Chapter Text
After a long time, Taehyung finally felt like the main character of his own life again.
His old pack had never truly felt like home. The valley of Daegu had never sat right in his chest. The closeness to his cold parents, the likely future of mating the least terrible Alpha there… Job hunting had happened at exactly the right moment in his life.
Cook and baker needed in the Busan pack. All genders welcome; working hours flexible.
Taehyung had applied and gotten the job immediately. Jimin had been looking too and had found a teaching role in the same pack. So at twenty-three, Taehyung said goodbye to his parents, who let him go easily—after all, they only truly cared about his brother.
The journey to the new pack was long. The Busan pack was smaller than his own; they lived tucked between pine forests and a river that never froze, even in the harshest winters. The huts were similar to those back home, though the climate was different and the seaside wasn’t far away.
The roles were much the same as in his previous pack: Alphas hunted and guarded, Betas kept the system running, and Omegas had their own responsibilities and were protected by the others. There weren’t many outsiders, but when job opportunities opened, new members were accepted.
Taehyung and Jimin arrived on a gray morning. They were given a small cottage near the communal hall—sunlit and warm, already smelling of bread by the second day because Tae couldn’t help himself and had started stress-baking. They each had a comfortable bedroom, a large shared living area, and a small kitchen.
After their arrival, the pack leader, Kim Namjoon, welcomed them into his office near the main hall. Another Alpha was present—one of the hunters Taehyung would mainly be cooking for.
He was told that the previous chef was heavily pregnant and someone needed to step in. His main responsibility would be to feed the hunters, who required a hearty daily lunch after long days in the woods or at sea. They usually had dinner at home with their mates and families, but they always shared a large lunch in the communal kitchen.
Taehyung would be cooking for ten hungry Alphas. Luckily, the previous cook had written down portions and measurements to make things easier for him.
“You will start cooking the day after tomorrow. They are out on a big hunt at the moment. When they take days off, you’re free as well. Your schedule will always depend on theirs.”
Taehyung nodded, the job already sounding like a dream. He fell in love with the kitchen and the large, modern ovens immediately.
He had worked in the kindergarten kitchen in his native pack, but there had been many cooks there—most of whom had made his life difficult. Here, he was alone, and he couldn’t wait to begin.
Jimin fit in just as easily. They spent their first day walking around, introducing themselves, receiving warm smiles, and making friends quickly. Jimin was a ball of sunshine; his easy smile and friendly, open nature charmed everyone instantly.
Taehyung was… soft.
He smiled easily and bowed politely. He wore oversized knit sweaters that sometimes slipped off one shoulder, scarves, and shirts with subtle ruffles or ribbons at the cuffs. His scent was warm and sweet—vanilla, butter, something cake-like underneath. A classic Omega scent.
Unlike Jimin, who had the lithe body of a dancer, Taehyung was petite but curvy in all the places that mattered. He had full breasts and soft hips—the kind of male Omega who made Alphas look twice. His hair was longer than Jimin’s, blonde curls that he always tied with ribbons or colorful bands.
For his first day in the kitchen, Taehyung wore one of his most comfortable pink sweaters, black pants with ribbons, and a cream apron. He had asked about the hunters’ preferences and had been told they liked everything.
One comment, however, stood out: the main hunter liked apples.
It wasn’t much of a hint, but Taehyung decided to go for it.
He prepared pork stew with apples, roasted vegetables and rice, and a large apple pie. The table had just been set when he heard loud voices approaching the hut. He took the freshly baked buns out of the oven and placed them on the table.
He arranged the pots, vegetables, and cake, then went back into the kitchen to wash the many dishes he had dirtied. It took him some time, but eventually he finished. As he was reviewing the next day’s menu, the pack leader entered the kitchen.
There was a wide smile on his face, and his dimples made Taehyung smile in return.
“Taehyung-sshi. Thank you so much for your effort. The group devoured everything. They’d like to meet you—would you come say hello?”
The Omega smiled, proud that his work had been appreciated. He straightened slightly and walked out to where the hunters were still seated.
Ten Alphas turned to look at him—dirty from days on the hunt and tired-looking.
“This is our new cook, Kim Taehyung.”
Everyone smiled and greeted him, but only one stood.
And he completely caught Taehyung off guard.
Mostly because of his size—tall, broad-shouldered, powerful.
Then his scent hit him at full force: pine resin, cold air, and Alpha in all its glory.
And then his face—dark-set eyes, sharp brows, defined cheekbones. His hair was dark, long enough to brush his collar. He looked older than the others.
Taehyung’s world tilted for a second.
It felt like magic.
Or love at first sight. More likely that.
Taehyung inhaled slowly as the man spoke. Even his voice felt dangerous. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, it was low and direct. Every lesser Alpha in the room seemed to straighten unconsciously when he did.
“Thank you for the meal. It was exceptionally good.”
“I—I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“We brought a lot of fish,” another Alpha added. “We stocked up the pantry. Tomorrow we’re hunting buck.”
After a few more words were exchanged, the hunters left for their huts. Taehyung cleaned up, feeling lucky—his work was mostly done, and he had the entire afternoon free. What a dream.
“Do you have a moment, Taehyung-sshi?”
The gravelly voice came from behind him.
Taehyung startled so badly he nearly dropped a pan. His heart began racing again; he could already smell the pine scent behind him.
“Sure—yes.” He forced himself to breathe out slowly before turning around.
“I wanted to introduce myself. I’m the main hunter. If you ever need spices, herbs, or specific ingredients from the forest, let me know.”
He spoke while holding Taehyung’s gaze.
Taehyung hoped he didn’t look ridiculous. He had heard the words and understood them—but his Omega was reacting so strongly to the older Alpha that his knees nearly weakened under that steady stare.
“Sure. Thank you.”
“I’m Jeon Jeongguk,” the Alpha said, extending his hand.
Taehyung placed his soft, smaller hand into the larger, calloused one. Jeongguk’s grip nearly swallowed his.
“I’m Kim Taehyung,” he replied, remembering that the hunter—Jeongguk, what a beautiful name—already knew. “But you already know that.”
“We’ll need lunch tomorrow. After that, we might take a day off. I’ll confirm tomorrow. Is that alright?”
His expression remained serious—without even a hint of a smile.
It made him even hotter.
“That’s perfectly fine, Jeongguk-sshi.”
The Alpha nodded and turned toward his hut. Taehyung watched him go.
That body was unreal—massive shoulders, narrow waist, strong legs, perfectly built. Taehyung had never felt more foolish than he had in the past hour. He had met handsome men before, but none had stirred his Omega like Jeon Jeongguk.
On his way back, he found Jimin sitting with one of the hunters who had stayed behind—Yoongi. The young Alpha had befriended them immediately and seemed to enjoy long conversations with Jimin.
“Oh, I thought you stayed to cook overtime,” Jimin teased.
“I—I had a chat with the main hunter,” Taehyung replied. If Jimin had been alone, he would have shrieked.
Yoongi looked at him immediately. Recognition flashed across his face, followed by something like pride.
“Jeongguk-hyung.”
Taehyung’s heart skipped. “You know him well?”
Yoongi shrugged. “Everyone does. He’s the main hunter—and he’s incredible. The strongest Alpha in the pack. The best tracker we have. He once took down a wounded boar alone in a snowstorm. He came back bleeding and still helped unload supplies.”
Jimin whistled. “Wow. Sounds cool.”
“He is,” Yoongi said, almost like a fanboy. “But fair. Protective. He watches over us juniors like a hawk. You always feel safer when he’s leading.”
Taehyung swallowed. Not only was he stunning—he was a guardian angel too. Of course.
“He doesn’t talk much.”
Yoongi smiled faintly. “No. He doesn’t waste words.”
There was a small pause.
Taehyung hesitated, then asked the question burning inside him.
“How old is he?”
Yoongi frowned slightly. “Forty-two.”
The world tilted again—but not in the thrilling way from before.
He had known Jeongguk was older.
But not that much older.
Forty-two was a lot.
Jeongguk was one year older than his father.
Let that sink in.
Jimin finally looked at him properly. “Is that old for a hunter?”
Yoongi shook his head. “Not really. Alphas peak later. He’s still in his prime.”
Taehyung’s fingers twisted together in his lap. “Is he… mated?”
Yoongi’s expression shifted. “He was.”
Jimin’s smile faded. “Was?”
“His wife died,” Yoongi said quietly. “Years ago. Before I joined. He’s never taken another mate.”
Taehyung’s chest tightened painfully. He took a few slow breaths.
“I—understand,” he murmured.
It was a lot. Too much. What had that pull been? Was it only in his head?
Yoongi watched him carefully. “Why are you asking all this?”
The room suddenly felt smaller, heavy with scent. Taehyung’s own probably filled the air with burnt butter and restless sweetness. His Omega felt unsettled.
“When he stood in front of me,” Taehyung said slowly, “my wolf reacted. Strongly. I’ve never felt that before.”
Jimin blinked. “Like… attracted?”
“No.” Taehyung shook his head. “Not just that. It felt—”
He struggled to explain.
“Like my Omega recognized him. Chose him.”
Silence fell.
Yoongi stared at him, his eyes widening. “Taehyung… you’re twenty-three.”
“And you literally just got here,” Jimin added nervously.
“And he’s forty-two,” Yoongi continued. “He’s been mated. He’s—he’s Jeongguk.”
“I know,” Taehyung whispered.
“You can’t be serious,” Yoongi said, running a hand through his hair. “Jeongguk-hyung hasn’t even looked at anyone like that in years.”
“I didn’t choose this,” Taehyung interrupted, finally looking up. His eyes were fierce despite his soft features, the ruffles on his clothes, and the pink ribbons in his hair. “My Omega did.”
Jimin glanced between them, completely lost. “Okay, I feel like I missed several chapters. We’re talking about an older hunter, right?”
Yoongi let out a shaky breath. “Yes. And apparently,” he said slowly, his eyes never leaving Taehyung, “he’s saying his wolf thinks he’s his soulmate.”
“Is he hot?” Jimin whispered.
“No,” Yoongi said, frowning and making a disgusted expression, as if they were talking about one of his parents.
“Yes,” Taehyung whispered at the same time, “he’s so—hot and—manly—and big, strong. Alpha.”
Yoongi’s expression morphed into a horrified one, while Jimin looked deeply intrigued. “Oh, I can’t wait to decide for myself,” the other Omega whispered, while Taehyung buried his burning cheeks in a pillow and fake-screamed into it.
They were walking through the communal hall. Jimin was holding Taehyung’s hand like he often did.
“Is it him?” he whispered, pointing to one of the taller hunters.
Taehyung looked in the direction his friend was pointing. “Ugh—no,” he whispered back. “Stop playing detective. I’ll tell you when I see him.”
“I’m going to shit my pants, really, this is insane, Taehyungie.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time. “You already said that, Jiminie.”
As they were about to sit down for the monthly meeting of the pack—the first one since they had joined—a deep voice behind them made them turn around.
“Taehyung-sshi?”
Taehyung squeezed Jimin’s hand, turning to face the Alpha who had been haunting his thoughts and dreams.
“Hello, Jeongguk-sshi.”
“We’re going on a two-day hunt tomorrow. Can you write me a list of herbs you might need?”
Taehyung tried hard not to blush. Up close, Jeongguk was just—stunningly dangerous. He had changed; he was wearing a black T-shirt that displayed a tattoo sleeve, baggy pants, and black boots. His hair was tightly pulled back, which made his sharp features look even more dangerous.
“Sure. I’ll—write it down later.”
“Thank you.” The Alpha turned and left without even acknowledging Jimin, who had gone silent next to him.
“Oh. My. God,” Jimin wheezed after the Alpha had taken a few steps away.
“Do you understand now?” Taehyung whispered.
Jimin looked at him with the widest eyes. “Yes. He’s hot as hell. But he’s also—Tae, that man is ancient.”
Taehyung was so taken aback by those words that he laughed out loud. “He’s forty-two, not ancient.”
Jimin looked at him as if he had grown another head. “That’s ancient,” he whispered. “Tae, please don’t hate me, but I need to say what I think.”
Of course, Taehyung saw what was coming. Jimin smiled fondly at him, almost afraid to hurt him with his words, but he spoke them nonetheless. “I understand that you feel like it’s a big deal right now. But realistically, and seeing how he looked at you compared to how you look at him… Tae, it’s a crush. And as bad as it sounds, you should try to get over it. I can see this ending badly if you set your mind on it too much.”
Taehyung knew that Jimin would say those words. Yet hearing them hurt his wolf. There was something about Jeongguk, something only he had grasped, and he wasn’t keen on letting it go.
Taehyung had delivered the list to Jeongguk at night and had stayed in the kitchen to prepare some extra dough to make more bread for the hunters. He had packed everything neatly—sandwiches made of thick slices of bread and a tin of apple muffins he had baked after everyone else had gone to sleep. He told himself it was practical. Hunters needed energy. Jeongguk had been surprised to see him awake at that hour, and even more surprised to receive a warm breakfast for the hunters. Taehyung had been very considerate.
The hunters had been gone for a full day when Taehyung realized how quiet the pack felt without them. He had the days off, cleaned the kitchen, restocked the pantry, knitted a lot, and went to the market with Jimin.
On the day the hunters were coming back, Taehyung prepared a large pot of pasta sauce with meatballs; he waited until the last moment to cook the spaghetti so as not to overcook it, and prepared a big batch of salad and an apple pie with cream for dessert. The first hunters to arrive were starved, and Taehyung served and cleaned until Jeongguk and the last trackers came back. He was relieved to see the tired-looking Alpha.
Taehyung made sure to look good; he had straightened his usually braided and curled hair, worn a bright red knitted sweater and red hair clips to keep his hair away from his face. He had also put highlighter on his cheeks, which made him look very soft.
“Welcome back,” he greeted Jeongguk with a small smile. His heart betrayed him, beating harder at the sight of the other and his pine scent, which immediately made his Omega stir and purr.
“Thank you, Taehyung-sshi.” Jeongguk nodded in his direction, immediately starting to eat, as famished as the others.
Taehyung was happy watching him eat like that and turned to wash the dishes of those who had already finished and left. His mind drifted to the conversation he had had with Jimin the previous day.
“Have you heard?” Jimin had asked.
“Heard what?” Taehyung asked, not looking up from the scarf he was knitting.
“The Moon-Tide Gathering. It’s in three weeks.”
Taehyung paused slightly. “The one where Omegas ask Alphas?” They had been introduced to the pack traditions, though not thoroughly.
“Yes.” Jimin grinned. “I think I’m going to ask Yoongi.”
That made Taehyung look up. “You’re serious?” He smiled at his friend. He had seen that Jimin and Yoongi had grown close, but he hadn’t thought Jimin would fall for the shy young Alpha, since Jimin usually had very different tastes.
“Why not? It’s one night. No bonding, no expectations. Just… choosing someone.” Jimin leaned forward, his small eyes narrowing playfully. “You should ask someone too.”
Taehyung looked back down at the scarf. “Should I?” he asked lightly.
Jimin’s smile faded slightly. “You’re thinking about him.”
Taehyung didn’t deny it. Obviously. He thought about the Alpha much more than he could even rationally explain to himself. It was like he had bewitched his mind and soul.
Jimin sighed. “Tae… he’s forty-two.”
Taehyung took a deep breath, then sighed. “I know.”
“He’s lived an entire adult life already. He was mated.” Those words were meant to hurt. Jimin was trying to make him see things clearly, even if they sounded harsh.
“I know,” Taehyung repeated, softer now.
Jimin watched him carefully. “If you ask him and he says no, will you be okay?”
That question lingered for a few seconds. Taehyung couldn’t think of rejection. He couldn’t even picture Jeongguk saying yes, to be honest. The hunter was just too closed off. And asking would inevitably prove what the Alpha felt—or didn’t feel—for him.
Taehyung put the knitting away. “I don’t want to keep wondering what would have happened if I never tried.”
“Thank you for the meal.”
Jeongguk startled the Omega. Taehyung turned around as Jeongguk placed the plates by the sink. Because of their proximity, Taehyung noticed something he hadn’t seen before: a fresh cut along the Alpha’s cheekbone. Not deep, but it was red.
“Hyung—” he whispered. “You’re hurt.” Taehyung stepped closer before he could stop himself.
Jeongguk frowned, then understood what he meant; his hand came up to touch his cheek. “It’s nothing. A branch caught me.”
Taehyung frowned. “That doesn’t look like a branch.”
Jeongguk almost smiled at that. “You’re not a hunter.”
“I’m—” Taehyung didn’t know how to retort. “No, I’m not, obviously,” he said, looking at his sweater. “But I don’t remember you having that cut on your cheek,” he added more softly.
“It’s nothing,” Jeongguk answered, his eyes sharp and his expression stern. It looked like he was about to say something else, but then he turned around to leave, as he always did.
“Hyung—” Taehyung said without even registering it. His Omega had decided to ask.
“Yes?” Jeongguk turned around.
Taehyung’s heart was beating hard in his chest. It was now or never; he needed to ask, or he would never know. “It’s, uh—” he stepped closer to the Alpha, who observed him closely. Jeongguk’s scent was so strong up close that it made him want to rub his scent gland against his clothes and roll in it. “About the Moon-Tide Gathering.”
Jeongguk’s body seemed to grow more rigid, the Alpha straightening, and Taehyung immediately noticed it.
“It’s tradition that Omegas ask Alphas to go together, and—I was—” Taehyung’s hands nervously played with the ribbons at his cuffs. “I was wondering if you would go with me.”
Jeongguk frowned, his eyes widening more than Taehyung had ever seen. They were such beautiful, round eyes when surprised. He frowned again, his expression almost threatening.
“How old are you?” Jeongguk asked, not sharply, but in a very serious tone.
“Twenty-three,” Taehyung said, watching the Alpha nod at the number.
“I’m forty-two,” Jeongguk answered.
“I know,” Taehyung said without missing a beat.
Jeongguk stepped back slightly, putting some space between them. His gaze searched Taehyung’s face as if trying to understand him.
“That’s nearly twenty years,” he said. “You understand that.”
Taehyung still had some hope. The Alpha hadn’t said no to him.
“Yes.”
There was another minute of silence. Jeongguk’s expression shifted from confused to concerned.
“That night,” he said slowly, as if choosing his words carefully, “it often ends with people sharing a bed. Is that what you’re asking for?”
The question made Taehyung’s heart stutter. He blinked quickly, as if slapped by the intensity of it.
“No,” he said immediately, hurt flashing across his face. “That’s not what I meant.”
Jeongguk shook his head, frowning. “Then what do you mean?”
“I just want to go with you. Talk. Dance. Spend the evening together. Get to know you. I’m not one who offers myself for one night.” His hands were shaking with the emotions he was bottling inside, and some wetness was gathering around his eyes. Did Jeongguk really think of him that way?
“I didn’t mean it like—” The Alpha sounded apologetic. “Taehyung—I don’t think this is a good idea.”
It hurt. There was a sudden pressure in Taehyung’s chest. The Alpha’s words were steady and sounded final and serious, like everything about Jeongguk.
“Because of my age?” he whispered, still searching the Alpha’s eyes.
“Because of the difference,” Jeongguk replied. “Because you deserve someone closer to you in life. I’ve—” The Alpha shook his head. “I’ve already lived mine. There’s nothing else.”
Taehyung recoiled at those words. Was the Alpha really thinking that? Did he truly believe those words, or was he just saying them to get rid of him? Nonetheless, there wasn’t any more space for argument. The Omega nodded stiffly, feeling overwhelmed, tears quickly gathering in his eyes and his scent flaring like burnt butter and bitter vanilla.
“Thank you for being honest.”
He bypassed the Alpha, who was still standing there, and hurried back to his hut. The door had barely closed behind him before he cracked. He leaned back against it, sliding down to sit on the floor, hands flying to his eyes as he started to sob and cry in earnest.
“Tae?”
Jimin stood from the couch and immediately crossed the room in quick steps, sinking down onto the floor beside him.
“He said no,” Taehyung managed to say between sobs.
Jimin, the angel he was, didn’t ask what had happened and didn’t say I told you so. He just pulled Taehyung into his chest and wrapped both arms around him.
“Oh, Tae,” he said softly.
Taehyung clutched at his shirt. “I knew he might. I knew it wasn’t likely. I just thought maybe…”
Jimin stroked a hand through his hair slowly and patiently. “It’s okay. You were brave.”
“I feel stupid,” Taehyung whispered as he calmed down a little. “Like he looks at me and only sees how young I am. Like I’m some sort of child or something.”
“You’re not a child,” Jimin said, rubbing circles into his back. “You’re young, yes. But not naïve.”
“The worst thing is that—” Taehyung blew his nose. “I really like him,” he said in a small voice. “It’s not just my wolf. I like the way he speaks, the way he watches everything, his scent.”
Jimin sighed quietly. His presence was more than enough for his friend.
“You did the right thing asking. You would have regretted it otherwise. And you don’t have to be strong about it tonight. Let it all out. It’s his loss if he doesn’t see how amazing you are.”
For once, Taehyung let himself be held. He fell asleep cuddled up in his best friend’s arms.
Dinner with Jin was a habit Jeongguk never broke. Every week, no matter the season, he went down to his brother’s house near the river. Jin cooked and Jeongguk ate in silence while Jin and Namjoon—his mate and pack leader—filled the space with commentary about the pack, the weather, and who was courting whom.
That night there was galbi-jjim, one of his favorites. And yet, Jeongguk didn’t have much appetite.
“You’re quieter than usual,” Jin said, watching him over his bowl. “Did something happen at the hunt?”
Jeongguk huffed. “No.”
“Good. Then what?” his nosy and very perceptive younger brother asked.
Silence again. Jeongguk stared at the table, his jaw tight, a memory of burnt vanilla still lingering in his mind. Jin waited. He always did. Namjoon looked curious too, his brother-in-law speaking far less than his mate and listening far more.
“…An omega asked me to the Moon-Tide Gathering,” Jeongguk finally said.
Jin froze with the spoon halfway to his mouth. “I’m sorry,” he said slowly, putting the spoon down and forgetting his food. “An omega did what?”
Jeongguk grimaced. “Asked me to go with him.”
Jin opened his mouth for a second, then closed it, flabbergasted. “You’re not joking.”
“No.”
Jin leaned back, his eyes wide with genuine shock. “I didn’t think you even noticed omegas anymore.”
Jeongguk scowled. “I notice. I just don’t—” He cut himself off.
Jin softened immediately. “How long has it been?” he asked gently.
Jeongguk answered without hesitation. “Almost nineteen years.”
Jin nodded, looking into his brother’s eyes. “And?” he prompted gently. “You said no, I gather from your miserable face.”
“Yes. I said no.”
“Why?” Namjoon asked quietly, finally speaking.
Jeongguk’s jaw flexed. “Because he’s twenty-three.”
Jin blinked twice. “Twenty-three?” His brows lifted. “That’s… young.”
“Yes,” Jeongguk sighed.
Namjoon tilted his head, clearly not satisfied with the answer. “And?”
“And I’m forty-two?” Jeongguk said in a questioning tone. What was so hard to understand?
Jin rolled his eyes. “We can count, Jeongguk.”
Silence settled again. The sound of the river was the only thing filling the room. Jeongguk went back to eating, while Jin and Namjoon watched him, questions lingering in their expressions.
As always, Jin spoke first. “Alright. Start from the beginning. Who is he?”
Jeongguk frowned. “You don’t know him.”
“Clearly,” Jin said dryly. “I spend way too many hours in the office. Describe him.”
Jeongguk hesitated. He was good at taking down wild animals in the woods, sleeping outside, chopping wood, all that. But speaking now was hard. Finding the words wasn’t easy.
“He’s the new cook,” he began finally. “Came from Daegu. Moved here with another omega—Park Jimin.”
Namjoon frowned at the name and Jeongguk noticed.
“So, how is he?” Jin pressed.
Jeongguk stared at the table for a moment, then exhaled. “He’s… soft.”
Jin raised an eyebrow. “Soft how?”
“Just soft,” Jeongguk repeated, frustrated. “He’s polite, smiles a lot, bows too much, thanks people twice for everything. He wears these oversized sweaters in pastel colors, has ribbons on his clothes and in his hair.”
“Ribbons?” Jin’s lips twitched.
“Yes.”
Namjoon leaned forward slightly. “And?”
Jeongguk swallowed once. “He smells like vanilla. And butter. Something cakey underneath.” His voice lowered. “It lingers.”
Jin and Namjoon exchanged a look.
“He always cooks like he’s feeding people he loves,” Jeongguk continued before he could stop himself. “And he cooks so damn well. The hunters devoured everything the first day. He made pork stew with apples inside, an apple pie for dessert—with cinnamon and cardamom and fresh buns.” A faint crease formed between his brows. “He stayed up late to pack us breakfast before the last hunt.”
Jin’s expression changed; he had been surprised, but now he looked more serious, observant of his usually quiet and reserved brother. Jin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Is he beautiful?”
The silence lasted one second. “Yes.”
“How does he look?” Jin asked gently.
Jeongguk hesitated, then spoke slowly, as if forgetting any detail would be impossible.
“He has longer hair, blonde curls that he sometimes braids. Tiger eyes.” He swallowed. “He looks delicate, but he’s not weak. When he talks about something he cares about, his expression changes.”
Jin stared at him for a second with wide eyes while Namjoon hid a smile behind his cup. Jin sat back slowly, folding his arms. “So let me get this straight. A beautiful, kind omega who cooks like a dream and smells like dessert asked you to a harmless tradition night… and you turned him down because of math.”
“It’s not math,” Jeongguk said sharply.
“What is it then?” Jin asked calmly.
Jeongguk’s jaw tightened again. “He deserves someone who hasn’t already—” He cut himself off.
“Already what?” Namjoon asked.
“Already lost everything.”
The room went quiet.
Jin’s voice softened. “Jeongguk—”
“He’s twenty-three,” Jeongguk stressed the numbers, as though he were the only one seeing the problem, staring at the table.
“You were twenty-three when you mated,” Jin said quietly.
Jeongguk’s head snapped slightly in his direction, his eyes almost disbelieving at the words he had heard.
“You think you were a child?” Jin continued. “Naïve? Incapable of choosing?”
“That’s different.”
“Why is it different?” Namjoon interjected.
“Because she was my age.”
“And you think that’s what made it real?”
Jeongguk didn’t answer.
Jin leaned forward a little. “Listen to me carefully. I don’t know this omega. I’ve never seen him. For all I know, he could be completely unsuitable for you. Too young, too idealistic, too soft for the life you live. That’s possible.” His voice was steady, rational, as always. “But don’t reduce him to a number because you’re afraid.”
Jeongguk’s jaw tightened again. “I’m not afraid.”
Jin’s expression didn’t change. “You haven’t looked at another omega twice in nearly two decades. And now one asks you to spend one evening talking and dancing, and it unsettles you this much.”
Jeongguk stared at the table.
Namjoon’s voice was calm. “Did you feel anything?”
That question hit harder than the others, making Jeongguk hesitate.
“Yes.” There it was, so real it hurt. “But—I’ve already lived my life,” he said tiredly.
Jin’s gaze softened. “You’re breathing, Jeongguk. You hunt. You protect the pack. You eat at my table every week. That’s not a finished life.”
Jeongguk’s eyes flickered to his brothers’, conflicted.
Jin sighed softly. “I’m not telling you to run after him. I’m not telling you to accept the invitation. I’m telling you to be honest with yourself. If you truly think he deserves someone closer to his age, someone in the same stage of life, that’s fair. But if you’re pushing him away because you think you’re too old, too damaged…” Jin’s voice lowered. “That’s not protecting him. That’s hiding.”
Jeongguk sat there, shoulders rigid, heart unsteady in a way he hadn’t felt in years.