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Jungkook gazed out the window as the carriage rattled along the road ahead. His view was still the familiar, the rolling hills that he called home. The woods nearby that he had been king of, reigning over them as children with imagination always reigned over such places of mystery and adventure. The endless fields where he and his horse rode for euphoric miles upon miles. The homes of his neighbours, all the people in the world that he truly knew.
But his heart thumped in anticipation of when they would soon leave the familiar behind. For he was finally leaving the confines of home, finally going to make his advance into the wider world.
For the first time, instead of dreading the oncoming winter months, Jungkook could revel in them. Always, he had hated when November would fall upon them with its grim inevitability, taking from him his one friend, his cousin Seokjin, who would be gone to town with his mother for the Season, leaving him alone until the summer once again rolled in, and Seokjin, single still, with it.
But here Jungkook was, presented and of age, and about to embark upon his first foray into the Season as well. It sounded delicious within his excited mind, although he was nervous too. He had never left his small town before, never left those he was comfortable and familiar with, and with a tendency towards shyness he was uncertain how he would feel with so many new people around him.
Because, as Seokjin would tell him every year upon his return - Jungkook eager and greedy for all of his cousin’s stories - town was busy, and large, and full of endless streams of people. In town, parties were worthy of the grand name of a ‘ball’, and not the small, country affairs Jungkook had grown up watching.
And there was, also, the fact that he was supposed to find himself a suitable match for marriage. He did not think his parents would mind overly much if his first Season did not result in one, but they would be pleased if he did return home engaged. This thought lit up a spark of warmth within Jungkook’s chest, because of course he would like to make a good match. He had been ready to fall endlessly in love for what felt like years now.
But, he would rather like to experience a little of the wider world first, he supposed, alongside his cousin. A match was not his first priority necessarily, although it would be nice if it happened along the way.
His nerves rolled like the wheels of the carriage, clacking along the country road. It was just himself and his mother travelling to town. They were two weeks behind Seokjin and his mother, although Jungkook did not mind this too much. He was only a little impatient to get there.
But as this was his coming out into society, and as the only child in his family, his mother had spent extra time ensuring that everything was just as it should be, if not better. (Perfectionism was a strong trait amongst the Jeon family, and Jungkook was not it's only patron).
As the carriage slowly trundled its way towards his future, Jungkook looked out of the window and realised, for the first time in his life, why it was that Longview had the name that it did: for even with all of the miles now spread behind them, he could still see the small figure of his home upon the hill. The view indeed was long, lingering behind them.
And when finally even his view of home winked out from sight, Jungkook set his gaze forward, towards lands he had never seen before. Towards a future that burned bright, and stirred excitement within his breast.
**
Jungkook surveyed himself in the mirror, his heart tangled and racing within his chest. He was almost finished dressing, the last few finishing touches all that remained. The touches that could not be assisted with, as it would be unseemly.
He picked the freshly washed neck collar from the stand where it rested, watching himself in the mirror as he tied it neatly into place around his neck. It was a delicate, lacy fabric, more to conceal the sight of scent glands than the scent itself. He had already applied the diffuser to his neck and wrists - it was the first step for any person before leaving their chambers.
Next it was the turn for the wrist cuffs, made of the same fabric, and Jungkook slipped each one on with ease. He brought his wrist up to his face then, to be sure, and even his sensitive nose could not pick out his own usual sweet, floral scent, well covered as it was now by his diffuser.
Finished now, he observed himself in the mirror again, looked over his long, dark hair, the fine press to his clothes, and the excited sparkle in his eyes. He was not usually one for self-worship, that was more Seokjin’s area of expertise, but he did cut a rather fine figure he thought.
He was almost lost in his daydreams when he heard his mother’s voice calling for him, their carriage having arrived to take them to the ball. Jungkook practically tripped down the stairs in his excitement, feeling lighter than air, wondering if any one would dance with him tonight.
**
“You failed to warn me of quite how many people would be here tonight, cousin.”
Jungkook was trying not to hide behind said cousin, but it was a close thing. There was a rather large amount of people present at tonight’s ball, all of whom were strangers to him, and Jungkook was suddenly finding himself somewhat overwhelmed. And feeling oddly as if he were ten years old all over again, shy and hiding behind his mother’s skirts at every new introduction.
But Seokjin did not have any skirts to hide behind, and Jungkook was nineteen now, and he did very much wish to actually experience his first real ball, during his first real Season.
There were so many people, though.
Seokjin turned to look at him, eyes wide and the picture of innocence painted across his handsome features. “But I did! I told you that Lady Moon’s parties are always the most popular here in town!”
Jungkook swallowed down any further words of argument, because, yes, perhaps he should have gleaned this from Seokjin’s words. And from the way his mother and aunt had fussed over him and his outfit all day, ensuring that his clothes were tailored and cleaned to perfection.
“No one declines an invite to Lady Moon’s balls,” Seokjin continued, leading Jungkook with ease through the large house. “And so, everyone of importance is here!” His eyes moved about the room at large and must have fallen upon someone in particular, for a moment later he murmured, “and some of little importance too, I see.”
Jungkook did not get a moment to question this however, as at that moment they entered the ballroom proper. His attention was instantly captured by the room, larger and more spacious than those he had been used to in the country. It was very elegantly decorated, a very fine room indeed. There was an abundance of mirrors about the room, which dazzled, throwing the bright candlelight further still, and making the room look more full than it actually was. And many large vases of beautiful flowers - mostly lilies, and peonies, he noted - were set proudly throughout the room, drawing Jungkook’s attention; how he itched to investigate their blooms himself!
But there was little opportunity for looking at flowers just yet. For following in his cousin’s wake he found himself to be the recipient of several introductions to gentlemen and ladies alike. Jungkook bowed and nodded politely to each, although a number of the names swirled through his head like fog, difficult to see and impossible to catch ahold of.
They were the curious people, he supposed after the fact, those interested in meeting the latest additions to the ton this Season. Keen to sniff out Jungkook’s potential as an eligible match, perhaps?
He scolded himself for being presumptuous then; it felt rather odd to assume that anyone was assessing his eligibility. He was not thinking such things about those he had met so far yet tonight, after all. While a match was his mother’s hopes for him this Season - and while Jungkook’s heart did indeed yearn towards making a thrilling and romantic attachment - it seemed silly to think that about people he had simply exchanged names with thus far. He could no less think matrimonial thoughts about these relative strangers than he could walk upon clouds. (Although what a delight that would be, he thought, if he could walk upon clouds! What might the world look like from that vantage?)
“Jungkook.” Seokjin’s voice broke him out of his daydream, and he blinked, surprised to find that the last, quite friendly Miss had left and now he found a rather tall, rather handsome man standing before him. “May I introduce to you Mr Kim Taehyung. This is Mr Jeon Jungkook, my cousin.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Mr Kim Taehyung said, inclining his head towards Jungkook.
“O-oh, yes, rather.” Jungkook blushed and hurried to correct himself, “That is, I mean to say, the pleasure is mine, I am quite sure.”
The smile Mr Kim gave him was quite charming, Jungkook decided, without an ounce of mockery on his behalf hidden within it. It made Jungkook feel slightly less embarrassed.
“Would you perhaps have any space remaining on your dance card for a dance with me?”
Jungkook could not help the look of surprise that he felt on his face, and tried quickly to put on a more neutral expression. Judging by the small smile that tugged at the corner of Mr Kim’s lips however, he did not do as well as he had hoped.
“Why, my dance card is quite empty as yet, sir,” Jungkook said, with very little thought. “So you may have whatever space you like.”
This pulled a laugh from Mr Kim Taehyung, and while Jungkook was not quite sure why, he found he liked the sound of it all the same.
“Then I shall engage you for the first, if that pleases you?”
Jungkook, finding himself feeling just a little flustered, nodded his acceptance to this. With a promise to seek him out once the dancing began, Mr Kim Taehyung excused himself, leaving Jungkook with Seokjin who was smiling rather widely over at him.
“What is that look for?” Jungkook asked, hoping that his cheeks did not look as warm as they felt - he was too old to be blushing, to be sure.
“Nothing,” Seokjin assured him, still grinning, “nothing at all.”
As there was still some time before the dancing was set to begin, there were several more introductions Jungkook found being made to him, and following Mr Kim Taehyung’s request a few more solicitations for Jungkook’s dance card also.
It was, quite simply, an exciting start to Jungkook’s first evening out amongst society. The grandness of the room, the thrill of it all, was enough to stir his heart; it felt so far as if many of his prior daydreams were now this night being brought to life.
Although as the hour approached for the dancing to begin, Jungkook found himself feeling rather shy and nervous again. As the musicians began to tune their instruments Jungkook reached up to scratch at his neck, an anxious habit from childhood that he had not fully broken.
“Don’t do that.” Seokjin’s hand came up, gently knocking aside Jungkook’s own, before his fingers could pass the high collar of his shirt.
His cheeks did redden then as he realised what he had almost done. He dropped his hand to his side, his fingers curling. It was a bad habit, highly impolite amongst company, because scratching at his neck might have brought his scent out, and that would have been the height of impropriety.
Jungkook gently assured that his collar still covered his neck, and his wrists now that he thought of it, and was happy to note that his scent diffuser was still in effect. Good, as he would have hated to embarrass himself during his first ball by baring his scent to such a crowd of people.
Soon, Jungkook found himself once again approached by Mr Kim Taehyung, who bowed very charmingly as he offered Jungkook his hand. With a smile back at Seokjin, Jungkook let himself be led out onto the dance floor.
His heart tittered nervously within his chest as the strings began to play a country dance that Jungkook was well acquainted with. And then the dancing began.
It did feel, Jungkook thought, decidedly different from every party, and every dance, he had been at before now. Suddenly those small, more intimate parties felt worlds apart, juvenile, almost like playacting, even though they had never felt such at the time.
Still, he was dazzled by the differences. By the music, so full it sounded played by a full set of musicians. By all the lights that fairly glittered in the room around them. By the handsome man that led him through the dance, smiling and talking pleasantly all the while.
Mr Kim Taehyung, Jungkook was pleased to discover, was an excellent conversationalist. Which was a relief, as Jungkook himself was not. He had always been too shy and too nervous around strangers, and in this moment he found himself also rather excited, and it did little to help him navigate the art of small talk.
But his dance partner seemed more than happy to take charge of that as they danced.
“How long have you been in town?” Mr Kim Taehyung asked of him.
“Oh, not yet a week.”
“And is this your first visit?”
Jungkook nodded in answer as they passed by each other. “It is my first Season.”
Mr Kim Taehyung’s smile seemed genuine. “Then I hope you will enjoy everything that a first Season has to offer.” His words, too, rang as genuine.
His first dance passed, and was everything that Jungkook could have hoped for, for his partner had been rather fine; even if Jungkook himself may have lacked in conversational skill, there had seemed to be no complaints or hints of anything other than pleasure and enjoyment from their dance. Mr Kim Taehyung left him feeling bright and high spirited upon Jungkook’s return to his cousin’s side.
They shared a conversation, Seokjin wishing to ascertain that Jungkook was enjoying his time so far, and Jungkook assuring him that yes, he was, that town was delightful so far, the ball wonderful, and his first dance partner had been a true gentleman.
Unfortunately for Jungkook, his following few dances after were not quite as magical as the first. The next was with a very nice Miss, but she seemed almost as shy as Jungkook himself, and their conversation lacked during their dance together. And the Mr Lee Daehyun who followed was the opposite in that he talked too much, and none of it very interesting. Jungkook did not, admittedly, have much to say on the subject of Mr Lee’s cousins, a duke and a duchess apparently, and who seemed the height of fashion and society to hear Mr Lee tell it. And the Mr that followed that had a terrible time keeping his feet away from Jungkook’s own every time they had to pass each other as they danced.
It was, all together, a somewhat deflating experience, and when that dance ended he excused himself for want of refreshment, his toes smarting within his shoes.
Jungkook moved away from the dance floor, gratefully accepting the offered drink of punch from a passing server, and took himself towards the edge of the room for a moment of solitude. His excitement over the night in general, now coupled with the deflation of his last few dances, had resulted in Jungkook requiring a quiet moment for himself. That, and the constant need to make conversation was tiring him more than he had anticipated.
The punch was cool and refreshing and he sipped at it slowly, savouring it. There was no sign of Seokjin, but Jungkook hoped that his cousin was enjoying himself, perhaps having several dances of his own. He was still unwed, after all, and balls were, so Jungkook had heard, the best way to meet people and hopefully form a match in time.
His mother and his aunt he suspected would be on the other side of the room, sitting with others who were not dancing tonight, and making all the important conversations with the ladies and gentlemen around them. He would be able to catch up with them later, during supper.
He set his empty cup on the tray of another passing server before making his way slowly around the edge of the room. He had seen some particularly stunning flowers earlier in the hall that lead from the ballroom, and Jungkook thought that now might be a good time to attempt to get a closer look.
The large hallway was empty, everyone attending in the ballroom it seemed, as Jungkook walked over towards a side table that housed a particularly pretty vase of flowers. It was a beautiful bouquet of peonies, their blooms white and pink. He leaned in closer until he could catch their sweet, rosy scent.
Upon stepping back to observe them some more Jungkook found himself almost colliding into another gentleman, who seemed in rather a hurry as he walked quickly from the ballroom.
“Oh, I do beg your pardon!” The gentleman said, reaching out to help steady Jungkook, although it was only a slight stumble in step and Jungkook was already righting himself. “I was in such a rush, I failed to see you there! Are you quite alright?”
Jungkook turned to look at the gentleman, and found himself gazing into a pair of quite pretty, if concerned, eyes. His arm and shoulder felt warm where the gentleman was touching him, and both seemed to become aware of it at the same moment. The gentleman pulled his hands away.
“I am fine, thank you,” Jungkook said, too surprised still to be as shy as he usually would be. “No harm done. Please,” he added, gesturing down the hall that would lead out of the house, “as you are in a hurry.”
“I am,” the gentleman nodded. “But you are sure you’re alright?”
Jungkook nodded, hoping his sincerity would come through; there was, after all, no harm done, and the gentleman did seem in a great rush to leave, Jungkook would hate to keep him.
“I assure you I am fine.”
The gentleman looked him over again before giving him a nod, and a brief flash of a smile. It would not do to linger anyway, as they had not been introduced, and neither had a companion present to do so.
“I hope that it is good news!” Jungkook called out on a whim, as the man hurried on his way.
“On that front I can satisfy you: it is the best news!” Was the quick retort, and then he was gone, the sound of his quick footsteps still fading even after his silhouette had vanished from sight.
Jungkook found he was smiling to himself despite the unusual - and probably improper - encounter. It seemed a shame that the gentleman was leaving instead of remaining at the ball, because then Jungkook might acquaint himself with him.
He could practically hear his mother’s voice ringing in his head at the thought, with her earlier advice for him: ‘You cannot do everything all in one night, Jungkook, pace your expectations.’
He was here for the whole Season, after all, and unless that gentleman was leaving town, there would be time, hopefully, to make his acquaintance yet.
“Aha, you are here! I knew I would probably find you amongst some flowers.”
His cousin’s voice pulled him back to the here and now and Jungkook blinked, realising that he was still just standing in the hall. He must look like a right dolt!
“Supper begins soon, come.” Seokjin, a smile on his face, took hold of Jungkook’s arm to gently lead him back through the ballroom. “It will be a bit more of a grand affair than you are used to, I dare say,” Seokjin warned him.
This, Jungkook could handle, he was excellent at eating.
And so the rest of the night passed, between food, and somewhat awkward small talk, and yet more dancing after, all of it a whirl of excitement and sound and people for Jungkook. It was very early in the morning when he, Seokjin, his mother and his aunt all arrived back at their lodgings, and Jungkook was certain he could still hear the music he had danced to when he finally climbed into bed and fell asleep.
**
It was a late start the next morning for the whole family by the time they gathered together for breakfast. Jungkook himself still felt rather sleepy, although the others all looked bright-eyed enough. He supposed the ball had taken more out of them than he had anticipated, but then, it had been so much more than any he had been to before.
“So, Jungkook,” his mother asked, sitting across the table from him, “how did you find your first ball out amongst society?”
Jungkook sipped slowly at his tea as he thought over his answer. Whilst he had enjoyed himself certainly - the dancing, and supper, had been wonderful - he felt as if it had not quite lived up to his expectations. Something had been missing, although he could not put his finger on what exactly. Some of his dance partners had been rather disappointing, or outright boring. His own conversation had been lacking at times too, he knew, due to his shyness. No one, admittedly, had had his heart quicken with interest. No scents to tickle his nose - he mentally reprimanded himself for thinking the uncouth phrase, as he knew his mother would not like it, but it fit his feelings on the situation well enough.
Parts then had been wonderful, whilst others had been less so.
He did not wish to tell his mother this, however, and so settled for a small smile and an easy, “I found it very exciting.”
She seemed pleased by his answer, smiling in return, before continuing to take more neat, tidy bites of her breakfast.
“Any potential suitors that caught your interest?” His aunt asked.
Jungkook shook his head.
“Oh come now, Mikyung, it was his first evening out. There will be time yet, I am sure.” His mother looked over at his aunt, who gave a small smile at her words.
“But you met Mr Jeon at your first ball in town, did you not?”
“Well, that is true, I must admit.” She turned her attention back to Jungkook. “Did you meet anybody that you might like, darling?”
It was funny, that what came to mind upon the question was the pretty pair of eyes belonging to the stranger he had met exiting the ball. Yet Jungkook knew nothing about that man, not even his name, and had shared so few words together that it made little sense to think of him.
“I do not yet know, to be sure,” he answered after a moment. And that was true enough too, because Jungkook could not imagine having a liking for anyone that he had only met once, or even twice. He needed to get to know a person before he could decide such a thing, he was sure. How was a heart to beat for another person, if that person was yet a stranger to him?
The pretty eyes had been captivating, yes, but that was not enough to decide upon anything. And though he had talked to several other people in the course of the night, Jungkook did not really know anything about any of them yet either. He did not know how other people made their minds up so quickly, or came to such speedy engagements with each other. Did his heart work differently, perhaps?
“Mr Lee Daehyun was a fine gentleman, was he not?” His aunt spoke again. “I saw the both of you dancing together.”
Seokjin, beside Jungkook, couldn’t hold back his laughter at his mother’s words. He earned himself a glare from his mother, although she remained unsurprised.
“My apologies,” Seokjin said, patting delicately at his mouth with his napkin. “A bit of food caught in my throat.”
All of them at the table knew this to be an outright lie, and Jungkook nearly laughed himself. He would have to thank Seokjin later, he thought, because Mr Lee Daehyun had been an incredible bore, and the idea of his mother or aunt trying to set them up was truly objectionable. He was certain enough that that was one gentleman that he would not be wanting to marry.
“Mikyung, do you know who is attending Mrs Choi’s dinner tomorrow night?” His mother asked.
Listening to his mother and his aunt talk allowed Jungkook to enjoy more of his food, and his tea, both of which were slowly helping him to wake up. The list of guests were unknown to Jungkook, as his aunt went through the ones known to her. A couple of names might have been familiar, but not the one that seemed to catch his mother’s interest.
“Min Yoongi, did you say?”
“Oh, yes.” His aunt took a small sip of her tea before continuing. “He is a very eligible gentleman, much sought after every Season. Very handsome, although you may not have seen him, sister, you have been so little to town these past few Seasons.”
His mother waved her sister’s words away. “Do you know what his nature might be?”
His aunt looked very pleased with herself as she answered, “why yes, indeed I do! He is an omega.” Her eyes turned to Jungkook then. “An extremely suitable match for Jungkook here, do you not agree?”
Jungkook blinked in surprise at his aunt, his mouth awkwardly full of his breakfast.
“Please eat properly, Jungkook,” his mother gently chided, before turning to look at his aunt. Her eyes were bright with the excitement of an idea, he could tell. “An omega, you say? And no current attachment in sight?”
His aunt nodded her assent. “None at all, so far as I have heard. And I saw Mrs Min only three mornings ago myself, and I would have heard then if it were otherwise.”
It was Seokjin’s turn then to be met with Jungkook’s mother’s attention. “Are you acquainted with Mr Min Yoongi, Seokjin?”
“We have been introduced, yes,” Seokjin answered. “And mother is right in her assessment, from all that I have seen so far, Mr Min Yoongi remains a very desirable match, and has yet to settle for anyone in particular.”
His mother looked at Jungkook again, a pleased expression across her face. “Well, then we had best ensure that Jungkook gets an introduction at the dinner, hadn’t we?”
The answering look on his aunt’s face made Jungkook wish to sink away beneath the table.
**
There was to be no sinking beneath tables the following evening however. It was a moderate dinner party that Mrs Choi had put together. The hostess herself, Jungkook decided, was very friendly and pleased to meet him, assuring him of a fine evening with her and her guests, which he could not help but believe, as she had said so a full three times upon their meeting.
He attempted to look discreetly around the table once everyone was seated to supper and could only recognise a small number of the faces around him. One, he was sure, he had danced with at the ball, although the name eluded him now, but he thought perhaps it was Mrs Choi’s son as the resemblance was uncanny. The son, Jungkook was pleased to note, was not Mr Boring at least, nor the footstepper.
He found himself seated between his aunt and a stranger, while Seokjin and his mother sat across from him.
Jungkook was focused on attempting to carefully eat his soup, mindful of his wrist cuffs and not wishing to dirty them, when his aunt began speaking to the stranger beside him.
“Mr Min Yoongi,” she said, “how nice it is to see you this evening!”
The name drew Jungkook’s attention immediately, and he could not help but wonder if his mother and his aunt had somehow concocted this plan together. It seemed almost too convenient.
“We did not see you at Lady Moon’s ball, I am sorry to say.”
Mr Min Yoongi turned to give his aunt a slight smile. “Unfortunately I could not make it to Lady Moon’s.”
“I trust all is well?”
Mr Min Yoongi nodded. “Perfectly well, thank you.”
Jungkook glanced aside, unable to help noticing how neatly Mr Min Yoongi ate his own soup; his wrist cuffs were perfectly clean still.
“Since you were not there, may I have the pleasure of introducing my nephew to you?” At the nod of assent, his aunt continued. “This is Mr Jeon Jungkook. It is his first Season.”
This had the effect of having Mr Min Yoongi turn his attention to Jungkook, who could not help but stare, just for a moment, in return. He was handsome, was Jungkook’s first thought. Dark hair, pale skin, his eyes smaller than Jungkook’s own but with a friendly look to them.
“It is nice to meet you, Mr Jeon,” he said with a polite incline of his head. The words sounded sincere, with a small smile to accompany them, that Jungkook felt as if it really was nice to meet him. It was not flattery for flattery's sake.
“It is,” he answered, and then realised he had forgotten an important part of what he had actually intended to say. “That is, I mean, it is nice to meet you, also.”
This earned him another smile, wider this time, and it went some way to soften the embarrassment that wanted to flood Jungkook.
“How are you enjoying your first Season? Is this also your first time in town?” Mr Min Yoongi inquired as the soup was cleared to make way for the next course.
“It is, yes,” Jungkook answered. “I have not yet been here long, but I am so far finding it all very… exciting.”
“It is a rather different pace from country life, to be sure.”
As their next course was served Jungkook caught Seokjin’s eye from across the table and found his cousin to be grinning at him. If they had not been guests in another’s home, Jungkook would have stuck his tongue out in response. It was only polite, after all, to talk to his table mate. It did not mean anything! Could not mean anything, despite his mother’s hopes and plans, most probably.
But Mr Min Yoongi did make for a very good table mate, and Jungkook found himself piece by piece more at ease as each course came by and their conversation continued. He was much more an expert in small talk than Jungkook himself was, most of the conversation being carried by him as it were, but Mr Min Yoongi did not seem to mind that very much.
Eventually though, they stumbled upon a topic of conversation that was almost enough to have Jungkook forget his habitual shyness.
“You know about flowers?” He asked, after Yoongi had made mention of the small garden he possessed in town, compared to houses in the country.
“Just in passing,” he answered.
But Jungkook’s interest was captured now, and it was easier to talk about the subjects close to him, such as his own small flower garden back home, at Longview. The little corner given to him by his father to do with as he wished, since a young Jungkook had been terrible at hiding his muddy shirtsleeves from his parents, or the results of said muddy sleeves. He still remembered how his mother had taken those first-grown pansies and placed them in a vase in the drawing room, to admire during her days.
Eventually, however, their conversation came to an end, with those on the other side of Mr Min Yoongi also making enquiries of him. Still, Jungkook was left with a happy warmth blossoming within his chest, happy to have made some kind of connection, even if it were not the one wanted by his mother and his aunt.
Even the ball the other night had not prepared Jungkook for the extent of socialising in town, however, and he could feel tiredness trying to tug at his senses when supper was over and the guests retired to the drawing room for entertainment. At home, if it were just his family, they would be relaxed in their own ways in each other’s company. Even if they were being visited by neighbours, they were people that Jungkook had known for most of his life. But a roomful of mostly strangers was more tiring than he could have known.
It was perhaps not quite proper, but Jungkook took a seat on the outer edges of the room, away from where he may be expected to converse cleverly with people. As conversation buzzed around him, a scent met his nose, earthy, and just a little bit sweet. He turned to see the pretty vase of chrysanthemums nearby, their petals small and elegant. Theirs was a nice scent to focus on, when everything else in the room lacked much of one at all; everyone was wearing a diffuser of some kind, of course.
He caught snippets of the conversations around him as he let his mind rest.
“Oh no, I assure you, Mr Ahn Chunsam is very much interested in my daughter. He will come calling and ask for her hand any day now, just you see.”
“Did you hear that Captain Kim has returned?”
“I would play with you fine fellows, but for that we will need a fourth! A moment, if you please.”
“Your daughter? But I was certain that I had seen Mr Ahn favour Mr Ok’s son of late.”
Jungkook was soon interrupted from his quiet musing, and the idle gossiping, by his cousin standing before him.
“Come, Jungkook,” Seokjin said, a soft smile on his face; he knew very well what Jungkook was like, after all. “I am going to play some rounds of whist with Mr Min Yoongi and Mr Choi Soobin. We need a fourth, will you join us?”
A card game or two, Jungkook thought, would be a nice way to pass the time. As he followed Seokjin to their table he was surprised to see who Mr Choi Soobin was, and it confirmed Jungkook’s earlier suspicions that he was the son of their fine hostess, and one of the pleasant people he had danced with at the ball.
So the rest of his evening passed rather nicely, playing cards with people he thought he was rather beginning to like.
**
“I saw you and Mr Min Yoongi talking last night.” Jungkook’s mother gave him a significant look over her tea the next morning. “You looked rather invested.”
Almost he felt as if he wanted to blush, although there was no reason for such a thing - his mother was right, they had chatted over dinner, and he had been listening quite intently! That was not blush-worthy at all. Perhaps it was all the expectations she was laying on, like the jam she was spreading across her bread, thick and sweet and hopeful.
“It was a pleasant conversation,” Jungkook admitted. “He has some interest in gardening, also, although admitted to being an amateur, and we talked about that for some time.”
His mother smiled, looking genuinely pleased for him.
“When should we send a calling card?” This she addressed to his aunt, who shook her head at the question.
“Oh no, you and Jungkook are new in town, and now the acquaintance has been made, I believe that you should be receiving the calling cards. It would only be proper.”
“I would also advise against making it look as if you are sending Jungkook after him,” Seokjin spoke up.
Jungkook looked over at him in surprise before giving Seokjin a grateful smile. He had expected his mother to be interested in any potential suitors for him, but he had not expected for her to settle with such intent on one so quickly. He supposed a match between himself, as an alpha, and Min Yoongi as an omega, was too good for this mother to resist.
But Seokjin, as his friend and his cousin, knew well Jungkook’s own feelings about such things.
He continued, “Mr Min Yoongi has remained single for years now; not one person who has chased after him has caught his interest.”
Seokjin’s mother nodded sagely at this, as if it were her own advice. “Yes, exactly so. It would be better to build up his interest in Jungkook. Make him seek Jungkook out.”
The talk over breakfast soon dissolved into other subjects, much to Jungkook’s relief. Although he could not help but bring it up later that afternoon, when he and Seokjin were taking a stroll through the park together.
They had passed a small few people who Seokjin was acquainted with, but none to keep them for very long. The sun was bright and cheerful, and although the air was rather cool, the walk itself helped keep him warm. It was a nice day, even if a park in town could not compete with the natural landscape of their home.
“Why,” Jungkook began, as they walked the path that followed around a large pond, “is your mother not prompting you to find a match?”
Seokjin laughed at the question, his rather loud, natural laugh, which Jungkook had always delighted in; the ducks he startled with it were rather less delighted, however.
“Oh, Mother has given up on me I think,” he said. “She has tried, of course, but five years without any kind of courtship or engagement in sight, I think she is tired of trying. You are a much more likely victory, I think.”
Jungkook glanced over at him, blinking in surprise at the last of his cousin’s words. “Whatever do you mean!” He could not think of any likelier than Seokjin, honestly. He came from a respectable family, was an omega, and one of the most handsome people that Jungkook had ever seen.
Seokjin must have caught some of these thoughts as they spread across Jungkook’s rather expressive face, for he laughed again, a softer sound this time however; no ducks were harmed. “Do not get me wrong,” he said, “it is not for lack of interest from other parties. I simply have yet to find anyone that I would not mind having to spend the rest of my life with, is all. It has just taken my mother some time to see that, too.”
“Oh.”
“But you, dear Jungkook, you have always wished to fall in love, and so you present the easier mark.”
That, he supposed, he could not deny. While he did not expect for it to happen during his very first Season, Jungkook was very keen to experience the sensation of falling in love with someone, when the right someone came along.
They paused for a time, both turning to gaze out at the pond. The water was still but for the birds on it that sent ripples across the surface as they swam. The way the leafless trees framed the far side of their view looked so pretty Jungkook almost wished that he could paint it.
“You do not have to marry Yoongi, despite what our mothers might wish for you,” Seokjin said softly, after a little while. “He would be a fine match, to be sure. He is a good man, I know from our own acquaintance. But this is your first Season, and you should dance with as many different people as you like. And you would not have to marry any of them either, if you did not wish to.”
Jungkook appreciated the sentiment. He was not particularly worried about it, in all honesty; as excited as his mother and his aunt were over the prospect of Mr Min Yoongi, Jungkook’s parents had never professed to be the types that would force him to marry if he did not desire it himself.
“I mean to enjoy myself as much as I can this Season,” Jungkook answered. “I have waited years to join you here, after all. Why should I spoil it by marrying straight away?”
“Yes indeed,” was Seokjin’s hearty agreement.
**
The next morning was filled with social calls. Whilst unsurprising, there were more calls than Jungkook and his mother would have received back home, and it left his head spinning somewhat from it all.
The calls were mostly made up of those Jungkook had met and danced with at the ball the other night, those wishing to keep the acquaintance, and etiquette calls from the established to the new in town.
The first had been one of the Misses that Jungkook had danced with, and his original thoughts on her were upheld still after the quarter of an hour call had elapsed: she was very nice, but rather shy and awkward. Which was not a problem in itself, but as Jungkook himself was already such inclined it made conversation rather painful. Luckily, both his mother and his aunt were there to help navigate these still waters, along with the Miss’s uncle.
The following calls however made Jungkook regret the shy Miss leaving. One was the gentleman who could not stop stepping on Jungkook’s feet as they danced, who turned out to be rather as clumsy in his speech as he was in his dancing, trying to hint as he did about Jungkook’s thoughts on matrimony in a way that felt rather transparent.
And he was followed by Mr Lee Daehyun, whom Jungkook already knew to be a terrible bore, and rather self-absorbed.
He could not stop talking about the cousin of his who was married to a duke, and whose estate he seemed to know as well as the back of his hand, despite never having been there yet himself. It made Jungkook wish that he had refused the acquaintance. But alas, his mother had accepted the calling card and they were stuck listening to the man espouse his cousins, the duke and duchess, for the longest quarter of an hour of Jungkook’s entire life thus far.
When it was Mr Kim Taehyung being shown into the drawing room following this, he came in like a breath of fresh air. Jungkook sat up straighter in his seat, a smile automatically forming on his face as Kim Taehyung warmly greeted himself, his mother and his aunt.
He was just as charming now as he had been on the night of the ball, Jungkook was pleased to discover. He said all the right things, enquiring as to the health of Mr Jeon, asking if he would join the family in town this Season, and then asking Jungkook’s aunt about his cousin.
“Oh, Seokjin is away making his own calls this morning, but he is in perfectly good health, I thank you. And your parents?”
“Are very well, thank you! They are travelling at the moment, visiting with some family further north.”
“And your brother and sister are well, I take it?”
“Perfectly!” Taehyung answered with a smile, and Jungkook found himself struck by how genuine it was. “Both are doing very well in their schooling.”
“That is well,” Jungkook’s mother said with a nod. Neither she nor his aunt had even glanced at their embroidery so far during Taehyung’s call, a sure sign of the pleasure his visit gave them. “I always say that schooling is very important for our youth, do I not, sister?”
His aunt nodded sagely at this. “Oh yes, indeed! Why, both my Seokjin and Jungkook here did very well too, did you not?”
Jungkook had been so enjoying simply listening to the conversation as it flowed around him, that he was struck by surprise at the way his aunt had pulled him back into its stream. He blinked, needing a moment to think up a suitable response. He had not liked much of his school years, in all honesty, but he had tried to make his parents proud all the same.
“I believe I did… well enough, Aunt, yes.” Bragging in front of strangers was probably never going to be one of Jungkook’s strongest suits. As he glanced over, he caught Taehyung’s eye, and saw the small smile that was aimed in his direction.
Mr Kim Taehyung’s call was indeed the bright spot in the morning. Once the socialising was done with for now, and Seokjin had joined them for tea, Jungkook felt he could begin to relax somewhat.
“And we have not received a calling card from Mr Min Yoongi, or his mother, you say?” His mother asked, turning to look at his aunt.
“None yet, I am afraid,” his aunt confirmed.
“Well, I hope he is not snubbing the association. You said you had a pleasant conversation with him at dinner, did you not, Jungkook?”
“Oh yes, we did. Well,” he added, “I thought it was a pleasant conversation. I could not speak for Mr Min Yoongi, honestly.” Although he had thought that Yoongi had been both polite and friendly that evening.
The conversation soon turned on to another subject, one that Jungkook did not have to speak on so much himself, and so he could sip quietly at his tea.
**
The party at Mrs Park’s was of a moderate size, according to Seokjin. It felt large to Jungkook however. There were fewer people than there had been at Lady Moon’s ball, but more than there had been at Mrs Choi’s dinner. There were more people here that Jungkook did not know, however, and to him that made it feel like a large party.
There would not be any dancing tonight, though, and for this Jungkook was somewhat disappointed. He did love to dance. But it was not so intimate an evening as the dinner party had been.
Someone was playing on the pianoforte, a lovely piece that Jungkook did not recognise, and a sweet, floral scent filled the room from the flowers that decorated it. His aunt was with the other married women and men, engaged in conversation with their hostess, and Seokjin had excused himself, briefly leaving Jungkook on his own for a moment. He did not mind this though, he could listen to the various conversations taking place around him, and observe the people, and let his thoughts wander a little.
His eyes moved over towards a small group of people standing on the other side of the room, and he was happily surprised to note that one of them was Mr Min Yoongi. He looked well, Jungkook thought, talking to a rather handsome gentleman that Jungkook had not seen before.
“I would not bother setting your cap for him.”
The voice beside him startled Jungkook and he turned to see who was speaking to him so, for it was not his cousin or his aunt. He was disappointed to see that it was Mr Lee Daehyun. Was he in every circle Jungkook would find himself in this Season? He certainly hoped not, he was not overly fond of the man or his company.
“I beg your pardon?” He asked, fiddling with his wrist cuffs, although they were perfectly in place.
Mr Lee Daehyun nodded towards Mr Min Yoongi, a knowing look on his face. What he thought he knew, Jungkook had not a clue. “Min Yoongi. It is rather embarrassing, every Season someone new and young throws themselves at him, and every Season they are left without their prize.”
Jungkook did not think he liked the way Mr Lee Daehyun was speaking of Min Yoongi. Even though Jungkook did not yet know him really himself, still it felt wrong.
Mr Lee Daehyun continued, his tone almost confidential, as if he were letting Jungkook in on a secret. Jungkook did not wish to share anything with him, honestly.
“It is due to his mother, you know. He is a gentleman, to be sure, but she has delusions of grandeur. She believes her son to be too good for anyone who is not nobility. No matter how many pretty faces, or attractive natures,” he added, with a pointed look at Jungkook that he did not like, “it will not do for her only child.”
Jungkook’s usual shyness was burnt away in a sudden wave of irritation - if he were not wearing his diffuser, his sweet, floral scent would smell almost too sweet with the hint of decay to follow his emotions. But he was scentless to Mr Lee Daehyun, and the room at large.
So he sounded perfectly polite, and none were the wiser, when he replied, “I thank you for your advice, sir, but I am not looking to marry Mr Min Yoongi. Nor anyone for that matter, not in the immediate future.”
He could enjoy the brief flash of emotion this brought to Mr Lee Daehyun’s face, the look of surprise, before it settled back into his usual bland look.
“Ah, apologies, I do believe my aunt is waving for me. Good evening.” He did not wish to continue the conversation, and without his cousin in sight to aid him, this was the only way Jungkook could think to work his way out of it, although his aunt was, quite clearly, deep in conversation with Mrs Park.
He had to keep up the pretence however, and so having extricated himself from the unpleasant company Jungkook began to make his way through the room.
He was halfway to his aunt - and thus halfway away from Mr Lee Daehyun - when Mr Min Yoongi was suddenly before him.
“Mr Jeon,” he greeted, rather warmly Jungkook thought, a smile forming on his own face in response. “It is good to see you.”
“A-and you,” Jungkook replied, inclining his head politely.
There was a small pinch of worry between Mr Min Yoongi’s eyebrows. “I am sorry for having not called upon you yet. I had intended to, but after Mrs Choi’s dinner I found myself… indisposed due to my nature,” he added delicately. “I hope your mother is not much offended?”
Jungkook’s head was a whirl; Yoongi’s politeness, and the attentions due to him and his mother, his genuine concern, and the gentle allusion to an incredibly valid reason for not being out amongst company for some days. There was nothing to say for that, of course, it was not to be spoken of more plainly.
“Please, there is no need to apologise,” Jungkook told him sincerely. “My mother has not been offended, and of course, no one could expect you to make social calls during such a time.”
It was all said as it should be, polite and brief and distant - to talk of it any further would have been the height of improper, and embarrassing for them both.
Mr Min Yoongi did look somewhat relieved though, now the necessary was out of the way and his apologies had been made. Whatever Mr Lee Daehyun had said about his mother, it did not seem to Jungkook that Yoongi himself thought him a step above others at least.
“Have you met Mr Park Jimin yet?” Yoongi asked. “The son of our host?”
Jungkook shook his head. “No, I have not yet had the pleasure.”
“Then allow me.”
Yoongi led him over towards the young man he had been conversing with before, who was now, Jungkook noted, in conversation with Mr Kim Taehyung.
“–not here tonight, I am afraid. He is out with Captain Kim, I believe. You have not yet met the Captain, have you?”
Jungkook caught the last snatches of their conversation as they approached and both men turned towards him. Mr Kim Taehyung’s smile was warm with familiarity as they greeted each other.
“Mr Park Jimin, may I introduce to you Mr Jeon Jungkook,” Yoongi said. They both inclined their heads towards each other in greeting.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr Jeon,” Mr Park Jimin said. His own smile was warm and welcoming also, further helping to soften the distaste left over from his conversation with Mr Lee Daehyun. “So, it is you who has everyone all astir!”
Jungkook’s eyes widened in surprise at this statement. “I… I beg your pardon?”
Mr Park Jimin laughed, although it was not an unkind sound. “A handsome young man newly introduced to the ton,” he explained, his eyes alight as he spoke, “and an alpha, if what I heard is to be true?” Jungkook’s red cheeks must have been answer enough as Mr Park Jimin continued, “why, of course there has been a buzz about you!”
That seemed rather unbelievable, Jungkook thought, even as his mind rewound itself to all the social calls he had received following the ball. He could not imagine being interesting enough for people to talk about, especially as large a society as there was in town, during the Season. There were far more people worth talking of, he thought.
“I…I am sure that cannot be true.”
“Do not tease him so, Jimin,” Min Yoongi said, although there was a matching smile across his own face. “I have just saved him from one unpleasant conversation, we do not wish him to think that he has fallen straight into another.”
Mr Park Jimin gave what Jungkook thought must be a playful glare in Min Yoongi’s direction; there was a feeling of himself and Seokjin about it, family or those who had been friends for a long time and who could comfortably tease each other because of it.
“Any conversation with me is a pleasure and a delight, I assure you,” Mr Park Jimin sniffed.
It made Jungkook laugh, unintentioned as it was, a small sound, but it caught Mr Park’s attention and he aimed another smile in Jungkook’s direction.
“You see?” He said, sounding pleased. “Mr Jeon is already delighted with me!”
Honestly, Jungkook was rather delighted by Mr Park Jimin, if also somewhat intimidated as well. But he seemed to be friendly, and he was close with both Yoongi and Taehyung, who Jungkook had taken immediate likings to. And they simply felt better, although Jungkook was not sure that was a sense to be wholly trusted. Perhaps it was some latent, instinctual holdover from their ancestors, that even though Jungkook could not detect any of their individual scents - and thus, their emotions - some part of him was still able to identify sincerity and warmth from others. He liked to think that was the case, at least, and it had not yet led him astray.
“Who has been bothering you?” Taehyung interjected, his curiosity piqued.
“Oh.” Jungkook blinked, surprised. He did not wish to point fingers or spread unnecessary gossip, especially as he was not yet certain which social circles those he had met favoured. He wished for Seokjin, who always seemed able to navigate himself through social situations with ease. “No one has been bothering me,” he eventually answered. “Truly,” he added, for emphasis.
He did not have to explain himself any further, fortunately, and Seokjin soon found him, easily joining in the conversation. He must have known them better than Jungkook had supposed, as his cousin talked amongst them all as if this were a somewhat common occurrence. With that in mind it made Jungkook feel more at ease in their presence also. Along with whatever instincts he might possess, Seokjin had also never steered him wrong either.
It was a good evening, full of warm, interesting conversation (mostly from the others, and not Jungkook himself, although this he did not mind) and by the time they arrived at their lodgings later that night he felt almost certain that he had gained some new friends. It was a feeling Jungkook rather liked.
**
Jungkook was busy perusing his aunt’s bookshelves, the sounds of chatter in the room washing over him without much impact. Her shelves were not particularly full of books that he found interesting, although there were some novels here that he liked the sound of - probably Seokjin’s additions.
As he was musing over the titles, hearing his own name spoken drew his attention back to the room at large.
His aunt was hosting a dinner party this evening and her guests had retired to the drawing room together following supper. Not a particularly large party however, and not many people for Jungkook’s actual interest were here, which explained his retreating to the bookshelves.
Behind him on one of the sofas sat his mother and one of the older gentlemen, a Mr Kim, Jungkook thought his name was. It was he who had spoken Jungkook’s name, as he talked with Jungkook’s mother.
“Yes, Jungkook is getting on very well for his first Season,” he could hear her say. A warmth filled his chest at these words. He was enjoying himself and his first Season so far, but it was different hearing his mother say so also.
“I heard that he made quite a stir at Lady Moon’s ball, that his dance card was full within moments.”
His mother laughed, a soft, tinkling sound. He pretended to continue looking over the books, wishing to remain unnoticed, even though neither of them were facing him. “That is an exaggeration, but he did have quite a number of dances, to be sure.”
“And you are probably looking to make a match of a fine omega for him, are you not?” The gentleman continued. “There are several eligible amongst the ton this Season. Mr Lee Daehyun, Mr Min Yoongi, Mr Ahn Chunsam and Miss Kim Yunhui, to name a few.”
Jungkook could not help but grimace to himself at the first name mentioned, he was admittedly not particularly fond of Mr Lee Daehyun so far, although he could be wrong about the man he supposed; Jungkook had been wrong, once or twice, in his life.
“You have perhaps listed someone of interest there, yes,” his mother answered coyly.
“Ah,” Mr Kim said, sounding surprised. “And, can we expect then any signs of attachment soon?”
Jungkook felt his cheeks go red despite himself. Of course not! He was still only getting to know people, so how could anyone have possibly captured his heart already? Ridiculous!
His mother lowered her voice as she answered and Jungkook could only just hear her now.
“There has been nothing spoken yet, nothing that I am aware of, but I am hopeful for such an announcement by the end of the Season.”
Jungkook himself was not inclined to agree with his mother’s hopes; he himself was not yet attached to any one in particular, and none of those that had been named, and likewise he did not feel as if any of them were much attached to him and ready to propose marriage, although he supposed that many things could take place within the next several months of the Season.
He hoped his mother would not be too terribly disappointed, however, if he did not make a match of it this time. There were other Seasons, after all, and it was not uncommon at all to come out of a first Season without an engagement. Seokjin had been out for several Seasons now, and had yet to find the one he wished to spend his life with. Jungkook was not much worried about matrimony for himself.
He had heard enough talk of himself, accidentally or otherwise, and so Jungkook quietly edged himself away from his mother and Mr Kim, their conversation fading away behind him as he went to talk with his cousin.
**
Music and the sound of many voices talking swelled in the room around him. Jungkook was taking a small break from dancing himself, walking quietly around the edge of the room in search of some refreshment. He caught snatches of conversation as he walked past small groups, talk of people he did and did not know, sentences half-heard, fluttering away incomprehensibly, excited giggles and laughter that were almost as sweet as the floral scent that filled his senses.
The scent of lillies was strong, the flowers beautiful as they were laid out throughout the ballroom. There was no room for any other scent with these about.
This was Jungkook’s third ball, this one taking place at the Assembly Rooms, and he was enjoying himself. Well, he had begun to enjoy himself more after the obligatory dances had been taken care of; the evening had improved significantly after a dance each with Kim Taehyung and Min Yoongi.
Finally, near several small groups of people, he found a table of refreshments and Jungkook gladly took one for himself. The punch was delightfully cold and refreshing and helped cool the flush to his cheeks. He looked around the ballroom at large as he drank, wondering where Seokjin was; perhaps his cousin was engaged in dancing? If so, they had just missed each other between sets, which was a shame.
It took a moment for Jungkook’s wandering thoughts to begin to pay attention to a conversation that was taking place close by him, words eventually becoming sentences as he focused more. Two women, he noted, who looked to perhaps be mother and daughter, were observing a nearby young man.
“Who is that, Mama?” The young lady asked, her eyes on the gentleman. “He is exceptionally handsome. I do believe we have not yet been introduced.”
The mother began to answer, but upon turning to look towards the gentleman, her easy countenance changed to one of displeasure.
“That is because I did not wish for you to be introduced. Come along, I believe Mr Ahn Chunsam has asked you for a dance, has he not? Let us see where he has got to.”
Jungkook was stunned by this apparent rudeness - and the fact that the woman had not kept her voice quiet enough, surely the gentleman would have heard! And he was doing nothing but enjoying a peaceful moment himself it seemed.
“How rude!” Jungkook said, watching with eyes wide as the two women strolled across the room, in search of someone more appealing apparently. There was a soft sound, as if a laugh was being muffled behind a hand, and Jungkook turned back, his cheeks reddening with realisation. “Oh, I beg your pardon,” he said quickly, “I did not mean to say that out loud, I am–oh.” He blinked in surprise as he finally took in the gentleman’s face. “It is you.”
Jungkook inadvertently took a step closer, staring into an exceedingly handsome face, his dark hair swept just a little from his forehead, a delightful mouth tilted upwards in apparent amusement, and those pretty eyes, almost sparkling it seemed, as they observed Jungkook in turn.
“The man in a hurry,” Jungkook added, without thought to propriety or manners. “With the very best news.”
Those pretty eyes crinkled in recognition. “Ah, yes. And you are the one who was too busy sniffing flowers to be aware of your surroundings.” But it was not said unkindly, in fact he sounded amused, the small smile still playing on his face.
Jungkook could not look away from the gentleman, did not want to step away, or stop talking to him. The gentleman himself seemed just as disinclined to do either himself.
He realised then, that although he had been in town, amongst the ton for a month now, and attended three balls and countless dinners and evening parties, and even a trip to the theatre, that this was only Jungkook’s second time of seeing this man. At least he was not rushing out of the building this time, however. It gave Jungkook a chance to observe him properly, and admire the very fine cut to his jacket, why, it was possibly–
And then in one blinding moment the rest of Jungkook’s senses caught up with him, but firstly, and most strongly, his sense of propriety. Even an eye for fashion could not wait when propriety was at stake!
His eyes widened, in both horror and shame at himself. “I, oh my goodness, I do apologise! We have not yet been–and I did not mean to–that is to say, I am–”
A voice interrupted Jungkook’s fight for words. “Ah, there you are, Jungkook! I have been looking for you.”
Jungkook turned to see Seokjin approaching them; his ears were red, Jungkook noticed, and he had the air of someone who had just finished dancing.
Seokjin’s eyes went to the gentleman before looking back to Jungkook again. He was sure that his cousin had noticed now the deep blush across Jungkook’s cheeks, and perhaps he had guessed at what had happened for he stepped in smoothly, asking Jungkook, “Would you care for an introduction?”
“Yes,” he said, almost so quickly as to be embarrassed all over again at himself.
Seokjin merely smiled at him.
“Then: Mr Jeon Jungkook, may I introduce you to Mr Jung Hoseok.”
Jung Hoseok; even his name was pretty, Jungkook thought.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Jeon,” Mr Jung Hoseok answered, and his sincerity was clear upon his face. It reminded Jungkook of Min Yoongi, and Kim Taehyung, that easy to decipher sincerity. He liked that, as he had never been very adept at playing coy in social situations himself.
“Oh, the pleasure is mine!” Jungkook answered, perhaps slightly too eagerly, but all it resulted in was another smile sent his way, and so he could not mind that too much, could he?
“Jungkook is my cousin,” Seokjin offered with a smile at them both.
“Cousin?” Mr Jung Hoseok looked at Jungkook. “Then I am sorry for you!”
Jungkook blinked, confused.
“He is teasing me, Jungkook,” Seokjin said, laughing. “Because Mr Jung thinks that he is funny.”
“He thinks he is funny because he is.”
Jungkook looked between them both and understanding clicked into place; they were acquainted, of course, because of the introduction, but it appeared that they knew each other somewhat better than that, also; the teasing would not be had, otherwise. It was a stark reminder of the many Seasons Seokjin had lived already, without Jungkook, and all those he had met and knew already. Suddenly, Jungkook found himself feeling rather behind.
Well, he supposed, he would simply have to catch up then, wouldn’t he?
“Would you like to dance?” He asked, looking at Mr Jung Hoseok. He was not sure if he was supposed to be the one asking or not, honestly, but considering how they had just met he did not think that Mr Jung would mind. “With me, I mean,” he added, not wishing to forget the important part.
Mr Jung Hoseok had not stopped looking at Jungkook in turn, not really, and his smile softened. He did not hesitate as he answered, “Why yes, I would be delighted to dance with you, Mr Jeon. I am surprised you have space for me remaining on your dance card!”
There was a gentle nudge from Seokjin against Jungkook’s arm. “Now he is teasing you.” To Jung Hoseok, he added, “be gentle with him, please. This is his first Season, after all.”
Jung Hoseok smiled back at Seokjin, and although it was not aimed at Jungkook directly, the sight was dazzling. “Of course, am I ever otherwise?” He turned his attention back to Jungkook, and that smile was perhaps worse when aimed at him - worse for Jungkook’s health and wellbeing, that was. “Shall we?” He said, gesturing towards the dance floor.
They stood amongst the line of dance partners, and as the music began to swell around them, so too did Jungkook’s heart, for reasons he was not quite sure of. They bowed politely to each other, and then the dance began in earnest, all of them moving now as one.
“How are you enjoying your first Season, Mr Jeon?” Jung Hoseok asked, as they stepped towards each other.
“I am liking it very well,” Jungkook answered. The chalk art beneath their feet had begun to lose its shape after the dancing that had already taken place. But were Jungkook to look, he would still see some of the large peonies, and the nymphs playing about their colourful petals. But right now, for some reason, he had eyes only for Mr Jung Hoseok, and that rather lovely smile of his.
“It must make for a large change for you. You reside in the country, do you not?”
Jungkook gaped, rather embarrassingly, for just a moment, before he remembered that Seokjin and he were already friends, and thus his having this information made perfect sense. He could not read Jungkook’s mind. A relief indeed!
He used the turn they took away from each other as the reason for his momentary loss of words, and once they were again face to face he had his reply.
“Yes, and it is very different. Life feels like it takes place at a rather faster pace, in town. Society, also.”
Jung Hoseok nodded in agreement. They took another step towards each other, this part of the dance calling for each of them to raise an arm, their gloved palms inches from each others. “The country does make for a more relaxed pace of living, I have found as well. A welcome refuge at times, when one needs it.”
The steps took them away from each other now, a turn, a brief switch of partners, and when they came back face to face a few moments later Jungkook could not help but smile at Jung Hoseok. His eyes fell upon the ruffed collar around Hoseok’s neck, and he noted not only how extraordinarily white the fabric was, but how finely detailed the lacework was, how neat the collar looked settled around his neck.
He pulled his gaze away, back up to Mr Jung’s face, not wishing to appear rude. He was looking at the pretty fabric, but it could be interpreted as trying to stare at another’s scent gland, and that would be unseemly.
Jungkook cast his mind for something to say, to distract from his own wandering eyes, and threw out the first thought that arose.
“Are you ever going to share what your very best news was?”
It was perhaps a little bold of a question, but Mr Jung did not seem to mind. He laughed, in fact, and the sound itself was almost as musical as the instruments playing around them.
“I was unaware that I had been driving you to curiosity for so long,” he said, and Jungkook thought he might blush. “My apologies, Mr Jeon. The very best news was the return of a dear, and well missed, friend of mine.”
They walked around each other in a slow turn, an arm each curved above their heads, a pose that looked very elegant when Mr Jung did it. Jungkook could not help but notice that he danced exceedingly well, which made his own steps fall with more enthusiasm. Jungkook very much enjoyed a dance partner that could keep up with him.
“Ah, then I understand your hurry that evening,” Jungkook said, his eyes widening with delight. He knew that feeling well, he had experienced it every year when Seokjin returned home. “And your apologies are unnecessary. I am glad your friend has returned. Was he gone for very long?”
“It felt as if it was longer than it actually was,” Mr Jung said, their steps drawing them close together once again. “But he has been put to shore, so I believe we will have much time to make up for the years he was gone.”
“Put to shore? Ah, so he is of the navy then?”
Mr Jung nodded. “He is. He is not in attendance tonight, otherwise I might introduce you.”
“Well, then I shall just look forward until that time when we can be introduced.”
They were near again, and Jungkook realised that they were both about the same in height, so he could look directly into those pretty eyes, sparkling with all of the light of the room. They took a slow turn around each other once again, and this time the hands above their heads touched, gloved fingers lightly taking hold of each other. Jungkook felt the warm pressure of Mr Jung’s other hand resting delicately against his waist, as the dance called for. His own settled, with feigned ease, against Mr Jung’s waist.
“As it means that you will be there, also,” he added.
And then immediately wished he had not, because it was not like him to be quite so bold as that, and he did not know what he was doing! His feet, and his heart, felt as if they were floating, as they turned with each other to the beat of the music.
Mr Jung Hoseok’s eyes widened at the words, before his expression fell into something more thoughtful. “Indeed, it does.”
The next motion called for them to part, and then the music came to an end. They bowed to each other, as did all the other couples in the line. “I thank you for this dance, Mr Jeon,” he said. “It was truly a pleasure.”
And then the dance was over, and Jungkook had but a moment to wonder if, perhaps within the span of it, he had already given away the heart he had resolved not to give away just yet.
**
Jungkook did not need to wait long to see Mr Jung Hoseok again. It was the day after the ball when he called upon his aunt’s home. Simply hearing the servants announce that a “Mr Jung Hoseok is here,” had Jungkook lighting up, as if a candelabra were glowing warmly within his chest.
He appeared in the drawing room some few minutes later, and he looked just as lovely in the fine light of a sunny day as he had last night by the glow of candlelight. A warm, easy smile rested on his face as he was introduced to Jungkook’s mother, and then he was seated on the same sofa as Jungkook, engaging in the polite conversation expected of a first social call.
Jungkook, admittedly, was rather quiet throughout the visit, too easily engrossed in watching and listening to Mr Jung Hoseok talk instead. But he said all the right things, enquired after the family members not present (“Mr Jeon will be joining us soon,” his mother answered, and “my son is out making calls of his own, but he is well, thank you,” said his aunt). Complimented the embroidery that his aunt was working on, and had notably set aside for the moment. Praised the biscuits that were on offer, and the fine cook that his aunt had. Informed Jungkook’s mother that Jungkook was a very fine dance partner.
He charmed them all, essentially. Although Jungkook had already been halfway there last night, admittedly.
There was a brief moment where his mother and his aunt fell into conversation of their own, which allowed for Jungkook and Mr Jung Hoseok to share a few words with each other.
“You look well,” Hoseok said, upon turning towards Jungkook.
And Jungkook, despite himself, despite the easy, friendly way the words were spoken, felt the desire to blush. To blush like a schoolboy! But there was sincerity on Jung Hoseok’s face.
“As…as do you, sir,” Jungkook replied. He did not know where the boldness of last night had gone, or the ease with which he had conversed, because today there was not a sign of either. Although Jungkook was rarely bold, and even less uncommonly good at conversation, so this was not unusual.
Hoseok’s smile only widened. “Thank you. Sunny weather does rather suit me, I think.”
He thought perhaps that Hoseok was teasing again, or joking; he did rather seem to have a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes much of the time. Jungkook did not know what to do with that, however. He felt as if he had been upended by this man.
He looked at Jungkook a little more closely, his face softening. “My apologies, I am only joking. I keep forgetting that we have only just met, and thus you are not used to my sense of humour.”
Jungkook shook his head. “No, please, I…I like your jokes. Your humour. Even if I do not…”
“Know how to respond?” Hoseok suggested.
Jungkook smiled in relief, nodding his agreement. “Yes.”
“Does that mean I am allowed to call on you again?”
“Whenever you like,” he answered, almost absently, until he became aware of how that sounded. And now he could feel his cheeks truly grow warm, and wished he could put the words back into his mouth.
But he could not, and Mr Jung Hoseok was laughing softly in delight over them.
“Good,” he answered, the smile still on his face. “I had rather hoped to keep the acquaintance.”
The visit soon came to an end, with Hoseok once again paying all his proper dues to Jungkook’s mother and aunt upon leaving, and Jungkook wondered vaguely if perhaps he was floating. Certainly, he did not think that he could feel the firm weight of the sofa beneath his body, he felt so light in this moment.
Upon no other call waiting, his mother and his aunt fell into conversation about Jung Hoseok.
“He is a very fine man, is he not?” His mother was saying, looking very pleased. “The most pleasing of manners.”
“He is,” his aunt agreed, returning again to her embroidery. “I have only ever heard good things of him, I must say. And though he is a beta, he has a substantial fortune, a fine estate in the country, and is the grandson of an earl, on his mother’s side. A most respectable acquaintance for Jungkook.”
“A beta, you say?” Jungkook did not miss the way his mother’s face fell at the revelation. “That is a shame. But he will make a good friend for Jungkook all the same. He is a friend of Seokjin’s also, is he not?”
His aunt nodded. “Oh yes. There is a whole little group of them, thick as thieves whenever they are all together. Jungkook could not go wrong befriending them.”
They talked on, their conversation turning towards who was possibly courting who - “Miss Lim? But I am sure that I have seen Mr Ahn talking to Mr Kang of late, and he certainly did look quite smitten then!” - but Jungkook did not pay their words much attention.
He was stuck upon the look of disappointment on his mother’s face at hearing of Jung Hoseok’s nature. For himself, Jungkook did not care; alpha, beta, or omega, it mattered not to him.
His parents, his mother especially, were rather more traditionally minded. As they were also an alpha and omega match, they thought that would suit Jungkook best as well.
All Jungkook was certain of for himself was a kind soul, a warm heart, and someone who could make him laugh. Those, he thought, were what truly mattered.
**
It was a sunny day, although there was a bite in the air that made Jungkook wish to shiver beneath the heavy trappings of his coat and scarf. It was to be expected this time of year, however, and at least the day was dry. It meant he and Seokjin could enjoy a pleasant stroll through the park together, a past time that Jungkook had come to enjoy quite a bit. It was almost like a pocket of home, this stretch of greenery, of trees and bushes, and in the spring more flowers he hoped.
It was refreshing.
And, of course, much approved by his mother, because it was a good place to be seen, and meet acquaintances and strike up conversations. She would be sorely disappointed, he thought, that he had yet to bump into Min Yoongi on one of their park strolls. Although Jungkook did see rather a lot of Min Yoongi otherwise, at most social gatherings that had people of his and his cousin’s ages. He was glad for it, though, because he had begun to think of Min Yoongi as one of his friends.
But today, it was someone else that they ran into during their walk.
It was Seokjin who spotted them first, and uttered a rather loud, and slightly surprising, call of, “Kim Namjoon! You have returned to us!”
The figure, this Kim Namjoon, spun around to stare at Seokjin, eyes wide. Beside him Jungkook noticed stood Mr Jung Hoseok. His heart, he thought, gave a silly little flutter at the realisation.
“Oh, forgive me, I mean Captain,” Seokjin corrected himself, a wide smile on his face as the two pairs came together.
Jungkook’s attention returned to the stranger, his eyes following the tall figure up and up. Taller than his cousin! And certainly taller than he was himself. A small spike of envy ran through him at that.
“Captain Kim Namjoon,” Hoseok interrupted, a smile on his face, “may I introduce you to Mr Jeon Jungkook. Seokjin’s cousin,” he added, a note of amusement in his voice.
Captain Kim turned to him, a wry look upon his face. “Ah, I am sorry for you.”
It seemed a common joke amongst Seokjin’s friends, and this time Jungkook was prepared and could laugh at it. And he laughed harder still at Seokjin’s faux-outrage at the remark.
“And it is very nice to see you after all these years too,” he sniffed.
It clicked then, why the name was so familiar to Jungkook. “Ah, so you are the person I have heard talk of lately! To know that you and Mr Jung’s very best news are one and the same!”
Captain Kim looked confused, and Mr Jung Hoseok laughed, a sound almost as bright as the sun itself was today. “I shall explain some of that later,” he assured.
Jungkook, feeling a little embarrassed at his outburst, hurried to add, “I beg your pardon. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
This earned him a smile. “And a pleasure to meet you. News in town must be very slow indeed, if my return is all that is being spoken of!”
“Nonsense. When you left, you were merely Mr Kim Namjoon, and now you are Captain Kim! That is plenty to keep the drawing room gossips busy, you know,” Seokjin said.
“As I said,” Captain Kim spoke, “news is slow!”
Laughter followed his words.
They started walking again, and soon Jungkook and Hoseok fell behind Seokjin and Captain Kim, who were engaged already in what sounded like a lively conversation.
“You and Captain Kim are quite close, are you not?” Jungkook asked, glancing over at Mr Jung. He cut a very fine profile, Jungkook could not help but notice. The cool breeze played amongst the ruffles of Mr Jung’s neck collar, and then again through the dark strands of his hair. He did not seem quite as averse to the cold as Jungkook was, however, seeing as he did not wear a scarf.
“Oh yes,” Jung Hoseok answered. “We have been friends since we were children at school together.”
Something about that made Jungkook smile to himself; perhaps it was in trying to picture Jung Hoseok and Captain Kim as boys, youthful and free.
They turned into a tree-lined path, although the winter-bared branches did little to shield them from the breeze. Jungkook could hear Seokjin’s laughter a little ways ahead of them, bright and squeaky as it always was. It had him smiling to himself.
After a pleasant silence Hoseok spoke up again. “He has spoken of you, you know.” He nodded his head towards Seokjin.
“Oh?”
Hoseok glanced over at him and smiled at the expression on Jungkook’s face. His eyes were probably as round as his mouth at that moment, and were his mother here she would warn him to stop attempting to catch flies.
He shut his mouth.
Hoseok’s smile only brightened.
“Yes. You would come up in conversations, whenever he was here for the Season. We might be playing a game, and Seokjin would say, ‘were my cousin here, he would rout you all!’ By the way he talks, you must be very accomplished.”
Jungkook almost stumbled over nothing upon hearing this, but adjusted himself in just a moment. It would not do to embarrass himself in front of Hoseok, he thought, but there was a warmth in his chest, a fondness so deep, at the thought of Seokjin boasting on his behalf, to people who had never met him. Even if his dear aunt would tell the both of them off for being conceited. He had always missed Seokjin’s presence whenever his cousin went to town, but now he really felt like Seokjin perhaps had missed him in return.
His thoughts turned back to what Mr Jung had actually said to him, and he almost wanted to blush at the words. “Oh, no, not very,” he said, rather modestly, to be true. “I am rather good at games though, I will admit.”
This had Hoseok laughing, a soft sound that fluttered through the breeze.
“Very kind of you then, to give the rest of us a chance.”
Jungkook glanced over at him, and felt a smile tug at the corners of his own lips in response. Another bold flash went through him, because he said, “You are most welcome.”
The laugh this earned him was louder, and sweeter, and Jungkook’s chest felt larger and warmer than ever before. Surely it could not be winter, and that wind that blew through the park was not cold at all! Everything was warm, and glowing, and quite lovely, as long as Jung Hoseok was laughing.
**
Jungkook may have worried that he would not see Mr Jung Hoseok very much, as he had been so very elusive before now, but that worry was thankfully unfounded.
As it turned out, they both belonged to the same social circle; Jung Hoseok was friends with Seokjin and the rest of Seokjin’s friends, and Jungkook was always in his cousin’s company at social engagements, and so that gave them opportunity to come together fairly often. And yet each time Jungkook felt that bubble of joy at seeing Hoseok’s face across the room, or hearing mention of his name. It was exciting, also, to learn more of Hoseok in these small pieces. As if every time they came together Jungkook received another piece in the puzzle that would slowly make up Jung Hoseok for him.
Such as, in a warm room one evening, Jungkook would learn that Jung Hoseok actually enjoyed the colder, winter months, such as the ones they were currently experiencing. Having been born in February, he’d said that as a child, it linked winter to something else exciting for him.
He learned also that Hoseok was not as good at card games as he was at dancing. Although he was not bad (Mr Kim Taehyung was, admittedly, the worst out of them at card games, but this always resulted in laughter, when it was just their little group). In fact, as he discovered across two more balls, and three evening parties that contained dancing, Jung Hoseok was a better dancer than Jungkook was himself. While usually this would bring a small flame of competitiveness to life within Jungkook, he could not bring himself to mind, not if it were Jung Hoseok.
He also heard tell that Jung Hoseok’s other talent, aside from dancing, conversation, and putting those around him at such perfect ease, was fencing, which he found a very interesting tidbit. It was a shame there would be no call for him to witness this, however.
And of course, in turn Jungkook shared more about himself, little pieces every time they met.
It was not just at the social gatherings, the parties and the balls, where they might come across each other. After that first accidental meeting in the park, Jungkook and Seokjin ran into Hoseok several more times as well. And so it had become almost natural that on their Tuesday walks they would meet Hoseok as well. Most of the time he was accompanied by Captain Kim, who wished to enjoy as much of nature as he could while he was put to shore. And if it were not Captain Kim then it was Mr Park Jimin, or sometimes Min Yoongi.
It was one such walk, on a cloudy but dry afternoon, that they found themselves talking, walking just a little ways behind Seokjin and Captain Kim.
“What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?” Jung Hoseok asked him. “When at home in the country, I mean.”
Jungkook had to resist the urge to burrow within his scarf, both to answer the question and to remain proper.
This one was an easy question.
“I enjoy riding.”
“Oh?”
Jungkook nodded. “I have my own horse, Euphoria, her name, I mean. And we go on such long, beautiful rides together.” There was joy in his voice as he spoke, a deep and obvious fondness. There was nothing quite like that feeling, of flying through the scenery, hoofbeats pounding in time with his own heart, racing towards an eternal horizon. It was exhilarating. It was freedom.
He blushed then, realising how he must have sounded, but when he glanced aside at his companion it was only to see a small, soft smile spread across his face. He was easier to look at today, Hoseok, because the sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds, so there was no glow to highlight his distractingly lovely profile.
Jungkook still found his eyes tracing the shape of Hoseok’s nose all the same.
He opened his mouth, to apologise, he thought, when Jung Hoseok spoke instead.
“You make it sound wonderful,” he said, a nod towards Jungkook.
“Do you…do you not ride, Mr Jung?”
“You will laugh at me, if I tell you,” he answered, although there was a teasing tilt to his lips. “And I would hate to have you laugh at me, Mr Jeon.”
Jungkook shook his head emphatically. “I will not! I assure you, I would never laugh at you.”
Hoseok looked unconvinced, but continued all the same. “I can ride, of course,” he said, because it was expected of those amongst the gentility. “But I do not indulge in it often. I find that I am, well…I am rather afraid of horses, honestly.” He glanced aside at Jungkook, as if expecting the laughter to follow now.
But Jungkook was true to his word and did not laugh. Although he did try to hide the smile that wanted to make itself known on his face - there was simply something very endearing about Hoseok admitting this to him. Something that made his chest feel large and soft all at once.
“I am not laughing,” Jungkook pointed out.
“No.” Hoseok looked at him, a lingering look that almost pierced through him. “No, you are not.”
Their walk took them through a path shaded still by the evergreen leaves of the trees that lined it. They were far from the only people taking advantage of the dry afternoon, but none of them may as well have not existed then, for all Jungkook did not see them.
“Horses can be rather scary,” Jungkook found himself saying, although he had never felt that fear himself, only determination as a young boy learning to ride, and later the exhilaration that came with finding your match amongst horses. “But once you become friends, you find they are not scary at all.”
“Friends?” There was the sound of delighted surprise in Hoseok’s voice.
Jungkook rather felt that he had forgotten himself for a moment there, sharing a whimsy such as that. But Mr Jung Hoseok had become quite easy to talk to; easier, in fact, with every conversation they shared. Easier than almost anyone Jungkook had ever spoken to before. It was a testament to Hoseok’s disposition, to make anyone around him feel comfortable. Even Jungkook’s shyness faded against it.
“Maybe that is where I have gone wrong,” Hoseok continued. He was not teasing, Jungkook realised, and he did not sound bored or put off. “You have a delightful mind, Mr Jeon.”
Jungkook felt his cheeks warm at the compliment, and hoped the chill air of the day could account for them, if Hoseok were to look over and see.
**
Jungkook looked over at his cousin’s bedroom door. It was flanked on either side by large vases, full of the most fragrant blooms that could be found. Indeed, there were some stargazer lilies amongst the other flowers, and their pungent smell tickled at Jungkook’s nose. But it was necessary; Seokjin had been confined to his room for days now, due to his nature. The flowers helped cover the scent (freshly baked bread, for Seokjin) and the emotions within it.
It would be at least another three days, Jungkook thought, before Seokjin would be able to emerge and rejoin them. He was missing his cousin’s company dearly already, although the friends he had made had been making extra effort to cheer him. He had spent a delightful afternoon with Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung yesterday, and the day before had been with Jung Hoseok and Captain Kim, followed by Min Yoongi’s company at a dinner in the evening.
But still, it was not quite the same.
He looked at the door once again, wishing there was more that he could do, but it was not Jungkook’s place. He sighed before striding past and making his way down the stairs.
While he waited for his aunt Jungkook looked over his neck and wrist cuffs, ensuring they were all neat and in their proper places. Satisfied, he resumed his wait, although his aunt came down soon enough.
“You are looking very fine today, Jungkook,” she said, a pleased smile on her face. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, Aunt.” He offered his arm, and together they made their way outside.
It was a pleasant enough afternoon, even if Jungkook was simply accompanying his aunt on her various tasks and errands. First to the milliners, for a new hat and trimmings for his aunt, and then across to several other shops where she had business.
They were awaiting their turn in one such shop when his aunt spoke to him, “Why, Jungkook, is that Mr Min Yoongi I see over by the window?”
When Jungkook turned it was to indeed see Min Yoongi, browsing some ready made gloves.
“Why do you not go and talk to him, while I sort my business here with Mr Cho?” His aunt gave him a very significant look, that was not lost on Jungkook, but he admittedly would prefer to talk to his friend than listen to his aunt’s talk of gloves and other such things.
Jungkook walked over towards Yoongi, uttering a soft “Hello,” so as not to startle the man.
Min Yoongi turned, his eyes widening with recognition, before a fond smile spread across his face. “Hello, Mr Jeon, it is a pleasure to see you.” He straightened up, turning to face Jungkook proper. “What brings you here?”
Jungkook could not help but smile back. “I am accompanying my aunt on her errands today,” he explained.
They had fallen into a pleasant, easy conversation by the time Jungkook’s aunt joined them, with Jungkook talking of his father recently joining them in town now for the rest of the Season.
“Mr Min,” she said with a polite incline of her head.
“A pleasure to see you, Mrs Kim,” Yoongi said with a short bow in return.
“Mr Min, I wonder if you might be able to do me a favour?”
Jungkook glanced in surprise at his aunt, wondering what she could be asking for. Her own gaze was set firmly on Min Yoongi however.
“I shall endeavour to do my best,” answered he, with only a slightly puzzled expression on his face.
“Would you do me the service of escorting my nephew home, perhaps? If you are not otherwise engaged yourself, of course.”
Jungkook felt his mouth fall open in surprise. “But aunt,” he started, “I am perfectly capable–”
“He has been very kind in accompanying me on my errands today, as you see, but my next takes me to the dressmaker’s, and I think he would rather prefer to head home.”
Whilst Jungkook could not disagree that a trip to the dressmaker’s was not quite proper for him, he did not see why he required an escort to walk home.
“But what of yourself, Mrs Kim?” Min Yoongi asked.
“Oh,” she laughed, and Jungkook frowned, his mind turning. “Mrs Kang here also requires a visit to the dressmaker’s, and then she is coming home with me for tea, so you need not worry on my account. I just do not wish for Jungkook to have to walk home alone, you see.”
Min Yoongi nodded at her. “Then I am happy to oblige you, ma’am. It is hardly a favour at all.” This he said with a small smile aimed at Jungkook.
And so it was arranged, his aunt was off with her friend, leaving Jungkook and Min Yoongi behind. They were not left alone, of course, with his aunt’s footman acting as their chaperone some ways behind them.
It was fine weather for a walk, something Jungkook thought that was in his favour, at least. They were quiet as they made their way past the various shops lining the streets, Jungkook’s thoughts still turning round and around his head. It was not until they had passed onto a quieter street, one that lined a small area of pretty greenery, that he spoke.
“I apologise for my aunt, Mr Min,” said he, red-faced with embarrassment. For the realisation had been growing within him, of his aunt’s scheme, and it was mortifying; for if Jungkook could see through it, then certainly too could Min Yoongi. “She is rather…transparent, I think.”
Min Yoongi glanced aside at him, noting the colour in Jungkook’s cheeks and the expression across his face.
“Please, do not be concerned on my account. I am much used to the scheme’s of well-intentioned parents and aunts and uncles, I assure you.”
Jungkook looked at him askance, eyes wide with concern. “You cannot think that I…that I have any hand in this!”
Yoongi looked at him in surprise before reaching out, gently taking hold of Jungkook’s forearm, and pulling them both aside. They stood in the shade of a tall tree, the footman a polite but obvious distance away.
Min Yoongi, being somewhat shorter in stature than Jungkook, looked up into his face, his expression having melted into something rather soft, and perhaps a little tender.
“No, I do not,” he assured Jungkook. “As you do not wish to marry me, do you?”
To hear it spoken so baldly felt like a jolt to Jungkook’s system. But more than that, it assured something else in him too, within his heart.
He pulled in a deep breath, exhaling after several seconds, before shaking his head. “No, I do not.” He worried then how that might sound, to Yoongi, and quickly added, “that is not to say that you are not…that is, I mean, you are a very eligible bachelor indeed! And I–”
But Min Yoongi shook his head. “I thank you, for saying so. But just because I am eligible does not mean that I am for you. I take no offence, Jungkook, I assure you.”
He was serious, and Jungkook could see the sincerity in Yoongi’s face. His worries sank away.
“But I hope that this does not mean that we cannot continue to be friends?” Ventured Min Yoongi, and Jungkook nodded his agreement eagerly. Relief filled his face. “Good, because that is what you have grown to be, Jungkook. A friend, someone that I value.”
“Me, too,” he all but whispered, feeling warmth fill his chest.
“I can survive all of the scheming aunt’s in the country,” Yoongi continued, a smile on his face now, soft and tender, “if that is the case.”
Jungkook’s own face broke out into a smile. Yoongi’s hand slid from his arm, which he offered to Jungkook then, and happily Jungkook accepted, linking their arms together as they resumed their walk.
“Now that that is out of the way,” said Yoongi, “shall we talk of something more pleasant? It is a fine day for it, after all.”
Smiling, Jungkook agreed, and their talk veered back into more comfortable waters as they walked, of the early shoots that Yoongi had seen in one of the parks during his walk, and how it would soon be time for the daffodils to show their cheerful little faces.
His aunt, and his mother, would be disappointed he supposed when they were to realise that this match they were trying for was not to be. But he could not be too worried about that, not when he felt so assured in the friendship that they had cultivated. That, Jungkook would not give up, not for the world.
**
“Jin!” Jungkook cried out the childhood nickname in joy at the sight of his cousin in the breakfast room that morning. In his elation he even jumped from his chair, heedless of his parents and aunt watching as he ran to hug Seokjin. “You are well now?”
Seokjin laughed, a bright, almost wheezing sound as he hugged Jungkook back. “I am well, yes,” he assured, giving Jungkook an affectionate pat on the head. “You have missed me, I take it. Me and my sparkling personality, my dazzling conversation. Oh, how bored you must have been, my poor cousin!”
Jungkook frowned as he pulled away, retreating back to his seat. His family were giving the both of them looks of fond exasperation.
“I barely noticed your absence,” Jungkook said.
Both he and Seokjin knew this to be a lie, however. There was a wide grin across Seokjin’s face as he sat down at the table.
“To be sure,” he agreed mildly.
“You are lucky you came down when you did,” Jungkook continued, now spearing some food on his fork. It was a little ill mannered of him, and a soft tsk from his father was enough to remind Jungkook. “Or else all of the sausages would have been gone.”
“Ah, and you know sausages are my favourite! How very kind of you, Jungkook.”
Although truly, Jungkook had made certain that there would be enough remaining for Seokjin to enjoy, were he well enough to rejoin them this morning.
“I trust my friends have been looking after you while I was away?”
“Oh yes, indeed. They make for better company than you, I must admit.”
Seokjin’s laughter rang out through the room. And soon they were all settling back into their breakfast together, Jungkook filling Seokjin in on any and all of the news that he had missed during his week of confinement. And all felt right with the world once again.
**
“How I wish there was dancing!” Jungkook bemoaned.
Park Jimin, standing beside him, laughed. “You danced just the other day at Lady Choi’s ball!”
“And rather a lot, if I recall,” Kim Taehyung chimed in, smiling wide.
“That is beside the point.” At the look they both gave him Jungkook added, “I simply enjoy dancing.”
“Oh yes, we are quite aware.” Jimin gave him a teasing pat on the shoulder.
Jungkook could not mind the teasing, not too much any way. And yes, Mrs Kim’s party tonight was actually rather nice, even if all the rooms were too small to form up for dancing. All of his particular friends were present this evening, and that always made for a superior gathering, in Jungkook’s firm opinion.
“If you are that hard-pressed, remember that it will just be another week and you will have your opportunity for more dancing,” was Taehyung’s timely reminder.
“Ah, you are right! I shall be satisfied, then.” He threw out a smile at both of them, who could only laugh and shake their heads.
They had become firm friends during the months Jungkook had been in town, not least of all because Jimin and Taehyung were both closest in age to him. They only had two Season’s worth of experience over him, although Jimin, who lived in town all year, definitely thought he had more years worth of knowledge than any of them.
A brief glance around those in the room had Jungkook revising his opinion. “Perhaps it is for the best. No feet are safe, when Mr Ahn is in attendance.”
This brought out a loud, sudden laugh from Jimin, who quickly covered his mouth after the outburst. His eyes were still in their little crescent shape, however, as he continued to laugh.
“Yes, tonight all our feet shall be safe.”
“Well, I do not believe he would ask most of us for a dance anyway, even if we could. None of us are quite wealthy enough for him,” was Taehyung’s rather scandalous remark.
This earned him a playful tap to the shoulder from Jimin. “I am wealthy enough,” Jimin said, then seemed to realise that this was not the victory that he quite wished for. So he quickly added, “but I am too good for him. And he has his interests too…spread out, for my tastes.”
The conversation eventually turned back towards more appropriate waters, the subject of Mr Ahn soon forgotten as they continued to laugh and talk together.
A little while later Jungkook, on his own, had wandered over towards the pianoforte that sat empty in a corner of the room. He sat down on the bench, his fingers brushing along the keys with the ghost of a touch. Jungkook was, admittedly, not a very strong player. He knew a little, a song or two learnt by heart, but the piano lessons had been his least favourite as a child. His attention had used to wander, his eyes ever moving to the windows, looking out, trying to paint the sky in the canvas of his mind.
“Are you going to play?”
He was startled by the voice nearby, his hands pulling away from the keys. But when Jungkook glanced up it was only to see Yoongi, looking down at him with a curious look upon his face.
“Oh, no, no,” Jungkook said quickly, shaking his head. “Not I, and not here, in front of people. I am a rather poor player, I am afraid.”
“And there I thought that you must be good at everything.”
Jungkook blinked and shook his head. “Ah, hardly.”
Yoongi gave him a small smile. “Then, may I?” He asked, gesturing at the bench.
Jungkook’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh yes, of course.” Quickly he stood up, allowing Yoongi to situate himself upon the bench. “You play?”
Yoongi nodded, “A little, yes.”
Jungkook could not hide his surprise; somehow, this knowledge had escaped him. He watched as Yoongi looked through the sheet music before seeming to settle on one. And then, quite suddenly, he began. And oh, how Yoongi played. ‘A little’ was an erroneous understatement for it! Jungkook felt himself rooted to the spot, as a statue frozen by the Medusa’s stone gaze, enraptured by every note, every sound, that met his ears. The music all but trickled down his spine, his amazement warm as he listened.
It was a pretty song, made even prettier by Yoongi’s talented playing.
Jungkook remained still until the last note faded, and a gentle applause swelled around the room. He had forgotten that people other than themselves existed in that moment.
“That was incredible, Mr Min,” Jungkook enthused. “How you can call that playing ‘a little’!”
Yoongi glanced aside, the tell Jungkook had learnt that meant he was embarrassed but pleased. “Can I not tempt you to join me?”
Jungkook shook his head. There was not a chance, in any universe, that he was going to attempt to play alongside someone as accomplished as Yoongi was; he would sound like a child hitting at the keys.
“But I can…I can sing, if you like?”
Yoongi met his eyes then, his own now wide with surprise. Then, his face settled into its regular, easy expression. “Please,” he gestured at the sheet music, “pick whatever you like.”
Jungkook leaned over, his heart racing as he flipped through in search of a song that he knew. He did not often sing in front of others, others that were not his family, that was; his father especially loved his voice, and would often ask Jungkook for a song or two in the evenings. This was rather more public than that, however.
But Yoongi’s calm, steady presence beside him, and knowing that the rest of his friends filled the room, filled Jungkook with a confidence and a desire.
“Can you play this one?”
Yoongi looked over the page for a moment. “Yes, I know this one.” He turned to look up at Jungkook once again. “Are you ready?”
Jungkook pulled in a breath before slowly releasing it, and then he nodded. “I am.”
The music began then, the notes filling the room, filling Jungkook’s entire being. And then he sang. It was a shaky start, as he had not sung for some time, but Yoongi did not err in his playing, and his steady demeanour settled Jungkook further. He found his stride, his voice strengthening.
‘What was't I wish'd to see?
What wish'd to hear?
Where all the joy and mirth,
Made this town heav'n on earth,
Oh! they've all fled wi' thee,
Robin Adair.’
He looked out upon the room as his voice picked up, and there, standing across from the both, watching with such intent, was Jung Hoseok. He looked riveted to the spot, eyes wide with a wonder that Jungkook had never seen in them before. He felt his heart pound and almost stumbled over the next word, but Yoongi’s strength of playing carried him through.
Throughout the entire performance Jung Hoseok did not take his eyes from Jungkook. His cheeks felt warm, but neither could he look away, not as the words carried him away, the song overtaking him, as it always did whenever Jungkook sang.
The applause this time, when both his voice faded and the music ended, was louder than the last. There were many surprised exclamations, delight at discovering such a voice amongst them, and Jungkook found his blush only deepening further at the compliments.
Over all the voices Jungkook heard one in particular. “Would you sing another for us, Mr Jeon?”
It was Hoseok who spoke. Their eyes met, and Jungkook had the strange, distinct feeling of almost falling into that gaze. He would agree to anything asked of him by Jung Hoseok, he thought.
“Your voice is extraordinary, it would be a true shame to only hear it the once.”
Jungkook bowed his head towards Hoseok, a small smile on his face, even as inside his heart thumped. “For you, Mr Jung, I would be most happy to.” It was a moment before he realised that his agreement also hinged upon another, and he looked down at Yoongi, almost flushing at being so presumptuous. “That is to say, if Mr Min would not mind obliging me?”
The look Jungkook was given seemed to be one of amusement, but all that Yoongi said out loud was a simple, “It would be my pleasure.”
They found another song they both knew, and once again Jungkook’s voice followed alongside Yoongi’s music. This one was more of a ballad, although a pretty one at that, and buoyed by Hoseok’s reaction, Jungkook’s singing was better even than before. Stronger now, and more self-assured. He sang as if he was the tragic maiden of the story, the notes Yoongi played holding all the emotion of the piece within them.
When next he glanced over at Jung Hoseok, it was to see him standing there, his own face seemingly stricken by emotion.
All too soon the song was over, and once again there was applause and compliments.
“Never before have I heard such a fine voice,” Mr Lee Daehyun was saying, but Jungkook’s attention was still fixed rather firmly on Jung Hoseok.
“Excuse me,” he said, extricating himself as politely as he could, and walked over to Hoseok.
“You can sing,” Hoseok said, when they were face to face.
Jungkook’s heartbeat felt loud within his own ears, almost as if it were beating out its own musical notes now too. “Passingly,” he said, the word coming out in a rush of air.
Hoseok’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “If you call that a passing talent, then I dread how you will show all of us up with whatever you consider yourself ‘good’ at.”
It was in jest, of course it was in jest, but Jungkook felt as if his brain was taking somewhat longer to process everything that passed through it. He was not quite sure why, as he had never felt like this before. His laughter came a moment too late, and left him feeling awkward, but Jung Hoseok did not react as if anything unusual had happened, that smooth, easy smile resting comfortably on his face.
And then his face softened, something more open, more vulnerable, slipping by. “You really do have the most incredible voice I have ever heard. Thank you, for sharing it with us.”
Jungkook was almost certain that his heart skipped a beat, if not two, at the breadth of sincerity that filled Hoseok’s words. All the other compliments he had received paled in comparison.
He did not know what to say, not truly. “T-thank you,” he said eventually, with effort.
All too soon their moment was swept away, with Jimin and Taehyung approaching them both to talk about Jungkook’s singing. But whenever he could, Jungkook would find his gaze straying back towards Hoseok. And every time, Hoseok would be looking at him in return.
**
“Jungkook, there is something here for you.”
His mother came into the drawing room then holding a large bouquet of flowers.
“For me?” Jungkook’s eyes grew wide. He stood from the sofa and met his mother, who handed the bouquet over.
“Are they not beautiful?” She said, moving to take his place on the sofa, seated beside his father.
Jungkook gazed down at the blooms, their mingled scents overwhelming his senses. The white blossoms of the snowdrops and the jasmine were beautifully enhanced by the bright purple irises nestled between them. His heart was already beating out a name, even as his father enquired as to the sender.
He thought that there was no need, not really, as he suspected who they must be from already. But he wanted to see what might have been written to him, so Jungkook pulled out the attached card, reading it slowly.
He frowned as he read. And read again, and once again, but the words did not change. And oh, they were nice words, to be sure, praising his singing at the party, but it was the signature that he could not quite believe.
It was signed as being from – Lee Daehyun.
Not Jung Hoseok, as he had thought, as he had hoped. His heart dropped, heavy and useless, at the base of his stomach. The flowers lost a little of their charm. But only a little, because Jungkook did like them very much.
But oh, how he would have liked for these to be from Hoseok!
“Well?” His mother prompted, watching him curiously.
Jungkook turned to face her, attempting to pull an expression that was not reminiscent of his ten year old self onto his face. “The card says that they are from Mr Lee Daehyun.”
His mother frowned at that. “Not Min Yoongi?”
“That is a shame, Jungkook,” his aunt spoke, glancing up only briefly from her embroidery. “I thought that you and Min Yoongi were getting along very well as of late.”
“Oh, yes, we are. We are quite good friends now.”
“Mr Lee is still quite suitable for our Jungkook,” his aunt continued, talking now to his mother and father. “His nature is omega, although he is not quite as popular as Mr Min. But Jungkook could not do wrong with him, either.”
Jungkook could not help the look of distaste that briefly flitted across his face – matrimony with Lee Daehyun had never even once crossed his mind, and he hoped that it never would again, thank you.
“Quite,” his mother answered, although it was clear she was still pinning her hopes on Yoongi. His father, on the other hand, was rather engrossed in his newspaper – Jungkook suspected that he was not quite as invested in Jungkook’s marital status, but would be ready whenever a suitable suitor was to be found. “Jungkook, why don’t you put those flowers in a vase? They will look particularly lovely in the entryway, I think.”
Jungkook went off to do just that, all the while his heart wondering why these couldn’t have been from Hoseok instead.
**
Jungkook looked about the large room, eyes searching for one face in particular. He felt as if he lit up within when he caught sight of it. There, across the room, was Hoseok, surrounded by a number of their mutual friends, all of them laughing at whatever Hoseok had just said to them. Even from here Jungkook thought he could see the sparkle of delight in Hoseok’s eyes as he laughed with them, his smile wide. It struck Jungkook then, as he looked on, something that he had not yet noticed before: when Hoseok laughed or smiled particularly brightly, his mouth took on the shape of a love heart.
How utterly delightful. Jungkook’s heart felt soft and charmed; further charmed, would be more accurate, as he had been charmed by Hoseok from that first moment, and his excitement over the return of a dear friend.
“Mr Jeon,” a voice came from beside him, “would you do me the honour of–”
“I am sorry,” Jungkook said, sparing the briefest of polite glances over at Mr Lee Daehyun, “but you must excuse me.” He made his way over towards Hoseok and his friends, who all turned to smile at Jungkook upon his approach.
“Good evening, Jungkook,” Jimin said.
“A pleasure to see you tonight, Mr Jeon.” Hoseok’s eyes met his, and Jungkook noted how they were just as bright as he had thought they were. He refused to believe that it was just the way the candlelight sparkled within them, but that it was just a part of Hoseok’s own inherent lightness.
“And you,” Jungkook answered. Then, because he was feeling buoyant and bold, he asked, “Mr Jung, would you do me the pleasure of dancing with me?” He was still not entirely certain whether he was supposed to do the asking; while he was an alpha, Hoseok was both older than him and above Jungkook in rank. But it had not stopped Jungkook before, and would not now.
And Hoseok did not look as if he minded. In fact, a look of pleasant surprise spread across his face. “The pleasure, I am sure, will be all mine.” He held out a hand, and Jungkook grasped the gloved fingers lightly with his own.
He did not know which of them led the other to the dance floor, but it did not matter.
The music began, as did the dancing, Jungkook and Hoseok falling easily into perfectly practised steps together. Jungkook had never had a better dance partner, and his enjoyment of that fact made his steps light, his enthusiasm shining through him.
“You look very well tonight, Mr Jung,” Jungkook said. It made something trip within him, the look that lit upon Hoseok’s face at the words. Was that, perhaps, almost a blush he spied?
“As do you,” came Hoseok’s easy answer. And then, quieter, as they drew together, “as you always do.”
It was Jungkook who blushed then as their steps took them apart for a few moments, their motions mirroring each other as per the dance steps. When they were close enough to talk again, Jungkook spoke. “Have I told you before what an exceptional dancer you are, Mr Jung?”
“You have not. Although,” Hoseok inclined his head, their hands touching lightly as they twirled together, “it is presumptuous of me to assume that you will, my apologies. Perhaps you have not told me because it is not so?”
His eyes were alight with humour, however, and Jungkook could hear the teasing lilt to his voice that showed him it was a jest. He laughed, a touch too loud, and attempted to lower the volume of his voice when next he spoke.
“You are right, I am sorry to say,” Jungkook answered, a grin attempting to fight its way onto his face and break through his own teasing. “I have not told you, because it is simply not true. Never before have I seen a worse dancer.”
“Ah, you wound me! Whatever shall I do now?”
“Perhaps you will learn a different kind of accomplishment.”
“Yes, yes. What would you recommend? Map reading, perhaps?”
Jungkook was not permitted to answer with more than a smile as the dance required them to swap partners down the line. Jungkook found himself paired with Mr Ahn Chunsam, not his ideal dance partner, and his feet still stiffened in remembrance of the stepped-on pain of before.
His feet needn’t have worried, however, for Mr Ahn was not in his usual mood it seemed. He was quiet and not much of one for conversation, his eyes flitting about the room rather than resting on Jungkook. When a step brought them closer to each other, Jungkook caught a hint of a scent of something sweet, almost too sweet, and he wondered what foods Mr Ahn might have eaten recently for it to linger so.
Thankfully soon the dance returned Hoseok to him, and Jungkook could once again enjoy himself. The unusual demeanour of Mr Ahn soon slipped from his thoughts now he was once again faced with Hoseok’s sunny smile.
“You seem particularly energetic tonight, Mr Jeon,” he noted.
They were brought up within a step of each other, their arms linked as they spun. Jungkook wished for a moment, a wild, tantalising moment, that there was less fabric between their touches.
“I am in a good mood,” he responded, unable to keep the smile from his voice, from his face. “I am dancing! And I am dancing with you.”
“Oh?” Hoseok met his gaze, their spinning stopped, and only their hands remained connected now, gloved palms touching. “And that is cause for joy? I thought I made for an appalling dance partner.”
Jungkook shook his head. “If I could, Mr Jung, it would be you whom I would dance with all night long.” Saying so left him almost feeling rather breathless, the words rushing out of him, and they seemed to strike Hoseok similarly, for his eyes widened, his mouth opening but no words finding themselves spoken. Jungkook felt his heart dashing within his chest.
There was no time for a response, even were Mr Jung to find one it seemed, as the song ended, and applause for the musicians filled the spaces around them. And then Mr Lee Daehyun, who could not be shaken off again, was by Jungkook’s side requesting a dance. Hoseok bowed at him, thanking him for the dance, his face red, before he left the dance floor. Jungkook could only follow him with his eyes, and not for long before he was obliged to pay attention to his new dance partner.
He paled in comparison to Hoseok. His conversation was not so interesting, his temperament not so bright, and his dancing, while fine, was simply not as good as Hoseok’s. Jungkook was glad that it was a more intense dance, because it left less room for making conversation. Although Mr Daehyun was good at filling in the spaces, with all his talk of his duke and duchess relatives. Jungkook listened as politely as he could, but as soon as the dance was over he extricated himself from the man and went in search of Hoseok.
He caught sight of a familiar figure exiting through the doors leading outside to the garden, and followed. It took him several minutes to work his way around the room, trying not to get snagged into conversation with anyone, but soon he had made it to his destination.
He pushed the doors open, the sounds of the chatter and the music spilling outside with him, until they swung shut behind him.
It was peaceful, out here in the large garden, the sounds of the ball now muffled and more distant. The sky above was dark, but the moon was almost full, and she gave her light generously to her children below.
Jungkook looked until he spied who he was looking for: standing beneath a particularly large and dignified tree, stood Hoseok. He walked over, the crunch of the path soon giving way to the softer sound of grass beneath his boots. It was not quite proper, to be sure, but it was difficult to be proper when all he wished to do was be around Hoseok, wherever he may be.
“Hello there,” Jungkook greeted, stepping quietly up to Hoseok. The distinct scent of rain on grass met his nose. “Did it rain whilst we were inside?” It smelled fresh, like a spring rain, giving life to the soil and the plants that had been sleeping all the winter months, even though it was not quite spring yet.
Hoseok turned to look at him, his eyes going wide. “No, no it has not rained at all today.”
Jungkook frowned, confused. He looked closer at Hoseok, taking in the flush that was across his cheeks, the way his neck collar had been loosened and–
“Oh,” Jungkook said, eyes growing wide. “Oh! It is…it is you!”
Hoseok looked stricken, and Jungkook wished he could take back the words, blurted thoughtlessly in surprise. He had not wished to embarrass Hoseok!
“I beg your pardon,” Hoseok said, hands fluttering nervously around his neck collar, fingers getting caught up in the stiff press of fabric as he attempted to tie it back into place. “I should not have…I did not think you would be able to… no one can, usually, you see, and I was getting so warm inside, I did not mean to…”
“Hush, please,” Jungkook said, desperate to stop Hoseok’s agitated babbling. “It is fine. I beg you not to worry, not on my account.”
His own breathing was coming quickly now, however, his senses filled with that scent of a fresh fall of rain, and Jungkook wanted nothing more than to pull the smell closer to himself. To perhaps press his nose against Hoseok’s wrist and drink it in, fill his senses with it.
It was a shock to his system and he blinked, taking a step backwards in his surprise.
Hoseok looked even more distressed at that. Jungkook could smell the worry, laced throughout Hoseok’s scent now.
“Would you like for me to return inside?” He ventured, not wanting to make Hoseok feel worse. “Pray, forgive me, I should not have pushed my company upon you.”
“No,” Hoseok said. “No, you do not need to leave. Not unless you wish to.”
His fingers seemed finally to do as Hoseok desired, and after a moment his neck collar was once again tied securely into place, helping stifle the almost hypnotic scent of rain from Jungkook’s senses. T’was much easier to think without it, although Jungkook wished he could smell Hoseok still. To think, he knew what Hoseok’s scent was now! A shiver wracked through him.
They gazed upon each other for a moment, cheeks red, until Jungkook, rather awkwardly, ventured to say, “the daffodils are blooming early.” It was a weak attempt at some more common conversation, but indeed there were some daffodils growing nearby.
Hoseok stared at him for a moment, confusion clear upon his face. “Are they?” he asked, sounding a little dazed.
Jungkook forged ahead, trying to keep his voice, his whole demeanour, as calm and natural as possible. Difficult, when still his heart was galloping ahead inside his chest. When he had caught that hint of Hoseok’s scent. To think that he had said that others could not usually detect it, when it had been so strong to Jungkook, almost overwhelming his senses!
“They are. It has been unseasonably warm, for this time of year. Unless it is always like this in town?” At Hoseok’s still blankly staring gaze, Jungkook continued, “they are such happy little flowers though, are they not? I grow some in my own garden. I wonder if they have bloomed early, also.”
“You have grown some?” Hoseok seemed to gather himself back together once again, his face clearing, a curiosity behind his eyes now. Though there was still a flush of colour high upon his cheeks.
Jungkook nodded. This, he thought, this he could talk about with ease. “Oh, yes. I have my own corner of the garden that I tend to. I am no expert though, before you pretend to be impressed!”
“Pretend?” Hoseok uttered a laugh at that, although it was a soft, quiet sound, something just between them, in the moonlit darkness of this garden. “I do not ever have to pretend to be impressed by you, Mr Jeon.”
Could hearts perform acrobatics, Jungkook wondered, because it felt as if his heart was swinging on a trapeze at those words. A warmth unlike one he had never felt before filled him, head to toe. He fancied he could almost smell that fresh rain again, even though he knew he could not.
“I am afraid,” Hoseok continued, hurrying past his previous words, as if embarrassed by them, “that I know little about flowers and gardens myself.” And he did look as if he was sorry to admit this.
“You do not need to know about them to appreciate them though, do you, Mr Jung?”
He had the distinct feeling that it was not only flowers that he was meaning, but Jungkook did not rightly understand the full depth of his own words. All he knew was the joy that filled him when Hoseok nodded his agreement.
“That is true, and I can certainly appreciate beautiful flowers.” He glanced back towards the house then, at the light streaming through the glass doors, the images of people they could see, flashes of figures moving through the room, and the distinct sound of the musicians as another dance played.
Jungkook knew then that the moment was past them.
“We should return to the ball. I would hate…” he glanced back at Jungkook briefly, “I would hate to cause a scandal for you. And I should really,” he gestured towards his neck, “perchance anyone else may catch it.”
Jungkook caught his meaning. He would need to reapply his diffuser, to avoid any other mishaps tonight.
“Of course, I am sorry to have disturbed you.”
Hoseok looked at him again, longer this time, before shaking his head. “Please, never apologise for being around. I enjoy your company.”
They both nodded at each other, but before Hoseok could leave Jungkook softly called his name, feeling the need to tell him one more thing. “You said before, that usually no one can detect your scent.” And despite the blush reappearing on Hoseok’s face at the mention, Jungkook continued, “to me, I could smell you as strong as anything else.”
Hoseok’s lips formed a small, silent ‘oh’, before he nodded again, and slipped back inside.
Jungkook stood out there in the garden for a little while longer, trying to calm the erratic beating of his heart. Trying to stop himself from thinking about Hoseok and spring rain and fresh grass.
Instead, his mind wandered to some books he had read in the past. History books, science books, or books of supposition, as some scholared minds believed. But what struck Jungkook now were the theories on civilisations past, about their long distant ancestors. How natures had been a stronger, more distinct thing, once upon a time.
There had been a part about a person's scent that had struck Jungkook as interesting then, that he could not stop thinking about now. About how people's noses had been more sensitive, able to pick up more than just scents and natures and emotions, as they could these days, when a person's scent was free. How there had been additional…information markers, laced through an individual's scent, markers that could draw a person in, could, for want of a better word, inspire a connection.
The theories were not well liked within the general scholarly community, and not even all that well known throughout much of society as it was. But Jungkook wondered if there had once been something to it, because of the very distinct, very obvious pull he could feel towards Hoseok.
Although he had not needed to accidentally catch Hoseok’s scent for that, admittedly. Jungkook had felt an interest in him from that first moment, and a desire to see more of him, speak to him more, from their first conversation.
And yet, try as he might, he could not shake the memory of spring rain from his senses.
**
Jungkook’s confinement came upon him early, unexpected as it was, the day after the ball. He had been tired and agitated all the day, and it was not until his mother had felt his forehead for a temperature that he realised what was happening. It was not expected for another sennight at the least.
And so he had been confined to his room, where he was spending the most hideously boring seven days of his life. Jungkook had had plans! His usual weekly promenade in the park, where he would most likely get to see Hoseok again, and talk to him. A card game at Jimin’s, where he would have definitely seen Hoseok again. A dinner at Lady Choi’s had been scheduled also, although Jungkook had not been entirely sure whether Hoseok would be attending or not.
Yet now, none of it mattered. His week was these four walls, this bed, and his own fevered, foggy thoughts for company when he was not sleeping. And those thoughts when he was awake were all centred around Hoseok. Jungkook could not help it, it was as if all paths in his mind led back to him. And despite the heavy scent of the vases of fresh flowers outside of his bedroom, to help muffle his own too-strong scent right now, all Jungkook could smell was the memory of spring, and rain, and damp earth.
His confinement passed in a slow, sluggish haze, but eventually Jungkook came out the other side. The day after it was over, he was allowed to leave his room and join the family again. It was a day for resting, however, and no callers were permitted; just the family. The time together was important after a nature confinement, for reaffirming bonds.
So after breakfast all of them retired to the drawing room, and Jungkook could curl up in one corner of the sofa, a touch sleepy still, and listen happily to all the news he had missed (his cousin), all of the local gossip (his aunt) and any interesting reports received about their home back in the country (his father).
It was quite possibly the laziest day he had had upon arriving in town, but it helped to recoup his energy, for the next day he was feeling much more himself. He was deemed fit to leave the house again, and after the week spent within his room Jungkook was quite eager for his walk with Seokjin.
He made sure, however, to wear extra diffuser over his scent glands as he readied himself that morning, as an added precaution. His scent should be back to the usual levels now that it had passed, but Jungkook liked to be sure, especially as this time had come upon him rather unexpectedly.
Soon they were both leaving the house and enjoying the walk along their usual route. Jungkook was happy to note what a sunny day it was, and how winter seemed finally to be releasing its icy grip upon the spring, as there was a hint of warmth and new growth in the cool breeze of the day.
And there were many daffodils now blooming in the park, their happy, yellow faces open for all to see and enjoy.
Seokjin talked much as they walked through the park, telling him of their mutual friends and all that had passed between them.
“They sent you their well wishes, you know,” Seokjin told him. “And hoped you would have an easy confinement.”
It had not precisely been easy, though that was not something for Jungkook to tell his friends, but the thought was kind and that was all that mattered.
“I suppose they must have missed my sparkling wit and the boundless fun I bring with me wherever I go!” replied he, a teasing grin upon his face.
This earned him a sharp nudge in the side, courtesy of Seokjin’s elbow. “I am the one with all the wit, thank you very much. And most of the fun. But,” he added, slightly more serious, “your presence was indeed missed, by all.”
Before Jungkook could question it further, the very person who was on his mind was who they rounded a corner to see.
“Mr Jeon!” Hoseok’s voice carried across to them, louder than was probably intended, for he nodded an apology to a passing couple. He hurried over towards them both, and the smile on his face could not be contained. Jungkook wore one to match, he was sure, as wide as any he had ever given before. “You are well! It is good to see you again.”
By his side was Yoongi, who greeted Jungkook warmly also.
They fell back into their walk, Yoongi and Hoseok joining them, and quite naturally both Seokjin and Yoongi walked a little ahead, leaving Jungkook and Hoseok trailing behind.
“I have heard tell that you have had a busy week, Mr Jung.”
Hoseok looked over at him, eyes wide. “Surely I do not know what you could mean!”
Jungkook laughed. “Losing so poorly at cards to my cousin!”
Understanding lit upon his face and Hoseok joined in the laughter. “Ah, yes, that. I must admit, I was not following the rules quite as I should have been. Luckily we were not playing for money, so t’was only my pride that I lost!”
“That is lucky indeed then, from what I heard.”
There was no mention between them as they talked of that night at the ball. Jungkook, for his part, did not want to bring it up, and Hoseok was possibly still embarrassed about some of it. That did not, however, stop them both from exchanging looks with each other, looks that Jungkook tried not to read into, but could not help but feel all the same piercing through him. As if Hoseok perhaps were trying to puzzle him out.
But their talk, when they picked the threads back up between these lingering looks, was easy, as it had grown to become between them for some time now. As they made a large circle through one of the main paths in the park, Hoseok asked Jungkook about any flowers that they came across, or of one of the number of flowering bushes, and Jungkook happily shared all that he knew.
They were admiring together the pretty shade of some hyacinth blooms when Hoseok spoke, his voice quieter, more intentioned than it had so far been.
“Mr Jeon,” he began, “you were…you were much missed, whilst you were at home.”
Jungkook met his gaze, his heart beating heavily within his chest. The words did not feel as simple as they sounded.
“Truly?” he all but whispered back, eyes wide.
Hoseok nodded. “You were. By all of us. But…but, perhaps, most of all, by…me.”
Jungkook very nearly said ‘I did not stop thinking of you the entire time,’ but managed to keep the words caged beneath his tongue. They felt a touch too vulnerable to say out loud just yet.
Instead, after a moment’s pause, he answered, “It…it fills me with warmth, to know that I was upon your mind at all, sir.”
Hoseok looked at him rather seriously, and he looked really about to speak again, to say something that had the breath trembling and waiting within Jungkook’s lungs.
A voice from behind greeted them, greeted Hoseok especially by name. The moment was broken, pulled apart, and Jungkook struggled to find his breath again. Seeing this, Hoseok turned towards their unfortunate interruptor, offering polite greetings for them both. It was Mr Ahn Chunsam. From what words registered in Jungkook’s understanding, they were both talking of Hoseok’s uncle, something about a dinner this week. There was mention then of Mr Ahn on his way to call upon someone, and then with a polite nod each, they all bid good day and parted.
There was no further room for conversation between the two of them, as Seokjin came to draw them both into his conversation with Yoongi, which was a very intense debate on whether a person could train frogs to race. (It was intense upon Seokjin’s part, whereas Yoongi looked as if he were not even listening, although Jungkook did catch a small smile upon his face the deeper into this far-fetched theory that Seokjin delved).
Still, it was a very nice morning, and Jungkook was happy simply to be near Hoseok again, after a week away from his company.
So he was further delighted later that evening upon finding them thrown together once again.
“We missed you so last week,” Jimin said as Jungkook followed behind him through his home, “so we decided that we would have another evening together as soon as you could join us again. I am glad that everyone was free, as it was rather impromptu.”
It was just the seven of them at the Park residence that evening, cosy and familiar company. “It is my mother’s night for playing cards,” Jimin explained to Jungkook. “Usually she joins Mrs Min and two others of their friends, so I can assure you, we are not putting anyone out just for your sake.”
Jungkook did not realise quite how much he had missed them all until they came together in the Park’s exquisite drawing room. It settled something within him, something deep and intrinsic to himself. It felt rather akin to the day after a confinement spent amongst family. A reaffirmation of their bonds of friendship.
Now, now finally all felt right with the world once again, being amongst them all like this.
It was during supper when someone started talking about day trips and places to go, that had Jungkook turning to Taehyung beside him and saying, “Oh, would it not be nice to go away somewhere?”
Taehyung nodded his easy agreement.
“Town is fine, of course, but a small trip somewhere would be very nice indeed. Some place where one could have a picnic! How lovely would that be?” He sighed wistfully before returning rather dutifully to his soup.
The rest of that evening passed by in a happy, pleasant blur of time. There was much laughter to be shared amongst the seven of them, no matter what they did, be it something all together or split into smaller groups. And Jungkook was especially happy when Hoseok sat beside him on one of the sofas and they could engage in a most enjoyable conversation. Every time that Jungkook made Hoseok laugh he felt a spike of happiness ripple through him, wishing to light up like a candle from within at the sight of that love-heart shaped smile he possessed. There were no further…moments between them, like that of earlier in the day, but that did not lessen Jungkook’s pleasure in their conversation in the least.
By the time he and Seokjin returned home that night, and Jungkook had crawled into his own bed in his own room, he felt so light, almost as if he were a cloud floating across the night-dark sky, these soft, warm feelings buoying him upwards.
**
“It is a very fine barouche, I must say,” Mr Lee Daehyun was saying, to a most riveted wall, for Jungkook, seated across from him, was dreadfully bored of the conversation. “To be sure, I have not yet seen it myself, I am hoping to go and visit my cousin the duke after the Season has finished, if…well, if certain situations here might allow for it.”
“Oh, truly? That is very nice,” Jungkook answered politely, although he was barely able to take any of the words in.
His aunt, who usually enjoyed any and all local news and gossip, had already returned rather pointedly to her needle-work, and his mother was attempting to fill in all of the polite gaps that Jungkook was woefully missing this morning. His father and his cousin were not to be seen, and he dearly wished that he could have hidden himself away in the study with them instead.
For it was the longest, slowest, most painful quarter of an hour Jungkook had ever experienced. And yet Mr Lee seemed rather convinced that all present would be truly fascinated to hear about the new barouche his relatives had just purchased. Apparently, it was all the talk of the town where they resided!
It must be a dreadfully boring town, where nothing of interest happened, if this fancy carriage was the talk of it, Jungkook thought.
But eventually, thankfully, the call was ended, and Mr Lee, still attempting to talk to Jungkook, was on his way out.
Jungkook sighed, almost slumping in relief back against the sofa, until his mother tutted at him, making him sit upright again.
“Is it safe?” Seokjin’s face peeked around the door, his eyes comically wide as they darted about the room, and Jungkook could not stifle his laugh before it left him. Even as he burned with envy that Seokjin had not sat through the excruciating call.
“It is not,” Jungkook answered, trying to sound very put-off indeed. “It will never be safe for traitors such as you!”
Seokjin made a face at him, something straight out of their childhoods, and again Jungkook could not stop himself from laughing.
“You should have joined me, then I would not be a traitor.”
“Children,” Jungkook’s aunt said calmly, without looking from her sewing.
“Mr Lee was here to call upon Jungkook,” his mother added, giving them both a pointed look, “so he could hardly have left as you did.”
Seokjin came into the room proper then, taking the other side of the sofa from Jungkook for his spot. “I had to do it,” he explained, “the man is so dreadfully dull! My physician has recommended that I do not spend too much time around dullards, is it bad for my health.”
“‘Your physician’ said no such thing,” Jungkook’s aunt said. “And next time, I will ensure that you are here, for the full call. And offer Mr Lee an extra cup of tea, to keep him here.”
Both Seokjin and Jungkook groaned in horror at the very thought. A nightmare indeed! Although perhaps one Seokjin deserved, after today’s betrayal.
“Jungkook,” his mother asked, “are you not still friends with Mr Min Yoongi?”
Jungkook blinked in his surprise at the strange question. “Of course we are still friends,” replied he, confused. “Why, Seokjin and I saw him just last night. Why do you ask?”
“It is just passing strange then, that he has yet to make his affections known. Or you yours.”
“I…” Jungkook did not know what to say. He did not wish to marry Yoongi, and likewise, Yoongi did not wish to marry him. It was simply not going to happen, even if Jungkook’s heart did not beat steadier every day to the syllables of Hoseok’s name.
“You know how Mrs Min is,” Seokjin interrupted, drawing the attention away from Jungkook. “She is holding out for nobility when it comes to her only son. That a duke or a viscount might come upon us one Season and declare for Min Yoongi. Who are we to spoil her hopes and dreams?” This last was said in a teasing manner, and soon the topic of conversation changed to something other than matrimony, much to Jungkook’s relief.
**
“One of your many suitors, I take it?”
Jungkook turned to look at Hoseok, who had a teasing eyebrow raised at him, and a smile playing around his lips. He huffed out a laugh of his own before they continued their walk.
“Indeed not! I do not have any suitors. I was merely greeting Mr Lee politely.”
“Oh, you say you have none, but Mr Lee Daehyun seems quite persistent.”
“Well, no one has spoken their intentions. And I do not expect so, anyway.”
“Why, whatever do you mean?” Hoseok both looked and sounded concerned by the words, and Jungkook wished that he had said nothing now. He did not wish to distress his friend, even if the conversation he had overheard at last night’s dinner was still playing through his thoughts.
But he could not have that look on Hoseok’s face, that kind, sweet regard. There was no one within hearing now, except for Seokjin and Yoongi, who were walking just a little ways ahead, and Jungkook was not too concerned if either of them heard. It had been quite an improper conversation for him to hear, and he felt somewhat awkward repeating the sentiments.
“It is just that…well, it has come to my attention that I may not be…that is to say, that I might not quite…fit my nature.”
Hoseok stopped his walking, turning fully to regard Jungkook, his eyebrows furrowed together in his concern. “Mr Jeon, I cannot begin to understand what that means? Who said this to you?”
Jungkook had to glance away, his gaze falling instead somewhere past Hoseok. “No one, truly. No one has said anything to me.”
“Ah.” Hoseok nodded with understanding, the frown on his face slowly smoothing out. They began to walk again.
It had been between Mrs Lim and one of the other married gossips that had attended the dinner at his aunt’s, first talking about Mrs Lim’s daughter - the one wondering why Mr Ahn Chunsam had yet to make his intentions clear if he was, as Mrs Lim continued to insist, quite as attached to her daughter as she said. And then another beside them had mentioned Mr Ahn’s interest in another gentleman recently, and Mrs Lim had sniffed in disdain and declared that gentleman a poor example of an alpha, like others that she was too polite to mention, and they three had begun listing the traits they deemed ‘fitting’ for that nature.
Most of which Jungkook himself did not possess. It had left him feeling confused and disheartened, wondering if these sentiments were widely held by society. He was softer, perhaps, with a fondness for nature and animals, and no one had ever mentioned it as a failing before now.
“I do not know exactly what it is that you overheard,” Hoseok spoke after a few moments, “but I can tell you, Mr Jeon, that you do not need to fit anyone’s idea of an alpha. You need only be true to yourself, and if a person does not like it, then it is their issue to struggle with. Not yours.”
Jungkook felt a glow begin to fill him, at not only Hoseok’s words, but the almost protective tone in which he spoke them. It almost felt as if it mattered not what others might think, that he may not conform to their expectations of an alpha, as long as Hoseok thought him good and kind and worthy just as he was.
“You are wonderful,” he added, voice so soft that Jungkook almost missed the words, “just as you are.”
Perhaps, Jungkook thought, there was an entire star glowing within him, he felt so warm and content.
**
Jungkook was just coming off the dance floor after a particularly energetic dance in search of a refreshment when he found one Mr Min Yoongi holding a glass of punch out for him.
“Oh, thank you!” Jungkook said, smiling widely as he accepted the glass. The liquid was cool and refreshing as he sipped at it, a welcome relief. Although he would have happily danced another ten rounds, if they were all once again with Hoseok.
“You are enjoying yourself?”
“Yes indeed!” Jungkook nodded. His eyes roved over the other couples currently dancing now, before coming back to settle on Yoongi. He was surprised to find himself being watched in turn, a small, soft smile on Yoongi’s face. “What is that look for?”
“Oh, t’is for nothing, really…” Yoongi’s smile widened. “Only for the look on your face, whenever you dance with him.”
“With Hoseok?” He asked in surprise. “Well, I enjoy dancing with him! He is a very fine partner.”
Yoongi nodded his own agreement. “That he is, indeed. But you look upon him with much affection. Did you know that?”
Jungkook’s mouth opened and closed, and yet for a moment no words could he find. In any language. It was as if he knew none, none but Hoseok’s name, which rang around his head, a sweet, bell-like tune of syllables. He had not seen his face, of course, for he had been busy looking at, well…at Hoseok. But now that Yoongi had mentioned it, he could recall the size of his smile, how aglow his entire being had felt, how rapidly his heart beat in his chest every time their gloved hands touched, or their eyes met, or Hoseok laughed at one of Jungkook’s attempts at a joke.
He did not know what to say, or what to think, having it placed so clearly in front of him. In a room full of other people, at that.
Yoongi seemed to take pity upon him, taking the now empty glass from Jungkook’s hand and setting it aside with his own. “You do not need to think about it right now,” he said gently. Then, “come, your cousin calls us over, and he is with Taehyung! Perhaps we can convince them to share a dance with us?”
Jungkook simply glanced aside at Yoongi and smiled his agreement, and soon they were over with their friends, talking and laughing and enjoying themselves, even on the fringes of the ballroom as they were, others walking past in search of dance partners of their own. As Taehyung was regaling them with a very dramatic rendition of his day, a familiar smell tickled Jungkook’s nose. A too-sweet scent that he remembered smelling once, but could not quite place when or where now.
“Oh now come, Jungkook, t’was not that bad!” Seokjin said with a laugh.
Jungkook became aware that he was frowning, but it was not at Taehyung and his theatrics. “I…pardon?”
“The look on your face,” his cousin said. “Is something wrong?”
Jungkook shook his head. “No, no. I simply caught a smell that I thought I had recognised. Too sweet, I thought it was a dessert, but there is none nearby.”
Yoongi looked around them, before catching sight of something that had him nod his head in understanding. “Ah. That would be Mr Ahn.”
Seokjin made a face, and Taehyung almost rolled his eyes.
“Mr Ahn?”
The name awoke the memory within him, at a ball, dancing with Mr Ahn, whose mood had been rather grim and quiet that night. Jungkook had smelled something too sweet on him.
His eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean to say…”
Seokjin nodded. “His diffuser has been rather…weak, of late.”
Taehyung laughed, although it was not a sound of amusement. “He probably thinks it will help him to catch a wealthy match before the Season is over.”
Jungkook blinked, rightly scandalised by this. It was certainly enough of a thought to keep him from thinking too deeply of what Yoongi had said not long ago, but even this was not to stay on his mind for long, as Yoongi’s wish came true: Seokjin asking him for a dance, and Taehyung asking Jungkook. And so for a little while Jungkook could think upon something else.
**
Time had a strange way of moving, Jungkook found. He both wished it to move quickly, towards the outing that he and his friends had planned, per their conversation just a while back. And he wanted for time to move slowly, because the closer they came to the planned picnic, the sooner would it bring an end to the Season, and to Jungkook’s time here in town.
Because of course, once the Season was over, he and his family would be returning to their usual residence, back home in the country. And he would not see any of his new friends until the next Season began, unless any of them were to come out of their way and visit. Jimin and Taehyung had both threatened to do so, but it might be different, once Jungkook was not so much in their company.
That was somewhat why the picnic plan had taken off; besides being an idea that the other’s also liked, they deemed it a perfectly wonderful way to bookend the Season, an outing for just the seven of them, to enjoy together.
It had, of course, to wait for the warmer weather, and every day Jungkook noted with excitement how the coolness to the air was beginning to recede. How more and more flowers began to bloom as spring rolled its way through town, bringing with it warmth, and rain, and new life.
“How are the plans for your picnic coming along?” His mother asked that morning over breakfast.
“Oh, very well, thank you,” Jungkook answered. “Now that Mr Kim Taehyung is out again, I expect we will very soon be able to settle upon a date.”
Seokjin was nodding his agreement. “I believe so. Mr Jung Hoseok has been very busy planning, so I imagine once a date is set it will be quite quick to get into order.”
Jungkook looked up in surprise at that. “Mr Jung has been planning?”
“Oh yes. He wished it all to be left to him to arrange, the carriages and everything. It is quite a lot to convey seven people out of town, but he will manage it! He is very determined. Excellent at organising and managing, also. It was he who managed his older sister’s wedding, several years ago now.”
“Oh, yes! Mrs Jiwoo’s wedding was lovely indeed, was it not?” his aunt added, a smile upon her face at the memory. “And to a very fine Lady, as well. She was quite the diamond at the time.”
They continued to talk amongst themselves, but Jungkook could not stop thinking about what he had heard. Hoseok had been doing all of the planning for their outing? Something that had come about from Jungkook’s whimsical musing one evening, at the time not really thinking that it might actually happen.
And as he thought on it now, he remembered how Hoseok had suggested the place that they had all agreed upon also. Not very far from town, a quite manageable distance that they could enjoy the afternoon together and still return back home in time for supper. And how, as Hoseok had pointed out, that it made for a very pretty area to walk around.
“There is a fine hill there,” he had said one evening, when talk had begun more in earnest, “where the view is quite spectacular. Do you not think that Mr Jeon here would enjoy it?”
Hoseok, pulling this plan together, simply because Jungkook had wished for it?
“Jungkook, darling, what are you smiling about?” His mother’s voice broke him out of his reverie, and Jungkook was startled to find that he was, indeed, smiling to himself.
“Oh, just the picnic.”
“Ah, keep up, cousin!” Seokjin said, although his voice was light and teasing, a fond smile on his face. “We have moved on, now we are discussing how outrageous Mrs Lim’s hat was last night.” He jokingly rolled his eyes at Jungkook when no one was looking, a sure sign of what Seokjin thought of this topic of conversation.
This time, Jungkook hid his laughter behind his cup of tea.
**
The morning of their outing dawned, and as Jungkook gazed out of the window he could see that it would be a perfect day for it indeed. The sky was a bright, beautiful blue, the only clouds hanging within it of the white, fluffy variety. And already he could feel the warm kiss of the late spring sun.
He took extra care as he readied himself for the day ahead. After he dressed in what he thought of as one of his more flattering suits he reached for his scent diffuser, and stopped. An idea had wriggled into his mind sometime ago, and he thought that, well, that today might be the perfect opportunity to realise it.
Jungkook went over to retrieve the item in question. He gazed down at the soft handkerchief held carefully in his hand. He brushed his fingers over the embroidery in the corner, of a single gardenia bloom.
Then, just as carefully, he drew the fabric over the inside of his wrist. It was, perhaps, somewhat improper, but Jungkook wished to know how Hoseok felt, and before he would have to return home after the end of the Season. If he accepted this handkerchief then, possibly, there was hope. His heart thumped loudly at the very thought.
He raised the handkerchief to his face and sighed as he caught his own familiar, floral scent attached to it. Good. Then, with extra care he found a small box to fold the fabric into and keep the scent intact, but indetectable from others. It would not do for anyone else to smell it, even if all present would be Jungkook’s closest friends.
After he had safely put the box away he resumed getting ready. He pressed extra scent diffuser over his scent glands, as it would be a long day spent out and he did not wish for it to fade. Then, he picked up his freshly pressed neck collar, and before tying it into place Jungkook placed a few droplets of oil diffuser to the fabric, just to be sure. He did the same with each of his wrist cuffs before settling them into place also.
And then he simply stared at his appearance, wishing that there was more he could do to possibly stir Hoseok’s heart, as his own had been stirred. Jungkook was not unaware of his own features, and though his front teeth could be considered a little over large, as was his nose, and his eyes, they all came together well enough to create a rather pleasing face. He did not think of himself as handsome - words like that were reserved for those such as Seokjin, or Taehyung. And Hoseok…well, Hoseok was beautiful.
But Jungkook could cut a fine figure when he had a mind to.
He pouted at his reflection, his fingers coming up to prod and play with his hair, trying for something that might catch Hoseok’s eye. Eventually he huffed in annoyance, finding nothing that he liked, and brushed a hand through his hair until it sat once again as it had before he had even touched it. Well, almost as it had been, it was a little bit ruffled now.
He supposed that this was why vanity was a sin, his appearance did not generally take up so much of his time or attention. He was usually satisfied with how he looked, but now…well, now he was in the hopes of catching a heart.
He stared at himself for a moment longer and decided that, for better or worse, this was as good as he was going to get.
Perhaps Hoseok might just have a thing for large noses, if Jungkook was lucky.
Jungkook could more readily appreciate the feat of effort that Hoseok must have gone to in order to organise their conveyance on their outing after witnessing it in action. The carriages, the footmen and other attendants, the food and the drink and everything else that went into it. And there had been Hoseok, upon seeing Seokjin and Jungkook that moment, with a bright, sincere smile on his face for them both, seemingly just as eager as Jungkook himself was.
He credited it to Hoseok, too, the fact that their journey to their destination went as smoothly as such a thing could be expected to go. Jungkook had spent much of the time gazing out the window, watching as the now-familiar streets soon faded into a much less familiar view. It was a while before the hill that had been spoken of even came into sight, but once it had, Jungkook’s joy reached further heights.
It was a relief when they finally arrived, and could stretch their legs and walk about. That was the first suggestion that one of them made, for them all to enjoy a nice walk before they sat down to their picnic.
It really was a beautiful area, a small country path leading them through the grass and amongst the sparsely scattered trees, their branches alive now with all the vivid greens of their leaves. It was not quite like home, but it felt more like so than town did, and Jungkook breathed deeply of the fresh air, enjoying the feel of the warm, spring breeze against his skin. He could almost feel the crackle of summer upon the air, even though it would not arrive proper for some weeks yet, but the promise of it was fresh upon the breeze.
“Are you happy, Mr Jeon?”
Jungkook glanced across at Hoseok, who walked beside him.
“Oh, yes!” answered he, unable to restrain his enthusiasm. “It is such a lovely day for an outing, is it not?”
“Indeed it is,” he said, a fond smile upon his face, one that quickened the beating of Jungkook’s heart.
Eventually they all agreed on a desire for food, and made their way back to where they had decided to set themselves up. They spread out the large blanket they had brought with them, and settled down to begin eating the various dishes that they had all brought.
It was delightful, Jungkook had never been on a picnic quite like this before. The ones he had shared with his mother, in their garden as a child, did not compare, although the memories were a source of warmth for Jungkook; Sir Bear had had many picnic engagements with them that summer.
He was happy simply to eat, enjoy the sun-kissed warmth against his skin, and listen to the voices of his friends as they talked and laughed. Jungkook could not imagine a better day than this, in all honesty.
After the eating had turned more into occasional grazing and picking at food, they played some word games. Riddles, puzzles, jokes and nonsense games mostly. Seokjin was especially good at the latter, able to say the most nonsensical sentences as if they were perfectly normal. Jungkook was woefully bad at the riddles, however, though he was relieved to see Hoseok look just as confused as he for half the time.
It had them all laughing uproariously by the end, making Jungkook grateful that it was, hopefully, only the birds that they were bothering with their noise today.
Eventually, however, Jungkook felt that restless energy coursing through his body, urging him to move, to walk, to explore. He pushed himself to standing, lightly dusting down his breeches. “I am going to climb that hill!” He declared. “Will anyone join me?” This he directed at Hoseok, looking down at him.
“Of course you are,” Seokjin sighed.
“I was wondering how long it would take you,” was Hoseok’s reply. He smiled however, and nodded his agreement.
Jungkook grinned and offered Hoseok his hand. Hoseok took it, their fingers, bare of any gloves this time, touching. Jungkook pulled in a quick breath, his fingers tingling against Hoseok’s warm skin.
And then Hoseok was up, standing in front of him, and yet Jungkook allowed his hand to linger for a moment longer, not wishing to let go. Wanting to continue to feel how Hoseok’s soft, delicate hand fit against his own. Perfectly, he thought.
With a blush he dropped Hoseok’s hand, using his still-tingling fingers to gesture towards the hill. “Shall we go?”
There was a general consensus of everyone going, how a bit of a walk would be good for the digestion, and what a shame it would be not to take full advantage of the nice day, easy remarks such as those, and soon they were all off, in the other direction from where their walk had taken them earlier.
An uneven dirt path led them between the trees and steadily up the hill. As they talked, Jungkook wondered how he was supposed to have himself a moment alone with Hoseok; that had been part of his intention, after all, so that he could give him the handkerchief. He could only hope that an opportunity might arise before the day was over, he did not know a better time to do this than today.
The incline began rather gently, almost so gently that one did not notice that they were moving upwards, but eventually it grew steeper, the dirt path becoming simply a trail where other people had walked somewhat recently than any proper kind of path. It was still not quite enough to get Jungkook’s own heart pumping, however; he was quite fit, after all, and this was simple for him.
It seemed not so for everyone, though, as the higher they climbed, the more laboured some of their breathing became.
“Oh, Taehyung, Captain, look over here at this view!” Jimin’s voice came from a short ways behind Jungkook. He heard the crunch of undergrowth as two pairs of feet moved to join Jimin.
Jungkook paused, and turned to look back. They were about halfway up the hill, and through a gap between the trees the view was, indeed, quite something. “Ah, how I wish I could paint it,” sighed he, but he had not thought to bring any supplies with him.
Hoseok looked at him in surprise. “You paint as well?”
While Captain Kim commented, “is there anything that you cannot do, Mr Jeon?”
Jungkook was almost blushing by the time Seokjin, rather helpfully, added, “Oh yes, he can paint! My mother has one in our sitting room, a landscape he painted of our home. It is quite good.”
Hoseok was staring at him thoughtfully. “You are a wonder, are you not,” he almost whispered, and that was more than enough to bring the colour to Jungkook’s cheeks now.
“Please carry on,” Jimin said, smiling at Jungkook as he spoke. “We shall catch up with you soon! I would just like to admire this view for a moment.”
While a nice view, Jungkook suspected it would be better still from the top, so at their insistence the rest of them continued their walk.
Now Jungkook could feel it, that joyous ache in his legs as their path wound ever upward. That feeling of knowing that he was moving, exerting himself, filled him with a tremendous energy.
Apparently not everyone experienced such energy.
“That looks like a very good log right there to sit upon,” came Yoongi’s voice, his breathing just a little strained now. “I think I will just rest for five minutes, if you do not mind.”
“Then I shall join you,” Seokjin declared, moving over to join Yoongi on the fallen log. “I cannot keep up with a young alpha’s stamina.”
They both laughed, and Jungkook stood up straighter as he said, “you may wait for us here, then. This alpha is getting to the top!” He turned to look at Hoseok then, suddenly worried that he might also be getting tired.
Hoseok chuckled, however. “I knew before we even began that you would have to see your way to the top. Never fear, though I am not an alpha, or quite so young, I am not flagging yet!”
“Good!”
And so they continued on their way, the last left, and Jungkook realised that his opportunity was arising, and suddenly his heart was racing in his chest, in a way that even the exertion of the walk had not managed.
There was little talking between them as they climbed, but the sounds of their breathing, and the pretty, twittering birdsong, was enough. Soon enough the incline gentled again, they had passed the steepest part, and after several more yards they were there, breaking through the tree line and reaching the wide, flat top of the hill.
“Oh,” Hoseok said, caught by surprise, as he stared at the view around them. Jungkook came to stand beside him. It was a stunning sight, not only could they see the hill that they had just walked up, but for miles upon miles around also.
“It is spectacular.” Jungkook spoke softly, awed. There were many a lovely sight back home, views that he was intimately familiar with after years spent in their presence, and he loved each and every one very much, but this one felt different.
“You are enjoying yourself still then?” Hoseok turned to look at him, and Jungkook felt caught in his soft gaze. Did Hoseok have any idea how very pretty his eyes were? He had a strong urge to tell him, if he did not.
Instead, he simply said, “Oh, yes. Yes, I am. Thanks to you.”
“Me?” Hoseok blinked at him, surprised. “I do not know what you mean.”
“Did not today happen because of you?”
Hoseok seemed flustered when he answered. “No, no, you were there also, we all said that we liked the idea very much!”
Jungkook pressed on, “But did you not organise it all?”
Hoseok shook his head. “Ah, no, not really. That is, some, yes, but it was of little note, really.”
Could he not accept a compliment when it was sincerely being given? Or attempted to, at the least. Although Jungkook was rather liking the growing bloom of colour across Hoseok’s cheeks.
“It is of much note. You did all of this, because I wished for it.”
Hoseok glanced aside, not meeting Jungkook’s gaze as his shoulders dipped. “I…I simply wanted to make you happy.” It was said so quietly, as if Hoseok did not quite want Jungkook to hear.
But he had. And oh, how his heart rejoiced at the words, even as his mind tried to calm himself; they did not mean anything beyond friendship necessarily.
“You have,” Jungkook told him. “You have made me very happy today, Mr Jung. In fact…” his heart was in his throat, almost dislodging the words that he wished to say. But his blood was still pumping throughout his body, the adrenaline and the energy from their climb up the hill still filling Jungkook with a false sense of bravado. It was enough, it would have to be, this was the only moment for it.
He pulled the box from his pocket and held it out to Hoseok. He was pleased to see that his fingers did not shake, even as his heart quivered with eager anticipation.
“I have a gift. For you,” he added, as if this could possibly be for anyone else.
Hoseok reached for it, his fingers brushing Jungkook’s gently in the process. Jungkook wished to be able to hold his hand again, to feel those fingers curl against his palm and press tight.
“A gift?” Hoseok looked at him, meeting his eyes again, a small, puzzled smile upon his face. “You did not need to get me a gift.” He sounded happy though as he opened it.
“I wanted to,” Jungkook said simply, watching as Hoseok stared at the handkerchief. His nerves were all but chomping at the bit, wanting to know what Hoseok thought, how he felt.
Hoseok looked closer at the soft, delicate fabric sitting inside the box, gasping in surprise as his eyes caught the embroidered flower in the corner.
“Oh, Jungkook…”
His given name slipped out without a thought, for he blushed a moment later when he realised. “I mean, Mr Jeon, this is, this is very fine indeed.”
Jungkook tried to tamp down his elation, tried very hard to keep himself in check.
“It is a gardenia,” Jungkook said. “I embroidered it especially, because…” he pulled in a breath, before letting the words slip out, “because gardenias symbolise sincerity and…and affection.” He had been about to say love, as that was their true meaning, but he stumbled over the word. He could not tell Hoseok’s own feelings. Perhaps, were he able to catch Hoseok’s scent, he would be able to detect his emotions, wrapped up within that scent of the fresh, spring rain. But as sensitive as his nose was, and try as he might, Jungkook could not.
Hoseok gazed upon him, his eyes wide and round and just as lovely as they always were. He looked truly surprised. And then his face softened, although Jungkook still could not read it. “You did the embroidery?”
Jungkook nodded, having to resist his old, childhood bad habit of biting upon his lip when nervous. It would look unseemly now as an adult. And he did not wish to look unseemly in front of Hoseok.
“It is…exquisite work. Truly. As I said, you are a wonder indeed.” He reached out with his other hand to touch it.
“It has my scent on it,” Jungkook said quickly, before Hoseok’s fingers could meet the fabric. It would not do, he thought, for Hoseok to smell like Jungkook. Not do at all. Although they were only with their close friends, who would not cause a scandal for all the world, Jungkook believed, he did not wish to do anything that might give either of them trouble.
Hoseok pulled his fingers back, an expression of shock crossing his face.
“Your…Jungkook,” there it was again, without thought, and Jungkook wished for Hoseok to never stop calling him that, “do you…are you, are you aware of what that might mean?”
Jungkook nodded. “I am.”
Oh, how he wished for some kind of hint.
Then, Hoseok said, “I am sorry, that I may not even be able to…to detect your scent. My senses are rather weaker than your own. But it is a lovely gift. Truly.” He met Jungkook’s eyes again, and although he did not feel that this was a rejection of affection, he could not be certain that it was an acceptance either. “Thank you, for this. I will treasure it.”
He did look touched by the handkerchief, Jungkook thought, and perhaps Hoseok was a little like himself, unable to find the correct words with which to express his feelings. It was difficult at times, and Jungkook could well understand that. He would not push. He had made himself quite clear, he thought, and he would now give Hoseok time to consider his own feelings, if that was what he needed to do.
“I simply wanted to see your smile,” he could not help but admit, rather shyly now himself.
But that earned him the smile he had wished for, aimed directly at him, warm and bright as the sun above their heads, and infinitely more beautiful.
“A smile you may have whenever you like,” Hoseok told him. “I have plenty of them, for you.”
The words, the look, gave Jungkook’s heart a little leap of hope.
Hoseok closed the box, carefully settling it aside in a pocket, before he held an arm out. “Shall we gaze upon this view some more, before we go and find our wayward friends?”
Jungkook nodded in agreement, and for a short time they stopped atop the hill, quietly admiring all that they could see before them. And it was wonderful, really, even if Jungkook could not be sure of Hoseok’s feelings. He had done what he could for the moment, and now he would simply enjoy his friend’s company, as he had always done.
**
He could hardly believe that this was it, that this was the final ball of the Season. It was once again hosted by Lady Moon, who, Jungkook had been told, always hosted the final event before the ton spread out. And, as he had learnt back during his first ever ball, no one ever declined an invitation from Lady Moon, and so the ballroom was indeed full of people.
In some ways, Jungkook did feel very different now than he had at that first ball. And in other ways, he felt the same entirely; although he knew more of the people present now, there was still a nervous little fluttering within his chest, his old shyness still trying to crawl back out.
But Jungkook would not let it. He was of age, presented, and had enjoyed an entire Season being out! And though he had received no proposals this time, his parent’s and his aunt had told him that they were very pleased by Jungkook’s manner during this time, and that he had done well.
“If you do not get a proposal even within this last week, then fear not, you will be on people’s minds during the off-season, and no doubt they will come upon our return,” his mother had assured him that evening, as they had sat together in his room before leaving. She had squeezed his hand tightly, and brushed a finger over his nose, as she used to do when he was a child, and made sure that he knew that regardless of such things she was very proud of him.
It had set him up for the evening ahead, filling Jungkook with an incomparable warmth.
On the matter of proposals, however, there was only one that Jungkook wished for, and it had not come yet, even though he and Hoseok had already shared a dance, and had talked and laughed just as they always did, comfortable and at ease in each other’s presence. Although he supposed, he did not expect any declarations right here, at the ball tonight, Hoseok was more private than that. Jungkook himself did not wish for spectacle either, only sincerity.
“This is for you, Mr Jung,” Jungkook said, handing Hoseok a cold glass of punch. They had just finished a rather energetic dance together, and Jungkook had noted both the flush of colour high upon Hoseok’s cheeks and the way his fingers kept straying towards his neck collar, and thought some refreshment might be in order.
Hoseok looked over at him in surprise before a smile spread across his face. “Ah, thank you. So attentive of you, Mr Jeon.” He reached for the glass, and Jungkook felt the tips of their fingers brush, just for a moment, within the space between heartbeats, and then that warmth was gone. “I am afraid I shall get used to this!”
He laughed before sipping at the punch.
“Perhaps I wish for you to become accustomed to it.” It was, perhaps, rather a bold thing to say, but Hoseok’s eyes only widened for a moment, and he sipped again from his drink.
Jungkook sipped from his also, the cool liquid leaving a pleasant taste in his mouth.
They were stood rather out of the way, in a little pocket of space they had created, against one of the large backwalls of the room, and from here they could still watch the dancing if they wished. There were large vases of beautiful, fresh white blooms to either side of them.
“When do you leave?” Jungkook asked. “You are returning for a time to your home in the country, are you not?”
“Oh, yes, yes,” Hoseok answered somewhat slowly. “Soon, next week, I should think. I will leave my uncle’s house and return home.”
“But you will be…you will be back, for the next Season?” He gazed over at Hoseok, his own eyes wide and imploring.
He did not wish for Hoseok to leave. He did not wish for himself to leave, not before…not without…his heart twisted at the very thought of what the months of separation could do, could change. Not for Jungkook, his heart was well and truly caught, and he did not think that any time or distance would change its course. Not when his thoughts were full of Hoseok. Not when every time it rained, the memory of his scent would live on within Jungkook, reminding him at every turn of where his heart truly resided.
“Indeed I shall,” Hoseok answered, seemingly unaware of Jungkook’s inner turmoil; he could not know, for he seemed relaxed and at ease, as he sipped slowly at his punch. “I always return for the Season.”
Jungkook chewed on his lower lip, manners for a moment forgotten, before the words tumbled from him. “Will you write to me?” He urged. “You may come and visit, any time you like, also. My parents would be very happy to see you, and it is a sweet, comfortable home we have. You would like it, I think, Longview. You…” he trailed off, embarrassed suddenly at his tone, not wanting to force Hoseok into making a visit if he did not wish to. The thought however, that Hoseok might not want to, stung.
Hoseok looked at him, eyes focusing on Jungkook’s, his face taking on a more serious expression now.
“Of course,” he said softly, and it was a wonder Jungkook could hear the softness in his tone despite the music, and the talking within the room. But it was as if they were in their own little pocket of time and space just then. Hoseok and Jungkook, the world could wait. “Of course I shall write to you. And if your family would not mind, then…then I will come. There is…” Hoseok paused, his eyes falling from Jungkook’s face, settling somewhere near his shoulder. “There is no question,” he finally continued, words coming slowly, “of us continuing our…friendship.”
Jungkook’s shoulders sagged. He loved Hoseok’s friendship, it meant much to him, but he wished for…he wished for more, as well. His heart yearned for it, wanting to reach out for Hoseok right now, and damned be the rest of the world.
His fingers held onto his glass tightly, his heart hammering out a racket within his chest. “Mr Jung,” he started, “you must know that…that I–”
“What is that smell?” Hoseok’s eyebrows drew together in thought, his words rippling through Jungkook’s own, dispersing them and the moment into the unforgiving current of time.
“I…what?” It was rude, of course, but Jungkook’s mind was still scrambling from what he had been about to say, and could not course correct in an elegant manner.
Hoseok did not seem bothered though, distracted as he was by whatever smell that had agitated him. He took several steps towards one of the large vases of flowers nearby. “That smell, I recognise it, it is…” he leaned over the flowers, pulled in a deep breath, and the words he whispered had Jungkook lose the very ability to breathe, or so it seemed, for none shook inside of him.
“You,” Hoseok murmured, slowly turning back towards Jungkook now. “It is you. Your…your scent.”
Jungkook struggled for a moment, blinking and searching for the words amongst his surprise, and every other feeling that was coursing through him tonight. “I thought that you could not…that is, you said that you could not…”
Hoseok nodded. “Usually, I cannot detect much. But this, this is the scent upon your handkerchief.” He met Jungkook’s eyes again, and Jungkook was almost certain that Hoseok was also struggling with something here. “Is this you?”
“It is,” Jungkook breathed. “Gardenias.”
“Gardenias?” Hoseok turned to look at the flowers again, surveying them in a new light perhaps. “It is…quite lovely,” he uttered softly.
Hearing that pleased Jungkook, pleased such a deep seated, intrinsic part of himself. It felt almost like someone stroking…not his ego, exactly, but whatever part of him was alpha. Hearing Hoseok call his scent ‘lovely’ was possibly the most satisfying thing he had ever heard, and felt, in his entire life. It made him wish, quite strongly, for Hoseok to scent him, to feel the sweet curve of his nose as it brushed against the inside of Jungkook’s wrist, catching his scent right from the source itself. Or perhaps, even his neck…
He felt a shiver track down his spine, his body warming at the thought.
“You have been smelling my handkerchief.” Jungkook could not hide the spike of pleasure from his tone, nor the smile from his face.
Hoseok opened his mouth to answer, but found himself interrupted by another voice entirely.
“Mr Jeon,” the voice said, coming from behind Jungkook. “Might you do me the honour of dancing with me?”
He turned to see Mr Lee Daehyun, who inclined his head in the barest motion of politeness at Hoseok, before turning his attention wholly on Jungkook again.
It was, Jungkook thought, the worst moment to be interrupted, and by the worst person. He did not wish to hear anything further about Mr Lee’s relatives, that ‘great’ duke and duchess, and all the honour they must bring to their family. He did not wish to talk to anyone other than Hoseok, to see their hearts way clear to each other.
With all of these feelings rolling within him it was probably little wonder that Jungkook had only a weak hold on his usual decorum and politeness. He had just been sharing a moment with Hoseok, a tantalising, exciting moment, talking of scents, now only to be spoiled by reality slipping back within their little pocket.
“I am terribly sorry, Mr Lee,” Jungkook said, feeling not in the least sorry at all, “but I am about to dance with Mr Jung. And I believe that my dance card is full for the rest of the night.”
He was about to reach for Hoseok’s arm when he realised that they were both still clutching at their half-drank glasses of punch. He took Hoseok’s, before turning back to Mr Lee. “Here, if you please,” he said, pushing the glasses into Mr Lee’s hands.
Mr Lee blinked in shocked surprise, gaping at them both, as Jungkook took Hoseok’s arm.
“But…but you have already danced together once!” He said, his words falling on uncaring ears as they made their way back towards the dance floor for the next dance.
As they took their positions, Jungkook could not help notice that they had earned themselves a few looks from others in the room, and perhaps a few whispered comments, judging by the groups of ladies and gentlemen sitting down. He did not care.
“Two dances in one night,” Hoseok said, their hands touching, as the dance began. “People may talk.”
“I have told you before,” Jungkook answered, as they stepped around each other. “I would dance with you all night, if I could.”
Unfortunately, however, Jungkook could not. But at least his dance card had been filled up with his other friend’s names, because he would miss them all just as much once they started leaving for their country homes. So whilst his heart beat, and danced, and ached for one person, his smile remained bright and true, because he was still amongst those he loved.
**
The summer air was hot upon Jungkook’s face as he strolled through the park with Seokjin. There was so sign of Hoseok today, although perhaps he was readying himself to leave soon, as he had said at the ball. The Season was at an end, and his own mother and aunt were in the process of organising their return to the country soon also.
Jungkook was looking forward to returning home, truly, to familiar spaces, to home comforts. To see how all the little friends in his garden were faring, although he knew that Yoon, the gardner, would have taken excellent care of Jungkook’s flowers.
He would miss some parts of being in town, though. Five things, honestly, those he had grown to love and call his friends. But there was one of whom that Jungkook would miss most once he left, the one who now resided within his heart, never to let go: Hoseok.
A familiar scent caught his attention then as they wandered past some of the spectacularly flowering shrubberies lining the path that they walked. Jungkook stopped, his eyes picking out the white blooms that were the source of the distinct scent: gardenias.
He remembered Hoseok’s reaction, how struck he was, when he had realised that the scent matched Jungkook’s own. He felt his cheeks warm at the secret knowledge they both shared. He wondered how often Hoseok looked upon the handkerchief Jungkook had gifted him, how often he might bring it up to his nose, and think of him.
“Jungkook!” Seokjin’s voice pulled him from his reverie, and he looked to see his cousin only a little way ahead of him, ears red, having run into Yoongi on a walk of his own.
Jungkook’s face lit up at the sight of his friend and went over to join them both, greeting him happily.
There was time yet, Jungkook thought, as they endured the warm air and walked together. A small number of days left, to be sure, but there was time still to hope.
**
Jungkook had seen the carriage before his mother came up to tell him that he had a caller.
“I shall leave you two alone in the drawing room,” she said, giving him a significant look, “do not leave him waiting long.”
Jungkook’s heart began to race when his mother left, knowing what that meant. To be left alone during a call could only mean one thing. Was it Hoseok? Could this really be happening to him? He pinched his cheeks in disbelief and, oh, he actually quite liked the colour that had brought into his face.
It was rather early for calls to begin, so Jungkook had not been quite ready when he had seen the carriage through his window. He had debated, for just a moment, about not using a scent diffuser, not if it were Hoseok, but it would be unfair to the others in the house. He swiped extra on, just in case, and after he finished dressing he headed down, taking two stairs at a time, his heart tripping with a lightness, energy buzzing in his veins.
“Good morning, Mr Jeon!”
Jungkook stopped in the doorway, surprise quite clearly colouring his face. He tried, quickly, to cover his disappointment.
“O-oh, Mr Lee!” He said, stepping slowly into the room. “What a surprise to see you this morning!” He glanced back at the open doorway, not wanting to be left alone, but he could hear the voices of his family very clearly in another room, and no footsteps were coming in this direction.
“I believe we shall not be bothered,” Mr Lee Daehyun spoke, drawing Jungkook’s attention back to himself, a little unwillingly.
He had thought, had hoped, that it would be Hoseok here, to have this conversation with him instead.
But it was very decidedly not.
“Please,” he gestured towards the sofa, and Jungkook did not wish to sit, to imply that he was inviting further conversation, but he did not know how else to get out of this situation. He had never been in it before, after all.
So he sat, and watched as Mr Lee took a seat on the other side of the sofa before turning towards him.
“You look very well this morning, Jungkook - may I call you Jungkook?” he continued, regardless of an answer, though Jungkook would have said no, “a fine day indeed, is it not?”
The day had hardly begun, it seemed, and Jungkook did not feel he could make a proper judgement. Mr Lee did not seem to mind, however.
He was extremely chirpy, seemingly in an excellent mood, talking much but about very little at all, it seemed. He began to talk of all his own personal ‘virtues’, and Jungkook felt oddly as if the man was trying to sell himself to him.
Unfortunately for Mr Lee Daehyun, Jungkook’s heart was already occupied, and it was not by him.
“And of course,” Mr Lee was saying, after talking of his wealth and income, “I am set to inherit a very nice country estate one day! It is certainly not the kind of house to turn one’s nose up at, either, it has always served my family very well indeed. And my connections, thanking to my cousins the duke and the duchess, are first rate. You would find yourself amongst the very best of society, you know, Jungkook.”
Jungkook frowned, puzzled. “I am sorry, Mr Lee, but what precisely are we talking about?”
Mr Lee looked surprised, before smiling indulgently at Jungkook. “I am pointing out that, though you may be disappointed that it did not work out with Min Yoongi, that does not mean you cannot find happiness and a fine - rather a superior, I would say - match in me.”
“I beg your…you?” His eyes went wide and round, and yes, it was impolite to stare in such a way, but Jungkook could not help it. He had begun to hope, with the way Mr Lee continued to talk, that he was really just here for a ridiculously early morning call, but now Jungkook felt as if his entire being had been doused in cold water, his stomach dropping uncomfortably. He had to resist the urge to squirm.
Mr Lee did not look insulted however, and Jungkook was beginning to wonder if it was because the gentleman could simply not fathom the idea of anyone being rude to him.
“Of course, that is why I have called on you today. I have spent the entire Season getting to know you, and I think that we would suit well.”
Jungkook wished very badly to laugh at this, because that was all those words deserved: laughter. He did not feel as if Mr Lee knew him at all, or as if he knew him in return. To think the two would suit! At all! Oh, the way Seokjin would howl when he told him later!
But still Jungkook attempted to keep some propriety about himself. Not even the hint of a smile passed his lips.
“I did warn you,” Mr Lee continued, talking in a tone that he clearly thought was comforting, and that was decidedly not. “That Mrs Min would not settle for anything less than nobility when it came to her son. And I am sorry, if your expectations have been dashed-” the fact that Mr Lee thought nothing of Jungkook’s heart spoke volumes more than his actual words ever did, “-but, you know, he is not the only eligible omega.”
Jungkook blinked, still trying to parse the words for something that might actually mean anything. Mr Lee was very good at saying nothing it seemed.
So, he decided to be direct. He wished himself out of this situation, and as quickly as could be possible. It made a part of him quiver inside at the thought, but he was also beginning to lose a little of his patience with all these meaningless words, and Mr Lee talking at Jungkook, as if he knew best! When he, in fact, did not know Jungkook at all, it seemed! Especially as he still thought that Jungkook had set his sights on Yoongi! Good gods.
“Mr Lee,” Jungkook spoke, very pointedly saying his name, “are you trying to ask me to marry you?”
Mr Lee’s face took on a look of surprise, as if he could not believe Jungkook needed it spelt out. Perhaps he would regret his oh so generous not-proposal if he thought Jungkook a dullard.
“Well, I thought that was quite clear!” Now he did sound almost irritated, but after a moment he smoothed his expression and his tone out again. “I thought that you, Jungkook, might be somewhat more lively at receiving a proposal! Especially as this is your first. Are you not pleased?”
Ah, so now he was doing Jungkook a favour by proposing to him?
“I had thought really that there was no better match for me–for you,” he quickly corrected. “A good, dependable omega, for a fine, strong alpha such as yourself. Is this not the kind of match all hope and aim for?”
No, Jungkook thought to himself, no, it was not. When he thought of proposals, and marriage, and his future, all he could see were warm, pretty eyes crinkled in joy above a wide, love-heart smile. He thought of rain, warm rain on a fresh, spring day, giving life to the flowers Jungkook so lovingly tended in his garden. He thought of comfort, a voice that would make him laugh, and make him swoon, and feel all manner of other feelings. He thought of warm fingertips, brushing briefly against his own. Their feet, matching each other in a lively dance. He thought of a calm, serious face, as he listened to anything that Jungkook wished to tell him. He thought of words that made his heart race. ‘You are a wonder, are you not.’
He thought of Jung Hoseok, the man he was hopelessly, endlessly, in love with.
“I am sorry,” Jungkook said, unaware that he had interrupted Mr Lee in the middle of another of his self-serving speeches, “but I cannot marry you.”
Mr Lee was bewildered. He had been in the motions of reaching out to take one of Jungkook’s hands between his own. Jungkook quickly moved his hands away.
“You…cannot?” He frowned deeply. “Has someone else asked for your hand already? I did leave early this morning, but I got caught by a carriage outside the Jung’s residence, I did–”
Jungkook looked up at that, eyes wide. “Sorry, but what did you say? About the Jung’s?”
Mr Lee still looked perplexed, but explained all the same. “I was on my way, when I got caught behind a carriage being loaded up with luggage outside the Jung’s home. It was only a short delay, however, and I did not see another leaving here as I approached, I am sur–”
Hoseok, Jungkook thought. He had said he would be leaving soon, this week, in fact. Oh, gods, was he leaving without saying goodbye? That seemed highly unusual. Jungkook had seen him but two days ago at a private dinner, just the seven of them all together, and when they had parted that evening it had not felt then like a goodbye. So then why would he leave without seeing Jungkook?
Unless…Jungkook’s face went pale. Unless he was on his way here this morning, before leaving, and what if, what if his mother or his aunt told Hoseok that Jungkook had a suitor?
He could not - he could not - allow Mr Lee Daehyun to cause a misunderstanding. He had to get to Hoseok himself, before he could leave, or before he could believe that Jungkook was engaged, and make clear his own heart.
“I must go,” said Jungkook, vaguely aware that he had once again interrupted a speech he had not heard. He stood up quickly. “My apologies,” he said, as Mr Lee stared up at him in utter surprise, uncomprehending, “but there is a pressing matter that I must attend to.”
“But what can be more pressing than my proposal?”
“Why, the man whom I actually wish to propose to me leaving!” He answered without much thought, his mind all in a tizzy, every thought tumbling into one another inside his head. Mr Lee’s ridiculous proposal, Hoseok leaving, and his heart, his heart ever reaching for the one he truly loved.
Jungkook was at the door in only a few strides when he remembered one last thing that he wished to make clear before he left.
“In case I did not make it perfectly clear to you I will tell you again: I truly cannot marry you. I am sorry, and I hope, for the sake of the next poor soul, that perhaps you improve upon your skills to deliver an actual proposal. Good day, Mr Lee.” It was a weak ending, but Jungkook really did not know what else to say; his parents had never told him how one politely declined an unwanted proposal, and his head was in a spin with the thought of Hoseok leaving town today. There was little room for the ridiculousness of Mr Lee Daehyun.
“Jungkook! Mr Jeon!” Mr Lee called out. “But I wore my finest silk breeches for this!”
His mother was already rushing from the parlour to see what was going on, a look of confusion upon her face.
“Jungkook? Wherever are you going? You have a caller.”
“I am sorry, mother,” he called out, already hurrying towards the front door. He would explain and make it up to her later. “I have somewhere I must go! I will be back!”
And then he was out the door, earning himself a disgruntled look from the footman he ran past, setting his feet in the direction of where Hoseok resided with his uncle, hoping upon hope that he was not too late, that there had been something to hold the carriage up, that anything–
“Mr Jeon?”
Jungkook barely looked at the sound of his name, walking fast, determined to make it in time, he could not let anyone hold him up! He was about to open his mouth and make his apologies when his own name gave him pause.
“Jungkook?”
He stopped where he was, – already some distance from his home – arrested to the spot by the sight in front of him. For it was Hoseok who had called him, Hoseok himself! And he was…
“Why are you on a horse?” Jungkook asked, astounded at the very sight. He knew Hoseok could ride, all gentlemen could ride, but he remembered quite clearly Hoseok confiding in Jungkook about his fear of horses.
That memory had something else tickling within the back of his mind, but he had little focus to give it just now. He could see nothing but Hoseok atop a very fine, black-haired mare.
“I was, well,” he laughed, although it sounded higher in pitch than Jungkook was used to hearing, “I was actually…on my way to see…you.”
“To see me? And you required a horse?”
“I was rather in a hurry.” The horse shuffled her legs, and Jungkook did not miss the way that Hoseok’s face blanched, his grip tightening on the reins. “And the carriage was occupied.”
“Oh. Would you…would you like to come back to my home?” He offered, and it was perhaps a little unconventional without prior notice, but Jungkook did not think that his family would mind. And Hoseok had been on his way to see him, anyway! Although probably just to say his goodbyes, he realised, recollecting Mr Lee’s words. “We may sit down and talk then. And it is closer than your own home now.”
Hoseok nodded tightly, his face stiff, and Jungkook suspected he was trying to keep the discomfort from showing. “That would be a good idea, I think. Thank you.”
It did not take long to walk back, although Jungkook felt like he was comforting both the horse, and poor Hoseok, each time either of them spooked the other, but fortunately there were no mishaps. Hoseok would be a fine rider, he thought, if he could master the fear. Perhaps Jungkook could assist with that, if Hoseok were to visit him at home one day.
As they turned the corner onto his street Jungkook felt a pit of dread open within his stomach, only to be closed a moment later with a long sigh of relief. The carriage was gone from in front of his aunt’s home, which meant Mr Lee Daehyun had left. He did not want to have to deal with the gentleman and his ridiculous proposal any further today, or ever, for that matter.
Once within the gates of the residence, Jungkook looked up at Hoseok, offering his hand. “Here, I shall help you down.” It was only as Hoseok’s hand settled in his own that Jungkook realised that both of their hands were bare, skin touching skin, and he felt a strong desire never to let go.
Hoseok let loose a long, shaking sigh once he was off the horse, his fingers still gripping Jungkook’s tightly. “My thanks,” he said, and then added, “please never tell anyone of this.”
A laugh of surprise was pulled from Jungkook at that. “Your secret, as before, is always safe with me.”
They stood there for a moment, their hands clasped together still, and Jungkook wondered if Hoseok could hear the racing echo of his heartbeat, so loud it was to himself. He wondered if Hoseok’s heart stirred in this moment also. He could have almost sworn that he had seen something pass across his face.
A footman politely calling his name pulled them from each other, their hands dropping, and Jungkook turned to address him, asking him to please look after Hoseok’s horse while they were inside.
When they entered, Jungkook directed a servant to show Hoseok into the drawing room while he went and found his mother in the parlour, with the rest of his family.
“Jungkook!” she said upon seeing him, rising to stand. “You are back! What happened between you and Mr Lee? You departed very abruptly, and I am sorry to say that I do not think he was very happy with your behaviour.”
He honestly did not care what Mr Lee thought of his behaviour, as the man’s own had been less than complimentary to him. But he did not wish to appear rude to his own mother.
“I am sorry, Mama,” he said sincerely, “but I had a pressing matter that could not wait. I did not accept Mr Lee’s proposal, either.”
She looked only a little surprised by this news, and it was probably clear to her, to all of them, that Jungkook did not hold the gentleman in much regard at all. He was a vain, silly man who had talked as if he were doing Jungkook a favour, and he did not think his mother would mind the lack of an engagement if she were to know that.
“If you do not wish to marry him, then we accept that, darling, of course.”
“And…” Jungkook pulled in a breath, before releasing it slowly. “Mr Jung Hoseok is here. To call, on me,” he added, as if that were not clear now after months of friendship. “Would you permit us to have the drawing room to ourselves for a time?”
There was usually only one reason that a private audience was requested, and his mother’s eyes widened in surprise. Behind her, Jungkook could see both Seokjin and his aunt staring curiously over at him, and his father seemed to be mildly listening as he sipped at a cup of tea.
“I suppose so, yes, if it is that important to you.”
Jungkook smiled at her, even as his nerves kicked their heels inside his stomach. Even if it were just to make their goodbyes, he wished to be able to do so alone. “It is. Or, I hope it will be. Thank you, Mama.”
When he returned to the drawing room, he found Hoseok standing by the empty fireplace, gazing at a vase full of fresh flowers, colourful dahlia blooms and soft, pink and white roses. A fresh tray of tea and biscuits waited untouched upon the table.
“Mr Jung.”
Hoseok whirled around to look at him, eyes wide, before his face softened once he realised that it was only Jungkook.
“Please, sit,” said he, gesturing towards the sofa, only taking a seat for himself after Hoseok had done so. “Would you like some tea?”
“Oh…yes, please.”
Jungkook filled a teacup each for them, the soft clink of the spoon against the china the loudest sound in the room at this moment. It felt strange to be alone in here with Hoseok. Jungkook was trying not to get his hopes up, thinking that this would just be a simple farewell, and yet still his heart yearned.
“You said that you were on your way to see me?”
And yet it played on his mind, the idea of Hoseok being in such a hurry that he had gotten on a horse of all things, just to see Jungkook. Not for only a simple farewell; were his carriage engaged, Hoseok could have walked well enough. It did not quite add up
Hoseok nodded. He did not seem at ease as he usually did, a nervous energy to him still. Jungkook had thought that it had been due to his fear of the horse, but it seemed that had only been a part of it. He could not meet Jungkook’s eyes for long, his gaze flickering away to focus on something else after only a few moments. Why would Hoseok be so nervous? They were usually so comfortable and easy around each other. It made Jungkook begin to fret.
“I was, yes.” Hoseok picked up his tea, holding the saucer in one hand, and the cup delicately in the other. Jungkook had been holding that hand not so long ago, those long, pretty fingers wrapped so warmly around his own.
“Why were you in such a hurry?”
Being direct had served him well earlier, and he hoped it might do so again now.
He watched as Hoseok seemed to pull in a long breath of air, before slowly letting it go. Still he could not quite meet Jungkook’s eyes. Was that a tremor to the hand holding the saucer?
“I had heard…I had heard that you were to receive a call this morning. An…an important one. But, but as I see that no one else is here, that it did not happen? So I suppose my rushing over here was rather unnecessary.” He laughed, a weak, thready sound, not a Hoseok-sounding laugh at all, and Jungkook did not like it. Then he sipped at his tea slowly, almost as if for something to do.
“I did receive a call this morning,” Jungkook informed him. “In fact, he was still here when I left.”
Hoseok’s face dropped. The teacup rattled as he set it back upon the saucer. “Then it is true,” he whispered, almost to himself.
Jungkook tilted his head aside, blinking at him, trying to lead Hoseok into saying whatever it was that he needed to say. That Jungkook wished to hear. “What is true?”
“You are…you are engaged.”
Jungkook laughed at that, he could not help it; of all the people, for Hoseok to believe him engaged to anyone other than him? It was quite ridiculous. But then he saw the way that Hoseok’s face went pale, and sobered immediately.
Leaning forward, Jungkook said seriously, “No, Mr Jung, I am decidedly not engaged. Not yet.” His heart beat heavy inside his chest. “Not until you ask me, at any rate.”
Hoseok’s eyes went as wide as Jungkook had ever seen, and for a moment he worried that the teacup would simply fall from his hands. He did not spill even a drop, however, just simply stared in shock.
“Me?”
Jungkook nodded. He could not hold it within himself any longer, and did not wish to let so many months pass before they could come together again, only for Jungkook to see that his chance might have passed. He was in love, ardently, irrevocably, in love with Jung Hoseok, and he wished for it to be known. He could accept a rejection better, he thought, than this unknowing that tried to gnaw away at his heart.
“Oh, Mr Jeon, you do not…you do not wish to marry me!”
It was Jungkook’s turn to look surprised; this was a statement that he could not fathom!
“Why would I not?”
Hoseok put his teacup back upon the table. Jungkook had yet to even touch his. And now he met Jungkook’s eyes, his face drawn and serious. “You are to wed a fine and eligible omega.”
“Who has said that?”
“It is all anyone has been saying all Season, in regards to your future matrimony,” answered Hoseok, astonished that Jungkook seemed unaware. “Most thought you had your cap set for Yoongi, but I did not, well, I did not think either of you were that way inclined.”
“No, you are correct on that front,” Jungkook said. “There are no feelings other than the warmth of friendship between us. But, Mr Jung, I cannot understand…I thought that I had been making my feelings perfectly clear?”
Hoseok began to look somewhat embarrassed now, and more flustered than Jungkook had ever seen him before.
“I have had some…suspicions, yes. But, I did not think…that is, well, that is to say…I am a beta.”
“I do not care-” he saw the way Hoseok looked down at that, and checked his words, trying to calm the racing of his heart, and his thoughts. “That is, what I mean to say, is that one’s nature does not factor into matters of the heart, not for me. My parents had wished for me to make a match with an omega, to be sure, but I think that this comes from a place of love, still. For that is the shape that their love has taken, and so…and so they believe that is the shape of all love. But…but it is not. It is not the…not the shape of mine.”
Hoseok was staring at him now, eyes still round and wide as he listened. Jungkook thought that he could almost, almost, hear the racing of Hoseok’s heart, he could certainly see the way that his breath had picked up, his chest almost heaving with it. If only he could catch his scent, then Jungkook might have more of a hint to Hoseok’s emotions, but he would have to make do with what he could see, and what he already knew of the man before him.
“I am…not good, I am afraid, at finding pretty words, and I am sorry for that. I can only tell you honestly what it is that I feel. And,” here he paused to pull in a breath, his thoughts racing ahead to try and find the right words, the perfect words, to make Hoseok understand the depth of his feelings. “And I love you, Hoseok,” the name trembled upon his lips, Hoseok gasping softly. “I love you, with every inch of my being. Mind, body, and soul, I love you.
“I love you, Hoseok, just as you are.”
Hoseok looked overwhelmed at the words, blinking quickly, and a blush had begun to spread high across his cheeks.
Gently, Jungkook asked, “Why did you hurry, when you heard that I would receive a proposal?”
Hoseok shook his head, as if he were trying to wake himself from a daze. “Because, although I believed it impossible…I did not wish for you to marry anyone who is not…who is not me.”
“Truly?” Jungkook tried to hold his elation down, for he did not think that they had quite said all that needed to be said yet.
At Hoseok’s nod, Jungkook asked, “and, if it was not impossible, what would you do about it?”
“I would ask for your hand right now.”
It was the clearest, the most direct, Hoseok had yet been with him, and because Jungkook knew that it was indeed extremely possible, he began to let himself feel hope and joy. Could not quite hide the smile from wanting to take over his face.
“It is not impossible,” Jungkook told him softly.
He reached out between them, asking for Hoseok’s hand. Hoseok gazed down at Jungkook’s palm, before resting his own hand right there. His skin was cool, perhaps from his nerves, and Jungkook squeezed his fingers, hoping to try and warm Hoseok up. Hoseok’s hand looked very pretty, Jungkook thought, his slim, delicate fingers against Jungkook’s larger looking hand. It was a perfect fit. Just as their hearts could be.
“You have my hand,” he said, a smile on his face. “If you want it. If you…love me too?”
Hoseok gazed at Jungkook’s face, and he still looked as if he could not quite believe that any of this was happening, dazed and unsure. “If I…Jungkook, I adore you!” He said this so emphatically, as if there was no room for doubt, as if this were an irrefutable fact.
“You do?”
He nodded his head eagerly, and now his hand squeezed around Jungkook’s. What a delightful feeling! Jungkook was never going to let go of this lovely hand!
“Of course I do. I had thought…I am sorry, it seems I have not been clear in my own feelings, and I thought that it had been obvious. From the first, I could not stop thinking of you, wishing to be around you, to talk to you more. And I have, for quite some time now, been hopelessly in love with you.”
It was Jungkook’s turn to look stunned as emotion overwhelmed him, a sense of utter euphoria overcoming him at hearing Hoseok speak such words, with such feeling and sincerity, to him!
“You love me?”
Hoseok laughed, a soft sound, and nodded his head. “I love you so very, very much. You do not know how it feels, to know that I was not too late, that you are not lost to me…”
“Never,” Jungkook declared, as slowly they drew closer together on the sofa. “You could never lose me. My heart has been yours for so very long now.”
Wonder filled Hoseok’s face, wonder and a look of joy that Jungkook had never yet seen, but hoped he would be able to see now for all time. “Then I shall be sure to take special care of it,” he whispered softly. Slowly, he lifted Jungkook’s hand, pressing a light, adoring kiss to the back of it, sending shivers of delight racing down Jungkook’s spine. “For it is a rare gift indeed, your heart.”
Jungkook could feel his eyes warming with emotion, and he blinked, not wishing to shed any tears, even though he was overcome with joy. Never had he felt such warmth, such affection, fill his entire being.
“Does that mean that you will marry me? Because I choose you, Hoseok. I had chosen you already. All the other omegas in the world be damned, it is you that I want.”
“Jungkook!” Hoseok exclaimed, a little shocked, but he laughed and nodded. His own smile was soft and warm as it spread across his face, his beautiful, sweet smile that Jungkook adored. “If you are certain that it will be allowed,” and here Jungkook nodded eagerly, “then I would love nothing more.”
Jungkook was hard pressed not to squeal like a giddy child, excitement thrilling through him. He was engaged! To Hoseok! Who also loved him in return! He had not quite dared to dream that this would come true, and yet here they were, hands held tightly between them, hearts beating in sync. Hoseok seemed more at ease now, although a clear and obvious excitement was running through him, too.
Soon though, Hoseok stirred from where they were sitting close together. He had been brushing a hand gently through Jungkook’s long hair as they had talked to each other about when, and how, their feelings had developed. Hoseok had told him that it had been the ball, the second ball.
“The way you had been so insulted on my behalf, unable to contain your ire at Mrs Lim and her daughter! I had thought then that you must be someone special. Someone worth knowing.”
Jungkook’s heart had grown impossibly warm at the words, at the thought, and he would be eager, later when he was alone, to go through all of his precious memories with Hoseok with this new knowledge and light to shine upon them.
“But it was that night when I heard you sing for the first time, that I felt my heart truly stir,” he had added, voice hushed and awed. Jungkook could well remember the way Hoseok had looked at him that night. He thrilled at the memory.
But now, it was Hoseok himself stirring, his hand falling softly from Jungkook’s hair.
“I suppose,” began he, “that I should go and seek your parents permission, before we get too much swept up in our dreams.”
Jungkook frowned, because that meant that Hoseok would have to move, but it should be done he knew.
When he looked again upon Hoseok’s face he saw that the nervousness had come back. And, well, Jungkook could not have that! Not after the very happy half an hour they had just spent together.
“They will agree. As long as it is my choice, and a match for love, they will see no reason to say no. And,” he added, reaching for Hoseok, his fingers brushing ever so gently against his warm cheek, “they like you very much already. Everything is in your favour, I assure you.”
Hoseok smiled, capturing Jungkook’s hand and bringing it to his mouth for another soft kiss. “I shall trust you, who knows them best.”
When he stood, Jungkook could see the way that Hoseok pulled his shoulders back and straightened his posture, and he loved him very much indeed for wanting to make a strong impression upon his parents. And then he was gone, to seek an audience with them, and Jungkook was left alone, waiting. He was not anxious, not really, he knew that his parents would not truly mind the nature of whoever he wished to marry, but he could not feel at ease until the matter was wholly settled.
He turned to take a sip of his forgotten tea and almost spat it out upon tasting how cold it had grown. Time had been too easy to lose track of, once they had started opening their thoughts and feelings to each other.
Soon, his mother slipped into the room, a look of surprise painted across her face. Jungkook stood as she came over to him, reaching for both of his hands.
“My dear, is it true?” She asked, searching his face, and all Jungkook could do was hope that every one of his feelings for Hoseok was clear for her to see. “Mr Jung has come to ask for your hand in marriage!”
Jungkook nodded, that giddy feeling rising within him once again. “I love him, Mama, and I wish very much to marry him.”
“You are certain? This is what you want?”
“I am,” said he. “I know that he is not Min Yoongi, or an omega, as you and father had hoped…”
“He is a very fine gentleman,” his mother said, and Jungkook felt that she was truly seeing him now, seeing the things that he wanted for himself, instead of the things that she had wanted for him. “And he will make an excellent husband, I am sure. He is well liked, respected, and to hear him tell it, besotted with you. You could not do better, I think.”
He was filled with such warmth at her words, unable to contain his joy. “I believe you are right about that.”
She laughed, a merry sound, and leaned in to press a fond kiss to his cheek. “I shall go put him out of his misery, and return him to you in a moment.” She gave his hands one last, affectionate squeeze and then she was gone, to ensure that his heart’s dream would come true.
It was not long before Hoseok came back in. Jungkook stood again and met him halfway across the room. He looked at Hoseok, a question on his face.
Hoseok beamed back at him, smiling with his entire body it seemed, radiating light and joy and love, all for Jungkook.
“Yes,” he said, taking both of Jungkook’s hands within his own, drawing them close together. “Yes! We are to be wed!”
Jungkook could not contain his delight at the words.
“If you will have me, that is, Mr Jeon?”
Jungkook laughed, louder than perhaps he should have, but it was difficult when every part of his entire being was alight with elation. He untwined one of their hands, but only so that he could reach up to Hoseok’s face. He cupped his cheek again, a soft touch, and almost felt himself melt at the way Hoseok leaned into his palm.
“Yes, please, Mr Jung.”
And then, in a slow, perfect dance they came together, their lips meeting for the first time in the softest, sweetest of kisses.
“Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, cousin.”
Jungkook still felt as if he were walking on clouds and that everything was bathed in sunbeams, even though hours had since passed, and now he was alone with his family as they supped. He could not stop thinking about it, however, and smiling to himself every time he did.
Seokjin was grinning at him over his soup, and Jungkook could not help but smile back. He could hardly believe it, but he had pinched himself many times since Hoseok had left, and had felt each of them also. He was most definitely awake.
“Mr Jung will make a good husband for you. He can put up with your company for hours, after all.” It was said playfully, as was their way, and Jungkook laughed.
“Thank you for your most sincere compliments, Seokjin.”
“But I just do not understand,” his aunt began, “how it is Mr Jung that you have ended up engaged to! What happened with Mr Min Yoongi?
“We are friends, aunt,” Jungkook patiently explained. “We did not wish to marry each other.”
“But you would have made such a beautifully matched pair!”
He knew that his aunt did not mean anything by it, and that she was in fact very happy for him; she liked Hoseok very much, as he had been friends with Seokjin for some years now. Jungkook shared a look with his cousin, who tilted his head and smiled in understanding.
“Mr Jung is a most excellent gentleman.”
Jungkook’s father, who rarely spoke, caught them all by surprise with his words. He looked up from his soup, observing them all for a moment, before returning to his food.
“I was very impressed with him when he came to talk to me,” he continued. “He expressed himself exceedingly well. Well-spoken, polite, the best manners I have ever seen. And when he spoke of his plans and wishes for the future, with Jungkook, he spoke most sincerely. I like him.”
And that was that; if Jungkook’s father felt enough to add an opinion on the matter, then it must be important.
It was not until the soup had been cleared away and their next course brought in, when Seokjin spoke up. “I do have some news to share myself today.”
Jungkook perked up with interest, in the middle of cutting the meat on his plate. Seokjin had been out this afternoon, on calls of his own, and Jungkook had been so wrapped up in his happy news, in Hoseok’s love, that he had forgotten to enquire about it. What a terrible cousin he was!
“Sorry to overshadow you, Jungkook, but…Min Yoongi himself is, in fact, engaged anyway.”
Jungkook’s eyes widened, Yoongi had given no hints, and he had not seen him pay particular interest to anyone beyond their friend group. How could this be?
“Who is it?” He asked, food momentarily forgotten. “Did this happen today, also? Oh, how exciting!”
Seokjin nodded. “Indeed yes, it was today. And he is engaged to me.”
“To you!” Jungkook almost screeched in his surprise.
“Seokjin!” His aunt said, staring across the table at her son. “You are not teasing, are you? Say you are not, you know how I feel about your teasing.”
Seokjin shook his head, although Jungkook knew by the very small, soft smile that lingered on his face, that he was sincere and spoke the truth.
“It is entirely true, I assure you. And I owe my thanks to you for it, cousin,” he added, looking across at Jungkook, who gaped.
“Me?”
“Yes indeed! Were it not for all the chaperoning I have had to do this Season, and for our parents here always pushing you so much in Mr Min’s company, I do not think it would have happened. So you have my sincerest thanks.” Although his tone was playful, Jungkook knew that Seokjin meant this also.
The irony of the situation did not escape him. How funny it was, that the match his mother and aunt had selected for him, had turned out to fall for his cousin instead!
“Are you in love with him?” Jungkook asked. He was well aware of all the different reasons people might get married, but he had always wished for Seokjin, as well as for himself, that theirs could be matches made from love. Although considering the many years that Seokjin had gone without courting anyone serious, to the point his mother had stopped trying, he could only assume that this came from a place of love, for them both.
Seokjin ducked his head, and Jungkook could see the tell–tale pink of his ears. “Oh, we might be in love,” he replied rather modestly. But Jungkook could see it, as clear as anything else within this room. His cousin’s heart had been utterly captured.
“Oh, I am so happy for you!” He declared. “So happy for you both! You will be very happy, I am sure.” He was indeed in too good a mood to even playfully tease Seokjin in return, but there would be plenty of time to make up for it later to be sure.
“I believe Mr Min will call tomorrow,” Seokjin continued, after clearing his throat, although his ears still remained pink, “to seek your blessing, Mama.”
Jungkook’s aunt sniffed, but he could see a pleased shine in her eyes all the same. “Good, you cannot declare it official before such things have been done.”
“No indeed,” Seokjin agreed, shooting a look Jungkook’s way that said he did very much consider it official, and the asking was just a formality. He did not think there would be anything to stop them, though, and even if Yoongi’s mother had always hoped for a noble to catch Yoongi’s eye, Jungkook did not think that she would be able to stop it going ahead, not if she adored her son as much as people said she did.
“I cannot believe it,” his aunt said, as they returned to their meals. “We have gone all Season with hardly any notable matches or weddings, and now we have two engagements!”
“Is it not wonderful?” Jungkook’s mother said, smiling over at Seokjin. “We should have a double wedding, do you not think? At home in the country. The house looks especially lovely in the late summer, would it not make a beautiful setting for them both?”
At those words Jungkook’s mind was already off, planning the flowers he would grow and tend in his garden for their weddings, the perfect blooms.
The talk continued around him, everyone sharing their thoughts, their wishes, plans already being discussed. He met Seokjin’s gaze again and they smiled, both of them perfectly happy in their outcomes.
**
Hoseok called on him the next day; they had already agreed that they wished to see as much of each other as they could, whilst they could, and they were permitted a half hour of privacy together in the drawing room.
“What is wrong?” Jungkook asked, as soon as they were alone. He could tell by the look upon Hoseok’s face that all was not quite as they had left it yesterday, and his heart trembled in worry.
“Oh, no, please,” Hoseok rushed to say, concern in his voice. “Please, do not, my feelings have not changed. I love you just as much today as I did yesterday. Perhaps more, in fact,” he added, a soft smile slowly lighting up his face, and Jungkook responded in kind. “But, well, I am concerned that your family may change their minds, with the news I bring you today.”
Oh, that did not sound good. Jungkook reached for Hoseok, pulling them both to sit together on the sofa. He did not let go of Hoseok’s hand as he gazed into his face.
“Tell me from the beginning what has happened, and then we will worry about other people’s opinions.”
There was nothing that could sway Jungkook, he could not imagine anything awful enough to ruin their joy and good news. But Hoseok himself still had a pinched look of concern on his face. Jungkook longed to reach up and smooth it away with his fingers.
Hoseok paused a moment to gather his words, before beginning to explain. “The news will make its way out amongst society soon enough, knowing the gossips, and I am afraid that it may blacken my name, and yours by association.”
“Whatever could have happened between yesterday and today?”
Jungkook’s aunt had only just left on her own morning calls, and he would not hear any news from without until much later.
“It is… Well, it happened yesterday, as I was leaving to see you. I did not hear about it until yesterday evening, when I saw my uncle. It is to do with Mr Ahn Chunsam.”
Now Jungkook was even more confused, but he tried to wait patiently for Hoseok to relate the full story to him. Understanding would come, he was sure.
“He has, in short, ruined himself. Spent all of his wealth, racked up debts, and gone bankrupt.”
Jungkook gasped in shock.
Hoseok nodded, face serious. “I do not know the details, just that it is true. That is why he has spent all Season trying to make a match with someone wealthy, to save him.”
Thoughts came together slowly in Jungkook’s mind, thread by thread, all the mentions he had heard over time in polite conversations and small talk, background gossip, linking Mr Ahn Chunsam’s name with someone different each time.
He looked to Hoseok with a frown. “But that does not explain how you and your uncle’s name may be affected. Surely neither of you had any knowledge of this?”
“Indeed no!” Hoseok exclaimed, his fingers tightening around Jungkook’s. “No, I had not a clue at all. Mr Ahn is not a friend of mine, and I cannot say that I hold him in any particular regard. And as for my uncle, no, I do not think he knew either. But this last piece of information will, I think, make it clear to you.
“You see, yesterday morning, Mr Ahn Chunsam ran away, with one of my uncle’s maids. So now there is no one to save him, and he has sealed his fate entirely.”
This Jungkook was not expecting at all, and he could not contain his disbelief. “I do not understand quite how your uncle is involved in this?” said he, eventually, still attempting to weave the threads together until he could see the picture they made.
“My uncle was good friends with Mr Ahn’s parents, when they were alive, and I suppose he has tried to help Mr Ahn when he can. Look out for him, in a way, although it has been many years since he has taken any of my uncle’s advice, I am sure.”
“Indeed,” Jungkook could not help but agree, “or else he might not have ruined himself to this extent.”
“That is why he would have even met Rose - the maid in question - in the first place. And why it may make society…look down upon the Jung name once the news is out.”
Jungkook’s frown deepened. He leaned forward, still holding Hoseok’s hand tightly within his own. “But it is neither of your fault!” He exclaimed. “Your uncle certainly cannot be held responsible for something that Mr Ahn, and this Rose, have decided to do! Why should any blame come your way?”
“I agree,” Hoseok nodded, yet still he looked distressed. “But the ton may not see it that way. And I would…I would hate to pull you down with me, if this scandal encompasses my name.”
“You will not,” answered Jungkook, voice determined. “I do not care what the ton will think, their opinions on our own private matters hold no sway with me. And if they deign to look down upon you for something that you have had no involvement in at all, well, then I want nothing to do with them anyway.”
Hoseok stared at him, and the look in his face was one that Jungkook had never quite seen before. He looked wonderstruck. It took him several moments to be able to respond, and when he did his voice was thick with emotion.
“You are quite incredible, do you know that?”
Jungkook preened within at the words, feeling pleased and elated and a touch shy, but without he tried to remain collected, a difficult feat indeed, with the way Hoseok still looked at him. “I do try,” he joked.
“You are certain? That you, or your family, will not resent me if this is taken badly?”
“I am positive. I will talk with my mother anyway, perhaps she will have some ideas of how we can respond, if it comes to that. She is quite good at playing these societal games, where I am not. But Hoseok,” he continued, gazing into Hoseok’s face, “there is nothing I have been more certain of, than my wish to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Hoseok blushed at the words, a full, pink blush across his cheeks, and Jungkook delighted in the shy look he had caused. Their fingers twined together softly now. Hoseok’s thumb was running in small, soft circles against the back of Jungkook’s palm, and he had never felt a touch so nice, so fond before as this.
“You said you were not good with words, but you were wrong. Everything you have said to me has been very pretty.”
“I am trying very hard to make you swoon,” Jungkook admitted.
Hoseok huffed out a soft laugh as they leaned into each other. “You do not have to try. One look from you and my heart forgets how to beat.”
They pressed their foreheads together, and Jungkook felt his heart warm and grow and expand, felt comfort settle into his very bones. They shared their breaths, their hearts.
“You are not so bad with your words either,” replied Jungkook, a small smile on his face.
“I am also trying very hard with them.”
They shared a laugh together. Eventually Jungkook pulled back, just a little, and tugged on Hoseok’s hand until he could raise it towards his face. His heart was racing, his pulse loud in his ears, as the thought enveloped him.
“May I,” he began, voice a low whisper, “May I…” with his other hand he brushed back the ruffled collar around Hoseok’s wrist, his fingers just barely touching the bare skin beneath. He looked back to Hoseok’s face, their eyes locking, and he could hear the breath as it hitched within Hoseok’s chest.
“Please?”
Hoseok’s breathing had picked up, and he sounded a little breathless when he answered. “You might not…you might not be able to catch anything. I am wearing diffuser.”
“I know,” Jungkook answered. His fingers skirted around that sensitive spot along Hoseok’s inner wrist. He saw as a shiver worked its way through Hoseok, and felt the same beneath his own skin. “But I wish to try. I miss it.” It was a bold admission, but true. He had not once stopped thinking of Hoseok’s lovely scent from the moment he had first caught it, out there in the darkened garden.
Slowly, Hoseok nodded at him. If Jungkook were to press a hand to Hoseok’s chest right now, would it be racing along in time with his own? He suspected as much. But he did not want to pull his hands from Hoseok’s just yet.
“Jungkook…” Hoseok whispered his name, his eyes closing slowly as Jungkook drew his wrist towards his face.
He brushed his nose against the skin so gently, his own eyes closing as he inhaled deeply. The most prominent smell was the lack of one, the diffuser, but Jungkook did not give up quite yet. He nuzzled his nose against the inside of Hoseok’s wrist, against the scent gland there, and let out a soft sigh of contentment a moment later.
There it was, a splash of fresh, spring rain. Of damp earth. Of new life, and new growth. Of everything that Jungkook loved and cherished upon this world.
“Oh,” he heard Hoseok breathe.
Then, ever so softly, Jungkook pressed a kiss to that spot, the place where he could smell the rain, and he felt Hoseok tremble beside him with feeling. Feeling that coursed through Jungkook also. He could not wait to be able to scent him properly, once they were married. When it would be just them two, alone, and they could do away with the diffusers and the ruffles in the privacy of their home. When Jungkook could nuzzle and scent all he wished, could cover himself in the smell of spring rain. When Hoseok could scent him back. When rain and gardenia could mix and bloom together in perfect harmony.
Beneath his scent Jungkook could smell it too, hints of some of the emotions that Hoseok was feeling in this moment. Though he did not need to scent to know that much, not when every inch of Hoseok vibrated his love.
There was a hand in his hair then, brushing through in soft, fond strokes, and Jungkook sighed. He nuzzled that spot once again and felt another small burst of rain against his senses. Delightful, everything about Hoseok was so utterly, endlessly delightful.
“What do you scent?” Hoseok breathed out upon a whisper.
“Love,” answered Jungkook. He pretended playful astonishment as he said, “You love me?”
Hoseok laughed in surprise, a soft, sunny sound. “Well yes, but you know this already.”
Jungkook raised his head, catching Hoseok’s gaze, a smile playing properly across his face now. “I do,” he agreed, “I just like to hear you say it.”
There was a gentle, teasing tug on his hair before the fingers resumed their tender stroking. Jungkook did not let go of Hoseok’s other wrist, his own fingers still gently brushing against his skin.
“Whatever shall I do with you?” Hoseok asked, a fond look in his soft eyes. Jungkook had never felt such love before.
Jungkook grinned, bright and wide and still playful. “Oh, marry me, I suppose.”
And so, dear reader, that is just what they did.