Chapter Text
SPREAD YOUR WINGS
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"Please mum I don't wanna go! Don't make me leave!"
Jungkook could already feel his eyes prick with an onslaught of tears, his heart constricting tightly and a swarm of butterflies tickling his stomach from the inside. It was a feeling he wasn't unfamiliar with but today it was worse than usual. He saw the way his mum's eyes watered slightly before hardening. His father glanced at him dismissively and it hurt to be on the receiving on of it. Even though he knew it was for his own sake it still felt as if they didn't care enough about him to care. Maybe that was the truth. It hurt nonetheless.
He eyed the suitcase and backpack by the door he had packed. The small suitcase was bulging in its confines. It had everything he would need to leave. There wasn't much if he was being honest. He never goes out to buy anything, even with his money from his part-time job. All he used it on was for school supplies, tattoos, and piercings. Aside from that, there wasn't anything a typical teenager would have. Jungkook eyed the photo that was hung on the wall, a photo that showed a much younger version of himself smiling gleefully. It was a time he didn't understand the weight of the wings sprouting on his back. He ripped his eyes away not long after and forced his eyes shut to will away the tears once again springing forth.
It was truly a miracle he hadn't burst into tears yet. During the process of packing, he had managed to hold back his panic for the past week with the arising situation, the panic started to bubble up his throat. It didn't help that Jungkook was an anxious ball waiting to burst. Once upon a time, he had been an optimistic young boy full of energy that needed to be expended. However, his fairy tale came crashing down when he realized he was different. It all had to do with the pair of wings on his back. Something that had been through him thick and thin, brought a lot of misfortune into his life which was ironic with the meaning behind them. That was why he would always make his large wings as small as he could. They were large, black wings, in his society it was a symbol of death and mystery. He was considered a bad omen.
Jungkook was a blackbird.
It was hard to ignore the way people would hide their children's eyes away from him. They would eye him warily as if he were some deranged animal that should be locked up in a zoo. It was as if they thought these wings were alive and would suddenly hurt them.
He wasn't a danger to society as people claimed. At least not that much different from everyone else.
Every day he went to school and right back. It wasn't like he had friends to hang out with anyways, aside from one when he was very young. However, they had moved a long time ago leaving Jungkook all alone.
No one ever wanted to talk with him and if they did it was because they thought he was a challenge to conquer. His status in society was already set high due to people's fear and admiration of their kind. His species were known to be domineering, possessive, and dangerous. It wasn't a full lie, stereotypes are based on some sort of truth. It was just the fact that Jungkook was just an anomaly on that occasion. His heart was too soft for his kind as his father so plainly put it. He enjoyed being babied and pampered. Something his parents could only do so much of for him. After all, they wanted to harden his heart a little.
People would shy away from him in fear. Every day when he was younger Jungkook would cry into his mother's arms, wailing about how no one wanted to be his friend. It had concerned his parents greatly to the point that Jungkook just hid away his pain from their eyes. Instead, he focused his attention on doing new hobbies, honing in on his skills, studying, and working out. He only had himself most of the time so he had thought he'd become a person someone could be proud of. At school people could see how Jungkook excelled in everything but didn't know how much work he put into everything, it was all in hopes that maybe someone would want to talk to him.
The effect he wanted was the opposite. Especially when he bulked up and got tattoos and piercings. His muscles stretched his once loose t-shirt and filled out his jeans. He had thought that tattoos and piercings were some of the prettiest things a person could have and they would be there forever. He loved how he could accessorize his ears in pretty and petite jewelry and the way the ink etched into his skin expressed a part of him he couldn't put into words. Coupled with the muscles he had gained over the course of his workout he felt like he looked better than before. Perhaps not handsome but okay-looking nonetheless. He didn't want to be seen as edgy.
Jungkook wanted to be pretty. He wanted someone to at least to acknowledge and respect his choices.
Although he appreciated it no one else seem to, not even his parents. No one saw it the way he did.
He had shown it off to them gleefully for them to look at it in discomfort. Although they never said anything he could see their disappointment. But they let it be since he had great grades, excelling in school. Eventually, they did accept it as a part of Jungkook, seeing how happy it made him.
However, some people would never understand why he was like this, why he was who he was. Jungkook was shoved into a box that people labeled as a 'bad boy'. He didn't like that people took one look at him and thought he was some troublesome and dangerous teen. Someone who was irresponsible just because he had black wings, tattoos, and piercings. It made him feel insecure and unwanted. That wasn't the only thing that should define him as a person. These judgemental eyes did little to help him in the long run.
It didn't help him to break free of that shy shell he had since he was young, it only made it worse. He had seen the consequences of people who opened their hearts to others, something he would do easily if someone showed a drop of kindness. Jungkook felt lonely, only having himself to talk to. That in itself sounded pitiful.
So the prospect of leaving the only place he felt safe in was extremely terrifying to Jungkook. He would be going to a university in an unfamiliar place all on his own and expected to create or join and flock.
"You have to Kook. It's a tradition for us to see the larger world beyond these walls and find a flock. I'm only a call away if something happens, okay? You're always welcome here."
What was unsaid though was when and only when he found a flock.
If he didn't he wouldn't be allowed to see his parents again as it is seen as a disgrace.
Jungkook closed his eyes at the slaughter of sadness that overcame him. He stared intently at the door in front of him while sucking in the skin on his inner cheeks trying to calm his nerves. The voice in the back of his head advised him to simply plead with them to let him stay, but this would be pointless. He could feel the moisture building on his clammy hands as he tightened his fists; Jungkook's nerves were itching.
If he didn't even belong to his own house then where did he belong? Without stalling any longer he wrapped his fingers around the handle of his suitcase and swung his backpack on. All he offered to his parents was a small 'thank you' and 'goodbye'. They didn't offer to give him a hug, instead opting to pat his shoulder. After that he couldn't bare to look at them a second longer or else he'll burst into tears right in front of them. He had already disappointed them enough.
They didn't need a failure son.
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Jungkook eyed the plane ticket on his phone, his designation was Seoul. He had a one-way ticket to the university which he had acquired a full scholarship from. Although he was slightly excited the panic and fear overwhelmed that emotion. He dragged his suitcase along behind him, staring straight at the floor and muttering apologies to whoever he accidentally bumped into. He didn't like the rush of late passengers and the hustle and bustle surrounding him. It wasn't something he was used to but was going to have to, much to his dismay.
How was he going to survive Seoul?
Dread was already filling his very being at the thought of having to find someone to accept him into their flock. He heard all the stories in which his people would be destined to live a life alone. Even if they were made-up stories to scare children he knew it was true. He had met someone who was in a situation like that and they looked so miserable. Jungkook didn't think he could survive living a life like that, he had already lived a childhood alone.
Would it be too much to ask just one person to love him?
He looked up absentmindedly still in the midst of drowning in his thoughts. The sign above him displayed flight times to various locations, it was in bold white text against a black screen. It took a minute for something in particular to process. A loud gasp sounded from him, his eyes widening to the size of saucepans. Jungkook saw his flight was in ten minutes and it was on the other side of the airport. Immediately he turned around and dashed the other way, it looks like he was becoming one of those panicked passengers. His suitcase bumped ever so occasionally with all his rigid turns. Jungkook was already a mess and he hadn't even arrived in Seoul yet. Who knows what would become of him!?
At least all his working out wasn't for naught.
With only a few minutes spare Jungkook slumped down in his seat after putting his suitcase above him in its designated compartment. A hand swiftly wiped the sweat on his brow. He shifted in his seat when he felt someone sit down next to him. He hadn't managed to obtain an aisle seat but the window seat would do. A pair of eyes lazily dragged itself to look out the window.
He was really going to leave Busan just to fulfill this tradition. The bright side of this all was he at least got to study something he was passionate about as long as he did business. It was a subject he particularly disliked, this was something his parents wanted him to do. A part of Jungkook wished he wasn't so eager to please his parents. That was just how he was though, whether he liked it or not.
"Excuse me, would you mind scooching over just a little, I just need to buckle in."
Jungkook quickly whipped his head in the direction of the sweet melodic voice he was faced with a dangerously pretty man. His breath got cut short his heart racing at a fatal sight, the man was one for sore eyes. He couldn't help but eye the male in appreciation, staring at the curly locks of blonde hair that framed an angelic and peerless face. He wanted to tuck a strand of that thick and lustrous hair behind one of their cute ears. Who even had cute ears? Apparently this man.
Don't even get Jungkook started on those pillowy and plush lips that were swiped with gloss, it only made them look more delectable. They were ripe for kissing. If Jungkook could ever touch them he would think his soul would go straight to heaven.
Although he had plentiful soft features he also had some firm and sharp ones.
His facial features were a mix of strong and soft. His jaw sloped elegantly as of it were carved with the finest jade. However, he had a pair of strong dark eyebrows set into his face, not a hair out of place. His eyes. He could stare at them for an eternity and get completely lost in them.
Most of all they had a pair of some of the prettiest white wings Jungkook had ever seen. It made him a little envious when he saw his own pair of wings. There was no one to keep his own feathers. That was something he was always envious of when looking at all the other avian hybrids taking care of each other. It was a sign of trust and affection, his mother only did it for him as a very young bird. Jungkook was sure he had a bunch of old feathers on his wings that needed to be plucked. There was only so much his own hands could do.
His mum and dad always do say how gorgeous and glorious his wings were, for his species they were something to be admired. For Jungkook though he found them something hideous. They had caused so much misfortune that he couldn't see it as anything but. They could even be called a curse.
When he was younger he had adored them, always staying away from the dirt to keep them clean. Nowadays he couldn't be bothered since he was always trying to hide them away from prying eyes.
That aside Jungkook couldn't help but think the other really did look like an angel. Their feathers looked so fluffy and well-kept. Jungkook was sure the other had someone who had been maintaining their wings by grooming them. It wasn't a surprise seeing how gorgeous the other man was.
If Jungkook ever found his own pack one day he hoped someone would do the same to him.
For now, he could only wallow in self-pity. He couldn't help but feel a little insecure though. If people saw these two right next to each other Jungkook would be a laughing stock. The unlucky blackbird is right next to some angelic bird species. It was truly a contrast of two different fates. One stood in the darkness, the shadow of society while the other shone beneath the sun's radiant rays.
"Hello?"
It was only then that Jungkook realized he was shamelessly ogling the poor man, he really hoped he wasn't visibly drooling. He could feel a hot rush of shame fill his cheeks and light them a cherry red. Hopefully, the man hadn't realized his odd behavior. Although he doubted it went unnoticed.
"Sorry!"
An embarrassingly high-pitched squeak sounded from him. Jungkook managed to tear his eyes away from the breathtaking man before him. He wanted to cry at how nervous he felt. Shame nestled itself in his bones from being caught, if only he could burrow a hole to plant his face into, being an emu didn't sound so bad.
A soft chuckle as light as air sounded around him and it only made him feel more mortified. He really hoped they weren't laughing at him mockingly, it wouldn't be the first time. There was a gut feeling that this person's voice was tittering on the edge of adoration, that thought was probably his own wishful thinking.
Jungkook quickly shifted in his seat, making sure his wings were tucked away neatly, it allowed the man to swiftly click his seatbelt securely. Jungkook copied the action himself. He didn't dare to take another glance at the man even if they seemed oddly familiar. But that couldn't be true since he had no friends.
After the flight attendants explained all the safety procedures (something Jungkook was paying attention to with rapt attention) he felt himself being lulled into a deep sleep and he swore he heard someone whisper "cute" so affectionately right next to him. Of course, it wasn't directed at him though because no one liked the unlucky blackbird.
It didn't even feel like a second before he was startled awake by the blaring voice that echoed through the vehicle that had just landed.
Ladies and gentlemen, the flight to Seoul has landed, please depart swiftly and in an orderly manner. Thank you for choosing Home as your airline to fly on. Have a wonderful day and we hope to fly with you again soon!
Jungkook audibly groaned, his hands sliding down his exhausted plane. He sleepily rubbed his eyes which had tears forming from how much he had yawned in the short time span of his awakening. It didn't take too long to escape that dream-like haze with all the bustle around him. Numerous passengers had already gotten their luggage on the plane and were exiting. There were a few that were rushing out, probably trying to catch their connecting flight on time. With the rapid stream of people, it would be better to wait a bit before departing. Jungkook unbuckled the seatbelt he was strapped into, his neck twinged in pain from the unnatural sleeping position. A small yet satisfying crack in his neck relieved some of the tension that had settled there. His eyes lazily trailed to his phone which showed it was currently 10:18 PM, he would have time to settle in and explore a little.
Not that he was that excited about it.
After waiting for a couple of minutes most passengers had emptied out leaving him, his seat buddy, and some older gentlemen behind.
Wait, what?
Jungkook's eyes sneakily eyed the male next to him who was smiling amusedly at him. Once again his face began to heat up again, the apple of his cheeks filling with the color of red. This feeling was the same way he would feel when he was either embarrassed or shy. Right now it was a mixture of both.
"Where might you be headed too?"
A finger was pointed at himself with a look of great confusion, Jungkook couldn't believe someone was genuinely trying to talk to him. However, there was no one around them so it could only be him. His eyes darted around just to double-check.
"Yes, you cutie."
He felt even more nervous under the pretty man's gentle yet intense gaze, those words were contradicting but somehow described that look. Jungkook felt his breath getting stuck in his throat as he tried to recollect himself. He saw his own flustered reflection in those jewel-like eyes. They seemed to be eyeing his visible tattoos. The white long sleeve he was dressed in was quickly tugged down to hide the inked marred into his skin and something akin to disappointment seemed to flash in the other's eyes much to his confusion.
Oh, and did they just call him cutie? Jungkook didn't know he would like such a pet name so much. He wanted to hear the gorgeous stranger say that again but then that might sound creepy or weird and Jungkook didn't want the other's perception of him to be that. He quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind to answer the question the other asked.
"Um, Seoul University?"
What could only be described as the most prettiest and delicate laugh burst past the other's plump lips. Small fingers adorned with expensive rings covered the other's mouth as if to conceal the spilling giggles.
'Pretty, lovely, sexy.'
Those words repeated themselves in his mind as he admired the male across from him.
"Are you telling me or asking me? Well, I'm headed there too! What a coincidence!"
A coincidence it was. The both of them headed out of the airplane together, engaging in small talk as they headed together to collect their baggage. For the first time in a while, Jungkook felt like he could be himself, even if it was just a little. Some stranger was willing to look past his initial appearance which intimidated people. That was all Jungkook really wanted from someone so he was extremely grateful.
They made their way through the hallway which connected the airport to the plane and headed to the location where their baggage would be. Both of them became silent as they waited for their stuff. The conveyor belt slowly slid out of Jungkook's old-looking suitcase that was peeling at the edges. It was something his mother had given him to use. Jungkook gently snaked through the sea of people to grab his stuff before getting out as quickly as he came in.
He stood behind for a minute waiting for the stranger to also get their stuff only to realize that someone else was with them. They were laughing so freely with an equally gorgeous person. The other male was the perfect fit for the white-winged angel man. They had a pair of stunning azure blue wings that were just as cared for as his companion. However, instead of looking soft and cute, they were shockingly handsome. Their face was set in the sharp jaw with strong eyebrows. A bed of curly brown hair framed their peerless face.
It didn't help that when the taller male smiled their dark brown chocolate eyes lit up so brightly and a boxy smile stretched across his face. They looked at each other as if one another had hung the stars. Jungkook could only stand in the background like some irrelevant character witnessing the protagonist and the female leads love story to unfold. God did he want something like that one day.
His initial plan was to maybe ask if the other wanted to come with him to the university so he wouldn't be a complete loner but the other already had company. He could never compare to that person. That plan was thrown out the window. No one wanted to voluntarily be a third wheel anyways.
Jungkook hadn't even asked for the blonde-haired male's name surprisingly, he had only just realized it. However, he felt too socially awkward to approach them to ask to join. So, he did what he was best at, flee.
A part of him urged him to at least say goodbye because someone had actually voluntarily talked to him. Someone hadn't based him merely on his wings. But Jungkook would rather not embarrass himself, he was lucky to say that their chat hadn't steered to something mortifying on his end. It was only for the best if he left before anything he would regret happen. Jungkook wanted to preserve that small little moment they had previously, he didn't want to taint it, even if the other was simply being nice. Perhaps he was simply a passing person in their life, something that wasn't worth remembering.
Tears pricked at his eyes because he was ruining his chances of making a friend and he really wanted one. Jungkook had already put out that small flame before it could grow because of his fears. He felt so small in this big world but he just couldn't find the courage to just ask for something more because every time he did he was denied.
People say the worst thing you can get with asking is 'no' but a person can only take that answer so many times before they give up.
One day, Jungkook truly hoped he would be able to spread his wings proudly or someone would spread theirs and protect his own.