“Call Taehyung here..” Taejoon yelled at Sumin, who flinched at the loud voice of her husband. “He—”

“Shut up.. It’s all your fault, you can’t even handle your own son.” Taejoon was about to slap her but Hyejin pulled her back. “Oppa.. Taehyung.. He isn’t a child, we can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want.” Hyejin spoke, Taejoon glared at her.

“Jungkook go and call him..” Taejoon turned towards Jungkook who was trying to escape silently, “No I am going..” Sumin said but Taejoon stopped her.

“Shut up and stay here.” he snapped and looked at Jungkook who quickly scrambled towards Taehyung’s room.

Oh God, save me. Taehyung hyung will kill me if I ask him to come downstairs, always a new drama.

“Hyung..” he knocked on the door, not daring to enter inside without permission.

“What??” he flinched hearing the cold voice of the alpha, he gulped and looked around himself, should I just go back. He turned around to just go away when the door opened.

“Hyung.. Abeoji is calling you.” Jungkook said, taking a step back, “Relax, I ain’t gonna eat you.” Taehyung said, “Why is  he calling me?” he asked as he started walking downstairs.

“You know why, he is angry.” Jungkook mumbled apologetically, Taehyung didn’t say anything and just entered the dining room which went silent.

“Appa..” Taehyung said, “Why?” Taejoon asked, “Why the hell would you decline the proposal.” Taejoon continued, voice tight.

Taehyung sighed, his father's pheromones were all around the room making the air bitter. Hyejin and Soyeon covered their noses.

“I didn’t decline, the engagement is happening, isn’t it?” Taehyung snapped, “It’s your fault that you guys lead them on.”

“Lead them on? Taehyung, she is the only daughter of the head alpha, do you even realise how much this can benefit us.” Taejoon yelled, face filled with fury.

“Oh so you want me to marry a literal child for your own benefit?” Taehyung said, disbelief written all over his face.

Jungkooks stood stunned at his place, So they are getting them married just for money?

Hana is his friend, he won’t let them do that to her, what would the head alpha will think if they come to know about all this.

“Taehyung see, there were many proposals for Hana after she turned fifteen, but they declined all just for you, and now if you won’t marry her then people talk behind her back son.” Taejoon said, anger subsiding.

“Appa.. she can get a better husband than me, I don’t think I am a good match for her, and moreover I have so many things to focus on and I am sorry but marriage is not one of them right now.” he said, trying to make his father understand.

Jungkook decided it would be better to just leave from there, when he saw how Sumin is glaring at him, as if he is the reason for his decline.

He turned towards the stairs and decided to just finish the book he bought from the library. He turned to go inside his room when a thud sound stopped him, he turned towards the sound.

It came from Taehyung’s room, he furrowed his brow and went inside, there was a stone laying in front of the bed with paper wrapped around it.

He picked it up quickly and unwrapped the paper.  I will be  waiting for you at the river side, come at the same time. And don’t forget to bring me kimchijeon, it’s been so long since I had them.. Ps. I bought something for you.

Jungkook's heart thudded in his chest with fear, what if it was hyung instead of me, i have to tell hobi hyung not to throw messages like this again.

Jungkook closed the door behind him softly and went to his own room. He softly shut the door behind him and sat on his bed, he kept the note in one of the notebooks there and took out his pen to revise some maths problems.

As he looked through the question bank Hoseok got him, he realised how he is neglecting his studies from when Taehyung returned.

It’s been so long since he opened a book let alone practice test papers. He cursed himself and comfortably sat on his chair, focusing back on his book.

Even though he is focused on his books, his thoughts keep drifting back to Taehyung and his rejection. Hana was right, hyung didn’t know about this,  why are they forcing him if he is not ready. But then what will happen to Hana? No one will marry her.

He shook his head, don’t think about these Jungkook, focus.

###

It was dinner time when Jungkook came out of his room, he stretched his arms and looked out of the open baranda, the sky is clear today, thank god, otherwise it would be a hassle to go to the river today.

He came downstairs and frowned, the dining room was silent, way too silent. No one was in the hall or the kitchen, he went inside the kitchen and saw Soyeon sitting in front of the stove, lost in her thoughts.

“Hyungsunim.” he called out, Soyeon flinched and looked at Jungkook, “Ohh Jungkook, do you need anything?” she asked. “Umm—where is everyone? Won’t they have dinner.” he asked, leaning against the counter. Soyeon sighed and took out a plate from the utensils.

“I don’t know, eomma and appa were in their room since that time, even hameoni is in her room.” she replied, serving dinner to him.

Jungkook took the plate and sat down beside her, “Where is Taehyung hyung?” he asked, taking a bite. “He went out after the argument, he isn’t back yet.” she replied.

“Did you eat?” he asked, Soyeon shook her head, “I will eat with your hyung, he is out as well with Jimin..” she said, “You should eat, it’s late.” he instructed.

“Hyungsunim..” he said after a few seconds, Soyeon just hummed, "Actually.. I saw a report in your room today..” he said slowly, Soyeon’s eyes widened, “Report—what report.. I don’t know what—”

“Hey.. it’s fine, relax, you don’t need to lie to me.” Jungkook said quickly.

Soyeon didn’t say anything and just wiped her tears, “It’s negative, isn’t it.” Jungkook asked, Soyeon chuckled sadly.

“Yes.. we were so happy when I started having the symptoms, your hyung even bought me a gift, but—” Soyeon just looked down, “Did he raise his hands on you?” Jungkook asked.

Soyeon looked ready to decline but Jungkook showed her his palm, “Don’t even think of declining. I know my family hyungsunim.” Jungkook said sadly, ashamed of his hyung.
“It’s okay Jungkook, don’t feel bad, I am used to it.” she smiled painfully, “You shouldn’t be, hyungsunim, alphas are meant to protect their omegas not hit them, I am so ashamed of hyung.” Jungkook said, keeping the morsel back on his plate, suddenly the food is not appealing enough.

“Do you know what the doctor said?” he asked, already guessing the answer, “I was not in the cabin, your hyung told me that the doctor said I can’t be a mother.” Soyoen replied, eyes turning glassy again.

Jungkook’s eyes widened, there were two reports in the dustbin, one was a pregnancy report and one was a generic health report with various tests which Jungkook didn’t recognise much but one thing was clear from the reports that Soyeon was perfectly healthy to have a pup.

“Hyungsunim.. Did you ever think that maybe.. maybe it’s hyung that has a problem?” Soyeon’s eyes widened, “What are you saying Jungkook, alpha? No no.. it’s stupid, the doctor said it's me who can’t have a child.” Soyeon declined, shaking her head.

Jungkook sighed, he knew that. He knew that Soyeon would never even think of such a possibility. He didn’t say anything and just finished his food before going out of the kitchen.

“Leave the dishes, hyungsunim. I will wash them.” he said and went to his room. The previous conversation was playing in his head on repeat.

Alphas and their stupid ego. I am sure Hyung lied to Hyungsunim.

###

It was 3 in the morning when Jungkook opened his room slowly, he stuck his head out and peeked around, seeing no one outside and peak silence he came out of the room and shut his door softly after himself.

His hands were carrying a long sling bag along with a tiffin box. He had his mother's shawl wrapped neatly around his neck. He went downstairs and entered the kitchen, crossing his fingers that no one would wake up until he was back.

He opened the last drawer in the kitchen and took out a box which had Kimchijeon, cut into fine pieces. HIs mouth watered, but he held himself back from eating it. He will eat it after coming back. He took out four pieces and carefully packed it in his own tiffin box.

He kept the box back, and closed the compartment softly. He went towards the main door, tip toeing and and did a tiny dance when he was safely out of the house.

He again looked up at the sky and it wasn’t cloudy today. He just hopes it stays that way. He crossed the lawn and pulled the shawl up till his nose.

What he failed to notice was a pair of brown eyes looking at him in confusion and surprise.

Jungkook reached the river side and saw a figure sitting at the banks, dipping his feet in the water, the figure has a cloth wrapped around his face as well and if not for the familiar alpha scent, Jungkook must have mistaken him for someone else.

He quickly walked ahead and sat beside the person, keeping the bag on the ground.

“JK..”

“Hello hyung.” Jungkook greeted cheerily, removing the shawl from his face. “How are you?” Hoseok asked, pulling his own mask away.

“Great as always,” Jungkook replied, “I missed you.” Jungkook said, pulling something out of the bag.

“Here is your kimchijeon.” Jungkook handed the tiffin to the alpha whose eyes shined, “You really bought it? I was joking.” Hoseok said, but still took the box.

Jungkook rolled his pants above his ankles and dipped his feet in the cold water.

“Oh come on, I know you like them.” Jungkook teased him, Hoseok laughed, “Only yours though, you make it delicious somehow, just like my eomma..” Hoseok said, a nostalgic look crossing his face.

“I am talented, thank you..” Jungkook praised himself and laughed. “That you are.” Hosoek agreed, and took a piece out of the box and took a bite.

“Hmmm..” Hoseok forwarded a bite to Jungkook who gladly took it, “It’s really delicious.” Jungkook said, “Why were you late? You said you will be back in two days and it's been two weeks.” Jungkook asked, taking another bite of the piece Hoseok forwarded him.

“Eomma had to undergo a surgery, doctors said there’s not much hope.” Hoseok said, keeping the kimchijeon back in the box.

“It will be fine hyung.” Jungkook said, taking his hand on his own. “I hope so.” he muttered, and shook his head, smiling at Jungkook.

“Guess what I bought for you?” he asked excitedly. Jungkook made a thinking face, “How would I know hyung?” Jungkook rolled his eyes but was still trying to peek inside his bag.

Hoseok laughed and pulled out a small hamper from his bag. It was filled with different kinds of chocolates along with a small stuffed bunny toy.

“Woah.. what are these? It’s so beautiful,” Jungkook said, taking the hamper in his hand. He took the small bunny and squeezed it softly in his hand.

“It's soft.” he giggled and took out a few chocolates, “Ohh I know this chocolate.” Jungkook said, showing the slight red packet. It was a sour candy.

He opened and plopped it in his mouth. “These are different chocolates. I bought them from there. Eat it alone, don’t share.” Hoseok said, Jungkook nodded his head.

“And here, I bought these question books for you as well, it will come handy for your exams later, ohh I forgot to ask, did you post the application for your ID?” he asked, giving the books to him.

Jungkook nodded his head, “I posted it, but a little late hyung.” he said. Hoseok beamed at him, “You did? That’s great.” he praised him and they sat there for more time just talking about random things.

Jungkook told him about the alpha in the post office along with all the marriage fiasco of Taehyung and of course how Eomeoni found him and Taehyung in a compromising position.

“Jungkook what’s going on?” Hoseok asked, Jungkook frowned, “What do you mean hyung?” he asked, Hoseok sighed and held both his hands in his own.

“Jungkook, you and Taehyung? Is there any—”

“No.. what the f*ck, hyung. He is my cousin and moreover no alpha would want a male omega as their partner. So chill.” Jungkook dismissed the fact with a wave of his hand, but his eyes betrayed the emotion he was feeling.

Hoseok slapped the back of his head lightly. “Don’t talk rubbish, anyone would be lucky to have you as a partner. But Jungkook please don’t forget why we are here right now, yeah.. Don’t forget what you want, what you want to be.” Hoseok reminded him of his goals.

Jungkook nodded his head and took his feet out of the water which started to swell a little.

The sky has started to turn a little gray. Indicating sunrise. Jungkook collected his things along with the gift and kept them inside the bag. “I will be going hyung, before halmeoni wakes up.” Jungkook said, Hoseok stood up as well and fixed his mask and looked at Jungkook who was struggling to handle both his shawl and the bag.

“Wait..” Hoseok said and carefully wrapped the shawl around his face and neck, tight enough not to fall and loose enough to let the poor omega breath.

“Go back safely yeah.. And let’s meet tomorrow afternoon in the library.” Hoseok said and Jungkook’s eyes widened, “Hyung one more thing, don’t throw a message in that room again okay, Taehyung hyung is staying there now.” Jungkook informed the alpha.

“Ohh okay, I will be careful next time.” Hoseok said and bid goodbye to each other. Hoseok turned the other way while Jungkook was on his way home.

He had just turned a corner when his feet halted, eyes wide in disbelief as he saw Taehyung standing in front of him. His breath stuck in his throat seeing him boring holes into his head.

“Hyung—listen it's not—” But before he could finish Taehyung  held his wrist and started dragging him back home, which for some reason infuriated Jungkook.

He tried freeing his hand but Taehyung’s hold was unsurprisingly strong. Freaking alphas and their strength. He cursed, following behind him.

Taehyung opened the door of the house, Jungkook breath hitched but fortunately no one was awake. Taehyung dragged him upstairs while Jungkook kept trying to free his hand.

His wrist turning bright red due to the force, he winced when Taehyung left his hand and he realised that they are on the terrace.

“What the f*ck hyung, why would you drag me like this? Am I a f*cking animal.” Jungkook snapped, rubbing his wrist to soothe the pain.

“Who was he?” Taehyung asked, voice void of any emotion. “And why should I tell you?” Jungkook asked back. “Jungkook tells me when I am asking nicely.”

“Or what? Are you gonna hit me? Show that you are an alpha and can have your way.” Jungkook glared at him, the rim of his eyes red due to the cold and pain.

“What? No..” Taehyung looked as if he was genuinely taken aback by his words. “Hey.. I am sorry, I never thought of hitting you. Why are you saying this, I was just angry as it wasn’t safe for an omega to be out at this hour, and that too with an alpha.” Taehyung cleared his intentions.

“It sure as hell doesn’t look like that hyung, and I told you to stay out of my business.” Jungkook said and was about to go away when Taehyung held his wrist again.

Jungkook winced loudly, taking his hand back. “Shit—I am sorry.. I didn’t realise, let me see.” Taehyung asked, but Jungkook pulled his hand behind his back.

“No thank you.” he said, still salty about being dragged back here, “Jungkook.. Let me see..” Taehyung said, pressing each word. He took the hand again before Jungkook could process and grimaced looking at the obvious red patch on his wrist.
“I didn’t hold your hand that strong to leave such marks, I am sorry, I didn’t realise I was hurting you.” Taehyung apologised, blowing air on the mark making goosebumps raise on Jungkook’s arm.

“Jungkook, you and Taehyung? Is there any—”

Jungkook's eyes widened when Hoseok’s question repeated in his mind, what the hell. He looked at Taehyung who was still blowing air on his hand mumbling something to himself and he pulled his hand back in panic.

Get a grip Jungkook, what the f*ck are you thinking, you stupid. He is your hyung for god’s sake.

“Hyung it’s late, I should go.” Jungkook said hurriedly, “No wait.. Let me put an ointment on it.” Taehyung said urgently and held his other hand pulling him downstairs.

This time the hold was surprisingly soft, Jungkook followed behind him silently, eyes focused on the hold on his hand, he again shook his head. Hoseok’s words are messing up his mind.

Taehyung made him sit on the bed and opened the side drawer, “Show me your hand.” he said again and sit on the floor in front of him.

Jungkook didn’t say anything and just forwarded his hand, Taehyung took a generous amount of medicine in his index finger and started applying it gently on his wrist.

The cold sensation made him flinch a little but then he chuckled seeing the familiar medicine bowl, “didn’t i make this for you hyung?” he questioned, Taehyung smiled and nodded. “Yeah.. I didn’t use it after that day, but I must say it's very effective. What's the name of it and where do you get it from?”  he asked, eyes focused at the work while Jungkook’s on his face.

“I made it myself.” Jungkook replied, “Huh?” Taehyung looked up confused, “Yeah… I plan on pursuing medicine.” Jungkook told him. Half of his mind was already anticipating the rejection, the criticism, it’s not like he will hear it for the first time.

He still remembered the omega girl, daring to stand before the previous pack alpha and declare that she didn’t want to marry and wanted to be a writer.

She was humiliated and married off to an alpha, she is not in the pack anymore and he didn’t know what happened to her or he doesn’t want to know what happened to her.

So he knows what comes when as an omega you talk about yourself, think about yourself but somehow it will really disappoint him if Taehyung also has the same mindset.

“That's brilliant Jungkook..” Taehyung said, smiling up to him. Jungkook was surprised and Taehyung also chuckled at that.

“What? You thought of me as some typical alpha? I don't care what a person does in their individual life, in fact you should always do something for yourself.” Taehyung kept the bowl on the side table and stood up.

Jungkook was surprised to say the least, he really thought Taehyung to be like that.

“He was my friend.” Jungkook said after a while, Taehyung looked at him confused, “the alpha I met, he is my friend.” Jungkook cleared his confusion.

“Only friend?” Taehyung asked, raising his eyebrows at him, “Of course hyung.. Not you too please..” Jungkook whined, throwing his head back as a frustrated sound left his throat.

“Why? I mean you are beautiful, don't you like someone.” Taehyung chuckled, Jungkook looked at him with annoyance.

“Hyung…” He whined. Taehyung went towards the window and opened it, his laugh vibrating in the whole room.

He leaned against the window frame and looked at the omega who was sitting on the bed glaring at him, a pout forming on his lips.

“Don't tell me you never even liked someone.. Aww jungkookie..” He teased him.

“I did..” Jungkook said and now it's Taehyung's turn to get stunned. His heart stopped for a second.

“Really? Who.. Who was he?” Taehyung asked, standing straight. Eyes looking at the omega who was now staring in space.

“Jinwoo.. He was my childhood friend.” Jungkook replied, a nostalgic look crossing his face.

“I started liking him when we were like 15 or something. It was kind of cute.” Jungkook giggled but Taehyung found no humour in his tone.

“So what happened? Where is he now?” Taehyung asked, eyes curiously looking at him.

Jungkook looked at him and gave a small sad smile, “I.. I told him that I liked him. I was 18 at that time, I don't know from where I got the courage to confess but I did. But then—” Jungkook looked at his palm, feeling a lump in his throat.

Taehyung waited patiently for him to share, “He didn't talk to me after that. I thought I did something wrong, that maybe he is angry but no. He said that he will never love a male omega, that wasn't even that bad to be honest, he said that I.. I am a burden to my parents. I don't know why he did that, he could have just rejected me. But he humiliated me, in front of his friends. And then his mother complained about me to your father, that I was seducing her son.” He chuckled sadly.

“And in just a few months he got married to someone else, and went to the city. I don't like him anymore but having my best friend do that to me was just way too harsh, don't you think hyung?” he looked at Taehyung who was looking at him with sadness.

“Yes.. But don't be upset, he isn't worth your sadness.” Taehyung consoled him, “You will find an amazing alp..alpha one day Jungkook.” Taehyung replied.

“One who will love you, take care of you, respect you.” Taehyung was now sitting beside Jungkook.

Jungkooo chuckled and shook his head, “I am not sad about that hyung, I have made peace with the fact that this world doesn't want a male omega, neither as a child nor as a partner. I am just sad because there were too many good memories of us.” Jungkook's reply made Taehyung speechless.

But who wouldn't want to get loved by their other half? Jungkook wants that too but it's too expensive for him, but it’s not his fault that he is born as a male omega, even so why it’s so hard to love him, why can’t he have a partner. But in a way it helped him as well, his dream of being a doctor became much easier as there was no pressure on him to marry.

Male omegas aren’t actively sought after for a marriage, being male they don’t get heat frequently or sometimes they don’t get at all which makes them almost infertile.

Jungkook himself hasn’t gotten his heat till now, and he wishes it stays that way. Taehyung can see the sadness behind those doe orbs, he knows that somewhere we all crave for something real.

“Don't be sad. Trust your hyung, you will not even realise yet but maybe there is someone who is made for you, someone who loves you. Who knows?” Taehyung said, Jungkook looked at him, and pointed a finger at himself.

“For me?” Jungkook asked, Taehyung nodded his head and smiled.

Jungkook stood up, “come on hyung, we all know what's the truth. Anyway, let's not talk about this anymore. And yeah one more thing, don't tell anyone about the medicine and my plan please.” Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung nodded his head, “but be careful with going out alone, take me along next time yeah.” He offered.

Jungkook smiled bitterly, “don't make me depend on you hyung, I have done this alone for as long as I can remember. Don't worry.” Jungkook replied and left the room.

Taehyung stood there looking at his retreating back, his words hitting him harder now. The sadness, the softness in his eyes as he talks about his past made Taehyung clench his fist.

He wanted to hide Jungkook from all his misery and always keep him happy. He wants to replace every sadness with a happy memory.

He wants to become the alpha he told him about.

Vote and comment for chapter eight!

It's 4k words dangg!