Chapter Text
Seokjin elegantly twirled his ribbon, its vibrant colors slicing through the air perfectly. His every movement was fluid - each step, each leap, a testament to the years of discipline and practice. His face remained stoic, betraying none of the storm brewing inside him. His focus was unyielding, though his thoughts often wandered to that one person who consumed his mind - a senior gymnast he admired more than anyone else.
Kim Jihoon. The name rang in Seokjin's mind like a soft melody that he could not forget. Jihoon was not just any athlete. He was the athlete. An alpha of unmatched capability and poise, his runs were a fusion of force and elegance. Since the day Seokjin joined the national team, he had been automatically attracted to Jihoon like a moth to a flame.
Seokjin's shyness often made him Invisible in the noisy world of competition but he was fine with it. For one, he could just observe Jihoon from afar, admiring every move the alpha made without ever getting caught in the act. He never dared look into his eyes during the discussion on team strategy because his heart would start to beat so fast, his eyes dart away with his over-exerted senses for the Alpha's magnetic aura.
He remembered the first time Jihoon had spoken to him, just a simple "good job, Seokjin" after an especially gruesome practice. The words sounded casual, but to Seokjin, they became like some sort of benediction from on high. He had spoken softly, stuttering some incoherent "thank you," his face burning to fiery shades of red, and he still remembered that moment. This time, though, Jihoon's voice was as soothing as his movements on the mat - strong yet tender, commanding yet kind.
He would sit in his room thinking about Jihoon's routine. The alpha's moves were always powerful but that small fragile vulnerability in his performance drew Seokjin to him like a moth to flame - it was as if he was exposing his soul to the world, and this silent observer was humbled that he could be a witness to it.
If only I could tell him... Seokjin thought, clutching the ribbon tightly around his fingers. At the mere thought of confessing his feelings, he shivered. Jihoon would laugh at him, or worse, be disgusted by him. He could not bear the thought of rejection, so, he bottled all this up and channeled his adoration onto his art.
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A few days later, the group all-around had reached a victorious end, and Seokjin found himself embracing the first gold medal he had earned along with his teammates. His teammates made it his duty to carry it around after they were done taking the pictures. The moment was surreal. He felt a rare sense of pride in himself while standing on the podium, hearing the national anthem play. But even in his moment of glory, his eyes had sought out Jihoon in the crowd. The alpha was clapping, his smile warm and genuine.
Later that night, the team was present at the championship gala. It was a grand affair wherein athletes from all four corners of the world mingled and celebrated. Seokjin never liked such a gathering; most times, he wanted to be in the quiet confines of a practice hall, but tonight was special. Tonight, he had a purpose.
The gold medal hanging around his neck gave him a fleeting sense of courage. He told himself that this was the night he would confess to Jihoon. He had rehearsed the words a hundred times in his mind, imagining every possible response. Even if Jihoon didn't feel the same, Seokjin wanted him to know how much he admired him.
He glanced across the room, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Jihoon by the bar. The alpha looked effortlessly stunning in that tailored suit, his easy laughter carrying over the soft hum of conversations. The omega found himself hesitating, his feet rooted to the ground.
Just go and say it. He told himself, his hands quivering under the length of his grip on the medal. Taking a deep breath, he started walking towards Jihoon, pacing through the crowd in rhythmic steps.
But he stiffened as soon as he reached the edge of the bar.
Jihoon wasn't alone.
Seokjin's breath hitched as he saw another omega leaning into Jihoon, their faces inches apart. They were laughing, the kind of intimate laughter that needed no words. And then, before Seokjin could process what was happening, Jihoon leaned in and kissed the omega.
Time seemed to slow down. The world around him turned into scattered colors and noises as he became aware of the scene unfolding right in front of him - the laughter, the touch, and the kiss - all of it breaking into the fragile hope he had been holding for so long.
He wanted to look away, but he couldn't. His chest tightened at the sharp pain that now spread through him as he realized that Jihoon would never be his. The alpha he had idolized and poured all his quiet admiration and unspoken love into now shared those moments with someone else.
Without thinking, Seokjin turned and slipped away, his steps hurried but silent. No one noticed as he left the gala, his gold medal now feeling like a hollow weight around his neck.
He found himself in the quiet solitude of the balcony, the cool night air brushing against his flushed cheeks. The stars above offered no comfort, their indifferent light only amplifying the darkness within him. Seokjin leaned against the railing, his fingers gripping the cold metal as he fought back tears.
He wanted to scream, to cry, to let out the storm of emotions raging inside him, but he couldn't. His pain was his own, and he would bear it in silence, as he always had.
Why did I think I had a chance? he thought bitterly. Jihoon was a confident, and radiant alpha, the kind of person who deserved someone equally dazzling by his side. Seokjin, with his quiet demeanor and shy glances, had been foolish to think he could ever be enough.
The bitterness settled into a cold resolve. If Jihoon couldn't see him, couldn't see the depth of his feelings, then Seokjin would bury them. He would channel his pain into his performances, and let his movements speak the words he could never say.
Wiping his eyes, Seokjin straightened, his expression calm once more. The world didn't need to know about his heartbreak. He would return to the practice hall tomorrow, as focused and determined as ever.
But deep down, a part of him knew that things would never be the same.
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The soft buzz of chatter and laughter from the bar mingled with the hum of a jukebox playing a tune Seokjin couldn't quite place. He sat hunched at a corner table, far from his usual composed self. In front of him were scattered remnants of a meal he barely remembered ordering, alongside an array of empty glasses that had once been filled with colorful cocktails and shots of strong liquor.
Seokjin swirled his current drink - something fruity and deceptively potent - staring into the liquid as if it could drown the ache in his chest. His heart felt heavy, crushed under the weight of his unspoken feelings for Jihoon and the image of that kiss. The sting of rejection burned deeper than the alcohol sliding down his throat.
For someone who prided himself on control, tonight was an anomaly. He had indulged recklessly, pushing past his limits in an attempt to numb the pain. His cheeks were flushed from both the alcohol and the uncharacteristic attention he received from a few onlookers.
"You're cute," a stranger had said earlier, and Seokjin had responded with a bashful giggle before returning to his drink. This fleeting boldness was strange, like a shield he'd never worn before.
When Seokjin finally stumbled out into the cool night air, the world spun slightly, but he welcomed it. At least the dizziness kept his thoughts from circling back to Jihoon. He leaned against the wall outside the bar, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
That's when Taehyung noticed him.
The confident striker from the soccer team had been passing by after an informal gathering with his teammates. Dressed in a casual leather jacket and ripped jeans, the young alpha exuded effortless charm, his stride relaxed as he hummed to himself. He was about to walk past the bar when a familiar figure caught his eye.
Taehyung paused, tilting his head as he recognized the reserved rhythmic gymnast who was usually so composed and polite. The sight of the omega - flushed, unsteady, and far from his usual quiet and focused self - piqued the alpha's curiosity.
"Seokjin?" Taehyung called out, stepping closer.
Seokjin's eyes fluttered open, and he blinked at Taehyung. His usual nervousness seemed to evaporate under the haze of alcohol, replaced by a teasing grin that startled Taehyung.
"Well, well," Seokjin slurred slightly, his voice playful. "If it isn't the campus heartthrob."
Taehyung chuckled, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "You okay there, gymnast? You look like you've had... a lot."
"Why, thank you for noticing," Seokjin said dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest as if touched by the observation. Then, to Taehyung's utter surprise, he leaned in closer and whispered, "Call me Princess."
Taehyung blinked, momentarily stunned. This wasn't the quiet Seokjin who would avoid interactions or the shy Seokjin who blushed at the smallest compliment. This was someone entirely different - someone flirty, bold, and heartbreakingly vulnerable.
"Princess, huh?" Taehyung said, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Alright, Princess. What's got you in such a state tonight?"
Seokjin pouted, his lips pursed in a way that shouldn't have been as distracting as it was. "Alphas are stupid," he declared, crossing his arms like a petulant child. "Especially ones with pretty faces and stupid smiles."
Taehyung raised an eyebrow, piecing things together. "Ah, I see. Alpha troubles. Did he break your heart?"
Seokjin sighed, his expression softening as the bravado faltered for a moment. "He didn't even know he had it to break," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
The vulnerability in Seokjin's words tugged at something in Taehyung. He didn't know the details, but it didn't sit right with him to see someone so genuinely heartbroken.
"Come on, Princess," Taehyung said gently, offering his hand. "You shouldn't be out here alone like this."
Seokjin stared at the hand for a moment before taking it, his fingers warm and trembling slightly. "You're sweet," he said, his flirtatious tone returning as he stepped closer to Taehyung. "I like sweet alphas."
Taehyung laughed softly, steadying Seokjin as they moved away from the bar. "You're so full of surprises tonight."
They didn't make it far before Seokjin stopped abruptly, looking up at the alpha with wide, glossy eyes. "You're really handsome," he blurted out, his cheeks darkening. "And your jawline... it's, like, illegal."
Taehyung couldn't help but laugh, his deep voice resonating in the quiet street. "I'll take that as a compliment. You're not so bad yourself, Princess."
Before he could process what was happening, Seokjin tugged at Taehyung's jacket, pulling him closer. Their faces were inches apart, and Taehyung could smell the faint mix of alcohol and something uniquely Seokjin.
"Kiss me," Seokjin whispered, his voice both daring and vulnerable. "Make me forget."
Taehyung hesitated for a split second, searching Seokjin's eyes. He could see the pain lingering behind the bold facade, but he also saw something else - a silent plea for comfort, for distraction.
"Alright, Princess," Taehyung murmured, leaning in.
Their lips met, and the world seemed to be still for a moment. His kiss was hesitant initially, but it deepened when Taehyung responded with gentle confidence. Seokjin's hands found their way to Taehyung's collar, pulling him closer as if afraid to let go.
The kiss was heated, charged with emotions that neither of them fully understood. For Seokjin, it was an escape from the ache in his chest. For Taehyung, it was a chance to offer solace to someone who needed it.
When they finally pulled apart, Seokjin's breath was uneven, his eyes half-lidded as he whispered, "Thanks, Tae..."
Taehyung smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Seokjin's face. "Anytime, Princess."