Chapter Text
Jungkook had been over the moon—until reality hit.
He had to break up with his boyfriend of six months, Alpha Taehyung. The thought weighed heavy on his chest, a quiet ache blooming as he tried to make sense of it all. He still didn’t understand why Taehyung had loved him in the first place.
He was just a Beta, ordinary in every way he could think of. But Taehyung had seen something in him, something he couldn’t see in himself. The Alpha had been the one to ask him out, the one to put effort into every little thing, showing Jungkook what it felt like to be cherished. And now, Jungkook would have to tear it all apart.
But now that he was debuting, Jungkook couldn’t have a boyfriend. It was an unwritten rule that being in a relationship would affect an idol's career.
So, he broke up with the Alpha, explaining his situation. To his surprise, Taehyung understood, which saddened him immensely. His insecurities crept back in as he convinced himself that Taehyung didn’t love him enough to fight for their relationship.
Still, Jungkook pushed those thoughts aside, focusing all his energy on preparing for his debut. So When the time came, he succeeded.
Months later✨
"My love." Taehyung frowns as he steps into Jungkook's room, his movements quiet. He sits beside his sleeping darling, his gaze locked onto the traces of tears staining Jungkook's face and the pillow beneath him. A deep, simmering anger coils within him at the sight. His love was in pain, and Taehyung couldn't do anything but watch from the sidelines.
When Jungkook broke up with Taehyung, it took everything within him to silence his alpha from exploding, to stop him from grabbing Jungkook and slamming him against the nearest surface, demanding that breaking up was impossible.
But Taehyung understood. He had to, because his love was about to do something he had long wished for. He couldn’t be the obstacle to that. He would wait—wait until the day he could claim him as his.
“You should be happy. Why do I always find you crying alone, my love? This hurts me,” Taehyung says softly, gently wiping away Jungkook’s almost-dried tears.
His fingers curl around Jungkook's jaw, lifting it to expose his neck. Without hesitation, Taehyung leans in, deeply inhaling the scent of fresh roses that lingers beneath the vanilla of the body wash Jungkook uses.
Once he’s drunk enough of Jungkook’s scent, he releases his own pheromones, as he has every night since they became lovers. Not a single day, even after the breakup, had passed without Taehyung’s scent enveloping on Jungkook’s body. His Alpha could only find peace after at least claiming his darling with his scent.
Only after the entire room is filled with Taehyung’s chocolate scent does he feel satisfied. He leans down to kiss Jungkook’s forehead, murmuring, “Goodnight, sweet dreams, darling.” With a lingering glance, he leaves the house.
In the beginning, it was hard to leave. It was also hard to sleep without Jungkook, so Taehyung would spend the whole night cuddling him before quietly slipping away in the morning. After months, it had gotten easier to leave and even easier to sleep, but he still needed sleeping pills—or a drink or two—to truly fall asleep.
✨
Tonight, though, sleep wouldn’t come. Taehyung lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, the faint traces of Jungkook’s scent on his clothes did little to calm him. He tried everything—had a couple of drinks, even popped a few sleeping pills. But his mind kept returning to the worry he felt for Jungkook’s well-being.
There was only so much he could endure, especially seeing his love cry almost every day. The thought of not being there to wipe away his tears, to soothe him until the pain passed, was too much. Taehyung couldn’t stand seeing Jungkook in pain any longer.
This was why he had been trying to investigate who was causing Jungkook distress, desperate to fix whatever was hurting him. But the answer remained inconclusive. No one seemed to be troubling him, and Jungkook’s career was flourishing. Yet his lover was in pain, not knowing the reason was driving taehyung insane.
With a heavy sigh, Taehyung ran a hand through his hair before sitting up. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and dialed Yoongi.
“Did you get the tickets for the radio show in the morning?”
“What the hell, Taehyung? It’s 4 a.m.,” Yoongi groaned. “Yes, I got them. I even emailed them to you. Why are you up so late?”
“Can’t sleep.”
“Let me sleep, then,” Yoongi muttered before hanging up.
Taehyung checked his email and found the tickets Yoongi had sent. The seat was in the middle of the last row, just as he had requested, offering a clear view of Jungkook without being noticed.
He lay back down, but not before grabbing a pack of cigarettes. Time passed as he smoked, and the sun rose. Yet, he didn’t get a wink of sleep.
Taehyung got up, showered, and dressed appropriately before applying scent blocker and covering himself with a cap and mask.
As he stepped out of his house, Yoongi and his driver, Kyungmin, were already waiting. When he opened the back door and slid inside, Yoongi frowned at the dark circles under Taehyung’s eyes.
“Are your sleeping pills not working anymore?” Yoongi asked.
“I was worried—” Taehyung began, but Yoongi cut him off.
“Yeah, yeah, I know who you were worried about. But you need to sleep. I can’t keep buying black-market pills for you just to waste them.”
“My rut is near,” Taehyung admitted, brushing aside Yoongi’s words. “My alpha is out of control. Did you book the rut house like I asked?”
“I did,” Yoongi replied.
Rut houses were designed for alphas to endure their ruts in isolation, with no way to leave until the rut ended. For extra precaution, Taehyung had chosen a room with chains, ensuring he wouldn’t break free and risk harming Jungkook.
“You’ll keep an eye on my love properly, won’t you?” Taehyung growled. “If anything happens to him while I’m confined, I’ll kill you.” His jaw clenched, and his eyes glowed faintly red.
“Are you already in pre-rut?” Yoongi asked, unfazed by the outburst.
“Maybe,” Taehyung muttered, his hands trembling slightly. “Do you have any suppressants? Give me some.”
Yoongi silently handed over a bottle, and Taehyung swallowed the pills without water. “Kyunmin, drive,” he ordered, his voice rough.
The car sped off toward the radio station where Jungkook would appear.
Jungkook was promoting his debut EP, and Taehyung had attended every event. Yoongi made sure he always had tickets. As they neared the venue, Taehyung asked, “Have the suppressants kicked in yet?”
“Yes,” Yoongi confirmed.
Taehyung stepped out of the car, blending into the crowd of fans waiting to enter. Standing in line, he overheard conversations of some fangirls in front of him, their words making his alpha stir with irritation.
“I heard Jungkook smells like sweet chocolate today. My friend, who’s a staff member told me.”
“Is it true he has an alpha?” another girl whispered. “Or is it fake scenting for promotions since he’s a beta?”
Taehyung almost growled at the words about his love, but he forced his alpha to stay calm. Losing control here could get him banned from the venue.
“Jiyeon, what the hell?” the first girl scolded. “Jungkook’s Alpha scent is real. I smelled it at a fan meeting. It was dark chocolate that day, and it was so dominant.”
“How would I know?” Jiyeon retorted. “If he has an Alpha, why aren’t there any rumours or scandals about it?”
“Because his Alpha’s pheromones are so strong, no one dares to cross Jungkook or write anything bad about him. Everyone in the fandom knows about that, a reporter who tried to sully Jungkook’s name got fired, and a lot of bad things happened to him.”
“Since when do reporters get scared of things like that?” Jiyeon argued. “I still don’t believe you.”
“Hey, will you only believe it after something bad happens to you? Jungkook’s Alpha is very strong. They say he always attends Jungkook’s shows. What if he hears you?” the first girl warned, her voice strained.
“Why are you trying to scare me? I’m not even a fan of that Beta. I’m here for Renjun oppa,” Jiyeon shot back, crossing her arms.
“I was just warning you for your own good. It’s your fault if you don’t want to listen,” the first girl snapped, exasperated.
As the line moved forward, Taehyung shook his head, his jaw still clenched after hearing Jungkook referred to as a Beta in such a derogatory manner. He had already messaged Yoongi the girl’s name—and he knew what had to be done.
Once inside the venue, Taehyung found his seat in the back row. He sat down, adjusted his mask, as his gaze locked onto the stage where Jungkook would soon appear.
The room buzzed with anticipation, fans chatting excitedly and clutching their banners. Soon, the host, Renjun, entered the stage, earning loud cheers from his fans. Renjun, an omega, had been hosting the radio show for some time now and had a huge fan following.
He introduced himself and invited Jungkook onto the stage.
When Jungkook entered, it took Taehyung’s breath away. His doe eyes sparkled in the shinning lights as he scanned the audience and his fans. Jungkook looked stunning in a simple white shirt tucked into black slacks. His lips curled into a bright smile as he looked around curiously.
Taehyung’s heart thudded in his chest as Jungkook sat down, effortlessly grabbing the microphone. "Hello, everyone, this is Jungkook. Thank you all for coming today," he said, his smile bright and radiant.
It was the kind of smile that could melt hearts, and Taehyung’s stomach twisted with a raw, aching desire—to kiss him, to mark him, to make him his.
The only thing stopping him was Jungkook's willingness in this matter.
Chapter Text
The radio show wrapped up smoothly by the evening, with Taehyung maintaining control over his pre-rut Alpha instincts. As he exited the venue, his gaze landed on the first girl searching for Jiyeon. A smirk formed on his lips.
He walked past the girl, dialling Yoongi. "Come pick me up," he instructed coldly. When the car arrived and Taehyung slid in, muffled noises came from the trunk. He nodded his head in approval. "Good work, both of you."
"This time, I’ll handle this girl myself—" Taehyung began, but Yoongi cut him off.
"No need. We’ll handle it. Don’t you need to visit Jungkook one last time before you’re away because of your rut?"
Taehyung leaned back into the seat, conceding with a low growl. “Fine. Make sure she learns her lesson and never speaks ill about my love. And Yoongi, no loose ends like last time.”
"Understood," Yoongi replied, signaling Kyungmin to start driving again. As the car began moving toward Jungkook’s apartment, he handed Taehyung a bento box. "Eat," Yoongi said.
Taehyung took the box, his gaze narrowing in warning at the command. Yoongi only rolled his eyes in response. With a small sigh, Taehyung opened the box and took a few bites, the flavors barely registering as the heat in his body continued to rise due to his nearing rut.
He forced himself to swallow a bit more before closing the box and handing it back to Yoongi. “Happy now?” Taehyung muttered irritably. Yoongi nodded, taking the box back without a word.
Kyungmin drives the car deliberately slow, as he always does, ensuring Jungkook will be fast asleep by the time they reach his house. Taehyung leans his head back, closing his eyes, trying to calm his raging Alpha. He can feel his rut hitting him anytime soon. He just needs a moment, just to scent Jungkook, his house, his clothes before he can feel a little calmer.
“Fuck,” Yoongi mutters, scrunching his nose at the intensity of the pheromones Taehyung was releasing. “Is it okay to go near Jungkook in this state?”
“Probably not,” Taehyung admits. “That’s why you’re coming with me. Wait outside the house. Ten minutes. If I’m not out by then, sedate me and drag me out to the rut house.”
Yoongi groans, nodding.
By the time they arrived, Taehyung’s eyes were starting to glow red. Shaking his head as he got out of the car “Who’s picking the girl up?” he asked.
This girl was truly unlucky. Taehyung was in pre-rut, and she’d managed to get on his nerves.
“Leemin will be arriving any minute to take her,” Yoongi replied with a sigh.
“I better never hear her doubting me or slandering Jungkook ever again,” Taehyung growled as he walked into the building, the security guards bowing quickly as he passed.
All of them were bodyguards personally appointed by Taehyung to ensure Jungkook’s safety.
“Is he sleeping?” Taehyung asked as they stepped into the elevator.
“Yes,” Yoongi replied, checking something on his phone. “Hobi left about fifteen minutes ago after he confirmed Jungkook was asleep.”
Hoseok, Jungkook's bodyguard and also an Alpha, was Yoongi's mate and one of Taehyung's associates.
Taehyung nods as the elevator doors open. He steps out, walking to Jungkook’s door and unlocking it with his keys. “Maybe call Kyungmin to help you,” he chuckles.
Yoongi frowns. “I can handle you just fine. I’m an Alpha too.”
“A submissive one.”
Yoongi’s frown deepens. “Don’t mess with me just because you’re in your pre-rut.”
“Okay, I warned you, though,” Taehyung laughs before entering the house.
Taehyung closed the door softly behind him, leaning his back against it as he inhaled deeply. The air in Jungkook’s house was filled with the faint, lingering scent of roses. It spread across every corner, wrapping Taehyung in a bittersweet ache. He wanted to bury himself in it, to sleep surrounded by the scent of his love. But he couldn’t—not yet.
This was also the reason he had given Hoseok strict orders to never let anyone enter Jungkook's house without a scent blocker. If someone did, it would destroy this moment for him, and he would kill that person.
Straightening, Taehyung walked silently down the hallway, his pheromones flooding the space as they mingled with his love's scent. When he reached the bedroom door, he turned the handle, gently stepping in.
The sight of Jungkook was enough to shatter what little control Taehyung had over his Alpha. In three long strides, Taehyung was at the bedside. His hand cupped Jungkook’s jaw, tilting his head to the side as his lips found Jungkook’s scent gland.
Without hesitation, he bit down, a low growl rumbling in his chest as his mark mingled with Jungkook’s scent.
The rush of satisfaction was overwhelming, but it wasn’t enough. Taehyung buried his nose in the crook of Jungkook’s neck, inhaling deeply as he hovered over him. Time passed by so fast, the minutes blurring into a haze. His body burned, his rut so close, but he couldn’t pull himself away from his love.
The door opened abruptly, and it was Yoongi. Taehyung growled, his eyes flashing red with anger as Yoongi closed the distance, syringe in his hand. Yoongi grabbed him and pierced the needle into his arm. A low snarl escaped as the sedative coursed through his veins.
Even as the drug’s weight pressed down on him, Taehyung resisted, his Alpha driving him forward as he shoved Yoongi hard, desperate to get back to Jungkook.
“Damn it,” Yoongi hissed, signaling Kyungmin. Moving swiftly, Kyungmin lunged, grabbed Taehyung, and drove another syringe into his arm. Yoongi held him steady as the second dose hit. Taehyung let out a guttural growl, knees buckling, vision blurring until his body finally gave way.
Chapter Text
Jungkook woke up feeling extremely empty and numb. He had felt this way since breaking up with his Alpha. But today, it felt weird and different, strange in a way that left him uneasy. Everything felt off, with a tightness coiled in his stomach, and even his wolf was restless, agitated by something he couldn’t name.
As soon as he tried to get up, a sharp pain shot through his body, rendering him unable to sit up. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and hurriedly called Hoseok Hyung.
"Hyung, it hurts... it hurts... I don't know why," he uttered, his voice trembling in pain.
"Hey, Jungkookie, it's okay. I'm on my way. I'll be by your side in minutes, and I'll bring some meds," Hoseok reassured him. "Stay on the line."
Jungkook doesn’t hear anything more, if Hoseok says anything at all, as his chest aches and his wolf howls, desperate for the presence of his Alpha. He clutches his chest as tears stream down his face. His mind goes blank as memories of the first time he met Taehyung flood his mind.
They met at a party organized by his company, where even trainees were invited. Taehyung was an add-on for Jimin, a famous model and actor in the company. Coincidentally, their eyes met amidst the crowd, and in that instant, their wolves bonded, even if they didn’t realize it.
Jungkook felt a pang of jealousy as he looked at the Alpha-Omega pair, envying them while knowing he could never have that natural, effortless bond they radiated that they belonged together.
He remembers how ugly his wolf reacted to that unwanted jealousy. He had to excuse himself or more accurately, escape. He didn’t feel like he deserved to be there anyway, being a Beta. It was a miracle the company had allowed him to remain a trainee for so long.
He remembers squatting in a corner, crying far away from the party. It was then that the Alpha unexpectedly found him, comforted him, and asked if he was okay and what had happened. It was so embarrassing when the Alpha pulled him into a hug, whispering soothing words in his ear, that it made him cry even harder.
Later, Jungkook learned the Alpha’s name was Taehyung, and after he asked for Jungkook’s number, they became friends.
At the time, Jungkook never imagined that anything would come of it. If anyone had told him that he and Taehyung would end up together in the future, he would have laughed it off as a joke or a dream.
Even after six months together, Jungkook still couldn’t believe it was real and not a dream. He was just a Beta, a 'nothing,' and Taehyung deserved someone who could match his worth, someone far better than him.
Jungkook writhes in his bed, crying over the beautiful memories he shared with Taehyung. He misses Taehyung so much it hurts, the pain unbearable. His body aches as his wolf yearns for his Alpha. But he can’t have him, not after he broke up with him, chasing another dream of becoming an idol.
He sobs, wishing he hadn’t had to break up with him. It wasn’t like anyone forced him to do it, but he knew he couldn’t live both dreams—the dream of love and the dream of his career. He had to choose, and he chose his career over his love. Now, he can’t go back to Taehyung. He can’t be that selfish. Taehyung deserves someone better than him.
But no one would know if he’s selfish within the confines of his room, as Jungkook starts calling out his Alpha’s name in desperation and longing, influenced by his wolf.
"Taehyung...Taehyung...Taehyung...hyung...Alpha...Alpha..." Jungkook repeats it like a mantra, as if calling his name would magically bring him to him.
Suddenly, he hears the door open, a wave of hope floods Jungkook's chest. He turns his head, holding in a choked cry, praying that it’s somehow Taehyung who’s come to him. His body heats with the thought, his mind consumed by nothing but this Alpha.
"Alpha? Taehyung?" Jungkook sobs, his voice breaking as he finally sees who enters his room. All the hope vanishes instantly. It’s not Taehyung. It’s Hoseok, his expression filled with concern as he rushes toward the bed.
"Jungkook, hey, it's me, your Hobi hyung," Hoseok says softly as he kneels beside him. "You're going to be okay. Calm down"
Jungkook barely registers the words, his breaths coming in shallow, uneven gasps. His body trembles violently as another surge of pain crashes through him, tearing a raw, broken cry from his throat. "Taehyung," he chokes out again, tears do not stop flowing from his eyes. "I need Taehyung. Need Alpha. It hurts—it hurts so much. Why does it hurt like this?"
"Jungkookie," Hoseok murmurs, shaking his head gently. "I'm going to sedate you now. You'll feel better when you wake up, I promise."
Without hesitation or waiting for Jungkook's approval, Hoseok presses the needle into Jungkook's arm, and within moments, Jungkook loses consciousness.
Hoseok sighs in relief as he pulls out his phone, dialing Yoongi. The line connects quickly. "Hey, baby. How’s Tae doing?"
“It’s the worst,” Yoongi says. “He keeps calling out for Jungkook, demanding him. His Alpha has completely taken over. He broke the chains twice, and when we tried to hold him down, he nearly tore through the room. We’ve sedated him four times already, but it barely makes a difference. He’s in so much pain, it’s like his entire being is rejecting the distance. The doctors... they’re at a loss. They said the only thing that can stop this is bringing his mate here.”
“Not surprising. Jungkook isn’t doing much better either,” Hoseok frowns, his concern deepening. “It’s heartbreaking.” He pauses for a moment, his mind racing. “How long will Tae’s rut last?”
“Two weeks, give or take. It might even extend.” Yoongi replies. “I sent the same doctor to you. He’ll check on Jungkook. From what I hear, he should stabilize by tomorrow. I think because Tae scent-marked him, his wolf is eager to be with his Alpha. Once he takes the meds, he’ll be better.”
"Okay, I understand. I’ll call you back later. Love you."
“Love you too.”
Chapter Text
When Taehyung comes back to his senses, he blinks his eyelids open, as his vision blurs and his body sinks into a haze of exhaustion and soreness. Every joint, every muscle screams in protest as he shifts, the cold bite of the chains around his wrists and ankles a sharp reminder of the two weeks of hell he's endured. His wrists and ankles are raw and bruised from countless attempts to break free during the peak of his rut.
His body aches in a way that’s impossible to ignore, a searing, bone-deep pain that presses down on every inch of him like a suffocating weight. It’s the kind of pain that makes him wish for an escape, but there’s no relief, only the knowledge that each breath he takes makes it worse.
Yet, it’s nothing compared to the emptiness clawing at his chest—a vast, endless void that leaves him gasping, as though his soul is bleeding out, his wolf slowly dying. He feels so cold, so utterly lost, without the warmth and comfort of the mate his body and wolf so desperately yearn for.
Taehyung’s cock stirs, throbbing painfully despite his spent body. The scent of sweat and his pheromones hang heavy in the air, and Taehyung’s lips part in a dry gasp as the sharp ache between his thighs intensifies. His head falls back against the wall with a dull thud, his throat working to swallow as he tries to will away the relentless craving.
“How much longer will this continue?” Taehyung grits his teeth, exhausted and parched, but his mind betrays him again, conjuring an image of Jungkook—beautiful, flushed, trembling as he rides him, whispering his name like it’s the only word he knows.
Taehyung groans, his hips twitching involuntarily. The chains clink as he curls his fingers into fists again, his nails biting into his palms for the nth time. He closes his eyes, and suddenly, he feels Jungkook’s hands on his chest, soft as he lifts himself and bounces on his cock, making Taehyung moan at the imagined pleasure.
The younger’s voice echoes in his mind, faint and breathless: “Alpha… Alpha…”
Taehyung shudders, his hips jerking upward as he moves his hands animalistically, trying to break the chains. One of the chains snaps after a particularly heavy movement, as Taehyung rasps, “Jungkook,” his voice broken and guttural. As his mind paints the younger’s image so vividly it feels almost real—Jungkook straddling him, his flushed face inches away, his lips parting in soft moans as he rocks against Taehyung’s body.
In his haze, he barely registers Yoongi’s voice from somewhere outside the room, muffled by the thick door. “Tae, don’t do this. You’re going to hurt yourself again.”
But Taehyung doesn’t hear him. He’s too far gone, lost in the phantom sensation of Jungkook’s warmth, just like he has been throughout his rut. Tears slip from the corner of Taehyung’s eyes as he forcefully breaks the other chain, his release overtaking him completely.
The door creaks open after some time of silence, and Yoongi steps inside the room cautiously. His eyes immediately lock onto Taehyung, scanning his face. Relief floods his features as he exhales a shaky, “Finally,” noting the return of Taehyung’s eyes from the glowing red of his rut to their usual shade.
He moves quickly, draping a blanket over Taehyung’s battered body before crouching down to unlock the chains around his ankles. Afterward, Yoongi strides out and returns moments later with a glass of water, gently pressing it to Taehyung’s lips. “Drink,” he murmurs, tilting the glass carefully.
Taehyung sips weakly, not bothering to complain.
"How are you feeling?" Yoongi asks, his voice low. He already knows the answer.
"Fuck, Yoongi, of course, it hurts like hell," Taehyung laughs bitterly. "What kind of question is that? Just—just give me more meds."
"I know, Tae," Yoongi sighs. "But you've got to endure it. I can’t give you any more meds, not after everything we’ve already pumped into your system these past two weeks."
Taehyung groans, hearing Yoongi's reply. "Fuck that." He shakes his head in annoyance. "How’s Jungkook?"
Yoongi hesitates. “He’s fine, physically. The first day was rough because you had to go and scent-mark him. The doctor gave him some medicine, so his body’s stable since then, but—”
“Don’t tell me he still cries himself to sleep,” Taehyung interrupts sharply, glaring at Yoongi. “I told you to look after him.”
Yoongi’s jaw tightens. “We’re trying, but we can’t comfort him like you can, Taehyung.”
“Then I need to—” Taehyung starts, attempting to sit up, but Yoongi stops him.
“Stop.” Yoongi’s voice is firm as he presses a hand to Taehyung’s shoulder, keeping him down. “Rest. Just for a little while. I’ll help you to the bathroom when you’re ready, then you can clean up. After that, we’ll see if you’re in any state to go anywhere.”
Taehyung glares but doesn’t resist. His body was too weak to fight back. “Fine,” he mutters.
Chapter Text
After half a day of rest and care, during which Taehyung didn’t rest at all, Yoongi decides to call the doctor for a thorough check-up before they leave the place.
Taehyung gets in the car, more troubled than ever after hearing the news that Jungkook wasn’t in the city. Yoongi tries to calm him down, explaining that the younger had traveled to Busan for a festival tomorrow and to visit his parents, leaving Taehyung on edge and agitated.
Taehyung was too restless, his body aching everywhere. He couldn’t tolerate the fact that he had to wait five more hours before seeing his beloved.
Now, as the car sped down the highway toward Busan, Taehyung sat behind, his jaw tight and his expression grim. Kyungmin drove the car at the fastest speed possible, not wanting to further anger Taehyung.
"Where is he right now? With his parents?" Taehyung asks after some time.
"No, he's resting at your hotel near the festival. He'll visit his parents later" Yoongi replies. "And there's nothing to worry about. Hoseok and all his other bodyguards are with him."
"I will see for myself when we arrive," Taehyung huffs.
After several hours, the car finally parks in front of the hotel, and Taehyung bolts out of the car in seconds.
Yoongi follows behind him quickly as Taehyung walks inside the entrance. The guards bow to him as he passes. Other staff members follow suit, showing their respect to the owner of the hotel. He doesn’t give a glance to anyone as he strides toward the elevator, getting inside and pressing the button for the top floor.
Yoongi quickly enters the elevator as well before it closes.
As soon as the elevator doors open to the top floor and Taehyung steps out, he feels something amiss, a sudden unease crossing over him.
All the bodyguards stationed to protect Jungkook bow to Taehyung as he passes them, but he ignores them again. A frown spreads across Taehyung’s face when he notices Hoseok isn't present. It meant he was inside the suite.
"Call Hoseok outside," Taehyung growls. "Didn't he know I was coming?"
Yoongi nods silently and dials Hoseok. Within minutes, Hoseok steps out of the suite.
"You both got here fast," Hoseok says, glancing between Yoongi and Taehyung. "I haven’t made sure if Jungkook is asleep or—ack—"
All happens in a blur.
Before Hoseok can finish, Taehyung grabs him by the neck, lifting him off the ground with alarming ease. He slams Hoseok's back against the wall beside the door. His eyes glow bright red as he bares his teeth.
"Why aren’t you wearing your scent blocker?" Taehyung snarls, his voice low and venomous. "I thought I had made it very clear—no scent but mine is allowed to linger on my mate."
Hoseok chokes, his hands clawing at Taehyung’s grip, struggling to speak as Taehyung tightens his hold. A group of people rushes forward, trying to pull Taehyung back, but he doesn’t even flinch.
“Uhh I—I” Hoseok barely manages to rasp out anything.
"Calm down, Kim Taehyung!" Yoongi shouts "What the fuck are you doing? Stop it! Weren’t you so eager to see Jungkook?"
At the mention of Jungkook’s name, Taehyung freezes, his grip loosening before he abruptly lets Hoseok go. The alpha crumples to the ground, coughing violently as Yoongi hurries to his side.
Yoongi crouches down, his worry evident as he sees his mate like this. "Are you okay?" he asks, just as Taehyung opens the suite door, entering and shutting it behind him.
“F-fuck,” Hoseok stutters, his breath shaky after seeing Taehyung enter the suite.
“What happened?” Yoongi inquires, his voice uncertain.
“It was a mistake,” Hoseok admits, guilt evident in his tone. “We went to grab dinner outside. I went to pay the bill, and while I was gone, a fan left their scent on Jungkook. I was trying to remedy the situation with my scent, but—”
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Yoongi curses, his eyes widening in alarm. “Jung Hoseok, was it an Alpha?”
Hoseok nods, his expression grim.
“Ugh. Where were the other bodyguards?” Yoongi asks hurriedly.
“We only brought one more, and they went to get the car.”
“Why?” Yoongi asks, glancing at the suite door. “Taehyung’s not going to like this at all.”
Hoseok looks down as Yoongi continues, "One time, he specifically asked us to take care of him."
Yoongi lets out a sigh as he helps Hoseok back onto his feet. "How could you be so careless? He will definitely punish you, and even replace you, or I don’t know what the hell he’ll do. God, he almost killed you!" Yoongi cries out.
"It's okay. You know he wouldn't have actually killed me, and everything will be fine. Don't worry," Hoseok assures.
Chapter Text
Taehyung stepped inside the suite, his sharp senses immediately picking up on Hoseok's minty scent permeating in the air. His nose wrinkled in displeasure as he approached the bed where Jungkook lay peacefully.
Taehyung's chest tightened at the sight of his mate, a mix of relief and longing flooding him after their long separation. But as he stepped closer, something felt... off. His eyes darkened, the glow of red intensifying until they were black like charcoal.
His jaw clenched in anger as he slowly breathed in an unfamiliar scent—faint, but lingering beneath Hoseok’s scent. An unknown Alpha had tainted his mate’s skin and clothes.
Taehyung’s entire body stiffened, his breath catching in his throat as he clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms.
Who dared to touch what was his?
And within seconds, Taehyung’s Alpha took control as he hovered over Jungkook’s body, trying to breathe in his scent.
But the foreign scent was overpowering, so repulsive and invasive, it completely masked Jungkook’s scent—something he had been eagerly waiting to inhale.
It ignited a primal urge within him to erase the intrusive scent, to reclaim and destroy whoever dared to leave a mark on his mate.
A low, guttural snarl escaped his lips as he leaned closer, his nose brushing against Jungkook’s neck, inhaling deeply to grasp the scent of the offender.
His mind raced, images flashing of an unknown alpha touching his mate, leaving their scent, their claim. The thought was unbearable, and his alpha screamed for action.
His fingers twitch, itching to tear something—or someone—apart.
His breathing grows ragged, his control teetering on the edge as he fights the overwhelming urge to completely claim his defenseless mate.
Suddenly, something wet drops onto Taehyung’s cheek. He freezes, his breath hitching as he slowly lifts his gaze.
Jungkook’s lashes are damp, tears pooling and spilling over as his lips tremble
“Alpha?” Jungkook chokes out in disbelief “Taehyungie?”
Taehyung exhales softly, his hands moving to cradle Jungkook’s face delicately. His thumb gently wiping his tears.
“It is me, baby” Taehyung murmurs “You weren't sleeping?”
Jungkook shakes his head, looking impossiblely cute “No... I couldn't. Hobi hyung was acting weird” he mumbles, hands reaching out to grasp at Taehyung's body, as if to make sure he's real.
A low possessive growl rumbles from Taehyung’s chest the moment Jungkook mentions Hoseok. As he catches one of Jungkook’s hands, squeezing them lightly.
Jungkook flinches at the grip, his eyes widening in shock. “T-Taehyung?!” His breath stutters. “Is it really you? I’m not imagining you again, right?"
Taehyung’s lips curled slightly “You were imagining me?” He tilted his head. “Did you miss me that much?”
“Yes—” Jungkook’s words dissolved into a soft gasp as Taehyung bent down and pressed his lips to the sensitive skin of his throat, teeth scraping against his scent glands before he sank them in.
Jungkook’s breath hitched, a choked moan escaping him as his hands clutched at Taehyung’s shoulders. His scent bloomed in the air, mingling with Taehyung’s in a way that made his alpha finally settle.
“Let me remove this filth from you first,” Taehyung muttered, his voice dark, his pheromones thick and heavy as he drowned Jungkook in them, erasing every trace of the intruder.
Jungkook whined softly, arms winding around Taehyung’s neck, body pliant beneath him.
Then, suddenly, Taehyung pulled back. His gaze burned as he surveyed Jungkook’s clothes, his eyes narrowing. “Arms up.”
Jungkook blinked, dazed. “What?”
“Did you let a bastard hug you?” Taehyung’s voice was dangerously low, his patience nonexistent.
Jungkook blinked again, confusion flickering across his face, but he obeyed without hesitation, lifting his arms so Taehyung could rid him of the offending fabric.
And finally
There would be no trace left.
No scent but his own.
Jungkook belonged to him.
“You're mine,” Taehyung growls, his voice thick with possessiveness.
“Uh—” Jungkook doesn't reply immediately. His breath catches as tears suddenly fill his eyes again. “But... I... I broke up with you. I don’t deserve you.”
Taehyung doesn’t respond, his expression unreadable. He shakes his head slightly before removing the hoodie he’s wearing and draping it over Jungkook’s shoulders.
Then He moves off of him, but Jungkook instinctively grabs his hands, panic rising in his chest.
“W-where are you going? Don’t leave me... please stay.”
“Oh, baby,” Taehyung coos. “I’m just grabbing a glass of water for you.”
“And I won’t dare leave if you ask me to stay, my baby,” Taehyung adds, as he grabs a glass of water from the nightstand and brings it to Jungkook’s lips, helping him drink.
“You breaking up with me means nothing to me,” Taehyung continues. “I love you so much. And whether you say yes or not, you are mine. I’m going to make sure of it. No one will object to us. You’ll be a successful solo artist, just like you’ve always wanted.”
“How?” Jungkook asks, his eyes teared up.
“You don’t need to worry about that right now,” Taehyung says as he lies down beside Jungkook and helps him settle against his bare chest. “Now sleep. Don’t you need to perform at a festival tomorrow? You need to rest.”
Jungkook gets comfortable, cuddling into Taehyung’s chest as he whispers, “I can’t sleep. I haven’t been able to for the past two weeks.”
“Hm,” Taehyung hums softly, running his fingers through Jungkook’s hair and gently massaging his scalp, knowing it would help him fall asleep.
“My wolf has been upset all the time,” Jungkook mumbles sleepily. “It was only after you came that it feels at peace.”
“Uh-huh,” Taehyung responds, his hand continuing to soothe him as Jungkook quickly falls asleep.
After several minutes of Jungkook taking calm breaths, Taehyung knows he is truly asleep. He slips a hand into his pocket, pulls out his phone, and dials Yoongi. The call is answered immediately.
“Both of you, come inside,” Taehyung says before cutting the call without waiting for a response.
The door to the suite opens quietly as two men step inside. Their heads are lowered as they walk simultaneously to the other side of the bed, where Taehyung is lying.
“It seems I put my trust in you far too quickly, Hoseok,” Taehyung says, his voice cold.
“Taehyung, I can explain—"
“Shh,” Taehyung growls, sending out a wave of his pheromones toward Hoseok.
The scent is so intense that Hoseok finds it hard to breathe, his knees buckling under the sheer force of it. Even Yoongi isn't spared.
“Who was it?” Taehyung asks slowly, his fingers still threading through Jungkook’s hair. “I might just kill you if you haven't caught him yet.”
“I didn’t see—ugh, fuck—I'm sorry, please stop releasing your pheromones, Taehyung,” Hoseok chokes out.
Taehyung withdraws his pheromones, watching as Hoseok staggers.
“Call Seokjin,” he orders, before pausing. “No, call Namjoon.”
“why—” Yoongi starts, only to be cut off.
“I’ll have Namjoon handle Hoseok’s work, and Hoseok will take over Namjoon’s responsibilities.”
Panic flashes across Yoongi’s face. He glances at Hoseok, whose expression has turned pale.
Seokjin runs Kim Enterprises, Taehyung's company—the largest corporation in the country.
And Namjoon oversees Taehyung’s underworld dealings and, more recently, handles the ‘clean up’ of those caught under Taehyung’s orders. And Hoseok despises this particular job after an incident from his past. But it's clear that Taehyung is punishing him.
“Tae—” Hoseok begins, but one look from Taehyung shuts him up instantly.
“Call,” Taehyung repeats while glaring at Yoongi. Yoongi scrambles to dial Namjoon and quickly hands the phone over. “Find the bastard who dared to touch what’s mine and bring him to me within the hour,” Taehyung commands, his tone lethal. “Or I might just kill Hoseok.” With that, he throws the phone back to Yoongi.
“Tell him he can ask Seokjin for help, but by the time the hour is up, I want that bastard on his knees in the room next door.” Yoongi nods and relays the message. “And Yoongi,” Taehyung adds “If you pity your mate too much... I might just come up with a punishment for you too.”
Chapter Text
"Tell me his name," Taehyung says as he sits at the edge of the bed, pressing his foot on the bastard’s head, his pheromones releasing at a rapid pace.
"It's Han Sejin," Namjoon replies, taking a step back as the intensity of the pheromones increases.
"Ack—ack—w-what did I do? F-fucking stop this! My p-parents won't let you get a-away with this!" Sejin chokes out from beneath Taehyung’s foot. He squirms, desperately trying to remove the eye mask covering his face by rubbing it against the floor.
"Hm." Taehyung presses his foot harder. The floor begins to crack as Sejin’s face slams completely against it.
"Tae, you'll kill him this way," Namjoon interrupts. "His parents are—"
"Shh." Taehyung brings a finger to his lips, silencing Namjoon.
He bends down and grabs the bastard’s hair. With animalistic strength, he yanks Sejin’s face up to meet his gaze. "What you did is something you shouldn’t have. You touched my mate. You let your stupid scent linger on my mate." His voice is eerily calm. "It's regrettable, but I can’t let you live another day after this mistake."
With his other hand, Taehyung grips Sejin’s neck, nails elongating as they pierce into his flesh.
Sejin’s face contorts, his life visibly slipping away. Just as he’s about to lose consciousness, Taehyung lets go, throwing the body towards Namjoon.
"Tie him to a chair and torture him in front of me. Make him beg for death. Make him regret ever touching my mate."
"Tae, his parents are—" Namjoon mumbles again.
Taehyung’s eyes meet his, chilling him to the core.
"What?" Taehyung sighs.
"They’re quite powerful," Namjoon admits, lowering his gaze. "We might get caught."
"Who are they?"
"Han Group."
"Can't Seokjin take care of them?"
"Not as of right now."
"Ahh." Taehyung runs a hand through his hair, anger surging through him. "Come here," he instructs Namjoon.
Namjoon hesitates.
"Have all my subordinates started going against me now? Have I been too friendly with you all?" Taehyung’s eyes glow red as he stares at Namjoon, then at Yoongi and Hoseok standing by the door.
Namjoon hurriedly strides forward and bows.
"How incompetent have you all become in just a few months of me not handling you?" Taehyung taps Namjoon’s cheek with his hand.
"This is very disappointing." He chuckles darkly. "I keep you too close, treat you like friends—has that gone to your heads? Have you forgotten who I am? I am your Alpha. You serve me."
"I understand," Namjoon mutters.
"Get rid of him. They won’t be able to find out who kidnapped him, right?" Taehyung sneers. "Have someone keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn’t escape. I’ll handle the Han family—then, I’ll kill him with my own hands."
Namjoon nods.
"I won’t accept any more mishaps from you all," Taehyung says, standing up. "There’s a limit to what I can bear—and what I can’t."
✨
When Jungkook opens his eyes and doesn’t find himself in Taehyung’s arms, panic sets in.
All kinds of thoughts flood his mind. Was it just a dream? Or did Taehyung realize he didn’t want to be with Jungkook after all?
He gets off the bed, and just like that, the waterworks begin. Tears stream down his face uncontrollably. His chest feels unbearably heavy, and suddenly, it’s hard to breathe.
"Hic, hic—" He clutches his chest with trembling fists, desperate for air, but it doesn’t help.
His legs give out beneath him as panic surges through his body. He doesn’t understand why Taehyung came last night—if he really did—but it only made him realize how much he still wants the alpha. How he and his wolf cannot live without Taehyung, no matter how much he tried to deny it for the past few months.
Even after achieving his dream of becoming an idol, although he isn’t successful yet, he should feel happy. But he doesn’t. He feels lost—because he’s lost without Taehyung. He can’t live without him.
Jungkook slumps against the bedside, pulling his knees to his chest as he sobs.
The conflict of wanting to be with his alpha and letting him go for the sake of his dreams circles endlessly in his mind.
The need to have Taehyung and the fear of being unworthy.
The desire to succeed and the pain of being without him.
Everything is tangled in his head, suffocating him in helplessness.
Why does it have to be so difficult? Why does he have to be a beta? If only he were an omega, things would be easier. He could be an idol and be worthy of Taehyung.
His wolf, sensing his human’s torment, howls from deep within him—a desperate, broken call for his alpha.
And within seconds, the door to the suite is slammed open.
And Taehyung rushes inside.
"Baby," the alpha whispers, approaching him cautiously before pulling him into his arms. "Love, breathe." He settles Jungkook onto his lap, holding him close. "Like this—one, two, deep breath in… one, two, breath out," he demonstrates.
But Jungkook doesn’t respond, completely out of it.
Taehyung cups his mate’s face, gently tapping his cheeks in an attempt to bring him back.
"My love," he calls softly, voice laced with worry. "Come back to me, huh?" He rests Jungkook’s head on his shoulder, rubbing soothing circles on his back while releasing his protective pheromones.
After several minutes of Taehyung’s repeated attempts, Jungkook’s eyes slowly regain focus.
He chokes out a sob, unable to comprehend anything.
"Oh, darling," Taehyung half-smiles. "Let it all out." He continues rubbing his back, murmuring soft reassurances, letting him know he’s here. That he’s real.
Eventually, Jungkook’s cries subside. His eyes are red and swollen, his body damp with sweat.
Taehyung makes him drink some water before lifting him bridal-style and carrying him to the bathroom, gently setting him on a chair.
He then turns on the faucet to fill the bathtub, adjusting the water temperature to Jungkook’s preference.
By the time the tub is filled, he helps Jungkook remove his clothes and gently guides him into the water.
As Taehyung turns to grab towels, Jungkook weakly tugs at his sleeve. "Won’t you come in with me?" His voice is so small, so fragile, that Taehyung can’t refuse.
He undresses and steps into the tub behind Jungkook.
"Let me wash your back," Taehyung murmurs.
Jungkook nods.
Taehyung lathers body wash in his hands and begins rubbing Jungkook’s back gently.
"Are you feeling better now?" Taehyung asks.
Jungkook nods again.
"Words, baby," Taehyung prompts. "Let me hear your beautiful voice."
"I… I don’t know what I’m feeling, hyung," Jungkook admits. "This is making me lose my mind."
Taehyung frowns but continues washing Jungkook’s back before moving to his arms.
"What is, baby?"
"Everything," Jungkook whispers. "Maybe I’m not fit to be an idol after all, hyung."
Taehyung opens his mouth to argue, but Jungkook speaks first.
"All these months after breaking up with you, all I thought about was you. When I should’ve been thinking of my fans, preparing for my debut, practicing harder—I did everything half-heartedly. I’m a disgrace to being an idol. I should be doing more because I’m a beta, but I didn’t… and I even lost you because of it."
"Sweetheart," Taehyung turns Jungkook to face him. "What are you talking about? You debuted wonderfully. You carried out every schedule professionally. You were amazing. I was there for every single performance, radio show, variety appearance—you were incredible. You were born to be an idol. You aren’t a disgrace to anything, baby. And you could never lose me."
Jungkook blinks, eyes wide. "Oh?"
"You don’t believe me?" Taehyung chuckles softly. "Every single day after we broke up, I came by your house and spent time with you. But I left before you woke up."
Jungkook gasps. "You did what? You came to all my shows? You came to my house? You didn’t get upset with me for breaking up with you? You still love me? After everything? But I don’t deserve it—I don’t deserve you. You’re an alpha. You deserve an omega, not a beta like me. I’m a disgrace, I’m nothing. You deserve—"
A low, warning growl cuts off Jungkook’s spiral.
He freezes, eyes wide with shock.
Taehyung has never growled at him before.
The experience makes his stomach churn.
"I love you, Jungkook," Taehyung says firmly. "Is my love not enough to ease your heart?"
Jungkook trembles.
"You can break my heart, but I will never be upset with you, Jungkook. I would do anything for you. I would die for you, baby. You are my mate—stop degrading yourself." Taehyung demands. "When I say you are mine, who dares to say otherwise? You are my heart, my everything. Do you understand that, huh?"
Jungkook stares at Taehyung, his lips parting slightly as if to argue, but no words come out. He wants to fight it, to reject the love he doesn’t think he deserves—but he can't, because Taehyung holds him so lovingly that he just nods.
"...Okay," Jungkook finally whispers.
Taehyung turns Jungkook around again, shampoos his hair, and then washes him. "Let’s get ready, hm? Remember, you have to perform at the festival today."
"Will you be coming to watch me?" Jungkook asks as Taehyung wraps him in a towel.
"Of course, baby. I’m coming. If you want, I can even be backstage with you."
"Really?" Jungkook asks, eyes lighting up. "I would really love that, Taehyungie."
Chapter Text
"Who's this, hyungie?" Jungkook tilts his head, whispering in Taehyung's ear the moment the car door opens and a tall man steps inside.
Taehyung barely spares the newcomer a glance. "His name is Namjoon, baby," he says. "He’ll be your bodyguard in place of Hoseok for now."
"Why?"
"Some personal issues. Nothing for you to worry about," Taehyung replies, offering no further explanation.
Jungkook’s lips press into a pout, "Oh."
The car starts moving after Namjoon bows his head slightly and closes the door.
"Anyways, what is this festival about, baby?"
"It's a college festival, hyungie! I'm going to be the opening act," Jungkook replies with a wide smile. "I'll be performing all the songs from my debut album."
"Oh, that’s nice, sweetheart," Taehyung says, patting Jungkook’s hair slightly. "I got VIP seats to watch you from the front. I usually watched from the sidelines or the back. So perform well for me, hm?"
"I will do my best!" Jungkook exclaims. "I'll show you my best performance!"
"Mhm."
As they near their destination, Taehyung presses a soft kiss to Jungkook’s forehead before stepping out first.
Yoongi, who was sitting in the front, also steps out to follow Taehyung.
With their VIP tickets, they take the designated route, heading to their seats as the performance is set to begin in an hour.
*
Jungkook has never been this excited to perform.
As his makeup and hairstyle are being rechecked, he sits still, already dressed in his outfit—dark blue pants, a white turtleneck, and a matching jacket.
Everyone around him can notice how happy he is. After weeks of observing the Beta being upset, sad, and almost smelling foul, with his Alpha's scent fading from his skin day by day, the staff had been worried. But today, Jungkook was drenched in his Alpha's scent again and it was intense.
Originally, Jungkook was supposed to wear a button-down shirt, but after seeing the big, almost bruised scent mark on his neck, they had to scramble to find a turtleneck to hide it.
No one knows why Jungkook’s Alpha had suddenly stopped scenting him or why his bodyguard was replaced overnight.
No one knew the reason, and no one dared to ask.
It was an unspoken rule within the company to always be on their best behavior around the Beta—to act properly in his presence. Rumors said that anyone who badmouthed him paid a heavy price.
Even the higher-ups were cautious, careful not to interfere in matters concerning the Beta. The entire situation was shrouded in mystery, unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. But no one questioned it.
They couldn’t—because Jungkook’s Alpha was a powerful, dominant Alpha, one at the very top of the chain. People could tell just from the scent clinging to Jungkook.
It wasn’t like that at first. His Alpha’s scent had been ordinary—sweet, even.
But over the course of a few months, everyone realized that it had grown stronger, more dominant, and possessive with each passing day. Now, it was nothing short of terrifying.
But people who don’t know any better and are foolish continue to flock around Jungkook, only to suffer the consequences. His team has changed countless times for various reasons—some due to jealousy, some for being rude to the Beta, others for badmouthing him. And the list goes on.
"Standby in 10 minutes," A voice calls from outside the room.
Everyone rushes to check Jungkook’s makeup and outfit one last time.
Once they’re done, Jungkook rises from his seat, politely thanks everyone, and walks out of the room with his assigned staff.
As he nears the stage, he checks his earpiece, mic, and other equipment one more time. Then, on cue from the staff, he steps onto the stage.
As he approaches the stage, Jungkook adjusts his earpiece, ensures his mic is secure, and gives all his equipment one final check. Then, on cue from the staff, he steps onto the stage.
The smoke bombs are released from both sides as Jungkook walks confidently to the center of the stage.
The tune of his song Begin starts. It takes everything in him not to break character and look around for Taehyung, but that's all he wants to do. Still, he controls himself.
He continues walking to the front, stopping at his marked position as practiced. Right on cue, he begins to sing.
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦~" he sings as the smoke starts to dissipate, finally allowing him to look at the audience. To his disappointment, Taehyung isn’t within his line of sight. "...who had nothing."
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘪𝘨," he continues, his hands moving expressively. "𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭," he sings, taking small steps in sync with his choreography and the rhythm of the song.
Though his face remains composed, he feels a surge of excitement bubbling inside him. It’s almost too much to contain, but he holds it together.
"𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦," he sings, moving diagonally to another part of the stage. "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘮𝘦," he stops, moving his hands up and down precisely as choreographed.
"𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺~" he vocalizes, and finally, his eyes meet Taehyung’s. Taehyung is smiling brightly at him, and it takes everything in Jungkook not to lose his composure—not to smile or cry at the sight of his alpha.
"𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨," he continues, almost smiling. This was what he had always wanted during his first performance—no, every performance. He had always wanted his alpha to be there. Even though he later found out that Taehyung had been present at every performance, he hadn’t known it at the time. Back then, he would look out at the audience and imagine this exact scene—the one he’s seeing now.
"𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴," he dances happily. "𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴."
"𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘦," he circles, his eyes locking with his alpha’s once more.
He takes a step back as his backup dancers arrive. "𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘦~" he sings, quickly matching their movements and dancing in sync.
He continues singing and dancing, his eyes repeatedly drawn to his alpha.
After the chorus, more dancers join him on stage. "𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘵," he sings, his back now to the audience as he relocates with his dancers. "...𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨."
He continues to sing the full song and then he finishes the song on a high note as fireworks light up the stage. Jungkook gives one final look to the audience and walks toward the back of the stage.
The next song he’s set to perform is 𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢. He quickly removes his jacket and tosses it aside, taking a moment to catch his breath before the music begins.
He has to sing in a different part of the stage, away from where Taehyung is seated, which makes him frown. But he quickly reins in his emotions and turns back to the stage, ready for the next cue.
He finishes his performance of 𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 with the same energy and precision.
After 𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢, he returns to the center of the stage to perform 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶. A chair is arranged for him to sit on, and he nonchalantly adjusts it to face Taehyung.
Then, he sings the entire song, stealing glances at his Alpha throughout the performance.
Chapter Text
Taehyung was in awe as he watched Jungkook’s entire performance. His eyes were soft, taking in every moment.
He couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud.
Throughout the performance, Taehyung’s heart swelled with emotion.
If he were to start talking about how breathtaking it was, it would take him days to describe it. It was inspiring, amazing, and wonderful.
As soon as Jungkook bowed and exited the stage, Taehyung moved as well, with Yoongi following behind him. He walked in the direction where he saw Namjoon waving his hand.
With a backstage pass around his neck and his domineering aura, no one on the staff stopped Taehyung as he passed by.
When he reached Namjoon, he guided him and Yoongi to Jungkook’s waiting room.
As soon as the door opened, Taehyung stepped inside. Jungkook, who had been sitting on a chair, immediately got up and ran into Taehyung’s arms.
Everyone in the room was stunned as they watched Jungkook clinging to an Alpha dressed in all black, wearing a mask and a hat to hide his face.
"Hyung, you came."
"Yes, baby," Taehyung murmured softly in Jungkook’s ear, his eyes slowly and menacingly scanning the room.
Within seconds, everyone understood what it meant and scrambled out without looking back.
"Did you like my performance?" Jungkook asked shyly.
"Yes," Taehyung said, patting Jungkook’s head. "It was wonderful. I loved it, bun."
Jungkook replied with the brightest smile Taehyung had seen from him since their breakup.
Taehyung couldn’t help but smile back, feeling especially pleased.
Jungkook tugged Taehyung toward the couch, and they sat together. Jungkook talked happily about many things, while Taehyung listened attentively, taking in every word.
*
After the festival ended, Jungkook originally planned to visit his parents' house. But now he wanted to spend time with Taehyung because he missed him so much.
However, his plans were disrupted by a call Namjoon received.
"What?" Namjoon cursed under his breath, immediately catching both Taehyung’s and Jungkook’s attention.
"Seriously?" Namjoon exhaled, his face turning pale as his eyes met Taehyung’s.
He quickly bowed his head after ending the call.
Jungkook was confused by the interaction, but he didn't question it. He couldn’t, even if he wanted to—because Taehyung looked anything but pleased.
"Yoongi," Taehyung called out sharply.
But as he turned to Jungkook, his gaze softened. "Baby, remember Yoongi?"
"Yes" Jungkook nodded.
"He’ll drop you off at your parent's home" Taehyung said.
Jungkook frowned. "Why?"
Seeing Jungkook’s pretty face filled with disappointment, a hue of red sparked in Taehyung’s eyes. He closed them, trying to control himself.
"Come here," Taehyung prompted.
Jungkook immediately obeyed, sinking into Taehyung’s arms.
"I need to take care of something important. I’ll come back to you as soon as I finish," Taehyung soothed him. "I promise."
Jungkook clenched Taehyung’s shirt in his fist, shaking his head against his chest. "Don’t go," he murmured.
"Oh, bun." Taehyung sighed, his anger rising due to the situation.
He glanced at Namjoon, who still stood with his head bowed. Clearly, something had gone very wrong for him to act this way. Taehyung was not happy.
His fist clenched in rage. His subordinates were so incompetent. He wouldn’t be able to sleep before killing someone tonight.
"My baby," Taehyung murmured, pressing a kiss to Jungkook’s hair. "How about you go first? Have dinner with your parents. I’ll try to be there by the time you need to sleep."
"You swear?" Jungkook looked up from his chest, his eyes slightly watery.
"Yes, I swear," Taehyung hummed.
Jungkook gripped Taehyung’s shirt tighter. "Because I can’t sleep."
"That can’t happen," Taehyung replied. "My baby needs a good night’s sleep. So I’ll be there, okay?"
Jungkook nodded reluctantly and let go of Taehyung’s shirt.
Taehyung gave his head a small pat before getting up and walking to Yoongi. "Eat dinner with the Jeons. Don’t leave his side for even a minute."
"Yes," Yoongi nodded quickly.
"Let's go," Taehyung ordered Namjoon.
Before leaving, he smiled at Jungkook, then walked out, with Namjoon frantically following behind.
*
"It's the Han Group," Namjoon says. "I got a call from the guys watching Han Sejin." He pauses.
"There have been suspicious activities within the group. The situation seems tricky."
Taehyung exhales sharply, running a frustrated hand through his hair before leaning back against the car seat. "What are they trying to do?"
"That's a negative—we don't know," Namjoon replies.
Taehyung clicks his tongue in irritation. "What about our spies?"
"I believe they've been caught." Namjoon hesitates. "The people supervising Sejin lost all contact with them."
A surge of pheromones is released from Taehyung in anger. "Such a headache," he mutters under his breath. "Such incompetence."
Namjoon pries his head away, trying not to be affected by the killing intent in Taehyung's pheromones. But he can't do much in a moving car.
"What should we do then?" Taehyung asks after some time has passed. "I have to be with Jungkook in a few hours, so we need to wrap this up quickly."
He barely gives Namjoon time to respond before continuing, his voice colder this time. "Should I just kill them?"
"That's not advisable," Namjoon replies quickly.
Taehyung's eyes darken as he stares at Namjoon. "Namjoon," he says, his voice dropping to a low dangerous timbre. "Stop testing my patience."
"But—"
"My body is itching to kill somebody," Taehyung cuts him off. "So either give me another solution, or we're confronting the Han Group directly right now."
"We're going there without backup?" Namjoon asks worriedly. "But you just recovered from your rut yesterday—"
"I'm fine," Taehyung cuts him off.
"But—"
"Kyungmin, how much time?"
"Five minutes."
"Good."
Chapter Text
There was a perfectly good reason for Namjoon to be this annoying while dealing with Taehyung today.
If this situation had arisen several months ago, he wouldn’t have even considered it dire. He would have handled it himself. But Taehyung’s condition these days was difficult.
And Namjoon couldn't take things into his own hands without Taehyung taking the lead elsewhere.
The situation was a little chaotic. Taehyung was on edge after his rut. And even though Namjoon knew that no one could defeat Taehyung, even in his weakened state, he couldn’t help but worry about an unforeseen variable.
He had tried to voice his concerns to Taehyung but was silenced.
Taehyung, even in his dazed state, should have known they were walking into a trap.
Namjoon felt a little jittery. He would have appreciated some backup here. But Taehyung had explicitly said no.
And Namjoon didn’t want to test him by failing to follow his order.
The traffic wasn’t heavy on the road as they drove. From the start, Taehyung had made up his mind to go straight to the source of the problem. So, they were already near the Han Group residence, a place they had visited once before.
And Namjoon soon realized that his worries had been for nothing.
He felt stupid for ever doubting that Taehyung would succumb to weakness after enduring a grueling two-week rut.
Namjoon wanted to facepalm himself for behaving so stupidly.
Because, just as Taehyung wanted, everything happened so fast and smoothly.
The car stopped at the gate. The security personnel approached to check the vehicle. Kyungmin lowered Taehyung’s window at his command.
Taehyung shot a piercing glare at the guard, a wisp of his pheromones escaping his body and directly affecting him.
Even though the pheromones weren’t meant for Namjoon, they still hit him. And they were just as strong, if not stronger than before. A chill ran down Namjoon’s spine. So strong.
The guard couldn’t endure Taehyung’s pheromones for even a second, as expected. He collapsed to the ground with ease.
For some reason, there was only one guard surveilling the gate and Namjoon knew why.
“Get up,” Taehyung commanded, and the security guard got up, shivering.
“Open the gate.”
Like a puppet, the guard obeyed.
Once the gate was open, Kyungmin drove the car inside.
As they reached the entrance, Kyungmin quickly stepped out and opened the door for Taehyung. Taehyung stepped outside.
“Well, well, look who we have here,” a voice called out from the entrance.
“Oh, if it isn’t Han Soobin,” Taehyung countered, addressing the older man who approached.
Han Soobin was Han Sejin’s father. They had met once at a party hosted by Soobin a few years ago.
“And if it isn’t Kim Taehyung,” Soobin greeted, smirking. “How have you been—”
“Don’t beat around the bush. I don’t have time for you,” Taehyung cut him off, his voice authoritative.
But Soobin remained unaffected.
“Why? How about we talk about your boyfriend, hmm?” Soobin sneered. “What was his name again… Jeon Jungkook?”
Taehyung clenched his fists in rage. An intense wave of pheromones radiated from his body.
“I didn’t know you would fancy a beta,” Soobin continued, smirking. “And be so obsessed with him.”
“Very brave.” Taehyung clenched his jaw and clapped his hands. “Where is your confidence coming from?”
He glanced at Kyungmin and ordered, “Cigarette.”
Kyungmin quickly retrieved a premium cigarette pack, pulled one out, and handed it to Taehyung.
Taehyung placed the cigarette between his lips, and Kyungmin lit it for him.
He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back, and took a deep drag.
“Ohh.” Soobin looked impressed by Taehyung’s restraint. He had provoked Taehyung, but Taehyung hadn’t taken the bait.
Soobin observed him closely. Taehyung’s eyes flickered between black and red as he exhaled the smoke, then he asked for another cigarette.
Namjoon, too, was amazed by Taehyung’s control.
It was probably because Taehyung didn’t want to drag this matter out, he wanted to solve the problem quickly.
If he had the time, if he were his usual self, he would have already moved and killed everyone. But then they wouldn't know the source of the problem
“Tell me, what’s your problem?” Taehyung exhaled smoke, voice steady.
Soobin hadn’t expected the question.
He didn’t know Taehyung well, but the rumors described him differently.
“You entered my entertainment business without my permission,” Soobin finally spoke. “It took me a long time to understand why you were tapping into the industry. It surprised a lot of people.”
“It’s funny how you’re sullying the name of alphas by stopping for a lowly beta.”
“Haa.” Taehyung exhaled another cloud of smoke. “Do you want to die?” he asked, voice hoarse and deadly.
“As if you could kill me,” Soobin scoffed. “I know everything. You’re pathetic. I’ve never heard of an alpha—a dominant one at that, enduring his rut for a beta. You truly don’t deserve to be an alpha,” he barked.
“Haa.” Taehyung’s patience was running thin.
Namjoon could feel it in the air.
Taehyung wanted to handle this without getting his hands dirty—even though his hands wanted nothing more than to do just that. He was trying to be patient because he didn’t want to go to his baby right after killing a bunch of idiots.
Smoking wasn’t helping. Han Soobin really had a death wish.
“Namjoon,” Taehyung called.
“Yes?”
“Can I kill him?”
Namjoon didn’t answer immediately.
“The aftermath?” Namjoon mused. “If you have a plan for dealing with it, I think it won’t be too much trouble.”
“Okay.”
Taehyung took another drag of his cigarette before flicking the stick away and stomping on it.
Then, he tilted his head to the side, cracking his neck.
“Call those alphas out,” Taehyung told Soobin. “Those mutts won’t be able to help you much—”
“As if,” Soobin interrupted. “They’re all dominant alphas like you.”
Taehyung let out a low growl. “They’re mutts.”
Soon, the so-called dominant alphas came rushing outside, rage burning in their eyes.
“Namjoon, Kyungmin, go sit in the car,” Taehyung ordered, eyes fixed on the approaching alphas.
Namjoon wanted to argue but obeyed. He climbed into the car, watching from a distance.
Taehyung ran a hand through his hair again. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they glowed with a deep hue of golden.
Taehyung had let his alpha take control.
Namjoon could count on one hand the number of times he had seen this happen.
Taehyung rarely needed to let his alpha take over. And when he did, it meant death for everyone around.
The car remains safe, filled with Taehyung’s pheromones acting as a barrier.
As the wolf takes control, within seconds, the entire perimeter is filled with Taehyung’s bitter chocolate scent.
A few Alphas at the back of the group collapse to their knees under its weight.
Everyone else is left shaking, refusing to kneel despite the overwhelming presence, too proud to bow before Taehyung, being a dominant Alphas themselves.
“Stop it!” Soobin shouts. “Weren't we talking it out?”
Taehyung growls in response. The sound is deep, dominant, and primal, a growl meant to force submission and eliminate opposition.
And then, everything turns red for everyone. Their eyes and ears start bleeding.
It’s horrific.
It leaves everyone in shock and agony.
But Namjoon continues watching, unfazed. He has seen this scene a few times before.
It's still shocking though, how a single growl can have such effects. It's terrifying and unbelievable. And this is only the beginning of the abilities Taehyung rarely uses.
“Fuck,” Soobin mutters, wiping blood off his face, barely managing to stand. “What the fuck...”
“Hey, you stupid Alphas, do something! I’ve paid you enormous amounts to be here!”
He glances sideways, and to his horror, every single Alpha is on their knees, bleeding profusely.
A deep fear starts settling in his gut as Taehyung walks toward him with slow steps.
Taehyung grabs Soobin by the neck and lifts him into the air as if he weighs nothing.
Golden eyes gleaming, Taehyung glares at Soobin. “Should I drain the life out of you?” he murmurs. “You dared to speak about my mate in such a demeaning way.” His fingers tighten around Soobin’s throat. “You will have to pay for that with your life.”
“Ack—ack—” Soobin’s bloodshot eyes widen, his legs kicking uselessly as he struggles for oxygen. But soon, his movements slow down... and then they stop.
Taehyung tosses the body aside like garbage. “Haa…” he exhales, slicking his hair back, making a mental note to cut them soon, as they have grown longer than he likes.
“Namjoon,” he calls. “Call for a van. Have all of them captured. I’ll decide what to do with them later.”
“Kyungmin, find his son and take him as well,” he continues. “As for the Han Group, from tomorrow, Kyungmin will handle it.”
“Oh,” Kyungmin exclaims, “I will follow your orders, sir.”
“Good,” Taehyung says as his eyes shift back to their original color. “You’ve worked hard, you deserve a promotion.”
“I—I...” Kyungmin stammers. “Thank you, sir.” He bows deeply.
“Go,” Taehyung nods, dismissing him.
✨
The car ride back to Jungkook’s house is silent.
A different subordinate is driving, Kyungmin stayed back to handle the situation.
“Can you smell blood on me?” Taehyung asks Namjoon.
“No.”
Even after bathing and changing into fresh clothes, Taehyung asks again, unwilling to let Jungkook catch even the faintest scent.
Namjoon wants to tell him that Jungkook barely has the ability to smell and that Taehyung’s pheromones are so strong, no one would detect anything after such a thorough wash.
But, of course, he doesn’t dare say that. Taehyung might actually kill him, even if they are friends.
“Call Yoongi. Ask him what my baby is doing.”
“Okay.”
Namjoon immediately calls and relays the answer.
“They just finished dinner. He went for a bath.”
Taehyung nods.
After some time, they arrive at Jungkook’s parents’ house. The new driver, Wooyoung, steps out and opens the door for Taehyung.
“Wooyoung, you can go for the night,” Taehyung says. “Namjoon, you stay with Yoongi in the guest room.”
Namjoon nods, following him to the door and rings the bell.
Jungkook’s father opens the door.
“Hello, Appa. How are you doing?” Taehyung bows slightly.
The only people he ever bows to are Jungkook’s parents.
“Ah, my son! I’m good, I’m good. How are you? Come inside, quickly.”
“I’m good as well.”
“It’s been so long since you visited. I almost thought you had forgotten us.”
“No, no, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy. I’ll visit more often from now on.”
“Good, good.”
“Where’s Eomma?”
“She went upstairs to give Jungkook some milk as he didn’t eat much at dinner.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll go upstairs too, Appa. Let’s talk more in the morning.”
Jungkook’s father nods, and Taehyung heads to Jungkook’s room, Namjoon following behind.
Outside the room, they find Yoongi waiting.
Taehyung nods at him before stepping inside.
“How did it go?”
“It went well,” Namjoon sighs. “He let his Alpha take control, and finished everything smoothly.”
“I see.”
“Let’s go rest,” Namjoon says, heading downstairs to the guest room.
The only room upstairs is Jungkook’s.
Jungkook’s parents’ room and the guest room are downstairs.
“Hoseok isn’t doing well,” Yoongi says with a sad voice. “I want to go comfort him, but...” He clenches his jaw.
“Let him be,” Namjoon replies as they step into the guest room, not before bowing briefly to Jungkook’s father. “You know Taehyung has wanted to let this happen for a long time. He was just lenient because Hoseok was doing good work. He didn’t want to punish him unnecessarily.”
“But it’s hard for him,” Yoongi whispers after sitting on the bed. “And for me. My wolf is restless. I want to be near him.”
“He needs to overcome this himself,” Namjoon pats his shoulder in comfort. “And you know that.”
“Fuck that,” Yoongi snaps.
“Yoongi, calm down. Lower your voice. You know Taehyung’s hearing ability.”
“Fuck that.”
“Min Yoongi.”
The voice in his head makes Yoongi’s eyes widen.
“Go, if you so desperately want to.”
“I just want Hoseok to overcome it quickly,” Taehyung’s voice continues. “If you go, it will slow the process.”
“If you’re there to comfort him, he won’t be able to overcome it.”
“I know, I know,” Yoongi mutters. “But it hurts to know he’s suffering.”
“Then go,” Taehyung’s voice softens. “I won’t stop you. Even I wouldn’t want Jungkook to suffer.”
Yoongi thinks about it before shaking his head. “No, I’ll just call him instead.”
“As you wish,” Taehyung replies in his head.