Chapter Text
Two alphas could not be together. That was hierarchy and fate. Being told this was the moment Jungkook’s heart had broken, and despite it, Seokjin had held him through his tears. It wasn’t fair, of course—none of it was, but it was his duty to continue the Jeon lineage and to be an alpha to the kingdom—to find an omega and procreate. His heart had always belonged to Seokjin—the brave and beautiful white wolf, son of his father’s renowned general, and by his own becoming, Jungkook’s Knight in Waiting—though some would argue he was more his guardian.
The moment they had met in the garden, the shy young prince just five years old and peering over his mother’s leg, fingers gripping at her dress. She had urged him to go play with the older and the other boys, all of which were close friends. But his eyes were only on one, instantly noticing his eyes, how they stood out. He had seen him in wolf form and had been so mesmerized.
Seokjin was a rarity. White wolves were thought to be extinct, but he was pure—white as snow. It was often known as the reflection of a heart, and knowing what he did now, it made sense. Jungkook was fascinated by his mere presence, but when he had been approached, the young pup stammered—and all he could manage was to tell him that he was pretty.
That was the first time that Jungkook had witnessed the beautiful cherry bloom to Seokjin’s ears and decided that he would make it one of his goals to bring this into fruition as much as possible.
When Jungkook hadn’t presented on his eighteenth birthday, they pushed off his coming-of-age ceremony. It was months later that he had, but no one had expected the outcome.
He had been standing near the fireplace, watching Taehyung and Yoongi wrestle—well, moreso Taehyung wrestling the grey wolf while he just sat there and pawed lazily at his face. Jimin had joined in not long after, to which the youngest had watched with fondness, noting that Namjoon and Hoseok were off discussing something nearby and Seokjin—he was perched on the window ceil, taking in the beauty of the kingdom below.
Yet he seemed so melancholy. Jungkook couldn’t help but assume the fault was his. It seemed they were both dreading the day; the day life would tear them apart. Right now, it was comfortable, they could be together without scrutiny, but that would change the moment he presented. He’d heard horror stories of alphas that didn’t get along, and although half of his hyungs were, in fact, alphas and proved that theory to not be the case, it still frightened him.
He didn’t want to change. He didn’t want to become a monster that Seokjin couldn’t recognize—and he didn’t want his heart to stop loving him.
A slow approach toward him and he was leaning against the wall, eying him carefully. “What are you thinking about?”
The older’s eyes found his, a saddened smile on his lips. “Nothing for you to worry about, my Prince.”
Jungkook winced, “How long are you going to keep doing that?” He didn’t like it—this rift between them. It wasn’t fair, and despite understanding why the white wolf was doing so, it didn’t make it easier. “Will you walk with me?”
“Not tonight, Jungkook.”
His gaze softened, silent for a moment. “Not tonight or—not ever again?” Seokjin’s silence was answer enough. Tears pricked at his eyes. “Why?”
“Because I should have put an end to this years ago.”
“Don’t—don’t say that.”
“We need to stop living in this fantasy. You know your duty and I know that I can’t hold you from that.”
“Hyung—please, I don’t want to lose you.”
“I’ve already requested to change my position within the castle.”
The younger’s chest tightened, “What?” Breathing became erratic. “Why?”
And his skin—it was becoming hot; like he was burning.
“You already know the answer to that.”
“We can figure something out—we can—.”
“Jungkook. Stop. There is no we.”
The younger froze, blinking slow. It felt like the world was suddenly spinning—or as though the ground was preparing to open and swallow him whole. “You don’t mean that.” When he gained no answer, his voice raised as he reiterated, “You don’t mean that. It’s always been us. You’re my best friend. You can’t just— . . .”
Clothes on his skin felt as though they were tearing at his flesh, it was so uncomfortable—no it was painful. Something was wrong.
“And that’s all we’ll ever be, friends. Nothing else.”
Jimin had stopped mid-play, catching the conversation, his eyes finding Jungkook, features softening. It was no secret that Jungkook loved Kim Seokjin. Anyone who simply laid their eyes on him could see it in the way he looked at him, in the way he could barely breathe when in his presence. And as an empathic wolf, he could feel the young prince, his young friend’s heart shattering.
“You said—you said you loved me—you promised we’d—.”
“I lied.”
“No.” Jungkook whispered, “You’re lying now. Did—did my father talk to you? I- Is that what this is about?”
“Why can’t you just listen to what I’m saying? I don’t want you.” Of course, this was going so much worse than Seokjin could have imagined. He’d made a promise to always protect and love Jungkook—and he did—with everything in him, but he knew he needed to do this. For the Prince’s sake before they both fell too hard.
Somehow, however, he knew it was too late. His heart ached, bled in his chest as though it was being cut out. He had never felt such agony. And it was about to get much worse. Seokjin knew exactly where to hit the lowest.
“Come on, Tokki, I know you’re not the brightest, but it’s not that difficult to understand.”
More a bunny than a wolf, he’d always said. The once endearing nickname came with a scathing tongue, taking one of the younger’s most intense insecurities and reinforcing it. Jungkook stared, wide-eyed.
As if he couldn’t believe it. The prince grabbed at his stomach, the overwhelming urge to vomit hitting him so roughly he nearly fell over. He waned, hand gripping at the far wall, trying to keep himself from falling.
Seokjin’s brows furrowed then, a sudden unfamiliar yet—so familiar scent catching him. It was the scent of Jungkook, but intensified, the saccharine smell instantly igniting a tightness in his stomach. Gaze snapped to meet the younger’s, quickly noting how pale he’d become. He was on his feet immediately, inhuman speed bringing him to the boy’s side. “Jungkook?” His tone completely changed, instantly concerned.
All eyes within the area were suddenly trained on the prince, an almost eerie silence consuming the room.
“I—I don’t—I don’t feel well.”
The color of his eyes shifted, a bright golden hue, not matching those of presenting alphas, but—omegas. Seokjin studied him in confusion; his gaze couldn’t help but lower, noting very quickly the slick that had stained his trousers.
Confusion, devastation, it lingered in the youngest’s gaze. Namjoon eyes had begun to gleam red, staring at Jungkook with a hunger he had never witnessed before. As was Yoongi and Hoseok, though both were already mated, and their gazes were far less feral, more concerned in realization what was happening.
“He’s presenting.” Yoongi breathed.
Wide eyes stared forward as he noticed Namjoon suddenly nearing, and it was the first time in his life that he had heard Seokjin growl. Soon the two were facing one another with claws extended and terrifying glares. Yoongi quickly rushed in between them, keeping them separated.
“Get him out of here!”
Both Taehyung and Jimin were at Jungkook’s side in an instant, guiding him from the room and through the castle halls, mind completely set on bringing him to his quarters. The younger was led to his bed; Jimin instantly moved to the washroom to gather several towels.
Jungkook was certain his insides had been set ablaze. A loud cry of agony escaped him, Taehyung trying to keep him flat against the mattress whispering soft and soothing words to him as his hands cupped his features. “I know, I know it hurts, Jungkookie, it’s okay. Jimin-ah!”
The other came into the room, in his hand a cold towel that he quickly gave to Taehyung, which was then pressed against the youngest’s forehead. “What should we do?”
“Get the guards to call the Queen.”
Jimin nodded before quickly rushing from the room, closing the door securely behind him.
“I can’t—I can’t breathe.”
Taehyung winced at the younger’s words, his head shaking. The first time was always the worst. Uncontrollable—so excruciatingly painful. He knew what would help—the only thing that would help—but Jungkook didn’t have an alpha—none of this had been planned—and Seokjin had just—.
“Hyung—please.”
“Shh. Shh. I know.” He grabbed one of his hands, squeezing it firmly. “You’ll be okay.”
It wasn’t long until the Queen had rushed into her son’s room, moving quickly to his side her gaze meeting both Taehyung and Jimin’s worried expressions. She stood in shock for a moment at the slow realization, her voice soft as she offered, “Thank you. I’ll handle it from here.”
They realized how important privacy was in this situation, and quickly exited the room.
“Eomma.” Jungkook whimpered as she moved onto the bed with him, bringing his back to her chest.
“Shh—breathe with me.”
His breaths were labored, each one coming out almost akin to a wolf’s wounded and unsteady breaths, canines torn from gums. He hugged her arm tightly, sobs beginning to wrack his frame.