“Jungkook, you are squeezing my palms,” Taehyung said, holding his hand Jungkook was holding in front of him.

Jungkook gasped and left it. “I am so sorry, hyung,” he apologised. Taehyung reached for his hand again and held it.

“Hey, baby, look at me. Don't be nervous, you would have done great,” Taheyung said, patting his hands softly.

“Yes, Jungkook, hyung is right,” Hoseok said.

They were currently sitting inside the university hall along with many students and parents. And it would be a lie to say that Jungkook hasn't been feeling restless since they left the hotel.

The chatter inside the grand university hall died down to a sharp, tense silence as the chairman stepped up to the wooden podium. He adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and looked out over the sea of anxious faces, tapping the microphone to ensure it was live.

“Good morning, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, our dedicated students,” the chairman began, his voice echoing clearly across the room. “Today marks a momentous occasion. The examination you undertook weeks ago was not merely a test of memory but a rigorous evaluation of your critical thinking, resilience, and passion for scholarship. Looking out at this room, I see the future leaders, innovators, and thinkers of our society.”

He smiled warmly, pausing to let his words sink in. “Regardless of what your specific envelope contains today, remember that entering these gates and completing this journey is a triumph in itself. However, excellence demands recognition. Out of the hundreds who sat for these papers, the top five merit scorers of this examination will be awarded a fully funded scholarship to pursue their careers in whichever field they hold an interest in. Tuition, housing, and research materials will be covered entirely by the university for the duration of their studies.”

A low, collective murmur of awe and excitement rippled through the parents and students in the hall. It was a dream scenario—complete intellectual and financial freedom.

But beside Taehyung, Jungkook’s shoulders slumped slightly, a bitter, familiar numbness washing over him. Five people, he thought, his chest tightening.

'I just want to pass,' Jungkook prayed silently, his fingers digging into the fabric of his trousers. Just let me pass enough to get out of that house, please.

Before he could dwell on the thought much, he felt Taehyung rubbing slow circles on the back of his palm to calm him down.

He turned towards him, and his eyes softened, seeing Taehyung already looking at him.

Jungkook smiled and looked back at the stage.

“So first we will start with the top five scorers, come on the stage and collect your result and certificate, and please submit your desired degree and university you will be choosing for further studies by the end of the next month. Thank you.”

Jungkook held his breath, his eyes glued to the stage, his heart hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs.

“In fifth place, with an exceptional score in advanced mathematics and analytical sciences… Min Jisoo.”

The hall erupted into loud applause. A young girl stepped down the opposite aisle, beaming as she headed for the stage. The crowd cheered, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife as only four spots remained.

“In fourth place, representing the Capital Academy, Lee Sungmin.”

Another round of polite applause filled the room as a boy in a crisp uniform marched down the centre aisle. Jungkook joined in the clapping, his eyes darting to the giant digital screen on the stage.

Three spots left.

The odds were shrinking down to practically nothing. Jungkook felt a heavy weight settle in his stomach. It was foolish to have even let a tiny spark of hope flare up in his chest. He slumped back slightly, mentally preparing himself for the general pass list that would be posted on the boards outside after the ceremony.

“And now, for our top three positions,” the administrator’s voice echoed, sending a fresh wave of hush over the massive crowd. “In third place, achieving a near-flawless score across the biological and medical science streams… from the Southern District…”

Jungkook kept his eyes trained on the stage, idly wondering which elite, city-born student was about to have their life changed forever.

“…Kim Jungkook.”

The entire hall seemed to vanish into a vacuum.

Jungkook’s hands froze mid-clap. The sound of the surrounding applause instantly muffled, sounding like it was underwater. He didn't move. He didn't breathe.

Kim Jungkook?

No, it had to be a mistake. There had to be another person with his name.

“Jungkook,” a voice whispered fiercely beside him.

He didn't hear it. His eyes were wide, staring blankly ahead.

“Jungkook-ah, look at me,” Taehyung’s voice finally broke through the deafening ringing in his ears. Strong, warm hands gripped his shoulders, forcing the frozen omega to turn around.

Taehyung was looking right at him, his sharp eyes shining with an overwhelming, fierce pride that looked remarkably like tears. A breathtaking, emotional smirk stretched across the alpha's lips.

“It’s you, baby,” Taehyung whispered, his voice vibrating with a depth that shook Jungkook to his core. “I told you. You did it. Go.”

Jungkook’s legs felt like lead as he stood up, the applause around him was nothing more than a distant hum. He felt a gentle, encouraging push on his lower back from Taehyung, whose eyes never left his, carrying enough warmth and certainty to anchor Jungkook to the earth.

He walked down the long carpeted aisle, his gaze fixed on the polished wooden steps of the stage. With every step, the suffocating shadows of his room back home, the flickering candles, and the constant fear of being caught reading seemed to fall away, replaced by the brilliant, piercing lights of the auditorium.

When he reached the stage, the administrator handed him a heavy, embossed leather folder containing his certificate. Jungkook bowed deeply, his hands trembling so violently he was terrified he might drop it.

Hoseok’s father was beaming, a look of profound respect and recognition in his eyes as he looked at the young omega. He knew exactly what kind of environment Jungkook had studied in, and seeing him stand here, triumphant against all odds, brought a thick wave of emotion over him.

Instead of letting Jungkook simply step back into line, Hoseok’s father moved forward from the faculty row. He tapped the microphone in his hand, stepped up to Jungkook, and gently offered it to him, gesturing toward the crowd.

“A word from our third-place scorer,” Hoseok's father announced warmly, his voice carrying an immense sense of pride.

Jungkook blinked in utter shock, looking from the microphone to the massive crowd. His eyes immediately sought out the middle row, instantly locking onto Taehyung. The alpha was standing up, completely disregarding the unwritten rules of decorum, clapping with a fierce, unwavering intensity.

Right beside him, Hoseok was also up on his feet, practically jumping as he clapped so hard his palms had to be turning red. Eyes shining with tears, a blinding, ecstatic smile splitting his features as he pointed toward the stage, completely shameless in his pride.

Seeing the two people who believed in him most standing side-by-side in that crowded hall gave Jungkook the courage to finally wrap his trembling fingers around the cool metal of the microphone.

“I…I don’t know what to say,” Jungkook whispered, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “I… I didn’t think I would be… be standing here, so I… I didn’t prepare anything, I—” His voice was small but steady, carrying a raw honesty that made a few students chuckle at him, endearingly.

He took a soft breath, his eyes locking onto the crowd. “But to anyone out there who feels like it won’t work out, that they will be forever in the darkness, please, please keep going. You will make it, you will make it. Thank you.”

Down in the audience, a collective, deeply emotional hush fell over the crowd before a thunderous round of applause broke out, louder and more passionate than before.

Taehyung bit his trembling lower lip, a single tear slipping down his cheek as he stared at his brave, brilliant baby. Beside him, Hoseok was wiping his eyes fiercely, still cheering at the top of his lungs.

Jungkook handed the microphone back to Hoseok's father with a deep, respectful bow, a genuine, breathtaking smile finally breaking across his face. The crushing weight in his chest was completely gone. He walked back to his designated spot in the line on the stage, clutching his leather folder tight against his chest.

Down in the audience, Taehyung and Hoseok finally sat back down, though neither of them could wipe the ecstatic grins off their faces. Taehyung’s eyes followed Jungkook’s every move, his heart swelling with a fierce, protective love as he watched him stand proudly under the bright stage lights.

“And now, for our second-place scorer,” the administrator announced, opening the next embossed folder. “Achieving an extraordinary score in the engineering and physical sciences stream… from the Central Capital District, Choi Minho.”

The crowd erupted into another round of loud cheers as a tall boy in a dark blazer stood up from the front rows, bowing politely to his parents before making his way up the stairs. Jungkook smiled and clapped warmly for him, stepping to the side to give Minho his place in the line of winners.

“Finally,” the administrator said, a proud smile gracing his features as he looked down at the last sheet of paper. “We have reached our first-place scorer. This student has achieved a historic, near-perfect score across the biological and medical science streams, setting an absolutely unprecedented benchmark for our university’s academic history.”

Down in the crowd, beside Taehyung, Hoseok was clapping idly, completely relaxed and still riding the high of Jungkook’s victory. He was just waiting for the ceremony to end so he could run up and throw his arms around his best friend.

“From the Southern District…” the administrator paused, letting the tension stretch across the room until you could hear a pin drop. “…Jung Hoseok.”

The entire row where Taehyung sat froze.

Before Hoseok could even process the words, Taehyung let out a loud, booming laugh, throwing his arm around Hoseok’s neck and pulling him into a fierce, joyous headlock. “First place! Hoseok, you got first place!”

Up on the stage, Jungkook’s jaw literally dropped. A huge gasp left his lips, he couldn't explain the happiness he was feeling hearing his friend’s name called out as the top scorer. He clapped loudly along with the audience.

Hoseok couldn’t believe it, he looked at the stage and saw his father standing there with his certificate in his hand, waiting for his son to walk down and get it. His eyes were shining with tears.

“Go, get up there." Taehyung pushed the shocked alpha towards the stage, who stumbled slightly before walking up there.

His father handed him the folder while he bowed deeply to him. His father just patted his back proudly before he gave the mic to him as well. Hosoek looked at the audience and then at his father, he muttered something and went to where Jungkook was standing.

Jungkook was the first one to throw his arms around Hoseok’s shoulder, bouncing over his feet, muttering congratulations over and over again.

Hoseok laughed, holding his degree with one hand and Jungkook with another, they both had a big grin over their faces. The faculty cleared his throat, which made them part away, but still there was not a single sign of embarrassment on them.

They are too happy to be embarrassed right now.

The faculty distributed the remaining certificates to the students, and all the while Jungkook kept stealing glances at Taehyung, who was sitting proudly among other parents.

The ceremony was over, as all the students stood on the stage with the top five scholars sitting in the front for a group photo.

Jungkook never thought this day would feel so beautiful, he had imagined walking up on stage, but what he was feeling right now was far better than he had ever imagined.

They came out of the auditorium with the sea of people. Jungkook was clutching Taehyung’s hands tightly again, but this time the reason was completely different.

“Here, keep this in the bag,” Taehyung said, holding the carry bag open, and Jungkook carefully kept the folder inside, mind still buzzing with excitement.

Taehyung smiled, he could feel the happiness radiating off the omega, and it was contagious.

“It’s already late. Should we go for dinner or lunch?” Taehyung asked, chuckling. It was past five in the evening, and they were currently walking up to the bus stand to get a ride to the nearest food cafe.

“It doesn’t make any difference, though. I mean, I am hungry, so it’s lunch or dinner, doesn’t really matter,” Hoseok said, looking at Taehyung.

“The bus is here,” Jungkook pointed, and the three boarded it.

They had their lunch at a decent cafe. Celebrating their moment, Hoseok was the one who had paid for all the dishes they had ordered. The reason? He is the first one, so he will pay. Not like Hosoek minded, but it was a great banter between them.

“So you are coming with me, right?” Hosoek asked, wiping his lips with a tissue. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung—who had gone to ask for water—before shaking his head.

“Why? Appa has asked you to stay with us. Why are you guys spending so much on a hotel?” Hoseok asked. “Taehyung hyung wasn’t comfortable,” he replied.

“Why?”

Jungkook looked at his friend and sighed, not knowing what to say to the alpha. I mean he can’t say that the alpha wanted to stay alone with him, now can he? No, right.

"Well, it’s not like I am spending, it’s him. So let him be," Jungkook said, shrugging his shoulder.

“And you are okay with it?” Hosoek asked. Jungkook looked at him confused. “What do you mean?” he asked. Hosoek chuckled. “I mean, you have never let me spend money on you, and you are saying you are suddenly very comfortable with him doing that.” Hosoek smirked.

Jungkook’s face turned red. Hosoek was just controlling his laugh, seeing him flustered. “Relax, I am joking,” he said.

Taehyung came back to the table a second later and sat beside Jungkook.

“Why are you red?” he asked. Jungkook’s eyes widened. He quickly patted his cheeks to cool them down. “Nothing.”

“It’s late," Jungkook said, looking out of the window. The sky was dark, and the air had turned a little chilly.

“Wait a minute,” Taehyung said, looking back at the counter.

A waiter came to their table with two pieces of pastries. “Thank you.” Taehyung paid him at the moment itself and turned to the shocked people sitting with him.

“What? It’s a treat from me, for both of you. Come on, eat up," Taehyung said. He opened the box for Jungkook and handed him the wooden spoon.

Hosoek bit his lips to not say anything weird. He opened his own pastry and took a bite. “Hmm, it’s nice.” He took another bite.

“Where’s yours?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung kept his elbow at the table before supporting his chin over the heel of his palm and stared at the omega.

“I am full,” he replied. Jungkook flushed at the way the alpha was looking at him and took a bite of the coconut pastry.

“It’s so good, try it.” Jungkook took another scoop and forwarded it in front of Taehyung, who was waiting for it.

He gave a small smile to Jungkook and opened his mouth. He ate the sweet delicacy. According to him, the taste is much better because it’s Jungkook who fed him, but he refrained himself from saying it out loud, especially in front of Hoseok.

“It’s tasty.” Jungkook nodded at his words. They both heard a grunt and turned to Hosoek, who was looking at him with a glare.

“Please be mindful that a single person is sitting here, you guys can do whatever this is after I go back.” Hoseok grumbled, taking the last bite of the pastry and wiping his hands.

Taehyung chuckled at his words and leaned forward. “Then get yourself someone,” he teased. “Hyung…” Jungkook slapped his arm, to which he just laughed.

Hosoek bid them goodbye and boarded the last bus he caught. Jungkook waved at him until the bus turned away from their sight.

Jungkook let his hand fall and sighed, the smile was still present on his face, but the tiredness of the day finally seemed to settle over his body.

Just then a warm hand slid into his own. He turned to Taehyung and leaned over his shoulder. “Are you tired?” Taehyung asked. Jungkook nodded.

The alpha pursed his lips. “I wanted to take you somewhere,” he mumbled. Jungkook looked at him confused. “Where?”

Taehyung shook his head. “Leave it. Let’s go back and rest.” Taehyung removed his hair from Jungkook’s forehead, an adoring smile was playing over his lips.

Jungkook stared at him for a few seconds and stood up straight. “No, where are we going?” he asked. Taehyung opened his mouth to deny it, but Jungkook kept his finger on his lips.

“We are going. I want to. Please,” he said. “Let’s go then." Taehyung made him wrap his hands around his left arm and started walking.

“We are walking there?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung nodded. “It’s not far, and it’s nice to walk with you like this,” Taehyung mumbled, looking down at the omega, who smiled shyly.

“It’s still so surreal to have you here with me, walking beside me—” Taehyung leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Loving me,” he mumbled.

“Someone will see,” Jungkook whispered. “No one is seeing us, don’t worry.” Taehyung pulled him closer and kept walking.

They walked for another five minutes before Jungkook’s feet stopped, he stared at the stairs leading to the Han River.

“This is—”

“Han River? Yes. Did you come here before?” Taehyung asked. Jungkook shook his head. “No, I have never.”

Taehyung smiled and pulled him further ahead. “Let’s go then,” he said. Jungkook's face bloomed with a radiant smile as he followed behind him.

“Woahhh, it’s beautiful.” Jungkook said, leaving Taehyung’s hand and walking a little ahead of the alpha.

“You didn’t visit it last time?” Taehyung asked. Jungkook shook his head. “No, I didn’t think of coming here.” Jungkook looked back at him.

“Let’s sit down,” Taehung proposed. Jungkook nodded and walked ahead.

The area was empty, as they were the only ones alone around the area. “Can we go near the water?” he asked. Taehyung nodded. “We can.”

Jungkook walked forward and stopped just as his feet touched the water. “Woahh,” he muttered, glancing back at Taehyung and waving his hands to make him walk faster.

“It’s cold, love. Don’t go further,” Taehyung said, standing behind the omega.

Jungkook bit his lower lip at the nickname. No matter how many times he heard it from Taehyung’s lips, he just can’t seem to get enough of it.

“Let’s sit somewhere,” Taehyung suggested. Jungkook nodded. They walked a little away from the water and sat on the grassy land.

Jungkook patted on the ground beside him, asking the alpha to sit down. Taehyung rubbed the back of his head for a moment before quickly sitting behind Jungkook.

The omega gasped as Taehyung wrapped both his arms around his waist. “I want to sit like that. I hope you have no problem, and even if you have one, then please cooperate for this night only.” Taehyung said in a formal tone and snuggled closer, pulling the omega almost over his lap.

Jungkook laughed at his face but didn’t pull away.

They sat in the silence for a long moment with Jungkook playing with Taehyung’s fingers and just staring at the bay of the river.

Taehyung pulled Jungkook closer, caging him under his overcoat. “I am also wearing a coat, hyung,” Jungkook mumbled, snuggling more into the warmth.

“Does it matter? I want to hold you like this, can’t I?” Taehyung asked. Jungkook nodded. “You can.”

Taehyung leaned down and left a kiss at the back of his ear, making the omega shiver slightly and hold onto his hands tighter.

“When are we leaving tomorrow?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung tsked and leaned forward to look at his face. “Why talk about leaving when we are having these cute moments?”

Jungkook chuckled. “I am not ruining it. I just want to say goodbye to Yeonjun and Taehyun hyung,” Jungkook said softly.

Taehyung laughed, Jungkook's brows furrowed. “Why are you laughing?” he asked. Taehyung shook his head and kept it over his shoulder.

“I lied. They aren’t going anywhere. I said that so I could come with you.” Taehyung smirked. Jungkook gasped at his words.

“So they aren’t leaving?” he asked. “Don’t you think they would have told you if they were?" Taehyung mumbled.

Jungkook nodded. “That’s true. When will they be leaving though?” he asked curiously.

“We will be leaving together. When? I don’t know," Taehyung replied. Jungkook’s breath hitched.

“Together?” the omega asked. He felt Taehyung nodding against his neck, leaving another kiss there.

Taehyung leaned back a little as he felt the sudden bitterness in the omega’s scent. “Jungkook?” he called.

“What happened?”

"Nothing." Jungkook shook his head. Taehyung sighed. “Are you again hiding things from me?” he complained.

Taehyung tried to pull his hand away, but Jungkook held it again. “I am not hiding things, I just—do you really have to go?” he asked.

Taehyung froze hearing his question. Jungkook glanced back, not hearing any answer, and chuckled.

“Leave it. You don’t have to answer this—”

“Do you not want me to?” Taehyung asked, cutting him off mid-sentence. He stared at the omega’s face, waiting for a response.

“Will you stay if I say I don’t want you to go?” Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung raised his arm and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear softly, letting his finger stay on his skin for a second longer.

“It depends on how you make me agree,” he whispered, leaning closer to him. Jungkook licked his lips, feeling blush creeping up his neck.

Taehyung inched closer, his breath fanning over Jungkook’s lips. He closed his eyes, hands curling over the fingers of Taehyung, which made him smile.

Taehyung closed the distance between them and kissed the corner of Jungkook’s lips. Jungkook sighed, feeling his toe curl inside his shoes.

Taehyung’s hand slid into Jungkook's hair, tilting his head slightly as he pressed his lips deeper against the corner of his mouth.

Jungkook couldn’t take it anymore, he moved his head and pressed his lips against Taehyung. He smirked, letting out a low, rough growl against Jungkook’s mouth, his hand sliding deeper into the thick hair at the back of the omega’s head to tilt him upward, deepening the angle.

Jungkook’s heart hammered frantically against his ribs as he turned around fully in Taehyung’s lap. His hands travelled up, gripping the alpha’s overcoat for dear life as the kiss turned slow, deep, and intoxicatingly thorough.

Taehyung took advantage of the small movement, his tongue slipping past Jungkook's lips to claim him completely. He tasted like the sweet coconut pastry they had shared, but beneath that, he tasted like pure, unadulterated comfort—like home.

Taehyung's other arm wrapped tightly around Jungkook’s waist, pulling the younger boy so flush against his chest that there wasn't a single inch of space left between them.

When Taehyung finally parted from him, he didn't go far. He rested his forehead against Jungkook’s, both of them breathing heavily, their chest rising and falling in sync.

Taehyung's thumb gently caressed Jungkook's swollen, reddened lips, his eyes dark with an affection so deep it was overwhelming.

“Is it convincing enough?” Jungkook whispered. Taehyung groaned. He pressed his thumb against his lips and closed his eyes.

Jungkook waited. Taehyung opened his eyes, another kind of emotion swirling beneath them. Jungkook's breath hitched, unpleasantly.

“Is it not enough?” Jungkook whispered. Taehyung shook his head immediately. "No, Jungkook, you don’t have to do anything to make me stay. I was just teasing you,” he said, leaning down and giving a peck over his nose.

“You didn’t answer me,” Jungkook insisted. Taehyung raised his hand and let it move through the omega’s hair.

“I like long hairs on you,” he whispered. Jungkook held his hand and removed it from his head. “I am asking something, hyung. Will you not stay? Do you have to go?” Jungkook asked, eyes darting over his face.

“Jungkook? I can’t abandon my duty, I will have to go, but I promise I will make arrangements there—for you. Then I will take you there with me,” Taehyung said, hands cradling his face softly.

Jungkook’s eyes welled up, his lips quivered. “Don’t go,” he mumbled. Taehyung wiped his eyes gently, making him close his eyes.

Jungkook knows he is being unreasonable. He knows that he is putting the alpha in a tough position, but he knows what it is like to live without the alpha, and he doesn’t want to relive it.

He knows it’s selfish, but can we really blame him?

“Jungkook, no baby, don’t do it, please. I am not going right now.” Taehyung pulled his head to his chest and wrapped his arms around his shoulder.

“But you will go, won’t you?" Jungkook mumbled. Taehyung stayed quiet. They stayed silent for a long time after that.

“I am sorry. I know I am not making any sense. Don’t think about it. I know you can’t abandon your duty, it was stupid of me to ask that," Jungkook whispered.

“You are not stupid, love. It’s your right to ask me to stay, but I can’t just suddenly resign. But I promise I will take you there with me the next time. You know village life is just not for me," Taehyung explained.

Jungkook glanced at the alpha and gave a small smile. “I always ruin our moments. Sorry,” he apologised.

“You do, but I am glad you always speak your mind to me rather than keeping it inside. I would never want you to dwell on any doubt regarding me. You can ask and tell me anything, anytime," Taehyung said.

“Anything?”

Taehyung nodded. “Anything.”

Jungkook smiled and stood up, hands setting his hair in place. Taehyung followed suit and dusted his pants before standing in front of him.

“Shall we go back?” he asked.

“I don’t like long hair, hyung.” Jungkook mumbled. Taehyung stopped and glanced at the omega, shocked.

“Huh? What?” he asked. “I don’t like long hairs. I want to get a hair cut.” Jungkook mumbled.

Taehyung looked at him flustered. “Why are you telling me this?” he asked. “You said I can tell you anything, and I know you like my long hair, but I… I don’t really like it." Jungkook pouted.

Taehyung chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Aigoo, then get a haircut, love. I like it because of you, not you because of it. You dummy. You don’t need to ask me before cutting it.” Taehyung laughed.

“If you like it then I will not cut it,” Jungkook said, smiling up to the alpha. “Let’s go,” he added, holding the alpha’s arm.

“No, baby. Never let anyone’s wishes over your own. I like them, yes. But I won’t want you to be uncomfortable just because I like it.” Taehyung said.

He dusted Jungkook’s coat and rearranged his collar before smiling at him.

“And we are going to get you a haircut tomorrow.” Taehyung pulled him towards the main road before calling a taxi and going back to their hotel.

And Jungkook didn’t deny after that, because he really doesn’t like the long hair.

###

“Does it look nice?” Jungkook asked, looking at Taehyung from the mirror at the salon.

Taehyung gave him a thumbs up. Jungkook smiled and stood up from the chair and made his way to Taehyung. He stood in front of the alpha who removed the extra hair from his forehead.

“You are looking pretty,” he replied. Jungkook's smile widened, he again turned to the mirror, and yes, he does look nice.

Short hair is always nicer on him. He feels much more comfortable when he doesn’t have a constant bang hanging above his eyes.

“It looks nice on you,” the salon worker said. Jungkook gave him a small smile and nodded.

He took out his wallet. “How much?” he asked. “I already paid, love,” Taehyung said warmly, sliding beside the omega and staring at the alpha, who gave a nervous smile and went away from there.

“You did? But why?” Jungkook asked.

Taehyung turned to him and flicked his forehead. “Investing, baby, investing.” He chuckled as they both left the salon.

“Where are we going now?” Jungkook asked after taking a seat beside Taehyung on the bus.

“You will know,” Taehyung said. Jungkook furrowed his brows but decided to stay silent and wait for the alpha to tell him.

The bus stopped, and they both came down. “Where are we?” Jungkook asked, looking around the bustling street.

“Come, you will know.” Taehyung held his hand, and they crossed the road. Jungkook just kept looking around the area while walking.

They hardly walked for 2-3 minutes when Taehyung stopped in front of a grand, modern showroom. Jungkook’s jaw dropped slightly. He looked at the building, then at the elegant sign above the entrance, and finally back to the alpha beside him.

“A motorcar showroom?” Jungkook whispered, his eyes wide.

Taehyung chuckled. “It was high time I got one of my own,” Taehyung said, looking both ways before carefully crossing the road.

The interior of the showroom smelled of fresh leather, polished wood, and machinery. A few wealthy gentlemen in tailored suits were speaking quietly with attendants, but the moment Taehyung walked inside, the chief salesman’s eyes lit up.

“Hello sir,” he said walking towards them. “How can I help you?”

“We’re looking to purchase,” Taehyung said simply, his voice smooth and entirely composed. He kept his hand reassuringly on Jungkook's back, keeping the omega tucked close to his side.

He took a brief look over the rows of luxurious, five-passenger touring cars and sleek roadsters before turning his gaze back to Jungkook.

Taehyung shrugged his shoulders slightly, a relaxed, effortless smile playing on his lips. “But I don't really have a preference. Jungkook, pick whichever one you want.”

Jungkook’s heart hammered against his ribs, a brilliant, breathtaking smile breaking across his face.

“Me? Choose?” Jungkook whispered, looking from Taehyung to the rows of gleaming metal.

“Go on,” Taehyung encouraged softly, completely content to just stand back.

The salesman nodded slowly, his eyes scanning their practical attire before he asked cautiously, “Understood, sir. To help me guide you to the right corner of the floor, do you have a specific budget in mind for the purchase?”

Taehyung didn't hesitate, naming a reasonable, mid-range amount that was sensible for a reliable, everyday vehicle without being overly flashy. “Around eight lakh won,” Taehyung replied evenly.

“Ah, perfect. Right this way, then,” the salesman said, his demeanor instantly becoming warmer as he gestured toward a row of sturdy, well-built four-seater touring cars and standard runabouts.

Jungkook took a hesitant step forward, walking past a basic black runabout with a cramped rear bench, before stopping in front of a neat, dark green touring car. It had a simple, sturdy black canvas roof that could be folded down, clean wooden-spoke wheels, and durable, dark leather seats. It wasn't fancy, but it looked comfortable.

He ran his fingertips lightly over the smooth, painted green metal of the hood.

Jungkook turned back to look at Taehyung, his eyes sparkling with a quiet excitement.

“This one, hyung. I think this one looks the nicest.”

Taehyung’s smile widened, entirely satisfied with the choice. He didn't need to look at any other model. He simply turned back to the salesman and gave a single, firm nod.

“We’ll take this one. Please prepare the paperwork,” Taehyung stated.

The salesman smiled broadly, bowing deeply at the incredibly straightforward sale. “Right away, sir! If you'll follow me to the desk, we can finalize the registration immediately.”

“Woahhh, it’s even fun to ride in the open car in Seoul hyung,” Jungkook said. Taehyung laughed, feeling the cool air brush through their hair.

They roamed all over the market, making sure to get everything their halmoeni asked them to.

They also got a matching bracelet which was dangling beautifully on Jungkook’s wrist. Taehyung has made him wear his one as well.

They tried many street foods along with a few games which were there but alas they didn’t won a single thing, but at least it was fun.

It was close to sunsent when Taehyung and Jungkook reached their hotel. They have already checked out and a few workers helped them keep thier bags in the car trunk.

“We are going back to Seoul by land?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung nodded. “Yes, darling, so make sure to buckle up your seat belt and be ready for the ride.” he said, chuckling.

And Jungkook has never been this ready for anything else in his life.

How’s the chapter?