Archive of Our Own

💛💗

Jungkook is not crying. He just has something in his eyes — that’s all. A bit of dust or grit perhaps, definitely not tears.

That’s what he tells himself, as a sob breaks out from his lungs with a horrid gasp, tears stinging at his eyes. He knows people are watching him as he flees out of the classroom, can hear their cruel laughter, can feel their pointed, judging gazes stabbing at his back. 

It’s no better when he’s in the corridor, pushing past students and knocking into broad shoulders and bags full of books. People turn to shout at him, tell him to watch where he’s going. But his vision is blurry with his tears, he can’t apologise — can only sob harder and barge past the throng of students until he reaches some doors that lead him outside.

He feels so fucking stupid.

The air is cool, refreshing. Jungkook breathes in deep, allowing his body a second to stand and feel numb before he glances at his surroundings. There’s an unoccupied bench under one of the pretty cherry blossom trees and he rushes towards it, he falls ungracefully onto it in a heap of limbs.

This is the worst day ever. And Park Jimin is an awful, awful person who deserves nothing good in life. How dare he make Jungkook look bad in front of the class and their professor during the first lesson of law school! 

How was Jungkook supposed to know that there was a mandatory Summer Reading List? How was Jungkook supposed to know you had to sign up online to the distribution email list to receive info about the course? 

Jungkook snorts, another guttural whimper climbing out of his mouth, mixed with a new fresh wave of tears. 

What the fuck is he doing here? Is it worth it? It feels like a huge mistake, coming here. Nothing seems right —

“Um, would you like a tissue?” 

Through the hazy tears in his eyes, Jungkook can just about make out an alpha sitting on the other bench under the pretty cherry blossom tree. He’s wearing green, with books (about ten? Jungkook is too upset to count) piled onto his lap. In his hand, which is now extended out towards Jungkook’s direction, is a packet of tissues. The wind blows gently, along with it comes the fresh and comforting scent of the alpha. 

He shivers, the alpha smells exactly like a childhood memory — his Dam making sweet spiced butter cookies during the freezing depths of winter. The kind that would instantly warm his small body up, all the way down to his little toes. 

Jungkook swallows down a sniff, staring at the tissue packet in the man’s hands. 

“I only have Iron Man tissues, sorry about that,” the alpha says, clearing his throat a little. His cheeks are blushed, as if it’s a sin for a law student at Seoul National University to have Marvel themed tissues. 

“That’s okay,” Jungkook replies, reaching for the pack with a dip of his head. “I like Iron Man.”

He knows how he must look — a sobbing omega wearing pink clothes with baby blonde hair. He sticks out like a sore thumb amidst the garments of dark greys and browns. But why can’t wolves here see past his appearance? Why is this alpha even talking to him? He'll just make a passing remark in a few seconds about how Jungkook must be lost, or waiting for someone who goes here.

“He was the best avenger,” the alpha says, smiling. “I cried like a baby after End Game.”

Minsoo always used to moan about Jungkook liking Marvel movies. He always used to say the MCU was for little kids. And that DC was better. Even when the marvel movies were out in the cinema, Minsoo never wanted to go with Jungkook. 

“I agree,” Jungkook beams through his tears, taking out one of the tissues and handing the packet back to the other. “Thanks for this. Sorry if I disturbed your reading,”

The alpha shakes his head, pushing the tissues back into Jungkook’s hold. “No — keep them, please! I have a whole cardboard box of them at home.” 

Jungkook clutches at the packet in his hand, trying his hardest not to cry again. It’s been a while since someone was… nice to him. Especially here. He's only been here a few days but SNU Law School is definitely hell on earth. 

He murmurs out a small Thank You underneath his breath, but the other must hear it, judging on the way the man smiles at him gently. They fall into a nice sort of comfortable silence; Jungkook blowing his nose with the Iron Man tissue, wiping and dabbing at his eyes, his companion flicking through one of his books slowly.  

After a few bouts of silence comes, “You didn’t, by the way.”

Jungkook looks up to see the man giving him a strange look. It takes a moment for Jungkook to realise the look on his face is that of concern. “Huh?”

The alpha clears his throat again, closing his book. It’s heavy, one of those thick old books that seem like they weigh at least three buses. The title is in Latin. “You didn’t disturb me,” he says, tapping the front of his book, “honestly these are a nightmare to read so I’m happy and relieved to be distracted.”

Jungkook feels his cheeks heat slightly. “Oh,” 

“I’m Namjoon, by the way. Kim Namjoon.”

“Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you.”

Kim Namjoon smiles again and this time Jungkook notices two sweet dimples at the center of his cheeks. “I don’t mean to pry,” Namjoon inhales deeply, pursing his lips a little. His ears are tinged slightly red. “But is everything okay?”

The tears threaten to escape once more, Jungkook feels a rush of heat all the way up to his ears. He gulps, tries to swallow down the need to cry. “Oh, yeah. Just —” Jungkook sighs, tucking a bit of hair behind his ears. “Do the professors just put you on the spot like that all the time?”

“It’s the Socratic method, I hate it.”

“So,” Jungkook mumbles. “If you don’t know the answer they just… kick you out?”

“Hmm.” Namjoon itches at his nose, places his books at the side of him on the bench. “I’m guessing you have JYP huh?” 

“Yes!” Jungkook gapes, leaning forward. “He’s awful. Did he do that to you too?”

“Nah,” Namjoon says with a shake of his head, “but he did make me cry once. I couldn’t stop for at least three hours. He’s tough, no one really likes him.” Jungkook looks down at his fingers glumly, he doesn’t know how he’s going to survive this week alone, let alone a whole year. “Don’t worry though!” Namjoon says, clearly noticing the tears forming in Jungkook’s eyes again. “He’s as bad as it gets. Who are your other teachers?”

Jungkook sniffles, trying to remember. “Ah… I have Min Sooman, Bang Shihyuk and Mr Cena.”

Namjoon hums thoughtfully, thinking for a moment. “Try to speak up in Sooman’s class — he really likes it when the students are opinionated. Bang Shihyuk is one of the best teacher’s at the school, but make sure you read the footnotes, because that’s where he tends to get all of his exam questions. And for Cena… hmm he gets really excited when it comes to Product Liability…” Namjoon laughs, and Jungkook finds himself smiling too, despite himself. “So try to get a seat in the back, he tends to spit.”

Jungkook nods his head, begging his brain to retain all the information. Kim Namjoon could have ignored him, acted the same way as every other student so far has. But he didn’t. He went out of his way to help. Jungkook wants to cry all over again.

“That’s —” Jungkook sniffs, dabbing his eyes again with his already wet and scrunched up tissue, “That’s super helpful, thank you so much?”

“My pleasure.” Kim Namjoon smiles and the sun breaks out from the clouds behind him. “I’m a —”

“Jungkook-ah!” Minsoo interrupts, walking over to them, his lips pressed into a strange sort of frown as he looks down at Jungkook. 

Jungkook is up in an instant, he straightens his top, tries to make sure he looks presentable. “Hi,” he says, looking up at the alpha, trying to not melt at his feet. They'd met conveniently just before Jungkook's first class, Minsoo naturally shocked and surprised as could be. Jungkook had kept his cool, said What, like it's hard? when Minsoo asked slowly You got into SNU Law?

Minsoo smiles slightly. “Well — uh. Wow. You’re actually here and at SNU.” He laughs, scratching at his head a little cluelessly. “How was your first class?”

“Oh,” Jungkook’s cheeks burn. “Um, it was good? There was some slight altercation but it wasn’t too much of a problem —”

A dainty, beautiful hand suddenly worms its way onto Minsoo’s shoulder, playing with the ends of Minsoo’s hair. Jungkook glares, following the delicately poised hand (that has Jungkook’s Engagement Ring on its finger) up to see —

Jungkook blinks. And then feels his heart drop to the soles of his feet.

Park Jimin is standing next to his Minsoo, wearing his engagement ring, glaring at Jungkook like he’s nothing but the dirt on the bottom of Jimin’s pointy, prada boots.

Minsoo chuckles a little awkwardly. “Uh, Jungkook… have you met my… uhm…Jimin?”

The brunette omega turns his nose up at the sight of Jungkook, a sneer on his lips. 

“You two know each other?” Jungkook asks, turning back to glance at Minsoo. He looks a little uncomfortable.

Jimin is beautiful, it makes Jungkook scowl. “I’m Minsoo’s fiance.” 

“Oh…?” Jungkook breathes out, shocked. Upset. Heartbroken.

“Jimin was my boyfriend in prep school,” Minsoo begins, coughing once more. “And well — we got back together this summer at my halmoni’s birthday party.” 

Jungkook shivers. He and Minsoo broke up in summer. How long did it take Minsoo before he went back into a relationship? 

“When Minsoo told me about you I had no idea you’d be so…” the omega makes a point of looking up and down at Jungkook in a criticizing way, his perfect eyebrows pinched judgmentally. “So pink,” he finishes, pursing his plump lips.

Jungkook clears his throat, pulling at his pink jacket a little tighter around his body for comfort.

“But I had no idea you were a student here,” Jimin says, glancing at Minsoo.

“Pooh bear,” Minsoo says, voice dropping to try and whisper in Jimin’s ear. “I didn’t know he’d be here.”

Jungkook feels his throat swell up, he can’t cry here. Not in front of Minsoo, and definitely not in front of Park Jimin. He shivers, tries to breathe. 

It’s like Jimin knows exactly how Jungkook is feeling, the omega looks delighted at Jungkook’s turmoil, makes a point of grabbing Minsoo’s hand and lacing their fingers together. Jungkook’s hand tingles, he feels so alone. Lost.

“We have to go,” Jimin says firmly, pulling at Minsoo’s hand. “I would say it was a pleasure to meet you, Jeon Jungkook, but…” 

Jungkook is numb, watching the alpha and omega walk away, whispering to each other as they fade out of view. 

Minsoo has already moved on? But… the whole reason Jungkook is here is to win him back. To prove that Jungkook can be serious, can be what Minsoo needs. Suddenly, Jungkook has no idea what to do, doesn't feel as sure as he did before.

He doesn’t realise Kim Namjoon is still there on his bench until the alpha clears his throat, bringing Jungkook back to his cruel reality. “Are you alright?” he asks, eyebrows pinched in concern. “That was…”

“My ex," Jungkook says, trying to smile and blink away the tears in his eyes. 

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Jungkook shrugs. "I’m allowed to be here,” he says after a moment, lifting his eyes to meet the cookie scented alpha’s soft gaze. “I got into SNU Law just like every other student here —”

“I believe you,” Namjoon says. "Jeon Jungkook, you being here shows you're just as good as any other student here. Don't forget that, yeah?" 

Jungkook nods, squeaks when the tears fall once more. 

💛💗

“Wait, sorry.” For the first time that night, Jungkook put down his wine glass. He shook his head and lifted up his gaze, to his boyfriend from across the table. “I think I just misheard you —”

“You didn’t.” Minsoo said, void of any emotion. “Jungkook, you heard me just fine.”

“But you just said —”

“That we should break up. Yeah.” 

Jungkook blinked, trying to make sense of the words flying around his head. His ears buzzed, fingers shaking. “You’re breaking up with me?” 

“Yeah.”

The guttural sound that climbed up Jungkook’s throat and escaped with a small, wet gasp was something he would normally be ashamed of, except for the fact that — “Fuck. I… I thought you were proposing.”

Jeon Jungkook thought he was going to have an engagement ring on his finger, not a hole through his heart. And what made it even worse, what dug the dagger deeper and made his eyes sting with hot, salty tears was the way Minsoo, so unaffected and calm, raised his eyebrows in astonishment and leaned back in his chair like that white guy blinking meme. 

“Proposing?” Minsoo chuckled, picking up his folded napkin in the shape of a swan and dabbing the corners of his lips. “Sweetie, I can’t… marry you.” 

“Yes you can?” Jungkook blinked, starting to panic. “All you have to do is just…get down on one knee and — and ask me to. And I’d say yes.”

If Minsoo asked — Jungkook would run to the ends of the earth. To the moon and back. 

But would Minsoo do the same for him?

“Seoul National University is going to be different. Law school is a completely different world to that make believe place you and I were at."

"Make believe?" 

Little snapshots and memories bubbled to the surface of Jungkook’s brain: sitting close in jacuzzis, hot breaths against necks, salt water kisses. "You don't mean that," Jungkook said firmly. "We can make this work, Min. I can —" 

"I'm going to law school!" Minsoo frowned. "What we had was fun, babe. But it wasn't serious. We were never going to last."

"I can be serious. I can!"

"Jungkook, you're an omega whose degree is in gaming."

"Game design and computer science —" Jungkook corrected with a glare. 

At that, Minsoo only rolled his eyes. "See? I need to study and have someone who understands my work ethic. Look at how different we are! I mean, you dye your hair, you’re bigger than an average omega size —"

"So… you're breaking up with me because… because I work out?" 

"Ah… n-no —" Minsoo stuttered.

"Then — what? Is my ass too big? I’m too blonde?"

"Your ass is… um fine —"

"So when you said you would always love me. When we shared my heat together — you didn't mean any of it?"

“I… I do love you, I just can’t marry you.” 

The phrase made no sense to Jungkook — who could feel his heart breaking in his chest. Every bone shattered in his body, crumbling to dust.

Minsoo sighed, leaned in closer. “Jungkook, yeah you’re sexy but… you’re not an ideal omega. You have no idea the kind of pressure I’m under!” He rushed out, putting a hand to his chest. Frown lines appeared on his forehead, cold and hard straight lines that Jungkook hadn’t really seen before. 

“My family has a whole legacy of senators, my father got into Office when he was twenty seven and my brother — he’s just got accepted into Korea University’s School Of Law — and he just got engaged to someone from the Samsung Group Family! Us liking each other means nothing, there’s going to be press, paparazzi. You need to look the part, act the part, be the part. No one is going to take someone like you seriously.”

At that, Jungkook burst into tears. He couldn’t breathe, his throat burned and, when he tried to gasp, his shoulders shook.

This was not what Jeon Jungkook envisioned, not what he wanted, not how he was expecting the night to go. By now he should have been drinking a celebratory champagne glass with a ring on his finger and Minsoo attached to his neck and waist. Maybe groping and fondling his ass too. 

His reality was sorely different — his ass? Only Fine. Jungkook? Painfully single and unwanted and suddenly very, very alone. What was wrong with the way he looked? What was wrong with having piercings? Minsoo liked them before. He liked Jungkook's blonde hair, the small dip of his waist, the way he was pretty.

He heard Minsoo calling his name over his tearful gasps of breath. “Believe me, I never expected to do this. But… I think it’s the right thing?”

“The right thing?” Jungkook whimpered. “How is it the right thing when we’re not together?”

Minsoo only shrugged. “Babe. I have to think about my future now. And what my family expects of me. I need someone serious, Jungkook.” 

Beaches, kisses shared in Busan’s beautiful ocean, happiness and romance. Every memory came with a gut wrenching stab of unworthiness. “And I am seriously in love with you…” Jungkook whispered out, the tears on his cheeks felt sticky and wet. He sniffed. “Isn’t that enough?”

Minsoo didn’t answer, and that was all that Jungkook needed.

It was not, apparently. 

Love wasn’t enough. 

Jungkook wasn’t enough.

Their love that he thought would last forever was quickly fading before his very eyes. The most devastating thing was, it felt like Minsoo hadn’t even tried.

💛💗

He's never felt more lonely, never felt so helpless before. He sits as close to the back row as he can in every class, pushing his shoulders down and slumping low in his chair. Everyone is always so surprised he's still here, that he hasn't given up yet. Everywhere he goes, stuudents either give him looks of pity or shock. 

Back in Busan he had his friends, he had a boyfriend. He was so comfortable, so sociable. Here, he spends every evening back in his room. He puts on a face mask, watches Seokjin sunbae's latest work out video and then sits on his desk for hours, staring at workbooks and wishing it made sense. His shoulders start to ache from his bad posture.

The only person who seems to take him seriously is the third year alpha, Kim Namjoon.

When he smiles it doesn't seem condescending or judgemental at all. In fact, Jungkook kind of likes it when the alpha smiles at him (which is allowed... that's not a crime, right?). Whenever they pass each other on campus Namjoon takes the time to ask how he is, how are his classes, is he settling in alright? Namjoon must notice Jungkook's never with anyone, he's clearly taking pity on him and seeing him as a charity case.

Or maybe...? Jungkook refuses to think anything of it.

He's Jeon Jungkook. He's strong. 

He refuses to give up.

He tries to make amends one day.

“Jungkook…” Minsoo looks up from his notes to stare, gobsmacked, at Jungkook’s arrival into the library. “What are you doing here?”

Jimin glares at him for a moment before moving his gaze back to his laptop, tapping angrily at his keyboard. The rest of the students seated around the table shuffle anxiously in their seats.

Jungkook tries to pretend that the stares don’t chip away at his confidence. Instead, he fiddles with the carrier bag handle he's holding. "I'm here to join your study group, I saw there was an invitation on the notice board that you were wanting new members? I brought kimbap as sustenance."

Jimin snaps his head upwards, tone icy. "Sorry, we're full." 

Minsoo clears his throat. “Surely we can make room for one more, babe?” 

Jimin shakes his head. “We’ve already handed out the assignments.”

“Oh…” Jungkook says, feeling awkward standing there. “I’ll just… uh go then?”

Jimin gives him a fake smile and waves. What a horrible and nasty omega he is!

Jungkook pretends to not hear the murmurs around the table as he leaves. how did he even get in this school? did he sleep his way here? he’s not smart, he’s stupid. you almost feel sorry for him. he should just quit now. he’s never going to make it.

💛💗

When he rings up Taehyung and Yugyeom he cries, and listens with a hole in his heart about their lives back home in Busan. They're moving on without him, and for Jungkook it feels like he's barely moving.

Minsoo still never gives him the time of day, Jimin still glares at him whenever they're in the same room. 

Life feels like it's slowing down. But maybe that's a good thing.

yugyeom 

how's it going jungkook-ah? got your engagement ring back yet?

jungkook

almost! :) i am working on it 💪

taehyung

well hurry up so you can come home! we miss you

jungkook

i miss you guys too. i think i’m doing ok in my classes, but only because i’m staying awake until about 3am every day studying.

things are really different in seoul, the people can be so vile

yugyeom

did you see the new keep fit, keep fab update from seokjin sunbae?

taehyung

what i would do to be bench pressed under those thighs 🤤🍑👅

yugyeom

isn’t he mated? 

taehyung

so?

The chat continues, with Taehyung going into a lot of descriptive detail about Kim Seokjin’s thighs and shoulders. Jungkook puts down the phone, missing his two friends desperately. It’s not their fault that he feels so disconnected from them. Moving all the way from Busan to Seoul was his decision; they've been nothing but supportive during the months of studying for the Legal Education Eligibility Test. And it finally all paid off when Jungkook got his score of 179. 

Jungkook cuddles his fluffy pink rabbit close to his chest, pecking a kiss on top of its head. 

Even the dorms are different here. Back home in Busan, his fraternity was his family. The omegas were such a close-knitted group, who worked together on making their campus a better place. There were parties, outreaches, activities and beach tidying. 

Here though, it’s so boring. All people do is study. They wander up and down the corridors quietly, and if they do speak it’s always in hushed tones to make sure they’re not being disruptive —

“So don’t forget — the party will be at 8 o'clock!”

Jungkook is up in an instant, like a bloodhound ready for an attack. He hears murmuring through his door, runs towards it with his heart singing at the chance of actually attending a party for the first time in months.

“No way!” Jungkook chirrups, throwing open his door. “Someone is throwing a — ” he stumbles a little, noticing with dread the person who he heard before was no one other than Park Jimin. “— a party?” he finishes with a gulp. 

The beta by Jimin’s side, the nasty sidekick who was also in JYP’s class, raises his eyebrows at Jungkook’s attire. What’s so wrong with wearing a fluffy blue dressing gown and having bows in his hair?

“Yes.” The beta says, voice cold like ice.

Jimin clears his throat, staring at Jungkook for a moment. “But it’s a… it’s a costume party. You probably won’t want to come.”

Jungkook blinks. Is this really happening? Is Jimin really handing Jungkook a peace offering? They’ve been in classes for a few months and Jimin has hardly spoken a word to him, glared at Jungkook whenever they’ve seen each other in and outside of classes. Jimin’s been annoyingly stuck to Minsoo’s side like glue pretty much nonstop, meaning Jungkook’s not been able to try and even speak to the alpha at all. 

“I love costume parties,” Jungkook says, trying to tone down his excitement. It doesn’t really work, Jimin must notice the way Jungkook bounces slightly on his feet, like an enthusiastic bunny. 

“Oh,” Jimin nods, refined and mature, everything that Minsoo admires in an omega. Jungkook feels a rush of jealousy. “Well then, you’re welcome to come. If you give me your Kakao ID then I’ll message you the address.”

Jungkook nods in an instant, trying not to stammer as he gets out his phone and exchanges his details with the other omega. 

New Kakao message from < Park Jimin >

<<Naver Maps Location>>

“Great, thank you so much!” Jungkook smiles, cuddling his fluffy bunny to his chest. Already he’s trying to think of potential costume ideas, there are so many to choose from!

“Guess we’ll see you there?” Jimin says, waving a little. “Cute bunny, as well.”

💛💗

Jungkook had never experienced heartbreak before Minsoo. It felt like he was numb inside, the world around him could melt or decay, and it wouldn’t matter. Because it felt like there was no hope. He felt like a rubber band that was about to snap at any moment, ready to break and fall apart. 

Not to mention — his skin felt dehydrated, his nail cuticles were desperately in need of a pamper and he could feel a spot emerging on his chin. And that was 100% not because of the tray of chocolates he had propped up against his chest, his fingers slowly picking up each truffle only to drop it lifelessly back into the box after biting it in half. His eyes were glued to the television screen, now on his 4th episode of the hit Netflix show Trial By Fire. 

On the screen, the alpha prince cleared his throat and stared deeply into the lead omega’s eyes. “You’re a part of me. I love you.”

Something caught in the back of Jungkook’s throat. “LIAR!” He screamed, throwing the tray of half eaten chocolates at the alpha on screen.

“Alright, that’s it!” Jungkook’s best friend (soon to be former, at the rate things were progressing), Kim Taehyung, stormed into the room without even knocking. He took one look at Jungkook cocooned in his duvet and comfort blanket and (tried to) pull his sweaty body off the bed. 

Luckily, Jungkook was heavier than he looked (thanks to his extensive work out programme that involved hundreds of push ups and squats and kombucha and… well he was now unable to include sexual activities (with a certain Lee Minsoo, that snake!) on the list—but Kim Seokjin, owner of the Keep Fit and Keep Fab club had just released a new set of workout videos that exercised one's pelvic floor — so that would have to suffice for now).

“Leave me alone!” Jungkook lamented, burrowing himself back into his bed and hiding away from the world. “There’s nothing you can say to make me feel better. Nothing is getting me out of this bed, I’m staying here until I’m old and decrepit and decaying.”

Taehyung said nothing for a moment. Then: “Wanna get our belly buttons pierced?”

Jungkook poked his head out from under his covers. “You told me you’d rather have mice crawling over your face than get your bellybutton pierced,” 

“I would,” Taehyung humphed. “I know you always wanted tattoos too. But, as your best friend, I am willing to do this if it would make you feel better.”

“It… it would,” Jungkook pouted, making sure Taehyung could see his chin wobble. “It really would, hyung.”

Taehyung sighed, grinning. “Then — let’s go and get our bellies pierced!”

Once, Minsoo had kissed up and down Jungkook’s abdomen, held his hips with those long fingers of his and said in between hot kisses: “You’d look super sexy with a belly button piercing.”

Jungkook had replied back, in between gasps and a moan: “Aren’t I sexy enough already?”

Minsoo never answered, only leaned back down to lead his kisses in between Jungkook’s hips, kissing down before sucking softly at his cock. 

“It doesn’t hurt, does it?” Taehyung asked with a squirm, face pale as he took Jungkook’s place on The Chair.

Jungkook shook his head. “No.” Actually — his belly button felt like it was on fire, like hot molten lava was cascading down his stomach. “You hardly feel a thing,”

“Alrighty!” The belly button piercer smiled, picking up a long needle. “I need you to stay still for me, Taehyung-ssi. Can you do that for me?”

Taehyung nodded his head, looking petrified. He squeezed his eyes shut and yelped as soon as the alcohol wipe rubbed against his tummy. Jungkook tried not to laugh, grabbed hold of Taehyung’s hand and promised it would be over soon.

“You’re an absolute liar, Jeon Jungkook.” Taehyung seethed five minutes later. He had almost fainted, and so the piercer had forced the two of them to sit and rest for fifteen minutes just to make sure Taehyung was going to be okay and to keep a close eye on him. 

Jungkook only hummed, picking up one of the magazines that was on the nearby coffee table. “What did you want me to say?” He’d just asked the parlour attendant about tattoos, and had already sketched out a rough design on a napkin. He was excited, he had always wanted tattoos but Minsoo had never been that keen on Jungkook getting them. 

“The truth?”

Jungkook snorted, flicking through the magazine. "Oh sure — it's fine hyung, just feels like you're consuming fire?"

"At least then I would have been prepared!"

Jungkook turned the magazine once more, and there, on the center of the next page, before his very eyes were Minsoo’s older brother and his recent fiancee, the heir to the Samsung Group. They were pretty, he supposed. A bit boring looking, in a meh coloured blazer as they stared stoically at the camera. They screamed boring and serious. Everything Minsoo dreamed and aspired to be, everything Jungkook was not.

First year graduate student: Korea University, School Of Law.

It was then that a switch flipped itself on in his mind. A light bulb moment, Jungkook sat up from his slouch, knocking over the pile of magazines next to him.

This was the type of person Minsoo wanted to marry.

“I need someone serious, Jungkook.”

What was the best way of showing someone you were serious? The answer screamed out in front of him. On the very pages of the Omega-Best magazine he was holding in his hands. He couldn’t believe he hadn't seen it before. The answer was so clear to him.

Becoming a fucking law student — at the best undergraduate program there was: Seoul National University School Of Law. The very graduate school Minsoo was planning on attending himself. Because — well, why the fuck not?

“It’s a brilliant, brilliant plan.”

Taehyung looked up from his own magazine, face not as pale as before. "Huh?"

“I need to become a law student!”

Taehyung stared at him.

Jungkook pointed at the magazine, stabbing his finger aggressively at Minsoo’s brother’s fiance’s face. “I need to prove to Minsoo that I can be serious. What’s more serious than a law student?”

Taehyung opened his mouth, then closed it — confused. “You were first runner up at the Busan Beauty Contest, now you want to study law?” He grabbed the magazine out of Jungkook’s hand, throwing it onto the sofa behind them. “You just want to throw that all away?”

“It’s still perfectly respectable.” Jungkook grumbled with a small pout. “Yeah, it’s not game and character design… but it’s Minsoo.”

“I just worry…” Taehyung spoke out softly. “You’d be dropping all of this that you’ve worked so hard on. You don’t have to change for him. If he doesn’t like you the way you are then… he’s not worth even a millisecond of your time, babe.” He squeezed at Jungkook’s arm gently. “Are you really that serious about Minsoo?”

Jungkook nodded, throat burning. “I am.”

“But… is he serious about you?”

“Yes!” Jungkook answered, though his voice wobbled with uncertainty. “Yes…” he said again, licking his lips. It sounded like he was trying to convince himself as well as Taehyung. But Minsoo was, wasn't he? He'd already said he didn't want to break up... they just had too. “When he sees what I can do, how serious I can be… he’ll want me back immediately.” 

Taehyung didn't look too convinced. 

“You didn’t see him that night at the restaurant,” Jungkook implored, desperate. “He didn’t want to break up with me! He just had to because of his family. He’s crazy about me. When he sees me, in the corridors of SNU, a serious law student with my bag full of books and glasses perched on my nose… he’ll want me back. I’ll wear that tight shirt he likes, those plaid pants that make my ass look amazing.” Jungkook took a deep breath. “I’ll be everything he’s ever wanted. And he'll want me back.”

Taehyung tapped his chin in thought. “Jeon Jungkook, future law student… It does have a nice ring to it, I suppose. If anyone can pass those exams in four months, it'd be you. "

💛💗

Jungkook quickly pulls out his phone, checking his reflection in the camera one last time before entering the party. He looks good — the outfit is perfect, his makeup is subtle but with just enough glitter on his eyelids and a shimmer on his cheeks. He pulls one of the bunny ears a little straighter on his head, then makes the other flop a little to the side. 

Minsoo is going to be at this party, along with the rest of the first years. Now, Jungkook has never done anything to Minsoo don't get him wrong. He's still dating Jimin (unfortunately), but it's not exactly a crime if Jungkook wants to... dress up a little for him now, is it? Jimin had mentioned it was a huge dressing up party, and that the best costume might even win a prize! It sounded exactly like what Jungkook had been needing for months, something that was almost like being back home. 

Even from outside the apartment, he can hear the music booming out from a stereo. It makes his heart beat wildly, and with a deep breath and a fighting, Jungkook-ah underneath his breath, he opens the door. 

The party is in full swing, every single student from the first year is there, drinking beer and chatting with each other. 

Jungkook freezes, already becoming the center of attention within seconds of entering the house.

No one else is wearing a costume.

“Oh my god,” one student says, passing by Jungkook and staring at him in utter disdain. 

Jungkook blinks, clearing his throat. He blinks away any angry tears threatening to escape and does a little wave to the crowd of people already staring at him, their mouths hanging half open. 

“Good party?” he asks one alpha, who is staring at Jungkook so intensely, there’s a line of drool already dribbling down his chin. The alpha nods in a daze, making no attempt to hide the erection already starting to form in his trousers.

Jungkook glances around the stream of people, looking for one person and one person only. He sets off in a march, ignoring the catcalls and people doing a double take at him as he passes them. He is on a hunt for Park Jimin. And Jungkook is out for blood. 

He finds the omega in the kitchen, holding a dainty glass of brandy in his hand. They catch each other’s eyes for a second and then Jimin's eyes widen and he chokes, spraying his drink down his chin, onto his white shirt and all over the beta friend next to him. 

Jungkook puts a hand on his hip, the pink bunny corset velvety soft underneath his skin. “Thanks for inviting me to the party, this is super fun.” he says, giving Jimin a glare. 

“Nice outfit,” Jimin manages inbetween deep, croaky breaths. 

“I like your outfit too,” Jungkook smiles sweetly, eyes dropping to the black and white criss-cross cardigan Jimin has draped around his shoulders. “Except if I wanted to dress up like a frigid bitch I would have tried to not look so constipated.” 

Jungkook stays for a second until Jimin’s laugh morphs into a horrified gasp and then he turns on his heel, feeling smug at getting in the last word at least. 

He’s about to just leave the party, no one here is worth his time anyways, but then the air shifts and he’s met with a familiar, heart wrenching scent. Minsoo. The alpha smells of yuja tea, sharp, crisp and refreshing. 

They catch each other’s gaze and Jungkook doesn’t miss the way the alpha’s eyes drop to his outfit, his chest, waist, thighs. Jungkook shivers, hopping towards him to wave hello. 

“You look…” Minsoo mumbles, licking his lips. “Like a walking felony.”

“Yeah?” Jungkook beams, shuffling forwards until he’s directly opposite the alpha. Minsoo takes a step back to lean against the wall, and Jungkook tiptoes forwards a little more until their knees are touching. The air feels tight, hot and sticky.

“What’s with the costume though?”

“Oh,” Jungkook says dismissively with a small wave of his hand. “I just wanted to dress up, that’s all.”

Minsoo nods, eyes drawn to Jungkook’s waist. The alpha reaches out slowly, pressing a hot hand against his hip, Jungkook tries not to purr. 

“I feel like we haven’t spoken in ages,” he says, making sure to widen his eyes and draw his lips into a pout. Minsoo melts, sighing a little. 

“I know,” the alpha frowns, letting his other hand slide up and down Jungkook’s arm, tracing his fingers along Jungkook’s tattoos. “These are nice.” 

Jungkook got his first one straight after getting his belly button pierced. Taehyung had called him a masochist but Jungkook thought it was the perfect time, still healing from his broken heart. The pain had been welcoming, almost addictive. 

“How are you finding your classes?” Minsoo asks, hand moving to the small of Jungkook’s back now. 

“Busy,” he admits, moving his hands to fit onto the alpha’s shoulders. He tugs a little at the ends of Minsoo’s hair, feeling a little light headed and giddy when he feels the alpha react with a weak moan. “I’m already looking at the summer intern programme, it’s going to be a long year.”

He’s not sure how he expects Minsoo to respond, but it’s definitely not the slightly condescending laugh that titters out of the alpha’s lips. “Oh, Jungkook-ah... come on — you’re never gonna get the grades you need for those internship programmes.” Minsoo looks at him with a pitiful, sad smile. “You’re not smart enough for that, sweetie. You shouldn’t give yourself such unrealistic expectations.”

The words send an icy jolt down Jungkook’s spine. He steps backwards, pulling away from Minsoo’s hold. “Wait… correct me if I’m wrong but… didn’t we — didn’t we both get into the same law school, hyung?”

“Well, yeah —” Minsoo shrugs. “But —”

“But what?” Jungkook tilts his head, staring at the alpha hard. “We took the same LEET exam to get into this school. We’re taking the same classes. I passed my midterms, just like you did.”

Minsoo doesn’t look convinced, still looking at Jungkook like he’s a fool. Like he’s nothing but a silly omega with a childish dream. 

The realisation is a sinking, bitter feeling that rises from Jungkook’s gut and makes his throat dry. He opens his mouth, sucking on a breath before he speaks in a daring, tumultuous voice. 

“I’m never going to be good enough for you, am I?”

Minsoo doesn’t say anything. But his silence speaks volumes. Jungkook already has his answer. 

“Jungkook-ah…” Minsoo sighs, but Jungkook is already shaking his head, pulling further and further away from the alpha. 

“I’ll show you,” he says, allowing himself to look at Minsoo one last, final time. “I’m going to show how valuable Jeon Jungkook can be.”

He refuses to feel sad, instead he walks out of the party with his head raised high. He has a laptop to buy, and some classes to ace. 

💛💗

He should have brought a jacket, he realises once he’s in the queue at the shops. His arms are cold, and he’s already had a few old ajumma's tutting at his state (or lack) of dress. He’s past caring though. 

The queue moves slowly, and there’s a flurry of movement as someone joins the line behind him. 

Jungkook inhales. A pleasant, comforting and welcoming aroma of freshly baked spiced cookies. He turns and is face to face with the kind alpha he had met on his first day of classes. Kim Namjoon. 

The alpha blushes, dropping his gaze to the floor. “Um… hello! How’s it going? How are your classes?”

Jungkook shuffles the large NoteBook box in his hands, leaning the weight onto his right hip. “Oh everything is going great,” he says, lifting his free hand to make sure his bunny ears are still straight. “Just planning my world domination.”

“I’ll be cheering you on,” Namjoon says, his cheeks a little pink. He coughs, looking at Jungkook’s shoulders.

He’s always been used to the gaze of an alpha. Minsoo was extremely territorial and possessive. He knows he looks good, and yeah maybe it normally bothers him a little that alpha’s can’t seem to control their knot-crazed heads but he’s used to it. 

But he’s not used to the way Kim Namjoon stares at him. He’s not sure what it is, how he’s supposed to feel.

“You look cold,” Namjoon blurts out, after a moment.

“Oh.” The line moves, and the two of them shuffle along quietly. “Uh. Yeah, I guess I am.”

The alpha says nothing, so Jungkook tears his gaze back towards the queue in front of him. A few minutes pass until Namjoon taps him gently on the shoulder.

“Here,” the alpha says, handing over his jacket. It’s warm, full of the alpha’s sweet scent. Jungkook takes it in surprise. “There’s a chill in the air tonight, you don’t want to catch a cold.”

Something swoops like butterfly wings at the bottom of Jungkook's stomach. No one's ever done something like this for him before. 

Namjoon offers to hold onto the NoteBook as Jungkook puts on Namjoon's coat. It's massive on him but it's a comforting feeling, and he sneaks a deep inhale into the material when the queue moves forwards again and he has to turn away from the alpha.

"Thank you," Jungkook says. 

The alpha makes a sound at the back of his throat as he shrugs, nonchalant. “S’nothing,” Namjoon’s cheeks are flushed still. “You’d do the same for me.”

“Would you walk around in a baby pink bunny costume, though?” Jungkook asks, nose scrunching as he smiles.

Namjoon lets out a small wheeze. “I don’t think I could pull it off as well as you do,” he says after a brief pause. “I would not look as good as you do in pink tights and a — uh… bunny corset.” 

Jungkook thinks that’s a compliment. It makes his insides feel warm and fuzzy for a second. “Believe it or not though, Namjoon hyung —” he says, grimacing down at his costume. “This was not my first outfit choice of the day.” He thinks of Jimin, of the stupid, elated smirk on the omega’s face when he saw how Jungkook was dressed. Jungkook’s always thought of himself as a kind, decent omega. But Park Jimin is the worst. And seems to bring out the worst in Jungkook.

“You should wear what you want to, though.” The alpha adds. “As long as it makes you happy.”

“It did,” Jungkook nods. “Until I realised I’d been invited as entertainment under the guise of some gathering being a costume party.”

“Ah.” Namjoon clears his throat, wiping at his nose.

“I should have smelled the lie a mile away,” Jungkook mutters, more to himself now as the queue moves once more. “Why the fuck would boring ass law students have a fun dress up party?”

“I know it might not mean much, coming from me and all. But — I think anyone who mocks you or doesn’t take you seriously is completely stupid and it’s their loss. You deserve better than that.”

“Yeah?”

The alpha nods his head. “Yes.”

“Next customer to till 4, please.”

It takes Jungkook a moment to realise: he is the next customer. He stands there, dumbfounded, for a second. It’s only when he feels the alpha behind him prod gently at his shoulder that Jungkook begins moving.

He turns his head around, looking back at Namjoon. “Thank you. Um… For the coat and for… you’re really nice. You know — you’re actually the first person who’s been nice to me here since I arrived.”

Namjoon tilts his head a little to the side, giving Jungkook a wide smile that causes dimples to shine onto the alpha’s cheeks. “Don’t doubt yourself, Jeon Jungkook. I have a feeling you’re going to be unstoppable.”

Crying in Namjoon’s presence seems to be a recurring thing now. Jungkook blinks the tears away quickly. “Do you need your coat back now? I don’t mind —” he begins to lower his NoteBook box to the floor, but Namjoon is quick to stop him.

“No, no — it’s okay! Keep it for the time being. You can give it back the next time we meet.”

Jungkook nods, the warm feeling returning to his body. 

Next time. He likes the sound of that.

💛💗

In the coming weeks, months, Jungkook bought books and went to the library. He read book upon book, studying until his head hurt from all the work. He was fuelled by ambition, the competitiveness inside of him. 

He had something to prove, not just to Minsoo — but to himself as well. A need to show his worth, that he could be serious. He was not just some dumb kid who liked to dye his hair blonde, play videogames and also knew how it was impossible to use a half-loop stitching on low-viscosity rayon because it would snag the fabric. 

He could be whoever he wanted to be — and if he wanted to become a fucking Seoul National University Law Student then he would become one.

Watch out world, Jeon Jungkook was coming.

To get into SNU School of Law, Jungkook had to have: 

• excellent recommendations from his professors

• an excellent admissions essay

• at least a score of 175 on the Legal Education Eligibility Test

It was the hardest thing Jungkook ever did. But, once he set his mind up there was nothing that could stop him from getting what he wanted. He knew he was smart, intelligent — despite what others thought when they looked at him.

He found himself crying, on many occasions. From the stress, from the breakup, from the fear that he wouldn’t be able to prove himself. He saw parties out on the campuses around him, and all he wanted to do was join in. To lose himself, drink until he was numb, find solace in a stranger’s warmth. 

His hands itched to play games, Yugyeom had to hide all his gaming equipment — promising to only give it back when Jungkook had taken his LEETs. He wasn’t even allowed to do a full workout, even at the gym, doing his weights or routines, Yugyeom and Taehyung were there too. They balanced the heavy books in their arms and shouted out questions, the three of them swaying to My Chemical Romance and Justin Bieber.

Yugyeom and Taehyung didn’t understand why he wanted to do it — but they supported him, trusted and believed in him.

If anyone could get into Law School, it was Jeon Jungkook.

His results arrived in a crisp, brown paper envelope. Stamped by KICE, embossed and so official looking that Jungkook stared at it for minutes before he remembered he had to open it to see his test results.

He took care to peel the envelope back, wanting to put it in his memory box underneath his bed later. A keepsake. No matter the result, he decided at that moment, he was proud of himself. Of how far he had come.

The paper was fancy and thick in his hands. And then he took a deep breath, heart thudding against his chest as he scanned the letter.

Thud thud thud.

Taehyung and Yugeyom and the others in their major watched in a tortuous anticipation, hands on their chests, waiting for Jungkook to speak.

Finally, finally — Jungkook looked up from his letter.

To qualify for SNU School of Law he needed at least a score of 175.

“Jungkook?” Taehyung whispered.

“I fucking got 179!” Jungkook bellowed.

There was a crackle of party poppers, Jungkook engulfed in a shower of confetti (pink flowers and little silver stars) and then he was carried on people’s shoulders. They chanted out his name in raucous applause, and someone popped a paper crown on his head.

“I fucking knew you could do it!”

“Jeon Jungkook! Jeon Jungkook!”

“Future Law Student of SNU!”

Jungkook felt… for the first time in months. Since Minsoo broke up with him. The holes in his heart, the gaping wounds bandaged and recovering, not by Minsoo. But by himself.

He was going to Seoul National University Law School.

He got into the same law school that Minsoo had been crooning about for months. He was going to meet Minsoo at SNU. And he was going to show Minsoo how wrong he had been, all these years. Thinking Jungkook was inferior.

Minsoo was going to regret ever breaking up with him. He would be on his knees: begging, crying, screaming for Jungkook to have him back.

And Jungkook would just sigh, looking at his well manicured nails and cuticles, listening to Minsoo’s wails. And then, after making him wait an agonising ten minutes, Jungkook would agree to take him back.

💛💗

"No bunny outfit today?" Jimin asks with a smirk as he passes Jungkook's table.

Jungkook glares. "Not today," he mutters as he watches the petite brunette walk towards a table further up, where Minsoo is sat looking down at a book. Jimin slides into the seat next to him, tries to say something but Minsoo doesn't reply, doesn't even acknowledge he's being talked to.

Jungkook huffs under his breath, he certainly doesn't miss the way Minsoo would do that. It made him feel stupid, needy and desperate for attention. He peeks over his book at the table again, Jimin bristles sightly and pretends it doesn't bother him, pretends to look at the book he has in his hands.

He feels sorry for Jimin, Jungkook realises. He can almost 100% relate to how he must be feeling. He doesn't feel jealous or angry at all. Only empathy.

"Jungkook-ssi!"

When he looks up, Kim Namjoon is beaming down at him, a bright smile on his face cushioned between sweet dimples.

Jungkook's not sure why he blushes. "Hello Namjoon hyung, nice to see you again."

Again.

The last time they saw each other, Jungkook had a skin tight pink corset bunny suit on, with velveteen bunny ears and a fluffy bunny tail right on his ass to match.

He feels his cheeks redden, maybe Namjoon won't remember. He really hopes he won’t. Jimin’s already commented about it, and other classmates have giggled, laughed and pointed towards him in a very indiscreet manner.

“How are you feeling?”

He’s not expecting that sort of question. He sits there, confused and gormless for a moment — staring at Namjoon with his mouth open wide.

“Sorry,” Jungkook says eventually, shaking his head. “What?”

“I asked how you were feeling?” Namjoon asks again, bemused.

“Oh.” Jungkook clears his throat, leans back on his chair. “Fine?”

“Yeah? Classes are okay?”

Namjoon is so tall, Jungkook has to bend his neck slightly as he looks upwards. As usual, the third year is carrying about ten books in his arms, his hair is its wispy, beautiful usual self, his clothes are bland and tree coloured — but Jungkook doesn’t seem to mind much about that all.

“Classes are…” Jungkook lets out a small hum. “Challenging, to say the least.”

From his table, Jimin giggles at something Minsoo must have said. Namjoon follows his gaze, his eyes flickering back to the table before landing back on Jungkook.

“You are being treated okay, right? Cos there is a zero tolerance to bullying here and —”

“I’m okay!” Jungkook confirms. “Just,” he taps at his notebook, which is half full of unintelligible scribbles. “trying my hardest.”

“Y’know, as part of my volunteering experience I grade some first year mock essays and assignments.” Namjoon sits down on the chair opposite him.

“You’ve read some of my essays?” That makes Jungkook sink his head down, covering his face with his hands. The fact that Kim Namjoon, who seems to be so clever, mature and wise, has read his poor and terribly written assignments is humiliating. “Shit. I know I must be, like, the worst student ever to step foot in this stupid law school but please don’t let them kick me out.”

“Ah — I think you misunderstood me,” The third year clears his throat.

“Huh?”

“Jungkook… your assignments are some of the best I’ve ever read.”

“What? No? You’re just saying that to be nice —”

“What you said about constitutional law? Jungkook… that was… unique and clever. You put your own thoughts and opinions into what you’re writing about, you research and make sure your judgment is sound. You’re amazing.”

“I am?”

“Fuck yeah, you are.”

When Namjoon smiles at him again, Jungkook feels his own cheeks widening as well. His chest is almost purring, he can feel his ears tingling and his heart beating erratically. It’s a nice feeling.

“Are you going to apply for the summer internship?” Namjoon asks.

“I wasn’t planning on it…” Jungkook answers with a shake of his head. “I’m not even sure if I’m going to pass the year.”

“You should. You handed in your resume at the start of the year, yeah?" Jungkook nods, dazed. "Then I think you definitely should." Namjoon smiles, dropping his gaze to the table for a moment before glancing back up. His cheeks are slightly pink. "And uh — I'll be doing it too."

"You will?"

"I'm not saying like… I'm going so you should, of course." He rushes to say, stammering. "As well as it being an incredible experience, it's actually a lot of fun. You join in on cases, see the joys of all the admin work and you get to sit in on the trials." Namjoon looks so excited, like a puppy that's been given a new squeaky rubber ball. 

Jungkook can't help but mirror Namjoon's feelings, a rush of excitement spreading through his body as he thinks about it. "It does sound fun," he admits shyly. 

He's not really looking forward to returning to Busan for the summer, so if he gets the internship then he can stay. He can be someone new and different from the Jeon Jungkook people are expecting back home. In Seoul he can be himself — and it's like he's only just discovering who that really is.

Plus… if Namjoon is going to be there… Jungkook thinks with a blush. The alpha has been one of the nicest people (if not the only) that he’s met here. Namjoon doesn’t belittle him, make him feel inferior. Every second in the third year’s presence is like a whole year’s worth of summer, with the sun smiling down on him, flowers blooming all around. 

“You’re amazing, Jungkook. And I know you can pass this year, you can get onto the summer internship. You could become an amazing lawyer.”

For the first time in his life, Jungkook allows himself to dream, to imagine. Back in Busan, any hope of the future had Minsoo in the slap bang in the centre of it. And it had become so natural to think of the alpha instead of himself. 

But somewhere down the line, that changed. Jungkook’s not even noticed until now. 

A smile dances onto the omega’s face. “I’m going to be an amazing lawyer.” 

“You are. Don’t do it for anyone else, just yourself.” Namjoon smiles. “Do you want hot chocolate? I can quiz you. Uh, that is if you’re not busy or… or want to have some silent study time?” The alpha clears his throat, neck reddening. “Y'know I’ll just go —”

“No!” Jungkook reaches out to grab hold of Namjoon’s hand. His skin is warm, clammy. It should be weird, gross, uncomfortable. But Jungkook doesn’t find it repulsive -- not like some of the nasty alphas here. There’s so much about this alpha in front of him that makes Jungkook so curious. He wants to learn about Kim Namjoon. He wants to hear the alpha’s laugh again, see those dimples on his cheeks.

Jungkook doesn’t want to be lonely. And Kim Namjoon is the best kind of company.

“No,” Jungkook says again, dropping the alpha’s hand when he sits back on the chair. “Please stay. I’d love to study with you. If that’s okay and I’m not bothering you.”

Namjoon smiles. “You’ve already got me, Jeon Jungkook.”

💛💗

He manages to pass the midterm exams (which is a shock to his fellow classmates, as well as himself). Namjoon buys him a celebratory banana milkshake, promising Jungkook he's going to do okay. (They spend three hours together in a coffee shop talking politely, blushes on their cheeks... from the hot heater of course). 

He did put in a lot of effort for the midterms, studying and staying up so late. He feels so proud of himself for making it this far.

He can do this. And he's going to prove everyone wrong.

Jungkook is walking down the streets of Seoul, drinking a pomegranate juice and nibbling on some bbq chicken skewers when he sees it out of the corner of his eye. 

Jimin and Minsoo arguing.

Classes finished early today. With the summer exams coming in a few months, the professors wanted the students to get as much individual study time as they can. Jungkook had just finished two hours in the library, and had bought the juice as a reward for himself.

Never in a million years did he think he'd run into Jimin and Minsoo glaring at each other.

Jungkook sneaks a little closer to the couple, his heart thumping against his chest as he strains his ears to listen. Jimin says something, his eyes so fiery it sends a shiver up Jungkook’s spine. Minsoo doesn’t seem to show any type of remorse, there’s no signs of wanting reconciliation on the alpha’s face. He looks angry, Jungkook has experienced Minsoo like that before. When the cracks started to appear in their relationship, Jungkook was too oblivious, too naive to see it.

But he can now. And it seems, so does Park Jimin. 

💛💗

A knock on his door shocks Jungkook out of his daydream. He was on a beach, warm sand against his toes and the sun kissing his face. He misses the beaches of Busan, the wide open water and the smell of seafood in the air.

There's another impatient knock against his door and when Jungkook swings his legs of the bed, yelling coming! he's surprised to see it's —

"Jimin?" Jungkook blinks.

"Who else would it be?" Jimin asks, eyebrows furrowed. "Your third year alpha friend?"

"Namjoon has study sessions on Wednesday afternoons," Jungkook answers, faster than he anticipates. It's not like he's memorised the third year's schedule... it's just they've met up a few times and so Jungkook knows when the alpha is available. That's all. 

They've met up to have boba tea, Namjoon offering to read over his class notes and proof reading assignment drafts. He's been a big help, and a really nice friend.

The omega only smirks slightly. "I'm here because you're the one who's apparently got the class court readings?" 

"Oh, yeah hang on." Jungkook turns around, rummaging through his desk for a moment. "Here," he says, passing it to Jimin. "I've read over it about a hundred times. But I think I took enough notes on it."

"Thank you." 

"You're welcome."

The two omegas stand there for a moment, awkwardly staring at the other.

"You're doing really well in class, did you know that?"

"Oh? Thank you?" Jungkook blushes.

"I uh," Jimin starts, itching the side of his neck. "I wanted to apologise for how I behaved when we first met." 

"You kicking me out of class because I hadn't read the summer reading list?"

Jimin purses his lips. "After. When Minsoo introduced us. I knew you had a history together, but I didn't realise it had been so… recent."

"Minsoo and I broke up in early summer. He took me out for dinner and I thought he was going to propose. Instead he broke up with me. And I…" Jungkook shrugs. "I vowed to myself I wouldn't let him think I was stupid, that we could get into the same law school."

"He should have never made you feel like that. I shouldn't have either. You're smart. Did you know Minsoo didn't even get 175 on his LEETs? He got waitlisted and had to get his father to speak to the principal."

Jungkook gasps, jaw dropping. "No! Really?"

Jimin nods. "Minsoo is a piece of shit, to be quite honest. I should have seen it a lot sooner."

Shockingly, Jungkook finds himself agreeing. Jungkook back in Busan would be punching a fist in Jimin's face, forcing him to take it back and to never speak a bad word about his alpha again. Now? Jungkook knows he hates the way Minsoo makes him feel. Knows he's worth more than what the alpha says. He’s glad Jimin can see it too. 

"I studied a fuck tonne to get into this stupid school so I could win him back." Jungkook whispers. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"You do what you want, Jungkook." Jimin says, grabbing his hand. "You do whatever makes you happy."

What makes him happy? Busan? His friends that are waiting for him there? Jungkook has no idea anymore.

"I like studying law," he confesses. "I never would have guessed it but…it's interesting and fun. It makes sense to me, like breathing or riding a bike." 

"So stay. Study for yourself." 

He's shaking in the realisation of it all. It feels like a weight has lifted off his shoulders, the skies have opened and heaven has descended.

"Thank you," Jungkook croaks, trying not to cry in front of the other omega. He fails.

After Jimin has passed him a tissue and they've hugged and said Fuck Minsoo, Jimin clears his throat. "Besides, I think there would be someone at this school who would miss you rather terribly if you left." 

"My new best friend, Park Jimin?"

"A certain third year alpha." Jimin smiles mischievously. "I think he's sweet on you."

"What? No!" Jungkook blushes hard. "Namjoon doesn't like me. He's… he's just polite and friendly. He talks to us all."

"True," Jimin says. "But he doesn't look at me like the way he looks at you."

"And what's that?" Jungkook hates that he finds himself asking that question, his eyes wide, waiting in agonising anticipation for Jimin to answer.

Jimin smiles softly. "Like you're the sunrise, and he wants to spend the entire day close to you." 

💛💗

jungkook

so quick life update:

minsoo is an ass and jimin is now my friend

taehyung

fuck minsoo

also i need all the gossip right now

yugyeom

fuck minsoo!!! 

💛💗

Being friends with Park Jimin is like getting off a huge rollercoaster after waiting in line for five hours. Somehow Jungkook is smiling, laughing. But it sort of makes sense, the way his legs feel a little like jelly and he’s squinting like the sun is in his eyes.

Jimin laughs and the omega’s cheeks scrunch up all cute and sweet... How did Jungkook ever think he was anything else but kind and adorable?

Together, they bond and gossip about Minsoo, agreeing he’s not worth either of their time, that he’s as useless as his knot. Together, they spend their final days as first year students studying for their exams.

News about Jimin and Minsoo’s break up spreads around campus like wildfire, it seems the alpha’s charming facade is officially broken; no one wants to befriend or date him now. 

(Spoiler alert, but he ends up alone — as he should.)

Jungkook swears he’s gone off alphas. Maybe a nice beta or omega would be better for him?

Jimin only smiles. He doesn’t need to even mention Kim Namjoon’s name, it already sweeps over the conversation, like how the wind carries everything on a blustery day. Flower petals and leaves from the trees, the scent of the seaside and what love and adoration must smell of. Jungkook can’t seem to stop thinking about him. But he finds, he doesn’t really mind that. 

💛💗

On the day of the exams Namjoon hands Jungkook a good luck charm, a little pink bunny with floppy ears. His hands are warm and soft, his smile even warmer like caramelised butter in a hot pan. 

Jimin has to pinch Jungkook’s side, shocking Jungkook out of his blushed daze. 

“Thank you, hyung.” Jungkook says sincerely, eyes wide and round as he holds the pink bunny to his chest. “This is really kind of you.”

“So kind,” Jimin clips next to him. “Don’t I get a good luck gift as well, sunbae-nim?” 

Namjoon clears his throat a little, glancing at Jimin. “I’m sorry Jimin-ssi I… um.” The alpha pats his pockets rapidly, his cheeks burning red. “Um. How about a mint?”

“Why yes, thank you.” Jimin takes the mint and plops it in his mouth, sucking it loudly. 

“I didn’t know you two were friends now,” Namjoon says, glancing back and forth between the two of them.

“We found out we’re both mermaids,” Jimin says casually, assessing his cuticles. 

Namjoon blinks. “O-oh.”

“Nah, I’m joking.” Jimin grins. “We bonded over our hatred of alphas.”

Namjoon chokes, his mouth falling open in a gasp before he composes himself and tries to not look as if he’s about to cry any second. 

“Only one alpha,” Jungkook cuts in with a pout. 

“Ah,” Namjoon takes a step back, his scent spiked and his facial features crumpled in total devastation. 

“Minsoo,” Jimin clarifies, crossing his arms against his chest. At the name, Namjoon looks up. “We both realised he’s a jerk and not worth either of our time.” 

“I see.” A smile peeks onto the alpha’s face like sunshine does on a cloudy day. Jungkook shivers, there’s a breeze today. “Well good luck,” Namjoon nods. “Both of you. Some of the professors are holding a celebratory dinner tomorrow evening for the first years, where we’ll find out who’s got a place on the summer internship.”

"How many places are there?"

Namjoon shrugs at Jimin's question. "As many as they think deserve it. Jungkook-ah you'll do amazing, don't worry. And uh you too, Jimin-ssi."

"Thanks, that makes me so confident." Jimin huffs, but there's a little twinkle in his eyes as he watches between Jungkook and Namjoon. 

💛💗

The results are nailed to a wall on campus. There’s no fancy looking, embossed envelopes this time, and his fellow omegas in his fraternity aren’t there to comfort him. But Jimin is by his side as the two push their way through the crowd to check on their results.

Jungkook feels shaky as he searches for his name, the feeling intensifying when he notices —

"I passed?"

Jimin snorts from behind him, though he's smiling widely. "Of course you did, you silly goose."

It's a surreal feeling, like a weight lifting off his shoulders. He can do this, he is doing this. For himself and no one else. 

Somewhere amidst the crowd of students, Kim Namjoon suddenly comes into focus. The sight of the alpha isn’t an unusual one, and yet something rattles inside Jungkook’s chest. 

Namjoon smiles, jogging closer towards them, his eyes creased and dimples snuggled on his cheeks. “What did I say?” Namjoon grins, his spiced butter cookie scent as crisp as the first day Jungkook met him. “I knew you could do it.” 

Jungkook blinks, speechless. 

“I think he’s still in shock,” Jimin says for him, patting Jungkook’s shoulder. “I think if you give him a hug, it might wake him up.”

“Oh,” Namjoon blushes. “Uh — okay?” 

Jimin grins evilly from behind Namjoon’s shoulders as the alpha opens his arms and engulfs Jungkook in a quick two second hug. It’s over before it’s really begun, but Jungkook definitely felt muscled arms around his shoulders and wishes he could feel them again (and on other places of his body too). 

Jungkook mourns the loss of the alpha surrounding him in an instant, but he manages to suppress the chirrup that claws its way up his throat, threatening to escape. He glares at Jimin when Namjoon has his head turned away, Jimin blows a kiss. 

Namjoon’s sweet cookie scent turns bitter all of a sudden, and it doesn’t take too long to understand why. 

Jimin’s own scent (fresh cherries) sours and when Jungkook looks up to assess the crowds, his own skin shivers. 

“Minsoo.” Jimin glares, folding his arms against his chest. “What the fuck do you want?”

The alpha clears his throat, lifting up his left hand to mess with his hair. Jungkook finds the action is no longer cute anymore. 

“You can relax, Jimin.” Minsoo glares, rolling his eyes. “I came to speak to Jungkook.”

Three sets of eyes fall on Jungkook. “Me?” He squeaks, widening his eyes. 

Minsoo nods. “Can I have a word?” He doesn’t wait for Jungkook to reply, instead he grabs hold of his wrist, pulling him towards an empty space on the grounds. 

Jungkook pulls his hand away. “What?” He finds himself asking, giving the alpha a glare of his own that could rival Jimin’s.

“I was wrong.” Minsoo says.

“Excuse me?”

“You are the omega for me,” he elaborates, grabbing Jungkook’s hand so he can kiss his palm. Jungkook’s stomach convulses. “Jungkook… pooh bear. I love you.”

“Minsoo…” Jungkook blinks, his body frozen. He can feel the stares of Jimin and of Kim Namjoon watching from behind a pillar wall. It’s like he’s having déjà vu. Minsoo muttering out those words after sharing kisses on a sunkissed beach, after spending four hours in a hot tub, after drinking a sex on the beach after… well you know. 

“I have waited so long to hear you say those words,” Jungkook starts, looking up at Minsoo. The alpha smirks knowingly. 

“I knew you came here for me.”

“But I’ve changed, Minsoo. And if I want to be a partner of a law firm by the time I’m thirty, I need a boyfriend who’s not such a fucking loser.”

Minsoo blinks, his mouth hanging open in shock. “I’m sorry?”

“Apology accepted,” Jungkook huffs. “Now leave me alone.”

💛💗

“Are you not going to ask me what Minsoo wanted?” Jungkook whispers to Jimin. The dinner party is almost at an end, they’ve had just a few too many champagne flutes and both Jimin and Jungkook were accepted onto the summer internship whilst Minsoo wasn’t even on the shortlist. 

Jimin shakes his head. “I’m so over him, I don’t even know why I gave him the time of day. We’re never letting a guy come between us again, agreed?”

Jungkook nods his head, snuggling up to the omega’s shoulder. “Agreed. He said he loved me, wanted me back.”

“He’s got some nerve. Are you okay? He’s not ruined your perfect day, no?”

“He’s never going to be anything to me ever again.” Jungkook says, knocking back the rest of his glass. Jimin cheers. 

“Good riddance to him.”

Jungkook puts down his empty glass, looking around the room until he spots a certain third year alpha in the corner, talking to Min Yoongi and Jung Hoseok (other third year students who volunteered on occasion during some of JYP’s classes). 

“Namjoon hyung wasn’t with you by the time I came back,” he says, as casually as he’s able. 

“No,” Jimin smiles, a little too knowingly for Jungkook’s liking. “He looked like a sad puppy when you left. Maybe he thought you wanted to get back with Minsoo.”

“I would never!”

“Does he know that?” Jimin asks. 

“No.” Jungkook pouts. He hasn’t been able to talk to Namjoon since. Not that that’s been a problem or anything… “Namjoon hyung probably doesn’t even care.” 

Jimin heaves out a long sigh, looking down at his own empty glass. “If you two are going to act like this during the internship, then it’ll be a long summer.”

💛💗

taehyung 

i miss seokjin sunbae’s new keep fit, keep fab videos

yugyeom

he normally posts every tuesday, just after 10 🙁

taehyung

yeah.

how else am i supposed to exercise my core now 

i miss his broad shoulders

his perky ass

his hair

his smile

his laugh

the grunts he did when he was demonstrating a stretch 

yugyeom 

it’s been so long since his last video 🙁

hope everything is ok

taehyung

why did you just jinx him like that?????

yugyeom

like what????

taehyung 

take it back RIGHT NOW

yugyeom 

i didn’t say anything!!!!!!!!!

taehyung 

seokjin sunbae is sexy and living his best life right now 

yugyeom 

i didn’t mean anything bad!!! i’m sure he’s fine

taehyung 

there you go again!!!! 

jungkook 

why are you leaving us on read and not saying anything

💛💗

“Kim Seokjin did not murder his boyfriend!”

Jimin lets out a yawn, wiping sleep out of his eyes as he hits the caffe latte option on the coffee maker. “The only people who decide that are the jury.”

Min Yoongi (Namjoon’s classmate and now Jimin’s new boyfriend) hums as he pours himself an americano. “There’s going to be a lot of cases where you have to look at all the paperwork and facts. It’s tough but… it has to be done.”

“He was the president of my fraternity during my first year,” Jungkook continues, stubborn. Seokjin welcomed him into the fraternity like they were long lost brothers, every person who joined became family. “He was the kindest, funniest guy ever!”

“Anyone can murder someone, no matter if they have a sense of humour."

“Have you seen his fitness videos?” Jungkook huffs.

Jimin shakes his head, shrugging.

“He is the reason I have this ass!” Jungkook slaps his backside. 

There’s an awkward cough from behind them, a very familiar cookie scent filling Jungkook’s senses. 

“Kim Namjoon!” Jimin grins, pushing Jungkook forwards almost into Namjoon’s chest. “Are you aware of the client’s fitness videos?”

Namjoon blushes, shaking his head.

“Jungkook is.” Yoongi coughs, knocking back the rest of his coffee.

Jungkook squeaks, pushing Yoongi sideways into Jimin. “I’m sorry, hyung. Don’t listen to them.”

“It’s nice that you enjoy uh… fitness!” Namjoon smiles. The dimples appear, and Jungkook’s insides turn into goo. 

“Maybe you should both work out sometime?” Jimin asks, ignoring Jungkook's death glares. 

From behind a blushing Namjoon, Jung Hoseok appears, sporting an identical evil grin to Jungkook's (former) best friend, Jimin and his boyfriend. "I'm sure Namjoon would appreciate the company.”

Jungkook swallows, his mouth dry. He remembers overhearing Hoseok and Yoongi mention that Kim Namjoon liked to work out shirtless. Hoseok winks.

Jungkook doesn't say anything, just squeaks and looks back down at the file report for Kim Seokjin. Three days ago Kim Seokjin was arrested for the murder of his very wealthy boyfriend Lee Chanwoo. The coroner reported that by the time the police arrived, Chanwoo had been dead for about thirty minutes. No murder weapon was found, and Chanwoo’s son (who was about Seokjin’s age) said he saw Seokjin standing over his father’s dead body.

"How are you two liking the internship so far?" Hoseok asks.

They’re three weeks into their internship program. It’s been eye-opening, and has only seemed to make Jungkook’s passion for law wider and greater. The cases have been mostly thefts, break ins, a few drug offences. Until one of the case teams dropped by thirty boxes this morning, declaring that all the interns were now to focus on the trial of Kim Seokjin.

After being interrogated by the police, Seokjin hired the law firm. He firmly insists he’s innocent, though he refuses to reveal his alibi. 

“It’s fun,” Jimin says, slurping at his coffee. “I’m surprised they’re letting first year interns look at a homicide case though.”

“Potential homicide —” Jungkook mutters. 

“Well it’s such a big case, as you can expect.” Hoseok says. “I think they need just all hands on deck at the moment with all this paperwork.”

“It just still doesn’t make sense to me,” Jungkook mutters, frowning down at the case file in his hands. “Kim Seokjin just wouldn’t do this.”

“I agree, a lot of the timeline and witness statements don’t fully correlate.” Namjoon says. “But without an alibi from the defendant…”

“Both the gardener and the son were there,” Hoseok says thoughtfully. “If Seokjin was innocent his alibi has to be good. And then you go into a huge rabbit hole of why the son and the gardener would lie about it.”

“Jungkook looks like a rabbit,” Jimin adds. “Don’t you think, Namjoon hyung?”

Namjoon chokes on his drink.

“I heard the paralegal team were planning on having the lawyers speak to him again today,” Yoongi nods his head towards some lawyers, all suited in dark greys. “Jungkook-ah, you know the defendant so it might be good if he sees a friendly face, someone he knows is on his side.”

“I don’t know him that well —” Jungkook stutters with a blush as Yoongi calls over the lawyers to discuss their thoughts. “He probably doesn’t even remember me,”

💛💗

“I remember you!” is the first thing out of Seokjin’s (beautifully plump) lips as Jungkook sits down. 

“Ah really?” Jungkook lets out a small, nervous chuckle. He neatens the paper in his file and drums his fingers anxiously against the table. “I didn’t know if you would.”

“You look exactly like a Siberian flying squirrel, of course I would.” Seokjin says, leaning back in his chair. 

"That's incredibly specific."

"Have you ever seen one?" 

Jungkook shakes his head. 

“Well, have a look on Naver when you get home and then look at yourself in the mirror. You're adorable, and you had the best high kick I’ve ever seen. And such low squats too. So you’re one of my lawyers?”

Jungkook nods. “Well, sort of? I’m an intern, but I mentioned that I knew you. Or — well, that I’m a fan.”

“Jungkook-ssi, you were there from the start of my fitness business! You’re like family to me. All of us working out in the gym on Friday afternoons? Those were some of my best memories at university.”

“Oh wow that’s really an honour to hear you say that,” Jungkook blushes, he fiddles with his fingers. “My two friends were in the same year, we try to watch all your videos.”

“Taehyung and Yugyeom, right?” Seokjin asks. “Yeah I remember them. Taehyung was gorgeous and Yugyeom had the cutest laugh,”

Jungkook swallows down his scream. His friends will not believe this. “You were the best president ever.”

Seokjin lets out a small snort. “Look at me now. I’m wearing orange and on trial for murder. How the tables turn.”

“Your legal team are some of the best in the country,” Jungkook says firmly, wishing he could smash the glass wall blocking the two of them to give his sunbae a big hug. “They’re really brilliant.”

“I don’t doubt that,” the other omega says, biting his lip worryingly. “But I’m glad I have you too. That’s really comforting to know. You’re a rockstar.”

“I have to ask you a few questions though from the case team, is that okay?”

“Ask whatever you need to, little one. I’ll try my best.”

Jungkook clears his throat and looks down at his papers to try and hide his blush. “Can you go over what happened that day?”

“I came home and my boyfriend was dead, lying in a pool of his blood right in the middle of the living room.” Seokjin murmurs, shivering. “I screamed, and the gardener and my boyfriend’s son ran in.”

“You didn’t see anything suspicious? A murder weapon or a sign of anyone breaking in?”

Seokjin shakes his head. “Everything was normal.”

“It would really help your case if you could give us more information about what you were doing before you came home, sunbae.”

“Call me hyung, please Jungkook-ah. You’ve already earned that right.”

“It’d be really helpful, hyung.” Jungkook repeats, flustered. “I know you're innocent but… the jury needs to have all evidence given to them so they can give you a fair trial.”

“I…” Seokjin sighs, licking his chapped lips. Jungkook pulls out a lip balm he borrowed from Namjoon hyung earlier (vanilla flavour, it smells delicious) and posts it through the small letter box in the wall. Seokjin gives him a watery smile. “I can’t Jungkook-ah,” he lets out a sniff, his eyes tearing up. “It's so shameful.”

“Oh hyung.” Jungkook leans forwards, placing his palm on the glass. “Whatever it is, it could save you.”

“If I tell you, it would ruin me. It would ruin my career.”

“What do you mean?”

“I made my fortune helping so many with my Keep Fit, Keep Fab videos. I’ve helped people feel confident in their beautiful bodies, helped people love who they are.”

“I know, hyung! You’ve helped so many people, myself included!”

Seokjin breathes in deeply, massaging his forehead for a moment. “On the day of my boyfriend’s murder I… I had… liposuction.”

It takes Jungkook a few seconds to understand the words that stutter out of Seokjin’s mouth. 

Jungkook blinks, and then heaves out a gasp that has him falling backwards in his chair. Seokjin shrieks out crying, covering his face in his hands.

“Hyung!”

“I know!” Seokjin gulps, tears running down his perfect cheeks. “I’m a fraud! I paid for this ass. If this gets out, no one will take me seriously anymore.” He sniffs and wipes his wet eyes with his sleeve. “What am I going to do?”

“Hyung…” Jungkook pulls out some tissues, handing Seokjin one through the small letter opening. Iron Man tissues, a second packet that Namjoon gave him last week when Jungkook was sneezing. “I swear we’re going to protect you and your reputation. We’ll have to give it as evidence but… you’ve done nothing wrong. I promise.”

💛💗

Namjoon is waiting outside for Jungkook when he comes out, all bundled up and looking cosy in a big scarf and coat. The alpha waves, a smile wide and bright on his face as Jungkook shuffles over to him, allowing himself a shy smile.

“You didn’t have to wait for me, hyung.” Jungkook blushes, hoping his eyes aren’t too wide and expressive. His heart is beating wildly, thumping against his chest.

“I wanted to!” Namjoon says. “I remember my first year as an intern, everything was so big and scary. It’s nice to have someone supporting you through all that, someone comforting.” 

Warmth spreads through his body, all tingley and happy. “Thank you.”

“I mean…” Namjoon mutters, coughing all of a sudden. His cheeks and ears are a little flushed. “I’m not saying that I think I’m like your one and only —”

“Oh no —” Jungkook squeaks, widening his eyes at the alpha who looks just as embarrassed. 

“Just I meant like… that we’re friends —” Namjoon explains, sweat beginning to bead up on his forehead. 

“We are!” Jungkook agrees, nodding his head wildly. “And I appreciate it. I appreciate you.” 

“Ah,” The alpha grins, bashful. “Anything you need, I’m right behind you.”

The phrase has no… connotations and yet Jungkook’s mind wanders for a moment. Imagining the alpha actually behind him; his strong arms circled around Jungkook’s waist. Namjoon murmuring something into the back of Jungkook’s neck, kissing at the skin and biting as he works Jungkook up and down on his big, alpha knot.

Jungkook’s mind skids to a halt, knocking him back into reality. He’s getting close to his heat, his mind is just going all over the place at the moment. 

He looks across at the alpha and feels ashamed, pushing those thoughts into a vault that will never be opened again. 

“Are you cold?” Namjoon asks.

As if on instinct, Jungkook shivers. “Maybe?” He rubs his arms a little consciously. “I think I left my coat back in the office. I should probably go and get it.” Now it’s Jungkook’s turn to blush, voice turning to jelly. “Well, your coat I guess. I’m sorry — I never gave it back to you, did I?”

“That’s okay. It looks better on you anyways.” Namjoon pauses for a moment, clearly thinking. “Hey — I was wondering. I could… um… walk you back to the office to pick up your coat and then we could maybe get something to eat if you wanted to?

“I’d love that.”

The alpha smiles. “How do you feel about samgyeopsal?”

“Already salivating.”

“I forgot to ask,” Namjoon says a few minutes later, as they're walking slowly up to the office. “How was the meeting with Kim Seokjin-ssi?”

“He’s clearly very upset,” Jungkook says. “But I did get his alibi. Hyung, he’s completely innocent. He was at an appointment at the time of the murder.”

“Well that’s good! We can get all the information we need to back up his statement, I can show you how we do that on Monday." Jungkook nods his head. "But maybe it’s best if you keep your findings quiet for the moment. Because this is such a big case we should just let the Senior on the case look at it first. You’ll get sick of paperwork, Jungkook-ah.”

Jungkook breaks out into a smile. “Oh no hyung, I don’t think I could ever get sick of this job.”

“You’re really in your element here. You’re almost glowing.” 

Do friends speak like that to one another? Jungkook’s omega is unsure, his brain feels all gooey and mushy. “I’m really enjoying it,” Jungkook admits after a moment. “I mean it’s fucking hard, don’t get me wrong. But I really love it.”

“You’re passionate, headstrong. All things you need to become a great lawyer.” Namjoon looks at him and smiles, and Jungkook feels like he’s just stepped off a huge cliff and is spiralling down into the earth’s atmosphere.

What awaits him afterwards is another thing entirely. 

💛💗

"Did you get the alibi?" 

Jungkook twirls around, jumping at the sound of a voice in what he thought was an empty office. A strong minty eucalyptus fills his senses as he notices one of the alpha paralegals (Beomseok, if Jungkook remembers rightly) still hunched up by his desk. 

“Do you guys ever go home?” Jungkook jokes politely.

Beomseok laughs lightly, shaking his head. “I might as well live here at this point. I’m just going to come back in a few hours.”

“Well, sorry if I broke your concentration,” Jungkook apologises with a small dip of his head. “I’m just here to get my coat, I forgot to take it before meeting the client.”

“How was it?” Beomseok turns his chair around, facing Jungkook. “Did Seokjin-ssi give you his alibi?”

“He did.”

“And?” The alpha grins, something causes a shiver to run down Jungkook’s spine. 

“And I’m speaking to the Senior on the case about it on Monday.”

“You’re not going to tell me about the alibi which rests on this entire case?” Beomseok’s eyebrows rise upwards, along with his scent bittering slightly. Jungkook tries not to sneeze.

“Kim Seokjin is innocent, that’s all I can say.” He shrugs, picking up his coat (he blushes when he remembers Namjoon is waiting for him downstairs). 

"Look," Beomseok sighs, massaging his temples as if he's stressed. "The Law World is different from the Law School World. You think you know everything right now, huh? I guarantee you, when you graduate you'll have no idea how easy you got it all before."

"Uh…" Jungkook blinks, unsure of what the alpha is trying to say. "Okay?"

"But a good lawyer will understand that an alibi is something you need to discuss with the team and not just keep it to yourself. This alibi is what could win us the case, or we could lose and Seokjin-ssi would go to jail. Are you prepared to live with that?"

"I'm not just keeping it to myself," Jungkook stutters out. "I’m going to speak to the Senior about it on Monday."

“So why can’t you just tell me now?” Beomseok stands up from his chair. Jungkook’s tall for an average omega, but the alpha towers above him intimidatingly. 

“Because it’s just the start of the process and I want to make sure I do it all correctly?” He frowns, not entirely sure what Beomseok’s problem is. “That’s what we got told at the start of the internship. It’s nothing personal, sunbae.”

All Beomseok does is laugh lightly, it sets Jungkook’s teeth on edge. “I understand that, no worries. I can always show you some things around the office. It’s good to get as much exposure as you can.”

“That would be nice, maybe yeah.” Jungkook hugs Namjoon’s coat to his chest. “Sorry Sunbae, I have to go. See you on Monday.”

“Hey, Jungkook. Are you busy? How about I take you out for some dinner, my treat? And we can go over some of the reports?”

“Oh.” He frowns, a little surprised. “Um sorry, sunbae. But I already have plans.”

“Ah, another time then. Yeah?”

When Jungkook’s finally out of the building, he allows himself to breathe out. That whole encounter was so… strange and off putting? He looks up to Beomseok sunbae, respects him just like the other full time workers there. Unless Jungkook was just overreacting and overthinking the entire conversation? 

“Are you okay?” 

It’s amazing, both Beomseok and Namjoon are alphas and yet in Namjoon’s presence Jungkook feels just so comfortable and at peace. One look at the alpha with his dimpled smile and dreamy eyes causes Jungkook to melt. 

“Yeah I’m fine,” Jungkook says with a small smile. “But I am incredibly hungry and my stomach is crying for samgyeopsal.”

Everything feels simple and refreshing when he’s with Namjoon. 

“Then let’s go,” the alpha nods. “My treat.”

💛💗

"What's got you all happy?" Jimin asks during their half hour lunch on Monday. 

Jungkook looks up from his phone with a light blush. "Nothing." 

Jimin rolls his eyes, though there's a smile on his face. "Namjoon, I'm assuming?"

Jungkook lasts all but five seconds before showing Jimin his phone. Namjoon just sent him a picture of a dog, a beautiful doberman puppy with the face of an angel. The puppy needed a new home, and Namjoon was considering adopting him.

After lunch, Jungkook sits with Namjoon and the Senior caseworker about Seokjin's alibi. Together they look through records, CCTV, social media and look at Automatic number plate recognitions. Seokjin's alibi backs up with all the current evidence.

Seokjin is innocent. And his alibi proves that, all the evidence confirms it beyond any reasonable doubt.

“We’re pretty much prepared for the trial now,” Namjoon says a few hours later, as he and Jungkook are walking along the busy streets of Hongdae, ready to meet and greet the little doberman puppy before Namjoon officially takes him home. “All our evidence is sound, the only eyewitnesses are the gardener and the victim’s son, who I don’t trust a single bit.” 

“When is the trial set for?”

Namjoon hums as he checks his phone calendar. “Nine days.”

“Are you nervous?” Jungkook asks. “The third year interns are helping out, right?”

"I won't be doing much," Namjoon admits with a small nervous chuckle. "Just helping out on the trial days. You did good, getting the alibi. Seokjin is going to be free because of you."

"You really think so?" 

"I do!" Namjoon smiles. "You're compassionate and smart, dedicated and headstrong. I told you at the beginning of the year and my opinion hasn't changed. You've got a lot of potential, Jungkook-ah." 

"Stop hyung, I might blush." 

Namjoon only beams at him. 

It's love at first sight when they meet Bam. He's such a tiny, adorable puppy that captures Jungkook's heart in an instant. He coos softly as he picks the puppy up, giggling when the little puppy tongue licks over his nose happily.

"Oh Namjoon hyung," Jungkook tries not to cry. "He's a dream. I'm so happy for you."

Namjoon smiles, tickling under Bam's chin. "I was thinking. How about you take him?"

Bam yips, licking Jungkook's cheeks next. "Me? But… he's yours?" 

"Look at him!" Namjoon points at the little bundle of fluff and happiness in his arms. "He adores you already. And you both look like each other." 

"I could never be as cute as this little guy!" Jungkook gushes, kissing Bam on the nose.

"Just promise me one thing, Jungkook-ah?"

"Yeah?" Jungkook looks up to find Namjoon staring at him so softly and yet with an intensity that makes him blush.

"I get to take him on walks at least once a week."

Jungkook reaches out to shake Namjoon’s hand. “Deal.”

It’s Tuesday evening when Jimin calls out to Jungkook. The omega is carrying about twenty case files in his small arms, his chin propped up to keep the stack steady. 

“Beomseok sunbae is looking for you,” Jimin says, trying to look down at his feet to make sure he doesn’t walk into anything. 

“Do you need any help?” 

“Nah,” Jimin shakes his head. “This is the last of them now. There were hundreds of files and folders he needed moving. But now he might be wanting a coffee run or a doughnut, you know how lazy they are.”

Jungkook smiles, nodding his head in agreement. The interns have been asked so many times to get coffees and do other small admin tasks. It’s becoming a running theme, seeing how many times a day they get asked to do things. 

Jungkook lightly knocks on the office room before coming in. Beomseok is the only one still working (as usual), so Jungkook walks up to his desk. 

“You wanted to see me?”

“Ah, Jungkook-ah!” Beomseok turns slightly, flicking off his computer monitor. “It was just something brief, nothing bad I assure you.”

“Okay.” Jungkook nods, waiting. When Beomseok doesn’t speak he shuffles his bag around to his other shoulder, checking the time on his watch. 

“Firstly, I wanted to apologise,” Beomseok says after a moment's pause. “Last week when I asked about the client’s alibi. I was in the wrong doing that, you did everything right and followed protocol correctly.”

“Ah, thank you sunbae.” 

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do after your internship?”

Jungkook shrugs. “Well, after my three years of law school I’m hoping to find a firm that I believe strongly in. This experience has been really beneficial to me and I’ve been enjoying every second.”

“That’s a good plan!” Beomseok says, nodding. “But you should be expanding your horizons even more, Jungkook.”

“What do you mean?”

“It all depends on how far you want to go,” Beomseok explains, shuffling forwards so he’s standing in front of Jungkook. “How far you’re willing to go.” The alpha exhales, and then leans forward just that little bit more, placing one of his hands on Jungkook’s waist. 

Jungkook pulls back in surprise, it feels like his skin is burning. “Excuse me? Are you hitting on me?”

“You’re beautiful.” Beomseok says, grinning. “I thought I had made my attraction towards you clear from your first day here. You’ve been leading me on this whole time.”

“I’ve been focusing on my internship?” Jungkook takes a step back, shaking his head. “I’m here to get experience in a law firm, nothing else!”

“You’re here because I wanted you to be here! Don’t act all oblivious now.” Beomseok huffs. “I thought you were a law student who wanted to be a lawyer. Surely you know the easiest way to get to the top.”

Jungkook splays his palm and slaps him clear across the face with as much force as he can muster. Beomseok stutters out a shocked gasp as he falls backwards. He starts saying something, but Jungkook doesn't want to hear anything more from the alpha's mouth. He races out of the room, heart hammering against his chest. 

The lift isn’t coming fast enough, Jungkook presses the call button once, twice, three times. He doesn’t want Beomseok to chase after him, although he highly doubts that happening — the alpha’s sour and soiled scent is permeating in the air, making him feel nauseous. 

Jungkook can feel the tears running down his cheeks as he tries to catch his breath. The elevator dings! and Jungkook hurries in, crossing his arms across his chest after pressing the doors close button.

A hand catches the lift door just before it’s about to close, keeping it open. He expects it to be Beomseok, raging and upset. Instead Jungkook breathes in a small sigh of relief when he sees it’s Jimin. 

The other omega takes one look at Jungkook and hops into the elevator too, firmly pressing the ground floor button. 

“Fuck him,” Jimin grunts, seething. “Fuck. Him. Did he hurt you?”

Jungkook doesn’t say anything, just shakes his head. 

“Oh Jungkook.” He feels Jimin’s arms on his shoulders, a hand in his hair, brushing it lightly and softly. “Are you going to report him? Or do you want me to?”

“No hyung,” Jungkook shakes his head. “It’s okay.”

“But it’s not Jungkook-ah…” Jimin whispers, his eyes shining with tears. 

“I’m quitting.” Saying it out loud is a sobering thing, he wipes his eyes and turns to Jimin. “At the start of the year, you always said I should quit. Well — you got your wish, Jimin hyung.”

Jimin doesn’t speak — can’t speak. He sniffs, shaking his head, his eyes and cheek pink and blotchy. “Don’t say that, Koo. You’ve come so far and I’m so proud of you. I was awful back then, I was so mean and shitty to you.”

“It’s okay.” 

The elevator dings!

The doors open.

Jungkook’s heart breaks. 

Namjoon is standing opposite the elevator doors when it opens. The alpha blinks, widening his eyes when he sees Jungkook’s distress.

Jungkook tries not to cry again as he steps out onto the floor, walking fast paced towards the exit. He needs to feel the fresh air, he needs to be able to breathe clearly and not smell Beomseok’s awful, putrid scent clinging to the air around him. 

Namjoon follows him, lightly jogging to catch up. “Jungkook-ah? Talk to me. What happened?”

“Law school was a mistake… this whole internship was a mistake.” 

“What? Don’t say that! You earned your place here!”

Jungkook shoves open the two front doors, finally stepping out into the cold night air. He lets out a sigh of relief. “The only reason I got accepted onto this internship was because Beomseok sunbae liked the way I looked. He just made that extremely clear tonight, when he tried to feel me up.”

Namjoon’s nostrils flare angrily, his scent spiking. “Beomseok did what?” 

"I'm going to go back to Busan," Jungkook shrugs. "I'm just done with Seoul and the people here. I never belonged, I've just been fooling myself thinking I could be a bigshot, top lawyer."

"I…" Namjoon pauses, thinking hard. "Jungkook… I've never once doubted you or thought you were foolish. And I… I've liked having you here. I've got so much I wish I could say but nothing is coming out right at all. But please, stay?" Namjoon looks so small, so vulnerable and open. "You can't leave."

"There's nothing here for me, hyung." Jungkook sobs with a small shake of his head. "What's the point in staying?"

"What about me? And... and Bam! He's only just gotten used to us." 

"Hyung," Despite the tears streaming down his face, Jungkook stutters out a laugh. "I'm sure you'll be fine without me here. You can come and see me whenever you want to in Busan. Bam too."

"I won't… Jungkook-ah. I feel like I’m the best version of myself when I’m with you.”

“Namjoon…” When Jungkook exhales, he feels his body shaking. But it’s not from the cold. It’s from the way his hyung looks at him, like Jungkook’s the beginning and end of the alpha’s happiness. “You can’t say that.”

“And why not?”

“Because! I’m afraid of thinking too much. Of letting myself think there’s more between this — between us — than there actually is… I’m afraid that I want more.”

Namjoon breathes out slightly and when the alpha raises his hands to Jungkook’s face, he doesn’t flinch away. Namjoon's fingers brush softly against Jungkook’s cheeks, they feel like home. “Do you want there to be more?” 

“I don’t want my heart to get hurt again, hyung.” Jungkook whispers out, too afraid to let the secrets of his heart known. But it hurts so much already, what else does he have to lose? He can’t even explain it, how badly his heart is yearning for Namjoon, how badly he longs to feel his embrace, feel the warmth of his hugs and kisses, his love. “I want it so badly but you’re just so… so perfect and so — when you spoke to me that first time on campus, underneath the cherry trees, it was like my story had finally begun. And it was because of you, everything before you was just meaningless and... it was like you finally made it worth living.”

Namjoon brushes away the tears that trickle out of Jungkook’s eyes, no matter how hard he tries not to. Namjoon’s seen him through so much, it feels wrong to expect so much more of him. And yet Jungkook wants it, more than anything else. 

“Jungkook-ah…” The alpha’s gaze lowers to Jungkook’s lips, licking his own before he releases a shattering breath. “Your story began so much earlier before meeting me. You're... amazing and I can't express how much I really like you… and —”

But whatever he’s about to say next never comes. Jimin exits the building, stopping just in front of the pair. Namjoon steps back, his arms falling slowly to his side. 

“How have you guys still not kissed yet?”

Jungkook hitches his breath, cheeks hot as he blinks at Namjoon, who stutters out something underneath his breath, staring intently at the floor.

“You like me?” Jungkook asks. Surely he misheard Namjoon just then. Because how could the alpha say that? When Jungkook is just so… messed up and imperfect. And yet he needs to hear those words uttered out of Namjoon’s lips… the lips Jungkook so badly wants to taste, to cherish, to love. 

Is Jungkook finally going to get his happy ending? It was never Minsoo. Minsoo never made him feel this way, like he’s walking to the ends of the earth, with that promise of forever. Minsoo never made him feel this way about himself. Jungkook never felt beautiful or smart… or worthy of affection.

But with Namjoon?

The alpha nods, the dimples Jungkook likes so much appearing deep on his cheeks. A tear gently slides down his cheek. “I like you so much, Jungkook. So much, it sometimes feels like my heart is breaking.”

“Oh.” 

How is it possible that Namjoon feels the same way? He also feels his heart shattering with the possibilities and hopes and dreams of the two of them together. Jungkook breathes out a sigh of relief. He can’t help but smile, his teeth on show, his cheeks flushed and pink. 

Namjoon likes him.

“So,” Jimin purses his lips together with a clap of his hands. “Congratulations and all on finding out the other has also been pining back but… Beomseok is on his way down so we should get out of here.”

At the mention of the alpha’s name, Namjoon’s besotted smile vanishes and is replaced with a look of fury. “I might stay and greet him when he comes outside. Give him a piece of my mind.”

“Hyung, that's the last thing you should be doing!” Jimin chastises. “But I won’t stop you.” 

“Please, don’t.” Jungkook reaches out, grabbing Namjoon’s hand. Their fingers instantly entwine, as if their hands were always meant to hold. “How about we get some hot chocolate instead?”

“Ooh,” Jimin gasps. “I love hot chocolate!”

“No offence, Jimin, but I am not inviting you.” Jungkook says, eyes never straying from Namjoon’s face.

“After everything I’ve done for you both?” Jimin huffs, hands on his hips. “Forget it, I don’t want to be with you two on a date anyways.” He shivers, making a face. “I’ll call Yoongi, I’m sure I’ll have a much better time with him then I would third wheeling.”

💛💗

“So, I guess we have a lot to talk about — huh?” Namjoon starts, drumming his fingers against the table. “I suppose my first question is: are you really going to leave? Of course, if you really want to I won’t get in your way of that. But in the same way — don’t stay for me. Like you said before… I can come to Busan and it would only take a few hours overall.”

Jungkook hums as he holds his warm cup in his hands. “I think I have decided to stay.” He says, nodding firmly. “For myself. I’m not going to let one stupid asshole ruin my life forever.”

“I’m glad. You still have two more years of Law School left.”

“But you’re graduating this year,” Jungkook frowns. “We’ll still see each other, right?”

“I…” Namjoon pauses, eyes dropping to his napkin quickly. “Uh… if you want to see me then. Yeah.”

“Of course I want to, hyung. I have the hugest fucking crush on you.”

“Believe me, the feeling is completely mutual.”

Jungkook smirks into his hot chocolate. “You like me,” he teases. 

Namjoon’s smile is as dumbstruck as his own. “I do.”

“And I like you.” Jungkook adds, grinning.

“It would appear so.” 

“So, what now?”

“Whatever we want. It’s just us and that’s all we need.”

Us. 

Jungkook and Namjoon. Namjoon and Jungkook. 

Jungkook likes the sound of that. 

“I want a nickname.” 

“That’s the first thing that pops into your head after we’ve both just confessed?” Namjoon laughs, spluttering into his drink and getting hot chocolate dribbled down his chin. 

“Minsoo used to call me Pooh bear. And I hated it. Then he just recycled the nickname with Jimin too. I think he’s been using that phrase for all his relationships since high school.”

“What do you want me to call you?”

“A nickname doesn’t work like that! You give me one and I give you one.”

“Okay,” Namjoon smiles. “I already have three or four contenders… I’ll let you know which is the ultimate winner someday.”

Jungkook’s heart races. “When?” 

“When I decide on the winner.”

“Will I get to know the other contenders as well?” 

“Sure.”

“Promise?”

“With my whole heart, Jungkook-ah.”

Talking with Kim Namjoon is like sitting outside surrounded by nature: it’s refreshing, wonderful, effortless. It’s always felt like that, even now — as they’re both blushing, sitting across from each other with their backs straight. 

Namjoon lifts up his hot chocolate with nervous hands, chocolate cream and marshmallows giving him a foamy moustache. Jungkook giggles, and he likes the way his body shakes when Namjoon looks at him, his eyes shining and his lips turned in a smile that could warm up the depths of winter. 

The hot chocolate tastes sweet, but Jungkook and Namjoon’s matching smiles are sweeter. 

Jungkook doesn’t even know when he suddenly realised he had fallen in love with Namjoon. It was like seeing rain falling down against a window, or water mixing with oil paints. Gradual, constant. Forever. 

 💛💗

jungkook

so

dont freak out or anything but

you might want to turn on the news

taehyung 

oh my god is that seokjin???

yugyeom

why are they showing recordings of him in HAND CUFFS?

taehyung 

damn

that is one daydream i never thought i saw coming to pass

yugyeom

oh my god

i DID jinx it?!!!!

seokjin sunbae i’m so sorry

taehyung 

wait

jungkook… how did you know seokjin is on trial and that it’s being televised??

jungkook

……. 😀

surprise???

taehyung 

what the fuck do you mean “surprise” ????

jungkook 

so long story short 

seokjin was arrested for murder 

taehyung 

what the fuck

jungkook

but he’s innocent!! and

the law firm representing him just so happens

 to be the one i’m interning at this year

yugyeom 

omg what a coincidence?!!

taehyung 

you should have told us omg

we’re booking tickets for seoul right now

jungkook

omg yes please!

i can’t wait to introduce jimin to you both

taehyung 

i swear, if seokjin ends up in jail

jungkook

he won’t, promise

taehyung

where are you? 

are you in the courtroom too?

jungkook

yeah, 6th row, wearing pink

yugyeom

can you wave?

i can’t see you

jungkook 

I CAN’T WAVE

WE’RE IN A COURTROOM

taehyung 

boooo

boring

jungkook

also. do you see the alpha sat on that 2nd row?

yugyeom 

the one in the brown suit jacket?

jungkook

yeah

that’s my boyfriend 🙂

taehyung

WHAT

oh is this namjoon??? 👀

yugyeom

omg you’ll have such beautiful babies 

jungkook 

well

we haven’t… kissed yet 👉👈

taehyung 

how long have you been dating??????????/

jungkook

17 hours

and about 45 minutes?

 💛💗

The jury are unanimous in their decision. Kim Seokjin did not murder Lee Chanwoo. He’s an innocent man, free to go out of the courtroom with his head held high.

Applause bursts throughout the courtroom as the son of the late Lee Chanwoo is taken away in handcuffs after screaming out that he never meant to kill his father, he thought it was Seokjin coming through the door. The revelation is shocking, dramatic. Completely drama worthy.

Jungkook rushes out from the backbenches to give Seokjin a hug, squeezing his shoulders as he feels the other let out a small shaky sob of relief. 

Beomseok was fired the day after he made a move on Jungkook, the beta paralegal that took his place shakes Jungkook’s hand proudly. Jimin went with Jungkook to make a formal complaint, and it appeared a few other of the students had made similar ones. 

The handshake doesn’t last long, Seokjin is already in a captivating conversation with Taehyung and Yugyeom, who traveled from Busan just at the start of the trial. Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok are grinning and holding hands as they hug each other. And then Jungkook’s eyes fall onto Namjoon. 

His Kim Namjoon, who walks across the room to give Jungkook a hug that makes his toes curl and his heart dance. He squeezes Namjoon, closing his eyes as he takes in his butter cookie scent, that soft feeling of safety, of home. 

“We did it, hyung!” Jungkook murmurs into Namjoon’s neck, not caring that a few happy tears leak out of his eyes and run down his cheeks.

Namjoon squeezes back, his hands hugging his waist and the small of his back. In Namjoon’s hold, he feels like the world is singing. 

And when they look into each other’s eyes, their hearts unanimously beating nervously and fondly, there’s a pull. Both of them move at the same time, the kiss is the softest of pecks. Almost just a brush of the lips, too endearing and special to be called anything else. But it’s enough. They grin at each other, and fall back into each other’s embrace. Listening in content to the applause of the courtroom, to the chanting of Kim Seokjin’s name. 

They have a lifetime to learn, to laugh. 

To kiss, to hug. To take Bam on long walks, and maybe get another dog too.

To live, to wonder. 

 💛💗

ONE MONTH LATER

Namjoon kisses like the September sun. When the rays warm your face, the sound of birdsong in your ear, when the world is as still as can be. Gentle. 

Sometimes their kisses are like a waterfall, desperate and fast and all consuming. When their hands and actions are frantic, when they can’t get close fast enough. They gasp as they finally get their release, kissing I Love Yous on foreheads, noses, cheeks. 

Namjoon strokes a bit of Jungkook’s curly hair out of his eyes, grinning as he kisses him good morning. It’s late, but they decided to stay in bed just that bit longer. Too relaxed and comfortable in their warm bed, the toasty warmth of the cotton duvet that keeps the wintery chill away from their naked bodies. They can't stay in bed that long, Bam will need a walk soon.

“Morning, yeobo.” Jungkook hums sleepily, reaching upwards to kiss Namjoon on his chin. 

Jungkook catches the way the alpha shivers at the name, the way he groans slightly in Jungkook’s hold. He kisses Jungkook’s bottom lip, hands trailing down to hold his waist. 

“I still can’t get over hearing you call me that.” 

“I noticed.” Jungkook giggles, leaning back against the pillows. "Yeobo.”

Namjoon's body chases after him, encompassing Jungkook as the alpha drops another kiss on his lips. Then his cheek, the mole under his lips, his neck. He pulls back to continue the kisses downwards; sucking at his chest, the softness of his stomach. 

Jungkook sighs happily. 

Namjoon grips at his waist, pulling apart Jungkook's thighs.

Jungkook is in bliss... until he remembers something. 

Namjoon stops kissing, he lifts up his head in panic. “What?” he asks quickly, noticing the sad and slightly sour dip of Jungkook’s vanilla scent. “What happened?”

Jungkook tries to shake his head, but his scent clearly indicates something’s wrong. 

“It’s just…” Jungkook sighs, embarrassed. “It’s just. I call you yeobo, yeobo.”

Namjoon shivers. “Yeah?”

“And I’ve been waiting so patiently to hear my nickname!” Jungkook explains with a little huff, highly aware of the way Namjoon is listening to his small rant — leaning against the inner part of Jungkook’s thigh, cheek pressed against his soft skin. “It’s been a month! And you said there were contenders.”

Namjoon kisses at the skin of his thigh, murmuring against his skin. “You remember that?”

Jungkook nods, throat dry. “Of course I do.”

"And you want to know now?"

"Right now."

Namjoon laughs. “Okay. Well.” He dips his head down to trail a few kisses up Jungkook’s thigh, stopping at his hips. “The first one is: bun or bunny.”

Jungkook’s stomach jolts. “B-bunny? What the fuck!?”

“When I saw you in that bunny costume… you looked so…” Namjoon coughs, clearing his throat. “Well, you know what I mean.”

Jungkook cocks his head to the side, eyes gleaming. He makes sure to stretch out his neck, feeling his mating gland swell happily. “No, yeobo. I don’t think I do.” 

Namjoon swears under his breath, gripping at Jungkook’s waist. “Don’t make me say it.”

“Say what?” Jungkook preens, blinking innocently. “Did I look like the omega of your dreams? Sexy? Beautiful? Breedable?”

Namjoon’s fingers move, dancing across his stomach and thighs until they finally reach their destination. Then it’s Jungkook’s turn to moan, as he feels his hyung’s fingers open him up, he relishes the way Namjoon’s all around him, and inside. 

“Second contender and third contender sort of go together,” Namjoon says, his voice cracking deeply as he kisses Jungkook again. “Golden maknae and my second chance.”

Jungkook cracks open his eyes and leans on his elbows to give his mate a look. “What?”

Namjoon adds a third finger now. Jungkook groans as he falls back onto the bed, letting out a stutter. 

“Because you’re so good at everything, and because my second chance in life was when I met you underneath those cherry blossoms.”

“I’m literally leaking all over your bed and fingers, and you have the nerve to be all soppy and romantic right now?” 

Namjoon laughs, kissing away Jungkook’s pout. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

“I’m not angry! I’m just really desperate for your knot right now and you’re making my heart flutter!”

“That’s why I think the fourth option is my favourite,” Namjoon whispers, adding in the fourth and final finger. Jungkook hitches a breath underneath Namjoon, his hips stuttering. 

“What’s the… ah… fourth?”

“Baby.”

Jungkook stills, and then his eyes roll backwards. “Fuck.”

Namjoon chuckles, taking out his fingers. “I thought you’d like that one the best.”

“Say it again.”

Namjoon enters into Jungkook slowly, softly fucking into him. “Baby.”

Jungkook shivers as he tries to meet his pace. 

“Or there’s a fifth option —”

“Oh, fuck me —” Jungkook groans loudly, sighing into a moan when Namjoon pulls almost all the way out, fucking back in at a different angle that feels so much deeper. The bed posts slams against the wall.

“Baby bun.”

“H-hyung, you… ahh."

“Which do you like best? Baby.”

A kiss on the neck, all salty and sweaty, but delicious all the same.

“M’m baby,” Jungkook hiccups, lifting his chin upwards to meet Namjoon’s lips in a frantic, desperate kiss. 

“Baby.” is kissed onto his skin, sun rays chasing the scattered brushes. And when Namjoon finally gives Jungkook the knot he’s been wanting all morning, another “Baby” is whispered into his hair.

Jungkook can’t get enough of Namjoon. Of his laughter, his smiles, the way he loves, the way he’s tender and yet breathtaking. The way his knot can make Jungkook see stars and galaxies. The way Namjoon is his galaxy. 

The way he loves, and Jungkook loves him back. 

💛💗