake you later."
Taehyung's only reply was kissing Jeongguk on his scent gland, eyes swiftly falling shut.
When Taehyung finally woke up, the sky was dark. He yawned, wanting to stretch a bit but realized that he was in his bed and that Jeongguk lay beside him.
Lifting himself up on an elbow, he looked down and saw how Jeongguk had his arms around him as they lay in bed, spooning him from behind. Taehyung remembered falling asleep on Jeongguk's lap so he was slightly confused as to why they were suddenly in this position.
"I moved you, hyung. Don't worry." Jeongguk suddenly spoke, shocking Taehyung as he flinched at the sound. "Sorry, sorry!" The younger laughed, maneuvering Taehyung so they were facing each other.
"Sorry, hyung," he apologized again, puckering his lips in an exaggerated manner that made Taehyung giggle. "You literally said your thoughts out loud and I couldn't help it." He cheekily said, pecking Taehyung's nose.
"I could've had a heart attack you know!" Taehyung exclaimed, playfully swatting a hand against Jeongguk’s chest.
The latter laughed again. "If you did, I'll just kiss you to wake you up again! Easy peasy!" He declared, looking impossibly proud of himself.
Taehyung just straight out laughed. "This is not some disney shit, Gukkie! If I die, your kisses won’t bring me back."
"Not even kisses from Jiminie?" Jeongguk inquired, laughing as if he found the joke to be funny. When Taehyung didn't reply, Jeongguk immediately knew he had fucked up.
Of course Jeongguk knew about his feelings for Jimin. They were best friends and they told each other basically everything.
"Sorry hyungie," Jeongguk said as he pulled Taehyung closer to him. "Wanna talk about it?" He asked again, feeling bad that he actually dampened the mood.
Taehyung nodded against Jeongguk's chest, feeling so small all of the sudden.
With a deep breath, he slowly recounted all the things that happened with Jimin. It was just a few hours ago but it felt like a lifetime. "You know how Jimin had his heat three days ago, right?'' At Jeongguk's nod, Taehyung continued. "He decided to spend it with Yoongi-hyung and guess what, today he showed up with a mating mark on his neck, Gukkie." He choked out, his throat burning.
"I don't have a chance with Jimin anymore." Taehyung sighed sadly, suddenly feeling exhausted. He really didn't want to cry anymore.
Jeongguk just held him tighter as he carded his fingers through Taehyung's hair, kissing his temple to calm him down.
"And you know that I can never be mad at Yoongi-hyung for claiming Jimin. He’s an amazing person, Guk." Taehyung started, playing on the loose thread of Jeongguk's sweatshirt. "He's handsome and strong and he's so kind to everyone." He chuckled, mind unconsciously straying back to Yoongi when he helped him with a project just last week. "He helped me a lot with my project."
Taehyung sighed as he wrapped an arm across Jeongguk's waist, cuddling closer to him. Their room had gone pitch dark because neither of them bothered to turn on the light.
"Knowing they chose each other made me realize that they do belong with each other, Gukkie. They’re good together and, wow, I can't believe I thought I had a chance with Jimin," he continued dryly, voice filled with so much resignation. "I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I'm kind of in love with Yoongi hyung too. He was always there for me when I missed home. He’s always been kind and patient with me. Can you imagine how fucked up my life is?"
Taehyung finally confessed his deepest secret to Jeongguk and, god, did that feel great?
Not.
Taehyung realized he had denied his feelings for so long, too scared of acknowledging them. He was afraid of the judgement and backlash from everyone around him as it was very uncommon for someone to have two mates because coming in between a mated alpha and an omega was inappropriate.
Alphas were naturally possessive and protective over their mates and they certainly did not like sharing; they did not like smelling another scent that was not their own on their beloved and clearly the only ones who could satisfy an omega in heat.
Omegas, while soft and cuddly, would literally kill if someone as much touched their alpha. They were intense when in heat, losing control over themselves and only their alpha's scent and touch could calm them down.
A third person in the already perfect relationship would cause an imbalance and they would certainly be left out because the alpha and omega's bond ran far deeper than anything else.
That was why he kept his feelings under lock and key because how did he manage to fall for two people at the same time? One was enough, but two?
It sucked that both of them were his friends too and were already in a relationship when Taehyung first realized he was in love with Yoongi as well.
It was mind blowing. Taehyung never thought he could have one more person occupying his heart that was already so full of Jimin.
But it was different with Yoongi.
They weren't friends per se, but because they were in the same group of friends, they inevitably bonded and were often seen spending time together talking in Satoori when one of them missed home too much.
It was no wonder he fell for Yoongi.
"Oh god. I talk too much right? I'm sorry you have to hear that, Gukkie." Taehyung sheepishly chuckled, embarrassed to have shared too much. Jeongguk just squeezed him tightly, hugging him closer to his chest, "S'kay Taetae," he reassured him as he nuzzled his nose into his hair.
"I kind of figured out that you like Yoongi-hyung too." Jeongguk added in his two cents, humming in a random tune as he hooked his head on top of Taehyung, causing Taehyung to bury his face in Jeongguk's throat. The younger chuckled lightly when Taehyung unconsciously tickled him with his sniffing.
"Am I that obvious?" Taehyung timidly asked, scared that everything was out in the open because if Jeongguk could easily see it, the others would too.
"No, Taehyungie-hyung," Jeongguk shook his head, pulling out of the embrace to lift Taehyung's chin with his hand, "it's probably because I know you well enough that I always notice these things about you so please stop selling yourself short. You’re amazing, hyung."
Touched beyond words, Taehyung just curled himself smaller around Jeongguk and revelled in the arms surrounding him once again.
Jeongguk then hummed. "Have you heard of a polyamorous relationship, hyung?"
Taehyung frowned as he nodded. "Yeah. What of it?"
"Have you ever wondered how it would be if you were in one?" Jeongguk's voice was genuinely curious, which confused Taehyung.
What was the Alpha thinking about?
"Where did this all come from, Guk-ah?" He asked, looking up to stare at Jeongguk with eyebrows raised. "Is this your way of telling me that you're in one? It’s okay, I'm not gonna judge, baby."
Jeongguk sputtered and immediately reeled back as if burned. In his haste, he fell out of the bed with a loud thump, groaning in pain when his head hit the nightstand.
Taehyung peeked at him from above, chuckling when Jeongguk just sprawled on the ground, a look of utter defeat visible on his face. "I'm so done with you," the younger muttered, still on the ground as he hid his eyes with the back of his hand while tilting his head backwards like some women did when they faked fainted.
Taehyung bursted out laughing, "Oh my god, you're so dramatic!" He rolled off the bed and flopped on top of Jeongguk, grinning when the younger just cursed lightly that his back hurt.
"You're heavy, hyung!"
"How dare you?!"
Jeongguk chuckled, "Okay, that was a joke."
"Yeah I know," replied Taehyung, grinning at him.
Both of them then got up to their feet and lay on the bed once more, facing each other. "So. Polyamorous?" Taehyung inquired, lifting his eyebrow at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk nodded. "Ever thinking about being with Yoongi-hyung and Jimin-hyung?" He asked, looking Taehyung straight in the eyes.
Taehyung blinked. "Like how?"
"As in being in a relationship with the both of them." The Alpha stated and watched as the look of recognition flashed in his eyes.
Taehyung sputtered, "W-what? No! Absolutely not!" He refused, offended at the thought of ruining such a great relationship with his presence.
It was incredibly tempting. While his heart definitely agreed, his mind just downright refused.
"Hyung, don't overthink it."
Jeongguk pulled him into an embrace. "It's okay to be in a poly-relationship, Tae. There's nothing wrong with it. And it's not wrong to have feelings for two people at the same time. You just have a big heart to give love."
Teahyung teared up at that, touched at Jeongguk's meaningful words. He would be lying if he said he never thought of it before because he did. Quite a lot.
Taehyung knew he craved for an alpha to make him feel like he was worth it and that every inch of him was someone to be desired, to be appreciated, to be taken cared of. Taehyung wanted it because it made him feel like he was valid as a person.
And at the same time, Taehyung also longed for someone he could take care of--an omega he could spend the rest of his life with and to give them everything they ever wished for. He needed an omega he could protect, an omega he could love and cherish.
Yoongi and Jimin fit all those requirements. Yoongi was the alpha he needed and he was already head over heels for Jimin. They were honestly all Taehyung ever wanted in mates.
But life just didn't work that way.
Yoongi and Jimin were mated and they didn't like Taehyung like that.
"Oh my god, hyungie. Don't cry!" Jeongguk said, panicking, fingers furiously swiping at the river of tears that just burst from Taehyung. "I'm sorry, hyungie."
"It's okay." He reassured, carding his fingers through Jeongguk's hair. "But you stink. When did you last take a shower, Gukkie?" Taehyung faked a grimace as he pushed Jeongguk off him, laughing when the younger shot him an offended look.
His attempts to lighten up the atmosphere and to divert the attention on something else were a success when Jeongguk grumbled as he got off the bed. He stopped shortly though, turning back to look at Taehyung with eyes that held so much worry despite Taehyung's attempt to ignore the elephant in the room.
"I'm fine. I promise." He reassured him, shooting Jeongguk his signature smile. He found out that he meant every word that he said, now coming to the conclusion that he would support his friends' relationship like a good friend he was.
Jeongguk looked like he didn’t trust his words, but just chose to accept what was told to him.
Taehyung was extremely grateful.
After a while, the Alpha continued, smirk on his lips, "You have to take a shower too, hyungie. Come on or you'll stink up the room as well." He grinned, laughing when Taehyung threw a pillow at him.
"No way!" Taehyung shouted after the alpha. "I don't need a shower."
…
Taehyung ended up taking a shower with Jeongguk because the alpha claimed he wouldn't cuddle him if he still stinked.
And Taehyung needed his cuddle buddy to sleep, dammit.
...
The next morning, Taehyung woke up to kiss on his forehead and a 'have to go now hyung, I have an early shift today!' And Taehyung thought he replied something, but he couldn't really remember because he fell asleep a second later.
The second time he woke up, was by the alarm that Taehyung remembered he didn't set up; he figured it was Jeongguk and it was. Taehyung saw a note with the younger's handwriting on it.
I set an alarm for you, hyung! I'm sorry I didn't get to cook breakfast :( I woke up late too :(( Anyway, enjoy your day! ♡
Taehyung smiled as he put down the note back on the nightstand. He sat up and stretched his body to release the kinks in his lower back, sighing in bliss when he heard them pop.
He hoped this day would be a great day for him.
It did not.
First, Taehyung mistook the time of his phone, thinking he was an hour early, and had spent a good twenty minutes in the bathroom, singing in the shower as if he got all the time in the world. He took his time dressing for work and doing his makeup (just right, so he could look pretty).
When his phone lit up with a text from Jeongguk, his eyes automatically stared at the time on his lockscreen and was shocked to see that he had only thirty minutes left before his shift started.
He hasn't even had breakfast yet but it was too late now. Taehyung grabbed his bag and ran out of his room.
Second, he realized he forgot his phone at home when he was already at his workplace so he had to go back and get it, wasting the fifteen minutes he could've used to get some snacks at the convenience store across the street.
He was grumpy and angry and so hungry, he could cry. But he was already late for work and didn’t have time to eat.
Thank God, Seokjin, the manager, was a friend so he was excused for being tardy.
Third, a self-entitled alpha customer became a bit aggressive when Taehyung denied him a date. The alpha sneered when Taehyung ignored him and had proceeded to yell at him, then grabbed his wrist so hard, it actually left a large, ugly bruise on his wrist.
He normally would’ve let it go but the alpha seriously didn't take the hint and was bold enough to touch his face. Taehyung saw red and ended up punching him, who reeled back from the pain.
"Did my fist hurt you, alpha ?" He simply smirked as the alpha on the ground growled. Having grown up with alphas in his family, their tendencies didn’t faze him one bit. His hand throbbed but the satisfaction coursing through him trumped everything else.
"You fucking Beta!"
The alpha lunged at him so fast, Taehyung didn’t have time to prepare himself. The back of his head bumped into wood, probably a table or a chair, and he found himself face to face with the customer, his collar crushed in the alpha’s hands.
"Listen here, Beta. Just because you're so fucking pretty doesn't mean you can reject any alpha that showed interest in you. You can’t even appreciate that I want a fucking date with you, bitch!" The asshole spit out, eyes glowing red in anger.
Someone pulled the alpha off him, letting him breathe from the oppressive scent that assaulted his senses. He hadn’t realized he was shaking until someone wrapped their arms around him.
He choked when he realized the other person was an alpha too and his immediate reaction was to push whoever it was away from him, wanting to get as far as possible from the danger he felt.
Taehyung has always been so insecure of his rank. He was often called too beautiful to not be an omega and sometimes called too strong and intimidating to not be an alpha. And what hurt the most was when they said no one would ever want to be with him because he was a Beta.
So where was he supposed to belong?
"Taetae, breathe. It's okay. It's your Namjoon-hyung."
Taehyung wilted in relief. This was the scent he recognized, a scent he grew up with.
"H-hyungie…" He stuttered as he clutched his brother tightly, slumping onto him entirely. They ended sliding on the floor behind the counter; with Namjoon gathering Taehyung to his lap, muttering comforting words into his ear.
Namjoon had his right hand on Taehyung's hair, carding through it so gently that Taehyung felt almost at ease. Almost. His heart still beat a little faster than normal because the adrenaline hadn't died down.
Taehyung admitted that he was scared. The alphas surrounding him (his parents, his brother and his friends) never acted this way before so you couldn't blame him for being so afraid.
He flinched when he sensed another alpha near him, enough that he accidentally knocked the top of his head against Namjoon’s chin. (He should apologize to his hyung later even though Namjoon appeared fine.) His wolf thought it was a threat and he just wanted to get away.
"Tae! It's fine. That's Yoongi. Your Yoongi-hyung, remember?" Namjoon reassured, hugging Taehyung even closer to him when the latter attempted to run away. "Baby, it's okay. You're safe." He continued as he nuzzled his nose into Taehyung's hair, releasing a little of his scent to calm his brother's wolf down.
Taehyung sniffed as he peeked from his hiding place on Namjoon's neck and smiled shakily when he realised that it was in fact his Yoongi-hyung.
"H-hyung. Y-yoon hyung…" He stammered, getting out of his brother's embrace and into Yoongi's open arms. Taehyung immediately crawled to the alpha's lap then swiftly buried his face onto Yoongi's scent gland, inhaling the scent of Vetiver that was so Yoongi.
His wolf instantly calmed down.
Yoongi ran his fingers through Taehyung's hair while his other hand rubbed soothing circles on Taehyung's waist.
"I'm sorry, hyungie. I didn't realise it was you." Taehyung apologized, lifting his head to look at Yoongi in the eyes, gasping when he saw that they were glowing bright red.
Yoongi blinked and his eyes reverted back to their usual color. "Sorry, baby. Hyung didn't mean for you to see that," he said as he cupped Taehyung's face, kissing his nose gently. "I guess my wolf is still a little pissed that the stupid alpha touched you like that." He hissed, voice deepening into a growl. Taehyung could feel his heart beat faster at that.
And it definitely was not because of the anger in Yoongi's voice. It was because of what he said.
He hadn't realised how affected Yoongi was by the situation.
Taehyung's heart felt warm.
In his peripheral vision, Taehyung could see that Namjoon got up slowly and walked toward a worried Seokjin at the end of the counter. He smiled when he saw his brother kiss his mate as he brought him closer to him.
Taehyung brought his attention back to his crush, smiling when Yoongi kept muttering about all the ways he was going to dismember that alpha. "Hyungie, thank you for worrying."
Taehyung closed his eyes as he leaned forward so that he was forehead to forehead with Yoongi. He totally missed the way the alpha's eyes widened at the sudden close proximity or how much red painted the snow white cheeks.
"N-no problem, T-Tae."
Taehyung’s brows furrowed before he pulled back to look at Yoongi, head tilted to the side as he stared hard at his hyung, wondering why Yoongi had stuttered. And.. was that a blush on his face?!
Was he.. actually embarrassed because of their closeness?!
Taehyung's own face burned at that. His mind immediately caught their earlier conversation where Yoongi called him baby . But he dismissed the thought almost immediately.
As if.
He calmed down his heart as he locked eyes with the alpha, "I'm okay now, Yoongi-hyung. You can let go of me." He whispered, leaning back to stand up but before he could, Yoongi seized him by his wrist.
"Hyung?"
"No."
Yoongi’s voice was firm and demanding, practically stealing the breath from his lungs. Taehyung reeled back in shock, mind grappling with the fact that Yoongi just used his Alpha Voice on him.
He panicked, twisting in Yoongi's hold, palms sweating, chest aching.
"L-let go of me!" Taehyung demanded, stepping back, eyes beginning to water.
He rushed behind Namjoon as soon as Yoongi’s grip loosened and wrapped his arms around his brother's waist, burying his face into the crook of his neck.
He was shaking so badly because Yoongi just used that voice on him.
No one ever used that voice on Taehyung.
It was scary.
Namjoon growled at Yoongi. "Calm yourself down, hyung. You're scaring Tae right now."
As if he had been slapped on the face, Yoongi turned away to get a grip on himself.
He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders before approaching Taehyung tentatively. "Taetae, hyung is sorry. I lost control. My wolf still thought you could be in danger." He explained and watched with bated breath as Taehyung once again peeked from the safety of his brother's back. "Sorry, baby," he continued, dropping his gaze as he clenched his hands into fists.
With his head down, he didn't see Taehyung making his way to him until he saw a pair of shoes right under his nose.
Taehyung smiled at his hyung, using his height to his advantage and pulled Yoongi to his chest, nuzzling his face onto his hyung's hair. "It's okay, hyung. I was just surprised because no one ever used their Alpha Voice on me before so I got scared."
"It still didn't make it right for me to use it on you!" Yoongi grimaced, a look of clear distress on his face.
"It's okay! I'm fine now."
"But--"
"Just be quiet and accept it, hyung, or I'm going to tell Jiminie what you just did." He hugged the alpha tighter, his voice laced with amusement when Yoongi sputtered and fell completely speechless.
"We can continue this in the back, boys." Seokjin clapped them on the shoulders, eyes shining knowingly with amusement. "I want to reopen the cafe, if I may."
Taehyung whipped his head around, just noticing that they were the only ones in the cafe. The whole place was vacant, devoid of any customers who Taehyung saw earlier. He looked questioningly at his hyung.
Seokjin only took one step and Yoongi immediately moved Taehyung behind him, acting as a barrier between them as if Seokjin was a threat.
He chuckled.
"Relax, Yoongi. I'm mated." He shook his hand at Yoongi, wedding band glinting in the light. "I may be an Alpha but I'm mated to Taehyungie’s brother. I won’t hurt him."
Yoongi blushed, coughing, "I-I know. My body just reacted on its own!" His arms flailed around as he looked back at Taehyung who just stared at him with adoring eyes.
"It's okay, hyung. Don't worry about it!" Taehyung reassured, moving from behind Yoongi to stand in front of Seokjin. "When did you close the cafe, hyung?" He asked, eyes scanning the place once more before looking back at his hyung. "And why did you close it?"
Seokjin ruffled his hair as he shot him a smile. "Right after Yoongi tackled the alpha, baby." He replied, voice soft. "I managed to get everyone out of the place because I thought it'd be a mess with so many alpha pheromones all over the place." He continued, sighing. His hands automatically cradled Taehyung's face before thumbing on the leftover tears on his cheeks.
Taehyung leaned into those hands, liking the warmth. Seokjin-hyung is always so warm, Taehyung thought, as an unconscious purr was drawn out from him. His arms wrapped around Seokjin’s waist as he nuzzled his face into his hyung’s neck.
With his hands now free, Seokjin rubbing circles onto Taehyung’s back, his face lighting up despite the low growl Yoongi let out. Taehyung missed it completely, too happy to be in Seokjin’s arms. He had always loved Seokjin’s hugs, the Alpha’s broad chest was warm and comfortable.
However, the growl didn't escape Seokjin's ears. He glanced over at the other alpha, lifting an eyebrow as his lips curved into a smirk. He pulled Taehyung close enough that they were chest to chest as he peeked over Taehyung’s shoulder. He saw Yoongi’s eyes flash red as he clenched his hands into fists.
Deciding that he liked pushing Yoongi’s buttons, he dipped his head and buried his nose in Taehyung’s neck as he sniffed at his scent gland. Taehyung’s whine turned into a content hum. Seokjin knew Taehyung loved being scented by his loved ones.
They (Namjoon and Seokjin) usually just cuddled Taehyung in his bed when the boy had a bad day. On his worst days, Taehyung liked wearing his hyungs' scent on him because they calmed him down; also because his hyungs' scents kept other alphas from bothering him.
He felt more than he actually heard when Yoongi took a step toward them, a louder growl bursting from him. Seokjin lifted his head marginally. He held himself back from snickering when he saw that Yoongi’s eyes had turned a deeper shade of red.
Looks like he succeeded wonderfully in making the other alpha jealous that Taehyung now wore a different alpha’s scent. Even if said alpha was mated.
He let Taehyung go easily when Yoongi yanked the Beta from his grasp, tugging Taehyung to the office at the back of the cafe.
He was tired of seeing Yoongi, Taehyung and Jimin tiptoeing around each other when they were basically in love with one another. Everyone has seen the heart eyes they all threw at each other when they were together.
Seokjin knew it hurt his mate to see his brother put on a fake smile for Jimin and Yoongi. He figured that it was up to him to give either Jimin or Yoongi that push.
"That's dirty, hyung," Namjoon mumbled as he came up behind Seokjin.
Seokjin laughed, turning around to wrap his arms around his mate's neck, kissing his lips gently. "It has to be done, Joonie! It’s been going on for too long."
Namjoon sighed, "I hope everything goes well for them, though, because if it gets worse, Taehyungie is going to cry and it’ll hurt us even more. Do you want that?" Namjoon watched in amusement when Seokjin's face drained of color.
"I'm just kidding, babe! Taetae won't hate you because he loves you too much." Namjoon reassured, kissing Seokjin's forehead.
The other alpha huffed, a naughty smile on his face. "So what do you think will happen?"
"We'll see."
"Should I reopen the cafe today?" Seokjin asked, looking at his office door.
Namjoon hummed as he bit his lips in thought. "I don't think so. Our baby might need more time to recover."
"I guess so…"
Namjoon laughed. "It's okay, love. I'll keep you company in the meantime."
"You're the best, baby!" Seokjin cheered as he smooch his mate's lips.
…
"Hyung! Yoongi-hyung! What's wrong?" Taehyung asked, struggling to keep up with Yoongi's pace from how fast he was walking. The alpha kept silent as he pulled Taehyung toward Seokjin's office.
Once inside, Yoongi slammed the door closed. He looked up at Taehyung, eyes still blazing red as waves of displeasure rolled off of him.
Taehyung slowly stepped back, slightly scared of the sudden change in Yoongi's mood. The alpha was fine earlier -- he even apologized to him about using his alpha voice! -- but here he was, eyes red again and scent aggressive. Taehyung wondered if he did something wrong or that he had somehow offended the elder without meaning to.
His train of thoughts got cut off when the back of his legs hit the sofa in the office, making him fall down on his back on the soft cushion. Taehyung didn't have time to dwell or to get up because Yoongi was suddenly on top of him, caging him between his body.
Taehyung was definitely taller but here, underneath the alpha, he felt so small.
Yoongi's scent was beginning to suffocate him and while Taehyung loved the scent of Vetiver any other day, right now it was too much for his nose.
He felt faint.
"H-hyung," he whispered, voice soft as he held Yoongi’s gaze. His heart rate quickened as a blush stole onto his cheeks. Yoongi looked like he might eat him whole.
This wasn't the time! He screamed at his wolf.
"Tae…" Yoongi started, bending on both his forearms so that his face was right in front of him. He was so damn close it made Taehyung’s breath catch in his throat, the words he wanted to say suddenly became mush.
Taehyung could feel Yoongi's breath right on his lips and if he was a little braver, a little daring, he would've closed the distance between them just to taste those lips he knew would make him feel heaven.
But Taehyung loved Jimin too much to betray his trust like that.
He pushed Yoongi away from him and rolled away. With Yoongi no longer invading his personal space, his breaths came out in hard puffs.
He was nervous, sue him. Taehyung pressed the back of his hand to both cheeks.
He waved a hand. "I'm alright, hyung. So, what were you saying?" Taehyung asked, diverting expertly into another topic. He watched as Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows, looking as if he was contemplating something.
Taehyung gasped when Yoongi suddenly dove toward him, burying his face into his neck; nose right on top of his scent gland.
Yoongi nosed at it for a while and Taehyung shuddered. This is the first time Yoongi has gotten this close to him, and it made him blush to the tip of his ears. His wolf was screaming in his head, too happy at being in such close proximity with one of his crushes.
Taehyung whimpered when Yoongi suddenly kissed onto his scent gland, trying to erase the scent Seokjin left on him just a few minutes ago. His arms wrapped around Yoongi’s neck, fingers playing with the alpha’s hair. It felt so good to have the elder in his arms.
One hand trailed down to Yoongi’s nape just as he felt the alpha’s teeth scrape against his skin. He froze when he felt metal against his fingertips. And upon closer look, he saw that Yoongi was wearing the necklace Jimin had given him on his birthday.
Ice washed over him as he shoved Yoongi off him.
Oh god. This is Jimin's Yoongi.
Taehyung struggled to breathe, clutching on his chest so hard to will away the pain that didn't seem to go away. Tears pooled in his eyes and even though he tried to stop it, they tracked down his cheeks. He sobbed in pain, so fucking angry at himself for losing himself like that and betrayed Jimin.
Jimin, his sweet Jimin, would be so devastated because Taehyung just couldn't keep his hands to himself.
Taehyung curled into a ball, not realizing he had worried Yoongi so much. The alpha just stayed seated on the floor with a dumbfounded look on his face; unable to do anything but stare.
Yoongi felt guilty, like he had forced Taehyung into something he didn't really want. He couldn't believe he didn't even ask for consent, assuming that the Beta wanted it too. He knew Taehyung liked being scented, so he just presumed. His wolf whined, clawing at him in his brain to take Taehyung in his arms.
But he refrained. God. It was so hard.
Imagine seeing your crush crying their heart out, but you couldn’t do anything to help.
He felt so bad, because his wolf just lost control like that. If Jimin knew, he would’ve…
As if he was thrown with a bucket full of cold water, he finally realized what has gotten Taehyung so sad, so crestfallen. He thought he had betrayed Jimin’s trust. Oh my goodness, his baby was in so much pain.
Taehyung didn’t know that Jimin wouldn’t mind because they had the Talk yesterday and his Omega agreed that Taehyung would be a nice and a welcoming addition to their relationship. They loved him so much and they knew the Beta reciprocated their feelings too. But Yoongi admitted the way he approached this was wrong. Jimin would kill him for making his baby cry, instead of killing him for scenting Taehyung.
Just as he wanted to explain, the door of the office suddenly opened..
"Taetae…" Namjoon whispered as he picked Taehyung up in his arms, putting the Beta on his lap. "Baby…" He slowly uncurled Taehyung's arms around his knees to let them wrap around his torso instead, guiding his face to his neck gently because he knew Taehyung felt overwhelmed right now and needed a familiar scent.
But it did so little. Taehyung was still shaking and crying.
He belatedly realized that Seokjin must've pulled Yoongi out of the room because he wasn't in the vicinity anymore. Namjoon was pretty sure that his mate was currently screaming bloody murder at him with the way his voice could still be heard through the wall from how loud he was shouting.
"Baby bear, should I call Jimin?" He ended up asking, worried out of his mind for his baby brother. He knew Jimin could help Taehyung because his omega scent was calming and soothing, another scent that his brother loved the most.
Namjoon’s right hand moved to his jacket, trying to find the phone he knew was there somewhere. His other hand was busy drawing soothing circles on Taehyung's waist; trying as best as he could to calm him down.
A soft 'aha!' fell off his lips as the item he had struggled to find was finally found. But before he could dial Jimin's number, Taehyung suddenly protested "H-hyungie… Please don't c-call J-Jiminie."
Namjoon immediately stopped, "But Taehyungie! You're still in pain. Jimin can help you I'm sure, bub!" He insisted, trying to persuade his brother but Taehyung just whined more, fingers now clutching hard on the back of his jacket and Namjoon just gave in.
"Taehyungie? Do you want me to call Jeongguk instead?" Namjoon asked, praying hard that he would agree. He suddenly remembered that Jeongguk could probably calm his brother down too.
Taehyung paused for a while before he nodded against Namjoon's neck, sighing a soft 'yes'. Namjoon smiled as he cooed at his brother, pressing light kisses on his temple before nuzzling his nose on Taehyung's hair.
His heart felt warm when his brother cuddled closer to him, seeking his warmth.
He found Jeongguk's number and clicked on it, waiting patiently for the other alpha to pick up his phone. It took three rings before his call was picked up.
"Hey, hyung! What's up?" Jeongguk's cheerful voice came through the speaker, making Taehyung perk up slightly from Namjoon's neck.
"Gukkie?" The beta softly whispered.
"Taetae-hyung? Are you okay?" The alpha replied, voice laced with worry.
Namjoon watched as Taehyung's eyes slowly welled up with tears, lower lip bitten harshly with his teeth. Immediately after that, he cradled the latter's face with his hand.
"Hyung?? Namjoon hyung?" Jeongguk's voice broke through the speaker again, causing Namjoon to bring his attention back to him.
"Sorry Guk! Was a little busy. Can you come to Jin's cafe right now?" He asked, his other arm tightened around Taehyung's body when the latter moved, squirming uncomfortably on his lap.
"What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is Taetae hyung okay?"
Namjoon could hear how the alpha was speaking unintelligibly to someone-- which he soon realized was Hoseok with the way the person spoke.
“Guk-ah, calm down. I’m fine!”
Jeongguk sighed, relief apparent in his voice. Namjoon didn’t want to worry him again, but his next words would surely make Jeongguk’s alpha all agitated. “But Taehyung isn’t.”
The other side was all quiet for a minute before everything went to hell.
“Jeongguk wait--!”
He could hear Hoseok yell on the other side of the phone before the line was dead.
…
“But Taehyung isn’t.”
Jeongguk felt as if his heart dropped to his feet. Too many scenarios flashed through his head.
What if Taehyung got hurt?
What if Taehyung was in pain?
What if... Something horrible happened to him?!
“Guk? Are you okay?” He belatedly realized his boss, Hoseok-hyung was calling for him until the man waved his hand in front of his face. He shook his head, hoping that nothing serious happened to his best friend or he might just have to kill someone.
“Sorry, hyung, I really have to go.” He pushed past Hoseok. “I’ll explain later, okay?”
“Jeongguk wait--!”
Taehyung was the only thing that mattered right now.
He ran and ran, pushing past people on his way to Jin’s cafe.
But when he arrived, it was closed, which worried him even more. What the hell happened?
Jeongguk knocked hard on the door, ignoring some people who looked at him oddly. It didn’t matter if they thought he was crazy because if they were in his place, they would understand why he was like this.
“Jin hyung! Jin hyung please open up!!”
The door finally unlocked after what felt like ages and Jeongguk made his way to the room right at the back of the cafe where he could feel his Taetae hyung was.
He shoved the door open, eyes immediately assessing the siblings on the sofa. He rushed toward Taehyung, heart aching at the sight of tears on his hyung’s cheeks.
He could see how Taehyung lifted his head from Namjoon hyung's neck to look at him, the way his eyes widened at the sight of him and how his tears flowed down like a river on his cheeks. A second later, the beta jumped out of his brother's lap and flung his whole body at him, making him stagger a few steps behind; but still magically held the precious bundle in his arms.
Taehyung just clutched him hard, body heavy as if he couldn't stand anymore so Jeongguk just sat on the floor and lifted the beta up in his lap to hug him tightly, glad that nothing serious happened to him.
Taehyung was fine. He was alright.
He buried his face in Taehyung's neck, wanting to calm his wolf down and also to inhale his hyung's soothing lavender scent; but almost immediately reeled back as if burned when he smelled a different scent on his hyung, a scent he was familiar with.
“Jeongguk--”
He shook his head, cooing at Taehyung, swaying from side to side to softly calm Taehyung down. He kissed the Beta’s temple, nuzzling his nose into his hair.
Jeongguk smiled when Taehyung calmed down, emotions no longer haywire. Tears no longer flowing down his cheeks. His face was a little blotchy while his eyes were swollen and red, but Jeongguk still thought that his hyung was the most beautiful person he'd ever seen.
The alpha saw the way his hyung's eyes were half-lidded, signalling how tired he was of everything, and he couldn't help but smiled so big when Taehyung cutely yawned, eyes slightly watering and how his hands adorably clutched onto the front of his shirt.
Jeongguk was absolutely endeared.
He quietly lifted Taehyung up in his arms, singing a soft lullaby to lull the sleepy beauty to sleep. Jeongguk carefully deposited his hyung onto the sofa, thanking Namjoon with a nod of his head for helping him clear away the other things that had cluttered the sofa and for putting a cute small pillow to make Taehyung's head a lot more comfortable.
Shrugging his jacket off, he let it lie on top of the Beta to act as a blanket (or more likely so that Taehyung has something familiar with him in a place he already felt threatened by), but it only lasted a minute. He watched with a fond smile when Taehyung subconsciously grabbed the jacket to hug on it instead.
“Jeongguk--”
Jeongguk held up a hand. “Don’t fucking start, hyung.” He snarled, trying to swallow his anger when he turned back to Yoongi, who was standing by the door with a crestfallen look in his eyes. “You--”
“Don’t do it, Guk-ah.” Namjoon piped up softly somewhere to his right.
Jeongguk blinked, sure that his eyes were crimson with the fury shooting through him at that moment. He knew Taehyung wouldn’t want him to hurt one of the people he loves but his wolf growled, protesting. Yoongi’s scent was all over the beta and since Taehyung was crying instead of being in said alpha’s arms, it was naturally Yoongi’s fault. Right? He somehow hurt Taehyung. That was unacceptable.
“We’ll settle this later, hyung.” He squared his shoulders. Yoongi better be ready to meet his fist.
Taehyung woke up feeling like the whole world had crashed onto him. With a groan, he curled into himself, hugging the soft material he didn't remember having before and closed his eyes as tightly as he could, hoping that the headache would miraculously disappear.
It didn't.
In fact, it worsened.
Taehyung whimpered, feeling so horrible it made him want to hit his head on the nearest wall just to get the pain away. He wished he didn't wake up at all if it meant for him to suffer this much.
But then a hand suddenly palmed his forehead, making Taehyung sigh in bliss. That hand was big and soft; it radiated comforting warmth that made his headache a little better. Twisting his body toward the owner of the hand, Taehyung blindly tugged on the person's shirt (or what felt like a shirt) and just pulled them closer to him, openly releasing a sigh of contentment.
"You're so warm," Taehyung mumbled, nuzzling more into the hand that has now cupped his cheek, thumb softly rubbing on his cheekbone. The person chuckled and by that alone, Taehyung immediately recognized the owner of said voice.
There was no mistaking it. It was his Jeongguk.
His eyes flew open and looking up, he could see how the alpha was staring down at him, a fond smile apparent on his face. Taehyung could feel how his own lips tugged naturally into a smile. "Gukkie…" He whispered as he watched Jeongguk sit down on what little available space remains on the sofa, which was by his feet. The alpha was so endearing when he attempted to sit earlier. The way he had carefully moved Taehyung's feet a little further to the back, not wanting to accidentally sit on them.
He was honestly so adorable.
Taehyung felt bad for lying down while his best friend sat near his feet, so with the help of his elbow, he lifted his body up, drawing his knees closer to his body when he had properly seated and immediately looked at Jeongguk, waiting for him to say something. He was pretty confident that the alpha wanted to talk because he was so lost in thought, his eyes were obviously staring at him but at the same time not really either.
"Guk--"
"Tae--"
Both of them accidentally called the other at the same time, making their voices overlap. They stared at each other, amusement clear on their faces.
"You can go first, Gukkie!" Taehyung prompted, leaning a little forward until he was right in front of Jeongguk, looking at him with what he hoped was puppy eyes.
He really wanted a cuddle.
The alpha chuckled when he saw his expression, clearly understanding the reason behind his puppy eyes. He patted his lap with one hand while the other beckoned him forward, which Taehyung took as a yes and swiftly seated himself on Jeongguk's lap, sighing in satisfaction when the alpha's arms enclosed his form.
Jeongguk was always so warm and comforting. His scent was honestly the best; it was woodsy with a hint of sweetness in it -- an unusual alpha scent but that was what made Jeongguk so special to him. His scent was one and only.
The Alpha proceeded to kiss his temple as his right hand massaged his back in circular motions that made Taehyung bury his face into Jeongguk's neck, satisfied.
"What happened earlier, Taetae-hyung?" Jeongguk suddenly began, surprising Taehyung who almost dozed off to sleep again. His hand stopped his calming movements and Taehyung almost whined. Almost. But then he realized that the younger wasn't up for a game right now. He was dead serious on finding out what happened that made him break down like that. As if the whole world crashed down on him.
It honestly felt like that.
He just wasn't sure how to explain it to Jeongguk.
Taehyung's left hand subconsciously moved to touch his neck, the place where Yoongi-hyung had kissed earlier. At any other day, he would've been so happy to be scented so intimately by one of his crushes, but it was not.
It made him feel worse instead.
Taehyung yelped when Jeongguk suddenly grabbed his hand then proceeded to tilt his face with his other one, face flushing red in anger. "What. Is. This?" He pressed on, looking more and more annoyed at seeing how red his scent gland was. His eyes were slowly turning crimson, which should've scared Taehyung but he was not. In fact, he kind of understood the alpha.
Taehyung literally forgot how protective Jeongguk was of him; even the slightest bruise on him would trigger Jeongguk's alpha into a full protective mood.
That was why his action earlier had somehow provoked the younger’s alpha because for Jeongguk, seeing that on him plus all the crying equal to one thing: Taehyung has been taken advantage of.
Which was not what had taken place. Jeongguk just misunderstood.
Taehyung quickly tried to placate Jeongguk, holding his face between his hands to press kisses all over his face; on his forehead, on his little nose, on the scar on his cheek and he admitted he would've kissed Jeongguk on the lips too if he could, but that was an unknown territory he was not willing to enter.
"Gukkie. It's okay. It's fine. I was not being taken advantage of. I swear," he blabbered away, slightly nervous about Jeongguk's reaction after he said those things.
Would he think Taehyung cheated with Yoongi?
Would he think Taehyung betrayed Jimin?
Would he think Taehyung was that easy?
But he calmed his heart. If there was only one person Taehyung trusted the most after his family, it would be Jeongguk.
"I--" Taehyung paused, taking a deep breath to just clear his head. "This is going to be long so just stay here and don't interrupt me until I finish talking, yeah?" He asked the younger, making sure the alpha understood that he was being serious. "And also, no releasing alpha pheromones if you're mad at what I'm gonna tell or do anything remotely dangerous to defend my honor. Promise me, Gukkie?" He continued, holding out his pinky to Jeongguk.
Taehyung could see the hesitance in the younger's eyes so he took the liberty to hold his hand, thumb making circular motions on the back of Jeongguk's hand. He saw the alpha took a breath as he connected their pinkies together.
Taehyung smiled, and with their pinkies still linked together, he started recalling the earlier incident, making sure to leave nothing out so Jeongguk would know everything. He watched the variation of expressions dance on Jeongguk's face; the way his face reddened in anger at the mere thought of an unknown alpha insulting him, demeaning him then hurting him; the way Jeongguk gently cradled his bruising wrist and pressed a kiss on it, which honestly brought a huge smile to his face.
Then he continued on telling Jeongguk about Seokjin being such a good hyung, comforting him and scenting him which really helped with his emotions. Jeongguk chuckled when Taehyung told him how Yoongi hyung suddenly got mad at Seokjin, dragging him immediately to the office. He paused to ask why Jeongguk was chuckling, but the alpha just shook his head and asked him to continue all the while patting him on the head as if he was a kid.
Taehyung huffed, a little annoyed but nonetheless still went through with his mission of trying to recap everything to his best friend.
But once he reached the part where Yoongi pinned him down on the sofa, he could feel the alpha's pheromones thick in the air, his free arm tightening on his waist slightly. It caused Taehyung to release their connected pinkies to wrap them around Jeongguk's neck, trying to calm him down.
"Remember your promise, Gukkie…"
He felt the alpha tense under him, body rigid with nerves. Taehyung rubbed his hand on Jeongguk’s neck, trying to make him release the stress he was under. When he felt the younger finally rein his emotion back in, Taehyung continued on until he reached the end.
He stretched his body, trying to get rid of the kinks on his back for slouching, but ended up yelping when he almost fell backwards from stretching too much. He was super thankful to Jeongguk for his immediate reaction to pull him in before he fell.
“Be careful, dummy!” Jeongguk scolded him but his eyes held amusement so Taehyung knew his best friend was just joking. “Sorry!” He cheekily replied, pinching the alpha’s cheek jokingly. “So what do you think of the situation?” He then asked, a little worried.
Jeongguk hummed, fingers tugging on the loose thread on the hem of his sweater as he drew in a deep breath. Taehyung prepared himself for anything. He knew Jeongguk wouldn’t say hurtful words, but the little insecurity he had was constantly screaming at him, making him more insecure when he wasn’t supposed to.
The alpha stopped humming and Taehyung closed his eyes, body shaking with nerves and other things he couldn’t identify. He felt suffocated, suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe. But he was not weak. He could do this.
With determination, he looked at Jeongguk and found the alpha was already staring at him with what he thought was troubled eyes. Taehyung raised his eyebrow at him, slightly confused as to why the younger looked like that because wasn’t he supposed to reprimand him? What he did was wrong after all.
He opened his mouth to ask but before he could, Jeongguk beat him to it. “It wasn’t your fault, hyung. Don’t blame yourself for it please because I know you did, so stop it” He said with a disapproving tone, eyebrows furrowed.
“But--” Taehyung started, but he was cut off again. “It’s not your fault, Taetae-hyung.” Jeongguk reassured him as his arms tightened around his waist. "I know that you feel like you betrayed Jimin-hyung because you didn’t stop Yoongi-hyung. But let me tell you, Tae. It was Yoongi-hyung’s fault because he did all that despite knowing he has a mate.” Jeongguk stressed out, obvious displeasure seeping through the tone of his voice. "Scenting is okay from your loved ones, but Yoongi should know that kissing on a scent gland is considered intimate. And act you should only do it with a mate."
"And the fact that he did it must've meant something, right? He probably wants you as much as you want him too."
Taehyung stared at the alpha as the words went through his head. He knew what was said to him was true, but he just couldn't help it. Deep down he knew even though it was not really his fault, it still was? It was confusing.
"Baby, look at me." Jeongguk said, cupping his face to make him look at him. Taehyung frowned, looking so nervous that his lower lip gnawed between his teeth. "You guys really need to have a talk, you know." The alpha continued, thumbing Taehyung's lip so that he didn't accidentally make it bleed.
Taehyung sighed. He knew they should talk but he just didn't know how to drop it on them. He couldn't just drop a 'Hey! I like you both for a while now. Wanna date?' That would end up horribly.
"Stop thinking too much," Jeongguk grumbled as he flicked his forehead, looking disapprovingly at him. "You like them and that's what matters!" He tutted, smiling a second later when Taehyung whined out loud. He didn’t realize he was pouting until Jeongguk playfully pinched his mouth between his fingers, making his lips look like a duck. “You don’t have to be afraid because I sure as hell know that they love you a lot, Taehyungie! Believe it!” He snickered, wiggling an eyebrow at Taehyung.
Taehyung just laughed out loud. He couldn’t believe Jeongguk just used a Naruto’s catch phrase like that! Oh goodness, his best friend was such a dummy.
“But seriously,” Jeongguk paused, sighing out loud as if the whole burden was on him. He rolled his shoulders and tightened his hold on Taehyung’s waist, looking at him so sharply it had Taehyung straightening himself on the man’s lap. “They love you, Tae. I’m sure you notice the way Jimin-hyung looks at you as if you hold the universe in your hands and the way Yoongi-hyung never fails to be there for you when I was unable to, protecting you as if you were his mate instead?”
Of course Taehyung noticed. How could he not?
He noticed the way Jimin looked at him sometimes, as if he was precious and so important to him. It made him feel warm and cozy because his crush may potentially liked him? Even a bit? That is why he liked to savor those moments where Jimin would look at him like he really hung all the stars in the night sky.
And Yoongi-hyung.
The alpha had repeatedly saved him in times of need, those times where Jeongguk wasn’t there with him. Even though he was used to being courted left and right by alphas and betas alike, he still wasn’t that comfortable when alone because some of them became quite violent when he rejected them.
And for some reason, the responsibility of protecting him had somehow fallen on Yoongi.
How? He didn’t know. Jeongguk refused to tell him. But all Taehyung knew, Yoongi-hyung never failed to save him whenever he needed saving; the way he would stand in front of him to drive away his suitors really did things to his heart.
Taehyung saw all of these and treasured them deep inside his heart.
Because he believed they did all those out of kindness and not love (even though his heart kept saying 'yes, they love you too' but his mind insisted that 'no, it's impossible'. A constant battle, honestly).
"You should really give yourself a chance, Taehyungie-hyung. You might be surprised by the unexpectable outcome from it." He heard the Alpha said, but he was already so deep inside his mind, weighing the pros and cons if he was to confess.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the door of the office quietly open and a small head peek through. But Jeongguk did.
“Jimin-hyung?” The alpha whispered, subconsciously pulling the beta closer into his embrace and watched with a slight smirk on his lips when the omega’s eyes hardened at his action. “Hyung?” He repeated again, actually quite amused by Jimin’s reaction.
Jimin locked his eyes on him, his jaw tightened. He ignored him and just proceeded to drop to his knees on the ground in front of them to give all his attention to Taehyung.
Reaching tentatively to touch his hand, he softly called out to him. "Taehyungie?"
Taehyung immediately looked at Jimin with wide eyes, shining with what he knew was tears and he prayed to whatever divine being up there to not let it look like he was frightened. He would worry Jimin and he didn't want that.
"J-Jiminie?" He stuttered, looking down at their now intertwined fingers in nervousness instead of the man's eyes, because he was afraid that he would give in to his tears.
He still thinks what he did was wrong and if Jimin ever found out about it, he would surely hate him and Taehyung didn't want that. He couldn't bear to.
"Taetae, don't think too much about it. It's okay it's fine I don't mind, really!" Jimin reassured as he kissed the back of his hand and nuzzled his nose on it after. "Yoongi-hyung already told me." The smile on his face was so reassuring that he felt his fear slowly receding to the back of his mind.
"Can we talk, Taetae?" Jimin added in a soft whisper. His thumb still drawing circles on the back of Taehyung's hand in an attempt to calm him down. "I'll call Yoongi-hyung too, okay? Or will it be too much for you?"
Taehyung gulped as he looked at Jimin's hand to the omega's face. Those eyes held no contempt in it, instead they held sincerity and gentleness that he felt like everything would all be fine.
It was time for them to talk anyway.
He nodded his head and the smile that Jimin gave to him was so beautiful it made him speechless and in awe. The omega excitedly stood up and hurriedly walked toward the door.
But not before smacking a kiss on his lips.
Taehyung was honestly dumbfounded, too shocked of the sudden kiss that he couldn't help the blush staining his cheeks.
"Aww hyung!! He kissed you!!" Jeongguk cooed as he squeezed his hyung because he was so happy with the sudden development. He knew Taehyung only deserved the best.
Taehyung just whined and was just about to retort when the door once again opened.
Jimin came in first, followed by Yoongi. Their hands interlocked as they slowly made their way towards the younger pair on the sofa. Their auras contrasting; where Jimin was all bouncy and excited, the alpha looked a bit defeated and guilty as his eyes were looking anywhere but at them.
A tsk was heard and Yoongi's head snapped back up to look straight at Jeongguk, eyes narrowed in defiance.
"You--" Yoongi growled.
Jimin pulled him back when he realized the alpha advanced a few steps forward, fists clenched tightly. "Hyung, please! We're here to talk!" He pleaded, voice close to a shriek.
Taehyung could feel the tension in the air and he drew in a sharp breath when the alphas' pheromones clashed together in anger, both stubbornly staying put, neither wanting to give up.
It took a whimper from Jimin for them to stop.
The tense atmosphere was abruptly cut off as both alphas stopped fighting because they realized there was an omega that was currently in distress. Taehyung looked wearily as Yoongi brought Jimin closer to him, scenting him to calm Jimin's omega. He watched as Jimin immediately melted in his alpha's embrace, a content smile visible on his face.
Taehyung couldn't help how his heart promptly dropped at that.
His eyes watered, but before he could wipe them, Jeongguk beat him to it. He cradled his face between his hands and thumbed his tears away, smiling softly at him after.
"You okay?" Jeongguk asked, voice soft as to not disrupt the couple in front of them.
Taehyung just nodded, leaning his head forward until his forehead was on Jeongguk's. He liked the contact because the alpha was naturally so warm. Even the little scent he released for him was soft and calming.
"Taetae?"
Jimin's voice made Taehyung lean back from Jeongguk to look at the omega, gasping a little when he saw both Jimin and Yoongi were already looking at him with what he thought were sad eyes. Or was it something akin to envy? Jealousy? He couldn't make up his mind on it.
But what he knew was the both of them didn't like the way Jeongguk and him were basically glued to each other; him on Jeongguk's lap with his hands fisting the former's shirt while the alpha had his arms wrapped around his waist, his face in the crook of Taehyung's neck.
Taehyung could also feel Jeongguk's eyelashes fluttered against his neck, as if he was also staring at the couple in front of them.
They made quite the picture, to be honest.
But as he said earlier, their relationship was strictly platonic even though sometimes, it teetered between the line of best friends and lovers.
He climbed off of Jeongguk's lap to sit on the empty space beside the alpha, straightening his back after that. He looked at Jimin and then at Yoongi before sighing out loud, taking a huge breath as he nodded his head at them, smiling in reassurance when the pair looked nervously at him.
So cute.
Taehyung turned to look at the Alpha beside him, "Gukkie, can you leave us for a moment?" He asked, softly. He smiled when Jeongguk nodded, lifting himself off the sofa and waved cutely at him when he stood up. The Alpha stopped in front of Yoongi though, standing tall and intimidating with his amazing height and larger body proportion.
Yoongi-hyung might be small and a little shorter than the younger Alpha, but his terrifying aura made up for it.
He squared up, head raised to look at the younger Alpha, eyes flashing red. Jimin fidgeted next to him, moving slightly away from them because they honestly looked like they were about to fight. He kept moving back and forth, eyes darting between the two Alphas, wary.
"Jiminie…" Taehyung called out to him softly, his left hand making a 'come here' gesture. The relieved look on Jimin's face made him think what he did was the right thing.
The omega tentatively moved past Jeongguk and Yoongi and instead of sitting next to him, he flopped himself quite comfortably on top of his lap, which in turn made his face heat up.
Taehyung really thought he was on fire because he could feel like his face was burning. He couldn't exactly decide where to put his hands, hovering directly above Jimin's lap; still unsure if he was allowed to touch the Omega with Yoongi a few feet away.
He didn't really need to think because Jimin just took his hands to intertwine them with his, smiling brightly at him with that smile that never fails to make his heart flutter erratically in his chest.
A growl made them both look immediately at the Alphas, eyes wide in panic when both of them had their hands on each other's collars. Jimin moved to stand, but Taehyung just held him tighter, ignoring the hiss that fell from Jimin's lips.
"I'm warning you right now, Yoongi-hyung." Jeongguk started, clutching on the collars even tighter with his fists. "Don't hurt Tae anymore than you already did." Jeongguk warned, his voice dropped a few tones lower in anger. He released him after that, moving back forcefully to free himself from Yoongi's hold. "I don't care if you're older, but if you hurt my hyung again, I will seriously punch you. Mark my words."
The older Alpha tsked, fixing his collars back into its appropriate state. "Wouldn't dare to," he curtly replied, voice gruff with annoyance. "Wouldn't think of it."
Jeongguk stared at him for a while, trying to see the truth in his words. He decided to just trust him when he saw how honest Yoongi was being.
"I’ll take your word for it," he replied as he made his way to the door. With his hand on the knob, he turned back to look at Taehyung, "promise me you'll be alright?"
Taehyung smiled, absolutely endeared and a little touched. "Absolutely, Gukkie!"
As the door closed behind Jeongguk, he could physically feel the tension in the air. The tense atmosphere made him squirm in his seat that he was afraid Jimin could feel his sweaty hands.
Yoongi carefully walked toward them, steps deliberately slowed as to not spook him. The look on his eyes was full of love and endearment, like the sight of Jimin seated on his lap made him glad that he was alive.
The Alpha took a seat next to him, arms immediately wrapped around both of their forms. The scent he released made him quite drunk, unable to stop the content sigh that fell from his lips.
"You like that, baby bear?" Yoongi suddenly asked, smiling that gummy smile of his that Taehyung liked the most.
"Y-yes" He stammered as his cheeks pinkened. "I-I love it a lot..." His voice getting lower, a little shy to admit that he liked the pet name a lot and that he ended up hiding his face on Jimin's back.
Taehyung felt like he could die of embarrassment the longer they stared at him. He could feel Jimin's soft laugh as he moved to sit sideways on his lap, facing Yoongi, who apparently found his reaction quite amusing and most definitely adorable, if the way he chuckled fondly was an indication.
He whined loudly, not used to the attention he was bestowed upon.
Jimin pinched his cheek, cooing at him. "Aww, is Taehyungie shy?" Yoongi on the side was holding his hand, intertwining their fingers together.
“I guess he is.” Agreed Yoongi as he smiled.
“Hyungs stop…”
Jimin just laughed, absolutely endeared as he hugged Taehyung closer to his chest; kissing his hair lightly and reveled at the feeling when his arms tightened around his waist.
"C-can we talk now?" Taehyung timidly asked, looking up at Jimin then at Yoongi, eyes vulnerable. His heart hammered loudly in his chest that he was scared the Omega could hear it from how close they were.
Yoongi squeezed his hand, pulling it toward him and pressed a kiss on it. "Yeah.. That's fine…" He muttered, nuzzling his face against Taehyung's palm softly. "But before that, I just want to say sorry for scenting you without permission, you must've been so scared…"
He continued, voice close to a whisper, "I'm so sorry, baby bear. Hyung is so sorry..."
Taehyung's eyes softened. "It's okay, hyungie. It just took me by surprise. Like why would you scent me like that when you have Jiminie? I… feel bad because I feel like I betrayed my best friend…"
Jimin made a sad noise in the back of his throat as he clutched Taehyung tighter in his arms. "No Taehyungie.. Don't think like that. You never should feel like you betrayed me. Yoongi-hyung is a dummy for not explaining before doing something like that." At this part, the Omega hit the Alpha on the shoulder. "And I already said it's fine because if it's Taehyungie, I can accept."
"Explain what?"
Yoongi interrupted. "Babe, let Taehyung talk first before we explain our reason."
"Oh right! Taetae, you can go first!" Jimin grinned, patting the Beta's head.
Taehyung felt overwhelmed. "I--" He paused, taking a deep breath as he stilled himself for the inevitable. He was nervous, yes, but he knew he could do this. He has to. Even if the outcomes turned out unfavorable to him, at least he wouldn't be feeling like he was drowning all the time.
"I love you both so much." There he said it.
Taehyung closed his eyes as he fidgeted on his seat, hands clammy in Yoongi and Jimin's hold. The silence that followed after his confession had him shaking, breaths came out in hard puffs.
"J-just say something please…"
It was as if someone poured a cold water on the both of them when they simultaneously gasped, eyes immediately locking on him.
"Are you--"
"Tae, is that--"
Taehyung never nodded so fast in his life as he agreed, looking up to each of them with teary eyes. He was so scared…
Jimin swiftly pulled him into his embrace, sobbing into his shoulder as he blabbered unintelligible words that made his mind spin, unable to decipher what the omega was saying. He looked to the side to ask Yoongi for help, but stopped when he saw how the Alpha's mouth was wide open, disbelief evident on his face.
"T-Tae... is that true?" Jimin whispered in his ears, "do y-you really love us?" He continued, lifting his head up to glance at him, eyes teary.
Taehyung gulped as he timidly nodded, couldn't form any words even if he wanted to. "Yeah. I do… and I'm sorry if you guys don't feel the same because I get it. I… just want to get this out of my chest."
He knew he was babbling, but he couldn't stop himself. "I love you both so much it physically hurt to see my love for you is unrequited. And I notice that this isn't the right mindset because what right do I have to think like this, right? I'm just a Beta who probably going to ruin--"
"Just shut up, Taehyung!" Yoongi lightly growled. "Don't think so lowly of yourself like that. You're amazing and wonderful. A gorgeous Beta that doesn't realise his worth." Jimin nodded his head in agreement as he lifted himself from Taehyung's lap to sit on the empty space beside him.
Taking the Beta's hand back into his, Jimin softly scolded him. "Baby, Yoongi-hyung is right. Don't talk about yourself like that. It hurt me. It hurt us. " He breathed out, wiping away the tears that managed to escape his eyes. "We don't want to see the person we love belittling himself as if he's not worth it. But guess what, you are worth more than anything else in this world to us."
Taehyung just stopped functioning. They love me too?
Yoongi smiled when he saw the look on his face. "Yeah, baby bear. We love you too." He chuckled, nuzzling into his hair and kissing it. "You're kind of oblivious to our advances and hints, but it's okay. We love you anyway."
Jimin hugged him from behind, and the way his heart beating faster in his chest could be felt from where he plastered on his back. "Our clueless Taehyungie." He sighed fondly, rubbing his little hands on his stomach. "We love you so so much. And we're going to keep saying this until it'll go through your pretty little head."
"Guys--" He started, but was immediately cut off.
Jimin chuckled. “And that’s what Yoongi-hyung supposed to explain before he scented you like that.”
“What?”
Yoongi sighed fondly, too endeared at seeing his clueless face. “I was supposed to confess to you earlier, but I failed at that because I was distracted by your adorable face.”
“What?” He repeated, feeling as if nothing registered in his mind at the moment. Yoongi and Jimin just cooed at him.
"Will you be our boyfriend, baby?" The couple simultaneously asked, arms tightened around his body.
Taehyung just. Combust.
His face burned as he whined, too embarrassed to look at any of them so he just buried his face on Yoongi's neck. He needed a moment.
Did… his crushes just ask him to be their boyfriend? Was he dreaming? Or had he died somewhere because this just seemed unreal.
"Love?"
"Baby?"
(He could definitely die like this. This was the greatest thing to happen today.)
"Are you okay?"
"Did we come too forward?"
(Oh god, they were worrying about me! Get a grip of yourself, Taehyung!)
A hand softly tapping on his cheek successfully brought him back to the living world. His face reddened more (if that was even possible) as a pair of beautiful cat-like eyes looking at him in worry. "Baby bear?"
He finally snapped out of his thoughts and he just started to nervously stutter his words. "Y-yes? If that was o-okay? A-are you guys sure? W-won't you regret it asking me to be your b-boyfriend?"
They cooed at him and Taehyung found himself covering his face with his hands, too shy to be stared so lovingly for. He really wasn't used to this. The whole thing was so new to him.
His crushes reciprocate his love? Uncalled for. But here he was, sitting in between his boyfriends' arms, enjoying the kisses he was bestowed upon.
Life couldn't get much better than this.
Jimin just squealed and hugged Taehyung even tighter, mumbling happily how "Taehyung is his baby now" and "I officially have two boyfriends repeatedly; making Yoongi let out a small sigh of satisfaction.
"My babies. My beautiful mates." The Alpha stated as he wrapped his arms around them while releasing a satisfied sigh. His scent changed to one of content that Taehyung felt drunk. It was so good.
They ended up laying down on the sofa with Yoongi's back on the cushion; Taehyung and Jimin cuddling on top of him, faces buried on each side of their Alpha's neck.
Taehyung sighed softly when Yoongi's fingers ran through his hair, scratching gently on his scalp that had him purring. Jimin on his other side was busy running his hand down his back, stopping at his nape to give him a little squeeze.
Second turned into minutes and both Yoongi and Jimin had fallen asleep, cuddling each other after he had tentatively removed himself from the puppy pile. As he stood up, he stared down at his boyfriends (his boyfriends!!) and just teared up because they really loved him. His feeling was actually reciprocated.
That was such an amazing feeling; his heart was lighter, and he felt like he could finally breathe properly after the longest time.
Taehyung ran his fingers gently onto his boyfriends' hair and smiled softly when the both of them sighed contently in their sleep. He chuckled when their heads subconsciously leaned into his palms, seeking warmth.
His heart has never been so full of love.
He felt immensely grateful to whoever up there for helping him with this, for making everything go well. And also to his precious Jeonggukie because without his push, he wouldn't be here right now.
"Taehyungie… come back here…"
Startled, he looked down and saw Jimin's half-lidded eyes staring at him, his signature pout visible on his lips. His voice was soft and gentle, like the light breeze of the wind by the beach he frequented a lot.
Yoongi stirred beside him and his cat-like eyes opened slightly, eyebrows furrowed when he found him standing beside the sofa instead of in his arms. "Tae bear… What are you doing there? Come here…" He mumbled, voice hoarse as he just woke up. The Alpha released his arms around Jimin and moved slightly backward, making a space for him to slip in.
Taehyung smiled widely and his cheeks reddened, his whole body tingling with so much warmth and affection for these two men who had his heart in their hands.
He pressed a kiss on Jimin's forehead as he climbed over him, sighing in contentment when both his boyfriends' arms immediately wrapped around him; Jimin at his back while Yoongi was in front of him. Taehyung snuggled deeper into his Alpha's embrace, purring when he felt hands gently playing with his hair and rubbing his tummy.
"Rest well, Taetae."
"Sleep, Taehyungie. We'll wake you up in a bit."
Taehyung mumbled a "Thank you" and pecked Yoongi's lips before turning around and kissed Jimin softly.
As he laid there in his lovers' arms, Taehyung thought of how lucky he was because not only he was blessed with a boyfriend, but two boyfriends - both of whom he never thought he could get.
There were a lot of misunderstandings and complications before they got to where they are now, but with the right push and encouragement, they are finally here.
Communication is the key to everything.
Taehyung took a leap of faith to confess and he was ready to be rejected only for Yoongi and Jimin to admit their own feelings to him as well.
Yes it felt amazing, to have your feelings reciprocated, however there was a small part of him still wondering how this relationship could work or where he stood in between them. He knew he shouldn't be feeling like this, but he couldn't help it. It was ugly and disheartening and it made him feel sour, so Taehyung just shook his head from such horrid thoughts and just breathed in the scents of his favourite people.
Instantly, he felt calm and at peace, smiling softly when his lovers' subconsciously released their pheromones a little to counter his negative scent.
"You okay Tae?"
"Baby?"
He felt dumb now for doubting his boyfriends, not when they were this sweet and thoughtful, still thinking about his wellbeing even when he was internally questioning their relationship.
"I'm okay…" He whispered, voice soft. "Thank you."
Thank you for accepting me.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for everything.
"I love you guys so much."
Taehyung was swiftly attacked with hugs and kisses, a lot of cooing and tender touches. He felt so happy that this was his life now.
He wouldn't trade this for the world.