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With every breath, the icy air filled his lungs. With every step, the sound of snow crunching beneath his feet echoed around him. After traveling for several days in the brutal freezing weather in his slightly damp and frosted uniform, Jeongguk should be tired. However, at the moment, he’s never felt more alive.
“Head Alpha Jeon-”
Jeongguk halts and immediately whips his head around to look at the warrior behind him.
“Out here, you must refer to me as Gguk.”
“H-how could I, Head Al-”
Jeongguk sighs, “While I’m with you guys, I at least want to be myself and not the head alpha.” He smiles wearily.
Since he was born, he’s been raised for one purpose: To take over his father’s position as the head alpha. As a result, as soon as he could walk, he began training in the art of fighting.
He hasn’t stopped ever since.
Whether it be in their human form or in their wolf form, he was considered a master in both of them. The feeling of his blade stabbing through someone’s body or the feeling of his teeth sinking into the neck of another wolf came to him so naturally. Being the head alpha, however, felt completely foreign. When he compared himself to his father, he still felt like a pup being reared by his mother. His father was a good leader. He was eloquent with his words, good with expressing his opinion, and beloved by everyone in the pack.
Jeongguk always felt inferior when he compared himself to his father. When he sat in council meetings, he often found himself wondering what his father would’ve said in this situation or in that one. He knew his strengths and his weaknesses, but that didn’t mean he could suddenly become a changed man overnight. It’s something that he would have to learn with time and experience.
Until then, this was the best that he could do for his people.
“Of course, Head Al- Gguk, my apologies.”
“Thank you,” Jeongguk smiles genuinely, “What were you saying earlier?”
“The village is just on the other side of this hill. Once we reach our destination, the sun will already be long gone. What is your plan of action?”
He nods and considers his warrior’s words. No matter what time of day or what type of weather he comes across, being out in the forest isn’t a concern for him. For his comrades, however…
“We’ll stay inside of the village, visit their mess hall, and attempt to gather information. Tomorrow, with a full-rested body, we’ll hunt.”
“We will follow your command, Alpha Gguk.” He bows his head slightly and the other warriors follow suit.
-:-
“Alpha Gguk?”
Lifting his head up from his plate, Jeongguk comes face to face with an elderly woman.
“Gguk! It’s been years since I’ve seen you. Where have you gone?” She grasps onto his forearm, shaking it lighty.
“Elder Yoon,” He smiles, “I didn’t think anyone here would recognize me.”
She gasps, scandalized, “How could you say that! After everything you did for our village, how could we forget about such a wonderful person?” She crosses her arms over her chest, “You did much more for us than the current Head Alpha ever could.”
His smile falters for a moment, “I’m glad I could help you, Elder Yoon. As always, I’ve been roaming our pack lands dealing with ferals along with my comrades.”
“The Head Alpha doesn’t deserve warriors like you,” She tuts and shakes her head, “But I’m glad you’re here. With winter blanketing the area, resources are difficult to come across. Traveling to the neighboring village for supplies has become impossible with the pack of ferals terrorizing our lands.”
“Not a lone feral, but a pack of them?” Jeongguk questions.
“Is telling an outsider our struggles truly the best thing to do, Grandmother?”
“Park Jimin, watch your tongue!” She turns around to scold the young man behind her, who has enough sense to look shameful for his words.
“I’m sorry, Grandmother. I only worry that telling someone our troubles would make us seem weak. I wouldn’t want a target to be put on our heads.”
Her eyes soften as she places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently before giving him a reassuring smile, “I know you mean well, Jimin. Thank you for your concern.”
The man nods and looks at Jeongguk, “I apologize for my words. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
“None taken.”
“Gguk here is part of the Head Alpha’s army. Perhaps the man has finally heard of our troubles and has finally sent us some help.” She scoffs.
“Maybe it is you who should watch your tongue, Grandmother. Bad-mouthing the Head Alpha could be seen as treason.”
He knows that his people don’t see him in a good light, but did they truly think that he was so low as to scold an elderly woman on such a trivial topic?
“The Head Alpha doesn’t have time to reprimand every single pack member for their unfavorable opinion.” He comments.
“True. It would take him much too long to do so.”
“Grandmother!”
She tuts in disapproval, “You learn much too quickly, Jimin.”
Jimin sighs and shakes his head, “You say that the Head Alpha hasn’t done anything for us, but I feel like our village has become more peaceful under his rule. So I, for one, am thankful,” He looks at Jeongguk, “Alpha Gguk and the other warriors here came under the command of the Head Alpha, did they not?”
Elder Yoon frowns and mumbles discontentedly.
Jimin disregards his grandmother’s displeased demeanor, “You and the other warriors were sent here to deal with the pack of ferals?”
He nods, “Yes. If it’s not too much trouble, could you give us more information? We plan on resting for the night before continuing with our mission in the morning.”
“Of course.”
-:-
Jeongguk takes a look at the scene in front of him before wiping away the lingering blood on his dagger and placing it back into its holster.
“To take several of them out while in your human form… you truly are an amazing warrior.”
Since the ferals were so focused on their own kill, taking them down was easier than they imagined. The frigid weather combined with the lack of food and shelter will take a toll on one’s body, after all. Especially if one’s mind has been lost.
“Nevermind that. Were you able to catch them?” He turns his head to look at the warrior.
“Easily.”
“Good,” He lets out a sigh and returns to the blood bath in front of him. Splatters of blood decorate the snow-covered forest floor while the bodies of the deceased are littered haphazardly around the area, “Perhaps this is all that I’m good for.”
“I’m sorry?”
He looks aimlessly into the forest as he ponders over the direction of his future, “I feel the best with a dagger in my hand and blood pumping fiercely through my veins. I am unfit for the position of Head Alpha. My talents align much more with those of a warrior.”
“I didn’t know you had such thoughts running around in your head.”
“I, too, am just a man.”
Silence settles between them.
“If I may speak on the matter…”
“You may.”
“To be able to think of such a thing proves that you are more than worthy for the position, Head Alpha Jeon.”
His eyes move downwards and he stares blankly at the crimson colored snow.
“Your wisdom and bravery make you more than qualified to be the Head Alpha. As a warrior, I am proud to have you as a leader.”
“...Is that so?” He lets the words sink into his head, “I suppose all I need to do is to find someone with more wisdom and bravery, then, to take my position.”
“I don’t believe such a person exists, Head Alpha.”
Jeongguk laughs, “Is it so difficult to speak to me informally?”
“My apologies, Alpha Gguk.”
“No matter, as long as you refrain from doing so inside of the village.”
The sound of multiple footsteps followed by cheerful conversation break through the brush of the forest, “Alpha Gguk! We’ve captured their hunt!” The carcass of a deer is spread out evenly amongst the group of warriors, balancing out its weight.
He smiles, “Good job. We’ll bring the meat back to the village. I’m sure they'll appreciate it along with the news of the ferals being slayed.”
“Yes, Alpha Gguk!”
-:-
Jeongguk and his warriors stand in the middle of the village square, now with several more deer carcasses piled neatly in front of them.
“The ferals have been dealt with and the village will be safe once more! To help with your troubles, we’ve helped gather food for the remainder of the winter.” Jeongguk announces and the crowd cheers with enthusiasm.
“Oh my, Gguk! You didn’t have to go so far. Just dealing with the ferals would’ve been enough.” Elder Yoon looks around at all of the meat they’ve gathered.
He smiles sadly, “You lost a few of your hunters due to the ferals. It cannot make up for the lives lost, but for the ones who live on, I hope it will help.”
She smiles warmly and looks at him with appreciation before turning around to face the crowd, “A festival will be held in their honor!” She shouts and the crowd cheers once more.
“Oh, Elder Yoon-” He reaches out to grab her shoulder.
“Hush, child! You cannot expect me to just let you walk away, do you?”
“A festival is too much, a small banquet will-” He puts his hands up defensively.
“Nonsense!” She playfully swats his hands away, “We could use a good reason to celebrate, anyway. Give us two days and we’ll have you properly honored.”
Jeongguk remains silent, a small smile on his face as he laughs inwardly at his predicament.
‘Child.’
Perhaps he is a bit childish for thinking he could run away from his position as the Head Alpha and from this festival.
-:-
A few days later, a grand festival was indeed held in their honor.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a cheerful celebration.”
Jeongguk looks to his side to see none other than Omega Park standing next to him. The lights around them are warm and give his face a beautiful glow.
“I cannot remember the last time I attended such a joyful event.” Jeongguk says truthfully. Since he’s taken over his father’s position, he’s been swamped with work. Although it’s his duty as the head alpha to attend social gatherings, he’s completely disregarded them. The council members haven’t said anything regarding his behavior, either, so he’s remained indifferent to the situation.
“All the more reason to enjoy it then, no? Why’re you here all alone? Your warriors seem to be having a great time.”
A small smile appears on his face as he takes a look at his comrades' care-free appearance. Their laughter is so loud that it carries over the live music being played as well as the other conversations being held.
“Don’t mind me. I’m content with simply watching them. Plus, someone has to take care of them after they’re done with their drunken shenanigans.”
“What an admirable leader.”
Jimin is most likely just talking about how he’s leading the group of warriors and not the entire pack, but Jeongguk still takes a quick look at him.
“However, as much as you enjoy watching your subordinates, nothing can compare to actually experiencing the festival for yourself,” Jimin turns around and rustles through his basket, “Here,” He holds a flower in between them, “Take this flower. When you find someone you want to spend the festival with, give this to them.”
Jeongguk carefully takes the flower out of Jimin’s hand, “I see… this must be a custom here.” He looks down at it before returning his gaze to Jimin, who has a soft smile spread across his face.
“Yes. Maybe they don’t do it where you’re from, but in this village, we deeply adore the language of flowers,” Jimin begins to distance himself, “A festival isn’t held very often, so please don’t waste this opportunity to enjoy yourself.”
“...Thank you.”
Jimin bows, “I’ll be on my way then.”
Jeongguk watches as Jimin turns around and begins to walk away before he clutches onto the flower tightly and calls out for him.
“Omega Park, please, wait a moment.”
“Hm?” He turns around to look at Jeongguk with surprise.
“I would like to give you this flower.”
Jimin’s neck slowly begins to flush before spreading to his face, “B-but I just gave you this flower to give to someone else.”
“Am I not allowed to re-gift you your own flower? I’m sorry, this is the only one I have,” He holds out the flower between them once again, “I would like to give you this flower and I would like to spend the festival with you. You may feel free to refuse, however, if that’s the case, then I won’t be able to enjoy the festival like you wanted me to.”
Jimin giggles upon hearing Jeongguk’s words, “How mean of you,” He teases, “If you put it like that, how could I refuse? I suppose I’ll have to stay by your side to show you how to enjoy a festival, Alpha Gguk.”
He accepts the flower back from Jeongguk and they walk around the festival visiting different booths. Once Jimin decides that they’ve done enough, he guides them to sit by the fire in the middle of the village square and they sit in a comfortable silence.
“Everyone in the village seems so…happy.”
Jimin looks at him with one of his eyebrows raised and a slightly incredulous look on his face, “We’re at a festival, Gguk, of course they are. This is how we create warmth in the bitter cold of winter.”
After they spent some time together walking around the festival, Jimin had gotten comfortable with the alpha and had forgone formalities. Jeongguk isn't bold enough to do the same.
“It’s much colder here than other places across the pack’s territory. Do you not resent the weather here? The snow that blankets the area in an icy landscape?”
“Hmm… I used to think that way when I was younger,” Jimin has a nostalgic look on his face full of fondness, “I suppose my mother grew tired of me complaining because one day she gave me one of these flowers,” He twirls the flower in his hand by the stem, “Do know what she said?”
“What did she say?”
“Only when the world is blanketed in pure snow does it become a canvas worthy of this flower’s beauty,” He looks at the flower lovingly, “I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Only against the white of the snow, are you able to truly appreciate something… or someone,” He looks up shyly towards Jeongguk before coughing in embarrassment by his own words, “Those words have stuck with me, and I’ve loved the snow ever since.”
Jeongguk nods in acknowledgement, “She sounds like quite the romantic.”
“Oh, that woman…” He smiles warmly once again at the flower in his hand, “She certainly had a way of showing her love. Flowers have their own language, you see, and there are multiple different ways for them to be interpreted,” He holds up the flower in between them, “It’s a good thing I knew what she meant when she handed me this flower. It’s the first flower she ever gifted to me, and it represents love," He pauses, “My mother wanted to teach me the beauty of the world. Sometimes, words fail to convey their meaning: a fleeting glance can mean much more than a long conversation,” He looks up towards Jeongguk, “If you don’t know how to express yourself with words, perhaps you don’t need to. Your actions can show someone how you feel instead,” He smiles, “But enough about me, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”
“Hmm, my life in comparison is very boring.”
“That’s unfair,” He pouts, “I’m the only one here sharing stories. If you have nothing to say, then I’m going to go home.”
Jeongguk’s eyes widen and he’s quick to reply, “I barely remember my mother,” He begins, “My father was a man of few words, but he always worked hard to show how much he cared,” He pauses, “That kept him really busy, so I never saw much of him. But I don’t mean to complain. My father was a great man and I’ve always admired him,” He looks wistfully into the distance, “One day, he handed me a dagger and told me that I needed to become stronger if I were to protect others. Fortunately, I took to it quickly. Unfortunately, I still don’t understand my father’s words. I didn’t become stronger to protect other people. I became stronger simply because I enjoyed learning the art of fighting,” Silence stretches between them and he whispers in a low voice, “I don’t know if I can live to be like my father.”
“...Those are some heavy thoughts.”
“They do weigh upon me. Of course, they could all just be meaningless worries…”
“I don’t think that’s true. It’s an important matter to you, Gguk. Since you care so deeply about it, don’t you think you have more in common with your father than you realize?” He smiles reassuringly.
“Thank you, Omega Park, I hope that’s the case.”
“Ah, but this is hardly the type of conversation one should be having at a festival. Let’s talk about some brighter things. Something fun!”
“A fun story… I shall consider it.”
“Such a serious response…” Jimin holds back his laughter.
Jeongguk's face softens when he looks at Jimin, “Do you know the story of the Smeraldo flower?”
“Oh, yes! It’s a legendary flower that only shows itself during a full moon, blessed by the Goddess above. It’s said to be quite the beauty. My mother often talked about it.”
“I happened to come across one during my travels. It’s as beautiful as they say it is.”
“I hope that I can see it for myself one day.”
“Then I’ll-”
“Hm?”
Jeongguk hesitates for a moment before speaking.
“Nevermind, it was nothing.”
-:-
For the remainder of the festival, Jeongguk spends his time with Jimin. Towards the end of the festival, he notices that Jimin seems quite depressed.
“Omega Park, I see you’re still being a dutiful pack member by carrying around your basket and handing out flowers. Is it going well today?”
“Honestly, it’s a bit slow. The last day of the festival is tomorrow, after all.”
“The last day… what a pity.”
His eyes widen slightly at Jeongguk’s remark, “Gguk… you aren’t disappointed, are you?”
He sighs, “I suppose I’ve grown attached to this village. As for the festival, it’s the first time I’ve enjoyed one. Perhaps this is the kind of world my father was trying to create. It could also be the reason why he urged me to train - to protect all of this.”
“...I can’t quite understand you. You insist that you’re fine, but there’s always this terrible look of loneliness in your gaze,” He looks more downcast than before, “Once the festival is over, you’re going to leave, aren’t you?”
“I suppose so, since it’s my duty.”
“Right… of course. Well, if that’s what you've decided, before you leave, there’s something I want you to know.”
“What is it?” Jeongguk feels hopeful, although he's not too sure why.
“Maybe you noticed it when you first arrived, but the pack members in this village were terrified. We never knew when the ferals would strike again. But now… there are smiles on everyone’s faces. This is the world that you’ve created through your training.”
“I only did what I had to do.”
“Doing what you have to do might not be as easy as you think.”
“...”
“Thanks to you, everyone here is safe and at peace, and that’s true for me, too. Thank you for giving me your flower and spending the festival with me. Our time together was short, but I was happy,” A small smile graces his face, “I hope you can set aside your worries and be at ease. You’re a much better person than you think you are, Gguk.”
“Thank you, Omega Park. No one has ever said something like this to me before. Perhaps I can carry on, just as my father wished,” He pauses, “I don’t want to leave, but…”
“But?”
Jeongguk sighs and turns around, “But I must leave. I must do my part.”
“Of course. I knew you’d do that,” He smiles down at the ground, “I expected nothing less coming from you,” He turns around as well, “I-I think I’ll take my leave for the night. I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival.”
At the sound of Jimin’s retreating footsteps, he turns his body around to face the direction Jimin is walking away from, watching as the omega’s body disappears into the distance. Only once he can no longer see the outline of his body, does Jeongguk begin to walk back towards his living quarters.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” He asks one of his warriors once he’s through the front door.
“I am. You should enjoy yourself as well, Gguk. You’ll regret not having these memories to keep you warm during cold nights.”
Jeongguk remains quiet.
The warrior hums, “Perhaps you aren’t aware of it since you only know about the art of fighting, but flowers have their own language. Love, passion, desire, respect… Didn’t you receive a flower from the person next to you during the festival? You should find out what it means and be honest with yourself.”
“...I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”
He sighs, “I suppose I won’t be able to convince you. I’ll be on my way then.”
As the door shuts behind him, Jeongguk thinks about his words.
‘Regret… Flowers have their own language.’ He mumbles to himself.
There’s only one more day left of the festival. He knows what he needs to do.
He braves the cold winter night with the full moon shining above him, lighting up his path.
“There you are. You’re still as beautiful as the last time I saw you,” His breath freezes as he speaks and the frosty air lingers in front of him. A fresh blanket of snow surrounds the flower, enhancing its beauty, “However…” He bends down to pluck the flower, “I’ve found something... someone much more beautiful.”
Upon returning to his living quarters, he carefully puts the flower inside of a vase and leaves it sitting by the window to absorb the moonlight shining through it. He spends the next day walking around the village with the flower neatly tucked into the inner pocket of his coat looking for Jimin, but everytime he sees him, the omega slips away into the crowd.
“Omega Park!” He shouts, but Jimin continues to walk away from him, “Jimin!” He finally manages to catch up to him, “Why do you keep running away from me? Do you not wish to see me anymore?”
“I’m simply returning home. It’s the end of the festival, nobody needs flowers anymore,” He slowly turns around to face him, “But why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be leaving soon?”
“I still have business to attend to here.”
“Then I’ll leave you to it. Farewell.” He quickly turns around, but Jeongguk grasps onto Jimin’s basket, halting his movement and closing the distance between them.
“The business that I have to attend to involves you, Jimin. Please, hear me out,” He whispers in a low voice. When Jimin doesn’t move, he continues to speak, “The things you said to me…The time we shared together… Those moments led me to an unfamiliar happiness,” Silence stretches between them as Jimin listens intently to Jeongguk’s words, “Jimin, I intended to turn away from you and continue on my way… But I don’t think I can do that anymore.”
“You were so insistent on leaving…”
“It’s- I’m afraid that I must,” He bites his bottom lip, “A fool like me, so dull and serious… How could I make you happy? I never had someone I wanted to protect before. But you, anything that you love… anything that you cherish, I want to protect it all. Even if it means protecting the entire pack,” He pauses, “Jimin, will you come with me?”
“The entire pack? N-no, you’re actually..? Jeon Jeongguk? As in Head Alpha Jeon Jeongguk?!” Jimin staggers backwards slightly from spinning around so fast to meet Jeongguk’s gaze, and Jeongguk reaches out to balance him.
“Just Jeongguk will suffice, Jimin, but I didn’t want to lie to you anymore.” He removes the flower from his pocket and puts it in between them.
“The legendary Smeraldo flower… It’s real.” He looks at the flower in awe.
“Not everything that I said to you was a lie.”
“It’s truly beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you, Jimin.”
He looks up at Jeongguk in shock.
“I wanted to tell you how I feel with words, but I’m not gifted with such talent,” He smiles, “So I decided to express myself using the method you taught me. I hope that you will accept this flower… and my heart.”
Jimin’s eyes begin to water as they look into his, “I-I was never taught how to be a Head Omega…”
“I will take care of you and of any jealousy or hate that comes your way until you learn how to be one. All I need you to do is to be happy and safe in my arms.”
A heartwarming smile spreads across Jimin's face, “I… I already gave you a flower, remember? I’ve been yours ever since the festival started. You’ve had my heart from the very beginning.”
He wraps his arms around Jimin’s body, bringing him into a tight embrace, “Thank you, Jimin, for coming into my life.”
Jimin nuzzles his head into the alpha’s chest, “No, thank you, Jeongguk, for coming back to my side.”
He gently cups the side of Jimin’s face with one of his hands, “I love you, Jimin, and that love for you will never change.”
He looks lovingly into Jeongguk’s eyes, “I love you, Jeongguk. In this life and in every one after, I will always be by your side.”
Jeongguk traces his thumb along Jimin’s lower lip before slotting them together. The gentle kiss shared between them says everything about their love and devotion to one another: a warm and tender flame that will burn even during the chilliest winter storm.
-:-
Upon returning to the main territory with Jimin by his side, Jeongguk dutifully fulfills his role as the head alpha and as Jimin’s mate. Before their mating ceremony, as a gift, he builds Jimin a renowned flower garden and the love that he has for him solidifies his position as the Head Omega. Together, with full support from their pack members, they rule over the territory, bringing peace and prosperity for years to come.