Whispers and Sunlight

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/31268546.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Park Jimin
Character: Jeon Jungkook, Park Jimin (BTS), Kim Taehyung | V, Min Yoongi |
Suga, Jung Hoseok | J-Hope, Kim Namjoon | RM, Kim Seokjin | Jin,
Kang Taehyun, Son Chaeyoung
Additional Tags: Prince Park Jimin (BTS), Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Jeon
Jungkook, Omega Park Jimin (BTS), Royalty, Forbidden Love,
Sneaking Around, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Class Issues, Social Issues,
Explicit Sexual Content, Prince Kim Namjoon | RM, Mutual Pining,
Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Abusive Parents, that would be Jimin's shitty
father, side taegi, side namjin, Angst with a Happy Ending, Minor
Original Character(s), Tags May Change, Tags Are Fun, are they really
though
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2021-06-11 Completed: 2021-07-23 Words: 152,952
Chapters: 12/12

Whispers and Sunlight

by annie_vi

Summary

Growing up as an orphan in the poorest town of Dayangsong, alpha Jeon Jeongguk learned
to steal from the wealthy to survive. A chance to work at the palace gives Jeongguk an easy
in, but life takes a wild detour when he crosses paths with stubborn omega crown prince
Park Jimin, who is determined to break every single rule forced upon him.
 one
Chapter Notes

hello again, did you miss me? ;)

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE AHHHHHHSDLFKJDSL this fic is 151k and
it took me only 25 days to write between March and April because it was that much
fun. I was writing one chapter in 24 hours at one point. I feel like this is some of my
best writing and this might be my fav fic I've ever written O__O I always said that if I
ever wrote a/b/o, it would have to be a fucking killer idea, so HERE WE GO!!!
FORBIDDEN ROMANCE! ROYALTY! EVERYTHING!!!!!

If this is your first time reading a/b/o (omegaverse) dynamics, I'm so excited to have
you here! I very much hope that I have explained the different general facets of this
trope within the context of the universe I have created. Please remember that all a/b/o
fics are different in how the content is presented, but in this fic, it's pretty
straightforward! You will understand more as you read. Feel free to ask questions!
Also, so many people said that they're giving a/b/o a chance for the first time and I'm
so excited but VERY NERVOUS, I hope you all love it!

With that being said, I WILL SAY THIS ONLY ONCE: If this fic or trope is not
your cup of tea, just close the tab. It's quite simple to do. There is no need to leave
abusive or hateful comments, as I won't engage with them at all. Additionally, if this
particular dynamic is not what you like, you may also close the tab!

All my love to Cata, who dedicated her time and patience to making 12 FUCKING
SPLIT MOODBOARDS holy shit the amount of work that went into these... bless.
She's incredible.

I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

 [moodboard by cata]

~~~

we've got a life, but it's never enough

it got us down, so we're giving it up

we don't care if it's right or it's real love.

-"until the sun comes up" by gabrielle aplin

~~~

There was nothing as comparatively thrilling as rolling down a grassy hill with a small fortune of
stolen gold in a backpack with the threat of disgruntled betas making chase.

But Jeon Jeongguk was not prone to shifting like a forest wolf (much to his dismay), and the three
men running after him were out of luck, so the chase took a tumble. Jeongguk kept himself tucked
as he rolled gleefully, and when he reached the bottom of the hill, he hopped up, dirt all over his
clothing, backpack secured on his chest, since he had chosen to don it backwards in order to hug
the goods for maximum protection.

“NEXT TIME, PAY ME WHAT I’M WORTH!” he hollered up the way with a devilish grin,
watching the three men struggle to run down the hill without toppling over, none of them willing to
take the risk of rolling in style as Jeongguk had done. They kept calling out to him (“YAH! DO
DONGHYUN!”—a fake name), infuriated, but it was just noise. Knowing he had the upper hand, a
more favorable metabolism, and a wolf that was desperate to go rogue at all times, Jeongguk turned
and took off running, getting as far away as possible from the mansion on the hilltop and the elite
pair of snobs who had hired cheap help to clean their home.

Being in nature was nice and felt almost innate, and as Jeongguk jogged along the familiar rocky
stream with scattered patches of moss, he paused and bent down, breathless, the joints in his knees
cracking as he peered at the water. With one hand, he scooped some of it up and let it run through
his fingers, his nose twitching with the wind. No foreign scents. He was alone now. Pleased, he
shrugged out of his backpack, grabbed the small metal water bottle he carried with him, and
dunked it into the stream to collect fresh, cold water. The water poured into his bottle, and he lifted
it up and chugged some of it, water droplets trickling down his chin to his black t-shirt. He had
never been one to show up to a job dressed formally, and none of his clients seemed to mind,
because Jeongguk always did the work he was hired to do, no matter his appearance.

In his pocket, Jeongguk’s phone began to vibrate. He struggled to yank it out as he continued to
walk, the back held together by tape, the screen cracked in several places, and he answered.

“Yes, hello?”

“I’m calling the police!” a shrill female voice declared. “You won’t get away with this! We have
your name!”

“Yah, you should see me right now. I’m shaking in fear,” Jeongguk said dramatically to the
gardener of the home, and then he pressed his tongue into his cheek with a grin and hung up as she
continued to yell. This was just his burner phone. He changed the number after every job he did
that went sour, so this job would be no different. Jeongguk turned the phone off, shoved it into his
pocket, and continued his journey home in glorious silence.

mood: “until the sun comes up” by gabrielle aplin

The walk back towards his beloved, dilapidated town of Gananhan in south Dayangsong was one
that Jeongguk knew well. It wasn’t truly dilapidated—it was just considered bland and insipid on
the outside in comparison to north Dayangsong in the city of Gogwihan, where the more well-to-
do resided. Jeongguk knew the north like the back of his hand, but the south was where he
belonged, because though it looked like chaos from the outside, the inside was a spectrum of
colorful characters—mixed bloodlines, outrageous pairings, varying statuses, a dawn of
opportunity up for grabs that usually always faltered but made for good show. Jeongguk was born
an alpha, but he had been born with no status as a commoner, only for his wishy-washy parents to
abandon him on the streets of the south at age eight with no interest in raising a rather feisty and
curious pup. Jeongguk had lived in alleyways for a few weeks before a quiet pre-teen fellow
orphan named Min Yoongi had taken him in.

“HYUNG! Hyung, check this out.” Jeongguk tumbled through the front door and kicked his shoes
off excitedly with a grin.

“Yah, what the hell did you get into this time? You’re filthy. I’m proud.” Yoongi, a fellow alpha,
raised his eyebrows in amusement and stepped away from the kitchen space. He blinked, his long,
soft black hair trapped in his eyelashes, comforting teakwood scent enveloping Jeongguk
immediately, full of overprotective curiosity.

“I was in the north,” Jeongguk replied, unzipping his backpack and shaking his long, wavy black
hair out of his eyes. He glanced at the hair tie on his wrist, but then he favored pulling out what he
had stolen. “Shit’s gonna sell big on the black market.”

“Oh, no fucking way,” Yoongi laughed, shuffling forward to take a look at Jeongguk’s score.
Jeongguk had taken gold jewelry that had been sitting gathering dust in Mrs. Kang’s jewelry box,
just a few pieces from her outrageous collection that she would never have known were missing if
not for the damn metal detector at the backdoor that Jeongguk hadn’t seen.
“These fuckers had metal detectors,” Jeongguk complained. “That’s the first time in months. I had
to run for my life. Gonna have to change my burner number again.”

“Yeah, no kidding.” Yoongi’s rough fingers grazed over the selection, and then he smiled over his
shoulder. “Hey, did you see this?”

“I do have eyes.” Kim Taehyung crossed his arms and surveyed Jeongguk head to toe with a small
smile as he came to stand beside Yoongi, his mate. Yoongi had taken care of Jeongguk since they
were kids, both of them orphaned at a young age. Yoongi was a jack of all trades—woodsmith,
blacksmith, the works. He had built the funky little cottage they all lived in on the edge of the
south’s most populated town ten years ago, as well as many other houses in town. He was the one
who had taught Jeongguk about playing the role of a thief, and it had always been just the two of
them against the world. But five years ago, Taehyung, a rather rogue and whimsical devil-may-care
alpha, had wandered into Yoongi’s shop asking for a sword and refusing to disclose why he needed
one, resorting to telling Yoongi that he was off to slay a dragon. Jeongguk could still remember the
months of bickering and fighting and sizing the other up before Taehyung and Yoongi had finally
both caved (Jeongguk still didn’t know what the sword had been for).

Two alphas in a relationship was not common and often frowned upon outside the comfort of
Gananhan. Two alphas mated was even more outrageous. Taehyung’s wolf (and Taehyung,
quickly) had recognized Yoongi as its mate almost right away, whereas Yoongi had downright
refused to acknowledge that Taehyung was his mate for an entire year despite his wolf’s desires.
But to Jeongguk’s relief, Yoongi had finally allowed himself to submit to the feeling, and now they
both bore a mating mark on their neck, two alphas making it work. Jeongguk just pretended that he
didn’t exist when they both had their ruts.

“Was it the Kangs?” Taehyung asked. “That ugly-ass house on the hill?”

“The very same,” Jeongguk said, and Taehyung snickered, resting his chin on Yoongi’s shoulder,
black curly hair wild, soft apple cinnamon scent swirling around happily, eyes sparkling as he eyed
Jeongguk.

“Pity you couldn’t make out with more. Who caught you?” he asked, and then he turned and kissed
the mating mark on Yoongi’s neck, his nose brushing the scent gland right below Yoongi’s jaw.
Yoongi shivered and blew out a breath as Jeongguk zipped the backpack up again.

“The gardener,” Jeongguk sighed. “She saw me putting one brooch in my bag and she started
screaming like the house was on fire. I just denied it, but then I walked out the backdoor, and there
was a metal detector. Disaster.”

“They deserved it,” Yoongi said with a grin, and then he turned back towards the kitchen. “I’m
starving, are you eating with us? Dinner’s on. Kimchi jjigae.”

Yoongi and Taehyung lived in the little cottage together, but Jeongguk had commandeered the attic
a long time ago when he and Yoongi were teenagers, refusing (nicely) to leave. The ceiling was
low and slanted, and getting up to his room required climbing the hidden pull-down stepladder, but
it was cozy and quiet, and Jeongguk had soundproofed it years ago. The number of times he had
destroyed his own living space because of his rut was borderline embarrassing, but at least Yoongi
and Taehyung could flit in and out of the house in peace.

After dinner, Jeongguk climbed the ladder and flopped onto his bed, staring up at the wood-
paneled slanted ceiling and through the window to the night sky. Then he rolled and flicked on his
twinkle lights for some ambiance before grabbing the book he was reading. A good distraction.
Maybe Jeongguk didn’t have all the latest and greatest technology or furniture or precious
possessions, but he had enough. Half of it was stolen from the rich. Dayangsong was a kingdom
with an appealing book cover and questionable content, but most of the elite in Gogwihan tended
to ask outsiders to only judge said book by its cover. Jeongguk took full advantage of his career
choice and liked to read between the lines.

Seven years ago, Jeongguk had decided to put himself to work to help support Yoongi by cleaning
houses—easy and painless. He had started off small, but then he had weaseled his way to the north
based on word-of-mouth, consuming scent blockers to go unnoticed and putzing around the homes
of purebloods (anyone the product of strictly an alpha and an omega pairing with status and family
lineage) and the wealthy closest to Dayangsong Palace. The people who lived in Gogwihan near
the palace adored hiring an alpha with no status and nothing to lose—cheap labor. They didn’t pay
Jeongguk what he was worth, and that was part of the reason why Jeongguk always stole
something when he worked—compensation. It was only fair.

And stealing helped him immensely on the black market. The next day, Jeongguk waltzed into the
marketplace and sat down across from his potential buyers, watching as they examined the gold
jewelry with fascination. They gave Jeongguk his money’s worth, which was far more than what
he had made cleaning the Kangs’ house. Then he was off, ducking out and pulling the hood of his
sweatshirt up over his head and pulling his face mask up over his nose again.

“...Make so much money!”

“No, it just means I’ll have to buy scent blockers from the market.”

“Wait, when are they interviewing? Shit, only one day?”

Jeongguk pressed his tongue into his cheek and glanced over to the message board circle, where
advertisements of all sorts were always posted with mismatched pushpins, overlapping one another
for dominance. He raised his eyebrows when he noticed that the entire message board seemed to
have been cleared, and now the only thing hanging on it, smack dab in the middle, was a cream-
colored paper with the royal seal of the Park family on it. Curious, Jeongguk shuffled over, hands
in his pockets, and then he looked over the shoulders of two eager girls and read:

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DAYANGSONG PALACE

Dayangsong Palace is seeking one (1) suitable new staff member for purposes of tending to the
palace, cleaning, and caretaking.

Neutralized scent favored. Work hours are variable. Pay is weekly. Experience preferred.

Interviews to commence tomorrow at sunrise, concluding at sunset.

“Hey, they ripped off my advertisement!”

“This is bullshit.”
“Are you going? Come with me.”

The chatter in the air was thick. The message was short and sweet and to the point, but Jeongguk
was already off and running with his hood still up, his mind buzzing.

Pay is weekly.

If money was being offered on a steady basis, Jeongguk was a sucker, but at least he was aware of
it. So many people got dragged into the superficial glamour of migrating to the north or the appeal
of the palace, thinking they could handle living where the purest of purebloods in Dayangsong
converged. Dayangsong was notoriously and blatantly split into rich and poor, pure and impure.
The difference was astounding. Jeongguk had flirted with the idea of hanging around the palace
once or twice in his teenage life to see if anyone needed his assistance, but he was smart enough (or
maybe stubborn enough) to know that most of the wealthy just used him, especially given that he
was an alpha.

“I’m going. Are you?”

“I could totally clean the palace.”

“You want to go to Dayangsong Palace? Yeah, good luck.”

Dayangsong Palace was a fortress with a colorful history. King Youngho, currently on the throne,
was a dominant alpha with a heavy hand as a ruler and an omega wife who only knew extravagance
and luxury, and Jeongguk was not ignorant to all the gossip. The royal couple only had one son, an
enigmatic omega named Jimin, and for years, they had been trying to mate him with absolutely no
success. Park Jimin, eventual heir to the throne, was a rumored nightmare—uncooperative,
nonconforming, and uninterested in the line of betas and alphas seeking to be his mate. He was the
tired omega stereotype from TV dramas that made Jeongguk laugh, mostly because those in the
north and those in the palace virtually gagged at the idea of an omega not cooperating with so
much at stake.

Jeongguk knew only what he heard through the grapevine about Dayangsong Palace and all its
residents, including the royal family and their minions. Nothing was thicker than blood up there.
Status was everything. Secrets were the norm. The palace worked for those who could feed it
enough money. Jeongguk, an alpha with no real family and no status, was dirt beneath their feet.
And everyone, everyone, was drowning blissfully in their own wealth.

The palace wanted someone with experience. Jeongguk was going to give it to them.

***

Dayangsong Palace was quite clearly ready to receive visitors.

“This way. Please remain in line. Right this way.” A bored guard guided the dozens upon dozens
of people who had inevitably seen the advertisement. Jeongguk was among them, much to
Taehyung and Yoongi’s dismay. It had taken a bit of convincing, but once Jeongguk had
emphasized the possibility of steady income, Taehyung had caved and smacked Yoongi playfully
on the back of the head, saying that Jeongguk was the perfect fit.

“Besides, having someone on the inside could do us some good,” he had joked. “Gguk, dress
nicely.”

So Jeongguk was wearing the navy blue modern hanbok that Taehyung had made him once upon a
time, seeing as Taehyung designed clothing and side hustled as a tailor and often made clothes for
anyone who walked into his little corner of the shop he shared with Yoongi. Jeongguk had a nearly
never-ending supply of scent blocking tea courtesy of his ventures in the black market, so his fresh
rainwater scent was virtually muted. It was overpowering when he was in rut to the point where
Taehyung complained that it felt like a typhoon was sweeping through their house. But in everyday
life, his scent was mellow and rather pleasant to most betas and omegas and tolerable to alphas.

Jeongguk had spent his time on the outskirts of Dayangsong Palace as a kid when his scent was
just like every other unpresented child and he hadn’t stood out, but he had never stepped over the
unspoken threshold. When the concrete ground met the smooth cobblestone footpath leading to the
front doors, that was the limit. But Jeongguk followed the line and teetered side-to-side, checking
to the right and the left with every step he took, watching the line weave into the palace.

mood: “royals” by jasmine thompson

“Through here, stay in line. This way, please.”

Jeongguk pursed his lips and kept one hand clutched in the other while cracking his knuckles as he
let his eyes wander. The moment he walked through the grand front doors, he was on sensory
overload. The floors were dark tile, the windows floor-to-ceiling, and large red pillars were holding
up the roof. There was an echo from all the chatter in the spaciousness, the ceilings slanted with
ornate green, gold, and red traditional patterns and architecture.

“Out of line.”

“What? No, please!”

Jeongguk watched as one after another, people were pulled out of line and dismissed in droves.
There seemed to be guards sniffing out the potential hirees whose scents were too strong or
offensive, which Jeongguk found rather fascinating. The way the line dwindled was nothing short
of extraordinary. The girl in front of him was removed from the line, which Jeongguk had
anticipated—she smelled so strongly of strawberry that there was no way the guards hadn’t been
able to pick up on her scent. Jeongguk could understand the desire for a neutral scent or forced
neutrality. In a palace setting, surely the staff were meant to be invisible. Jeongguk couldn’t
imagine an omega with such a strong strawberry scent cleaning the queen mother’s dressing room
without causing a disturbance.

Jeongguk followed the misshapen line into the next room, where there were rows of chairs set up.
He filed in and took a seat in the first available chair, watching as palace guards slowly paced back
and forth, eyes narrowed as they gauged the room. Jeongguk pressed his palms into his thighs and
rubbed slowly, running his tongue along his top teeth with his lips closed.

The chaos died down once the doors of the room closed a few minutes later. The chairs were filled,
and one gentleman began to summon the first person available. As he did, Jeongguk suddenly
wished that he had a book to read, or even his shitty cell phone to distract him. Like clockwork, one
person walked into the room and exited three minutes later. It continued at a merciless pace.
“Next, please.”

Jeongguk lifted his head and looked around what felt like seconds later, and then he realized that
the chair beside him was empty, which meant that he was being summoned. The interviews were
truly moving at a clipping pace, and rightfully so—there couldn’t possibly be much to discuss
when all they needed was a staff member to do some cleaning and caretaking. Clearing his throat,
he rose to his feet, bowed profusely to the guard holding open the door, and ducked inside the next
room.

The room was warm and welcoming, and Jeongguk immediately felt out of place. The walls were
made of pale bamboo, and the floor matched. There was a step up to the seating area, where a
taupe rug was laid out with an eight-panel folding screen made of bamboo with dark wood cherry
blossom carvings against the back wall. In front of it were several red seating cushions with gold
embellishments, and there was a red tea table with a teapot and several cups already presented. The
scent of the room was neutral, which meant that the three men seated behind the tea table were
either betas with faint scents, or they had consumed scent blockers. Jeongguk breathed in the
incense that was burning instead, and then he approached the step and slipped out of his shoes.
Then he bowed deeply.

“Hello, my name is Jeon Jeongguk,” he introduced himself, and then he stepped up and knelt down
on the one cushion that was on the other side of the tea table.

“Jeon Jeongguk, please pour the tea,” the man in the center requested. Jeongguk raised his
eyebrows, but then he carefully and politely, with proper etiquette, poured tea for four and handed
over each teacup before taking his own.

“What is your rank?” the man on the left asked.

“Alpha.” Jeongguk turned the teacup once in his hands.

“Status?”

“None,” Jeongguk replied firmly. He had no familial ties to the royals. He had no bloodline of
which to be proud. He was just Jeongguk.

“We are looking for a new support staff member,” the man in the center stated. “To clean and to
potentially promote to a position of caring for palace residents. What are your expectations for this
position?”

“Oh. Um, I have none.” Jeongguk sipped the tea and then lowered the cup into his lap. “I clean
houses to earn a living. Sometimes I look after pups. I’m good at what I do, but work is sporadic.
It’s feast or famine. I just need a steady job, and this seems like a good fit.”

“How many years of experience do you have?” the man on the left asked.

“About five or so years,” Jeongguk replied. “I started in the south, built my reputation, and worked
my way to the north cleaning homes.”

The three men exchanged glances briefly while using the tea setting as a distraction, but Jeongguk
had a sharp eye. Perhaps he had consumed scent blockers, but that didn’t mean that his wolf was
unattentive. Jeongguk could read a room. The conversation had been wordless, but the three men
had spoken decisively.

“It is important, Jeongguk, that our staff members understand several things,” the man to the right
said, forgoing all formalities and disregarding any honorifics. Jeongguk was not surprised, albeit
disappointed. “You are to remain neutral. Your rank as alpha will be acknowledged, but you are
not to disturb the environment with your scent or otherwise. You are here to be invisible. You are
hardly seen and never heard. You do the duties you are given. You will be asked to work a variety
of hours without complaint. Do you understand these conditions?”

“Yes, I understand.” That I’ll be suffocated, but at least the pay will be decent, Jeongguk thought to
himself.

“Seeing as you are the first we have spoken to with no real status, we have taken great interest in
you,” the man in the middle said. “Most have walked in here ready to discuss their family trees.
But you are quiet. Straightforward. Unattached. We can appreciate that.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk said with a bow that felt ironic. Being at the bottom of the pile seemed to
be working to his advantage.

“If you are able to start tomorrow at seven o’clock sharp with your training, then the position is
yours,” the man in the center said. Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, surprised, but then he felt his lips
twitch in a smile.

“Really? You’re not joking, are you? All those interviews and you ask me? You—You don’t need
to know anything more about me? That’s it?” he asked, suspicious. He earned a chuckle from the
man on the left.

“Quite serious. The position needs to be filled immediately. You are able-bodied, and therefore
suitable for the job. Pay is ten thousand won an hour. You’ll begin tomorrow at seven o’clock, and
we will determine your dismissal time,” the man said. “You will be given your uniform on site and
your information will be taken in tomorrow. Welcome to Dayangsong Palace.”

“Oh. That was very fast. Thank you. Thank you so much,” Jeongguk said with a profuse bow, three
in a row. “Thank you, I will work hard for you. Thank you.”

“Dismissed.”

Jeongguk scrambled to his feet and bowed multiple times yet again, and then he backed up and
slipped into his shoes, his mind sprinting. With one final flurry of bows, he exited the room and
turned left, following the signs for the exit. He walked through the grandiose entrance hall, and
then he slipped out the front doors, holding his breath as he walked. It wasn’t until he stepped over
the threshold and back into the real world that he let out a laugh, fingers laced at the crown of his
head as he spun in a circle.

Jeongguk, a low ranking alpha without a family, a thief to survive, was going to be working at
Dayangsong Palace. The universe truly had a sense of humor.

***

At seven o’clock sharp, Jeongguk turned up to the front gates of Dayangsong Palace with just his
backpack, having parked his bike half a mile back where it was safe.

“What is your business here?”

“Oh.” Jeongguk cleared his throat and faced the guard outside the iron gates. “My name is Jeon
Jeongguk. I was interviewed yesterday for the—ah. Okay. Thank you,” Jeongguk awkwardly
added when the guard stepped aside and gestured to the front doors. Feeling far too small, and
feeling the way his wolf curled in on itself, Jeongguk quietly walked down the path as a cool April
morning breeze swept through, making him shiver.

“Jeon Jeongguk?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Jeongguk came to a halt and folded his hands in front of him, and he eyed the
guard who was walking through the entrance hall. He walked with a bounce in his step, wearing
red hanbok with an embellished black sash around the waist, a black scabbard with a sword
hanging off his left hip and swinging as he approached. He had some beads around his neck, but he
wasn’t wearing any kind of hat or adornment on his head. His black hair was parted deeply to the
side and swept off his face, and he looked rather young, though strapping and strong. He moved
nimbly, and the closer he got, the more Jeongguk could catch a faint whiff of pine—an alpha.

“Good morning. I’m Jung Hoseok, palace guard.” Hoseok bowed, and Jeongguk returned the
gesture. “I’ve been tasked with your onboarding and orientation, as well as aspects of your training.
Welcome to Dayangsong Palace.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you,” Jeongguk replied.

“Right this way, then. I guess it’s best to start with the paperwork, and then a tour. This is the first
time I’ve done this, so I’m winging it,” Hoseok admitted, and Jeongguk grinned. “They said they
gave me the job because I’m ‘relatable.’” The air quotes came out, and Jeongguk snickered.
“Honestly, I think they just gave me the job to keep me quiet and keep me busy.”

“Oh? Are you a troublemaker?” Jeongguk innocently asked, and Hoseok’s laugh was light.

“No, not a troublemaker. I’m just one of the younger guards here. I think the palace regrets hiring
me, but they know my family, so there isn’t much they can do except smile and nod and pay me,”
Hoseok responded as they turned the corner. “Plus, I heard you’re from the south. Gananhan? An
alpha with no status. You’re exactly what they want.”

“Am I?” Jeongguk raised his eyebrows as Hoseok gripped the gold door handle.

“You won’t cause trouble over blood or family,” he quietly said with a quick upward flick of his
eyebrows, and then he yanked open the door and added with cheer, “Right this way!”

Hoseok sat Jeongguk down in what looked like an office space that was rather elaborate—
paintings hanging on the wall, file cabinets, plants (Jeongguk wondered if he would have to water
them), the works. Hoseok sat down behind a desk made of what had to be solid mahogany, and
Jeongguk sat in the chair across from him. Humming to himself, Hoseok turned on the computer
that was available to him, and then he pulled out the keyboard and cleared his throat.

“Full name and date of birth.”

“Jeon Jeongguk. First of September,” Jeongguk replied as Hoseok typed.

“Rank and status?”

“Alpha. No status. Commoner. No known blood relatives. Orphan,” Jeongguk listed dully, and
Hoseok hesitated before typing in the information.

“Age presented?”
“Sixteen.”

“Rut cycle schedule? Frequency and duration.”

“Four times per year. Full moon. February, May, August, November. Two to three days,” Jeongguk
rattled off, used to having to disclose such information to the wealthy snobs he worked for in the
north. Nobody wanted an alpha in pre-rut cleaning their home, especially if there was an unfaithful
occupant of the house (there often was).

“When not at the palace, do you live alone or with others? If with others, please elaborate.” Hoseok
asked, and Jeongguk rubbed his lips together.

“With others. Two alphas. They’re mated.”

“No shit. Are they really?” Hoseok sounded fascinated, forgetting that he had to type in
Jeongguk’s responses. “Sorry, I just—look, all of this information is just to keep palace personnel
informed and safe.”

“It’s fine. I get it.”

“So I’ll need to ask about scents, as stated by your healer.” Hoseok glanced over at Jeongguk, and
Jeongguk sighed. No matter rank or status, everyone went to some kind of healer just after
presenting, mostly to confirm rank and scent. Jeongguk had been no exception.

“Mine, or the alphas I live with?”

“All of it.”

“Rainwater. Fresh rainwater. That’s mine,” Jeongguk replied. “As for the mated couple in the
house, one is teakwood, and the other is apple cinnamon.”

“Thank you. As far as pay goes, the palace prefers to provide a paper check on a weekly basis.
Does this suit you?” Hoseok asked, peering at Jeongguk in interest. Jeongguk shrugged.

“I don’t really care how I get paid, as long as I actually get paid.”

“Great. Easy. Uh… schedule. You’ve been asked to work five days each week,” Hoseok said, and
Jeongguk hummed in interest. “Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from seven o’clock to seven
o’clock, and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to midnight.”

“Jesus fuck,” Jeongguk murmured, trying not to laugh in disbelief. The job had been appealing and
the pay would be phenomenal for him, but the hours? Not that it was surprising, in the grand
scheme of things. He was an alpha without status—again, cheap labor. This was what he was made
for. “Do I get a break to eat?”

“Yes. You get a thirty-minute break at eleven and an hour break at five,” Hoseok said cheerfully.
“And on Fridays and Saturdays, you have an hour break at three o’clock and a thirty-minute break
at eight-thirty.”

“Guess there’s a lot to clean,” Jeongguk said wryly, but then he shrugged. “Yeah, that’s fine.
Thank you.”

“Excellent. You’re still frowning, though,” Hoseok noticed, and Jeongguk sat back in the chair.

“I don’t know. I guess I was just expecting things to be a lot more formal,” he admitted. “I mean,
this is the palace, you know? And it kind of feels like I’m doing orientation for the local grocery
store as a cashier. No offense to you. You’re doing a great job. It’s just… weird.”

“Can I be straightforward with you?” Hoseok asked, and Jeongguk nodded. “You’re working at the
palace with no status.”

Jeongguk was waiting for Hoseok to say more, but Hoseok just clamped his mouth shut and folded
his hands politely on the desktop, eyebrows slightly raised as he stared Jeongguk down. The
conversation then became silent. Hoseok was saying everything Jeongguk needed to hear without
saying a word.

“Okay, let’s begin the tour!” Hoseok said with the same enthusiasm, standing up and adjusting his
scabbard and the top of his hanbok. Jeongguk thought to fix some of his clothing, but he just
nodded to himself and followed.

Hoseok did, indeed, take Jeongguk on a tour of the entire palace. He showed Jeongguk different
rooms, chambers, the kitchens, the staff room, the cleaning supplies, the hallways towards the
residents’ rooms, the throne room, the bathrooms, the gardens, a clinic with medical assistance.
Jeongguk mentally mapped everything as best as he could, because he knew it would all be
relevant when he got to work soon enough. Each room was ornate and unlike anything Jeongguk
had ever seen before.

“Make sure you only use these bathrooms,” Hoseok pointed out, and Jeongguk took note. “If you
use any other bathrooms and they find out, you’ll be fired. Some things are also offenses
punishable by execution, so don’t be an idiot.”

“Oh? Like what?” Jeongguk wondered as they continued to walk down the hallway. Hoseok
lowered his voice a little.

“If you so much as look at King Youngho’s son the wrong way, you’re done for,” he quietly said.
“You either kiss the prince’s feet or offer up your own life for him. The only people who can even
think about touching the prince are pureblood alphas who are seeking to mate, maybe a lucky beta.
The rest of us are expendable.”

“Lovely. Anything else?” Jeongguk asked.

“Let me think... Eating something that hasn’t been served to you. Talking shit about the Park
family in any capacity. Stealing from the palace. Doing your job poorly,” Hoseok listed. “All
offenses that could get you hanged, depending on the king’s mood. He’s not crazy, but he has no
heart. He wants his son mated and he wants the poor to remain poor. That’s it.” Hoseok perked up
purposely. “Do you want to see where the library is?”

So they continued along their tour and found the library without going inside, Hoseok rambling on
about the kind and wise librarian. He provided some history and pointed out as much as he could,
speaking with enthusiasm that sounded believable at first, but slowly, Jeongguk began to get the
feeling that Hoseok was testing his own limits.

“Okay, here we are. You haven’t asked a lot of questions,” Hoseok said as they stopped by a door,
and he began to rummage for a key. “I’ve done most of the talking, and we’ve been touring the
palace for almost an hour. Are you okay?”

“Just, you know. Taking it all in.” Jeongguk cleared his throat. “I’m an orphan from Gananhan,
Hoseok-ssi. It’s almost an hour by bicycle for me to get here, and I just saw someone being
brought from one end of the palace to the other in a little chariot. There isn’t much I can say.”
“It’s just because he’s old,” Hoseok said in a dismissive attempt, but then he blew out a breath and
opened the door—a closet. There were what looked like uniforms hanging along racks. Hoseok
ushered Jeongguk inside, and then he closed the door, vacuum-sealing them inside. “Listen, I get it.
Most new staff who come in here from the south don’t last more than a month. But you’re the first
one my age who’s been hired in a long time, so I guess I’m just hoping you’ll be different.”

“That’s very cliché of you,” Jeongguk deadpanned, and Hoseok clicked his tongue as he began
flicking through the clothing selection. Hoseok gave Jeongguk a relatively good vibe, and his scent
was mellow. Jeongguk rarely opened up to strangers right away, always wary, but Hoseok seemed
to be an open book with very little to lose.

“We live in a warped fairytale,” Hoseok replied with a chuckle. “Clichés are everywhere. Just
promise me you’ll try. I’ve never been offered the chance to do orientation and intake, so I don’t
get to brainwash people into staying, you know?”

“Wow,” Jeongguk said flatly, and Hoseok burst out laughing, the scabbard on his hip swinging as
he reached up higher.

“Listen—” Hoseok dropped his heels again, now holding some clothing in his arms. “I only
became a palace guard because of the prince. I don’t have any other reason to be here. This job is
hell. The king is an idiot. But I’m telling you all this in a soundproof closet without security
cameras because I would be executed in a heartbeat for saying it anywhere else.”

“Only because of the prince, huh?” Jeongguk quirked an eyebrow. “Thought he was a nightmare.”

“You and everyone else,” Hoseok mumbled, but then he sighed. “Okay, that’s your uniform. It’s
just plain old modern hanbok. Black only. Wear a black shirt underneath. Honestly, go for black
underwear, too. I wouldn’t take chances. Make sure it’s buttoned. Also, you’re either going to have
to cut your hair or tie it back, or find a way to control it. You can’t draw attention to yourself. Rule
number one that no one tells the new hires.”

“Well, I guess it’s my luck that I have the rogue palace guard doing my intake,” Jeongguk said as
he accepted the black modern hanbok from Hoseok’s arms.

“Blame the prince.” Hoseok eyed Jeongguk carefully. “I went to school with him. He’s not a
nightmare. He’s just not the son the king wants him to be. Come with me, let’s get you set up with
the keys you’ll need, and then I’ll show you the cleaning cart that you’ll be able to wheel around
with you wherever you want, if you need it.”

Jeongguk followed Hoseok, his mind racing as he tried to collect the little bits and pieces of
information that Hoseok was dropping. Jeongguk was nosy but quiet. He liked to know the ins and
outs of a place and its inhabitants, liked to know their behaviors and habits. So far, it seemed that
Hoseok was trying to say that the gossip about Prince Jimin was largely falsified, and that the king
had no issue executing anyone. There seemed to be a very precarious balance of power at
Dayangsong Palace, and a tendency to turn a blind eye.

Hoseok handed over a set of keys, warning Jeongguk to use them only for good and not evil. Then
he gestured to the black cart that had a black draping with gold embellishments on it to cover the
cleaning supplies—easy for Jeongguk to wheel around, discreet and unassuming.

“There isn’t really a rhyme or reason to things,” Hoseok said. “It’s your job to be attentive. You
clean as much as you possibly can during your shift, and only the rooms listed on your roster.”
Hoseok beckoned to the roster attached to the cart. “Don’t go anywhere near the king and queen
mother’s chambers in the east wing—they have their own cleaner. But it looks like you’re
responsible for Prince Jimin’s bedroom, so please don’t do anything stupid. Clean and leave.
That’s all. Be there at your designated time slot. He knows not to go into the room when it’s being
cleaned. You’re invisible. Sometimes seen, but never heard. That’s it.”

“Got it.”

“Cool. It’s just the normal cleaning,” Hoseok said with a smile. “The deep cleaning happens every
month, and the rest of the palace cleaning staff will discuss that with you when the time comes.
And if you need to find me, my little hideout is in the west wing near the library—that office I
brought you to.”

“Thank you, Hoseok-ssi.” Jeongguk bowed deeply in gratitude, and Hoseok waved his hand
dismissively.

“Yah, don’t do that. It was nothing. Most of the guards who get saddled with new hires just take
their information and throw them to the literal wolves after about ten minutes,” Hoseok mentioned.
“They set you up to fail. So I hope I didn’t do that.”

“You did more than enough. I’ll be fine. Thank you,” Jeongguk said with another bow, and
somewhere in the distance, bells began to chime, signaling that it was ten o’clock.

“Good luck.” Hoseok nodded his head once, and then he turned and walked away, leaving
Jeongguk to stare at the roster and figure out what he was supposed to do.

As it turned out, cleaning a palace was not as difficult as Jeongguk had assumed it would be. He
started small, dusting around the windowsills, and then he focused on the roster and held his breath
when he used a key to unlock the first room, as if he expected some kind of explosion. Without
scent blockers, he was certain that his scent would have drowned the entire west wing of the palace
in a downpour of anxiety. But he remained neutral as he cleaned his first room (a meeting room),
rather proud of himself.

To his surprise, he did indeed go relatively unnoticed. People who passed him in the hallways
didn’t even acknowledge him, even if Jeongguk bowed his head. When he walked into a bathroom
to clean, there was a pretty female omega seated on the futon in the sitting area, focused only on
her phone. She didn’t even look up at Jeongguk, her eyes only catching the black cart. She smelled
distinctly like roses, though, which led Jeongguk to believe that perhaps she was one of the
gardeners.

Jeongguk had only caught a vague glimpse of the gardens, so during his quick break, he decided to
drop into the staff kitchen, grab a gimbap roll, and eat on-the-go so he could maybe sit in the
gardens. Hoseok hadn’t said the gardens were off-limits, so Jeongguk strolled the quiet halls, still
feeling wildly out of place and almost like he had dreamt up the entire job. He walked through
doors to the open-air breezeway, and then he took another bite of his gimbap and turned left onto
the cobblestone.

The gardens were absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking in a multitude of colors. There were fountains
and ponds, little bridges, large trees that were hundreds of years old. It felt more like a zen garden.
Jeongguk walked down the path, and then he located a bench. He paused to sit, but then he looked
to the right, and his breath caught in his throat.

Across the pond and through one small garden, there was a fence with a ledge. Sitting high on top
of the fence was a young man about Jeongguk’s age. He was dressed in slate grey cotton pants and
a pale, seafoam green t-shirt tucked in. His muted blonde hair was soft and hanging in his eyes,
which Jeongguk only knew because the man was sitting sideways atop the ledge, straddling it with
his palms pressed in front of him. He was barefoot, and Jeongguk couldn’t make out many of his
features, but even from a distance and seeing just his side profile, he was striking.

“Shit,” Jeongguk whispered to himself, because the man suddenly turned his head and caught
Jeongguk’s eye, and Jeongguk was fisting a gimbap and dressed in what was obviously the
clothing of a staff member. But even though he was caught, he couldn’t look away. The man stared
at him, stared with purpose, and Jeongguk thought to run, because he suddenly realized who was
sitting on the ledge.

The prince. That’s Prince Jimin.

Jimin lifted his right hand. He formed a pointer finger and set it against his lips. Then he swung his
leg over the ledge and jumped down, disappearing onto the other side.

***

“But are you keeping the job?”

“I guess.” Jeongguk tilted his head and slurped up as many noodles as he could shove into his
mouth, and before even chewing half half a dozen times, he shoved a piece of kimchi into his
mouth, completely satisfied.

“‘I guess,’ he says, when he has a weekly paycheck coming in,” Taehyung said to Yoongi,
wiggling his chopsticks in his noodles.

“It’s weird, okay?” Jeongguk threw himself back in his chair. “They interview the masses, they
pick me specifically because I have no status, they send a guard who’s never trained a new hire,
and then they throw me right into it. There was no onboarding process, nothing.”

“Okay, but I had a friend who worked at a private school around the palace,” Yoongi chimed in.
“And he was just like you—alpha with no status. But they hired him as a kindergarten teacher, you
know why? Because he wasn’t important. He was poor and accepted whatever pay they gave him.
He went unnoticed. He was expendable. He didn’t even have to prove that he studied education.
They just gave him the position and he started the next day.”

“The north is weird as hell,” Taehyung added. “Anywhere in Gogwihan is. Everything’s about
cheap labor. It’s how you can serve them, not what they can do for you. They don’t give a fuck
what you gain out of it. They only want quick and dirty.”

“I mean, the guard? Hoseok? He even said that most new hires like me get about ten minutes of
training,” Jeongguk said, shoving a soft-boiled egg into his mouth and chewing with a small
frown.

“That’s par for the course,” Yoongi said, waving his hand dismissively. “Seriously. Dayangsong is
broken, Gguk. The palace is the goddamn heart of it all. The job pays well, and you get your
meals. If you end up hating it, then just quit. It’s not a big deal. You’re a free man. Your wolf is
smart. Go with your gut instinct.”

“Yeah, but the prince. Prince Jimin. I saw him,” Jeongguk said, and Yoongi and Taehyung both
paused with a bite halfway to their mouths. “I went to eat out in the garden in peace, and he was
just sitting on the ledge. And he saw me.”
“Okay, so what? Are you going to get in trouble?” Taehyung wondered.

“Fuck if I know,” Jeongguk mumbled, stabbing a piece of kimchi with one chopstick. “Guess I’ll
find out tomorrow morning.”

Tomorrow morning came, and Jeongguk approached Dayangsong Palace against the rising sun
with his heart in his throat, thinking that he would be snatched up and escorted away for laying
eyes on the prince. But to his surprise, he was able to sign his timesheet right at seven o’clock
without a problem, and he took his cleaning cart (cleaning cart number 7) and checked his roster.

Today, he was supposed to clean most of the west wing, and that included Prince Jimin’s room and
bathroom. He had to wipe down, vacuum, dust, make the bed—the works. Jeongguk flipped
quietly to the next day’s roster and noticed the same thing. He was the one who was designated to
make Jimin’s bed every morning and refresh his bathroom, and always at the same time. He had to
clean from nine-thirty to ten o’clock, which meant he had to be quick, and he couldn’t be early or
stay late.

After focusing on dusting the windowsills of the tea room, Jeongguk checked his watch—nearly
nine-thirty. Pulse racing, he headed down towards the west wing to where he knew Jimin’s
bedroom was, and he rolled the cart quietly down the hallway, glancing at the paintings hanging
on the walls and bypassing a few smaller rooms. Jimin’s room was at the end of the hall, the door
facing Jeongguk, and there was always a guard at the other end of the hall at all times, who
Jeongguk had already bowed to with his eyes averted.

“Jesus,” Jeongguk muttered when he slipped into Jimin’s room, amazed. He had been expecting
something grandiose, but the room was actually quite cozy. There was a four-poster bed with
hangings that didn’t appear to be used, white sheets, and a white comforter. The large decorative
pillows in shades of white and pale blue were strewn across the floor, likely because Jimin had
moved them to sleep. There was a chaise lounge at the foot of the bed with some pillows, another
directly across from it where Jeongguk rested the cart. Off to the left was a massive three-panel
window seat, a desk in the corner, and a full-length mirror near the walk-in closet. To the right was
the bathroom, which had a separate room for a toilet, a jacuzzi bathtub, a walk-in shower, and two
large sinks.

This is going to be a fuck ton of work.

But Jeongguk got right to it. He started by making the bed, since today wasn’t the day to change
the sheets. He evened out his breathing, inwardly meditating so that he was able to keep himself
unaffected by any scents he could possibly pick up. There was no choice but to work with haste,
never touching anything for too long as he bustled around the room and cleaned up. Jeongguk
ducked into the bathrooms and began to wipe everything down, clean the sinks and the shower and
the massive bathtub, clean the toilet. He mopped up the floor until it was nearly sparkling, and
then he quickly vacuumed the carpet in the bedroom before moving to the windows. He cleaned
the glass on the windows, wiped the windowsills, and finally made it to the last few surfaces in the
room, exhausted. Thirty minutes was all he had been given, so everything had to be done at top
speed but with efficiency. Jeongguk grabbed a cloth to wipe down the nightstand, and then he
would be finished, and right on time—

The bedroom door suddenly flew open, and Jeongguk froze with the cloth pressed to the
nightstand, the book he had lifted up still in his other hand. In slow motion, he finished wiping
down the surface, his heart pounding so hard he was sure it was going to beat out of his chest. He
heard the bedroom door close, so he almost breathed a sigh of relief and thought it was a mistake,
but then he heard footsteps. Finally, the bed to his left sank, and Jeongguk closed his eyes for a
moment.

“You’re late.”

Jeongguk glanced at his watch—10:02AM. Two minutes late, and all because he had wanted to go
the extra mile to wipe down the damn nightstand. Panicking internally but determined not to show
it, Jeongguk straightened up with a small sniff and gently set the book down, using one finger to
push it onto an angle as it was before he had entered the room.

“I apologize,” Jeongguk quietly said with a bow, avoiding eye contact with the crown prince of
Dayangsong.

“You’re new. I haven’t seen you around before until yesterday.”

Jeongguk wanted to keep his eyes averted, but then Prince Jimin slid his hands back against the
down comforter of the bed Jeongguk had just made, slouching a little so he could tilt his head to try
and catch Jeongguk’s eye. Determined not to be a submissive fool, Jeongguk cleared his throat
quietly and lifted his chin, his eyes locking onto Jimin’s.

Shit.

Prince Jimin was nothing short of angelic. He was dressed in luxury brand white workout gear,
clearly ready for a tennis lesson (Jeongguk was privy to some of the prince’s schedule now out of
necessity). His hair was a soft shade of blonde, combed back with a few rogue strands hanging onto
his forehead, complete with an undercut. His eyes were a piercing honey brown color, skin
porcelain smooth and unmarred, cheeks with a hint of natural color to them, full lips turned up at
the corners in a tiny smile. Jeongguk was employed by the palace, but he wasn’t blind. Jimin was
stunningly beautiful, so much so that Jeongguk’s wolf immediately became unsettled, almost
rowdy, gripped by the omega prince.

“Are you the new hire? What’s your name? You can speak. I won’t tell,” Jimin said with mischief
dripping from every syllable, eyes sparkling. The moment his scent spiked, though, Jeongguk
knew. It hit him like a brick wall at top speed, a wave of vanilla peppermint that seemed all-
consuming. It was likely nothing to anyone else, but to Jeongguk, it was nearly debilitating.
Perhaps he was so used to alpha scents that an omega’s sweet scent was too much for him to
handle. That had to be it.

“Yes, Your Highness. My name is Jeongguk,” Jeongguk responded, flicking his eyes downward
towards Jimin’s feet. His wolf balked at the instant feeling of forced submissiveness, was more
intent on seeking out the omega and learning. But for what? Why now? What was going on?

“Jeongguk.” The name rolled off Jimin’s tongue like sweet honey. “And you are new. So that—”
Jimin let out a breathy little grunt as he lurched forward and grabbed the book off his nightstand to
set in his lap— “must be why you’re not crying at my feet just because I walked into my own
room.”

“I… Should I?” Jeongguk asked, confused as he tried to settle his wolf with very little success.
Jimin’s next little breath hinted at laughter.

“In your defense, I’m meant to give you a grace time of two or three minutes to pack up and go to
the next room,” Jimin airily replied. “But truth be told, you’re off the hook, because I just wanted
to catch you here and see if you were really the new hire.”

“I was just finishing up when you entered,” Jeongguk replied as if he needed to explain himself.
Jimin scooted off the bed and stood beside Jeongguk, gently tapping the book against the palm of
his hand.

“I thought you were supposed to be seen and not heard,” Jimin quipped lightly.

“I thought you were, too.” The snappy response fell past Jeongguk’s lips so quickly that he didn’t
have time to reel it back in. The moment it was hanging in the air, though, he had half a mind to
drop to his knees. “I—I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean that, I—please forgive me, I wasn’t—”

But Jimin was laughing, eyes sparkling, a grin on his face. “Oh, I like you,” he said in an amused
drawl, and Jeongguk stopped stammering. “I also do quite like when my pillows are fluffed, if you
don’t mind.” Jimin raised his eyebrows quickly, still grinning, pulling his bottom lip between his
teeth, and his scent. His scent was so strong and so happy that Jeongguk swore he was going to
drown. He could hardly breathe, felt like he was choking on it, and not in a bad way. He was
pleased. Jimin was pleased, and Jeongguk’s wolf, previously attempting to lie dormant as
requested, picked up on it right away and perked up yet again.

“I—Okay. I’ll… Yes. I’ll fluff your pillows. I’m so sorry,” Jeongguk hastily added with a deep
bow, jaw clenched, tempted to smack himself. He wasn’t one to grovel, but he wasn’t about to lose
his job because of one slip-up. He didn’t want Prince Jimin to tattle on him.

“You have no reason to apologize,” Jimin said as he set the book down, and then he finally began
to walk towards the door. He paused, turned around, and added, “I don’t bite. I promise.”

Jeongguk caught the last fleeting moments of the grin on Jimin’s face before the prince slipped out
of his bedroom, pulling the door closed behind him. Jeongguk’s knees gave out slightly as he
caught the edge of the nightstand, hating the way the adrenaline was rushing through him. He
threw the cloth over his shoulder, and with shaking hands, he reached over and fluffed all of
Jimin’s damn pillows just as he had requested. Then, feeling like he had just run a marathon,
Jeongguk rushed over to the cart, threw the cloth onto it, made sure he had everything, and then
yanked the door open and left the bedroom as quickly as possible.

The fear of losing his job or meeting the gallows resounded in the echo of his footsteps through the
high-ceiling halls. The guilt ate Jeongguk alive as he rolled the cart to the next room, just a small
bathroom, and when he was inside, he collapsed into the chair by the door with his head in his
hands, trying to breathe deeply. His wolf was wild, heart matching, and he was deathly afraid that
his anxiety would seep through the scent blockers.

“Calm down, just calm down,” he whispered to himself, blowing out a breath slowly while leaning
his head back against the wall, dropping his hands into his lap. Jeongguk figured he would have a
moment of solitude, but the door of the bathroom opened, and he almost fell off the chair in his
scramble to get back to his cart.

“Woah, woah, are you okay? Easy.”

Jeongguk gripped the handle of the cart, chest heaving, and then he shook his hair out of his eyes
(he hadn’t heeded Hoseok’s warning yet) and stared. Another man was standing in the bathroom
now—tall, broad shoulders, perfectly symmetrical face, black hair parted to the side and combed
off his forehead, full lips, and raised eyebrows as he eyed Jeongguk. He was wearing the same
hanbok as Hoseok had been wearing, except his clothing was navy blue and black, and he didn’t
have a sword.

“Everything alright?” the man asked, and Jeongguk’s shoulders relaxed a little. It was faint, barely
there, but he swore he could smell caramel. It disappeared as quickly as Jeongguk caught it, but
this man was surely an omega, and he was stunning. Just the way he was shifting his footing
despite his smile said that he understood Jeongguk was an alpha without a word spoken between
them.

“I’m sorry.” Jeongguk bowed deeply. “I’ll—I’ll go.”

“No, no, don’t go,” the man insisted, holding out an arm. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just
using the bathroom, but you look upset. Forgive me for being forward, but I’ve been working here
for five years. What’s wrong?”

“I’m not upset, just—just caught off-guard,” Jeongguk replied, and then he bowed again. FIve
years was a long time to hold a job, so this man was to be respected. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be
speaking to you, it’s just—”

“Yah, that rule only applies to the royals,” the man laughed, waving one hand. “Palace staff and
caretakers can talk to each other. Kim Seokjin. I’m the palace librarian. Deductive reasoning would
say that you’re the new hire.”

“Jeon Jeongguk,” Jeongguk introduced himself. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Why were you in a staff bathroom contemplating the meaning of life?” Seokjin turned and put his
back to the wall, and then he imitated Jeongguk by putting his head back and resting his hands on
his face. Jeongguk narrowed his eyes, and Seokjin dropped his hands with a grin.

“I just cleaned the prince’s bedroom and bathroom,” Jeongguk responded, still wary of the
newcomer. Seokjin raised one eyebrow.

“And you’re that distraught?” He sounded confused.

“I overstayed my welcome by two minutes, and His Highness chose to come into the room just to
catch me,” Jeongguk replied, and Seokjin sucked in a breath, shaking his head. “On purpose.”

“On purpose?” Seokjin chuckled. “Sounds like him.”

“I messed up,” Jeongguk admitted. “He—He gave me permission to speak, but I felt like an idiot
the entire time, like he was just baiting me. I told him my name and everything.”

“Did he ask for your name?”

“Yes.”

“Then why are you worried?” Seokjin shrugged.

“He told me he doesn’t bite,” Jeongguk flatly replied, and Seokjin snorted.

“So it was that kind of morning,” he muttered mostly to himself, and then he addressed Jeongguk.
“He wasn’t baiting you. He was just playing. Hot tip for you, since you’re new and you’re cleaning
his room—Prince Jimin has two sides to him. There’s the perfect angel his father wants him to be,
and then there’s the real him that virtually no one knows. He’s a model prince and very sweet to
everyone at the palace who doesn’t intrigue him. But if he’s asking for your name and saying
things like that to you, then brace yourself.”

“Why?”

“Because now you’re on his radar, and he’s a pain in the ass,” Seokjin replied, sounding rather
fond. “I speak from experience. Although he’s technically not even supposed to give me the time of
day, considering my status is pathetic compared to him.”

“I’m an orphan from Gananhan with no status,” Jeongguk pointed out, and Seokjin crossed his
arms.

“Well, you have me beat,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes. “What is it, your first day? Second
day?”

“Second.”

“You’ll be fine. Just follow the rules and don’t mind Prince Jimin. He likes to break all of them
when his father isn’t looking because he knows time is running out.” Seokjin’s words were vague,
but he gestured towards the toilets. “I’ll do what I came here for and get out of your hair, but don’t
hesitate to stop by the library if you need a quiet space during your breaks. People may say
otherwise, but the library is open to everyone, not just the royals. Staff included. Relax, Jeongguk.
Take it easy. You didn’t mess up.”

“Ah, thank you,” Jeongguk said with a deep bow, and Seokjin bowed his head and slipped past to
use the toilet. Jeongguk politely slipped out of the bathroom and waited until Seokjin walked out,
and Seokjin glanced over his shoulder and gave Jeongguk a thumbs-up before pulling open the
door of the library and sneaking back in. When the halls were quiet, Jeongguk stepped back into
the bathroom, and then he collapsed into the chair again.

This job has to be worth it.

Jeongguk was used to working alone. As a thief, he only ever bothered to pull Yoongi into his
endeavors. He was a lone wolf in a multitude of different ways. So working in a palace where he
was under a microscope with a smattering of other employees… difficult. It was a new challenge,
and Jeongguk had to keep himself from panic-quitting just because he was uncomfortable. It was
just a new experience, and he had to make sure that he kept that viewpoint.

mood: “strawberry swing” by coldplay

Jeongguk managed to make it through to seven o’clock that evening without any other mishaps,
and then he clocked out right on time and dismissed himself into the dusk. With his street clothing
back on (he had changed just before departing), he pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up and shoved
his hands into his pockets, walking briskly until he found the side street where he parked his bike.
He unlocked it, tossed the chain into his backpack, and swung one leg over so he could begin
pedaling.

Freedom.

It was a fifty-minute bike ride home, which was great exercise, but it was also cathartic. Jeongguk
had to bike on a few roads, but he had his backroads as well, and at one point, he had to bike
through a wheat field that had a narrow path flattened out from where people constantly walked or
cycled through it. The wind blew through his hair as he flew down a hill, hood falling down, but it
was pure happiness. His nose twitched as he smiled and turned into the wheat field, flicked his light
on because it was getting dark now. He careened through the streets as he reached the south of
Dayangsong, headed straight for Gananhan.
“Hey!”

“What in the world are you doing?” Jeongguk laughed the moment he approached home.
Taehyung and Yoongi were outside, and they each had two bamboo sticks in their hands about the
length of their arms.

“Drills,” Yoongi replied, and then he shifted his footing and began to drill Taehyung again, but it
was rhythmic and practiced, something that the two alphas did quite often. Jeongguk was also
highly skilled in stick-fighting, because Yoongi had taught him years ago. He also knew how to
use a sword thanks to Yoongi, and Taehyung had helped him perfect the skill. Jeongguk parked his
bike outside without even chaining it up (trust had been built up in this neighborhood), and then he
sat on the tree stump outside the cottage and watched his two friends spar. Five minutes later,
Yoongi tossed Jeongguk his sticks, and Jeongguk hopped up and began to drill with Taehyung.

“Got to meet the prince today,” Jeongguk said conversationally, his eyes trained on Taehyung’s
face as he met Taehyung step-for-step, hit-for-hit. They paused between techniques, and Taehyung
chose the next one before they started again.

“Did you?” Yoongi crossed his arms from off to the side. “Thought that was forbidden.”

“Well, he just barged into his room while I was cleaning, and he did it on purpose,” Jeongguk said,
twisting his hips and then re-centering appropriately. “Even told me he did it on purpose. Asked
for my name. All that shit.”

“So are you fired?” Taehyung wondered.

“No. He was kind of… feisty,” Jeongguk said after searching for the right word, crossing his sticks
in front of his face and then stepping back for a moment to take a break. Taehyung shook his hair
out of his eyes and twirled one stick in one hand, conceding. Jeongguk shrugged out of his jacket
and tossed it onto the tree stump, and then he rolled his sleeves up. He had a full sleeve of tattoos
on both arms, all in black ink. His left arm was a river that began at his wrist, fading into a forest
and finishing with a sky that had two birds in it on his shoulder. His right arm was also a forest on
his bicep with a full moon near his shoulder and a wolf’s profile wrapping around his forearm.

“Feisty how?” Taehyung asked.

“He told me he wouldn’t bite,” Jeongguk replied, and Yoongi snickered.

“I thought he was supposed to be a nightmare that no alpha wants to mate,” he said from memory,
and Jeongguk blew out a breath, swinging his arms.

“I don’t know. I’ve had two palace employees tell me that it’s all just gossip. Met the librarian
today, and he said that the prince is intrigued by me, so he’ll be a pain in the ass,” Jeongguk said,
cranky already.

“Well, I think that will be a fun little challenge for you,” Yoongi said with laughter as Jeongguk
rolled his eyes. He twirled one stick in each hand, and then he bounced a few times and beckoned
to Taehyung.

“Yah, this kid’s scent is spiking because he’s that competitive. Don’t slip up,” Taehyung teased,
amused. Jeongguk clenched his jaw, pleased that the scent blockers were wearing off so that he
could distract Taehyung. Their sticks met again, and Jeongguk lost himself completely in the
rhythm, trying to delete all the memories from the day so he could start fresh in the morning.
***

It was Friday, which meant that Jeongguk was slated to work from noon to midnight. He slept in
until almost ten o’clock out of sheer exhaustion, and then he forced himself to down some porridge
before hopping on his bike and yelling goodbye to Taehyung, who was using the kitchen table to
cut fabric, and Yoongi, who was sharpening a blade outside.

The bike ride to the north went by quickly, and Jeongguk chained up his bike half a mile away and
walked to the palace, wondering what he was going to do when it inevitably rained or snowed. He
approached the palace, ready to show the new ID card he had been given yesterday on his cart, and
he flashed it quickly and bowed before hurrying inside.

“Right on time!”

“Oh—hello,” Jeongguk said with a bow and a small smile, straightening up when Hoseok
approached.

“Glad you’re here. Princess Yookyung is arriving soon for lunch,” Hoseok said. “The morning
staff have been busy, but it would be really good if you were able to dust some of the paintings and
portraits and wipe down the windows in the hallways.”

“Oh. Of course,” Jeongguk said with another small bow. “Is that on my list of duties today?”

“No, but see if you can squeeze it in,” Hoseok said with a hint of desperation. “I’ve been waiting
for you to get here. I tried to tell a few of the other cleaning staff to do it, but they basically told me
to get fucked without actually telling me to get fucked.”

“Is Princess Yookyung that much of a tight-ass?” Jeongguk murmured as he began to walk side-
by-side with Hoseok to a small staff room, where he could get changed quickly.

“Not at all,” Hoseok replied, holding open the door. “She’s the opposite. It’s King Youngho’s
expectations that we have to meet, and I don’t want to be on the chopping block if he sees dust
when he’s showing his sister to the dining hall.”

“Your head wouldn’t be on the chopping block,” Jeongguk darkly said as he finished putting on
his uniform. “I’ll do it. East wing?”

“Please,” Hoseok begged. “I have to go meet her son and get him settled. They’re staying the night.
Prince Jimin will be pleased, but a little warning would have been nice. I hate when they show up
at the last minute.”

“Don’t panic. I’ll do my best,” Jeongguk promised.

“Third day on the job and you’re already a lifesaver,” Hoseok sighed. “Thank you, Jeongguk. Just
be glad you’re not a guard or a caretaker right now. Pure chaos. See you later.”

Jeongguk watched Hoseok jog off, holding his scabbard close to his body as he disappeared down
the hall. Wishing he could just pop headphones in and listen to music while cleaning, Jeongguk
dragged his feet to the supply closet and grabbed his designated cart, and then he did exactly what
Hoseok had actually, quickly dusting the edges and corners of the paintings and frames hanging on
the walls and using his stepladder to clean the windows until they shone. His roster said that he
wasn’t supposed to go anywhere near Prince Jimin’s room until quarter to ten in the evening, when
he was meant to “prepare the chambers for rest” (according to the register). He had no idea what
that meant, other than that the fine print said to turn down the bed and provide fresh towels. Jimin
had a caretaker who looked after him, preparing him for bed and staying by his side whenever
Jimin requested it. Jeongguk was meant to be invisible.

He did, however, know about Princess Yookyung. She was King Youngho’s younger alpha sister,
younger by only a year, and she was third in line to the throne, knocked down a peg by Jimin. The
princess was married and mated to a beautiful pureblood omega woman named Narae, and they
had a son, an alpha, named Namjoon—Jimin’s cousin, older than Jimin by one year, and fourth in
line to the throne. Jeongguk also knew that the king despised his sister but played nice for the
crowds. Rumors had always flown around that Yookyung disapproved of her brother’s way of
handling the throne, but Dayangsong was a stubborn kingdom—why fix what they didn’t think
was broken? Why change a world that suited so many of them?

Jeongguk finished the work Hoseok had given him and began to do what was on his schedule for
the day, peeking around corners whenever he heard a bit of commotion. He happened to push his
cart past when a group was walking towards the east wing for lunch, and he caught a brief glimpse
of Kim Namjoon, the prince himself. He was tall and strapping and handsome, everything the king
coveted, and he was wearing glasses and standing between his mothers as if simultaneously
escorting and protecting them. They all disappeared and Jeongguk just stood there with his cart,
feeling about two inches tall.

After his three o’clock break, Jeongguk got dragged into the kitchen to help with dishwashing,
which was not surprising but tedious nevertheless. He couldn’t even push up his sleeves because of
his tattoos, so he had to let his shirt sleeves soaked up water as he worked, lips twisted as he kept
himself from voicing his complaints. Everyone was working in tense silence, as if no one dared to
speak just in case they were being watched. Jeongguk still wasn’t sure he understood the politics of
the palace, but he continued to wash the dirty dishes in silence.

At promptly quarter to ten, Jeongguk found himself in the hallway that led to Jimin’s bedroom,
pushing his cart while reading the one line of instructions he had been given. There had to be
something more to it, but all he knew was that he was going to fluff the absolute fuck out of Jimin’s
pillows just to prove a point. Holding his breath, he slipped the key into the lock, and then he
turned it and entered, dragging the cart in as well.

“...Okay,” he sighed when he saw that the room was empty.

“Such a relief, isn’t it?”

Jeongguk nearly fell to the floor in fright, because he had spoken too soon. Jimin was stepping out
of his bathroom, placing the back onto one of his earrings with a lip-biting grin. He was dressed
impeccably in an all-black suit that clung to every curve on his body, and Jeongguk had to sink
into a bow to keep himself from staring. The shirt wasn’t even buttoned up all the way, so Jimin
was playing a dangerous game, wherever he was going.

“Where are you going?” Jimin asked when Jeongguk silently turned to leave the room. He closed
his eyes and paused, and then he turned his outstretched hand into a fist with a deep breath, moving
away from the doorknob.

“To give you your privacy,” Jeongguk politely said, his eyes still averted.

“Don’t be silly. I know you’re here to prepare my room for sleep, and right on time,” Jimin replied.
“But I’m getting ready to go out for a late dinner with my cousin, so here I am.”

Jeongguk nodded once, tilting his head a bit as his neck cracked. He suddenly found himself
desperate to get out of the room, because his wolf was once again riled up just from Jimin’s
presence. Calm down, I’m begging you, Jeongguk bargained quietly, grateful for the scent blockers
more than ever.

“Sorry to disturb you,” Jeongguk apologized stiffly.

“So formal,” Jimin teased. “If anything, I’m the one disturbing you. On purpose. Sue me. Actually,
you can help me. My caretaker is relatively useless and I think he’s waiting somewhere in the hall,
so will you?”

Jeongguk lifted his eyes, and then he froze. Jimin was standing there with his hand palm-up, all
fingers curled but his pointer finger. A necklace was dangling from that finger, and he was holding
it out to Jeongguk with puppy dog eyes, expectant.

He’s testing me.

“I… apologize, Your Highness, but I don’t think that I’m—”

“Please, Jeongguk-ssi.”

Jeongguk choked on his next breath, coughing with his mouth closed as his wolf lost all sense of
itself. Not a single person at the palace had yet to address Jeongguk with any kind of respect or
honorific, mostly because Jeongguk hadn’t earned it and didn’t really deserve it in their eyes, given
his lack of status. He was to be seen and not heard. He was expendable. He was a commoner from
the south. And the crown prince, the heir apparent, was calling him “Jeongguk-ssi.”

Jeongguk narrowed his eyes suspiciously, and immediately, Jimin laughed.

“Tough crowd,” he joked. “I guess I can just put it on myself.”

Jimin started to lower his hand, but Jeongguk lunged forward on one leg but paused when Jimin
raised his eyebrows, finger curling, eyes twinkling. There was a moment of silence, a stand-off of
sorts, where Jeongguk tried to desperately communicate that he had been warned by Hoseok a
thousand times to not even look at the prince. Perhaps Jimin was intuitive, because he clicked his
tongue, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“Yes, you’ve been told not to come anywhere near me or even look at me wrong, or my father will
punish you. While that holds true on his part, I’m an adult, and I’m asking if you’ll put this on
me,” Jimin stated, plain and simple, as if there were no rules.

He likes to break all of them when his father isn’t looking because he knows time is running out.

Jeongguk wasn’t quite sure what Seokjin had meant, but even though Jeongguk had developed
impossibly thick skin and rough edges over the years, he couldn’t help but find the prince to be just
as intriguing as the prince supposedly found him. Without a word, Jeongguk took a few cautious
steps forward, his eyes trained on Jimin’s, because in what world could he trust the omega prince?
Who was to say that this wasn’t just an elaborate scheme to prove that Jeongguk was the dirt
beneath the feet of any pureblood or royal? Who was to say that Jimin wouldn’t run to his father
and relay the entire occurrence in full detail?

Fuck it.

Jeongguk had reservations in his life, but this wasn’t one of them. He took the final step and
pinched the necklace with two fingers around the middle, avoiding touching Jimin’s skin, and
Jimin released it from his fingers. He then slowly turned around, folding his hands together
 delicately and pressing them to his chest, his head turned slightly as he waited. With surprisingly
steady fingers, Jeongguk unhooked the clasp, and then held his right hand over Jimin’s shoulder
and reached his left hand around to grab the necklace, holding his breath to keep from touching
Jimin at all costs. Gently, he fastened the necklace around Jimin’s neck, his pulse racing, and the
moment he did, he almost collapsed for what felt like the thousandth time.

It’s him.

Jeongguk erased the subconscious thought from his mind instantly, as he stepped back as far as he
could, because Jimin’s scent had sweetened the closer Jeongguk had gotten. Jimin turned around
slowly, adjusting the necklace against his chest, eyeing Jeongguk carefully.

“You’re an alpha.” Jimin paused and licked his lips. “Aren’t you? I can’t make out your scent, but
you are, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” Jeongguk clenched his jaw tightly, silently grateful that the scent blocking tea he’d had for
breakfast this morning (and the second helping he’d had for lunch) was still doing its job.
Otherwise, poor Jimin would have been in for it. Jeongguk knew himself and his wolf well enough
to know that neither one of them was in control right now. He had had two encounters with Jimin,
and both times, he had feared for his job because without scent blockers, it would have smelled
like a damn monsoon. His skin felt hot, his pulse was racing, his wolf was irritated, and he had
never once encountered anything like this feeling before.

“Mm. Well, thank you, Jeongguk-ssi. I’ll leave now so you can ‘prepare my chambers for rest,’”
Jimin said with air quotes, suppressing a laugh. Jeongguk stepped towards his cart, and then he
took his chances.

“Why are you saying that?” he asked. Jimin paused just short of his bedroom door and glanced
over. “I’m sorry, I know I’m speaking out of turn, it’s just… Why are you calling me that? Neither
one of us is supposed to even be talking.”

“Do you not deserve to be respected?” Jimin asked, cocking his head to the side. He was solemn
for a moment, but then his face burst into a sweet smile. “See you later!”

The door closed, and Jeongguk finally exhaled.

Chapter End Notes

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely crucial that when referring to this fictional trope, you
write it as "a/b/o" or "omegaverse." Without the slashes, even in all caps, it is
considered to be a slur against Indigenous Australians - Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders. Please be mindful! <3

The way I love these two... just wait until the future chapters, you'll love them just as
much I SWEAR IT.

This fic may double update some weekends so CH2 TOMORROW WHEEEEEE!!!!

If anyone has Instagram, I have an account now and idk what to do with it
LKSDJFLSKDF so just look up annie.vi3 and come find me ;)
Find me as usual on TWITTER
 two
Chapter Notes

as usual, I'm seriously BLOWN AWAY by the response to this fic so far *cries* thank
you so much for loving it ahhhhh this fic is truly my baby I love it so much!

small warning you will meet Jimin's father in this chapter, and the way he speaks to
JK is not exactly polite or pleasant, so please keep in mind that his character is NOT
created for you to like, and his words and actions are pretty harsh sometimes.

also in this chapter, you get to meet my babies Taehyun and Chaeyoung, who I love
and adore WHEEEEEEE HAVE FUN THIS IS 15K OF MADNESS!

I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

i got some dirt on my shoes, my words came out as a pistol

and i’m no good at aiming, but i can aim at you.

-“beggin’ for thread” by banks

~~~

When Jeongguk’s second week of work at the palace began to loom, he felt like he could breathe a
miniscule sigh of relief, and only because he was finally starting to get the hang of things. He was
learning quickly that he was not going to be making any friends—palace staff didn’t “hang out”
with each other, and if they did, Jeongguk was surely not meant to be invited or included. Jeongguk
had yet to see the king or queen mother, but he had met both of their attendants and caretakers in
passing on Saturday.

After the most exhausting Saturday of his life, he had spent all day Sunday hiking in the woods
with Taehyung, both of them rolling around in the dirt and jumping into the river after stripping
down to their underwear. Yoongi was a bit more reserved, but Taehyung had no problem with
roughhousing. They weren’t prone to shifting to wolf form, but it was always tempting. They
shifted maybe once a year during a full moon just to get back into nature, but otherwise, they
tumbled around as humans, still growling and nipping at each other, their laughter gruff and
animalistic, scents mingling happily.

“You get your first paycheck on Monday, don’t you?” Taehyung asked as they walked, and he
reached over and picked a leaf out of Jeongguk’s wild hair.

“Supposedly.” Jeongguk gulped down some more of the fresh water they had taken from the
stream on their walk. “That’s 600,000 won, you know.”

“Jesus fuck,” Taehyung muttered, shaking his head. Truthfully, it was not a large sum of money.
But to them, to those who resided in the south, getting 600,000 won a week was a phenomenal feat.
People already stood in the streets just to watch Jeongguk bike out and cycle back in each day,
mostly out of curiosity. Now he was going to be making decent money, which gave them all the
more reason to stare.

“Yeah, looks like I’ll finally have some kind of status,” Jeongguk joked dryly. “Isn’t that how it
works? Does money make me worthy?”

“You could be rich as fuck and still mean nothing to a single soul in Gogwihan,” Taehyung replied,
hopping from one rock to another with his arms out for balance, his apple cinnamon scent spiking
with a hint of bitterness before wafting away. Jeongguk didn’t know much about Taehyung’s past,
but he knew that Taehyung was estranged from his rich family. They had status— Taehyung had
status, was as pureblood as they came, but he had left Gogwihan at sixteen after presenting to
wander around as a nomad, detaching from his mysterious family until he finally found his way to
Yoongi. He was a walking contradiction, what those in the north would call a “waste of a good
alpha,” but Taehyung was fiercely loyal, a bit snarky, a fantastic provider, and protective of what
he loved almost to a fault. He and Jeongguk both shared the ideology that they would burn down
the world for the one they loved. Taehyung would do it for Yoongi. Jeongguk was still waiting to
start a fire.

“I mean—” Jeongguk hopped to the rock beside Taehyung, both of them laughing and grabbing
each other’s arm by the elbow to balance. They paused, perched precariously but savoring the
adrenaline rush. “Do you feel like having money made you worthy?”

“It was never mine,” Taehyung replied. “It was all withheld from me. Supposed to be mine when I
presented, like some kind of reward for being an alpha. I walked away from it.”

“Yeah, I know. I guess I just… I don’t know.” Jeongguk moved his arm down until he could take
Taehyung’s hand with a proud smile, and Taehyung pretended to gag, though he laced his fingers
with Jeongguk’s. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot since I started working at the palace. Like, who
decided all of this shit? Who decided what classifies as worthy? Who decided how we respect
other people?”

“Morons. Final answer. Any more questions?” Taehyung said, tugging Jeongguk’s hand. Jeongguk
laughed and allowed himself to be pulled along, and they both continued to trek home together.
Since Taehyung was hopeless at cooking and Jeongguk was never a constant, Yoongi had already
thrown together a lazy dinner for the three of them, so they pulled up a wooden chair apiece
(Yoongi had made almost all the furniture in their house) and chatted excitedly while shoveling
down all the food and making extra ramen. Yoongi then complained that Taehyung and Jeongguk
were both disgusting, so Jeongguk excused himself to take a shower, taking his turn to pretend to
gag when Taehyung picked Yoongi up and kissed him fiercely, saying something about how he
could make both of them dirty on the way to their bedroom.

Jeongguk took refuge from the couple in his room after taking a shower, flopping onto his bed and
grabbing his book but resting it on his chest as he stared up to the night sky through his ceiling
window, one hand behind his head, wet hair falling into his eyelashes. He was calm, and so was
his wolf, mostly because he had been outdoors all day long. But then he closed his eyes and saw
Jimin in that damn black suit like a film projected on the inside of his eyelids, and he sighed, his
scent souring slightly.

Jeongguk didn’t know the first thing about Park Jimin. He knew that there was a universe between
the two of them in society’s eyes. He knew that Jimin was running out of time, and most likely that
was because he was twenty-five and not mated. He knew that Jimin was the only one who had
even dared to address Jeongguk both by name and with respect. And why?

With questions still cemented in his brain, Jeongguk showed up to the palace on Monday morning
at promptly seven o’clock, and when he clocked in, there was an envelope waiting for him. Giddy,
Jeongguk slid a finger under the flap and broke the wax seal, and then he peeked inside and saw
the written bank check for 600,000 won. It was a legitimate check with his name on it, his name!
Jeongguk couldn’t remember a time when he had ever made that much money in a week. He could
finally help Yoongi afford to get the parts he needed to fix the kitchen sink.

Jeongguk shrugged into his uniform, feeling like it wasn’t suffocating him for the first time, and
then he checked his schedule for the day—typical. He was supposed to be in Jimin’s bedroom at
nine-thirty, same as usual for a weekday. His first order of business was to clean the baseboards of
two west wing hallways, which required a lot of time spent on his hands and knees. Peeved,
Jeongguk decisively grabbed two extra towels, folded them up a few times, and set them down
onto the ground so he could kneel on them and use them to scoot and slide along as he cleaned.

“Yah, what are you doing?”

“Don’t laugh.” Jeongguk straightened up with a sigh, and he glanced up at Hoseok. Hoseok
crouched down with a grin, his scabbard sliding along the floor backwards.

“I see you haven’t quit yet,” he said, sounding rather pleased.

“I got my first check today,” Jeongguk said, and Hoseok opened his mouth slightly with an upward
tilt of his chin, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“Ah, yes. The first check. A good incentive,” he replied. “To be honest, I’m just glad that you’re
still here, because the other members of the king’s guard would have laughed me into the streets
and called me a failure.”

“You’re a bit of an outcast, aren’t you?” Jeongguk commented, hoping that Hoseok wouldn’t take
any offense. Hoseok clicked his tongue and shrugged.

“I told you I didn’t take this job for the money or the comfort,” he replied. “I took it for my friend.
The other staff know that, so I isolate myself on purpose so that I can stay out of that garbage. It’s
all politics. Kind of the reason why I’m checking in on you so often. I know what it’s like.”
“Yeah, well—” Jeongguk wiped along the baseboard slowly— “no one really talks to me. Even
when we were all doing dishes, they just… yeah. I don’t know if that’s normal or not.”

“Usually there’s chatter. But when there’s a new guy from the south with no status? Crickets,”
Hoseok responded, and then he straightened up, his joints cracking a bit. “If you’re alone for your
break at five o’clock, come find me. Maybe we can eat together. I usually just eat in my little office
by myself, or I go to the library.”

“Thank you, Hoseok-ssi,” Jeongguk said with a bow of his head.

“Hey, everyone needs an ally, right?” Hoseok rhetorically replied, and then he smiled and walked
off, whistling a merry tune to himself as Jeongguk turned and got back to work.

The brilliant June sunlight was pouring through the large windows as Jeongguk checked his watch
—almost half past nine. Jeongguk pulled off to the side and tied his hair up again, half of it still
falling into his eyes, and then he rolled his cart quietly down the hallway. The guard was not at the
end of the hallway, which meant that Jimin was not in the room. Relieved, Jeongguk let himself in,
and then he got straight to work. Today, he had to change Jimin’s sheets and re-make the bed, and
he also had to gather the laundry and bring it to the washroom. Jeongguk carefully began to
remove the sheets, humming to himself.

“...No, no, I just forgot it!”

“Fuck,” Jeongguk muttered when he heard the voice, and then he braced himself as the door of the
bedroom opened. He glanced over, and Jimin slipped into his bedroom, dressed in a black slim fit
pinstripe suit but missing his jacket. It was conveniently draped on the chaise lounge at the foot of
the bed, and Jeongguk knew immediately that Jimin had left it there on purpose.

mood: “falling” by léon

“Good morning,” Jimin said cheerfully, detouring for the bathroom instead. “You weren’t here
yesterday.”

“Sunday is my day off.” Jeongguk pulled the pillowcase off Jimin’s pillow and tossed it into the
pile he had on the floor by his feet.

“Well, the person who made my bed yesterday was terrible.” Jimin emphasized dramatically,
breezing out of the bathroom and scooping up his jacket, plopping down onto the chaise lounge
with a sigh. “So thank goodness you’re here.” He sat and watched Jeongguk work for a moment,
and Jeongguk continued to quietly pull the sheets off. When he reached for the bottom corner at
the foot of the bed, Jimin let out a little grunt and beat Jeongguk to it, reaching over and yanking
the fitted sheet off the bed.

“It isn’t necessary for you to assist, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said, quiet with a façade of calm.
But the closer he leaned to grab the sheets, the more he could pick up on the pleased spike in
Jimin’s scent, and he moved away towards the headboard of the bed, trying to breathe. Why was it
that Jimin’s scent seemed to choke him? He knew that the royal residents didn’t have to suppress
their scents, but Jimin’s scent was overwhelming. More vanilla than anything, but the hint of
peppermint only sweetened it, and Jeongguk’s head was spinning.

“I know I don’t. But you’re cute when you have no idea how to address the crown prince of
Dayangsong,” Jimin flippantly commented, crossing one leg over the other. Jeongguk dropped the
fitted sheet onto the floor with the rest of the sheets, blowing out a breath as he heard Jimin stifle a
laugh. Jeongguk then bent and gathered all of the sheets and carried them over to his cart, shoving
them where they belonged and grabbing a fresh set as Jimin watched him like a hawk.

“I thought you just forgot something,” Jeongguk said with caution, taking his chances as he began
to put on the new fitted sheet without making eye contact.

“I did. How old are you, Jeongguk-ssi?” Jimin wondered, and Jeongguk pursed his lips, pulling the
sheet onto one corner. He contemplated just staying silent or asking Jimin to leave, but then he
realized that he didn’t want any of that. He wanted to talk to Jimin, no matter how frantic he felt in
the moment, no matter how his heart raced. Deep down, Jeongguk knew that Jimin’s presence only
flustered him because he was so goddamn confused, and so was his wolf. It was only his second
week on the job, and the prince was everywhere. But Jeongguk was often reckless, even if it was
well-calculated. He hadn’t grown up in the south just to play it safe.

“I’m twenty-three.” He didn’t dare to sit down on the bed, knowing that he wasn’t allowed to do
such a thing, but Jeongguk draped the sheet over one arm and stared at Jimin. “May I ask you a
question, too?”

“Oh, is it a game now? Sure. Go ahead,” Jimin said, sounding amused.

“Where are you off to dressed so nicely?” Jeongguk wondered.

“Public engagement to dedicate a new library to some rich, old idiot. Sorry, I mean—” Jimin stood
up, smoothed out his shirt, and cleared his throat. “I’m on my way to the library to dedicate it to a
very generous and affluent gentleman who’s part of our thriving community.”

“You’re quite eloquent, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said, noticing the way that his wolf had perked
up the moment Jimin had slipped into feistier dialogue. “I hope your public engagement is
successful.”

“You must really need this job,” Jimin commented, draping his suit jacket over his arm just like
Jeongguk had the sheet on his. “You’re nearly impossible to crack. I’ve been able to run off about
a dozen past new hires within a week. Of course, most of them were just here to climb the social
ladder or make money from the palace so they could brag to their families or elevate their status,
and I called them out on it. Why are you here, Jeongguk-ssi?”

“My kitchen sink needs to be fixed,” Jeongguk replied, knowing that his eyes were burning a hole
into Jimin’s. “I don’t have the luxuries at home that you enjoy here. So you’re correct, Your
Highness—I do need this job.”

Jimin lifted his chin slightly, and then he hummed. Without discussing it first, Jimin stepped
forward and extended his suit jacket to Jeongguk, and Jeongguk blinked, his heart skipping. His
eyes flicked up to Jimin, and Jimin tilted his head expectantly, waiting. Testing. Curious. So
Jeongguk set the sheet down onto the bed, accepted the suit jacket, and held it carefully in both
hands. Jimin turned his back to Jeongguk, and then Jeongguk held the jacket open so Jimin could
slip his arms into it. With a shrug, the jacket was on, and Jimin stepped away, buttoning it up once
with one hand as he fixed his hair with his other hand.

“Thank you for always fluffing my pillows,” he said, and with a tiny smile, he turned and left the
bedroom, closing the door behind him and leaving Jeongguk to his own devices again.

That was not the last visit that Jimin made in the middle of Jeongguk’s shifts. He was still in the
bedroom on Wednesday morning when Jeongguk arrived, and he asked if Jeongguk’s kitchen sink
had been fixed (it had). On Thursday, he walked in just as Jeongguk was finishing up with his
duties.

“Good morning.” Jimin breezed into the room, but then he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw
Jeongguk setting the last of his supplies onto the cart before leaving. Jeongguk stepped away from
the cart and bowed.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” he replied, but when he straightened up, Jimin was already at his
bed, running his hand along the comforter, eyebrows knitted together, a small frown on his face.
Jeongguk watched as he circled around the foot of the bed to the other side, and then he took one of
the pillows and tilted it at an angle, stepping back to look. Dissatisfied, he then let out a huff and
crawled onto the bed, muttering to himself as he rearranged the pillows in an order that was
entirely unlike what Jeongguk normally did. He threw one pillow off, and then he sighed and
scrambled to retrieve it, placing it in a different spot.

“Do you have any more pillows?” Jimin suddenly asked.

“I—I’m sorry, Your Highness, I don’t have any more pillows with me,” Jeongguk said, brow
furrowed. Jimin huffed again and rolled off the bed, smoothing out the sheets and then angling one
more pillow. He crossed his left arm and rested his right elbow on top of his left wrist, hand in a
fist against his lips as Jeongguk stood rooted to the spot.

“...Do you like it?” Jimin’s voice was gentle, small, almost worried as he turned his head just
slightly to address Jeongguk. “Does it look okay? The pillows.”

“It looks lovely,” Jeongguk said immediately, because it was dawning on him now what Jimin was
doing. His frustration with his current bedding arrangement and his mad rush to change it meant
that he was nesting, and that meant that he was likely to be in pre-heat at any given moment. Jimin
didn’t seem convinced, but he nodded, and then his eyes seemed to latch onto something else.

“Jeongguk-ssi.”

“Yes,” Jeongguk said, still shivering at the sound of his name with such formality compared to
what he normally heard.

“Please help me move the desk further into the corner,” Jimin said, pointing bluntly. Jeongguk
didn’t hesitate. He walked over to Jimin’s desk and pushed it towards the corner until Jimin called
out for him to stop. There was a moment of silence as Jimin contemplated his choices, and then he
nodded again. “That will do. Thank you.”

“Is that all you need, Your Highness, or is there anything else I can do for you?” Jeongguk politely,
even though he had half a mind to dart out of the room gasping. The longer he stayed and the more
Jimin walked around his bedroom, the more lightheaded Jeongguk became, because Jimin’s scent
was sweet. He was stressed, so there was a sour note to it, but Jeongguk was drowning in vanilla
peppermint, and he was terrified that his dose of morning scent blocking tea was going to wear
right off and expose him. His wolf was positively howling, knew that it was in the same room as an
omega that was nesting and asking for the alpha’s opinion and assistance. Blinking was all
Jeongguk could do to keep himself calm.

“Unless you have more blankets, then no,” Jimin sighed. “Thank you for your hard work.”

Oh.
Jeongguk couldn’t get the words out. He just bowed numbly, holding the position for an extra
second before dragging the cart to the door and watching as Jimin tapped his thumb against his
bottom lip, staring at his furniture as if Jeongguk suddenly didn’t exist. Bewildered and with an
irritated wolf, Jeongguk ducked out of the room, feeling like he could finally breathe.

On Friday during his three o’clock break, Jeongguk found himself sneaking into the library, and
before Seokjin even said hello, he gave Jeongguk a look full of suspicion. Jeongguk, still carrying
his small container of food, twisted his lips into a small frown. Seokjin slipped a card back into the
pouch of one book, and then he set it to the side and gestured to his right, Jeongguk’s left. There
was a small little staff room with a round table, and to Jeongguk’s surprise, it was not empty—
Hoseok was sitting there, shoving some rice and kimchi into his mouth. He waved enthusiastically,
so Jeongguk walked in and sat down as Seokjin leaned against the doorframe.

“You look stressed. Everything going okay?” he asked Jeongguk.

“Fine,” Jeongguk shortly answered, popping off the lid of his container and grabbing his
chopsticks. He broke them apart, and then he sighed. “No, it’s not fine. The prince is making me
break rules.”

“Making you break rules?” Hoseok sounded on the verge of laughter already. “Explain.”

“He keeps talking to me, and I need this job,” Jeongguk said, almost whining. “Every single day
that I go into his room, he shows up. And I’m—I’m terrified that he’s going to catch me slipping
and run to the king and tattle on me, and then I’m done for. I need this job, the money’s already
helped, my family needs it. My—They’re not really my family, but they’re my family, you know?
If—”

“Okay, slow down,” Seokjin laughed, waving one hand. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure
no one was coming in, and then he turned back to Jeongguk. “If he’s just talking to you, then
obviously he’s given you permission, so don’t worry about it.”

“He won’t tattle on you.” Hoseok shoved more food into his mouth and chewed hastily, and then
he added, “I don’t know what he’s playing at, truthfully, but if he keeps talking to you, then it
doesn’t seem like he’s going to run to his father.”

“This is like a really good drama,” Seokjin commented, and Jeongguk gave him a tired look, to
which Seokjin laughed. “Oh, come on. Think about it!”

“It’s just… what I used to do before I got this job wasn’t exactly good,” Jeongguk admitted with a
dry laugh. “And it was feast or famine when it came to money. And I know the palace hired me
because I’m basically dirt to them, just a warm body filling a vacancy, but the money’s good. It’s
helping. It’s more than I’ve ever had in the past. And I don’t know palace etiquette. I don’t know
how people act up here. I’m a fish out of water. And now the prince is making me rearrange his
bedroom, and I don’t really—”

“He’s what?” Seokjin said sharply, and Jeongguk trailed off and blinked.

“He… asked me to move his desk yesterday,” Jeongguk slowly said. “And he just—he wanted
more pillows for his bed after he rearranged them all and asked for my opinion.”

“Shit. What day is it? Friday? Has his caretaker been informed?” Seokjin asked with urgency, and
Hoseok shoved back his chair, still chewing as he pulled out his phone.

“I can go tell him,” Hoseok said, and Seokjin sighed.

“That’s a few days earlier than normal. Hoseok-ssi, tell him that you’re the one who noticed a
change, not Jeongguk,” he decided, and Jeongguk threw both elbows on the table as Hoseok
nodded.

“Look, I’m not an idiot,” Jeongguk prefaced. “I’m well-aware that he was nesting, which means
he’s probably going into pre-heat. And nobody here has told me the protocol or what staff are
supposed to do when the prince is in heat. No one. I’m in the dark about everything.”

“Hoseok-ssi, go,” Seokjin said, and Hoseok nodded, hurrying out of the room and abandoning his
food completely, phone pressed to his ear. Seokjin stepped further into the little room, arms
crossed. “I know you’re not an idiot. But the fact that he’s doing it in front of you and asking your
opinion is enough cause for concern, because he’ll do just about anything to hide his heat for as
long as possible.”

“Fuck,” Jeongguk muttered, momentarily closing his eyes with his fingers pressed to his temples.

“When it comes to the prince, anything about his heat is—pun fully intended—a hot topic,”
Seokjin said with a wry, tight smile. “The king and the queen mother have to be informed, too. It’s
all hands on deck to take care of him, which just means isolating him. And the king will surely be
upset because this is yet another heat where the prince won’t be mating.”

“That’s what you meant,” Jeongguk said breathily, tiredly. “When you said he was running out of
time.”

“The king plans to have Prince Jimin mated by his birthday in October,” Seokjin replied. “That’s
been his threat, his one card to play, since the prince’s last birthday, where he quite literally bit the
alpha that the king sent to help him through his heat in hopes that they would mate. And by bite, I
mean… well, you don’t want to know where the prince bit this poor alpha. The point is, Prince
Jimin has three heats per year, and he’s been purposely insufferable to most palace staff every
single one.”

“Insufferable because he won’t mate?” Jeongguk asked, and Seokjin sighed yet again.

“Most likely. It’s been almost a month since the last gala,” he said, and then he noticed Jeongguk’s
expression. “Almost monthly for about a year now, the king gathers eligible alphas and a few betas
to come and mingle and meet the prince. Prince Jimin gets paraded around like a prize, and every
time, he’s walked away without a single prospect.”

“God, my head hurts,” Jeongguk complained, rubbing his face with his hands tiredly and lingering
at his temples to massage.

“Yeah, well, this is the only place you can really come to hear gossip, because everywhere else is
monitored,” Seokjin said darkly. “Like I said, I’ve been working here for five years. I’ve seen my
fair share. Welcome to Dayangsong Palace. Better get back to work and pretend you know nothing.
That’s what most staff do best.”

Seokjin tapped the doorframe with his hand a few times, and then he resumed his post at the front
desk as Jeongguk shoveled down the rest of his food, hardly tasting it. Hoseok didn’t return.
Jeongguk just cut his break short, because he couldn’t bear sitting around and doing nothing. He
just grabbed his cleaning cart and started to aggressively dust the windowsills, wondering what the
hell he was getting himself into and why the chaos (in the form of one prince) seemed to have
attached itself to him.
***

Jeongguk didn’t catch a single glimpse of Jimin on Saturday. Not on Monday. Not on Wednesday.
Not even on Thursday. He had been expecting Jimin to jump out at any opportune moment, but it
was Wednesday when he realized that the prince’s bedroom wasn’t on his schedule, and that he
was only cleaning rooms and sweeping footpaths in the east wing. When he walked past the hall
that led to the west wing of the palace, there were four guards there to keep anyone from going any
further, which meant that surely, Jimin was locked in his room going through his heat alone.

“Why are you letting it bother you?”

“I don’t know.” Jeongguk added red pepper powder to the glutinous rice paste they had made, and
then he watched Yoongi dump the rest of the ingredients in and wave a hand. Jeongguk then used
his gloved hands to mix up the kimchi seasoning, watching Taehyung at the massive kitchen sink
washing up the cabbage. “It just does.”

“But this has been happening for years.” Taehyung glanced over his shoulder, hands still in the
sink. “Prince Jimin goes into heat, the whole palace goes on red alert, Gogwihan panics, and then
it’s all over, and the prince is still a little shit for not mating a random stranger. And the king hosts
a new gala. It’s like clockwork.”

“I guess it just bothers me because I’m there to see it,” Jeongguk replied, using the top of his wrist
to scratch his nose as Taehyung walked over with a massive metal bowl full of washed cabbage. “I
mean, it’s only been two weeks, so what the hell do I know, right? But he’s still an omega going
into heat by himself, and it bothers me.”

“What’d you say the librarian told you?” Yoongi asked, sitting on the edge of the table and
watching as Jeongguk stood up and started to feed the seasoning into the bowl of cabbage.

“That they treat the prince like a prize,” Jeongguk replied, using one hand to hold the bowl and the
other to shove the paste downward. “And that the king is just going to mate his own son off to a
random alpha by his birthday.”

“Well, he turned twenty-five last year,” Taehyung recalled. He was relatively privy to all the
happenings at the palace thanks largely in part to his upbringing. “And being twenty-five and
unmated and the only heir to the throne? That’s a fucking sin. If the prince was anyone else, King
Youngho would’ve chopped his head off. But because it’s his own son playing tricks, he can’t do
shit.”

“So don’t let it bother you,” Yoongi gently said as Taehyung pulled on gloves, too. Then the three
of them bent their heads together and began to massage the seasoning into individual pieces of
cabbage. “He’s been through his heat alone a million times, it sounds like. This time won’t be any
different.”

“Yeah, well, he was nesting right in front of my face,” Jeongguk said with a bite to his tone, and
Taehyung wrinkled his nose.

“Chill out,” he complained, his shoulders relaxing when Yoongi released some calming
pheromones to cancel out Jeongguk’s bitter scent and bring Taehyung down a notch.

“What do you mean?” Yoongi asked, always the voice of reason and the more dominant alpha in
the household (unless he was in rut, and then Taehyung coaxed him into submission). “Nesting is
normal for an omega in pre-heat, Gguk.”

“I don’t think the prince is supposed to do things like that in front of a brand new palace staff
member,” Jeongguk replied. “The librarian even said so. He sent one of the guards to go and tell
Prince Jimin’s caretaker and everything. Fuck, I don’t know.” Jeongguk tilted his head back and
blinked at the ceiling, holding his hands out and up like they were sterilized for surgery. “I just
wanted a nice little job at the palace. Vacuuming, dusting, changing sheets, maybe some mopping
if things get wild. Why did they have to give me the prince’s room?”

“Pull yourself together,” Taehyung said, and Yoongi snickered. “Jesus Christ, Gguk, keep your
head on. Let the palace run how it runs. Keep the job if you want it, or quit if it’s too much. Either
way, we’ve got your back.”

“Well, obviously I’m keeping the job. But if the prince decides to keep coming at me?” Jeongguk
ran a piece of cabbage between his fingers, coating it in the spice mixture.

“Depends. Do you mind?” Yoongi asked, raising one eyebrow. “Does it bother you that he likes
talking to you?”

“It clearly bothers you that he’s in heat and alone,” Taehyung said with a hint of mischief in his
eyes and a small smile on his lips. “Look, see what happens when his heat is over. See if he keeps
trying to talk to you. But it kind of seems like your wolf doesn’t like the idea of the prince being
alone right now, so that’s… something.”

“Yeah, that’s something,” Jeongguk grumbled. The conversation then decisively turned to the
house that Yoongi was building with a few others for a woman and her two pups, and how
Taehyung was going to make their school uniforms for them so they didn’t have to spend money.
Jeongguk snuck a few pieces of kimchi into his mouth as they worked, and then he went and sat on
the couch and grabbed the laptop that the three of them shared, propping it onto his knees and
busying himself.

“Yah, stop it,” he heard Yoongi say with a laugh, and he glanced up. Taehyung had a piece of
rolled kimchi in one hand, and he fed it to Yoongi with a smile as Yoongi tried to swat him away.
Yoongi carried the bowl over towards the counter so he could stack the kimchi in their kimchi
container (every family had a kimchi container that was special to them), and Taehyung followed,
back-hugging Yoongi and nuzzling into his neck, whispering things to him that Jeongguk couldn’t
hear.

“Hey, hyung,” Jeongguk called out, and both Yoongi and Taehyung turned to look at the same
time. Fond, Jeongguk said, “Aren’t you two going into rut next month?”

“You know we’re always a month before you,” Taehyung said.

“Yeah, got it. Just wondering why you’re both being so gross right in front of me,” Jeongguk said,
dramatic on purpose. Both Yoongi and Taehyung groaned and made several disgruntled noises,
and Jeongguk grabbed the throw blanket with a laugh and wrapped it around his shoulders, glad
that the air conditioning unit they had downstairs was working.

Jeongguk slept in again the next morning and ate some kimchi with rice that he downed with an
entire cup of scent blocking tea, and then he hopped on his bicycle and pedaled to the palace,
decisively already wearing his uniform because he was likely to be a minute or two later than
normal. He parked and chained up his bike closer to the palace than normal and jogged through the
front doors, making it to clock in right at noon. Relieved, he let out a sigh and walked to the supply
room to grab his cart, and he checked his schedule.
Still not in the west wing, Jeongguk noticed, pursing his lips and trying not to feel any kind of
disappointment fueled by undying curiosity. He readjusted the broom that was hooked to the side
of his cart as he walked, bowing his head to a guard that passed by him that he recognized as one of
the queen mother’s favorites.

“JEONGGUK!”

Jeongguk stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look over his shoulder, watching as Hoseok
began to run down the long hallway, coming from the west wing. Unlike the other time, he wasn’t
smiling, and Jeongguk’s wolf immediately went into defensive mode, causing Jeongguk to do the
same thing. Hoseok came to a halt, breathless.

“You’ve been summoned,” he said seriously, and then he took a deep breath and squared his
shoulders. “King Youngho would like to see you.”

“What?” Jeongguk’s blood ran cold almost instantly, his heart plummeting. “F-For what? Why?”

“I have no idea,” Hoseok said. “His attendant stopped me and said to find Jeon Jeongguk. I’m
supposed to escort you to the king’s tea room.”

“Oh, God. He’s going to kill me. I—I did something. I did something wrong. The—The prince,
he… oh my God,” Jeongguk whispered, his breathing suddenly shallow. Hoseok sprang into
action, lunging forward and taking Jeongguk by the shoulders.

“No, no, no,” he insisted. “No, there was no sign of anything like that. There would be an entirely
different process for that. I have no clue why he wants you, but just… come with me. Come on.
Deep breath.”

Jeongguk shakily brought his cart back to the supply room, and then he allowed Hoseok to take his
arm and guide him to the east wing, each step feeling like a drumbeat of a song played towards his
walk to the gallows. Hoseok had promised it wasn’t like that, but Jeongguk couldn’t be too sure.
His tongue was dry, throat closed, and his poor wolf was panicking. If ever there was a time for his
scent to seep through the scent blockers, it was now. But Hoseok didn’t seem to notice anything as
he approached a door, and then he knocked three times.

mood: “beggin for a thread” by banks

“Enter.”

“Jeon Jeongguk, Your Majesty,” Hoseok said with a deep bow. Jeongguk stood in the doorway,
faint, but then he scooted forward into the room, and Hoseok closed the door behind him, setting a
trap immediately. Jeongguk had no idea what he was meant to do, but this was the king. This was
the alpha with all of the power. So Jeongguk did the only thing he could think of—he knelt down,
and then he sank into a full bow, resting his head on his hands, his heart hammering against his
ribcage. There was a long, dreadful moment of silence.

“Sit up, boy.”

Jeongguk slowly lifted his upper body, and then he looked into the eyes of King Youngho. The
king was seated on a plush red cushion with back support in full royal hanbok. His squared off face
had lines and wrinkles in it indicative of age and stress, and his beard was well-kept, but his jaw
was clenched, dark eyes beady. His hair was black with streaks of grey in it, longer and pulled into
a ponytail low at his neck. His fingers were adorned with rings worth more than the value of
Jeongguk’s life to most people in the north.

“Pour the tea,” King Youngho stated calmly. Jeongguk swallowed the lump in his throat, and then
he rose to his feet with his knees knocking together. He left his shoes behind and then knelt on the
small, flat, used cushion on the opposite side of the table, trying not to let it show that he was
severely shaken. He was typically so composed and unflappable, but this was a unique situation
that demanded adrenaline and the help of his wolf to keep him conscious. Jeongguk poured the tea
for the king first, and then for himself, silently thanking Taehyung for teaching him how to do it
properly all those years ago.

“Jeon Jeongguk.” King Youngho flicked open a file folder with one hand that was on the table as
he picked up his teacup with the other hand. “Twenty-three. Alpha. Orphaned. Lives with two
other alphas in Gananhan. No… status.” He closed the folder and sipped his tea. “Our newest
hire.”

Jeongguk bowed his head and closed his eyes, because he had not a clue what to say. He was
trembling from the inside out now.

“How are you finding life at the palace, Jeongguk?” King Youngho asked conversationally. “You
may speak.”

“It’s excellent, Your Majesty. Thank you,” Jeongguk said with as much gratitude as he could
muster, hoping it was sincere. The king hummed, setting his teacup down.

“You used to clean houses here in the Gogwihan area to make a living,” King Youngho said, and
Jeongguk nodded. “I have been informed that it shows. Your thoroughness has apparently not gone
unnoticed. Do you enjoy cleaning, Jeongguk?”

“Yes, I do,” Jeongguk lied with enthusiasm.

“Do you enjoy your current position here with the palace? Only two weeks of work so far. You’ve
been quite busy.”

“I am enjoying it very much. Thank you, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk replied.

“Mm.” The king sipped his tea quietly again. “And I see that one of your duties is to tend to my
son’s room.”

“Yes.” Keep it together. Just answer his questions. Don’t crack. Just breathe.

“He says that he’s met you,” King Youngho said. “And that he found you to be quite pleasant. That
your work has been impeccable. He’s expressed his satisfaction with how you both clean the room
and prepare his bed for sleep.”

“Th-Thank you. It’s—It’s an honor to work for him,” Jeongguk stammered, his vision blurring
with nerves.

“Jeongguk, my son has just been through his heat, and it was quite trying for him,” King Youngho
said, his deep voice even and steady as Jeongguk’s heart fought to break free from his chest, as his
wolf cowered anxiously but defensively. “During that time, he found his caretaker to be…
incompetent. At his request, I have terminated his caretaker, effectively immediately. And now my
son has his attendant and his coordinator and his guards, but not his caretaker.”
Jeongguk’s heart swooped right into his stomach again, and he had to concentrate on blinking to
keep from vomiting, the nausea hitting him suddenly and hitting him hard. There was only one
thing for the king to say next, and Jeongguk wasn’t sure he wanted to hear it.

“My son has directly requested for you to become his new caretaker.”

Jeongguk whipped his head up, knowing his eyes were wide, knowing his face was completely
void of all color. King Youngho had his hands folded on the table before him, and he was staring
directly at Jeongguk with a steely gaze, an unreadable expression. There was a moment where
Jeongguk realized that the king either knew something, or he knew nothing. That was the moment
when Jeongguk held his breath.

“You will accept this position, Jeongguk,” King Youngho said, and Jeongguk immediately bowed
low, his head nearly to the table. The king knew nothing of Jimin’s rule-breaking. “My son is
hardly one to make demands, but he was adamant that you become his new caretaker, and I have
chosen to oblige.”

“I’m… I’m deeply honored.” Jeongguk spoke to his lap, not sure how he was still breathing.

“Look at me when I’m speaking to you, boy.”

Jeongguk lifted his head right away, wanting a hole to form in the floor that would promptly
swallow him up.

“This is a promotion after only two weeks of work at Dayangsong Palace,” King Youngho said
with a lilt in his voice. “Such a request would normally be denied. But my son has made a demand,
and as such, I feel obliged to see it through. But that does not mean that I cannot make my thoughts
known, that I cannot put you in your proper place. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You are nothing more than an expendable body filling a position at this palace, Jeon Jeongguk,”
King Youngho said calmly, plainly. “You have no status and no family. You are useful only for
what you can do to serve the people of this palace. We are paying you to do your job and only your
job. It is imperative that you remember all of this, because that is your worth. That is your place at
this palace. You have little meaning to us beyond these walls.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk said, his lips barely moving. This had to be a nightmare. He was
seated across from a monster in human form.

“The position of caretaker is precious,” King Youngho continued. “And above all else, it is my
only son who is demanding that you fill the vacancy. You will be tending to him, keeping in mind
that he is, without fail, the most important person in this palace. His life is worth a thousand of
yours.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“My son is the crown prince of this kingdom,” King Youngho stated, and Jeongguk nodded, his
eyes watering from the amount of eye contact he was being forced to make. His wolf was wildly
uncomfortable, but to Jeongguk’s surprise, his wolf was also intrigued at the prospect of protecting
Jimin. “And accordingly, Jeongguk, you will treat him as such by honoring his every request.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“If he tells you to jump, you will ask how high. If he tells you to kneel, you will kneel. If he tells
you to give your life to spare his, you will. You will do anything and everything that my son asks
you to do, and you will do it without complaint and without fault, or it will be the very last thing
you do,” King Youngho said as if he was discussing the weather, but the undertone was dangerous.
“Tell me you understand.”

“I understand.”

“There is no orientation for being a palace caretaker. There is no training. There is no manual.
Your duty is to do what my son asks you to do. You will prepare him for sleep. You will ensure
that he always looks presentable. You will care for his well-being. You exist now only to serve
him,” King Youngho said, and as he lifted his teacup, Jeongguk swore he saw a small smile on the
king’s lips that had little warmth to it, more of a mocking vibe. “And you will receive no
guidance.”

“I will work hard to serve him,” Jeongguk replied with another bow as the king sipped his tea.
King Youngho lowered his cup again and sat back, surveying Jeongguk carefully.

“An easily disposable alpha from Gananhan,” King Youngho said, tutting and shaking his head.
“If you do make a mistake, Jeongguk… if you do anything that displeases my son… I’ll be
expecting it. And as I said—there will be nothing further from you after such an occurrence.”

“I won’t make a mistake.” The words escaped from Jeongguk’s mouth before he could stop them,
and he swore that his heart ceased beating. A pin could have dropped in the room only to be
mistaken for an explosion. And then King Youngho let out a chuckle.

“Well. I suppose that is the attitude that it takes to care for my son,” King Youngho replied, and
Jeongguk slowly exhaled, trying to stay alert. “Your schedule will now change. You are to be here
six days a week from seven o’clock in the morning until my son chooses to dismiss you. Sunday is
your day to rest. You will begin on Monday. And Jeongguk?”

Jeongguk maintained eye contact, and in that moment, he felt it—the challenge. The king was
challenging him. Expecting him to fail.

“Do be mindful,” King Youngho said airily. “My son will be mated soon. He has many duties
ahead of him. Do what he says. No mistakes. Do not expect a handout. And do not make me regret
agreeing with my son to honor his request.”

“You’re gracious to allow me the opportunity. I will work hard,’” Jeongguk said with
determination, bowing again.

“You will. And I do hope that we won’t find ourselves meeting again so soon,” King Youngho
said, and then he lifted his teacup once more. “Dismissed.”

Jeongguk scrambled to his feet instantly, stumbled off the step, turned, and sank into a full bow
again, head nearly touching the floor. Then he rose on shaky knees, slipped into his shoes, and
yanked on the door handle twice before finally making it out alive, gasping once he was in the
hallway. He staggered while trailing one hand along the wall, breathing deeply to stop his head
from spinning and quell his anxiety, blinking to keep his vision functional. He then felt an arm
around his waist, and Jeongguk clung to whoever was supporting him.

“You’re okay, come on. Just breathe. Come tell me what happened,” Hoseok’s voice said, and
Jeongguk nodded, letting Hoseok guide him right to the library. Hoseok paused to check and see if
there were any patrons, and then held the door open for Jeongguk. Jeongguk walked in, still in a
cold sweat, and Seokjin noticed right away.
“Yah, what’s this? He looks like he’s about to pass out,” Seokjin commented, rushing over and
abandoning his post. “Go sit, go sit. Are you sick? What’s wrong? What happened?”

“He just…” Hoseok trailed off, and Jeongguk collapsed into the chair and braced himself on the
table, staring at one spot on the wall as he caught his breath. He couldn’t remember the last time he
had felt so cripplingly anxious. His wolf had quite literally gone into survival mode for him, fight
or flight. There had been no other option available. Seokjin set a water bottle onto the table, and
Jeongguk cracked it open and gulped down half of its contents.

“I’m not sick,” he said, finally finding his voice. “You can’t smell me, can you?”

“No. Still neutral,” Hoseok said after leaning in slightly. He still had the faint smell of pine, but he
was a guard, so he didn’t have to suppress his scent nearly as severely as Jeongguk and Seokjin did.
“What the hell happened?”

“Well, you seem to know,” Seokjin said to Hoseok.

“I just escorted him.”

“Escorted him where?”

“Stop,” Jeongguk weakly said, and both Hoseok and Seokjin looked at him. Jeongguk laughed
faintly, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes. “Fuck, I don’t even know if I can trust either
one of you. I barely know you. My wolf is just—fuck, so unsettled.”

“Understandable,” Seokjin said, cutting off Hoseok quickly. “I wouldn’t trust either one of us,
either. We’re strangers. But my wolf feels comfortable around you. I don’t know about Hoseok-
ssi.”

“Not threatened at all,” Hoseok replied seriously.

“Look, we get it. But right now, Jeongguk, we’re about all you have, short of running home,”
Seokjin said. He seemed to be Jeongguk’s voice of reason when away from Yoongi, which
Jeongguk couldn’t say he minded. Seokjin had a very compassionate aura about him, very
soothing, but not naïve.

“I… I was summoned by the king,” Jeongguk whispered, but then he strengthened his voice. “I—
I’ll summarize, because I can’t remember half of it. But… Prince Jimin went through his heat, and
he asked his father to fire his caretaker.”

“Yeah, good. He sucked,” Hoseok said with a chuckle.

“And he demanded that the king hire me as his new caretaker.”

“Oh, Jesus fucking Christ,” Seokjin swore, which was surprising coming from him. But Jeongguk
was relatively numb, so he only blinked.

“Apparently the prince likes the way I clean his room and all that,” Jeongguk mumbled, feeling
insane. “A-And demanded that I become his new… fuck. And the king just… he threatened me a
thousand times.”

“Of course he did,” Hoseok said sympathetically.

“Basically said that I was worthless before warning me that if I make any mistakes, it’ll be the last
thing I do,” Jeongguk croaked. “But my dumb ass accepted the position. He told me to my face
that there’s no training or orientation or manual for being a caretaker. I just have to wing it and
hope that I don’t fuck up.”

“He’s not wrong. We don’t have anything for caretakers here,” Hoseok replied. “Most of the royals
choose their own caretaker, and it’s often a longtime friend or a trusted companion or veteran
employee. But the king has always had the final say when it comes to his son’s caretaker.”

“So you took the position,” Seokjin stated, and Jeongguk nodded, his head feeling detached from
his body. “Okay. When do you start?”

“Monday.”

“Well, what can we do before then?” Seokjin looked to Hoseok. “How can we prepare him for
this? How much do you know?”

“You know more than I do,” Hoseok said, and Jeongguk didn’t miss the sharp look that Seokjin
gave the alpha. “But I know the prince better than either of you.”

“What do I do every day?” Jeongguk asked. “I mean, I show up and do what? The prince has an
attendant and a coordinator and guards, and I don’t even know the difference.”

“His attendant is basically… how do I explain it? Taehyun is a young alpha, but he’s diligent. He
keeps the prince’s schedule, arranges meetings, functions as his assistant for the most part. His
coordinator’s name is Chaeyoung, and she’s young, too, but she’s a beta and her family is rich as
hell and she’s the one who does all the legwork for Taehyun. But his caretaker…” Hoseok trailed
off, and Seokjin took over.

“You’re basically the one who keeps him alive. You wake him up, help him dress if he needs you,
get him ready for events, wash him up at night,” Seokjin listed. “You’re the one who cares for his
well-being. Physical well-being, emotional well-being. It’s an intuitive job. You can’t prepare for
it or train for it. Most monarchies and palaces don’t have a role like this, but because a lot of our
staff rank, the role exists. The king, queen mother, and prince all have a caretaker. Other high-
ranking royals do, too.”

“It’s one of those things you just have to know how to do,” Hoseok added. “The thing is, he hasn’t
had an alpha caretaker since he was a kid. The last guy was a beta, and before that were two
women, both omegas.”

“So how the hell do I fit in?” Jeongguk asked, growing increasingly frantic. “How am I supposed
to do this job without losing my head? And why the hell did the prince ask for me?”

“Well, he’s been talking to you nonstop, so my guess is that the second he met you, he started
sniffing you out to see if you’d be a good match,” Hoseok said with a laugh, crossing his arms and
shaking his head. “He tends to do things like that. His wolf is particular and smart as hell, and so is
the prince himself. Put them together and it’s a dangerous combination.”

“He’s setting me up,” Jeongguk decided, breaking into another cold sweat. “He’s setting me up to
fail. He’s in on it with his father. Th-They know I’m from the south and I have nothing, so they’re
both just—”

“Hey, chill out,” Seokjin interrupted, waving his hand as he looked over his shoulder to make sure
they were still alone.

“Jeongguk, let me assure you,” Hoseok said, and then he lowered his voice. “Let me assure you
that Prince Jimin is in on nothing with his father. The relationship between them is formal at best.
Try being forced into mating three times per year but being told to spend your heats alone with
guards outside your door, listening to you cry. Really puts a strain on things.”

“Okay. Okay, I just… yeah. Okay,” Jeongguk said in a small voice, his wolf suddenly irritated. “I
don’t know how I’m going to survive this. I’m working six days a week now. I have no idea what
my hours are. Prince Jimin just decides for me.”

“It can be a thankless job,” Seokjin warned. “But if the prince treats you well, then I think you’ll
enjoy it.”

“Is he known for not treating his caretakers well?” Jeongguk asked.

“No, he’s known for weeding out the lackluster staff in a heartbeat,” Hoseok laughed. “He can
sniff it right off them, I swear. That’s why more than half the staff here resent him. So if he’s
choosing to promote you for his own benefit, then obviously he sees something in you.”

“We’ll have your back,” Seokjin added. “I’m a fellow omega, so he trusts me. Hoseok-ssi is a
lifelong friend, so he’ll listen. But I doubt you’ll have any issues.”

“How do you know that?” Jeongguk asked. Seokjin glanced at Hoseok, and then Hoseok grinned
and looked at Jeongguk, his pine scent floating around happily.

“Just a hunch.”

***

Yoongi and Taehyung were predictably shocked and rightfully outraged when Jeongguk relayed
the entire story in detail to them that night. When he repeated what King Youngho had said,
Taehyung had growled and flipped the coffee table, and it had taken Yoongi sinking his teeth
shallowly but warningly into Taehyung’s neck to calm him down.

“He has no right to insult you like that,” Taehyung said after settling back into the couch in
Yoongi’s arms, but Jeongguk pursed his lips and shrugged.

“He does, though.” Jeongguk wrung his hands together. “He’s the king. He’s an alpha. He’s a
pureblood with a family lineage and more money than I can even dream up. Society says that he’s
the top dog.”

“And what did your wolf think?” Taehyung challenged, raising his eyebrows. Yoongi finally
perked up in interest, eyeing Jeongguk for an answer. “Because I’ve always wondered.”

“Honestly, my wolf was too busy trying to keep me from fainting. Survival mode. Fight or flight.
Totally cowering,” Jeongguk relayed, curling in on himself demonstratively. He unfolded and
slouched into the couch as Yoongi hummed.

“Anything else?” he prompted. “What did your wolf think about being the prince’s new
caretaker?”

Yoongi was immensely in tune with his wolf (except when it came to Taehyung), and as a result,
he had taught Jeongguk to be the same way. He had also imparted the habit to Taehyung, so all
three alphas knew their wolves intimately, worked as a team. Yoongi liked to know both sides of
every story—the human side and the wolf side.

“I… do remember one thing,” Jeongguk said, and the two mates leaned in with interest. “My wolf,
when the king was talking about what my duties were… my wolf was interested in it. In the idea of
protecting the prince.”

“I knew it,” Taehyung said immediately, smacking his fist into his palm in a victorious gesture.
Yoongi nudged him with a small frown, and then he gestured for Jeongguk to continue.

“No, that was it,” Jeongguk said, shrugging. “That was the only thing I noticed. The king was
stepping all over me, but the second I thought about being the one taking care of the prince, I
just… felt it.”

“Well, that could just be your alpha instincts,” Yoongi said, playing devil’s advocate as always.
“You hear about an omega in heat, you know the prince personally, you’ve been hired to be his
caretaker. That all adds up to your wolf saying, ‘okay, time to protect.’”

“Or it’s something else, but we’re not ready for that conversation,” Taehyung said with a dramatic
sigh, and Jeongguk scowled.

“Give it a rest, hyung,” he scolded. “I’m trying to stay alive here. This was fight or flight, and now
I have a new job on Monday that has no job description.”

“Oh, boo-hoo. Come back to me in a few months. Let’s revisit this conversation,” Taehyung said,
hopping off the couch and glancing over one shoulder. “Cup of tea, anyone? Yes, no?”

“Yes,” Yoongi and Jeongguk both said in unison, and as Taehyung busied himself with the kettle,
Yoongi scooted closer.

“Go with your instincts,” he said, rubbing Jeongguk’s back as he spoke. “You have allies there to
help. The librarian and that guard. They’re both good to you. Don’t be so anxious. Hey, stop that.”

“I can’t help it,” Jeongguk muttered, knowing his scent was sour and unpleasant. Yoongi lifted his
hand and ran his thumb along Jeongguk’s scent gland, and Jeongguk lost himself. He slumped and
fell into Yoongi, nudging his head against Yoongi’s chin, so Yoongi turned into Jeongguk’s neck
and scented him until Jeongguk was consumed by teakwood entirely, much calmer than before, the
anxiety dissipating.

“Do me next,” Taehyung eagerly said, rushing over to the couch and plopping down beside
Yoongi with a sparkle in his eyes. Yoongi rolled his eyes as Jeongguk flopped backwards onto the
couch, and Jeongguk then watched with tired eyes as Yoongi ruffled Taehyung’s hair, and
Taehyung fought back playfully until he was in a position to bare his neck. Yoongi then scented
him with a few extra kisses, and Jeongguk purposely groaned and shoved Yoongi’s thigh with his
foot, trying to break it up.

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” Jeongguk asked, speaking to the ceiling. Most of the time, he was
fiercely independent and wanted nothing to do with Yoongi and Taehyung. But on rare occasions,
he found himself feeling vulnerable, his wolf slightly wounded, and Yoongi and Taehyung
understood. It was the same reason why sometimes, Taehyung crawled up into the attic space and
slept on top of Jeongguk. It was the same reason why Yoongi sometimes tried to feed Jeongguk an
excess of food, complaining that he needed to gain more weight. They all took care of each other.

“Yeah, that’s fine,” Taehyung agreed, and Yoongi nodded.

So that night, even though the bed downstairs was really only made for two people, Jeongguk slept
on Yoongi’s shoulder nuzzled into his neck with one leg slung across his waist, and Taehyung
spooned him from behind tightly, legs all tangled together. And Jeongguk allowed himself to
drown in a haze of teakwood and apple cinnamon, perfectly content to sleep through the rest of his
work days and chase off the unknown.

***

Jeongguk’s shift on Saturday morning began promptly with a staff meeting, where everyone
gathered in the staff break room to discuss what was upcoming at the palace and what was
important. Jeongguk sat on the floor as close to Seokjin as possible, and he listened as the alpha in
charge of the palace staff stood up front and talked about how there would be a gathering for the
prince next weekend, where nearly thirty eligible alphas and a handful of betas would come to the
palace to meet Jimin in hopes of becoming his mate. Not a single staff member seemed flummoxed
by the announcement, but Jeongguk’s palms started to sweat, because now he was in charge of
Jimin’s well-being.

“His Majesty has requested that we all bear in mind the importance of these gatherings from this
point forward until October,” the alpha at the head of the room continued. “The prince will be
mated by his birthday by any means necessary, and we all must do our part to ensure that he finds a
suitable match. Please work hard at each gathering that occurs for the next three months.”

There was a murmur of agreement as Jeongguk’s stomach swooped and his wolf bristled, but the
alpha dismissed the meeting and requested that everyone get to work. There had not been a single
mention of Jimin having a new caretaker, and no one seemed interested in giving Jeongguk the
time of day. The masses dispersed, and Jeongguk gave Seokjin a tired look before disappearing to
do his last day of cleaning work.

Jeongguk spent most of his day on Sunday in Yoongi’s small shop, lounging in the corner and
sanding wood, whittling, or treating blades of some of the swords and blades that he had created.
Yoongi worked in a professional fashion, knew all of the patrons who walked in by their first
names, and was always generous. If someone couldn’t afford two wooden chairs for full price, he
gave a discount based on what they could pay. If a little pup came in and asked if Yoongi could
make a peg solitaire board for them, Yoongi obliged and took thirty minutes to carve a piece of
wood into a triangle, sand it, drill holes in it, and toss it over to the pups for free. And Taehyung
was almost always in the opposite corner, drawing with his tongue sticking out or sewing
something feverishly.

Life in Gananhan was vastly different from life at the palace, or even life in the north. There was
such a clearcut divide, and it was intentional. Technology had advanced significantly, but it was
purposefully expensive. Any phones or laptops usually came from the black market as hand-me-
downs, mostly because the people in Gogwihan kept it from reaching the south for as long as
possible until it was outdated. There was meant to be a deeply rooted jealousy, envy that spread
like a plague, and sometimes it worked. But mostly, Jeongguk just watched as the wealthy lived
their lavish lives in blissful ignorance, hiding their rank, out of touch with their own wolves, never
going to nature, never learning who they truly were.

Jeongguk woke up before sunrise on Monday morning in a cold sweat from a nightmare. He had
dreamt about being dragged to the gallows while wearing Jimin’s tennis uniform, which only
proved that his subconscious paranoia about the job was already festering.
“You’re going to be fine.” Yoongi continued to comb through Jeongguk’s hair with his fingers
while Jeongguk drank his strong scent blocking tea in a daze. Taehyung was still dead asleep,
sprawled out on the bed now that Yoongi was awake. “Hey, come on. You’re sour.”

“Well, you won’t be able to smell it much longer,” Jeongguk complained, taking another sip. “I’ll
come home in a body bag.”

“Don’t be so dramatic. Besides, if they killed you, they wouldn’t bother sending your body home,”
Yoongi commented, and Jeongguk smacked his palm on the table indignantly. Yoongi snickered,
dropped a kiss to the top of Jeongguk’s head, and walked off to make himself some coffee.

Jeongguk biked through the wheat field and along the side of the roads that turned from dirt to
pavement to make it to the palace, the wind blowing through his hair. He chained up his bike to a
tree of which he had become fond, and then he jogged to the palace gates and bowed to the guards,
who were beginning to recognize him and no longer asked for identification. Jeongguk quietly
stepped through the massive front doors and into the abandoned entrance hall, his footsteps
echoing, and then he veered towards the crammed staff room, where he had a singular cubby to his
name now. When he peeked inside, though, he no longer had his used black modern hanbok.

“What the hell,” he whispered to himself, because now he had an even nicer set of black modern
hanbok with a red sash and belt for his waist. Perhaps it was symbolic and meant to separate him
from the other staff or identify him as Jimin’s caretaker, but it looked brand new. Confused,
Jeongguk dressed and glanced at himself in the tiny mirror, and he admired the new splash of red.
With a deep breath, he pulled the hair tie off his wrist and tied his hair back off his face, plenty of
rogue wavy strands still hanging in his eyes, and then turned to leave, but the door flew open.

“Ah, there you are. You’re Jeongguk, right?”

“Uh, yes. Hello,” Jeongguk said with a bow, and then he straightened up and stared at the young
man in front of him. He looked shockingly young but was quite handsome with sharp facial
features and bright blonde hair parted to the side and combed off his forehead, a pleasant lemon
citrus scent swirling around him. He was dressed in black slacks and a black button-up, and he had
wireless earbuds in his ears and a phone in his hand, a black leather-bound diary under one arm.

“Busy day,” the young alpha said, tilting his head to the left. Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, but
then he followed as the man began to walk swiftly. “His Highness has breakfast with his family
and a few foreign diplomats, followed by athletic training at ten o’clock, but only if he’s up for it.
You’ll have to gauge that for me. After lunch, he’s off to Gachi House to see His Highness Prince
Namjoon, and I doubt he’ll want to return until late.”

“I’m sorry, but who are you? And how old are you?” Jeongguk interrupted as they made their way
to the west wing, and the man stopped dead in his tracks and sharply pivoted.

“Kang Taehyun, attendant to Prince Jimin. I’m nineteen, and you’re already falling behind,”
Taehyun said, but Jeongguk could see the small smile on his lips. “The prince’s previous caretaker
was old enough to be my father and treated me as such, so forgive me, but I’m taking full
advantage of you being younger.”

“Older than you by five years,” Jeongguk grumbled.

“With no status,” Taehyun replied, but there was no malice in his tone. “So unfortunately for you,
there’s very little respect that will come your way, even if you’re five years older.”

“Can I just lay it all out on the line for you, then?” Jeongguk asked as they approached the hallway
leading to Jimin’s bedroom. They both bowed to the guard and walked past, and Taehyun stopped
and waited. “The prince asked for me, but I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

“Well, this ought to be good,” Taehyun said, and then his eyes flicked to the left. “I was about to
call you.”

“As if you’d need to.” A young girl hurried up to them, and Jeongguk blinked rapidly, trying to
make sense of the whirlwind around him. The girl was petite with brilliant platinum blonde hair
that was cut above her shoulders and tucked behind one ear, and she had a captivating gaze and
was standing with one hand on her hip, a soft, barely-there rose scent radiating from her. She was
wearing pinstripe black pants and a nice black top, and she was staring at Jeongguk. “You must be
Jeongguk.”

“And you must be Chaeyoung-ssi,” Jeongguk replied politely, bowing to the beta.

“Son Chaeyoung. Coordinator to the prince,” Chaeyoung confirmed in a rush, and then she sat
further into her hip, raising her eyebrows. Taehyun glanced up from his phone expectantly, and
Jeongguk just stared at both of them, wondering what they were doing.

“Well, go wake him up,” Taehyun prompted as if it was obvious, and Jeongguk knew the look on
his face was shocking, because Chaeyoung softened slightly.

“Your job is to wake him up and call us in when he’s decent so we can debrief him on his day,”
she replied. “Go.”

His heart thumping in his chest, Jeongguk swallowed his bewildered fear and turned towards the
bedroom door. He hesitated multiple times and even glanced over his shoulder before his wolf
gave him the final push to open the door. He slipped into the room, and then he took a deep breath.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

The entire room was drenched in vanilla peppermint, sweeter than normal, the result of an omega
in post-heat sleeping soundly. And Jimin was, indeed, sleeping soundly—he was lying on his back
buried beneath his blankets, head tilted a bit to the side on his pillow, face bare, lips slightly parted
as he slept. Jeongguk’s wolf was wide awake suddenly, and Jeongguk felt an inexplicable pull, a
bizarre kind of magnetism as he assessed his situation.

Just wake him up. Do it fast. Get it over with.

Jeongguk drew in a breath and tiptoed to Jimin’s bedside, and then he panicked, irritated. He was
usually bold and confident and had no trouble completing the tasks handed to him, but Jimin being
a prince with a father who was openly murderous was a fucking problem. It made Jeongguk’s wolf
cower, something that Jeongguk wasn’t used to happening. Jeongguk stood awkwardly, jaw
clenched as he rocked a bit on his heels, trying to decide what would be best.

mood: “always forever” by aquilo

“...Your Highness?” he quietly tried, feeling like an idiot. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh
when Jimin didn’t even move. “Um… Your Highness?”

Nothing. Silence. Jimin didn’t shift at all. Jeongguk whipped his head to the door, still panicking,
wondering if he could ask Taehyun or Chaeyoung to do something. Surely they were used to
seeing Jimin in the mornings, so why were they forcing Jeongguk to do this?

“You’re going to have to be louder than that.”

Jeongguk’s knees buckled as he looked back to where Jimin was lying, and now speaking. His eyes
were open sleepily, and he was smiling with cheeks flushed slightly pink from sleep, blonde hair
tousled and not at all what Jeongguk was used to seeing.

“You can shake me.” Jimin slipped his hands out from underneath the covers, just barely, and
mimicking shoving someone. “Smack me around, yell at me. Because whispering like that will put
me back to sleep.”

“I’m—I’m sorry, Your Highness, I’m…” Jeongguk trailed off, bowing instead and stepping back.
Jimin didn’t seem offended, nor did he frown. In fact, he smiled again and stretched with a yawn,
lifting his knees and moving his legs to get the blankets off. He tiredly swung his legs over the
edge of the bed, pressing his palms into the mattress, and then he tilted his head and looked up at
Jeongguk with half-lidded eyes.

“I suppose you want me to get up, then,” he said, and Jeongguk quietly cleared his throat and
nodded, gesturing to the door.

“Your attendant and your coordinator are waiting.”

“To debrief me on my day. Yes, I know.” Jimin blinked at Jeongguk, and Jeongguk just stared
back, awkwardly rooted to the spot, heart racing despite his stationary feet. There was a moment of
silence, and then Jimin raised his eyebrows. “Well?”

“W-Well what? What—Is there something else I should do? D-Do you need… I’m sorry, I don’t
know what you need,” Jeongguk frantically responded, stumbling over his words. This is the end
for me. He’s going to ask his father to fire me, and the king will know that I already made a
mistake, already fucked up. Couldn’t care for his son’s well-being. And then he’ll kill me.

Jimin stood up and stretched, lifting his arms with his fingers laced above his head as he twisted
his torso. Jeongguk backed up a little further, because Jimin’s sleepy morning scent was
everywhere, and Jeongguk was already hopelessly dizzy. How could anyone stand being around
Jimin? It was utterly overwhelming. His scent was addictive, no matter how hard Jeongguk tried to
pretend that it wasn’t.

“I’ll wash up,” Jimin said, padding towards the bathroom in his bare feet, still wearing black silk
pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt that scooped a bit too low at the neck for Jeongguk’s liking. Or
was it his wolf?

“Um, yes. Okay. Do I…?” Jeongguk trailed off again, wanting a hole in the floor to swallow him
up. Jimin stopped halfway to the bathroom and glanced over his shoulder. Then he walked over,
gently took Jeongguk’s hand, and pulled him towards the walk-in closet as Jeongguk inwardly
screamed, trying not to vocalize at the feeling of Jimin’s hand gripping his tightly, at the fact that
he was being touched.

“You know my schedule, so please pick out something for me to wear,” Jimin requested, releasing
Jeongguk’s hand with a small smile. Jeongguk had half a mind to clutch his own hand like it was
on fire, because it felt like it was. “While I wash up.”

“Okay,” Jeongguk whispered, knowing his face was pale just from how faint he felt. Jimin
disappeared into the bathroom, and Jeongguk opened the closet door and stepped inside, his pulse
still sprinting without rest. Jimin’s morning consisted of breakfast with family and foreign
diplomats. Jeongguk knew just from seeing others around the palace, and from catching a glimpse
of Jimin’s cousin, that Jimin wouldn’t have to wear full hanbok or anything formal. Nervously,
Jeongguk grabbed the navy blue suit on the hanger, as well as a white button-up, and then he
snatched up a pair of expensive brown dress shoes. Surely this was appropriate. Or maybe it was
all wrong, and Jeongguk was going to be brought to the gallows.

“Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes.” Jeongguk emerged from the closet as Jimin walked out of the bathroom. Jimin paused and
looked at what Jeongguk had in his hands, and then his face broke into a pleased smile.

“Ah, that’s right. I have breakfast this morning,” he recalled. “Thank you. Over there, please.”
Jimin gestured to the four-panel room divider that he had that was meant for him to change behind
when others were in the room. Jeongguk hastily set down the clothing onto the little cushioned
bench behind the divider, and then he looked over to where Jimin was waiting by the bathroom.
“Well, go ahead.”

“What… oh. I’m so sorry. I’ll—” Jeongguk felt his ears burn as he lunged for the bedroom door
after seeing Jimin beckon. He threw it open, and instantly, Taehyun and Chaeyoung looked up
from their phones.

“Took you long enough,” Chaeyoung said with a laugh as Taehyun just waltzed right in.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” he said cheerfully as Jeongguk stumbled to the side, utterly
confused. “Three of the four diplomats have arrived, and your mother is hoping you’ll be at
breakfast a few minutes early.”

“Sure, she’s hoping, but will I deliver?” Jimin rhetorically asked, and Chaeyoung snickered, still on
her phone.

“Don’t forget your pin,” Taehyun said, and Jimin let out a little noise of understanding. He
disappeared into the bathroom and emerged again with a small mugunghwa flower pin in his palm,
and then he strolled over to the divider and disappeared behind it just as Chaeyoung walked over to
show Taehyun something on her phone.

“...Jeongguk-ssi? Will you help me?”

Both Taehyun and Chaeyoung nearly choked as they whipped their heads up to stare at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk’s heart somersaulted the moment Jimin addressed him so politely, and he rushed over to
the divider, chanting desperately in his head for Jimin to be dressed.

He was. Jimin was already wearing the pants and the button-up with his shoes on, the jacket still
on the bench, but he was holding the pin in his hand. Jeongguk stood across from him behind the
divider, hidden from view from Taehyun and Chaeyoung, his exhausted heart now in his throat as
he stared. Jimin had looked so peaceful sleeping, but it was clear as day to Jeongguk now that
Jimin was still unwell. His face was pale and he had hints of dark circles under his eyes. His
posture told Jeongguk that Jimin wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed. And when he
extended his hand to Jeongguk, it trembled slightly.

Jeongguk knew that Jimin’s heats likely took a toll. The older an omega got without being mated,
the more increasingly difficult spending a heat alone became. It was the same with alphas and their
ruts. But Jimin had surely just recovered from the ordeal, and he was being forced into the
spotlight already when Jeongguk was positive that Jimin still needed a day or two to rest. But such
was life as a royal.

“Will you help me?” he whispered. Jeongguk nodded and took the pin right away, and Jimin
turned to grab his jacket. Without hesitation, Jeongguk lunged forward and cut Jimin off, snatching
up the jacket instead, and then he held it open just like he had done before. Jimin blinked, and then
his scent became impossibly sweeter as Jeongguk swayed on the spot. Jimin pivoted and shimmied
into the jacket, turning back to Jeongguk with his eyes trained on the pin in Jeongguk’s hand.

“Oh. Right.” Jeongguk carefully leaned in while holding his breath to pin the flower to the right
side of Jimin’s jacket, but then he nearly choked. Jimin’s hand flew up and grabbed Jeongguk’s
wrist, his thumb pressed right into Jeongguk’s pulse point. Jeongguk knew immediately that Jimin
could feel his pulse racing; there was absolutely no denying the crippling nerves consuming his
body. But Jimin just stared directly into Jeongguk’s eyes as he moved Jeongguk’s hand to the left
side of his jacket without a word. Fingers trembling and twitching, Jeongguk nodded and pinned
the flower in the right spot as Jimin’s hand slipped away.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” Jeongguk breathed for only Jimin to hear, because he was one
heartbeat away from running for his life and quitting. Jimin buttoned his suit jacket, and then he
gave Jeongguk a soft smile.

“I think I’ll keep you,” he whispered, and then he walked out from behind the divider as Jeongguk
tried not to topple into it and knock it over in sheer shock. “Jeongguk-ssi, will you fix up my hair
quickly before I go to breakfast?”

“Not a lot of time to play around, Your Highness,” Taehyun said, sounding exasperated. Jimin
tutted and reached over to nudge Taehyun as he walked by with Jeongguk hot on his heels.

“Unclench, Kang,” he teased. “My new caretaker is clever. He’ll be quick.”

Jeongguk didn’t miss the skeptical look that Taehyun gave Jimin or the way that Chaeyoung raised
her eyebrows in amusement, still silently standing by. Nevertheless, Jeongguk followed Jimin into
the bathroom, and Jimin sat down on the small stool at his sinktop.

Jeongguk had very little experience with taking care of anyone besides Yoongi and Taehyung, and
even then, they were older and liked to care for Jeongguk more. Jeongguk had looked after pups
before, but Jimin was a goddamn pureblood omega prince. There was no comparison.

“Just fix it up,” Jimin suggested. He had already tamed it post-sleep, but Jeongguk couldn’t do
anything fancy and didn’t even know where to begin. He went strictly off his intuition and grabbed
a comb and the spray bottle of water from the sink top, and then he carefully got to work, parting
Jimin’s hair and combing through it, watching in the mirror for any kind of negative reaction.
Jimin just sat there fiddling with his fingers, eyes unfixed and dazed as Jeongguk worked. The final
touch was some hairspray, and when Jeongguk stepped back with a sigh, Jimin looked up.

“I’m so sorry,” Jeongguk apologized, but Jimin just smiled.

“My previous caretaker—” He leaned forward with his elbows on the sink top for a moment,
staring at Jeongguk in the mirror— “only ever used a brush or a comb and outright refused to do
my hair some days. So you’re already an improvement. Thank you, Jeongguk-ssi. I’ll see you after
lunch. Please come back to my room then.”

“Okay. Yes, that’s—okay. Yes, Your Highness. Enjoy breakfast—wait. Wait, wait, wait.”
“What is it?” Jimin stopped dead in his tracks when Jeongguk held out a hand.

“I—Do you have… Do you have any make-up?” Jeongguk timidly asked. “Your—Your eyes. I
just…”

“Oh.” Jimin’s confused tone softened into something that was laced with quiet understanding. He
opened up a drawer and gestured, and Jeongguk took a deep breath and checked out his options. He
found a bit of concealer and a sponge, and then he motioned for Jimin to turn and face him. With
all the care in the world, and a total lack of experience but a sudden strong desire to protect Jimin
from the world, Jeongguk gently dabbed some concealer underneath Jimin’s eyes and smoothed it
out with the sponge until it was all blended in. Then he twisted his lips and tried to remember some
of the things he had learned over the years. Living with two devil-may-care men didn’t help his
cause, but Jeongguk knew enough thanks to Taehyung. He grabbed a brush and some powder, and
then he carefully swiped underneath Jimin’s eyes.

“That’s much better,” he declared when he was finished, and Jimin turned and looked in the
mirror.

“Oh. Wow. That’s…” Jimin rubbed his lips together, and then he faced Jeongguk again. “Now I’m
definitely keeping you,” he added with a sparkle in his tired eyes. “Thank you. Please, Jeongguk…
come back after lunch. I’ll need you again.”

Jeongguk couldn’t even get a coherent sentence out, his tongue completely tied as Jimin breezed
out of the bathroom and put himself between Taehyun and Chaeyoung. The three of them hurried
out the bedroom door, chatting at top speed, and Jimin’s sweet laughter echoed down the hall as
Jeongguk stood in the doorway, fingers tingling and emotions halfway numb as he watched them
disappear.

***

Jeongguk desperately tried to find Hoseok on his break, but he ended up finding Seokjin in the
library instead. Seokjin, though, was busy with a group and could only give Jeongguk a brief “I
hate doing this” kind of look before disappearing into the periodical section, leaving Jeongguk
alone with his own thoughts.

“Shit,” he sighed to himself, wishing more than ever that he could dive back into his belongings
and call Yoongi or Taehyung. He hadn’t been given a set schedule for breaks, but with Jimin off at
athletic training (maybe) and lunch (definitely), Jeongguk was left with nothing to do.

Caretaker. I’m his caretaker. I’m supposed to look after his well-being. I’ll check his room, maybe
spruce it up and make it more comfortable. He probably hates it if he just had to be locked up in
there for his heat.

Jeongguk quietly strolled the hallways, bowing ninety degrees to anyone who passed by, suddenly
noticing the way that other staff members glared at him. Now they were giving him the time of
day, and it was all because of his new uniform.

There had only been two times in his life when Jeongguk had cared for an omega in heat or post-
heat—an old boyfriend when he was nineteen, and a young mother who had needed someone just
to force her to eat or do the laundry for her. He hadn’t been anywhere near Jimin during Jimin’s
heat, but Jeongguk knew that most omegas needed to find comfort in their living space again after
being in so much pain for several days.

Jeongguk stopped first at the gardens, where he quietly strolled until he located the flowers he was
looking for. Living in Gananhan and being so in tune with nature had given Jeongguk a lot of
extracurricular knowledge, including a deep understanding of plants and herbs, especially for
medicinal purposes. Chamomile flowers looked similar to daisies, bright yellow with white petals,
and they had healing properties, so Jeongguk quietly plucked a solid handful of the flowers,
enough for two bunches, and headed back into the palace. He kept the flowers behind his back as
he snuck through the kitchen to grab two tall glasses, and then he hurried back to Jimin’s room.

The first thing Jeongguk did was fill the glasses with water from the bathroom sink, and then he
placed the first makeshift flower vase on the bathroom sink top. For the second flower vase,
Jeongguk set it on Jimin’s nightstand. The flowers immediately brightened the room, so Jeongguk
then decisively opened up both of the windows to let in some free air. The moment a breeze wafted
through, Jeongguk’s wolf settled, and he smiled and breathed in deeply. Then he scowled, because
Jimin’s pillows weren’t even fluffed (damn the new cleaner), so Jeongguk fluffed them accordingly
and smoothed out the bedding, feeling satisfied.

After eating his own lunch, Jeongguk kept an eye out until he heard voices in the hallway that
sounded familiar. For hours, Jeongguk had been wandering around trying to figure out what else to
do, feeling useless and terrified that King Youngho would catch him slacking off. But now Jimin
was back, and Jeongguk was so relieved.

“...in about fifteen minutes. Oh! Jeongguk-ssi,” Jimin said, his face brightening up immediately
when he saw Jeongguk approaching. Jeongguk almost thought to stop dead in his tracks and take a
deep breath to compose himself, but instead, he just bowed and walked up to Jimin, who looked
immensely pleased. His scent wrapped around Jeongguk just to prove it. Jeongguk wanted to
continue to pretend that it didn’t affect him, but fuck, Jimin smelled so good. Too good,
dangerously good.

“What can I do for you, Your Highness?” Jeongguk asked.

“So formal,” Jimin teased. “I just need to get ready to head over to Gachi House. Come with me.
Taehyun-ssi, Chaeyoung-ssi—I’ll meet you at the car. Jeongguk will walk me there, right,
Jeongguk?”

“Yes, of course,” Jeongguk agreed with another bow. Jimin waved Taehyun and Chaeyoung off,
and then he led the way back to his bedroom as Jeongguk followed, his heart pounding nervously.
Would Jimin like the flowers and fresh air? And why did Jeongguk even care?

“I have to be quick, so…” Jimin opened the door, and then he stepped inside and his voice tapered
off. Jeongguk watched as Jimin looked around and took a slow, deep breath, his eyes falling
closed. Then, without a word, Jimin walked over to his bed, flopped onto it, and rolled onto his
back, sprawled out like a starfish, never mind his nice outfit (he had clearly skipped athletic
training). Jeongguk closed the door quietly, and then he cleared his throat.

“Your Highness? Should we get you ready to go to Gachi House?” he tentatively asked, watching
Jimin roll and curl up into a ball on his side, staring at his nightstand.

“You got me flowers,” he whispered, and Jeongguk bristled anxiously. “And the windows… I can
breathe. It feels like I’m outside.”

Jeongguk stood by quietly and let Jimin have a moment. He watched as Jimin reached one arm
over and let his fingertips brush the flower petals, and then another breeze blew the curtains, and
Jimin let out a groaning sigh with a smile, stretching and sitting up again. Legs dangling over the
edge of his bed, he glanced over at Jeongguk.

“I’ve been feeling sick still,” Jimin admitted. “And just being in my own room now, even though I
was… I’m just… I feel better. Thank you so much.”

“No need to thank me, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said with a bow, and then he gestured. “Do you
want me to look in your closet for a new outfit? I can—”

“Jeongguk-ah.”

“Don’t,” Jeongguk sharply said, whipping his head back to look at Jimin. He softened instantly,
guilt ravaging him, and he had half a mind to drop to his knees in a full bow. “I’m—I’m so sorry.
Please forgive me. I… My tone wasn’t respectful.”

“It’s okay. I was just trying it out.” Jimin swung his legs a few times, staring at the floor, a small
smile on his lips. “Yes, please. I would like a different outfit. Something comfortable and casual,
but still appropriate for the setting, please.”

Jeongguk nodded, and then he ducked into Jimin’s closet and hid himself enough to press his back
to the wall. He cupped his hand and pressed them both over his mouth and nose, pressing his
pointer fingers into the bridge of his noise as he took a deep breath. He then pressed his palms
together, edges of his fingers against his mouth as he looked up to the ceiling before closing his
eyes again.

Control yourself. This is the fucking crown prince of Dayangsong. This man will be mated in a few
months. He’s a pureblood royal omega. You’re an orphan alpha with no status. Know your fucking
place.

The king’s threats reverberated mercilessly in Jeongguk’s head as he calmed himself down, doused
the tiny little spark in the deepest pit of his stomach, and focused on the task at hand. He grabbed a
pair of black pants and a pullover olive green sweater that he felt would suit Jimin’s coloring.
When he walked out of the closet, Jimin hopped off the bed and approached boldly, sweeping the
clothes out of Jeongguk’s hands.

“You’re worried.”

“Pardon? Jeongguk said, confused.

“You’re worried.” Jimin examined Jeongguk’s face. “I may not be able to catch your scent, but
you’re worried about this new job. I know that my father talked to you after I made my demands.”

“I…”

“I’m sure he threatened you.” Jimin hugged the clothing to his chest, eyes narrowing a little.
“Emphasized what you’re lacking. Warned you that if you displease me, he’ll have your head. Said
that if he catches you making a mistake, that will be the end of it.”

Jeongguk swallowed heavily and said nothing, eyes focused downward.

“I won’t let that happen.”

Jeongguk’s eyes shot up again, and he found Jimin staring at him.

 “Maybe you’ve been hired to be my caretaker,” Jimin started, slowly licking his lips. His tone was
even and his voice was firm. “But I can look out for you all the same. My father prefers that I
present as weak and defenseless. I’m not. So he won’t catch you making mistakes.”

Jimin then promptly turned and walked away to the bathroom to get dressed. Jeongguk let the wall
catch him the moment the scent of vanilla peppermint doused the lingering spark instead.

Chapter End Notes

this fic does not slow down at all from this point forward so BUCKLE UP! Next
update is on Friday <3

Find me on TWITTER
 three
Chapter Notes

please respect my privacy at this time, i'm still recovering from Sowoozoo and cannot
process ANY OF IT????? We got Stay and FTMR and Dis-ease dear God I still can't
wrap my brain around it KOREAN VERSION OF WISH UPON A STAR????? I AM
NOT OKAY???? And then their looks their LOOKS Namjoon gave us an undercut
and yellow hair Hoseok said hey here's white silver hair aka my best look for y'all
YOONGI WENT BLONDE blonde Seokjin back for Fire?!!!!!!! JIMIN WITH THE
LIP RING, TAEHYUNG'S LOOK FOR FTMR??? OT7 DAECHWITA AND
CNS!?!?!?!? HELP

I refuse to talk about jungkook.

ok so actually i can talk about jungkook I CAN'T STAND HIM how could he do this
to me how could he come out with short sleeves on and a full sleeve of tattoos and
then an eyebrow piercing and expect me to just??? what, roll over and ACCEPT
IT???? you're right king i'll roll over so you can just STEP ON ME dear god what was
the point of his jacket from IDOL onwards do we know because I think he could've
removed it and I'm refusing to acknowledge the cropped shirt we just won't talk about
that and the wet hair look "i LoOk BeSt wHeN i GeT oUt oF tHe ShOwEr" PLEASE
FOR THE SAKE OF MY SANITY JUNGKOOK YOU HAVE TO STOP I CAN'T
TAKE IT ANYMORE I'M ON MY KNEES.

.............................right i'm fine! there's an ongoing fic down below!!! HELP ME.

note: Jimin's father becomes physically abusive towards Jimin in this chapter; he slaps
Jimin across the face, so just a warning during the gala scene if you may be affected
by something like that.

if you want to see my meltdowns about jungkook, I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

 [moodboard by cata]

~~~

star-crossed lovers, i can’t help but wonder

did i ever leave your mind?

-crazy/stupid by léon

~~~

“Steal something.”

“Yeah, great fucking idea.” Jeongguk smacked the piece of pork belly he had just cut up into the
pot so Yoongi could boil it. “It’s been five days, hyung.”

“Yeah, but he’s dismissed you before dinner time every day. That’s a win,” Yoongi replied. “And
also a sign that you should get a five-finger discount. You know how much something from the
palace would go for on the black market? An obscene amount.”

Jeongguk pursed his lips and said nothing. It was Friday night, and that meant he only had one
twenty-four hours until the Saturday gala, where alphas or betas from all over Gogwihan could
come to court Jimin to be their mate. Jeongguk had somehow managed to flounder his way through
five straight days of working as Jimin’s caretaker, and so far, he had yet to truly grasp what his role
was meant to be. It certainly wasn’t cut and dry. Jeongguk woke Jimin up each morning with a
single shake of the shoulder, asked how he was feeling, gave him a glass of water, and helped him
figure out an outfit for the day. The glass of water was something he had just decided was
important, and Jimin had gulped it down the past two days.

But Jimin also wasn’t asking much of Jeongguk. He kept Jeongguk around first thing in the
morning and then disappeared for a few hours. Just yesterday, he had asked Jeongguk to stand by
during his tennis lesson, so Jeongguk had sat on the bench and watched Jimin train. It had been
fascinating, watching how athletic and how talented Jimin was, how quick on his feet he was, how
instinctive. He wasn’t afraid to get sweaty, and he even cut his knee when he slid to try to get the
ball. Jeongguk had then sprung into action, providing some basic first aid and holding his breath
until he was close to fainting. Jimin had sat on the court with his palms pressed behind him, puppy
dog eyes and all, and Jeongguk had knelt down in front of him to clean the wound and bandage it,
biting his tongue and screaming internally at his wolf to calm down, because his first instinct had
been to lick the wound clean and help Jimin heal quickly.

“You know what bothers me most?” Jeongguk plopped down in the chair at the kitchen table just
as Taehyung came into the room post-shower, shirtless and ruffling his wet hair with a towel.
Yoongi abandoned his post in the kitchen instantaneously, and he walked right up to Taehyung and
nudged his mate’s chin with his nose. Taehyung then immediately rolled his head to the side and
let Yoongi scent him, something the two of them did often after showering. Yoongi and Taehyung
liked to drown in each other’s scents, and Jeongguk always scowled.

“What bothers you most?” Taehyung asked, quickly leaning over to kiss Yoongi before settling
down in the chair adjacent to Jeongguk.

“It’s not even me. It’s my wolf,” Jeongguk complained. “Always feels like I have to hide or submit
or cower in fear. I can’t just be myself.”

“All the more reason to steal,” Yoongi said, even though Jeongguk knew he was joking. “Gguk,
you’re drinking scent blocking tea every day like water. Your poor wolf is going to slaughter you
from the inside out eventually.”

“Especially if you keep suppressing it,” Taehyung added. “You think your rut will be normal and
on time?”

“No clue. It’s not until August, so I have time,” Jeongguk sighed.

“Is this job really worth it?” Yoongi asked, leaning his back against the countertop. “I mean,
you’ve been at it for a few weeks, and it’s taken a toll on you already. The money’s been great,
Gguk. Really. We’ve fixed up the kitchen and spent a good fucking deal of the money from
pawning off that rich woman’s shit on getting Gananhan Public School what it needs. But do you
really need this job?”

“Yeah, I don’t think he’s going back because he needs the job,” Taehyung commented, and
Yoongi grunted at his mate and smacked his arm, causing Taehyung to purse his lips and simmer
down as Jeongguk glared. Taehyung wasn’t the kind of person who had a filter, but too often, he
said what everyone in the room was thinking but was too afraid to say. In this case, though, it was
what Jeongguk was too afraid to admit.

“Is he right?” Yoongi asked, nose twitching. “Smells like a rainstorm in here.”

“Sorry,” Jeongguk mumbled, averting his eyes and tracing an invisible pattern on the table with his
middle finger, trying to bring himself down with little success. It was Taehyung who chose to
release some calming pheromones, and Jeongguk breathed deeply, feeling comforted in a
heartbeat. “It’s just that he asked for me.”

“Who, the prince?” Yoongi questioned.

“Yeah. He asked for me specifically. He said his father wouldn’t catch me making any mistakes,
hyung. He’s cutting back my hours, treating me like I actually matter. And he’s doing the bare
minimum at best because that’s all he can do. But he got hurt yesterday at tennis, and all I wanted
to do was just—” Jeongguk cut himself off with a frustrated sigh.

“You wanted to lick his wounds and take care of him.” Taehyung filled in the blanks intuitively.
“And you don’t think it’s because you feel like you’ll get your head chopped off if you don’t cater
to his every whim?”

“Honestly? I thought that was it at first,” Jeongguk admitted. “But I’ve been… doing things I
probably shouldn’t be.”

“Like what?” Yoongi asked.

“Putting flowers in his room. Scratching his scalp first before I do his hair. That kind of shit,”
Jeongguk replied. “The stuff that would get me dragged for a flogging if the king saw it, because I
know damn well I’m supposed to just be submitting to his son and groveling at his feet. But the
prince is asking me about the medicinal properties of chamomile, so I’m teaching him.”

“Oh boy,” Taehyung muttered.

“And I know I’m being an idiot,” Jeongguk confessed, propping his head in one hand. “But he
smells so good. His scent is so—I’ve never…”

“Don’t even think about it,” Yoongi warned. “Jeongguk, he’s the fucking pureblood crown prince
of Dayangsong. Highest status possible. And you’re you. Normally that’s not a problem and not
something I like to point out, but according to those assholes at the palace, you shouldn’t even be
breathing the same air as him. No wonder the king is threatening you. You have no family, no
status, and the prince asked for you as his caretaker.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Jeongguk practically squeaked. “Everything I do is practically
forbidden. But I keep going back like an idiot, and I want to. I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

“Did the king ever say why the prince asked for you?” Taehyung wondered, and Jeongguk shook
his head.

“No. Only said that his son ‘demanded’ it. I think his past caretakers weren’t that great, maybe not
his age,” Jeongguk replied with a noncommittal shrug. “Look, I… the money’s good. The palace
thinks I’m a worthless piece of shit, but they have to pay me a decent wage. I’m practically
stealing, hyung.” Jeongguk glanced at Yoongi, who hummed with an upward tilt of his head in
agreement.

“Just don’t be an idiot,” Taehyung recommended. “Or, at least, if you decide to do anything illegal,
do it the smart way.”

“Don’t I always?” Jeongguk grinned and hopped up when Yoongi did so he could continue helping
with dinner. But all he could think about while cutting vegetables was that the king purposely
wanted his son to appear weak and defenseless. And Jimin swore he wasn’t.

***

Jeongguk showed up on Saturday morning anticipating that there would be a big to-do, but it was
just like any other sunrise—quiet. After changing into his uniform and clocking in, Jeongguk
stopped by the kitchen to grab a glass of water, and then he headed straight for the west wing,
where he found Taehyun pacing in the hallway with his hands in his pockets, yawning.

“Sorry. Good morning,” Taeyhun apologized first, giving Jeongguk a tired smile. “How was your
trip here?”

“Not bad,” Jeongguk replied, knowing that Taehyun received a personal chauffeur ride to the
palace each morning. After only one week, Jeongguk had managed to pick out some of the key
characteristics of Jimin’s young aides. Taehyun was a stone cold perfectionist with a stick up his
ass for being on time and a hidden knack for sarcasm, but he seemed to genuinely like Jimin and
was taking to Jeongguk well. Chaeyoung was only twenty-one and didn’t seem to like her job very
much (to no fault of Jimin’s—Jeongguk assumed she had just been handed the job), but she loved
fashion and had a girlfriend that she refused to talk about but blushed whenever it was mentioned.

“His Highness has a busy morning before the gala tonight,” Taehyun sighed. “Athletic training
right after breakfast, a few meetings that he’s sitting in on with his father, and then a trip to the day
spa before he prepares for the night. Or, rather, before you prepare him for the night.”

“Right. What exactly am I supposed to do?” Jeongguk asked, raising his eyebrows.

“That’s for Prince Jimin to determine, not me,” Taehyun responded. “Most of the time, he wanted
his caretaker at the gala with him to make sure no alpha put their hands on him inappropriately.
Given that his past caretakers were betas or omegas and we’re dealing with a bunch of arrogant
alphas, though, it never really worked. So maybe you’ll do a better job. Besides that, you just have
to make sure he looks nice. Or looks like the king wants him to.”

“Like the king wants him to?” Jeongguk asked, slowly walking down the hallway. Taehyun pursed
his lips briefly.

“It’s important that the king presents his son in a specific manner in order to make him appealing to
a potential mate,” he stiffly replied, as if he had practiced it a thousand times. “Please go wake him
up.”

Jeongguk nodded, shifted the glass of water in his hand, and cracked open the bedroom door.
When he stepped inside, though, he noticed right away that Jimin wasn’t asleep. In fact, he was
sitting up in bed with a blanket around his shoulders, knees curled to his chest so he could hug
them, chin resting on his right kneecap as he blinked tiredly. He looked up as Jeongguk walked
into the room, and almost immediately, his forlorn face broke into a pleased smile. Jeongguk felt
like he was walking through a dissipating fog of sadness, because Jimin’s scent was filling the
room, and it made Jeongguk’s heart hurt.

“Good morning,” Jimin said, still hugging himself.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said with a bow, trying not to smile back. “I hope you
slept well. How are you feeling?”

“Thank you,” Jimin whispered when Jeongguk handed over the glass of water. “I didn’t sleep very
well. I’m irritated today. But it is what it is.” He lifted his chin and gulped down half the glass of
water as Jeongguk stood by with his hands behind his back. “Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You’ll be with me tonight at the gala.”

“Yes, of course.”
“I would like you to stay,” Jimin stated. “After the gala. I would like you to get me ready for bed
tonight, please.”

“Of course, Your Highness.” Jeongguk bowed again, his heartbeat quickening. Jimin had always
dismissed Jeongguk early, never asking him to stay late or play his role into the night. But now
seemed to be the right time, and Jeongguk’s wolf was immensely pleased at the prospect of taking
care of the omega for the duration of the day.

“And come with me for my training this morning,” Jimin replied, pulling back the covers. He
scooted the fabric of his pajama pants up one leg to expose his knee, which was still bandaged up.
“Since you’re my doctor now.”

“I should change the bandage and check for infections,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin smiled.

“I do have an actual healer designated to me, you know,” he teased. “But for this, yes. You can do
it.”

So Jeongguk bowed again and went into the bathroom to grab a Band-Aid, some antiseptic cream,
and some gloves, and then he returned and saw Jimin sitting on the edge of his bed, legs dangling
over. Without even contemplating, Jeongguk quietly knelt down in front of Jimin.

“What…?” Jimin whispered, but Jeongguk just grabbed the bottom hem of Jimin’s pajama pants
on the left leg and began to roll them up again. He repeated the motion until the rolled fabric
caught on Jimin’s knee, exposing the bandaged wound that was on his shin. Jeongguk heard Jimin
let out a shaky exhale, which was quite out of character, so he glanced up. The moment he did,
Jimin turned his head and looked the other way, pinching his bottom lip between his thumb and
pointer finger briefly. He then looked at his leg, so Jeongguk got to work, pulling the gloves on.

“May I?” he asked, and Jimin nodded. Jeongguk carefully peeled the old bandage off, and then he
eyed the wound. It was healing nicely already, so Jeongguk just took a dab of the cream and patted
it onto the scrape, and then he applied a new large Band-Aid. He then carefully rolled the pant leg
of Jimin’s pajamas back down and stood up, his knee joints popping.

“Thank you,” Jimin whispered. “Um… you can let Taehyun in now. I’ll get ready.”

Jeongguk obliged and let Taehyun in, and then he stood off in the corner with a racing pulse,
scolding himself internally. He hadn’t even hesitated to change the bandage, hadn’t even wondered
if he was allowed to touch the prince. But Jimin had just let him do it, and Jeongguk hadn’t missed
the way Jimin’s scent had sweetened, or how his breathing had changed.

mood: “crazy/stupid” by léon

Jimin dressed and packed up a bag that looked quite heavy, and Jeongguk offered to carry it. Jimin
gave him a wary look, seeming tempted to just carry it himself, but he conceded and gave it to
Jeongguk. Then he led the way out of his bedroom and towards the athletic training rooms just off
the east wing of the palace. There was a tennis court outside past the gardens, but today, Jimin
approached one of the rooms.

“I’ll be in here today for an hour,” he said to Jeongguk, taking his bag. “Please wait for me.
Taehyun-ssi, come back before my meetings.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Taehyun said with a bow, and then he eyed Jeongguk suspiciously before
hurrying off. Jeongguk sniffed quietly and found a bench, where he sat and took a deep breath.
Jimin gave him one last look, and then he yanked open the door and called out a bright greeting.

This was the part of the job that Jeongguk hated most—hurry up and wait. If Jimin requested that
he stick around, he had to do it, and he had to remain alert and ready the entire time. He couldn’t
just wander off to the gardens or grab a bite to eat, because if Jimin walked out of the room, he had
to be ready. Seokjin had been right in saying that being a caretaker was an intuitive job. In the past
week, Jeongguk had caught glimpses of the king’s caretaker and the queen mother’s caretaker at
work. The king’s caretaker was a beta who trailed meekly after the king at all times, constantly
offering to do whatever he wanted to a point that it made Jeongguk feel uncomfortable. The queen
mother’s caretaker was a sweet omega woman likely a decade older than Jeongguk, and she was
always fixing up the queen mother’s hair or asking if she needed to rest.

Being Jimin’s caretaker was unique, in Jeongguk’s opinion. Jimin didn’t seem to have a propensity
for following traditional royal expectations. He had proven that over the years by blatantly refusing
to mate or weaseling his way out of it. But there also didn’t seem to be any love lost between father
and son, and it made Jeongguk think back to Hoseok’s words about the king forcing his own son to
endure his heats alone while guards ignored his cries.

Fuck, keep it together. Jeongguk unclenched his fists, not realizing he had tensed up so much just
thinking about Jimin being alone during his heat, sobbing and aching and writhing on the bed with
no relief and no one to help him. Was it punishment for not being mated? It had to be. There were
clinics in the north for unmated alphas and omegas, professional assistants trained to minimize the
discomfort and pain of a rut or heat, and Jimin had been on his own.

“Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes.” Jeongguk leapt to his feet when Jimin poked his head out suddenly.

“Can you get me some more water?” Jimin stuck his water bottle out, empty. He was breathless,
hair damp with sweat already, t-shirt clinging to his skin, and Jeongguk was a weak man. His wolf
was even weaker. Resolutely, he nodded and grabbed Jimin’s water bottle, promising to return. He
quickly filled up the bottle, and then he jogged back.

“Oh, you’re even running,” Jimin said as he leaned against the doorframe, grinning. “I appreciate
the hustle. Thank you.” Jimin used his teeth to pop open the water bottle’s spout, and then he
squirted water into his mouth and disappeared back into the room, the door closing. Jeongguk
backed up until he could collapse onto the bench, and then he rested his elbows on his knees, face
in his hands.

His scent was completely clogged up thanks to the tea he consumed, but Jeongguk wasn’t an idiot.
He knew his wolf well. The fact that he was feeling even the tiniest spark of arousal in the pit of
his stomach was terrifying, and it was wrong. He had taken this damn job for the money and to
potentially pull a fast one on the wealthy elite of Dayangsong. Now he was running to get water for
a prince who seemed far too eager to flirt, and he was an absolute sucker for it.

Jeongguk didn’t trust easily. Spending time living in the streets and snatching food scraps out of
people’s hands before it hit the trashcan had taught him a lot. He had spent his years in school
trying and failing to make friends, because all of them had been more interested in climbing the
ladder to make it to the north. Jeongguk had always resigned himself to being just Jeongguk, to
living off the land and appreciating what he had instead of breaking his back to use money and
riches to manifest superficial happiness. After presenting, he had skipped weeks of school just to
run around in the woods with Yoongi in wolf form, exploring what it meant to be Jeon Jeongguk,
what it meant to be an alpha. Yoongi, to Jeongguk, was part of his pack. So was Taehyung. And
those were the only two people he trusted, the only two people who saw Jeongguk for who he
really was.

Jeongguk couldn’t trust Jimin worth a damn. But the worst part was that he wanted to. Against his
better judgment, his wolf was eager to trust the omega and learn, and it was so out-of-character for
Jeongguk. He had always been told he was rougher around the edges to strangers, but so far at the
palace, he had opened up to Seokjin and Hoseok, and he was making heart eyes at Jimin when he
knew it was forbidden.

“Jeongguk-ssi? Ah, you’re still here. I’m finished.” Jimin threw open the door, and Jeongguk rose
to his feet again. “Walk with me back to my room, please.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jeongguk agreed. Jimin disappeared for a moment and returned with his
heavy bag on one shoulder and shifted to the front of his body, and Jeongguk’s heart skipped when
he saw that Jimin had four bamboo sticks in his arms. When Jimin turned to grab the water bottle
that was on the floor near the door, though, he dropped two of the bamboo sticks to the ground
with a clatter. Jeongguk lunged and swept them up, and then he reached forward and took the other
two sticks and the bag out of Jimin’s arms. Jimin clicked his tongue in disapproval at being empty-
handed, but he conceded with a sigh, reaching for his water bottle instead. He tilted his head back
and squirted more water into his mouth as Jeongguk looked away, albeit against his will. Jimin
was beautiful every single day, but when he was in workout gear with red cheeks and tousled
blonde hair, his scent slightly bitter, he was stunning. Jeongguk couldn’t believe this man existed
in such suffocating confines.

Imagine if he lived in Gananhan. Imagine if he was free to run through the woods like I do,
Jeongguk thought to himself as he followed Jimin back towards the bedroom. Every person who
passed by stepped aside and gave Jimin a ninety-degree bow, greeting him verbally. Jimin flashed
as many smiles as he could along the way, and then he threw open his bedroom door.

“Thanks for staying. I train better when other people are around,” Jimin explained. “Even if you’re
not in the room. Still makes it feel like someone is expecting something from me, you know?”

“I know what you mean,” Jeongguk replied, his wolf pleased that the omega was opening up to
him. He shrugged so that Jimin’s bag fell to the floor, and then he bent to set the bamboo sticks
down. His expectation was that Jimin would just dismiss him until later, but out of the corner of his
eye, he watched as Jimin swiftly crouched and grabbed two of the sticks. Jeongguk thought nothing
of it. Then, in a split second, he saw Jimin lift one of the sticks to bring it down hard. Instinctively,
Jeongguk grabbed a bamboo stick from the ground and held it diagonally to shield his face, and
Jimin’s stick connected with it.

“What—?” Jeongguk said, but then he stopped, looking up. Jimin was staring down at him with a
mischievous sparkle in his eyes and a ghost of a grin on his face, gauging Jeongguk’s reaction,
analyzing him. Wondering what Jeongguk would do. Testing him. Waiting curiously. Jeongguk
blinked once, twice. Tried to feel his heart beating in his chest, but it was mostly in his ears. In one
fell swoop, he grabbed the second stick in his other hand and brought it up, and Jimin met him
immediately.

Do it.

Jeongguk didn’t waste time scrutinizing the possibilities or outcomes. He leapt to his feet with both
sticks in his hands, and he watched as Jimin shook one stick just slightly in a drill pattern that
Jeongguk recognized. He nodded, and Jimin delivered. Immediately, the two of them began to
move around the room, bamboo sticks creating a rhythmic, echoing sound that filled the entire
bedroom. The pattern was steady and repetitive until Jimin beat Jeongguk to the punch and swept
one of his sticks around until it hit Jeongguk’s right hip. Jeongguk flinched and stepped back,
raising his eyebrows, and Jimin grinned wickedly, also raising his eyebrows in what looked like a
challenge.

“Alright, then,” Jeongguk said, and then he suggested another drill pattern. Jimin nodded eagerly,
and off they went again, shifting their footing to accommodate for each other, eyes trained on the
task at hand as they met each other hit for hit. Jimin tried to sweep Jeongguk in the side again, but
Jeongguk blocked him, shaking his head with a small laugh. Jimin bounced on his toes and shook
his shoulders out, and then he demonstrated another six-step drill pattern. Jeongguk nodded, and
they resumed again. This time, Jimin attacked with fierceness. He broke the pattern and tried to
swipe right at Jeongguk’s neck, but Jeongguk brought his stick in an uppercut motion to keep Jimin
at bay, and Jimin spun out of it and rebounded off his bedpost with a grin, fire in his eyes.

They resumed with the same pattern, and after a few minutes, Jimin attempted to spin and
backhand Jeongguk’s leg to cripple him, but Jeongguk caught him in the knick of time, meeting
Jimin’s stick and spinning him back around. In the blink of an eye, Jeongguk lunged and held both
of his sticks horizontally lengthwise, and then he lifted them up and over Jimin’s head, yanking
Jimin backwards right into him. Jimin gasped and staggered, and then they both stilled. Jeongguk
had both of his sticks together and up against Jimin’s throat, his chest pressed to Jimin’s back, one
foot slotted between Jimin’s feet.

With a clatter, Jimin dropped his bamboo sticks to the ground in a sign of surrender, showing that
he had been compromised by Jeongguk’s unconventional attack. The only sound in the room was
heavy breathing, both of them winded from fighting, but now Jeongguk was silently choking,
because Jimin’s scent was no longer sweet or slightly bitter—it was tinged with unmistakable
arousal. And then, right before Jeongguk’s eyes, Jimin let out a breath, his eyes falling shut, his
head lolling slightly to the side.

“Enough,” Jeongguk gasped out, tossing his sticks and staggering backwards until he caught the
wall with one hand, watching as Jimin swayed slightly and gripped his bedpost with his left hand.
Panting, Jeongguk looked over and watched as Jimin rested one hand on his hip, eyes closed, head
tilted to the ceiling. He swiftly bent his neck until it cracked, lips slightly parted, and then he
pivoted to look at Jeongguk.

“You can fight,” he said, still breathless. Jeongguk licked his lips and nodded.

“So can you,” he commented, and Jimin grinned as if he hadn’t just subconsciously bared his neck
to Jeongguk two minutes ago.

“My mother and father…” Jimin took a deep breath. “Only wanted me to learn tennis and other
simple sports. But I demanded to learn martial arts and stick fighting and kendo.”

“They must be pleased,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin snickered.

“Their precious omega son, able to defend himself without having to whine and cry for a big,
strong alpha to mate him and help?” Jimin’s tone was bitter at best, downright lethal realistically.
“They’re thrilled. I have meetings, and I need a shower.”

“Right.” Jeongguk swallowed heavily. “I’ll, uh… I’ll be back later tonight. For the gala. To get
you ready.”

“Please be early,” Jimin said in a quiet voice, and then he disappeared into his bathroom, leaving
Jeongguk to run for his life out of the bedroom to gasp for air and find some kind of relief from the
omega who was quickly and effortlessly dismantling him from the inside out.

***

“He did what?”

“Fought me.” Jeongguk continued to sip on his scent blocking tea as he peered over the rim of the
cup as Hoseok. He had finally caught up with the busy alpha between shifts, and now they were
both eating an early dinner before the festivities of the night commenced. Hoseok was slated to
stand guard inside one of the palace’s massive ballrooms. He had already promised Jeongguk that
he would keep an eye on things just in case anything got too out of hand, so Jeongguk was grateful
to have an ally.

“Right, I heard you the first time. I’m just asking for some clarification,” Hoseok said through his
skeptical laughter, plucking up a cube of radish with his chopsticks. “Because the Park Jimin I
know doesn’t just pick random fights with his caretakers or other palace staff unless provoked.”

“Has he ever done that?” Jeongguk arched one eyebrow.

“No, but my point still stands,” Hoseok said.

“I don’t know. He came back from his session, I dropped his stuff off in his room for him, and he
just picked up two of the sticks and attacked me,” Jeongguk said, and Hoseok snorted into his stir-
fry. “So I fought back.”

“Naturally.”

“Well, what else was I supposed to do?” Jeongguk hissed. “He was just staring at me! Waiting for
me to do something! And I—I know how to stick fight. I do it all the time back at home. Stick
fighting and sword fighting and all that. So I just… fought him.”

“Well, say nothing about it,” Hoseok recommended. “But I’d bet all my money that he got a kick
out of that.”

“Who, the prince?”

“Yeah, absolutely,” Hoseok agreed, grinning. “Everyone tiptoes around him, treats him like a
fragile, precious jewel or something. You’re his caretaker and here you are, beating him up.”

“I didn’t beat him up,” Jeongguk emphasized, narrowing his eyes. “I—okay, I might have won by
putting him into a weird kind of chokehold, but whatever.”

“A chokehold. You put—I think I’ll stop asking questions,” Hoseok said, snickering. “I’m
supposed to escort him from the car back to his room when he’s done at the day spa, so I’ll just ask
him myself.”

“Good luck with that.” Jeongguk smugly shoved some rice into his mouth and leaned back in his
chair, pleased that Hoseok found it all amusing. “Hey, where’s Seokjin-ssi? I went to see him
earlier today, but someone else was in the library.”

“Oh. Uh, he’s—he’s not working for a few days,” Hoseok vaguely said, shrugging.
“Ah, okay. Is it his heat?” Jeongguk wondered, and Hoseok shook his head.

“No. It’s—Don’t worry about it,” he replied dismissively, so Jeongguk chose to drop the topic
quickly and focus on eating, hoping that his stomach wouldn’t turn into knots because of the
nerves. The gala tonight wasn’t just a small little gathering. The king himself would be there, and
he would be able to watch Jeongguk with Jimin. Therefore, Jeongguk had to be on his best
behavior and not step a toe out of line.

Jeongguk’s job was to remain invisible, but trailing behind the prince at a gala was the very
definition of visible. He was going to have to figure out a way to be discreet and not walk on
Jimin’s coattails like the king’s caretaker did. Jeongguk had started to assume that perhaps the king
enjoyed having someone hot on his heels, that he liked being able to point out that he had someone
at his beck and call at all times. That was all Jeongguk could assume just from his brief
interactions, anyways. And Jeongguk wanted to be the exact opposite for Jimin.

It took some casual stalking of the hallways, but Jeongguk caught a glimpse of Jimin returning
with Hoseok by his side, Taehyun trailing behind by a few meters. As they walked, Jimin was
holding Hoseok’s elbow while they talked, and at one point, Hoseok said something that had Jimin
staggering and nearly falling over from laughing, and Hoseok’s infectious laughter echoed
throughout the hallways. It was nice to remember that Jimin had genuine friends and not just
people who were interested in him for his wealth or his status or his royalty. If Hoseok already felt
like a friend to Jeongguk, then he could imagine how close Jimin and Hoseok were.

“Ah, he did remember,” Hoseok said when he noticed that Jeongguk was walking down the
hallway toward Jimin’s bedroom. “You’ll be in good hands. I’ll see you tonight, Jimin-ah.”

“You guard me with your life,” Jimin warned, and Hoseok snickered and walked off, clapping
Jeongguk on the shoulder as he walked by. Jeongguk was still slightly shocked at how casually
Hoseok had addressed Jimin, but then he once again remembered that they were friends, and
perhaps Jimin had given Hoseok permission to address him informally despite being a prince.

“I hope your trip to the day spa was refreshing,” Jeongguk said as he approached, and Jimin turned
his upper body, one hand on the doorknob.

“It wasn’t bad,” he said with a smile, opening the door. Jeongguk followed him into the room, and
then he turned and looked at Jimin. It seemed that the day spa had treated him well—his hair was
freshly washed and soft, hanging in his eyes, and his skin was practically glowing. He was only
wearing black pants and a loose, pale blue sweater, but Jeongguk found himself both in denial and
enamored.

“What would you like me to do to help you prepare for tonight?” Jeongguk asked, picking at his
fingernails nervously.

“I’ll choose my outfit,” Jimin sighed. “But maybe you could help me dress and help with my hair
and make-up.”

“Whatever you’d like,” Jeongguk agreed.

“Nothing too daring,” Jimin said, sounding displeased as he walked into his closet. “I have to make
myself appealing to a bunch of alphas who only think with their dicks, so the bar is low.” He
glanced over his shoulder when he sensed Jeongguk’s silence, and then he saw the amused look on
Jeongguk’s face. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Jeongguk replied.

“Maybe it’s just the alphas here,” Jimin continued as he rummaged through his clothing. “They all
seem to think that their rank and status is enough to win me over. They all think that they’re the
one. That they’ll change my mind. Make me fall madly in love. It’s been years.”

“What about a nice beta?” Jeongguk offered, swinging his arms casually.

“Betas can be the same sometimes,” Jimin replied as he pulled some clothing from hangers. “Look,
I’m generalizing. Some of the alphas are sweet. Six months ago, I met a lovely girl who wasn’t a
complete waste of time for once in my life, but then the family came to breakfast the next
morning.”

“Disaster?” Jeongguk wondered.

“I laughed them right out of the palace,” Jimin replied, and Jeongguk stifled a laugh. “My father
threatened me all day long after that, but I just went about my day. What do you think of this?”

“Oh—That looks lovely,” Jeongguk agreed. Jimin was holding black pants and a black silk shirt
with a black hanbok-style jacket with deep red lapels, and he had what looked like a black and gold
floral sash belt draped on one arm.

“Thank you. I’ll get dressed.” Jimin crossed the room and disappeared behind his divider, so
Jeongguk cracked his knuckles and waited patiently. “Ah, Jeongguk-ssi? Will you help me?”

“Yes, of course. Are you decent?” Jeongguk asked cautiously, and he heard Jimin snicker.

“Would you still help me if I wasn’t?” he asked, and Jeongguk froze just short of the divider.

“Only if you were dying,” Jeongguk replied, and Jimin let out a bark of laughter and stepped to the
side to show Jeongguk that he was wearing pants and a shirt. He was holding the sash belt, which
appeared to need some tying in the back.

“I appreciate the very clear line in the sand,” Jimin replied, eyes sparkling. Jeongguk raised his
eyebrows and shrugged, hands folded together in front of him.

“You’re the omega crown prince of Dayangsong and I’m the poor alpha orphan boy from
Gananhan. There’s always been a line in the sand,” he stated plainly, and then he stepped forward
and accepted the belt from Jimin. He lifted a pointer finger and twirled it, so Jimin turned around,
keeping his elbows and arms lifted slightly.

“...Orphan?” Jimin repeated as Jeongguk carefully threaded his arms around Jimin’s torso to
arrange the belt against his lower abdomen. He then began to lace it up, since it functioned a bit
like a corset in how it needed to be tied.

“Don’t fixate on that,” Jeongguk murmured. “I don’t need sympathy, Your Highness.”

“I just didn’t know that about you,” Jimin softly said, and Jeongguk suppressed a wry smile.

“You’re not supposed to know anything about me. I’m just your caretaker,” Jeongguk reminded
him, tying up the last of the strings so that the sash belt fit snugly around Jimin’s slender waist. He
stepped back, so Jimin bent and grabbed his jacket, handing it to Jeongguk. Jeongguk held it open
so Jimin could slip his arms into it.

“I’d like you to help me with my hair and make-up,” Jimin requested, and Jeongguk nodded,
following him into the bathroom. Jimin sat on the small bench at his vanity, and Jeongguk grabbed
for the spray bottle of water, comb, and some hairspray.
“How would you like your hair?” he asked.

“Whatever you think looks good on me,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk clenched his jaw, because
despite his innocent tone, the comment meant much more than that. By giving Jeongguk the
autonomy, Jimin was suggesting that Jeongguk’s opinion on his physical appearance mattered. But
it couldn’t matter, because that would be a slap on the wrist for Jimin and a swift death for
Jeongguk.

Jeongguk ran his fingers through Jimin’s soft hair a few times, fingernails scratching his scalp
gently as he watched Jimin’s eyes flutter shut in the mirror. He grabbed the comb and carefully
sprayed Jimin’s hair without getting water in his eyes, and he combed it back after parting it on the
side. He then used some hairspray to help hold the shape that he wanted, mostly falling into
Jimin’s left eye and exposing the right side of his forehead.

“Do you want any make-up?” Jeongguk asked. “I don’t really know what else to do for you. I—I
feel like I don’t really take care of you. I just do things for you.”

“The palace just expects you to be my servant,” Jimin quietly said, eyeing Jeongguk in the mirror.
“But you do take care of me. More than my previous caretakers. You’ve been here only a few
weeks and you’ve already managed to care about my well-being more than my own mother. And
yes, I do want make-up. Nothing dramatic, though.”

So Jeongguk used just a tiny bit of concealer and some powder, using the brush as if he could
sweep away all of Jimin’s comments, and then he motioned for Jimin to tilt his chin up so he could
maybe add a bit of eyeshadow. Jimin smiled.

“You can touch me. You won’t burst into flames,” he said, and Jeongguk swallowed heavily.
Maybe I won’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t feel like I’m on fire. But he carefully slipped two
fingers underneath Jimin’s chin, and then he picked a neutral eyeshadow.

“I’ll use this,” he decided, and Jimin nodded. Jeongguk grabbed the tiny brush, and then he
motioned for Jimin to close his eyes so he could work.

“...Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jeongguk softly said as he worked, knowing he couldn’t fuck it up despite
his limited knowledge of what looked good and what didn’t. Taehyung had taught him a few things
about colors, but not all of it had stuck in Jeongguk’s brain, so he was doing the best he could.
Jimin seemed to hesitate at first, but then he cracked open one eye to peer at Jeongguk before
shutting it again.

“What do you smell like?”

Jeongguk almost dropped the eyeshadow brush.

“What’s your scent?” Jimin continued in a whisper. Jeongguk pulled the brush away, and Jimin’s
eyes opened. “Tell me.”

“No.” Jeongguk slipped a finger underneath Jimin’s chin again, and Jimin closed his eyes with a
small frown. “My scent is not something that you need to know.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it will never be relevant to you,” Jeongguk replied, pained. His wolf respectfully
disagreed. “I block it for a reason.”
“You were told to block it,” Jimin whispered.

“It doesn’t matter.” Jeongguk finished the light dusting of eyeshadow and set down the palette and
the brush, and Jimin opened his eyes again. Jeongguk reached for the tinted chapstick that he had
found in the drawer, and he uncapped it. Jimin parted his lips just slightly, and Jeongguk carefully
applied it to his bottom lip as Jimin stared him down. Jeongguk rubbed his lips together
demonstratively, and Jimin did the same.

“I could look it up in your file,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk let out a breathy laugh.

“You could.” He didn’t even provide a counter-argument, but Jimin seemed to just concede.

“Maybe I just want to know something about you other than that you work here and need this job
for the money,” Jimin replied, and Jeongguk smiled wryly, tucking away the make-up he had used.

“In another life, maybe,” he replied, and then he cleared his throat and folded his hands in front of
him. “Will that be all, Your Highness? Are you ready for the gala?”

“Can’t wait,” Jimin flatly said, glancing at himself in the mirror. Jeongguk had to scoot off to the
side when Jimin’s scent became so heavily peppermint and ladened with sadness that it was almost
unbearable, and it was all because he was looking at himself in the mirror.

“Your Highness?”

“Coming!” Jimin called out when he heard Taehyun at the bedroom door. Hoseok was standing
there as well, ready to escort Jimin to the gala in the ballroom in the east wing. Jeongguk chose to
trail behind with Taehyun, letting Hoseok and Jimin walk together.

“He looks nice. Well done,” Taehyun complimented, and Jeongguk snickered.

“Yeah, thanks. I made him look nice to auction off to a bunch of alphas and betas,” Jeongguk
grumbled, and Taehyun stopped dead in his tracks. Jeongguk did as well, because he realized that
he had slipped up, and his heart skipped nervously.

“Don’t say that,” Taehyun warned in a low voice. “That’s the kind of thing that could get you
flogged or hanged.”

Jeongguk exhaled, a telltale sign of his exhaustion, and Taehyun seemed to sympathize.

“Look, I’ve been with Prince Jimin for a year now,” he said. “And it doesn’t get any easier
watching him be paraded around by his own father. So just… do your part. Smile. Pretend you’re
fine with it. That’s what I do.”

Taehyun then walked away, and Jeongguk followed, suddenly feeling a rush of gratitude towards
Taehyun. He seemed to be the third person on Jeongguk’s mental list (after Hoseok and Seokjin)
who appeared to understand the hell that Jimin was subjected to every day, and that the palace was
suffocating its own crown prince.

mood: “two princes” (acoustic version) by fake pictures, michael schulte

When they rounded the corner, Jeongguk could hear music already playing behind closed doors. It
seemed as though all the guests had already arrived, and Jimin was meant to arrive last. There were
guards at the doors of the ballroom, and when Hoseok and Jimin approached, they simultaneously
pulled the doors open.

Jeongguk had lived a lot of life in his twenty-three years, but never before had he seen anything so
lavish. The high ceilings with all the decorative moulding in shades of cream and gold came alive
thanks to the crystal chandeliers. The floors were newly polished, and there were small high-top
tables set up for guests to gather around. Flowers decorated the corners, and there was an orchestra
and band set up in the far right corner, waitstaff offering drinks on silver trays, and a small stage
where King Youngho was seated in a high-backed chair, his wife by his side. The room was filled
with palace residents and strangers alike, and Jeongguk could only assume that it was to not
overwhelm Jimin with a potential line-up of suitors. The moment Jimin walked into the room,
though, his father stood up, and the room fell silent as all eyes turned to the prince.

“The crown prince of Dayangsong, His Highness Prince Jimin,” Hoseok announced loudly.
Applause broke out as everyone bowed deeply, and Jimin just nodded his head in what Jeongguk
assumed was his version of a bow. A waiter passed by and offered champagne, and Jimin took a
single flute and drank. And drank. He drank until it was drained, and then he set the empty flute
onto the tray and took a second one.

“Stick with him,” Taehyun advised. “I have to go mingle and scout out any potential suitors, or it’s
my head that will end up on a platter. Good luck, Jeongguk.”

“Thanks,” Jeongguk said faintly, because his eyes were trained solely on Jimin. Hoseok set a hand
on Jimin’s shoulder and walked away to his post for the night, and Jimin took a deep breath and
began to wander around the room. It didn’t take long for a girl to approach him with a radiant smile
and a flirty twist of her shoulder, dressed beautifully with diamonds around her neck. To anyone
else, she would have been a surefire match. To Jimin, though, Jeongguk knew it was the last thing
he wanted.

I don’t know how he’s going to be able to do this all night, Jeongguk thought as he kept a decent
distance, hands behind his back. He saw Jimin’s eyes flick over to him once during conversation,
but that was it. Perhaps just knowing that Jeongguk was standing by was enough. Jeongguk
couldn’t down champagne or fraternize with anyone else, because his focus had to be on Jimin, so
it was bound to be a long night.

Jimin spoke with half a dozen people, and by the third one, Jeongguk decided to get close enough
so he could hear names, ranks, ages. The important details that Jimin was likely to forget. He
stored them in his memory, knowing that Jimin had little interest just from his body language and
his complete lack of scent strength, but Jeongguk figured it might come in handy eventually.

Jimin circled the room with poise and grace, though, despite his clear lack of commitment to the
task at hand. King Youngho’s eyes were locked right onto his son, occasionally drifting over to his
wife or another palace staff member addressing him. Jeongguk’s eyes remained locked on Jimin
without fail, and he watched as yet another alpha approached Jimin, his posture full of pride as he
bowed.

“Yang Wonchul,” he introduced himself.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Jimin said, well-practiced. “Rank and age?”

“Alpha, of course. I’m twenty-seven,” Wonchul replied. Jeongguk tucked the information into his
brain and moved further away to give them space to chat, making sure he was two tables over but
close enough that Jimin could see him. Jimin spoke with Wonchul while nursing another glass of
champagne, and with each back-and-forth, Wonchul moved just a little closer into Jimin’s space,
and Jeongguk knew full well what the alpha was doing. To show his interest, he was surely letting
Jimin catch his scent, and he was likely trying to gauge Jimin’s scent for himself. With a laugh,
Wonchul reached out and set his hand on Jimin’s elbow, dragging his hand down to Jimin’s. Jimin
shook it off quickly and professionally, using that hand to fix his hair, his eyes drifting over to
Jeongguk for a fleeting moment. He continued to talk, likely giving Wonchul the chance that
everyone else got, but Wonchul then shifted his footing and said something quietly, slipping his
hand onto Jimin’s waist underneath his jacket. Jimin attempted to take a step to the side to avoid it,
but Wonchul was firm as he continued to speak with a smile, holding Jimin’s waist. Jimin looked
like he was saying something in an attempt to ward Wonchul off, but Wonchul was full of alpha
bravado. Instead, the alpha lifted his free hand and unnecessarily fixed Jimin’s hair, and that was
when Jimin’s eyes locked right onto Jeongguk’s.

Jeongguk didn’t even recognize the small growl that escaped the back of his throat. Terrified of
himself and of his wolf, he swallowed the noise down and raised his eyebrows at Jimin curiously.
Jimin’s eyes flooded with panic before he turned back to look at Wonchul, and Jeongguk took that
as a signal for help, unmistakable.

Get your fucking hands off him.

Jeongguk abandoned his little table post and strolled right up to the duo. His heart was not racing
because of nerves—it was racing out of anger. In one swift motion, Jeongguk walked right into the
arm that Wonchul had on Jimin’s waist, and he cut his other arm across so that he could take Jimin
and quickly spin the prince behind him protectively.

“Good evening. I apologize for interrupting. Yang Wonchul, correct?” Jeongguk asked politely
with a small bow, his right arm still behind his back to keep Jimin at bay.

“That’s correct. And what do you think you’re doing, cutting into our conversation?” Wonchul
asked, sounding exasperated, as if he had been on a roll and Jeongguk had ruined everything.

“Welcome to Dayangsong Palace,” Jeongguk continued, his knees buckling as he tried to keep his
composure. Jimin was behind him, and he had his left hand pressed to Jeongguk’s waist as he
stood close. His right hand then gently slipped onto Jeongguk’s right wrist, his fingertips landing
on Jeongguk’s pulse point. So he could feel Jeongguk’s racing heart. So he could use it to analyze
Jeongguk’s emotions from the lack of scent.

“Seriously? A welcome from a staff member?” Wonchul said with a laugh.

“Quite the opposite,” Jeongguk replied with as much cheer as he could muster. He then shifted his
footing and stood firm, and he saw the flicker in Wonchul’s eyes, the moment when the alpha
realized he was dealing with another alpha. “I actually wanted to redirect you to a small group that
I’m setting aside for guests who have taken both Prince Jimin’s interest and the interest of other
staff members. If you’d be so kind as to head over to the far tables just past the orchestra, please,
then I can begin to take a headcount.”

“Ah.” Wonchul cleared his throat and smoothed out his shirt. “Sure. I’d be happy to be taken into
consideration.”

“We would appreciate it,” Jeongguk said with a small smile. “Shall I escort you over there, or will
you be okay on your own?”

“I’m fine on my own,” Wonchul replied.

“Thank you. Your Highness, we must keep you moving along,” Jeongguk said, abruptly pulling
away from Jimin’s hold and addressing the prince directly. Jimin rolled his shoulders back and
nodded, and then he bowed to Wonchul. Jeongguk beckoned in the correct fake direction, and
Wonchul bowed and walked off, seeming pleased. Jeongguk followed through and guided Jimin
across the room to a girl that he didn’t recognize. The girl perked up instantly, and Jimin slipped
right back into his role as Jeongguk stepped off to the side, catching just the name and age and rank
(Lee Minsook, twenty-four, beta) before he was out of earshot.

Fucking dickhead, Jeongguk thought to himself, finding Wonchul in the crowds and swearing that
for a moment, the world was bleeding red. Wealthy alphas with high status liked to think that they
were entitled to just about everything, and that included unfettered access to the crown prince. It
was such a tired and common theme that Jeongguk almost laughed out loud. Jimin hadn’t been
kidding when he had said that the guests always thought they could be the one.

When Lee Minsook walked away, Jimin drank the last of his champagne, and then he turned and
found Jeongguk. He beckoned, and Jeongguk hurried over, curious.

“Thank you,” Jimin whispered. “I hate that I can’t hold my own at a gathering like this and tell
people to get fucked. I hate that I can’t defend myself. So I appreciate your help.”

“It’s my job,” Jeongguk muttered, motioning to a waiter for another glass of champagne.

“You could have told him he was making me uncomfortable, but you distracted him and played to
his pride and sent him off instead. It was genius,” Jimin said, taking a full flute from the waiter’s
tray with a small bow. “You protected me. Thank you.”

“I’ll always protect you.”

Jeongguk couldn’t believe the words that came out of his mouth, so he backed up as Jimin opened
and shut his mouth, surprised. Determined to remain calm, Jeongguk found a small table that was
empty, trying to keep his wolf from taking over. The alpha in him was bleeding through in full
force, and if not for the scent blockers, Jeongguk was certain that he would have challenged
Wonchul on the spot. He would have defended Jimin’s honor right then and there and protected his
omega—who wasn’t even his omega. But Jeongguk’s wolf was in pure agony, confused without a
way to determine what was going on, suffocated and silenced. Jeongguk was terrified of his rut
now that he knew Jimin. Terrified.

The night wore on, and Jeongguk kept his eyes fixated on Jimin loyally in hopes of avoiding any
other disasters. Guests began to float in and out and finally leave, whittling down the options for
conversation. Jeongguk could see in Jimin’s posture that he was exhausted, but he held on until the
very end, until the orchestra was packing up. It was then that Jimin finally chatted with Taehyun
before walking over to where his father and mother were seated. Jeongguk trailed behind the prince
quietly and stood off to the side, attempting to be as invisible as possible.

“...made your rounds,” King Youngho was saying as Jimin stood before him, hands folded in front
of his body. “That is what matters most.”

“I spoke with everyone,” Jimin replied with very little affection in his voice, if any at all. King
Youngho nodded, stood, and stepped down from the small platform.

“There were many prolific young alphas tonight,” King Youngho said. “Your mother spoke with a
few, and I had my eye on several of them. I do hope that you used your time wisely.”

“Sure,” Jimin lightly said.

“Then it will surely be easy to tell me three potential suitors,” King Youngho requested calmly,
tilting his chin upward as he surveyed his son. “We will contact their families to arrange a second
meeting.”

“Impossible. There weren’t any,” Jimin hollowly said, but before he could get another word out,
his father lifted his left hand and backhanded Jimin right across the face, whipping his head to the
side and smacking Jimin's jaw and cheek with his rings. Jimin nearly staggered to the side, his
balance tested from the hit, and he let out a sharp breath. Jeongguk almost choked, his knees
buckling, his heart plummeting in sheer terror as it shattered into pieces, blood running cold. He
swallowed down the growl in the back of his throat, his wolf howling angrily, but Jeongguk stood
rooted to the spot. Instead, he watched as Jimin straightened back up, using one thumb to swipe
across his bottom lip, his fingertips brushing his offended cheek lightly before he squared off his
shoulders to face his father again.

No fear.

Jimin’s posture was nothing like what Jeongguk’s had been when facing the king. Jimin stood tall,
shoulders back, chin up, eyes hardened, jaw clenched. Not a single flicker of fear. Not even omega-
to-alpha, nor father-to-son.

“I spoke with dozens of alphas and betas throughout the night,” Jimin continued, his tone even. “I
can’t recall specific names.”

“You can, and you will,” King Youngho replied. “I will not play this game with you tonight, Jimin.
Three names. Three. One of them may become your mate. Give. Me. Three names.”

“They were all forgettable.”

The king lifted his hand and again backhanded Jimin hard across the face, and Jimin stumbled this
time but regained his balance and steadied himself, his hand subconsciously lifting to his face to
check if there was any bleeding. The corner of his lip was bleeding from sheer impact, and that
was when Jeongguk lunged forward.

“Your Highness, if I may,” he interrupted, and then he turned and bowed deeply to the king, his
heart pounding so hard he feared it was going to fall out of his chest. “Your Majesty.” He
straightened up and faced Jimin, who had wild eyes now as he stared at Jeongguk. “You’re
forgetting yourself, Your Highness. Don’t let a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. You gave
me two names earlier, don’t you remember?”

“I know I did,” Jimin replied without hesitating, playing along in an instant, tongue darting out to
the cut on his lip. “But I—I don’t remember what I told you.”

“Shall I relay the names?” Jeongguk volunteered, and Jimin nodded once. Knowing he was
probably pale in the face, Jeongguk turned to the king and lowered his eyes. “Your Majesty, His
Highness Prince Jimin said two names in passing tonight.”

“Then make yourself useful, boy, and tell me about them,” King Youngho demanded.

“Bang Haeseong, male alpha, twenty-six,” Jeongguk said. “And Lee Minsook, female beta,
twenty-four.”

Haeseong and Minsook had been forgettable at best. Haeseong knew that his family was filthy
rich, and Minsook hadn’t even wanted to be at the gala. But they were the only two names and
ages and ranks that Jeongguk could remember from chasing after Jimin the entire night, and it
didn’t matter if Jimin liked them or not.

“Mm.” King Youngho narrowed his eyes and surveyed his son first. Jimin shifted his footing and
faced his father, not one to cower, and Jeongguk fought the urge to run off. King Youngho took a
step forward, his eyes flicking over to Jeongguk, but then he lifted one hand and took Jimin’s jaw
roughly between his fingers, squeezing tightly as Jimin fought against it once but then stilled, his
head turned slightly to the right, eyes murderous.

“Seems as though your worthless excuse for a caretaker is good for something,” he commented,
amused. “Get out of my sight.” He then released Jimin’s face with a flourish, shaking his head in
disappointment as he turned over one shoulder to walk off. Before he joined his attendant and
caretaker, he paused and turned to look at Jeongguk. “Put him to bed like the pup he acts like he
is.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk said with a deep bow, and then he gestured to Jimin, but Jimin was
already walking off, unescorted. Jeongguk rushed after him and held open the door of the
ballroom, and Jimin stuttered to a halt for a moment, inhaling deeply. Then he continued on,
avoiding Jeongguk’s gaze. Together in a tense silence, Jeongguk and Jimin walked together to the
west wing, but Jeongguk stopped short of the hallway.

“Go. I’ll be right there,” he said, and Jimin nodded once and vanished into his bedroom. Jeongguk
ran as fast as he could to the kitchen, and he grabbed a navy blue ice bag, filling it with ice and
capping it with shaking hands. Then he ran back to Jimin’s room and slipped in, only to see that
Jimin had already kicked out of his shoes and thrown his jacket onto the floor.

mood: “king” (acoustic) by years & years

“Your Highness, please. Let me see your face,” Jeongguk requested, walking up to Jimin with the
ice bag. But Jimin just pivoted on his heels away from his bathroom, laughing.

“What, are you going to fix it?” he snapped. “I don’t want your fucking ice. I want my face to
bruise like it always does when he pulls that shit. I want the entire palace to know what their king
does to his prized son.”

“Please just let me take care of it,” Jeongguk calmly replied, trying to keep things from escalating.
But Jimin was pacing in a small radius now, and he reached behind himself and ripped at the
strings of his sash belt, yanking it off and throwing it to the side.

“He did that only to remind you who’s in charge,” he spat out. “My mother did fuck all. And I have
to just let him hit me, isn’t that nice?”

“Please take the ice.”

“I don’t want it.” Jimin’s voice was becoming more frantic, and his scent was so sour that
Jeongguk felt tempted to wrinkle his nose.

“Take the ice, Your Highness.”

“Can you not call me that? For once? I have a name,” Jimin snapped heatedly, ruffling his hair with
a rough hand. “It’s always ‘Your Highness’ this, ‘my son’ that, ‘omega’ this and that. It’s like I
don’t even—”
“Jimin-ssi.”

Jimin choked on his next words immediately and spun around, staring at Jeongguk in disbelief,
breathless. Jeongguk fixed his gaze on the prince’s face, gauging his reaction, wondering if all hell
was about to break loose. Jimin’s jaw clenched. He licked his lips and took a shallow breath. His
brow furrowed. And then his eyes welled up, shining with the threat of tears. Sensing that he was
calmer, and taking in his mellower scent, Jeongguk took four steps forward towards Jimin and
gently pressed the ice to his left cheek. Then he held the ice in place as he reached down and took
Jimin’s hand, setting it on the ice to hold it there.

“Hold the ice there so that the swelling isn’t so bad in the morning,” Jeongguk quietly said. “And
sit down. I’ll get you some water. Then we’ll wash you up and get you ready for bed.”

Dazed, Jimin turned and sat down on the chaise lounge at the foot of his bed, and Jeongguk
waltzed around the room and picked up any of the clothing that Jimin had (rightfully) thrown
around the room in a tantrum. He sorted everything, and then he returned to Jimin and knelt down
in front of him. Jimin’s eyes were bloodshot and empty, but when he caught Jeongguk’s eye, a
single tear spilled from his right eye, the ice bag still pressed to his left cheek.

“Let me see,” Jeongguk whispered. With a small sniff, Jimin slowly removed the ice bag, and
Jeongguk used gentle fingers on Jimin’s chin to turn his head. There was a bruise on his cheekbone
that was forming and an obvious mark from one of the rings his father wore, and the small cut on
Jimin’s bottom lip was already scabbing over.

As it happened, Jeongguk felt completely paralyzed. He watched, frozen, as Jimin’s fingers

wrapped around his wrist before trailing up to his hand. He then guided Jeongguk’s hand in slow
motion until it was over his left cheek, and then he gently set Jeongguk’s hand right over the
bruise, his own hand on top. His eyes fell closed, and Jeongguk’s heart hammered violently as his
thumb brushed against the corner of Jimin’s mouth. The moment it did, Jimin turned his head
further into Jeongguk’s hand.

“You need sleep,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin’s eyes opened abruptly. Slowly, his hand trailed
from Jeongguk’s hand down to Jeongguk’s wrist, fingers wrapping around it until a few of his
fingertips were right over Jeongguk’s pulse point for the second time that night.

You can feel it. You know my heart’s racing. You can’t use my scent, but you can feel my pulse.
Don’t do this to me. I’m not strong enough to resist you.

Jeongguk pulled away and rose to his feet shakily, and Jimin distracted himself by reaching for the
ice bag again, pressing it to his cheek. After clearing his throat, Jeongguk gestured to the bathroom.

“We’ll wash you up and get you to bed, Your Highness. It’s been a long day,” Jeongguk said.
Jimin just stood and padded quietly into the bathroom, side-eyeing Jeongguk the entire time. “Your
hair first.”

“My hair?” Jimin said, perplexed. “You won’t just brush the hairspray out?”

“No. You should wash it,” Jeongguk said. “We can use the bathtub. Come over here and kneel
down.”

“What?”

“Just—come here. I do this all the time. Let me show you,” Jeongguk said as he grabbed a towel
and some shampoo. Jimin’s eyes were narrowed suspiciously, but he came to the bathtub and knelt
down next to Jeongguk. Jeongguk cranked on the water and made sure it wasn’t too hot or cold,
and then he gestured. “Come up higher. Stick your head under the water.”

“Are you joking?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk blinked.

“Not at all. Come on,” Jeongguk said, tilting his head. Jimin seemed unsure, but he braced his
hands on the edge of the tub, and then he slowly stuck his head underneath the stream of water,
face down. Jeongguk reached forward and ruffled Jimin’s wet hair, and then he grabbed the
shampoo and squeezed some into one hand. Gently, he turned off the water, and then he kept Jimin
bent over the edge of the tub as he massaged the shampoo into Jimin’s blonde hair, creating a
lather. Once he was satisfied, he turned the water back on and guided Jimin’s head back under the
steady stream, rinsing the shampoo out. Then he turned off the water and hastily grabbed the
towel, pressing it to Jimin’s forehead and then swiping it back to keep the water from his face.

“...That’s one way of doing it,” Jimin said as he slowly ran the towel over his wet hair, a small
smile on his face.

“Come here. Let me comb your hair and wash your face,” Jeongguk insisted, because some kind of
switch had flipped inside of him. Now he felt like it was his duty to take care of Jimin like Jimin
was his, some fierce kind of over-protective energy consuming him. He knew well that Jimin hated
people treating him like a helpless, weak omega who constantly needed everything done for him,
but now he was hurt, and Jeongguk was acting on primal instinct.

Jimin settled onto the vanity bench again, and Jeongguk took a comb to his hair with a gentle
touch. Jimin sat with the ice bag pressed to his face still at Jeongguk’s request, and Jeongguk
rummaged through Jimin’s drawers until he found lavender essential oil.

“Lavender helps with tension or pain in your muscles,” Jeongguk said as he dabbed a bit on his
palm and spread it onto his hands. Then, hoping he wouldn’t be rejected, he pressed his hands to
the back of Jimin’s neck and shoulder and began to massage him gently. Jimin slumped almost
instantly, letting out a little breath, eyes falling closed.

“How are you so good at this?” Jimin whispered. “T-Taking care of people. How…? Tell me
how.”

“I’m not good at it.” Jeongguk circled his thumbs at the juncture between Jimin’s neck and
shoulder, steering clear of anywhere on his neck near his jaw where his scent gland was. The entire
bathroom already smelled like sweet vanilla with a hint of peppermint, which meant Jimin was
pleased. “I just grew up without anyone taking care of me, so I chose to take care of the people in
my life who mean the most to me. And now it’s my job to take care of you.”

“Is it just your job?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk paused, hearing the ice shift in the little bag. With
a deep breath, Jeongguk continued his massage.

“There’s no other option,” he said vaguely, surprised that he hadn’t just given a dismissive answer.
Why was he saying such things? Why was even touching small slivers of Jimin’s skin enough to
make him feel like he was burning? Why was Jimin’s scent so fucking intoxicating? Jeongguk felt
like he was drunk all the time now.

Jeongguk finished his massage and grabbed Jimin’s facial cleanser when Jimin pointed. Jimin
insisted on washing his face by himself, but he conceded and let Jeongguk apply the toner. Once
his face was bare and washed, Jimin disappeared into his closet to change into his pajamas, and
Jeongguk turned down the covers and fluffed the pillows.
 “You don’t have to still do that,” Jimin said as he crawled into bed and shimmied under the covers,
leaning back against his pillows. “I was only asking to test something out.”

“Which was what?” Jeongguk wondered.

“To see if your scent would stay on the pillows if you touched them,” Jimin admitted, and
Jeongguk’s heart crashed into his stomach for a moment, his wolf suddenly wide awake. “Failed
experiment. Your scent blockers are too strong.”

“They’re supposed to be,” Jeongguk whispered, and he set the ice bag down onto the nightstand.
“Please use this before you fall asleep if you need it. Goodnight, Your Highness. Sweet dreams.”

“What, no bedtime story?” Jimin asked in a weary voice, trying to keep up the façade. Jeongguk
chuckled tiredly, already thinking about the hell that would be his bike ride home at nearly
midnight.

“Maybe another night,” he replied. “I’ll turn off the lights as I leave. Goodnight.”

“...Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes?” Jeongguk paused just short of turning the light off, glancing back at Jimin.

“Why…” Jimin hesitated. “Why did you intervene? Why did you give those names? Why did you
tell my father all of that?”

“Because he was abusing his power.” Jeongguk didn’t mince his words at all.

“He does it a lot. Hits me when I misbehave. It’s nothing new,” Jimin mentioned, and Jeongguk’s
jaw clenched.

“That doesn’t make it right.”

“But you’re still afraid of him,” Jimin whispered, and Jeongguk had to strain his ears. “Because
you know that he could kill you if you make a mistake.”

“Maybe. But if he’s slapping you across the face, it makes me feel differently,” Jeongguk
admitted, his hand on the doorknob. Jimin shifted under his covers, still staring Jeongguk down.

“He’s the king of Dayangsong. And he’s an alpha.”

Jeongguk surveyed Jimin from where he stood, his heart aching. Jimin, with his soft, drying
blonde hair and his bare, angelic face. Jimin, scent soft and mostly vanilla now with a blooming
bruise on his face, drowning in his blankets. Jimin, with an unquenchable fire in his eyes at all
times. Jeongguk wanted more. He needed more. But first, he needed to protect Jimin from the
chaos that seemed to confront him at every turn. So Jeongguk pulled open the door and
straightened his shoulders.

“I could take him.”

And then he flicked off the light and shut the bedroom door.

Chapter End Notes

wow my beginning notes were... really something!!!! i regret nothing.

Ch4 tomorrow and it’s one of my favs ;)

I'm on TWITTER
 four
Chapter Notes

HERE WE ARE AGAIN!!!!

Also I'm trying super hard to answer as many comments as I can ahhhhh I've gotten so
bad at it lately because it's made me anxious but I think I'm getting back on track!!! I
love seeing what y'all are thinking of it so far!

ALSO EVERYONE PLEASE LOOK AT THE FAN ART MY BABY HANNA

MADE ME, IT'S LIKE A KDRAMA MOVIE POSTER AND IT'S FUCKING
AMAZING AHHHHHHHH CLICK HERE

If you haven't listened to any of the music yet, I would highly encourage you to do
it!!!!! this might be one of my favorite playlists ever. I still listen to it even though I've
been done writing this fic for 2 months now. The songs fit the mood and the plot
PERFECTLYYYYY!

Time to meet Namjoon methinks ;) This is 12K, have fun!

Find me on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

defenseless, but you feel so alive; i think that you can love me forever

so you’re scared, you don’t think you’re ready yet

 we’ll take it slow, i’ll walk with you on the edge

paint the colors on top of the sunset - i can do this all for you.

-“avalanche” by fletcher

~~~

July began to slowly bleed away in a never-ending heatwave, and as it did, Jeongguk began to get
the hang of being Jimin’s caretaker. Each day, he woke Jimin up with a smile and a glass of water,
hung around the palace and drifted into the library to read some books or bother Seokjin (who had
returned with a bruised neck, much to Jeongguk’s suspicion), and then went back to Jimin at
nighttime to tuck him into bed. Jimin now insisted that Jeongguk help him wash up and get into
bed every night, even though Jimin was capable of it himself.

“I know I can wash my own face and stuff,” he admitted one night. “But it’s nicer when you do it.
Now, tell me what peppermint essential oil does, again?”

“Oh, it’s good for headaches and muscle pains and a lot of other great things. It’s part of your scent
profile, so you should take to it quite well,” Jeongguk had said, watching the way Jimin’s cheeks
had flushed a little as he fell back onto the pillows. Spellbound, Jeongguk had then knelt at Jimin’s
bedside with the little bottle in his hand, explaining further uses of the essential oil while Jimin
wiggled underneath his blankets and turned to lie on his side, blinking with pretty eyes at Jeongguk
as he listened.

Closer to the full moon in July, Jeongguk woke up on Friday for work and climbed down his little
ladder with a yawn. The moment he did, he groaned, nose wrinkling in displeasure, because the
entire downstairs area reeked of alpha, consumed by teakwood and apple cinnamon with an extra
hit of full-blown arousal.

“YOU FUCKING LOSERS!” Jeongguk yelled out, and then he picked up his shoe and threw it at
Yoongi and Taehyung’s bedroom door. He got nothing in response at first, but when he went to go
pick up his shoe, all he could hear was Yoongi quietly whimpering and Taehyung moaning about
how good his mate smelled. Not caring that it was futile because his friends were both in rut,
Jeongguk banged a fist on the door and added, “NEXT TIME, WARN ME BEFORE YOU START
YOUR RUTS EARLY, FOOLS.”

“Fuck —ah, Christ, Tae, no teeth—fuck off, Jeongguk,” Yoongi moaned, and Jeongguk blanched,
throwing the hood of his sweatshirt up and thanking the universe that the kettle had boiled so he
could pour his cup of tea. Resolutely, he took the tea outside into the cool air of sunrise in July, and
he sat down on the tree stump and sipped quietly.

His own run wasn’t until August. Somehow, Jeongguk had always managed to keep himself from
going into a phantom rut or matching up with Yoongi and Taehyung’s cycle. This time around,
though, he was terrified of what was to come. He had been suppressing his scent six days a week
for months now, and on Sundays, Jeongguk always woke up feeling like he was one breath away
from shifting or going rogue in the woods, his wolf fighting against him or crying out in agony.
What’s more, he now had Jimin in his life and in his mind, and Jimin’s scent alone was triggering.
Jimin himself, as a person, was even worse for Jeongguk’s health. Jeongguk had assumed he could
fight against whatever he was feeling, but he couldn’t. He felt like an absolute sucker in a cliché.
Of course his wolf was interested in the omega prince. Of all the lousy things to happen, it had to
be Jimin. Jeongguk’s wolf had to latch onto the one person Jeongguk couldn’t have.

With his tea downed and his scent completely suppressed, Jeongguk first took twenty minutes in
the kitchen to throw together the most rudimentary kimchi jjigae he could muster, and he put it on
the stove to cook on low heat. That way, whenever Yoongi or Taehyung had a moment of clarity,
they could eat. When Jeongguk was in rut, Taehyung always knocked on the ceiling before pulling
down the staircase and leaving food and water right by the threshold of the room. They took care
of one another silently, and that was how they liked it—no words, but no pride involved.

The bike ride to the palace was pleasant as usual. Jeongguk now had a favorite tree where he
chained up his bicycle, and as he walked to the palace with his hood up, he noticed that down the
road near the town square, there were hanging lanterns strung up in shades of white and blue, and
it looked like Gogwihan was setting up for some kind of festival.

Must be the full moon festival, Jeongguk thought to himself. Gananhan had a similar kind of
festival, but it was mostly just everyone gathering out in the streets for music and fraternizing and
some homemade fireworks, as well as good food shared amongst friends. This festival set-up
looked far more extravagant. Jeongguk had never been, but he was certain that it was lovely and
well-attended.

“Oh. Good morning,” Jeongguk said to Chaeyoung after he had clocked in and changed.
Chaeyoung was standing alone in the hallway near Jimin’s bedroom, and she smiled when she saw
Jeongguk and handed him a full glass of water that was meant for Jimin. She had come prepared,
and Jeongguk was full of gratitude.

“Good morning. Taehyun’s out this week,” she said, and Jeongguk made a small noise of
understanding—full moon. Rut, most likely. “Hope you don’t mind that I’ll be hanging around.”

“I don’t. You’re not so bad,” Jeongguk teased, and Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. She was easier to
crack than Taehyun was, and Jeongguk had started to tell her horrible puns whenever he got her
alone for a moment. At first, Chaeyoung had just rolled her eyes, but now she giggled and texted
them to her girlfriend.

“He has a Japanese lesson at eight o’clock, tennis at ten-thirty, and lunch with his grandmother at
noon,” Chaeyoung listed as they slowly walked down the hall. “Please make sure he looks
presentable. His grandmother fusses over him like he’s a pup if he has one hair out of line, and he
hates it.”

“Noted.”

“Otherwise, his afternoon and evening are free, so it should be an easy day for you,” Chaeyoung
replied, and then she stopped Jeongguk just short of the door. “Come to think of it, you haven’t
been absent yet.”

“My rut isn’t until August,” Jeongguk replied bluntly, and Chaeyoung hummed in understanding.
Then she stepped back and let Jeongguk walk into Jimin’s room. Jeongguk closed the door quietly,
and then he turned and inwardly sighed. Jimin was buried underneath his blankets, sleeping with a
small pout on his lips, and he was hugging one of the smallest decorative pillows he had. The room
smelled like sweet vanilla, which meant that Jimin hadn’t had any nightmares.

Jeongguk walked up to the bed, set the water on the nightstand, grabbed the blankets, and promptly
yanked them off. The moment he did, Jimin let out a strangled moan, brow furrowed as he curled
up into a ball.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said, pulling open the curtains and opening the
windows. Later, he would shut them to keep out the heat. First thing in the morning, though, a
fresh breeze was welcomed.
“You’re a pain in the ass,” Jimin groaned, still half-asleep, and Jeongguk grinned. For the past two
weeks, he had attempted to wake Jimin up nicely by calling out to him and shaking his shoulder
with a gentle touch, but that method had ceased being effective. So now, Jeongguk took it to the
extreme. Yesterday, he had pulled Jimin’s pillow out from underneath his head.

“Busy morning,” Jeongguk said cheerfully. “But an easy afternoon, so it’s time to get up.”

Jimin yawned and propped up on one elbow, and then he reached over and grabbed his glass of
water, drinking half of it in one gulp. He then flopped back onto his pillows and stretched his entire
body out with a dramatic yawn, stretching his arms overhead so far that his t-shirt rode up, and
Jeongguk had to busy himself with the other window to keep from staring like the horribly cliché
alpha he was.

“Okay, I’m getting up,” Jimin sighed, rolling off the bed. Jeongguk nodded and walked towards
the door to summon Chaeyoung.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Chaeyoung said sweetly when she walked in and plopped down
on the chaise lounge against the wall like she always did. “How’d you sleep?”

“Morning, Chae,” Jimin said with a small smile, still stretching and cracking his back. “Not bad.
How’s the planning coming along for my father’s birthday?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Chaeyoung said with a dramatic sigh that she dragged at the back of
her throat. Jeongguk snickered as he opened Jimin’s closet to look for an outfit. He chose a cream-
colored sweater and black pants, and he offered it to Jimin. Jimin smiled and accepted the clothing.

“Jeongguk-ssi, could you help me wash up this morning?” he asked, and Jeongguk gave him a
perplexed look. But Jimin’s eyes flicked quickly to Chaeyoung before settling back on Jeongguk,
and Jeongguk understood that as Jimin having something to say in private. Pulse quickening,
Jeongguk nodded.

“Sure.”

mood: “lonely together” by jasmine thompson

Chaeyong was oblivious, busy on her phone as she waited for Jimin to be ready for her to escort
him to his Japanese lesson. Jeongguk followed Jimin into the large bathroom, and Jimin didn’t
close the door. He first brushed his teeth and splashed water on his face as Jeongguk just stood
there awkwardly, confused. Jimin set his towel down, and then he walked over, wrapped his hand
around Jeongguk’s wrist, and guided him over to the bathtub. He then put Jeongguk’s back to the
wall, toe-to-toe, and Jeongguk swore he stopped breathing. Seeing Jimin up close was a privilege.
His skin was porcelain smooth, full lips with defined cheekbones, blonde hair hanging in his eyes.
Pretty skin, pretty lips, pretty eyes. Pretty, everything about him is pretty. He smelled so sweet, too,
and Jeongguk was certain he was going to drop to his knees and beg for mercy.

“I want to go to the festival tonight,” Jimin whispered, searching Jeongguk’s eyes intently, his hand
sliding down until he was holding Jeongguk’s hand in a cup grip. “I’m not allowed to go, but I
haven’t been in years. I want to go tonight.”

“What—What are you asking?” Jeongguk breathed, stunned.

“I can sneak out through the gardens. I know a way,” Jimin whispered. “If you meet me there, you
can take me to the festival and keep me safe.” As he spoke, his thumb gently caressed the skin of
Jeongguk’s hand, his scent impossibly sweet, and Jeongguk thought to lose himself in the moment,
but then he blinked rapidly.

“If you’re touching me and flirting with me just to coerce me into breaking the rules with you, it’s
not going to work,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin’s fingers stilled for a moment, his face turning
serious.

“While that’s a good idea, that’s not what I’m doing, and you’re not that stupid,” Jimin whispered
back. “I’m asking you to take me because I’ve never trusted anyone else to sneak me out of here
safely.”

“So you’re using me?” Jeongguk asked, and Jimin clenched his jaw, frustrated. But Jeongguk had
to ask the important questions, because if he didn’t, he knew he’d look like a fool. He wasn’t going
to let Jimin pull the wool over his eyes and turn him into a mockery. If Jimin’s master plan was to
seduce Jeongguk into doing things for him, Jeongguk was onto him already.

“No. I’m not using you.” Jimin readjusted his grip on Jeongguk’s hand, slowly lacing their fingers
together, and Jeongguk swore he saw stars around the edges of his vision. “I want to go to the
festival with you. I want you to take me there. But if you don’t trust me, or if you think I’m
scamming you, then don’t worry about it. There’s one every month. I’ll go someday.”

“Do you understand what you’re asking?” Jeongguk whispered. “You’re setting me up.”

“I’m not,” Jimin swore.

“If I get caught sneaking you out of the palace, Your Highness, your father will hang me or flog me
without question,” Jeongguk hissed, frantic. “You’re asking me to risk my job and my life just so
you can go to a festival.”

“You’re right.” Jimin’s voice was nothing more than a faint whisper still, his eyes shining. “But
I’m trapped here in the same routine every day, and I’m running out of time. So I thought I would
take a chance and ask you. But I get it.” Jimin licked his lips slowly. “I understand. I’m sorry for
asking.”

Jeongguk fumbled over his words, but he didn’t get a chance to respond. Jimin pursed his lips,
squeezed Jeongguk’s hand, and stepped away, taking a deep breath. “Chaeyoung-ssi! You almost
ready?”

“You’re asking me if I’m ready?” Chaeyoung called out, and Jimin chuckled weakly, grabbing his
clothes and walking out of the bathroom so he could change behind his divider. Jeongguk stayed
with his back to the wall for a moment, eyes closed, heart sprinting, because in what goddamn
universe would this normally happen? This job was meant to be simple. He had signed up to clean
the palace and be a silent employee, milk money out of the rich royals. Now he was caretaker to
the prince, who was flirting with him and begging to be snuck out for the night, and he liked it.

Chaeyoung whisked Jimin away as Jimin called out for Jeongguk to help him transition from tennis
to lunch, which gave Jeongguk some time to contemplate his options. Utterly bewildered, Jeongguk
floated right to Hoseok’s little office space after picking up something small from the kitchen for
an early meal.

“Yah, do you know my timetable now?” Hoseok said with a laugh when Jeongguk knocked on his
ajar door. Sheepish, Jeongguk smiled and shrugged, and then he held up his own food. Hoseok,
with food still in his mouth, hummed and nodded enthusiastically, one hand covering his mouth as
he used a foot underneath his desk to shove a chair out for Jeongguk. Jeongguk closed the office
door, and then he plopped down in the chair heavily, setting his foot down and avoiding some
papers and files.

“Hoseok-ssi, how much can I trust you?” Jeongguk wondered, breaking apart his chopsticks.
Hoseok grabbed a bunch of bean sprouts with his own chopsticks, raising his eyebrows.

“Well, you’re in a safe space here without security cameras or microphones, so I would say you
can trust me,” Hoseok replied. “My wolf trusts you, so the question is whether or not yours trusts
me.”

Jeongguk sighed, hating that he couldn’t get a good read on Hoseok’s scent. Often, he depended on
his wolf’s instincts and others’ scents to establish and build trust in relationships, but here, he was
out of luck, and he could imagine others felt the same about him. It was the reason why Jimin was
constantly pressing his fingers to Jeongguk’s pulse point.

“I trust you,” Jeongguk murmured as Hoseok munched on his bean sprouts. “And you’re Prince
Jimin’s friend. So that has to count for something.”

“I hope so,” Hoseok said. He leaned in a little. “Sounds like you have some big secret to tell me.”

“Something like that,” Jeongguk said with a small exhale that gave him away. He scooted his chair
in. “You said that Prince Jimin likes to break the rules.”

“Right.”

“Has he ever asked you to break the rules with him? Or do something you knew would get you in
trouble if you were caught?” Jeongguk tentatively asked. Hoseok twisted his lips in thought, and
then he chuckled.

“I mean, back in school, yes,” he said with a grin. “We’d sneak out together a lot, but whenever we
got caught, he always got caught and took the fall. He would hide me or tell me to run, so I never
got in trouble. He uses his pureblood prince perks to his advantage all the time, but especially now.
The clock’s ticking, so he pushes his limits.”

“Yeah, that’s what he said,” Jeongguk muttered, and Hoseok cocked his head to the side curiously.
Jeongguk elaborated. “The full moon festival is tonight. He asked me to help him sneak out, and he
wants me to take him.”

“Oh, shit,” Hoseok murmured, and then he made contact. “Seriously? He asked you to take him to
the festival?”

“Yeah. Take him there and keep him safe,” Jeongguk added. “And I said no. I told him it was too
much of a risk for me, that I’d lose my job and lose my head if we got caught. And he… I mean, he
said he understood. But he also said that time is running out.”

“Well, his birthday is in October, and so is his next heat,” Hoseok replied. “And his father knows
it. The race to get Jimin mated and married is on. And all he can think about is that his life will be
meaningless once he’s mated to a stranger.”

“I can’t even imagine,” Jeongguk muttered, feeling a sudden burst of anger deep within him.

“Yeah, well, his life has never really been his own. He presented as an omega and he was proud of
it, but it was his father’s worst nightmare,” Hoseok replied, shifting his food around with his
chopsticks as he spoke. “And it’s been that way ever since. The king swore Jimin would present as
an alpha, and when he didn’t, Jimin lost most of his independence. His father just took control and
sheltered him, said that he’d have to find a good alpha to mate him.”

“That’s… fucking gross,” Jeongguk said, brow furrowed. “He’s that much of a traditionalist?”

“Omegas are useless to the king,” Hoseok admitted, rolling his eyes. “He’d treat them as
concubines if he could. He married the queen mother out of necessity, not love. She’s completely
absent and emotionally detached from Jimin at best. I mean, she gave birth to one son who turned
out to be an omega, and the king hates it. So yeah, he’s that much of a traditionalist. He thinks that
his own son is no good without a decent alpha mate. So when Jimin says that his time is running
out, he’s not kidding.”

“I shouldn’t have said no,” Jeongguk replied, blinking slowly. “Not that I’m changing my mind out
of sympathy. I’m not. I just—I panicked, you know? I thought of myself first. But now I’m talking
it out, and I’m—I don’t know. I shouldn’t have just flat-out said no. He’s living in what looks like
the lap of luxury, when really, he’s just… sad.”

“He’s very sad,” Hoseok agreed, sounding pained. “He has been for years. He’s been happier
recently, though. He’s having good days.”

“I really want to take him,” Jeongguk said, voice soft. “He’s not just the crown prince to me. I
work for him, yeah, but I care about him.”

“He knows that,” Hoseok said with a grin, and Jeongguk raised his eyebrows. “He knows you care
about him. That’s why he asked you to sneak him out. Put the puzzle pieces together, Jeongguk-ssi.
He trusts you. His wolf trusts you and he can’t even smell you. That has to count for something.”

“You’re a palace guard and you’re just encouraging this,” Jeongguk sighed, and Hoseok snickered.

“I’m encouraging it because Jimin is my friend and you’re not half-bad, either,” Hoseok said, still
grinning. “Look, Jimin’s in a shitty situation. If you can give him a little moment of happiness, I’m
not going to fight you on it. Just don’t fucking get caught.”

“Yeah, that’s going to be fun,” Jeongguk complained, slumping in his seat. “I’ll have to come up
with a plan. And he’s going to have to drink scent blocking tea.”

“Why’s that?” Hoseok’s brow furrowed.

“Because if the palace guards realize he’s gone and come looking for him, what’s the first thing
you’re going to do?” Jeongguk questioned. Hoseok’s expression softened in understanding.

“Sniff out his scent and track it,” he sighed. “Got it. Just be careful with him. He’s fucking tough as
nails and never asks for help when he actually needs it, and he’d kill me for saying this, but please
protect him.”

“I will.”

Jeongguk ate the rest of his food while chatting with Hoseok about other things, but in the back of
his mind, he was concocting a careful plan to figure out how to get Jimin in and out of the palace
without being seen. Jeongguk also had to make sure that his movements weren’t suspicious, either,
and that was likely to be the harder part.

Right on time, Jeongguk knocked on Jimin’s bedroom door when he was sure that Jimin had
returned from his tennis lesson.
“Come in!”

Jeongguk quietly let himself in, and he saw that Jimin was alone, sitting on his bed with his phone
in his hand, texting. He dropped his phone onto the bedspread when he saw Jeongguk and smiled,
still wearing his tennis gear, his shoes kicked off by the door. Jeongguk picked them up and set
them in the closet where they belonged, and then he stood in the closet doorway until Jimin caught
his eye. Jeongguk crooked one finger, and Jimin visibly swelled in anticipation, eyes widening as
he slid off the bed and hurried over to the closet.

It’s now or never.

Jeongguk’s brain fought against him and almost made him hesitate, but Jeongguk’s wolf was far
too happy about the situation to let that happen. So Jeongguk reached out and took Jimin’s hand in
his, pulling him into the closet where it was more of a quiet vacuum. Jimin let out a little breath of
surprise, but he let Jeongguk put him up against the wall gently, and he tightened his grip on
Jeongguk’s hand so Jeongguk couldn’t let go.

I’m risking my neck for this.

But it didn’t matter. Jeongguk was suddenly feeling ambitious. After seeing the king slap his own
son across the face twice, Jeongguk had changed his inner tune completely. Now, he realized that
Jimin was fighting a losing battle with a one-man army, and Jeongguk could enlist his support. He
could inadvertently stick it to King Youngho for such heartlessness towards the heir to the throne.

“I’ll take you tonight,” Jeongguk whispered. The moment he said it, Jimin’s face illuminated
brilliantly, his smile enough to light a city, and suddenly, his free arm was around Jeongguk’s
waist, his head to Jeongguk’s chest.

“You really will?” he whispered, still hugging Jeongguk in his frantic excitement. Jeongguk stood
paralyzed, torn between hugging Jimin back and realizing that the longer they touched, the more
he would smell like vanilla peppermint. Against his will, he chose not to hug Jimin back, but that
was the moment when he knew. Hidden away from view in the bedroom closet, Jeongguk realized
that all he wanted to do was pick Jimin up, throw him against the wall, and kiss him until neither of
them could breathe, until he could drink in Jimin’s scent and let it intoxicate him, until he had
Jimin gasping and begging, until his wolf was sated and satisfied from ravishing the omega so that
Jimin knew. It was a frightening realization, one that Jeongguk immediately chose to bury deep
inside him out of pure fear.

“Yeah. I will,” Jeongguk breathed, and he choked down a whimper when Jimin nuzzled
Jeongguk’s shoulder before pulling away. He stared at Jeongguk with radiant eyes and a smile that
ripped Jeongguk’s heart out of his chest.

“Why? What—What changed your mind?” Jimin wondered, brow furrowed.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take you. But you’ll need to wear a hat and a face mask, and you’ll have to
drink some of my scent blocking tea.” Jeongguk reached into his pocket, and then he took Jimin’s
other hand in his and transferred over a single teabag that he had brought with him, pressing it into
his palm. “And you need to pretend that you’re not feeling well.”

“Right. When I’m at lunch, I can say that my stomach is unsettled. I won’t eat too much. I’ll just
let my grandmother fuss over me so she thinks that I’m really unwell,” Jimin said, catching on
instantly, intuitively. “I’ll go to the gardens, maybe let other people see me. And then I’ll come
back to my room and turn in early. You can come help me.”
“That’s fine. I’ll come pretend I’m taking care of you and send Chaeyoung off,” Jeongguk
whispered. “You’ll go to sleep, and I’ll leave. Then I’ll meet you outside of the palace around nine
o’clock, when it’s dark. Where will you be?”

“There aren’t any security cameras by one of my bedroom windows,” Jimin replied, still clutching
Jeongguk’s hand. “I’ll sneak out and walk through the gardens to the ledge, and then I’ll climb it
and hop over after the guards do their pass.”

“Okay, that’s fine. But where do I meet you?” Jeongguk hastily asked.

“By the postboxes right outside the palace on the west wing side,” Jimin whispered. “Do you
know where that is?”

“I can find it,” Jeongguk said. “Are you sure about this?”

“I’m sure,” Jimin replied firmly. “But only if you are. I know you said it was a risk for you. I
understand that. You can back out if you’re too scared.”

“I know the risks,” Jeongguk whispered. “I’ll meet you at the postboxes.”

Jimin beamed and squeezed Jeongguk’s hand, and then he stepped back as if he was trying to
remember himself. “I—yeah. Okay. I need to get changed for lunch.”

Jeongguk helped Jimin pick out an outfit quietly, his pulse racing, his vision slightly blurred. Jimin
changed and left for lunch after tucking the teabag Jeongguk had given him into his nightstand.
And when he left, Jeongguk had to use the wall to hold himself up.

He would run. If they got caught, he would run like hell and never look back.

***

Jimin was a fantastic actor. There was no doubt about it, especially when Jeongguk was summoned
straight to the royal family’s dining hall. A guard was waiting with Jimin in the hallway, and Jimin
did, in fact, look like he was unwell. His posture was a bit slumped, and he was frowning slightly,
uncomfortably.

“Is everything okay, Your Highness?” Jeongguk asked as he rushed up with a bow.

“Ah, I don’t know. I had lunch, but my stomach feels unsettled,” Jimin replied, frown deepening.
“I tried to eat as much as I could, but I’m not feeling well.”

“Okay. Well, let’s see if taking a bit of a walk can help. Maybe a walk through the gardens will
help? Some fresh air,” Jeongguk suggested, making sure the guard could hear the conversation.
Jimin nodded.

“We can try. But if that doesn’t work, I would like to go lie down,” he suggested.

“Of course, Your Highness. Come with me,” Jeongguk said just as Chaeyoung emerged from the
dining hall.

“Oh, good, you’re here,” she said in relief. “He’s not feeling well. Will you look after him?”
“That’s my job,” Jeongguk reassured her, and she nodded in relief.

“If he needs the healer, just let me know,” she requested.

“I think a walk and some bedrest would be good,” Jeongguk repeated. “Your Highness, come with
me. Let’s see if we can help you.”

Jimin quietly walked beside Jeongguk away from the dining hall, and when they were out of range
of the dining hall, Jeongguk didn’t miss the fleeting ghost of a mischievous smile on Jimin’s lips
before he returned to faking sick.

Together, they walked through the gardens at a slow pace, Jimin walking a step ahead of Jeongguk
as he looked around at all the flowers and plants, walking along the paths as birds chirped
overhead and the fountain around the corner bubbled happily. Jeongguk saw Jimin pause for a
moment by what Jeongguk recognized as one of Jimin’s bedroom windows, and then he continued
along the perimeter until he was near the ledge, pausing as he pretended to lean in and sniff some
of the flowers.

He’s marking out his path to show me, Jeongguk thought. I won’t even be here to help him, but he’s
showing me how he’s going to do it. He trusts me that much.

After circling the garden twice, Jeongguk escorted Jimin back inside, where they found Chaeyoung
hanging out on a bench near the west wing hallway. She glanced up when Jeongguk approached
with Jimin, curious.

“I think it’s best if he gets some rest,” Jeongguk said, and Chaeyoung nodded. “I’ll see him off to
bed.”

“I appreciate it, Jeongguk-ssi,” Jimin said quietly. “Maybe I’m just exhausted. I’ll sleep. You’d be
best to just go home and come back in the morning. Chaeyoung-ssi, you too. I’ll try to rest.”

“Are you sure?” Chaeyoung asked, eyes flicking to Jeongguk. “Your Highness, Jeongguk can stay
to look after you and take care of you if you’re sick. That’s his job, don’t forget. I know that you
previous caretaker didn’t really—”

“Chae,” Jimin interrupted, and Chaeyoung clamped her mouth shut respectfully. “It’s okay. I’m not
going to throw up. I don’t have a fever. My stomach is just uneasy. Bedrest is the best thing for me.
I haven’t slept well, either.”

“Ah. I understand. I mean… as long as you’re sure,” Chaeyoung said.

“Are you certain, Your Highness?” Jeongguk asked, playing along.

“I’m certain,” Jimin confirmed. “Please help me to bed.”

Chaeyoung stayed out of the room as Jeongguk ushered Jimin inside the bedroom, closing the
door. Jimin laughed quietly and spun in a circle once, and then he flopped onto his bed face up with
a sigh, arms out.

“My grandmother was going to operate on me herself, I swear,” he said, and Jeongguk stifled a
laugh. “She was positively livid. I thought she was going to gut the entire kitchen staff when I said
that maybe it was the yellowtail.”

“As long as you made a clean getaway,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin grinned.
“They bought it, don’t worry.” He sat up and ran his fingers through his hair, letting it fall back
into place. “I’ll pretend to sleep now. Nine o’clock. I’ll meet you there.”

“If you’re not there by half past nine, I’m leaving,” Jeongguk warned him, and Jimin nodded.

‘“That’s fine. If I don’t show up, it means that I was compromised and couldn’t get out,” Jimin
replied without missing a beat. “If that happens, then you need to leave and go home. But if I can
get out, I’ll see you then.”

Jeongguk nodded, and then he backed out of the room and shut the door after flicking off the lights
for no reason, watching Jimin float around the bedroom quietly. Once Jeongguk was free, he
turned to Chaeyoung.

“He just crawled into bed,” he lied. “He doesn’t have a temperature or anything. I asked him if he
was sure that he didn’t need me, and he said he was sure. He should be okay for the night.”

“Okay.” Chaeyoung sighed. “He doesn’t get sick often. He usually only feels unwell around his
heat, before and after. Something must’ve been off in the food.”

“Could just be exhaustion,” Jeongguk offered. “Or he’s just sick of all of us and wants to be alone.”

Chaeyoung snickered, shaking her head.

“Go home and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” she said, and then she walked off,
pulling out her phone. Jeongguk stood and watched her leave, holding his breath, and once she was
gone, he exhaled and rubbed his face with his hands anxiously. He had exactly five hours to wait
now, which meant that he could go home if he felt tempted. Instead, he chose to linger around the
palace, grabbing a free meal and telling one guard that he was staying just a little longer in case the
prince needed him.

They all just believe it. Look how easy it is to lie to them all, Jeongguk thought gleefully as he
slowly walked out of the palace in his street clothes, glad that he was wearing all black—black
cargo pants, black long-sleeved t-shirt despite the summer heat to cover his tattoos. Since he had
time, he realized he was going to need to find a hat and a mask to keep himself anonymous, so he
strolled into the downtown area shops and ducked into one small store, grabbing a black baseball
cap and a black face mask.

The sun began to set at an agonizingly slow pace as Jeongguk sat in the woods with his gimbap and
watched. He had taken his bike about a quarter of the way towards home just for some peace and
quiet, and his scent blockers had worn off. Pleased, Jeongguk lay in the short grass with his face
turned to the sky, chewing happily on his food as his rainwater scent swirled around him. He was
going to drink more of the scent blocking tea infused in a water bottle that he had bought, but first,
he just wanted to enjoy being Jeongguk. These days, he had very little chance to be himself—
everything was an act. Jimin didn’t even know who Jeongguk really was. So Jeongguk cherished
every moment that he could lie in nature with his eyes closed and feel his wolf, the wolf that made
up half of his very being.

When the sun flickered below the horizon, Jeongguk decisively drank the scent blocking tea and
sat on his grassy perch as his scent disappeared and his wolf quieted down. Then his nerves began
to creep up on him, and he fidgeted while chewing on his lower lip until it was close to nine
o’clock. Then he rode his bike back into town and chained it up to a different tree, hearing the
happy music and laughter and chatter coming from the festival already. Jeongguk couldn’t pay
attention to any of it.
What if he gets caught? Will he rat me out, or will he lie and keep me safe? How do I know if I can
trust him?

But when the clocktower in the distance struck nine, Jeongguk was at the postboxes alone in the
dark. He had his hat and mask on, and more than anything, he wished he had brought a jacket or
sweatshirt to use the hood. He felt so exposed and knew that what he was doing was wrong, but he
was risking it.

Nine o’clock. Nine-ten. Nine-twenty. Jeongguk’s heart began to slowly sink the closer it got to
nine-thirty, a deep sadness consuming him that he didn’t recognize. Had he been set up? Was he
going to be confronted by guards and forced to run? Or had Jimin been caught trying to sneak out,
playing sick?

“Jeongguk?”

mood: “avalanche” by fletcher

It was nothing more than a terrified, hissing whisper, and Jeongguk leapt away from his corner and
turned towards the voice. No scent. Using nothing but instincts, Jeongguk tiptoed around the back
of the postboxes, and then he saw someone standing at the opposite corner. He had no time to
prepare. Jimin spotted Jeongguk, broke into a run, and collided with Jeongguk as he let out a breath
of deep relief, grabbing the front of Jeongguk’s shirt and pressing his head to Jeongguk’s chest.

“Sorry it took me so long,” he whispered, and this time, Jeongguk acted. He pulled away and set
his hands on Jimin’s shoulders, and then he carefully adjusted the black bucket hat Jimin was
wearing to hide his blonde hair. He was also wearing a black face mask, and his outfit was casual
—black pants, long-sleeved dark grey t-shirt.

“Are you okay?” Jeongguk wondered, and Jimin nodded.

“I’m good. I’m happy. I heard the music,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk didn’t miss the way that the
smile reached his eyes. “Will you take me to the festival still? And is my scent blocked? Can you
smell me?”

“No, I can’t smell you. And yeah, of course I’ll take you. That’s why I’m here,” Jeongguk said
with a small laugh. He took a few steps towards the direction of the festival and paused, glancing
over his shoulder. Jimin tilted his head to the side for a moment, and then he boldly walked
forward and took Jeongguk’s hand, lacing their fingers together, bringing his other arm across to
hold Jeongguk’s elbow.

“I’m ready,” he declared, and Jeongguk swallowed heavily. Does he even know what he’s doing to
me? He must know that I’m falling apart every time he touches me. Does he lose his breath
whenever we touch, too? Or is this just a game for him?

“Then let’s go,” Jeongguk said instead, and he began to walk with Jimin close to him, their hands
intertwined. The closer they got to the festival, the more Jeongguk realized that it was likely going
to be easy to blend in. There were dozens upon dozens of people everywhere, most of them wearing
darker clothing, a lot of patrons wearing hats or masks, or both. Jeongguk and Jimin didn’t stand
out at all, and with blocked scents, they were virtually unrecognizable. Jimin’s blonde hair was
hidden from view. Jeongguk’s face could barely be seen.
“Oh, wow,” Jimin breathed the moment they stepped under the arches at the start of the festival’s
main path, where food tents and other vendor tents were lined up. Along the path, lanterns were
strung up in various phases of the moon, and Jimin was utterly fascinated. He released Jeongguk’s
hand and wandered forward, his gaze up, a wondrous smile permanent on his face as his eyes drank
in the scenery. And Jeongguk just stood back and watched.

He’s so beautiful. Pretty from every angle, and look how happy he is when he’s not in the palace.
When he’s not suffocating under his father’s thumb. Why do I feel so much for him? Jeongguk
could feel the soft affection in his eyes as he watched Jimin survey the lanterns and twinkle lights
in awe. He had been so resigned to saying “fuck the monarchy” and milking it for all it was worth.
Now his heart ached for the omega crown prince, the one man he couldn’t have for himself.

“Jeongguk-ssi! Come here!” Jimin called out, and Jeongguk snapped out of it, panicking. He
rushed up to Jimin, wrapped one arm around his waist, spun him, and pressed a pointer finger to
his lips over his mask.

“Shh!” He looked around to see if anyone had heard. “You can’t say my name like that. Don’t call
me that while we’re here. Just—Just call me JK. We can’t risk it.”

“I’m sorry,” Jimin whispered sincerely. “I’m sorry, I forgot. I didn’t—I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. Just… I don’t really know what to call you, but you can call me JK,” Jeongguk replied.

“Just ‘Jimin’ will suffice,” Jimin said with a teasing lilt in his voice.

“First of all, you’re the crown prince of Dayangsong,” Jeongguk hissed. “Second of all, you’re
older than me. Third of all, you’re a pureblood omega with a family lineage that dates back
hundreds of years. So no, I will not just call you that right now. I’m still working.”

“Can you pretend that you’re not?” Jimin asked in a small voice, and Jeongguk sighed.

“Easier said than done.”

“Well, I was just hoping to get some food,” Jimin said, and then he pointed to the food stand. His
voice perked up as he added, “They have all the things that I’m not allowed to normally eat. I want
a mozzarella corn dog and tteokbokki and ramen.”

“Done.” Jeongguk kept Jimin by his side as they waited in line for their food, and he decisively
ordered to keep Jimin from speaking to anyone, just in case his voice was recognizable. Jeongguk
made sure he grabbed the corn dog with the most decent sugar coating, drizzling some ketchup
onto it, and he handed it over to Jimin and took the cup of tteokbokki and cup of ramen to carry.
Jimin led the way over to a small picnic table, where they could sit by themselves. Instead of
sitting across from one another, though, Jeongguk sat beside Jimin.

“Ah, this is so exciting,” Jimin said, pulling his mask down to his chin with a radiant smile. “I
missed eating this.” He broke apart the chopsticks that Jeongguk handed over as Jeongguk did the
same. Jeongguk then grabbed three rice cakes at once from the spicy sauce, eager and hungry.

“No, don’t!”

The tteokbokki dropped right back into the container as Jimin grabbed Jeongguk’s wrist firmly
with a shake, his eyes wide. Bewildered, Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, still leaning over like he
was going to take a bite.

“If you eat it now, you’ll burn the entire roof of your mouth,” Jimin hissed, and Jeongguk’s
perplexed expression softened. “Just wait, don’t eat it yet.”

“I’ll be fine,” Jeongguk promised, but Jimin yanked the container away, scowling.

“No.” His voice was firm. “No, I’m not letting you burn yourself. I don’t care if you think I’m
being dramatic.”

“A little bit,” Jeongguk replied, trying not to laugh, but Jimin was not having it.

“You take care of me every single day. And you get paid to do it, to pretend like you give a damn
about me,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk tried to protest, but Jimin wasn’t finished. “So you’re going
to let me at least attempt to care for you, and that means not eating food that’s just going to burn
your taste buds right off.”

“You think I don’t give a damn about you?” Jeongguk set his chopsticks across the top of the
ramen container like a bridge, and then he shifted to face Jimin, their thighs touching. “If I didn’t
actually care about you, do you really think I’d even be here in a situation where I’m about to burn
the roof of my mouth?”

“How the hell would I know? You could have an ulterior motive to fuck me over,” Jimin accused,
and Jeongguk let out a breathy laugh.

“Says you. That’s the same thing I’ve been thinking every morning for weeks,” Jeongguk replied.
“That you just want to get me to a point where I’m comfortable so you can run and tell the king
everything I’ve done to offend you.”

“I would never do that to you,” Jimin whispered. There was a moment of silence between the two
of them as they stared at each other, and Jeongguk poured himself into Jimin’s eyes entirely,
wondering how blindly he could trust the omega prince sitting dangerously close to him. They
were both terrified, unsure if they were just scamming one another, if what they were doing was
too good to be true. Perhaps that was enough of a sign for Jeongguk to trust that Jimin wasn’t
trying to pull the wool over his eyes.

Jimin shifted on the bench and picked up his chopsticks again. Jeongguk watched as he plucked up
a single rice cake and held it for a moment in the cool evening air, letting it hover over the cup.
Then, with his hand cupped underneath, he brought it up to Jeongguk’s mouth.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Jeongguk thought of himself to be a more contemporary kind of alpha. Tradition meant very little
to him. But there was absolutely nothing, fucking nothing, more telling than being fed.
Traditionalists liked to cry that an alpha should always feed the omega in courting or as a mate.
Jeongguk liked to cry bullshit, because Yoongi and Taehyung fed each other constantly as a sign of
trust and affection and deeply rooted care. It was the wolf in them, because the average human
more often than not found feeding a partner to be childish. But now it was Jimin holding food to
Jeongguk’s mouth. Jimin, the pureblood fucking crown prince of Dayangsong, something
Jeongguk reminded himself of nonstop to stay grounded in reality. But how could Jeongguk keep
his wits about him?

“Is it good?” Jimin wondered, because Jeongguk opened his mouth and accepted the bite. As he
chewed, he noticed that Jimin looked immensely pleased, almost glowed as he watched Jeongguk
curiously.

“Mm, it’s really good. Try some,” Jeongguk encouraged, so Jimin plucked up a rice cake, blew on
it, and popped it into his mouth. Happy, he slumped a little with a smile, nodding. “Look, you
don’t have to—”

“I’ll do what I want to do, thank you,” Jimin politely interrupted, offering two more tteokbokki to
Jeongguk. Jeongguk accepted the bite, and then he pulled the corn dog towards him. Jimin grabbed
the ramen and twirled some noodles around his chopsticks, and Jeongguk bit into the corn dog
while sucking in a breath, the cheese stretching spectacularly. Jimin laughed, covering his mouth
while he chewed. In comfortable silence, the two of them continued to eat, swapping containers
and sharing, Jeongguk holding up the corn dog so Jimin could take a bite. When they were both
full, Jimin turned and straddled the bench, facing Jeongguk.

mood: “slow down” by twiceyoung

“I wanted to ask you something,” he said, and Jeongguk nodded. “Without you telling me to not
pry.”

“Oh boy,” Jeongguk sighed, but Jimin persisted.

“You told me before that you’re an orphan.”

“I told you not to fixate on that,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I know that. But it’s… I don’t know. I just want to know why. I want to know how it
happened. How you ended up as an orphan. Because that’s the kind of thing that will haunt you for
the rest of your life in the north, in Gogwihan. So I just… wanted to know.”

“You’re asking very personal questions about someone who you employ,” Jeongguk warned, and
Jimin pursed his lips.

“I don’t employ you,” he said in a quiet voice. They stared at each other again for a moment, and
then Jeongguk cracked. He cracked easily, after only ten seconds.

“It’s not that exciting,” he said, elbows on the picnic table as he spoke. “I just… I had typical
parents. Alpha father, omega mother. They weren’t mated, and neither of them wanted a pup, but
here I am.” He gave Jimin a small, wry smile. “So they didn’t really have a choice but to raise me.
It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. I, uh… I still remember them.”

“Do you?”

“Yeah. We lived on the quieter edge of Gananhan away from the main road. We had this little one-
room house,” Jeongguk said, and he gestured to a tent. “Probably the size of that tent. Made of
wooden logs with a roof that leaked when it rained too hard. There, uh… there was a tiny little
stove, and we had this basin where we could bring in water from the well to wash dishes and stuff.
There was a bathtub in the far corner. Out back, I remember that we had an outhouse for the toilet.
I always thought that was funny. And, um, in the other corner, we had a mattress. No bed, just a
mattress for the three of us. My parents slept at one end, and I usually slept at the foot of the bed.
But when I started to grow, I just rolled with my blankets and slept on the floor.”

“That must’ve been uncomfortable,” Jimin said softly, and Jeongguk shrugged.

“Not really. It was just my home. I didn’t know any different. I wasn’t there often, anyways. I was
always out rolling around in the mud or in the woods. When I started school, I used to stay in town
until it got dark. I was really overactive.”

“I can picture it,” Jimin said with a small smile.

“And I think it really got to my parents. They did the best they could, you know? They clothed me
and fed me and kept me alive,” Jeongguk said, resting his head against his fist as he continued.
“But, you know… I mean, they never wanted a pup. That was just the cold, hard truth.”

“So then how…?”

“It was actually around this time,” Jeongguk recalled. “Mid-June, right before school let out for
break. I was eight. I went to school for the day, and when I came home, my house was gone.”

“Gone?” Jimin repeated, stunned. Jeongguk nodded.

“Yeah. It was just a pile of burnt wood and soot and ash. Smelled like smoke. Everything that we
had in that little house was burned. The mattress, blankets, all my clothes. Totally destroyed. And
my parents were gone. They burned the house down and vanished. And I—you know. I mean, I
was eight, so I tried to find them. I searched the woods and went back to town, asking if anyone
had seen them. I thought something bad had happened to them. But by sunset, I kind of just… yeah.
I realized that they weren’t coming back. So I found a back alleyway off the main road where a
few other homeless people slept, and I slept there that night.”

“Jeongguk, that’s…”

“I don’t want your pity,” Jeongguk said immediately when he heard the sadness in Jimin’s voice,
and he stared Jimin down to see if he would crack. “I don’t want your pity or your sympathy, and I
don’t need you to coddle me or feel sorry for me. Got it?”

“Yeah, got it,” Jimin agreed, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat as he nodded, refusing to
crack and instead changing his posture to show that he understood. It was immediately obvious to
Jeongguk, and he could feel his wolf basking in the glory of being respected. “I’m sorry. It’s
something that… I don’t know. It’s instinct. Continue.”

“Okay. So, the next day, I just went to school like usual,” Jeongguk continued. “And after school, I
went to the river and stripped down and tried to wash my clothes as best as I could, because that
was all I had. Tried to wash myself, too. And I did that for a long time.”

“How long?”

“About three weeks,” Jeongguk replied, and he saw Jimin’s jaw clench. “I depended on school to
feed me. I usually went without dinner. If I was hungry, I’d hang around little restaurants or cafés
and grab the food scraps out of people’s hands before they went into the trash. And I just kind of
live in this alleyway for a few months.”

“A few months?” Jimin emphasized for clarification, and then he blew out a breath. “Sorry. Keep
going.”

“So,” Jeongguk said with a bit of laughter in his voice, amused by Jimin’s heated reaction, “I did
that for a few months, and the school even replaced my uniform for free because I got scolded for
being filthy. A classmate cut my hair with scissors in art class. And then, after about five months,
this other kid found me in the alleyway. He was twelve at the time, and he was like, ‘hey, come
with me and I’ll get you some more clothes and food.’ And he showed me how to become a thief.
How to steal to survive. He took me in, built a little hut for us and everything. Sheltered us. He was
an orphan, too, but his parents both died when he was ten.”

“That was really nice of him to show you the ropes and give you a place to live,” Jimin
commented, and Jeongguk smiled.

“Yeah. I still live with him now. He’s my best friend, practically my brother. He’s always looked
out for me. He’s my family. My pack. His name is Yoongi. He’s an alpha, and he’s also a
blacksmith and a woodsmith. Builds houses and stuff for the homeless in Gananhan. And his mate
is an alpha.”

“No way,” Jimin breathed, and Jeongguk nodded. “And you live with them?”

“I do, yeah.”

“Are you happy there?”

Startled, Jeongguk lost his words, all of them vanishing from the tip of his tongue as he looked at
Jimin. Jimin was surveying him with curious eyes beneath the bucket hat, his mask pulled back up
to his nose. Jeongguk glanced down to where one of Jimin’s hands was resting in his lap. Heart
racing, Jeongguk crawled his fingers forward and nudged Jimin’s hand, and then he hooked their
pinky fingers together.

“Yeah. I’m happy there,” he whispered, his heart swelling, his wolf eagerly nudging him forward.
But then Jimin glanced down at their joined pinkies, and suddenly, he sharply inhaled and grabbed
Jeongguk’s shirt sleeve. Immediately, Jeongguk yanked his arm away, because his shirt had ridden
up just enough for Jimin to catch a glimpse of the edges of his tattoos.

“You have tattoos,” Jimin breathed in amazement as he pulled his mask back down, but Jeongguk
just pulled his hands into his shirt sleeves and rested his elbows on the table.

“I wear long sleeves for a reason,” Jeongguk replied tensely.

“You won’t show me them?” Jimin asked.

“No.”

“Mm. Maybe not yet.” Jimin also leaned his left elbow on the table, still straddling the bench while
facing Jeongguk as he tugged on his bottom lip between his thumb and pointer finger, amused.
“Just means I’ll have to figure out a way to get you shirtless.”

Jeongguk loudly cleared his throat and busied himself with tidying up their empty food containers
as Jimin stifled a laugh. Once Jeongguk’s poor heart had calmed down after entertaining the
prospect of Jimin’s hands all over his bare chest, he shifted to face Jimin again.

“What do you mean?” he said. “You said feeling pity for me was instinct.”

“I mean, I feel like you could figure it out,” Jimin said, his tone shifting to something a bit more
bitter. “I was taught to pity the poor and those who don’t have what we have in the north. My
father always said that if they’re not a pureblood or have low status, then their only use is as our
servants. He’s held that philosophy since I was born. We’re taught to feel sorry for anyone living in
the south, but to stay as far away from them as possible. We’re meant to treat anyone without status
like they’re some kind of plague.”

“And you?” Jeongguk’s voice was nothing more than a whisper. “What do you think?”
“I can’t speak for myself as a pup, because I don’t know how much I was influenced or
brainwashed. But now that I’m older? I think my father is a classist, narcissistic, sexist, piece of
shit,” Jimin said point-blank, and Jeongguk swore he could hear his wolf howling from inside the
cavern of his chest. “He thinks that you have to have a list of qualities to be respected. I think that
being alive is enough to be respected. But what the fuck do I know? I’m just a useless omega who
needs to be married off to an alpha so that I’m not worthless.”

“You’re not useless or worthless,” Jeongguk said softly. “You’re just not the docile omega your
father wants you to be, and that’s okay. You’re better off.”

“You know, this is the most you’ve talked to me since we met,” Jimin said, kicking Jeongguk’s
foot with his own as he pulled his mask up over his nose again. “You still talk to me like you have
a stick up your ass, but I’ll overlook that.”

“Wow,” Jeongguk said flatly, and Jimin snickered, swinging his other leg over the bench and
facing backwards.

“Will you come with me to play some games?” he asked in a hopeful voice.

“Sure.”

“Will you win prizes for me?”

“Absolutely not.”

“We’ll work on that,” Jimin sighed, and then he hopped off the bench and swept up their trash to
dispose of it before Jeongguk even had the chance. Jeongguk beckoned to Jimin to follow, and
through the throngs of people, Jimin trailed behind Jeongguk carefully, holding the back of
Jeongguk’s shirt so that they didn’t get separated. Jeongguk glanced around, trying to find a good
little game for them to play that perhaps offered prizes, because he was hopeless and wanted to win
something for Jimin—

“Yah, look who it is! Jeongguk-ah!”

Jeongguk stuttered to a halt, panicked, and he whipped his head to the right in disbelief, his heart
plummeting. Sitting at a separate little picnic table, and wearing a massive pink hooded sweatshirt
with the hood up, was Seokjin. He had a white mask pulled down to his chin, but he was
unmistakable. Seokjin had his legs across someone else’s lap, but he pulled them off to stand up
and beckon to Jeongguk.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Jeongguk murmured to himself, glancing over his shoulder. Jimin was too
distracted by the lanterns overhead, about two steps behind Jeongguk still. Frantic, Jeongguk kept
Jimin in his peripheral vision and rushed over to Seokjin.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Seokjin asked with a grin. “Thought you’d stick around for a little
bit of festival fun? I don’t blame you. The food’s great.”

“That’s not why I’m here,” Jeongguk hissed, and right on cue—

“JK? Hey, where—oh.”

“Jesus fucking Christ.” The man who had had Seokjin’s legs across his lap stood up with a sigh as
Seokjin raised his eyebrows in genuine surprise, taking a step back. Jimin walked up to Jeongguk
and linked their elbows together, and then he froze.
“Wait, wait, wait, wait,” Seokjin laughed, waving both hands in front of him like he couldn’t
believe what he was seeing. “Hold on, wait. Let me try to figure out what’s going on here.”

“You? No, I need to—what the hell is going on?” Jeongguk asked, suddenly gobsmacked. Because
the man who had stood up pulled his hood and mask down, and it was Kim Namjoon, prince of
Dayangsong, third in line to the throne, Jimin’s cousin. Without his glasses, he wasn’t as
recognizable, but Jeongguk knew too well, and so did Jimin.

“Is it date night?” Jimin asked Namjoon directly, and Namjoon raised his eyebrows.

“Jimin-ssi! Same question,” he said like a game show host, and Jimin snickered, still holding onto
Jeongguk’s arm. “Are you out of your mind? What do you think you’re doing?”

“How’d you even know it was me?” Jimin challenged.

“We used to shit in the bathtub together when we were babies, you fool, how do you think I knew
it was you?” Namjoon said, and then he blew out a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as Jimin
stifled a laugh. “Why would you sneak out now, of all times?”

“Because it’s festival night,” Jimin replied as if it was obvious. “You might as well introduce
yourself and explain. Jeongguk is confused. Don’t bow,” he added in Jeongguk’s direction, and
Jeongguk fought back the urge as Namjoon glanced over at him.

“Kim Namjoon,” he said, extending a hand. Jeongguk hesitated, but then he gently shook
Namjoon’s hand as Namjoon responded with a firm grip. His sage scent was quite strong but
comforting, definitively alpha. “And you’re Jeongguk, who I’ve heard about from two different
people. Nice to meet you.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, too,” Jeongguk said faintly, and then he looked over at Seokjin, who
was chewing his bottom lips with a bit of a grin on his handsome face. “So… you’re just…”

“You see nothing,” Seokjin replied immediately, and Jeongguk nodded. “You weren’t here, and
you never saw us. And maybe we never saw you.”

“They’ve been together for four years,” Jimin supplied, and Namjoon gave him a look, but now it
all made sense to Jeongguk. Seokjin had been out of work for days and had returned with bruises
on his neck, and he hadn’t been in heat. It must have been Namjoon’s rut. “They haven’t mated or
married yet because heaven only knows what my father would have to say about that. He expects
Namjoon to marry up.”

“I’m very much not the definition of marrying up,” Seokjin threw in, sounding amused. “Look, we
met in the library four years ago, he started courting me in secret a day later, and that was that. So
we just enjoy a relationship no one knows about, and we do things like go to festivals together.
Now, enough about us, because I have several questions.”

“Of course you do,” Jimin complained, and Jeongguk couldn’t help but soften slightly. Jimin was
speaking like a cranky pup in front of Namjoon and Seokjin, which only told Jeongguk that he was
comfortable with them both and was happy to be younger in the moment, happy to pretend that he
wasn’t first in line to the throne. It was endearing to Jeongguk.

“First of all, what are you doing here?” Seokjin said, directing his first question to Jeongguk.

“His Highness asked me to take him to the full moon festival, so here I am,” Jeongguk replied for
only the four of them to hear, even though he could see Jimin frowning out of the corner of his eye
at the title.
“You aided in sneaking the crown prince out of the palace, and you’re completely okay with that?”
Namjoon asked, his tone of voice light. Jeongguk pursed his lips momentarily.

“I was asked to do something as part of my job, so I did it,” he said with care, but Jimin glanced up
at him.

“But didn’t you want to come here with me?” he asked in a small voice, and Jeongguk physically
felt himself go pliant when Jimin’s posture suggested nothing but sadness and rejection.

“Of course I wanted to come here with you,” he whispered sweetly, even though Namjoon and
Seokjin could hear him. “But look who we’re talking to. You think I want to lose my job?”

“If you lose your job, it won’t be because of us,” Namjoon intervened, Seokjin standing by his side
with a shit-eating grin on his face. “We won’t tell a soul. But that doesn’t mean you two aren’t both
idiots for coming out in public like this together.”

“It’s not as dangerous for us,” Seokjin added. “But you being here with him, Jeongguk? Basically
illegal.”

“I’m well-aware of the risks,” Jeongguk evenly replied, even though his heart was pounding. “But
like I said—he asked me to take him and keep him safe. I’m his caretaker. It’s my job.”

“So let’s just agree that we never saw each other here,” Jimin declared, and Seokjin snickered,
nodding. “And Jeongguk will also agree to pretend that he knows nothing about your relationship.
Right, Jeongguk?”

“What relationship?” Jeongguk asked without missing a beat.

“Good man. Hyung, will you tell Jimin what the best games here are?” Namjoon asked, squeezing
Seokjin’s hand. It was only when Jeongguk felt like he was being hugged by warm caramel that he
realized that Seokjin wasn’t blocking his scent at all.

“Oh, yeah. Jimin, there’s this one—yeah, that tent. So what you do is you have to…”

Seokjin’s voice trailed off, though, because Namjoon put a hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder and
turned him away from the two omegas, and Jeongguk’s heart damn near leapt out of his body
through his mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re doing,” Namjoon quietly said. “But whatever it is, you better be in it
one hundred percent. I’m being vague. I know you’ll understand.”

“I’m only his caretaker,” Jeongguk replied.

“No, you’re not,” Namjoon replied plainly. “Not to him. And not to you. Don’t fuck with him,
Jeongguk. He’s running out of time. And I respect you, because he’s smiling for the first time in
years. But Jimin comes first in my life. Always. So like I said—one hundred percent or nothing. Do
you understand?”

“I understand,” Jeongguk whispered, a chill flitting down his spine. He saw a hint of a smile on
Namjoon’s face (the man had dimples, for Christ’s sake), and then Namjoon squeezed his shoulder
and reached for Jimin, taking his hand and pulling.

“Yah, just go play the games,” he laughed. “You two go. None of us were here.”

“Never saw you,” Jimin said with a grin, and then he boldly reached for Jeongguk’s hand again.
“Jeongguk-ssi, I want to go play the game Seokjin told me about.”

“Deal. Come on,” Jeongguk said. With small bows of their heads, Seokjin and Namjoon went the
opposite direction of Jimin and Jeongguk, their backs turned to each other, Namjoon pulling his
hood back up as he took Seokjin’s hand. Once they were out of earshot, Jimin eagerly looked at
Jeongguk.

“What was that all about?” he asked, eyes narrowed.

“Do you want me to lie to you, or tell you the truth?” Jeongguk asked, and Jimin rolled his eyes.
Jeongguk couldn’t bear to speak on what Namjoon had said, so he declared, “He was telling me
how to win that damn game so you can have a prize.”

“No way,” Jimin laughed, and Jeongguk sighed dramatically.

“Yeah, so let’s go, before I change my mind.”

Hand-in-hand (was Jeongguk still breathing?), Jeongguk guided Jimin to the dart-tossing game,
where he had to pop white balloons that mimicked the full moon with an inky night sky backdrop.
With a sharp eye, Jeongguk popped all twelve balloons in a row without missing a single one, and
when the girl offered his choice of a prize, Jeongguk gestured so that Jimin could choose, feeling
quite proud of himself. Elated, Jimin chose the small little wolf plushie, which was hardly the
grandest prize.

“Why did you pick that?” Jeongguk wondered as they walked away.

“It’s small and inconspicuous. I could’ve picked the giant octopus, but imagine explaining that to
the guards if they caught me sneaking back into my room,” Jimin sighed, and Jeongguk snickered.

“Okay, fair point. Hey, look. They have a place to do some painting. Want to paint?”

So together, they stood at the little easels that were set up and began to follow instructions on how
to paint the full moon like the artist was painting it. Not wanting to get saddled with a canvas,
Jimin and Jeongguk ducked away before the painting was complete, finding another game they
could play, bouncing from booth to booth, tent to tent, weaving through the crowds unnoticed.

“Jeongguk-ssi? It’s almost midnight,” Jimin noted, brow furrowed. “I should get back to the
palace. You have to go home and sleep.”

“I’ll be back here to wake you up at sunrise, anyways,” Jeongguk said, already dreading the lack of
sleep he was going to get.

“I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kept us out this late. I was having too much fun,” Jimin
admitted guiltily. “Let’s go back.”

Jimin led the way, cutting through the tents and slipping out onto the sides, away from the crowds.
Still holding his wolf plushie, he linked his elbow with Jeongguk’s, and they began to stroll
together, Jimin holding up the plushie and pretending to make it howl at the moon as Jeongguk
laughed and fought the urge to sweep up the omega and hide him away from the world for just a
moment. Jimin in the palace and Jimin outside of the palace were two different people. He had
such a carefree aura about him when he wasn’t being suffocated, and all Jeongguk could think was
what Jimin would be like back in Gananhan, running around in the woods along the stream, free of
his invisible restraints.

“Oh no,” Jimin suddenly said, and Jeongguk was about to ask what was wrong, but then he felt a
fat raindrop on his hand. He glanced up at the sky as another raindrop fell onto his left cheek, and
he closed his eyes and breathed in slowly. Rain and storms were comforting for Jeongguk. His
scent was more than just his scent—standing in the rain made him feel complete, made him
connect with his wolf in a way he couldn’t normally.

“It’s okay. Let’s hurry,” Jeongguk suggested, but Jimin let out a small laugh of delight.

“No, it’s fine,” he said as the drizzle of rain became a bit steadier. “I don’t mind the rain.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jimin kept his grip on Jeongguk’s elbow. “Do you know how, like… when it rains? That
smell?”

“What smell?” Jeongguk asked faintly. He was sure he was hearing incorrectly.

“The smell of rainwater. Right after it rains, or even while it’s raining. Can you smell it? It just has
this—I don’t know. It smells good. Fresh. It just smells like nature.”

“You like that smell?” Jeongguk asked, feeling detached from his body for a moment. He likes our
scent. He wants us.

“Yeah. It’s one of my favorite smells. That and fresh laundry,” Jimin said, entirely unaware of
what was happening inside Jeongguk’s mind. His wolf was positively feral, clawing its way to the
surface and attempting to break past the scent blockers, failing graciously. Jeongguk’s heart was
working overtime, and without hesitation, he adjusted his grip and took Jimin’s hand instead,
lacing their fingers together as the rain continued to fall.

“It’s comforting,” he whispered.

“Yeah, exactly,” Jimin agreed, and then they slowed down just shy of the postboxes. Jeongguk
stopped at the darkest corner, and his entire body tensed.

Kiss him. Put him up against this postbox and kiss him until he’s out of breath, until he calls you
his alpha. Touch him so that he knows how you feel. He’s ours.

“I hope you had fun,” Jeongguk choked out instead, and Jimin turned to face him, beaming as he
pulled his mask down.

“That was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time,” he said happily. “You didn’t have to
bring me. You risked a lot to meet me here.”

“Well, you asked—” Jeongguk let out a little grunt, cut off when Jimin threw his arms around
Jeongguk’s neck and buried his face in the crook of Jeongguk’s shoulder, breathing deeply. And
this time, Jeongguk gave in. He wrapped both of his arms around Jimin’s waist and pressed Jimin
close to his chest until he could feel Jimin’s heartbeat against his.

“I wish I knew your scent,” Jimin whispered, his lips against Jeongguk’s skin, and Jeongguk
swallowed down a whimper. “But thank you. Thank you so much. I wish you understood how
much this meant to me.”

“I promised you I would,” Jeongguk whispered back, and then he stiffened in a panic, because
Jimin’s scent suddenly wrapped around him tightly, vanilla peppermint everywhere. His scent
blocking tea was wearing off fast, and now he was in Jeongguk’s arms, leaving his scent all over
Jeongguk without knowing what he was doing. Jeongguk used all of the willpower in his body to
 keep from turning his head into Jimin’s neck and pressing his lips to Jimin’s scent gland, finally
giving in to his wolf’s desires. Luckily, Jimin pulled away.

“I made the right choice when I said I wanted you as my caretaker,” he said, his eyes soft. “My
father scolded me for hours, but I refused to change my mind. I’m glad I was stubborn enough.”

“You know it’s an honor,” Jeongguk muttered as Jimin released him. “Just—Just get back safely,
okay? Don’t get caught. Please don’t. Please be careful.”

“I will. Get home safely, Jeongguk-ssi,” Jimin said, and then he hid his wolf plushie by tucking it
under one arm, turning to walk away into the darkness. Jeongguk watched him for a moment.

“Jimin-ssi?”

Jimin pivoted quickly, still close enough for Jeongguk to pick up on the delighted spike in his
scent upon hearing his name.

“Goodnight,” Jeongguk said.

“Goodnight, Jeongguk,” Jimin said, and then his smile was fleetingly brighter than the full moon
before he disappeared into the darkness.

Chapter End Notes

IT'S HAPPENING.

The next few chapters......... *intense heavy breathing* OK SEE YA NEXT

WEEK!!!!!

TWITTER
 five
Chapter Notes

........it feels like it's been 84 years since last weekend, why is that, is it because we
didn't have Sowoozoo or am I just losing my mind? Tune in to find out!

Thank you all sosososo much for the comments on ch3 and ch4 ahhhhh I cherish each
one of them, like I legit wake up in the morning and read new comments like the
morning paper and it starts my day off in the best way. I feel like a broken record and I
know y'all tell me to stop apologizing, but I AM ONCE AGAIN going to apologize
for not answering to each comment I get :( I wish I could, but it's about 300+ per
weekly update and I get overwhelmed, but I'M READING THEM AND SMILING
LIKE A FOOL THANK YOU VERY MUCHSLDFJLKDFDKLF

This chapter is 11.6k but so much happens dear God it literally just steamrolls right
through, you will blink and you'll be at my ending notes LSDFJSKDLF

This chapter contains what I believe to be one of my best and also my favorite dialogue
scene I think I have ever written. It's a conversation between Jimin and Namjoon, and
I still remember writing it in, like, 30 minutes because it just exploded out of me.

OK THAT'S ALL, HAVE FUN!!!!

I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

i never felt so alive as i feel right now, slow it down

 i wanna stay here, i want to remember

oh yeah, i’m still a kid on a bike in a dirty town

but now all i see is color… here i go again, i’ll let it happen, then.

-“colour” by jasmine thompson

~~~

“Shit, you’re going to be early.”

“Hmm?”

It was Sunday morning, and it had been two weeks since Jeongguk had helped Jimin escape from
the palace for the festival. They hadn’t been discovered, but when Jeongguk had gone into the
library the next day to eat lunch, Seokjin had just sat down across from him and had batted his
eyelashes dramatically for a solid thirty seconds before striking a conversation about something
completely different while Jeongguk shoved noodles into his mouth. Jeongguk woke up in the
middle of the night four times in those two weeks thinking about Namjoon’s words. And now
Jimin’s scent was sweeter than ever when Jeongguk was around, and Jeongguk was losing his
mind.

“Early,” Yoongi repeated, pressing his nose to Jeongguk’s hair as Jeongguk sat at the table eating
some porridge. “Your rut. It’s coming early. I can smell it on you. You’re in pre-rut already.”

“You’re fucking joking,” Jeongguk croaked, because he had just woken up twenty minutes ago,
barely able to comprehend being alive.

“Tae? Darling, come here,” Yoongi requested. Taehyung, in the middle of hemming a pair of
pants, dropped his work and shuffled over. When Yoongi gestured, Taehyung bent and turned his
nose towards Jeongguk’s neck.

“Yeah, you need to call out of work,” Taehyung said with a chuckle, and Jeongguk groaned. His
rut wasn’t supposed to be until around the full moon near the end of the month, so why was it
coming a week early? “As in, you shouldn’t go to the palace tomorrow at all. Can you get in touch
with them somehow?”

“Fuck, I don’t know. You don’t think I can make it a day?” Jeongguk weakly asked, his head
propped in his hand, elbow pressed to the wooden table.

“Jeongguk, you might not make it into the night,” Yoongi warned. “Not the way that you smell
right now. I’d be surprised if you were coherent tomorrow morning.”

“This is bullshit,” Jeongguk complained, scooping up some more porridge. “I usually get two or
three days for my pre-rut, and you’re telling me it’s just gone?”

“You’ve been suppressing your scent for almost three months, you idiot,” Taehyung said,
flopping back onto the couch. His black, wild hair was a mess, and he was only wearing a massive
t-shirt and black boxer briefs, but he was still handsome. Yoongi, in his black track pants and
oversized grey shirt, just lifted a hand and ruffled Jeongguk’s hair.

“You pay the price for that kind of thing,” he replied, and Jeongguk frowned. “We’ll get you set
up. Just get in touch with the palace.”
Jeongguk had a point of contact at the palace, and it pained him greatly to have to get on the phone
and tell the man (who was a virtual stranger to him) that he was in pre-rut and was going to be out
until next Monday. The man, who was a guard at the palace, seemed utterly irritated by the fact
that he was going to have to find someone to be Jimin’s caretaker for the week, and Jeongguk
immediately suggested Taehyun or Chaeyoung. The guard agreed grudgingly, and then he hung up
on Jeongguk, telling him (reluctantly) that he could submit his time off as paid leave.

A bit dazed, Jeongguk walked out back and sat down in the grass on the slope behind their little
cottage that led down into the woods near the creek. He fell onto his back, knees bent, and closed
his eyes, letting the August sun beat down on him as he stretched his arms out, his heavy rainwater
scent floating around him with a slight twist of bitterness—a telltale sign that he was going into rut.
When his scent strengthened in rut, he tended to smell earthier. But as he lay in the grass with his
eyes closed, able to physically feel his wolf’s presence wrapped around his heart, he realized that
he was scared.

When Jeongguk’s first rut had hit as a teenager, he had cried through three days of his pre-rut,
terrified of what would happen. Yoongi, being the saint that he was, had talked Jeongguk through it
the entire time. Jeongguk hadn’t expected the overwhelming and insatiable arousal at age
seventeen, hadn’t anticipated the unscratchable itch or the agonizing pain of having nowhere to
find relief, no omega or even a beta to knot, no comforting scent to dive into. And Yoongi had
been right there in the bedroom with him, completely disregarding Jeongguk sweating and
moaning and growling and naked most of the time. He had just calmly offered up solutions to get
Jeongguk through it. Since then, Jeongguk typically went through his rut alone, save for the year
and a half he’d had a boyfriend.

But this time was different. He had been dreading this rut for weeks, and it was all because of
Jimin. Park Jimin had taken over his life, seeped into his veins, grabbed Jeongguk’s wolf by the
neck and refused to let go. Though he wanted nothing more than to pretend that Jimin didn’t exist
when his rut hit, Jeongguk knew it was going to be impossible. When he lost himself in it, when he
sank deep into his rut and drowned in his primal state, he knew that his wolf would want only one
person. He could deny it, but Jeongguk wasn’t stupid. He knew that his entire mind was going to
be flooded, inundated with Jimin for the next few days, and nothing was going to change that.

Before lunch, Jeongguk stripped down and went for a little swim in the freshwater stream, floating
on his back as he began to feel like his skin was crawling—another sign. Irritated and feeling a bit
too emotionally vulnerable (Jeongguk was the type to cry and get anxious in his pre-rut, curl in on
himself in confusion), he walked back up to the house.

“You good?” Yoongi asked, sharpening a blade in the empty space near the kitchen.

“I’m okay,” Jeongguk murmured.

“Come here.”

Frowning, Jeongguk walked over to Yoongi with his jaw clenched, hating the way he was taking
such a rapid turn. It was usually gradual, his descent into a more alpha-like state of mind, but this
time, it was happening in extremes, and he knew why.

“Your room is set up,” Yoongi quietly said, and Jeongguk nodded. That meant extra pillows, all
breakable objects removed, plenty of lube and a few toys, and a stack of water bottles in the corner.
“And Tae and I are both here, okay? I don’t think this one will be easy.”

“I’ll get through it,” Jeongguk replied. Yoongi seemed skeptical, mostly because even Jeongguk
didn’t believe his own words. Yoongi shifted his footing and took Jeongguk’s chin in one hand,
surveying his friend. Irritable but desperate for something, Jeongguk tilted his head and bared his
neck, something he did for Yoongi and Yoongi only. Not even Taehyung could get him to do it.
Yoongi stepped forward and quietly scented Jeongguk, rubbing his back pacifyingly.

“Get up there,” Yoongi said, and Jeongguk nodded. He then turned and reached up to the ceiling,
pulled the string, and let the small step ladder unravel. He climbed up, glanced over his shoulder
once, and then locked himself in his room, knowing that the worst was yet to come, wondering
how Jimin was going to react in the morning when he didn’t show.

***

The black car pulled up to Gachi House, and the passenger door opened.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” a guard said as he held open the door. Jimin swung his legs out and
stood up, bowing his head to the guard and shoving his phone into his pocket. “Do you require an
escort?”

“Do I ever?” Jimin asked rhetorically with a small smile, and then he slipped his hands into his
pockets as well and strolled up the scenic front walk that led to Gachi House, where Namjoon
resided with his mothers. Jimin had the entire place memorized, and today, that was convenient for
his scattered mind. It was Wednesday, but the days were running together at an alarming speed,
and he had a strange hollowness in the pit of his stomach.

mood: “up with the birds” by coldplay

Monday morning had been the start of it. Chaeyoung had woken him up bright and early, saying
that she was going to be looking after him for the week because Jeongguk was out. Jimin had
already profusely apologized, because poor Chaeyoung had then received the brunt of Jimin’s
surprised panic. He had shouted in a frenzy, shoving the glass of water off the nightstand and
demanding to know where Jeongguk was, ripping his blankets off and accusing Chaeyoung of
firing him before he realized that the answer was far more obvious. It was Taehyun who had
calmly said that Jeongguk’s rut had hit, so he would be away.

Jimin had then refused to go to his Japanese lesson that morning. Instead, he had asked to be alone,
and he had locked himself in the bathroom and taken a long bath. There, he had soothed his wolf
for almost thirty minutes, quietly crying and using his vanilla body wash to bring him some sense
of calm.

He didn’t abandon you. He hasn’t left you. He’ll just be away for a week. He’ll come back. He still
wants you. He still likes you.

Over and over again, Jimin had repeated the same things in his head to keep his wolf from falling
into a deep despair, and that was when he had realized that he was spiraling. He had attached
himself to someone he couldn’t have but desperately wanted, had wanted from the get-go. Now he
was tantalizingly close to tipping over the edge and plummeting into a blissful abyss, and Jimin
was strangely calm.
Jimin had been confronted with hundreds of suitors and potential mates over the years in a steady
stream against his will. And over those years, he had quietly yearned to find an alpha or beta with
whom he could connect, someone who made him feel. He had always figured that he wouldn’t
mate for love, but he at least wanted to find someone relatable, someone he liked, someone his
wolf liked. It had seemed like an impossible task until he had caught Jeon Jeongguk cleaning his
bedroom.

“Right this way, Your Highness,” a guard said as Jimin passed by, and he gestured. Jimin bowed
his head in thanks, knowing full well that he was going to find Namjoon in the greenhouse. And
now Jimin knew a little more about plants, the plants his cousin was so crazy about, and all
because Jeongguk had taught him.

Jeongguk had no scent to him, and it drove Jimin to a point of madness. But even without his scent,
Jimin knew. Besides being stunningly beautiful, Jeongguk’s heart was his finest feature. He was
rough around the edges and nearly impossible to crack, but little by little, Jimin was starting to peel
back the layers. Jeongguk was unassuming, unpretentious, unfailingly good, and undeniably one of
the most decent alphas Jimin had ever known. To Jimin, Jeongguk was the kind of person who
never wanted for much and cherished what he had. He was the opposite of anyone and everyone
Jimin had ever met, or anyone his father had offered to him like some kind of consolation prize.

But it was seeing him first thing in the morning that made Jimin feel like he could get through the
day now. Jeongguk, with his round eyes that seemed to shimmer with life lived and curiosity.
Jeongguk, who tried so hard to tie back his hair and tame it and usually failed, so it fell into his
eyes. Jeongguk, whose hands were rough with calluses when he touched Jimin so gently.

Jeongguk, who was a forbidden fruit Jimin couldn’t have.

“You’re late.”

“By two minutes, lay off,” Jimin said as he walked into the greenhouse. There was Namjoon,
wearing a yellow sweatsuit with his glasses on, slouched in a chair with his phone in one hand. On
the little table in front of him was a chessboard, and Jimin sat down after scraping the chair,
sighing.

“Why are you sad?” Namjoon asked as he tucked his phone away and cracked his knuckles. Jimin
pursed his lips and used a pointer finger to wiggle his bishop on the chessboard. Namjoon loved to
use Jimin’s scent like he was a psychic, always pursuing answers to Jimin’s problems. Jimin
thought he had controlled himself, but Namjoon was relentless.

“Are we going to play or not?” Jimin asked. Namjoon, who was playing with the white pieces,
made his first move, and then he reached for his cup of tea over on the little side table. There was a
cup of peppermint tea for Jimin, still steaming.

“Answer my question,” Namjoon requested as Jimin moved one of his black pawns. He and
Namjoon had learned how to play chess together through joint lessons at the palace when they
were kids. Namjoon liked to overthink everything, and Jimin had always used that to his advantage
to win. Now that they were adults, they used chess as a means for conversation while
simultaneously stimulating their logical brains.

“I’m not sad,” Jimin lied, but then he and Namjoon both chuckled weakly. “Okay, I’m sad. But I
don’t know if I want to touch this topic with a ten-foot pole.”

“Well, if that’s the case—” Namjoon scooted his rook to a new square— “then it must be about
Jeongguk.”
“This is the third day that he’s been gone,” Jimin complained. “I didn’t even get a warning. He just
wasn’t there on Monday.”

“Did he get fired?” Namjoon wondered, and Jimin shook his head.

“No. His rut started, I guess,” Jimin murmured, pursing his lips, and Namjoon made a little noise
of understanding. “Whatever. I don’t like change.”

“Says the man who gets palace staff fired as soon as he sniffs out their ulterior motive,” Namjoon
commented flippantly, moving his bishop on the diagonal. Jimin scanned the board, and then he
grabbed one of Namjoon’s pawns.

“Well, what do you want me to say?” he asked, cranky.

“I want you to admit it out loud,” Namjoon replied, sipping his tea again. “That you’re into him.
Or, at least, your wolf is into him. All those alphas and betas at your feet for years, and this is the
one.”

Jimin grabbed his teacup and held it up to his lips. “I’ll admit to nothing.”

“I’ll give you ten seconds.”

Jimin set his teacup down firmly after taking a sip, and then he crossed his arms and stared. There
was a moment of silence, and then he grudgingly used his pointer finger to nudge another pawn
forward. “I don’t even know what his scent is.”

“I don’t think that matters,” Namjoon laughed, finally moving his knight. “You like him. You lie
awake at night and think about how he’s the one. Now admit it out loud.”

“Fine.” Jimin uncrossed his legs and pitched forward, elbows on the table. “I’ve been flirting with
him and trying to get him to make a move on me for weeks, and he’s impossible. He’s just barely
started to loosen up, and now he’s gone.”

“Don’t be so dramatic. He’ll be back by next week,” Namjoon pointed out.

“You don’t know that. What if he finishes his rut and just reconsiders?” Jimin said, because it was
all he had been thinking about for days now.

“He won’t.” Namjoon twisted his lips as he considered his next move, and then he went for
another risky move with his bishop. “I saw you two together at the festival. What’d he say that I
told him when I pulled him aside?”

“That you told him how to win the game we played. Did he lie?” Jimin asked, feeling fond rather
than angry.

“He said he was only your caretaker, and I told him he was lying. He didn’t argue with me. So I
told him not to fuck around with you unless he was serious, and he said he understood,” Namjoon
relayed.

“You’re so embarrassing,” Jimin sighed, moving his knight and grabbing one of Namjoon’s pawns,
hoping his strategy was working.

“Are you mad?”

“No.”
“I saw the look in his eyes when he was with you,” Namjoon replied. “And the way you looked at
him. Not to be cliché, but it’s pretty obvious. Which leads me to my next talking point.”

“Should’ve made a PowerPoint,” Jimin said, irritated but smiling.

“What I’m—oh, fuck you,” Namjoon sighed as Jimin said, “check.” He dragged his sigh at the
back of his throat, and then he said, “My next point is that you’re going to get him killed if you’re
reckless.”

“I’m not reckless.”

“What you’re thinking is reckless,” Namjoon said, bridging his fingertips. “You want to get him to
crack. To give in to you. And when he does, Jimin, then what? You’re two months away from a
forced mating and marriage. Do you think that fooling around with Jeongguk will get you out of it?
Are you just using him as a distraction, or are you serious?”

“First of all, I wouldn’t be just fooling around with him,” Jimin said calmly, watching Namjoon
survey the chessboard. “Do I want him to fuck me? Yes. Am I just in it for that? No.”

“Though nobody asked, thank you anyways, Jimin,” Namjoon said as he moved his bishop. Jimin
snickered.

“Seriously, though,” he said. “And no, I’m not using him as a distraction. I know my time’s
limited, but even if I met him two years ago, I’d still want him all the same. I can’t explain it.
Remember when you met Seokjin and you said that he just took over your entire brain? That’s how
I feel right now. I… I just feel like I want to know everything about him. He told me a story about
his upbringing when we were at the festival. How he ended up an orphan. He finally opened up to
me, and I—I just want to know more. He’s… He’s good. I know he’s good.”

“Look, you know that I’m all about going with your gut,” Namjoon replied, grabbing his teacup.
“But as a fellow prince and your favorite cousin, I think—”

“You’re my only cousin.”

“As your favorite cousin,” Namjoon repeated as Jimin laughed, “I’d be a moron not to point out
the obvious. Jimin, he has nothing. He’s an orphan from Gananhan. Doesn’t have a family, doesn’t
have any status. He likely didn’t have much money to his name until he got the job at the palace.
And if your father knew what we were talking about right now, he would have Jeongguk dragged
right into his throne room on his knees to be executed. You’ve seen it happen before.”

“I don’t want to think about it,” Jimin whispered, his heart sinking.

“He risked his neck to bring you to that festival,” Namjoon said. “But he said he knew what he was
doing, so fuck, he must be in as deep as you are. But if you two… shit, if you two really decide to
go for it, then you better fucking be careful.”

“Don’t encourage me,” Jimin mumbled.

“I’ll encourage you if it means that you’ll finally be happy,” Namjoon said unapologetically. “I’m
not sorry about that. But you have to remember where you’re from, and where he’s from. This is
Gogwihan. No one in their right mind here would look at Jeongguk and think, ‘hey, this guy could
be my mate.’”

“But he could be mine,” Jimin whispered, and Namjoon sighed.

“Yeah. That’s what I was afraid of. So you have to be prepared to lose him,” Namjoon replied.
“Because if you two start something and your father finds you a mate and sets all kinds of dates,
that will be it. You’ll have to end it, and then you’ll have to deal with the pain of having Jeongguk
as your caretaker while you’re mated to someone else. You’ll have to deal with giving your wolf a
taste of what a proper mate would be before having to settle for something far worse.”

“I forgot how depressing it is to talk to you about life choices,” Jimin said, knowing that his scent
was probably suffocatingly sad.

“Look, maybe he’s in it. Maybe you two could find a way,” Namjoon offered, shrugging as he
managed to get himself out of check. “I’m not opposed to entertaining the thought of it actually
working in your favor. If anything, I’d be delighted.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’d finally be doing something that makes you happy, and you’d be making a choice
for yourself,” Namjoon replied. “But there are a lot of variables. Take it from someone who’s kept
his relationship a secret from your father for four years—sneaking around gets exhausting. If my
mothers didn’t know about Seokjin, I think I would have gone mad years ago.”

“It would be worth it,” Jimin whispered, glancing off into the distance as he thought of the
possibilities. “Even if I only get two months with him, it would be worth it. I want to know him
that badly. I… I think I could protect him from my father.”

“Your father resents the fact that he even exists,” Namjoon pointed out.

“But if I care about him, isn’t that enough?” Jimin asked weakly. “Do you think Jeongguk would…
do you think I’m enough for him?”

“You’re more than enough for him,” Namjoon said firmly with the scolding tone of an older
brother. “He would be lucky to have you. The problem is that he’s not supposed to have you. But
you’re absolutely enough.”

“I want him to make a move,” Jimin whispered. “Is that bad? Does that make me a monster? Am I
awful for wanting something like this, even if it might only be for two months?”

“No. You’re normal,” Namjoon said, and then he clicked his tongue in frustration as Jimin scooted
a piece in place to put his king in check. “But if he’s not in it one hundred percent with you, then
don’t you dare make a move.”

“I won’t.”

“Also, don’t make any more moves on this chessboard,” Namjoon complained, and Jimin grinned.

“Now what, huh?”

“Now I kick your ass.” Namjoon blew out a breath and sat back, staring at Jimin. “He’s really it for
you, huh?”

“I don’t know for sure. But I think he might be,” Jimin said, analyzing the chessboard. “I like
everything about him. He takes good care of me. I want to be able to take care of him in return. I’d
go anywhere with him, do anything he wanted to do. I’ve never been so willing to just go for it,
you know? But I’m exhausted from flirting with him nonstop.”

“Gee, that must be hard,” Namjoon sarcastically said, and Jimin snickered.
“Maybe, but it’s working.”

“If you do this, Jimin,” Namjoon started, and then he watched as Jimin picked up his bishop to
make his final move. “If you do this, there’s no going back. You can’t reverse it. You get into it
with Jeongguk and your life will never be the same. So you have to be willing to take that risk.”

Jimin reached over and drained the rest of his tea from the cup, and then he rolled the chess piece
in his palm contemplatively. There would be no going back. And even though there was so much
he still had to learn about Jeongguk, he was ready to take the leap. The risk was worth the reward.
So Jimin victoriously set his piece down onto the chessboard, savoring Namjoon’s sigh of defeat.

“Checkmate.”

***

Everything was red.

Not realistically, but Jeongguk was certain that when he blinked, he could see the red of his blood
for a fleeting moment. His entire body ached feverishly, his skin crawling at a relentless pace, body
drenched in sweat. And the arousal, the never-ending arousal that consumed him like a wildfire—
it was unbearable.

Two out of the six pillows were already in ruins. Jeongguk had ripped both of them to shreds just
rutting against them, the second one destroyed because he had been sobbing and tearing into it with
his teeth at the same time. The sheets were a mess of cum and sweat and a tiny bit of blood from
where Jeongguk had already scratched himself. But the one thing that remained unchanged and in
perfect condition was the black shirt he had worn the night he had taken Jimin to the festival.

It smelled like Jimin.

mood: “lovesick” by banks

Jeongguk hadn’t realized it until he had locked himself in his room to endure the beginning of his
rut. With an overly sensitive nose, he had been able to make out Jimin’s scent, and he had been
forced to get himself off twice while moaning in pain before crawling over to where his laundry
basket was and digging until he found it. The moment he had pressed that shirt to his face, his rut
had peaked. He had blacked out. Jeongguk couldn’t remember anything from Monday or Tuesday.
It was now Wednesday—day three. His rut was hardly relenting. In fact, it was getting worse.
Yoongi and Taehyung had been keeping their distance for two days so far, only leaving food when
Jeongguk had enough strength to crawl to his door to grab it.

Jeongguk figured it was around mid-morning. He was lying naked on his bed, staring up at the
window on his ceiling, every muscle in his body throbbing and aching. His hair was stuck to his
forehead from sweat. He still had cum drying on his abdomen from about thirty minutes ago. The
water bottle he had chugged down in a moment of clarity was lying empty on the floor. But that
moment of clarity was quickly dissipating. Jeongguk could feel himself slipping fast. His stomach
was flipping violently, and his cock was lying hard against his stomach, but he was so exhausted
that he was ignoring it for the time being.

“Fuck,” he whispered with a hoarse voice, because when he drew in a breath, Jimin’s scent
absolutely devoured him. The shirt was at the top of the bed. Jeongguk hadn’t touched it much in
favor of keeping the scent intact. Instead, he had been pressing his face into the mattress near it or
rubbing his scent gland on the fabric of the shirt when he really lost himself. But for two days now,
all he had been thinking about was Jimin. Jimin lying on his back with his legs wrapped around
Jeongguk’s waist. Jimin on his hands and knees, aroused and dripping slick and presented to
Jeongguk like the perfect omega he was. Jimin with his teeth scraping down the column of
Jeongguk’s neck as Jeongguk fucked his knot into the omega. The sound of Jimin’s voice, sweet
and whispered, calling Jeongguk his alpha.

Jeongguk rolled over, panting, and dragged his body until his hips were pressed to a pillow. He had
used a few toys, but nothing was as good as an old-fashioned rut against a pillow. It was quick and
easy and stimulating. Jeongguk braced his knees on the bed and rolled his hips, letting out a gasp
and burying his face in the other pillow with a growl that he had to swallow back.

“Fuck, Jimin, please,” he begged deliriously, clawing at the sheets, which already had tears in
them. His headboard was scratched, too—his rut had never been this bad before. “Let me knot you,
l-let your alpha knot you. It—It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.”

For two and a half days, Jeongguk hadn’t been able to knot anything or anyone. He usually never
did. But this time, he was acutely and painfully aware of it, and it was pure agony. The fact that he
had Jimin’s scent but not Jimin with him to knot was a kind of torture Jeongguk had never
anticipated. His wolf was furious, absolutely in despair, howling in pain, and Jeongguk could not
provide any relief. He couldn’t even get close to letting his knot form, so it was the worst kind of
edging.

Jeongguk could feel the orgasm building in the pit of his stomach, but the worst pain was knowing
that it would provide very little relief. Desperate and still out of his right mind, Jeongguk reached
out with a rough hand and grabbed the shirt, dragging it closer, and the moment he did, the world
caved in on him for a moment. Vanilla peppermint crashed into him like a tidal wave, and his wolf
descended deeper into a state of desperate madness.

“Omega, my omega, m-mine, my—my omega,” Jeongguk gasped, tears streaming down his face as
he gritted his teeth, rutting against the pillow harder. “Jimin, Jimin, Jimin,” he chanted every time
he fucked into the pillow, choking on his own breath. The orgasm crawled under his skin and
spread, making a permanent home. The bed rocked, the headboard hitting the wall repeatedly.
Frantic, Jeongguk shoved himself forward with the pillow still against his hips, feeling inhumanly
strong, and he grabbed the top of his headboard, Jimin’s scent still choking him.

“Jeongguk?”

Jeongguk heard his name somewhere in the back of his mind, heard the knock on the door, but he
couldn’t focus on anything but getting rid of the pain. He held the headboard for leverage, and then
he rutted into the pillow harder, gasping. The moment the orgasm hit him, the moment he came,
his world ripped apart at the seams. He pulled on the headboard so hard that the wood cracked and
dislodged from the bed. He let out a horrific, strangled shout that ended in a growl from the back of
his throat. And he ruined the pillow as he came hard, just short of being able to form his knot.

Jeongguk couldn’t remember how he ended up in Yoongi’s arms. He blinked, and suddenly, he
was still naked but being hugged sideways, his sweaty hair stroked from his forehead, a water
bottle lifted to his lips. Weakly, he opened his mouth, and water poured in as he gulped it down.
And then he inhaled sharply and burst into tears.
“Shh, shh. It’s okay. You’re okay, you’re okay.” Yoongi’s voice floated around Jeongguk, as did
his scent and all the calming pheromones, but Jeongguk only wanted Jimin.

“H-Help me,” Jeongguk managed to choke out.

“Hyung’s here. We heard you. It’s okay, I’m right here. Fuck, you’re burning up.”

Jeongguk felt Yoongi’s hand and lips on his forehead, but Jeongguk was too far gone and too
delirious to register much of anything. He vaguely caught pieces of a conversation between Yoongi
and Taehyung as they discussed how worried they were because Jeongguk’s body temperature
never reached such an extreme. Then he heard Yoongi bark at Taehyung to go run a bath, one that
they could make colder to help Jeongguk.

“Do you want me to scent you?” Yoongi asked when Jeongguk’s breathing slowed just a little. “It’s
okay if you don’t. But it might help.”

Jeongguk nodded just enough for Yoongi to see and feel, so Yoongi gently tilted Jeongguk’s head
and pressed his cheek, then his nose, and then his lips to Jeongguk’s scent gland in slow motion. It
just barely soothed the ache, but Jeongguk rapidly blinked, his swimming vision finally clearing
up. He could see his body, could see all the scratches and bruises he had left on himself from his
chest to his legs. He still had dried up cum all over him, but Yoongi didn’t seem to care.

“We need to get you down to the bath,” Yoongi said, still stroking Jeongguk’s hair. “Can you hear
me, Gguk? Are you with me? Are you here?”

“I’m…” Jeongguk took a slow, deep breath, still blinking up at the ceiling like he was looking for
heaven. “I’m here.”

“How long can you hold on?” Yoongi asked, and Jeongguk contemplated. It was nearly impossible
to predict, but he was certain that he could hold on for about thirty to forty-five minutes.

“H-Half hour at least,” he whispered.

“Good. We have some soup and some more water. You need to eat and drink. But you’re scaring
the fuck out of me with your temperature,” Yoongi said. “Come on. Can you walk? No, you can’t.
TAE! COME HERE!”

Taehyung bounded up the stairs as Jeongguk closed his eyes, slumping into Yoongi. Without a
word, Taehyung scooped Jeongguk up bridal style into his arms, and then he carefully navigated
the narrow step ladder like a seasoned professional, bringing Jeongguk downstairs to the bathroom.
He lowered Jeongguk into the tub, and Jeongguk let out a surprised cry at the cold water.

“Just relax, Gguk,” Taehyung recommended as Jeongguk settled into the water, sinking and letting
it graze his chin. His legs were hanging out of the end of the tub from shins down, but the cold
water was almost like immediate relief. It hardly doused the arousal and exhaustion, but it helped
with the feverish feeling.

“This is day three,” Yoongi said, pulling up a little wooden stool as Jeongguk closed his eyes.
“And you’ve had absolutely no relief. I haven’t seen you in a rut this extreme since the first one
you had.”

“Hurts,” Jeongguk croaked out.

“Yeah, no shit. We were trying to give you space, but you destroyed your bed, so we decided to
intervene,” Yoongi replied. “How are you feeling right now? Are you still with me?”
“Mm.” Jeongguk slowly opened his eyes as Yoongi came and knelt by the tub. He gestured, so
Jeongguk sank beneath the water and let Yoongi vigorously scratch his scalp, continuing the
motion as Jeongguk rose and broke the surface. Yoongi grabbed some shampoo and massaged
Jeongguk’s scalp again, and then he dunked Jeongguk back under the water. When Jeongguk came
back up, he whimpered.

“Fuck, I—I don’t know h-how much longer…” he said, trailing off as he felt his cock slowly
hardening under the water. Jimin, Jimin, Jimin, his mind chanted, and his wolf was saying the
same. Jeongguk took a deep breath, trying to block it all out and hold on.

“Food.” Taehyung barreled into the bathroom, and then he took the stool and sat down. Jeongguk
winced in pain as he turned his head, and Taehyung then began to offer up spoonfuls of doenjang
jjigae. Jeongguk continually opened his mouth and accepted the food, knowing that he had to eat
for some strength even though he had no appetite. Halfway through, though, he turned his head.

“I—I can’t, I’m—I need…”

“Give him a minute,” Yoongi said, and then he and Taehyung both left the bathroom and busied
themselves for a moment as Jeongguk plunged his hand into the water and wrapped it around his
painfully hard cock, stroking smoothly and tightening his grip. He threw his head back against the
bathtub, legs thrashing, hips lifting slightly, and he came embarrassingly fast. When he did, he
figured that that would be it. He was ready to go back under, for his wolf to take over, for his
clarity to leave him. But somehow, he managed to shove all of that down and hold on long enough
for Taehyung to return and feed him some more.

“Usually we don’t hear you,” Taehyung said as he gave Jeongguk the last spoonful. “But this
morning was bad. We could hear you calling out for Jimin.”

“Sorry,” Jeongguk mumbled, his eyelids heavy.

“Well, we figured maybe he’d star in some of your finer moments, but has it been nonstop?”
Taehyung asked. “I mean, is that—is he your focus?”

“Yeah.” Jeongguk swallowed heavily, feeling like someone had shoved a sock down his throat.

“Why do you think his rut is so bad?” Yoongi chimed in. “The fucking fact that it’s been almost
seventy-two hours is scary enough. If your rut doesn’t break by tomorrow morning, Jeongguk, I’m
bringing a healer in.”

“It should,” Jeongguk murmured, but he was skeptical at best. He felt like he was floating for a
moment, and then he let out a moan, his cock already hardening once again. He was slipping. He
could feel it. “H-Help me out. Help, I—I need…”

“I changed your sheets and took off the headboard,” Yoongi said as Taehyung reached for a towel.
“Couldn’t do much else. I had to move the shirt, Jeongguk. I’m sorry for touching it. It should still
smell like him. It’s on the bed.”

Jeongguk glared at Yoongi, feeling a growl rising in the back of his throat, but as Taehyung helped
him out of the bath, he just began to cry. Taehyung scooped him up, and Yoongi reached forward
and wiped his tears.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized again. “You can fight me later. Just go. We’ll keep an ear out for you,
okay? I put a new tube of lube on your bed, too.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk whispered, because Yoongi knew all too well that Jeongguk was prone to
using enough lube to simulate slick just to get through the worst of his rut.

Taehyung carried Jeongguk back upstairs and set him onto the bed, taking the towel away.
Nakedness was not something the three alphas in the household paid any mind to at all. It was so
normalized because of their tendency to be out in nature more often, and because their ruts were
usually one month after the other.

“Yell for us if you need help, okay?” Taehyung requested, and Jeongguk nodded, curling up into a
ball. Taehyung left and locked the door behind him, and Jeongguk rolled onto his back and stared
out the window again.

Time was standing still.

***

The last orgasm had hit Jeongguk on Wednesday evening, just an hour short of Yoongi calling in a
healer. That night, Jeongguk had staggered downstairs only for Taehyung to catch him, and then he
had taken a long bath while Yoongi scratched his scalp and Taehyung fed him again. After his
bath, he had then curled up on the couch between Yoongi and Taehyung, demanding that they both
scent him and that they both maintain skin contact. Because his scent was still so strong, Yoongi
and Taehyung hadn’t allowed Jeongguk to sleep with them, which Jeongguk understood. He had
slept on the couch instead, just to be close.

It was Sunday morning now. Jeongguk had spent most of Thursday throwing up, his body in shock.
Friday he had recovered and had managed to go for a walk down to the stream just to lie in the
short grass and nap for two hours in nature. Yesterday, he finally had enough energy to do some
stick fighting drills with Taehyung, and he had managed to smile several times and eat three full
meals.

“Are you back to work tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Jeongguk lowered his sandpaper, the stool he was helping Yoongi with between his legs.
“Been a week since I’ve had to drink that tea.”

“Your wolf is going to eat your insides,” Taehyung replied, and Jeongguk balked. Taehyung was
once again in boxer briefs and a large yellow t-shirt, headband around his forehead doing nothing
to tame his wild hair, and he was carefully embroidering something on a shirt by hand.

“I mean, I could’ve gone back to work on Friday,” Jeongguk pointed out. “I gave it three extra days
to let my wolf settle and fucking forget about that nightmare of a rut.”

“Well, you gave yourself time to remember your own scent,” Taehyung replied. “That’s what
mattered most. Are you nervous?”

“To go back? A little,” Jeongguk replied, resuming his sanding. He paused and added, “Good and
bad nervous. Bad nervous because I don’t know what it will feel like. Good nervous because…
yeah. Because I want to see him.”

“Do you think he was worried about you while you were gone?” Taehyung curiously asked. “I
mean, do you think it bothered him that you didn’t show up last week? Or that you were gone for
so long?”
“What, you think he’ll fire me?” Jeongguk asked with a light laugh. “Trust me, I’ve already
considered that a thousand times. I’m bracing myself for it just in case.”

It was true—Jeongguk had spared no emotional expense in preparation for Monday. As he brushed
his teeth that night, he noticed that he had circles underneath his eyes and he still looked a bit sick,
but he was in much better shape than the previous days. He stuck the toothbrush in his mouth and
glanced at his arms, wondering if he was going to need a touch-up session for his tattoos soon.
Then he crawled into bed, knowing that he wouldn’t sleep much.

mood: “colour (amen)” by jasmine thompson

The alarm went off at half past five, and Jeongguk was already awake, staring up through his
window as the sky changed colors with the hint of rising sun. Jeongguk closed his eyes, not tired at
all, and when he relaxed enough, the room smelled like the calm after a rainstorm. He savored it
for a moment, and then he rolled out of bed and shuffled down to the kitchen.

“Sorry,” he murmured to his wolf as he sat down to drink his tea. Slowly, his scent began to
evaporate, his wolf quieting inside him, and Jeongguk complemented the tea with some hazelnut
spread on bread with banana slices. Then he dressed with haste and hopped onto his bike, happy to
let his legs do some work.

Dayangsong Palace remained unchanging, and the sun was, ironically, rising on the woods and
rural fields from which Jeongguk had traveled, not the palace itself. Jeongguk chained his bike up
to a tree, made sure he had his bag with an extra pack of scent blocking tea, and then he pulled his
hood up and walked towards the entrance. The guards shifted their footing as if ready to stop him,
but Jeongguk just lifted his head enough for them to recognize his face, and they stepped aside,
still narrowing their eyes.

Great sign, he thought to himself, always paranoid when it came to his presence at the palace. He
walked through the grand entrance hall, his footsteps echoing, eyes falling on one of the cleaners
quietly bent at the baseboards. Flooded with the nagging thought that he should be on his knees
cleaning floors still, Jeongguk headed to the small staff area and shoved his belongings in his tiny
cubby, tucking away the envelope with his paycheck inside, happy that he had still been paid
despite his time off for his rut. Jeongguk changed and tied his hair up as much as he could, and
then he made his way towards Jimin’s room.

“Oh, thank God.”

“Finally.”

“Um, good morning,” Jeongguk said with a small laugh, bowing at Taehyun and Chaeyoung. The
relief on both of their faces and in their voices was prominent, and when they both bowed in return,
Jeongguk froze, startled. Neither of them had ever bothered to show Jeongguk any kind of respect
like bowing, and that wasn’t rude at the palace—it was normal, given Jeongguk’s lack of status.

“You have no idea how relieved we are,” Chaeyoung said dramatically, reaching forward and
resting one hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder with her head bowed as Jeongguk stifled a laugh.

“Why, what’s wrong? Has the prince been insufferable?” Jeongguk wondered.

“No. Only the first day. The other days, he’s just been a confused mess,” Taehyun complained,
shaking his head. “I think he skipped half of his lessons and appointments.”

“He’s being dramatic,” Chaeyoung joked. “Anyways, we had no idea if you would be back today,
so I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

“He was happy when his last caretaker took a single sick day,” Taehyun noted, and Chaeyoung
hummed, nodding enthusiastically.

“That’s true. So this is a—I mean, it’s an odd change. Look, we’re just glad you’re back,” she
sighed.

“His Highness is meant to have breakfast with members of the military this morning,” Taehyun
said as they slowly walked together towards Jimin’s door. “That is at… eight o’clock. From there,
he’ll have to mingle a little bit, but Chaeyoung and I will be there. He has tai chi at eleven o’clock,
and then lunch is with his father, which I’m sure he’ll try to get out of. After that, he’s meant to go
be a part of a presentation at Dayangsong Selective Primary School as an alumnus. Something
about technology.”

“Sounds easy enough. Breakfast with the military. Give me a minute,” Jeongguk said, feeling like
he actually had the hang of his job, relief flooding him as well. He had walked into the palace with
the mindset of being fired, but to hear that Jimin might have missed his presence? Unbelievable.

Chaeyoung had come prepared, so she handed over a glass of water to Jeongguk, who smiled. They
had caught onto his routine quickly. Jeongguk slipped into the bedroom, and immediately, he could
tell what Chaeyoung and Taehyun were talking about—Jimin’s scent was sad. It was vanilla
peppermint equally, but there was a certain heavy sweetness to the vanilla and a lingering feeling to
the peppermint that made Jeongguk’s heart ache.

Jeongguk set the glass of water onto the nightstand, and then he glanced down. Jimin was fast
asleep, face buried into his pillows, hugging a bunch of the blankets to his chest. His face was
flushed a bit and his hair was trapped in his eyelashes, but Jeongguk’s breath caught in his throat as
goosebumps erupted along his skin.

Oh no.

Being away from Jimin for an entire week and moaning his name in the middle of a painful rut had
taken its toll on Jeongguk’s emotions. Now, when he looked at Jimin, he felt a tugging at his
heartstrings as his pulse quickened. Jimin’s scent was twice as intoxicating now, and despite being
suppressed, Jeongguk knew his wolf was alert and attentive to it all. Worried, Jeongguk took a deep
breath and reached over, grabbing the curtains with both hands. He yanked them open
unceremoniously, and when he did, he heard Jimin make a small noise, indicating that the noise
and light had immediately woken him up.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said cheerfully, and then he yanked Jimin’s blankets
off and tossed them back over Jimin’s head, walking around to open the curtains for the other
window. Jeongguk heard a rustling and a little breath, and when he turned around, he had no time
to prepare. Jimin launched himself off the bed and threw his arms around Jeongguk’s neck,
hugging him tightly. Startled, Jeongguk let out a small laugh, but he fought all his instincts to keep
his hands off the prince, fingers twitching as he just accepted the hug.

“You’re back,” Jimin whispered elatedly. “You came back.”

“Of course I came back.” Jeongguk smoothed out his shirt when Jimin removed his arms, sleepy
eyes sparkling with excitement, the sadness in his scent vanishing altogether, replaced with a happy
spike of peppermint. “My job is here with you. And you have a very busy day ahead of you.”

“That’s okay. What am I doing today?” Jimin asked, hopping back onto the bed on his knees,
delighted by Jeongguk’s presence.

“Breakfast with some people from the military, tai chi, lunch with your father, presentation at your
old school,” Jeongguk listed. He expected Jimin to balk and frown, but instead, Jimin just smiled
and rolled off the opposite side of the bed.

“That’s fine. You can let the others in now. I’ll go wash up,” he said. Jeongguk nodded, but before
he could even reach the door, Jimin ran over and stopped him, throwing out his arm. “Jeongguk-
ssi?”

“Yes.”

“Will you stay with me today?” Jimin asked. “You can’t for breakfast, but please… for the other
things… can you…?”

“Whatever you want, Your Highness,” Jeongguk replied with a small smile. Jimin smiled, but then
it quickly faded, his beautiful eyes flooding with sudden concern.

“Are you okay?” he whispered. “You… You were gone for a week. Was it bad?”

“Don’t worry about me,” Jeongguk whispered back, but Jimin was relentless. He suddenly took
both of Jeongguk’s hands in his and examined them with a sharp eye, but Jeongguk had cut his
fingernails so short after his rut that there was virtually nothing left. He was wearing long sleeves
to cover up any scratches. But then Jimin’s eyes landed on Jeongguk’s face.

“Did you scratch yourself?” he whispered, lifting his right hand. Jeongguk wanted to scold him and
stop him, but he had very little self-control when it came to the crown prince. Jimin’s fingertips
brushed a small scratch on the outside of Jeongguk’s left cheek that was still healing, a cut that had
been deep at the time but was improving day by day.

“It’s okay,” Jeongguk insisted. He had something else to say, but Jimin suddenly surged forward,
his scent overflowing like a tsunami, and it crashed into Jeongguk as Jimin’s hand slipped behind
Jeongguk’s neck. It was quick, but Jeongguk felt Jimin’s lips softly against his cheek, felt his
tongue press to the scratch. Then the hand behind his neck curled into a fist, and Jimin stumbled
backwards.

“I—I’m sorry, I didn’t—I didn’t mean to—I’m so sorry,” Jimin breathed frantically, his eyes wide
as he staggered towards the door. “I was just—I’m sorry, I didn’t—I’ll just—I’m gonna go get
them, I didn’t—I’m so sorry.”

But Jeongguk was rooted to the spot, paralyzed, the scratch on his face tingling suddenly, Jimin’s
scent devouring him without mercy, the shock of the situation still very much prevalent. Even
when Taehyun and Chaeyoung breezed into the room with their usual greetings, Jeongguk couldn’t
quite make sense of what he was feeling. To snap himself out of it, he walked into the closet and
pressed his back to the wall where he couldn’t be seen, and then he closed his eyes.

Jeongguk himself wasn’t even the one experiencing full-blown panic—it was his wolf. He had
never felt so close to snapping before, had never felt strong enough to break out of his state of scent
suppression. Jimin hadn’t even hesitated to press his tongue to Jeongguk’s wound, a gesture that
only potential or committed mates did. Such a natural salve often helped the wound heal quickly,
as well as comforted and reassured the wolf that everything was okay. But Jimin had just done it.
“Jeongguk-ssi?”

“Yes. Sorry. Let me find an outfit,” Jeongguk said with haste, immediately reaching for a pair of
black slacks and grabbing a royal blue button-up that would suit Jimin well. He turned and handed
the clothes to Jimin, who was standing at the threshold of the closet nervously. He accepted the
clothing and went to change behind his divider as Chaeyoung plopped down on a chaise lounge
and Taehyun cast Jeongguk a curious look.

“Are you okay, Jeongguk?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Jeongguk replied shortly. “I’m—yeah. Sorry. I was out for a week. I’m just…
off.”

“I get it,” Taehyun said with sympathy. “Ah, wait. Your Highness! You should wear your flower
pin this morning.”

“Jeongguk, can you grab it for me, please?” Jimin called out, so Jeongguk went into the bathroom
and grabbed the pin. Then he cautiously approached the divider, and Jimin gestured to him.
Jeongguk slipped behind it and presented the pin, but Jimin just tapped a spot on his chest.
Jeongguk nodded and moved to pin it to Jimin’s shirt.

“Jeongguk, I’m sorry,” Jimin whispered, only audible to Jeongguk. Jeongguk pursed his lips and
pinned the flower pin to Jimin’s shirt, and then he took Jimin’s face between his hands for only a
fleeting moment, brushing his thumbs over the apples of Jimin’s cheeks.

“It’s okay,” he whispered, and then he walked out from behind the divider, clearing his throat and
rolling his neck until it cracked. “His Highness is ready for breakfast.”

“Good. Right this way, then,” Taehyun guided, and Jimin nodded, straightening out his belt.

“Jeongguk-ssi, please return to oversee my tai chi lesson,” he called over his shoulder, and then he
disappeared with his attendant and coordinator, chatting lightly as the bedroom door closed.

Fuck.

Jeongguk sprinted into the bathroom and collided with the countertop, leaning in as it pressed to
his abdomen, examining his face in the mirror. Sure enough, hardly to his surprise but enough to
stun him, the cut on his face was already less unsightly and scabbed, already healing. Jimin’s
touch had been a quick resolution. But because of it, Jimin’s scent was all over Jeongguk. So
Jeongguk grabbed a wet wipe and wiped his face and the scabbing scratch, his wolf howling in
protest. Why are you removing our mate’s scent? But Jeongguk did it furiously and with purpose,
panicking. He had to get rid of any trace of Jimin, no matter how much his wolf was fighting
against it.

Exhausted already, Jeongguk trudged to the library, relieved when he found that Seokjin was
unencumbered.

“You look like death,” Seokjin greeted cheerfully, closing one book and setting it aside. “Good
morning.”

“I’ve been out for a week,” Jeongguk said in a flat tone, and then he slumped over the countertop.
“This is a catastrophe.”

“Oh, the drama. And why is that? Do we need to step into my office?” Seokjin wondered,
gesturing. “Is there perhaps a book that you’d like to take a look at?”
“Oh, definitely. These three.” Jeongguk pointed to the stack of three books Seokjin had set aside,
and Seokjin snickered and grabbed them, tucking them underneath his arm. He then led the way to
the little side room, and he and Jeongguk sat down together, keeping the door cracked.

“You good?” Seokjin wondered.

“Do I smell like him?” Jeongguk hissed. “Like the prince. Do I smell like him?”

“...Not really. Only vaguely. But that’s because you’re his caretaker, I guess. Why?” Seokjin
asked, raising his eyebrows. Jeongguk groaned and threw his head onto the table, arms dangling to
the ground dramatically.

“I’m in danger,” he murmured, and Seokjin shifted in his chair, laughing.

“Explain.”

“My rut was bad. Bad, Seokjin-ssi. It was the worst rut I’ve ever had,” Jeongguk said, lifting his
head just so his chin was resting on the table as he spoke. It hurt, but he continued. “I’ve been
suppressing my scent for too long, and I paid the price.”

“Yeah, my heats were pretty ugly when I first started. Until I met Namjoon, and he helped
significantly,” Seokjin replied. “Were you alone?”

“Of course I was alone,” Jeongguk crankily said. He closed his eyes for a moment and relaxed,
trying to see what his wolf thought about trusting Seokjin with such personal moments. It was
difficult to cut through the scent blockers, but Jeongguk managed to get a “yes,” so he added, “And
guess who I thought about the entire time?”

“Can’t imagine. I need three guesses.”

“You get one.”

“And that made it worse?” Seokjin wondered, not even bothering to guess out loud.

“Far worse. Because I had a shirt that smelled like him,” Jeongguk replied, and Seokjin sucked in a
breath through his teeth, clicking his tongue sympathetically.

“Okay, so that would’ve been terrible. But why are you throwing a fit today?” Seokjin asked. “Did
you figure out how much he missed you? Because he was all out of sorts this week while you were
gone. Palace staff just thought he was being a brat, but there were a few of us who knew.
Chaeyoung figured it out. Taehyun came in and asked me if I knew what was going on.”

“Taehyun is oblivious.”

“Poor kid,” Seokjin sighed, and Jeongguk smiled. “So I tested the waters and told him that Jimin
was probably feeling a bit lost without his caretaker, and he understood. But other than that, most
people just ignored him.”

“Well, I’m throwing a fit today for two reasons,” Jeongguk said, laying his head to the side instead.
“First of all, he was so happy to see me that he hugged me. Second of all, he saw the cut on my
face.” Jeongguk pointed to his left cheek, which was exposed. “And got concerned. And do you
know what he did?”

“Do I want to?”

“Well, it started healing pretty damn fast, if that helps,” Jeongguk said, and Seokjin’s eyes
widened.

“Shit,” he muttered, pressing his palms together and resting his fingertips against his lips.
“That’s… okay. He’s really going for it. Namjoon’s been worried that he might… yeah. Okay.
Well, you don’t smell like him. Did you wipe it off?”

“I had to.”

“How did you feel doing that?”

“Like shit,” Jeongguk complained. “And now he wants me to be with him all day today, and I’m
stressed.”

“Well, knowing him, and also being an omega myself,” Seokjin said, “what I can tell you is that
he’s probably feeling relieved. And he likely felt abandoned all last week, illogical or not. I used to
get anxious whenever Namjoon wasn’t at Dayangsong Palace, which was almost all the time. Used
to think he didn’t want me anymore. Your wolf just kind of convinces you of all these things. You
know what I’m talking about.”

“Yeah, I know,” Jeongguk murmured.

“So he’ll probably keep you as close as possible until he feels okay again,” Seokjin replied.
“Because he’s kind of attached himself to you, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Do you feel attached to him?” Seokjin asked.

“I spent my entire rut thinking about him,” Jeongguk dully answered, and Seojkin nodded.

“Okay. So don’t stress, then. It seems like you’re both struggling to adjust. Just embrace it,” he
recommended. Jeongguk sighed and nodded, running his hands over his face and then tightening
his small ponytail. Seokjin then suggested food, so Jeongguk said goodbye, thanking Seokjin for
his advice, and dragged his feet off to the kitchen.

Jeongguk wandered around quietly until it was time for Jimin’s tai chi lesson. He met Jimin and
Taehyun in the east wing hallways, and then Taehyun ducked off to take care of something as
Jeongguk escorted Jimin to the meditation rooms within the palace. Jimin had already changed into
comfortable black pants and a black t-shirt, and he beamed when he saw Jeongguk.

“I don’t think you can participate in the lesson, but can you just—can you be there? Can you sit and
watch?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk could hear the slight undertone of panic in his voice. Seokjin
had been right—perhaps he had felt abandoned. He had said “you came back” as if he hadn’t
expected it, so Jeongguk just nodded.

“Of course I will.”

Jeongguk was not ignorant to tai chi. Taehyung meditated and did tai chi and qi gong often, which
meant that Jeongguk knew a fair bit. So he watched with pride as Jimin went through the motions
smoothly, as if moving underwater. He was so fluid, his breathing well-practiced, and many things
he could do with his eyes closed. To Jeongguk’s surprise, Jimin’s scent while he practiced
completely mellowed out to something almost imperceivable.

“You’ll probably just have to wait outside during lunch,” Jimin sighed, sounding displeased as he
walked into his bedroom. “But if you don’t mind staying, I would really appreciate it.”

“I told you that I’m here to do whatever you need,” Jeongguk replied, and Jimin paused just short
of the closet and gave Jeongguk a soft smile.

“Jeongguk-ssi?” he said, and Jeongguk hummed, swinging his arms lightly as he waited, glancing
over at the closet. “I missed you.”

Jeongguk stopped swinging his arms and resorted to cracking his knuckles instead, but he returned
Jimin’s smile, his heart somersaulting. Jimin disappeared into his closet and changed there,
emerging in grey slacks and a silky white button-up, sweeping his blonde hair off his forehead.
Jeongguk offered to help him fix up his hair, but Jimin just grinned.

“Not today. I don’t want to give my parents a reason to praise me,” he said, and Jeongguk stifled a
laugh and followed Jimin out of the bedroom and towards the dining hall. Jeongguk held the door
open for Jimin with a small bow, and then he chose to act upon pure instinct, not knowing if it
would get him fired or not. He quietly followed Jimin until he figured out where Jimin would be
sitting at the table, and then he rushed forward and pulled Jimin’s chair out for him, knowing that
the king and queen mother had both paused their separate conversations to watch. Jimin sat down,
and Jeongguk slowly slid the chair in as he did.

“Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk had turned to walk away and leave the dining hall, but he stopped dead in his tracks
when he heard King Youngho call his name. His heart hammering, he slowly pivoted and bowed
ninety degrees, holding his breath for three seconds before straightening up.

“Sit,” King Youngho said, gesturing bluntly to an open spot at the table to Jimin’s left. Jeongguk
saw Jimin freeze with his napkin halfway in his lap, and Jeongguk stared down the king in shock.
“Surely we have enough food to feed you, too. Sit down, Jeongguk.”

There was no other option. If Jeongguk declined, he would surely face the wrath of an insulted
royal. Accepting, though, meant that he was sitting at the same table as the king of Dayangsong,
the queen mother, the crown prince, and four elite palace staff members. All of the other caretakers
were standing at the perimeter of the room, waiting quietly for lunch to commence and finish.

“If… If His Majesty insists,” Jeongguk said in a daze with another bow. He approached with
caution, still trying to gauge whether or not he was imagining things, but then he pulled out the
chair beside Jimin and sat down, and nobody scolded him for doing so. He glanced around, and
then he decisively set his napkin into his lap, looking down at all the different cutlery that
confused and terrified him. King Youngho lifted a hand, and food slowly arrived. The meal began
with banchan and pajeon, and Jeongguk stared at the white kimchi and pickled radishes and
cucumbers and spinach before him, watching as Jimin picked up his chopsticks and altogether
ignored Jeongguk’s presence.

This is a trap.

Jeongguk’s wolf was baring its teeth. Something wasn’t right. Jeongguk was being presented with
food, but he didn’t want to take any or eat, because it felt wrong. One of the first things Hoseok
had taught him was to never eat food that wasn’t meant for him. This food was meant for the royal
family and their guests. Jeongguk hardly qualified, so he kept his hands folded in his lap, too
terrified to make a move.

“You were away for quite some time, weren’t you, Jeongguk?” King Youngho asked as he lifted
some kimchi from the small platter in front of him. Jeongguk looked at him for a lingering
moment, and then he bowed his head. Jimin’s beauty did not come from his father at all. One
glance at Jimin’s mother told Jeongguk everything he needed to know.

“Yes. One week. I feel very sorry for being away for so long,” Jeongguk apologized. “I’m happy to
be back.”

“Mm. Well, I do hope that you’re feeling rested,” King Youngho said with a light tone but a very
faint emphasis on certain words, and that was when Jeongguk’s wolf quietly went into fight-or-
flight mode. This was a survival task. He had to respond correctly, or he wouldn’t be walking out
of the dining hall. It was a hunch, but Jeongguk’s instincts were typically spot on.

“I’ve recovered, yes. Thank you,” Jeongguk said with another bow, watching Jimin eat with his
eyes down.

“I see.” The king served himself some pickled radish and cucumber, and then he glanced up at
Jeongguk. “I’m afraid that I must ask you to indulge me, Jeongguk. You see, today is Monday, and
we offered all palace staff another week’s worth of pay. That included you. And I must say, it
seems rather inequitable for you to receive a full week of pay for doing absolutely nothing.”

“Paid leave is offered to all palace staff who rank and endure a rut or heat cycle,” Jimin interrupted
detachedly, reaching for his wine glass.

“Perhaps,” King Youngho said airily as his wife continued to eat, utterly removed from the
conversation, remaining just a pretty face beside the alpha king. “Seven days, though… What
could one possibly need to do for seven days? Answer me, Jeongguk.”

“I—Your Majesty, forgive me, I… experienced a very difficult cycle this time around,” Jeongguk
said as if he was walking on broken glass. “I—I was unwell. I thought i-it would be best to remain
at home in my state. I—I would have been very little help to His Highness Prince Jimin. I… I beg
his forgiveness.”

“On your knees?” King Youngho asked, lifting his glass to take a sip. “Because if you weren’t on
your knees begging for his forgiveness for pandering to your own selfish needs for an entire week,
Jeongguk, then perhaps we’ve misunderstood each other.”

“I… will ask for further forgiveness when lunch has concluded,” Jeongguk decided, averting his
eyes. “I—I only ask for your understanding.”

“My understanding of your inability to serve the palace as you’ve been hired to do and are being
paid to do?” King Youngho asked. “Being paid without turning up?”

“You can take my paycheck,” Jeongguk offered, feeling as though he was spiraling out of control.
“I don’t need it. I—I didn’t work. My—My rut was very… I…”

“You what? Stole precious time from caring for my son in favor of your own lengthy recovery?”
King Youngho asked, raising one eyebrow, and then he chuckled. “I hardly find that believable.”

“Well, some people require more time to recover from their heat or rut if it’s quite intense,
especially if they go through it without a partner,” Jimin suddenly chimed in, his voice sweet.
“You would know, wouldn’t you, Father?”

Jeongguk almost choked on air. A pin could have dropped in the room with the same reverberation
as an explosion. But Jimin just cut a piece of his pajeon up using two chopsticks and popped it into
his mouth, chewing with his eyebrows raised as he surveyed his father, waiting for a response. His
 mother had heard. The guards had heard. The other four people at the table had heard. Everyone
else in the fucking room had heard Jimin insinuate that his own parents shared no intimacy and
withstood their cycles alone.

“My son,” King Youngho finally said, reaching for his glass of wine, his tone even, “will be mated
by October, Jeongguk. I have no patience to entertain betas any further. He will mate an alpha. And
you will now contribute to finding him a mate. You will put all of your effort and time and energy
into it. And if you take another second off, I will hear about it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk said, nearly bowing into his empty plate. “Whatever is required.”

“Do recall, Jeongguk, that your place is on your knees and at our feet,” King Youngho said, a small
smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “We are not allowing you into the palace to waste our time
or indulge your own interests. Your worth is dependent solely on what you can do for us. And bear
in mind that I stand by being disgusted that you were paid for a week of work that you did not do.
Next rut, I expect you to be here the moment it passes, or you will not have the precious
opportunity to endure another rut. Do we understand one another?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I understand. Thank you,” Jeongguk said, bowing again even though he had a
thousand rebuttals burning the tip of his tongue.

“And as it stands,” King Youngho said, his smile growing without reaching his eyes, “when my
son is mated, you will return to scrubbing floors as you are meant to do. He will no longer require a
caretaker like you if he has an alpha mate to look after him.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk said, his voice nearly failing him.

“I also expect your utmost attentiveness at the gala this Saturday,” the king continued, and
Jeongguk’s heart plummeted as he lifted his eyes again. Another gala. Another gala. “We’ll be
hosting thirty alphas in hopes of finding the proper mate, and you, Jeongguk, will do all but break
your back to find my son the right alpha.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m happy to do so.”

“Then you are dismissed for the day, Jeongguk.”

“No, he most certainly is not,” Jimin intervened, still cheerful and devil-may-care as he tapped the
corner of his pajeon into the soy sauce. “I require his care for my activities in the afternoon, just as
I always have required my caretaker. If you’re through with offering him a lunch he knew he
wouldn’t be allowed to eat, then sure, he’s dismissed.”

“Jimin, come here,” King Youngho snapped.

“Why? So you can smack me? I’d like to finish my lunch first before you do that,” Jimin replied.
“Jeongguk, you’re dismissed.”

Jeongguk shoved back his chair with haste, his knees knocking together, and he let his napkin fall
to the floor carelessly as he pushed the chair back in. He bowed deeply and individually to
everyone at the table, not caring how long it took. Then, with legs that felt boneless, he rushed
towards the dining room door, yanked it open, and slipped out, gasping for air.

Another gala. Thirty more alphas. And he had no choice but to find Jimin a mate that wasn’t him.

Chapter End Notes

Chapter End Notes

you blinked!

Also, there will only be one update this week! Sorry that I've spoiled you two weeks in
a rowksjdfkl but just one!!!! Please be kind about it, I will double update some other
weekends later on!

Chapter 6 is... well ok yes it's... OK SEE YOU NEXT WEEK LAKSJDFLAJFKD

And remember, if you would like to support me as a content creator, please refer to my
pinned tweet on TWITTER to do so! <3333
 six
Chapter Notes

GOOD MORNING! EVENING! AFTERNOON! WHEREVER YOU ARE!

WELCOME!

Please excuse my serious nature for just one moment, because I have noticed a trend
lately that is really bothering me, so:

I have been getting an influx of comments recently asking me, sometimes pressuring
me, to post more chapters or to post the entire fic all at once just because it’s finished.
These comments make me really anxious, and they’re not OK. Comments of impatient
excitement and screaming are awesome, but demands are not awesome for me. I
update consistently and on a weekly basis, and I do it that way because that is how I
have chosen to share my work. Please respect my time and my boundaries! If you are
feeling too impatient or unhappy with it, please wait until the fic is complete and do
not read it as an ongoing work.

WOW THAT WAS REALLY SERIOUS LSKDFJDLFKJSD LET'S TAKE A DEEP

BREATH!!!!!!!!

Now we can all enjoy this chapter because holy shit, is this a chapter. This is the
chapter. The turning point. THIS IS IT, BUCKLE UP BITCHES, LET'S DO THIS.

TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~
 and i keep on waiting for time to slow down

and i keep on hoping for love to come around

and i don’t know how to make sense of the things that i feel.

-“love come around” by elina

~~~

Jimin tried desperately to talk to Jeongguk that Monday afternoon, but Jeongguk was not interested
in hearing a single word of it. He could feel it in his bones that Jimin wanted to ramble on and give
an explanation, but Jeongguk didn’t want to hear it. It wasn’t that he was not willing to believe
Jimin or hear Jimin out—quite the opposite. He was so traumatized by the confrontation at lunch
that he couldn’t even find the strength to speak about it.

But on Tuesday, Jimin presented a completely different side of himself. When Jeongguk walked
into the bedroom at sunrise, Jimin was already awake and washing his face, and he bowed to
Jeongguk and rushed up to him, offering his lavender essential oil.

“You taught me that lavender helps to bring peace if you’re feeling anxious,” Jimin said as he held
the bottle out, and Jeongguk fought back his smile. “Please let me give you some.”

So Jeongguk offered up his wrists when Jimin asked, and Jimin slowly massaged the lavender oil
right onto Jeongguk’s pulse point with his thumb, releasing calming pheromones as he did, making
Jeongguk’s eyelids grow heavy. Having the omega of his dreams take care of him, even for just a
moment, was a treat. And he wasn’t beneath admitting that he now only had eyes for Jimin. It was
fucking wrong, so wrong, and the king had reminded Jeongguk of it only yesterday. But Jeongguk,
despite all of his fears, was still falling fast for Jimin.

The real fear, though, was that Jimin still had ulterior motives. That he was just using Jeongguk in
the interim because his time was running out, because he knew he wouldn’t have much freedom
come October. A cheap thrill, so to speak, an adrenaline rush, the excitement of flirting with a poor
orphan alpha (Jeongguk felt like a broken record) that he couldn’t have, shouldn’t have. It was a
cliché in books and television shows, but it was addicting. Jeongguk never knew if Jimin liked him
genuinely and was interested in him as a person, or if Jimin was just putting on an act.

mood: “love come around” by elina

“Will you be okay in the rain?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Jeongguk watched Jimin crawl into bed on Thursday night after a taxing
day. He looked tired, but his skin was glowing and his hair was brushed. Jeongguk suddenly found
himself desperate to take better and better care of Jimin, even though Jimin was fighting back and
seemed desperate to take care of Jeongguk instead.

“It’s not raining too heavily,” Jimin noted, adjusting his blankets.

“I’ll be okay,” Jeongguk promised. I’ll be more than okay. Biking home in the rain is like heaven
to me. I wish it was pouring, he thought to himself as he stood by Jimin’s bedside. “Sweet dreams.
I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.”
“Jeongguk-ssi?”

Jeongguk teetered back into place, having barely walked away as he glanced at Jimin.

“Will you tell me a bedtime story?” Jimin asked with all the innocence in the world. Jeongguk
stared, and he saw Jimin’s eyes sparkling mischievously.

“A bedtime story,” Jeongguk said flatly, and Jimin nodded, sinking further down against his
fluffed pillows (old habits died hard for Jeongguk).

“Yeah. Something simple. No fairytales or anything,” Jimin said, and now Jeongguk could hear
the amusement in his voice. “Just a good little story to help me sleep. Will you do that for me?”

“I—I don’t really know what you want me to do,” Jeongguk stammered, rooted to the spot. Jimin
tilted his head slightly, and then he scooted in his bed and patted a spot on the edge of the mattress
right by his knees. Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, skeptical and suspicious, but Jimin just patted the
spot again. Jeongguk looked over to the door, which was locked as always—no one disturbed
Jimin during his bedtime routine, which usually included Jeongguk these days. There was always a
guard at the end of the hallway, but otherwise, they were left to their own devices.

“...Okay.” Jeongguk gingerly sat down on the edge of the bed, which pleased Jimin immensely. It
didn’t alleviate the ridiculous feeling of agreeing to tell a bedtime story to a fully grown man, but
he figured that Jimin had a different agenda. “Um… What kind of story do you want to hear?”

“A story about you,” Jimin requested, and suddenly, it made sense. “I just want to learn more
about you. Something. Anything. Like the story you told me when we were at the festival.”

“That was a one-time thing,” Jeongguk argued, but Jimin frowned.

“Well, you were very formal while telling that story, so I guess I was just hoping to hear a different
story about you. About… maybe about who you actually are. Something that makes sense,” Jimin
said with vagueness, but Jeongguk understood. Here he was, straight from Gananhan with long hair
and tattoos and no family or status, an alpha working for the palace without a scent to identify him,
a surefire nobody on the king’s radar for a rut intensified by the crown prince. He was an anomaly,
but he behaved himself and put on a proper and polite front. Surely things didn’t match up for
Jimin.

“Well, what would you like to know?” Jeongguk asked, remaining polite.

“Tell me… I don’t know. Did you work before you had this job?” Jimin wondered. “What was
your life like? What’d you do before you came to interview here?”

“I don’t think it’s a very good idea to discuss that type of thing with you,” Jeongguk replied,
distrusting as usual. He couldn’t seem to shake it, especially after lunch on Monday. Jimin
narrowed his eyes.

“Why’s that? Haven’t I shown you that you can trust me?” he asked, reading Jeongguk’s mind. “I
want to know who you are outside of being my caretaker. Please, Jeongguk.”

“What I was doing before I was hired at the palace isn’t exactly legal,” Jeongguk responded. “So it
bears repeating that I don’t think talking to you about this is a good idea.”

“I don’t care if it was legal or not,” Jimin replied. “I’m not here to pass judgment. I’m here for a
bedtime story, remember? I’m here to see if you trust me.”
“I… I was hired at the palace as a cleaner. Because that’s what I was doing before working here,”
Jeongguk tentatively said. “I was... cleaning houses. I started in Gananhan and kind of… built a
reputation. Made myself useful and worked my way to the north. Cleaned houses for people up
here under a fake name so that they could never find me if things went wrong, or if… yeah.”

“Did things ever go wrong?” Jimin wondered, and Jeongguk cracked a small smile.

“They shouldn’t have, but I wasn’t always on my best behavior.”

“Well, what was the last job you did before you came here?” Jimin asked. Jeongguk fiddled with
his fingers, picking at his fingernails as he contemplated his response. He could brush it off and
say that it was just another boring job. He could scold Jimin for prying. Or he could finally pull the
stick out of his ass and be himself in front of the omega he wanted so much.

“Permission to speak freely and impolitely?” Jeongguk asked, and the moment he did, Jimin’s face
split into a shit-eating grin.

“I’d expect nothing less.”

“Okay, so—” Jeongguk hopped up and bent one leg, resting his knee on the bed against the outside
of Jimin’s blanketed thigh as he faced the prince. Jimin was practically glowing in excitement.
“You know how I told you that my friend taught me how to steal to survive?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I kind of carried that habit over into my work, so the last job I did,” Jeongguk started as
Jimin bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing, “was in the north. And it was at this fucking
massive mansion on a hill. Like, disgusting kind of huge house, unnecessary.”

“Oh my God, on a hill?” Jimin breathed. “Don’t tell me it was the Kangs.”

“It was the fucking Kangs, those rich-ass snobs,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin let out a laugh,
covering his mouth with one hand. “I swear to God, every time you took a step, the floorboards
were like, ‘PRETENTIOUS, PRETENTIOUS’!”

Jimin threw himself sideways onto the other pillows as he laughed, and Jeongguk brought down
the whisper-yelling just a bit, his wolf pleased to see the omega laughing and happy.

“So anyways,” Jeongguk continued as Jimin sat back up, resting on his pillows again. “I took the
job with a fake name like I always do. I have, like, several identities that I use depending on what
morons I work for. I have a burner phone, too, so that I can just toss it when shit goes south. So I
get to the house and it takes me about five minutes to be like, ‘these motherfuckers aren’t going to
pay me what I’m worth.’ Because they never do, right?”

“Well, of course they don’t,” Jimin said with laughter in his voice. “You’re cheap labor.”

“Exactly, so they think that I don’t know how much I should be paid,” Jeongguk said, rolling his
eyes. “If I had a family or some status or I lived in Gogwihan, they’d pay me a fucking fortune. But
nah, they were like ‘oh, we’ll pay you thirty-thousand won to clean the whole house.’ So I was
like, ‘alright, cool.’”

“Sure you were,” Jimin said, amused.

“So I cleaned the house like a good boy,” Jeongguk recalled, his heart fluttering at the sight of
Jimin’s smile. “Did what I was supposed to do while the Kangs weren’t home. But their three beta
guards were, and the goddamn gardener was there.”

“Their gardener is annoying as hell,” Jimin chimed in, and Jeongguk threw up a hand.

“Yes, thank you, what a stalker,” he said, and Jimin snickered. “This woman followed me around
the house like she didn’t have a whole fucking garden to tend to. She tracked dirt through the house
and everything, and I almost smacked her in the face with her stupid flowers. Which, by the way,
were dying because she’s a shitty gardener.”

“Jeongguk, stop,” Jimin laughed, throwing his head back onto the pillows with both hands
covering his mouth. His scent was swirling around Jeongguk relentlessly, so full of happiness that
it was almost impossible to breathe. He waved one of his hands, gesturing for Jeongguk to
continue.

“So I finished cleaning up the house and I was like, ‘well, I think I deserve a bit more
compensation for cleaning a two-story mansion with ten bedrooms and four bathrooms.’ So I went
to the master bedroom and had a little look around, and I saw that good old Mrs. Kang had an
entire treasure chest full of jewelry that had dust on it.”

“She’s insufferable,” Jimin sighed.

“That’s putting it lightly,” Jeongguk agreed. “So I just rummaged through and found a pretty little
brooch that I knew would make bank on the black market.”

“Oh, you trade on the black market?” Jimin raised his eyebrows. “My father always talks about
how much he hates the black market. Says it’s ‘pathetic.’” He used air quotes. “But how much did
you get for the brooch?”

“Two hundred and fifty thousand won,” Jeongguk replied, and Jimin’s jaw dropped.

“Holy shit,” he breathed.

“Yeah, when these fuckers were paying me thirty thousand won for hours of work cleaning their
ugly house,” Jeongguk replied, and Jimin giggled. “So I took the brooch, right? But the damn
gardener was following me around.”

“Oh, God.”

“And as I was leaving the house out the backdoor, I was putting the brooch in my backpack, right?
And she fucking saw me and started screaming, so I was like, ‘shit, time to run.’ But the Kangs
have metal detectors installed at their doors, so guess who set off all the bells and whistles?”

“Oh my God,” Jimin laughed, clutching his blankets.

“So the three betas start running after me,” Jeongguk said, and then he mimicked shifting his
pretend backpack. “So I put my backpack on my front and I got to the hill, and there was just no
way. I had to get out of there fast, right?”

“Right.”

“So I rolled down the hill.”

“No way,” Jimin said as he laughed, and Jeongguk grinned.

“Yeah. Hugged that backpack for dear life and just took the tumble. Those poor, out-of-shape
betas. You should’ve seen them trying to run down the hill.” Jeongguk leapt up and leaned back as
far as he could while standing, and then he pretended to run down an imaginary hill as Jimin burst
out laughing, falling to his side again. Jeongguk flopped back down on the bed with a sigh. “So I
got away, but the gardener called me and was like, ‘oh, we’ll get you!’ and I was like, ‘wo-o-o-ow,
I’m terrified.’ And I got rid of my phone.”

“And you sold it on the black market. The brooch,” Jimin declared.

“Yeah.”

“And got the money you deserved.”

“Exactly.” Jeongguk sighed and cleared his throat. “So that’s your bedtime story.”

“Best bedtime story I’ve ever had,” Jimin said with a grin, slipping further beneath his blankets. “It
takes a lot of skill to be a good thief, you know. Especially if you have a monarchy that doesn’t do
shit for you.”

“You would be included in that,” Jeongguk quietly said.

“I have no power,” Jimin whispered. “Not yet. And even when my father’s rut cycle ends and he
gives me the throne, I still won’t have much power. Not as an omega. Why do you think my father
wants me to mate an alpha so badly?”

“I get it,” Jeongguk agreed, rubbing his mouth with one hand. “But he really doesn’t care. Your
father. He doesn’t care about us in the south. He’d be happier if we all vanished or died off. He
hates the black market but looks away and doesn’t want to deal with it. But then he hires someone
like me for cheap labor and hates that he has to pay me the same wage.”

“Of course he’d be happy if poor people without status didn’t exist,” Jimin replied with a short
laugh. “Then he wouldn’t have to be bothered by you. But you do exist, and I think that the way
that you all live is amazing. You’ve been dealt such a shitty hand by a shitty ruler, and you’ve
made the most of it. No wonder you steal to survive. I would, too.”

“So you don’t think I’m a monster?” Jeongguk asked with a small smile.

“No. Not at all.”

“You don’t think I’m a worthless piece of shit because I’m an orphan who lives with two mated
alphas?”

“No, I—wait, that’s right. Holy shit,” Jimin interrupted himself, amazed once again. “They’re
mated and both alphas. I remember now. That’s awesome.”

“Mm. They’re pretty extraordinary.”

“Well, I don’t think you’re a worthless piece of shit,” Jimin added. “That’s a terrible way to think
about it. You’re a living, breathing person with a story and a lot to offer the world. And I get to
know you. So I’m the lucky one.”

“Don’t go soft on me,” Jeongguk said, and then he hopped off the bed and smoothed out Jimin’s
blankets. He took a deep breath, and then he bowed. “Is that all, Your Highness?”

Jimin settled further into his pillows, head lolling a bit as he surveyed Jeongguk. Then he crooked
his hand and patted the bed without a word, so Jeongguk obediently sat on the edge of the bed.
Jimin reached forward and tugged Jeongguk’s sleeve, so Jeongguk scooted a bit closer, curious.
Jimin then reached up and brushed his fingertips along Jeongguk’s left cheek.

“It’s gone,” he whispered, referring to the scratch Jeongguk had left on himself during his rut, the
one Jimin had instinctively helped to heal.

“Mm. I don’t think it will leave a scar, thanks to you,” Jeongguk replied with gratitude. Jimin’s
fingers lingered, and then they fluttered to the hair that was hanging in Jeongguk’s left eye. He
used deft fingers to tuck it behind Jeongguk’s left ear.

“You’re really beautiful, Jeongguk,” he whispered. Immediately, Jeongguk’s eyes fell shut, his
wolf rejoicing and beating against his ribcage to break free to get to the omega, Jeongguk’s heart
somersaulting at the sound of the compliment. He opened his eyes, and it took all of his willpower
to stand up and adjust Jimin’s blankets without climbing onto the bed to kiss the prince breathless.

“Goodnight,” Jeongguk said softly, stepping back to bow. Just before he left the room and flicked
off the light, he saw Jimin smile before turning over to burrow beneath his blankets. Jeongguk
closed the door and paused in the dark hallway.

You’re more beautiful than anyone I’ve ever known. And I wish I could tell you.

***

Saturday came. It came whether Jimin liked it or not, and Jeongguk braced himself when he
showed up at the palace that morning. He woke Jimin up as usual, and he announced that Jimin
had an appointment at the day spa.

“I always do,” Jimin grumbled, dragging his feet to his closet. “Every fucking Saturday before a
gala, I have to spend the day at the spa getting pampered so that I look beautiful enough for all
these idiotic alphas. Because that’s what matters, right, Jeongguk? As long as I’m beautiful, who
cares about love?”

“...Your Highness, the car will be here soon,” Jeongguk said, swallowing down all of the other
things he wanted to say. Jimin closed his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nose, and when he
opened his eyes and exhaled, his face softened, as did his scent, tinged with sadness.

“I know,” he whispered, and then he disappeared to get changed.

Jeongguk decisively spent the entire late morning and early afternoon switching back and forth
between spending time with Hoseok and spending time with Seokjin. Hoseok was rather elusive,
given that he was in training for the morning with the rest of the palace guards and he would be
escorting Jimin to the gala tonight as usual. He did, however, have time to pull Jeongguk aside
quickly before lunch.

“Listen, you need to keep Jimin as calm as possible tonight,” he hissed, his arm linked with
Jeongguk’s. “He’s really emotional right now, and I don’t want him to do anything at the gala that
he’ll regret. So please keep him in check. I’m begging you.”

So when Jeongguk showed up to Jimin’s room to get him ready for the gala, he kept Hoseok’s
sentiment in mind. Jimin dressed again in modern hanbok with gold embellishments at the cuffs of
the pants, a black shirt with a V-cut, and a longer black jacket with the same gold embellishments
that reached his knees. Around his waist was another sash belt with a gold tassel, and Jeongguk
took his time to style Jimin’s hair in a deep side part, combing it off his forehead so he looked
rather regal.

“Look up at me.”

Jimin blinked and looked up at Jeongguk as Jeongguk slipped a few fingers underneath the prince’s
chin. He then applied the tinted lip balm, and Jimin rubbed his lips together and glanced at himself
in the mirror.

“Do you know why my hair is blonde?” he said quietly, staring at his reflection.

“Why?” Jeongguk asked, dreading the answer as he capped the lip balm.

“My father made me dye my hair blonde after I presented as an omega,” Jimin replied. “He said
that if I wanted to attract a mate, I had to look beautiful. And that blonde hair... would attract the
right alpha for me.”

“I’m… I’m sorry,” Jeongguk said, not sure what else he could say short of cursing out the king of
Dayangsong. It was unthinkable, the rigamarole that Jimin had been put through over the years.
Children were supposed to honor their parents and respect them, but Jimin’s father had not returned
the favor. He seemed to have never shown any kind of respect to Jimin, resorting to using him only
as a pawn once he presented as an omega. Useless to the king, surely, so the fanfare commenced.

“I’m not allowed to be anything but blonde,” Jimin whispered, blinking slowly, his scent heavy
with sadness. “Do you like my hair blonde?”

“Your hair color doesn’t matter to me, Your Highness,” Jeongguk replied, standing behind Jimin
and carefully fixing one or two strands of his blonde hair, which had just been touched up at the
day spa. “Let’s get you to the gala.”

Jimin seemed to prefer hiding in the bathroom and drowning in his own misery, but he stood up
with a heavy sigh and led the way out of his bedroom, where Hoseok was waiting.

“Hey, you look great,” Hoseok complimented, cupping his hand briefly at the back of Jimin’s
neck. When no one was looking, Hoseok was anything but formal with the prince, and surely that
was why the other guards and palace staff members didn’t like him. He was close with Jimin, and
that was too much for them to handle.

“Wish I felt the same. Will there be champagne?” Jimin asked hopefully, and then he and Hoseok
laughed together, elbows linked as they began to walk. Taehyun and Chaeyoung fell into step
beside Jeongguk, and they all headed towards the ballroom, fashionably late again.

“He looks great, Jeongguk,” Chaeyoung said, tucking her hair behind one ear. “You think this is
the night? Think we can find someone decent for him?”

“Don’t know. Did you gather any decent alphas?” Jeongguk asked, knowing Chaeyoung was the
one who did a lot of the recruiting. She blew out a breath, lips vibrating.

“It’s slim pickings these days,” she complained. “I’m recycling alphas from a year ago now. It’s
hard to find pureblood alphas or alphas with high enough status to suit the king’s guidelines. I did
my best. There are thirty-two of them tonight.”

“Can you imagine having to sell yourself like this once a month?” Jeongguk asked without a filter,
gauging how comfortable he was with Taehyun and Chaeyoung.
“I mean, on one hand, it would end if he’d just pick a mate,” Taehyun replied. “But on the other
hand, I’d hate every second of it if I was in his shoes. So no, I can’t imagine.”

“Imagine having to pick a mate for life after just one night of conversations,” Chaeyoung
whispered, shaking her head. “I’ve never agreed with this. Prince Jimin should be able to pick his
own mate. But he just… hasn’t. He’s never wanted to.”

“Then here’s to hoping,” Jeongguk said dully, watching as the guards bowed to Jimin and Hoseok
and opened up the double doors. The music cut, Hoseok announced Jimin’s presence, applause
rang out, and the mingling began almost immediately.

mood: “head and heart on fire” by léon

Jeongguk stayed close to Jimin from the very get-go. It took only two alphas for Jeongguk to
realize, too, that they were being watched. King Youngho was burning a hole into Jeongguk with
his eyes, probably ready to follow through on his promise to make sure that Jeongguk never had
another rut if he didn’t find Jimin a mate. So Jeongguk struggled to make a mental list of anyone
decent Jimin spoke to, watching the prince down champagne to keep calm.

It wasn’t until the eighth alpha that Jeongguk started to notice that Jimin was not himself. He was
chatting with each alpha, but his body language was screaming for help. He kept shifting his
footing like he was trying to challenge the alpha in front of him despite his fake laughter, and
whenever one of the alphas reached out in an attempt to touch Jimin, Jimin shrugged away and
dodged to a point where it was obvious. When Jimin physically peeled one alpha’s hand off his
arm, Jeongguk panicked and rushed over.

“Please excuse us for a moment,” he said politely to the alpha with a bow, and then he guided
Jimin off to the side. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Jimin set his empty champagne glass onto a small table.

“Your father is watching your every move,” Jeongguk hissed. “You have to start acting like you
like some of these alphas. You know he’s going to ask for three names again, and if you don’t give
him those names, that’s it. You’ll be punished, and he’ll kill me.”

“He won’t…” Jimin started, but he trailed off, and Jeongguk inhaled slowly through his nose.

“Right. He will. Because that was his threat at lunch,” Jeongguk reminded Jimin. “So I’m begging
you to please work with me. Find three alphas that you can at least tolerate. Find one that you
could deal with having around for the rest of your life, whether you believe it or not. Please.”

“I can’t do this, Jeongguk,” Jimin replied, shaking his head.

“Jimin-ssi.” Jeongguk set his hand on the table, and Jimin whipped his head up to stare at
Jeongguk, the sound of his name bringing him to life. “Please. Please. Just—Just work with me.
Let’s just get through this. Please.”

“Okay,” Jimin whispered. “Okay, I’ll—I’ll do it. But only for you.”

“I…” Jeongguk couldn’t finish his sentence, because Jimin just walked off and approached the
next alpha with seemingly newfound enthusiasm, forgoing the champagne. So Jeongguk hurried
over, close enough to eavesdrop and pick up on a name and age and rank.

For the rest of the night, Jimin waltzed around the ballroom with what Jeongguk knew was forced
excitement, but he was a damn good actor. It was believable. He turned and made a small gesture
to Jeongguk a total of three times, noting the alphas that he found tolerable, even though Jeongguk
knew that hardly qualified as decent. Jeongguk only found himself intervening on Jimin’s behalf
once, kindly directing a handsy alpha who had had too much champagne away to the other side of
the ballroom.

If I have to do this again one more time next month, so help me, Jeongguk thought as people began
to leave the ballroom for the night and the musicians began to pack up their instruments. Jeongguk
watched as the queen mother was escorted out of the room by her caretaker, and he momentarily
wondered why Namjoon wasn’t at the gala to mingle. Perhaps his alpha presence wasn’t
welcomed in a room full of unmated and eager alphas seeking to bag the omega prince.

When the ballroom was nearly empty, save for the palace cleaners with face masks on, Jimin
strolled up to his father, hands in his pockets as King Youngho finally rose from his chair. Jimin
opened his mouth to speak, but the king held up his hand and cut him off. His eyes fell on
Jeongguk, who was standing off to the side.

“Come here,” he said coolly, so Jeongguk rushed over and bowed deeply.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said, his heart leaping into his throat.

“I trust that you did your job,” the king said, lifting his chin just slightly to stare down his nose at
Jeongguk, judging. Jeongguk nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The selection pool was favorable this time. His Highness chose three suitors
he found to be to his liking,” Jeongguk replied, and then he took a deep breath. “Lee Onhwa, age
twenty-three, female. Yang Dongwoo, age twenty-eight, male. Kim Taesuk, age twenty-five,
male.”

“I see.” King Youngho touched his chin lightly with his fingertips, his dark eyes flicking over to
his only son, the man who should have been his pride and joy. “I do struggle though, Jeongguk, to
believe that Jimin has chosen these three alphas himself. You see, my son is not dependable. He’s a
liar. And he’s quick to manipulate anyone into believing his every word.”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but His Highness Prince Jimin was much more involved in the
process this time,” Jeongguk lied in return. “The choices were his and his alone.”

“Yang Dongwoo.”

The king turned his full attention to Jimin, and Jeongguk whipped his head to the right. Jimin had
his hands folded in front of him, hanging low by his hips, and his scent was neutral, to Jeongguk’s
surprise. But he had uttered a single name.

“Yang Dongwoo,” he repeated. “I’ve chosen three, but he is my preference. Jeongguk hadn’t
mentioned that yet.”

Time seemed to suspend as King Youngho looked between Jeongguk and Jimin, trying to
determine if either of them were liars (they both were), analyzing their body language, likely letting
his alpha wolf sniff out his own son for false information. But Jimin was a brick wall, and
Jeongguk had no scent to him, though his heart was in his stomach.

“Yang Dongwoo,” the king repeated slowly, and then he nodded. “Mm. The Yang family was a
close ally to the Park family in the August Wars a century ago. All of the Yang children have been
educated at Dayangsong North University. And just recently, they made a generous donation to the
newly opened library when Dongwoo wasn’t invited to last month’s gala.” King Youngho paused,
because he had been pacing back and forth in front of Jimin as he spoke. He went toe-to-toe with
his son. “This alpha is your preference?”

“Yes, Father,” Jimin whispered.

“Noted. I will arrange for meetings with all three alphas, bearing in mind that Dongwoo is your
preference,” King Youngho responded, and then he tutted. “Now, you see? It’s far easier when you
cooperate, son. When you understand what is at stake. And when you, Jeongguk, demonstrate that
you’ve learned your place and know how to do your job. It’s simple. Everyone is happy. Correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk said with a bow.

“Dismissed,” King Youngho said, eyes still fixed on Jimin. Jeongguk bowed again, and Jimin
stepped back and bowed ninety degrees as well, albeit stiffly, before letting Jeongguk guide him
out of the ballroom, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

Not a word was spoken between the two as Jeongguk held open the bedroom door for Jimin,
shutting and locking it behind them as he always did. Jimin made a beeline for the chaise lounge at
the foot of his bed, and he collapsed with a heavy sigh, reaching down and ripping his shoes off.
Jeongguk collected them one-by-one, and after returning from the closet, he saw Jimin’s jacket
lying on the bed in a crumpled mess, and Jimin was bent forward with his elbows on his knees,
face in his hands.

“I’ll… I’ll get you ready for bed out here,” Jeongguk decided. He walked into the bathroom,
grabbed a hairbrush and a make-up removal pad, and then he returned to find Jimin sitting up
again. Silently, Jimin turned and put his back to one side of the chaise lounge, which gave
Jeongguk access to his hair.

“I don’t want to wash my hair tonight,” Jimin murmured.

“That’s okay. I’ll brush it,” Jeongguk replied, and then he took the hairbrush to Jimin’s hair and
gently brushed out the hairspray, combing through it until his hair was soft to the touch. Then he
swung to let his feet touch the floor as Jeongguk stood before him with the cotton pad with make-
up removing cleanser on it. Jimin kept his eyes closed as Jeongguk worked, and then Jeongguk
hurried off to get the toner so he could work it over Jimin’s skin, also grabbing a towel in case he
had to pat Jimin’s face dry.

“Thank you.”

“Hmm?” Jeongguk swiped the cotton pad over Jimin’s forehead, still using two fingers to brace
underneath his chin. Jimin’s long eyelashes brushed his cheeks, and then he opened his eyes and
stared directly at Jeongguk.

“Thank you for doing all of this,” Jimin whispered. Jeongguk paused, his heart pounding in his
ears, and then he was dizzy. Dizzy, disoriented by the swirling vanilla peppermint scent with a
deep undertone, acutely drowning in it. Jeongguk’s breath quickened as he swallowed heavily and
dragged the cotton pad down Jimin’s temple to his left cheek, hoping desperately that his scent was
still neutralized from the scent blocking tea he had downed a few hours ago.

“I do this almost every night now,” Jeongguk reminded him, begging for a distraction.
“I just had thirty-two eligible alphas smothering me for hours.” Jimin’s voice was slightly
detached, but it warmed when he addressed Jeongguk again. “I lied through my teeth. Not one of
them made an impression on me. All too full of themselves. Thinking they can win over a prince
like it’s a game, like my feelings don’t matter. Yang Dongwoo was no different.”

“Mm,” Jeongguk hummed, carefully curling the cotton pad around his pointer finger to get the side
slope of Jimin’s nose.

“I shouldn’t be surprised at this point. None of them would be mating me for love. Now there’s an
old-fashioned concept.” Jimin snorted, amusing himself, his eyes closed again. “They don’t care
that I know what I want.”

Jeongguk wasn’t quite sure what to say without stepping out of line. He wanted to be a cynic,
wanted to laugh and commiserate with Jimin and say that he understood. But it was late, and he
also wanted to pin Jimin to the bed and drag out as many sweet, high-pitched moans as he could. It
was the latter thought that scared the hell out of him, despite the fact that thinking of Jimin in the
throes of pleasure made Jeongguk’s wolf quite happy.

“And you grounded me. Kept me calm. You helped me get through it.”

There it was. Jeongguk cleared his throat awkwardly as he reached for the toner again, swearing he
was seeing double now. It felt impossible to breathe, and he knew that Jimin was doing it on
purpose. He had to be. Jimin’s scent had never been this strong before; he always displayed decent
self-control and kept his scent relatively normal, save for one of two slip-ups that Jeongguk had
noticed. But this was deliberate. This was enough to make Jeongguk feel like he had the potential
to go feral.

“It’s my job,” Jeongguk said, voice coming out strangled as he gently swiped a new cotton pad
over Jimin’s face. Jimin’s lips parted slightly as he tilted his head, and Jeongguk had to swallow
down the growl that had threatened to push up his throat. Even just the slightest glance at Jimin’s
neck made him feel like he was going mad. Was the room hotter now?

“Stop saying that it’s just your job,” Jimin whispered, and then he opened his eyes. He reached his
hand up and wrapped his fingers in a domino effect around Jeongguk’s wrist, and then he lowered
Jeongguk’s hand away from his face. Paralyzed, Jeongguk watched as Jimin rose to his feet, still
holding Jeongguk’s wrist, and he plucked the cotton pad from between Jeongguk’s fingers and
tossed it aside. He didn’t once release his grip.

“What do you want me to say?” Jeongguk whispered back, swaying on the spot, feeling like his
eyes were about to roll to the back of his head. Jimin’s scent had only been like this once—the
moment Jeongguk had compromised him when they had been stick fighting.

mood: “bedroom wall” by banks

“I want you to stop me if this isn’t what you want,” Jimin breathed, lifting his chin just enough to
be eye-to-eye with Jeongguk. Jeongguk felt like he was falling forwards, nearly pressing his
forehead to Jimin’s now, helplessly spellbound. He couldn’t fight it, and he didn’t want to. This
was exactly what he wanted. This was what he had been dreaming about, waking up in a sweat
about for weeks. He was on the precipice with one foot hovering over the abyss, and Jimin was
reaching out to him. Jeongguk’s wolf was positively howling, pushing Jeongguk forward in
desperation.

“If you do this,” Jeongguk whispered, lips barely moving, because Jimin was even closer now.
“There’s no going back. I won’t want to go back.”

“Good.” Jimin’s voice was nothing more than a soft exhale, and when their noses brushed
together, Jeongguk’s breath hitched. His heart was pounding in his ears. His knees were giving out
on him. Because when Jimin inevitably closed the gap, Jeongguk knew that he would never be the
same again. He would never want to go back to how they were before. He would be in it one
hundred percent, just like Namjoon had said. There was no recovering from it.

He wanted it.

Time came to a grinding halt as Jeongguk held his breath, vaguely registering Jimin’s hand still
around his wrist but too far gone to feel it fully. His eyes fell shut, and he didn’t move as he felt
Jimin’s lips on his, felt the briefest, softest, most tentative kiss just to his bottom lip.

He’s mine.

Jeongguk used his free hand to brace the back of Jimin’s neck as he surged forward, and their lips
met again for a real kiss—rough, not gentle. Desperate, insistent, almost filthy. Jimin’s knees gave
out on him, and Jeongguk held him up. He buried his hand in Jimin’s blonde hair as Jimin gasped,
and Jeongguk licked into his mouth and kissed him harder, barely able to breathe.

“Fuck, more,” Jimin begged, and Jeongguk snapped, taking in the spike of arousal in Jimin’s scent.
He growled and grabbed Jimin around the waist, hoisting him right off the ground as Jimin gasped.
His legs wrapped around Jeongguk’s waist immediately, fingers tangled in Jeongguk’s long hair,
and his lips found Jeongguk’s lips again. Jeongguk swiped his tongue across Jimin’s bottom lip
before pushing into his mouth, and Jimin whined so beautifully, deepening the kiss as Jeongguk
backed the two of them up until Jimin’s back was against the wall. He was made entirely of
muscle, but he was slender and lightweight to Jeongguk, which made him easy to hold. Jeongguk
was drowning in vanilla peppermint now, hardly able to think straight.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin breathed, his head falling back against the wall with a dull thump. Jeongguk
dove and kissed roughly down his neck, nipping at the sensitive skin and avoiding Jimin’s scent
gland altogether, hazy in the head but knowing well enough that he couldn’t do such a thing.
Jeongguk wasn’t foolish enough to think that he could hide his arousal; he just accepted it. He was
completely hard and couldn’t control it, and with Jimin’s hips against his, he could feel the hard
outline of Jimin’s cock pressed to his waist.

“So beautiful,” Jeongguk finally praised, and then he pressed his lips to Jimin’s again, grabbing
Jimin’s bottom lip between his teeth for a moment. They kissed until Jeongguk took a deep breath
and almost choked on Jimin’s scent, but it was so overwhelmingly welcoming that Jeongguk could
feel his wolf beating against his chest, dying to break free, calling out for the omega.

“Fuck, Jeongguk, please,” Jimin begged firmly, rutting against Jeongguk, their lips slicked with
spit, Jeongguk’s heart racing. Jeongguk wasted no time. He spun the two of them and sat right
down on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed, knowing goddamn well that Jimin was the only
one who was supposed to sit there, but Jimin didn’t seem to care. He straddled Jeongguk’s thigh,
arms around Jeongguk’s neck, and devoured Jeongguk’s lips with another kiss.

Jeongguk had been with other omegas before. A few betas, one or two alphas, but mostly omegas.
Yet none of them, not a single one, had ever kissed him with such ferocity and such want. Jimin
wasn’t shy or cautious with his approach at all—he kissed Jeongguk like he knew exactly what he
wanted, and maybe he did. Maybe Jeongguk had been a fool for months. Maybe he had ignored
Jimin’s advances for too long.

“You can’t,” Jeongguk gasped in the middle of a kiss. “Towel. Get the towel. You can’t—Jimin-
ssi. Hey.”

Jimin bent backwards, grabbed the towel that was on the floor, hopped up, and draped it across
Jeongguk’s thigh. Then he climbed back on, fingers running through Jeongguk’s hair, and
Jeongguk lost himself in the next kiss. He quietly moaned, his lips still on Jimin’s, when Jimin’s
hands fought their way underneath his top and his t-shirt. The moment Jimin’s fingers dug into
Jeongguk’s bare skin, Jimin let out a soft cry, fingernails dragging and leaving marks on
Jeongguk’s ribs.

“J-Jeongguk,” he whined as Jeongguk pulled at the bottom hem of Jimin’s shirt. Jimin didn’t fight
it. He crossed his arms at the waist and pulled his shirt off, tossing it to the side, and Jeongguk
swore he blacked out for a moment. Jimin’s skin was soft and smooth to the touch, abdomen toned
with muscle, and he was beautiful. So beautiful that Jeongguk couldn’t believe he had an omega
like this in his lap, an omega who was so aroused that he was leaking slick, the scent permeating
Jeongguk’s brain and filling the room. The alpha in him was screaming. The human in him was
screaming. But the towel would serve its purpose.

“Shh, be quiet,” Jeongguk insisted, pressing his hands to Jimin’s lower back as he kissed any
exposed inch of Jimin’s chest that he could. Jimin’s arms were draped around Jeongguk’s neck,
and he was rutting with purpose against Jeongguk’s thigh, his breathing heavy, small little moans
escaping the back of his throat. “Shh, shh. You have to be quiet.”

Jimin dropped his forehead on Jeongguk’s shoulder, his breathing still erratic, his hands slipping to
Jeongguk’s chest. Jeongguk made space for himself in Jimin’s arms, his hands wrapping around
Jimin’s hips as he pressed kisses along Jimin’s collarbone reverently. Jimin turned his head, his
lips against Jeongguk’s neck dangerously close to Jeongguk’s scent gland.

“I—I just want your scent,” he whispered shakily, his voice strained. “I hate that I can’t—it’s
just…”

“I know. One day,” Jeongguk said, dazed as he bent Jimin’s head down towards him for another
kiss. Kissing Jimin was an out-of-body experience. His lips were so soft, and he seemed to know
exactly how to respond to Jeongguk, anticipating every single second of the kiss they shared.
Jeongguk could feel the way the towel was getting heavier on his thigh. He knew Jimin had lost
control all the same. Jeongguk desperately wanted to throw Jimin onto the bed, strip him down,
and get his mouth all over the omega until Jimin was crying in sheer pleasure. But not tonight. It
couldn’t be tonight.

“Jeongguk, I—I need—”

“Take what you need, then,” Jeongguk whispered, and then he reached between the two of them
and pressed his hand firmly over Jimin’s hard cock over the fabric of his pants. Jimin threw his
head back with a strangled gasp, and then he lurched forward as both of Jeongguk’s hands moved
to the small of Jimin’s back. Jimin dropped his head again, his mouth against Jeongguk’s shoulder,
and he began to rut against Jeongguk’s thigh again, panting and swallowing his own moans.
Jeongguk used his hands as a guide, encouraging Jimin to go faster, feeling his own cock leaking in
his underwear, hoping that he was still scentless. The towel was still there to keep slick from
getting on Jeongguk’s clothing, because he had to make a clean getaway into the night.

“I’m—I’m gonna—fuck, I’m—Jeongguk,” Jimin breathily whined, and Jeongguk, too, felt like
whining until the burning fire of arousal was quenched. But one of them had to be in control, and
Jeongguk decided that it would have to be him.

“Go ahead,” he whispered. “Go ahead, I’ve got you.”

Jimin circled his arms around Jeongguk’s neck again, his scent so heavy with arousal that
Jeongguk was sure he could come just from breathing it in if he had more time. But he felt one of
Jimin’s hands tangle in the back of his hair, the other hand against Jeongguk’s shoulder blade, his
head burrowed in Jeongguk’s neck. It was a dangerous game, a fine line, because if Jimin lost
himself enough, Jeongguk’s scent gland was right there. But Jimin held it together as he rutted
against Jeongguk’s thigh, panting, picking up speed, grinding his hips down harder as Jeongguk
swore he saw stars. Jimin then let out a strangled whining moan that sounded like a cry, his body
tensing, fingernails digging into Jeongguk’s skin even through the shirt. Jeongguk coaxed him
through the orgasm, feeling that the towel was wet, his lips against Jimin’s warm skin by his
shoulder, his world unhinging.

Jimin slumped against Jeongguk’s shoulder, boneless, gasping for air, but one of his hands
absentmindedly stroked the hair at Jeongguk’s nape in a soothing fashion. Jeongguk hugged Jimin
around the waist, fingers fluttering up and down his spine, eyes closed as he brushed his lips along
Jimin’s chest, leaving a trail of soft kisses as Jimin came down from the high.

“Jeongguk—”

“Shh,” Jeongguk breathed, and then he tilted his chin up and met Jimin’s lips in a sweet kiss, still
falling into the abyss. In their own little cocoon, blissfully unaware of their surroundings, they
exchanged soft, gentle kisses in the dim lighting of the bedroom, the rest of the palace quiet.
Jeongguk lost sense of time, Jimin’s bottom lip between his teeth, Jimin’s scent absolutely
devouring him as it sweetened significantly.

“I have to go,” Jeongguk finally whispered between kisses, pained. Jimin pulled away and pressed
their foreheads together, lips kiss-bitten, cheeks still flushed, hair tousled. He looked so damn
gorgeous that it took Jeongguk’s breath away.

“I know,” Jimin whispered back. “I… Jeongguk, I’m…”

“You have to go clean up. Please,” Jeongguk begged, his eyes closed. “I—I can’t… your scent is
just…”

“I’ll be quick. Please don’t leave yet. Please,” Jimin begged in return, and Jeongguk nodded. Jimin
kissed him firmly once, taking Jeongguk’s face between his hands, and then he hopped off
Jeongguk’s lap and snatched up the towel, disappearing into the bathroom. Jeongguk opened his
eyes, and then he pitched forward with his elbows on his knees, face in his hands.

It happened. And now there was no going back.

Jimin had willingly given Jeongguk a taste, and now Jeongguk was instantly addicted. There was
absolutely no way that he could pretend that he didn’t want Jimin for himself now. Jimin was his
omega, according to Jeongguk’s wolf. The claim had been laid. Jeongguk had half a mind to ask
Jimin if he was interested in being courted. But then the sinking reality washed over Jeongguk
when he remembered what had happened earlier in the evening. Jimin was going to be courted by
some other alpha. Mated. Married off. What they had just done in the bedroom was both wrong
and forbidden. If even a single palace guard caught on, Jeongguk would die at the feet of the king,
and Jimin would probably have to watch.
But it didn’t matter. Jeongguk was in it. He wanted it.

Jimin was in the bathroom for well over five minutes, but Jeongguk didn’t mind. It gave him time
to pace the room and breathe his way out of his own arousal until the feeling faded altogether.
Maybe one day he’d get a chance. Not tonight.

The bathroom door opened, and Jimin shuffled out, wearing his black pajama pants and loose
white t-shirt for bedtime, all clean from their desperate tryst. He walked straight up to Jeongguk,
wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s waist, and kissed him, sending the butterflies in Jeongguk’s
stomach into a frenzy again. He gently ran his hands up and down Jimin’s obliques as he trailed
kisses down Jimin’s cheek to his jaw, and then to his neck. Jimin’s body arched towards Jeongguk
as he let out a little breath of pleasure, and Jeongguk kissed the juncture of his neck and shoulder.

“Go to bed,” he whispered.

“Make me,” Jimin replied. In one fell swoop, Jeongguk picked Jimin up by the waist, took three
steps, and tossed the prince right onto the bed. Jimin dissolved into quiet laughter, but he obeyed
and pulled the blankets over himself, settling into his pillows. Jeongguk walked over, reached
behind Jimin, and fluffed the pillows, pressing a kiss to the top of Jimin’s head before he
straightened up.

“Do we need to talk about it?” Jimin asked, cocking his head to the side. Jeongguk pursed his lips,
feeling a foreign warmth spread through his chest as he shook his head.

“Not right now.”

“But we’ll have to,” Jimin replied, and Jeongguk nodded.

“Yeah. We will.”

“Jeongguk?”

“Hmm,” Jeongguk hummed, slipping his hands into his pockets, relieved that he only faintly
smelled like Jimin, something he could chalk up to being the prince’s caretaker. For now.

“Please don’t tell me this was only a one-time thing,” Jimin said, his eyes shining. Jeongguk
rubbed his lips together, exhaling deeply through his nose.

“That’s not something I can promise,” he replied reluctantly. The effect was instantaneous. Jimin’s
scent rapidly spiked with anxiety, and his primal instincts kicked in as he curled into himself
protectively, shifting to lie on his pillows. Rejected. His omega was instantly wounded, and
Jeongguk’s poor wolf howled in protest, feeling foolish. Jeongguk surged forward, sat on the edge
of Jimin’s bed, took Jimin’s face between his hands, and kissed Jimin apologetically, a small whine
lodging in his throat like he, too, was wounded and needed to grovel for forgiveness.

“No, no, no. I’m not rejecting you. Don’t think that,” he whispered feverishly, kissing anywhere on
Jimin’s face that he could find as Jimin sighed, deflating slightly in Jeongguk’s hold. “No, that’s
not it. I just—after tonight, with all the—with the gala, with your father, it’s just—I don’t—I don’t
know if…”

“Jeongguk, this isn’t a one-time thing for me,” Jimin said breathily, gripping the front of
Jeongguk’s shirt and tilting his head like he was presenting his neck to be scented. Jeongguk
almost burst into tears, because the one thing he wanted to do most was impossible. “I want this. I
want you.”
“Okay.” Jeongguk kissed Jimin softly. “Okay, we’ll—we’ll figure it out. We’ll talk about it later.
We’ll—Okay. You have to sleep now, though, and I have to go home. But I’ll see you on
Monday.”

“Okay.” Jimin nuzzled against Jeongguk’s cheek with his nose, and then he smiled into the kiss
that Jeongguk gave him. “Goodnight, Jeongguk.”

“Goodnight,” Jeongguk whispered, freezing in surprise with a racing heart when Jimin cupped his
hand behind Jeongguk’s head and kissed Jeongguk’s forehead affectionately. Feeling like a
lovesick fool, Jeongguk backed away to the door, flicked off the light, and slipped out of the
bedroom. He took a deep breath to compose himself, knowing that the real test would be passing
by the guard. With his head down, he walked the length of the hallway, stuck as far to the left as he
could, and bowed sideways as he passed. The guard didn’t even budge. Jeongguk rushed to the
staff room, changed with haste, clocked out, and jogged out the palace’s front gates, pulling his
hood up. It was nearly midnight, but Jeongguk had not a single regret. He grabbed his bike, and
then he hopped on and began to pedal home, unable to wipe the grin off his face as he rode off
with his back to the palace.

Jeongguk, an alpha with no real family and no status, was dirt beneath their feet. But he had the
prince of Dayangsong wrapped around his finger. And he himself was no better off.

***

Yang Dongwoo was handsome. Intelligent. Wealthy. Family-oriented. And an absolute fucking
nightmare.

“I just think that it will be important for us to get away, you know?” Dongwoo said, his legs still
crossed as he reached for his drink. It was Sunday at lunchtime, and Jimin had woken up to the
news that he had a date arranged with his “preferred” suitor from the gala last night.

“Get away?” Jimin repeated, because he had already listened to Dongwoo’s rambling gratitude
about being invited for lunch, his lofty plans for courting Jimin, and what their future would look
like. He seemed to understand that he had it in the bag, that this relationship was his, that Jimin
was his.

“Vacations,” Dongwoo clarified. “Not the kind that others have, of course, because you’ll be king
someday soon. But just some time away so we can relax. Enjoy the fruits of our labor.”

“You’ve never worked a day in your life,” Jimin commented flippantly, reaching for his wine
glass. Dongwoo let out a small chuckle that made Jimin’s skin crawl. It was that kind of laugh. The
kind of laugh that was drenched in pacifying sympathy. The kind of laugh that an alpha gave to an
omega that they found to be uncooperative. There, there. It was the worst kind of laugh.

“My family does enough for Dayangsong, Jimin-ssi,” Dongwoo said, and Jimin gritted his teeth.
Dongwoo had also taken it upon himself to address Jimin without his royal title, mostly insisting
that it was because he was an alpha and older, and therefore could do as he pleased. Nobody had
stopped him. Jimin couldn’t. “There’s no need to do anything as petty as work for a living to earn
money when you’re in my situation. Or yours. You likely haven’t worked a day in your life, either.”

“My entire life is scheduled for me and I’m forced to do public engagements and charity work,”
Jimin replied flatly. “I work my ass off.”

“Seems like it’s still there,” Dongwoo joked with a wicked grin.

“Can we talk about my day?” Jimin asked in a breezy fashion, because fuck if he wasn’t used to
this.

“Sure. What made you consider me as a potential mate after last night?” Dongwoo wondered.

“That’s talking about you,” Jimin pointed out.

“Indulge me. I’m curious,” Dongwoo responded, bowing his head when some food was set down
in front of him.

“I didn’t gag when I was talking to you last night,” Jimin replied, using two fingers to push his
wine glass back into place. “But there’s still a chance, so please look forward to it.”

“God, they weren’t kidding,” Dongwoo laughed again, picking up his chopsticks as he let out an
amused little sigh. “Everyone who’s been to one of these galas before told me about your… sense
of humor. You’ll settle.”

“I’ll settle,” Jimin said under his breath, snorting. “Okay. Why don’t you tell me a little bit about
your family, then? Indulge me.”

Dongwoo lifted his chin with a sparkle in his eyes, surveying Jimin. Then he uncrossed his legs,
sat forward, and began to talk about the Yang family legacy. He talked and talked, his bergamot
scent swirling around Jimin and nearly choking him in the worst way. But Jimin ate what was on
his plate and stared at Dongwoo, looking right through him as his mind wandered. He hummed
conversationally in all the right places, but the longer Dongwoo talked, the more Jimin tuned out.

Take what you need, then.

mood: “incomplete” by james bay

Jimin swore that Jeongguk had left permanent fingerprints all over his skin, lip marks that were
nothing but a phantom memory but still ached. For weeks, months, Jimin had yearned for just a
single touch, just a small taste of what Jeon Jeongguk had to offer. He had desperately wanted
Jeongguk to snap, to give in to the temptation, and he had given in so beautifully. Jimin had as
well. Last night had been, quite easily, the best night of Jimin’s life. The festival had come close,
but having Jeongguk like that… nothing compared.

The way Jeongguk had caved and told Jimin the story of his last thieving endeavor had been
Jimin’s breaking point. That was when Jimin had decided that the only alpha he wanted was Jeon
Jeongguk. Seeing Jeongguk so alive, so animated, glowing with such a smile on his face as he told
his story, was something Jimin hadn’t prepared for at all. His heart had swelled five sizes. His
omega had battered Jimin’s ribcage in desperation. Even without a scent, there was something so
innately lovely about Jeongguk that had Jimin hook, line, and sinker. He was absolutely addicted,
and he had been since day one. The day he had sat on the ledge in the garden, the day he had seen
Jeongguk wandering around innocently—that had been the day. Jimin’s wolf had known. And now
Jimin knew, too.
Jimin wasn’t a blushing virgin. Namjoon and Hoseok had come through for him and had given
him ample opportunity to sneak out and find someone to satisfy his needs for years. But no alpha
had ever made Jimin react in such a primal way. No alpha had ever pulled such a visceral reaction
out of him. Jeongguk had done it without even undressing.

“...Right? Jimin-ssi?”

“Hmm?” Jimin raised his eyebrows, trying to forget the way Jeongguk’s hands had felt on his
waist, encouraging Jimin to ride his thigh harder. “Ah. Yes. Right. That’s—yes.”

“You didn’t hear a word I just said,” Dongwoo challenged. “You spaced out completely.”

“Well, forgive me, but what’s in my head is far more interesting than what’s coming out of your
mouth,” Jimin replied. He lifted his napkin and dabbed at his mouth, and then he pushed back his
chair. “I’m finished. It was lovely to meet with you, Dongwoo. I think this went well.”

“This is your idea of things going well? The bar is low,” Dongwoo replied, and Jimin lowered his
head to roll his eyes. “Then maybe we’ll see each other again. I’ll be sure to have my father contact
your father to arrange a future meeting. Your birthday is right around the corner, after all.”
Dongwoo’s eyes scanned Jimin head to toe, and then he smirked. “Thanks for seeing me, Your
Highness.” He bowed politely, and then he left the small dining room when Jimin gestured.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Jimin muttered the moment Dongwoo disappeared, and he yanked his
phone out of his pocket.

JIMIN [01:03:24PM]

Come to the palace gardens or I might die

NAMJOON FAVORITE COUSIN [01:04:20PM]

That’s a little dramatic

NAMJOON FAVORITE COUSIN [01:04:41PM]

Be there in five.

Namjoon usually rode his bike from Gachi House to the palace, so when he strolled into the
gardens where Jimin was waiting about seven or eight minutes later, it wasn’t a surprise to Jimin.
People loved to catch a glimpse of the prince on his bike dressed so formally. Namjoon was just
wearing black slacks and a white button-up with a black belt, but with the glasses and the way he
carried himself, he tended to be rather intimidating. Only Jimin knew that his older cousin was an
awkward alpha with very little finesse to the things he did and an obsession with nature and
artwork. Seokjin often laughed that Namjoon wasn’t capable of flirting, and that was what made
him fall in love.
“Not dead, I see. Shame. I was thinking of picking out a coffin on the way over here,” Namjoon
commented as he sat down on the stone bench beside Jimin.

“Lined with crushed velvet or bury me without one,” Jimin replied without missing a beat.
Namjoon snickered, his scent quite happy in comparison to Jimin’s.

“You smell sour. What’s going on?” Namjoon asked, reaching over and pinching a flower petal
between his fingers. He was the kind of man who didn’t know his own strength, though, so the
petal came clean off the flower, the branch shaking, and Jimin stifled a laugh.

“Just had lunch with one of the alphas from last night,” Jimin said. “Yang Dongwoo.”

“Oh, shit. A Yang? That’s impressive. Did your father arrange that?” Namjoon asked.

“Yeah, but I chose Dongwoo.”

“You’re lying.”

“No, I did. Last night at the gala. I figured it was time to cooperate and pick someone who won’t
make me want to bang my head against a wall seven days a week. So far, with Dongwoo, I think
I’ll only have to concuss myself three to four days a week,” Jimin said casually, and Namjoon
rolled his eyes.

“Well, it’s better than nothing.”

“Also, I kissed Jeongguk last night.”

Namjoon clicked his tongue and sat up straight, pressing his palms to his thighs as he pursed his
lips and held his breath. He glanced over at Jimin to see if it was the truth, and when Jimin just
blinked, Namjoon reached up a hand and whacked the back of Jimin’s head.

“Ow,” Jimin said (even though it didn’t hurt) as Namjoon nudged him with an elbow.

“God, you’re so fucking annoying,” he said with a laugh. “You can’t just say that, Jimin-ah. Are
you kidding? Or are you telling the truth?”

“I’m serious,” Jimin replied, lowering his voice and accepting the scolding, because heaven knew
he deserved it for the mess he was about to create. “We came back from the gala. I told him to stop
me if he didn’t want it. He didn’t stop me. So we kissed. A lot. He may have helped me get off.
But it happened.”

“You’ve been waiting for it to happen,” Namjoon pointed out, and Jimin cracked a small smile.

“And if I have?”

“This is the same shit I told you after the festival,” Namjoon warned. “You’re playing with fire.
He’s risking his life by kissing you. You know that, right? Your father would hang him in a second
if he found out.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“And you still want to go through with it.”

“He said…” Jimin drew in a breath. “He said that if we kissed, there would be no going back. That
he wouldn’t want to go back. And I agreed. So I think maybe he wants this just as much as I do.
Maybe he’s willing to take the risk.”
“He’s all in,” Namjoon murmured, and then he blew out a breath, lips vibrating. “This is what you
wanted, right? You’re not just fucking around.”

“This is exactly what I want,” Jimin replied. “My wolf wants him. I want him. I don’t know how to
explain it. There’s just… something about him. Everything about him, actually. I’m not just using
him as a distraction until October comes.”

“But if you two get too deep into this and October comes, then what? We’ve talked about this,”
Namjoon said calmly. “You’ll have to mate some stranger, probably Yang Dongwoo, and
Jeongguk will have to go back to being nobody, even though he’s the alpha that you want. You’re
really okay with inflicting that kind of pain on yourself? On Jeongguk?”

“Maybe I just want something good in my life that I chose for myself,” Jimin replied. “Maybe I
want to kiss someone who wants me for who I am, not the title in front of my name or my blood.
Maybe I just want to see if I can be happy for a month or so.”

“Or maybe you want to find a way out of it,” Namjoon muttered. “Maybe you’re hoping that
somehow, you can get away with not mating one of these alphas. That you can have Jeongguk
instead.”

“You said it, not me,” Jimin declared. Namjoon shifted to face Jimin more.

“Look, I’m all for it. Jeongguk gave me a good vibe when I met him. But you need to remember
that the entire world is working against you,” Namjoon replied. “Not a single person wants to see
you with Jeongguk. I do. Seokjin does, Hoseok probably does, too. And that’s it. You have three
powerless people in your corner, Jimin-ah. All three of us will have to stand by when your birthday
comes around and watch you mate someone you don’t even like. And Seokjin and Hoseok will
probably have to console Jeongguk.”

“He’ll probably quit,” Jimin whispered.

“No, Jimin, he won’t,” Namjoon warned. “If he’s already saying there’s no going back and he’s in
it one hundred percent, then he won’t quit. He’ll stay. He’ll work at the palace for as long as he can
just so he can be around you. Catch a glimpse of you. Bow to you when you walk by. Trust me—
he’ll do it. His wolf’s probably already chosen you, and that’s almost impossible to break. So
Jeongguk will put himself through the torture of watching you be with someone else, as long as he
can be close to you.”

“Stop talking,” Jimin whispered, closing his eyes, feeling a lump rise in his throat.

“You know I’m right,” Namjoon said regardless. “You’ll have to fire him yourself to get rid of
him. Of course, this is all in the case that you go through with the mating during your next heat. If
you were to find a way out of it, then I’ll go fuck myself.”

“Don’t underestimate me,” Jimin said quietly.

“I have in the past, and it never worked out well for me,” Namjoon laughed. “So I won’t this time.
I don’t know, Jimin-ah. If you’re doing this with Jeongguk, if you’re really going for it, then you
must have a plan. Or you must feel like it’ll work out somehow. Gut instinct.”

“Gut instinct,” Jimin repeated, staring at the cobblestone path beneath their feet. “I have no idea
what’s going to happen. But I know what I want.”

“You’re scary when you know what you want,” Namjoon pointed out, amused. “At least, to other
people you’re terrifying. Nobody expects an omega prince with a plan. Whatever you do, you
 know I’ve got you. I’ll have your back.”

“Even if it means being a co-conspirator?” Jimin asked, and Namjoon snickered.

“Oh, no we’re committing treason?” he joked. “Sure, why not? A little sedition before dinnertime
sounds like fun.”

“I can always count on you,” Jimin sighed as Namjoon stood up and cracked his back.

“I can’t stay. I have to be somewhere with my mother,” Namjoon stated. “But why don’t you come
over for dinner? I’m sure both of them would be happy to see you.”

“Only if there’s a container of homemade kimchi in it for me,” Jimin replied, because the only way
he got homemade kimchi was if Namjoon’s mothers made it for him. Jimin’s own mother didn’t
even know what a kitchen looked like.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Namjoon said with ambiguity, but Jimin knew he’d be driven home with a
container of kimchi in his lap. “Hey. Keep your head screwed on straight, will you? No slip-ups.
And check Jeongguk. Check him often. Because neither one of you can afford to fuck up.”

“I will. See you tonight,” Jimin replied. Namjoon pulled Jimin to his feet, drew him in for a back-
thumping hug, and then slipped his sunglasses over his eyes, disappearing through the side door.
Jimin slipped his hands in his pockets and gazed out onto the gardens, his eyes falling on the ledge
where months ago, he had sat and contemplated his dull and meaningless life. Where he had
quietly skipped his Japanese lesson just to think about how his life was not his own. Where he had
seen Jeongguk for the first time.

Now his life had meaning.

Chapter End Notes

That was fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! *nervous laughter* OK let's keep this going, ch7 coming
tomorrow ;) AND IT'S A BANGER SO *CHECKS YOUR SEATBELT* OK
YOU'RE GOOD, ONTO THE NEXT ONE

Find me on TWITTER
 seven
Chapter Notes

AND WE'RE BACK!!!!! I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY!!!! THIS IS A LOT!!!!!

NOTE: there is more physical abuse at the end of this chapter from the king; if this is
something that may bother you, please read with caution and care!

13k of absolute madness, have fun ;)

I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

isn’t it strange how i don’t want to play it safe?

this ain’t gonna be forever like the petals on the rose you gave

but isn’t it strange? i kind of like the way there’s no control.

i don’t know where this could go.

-“strange” by gabrielle aplin

~~~

“It looks good.”

“Yeah?” Jeongguk sleepily poured his cup of scent blocking tea on Monday morning with a yawn,
glancing down at his right arm. Taehyung had touched up his wolf last night, since he knew his
way around a tattoo gun, and he had done an impressive job. Taehyung had also touched up the
tattoo that he had on his own left hand’s ring finger, same as Yoongi. In the south, specifically in
Gananhan, mating and marriage in a formal setting wasn’t common. The practices they had in the
south were far more casual and included a unique tattoo around the ring finger to symbolize
mating, something extra in addition to the actual bite mark. Each couple’s tattoos were individual
and special. Taehyung and Yoongi’s matching tattoos were in the shape of feathers that formed a
ring around their fingers.

“Next time, I want to do the birds,” Taehyung said, patting Jeongguk’s left arm. “Or maybe I’ll just
tattoo the word ‘MORON’ across your forehead.”

“I wish you wouldn’t,” Jeongguk sighed as he collapsed into the kitchen chair, where Yoongi was
sitting drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper, face a bit swollen from sleep, glasses
on.

“It’s what you are,” Yoongi commented as he flipped a page. Jeongguk took his first sip of tea,
gazing at his friends over the top of his cup. He had spent Sunday morning curled up in bed with
Yoongi and Taehyung, and there, faintly smelling like Jimin’s scent still, he had told his two best
friends about everything that had happened the previous night. All of the kissing and touching,
everything he and Jimin had whispered to each other in secret, the way his wolf had felt. Yoongi
and Taehyung had listened respectfully, but then they had playfully kicked and scolded Jeongguk,
calling him a fool and saying that he was risking his neck.

Jeongguk knew what he was doing. He had hemmed and hawed for too long, but kissing Jimin on
Saturday night had washed away all of his worries or doubts. He was aware that showing up to the
palace to kiss the crown prince in secret was a certain death sentence if he was discovered. And
though the adrenaline rush and the thrill of it was exciting and new, that was the last thing on
Jeongguk’s mind. The dam had burst. Now all he wanted was to figure out how he could
absolutely ravish Jimin the way he deserved without being found.

“Look, I was thinking about it this morning,” Yoongi said, because he was a notorious insomniac.
“About what you’re doing, Gguk. And all I can say is that if you’re committing to it, you better be
ready to fucking risk it all. You have no power. You realize that, right?”

“Meaning what?” Jeongguk sipped his tea again.

“Meaning the prince is supposed to be mated in less than two months,” Yoongi continued. “It’s in
the papers almost every day. The entire town of Gogwihan is waiting for it to happen. And when
he’s mated to some strange alpha, you’re going to have to deal with it. You don’t have the power to
stop it from happening. That’s what I mean.”

“Is your goal to make me feel like shit? Make me not want to pursue him or be with him?”
Jeongguk asked.

“No. I’m only offering a reality check,” Yoongi replied.

“You know what, hyung?” Jeongguk set his teacup down. “I’ve never had much luck finding
someone. I was pretty happy to just be a thief and steal from the rich for the rest of my life. And I
got this job at the palace to get us some money and stick it to the monarchy. And now look at me.”

“Look at you with the prince in your lap,” Taehyung grumbled, the biggest complainer when it
came to Jimin despite his consistent support of whatever Jeongguk wanted to do with his life.
Jeongguk never questioned it much, but Jimin seemed to be a sore spot for Taehyung.

“Now all I do is go to the palace to spend time with him,” Jeongguk said, knowing that were it not
for the scent blocking tea, it would smell like a rainstorm in the kitchen. “I don’t even care about
the paycheck or the money anymore. I’m only there for him.”

“Well, have you even considered the consequences?” Yoongi wondered. “Think about what it will
be like in two months, Jeongguk. When you have to stand by and watch him be paraded around the
north with his new alpha mate who isn’t you. Are you going to be able to put up with that?”

“Maybe I’m hoping that it doesn’t come to that,” Jeongguk said.

“Maybe that’s a naïve way to look at it,” Taehyung warned.

“Well, maybe right now I don’t give a fuck,” Jeongguk declared, silencing both of his friends.
“Maybe I’m happy. Maybe I want to just—I want more. I want to know him more. Be with him
more. And we don’t have a lot of fucking time, so can you two just—just back off? And let me
have this?”

“We’ll let you have it,” Yoongi said, holding up a hand and then twisting his arm to press his palm
to Taehyung’s chest, because Taehyung was getting defensive. He wasn’t attempting to defend
himself—he was getting defensive on Jeongguk’s behalf, trying to protect the younger alpha from
hurt. But Jeongguk didn’t want that. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t remind you of the shit that
could actually happen if you’re not careful.”

“Yeah, I’m well aware. I’m painfully aware of what could happen,” Jeongguk emphasized. “But I
need this. I need to do this, okay? So just… leave me to it.”

Taehyung and Yoongi didn’t argue any further. Instead, Taehyung stood up, wrapped his arms
around Yoongi’s shoulder from behind, and bent his head to press his lips to the mating mark on
Yoongi’s neck. Yoongi’s grip on the newspaper went slack, so Taehyung turned his mate’s head
and kissed him firmly before turning to the fridge to grab something for breakfast. Jeongguk just
drank his tea, watching the two alphas sourly, full of envy.

mood: “i’ll be yours” by amy shark

The bike ride to the palace seemed to be shorter now that Jeongguk knew he could potentially have
Jimin in his arms again in the secret quiet of morning. He chained his bicycle up to a tree and
jogged up the front walk to the palace entrance, the guards all recognizing him now without a
word. With haste, he changed into his uniform and pulled his hair up as much as he could, and then
he grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen and walked towards the west wing with a pounding
heart full of anticipation.

“Good morning,” Taehyun greeted Jeongguk with a small bow, and Jeongguk almost dropped the
glass of water. He still wasn’t used to anyone at the palace showing him even the slightest inkling
of respect, but it seemed he had somehow earned it for Taehyun.

“Good morning, Taehyun-ssi,” Jeongguk replied. “Anything exciting today?”

“Not at all. An appointment has been made for the prince to see his healer,” Taehyun replied. “It’s
now forty-five days until the prince’s birthday, and his heat is around the same time, and he’s
expected to mate. So his first preliminary appointment has been made to ensure that everything
looks good.”

“Ah. Does, um… does that mean that there’s good news?” Jeongguk asked, and Taehyun shrugged.

“Guess the little date he had with some guy from the Yang family went well yesterday,” Taehyun
relayed. “That’s all I know. His Highness didn’t care to discuss any details with me, but there’s
been a bit of fuss on the king’s part, and Chaeyoung has been roped in, which means things are
coming together. So I guess it’s good news.”

“That’s—Yeah. That’s great,” Jeongguk lied, nodding. “I know it’s—you know. It’s been stressful
for everyone.”

“Honestly, I think it’ll be a new kind of hell after he’s mated,” Taehyun said under his breath for
just Jeongguk to hear. “But you didn’t hear that from me. Anyways, his appointment is at eight
o’clock, so if you don’t mind…”

Jeongguk nodded more enthusiastically, and then he quietly opened Jimin’s bedroom door and
slipped inside.

The windows were cracked open. That was the first thing that Jeongguk noticed, because it was
something Jimin had never done before. And to his surprise, there was a little glass of water with
some fresh flowers in it on his bedside table. Jeongguk froze, and then his heart dropped.

Did his date give those to him yesterday? Have I already missed my chance? Jeongguk thought,
his world momentarily reeling. But then he came closer and realized that they were chamomile
flowers, and they were from the palace gardens. That meant that Jimin had picked them himself
and put them by his bed.

Jeongguk set down the glass of water, and then he took a deep breath. Jimin’s scent was exploding
throughout the room as he slept as usual, but it wasn’t sad or anxious. It was full of happiness,
more vanilla than anything, and Jeongguk had half a mind to drop to his knees. Happy. Jimin was
happy. He was sleeping soundly still, his shirt a bit crooked, lying on his back with his head lolling
to one side. Knowing the door was closed, Jeongguk approached Jimin’s bedside, leaned down,
and kissed Jimin in hopes of waking him quietly. Immediately, Jimin stirred, his eyes fluttering
open.

“Jeongguk?” he whispered, and Jeongguk melted on the spot. “A-Are you kissing me to wake me
up because I’m a prince?”

“That’s exactly why I’m kissing you,” Jeongguk replied. Still half-asleep, Jimin sat up further and
wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, burrowing his way in, his scent saccharine with vanilla,
happy and light. Jeongguk kept his nose turned away from Jimin’s scent gland, but he embraced
the omega who had stolen every piece of his heart in rapid succession over the past few months.
He felt Jimin pressing sleepy, soft kisses to his neck, and a chill fluttered down his spine.

“How did you sleep?” Jeongguk whispered, still drinking in Jimin’s sweet scent.

“Jeongguk, are you sure…?” Jimin breathed, trailing off.

“If it’s too much, I’ll stop. Just tell me,” Jeongguk whispered. “But I’m in this. So I’m going to kiss
you good morning.”

“I think you should do it again, just so I’m sure,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk smiled. His heart
flipping, he pressed a second soft kiss to Jimin’s waiting lips, wondering how he had held himself
back for so long when kissing Jimin felt this good. His self-control was phenomenal, in that case. “I
missed you so much yesterday.”

“Yeah? Enough to get flowers?” Jeongguk wondered as he pulled away and stroked Jimin’s hair
affectionately.

“They reminded me of you. I was worried you’d show up this morning and pretend nothing
happened, “Jimin admitted, hopping out of bed and wrapping his arms around Jeongguk’s waist,
turning his head sideways to rest on Jeongguk’s shoulder. Jeongguk hugged him back, palms
pressed to Jimin’s shoulder blades as he kissed Jimin’s hair.

“Nah. I’m a sucker. I would’ve quit this job weeks ago if it wasn’t for you,” Jeongguk admitted,
and he felt Jimin laugh against his shoulder.

“Don’t say that,” Jimin mumbled. “It makes me think too much about the future.”

“Mm. You more of a ‘live in the moment’ kind of guy right now?” Jeongguk asked, pulling away
and resting one hand on Jimin’s cheek, thumb stroking his smooth skin. Jimin leaned in and kissed
Jeongguk firmly.

“I have to be that guy right now,” he whispered against Jeongguk’s lips. “What’s on my schedule
for today?”

“Eight o’clock appointment with your healer,” Jeongguk responded, and Jimin sighed heavily, his
scent souring a bit as he broke free of the hug, lacing his fingers together and resting his hands on
top of his head.

“Yeah, of course,” he muttered. “I have one date where I don’t run the alpha off and that’s it. They
all hear wedding bells.”

“So it went well with Yang Dongwoo yesterday?” Jeongguk wondered, slipping his hands into his
pockets as he walked towards the closet to pick out something for Jimin to wear. Jimin scoffed,
shaking his head.

“Well,” he repeated cynically. “No. It was fucking awful. But I didn’t threaten to bite his dick off,
so I guess that means he’s my future mate.”

“You didn’t—oh, for fuck’s sake,” Jeongguk sighed, and Jimin stifled a laugh.

“I’m not beneath it,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes, and then he disappeared into the bathroom
to wash up. Jeongguk quietly picked a pair of comfortable olive green tapered linen pants and a
white shirt, because he figured seeing the healer required a breathable outfit. He also grabbed a
grey knitted sweater just in case, and Jimin walked out of the bathroom.

“You know, I’ve always had a great fashion sense, but seeing what you pick for me to wear is so
interesting,” JImin said with a smile, accepting the clothing without protest. “I like everything you
choose.”

“Do you? That’s a relief, because I have no sense of style,” Jeongguk replied, laughing. “I spend
most of my time half-dressed, anyways.”

“Oh?” Jimin raised his eyebrows, and Jeongguk rolled his eyes.

“That wasn’t to—you know what I mean,” he said in exasperation, and Jimin snickered. “I live in a
little cottage near the woods in the south. I do stick fighting and martial arts. I chop wood for my
friend. I do all that outdoorsy shit. Clothing is the bare minimum.”

“Keep talking,” Jimin said, gesturing towards the door so Jeongguk could get Taehyun. “The more
you say, the more I want to climb you like a tree.”

“I’ve really gotten myself into a mess, haven’t I?” Jeongguk sighed, and he heard Jimin laugh as
he went to open the door. “Taehyun-ssi, His Highness is awake and getting dressed.”

“Cool, cool. Hey, good morning, Your Highness,” Taehyun said as he walked into the room. “Easy
day today.”

“Do I have you to thank for that?” Jimin called out from behind his divider.

“Partially. I moved your lunch with those two diplomats to tomorrow, citing your appointment with
the healer,” Taehyun replied. “And that you’d need ample time to rest and recover.”

“Perfect. Which means you’ve arranged a car for me to Gachi House after lunch, right?” Jimin
asked, and Taehyun nodded.

“One o’clock.”

“You’re a saint, Kang Taehyun,” Jimin called out, and then he emerged, fully dressed. “Jeongguk-
ssi, I may not need you much today. I’m sorry. But if you could return here around ten o’clock to
see me off to bed, I would appreciate it. I’ll be at Gachi House. Might have a few drinks. So your
help would be lovely.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jeongguk said with a bow. Jimin’s smile was radiant. He gave Jeongguk
one last glance before disappearing with Taehyun, and Jeongguk slowly exhaled, Jimin’s scent still
lingering in the room.

It was only day one hour one and already, he was struggling to keep it together.

***

Hoseok kept his hands pressed over his mouth, elbows on his desk surface, his scabbard with its
sword just lying on the desk casually between Jeongguk and him.

“So,” Hoseok said slowly, and Jeongguk raised his eyebrows and tilted his head forward. “So—
Okay, I… Okay.”

“Eloquent, thank you,” Jeongguk said, and Hoseok threw himself back in his chair, gaping at
Jeongguk.

“Do you remember your first day of work?” Hoseok asked, crossing his arms. “When I told you
that if you so much as looked at Jimin the wrong way, that’s it? That the only people who can
touch the prince are pureblood alphas?”

“Very clearly.”

“Right,” Hoseok said, and then he let out a small laugh of disbelief, likely still processing the fact
that Jeongguk had just trusted him enough to disclose what had happened with Jimin on Saturday
night. “Okay. What’s it worth for me to tell you to stop?”
“Very little,” Jeongguk replied, and Hoseok exhaled, running his hands down his face. Then he
lurched forward.

“Do you want to know what will happen to you if the palace finds out?” Hoseok asked rhetorically,
because he steamrolled on. “I’m going to tell you, just so you know the protocol. The second
anyone, anyone, catches whiff of you getting too close to Jimin, it goes straight to the king. There’s
no middle man. None. The king clears his schedule, and he’ll bring Jimin in. He’ll put you on your
knees right in front of him, in front of Jimin. And then he’ll wait. He’ll wait for your scent blockers
to wear off, no matter how long it takes. And then he’ll use your scent to tell if you’re lying or not.
He’ll ask you all kinds of questions. He’ll ask Jimin, too. And ten times out of ten, whether you’re
lying or not, he decides that you are. You touched his son, and you’re unworthy. So he’ll drag you
right to the gallows, and I’ll be the one who has to tie you up. And Jimin will be the one who has
to pull the lever. Do you get that?”

“That’s… That’s the protocol?” Jeongguk whispered, his blood running cold.

“That’s the protocol,” Hoseok confirmed. “And I’m not bullshitting you, because I’ve done it
before. Jimin hasn’t. He’s been lucky enough to not be dragged into the final stages of it. But a few
brave people have tested Jimin’s boundaries, and that’s what happens. Jimin isn’t the one who
tattles. It’s the other staff members.”

“He… He doesn’t…”

“No. Jimin lets everything slide in hopes of spiting his father,” Hoseok replied, still serious. “He’ll
never tattle. He’s impossible to crack and he’s a damn good liar when it comes to his father. He
learned how to control his scent. But he’s had men at his feet who have supposedly wronged him,
and the king has sent them right off to be hanged with Jimin’s dubious consent.”

“Then we won’t get caught,” Jeongguk said, and Hoseok let out a breath as he shook his head.

“You’re willing to take that risk?” he asked. There it was again— risk. The word seemed to be
following Jeongguk around everywhere. “Jimin’s pretty strong. He’s fucking brilliant. And he’s
tough, but if he has to watch you die, I don’t think he’ll be okay. I think we’d lose him. So I hope
you fucking know what you’re doing, Jeongguk.”

“I don’t,” Jeongguk admitted outright. “But I know how I feel about him, Hoseok-ssi, and right
now, that’s all I care about. I want a chance. So does he.”

“Fine. Okay. Just—Just don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Hoseok demanded, and Jeongguk nodded.
“But… But also…” He took a deep breath. “But you also have my full support. Jimin’s my oldest
friend. His happiness is important to me. So… God, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if you need
someone on the inside, someone to help you with anything… I’m your guy,” Hoseok finished,
leaning back a little like Jeongguk was a ticking time bomb.

“Are you sure?” Jeongguk asked in a hushed voice. “That’s—You’re the third person to offer your
undying support, and that’s…”

“Your friends at home support it, don’t they?” Hoseok guessed, and Jeongguk nodded. “And
knowing Jimin, he’s already told Namjoon, which means he has Namjoon’s support and Seokjin-
ssi’s support. But you have to remember something, Jeongguk.”

“What?”

“We can’t do much,” Hoseok quietly said. “We don’t have a lot of power. If you get dragged to the
throne room so the king can confront you about it, there’s nothing we can do. You’ll be on your
own.”

“Yeah. I figured as much,” Jeongguk murmured. “But thank you. I know this is kind of…
shocking.”

“It’s not.” Hoseok laughed, crossing his arms again. “I knew Jimin had a thing for you months ago.
I tried not to entertain it, but it didn’t matter. And you’re no better. You were a goner not long after
he was. You two are pathetic in a good way. And this is the first time I’ve seen Jimin actually
interested in someone. Figures it would be the one person he can’t have.”

“Well, it means a lot to me,” Jeongguk continued. “We’ve only known each other for three
months.”

“I’ve seen people meet, mate, and marry faster than that,” Hoseok commented, chuckling. “This is
nothing. I’ll cover your ass if I ever have to. Just don’t give a reason to have to.”

“Deal.”

Jeongguk left Hoseok so that Hoseok could go to his next shift by the back gates, and he headed
straight to the library to see if Seokjin was around. He walked through the double doors, and then
he froze, feeling the way his eyes widened.

“H-Hello,” he said, bowing ninety degrees when Namjoon turned around, one elbow still on the
desktop, one ankle crossed over the other. He used a finger to push his glasses further up the bridge
of his nose, and then Namjoon straightened up.

“Look who it is,” he said, and Jeongguk’s heart slammed against his ribcage. He knows. “How are
you, Jeongguk?”

“I’m—I’m doing well, thank you, Your Highness,” Jeongguk politely replied with another bow.
“I… didn’t expect to see you here.”

“My mother is paying a visit to her dear brother, so I came along for moral support,” Namjoon
replied as Seokjin audibly stifled a laugh, clicking through the computer. “I see you’re not with
Jimin at the moment. Is he still with the healer?”

“He’s expecting to go to Gachi House for lunch,” Jeongguk replied carefully, and Namjoon
nodded.

“Well, I’ve made it easier for him by showing up to take him there myself,” Namjoon replied.
“How are things, Jeongguk-ssi? Are you enjoying your job?”

Seokjin glanced up and caught Jeongguk’s eye, and he winked. The moment he did, Jeongguk’s
shoulders relaxed, and he stopped feeling the incessant need to bow at Namjoon’s feet like he had
to ask for forgiveness.

“Very much so,” Jeongguk answered.

“Mm. You remember what I said when we first met, don’t you?” Namjoon asked, tilting his head a
bit to the side. Jeongguk nodded.

“One hundred percent,” he said vaguely, and Namjoon grinned in understanding, dimples on full
display. There was very little family resemblance between Jimin and Namjoon. Namjoon looked
shockingly like his mother, Narae, and nothing like Princess Yookyung. The Park family gene
seemed to be weak, but Jimin and Namjoon were both equally beautiful. The way both princes
thought, their brilliant level of intelligence (especially emotional intelligence), shone through in
everything they did. It was an enviable trait. One day, Jeongguk would have to ask for more stories
about Jimin’s childhood, specifically with Hoseok and Namjoon.

“Then maybe I’ll see you soon,” Namjoon said. He turned to face Seokjin and offered his hand,
and Seokjin gently took it and kissed the top of it. It seemed like an arrogant gesture, but Jeongguk
knew better. Namjoon gave him one final look and then walked out of the library, a young girl with
pale pink hair falling into step beside him, likely his attendant.

“That’s about the only affection I can get on the job,” Seokjin commented when the doors closed.
He leaned both elbows on the countertop, looking at Jeongguk. “I thought he was a moron when he
first suggested that I kiss his hand. Nearly smacked him for being so rude. But then I realized that
it was either that or nothing.”

“Clever,” Jeongguk commended. “I take it you know.”

“Oh, I know,” Seokjin said with a devilish grin. “But for the love of all things good and holy,
Jeongguk, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I’m going to start making a list of all the people who have warned me or used the word ‘risk,’”
Jeongguk said, frustrated. “I’m sick of hearing it.”

“Well, get used to it, because you have people who care about you,” Seokjin warned. “Now go do
something that looks like work before you get yourself in trouble.”

Jeongguk did just that. He went to Jimin’s room after he knew the cleaner had been around, and he
fixed it all up. He fluffed the pillows, folded the blanket at the foot of the bed the way Jimin liked,
re-opened the windows to let in some fresh air, and went to the gardens to pick out some fresh
flowers for Jimin’s bedside. Then, knowing all too well that the king was probably keeping tabs on
his pay in relation to Jimin’s presence at the palace, Jeongguk clocked out and wandered into town
with his hoodie on and a face mask covering his nose and mouth. He meant to just explore, but he
ended up in a tiny little shop on the corner, perusing through the jewelry selection. He made
mental notes of all the things that he liked, things he could picture Jimin wearing, things that
wouldn’t be obvious if Jeongguk were to gift the prince with something small.

Around sunset, Jeongguk returned to the palace and clocked back in, ripping his sweatshirt off and
replacing it with his hanbok. He tied the red sash around his waist, fixed his hair, and then he
slipped out into the hallways, hearing some music playing from a ballroom because there was a
small gathering occuring that didn’t involve the Park family. With his head ducked, Jeongguk
headed down the hallway to Jimin’s bedroom to check if he was there, curious as to whether or not
he had returned from Gachi House. As he approached, the door opened, and Taehyun exited.

“Oh, there you are,” he said with a small smile. “He’s just returned. Said something about wanting
you to help him with his incoming hangover. Might be a long night.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” Jeongguk replied with a bow, and then he passed Taehyun and gently
pushed open the door, which was slightly ajar. “Your Highness? It’s Jeongguk.”

“Yeah, come in,” Jimin’s voice called out, so Jeongguk stepped into the room and closed the door
behind him, locking it quietly. When he turned around, he paused. Jimin was lying on his bed with
his legs dangling over the edge, holding his phone up so he could text, wearing just a pair of black
pants and a thin white t-shirt. He sat up when he saw Jeongguk, smiling. “Hey.”
“Incoming hangover?” Jeongguk questioned, and Jimin snorted.

“Namjoon and I split four bottles of soju over two hours with dinner. I’m fine,” Jimin replied,
tossing his phone aside. “I can hold my alcohol. No hangover. But it buys me time with my
caretaker.”

“That’s… true,” Jeongguk said, whispering the last word as Jimin approached and brushed their
lips together in a barely-there kiss. “I saw your cousin today.”

“Oh?” Jimin’s lips traced along Jeongguk’s jaw, his scent wrapping around Jeongguk in a haze.
Already feeling a small spark of arousal in the pit of his stomach, Jeongguk nodded.

“Mm. And I told Hoseok-ssi,” he whispered.

“And?”

“And they all warned me,” Jeongguk murmured. “All said it was a risk. Said to be careful. Hoseok-
ssi told me what could happen.”

“Hoseok is an Aquarius,” Jimin said as if that explained everything. “But what do you think? Do
you think we should do this? Is it worth the risk to you?”

“I’d rather not be hanged in front of you,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin let out a breathy laugh,
kissing Jeongguk’s bottom lip as Jeongguk tried to hold it together, failing graciously.

mood: “natural” by zayn

“Remember how I said I’m choosing to live in the moment?” Jimin said, lacing his fingers together
behind Jeongguk’s neck. “You know why? Because Namjoon said that everyone around us is
powerless to help us. That we’re on our own. So you can either walk away and we can forget that it
ever happened, or you can kiss me.”

“That’s a shitty ultimatum,” Jeongguk whispered.

“What do you want, Jeongguk?” Jimin asked, lips against Jeongguk’s as he spoke.

“...You.”

The word barely left Jeongguk’s mouth before Jimin was chasing it. He surged forward and kissed
Jeongguk, and Jeongguk gave in. He shoved his hands right underneath Jimin’s white t-shirt and
gripped his slender waist, pulling them closer together as Jimin gasped, shifting his footing to
straddle Jeongguk’s thigh. Jeongguk gripped Jimin’s blonde hair and kissed him harder, tilting his
head and kissing roughly down his jawline as Jimin let out a quiet moan, his hands gripping the
waistband of Jeongguk’s pants, tugging desperately.

“Fuck, you smell so good,” Jeongguk said delirously as they kissed, wishing that he could drown
himself in Jimin’s scent and never come up for air. “Look so beautiful like this.”

“Y-You just—I—I can’t control it,” Jimin gasped out, and Jeongguk knew what he meant. The
room was heavy with the scent of Jimin’s arousal, only exacerbated because he was already leaking
slick, losing control of himself fast. “I’m—I need you, I need you.”
“I don’t have long,” Jeongguk managed to say as Jimin grabbed him by the waist and pulled him to
the chaise lounge.

“I’ll be quick,” he promised, pushing Jeongguk down to a seated position. Jeongguk was about to
ask frantically what Jimin’s game plan was, but Jimin suddenly dropped to his knees, and
Jeongguk choked on his next breath, trying to protest. But Jimin rested his hands on Jeongguk’s
knees and pushed them apart, and then he glanced up at Jeongguk.

“Let me,” he whispered, his scent spiking higher with arousal, breath quickening, pupils visibly
dilated. Jeongguk was already breathless as he nodded, because he was willing to let the prince do
damn near anything. Jimin made sure Jeongguk was at the edge of the chaise lounge, and then he
grabbed the waistband of Jeongguk’s pants as Jeongguk fought back a moan, his entire body
tensing. He looked up at Jeongguk, waiting for approval, and Jeongguk nodded, feeling faint. The
moment Jimin had Jeongguk’s painfully hard cock free, he lunged forward with a little breath, and
Jeongguk saw stars.

“Fuck, oh my God,” he breathed out, trembling as he desperately tried to keep quiet. Jimin didn’t
even pause or comment on Jeongguk’s size or what he was about to do. He just took Jeongguk’s
cock into his mouth and down his throat in one go without hesitation, even though he couldn’t
wrap his lips around Jeongguk fully. Jimin hummed, gripping Jeongguk’s thighs, and then he
hollowed his cheeks, and Jeongguk’s eyes rolled back, body slumping. Jimin’s mouth was warm
and he was circling his tongue around Jeongguk smoothly, and Jeongguk was positive he was
going to explode.

“P-Please, please…” Jeongguk gasped the harder Jimin sucked, and then he dared to look down.
The pureblood crown prince of Dayangsong was on his knees for Jeongguk, and he had Jeongguk’s
cock in his mouth with his hooded eyes trained up on Jeongguk. Jeongguk hesitated, hands
shaking, but then Jimin pulled off slightly only to slowly take Jeongguk down to the back of his
throat again, and Jeongguk snapped. He reached forward and threaded his fingers through Jimin’s
hair, and Jimin let out a small, pleased whimper, lips tightening. Jeongguk tugged, and Jimin
moaned, the sound muffled, his fingers digging into Jeongguk’s thighs harder before one of his
hands disappeared, likely to touch himself.

“Keep going,” Jeongguk whispered, his voice unsteady, his stomach twisting into a knot of
arousal. “Shit, that’s—that’s so good, you’re so good, I’m… fuck, you’re—” Jeongguk lifted his
hips subconsciously, and Jimin barely even choked, adjusting to the sensation as he worked his
mouth around Jeongguk with finesse.

“Harder,” Jimin managed to say, pulling his mouth off Jeongguk for just a moment. “P-Pull my
hair harder.”

“You’re joking,” Jeongguk gasped, but Jimin just swallowed Jeongguk down again as best as he
could. Then one of his hands came up so his fingers could wrap around the base of Jeongguk’s
cock where his knot would form, and Jeongguk let out a soft cry at the sensation, his mind reeling
as he pulled on Jimin’s hair. Jimin’s fingers massaged and stroked the base of Jeongguk’s cock as
he hollowed his cheeks again, and Jeongguk stopped breathing for a moment. “Fuck, I’m—I’m
gonna come, I can’t hold it.”

“Fuck my mouth, then. Come down my throat,” Jimin said raspily, barely pulling his mouth off
Jeongguk. Jeongguk had to be living in some kind of dream. There was no way this was real. But
Jimin pulled on Jeongguk’s legs, and Jeongguk took that as his sign to stand up. His legs nearly
gave out on him, but Jimin dragged his tongue up Jeongguk’s entire length before swallowing him
back down, and Jeongguk took a deep breath. Then he gripped Jimin’s hair and thrusted his hips
forward, biting his lip so hard that he tasted blood as he tried to choke down a moan. Over and over
he fucked into Jimin’s mouth, the orgasm building, and Jimin just took it.

“I—I can’t, I can’t, I’m gonna—I’m gonna—” Jeongguk stalled on the last words, because nothing
could have prepared him for the orgasm that slammed into him. It exploded from the pit of his
stomach all through his limbs, and he came right down Jimin’s throat, and a lot. He couldn’t
control it. He was gasping for air, his hand slipping from Jimin’s hair, his body weak. He heard
Jimin choke a little, but then he glanced down, dizzy. Jimin’s mouth was closed, and he sat back
on his heels and visibly swallowed, using the pad of his thumb to wipe a small bit of cum that had
escaped his mouth, and then sucking the corner of his thumb as he blinked up at Jeongguk.

“Was that quick enough?” he asked, but Jeongguk collapsed onto the chaise lounge as he tucked
himself away, breathing heavily, his vision still swimming. He heard Jimin walk away, and
moments later, he felt a towel drape across his lap, and then Jimin climbed on.

“You’re insane,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin giggled.

“Insanely good at giving blowjobs, or at swallowing? Because I think you came enough to last five
years,” he teased, and then he kissed Jeongguk. Jeongguk hungrily kissed him back, and normally
he hated the taste of his own cum on someone else’s lips, but for some reason, with Jimin, it was
thrilling. Maybe it was the idea that this particular omega had just swallowed down every last drop
Jeongguk had given without a problem, only gagging a little. Or perhaps it was because Jeongguk
was hopelessly smitten. Either way, no one, omega or otherwise, had ever sucked Jeongguk off
like that—or maybe he was biased. Maybe he was just wrapped around Jimin’s finger.

“Don’t play with me when you just did that,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin inhaled sharply,
rocking his hips forward, his scent enveloping Jeongguk purposely. Jeongguk turned and kissed
right down the column of Jimin’s neck, and his mouth ghosted right over Jimin’s scent gland,
enough for his breath to breeze over it. Jimin barely whined Jeongguk’s name softly in his ear, and
the intoxicating smell of slick permeated Jeongguk’s brain.

“Let me touch you,” he whispered. “Please, Jimin-ssi.”

“Go ahead,” Jimin breathed, arms still draped around Jeongguk’s neck. Jeongguk used one hand
with deft fingers to unbutton Jimin’s jeans, and it took very little effort to shimmy them down far
enough for easy access. Jeongguk’s fingers tugged at the waistband of Jimin’s black briefs, and
Jimin dropped his head onto Jeongguk’s shoulder for a moment, anticipating the touch. Hands
shaking, Jeongguk slipped past the waistband and wrapped his hand entirely around Jimin’s hard
cock.

“Fuck, fuck,” Jimin breathily gasped, his voice pitched in pleasure. Jeongguk held Jimin around
the waist with one arm and used his teeth to roughly pull Jimin’s shirt by the collar, exposing his
neck as Jimin’s fingers tangled in Jeongguk’s hair. Jeongguk stroked Jimin’s cock smoothly, his
grip firm, running his thumb over the head to collect pre-come repeatedly, wishing desperately that
he could just throw Jimin on the bed and eat him out like he deserved. That would have to be
another day. Tonight, Jeongguk savored the way Jimin felt in his hand, the way he had dreamt of
touching Jimin like this, hearing all his sweet little moans and whines of pleasure, smelling him.
Jimin’s scent when he was aroused was equal parts heavy vanilla and peppermint. It was like a
drug for Jeongguk.

“God, you just…” Jeongguk breathed, and then he kissed every inch of Jimin’s neck and
collarbone that he had exposed, pulling at the skin and sucking at it hard enough on his collarbone
to leave a mark. That seemed to be the final straw. Jimin let out a cry, his body tensing, and
Jeongguk acted fast. When Jimin came, Jeongguk let Jimin’s shirt catch most of it, and the towel
on Jeongguk’s lap did its job. Jeongguk deftly stroked Jimin all the way through the orgasm,
savoring the way Jimin’s legs shook just a little, the way his face contorted in sheer pleasure, the
little breath he let out as the high passed.

“That…” Jimin drew in a shaky breath. “...Was the best orgasm I’ve ever had.”

“You’re joking,” Jeongguk murmured, still dragging his lips along Jimin’s warm skin.

“I’m serious,” Jimin whispered, still catching his breath. “You try being the only son and crown
prince and an omega. See if you get laid by someone decent and not a sloppy afterthought because
you snuck out.”

“Your standards are low,” Jeongguk muttered.

“No.” Jimin pulled back and kissed Jeongguk firmly. “You’ve set the bar too high already. You’re
the problem.”

“I’m… thank you?” Jeongguk said in a questioning tone, and Jimin laughed as Jeongguk drew him
in for another kiss. Together they sat in silence on the chaise lounge, still exchanging little kisses,
foreheads bent together, Jeongguk’s fingers tracing Jimin’s ribs underneath his shirt, Jimin’s
fingernails scratching just underneath the longer hair at Jeongguk’s nape.

“Did we take too long?” Jimin whispered. “Too suspicious?”

“No. I’m helping with your hangover, remember?” Jeongguk whispered back. “But you’re right. I
should go.”

“You’re ruining me,” Jimin murmured in Jeongguk’s ear, and Jeongguk closed his eyes, enjoying
the soft lullaby that was Jimin’s voice. “Make me feel so good. Never want you to leave. Faking
hangovers. How am I supposed to want anyone else?”

“Shh. Don’t say things like that,” Jeongguk muttered, turning and kissing Jimin’s temple. “Not
when I’m the one who keeps coming back here to be with you.”

“Mm.” Jimin gently took Jeongguk’s face between his hands, and then his thumb stroked over a
spot on Jeongguk’s cheek. “You have a scar here.”

“I know. Fell out of a tree when I was ten,” Jeongguk replied. Jimin’s lips twitched in a small
smile.

“I meant what I said,” he whispered. “You’re really beautiful.”

“Not like you are,” Jeongguk whispered in return, and then he turned his head just a little and
kissed the inside of Jimin’s wrist. “I have to go.”

“I know. And I need a shower. Ask me if I’ve ever leaked this much slick in my entire life outside
of my heat,” Jimin said with a scowl, climbing off Jeongguk’s lap.

‘Have you ever—?”

“No,” Jimin interrupted, laughing. “Never.” Then he kept his distance, probably seeing the way
that Jeongguk had shoved the towel away, his breath quickening, hands curling into fists. Having
Jimin’s scent like that consuming him was a huge risk. Perhaps the scent blocking tea muted his
scent and made him less susceptible, but Jeongguk could still feel himself struggling whenever
Jimin’s scent was so strong.
“I’ll get going,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin paused by the bathroom door, turning around.

“I miss you already,” he said with an obvious wink, and Jeongguk snickered.

“You’re insufferable.”

“I’ve been told that many times,” Jimin replied, amused. “Jeongguk?”

“Yeah.”

“...I don’t know. I—yeah. I want to say more. I feel like I should be more eloquent, seeing as I had
your dick in my mouth and I have a lot going on in my head, but maybe… yeah. Maybe another
day,” Jimin said with a small smile. Jeongguk blinked, trying to get rid of the hearts he felt forming
in his eyes.

“Maybe another day,” Jeongguk agreed.

“I’d kiss you goodnight, but…” Jimin gestured to himself, still a mess of slick and cum on his
clothing. Jeongguk let out a breathy, short laugh.

“I’ll kiss you good morning tomorrow,” Jeongguk promised. “Goodnight, Your Highness.”

Jimin took one step forward and raised his eyebrows, so Jeongguk cleared his throat.

“Goodnight, Jimin-ssi,” he corrected himself. Jimin’s smile was a mixture of smug and pleased,
and then he slipped into the bathroom and disappeared, leaving Jeongguk to quietly sneak out and
hurry off into the night.

***

It was a painful week that followed, showing up to the palace with the hope of being close to Jimin
and being constantly denied. Jeongguk tried, but most nights, Jimin was unable to make time to
keep Jeongguk in his room longer than five minutes or so. Instead, the two of them ended up
stealing kisses and diving away for heated make-out sessions whenever they had more than thirty
seconds, disappearing into the bathroom or closet, or sneaking a quiet kiss behind the divider when
Jimin was getting dressed.

On the first day of September, Jeongguk showed up to the palace as usual, and it was Hoseok who
wished him a happy birthday first, having remembered from Jeongguk’s first day on the job. But
when Jeongguk walked into Jimin’s bedroom to wake up his sleeping prince, Jimin pulled
Jeongguk down onto the bed and kissed him until Jeongguk’s bottom lip felt swollen.

“Happy birthday, Jeonggukie,” he whispered sweetly, affection dripping from his voice. “I’m sorry
I can’t give you the world right now. Maybe one day soon.”

And that, that was how Jeongguk knew he was in danger. Jimin whispered such lovely little things
to Jeongguk at every opportune moment, hacking away at Jeongguk’s rough exterior, weaseling
his way right into Jeongguk’s heart every time he saw an opening. And Jeongguk was strong, but
no one could possibly resist Park Jimin at his worst, which was realistically his best.

It was on a Friday when Jimin whispered to Jeongguk that he wanted to sneak out again. Jeongguk
had so many protests on the tip of his tongue, but then Jimin said he wanted to go into the woods
for a little, and Jeongguk perked up. If Jimin didn’t want to go into town or do any shopping or
late-night snacking, then perhaps Jeongguk was in luck.

“I’ll get out safely. Just meet me at the postboxes at half past ten,” he whispered, sneaking a kiss
onto Jeongguk’s cheek before leaving his bedroom that morning and slipping off to join Taehyun.

Jeongguk wanted to use his better judgment and call it off, but he couldn’t. He was too intrigued as
to what Jimin had in mind. If Jimin’s plan was to make-out and get each other off in the woods,
Jeongguk would have to unfortunately protest, because the risk was too high. If all he wanted was
to lie down in nature and look up at the stars, Jeongguk was a hopeless romantic for such things,
even though he liked to pretend that he wasn’t.

Wearing his comfortable black pants and a black sweatshirt that was too big for him, hood pulled
up, Jeongguk pulled on his face mask and left the palace at ten o’clock, his heart fluttering in
anticipation. Any time he could spend alone with Jimin was suddenly a luxury. He was so sure that
they were being careful, but in the back of his mind, he always found himself panicking. What if
they catch Jimin’s scent? What if my scent blocking tea wears off? What if someone sees us? What
if someone recognizes Jimin?

“Jeongguk?”

“Right here,” Jeongguk whispered, and from around the corner, Jimin appeared. He, too, was
wearing black pants and a black zip-up sweatshirt, but he was carrying a bag with him that looked
like it had been difficult to sneak out without being seen. Jimin saw the look on Jeongguk’s face,
and he grinned.

“Tell me how talented I am,” he said. “I snuck out of the garden and over the wall with this bag.”

“That’s… terrifying and impressive,” Jeongguk said, and then he pulled down his face mask,
looped one arm around Jimin’s waist, and bent his head to kiss the prince. Jimin hummed happily.

“You know, when you said you were all in, I was skeptical,” he admitted. “But you really are.”

“I told you I didn’t want to go back,” Jeongguk warned.

“I know. But there’s… a lot to this. Time is a factor. That’s—I think about that a lot. And I worry
that we’re… you know. That we’ll get too deep into it and have to watch it fall apart,” Jimin
whispered, baring his fears up front as Jeongguk listened in amazement. Very few people in his life
were brutally honest with him and showed high levels of emotional intelligence. Yoongi and
Taehyung had both qualities. And now Jimin seemed to have both in spades. He was utterly
fascinating to Jeongguk.

“What happened to living in the present moment?” Jeongguk wondered.

“September happened,” Jimin replied. “Which means that October is next month. So I’m… yeah. I
have a lot on my mind. Anyways, now isn’t the time. Let me show you what I brought.”

“How about we go into the woods first so no one finds us hanging out here?” Jeongguk suggested.
Jimin nodded, picked up the bag, and followed Jeongguk into the woods, letting Jeongguk use his
phone flashlight so they could find a decent clearing where they were far enough away from
civilization but not lost.
mood: “strange” by gabrielle aplin

“Okay. Here.” Jimin dropped the bag, unzipped it, and then tossed two bamboo sticks to Jeongguk.
Jeongguk’s instincts luckily kicked in quickly enough for him to catch both sticks. Jimin took the
other two, and then he straightened up with a grin. “One sneak attack wasn’t enough. I wanted
more.”

“Yeah? You want me to kick your ass again?” Jeongguk questioned, and Jimin rolled his eyes.

“Please, you didn’t kick my ass. I was tired from my lesson,” Jimin argued, and Jeongguk
snickered.

“Sure. That’s what they all say. You want to drill, or spar?” Jeongguk asked.

“Drill first. Then maybe we’ll go rogue,” Jimin said, his grin widening. He tucked the sticks
between his knees for a moment, and then he unzipped his sweatshirt and tossed it to the side, now
just wearing a loose black t-shirt. “Feel free to take off your sweatshirt.”

“Clever. Nice try,” Jeongguk said, pointing to Jimin with his bamboo sticks in recognition. Jimin
scoffed.

“Seriously? What, do you not have arms?” he deadpanned. “Are your tattoos a secret?”

“Mm. Tell you what. If you beat me, I’ll take it off,” Jeongguk replied.

“Strip sparring. That’s cute,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk snorted.

“Let’s go.”

Jeongguk kept his phone flashlight on, his phone propped up against a tree to provide them with
enough lighting to see one another. Jimin’s hair was soft and hanging in his eyes, but he looked
absolutely thrilled. His scent matched the look in his eyes—pure happiness. He bounced on his toes
a few times, a spring in his step, and then he watched as Jeongguk suggested a simple pattern. He
nodded, and then he raised the stick in his right hand to meet Jeongguk’s. They drilled repetitively,
finding a rhythm as Jeongguk slowly circled to keep them moving.

“Go with a backhand,” Jimin said, dropping his sticks to turn out of the drill. Jeongguk nodded and
gestured, so Jimin cracked his neck and showed Jeongguk a six-step drill that was familiar.
Jeongguk tilted his head upward in approval, and they got right back into it, gaining speed the more
they became accustomed to the pattern.

“Yah, watch it with the side swipes,” Jeongguk complained with a laugh when Jimin’s stick gently
hit Jeongguk’s left hip.

“Just warming you up,” he said with a grin, and the mood shifted. Their next drill patterns included
a lot of little surprises as they bent to hit against hips, thighs, knees, even at the neck—all gentle
and for the purpose of the drill, but all clever. Jeongguk surprised Jimin a fair few times, but it was
Jimin who kept coming up with creative ways to get to Jeongguk— a step-around, a twisted
backhand, ducking and swiping.

“Okay, let’s go,” Jimin said breathily, shaking his shoulders and swinging his sticks a few times,
his scent already underlined with excitement and sweat, hair hanging in his eyes. Jeongguk nodded,
and then he set his feet hip-width apart and twisted his heel into the ground, a clear sign to Jimin
that he was ready to spar. They stood in silence for a moment, staring, breathing heavily, trying to
gauge each other’s first move. It was Jimin who stepped forward and twisted his body for the first
hit, and Jeongguk blocked it with one stick while reaching down with the other to swipe at Jimin’s
legs. Jimin was quick and turned out of it.

“Not bad,” Jeongguk commended, grinning as he shook his hair out of his eyes. “Bit sloppy.”

“Yeah?” Jimin laughed, knowing Jeongguk was goading him but falling for it regardless. “I’ll try
again, then.”

And he did. He came at Jeongguk in full force as their bamboo sticks met hit for hit, blocking one
another, Jeongguk forced to dive and roll and pop back up to his feet while blocking another hit.
Jimin was relentless and clever, mixing up typical drill patterns with a surprise move every now
and again.

“Come on now,” Jimin said as he panted, circling Jeongguk like a predator to its prey. “You were
so sure you were going to kick my ass, but as far as I can tell, you’re the only one who’s been
rolling on the ground. Now take it off—” He reached out one bamboo stick and poked at
Jeongguk’s chest playfully— “and stop holding back.”

He was right. Jeongguk knew Jimin was his equal when it came to stick fighting, but out of his
own personal fears of hurting the prince, he had been holding back. So Jeongguk quietly tucked the
sticks between his knees to hold them there, reached behind him, grabbed the back of his
sweatshirt, and pulled it off over his head, tossing it to the side. The moment he did, he didn’t give
Jimin a single second to stop and stare. Jeongguk put one stick in each hand, twirled them, and then
lunged for Jimin. Jimin let out a laugh and fought back.

“You’re an asshole,” he said good-naturedly. “Not even giving me a chance to—yah!”

“Not holding back,” Jeongguk said with a grin, now in just his short-sleeved shirt, watching as
Jimin winced slightly from the light hit to his thigh.

“Good.” Jimin shrugged his shoulders back. “Don’t.”

It was common knowledge that Jimin, after presenting as an omega, had been treated like he had
glass bones and paper skin, fragile and breakable. Jeongguk had been at the palace long enough to
have heard stories. If Jimin so much as had dark circles under his eyes, it was someone else’s fault.
But to Jeongguk, the Jimin before him now was one breath away from being a warrior. He was
taking every single hit, every blow, hardly affected when he hit the ground once or twice, egging
Jeongguk on. He took a hit to the neck with no problem. He took a small hit to the side of his face
with nothing more than two seconds of flinching.

“You sure you’re good at this?” Jimin asked tauntingly as he twisted out of Jeongguk’s way,
amused. “Let’s go, Jeon. Come on.”

Jeongguk lunged for Jimin again, but this time, he made the mistake of exposing his loose grip on
one stick. Jimin whacked his stick underneath Jeongguk’s left wrist, and the bamboo stick in
Jeongguk’s hand went flying, leaving him with just one. Alarmed but impressed, Jeongguk shifted
to using the single stick as a sword, but Jimin was too overpowering. He held up both sticks
crossed as Jeongguk cut diagonally in hopes of bringing Jimin down, but that was a mistake. Jimin
shoved his crossed sticks upward and then uncrossed them, circled them outwards, and then hit
Jeongguk right in the ribs on both sides of his body. Jeongguk coughed and stumbled backwards.

“Shit, just—” But he was still exposed. In a matter of seconds, he was compromised. Jimin hit
Jeongguk’s left knee to cripple him, and as Jeongguk sank to his knees, Jimin knocked Jeongguk’s
last stick out of his hands and lunged. Bringing Jeongguk to the ground roughly on his back.
Panting, Jimin pushed both sticks down harder with a little breath against Jeongguk’s shoulders, his
knees squeezing at Jeongguk’s hips to keep Jeongguk down. Jeongguk contemplated for a moment,
but then he chose to use as much of his strength as he could muster to push back, trying to lift
Jimin off of him Jimin struggled for a moment, but then he let out a small growl and readjusted his
position. Suddenly, both bamboo sticks were against Jeongguk’s throat, Jimin’s knee was on his
chest, and the other knee was at his hip.

“Yield,” Jimin demanded. Were it a different kind of fight, if either of them had swords, Jeongguk
would be dead. That was the first thing he thought as he stared up at Jimin, breathless. Jimin had
outsmarted him and pinned him down, and technically, he had put himself in the perfect position to
choke Jeongguk or, with a sword or knife, slit his throat. His strength was impressive but not
shocking to Jeongguk. And now Jeongguk was compromised, only finding the will to fight back
because he knew that he wasn’t in physical danger. But Jimin had asked him to yield.

“I yield,” Jeongguk breathed, letting his head loll a bit to the side. He had no scent. Jimin couldn’t
sink his teeth in. But Jeongguk was both yielding and submitting in respect, beaten. He blinked
rapidly, because there was a sudden clatter as Jimin tossed his bamboo sticks to the side, swung his
leg over Jeongguk to straddle Jeongguk’s hips, and then bent down and kissed him.

Holy shit.

It wasn’t a simple little kiss. Jimin was still gasping for breath, devouring Jeongguk’s lips like he
was starved, the kiss rough and feverish. Jeongguk grabbed Jimin’s hips with a strangled growl in
the back of his throat, and then he rolled the two of them, still in the deep haze of the kiss, and
pinned Jimin to the ground.

“Jeongguk, please,” Jimin gasped, and Jeongguk dropped his weight onto Jimin, rolling his hips
and inhaling sharply as he buried his face in Jimin’s neck. His scent, his fucking scent was going to
be the death of Jeongguk. Full of pride but drenched in arousal, Jeongguk swore it was strong on
purpose. He gladly choked on it as he grabbed Jimin’s hair and nearly drilled him into the ground
with the way they kissed. He licked into Jimin’s mouth, his tongue meeting Jimin’s, his free hand
wandering downward and then underneath Jimin’s first to touch his sweaty skin. He grinded down
against Jimin’s hips, head spinning.

“God, you’re unbelievable,” he choked out, dizzy. “You’re fucking perfect, you’re a dream, you
know that? Fuck, I just—”

“I th-thought you were the one who yielded,” Jimin stuttered, laughing between kisses, his hands
wrapping around Jeongguk’s waist for a moment before coming up to Jeongguk’s arms as
Jeongguk braced himself against the ground with his palms. His hands were rough but intentional
as he traveled down the length of Jeongguk’s arms, right over every detail of the tattoos.

“I did yield. You fucking outsmarted me and beat me fair and square,” Jeongguk admitted without
shame and without a defense. Jimin scent flared with even more pride, the peppermint stronger this
time, almost bitter. It took a little bit of adjusting, but then Jeongguk was sitting up with Jimin in
his lap, Jimin’s legs wrapped around his waist. Then, still breathless, Jimin turned Jeongguk’s arm
to the light as his fingers danced along the tattoos. He admired each arm separately. With his lips
on Jeongguk’s, he smiled.

“You’ve got to be the sexiest man I’ve ever met. If I wasn’t exhausted, I’d strip you naked right
here,” he whispered, and Jeongguk snickered.
“I’d like to see that,” he commented.

“Yeah, one day. But for now, I’ll just admire how gorgeous you are. I did well,” he whispered, and
Jeongguk laughed into the kiss. Jimin deepened it in what felt like desperation, and then he pulled
away and turned his head into Jeongguk’s neck with a whimper.

“What’s wrong?” Jeongguk asked.

“I hate it,” he breathed. “I hate that I can’t smell you. I want your scent. I—Fuck, I was hoping that
keeping you out this late and making you break a sweat would do it, and I’m—I just—I hate it. I
want to know your scent. I want you to scent me. I hate that you can’t.”

“I’m sorry, baby, I know you hate it,” Jeongguk whispered with his eyes closed, turning to kiss
Jimin’s cheek. Jimin inhaled audibly, and then he pulled away, eyes fixed on Jeongguk.

“What did you just call me?” he asked, brow furrowed. Jeongguk blinked, and then he mentally
slapped himself for slipping up. It was so natural for him to want to address a romantic or intimate
partner with a term of endearment. It was also secretly the one way that he knew he was a goner.
He didn’t use such terms often, but when he did, that meant he was emotionally compromised, but
in a positive way.

“I’m—I’m sorry, it just slipped out, I didn’t mean to—”

“I like it,” Jimin whispered, interrupting. “I like when you call me that. Don’t stop. I like it. You
can call me things like that.”

“Are you sure?” Jeongguk asked, conflicted. “You’re—l mean, at the end of the day, you’re still…
you.”

“Please do it,” Jimin breathed, kissing Jeongguk five times consecutively with a smile. “I’ve had
hundreds of alphas call me ‘baby’ or othe stupid pet names since I presented. It always sounded
terrible. I thought I would hate it, but when you say it, I love it. I want you to say it.”

“Okay. I will,” Jeongguk whispered, nodding.

“And can you—?” Jimin started, but then he hesitated, curling in on himself slightly. Jeongguk
noticed and rubbed Jimin’s back encouragingly, both of them having caught their breath, Jimin’s
scent back to being sweet, magnified because he was in Jeongguk’s lap being called “baby.”

“What’s wrong?” Jeongguk asked, reaching up and combing his fingers through Jimin’s damp hair
thanks to the sweat. “What is it?”

“Nothing. I feel stupid,” Jimin said with a laugh, lowering his head a little. Jeongguk used two
fingers to lift Jimin’s chin so they were eye-to-eye.

“Talk to me,” he insisted. Jimin sighed in mild frustration, but then he avoided eye contact as he
spoke.

“I was just… wondering if you’d be okay with calling me something else,” he said quickly, and
when Jeongguk didn’t speak in favor of listening, Jimin continued. “It’s just—I mean, I’ve always
been… me. I’m always—well, you’re younger than I am.”

“Right.”

“I’ve always been the youngest or—or I’m just me, I’m a prince. So no one’s ever…”
“Hyung,” Jeongguk guessed, and immediately, Jimin laughed, his scent spiking happily when he
heard it. “It’s okay. I can call you that, too. As long as you’re sure it’s okay. That’s… pretty
informal for someone like you. And it’s not stupid. If that’s what you want to hear, then I’ll call
you that.”

“Yes, please,” Jimin whispered. “Thank you.”

“Are you pleased, then?” Jeongguk asked, smiling up at Jimin. “About beating me?”

“You didn’t let me win, did you?” Jimin asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“No. When you told me to stop holding back, I actually gave it my best fucking effort, and you still
kicked my ass,” Jeongguk sighed, shaking his head. “Just means I need more practice.”

“I’m happy to be your sparring partner,” Jimin offered, grinning. He rested his forehead against
Jeongguk’s with a sigh. “I should go now. I’ll leave my gear somewhere for Hoseok to bring into
the palace tomorrow morning. That way, you can just go home from here.”

“As long as you’ll be safe,” Jeongguk whispered, closing his eyes and turning his head to drink in
Jimin’s scent again. Would he ever tire of it? Would it ever not make his heart race?

“I’ll be safe. Besides, no matter what, I’m by myself,” Jimin replied. “You’re off the hook. So go.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, baby, okay? Sleep well,” Jeongguk said, pressing a few gentle
kisses to Jimin’s lips.

“Mm. Do I get to call you anything?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk smiled.

“Whatever you want.”

“I’ll think about it.” With one last kiss, Jimin hopped up and off Jeongguk’s lap and extended his
hand, and he helped Jeongguk to his feet. Jeongguk snatched up his phone and pointed the light in
the direction back towards the palace. He still had to pick up his bike so he could head home. After
shrugging back into his sweatshirt and pulling his face mask back on, he traipsed after Jimin until
they were at the edge of the woods near the postboxes.

“Wake me up with a kiss tomorrow, will you?” Jimin requested as he began to walk backwards.
Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, and then he crooked one finger at the omega. Jimin rolled his eyes,
but he walked up to Jeongguk, snaked his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, and kissed him firmly,
subsequently pulling Jeongguk’s face mask up from his chin to over his nose.

“Goodnight, hyung,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin beamed, pulling his hood up.

“Goodnight, Jeongguk-ah,” he said, and then he turned and jogged off into the darkness as
Jeongguk watched, his wolf utterly sated and satisfied.

***

Jeongguk did, in fact, wake Jimin up with a kiss on Saturday morning. He scoffed good-naturedly
and scolded Jimin with “hyung” several times, seeing that he had a few bruises on his arms and a
slight bruise on the left side of his face. But Jimin, seemingly impressed with how well he had held
up, just kissed Jeongguk happily and got ready for his first appointment of the day, which was a
trip to a local shelter to help package non-perishable food for those in need who lived in the north.

“Just the north?” Jeongguk asked, raising one eyebrow. Taehyun and Chaeyoung, both in the room,
gave Jeongguk a scandalized look for having said something so subjective, but Jimin didn’t even
flinch.

“Unfortunately, yes,” he said as he finished putting on his watch. “My father isn’t one to offer
assistance to south Dayangsong. His philosophy is that since the south seems to continue to thrive
on its own, he has no need to intervene.”

“His Majesty does provide aid to the south when it’s needed,” Taehyun chimed in, but Jimin
snorted.

“Taehyun-ah, darling, please don’t lie. You’re very bad at it,” he said, and this time, Chaeyoung
pursed his lips to keep from laughing as Jeongguk bit his lower lip in a grin. Taehyun looked at
Jimin in surprise, but then he blew out a breath, shoulders relaxing as he accepted his fate.

“Sorry,” he apologized.

“It’s okay. You’re a Kang. My expectations are low,” Jimin said, patting Taehyun on the shoulder.
Taehyun let out a noise of disbelief as Chaeyoung laughed and Jeongguk snickered, and Jimin
turned and cupped his hand behind Taehyun’s neck as Taehyun, grinning, shoved Jimin away
playfully. He wasn’t one to really get involved and took himself far too seriously sometimes, but
Jimin was about the only one who could truly get Taehyun to crack. And when he did, Taehyun
had a sarcastically wicked sense of humor far more ambitious than his nineteen years of age.

“I may be a bad liar, but at least I don’t beat myself up in my sleep,” Taehyun fired back. Jimin
snickered as he headed for his bedroom door.

“At least I fight back the losers in my dreams. What about you? Any wet dreams you want to talk
about?” Jimin asked as he breezed past Taehyun, and they all laughed and left the room together as
Jeongguk hung back, fond. For the few people who had gained a fraction of Jimin’s trust around
the palace, Jimin was a generally lovely and charming human being, intelligent and quick-witted,
feisty but loyal. Jeongguk had caught glimpses of Jimin with other palace staff who were loyal to
the king, and he was a different person. His bullshit radar was always on in full force, and he never
took anything lying down when it came to those people, and it pissed all of them off.

While Jimin was gone, Jeongguk got to work on some of the little tasks he had been assigned as
Jimin’s caretaker just this morning. It was a sobering reminder that the man he was kissing and
touching, the man whose sweet moans made Jeongguk feel immortal, was supposed to be mated
next month.There was not a doubt in Jeongguk’s mind that Yang Dongwoo was going to be the
alpha selected as Jimin’s mate. There was too much chatter, and Jimin was supposed to have three
dates with him this week—that was what Jeongguk was doing. He was supposed to be organizing
and thinking of some good date ideas that would be beneficial for Jimin’s well-being and foster a
positive atmosphere and relationship between Dongwoo and Jimin.

That doesn’t mean that Dongwoo has to like them, Jeongguk thought wickedly as he settled down
in the garden with a notebook, scribbling down some ideas. Tea in the garden sounded lovely for
Jimin. No telling what Dongwoo liked, but did it matter? A nature walk would be brilliant for
Jimin, but had Dongwoo been raised indoors and with a silver spoon in his mouth? Likely.

“...Jeongguk? Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk whipped his head up what felt like hours later, because he had gotten distracted drawing
flowers with the pencil he had. Hoseok was rushing towards him, face pale, and that was all
Jeongguk needed to panic.

“What is it?” he asked, rising to his feet. Hoseok took a deep breath, eyes flooded with concern.

“The king wants to see you. And he has Jimin with him,” Hoseok said, and immediately,
Jeongguk’s heart plunged into his stomach. “I have no idea what it’s about, but—fuck, I don’t
know. I don’t know, Jeongguk.”

“Oh my God, he—do you think he…?” Jeongguk breathed, feeling the color drain from his own
face.

“I don’t know. But you can’t show any fear, do you understand me?” Hoseok stepped forward and
grabbed Jeongguk’s shoulders firmly. “Breathe. Deep breaths. Look at me, Jeongguk.” Jeongguk
looked up, feeling faint. “You have to stay calm. And you have to lie. You have to lie for your life,
and you have to be convincing, or he’ll—he’ll just wait for your scent blockers to wear off.”

“I can’t do this,” Jeongguk whispered in a panic, and Hoseok gripped tighter.

“Jeongguk, you have to lie,” he reiterated. “You have to come up with a story if he asks you
anything about Jimin. And you need to make it sound good. Deniability. You’re his caretaker,
okay? And Jimin, Jimin’s good. Jimin’s been lying to his father for decades. You give him a
convincing story and he’ll play along, I promise you.”

“Fuck, okay. Okay, I… oh, God,” Jeongguk said, taking several deep breaths, eyes closed. “Okay.
I… fuck.”

“You go in there strong,” Hoseok said as he began to guide Jeongguk away from the garden.
“Don’t let on that I warned you. Don’t walk in there looking guilty, because the king will sniff that
right out, scent or not. Play dumb. And lie, do you understand me?”

“Yeah, I understand.”

“We can’t help you. No one can help you except for Jimin,” Hoseok said feverishly under his
breath as they stepped inside and turned a corner. “Jeongguk, I swear to you, if you keep your
composure and come up with a good lie, Jimin will play along. He’ll go with it. He’s smart. Trust
him.”

“Okay. O-Okay, thank you,” Jeongguk whispered as they approached the throne room. Hoseok
paused, and then he turned to Jeongguk again. Jeongguk’s knees were giving out on him already,
but he breathed with Hoseok, pulling himself together. Hoseok was right—Jeongguk had to walk in
there with confidence, playing the fool. He had to be ready. He had to think of a story on the fly.

“Go,” Hoseok whispered, and then he pulled open the door. Jeongguk stepped inside, and Hoseok
called out, “Jeon Jeongguk, Your Majesty.”

Jeongguk’s footsteps echoed on the floor as he walked forward towards the throne where King
Youngho was seated, and on his right in an embellished but small throne, was Jimin. His
expression was rock solid, no emotion detected as Jeongguk walked forward, hearing the door
close behind him. There were four other guards in the room—two in the corners, two on either side
of King Youngho and Jimin.

He’ll play along.

Jeongguk remembered Hoseok’s words as he slipped his shoes off, stepped up, and lowered to his
knees to complete a full bow.

“Your Majesty,” he greeted, and then he rose to his feet and bowed ninety degrees to Jimin. “Your
Highness. I hope your morning went well.”

“Enough,” King Youngho said curtly, holding up a hand, his elbow resting on the armrest of his
throne. He eyed Jeongguk carefully, and then he leaned forward just a little. “Do you know why
I’ve called you in here, Jeongguk?”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I’m afraid I don’t know,” Jeongguk said with a small bow.

“Two things,” King Youngho said, and Jeongguk swallowed heavily, taking a deep breath. He
could just pick up on Jimin’s scent, but it was painfully neutral. The king usually blocked his scent
as well, only using it to his advantage for manipulating others or enticing others. Jeongguk didn’t
have a clue what the king’s scent was, and he never wanted to know. “Look at my son, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk politely glanced over to Jimin, and then he looked back to the king.

“Tell me, Jeongguk,” King Youngho said. “What kind of caretaker allows the crown prince of
Dayangsong to leave the palace with a bruise on his face?”

“Oh. I—Your Majesty, please forgive me. I should have covered it,” Jeongguk said with a bow, his
heart nearly stopping. “I must not have taken much notice of it this morning.”

“Not taken much notice?” King Youngho barked, and then he reached over and gripped Jimin
behind the neck, shoving his son’s face forward. “You weren’t able to take notice of this,
Jeongguk? Is that right?”

You’re scolding me for not covering up a small bruise, yet you slap your son clear across the face
for any little bit of insubordination.

“That’s correct. I apologize,” Jeongguk said, figuratively biting his tongue in order to keep his
head. “I understand that His Highness had a public engagement. I hope that my error didn’t cause
any concern.”

King Youngho released Jimin’s neck, and Jimin shrugged away from his father, brushing his shirt
off.

“You’re very lucky that it didn’t,” he snapped, and then he sat back comfortably, surveying
Jeongguk down his nose with his chin tilted up a bit. “My expectations for you were appallingly
low, but your lack of ability to care for the simplest things for my son…” He tutted, shaking his
head. “A bastard orphan with no real family, no proper education, and the useless rank of alpha…
you really are a waste. You will apologize to my son for your incompetence.”

“I…” Jeongguk struggled to take a normal breath, because the king seemed to know too much
about him. Trembling internally but not showing it on the outside, Jeongguk turned to Jimin and
bowed. “Forgive me, Your Highness.”

“On your knees,” King Youngho barked with a wave of his hand, and in a heartbeat, there was a
guard by Jeongguk’s side, and he shoved Jeongguk down to his knees and dragged him to be in
front of Jimin roughly. “You will beg for his forgiveness. And you will do it properly.”

Jeongguk’s breath was quick, teeth gritted together as he attempted to control the emotions boiling
up inside of him. His actions would have consequences. If he said one wrong word to the king, his
head would roll. If he didn’t apologize as the king wanted, there was no telling what would happen.
And the last thing that Jeongguk wanted was for Jimin to be forced into taking any kind of
responsibility. That would be dangerous for both of them if not done properly.

“Your Highness,” Jeongguk said in a strangled voice, and then he lowered into a full bow, resting
his forehead on top of his hands. “I beg for your forgiveness and ask for your kindness and
understanding.”

“You’re forgiven. Now please stand,” Jimin said instantly. Jeongguk slowly rose to his feet, his
entire body burning with the humiliation of being forced into a position of submission by an alpha
he didn’t respect. It wasn’t bowing at Jimin’s feet that bothered him. It wasn’t Jimin’s rank or his
status that bothered Jeongguk. It was the manner in which he had been coerced into begging for
forgiveness, manipulated into it, over something so ridiculous.

“Now tell me, Jeongguk.” King Youngho rose to his feet and clasped his hands behind his back,
and Jeongguk’s heart leapt into his throat. The king stepped forward and stood before Jeongguk,
taller only because he was a step up on his platform, looking down on Jeongguk like he felt he was
entitled to do. “Why… did my son wake up with a bruise on his face? When just last night before
bed, he was perfectly fine?”

“I… Please forgive me again, Your Majesty, but I’m afraid I only know what His Highness told
me this morning,” Jeongguk lied right away, begging Jimin silently to catch on.

“And what did he tell you?” King Youngho asked.

“His Highness did not provide me with much detail,” Jeongguk continued, stalling as his brain
worked a thousand miles per minute. “He only said that it was a bruise he acquired during sleep.”

“During sleep,” King Youngho said, and the chuckle that followed was humorless. There was a
moment of heavy silence, a pause where Jeongguk swore his heartbeat was being amplified
throughout the room. Then he suddenly couldn’t breathe, and it was because the king had one hand
around Joongguk’s throat. “Do you play me for a fool? Do not lie to my face. You will tell me
what he said—”

“I lied to him, Father, now stop choking my caretaker,” Jimin said loudly as he rose to his feet,
indignant. Immediately, King Youngho dropped his hand and rounded on Jimin as Jeongguk
stumbled, wheezing and bending at the waist to catch his breath, seeing stars in his vision.

“You what?” King Youngho emphasized, and Jimin sighed.

“I lied to him, okay?” Jimin said again, his scent still neutral. “I told him I got the bruise while I
was sleeping, but that’s not true. I wasn’t about to admit to him how I really got it.”

“Which was how?”

“You really want to know?” Jimin raised his eyebrows, and then he laughed. “I’m not really in the
mood to go into details, but I was getting myself off. Alright? Got a little carried away, but it’s no
one else’s business. Would you like me to embarrass myself any further? Or can we stop this little
interrogation session?”

“You…” King Youngho drew in a deep breath, momentarily closing his eyes as if he could not
believe what his only son was saying. Jeongguk was standing rooted to the spot in utter disbelief,
his head spinning, trying to make sense of his situation. “What were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t. And while I appreciate the apology that you requested, it’s my fault, okay? I just didn’t
 want to admit it,” Jimin said with a small frown, playing his role frighteningly well as he averted
his eyes from his father like he was truly embarrassed. “Jeongguk has done nothing wrong.”

There was another standoff, another tense silence as Jeongguk continued to catch his breath, trying
to remain as level-headed as possible even though his wolf, despite being suppressed, was clawing
at his chest, eager to challenge the king to a fight. Challenge the king to a fight , and Jeongguk
wasn’t even scared. He was prepared to rip this man limb from limb if it would keep Jimin safe.

“You dishonor me,” King Youngho said to Jimin, and Jeongguk’s heart clenched. To hear that
from a parent was the worst possible fate for any child. It was humiliating, horrific, embarrassing,
shameful, and enough to make anyone reevaluate their life. Any child would have dropped to their
knees in tears. But Jimin only blinked.

“For having a sex drive?” Jimin asked, and his father immediately reached up and smacked him
across his right cheek. He then bluntly pointed to Jimin’s seat, his eyes ablaze, and Jeongguk’s
hands clenched into fists as he breathed through his nose. The utter hypocrisy. Jeongguk was
dangerously close to snapping, but Jimin just let out a breath that hinted at laughter and sat down,
crossing his legs.

“In one month, Jeongguk, I fear we may no longer require your services,” King Youngho said,
clicking his tongue in fake sympathy as he shook his head. “Unless, of course, you’d be happy to
scrub floors in the kitchen six days a week on your knees.”

“I’m here to serve the palace in whatever capacity I am needed,” Jeongguk said politely with
another bow, feeling like he was forcing himself to bend at the waist now. When he straightened
up, there was a smile on the king’s face, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was a smile laced with
malice, one that Jeongguk had seen before on the faces of people who had played nice before
betraying him.

“You are. Now fix my son’s face. He has a date this evening,” King Youngho replied airily.
“Make him look desirable, Jeongguk, or you won’t have a chance to correct your error. I did warn
you that any mistakes would lead you down a very unfortunate path. My son’s shameful behavior
has saved you this time. There will be no next time. Get out of my sight.”

Jeongguk chose to milk the opportunity for all it was worth, tasting his freedom. He stepped back,
dropped to his knees, and completed the full bow. He held it for a moment, and then he stood and
nearly ran out of the throne room. This time, though, he wasn’t weak in the knees like when he had
entered. He wasn’t frantic or near tears.

He was angry.

Chapter End Notes

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 eight
Chapter Notes

PERMISSION TO DANCE?????

GRANTED.

yeehaw everyone and welcome to ch8 LSKJFDLSKFJL I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY

EXCEPT THAT THIS IS 14K AND I CRIED LAUGHING READING YOUR CH7
COMMENTS ABOUT THE KING OK SEE YA

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See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

and i lost it when you found me

you’re whispers and sunlight, cold hands feeling for mine

warm love, softly, never letting love go.

-“warm blood” by flor

~~~

It took all of Jeongguk’s willpower to stay at the palace until evening, but he knew that Jimin
would want to see him after he had his date. So he distracted himself by spending time with
Seokjin in the library, quietly relaying everything that had happened as Seokjin listened with
concern.

“God, you’re already on such thin ice, and now on top of that, you’re sleeping with the prince,”
Seokjin said, rubbing his forehead.

“Not entirely,” Jeongguk replied, but then he suppressed a grin when Seokjin made noises of
complaint. “It’s a process, okay?”

“Okay, but regardless, you’re not—I mean, I’d be shaken up, but you’re… weird,” Seokjin said,
and Jeongguk snickered.

“Look, I was shaken up when Hoseok-ssi ambushed me in the garden and told me the king wanted
to see me. But after that conversation? Seokjin-ssi, he scolded me and choked me for letting his
son go out in public with a bruise on his face, but five minutes later, he slapped the same son across
the face.”

“It’s not about logic, Jeongguk-ah,” Seokjin said, shaking his head. “It’s about control. It doesn’t
have to make sense to anyone, not even to him. As long as he continues to assert his dominance and
maintain control over Jimin’s life, over your life when you’re here, that’s all that matters.”

“You know what? I’ve met some pretty shitty people in my life,” Jeongguk mused, thinking back
to his childhood. “Gananhan is full of interesting characters, but a lot of people are garbage.”

“Bet none of them compare to His Majesty,” Seokjin said, wiggling his eyebrows.

“He has no heart,” Jeongguk quietly said. “He’s the most hateful man I think I’ve ever met in my
life. He’s—I mean, the way he just—he’s so selfish. The things he says are just—he’s sick,
Seokjin-ssi. I hate him. I really hate him.”

“You’re not the first person,” Seokjin muttered. “Namjoon is counting down the days until his dear
uncle has his last rut. Because that’s when the changeover happens. It’s customary. An alpha
without a cycle is on his way out, you know? It’s always been that way. And from the gossip I’ve
heard, the king is awfully close to his last rut.”

“I didn’t know that,” Jeongguk breathed. “No wonder he’s pushing so hard for Jimin to mate. He
must know that he’s nearly finished.”

“Well, I hope it’s soon. Because the minute he is, I’m getting myself mated,” Seokjin declared,
patting his neck. “Look at this. Porcelain skin just dying to be bitten. I’m prime real estate. I smell
great. And poor Namjoon can’t do a thing.”

Jeongguk was still laughing as he said, “Well, I think once Jimin is king, you’ll have a lot more
luck.”

“Yeah, I can hope,” Seokjin sighed, resting his elbows on the countertop. “But see, the king is still
Jimin’s father. And he’ll do everything he can to stick his nose in Jimin’s business and make Jimin
nothing more than a figurehead. He’ll fight it, especially if Jimin’s mate is that Dongwoo fellow.
We’re all doomed.”

“I know nothing about politics,” Jeongguk admitted. “But it seems to me that the king wants
anyone but his omega son to sit on that throne.”

“Bingo,” Seokjin said, winking and pointing at Jeongguk. He then checked the clock on the wall.
“Date’s probably over.”
“Right.” Jeongguk slowly exhaled and tapped the countertop and then he made his way to the exit.
“See you later.”

“Good luck.”

Jeongguk walked the relatively quiet hallways with his hands in his pockets, heading straight for
Jimin’s bedroom. A few people passed by who had just been at dinner with the king, and Jeongguk
bowed to them politely, even though they didn’t acknowledge him whatsoever. The guard at the
end of Jimin’s hallway only glanced at Jeongguk as Jeongguk passed by, and then he knocked on
Jimin’s door.

“Your Highness?” he asked, and the door flew open almost instantly.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin hissed, making way for Jeongguk to come into the room. He locked the door,
and then he whirled around and faced Jeongguk, his scent bitter with anxiety. Jeongguk pursed his
lips.

“How was your date?” he asked conversationally, still hearing King Youngho’s voice calling him a
bastard in the back of his head. Jimin’s brow furrowed, and then he stepped forward like he wanted
to embrace Jeongguk, but Jeongguk instinctively stiffened. Jimin noticed. His scent faded from
bitter anxiety to an overpoweringly sour scent of rejection. Jimin wore his heart on his sleeve
thanks to his scent, and Jeongguk took note and snapped out of it.

“I get it, I get it,” Jimin said at the same time Jeongguk said, “I’m sorry, I’m not—I’m sorry.”
Then they both stood and faced each other, silently pouring the contents of their hearts into one
another for a moment.

“It’s not your fault,” Jeongguk whispered. “It’s—It’s him.”

“I know it’s him,” Jimin replied.

“The way he made me—he just—I don’t even care that it was—I would do a full bow to you at
any given time. I don’t care,” Jeongguk rambled. “But it was—it was the way he forced me to just
—fuck, I can’t,” he decided, roughly running his hands over his face with a humorless laugh. He
dropped his hands to his sides sadly. “He treats me like shit. And that’s not even why I’m mad. I’m
angry because he choked me for letting you leave the palace with a small bruise on your face, and
then he turns around and slaps you.”

“He’s a textbook hypocrite, Jeongguk,” Jimin replied. “There’s nothing else I can even say. He’s a
monster. He wants to have complete control over you, and that’s it.”

“I hate him.”

“I hate him, too.” Jimin took a cautious step forward, and Jeongguk accepted the prince into his
space. Jimin then closed the distance entirely and lifted his hands to rest on Jeongguk’s face, and
Jeongguk closed his eyes as Jimin’s thumbs stroked against his cheeks. “And I wish I could have
done more to protect you. It killed me to have to watch my alpha go through that. I’m so sorry. Can
you forgive me?”

“You’re—” Jeongguk let out a small laugh that was tinged with emotion he hadn’t expected. My
alpha. Was he really Jimin’s alpha? When he couldn’t even so much as look at Jimin for more than
three seconds in public without being chastised? Could he really have Jimin as his omega? Was it
possible? “You’re asking me for forgiveness now?”

“You had nothing to apologize for earlier,” Jimin whispered. “I told you not to hold back last night.
The bruise I got was my fault. I didn’t ask you to cover it up this morning. You did nothing wrong.
But I feel like I could’ve done more in that moment for you, and I didn’t. And I’m sorry.”

“You couldn’t have done more,” Jeongguk muttered. “Anything more would have exposed us
completely. You did what you could.”

“I would do anything for you, and I hate that I can’t,” Jimin whispered. “I hate that we have to
sneak around like this.”

“What other choice do we have?” Jeongguk asked, finally wrapping his arms around Jimin’s waist.
“This is the reality of it, hyung. You just had a date with the man who will likely get to mate you
next month. Be with you all the time. Scent you. Run a goddamn kingdom with you. And I’m
just… here until then. Aren’t I?”

“No,” Jimin whispered, eyes shining. “No, fuck him. Fuck all of that. You’re not just here,
Jeongguk.”

“But I am,” Jeongguk said, his voice strained. “Because when all of that happens next month, I—I
don’t know what I’m going to do. I told you I was in this, and I meant it when I said there was no
going back. And it’s not just me. It’s my wolf, too. I—hyung, when I… during my rut, it was the
worst one I’ve ever had because… because it… you…”

“Because of me?” Jimin whispered, his hands dropping to Jeongguk’s shoulders.

“Because of you,” Jeongguk said softly. “Because I… I don’t know. It’s you. I know it’s you. I
can’t explain it. I know I can’t have you. I know what we’re doing is wrong in all their eyes. But
I’m just…”

“Jeongguk, please,” Jimin whispered, closing his eyes like that would block out the sound of
Jeongguk’s voice. But Jeongguk finished.

“I’m just going to savor every single day leading up to then,” he whispered. “Every day. I’ll be
here for you everyday until I can’t anymore.”

“No, don’t—fuck, you’re too good to me,” Jimin breathed, and when he opened his eyes, Jeongguk
saw that they were bloodshot. “I should be able to take care of you. Look out for you. Say those
kinds of things to you. But instead, it’s just you constantly saving me, isn’t it? Being the better
person. Caring about someone who’s trapped in this—this mess.”

“I’m not saving you or being the better person,” Jeongguk retorted. “I care about you because of
you.”

“You’re giving yourself a deadline to care about me,” Jimin whispered, pained.

“There’s no deadline. I’ll always care about you,” Jeongguk argued.

“I dragged you into this.”

“No. You didn’t. I’ve wanted you for so fucking long. I gave in because I wanted to, just as much
as you did,” Jeongguk whispered. “We’re both guilty. We both chose this. We didn’t talk each
other into it. We just decided to go for it.”

“I don’t want to have a time limit,” Jimin whispered against Jeongguk’s lips. “Not with you. We
just got started. There’s so much that I want.”
mood: “poison & wine” by the civil wars

“Then stop thinking about it right now,” Jeongguk murmured into the next soft kiss. It turned into
another kiss, and then another, and then Jimin was deftly untying the sash belt around Jeongguk’s
waist. This time, Jeongguk didn’t protest. He let Jimin do it. They kissed feverishly as Jimin
backed up towards his bed, and Jeongguk let it happen. When the backs of Jimin’s thighs hit the
bed, Jeongguk held him up and quickly unbuttoned Jimin’s nice shirt, using both hands to gently
push it off his shoulders and sweep it to the floor. Jimin fell back onto the bed and scooted, and
Jeongguk shrugged out of his hanbok top, leaving him in just a black t-shirt. Shoes and socks
kicked off, he then crawled onto the bed and hovered over Jimin, bending and pressing kisses to
his abdomen and all the way up his chest.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin gasped, arching towards Jeongguk’s lips.

“Hope you don’t mind making a mess of your sheets,” Jeongguk murmured.

“I have extras,” Jimin managed to say before he pulled Jeongguk down for a kiss. It wasn’t elegant,
but with their eagerness as a driving force, they undressed one another, desperately reaching for
each other to kiss any visible skin they could find. Jimin’s scent was thick with arousal, and by the
time Jeongguk moved him up onto the pillows in just his black boxer briefs, he was visibly leaking
slick and pre-come at the same time, breathing heavily, the scent infiltrating Jeongguk’s brain.

“We don’t have much time,” Jeongguk muttered, situating himself between Jimin’s legs.

“I don’t care,” Jimin breathed. “I don’t fucking care.”

Jeongguk didn’t, either. Yesterday, he would have scolded Jimin for such advances, citing his fear
of being discovered. But after being forced to his knees and having the king of Dayangsong’s hand
around his throat, Jeongguk had never wanted to stick it to the monarchy more, nor had he ever
wanted to be with Jimin more. His heart pounding, he bent and kissed the inside of Jimin’s right
thigh, dragging his lips and nose along soft skin, the scent of his slick so intoxicating that Jeongguk
could hardly think straight. He kissed right up to the juncture of Jimin’s thigh and hip, and then he
moved over to the other thigh and kissed up all the way as Jimin’s fingers tangled in Jeongguk’s
hair.

“Jeongguk, please,” he breathily begged, bringing his feet in to nudge at Jeongguk’s hips
encouragingly. Without a word, Jeongguk reached up and grabbed the waistband of Jimin’s briefs,
and then he pulled them down as Jimin lifted his hips up to assist. They were soaked, so Jeongguk
threw them to the floor carelessly, and then he drew in a breath.

Fuck.

Jimin had to throw his arm across his mouth and bite down to keep himself quiet, because
Jeongguk gasped and dove down, pressing both of his hands to the bottoms of Jimin’s thighs until
his knees were bent towards his chest. Then he pressed his tongue against Jimin’s hole,
immediately lapping up the slick that had gathered. The moment he did, Jimin let out a muffled
moan, hips lifting as Jeongguk caught the next gush of slick with his tongue, his wolf howling in
pure bliss as he took in Jimin’s scent, the way he tasted, everything about him.

“Jeongguk, p-please, I— Jeongguk,” Jimin gasped out, his voice pitching higher as Jeongguk
pushed his tongue past the tight ring of muscles, utterly addicted already. This would be his
downfall. He had a taste, and now he was going to be hard-pressed to ever want to let Jimin go.
Nearly delirious, he fucked his tongue into Jimin until Jimin’s heavy breathing sounded more like
muffled sobs, catching every last drop of slick.

“Fuck, you just—the way you taste,” Jeongguk panted, his tongue still working hard, his cock
completely hard and begging for something, anything. “God, I could do this forever.”

“Y-You can’t, you can’t,” Jimin said breathily, chest heaving. “Oh my God. You c-can’t, you—
fuck, fuck—” He covered his mouth with his arm again as he let out a moan, because Jeongguk
licked his lips and straightened up, gently slipping two fingers into Jimin’s hole and curling them.
Jimin took him so easily, as if he was designed for whatever Jeongguk had to offer. Jeongguk knelt
over Jimin and slowly fucked into him with his fingers, scissoring them open as slick began to
trickle down to his wrist. One day, he would be able to take his time and worship Jimin’s body in
all its beauty and glory. One day, Jimin would be able to do the same for Jeongguk. But tonight,
they had to be quick. Tonight, they were both lying in a bed they had made with their own bottled-
up emotions.

“C-Condoms are in the drawer,” Jimin choked out as he took three fingers like his body was made
to accept Jeongguk. Jeongguk leaned in and kissed along Jimin’s neck and up to his lips, silencing
him for a moment as he stretched open his fingers to prepare Jimin. Jimin moaned into Jeongguk’s
mouth, repeatedly whispering Jeongguk’s name like a mantra, body tense when Jeongguk’s fingers
brushed up against where he was most sensitive. When Jeongguk relented for just a moment, he
watched as Jimin blindly reached over, yanked the drawer open, and fumbled around until he found
a condom. He handed it to Jeongguk, and Jeongguk accepted it, his heart pounding in his ears.

“Are you sure?” he whispered between kisses.

“I’ve never been more sure in my life,” Jimin confirmed, breathless. “Do you want me like this?
From behind? I don’t care how. I just want you.”

“Whatever you want,” Jeongguk whispered as he used his teeth to tear open the condom, his right
hand drenched in slick. He rolled the condom on and used that hand to lubricate himself, inhaling
sharply at how sensitive he was, and then he lifted his fingers to his mouth and sucked the rest off,
feeling like he was falling into the abyss.

“I want it like this,” Jimin said, sitting up a little further onto the pillows. “I want to see your face
the first time.”

“Okay. Baby, look at me,” Jeongguk said, stroking Jimin’s hair affectionately with his left hand. “I
can’t knot you. You know that, right?”

“I know,” Jimin breathed, nodding. “I know that.”

That was all Jeongguk needed. He situated himself between Jimin’s legs, letting Jimin wrap his
own legs around Jeongguk’s waist. Jeongguk took a moment to just stare down at the beautiful
man he was about to fuck, and it stole his breath. Jimin’s blonde hair was mussed and hanging in
one eye, his pupils dilated with arousal, his cheeks slightly flushed, a slight glisten of sweat visible
on his torso. His cock was lying hard against his stomach, leaking helplessly, and his slick had
already gotten onto the sheets. He was an absolute vision, and he was all Jeongguk’s.

“Oh, God,” Jimin gasped when Jeongguk slowly began to push in. Jimin sucked him in almost
right away, but it was gradual. His body adjusted to the size of Jeongguk’s cock, and as he relaxed,
he took more and more. “F-Fuck, you’re—you’re bigger than I thought. Holy shit.”
“Sorry, sorry. I’m going slow,” Jeongguk whispered, and then Jimin let out a whimper and exhaled
to relax as Jeongguk finally bottomed out. He then fell forward to cage Jimin in, kissing Jimin’s
forehead and then his lips, stroking his hair away from his forehead again. Jimin’s hand was
trembling when he reached up to float his fingers along Jeongguk’s cheek until he could tuck a
strand of hair behind Jeongguk’s ear.

“Hi,” he whispered, and Jeongguk’s heart exploded into a radiant sunburst of affection. Jimin was
it. This omega was it. Jeongguk was certain of it, wanted to lay claim, wanted to tell the entire
world that he had found his mate. Just a few months at the palace and he was in the palm of Jimin’s
hand, and Jimin was wrapped tightly around his finger. They were both hopelessly enamored and
entangled in the same forbidden web.

“Are you okay?” Jeongguk whispered back.

“I’m okay,” Jimin promised. “B-But we don’t have a lot of time.”

“I know.”

“So fuck me like you mean it.” Jimin blinked slowly at Jeongguk, determination in his eyes. “I can
take it.”

“You have to be quiet,” Jeongguk warned, and Jimin nodded once.

“So do you,” he whispered with a grin. Jeongguk leaned down and kissed him gently, shallowly
thrusting forward and swallowing down the little breath of pleasure that Jimin let out. Jeongguk
could feel the way that Jimin was still leaking slick all around his cock, even though he was
virtually locked into Jimin. They had to be quiet and quick. So Jeongguk gently slipped one hand
behind Jimin’s head to cradle it reverently as Jimin smiled. Then, bracing himself with his other
hand on the mattress, Jeongguk pulled out nearly all the way and then thrusted back into Jimin so
hard that the bed rocked. Jimin’s eyes rolled back and closed, and that was all Jeongguk needed.

“M-More, more,” Jimin insisted, his legs tightening around Jeongguk’s waist. Jeongguk didn’t
waste time. He found his rhythm, fucking into Jimin steadily, watching the omega’s body move
against the bed from the force of it, unable to believe that he was actually doing this. He had spent
his entire rut dreaming about fucking Jimin like this, having him like this, and now Jeongguk was
dangerously close to an orgasm already, not even two minutes into it. So he slowed down just a
little to savor the moment, rolling his hips, which were right up against the backs of Jimin’s thighs.

“You’re so gorgeous,” he whispered, bending down to kiss along Jimin’s neck as he brought one
hand down to wrap around Jimin’s cock. Jimin whimpered and lifted his hips desperately, and
Jeongguk stroked him with a deft hand, twisting his wrist and running his thumb over the slit,
watching Jimin’s reaction. Jimin threw both of his arms across his face, panting, biting his bottom
lip as Jeongguk slowly, torturously worked his hand around Jimin’s cock, his thrusts still shallow
but just enough to remind Jimin who was fucking him.

“J-Just you wait,” Jimin gasped out. “Wait until I have you underneath me. W-Wait until I ride
you. Then y-you’ll get it.”

Jeongguk’s mind immediately flooded with the visuals, with the images of Jimin above him in all
his beauty, and he damn near snapped. He let out a noise that sounded something like a growl,
diving and nipping at the skin on Jimin’s shoulder, away from his scent gland but suggestive
enough that Jimin let out a soft cry. Drowning in his own arousal but determined for Jimin to come
first, Jeongguk lifted his head up and noticed that he had left a very visible mark on Jimin’s skin
that would surely bruise.
He didn’t care.

“You feel—so fucking— good, baby, I’m—fuck, you’re amazing,” Jeongguk praised breathlessly
as he fucked into Jimin with vigor, feeling the way Jimin’s legs trembled. At the same time, he
squeezed and stroked Jimin’s cock, knowing by the way Jimin was thrashing and arching off the
pillows that he was close. He was panting, barely choking out words, and he reached up and
grabbed Jeongguk’s biceps, dragging his fingernails down Jeongguk’s skin as he quietly moaned.
He, too, would leave marks, and Jeongguk still didn’t care.

“Close,” Jimin gasped, and Jeongguk nodded frantically, chasing his own orgasm in a state of
delirium. The entire room smelled like sex, thick with the scent of Jimin’s arousal, and Jeongguk
was sure that if his scent wasn’t blocked, it wouldn’t smell like Jimin at all—it would smell only
like rainwater.

“Shit, you’re so wet,” Jeongguk breathed, because the sound was almost obscene as he fucked
Jimin harder. Slick was still dripping from Jimin’s hole, easily and instantly lubricating Jeongguk’s
cock and making it that much easier. Jeongguk had never once fucked an omega who had been this
wet, though.

“God, it’s just—it’s you,” Jimin quietly moaned. “Y-You do this to me, you’re ruining me, I only
— fuck, fuck—I only get this wet for you, oh my God. Ah. Fuck, all y-you have to do is look at me
and I s-start leaking slick, you’re— oh-h-h-h.”

“Shh, shh,” Jeongguk coaxed, feeling like his skin was on fire.

“Close, I’m close,” Jimin whispered, finally locking eyes with Jeongguk. “Don’t touch me.”

Jeongguk nodded, and then he dropped his hand from Jimin’s cock, repositioned himself, changed
the angle, and started fucking into Jimin with the intent of making him come. Jimin stopped
moaning. He stopped whimpering. He went completely silently, hands white-knuckling Jeongguk’s
shoulders, eyes closed. The only warning Jeongguk got was a tiny little gasp. Then Jimin’s body
went rigid for a moment, breath catching as he came all over himself without being touched, cum
dripping down his ribs as he collapsed back into the mattress, finally breathing. Jeongguk fucked
him all the way through it, slowing down until he was only circling his hips to bring Jimin down
from the high, feeling the way the slick was soaking the sheets now.

“...Come on me.”

“What?” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin opened his eyes, breathless.

“Can you come inside me without knotting me?” he asked, and Jeongguk shook his head, knowing
himself too fucking well. If he reached his orgasm while he was inside Jimin, it was almost
guaranteed that he wouldn’t be able to stop, and he would accidentally knot Jimin or have to force
himself to pull out while his knot was just starting to form. There was nothing worse than that.

“Then come on me,” Jimin whispered. “Pull out and come on me.”

His mind in a haze, Jeongguk slowly pulled out of Jimin, watching as a gush of slick followed, and
that was virtually all he needed. Jeongguk ripped the condom off, gathered some of Jimin’s slick,
wrapped his hand around his cock, and started to get himself off, hovering over Jimin. Jimin
yanked him down with both hands for a kiss, and Jeongguk choked back a whine when Jimin
nipped at his ear.

“Did it feel good?” he whispered. “Did my alpha feel good, hmm? Was I tight enough for you?
Wet enough? Bet you wanted to knot me, didn’t you?”

“Fuck, don’t,” Jeongguk growled, feeling a trickle of sweat run down his spine. He opened his
eyes, but that was a mistake. Jimin was staring right up at him, and then, just barely, not enough
but enough, he rolled his head to the side, baring his neck.

Jeongguk was certain that he blacked out when he came. His wolf was screaming at him to bend
down and claim their omega, sink his teeth into Jimin’s neck, claim him, mate him. But Jeongguk
had just enough self-control to resist. He came all over Jimin’s chest, making an absolute mess,
sure that he hadn’t come that hard in years.

But then the high faded. The orgasm sizzled out, and Jeongguk collapsed onto Jimin’s chest,
burying his face in Jimin’s shoulder, not caring in the slightest that their bodies were sticking
together from all the cum and sweat. Jeongguk had never once in his life felt comfortable enough to
lie naked on top of someone he had just had sex with, but Jimin was gently rubbing his back,
fingers dancing up his spine, tangling their ankles together.

“You have a mouth on you,” Jeongguk mumbled into Jimin’s shoulder.

“Oh? I could be filthier. Just say the word,” Jimin whispered, and Jeongguk cracked a smile. He
then forced himself to lift his head, and Jimin met his lips in a sweet kiss, both of them exhausted.

“I have to go,” Jeongguk murmured, his heart sinking. “I—I hate that I have to go. I just want to
carry you into the bath and take care of you. Cuddle you. Fall asleep with you.”

“One day, darling,” Jimin whispered, and Jeongguk, who typically never let himself get overly
emotional, felt his eyes burn. Darling. “One day we’ll do that.”

“You know that I want to, right? That I want to be able to take care of you after we have sex,”
Jeongguk said softly, kissing the tip of Jimin’s nose and then he lips. “I hate that I have to run out.”

“I understand, though,” Jimin whispered. “It’s just what we have to do.”

“I have to clean off first, though,” Jeongguk noted. “And fast.”

“Washcloths and towels are in the bathroom. You know where,” Jimin replied, reaching up and
tracing his pointer finger down the slope of Jeongguk’s nose affectionately. “Bring me one, and
then I’ll deal with the sheets. We have to be quick.”

“I know. Hey,” Jeongguk said when he felt Jimin begin to move. “Baby, look at me.”

Jimin rolled back onto the pillow, glowing happily as he looked at Jeongguk.

“You were so good,” Jeongguk praised, kissing Jimin between sentences. “That was amazing.
Everything I’d dreamed it would be. You’re so gorgeous. Sounded so pretty. All mine.”

“All yours,” Jimin whispered, radiant from the positive feedback. “Can’t believe I didn’t climb you
like a tree the first time we kissed. Worth the wait, though. We’re gonna have fun, you and me.
You’re a dream.”

Jeongguk smiled into the next kiss, and then he rolled off the bed and hurried into the bathroom,
knowing that he smelled like Jimin and Jimin only. Quickly, he grabbed several washcloths and
ran them under some warm water, pouring drops of lavender essential oil onto each so that the
scent of the oil could overpower Jimin’s scent. He stood at the doorway of the bathroom and
tossed a washcloth to Jimin, who caught it with one hand and began to wipe himself down.
Jeongguk did the same, practically giving himself a lower body bath, using up two washcloths until
he smelled like lavender. He then gathered his clothes and started to dress as Jimin pulled on a new
pair of briefs and then unceremoniously yanked all the sheets off his bed, balling them up and
shoving them into a corner of his closet.

“I’ll take them to the laundry room myself. That was always my hiding place when I got in trouble.
Plus, now people get really awkward when I bring my sheets to get washed because I just tell them
I leaked too much slick getting myself off,” Jimin said with a wicked grin, and Jeongguk snorted.
He then quickly helped Jimin make the bed up again, smiling when Jimin snuck quick kisses to
Jeongguk’s forehead or lips every time they passed one another. Finally, the bed was made, and
Jimin cracked open both of his windows with the curtains still drawn to let in some fresh and and
filter out the smell of sex.

“You think that’s good?” Jeongguk asked nervously, and Jimin nodded.

“Mm. All you have to do is go home now,” he replied. “You smell like you just brushed my hair or
gave me a shoulder massage, so it’s not suspicious. And you’ve only been in here for…” Jimin
checked the time on his phone. “...Forty-five minutes. Impressive. You’ve been in here for an hour
before while I took a bath and stuff. Plus, I’m faking a headache.” Jimin pouted on purpose, and
Jeongguk snickered.

“Alright. Hey, you need to make sure you wear shirts that cover up that…” Jeongguk trailed off as
he approached Jimin, brushing his thumb over the visibly bruised bite mark Jeongguk had left on
Jimin’s shoulder. Jimin stifled a laugh, running his hands down Jeongguk’s arms.

“Yeah, so do you,” he said, fingers gently tracing the scratch marks he had left on Jeongguk’s
biceps. Then he brought his hands up to rest behind Jeongguk’s neck, fingers laced together. “I
wish you could stay with me. Maybe hold me while I sleep. You into morning sex?”

“Don’t give me any ideas,” Jeongguk sighed, shaking his head as Jimin dropped his forehead onto
Jeongguk’s shoulder. Jeongguk kissed Jimin’s hair, rubbing the omega prince’s back gently. “You
know I wish I could stay. But I have to go.”

“Mm. I know. Goodnight, then.” Jimin tilted his chin upward, a small smile on his full lips.
“Wasn’t really expecting that tonight, so thank you.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk emphasized, and Jimin grinned. “Goodnight, beautiful.” He kissed Jimin
gently. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

“See you on Monday,” Jimin whispered, and then he reluctantly released his grip on Jeongguk and
stood there hugging himself as Jeongguk walked to the door. He reached up and hovered his finger
over the lightswitch, and Jimin nodded in approval. Jeongguk flicked off the light, and then he
slipped out of Jimin’s bedroom and into the hallway.

Act normal. Nothing unusual happened. The guard is at the other end of the hall, he told himself as
he walked with his head bent. Pretend you didn’t just get laid.

“Have a good night,” Jeongguk said politely with a little bow to the guard, knowing he hardly ever
got a response.

“Jeongguk.”

Fuck.

Jeongguk turned around slowly, expectantly, staring at the guard. He didn’t even know this man’s
name.

“His Highness had complained of a headache when he returned from his evening engagement. Is
he well now?” the guard asked, and Jeongguk nodded, his heart racing.

“Well, he’s in bed,” he lied, instantly playing along despite his lack of knowledge. “He took a nice,
long bath, and I tried to massage his neck with some lavender essential oil to make him feel tired.
He was a bit restless, but I got him to settle in for sleep. Hopefully the headache fades with rest.”

“Very well. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Jeongguk bowed again, and then he walked as fast as his legs could carry him away from the
palace, only laughing and breaking into a run when he was far enough away to enjoy the moment.

***

“JEON JEONGGUK.”

Jeongguk grunted into his own pillow with a frown, shaking his head as if someone could see him.
There was silence, glorious silence for a moment—

“JEON JEONGGUK, GET DOWN HERE.”

“Fuck,” Jeongguk grumbled crankily, rubbing his eyes and flopping onto his back. Sunlight was
streaming through the window ceiling, but given the angle of it, he could tell that it was still early
morning. Grumpy, he threw back the blankets and checked his phone—half past eight. On a
Sunday. Granted, he had returned home before midnight, but still. Sleep was precious to him.

Jeongguk sighed and stretched, rolling out of bed in just his plaid pajama pants and forgoing a shirt
as he unlocked the hatch door and pushed it open, letting the step ladder slowly unfurl to the
ground floor. Then he padded down the first few narrow steps and sat down halfway, squinting
sleepily.

“Why the fuck does it smell like some omega in this house?” Taehyung asked accusingly, standing
at the bottom of the steps the moment Jeongguk appeared. “Did you get laid last night without
telling us?”

Jeongguk snorted, rubbing his eyes as he laughed.

“I might have. You can smell an omega?” he asked curiously.

“I can’t,” Yoongi chimed in, his voice hoarse because he had just woken up. He poured his cup of
coffee, glancing over at Jeongguk. “But you know Tae’s nose is sensitive. He picks up on
everything.”

“What do you smell?” Jeongguk asked Taehyung.

“Vanilla,” Taehyung replied. “Maybe some kind of mint. I don’t know. And it’s mixed with your
scent, so explain yourself.”
“You saw me come home last night by myself,” Jeongguk said, and Taehyung raised his eyebrows.
“But I definitely got laid. You’re smart, hyung. Put the puzzle pieces together.”

“...Oh, you fucking asshole,” Taehyung said after no more than five seconds, and Jeongguk
grinned, closing his eyes and draping his chest over his knees, tired. “You asshole, tell me you
didn’t do it.”

“Didn’t do what?” Yoongi asked as he sat down.

“If that’s the fucking prince of Dayangsong’s scent that I’m smelling because you got laid by him,
I’m going to kill you,” Taehyung said dramatically, ruffling his dark curls and then walking away
as Jeongguk laughed. “Kill you!”

“Ah, shit, Jeongguk,” Yoongi groaned, and Jeongguk grinned, picking his head up. “Don’t tell me
you actually did it.”

“What, had sex with the prince? What if I did?” Jeongguk asked, rising to his feet and hopping
down the last few stairs with a grin. He turned and folded the ladder back up, pushing it and
locking it against the ceiling until it blended in perfectly. “Come on. We’ve been fooling around
for days. You expected me to sit around and wait? The opportunity presented itself. He wanted it
just as much as I did. I took advantage. Is that a problem?”

“Gee, I don’t know. Hyung, is it a problem that Jeongguk is fucking the crown prince in secret?”
Taehyung asked, resting one hand on Yoongi’s shoulder. Yoongi shrugged, sipping his coffee.

“I have no opinion,” he said, and Taehyung rolled his eyes as Jeongguk reached for his own coffee
mug and the pot of coffee Yoongi had left.

“Well, it felt like the right thing to do after being choked by the king,” he commented flippantly,
and several things happened at once. Yoongi choked on his coffee and started coughing, Taehyung
knocked over a chair trying to get to Jeongguk, and Jeongguk almost spilled as he poured his own
coffee.

“He what?” Taehyung shouted, and Jeongguk gave his friend a look.

“Yeah. I’ll… I’ll tell you the story if you keep your voice down,” Jeongguk said, glancing over at
Yoongi. It was interesting to Jeongguk, how Taehyung seemed increasingly hard to contain with
every story from the palace that Jeongguk shared. When it concerned Jimin, Taehyung seemed
especially aggravated. When it concerned the king, Taehyung went nearly feral. So before
Jeongguk told the story, Yoongi grabbed Taehyung and pulled his mate into his lap as Taehyung
tried to resist. As a warning, Yoongi reached up and nipped at Taehyung’s neck, and Taehyung
sighed, crossing his arms with a scowl, a bit more settled.

“Now you can tell the story,” Yoongi said, one arm around Taehyung’s waist, the other hand
wrapped around his coffee cup. Jeongguk turned his back to the countertop and leaned against it,
heels pressed firmly into the ground as he hugged the coffee cup with his hands, bringing it up high
enough so he could breathe in the scent. His father had smelled like coffee. Jeongguk could never
forget it. He had been put off by drinking coffee for years because of it.

“Okay. So, you remember when I told you what we did on Friday night,” Jeongguk began, and
Yoongi and Taehyung nodded. “So the next morning, I woke Jimin up, and…”

mood: “pieces (hushed)” by andrew belle

He relayed the entire story to his two best friends in as much detail as he could muster, because
this time, the images were fresh in his head. Because he hadn’t been as terrified being before the
king this time, his memory had cooperated with him, and his wolf had helped him with the
adrenaline aspect, painting the picture in far more detail. Anger helped immensely. Jeongguk
gestured and told Yoongi and Taehyung what happened, what the king said. Twice, Yoongi had to
tighten his grip on Taehyung, and the third time, when Jeongguk explained how he had been
choked, Yoongi had interrupted the conversation to sink his teeth into Taehyung’s mating mark
until Taehyung was whimpering and nearly boneless in Yoongi’s arms, nosing at his mate’s neck
in search of forgiveness.

“Chill out,” Yoongi muttered warningly, and Taehyung nodded. “What’s gotten into you, honey?
Look at hyung. What’s going on?”

“Hyung, I’m fine,” Jeongguk promised additionally as Taehyung lifted his head, pinching the
bridge of his nose to calm down. “Really. You don’t have to get angry on my behalf. I promise.”

“It’s not that. Just—Never mind. It doesn’t matter,” Taehyung sighed. “I just get really heated
about shit like this. About an alpha abusing his power and abusing you. Choking my Jeongguk for
no fucking reason. It just—you know.”

“Hey, it’s nice that you want to protect him,” Yoongi said, pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s cheek as
Jeongguk smiled. “But he’s right. Don’t get angry on his behalf. He handled it.”

“Yeah, by fucking the prince,” Taehyung grumbled, and Yoongi smacked his mate’s thigh as
Taehyung snickered and gestured for Jeongguk to continue. Nine times out of ten, Taehyung was
the one who forced Yoongi into cuddling or into any kind of intimate embrace. Yoongi was not
huge on physical affection and physical touch and always liked to make a fuss on purpose when
Taehyung dragged him into a hug. But when Yoongi was switched on and in tune with his mate’s
needs, it was spectacular to watch. He was the introvert out of the pair, but he was far more
dominant in the relationship. Taehyung was extroverted, but he was reckless and quick to submit to
Yoongi at any given moment. Yet in everyday life, they were stark equals. Jeongguk admired their
relationship so much, especially as two alphas.

So Jeongguk finished his story, and then he sat down at the kitchen table with his friends, ready to
absorb their responses.

“So…” Yoongi readjusted his grip on Taehyung, who seemed quite content to remain in Yoongi’s
lap. “So you’re both just… in it. He’s going on dates with this Dongwoo guy, and it’s pretty much
imminent that we’ll read an announcement any day now. But you’re sleeping with him.”

“That’s correct,” Jeongguk said with a nod.

“And he’s not just using you to get out of mating a stranger,” Taehyung said, eyes narrowed.
“What? It’s a valid question!” he exclaimed when Yoongi’s scent soured slightly.

“No, he’s right. It’s a good question,” Jeongguk replied, waving his hand at Yoongi. “Seriously.
I’ve asked him the same thing already. I told him that I wasn’t going to just be a placeholder, some
kind of last-minute thrill. But he said that I’m not.”

“Do you believe him?” Yoongi asked, raising his eyebrows. “That’s the most important thing.”

“I believe him,” Jeongguk said without hesitation. “I didn’t at first. I swore he was just using me,
trying to catch me doing something shitty so he could tattle on me to his father. But after
everything that’s happened? I believe him.”

“He’s in love with you.”

“What?” Yoongi and Jeongguk said at the same time as Taehyung stood up and stretched, cracking
his back. He shuffled over to the fridge, his scent far sweeter than it had been minutes ago, much
more soothing to Jeongguk, more familiar.

“Love. He’s in love with Jeongguk. He’s in love with you,” Taehyung said first to Yoongi, and
then to Jeongguk. He grabbed a yogurt, and then he yanked the drawer open to find a spoon, using
his hip to shut the fridge. “Pretty sure it’s obvious.”

“That’s a little extreme,” Jeongguk said. “We’ve only been doing this for a few weeks.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Taehyung popped the lid off the yogurt. “I’m giving you an incredibly biased
opinion, but I guarantee that he’s in love with you. And now he’s panicking because he’s gonna
have to mate this fucking Dongwoo guy and ditch you. His poor wolf, man. This is going to be a
mess in about a month.”

“I don’t—that’s not—fuck,” Jeongguk sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. “Don’t say shit like
that.”

“Well, how do you feel?” Yoongi asked. “Gguk. How do you feel about him? About Jimin? And
what does your wolf feel?”

“Honestly?” Jeongguk dropped both of his hands. “My wolf thinks his wolf is our mate. Point-
blank. I can’t get it out of my head. I can’t shake it.”

“Well, shit,” Taehyung said with a small chuckle, turning the spoon upside down as he lifted it to
his mouth to lick the yogurt off it.

“But for me, I just—” Jeongguk patted his thighs with his hands at double speed, licking his lips in
thought. “I don’t know.” His hands settled. “Love is a strong emotion. One that… I mean, I don’t
think I’ve ever actually loved someone. Well, I love you guys, but that’s a different kind of love.
This kind of love is like… seeking out a mate.”

“And I’m telling you that Jimin’s already there,” Taehyung said without sugarcoating it. “Just
based on what you’ve said, Jeongguk-ah. I think he met you, you were exactly what he’d been
looking for his whole life, and he said ‘fuck the rules’ and fell in love with you. Fast? A little. Am I
right? Likely.”

“I think it’ll be very telling in about three weeks,” Yoongi said, “when October hits and he’s about
to go into pre-heat. Or when that announcement goes out that he’s going to be mated after his
birthday. Whatever he does… that will tell you what’s going on in his head. If he’s really into you
or if he’s just using you as a distraction.”

“Fuck, I can’t think about this anymore,” Jeongguk murmured, and then he pressed his palms into
the tabletop and rose to his feet. “Hyung?” He addressed Taehyung. “Wanna catch dinner with
me?”

“Yah, find a decent fish if you do that, will you?” Yoongi said as Taehyung nodded, also standing.
“I’ll be at the shop all day. One of you needs to fillet the fish before I make a stew with it.”

“I’ll do it,” Taehyung replied. “Jeongguk with a knife is not something that we need in our lives
right now.”

“I’m incredibly talented with a knife,” Jeongguk argued, and then he hugged Taehyung from
behind and waddled with him towards the closet that they all shared in Yoongi and Taehyung’s
room.

“Is this a euphemism? Entertain Jimin with that shit,” Taehyung replied, and then he bent and
pulled Jeongguk onto his back, walked hunched over as Jeongguk laughed and nuzzled roughly
into Taehyung’s neck, seeking out his scent happily. Taehyung dropped Jeongguk just before the
closet, turned around, grabbed Jeongguk by his hair, and lazily scented him as requested. Jeongguk
preferred when Yoongi scented him, and he never did much scenting at home because he was the
youngest and living with a mated alpha couple. But sometimes, when he wanted Taehyung’s
attention and love, he asked to be scented, and Taehyung always obliged.

“Hyung, can I ask you something?” Jeongguk said as he pulled on a pair of socks that he knew he
would be taking off soon enough.

“Sure.” Taehyung glanced over.

“Look, I know you grew up in Gogwihan. But you seem to really hate the king. And the prince.
And the monarchy in general. So I guess…”

“You’re wondering if I’m going to be shitty with you if you somehow end up with Jimin,”
Taehyung supplied, and Jeongguk nodded. Taehyung’s nose wrinkled slightly, and Jeongguk knew
it was his own scent, but he couldn’t control it. He loved Taehyung and couldn’t bear the thought
of not having his approval. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Are you sure?” Jeongguk asked, raising his eyebrows.

“I mean, I can’t say I’m thrilled about the idea of you sneaking around with him and just fucking
him when you want to and expecting everything to turn out okay,” Taehyung replied, ever the one
to ground Jeongguk in reality. “But you seem to really like him, so who am I to judge?”

“I mean, it makes sense for you to judge,” Jeongguk admitted. “But hyung, he’s really… I really
like him. He’s… he’s brilliant. And funny. And his heart is in the right place. He wants all the
same things that I want. And my wolf has, like—latched onto him.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Taehyung said softly. “Look, you know hyung and I don’t really care
who you’re with, as long as you’re happy. Even if it’s the crown prince of Dayangsong. So be it.
Hope he really does want all the same things as you, because if you two want to be together, there’s
no way he’ll be crowned king. You know that, right?”

“I’ve thought about it,” Jeongguk whispered, rubbing his lips together. “Alright. Come on. Let’s
see what we can catch.”

“If you catch a fish with your bare hands again, I’ll end you,” Taehyung warned. Then he laughed,
threw his arm around Jeongguk’s shoulders, and guided him out the backdoor.

***

“No.”
“It will look good for both of us.”

“I’m not holding your hand.”

“We’re going to a public restaurant, Jimin-ssi,” Dongwoo said, giving Jimin a weary look as the
car they were sharing pulled away from the palace. “Our first public outing ever, and I’m planning
something really great for you, and you won’t even hold my hand?”

“No,” Jimin said without even a drop of guilt. “Lower your expectations.”

“My expectation is that I’ll be able to properly court a beautiful omega to be my mate,” Dongwoo
said as if that was supposed to flatter Jimin.

Goodnight, beautiful.

It meant nothing coming from Dongwoo. With a small smile, Jimin said, “You were doing alright
until you said the word ‘properly.’ I’ll be sure to make it difficult for you.”

Dongwoo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“You know what, Jimin-ssi? My father said that you need a good alpha to tame you. I thought he
was kidding. As it turns out, he was spot on. So do me a favor and act like a prince who knows he
has to be mated in a few weeks.”

“Did you think you were special, Dongwoo-yah?” Jimin asked sweetly. “Did you think that you
were the special alpha? The one that really won me over at the gala? I could’ve picked your name
out of a hat. You’re just like every other alpha I’ve had to deal with in Gogwihan. If you can’t deal
with an omega like me, then I’ll have the driver bring you home. But we all know that you’re in
this just to mate a prince.”

“An omega like you?” Dongwoo repeated, amused.

“Yeah. An omega who’s not interested in sitting quietly and letting the alpha do all the work,”
Jimin replied. “Now please, stop talking. You’ll give me a headache before we even get to the
restaurant.”

Dongwoo shook his head and stopped talking, pulling out his phone as distraction. Jimin did the
same thing, chewing the inside of his bottom lip. His father and mother never spoke to each other
when they were in the same room. They slept in separate beds and in separate rooms. They didn’t
talk over dinner. There was no love lost in their relationship because there had never been any love
in the first place.

mood: “i got you” by amy shark

Then Jimin closed his eyes. He took a slow, deep breath and imagined what it would be like if
Jeongguk was the one in the car with him instead. They would be laughing. Jimin would be sitting
nearly in his lap, because he was always desperate to be close to Jeongguk, and his wolf always
pushed him forward. They would definitely hold hands. Jeongguk would steal a few kisses, maybe
tell a funny story about his life that would make Jimin smile. And they’d spend the entire dinner at
the restaurant in their own little world, immersed in the conversation, eyes only for each other.
Time was running out. Sometimes, Jimin swore he caught flashes of an hourglass full of running
sand when he blinked. But in spite of that, he was sure that he had never experienced the kind of
emotional turmoil that came with falling for Jeon Jeongguk. Jimin felt crazy most days, giddy like
a teenager with his first crush, eager to block out everything that was wrong about what he and
Jeongguk were doing. He couldn’t help it. Jeongguk was the epitome of everything Jimin wanted
in his life, everything he had been searching for since he presented. Jeongguk was guarded and a
bit standoffish to anyone who didn’t know him, but Jimin had weaseled his way in. Now, the
Jeongguk he knew was unfailingly kind and forever brilliant, his heart larger than his body, and he
held Jimin like Jimin was precious to him.

Jimin forced himself to open his eyes, because his mind had started wandering to that beautiful
night last week, the way Jeongguk was the first person who had ever pulled such an innate reaction
out of Jimin. Jimin was certain he had never felt that kind of pleasure before in his life, and he was
addicted. He had gotten himself off four times in the past week just thinking about the way
Jeongguk had fucked him, the way he had held Jimin, the way he had tried so hard to hold himself
back and stay quiet, but a few little moans had slipped out.

“Ah, here we are,” Dongwoo said as the car stopped. The driver opened the door for Dongwoo,
and then Dongwoo extended his hand to Jimin to assist him out of the car. Jimin accepted the
hand, but then he promptly released it once he was standing. Dongwoo offered his elbow, but Jimin
just used a hand to tuck that elbow away and lead the way into the restaurant himself.

There was nothing wrong with the restaurant Dongwoo had chosen. It was upscale, and there was a
table in the back corner reserved just for the two of them. Dongwoo had the finest champagne
ordered, but he fumbled big time when he tried to order the entire meal for Jimin.

“...Are you finished?” Jimin asked Dongwoo politely as Dongwoo handed back both of the menus.
Dongwoo looked bewildered, so Jimin turned to the poor waitress, one elbow on the table. “Cancel
everything he just ordered for me, because I want none of it. Instead, I would like the yangbaechu
mandu, bindaeddeok, and then the samchi kimchi jjim. Thank you.”

“Yes, of course, Your Highness,” she said with a bow, and then she started scratching her pen
against her notepad as she walked off.

“Are you kidding me?” Dongwoo said with a laugh when she walked off. “That was humiliating.
Why would you do that? I ordered for you.”

“I don’t need you to order for me, nor did I ask for you to order for me,” Jimin fired back. “You
don’t know the first thing about me, let alone what I like to eat. Don’t make selfish assumptions.
Everything you picked was garbage. If you’re going to be my mate, you could at least make an
effort to learn what I like.”

Dongwoo snatched up his champagne glass. “Fine. You weren’t kidding when you said you were
going to make my life difficult.”

“I never lie when it counts,” Jimin replied, and then he picked up his champagne glass and
chugged the entirety of it without stopping. He then set the glass down gently, gauging Dongwoo’s
reaction. Dongwoo sighed, picked up his napkin from his lap, and dabbed the corners of his mouth.

“Okay. Well, now that you’re well-hydrated,” he said with moderate contempt, “I would like to
offer you something.”

“Sure,” Jimin said, leaning back in his chair. Dongwoo turned and found a staff member and waved
a finger, and moments later, the staff member was bringing him a bag. Jimin closed his eyes for a
moment, hating the way that attention was being drawn to him, because that meant he would have
to fake being happy.

“Whether you’ve chosen to realize it or not, Jimin-ssi, there’s a connection between us,” Dongwoo
began. “We’ve gotten along from the moment we met, and I know this is difficult for you, but it’s
even more difficult for me, knowing that you’re fighting against it. So I hope that this changes your
mind. Your birthday is in three weeks, as is your heat. And that will be our opportunity to properly
mate. So I would like to give you this.”

Dongwoo reached into the bag and pulled out an absolutely beautiful yellow knitted scarf, holding
it out to Jimin.

“I selected this myself,” he said proudly, and Jimin blinked. He had been expecting to hear that
Dongwoo had made it, maybe put in some effort to “properly” court an omega, but instead, he had
thrown money at it. “I thought it suited you beautifully. Think of it as my promise to keep you
warm this winter. Please accept this as a courting gift.”

Jimin hesitated, and then he glanced to his right. Other patrons at the restaurant were watching
with stars in their eyes. The wait staff were all eyeing Jimin, waiting for his response. And if Jimin
made a scene, it would get back to his father immediately. His heart aching, he turned back to
Dongwoo and nodded once without a word. His scent spiking with pride, Dongwoo stood up, came
to Jimin’s side, and draped the scarf around his neck.

“Your family will be pleased,” Dongwoo said with a smile, and that was when Jimin’s heart sank
into the pit of his stomach. All those years fighting against it, and this was what his life had come
to.

The food began to arrive moments later. Jimin removed the scarf and politely asked Dongwoo to
put it somewhere safe so he didn’t get it dirty. Anything he could say to appeal to Dongwoo’s
alpha ego seemed to work. They ate in peace, but when the third dish arrived, Jimin suddenly saw
Chaeyoung out of the corner of his eye making her way over to the table. Whenever Jimin was out
and about, it was always Chaeyoung who tagged along and faded into the background, but
something must have happened. Jimin shoved his chair back and stood up immediately as
Chaeyoung approached with a bow.

“I apologize for interrupting your evening,” she said breathlessly. “Your Highness, your presence
is required immediately at the palace. Your father is indisposed. You must step in.”

Jimin didn’t even say goodbye to Dongwoo. He tossed his napkin onto his chair, shoved his chair
in and marched off, Chaeyoung hurrying after him, Dongwoo following shortly thereafter. When
Jimin’s father was “indisposed,” it meant that he was in rut. When that happened, Jimin assumed
his position and became the interim king until his father was well enough to step back in. It had
been that way for about seven years. Previously, Jimin’s aunt, Yookyung, had stepped in as interim
queen.

“When?” he asked Chaeyoung, feeling relieved the moment he stepped out into the chilly
September evening air.

“About an hour ago,” she said as they walked. “He fought it, but his caretaker just texted me to say
that he was officially in rut. Let’s get you back. Taehyun is waiting, and so is Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk, Jeongguk, Jeongguk. My Jeongguk is waiting for me.

The car pulled up, and Chaeyoung held the door open for Jimin. Jimin figured he would be alone,
but then Dongwoo hopped into the car on the other side.

“What the hell is going on?” he asked breathlessly, confused.

“My father is indisposed,” Jimin said curtly. “I’m taking his place for two or three days. Date
night’s over.”

“Ah,” Dongwoo breathed, settling in as the car pulled away. “I see. Of course, you’ll take his place
until he feels well again. That makes sense.”

Jimin nodded and buried his face in his phone, wishing Dongwoo would just disappear, but to his
misfortune, Dongwoo stuck around. He followed Jimin right into the palace and trailed behind
with Chaeyoung as Taehyun came out of nowhere, jogging up to Jimin’s side. He had been Jimin’s
attendant for just over a year now, and he had been through this procedure three times. This was
the fourth, so he was prepared.

“No bills or legislature to sign tonight,” he said immediately. “You’ll have a conference phone call
tomorrow morning with three other heads of state, but I’ll debrief you on that before the call.
Nothing to do tonight, so no need to worry.”

“Thanks, Taehyun,” Jimin replied, still walking briskly towards his personal office space, where he
knew an official announcement would be lying on his desk. There was always a notice posted
throughout the palace when his father was in rut, giving the exact time it started and when it was
expected to finish. All palace staff focused their full and undivided attention on the king, even
though Jimin took his place. That meant that Jimin could go virtually undetected for a day or two.

After picking up the notice, Jimin folded it and tucked it into the inside pocket of his suit jacket,
and then he walked back into the hallway. Taehyun and Chaeyoung were standing by, and to
Jimin’s disappointment, so was Dongwoo.

“I’d like to go to bed early tonight,” he declared. “Where’s Jeongguk? He can prepare a bath for
me to help me sleep. I’ll have to be up earlier than usual.”

“He’s already doing that,” Taehyun said. “The moment he heard the news, he went straight off to
your room. Said you’d need to take a bath to help you relax.”

Jimin fought back a smile, and then he nodded.

“All good. Then you two should go home now. It’s only half past nine,” Jimin said, checking his
watch. “Turn in early, because you’ll have to be here before sunrise, most likely. If I need either
one of you, I’ll call. But I should be good. Jeongguk will see me off to sleep.”

“No problem. We’ll be here by six,” Taehyun said, and Chaeyoung nodded. “Sleep well, Your
Highness.”

Taehyun and Chaeyoung walked off together, and Jimin began to walk back towards his bedroom,
his heart fluttering excitedly at the thought of Jeongguk probably sitting on the edge of his bed,
maybe reading one of his books to pass the time until Jimin showed up. But then Dongwoo’s voice
provided the reminder that Jimin was not alone.

“Will you be alright, then?” he asked, following Jimin down the hall towards his bedroom.

“I’ll be fine. I always am. There’s no need for you to be here,” Jimin calmly said.

“Isn’t there? I’m officially courting you now, in case you forgot in all the excitement,” Dongwoo
replied, running his fingers through his dark hair. “So I’ll see you off to bed. Make sure you’re
okay. You don’t need your caretaker for that. I’m here for you.”

“A very kind gesture,” Jimin said, trying not to form fists with his hands. “But quite unnecessary. I
have a caretaker for a reason. In fact, he’s the one organizing a few of our future dates, so show
some respect.”

“Show some—right. Show some respect to a poor orphan from Gananhan,” Dongwoo laughed,
pausing just short of the door. Jimin stopped as well, his back turned to Dongwoo, his jaw
clenched. “I’ve heard about this caretaker of yours. An alpha? From the south? Who was
originally hired to clean the palace? Come on, Jimin-ssi. Asking me to respect someone like that is
a bit much.”

“Asking you to—” But Jimin didn’t get another word in edgewise. Dongwoo reached past him and
opened the bedroom door, and Jimin threw one hand up and followed him into the room.

“Ah. I thought I heard another voice.”

Jimin stopped by Dongwoo’s side and stared, his heart aching in a completely different way.
Jeongguk had just emerged from the bathroom in his usual uniform, black hair in waves and tied
up as best as he could, and Jimin swore he could hear his wolf let out a lovesick sigh. Effortless.
Jeongguk was so effortlessly gorgeous, his skin tanned from the sun, his eyes always sparkling, his
lips just begging to be kissed.

“Hello.” Jeongguk bowed to Dongwoo. “I’m Jeongguk. It’s lovely to see you again.”

“What were you doing in the bathroom?” Dongwoo asked, completely disregarding Jeongguk’s
polite greeting. Jeongguk’s eyes flicked over to Jimin, and then he cleared his throat.

“Preparing a bath,” he replied.

“Yeah? And what do you do while he bathes?” Dongwoo asked, narrowing his eyes, his scent
souring. “Watch?”

“No. I wait outside the door until he’s finished,” Jeongguk said in an even voice, keeping his
composure, though Jimin wasn’t sure how. He was two seconds away from exploding. “And then
we complete his nighttime routine.”

“Which is?”

“Hairbrushing, skincare, sometimes a neck massage with essential oils to relieve tension from the
day,” Jeongguk listed casually, clasping his hands behind his back. Dongwoo let out a small breath,
turning to look at Jimin.

“You let him do all of that?” he asked skeptically.

“Of course I do,” Jimin responded. “Does your caretaker not?”

Dongwoo, much like most high-status, wealthy families in Gogwihan, had a caretaker. It was not
uncommon, especially given the way the Yang family held influence in the city. Dongwoo
smirked, and that was when Jimin understood what was going on. Dongwoo knew that Jeongguk
was an alpha, and even though Jeongguk had no scent to him, Dongwoo was visibly threatened.
Jeongguk’s very presence made him feel insignificant, and his disbelief and disgust over hearing
that another alpha could be so kind as to take care of Jimin was too much for him.
“My caretaker is an omega from a high-status family who could be my mother,” he responded.
Then he turned back to Jeongguk. “Your services are not needed tonight, Jeongguk. I’ll take care of
Jimin myself. You’re dismissed.”

“No.” Jimin laughed and grabbed Dongwoo’s arm, turning the alpha towards him. “You don’t get
to goddamn dismiss anyone here. You have no power, whether you’re courting me or not. And
what makes you think that I want you to take care of me? I don’t trust you at all. I would never let
you do my skincare routine or help me to bed. Know your fucking place. Jeongguk is a hired
palace staff member, and his one job is to care for me. So his services are still needed tonight, just
like every other night. You’re dismissed.”

There was a ringing, heavy silence that fell between the three as Jimin shrugged out of his suit
jacket and tossed it onto the chaise lounge, staring at Dongwoo expectantly, seeing the way
Jeongguk was fixated on the floor politely and quietly. Jimin gestured to the door.

“There’s the door,” he said. “Thank you for dinner, but please see yourself out so I can go to bed.”

“I’m not leaving,” Dongwoo said, and Jimin saw the way his footing shifted to a more offensive
position as his scent strengthened, like he was ready to posture and challenge Jeongguk, who was
doing absolutely nothing to provoke it.

“Cut it out,” Jimin hissed. “You’re leaving. He’s harmless, and you’re defying a direct order from
the current king of Dayangsong. I won’t ask again.”

Dongwoo let out a short exhale through his nose that sounded like laughter.

“He’s gone,” Dongwoo said, pointing directly at Jeongguk. “The moment we’re mated, I want him
gone. I don’t even want him working at the palace. I’ll make sure he’s sent right back where he
came from. I’ll be your alpha, which means it’s my job to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection,” Jimin whispered. “Now leave.”

Dongwoo threw Jeongguk one last look of disgust, and then he bowed to Jimin.

“I want to see you again as soon as possible,” he stated, and then he stepped towards the door.
“Goodnight.”

“Mhm,” Jimin hummed, and then Dongwoo slipped out of the room, slamming the door shut.
Jimin held his breath for a moment until he heard the footsteps fade, and then he lunged and
locked the door. Then he turned and ran right into Jeongguk’s arms, squeezing his eyes shut,
melting right into Jeongguk’s hold. Jeongguk held him with one arm around Jimin’s waist and the
other around his shoulders.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Jimin whispered, but Jeongguk just turned and pressed several kisses to
the side of Jimin’s head.

“Shh, it’s fine. It’s okay, don’t apologize,” he said, stroking Jimin’s hair. “Glad he didn’t check the
tub, because there’s no bath prepared.”

“Jeongguk,” Jimin laughed, and then he pulled away and kissed Jeongguk like he had been waiting
to do all night. “God, I’m so sorry. I couldn’t shake him. He said terrible things about you, I didn’t
—”

“Trust me, I’ve heard worse from your father,” Jeongguk said with a one-dimpled grin that sent
Jimin head-over-heels. He was on the cusp of admitting to himself that he was in love, but he was
still far too frightened to accept it. Loving Jeongguk was both terrifying and forbidden. Terrifying
because it was a new feeling, forbidden because of exactly everything Dongwoo had said.

“You heard, right?” Jimin whispered, setting his hands on Jeongguk’s cheeks and gazing up at the
most beautiful man he had ever known. He couldn’t believe Jeongguk was his, that Jeongguk
wanted him.

“That your father’s in rut? Sure did,” Jeongguk replied.

“That means the entire palace is focused on him. So we have time,” Jimin whispered, his heart
racing. “We have more time tonight. Please stay a little longer. Please be with me tonight.
Jeongguk, please.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Jeongguk murmured, smiling into the kiss he gave Jimin. “Go wash
up first.”

“Why?”

“Because you smell like him,” Jeongguk replied as Jimin took a few steps towards the bathroom. “I
didn’t want it to bother me, but I just—I can’t… yeah. I don’t know if I can handle kissing you and
touching you and being with you if you smell like another alpha. Not yet.”

“I’ll be quick,” Jimin promised, and then he raced into the bathroom to wash up and get rid of any
trace of Dongwoo’s scent, likely from the scarf he had been given. Were Jeongguk any other alpha,
he would have thrown a fit. Instead, Jeongguk had made the request kindly, and Jimin was still in
awe.

Jimin had grown up hearing the same repeated message—status mattered. Wealth mattered. He
was royalty, so others should be quick to serve him and cater to him. Anyone from Gananhan or
from the south was worthless, only useful as servants. With every passing day of his childhood, he
had believed it less and less. When he had presented as an omega, and when the healer had
confirmed his rank and scent, Jimin’s entire life had turned upside down. Gone were the days of
his father proudly clapping him on the shoulder and speaking about how he was looking forward to
handing over the kingdom to Jimin. In a matter of hours, Jimin had been reduced to nothing but a
helpless omega.

“Will he be okay? We’ll have to find a strong alpha to help him.” His mother had fretted and cried,
begging her husband for forgiveness, all because she had given birth to only one child, and Jimin
had turned out to be an omega. Nothing had changed about Jimin except his biology. But that had
been enough for his father to deem him useless, just like all the people in the south that he had
scorned for years.

Meeting Jeongguk, then, had been nothing but a breath of fresh air. An unassuming alpha with no
family or status, likely eager to stick it to the monarchy and milk his money’s worth from the
palace, and Jimin had fallen hard. He had always been so afraid that he had only fallen for the idea
of Jeongguk, not Jeongguk himself as a person. But the moment Jeongguk had broken down his
walls to tell such an animated story about stealing from the rich, Jimin had known. He wanted
Jeongguk, all of Jeongguk. His rank didn’t matter. His status didn’t matter. His lack of family
didn’t matter. His finances didn’t matter. Only the way Jeongguk looked at Jimin, the way he
touched Jimin, the way he smiled… that was what mattered. Risks be damned. Jimin was willing
to put his life on the line to be with Jeongguk now, and Jeongguk seemed poised to do the same.

The moment Jimin walked out into his bedroom in just a t-shirt and pajama pants, Jeongguk was
everywhere. Jimin sighed in bliss, tucking himself right into Jeongguk and kissing him with a
racing pulse, because Jeongguk knew exactly how Jimin liked to be kissed. His entire body already
on fire, Jimin pressed his tongue into Jeongguk’s mouth, and Jeongguk let him in without
hesitation.

mood: “warm blood” by flor (fic title in this song)

“I missed you so much,” Jimin breathed as Jeongguk trailed kisses down his jaw, his eyes fluttering
shut. “Thought about you every single second of my entire night. Wished it was you instead.”

“I’m not much for fancy restaurants,” Jeongguk murmured, and Jimin let out a whimper that he
couldn’t control when he felt Jeongguk’s warm breath over his scent gland. “But I’d do it for you.”

“Don’t need a fancy restaurant. Take me anywhere,” Jimin said, feeling like he was rambling.
Jeongguk always whispered that Jimin’s scent drove him mad, but Jimin didn’t have that. He had
never once gotten a taste of Jeongguk’s scent, nor had he peered into Jeongguk’s file to see what it
was. He was still clinging on to a little sliver of hope that one day, he would learn Jeongguk’s scent
the right way.

“I’ll cook for you,” Jeongguk decided, and Jimin smiled, letting out a small gasp when Jeongguk
used a finger to pull the collar of Jimin’s shirt aside to kiss the spot on Jimin’s shoulder where he
had once left a mark.

“Fuck me. Want you to fuck me. Wanna ride you. Wanna make you feel good,” Jimin said
breathily, feeling delirious. Because tonight, all they had was time. Glorious time, as long as they
needed while the palace slept, while his father suffered through his rut and gave Jimin space to
breathe. There was no need to rush.

So together, as if reading each other’s minds, they slowed down. Jeongguk pulled Jimin to the bed,
and the two of them rolled onto it, finding each other’s lips as Jeongguk laid Jimin back against the
pillows reverently, cradling his head. With one knee on either side of Jimin’s thighs, Jeongguk bent
and kissed Jimin gently, pulling his bottom lip until Jimin emitted a quiet breath, feeling himself
growing hard, feeling slick already pooling at his hole. Then Jeongguk ran his tongue along
Jimin’s bottom lip and dove back into Jimin’s mouth, and Jimin grabbed Jeongguk’s waist with
both hands.They kissed in a deep haze, Jimin knowing that his scent was impossibly strong but
unable to find any willpower to control it.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin breathed as Jeongguk slowly dragged his lips along Jimin’s jawline,
dangerously close to his scent gland, before turning his head to kiss down his neck, nipping enough
to pull all kinds pretty gasps out of Jimin but not enough to mark. He trailed over to the other side
of Jimin’s neck and covered every inch of porcelain skin with his lips as Jimin let out barely-there
whimpers, his body arching desperately towards Jeongguk.

I can savor all of this. Every moment. Every single moment.

“We have time,” Jeongguk whispered back like he was reading Jimin’s thoughts, and then he
slowly scooted down until he was kneeling with his face closer to Jimin’s stomach. With two
hands, Jeongguk pushed Jimin’s shirt up to his armpits, and then he bent and pressed kisses to
Jimin’s smooth, warm skin, from his abdomen all the way up to his chest. Jimin’s hands found
Jeongguk’s hair, and his heart was pounding, scent spiking with arousal, cock now fully hard
beneath his pajama pants.
“Oh,” Jimin gasped the moment Jeongguk’s mouth found one nipple. “Oh, fuck, that’s— ah, oh,
God.”

Jeongguk used one hand to trail up Jimin’s thigh to his hip, fingers curling beneath the waistband
of his pants. But he didn’t pull, didn’t show any haste, and it drove Jimin mad. He just moved to
the other nipple and used his other hand, and Jimin swore he was going to faint from the pleasure
already.

Time seemed to melt the longer they kissed and touched. Jimin couldn’t really make sense of
anything behind the vignette that Jeongguk had created for them. They undressed each other
slowly between kisses, whispering sweet nothings to one another. Jimin asked if he could take
Jeongguk’s hair-tie out, and Jeongguk obliged. They stripped down to absolutely nothing, and the
way Jeongguk fingered Jimin open was heavenly.

“God, you’re s-so good, so fucking good,” Jimin panted, because he was kneeling in Jeongguk’s
lap, and Jeongguk had three fingers inside him, his entire hand drenched in Jimin’s slick already.
“J-Just a little more, just— ah, right there, right there, right there. Fuck, your fingers are so long.”

“That feel okay, baby?” Jeongguk whispered, slowly pulling his fingers out. “Are you ready for
me?”

“I’m ready. Lie on your back,” Jimin requested. Jeongguk obediently rolled onto the pillows, and
Jimin almost laughed as he threw his leg over to straddle Jeongguk’s hips. This man had two full
sleeves of tattoos, a body made entirely of muscle with broad shoulders, a small waist, thighs that
made Jimin shiver, and a far-above-average cock that was fully hard against his stomach. He was a
fucking vision, and although Jimin was quite tempted to get his mouth on Jeongguk again, that
would have to wait for another time. Tonight, he knew exactly what he wanted.

“Here, gimme that,” Jeongguk whispered, taking the condom from Jimin’s hand and rolling it on
easily. Jimin quietly reached between his legs, gathered some slick on one hand, and then wrapped
that hand around Jeongguk’s cock, stroking rhythmically as Jeongguk let out a pleasured sigh, eyes
rolling back before closing. “Fuck, feels amazing. K-Keep going.”

Jimin worked his hand around Jeongguk until Jeongguk was lifting his hips to fuck into Jimin’s
fist. Then he scooted forward, rose up on his knees, lined himself up, and slowly sank down onto
Jeongguk’s cock, inhaling sharply as he adjusted to Jeongguk’s size, bracing himself with both
hands on Jeongguk’s chest, eyes closed. He felt Jeongguk massaging his thighs encouragingly as
Jimin breathed evenly.

“Oh, fuck,” he whimpered, tears burning his eyes. “Fuck, fuck, I’m—God, I’m so full, it’s too
much, fuck.”

“Shh,” Jeongguk soothed, running his hands up Jimin’s thighs and to his ribs. “You’re taking me
so well, baby, just breathe. Look so gorgeous. Just take your time, okay? I won’t move.”

Jimin’s eyes shot open, his hands still pressed to Jeongguk’s chest, feeling like he couldn’t breathe
from having Jeongguk’s cock fully inside him. His wolf was howling in satisfaction at having their
alpha like this, clawing at Jimin’s chest and begging for a knot, but Jimin knew that wasn’t
possible right now. He would have to settle for the next best thing.

“God, that’s good. Fuck, hyung, that feels so good,” Jeongguk breathed the moment Jimin
experimentally rolled his hips.

“Just let me,” Jimin whispered, finally adjusted. Then he kept his hands on Jeongguk’s chest and
lifted himself up just enough so he could sink down fully onto Jeongguk’s cock. That pulled a
bodily response out of Jeongguk; he lifted his head off the pillows and grabbed Jimin’s hips with a
quiet moan. That spurred Jimin on, and he rode Jeongguk like he knew he did well, watching every
single reaction from the alpha, his alpha. The hourglass full of sand that Jimin had been seeing for
days fell to the ground and shattered, because there was nothing in the world that could have
possibly stopped Jimin from chasing this feeling. The way Jeongguk was looking up at him with
hooded eyes made Jimin’s wolf almost feral. No one had ever looked at him the way Jeongguk did.

“Fuck, sorry,” Jimin apologized, slowing down just for a moment, feeling the way that slick was
leaking onto Jeongguk’s thighs. Jeongguk let out a strangled laugh, pupils blown as he gripped
Jimin’s hips.

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “You know I fucking love how wet you get for me. Drives me crazy.”
Then he bent his knees to change the angle, finally lifting his hips to fuck into Jimin.

“Oh, God,” Jimin softly cried out, his legs trembling as electricity shot through his entire body. He
went to speak again, but Jeongguk’s hand wrapped around his cock, and Jimin pitched forward
with a whine, his heart slamming against his ribcage.

“Shh,” Jeongguk said again, his thumb swiping over the slit of Jimin’s cock gently. “Come on,
beautiful. Want you to come.”

It had certainly been long enough. Jimin had been drowning in the throes of little pleasures and
gasps and fingernails digging into skin for almost an hour. He knew that he had to come first, too,
because Jeongguk had already said that he had no self-control and wouldn’t be able to come inside
Jimin without wanting to knot him, knowing that his wolf would take over. So Jimin leaned back
and pressed his hands into Jeongguk’s thighs, riding Jeongguk from a different angle as Jeongguk
watched him intently.

“J-Jeongguk, I’m—I’m close, I just—just need— there, right there,” Jimin gasped when he felt the
way Jeongguk shifted. He fucked down onto Jeongguk’s cock with newfound eagerness, feeling
the orgasm building in the pit of his stomach, sweat trickling down his back, breathless in
anticipation. “Jeongguk, Jeongguk, J— alpha, I’m—fuck—”

Jimin had slept with a fair few alphas in his lifetime, and never once had he addressed them as
“alpha” in the middle of sex. None of them had earned that kind of respect. But as Jimin came hard
all up his chest and onto Jeongguk’s abdomen, his wolf took over. The orgasm was so intense that
Jimin saw stars in his vision, his body trembling. He makes me feel so good. I want this forever.
This is my alpha. This is my mate. He’s mine.

“...Hyung.”

“I’m here,” Jimin said, realizing that he had collapsed onto Jeongguk’s chest, and now Jeongguk
was addressing him in a strained voice. “Fuck, baby, you’re waiting for me. You need to come.
How do you want it?”

“D-Doesn’t matter,” Jeongguk said, biting his bottom lip, still painfully hard inside of Jimin. Jimin
winced as he let Jeongguk’s cock slip out of him, ignoring the way that slick ran right down the
insides of his thighs, and then he peeled the condom off and tossed it aside unceremoniously. Then
he bent and took Jeongguk’s cock into his mouth, wrapping his hand around the base to massage
where Jeongguk’s knot would form normally.

“Shit, shit, that’s—oh my God. I’m—I’m not gonna last long,” Jeongguk warned as Jimin ran his
tongue along the shaft of Jeongguk’s cock, humming in approval. And Jeongguk wasn’t lying—it
 didn’t take long. All Jimin got was a strong pull on his hair and a little gasp, and Jeongguk was
coming down his throat. Jimin choked almost immediately, trying to swallow as much as he could
and failing gracefully, but he cleaned himself up. He used a thumb to gather whatever had escaped
from his mouth, gently sucked and licked every last drop from Jeongguk’s cock, and then crawled
right up and collapsed into Jeongguk’s arms. With their chests pressed together, Jimin could feel
how hard Jeongguk’s heart was beating. They were both covered in sweat and cum, but it didn’t
matter. Nothing mattered but Jeongguk.

“...You’re absolutely perfect to me. You know that?” Jimin whispered, resting his hand on
Jeongguk’s chest right over his heart. “The perfect alpha. Everything I ever wanted.”

“Don’t talk like that,” Jeongguk murmured, fingers floating up and down Jimin’s back. “You
practically have a fiancé. Can we afford to think like that?”

“I don’t care,” Jimin said. “Just… Just tell me if you feel the same.”

“Of course I do. You’re a dream,” Jeongguk whispered, sending a shiver down Jimin’s spine. “I
keep thinking that I’m going to wake up without you. Everything’s been so perfect, even though we
have to sneak around and lie.”

“Almost too perfect,” Jimin murmured in agreement.

“I found the one person who ticks every single box,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin understood
perfectly. “But everything has a time limit. I have to get up and leave you in a few minutes instead
of holding you all night. I have to organize more dates for you with Dongwoo. And it’s almost
October.”

“You know I’d give anything for that,” Jimin whispered, tilting his chin up to look at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk’s eyes were still closed as he rubbed Jimin’s back, his other arm slung across his
forehead, still fully naked and gorgeous with no intention of moving just yet. “For you to stay here.
Take a bath with me. Hold me while we sleep.”

“We keep saying one day,” Jeongguk murmured as Jimin closed his eyes again. “But I don’t know
when ‘one day’ will be. And now I’m scared to lose you, even though I know it’s going to happen.
So I’m just… trying not to think about it.”

“You’ll never lose me,” Jimin whispered.

“...Promise?”

Jimin opened his eyes and smiled. Jeongguk’s pinky finger was hovering in front of his face,
waiting. His eyes were still closed, but his words were cemented into Jimin’s brain. Nothing about
their situation was ideal. The world was working against them, and so was the clock. Every single
day was precious as the sand ran through the hourglass once again, but Jimin was absolutely
certain that under no circumstance would he allow himself to lose Jeongguk. Namjoon had warned
him that one day, Jeongguk would choose to stand by on the sidelines and watch Jimin live his life
mated to someone else. But Jimin was now determined to keep that from happening—somehow,
some way. So he lifted his hand and hooked his pinky to Jeongguk’s.

“Promise.”

Chapter End Notes

soooooo would we like ch9 tomorrow? let me know here or on TWITTER
 nine
Chapter Notes

i mean........... when i start by quoting an Elina song, you know shit's about to go down
am i right.

remember how i said ch6 was the turning point? well this chapter is.......... yes ok let
me know if your heart is obliterated by the end of it GOODBYEEEEE!!!!

Come talk about jungkook's Flashdance moment in PTD with me on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

and there will come a time when you will see

you’ve got the world right at your feet, and you feel happy

White flag in your hand, wild in rebellion.

-“remember” by elina

~~~

Absolutely nothing could have prepared Jeongguk for the lunch that he had to witness a few days
later.

The king recovered from his rut with alarming speed, and the first thing that he did upon learning
that Jimin had accepted Dongwoo’s courting gift was to invite the Yang family to lunch. So now,
Jeongguk was standing off to the side between Dongwoo’s caretaker and the queen mother’s
caretaker, his hands folded quietly as he stared at the table.

King Youngho was seated at the head of the table, and Yang Hojung, patriarch of the Yang family,
was seated to his right. Jimin was on his father’s left, and Dongwoo was sitting beside Jimin. Both
mothers were seated next to one another, chatting happily, and a few other palace staff were seated
at the far end of the table. Hojung seemed to be holding court, quite pleased. But it was Dongwoo
who was drawing all of Jeongguk’s attention, and on purpose.

You’re threatened by me, aren’t you? Jeongguk thought to himself as he watched, feeling unusually
irritable. Is it because I’m fucking your soon-to-be mate? Is it because he moans my name and will
never want to moan yours? Would be a damn shame if you knew what I did to him that night we
met.

Dongwoo couldn’t keep his hands off Jimin. At every opportune moment, he kept touching Jimin’s
shoulder, resting his hand on Jimin’s thigh, putting his arm around the back of Jimin’s chair. Each
time, Jimin would indiscreetly peel Dongwoo’s hand off of him or push it away. And each time,
Dongwoo would glance over to where Jeongguk was standing as if he was expecting some kind of
reaction. But Jeongguk was stoic.

His wolf was not.

“I think it would be wise to set some dates soon, don’t you think?” Hojung finally said as the plates
from the main course were taken away. “We’ll have to bear in mind that my son will need to be
prepared to have his rut induced, which is quite a tiring process. Jimin-ssi, is your cycle typically
on time?”

“Yes, Hojung-ssi,” Jimin said with a polite bow of his head.

“Then I think it would be best if we allow the happy couple to mate properly and enjoy each
other’s company before announcing any further union,” Hojung said. “Of course, at your
discretion, Your Majesty.”

“No. no. I quite agree,” King Yougho replied, sounding pleased. “Dongwoo will have his work cut
out for him, of course, but he has a marvelous work ethic. Good, strong alpha. I’ll expect your
presence at the palace immediately after the mating and every day moving forward, son.”

“Yes, of course, Your Majesty,” Dongwoo said with a bow, and Jeongguk clenched his jaw. Son.
He could address Dongwoo politely, but he couldn’t do the same for his own flesh and blood.
Jimin really meant nothing to him unless he had an alpha by his side. The rush to get Jimin mated
was obvious now—King Youngho was not willing to give his son the throne to rule as an omega
king. Not without a mate to do the work for him.

“Well, it’s been a long time coming,” King Youngho said with a chuckle, and then he raised his
wine glass. “Another toast to the beautiful couple.”

The sound of glass clinking together filled the room, and everyone drank. Jimin drained his entire
glass, and Jeongguk fought back a smile as the wait staff came around to refill half-full or empty
glasses.

“Here, allow me,” Dongwoo suddenly said, taking his napkin from his lap. Then he used one hand,
turned Jimin’s face to him, and dabbed the napkin around Jimin’s mouth. Immediately, both
mothers cooed in satisfaction, King Youngho swelled proudly, and Hojung’s smile said it all—
Dongwoo was doing the right thing by milking the moment for all it was worth, and the entire table
was pleased that Jimin was being offered pointless help. And Jimin, with an audience, couldn’t
swat Dongwoo’s hand away. He just sat there stiffly and accepted.

Multiple things then happened in succession. Dongwoo lowered the napkin and began to lean in.
Jimin’s mother clasped her hands together in premature delight. And Jimin stood up, grabbed his
glass full of red wine, and dumped it right onto Dongwoo’s head with a flourish, throwing the glass
aside to the ground as it shattered.

“Try scenting me again without my permission and see what I do next,” Jimin snapped, and then he
shoved his chair in and stormed off as Dongwoo sputtered, Hojung rose to his feet, looking rather
indignant, and King Youngho stood as well, livid. Jimin headed for the exit, and by instinct and as
his caretaker, Jeongguk excused himself and began to follow.

“Don’t you dare.”

Jeongguk stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the king bark at him, and in an instant, two
guards were at his side, restraining him by the elbows and holding him back even though he wasn’t
putting up a fight or resisting.

“Dongwoo, go after him,” King Youngho commanded, and Dongwoo, still covered in red wine,
bowed and ran off, shoving open the door that had just begun to close. Jeongguk heard him call
Jimin’s name, and then a very loud and clear “FUCK OFF!” echoed through the room before the
doors closed. There was a moment of ear-ringing silence, and then King Youngho slowly walked
over to where Jeongguk was being held.

“Your job here… is done,” he said in nothing more than a whisper, and Jeongguk’s blood ran cold.
“Dismissed.”

“Yes, Your Ma—”

“ Leave,” King Youngho bellowed, and then he reached forward, grabbed Jeongguk by the hair,
and threw him to the ground roughly. Jeongguk stumbled and fell, catching himself on his hands
and one knee, but he didn’t allow himself to stay down. Instead, he rose to his feet quickly, brushed
himself off, and looked the king right in the eye. No more bowing. Jeongguk was far past that now.
He was angry. He was always angry when it came to the king.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said evenly, and then he took two steps backwards before turning and
leaving the room, his back to the alpha ruler of the entire kingdom.

Even in the hallways, Jeongguk could hear yelling. He could hear only Dongwoo’s voice, and just
outside the dining hall, Taehyun was sitting quietly on his phone, blissfully ignorant of everything,
used to the chaos that came with attending to Jimin. He glanced up when he saw Jeongguk.

“Wondered why you weren’t running after him,” he said, as if a wine-soaked and disgruntled alpha
chasing an offended omega prince was nothing more than an ordinary evening. Jeongguk rolled his
eyes.

“Yeah, I was held back and then thrown to the ground by the king himself when I tried to do that,”
Jeongguk said, and Taehyun raised his eyebrows.

“You’re his caretaker. This is like… Caretaking 101,” he said, gesturing vaguely down the hall.
Not even Jeongguk being manhandled by the king perturbed him. Taehyun was rock solid.

“Well, I’ve been dismissed for the night. I guess Dongwoo’s got it covered,” Jeongguk breezily
replied, and Taehyun snorted.
“Dongwoo doesn’t even know Jimin’s actual date of birth,” he said, and then he sat back in his
chair, lifting his phone again. “Goodnight, Jeongguk. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Taehyun,” Jeongguk said, and then he turned and began to walk down the hallway
towards Dongwoo's voice, which was on the way to the east wing of the palace. Jimin must have
run off somewhere to hide away from his soon-to-be mate, and Dongwoo was likely having a hard
time finding a prince who had lived in the palace all his life and knew every crack and crevice. The
hallways were relatively dark, so Jeongguk walked until he reached the corner of a high-ceilinged
hallway, and then he paused and pressed his back to the wall.

“Will you just come out? I know you’re in one of these rooms!” Dongwoo shouted, and Jeongguk
chewed his bottom lip. The hallway where Dongwoo was standing was full of different doors that
led to various rooms—the laundry room, the staff break room, a bathroom, four offices, and a tea
room. There was no telling where Jimin had disappeared to, and Dongwoo was probably not keen
to search.

“You’re embarrassing yourself, Jimin-ssi!” Dongwoo shouted again. “This is ridiculous! Just come
out!” And then, under his breath, Jeongguk heard him add, “Dumb fucking omega, humiliating me
in front of the king. YAH, JIMIN-SSI! COME ON!”

Jeongguk closed his eyes and rested the back of his head against the wall, his hands curling into
fists as he took a slow, deep breath. If he lost his cool now, if he turned the corner and attacked
Dongwoo, he would never live to see another day. He had to let Dongwoo get frustrated enough to
abandon his search, and he also had to control himself long enough to find Jimin, because he
refused to leave without saying goodbye or checking on his omega.

His omega. Jimin was surely his by now.

“Fuck it. Fine. I’m coming in!” Dongwoo called out. In a split second decision, Jeongguk took a
chance and peeked around the corner, and then he saw Dongwoo walk into the bathroom. Without
considering any of the consequences, Jeongguk broke into a run, because he knew exactly where
Jimin was.

That was always my hiding place when I got in trouble.

Jeongguk passed the bathroom and threw open the door of the laundry room, quietly closing it and
throwing himself into pure darkness.

“Jimin-ssi. Hyung. It’s me. It’s just me. Where are you?” Jeongguk hissed.

“I’m here.” Jimin’s voice was small, but Jeongguk heard it. He kept his hands out in front of him
as a barrier, shoved past two large rolling bins for laundry when he ran into them, and made it to
the other side of the room. There, opposite a wash basin wall, was Jimin. He was hiding in the
corner, invisible to the untrained eye in the dark behind stacks of cleaning supplies and shelves.
Jeongguk, though, weaseled his way in, and Jimin reached for him.

“Shh, shh. You’re okay. It’s okay,” Jeongguk whispered, pulling Jimin into his arms and hugging
him close as Jimin buried his face into Jeongguk’s neck. Jeongguk could feel hot tears on his shirt,
but Jimin was silent. “It’s okay, baby. I’m here.”

“You found me,” Jimin whispered.

“Of course I found you. This is your hiding place,” Jeongguk murmured, and then he stroked
Jimin’s soft blonde hair and kissed his forehead, his eyes adjusting to near darkness. The only light
came from a small window on the adjacent wall. “I’ll always find you.”

The door to the laundry room suddenly flew open, interrupting the moment. Jeongguk heard
Dongwoo fiddling and flicking the lightswitch, but the lights didn’t turn on, which Jeongguk (as
former cleaning staff) knew was because the power to the laundry room was cut at sunset.
Jeongguk hugged Jimin impossibly tight, his heart pounding as Jimin made himself as small as he
could. This was it. If Dongwoo found them, there would be hell to pay.

“Jimin-ssi? Shit, this is—JIMIN-SSI!” Dongwoo yelled into the room, and Jeongguk cradled the
back of Jimin’s head protectively, eyes closed. Jimin gripped Jeongguk’s shirt tightly, and they
stood still as Dongwoo shoved a few things aside. Then he let out a frustrated sigh. “This is
ridiculous.” And then he left the room, slamming the door shut, uninterested in looking any further.

“Fuck, I can’t do this,” Jimin breathed out almost immediately, and Jeongguk could hear the
panicked misery in his voice. He took Jimin’s face in his hands and used his thumbs to wipe away
the tears.

“You don’t have to go back to dinner. Just go find Taehyun and go to bed. It’s okay,” Jeongguk
said, kissing Jimin’s forehead again. “I can’t be with you. Your father dismissed me. Told me to
leave when I tried to come after you. So I have to go home.”

“I don’t want you to leave,” Jimin whispered tearfully.

“I have to,” Jeongguk replied, resting his forehead against Jimin’s. “But I’ll be back in the
morning, okay? I’ll kiss you good morning and everything. Is that okay? Will you go find Taehyun
for me? Go to bed early?”

“Okay,” Jimin whispered. Jeongguk bent his head and kissed Jimin, nearly choking on the sorrow
in his scent. “Thank you for finding me.”

“Always. Thanks for dumping a whole glass of red wine on Dongwoo. Didn’t miss a drop,”
Jeongguk quietly said, and Jimin finally smiled.

“It was my pleasure,” he replied, sniffling. “Okay. Let me just—I’ll text Taehyun. You go. Go
home. I’ll wait for Taehyun to come and get me.”

“Okay. Hey.” Jeongguk used two fingers to gently tilt Jimin’s chin up. “Goodnight, baby.”

“I’d let you scent me, you know,” Jimin whispered back, staring at Jeongguk. “Goodnight,
Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk pressed one last soft kiss to Jimin’s lips, and then he snuck through the mess of baskets
and things in the laundry room area. He pressed his ear to the door, made sure the hallway was
silent and empty, and then he jogged as fast as he could to the palace doors, looking to the sky and
swearing vengeance on anyone who had ever wronged Jimin.

***

mood: “love me now” by john legend

An entire week passed, and in that week, Jeongguk was reckless. He was reckless and he didn’t
care, and neither did Jimin. On Monday night, he sat Jimin on the bathroom countertop and jerked
him off with one hand pressed to the mirror as Jimin left his mark with his teeth all over
Jeongguk’s shoulders. On Tuesday night, Jimin dropped to his knees and gave Jeongguk a blowjob
right then and there by his bed. On Wednesday night, Jimin bought them enough time and faked a
headache, and instead of pretending to care for him, Jeongguk bent him over the bed and took him
from behind as slick ran down Jimin’s thighs and onto the floor as Jimin used a pillow to muffle
his moans.

Jimin seemed to be becoming increasingly insatiable, and that was when Jeongguk realized that it
was the first day of October. And if Jimin was trying to jump Jeongguk every chance he got, that
could only mean one thing—his heat was coming. And his pre-heat wasn’t far off.

But Jeongguk played dumb. He wanted to remain blissfully unaware and enjoy his time in
makeshift paradise, but the world came crashing down on him on a Tuesday night. That morning,
when he had woken Jimin up, the room had been suffocating. Jimin’s scent had been so
overpowering that Jeongguk had opened a window to air the room out, and after kissing Jimin
good morning, he had bent and quickly sucked Jimin off, because Jimin had woken up completely
aroused and whining. After the blowjob, though, he had gone right back to normal before asking if
Jeongguk would be willing to change the angle of the chaise lounge opposite his bed.

And everything was supposed to be fine. But around dinner time, when Jeongguk was eating in the
library with Seokjin, Seokjin’s phone vibrated. Still chewing, Seokjin bent and glanced at the
message.

“Oh, shit,” he cursed, and that was how Jeongguk knew something was wrong. “Shit.”

“What is it?” Jeongguk asked, chopsticks hovering over his rice.

“Namjoon just texted me,” Seokjin said quietly, and he pursed his lips before turning his phone.

ALPHA EXTRAORDINAIRE [06:54:23PM]

Shit, babe, I just got a notice from the palace. They’re announcing Jimin’s mating in five minutes.
October 10th. That’s in five days.

ALPHA EXTRAORDINAIRE [06:55:01PM]

Are you with J? Tell him.

Jeongguk’s heart sank like a cannonball into the pit of his stomach as he read the messages not
once, not twice, but three times just to be sure he wasn’t mistaken. He then looked up at Seokjin,
whose eyes were plagued with worry. They both knew. The game was over, and both Jimin and
Jeongguk were about to lose.

Time was up.

“I have to go see him,” Jeongguk breathed in a state of panic, but Seokjin reached over and grabbed
Jeongguk’s shirt sleeve to pull him back down.

“You’ll stay put,” he said sternly. “They’ll announce the mating, and there will be a celebratory
meal and drinks. Jimin won’t be back to his room until late. You have to wait it out.”

Waiting it out was not something Jeongguk wanted to do, but he had little choice. He finished
eating even though his stomach was churning, and then he sat in the little back room of the library
with Seokjin, whose shift ended at seven o’clock. It didn’t matter. Seokjin sat right beside
Jeongguk for two hours without rambling on about the mating. Instead, he told Jeongguk little
anecdotes about his relationship with Namjoon.

“The first time I helped him through his rut, I think we laughed more than we actually fucked. He
would breathe and apologize. This man is packing and he was almost fucking feral, but he would
knot me and say sorry. Would you ever apologize for knotting an omega who wanted it? I swear to
God, Namjoon is the daftest genius I’ve ever met in my life.”

His stories helped Jeongguk calm down significantly, because before, he had been prepared to set
fire to the palace just to be with Jimin. That was a screaming sign to him that he was in love,
something he hadn’t dared to consider until now. Love was such a complicated and multifaceted
emotion, especially when it involved a pureblood omega crown prince and an orphaned alpha with
nothing to his name. But Jeongguk was certain now more than ever that he was in love, and he was
ready to burn down the world for Jimin.

Seokjin stayed by Jeongguk’s side until ten o’clock, and Jeongguk hugged him tightly before he
departed. Because it was late, Seokjin’s scent blockers were wearing off, so when he hugged
Jeongguk back, Jeongguk felt like he was being wrapped up in sweet caramel.

“You’ll be okay,” Seokjin whispered. “If nothing else, you know you have my support. You have
Namjoon’s, too. He’s tough on you because he’s overprotective of Jimin, but he likes you. That
should count for a lot.”

“It does. Thank you,” Jeonggguk murmured, breaking free of the hug. “Wish me luck.”

“You won’t need it,” Seokjin decided, and then he and Jeongguk went their separate ways.

As Jeongguk walked the hallways, he could still hear the happy chatter flowing from one of the
ballrooms, people walking the hallways in their best outfit, present only to celebrate a mating that
had no impact on their lives whatsoever. It infuriated Jeongguk to no end, seeing grown adults in
suits and skirts giddy about Jimin’s misery. Jaw clenched, Jeongguk made his way to the west
wing hallway, and he found Taehyun and Chaeyoung there, neither one of them smiling.

“Thank God,” Chaeyoung sighed when she saw Jeongguk. “He’s been crying since he left the
party. He doesn’t want either one of us.”

“Did he cry at the party?” Jeongguk asked, alarmed.

“No. He held it together,” Taehyun said. “He almost snapped when Dongwoo tried to kiss him, but
he settled for a kiss on the cheek instead.”

“Taehyun almost intervened,” Chaeyoung said, amused. “Shame you weren’t allowed to be there.
He could have used you.”

“No invite. I have no status, remember?” Jeongguk said wryly, and then he sighed. “Okay. I’ll take
care of him. You guys should go home and get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Jeongguk,” they both said, and then they walked away with their heads bowed
together, quietly chatting. Jeongguk turned to face Jimin’s bedroom door, a tidal wave of emotions
slamming into him.

This was the moment he had been dreading for a month.

“Your Highness?” he said politely as he knocked, and then he gently opened the door. “Hyung?”

“Jeongguk.”

The sound of Jimin’s voice alone broke Jeongguk’s heart. He turned and locked the door, and then
there was Jimin, already wearing his pajamas, eyes bloodshot, body language entirely defeated.
And then he ran, not walked, into Jeongguk’s arms.

“Jeongguk,” he repeated again as his voice cracked, and then he began to sob, and Jeongguk
almost screamed. The excruciating pain of being unable to scent Jimin as a method of calming him
down and quieting his sobs was unbearable. Jeongguk just hugged him harder, kissed every inch of
his face and tasted the salt of his tears, rubbed his back and staggered sideways with him until they
were on the chaise lounge, Jimin straddling Jeongguk’s lap to hug him, knees against the cushion.
He buried his face in Jeongguk’s neck, nose just barely brushing Jeongguk’s scent gland, and all of
the composure Jeongguk had began to crack.

“I can’t mate him, I can’t. I can’t, I can’t, I can’t,” Jimin sobbed. “P-Please don’t—don’t let me
mate him. I can’t do it. J-Jeongguk, please.”

“Shh,” Jeongguk soothed, eyes squeezed shut as he tried to be the stable one in the pairing with
very little ground to stand on. What was he supposed to say to make it better? The king knew when
his son was going into heat. Now the whole kingdom did. The mating was set. The date was set.
Everything was set, and Jeongguk was panicking.

“I don’t want him. I don’t want to mate him or marry him. I can’t do this,” Jimin cried, fisting
Jeongguk’s shirt as tears soaked the fabric. “I d-don’t want him. Help me, please, please help me.”

“I don’t know how,” Jeongguk whispered, hearing his heart shatter into a thousand pieces. “I—I
don’t know how to help you.”

“I want you.” Jimin pulled off Jeongguk’s shoulder, tears still streaming down his face, eyes
bloodshot as he sniffled and stared at Jeongguk. “I only want you,” he whispered. “I don’t want
him, I only want to be with you.”

“We’re not even supposed to be doing this, anyway,” Jeongguk whispered, jaw clenched as he
slowly shook his head. “How am I supposed to help?”

“I—I don’t know.”

“You knew it would end like this,” Jeongguk whispered, emotion lodging in his chest and festering
around his heart. “And so did I, and now look at us.”

“Jeongguk what—what do I do? What should I do?” Jimin asked, tears still trickling from his eyes
steadily, clinging to his eyelashes. Taking Jimin’s face between his hand and using thumbs to wipe
away the tears was all Jeongguk could do to keep himself from saying “fuck it” and attempting to
scent Jimin on the spot. His poor wolf was howling in desperation.

“I don’t know.”
“Y-You have to know,” Jimin pleaded in a whisper, and that was when Jeongguk felt the dam
bursting. His eyes began to burn as he swallowed the lump in his throat and stared at Jimin
helplessly. “You… Please. You have to know what to do.” Jimin’s face began to crumple again.
“You have to know, Jeongguk. You have to know how we… you…”

Jeongguk mouthed “I don’t know” again as he shook his head, and Jimin dissolved into fresh tears,
closing his eyes as he cried. Slowly, he leaned forward until his forehead was resting against
Jeongguk’s, and at the same time, they both took a deep breath, synchronized.

“Jeongguk, I love you.”

It was nothing more than a tearful whisper. Faint, breathy, vulnerable. But Jeongguk heard every
word, let the sentiment seep into his brain and make a home there, let it travel down to his heart
and latch on. He loves us. Our omega loves us. Our mate, he’s our mate. But the more Jeongguk
thought about it, the angrier he became. He smacked his hand on the cushion and lifted Jimin right
off him, setting him to the side and rising to his feet with a strangled growl mixed with a cry for
help. He laced his fingers together and pressed the heels of his palms to his forehead, biting down
forcefully as tears burned his eyes.

“Fuck, I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do,” he whispered to himself, feeling like he
couldn’t breathe. “I don’t… I just… I…”

And then, as if one little sentiment of love had nudged everything in the world into its proper place,
Jeongguk opened his eyes. He dropped his hands. He stared at the window, able to see Jimin’s
reflection as Jimin sat on the chaise lounge opposite his bed. Flames seemed to lick at Jeongguk’s
skin, sparks shooting out from his heart. He wanted to burn down everything for the man he loved.
He wanted a wildfire to consume the world just so he could sweep Jimin up and carry him away,
love him for the rest of their lives without anyone demanding a thing from them. Jimin loved him.
And Jeongguk was holding a figurative match to an open flame.

“I love you, too.”

“What? J-Jeongguk?”

“I love you.” Jeongguk pivoted, and then he marched right over to the chaise lounge, picked Jimin
up, turned, and set Jimin back into his lap. “I love you, Park Jimin.”

“You do?” Jimin asked, seeking clarification as his painfully sad scent began to shift to something
happier, something with more vanilla. Jeongguk nodded, and despite his tears, Jimin beamed.
“You really do?”

“Of course I love you. Are you insane? How could I not love you?” Jeongguk asked, and Jimin
laughed softly before kissing Jeongguk fiercely, fingers tangling in his hair. Jeongguk wrapped
both arms around Jimin’s waist, hands pressed to his lower back, and kissed the man of his dreams,
losing himself in the feeling of soft lips and gentle touches, little breaths of newfound love and
laughter, warm fingers on warm skin.

“Take me.”

“What?” Jeongguk whispered, still dazed.

“Take me away from here,” Jimin whispered, forehead pressed to Jeongguk’s as he broke the kiss.
“Help me escape. Get me out of the palace and away from this life for good. Take me.”

“Take you—what?” Jeongguk breathed, pulling away as his heart nearly stopped. “Y-You can’t
just— what?”

“Help me escape,” Jimin repeated. “It’s the only way. I’m already in pre-heat. I’m holding off as
long as I can, but you know I only have two or three more days until I’m gone. Then they’ll drag
Dongwoo in here and trigger his rut so he can mate me on Sunday, and I can’t do that, I can’t. Not
when I love you the way I do. I—Jeongguk, please.”

“Hyung, you—you have to listen to yourself,” Jeongguk whispered. “You’re asking me to help you
escape. You’re the crown prince of Dayangsong. Do you get that? If I help you escape, that’s—
that’s conspiracy. That’s practically treason. If they… shit, if they find us, they’ll kill me, and
you’ll… you’ll never have freedom again. I know what they’ll do to you. Do you understand that?”

“Jeongguk.” Jimin lifted his hands to rest on either side of Jeongguk’s face, his thumbs stroking
against Jeongguk’s cheeks affectionately. “I’ve lived my whole life without freedom. And if I…
my life will be over. I can’t mate him. I only want you. And I’m willing to try. I don’t know how,
but I’ll run. I’ll run away with you. But if—if you’re not willing, then it doesn’t matter. I’ll have to
go through with it all. I’ll have no choice.”

“If we—Fuck, if we…” Jeongguk took a deep breath, his head spinning. He was actually
considering it, and that was more terrifying than what he and Jimin had been doing under the
king’s nose for weeks. “If we do this, then that’s it. You’ll—Hyung, your life will never be the
same. You’ll have to give up all of this. You’ll have to leave absolutely everything behind. Your
entire life at the palace, your clothes, your phone, everything. Running away means you’ll have
nothing.”

“I’ll have you,” Jimin whispered, closing his eyes. “And don’t call me delusional. I’ll have you,
and I don’t need anything else. What do I need my phone for? I don’t need anything at this palace.
It’s all materialistic. It’s meaningless.”

“This isn’t just—this can’t just be a fantasy,” Jeongguk warned. “Being on the run is—it’s a lot.
Hiding and living off the grid… you have to be able to do that.”

“I can if I’m with you,” Jimin replied. “Jeongguk, please. Please think about it. Because if we don’t
run, then by Sunday, I’ll be mated, and you’ll be fired and sent packing. I’ll never see you again.
And I—Jeongguk, I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Jeongguk whispered, pressing a quick kiss to Jimin’s lips. “I love you so much. I
don’t want to lose you. But running away… helping you escape… we can’t do it alone. You
realize that, right? If—If I entertain this, if we come up with a plan… if we do this, hyung, then
people have to know.”

“Like who?”

“Like my friends. The ones I live with. They’ll have to know,” Jeongguk declared, his brain
working overtime. “Because we’ll have to hide at my house. I… I might have an idea, but it will
only work if my friends are in on it.”

“Okay. That’s—That’s fine. Okay. Who else?” Jimin wondered.

“Your cousin.”

“Right. He should know,” Jimin whispered, nodding. “So he can play dumb. Pretend he never
imagined I would do such a thing. That means he’ll tell Seokjin, but I trust Seokjin.”

“Hoseok, too. Hoseok will need to know,” Jeongguk said. “He’s a guard. When the palace wakes
up in the morning and realizes that you’re missing, and when they figure out that I didn’t show up
for work, they’ll put the puzzle pieces together. Hoseok needs to be the one to send the palace
guards searching in the opposite direction.”

“He’d be good at that,” Jimin agreed, and then he pursed his lips. “Two other people need to
know.”

“Taehyun and Chaeyoung,” Jeongguk guessed, and Jimin nodded.

“If Taehyun doesn’t know the plan, he’ll help them find me at any cost,” Jimin replied. “And I
can’t let him. He’s too good. He has to play dumb, too. Chaeyoung will do it without a problem.
She’d be glad to. But Taehyun…”

“Do you trust him?” Jeongguk asked. “Do you trust him not to turn on you?”

“Yeah. I—Look, I know he seems like a bit of a loyalist,” Jimin said. “But at the end of the day,
he’s loyal to me, and he knows how unhappy I am. I’m willing to bet that he would cover for me.”

“Other than that, no one else needs to know,” Jeongguk said. “Because the plan I’m thinking of is
pretty simple. You’ll go to bed as usual. I’ll leave and wait for you. The second you can, you sneak
out and meet me. We’ll take my bike to the border, which means that the guards can track your
scent all the way there. That’s to the east, and we’ll get there by two or three in the morning. That
gives us a few hours until sunrise to take scent blockers and get back to my house in Gananhan. My
bedroom is in the attic loft crawl space. You’d never know it was there unless you were looking
for it. My friends can cover the hatch door and the window. If anyone shows up, they’ll never
know to look there.”

“That’s… That’s a lot. Are you sure it will work?” Jimin hissed, concern flooding his eyes. “W-
What if they really come looking for us?”

“My room is soundproof and scent-proof,” Jeongguk replied, grinning. “I fixed it up over the years
so that I could have some privacy during my ruts. So unless we start throwing furniture or falling
on the floor, we’re safe.”

“If I’m in heat, I can’t promise anything,” Jimin said darkly. “But—But that means that… shit, that
means that I’ll have to be in heat while I’m in hiding. And I have no idea how safe that is for me.
Jeongguk, my heats are getting worse and worse. I don’t think it’s a good idea for—”

“I’ll be with you,” Jeongguk interrupted.

“What?” Jimin’s brow furrowed.

“I’ll be with you. Let me be with you, baby,” Jeongguk requested, voice soft. “For your heat. Let
me go through it with you. Let me take care of you. Will you let me do that?”

“Jeongguk, I’ve never—it’s—are you sure?” Jimin stammered, sounding bewildered and
overwhelmed simultaneously. “No one has ever… are you sure?”

“I’m sure. If I can get you somewhere safe for you to have your heat and I can be with you, I want
that. I want to help you through it. Show you how it should be,” Jeongguk firmly said, and Jimin
immediately kissed him like Jeongguk’s lips were his life source.

“I can be a handful,” Jimin whispered, and he and Jeongguk laughed at the same time, still
embracing.
“I think I can handle it,” Jeongguk replied, kissing the side of Jimin’s head. “You said I’m your
alpha, right? Then that’s my job.”

“You are my alpha,” Jimin whispered, smiling. “Are you sure? You—You’ll really help me do
this? You’ll help me escape? Run away with me? At the risk of your own life?”

“Isn’t that what you do when you love someone?” Jeongguk asked rhetorically. “Look at me. Look
me in the eye.”

Jimin pulled back and stared at Jeongguk.

“If I find out that you’ve been fucking around with me just to use me as your ticket out of the
palace, I’ll turn you in,” Jeongguk warned bluntly. “I know that sounds harsh. But I’m not messing
around. If I help you run away, then that’s it. I’m committed. I’m in it. And you better be, too.”

“I’m not using you,” Jimin said without hesitation. “Sure, maybe you’re my ticket out of the
palace. But that’s because I’ve never met anyone who’s made me want to run away like this
before. I’ve never wanted to give my life to someone like this. I’ve never loved someone like I
love you. So I’m just blindly trusting that you’ll do this for me. That you’ll protect me and keep me
safe. That you won’t betray me.”

“I would never.”

“Because there will be a high monetary reward,” Jimin stated. “And if you or any of your friends
decide that that’s more important…”

“We won’t.” Jeongguk gripped Jimin’s waist tightly. “Guess we both have our fears. But I trust
you. Do you trust me?”

“I do trust you.”

“Then we do this together,” Jeongguk whispered. “If we can get a good head start, then we’ll be in
hiding before they even realize that you’re gone. But you have to be the one to tell your cousin,
Seokjin, Taehyun, and Chaeyoung. I’ll tell my friends and prepare them. And if anything goes
wrong, tell me.”

“I will.” Jimin kissed Jeongguk with a smile. “I love you, my alpha.”

“I love you, too.”

“We do it on Thursday night,” Jimin whispered. “Thursday night is the safest bet. I’m almost
positive that by Friday night, I’ll be in heat. Thursday is the only option. That gives us enough time
to tell our friends and set things up.”

“I’ll talk to my friends tonight,” Jeongguk said, feeling as if his heart was being cradled in Jimin’s
capable hands now. Jimin’s wolf was right there, perfectly within reach, and all Jeongguk had to
do was take the risk of his life and take Jimin away from the palace. The deep pit of despair that he
had been lying in for hours suddenly seemed escapable. His wolf was crawling out of it slowly,
sniffing around, testing the waters. “Do you want me to talk to Hoseok? Even things out?”

“No. I need to be the one to tell him. He’s my oldest friend,” Jimin replied. “Let me. You handle
your friends and tell me what they said in the morning.”

“In the morning,” Jeongguk agreed.

“Jeongguk, you should know,” Jimin said, shifting in Jeongguk’s lap. “They’ll connect the dots
right away. You and me. They’ll know. My father, Dongwoo and his family, the entire palace
staff… they’ll know.”

“Why?”

“They want you gone,” Jimin whispered. “Dongwoo especially. And you know my father can’t
stand you, so he’ll play right into it. The minute I go into heat, they’ll fire you. I have no clue how
they’ll do it, so this isn’t just for me. This is to protect you. They think that you’re pulling a fast
one on them.”

“Then let’s prove them right,” Jeongguk said with a grin, and he stood up with Jimin in his arms,
Jimin wrapping his legs around Jeongguk’s waist. “But first…” He kissed Jimin twice with a
smile. “You need to sleep.”

Jeongguk carried Jimin over to the bed and gently set him down, and Jimin crawled underneath his
blankets as Jeongguk sat on the edge of the bed.

“Will you hold me while I sleep?” Jimin asked with soft eyes. “When we’re out of here? When you
don’t have to leave every night?”

“I’ll hold you every single night,” Jeongguk promised. “But you know, I like being the little spoon
sometimes, too.”

“Noted,” Jimin whispered, smiling. He then puckered his lips dramatically, and Jeongguk
snickered, leaning in for a kiss.

“Goodnight, my love,” he whispered.

“Goodnight, Jeonggukie,” Jimin replied, and Jeongguk’s poor heart nearly gave out. He left the
room after flicking the light off, and as he walked down the darker hallways of the palace, he
almost laughed. The very palace that had hired him only as cheap, expendable labor, the palace
that had hired him on the spot because he had no status, was ready to kick him to the curb for
catching the prince’s interest.

If they only knew the half of it.

***

Jeongguk hadn’t expected his plan to go over well with Yoongi and Taehyung at all. He had
expected to have to put up a tremendous fight and had even considered creating some sort of
presentation as if he was back in school, highlighting all his main points as to why hiding Jimin at
their house while he was in heat was a good idea. But Jeongguk was gobsmacked when Yoongi
and Taehyung did not immediately start yelling.

mood: “u.f.o.” by coldplay

“That’s… a lot,” Yoongi said as Taehyung bridged his fingers together, watching Jeongguk with
narrowed eyes. “So you… okay.” He rubbed one eye with a few fingers, sighing. “You want us to
hide the crown prince of Dayangsong in our house as a fugitive. While he’s in heat. Do I need to
repeat that so we can all hear it again?”

“No, that was loud and clear,” Taehyung said with a laugh.

“Look, other than that, does the first part of the plan make sense?” Jeongguk asked in desperation.

“Oh, you’ll definitely be able to get here without being discovered,” Taehyung said. “You’ll get
here without a problem. If Dayangsong Palace is still the way it was before I left, then the palace
guards, save for one or two of them, are all morons. They’ll be pissed that they have to waste their
time and resources to track Jimin down. So they’ll follow his scent right to the border and then ask
our next door neighbors to hunt for Jimin. And probably you. And then they’ll come knocking on
our door.”

“At which point you’ll hopefully be locked up there safely,” Yoongi added, pointing. “And quietly.
Because your room is soundproof, and you’d never know it was there if you weren’t looking for it,
but it’s not a guarantee.”

“And we can play dumb,” Taehyung said. “We’re great at that. We can just say we haven’t seen
you for days, but hey, if there’s a monetary reward, we’ll let them know if we see you or the
prince.”

“But it all depends on you,” Yoongi declared. “Honestly, Gguk, I could take a few palace guards.
They’re weak as hell. Taehyung and I could kill all of them without a problem and then just hit the
road. But I don’t want it to get to that point.”

“I won’t let it get to that point,” Jeongguk swore.

“Does he realize that he’s going to have to be in hiding for months?” Taehyung raised one
eyebrow. “Jimin. Does he know what his life is going to be like if he goes on the run? What he has
to give up?”

“He said he understood,” Jeongguk replied. “Said he’s done with life at the palace. Done with not
having any freedom.”

“Well, he’ll get his freedom,” Taehyung said with a snicker. “But it won’t be what he’s probably
thinking. Life in Gananhan is nothing like life up north. I learned that the hard way.”

“He’s a fast learner,” Jeongguk said. “Look, I know neither one of you are big fans of him, but
he’s… I trust him. And I love him.”

“There it is,” Taehyung said with a laugh, holding his hand out palm-up to Yoongi. Yoongi rolled
his eyes, reached into his pocket, and handed Taehyung some money. Jeongguk just stared at his
friends tiredly.

“This dumbass made a bet that you’d come home one day and say you were in love with Jimin and
that you were going to break him out of the palace,” Yoongi said. “And I was doing so well until
you said you loved him.”

“God, that played out like a movie,” Taehyung said in satisfaction, and Jeongguk rolled his eyes.
“Alright, listen.” He pitched forward with his elbows on the table, wild black curls hanging in his
eyes. “Since it’s you, we’re game for anything. You love him. Fine. We’ll do it. We’ll help you
both. But if things go wrong, there’s only so much we can do.”
“I get that,” Jeongguk said, his entire body flooding with relief. “Fuck, you’ll really do it?”

“Yeah. Might as well. You’ve never been in love before, but trust you, Jeon Jeongguk, to pick the
worst person ever to fall in love with,” Yoongi sighed, and Jeongguk cracked a small smile.
“Could’ve had anyone in the world, and you pick the pureblood fucking crown prince of the entire
nation.”

“He’s always been a pain in the ass,” Taehyung pointed out, and Jeongguk kicked him under the
table as Taehyung grinned, his scent more cinnamon than apple because he was pleased. “We’ll set
you up. You said it’s going down on Thursday night, right? So we’ll be ready for you on Friday.”

Jeongguk almost burst into tears on the spot. He got up and hugged Taehyung first so that Yoongi
could prepare himself, and then he hugged Yoongi, nuzzling his neck, nose against the alpha’s
scent gland.

“Don’t thank us,” Yoongi said, ruffling Jeongguk’s hair. “Every paycheck you get from the palace
has helped a dozen people here. The school is almost fully stocked. Your job there has literally
saved lives, Jeongguk, all because you don’t care about the money for yourself. So to be honest,
this is the least we can do to make sure you’re happy.”

With Yoongi and Taehyung onboard, Jeongguk went to the palace on Wednesday morning feeling
hopeful. He kissed Jimin good morning like usual, and as Jimin washed up and got dressed for the
day, he whispered feverishly to Jeongguk while sipping on a weak cup of scent blocking tea.

“I talked to Namjoon, Seokjin, and Hoseok last night. Namjoon wasn’t even surprised. Said he’d
been expecting it. Said he’s happy to play along. Seokjin is, too. He’s a great liar. He’ll cover for
you, say he knows nothing. Hoseok was a bit upset that I was leaving, but I explained everything to
him, and now he has our back,” Jimin hastily said as he ran a comb through his hair. He wasn’t
even letting Jeongguk do his job properly anymore. “He said he’ll lead the charge to the border to
find me, play the role of the oldest friend.”

“And the other two?” Jeongguk whispered.

“I’m not telling them until tonight,” Jimin replied. “I want today to be a normal day. Tomorrow is
Thursday. If I tell them both tonight, they have the option of calling in sick and pretending that
they know nothing.”

So Jeongguk went through his Wednesday as if nothing was planned. He saw Jimin off to a lunch
date with Dongwoo, making sure that the scent blocking tea Jimin had had was effective enough to
keep his pre-heat scent from overwhelming everyone. Last time, his pre-heat had hit fast and hard
with no warning. This time, everyone seemed to be prepared, and Jimin seemed to have resigned
himself to his upcoming mating and the role he would have to play. He was, as always, a fantastic
actor.

When Thursday morning came, Jeongguk packed his backpack differently. He brought two small
water bottles with infused scent blocking tea that they could both drink at the border. He brought a
flashlight, a towel in case Jimin’s pre-heat became too much, and a few snacks. Then he dressed
carefully in an all-black ensemble.

“We’ll see you in the morning,” Yoongi said before Jeongguk left, and this time, he offered up a
hug. Jeongguk embraced him with a pounding heart, and then he ducked out of the house into the
chilly October morning air, swinging one leg over his bike and pedaling off.

The moment Jeongguk clocked in and walked to the west wing, he could sense the change in the
air. Taehyun and Chaeyoung were both standing near Jimin’s bedroom door, and neither one of
them were on their phones—a complete rarity. They were both leaning against the wall and staring
at the ground, and Jeongguk’s heart plummeted.

They didn’t call in sick. They know. And it didn’t go well. We’re fucked.

“Good morning,” he said cautiously, and they both looked up. Jeongguk caught Chaeyoung’s eye
first, and the moment he saw her fight back a smile, he felt his shoulders physically drop.

“Good morning, Jeongguk-ssi,” she softly said, and Jeongguk almost choked as he bowed his head
to her. He glanced over at Taehyun, whose citrus scent was frustratingly neutral and hard to read.
He stared Jeongguk down, and then he bowed his head.

“Good morning,” he replied, and Jeongguk almost collapsed to the floor in shock.

“Do, uh… do you know what’s on the schedule for today?” he asked, hoping that his words were
both discreet and obvious. Chaeyoung snickered, which told Jeongguk everything he needed to
know. Taehyun sighed, fighting a smile.

“Yeah. I’ll give you the rundown,” he said, and then he listed a few of Jimin’s tasks for the day—
tennis lesson, lunch with Dongwoo again, one final appointment with the healer before he went
fully into heat (likely at some point tomorrow night, most were assuming). There was no mention
of the escapade Jeongguk was going to take Jimin on while the palace slept, but Taehyun and
Chaeyoung seemed to know exactly what was going on.

“I’ll wake him up,” Jeongguk said, and then he slipped into Jimin’s bedroom, expecting Jimin to
be fast asleep. Jimin was, in fact, wide awake, and he was standing in the middle of his bedroom
while brushing his teeth, staring at the door expectantly. He gestured, so Jeongguk held the door
open wider, letting Taehyun and Chaeyoung into the room. They both settled down on separate
chaise lounges, and Jeongguk grabbed Jimin’s workout gear for his tennis lesson. When he handed
it over to Jimin, Jimin paused, pressed a kiss to Jeongguk’s cheek, and then disappeared behind his
divider to get dressed.

“What am I doing tomorrow, Taehyun-ssi?” he called out as he dressed, and Jeongguk stood rooted
to the spot, his ears red as Chaeyoung gave him a look.

“What are you—” Taehyun snickered, but then he recovered, glancing towards the locked door.
“You don’t have anything tomorrow because of your heat. All you have is yoga at ten o’clock, and
then you rest, because the clock is running.”

“Then maybe I don’t need to wake up so early,” Jimin said, and then he popped out from behind
the divider, dressed for tennis. “I’m ready.”

“For your last tennis lesson,” Taehyun said quietly with a tiny smile. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be—it’s
just… weird.”

“What, agreeing to commit treason by having deniability?” Chaeyoung asked, sitting into one hip
with her arms crossed. “Let’s get you to tennis. I’ll make sure your lunch date is all organized. I’m
going over to the Yangs to settle a few things.”

Jimin left the bedroom with Chaeyoung by his side, but Taehyun hung back for a moment, and
Jeongguk knew what was coming. He let Taehyun close the door and lock it again, let Taehyun
round on him even though at nineteen, he was smaller in stature with far less experience in life.
Peeling back all the layers, Jeongguk knew that Taehyun had been by Jimin’s side since the day he
turned eighteen, eager to learn and forgoing higher education to work for the crown prince. He
was, after all, related by blood in some way to the Kangs from which Jeongguk had stolen.

“He’s wanted out of this since I’ve known him,” Taehyun hissed. “Last year, on his birthday, I had
to hug him while he cried, and you know I hate hugging. But he just kept going on and on about
how much he wanted to get out of here and be free.”

“I’m not just doing it to get him out of here,” Jeongguk whispered. “I’m doing it because I love
him.”

“Yeah, I know. He told me that last night, too,” Taehyun said. “Look, this job is my life. I don’t
know what the fuck I’m gonna do when he’s gone. But I work for him, at the end of the day, so
that means I have to make sure he’s happy.”

“I’m sorry, Taehyun-ssi,” Jeongguk said with a small bow. “I wish I could do more for you.”

“There’s nothing you can do. Just… Look, I know that I’m younger than him and I’ve only kind of
settled as an alpha in the past year.” Taehyun rubbed the back of his neck. “But I worked in the
east wing for the king when I was in high school, and I hated it. Prince Jimin taught me how to
enjoy what I was doing. So please take care of him. Please. I really admire him. I want him to be
okay.”

“I’ll take care of him.” Jeongguk bowed again. “I hope I’ll see you again someday, Taehyun-ssi.”

“Yeah. Maybe so,” Taehyun said, and then he held out his hand. Jeongguk politely shook it, and
then he and Taehyun left the room, parting ways with some kind of unspoken understanding that
Jimin was their top priority. Jeongguk was not sure what Jimin had said to his attendant and his
coordinator, but the fact that both of them were steadfastly onboard with the idea of the prince
going on the run and becoming a makeshift fugitive, forcing them to play dumb, was phenomenal.

The day seemed to drag on. Jeongguk did all of his duties, as expected, but he fidgeted the entire
time and hoped desperately that it wasn’t too obvious. In the staff room, he even signed up to
attend the morning meeting on Saturday instead of the afternoon meeting. He set his intentions as
if he would be present right up until the very end of Jimin’s heat, even though all signs pointed to
his swift and immediate dismissal.

Before Jeongguk went to tuck Jimin in for bed that night, he stopped by one last time to see
Hoseok, since Seokjin had already left for the day. Hoseok was in the middle of a shift guarding
the east wing hallway, so Jeongguk couldn’t talk to him. Instead, he paused in front of Hoseok, and
then he bowed ninety degrees.

“Goodnight, Hoseok-ssi,” he said, and Hoseok stared at him with a clenched jaw for a moment.
Jeongguk thought he was furious, but then he realized that Hoseok was holding back emotion.

“Goodnight, Jeongguk. Please… pass that along to the prince, as well,” he said, his voice cracking
slightly. Jeongguk felt a small lump well in his throat, because all he wanted was to embrace the
first person who had welcomed him to the palace, the only person who had had his back from the
very first day. They stared at one another, a quiet understanding passing from alpha to alpha.
Jeongguk silently swore to protect Jimin with his life. Hoseok silently swore to do the same. And
then Jeongguk walked away, strengthening his resolve as he headed to Jimin’s room.

“Your Highness?” Jeongguk knocked, and then he walked into the bedroom, locking the door
behind him. Jimin was already lying in bed, and his scent was dizzying. Jeongguk’s wolf was
struggling now, wondering why their mate wasn’t scented, why their mate was in pre-heat without
being cared for properly. But Jimin’s scent was crucial to the plan.

“I’m ready,” Jimin whispered as Jeongguk sat down on the edge of the bed. His cheeks were a bit
flushed, so Jeongguk leaned in and pressed his lips to Jimin’s forehead. He was warm. “I’m fine.
I’ll be fine.”

“You’re warm,” Jeongguk murmured, concerned as he pulled back. “Do you feel sick? Does your
stomach hurt? Are you going to be able to make this journey?”

“I’ll be fine,” Jimin said with more firmness, staring Jeongguk in the eye. Jeongguk nodded.

“Okay. Wait until the lights are out. You know the guard shifts. Give yourself enough distance,
because your scent is strong. I’ll meet you by the postboxes, and then we’ll get on my bike and
go,” Jeongguk said, his voice hushed, although it sounded like an endless explosion because of
what he was saying. “We’ll make it to the border. Leave your scent there. Drop some clues. And
then we’ll head to Gananhan before your heat hits. Okay?”

“Okay,” Jimin whispered, nodding. “Jeongguk, I’m nervous.”

“I am, too,” Jeongguk replied, and he took Jimin’s hand, sandwiching it between both of his. “We
do this together. It will work.”

“It will work,” Jimin repeated as if trying to convince himself.

“I’ll go. Don’t fall asleep,” Jeongguk warned. “Otherwise, we’ll miss our chance. And don’t bring
anything with you. Leave your phone. Take nothing but yourself. Dress warmly, okay? It’s cold.”

“Okay. Hey. I love you,” Jimin said as Jeongguk stood up. Jeongguk turned, bent down, and kissed
Jimin sweetly, his heart fluttering.

“I love you, too.”

Jeongguk flicked the lights off, and then he slipped out of the bedroom, bowed to the guard,
clocked out, grabbed his backpack and changed his clothes, and hurried out of the palace. With any
luck, he would never again have to walk through the red doors of Dayangsong Palace again, and
neither would Jimin. With his backpack on, Jeongguk jogged to where he had chained up his bike
close enough to the postboxes, and he turned around. He then stared until his eyes burned,
watching slowly as lights began to go out in the palace windows. It took a painstaking hour, but
darkness and silence blanketed the palace.

Pacing in a tiny radius was all that Jeongguk could do to keep himself calm. His heart was
pounding so hard that he could physically feel the blood pumping through it. His hands were
clammy. His eyes felt heavy with anxiety, because this first part depended solely on Jimin being
able to sneak out—

“Jeongguk?”

Relief consumed Jeongguk’s entire body when he heard Jimin’s voice. He peered around the back
corner of the postboxes, and there was Jimin, dressed in black pants and a black sweatshirt, hood
up. Jeongguk embraced him excitedly, kissing the side of his head.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“I’m ready.”
“Are you empty-handed?”

“Left everything there,” Jimin whispered. Jeongguk kissed his forehead, which was still warm. His
whole body was warm, and the warmer clothing wasn’t great for an omega in pre-heat, but they
had little choice.

“Then let’s go.”

Jeongguk took Jimin’s hand, and then he led the way to the tree where he had chained up his
bicycle. He swung one leg over, and he didn’t even have to explain to Jimin how a second person
could ride. Jimin moved behind Jeongguk, stepped up, and stood with his arms draped around
Jeongguk’s shoulders, Jeongguk now wearing his backpack on his chest.

“Say goodbye,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin snickered.

“Can I tell it to go to hell?” he asked, glancing at the dark palace.

“It’s already hell,” Jeongguk replied, and then he set his feet on the pedals and rode away, Jimin
clinging to him tightly.

There wasn’t much need for talking; the most important thing was for both of them to stay silent,
because Jeongguk was navigating through very precariously narrow pathways carved out from
overuse all the way to the border. It wasn’t far; Dayangsong itself was not a massive kingdom.
Jeongguk had estimated about two hours of biking, given that they would need to take breaks.

“Jeongguk?”

“What is it, baby?” Jeongguk came to a halt almost immediately, glancing at his phone—one hour
and three minutes had passed. They were getting closer, and all Jeongguk could do was thank the
universe that Dayangsong was flat terrain for the most part. His legs weren’t too tired yet.

“I—I don’t feel well,” Jimin whispered, dropping his head and burying it into Jeongguk’s
shoulder. “My stomach hurts. I’m sweating a lot.”

“It’s just your heat,” Jeongguk said, and he let Jimin hop off the bike first before he propped it up
against a tree. Jeongguk unzipped his backpack, and then he grabbed the water bottle with just
plain water, twisting off the cap. “Here, you need to drink.”

Jeongguk wrapped one arm around Jimin’s waist as Jimin drank the water, and he used his
sweatshirt sleeve to pat away any of the sweat on Jimin’s forehead. It was a cold sweat, according
to Jimin, and he had some discomfort in his stomach.

“I don’t know what’s going on,” he said in a strangled voice. “It’s—It’s happening faster than
normal. I think it’s because I’m stressed.”

“Probably. Then we need to move faster, and you have to hold on,” Jeongguk said, capping the
water bottle. “Baby, look at me.” He took Jimin’s face between his hands. “You have to hold on.
You have to fight it, okay? I know you feel sick, but you have to keep it together. Fight it.”

“I’m trying,” Jimin whispered, his eyes shining even in the dark. It was nearly a full moon, so there
was plenty of natural light. Jeongguk kissed the tip of Jimin’s nose, and then they hopped back
onto the bike and continued to ride. Jimin didn’t complain once for the next forty-five minutes. He
held tight to Jeongguk, his scent strengthening with every passing minute, and Jeongguk could
smell small hints of arousal in it. Jimin made no mention of being aroused, nor did he whine for
anything. He was fighting it, just as Jeongguk had begged.
“There it is,” Jimin breathed, because through the clearing of trees, Jeongguk could see the border.
There was nothing but a wooden fence out this far, because there was a fair bit of trust between
neighbors. Relieved, Jeongguk rode up to the fence, hopped off his bike, and grabbed the water
bottle from his backpack. He then drank some before handing it to Jimin, who drank the rest.
Jeongguk then decisively set the water bottle on the ground in the taller grass near the fence post,
hoping it would be a decent enough clue that they had been at the border.

“Alright. It’s almost two in the morning. We’ve left your scent trail,” he said, running his hands
over his face. “It’s about ninety minutes to Gananhan from here, and it’s mostly downhill. Are you
going to be able to make it?”

“I’ll be okay,” Jimin said resolutely. “But you need to rest for a minute.”

“I’m fine—”

“Just rest. Five minutes,” Jimin insisted. “Five minutes, and then we can drink the scent blocking
tea and go.”

“Okay. Five minutes,” Jeongguk repeated, slumping against the fence. Jimin set his hands on his
hips, head bowed as he paced, trying to control his breathing. Jeongguk bent down and stretched
his legs, preparing himself for the next part of the journey. They were making great time. The
palace was still sleeping, surely.

mood: “remember” by elina

“Alright. Time to drink,” Jeongguk said, bending down and unzipping his backpack. He grabbed
both water bottles, and when he straightened up and extended one to Jimin, Jimin was staring up at
the sky in alarm. “Hyung? Hey, what is it?”

“Is it supposed to rain tonight?” he asked, concerned. “I don’t remember seeing that in the
forecast.”

“No. No rain. Why?” Jeongguk wondered.

“I can smell it. You know what I mean? When it’s about to rain, or right after it’s rained,” Jimin
said, and the moment he began to explain, the water bottle slipped right out of Jeongguk’s sweaty
hand in a panic. “It’s this, um…” And then Jimin trailed off, staring at Jeongguk.

“It’s—It’s not going to rain,” Jeongguk whispered. His heart slammed against his chest violently,
threatening to shatter his ribcage, and suddenly, his wolf was hyper-present at the forefront. He
swayed on the spot as Jimin, like moving through a dream, stumbled forward, breathless, almost
gasping, pupils visibly dilated to nearly the fullest extent.

“That’s your—You. It’s you? Is that—Jeongguk?” Jimin whispered, and then he grabbed
Jeongguk’s arm and pulled. Jeongguk sucked in a breath, and Jimin reached up and shoved
Jeongguk’s sweatshirt hood down. The moment he did that, Jeongguk was completely exposed. His
scent drifted right into the night air, and Jimin let out a little sob, gripping him tightly.

“Hyung,” Jeongguk choked out in a strangled voice, because like a fool, he hadn’t taken enough of
his scent blocking tea, having chosen to skip dinner thanks to the nerves, brain fog completely
consuming him. Now his scent was everywhere, and with Jimin right in front of him, it was
starting to seep through him like sand between his fingers, a telltale sign that his wolf was poised to
claim the omega.

“That’s your scent,” Jimin breathed, and Jeongguk could feel Jimin’s hands shaking, could inhale
Jimin’s scent as it spiked enough to nearly choke Jeongguk, the pre-heat creating the perfectly
chaotic mixture of vanilla and peppermint meant to draw Jeongguk in. And for the first time ever,
with Jimin in his arms, Jeongguk’s own scent strengthened to a rainstorm, drenching Jimin in what
could only be described as wild want and pure love, a monsoon. Jimin’s knees nearly gave out as
he clung to Jeongguk, and he immediately began to cry, reaching up to bring his arms around
Jeongguk’s neck.

Jeongguk felt like he was out of his own body. His wolf was slowly taking over, calling out to the
omega for the first time, and Jimin’s wolf was responding so desperately that Jeongguk could
hardly breathe, his vision doubling. It was as if he could hear Jimin’s heartbeat in his ears, like the
blood running through his veins wasn’t his.

“Scent me,” Jimin gasped. “Please, please, please, I—scent me, please scent me. Alpha. S-Scent
me—”

It was primal instinct. Jeongguk threaded his fingers through Jimin’s hair, tilted his head to the side
to expose the area right underneath his jaw on the side of his neck, and then he finally, finally
pressed his nose right into Jimin’s scent gland, breathing in deeply. The moment he pressed his lips
to it, Jimin let out a sob, openly crying, whimpering, begging for more, whispering “alpha” over
and over again until his words slurred and he went nearly boneless. Jeongguk mouthed at Jimin’s
neck until every last hint of vanilla peppermint was gone, until Jimin smelled only like fresh
rainwater and nothing else. He scented Jimin until Jimin’s eyes rolled back, until he couldn’t speak,
until Jeongguk was holding him up. His wolf was howling elatedly, celebrating, inescapably proud
that their omega finally smelled like them.

“I love you. I love you so much,” Jeongguk gasped, still nosing at Jimin’s scent gland even though
the cocoon they were in smelled like a hurricane. Jimin’s sobs reduced slowly as he turned and
rubbed against Jeongguk’s scent gland, not quite scenting him but just absorbing everything, being
present, likely savoring the sudden calm, the eye of the hurricane for his pre-heat. Being scented
was quite easily one of the most comforting things for an omega in pre-heat, or an alpha in pre-rut.
Having the scent of a mate or intended mate was beyond imaginable, especially after both of them
had waited so long. Jeongguk’s wolf had never been so blissfully satisfied.

“I finally know,” Jimin whispered, and then he turned Jeongguk’s head and kissed him. Jeongguk
kissed back hungrily, licking along Jimin’s bottom lip, growling in the back of his throat when he
breathed in and realized Jimin smelled only like Jeongguk. His growl and the way he tightened his
grip made Jimin whimper, and then Jimin let out a small breath as he head lolled back and to the
side, neck exposed.

“Fuck, you just—” Jeongguk gasped, and then he dove and dragged his teeth lightly along Jimin’s
scent gland as Jimin cried out and collapsed, Jeongguk holding up all he weight. Without
hesitation, he bent and grabbed Jimin under his thighs, hoisting him up until Jimin could wrap
around him in a hug, curling his neck around Jeongguk’s. Jeongguk closed his eyes, head dizzy
with delirium, as Jimin’s breathing finally faded to normalcy.

“Your scent,” Jimin whispered. “Your scent is here with mine, too.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Jeongguk declared. “It doesn’t fucking matter. They’ll know I’m with you. It’s
okay.”
“God, it’s just—it’s so…” Jimin breathed in deeply. “I could stay here forever. Your scent is so
beautiful. Feels like a drug.”

“I know what you mean,” Jeongguk murmured, and he felt Jimin smile against his neck.

“Baby?”

“Yeah.”

“I need to clean off.” Jimin slowly slid down to his feet, and Jeongguk released him. His voice was
strangled as he added, “I’m—I’m just… I’m in pre-heat. I—I couldn’t control myself. I feel like
I’m burning up.”

“Okay. That’s fine. I brought a towel,” Jeongguk said, kissing Jimin’s warm forehead, pleased that
the omega still smelled like him. He reached into his backpack and handed Jimin the towel, and
then he turned and allowed Jimin a bit of privacy to wipe off the slick and cum from his body.
Jimin handed the towel back, and Jeongguk shoved it into his backpack, throwing his backpack
onto his chest again. He handed Jimin one of the water bottles, and then they both popped off the
cap and chugged the tea, knowing full well that cold scent blocking tea in a small dose would last
no more than two or three hours. Jeongguk then swung his leg over the bike, and Jimin climbed
back on.

“Jeongguk?” he whispered when Jeongguk started pedaling.

“I know. I’ll go as fast as I can,” Jeongguk said, because Jimin’s voice was weak, and he was
slumped over Jeongguk’s back helplessly, his breathing shallow, his body warm.

“It helped,” Jimin whispered.

“Scenting you?” Jeongguk asked, glancing over his shoulder. “Good. Just hold on, love. We’ll be
there soon.”

With the backpack secured on his chest, Jeongguk pedaled faster, glancing to the sky every now
and again because his phone was switched off now, and he couldn’t check the time. There was no
hint of sunrise, which meant that they were making good timing.

But as the minutes ticked away and Jeongguk began to recognize his path, several red flags began
to pop up. Jimin began to fidget, rubbing his nose into Jeongguk’s scent gland and dissolving into
tears because he couldn’t detect Jeongguk’s scent anymore. He started to cry harder when the pain
got worse as his heat loomed dangerously, even as he promised to keep holding on. And then,
about twenty minutes shy of Gananhan, Jeongguk had to slow down, because his head was starting
to hurt, and it felt like his skin was crawling.

“Are you okay?” Jimin whispered, sniffling as he nuzzled into Jeongguk’s neck.

“I’m fine, I just—I don’t know,” Jeongguk said, brow furrowed as he planted his feet into the
ground and balanced the two of them carefully. “It feels like I’m…” He trailed off and closed his
eyes, and then he took a slow, deep breath.

Jimin’s scent. It was everywhere. Everywhere.

But Jimin had consumed the scent blocking tea. So why was Jeongguk still breathing in vanilla
peppermint drenched in arousal and the desperate bitterness of an omega close to being in heat?
His eyes shot open as he gripped his handlebars, and then he glanced down.
The backpack. He had the towel Jimin had used in his backpack.

“Oh, fuck,” Jeongguk moaned, and Jimin squeezed his shoulders harder.

“What is it?”

“Your scent,” Jeongguk said, chewing his bottom lip. “Your scent is all over the towel I have in my
backpack. And I scented you for the first time, so my wolf is just—fuck, fuck.”

“Jeongguk?” Jimin whispered, fear laced in his voice. Jeongguk clenched his jaw, brought his feet
back up, and began to pedal off again, this time with fresh resolve, because if his hunch was right,
then they were truly racing the clock, and Jeongguk was absolutely fucked.

“We have to hurry,” he said, because now he was feeling frantic, like he had an unscratchable itch.
His goddamn wolf was taking the reins, all because Jeongguk’s scent had broken through the last
of the scent blocking tea. His wolf had gotten a taste of what Jimin was really like, and now
Jeongguk was precariously perched on the edge of being triggered into a phantom rut.

Phantom ruts didn’t happen often. Alphas experienced phantom ruts outside of their typical cycles
if someone else’s scent crawled under their skin and made a home, consumed them, triggered their
most primal instincts. Phantom ruts almost always happened when an alpha’s wolf recognized its
mate, or when an alpha’s wolf decided that they desperately needed to knot someone.

Jeongguk feared that it was both.

“Almost there,” Jeongguk said, because now he was sweating, and Jimin was quietly crying on his
shoulder. The omega was in clear pain, and Jeongguk was desperate to do something about it, but
that only seemed to make things worse. The scent blocking tea they had consumed hadn’t been
strong; Jimin’s scent was an aphrodisiac to Jeongguk, and Jeongguk’s scent was something Jimin
had just experienced for the first time. They were the perfect storm.

Gananhan was accessible via a two-lane gravel road that eventually turned into dirt. Jeongguk
turned his bike and coasted down the hill, gritting his teeth, the streets absolutely silent and unlit.
But Jeongguk knew the very pulse of the streets of Gananhan, so he navigated with ease, drifting
off to the left to take a side dirt road that led to his home. Every house was dark, but the moon was
full enough to provide some light. Jeongguk rode to the end of the street, and then he parked his
bicycle at the back of the house, hoping that Yoongi would do something about it while Jeongguk
was occupied.

“J-Jeongguk, help me,” Jimin gasped with a small sob, and Jeongguk dismounted his bike and
pulled Jimin into his arms. Jimin’s legs were weak, and he was burning up, breathing shallowly
from the pain. “I need you, I need you, I can’t—”

“Shh, shh, I know. Come here, baby, I know,” Jeongguk soothed, and then he scooped Jimin up
into his arms bridal style and cradled him close. Right on cue, the backdoor opened, and there was
Yoongi, barefaced and wide awake, face contorted in concern.

“Get inside,” he hissed, so Jeongguk turned sideways and carried Jimin into the house, feeling
ready to collapse himself. There was a kerosene lamp still burning, providing just enough light for
Jeongguk to see that the staircase to his bedroom was already unfolded and waiting, and there was
a single, dim light on in the bedroom. He carried Jimin up the staircase and gently laid him onto
the bed, hearing Yoongi’s frantic footsteps follow.

“Everything you need is in this room,” Yoongi said with haste, seeing the way that Jimin was
panting, in tears, writhing on the bed, reaching for a pillow as he curled up into a ball from the
pain. Jeongguk gripped the edge of the wall, bracing himself as he stared at Yoongi.

“Thanks, hyung,” he managed to say, and Yoongi grabbed him by the chin and tilted his face up.

“You’re fucking kidding me right now,” he said, because nobody recognized the signs of a wolf
going into rut better than Yoongi. “Jeongguk, you’re fucking kidding me.”

“I can’t help it,” Jeongguk whispered, his knuckles turning white. “I scented him about two hours
ago. He’s in pre-heat. You do the math.”

“Jesus fucking Christ. Don’t destroy the room. You can’t afford that, especially if the palace
guards come knocking. You need to keep your shit together,” Yoongi warned, and from the bed,
Jimin let out a quiet moan, turning his face into the pillow as he ripped his sweatshirt off
frantically.

“I have to help him,” Jeongguk said, feeling like he needed to bend over at the waist to control
himself, because now Jimin’s scent was permeating the room—the tea had worn off.

“Everything’s here,” Yoongi reiterated. “Water, small snacks, breakable shit removed. Condoms,
too, but I’m guessing he already saw a healer, so you probably won’t need them. I’m taking the
cord off the hook for the trapdoor so I can hide it. The window’s been covered. Taehyung stood up
here and made a hell of a lot of noise earlier, and the soundproofing is still good. Just—fuck,
Jeongguk, just stay quiet.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk croaked out, and Yoongi nodded. He reached forward and cupped his hand
behind Jeongguk’s head, pressed his lips to Jeongguk’s forehead, and then disappeared, folding up
the steps and locking Jeongguk and Jimin into the room.

Jeongguk dove for the bed immediately, ripping his sweatshirt and t-shirt off in one go as he did,
and Jimin grabbed for him, fingernails dragging against skin, until he was in Jeongguk’s lap.
Without a word, he tilted his head to expose his neck, and Jeongguk scented him, letting him rut
quietly with little gasps until he smelled only like Jeongguk. Just scenting him was sending
Jeongguk into the deep end, and now he felt like he was at a fork in the road, glancing at his rut
one way versus abandoning Jimin the other. It wasn’t even a choice.

“Hyung, listen to me. Look at me. Look at me, are you with me?” Jeongguk asked.

“I’m good,” Jimin whispered, his forehead against Jeongguk’s, his hands dragging down
Jeongguk’s chest and up to his biceps before settling on his shoulders. “I’m… I need you to fuck
me, though. Need it, I’m—Jeongguk, I have to…”

“I know. But listen to me first, before I lose you,” Jeongguk said, kissing Jimin’s lips hurriedly.
Before I lose myself, too, he thought. “I’m not good. Scenting you back there by the border, having
your scent on that towel that I rode all the way here with… hyung, I think it triggered my rut. And
if I—if I help you through your heat, I’m—I can’t control myself. I’ll go into rut. It’s either that or
abandon you, and I’m not doing that.”

“Y-You’re… You’re going into rut? A phantom rut?” Jimin whispered, still rocking his hips gently
against Jeongguk’s thigh as Jeongguk nodded. “That’s… oh, God.”

“Listen, if I’m with you, I don’t think it will be as bad as last time,” Jeongguk said feverishly,
keeping his voice down. “Because I won’t be alone, and I’ll have you here with me. But I need to
know if you’ll let me knot you.”
“Is that a joke?” Jimin breathed, letting out a weak laugh. “I’d impale myself on your knot right
now if you let me, and I’ve never even been knotted.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“I’m serious. Why would I ever let any random alpha knot me?” Jimin asked, sounding disgusted
and amused simultaneously. Jeongguk marveled at the way Jimin seemed to be holding it together
just enough to speak, because he kept closing his eyes and clenching his jaw.

“You saw the healer today, right?”

“I did. I’m in good condition. Good enough to handle an alpha in rut. So you can knot me,” Jimin
whispered, his voice trembling. “I’ll need it. I’ll need you. I don’t care if you’re in rut.”

“I won’t hurt you, I promise,” Jeongguk swore, and Jimin tilted his head and kissed along
Jeongguk’s jaw until his lips were on Jeongguk’s scent gland. Jeongguk moaned and pulled Jimin
closer to him, breathing heavily, feeling his coherence slowly fading.

“Jeongguk, I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“I’m… I’m about to go into heat. And you’re—this is a phantom rut,” Jimin whispered. “S-So…
Jeongguk, I…”

“What is it, love?” Jeongguk prompted, because he couldn’t take much more. All he wanted was to
drop the niceties and slam Jimin into the mattress, fuck him until he was a sobbing mess, knot him
so well that he lost the ability to speak.

“Our cycles are synced,” Jimin whispered. “And I want you to mate me.”

“You want— what?”

“I’m only asking,” Jimin breathed, his eyes still closed. “It’s the perfect timing. And I know—I
know it feels fast, but I love you so much, and I don’t want to keep waiting for a moment like this
again. S-So I’m asking you while we’re b-both still with it. My alpha…” He brushed his nose
against Jeongguk’s as Jeongguk sat in a stupor, dizzy with arousal and shock concurrently. “Please
be my mate. I want this forever. I want you forever. And if… if you’ll have me, if you want this…
please.”

“You realize what you’re asking, right?” Jeongguk whispered. “That’s—That’s…”

“I know what I’m asking. And I won’t change my mind,” Jimin replied. “While we’re in this
together, I want you to mate me. Make me yours. Claim me so no one else can have me.”

“Fuck, don’t talk like that,” Jeongguk groaned, his cock already fully hard just from the small
conversation and the way Jimin smelled like rainwater and pure arousal, his heat coming on in full
force.

“Yes or no?” Jimin asked. “It’s okay if you say no. I understand. But this is our chance. So I’m
asking you now.”

“I’ll do it.”

“You’ll—You will?”
 “It’s not fast to me. I want this forever, too. Want to make you mine. Claim you so— fuck, so no
one else can even touch you,” Jeongguk almost growled, fingers digging into Jimin’s hips to form a
temporary imprint. He wanted to mark every inch of Jimin’s porcelain skin until nothing remained
of Park Jimin, until he was only Jeongguk’s, and that was the recklessly abandoned thought
patterns of his wolf on the edge of a rut. But he was still in his right mind. And nothing made more
sense than sinking his teeth into Jimin’s neck and claiming him forever.

“Do it,” Jimin gasped, placing an open-mouthed kiss on Jeongguk's lips. “I’m yours. I don’t care
when you do it. Just bite me. Please, Jeongguk.”

“You’re mine. I’m yours,” Jeongguk promised breathily. “We’ll do it. We’ll mate.”

“Thank God,” Jimin moaned. “Now fuck me, I can’t stand it anymore, I’m—I need to just—I have
to let go, I can’t keep—”

Jeongguk threw Jimin back onto the pillows, dove, and grabbed the waistband of his pants, his
head swimming. The moment he removed all of Jimin’s clothing in one swift motion, he was gone,
and Jimin followed. He fell right into the deep end and dragged Jimin with him, both of them
sinking down to the depths to a place where they could both peacefully drown in nothing but each
other.

Chapter End Notes

and again I say - YEEHAW LET'S GET IT WE'RE GOING FOR IT NOW AREN'T
WE!!!

I'm on TWITTER
 ten
Chapter Notes

me: h-
the ch9 comments: the motherfucking TOWEL, there's a whole ass towel lying
around, WHAT ABOUT THE TOWEL HUH! that towel is trackable it's traceable i
have a tracking code for it right here that towel will be their downfall IT'S THE
TOWEL FOR ME why can't they get rid of the towel can someone burn the towel
WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THE TOWEL.

...............are y'all ok

also please forgive me for not answering comments, there were 600+ of them after two
updates and I literally just had zero mental capacity to form responses
HELPLSKJDJFK but I did, in fact, giggle my way through reading all of them
HHHHHHHHH

SO HERE'S CH10 AND IT'S A LOT AND THE TOWEL LITERALLY MEANS
NOTHING, YOU'RE SO WELCOME!!!! This is 11.8k and there's a whole lot of porn
right from the start lmao I have no shame ok please enjoy BYE!

Find me on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

staying up for you, day and night for you

we’ve been losing track of time, reaching higher heights

 only one thing on my mind.

-“sweat” by zayn

~~~

Jeongguk decided within five minutes that Jimin’s moans were his favorite sound.

“Please, please, please—” And then Jimin went completely silent, head falling back against the
pillows as Jeongguk thrusted into him in one go, knowing that Jimin was thoroughly prepped and
ready. Jeongguk had already fingered Jimin to a quick first orgasm, Jimin had sucked him off in
return, and they were still insatiable. There was no time to waste—they were both deep in the
headspace, oblivious to the world beyond the bed.

“Jeongguk, please,” Jimin gasped. “Just—ah, ah, h-harder.”

“Fuck, you’re dripping. Look at you,” Jeongguk said hoarsely, snapping his hips forward hard as
the bed rocked and Jimin’s breath caught in his throat, his fingernails dragging down Jeongguk’s
back, knees bent, ankles hooked around Jeongguk’s waist. Jeongguk pressed his hands into the
mattress above Jimin’s shoulders to brace himself, sweat trickling down his spine already,
breathing heavily as he fucked into Jimin fast, chasing a release with an ending he couldn’t predict.

“More,” Jimin demanded, pulling at Jeongguk’s hair insistently. “M-More, not enough, just— oh.”

mood: “sweat” by zayn

Jeongguk shoved Jimin’s legs down and then knelt on the bed, grabbing Jimin underneath his
thighs and tilting his hips up for a different angle. The moment he started to fuck into Jimin again,
Jimin let out a cry, arms thrown out as he clawed at the sheets and pulled, back bowing off the bed.
His scent was a drug, ravaging Jeongguk’s brain, his vision blurred, his wolf completely in control.
It had been so long, so long since he had had an omega with him during his rut, and this wasn’t
even a true rut—it was Jimin who needed more, who was begging to be fucked so hard that it hurt
in the best way, who wanted everything Jeongguk had to offer.

“God, it’s not enough, I just—” Jimin choked on his words as Jeongguk dropped his hips, and then
he shoved Jimin’s knees to his chest and sank back into his hole, slick soaking the bedsheets
already, Jimin’s cock hard against his stomach, his abdomen sticky with pre-come and sweat.
Jeongguk bent his head and grabbed at the skin of Jimin’s inner thigh with his lips and teeth,
sucking a mark that he knew would bruise. Jimin moaned, egging Jeongguk on, more slick gushing
out of his hole around Jeongguk’s cock.

“Keep going, keep going,” Jimin begged, so Jeongguk moved to the other thigh, dragged his teeth
until Jimin was whimpering, and then latched on, sucking another mark as he thrusted shallowly.
“Make me come, wanna come. Please, it hurts, it hurts, wanna come,” Jimin slurred, head back on
the pillows again. Jimin’s voice was the only thing that pulled Jeongguk out of his haze. He
blinked rapidly, and then he repositioned himself, angling and rocking his hips. The moment he
did, Jimin gasped, the tip of Jeongguk’s cock brushing his prostate.

“Shh,” Jeongguk said, wicked, and then he began to fuck into Jimin at that angle. He was tempted
to touch Jimin, stroke his neglected cock at the same time, but Jimin was already a mess. He was
moaning and chanting Jeongguk’s name, calling him “alpha” in desperation, and then he pulled the
sheets right off the mattress as he came all over himself, body tense.

“Holy shit,” Jimin gasped, panting. “That… God, that…” His eyes fluttered open, pupils blown,
and Jeongguk bent forward, still inside him as Jimin clenched purposely around his cock. With a
low growl, Jeongguk nosed at Jimin’s chin until his neck was bared, and he pressed his lips to
Jimin’s scent gland before scraping his teeth along the column of Jimin’s neck.

“You drive me fucking crazy,” Jeongguk said. “Smell so good, smell like your alpha. Fucking
soaking wet too, aren’t you? God, you’re so good, so good to me… so good letting me fuck you
like this.”

“Y-You just—you have no idea…” Jimin could hardly catch his breath, licking his lips as he stared
up at Jeongguk, his cock already growing harder. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to have
you like this. H-Hear you talk like that.”

“Mm.” Jeongguk was hyper-focused on Jimin’s neck, though, as if he was searching for the perfect
spot to sink his teeth into soon enough. He had very little patience, especially when his omega was
right there, looking so fucked out and gorgeous but begging for more, naked and aroused and
dripping with slick, Jeongguk’s cock still inside him. It had to be a dream.

“W-Want you to knot me,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk came back down to reality, sweeping in to
protect the love of his life, his mind unfogging for just a brief moment of clarity.

“You’ve never been knotted before,” he said, his voice already strained. “It might hurt. It’s
intense.”

“I don’t care. I want it,” Jimin said. “I need it. I—I know it’ll help. I feel like my entire body is on
fire, I can’t stand it, y-you have to do something, anything. J-Jeongguk, please, just—”

“Shh, okay. Flip over,” Jeongguk suggested. “It’s easier from behind the first time.”

Jeongguk was not an expert; he had only knotted one omega prior to Jimin. But the first time was
overwhelming, and Jeongguk knew himself well enough to know that knotting Jimin would be a
lot for his wolf, and it was unlikely that his knot would go down quickly. His wolf would want to
stay locked into Jimin as long as possible, even in spite of his rut, so that meant that Jimin would
need to be comfortable to lie and rest with Jeongguk’s knot inside him.

“Just—don’t you fucking dare,” Jeongguk growled, and then he grabbed Jimin’s hips, lined his
cock up, and thrusted right back into Jimin’s tight, wet heat as Jimin moaned, gripping one of the
pillows. He had flipped over onto his stomach as slick trickled down his thighs, and then he had set
himself onto all fours, arching back and presenting himself to Jeongguk, the most innate instinct of
an omega in heat. And Jeongguk, despite being more of a contemporary, couldn’t handle the sight
of the man he loved most presenting to him like that.

The soundproof room was the only relief, because Jimin was vocal. He collapsed almost
immediately and began to rut against the mattress as Jeongguk pressed his hand into the space
between Jimin’s shoulder blades and fucked him fast and hard. His entire body was on fire, his
wolf howling and ready, and he could barely breathe. Jeongguk fell forward, sending his cock
deeper into Jimin as he braced himself on the mattress by Jimin’s shoulders. In a fleeting moment
of coherence, he slowed his thrusts and lowered his head, pressing gentle kisses to Jimin’s
shoulders and his neck.

“Is my omega okay?” he whispered. “Hmm?” He could taste the salt of Jimin’s sweat on his lips,
strong scent on his tongue. “Do you feel good, baby?”

“J-Just…” Jimin had his hands on the pillow, head resting on them, and he turned it to the side
enough for Jeongguk to see that he had tears in his eyes. “So good, just—alpha, please. I—I need
it, I need…”

“I’m close, baby. Just hold on,” Jeongguk breathed, and then he pulled back up and started to fuck
into Jimin with far more vigor, the bed shaking, Jimin’s moans muffled by the pillow even though
he was eagerly pushing his hips back onto Jeongguk’s cock, his knees falling open more and more.
The room around Jeongguk began to melt away as the orgasm built up inside of him like a roaring
fire kickstarted with gasoline. Nothing else mattered except the way Jimin’s body moved
underneath him, the way he sounded as he moaned, the way he smelled, how he felt.

“F-Fuck, I’m gonna come,” Jimin moaned, and then he choked out another cry and lifted his hips
up, clenching tightly around Jeongguk as he came. The way Jeongguk could feel the pleasure
coursing through Jimin’s body was the tipping point.

“Shit, you’re just—oh, God,” Jeongguk gasped, snapping his hips forward, his hair damp with
sweat, arms nearly going weak. The only thing he could focus on was fucking Jimin into absolute
oblivion, because he was so close to his knot forming, could feel it happening.

“Jeongguk—can’t— please,” Jimin choked out, overstimulated. Jeongguk swallowed down an

infuriated growl as he paused.

“Are you okay?” he whispered. “I can stop.”

“N-No, don’t stop. Want it,” Jimin slurred, still panting. “I’m—it’s just—it’s a lot. But don’t stop,
don’t—don’t stop unless I say stop. Fuck me hard, Knot me, alpha.”

Jeongguk’s moment of concerned clarity shattered. He fucked into Jimin harder, and finally, he felt
his knot begin to form, swelling at the base of his cock. The moment it caught on Jimin’s rim the
first time, Jimin let out a sharp cry.

“Oh, God,” he moaned. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Jeongguk couldn’t stop. The entire king’s guard could have walked into the bedroom and he still
would not have found it in him to stop himself from knotting Jimin. Now he was locked into place,
and Jimin was almost sobbing from pleasure, because Jeongguk knew he was brushing right up
against Jimin’s prostate, still fucking into him. He could feel his release right there, right on the
edge. His knot continued to swell, stretching Jimin to a point where Jimin’s breath caught in the
back of his throat. The moment his back arched, Jeongguk lost it. He growled and snapped his hips
forward hard, and his knot fully formed, locking him into Jimin so tightly that the feeling itself
pushed Jeongguk over the edge. Relief flooded Jeongguk’s entire body in waves as he began to
come, filling Jimin up almost obscenely, so much so that he feared his knot wouldn’t hold it all in.
Jimin let out a broken sob that sounded much like the relief that Jeongguk was also feeling, and
Jeongguk just kept coming. He couldn’t stop, couldn’t control himself, and Jimin was moaning
underneath him.

Finally, the high faded, and Jeongguk’s eyes shot open, sweat dripping from his face onto Jimin’s
back, his lungs burning. He could still feel himself coming inside of Jimin, but it felt like a fire had
been doused. Jimin was quiet, slumped into the pillows, and Jeongguk used all of the strength he
had left to slowly prop onto one elbow and then the other, his chest pressed to Jimin’s back. With
another small thrust, he came again, and Jimin let out a tiny breath, fingernails dragging at the
sheets.
“It’s in,” Jeongguk murmured, feeling like an idiot. But what else could he say? He was delirious.
Jimin was full of his cum and still clenching around his knot, and his skin wasn’t itching anymore.
There was nothing, absolutely nothing more satisfying.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin sighed, and Jeongguk felt his heart explode with unadulterated love, his rut fog
clearing slightly. He bent and pressed kisses to Jimin’s shoulders, neck, and back, all covered in
sweat. It didn’t matter. This was his omega. This was the man he wanted for the rest of his life.
Fuck being a prince or a pureblood. It didn’t matter. Not now.

“You did so well, baby, so well, so good for me,” Jeongguk praised quietly, and Jimin sighed
again, pleased. “Was it good for you? Hmm? Does it feel good?”

“It—It hurts,” Jimin whispered. “But it’s… God, it feels… I feel so full.”

“Good or bad?”

“Good. So good. You’re still coming.”

“Your fault,” Jeongguk muttered, and Jimin let out a small, exhausted laugh. “I’m gonna roll so we
can lie down. Stay still, okay?”

“Okay—ah, ah,” Jimin gasped as Jeongguk rolled gingerly until they were both lying on their left
sides, Jeongguk spooning Jimin and hugging him from behind, knot still firmly locked into place,
Jimin’s thighs full of slick and some cum that had escaped. They were both a mess, but none of it
mattered. Jeongguk soothed Jimin’s pained whimpers with a few kisses, scenting him until he
calmed down. Then he reached over, grabbed one of the thin sheets, and draped it over their hips.

“We won’t have long,” Jeongguk murmured, his lips against Jimin’s neck as he spoke. After a few
gentle kisses, he added, “When I’m in rut, my refractory period is shocking. So my knot will go
down quickly.”

“I don’t want it to,” Jimin grumbled, and Jeongguk could see him resting one hand on his lower
abdomen, probably savoring the feeling of being so full and still having Jeongguk inside of him. It
was the most basic source of happiness for any omega in the middle of a heat—being knotted, and
being full of an alpha’s cum. There was very little that could be deemed more satisfying.

“I’ll fuck you again,” Jeongguk promised. “Knot you again. Don’t worry.”

“I usually…” Jimin took a deep breath. “I usually don’t get moments like this.”

“What do you mean?”

“In my heat. I’m always delirious for days. I never really come out of it. Someone forces me to
drink water and eat, usually right after an orgasm when I’m not crying. This… This is the first time
that I’ve been able to think straight in my heat. I still feel it. The pain. The burning. But I’m… I’m
here. You know?”

“Good,” Jeongguk whispered, and then he kissed the nape of Jimin’s neck. “I know. It’s nice to
have a moment of clarity. I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too.” Jimin shifted his hips, and then he winced and inhaled sharply. “Fuck, that’s—
you’re fucking huge, you know that? And you’re still coming.”

“Not as much,” Jeongguk said in his defense, grinning with his eyes closed. Jimin nuzzled into the
pillow and settled, letting Jeongguk gently roll his hips just a little to send his knot deeper inside
Jimin. They both quieted, Jeongguk’s arm draped over Jimin’s waist, and it took all of two minutes
for Jimin’s breathing to even out as he fell asleep—a miracle, given their circumstances. Jeongguk
continuously fluttered his fingers up and down Jimin’s thigh as they lay together, and then he
slipped his hand underneath Jimin’s hand to splay across his abdomen. The moment he did,
Jeongguk felt his eyes roll back as he pulled Jimin’s body to press harder against his, lifting his
head and dragging his lips along Jimin’s scent gland. If his omega didn’t reek of fresh rainwater,
then he wasn’t satisfied. It was almost like a feeling of pure panic in his current state. So he scented
Jimin as Jimin whimpered quietly in his light sleep, pushing his hips back and down onto
Jeongguk’s deflating knot. Jeongguk burrowed in and relaxed, dozing off as he hugged Jimin to
him.

It took only fifteen minutes for Jimin to wake again once he felt Jeongguk’s cock beginning to slip
from his hole. He writhed and kicked the sheet off, panting, his body temperature spiking rapidly
as he tried to keep Jeongguk’s cock inside of him.

“Feel too empty,” he slurred sleepily, and Jeongguk’s itch under his skin began to return. “J-
Jeongguk, I need—I need you, I need you.”

“Fuck, hyung, just—” Jeongguk slowly pulled out, his knot deflated but his cock hard, and Jimin
rolled onto his stomach and began to cry into a pillow, clenching around nothing to keep all of the
cum inside him but failing gracefully. Jeongguk grabbed his thighs, pulled him back onto his
knees, and then clumsily maneuvered the two of them until he was lying on his back with Jimin’s
ass directly over his face. Cum and slick were leaking mercilessly from him, but Jeongguk was
dizzy with arousal, his vision doubled as he gripped Jimin’s ass and spread him.

Jimin’s sobs were so thick with pleasure that Jeongguk’s arms trembled as he fucked his tongue
into Jimin, lapping up all the cum and slick that he possibly could, his wolf howling in sheer
delight because every drop on Jeongguk’s tongue taste like the perfect mixture of Jimin and
Jeongguk. It was intoxicating, and Jimin was writhing and dragging his fingernails so harshly
along Jeongguk’s skin that it was leaving marks, shoving his hips back and down onto Jeongguk’s
tongue.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he cursed breathlessly between sobs. “Make me come, m-make me come,
make—Jeongguk, Jeongguk, alpha, just—” Jimin let out an absolutely sinful moan in place of any
further words, a moan that filled the entire room. He came all over Jeongguk’s chest and stomach
as he rutted, and then he collapsed as Jeongguk curled his tongue and caught more slick, addicted
to the taste.

“Can you take me, baby? Please?” Jeongguk asked in a strangled voice, rolling Jimin onto his
stomach and spreading his legs, stroking his cock as he wiped his mouth with one thumb.

“Just fuck me,” Jimin demanded breathily, and then he reached behind with shaking hands and
spread himself open. Jeongguk lost himself on the spot. Everything after that was a haze. All he
knew was that he fucked Jimin so hard that Jimin’s body moved across the bed, that the growls he
let out when Jimin bared his neck were almost animalistic. And when Jeongguk pulled out and
came all over Jimin’s back, Jimin choked out that he was coming again, and his legs shook as he
did.

“Jesus fuck,” Jeongguk gasped, collapsing onto the bed, the fog in his mind clearing slightly. To
his left, he saw Jimin panting as he curled up into a ball, clutching his stomach, so Jeongguk
scooted over and slipped three fingers into Jimin’s hole experimentally. Jimin’s back arched
instantly, so Jeongguk gently pumped his fingers, curling one of them inside Jimin every few
strokes.
“God, you’re so good,” Jimin moaned. “S-So good, make me feel so full, so fucking good.”

“Can you come again?” Jeongguk whispered, kissing along Jimin’s shoulder. “One more time,
love? Hmm? Can my omega come for me one more time?”

“Yeah,” Jimin breathed, rolling slightly to expose his hard cock. Jeongguk kept three fingers inside
Jimin, and then he spat into the palm of his other hand and wrapped it around Jimin’s cock. It took
roughly two minutes for Jimin to come dryly, body going rigid as he clenched around Jeongguk’s
fingers and soaked them with more slick, sobbing that he couldn’t take much more.

“That’s it,” Jeongguk coaxed, his cock already stirring in interest after only a few minutes. But he
held it together, because Jimin seemed to be having another moment of clarity despite his post-
orgasm exhaustion. Jeongguk reached down and grabbed a water bottle, and then he twisted the
cap off and handed it to Jimin. Jimin sat up and chugged, and Jeongguk picked up another bottle
and downed its contents, mildly dizzy. The room was impossibly warm and smelled like sex to the
highest extent, but it smelled like them.

Jeongguk winced as he rolled off the bed and grabbed one of the washcloths that Yoongi had left,
alongside a bucket of lukewarm water that smelled like fresh soap. He dunked the washcloth,
wrung it out, and then climbed into the bed and wiped Jimin down, covering his body in kisses,
paying special attention to the scratches and brushes all over his porcelain skin. Jimin gritted his
teeth and covered his face with his hands as Jeongguk used gentle fingers to coax out the cum still
inside him, cleaning him up as best as he could.

“Let me change the sheets,” Jeongguk murmured, kissing Jimin’s forehead. He moved Jimin to the
foot of the bed, and then he pulled off all the sheets, shoved them into the empty laundry basket,
and grabbed a new set. Yoongi had prepared for everything. The sheets were changed, and then
Jeongguk wiped himself down and rolled back onto the bed, pulling Jimin into his arms, holding
another fresh washcloth.

“Hurts,” Jimin whispered, rolling directly on top of Jeongguk and squeezing Jeongguk’s hips with
his knees as he buried his face in Jeongguk’s chest. He smelled so strongly of vanilla peppermint
that Jeongguk felt like he could taste it on his tongue. “I want to scent you. Will you let me?”

“Mhm. Go ahead,” Jeongguk whispered, rolling his head to the side. Jimin turned and set his lips
on Jeongguk’s scent gland, pressing his tongue against it momentarily, breathing in deeply as
Jeongguk began to drown in the feeling of being scented by someone new for the first time, and
being scented by someone he loved so profoundly that time seemed to have ceased existing just to
accommodate for them. Once Jimin was satisfied, he hugged Jeongguk close.

“Try to sleep,” Jeongguk murmured. “Five minutes. Anything.”

“Feel so empty,” Jimin whispered.

“I know you do. And all I want to do is fuck you and knot you, but I don’t want to hurt you,”
Jeongguk admitted, already feeling like his skin was crawling even though Jimin scenting him had
been soothing. He wasn’t going to be able to hold out much longer without sinking his teeth into
Jimin’s neck to claim him.

“Mate me,” Jimin whispered. “Next time. Next time you knot me. I want it to stop. Want the pain
to stop. Want to be yours. Want it.”

“If it feels right, we can,” Jeongguk promised. “If it feels like the right time.”
He closed his eyes, Jimin’s naked body still draped over his, and like that, they both drifted off.

***

Time was irrelevant. Jeongguk had no idea if it was morning, noon, or night, or how many days
had passed. Having the window blocked meant that the small light in the corner was all they had.
All he knew was that they remained quiet, and nobody ever came knocking. They drank water and
ate in between their escapades, feeding one another and coaxing each other when one of them was
coherent and the other was right on the edge. Jeongguk was desperate to carry Jimin down to the
bathtub, but it would have to wait. They had already managed to fuck four times without mating,
once with Jeongguk knotting Jimin, but it hadn’t lasted long.

“Baby, look at me,” Jeongguk whispered. Jimin was kneeling naked in his lap as they kissed
feverishly. Both of their lips were swollen and close to chapped, their skin equally bruised and
battered and sticky from cum and sweat, hair a mess. But as Jeongguk reached up to brush his
knuckles against Jimin’s cheek, he realized that his fleeting moment of concern over mating Jimin
was ridiculous. How could he ever love anyone the way he loved Park Jimin? Who could ever
compare to his prince?

“I’m looking,” Jimin murmured with a tiny smile on his lips, even though his eyes were closed.
Jeongguk kissed him gently.

“I need to fuck you again,” he said, trying to keep his voice even, slowly losing himself in the
instinctive arousal that was starting to consume him, feeling like he had a growl lodged in the back
of his throat. “I think it’ll be the last time I need it. My rut’s almost over. So I’m going to knot you,
and I’m going to mate you. And you’ll need to complete the bond, okay? Will you do that?”

“Yes,” Jimin gasped, pressing his chest to Jeongguk’s before kissing him again, his hard cock
resting against his stomach, slick still leaking onto Jeongguk’s thighs. It had become shockingly
normal for them in their little cocoon, but Jeongguk was still addicted to the feeling, the smell,
everything. “Y-Yes, I’ve been waiting. Do it. Please, please do it.”

“Gonna fuck you just like this,” Jeongguk said, gripping Jimin’s hips. “Can you do that? Do you
have the strength?”

“I’m good,” Jimin promised as Jeongguk felt his forehead instinctively. He was still warm, but not
nearly as feverish as before. It was the perfect time. Knowing he didn’t need to be prepped at all
from how loose and wet he already was, Jeongguk aligned himself by lifting Jimin up, and then
Jimin sank down onto Jeongguk’s cock fully, hugging around his neck, still on his knees.

“God, you’re so perfect,” Jeongguk quietly moaned as Jimin began to roll his hips, searching for
the perfect spot, still leaking slick around Jeongguk’s cock as if they hadn’t been fucking nonstop
for hours, days. “So perfect, feel so good, smell so good, look at you.”

“I’ve—Shit, I’ve never— ah, Jeongguk,” Jimin moaned back when Jeongguk lifted his hips to
fuck up into Jimin. “I’ve n-never been this wet for anyone. You fuck me s-so well, I’m—oh my
God.”

“Gonna make you mine. Make you my omega,” Jeongguk growled, because now he was beginning
to slip. The end of his rut was within reach. His wolf was now bellowing at him frantically,
insisting that Jeongguk claim, mate, bite the omega in his lap. He’s ours, he’s ours, this one is
ours. The feeling was brand new to Jeongguk, but his adrenaline was pumping, his heart was
pounding, and he had never been so sure in his life.

Jimin began to ride him with more enthusiasm, panting, one hand gripping Jeongguk’s hair, the
other pressed to Jeongguk’s back. Jeongguk leaned in and kissed all along Jimin’s bare chest, over
the little bruises and marks on his collarbone that Jeongguk had made during one of the dozen
times they had fucked. With a deep breath, Jeongguk drank in Jimin’s scent, which, in a moment,
would no longer be just his scent. Once mated, he would smell so much different, and Jeongguk
would never be able to get enough.

mood: “salvation” by gabrielle aplin

“I’m close, I’m almost there,” Jeongguk choked out, feeling his knot beginning to form. His heart
was in his throat now, pounding in his ears. His wolf had never been so loud. It was as if he could
feel Jimin’s pulse in his mouth, on his tongue, everywhere. After months of thinking that Jimin
would be his star-crossed lover of sorts, that he would never be able to have Jimin as his omega,
Jeongguk was about to claim him for life. The stars had, quite the contrary, aligned for them.

“Jeongguk,” Jimin moaned, and then he choked on his own breath when Jeongguk’s knot caught
on his rim. Jeongguk pushed Jimin’s hips down further onto his cock as he thrusted upward,
delirious, feeling the way that his gums were beginning to ache like his body just knew. His knot
swelled, his body on fire, his mind blissfully clear of everything except Jimin.

“I’m—I’m…” Jeongguk inhaled and held his breath, and then his knot full form and locked him
into Jimin, and the orgasm consumed him absolutely, blinding him for a fleeting moment,
lightning shooting through his veins. Somewhere in the back of his head, though, he heard Jimin’s
voice.

“Do it, do it, do it. Jeongguk, do it, please, do it, alpha —”

Jeongguk cupped the back of Jimin’s neck with one hand, leaned in, and dragged his teeth along
Jimin’s neck, drinking in his scent one final time. He could still hear Jimin begging for it, and for
just a moment, Jeongguk was not himself. He was his wolf, and this was his mate. Jeongguk found
the exact spot he wanted, and then he sank his teeth in, breaking skin easily, tasting blood on his
tongue immediately. He vaguely registered Jimin moaning as he came just from the sensation, but
Jeongguk was almost out of his body. There was a sudden rush, and everything was Jimin, Jimin,
Jimin. His scent was in Jeongguk’s veins. His heartbeat was Jeongguk’s heartbeat. Every thought
in Jimin’s head seemed to flit through Jeongguk’s head as well, every emotion, every feeling. The
connection was immediate, solid, real, and all-consuming. Jeongguk pulled his mouth off and
licked over the wound immediately to seal it, seeing where his teeth had punctured Jimin’s skin,
seeing the bruising forming already.

“Baby, complete the bond,” he said breathlessly, stroking Jimin’s hair. “Bite me, complete the
bond. Go ahead, I’m yours. I’m all yours.”

Jimin braced one hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder, and on the opposite side, he leaned in and pressed
his lips to Jeongguk’s neck, searching. Jeongguk tilted his head to the side, panting when he felt
Jimin’s teeth dragging along his skin. And then he felt the painful pinch of Jimin’s teeth breaking
his skin, but the moment it happened, Jeongguk came again, moaning, his head falling back, the
pain evaporating instantly as Jimin’s tongue licked away any blood. The scent encompassing the
two of them was a mixture of fresh rain with vanilla and a hint of peppermint. Soothing, calming,
beautiful, them. Jeongguk felt like he was handing his soul over to Jimin. He could feel the way his
heartbeat was in sync with his mate’s heartbeat. Their minds were working in tandem. Everything
was so beautiful, radiant, and complete.

Jimin was his. And Jeongguk belonged only to Jimin.

***

Jeongguk wasn’t sure how long he and Jimin slept. His knot refused to go down for almost an hour
after they had laid together, basking in the afterglow of mating. Jimin was out like a light now, and
Jeongguk was spooning him from behind.

His rut was over.

The very second Jimin had completed the bond, Jeongguk’s rut had vanished into thin air. He was
entirely himself again, except for his scent. It was distinctly different, and he found it nearly
impossible to stop himself from nuzzling against Jimin’s bruised, fresh mating mark as the omega
slept soundly, letting out tiny sighs when Jeongguk touched him. Fascinated, Jeongguk lay in the
dim lighting and tracing invisible patterns on Jimin’s hipbone, sleepy but satisfied, his wolf quiet.
Jimin was asleep and dreaming, so Jeongguk was calm. He wasn’t quite sure if Jimin’s heat was
completely over, but he had been sleeping for almost two hours without waking up needing to be
touched or fucked, which was a first.

“I love you,” Jeongguk whispered, kissing the mark he had left on Jimin. Jimin stirred, but he
didn’t wake. Jeongguk quietly slipped off the bed and pulled on a pair of shorts, and then he took
caution and care when cracking open the door of his room, crouching down to listen. The house
was quiet, but he could see fading sunlight streaking across the floor, which told him that it was
almost evening. As carefully as he could, Jeongguk let the stepladder slide until it touched the
ground, and then he tiptoed down, his body aching, knowing that he was covered in bruises and
scratch marks, his neck still sore from where Jimin had left his mark.

“Figured it was you.”

“Yeah. I’m alive,” Jeongguk whispered to Yoongi, who was sitting on the couch with Taehyung
curled up beside him. Yoongi took one look at him, and then he literally threw his book aside and
leapt to his feet, tripping over the small coffee table he had built with his bare hands. He grabbed
Jeongguk by the shoulders as Jeongguk winced, and then he stared directly at the mating mark on
Jeongguk’s neck as Taehyung cursed quietly and hurdled over the coffee table in alarm.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Yoongi hissed, stunned. “You’re joking. Tell me you’re joking.”

“Not joking,” Jeongguk said, feeling smug and satisfied as Taehyung grabbed him by the hair to
investigate. “Wasn’t a snap decision, so don’t lecture me. We talked about it before we both went
into full rut and heat.”

“You fucking mated the crown prince of Dayangsong,” Taehyung breathed, stepping back and
lacing his fingers at the crown of his head. “Jesus fucking Christ. You really did it. They have the
entire king’s guard out looking for him and you just sank your teeth into his neck.”
“Do they?” Jeongguk asked, raising his eyebrows. Then he held up a finger. “Give me a minute. I
need to shower off. If you hear Jimin, yell for me.”

Jeongguk brushed past Yoongi to get to the bathroom, stripped down, and stepped into a hot
shower, scrubbing himself clean, nearly in tears when he wrapped the towel around his waist
afterwards because he still smelled Jimin all over him. His scent would never go away, and
Jeongguk had never been so delighted in his life. Feeling much better, he slipped into the closet he,
Yoongi, and Taehyung all shared, pulled on a new pair of shorts, and then padded out into the
kitchen again, ruffling his wet hair as it hung in his eyes.

“Tell me what’s going on,” Jeongguk whispered as he sat down on top of the coffee table. Yoongi
and Taehyung were seated on the couch again, eyeing Jeongguk carefully. “How long has it been?
What’s happening?”

“This is day two,” Yoongi said, and Jeongguk hummed, surprised. “So it hasn’t been long. But
seeing as you mated, it makes sense.”

“What’s going on at the palace? Have you heard anything? Tomorrow is supposed to be Jimin’s
mating day,” Jeongguk recalled, and Taehyung snorted.

“Haven’t heard a single peep. Nothing in the papers, nothing on the radio. But I got word from
someone in town that the king’s guard is out in full force near the eastern border, and no one
knows why,” he explained, wiggling his fingers in fake mystery on the last few words. “Guarantee
you they’re keeping it hush-hush because they don’t want to admit that the heir to the throne ran
off in the middle of the night with cold feet.”

“And that he did it easily,” Yoongi added. “With help from you.”

“Otherwise, we’ve heard nothing,” Taehyung continued, crossing his arms. “My guess is that
tomorrow, someone will show up at our door. Tomorrow or the next day. You’re safe for tonight,
so if you need to eat or bathe, now’s the time. Because we’ll probably have to lock you back up.”

“We burned your backpack. Sorry,” Yoongi said unapologetically, and Jeongguk snickered. “And
Taehyung went out and retraced half your steps to check for Jimin’s scent yesterday. Nothing’s
there, so you’re lucky. They’re quietly looking for Jimin now, but they won’t be soon.”

“Ah. Thank you. And yeah, that—that makes sense,” Jeongguk said with a chuckle, hands folded
together, elbows on his knees. “They’re not going to admit it to the public until they’re forced to
show their hand. Jimin’s already been enough of a problem to them, right? So maybe he’ll come
back. That’s probably their mindset.”

“But he’s supposedly out on his own and in heat,” Yoongi pointed out. “Sorry, not alone—I’m
pretty sure they’ve worked out that you’re with him by now. If they haven’t, they’re idiots.”

“Well, if anything, they’ll just be pissed that they missed their window of opportunity to force him
to mate,” Jeongguk said with a tired grin, and then he sighed. “So we’re in the clear for now.”

“For now,” Yoongi warned. “Calm before the storm, I think. After tomorrow, when they don’t
have an omega crown prince in heat to mate that alpha, all hell will break loose.”

“That’s fine. We’ll be ready,” Jeongguk said, and he saw Taehyung shake his head.

“I can’t fucking believe you,” Taehyung said, laughing in disbelief. “Not only did you help the
prince escape and are now harboring him as a fugitive, but you also casually spent his heat with
him and mated him. You’re the palace’s worst nightmare.”
“Good,” Jeongguk firmly said.

“I can’t even find the energy to scold you,” Yoongi said, sounding amused. “Guess you must really
be in love.”

“More than ever,” Jeongguk confirmed. “Being mated is… I don’t know. I still haven’t really
wrapped my head around it.”

“It’s fucking weird,” Taehyung said, and Yoongi snickered. “Especially at first. You feel their
heartbeat. You know exactly what they’re feeling and thinking. You’re just in sync all the time, and
being separated sucks. But it’s pretty cool.”

“It feels… really nice,” Jeongguk said, brushing his fingers over the mating mark on his neck. “I
never thought I’d be mated.”

“Yeah, well, imagine how Jimin must be feeling,” Yoongi pointed out. “He’s a fugitive from the
only home he’s ever known. Away from his friends. Living in an attic space in Gananhan. Newly
mated. He has to be overwhelmed.”

“I’ll take good care of him,” Jeongguk said fiercely. “Hyung, do you have any food?”

“I’m happy to heat up some doenjang jjigae or make some cold noodles if either one of you can
eat,” Yoongi said, and Jeongguk nodded, standing up.

“I’ll let you know. You sure neither of you feel like yelling at me?” Jeongguk asked, raising one
eyebrow and then narrowing his eyes suspiciously at his two best friends. Yoongi and Taehyung
glanced at each other and then back to Jeongguk.

“We could. But honestly, last night when we were lying in bed, I said that I had a feeling you’d
mate him,” Yoongi admitted. “I mean, we’re harboring a pureblood prince as a fugitive. It can’t get
more ridiculous than that.”

“Plus, we know you’re in love with him,” Taehyung replied, waving his hand. “And that he’s in
love with you, even though we’ve never even met the guy. So if you mated him, then obviously
you did it for a reason. Can’t yell at you for that. Can’t reverse the mating.”

“Thank you for your undying support,” Jeongguk said with sarcasm to Taehyung, and Yoongi
snickered, nudging Taehyung playfully.

“Don’t be such an asshole,” he chided. Glancing back at Jeongguk, he added, “Go see your mate.
We’ll be here.”

Jeongguk marched up the stepladder and pulled it closed, and then he peeked over at Jimin. Jimin
was still sound asleep, curled up in a ball like he was seeking warmth or a body to cuddle. The
room still smelled faintly of sex and arousal, so Jeongguk crouched down and pressed a kiss to
Jimin’s forehead. Still a bit warm.

“Sweetheart, I’m going to change the sheets,” he whispered, stroking Jimin’s sweaty hair away
from his forehead. “I need to move you. Come here, baby.”

Jimin groaned in his state of partial slumber as Jeongguk gently picked him up and set him back
down at the foot of the bed. He then pulled off half the sheets and put on a new set, moving Jimin
back to the head of the bed before pulling the sheets onto the mattress all the way. Then he grabbed
his favorite knitted throw blanket (courtesy of Taehyung) from the corner and set it to the side. He
picked up a washcloth and dunked it into the water, wringing it out and carrying it over to wipe
Jimin down.

“Mm,” Jimin hummed with a small frown, but Jeongguk worked quietly and quickly, wiping
Jimin’s face as well and then combing back his hair with a few fingers. He let Jimin remain naked,
and then he crawled onto the bed and pulled the blanket with him, covering the two of them as he
rolled onto his back. Jimin didn’t even open his eyes. He rolled as well until he was directly on top
of Jeongguk, chest-to-chest, and then he buried his face in Jeongguk’s neck, lips against the fresh
mating mark, and continued to sleep. Jeongguk’s entire body relaxed, his wolf appeased by their
omega being so close, hearts beating in time with one another.

Jeongguk hadn’t expected to knock out for the night, but when he woke, he finally checked the
little clock he had on his bedside table—five in the morning. It was nearly sunrise, and he still had
Jimin securely in his arms, spooning him from behind.

This is paradise.

mood: “don’t you worry” by oh wonder

With birds chirping from the roof, Jeongguk shifted, the sheets rustling, and he gently pressed his
lips to Jimin’s bare shoulder. He trailed up until his lips brushed against the slightly bruised, fresh
mating mark, and that pulled a bodily reaction out of Jimin. He sleepily gasped, back arching as he
bared his neck, and then he rolled, smacking his lips until he was lying on Jeongguk’s shoulder,
chin tilted up. Jeongguk ran his fingers backwards and up through Jimin’s soft hair, and then he
pressed his lips to Jimin’s forehead.

“Not warm,” he murmured. That meant that Jimin’s heat had passed at remarkable speed, and
Jeongguk knew it was a direct result of mating. His rut had ended abruptly when Jimin had left his
mark, his wolf utterly sated. Jimin, however, had woken up in the middle of the night asking to be
knotted, pleading with his mate until Jeongguk had happily obliged, and the sex had been sleepy
and slow but so satisfying. He had knotted Jimin and had spent almost a half hour inside him
before his knot had gone down, which solidified their new mating bond. Jeongguk had held his
mate in his arms and soothed him to sleep with soft kisses and sweet nothings, wondering how he
had gotten so lucky.

“It’s over,” Jimin whispered. “It’s… It’s over.”

“Could’ve gone again,” Jeongguk muttered jokingly, and Jimin gave him an exhausted smile.
“How do you feel?”

“Sore. Everything hurts,” Jimin murmured with a small frown. He barely finished speaking before
Jeongguk sprang into action. He rolled off the bed, scooped Jimin up with the blankets, and cradled
him as Jimin laughed and tucked his head against Jeongguk’s shoulder.

“My mate needs a bath,” Jeongguk declared, and then he shoved open the door with his heel like he
had done a thousand times, watching the steps slide and unfold to the floor. With ease, he carried
Jimin downstairs, all wrapped up, and he only granted Taehyung and Yoongi a small smile, since
they were sitting in the kitchen quietly, Yoongi drinking coffee.

“Good morning. You better move at the speed of fucking light,” Yoongi warned, and then he held
up the morning paper. Even from far away, Jeongguk could see the screaming headline—
CROWN PRINCE MISSING: THE HUNT FOR A FUGITIVE ROYAL.

“They’ll be here by afternoon, at my best guess,” Taehyung ventured, so Jeongguk carried Jimin
into the bathroom and cranked on the water with one hand, and then he gently set Jimin onto his
feet. Jimin quietly pressed himself into Jeongguk’s chest, and Jeongguk hugged him close.

“Are they doing it?” Jimin whispered. “Are they looking for me, baby?”

“Mhm. They waited until today. That’s what hyung thinks. But they were searching the eastern
border,” Jeongguk murmured. “So we don’t have a lot of time.”

Jimin dropped the blankets to the floor, and Jeongguk helped him step into the bathtub. Jimin
complained that he could wash himself up, but Jeongguk smacked his hand away and shampooed
Jimin’s hair himself, like he had done a thousand times before. He massaged Jimin’s scalp and
accepted the kisses that Jimin offered every thirty seconds or so, and then he wrapped Jimin in a
towel and scooped him back up.

“You’re milking this for all it’s worth,” Jimin grumbled, and Jeongguk smiled.

“Well, we do have to go back into hiding,” he noted. “Come on.”

He carried Jimin back through the kitchen and up the stairs, where the room had aired out a bit.
Yoongi climbed up the stairs after them and slid two containers onto the floor, and then he saluted
and disappeared, locking them back into the dim bedroom.

“What’s—oh, it’s food. I’m starving,” Jimin whispered, crouching down and grabbing the
containers. He sat on the bed cross-legged, and Jeongguk joined, accepting one container. Jimin
had the large container with the spicy cold noodles and some soft boiled eggs, and Jeongguk had
the container with kimchi in it. Barely speaking a word to each other, they both scarfed down the
food, their first full meal in almost three days even though it was half past six in the morning, and
then they brushed their teeth as best as they could and fell onto the bed together in each other’s
arms.

“How do you feel?” Jeongguk asked, reaching up to tuck Jimin’s hair behind one ear pointlessly.
The gesture made Jimin smile; they were lying with their legs tangled, facing one another.

“I think I’m running on adrenaline,” Jimin muttered. “I’m exhausted. I can’t even remember your
friends’ names. I know I should meet them, but I’m just… so tired. And my whole body hurts.”

“Don’t worry about my friends,” Jeongguk said. “You can meet them properly later. I know you’re
tired and your body hurts. But your heat only lasted two days.”

“That’s a new record,” Jimin declared, pleased. His scent indicated the very same, and Jeongguk
surged forward and kissed his mate with a smile, because Jimin, too, smelled like a combination of
the two of them. “My heats used to last for three or four days. But you helped me so much. I love
you.”

“I love you, too,” Jeongguk whispered, brushing his nose against Jimin’s. “My beautiful mate.”

“God, I can’t believe it,” Jimin breathed, in awe. “I haven’t processed any of it. That I’m… I’m not
at the palace anymore. That I actually managed to run away. I was in pre-heat the whole time, so I
barely… I mean, it’s hard to remember parts of it. Adrenaline. So this is…”

“Overwhelming?” Jeongguk offered, and Jimin nodded.

“Very overwhelming,” he whispered. “But I have you as my alpha.”

“That means nothing.” Jeongguk deflected immediately. “Do you have any idea how lucky I am to
have you as my mate? I never even thought we’d get the chance. I thought life would be cruel, you
know? But now…”

“Now I get to tell you I love you all the time. And you smell like me. And my mark is on you
forever,” Jimin supplied, fingers fluttering over Jeongguk’s mating mark as Jeongguk’s eyes fell
shut, a chill flitting down his spine. “And maybe when this mess is over, you can show me what
life is like in Gananhan.”

“I don’t know if you’ll like it,” Jeongguk whispered nervously. “It’s—It’s very different from the
life that you know.”

“I know. It will be shocking. But I want to learn,” Jimin said softly. “I want to live like my mate
lives. I just want to be happy. Happy and free.”

“You’ll be both,” Jeongguk promised, kissing Jimin with a somersaulting heart.

“I miss my friends, though,” Jimin whispered. “Namjoon especially. I miss him so much already.”

“We’ll get in touch with him when it’s safe,” Jeongguk said, and Jimin’s eyes shone in anticipation.
“I promise you. I won’t ever take you away from the people you love. We just have to be careful.”

“I know. Just… you promised,” Jimin stated. “I’ll hold you to it.”

“Good. As long as you promise me that you won’t leave if life is hard here,” Jeongguk murmured,
and this time, it was Jimin who leaned in for a kiss.

“You have nothing to worry about. My life is wherever you are,” he whispered. “I don’t care where
we are, as long as we’re together.”

That was the sentiment that Jeongguk carried with him as he draped his arm over Jimin’s hip and
closed his eyes, Jimin scooting closer to him. They both drifted off to sleep, scents tangled together
with a hint of happiness, and Jeongguk was certain that there was nothing else he would need in his
life. It all felt like a beautiful dream sequence, but it was abruptly shattered by three loud bangs
that shook the house. Jeongguk jolted awake, propping up on one elbow when he realized that the
banging was because someone was knocking on the front door.

“Jeongguk?” Jimin whispered, scrambling upright and then launching himself into Jeongguk’s
arms. His heart catapulting into hyperdrive, Jeongguk grabbed the knitted blanket, wrapped it
around the two of them, and pulled Jimin into a tight hug, closing his eyes. He could feel Jimin
trembling in his hold, and Jeongguk wanted to scream to the sky and curse whoever had ever
instilled this kind of fear mindset in his mate. He stroked Jimin’s hair and shushed him, both of
their scents heavy and sour with anxiety. The soundproof room made everything difficult to hear,
but Jeongguk’s ears were attuned to his environment, so he heard the front door open.

“They’re here,” Jimin breathed.

“Shh,” Jeongguk insisted, cradling the back of Jimin’s head as he heard the vague echo of voices
that were unfamiliar. Suddenly, all he could think about were the inconsistencies and clues he had
left all around the house—his bicycle out back, the shower and bathtub being used, the blanket he
had left on the floor in the bathroom. He was a goddamn fool, and he was the reason they were
going to be discovered.
It was absolutely excruciating. Jeongguk kept his eyes squeezed shut, hearing Jimin’s quiet crying
and feeling tears on his shoulder, feeling him shiver in pure fright with every breath. The voices
escalated and then lowered. There was banging and door slamming. In nothing but hollowed,
muffed echoes, Jeongguk heard his name several times from strangers’ voices. Jimin cried and
cried, and Jeongguk kept waiting for that moment, the moment where the trapdoor would fly open,
because that would be the moment when he would spring into action, ready to kill to protect his
mate. He wouldn’t hesitate. He would tear every guard limb from limb with his bare hands and
teeth and no remorse.

But it never happened. The door never opened. The screaming and crying that could have been in
the worst case scenario drifted into the past. The front door closed, and the house fell silent again.
Jeongguk held his breath for almost a minute, and then he deflated with tears burning his eyes and
hugged Jimin tighter as Jimin cried harder.

“Shh, you’re safe. It’s okay. They didn’t find us. You’re safe,” Jeongguk soothed, and Jimin
nodded against his shoulder.

“I-I’m not scared for me,” he whispered. “I’m scared for you. Th-They’ll execute you if they find
us together. I don’t want to lose you.”

“They didn’t find us.” Jeongguk ran his trembling fingers through Jimin’s hair. “It’s okay. We’re
safe. You won’t lose me.”

But even after that, neither one of them made a move to leave the bed, or leave each other’s arms.
There was still a lingering fear, that tiny glimmer of panic, that “what if?” thought pattern. Instead,
Jeongguk quietly rolled with the blankets still around them, laid on top of Jimin, and kissed him.
They kissed for what felt like an eternity, until the blankets became too hot, until Jimin was
sucking Jeongguk’s bottom lip, until Jeongguk was starting to gently but purposefully grind his
hips down against Jimin’s. As they kissed, Jimin reached up and pressed his thumb to Jeongguk’s
mating mark, and Jeongguk swallowed a growl, his teeth grabbing Jimin’s bottom lip. But he kept
kissing Jimin until both of them stopped trembling anxiously, until they forgot the state of fear they
had both been in.

“I’ll go check downstairs,” Jeongguk whispered, satisfied because he had a very naked Jimin lying
on top of him. He first ran his hands down Jimin’s ribs to his hips and then over his ass and back
up his spine, following every single curve of his body, savoring his smooth skin beneath rough
hands. He had noticed Jimin doing the same thing earlier—he had been tracing every single line
and curve of Jeongguk’s tattoos to pass the time, whispering sweet nothings about how beautiful
he thought Jeongguk was.

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Jimin asked, sitting up and wrapping the knitted blanket around himself.

“I’m sure. Let me look.” Jeongguk crouched down, and then he cracked open the door and peeked.

“It’s safe,” he heard Yoongi’s voice say. “Come on down. The sun is setting. No palace guards are
searching Gananhan right now.”

Jeongguk threw open the door entirely, and then he beckoned to Jimin.

“Jeongguk, I—I don’t have any clothes,” he whispered, and Jeongguk smiled.

“I’ll get you some. Hold on.”

Jeongguk hurried down the stairs in just his shorts, and then he went to his closet and grabbed a
pair of pants and a sweatshirt for Jimin, since it was chilly outside. He pulled on a pair of
sweatpants for himself, as well as a black hoodie, and then he took the stairs two at a time and
handed Jimin the clothing.

“It smells like you,” Jimin murmured, pleased as he pulled on the clothing. It was a bit too big on
him, but it didn’t matter. It was the first time Jeongguk had ever seen Jimin barefaced and wearing
sweats. His hair was hanging in his eyes, still freshly washed, and he was stunning. His presence
alone was enough to steal Jeongguk’s breath, but he was so pretty, pretty just by existing. He
wrapped the blanket around him like a cape, and Jeongguk led the way down the staircase,
extended his hand to help Jimin down, since Jimin was still weak and sore.

“Hungry?” Yoongi asked. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Taehyung, who was watching
Jimin like a hawk, wearing oversized black and grey clothing and a wrap-around headband to tame
his black curls.

“I’m hungry,” Jeongguk declared, glancing over at Jimin. Jimin had the blanket wrapped around
himself, and his nose was twitching slightly as his eyes flicked around the room, and he looked to
be curling in on himself nervously. His scent was anxious, so Jeongguk scooted over and kissed the
side of his mate’s head.

“It’s okay,” he whispered, because the mating bond was doing its job—he could tell that Jimin was
worried about what Yoongi and Taehyung would think of him, the first impression. “Just introduce
yourself.”

“...Hello. I’m Jimin. Please take care of me,” Jimin almost whispered, bowing to Yoongi and
Taehyung as he clutched the blanket to his chest with a very small but hopeful smile. “Um, thank
you for… for letting me stay here. I—I won’t take it for granted.”

Never once in his life had Jeongguk ever heard Jimin sound nervous or stutter over his words.
Being a fish out of water was just the tip of the iceberg. Yoongi was right—Jimin was likely so
overwhelmed by everything new all around him, and anxious that he had to meet two alphas who
probably did not have the highest opinion of the monarchy.

“I’m Yoongi. Nice to actually meet you,” Yoongi said first, the corners of his mouth turning up
with a hint of a smile. “Do you want us to address you formally? You still a prince, or what?”

“Just Jimin is fine,” Jimin said as Jeongguk gently rubbed his back to encourage him.

“Introduce yourself, fool,” Yoongi said, kicking Taehyung under the table. Taehyung cleared his
throat and sat back, crossing his arms.

“Taehyung,” he said, and Jeongguk waited for him to say more, but he didn’t. Jimin seemed
bewildered by the intensity of Taehyung’s gaze, but he just bowed again.

“Nice to meet you. Um…” Jimin licked his lips, brow furrowed. “What—What did the guards
say?”

“Oh. That’s a story. Sit down,” Yoongi said, kicking one chair out as an indication. Jeongguk
gestured and let Jimin sit in the chair, and then he sat down beside his omega, scooting close
enough to release some calming pheromones so that Jimin didn’t feel like he was going to lose
control. Jimin’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

“It was the palace guards, right?” Jeongguk asked.

“Yeah. They knocked. We answered together,” Yoongi explained. “They told us they were looking
for the prince. So, you know, I asked why they were looking for their crown prince, because
shouldn’t he be mated by now? Jimin-ssi, they said that you had snuck out of the palace on your
own a few days ago. So they don’t think that Jeongguk helped you escape.”

“They do think that Jeongguk met up with you somewhere, though,” Taehyung added, raising one
eyebrow. “But continue.”

“Right. So we said we hadn’t seen you,” Yoongi said to Jimin. “So then they dropped the bomb
that they were here to see you, Gguk, because they think you met up with Jimin. And Taehyung
did his best acting. Said we hadn’t seen you in almost four days. So of course, they thought that
was bullshit, but we talked them out of that.”

“Hyung, I left so many clues,” Jeongguk said in a panic. “I—I left my bike out back. I left towels
and things around the house. How…?”

“Oh, don’t you worry. We were five steps ahead of you,” Yoongi said with a grin. “You no longer
have a black bike. Taehyung wrapped it with silver and red designs and told the guards it was his,
because those fuckers asked whose bike it was.”

“They got nosy,” Taehyung said, sounding displeased, his scent souring mostly with apple. “Asked
to come inside the house, so we were like, okay, whatever. They had the audacity to sniff around
for you both.”

“One-fourth of the palace guards are trained to track down scents,” Jimin chimed in weakly.
“That’s normal practice.”

“Well, they didn’t catch your scent,” Taehyung said, avoiding Jimin’s eyes. “They only got
Jeongguk’s scent, but that was from all the clothes in the closet. They were assholes, though. It was
like they were trying to catch us in a lie. Kept asking where your bedroom was, Gguk.”

“So we told them that the three of us usually sleep in one bed and sometimes you sleep on the
couch,” Yoongi added. “And we share a closet, so that wasn’t too farfetched. They were about to
accuse us of lying, but Taehyung just called them morons and said that if they were here to judge
how three alphas lived, they could get fucked. They were unimpressed.”

“Threatened, more like,” Jimin said, sounding amused. “They like to think they’re big and bad, but
the south scares them.”

“Yeah, well, we scared the hell out of them, especially because we said that if we saw you, we’d
turn you in for the money,” Yoongi said to Jeongguk, and Jeongguk snickered, his shoulders
shaking.

“Sounds about right,” he said. “They didn’t even think to look for us? Didn’t ask about the ceiling
or anything?”

“Didn’t have a fucking clue. They threatened us seven ways to Sunday, but it’s all bullshit,”
Yoongi said.

“But Jeongguk,” Taehyung said warningly, “they have their orders. If they find Jimin, they’re
supposed to bring him back to the palace immediately, induce his heat, and mate him off. That’s
what they said almost word-for-word. As for you, they’re supposed to take you prisoner back to
the palace to be publicly executed.”

“Fuck,” Jimin breathed, pitching forward with his elbows on the table, face in his hands. Jeongguk
immediately lunged, grabbing Jimin’s wrists and turning his mate so they were face-to-face.
“Stop it,” he insisted quietly. “Stop feeling guilty. You didn’t make me do anything that I didn’t
want to do. Let them try to take me prisoner. I’ll never go with them. And imagine them trying to
mate you off now.”

Jimin cracked a smile, and then he leaned in and pressed his forehead to Jeongguk’s, both of them
breathing together. Jeongguk kissed Jimin softly, and then he rested his hand on his mate’s thigh
and looked back to his friends.

“So we’re both wanted men,” he said, and Yoongi hummed in acknowledgment. “Okay. We’ll
just… have to stay in hiding a little longer. Jimin hyung, do you think they’ll ever get tired of
looking for you? Will it die down when you don’t return?”

“I never want to go back,” Jimin whispered, and then he let his sentiment linger in the air as they
sat in silence. “I was a prisoner in my own life. I was never happy. Not until I met you. I’m never
going back there, Jeongguk. Not as long as my father is king.”

“Your father is being an asshole,” Taehyung said bluntly, reaching for the newspaper that was on
the table and holding it up in one fist, peeved. “Which is nothing new, but he’s being particularly
vocal about Jeongguk. They asked him for a statement.”

“What did he say?” Jimin asked, his voice clipped. Taehyung glanced down at the newspaper.

“...Ah, here it is. ‘My precious son was brainwashed into leaving the comfort of his home and the
promise of love by a bastard orphan boy from Gananhan. When we find Jeon Jeongguk and
ultimately return my son to his rightful place at the palace, I will make sure that Jeongguk pays the
highest price for such treason.’”

“Brainwashed,” Jimin repeated under his breath, snorting. “He’s obsessed with the idea that
someone isn’t a pureblood with a wonderful family. Can’t wrap his tiny brain around the fact that
Jeongguk is a human being and not a bunch of scrap parts put together to trick him. Calling him an
asshole is kind.”

“Then we’ll just have to keep you both here,” Yoongi declared. “Hide you away until the hype dies
down. Wait it out. Wait for the day your father’s rut cycle ends. See who takes the throne next.”

“It would be my aunt.” Jimin shifted the blanket around his shoulders. “But she’s been pretty vocal
about the fact that she has no interest in being queen. So if I’m not there… and if she says no…
that means that my cousin would be next in line.”

“Shit, Namjoon would be king?” Jeongguk breathed with a racing heart, and Jimin nodded.

“If I fail to return and my aunt abdicates, then Namjoon is next in line to the throne. They would
have no choice but to crown him.” Jimin dragged his teeth along his bottom lip in the silence, and
then he smiled. “And he’d pardon both of us. Which means we’d be able to come out of hiding. To
be honest, I think my aunt would pardon both of us, too. But until then…”

“Until then, you’re stuck here,” Taehyung said to Jimin, straightforward as ever. “Can’t leave
Gananhan. Can’t go out during the daytime unless you’re away from town. No one to brush your
hair or sing you a lullaby at night, no one to spoon-feed you. You gonna survive, Your Highness?”

“Taehyung,” Yoongi snapped as Jeongguk pressed his fist to the table indignantly, insulted for his
mate. Taehyung immediately seemed to understand that he had taken things too far, because his
sour scent mellowed as he stood up, shoving his chair back.

“I have to go,” he mumbled, and then he walked right past his shoes, threw open the front door, and
disappeared outside without shoes on, slamming it shut behind him so hard that the house shook.

“What the fuck is going on with him?” Yoongi said under his breath, rising to his feet. He looked
down at Jeongguk. “You good here for a minute?”

“We’re fine,” Jeongguk said, and Yoongi nodded. He then grabbed his coat, shoved his feet into
some shoes, and followed Taehyung out the front door. The moment the house was quiet, Jimin let
out a little sob, and Jeongguk pounced. He reached over and pulled Jimin off the chair and right
into his lap, and Jimin, usually immune to such things but still coming down from his heat and
feeling emotionally vulnerable, cried quietly on Jeongguk’s shoulder.

“He doesn’t like me,” he whispered. “H-He doesn’t want me here. What do I do? H-How do I fix
it? H-How do I make him like me?”

“Shh, stop,” Jeongguk quietly scolded, rubbing Jimin’s back. “I don’t know what his deal is. Every
time we talk about you or about the palace in general, he gets pissy. It’s not your fault. Look,
Taehyung… he’s different. He didn’t grow up in Gananhan. His life wasn’t so great when he was a
pup. He’s the most lovable person I’ve ever met, but he’s just… hard to get to know. He has a lot
of baggage. It’s not you, baby. You did nothing wrong.”

“I just want them to like me,” Jimin whispered, sniffing. “I want them to think that I’m—I’m
worthy of being your mate.”

“Yeah?” Jeongguk laughed softly. “God, I know that feeling. Felt it every time I was around your
cousin. I’m still scared of him.”

“Scared of Namjoon?” Jimin lifted his head, his eyes still brimming with tears but a small smile on
his face. “He’s harmless. Nature boy. Used to sneak out of his house when he was a pup just to
catch frogs.”

“Well, frogs or not, he was pretty threatening when I first met him,” Jeongguk said with a chuckle.
“So don’t worry about Yoongi and Taehyung. They’ll love you because I love you. You’re my
mate. They respect that. Taehyung will come around.”

“He’s right, though,” Jimin whispered. “Life here will be completely different. My father only let
me come to the south twice in my life—once when he was thinking of shutting down the black
market but got too lazy to do it, and a second time when I had to present something to the public
school here. I was in and out in ten minutes.”

“Well, you taught me about life at the palace,” Jeongguk said. “So I’ll teach you about life here.
You’ll never have to worry.”

“Okay.” Jimin leaned in and kissed Jeongguk quickly, but Jeongguk pulled him in for a second
kiss, slipping his arms around Jimin’s waist underneath the blanket. The moment he deepened the
kiss, Jeongguk lost himself in the warmth and familiarity, the auburn and golden rays of the setting
sun streaming through the window over the kitchen sink to bathe them both in a soft glow as they
kissed. This very moment, this snapshot suspended in time, was what Jeongguk had always dreamt
about but had never assumed he would have. A mate like Jimin had seemed unobtainable; Hoseok
had once warned Jeongguk that even looking at Jimin the wrong way was punishable. But Jimin
had stripped back all of Jeongguk’s layers on day one, weaseling his way in and creating a home in
Jeongguk’s heart. Jeongguk often wondered if Jimin was in just as deep, but sometimes, he felt that
the answers were in the way Jimin kissed him.

The front door opened, and Jimin immediately broke the kiss as Jeongguk looked at the door.
Yoongi was holding Taehyung’s hand with a firm grip, and Jeongguk could see that the mating
mark on Taehyung’s neck was a bit redder than normal. Taehyung hated being disciplined or told
that he was wrong for something, and Jeongguk knew that that was a trauma from his upbringing.
But Yoongi knew just how to bring Taehyung back to reality, even if it meant a warning bite to
remind Taehyung that he was cared for and loved.

“Jimin-ssi, I’ll get you some clothes,” Taehyung said tersely. “Since you’ll be here for awhile.
Just, uh… come pick them out. You’re hyung’s size—” He gestured to Yoongi— “but you’ll
probably want most of Jeongguk’s clothes. And, uh, I can make you some. I just have to measure
you.”

Jimin scrambled off Jeongguk’s lap, his scent a mixture of rain and vanilla to indicate his anxiety,
but he eagerly walked over to Taehyung.

“You make clothes?” he asked, fascinated. “Do you sell them?”

“Uh, yeah. Sometimes,” Taehyung said, pressing his tongue into his cheek. “Just—yeah. Come
with me.”

“Thank you, Taehyung-ssi,” Jimin said with a smile, and then he glanced over his shoulder at
Jeongguk with a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he followed after Taehyung towards the bedroom.
Yoongi blew out a breath as he collapsed into the kitchen chair, and Jeongguk leaned one elbow on
the table.

“What the fuck was that about?” he asked.

“I have no clue,” Yoongi admitted. “He didn’t go far. Just ran off to my shop. I asked him what his
problem was with Jimin, but he said he didn’t want to talk about it. I mean, besides the fact that
Jimin’s the crown prince and we’re hiding him as a fugitive, and that Jimin grew up with a silver
spoon in his mouth like Taehyung did.”

“So what, he’s mad about that?” Jeongguk hissed, keeping one ear trained on the door in case
Jimin needed him.

“Jeongguk, if I knew, I’d tell you,” Yoongi said, rubbing his brow with his thumb and pointer
finger. “He won’t talk to me about it. I just told him that he needs to be fucking nice because
Jimin’s nervous and overwhelmed enough. And he knew that. Fucking admitted that he caught
how anxious Jimin was because of his scent. So I don’t know. Maybe he’ll come around.”

“Jeongguk-ah!”

“What is it, baby?” Jeongguk stood up and turned to the bedroom, where Jimin was emerging with
some clothes in his arms, smiling. He was still a bit pale, but he looked far healthier than he had
the last time Jeongguk had seen him post-heat. Just seeing the bite mark on Jimin’s neck made
Jeongguk’s wolf swell with pride. Look how pretty our mate is.

“I got some clothes, but Taehyung-ssi said that he’ll make me some pants that will fit me,” Jimin
said, sounding amused. “And a coat, since it’s almost winter.”

“Is he done being an asshole?” Yoongi asked, and Jimin snickered as Taehyung scoffed, flopping
onto the couch.

“Look—” Jimin handed over the clothes to Jeongguk, and then he looked between Yoongi and
Taehyung. “I know that I’m not… the most welcomed guest. It’s dangerous to have me here. I get
that. You’re risking a lot, both of you. And you don’t know me that well. I’m an omega in a house
 with two mated alphas. We’re nothing alike. But… I don’t know. I just… I want to learn from you
all. I don’t want the life that I was forced to live. This is the first time in my life that my days aren’t
scheduled.”

“You’re welcomed here, Jimin-ssi,” Yoongi promised. “You’re Jeongguk’s mate. That’s enough
for us.”

Before saying another word, Jimin walked right into Jeongguk’s open arms, and when he bared his
neck, Jeongguk bent and quietly scented him, stroking his hair and holding tightly around his
waist. It was going to be a learning curve for Jimin, figuring out what his place was in the world if
he wasn’t sitting on the throne. But Jeongguk was committed to being by his mate’s side so they
could set the world on fire together and prove that things like status and blood didn’t matter. That
love cancelled all of that out.

“Being Jeongguk’s mate…” Jimin gazed up at Jeongguk locking eyes with him as if Yoongi and
Taehyung didn’t even exist, and Jeongguk was hopelessly in love. “Is something I’ll never take for
granted. And now I have a lifetime to prove it.”

Chapter End Notes

THAT WAS A LOT OF INFORMATION BUT WE'RE NOT SLOWING DOWN

ch11 is coming tomorrow and it's entirely from Jimin's POV and I wrote it in about 12
hours back in April was i OK? so wow yes here we go LET'S DO THIS!

I'm on TWITTER
 eleven
Chapter Notes

Hi again ;)

so this is the chapter that I wrote in I think it was like… maybe 12 hours total? With
breaks and stuff because I genuinely just couldn’t stop FKDJDJSJ SO HERE WE GO
it’s all Jimin’s POV!

I'm on TWITTER

See the end of the chapter for more notes

[moodboard by cata]

~~~

for every night, you’re my day - i wouldn’t have it any other way.

for every mountain, you’re the view - i can’t help but get lost in you.

for every breath, you’re my air - i can feel you everywhere.

for every shadow, you’re my sun - you’re the one.

-“must be dreaming” by bien

~~~

Life in Gananhan, so far, was confined to a very small bedroom.

Were it not for Jeongguk, Jimin would have felt like he was suffocating long ago. But the small
bedroom was a shouting reminder that Jimin had managed to escape the very suffocation he had
anticipated here, but had actually been the definition of his entire life so far. Now, lying in the bed
with Jeongguk fast asleep beside him and the dim light still on in the corner of the room, Jimin
realized how lucky he was.

mood: “must be dreaming” by bien

For years, he had dreamed of a faceless suitor sweeping him off his feet and whisking him away
from the trappings of being a royal. It was a game he had played in his mind to drown out the
misery of reality, pretending that each random stranger he met at a gala was the one. They never
were, but Jimin had always fantasized, only to end up disappointed. And then Jeongguk had
innocently stumbled into his life, creating a seismic shift.

Jimin quietly propped up onto one elbow, his arm still around Jeongguk’s waist, and he stared
down at his mate. Jeongguk was lying on his back with one arm flung over his head, the other arm
around Jimin to hug him close. His neck was exposed, so Jimin could see the mating mark he had
left, and it made him shiver happily. His lips were parted slightly as he slept; Jimin had already
used one finger to gently trace the Cupid’s bow he had, admiring. When he slept, he looked like a
pup, and Jimin felt his heart swelling. Jeongguk, with his mess of long hair and eyes with a
thousand stories, with his broad shoulders and tattoos, with his rough hands but always a gentle
touch. He was a walking contradiction, and Jimin feared he would be forever spellbound.

Jeongguk was the kind of man Jimin’s parents had warned him about growing up. Of all the boxes
that needed to be ticked for a suitable mate in the eyes of a royal, Jeongguk ticked approximately
zero. He had no status. He had no family. He had no fortune. He knew nothing about life in
Gogwihan and had never rubbed elbows with the royal family. And because of that, maybe in spite
of it, Jimin had fallen head over heels.

“You’re thinking.”

“Hmm?” Jimin blinked rapidly, realizing that Jeongguk’s eyes were cracked open.

“I can hear you thinking,” Jeongguk murmured. “About your family.”

“Not exactly. But you’re close,” Jimin whispered, brushing his knuckles along Jeongguk’s cheek
with affection. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Jeongguk’s forehead. “I was just loving you.”

“Don’t you always do that?” Jeongguk muttered.

“Yes. But I was dedicating time to it.”

“That’s very adorable of you.”

“I’m always adorable, so thank you.”

“Go to sleep,” Jeongguk murmured, his eyes falling shut again. It was nearly three in the morning,
and they were both trying to get back to a normal sleeping schedule.

“I will. You first, darling,” Jimin whispered, closing his eyes and breathing in the sweetness of
Jeongguk’s scent as his head rolled slightly on the pillow. Their scents mixed together were so
lovely. The peppermint in Jimin’s scent had softened significantly, and the vanilla had
strengthened as if intertwined with fresh rainwater. Jimin’s wolf had never been so calm before,
and he knew it was because of the mating mark he now had on his neck. Yesterday, in the
bathroom, he had stared at himself in the mirror, trying to recognize the person looking back at
him. The blonde in his hair was fading (he was thinking twice about the color now), and he still
had a few bruises and marks on his skin, but it was the mating mark that Jimin thought made him
look best.

It had been exactly one week since Jimin had run away. Two days ago, the palace guards had come
back to knock on Yoongi and Taehyung’s door, and Jeongguk had held Jimin in his lap while they
huddled in the corner of the bed together. The guards had made their demands and asked questions
before disappearing again, promising to return in another week or two to check in. Jimin couldn’t
remember a time when his heart had raced so quickly at the fear of being found. He and Jeongguk
hadn’t left the house in seven days, cooped up to keep safe, but if the guards had no plans to return
for another week, then maybe they could step outside.

“Hyung.”

“Mm.” Jimin stirred, and when he opened his eyes, Jeongguk was the one who was wide awake,
staring down at Jimin.

“It’s almost eight o’clock. Wake up,” he whispered.

“I’m awake,” Jimin groggily said, and when he blinked, he swore he saw a rapid flash of all the
moments Jeongguk had woken him up in his luxurious bed at the palace. Jeongguk, who had
always insisted on giving Jimin a glass of water in the morning, who had taken to kissing Jimin
awake when they had finally caved. Jimin sometimes felt as though he was taking advantage of
Jeongguk’s beautiful existence by being his mate, because too often, Jimin felt like he was
damaged. But Jeongguk seemed capable of withstanding just about anything.

“You’re thinking again,” Jeongguk noted, and Jimin smiled sleepily.

“I was actually thinking about my hair,” he admitted, and Jeongguk appropriately reached up and
carded his fingers through Jimin’s hair. “I think I want to dye it.”

“Oh?” Jeongguk raised his eyebrows. “No more blonde?”

“I told you why my hair was blonde,” Jimin quietly said, and Jeongguk’s expression shifted to
something darker but filled with understanding. “I don’t know. I saw myself in the mirror
yesterday, and I just… I don’t like it anymore. It doesn’t feel right. It feels—it makes me feel like a
fraud. Being blonde now makes me feel like I have to go back to the palace and be that person
again. Like I’m still a prince.”

“Technically, baby, you’ll be a prince forever,” Jeongguk pointed out, and Jimin sighed.

“Yeah, I know that. But I don’t want that role, you know?”

“I know.”

“I want to change it.”

“Then change it. Do whatever you want,” Jeongguk encouraged. “You’ll look beautiful no matter
what.”

“Yeah? You’d still love me if I dyed my hair orange?” Jimin asked.

“You’d look fucking hot with orange hair,” Jeongguk said without hesitiation, and Jimin grinned.

“I’d like to go back to black hair,” he said. “Back to normal. Back to what my hair was before I
presented.”

“Black is great. Whatever you want,” Jeongguk agreed. “Taehyung could do it for you. He’s dyed
Yoongi hyung’s hair a few times in the past.”

“Okay,” Jimin whispered, but his mind was racing yet again. Taehyung. Taehyung… why does that
name mean something to me? It wasn’t a rare name, but there was something about this particular
Taehyung that had Jimin’s curiosity piqued. He was almost fiercely certain that at some point in
his life, he had met this Taehyung. Normally, he would laugh at such a notion, but his wolf’s
instincts were never wrong, and it was his wolf who was pushing the agenda.

Jeongguk was the one who opened the door and let the ladder slide, and Jimin followed him
downstairs. The house was empty, and Jimin knew it was because Yoongi and Taehyung were both
at the shop working.

“Do you think you’ll ever be able to find work again?” Jimin asked, curling up in a kitchen chair as
Jeongguk poured some coffee for both of them. “Do you think I’ll ever be able to find a job here?”

“Without a doubt,” Jeongguk said, turning around and setting both coffee cups on the wooden
table. “It’ll just take some time. But you’ll be happy to know that almost every single resident of
Gananhan hates your father, and if they knew that you ran away because you hated what he was
making you do, they’d welcome you with open arms and hire you. We love a good traitor down
here.”

“A good traitor,” Jimin said with a snort, wrapping his hands around his coffee mug. He was
learning to dress warmly, because despite the chilly October mornings, Yoongi and Taehyung did
not heat the house unless absolutely necessary.

“What I’m saying is that someone will hire you eventually to do some work. They’ll think it’s
great that the former crown prince of Dayangsong doesn’t give a fuck about being a royal,”
Jeongguk added, and Jimin smiled, taking his first sip. He had been given the mug with HAPPY
BIRTHDAY written on it, apparently something Jeongguk had made for Yoongi back when they
were teenagers. Jimin had been given the same mug last week on his birthday. Jeongguk had
lamented his inability to celebrate Jimin properly, but Jimin had reminded him that the
disappointment was mutual—Jimin had resented being unable to celebrate Jeongguk’s birthday
back in September.

“Do you want to go down to the stream today?” Jeongguk asked as they finished sharing a
blueberry muffin. “Just the two of us. We’ll dress warmly and cover our faces. It’s the stream right
behind the house. No one’s ever down there.”

“Can we?” Jimin breathed in excitement, and Jeongguk nodded.

“It’s a two-minute walk. It’s not much. But we can at least go outside.”

“Deal.”

Jeongguk and Jimin both dressed in dark pants and sweatshirts, and Jeongguk offered Jimin a
beanie to cover his hair, as well as a face mask. Jeongguk put on a baseball cap and a face mask,
and they both put their hoods up. Then, Jeongguk with a pocketknife tucked away just in case, they
slipped out the backdoor and into the fresh air.
“God, just being outside is amazing,” Jimin said happily as they walked down the hill. Jeongguk
extended his hand to Jimin, and Jimin laced their fingers together. At the very bottom of the hill
and through the trees, there was a stream going downhill, decorated with moss-covered rocks and
fallen tree branches. It was so beautiful that Jimin paused, tugged Jeongguk’s hand, and then sat
down at the edge of the stream on the slope.

“This is the starting point,” Jeongguk said, gesturing. “Taehyung and I come down here and follow
the rocks all the way to the other side of Gananhan. We jump on them all like it’s a game. To go to
one end and back takes about three hours.”

“Can we do that one day?” Jimin asked, resting his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder.

“Of course we can.”

“It’s so pretty here,” Jimin said as he watched the water steadily flow to the east. “Nothing like the
man-made gardens at the palace. This is so much more… peaceful.”

“When we don’t have to hide anymore, we can come down here all the time,” Jeongguk promised,
his quiet voice sending a pleasant chill down Jimin’s spine. “I love being in nature. It’s where I
belong. My wolf loves it. I want you to feel that, too. That feeling, where you just… you just know.
It feels right.”

“You can show me,” Jimin whispered, linking his elbow with Jeongguk’s and then clasping their
hands together against their bent knees as birds chirped all around them. He closed his eyes, and
suddenly, he felt tears coming on, a lump in his throat. He sniffed, and in a flash, Jeongguk had
Jimin’s legs in his lap, and he was nosing past Jimin’s sweatshirt hood to scent him. Jimin tilted
his neck to allow it, letting everything that was Jeon Jeongguk consume him.

mood: “oh my love” by layla

“What is it?” Jeongguk asked, still peppering Jimin’s face with kisses. Jimin wanted to cry that he
didn’t deserve this kind of unconditional love and care, but maybe… maybe he did. Maybe this
was his point of realization. Maybe now he understood that he could have a good life that belonged
to him and no one else.

“It just hit me,” Jimin whispered as the birds continued to chirp and faint whispers of sunlight
broke through the canopy of trees while the stream continued to flow. “That I’m not at the palace
anymore. That I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to. That you’re my mate and not Dongwoo.
That I’m… I’m free. I can be outside when I want to. I don’t have to look a certain way or act a
certain way. There are no more rules.”

“You’re free,” Jeongguk murmured in confirmation. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure
you always are.”

“Jeongguk, I love you,” Jimin said, twisting his upper body now as he pulled down his face mask
to his chin like Jeongguk had. “I love you.” He kissed Jeongguk’s cheek, and then his lips. “I love
everything about you. I never would have gotten a chance at this life without you.”

“You know I’d do anything for you,” Jeongguk said, brushing their noses together. Jimin kissed
him once more before pulling his face mask back up and cuddling into the alpha’s shoulder,
perfectly content. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”

“Yoongi said something earlier to me that made me think. It was about how you escaped the
palace so easily. How you snuck out and left your bedroom so easily. You did it last week, and you
did it for the festival, and that other night we met up.” Jeongguk hugged Jimin’s legs closer to him.
“How?”

“How was it so easy?” Jimin smiled, his eyes closed. “You have a lot of time to think when you’re
a prisoner in your own life, Jeongguk-ah. I started playing around with the idea of sneaking out and
escaping after I presented at sixteen.”

“Did you really?”

“Mhm. I had all the time in the world, you know? And no matter what I did, I couldn’t be
punished,” Jimin replied. “Not the way that you think.”

“So you could explore.”

“Exactly. I did it in stages over time. I started leaving my bedroom window open at night to see if
anyone would notice, and no one did. I’d map out the gardens by my bedroom to find places where
I could escape. Then I started walking around the gardens whenever Hoseok was on duty in the
security office. I asked him where the blind spots were. He moved one of the cameras just enough
so that it didn’t catch my left side bedroom window.”

“Clever.”

“It took time,” Jimin said, remembering fondly how he and Hoseok had started conspiring the very
moment Hoseok had been hired at age eighteen to work at the palace while also studying at
university. Thick as thieves, the two of them, and Hoseok had always been intrigued by Jimin’s
little escapades. “I didn’t get Hoseok’s help until two years after I started hatching my plan. But
once the camera was off my window, I started climbing out my window at night time. I would just
sit there underneath it and wait. Time it out.”

“Shit, you really did have too much time on your hands,” Jeongguk laughed, and Jimin smiled.

“Way too much. I’d time out how long it took for the guards to do their pass through the gardens. I
recorded all the times. I would do it at different hourly intervals. Ten to eleven at night, one to two
in the morning. Whenever I could. Once I figured that out, I started walking around the far side of
the garden where the cameras wouldn’t catch me. Then I found a place where I could monitor the
guards’ movements on the other side of the wall.”

“Which you climbed.”

“Constantly,” Jimin said with a laugh, feeling Jeongguk laugh as well.

“That’s how I met you,” he recalled. “Well, that’s where I saw you for the first time.”

“You did,” Jimin whispered fondly. “Because sitting on that ledge was my excuse. I’d been doing
it for years. I always jumped down to the other side to see how long it would take for the guards to
respond. I did the same thing that day that you saw me.”

“How long did it take them?”

“Four minutes.”
“Pathetic,” Jeongguk declared, and Jimin giggled.

“But that’s how,” he said. “It took years of planning for me to get to a point where I could sneak
out and come back without being discovered. I started planning when I was sixteen. I didn’t feel
comfortable doing it until I was about twenty or so. So that’s four years.”

“But once you could do it…”

“Once I could do it, I took advantage. I used to sneak out and meet Hoseok at bars, or meet
Namjoon at a pub,” Jimin recalled. “That’s the only way I ever got laid,” he added with a laugh.
“Never would’ve gotten the chance unless I had started sneaking out. Hoseok was the one who
found me some half decent betas or alphas to sleep with who didn’t recognize me.”

“That’s a true friend.”

“I mean, imagine if I hadn’t ever snuck out.”

“Well, being mated would have been a shock.”

“I would have gone feral,” Jimin said with a dry laugh. “Wouldn’t have known what to do. My
parents sheltered me so much as an omega that I would’ve been in the dark about all of it. If I
hadn’t sweet-talked my healer when I was a teenager, I’d be completely uneducated.”

“You amaze me. You know that?” Jeongguk said, and Jimin let out a breathy laugh, cuddling back
into his mate’s shoulder. “I mean, any other person in your situation would’ve just accepted their
fate. You fought back. I don’t know. Your willpower is just… it’s amazing.”

“All I ever wanted was a chance at a normal life,” Jimin whispered. “I never wanted to be king. I
had only resigned myself to it because that was the path laid out for me. But I would have hated
every minute of it. All I wanted was to be a normal omega.”

“Do you think you have that chance now?” Jeongguk asked. Jimin smiled for what felt like the
thousandth time.

“More than ever.”

They headed back up to the house ten minutes later, and Jeongguk cooked a quick lunch for the
two of them as Jimin stood by and learned. He had taken dozens of cooking lessons during his time
at the palace, but seeing how Jeongguk did things was fascinating. The food he had wasn’t just pre-
made and readily available; the noodles he was using were handmade that Yoongi had picked up
from a local shop, and the quail eggs were fresh directly from a farm nearby. When Jeongguk
offered to make a drink, he pulled out peach syrup that Taehyung had made just with fresh peaches
and sugar.

Jimin had never felt so lost but simultaneously comforted in his entire life. He kept waiting for
someone to give him a command, tell him what his schedule would be, tell him where to go or
what to do or how to act, but it never happened. Jeongguk just kissed him and scented him when
Jimin asked and let Jimin sit and read a book in peace. Perhaps life in Gananhan was so far
contained to one little area, but Jimin was already enthralled.

“Oh! Hyung!”

“Yeah, hey,” Taehyung said as he kicked his shoes off, walking through the front door. Jimin
lowered his book as Jeongguk stood up.
“Do we have any black hair dye?” Jeongguk asked, and Jimin’s heart skipped as Taehyung’s eyes
fell onto him.

“We do. Why? Are you going incognito?” he said, arching one eyebrow at Jimin.

“I’d like to get rid of the blonde for good,” Jimin said. “I was forced to dye it blonde to attract a
mate. I don’t want it anymore, and Jeongguk said that you could dye my hair.”

“Yeah. I could. Uh… yeah. Let me eat first,” Taehyung said as he yanked open the fridge. Then he
grinned, and even from the couch, Jimin could make out the happy spike in his apple cinnamon
scent. “Hey, you made noodles.”

“Yeah, take them,” Jeongguk said as Taehyung pulled the container out of the fridge. He set it
down on the countertop, and then he walked over and nuzzled the side of Jeongguk’s head with his
nose, ruffling Jeongguk’s hair.

“Knew I missed you for a reason,” he teased as Jimin watched, fascinated by their dynamic. Seeing
Yoongi and Taehyung together was incredible, given their outgoing alpha personalities but clear
love for one another. But seeing Taehyung with Jeongguk was nice, because Jimin could
immediately pick up on how much Jeongguk enjoyed having Taehyung’s attention, and how much
Taehyung adored Jeongguk.

Jeongguk sat on the couch with Jimin while Taehyung ate, and as Taehyung was cleaning up,
Yoongi walked through the door, pulling his face mask down, black hair hanging in his eyes. He
was strikingly handsome to Jimin in a very unconventional way. In the north, most people would
look at Yoongi and be frightened by his aura alone. But Jimin could see why Jeongguk loved
Yoongi so much.

“Well, this is cute,” Yoongi commented, chuckling as he kicked his boots off and propped a sword
—an actual sword — against the wall.

“Hyung is going to help Jimin dye his hair,” Jeongguk announced immediately as Taehyung
washed his hands. Yoongi raised his eyebrows as he approached his mate, and with Taehyung still
by the sink, Yoongi stroked Taehyung’s black curls and kissed his cheek.

“That’s nice of him. Any food for me?” Yoongi wondered.

“In the fridge,” Jeongguk said as Taehyung beckoned to Jimin with pursed lips. Jimin gave
Jeongguk one final glance, and then he followed Taehyung into the bathroom. Taehyung closed the
bathroom door, and then he used a foot to shove the little wooden stool in front of the mirror,
gesturing to Jimin informally. Jimin swallowed the lump in his throat, and then he sat down
quietly, folding his hands in his lap as Taehyung located a box of hair dye in the little cabinet.
Taehyung then stood behind him and started running his fingers through Jimin’s blonde hair.

“Just straight up dye it black?” he asked, and Jimin nodded.

“Please.”

Taehyung then ripped the box open and mixed the dye up in silence, but his eyes kept flicking to
the mirror like he was checking on Jimin. As he pulled the black gloves on, Jimin narrowed his
eyes slightly, because he still couldn’t shake the feeling in the pit of his stomach that this was
familiar. “Taehyung” was a name he had heard before—it wasn’t exceedingly rare. But there was
something about this Taehyung that bothered Jimin.

“Might be cold,” Taehyung advised, and then he parted Jimin’s hair with a comb, held it back, and
started to paint the dye onto Jimin’s hair, working from the roots first. It was cold and felt strange,
but it was nothing Jimin hadn’t experienced before.

“How did you meet Yoongi?” Jimin asked conversationally. “You two are a good pair.”

“Thanks.” Taehyung’s voice was a bit clipped. “I came to Gananhan years ago and walked into his
shop. Needed a sword. He made one for me.”

“Did you ever think your mate would be another alpha?” Jimin wondered.

“I didn’t really think much about mating anyone until I met him,” Taehyung replied, still painting
the dye onto Jimin’s hair. “But it never really mattered. I mean, to me it never mattered.”

“What do you mean?” Jimin prompted, and Taehyung just shrugged.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Taehyung-ssi.”

“Yes?”

“I have to tell you something,” Jimin said, and Taehyung paused, glancing up into the mirror. “I
feel like… I feel like I know you. You’re so—so familiar to me. Like I’ve met you before. Why is
that?”

“Don’t know. You tell me,” Taehyung said, and immediately, his tone of voice suggested to Jimin
that he was spot on—they had met before in some fashion, and Taehyung wasn’t happy about it.

“Taehyung… Taehyung,” Jimin repeated quietly to himself as he closed his eyes. He came to
Gananhan years ago. Something about me rubs him the wrong way. What—

And then it dawned on Jimin.

“Taehyung,” he whispered, opening his eyes. “Kim Taehyung. You’re—That’s you. Isn’t it?”

Taehyung pursed his lips and said nothing.

“From the Kim family. I—I know there are a lot of Kim families in Gogwihan, but you lived in the
cul-de-sac next door to the Jungs. Hoseok. Jung Hoseok, do you remember him? He works at the
palace. He’s a guard there. He—He was a year ahead of us in school. Dayangsong Selective
Primary School. You were in my class.”

“Stop,” Taehyung whispered, sounding pained.

“We were desk buddies,” Jimin recalled, his heart twisting. “We sat next to each other in first
grade at the same shared desk. I—I forgot my pencil case on the first day, and you shared
everything with me. We shared lunch, too, almost every single day. We played together on the
playground. You used to—to try to lift me up to the monkey bars because I couldn’t reach. Don’t
you remember?”

“Of course I remember.” Taehyung threw the brush into the plastic container and stared at Jimin in
the mirror, gaze hardened. His scent was so bitter and sour that Jimin’s nose wrinkled
subconsciously. “That whole year, it was you and me. We were best friends. And then second
grade happened, but we weren’t in the same class. No, your father went and put you in a special
class for all the smartest students. Kept you isolated. And you forgot I existed.”
“Taehyung—”

“And it fucking hurt me, you know that? I don’t care how young we were. We were pups.
Everything was instinct. I sniffed you out in seconds. Thought you’d be my best friend. And then
you just… disappeared,” Taehyung said, his voice strained. “And your fucking father shamed my
father to his face. Told him that his son wasn’t intelligent enough to be around you. That you were
far too good to have a friend like me or associate with my family. You know what that fucking did
to my father? He treated me like a fucking plague every day of my life until I ran away. Every
goddamn day, just because your fucking pathetic excuse for a father said that I wasn’t good
enough to be your friend.”

“Taehyung, I—fuck, I didn’t know,” Jimin whispered, feeling a lump form in his throat. “My father
never told me anything. I had no control over my childhood. Everything I did was planned for me.
My parents ordered the school to make me stop playing on the playground by fourth grade so I
didn’t get hurt. I was barely allowed to make friends. My father chose my friends for me. I had no
fucking idea that he was saying shit like that. Jesus Christ.”

“I know. I know that,” Taehyung said briskly, picking up the brush again and mixing the dye as a
distraction. “I know all of that. I’m not an idiot. But I—I’ve always held a grudge over it, okay? I
always blamed your father for ruining my life, and then I blamed you because of it. And when
Jeongguk said he was getting a job at the goddamn palace, I was pissed. Even more so when he
said he was becoming your caretaker.”

“Because you thought I’d hurt him like I hurt you,” Jimin said softly.

“Worse,” Taehyung corrected. “I thought you’d hurt him worse than you hurt me, even though you
didn’t even fucking know you hurt me. But that’s what my brain told me. And then there goes
Jeongguk, falling in love with you, and I just… shit, I don’t know.”

“Taehyung, if I had known that I’d hurt you that much, that my father had done that, I would’ve
tried to fix it,” Jimin said, feeling the tears form in his eyes. “I remember everything from first
grade. You were so special to me. You were my first real friend. I loved you so much. But I—I lost
track of you so quickly. I only remember hearing all the gossip a few years ago in passing.”

“Yeah? About how my parents were publicly shamed yet again when their oldest alpha son ditched
the good life?” Taehyung asked, his scent still sour apple. “Left Gogwihan on foot and never came
back? Wonder if they know what my life is like now.”

“They’d be mortified,” Jimin whispered with a small, watery smile.

“Yeah? Good. Let them be mortified. Stupid fucking status. As if it matters that I’m a pureblood. I
might not be rich, but at least I’m happy,” Taehyung declared heatedly, and Jimin’s smile widened.

“Kim Taehyung, you’re everything I aspire to be,” he said with a small laugh as Taehyung resumed
painting the dye onto Jimin’s hair. “And for what it’s worth—I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I hurt you
like that.”

“It’s fine. It’s okay. You didn’t know. It’s not even your fault. I guess I can’t hold a grudge now
that you’re Jeongguk’s mate,” Taehyung said with a chuckle, his scent finally settling. “Didn’t see
that one coming.”

“Neither did I,” Jimin whispered, fiddling with his fingers.

“Just… promise me that you’re serious,” Taehyung said. “About Jeongguk. About wanting this
life. I know you’re already mated to him, so obviously you’re some kind of serious. But life here…
it’s different, Jimin-ssi. You won’t be treated like royalty at all. You’ll be equal to everyone else.”

“You’re speaking to my soul,” Jimin said with a short laugh. “I’ve spent my entire life resenting
my upbringing and hating myself thanks to my parents. I’ve never wanted to disassociate and
detach from them more than I do now. I hated being a prince. I hated being the crown prince even
more. And being an omega? My father would never give me all the power. He’s too classist and
prejudiced to ever let an omega be in control.”

“Yeah, trust me, I know,” Taehyung said with a chuckle, dyeing the sides of Jimin’s hair now near
his ears. “Well, as long as we’re all on the same page. And for what it’s worth on my end, I’m
sorry I was such an asshole to you. I’m not really great at sharing my feelings.”

“I forgive you,” Jimin said, and he saw Taehyung’s lips twitch in a smile. “Honestly, if I hadn’t
been straight out of my heat, I would have been an asshole back to you.”

“Yeah. Jeongguk said you’re a little feisty.” Taehyung grinned, and Jimin snickered, his wolf
pleased with how the room smelled now. Taehyung’s scent was a happy mix of apple with a touch
of cinnamon now, and Jimin’s anxiety was gone.

“You design clothes,” Jimin said, and Taehyung nodded, tilting his head to the other side so he
could check to see if he had covered Jimin’s entire head. “Can you teach me? Teach me anything.
Whatever you do here in Gananhan.”

“I think Jeongguk will want to do most of that,” Taehyung pointed out, sounding rather fond. “But
if you really want to learn the basics, I guess I can share a few of my secrets with you.”

“Thank you, Taehyung-ssi,” Jimin said with gratitude. “And thank you for telling me your story. I
get it now. You went through a lot to get to this point.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t really like using my sob story as an excuse,” Taehyung said, dropping the
brush and pulling off the gloves. “But you triggered something terrible in me, and you didn’t even
know. So… I don’t know. I’m not an asshole. I promise. I can be a good friend.”

“I know you can. So can we be friends?” Jimin wondered and Taehyung pursed his lips in a small
smile, his fingers scratching Jimin’s back affectionately for a moment.

“Yeah. I’d like that.”

“And I'm serious.” Jimin blinked in the mirror at Taehyung. “You said that I need to be serious
about being with Jeongguk. I’m serious. I love him. I’d die for him. He means the world to me.”

“Good,” Taehyung firmly said, leaning against the countertop. “He deserves that. And maybe I
don’t know you that well, but you probably deserve it, too. Jeongguk’s been in love with you for a
long time. Just be good to him.”

“I will.”

“Hey, what ever happened to Nayeon? Remember her?” Taehyung said, and Jimin burst out
laughing and launched into the story about Nayeon’s family as Taehyung hopped onto the
countertop, his legs dangling. They talked nonstop, giggling and gossiping for twenty minutes as
the hair dye settled into Jimin’s hair, and Jimin marveled the entire time about how shockingly
different Taehyung’s demeanor was now that he had aired his grievances. He spoke like he was
still a pup seeking friendship with Jimin, and Jimin was just as vulnerable and hopeful. He had
never once dreamed of having Kim Taehyung, his long-lost desk buddy from first grade, back in
his life like this. Was the universe truly that kind?

Taehyung gestured for Jimin to bend over the bathtub twenty minutes later, and Jimin laughed and
said that Jeongguk had made him do this before.

“He learned it from me,” Taehyung joked as Jimin knelt down. “Okay, bend forward. Head
under.”

Taehyung scrubbed the dye out of Jimin’s hair as Jimin watched the water turn a murky black
color, and he closed his eyes when Taehyung shampooed his hair with rough fingers. The towel he
used was black, and he ruffled Jimin’s hair and then examined him carefully.

“You want the undercut back?” he asked. “I can do that.”

“You can?” Jimin asked, amazed. Taehyung opened the cabinet and grabbed a pair of clippers, and
Jimin plopped back down in the chair, fascinated as Taehyung worked on his hair with ease. It
wasn’t professional, but clearly Taehyung knew what he was doing. Jimin had to wonder if
Taehyung was the hairdresser of the house, if he cut Jeongguk and Yoongi’s hair as well.

“Done.” Taehyung took a step back, and Jimin stared in the mirror at himself. His hair was
completely black with an undercut now, damp and hanging in one eye. It made him look so much
different—older when he turned his head one way, hardened when he turned his head the other
way, and then just Jimin when he stared dead on. He no longer had to be blonde just to attract a
mate he didn’t want. Now he could just be himself.

“Sorry,” he said when he began to cry, and Taehyung just gripped his shoulder, releasing some
calming pheromones that soothed Jimin’s tears almost immediately. He blew out a breath, nodding.
“It looks great, Taehyung. Thank you. This means the world to me.”

“Yeah, not a problem.” Taehyung gripped the bathroom doorknob. “I’ll, uh… I’ll try to be better to
you. Not be so angry. Now go show Jeongguk. He’s been pacing out there for ten minutes. I can
hear him.”

Grinning, Jimin slipped out of the bathroom when Taehyung opened the door, and then he walked
into the open kitchen area, tugging on his own fingers nervously. Jeongguk was, indeed, pacing.
When he pivoted and saw Jimin, his jaw dropped, and then his face split into the most beautiful
smile as he charged Jimin and swept him right off his feet. Jimin laughed and hugged Jeongguk
around his neck, deliriously happy. Jeongguk set him down and kissed him so hard that Jimin
arched back, laughing. He tangled his fingers in Jeongguk’s hair, eyes rolling back when Jeongguk
leaned down and scented Jimin immediately.

“You look so beautiful,” he whispered, and Jimin’s wolf howled in pride and delight at having their
alpha’s approval. “My gorgeous omega. I love it.”

“It looks good?” Jimin whispered hopefully, and Jeongguk kissed the tip of his nose.

“It looks great. You’re beautiful,” he said again as Jimin’s heart swelled. “So beautiful. All mine.
Hmm?”

“All yours,” Jimin breathed into the next kiss, and then he gripped Jeongguk’s shirt desperately,
oblivious to the other two alphas in the room. As they kissed, he realized that he had never felt
more like himself than in this moment. He was mated by choice, in the arms of the man he loved,
living away from the palace, and had the hair color he wanted. This was it. This was everything he
ever wanted.
“Get a room,” Taehyung complained somewhere from Jimin’s left, so Jeongguk scooped Jimin up
and carried him right up the stepladder as Jimin laughed, shameless. The moment Jeongguk pulled
the trapdoor shut, Jimin reached and grabbed his arm, pulling him over to the bed, both of them
tumbling down.

mood: “all i got” by baekhyun

“Fuck, you’re so gorgeous,” Jeongguk said, but Jimin had him pinned to the bed, straddling his
hips. “You could’ve dyed it pink and I would love it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Jimin whispered with a grin, tugging on Jeongguk’s shirt. Jeongguk sat up
halfway and pulled his shirt off, and Jimin’s hands flew to his strong chest, his wolf fighting to the
forefront, body already tingling with arousal. “You gonna fuck me like this now? With black
hair?”

“Is that your excuse?” Jeongguk asked, sitting up again and using both hands to shove Jimin’s shirt
up, his lips finding one of Jimin’s nipples instantly. Jimin let out a little breath of pleasure, arching
into it, eyes closed. Quietly, they went back and forth undressing, and Jimin kept Jeongguk pinned
to the pillows, both of them now naked, Jeongguk’s hard cock resting against his stomach just like
Jimin’s. Jimin was already leaking slick onto Jeongguk’s thighs, but he had learned quickly that
Jeongguk didn’t care.

“We have time,” Jimin whispered, leaning down to kiss his mate. “This is—Jeongguk, this is the
first time that we… we don’t have to rush. We don’t have to hide. I’m not in heat. You’re not in
rut.”

“We have time,” Jeongguk repeated, smiling. “Come here.”

They kissed feverishly, Jimin rocking his hips steadily as they did, Jeongguk’s thumbs rubbing
over Jimin’s nipples before his hands wandered Jimin’s entire body. There was no rush. They
could have sex without limitations now, something Jimin had desired for so long.

“Go slow, go slow… fuck, baby, look at you,” Jeongguk whispered in awe. He was propped up
against the pillows, and Jimin was gingerly lowering himself onto Jeongguk’s cock, settling with
his ass on Jeongguk’s hips when he bottomed out. Having Jeongguk inside him sometimes made it
hard to breathe, given how big he was, but Jimin had also never been so sexually satisfied in his
life. He adjusted to the full feeling as Jeongguk massaged his thighs, and then Jeongguk used a few
fingers to gather a bit of slick, using it as lubrication when he wrapped his hand around Jimin’s
cock.

“D-Don’t go fast,” Jimin requested, still rolling his hips experimentally, looking down at
Jeongguk. Jeongguk had one tattooed arm behind his head casually, his hair still tied up in a
ponytail, half of it hanging in his eyes in waves. He had all his piercings in his ears now (five in
each), and he was wearing a necklace with a crescent moon on it. Jeongguk had a rare, ethereal
kind of beauty that Jimin had never seen before. He was so effortlessly gorgeous, and his
mannerisms made him even more attractive, like the way he licked his lips every time Jimin
rocked his hips, the way the one dimple in his cheek appeared whenever he thumbed over the head
of Jimin’s cock, watching. That tiny little smile that said he knew exactly what he was doing, the
smile that did Jimin in completely.
“I won’t. I want to enjoy this. I want you to enjoy this,” Jeongguk said. “You want to ride me,
baby? Or do you want me to fuck you like this?”

“Wanna ride you first,” Jimin requested, and Jeongguk nodded. Jimin lifted up just enough, and
then he sank back down onto Jeongguk’s cock, his breath catching in the back of his throat when
he heard Jeongguk’s little moan. Encouraged, Jimin braced his hands on Jeongguk’s chest and
began to ride him, watching Jeongguk’s expression change, watching his pupils dilate fully,
watching the small flickers in his eyes as Jeongguk’s wolf showed up for fleeting moments on and
off.

“Shit, you’re so wet,” Jeongguk commented, both of his hands gripping Jimin’s ass as he felt the
slick leaking from Jimin’s hole. Jeongguk was big, but not even the size of his cock could keep
Jimin from gushing slick in a state of unadulterated arousal. “Always so wet for me, always ready,
aren’t you? Fucking dripping every single time I fuck you.”

“Fuck,” Jimin gasped, because hearing Jeongguk talk like that was such an unexpected turn-on. It
was filthy, but it was praise and not degrading, and Jimin thrived on it. He wanted Jeongguk to lose
control because of him.

“You like that?” Jeongguk asked, wrapping his hand around Jimin’s cock and stroking him in time
with Jimin’s rhythm. “Hmm? You like that you make a mess every time we fuck? Jesus, and
you’re still so tight, you’re a damn dream. Want to make you come all over yourself.”

“P-Please,” Jimin breathed, and then he felt Jeongguk bend his knees, feet on the mattress. The
moment Jeongguk lifted his hips to fuck up into Jimin, Jimin let out a cry, head thrown back as he
found Jeongguk’s knees with his hands. “Fuck, fuck—ah, Jeongguk, Jeongguk… f-faster, faster,
not enough, just—shit, that’s it.”

Jeongguk’s hands were on Jimin’s hips now as he fucked up into Jimin, and Jimin was in the
throes of pleasure, his cock leaking pre-come onto his stomach, the constant stimulation creating a
steady stream of slick leaking from his hole. The entire room smelled like vanilla and rainwater
tinged with arousal, and it was driving Jimin wild. He leaned forward again desperately, and
Jeongguk seemed to read his mind; he bent his head and pressed his lips to Jimin’s hot skin, and
then he sank his teeth into Jimin’s neck. It wasn’t hard enough to puncture, but it created pressure
on his mating mark, and Jimin let out a strangled moan, the orgasm building up in the pit of his
stomach.

“All this because you dyed your fucking hair,” Jeongguk growled, falling back onto the pillows
again. Jimin pressed his hands to Jeongguk’s knees and rode him faster, harder, panting as
Jeongguk’s hand found his cock again. The way he touched Jimin was fucking unreal. He knew
exactly what Jimin needed, sometimes even more than Jimin knew himself. His hands had calluses
on them, but with a deft flick of his wrist, he had Jimin coming completely undone.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Jimin chanted, gasping as he came all over himself just like Jeongguk had said.
Before he had even caught his breath, Jeongguk flipped him onto his back, throwing Jimin’s legs
over his shoulders. Nearly bent in half, Jimin moaned as Jeongguk fucked into him roughly,
deeply, steadily. He was at the perfect angle, because Jimin’s entire body began to shake as tears
burned his eyes from pleasure, his eyes rolling back again. He couldn’t even speak.

“G-Gonna knot you,” Jeongguk gasped. “Can’t stop. Can’t—I need to knot you.”

“Do it, do it,” Jimin begged, because he could already feel Jeongguk’s knot forming. His wolf was
roaring, because the fact that Jeongguk had lost control to the point where he felt he needed to knot
Jimin made Jimin feel powerful. He felt almost immortal. Their alpha wanted them. Breathing
heavily, Jimin clawed at Jeongguk’s shoulders as Jeongguk’s knot caught on his rim, and it
knocked the air right out of Jimin’s lungs. He cried out as Jeongguk thrusted deeply, growling, his
teeth back on Jimin’s neck. Without a warning, his knot formed fully, and he came with a small
whimper inside Jimin as Jimin sighed, head lolling against the pillows, feeling how much
Jeongguk was coming inside him, savoring the way he felt so full. It was so satisfying, something
he had never assumed he would like.

“...Hi.”

“Hi,” Jimin whispered, body covered in sweat and cum as he stared up at Jeongguk, who was
propped on his elbows, hair damp with sweat and hanging in his eyes.

“I love you,” Jeongguk breathlessly said, bending down to kiss Jimin. “So much. You’re so
beautiful.”

“I love you, too,” Jimin breathed with a smile, feeling Jeongguk continue to come even as they
spoke to each other. “You gonna lie down?”

“Mhm.” Jeongguk lowered himself slowly, and then he pressed his chest to Jimin’s and buried his
face in Jimin’s neck as Jimin embraced him, rubbing his back, eyes closed. Having Jeongguk
inside him, having Jeongguk’s full body weight on top of him, was something that Jimin loved.
Sometimes, he had small flickers of nightmares from back at the palace, the times when he had
been in heat and his parents had sent in some strange alpha to “take care” of him. It had happened
more than once, and each time, Jimin had nearly lost himself to the fear. But now Jeongguk was
whispering to him and kissing his neck, and those memories slowly dissipated.

That was Jeongguk’s effect on his life. No matter what kind of ghosts haunted Jimin, Jeongguk had
the magic touch to chase them all away. And Jimin was never going to let go of that.

***

Jimin asked to go down to the stream every single afternoon for the next five days, and Jeongguk
obliged. They were both getting stir-crazy, but the newspapers were still headlining Jimin’s escape
and how the palace was attempting to respond. Most of the government was almost positive that
Jimin had made it over the border as a fugitive, so they were in contact with their neighboring
kingdom in hopes of finding their crown prince and the hooligan who had helped him.

It was early morning when Jimin nearly leapt out of his skin in fright, because from downstairs, he
heard a loud knock on the door.

“Jeongguk? Jeongguk,” he hissed, sitting up and shaking Jeongguk awake. His eyes flicked to the
clock—seven in the morning. Jeongguk groggily rolled, and then he glanced at Jimin with one eye
cracked open. “Someone just knocked on the door.”

“Shit,” Jeongguk whispered, rubbing his eyes and waking up right away. “They’re back.”

Jimin’s heart leapt into his throat and began to pound in his ears, his hands becoming clammy as he
burrowed into Jeongguk’s arms, pulling the blanket around them tighter. With his eyes closed, he
listened to the barely-there sound of someone opening the door—probably Yoongi. Jimin had
gotten used to Yoongi and Taehyung’s patterns and movements around the house now.
“One voice,” Jeongguk whispered, listening closely. Jimin didn’t care how many voices there
were. He wanted the palace guards gone. He never wanted to see any of them again, never wanted
to think about life at Dayangsong Palace ever again. And every time they had been forced to stay
quiet and in hiding, Jimin waited. He waited and held his breath, anticipating the moment when he
would have to scream, when he’d have to cling to Jeongguk and bare his teeth at whoever was
trying to separate them, when he would have to fight until he was free or dead.

“Can you hear anything?” Jimin whispered, his hand pressed to Jeongguk’s chest. He could feel
the alpha’s heart racing nervously.

“No. I… I think it’s just one guard,” Jeongguk breathed. “I can’t tell.”

They fell silent after that, listening to the faint echoes of voices from downstairs, staying as still as
possible. Time seemed to move in slow motion, but then Jimin heard the door open and shut. Only
a few minutes later, the trapdoor opened.

“Hey, come down here.”

Jimin scrambled out of the bed with Jeongguk by his side, and they both crouched down and
peered into the kitchen. Taehyung and Yoongi were both standing at the bottom of the stepladder,
and neither of them looked alarmed, so Jimin headed down the stairs first, followed by Jeongguk.

“Who was it?” Jimin asked, hugging himself anxiously. Jeongguk came beside him, bent down,
and brushed his nose against Jimin’s neck until Jimin tilted his head to the side to be scented.

“It was just one palace guard,” Yoongi said, but he seemed bewildered. When he looked at
Taehyung to elaborate, Taehyung picked up a kitchen chair, twirled it in one hand, and straddled it
backwards.

“It was one palace guard who knew exactly where you were hiding and exactly how you had
escaped from the palace,” Taehyung said, and immediately, Jimin’s heart skipped a beat. He
stumbled over to the table and pressed his palms into it.

“Hoseok?” he gasped. “W-Was it Hoseok? Jung Hoseok? What did he look like? What was his
scent? Was it Hoseok?”

“His scent was pine,” Taehyung replied, and Jimin collapsed into the adjacent chair, his eyes
burning. “That him?”

“That’s him,” Jimin whispered as Jeongguk sat down beside him.

“He came by himself,” Taehyung continued. “He introduced himself by name. Said he was your
best friend, but I recognized the name, anyways. I told him who I was.”

“What did he say?” Jimin asked, a single tear slipping down his cheek.

“He just laughed. Said it was fate. He came by himself, but he didn’t have much time. He was
supposed to be doing a surprise spot check on us,” Taehyung replied. “But all he wanted to know
was if you were safe.”

“We denied it,” Yoongi said, leaning against the countertop. “We denied that we knew anything
until he pointed to the ceiling and said that he knew you were up there with Jeongguk hiding from
the palace guards.”

“Said he knew your bedroom was up there,” Taehyung said to Jeongguk, and Jimin saw Jeongguk
crack a small smile. “That he was your friend, too. Anyways, all he wanted to know was if you
were safe, Jimin, and if Jeongguk was okay, too. Said that he wants to turn the attention away from
Gananhan and to the eastern border so that you can both come out of hiding. He said that they’re
on the brink of ditching Gananhan and forgetting about us, so finding nothing in this house should
be the tipping point.”

“He’s saving us,” Jimin whispered, his heart clenching.

“He’s trying,” Taehyung replied. “He wanted you to come downstairs, but we said no. Said it was
too risky. He understood. He said that your cousin cried the other day because he’s so frustrated
that he can’t talk to you. Something about the librarian? He misses you, too.”

“Shit,” Jimin heard Jeongguk mutter, but he was already in tears. Jeongguk wrapped one arm
around Jimin’s shoulders and kissed the side of his head, but it did very little to fill the hole that
was forming in Jimin’s heart. He didn’t have much to attach to back in Gogwihan and had very few
real friends, but the three people who cared about him most were missing him.

“We tried to get more out of him so we could tell you, but he couldn’t stay,” Yoongi chimed in.
“He wanted to, but he ran out after five minutes. Wish we could’ve asked what was really going on
at the palace.”

“Bottom line is, he’s going to try to divert the entire search party away from Gananhan. And if he
can do that, then you two can start living a normal life,” Taehyung said. “Because I’ll tell you
what, every person who comes into the shop asks about you, Gguk. I’ve had a dozen people offer
to hide you themselves.”

“Yeah, some guy at the grocery shop yesterday said that he hopes the prince is somewhere in
Gananhan,” Yoongi said, amused. “So people have your backs. Give it a few more days.”

“He was here,” Jimin whispered, still emotional. “Hoseok was here. H-He was here, and I couldn’t
see him.”

“Hey. Look at me.” Jeongguk turned Jimin’s chair so they were facing one another. “I promised
you that you’d see them again. That you’d talk to them. I won’t break that promise, baby, okay?
Just give it a little time. At least now Hoseok knows that you’re safe. He can tell Namjoon and
Seokjin that you’re okay.”

“Yeah, we kind of told him that you two mated,” Taehyung said in a strained voice, and Jeongguk
snorted as Jimin whipped his head over to stare. Taehyung shrugged with a small smile. “He asked
for good news. Wanted to know if you were happy. So I told him you and Jeongguk mated. He
almost fell to the floor.”

“Sounds like Hoseok,” Jimin whispered, laughing tearfully as he nodded. “That’s good. Thank
you.”

“Just hang tight,” Yoongi said, sounding hopeful. “It sounds like they’re starting to come to terms
with the fact that you’re gone. Be patient.”

Jimin had very little patience, though, now that he knew that Hoseok was in the loop. He was
utterly restless for the next week, restless and cranky whenever he remembered that he couldn’t
really go outside without being covered head to toe, and even then, he could only go down to the
stream.

“JIMIN-AH!”
“Why the fuck is he shouting your name like that?” Jeongguk hissed. The door to his room was
open, and Jimin was just trying to figure out a way to make Jeongguk’s bedroom feel more like
home, but now Taehyung was shouting first thing in the morning. So Jimin abandoned his
halfhearted nesting attempts and sat down on the top step of the stepladder before sliding down on
his rear end a few steps, glancing at Taehyung.

“Listen to this,” Taehyung said, because he was holding up a newspaper, wearing his glasses. The
headline was loud: SEARCH FOR RUNAWAY PRINCE CALLED OFF. Jimin almost choked on
his next breath, but he leaned forward and listened as Taehyung read. “‘This morning, after three
weeks of searching Dayangsong, the search for Prince Jimin has been called off. Dayangsong
Palace’s guards have reportedly exhausted all resources and have searched from Gogwihan to
Gananhan with very little luck. A representative for the prince says that he believes it is likely that
the prince fled to the border and is now long gone.’”

“Who was the representative?” Jimin interrupted.

“Uh… Kang Taehyun?” Taehyung said in a questioning tone, and behind him, Jimin heard
Jeongguk let out a bark of laughter.

“That’s my attendant,” Jimin said, seeing a flicker of recognition in Taehyung’s eyes.

“Ah. Well, he said that the palace is wasting their time looking for you in Dayangsong,” Taehyung
continued. “And listen to this. ‘Palace officials have confirmed that former caretaker to the prince,
Jeon Jeongguk, is also missing. Jeon is thought to have helped the prince navigate to the border
and is considered a threat to Prince Jimin’s life. Multiple searches of Jeon’s home in Gananhan and
the local area have failed to produce results, leading officials to believe that Jeon is currently with
Prince Jimin. The search will now turn to neighboring kingdoms with fewer resources.’”

“Holy shit.” Jeongguk sat two steps above Jimin. “Hoseok came through for us. They’re backing
off.”

“They’re backing off,” Jimin said with a laugh, skipping several stairs and jumping into the
kitchen with a grin. “They’re really backing off, oh my God.”

“Jesus Christ, hiding in plain sight actually worked,” Jeongguk laughed, lacing his fingers at the
crown of his head with a grin. Jimin turned to look at his mate, whose nose scrunched in a smile,
and Jimin’s heart soared as he collided with Jeongguk to hug him.

Life in Gananhan suddenly began to expand. That night, Yoongi removed the covering from
Jeongguk’s ceiling window, letting the light in and moving Jimin to near tears. When he woke up
the next morning, Jimin stared at the ceiling and watched the branches and leaves of a tree sway in
the rising sunlight, watched a bird land on the edge of the window. Then he rolled over and kissed
Jeongguk’s cheek.

mood: “the slow song” by amy shark

“Wake up,” he whispered. “Wake up, darling, look. The weather is nice. Let’s go outside.”

“Mm.” Jeongguk stirred sleepily with a small pout, and Jimin melted. The alpha’s scent was like
fresh rainwater pouring down on peppermint, so distinctly them. Jimin burrowed into Jeongguk’s
neck, nose against his scent gland, and breathed in the beautiful scent that always made him feel
like he was home.

“Jeongguk.” Jimin paused and waited. “Jeongguk. Jeongguk? Alpha.”

“Hmm.” Jeongguk’s eyes shot open in interest, and Jimin promptly smacked his bare chest as
Jeongguk snickered. Then he dragged his hand down Jeongguk’s abdomen and pressed his entire
palm over Jeongguk’s cock beneath his boxer briefs. Jeongguk sleepily moaned, head rolling
towards Jimin, hips lifting slightly. Jimin quietly palmed Jeongguk's cock until it grew harder, and
then he kissed along Jeongguk’s neck and down one side of his chest.

“Let me suck you off before we do anything,” he whispered.

“I’m dreaming. This is a dream,” Jeongguk declared as Jimin disappeared under the blankets and
shimmied Jeongguk’s briefs down to his knees. Then he dove and took the alpha’s cock into his
mouth, hating that he couldn’t take Jeongguk in fully but using a few fingers to massage around the
base where Jeongguk’s knot usually formed to make up for it. He hollowed his cheeks and sucked,
tongue circling around the head of Jeongguk’s cock as Jeongguk’s hand found Jimin’s messy black
hair. Without once coming up for air, Jimin determinedly worked his mouth around Jeongguk until
all he heard was “Fuck, hyung—” and then Jeongguk was coming hard and hot down Jimin’s
throat. Jimin choked only once, but he managed to swallow every drop, the bitter taste on his
tongue as he pulled off and tucked Jeongguk back into his briefs. Then he popped up from the
blanket, wrapping it around his shoulders as he straddled Jeongguk’s hips.

“You’re a fucking menace,” Jeongguk said, because his cheeks were rosy with a post-orgasm
glow, his pupils were dilated, and he was breathing heavily. Jimin grinned.

“So eat me out.”

Jeongguk did. He ate Jimin out like Jimin was his breakfast, had Jimin’s legs wrapped around his
head as his tongue fucked into Jimin’s hole, gathering up all the slick as Jimin’s moans filled the
entire room. He begged for the most absurd things in his state of delirium, but Jeongguk played
along like a champion, saying that of course he would tie Jimin up to the bed one day, of course
he’d fuck Jimin while still knotting him, of course he’d be willing to break the bed if it meant
fucking Jimin hard enough to make him cry. Jimin didn’t even have to touch himself as he came,
and the gush of slick that poured from his hole would have been embarrassing if Jeongguk wasn’t
there to swallow every last drop.

“Fuck, you’re insane,” Jimin gasped, chest heaving. “You’re fucking insane. Oh my God.”

“Good morning,” Jeongguk said hoarsely, and then they both dissolved into laughter, taking no
shame in dragging their tired feet downstairs sweaty and covered in cum and slick. Taehyung was
already out, but Yoongi was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee. He took one look
at Jimin and Jeongguk, groaned, and turned his chair away, pointing directly to the bathroom.

“You two are disgusting,” he said dramatically.

“Thanks, hyung,” Jeongguk said with a grin, pulling Jimin into the bathroom with him for a
shower.

The weather was beautiful, even for late October. After showering, and still wearing black face
masks, Jeongguk took Jimin outside through the backdoor, and then he reached into a wooden
storage box up against the back of the house and emerged with four bamboo sticks. Jimin’s heart
soared as he lunged to accept two of them.
“It’ll be noisy. You think that’s okay?” he asked, already bouncing on his toes.

“Hyung has swords in here.” Jeongguk peered into the box before closing the lid. “If anyone
comes around, we’ll swap the sticks for swords and make sashimi out of them.”

Jimin burst out laughing, and then he shook his shoulders a few times and loosened up, correcting
his stance. Jeongguk was standing before him in black sweatpants and a black long-sleeved shirt,
wavy hair pulled back into a messy knot on the top of his head. Jimin was wearing comfortable
black pants and a white t-shirt, and his wolf inflated with pride when he assessed his situation. His
alpha, his mate, the love of his life, was standing across from him, ready to drill. Not a single alpha
from the north would ever dare. But Jeongguk had bruised Jimin up before, and he would do it
again. He didn’t treat Jimin like Jimin was breakable and fragile. He saw Jimin’s strengths and
capitalized on them. And that was what made Jimin feel like a lovesick fool.

“Come on, is that all you’ve got?” Jeongguk taunted as they circled each other, bamboo sticks
matching hit-for-hit. Jimin ducked when Jeongguk swiped at his head. “Being a fugitive made you
soft.”

“Shut up,” Jimin snapped, and then he ducked and spun over his left shoulder, backhanding
Jeongguk’s outer thigh. Jeongguk stumbled only slightly but still didn’t miss a beat, getting right
back into the rhythm. On and on they drilled, communicating silently, laughing when the other
missed or ended up getting hit. Jeongguk finally backed Jimin up until Jimin’s shoulder blades hit
the house near the window, but still, he tried to break free.

“Fuck,” he cursed when one of the sticks flew out of his hand, and then Jeongguk had one of his
arms pinned to the house, his other bamboo stick at Jimin’s throat. His grip tightened, forcing
Jimin to drop the other stick to the grass.

“Yield,” Jeongguk whispered, both of them panting. Jimin narrowed his eyes as he yanked his face
mask down to his chin, hating that he had lost the first round, but then he closed his eyes and tilted
his head just slightly, yielding. His body arched towards his mate’s as Jeongguk pulled his mask
down, dove in, and pressed his lips to Jimin’s mating mark, and then he cupped Jimin’s chin with
one hand and kissed him fiercely. Jimin moaned and kissed him back hungrily, eagerly, but then he
broke Jeongguk’s grip, grabbed the bamboo stick by his throat with both hands, and shoved it right
at Jeongguk’s throat, spinning the two of them until it was Jeongguk against the house.

“You yield,” he said, and Jeongguk laughed, head falling back against the house with a dull thud,
tongue pressed into his cheek.

“Knew I mated the right man,” he said. Jimin promptly dropped the bamboo stick, and he wrapped
his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, kissing him with a smile, gulping down the sweet scent of
rainwater as he did.

Jimin drilled with Jeongguk until lunchtime, when they both trudged back into the house and ate as
much as they could. Jeongguk said he needed another shower, so he disappeared into the bathroom
as Jimin finished washing up the dishes. That was when Yoongi walked through the front door,
having been out front. He was carrying a sword, and Jimin could tell that he had been outside
sharpening it and taking care of it.

“Yoongi-ssi?” Jimin asked, and Yoongi propped the sword up.

“What’s up?” he asked, ruffling his sweaty hair. Jimin stared at the alpha, the scent of teakwood
permeating the room, but it was comforting. Yoongi just had this vibe to him that made Jimin feel
safe to be himself. And Jimin was starving for knowledge, desperate to learn. He wanted to weave
himself into the fabric of life in Gananhan.

“I, uh… I was wondering,” Jimin started timidly, but then he cleared his throat and squared off his
shoulders with the confidence of a former prince. “I wanted to know if you would be willing to
teach me how to use a sword.”

“Yeah?” Yoongi threw open the fridge and grabbed the pitcher of water that was from the well,
pouring himself a glass. “You want to learn how to fight with one?”

“Yes. I’m good with stick fighting, and I’ve learned kendo and martial arts,” Jimin explained.
“Jeongguk and I were just out back. But I just… I want to learn. Will you teach me?”

Yoongi gulped down the water, his eyes trained on Jimin, and Jimin held his breath in anticipation.
Yoongi set the glass down in the sink, and then he crossed his arms, shook his hair away from his
eyes, and smiled.

“Sure. As long as you’re not a shitty student.”

“I’m a great student. Fast learner.”

“Let’s test out that theory. Come with me.”

Yoongi grabbed the sword that was against the wall, gracefully spun it in a figure eight pattern
around his head, and then pointed it right at Jimin’s throat for a brief moment before lowering it
with a grin and gesturing to the backdoor. As he did, Jeongguk walked out of the bathroom with a
towel around his waist, and he looked between his mate and his best friend.

“You’re learning how to sword fight, aren’t you?” he said to Jimin, and Jimin grinned.

“Learning how to kick your ass, more like,” he said, and then he pressed a quick kiss to
Jeongguk’s lips and followed Yoongi out the backdoor.

“You serious about this?” Yoongi asked as the door closed. Jimin twisted his torso to crack his
back, and then he nodded, pulling his face mask up. With his black hair and bare face and plain
clothes, he was nearly unrecognizable.

“When I presented as an omega, my parents refused to let me participate in any sports or activities
that would rough me up,” he said with a wry smile. “My father said that I needed to leave that to
the alphas. I called him an asshole. He smacked me across the face and punished me.”

“Jesus,” Yoongi murmured.

“I didn’t get what I wanted until I was about twenty, twenty-one,” Jimin continued. “Started with
yoga, moved into tai chi, and then martial arts. Then I sweet-talked my way into kendo before I
finally got myself a teacher for stick fighting. I want this, Yoongi-ssi. If I’m asking you, then I’m
serious. And I’ll work hard.”

“Who knew the crown prince was such a badass?” Yoongi teased, and then he popped open the
wooden box and reached in. Then he handed Jimin a wooden sword with a blunt tip, nothing that
could wound. “Well, then I’m sure you’ll know that we start from the beginning. No real swords
yet.”

Jimin sighed. “Yeah. I figured.”

But he committed to it. For over an hour, Yoongi taught Jimin the basics as Jeongguk flitted out
 and back into the house to check on his mate. Jimin cherished the aching in his muscles, the way
he used his shirt to wipe the sweat from his brow, the way Yoongi praised him whenever he did
something correctly.

“And what do we have here? Shit.”

“Imagine if it was a real sword,” Jimin said with a grin, pressing the tip of the wooden sword
against Taehyung’s chest the moment Taehyung stepped outside, having returned from work, his
black curls slightly tamed by a bandana he had tied around his forehead.

“You know what? I’m scared of Jeongguk with a knife,” Taehyung said, and Jimin heard Jeongguk
protesting from inside. “But you with a wooden sword is both hilarious and terrifying.”

“Fight me, you asshole,” Jimin snapped, and Taehyung burst out laughing. But Jimin threw the
wooden sword aside, grabbed the two bamboo sticks lying in the grass, and tossed them to
Taehyung. He picked up the other two, and then he took a defensive stance.

“Jeongguk,” Taehyung hollered through the open door, tapping his sticks together as Jeongguk
came and leaned against the doorframe, glancing at Jimin with a fond smile.

“Yes?”

“Your mate—” Taehyung quickly flicked one bamboo stick at Jimin’s hip, making contact with a
grin— “is a special kind of crazy that I can deeply appreciate.”

Jimin snorted, but he could make out Jeongguk’s pleased scent as they locked eyes.

“You know what, hyung?” Jeongguk stared directly at Jimin as he spoke, love glimmering in his
eyes and striking Jimin right in the heart. “He’s my kind of crazy.”

Chapter End Notes

I am like… slightly stunned that this fic is almost over WHAT WILL I DO AFTER
THIS.

Just kidding, you can clickHERE to find out more YAYYYYY ok see you next week
for the LAST CHAPTER *cries*
 twelve
Chapter Notes

THIS IS IT! THE GRAND FINALE! WE'VE DONE IT!

As with all of my stories - there could be a thousand endings, truly. But this is the
ending that feelings RIGHT, that feels like the perfect conclusion for this little tale. I
hope you find it just as satisfying as I did when I wrote it!!!

I feel like I say this at the conclusion of every story, but it's difficult to convey properly
just how much y'alls constant support means to me. Posting fics often feels like
speaking into a void in desperate hope that someone else is listening; it's putting your
creative brain on display for the world to see, and it's terrifying. But time and time
again, y'all flood my comments with excitement and support and laughter and theories
and ALL THE THINGS and it's incredible to me. I love writing and I love sharing,
and to know that someone else, ANYONE else, enjoys what I'm creating, is the best
feeling in the world.

Also, an absolutely massive thank you to any artist who created fan art for this fic. I've
cherished each piece of art individually, and I am SO GRATEFUL! <3

so thank you x3000 for everything - silent reading, commenting, fan art, yelling on
Twitter, EVERYTHING is welcomed!

Absolutely MASSIVE thank you to: Cata for making 12 split moodboards, do y'all
know how difficult it is to do 12 SPLIT MOODBOARDS? she blew it out of the
water, Cata best girl. Also, to Kat for beta-ing this monster and loving them almost as
much as I do <333

Love y'all <3

See the end of the chapter for more notes

 [moodboard by cata]

~~~

i had been lost to you, sunlight

and flew like a moth to you, sunlight

oh, your love is sunlight.

-“sunlight” by hozier

~~~

Jeongguk’s heart was pounding so mercilessly that he could feel his skin vibrating. Sound all
around him was muffled as the blood rushed through his body, adrenaline pumping. His chest was
heaving, but he was trying to hold his breath and failing. With his back pressed to a tree, he slowly
crouched down and bridged his fingers against the bitterly cold ground, the snow having melted
away three days ago. It was late January now, and the temperatures were frigid, but that didn’t stop
Jeongguk from being outside.

A cracking twig forced him to whip his head to the left. He narrowed his eyes, nose twitching as he
tried to pick up the scent he was searching for, trying to isolate it. He could only pick up on his
own scent and the scent of his own sweat. Where—?

Jeongguk let out a grunt and hit the ground hard, and immediately, he snarled and twisted, grabbing
the body that was on top of his. They tumbled, both growling, Jeongguk trying to wrap his legs
around the legs that were locking him into place. Tree branches and twigs cracked under his back
as he rolled, and then he was tumbling down a short hill, sliding at the end against hard dirt just
short of the stream. With a grunt, Jeongguk grabbed the body, heaved, and rolled until he was
pinning two arms against the ground, knees locking hips into place.

mood: “orphans” by coldplay

“I found you.” Breathless, Jimin stared up at him, and Jeongguk almost cracked. Jimin had a
brown, dead leaf trapped in his black hair, cheeks rosy from the cold, eyes twinkling
mischievously, legs wrapped around Jeongguk’s waist, hips lifted off the ground.

“I pinned you,” Jeongguk argued.

“That wasn’t the game,” Jimin whispered impishly, and Jeongguk rolled his eyes, wanting to
smack the grin off his mate’s face. “The game was ‘tag, you’re it.’ I found you. You lose. Admit
it.”

“No.”

“Admit that you lost.”

“...Fine.”

Jimin let out a breath of victory, and then he wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s neck and rolled
the two of them so that he was on top. He bent and kissed Jeongguk fiercely, licking into
Jeongguk’s mouth as Jeongguk moaned in the back of his throat, gripping Jimin's hips and pressing
him down.

“Y-Your scent gave you away,” Jimin gasped between kisses, gripping Jeongguk’s coat by the
collar. “Smelled you from a mile away.”

“I couldn’t smell you at all,” Jeongguk breathed, slipping one hand behind Jimin’s neck to pull him
back down. They kissed until Jeongguk lost his breath, and then he stopped Jimin, grinning.
“You’ve gotten too good at this.”

“Learned from the best,” Jimin replied, and then he hopped off Jeongguk and offered his hand.
Jeongguk used the helping hand to rise to his feet, and then he admired his mate. It was below
freezing, but Jimin was wearing black pants, boots with thick socks, a long-sleeved shirt, and a
black sweatshirt with the hood pulled back up now. Two months ago, Jeongguk had bundled his
mate up like a pup going to play in the snow. Now, Jimin was dressed just like Jeongguk. Jeongguk
was wearing only black sweatpants, a black long-sleeve compression shirt with a black coat, and a
dark grey beanie, desperate to feel the world around him with his bare hands.

“Should we go back to the house?” Jimin asked, still a bit breathless.

“Take the long route?” Jeongguk suggested, and Jimin grinned.

“Last one there takes a cold shower.”

Jimin took off running, and Jeongguk snorted, shaking his head and then running after his mate. In
the three months that he and Jimin had found their freedom, Jimin had transformed from a prim
and proper prince to a resilient and rough renegade, constantly out in nature, constantly running
around and learning about himself as a human sharing his life force with a wolf, constantly
challenging Jeongguk to keep them both on their toes. Jeongguk had never thought it was possible
to fall deeper in love with the man he had mated, but Jimin owned his heart, paid in full a thousand
times over.

“So, what if we take a hot shower together?” Jimin asked when Jeongguk managed to reach the
house just a few paces quicker. Jeongguk snickered, wrapped one arm around Jimin’s waist, and
kissed him. Once a man to bargain, always a man to bargain. Jeongguk had learned very quickly
that Jimin hated losing and always found a loophole, and Jeongguk had also learned that he was an
absolute sucker and gave in the moment Jimin pouted.

“Deal.”

After a hot shower (until the water ran lukewarm, of course, because they were both too busy
getting each other off), Jeongguk collapsed on the couch with Jimin curled up against him, and he
closed his eyes, dropping a kiss to the top of Jimin’s head.

“You work tomorrow, right?” he murmured, and Jimin nodded.

“Mhm. Next four days. Do you?”

“Next five days.”

“Cycle’s in two weeks.”

“I know.” Jeongguk stroked Jimin’s hair, which had grown long enough to tie up in a tiny little
sprout of a ponytail on the top of his head. His rut cycle matched up with Jimin’s heat in February,
which meant they could both just fuck it out with each other like before. Jeongguk’s rut back in
November had only lasted two days, which was a goddamn miracle. Jimin had helped him through
every second of it, a constant in Jeongguk’s frenzied state.

“It’ll be weird to ask off for my heat,” Jimin said with a chuckle, and Jeongguk smiled. At the start
of December, Jimin had been wandering quietly around the town square by himself, and he had
stumbled upon the small clinic where Gananhan’s best healer worked. Fascinated, he had walked
in and asked if they needed any help, and because it was the start flu season and upwards of twenty
teenagers had been sitting in the clinic for presentation confirmation, a frazzled worker had just
shoved Jimin into the reception area, begging him to sort through patients. Jimin had made himself
indispensable by Christmas, and now he was assisting the healer and training under her, learning
more every single day.

“I think the clinic will be fine,” Jeongguk replied. He had said he was working five days, but that
was a lie. He worked with Yoongi doing mostly woodwork, but he was only going to be in the shop
for three days. The other two days, he was going to be giving his undivided attention to his secret
project that he had started at the beginning of January.

Down a quieter side road just off the stream, in a lush but cleared space with a canopy of trees,
Jeongguk had claimed a slot of land under his name, using the money he had earned and saved
from working at the palace to buy it quietly. With Yoongi’s on-and-off help, he had started
building a home that he could share with Jimin, a small but cozy place to call their own. It was
more than halfway finished now, and Jimin was none the wiser. He was perfectly content to live in
the attic of Yoongi and Taehyung’s house because that, to him, was life in Gananhan. But
Jeongguk had been waiting his entire life to build a home with his bare hands for the mate of his
dreams, and Jimin deserved it.

“Kind of makes me think about my old healer at the palace,” Jimin murmured, linking his elbow
with Jeongguk’s and using one finger to trace the lines of his tattoos quietly, a habit of his that
made him feel comforted.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm. It’s been almost four months,” Jimin whispered, and Jeongguk sighed.

“I know, love. But they sent out that search party around Christmas. We can’t risk it.”
“I just miss them.” Jimin shifted to cuddle closer to Jeongguk. “I miss them so much that it hurts
me. Hoseokie hyung’s birthday is coming up after the new year, Jeongguk. It’s the first birthday in
almost two decades that I’ll miss. I already missed Seokjin’s birthday.”

Had he ever. All day on the fourth of December, Jimin had nested in their bedroom and cried his
heart out, refusing to eat all day long in protest, only asking if there was any ice-cream with
caramel sauce and sobbing harder when Jeongguk had said that they didn’t have any.
Coincidentally, a day later, the palace guards had come to Gananhan to “take a look at things,”
knocking on Yoongi and Taehyung’s door. But Jimin had nearly made himself sick crying out of
heartache, and Jeongguk had cried with him, feeling helpless.

“We’ll think of something,” Jeongguk promised. “It’s been pretty safe the past month or so. People
at work know who you are, and nobody’s tattled on you. People at the shop recognize me, and
nobody’s turned me in.”

“Bunch of loyalists,” Jimin grumbled, but Jeongguk could hear the smile in his voice. With a sigh,
Jimin hoisted himself off the couch and padded into the kitchen. “I think I’ll make some apple
syrup.”

Jeongguk sprawled on the couch and quietly watched as Jimin pulled out a bunch of apples,
washed them and cut them all into tiny little pieces, and then dumped equal parts sugar into the
large bowl. He mixed with one hand, his muscles flexing as he did, and when he went to add a bit
of lemon juice to keep the syrup preserved, Jeongguk smiled. So much had changed about his
mate, and all for the better. Since October, Jimin had spent a fair amount of time out in the winter
sun, so his skin was more golden than porcelain. He had gained weight in a good way from eating
well, and his body now had muscle that hadn’t been there before. He was quicker on his feet, more
in tune with his wolf, in sync with Jeongguk at all times. He had learned how to fight with a sword
and how to cut fabric and sew it together to make clothing. He climbed trees and jumped rocks in
the streams with Jeongguk, getting bruised and smiling about it. His eyes were a bit wilder and he
loved more fiercely than he had before, and Jeongguk swore that for the first time, he was looking
at the real Park Jimin.

But Jeongguk had made Jimin a promise—a promise to reunite the omega with his family and
friends by whatever means necessary. Their cycles weren’t until the very end of February, which
gave Jeongguk time to consider his next moves.

“Do you think a phone call would be enough?”

“I think if you let him send a text message he’d cry,” Yoongi said, still sitting on the floor with a
stool between his legs as he stained it. “So a phone call would be a big deal. You’d have to use
your burner phone, though. And I wouldn’t risk calling his cousin’s phone.”

“Shit. That’s who I was thinking of calling. Should I try one of the other two?” Jeongguk
wondered, still applying a topcoat to one of four dining chairs he was making for a lady who lived
four doors down from them.

“Yeah. If you want to reach Namjoon, then call the librarian,” Yoongi said, scooting back slightly,
face mask still on as he used one knuckle to move some hair out of his eyes. “If you get a hold of
them, you could ask them to come visit.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Not kidding. Let February pass. Tell them to come in March.”

“In the middle of the night,” Jeongguk pointed out. “They couldn’t show up in Gananhan during
the day.”

“You think you’ll be done with the house by then?” Yoongi asked, and just by the way his eyes
moved, Jeongguk could tell he was smiling.

“If I work less here and focus on the house more, then yeah,” Jeongguk said with a chuckle. “So if
you give me fewer projects here, I can get it done by March.”

“What’s left to do? You have the foundation, the frame, the roof. Plumbing’s done. We insulated it
last week,” Yoongi recalled. “Furniture, right? Remind me to make you a bedframe. We’ll expedite
this shit. Get Taehyung to make you some blankets and stuff. The black market will have things
like a fridge and a kettle and everything that you’ll need. You have enough money, anyways.”

“You think he’ll like it?” Jeongguk stroked his brush over the same spot absentmindedly. “I mean,
he grew up in a palace, hyung. And now he’ll have to live in a tiny little cottage with one
bedroom.”

“Have you been paying attention at all?” Yoongi emphasized, amused. “Jeongguk, he’s been
nesting in our house for months trying to make himself comfortable. He told Taehyung last week
that one day, he wants to find a little home for just the two of you. He has a job. He has a life here
now. And you think he won’t like it just because he grew up in a palace?”

“I just want it to be perfect,” Jeongguk muttered, chewing his bottom lip. “That’s all.”

“He’ll like it because you built it,” Yoongi said, sounding exasperated but fond. “Get your head out
of your ass.”

Jeongguk frowned anxiously and completed his work for the day, but before he went home, he
rode his bike straight to the home he was building. The main part of the house was square in shape
with a little window above the front door on the roof panel. Jeongguk had insisted on building a
small porch just so he could put a swing on one side. The house itself was made from brown
shingles, and there was a small addition on the right side of the main part of the home for their
bedroom. When Jeongguk walked through the front door, he saw where he’d put their dining table,
and the kitchen was on the left. To the right would be where the couch would go, and in the
opposite corner was the bathroom. Their bedroom was small, but it would be theirs. And nothing
mattered more to Jeongguk than seeing the look on his mate’s face when he revealed their new
home.

“Jimin-ah? Baby, are you home?” Jeongguk asked as he walked through the front door, shrugging
his coat off and kicking out of his boots, his mind still racing with ideas for their home. The
stepladder was down, and Jimin appeared moments later, beaming.

“Guess what I did today?” he said with a smile. Before Jeongguk could even answer, Jimin said, “I
helped deliver a pup.”

“You what?” Jeongguk raised his eyebrows, and Jimin jumped down the last four stairs, landed in
a crouching position, and ran right up to Jeongguk, throwing his arms around Jeongguk’s neck.

“It was the coolest thing ever,” he said enthusiastically, turning and seeking Jeongguk’s scent.
Jeongguk happily obliged, letting Jimin scent him in all his excitement. “The mother came in for a
regular check-up, but then she went into labor, and I was just there. I even got to hand her the pup
after he was born.”
“That’s fucking awesome. You’re learning so much,” Jeongguk said with a little laugh as Jimin
nipped at his neck playfully, too excited to even think about calming down. “All that just from
walking into the clinic one day looking for work.”

“All that from—God, you smell so good,” Jimin said, and they both burst out laughing. Jimin
loved when Jeongguk came in smelling like Yoongi’s workshop. “Yeah. It’s been a good day. Did
you finish those chairs for our neighbor?”

“Almost, but I actually wanted to talk to you about something,” Jeongguk said, guiding Jimin over
to the couch. “Baby, do you remember Seokjin’s phone number?”

“Why?” Jimin whispered, immediately frozen.

“Because I have a burner phone. And I think now would be a good time to try to call,” Jeongguk
said, and almost instantly, Jimin’s eyes shone with the threat of tears. “Do you know his number?”

“Of course I know his number,” Jimin breathed. “D-Do you really think it’s safe?”

“I think calling Seokjin is safe. I wouldn’t call your cousin. You don’t know if they’re monitoring
his phone thinking that you’ll get in touch with him,” Jeongguk reminded Jimin. “So Seokjin is the
quickest way to get to Namjoon. And it’s almost Hoseok’s birthday, so they could get us in touch
with him.”

“Call them. Call them right now, c-call them,” Jimin insisted, rising to his feet and then sitting
back down and smacking Jeongguk’s thigh like he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself. “Call
them, I want to talk to them. Give me the phone, I need your phone.”

Jeongguk went over to the kitchen drawer, pulled out his burner phone that Yoongi had charged the
other day, and handed it to Jimin, cracked screen and tape and all. Jimin’s hands visibly shook as
he flipped the phone the right way to orient it and turn it on, and then he took a deep, shaky breath.

“What if he doesn’t answer?” he whispered, and Jeongguk rubbed his back.

“I’m sure he will.”

Jimin dialed Seokjin’s phone number, and then he held his breath when he pressed the green
CALL button. He pressed it to his ear, but the house was so quiet that Jeongguk could hear it
ringing.

“...Yes, hello? This is Seokjin.”

Jimin almost dropped the phone, and Jeongguk could hear Seokjin saying “hello?” multiple times.
Trembling, Jimin held the phone to his ear with both hands.

“H-Hyung?”

“Jimin? Jimin? Jimin, is that you? Jimin!”

“It’s me. Hyung, it’s me. It’s Jimin. It’s Jimin, it’s me,” Jimin said as he cried, one hand covering
his mouth. “It’s me, hyung, I’m here.”

“Jimin, oh my God. Jimin—NAMJOON-AH! NAMJOON. NAMJOON!” Seokjin bellowed, so

Jeongguk could only assume that they were in a private and quiet place, because Seokjin was smart
enough not to yell Jimin’s name at top volume anywhere in Gogwihan. “Jimin, holy shit, is it really
you? Jimin? Jimin-ah, say something. Are you safe? Are you okay? Are—?”
“Jimin?”

“Namjoon-ah,” Jimin cried, collapsing into Jeongguk as he cried and Jeongguk rubbed his back,
feeling a lump of emotion in his throat. “It’s me. It’s me, it’s Jimin. Namjoon-ah, I miss you. I miss
you, I love you.”

“Oh my God,” Jeongguk heard Namjoon gasping. “Oh my God, it’s really you. Jimin, where are
you? Are you okay? Are you safe? Where’s Jeongguk? Is he alive? Is he with you? Fuck, we
haven’t heard anything since October, are you okay?”

Jimin lowered the phone as tears trickled down his cheeks, so Jeongguk put it on speakerphone.

“I’m here. I’m okay,” Jeongguk said, closing his eyes as he heard both Seokjin and Namjoon
exclaim and laugh in disbelief.

“I miss you so much,” Jimin said as he held Jeongguk’s wrist tightly, bringing the phone closer as
he spoke.

“We miss you every single fucking day. Both of you,” Namjoon said, sounding choked up as he
spoke. “Shit, this is—hyung. Babe, call Hoseok. Get my phone and call Hoseok. Get him over
here. Jimin-ah, how long can you talk?”

“Not too long, but it’s hyung’s birthday tomorrow,” Jimin said tearfully, and Namjoon laughed.

“Yeah, and you’re his birthday present. Hurry, get him on the phone,” Namjoon commanded, and
in the background, Jeongguk heard Seokjin speaking on the phone feverishly. “God, where are you
two? Are you still in Gananhan? Hoseok said you were hiding out in the attic of Jeongguk’s
house.”

“We’re still here,” Jeongguk said, and Namjoon snorted.

“Shit, they really gave up looking for you, huh?” he commented. “Well, it took long enough, but
they backed off. Did they ever see you? Were you ever in danger?”

“We had close calls,” Jeongguk said, because Jimin was still having trouble speaking, too busy
silently crying and smiling at the sound of Namjoon’s voice. “But nothing dangerous. We’ve been
busy settling into life here.”

“Min-ah.”

“Yeah,” Jimin said, sounding pleased.

“What’s it like, huh? Are you loving it?” Namjoon asked, sounding fond. “Tell me what your life
is like.”

“It’s amazing,” Jimin said earnestly, and Jeongguk heard Seokjin settle back down. “We have our
own little room. Jeongguk’s friends cook sometimes. I’ve cooked a few meals, too. Um, I learned
how to sword fight and how to sew. Jeongguk takes me out hiking and running all the time. I’ve
been eating well. Um, and I also have a job.”

“You have a job?” Namjoon said at the same time that Seokjin said, “Sword fighting? No way.”
Jeongguk snickered as Jimin beamed.

“Jeongguk’s friend is a blacksmith. He makes swords. He knows how to fight,” Jimin said. “He
taught me, Seokjin hyung. I’ll teach you next.”
“Me with a sword,” Seokjin said with a laugh. “Not something Namjoon needs in his life.”

“What’s your job?” Namjoon asked.

“I’m training to become a healer. I’m her assistant,” Jimin said, and both Namjoon and Seokjin
sang their praises. Jeongguk kissed the side of his mate’s head, listening to the three of them
ramble on about healers and the palace healers and one horrific experience Seokjin had had. Then
there was a loud bang in the background.

“JIMIN?”

“Hoseok hyung!” Jimin called out, and his tears returned. “Hyung, it’s me, it’s Jimin! Happy
birthday, hyung!”

“Holy fucking hell, you’re alive,” Hoseok said with a laugh, his voice louder. “God, I miss you so
much. Life is hell without you, you know that? You know what kind of torture it was to know you
were in that attic and I couldn’t see you?”

“Hyung, I cried,” Jimin said, and they all laughed.

“Hey, listen,” Jeongguk said, waving a hand as if they could all see him. “Listen, we don’t have a
lot of time. But we have a lot of questions, and you guys probably do, too. So…” He took a deep
breath. “How would you feel about coming to Gananhan in March?”

“Are you fucking serious?” Hoseok said.

“You think it’s safe?” Seokjin asked, but his voice was far away as if he was asking Namjoon.

“It’s safe here. It’s safe on our end,” Jimin chimed in, finding his voice. “Jeongguk and I both have
jobs, and nobody has turned us in. We both have our cycles at the end of February. So if you came
in the middle of the night sometime in March and made it back to Gogwihan by sunrise, no one
would know. Please. Please come see me. I can’t come to Gogwihan. It’s too risky. But if you
came here, we could at least see each other.”

“We have so much to tell you, Jimin,” Namjoon said, and Seokjin and Hoseok both echoed his
sentiment. “So much is happening. It’s fucking wild. We have to catch you up. But Hoseok gave us
a bit of news when he came back from Gananhan in October.”

“You two are mated?” Seokjin asked, and Jeongguk and Jimin both laughed.

“Yah, we mated the fucking day after we escaped,” Jimin said with glee. “Don’t sound so
surprised. You all knew that I was going to go for it.”

“Wow,” Jeongguk loudly said, and they all laughed.

“What day in March?” Namjoon asked.

“Not around the full moon. That’s my heat,” Seokjin said.

“Yeah, my rut’s in March,” Hoseok added.

“Okay, so the beginning of March. Do you still have off on Sundays, Hoseok hyung?” Jimin asked.

“Yeah. Should we come on a Saturday night?” Hoseok asked.

“Saturday night. First Saturday in March,” Jimin declared, and Jeongguk nodded. “Hoseok, you
know where to find us. Don’t drive. Come on foot or by bicycle.”

“We’ll take our bikes,” Namjoon decided. “We’ll leave around ten o’clock so we’re there before
midnight.”

The date was set. Jimin was overwhelmed when he had to say goodbye, but Seokjin started
mentioning that it wasn’t safe to be on the phone for so long, because palace guards had checked
his phone in the past, and they had checked Hoseok’s phone as well. So they all said goodbye and
hung up the phone with the promise of seeing one another the first Saturday in March.

Jimin then tossed the phone aside like trash, dragged Jeongguk right up to the bedroom, and threw
him onto the bed, already pulling off his shirt. Jeongguk didn’t protest once.

***

mood: “all of me” by jasmine thompson

“Jeongguk?”

“I’m right here, baby,” Jeongguk said with a laugh. “I’m the one guiding you. I’m not going
anywhere. Just keep walking, okay?”

Yesterday had been the day when Jimin’s heat and Jeongguk’s rut had both broken after a
relentless thirty-six hours together. Today, they were both coherent, and Jeongguk figured it was
the perfect time to bring Jimin home. He had woken Jimin up with a dozen kisses, but Jimin hadn’t
truly awoken until Jeongguk had whispered that he had a surprise. Like a pup on Christmas Day,
he had leapt out of bed and hurried Jeongguk along, insisting on skipping breakfast in favor of the
surprise. Now, Jeongguk had a piece of fabric tied loosely around Jimin’s eyes, and he was guiding
his mate just off the gravel road onto a dirt and mulch path, where their little cottage stood proud,
now complete. It was quiet, save for the birds chirping, and the sun was bursting through the trees
—the perfect scene for Jeongguk’s reveal.

“Almost there,” Jeongguk whispered, his hands still on Jimin’s shoulders. “Almost… Okay. Stop
right here.”

Jimin stopped, and then Jeongguk turned him and put his back to the house. With a racing heart
and a lovesick smile, he gently tugged the blindfold off, and Jimin blinked rapidly and squinted,
staring at Jeongguk. Jeongguk took Jimin’s face between his hands, stroking the apples of his
cheeks with two thumbs.

“You know you’re the love of my life, right?” he said, and Jimin smiled.

“I know. And you’re mine. But what are we doing?” he asked curiously. Jeongguk kissed his
forehead, stroking his soft black hair.

“I hope you like it,” he murmured, and then he set his hands on Jimin’s shoulders and turned Jimin
around. From the side, he saw Jimin’s eyes widen, and then both of his hands came up to cover his
mouth as he stared. He stood fixed to one spot for a moment, and then he whipped his head over
and looked at Jeongguk for confirmation.
“I…” Jeongguk took a deep breath, fiddling with his fingers, knowing his scent was thick with
anxiety. “I built this for you. For us. It’s—It could be our home.”

Jimin’s face crumpled fast, and the next breath he let out was a sob as he turned back to look at the
house. When the tears came, he fell to his knees, one hand against his heart, the other trying to
mask his sobs. Jeongguk immediately dropped to his knees beside his mate, and he hugged Jimin
sideways as Jimin cried, stroking his hair soothingly, chin on top of his head.

“Y-Y-You built this,” Jimin said, and Jeongguk kissed the top of his head.

“I built it for us,” he muttered.

“It’s our home,” Jimin said through his tears, and then he turned and threw his arms around
Jeongguk’s neck, burrowing into his shoulder. “I have a home, I have a home. We have a home.
W-We have a home, Jeongguk, y-you built this for us.”

“Of course I did. My mate deserves the best,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin’s tears soaked his
shirt sleeve. When Jeongguk blinked, he realized that he, too, was crying, overwhelmed. Jimin had
grown up in a palace. Jeongguk had grown up in an alleyway. Both of them had always longed for,
sought out, dreamt of a home to call their own, a home that gave them space to grow and breathe, a
home that didn’t belong to anyone else. Jeongguk, with grit and determination, had built one for
them, a home to give to the most resilient man he knew, a man who had been through hell five
times and back but had never once stayed down on the ground when pushed.

“I love you. I love you so much,” Jimin whispered, taking Jeongguk’s face between his hands and
kissing him, the salt of his tears staining Jeongguk’s lips. Jeongguk wrapped his arms securely
around Jimin’s waist and kissed him back, thinking that perhaps their tears of joy could water the
seeds of prosperity and opportunity that having their own home offered.

“I love you, too,” Jeongguk whispered. “Do you want to take a house tour? Do you want to see it?”

So Jeongguk hoisted Jimin to his feet, and then he held tight to his mate’s hand and led him into
the house. Jimin gushed over every little thing he saw, hugging Jeongguk nearly the entire time and
kissing him in the middle of their bedroom, whispering how excited he was that they could build
their life somewhere beautiful, that he had never dreamed of living such a wonderful life.

“You don’t miss it?” Jeongguk whispered, still swaying Jimin gently as they hugged, almost as if
they were slow-dancing in the kitchen. Jimin shook his head.

“I don’t miss a single thing about life at the palace,” he replied. “This is the life I’ve always
wanted. I never thought I could be this happy. You saved me, Jeongguk.”

“Maybe you saved me,” Jeongguk replied, and then he smiled with his eyes closed as Jimin turned
his head and kissed Jeongguk’s temple, and then his cheek.

“Jeongguk.”

“Hmm.”

“Marry me.”

“What?” Jeongguk pulled away, but Jimin’s arms stayed around Jeongguk’s waist.

“Marry me,” Jimin said again with confidence. “I know it’s not a big to-do in the south. I get that
it’s a formality. It’s just signing a paper. But I want you to marry me. I want you to pick out our
matching tattoo, just like Yoongi and Taehyung have. You’re already my mate. Now marry me.”

“Of course I’ll marry you,” Jeongguk whispered before their lips met in another kiss, and this time,
Jeongguk swept Jimin off his feet, both of them smiling, both of their scents waltzing with one
another, a torrent of rainwater with soft peppermint and sweet vanilla. This was a dance they could
do forever. The ominous ticking sound of time running out had long since faded. There would be
no clock striking at midnight. Jeongguk would never have to leave Jimin alone in his bed again.
Now, every single night, they could sleep in each other’s arms, knowing that they were mates for
life, knowing that they were building a home together, knowing that time was on their side.

That night, Jimin insisted on bringing everything they had at Yoongi and Taehyung’s house over to
their new little home. It wasn’t much, but it didn’t matter. When Yoongi and Taehyung left and
Jeongguk sat down on the new couch with Jimin in his arms, he was home. The candles were
flickering softly, the TV that Jeongguk had gotten from the black market was on in the
background, and the sounds of nature were permeating the walls of their house, reminding them
that they no longer had to worry about knocking on doors or bowing to palace guards in lavish
corridors.

Jeongguk met Jimin outside Gananhan Clinic the next afternoon, picking Jimin up after his busy
shift. Still wearing his pale blue scrubs (he loved wearing them—said it made him feel like he had
purpose), Jimin threw his coat on and took Jeongguk’s hand, and they walked downtown under the
twinkle lights until they came to the small tattoo parlor where Jeongguk had gotten all his ink done.

“Did you come up with an idea?” Jimin asked as they walked into the backroom. There were two
chairs with two small tables ready for them—this parlor did mating and marriage tattoos nonstop.
Tomorrow morning, they would be signing the papers, and on Saturday, Jimin’s friends would be
sneaking to the south from Gogwihan. Life was happening fast, but Jeongguk was thrilled to be
along for the ride.

“I did,” Jeongguk settled into his chair, facin Jimin. “But only if you like it. I have a back-up idea.”

“What were you thinking?” Jimin asked.

“Birds,” Jeongguk replied, and when he saw Jimin’s shoulders relax and saw the smile on his face,
he was pleased. “Little birds. Free to fly away, just like you did.”

Jimin grinned. “Let’s do it.”

Jeongguk was numb to the pinching sting of tattoos at this point, so he kept his focus on Jimin, but
Jimin didn’t even flinch when the needle hit his skin for the first time. He just watched in
fascination, marveling at how well the artist was creating a ring of five birds around one little
finger. Jeongguk leaned back in his chair, head rolled to the side, and just watched his mate chat
happily with the girl tattooing him, wondering how he had gotten so lucky. One reckless decision
to work for Dayangsong Palace on account of sticking it to the monarchy, and now he was mated
and married to the runaway crown prince, getting a matching tattoo to signify their union. The
universe had a sense of humor.

“They promised, right?”

“Stop pacing,” Jeongguk said with a laugh, but Jimin was restless. It was nearly midnight on
Saturday, heading into Sunday, and Yoongi and Taehyung had promised to bring Hoseok,
Namjoon, and Seokjin over once the trio arrived in Gananhan under the cover of night. Jimin had
been blurting out random what-ifs for the past hour, panicking, thinking that his friends would get
caught trying to bike down south, and the calming pheromones Jeongguk had been releasing were
doing very little to quiet the omega.

“I just keep thinking,” Jimin said, his scent a bit sour. “About what could go wrong. About—What
was that? Do you hear that?”

“It’s probably them,” Jeongguk whispered, and Jimin froze, staring at their front door. Jeongguk
could hear leaves shuffle and twigs cracking, so he tiptoed to the front door and peeked out. He
counted five people approaching the house, so he opened the door wide, his heart soaring.

“Jimin.”

“Namjoon-ah,” Jimin cried out, and then he ran right into Namjoon’s arms as Namjoon shoved past
Jeongguk over the threshold to get to his cousin. Jimin threw himself onto Namjoon, and both of
them burst into tears, unexpected on Namjoon’s part. Jeongguk immediately found himself in
Seokjin’s embrace, enveloped by soft and sweet caramel.

“It’s so good to see you,” Jeongguk breathed, clutching Seokjin tightly, and then he opened one
arm with a grin and pulled Hoseok in, now swirling in caramel and pine, all happy scents.
Namjoon and Jimin were still over in the kitchen crying together, and Jeongguk watched while still
hugging Hoseok as Namjoon scented Jimin like they had done a thousand times as kids.
Jeongguk’s wolf bristled, but Jeongguk shoved the feeling down, because Namjoon was family.
Jimin found comfort in his scent.

“Look at you,” Namjoon said, pulling away and ruffling Jimin’s hair. “God, you look completely
different. Do you see him? Look at his hair!”

“I barely even recognize you,” Hoseok laughed, and then he took his turn embracing Jimin as
Seokjin rubbed Jeongguk’s shoulder and went over to Jimin as well. Namjoon roughly wiped his
eyes, and then he offered his hand to Jeongguk. They shook firmly, but then Namjoon pulled
Jeongguk into a surprising hug.

“He looks so healthy. He’s happy. Thank you so much,” Namjoon whispered as he patted
Jeongguk’s back, and Jeongguk smiled, picking up the happy spike in Namjoon’s sage scent. “You
saved him, Jeongguk.”

“He saved himself,” Jeongguk replied proudly. “I just helped see his plan through. It’s good to see
you, Namjoon-ssi.”

“Hyung,” Namjoon corrected Jeongguk, his eyes still fixed on Jimin. “Jesus, look at him. I don’t
even know my own cousin. He’s never looked this good.”

“Hey, let’s sit down. I brought soju,” Yoongi called out. Still clinging to Seokjin, Jimin gestured to
the couch and the rug, and the seven of them all sat down around the wooden coffee table as
Jeongguk grabbed seven little glasses. He passed them around, and then Taehyung stood up,
cleared his throat, and twisted the cap off the first soju bottle in a fancy manner, pulling a reaction
from the other six. Smug, he poured seven shots with a grin as Jeongguk sat down on the floor
beside Jimin, who was resting his head on Namjoon’s shoulder and had Hoseok sitting on the
couch above him, carding through his black hair.

“A toast,” Jeongguk declared, raising his glass. “To doing whatever the fuck you want.”

“Cheers!” Seokjin called out as Hoseok snickered, and they all tapped their glasses together in the
middle before turning their heads and taking the first shot. Taehyung passed the bottle around, and
Seokjin slumped further into the couch happily, the hood of his grey sweatshirt still up. It was so
nice to see all three of them in casual clothing and not palace garb. Here they all were, seven people
brought together under strange circumstances, barefaced with their scents all swirling around in the
air as their wolves learned about each other.

“The trip here was easy, before you ask,” Namjoon said to Jimin. “And since we don’t have a lot
of time—” He took his second shot of soju— “ask your questions now.”

“Yah, we don’t need questions. Let me tell the story,” Hoseok said eagerly. “I have all the gossip.
I’m the one you want to be doing all the talking.”

“Enlighten us,” Taehyung said, and Hoseok shot the alpha a look. They both looked away with
grins on their faces, reminding Jeongguk that Taehyung and Hoseok had known each other once
upon a time when they were pups.

“Day one,” Hoseok said dramatically, holding up one finger as Yoongi snorted and Seokjin said,
“here we go,” under his breath. “Jeongguk didn’t show up to work that morning, but no one really
noticed. Since Taehyun was in on it, he just waited as long as possible. He’s the one who called it
in. Walked into your room, Jimin, and saw the open window that you’d left. He reported it right
away.”

“Did he stick to the script?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk snickered.

“He was a class act,” Hoseok said, and Jimin laughed. “Said that it looked like you had snuck out
in the middle of the night. So the entire palace went into lockdown. All staff were called in for
interrogation. And that night was when they realized that you were missing, Jeongguk.”

“That must’ve been fun,” Jeongguk commented, tossing back his shot of soju.

“The king was thrilled,” Hoseok said darkly. “I thought we were all going to be lined up for the
gallows. He damn near lost it. You’re lucky as hell that Taehyun and Chaeyoung held it together,
because he tried to pin it on them at first. Chaeyoung saved their asses. Said that the two of them
hadn’t even been at the palace and knew nothing. And Dongwoo, Jesus Christ. Your would-be
mate. He was a monster.”

“Not surprising,” Jimin murmured.

“But you know what was funny?” Seokjin chimed in. “They didn’t tell a soul. Your escape was a
secret. The public had no idea. They tracked your scent and sent out those search parties and the
king’s guard and said nothing to the public about it. As far as they all knew, the mating was still
on. But your father was… not so kind to the guards who failed him.”

“Not so kind,” Hoseok repeated, chuckling. “He snapped four necks in one night. I avoided the
throne room like the plague until he dragged me in there.”

“Shit, are you serious?” Jeongguk asked, appalled.

“Oh, yeah. On Sunday, the day Jimin was supposed to be mated, he brought me in separately,”
Hoseok said. “Interrogated me himself. Said that I was Jimin’s oldest friend, so surely I knew
where he was. I thought I wasn’t going to make it out of there alive, but I just bullshitted my way
through it. Said I had no clue, but I pinned it on you.” Hoseok glanced over at Jeongguk. “Sorry. I
didn’t make it sound bad. I just said that Jimin had obviously found a way to escape, and he had
probably manipulated you into helping him.”

“Oh, so you threw me under the bus,” Jimin said as everyone laughed, and Hoseok grinned
sheepishly.
“Well, you told me to,” he emphasized, and Jeongguk raised his eyebrows. Hoseok noticed. “When
Jimin told me your plan, he said that if I was going to throw anyone under the bus or make anyone
the villain, I had to make him the bad guy, not you, Jeongguk.”

“I’m forgivable,” Jimin pointed out. “Crown prince, remember? If I came back, they would have to
forgive me, no matter what I did.”

“What was really excellent was that nobody even thought to check if I knew anything,” Namjoon
said, and Jimin stifled a laugh. “Dead serious. Your father didn’t even speak to me about it until
Monday. Asked me if you had ever talked about running away from the palace. I said no. Said
you’d accepted your fate and that you must have changed your mind. He wasn’t too happy with
that, but whatever.”

“It’s actually hard to explain what it was like,” Seokjin said, holding out his shot glass so Namjoon
could pour him some more soju. “It was like something straight out of a movie. They were all in
denial until they couldn’t be anymore. The entire city wanted to know how the mating had gone,
and that was when the palace finally admitted that you were gone.”

“I hope it ruined their lives,” Jimin said bitterly, downing his soju and crooking his hand at
Namjoon for more.

“Well, it turned Gogwihan into a mess,” Namjoon said. “People couldn’t understand why the
crown prince ran away. If you had such a good life, why would you leave? You were supposed to
mate a Yang. You had it in the bag. The elite purebloods were dumbfounded.”

“And it lasted for a solid two months,” Hoseok noted. “The panic. I mean, people were saying that
they found you in the weirdest places. Everyone was on the lookout. There was a curfew for thirty
days after you disappeared. Your father had half a mind to burn down Gananhan. He was thinking
about it. I was this close to hopping on my bike to come down here and warn all of you.”

“Why did he back off?” Jimin asked, not as surprised by his father’s actions as Jeongguk was.

“Because of my mother.”

All eyes turned to Namjoon, who was slowly turning his soju glass on the wooden coffee table
while staring at it pensively. He blinked a few times, and then he glanced up at his audience.

“I told both of my mothers what you had done,” Namjoon quietly said, gaze locked on Jimin. “I
couldn’t keep it from them. Mother was in a panic over the well-being of her nephew, and your
parents didn’t seem to care. They only wanted to find you so that they could complete the mating
and ensure that they had the next king lined up and ready to go.”

“I understand,” Jimin replied.

“It was around early November,” Namjoon said. “After my mother’s rut. I couldn’t stand it
anymore. I had to tell both of them. I told them what you had done. Where you were. Who you
were with. That Hoseok had checked in on you and that you were mated. And that was when
Mother went to the palace to see your father. She’s talked him down. Called off the attack he was
planning on Gananhan. It was senseless, anyways. He was doing it out of anger. He was going to
burn down the entire city just to get back at you, Jeongguk. Never called you by name. Only called
you the bastard orphan boy.”

“He called me that to my face, too,” Jeongguk recalled.

“So the hype died down. But now it’s ramping back up,” Namjoon said. “Because Jimin, your
father’s rut was in February.”

“How long?” Jimin whispered. “How long did it last?”

“Nine hours,” Hoseok said, and Yoongi whistled low as Taehyung snickered and sat back, amused.
Jeongguk’s heart skipped a beat as he clutched Jimin’s hand, and Jimin leaned in.

“That means he’s almost done,” he breathed. “His cycle’s almost over. And he has no heir to take
the throne.”

“Which is why Mother’s been there once a week playing nice,” Namjoon said, and Seokjin
snickered with a little smile. “Because your father has now dragged her into it. He’s insisting that
she become queen, and she’s just going with it.”

“She’s never wanted to be queen,” Jimin said, voice hushed.

“Exactly. She still doesn’t. But she’s stringing him along,” Namjoon said, his voice strained. “But
the next rut your father has will likely be the last. Which means…”

“Which means that Princess Yookyung will be asked to assume the throne, and she’ll abdicate,
because she has no interest,” Seokjin filled in, sensing Namjoon’s hesitation and seeming eager to
finish the thought. “And if you don’t turn up, Jimin-ah, that means that there’s only one person left
to take the throne.”

“King Namjoon,” Taehyung said with a shit-eating grin, always the one to stir the pot. Namjoon
slammed down his soju glass, but Taehyung didn’t even blink.

“Jimin was supposed to be king,” Namjoon said tersely.

“But I never wanted to be king, and you knew that.” Jimin’s voice was strong. “You always knew
that. I was only going to become king if I had no other way out. I never wanted it. I could do the
job, but I’m not a leader like you are.”

“I’m the last person in line,” Namjoon said in a quiet voice.

“And you’re the best man for the job,” Jeongguk declared. “There’s no love lost between Jimin’s
father and your mother. King Youngho has always hated your mother, but now she’s a necessity.
His only son ran off, and that leaves you as second in line to the throne now. If becoming king isn’t
poetic justice, then I don’t know what is.”

“You’re a natural-born leader, Namjoon-ah,” Jimin said.

“And if you become king,” Yoongi said with caution, reading the room before continuing. “If you
become king, then you can pardon Jimin and Jeongguk and let them live in peace. You can change
things, Namjoon-ssi. You can do everything Jimin’s father failed to do, everything his grandfather
failed to do.”

“You could also mate me, which would be great, because my neck would look awesome with a
mating mark on it,” Seokjin said loudly, and immediately, the tension in the room dissolved as
everyone laughed, and Taehyung cracked open another bottle of soju.

“You know how many people would come out of the woodwork?” Taehyung commented, passing
the bottle around. “Seriously. If the king can mate the palace librarian who isn’t of the highest
status, then what else could people start doing?”
“My father would spend his days gagging,” Jimin said with a grin.

“It makes sense,” Hoseok said plainly to Namjoon. “You becoming king. Jimin doesn’t want it.
Your mother doesn’t want it. But you want it, don’t you?”

“It’s not that I want it,” Namjoon said in exasperation, sighing. “I mean, maybe a small part of me
does. But I also feel like I need to, you know? Like this is the right thing to do. It feels…”

“Right,” Jeongguk supplied, and everyone hummed in agreement.

“I have no plan to ever return to Gogwihan as a prince,” Jimin said, elbows on the coffee table. “If
I ever go back, it’ll be as Park Jimin. I don’t want to be a prince anymore. I know I always will be,
but I don’t want the responsibilities that come with it. I’m done, Joon-ah. My life is here. My mate
is here. I’m happy here. Your move.”

Namjoon pursed his lips, letting Seokjin rub his shoulder comfortingly. There was a moment of
ringing silence filled only by the sounds of nature beyond the walls of the small house. The
kerosene lamps were flickering. Taehyung was gripping Yoongi’s hand. Hoseok had both hands on
Jimin’s shoulders, and Jeongguk had one hand resting on Jimin’s thigh. Finally, Namjoon looked
directly at Jimin. Eyes still locked, he picked up his full glass of soju, and then he tilted it in
Jimin’s direction.

“Checkmate.”

“That’s what I’m fucking talking about,” Jimin said with glee as Hoseok let out a laugh of delight
and Seokjin squeezed Namjoon’s shoulder with a grin. Jeongguk flashed Yoongi and Taehyung a
smile, and Taehyung immediately lurched forward and grabbed his glass.

“To the future king of Dayangsong,” he said excitedly, rising up to his knees.

“AY-Y-Y-Y,” Jeongguk and Hoseok said at the same time as Yoongi drummed his hands on the
table repeatedly and Jimin laughed. Seven glasses met in the middle for a toast, and seven shots of
soju disappeared.

“Can we talk about the fucking tattoo on your finger now?” Namjoon asked, pointing bluntly to
Jimin. “And your hair? And you, in general? Jesus fucking Christ!”

Suddenly, the conversation shifted, and the stories that began to fly across the table were of Jimin
and Jeongguk’s adventures over five months of hiding in plain sight. The groans were loud when
Jimin jokingly tried to tell a story about one sexual escapade that had almost gone wrong, one that
Taehyung and Yoongi had heard from downstairs. Jimin talked about his new job. Yoongi bragged
that Jeongguk had made most of the furniture in the house. Hoseok lamented over his one and only
visit to Gananhan and how he had just missed seeing Jimin. Seokjin had them all in tears over the
endless jokes about not being mated and what torture it was, which made Namjoon turn bright red
as he blamed it on the soju.

With his arm slung around Jimin’s shoulder, Jeongguk realized that for the first time in his life, he
had the makings of a real pack. A family. Yoongi and Taehyung had always been there for him. It
had always been the three of them against the world. But Jeongguk had found Jimin. He had found
Seokjin and Hoseok, and then Namjoon. He had brought them into his little world, and now there
were seven happy wolves content with being around one another, seven happy humans swapping
horror stories about life.

There were times when Jeongguk woke up in a sweat with phantom flashes of his life in the
alleyway flitting through his mind. There were times when he remembered the hunger pangs and
the struggle to afford school books, the fight to even step foot into a house in the north. But Jimin
had changed everything. Jimin had shown Jeongguk how life was meant to be lived by being
desperate enough to escape his own life and start again. And in doing so, Jeongguk had found a
way to restart his own life down a different path.

This was a path he planned to walk for as long as he lived.

***

mood: “steady love” by evergreen

There were birds outside on the roof chirping to signify morning. Sunlight was breaking the
monotony of the room in soft amber waves, and the open window was bringing in a gentle June
breeze. The only sounds inside the bedroom were the rustling of sheets and heavy breathing.

“Why…” Jeongguk threw one arm across his forehead, panting, listening to Jimin’s giggles in his
ear. “Why do you insist on waking me up like that?”

“I woke up horny,” Jimin muttered, still mouthing at Jeongguk’s mating mark. “Needed you to
knot me.”

“It’s eight in the morning.”

“Way past time for me to be knotted.”

“You’re impossible,” Jeongguk sighed, and Jimin laughed with him this time, pushing his hips
down onto Jeongguk’s knot and snuggling in, still lying on top of Jeongguk, the sheets draped
around their waists. Jeongguk closed his eyes and traced his fingers up and down Jimin’s spine and
up into his soft black hair, drifting in and out in pure bliss. This was the paradise he had been
waiting for his entire life. Neither one of them had to work today, and for a good reason. Jimin had
been promoted to healer at the clinic and had people flocking to him in droves. Jeongguk had
opened his own shop just for woodwork and building furniture for anyone in need, charging a low
price always. But work could wait.

Three days ago, Hoseok had shown up unannounced at Jimin and Jeongguk’s doorstep on his bike,
breathless. He had then told them that King Youngho’s rut hadn’t come, and that it was time for
the transfer of power to begin. Gogwihan was in a frenzied panic, Jimin’s name had come up in
conversation again (half of the population thought Jimin was dead), and Princess Yookyung was
now at the palace in discussions with her brother.

“Namjoon’s ready,” Hoseok had said, catching his breath. “And he wants you both there the day
that the transfer of power happens. He wants his first act to be pardoning you both. And he wants
to do it in front of your father, Jimin.”

Namjoon loved to be quietly petty with the ammunition to back his cause, according to Jimin.
Jeongguk had been immediately hesitant about the plan, at first thinking it was too outlandish and
too risky. Was it worth putting themselves in the public eye after eight months? But if Namjoon
was in power, then Jimin’s father would be powerless. He was a monster, but he was, at his core, a
man of protocol no matter the situation. The king’s guard responded to the king only, switching
loyalties at the drop of a pin. If timed correctly, Jimin could walk in and confront his father with
Namjoon’s protection.

King Youngho had no choice but to step down. As tyrannical as he was, he was a stark
traditionalist. His own father had stepped down at the right time after his rut cycle had ended, so
King Youngho had to do the same thing. The difference was that his one and only heir was in the
wind, which meant that he had to hand over the throne to the sister he resented, and Princess
Yookyung would stand before the government gathered in the throne room and declare that she
was abdicating, handing it over to Namjoon. And King Youngho would have no choice but to let
Namjoon take his place.

So Jeongguk had agreed to go back to Dayangsong Palace, and today was the day. They were
going to bike up to Gogwihan, and Hoseok was going to let them into the palace just in time for the
conversation to take place. At the moment of the transfer of power, Hoseok would let Jimin and
Jeongguk into the room, rendering Jimin’s father powerless. And Jimin would finally have his day
in the sun, his day to declare his total and complete freedom.

“God, I haven’t worn hanbok in ages,” Jimin said as they began to dress. The transfer of power
was happening at noon. Tomorrow, there would be a celebration in all of Gogwihan for Namjoon
(unbeknownst to everyone celebrating). Jeongguk had timed it perfectly, but there was a bit more
insistency in the way they dressed, seeing as Jeongguk had been locked inside Jimin for an
unforeseen twenty minutes.

“You look beautiful,” Jeongguk commented with a smile, admiring his mate. Jimin was wearing a
white silk shirt and a black and silver hanbok top with black pants, and with his black hair, he
looked stunning and even more regal than he had with blonde hair. Jeongguk was in dark navy and
gold hanbok, his hair tied up as best as he could.

“You look like an alpha who should knot me again tonight,” Jimin sighed, and Jeongguk reached
over and smacked Jimin’s ass as Jimin walked by. “Ah! Sorry, I’m nervous. I shouldn’t be. I’ve
wanted to tell my father to go to hell my entire life. It’ll be glorious, but I’m still shitting myself.”

“Well, you haven’t been back at the palace in eight months,” Jeongguk pointed out. “You vanished
into thin air, and you’re going to be walking into a very full throne room.”

“That will be a moment,” Jimin said with a chuckle, and then he faced Jeongguk. “I’m ready. Let’s
go.”

Both of them put on large zip-up hoodies with hats and face masks so that no one would recognize
them as they cruised into Gogwihan. Luckily, Jeongguk knew several places where he could cut
through the woods and end up near the postboxes, a quieter area near the west wing of the palace.
Additionally, the town would be quiet because of the transfer of power. That gave Jeongguk and
Jimin extra cover.

The bike ride was like being on autopilot. Jeongguk had done it so many times that he didn’t even
have to focus. Instead, he paid attention only to Jimin, who was riding beside him on a separate
bike. He had wanted to ride with Jeongguk, but Jeongguk had insisted on biking separately to be
safer.

“Chain it up,” Jeongguk said as he chained his bike to a tree, and Jimin did the same, checking his
watch.

“Ten minutes to noon. We timed that well,” he said, sounding proud. The town was, indeed,
empty. So Jeongguk shrugged out of his hoodie and hat and mask, Jimin did the same, and then
they went around the back end of the postboxes. Hoseok was supposed to meet them at the side
entrance near the gardens, which was where he had managed to snag his daily patrol. He had only
remained at the palace as a guard in hopes that Namjoon would be crowned king some day, so
Hoseok’s dreams were coming true.

“Shit, just wait,” Jeongguk whispered, holding Jimin back near the edge of the postboxes and
staring into the distance at the wall of the garden. Jimin seemed to be holding his breath, but then
Jeongguk tugged his hand. Hoseok had just popped his head out and waved frantically. Jimin and
Jeongguk ran together to the garden wall, and Hoseok let them slip through.

“The hallway is empty right now, so hurry,” he hissed, ushering them in. “They’re all in the throne
room right now. Don’t walk in there until it’s official, or you’ll be dead, Jeongguk.”

“Noted,” Jeongguk murmured, following Hoseok closely, hating the way that being back in the
palace made him feel. Jimin gripped his hand tightly, though, and that was his reminder that he
was doing this for his mate.

“You’ll have to hang tight. There will be a lot of yelling,” Hoseok whispered as they crept up
towards the corner of the hallway, the throne room doors to the right. “It’s…”

And then, in the distance, the clock from the town square chimed, signaling that it was noon. Jimin
turned and pressed his ear to the wall, and Jeongguk felt inclined to do the same. He could faintly
hear voices, but mostly, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears, his scent beginning to sour in
anxiety. It wasn’t until Jimin released some calming pheromones that he relaxed.

“There it is,” Jimin whispered as Jeongguk heard a loud voice bellowing. Several other voices
joined in, and Jeongguk held his breath. That had to be Princess Yookyung abdicating the throne.
The yelling continued, and Jeongguk couldn’t make out much of what was being said. Hoseok had
his back to the wall, arms crossed with a grin on his face.

“It’s a good day to be alive,” he commented, glancing at his friends with their ears pressed to the
wall. “Patience.”

The shouting match only lasted for a few more minutes. Suddenly, an eerie silence reigned, and all
Jeongguk could make out was a bit of shuffling. Then he heard a calm voice speaking, followed by
Namjoon’s voice.

“That’s him,” Hoseok whispered, hearing it as well. “He’s taking his oath. They’re crowning him
right now. Transfer of power is happening.”

“Holy shit,” Jimin breathed. Jeongguk’s hands were clammy as he continued to listen, letting
Hoseok keep guard for them. Namjoon continued to speak, and then there was another moment of
silence. Jeongguk leaned back from the wall when he heard a chorus of voices, and Jimin pressed
his palm to the wall.

“That was it. ‘Long live the king.’ They said it. It’s done,” he said faintly. “He’s king. Holy shit.
Namjoon’s king of Dayangsong.”

“That’s your cue,” Hoseok declared. Jeongguk glanced at Jimin, and for a fleeting moment, the
world around them faded. It all became static noise, and all Jeongguk could see was his mate, the
love of his life, and flashes of their life together soared across Jeongguk’s vision. It was worth it. It
was all worth it.
“Let’s go,” Jeongguk said, taking Jimin’s hand and lacing their fingers together. Jimin nodded, and
then Hoseok turned the corner and led the way so he could open the door to the throne room. He
paused, took a deep breath, and then pulled open the door. He hesitated for a moment, likely
checking to see if it was, indeed, Namjoon on the throne. But with the door open, the sound drifted
out into the hallway.

“Ah, yes,” Namjoon said. “Hoseok is here to bring me my first official act as king of
Dayangsong.”

Hoseok held open the door wider, and Jimin walked through first, still hand-in-hand with
Jeongguk. Jeongguk swore all the blood rushed to his ears, but he didn’t miss the audible gasps that
reverberated through the throne room. He saw several palace guards flinch as if ready to pounce,
probably conditioned to do so if they ever saw Jimin or Jeongguk, especially Jeongguk. But
Namjoon, seated on the throne in his red hanbok, just rose to his feet and held up a hand, and the
entire king’s guard fell back into place silently.

And there, standing down on the floor with his wife by his side, was Jimin’s father. No longer a
king. Just a man. Silent, pale in the face, chin quivering in reserved rage as he stared at the son he
had lost and the man who had given his son a chance at life. To Namjoon’s left, Jeongguk caught
Yookyung watching Jimin with shining eyes, chin held high, seeing her nephew in a new light with
pride. Namjoon himself looked rather smug and very pleased with the reaction. The walk towards
the throne was long, but Jeongguk felt that perhaps it wasn’t right for him to take it. He slowed
down, and then he squeezed Jimin’s hand. Jimin glanced at him, and Jeongguk nodded.

This is your time.

Jimin seemed to understand. His lips twitched in a smile, and then he continued to walk with
Hoseok by his side. His father seemed unable to bear it any longer.

“You,” he snarled, but he wasn’t focused on his son. He was focused on Jeongguk, and he surged
forward and began to march directly towards Jeongguk. Jimin, however, was faster. He grabbed
Hoseok by the shoulder, yanked Hoseok’s sword out of the scabbard, spun over his own shoulder
while twisting the sword overhead, and put himself directly in his father’s path, holding the sword
horizontally up to his father’s throat in a defensive stand.

“You will not touch my mate,” Jimin barked as Namjoon waved one hand to a few guards who
seemed eager to step in to de-escalate the situation. Time stood still as Jimin held a sword to his
own father’s throat, daring him to take another step, and the word “mate” seemed to echo
throughout the entire room. It spread like a wildfire, and that was when the dozens of people in the
throne room seemed to make the connection between Jeongguk’s mating mark and Jimin’s mating
mark, both of which were visible.

“Stand down, Youngho-nim,” Namjoon calmly said from his position of power, and a shiver ran
down Jeongguk’s spine. Jimin’s father’s chest was heaving, his eyes wild as he looked past his son
to Jeongguk, but Jimin just took one step back and readjusted the sword, setting the tip of the blade
right underneath his father’s chin.

“He said… stand down,” Jimin quietly repeated. “Because you have no power. Not anymore. Back
up.”

“Bow,” Youngho hissed into the quiet room. “Bow to your father.”

And Jimin should have bowed. Any decent son with an ounce of respect trickling through their
veins for their father would bow. No matter past choices, no matter the decisions that were made,
no matter the upbringing, Jimin should have bowed—those were the conditions drilled into every
good pup’s brain from birth. But Jimin stayed upright, and Jeongguk’s breath caught in his throat.

Jimin had no respect for his father. And he refused to bow.

“No,” Jimin whispered, sliding the blade of the sword to one side of his father’s neck. One flick of
the wrist and the former king would go down in a rainstorm of blood. “You don’t tell me what to
do. Not after what you’ve done to me. You’ll say everything you did was for my own good. But
what the fuck do you know? Now back up.”

“Namjoon-ah, I demand that you—”

“You will address His Majesty appropriately,” Yookyung spoke up sharply, taking a step forward
to protect her son in the face of her spiraling brother. “And you will not make demands. You held
his position only one hour ago. Keep your dignity. Do as he says.”

It was then that Jimin slowly lowered the sword, still eyeing his father with palpable disdain as the
tip of the blade touched the ground. Without looking away, Jimin tossed the sword to the floor at
his father’s feet with a flourish, and then he used one foot to kick it to the side until it slid away.
With his jaw clenched, Jimin then stepped right up to his father, toe-to-toe, and Jeongguk saw his
mate’s life flash before his eyes for a moment.

“My mate and I are here to receive a pardon,” Jimin said. “So that we can return to living a normal
life without being hunted down for execution like wild animals.”

“The only wild animal is him,” Youngho said directly to Jimin as he referred to Jeongguk. “And
you allowed him to corrupt you and turn you into this.”

“And what exactly is ‘this’?” Jimin wondered, cocking his head to the side. “Myself? Not your
puppet? Not your prize omega to mate off to a shitty alpha who you would have let rule
Dayangsong instead of me? This is exactly who I’m meant to be. I believe His Majesty asked you
to stand down.”

“You are my son, I will not let this—!”

“Thank you, thank you,” Namjoon said with a sigh after waving one hand with a nod. Two guards
took Youngho by his elbows and held him back, just as Youngho had once commanded that they
do to Jeongguk. Knowing his limits as to what constituted making a scene, Youngho let out a low
growl and allowed himself to be pulled back. Jeongguk almost collapsed, because all he had seen
were visions of his mate being choked to death by his own father.

“Jimin-ah, look at what you’ve done,” Jimin’s mother said tearfully from off to the side, and Jimin
snorted.

“Don’t place the blame now, Mother,” he said as he beckoned over his shoulder to Jeongguk. “You
handed me off to a caretaker the day I was born. I can’t think of a single thing that would make me
proud to be your son. Your words mean nothing to me. And now I can say it to your face without
being slapped.”

Jeongguk stood by Jimin’s side loyally, and then they both took a step forward, watching as
Namjoon sat back down on his throne with a dimpled grin.

“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “And I believe our palace librarian is on his way with
the papers. I scheduled his arrival. Should be any minute now.”
“He’s pretty trustworthy,” Jimin commented, rocking back and forth on his heels.

“Oh, Uncle,” Namjoon said, leaning one elbow on the throne’s armrest and looking over to
Youngho. “Did I mention that I’ve been dating your palace librarian for four years? I plan to mate
him next month. And he’s a Kim. Not the Kims you like from central Gogwihan. He’s a Kim from
the southeast of Gogwihan. Not a lot of status.”

“Namjoon-ah,” Yookyung hissed in a scolding tone, and Namjoon straightened up, watching out of
the corner of his eye as Youngho struggled for a moment against the hold he was in.

“Apologies. I’m getting carried away. To be fair, I’ve been waiting years for this moment,”
Namjoon replied, and Jeongguk suppressed a smile. “Ah, there you are!”

“I’m right on time,” Seokjin said as he walked into the room with an envelope in his hand.
Immediately, he stopped dead in his tracks and bristled. “The energy in this room. Were all the
gatherings of the former king this much fun?”

“There have been a few too many surprises today, I think,” Namjoon said, and Seokjin walked past
Jimin and Jeongguk, setting a hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder as he did. He stopped in front of
Namjoon, bowed, and smiled.

“Your Majesty,” he said proudly, and then he handed over the envelope. “Papers for you to sign.
Pardoning Jeon Jeongguk on one false count of kidnapping and one false count of high treason, and
pardoning Park Jimin for one false count of conspiring to overthrow the monarchy, another false
count for illegally fleeing from his royal duties.”

“That’s what they—? Good Lord,” Jimin murmured, and Jeongguk pursed his lips to keep from
laughing. The book seemed to have been thrown at both of them in order to get a result, or perhaps
to encourage either one of them to come forward, turn themselves in. Luckily for Jeongguk, neither
he nor Jimin consumed much news, so they had happily missed such egregious false accusations.

Namjoon signed the papers and showed them to Jimin and Jeongguk. He announced to the palace
guards, now under his command, that they were to honor his first decree. He then sent most
everyone out of the room, saying that the public needed to be alerted that they had a new king.
Most of the masses dispersed after bowing to Namjoon, and Jeongguk noticed that several guards,
despite their ages, seemed intrigued by the fact that Namjoon was now sitting on the edge of the
platform, elbows resting on his knees in the most un-king-like position ever. From Jeongguk’s left,
Jimin breathed a sigh of relief and took Jeongguk’s hand.

“I desperately hope that you’ve thought this through.”

Jeongguk turned to where Youngho was standing without guards to hold him back down,
surveying the scene before him. Yookyung was standing by Namjoon, Seokjin was seated next to
him, Hoseok was picking up his sword, and nothing about what was occuring in the throne room
was royal. But Jeongguk had never felt more at home.

“Are you referring to my mating, my marriage, or the fact that I’ve been trying to find a way to
make Namjoon king instead of me for years?” Jimin asked flippantly, shifting his footing.

“The shame… and disgrace… that you’ve brought to our family,” Youngho started, his voice even
but his body language betraying him. He was a man stripped of power now; what had once made
him dangerous was now suddenly gone. “You were raised to be a king. And you fled from it and
traded your bright future for a life in poverty with a man who can give you nothing.”
“Okay, that’s—sorry, can I?” Jeongguk said, and Jimin raised his eyebrows briefly and tilted his
head, indicating for Jeongguk to speak. So Jeongguk turned and stared the former king of
Dayangsong in the eye, wishing that he could find it in himself to remember to respect someone of
such high status and ultimately failing. “All you’ve ever done is threaten me,” he started. “I didn’t
ask to be born. I didn’t pick my status or my lack of blood relatives. But I picked Jimin. And to
him, I’m enough. He doesn’t care where I was born or who my father was or if I’m wealthy or
educated. He doesn’t need me for money or for status or to make him look good. I can give him a
life. A happy life, which he didn’t have here. We’re not together out of necessity. We’re together
out of love. And you wouldn’t understand that.”

“You’re an abomination. The very fact that you feel brave enough to speak to me out of turn is
abhorrent,” Youngho said, immediately brushing aside and disregarding everything Jeongguk had
just said. “My son was born a prince. You’ve taken that from him.”

“No. I gave it up willingly,” Jimin interrupted. “But you can’t imagine, can you? You can’t
imagine giving up wealth and royalty and luxury. You’d never trade that just so you could figure
out who you actually are and learn to like yourself, would you?”

“You know who you are,” Youngho hissed.

“I do now,” Jimin declared. “And I can’t wait to see what Namjoon does for Dayangsong. You’re
going to hate every second of it. Your only son wants nothing to do with the very monarchy you
thought you built. I hope Namjoon tears it down and burns it in front of you. And then I hope he
builds it back up into something you can’t stand.”

“Jimin,” Jimin’s mother scolded tearfully, but Jimin ignored her.

“I thought about killing you,” Jimin offered, and Jeongguk’s heart stuttered. “I should have as
payment for everything you’ve fucking put me through. I always thought you deserved the most
painful death I could conjure up. Flogging, burning alive, anything. I should find Yang Dongwoo
and kill him, too. But you know what, Father? Seeing you like this… this is far worse than death.
A narcissist without power or fake friends is nothing but a man. I’m satisfied with this.”

“Don’t you pretend that—”

“You know what will happen?” Jimin interrupted with glee, gesturing to Namjoon. “He’ll mate the
man he loves. And that will open the floodgates. Purebloods will be running off to Gananhan to
mate their no-status partners and you’re going to have to watch it all happen. All that hard work you
put into preserving Gogwihan…” Jimin sighed. “Good luck with that. We’re going to head home
now. And I hope that I never have to see you in this palace again.”

“Does that mean you’ll visit?” Namjoon asked, leaning back on his elbows with a grin. Seokjin
nudged him in a scolding fashion, so Namjoon cleared his throat and stood up, attempting to look
more like a king instead of a twenty-seven-year-old prince who had just been promoted after
pushing an entire hidden agenda.

“Whenever you want,” Jeongguk said as Jimin nodded.

“Well, you’ll have to come celebrate our mating next month,” Namjoon said, and Seokjin whipped
his head over, eyebrows raised.

“Our mating when?”

“...Right. Um, do you want to mate next month?” Namjoon awkwardly asked, and Hoseok groaned
from nearby the door as Jimin burst out laughing and Jeongguk shook his head in amusement.
Even Yookyung, who was decisively silent, suppressed a laugh.

“He’s so dreamy, isn’t he?” Seokjin said, clasping his hands together and batting his eyelashes.
Then he turned his head to show his neck, his sweet caramel scent giving away that he was
pleased. “This will look really good with a mating mark on it.”

“Will you stop it?” Namjoon hissed, embarrassed.

“Laughter in the throne room,” Yookyung finally chimed in, sounding pleased. “That’s something
I haven’t heard in decades. Jimin-ah?” She turned to her nephew. “Get home safely, dear. You’re
welcomed here anytime. You as well, Jeongguk.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk said with a deep bow, and Jimin did the same. Jimin then stepped forward
and embraced Namjoon, the two of them muttering to one another as they hugged, blissfully
unaware of Jimin’s disgruntled parents standing off to the side, lost without their titles, unable to
immediately come to terms with no longer being in a position of power, and so suddenly.

“Take care of him,” Namjoon whispered when he embraced Jeongguk while Jimin and Seokjin
nudged each other playfully. “Please. He’s my world.”

“You know I will,” Jeongguk promised.

“Good. Because I made him promise to take care of you,” Namjoon replied with a grin. “See you
soon, Jeongguk-ah.”

“Yah, come this way! I’ll walk you out through the gardens,” Hoseok offered as Jeongguk took
Jimin’s hand again. With one last glance at the new king of Dayangsong, Jeongguk squeezed
Jimin’s hand and began to walk with him towards the exit.

“Jeongguk.”

Against his better judgment, Jeongguk turned around to face Youngho one final time. Youngho set
his hands behind his back pensively, staring Jeongguk down.

“I rue the very day this palace chose to hire you,” he quietly said.

“Good. I hope you do,” Jeongguk answered.

“I stand by my choice of punishment if we had caught you,” Youngo declared. “You should have
been hanged in front of a crowd as an example to them all.”

“It’s a damn shame you didn’t catch me in time, then, isn’t it?” Jeongguk replied with a tiny smile.
“I hope it haunts you for the rest of your miserable life.”

He didn’t look back after that. Hoseok led them out of the throne room and through the gardens,
where Jimin plucked a little chamomile flower and tucked it behind Jeongguk’s ear with a radiant
smile. Together, they slipped out past the side gates, hugging Hoseok and promising to return soon.

“Oh, I’ll be okay now,” Hoseok said with glee. “I’m not working for a miserable boss, you know? I
can rough this one up.”

mood: “sunlight” by hozier

Still smiling, Jeongguk walked hand-in-hand with Jimin away from the palace and back to the
postboxes. Just beyond the clearing, their bikes were chained up to two separate trees.

“What now?” Jimin asked, swinging one leg over the bike and straddling it, palms pressed to the
handlebars. Jeongguk did the same, and then he leaned both of his elbows on the handlebars.

“Now you close this chapter of your life,” Jeongguk suggested. “If you want to, of course. You can
move on.”

“You know something?” Jimin cocked his head to the side. “This is a fairytale ending. And that’s
not…”

“Not what you expected?” Jeongguk supplied.

“It was too easy.” Jimin narrowed his eyes suspiciously, and Jeongguk let out a bark of laughter.

“Too easy? Escaping the palace and hiding for months was easy to you? Jesus Christ,” he laughed,
and Jimin grinned.

“Okay, That’s not what I meant. I meant today. Today was…”

“Today was exactly how life should be.”

“Happy?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk nodded.

“Happy.”

“I can work with happy,” Jimin said, and then he set one foot on one of the pedals of his bike. A
whisper of a breeze floated around them, and the warm afternoon sunlight illuminated Jimin’s face
at just the right angle so Jeongguk could admire.

Perhaps Jimin no longer wished to be a prince. Perhaps being king was never something he
wanted. But to Jeongguk, Jimin would always be royalty in the way he carried himself—bold,
unashamed, refusing to fail, courageous in the face of terrible odds. Jimin often said that Jeongguk
was all of those things, but maybe they were reflections of one another. Maybe they were a product
of the best parts of each other. Or maybe they had both just drowned out all the white noise so they
could fall in love properly, just like a fairytale.

“Jeongguk-ah? Baby. Are we going home?” Jimin asked, and Jeongguk blinked, breathing in the
omega’s sweet scent through the breeze. Vanilla. Rainwater. Peppermint. Distinctly them, and it
always would be. Through every season for the rest of their lives, whenever they breathed in, the
world would be them.

“Yeah.” Jeongguk leaned over and kissed the side of Jimin’s head, his eyes closed, his heart
soaring. “We’re going home.”

Jimin blinked a few times, and then he grinned.

“Last one home takes a cold shower.”

“You little—”

Jimin threw his head back as he laughed, taking off down the hill towards home. And Jeongguk,
determined not to lose the race but still willing to let Jimin win, followed love into the sunlight.
Chapter End Notes

Once again - all of my gratitude and love for everyone who has read this <333 thank
you again for spending all these weeks with me, I love you all so much!

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Can't wait to see y'all again in August! ;)

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