Chapter Text
“Jimin look to you left!”
“You look gorgeous Jimin, give us a smile.”
“Will we see you and Jungkook together tonight?”
Lights from the flashing cameras blinded Jimin as he made his way down the red carpet. He paused long enough for the press to snap their photos and shout their questions. The air was cool this evening, but the heat from the lights and caused sweat to prick the nape of his neck and down his back.
Jimin ‘s eyes flicked to his right where a black SUV pulled up to the sidewalk. He held his breath as the cameras turned, ready to get a shot of whoever stepped out. The door opened and a pretty omega stepped out. Jimin couldn’t remember her name, but he remembers watching a drama she played in a few months back. His shoulders relaxed. He shifted forward onto the balls of his feet, trying to mentally will the few people ahead of him to move faster. The red carpet, where hundreds of people had their eyes glued to him along with god knows how many more watching from home, was the last place he wanted to be when he saw Jungkook again.
Jimin had not seen him since their photoshoot together three weeks ago, but he couldn’t escape the alpha. The fashion editorial was published yesterday, and as expected, it took the country by storm. Every time Jimin opened his phone, he saw their names together in headlines and social media posts alike. He told himself this was a good thing even though the sight drudged up feelings he would rather ignore. Even now, his omega was restless inside him, anxious to be with the alpha again. It was infuriating.
Jimin raised his hand and gave the screaming crowd a parting smile before heading toward Seokjin who was waiting at the end of the carpet.
“Killed it,” Seokjin said. He placed a hand on Jimin’s back and guided him through the mass of people as they bottle necked at the entrance of the venue. “Did you see the crowd out there? It was massive.”
Jimin nodded with a wide smile. His fans were his life blood. They always went above and beyond to support him, but Seokjin was right, the crowd seemed larger than usual, or maybe they just screamed louder after seeing the provocative photos of Jungkook and himself. He couldn’t blame them. They haunted Jimin as well.
“How are you feeling?”
“Hot,” Jimin said. He fanned his hand in front of his face to keep from sweating through his makeup. He needed to cool down. “I think I’m just a little nervous.”
“Because of-”
“No, not because of him,” Jimin said a bit too quickly to sound believable. “I just want everything to go well tonight. The results for Icon of the Year will come out any day now. I can’t afford for anything to go wrong.”
“Jimin, please try to relax and have fun tonight. This is all supposed to be fun.”
Seokjin pushed open a heavy black wooden door. The room beyond was large enough to hold at least two hundred people, dimly lit and lined with black carpeted risers that faced a sprawling black stage. The monochromatic setting came to life as people filed in and found their seats.
“Here.” Seokjin handed Jimin a small envelope. “This is from Yoonah. She wanted me to say congratulations on your photoshoot. She loved it.”
Jimin turned the envelope over in his hand, his jasmine scent sweetening at Yoonah’s approval. He was happy to have pleased her.
“You’re seated in the front row,” Seokjin said. “You can head there now. I won’t be able to stay the entire time, but transportation is arranged for you when the show is over.” Seokjin gave his shoulder a squeeze and handed him back his phone that he held while Jimin was on the red carpet. “Off to my corner.” Seokjin slipped off to the staff seating in the back.
Jimin could barely make out the names scrawled in golden ink on the tiny place cards. He squinted and leaned closer, making his way across the front riser until he found his spot. He sat down and used Yoonah’s card to fan his face again. The rush of air felt good on his skin and helped distract him from the burning desire to rip the card open and read Yoonah’s words. He was never the most patient person, but he wanted to wait until he could read it in private. Even the thought of her taking the time to get him a card was causing a lump to form in his throat. He would probably turn into a blubbering mess if he tried to read it right now. He tucked the card into the hidden pocket on the inside of his jacket before he got too emotional.
Jesus Christ, he was all over the place tonight. It was probably the damned temperature in the room. Normally he would keep his outfit intact for the evening, but his cream-colored blazer sat heavy and itchy against his skin. He figured the air conditioning would be on this late in the Spring, but it appeared the event coordinators were determined to cook them all. If he didn’t shed some layers, he might end up in a puddle by the end of the show. Jimin’s fingers slipped across the buttons as he fought to get the jacket off, an overly sweet vanilla scent from an omega sitting somewhere behind him caused a dull headache to thud behind his eyes. It was going to be a long night.
“Is this seat taken?”
Jimin jerked his head up and almost let out a yelp as his omega lurched inside him at the sound of the alpha’s voice. Jungkook stood in front of him, one hand inside the pocket of his dark pants, his expression blank, unreadable.
“Uh.. it’s assigned seating.” Jimin tried not to stumble over his words, but the sight of Jungkook had his tongue twisting in his mouth.
Jungkook was dressed in a coal grey suit that clung perfectly to his athletic build. A black undershirt hugged his chest and curved around his shapely muscles. The colors were traditionally too dark for a spring fashion show, but no one would question the choice, not when he looked like that. The alpha was stunning. His dark hair swept back in inky waves, accentuating the sharp angle of his jawline and giving him a mature look that Jimin had never seen on the alpha before.
Jungkook leaned down and picked up the square of white cardstock next to Jimin. He held it up for the omega to see. Jeon Jungkook was written across the front.
Fuck. He should have checked who was sitting on the other side of him.
Jungkook sat down next to Jimin, hands clasped tightly as he stared straight ahead. “Sorry you’re forced to be in my presence for the next hour.”
“It’s okay,” Jimin said, not knowing how to respond. The two sat in silence. Something felt off. He didn’t expect Jungkook to suddenly be nice to him. He wasn’t naïve enough to think anything would change, but the old Jungkook would have at least insulted him a few times by now. Jimin knew how to handle that, but this new stoic demeanor was uncharted territory. It tugged at something within him, an urge to comfort the alpha bubbled under his skin.
“The editorial seems to be doing well,” Jungkook said, breaking the silence but still not sparing Jimin a glance.
Jimin shifted in his seat. His thigh accidentally brushed against Jungkook’s leg; the touch burned like red hot coils. He inhaled sharply at the unexpected feeling and the alpha’s spiced scent flooded his senses. It cut through the myriads of smells that fogged up Jimin’s brain in the enclosed space. He breathed deeper, hoping the alpha wouldn’t notice.
“Did you see it?” Jungkook turned toward Jimin when he didn’t answer.
“What?”
“The editorial. Did you see it?”
“I did,” Jimin said. He met Jungkook’s eyes for the first time. His lips parted as he took in the alpha’s appearance.
“What?” Jungkook asked.
“I’m just not used to seeing you in something other than jeans and a t-shirt,” Jimin said. Heat crept up his neck to color his cheeks.
“Is that a complement or an insult?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow.
Jimin didn’t answer. He turned back to face the stage as if the fashion show was already in full swing. He wished it was. He needed it to start before he embarrassed himself any further.
“You look beautiful tonight Jimin,” Jungkook said.
Wings of unbidden warmth fluttered inside his stomach. “Good to know I look like shit every other night,” he said, trying desperately to return to their usual hate-filled banter, but he could barely get the words out through his breathlessness.
“You always look beautiful.” Jungkook’s arched eyebrows were pulled together, his pink lips set in a firm line.
Jimin glanced between the alpha’s wide eyes, not knowing what to make of Jungkook’s sincerity. It was dizzying. He needed to return to their script of relentless insults before he lost himself completely.
Relief washed over Jimin as a rush of new voices entered the room. The press, cameras flashing, made their way down the front row of the audience. Perfect, a distraction.
The first few photographers stopped in front of them. Jimin did his best to smile, despite the flashes of light feeling like an ice pick to the brain as his headache sharpened.
“Can you two scoot a bit closer so we can get one of you together?” asked a photographer, a lanyard that said Marie Claire swung from his neck.
Jimin moved closer to Jungkook, thankful for the excuse. He was accustomed to being the center of attention at events, but tonight, his omega turned restlessly inside him as the photographers crowded around him. As if sensing Jimin’s unease, Jungkook wrapped his arm around Jimin and placed his hand low on his hip. The alpha’s palm burned through layers of clothing, turning warm against Jimin’s skin. More photographers passed by, asking questions and making requests, but their words turned fuzzy as Jimin settled into Jungkook’s side.
As the reporters moved on, Jungkook looked down at Jimin, who was still glued to his side “Jimin?” he asked, voice hesitant.
Jimin pulled at the collar of his shirt, wondering if it would be inappropriate to unbutton the first few buttons. It was just so damn hot in here.
“Jimin, your scent is out of control,” Jungkook whispered into his ear.
“What?” Jimin asked. It was difficult to process the words coming out of the alpha’s mouth, the feeling of his breath against his skin was too distracting.
“Jimin,” Jungkook paused and lowered his voice, “I think you are going into heat.”
Jimin’s eyes shot open as the alpha’s words cut through his haze. “That’s impossible,” he whispered. He wasn’t due to start his heat for another three weeks. He was never early. “This can’t be happening.” But even as he said the words, he knew it was true. Dread settled in the pit of his stomach as puzzle pieces clicked into place; the headache, heightened emotions, sweating his ass off. “Oh my god.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” Jungkook said, his usual mocking tone nowhere to be found.
“Are you kidding me? By the time the show is over, every person in here is going to know.” This was a nightmare. He needed this night to go perfectly, and his body chose right now to go into heat early for some fucking reason.
You know the reason, a voice whispered inside him.
“So, leave then,” Jungkook said, shrugging his shoulders as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
“My driver won’t be back for at least another two hours.” Jimin shifted in his seat as heat pooled low in his stomach. He squeezed his thighs together praying he wouldn’t start leaking.
“I drove myself. I can take you home.”
The offer took Jimin by surprise. He wasn’t sure it was a good idea though. There was no way they could leave without people seeing. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and checked his watch. The show started in ten minutes. He didn’t have much time left to decide. “Aren’t people going to wonder where we went?”
Jungkook shrugged again, a wolfish grin curled his lips. “Let them wonder.”
Jimin fanned his face, trying to clear his clouded mind. He wanted to use the fashion show as one last push to promote himself after the publication of the editorial, but maybe this could work too. It would create quite a buzz. Jimin didn’t usually approve of media play, but this wasn’t media play, it was an emergency.
“Fine,” Jimin said with a nod. He scooped up his jacket.
“Not yet,” Jungkook said. He placed his hand on Jimin’s thigh before he could stand up.
The touch sent an electric current through Jimin’s body. Jungkook yanked his hand back, making Jimin wonder if he felt it too. But if he did, he recovered quickly. Jungkook leaned back and started unbuttoning his own suit jacket.
“What are you doing?” Jimin whispered. “Let’s go.” He looked down at his watch again. Three minutes left.
“Just trust me,” Jungkook said.
Jimin felt exposed. He was in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. His omega whined inside him, restless and itching to get away. Panic gripped his throat as the lights in the room dimmed, signaling the start of the show. It was too late.
“Put this on,” Jungkook whispered. He held out his grey suit jacket.
“Are you crazy?” There was no way in hell he wanted anyone to see him wearing Jungkook’s jacket.
“Just do it,” Jungkook urged.
Jimin still didn’t understand, but arguing would only take up more time. He stuck his arms through the jacket and was swallowed up by the fabric. The effect was immediate. The alpha’s rich honey and clove scent wrapped around him like an embrace, settling his nerves to a manageable level for the first time tonight. A low thrumming music rumbled through the speakers as the first model strutted onto the stage.
“Let’s go,” Jungkook said. He grabbed Jimin’s discarded suit jacket from his seat then took his hand. Jungkook motioned for Jimin to duck down and then led them toward the exit, the darkness of the room shielding their escape.
No heads turned in their direction as they made their way out of the room. Everyone was too distracted by the start of the fashion show notice. Even Jimin’s scent went undetected thanks to Jungkook’s jacket draped around his shoulders. He had to admit that it was a brilliant plan.
Jimin yanked Jungkook to a halt as they came near the entrance of the lobby. Reporters and photographers mingled, talking in hushed voices as they waited for the show to end and the celebrities to re-emerge. Ice ran through Jimin’s veins at the thought of the press seeing him leave with Jungkook before the show even started. Rumors were one thing; direct confrontation was another.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you,” Jungkook said. He laced his fingers through Jimin’s hand and walked him forward. Just before they made it to the lobby, Jungkook turned left and slipped through a narrow door that Jimin had not seen in his muddled state.
A long hallway stretched before them with a red neon exit sign glowing at the end. Freedom. Jimin could have cried. Jungkook draped his arm over Jimin’s shoulders, pulling him close as he guided him toward the door. Less than a month ago, Jungkook would have been the last person on earth he would have trusted. Jimin might have laughed at the unexpected turn of events if he could focus on anything other than the press of the alpha against his skin.
A metallic clang rang out as Jungkook shoved open the exit door. A security guard stood on the other side. He held up a hand as Jungkook attempted to sweep Jimin past.
“Can I help you?” the security guard asked.
Jimin bristled as a gust of wind carried the guard’s scent toward him, another alpha. His hands grasped at Jungkook’s torso as he tried to pull himself closer, turning his face into the alpha’s chest. Jimin told himself it was to protect his identity, but it felt good to give himself over to Jungkook’s protection. Jimin’s core vibrated with warmth as a low growl rumbled in Jungkook’s chest.
“Let us pass,” Jungkook said.
“Jungkookssi,” the guard stuttered, “my apologies. Please, have a good evening.
Jungkook’s arms flexed around Jimin as he resumed walking. A shiver ran through the alpha’s body. Jimin peeked up from where his head was still tucked into Jungkook’s chest.
“Do you want your jacket back?” Jimin asked. The temperature had dropped significantly since their arrival at the fashion show. Jungkook had to be cold.
“No, I’m okay.”
Jimin opened his mouth to argue but snapped it shut at the look on Jungkook’s face. The alpha stared straight ahead; his jaw set so tightly Jimin worried he might crack a tooth. He was probably pissed at Jimin for interrupting his evening. Jimin pulled away from Jungkook’s side, the heat of embarrassment adding to his climbing body temperature.
They stood in silence as a young beta valet rushed to retrieve Jungkook’s vehicle. Jimin shifted from one foot to another. A car revved its engine somewhere on a nearby street and Jimin almost jumped out of his skin. His every nerve was on high alert as he looked around, terrified of being spotted.
“Almost home,” Jungkook said.
The two words felt like a lifeline.
The valet returned moments later with a black Lexus sedan. Jimin blinked in surprise, momentarily pulled out of his anxieties.
“Is something wrong?” Jungkook asked. He opened the passenger side door and extended his hand to Jimin, helping him climb into the car. Jungkook tossed Jimin’s jacket into the backseat.
“No,” Jimin said. “I just thought someone like you would have something a little flashier.”
“Someone like me?” Jungkook let out a dry huff of laughter. “Guess I’m full of surprises tonight.” He smirked down at Jimin, but his eyes held a hint of what looked like sadness.
That was an understatement thought Jimin.
The scent of Jungkook’s jacket was child’s play compared to the intensity of honeyed cloves that enveloped him as he nestled into the passenger seat. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back, trying his best to ignore the flames of arousal that licked up his spine as the alpha sat down beside him.
“Thank you,” Jimin said. He couldn’t bring himself to look Jungkook in the eyes, not when he had gone so far out of his way to help him. “I didn’t mean to ruin your night.”
Jungkook let out a laugh. “Trust me, you did not ruin my night.” He shook his head.
Jimin closed his eyes as slick leaked out unbidden at the sound of Jungkook’s laughter. His whole body ached. The heat rolled through him as it crept toward full force. He couldn’t remember a time when his heat came on so suddenly or so severely. Damn Jungkook. He never should have agreed to participate in a photoshoot that was so intimate. Jimin hadn’t been physically close to someone in years. Of course his body would react this way. It was only natural. But even as he said the words to himself, he knew it was a lie, this was more than some trivial pent up sexual frustration.
“You seem abnormally adept at sneaking out,” Jimin said, trying to focus on anything other than the growing hardness between his legs and the slide of his cheeks.
Jungkook let out another laugh. “I guess I had some practice during my teenage years.” The streetlights cast a pale glow on the alpha’s skin as he weaved through traffic.
“Oh?” Jimin asked. “Too many parties?” He smiled at the thought of a young Jungkook climbing out a window in the middle of the night. He had seen a few photos of the alpha in his younger years before he got his big break, but he had a hard time imagining that cute little kid in the pictures staying out all night partying.
“More like too many late nights at my friends’ houses playing video games.” Jungkook smiled wide enough for his nose to scrunch up just a bit.
The sight caused Jimin’s stomach to flip in a way that felt entirely unrelated to his heat. He closed his eyes again and laid his head back on the headrest. Maybe talking to Jungkook wasn’t such a great distraction.
Almost home. He repeated the words in his head like a mantra until Jungkook pulled into the car garage of his apartment building and cut the engine.
“I can manage from here,” Jimin said.
Ignoring him, Jungkook opened the door and stepped out. “I’m not letting you walk through a car garage at night like this.” He looked Jimin up and down.
Jimin knew he was a mess. His shirt, still covered by Jungkook’s jacket, clung to his body with sweat. He would be lucky if he wasn’t already leaking through his clothes onto the seat of Jungkook’s car. It was unlikely that he would run into any trouble on the way up to his well secured apartment, but not every alpha was as controlled as Jungkook.
“Fine,” Jimin said.
Jungkook walked around the hood of the car and opened Jimin’s door. His stomach swooped low as Jungkook reached across his lap and unbuckled his seatbelt. It took all Jimin’s strength to keep himself from burying his nose into the alpha’s neck. He smelled so good that Jimin could almost taste it on his tongue. He wanted to taste it on his tongue. An unbidden whine escaped his lips as Jungkook moved away from him. The alpha was polite enough not to mention it.
The trip in the elevator up to Jimin’s apartment was torture. Jungkook was still unnaturally quiet, his hard face turned away. Jimin hated it. His omega urged him to go to the alpha, to close the distance that seemed far wider than the physical space that separated them.
Thoughts of their time in the dressing room flooded his mind and sent a fresh rush of slick trickling down his leg. Jungkook cleared his throat from where he stood in the corner of the elevator. Jimin wished he would say something. The air between them felt charged and Jimin was desperate for a release.
Jungkook held the elevator door open as they arrived at Jimin’s floor. He had been so desperate to get home to his apartment, he had not even considered the way he would feel when it was time for Jungkook to leave. With a trembling hand, Jimin punched in the code to the door. He took a step inside and turned back to look at the alpha.
“Do you have everything you need?” Jungkook asked. His voice was clipped.
No! Jimin wanted to scream at him. But he couldn’t find the courage to tell the alpha what he really needed, who he really needed, so he only nodded.
“Good night Jimin,” Jungkook said. He took hold of the doorknob and closed it behind him.
Jimin wanted to cry. He brought his fingertips up to his cheeks and found that a few tears had indeed already rolled down his feverish cheeks. He should have said something. He should have asked Jungkook to stay. The worst he could have said was no and Jimin would be no worse off than he was now.
He knew that wasn’t true though. The thought of rejection from Jungkook hurt more than Jimin could fully admit to himself. He took a few fevered steps toward his room, unbuttoning his shirt along the way. Jimin needed to prepare his nest before he lost himself completely to his heat.
Jimin entered his room. He had a few toys tucked into his underwear drawer but the thought of using them right now made him want to weep. It felt woefully inadequate. He pulled Jungkook’s jacket off and nuzzled his face into the fabric, breathing in the alpha’s scent. He wished he had more of the alpha’s clothing, enough to line his nest. Jimin placed the jacket in the center of his bed and crawled onto the mattress, lying down on the fabric. It wasn’t even soft, but it was all he had. He would go searching for some of his favorite blankets later, but right now he just wanted to lie here and pretend the alpha was still with him.
Jimin’s heart jumped into his throat as a knock sounded at the door. He should probably just ignore it. He was in no state to answer the door right now, but maybe… Jimin’s bare feet padded across the linoleum floor as he made his way back into the living room. He pressed his face against the door, peering out of the peephole.
“Jimin?”
He flung the door open at the sound of Jungkook’s voice. The alpha stood in the hallway holding out Jimin’s jacket. Jimin reached past the jacket and grabbed a fistful of Jungkook’s shirt instead. He yanked the alpha forward and pressed their lips together. An eruption of heat like molten lava exploded under his skin at the taste of his lips. Jungkook kissed him back with an urgency that stole the breath from Jimin’s lungs.
Jungkook walked them backwards into the apartment. “You forgot your jacket in my car,” he mumbled out against Jimin’s rushed kisses.
“Fuck the jacket.” Jimin gripped the cloth of Jungkook’s shirt and pulled him closer. “Please stay,” he whispered. He had nothing left to lose at this point.
Jungkook placed his hands on Jimin’s shoulders, stopping his movements. “Jimin I-”
“Please.”
Jungkook stared at Jimin, worrying his bottom lip with his teeth. “Fuck it.”
Jimin let out a whimper as Jungkook scooped him up into his arms and pressed their lips back together. He walked further into the apartment. Jimin clung to him, taking full advantage of finally being in Jungkook’s arms again. He rubbed his face along Jungkook’s jaw and neck, covering himself in the alpha’s scent. It felt good to finally let go, chase after his instincts and shamelessly give into his needs.
“You smell so good,” Jungkook said. He twisted his fingers into Jimin’s hair and pulled his head back exposing his neck.
Jimin’s toes curled as Jungkook scented him, the act intimate, but Jimin refused to push him away this time.
Jungkook put Jimin down and pressed him against the back of the couch “You drive me crazy,” he growled against Jimin’s skin.
Jimin might have taken that as an insult if Jungkook wasn’t busy undressing him.
His fingers were steady and sure as they undid the last few buttons on Jimin’s shirt. The cool air felt like a gentle kiss on his skin as Jungkook pushed his shirt down over the slope of his shoulders. He turned Jimin around and kissed the nape of his neck, slipping Jimin’s pants down his long legs.
“You’re so beautiful,” Jungkook whispered into Jimin’s ear like a secret. He ran his hand along the inside of Jimin’s thigh, trailing upward until his middle finger passed over Jimin’s sensitive hole.
Jimin’s knees trembled. “Bedroom,” he managed to get out. He needed Jungkook inside him.
Jungkook scooped Jimin up bridal style, staring down at the omega with liquid gold warmth in his eyes. He brought Jimin into the bedroom and placed him down on the bed.
“My jacket, huh?” Jungkook asked. The corner of his soft lips quirked up.
“Shut the fuck up,” Jimin said. The statement held no bite though as Jimin turned his head to the side and rubbed his cheek against the material.
“Be nice,” Jungkook said. His smile turned soft.
Jimin’s naked body writhed under Jungkook’s gaze, lost in pleasure and desire. “Need you,” Jimin said. He was already leaking on the sheets beneath him.
Jungkook’s hard length strained against the fabric of his slacks. Jimin wanted it inside of him. The fire that burned in Jungkook’s eyes told Jimin he wanted the same.
Jimin flipped over onto his stomach and pressed his hips back, presenting for the alpha.
“Shit,” Jungkook said.
“Hurry.” Jimin pressed his hips back further. He reached a hand between his legs and pumped his omega cock. The sound of Jungkook undressing behind him was like music to his ears, setting his body on fire, knowing he would soon have the alpha inside him.
Jimin let out a moan as Jungkook took hold of his hips and slotted his bare cock between his cheeks. Jungkook rotated his hips, coating his cock in Jimin’s slick.
“You are so wet,” Jungkook said.
Jimin let out a whine as Jungkook pulled away.
“Shh,” Jungkook said. “I got you.”
Jimin’s eyes rolled into the back of his head as he felt Jungkook’s tongue press against his rim. He pushed his hips backwards riding the alpha’s tongue as he lapped at his hole. Obscene sounds filled the room as Jimin’s slick coated Jungkook’s face and dripped down his chin. If he had his wits about him, he might be embarrassed by the amount of slick he produced, but right now, nothing mattered except the alpha.
“Jungkook,” Jimin cried out as the alpha sucked at his hole. The heat that had been simmering beneath his skin erupted. Slick squirted into Jungkook’s mouth as Jimin found his first release, but it did nothing to satisfy his need. “Fuck me, please.” Tears squeezed out of the corner of his eyes.
“Let me prep you,” Jungkook said.
“No,” Jimin whined. “I’m ready. Please, just hurry.” He looked over his shoulder at the alpha who was wiping the slick from his chin.
“I’ll be quick,” Jungkook said. He planted a kiss between Jimin’s shoulder blades. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Jimin’s head tipped back as Jungkook pushed two fingers inside his hole. True to his words, Jungkook massaged him open quickly, adding a third finger and then a fourth. The stretch had Jimin seeing stars, but he needed more.
“Okay baby,” Jungkook said. He pulled his fingers out of Jimin and rubbed the tip of his cock over his hole. He pushed forward sinking into Jimin’s heat.
The pet name, mixed with the stretch of his rim over Jungkook’s cock, pushed Jimin over the edge for a second time. Jimin let out a strangled moan as come dribbled from his cock onto the bed beneath him. Jungkook didn’t give him a moment to rest though. Instead, using the slick from Jimin’s second orgasm, he pushed the rest of the way inside, thrusting slow and forcefully as Jimin rode out his orgasm.
Jimin turned to putty, finally stuffed full as Jungkook rearranged his insides. The alpha climbed onto the mattress, pushing Jimin forward with each thrust until he was pressed against the mattress under Jungkook’s weight.
“Harder,” Jimin said. He bit down on the pillow that pressed against his cheek. He was coming undone, no longer able to tell where his body ended and Jungkook’s began. It was all consuming. Jimin clawed at the sheets beneath him as he felt Jungkook’s knot catch on his rim.
Jungkook stilled, heavy breaths fell from his lips. He slowly pulled out.
“Wait,” Jimin said, his voice lined with panic. “Please knot me.” He sounded desperate. He was desperate.
“Jimin,” Jungkook said.
“I’m on birth control,” Jimin assured him, assuming he was concerned about getting him pregnant.
Jungkook still didn’t move. Jimin looked over his shoulder. The sight cut through the haze of his heat and sliced directly to his heart. Jungkook looked like someone out of a Renaissance painting. The hard planes of his body glistened from the thin sheen of sweat that covered his skin. His wavy hair hung damp across his forehead, his shoulders rising and falling as he fought to catch his breath. But it was his expression that truly took Jimin by surprise. His usual alpha bravado, always so carefully put into place, was now wiped away. He looked stripped bare, open and vulnerable, staring down at Jimin with a look marred by sadness.
Jimin didn’t understand the change in his demeanor, but his heart fractured all the same. His omega pleaded with him to comfort Jungkook, to take away whatever was causing the alpha pain. This time Jimin listened.
He climbed to his knees and turned to face Jungkook, placing a small hand on the alpha’s cheek. Jungkook closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. Jimin pressed their foreheads together, breathing in the mixture of honeyed cloves and jasmine tea that was uniquely theirs.
Jungkook took Jimin’s face between his palms and nuzzled their noses together. “Lie down,” he whispered against Jimin’s lips.
Jungkook’s round doe eyes filled Jimin’s vision. The sight brought a smile to his lips. The alpha rested a hand behind Jimin’s head and lowered him onto the pile of pillows at the head of the bed. Jungkook hovered over Jimin and brushed strands of dark hair out of his eyes before leaning down and pressing a soft kiss to his mouth. Jimin parted his lips, their tongues meeting to touch, to taste. The kiss deepened as their bodies melded together. The weight of Jungkook made him feel safe, like he was shielded from all the cares of the world.
Jungkook reached between them and hooked an arm under one of Jimin’s legs. He stared deep into Jimin’s eyes as he pressed back inside of his soft, warm walls. Jungkook rocked his hips forward, his face only a few centimeters away from Jimin, their breath mixing as they panted into each other’s mouths.
Jimin’s hands flew to Jungkook’s back as the alpha picked up his pace. He raked his nails across Jungkook’s skin as the alpha rubbed a thumb over his sensitive nipple. It was as if he knew exactly where to touch Jimin to take him apart piece by piece. He turned his head to the side and let Jungkook trail kisses down the side of his neck and lick over his scent gland. A string of pleas left Jimin’s lips as he felt Jungkook’s knot press against his rim for a second time. He wasn’t sure he could take it if Jungkook pulled away from him again.
“Look at me,” Jungkook said.
Jimin opened his eyes to find the alpha already staring down at him with fiery eyes that could swallow him whole. A cry fell from Jimin’s lips as Jungkook pushed forward, the knot pressing against his hole. Deep pressure radiated through his core and for a moment he felt as if Jungkook might split him open, but then his body gave way to the alpha and Jungkook slid completely inside.
Jimin dug his nails into the meat of Jungkook’s shoulders as the alpha came inside him, painting his insides with warmth. “Ahh,” he cried as his body seized. His hole clenched around Jungkook as he came on the alpha’s cock. Ropes of come shot from Jimin’s hard length, landing on his torso and adding to the sticky mess that coated their skin.
Jungkook leaned forward and kissed Jimin hard on the lips as he continued to roll his hips forward filling him with wave after wave of come. Jimin’s body went limp, now temporarily satisfied by Jungkook’s knot and seed that filled his belly. Jungkook detached their lips and buried his face in the crook of Jimin’s neck breathing in his scent.
“Will you stay?” Jimin whispered.
Jungkook didn’t answer immediately and with each passing moment, Jimin’s heart beat faster.
“Yes,” he finally said.
Relieved, Jimin tightened his arms around Jungkook.
“Just until you make it through your heat.”
The words were like a splash of icy water, reminding Jimin of who Jungkook was and what they were not. Jimin closed his eyes. “Of course,” he said, thankful the scent of his heat was strong enough to overpower any traces of heartbreak.
~~~
Jimin stared down at his phone. He had been on edge for the past few days waiting on the announcement, not knowing how he would react when he received the news. Perhaps he would feel euphoric with victory, maybe crushed with defeat. He supposed it would depend on the outcome, but regardless, he assumed he would feel something. He hadn’t expected to feel nothing.
Jimin reread the headline for what must have been the twentieth time, as if it would force the words to sink in, make him feel anything besides the emptiness that stretched through him like a hollow ache.
Jeon Jungkook Crowned Fashion Icon of the Year: The Reign of a New Style King Begins
That was that. He placed his phone down on the table next to his morning coffee and sat in silence. It never bothered him to live alone, but in the week since Jungkook left after his heat ended, things had felt different. His apartment, which was normally his safe haven, now felt empty.
It was just the aftermath of his heat. That’s what Seokjin told him, after he gave Jimin an earful for not calling him for help in the first place when he went into heat at the fashion show.
“He could have hurt you,” Seokjin had scolded.
He did hurt me, thought Jimin, or more to the point, Jimin had hurt himself. It wasn’t like he didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he asked Jungkook to stay, but it had been harder than he thought to tell him to leave. Jimin decided he couldn’t take the pain of Jungkook walking out at the end of his heat, so Jimin took matters into his own hands, forcing him to leave as soon as his heat started to subside. He wouldn’t ever be able to forget the look in the alpha’s eyes when he walked out though. Jungkook didn’t even look angry. Jimin could have handled anger. He just stared at Jimin with those dark eyes, his expression blank, empty. Maybe that was why Jimin felt so empty now.
After Jungkook left, Jimin had gone back to his room and cried himself to sleep. He cried again when he woke up and saw the buzz swirling around online after they were spotted leaving the fashion show together. He didn’t cry because of the rumors; he cried because they weren’t true. How silly.
Jimin’s phone vibrated on the table, breaking the silence. Jimin glanced down as Seokjin’s name flashed across the screen. He clicked the phone off. He must have seen the headlines as well, but Jimin didn’t feel like talking about it right now. He lost. There was nothing left to discuss.
Jimin rose from the table and picked up his untouched piece of toast. He walked to the kitchen and dumped it into the trash next to last night’s dinner. His stomach twisted at the sight. Normally he was ravenous after his heats, but more than anything Jimin just wanted to crawl back into bed, shut his eyes and forget any of this had ever happened; forget the award, forget his reputation, forget the photoshoot, but mostly, forget Jungkook.
He jumped at the sound of someone knocking at his door. Jimin’s eyebrows scrunched together. It was probably Seokjin. He was never one to allow Jimin to mope for too long. It might help to have some company right now.
“I’m coming,” Jimin called after a second knock. He walked across the room and pulled the door open. Jimin froze.
Jungkook stood in the hallway. Like Jimin, he looked like he just crawled out of bed. His eyes were puffy, his hair stuck out at odd fluffy angles as if he only used his fingers to tame the mess instead of a hairbrush.
Jimin stood there for a moment, his lips parted in surprise before reality crashed back in. His expression hardened at the alpha on his doorstep. Jimin knew they were petty towards each other, but driving to his apartment to lord his victory over him was a new low Jimin did not see coming. “I guess you’ve come to gloat.” Jimin held his arms out to his side, palms up in surrender. “Congratulations. You won. You can leave now.” He tried his best to sound as unbothered as Jungkook had looked when he last left Jimin’s apartment but the crack in his voice betrayed him. He swung the door shut, but Jungkook’s heavy black boot stopped it from closing all the way.
“What’s your problem?” Jungkook asked.
“My problem?” Fury bubbled up inside him at Jungkook’s tone.
“Yes, your problem.”
“You’re the one who came here to rub salt in my wounds,” Jimin said raising his voice. The audacity of Jungkook to say he was the problem. Jimin kicked himself for ever thinking that Jungkook was different than any other alpha.
“No.” Jungkook stepped inside and closed the door. “I mean from the beginning. From the very first time I met you. You have treated me like dirt on the bottom of your shoe. Is it because I don’t come from money? From a well-off family? What’s your problem?”
Anger simmered hot under Jimin’s skin. “I don’t care about that. And how dare you accuse me of treating you poorly. All you do is go out of your way to get under my skin and insult me.”
“I’m coping,” Jungkook said. He crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders, that unbothered expression flitting back across his face.
But Jimin was getting better at seeing through the cracks in his confidence. “Coping with what?” he pushed.
“With the fact that the person I looked up to the most in this industry hates me. I guess it’s true what they say about never meeting your hero.”
“Please, no one hates you,” Jimin said rolling his eyes. “Everybody is obsessed with you.”
Jungkook lowered his head and stared at Jimin with raised eyebrows.
Jimin’s eyes widened as realization settled in. “Oh. I’m the hero.”
“Imagine my disappointment when I met you for the first time and realized you already hated me,” Jungkook said. “Although disappointment probably isn’t the right word. Devastation maybe.”
“I didn’t hate you,” Jimin said, his voice barely above a whisper as he remembered back to their first meeting at the movie premier. Jungkook was already making waves on the fashion scene, and it terrified him. He could only see his fall in Jungkook’s rise.
“You were my inspiration,” Jungkook continued as if he didn’t hear Jimin. “The way you expressed yourself so effortlessly. Not just through your clothing, but through your movement and personality. The way you chased after your dream. I wanted to be like you one day. The thought of it kept me going through all the shit it takes to work your way up from nothing. But then I met you and I realized that version of you was just something I made up in my head. The real you was self-centered and jaded. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it was an important one.”
Jimin placed a hand on the wall to steady himself. Jungkook’s words felt like a slap to the face. He wasn’t wrong, but the truth hurt like hell. Jungkook’s vision of Jimin used to exist, but he lost himself somewhere along the way. Fears and insecurities perpetuated by the industry chewed him up and spit him back out, leaving him a shell of the person he had once been.
“And no, I didn’t come here to gloat about winning. I came here to make sure you were okay. Because despite how shitty you have been to me, how shitty we have been to each other, I care about you.”
I care about you. The words rang out in Jimin’s head. They brought another fresh wave of pain, but this pain felt cleansing. The kind of pain you felt when cleaning out a wound.
“I care about you too,” Jimin said. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest as he spoke the words. It had been a very long time since he had been so vulnerable. It was terrifying. He closed his eyes and forced himself to keep going. He owed Jungkook as much. “I am so sorry.” He took a step toward the alpha. “I never hated you. I let my own fears and jealousy blind me and turn me into a wretched human.” He reached a hand toward Jungkook’s cheek.
Jungkook caught Jimin’s hand before he could touch him. “Wretched human is a bit melodramatic.” He gave Jimin a tiny smile then turned his head and kissed the inside of his palm.
Jimin smiled at Jungkook, a smile that reached his eyes and had warmth spreading in his chest.
“I am sorry as well,” Jungkook said. He pulled Jimin forward and wrapped him in his arms. “I think we both have quite a few things we could apologize for. How about a fresh start instead?”
“I’d like that,” Jimin said.
His eyes fluttered close and Jungkook leaned forward and kissed him. Even though they had already shared dozens of kisses, this one felt like their first. Jungkook’s lips moved against his own, unguarded and filled with a tenderness that was as smooth and syrupy as his honeyed scent.
“Congratulations by the way,” Jimin said when their lips parted. “For winning Icon of the Year. You deserved it.” His gaze flickered between Jungkook’s star filled eyes, and to his relief, the words felt true. The hollow pit that disappointment had eroded within him was no longer empty, happiness and pride had taken its place, steady and warm in his chest.
“It means the world to hear you say that,” Jungkook said. He bumped their noses together before kissing Jimin lightly on the lips. “You deserved it just as much though.”
“I guess next year I will just have to steal your crown.” Jimin gave Jungkook a wicked grin.
“I do love a good challenge.” Jungkook quirked up a shapely eyebrow. “Let me take you out tonight.”
“Hmm.. I don’t know,” Jimin spun around and took a few steps away from Jungkook. “What would people think if we confirmed all of their little suspicions?”
“Only one way to find out,” Jungkook said before chasing after him.
Jimin shrieked in delight and let Jungkook hoist him into the air and carry him off to his room where they tumbled back into bed and into each other’s arms.
~~~
Jimin stared down at Jungkook as he slept soundly, his limbs spread out across Jimin’s bed, taking up far more space than he would have thought possible. A soft smile pulled up the corners of Jimin’s lips at the sight. They spent the entire day in bed trading kisses as Jimin got to know Jungkook, the real Jungkook. Not the one that Jimin made up in his mind, rooted in his own insecurities instead of reality. And Jimin let Jungkook know the real him, or at least part of him. It would take a long time to tear down all his walls and let Jungkook in completely, but if Jungkook would have him, he would try.
Jimin looked out of the window near his bed. The sun had already dipped behind the horizon and the first few stars of the evening twinkled in the sky. Jimin assumed that their plans of going out tonight were not going to happen. That was fine with him. He could wait another day or two before returning to the real world.
Jimin stretched his arms over his head and climbed out of bed, trying his best not to disturb Jungkook. He should clean up his apartment a bit while the alpha slept. He had not exactly kept up with his housework during his week-long pity party. Jimin closed the bedroom door quietly behind him and walked into the living room. He let out a laugh when he saw his Dior jacket still thrown over the back of the couch where it landed the night of the fashion show.
Jimin picked up the jacket and a white envelope plopped to the ground. It was Yoonah’s card. He forgot to open it after everything that happened that night. Jimin picked up the envelope and slid his finger under the seal. He pulled out a simple blush pink card with a note on the inside in Yoonah’s neat handwriting.
Dearest Jimin,
Your editorial was breathtaking, truly a highlight of your career. I would like to think you are as proud of yourself as I am, but somehow, I doubt that. Your tenacity to meet your goals has always been your biggest strength, but also one of your greatest weaknesses. Success means nothing if you lose your purpose along the way. So please, take time to celebrate the artistic impact you have made on the world. Believe in yourself regardless of external accolades. And if you can’t, as always, my faith in you will make up for the difference.
With love,
Yoonah
Jimin smiled down at her words. For once, he felt like it might be possible for him to follow her advice.
“She’s a smart woman.”
Jimin whipped his head around to find Jungkook staring over his shoulder. “Snooper,” he said. Jimin gave the alpha a playful glare and clutched the card to his chest. “You are supposed to be sleeping.”
“I was until you slammed the bedroom door behind you.” Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin’s waist and kissed the shell of his ear.
“I did not slam the door.” He tipped his head back and stared up and Jungkook, his eyes narrowing.
“For someone so tiny, you make an awful lot of noise.”
“Bold words coming from the person who snores loud enough to wake the neighbors.” Jimin twisted in Jungkook’s arms until he faced the alpha.
“I’m an alpha,” Jungkook shrugged. “Those are my sleep growls.”
“That’s not a thing and you know it.”
Jungkook grinned down at Jimin and kissed him on the tip of his nose. “I think I promised you a date tonight. Are you hungry?”
“Surprisingly yes,” Jimin said. He didn’t have much of an appetite all week, but now he felt like he was starving.
“So, where does the famous Park Jimin like to eat?”
Jimin chewed his bottom lip. “Actually, I was wondering if we could stay in tonight. I don’t think I’m quite ready to share you with the rest of the world yet.” He felt heat rise in his cheeks. “Maybe we could order a ridiculous amount of fried chicken and get drunk while watching a movie.”
“A man after my own heart,” Jungkook said. He pulled out his phone to order the food. “I can’t believe I’m getting ready to eat fried chicken with Park Jimin in his living room. If only my nineteen-year-old self could see me now.”
Jimin let out a giggle. “I highly doubt eating fried chicken is the most shocking thing we have done together.”
“Well Jesus Jimin, I’m not trying to give the boy a heart attack.”
Jimin’s eyes turned to crescents as he let out a laugh and dragged Jungkook to the sofa. He couldn’t remember the last time he had smiled so much. Jungkook sat down and Jimin climbed into his lap.
“Thank you,” Jimin said, his lips hovered over Jungkook’s as he stared into the alpha’s eyes. He leaned down and pressed their mouths together in a kiss that held all the feelings Jimin didn’t quite know how to express yet.
“Damn. I should buy you chicken more often,” Jungkook said. He sounded breathless and a pretty shade of pink dusted the tips of his ears.
“You are ridiculous,” Jimin said with a laugh before pulling Jungkook in for another kiss.
He kissed Jungkook until the food arrived, which thankfully didn’t take too long. The more time Jimin spent with Jungkook, the more his feelings grew. It was uncharted territory for him, but he was ready to explore it as long as he had Jungkook next to him.
They would take on the world together.