Gorgon

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/38926902.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V
Character: Bangtan Boys | BTS Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics,
Alpha Jeon Jungkook, Omega Kim Taehyung | V, Hurt/Comfort, Slow
Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Love/Hate, Powerful Jeon Jungkook, CEO
Jeon Jungkook, Falling In Love, Angst with a Happy Ending, Age
Difference, Translation Available, Available in Spanish
Language: English
Collections: Fics that I love
Stats: Published: 2022-05-11 Completed: 2022-08-07 Chapters: 36/36 Words:
38780

Gorgon
by Fille_du_soleil

Summary

Jungkook and Taehyung go through an arranged marriage set by their grandparents decades
before both of the young men were born. Taehyung eagerly accepts only to be abandoned
on his wedding night. Jungkook left behind a scorching vitriol and a husband made the
laughing stock of his peers.

Jungkook comes back years later but only because Taehyung stands in the way of his
inheritance. Jungkook bites more than he can chew and gets more than he bargained for.
The young innocent husband he left behind is no more.

Available in Spanish here.

Notes

This work has been translated in Spanish by hxneychim.

Available in Spanish here.

See the end of the work for more notes

 Gorgon

When Taehyung was fifteen his grandmother announced to him his engagement, and life had never
been the same.

Taehyung was raised by his grandmother according to old values. He kept his hair long as a
symbol of purity, wore Hanboks, and learned the ways to be a perfect house-spouse. The only
place he was seen with casual clothes was at school, if a uniform could be considered as such. He
lived with the constant presence of a husband he did not know.

“You will marry the Jeon heir,” said his grandmother with a pleased smile. Taehyung blushed
keeping his gaze low. His fiancé never came to meet him. Jeon Jungkook was a busy man. He was
five years older than Taehyung, and those fleeting years felt like an eon for a young and easily
impressed teenage boy.

Taehyung never resented Jungkook for his absence. He learned to accept that Jungkook was a busy
man, and busy men did not have much time for themselves. However, Jungkook’s grandfather,
Taekyung, visited frequently. With time, Taehyung saw in the old hunched man a grandfather he
never had.

As any youngster, Taehyung’s head was filled with a yearn for romance. But, his situation was
different. Unlike his comrades, Taehyung already had a fiancé, a futur husband, and no one other
than Jeon Jungkook, heir to a fortune and a deeply rooted family. Their name alone was wealth
enough. And the thought alone sufficed to make Taehyung blush timidly.

“You will live in a pretty and big house,” Aecha, Taehyung’s mother, would say with a big smile.

“He is a good soul,” Taekyung would say each time he visited. Along the years, Jungkook’s
absence weighted more and more on Taehyung’s heart. He became a shadow, always present yet
never truly there.

Taehyung, through social media, knew who his husband was. He saw pictures of a tall and
handsome alpha. His broad shoulders and chiseled chest spoke of raw strength and vitality. His
smile was bright yet carried a hint of innocence in the sparkle of his eyes. He was surrounded by
friends. Friends that became familiar faces to Taehyung. At times, in the safety of his room,
Taehyung let himself dream of that strong alpha. He imagined his deep voice whispering sweet
nothings. He pictured the big hands caressing his skin. He whimpered when imaginary strong arms
wrapped around his frame. He guessed Jungkook’s scent to be as strong and potent as his aura. The
young man carried himself with an ease and confidence that only men of power had.

Taehyung, at times, left comments under the pictures, the videos. He sent messages but no reply
came. It did not matter because Jungkook was a busy man and busy men did not have much free
time.

Taekyung told Taehyung endless tales and stories about Jungkook. Taehyung feasted on each and
every word. He learned every like and dislike of the alpha. In the confines of his mind, he liked to
think of Jungkook as his husband, and not just an absentee fiancé.

When Taehyung was eighteen, he got married, and life had never been the same.

He thought of Jungkook as a god incarnate.When they met, his scent and height had Taehyung’s
knees tremble. He towered over the omega. His crimson eyes swept over the frail frame. His smile
curved into a lopsided smile. He spared Taehyung a glance and it had been enough for the omega
to fall.

Taehyung was invited to the Jeon mansion in the city, far away from the safety of his parents’
humble farm. His head swooned from the luxury and display of wealth. Maids bowed to him.
People referred to him with such deference that Taehyung lost his voice. He was left at loss and
speechless. Only a night ago, he was the mere son of a farmer, and right there in the Jeon’s house
he was a young master.

Taehyung was taken to his room. It was bigger than any room he saw. It was a suite fit for a king,
he thought candidly. He was informed that Jungkook left for a business meeting. Their encounter
barely lasted a minute. Taehyung felt his heart ache. But, it did not matter because soon enough
Jungkook would be his husband.

Jungkook never reappeared.

Taehyung was left with Aera, Jungkook’s mother, to handle all of the wedding preparations. His
days were punctuated with long meetings with dozens of different weddings planners, florists,
chefs, bakers, and many other occupations he couldn’t list. He did not understand why the flowers
had to match his wedding outfits. He did not understand the need for several wedding cakes. He
did not understand when the adults talked. When he dared to open his trembling mouth to ask a
question, Aera shushed him with a violence that had his eyes sting.

And Jungkook became a ghost.

“We will proceed with the legal papers tomorrow,” Aera said as she roamed in Taehyung’s room.
He kept it clean and tidy despite the maids complains. Taehyung did not understand why he
couldn’t do his own bed or clean his own bathroom. The maids were livid each time he helped.
They gently ushered him away.

“I know, mother” Taehyung said with a polite bow. He watched her move around in the room. Her
elegant hand brushed over Taehyung’s possessions. They were not many, only trinkets and
souvenirs from his friends.

“Don’t call me that,” Aera sighed turning to face Taehyung. He quickly dropped his gaze. “Call me
Madam,” she instructed with her usual firm tone. It left no room for discussion. “And you will
refer to my son as young master,” she added. Taehyung, startled by the demand, raised his gaze.
She stood tall and impressive. Her aura smothered Taehyung. “I won’t have you act improperly,”
she said with a saccharine smile. It never reached her eyes. Taehyung knew as much now. He spent
enough time by her side. “You don’t want that, do you now omega?” she said. The name felt like
an insult, although she was one herself. Taehyung shook his head. His throat knotted. “Speaking of
legal papers, I have something that I need you to sign before the ceremony,” she handed Taehyung
an envelope. He opened it with trembling hands. Prenuptial agreement, the documents said. He
wondered what it was. He wondered if he had a right to ask, or if he would be silenced again. The
choice was taken from him as Taekyung came into the room with a furor that Taehyung never
witnessed before.

“What do you think you are doing?” Taekyung asked snatching the documents from Taehyung’s
hands. His glare anchored itself on Aera. The women did not even flinch. She even smiled.
Taehyung admired her calm composure.

“Grandfather, I am only discussing the wedding with my son-in-law,” Aera said walking closer to
Taehyung. She wrapped her arm around Taehyung. He grip was vice like. Taehyung suppressed a
whimper. “And forgive me for trying to protect my son and our family,” she sighed glancing at the
documents. “It was merely a test,” she explained. Taehyung felt at loss.

“Leave us,” Taekyung said sternly not wanting to engage in her mind games. He waited until the
door closed behind her. “Are you all right, son?” he asked facing Taehyung. His face was void of
that harshness that painted it a moment ago. His eyes were full of worry.

“I am, grandfather,” Taehyung smiled leaning in the soft touch. The wrinkled hand wrapped gently
around his forearm. “She wanted me to sign something for the legal union. I didn’t understand
what it was,” he said with an honesty that pained the older man.

“It is nothing,” Taekyung said with a soft smile. “Don’t sign anything she gives you from now
without my approval. Do you understand, boy?” he asked scrutinizing Taehyung’s face. The omega
nodded with a smile.

Taekyung left shortly after. Taehyung watched him walk out in a hurry with the crumpled papers in
his hand. He wondered what they were. He did not have time to ponder on them. The day had been
extremely long and tiring. Sleep won over with unsurprising ease.
 Sacrificed at the altar

The wedding was nothing short of stunning and extravagant. Taehyung felt dizzy from it all. The
décor, the guests, everything made his heart sway. Then, there was his husband. Jungkook stood
tall and handsome among the guests. His suit hugged perfectly his body, displaying broad
shoulders, strong arms, and thick thighs. Taehyung smiled with blushing cheeks. His eyes filled
with tears of happiness. He dreamt of the moment for years, an eternity, hidden in the comfort of
his childhood bedroom.

“My husband,” Taehyung smiled looking up to meet Jungkook’s gaze. They swayed along a waltz
as they opened the ball. Guests joined them after the second twirl around the dance floor. As
swiftly as the maddening waltz started, it ended. Jungkook left Taehyung standing, clueless, in the
middle of the dancing guests.

“May I?” Taekyung appeared next to Taehyung. The old man left his can by his table. He offered
his hand for a dance. Taehyung accepted with a shy smile. His gaze lingered on his retreating
husband. Aside from the obligatory vows, he still did not have a conversation with Jungkook.
Taehyung tried to not let the matter spoil his mood. And so he danced. He danced with his father,
his mother, and swayed slowly with his grandmother.

Jungkook disappeared. The alpha looked preoccupied. Nothing of the mirth and joy of the
ceremony reached his eyes. They remained crimson and unforgiving.

When Taehyung headed to their bedroom for the wedding night, he found it empty. He sat on the
bed waiting for his husband. The echo of Jungkook’s footsteps in the hallway broke the suffocating
silence.

“Husband,” Taehyung’s face lit up as Jungkook entered. What a man he was! Standing there with
all his might and very much Taehyung’s; from the tip of his slicked back hair to his expensive
shiny shoes. He was Taehyung’s; his smile, that still did not grace the omega; his gaze, stubbornly
crimson, that roamed over the frail form mercilessly; his fists that clenched tightly by his sides.

“Don’t call me that,” Jungkook snarled. His mouth opened to reveal a row of sharp teeth. “Young
master,” he hissed with unhidden vitriol, “that is the only thing I am for you. You better not forget,
ugly, ignorant, useless thing that you are,” he advanced on Taehyung. For each step forward, the
omega took one backward. His throat knotted from dread and fear. “Did you think that I would
bend over backwards for you? Did you think that you would tempt me with that fetid scent of
yours?” The bite of his words filled Taehyung’s core. His scent filled the room, suffocating and
venomous. Jungkook reached, blinded by his unforgiving wrath, towards Taehyung. His hand
wrapped like steel around the delicate throat. Taehyung gasped. His hands immediately wrapped
around the strong forearm. In the crimson enraged gaze he saw his demise.

“H-husband,” Taehyung stuttered once Jungkook released his grip. Taehyung fell on the bed.
Hesitantly, his fingertips brushed over his sore throat.

“I don’t want you, ugly, brainless creature,” Jungkook growled. Taehyung whimpered. He turned
to stone under the man’s eyes. Jungkook’s vitriol was scorching. It flooded Taehyung’s mind and
soaked his skin. It burned. It hurt. It itched under his skin. It spiked within his veins. Taehyung felt
his soul and face combust into a blazing fire; a glorious scarring fire that it was. The pain had been
unbearable. He cowered under the implacable alpha.

“Forgive me,” Taehyung whispered lowering his gaze. Memories flooded his mind. His
grandmother was not there to shelter him. His father stood in Jungkook’s shadow. He seemed to
agree with every word. “Forgive me,” Taehyung repeated hoping to appease the beast. He
wondered which one he wished to sooth, both, none, the shadow, his husband. He couldn’t tell.

“It is too easy to ask for forgiveness now,” Jungkook snapped. “I don’t want you. I made that clear
yet you stuck to me like a damn leech. Believe me, you won’t see the color of my money. You
won’t spend a dime of it, if I have any say in it”. The rant brushed over Taehyung. The voice
seemed distant. His vision blurred. His lungs were on fire. They shrunk in size. “I have a life. I
have someone that I actually love. I won’t let you ruin anything for me.”

Taehyung was left in the room with loud voices and shadows. He shrunk on the vast bed.
Morpheus had been clement on him that night. He swept the shaking frame in his arms and took
Taehyung to peaceful lands. When Taehyung opened his eyes, morning light filtered through the
thick curtains. He sat up with a groan. His head pounded. The previous night seemed like a fever
dream. If it wasn’t for the immaculate Hanbok jarring his sanity, Taehyung would have thought
that he dreamt the whole moment.
 The curse

Taehyung eyed his reflection in the mirror. Jungkook’s words echoed in his febrile mind. Ugly. He
stood closer to the mirror and inspected his face. It still carried the distinct glow of youth. His
round cheeks and nose stood out the most. He tried to smile. His eyes remained dull, adorned by an
unhealthy color due to lack of proper sleep. He inspected his naked frame next. His long, skinny
fingers roamed over his flat chest. His ribs were prominent. His breasts were flat and unattractive.
They had nothing of that softness and delicacy he saw on other omegas. His waist was narrow. He
recalled his grandmother worrying about childbearing. His legs were long. His knees bigger than
they should be. His crotch was hairless because he wanted it as such. The magazines, internet told
him it was more alluring. He saw nothing of temptation. He saw a child. Taehyung sighed covering
his body with a robe. Jungkook was right. ugly, he was.

However, Taehyung did not agree on useless. Jungkook did not give him the opportunity to prove
himself. Taehyung was keen on doing just that. He was trained to run a household with a firm yet
gentle hand. He knew how to cook and bake, especially Jungkook’s favorites. He was taught to
mend, to take care, and to do so many things. He knew how to care for a child of any age.
Taehyung knotted the rope of the robe around his waist. It was with confidence that he stepped out
of the bathroom. He would prove himself to Jungkook. Taehyung would be the perfect spouse for
the alpha as designed by their respective families.

Ignorant. The hiss stopped Taehyung in his track. His hand remained in the air as it reached for his
hanbok, his outfit for the day. He finished high school. Of course, it was nothing compared to the
academic course his husband had. It was Taehyung’s pride and joy to stand next to a cultured and
intelligent man. Their children would be like their father. Taehyung, on the other hand, wanted to
teach them other things. He wanted to take them to beautiful gardens to see colorful landscapes. He
wanted to teach them about music, art, and other beautiful matters in life. Taehyung sighed once
more and reached for his outfit. Jungkook was perhaps right. When someone as cultured as
Jungkook took a spouse, surely they expected the same level.

Then, there was the age difference. Taehyung did not mind it in the slightest. Jungkook was more
attractive because of it. He had the glow and aura of a man. Perhaps for Jungkook it was a bridge
they needed to cross.

Taehyung groaned trying to chase away the myriad of thoughts. He would prove himself worth of
Jungkook, and that was it. Empowered by the thought, he put on his clothes. He brushed his hair
and braided them. He inspected his throat. It was not bruised nor sore. He smiled at his reflection
and went out. The maids took him for breakfast first. He ate alone in the garden, surrounded by a
floral scent and the chant of birds. He felt better. He regained a bit of strength. He roamed in the
house looking for a familiar face, other than the help. He found, finally, after much efforts, the
office of the grandfather. He did not truly find it. It found him. It was the loud voices inside that
brought him there. He leaned closer to the door.

“Where is he?” Taekyung asked with a furor that iced Taehyung’s blood. “I will not condone such
childish behavior. I expected and still expect better of him!”

“He is my son first,” Aera said with a much calmer tone. Taehyung admired once again her
composure. If it had been him, he would have shrunk under the cold voice. “I will not let you ruin
my son’s life for that absurd fantasy of yours. You should mourn your loss properly and not
impose on others your fantasies. It is just that the fantasy of an old man. If I did not know you any
better, father I would have thought that madness crept onto your mind.”
“I see that you became more daring with age,” Taekyung sneered. Taehyung recognized in the tone
something of Jungkook. The venom cut flesh and soul. Aera seemed immune or at least she
pretended formidably to be. “You will tell him to come back or- ”

“Or what, father?” Aera huffed. Taehyung gasped. She frightened him. She seemed so strong
headed, and to stand against grandfather seemed to be a titanic task for Taehyung. She never
faltered. She gave as much as she received. For a fleeting moment, although he did not understand
what was happening, Taehyung wished to be just like her. “I will not let you ruin my son to satisfy
your desires. He is far away and with his fiancée. You met her, remember? An educated,
independent woman that will fit our name, unlike that brainless puppet you brought us”. Her steps
echoed in the room. Taehyung gasped stepping away from the door but it was too late. It opened.
Taehyung felt like a deer in headlight. “And an eavesdropper,” she said simply yet her voice rang
like a gong. Taehyung whimpered looking down at his feet.

Taehyung was ushered inside. Aera left without another word. She said her piece. Taekyung
breathed in relief when the constant thud of her heels faded in the hallway.

“Where is my husband?” Taehyung asked softly. His hands intertwined on his lap. You shouldn’t
utter your husband’s name, his grandmother taught him as much. His cheeks reddened. His eyes
stung. He felt silly to refer to Jungkook as such. They were husbands as much as the sea was sweet.

Taekyung let out a long suffering sigh. “I owe you an apology, my sweet boy,” he said. His hand
wrapped around Taehyung’s. It was warm and anchoring. Taehyung recalled the day his cat died.
His grandmother had the same tone. “He left, my boy. But, rest assured! I will drag him back here.
I won’t let him disrespect you. You deserve better. I will make sure he becomes the man you need.
Now, I am afraid he still a boy obeying to the whims and wants of his mother.”

“Grandfather,” Taehyung interrupted the unforgiving promise. “I do not wish for someone that
does not want me. But, I cannot leave nor can I stay in this house. Everything is clear now. The
maids, mother’s attitude, they all have been so scornful. If it hadn’t been naivete blinding me, I
would have saw it before it was late,” he sighed looking at the windows. The sky was bright and
blue. A soft breeze blew in carrying a sweet floral scent. “This isn’t my home,” he whispered with
pain. The hand on his tightened gently. “Grandfather, you lied to me. You did not tell me that he
already had someone to love.”

“That woman will be his downfall,” Taekyung said. Taehyung detected worry in the tone. “She
doesn’t love him. She loves our name and wealth. You are better for him.”

“Who are we to decide that?” Taehyung asked startling the old man with his question. “For him,
she is his one true love. She must mean the world to him. I cannot imagine the pain we’ve put him
through with this wedding.”

“What about your pain?” Taekyung asked stubbornly.

“It doesn’t matter now, does it? The deed is done and the ship has sailed. I became the laughing
stock of your people. I noticed their eyes on me. Now, I understand. Even the help here mocks me.
I know better,” he wiped his wet cheeks. “Grandfather, I have no home. I cannot return to my
parents without bringing shame upon them. They will misunderstand,” he said reaching for his
long braid. It should have been cut by Jungkook during the previous night. It was a sign of his
purity. Taehyung shouldn’t have remained pure. The braid would be cut and their marriage
consummated. Now, for those who know traditions, Taehyung was improper and scorned by his
husband for it. “I cannot stay here either,” Taehyung finished with a sob.

“This is your home as much as it is his,” Taekyung assured. With a tissue, he reached to wipe the
endless stream of tears.

“Yet it is not,” Taekyung shook his head. “I cannot stay among people that despise me for
something I had no hand in. Please, take me with you. You told me about that house you have in
the countryside. Let me live there. I only ask that you visit me once in a while. I won’t be a burden.
Let me live there until fate has other plans for me.”

“That house?” Taekyung asked with surprise. It had been a long time since he thought of that
house. He had it build for a lover he could’t have. It became the coveted domain of the family. He
was still the owner, although many tried to take it from him.

“I have nowhere else to go,” Taehyung nodded through the tears. “It is faraway that no one would
recognize me or hear of what happened here.”

Taekyung took a moment to think. The house was secluded in a small town. It was surrounded by a
forest as his old lover wanted. Their family were unofficially the lords of the region since
Taekyung decided to built there. People there knew and respected them. Perhaps, some of it would
rub on Taehyung. Taekyung sighed standing to go to the window. His hands clasped behind his
back. Their family was well-known. The marriage was news and surely gossip in their circle.
Taekyung glanced at the crying boy. “I will take you there myself,” he announced. “I will live with
you,” he decided. He would protect that sweet boy as he wished he had protected that long gone
lover. Fate, perhaps, gave him a chance to redeem himself.

Not long after, Taehyung stood in front of the mansion he thought to be a simple house in the
countryside. It stood tall and towered over his small frame. He walked by Taekyung’s side. The
gravel crunched under their feet. They climbed the steps to the wide wooden door. The head of a
gorgon greeted them. The massive frame was sculpted into the wood. Her unforgiving glare rested
upon them. The hiss of the numerous snakes surrounding her echoed in the wind.

“Welcome home,” Taekyung said as the door opened. The head parted into two and opened onto
the house.

“Welcome home,” Taehyung said in turn. He took a deep breath and let his fate in the hands of that
majestic creature watching over the property.
 The birth

Taehyung loved the mansion very much. Every corner and room seemed filled with wonders. He
found a vast library with some shelves still empty. He found a spacious kitchen fit for feasts. He
found endless bedrooms. He found many living rooms and wondered what they were all for. Even
the main Jeon house did not rival with the luxury and extravaganza of the Gorgon domain.
Taehyung settled in the bedroom next to the grandfather. The view over the gardens was
breathtaking. He took to staring at it every now and then as he put away his belongings.

“This is for you,” Taekyung pushed a small velvety box towards Taehyung on their second night
there. Taehyung put down his chopsticks and reached for it. His long fingers opened carefully the
box. It revealed a small medallion with the same gorgon that ornated the property in several places.
The glare of the creature met Taehyung’s gaze. The small snakes, same as the face, were ornated
with gems. “It is the Jeon’s unofficial emblem,” Taekyung smiled reaching for necklace. He stood
and went behind Taehyung. “That empty minded boy should have gifted it to you on your wedding
night,” he explained. Taehyung remained speechless. His fingertips brushed over the medallion.

“Why a gorgon?” Taehyung asked finally when Taekyung sat once more at the head of the table.
Taehyung remained next to him. He did not wish to sit at the other end. It was not his place.

“It is a Gorgoneion,” Taekyung explained patiently. “The medallion is called a Gorgoneion. It is

used for protection. It keeps away bad energy, bad karma, and envious people,” he smiled as
memories flashed before his mind’s eyes. “We give it to our spouses to protect them,” he added
after a sip of his drink. “To our children for the same reason,” he stated. Taehyung recalled seeing
the same medallion around Jungkook’s neck as well. He smiled brightly as he reached once more
for it. “It will protect you,” Taekyung smiled. He raised his glass and waited for Taehyung. The
omega did as well. He blushed. He never toasted before. It felt extravagant.

“Thank you, grandfather,” Taehyung whispered shyly. He felt protected by that mysterious
creature, and above all by the old man.

Jungkook chuckled softly as he watched his fiancée twirled around herself. Her red dress flew
along akin to a rose around her. “Hey beautiful,” he said wrapping his arms around her. Her sweet
scent flooded his nose. For a fleeting moment, he recalled another scent. The memory was laced
with the acidic smell of fear. “You like it?” he asked running a hand over the silk of the dress.

“A lot,” Seojun grinned. She stood on her toes to kiss the alpha. “It is so soft,” she added pulling
away from the embrace to look at her reflection once more. Her eyes sparkled with happiness. Her
gaze met Jungkook’s through the mirror.

“I have something else for you,” Jungkook reached into his pocket. He retrieved a small box. Her
breath itched. “I want you to wear it from now on,” he stated as he opened the little box. It revealed
a Gorgoneion. “It belonged to someone important for my grandfather,” he added leaving the rest of
the story to himself. “It was passed on to my father who gave it to my mother, and now I give it to
you,” he explained with a smile. He wondered why the red furious gaze of the gorgon reminded
him of someone else.

Seojun stepped closer to inspect the medallion. Her brows furrowed at the sight. Despite the gems,
she did not fancy the gift at all. She kept it to herself. It looked expensive enough. The sharp teeth
and tongue of the monster stretched far out of its gaping jaw. The penetrating wide-eyed gaze
stared at her, merciless. The little snakes, ready to attack, coiled about the head. Their hiss echoed
to her ears. She hated it. “Thank you, ‘Kook,” She said as Jungkook put it around her delicate
neck. “I like it a lot,” she said with ease.

“It will protect you,” Jungkook smiled leaning to kiss her neck. She huffed softly.

“I am not one for superstitions, and you know it,” Seojun reminded him. Jungkook shrugged. He
did not share with her the story of the medallion nor its relevance for his family. Surely, he
thought, it would bore her. She was a woman of science. Logic ruled her world. She was fit to stand
by his side. He needed someone smart to be his, and not a backward high school student. The
memory of Taehyung waiting for him in his pristine Hanbok flashed before his mind. Jungkook
laughed softly. The boy was ridiculous and absurd.

“Why are you laughing?” Seojun asked turning to look at Jungkook. Her red lips curved to reveal
pearly teeth. Jungkook looked at her and basked in her beauty. He felt lucky.

“Nothing,” Jungkook shook his head. “Now, let’s go before we are late. Mother can’t wait to see
you,” he offered his arm. They left the penthouse. It was her choice to live there in the heart of the
city. She fell in love with the view, as she stated so herself. Look at this, ‘Kook. Isn’t it beautiful?
Who was Jungkook to deny her? He bought the penthouse the very same day.

“Seojun,” Aera greeted with a smile and open arms. She stood from their table at the restaurant.
She made sure to book the place for the dinner. “My sweet darling, I must say that I missed you,”
she said pulling the young woman into a warm embrace. “And I see that Jungkook gave you my
gift,” she added looking at the medallion around the delicate neck.

“I love it, mother,” Seojun beamed and sat next to her. Jungkook watched the exchange with a
smile. He belonged there with a spouse that his mother adored. Seojun was fit to be a Jeon. She
would have been already if it was not for that cursed high school student. Jungkook sat with them
and refused to let Taehyung spoil his mood. Who was he to even have the pretention to do so? He
was a nobody that Taekyung pitied.

When Taehyung went to bed, he could have sworn that he heard the gorgon roar louder than
thunder. As his eyes closed, he could have sworn that he heard the distinct hiss of snakes.
Taehyung smiled reaching for his medallion. He felt protected. The thought made him giggle softly
as slumber won over. He felt exhausted but a new day awaited.
 Chapter 5

A month passed since Taehyung settled in the Gorgon domain, then another. Suddenly, it dawned
on him that Jungkook was not coming back. He woke up to a blue sky and singing birds. His heart
weighted heavily in his chest.

“He is not coming back,” Taehyung muttered to himself as he eyed the thriving gardens. The
workers were already hurrying to finish before the blazing sun of noon.

“Son,” the familiar deep voice startled Taehyung. Taekyung smiled as he walked closer to the
omega. “I have something for you,” he said with a grin. “Or rather, I have someone. Don’t think I
did not notice your morose mood. I can’t do much against that foolish boy, at least for now. But, I
can do something for you,” he added before calling for someone. A young man stepped into the
living room. Taehyung eyed the newcomer. He never saw him before. He was around his age.
Taekyung said as much. “You need a friend, someone your age and not an old man like me,”
Taekyung said accepting no refusal.

“My name is Jimin,” the newcomer bowed low. Taehyung looked at him with unhidden curiosity.
“I am at your service, young master,” he added politely.

Taehyung did not feel like a young master. He felt like an ugly, useless usurper. “Call me
Taehyung,” he instructed. Jimin nodded with a timid smile.

Another month faded. Jungkook was a ghost. Taehyung felt less lonely with Jimin and Taekyung
by his side. The old man always had something to do, and took Taehyung with him when possible.
Jimin turned out to be a formidable companion as well. He was from the town. His family took
care of the property during all these years. Taehyung found himself asking endless questions about
the mansion. The gorgon never revealed its secrets. Its presence soothed Taehyung. Jimin laughed
at the confession when Taehyung shared it. You must be mad to like such monster, he said. No,
Taehyung adored her. She is like me, he answered, scorned and hated for something she had no
hand in. Jimin never asked questions. The sadness dulling Taehyung’s gaze was enough to
understand the regrettable situation.

“I have an idea!” Jimin grinned one day. Summer neared its end. The nights turned chillier. The
blue sky turned grey often. The breeze bit during the day as well. “Why don’t you come to
university with me, young master?” he asked with delight. Taehyung had to correct him once more.
He was no master. Jimin refused to listen. Taehyung guessed that intimacy and true friendship
needed time and patience. He did not doubt that Jimin would someday see him as more than a
scorned master. Taehyung smiled and waited, akin to one would wait for the muddy water to settle.

“It is a formidable idea,” Taekyung clapped his hands. He adored the idea. The next day,
Taehyung was enrolled in the community college in town. Jimin was delighted at the prospect of
finally seeing Taehyung going further into the world than the gates of the domain. “Is something
on your mind? Other than my foolish grandson,” Taekyung asked with a sigh. The once jovial
young man he knew turned into a taciturn hermit. Taehyung preferred silence and books. He did
not wish, not even once, to leave the property. “This isn’t a prison, my sweet boy. You’re allowed
to live. Someday soon, that foolish boy will become a man and understand his mistakes.”

“What would I do without you?” Taehyung smiled reaching for the wrinkled old hand. Taekyung
return the smile. “I have one last favor to ask, grandfather” he asked timidly. Taekyung agreed,
curious. “I want you to cut my hair. It is meaningless and a burden now. Would you cut it for me?”
“It would be an honor,” Taekyung answered with hesitance. “But, are you sure, my boy? You don’t
have to change to accommodate anyone. You’re a Jeon now.”

“Only on paper, grandfather” Taehyung shook his head. He stood and fetched scissors. The soft
sound of hair being cut echoed in the silent room. Taehyung breathed better without it. “Thank
you,” he said taking the scissors. He left the braid, unwanted on the table. He discarded it without a
second glance, and in the gesture he found some peace.

Jungkook sipped his drink eyeing the restless city at his feet. His lips curved into a smile. Within
weeks, he climbed up the ladder at the company. He thought that his grandfather would hinder
him, although nothing of that happened. He felt empowered.

“’Kook,” Seojun called with her usual pearly smile. “My brother is here to see you,” she said
walking closer to the alpha. Her hands brushed over Jungkook’s chest. She seemed pleased by the
brand and quality of the suit. Jungkook glanced at her neck. The medallion lay unwanted and
forgotten in a drawer of her closet.

“Why aren’t you wearing it?” Jungkook asked eyeing the pearls she wore instead. They were
expensive. He knew as much. He bought them after all. “The medallion,” he clarified as he noticed
her confused gaze.

“Oh,” Seojun reached for a chaste kiss. “I don’t want to lose it. It is too important to me. I prefer to
keep it safe,” she explained urging Jungkook to follow. “Come one now, my brother is waiting for
us. From the looks of it and his loud whines, he is hungry,” she chuckled.

How can it protect you, if you don’t wear it? Jungkook left the complaint unvoiced. He followed
her instead.

“Finally, you grace us with your presence,” Seokjin, the brother, greeted with a bright smile.
Jungkook sighed. The man was his fiancée’s twin. They were frighteningly alike, even in
character. Both were enamored with their looks. “I thought that that mysterious spouse of yours
stole you from us,” Seokjin jarred. Seojun laughed softly nudging her brother. Jungkook did not
fancy the joke.

“I heard that he settled at the Gorgon house,” a deep voice startled Jungkook. It had been a long
time since he heard it. He turned to find his brother standing in a dark corner. A cigarette dangled
between his lips. The tip brightened with an orange glow for a fleeing moment. Yoongi met his
brother’s gaze before blowing the thick white smoke. “I heard that you abandoned him on your
wedding night. I also heard that he is a thing of beauty. Yet you turned him into a laughing stock.”

In the words lay a tacit warning. Seojun chuckled softly trying to defuse the tension. Jungkook
lowered his gaze. Yoongi took another puff from his cigarette, seemingly unaffected.

“You hear a lot of things,” Seokjin teased with a playful tone. Yoongi did not spare him a glance.
Seokjin chuckled out of nervousness.

“What brought you here?’ Jungkook finally asked his brother. It was never a good omen when
Yoongi appeared out of sudden. He was the black sheep of the family, rather a bird of ill omen. On
Yoongi’s wrist, the gorgon snarled at Jungkook.

“Can’t I visit my brother to congratulate him on his marriage?” Yoongi pulled away from his
corner. Jungkook easily felt Seojun tense next to him. Seokjin had the decency to take a step back.
Surely, Yoongi’s thick alpha scent and aura was too much to bear for an omega like Seokjin.
Unlike his sister, Seokjin was born an omega. There laid their only difference, aside from gender.
Both were fickle birds that flit around according to their whims and fantasies.

“Of course, you can!” Seojun said with a cheerful voice. “Once we get married, you are more than
welcome to do so,” she added swiftly.

Yoongi chuckled before turning his attention to his brother. “Congratulation, little brother,”
Yoongi patted Jungkook lightly. “Your spouse, from what I heard, is quite the catch,” he added on
his way out.

Jungkook watched him leave wondering if their grandfather sent him there. No one had any grip on
Yoongi truly. Jungkook doubted and wondered why his brother passed by.

“That man is really something,” Seokjin breathed once Yoongi closed the door behind him. Yet a
deep laugh echoed from the hallway. Seokjin tensed. “Did he truly hear me?” he muttered eyeing
the door.

“Forget about him,” Seojun pulled her brother to the table to sit. “Tell me about your trip. I was
thinking about going abroad with ‘Kook. Maybe you can inspire me,” she chuckled. Jungkook
joined her. His heart and mind remained elsewhere all evening long. If she noticed, Seojun did not
mind.
 Venom

A year faded into nothing. Taehyung stood in the entrance waiting for his impromptu guest.
Surely, the guest waited until the grandfather left to pay a visit. Taehyung suspected as much.
During the previous year, they never had anyone over. He cherished their peace and daily life.

“I came to pay my respects,” Yoongi said bowing politely. His gaze roamed around. The house was
as he remembered it. Extravagant, spacious, a golden cage he never truly forgot. “Also, I wish to
congratulate you on your marriage to my younger brother,” he said. Taehyung’s eyes widened from
surprise. They immediately fell on the medallion resting on Yoongi’s chest. The gorgon seemed to
smile gently at Taehyung. Her sharp teeth were bared. The snakes hissed a welcome to those who
knew how to listen.

“You mean Jungkook?” Taehyung asked, confused. Yoongi nodded. “No offence but I’ve never
heard of you. No one mentioned you nor did I see you at the wedding,” he added at loss. Yoongi
chuckled softly. “And isn’t it a bit too late to congratulate me? It has been a year already.”

“I was rather busy,” Yoongi said simply. “And I take no offense by the way,” he added wandering
around. His hands brushed over the paintings. He remembered those from his childhood. He
wondered if the rest of the mansion remained the same. “I prefer for my name to remain
unmentioned by those who are not worth it,” he added turning to face Taehyung. “And no, it is
never too late to congratulate you. Welcome to the family,” he grinned. His gummy smile soothed
Taehyung’s nerves. He couldn’t explain it.

“I am afraid I am not part of it, only on papers at least,” Taehyung said with a sigh. He never
expected to meet any other Jeon. He wished to go back to his peaceful life. However, the sudden
visit worried him. He did not wish for his carefully crafted routine to be disturbed.

“You and me both,” Yoongi said in a whisper. He did not give Taehyung time to comment on it.
He asked for a room and a meal. Taehyung provided. He called Taekyung while Yoongi settled in
his room. The old man sighed over the phone. At least, Yoongi did not lie. He was truly a Jeon and
Jungkook’s older brother.

“I don’t like him,” Jimin said after a few days living with the guest. He brushed gently Taehyung’s
hair. The short curls were soft. Taehyung looked much younger and much more at peace. Gone
was the gloom of their first days. “I say you ask him to leave until grandfather returns, young
master,” he insisted once more.

“It is more his home than it is mine,” Taehyung shook his head. He stood from the vanity. He eyed
his reflection. It was a bit warm for pants but the fabric was light. His shirt was left open, a few
buttons, on his chest. His medallion caught the light. Taehyung smiled brushing his fingers over it.
It would protect him. He was sure. Jimin sighed at the statement. He never understood why
Taehyung believed in such absurd superstition.

“The other maids don’t like him as well,” Jimin provided as he put away the brush. “His scent is
too strong, and he is scary,” he concluded. Taehyung arched a brow. Indeed, Yoongi was rather
strange but he never saw anything frightening in the man. “When I clean his room, I feel like I am
being suffocated by his scent. He is too alpha for an alpha. I never met anyone like him before.”

“Why are you cleaning his room?” Taehyung asked surprised and curious. Jimin was assigned only
to him. The young man was his companion, and now a friend, even if Jimin refused to address
Taehyung by anything than young master. Their bond deepened with time.

“Because the maids are scared of him,” Jimin sighed, “I offered to take care of his room when the
others feel overwhelmed”.

“Overwhelmed?” Taehyung repeated rather confused. He did not have time to ask properly. Lunch
was served. Yoongi was already waiting at the table for him. The alpha smiled and stood when
Taehyung joined him. Taehyung did not wish to dwell in polite conversations this time. He needed
to know the real reason behind the stay. A simple visit turned into an indefinite stay. He wondered
why. At times, it kept him awake and distracted. “Are you enjoying your stay?” he asked politely.

“Very much,” Yoongi said easily. He cut his meat and with delight he bit into it. Taehyung noticed
that the man favored meat, often underdone.

“Are you ready to tell me the reason of your visit? Not that your presence is bothering me. It is
your house after all,” Taehyung said. He carefully cut his potato and brought a piece to his mouth.
The flavor of butter invaded his mouth. He took a moment to enjoy the delicious taste. Yoongi
watched, silent. Taehyung felt self-conscious under the gaze. It was too penetrating, same as the
gorgon. At times, it was red and following Taehyung around. Unsettling.

“I only wished to meet you properly,” Yoongi said with ease. Taehyung doubted the words.
Perhaps, although he was sure of it, it showed on his face because Yoongi laughed softly. The deep
sound filled the dining room. Taehyung averted his gaze. Aside from his beauty, the alpha was
also unsettling with other matters that Taehyung couldn’t name yet. Yoongi had an aura that
demanded respect. “I must confess then,” Yoongi smiled; a gummy bright smile. His eyes sparkled.
“I came here to vouch for my brother,” he said softly. He let the words settle comfortably in
Taehyung’s mind. “He is a foolish boy,” he added. The statement startled Taehyung. Taekyung
talked the same. Then and there, it dawned on Taehyung that Yoongi was much more dangerous
than it seemed.

“Why would you vouch for him?” Taehyung asked. He felt calm. He doubted that Yoongi was
there to harm him in any way. Taehyung felt curious. He inspected the man closely. Yoongi was
different from the other relatives Taehyung met. He noticed the ink on his wrist.

“Because he is my little brother, young and stupid,” Yoongi stated. Taehyung chuckled. No one
called Jungkook stupid before. A part of him, deep within, agreed. He wouldn’t voice it. “I am not
here to excuse what he did to you. He will do that for himself when snakes stop purring in his ear
venom,” he took another bite of his meat. Taehyung was left to ponder the words. “I am here to ask
you to show patience when he comes to find you with more vitriol.”

“Why would he do that?” Taehyung asked putting down his fork. He got tired of riddles. “Speak
clearly. I will certainly not show any patience for a man that will insult me. He has done enough of
that already. I won’t accept more from a foolish boy.”

Yoongi laughed out loud. His eyes crinkled. “I like you even more now,” he said with a confidence
that deterred Taehyung. His cheeks blushed deeply. Yoongi only smiled. “If it hadn’t been for my
grandfather, I would have been your husband,” he confessed with an ease that unsettled Taehyung
a bit more.

“Why aren’t you then?” Taehyung asked before he could contain the question. Yoongi knew more
than he let it out. It was obvious. Taehyung understood why everyone was so wary of him.

“They deem me too ambitious,” Yoongi shrugged. “It is a flaw apparently now. I was put aside and
Jungkook was set to inherit the company.”

“Too ambitious?” Taehyung sighed. He gave up understanding for now. The man was too
confusing and clearly Yoongi did not want to answer. He eluded the questions. “Now, tell me why
Jungkook will come? It has been a year since our wedding. Last I heard, he is living happily with
his lover.”

“Grandfather really sheltered you,” Yoongi said. Taehyung did not take any offense. It was not
meant as such. It was obvious. Yoongi seemed in some sort of awe. “Grandfather gave Jungkook a
year to come to his senses. Obviously, Jungkook did not. Now, grandfather took action. Jungkook
will be removed from succession. To put it simply, he will not inherit the company. He will not
step in after father. All of this will happen because he left you. He will come after you but I ask you
to indulge his tantrum.”

“I did not know,” Taehyung felt his chest tightened. His lungs felt on fire. His ears rang too loud. “I
did not ask for any of that!” he breathed. He wished for his voice to sound confident. It came out
broken. He noticed that Yoongi was at his side handing him a glass of water. It had been a long
time since Taehyung felt in such panic.

“He doesn’t know that,” Yoongi said once Taehyung calmed down. “I am asking you to not hate
him. He is only misguided by higher hands. He will come to his senses and come back to you. Just,
please, do not reject him.”

“You asked me for patience and now you ask me to not reject him,” Taehyung put down the glass
after taking a sip. Yoongi sat next to him. The man’s hand rubbed his back soothingly. Taehyung
leant into the touch. He wondered why Jimin complained about Yoongi’s scent. It was comforting.

“Didn’t I tell you that I was deemed too ambitious?” Yoongi teased playfully. Taehyung huffed.
He did not share the mirth, although there was no heat in his heart for the alpha. “I always ask for
more than I should get,” Yoongi grinned. “I promise you, and I know it is what you want deep
within, Jungkook will come back to you. He will ask for your forgiveness.”

“You sound too confident,” Taehyung said with a small voice. He lost hope on his husband a long
time ago. “I can’t promise you anything of that, but for your fair warning I can promise you that he
won’t get his wrist slapped too hard.”

Yoongi chuckled softly. “You are far kinder than I expected,” he admitted. He pulled away as
footsteps echoed in the hallway. Jimin brought dessert. Yoongi left without any. He preferred to
give Taehyung some privacy to process with better company.

“Who does he think he is?!” The snarl left Jungkook’s mouth. Seojun eyed the man from her
armchair. Jungkook paced the room like a caged animal. “I won’t accept this!” he roared again.
Seojun sighed once more. She seemed bored by the outburst.

“You should divorce him already,” Seojun provided uselessly. Jungkook turned to glare at her.
Aera stepped between them.

“Calm down, sweetheart,” Aera said softly. Her hands rested on Jungkook’s chest. The erratic
breathing worried her. “I will find a solution. Father can’t take anything away from you on behalf
of that boy.”

“I worked hard,” Jungkook groaned. He felt outraged and wronged. The news came along his
lawyer. Taekyung stood in his way like a steel pillar, unyielding. “He can’t take the company away
from me, mom. I worked so hard for it.”

“I know, sweetheart I know. I won’t let him,” Aera promised. She eyed Seojun with worried eyes.
The younger woman smiled tiredly at her. “What about you two go out for a change of scenery? I
will handle the matter myself. I will go talk to grandfather before he leaves.”

Seojun took the opportunity. She snaked her arm around Jungkook’s and took him out. Being held
in the penthouse bored her to no end, and listening to Jungkook’s furious rant tired her mind.
 Chapter 7

When Taekyung returned to the mansion, Yoongi turned into a shadow. He remained with them,
yet he was rarely seen. Taekyung took no offense in the absence. He only sighed deeply when
Yoongi refused to attend meals with them. Taehyung, at times, found the alpha in the gardens. He
always seemed lost in his thoughts. Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder why Yoongi stayed. They
did not talk much or spend time together. Jimin informed him that Yoongi often left early in the
mornings and came home extremely late. Taehyung did not question the whereabouts.

“I thought you forgot about us,” Taehyung teased one night when Yoongi joined them in the living
room. The fire crackled gently in its nest in the fireplace. The room filled with warmth. Winter was
unforgiving in the countryside. Taehyung did not mind it. He adored the view from his bedroom
windows. The forest was painted in white now. Long gone were the colorful summer and fall.

“How can I when you keep nagging me to join you?” Yoongi teased back playfully. Taekyung
eyed the exchange with a raised brow. Yoongi sat next to Taehyung and took the offered cup of
herbal tea. He did not have it in his heart to refuse. The small hands poured it only for him after all.
It had been a long time since anyone did such a thing for him, and only for him. Yoongi smiled
softly. The glow of the fire illuminated Taehyung’s face. For a sinful fleeting moment, Yoongi
envied his foolish brother. Jungkook left a gem and ran after chimeras. The thought obsessed
Yoongi as of late.

“Only because we miss you,” Taehyung answered with ease. Taekyung nodded, still curious and
intrigued. “Now, tell me. What are you up to these days? I was informed that you spent quite some
time with the horses. Are they better company than us?”

“The horses?” Taekyung inquired. He put down his cup. Taehyung reached to refill it. It was their
routine to drink tea together before bed, to talk about their days. Taekyung loved to hear everything
about Taehyung’s days on campus, his new friends. More than anything, he was relieved that the
omega lived instead of surviving.

“They are good company,” Yoongi nodded. “I assume it is that assistant of yours that told you. He
keeps following me around with his curious eyes. Should I be concerned?”

“Not at all,” Taehyung laughed hiding behind his hand. Yoongi wished to reach and remove that
offending hand that hid the smile he guessed to be bright and genuine. “Jimin is simply curious.
You spend more time with the animals than us. I admit that I am curious as well.”

“I like horse riding,” Yoongi shrugged, “would you accompany me? The forest is really beautiful
during this season. The lake is already frozen. You should see it,” he offered. Taehyung seemed to
think about it for a second.

Taekyung decided to retreat to his bedroom as the clock announced the late hour. “Stay,” the old
man said when Taehyung stood as well, surely to help. “Young people don’t have to sleep early.
Stay and enjoy your evening,” he said before walking away.

Yoongi did not comment on the statement. He was only relieved when Taehyung sat back, and
when the figure of the old man disappeared.

“I don’t know how to ride horse, rather I learned but not well enough,” Taehyung confessed after a
moment. His cheeks tainted with red.
“I will teach you,” Yoongi offered with yet another discreet smile. “Or you can ride with me, I
don’t mind. You have to see the lake,” he added swiftly. Taehyung did not have the heart to refuse.
He nodded and agreed to the gentle offer. For once, he would have companionship other than
Taekyung and a grumpy cold Jimin.

“Why did you truly join us tonight?” Taehyung asked after a comfortable silence. He learned that
Yoongi was a man of a few words. Taehyung did not take offense nor did he feel nervous when
quietness settled between them.

“There will be a masquerade soon,” Yoongi started. He glanced at the omega. He found him
intrigued. “I want you to accompany me,” he added hesitantly. It had been a long time since he felt
nervous.

“A masquerade? Like in the movies?” Taehyung asked taken aback. Yoongi chuckled but nodded.
“Why invite me? I never go to public events as such. I find in those bad company and gossip. I am
not interested in those.”

“This time will be different,” Yoongi assured. Taehyung frowned, curious. “Because you will go
with me. I hope that you do not consider me bad company, and I assure you I do not gossip,” he
promised with a tempting grin. Taehyung averted his gaze, seemingly pondering the matter.
Yoongi did not waste the opportunity.

“I never went to any event of that sort,” Taehyung confessed looking at his intertwined hands. His
heart skipped a beat. “I don’t even own an outfit that would fit such celebration,” he added looking
at Yoongi. “Why invite me? Is it a trick from your brother to humiliate me some more? I assure
you. I already had my fair share of that. People from your circle avoid me or gossip about my
character.”

“I am not one to care for those people,” Yoongi shook his head. “My brother would have been a
fool to send me to you. If he sought humiliation through such scheme, I assure and promise you
that he would have been the one left with no dignity.”

“Why is that?” Taehyung asked taken aback. He never once expected support or friendship from
any member of the family, aside from Taekyung.

“Because I am deeply interested in beauty, the beauty of the soul and appearance. You, Taehyung,
lack none. I told you already. I am ambitious, too much even. You should have been mine,”
Yoongi said with an ease that startled Taehyung. The statement left the omega red in the face. His
heart skipped a beat. Yoongi took Taehyung’s hand in his. Careful, gentle, soft lips left a
smoldering kiss on his knuckles.

“I am your brother’s husband,” Taehyung whispered removing his hand. The skin burned still. The
heat echoed to his core. “You shouldn’t. It is improper,” he added swiftly. His heart thumped a
wild and dangerous melody.

“I unsettle you,” Yoongi said with a pleased smile. He pulled away from Taehyung to give him
some space. “For now, it is enough. But, I won’t accept a no for my invitation. You are going to
that masquerade with me. I might not be the heir but I assure I weight as such, if not more, in the
balance of society.”

When Yoongi stood to leave, Taehyung did not reach for him. He watched the man disappear
down the hallway. His footsteps echoed in the silent house. Taehyung fell back on the couch with a
hand over his chest. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Under his fingertips lay the
medallion. He could have sworn that he heard the creature rumble, pleased.
 Chapter 8

Jungkook decided that the ballroom was too crowded for likings. Seojun was lost in there among
the guests. She was a social butterfly unlike him. Being around so many people tired him out,
especially when masked. He understood that anonymity was the main aim of the masquerade but
still. He hated it. He wished to be home in bed to rest. For a fleeting moment, without
understanding why, he thought of his spouse. He recalled Taekyung telling him that Taehyung was
a quiet person. Seojun was truly not.

“Hey handsome,” the deep voice startled Jungkook out of his thoughts. He frowned looking
around. A cat meowed. Jungkook huffed out a laugh. For a second, he thought he was being
accosted. “Handsome boy,” the voice whispered into the cold night. Jungkook, curious, followed
the sound. He found a hunched figure near a tree. The moonlight barely illuminated the place. The
few garden lights barely lit the darkness. “You must be the most handsome guest I saw so far,” the
young man added oblivious to the new presence. Jungkook smiled watching the scene for a
moment in silence. The younger man was an omega. His sweet scent was alluring.

“I beg to differ,” Jungkook said without truly meaning to. “The most handsome guest must be
you,” he added. The young omega tensed. The cat hissed and ran away. “What brought you here in
this cold?” Jungkook asked taking a few steps closer. Definitely, the scent lingering the air was
sinfully tempting.

“I assume for the same reason as you,” the omega answered, “you scared my date away,” he added
turning to face Jungkook. The latter tensed as he met the brown gaze under the mask. He felt
pulled by an inexplicable force. “If you have nothing else to say, I will leave,” the omega said
about to leave.

“Can I replace your date?” Jungkook said impulsively yet again.

“No,” the omega chuckled softly. He eyed Jungkook with unhidden disinterest. “I prefer the
company of felines to snakes,” he added referring to Jungkook’s mask.

Jungkook almost recoiled from the harsh tone. He watched the silhouette fade away into the dark
gardens. He sighed wondering who that might be. He stayed behind not wanting to return to the
raging festivity yet. A gleam caught his eyes. He approached the spot in the grass. He found a
bracelet between the green leaves. It suited its owner who without a doubt was the omega. The
white gold flowers felt cold under his touch. He recalled the several flowers decorating the
omega’s mask. Jungkook wondered if he would be able to find him again, and why it mattered. He
stayed in the garden a bit longer.

“You tricked me with sweet words,” Taehyung said once in the safety of the car. He removed his
mask to better breathe. He glanced at Yoongi who was driving. “You brought me here for your
brother, didn’t you?”

“He was there?” Yoongi asked feigning innocence. “I didn’t recognize him, if he was,” he added
casually. Taehyung knew better than to believe the man again. He remained silent and watched the
scenery roll by.
 Chapter 9

Another year faded and soon enough Taehyung found himself at the end of his third university
year. He lived in peace in the Gorgon house. Yoongi came and went like a ghost, a tempting one at
times. The alpha was like sand, impossible to have a grip on.

“Tae,” Jimin called rushing into the room. He looked disheveled and breathless. “We have guests
and you won’t like them one bit,” he added with a wince. Worry painted his features.

“Who are they?” Taehyung asked standing up from his desk. He left the papers to scatter on the
floor. It had been a long time since they had guests.

“Your husband and his lover,” Jimin said looking at the floor. He heard Taehyung’s breath hitch. It
was a visit no one expected.

Taehyung ran downstairs in time to find Taekyung walking to the front door. The old man
addressed him a tired look. They marched silently outside and waited for their guests. The sleek
black car stopped in front of them. The chauffeur got out first and opened the door for Jungkook
then Seojun.

Almost three years. It had been two years edging on three since their last encounter. Taehyung took
a deep breath and watched his husband approach. On his arm, Seojun smiled brightly.

“I would have welcomed you, if it wasn’t for the bad company,” Taekyung said in lieu of greeting.
Jungkook stood before them unimpressed. Seojun eyed Taehyung with unhidden interest.
Taehyung preferred to look at Jungkook. He couldn’t stomach her sight yet.

“Grandfather, please,” Jungkook sighed, looking rather worn out. Taehyung almost cared. He
repressed the worry and feeling deep down. “I only came here to talk,” he tried with a much softer
tone. Desperation showed on his face.

“She is not welcome here,” Taekyung said eyeing Seojun with disdain. “Nor will she ever be. If
you want to talk, come back alone,” he toned before turning to leave. Taehyung smirked.

“Don’t cry victory too early,” Seojun hissed at Taehyung once Taekyung was out of earshot. She
left Jungkook’s side and walked closer to the omega. Her perfume preceded her. It was thick in the
air. “You will be ousted from here. You don’t belong here. You never will.”

“And who are you to decide that?” Yoongi answered from the steps. Jungkook and Seojun tensed.
Taehyung looked at the alpha as he approached them. “The way I see it, and the rest of the world
does too, you are the shameless mistress. Taehyung is the husband,” he grinned down at the
woman.

“Brother,” Jungkook stepped to defend Seojun. She huffed and puffed. “What are you even doing
here?” he asked. His eyes drifted between Taehyung and Yoongi. A fleeting epiphany lit up his
gaze. Anger turned his gaze red. “I see,” he concluded on his own. “You settle for the brother then.
How shameless can you be?” he snarled at Taehyung.

“Not as shameless as you,” Taehyung said simply. The answer startled Jungkook. He did not
expect Taehyung, the trembling omega he once knew, to speak back. “As grandfather said, you are
not welcome here. You should leave now. Surely, your mother taught you good manners, or at
least I hope for your sake and the sake of your name.”
Jungkook took a step back. Taehyung was right. He couldn’t start a fight there with his brother
present, and his grandfather nearby. He left with Seojun in a hurry but Taehyung got a glimpse of
her neck. The medallion gleamed under the sun. The venomous mouth seemed to mourn the
departure.

“I don’t need you to fight my battles for me,” Taehyung said once the car drove away. Yoongi
looked at Taehyung. His gaze was penetrating, as always.

“I hear that tigers and pigs don’t mix,” Yoongi said simply. Taehyung’s eyes widened at the
statement before he laughed out loud. His gaze sparkled with unhidden mirth. “A smile suits you
better than a frown,” Yoongi commented with his ever present kindness. The tension between them
was still left unresolved and unclear. At times, Taehyung felt an urgent pull. With no doubt, he
knew that Yoongi felt it as well. It was obvious in the small touches and shared smiles. Other
times, they both pulled away, afraid of the outcome. Taehyung, deep down, understood the alpha.
Taehyung was still a husband, even to an absentee and undeserving husband. Yoongi did not wish
to bring more burdens onto Taehyung’s hunched back. Yoongi also did not wish to ruin his
fraternal bond.

“The image better suits you,” Taehyung countered playfully. Yoongi always knew how to brighten
his mood. “You are more a cat than I am. You sleep a lot, and whine loudly when you don’t get
what you want. You also are fiercely independent. You come and go as you please. You hiss and
claw when displeased.”

“Is that so?” Yoongi laughed offering his arm. They went inside. The gorgon closed on them.
 Chapter 10

Yoongi let himself in Taehyung’s bedroom. His was at the far end of the mansion. He liked the
quietness and being left alone when needed. He did not think much of entering without a knock.
He had too much on his mind. He stopped in his track noticing Taehyung’s naked silhouette. “I am
sorry!” Yoongi blurted turning swiftly around. He almost bumped against the door. “I came to talk
to you. I am so sorry,” he ranted nervously. A deep laugh answered him.

“You can turn around now,” Taehyung said once he wrapped a robe around his body. “I just came
out of the shower,” he explained. Yoongi hesitantly turned. His face was still red. It was the most
vivid reaction he had seen on the man.

“I am sorry,” Yoongi said once more. He kept his gaze on Taehyung’s naked feet. “I didn’t mean
to intrude. I should have knocked.”

“It is all right,” Taehyung laughed once more. “What did you want to talk about?” he asked
inviting Yoongi to sit on the bed. Taehyung went to the vanity grabbing his body lotion. “What can
I help you with?”

For a moment, Yoongi remained quiet. He watched not so discreetly Taehyung rub lotion on his
naked legs. He felt his crotch steer to life. “I have some rather bad news to announce. I asked
grandfather to let me inform you,” he confessed. Taehyung frowned, confused. “It is about our
earlier guests,” he explained. Taehyung sighed. “Jungkook decided to come live here apparently.
She won’t be joining him though.”

“Why does he want that?” Taehyung asked, even more confused.

Grandfather put the domain under your name. You basically own this mansion and everything
related to it. Jungkook is furious. He hates you more than ever. Grandfather wanted you to have
something of your own. This house was supposed to be in your family anyway.

“I don’t know,” Yoongi said instead. Taekyung had been clear on the matter. Taehyung can’t know
about this now. He will have too many battles to fight. Yoongi agreed. For once, he agreed with the
old man. “I am here to inform you on the matter but not only,” he added. Taehyung put down the
lotion. He went to sit next to Yoongi. “Do you want me to leave?” Yoongi asked meeting the
questioning gaze.

“Why would I want that?” Taehyung asked taken aback. “This is your home, and I don’t want you
to leave. If Jungkook will be around, I might need a roaring kitten to defend my honor,” he teased
playfully oblivious to the schemes behind his back.

“Forgive me for being bold but,” Yoongi reached to hold Taehyung’s hands. “It would be a lie to
say that there is nothing between us. Wouldn’t it be awkward with your husband around?” the
choice of words was not fortuitous. It was a subtle reminder.

“It would be a lie indeed,” Taehyung whispered shyly. “And of husband, he is only in name,” he
added gathering his courage. He looked up to meet Yoongi’s gaze. He found it calm and ever so
kind. “If you wish to stay, then stay. But one thing remains certain. I don’t want you to leave.”

“Taehyung,” Yoongi lifted his hand. His fingertips brushed over the sun-kissed skin. Taehyung
leant in the airy touch.

“Am I interrupting?” Jimin’s voice startled both. Yoongi stood and left in a hurry after a soft
spoken goodnight. Taehyung cleared his throat averting his gaze. His reddening face answered the
question enough. Jimin watched them with wide eyes. It was not truly a surprise. Yet it was.

“Tae,” Jimin whispered once the door closed behind the alpha. “Are you all right? Grandfather
informed me of our upcoming guest,” he said changing the subject. Taehyung breathed slightly
better. He couldn’t discuss what almost happened.

“I have to be,” Taehyung answered simply. He silently put on his clothes and got ready for bed.
Jimin remained silent. Small mercies, Taehyung thought tiredly. He went to bed once Jimin left
and the lights were turned off. Taehyung felt his heart hammer in his chest recalling his encounter
with Yoongi. The medallion rested warm on his chest. Before he could do any sinful act, slumber
won over.

If Taehyung dreamt of kind eyes and discreet smiles, then it was his secret to keep.

If Yoongi dreamt of a delicate body under his, then it was his sin to absolve.
 Chapter 11

Jungkook moved in the next day. He settled in the house comfortably. Taekyung secretly enjoyed
having both his grandsons under one roof and in his care. However, he was not oblivious to how
taxing it must be on Taehyung.

“What are you doing here?” Taehyung asked once he stepped in his bedroom. Jungkook stood
there alone and unwanted. “Did you get lost on your way to yours?” Taehyung asked trying to
sound casual. It was a sight he did not expect nor did he hope for. To have Jungkook in his private
space was nerve wracking. “Do you need help, young master?” he asked with a smirk.

“I only wished to see where a viper like you nested,” Jungkook answered with an equally vicious
smirk. “I see that you keep a semblance of humanity,” he added roaming around. Deep within, he
was satisfied that only Taehyung’s scent coated the room.

“Don’t be fooled, young master,” Taehyung chuckled softly. “I hoped that your mother taught you
some good manners. I foolishly hoped as such when I saw your brother behave like a gentleman.
However, I have doubts now. Don’t you know it is not well-seen to intrude on someone’s room in
their absence?”

“Your room?” Jungkook chuckled. “It is my house. You are merely a guest. Everything in here is
mine. I can go as I please around here. You would be wise to remember, omega.”

“Again, I must remind you of manners. When a guest is given a room, it is not appropriate to
intrude on it,” Taehyung countered with an easy smile. He watched Jungkook step in his closet. It
was empty except for one side. He always refused Taekyung’s generous financial help. Taehyung
wished to live simply. Perhaps, it was brought by words uttered years ago by the very same man
standing before his eyes. “Afraid that I spent your money on clothes and such, young master?”
Taehyung laughed, understanding Jungkook’s sudden curiosity regarding him.

“I have more than you can spend,” Jungkook puffed his chest. Taehyung arched a brow, amused.
“And by the looks of it, grandfather wasn’t as indulgent as I expected with you. It is better that
way. You shouldn’t get used to a life that you do not deserve.”

“And do you deserve it, young master?” The venom left Taehyung’s mouth before he could stop it.
He only promised to not hurt Jungkook too deeply after all. A promise made a life ago. He wished
to go back on it. He wouldn’t. “From what I hear, it is mother dearest that gave you everything you
own.”

The words ignited a red wrath within Jungkook. Within seconds he stood before Taehyung. A
harsh hand slapped his away. Jungkook recoiled from the sudden burn on his hand.

“Did you think that I would let you pull the same trick twice, boy?” Taehyung purred advancing on
Jungkook. The alpha was taller and stronger. Taehyung had enough fire raging inside to start and
win the fight.

“Don’t you think that you have won anything tonight!” Jungkook sneered baring his sharp teeth.
“Nor will you ever win anything against me,” he added with a confidence that had Taehyung laugh
out loud.

“Win?” Taehyung chuckled behind his hand. His tone was purposefully patronizing. “You are the
only one at war, young master. I am afraid that I am too busy to indulge you.”
Jungkook stormed out with a red face.

Taehyung fell on his bed. His legs gave up under him. Jungkook won. The alpha won the war and
every battle without knowing. Taehyung wouldn’t let him know.
 Chapter 12

Taehyung was busy making cookies when Jungkook appeared once more. The omega suppressed
the urge to sigh. He only wished to bake his cookies for his group study. He spent a wonderful
week avoiding the alpha. His mood darkened with the sudden presence.

“What are you doing?” Jungkook asked going closer. He eyed the dough curiously.

“Cookies, young master,” Taehyung answered focusing on his task. He hoped that Jungkook
would take the hint. It was wishful thinking.

“Don’t call me that. Grandfather will have a field day otherwise,” Jungkook groaned. Taehyung did
not comment on the statement. He only wished to finish and go to campus to study. “You changed
since last I saw you,” Jungkook commented sitting on a stool.

Of course, Taehyung thought wearily. From all the days, Jungkook appeared when Taehyung was
overstressed because of exams. “Since you last choked me, you mean?” Taehyung asked with a
saccharine smile.

Jungkook winced. “I was drunk that night,” he confessed embarrassed. “About it,” he sighed, “last
time, when I was in your room, I did not mean to hurt you. I only reached to…I was not about to
choke you.”

“I don’t understand,” Taehyung said stopping what he was doing. He looked up to meet
Jungkook’s confused gaze. “I don’t understand why you think this is relevant to me? Don’t you
have better things to do that waste time with an ignorant, useless, ugly creature?” he asked tilting
his head. He feigned ignorance to a notch. Jungkook sighed. His cheeks tainted with pink. “A
young master like you surely has many things much important to keep busy with”. Taehyung
turned to his baking. He grabbed the oven plate and carefully put the cookies on it.

“I deserved that one,” Jungkook said after a moment. Taehyung glanced at him, truly unsettled by
the attitude.

“You won’t win brownie points with me, young master,” Taehyung finally said. He put the plate in
the oven. “Grandfather is not here. There is no need for you to put on a show. Or, if you think that I
will report to him you words, then you are deeply mistaken”. He turned to the sink to wash his
hands.

“Your hair,” Jungkook suddenly said. His voice almost startled Taehyung. He thought the alpha
gone already. “When did you cut it?” he asked with the same curiosity that bothered Taehyung. He
did not know what to make of it.

“Again, I fail to understand how this small talk should be relevant to me,” Taehyung dried his
hands and called for a maid to clean the kitchen. He would have done it himself by the unwanted
presence deterred him.

Jungkook watched the omega leave. He wondered why it mattered to him indeed. He knew the
meaning behind the once long hair. He wondered if the short locks had a meaning as well. Without
understanding why, he dreaded the answer.

“You must regret that pre-nup,” Yoongi said from the back door. Jungkook groaned. He stood to
flee the kitchen. Yoongi laughed softly. “You won’t get the house back by sweetening him up.
Even if you manage to succeed, I will stand in your way.”
“Why is that?” Jungkook asked sharply. He turned to face his brother. “Are you two involved?
You would be wise to remember that he is still my husband,” he hissed.

“You would be wise to remember that Seojun is waiting for you,” Yoongi laughed out loud as he
walked away. The situation was much more entertaining than expected.
 Chapter 13

Yoongi sighed undoing his tie. He felt like suffocating from the heat. Life had a grip on his throat
as well. He walked to his bedroom enjoying the silence. His footsteps echoed breaking the
quietness. He wondered if Taehyung was already asleep. A glance at his watch told him that it was
too late for a visit to be polite.

“Master Yoongi,” Jimin jumped to his feet as Yoongi stepped in his bedroom. The alpha frowned
surprised by the young man. It was too late for Jimin to have any chore to do there. “I came to talk
to you,” the young omega said in a hurry noticing Yoongi’s growing frown.

“What is so important that you have to speak to me so late?” Yoongi asked closing the door behind
him. He guessed that whatever the matter was it needed privacy. “Did something happen with
Taehyung?” he asked with worry. Jungkook’s presence among them only brought concern after all.

“No,” Jimin answered without missing a beat. “But, it does concern the young master,” he added
with the ever polite tone. They were not close after all. Taehyung was the only one that granted his
friendship despite status and social conventions. Yoongi preferred to remain alone, and that was all.
“I noticed that you have feeling for him,” Jimin said boldly. Yoongi almost laughed from surprise.
He clearly underestimated the omega. “I want to help you. Young master Jungkook isn’t deserving
of young master Taehyung. I wish to help you in–”

“Do you now?” Yoongi asked removing his tie. He was too tired for mind games and hypocrisy.
He walked closer to the timid omega. He was no fool. He had noticed Jimin’s lingering gaze on
him more times than not. “You are here out of the kindness of your heart?” he asked meeting the
candid eyes. He noticed that the round cheeks reddened from the proximity. “I say you are lying
and I have no energy in partaking in games tonight. I am too tired.”

“I am not here to play games,” Jimin said with an honesty that disarmed Yoongi. Selfless people
were rare in his world. “I truly want to help young master Taehyung. He deserves someone that
will love him. I saw the way you look at him. You could be just that for him.”

“And it won’t bother you, little omega?” Yoongi asked leaning too close in Jimin’s private space.
Once upon a time, he wouldn’t have minded a pretty bed warmer. Now, it was different. Taehyung
was at the other side of the house, and Jimin was his close friend, his only friend.

“Why would it?” Jimin asked averting his gaze. His little hands played nervously with the hem of
his shirt. Yoongi took a moment to appreciate how small the omega was. Yoongi easily towered
over him.

“I’ve noticed your scent,” Yoongi said taking a step back. Jimin looked up. “And now as well, it
tells a different story. Didn’t I trigger your heat when I first came here?” he asked. Jimin blushed
deeply. His eyes widened. “How did I know?” Yoongi chuckled. It was always the same questions.
“Let’s say a little bird told me,” he walked away from the omega. “Go to sleep, omega. I am not
interested in both your offers. I can manage on my own regarding Taehyung.”

“What if I wasn’t a servant?” Jimin asked taking a hesitant step towards Yoongi. He admired the
broad shoulders and wide back.

“It has nothing to do with your status,” Yoongi said steeping in the bathroom. He sighed in relief
when a moment later the bedroom door opened and closed signaling Jimin’s departure.
 Chapter 14

Yoongi woke up to heat and loud cicadas. He did not complain. He preferred the summer
symphony to the city cacophony. “Do you want to go for a walk?” he asked turning to look at
Jungkook. The summer morning reminded him of the many they spent there when they were
children. Time and life had been merciful then.

“In the forest?” Jungkook asked putting down his book. He did not wait for an answer. He
followed Yoongi outside. They walked for a quiet moment. The breeze filled the silence. “I missed
this,” Jungkook smiled glancing at his brother.

“Me too,” Yoongi returned the smile, although discreet. He nudged gently Jungkook’s side. “How
are you these days?” he asked. More than anything, he did not want to lose their bond.

“I am good,” Jungkook sighed. Worry painted his features as he pondered the simple question.
“Just tired,” he added after a moment. Yoongi gave him a moment to clear his thoughts. “Just
tired,” he repeated putting his hands in his pockets.

“What about your fiancée?” Yoongi asked curious. Jungkook winced. “Not that good?” he added
with a chuckle. Part of him was pleased, the other not so much. Deep within, he knew that he
wouldn’t stand in his younger brother’s way when time would come.

“She is still mad that I came here without her,” Jungkook confessed. Yoongi did not comment. He
let his brother draw his own conclusion. It was useless to preach to a deaf ear. “Yoongi,” Jungkook
stopped looking up to meet his brother’s gaze. His fists clenched. “I think I made a mistake,” he
added. He hated admitting defeat. “Mother lied to me, didn’t she?” he asked. If anyone would tell
him the truth, it would be Yoongi. Jungkook knew as much.

“About?” Yoongi asked facing his brother. He knew the moment would come. It was no surprise.
He expected the pain that came with the realization. He had been there himself, stuck in a
breathtaking turmoil.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook whispered, too afraid to utter the name out loud. It was branded on his skin,
a sin. “He is nothing like mother told me, Yoongi. He doesn’t seem interested in our wealth. I am
not blind, not anymore. I can see the way he behaves and the way Seojun behaves. I noticed her for
a while now. I was too proud to admit defeat but now…”

“It is not a defeat. You are not at war,” Yoongi took a step closer. His hand rested on the shaking
shoulder. “I am glad that you came to your senses. It doesn’t mean that Taehyung will forgive you
or want you back. Ask for forgiveness and see where it leads,” he advised. His heart ached.

“Is there anything between you two?” Jungkook asked gathering his courage. He was not blinded
anymore. His heart ached. He felt like a fool, played like a puppet for years. “Yoongi,” he took a
deep breath, “he is still my husband,” he said with a burrowed confidence.

The statement weighted heavily on Yoongi’s shoulders. He knew that truth better than anyone.
“Ultimately, it will be his choice,” he said instead. Yoongi wouldn’t be the one standing in
Jungkook’s way. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t allow himself to.

“I am sorry,” Jungkook said softly. He wondered why he was apologizing. Yet he knew. “I don’t
feel so well, Yoongi. Mother, she–” his throat knotted. It was an agonizing truth to come to. To be
used and drained by the person who should have protected him against all and everything. It was
not so simple to digest it. It was not so simple to process the schemes and vice. It was not so simple
to open his eyes to a world in which he had only been a puppet. His fists tightened. Knuckles
turned white. Strong arms wrapped around his shaking frame. “She has been using me,” Jungkook
blurted through a smothered voice.

“She did with me as well,” Yoongi whispered. He pretended to not hear the soft cries. He had been
there. Pain pierced his heart twice. “But now, you know better,” he added rubbing his brother’s
back.

A moment later, they circled back. Jungkook went into the house first, needing a moment to rest.
Yoongi remained on the terrace. His gaze swept over the thriving forest. In the wind, he heard the
soft murmur of a familiar voice. His wrist itched. He chuckled looking at the hissing gorgon. “I am
not wanted anymore, am I?” he said with no true venom. If an answer came, then it was in the
breeze that swept over the green land.
 Chapter 15

A thunderstorm brewed high up in the sky. The wind blew with unprecedented force. Taehyung
sighed watching the rain start pouring over them, unforgiving and merciless.

“The power generator will be up in a moment,” Jungkook announced as he stepped in the living
room. Taehyung turned to look at him. They were prisoners of the house for the duration of the
storm with no company but themselves. Jimin left early that morning. Taehyung was supposed to
join him. The storm arrived earlier than expected. Yoongi faded into a ghost for a few days now.
The help were on their day off. Taekyung left for the city. Taehyung suppressed a groan at the
assessment. The mansion was vast enough for them. Yet it was not. “Or at least, I hope so,”
Jungkook added with a sigh startling Taehyung. Darkness swiftly invaded the space. The gloomy
sky weighted upon them.

“I will go make dinner while we still can see,” Taehyung decided. He needed to keep busy. He
walked to the kitchen without another word. He bit his lip hearing footsteps behind him. Jungkook
did not wish to remain alone after all. “We have candles in here somewhere,” Taehyung stated
looking through the drawers. He wondered if it was a good idea, no candles meant going to bed
early. However, he did not fancy utter darkness.

“You know how to cook?” Jungkook asked somehow surprised. Taehyung did not comment on it.
He let the alpha lit up the candles instead.

“I was taught,” Taehyung opened the fridge. He swiftly took everything needed and that might
spoil. Chicken with vegetables were on the menu. Jungkook invaded his personal space. Taehyung
looked up at the man. He reckoned that the alpha was taller by a few inches compared to years
ago. “What are you doing?” Taehyung asked finally.

“Trying to help you,” Jungkook smiled. Taehyung sighed. “I don’t know much but I can cut
vegetables for you,” he added taking the knife. He stood next to Taehyung who was preparing the
meat. The kitchen felt smaller all of the sudden. “Who taught you to cook?” Jungkook asked
breaking the silence once more.

“I was taught Korean cuisine by my grandmother,” Taehyung said. He wondered if he should

share. Venom burned his tongue. “And foreign cuisine during cooking classes,” he added. He
glanced at Jungkook. “I was taught to cook and bake each and every of your favorites. To put it
simply, I was taught to be an obedient perfect house-spouse for you.”

Jungkook faltered for a second. He almost cut his finger. “What does that entail?” he asked softly,
“to be taught to be my house-spouse,” he clarified. His anger and frustration towards Aera
intensified.

“I was taught to cook and bake but not only,” Taehyung answered easily. He made peace with the
past. “I was also taught to run a household, to organize events and gatherings. Basically, I was
taught how to be your side-kick,” he huffed out a laugh. It was bitter. “I was supposed to handle
everything regarding our private life, while you go into the world and do whatever businessmen
do.”

“What does it mean to run a household?” Jungkook asked trying to focus. The vitriol in Taehyung’s
tone burned his mind. He needed a moment to process. He only started to unravel his mother’s
vicious deeds.
“Are you truly interested or are you looking for a way to mock me?” Taehyung asked with a sigh.
He put down his knife and looked for the spices. He had it in mind to make the meal spicy just to
rile up Jungkook. He did not. It would have been unfair on his own stomach as well.

“I am not trying to mock you,” Jungkook said glancing at Taehyung. The silhouette moved in the
candle-lit kitchen with ease. It was obvious that Taehyung spent enough time there to know his
way around. “I truly don’t know what it means,” he added. He turned to the tomatoes and tried not
to butcher them badly.

“And you shouldn’t have to know,” Taehyung whispered. He came back to his spot next to
Jungkook. “I was supposed to take care of it all. It means making sure the servants work properly,
that they don’t slack off; that the gardens are well-taken care. Take care of everything related to
the house from the help to the color of the curtains, the potential guests that you might have
brought, decided on the menu for every day. It is a tiring work. Also, organize social events as
your spouse for your public image, especially if you take over the company. Take care of the
children. Basically, You work, and I take care of everything, even matching your underwear to
your outfit,” he chuckled softly at the last part.

“It sounds exhausting,” Jungkook admitted gladly. He did not know that there was so much work
behind it all. When he came home, he never wondered how it worked truly. “It is a bit the same as
managing a company, at some extent. You have to think about everything and take every detail
into account.”

“It is,” Taehyung said with an easy smile. “But geared up specifically towards you and your needs.
It doesn’t matter now,” he finished. He turned to grab a pot. Jungkook’s gaze lingered on the
omega. He did not like the last words.

“When did you cut your hair?” Jungkook asked suppressing the urge to reach for the soft locks.
Taehyung had his hair short. Tempting locks fell on his forehead. Jungkook wondered if they were
as soft to the touch as they looked.

“Two or three months after your repudiated me,” Taehyung said. Jungkook flinched. He deserved it
and much more. He knew as much. “I asked grandfather to do it, and since then I kept it short. It is
much easier to manage.”

“I was supposed to cut it, right?” Jungkook asked. He knew the answer. He only wished to talk.
Perhaps, Taehyung would spill his venom and anger instead of the suffocating and maddening
indifference.

“Only to shoulder length,” Taehyung nodded. He turned to face Jungkook sighing at the sight of
the unfinished task. He ushered Jungkook to the side and took the knife. “The way I was raised, I
should have let it grow afterwards and braided it differently to announce my marital status. Old
traditions are burdensome and ridiculous,” he chuckled. The mirth did not reach his heart. He spent
time learning all the right braids and hairstyles. He loved each one of them, although he had
favorites. It had been hard to let go of that part of himself.

“They are not,” Jungkook whispered looking at Taehyung’s profile. “You looked beautiful,” he
confessed. Taehyung tensed. “I loved the accessories you put in your braids and the flowers. It
looked pretty. I wondered how long your hair was actually,” he took a step closer.

“Don’t,” Taheyung toned. His voice filled the room like ice. Jungkook shivered. “I do not allow
you to say a word about it. You asked your questions. I indulged and answered so you can be less
ignorant. See nothing more in it. Keep your comments and opinion to yourself,” he finished. His
chest rose and fell unevenly. Jungkook noticed.
“What about the hanboks?” Jungkook tried. His gaze remained on the omega.

Taehyung sighed. For a moment, he did not answer. “Tradition again,” he finally said, “I was not
truly allowed casual clothes like the ones I have now,” he added looking down at his outfit. His
grandmother would have paled at the sight. “Only hanboks, and after the marriage only hanboks
with your family emblem on them, like a branded creature showing ownership”. He huffed.

Jungkook bit down a compliment. He did not want Taehyung to close up again. “With the
gorgon?” he asked simply. “I noticed you have the medallion as well. You never take it off,” he
commented.

“With the gorgon,” Taehyung nodded, “The medallion is a gift from grandfather,” he explained.
He put down the knife and looked to meet Jungkook’s inquisitive gaze. “The one your fiancée
wears should have been mine according to grandfather,” he stated. There was a question there that
Jungkook clearly heard. Shame colored his cheeks. “It is not relevant now,” Taehyung swiftly
added. “Dinner should be ready in an hour or so. You can go rest or shower meanwhile,” he added
turning away again.

“Would you want it?” Jungkook felt bold, “the medallion,” he clarified. The darkness empowered
him. “It is in my room. I can go fetch it,” he took a step closer. His hands clenched by his sides to
not reach for Taehyung. The omega’s shoulders squared with tension. He understood the
implication.

“No,” Taehyung answered before relaxing. “Keep it for your partner or hand it back to grandfather.
It seems important to him. Mine is enough,” he whispered. His hands trembled. Jungkook sighed.
“I surely don’t want left-overs.”

“I will go lay down for a bit,” Jungkook said turning to leave. He couldn’t ask for more now. He
knew. It needed time and patience. He was more than willing to give both.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung called. Jungkook froze in his tracks. It was the first time Taehyung uttered
his name. “Grandfather is the sole reason of my presence here. He isn’t letting me ask for a
divorce. I can’t go against his will for now. We both have our reasons.”

“I understand,” Jungkook said about to leave. An invisible force kept his feet anchored on the
floor. He hesitantly looked at Taehyung. Fire burned in his chest. He did not wish to give up easily.
“No, actually, I don’t,” he blurted. Taehyung turned to look at him, taken aback. “I won’t let you
ask for a divorce either,” he added nervously. “Not until we have tried properly to mend our broken
relationship. I am not giving up on you. You can hate me for it. You can scream, shout, and hit me
if you want. I am your husband. I have no right to say this. I know. But, the fact remains that I am
your husband and I intend to remain as such. You might say that you gave up on traditions and the
way you were raised, but I can see that it is a lie. Someday, I will win you over,” he ranted
breathless. Jungkook left the kitchen in a hurry, almost running away.

Taehyung watched him leave with a beating heart. He felt against the counter, breathless as well.
 Chapter 16

Jungkook disappeared a day after the storm. Taehyung was relieved to have the house for himself.
Taekyung lingered in the city as well. Taehyung wondered if he was with Jungkook. Both men
disappeared at once after all. With Jimin, Taehyung went on with his routine.

It was at the end of a tiring day on campus that Yoongi finally reappeared. He waited for
Taehyung at the front door.

“Finally,” Taehyung grinned as soon as he saw the alpha. “I thought you forgot about us,” he
teased playfully. Yoongi surprised him with a warm embrace. Taehyung did not pull away. He
wrapped his arms around the man instead. He could feel the exhaustion ooze from Yoongi.

“We need to talk,” Yoongi breathed once he pulled away. Lack of sleep was obvious on his
features. His smile was dull. His eyes lacked their usual mischievous spark. Taehyung only nodded
with worry. He followed the alpha to the living room. They sat. Silence settled. Taehyung
suppressed the urge to reach for the man. Whatever burden Yoongi carried on his shoulders, it was
clearly heavy. “Remember when I told you that you were supposed to be mine?” he asked without
looking at the omega. Taehyung nodded still. He waited nervously. “I want to tell you why it never
happened and why Jungkook is the heir. What I will say is not an excuse for Jungkook’s behavior
and deeds. It is not an excuse for mine as well. I need you to know the truth. We are friends, aren’t
we?” He asked. His lips burned to ask for more.

“Of course,” Taehyung answered in a heartbeat. It was a question he always wished to ask, but
never had the courage to. It was Yoongi’s past and being intrusive was not something Taehyung
wanted.

“When I was younger, I was trained to take over the company,” Yoongi started. His hands clasped
tightly. His lips thinned. Tension nestled comfortably on his shoulders. “I did terrible things out of
greed. My mother, she is an omega like you,” he added glancing at Taehyung. The latter wondered
why the detail. Perhaps, it held an importance he never suspected. “My mother was a maid
assigned to my father, same as is Jimin to you. I will spare you the gruesome details. My
grandfather never spared her. He never wanted her. He did everything in his power to separate her
from my father but to no avail. Grandfather always deemed her a gold digger. I won’t lie to you.
She is. She made sure father was in her grip. I won’t tell you the details of it. It doesn’t concern
you so far. But, she is not a good a mother to say the least, and to remain polite. Jungkook and I
were pawns in her games.”

Yoongi took a moment to breathe. His head started to ache from tiredness and bitter memories. A
small hand wrapped comfortingly around his. He glanced up at Taehyung. Worry tore his guts. He
did not want Taehyung’s opinion to change.

“She raised me to feel entitled to everything. I felt powerful, unbeatable, and above everything and
everyone. When my grandfather and father were ready to pass down the company, I easily took
over. It didn’t take long for my attitude to catch up with me. I walked with the wrong crowd. I do
not accuse them nor blame them for my mistakes. It would be too easy.”

“Whatever you’ve done won’t change the way I see you,” Taehyung felt the need to comfort the
man. Yoongi trembled slightly. It was unnerving to witness.

“I was charged with embezzlement,” Yoongi sighed. Taehyung’s eyes widened from surprise. “Do
you know the Jung clan?” he asked turning to look at Taehyung. The omega only shook his head as
a response. “They are an old clan, far older than our family. They are criminals to put it simply. I
worked with them. I felt invincible. They work, among other things, in money laundering. My
grandfather and father covered up the mess. They got my criminal record cleared up. It was a
fiasco. Immediately after, Jungkook was set to take over. At the time, I was furious. I withdrew
from everyone and even Jungkook. I hate myself for it. I saw him as my enemy. He grew to fear
me and worry when I appear. Of course, I did my best to mend our relationship after it but still. I
hate myself for everything I did.”

“Jungkook doesn’t seem to resent you for it,” Taehyung said once Yoongi fell quiet. He could
almost hear the gears of the alpha’s mind run. The tension worsened as the memories flashed
before his mind’s eyes.

“He did at some point,” Yoongi said simply. “I thought he stole my place. He truly did not. It was
all my fault. He paid for it as well. He gave up on everything he planned for himself to take over,
to do what I spectacularly failed to do. I went down the rabbit hole after that. I left my family. I
wanted to make a name for myself and come back to spite them. It failed as well. As I grew older
and worked towards my goal, I learned and understood why grandfather and father acted that way.
I have a small company now. Nothing as big as the family company but if someone would put it
under fire, I would lose my mind. It is what I did with our family’s heritage. I came back and tried
to mend things. It was too late on a few things. I lost you. My mother turned bitter once she did not
have any grip on me. And grandfather,” he sighed. His heart ached. “I am still trying to earn his
forgiveness.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Taehyung confessed lastly. He understood better the tension that
seemed to settle between Taekyung and Yoongi at times. He mistook it for hate at times but he
knew better. Both men were trying to fix a broken bond.

“I just wanted you to know,” Yoongi brought Taehyung’s hand to his lips. “I didn’t wish for you to
think that I didn’t want you,” he admitted with a tired, bitter smile. Taehyung leant against Yoongi.
He did not expect the confession. It weighted on his heart. “There is something else I want you to
know. I never shared it until now. I never felt ready,” he said. His gaze remained stubbornly on the
floor. Taehyung tensed. “When you got married, I planned to come. I did not wish to make a scene
but I just wished to see you, and I don’t know,” he sighed heavily. “I don’t know what I wished to
do. I never got the chance. I was tangled yet again in a fiasco. I had a lover, an omega man, that I
thought loved me. We were together for some time. But, in the end, he only wanted me for the
money. He even got pregnant to attempt to extort money from me. When he heard that my family
disown me wealth wise, he wasn’t happy. I thought that it was it. The mess only worsened. My
mother heard of it. She used him to manipulate Jungkook.”

“That’s why he hates me?” Taehyung asked with a frown. He found it too hard to believe.

“At the time, when that omega, Sungwoo, was pregnant, he went to my family for money,” Yoongi
winced. “Grandfather ended up in hospital from the scandal. Obviously, Sungwoo did not get what
he wanted. My mother used him to scare Jungkook into submission. She planted in his head an
unconditional hate for male omegas because you were one, and you do not fit in her agenda.”

“It doesn’t excuse his behavior,” Taehyung shook his head. His heart ached for Yoongi.

“I never said it did. But, you need to understand that, same for me, it took time for Jungkook to
understand what mother was doing. She is our mother. You cannot easily accept that your own
mother uses you for her own interests. It hurts,” Yoongi cleared his throat. “I went into depression
when the whole mess uncovered; my mother’s doings, Sungwoo, and all the failures. It hurt.”

“What about the baby?” Taehyung asked lastly. His heart skipped a beat.
“He is three years old,” Yoongi smiled softly. “Sungwoo never allowed me to see him unless there
was a financial arrangement. The custody battle was a mess. It only ended this week,” he finished
glancing at Taehyung. He let the words sink in.

“Three years,” Taehyung breathed. His mind felt dizzy. The day seemed endless. “Is he why you
never came to the wedding?” he asked in a whisper as his mind lit up with questions. “Is this why I
never heard of you?” he asked once more as his breathe hitched from realization. Three years ago,
he got married.

“Yes,” Yoongi nodded. “It was another fiasco imbedded on my name. My family didn’t let me
come. I couldn’t come either. My son was born that summer. I was busy fighting for him.”

“I am so sorry that you have been through all of that,” Taehyung wrapped his arms around Yoongi.
He rested his chin on the trembling shoulder. “Where is your son now? The custody battle ended,
you said.”

“Actually, that’s the reason why I wished to come clean today in particular,” Yoongi pulled away
to meet Taehyung’s gaze. “I won full custody,” he said with a smile. “Sungwoo agreed on a
financial compensation finally. I was with my lawyer those last few days. The transaction is done.
My son is finally mine.”

“Can I meet him?” Taehyung asked with an unhidden eagerness. It made Yoongi smile. It warmed
his heart.

“You can,” Yoongi nodded. “He is sleeping upstairs,” he confessed with certain nervousness. “I
don’t know what grandfather will say about it. But, I brought him here. I wanted you to meet him,
and honestly I am also exhausted.”

“You did well,” Taehyung reached to stroke Yoongi’s cheek. “Your son is home now. Let me
handle grandfather. You fought enough.”

Upstairs, Taehyung found a little boy hiding under the pillows. It took a moment to coax the boy
out. Taehyung sat on the bed, showing a patience that had Yoongi’s heart ache. When finally the
boy crawled towards Taehyung’s open arms both adults breathed in relief.

“I’ve always wanted a child,” Taehyung breathed nuzzling the little neck. “I foolishly thought that
Jungkook and I would have one right away,” his throat knotted. Yoongi sat next to Taehyung
patting his back. “Your son is perfect,” he breathed kissing the boy’s forehead. “What’s his name?”
he asked looking up at Yoongi. His eyes were full of tears. Taehyung did not wish to hide them.

“Minchul,” Yoongi answered softly. He ruffled his son’s hair with a bright gummy smile. “But, I
want to change it. I don’t have names in mind yet,” he shrugged. “I don’t want any link to that
person,” he said in a whisper. Taehyung understood.

“Junghyun,” Taehyung retorted without missing a beat. “I chose that name for my child with
Jungkook. It has a particle of his name and a bit of mine. I thought it was a good name. You can
take it if you wish,” he looked down at the boy. Bright eyes met his gaze.

“It is a nice name,” Yoongi conceded. At the sight of Taehyung with his son, Yoongi’s heart
ached. His mind rumbled with dangerous thoughts.

“Thank you for being honest with me today,” Taehyung said suddenly. “I too have something to
say,” he added leaning to kiss the boy’s cheek. He held him for a peaceful moment, gathering his
courage. “I plan to divorce your brother, Yoongi. You can do as you please with this information,”
he added meeting the alpha’s startled gaze. “Grandfather put one condition that I must respect to
get a divorce,” he said. Yoongi straightened up. “It is to be independent. It is why I study so hard. I
plan to find work and be financially independent. Then, and finally, grandfather will let me go.”

“Is this why you stayed for so long?” Yoongi asked. He prided himself in knowing everything
about everyone as a way to maintain control, and never be manipulated again. Taehyung surprised
him to say the least.

“A year after my wedding, I asked grandfather to let me go,” Taehyung confessed. The memories
were still painful. “I realized that Jungkook wouldn’t come back. Then, you appeared in our life
too. I asked grandfather and he told me that I can leave only when he deems me independent and
able to take care of myself. The way I was raised, I was too reliant on a husband. And, my family
wouldn’t welcome me back honestly.”

Independent. Taekyung wanted Taehyung to be safe. The thought echoed through Yoongi’s mind.
His lips ached to reveal another truth. He couldn’t yet. He promised his grandfather. Yoongi got
lost for a moment in his thoughts. He understood why Taekyung suddenly and after so long put the
domain under Taehyung’s name.

“What about we give this little kitten some food?” Taehyung asked startling Yoongi out of his
reveries. The alpha nodded and followed after Taehyung. He has too many questions still. He
realized that there were truths still hidden, and Taekyung was not as old and defenseless as he
thought.

Taehyung went ahead to the kitchen taking the boy with him. The toddler settled comfortably in his
arms. Yoongi took a moment for himself. “He still could be mine,” he breathed to himself in a
moment of weakness. A roaring wind engulfed into the house and banged the door in front of him
shut. Yoongi startled taking a step back. His wide eyes fell on the painting next to him. The gorgon
snarled at him with all its might.
 Chapter 17

Taehyung wiped his forehead. The heat was unbearable. It was one of those days where the
weather resembled hell fire.

“Are you leaving soon?” Yoongi leant against the doorframe. He watched Taehyung pack a small
bag for the night.

“Yes,” Taehyung looked up with a smile. “Grandfather even sent a hanbok for me to wear. I guess
that whatever event I am invited to, it must be important,” he commented. The said outfit lay on
the bed. The Jeon gorgon was embroidered on it with gold threads. The hanbok in itself was a work
of art. Taehyung grinned running a hand over it. “I can’t wait to wear it,” he added with a soft
laugh. He couldn’t contain his impatience.

“I am sure that you will be stunning in it,” Yoongi smiled. It did not reach his eyes. Taehyung did
not notice. He left shortly after with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. Yoongi watched the car
drive away. When he went back inside, the gorgon stared at him, impassible.

Taehyung arrived in the city at dusk. He was thankful for the fresh breeze blowing time to time. He
was taken to one of the luxurious hotels owned by the Jeons. The suite given to him was nothing
sort of extravagant and lavish. He did not have time to dwell on the details. He got ready for the
dinner.

A man accompanied him to the restaurant. He bowed low before leaving Taehyung in front of a
door. Taehyung frowned. Apparently, he was invited for dinner in a private room. He grinned and
let himself in after a polite knock. He couldn’t wait to see Taekyung again, and talk about Yoongi’s
situation as well.

“You came,” Jungkook said with a smile. He was not the man Taehyung expected. The omega
looked around with a frown. The table was set for several persons. “I am here to meet with a few of
business partners. They are coming with their wives. It was only fair that I come with my own
spouse.”

“Where is this spouse?” Taehyung pretended to look around. “I don’t see anyone here, and surely
you do not mean me,” he added with a smile, although his tone dripped with vitriol.

Jungkook chuckled softly. He walked to stand in front of Taehyung. “I mean you indeed,” he said
with an unfaltering smile. Taehyung tensed. “Hopefully, it won’t take long. We still can visit the
city afterwards. There is a place I want to take you to,” he said with a nonchalance that irked
Taehyung. “I am sure that you will love it.”

“Where is grandfather?” Taehyung asked dismissing the words. “I only came here for him. Did
you lie and trick me into coming?” he asked glaring at the alpha. Jungkook did not flinch. “It
wouldn’t be beneath you, would it?” he asked feeling his patience melt away.

“If I asked you myself, you would have refused,” Jungkook said. “And this is an important
meeting. You said that it was your duty to stand beside me, didn’t you? I need your help tonight,”
he added swiftly before Taehyung would spill more venom. It was in vain.

“My help?” Taehyung scoffed, “you did brilliantly without the help of an ignorant, useless creature
like me for years, young master. You flatter me but I am sure you will do formidably alone once
more. And of course, I wouldn’t want to subject your partners to my ugly appearance,” he turned to
leave. The door opened. Jungkook was true to his words. Several men in impeccable suits came in,
followed by their spouses. Taehyung tensed feeling trapped.

The introduction lingered more than Taehyung like them to be. He bowed politely and shook hands
when needed. He noticed Jungkook standing by his side, taller and showing a pride that Taehyung
had never seen before on the alpha.

“You must be Jungkook’s partner,” a woman came forth. Her blonde hair surrounded her round
face like a halo. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she added. Taehyung smiled. “However, I must
admit that I am confused. Jungkook told us that he had a wife and not a husband. Is it a Korean
tradition to refer to your omega as a wife?” she asked confused.

Taehyung did not see in her question any offense. She seemed genuinely unsettled. However,
Taehyung understood very well the meaning behind the innocent statement.

“I am a friend of the family,” Taehyung said softly. “I only came here to greet the young master. I
don’t intend to stay long. It was a pleasure to meet you,” he bowed once more. Jungkook tensed
visibly by his side. “Enjoy your evening. I will be taking my leave now,” he added before walking
away.

It did not take long for Jungkook to follow. Taehyung did not turn around. He walked in a hurry
towards the exit.

“Where are you going?” Jungkook grabbed Taehyung’s arm pulling him back. His strength startled
Taehyung. He fell back against the alpha’s chest. Jungkook looked as surprised. He swiftly helped
Taehyung’s straighten up. His hands lingered on Taehyung more than necessary. “What was that
about? You’re my spouse. I want you to stay,” he said impatiently.

“You tricked me into coming,” Taehyung snapped tired with keeping up his impassive front. “I am
not your husband, young master. I will never be. If you think that a dinner with strangers can make
up for your wrongs deed, then truly you are still a clueless child.” His tone was harsh. His chest
rose and fell unevenly. The heat got to him. For a second, he swayed on his feet. The traditional
outfit was heavy and too warm. It had been a long time since he wore one. The last thing Taehyung
remembered before darkness settled was Jungkook’s worried face.
 Chapter 18

Taehyung woke up to a blazing fire in his lower body. His skin felt too tight and too warm. He
groaned as he stretched in the spacious bed. The familiar yet foreign scent invaded his nose and
mind. Jungkook’s scent. It was thick in the air. It coated his tongue like it did many years ago.

“Are you awake?” the familiar deep voice startled Taehyung. The omega opened his eyes to find
Jungkook sitting by his side. “You fainted from heat,” the alpha explained. Taehyung barely
registered the words. Thirst dried up his throat. It was almost painful. Jungkook must have noticed.
He helped Taehyung sit up and drink.

“Where am I?” Taehyung asked looking around the unfamiliar bedroom. The view over the
sleepless city reminded him that he was no longer in the gorgon domain.

“At my place,” Jungkook answered as he put down the now empty glass. “The doctor undressed
you,” he added gesturing to Taehyung’s outfit. It was one of Jungkook’s shirts. It was too large on
Taehyung’s less muscular frame. It fell on his side revealing his shoulder and a part of his chest.
Jungkook averted his gaze, too tempted by the sight. “The doctor informed me that the exhaustion
triggered your heat.”

Taehyung nodded. He rubbed tiredly his face. “I want to go home,” he mumbled. His body refused
to cooperate. It fell lax on the comfortable mattress.

“It is too late for that now,” Jungkook said standing up. “I will bring you something to eat. If you
feel a bit better, you can take a shower. I can help you,” he offered. Taehyung huffed. Instead of
taking the extended hand, Taehyung leant on the nightstand. A swift glance to the digital clock
informed him that it was past midnight. Taehyung eyed Jungkook. Did the alpha stay by his side
all that time? Judging by the situation, it looked like it. Taehyung did not want to ponder the
matter. A shower sounded heavenly.

Dinner consisted of cold soup; even that weighted a bit too much on Taehyung’s stomach. He
craved sweets. Jungkook did not indulge as per the doctor’s instructions. Taehyung went to the
bathroom next. His heats were never that intense before. His flesh heat up. His cheeks turned red.
His chest was sore. His intimacy throbbed and oozed slick.

“It is because of my pheromones,” Jungkook provided with unhidden pride. “Your heat,” he added
noticing Taehyung’s confused gaze. “You were thinking out loud,” Jungkook chuckled. “Your heat
is that intense because your body is responding to me. I already took a scent suppressor to not
overwhelm you.”

“Yoongi’s scent is much stronger than yours,” Taehyung huffed. He refused to give Jungkook any
satisfaction.

“Yet you reacted to me,” Jungkook smirked. His eyes tainted with red. Taehyung shuddered. A
fresh breeze blew from the bay window. Taehyung whimpered from the sudden coldness. Sweat
coated his skin. Although he would never admit it out loud, his body did react quite surprisingly to
Jungkook. “You triggered my rut as well,” Jungkook startled Taehyung out of his thoughts. “The
first few days after I settled at the domain, I had a rut.”

“Whatever,” Taehyung mumbled. Jungkook laughed softly. “I will take a bath now,” Taehyung
announced walking back to the bedroom. He noticed the adjoined bathroom there.
“Call me if you need help,” Jungkook said as he watched Taehyung flee the kitchen. He licked his
lips tasting Taehyung’s scent on his tongue. It was nothing overpowering but his crotch responded
still. With a sigh, Jungkook turned to the dirty dishes. He preferred to keep himself busy rather
than think of the alluring omega, surely naked, in his bathroom.

Taehyung settled in the master bedroom for the night. He did not feel any shame in taking
Jungkook’s bed. He let the alpha sleep wherever he pleased in the penthouse, as long as it was not
in the same room. Taehyung burrowed another shirt. Jungkook did not complain. Sleep did not
come easily. Taehyung groaned and writhed in the vast bed. Heats never clouded his judgment. He
wished they did. At least, he would have had an excuse for the unspeakable act he craved to
commit.

Taehyung took a deep breath and walked out of the bedroom. It was easy to find Jungkook. The
man was on the terrace. Taehyung took another deep breath to settle his mind. He watched
Jungkook move. He wondered why the alpha was doing pushups so late into the night. His muscles
looked tense, almost painfully so. Jungkook only wore low hanging shorts. Taehyung whimpered
at the sight. Jungkook’s body was as muscular as Taehyung’s youthful fantasies painted it to be.
Every inch of him was very much manly. Dark thick hair peppered his chiseled chest. His thick
thighs flexed and tensed each time Jungkook moved. His arms looked strong enough to carry
Taehyung. The omega whimpered at the thought. More slick oozed from his oversensitive
intimacy.

Without noticing how, Taehyung found himself standing in front of Jungkook. The alpha sat on the
floor looking up at the omega.

“I thought you were asleep,” Jungkook said. He took deep breath from his mouth. He avoided
scenting the air. He guessed it to be thick with Taehyung’s maddening fragrance.

“You are making too much noise huffing and puffing like a dragon,” Taehyung countered. It was a
terrible lie. He barely registered any noise from the bedroom. Jungkook did not comment on it.
“Why are you exercising so late?” Taehyung asked eyeing Jungkook. He looked like a mistake.
Taehyung bit his lip at the thought.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Jungkook shrugged. He did not leave his spot on the ground. He felt rooted to it.
Any move might result in a regret. He preferred to give control and the choice to Taehyung. “Why
are you here?” he asked meeting the golden irises.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Taehyung parroted. His hands fisted the shirt crumpling the soft fabric. “My
heat is unbearable tonight,” he added. He took a step forward.

“You need help,” Jungkook smirked. Taehyung glared at the sparkle of victory gleaming in the
crimson gaze. “I can provide, and gladly,” he purred. Taehyung bit yet again into his now bruised
lip.

“No one can know about this,” Taehyung bargained. Jungkook arched a brow. “You cannot tell
anyone about this. It dies here. And I only want your mouth. I will not reciprocate in any way. You
help me. Then, I will go to sleep. In the morning, I will think of it as a fever dream.”

“I am not the kiss and tell type,” Jungkook nodded. It was a victory. As small as Taehyung deemed
to be, for Jungkook it was a step in the desired direction. “How do you want me?” he asked after
clearing his throat. His hands trembled. His chest rose and fell unevenly from impatience.
Taehyung did not say a word. He lifted his shirt silently revealing his glistening, wet intimacy.
Jungkook scooted closer. A low and deep growl escaped his mouth as he finally tasted the omega.
His tongue ventured out and explored the foreign velvety flesh. His hands tightened over
Taehyung’s bottom. A sun-kissed thigh rested on his shoulder granting him a better angle and
access.

Taehyung moaned letting his head fall back. Pleasure washed over him in waves. He did not fight
it. He sought a quick climax. His hips rocked in a lazy pace. His hands tightened on Jungkook’s
hair. The curious mouth was diligent. He found himself lying on the cold tiles. His legs shook from
ecstasy. His core was electrified. He never shared a heat with any men. He regretted not doing so
before.

“You came,” Jungkook growled against the sweaty skin. His lips left a trail of kisses on
Taehyung’s thighs. They climbed up to the soft stomach. “You taste fucking sweet,” he added
breathless. He explored the tempting shaking frame. His mouth ended up its journey on the erect
nipples. Taehyung gasped at the wet touch. He pushed against Jungkook’s chest. The alpha let go.

“Just your mouth,” Taehyung whispered unable to catch his breath yet. His heart hammered in his
chest. His legs were left obscenely wide open. Jungkook whimpered at the forbidden sight. “You
must regret your decision, don’t you now?” Taehyung laughed softly. His body shook with tremors
still. His foot rested on Jungkook’s chest, keeping him at a distance.

It was obvious. None of them expected their bodies and scents to be that compatible. For a fleeting
moment, both thought of Taekyung’s stubbornness to have them mate.

On Taehyung’s tongue, the revelation tasted sweet. A sweet parting revenge.

On Jungkook’s tongue, the revelation tasted bitter. A regret.

“I already told you. I am not divorcing you,” Jungkook said feeling empowered by the revelation.
Taehyung was in every way his. He wouldn’t give up easily. He brought the stubborn foot to his
lips. “I am your husband,” he whispered against the warm skin.

“You wish,” Taehyung pulled away his foot. He sat up straightening his shirt. His legs trembled
still as he stood up and left.

Jungkook remained silent as he watched Taehyung walk away. It dawned on him that the omega
was not a virgin. His eyes widened. He was left to ponder and interpret yet another bitter
revelation.

When the sun rose, Jungkook was ready. He had questions and craved their answers. Fate decided
otherwise. Seojun barged into the penthouse. Her strident voice woke Jungkook up painfully. He
recognized Taehyung’s much deeper voice.

“What’s happening here?” Jungkook asked with a hint worry. Taehyung stood from his seat. His
expression remained impassible. However, Jungkook improved in reading the omega’s body
language. Taehyung was obviously irritated.

“Nothing,” Taehyung said straightening his hanbok. “I was waiting for the driver to come pick me
up when your mistress arrived,” he said with a saccharine smile. It did not reach his eyes. Instead,
fire gleamed in the seemingly bored gaze.

“Mistress?” Seojun snorted. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. Jungkook knew that expression all
too well. It was never a good omen. He had been on the receiving end of it too many times for
comfort.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Taehyung returned her smile. “What do you think you are?” he chuckled softly.
“But rest assured you can have my leftovers. I am generous.”

Jungkook glared at Seojun succeeding in shushing her up. “I will take you home,” Jungkook said
wishing his voice to sound confident. Taehyung only snorted at the statement before leaving the
penthouse. Jungkook sighed. For the first time in his life, he felt lower than a scum. Taehyung
succeeded where everyone failed before him.

On his way out, Taehyung noticed a young man, uncannily resembling Seojun. The young man
was lost in an embrace with another man; a man that was seemingly his driver. Their eyes met for a
fleeting moment. The young man paled. The driver frowned, gaze traveling between the two
omegas. Taehyung got in his car and left. He wondered if the young man was Seojun’s brother.
 Chapter 19
Chapter Notes

I forgot to mention that in my ABO world, omegas are hermaphrodites. They have
both genitalias with a slight difference. Male omegas have a small cock which doesn’t
not produce semen because they have no testicles. They have a vagina which allows
penetration and pregnancies. I won’t go into details because it is not important to the
plot anyway.

It is how Jungkook knew that Taehyung is not a virgin. It is obvious for those who
know where and how to look.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Instead of going to the gorgon domain, Taehyung went to his hometown. He felt exhausted after
the long night. His body was still adjusting to the weather and impromptu heat. He bit his bottom
lip until it bruised. The memory of the previous night plagued his mind. He had wanted it. In broad
daylight, Taehyung felt ashamed for giving in.

It took Jungkook two days to appear at the doorstep.

“I think that I gave you enough time to overthink,” Jungkook chuckled softly. He sat at the small
table in the garden while Taehyung worked. The diligent gloved hands worked tirelessly on the
flowerbed.

“Overthink what?” Taehyung asked hoping to sound nonchalant. He hated feeling cornered. He
never expected Jungkook to follow there. Taehyung naively thought of his grandmother’s house as
a safe haven. Jungkook reached him even there now.

“Your fever dream,” Jungkook purred. Taehyung blushed deeply. His cheeks rivaled with the red
of the roses next to them. “Also, I wish to talk to you about something important as well,”
Jungkook added casually. He took a sip of his drink. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed the
hunched figure of the grandmother watching them. Her eyes were sharp despite her old age.

“What is so important that it brought you so far from your lair?” Taehyung sighed. He stood up
removing his gloves. He sat across from Jungkook and poured himself a glass of lemonade.
Jungkook watched him; eyes piercing as usual. Taehyung felt naked under the gaze.

“I’ve a proposition that might interest you,” Jungkook smiled. The words piqued Taehyung’s
curiosity. “It concerns my brother. I noticed how fond you are of him. I know that he shared with
you his past. It is about his situation that I wish to talk with you about,” he explained. Taehyung
took a sip of his drink. He looked at Jungkook waiting for the rest. Jungkook only chuckled at the
silence. “Our family disowned him as you already know. I can give him back part of his
inheritance. His son can finally be part of our family. Yoongi can get what is rightfully his.
Grandfather or even father can’t do anything against my decision once I take over.”

“If you take over,” Taehyung couldn’t help but correct. “What does it have to do with me?” he
asked rather curious and confused.
 “It has everything to do with you now,” Jungkook said simply. “If you accept to give me, our
marriage, another chance, I will give Yoongi another chance as well–”

“You’re truly despicable,” Taehyung hissed. His eyes turned golden. Jungkook smirked somehow
pleased by the strong reaction. “He is your brother. You should do that for him without asking
anything in return.”

“It is not that easy. Yoongi made a huge mistake when he took over,” Jungkook shook his head.
“And in love, he is my rival. He knows as much. I am a man that loves to win, Taehyung. He is
standing in my way. You hold the keys to his future. Accept and I will go against my whole family
to assure that he inherits what was his, part of it at least.”

“Now, I understand why grandfather favors you so deeply,” Taehyung sighed. He reached for his
glass. The coldness felt refreshing against his hand. He needed an anchor. He looked up to meet
Jungkook’s questioning gaze. “You’re a replica of grandfather in every way. I am sure now that
when he looks at you, he sees himself younger. You talk and carry yourself the same. You act as if
the world is yours.”

“Is that a yes then?” Jungkook grinned. He lifted up his glass in a cheer motion. He did not wait for
Taehyung’s answer. He knew it to be positive. Taehyung resented his confidence.

“I can only offer my friendship,” Taehyung said before Jungkook would leave. The alpha was
already a few steps away. He halted in his tracks. His deep laugh filled the garden. His shoulders
shook with genuine mirth.

“I have one last question,” Jungkook turned around. His eyes swept over Taehyung’s silhouette.
“You are not a virgin, are you? I noticed it during your fever dream. The way you acted and
obviously I had quiet the view over–”

“Stop it,” Taehyung hissed suppressing the urge to throw his glass at Jungkook’s face. His cheeks
reddened deeply. “And to answer your question, no I am not. It is not your brother’s deed. It is all
my own will. Did you expect me to wait and cry for your return?” he huffed. Jungkook tensed but
hid behind a smile. He left without another word, too tired to start another verbal jest.

Chapter End Notes

:p Let's hate JK some more....

 Chapter 20

Taehyung sat in the living room facing the empty fireplace. Above it was a picture of his
grandparents. A detail caught his gaze. He never noticed it before. The gorgon seemed to smile at
him, teeth of all sharp and hissing snakes. The pendant adorned his grandfather’s neck.

“All this time I thought you were grandfather’s lost lover,” Taehyung said turning to look at his
grandmother. The woman looked up stopping her embroidery work. She sighed. “It was
grandfather, wasn’t it?” he asked wondering how such detail escaped his mind. The picture rested
on the fireplace for years.

“Jungsik was a good man,” the grandmother smiled at the picture. With time, the scene turned
yellow. The eternal smile on her late husband’s face comforted her. “Taekyung and him were
close,” she nodded. Taehyung noticed her tears. She still mourned her husband despite the decades.

“You won’t woo him with grand gestures,” Taekyung peeked over his grandson’s shoulder. He
noticed the plan for a house on Jungkook’s laptop screen. “Taehyung doesn’t like that sort of
things. Just be honest with him, and start by apologizing,” he added sitting next to the young man.
“There is something I want to talk to you about,” he cleared his throat. His heart ached at the flood
of memories. “It concerns this house and your future with Taehyung,” he explained.

“I know how to win him over,” Jungkook said stubbornly. Taekyung laughed softly. He saw a
glimpse of himself in Jungkook.

“You really don’t, son,” Taekyung shook his head. He handed Jungkook an envelope. The younger
alpha opened it carefully. Unexpected papers met him. His gaze turned crimson and unforgiving.
Divorce papers were the last thing he expected from his grandfather. “I had those drafted these last
few days. They are the reason behind my sudden absence,” he explained. Jungkook crumpled the
papers in his hand. “Don’t be so quick to tear them up. It is a reality that you need to accept. Do
you know why Taehyung never asked for a divorce even when you begged for one?” Taekyung
asked.

“Why would he divorce me? Our family is wealthy and respectable. Anyone would sell their soul
to be part of it,” Jungkook huffed. When it came to Taehyung, he knew the words to be a bitter lie
or a sweet comfort.

“You still did not learn,” Taekyung said with unhidden disappointment. “Come with me. There is
something I want to show you,” he stood up with a wince. His back ached. He wondered if it was
from the burden he carried all those years.

Jungkook sighed but followed silently after his grandfather. With no true surprise, they went to the
old man’s office. However, to Jungkook great surprise, Taekyung opened a secret door through the
library shelves. It led to a small room. A painting dominated the small space. It was surrounded by
fresh flowers, all very much immaculate.

“This is Jungsik,” Taekyung introduced with unhidden emotion. His throat knotted. His eyes stung
from tears. Regrets swarmed his heart.

Jungsik looked at them with a subtle smile and bright crimson eyes. He was sitting at the edge of a
bed with only a white sheet covering his naked form. Jungkook recognized the master bedroom of
the gorgon domain. No one was allowed in it. Taekyung smiled at the eternal man. The scene was
a painful lie. It never happened. Jungsik never stepped a foot in the domain. Taekyung only put his
frustrating desire into reality.

At the time, the painter had been surprised by the very detailed commission. Taekyung designed
every detail of the stunning painting. It was his way of taming his pain. Jungsik taunted him every
day for decades. The innocence in his features had Taekyung on edge of insanity. His long
cascading hair begged to be caressed. They did a poor job in covering Jungsik’s alluring silhouette.
The milky skin pleaded to be touched. It felt alive under Taekyung’s old and tired gaze.

“I was like you once,” Taekyung wiped his eyes. “I thought a grand gesture would win him over. I
purchased this land for him. He loved open spaces and nature. I built the house according to his
wishes and more. I had the gorgon engraved everywhere to protect him from any harm, even a
harsh wind. He never once saw this domain or set a foot in it.”

“Who is he?” Jungkook whispered taken aback by the confession. He never saw his grandfather so
moved before. His wrinkled eyes gleamed with endless tears.

“Jungsik is Taehyung’s grandfather,” Taekyung sat in the only chair available in the room.
Jungkook was left to be scrutinized by the unyielding, eternal crimson eyes. “We were lovers. I
could have given him the world, if only he wished for it,” Taekyung smiled. “He never wanted it.
He only wanted us to be together. My family at the time pressured me into marrying someone from
our status, and someone who can bear children. Jungsik was the son of farmer and an alpha. I
offered him to be my concubine instead of fighting for us. He left. I waited.”

The sob took Jungkook by surprise. His feet rooted to the floor under Jungsik’s gaze. The gorgon
hissed and snarled at him from the comfort of Jungsik’s neck.

“I was like you. I thought that he would come back to me. Why wouldn’t he? I was the heir of an
old family, and extremely wealthy. Only a fool wouldn’t want me. It was what I stupidly thought”.
He wiped his cheeks once more. Jungkook shrunk in his spot. “He never came back. He faded into
thin air. It took me years to find him again. Do you know where I found him after all those years of
maddening search?” he asked with a bitter laugh. Jungkook shook his head. His fists clenched by
his sides. “I found him on the day of his funeral. My parents felt clement enough to finally reveal
his location. They sabotaged every mean I used to find Jungsik. I never knew until that fateful day.
He must have thought that I gave up on him. Then again, I did.”

“Is this why you wanted me to marry Taehyung?” Jungkook found himself asking. His voice was
barely a whisper.

Taekyung shook his head. “I only wanted to link our families somehow. Perhaps, it was to redeem
myself. My first choice was Yoongi. He did a terrible mistake. I didn’t trust him any longer. Then,
I chose you. I made a terrible mistake because you’re too much like me. You took the wrong path
as well.”

“I will win him over, grandfather,” Jungkook shook his head. He did not care for old love stories.
Taehyung was his. He knew it. “I know I made a terrible mistake. I won’t let him leave. He will
love me again!”

“The only reason Taehyung never divorced you is me,” Taekyung shook his head. “I put a
condition. He can have a divorce only when he is independent, and no longer relying on anyone”.
He stood from the chair. Jungkook was quick to help him. “I want you to understand and accept
that Taehyung will divorce. If you want him, you need to work on yourself. You can’t behave the
way you do. He will leave you. If you truly want him, even then when he won’t want you, you
have to hold on. It won’t be easy. You have years to make up for, son. I am not talking about the
last three years. Taehyung loved you since he was fifteen.”

“I made mistakes. I feel terrible because of them all,” Jungkook sighed. He ran a hand over his
face. His shoulders weighted heavily. “I will do my best to win him over, all my life if I have to. I
was misguided. I acted like a child and even worse.”

“You have to say all those things to him, son” Taekyung reached to pat Jungkook’s shoulder. The
young alpha nodded silently. His confidence melted and faded into thin air. For the first time in his
life, he felt lost.

They both left the small room. A soft breeze blew. The door closed with a soft thud behind them.
Jungkook reached for his pendant as he walked back to his room. He wondered what to do next.

Taehyung stared at his grandmother as she unveiled his grandfather’s story. His heart ached from
pain for a man he never knew.

“I met Taekyung during the funerals,” The grandmother sighed. The memory was still agonizing.
“Since then, he never left. We bonded over grief and became friends,” she smiled tiredly.

Taehyung turned to look at the garden. His hand reached for his pendant. It felt warm under his
touch. He wondered what to do next.
 Chapter 21

When Taehyung arrived at the domain, he was welcomed by Jimin and Junghyun. The little boy
waved shyly at him. Taehyung grinned leaning to kiss the chubby cheek.

“You have a guest,” Jimin said in a whisper. Taehyung arched a brow. “He came this morning and
refused to leave since. Yoongi and Jungkook left for work. I didn’t find a way to get rid of him,”
Jimin sighed.

“I will handle it,” Taehyung said confused. He never had guests. The only one that came was
Yoongi several years ago. “How is Yoongi?” he asked timidly. Jimin blushed averting his gaze.
Taehyung’s heart ached. “Is our little Junghyun adjusting well here?” he added swiftly. The boy
smiled at the mention of his name.

“Both are fine,” Jimin smiled with relief. “This little one here discovered that dirt is a fun toy,” he
chuckled softly. Taehyung reached to ruffle the toddler’s hair. A gummy grin met his gaze.

Taehyung left the maids to take care of his luggage. He headed to the living room while Jimin
disappeared into the gardens with Junghyun.

“I heard that you are waiting for me,” Taehyung said in lieu of greetings. He recognized Seojun’s
brother. The resemblance was uncanny, although the young man was slightly taller with broad
shoulders.

“Taehyung,” Seokjin greeted with a hesitant smile. He stood from the couch offering his hand. “I
came to talk with you,” he stated. Taehyung invited him to sit and asked one of the maids to bring
tea. The silence that settled was filled with tension afterwards.

Once tea was served and the help vacated the room. Taehyung turned to face Seokjin. He admitted
gladly that the young man was stunning. Seojun had the same face with a feminine elegance. The
thought jabbed at his heart. Taehyung understood why Jungkook would be attracted to the woman,
even if the mere thought pained Taehyung.

“What do you wish to talk with me about?” Taehyung asked reaching for his cup of steaming tea.
The warmth, despite the weather, anchored his trembling hands. “Is this the part where you ask me
to divorce my husband so your sister can have him?” he mocked. His lips stretched into a confident
smirk. Of confidence, he did not possess any.

“No,” Seokjin answered with an honesty that startled slightly Taehyung. “I came here to thank
you,” he added. Taehyung looked at the man genuinely confused. “You saw me with my partner
yet I heard no gossip about it. Thank you for keeping my indiscretion quiet.”

“What you do with your private life does not concern me,” Taehyung answered. He had completely
forgotten about the encounter. “If this is all, I must take my leave. I have other matters to take care
of,” he said standing up. Seokjin joined him, a bit surprised to be let go of so quickly, perhaps even
a bit rudely.

“If I may add something before we part ways,” Seokjin added swiftly. Taehyung halted in his
tracks and turned once more to face the other omega. “Do not divorce Jungkook. He treated you
terribly. I will be the first to admit it. But, do not let go of him. He had been misguided, and believe
me when I say that the picture they painted of you was nothing less than terrible. I’ve seen and
heard the lies they fed him. He is not the monster you think he is. He was simply lost. Don’t give
up on him yet. Please,” Seokjin felt breathless. He wondered why he defended Jungkook. It came
in the moment. He did not plan it. His heart spoke and his mouth obeyed. His hands tightened by
his side. “Jungkook left Seojun. They broke up a while ago now,” he whispered akin to a secret.
Right there and then, it did not taste like betrayal but redemption and freedom.

“I have grown tired of people defending him,” Taehyung whispered. Seokjin stared with unhidden
interest. “But, still thank you for defending my husband. It comforts me that he has loyal friends to
rely on.”

Taehyung did not linger. He left, and as the doors closed behind him, Seokjin breathed out in relief.
He did not realize he had been holding it until Taehyung left. He understood better why Seojun and
Aera were frightened of the omega. Taehyung filled the room with his presence. He carried
himself with elegance, and a pride that only noble souls still possessed.

Taehyung went to his bedroom. He walked into the hallway. His legs trembled slightly from
fatigue and the impromptu guest. When he finally sat on his bed, a gust of warm wind traveled
through his room. The curtains twirled and rose high up in the air. They revealed the gorgoneion
engraved on the balcony. The head seemed to smile at him. “Why are you so content?” Taehyung
huffed. Only another warm breeze answered his question. It seemed to caress his cheek. It was only
then that he noticed his tears.
 Chapter 22

Yoongi knocked on the door, although it was open. The gesture was more to announce his presence
than anything else. Taehyung seemed lost in his thoughts. “Can I come in?” he asked when finally
Taehyung noticed him. The omega nodded. He kept busy folding and putting away his clothes. He
still stubbornly refused the maids’ help. “I heard that you had a guest today,” Yoongi started
hesitantly.

Taehyung sighed. “Do you remember what you said to me the first time you came here?” he asked
glancing at Yoongi. The alpha only nodded as a response. “I came here to vouch for my brother. It
is what you said during that dinner. You defended your brother. Grandfather defends him as well.
And today, another one of his fervent defender came to me. It was Seokjin. I believe that he is
Seojun’s brother.”

The confession left Yoongi flabbergasted. Taehyung sighed once. He gave up on folding his
clothing. They fell on the bed silently. Yoongi waited to hear more. Taehyung appeared in need to
vent.

“What you all seem blind to is that I don’t want your brother any longer,” Taehyung sat on the bed.
The statement tasted bitter on his tongue. “I spent countless years loving him, and now all I want is
my independence.”

“Is it?” Yoongi dared to ask. “We both know it is a lie, Taehyung. What we have, the tension or
feelings, whatever you name it, we never went further because you always had my brother in your
heart. You cannot lie to me, not anymore. I know you all too well now. At first, I thought, and I
respected you more for it, that you wanted to preserve my bond with my brother. Then, I thought it
was also fear of being with another man than the one you grew to love. It took me time to realize
that you were waiting for him–”

“I am not,” Taehyung hissed. Yoongi did not take any offense in the harsh response. “Do not insult
me by saying that I have been waiting for a useless man that abandoned me,” Taehyung added in a
much softer tone, although he sounded breathless. He sighed yet again and turned to look away.
His cheeks tainted with a deep red. “I am not an idiot that would wait around for such man,” he
whispered. “He hurt me more than anyone. How can I forgive or forget it?”

“You are still waiting for him,” Yoongi stated reaching for Taehyung’s hand. “If you weren’t, I
would have kissed you a long time ago. I would have made you mine years ago,” he kissed the
trembling knuckles. “What held you back was Jungkook, always. No one is asking you to forgive
him in a day. You wish for him to hurt? Good. Make him hurt like you did or worse. Make him
grovel, cry, and beg. Make him do whatever frees you from your pain. If then you still don’t want
him, Taehyung I will whisk you away.”

“It hurts,” Taehyung sobbed out loud. His eyes filled with tears. The dam broke within seconds. It
held strong for far too long. “He said that I am a creature! A useless, ignorant, and ugly creature!”
he cried. Yoongi instantly pulled the shaking omega in his arms. It was the first time he saw
Taehyung broke down. “How can I forgive a man that hurt me so deeply? I can’t look at his face
without wanting to smack him. I can’t do it because I don’t want to stoop so low.”

“No one is counting points,” Yoongi whispered against Taehyung’s head. The soft locks of hair
brushed against his lips. “Hurt him. Drag him into the dirt if you wish so. No one would blame
you.”
“I don’t want to,” Taehyung shook his head. “I don’t want to be that sort of person. I don’t want to
turn into a bitter man because of him. He took much from me already.” Taehyung looked up to
meet Yoongi’s gaze. He found sadness, pity, and pain. He hated the mix. He saw it too many times
in Taekyung’s gaze already.

“He didn’t, Taehyung,” Yoongi said hesitantly. Perhaps, it was a confession Taehyung was not
ready for. The omega was still too young. “He was vile with you. But, it was you that stopped
wearing the clothes you wanted. It was you that cut your hair and adopted another lifestyle. In your
life, you will meet vile people. They will judge and criticize you. What you do with their words is
your own will. You can have everything you want back.”

“You are yet again defending him,” Taehyung pulled away from the embrace. Anger burned his
veins. His face turned red from hyperventilation and the blazing wrath. He hiccupped glaring at
Yoongi. He felt betrayed. “You all defend him! He is a monster!”

“I never said otherwise,” Yoongi slowly stood up following carefully after Taehyung. The omega
paced. It was finally time to purge the pain. Taehyung let it fester for far too long within. It
festered. It rotted. It let out a putrid scent. “Let it all out,” Yoongi whispered with caution. He took
a step closer to the agitated omega. Taehyung glared with golden pupils at him. “It is all right. You
can let it all out.”

“It should have been you,” Taehyung said in a sob. “It should have been you. We would have been
happy. If only…”

“With ifs, we redo the world,” Yoongi said sadly. He had been there. He mourned a long gone
bond. Taehyung did not yet. He repressed everything and pushed it too deep. When it finally came
up, it raged with violence and thousands of voices.

“I looked up at him, you know,” Taehyung wrapped his arms around his middle. “I thought he was
someone he clearly is not. He hurt me with his words and with the deep disappointment that settled
afterwards. You all defend him. I refuse to forgive him. I can’t let go of what he did. I will leave
here. I will have my own life. Let’s see how happy he is with Seojun afterwards.”

“I left her,” the deep voice startled Taehyung. Jungkook stood at the door. His back was hunched.
His shoulders fell. Gone was the pride that carried him for so long. “I left her a few days after
coming to live here. I never truly had the chance to talk to you and tell you.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Taehyung snorted, bitter. He did not know when or how Yoongi
slipped out of the room. Within a minute, the door closed and locked from outside. He was trapped
with Jungkook.

“Forgive me,” Jungkook said stripping himself from his vanity. He knelt on the ground. His
forehead rested on his hands. He bowed until his back ached. “Forgive me for everything I said and
I did. Forgive me for everything I did not say and did not do.”

“What do you think you will accomplish with this?” Taehyung crossed his arms on his chest. He
stared at Jungkook. The alpha resembled a small dot on the floor. A dot, an insect, Taehyung
craved to crush.

“I will do whatever it takes to earn your respect,” Jungkook said surprising Taehyung. “I won’t
dare ask for your heart until you deem yourself ready. Even if you won’t be, I will still wait for
you.”

A harsh sound echoed in the room. Jungkook looked startled by the noise. He found a vase broken
into pieces on the floor.

“Would you look at this,” Taehyung huffed mockingly. “I pushed the vase knowing it will break
beyond repair,” he explained meeting Jungkook’s confused gaze. Taehyung looked back at the
scattered remaining of the once perfect vase. “I am sorry vase. Come on now. Put yourself back
together again,” Taehyung sighed dramatically. “It seems that an apology doesn’t work.”

“I understand,” Jungkook sat up. He remained kneeling in front of Taehyung. “I will work to earn
your respect and forgiveness, Taehyung. I was cruel. I lashed out at you and believed lies. I will be
a better husband, and a better man.”

“All I want from you is a divorce,” Taehyung sighed running a hand through his hair. The locks
were soft but too short under his touch. His statement tasted bitter. He recalled Yoongi’s words. He
couldn’t help but find some truth in them.

“It is the only thing that I won’t give you,” Jungkook stood up. He dusted his pants. “Not until I’ve
tried everything to mend our relationship,” he finished. “I also wished to give you this today. It is
rightfully yours,” he presented Taehyung with the gorgon pendent that once was around Seojun’s
neck. “It was your grandfather’s. I was an idiot and gave it to the wrong person. It was yours all
along. Today, I only wish to return it.”

Taehyung stared at the necklace for a few seconds. He recognized it easily. His hand reached for it
without him realizing. It rested in the palm of his hand. When Taehyung looked up, the door was
open and Jungkook disappeared down the hallway.
 Chapter 23

After the talk, Taehyung liked to call it an altercation, Jungkook disappeared for a day. Taehyung
wanted to feel victorious. He wanted to feel pride in the sudden absence. Jungkook ran away as he
predicted. However, Taehyung found himself plagued with Yoongi’s words. You are waiting for
him. Taehyung huffed and puffed in the safety of his room. He was not waiting. Yet deep down, he
knew that Yoongi was right. Taehyung was waiting. He just did not understand for what. The
apology was not enough.

“A kowtow,” Taehyung huffed, “as if it will change anything!” he hissed. His heart told him
otherwise. His chest felt lighter after the apology. Taehyung decided that he overthought the whole
incident enough. The afternoon was bright. He took Junghyun to the garden and sat under the
shades of a tree. With a smile, he watched the boy run around. Junghyun giggled softly. He chased
after butterflies and other insects. Taehyung watched him, feeling at peace.

A presence came to disturb the quiet moment. Jungkook came to sit next to Taehyung. “Yoongi
told me that you chose his name,” Jungkook said after a moment. Taehyung did not want to be the
first to break the silence. The alpha looked at the boy. “It is a good name,” Jungkook added softly.
He sounded tired.

“It suits him,” Taehyung admitted. “Yoongi loves you deeply. He wanted his son to be a bit like
you,” he added. Only a blind man couldn’t see the profound brotherly love Yoongi had for
Jungkook. “Although I don’t understand, Yoongi sees in you more qualities than flaws.”

“I am sorry,” Jungkook said softly. He did not know how many times he said the statement
already, and not just to Taehyung. “I know that you chose the name for our child,” he whispered. A
soft breeze blew. It took the words swiftly away. Taehyung preferred to look at the toddler play. It
was a truth he was too tired to deny. “Did you have other names?” Jungkook asked hesitantly.

Taehyung took a moment to answer. He glanced at Jungkook as if gauging his sincerity. “Minjun,”
he admitted at last. “During my first heat, which was terribly painful, I had a high fever. I dreamt
that I had an adorable boy named Minjun. You were there as well. You two drove me crazy in the
dream. You kept pranking me. When I woke up, the fever finally broke down but the fantasy
remained.”

“I prefer that name,” Jungkook confessed before he could hold it back. “Minjun and Junnie for
short,” he added timidly. “One of my closest friend’s name is Namjoon. We call him Joon or
Joonie,” he explained. Taehyung frowned for a second. He did not recall hearing about a friend
with that name. “Minjun is a nice name indeed,” Jungkook smiled softly trying to picture the
dream.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Taehyung sighed. “We won’t be having kids,” he shrugged. The
statement had his heart ache. Jungkook must have seen the shadow on his face for a fleeting
moment. Taehyung turned to pluck a small flower next to him. It kept his mind busy and away
from dangerous thoughts.

“What’s my favorite color?” Jungkook asked suddenly. Taehyung looked up at the alpha,
genuinely confused. “Please, humor me and answer,” the alpha added with a plan in mind. He
sounded much more confident suddenly, and less hesitant. Taehyung found that it suited him
better.

“Black,” Taehyung said puffing his chest. He knew everything there was to know about his
husband. Once upon a time, he took pride in it.

“What’s my favorite meal?” Jungkook asked, meeting Taehyung’s gaze.

“Boeuf bourguignon,” Taehyung answered yet again without missing a beat. His cheeks colored
with pink. He knew that his pronunciation was terrible. The cook that taught him always said so.
His tongue felt thick when it came to foreign languages.

“What are my favorite hobbies?” Jungkook asked once more.

“Reading and wine tasting,” Taehyung nodded to himself. Taekyung told him as much. Internet
told him as much. However, he did not understand much about wine. They all tasted the same to
him. There was no secret flavor or spice or fantasy. It was simply bitter grape juice.

“My favorite color is purple,” Jungkook said turning away. He chose to watch Junghyun instead.
He never was one to share. It made him uncomfortable. However, it was important to do so and not
just to prove a point. Taehyung deserved to know. “Black is the color the PR team chose to make
me look much older than I am when I took over. No one would trust a young man coming straight
from college to run a company. Black made me look older.”

Taehyung frowned at the revelation. He wanted to argue but kept quiet. Surely, there was a point to
the confession.

“My favorite meal is ramen but it was deemed too simple and common,” Jungkook chuckled
bitterly. “The PR team chose a fancy French dish to make me look fancy, educated, and refined. A
man of culture, as they said,” he sighed. “I hate foreign cuisine. I prefer Korean food. My hobbies
are painting and music but they sound too simple too. Reading shows a cultured man. Wine tasting
makes me look mature. It depicts a portrait of a man that likes fine things in life, and is mature
enough to enjoy them. I don’t like wine. I prefer beer. I like reading but I hate sitting still for too
long. I prefer painting and dancing to music or making music.”

Taehyung swallowed. He recalled all the details he learned about Jungkook. Suddenly, everything
seemed to be a hideous lie.

“The picture you see of me on the internet,” Jungkook carried on. Taehyung’s head ached. He did
not want to listen anymore but he forced himself to. “All of them are edited. I never once took any
of them. My social accounts are all handled by a team. Their aim is to make me look friendly but
not reachable. They sell the company through me. The people you see on the pictures? Most of
them are hired models to make me look good. Beauty surrounds itself with beauty. As stupid as it
sounds, it is the motto of the team. Whatever you think you know of me, I am sure it is a lie they
sold you. I was lied to. You were too.”

Taehyung wrapped his arms around his legs. He rested his chin on his knees. His heart beat too
fast. His mind raged with a myriad of thoughts and emotions.

“I was told that you were forced to marry me,” Jungkook finally admitted. Taehyung’s eyes
widened. “I am older than you. I was told that you only agreed for the money and fame. I was told
that you were a dumb teenager looking for a Cinderella lifestyle. Your youth did not play in your
favor. They sold me a picture of a young brainless teen. I was angry when we met. I was angry at
my family, at my grandfather, at Yoongi, at myself, at the world. I know it might not mean much
but I never loved Seojun. She was a way to rebel. Grandfather hated her, therefore I wanted her.
Grandfather loved you deeply, therefore I hated you. I know now that I was stupidly manipulated
but it still hurts.”
“Why were you so angry?” Taehyung dared to ask. It was not the question he expected himself to
ask. It seemed the most relevant somehow.

“We were both lied to. I don’t want to jump into marriage now. I only wish to be your friend first,”
Jungkook said instead. Taehyung nodded. “I want to clear my head from all the lies. I want to know
you. I want you to know me. I come off as arrogant and proud, I know. But, I assure you it is only a
façade. I just wanted you to know this before we go any further,” he cleared his throat. Taehyung
remained quiet. The confession was hard to digest. They both needed time.

“I was angry,” Jungkook said suddenly after a moment. Taehyung glanced at the alpha. “Yoongi
made a terrible mistake. He almost took all of us down with him. Because of his mistake, I was
forced to step in. I was young, too young to do half of the things I was ordered to do. I took over at
the company. Grandfather was nothing short of despicable with me. He was scared of what I might
do. Yoongi scared all of us. Father did not help either. At the time only mother showed kindness. I
held onto it like a lifeline.”

“He regrets what he did,” Taehyung whispered. Jungkook huffed bitterly.

“I was twenty when they announced to me that not only my life was over, but my private life was
already planned for me too,” Jungkook sounded hesitant. He glanced at Taehyung. “I was twenty
and suddenly burdened with a much younger fiancé. I never wanted any of it. The company, the
mysterious fiancé, the inheritance, all of it felt too heavy on me.”

“You could have come to tell me,” Taehyung sighed. He wondered how his younger self would
have taken the rejection.

“I was not allowed to visit you, Taehyung” Jungkook sighed in turn. “Grandfather deemed me too
angry and not worthy. I wanted to come and see you, to tell you everything. I was so angry at them.
Mother was too happy about it. She fed that hate and anger for years. Grandfather is too much in
love with a ghost to see the truth any longer. Yoongi was horrible with me then too. I was left
alone with a manipulative mother, a fiancée that I thought I could handle, and a burden. I was
stubborn and too proud to admit defeat.”

“I thought that you did not want to see me,” Taehyung breathed with surprise.

“You thought it and no one corrected you,” Jungkook snorted. “It is how it works here. With
money comes troubles, too many to count and to face.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Taehyung ran a hand over his face.

“There is nothing to say,” Jungkook said finally. “I want to give you something. Can you come
with me, please?” he asked as he stood. He extended a hand towards Taehyung. The omega looked
at it for a moment before finally taking it. Jungkook’s hand was much bigger than his. It was
warm. Somehow, the warmth startled slightly Taehyung. Jungkook did not let go of his hand.
Taehyung did not pull away either. Junghyun was left in Jimin’s care as both headed further into
the garden. Taehyung knew where the path led. At end of it was a shed. Jungkook opened the door
and let Taehyung in. It was only then that he let go of the small hand. Taehyung missed the
warmth.

“This is for you,” Jungkook said softly. He pulled away a small cloth and revealed the vase
underneath. It rested on the table. “I repaired it,” he added. Taehyung recognized the vase he broke
the previous day. The fissures were golden. The broken pieces were held back together as if
nothing happened. If it was not for the golden cracks, no one would suspect a thing. Somehow, it
added more beauty to the vase. The golden lines made it unique. “Kintsugi is a Japanese art that
consists of repairing broken pottery. I mended it with powdered gold.”

“I heard of it,” Taehyung averted his gaze. He wiped discreetly a tear. “Embrace the imperfections
rather than hide them,” he added with a knotted throat.

“I cannot put you back together again like you were before,” Jungkook took a step closer.
Taehyung expected an embrace. But, nothing came. Instead, Jungkook reached for the vase. He
knelt on the floor again. “I cannot order it to come together again but I can try mending it. I don’t
want to forget what I did. I will keep it with me as a warning and a lesson learned”. Jungkook put
the vase in front of Taehyung. He bowed low until his forehead rested on his hands. “Forgive me,”
he said.

Taehyung wished to say a thousand words. He opened his mouth but only a soft cry came out.
Jungkook stayed on the floor until Taehyung reached for him.

“I cannot forgive you so easily,” Taehyung said softly. He did not try to hide his tears anymore.
“But, I can give you a chance to try and earn it,” he finally conceded. Jungkook smiled brightly at
him. It was only then that he finally stood up.

Taehyung took the vase. He smiled. It felt warm under his touch. He peeked inside it and gasped.
“There is a snake inside!” he said in a hurry. The little reptile did not move. It slept soundlessly at
the bottom of the vase. Its bright colors caught Taehyung’s eye.

“I will dispose of it,” Jungkook took the vase. Taehyung followed as they quietly made their way to
the garden. Jungkook gently released the reptile onto the grass. It slithered away into the forest.
“Surely, the warmth attracted it,” he explained giving back the vase to Taehyung.

“Or the gorgon,” Taehyung muttered eyeing the small statue nearby. Jungkook chuckled softly.
Taehyung swore that the gorgon smiled at them. He told Jungkook as much. The alpha only
laughed harder. Taehyung found himself sharing the mirth as they walked back home.

The vase stood proudly in Taehyung’s room filled with wildflowers.

 Chapter 24

Yoongi found Taehyung with Junghyun singing together. Taehyung twirled around with the boy.
Junghyun filled the room with soft giggles and bright smiles. Yoongi leant against the doorframe.
He watched them for a moment. In another life, Taehyung would have been his. His heart ached at
the thought.

“Wanna join us?” Taehyung stopped turning to look at Yoongi, finally noticing him. “You can join
our band, if you want,” he added. Junghyun nodded happily. It had been a long time since Yoongi
saw the boy so open and simply happy.

“I can rap but not dance,” Yoongi chuckled softly. He joined in. Junghyun instantly reached for
him. The boy settled comfortably against his father’s chest.

After a moment, they all settled on the couch. Junghyun yawned rubbing tiredly his eye. He
nuzzled Yoongi’s neck looking for his comforting scent.

“Thank you for tonight,” Yoongi whispered. Taehyung looked up confused. “It had been a while
since I saw him thriving like this,” the alpha explained. Taehyung sat next to them. He reached to
pat the boy’s head. “He really likes you,” Yoongi smiled. The toddler leant against Taehyung’s
touch.

“I really like him too,” Taehyung confessed easily. He leant against the couch. His hand remained
on Junghyun’s back. He rubbed soothing patterns helping the boy fall asleep. “I take it that you
forgave me for our dispute?” Taehyung asked hesitantly. Yoongi seemed taken aback by the
words.

“What dispute?” Yoongi asked, stunned. “You mean our talk?” he asked with a chuckle. He
couldn’t hold it back. Taehyung’s cheeks tainted with pink. “I thought you were upset with me and
not the other way around. I should be the one apologizing. I pushed you to your limits, although it
was long overdue. You needed to finally let it all out.”

“I agree,” Taehyung whispered. He looked up to meet Yoongi’s gaze. “I guess this is the part
where you tell me that we are better off as friends,” he added almost sadly. It was hard to let go of
the man that way. Yoongi had been there during difficult moments. “You don’t have to, just so you
know.”

“I know,” Yoongi said averting his gaze. “But, I can’t love you in the dark,” he admitted. It felt
bitter on his tongue to confess only then. “It hurts to admit it, but we were never meant to be. I am
glad I met you though. You are a great friend.”

“You wished for more,” Taehyung sighed. His heart ached for a love that could have been. It felt
peculiar to mourn something that never was. “I did too at some point. However, you were right
even if it pains me to admit it. I was waiting for him. I don’t know what I am waiting for but one
thing remains for sure. I still wish to leave and be independent.”

“As you should,” Yoongi nodded. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed a silhouette on the
balcony. He wondered who it was. Jungkook or Jimin, both surely were waiting for them.

“Friends?” Taehyung asked a bit hesitant.

“Always,” Yoongi answered without the shadow of a doubt.

“It is the only forever that does not frighten me,” Taehyung confessed. He leant towards Yoongi.
“May I? For the first and last time?” he asked as his lips ghosted over Yoongi’s. The alpha closed
the distance. The kiss was chaste. Taehyung smiled into it. Yoongi chuckled softly as they pulled
away.

“I will go put this little one in bed,” Yoongi stood hiding his tears. Taehyung nodded remaining
quiet. His own eyes stung. His vision blurred for a fleeting moment. Yoongi left the room in
silence. Only the soft thud of his footsteps echoed as he walked away.
 Antidote
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The trip took Taehyung by surprise. One minute he was in the kitchen making lunch, the next
Jungkook was there inviting him on a weekend trip. The invitation had been awkward and filled
with nervousness. Jungkook kept his gaze on an abstract point behind Taehyung by fear of
rejection. His hands sweated and turned too warm to be comfortable.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Taehyung asked not truly convinced. He eyed the alpha and
saw the anxiety almost oozing off him.

“It will allow us to spend some time together,” Jungkook argued. “And, I really want to show you
the place. You will understand why once you get there,” he promised.

Taehyung sighed, thought about it for the rest of the afternoon, and finally agreed during dinner.
Yoongi arched a brow. Taekyung smiled, overjoyed at the prospect of a budding relationship.
Junghyun pouted not pleased to be separated from Taehyung for a whole weekend. When
Taehyung announced the news to Jimin, the omega remained quiet, although his eyes spoke
enough about his disagreement.

The road trip lasted two hours. It took them into a thick and green forest. The bitumen turned into a
dirt road after a moment. The car swayed as it went over potholes and stones.

“It is not what I expected,” Taehyung said as he jumped out of the car. His stomach lurched, still
feeling the aftermath of the long trip. His eyes rested on the small and very much humble cabin in
front of him. He expected a fancy and extravagant cottage, not a hunter’s cabin lost in the middle
of a green ocean.

“It is comfortable inside, I promise,” Jungkook was quick to say. He took their luggage inside. The
cottage was fairly small. It had one large room where everything was packed together. On the right
side was a small kitchen, not fit for feats. On the left, a fireplace took most of the space. Two small
armchairs stood in front of it. In the far corner was a bed, double. Next to it was a small door surely
leading to a bathroom. The decor was minimalistic and rustic.

“Honestly, it is not what I expected,” Taehyung repeated as he visited the abode; a visit that
consisted of his eyes sweeping over the space. “But, I like it,” he added with a smile. Jungkook
breathed out in relief.

“I brought a sleeping bag for me,” Jungkook said with a discreet smile. “You take the bed. I had
the place cleaned before we came,” he explained. Taehyung noticed that indeed it was void of dust
or maintained spotless. The copper tableware shined above the small isle.

“What are we supposed to do for three days here with no internet?” Taehyung finally asked once
they settled in. He had been right. The little door led to a bathroom, small but fully functional. He
dried his hair after his shower. Jungkook made sandwiches for lunch.

The answer to Taehyung’s question had been simple. Jungkook took him on a hike right after. They
ended up in a small creek. They sat under a giant tree. Its shades sheltered them from the burning
sun.

“Tell me something about you,” Jungkook asked glancing at Taehyung. The omega had been too
busy taking in the stunning view to notice that the alpha sat next to him. “What’s your favorite
color?” Jungkook added swiftly.

“Red,” Taehyung answered simply. For a fleeing moment, he pondered if he should share or not.
His mouth did before he could elaborate any protest.

“It explains why you wear it so much,” Jungkook chuckled softly. He opened the small bag he
carried all along, and offered Taehyung a snack; freshly cut fruits. “Your favorite meal?” Jungkook
asked. With a discreet smile, he watched Taehyung eat with gusto.

“Believe it or not but it is ramen too,” Taehyung blushed trying to slow down his chewing. He
pushed the plastic container towards the alpha. “You should eat something too,” he said timidly.
“But not the cherries because they are my favorite,” he said with red cheeks. Jungkook grinned and
indulged. “Why all these questions?” Taehyung finally asked.

“I want to know you better,” Jungkook shrugged. His honesty surprised Taehyung. The alpha had
been much more open lately, even around the others. Taehyung had noticed the changes. “You
said that you were raised to be a perfect spouse for me, but did you really want it or regret it? I
mean no offense, but I find it rather unhealthy to build your life around someone.”

“I understand what you mean,” Taehyung nodded. It was the truth. For an outsider, it seemed
rather archaic to live by the old rules. He told Jungkook as much. “There are things that I want to
change. First matter is that I want to work, to earn money for myself. I want to be independent.
But, the rest, I honestly enjoyed it. I like hanboks, the long hair, and the cooking lessons. It takes a
lot to manage a household for someone like you too. You don’t see the behind the scene when you
come home. So, it surely seems simple.”

“I know better now,” Jungkook said. Taehyung seemed surprised yet again. “I saw you at the
domain, how you manage it all. I know it might sound like a lie but the last few weeks changed
me. A lot happened at once. I am working on myself. I am not saying that I had a sudden change of
heart. It took a lot of pain to open my eyes, and I am keen on keeping them open.”

“What happened exactly?” Taehyung dared to ask. He had a vague idea thanks to Yoongi but he
wanted the details now. It involved him after all.

“I will be honest with you,” Jungkook sat up straight. “When I first came to the domain, it was out
of anger and greed,” he eyed Taehyung. The latter only nodded and waited. “Grandfather put the
domain under your name, all of it. I was outraged and came there to make it right. At least, what I
thought was right. From there, everything all unraveled at once. My mother showed her true colors.
I understood grandfather’s motives better and felt stupid for fighting you all along. I immediately
broke up with Seojun after that.”

“I find it hard to believe,” Taehyung added. He turned to look at the water. It went over and under
obstacles with ease. Taehyung envied it somehow. He wished to be that resilient.

“I know,” Jungkook nodded. “I fought with my mother when I refused to contest grandfather’s
decision about the domain. It was there that it all blew up in my face. She turned into a person I
never suspected. Seojun was no better. She tried to blackmail me and even faked a pregnancy.
When she saw that I was not taking the bait, she used other methods. I am used to greedy people. I
knew how to counter her. Then—”

“Why was she in your apartment last time I was there?” Taehyung interrupted Jungkook. The
question had been on his mind since he had learned about the separation. It all seemed like an
elaborate lie.
“I asked the doorman to not let her in but she bribed her way in anyway,” Jungkook sighed. “I
suppose that she knocked and you let her in?” he asked glancing at Taehyung.

“I opened the door and she let herself in,” Taehyung shook his head. He did not wish to recall the
encounter but he wanted the truth.

“She doesn’t have the passcode or a key to my place,” Jungkook provided. Taehyung nodded once
more but remained silent. “I had the doorman replaced after that incident.”

“Her brother came to see me,” Taehyung confessed. “He vouched for you. He asked me to give
you a second chance in a way. Your brother did as much the first time we met. Everyone protected
you and tried to convince me. I grew deeply tired of it.”

“I didn’t know,” Jungkook breathed, stunned. Seokjin truly surprised him. The help was not
expected at all. “You and Yoongi,” Jungkook sighed recalling the matter that troubled his mind. “I
know I have no right to ask but is there anything between you and my brother?” he asked, although
fearing the answer.

“No,” Taehyung answered instantly. Jungkook sighed in relief. Tension left his shoulders. “We
never shared romantic feelings. We are friends. He is loyal to you. He never made any move. He
kept defending you all along, even when it created tension between us. He truly loves you.”

“Do you hate me?” Jungkook asked looking at his feet. His gaze fell upon an ant that wandered on
his shoe. The minuscule insect traveled over his shoelace. Jungkook gently put it back on the grass.
“Especially after what I confessed now,” he cleared his throat.

Silence fell between them for a moment. Taehyung sighed deeply. “I knew all along that
grandfather put the domain in my name,” he admitted. He glanced at Jungkook and found the
expected surprise on the man’s face. “I’ve known the man since I was fifteen. I lived with him for
years. There isn’t much you can hide when you live together. I overheard the conversation he had
on the phone with his lawyers. He kept disappearing to the city after that. And you suddenly
appeared. I put two and two together, so to speak. And to answer your question, no, I don’t hate
you, not anymore. It is energy that I do not wish to waste anymore.”

“Thank you,” Jungkook found himself saying. He did not understand what he was grateful for but
he still was.

“Is grandfather still opposing you at the company?” Taehyung asked, curious.

“I stopped fighting him on that matter so I don’t know,” Jungkook shrugged. “The company was
never what I wanted. I fought tooth and nail for it because my mother played me like a puppet.
Now that the strings are cut, I found myself with these aims and goals that I don’t want.”

“If I may,” Taehyung sat up straight. Sudden hesitance and nervousness knotted his stomach.
“Why don’t you let your brother take over? I know that his company isn’t doing great. He always
wanted to take over the family company. You could still work there but with a better schedule so
you can paint and do music again. Would that be possible?”

Jungkook chuckled softly. “And you say that you never shared feelings?” he asked with a hint of
envy. “You defend him each time you have the occasion,” he added. “But, yes, I was thinking
about that too. I only need to convince grandfather and father. It is a lot to do because I also wish to
mend our relationship too. As I told you, everything happened at once.”

“I can help you!” Taehyung smiled brightly. “I promise to forgive and forget what you’ve done, if
 you actually help Yoongi,” he promised swiftly. In his confidence, Jungkook saw an unbreakable
bond towards Yoongi. Jealousy weighted on his chest.

“I will help him but not for you to keep that promise,” Jungkook shook his head. Once upon a time,
he would have taken the opportunity but not any longer. “I want to earn your respect and true
forgiveness the right way. I want us to be friends before anything else. And I hope that you will
give me another chance as a husband,” he confessed. He found no interest in hiding.

Taehyung blushed and averted his gaze. “All right,” he whispered.

“What are my obligations towards you as a husband? I mean the way you were raised,” Jungkook
wanted to change the subject, but not only. He was genuinely curious to know more. The question
elicited a genuine laugh and a bright smile from Taehyung.

Chapter End Notes

Sorry for any lingering mistakes. I am very busy and extremely tired.
 Chapter 26

Taehyung fell on the bed with a sigh of relief. His body ached from the long day. His toes curled in
pleasure. The sheets were soft. The mattress dipped to accommodate his frame. It felt heavenly.
His lips curved into a smile. A hand traveled up his thigh. His legs were suddenly naked.

“Want me to help you relax?” Jungkook purred hovering over Taehyung. He parted the sun-kissed
thighs and settled comfortably between them. “Like last time?” he asked kissing down Taehyung’s
chest. The omega only nodded. He whimpered under the sweet ministrations. His long fingers
curled into Jungkook’s hair.

“Feels good,” Taehyung mumbled. His eyes closed. Fire pooled in his crotch. He tensed feeling the
sweet prelude of release. He was almost there. It was within reach. Suddenly, the velvety tongue
faded. Jungkook looked up from between Taehyung’s lewdly parted thighs. Taehyung wanted and
needed more.

The dream faded.

“Wake up,” Jungkook gently shook Taehyung’s shoulder. “Dinner is ready,” he added softly. “Are
you feeling all right?” he added with worry. He put his hand over Taehyung’s forehead. The omega
was not feverish, although he looked like it. “You were whimpering,” he explained pulling away.

“Nightmare,” Taehyung groaned before turning to hide his face into the pillow. He took a deep
breath. The dream had been vivid, too much so. “I am coming,” he added noticing that Jungkook
was still standing by the bed.

Dinner had been a quiet moment. Taehyung ate with gusto. Jungkook did not say much either,
although he smiled each time their gazes met.

“When I was younger, I used to have nightmares each time I slept in another bed than mine,”
Jungkook provided once they settled for the night. “Or not sleep at all,” he added looking up at the
bed. He couldn’t see much, only the edge. Taehyung slept on the far corner by the wall. “If you
have another nightmare, you can wake me up,” he offered with a discreet smile.

Taehyung blushed, “thank you” he whispered. His face felt too warm. He recalled the dream. It
plagued his mind since the afternoon. The proximity with Jungkook did not help. The alpha’s scent
was everywhere. The cabin was small. There was not a room where Taehyung could retreat to.
“Same for you,” he added after a moment. He could almost hear Jungkook smile. He pictured the
alpha lying down by the bed. “For how long have you been coming here?” he asked curious. He
needed to think about something else than Jungkook’s tempting mouth, or their only stolen
memento.

“I bought it when I was twenty,” Jungkook said trying to recall the exact moment. “I come here
often, especially when it gets overwhelming at work. You are the only person I brought here,” he
said carefully.

“Why did you bring me?” Taehyung asked understanding the hidden meaning. He thought of
Seojun. Surely, she wouldn’t have liked it there. Life was too simple and far from luxury. For
dinner, they fished together. They cleaned together. They hiked. It was a simple life that Taehyung
enjoyed.

“Because I hurt you, and if you ever want to hurt me back, you can use this place,” Jungkook
confessed. He wanted to share the place and its meaning with Taehyung. He was very much aware
of the weapon he put in Taehyung’s hands.

“You are giving me the means to hurt you?” Taehyung turned around. He peeked at the man.
“Some would call you mad for it,” he added amused. Jungkook smiled at him. It worried
Taehyung how easily he got used to the smile. He knew it was meant for him and him only. It was
frightening.

“If it is you that hurts me, I don’t mind. I deserve it,” Jungkook said simply.

“I won’t hurt you,” Taehyung said resting his head on the pillow. He wouldn’t hurt Jungkook, not
out of revenge. Taehyung wished to move on. “Do you want to sleep on the bed?” he asked after a
moment. He glanced at the alpha once more.

“Do you want me to?” Jungkook asked. His heart skipped a beat. He wouldn’t attempt anything.
Lying next to Taehyung would be enough.

“I don’t know,” Taehyung admitted. He scooted towards the wall again. “But, if I don’t like it, I
will tell you,” he said. He did not know what he was doing any longer. He chose to listen to his
heart, although his mind contested vehemently.

Jungkook sat up and looked at Taehyung. He left the sleeping bag on the floor and carefully went
on the bed. His movements were slow and careful, as if Taehyung would startle away. When his
head finally rested on the pillow, Taehyung moved closer. The omega rested his head on
Jungkook’s chest.

“Just for tonight,” Taehyung whispered. “It is something I wanted to do before we get divorced,”
he cleared his throat. He recalled the long dreams he had when younger; their imaginary marital
life; the way he pictured himself sleeping next to Jungkook every night. He told Jungkook
everything. The words left his mouth without warning. Taehyung felt drained at the end of it all.
The weight shifted. It rested heavily on Jungkook’s shoulders when Taehyung finally fell asleep.
 Chapter 27

Rain started pouring after their hike. On their way back home, the droplets started falling.
Taehyung smiled looking up at the sky.

“I am sorry,” Jungkook said reaching for his jacket. He tried to put it over Taehyung’s head. “The
weather predicted the rain for the night,” he sighed. Nervousness tore his guts. He wanted a perfect
final day. The weather did not seem to agree.

“What are you apologizing for?” Taehyung chuckled pulling away from the makeshift shelter.
Jungkook started at him dumbfounded. “You can’t control the weather, can you now? And
honestly, I love it,” Taehyung added with a small laugh. He opened his arms and turned his face up
to the sky.

Jungkook stood there for a moment watching the scene. His heart ached. He did not understand
why his mind wandered to Seojun and her furious voice. She would have thrown a tantrum if
anything messed up her make up or outfit. Yet there stood Taehyung smiling and taking in the rain.
Jungkook did not understand why his mind wandered to that memory.

“My mom used to tell me that I am mad for walking under the rain without an umbrella,”
Taehyung said after a peaceful moment. He looked at Jungkook. Droplets of water ran down his
face. Jungkook suppressed the urge to reach for the bright smile. “Come on, we need to reach the
cabin before it starts pouring worse than this,” he said resuming their walk.

Jungkook walked silently behind the omega. His mind was left a mess, a mess that all started the
previous night. Once they reached the cabin, Taehyung went to shower first. Then, Jungkook
went. The simple rain turned into a thunderstorm. The weather worsened by the minute. The sky
turned dark earlier than usual.

“The storm was supposed to reach here tomorrow,” Jungkook glanced from the window. The radio
announced the consequences of the storm. The roads were closed. Water pooled in front of the
cabin within minutes. The car was useless.

“Did you inform grandfather and Yoongi? I don’t want them to worry,” Taehyung said as he set
the table.

“I called them when you were showering,” Jungkook nodded. He closed the window. The sound of
the rain hitting the roof filled the room. It was loud, although soothing. “We can’t go back
tomorrow,” Jungkook finally announced. He glanced worriedly at Taehyung.

“I guessed as much,” Taehyung said simply. “Help me set the table,” he added softly. The calm
and serenity stunned Jungkook. He expected an argument but nothing came. The power was cut off
shortly after. They used candles to lit up the kitchen, enough to eat properly at least. “Do we have
enough food to stay another day?” Taehyung asked snapping Jungkook out of his reveries.

“Yes,” Jungkook nodded, “enough to last a whole week if necessary,” he added. His mind was still
a mess. He did not know what to think anymore. The more time he spent with Taehyung, the better
he saw how suited they were for each other. His heart still ached from the previous night
confession.

In the candle lit room, Jungkook couldn’t help but steal glances at his husband. Taehyung ate
quietly, clearly enjoying the food after a long day of hiking.
“It is really loud,” Taehyung commented looking up at the ceiling. “I hope we will be able to
sleep,” he sighed. He usually loved the sound but it turned into noise in the small cabin. The storm
was raging with passion outside.

Jungkook offered to do the dishes afterwards. It was only fair since it was Taehyung who cooked.
He told the omega as much. “I can’t argue with that,” Taehyung smiled as he sat back at the table.

Jungkook wouldn’t have been able to pinpoint when exactly the atmosphere changed. A moment
ago, he was washing the dishes and the second he was dancing to Taehyung’s voice. The baritone
voice filled the room along with the rain. It made the storm bearable. Taehyung laughed out loud
as Jungkook swayed them. The melody was broken every now and then by a laugh. Jungkook
found himself smiling and sharing the mirth. It took little for them to spend time and enjoy
themselves. Taehyung launched into another song. Jungkook tried to follow getting most of the
lyrics wrongs. Taehyung’s eyes sparkled from mirth.

“You are a good singer,” Taehyung whispered when the energy died down. They were slow-
dancing to the sound of the rain.

“You too,” Jungkook leant and wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s waist. They swayed slowly.
The omega’s scent filled Jungkook’s nose. It coated his tongue. His lips brushed against the warm
flesh. “When did you learn to dance?” he asked after a silent moment.

Taehyung shifted. He rested his head against Jungkook’s chest. He could feel the slow and steady
heartbeat under his cheek. “I started taking classes when we got engaged,” he said trying to recall
the memories. “Grandfather had been adamant that I learn ballroom dancing. You and I were
supposed to dance together at events and galas,” he said. He smiled recalling the classes. “I learned
the waltz first,” he carried on oblivious to the tension that settled on Jungkook’s shoulders.
Taehyung pulled away and stood straight assuming the position of a waltz. Jungkook followed his
suit. They twirled around the silent room. Rain offered a peaceful melody. “Would you believe that
I even learned the tango?” Taehyung grinned changing the rhythm. “I watched a movie where the
protagonists danced it, and I thought that we would look amazing dancing it too,” he admitted with
flaming cheeks. Jungkook followed the pace. His hand cupped Taehyung’s thigh pulling the omega
flush against him.

“You dance really well,” Jungkook whispered on Taehyung’s lips. They halted in their position.
Taehyung’s hands tightened slightly their hold on Jungkook’s shoulders.

“I know,” Taehyung answered with a smile before pulling away completely from the alpha. “At
least, I won’t leave with nothing. I learned how to cook and how to dance thanks to grandfather,”
he added turning away. “We should go to sleep. I will use the bathroom first,” he said before
walking away.

Jungkook was left with the bitter taste and the weight of regrets in the dim lit room. The bathroom
door closed behind Taehyung with a soft click. It sounded as loud as the thunder roaring outside.

All choking

And pale, when

The hour sounds,

 I remember

Departed days

And I weep;

And I go

Where ill winds blow,

Buffeted

To and fro,

Like a

Dead leaf.

Chanson d’Automne (1866)

Paul Verlaine
 Chapter 28

The storm raged outside. Taehyung and Jungkook went to bed. They lay in the darkness. A flash of
lightning lit up the room at times. The sound of the rain lessened but it was still there, ever-present.

“Tell me a secret,” Jungkook said breaking the silence.

Taehyung laughed out loud at the request. He glanced at the alpha. Jungkook stared at the ceiling
instead. “Why would I do that?” the omega asked amused. The request sounded ridiculous.
Jungkook must have known as well because his cheeks heated up.

“I will share on in return,” Jungkook whispered. His face felt too warm.

“You sound too confident,” Taehyung said in a chuckle. “Too confident that I am interested in your
secrets,” he teased playfully. Truly, he was curious about the sudden demand.

“Now that just being cruel,” Jungkook finally turned to look at the omega. Taehyung mimicked
him and lay on his side to face the alpha. “When I was six, I wetted my bed. I blamed the dog,” he
said biting his lip.

“That’s no secret,” Taehyung shook his head. “Your parents surely knew,” he added waiting for
another secret. He wondered why he was interested. He shouldn’t be. Yet there he was waiting for
more of Jungkook, more than he ever had.

“The first person I kissed was my cousin,” Jungkook winced at the confession. “We wanted to try
kissing. I was ten or eleven, I don’t remember exactly. But, I remember her awful garlic taste.”

Taehyung chuckled softly. “Now that’s embarrassing,” he barely hid his laugh. He nuzzled his
pillow wondering if he would share any secret. Would it be worth? What would be the use when he
knew he was leaving sooner or later? “But that hardly a secret,” Taehyung bit his lip to suppress a
smile.

“My first knot happened during class,” Jungkook easily admitted. He wondered why it felt so easy.
He could bear his heart and mind right there and then and feel no regret. He blamed the soothing
night, and Taehyung’s trusting nature.

“What did you do?” Taehyung asked curious. He scooted closer.

“I asked to go to the bathroom, and then I called my nanny. I cried all the way back home because I
didn’t really understand what was happening,” Jungkook recalled the memory. His parents were
never truly there for him or his brother. He remembered the old woman that raised him. He
mistook her for a mother and when he grew older he knew better. Everyone sought his money and
influence. The old decrepit woman was no better.

“That’s no secret,” Taehyung shook his head. “Surely, Yoongi or a friend knows about it too,” he
dared. He wondered how much he could make Jungkook confess.

“Only you,” Jungkook chuckled. He did not mind sharing. He understood what the omega was
trying to do; delaying the inevitable. “My first time was at fifteen and it was awful,” he shared once
more. Taehyung laughed softly when the alpha shared the details. “When Yoongi was disowned,
he hated me for it. After our first fight, I cried,” Jungkook whispered. Taehyung stiffened. He
recognized a secret when he heard one, and the latter was one. Jungkook breathed it with pain. “He
said words that I never forgot, even now. At times, I still hear them in my mind.”
“What did he say?” Taehyung asked. His voice was barely a whisper. He wondered how Jungkook
was able to hear it over the cacophony of the storm.

“I’ve shared enough, don’t you think?” Jungkook smiled, meeting Taehyung’s gaze. He felt
drained out of the sudden. The memory was painful still despite the years and the reconciliation. It
never faded. Yoongi’s voice still haunted him at times.

“My first kiss and first time was in college,” Taehyung shared. He turned to lie on his back. “I
grew tired of waiting for you. My virginity became a burden. I wanted to get rid of it, and get rid of
it I did. I don’t remember his name nor is it important. It was during a party that Jimin took me to. I
felt liberated afterwards. The world remained the same. The sun rose each morning the same.
Nothing happened. Everything I was warned against was a lie. I breathed better after that.”

“I am glad that you experienced on your own,” Jungkook said surprising Taehyung. The omega
expected disappointment and possessiveness. None of it came. He turned to look at Jungkook. A
comforting smile met his inquiring gaze. “You lived and built your life around me. To me, the way
you were raised sounds unhealthy. They forced you to conform to a mold to better suit my family
and myself. I am glad that you lived your life the way you wanted, at least for a bit.”

The statement was met with a deep rumbling laugh. Taehyung held his stomach as it ached. He
recalled he did not laugh like it for quite some time. His eyes teared up. Jungkook watched him
confused.

“You think I did not live my life?” Taehyung said after a moment, once his laughter calmed down.
“Oh my, how arrogant and self-centered can you be, young master?” he asked with a chuckle
although deprived of any amusement. “I grew up like any other child. I lived and loved many. I
had friends. A few remained and other left with time. Life happened even without you. I did not
live for you. You were merely a part, a fraction, negligible of my upbringing. I was not centered
around you.”

Jungkook averted his gaze feeling his face heat up once more. His mind blanked. He did not know
what to say. It was not what he thought or expected.

“Your family is very demanding indeed,” Taehyung said with a much softer tone. “But, thanks to
grandfather and to your prestige, I attended the best schools. I learned very useless skills. I
discovered dancing, painting, and cooking. I thrived and discovered myself. I was able to ride
horses when my friends could barely afford a hobby. I was taught foreign languages when others
had to pay tutors to barely succeed in school. Make no mistake. I had a rich and thriving
upbringing. Thanks to your family, I was able to be the better version of myself.”

Jungkook remained quiet.

“Do you think that you were my only suitor?” Taehyung asked in a chuckle, a jarring one that left
Jungkook raw and sensitive. “I had many after you. Many came to grandfather trying to ask for my
hand. Why do you think that grandfather kept me in that secluded domain?” he asked yet again.
Jungkook felt small. He shrunk. “Oh my days,” Taehyung giggled, “you really think that you are
my world. Well, you are not. Your brother, surely you know, is one of many that tried to get my
attention after our failed marriage. You are nothing special,” he said with no heat. Jungkook bit his
lip. It was the simplicity and honesty of the statement that hurt the most. “Many came after you,
and many will come. I am simply not interested. I plan to love myself first then see if there is any
left for others.”

Taehyung turned to face the wall. Jungkook heard him smother a laugh. He watched the slender
form shake from mirth even after their conversation died. Jungkook lay on his back. He stared at
the ceiling trying to rearrange his thoughts. Taehyung caused havoc each night with a confession or
so it seemed. Jungkook was left to sweep the mess.
 Chapter 29

The storm was still raging in the morning but with less force. It was on its last breath. Taehyung
made breakfast while Jungkook slept. He even had time to shower and reflect on his behavior. He
sighed for what felt like the millionth time. He did not like his late night attitude. He spat venom
and vitriol on Jungkook. It was not the type of person he wished to be.

“I am sorry for last night,” Taehyung said over breakfast. Jungkook looked up and put down his
fork. He did not expect the apology. “I said hurtful things on purpose. I blame tiredness and cabin
fever. It is no excuse, I know. Last night, it is not the type of person I am or I wish to be.”

“I appreciate your honesty,” Jungkook interrupted the nervous rant. “I prefer to see you angry and
trying to hurt me than indifferent. It means that there is hope for us. You are still upset, and it is a
chance for me to redeem myself and fix what’s broken. I will not lie. Yesterday, you truly hurt me.
But, I see it as an opportunity. You still care, and that’s the only thing that matters”. Jungkook
looked at his plate again. It felt peculiar to bear his mind. He felt naked despite his clothes. He felt
vulnerable despite his strength.

“You keep surprising me,” Taehyung whispered. His heart skipped a beat. He expected anger and
more pain. There was none. They ate in silence, lulled by the rain. The cabin did not feel as
suffocating as before.

“I understand more than anyone your need of independence,” Jungkook said after a moment.
Taehyung washed the dishes. He preferred to focus on the soapy water than look at the alpha. The
confessions they kept sharing were heavy on his heart yet liberating. “I will never stand in your
way. However, I will not accept a divorce.” The tone was final. Taehyung suppressed the urge to
laugh at it.

“Do you think we will be able to leave tomorrow?” Taehyung asked instead. He looked through
the window in front of him. His hand remained in the cold water. It was anchoring.

“I don’t know,” Jungkook said looking at the rain.

“I don’t know either,” Taehyung whispered to himself. He did not know anymore.
 Chapter 30

“Each time I thought you figured out, you proved me wrong” Taehyung said with a huff. He leant
against the car door. The scenery rolled by swiftly as Jungkook drove home. “I don’t know what to
think anymore at this point,” he added. Tiredness made him more honest than he fancied.

“I am not a mystery to solve,” Jungkook said simply, “I am just me. You don’t have to overthink
every gesture and word,” he added. Taehyung did not know what to do with the statement.
Jungkook made it appear simple to forgive and move on. It was not. Taehyung sighed and
remained quiet the rest of the journey. Jungkook did not break the silence either. Perhaps, as
Taehyung liked to think, Jungkook felt the omega’s need for peace.

They arrived home during the afternoon. Jimin met them with a smile for Taehyung and
indifference for Jungkook. It surprised none.

“How was your stay?” Jimin asked in a whisper. He sat on Taehyung’s bed watching his friend put
his clothes away.

“It was good despite the sudden storm,” Taehyung answered with an amused smile. Jimin
addressed him a pointed look. It was not what he asked for. “We talked,” Taehyung admitted with
heated cheeks. He recalled their conversations. They were raw, brutal with their honesty, even
more so now. The cabin resembled a shelter now in his tired mind. “I think I truly forgave him,” he
confessed after a short silence. Jimin’s eyes widened. “He proved his honesty. I cannot live in
resentment any longer. I owe it to myself to move on and live fully.”

“I agree,” Jimin nodded, “but do not forget. Don’t let him win so easily,” he added for good
measure. Taehyung laughed softly. He knew the words would come eventually. He expected much
harsher ones. “You deserve better than him. At least, it is my opinion.”

“How is Yoongi?” Taehyung asked instead. Jimin flushed. “How is Junghyun?” he added feeling
merciful. Jimin’s affection towards the alpha grew blatant for a moment now. Taehyung suspected
that Jimin waited until Taehyung finally let go of Yoongi to make it know properly.

“They are fine,” Jimin whispered looking at his feet. “Yoongi took Junghyun away for a few days.
He said that they needed time alone together. I agree. Yoongi had been working too much lately.”

“It will do them good,” Taehyung answered with a knowing smile. He turned his back to his friend
to give him some privacy. Jimin was refreshing with his candidness. Taehyung did not need much
effort to read the omega.

Jungkook joined them a moment later. Jimin excused himself. Truly, he fled the room the moment
the alpha appeared.

“What brings you here?” Taehyung asked with no heat on his tongue. It felt strange. A few weeks
ago, the very same scene played differently on both parts.

“I wanted to give you this personally,” Jungkook held up an envelope. Taehyung guessed its
content. He received many of those along the years. “It is an invitation,” Jungkook provided.
Taehyung already knew. He never answered them. “I would like you to ask you to accompany me
there,” the alpha added with a hint of nervousness.

“Why?” Taehyung asked curious. He took the envelope and opened it. It was a ball, one he
attended years ago. “I don’t have any outfit for a masquerade,” he sighed. He recalled a stolen
moment. He lost his bracelet then.

“Please, come with me,” Jungkook pleaded instead. Taehyung looked at him for a moment. He
read the invitation once more. Perhaps, he was sure of it, he still had the outfit in his closet. He
agreed.

Jungkook left with a smile.

 Chapter 31
Chapter Notes

For mimas (skies_bluue).

Taehyung’s heat came unexpectedly. The fever took him by surprise with a vicious grip. His heats
were never painful nor incapacitating. But, it was the second time that it left him bedridden. He
blamed the recent turns and twists in his life. Too much happened in so little time. Also, he
suspected that the stay in the cabin did not help the matter. Being stuck in a small space with
Jungkook made his hormones a mess. Jungkook’s scent was too potent, worse than Yoongi.

“I heard that you were sick,” Jungkook let himself in the room. With no surprise, he found
Taehyung in bed in a nest of blankets and pillows. “I thought that you would enjoy some company
and distraction,” he added carefully.

“It is only my heat,” Taehyung answered truthfully. It felt useless to lie. His scent saturated the
room. It affected Jungkook judging by his rosy cheeks. “You don’t have to stay. I don’t want to
make you uncomfortable,” he added softly. His skin felt on fire. His guts twisted. His intimacy
demanded forbidden pleasures.

“Nonsense,” Jungkook grinned, “I have something planned if you are up to it,” he added with a
hint of mischief. Taehyung nodded sitting up. He gasped and protested when Jungkook carried him
to his own bedroom. The bed was already made into a comfortable nest. Taehyung did not know
how to feel about it. Jungkook settled him there surrounded by their combined scents. Taehyung
relaxed into the soft mattress. He admitted, only to himself, that Jungkook’s scent appeased his
fever.

“So, I was thinking about watching a movie together,” Jungkook said turning on the large TV
screen. His tone and attitude was less formal since their stay in the cabin. Taehyung appreciated it.
Protocol was tiring especially in moments like those. “What do you want to watch?” Jungkook
asked turning to look at Taehyung.

“Something romantic,” Taehyung requested. He rearranged the bed into his liking. Jungkook
settled next to him once he had changed into comfortable clothes. “I am sorry if I fall asleep,” the
omega said with a yawn. His body grew limp. Jungkook’s cologne and natural fragrance lulled his
pain away. He found himself half-laying on the alpha as time rolled by. He did not sleep, nor did
Jungkook. They watched the movie ‘til the end. Taehyung giggled at Jungkook’s comments. He
rested his head on the alpha’s chest and listened to the deep voice. The vibrations soothed him. It
was a stolen moment he indulged in.

“Do you feel better?” Jungkook asked. He stroked Taehyung’s back unconsciously. The credits
rolled by with a soft music. Taehyung stretched and nodded. “Do you need help? I’ve helped you
before with your heat. I can still help you with the same conditions, if you want,” he offered with
caution. The memory recalled itself to his mind with vivid details. His crotch stirred. Taehyung’s
scent was overwhelming.

“No,” Taehyung shook his head. He nuzzled his pillow and pulled another against his chest. “I
only need a nap,” he yawned. “Can I stay here?” he asked opening his eyes to look at Jungkook. He
wondered how the alpha would react to rejection and such demand. Taehyung took over his room
after all.

“Yes, of course,” Jungkook surprised Taehyung with a bright smile and a soft touch. “Call for me
if you need anything,” he added before leaving the room. The door closed quietly behind him.
Taehyung stared at it for a moment. He wondered what to make it of it all. Sleep did not give him
time to overthink. It won over with ease.
 Chapter 32

The masquerade was every bit of stunning. It was much more splendid than in Taehyung’s
memory. He roamed in the crowd. He did not mingle preferring to remain alone. He escaped to the
gardens wondering if the cat would be there to meet him again. Time has passed yet as he looked
at the dancing crowd, for them time seemed frozen.

“I knew that you would come,” a feminine voice startled Taehyung. He turned to find Aera
standing before him. He remembered her taller and more intimidating. She was not. She was
shorter than him. Her eyes he thought fierce were nothing but filled with venom. Taehyung took a
moment to take her in. She was not the monster his mind made her to be. Then again, once upon a
time he was the mere son of a farmer wrapped in youth and innocence. He no longer was. He grew
older, wiser, and stronger. Her perfidy slid down on him.

“Mother,” Taehyung said with a small bow. He expected to be scared, to tremble, and shake before
her. He did not. He stood taller, and ready. “I did not expect you to come,” he added softly. His
hands remained open. They did not turn into defensive fists. He was at peace. He suppressed the
urge to laugh it all. He wondered why he had been scared at all.

“Don’t call me that,” Aera snapped. Her fists clenched. Tension settled on her shoulders. Taehyung
noticed every little detail. Too focused on her, he did not feel the new presence until Jungkook’s
deep voice rumbled behind him.

“Don’t call her that,” Jungkook said walking to stand next to Taehyung. For a fleeting moment
Aera smiled at the statement. It was short lived. “She doesn’t deserve that status at all. She is no
mother, and she certainly doesn’t deserve to be yours.”

“Jungkook!” Aera whispered stunned.

“Let’s go find that cat you came out here for,” Jungkook smiled taking Taehyung’s hand in his. He
brought it to his lips for a chaste kiss. His mouth brushed over the omega’s knuckles. “I think I
heard it meow over there,” Jungkook added dismissing his mother’s presence.

“When did you know it was me?” Taehyung smiled removing his mask. He had left first for the
masquerade with a simple note for Jungkook. Find me. Taehyung did not know what to expect.
Jungkook found him easily unlike a few years ago.

“The moment you stepped in the ballroom,” Jungkook answered simply. The orchestra started a
waltz. He smiled extending his hand for an invitation. “May I?” he whispered. Taehyung chuckled
but took the hand.

“Also, I was greatly helped by your scent,” Jungkook confessed as they twirled under the
moonlight. Taehyung couldn’t help but assess how much life had changed. The last time he
stepped foot in the gardens, he was a scorned omega. Now, he stood tall and proud in the arms of
his husband. Fate was a peculiar thing. “I find myself in need of apologizing yet again,” Jungkook
said. The proximity of his voice startled Taehyung. Jungkook leant towards him. His breath fanned
over his mouth. It was hot, inviting, and very much enticing. “I was too arrogant last time we met
here,” he admitted.

“You always are,” Taehyung could help but tease and laugh. Jungkook shared his mirth. “But, I
admit that you have changed lately. It is a very pleasant change,” he confessed with a smile. He
moved his hand from Jungkook’s shoulder to his face. The mask came off with ease.
“Will you be my date for tonight?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung recalled their encounter from a
lifetime ago. “I promise that I am far better company than the cat,” the alpha added with a breathy
chuckle. “Unless you still prefer the company of felines over snakes?” he teased. Taehyung’s eyes
widened. “I remember,” Jungkook confirmed Taehyung’s thoughts. “You left quite the impression
on me that night, and you left something else too. I have your bracelet. I will give it back when we
get home.”

“You kept it?” Taehyung breathed with surprise. He mourned the loss of his bracelet now. He
loved it and to lose it made him quiet upset then.

“Of course,” Jungkook nodded, “I tried to find you after masquerade. I kept it with the hope of
finding you again, and now I did. I am glad,” he confessed with an honesty that left Taehyung’s
heart aching.

Taehyung rested his head on Jungkook’s shoulder instead of answering. His mind, his heart, every
bit of his soul was unsettled, confused, yet flattered. He did not know what to do anymore.

Fate was a peculiar thing.

It played with him wit unhidden delight.

Taehyung left his thoughts be soothed by the maddening pace of the violins.
 Chapter 33

Taehyung lay in the bed. The movie was still playing but he couldn’t focus any longer. Jungkook’s
presence felt suddenly overwhelming. His scent lingered in the air and seemed to coat Taehyung’s
tongue. His warmth had him shiver.

“I find your self-control, if I may call it that, admirable yet annoying,” Taehyung said shifting on
his side to look at Jungkook. The alpha seemed startled by the voice. He blinked taking his focus
away from the movie. “Or perhaps, you genuinely like this movie?” Taehyung teased. The movie
in question was nothing extraordinary. The plot was boring and predictable. He thought at first that
it was a plan from Jungkook to get them closer and alone. Yet Jungkook watched with intent.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asked putting the popcorn away. He lay on his side as well
meeting Taehyung’s gaze. The sudden proximity surprised him. Taehyung was mere inches away.

“Do you still want to have me?” Taehyung asked reaching to caress Jungkook’s cheek. The man
leant into the soft touch. His lips planted a kiss in the palm of the wandering hand.

“Now more than ever,” Jungkook smiled. Taehyung felt it against his skin. It was a peculiar
feeling. It reached his heart and for a fleeting moment disturbed its pace. A flutter, his mind
supplied unhelpfully.

“Then how, moved by such lively impatience, do you remain so patient?” Taehyung retorted with a
discreet smile. His lips parted as his tongue dared out to wet them. He seemed to be waiting for
something, anything. Jungkook noticed.

“It's that I train my patience to be equal with my impatience,” Jungkook chuckled softly. The
atmosphere appeared heavier, or perhaps it was only his mind encouraging sinful passion.

“Then, I must congratulate you for having always been in control of yourself. So in control that you
never even attempted a simple kiss,” Taehyung whispered. His voice remained barely audible. He
did not know why. He took a deep breath. Jungkook advanced barely an inch. Suddenly, all of the
noises became a background sound. Only rang to his ears the fast ponding of his heart.

“I am too afraid to upset you and lose definitely your company,” Jungkook confessed honestly.

Taehyung chuckled softly. He scooted closer in turn. “That’s a very rational reasoning for a man
usually so full of passion,” he teased. “I remember a man that did not hesitate to do unreasonable
things to me on a terrace,” he said timidly.

The memory left them both breathless and wanting.

“Am I too reasonable now?” Jungkook countered as he advanced a bit more, only enough to feel
Taehyung’s nose brush against his.

“At times like these, I find you terribly reasonable,” Taehyung took a deep breath. Jungkook felt it
on his lips. The way air moved and caressed him. A shiver spread on his skin.

“I must correct that then,” Jungkook moved swiftly. Taehyung found himself on his back with the
alpha above. A warm and big hand cupped his cheek.

“Please do,” Taehyung whispered febrile. It was all it took for Jungkook to finally lean in.
The kiss left Taehyung breathless, panting and clutching on Jungkook. It was as he imagined it
many years ago, perhaps a bit more. His core seemed to tingle. Passion flooded his mind and soul.
He burned with a fire that he did not know how to tame. Jungkook seemed equally undone.

“Shouldn’t we be reasonable now? I would hate to rush you,” Jungkook breathed against
Taehyung’s lips.

“To hell with reason and propriety,” Taehyung pulled the alpha down for another kiss. He could
have sworn that he heard a familiar hiss in the air, only this time very much amused.
 Chapter 34

Jimin sighed as he turned around to see where Taehyung’s focus went into. Without a surprise, it
was on Jungkook who stood in the garden a few steps away. “Stop staring,” Jimin whispered,
“people will start noticing,” he added with yet another sigh.

“Notice what?” Taehyung snorted. He took another sip of his champagne flute. “That I am looking
at my husband?” he asked with a hint of amusement.

Jimin arched a brow. “He is your husband now?” he asked surprised. He knew that Jungkook and
Taehyung grew closer along the weeks. Summer left and fall settled. Taehyung surprised them by
hosting a formal dinner in the Gorgon domain. Jungkook invited business partners. Taehyung
remained by his side. Jimin still needed time to process the changes. It felt surreal.

“He is,” Taehyung answered with flaming cheeks. “I still have my plans of independence but I
think I am ready to move on,” he added in a whisper. He excused himself shortly after to join
Jungkook. The alpha smiled and wrapped an arm around Taehyung’s waist.

“Are you disappointed?” Jimin turned his head to find Yoongi standing next to him. “You’ve been
staring at them all night,” the alpha added before taking a sip of his own glass.

“Not disappointed,” Jimin shook his head. “Only surprised,” he admitted frankly. He looked
around at the guests. He never expected to find himself in such company either. Life was truly
unexpected. A life time ago, he was introduced as the help, and now he was a guest. He was
grateful for Taehyung’s insistence on becoming friends.

“Do you want to dance?” Yoongi handed his glass to passing waiter. He offered his hand towards
Jimin, waiting for an answer. The omega blushed but nodded. His smaller hand rested in Yoongi’s.

“I am afraid I am terrible at dancing,” Jimin confessed once they reached the dance floor. A few
guests were already twirling along the music.

“Just follow my lead,” Yoongi smiled. He rested his hand on Jimin’s hip. The omega flushed from
the sudden proximity. “I remember a question you asked me some time ago,” the alpha said as he
guided the nervous omega. Jimin seemed to clutch on him for dear life. It amused Yoongi. “At the
time, I remember you confessing your affection,” he added meeting Jimin’s wide eyes. “And I
rejected it. You asked me if it was because you were a servant. I answered that it had nothing to do
with it. Do you remember?” he asked. Jimin only nodded. His heart skipped a beat. “It had truly
nothing to do with it. My life then was hectic. Now, it is not.”

“What should I understand from your words?” Jimin asked halting the dance. They stood in the
middle of the dance floor. He did not care for the stares or curious gazes.

“That now my life is in a better condition,” Yoongi whispered. He noticed from the corner of his
eye Jungkook and Taehyung talking with a few guests. “I took care of the issues I had then. If your
affection is still–”

“It is,” Jimin blushed as he looked at his feet. “It is still there,” he whispered shyly.

“Would you let me court you?” Yoongi asked bringing Jimin’s trembling hand to his lips. “I wish
to do this properly. You deserve the world, and it is what I am ready to offer,” he confessed. The
realization took time to lighten up his mind. But, when once it did, it stayed there and plagued him.
Yoongi felt a deep affection for Taehyung still, but he suspected it would be nothing more than
friendship after their first and last kiss. Instead, his heart started to open to Jimin; to Jimin that
seemed to always be around; to Jimin that took a splendid care of his son.

“I accept,” Jimin smiled as he looked up to meet the Yoongi’s gaze. “Alpha,” he breathed akin to
whisper, swiftly taken away by the wind.

Yoongi was never a true believer of superstitions, especially the Gorgon that supposedly watched
over his family. However, that night he wanted to believe. He could have sworn that he heard a
pleased hiss in the wind.
 Chapter 35

Two years later…

The wedding was nothing short of stunning and extravagant. Taehyung felt dizzy from it all. The
décor, the guests, everything made his heart sway. Then, there was his husband. Jungkook stood
tall and handsome among the guests. His suit hugged perfectly his body, displaying broad
shoulders, strong arms, and thick thighs. Taehyung smiled with blushing cheeks. His eyes filled
with tears of happiness. He dreamt of the moment for years, an eternity, hidden in the comfort of
his childhood bedroom.

“My husband,” Taehyung smiled looking up to meet Jungkook’s gaze. They swayed along a waltz
as they opened the ball. Guests joined them after the second twirl around the dance floor. The
waltz lasted an eternity. Taehyung felt his feet ache. His chest rumbled with a genuine laugh.
Jungkook smiled at him and whispered sweet nothings. Guests came and went but none of them
mattered.

“May I?” Taekyung appeared next to Taehyung. The old man left his can by his table. He offered
his hand for a dance. Taehyung accepted with a bright smile. His gaze lingered on his retreating
husband. Jimin appeared in front of Jungkook and invited him for a dance. Taehyung chuckled
softly as he watched them. Yoongi was with Junghyun. Both seemed engrossed in their cake
degustation.

A peculiar sense of déjà-vu washed over Taehyung. Yet the moment was so different from their
first wedding. Jungkook laughed and smiled with their friends. Each time their eyes met, Jungkook
grinned brightly at Taehyung.

Same as a few years back, Taehyung danced. He danced with his father, his mother, and swayed
slowly with his grandmother. Jungkook did not disappear. The alpha looked happy. The mirth and
joy of the ceremony reached his eyes. They gleamed from delight.

When Taehyung headed to their bedroom for the wedding night, he found Jungkook already
waiting there.

“Husband,” Taehyung’s face lit up as he looked at Jungkook. What a man he was! Standing there
with all his might and very much Taehyung’s; from the tip of his slicked back hair to his expensive
shiny shoes. He was Taehyung’s; his smile, that stubbornly graced the soft but sharp features; his
gaze, impatient and eager as it roamed over the omega; his open hand that extended towards
Taehyung.

“I like it when you call me that,” Jungkook whispered timidly. He smiled revealing a row of
perfect white teeth. “My omega,” he said pulling Taehyung into a warm embrace. “I love you,” he
whispered against Taehyung’s hair. “I have something for you,” he added retrieving a necklace
from his pocket.

“No gorgon?” Taehyung teased looking at the pendant. It was a small snake wrapped around a
flower. He liked it better that the hissing unforgiving gorgon. He did not need her protection any
longer. She seemed at peace in the property now.

“I had it made,” Jungkook explained as he put around Taehyung’s neck. “I designed it. I feel that it
is a good representation of us; my family emblem and you as the flower.”
“I love it,” Taehyung rested his hand over the pendant. He could see their reflection in the mirror.
Jungkook hugged him from behind. Their eyes met in the mirror. “I love you,” Taehyung added
with blushing cheeks.

“I love you,” Jungkook responded with a smile. Taehyung leant against his husband. It was
everything he ever wanted and more. He had the life he craved for. Jungkook as his loyal and kind
husband, a job that made him feel independent and confident, and soon enough a child.

When dusk came, the long braid rested on the vanity and Taehyung in the embrace of his husband.

The End
 Extra: Mousse au chocolat
Chapter Notes

Requested by mimas (skies_bluue).

Enjoy !

Jungkook hummed softly on his way to the kitchen. Jimin was set to arrive soon along with Yoongi
and Junghyun. They planned a family dinner. Taehyung had been delighted at the idea. He had
spent the last few days bedridden due to the pregnancy. His lower back constantly ached from the
weight of his belly. Jungkook took to giving him massage whenever Taehyung could bear the
touch.

“Sweetheart,” Jungkook smiled hugging Taehyung from behind. The omega was sat at the counter
enjoying yet again more chocolate mousse. It was his latest craving. Jungkook preferred it to any
other craving his husband had so far. The worst had been the urgent need to chew freshly washed
sheets. Jungkook had been horrified at the mere idea. A quick trip to the doctor assured him that
strange cravings were common during pregnancy. Taehyung craved the most peculiar things at the
most unexpected moment. Jungkook couldn’t forget the infamous night Taehyung broke down
crying because of a horse death during a movie, only to crave horse meat right after. The omega
cried until he fell asleep. Jungkook felt utterly helpless. “Are you crying, sweetheart?” Jungkook
took a step back. He gently lifted up Taehyung’s face. Indeed, there were tears streaming down the
round cheeks.

“This mousse is really good,” Taehyung sniffed. He pulled away to eat more. He shoved the sweet
dessert between his lips before crying once again. Jungkook knew better than to interfere.
Taehyung became oversensitive over the smallest matters. The last memorable moment, only a few
days prior, involved crying for an hour for a lost sock. Jungkook listened to the sobs all powerless
and utterly confused. Apparently, the remaining sock felt sad. He took Taehyung’s words for it.

One important lesson Jungkook learned was to never question the crying fits.

Pregnancy hormones were terrible.

Jungkook honestly pitied Taehyung at times.

“You are crying because it is good?” Jungkook asked softly.

“No,” Taehyung whispered. His voice broke. He sounded miserable. “I am crying because I am
selfish!” he cried out loud. Jungkook tensed feeling yet again helpless. “It is so good that I thought
you should taste it. But, I don’t want to share, Jungkook. I am a terrible husband! I love you but I
don’t want to share!”

“It is all right, sweetheart” Jungkook tried to smile. Taehyung cried harder. To the alpha’s horror,
Taehyung reached for the salt and peppered a bit too much on the chocolate mousse. Jungkook
almost gagged. Another matter he grew unwillingly used to was disgusting food mixes. He had to
watch Taehyung eat a raw onion with strawberry jam once. The omega claimed loud and clear that
it was the best mix. Jungkook’s stomach was still recovering. “You can eat it all by yourself. I
 really don’t mind,” Jungkook assured. He did not want anything to do with the extra salty dessert.

“You don’t understand,” Taehyung sobbed but still filled his mouth with the mousse. The scene
was rather comical for Jungkook. “I am selfish! I should give you some!” he said meeting
Jungkook’s gaze. The innocent wet gaze had the alpha’s heart ache.

Jungkook laughed softly. He wrapped his arms around Taehyung. The omega instinctively hid his
dessert. It made the alpha laugh harder. His eyes crinkled from mirth. “I love you, sweetheart” he
whispered kissing Taehyung’s head.

“Really? Even if I don’t share my food?” Taehyung asked with a small voice. Jungkook’s heart
melted at the sight. He nodded. “You will share your food with me though, yes?” the omega asked
with a pout. Jungkook bit his lip as he nodded. “You are a good husband,” Taehyung sniffed
nuzzling Jungkook’s chest.

The tears petered out once the mousse was eaten and gone.

It was another day in the Jeon household like many others to come.

End Notes

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