Chapter Text
The scent of aged paper, herbal medicine, and lavender oil filled the air as Taehyung stepped into his grandmother’s bedroom. It was a grand yet intimate space—heavy oak bookshelves lined the walls, filled with generations of knowledge and history. A fireplace crackled softly in the corner, casting flickering shadows across the silk-draped bed where his grandmother lay.
She was propped up against a stack of pillows, her silver hair neatly brushed, but Taehyung could see the exhaustion etched into her delicate features. She was a woman who had ruled with quiet strength, the matriarch of one of the most powerful packs in Korea, yet at that moment, she looked smaller than he remembered.
A doctor stood at the side of her bed, adjusting the blood pressure cuff on her frail wrist. His movements were methodical, but Taehyung caught the subtle crease between his brows, the way his lips pressed together in quiet thought.
"How is she?" Taehyung asked, his voice softer than he intended.
The doctor glanced at him before removing the stethoscope from his ears. "Her vitals are stable for now, but she needs rest. Stress isn’t good for her condition."
Taehyung exhaled sharply. Rest? In this house? His grandmother had spent her entire life ensuring their family remained untouchable, caution was embedded into their very existence. Their wealth and influence made them formidable, but also vulnerable. Everyone wanted something from them. And those who didn’t want to stand beside them often sought to take them down.
His gaze flickered to the framed photograph on the nightstand, his parents. His father’s strong jaw, his mother’s gentle smile. Both frozen in time. Gone too soon. He had asked, so many times, how they had died. But the answers never came. Not from his grandmother. Not from the bodyguards who had been there that night.
Just silence.
Taehyung forced himself to swallow the bitterness clawing at his throat.
"You’re staring," his grandmother’s voice broke through his thoughts, a ghost of amusement in her tone. "Do I look that terrible?"
Taehyung turned to her with a scoff, his lips quirking into a smirk despite the tightness in his chest. "You look old."
She hummed, unimpressed. "And you look thinner. Have you been eating properly?"
"Yes, Halmi," he said, rolling his eyes, but the warmth in his tone betrayed him.
She reached out, and without hesitation, he took her hand in his, her grip weaker than he remembered.
A silence stretched between them, comfortable yet filled with unspoken things.
Then, she sighed. "I am getting old, Taehyung."
His fingers tensed slightly around hers. "I know."
"And we do not have an heir yet."
Taehyung pulled back, running a hand through his dark curls. "We own half of Korea. I think we’ll survive without one for now."
She arched a brow. "You say that now, but this family needs security. Power is fleeting without legacy."
Taehyung inhaled deeply, bracing himself. "I know where this is going."
"Good." She squeezed his hand lightly, her voice softer now. "I just want to see you settled. I want to know that when I’m gone, you won’t be alone."
He looked away, out the window where the gardens stretched beneath the golden hue of the setting sun. "I’m not alone."
His grandmother chuckled, low and knowing. "You’re surrounded, yes. By bodyguards, business associates, and those who either fear you or want something from you. But tell me, Taehyung... who do you have to come home to?"
His jaw tightened. "I have you."
"And when I’m gone?"
The words hit harder than they should have. He hated how easily she could cut through him with truth, how effortlessly she reminded him of the void he pretended not to notice.
"Grandma, I—"
"Try dating apps."
Taehyung blinked. "I—what?"
His grandmother waved a hand as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world. "Try Bumble Bee. Or whatever it is young people use these days."
A strangled laugh escaped him. "You want me to find a mate on a dating app? You do realize most people on those just want to hook up, right?"
"Maybe you’ll find someone you deserve."
Her words settled heavily between them.
He stared at her, searching for the joke in her expression, but all he found was quiet certainty.
"You’re serious."
"As a heart attack," she deadpanned.
Taehyung exhaled, shaking his head. "This is ridiculous."
"Try it."
"And if I end up with a gold digger? Or worse, a journalist?"
She smiled. "Then you’ll say, ‘I told you so.’"
Taehyung groaned, rubbing his temples. "Fine. But if I end up with a stalker, you owe me a new identity."
His grandmother chuckled, patting his hand before letting it go. "Oh, my dear boy. You already live like a ghost."
There was something in her voice—something wistful, something sad.
And for a moment, he allowed himself to wonder.
What if she was right? What if he was alone?
And what if—just maybe—she was giving him a chance to change that?
🐝
The rhythmic sound of fingers tapping against a keyboard filled the grand office. Taehyung leaned back in his leather chair, staring blankly at the documents spread before him. The numbers, reports, and contracts blurred together into an unrecognizable mess.
Across from him, Wooshik—his secretary, best friend, and occasional babysitter—stood with his arms crossed, an unimpressed look on his face.
"You’re not even reading those, are you?"
Taehyung sighed dramatically, tossing his pen onto the desk. "Why do we have so many subsidiaries? I swear, I blink and there’s another company under our name."
Wooshik smirked. "That’s because we’re successful, boss."
"More like overburdened."
"Which is why," Wooshik said, sliding into the chair across from him, "you should not be here right now."
Taehyung gave him a blank look. "This is my company."
"Correction. One of your companies," Wooshik countered. "And you’re not running them alone. Seojoon and Seokjin are handling everything just fine. You being here twenty-four-seven isn’t necessary."
Taehyung scoffed. "They’re going to screw something up. Seojoon gets distracted by pretty faces, and Seokjin once tried to invest in a ramen company because, and I quote, ‘ramen will never betray you.’"
Wooshik shrugged. "I mean, he’s not wrong."
"Not the point," Taehyung muttered.
"The point," Wooshik said, leaning in, "is that you’re turning thirty, and you still haven’t gone on a single date in years."
Taehyung groaned, rubbing his temples. "You sound like my grandmother."
"Well, your grandmother is a very wise woman," Wooshik said, grinning. "And she’s right. You need to get out there."
"Why?"
Wooshik gave him a pointed look. "Because you’re a young, hot omega at the top of Korea’s most powerful pack. You should be living your best life, but instead, you’re holed up in boardrooms arguing about stock percentages."
Taehyung scowled. "I like stock percentages."
"That’s depressing," Wooshik deadpanned.
Taehyung rolled his eyes. "It’s not like I can just go out and date normally. We both know how this works."
"Yeah, yeah, the world is afraid of you," Wooshik waved a hand dramatically. "Oh no, the powerful, mysterious heir of a ruthless empire. Who could possibly handle dating you?" He leaned forward. "Here’s a wild idea: someone actually worth your time."
Taehyung stayed silent, staring down at the polished surface of his desk.
"Taehyung," Wooshik’s voice softened, "don’t you want to be with someone?"
Taehyung’s fingers curled slightly against the desk. He exhaled slowly, gaze drifting toward the large windows overlooking the city skyline.
Did he want love?
Yes.
But not the kind that came out of obligation. Not because of his status, his power, or the name he carried. He wanted someone who saw him—not just the weight he carried, but the person beneath it. Someone who didn’t love him because he was safe with bodyguards, but because they wanted to be by his side.
"Yeah," he admitted quietly. "I do."
Wooshik grinned. "Good. Now shoo—listen to your grandmother and go find a date."
Taehyung groaned. "This is going to be a disaster."
🐝
Later that afternoon, Taehyung sat alone in the garden, the late autumn air cool against his skin. The sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting shifting patterns of light across the stone pathways.
He had always loved this garden as a child. Back then, he could run freely, laughing as Seojoon and Seokjin chased him down the long corridors of the estate. They used to sneak out into the streets, daring each other to buy street food without their bodyguards catching them.
Those days were gone now.
Even now, sitting here alone, he knew he wasn’t truly alone. Somewhere, hidden behind the hedges and stationed near the exits, his bodyguards were watching. Always watching.
He should have been used to it.
And yet…
Taehyung exhaled, tilting his head back as he pulled out his phone.
His grandmother’s words echoed in his mind. Maybe you’ll find someone you deserve.
With a sigh, he opened the App Store and typed: Best dating apps for omegas.
A bright yellow logo appeared. Bumble Bee – Let Love Sting You!
Taehyung snorted. "Wow. That’s reassuring."
Still, he pressed download.
The app loaded quickly, the interface bright and cheerful—completely opposite to his current mood. A prompt popped up:
Looking for love? Find your fated match today!
Taehyung huffed. "Fated match, my ass."
Nonetheless, he began setting up his profile.
Name: Taehyung
Age: 29
Occupation: Let’s not talk about it.
Interests: Music, movies, dancing, avoiding corporate meetings.
He hesitated before adding one last thing.
What I’m looking for: Someone who sees me. Someone who will like me for who I am.
Satisfied, he pressed submit.
And just like that, the game began.
🐝
The conference room was usually the battlefield for high-stakes negotiations, financial reports, and strategic planning sessions. But today, the massive glass table was covered with something far more pressing.
Clothes.
Designer blazers, fitted turtlenecks, sleek button-downs, and even a silk scarf (which Wooshik swore screamed effortless chic) were laid out in front of Taehyung as three fully grown men debated like their lives depended on it.
"This," Wooshik declared, holding up a navy blue suit, "is a classic. Timeless. A power move. It says, ‘I’m rich, I’m confident, and I know exactly what I want.’"
Seokjin scoffed. "It says, ‘I came straight from a board meeting and might read stock reports over dinner.’"
Seojoon, leaning back in his chair, pointed at Taehyung’s face. "You don’t need to do much, honestly. Just show up, breathe, and blink occasionally. Maybe bite your lip for dramatic effect. You’ll be fine."
Taehyung groaned, dropping his head onto the table. "I hate all of you."
Seokjin grinned. "We know."
Wooshik ignored him and held up another option—a fitted black sweater with slim trousers. "This says, ‘I’m mysterious, slightly brooding, and maybe I write poetry in my spare time.’"
Seojoon raised an eyebrow. "Do you write poetry in your spare time?"
"Absolutely not," Taehyung muttered.
Seokjin snorted. "Then you’ll be false advertising."
Taehyung exhaled, lifting his head. "I don’t know why we’re even discussing this. It’s just a date. I swipe, I meet, I suffer through conversation, and then I go home."
Wooshik tsked. "It’s not just a date. It’s your date. Your first in forever. You need to make an impression."
Seojoon smirked. "Especially now that the Kang family is sniffing around for a match."
The room fell silent for half a beat.
Taehyung’s fingers tapped against the table. "Right," he said flatly. "The Kangs."
Seokjin, the ever-practical one, leaned forward, interlacing his fingers. "The merger talks are progressing. The Kangs are open to an agreement, but we all know they’ll push for something more binding. An alliance through marriage would solidify everything."
Taehyung exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. "And they just happen to have an heir looking for a mate."
"A very eligible alpha heir," Wooshik added carefully.
Seojoon frowned. "I met him once. Kang Jaehyun. He’s… intense."
Seokjin nodded. "Strategically, it makes sense. But emotionally?" He eyed Taehyung. "That’s another story."
Taehyung’s jaw tightened.
Marriage for power. It was an old story, a predictable move in their world. But it wasn’t his story. He refused to let it be.
"Let’s get one thing straight," he said, voice low but firm. "I’m not marrying for business. I’m not a pawn in some power play."
Wooshik studied him for a long moment before smirking. "Then you better make this dating thing work, boss."
Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Great. No pressure or anything."
Seojoon clapped him on the shoulder. "You’ll be fine. Just go, have fun, and—"
"Try not to scare them off?" Seokjin finished, grinning.
Taehyung scowled. "I hate all of you."
Wooshik shoved the black sweater into his hands. "We know. Now go get your heart broken or whatever it is people do on dating apps."
As Taehyung left the boardroom, he knew two things for sure
- His friends were insufferable.
- If this dating app didn’t work, his grandmother might actually sell him to the Kangs.
No pressure. None at all.
🐝
Date #1: The Overenthusiastic Tech Bro
Taehyung stirred his coffee, eyes glazing over slightly as the alpha across from him launched into an impassioned explanation about his groundbreaking startup.
"So basically," the alpha said, leaning in like he was about to share a state secret, "we’re developing an AI-driven algorithm that predicts market shifts before they happen. It’s like playing chess with the stock market, except we always win."
Taehyung hummed, trying—really trying—to look interested.
He had no idea why he swiped right on this guy.
Oh wait. He did.
Wooshik.
"Look, boss," Wooshik had said, peering over Taehyung’s shoulder while swiping through profiles like he was personally invested in finding Taehyung’s mate. "This guy’s rich, young, and his company is trending. If you don’t want him, at least acquire him."
Taehyung had rolled his eyes but begrudgingly swiped right, thinking what’s the worst that could happen?
This. This is the worst that could happen.
Across from him, the alpha’s eyes lit up like Christmas as he continued his TED Talk from hell.
"Our model has already outperformed hedge funds! The key is deep learning—a hybrid of sentiment analysis, market trends, and our proprietary AI that adapts in real-time."
Taehyung pressed his lips together, fighting the deep, irrational urge to laugh.
Not because it was funny.
No, because this was his life now.
He was on a date with a man who might actually propose to his AI before proposing to an actual human being.
He took a slow, measured sip of his coffee, mentally steeling himself before attempting a hard pivot.
"That’s… great," he said, his tone diplomatic at best, dying inside at worst. "What do you do for fun?"
The alpha blinked.
"Fun?"
"Yeah," Taehyung said, forcing a pleasant smile. "Hobbies? Interests outside of work?"
The alpha let out a sharp laugh, the kind that screamed ‘I haven't experienced joy since my first investment round.’
"This is fun."
Taehyung inhaled slowly, exhaled even slower.
This was it.
This was his fault.
This was Wooshik’s fault.
This was capitalism’s fault.
And this was the exact moment he decided he was deleting Bumble Bee.
🐝
Date #2: The Gym Rat
With enough coaxing and encouraging, Taehyung did not delete the app.
But only because Seojoon physically took his phone away and started swiping through the profiles himself.
"Okay, listen," Seojoon said, squinting at the screen like he was deciphering an ancient text. "You clearly suck at choosing. The last one nearly pitched you a merger proposal over dessert."
"That wasn’t my fault," Taehyung muttered. "That was Wooshik’s."
"Exactly," Seojoon said, ignoring the fact that Taehyung had also willingly swiped right. "Which is why I’m taking over. You need someone with instincts."
Taehyung sighed, slumping into the couch as Seojoon scrolled through an array of eager alphas, all of whom looked questionably unbearable.
And then—
"Him," Seojoon declared, stabbing his finger at the screen.
Taehyung squinted. "He looks like he wrestles cows for fun."
"That’s muscle definition, Taehyung," Seojoon deadpanned. "And he probably does."
"Why him?"
Seojoon smirked. "Because if nothing else, this is going to be hilarious."
🐝
And so it began…
Taehyung had barely settled into his seat when his date—a towering, muscle-bound alpha, the human equivalent of a protein shake, sat down across from him.
The alpha didn’t even bother with pleasantries before launching straight into what Taehyung would later recall as the most intense fitness lecture of his life.
"I start my day with a high-protein shake," the alpha said enthusiastically, rolling his shoulders as if he was actively imagining a barbell in front of him. "Then I hit the gym for two hours—split workouts, upper and lower body rotation, you know?"
Taehyung blinked. "…Sure?"
"And then cardio, because you need endurance," the alpha continued. Then, with zero hesitation, he added, "especially for mating."
Taehyung choked on his drink so violently that the waiter looked concerned.
The alpha just grinned, completely unbothered.
"Then I meal-prep for the week," he continued proudly, flexing slightly. "Strict macros. Do you meal-prep?"
Taehyung’s entire brain stalled.
"I… call my chef when I want pasta?"
The alpha’s entire body tensed in horror.
"Carbs?!" he gasped. "Oh, hell no. That’s a mating season disaster waiting to happen."
Taehyung set his drink down slowly, exhaling through his nose.
He could not believe Seojoon did this to him.
"Right," Taehyung said, nodding absently, "of course. How foolish of me."
The alpha leaned forward, dead serious. "What’s your body fat percentage?"
Taehyung blinked. "…Rich?"
The alpha visibly cringed.
"I can help with that," he said, inexplicably determined, already reaching for his phone. "Look, I have a whole fitness plan that’s omega-friendly—"
"Oh, would you look at the time!" Taehyung cut in, checking his very empty schedule. "I think I left my oven on."
The alpha frowned. "You live in a mansion."
"Right, I meant one of my ovens."
And with grace only an heir could muster, Taehyung downed the rest of his drink, stood up, and noped right out of there.
Seojoon owed him for this one.
🐝
Date #3: The Walking Red Flag (Stockbroker Edition)
With two failed dates down and his patience running on fumes, Taehyung was this close to throwing his phone into the Han River and calling it a day.
Which, of course, meant Seokjin had to interfere.
"You," Seokjin said, pointing an accusing finger at him, "need someone driven."
Taehyung arched a brow. "Do I?"
"Yes," Seokjin huffed, dramatically tossing himself onto the couch. "Someone determined, strong-willed, and ambitious—a man who knows what he wants and goes after it!"
Taehyung, unimpressed, took a sip of wine. "Sounds exhausting."
"Sounds sexy," Seokjin corrected, already grabbing Taehyung’s phone.
"Are we really doing this?" Taehyung asked dryly, making no move to stop him.
"Yes," Seokjin said, scrolling through profiles with the confidence of a man who thought he knew better. "Your last two dates were trainwrecks because Wooshik chose someone unhinged, and Seojoon picked someone whose personality is a bicep."
"True," Taehyung muttered.
"So this time, I’m picking someone with ambition."
Taehyung rolled his eyes but smiled fondly—because, despite all their chaos, they were like the siblings he never had.
And against his better judgment, he let Seokjin choose his fate.
🐝
Which led him to this disaster.
The alpha sitting across from him was handsome, well-dressed, and… oddly aggressive with his steak knife.
"You have no idea how exhausting it is to be surrounded by idiots all day," the stockbroker ranted, stabbing his filet mignon with the force of a man who had beef with the entire economy.
Taehyung, who had already mentally checked out, idly twirled his wine glass.
"People just—"stab—lack vision." Stab. "No drive." Stab. "They play it safe."
Taehyung watched as the alpha’s grip nearly crushed his wine glass.
This is fine.
He was clearly dining with a man one bad trade away from flipping the table.
"Do you know what I hate the most?" the alpha growled.
Taehyung’s lips twitched. "Oh, I have a list forming."
"People who waste my time!"
Taehyung stood up, grabbing his coat with unbothered grace.
"Then let me save you some."
And with that, he walked straight out the door—no regrets, no looking back.
Seokjin owed him for this one.
🐝
Date #4: The Handsome but Unfortunately Smelly Poet
The soft clinking of silverware echoed through the quiet dining room as Taehyung halfheartedly poked at his food. His appetite, normally well intact, had seemingly fled the scene after three consecutive dating disasters.
Across the counter, Yoongi, his long-time personal chef and honorary hyung, wiped his hands on a kitchen towel before glancing at him.
"Taehyung-ah," Yoongi called, arching a brow. "Is it bland? Not your taste? Do I need to cook you something else?"
Taehyung let out a deep, world-weary sigh, dramatically dropping his chopsticks onto the plate.
"You know, Yoongi hyung… Halmi wants me to date, being sick and all."
Yoongi hummed, already suspecting where this was going.
"And I have tried," Taehyung continued, rubbing his temples, "I really have. I downloaded the stupid dating app, went on dates, and—Hyung, I have had three failed dates. THREE."
Yoongi leaned against the counter, unimpressed. "And?"
"And?" Taehyung repeated, offended. "And I am pulling my hair because it’s just insane! One of them was a tech bro who wanted to marry his AI, the second was a human dumbbell, and the third was a walking, talking stock market crash waiting to happen."
Yoongi let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Who picked them?"
Taehyung crossed his arms. "My so-called friends."
"Ah."* Yoongi smirked. "There’s your first mistake."
Taehyung groaned, dramatically slumping onto the counter. "Hyung, please. I need to restore my faith in dating before I actually marry my grandmother’s houseplants."
Yoongi rolled his eyes but walked over to him, peering over his phone. "May I?"
Taehyung perked up instantly, shoving the device into his hands. "Please. Hyung, you have good instincts, right? You should be a good measure of character. Choose one for me."
Yoongi sighed, scrolling through the sea of questionable suitors.
And then—he swiped.
Taehyung peeked over his shoulder and blinked at the profile. The man was devastatingly handsome, the type that wouldn’t look out of place on a movie poster.
"I think you’ve got good taste, hyung," Taehyung mused, a bit hopeful.
Yoongi smirked. "Don’t say that yet. You haven’t met him."
🐝
Which led to this moment.
The alpha sitting across from Taehyung was undeniably beautiful.
Sharp jawline, soulful eyes, tousled hair that looked perfectly disheveled—like he had just stepped out of a romantic film, heartbroken and poetic.
There was only one problem.
He smelled like he had never met deodorant.
Taehyung’s omega instincts screamed in distress.
"You have eyes like the dusk before a storm," the alpha whispered, his voice dipped in unnecessary longing as he reached for Taehyung’s hand.
Taehyung leaned back so fast he nearly tipped his chair. "Uh-huh."
The alpha sighed deeply, his expression tortured, as if he had already been in love with Taehyung for seven lifetimes.
"I write about longing," he continued, voice husky. "About aching for something just out of reach."
Taehyung subtly pressed his wrist against his nose, hoping his own scent would mask the assault on his senses.
"Would you like to hear a poem I wrote about my last heartbreak?"
Taehyung did not hesitate.
He waved the waiter down faster than he had ever moved in his life.
"Check, please."
Yoongi owed him for this one.
🐝
Date #5: The Wannabe Influencer
The familiar snip, snip of scissors filled the cozy private salon room as Taehyung exhaled dramatically, his head tilted slightly to the side as Jimin worked through the ends of his hair.
"Hyung, I’m going crazy."
Jimin hummed, focused as he trimmed precisely. "Is this about your hair, or are we talking about something else?"
"My dating life," Taehyung groaned, throwing his head back. "Or rather, my lack of it."
Jimin smirked, brushing off stray hairs from Taehyung’s shoulder. "Didn’t your grandmother make you try that dating app? How’s that going?"
"Hyung." Taehyung turned, deadpan. "I have suffered through four dates. Four. And each one was worse than the last."
Jimin grinned. "That bad?"
"Worse," Taehyung muttered, crossing his arms. "One was obsessed with AI, the second was a gym rat who thought carbs were evil, the third was a walking red flag who probably causes economic crashes, and the fourth—" he shuddered "—was an artistically tormented soul who smelled like actual torment."
Jimin snorted, setting down his scissors. "Alright, that sounds tragic. But hey, at least they weren’t boring."
"Hyung, I just want a normal person," Taehyung whined. "Someone who can hold a conversation, someone I can laugh with, someone I don’t have to be afraid of."
Jimin wiped his hands on a towel before turning to him, lips curling into an amused smirk. "Do you mind if I choose for you?"
Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "Are you going to ruin my life?"
"No promises."
Taehyung sighed. "Fine. But I swear, if you pick someone weird—"
"Trust me," Jimin interrupted, already swiping through Taehyung’s phone. "You need someone sensible, a good conversationalist, and decent."
Taehyung peered over his shoulder as Jimin made a confident right swipe.
The profile looked… fine. Normal. A little too polished, but normal.
"Alright," Taehyung said, sitting back in the chair. "Let’s see if you have better taste than my so-called friends."
🐝
Which led to this disaster.
Taehyung had barely taken his seat when his date—a flawlessly styled, suspiciously glowing alpha—immediately shoved his phone into Taehyung’s face.
"Say hi to my followers!"
Taehyung blinked at the screen, where a live broadcast was already running.
The alpha grinned, flashing pearly white teeth that probably had their own sponsorship deal.
"Guys, I’m here on a date with THE Kim Taehyung, Korea’s most eligible omega! Can you believe it?"
Taehyung forced a tight smile, mentally composing a strongly worded message to Jimin.
"No. I actually can’t."
The alpha, either oblivious or choosing to ignore the sarcasm, flipped his hair dramatically.
"So tell me, Taehyung, what’s your morning routine?"
Taehyung stared. "...I wake up?"
The alpha gasped so theatrically that the waiter actually glanced over.
"SO RELATABLE, RIGHT?" he gushed, turning back to his audience.
Taehyung pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You know what’s also relatable?" he muttered. "The urge to leave."
The alpha pouted. "Wait, at least do a cute couple filter selfie first—"
But Taehyung was already gone.
Jimin owed him for this one.
🐝
Date #6: The Conspiracy Theorist
The moment Taehyung stepped out of the café, he dragged a deep breath into his lungs, as if trying to cleanse himself from the influencer alpha’s perfumed cloud of vanity and self-obsession.
"I need a break," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair.
And where did Taehyung go when he needed to breathe, think, and regain his sanity?
Art.
Which was why, an hour later, he found himself standing in the Seoul Museum of Modern Art, the air inside cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of aged paper, polished wood, and contemplation.
His shoulders relaxed instantly.
As he wandered past a sculpture exhibit, he spotted a familiar face—Kim Namjoon, the museum’s curator and a longtime friend.
Namjoon, dressed in a crisp suit that did nothing to hide his alpha-like presence despite being an omega, glanced up from where he was reading an art restoration report.
"Taehyung?" His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "What brings you here on a weekday?"
Taehyung sighed dramatically. "Disastrous dates, hyung."
Namjoon chuckled, setting his papers aside. "Ahh, I see. Well, have you tried looking for someone… intellectual? Someone with a broad perspective on things?"
Taehyung pouted, his lips shifting as he tilted his head to the side. "Hyung, are you seriously suggesting I start dating art history professors?"
Namjoon shrugged. "Well, have you considered someone who can hold a conversation deeper than protein shakes and social media engagement?"
Taehyung made a dramatic thinking face, then—without a second thought—pulled out his phone and handed it to Namjoon.
"Alright, you pick."
Namjoon blinked. "Me?"
"Why not?" Taehyung stretched his arms above his head. "At this point, I’ve let Wooshik, Seojoon, Seokjin, and Jimin ruin my life. Might as well let you have a go."
Namjoon huffed a laugh, shaking his head as he scrolled through the app.
"Let’s see… Someone who’s well-read, questions the world, thinks outside the box…"
A moment later, he swiped right with a satisfied nod.
"There. I have chosen wisely."
Taehyung peeked at the profile, squinting. The guy looked normal enough.
"Alright, hyung," he said slowly, pressing his lips together. "Let’s hope your taste is better than my friends’."
🐝
Which led to this moment.
By now, Taehyung’s expectations were on the floor.
But even he wasn’t ready for this.
The alpha sitting across from him was wearing sunglasses indoors and—dear gods, was that a tinfoil-lined hat?
"Have you ever heard of the reptilian elites?" the alpha whispered, leaning in like they were trading government secrets.
Taehyung blinked. "I—what?"
"The lizard people," the alpha said gravely, looking around as if spies were watching. "They run the world."
Taehyung stared, his mind buffering.
The alpha continued, voice low. "Think about it—why do you think politicians never age? Ever wondered why CEOs never blink? Because they shed their skin at night."
Taehyung glanced at the exit.
"I’ve been investigating for years," the alpha went on, pulling out a hand-drawn chart from his bag. "Your family is on my list."
Taehyung, who had long suspected his family of some deeply shady things, raised a brow. "Go on."
The alpha slammed his hands on the table. "I knew it!"
Taehyung sighed, rubbing his temples. "I really need better hobbies."
Namjoon owed him for this one.
🐝
The meeting had been exhausting.
Kim MyeongSeong stepped out of the ornate conference hall with a sigh, the weight of the discussion settling onto her shoulders like a cloak of old, familiar tension.
Kang Heesung had been persistent—as he always was. The Kang family and the Kim family should unite through marriage, he had suggested, resurrecting a conversation that had long since been buried with her husband.
She walked calmly to the waiting black sedan, but Jeongguk—her ever-watchful shadow—could feel her exasperation.
Still, he didn’t ask.
Not yet.
Instead, his mind was elsewhere—with Taehyung.
Sitting in the front passenger seat, Jeongguk’s fingers tightened minutely on his phone as he re-read the latest security report.
Park Hyungsik, Kwon Sunghwan, and Jung Hoseok—the guards assigned to Taehyung’s detail—had sent him updates.
More specifically, dating updates.
Park Hyungsik: "Boss, you’re not gonna believe this one—his date showed up in a tinfoil hat. I almost choked on my coffee."
Jung Hoseok: "Honestly, I think the influencer one was worse. Poor Young Master had to sit through a live broadcast."
Kwon Sunghwan: "Don’t forget the gym rat. ‘Carbs are a mating season disaster waiting to happen’—who even says that?!"
Jung Hoseok: "At this point, I think he’s just collecting red flags for sport."
Jeongguk had read it all, his chest tightening with every sentence.
The guards had laughed.
He… hadn’t.
Because his heart was already with Taehyung.
And every failed date, every ridiculous encounter felt like a personal relief and a painful reminder all at once.
Relief, because none of those men were worthy of Taehyung.
Pain, because Jeongguk still wasn’t the one sitting across from him at those tables.
His grip on the phone tightened.
Some years ago, Jeongguk had saved Taehyung.
It was not a moment he had fully processed—not because he didn’t remember it, but because he hadn’t allowed himself to.
But that day had changed everything.
That day had made him realize he would do anything to protect Taehyung.
And that was why, even though he never intended to take over his father’s role, he had stepped into it without hesitation.
He had become the head of the Kim family’s security, bound by duty, but driven by something far more personal.
The door to the car opened, pulling him from his thoughts.
Kim MyeongSeong settled into the backseat, elegant and composed as always. Jeongguk glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable.
"How did it go?" he asked, voice steady.
The matriarch let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing her temple lightly. "Heesung was his usual self—too ambitious for his own good."
Jeongguk waited.
And then—
"He brought up the arranged marriage again."
Jeongguk went still.
Kim MyeongSeong’s lips curled into something bitter, something tired. "The old talks between our families, back when my husband was still alive. He thinks it’s time to bring them back."
A sharp wave of discomfort settled into Jeongguk’s gut.
The Kangs.
Their alpha son.
Taehyung, married off to secure a business empire.
He hated the thought.
Before he even knew it, his grip on the steering wheel tightened, his jaw clenched just slightly.
Kim MyeongSeong’s gaze flickered toward him through the mirror.
"And what do you think?" she mused.
Jeongguk forced his expression neutral. "It’s not my place."
Kim MyeongSeong studied him for a long, weighted second before speaking again.
"You saved Taehyung once."
Jeongguk stilled.
"Would you allow him to be married off just like that?"
His breath hitched.
He didn’t know how to answer that—no, he did, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to say it aloud.
Kim MyeongSeong saw too much, knew too much.
The way he followed Taehyung with his gaze.
The way his scent lingered too long around the omega’s space.
The way his alpha bristled at the mere thought of Taehyung belonging to someone else.
Jeongguk’s face paled slightly, his throat suddenly dry.
He took a deep breath before forcing out, "What do you suggest, then?"
Kim MyeongSeong laughed softly, a knowing chuckle, as she leaned back and closed her eyes.
"Taehyung finds dates through a dating app, you know?"
Jeongguk’s heart stopped.
Because he knew exactly where this was going.
And suddenly—after years of standing in the shadows—he realized he was out of time.
🐝
The moment Taehyung slid into the car, he pressed call.
"Halmi, you know this dating app is a fiasco."
Hoseok, hands steady on the wheel, bit back a smirk as he pulled out of the driveway.
"How so?" Kim MyeongSeong asked, the warmth in her voice betraying her amusement.
And just like that, Taehyung launched into his tragic tale.
"Where do I even begin? The AI-obsessed tech bro? The carb-fearing gym alpha? The stockbroker who raged at his steak like it had personally offended him? Oh, and let’s not forget the poet who—" he visibly shuddered, "smelled like existential dread."
Hoseok exhaled sharply, shaking his head to keep himself from laughing outright.
"Ah," Taehyung continued, voice dripping with despair, "and then Namjoon hyung, in all his wisdom, chose a man who believes in lizard people controlling the economy."
His grandmother simply hummed, as if pondering great wisdom. "I see. And how does that make you feel, dear boy?"
"Like I should retire from dating and marry your houseplants, Halmi."
Hoseok barked out a laugh, unable to hold it in this time.
Kim MyeongSeong chuckled softly, her amusement clear. "Taehyung-ah, love is not something you can force. It will come when it is meant to. But that does not mean you should stop looking."
Taehyung, lips pouting slightly, exhaled.
"Fine, Halmi."
"Good," she said, her tone shifting to something softer, steadier. "Just promise me one thing, dear boy—when you find someone, make sure they are someone you can trust. Someone who will protect you not just because of your name, but because they cannot bear to see you harmed."
Something stirred in Taehyung’s chest, but before he could dwell on it, she added—
"Now go, enjoy the rest of your night. Try not to let a reptilian elite sweep you off your feet."
Taehyung groaned, rubbing his face. "Goodnight, Halmi."
"Goodnight, my dear."
The call ended.
And the moment it did, Hoseok snickered quietly, his shoulders shaking.
Taehyung turned to glare at him.
That was it. Hoseok burst into laughter, shaking his head.
Taehyung turned to glare at him. "Don’t laugh, Hobi hyung! You saw some of them!"
"Like I should retire from dating and become a monk."
Hoseok, grinning but sympathetic, shook his head. "I feel for you, Taehyung-ah. Truly."
Taehyung sighed heavily, sinking back into his seat. His fingers idly scrolled through the app, his mind already tired from the ordeal.
And then—
A reckless idea struck.
His eyes widened slightly, and before he could second-guess himself, he shoved his phone toward Hoseok.
"How about you choose for me, hyung?"
Hoseok blinked. "Me?"
"You’ve protected me for years," Taehyung reasoned. "You know me better than most. If I can trust you with my life, I can trust you with this."
Hoseok hesitated before sighing, pulling into a parking space.
And then, as he scrolled, his fingers froze.
Because there he was.
Jeon Jeongguk.
Hoseok’s eyes widened slightly.
He knew Jeongguk’s reputation. Knew his skill.
Knew that he had once saved Taehyung.
Knew that he had been watching over him ever since.
He didn’t know the full story—it wasn’t his place to know.
But what he did know?
Jeongguk wouldn’t be on this app for no reason.
And now, Taehyung was staring at him, waiting.
Hoseok handed the phone back.
"I like him," he admitted.
Taehyung blinked. "Really? Why?"
Hoseok smirked. "Because I think he likes you."
Taehyung frowned slightly, glancing at the profile.
And suddenly—his heart fluttered.
His stomach dipped, an unfamiliar thrill running through him.
Jeon Jeongguk.
The alpha was gorgeous.
Sharp jawline, dark eyes that held depth and mystery. His profile was simple, yet compelling.
And something about it called to him.
He bit his lower lip.
Smiled at Hoseok.
"Thanks, hyung."
And then—he swiped right.
🐝
At this point, Taehyung was done. He was ready to delete Bumble Bee, call his grandmother, and beg her to let him die alone.
And then—
A presence.
Unlike the previous alphas who had stormed in with bravado, arrogance, or a complete lack of self-awareness, Jeongguk simply was.
Steady. Confident. Unrushed.
Taehyung looked up—and for the first time that week, his breath caught.
Jeongguk stood before him, clad in a simple fitted black sweater and dark jeans. His presence wasn’t loud, but it was impossible to ignore. His scent—warm, grounding, just there—wrapped around Taehyung like an embrace, steady without being overwhelming.
And in his hand—
Sunflowers.
Taehyung tilted his head. "For me?"
Jeongguk’s lips curled slightly. "You mentioned once in an interview that you liked sunflowers."
Taehyung frowned. "I did?"
"You did."
Before he could question it further, Jeongguk nodded toward the seat. "Can I sit?"
Taehyung studied him for a second longer before nodding. "Yeah."
And just like that, for the first time in days, Taehyung felt like he could finally breathe.
Conversation with Jeongguk flowed effortlessly—like stepping into warmth after standing in the cold too long.
"No, no, no," Taehyung protested, waving his hands dramatically. "You seriously think pineapples belong on pizza?"
Jeongguk smirked, leaning back. "Absolutely."
Taehyung gasped. "Blasphemy."
"You just have bad taste," Jeongguk countered, completely unfazed.
Taehyung pointed a finger. "I will fight you."
"Would you like to test that theory?"
Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "I feel like you could actually throw me across this restaurant."
Jeongguk, unbothered, took a sip of his drink. "I could."
Taehyung’s lips twitched. "Rude."
The conversation shifted effortlessly into childhood movies, embarrassing moments, and—
"Iron Man’s sacrifice was the ultimate sacrifice," Jeongguk argued, brows furrowing.
"Superman literally died," Taehyung countered.
Jeongguk scoffed. "Yeah, but he came back a week later. Tony? Not getting a sequel, Tae."
Taehyung paused. "Did you just call me Tae?"
Jeongguk stilled, then gave a sheepish smile. "…Too soon?"
Taehyung considered it—rolling the name over in his mind.
"No one calls me Tae."
Jeongguk’s gaze didn’t waver. "Should I stop?"
Taehyung hesitated—just a second too long—before murmuring, "…No."
The humor between them stilled, something softer settling into the space between words.
Taehyung found himself just looking.
At Jeongguk’s sharp jawline, the way his lips curled just slightly at the corners when he was amused. The way his scent, warm and steady, wasn’t trying to dominate or overwhelm—but was simply there, like an embrace he hadn’t realized he was missing.
His gaze flickered, curiosity sparking. "So, what do you do for a living?"
Jeongguk took a slow sip of his drink, setting the glass down before tilting his head slightly. "I watch over you."
Taehyung blinked. "Sorry, what?"
Jeongguk’s lips twitched, neither confirming nor denying.
Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "Have I seen you before?"
Jeongguk let out a small chuckle, something unreadable flickering across his face. "Pretty much so."
The words sent a ripple of something through Taehyung—recognition, déjà vu, something just out of reach.
He stared a second too long, his omega instincts tugging at the familiarity, at the quiet knowing in Jeongguk’s presence.
And before he could even think, the words left his mouth—
"Do you have plans tomorrow?"
Jeongguk tilted his head. "I do have to work."
Taehyung leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, lips curling into something teasing, something dangerous.
"Do you think you can squeeze an hour to get married or something?"
Jeongguk blinked. Once. Twice.
Then—
Slowly, a smirk ghosted over his lips.
"…What time?"