Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Drip. 

Tick. 

Drip. 

Tock.

Pitter-patter.

Pitter-patter.

These are the sounds of peace self-destructing. Patience and impatience co-existing in the same room, slowly pushing Yoongi to the edge.

Thunder towers over him, calling for him as if he were miles away. But it’s there and has been for the past three hours. He could understand if it was just passing by, but Yoongi has a feeling it’s not. Could it be the storm’s way of warning him to stay inside? To prepare?

He can feel the foundation of his penthouse shake from the force of its rumbles and the millions of droplets that land on his roof and windows, as if spewing pellets in an attempt to take him out. Regardless, he pays no mind.

His eyes dart around the screen of his laptop that rests comfortably on his lap, legs crossed on his couch, enjoying his cup of wine. It idles more on the table as if part of the decor as the alpha clicks away. The hour hand settles on 12, and the minute hand slowly inches past it. 

It’s finally Friday. Just a couple more hours until he’s out all of next week. He’s not doing anything extravagant, he’ll be home for the entire duration, sleeping the day away as if he hasn’t had an ounce of responsibility in his life. With the amount of work he’s put in the past couple of years, he deserves it. After all, putting in the hours and carrying the load in his subdepartment as one of the analyst directors, he needs a break.

Yoongi has always been good with numbers. He loves putting formulas together and coming up with a final number that will change people’s lives for the better. You see, he had always imagined working in a firm or a bank for a long time, and that was the goal when he found his first big boy job. It paid well, his coworkers were great, life was even greater. He was set on staying in finance advice and investment management, gaining tenure, retiring at 67, and living happily ever after. But an opportunity presented itself, and Yoongi would be a food to refuse.

It was a step up in his career. Working in a company that focuses on technical advancement, the benefits were manageable, and the starting pay…Yoongi hadn’t seen so many zeros before. Saying goodbye to his coworkers and placing his resignation notice, he was recruited as one of the senior accountants in Seoul. In two years, he was promoted to manager, and in an additional three, he was promoted to a finance analyst director. Seven years later, living in one of the highest penthouses in the city, comfortable at 32. 

He feels empty because it’s hard to be fully comfortable when you live in a world that’s burning. Yoongi’s struggling.

His focus breaks from the lightning strike, followed by a rumble of thunder, as if an alpha purrs against his back. His fingers flex around the bulbus cup before he takes a generous sip. The liquid strengthens his focus, staring off into the distance as the city lights brightened his view. Rain scatters, sprinkling on top of the buildings and streets for a nice clean. 

But they will never be clean. The world is your cage, surrounded by the muck and waste from the dungeon, with the city people as the worst wardens. 

He lives in a world where the narrative of alphas is superior. Should you live unmated to an alpha, you wouldn’t survive long. To live without an alpha, whether domestic or in lineage, you’re cursed for a lifetime. You must pray to Luna for protection and fortune, and be blessed for being chosen to share a life with them.

The sound of glass straining by brute strength whispers in his ear. The more he thinks how absurd this is, the tighter the grip is. 

To kneel to alphas as if it’s the way of life. As if they’re the answer to every problem or to help balance the scale between betas and omegas. 

Who decides their fates? Who says this is the way to live? To not have autonomy of your fate…It’s inhumane to think that as soon as you present either of the three, your soul will decide whether to save or not. By one claimed the strongest? How? Why? For what? For pride? 

Vile. Yoongi wants no part of it.

He takes another sip. 

Finding an omega to lay with will not bring him happiness. He doesn’t believe in the subgender propaganda for survival. People should do as they please, be who they want to be, mate with whom they want to mate with, whether alpha, beta, or omega. Whatever happened to morality and goodness? What happened to spirituality?

He gulps the rest of his wine down. Bitter, just like his mood.

Unmated and without pups at 32 is a consequence he’s willing to live with. He’d rather be alone than be with someone who’s dependent on him because the world says they must. He will love on right terms or won’t love at all. 

Loneliness visits now and then, sure. Does it overstay its welcome? Yes. But it eventually leaves and doesn’t come back for a couple of months…maybe a year? He can deal with that. 

Yoongi grumbles when he drinks nothing, finding his wine glass empty. It is getting late. Maybe it’s best if he stops drinking tonight and focuses on finishing this so he can turn in for the night. He sets the cup down and rolls his head around his shoulders before getting back to it. 

Dazed at 1:45am, he curls into the cushions of the couch, feeling quite warm thanks to his blanket and the wine. The sound of heavy rain and the thunderous lullaby pull him into a deep slumber.

When he wakes at 8 am, he finds the sky quite gloomy. A slight tinge in his chest, an odd feeling forms in his belly. He gently caresses them.

Cotton-mouthed, the alpha wobbles into his bathroom to wash up, then to the kitchen to start his day with a cup of coffee. When he makes his way to the fridge for cream, he grumbles at the nearly empty space. He could have sworn he had a little bit of supplies and food before deciding when to go grocery shopping. He could just order his groceries online, but he’d rather not have people have his residence.

Yoongi sighs. Guess he has to leave work a little early today. Oh well. It’s Friday. 

Setback aside, he’s somewhat energized for the day. The majority of his meetings consist of follow-ups with his team members, his boss, clients, and the board for his presentation on the rollover balance for the new quarter. 

You could say he’s a prime example of a hardworking alpha. Precise, articulate, and a strong leader that drives for only success and growth. Yoongi is confident in his numbers, confident in himself to guide his people to the right direction, bring more business, and maintain that business. He has no room for mistakes, but it doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. It’s a way to learn and grow from it. He can stand on his own on hard decisions, easily cut out his personal feelings, and drive more in the business perspective. He is a man of focus, and during the hours of 8am - 8pm, it must not be disrupted. 

The astounding praise for his hard work is accepted humbly. 

“A wonderful presentation, Yoongi-ssi!” 

“Data concrete, as always!” 

“No doubt, we will continue to grow! More money in our pockets!”  

It should be good. He should enjoy it. The extra income, his pride intact. Security in his work and his impact. 

But Yoongi is suffocating. 

It’s amazing how easily the air gets sucked out of the room when you learn very quickly to mind your business and just do the work they pay you to do. His 12:00 meetings are good reminders of that. 

Clock in. Do your work. Clock out. Don’t ask unnecessary questions, alright? 

He glances at the time. 11:55. He pulls at his collared shirt to let his scent glands breathe a little. The smell of burnt sandalwood makes his nose twinge. Waiting in the black box of doom doesn’t ease this feeling. 

His boss, Daehyun, isn’t horrible. Quite the opposite. Yoongi learns a lot from him. Good mentor. He’s a little too traditional for the alpha’s liking, but he can see past that. He’s not paid to care about his views. 

When they’re alone, it feels as if he’s an entirely different person. Giving him extra work that is not included in his day-to-day. He shares files worth of data from a different domain. Different from the usual spreadsheets shared by big clients. It’s almost as if they’re personal. 

For months, noon has been personal.

“Hey, Min. Great presentation earlier,” Daehyun greets upon attendance. 

“Thank you.” He says dryly, giving him a tight smile.

“So, what do you have for me? Did you get the file I sent you?” 

“Yes, sir,” he answers roughly, shifting in his seat. 

“Good. Let me hear it.”

Another great thing about this job is that he can choose days to work from home. Their policy is very vague, so he can work as many remote days as he wants. Not like they can say his productivity is down. Daehyun doesn’t fret about it. Thank God, because Yoongi doesn’t think he could handle having these meetings in person. 

Don’t get it twisted, he can handle himself under pressure. He’ll never allow himself to be in a position for people to see him break a sweat. This feels different. He can’t put his finger on it, but these short meetings…

Something’s going on. Something he shouldn’t be looking at. As if he shouldn’t know about it.. 

He tried asking questions vaguely before, so it wouldn’t come off as prying. Light and distant. And yet, Daehyun stared at him, unimpressed, almost threatening. It’s as if he yanked Yoongi close to his face with his tie, telling him…

The next words should be answers to questions I ask you . I like you, Min. I don’t want you to worry yourself with things that do not concern you. Okay?

Yoongi stopped asking questions after that. 

He sensed this wasn’t a fight he was going to win, so for the sake of his job, Yoongi made sure not to ask too many questions and to speak when spoken to. 

He thought about going to HR to report this, but there’s a string somewhere between them. A tiny little piece, someplace secret. Daehyun made sure to remind Yoongi that whatever they discussed was confidential with a hint of something else along the lines. While he feels like he has to complete this for the sake of his duty as his employee, if he were to report this, there’s a possibility that Daehyun would spin this to blame him or take him down too. 

But the questions keep piling in his mind until they’re concocted together. A rinse and repeat every time he jumps whenever he has to sacrifice fifteen minutes of his day.  

It’s what he was working on last night, and…these numbers. They’re so low, he’s a little worried about how Daehyun will react. Will he blame him for the results? Will he turn Yoongi in with this as evidence? 

But what is this evidence of personal work? Yoongi knows this is an external record. Nothing to do with the company. He knows if the results were not stable, management would come for their heads. So why is Daehyun having him report negatives? Why does he try to salvage it? 

“Yoongi,” Daehyun calls him, snapping him out of his thoughts. 

“Yes, sir?” He says, blinking back to focus. 

“Are you gonna show me or what?” He says, demanding.

Yoongi’s pulse quickens, a little embarassed he got distracted so easily.  

“It’s different from last week’s,” he says as he shares his screen. “.45% lost.”

“Shit,” The alpha mumbles, clicking away, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Yoongi tries to ignore the stress in his eyes, but he’s tunneling , trying to find the answer in them. “That’s lower than last time.”

Yoongi says nothing. He mustn’t. His finger grips the folded piece of his pants, pressing his nails into his skin.

Don’t say a word..

Not a word. 

“Do you think… can someone change the numbers manually?”

“...It’s possible, if they’re good with coding,” Yoongi answers simply. “The formulas used are quite advanced, synchronized with reports of stocks and wires in real time. The only way these can be tampered with if—“

“Someone took the money out.” He speaks over him, settled with the statement.

Yoongi swallows the lump in his throat from the new piece of information .

He nods. “Yes, sir.”

A pregnant silence.

“Thank you. You may go.”

Yoongi bows his head and clicks off. He breathes out. 

He has never seen stocks so…low. . 

Could it be his? 

Somehow, this puts him more at ease. Yoongi slumps. How tiring.

Every week, Yoongi walks on eggshells. Every week, his mind is filled with frustrations. 

Another week of questioning if he’s making the right decisions.

➺

“I can’t wait for you to go on break,” Namjoon says overcall, typing away. “Our tea time is starting to get cold and blue.”

“Are you trying to say I’m depressing?” Yoongi asks. While his face is more bothered, his tone is more lighthearted and playful towards his friend. 

“I’m saying you’re burnt out and can use some downtime. Maybe in our next chat, you’ll be more lively.”

Namjoon, his lovely little beta dongsaeng, is the only friend he has made at this job. When he first started, Yoongi was convinced he wasn’t going to get along with anyone. But Namjoon found a place in Yoongi’s heart in his weird, destructive way. 

Another brilliant person in the finance department, particularly in the tax and auditing sector. He’s been working in the company longer than Yoongi, and he's one of the few people who have shown him the ropes to a few software programs and one of the spreadsheets that Yoongi maintains. He was kind of glad he came when he did because the word around was that the beta had a destructive habit of deleting important information in spreadsheets, dataplans, and so on. 

At first, Yoongi didn’t believe it. But when he saw it happen a couple of times during his training, he had no choice but to take over early on and have the beta  guide him without touching the damn thing. 

Years later, they’re here on their daily “tea time,” enjoying a hot beverage, even if it wasn’t by the communal breakroom. It’s a little disappointing not seeing him on some days, but this makes up for it.

“I am a delight,” Yoongi says matter of factly, bringing his coffee mug to his lips.

“Of course you are,” the younger agrees as he drinks his hot cup of herbal tea. “Some days.”

“Fuck off.”

Namjoon smirks. “Do you have any plans?”

“The plan is to catch up on sleep.”

“That’s it?”

“Don’t sound so surprised, Joon,” the alpha shrugs. “You know I don’t do much.”

“I mean, sure, but why not pick up a new hobby? Read a good book? Oh—if you want some recommendations, I can send you my spreadsheet of all the books I’ve read this year. It has some that I think you’ll find interesting-“

“I appreciate the gesture,” Yoongi gently interrupts. “But I think I’m okay. I’m not much of a reader these days.”

It kills him a little to see a pout on the beta's face. It makes him want to squish his cheeks. 

“Honestly,” he continues. “If I am in the mood, I’ll let you know.” 

“Fine,” he huffs. “But you’re missing out, Hyung.”

Yoongi breaks a smile. “I’m sure. Either way, I need to go grocery shopping after work, so maybe to kick it off, I’ll make something yummy.”

“Do you have any ideas?”

Yoongi thins his lips in thought. “No. But if you have recommendations–”

“Actually, I have this cookbook-“

“That’s not a book, Joon, Jesus Christ!” Yoongi giggles. “Oh, don’t look at me like that!” He complains, seeing that pout on his face yet again. 

“Hyung doesn’t like me that much, I see.”

“Oh, don’t be dramatic. I don’t need a cookbook.”

“You know, hating on cultural culinary advice is not only rude but can curse you for a thousand lifetimes.” 

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “Anyways, once I figure out what to make, I’ll let you know. You can come over so we can have dinner.”

That, he perks up to. “Really?”

“Of course. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”

Namjoon smiles. “Missed you too, hyung. Alright. Let me know when.”

Yoongi hums, finishing his coffee before clicking through his emails. A long moment of silence fills the call between them, which usually happens when they’re in the zone. 

But the zone cuts after a half hour. Yoongi’s mind wanders back into the pit of worries, recalling his fifteen-minute meeting with Daehyun.  Recalling the troubled look, the red numbers….

The questions fill his mind once again, but one stands out: Does Namjoon know? 

He could. He specializes in tax management for the company. What if Daehyun also meets with him to force him to audit these files? He knows that’s against company policy. It could lead to termination. 

The question sits on his tongue. Silent, he feels exposed just thinking about breaching secrecy. Yoongi gnawed on his bottom lip, contemplating the risks.

“Question for you…”

Namjoon snaps his gaze back to the camera. “Yes?” 

His heart picks up. He sits straight, puffing his chest to show no signs of cowardice.  

“Have you…been given extracurricular assignments during work hours?” It almost comes out as a full mumble.

Namjoon would never lie to Yoongi. He’d tell him the truth. Sure, they show loyalty to their company, but the loyalty between each other is more valuable. 

The silence is nerve-wracking. His expression is skeptically confused rather than skeptically nervous. Namjoon cocks his eyebrow up. It makes Yoongi’s hands start to sweat. 

Was he wrong, then?

“What do you mean by ‘extracurricular assignments’?” 

Yoongi shrugs and turns away from the screen, playing it off as if he was handling something off his computer. “You know, like extra work.” 

“Uh-yeah, given our roles, hyung.” Namjoon chuckles. “I would hope so. But I don’t see how that would be extracurricular assignments.”

Yoongi sighs. “I mean, like, extra work after hours.” 

Namjoon tilts his head. “After hours?” His eyes dart around as he thinks. “That would just mean more work, which means overtime, which means more money.” 

This isn’t working…  

Yoongi frowns. He wishes Namjoon would read between the lines and figure out what he’s trying to say, but he knows how oblivious he can be. 

But this is a work thing! Something fishy is going on, and Yoongi wants no parts of it. He’s stuck, and he wants to get out of it. He wants his regular work life again! 

“Am I missing something?” He asks, countenance changing to concern.

So Yoongi puts on a tight smile and shakes his head. “Nah.” 

“You look stressed.” 

Stressed is an understatement, especially when there’s nothing else he could do right now. 

“When am I not?”

➺

Yoongi feels a weight roll off his shoulders when he closes his laptop at 5pm. For once, he’s a little excited not to have any responsibilities for the next seven days. He thought about skipping out on getting groceries and saving it for tomorrow, but his stomach’s growl and his inner wolf’s whines as it yearned to be outside made his decision for him. 

The sounds of the rain tapping on the windows and surfaces capture his attention. Staring at the world from within, the sky is even gloomier than earlier. The rain is transparent, almost as if it were icicles falling from the sky.  

It’s interesting. Yoongi doesn’t know if the Gods are mourning or if they’re nourishing them.

Maybe he should go out for a little bit to grab whatever he needs. He’ll be in and out. He should also text Namjoon to reschedule his visit. He would hate for him to get caught in the rain and get sick.

The alpha stands to stretch his limbs before making his way to his bedroom to change into something comfy. He’ll go with the black aesthetic today and make his way to the kitchen to make a list of what he needs. 

He’s a little particular when it comes to grocery shopping. He’s not the type to walk in and throw everything into his cart and move on, or ‘hope for the best and be settle with spending a little extra money on things that he had no business in buying if he has them in the house , rather than using saving that extra money’. While he is financially capable of buying everything he wants, he doesn’t, because nothing else interests him. He has it all: the collection of suits, the best ties ever sewn, and dress shoes and sneakers you can imagine. He lives well, and he’s extremely picky. He’s his own chef; he needs the right ingredients. Otherwise, the entire dish is ruined, and he’s left with an empty stomach. 

He would like to start his first night off on a good note, especially if his friend is coming over; perfection is the objective tonight. 

Which reminds him–he needs to text Namjoon to not come. He’ll do that when he’s at the store. He’ll promise him something delicious tomorrow or something.

Once his mental list is finalized, he makes his way to the entrance. Slipping on his shoes, his sweater, cap, and preparing his obnoxiously large totebag, Yoongi grabs his keys and heads out the door. 

Humidity is a heavy weight on his shoulders. The smell of rain is potent in his nose. Thunder roars in the distance. It shakes the ground before him. Shifting his cap, the alpha tilts his head to the sky, watching the grey clouds pass by idly. He feels like an umbrella should accompany him during his travels, but that’d be too many things on his person. His hoodie will do for now. 

The lightning is bright enough to notice it as a speck, but Yoongi knows the electric currents curl around the thick cloud. Preparing to antagonize the public.

Oddly, his alpha grows restless at the sight; he feels he should go back inside and have his things delivered.  He rolls his shoulders and walks down the block, a decision to proceed to the market by foot. 

There aren’t a lot of bodies roaming the streets at this hour. He’d expect to see more families or white collars roaming back and forth to head home or to a meeting they’re late to. Which is fine for Yoongi; he doesn’t have to worry about bumping into some stranger and releasing a great sigh if he’d face their wrath and a monologue about manners. Some would say he carries the wisdom of a 90-year old, but in reality, Yoongi just knows better. He slithered through lots of cracks to avoid dead ends and dressed incognito too many times to avoid confrontation. He plays the game very well as an alpha living in societal eruption.

Turning a corner to arrive at the plaza, he finds the common folk on his way there. Various groups: close friends going home from another completed school day, employees heading home or to their next job, and proud parents and their children,  linked hand-by-hand, cheerful, amused, or sorrowed by the day’s events. Despite Yoongi’s attempts to lower his gaze to mind his business, his ears work fine. 

“We’ll see appa soon, won’t we eomma?” 

“Yes, little one, and he has a surprise for you!” 

The child gasped. “Really?! What is it?” 

“You’ll see soon,” she giggled. “He cannot wait to see his dear boy. He’s missed you ever since you left the house this morning.” 

Giggled. Amused by her kin’s retorts and joyful chirps. Deferent for bringing young life into her world.  

And they just–continue on, leaving Yoongi in a cliffhanger with heartache.

Sometimes, he wondered how his life would be on the other side…If he gave into the circumstances. He wondered if he would find the omega of his dreams, have an extravagant ceremony, mate them, and have as many pups as they could. Enjoy life together. 

But he also doesn’t know if he could do that to himself. To accept everything, to let someone expect degradation. 

It’s moments like this where it sets off as a reminder that this is what he chose. Everything’s fine the way it is. Even if it means mourning for a life that was never meant for him. 

The tip to the market is longer than usual despite it being a fifteen-minute walk. When he enters, he pays his respects to a couple of employees by the entrance with a bow, grabs a bin, and makes his rounds. There are a lot of people swarming in various sections. It seems it’ll be more of a stick around than an in-and-out situation, but hey, as long as he gets what he needs.

The stick around was definite. Nearly an hour and a half through the store with his bin nearly full, easily dangling by his mighty grip. When he was thirty minutes in, he didn’t mind waiting by the produce section from the assembly line of folks checking out different apples and oranges or picking a certain amount of celery and cilantro. But when it dragged to almost twenty minutes by the dry produce section, his patience was being tested for sure. 

Is there a holiday coming up that he didn’t know about? He knows it’s springtime, but graduation season’s in like–three months. Why is it so busy? 

But he kept his cool and continued roaming through the store until he was sure he got everything he needed. He was exhausted, down to the bone, but when he saw how long the lines were to the cashiers and self-checkout, he had to take a deep breath. 

Something told him that maybe he should have stayed home today. 

➳

Yoongi’s out of the store by seven. The streetlights led him to a path amid the plaza, then to the same route he took to get here. His tote bags are too full, trying their best to either weigh him down or dislocate his shoulder (again). Perhaps both. He’ll need to be extra careful if he doesn’t want to make a trip to the emergency room tonight.

He feels his phone buzz in his pocket. He groans and pauses movement to fix the straps over his shoulder before attempting to fish his phone out of his pocket. His eyes squint at the bright screen. Seeing Namjoon’s name come up, he realized he never called to reschedule. 

[ Joonie]

I’m on my way
I should be there in twenty minutes if there’s no traffic

Yoongi frowns; guilt and uncertainty ping in his chest. He completely forgot to text him. He walks down the lit path with haste.

Now what? It’s such a dick move to cancel plans when someone is already en route. Maybe he should just let him come and stay the night. He would hate for him to drive in the rain-

Holy shit, is he driving to Yoongi’s house? 

Yoongi quickly starts panic-texting, praying, and scolding the beta to not even think about getting in the driver’s seat. He’s known Namjoon long enough to know he is the most destructive person he’s ever met. Fucking up spreadsheets and accidently deleting powerpoint presentations the day of is one thing. Destroying coffee machines and nearly blowing up printers in attempt to fix them is another. The last thing he needs is Namjoon behind the wheel. 

Fuck , he’s freaking out as his soft worries turn gruesome and petrifying—

Yoongi’s ears perk up from an abrupt sound of scuffling in the distance. His eyes narrow as he scans the area, looking behind him in case someone is close enough to try to rob his groceries. At that moment, he noticed that he was completely alone, and while he can protect himself, it still isn’t a good position to be in.

The sound of scuffling continues, distant shouts far from his person, but close from his great hearing. All good reasons for Yoongi to get home quickly. 

Thunder roars above him. A couple of droplets fall on the beak of his cap, a couple on his shoulder. His cautious speed quickens, focusing back on his phone, opting out of texting and to call Namjoon instead. The alpha presses the phone to his ear, tightening his grip in the straps in his other hand, glancing behind and around. His nerves are slowly getting the best of him, his mind is mixed with too many demands. Check on your friend. Run home. Be prepared for the inevitable. 

A couple of long rings. It goes to voicemail.

“God–fucking–” Yoongi hisses, pressing the call button again. Another glance behind him. Three voicemails later, Namjoon still isn’t answering. Yoongi turns the corner. Why is Namjoon not picking up the phone? He just texted him. 

Shit, could that mean—No. There’s no way. Not so quick. As quick as the shower falls from above, it couldn’t. But it happens when you text and drive. No matter how much time passes–

A curse flies out of his mouth, loud and proud as a bunch of garbage cans topple to the ground from the dark alleyway a couple of cars away from Yoongi, just across the street. He jumps back, gripping onto his phone and his bags for dear life. His heart nearly jumps out of his chest, and drops at the sight of someone laying on their side on top of the cans, then rolling onto their hands to break their fall. Their grunts are obvious, but what leaves Yoongi further on edge is their stressed whines and the heaviest breaths. As if they were running from something. 

“There he is!” Someone shouts deep in the alleyway. 

“Get him!” 

Running from someone.

Yoongi’s rooted to place, blinking rapidly at the scene in front of him. The person crawls to the wall for support, pushing themself off the ground onto his feet. His thoughts speed through questions of their well-being and the situation, but the biggest question that easily takes over the other two is how far along they are. 

Because his eyes tunnel to their round belly. A pregnant person in distress, running from danger. It’s enough to release Yoongi from the imaginary roots that hold him back.

The dark, the best mantle, does not reveal the shadows that emerge from the alley. Three unknown men, bigger and stronger than the carrier, swarm them, grabbing their arms to pin them against the wall. 

Disgusting alphas. 

“You’re awfully fast for a pregnant person,” One alpha chides, his glare unnoticed. “You’re lucky your cute, otherwise I’d let your fat ass go.” 

“We need to finish what we started, little omega,” the other chuckles darkly, leaning to nip his cheek. The omega turns their head away from them. “Your scent is so delicious and thick.”

“Please!” They scream and thrash in their hold. “P-please–I-I don’t have anything you want!” 

The alphas chuckle. 

“Sure you do,” the third one sings, tilting his head closer to their neck, while the other two hold them down. “I see a couple of things we can have for the night. I can take his mouth. You guys can have whatever.” 

“Sounds good to me.” The first one tugs him towards the alleyway as they struggles even more.

“No! Please, no!!” they begged, sobs ripped out of them. “Please!!”  

A ring of skin slapping and a broken yelp rings in Yoongi’s ears. 

“Shut up and follow us if you know what’s good for you, omega. You need us. So you better do what we tell you.” 

The omega’s cries echo down the street. It makes Yoongi’s stomach turn from hearing such degradation. His blood boils at the sight of power play. The greed of the evil taking from the innocent. Do they not hear their pleas and fear in their cries?

Fucking disgusting . 

Make them pay, his alpha hisses. The straps slip off of Yoongi’s shoulder as he charges towards the group.

If there’s one thing Yoongi’s learned over the years, it’s knowing how to use anything in your person for defense. So when he picks a large carton of milk from his inventory, he has no regrets about what will happen next. 

With an easy swing, he bashes the full carton right in the alpha’s face, cracking it open and spilling the white liquid on him and in proximity. 

The group of men yelp from the sneak attack, and the alpha struck stumbles to the ground with his hands on his head, choking from the milk that made its way into his respiratory tract. His next move was unexpectedly fast. 

Yoongi swings his bag toward the next alpha–directly into his face, causing him to crash right onto the pavement. Yoongi’s next move was just as fast, gripping a tight hold on their shirt and punching him right in the face. It’s enough to crack his nose, but he isn’t done, oh, far from it. 

Yoongi’s out for blood, and he won’t stop until it spills tonight. 

The alpha stumbles back and tries to shove Yoongi off of him and fight back, but it leads him to take more hits. His cheek swells, his eyes shut tight and bruised. His lips bust open. Punch, after punch, after punch, until the alpha is down, begging for mercy. 

Yoongi unravels his fingers from the man and ends the final strike with his foot, kicking him in the jaw. 

His focus returns to the other two, who clearly have no interest in getting up to defend. Stunned from what just happened, they blink sheepishly to regain focus. All three groan in pain.

Victorious, Yoongi flexes his fingers and pops the bones on his neck before turning to the omega–

Who is no longer in sight. 

Yoongi looks around, shocked by their disappearance. They couldn’t have gotten far, could they? They were just here…

He can smell them. A concentration of something rotten. He follows it, leading him down the block, the next turn in the corner. He finds the omega leaning against the wall, fingernails scratching on the brick, doubled over. Their groans gutted, dripping in pain as they wrapped their arms around their round belly. 

This omega is indeed pregnant, and by the looks of the circumference, it’s possible they could be due at any moment. 

They gasp and quickly face him. They must have sensed Yoongi nearby, his scent rugged and edgey from the fight. Trails of the heaviest tears mark his cheeks, his face flushed, their fringe puffed out and soaked from the rainfall.  Their cheek holding a red hand imprint. 

Yoongi’s heart clenches. 

“Excuse me,” Yoongi said, taking a cautious step forward. The omega whimpers and takes a step back. “Be not afraid, it’s alright. You’re safe, I won’t hurt you–” 

“P-please,” they plead. “I-I-I don’t have anything you want–please–” 

“I don’t-” 

“Please spare me!” They break into a sob before doubling over once more. They choke on another before releasing an uncomfortable groan. 

Yoongi frowns. “I promise you, I am not here to harm you. I want to help you.” He moves closer but halts when the omega drops to their knees and curls into themselves, facing away from Yoongi. 

Curled as a means of a shield for their pup. The omega trembles from the wet cold and fear, preparing for whatever happens next. 

It’s heartbreaking. 

Yoongi flexed his hands again, feeling a little jittery; he feels so useless, just standing around while this poor person is in distress. His mind is screaming at him to do something, figure  out what to do, how to ease them, show them that he is not a threat. Yoongi glances around to see if there’s anyone around who could help, perhaps a beta or another omega. But there’s no one. 

Shit.

Yoongi rocks a step back and then a step forward, wanting to get closer to do something. They’re shivering, for crying out loud, and he took a nasty fall earlier, so they must be in so much pain. His alpha is pressing him to check for wounds, to make sure their pup is okay. 

When he takes more steps towards him, the omega curls into a tighter ball. It makes him frown even more. 

He can’t just…walk away from this. He’d be no better than those bastards that harassed them not too long ago. 

He needs to prove it. 

Yoongi walks around them slowly while keeping a distance from them. 

As an alpha, he knows he must get permission even to come close to an omega, especially one carrying. He wants to give them the power to decide, and if they truly do not want his help, then he will back off and call the police. Hopefully, they will be more comfortable with law enforcement. 

He makes his way to the opposite side of the wall. While the fabrics on his body are two sizes bigger, he can tell from their complexion and features through the wet material that they’re malnourished. Their scent is dull and weak. 

How long has it been since they had a warm meal? A hot shower? How long have they been hiding, running from danger? 

They seem young. Not too mature for early thirties? Late twenties? Their hair is much longer when wet, and their frame is shown from the now-soaking material. 

“It’s okay,” Yoongi says calmly, loud enough for them to hear. He drops to his knees, cupping his hands behind his back, and bows his head. 

Submission. Pledging. 

His alpha is clawing for him to stand . You are a predator. Never submit. Get up .

It’s very out of character for an alpha and very uncomfortable for Yoongi, but he doesn’t care. This isn’t about him right now, and he pleads to his wolf that it’s not the time, that they must do this. He needs to help this omega and get them somewhere safe. 

Protect.

Yoongi couldn’t tell if they noticed him in this position, but judging from their sobs dying to whimpers and hiccups, the gesture did its job in easing them. The rain pours are a little louder, the atmosphere heavy and tense.  The alpha tilts his head up enough to take a glance.

Their eyes are wide and round. Confused. Shocked. A trail of their tears streams with a mixture of tears and rain. Bags under them; they’re running beyond overdrive, which is expected when caring for bodies of two. Always alert. Always moving. Yoongi’s surprise settles by his accuracy from how young they perceive to be. 

Poor thing…

“I promise, I am not here to hurt you.” He declares softly. “I want to help you.” 

The omega is silent. They observe Yoongi’s posture as if contemplating whether he should let him. Their body remains curved, arms tucked under their frame to protect the pup. It’s clear they don’t trust Yoongi, and that’s fine. He doesn’t expect them to. He only wishes for consent to be close, to inspect, and to guide them to medical care. 

They’re astonished by how easily the alpha submitted. As if this caused no issue to him. As if he didn’t mind setting his pride to the side–for what? To help a damsel? He does not know them…

But it did not matter to Yoongi. If it means saving this omega and their pup from further harm, he will do what’s necessary. 

They remain in position for minutes, silent, until the omega snaps out of deep thought from a wave of pain and moans from it.

“Are you injured?” Yoongi asks. 

The omega nods, shakes its head, and huffs. “I-I don’t–I don’t know. It hurts too much, I–” 

Yoongi slowly sits up. “What hurts? Can you tell me?” 

“E-everything. I-it hurts to walk, h-hurts to be like this. B-but can’t h-help it.” 

“You took a nasty fall earlier. Did you fall on your belly at all?” 

They shake their head. “H-hit my side. I-I think something pierced into me, but…”

“May I come closer? I would like to check.” 

The omega stiffens at that question. His hands caress his stomach, and he winces further at the pain. 

“I promise I won’t do a thing that will make you uncomfortable. I just want to check. Then I can take you to a hospital-” 

“ No !” They shriek, pressing their body against the wall. “No hospital!” 

Yoongi huffs. He’s stumped. In these moments, he questions why he didn’t go to med school instead of getting his master’s in fucking accounting. 

Their reaction is understandable. Hospitals indeed suck, but from the looks of it, it seems like they’ve experienced worse than just treatment.

Yoongi shifts his cap, trying to find the right words. He can’t pressure him. He’s grateful they’re opening up to him now. He needs to take a steady approach. 

Steady.

“Hospitals can be scary,” he empathizes. “I’m not a fan, so I get it.” 

The omega looks back at him, eyes wide and guarded. 

He’s listening. 

“It can be a lot for someone, but they are helpful. I’ve had my share of moments of going when I was younger. Even now at my grown age.” 

The omega blinks at Yoongi, taking in his words. 

Lighting strikes. They flinch and cover their ears in case thunder clashes. Their lower lip wobble. 

Yoongi’s heart is this close to breaking. 

“I do think it would be in your best interest to go,” he says gently. “I’m worried that you and your pup are hurt. I just want to check how bad it is for myself, and…I can take you.” 

“No, no, no…” he shakes his head, mumbling the rejection.

“I know a great hospital and a wonderful doctor who will take really good care of you,” he tries to convince. “They’ll give you the care that you need.” 

They continue to shake their head, eyes filled with uncertainty and incoming tears. “D-don’t wanna go…Don't wanna–they’ll send me back! I can’t go back!”

Yoongi blinks, licking his lips once more to pace himself. “Take you back where?” 

“The shelter. I-I can’t go back. I need to–I need–” 

“Shh,” Yoongi motions for him to settle. “It’s alright.” 

The shelters for omegas. He’s heard stories of the cruelty and the unfathomable experience. To think they were true, from their reaction to the outcome after treatment…

“I know the doctor of the hospital personally.” The omega shakes their head in disbelief, but Yoongi persists.  “I will make sure you’re not taken anywhere you don’t want to be. They’ll only treat you. I promise I will make sure nothing else happens. Please.”  

He extends his hand to them but immediately retracts. I mustn’t touch, mustn’t scare them . 

“Please,” Yoongi pleads softly. “Think of your pup.” 

The omega releases a weak sob and uncurls enough to look down at his belly. A telepathic connection between dam and pup. His eyes are red and wet, filled with dread and indecision. They stroke their belly, an honest frown slowly turning to a small smile after a long moment. 

When their moment ends, their smile drops, and their expression is unreadable. They rest their head against the wall, nearly gone limp.

They nod.   Yoongi slowly stands. 

“I’ll keep my hands behind my back,” he says. “I’m walking over.”  

Yoongi slowly makes his way to the omega, eyeing any sign of discomfort the closer he gets. While their body stiffened, they forced themselves to relax, seeing as Yoongi was keeping his promise so far. When the alpha gets close enough, a hint of sourness idles in his nostrils. It’s so weak, Yoongi grows worried. 

The omega’s pale and exhausted. Heavy, dark bags rest under their eyes, dark orbs absorbed by darkness. As if the light had been taken from them long ago. Empty sockets awaiting their return. 

Yoongi bites the inside of his cheek. He couldn’t risk letting his angry scent trigger them into a panic. He needs to stay calm. 

“Can I touch you?” Yoongi asks. The omega’s harsh gaze sent a shiver down Yoongi’s spine, aside from the cold. “It’s okay if not. I just want to check where you’re in pain.” 

The omega shakes their head. 

“Okay. Can you move your arms? Show me where it hurts.” 

The omega slowly motions to its right arm, then down to its side, all the way to its back and legs.

“Belly too…” 

Yoongi swallows dryly.

“May I ask how far along you are?” 

Their eyebrows furrow in thought. “I think….four? Seven? I-I don’t know…I lost track.”

“Have you been…out here alone this whole time?” 

The omega frowns and averts their gaze. They say nothing. 

“You said you think you’ve been pierced somewhere. Do you smell blood?” 

Before they can answer, they lean forward from a sudden shock of pain. “ Ugh !” 

“Okay.” That seemed to be the end of questioning. Yoongi pulls out his phone to dial–

“Yoongi!” The sudden call catches his attention. 

The omega gasps and turns to the new voice, nearly squeaking when Yoongi stands abruptly to shield them. His instincts are going haywire; the immediate need to protect is very high. 

He didn’t expect to see his beta dongsaeng tonight, under a large umbrella that could cover two. 

“Namjoon,” he releases a heavy sigh of relief. “What are you doing here?” 

“I should be asking you that,” he says pointedly. “You never showed up at your house. I called your phone and sent texts, but you didn’t respond. I got worried.” 

Shit. He didn’t fucking call him. 

“I stopped by the market to see if you were there, then I found your groceries and your bag on the floor at the plaza.” He takes a couple of steps towards him. “Then I checked your location and here you are. I thought something happened to–” 

“Don’t,” Yoongi warns, pointing directly at him. “Stay where you are.” 

“What are you–”

“Did you drive here?” 

“What?” 

“Did you drive here?” 

“Yes?” 

Yoongi frowns. He hoped he’d say no. But no time to worry about that now. 

“I have a pregnant omega behind me. Ah-” He interrupts the beta’s line of questions. “I will explain everything later. I need you to get your car and bring it here. They need medical attention, quickly.” 

“Okay, but–” 

“I promise I will explain everything later. Just get your car.”

“Hyung–”

“Now!” 

Namjoon’s mouth opens and closes, a little shocked from his short temper.  He thought of whether or not he should still try to ask, but seeing Yoongi’s pointed look, he opts out. He closes his umbrella and skirts it toward him before jogging to his car. 

Yoongi quickly takes the umbrella and opens it, making his way to the omega, bending a knee to their level. The umbrella hovers over his head.

“I’m sorry about that. That’s my friend. I’m not sure how he found me, but I’m glad he did. He can take us to the hospital.” 

The omega went to shake his head, panic slowly rising. “He is a beta, and he is very kind. I promise. Nothing will happen. If I had my own transportation, I’d take you myself, but I don’t want to waste any more time. Please, let us take you.” 

Their eyes remain wide and skittish. Searching in Yoongi’s to find deception or a reason to not trust him. But all he sees is sincerity. 

It’s…different. 

A car pulls up shortly after, honking at them for attention. Yoongi doesn’t move, his focus is on the omega, waiting for their decision. 

They lick their chapped, scabby lips, glancing back at the car, then at Yoongi. He nods once and forces himself up, using the wall for support. 

Yoongi takes a step back and offers his hand in case he needs extra assistance. At first, they reject, pushing away from the wall to walk. But independence doesn’t last long; they stumble and reach for Yoongi’s hand. He takes it graciously and helps the omega to steady their balance before heading to the car. 

“You alright?” The omega nods, one arm supporting the curve of his belly. 

“Don’t worry,” Yoongi gently says. “I got you.” 

➺

“Hello, my friend! How are you? Sorry? You’re trying to reach me? Ah…that’s a shame. I’m unable to answer the phone right now. Please leave a message, and maybe I’ll get back to you.

Bye!” 

BEEP…

“Hyung. It’s Yoongi. I know it’s sudden but…I need your help. I’m on my way to you. Can you get your staff ready to bring in a patient? They’re not in good shape…

It’s an omega, and…they’re pregnant. Can you call me back as soon as you get this? 

See you soon.”

“Ow,” Yoongi hisses. A strike on his forehead by Namjoon’s assault with a steaming hot cup of coffee. “You could have just put it in my hand.” 

Namjoon shrugs. “Had to wake you up one way or another.” 

Yoongi grumbles. He takes the cup, nonetheless before Namjoon sits beside him. “Thanks.”

The steaming liquid is delectable on his tongue, even more as it warms his stomach. He can feel himself come alive already. He had been shivering for hours and was given a warm towel to dry off once they arrived at the emergency room. Watching the omega taken to the back on a gurney with a team of omegas, the terror on their face was noticeable. He hopes they’re doing all right and are being handled with care. Yoongi couldn’t help but feel protective of them. 

He shouldn’t. His part's done now, and he knows they’re in good hands. After all, his good friend and the only omega he trusts, Kim Seokjin, is one of the most prestigious doctors and board members in Kim-Seon Hospital. He and Seokjin go way back to their college days. While Yoongi focused on Business Administration, Seokjin focused on medicine. One English class was all it took to create a beautiful, annoying relationship. Yoongi wouldn’t have it any other way. 

He trusts Seokjin with his life, so he trusts that he’ll take good care of them. 

“You know you don’t have to stay here, right?” Namjoon said, breaking Yoongi's thoughts. He takes a generous sip of his tea. “We can go home.” 

“I will soon,” Yoongi says before taking a couple of his own. “You can go, though.”

“...Your friend will take good care of them.” 

“I know.” 

“...It’s getting rather late.” 

“You’re more than welcome to drive home.” He says simply. “Actually–I take that back. Call an Uber.” 

Namjoon rolls his eyes. “Really? I drove us here.” 

“And you’re lucky I didn’t scream at you in the car if it wasn’t for my situation.” He turns to him with a frown. “What were you thinking? Driving in this weather. Driving at all!” 

“I can drive just fine!” 

“You can barely fix a printer, Namjoon!” 

The beta widens his eyes, clearly offended. “I–that was one time! When are you going to let that go? Everyone else has!” 

Yoongi chuckles darkly. “In your dreams. The amount of fuck ups I’ve seen during my time at this company, I wouldn’t trust you to turn on the AC, let alone drive a car.” 

“Wow. I have no words for you. Find your own way home.” 

“ You too .” 

“I’m driving!” 

“The hell you are.” Namjoon scoffs. “I’m serious!” 

“Instead of worrying about my driving skills, let’s worry about why the hell we drove a pregnant omega to the emergency room,” he hisses. “What the hell happened?” 

Yoongi turns away and leans against the chair, crossing his leg over the other. Crazy how much time has passed. Last time he checked, it was seven. Now it’s nearly midnight, and Yoongi’s stomach is filled with coffee. No meal, no groceries stocked, nothing. 

“By the time I left the store, a lot was going on. I was trying to get a hold of you to cancel our plans. It was late, and the weather wasn't drivable. But you weren’t answering, and I just saw them running. They were caught by a bunch of alphas that tried—“ he scoffs. “They were harassing them.  Fucking low lives.”

Namjoon’s sharp expression turns sympathetic. His scent softened to a sad, damp scent. Dampness that irritates skin if worn for more than a second. “Shit, Yoongi-hyung…”

The flashbacks were already playing in his head. The cries from them, the fear on their face. The slap they endured…Yoongi’s blood boils again. 

The hands resting on his lap slowly clenched into fists. His knuckles swell up and bruised, red from dry blood and skid marks. 

“Joon, the shit I heard…” His voice is low and rough, tongue poking on the inside of his cheek.“I couldn’t–They were begging Joon, and those assholes ignored their cries. They were gonna–” 

Namjoon tightens his hold on his shoulder. He knew. 

“They’re lucky they only got a carton and a couple of punches. I want to kill them.” 

“I don’t blame you.” He didn’t question what he meant.

“Fuck,” he huffs out a scoff, his scent pumping once more. “It’s alphas like them –” 

Namjoon eases, reaching to hold onto his hand. “I know.” 

“Do you?” He snaps a little, looking at him with a harsh look. But it doesn’t hold for long.

When he looks at Namjoon, he can’t help but feel so goddamn emotional. He hates it. The harsh look in his eyes is sharper than a knife, yet the wetness pooling in his eyes, even if it’s a little, tells a million words unsaid. 

Alphas like them are the reason why omegas don’t feel safe, the reason why the balance is destroyed. The reason why they’re all dead men walking. 

The reason why Yoongi can never be happy. Namjoon witnessed this more than he should have. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispers and turns away. Namjoon rubs the alpha's shoulder as a form of acceptance. Yoongi forces himself to look away, staring off into the distance. 

Not now. This is not about me.

He takes a generous sip of his coffee and a deep breath. 

Breathe.

“I just want to see if he’s okay.” Yoongi mumbles. “Then we’ll leave.” 

Namjoon nods. “Sure, hyung. Whatever you need to do.”

“You don’t have to be here. You can go home.” 

“After the night we both had, I don’t wanna go anywhere without you. I need to make sure you’re safe.” 

His cold heart warms at his friend’s kindness. Yoongi reaches for his hand to caress.

“Thank you, Joon.” 

Silence sits between them, reaminging in the same position for a long while. 

Yoongi’s leg cramps gradually get worse the longer he stiffens it over the other, bouncing away. His nails dig into his skin, his nerves are getting the best of him. 

It’s past one. What could be happening? Are they in surgery? Are they doing an emergency surgery? Are they critical?

His entire body stiffens. His scent turns heavy, burnt at the thought.

“Hyung?” Namjoon mumbles to him, awakened suddenly by the change. 

Was the pup harmed after all? Did they—

“Hyung,” Namjoon shakes him gently. “What’s wrong?”

Snapped out of his thoughts, Yoongi looks at Namjoon, worried. He shakes his head and turns away. 

“Tired…”

“Do you want me to grab you another coffee?”

He shakes his head. Honestly, if he has any more caffeine in him, he’ll drive himself into a panic attack. He just wants someone to come out and tell him something.

Namjoon again, perceptive, reaches to rub his back, the best form of comfort.

“It’ll be okay. I’m sure they’ll tell us something soon.”

Yoongi sighs heavily. “It’s been hours.”

“I know. You’ll see them soon.” 

Yoongi nods. 

It’s 2:45 when Yoongi sees Seokjin down the hall. He nearly bolts out of his seat, gripping his hands to his sides. Namjoon wakes yet again from sudden movement and also stands, eyes widening when he spots the doctor.

“My friend,” he says happily, patting his shoulder when close. “It’s been far too long. Sorry for the wait. How are you doing? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, hyung. Thanks. Oh—” Yoongi motions to Namjoon to Seokjin. “Namjoon, Seokjin. My best friend. Seokjin, Namjoon. My other best friend.”

They lock eyes, only for a second. Namjoon looks away, suddenly shy from the omega’s dominating presence. Seokjin notices this, his eyebrow cocks upward, intrigued in this reaciton. A totally different reaction than usual. The beta jerks his head down in a bow. 

“Hi,” Namjoon speaks. Or squeaks. 

“Hello.”

“So?” Yoongi re-directs focus, the awkward silence flew over his head. “How are they?”

“He’s stable.” Seokjin focuses back on his friend. “It took a while for him to settle, but he’s resting now. He’ll be just fine.”

Yoongi sighs heavily in relief. He leans against Namjoon a little for support. “And the pup?”

“The baby is fine. Nothing to worry about.”

Yoongi bows his head and crosses his arms. Thank goodness. Thank goodness.

“Yes, take deep breaths. I know you were very worried.” 

“You said he. Male omega?” Namjoon asks.

“Yes. 27, male. He’s pretty banged up. Did he get into a physical altercation?” 

“I wouldn’t call it a physical altercation. He was running from a group of alphas.” Yoongi removes his cap to comb through his damp hair. “He fell in the process, but only on his side. They pinned him against the wall and…I intervened before they could do anything else.”

“So…you don’t know them?”

“Not really.” Seokjin blinks, a little taken aback. “What?”

Seokjin glances between them before beckoning. “Follow me.”

Yoongi and Namjoon glance at each other before following the elder. Passing through empty rooms, screaming children, mourning relatives. Seokjin leads them to an empty room, waiting for both to pass before closing the door. 

“Is he your mate?” The omega asks bluntly.

Yoongi’s eyes widened. “What?”

He motions to the both of them. “Is he your surrogate?”

“ No!” They say in unison. They glance at each other with offense. “No? What do you mean no? What are you trying—”

“Stop-” Yoongi cuts. “What do you mean, no?”

“What do I mean, what do you mean?” Namjoon pouts. “Are you saying I’m ugly?”

“Didn’t even come out of my mouth.” Yoongi deadpans.

“Well, you implied it!”

“I did not! And besides, you rejected me! What’s that about?”

“Do you even date betas?”

Yoongi blinks. “I don’t fucking know.”

“You’ve never dated?”  The beta deadpans. 

“I didn’t say that—”

“Oi!” Seokjin snaps. Both return their focus. “Now’s not the time for love confessions, gentlemen! I am a busy man and have lives to save. Now, answer my question!”

“Sorry, hyung,” Yoongi mumbles, pouting a little. “No. We’re not.”

“Okay.” He glances between the both of them, his eyes lingering on Namjoon a little bit longer. The beta’s eyebrows shoot up, noticing for a second until Seokjin looks at Yoongi. “You said he was being harassed?”

“Yes. I don’t know the full details of what happened. I didn’t get to ask. He emerged from some dark alley and stumbled on garbage cans. Then three alphas appeared.” 

Seokjin hums. “Do you remember their faces? It will be helpful to sketch out when we call the police.” 

“I don’t think that’s necessary, hyung.” Yoongi clears his throat as he slides his sleeves up, baring his arms. “I wouldn’t want to risk getting jail time.” 

He can’t help but puff his chest out when he says this. He’d fought people twice his size but never was in situations where he fought three alphas at once. It’s an achievement. 

But a great risk if they ever catch him in public one day. Then again, knowing they got their asses handed, he wouldn’t be surprised if they were to actively avoid him.

Seokjin’s eyebrows nearly became one with his hairline, his natural pout debuting. Namjoon’s eyes dart to his lips, allured. “ You fought them??”

“Had to.” 

“You could have called the police! What if you were followed? What if they reported you? Did you wear a mask?” 

“It’s fine, hyung. Don’t worry about me. I’d rather you worry more about your patient. Can I see him?” 

“Is he your partner?” 

“No, but–” 

The omega shakes his head. “You know the rules, Yoongi. I cannot let you see him unless you are related to him in some way or form. You would have if he was your mate.” 

Yoongi frowns. “But I was the one that brought him in, I think I should be allowed by that right.” 

“Is he your partner ?” 

“No.” He huffs, getting annoyed from the questions.

“Is he your cousin? Brother’s godfather? Your great-aunt’s fifth grandchild?” 

Yoongi blinks at the specifics. “N-no.” 

“Then you are not allowed to see him.” 

“So what’s going to happen to him?” 

“Well, when he wakes up, we’re going to see if he can provide us with contact information to call someone related to him and can pick him up.” 

“And if he doesn’t have family?”

Seokjin’s eyebrows furrow, his lips parting, but no immediate response. Hesitance rests on his tongue.

“We’re going to have to send him to a shelter. A place that will take pregnant omegas and have the resources they need to care for a young pup-” 

“No,” Yoongi shakes his head. “No, you can’t do that.” 

Seokjin narrows his eyes. “I don’t have a choice, Yoongi.” 

“Yes, you do.” 

“It’s against procedure and code of the place we live in.” 

“I never took you as a man who respected the law. Why so different?” 

“I could say the same to you.” The omega crosses his arms, unmoving from his stance. Neither does Yoongi. 

Namjoon takes a step back, glancing at both. He’s heard stories about Seokjin but had never seen them both toe-to-toe like this.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“You don’t care about people. Why do you care so much about this one omega? If this is your way of getting back to the dating pool-” 

“ Don’t ,” Yoongi points at him, taking a step closer to him. His eyes are seething in rage and offense from that statement. “You dare finish that sentence.” 

Seojkin remains standing, his gaze just as sharp. Their scent’s defensive and thick; it’s suffocating. 

“Is that how low you think of me, friend ? Huh?” Yoongi’s voice is low and dark. Enraged. “You think I’d take advantage of a pregnant young omega just to make my knot wet? Do you really see me as a lowlife alpha that would just flounder my dick around to see which omega is going to bend over? Huh?!” 

His voice echoes in the room. Nothing but the sounds of busy people and monitors recording vitals. 

Seokjin’s jaw tenses, but he says nothing.

“I fucking care , because no one saw how scared he was tonight. You didn’t witness someone trying to run from danger and protect an unborn child. He could have been kidnapped and worse, had I not stepped in! I did what I had to do, and I promised him that he was going to be safe. I promised him I would not let anyone take him anywhere he didn’t want to go. He didn’t even want to come here because he knew that he was going to be sent back to the shelter, and here you are, going to send him there anyway!”

“I don’t have a choice!” 

“Hyung,” Namjoon pulls him back. “That’s enough.” 

Snaps his head to the youngest, releasing a growl—a warning not to interfere. 

But Namjoon keeps his hand where it was. His scent is strong, circulating in the space. His eyes plead for one thing for the alpha to do.

Breathe.

And so he does, a couple of times, until he’s ready to look at his old friend.

“Please. Let me see him.” 

“I can’t authorize that.” He answers calmly.

“ Jin –”

“Look, I understand where you’re coming from. Believe me, I do.” Seokjin’s face crumbles to a frown, sorrowful.  “You want to be that person that they need to live on. I want to be that person in their corner when things continuously get hard. I’ve been in that situation more than you think. But it is my duty as a certified medical employee and Trustee to follow the hospital’s policies and the law. I can’t ignore it just to do you a favor.” 

“I’m not asking you as a favor. I’m asking you as a person who is worried for their safety, as someone who wants to be there for him. Please. Let me be there for him.” 

Seokjin sighs in defeat. “I’m sorry. I can’t authorize it.” 

Yoongi lowers his head. He can’t accept this. His alpha refuses. 

“Please…grant this for me. Otherwise,  I’m going in anyway.” He declares. 

Seokjin doesn’t say a word. Silence is his voice. 

…Very well.

Yoongi swipes Namjoon’s hand off of him and walks past Seokjin, darting in the same direction he came from initially. Neither of them stopped him; Seokjin wouldn’t, knowing his friend all too well. 

He knows he’s putting a lot at risk. His friendship, Jin’s reputation…his own safety. But he can’t just leave without seeing it for himself. 

Yoongi is a simple man who tries to live a simple life. He doesn’t pry, he tries his best not to be a burden to others. He tries to be a better friend, a better son, and a better employee. It’s only moments like this when he chooses to be selfish for the greater good. 

The question is if it's the greater good for himself or the world. 32 years in, and he still doesn’t know. 

He needs to see him. Just for a little bit. 

His heart pounds in his ears, and his senses are completely shot. His nostrils flare, and his growls are released in short puffs as he tries to trace the omega’s scent, but to no avail. All he smells is sanitizer and disinfectants. 

And then, it hit him. The same dull, weak sour scent that had introduced itself earlier. 

Yoongi stops in the middle of the hall, deciding where to go. He breathes in the scent as much as he can, taking a step or two to find the trail. A pit of worry sits in his chest when he loses it, turning in the opposite direction. It comes back, luring him towards the end of the hall. His feet pick up the pace.

He continues to meet empty rooms and beds holding patients. 

Not here . 

He makes his way towards the double doors leading to private rooms. Nurses bolt to the side as he passed through. 

“Excuse me–” 

“Sir, do you have a visitor’s pass?” 

Yoongi ignores him, looking through each room. 

Empty. 

Empty. 

Not him.

Not him. 

Empty. 

Empty–

Yoongi stops abruptly at the next door.

He finds the omega resting on his side, under blankets. His arm resting on his side with an IV attached. 

Yoongi releases a heavy sigh from the inner sanctoms of his chest.

He’s safe. He’s okay. Thank God. 

He presses his head against the glass, taking a couple of deep, silent breaths. The rhythmic monitor beeps and eases his nerves. He’s so glad he’s resting. He knew he would be, he would never doubt his friend’s words. 

He just needed to see it for himself. He just…needed to be sure. That’s all. 

“You poor thing…” Yoongi whispers, placing his hand on the door. 

How long? How long did you have to survive on your own? How long did you have to hide in the shadows, press your back against the wall? 

“Why are you alone?” 

So many questions. So much to worry about. 

“Excuse me,” a woman’s voice breaks through his thoughts. By the look of her posture, she seems timid but plays brave. “Do you have a visitor’s pass?” 

He could lie. He could tell her he had rushed in and forgotten to pick it up at the front desk. But he’s too tired to go to great lengths.

Yoongi shakes his head and looks back at the window. 

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Only verified visitors are allowed to be here.” 

“I know, I’ll be out of your hair in a moment. I just needed to see him.”

“I understand, but only verified visitors are allowed to be here. What is your relationship with the patient?” Yoongi remains silent, returning his gaze to the omega. “Sir?”

Just go away…

“Sir, it would be most helpful if you could cooperate with me, otherwise, I will need to call security. What is your relationship with the patient?”

Yoongi stands abruptly as the omega wakes, blinking sleep out of his eyes. It doesn’t take long for the realization to hit, recognizing where he was. He looks around in panic, then to the IV taped to his arm, and tries to peel it off him. 

“Shit,” he mumbles before opening the door.

“Sir! You cannot go in there.” 

Her loud demand shakes the omega. Gasping from the sudden intrusion. 

“Don’t,” Yoongi gently says, motioning to the IV. “Keep it on.”

“Someone call security!” 

The young omega looks at the nurse scurrying off before looking back at Yoongi. His dainty fingers hover over the tape, and his posture is stiff and wary. His monitor beeps are a little fast, yet the rhythm remains. 

“I’m sorry,” Yoongi bows his head. “I don’t mean to intrude, but…I just wanted to check on you to see if you’re okay. Are you in pain?”

The omega lowers his gaze and shakes his head. Yoongi smiles a little.

“I’m glad.” The omega’s eyes begin to soften. The remnants of shock slowly dissipate. “I was a little worried.”

The younger licks his lips and averts his gaze. He doesn’t know what to say. 

“May I enter?” Yoongi asks. “I’ll stay by the corner.” He confirms when he notices hesitance. 

Eventually, the younger nods. As promised, Yoongi enters one full step, closes the door, and tucks himself into the corner. He crosses his arms comfortably, looking around the room to take in the space. Simple hospital decor with extra necessities. Pillows, blankets, two pink water pitchers and cups–everything he’d need to be comfortable. 

He’s glad. 

“Did you drink anything? Would you like some water?”

The younger shakes his head. 

“Are you sure? You must stay hydrated. They brought lots for you here.” 

The omega glances at Yoongi, shifting in his spot. He is still wary of his presence, but he is also very thirsty, and cannot support himself. Shit, just sitting up was a lot for him. 

Placing his hand on his large belly, he sighs and nods, indulging in his offer.

Yoongi’s quick to move, a little glad to be useful for him. He walks towards the tray to pour the young omega a cup of water. 

“Ice?”

The omega shakes his head, pulling the blankets close to himas he laid back. 

Filled up, Yoongi moves towards the bed, extending his hand to him. His eyes immediately fall to his knuckles, swollen and bruised. He frowns at the sight. 

“Hurt…” the omega whispers.  

Yoongi’s eyes light up in concern, thinking it was he who claimed injury, until he notices his eyes on his hands. 

“Oh,” Yoongi gently waves off. “I’m not hurt. I’m fine. Please do not worry.”

But the omega was not satisfied with that. His dismissive attitude toward his own well being worsened his frown. His eyes burning from incoming tears.

“ Hurt, ” he says, voice croaking. “Because of me.”

Yoongi’s heart is breaking tonight. The omega’s eyes are beyond soft and innocent . Such eyes should never be consumed in sad tears. Preferably none at all, and the fact he’s the cause of this brings him shame.

“No, no, please don’t cry.” Yoongi says calmly. “I’m not hurt—this doesn’t hurt.” 

He still wasn’t convinced. He grips onto the sheets with one hand while the other covers his eyes as he sobs quietly. 

“I-I’m so sorry…”

Yoongi sets the cup down to reach for his hands, but he stops himself. He promised he wouldn't touch him or get close, and he’s too fucking close right now. 

He takes a step back.

Ripples of sorrow fill the space. A cry that carries so much weight in their chest. A cry that begs for forgiveness. Forgiveness that is non-existent , because what wrongs has he caused? 

What has he done to cry with so much regret? 

Yoongi slowly drops to his knees, cups his hands on his lap, and bows his head; this is his form of apology.  The boy sees this, his sobs quietly calm to whimpers. 

Submission. 

“Please…” Yoongi barely whispers. “Do not cry because of me.” 

“B-but…”

The alpha picks his head up to look at him. “I promise you, I’m fine. While small, I’m very proud of them, because I was able to protect you from them.”

The omega gasps at his words. He wipes his tears, eyes wide and deer-like. His cheeks are a healthy red, leaving harsher trails from the rubbing. 

 “I’m so sorry,” Yoongi stands. “I may not know everything you’ve been through, but I’m so sorry that you experienced that. No one deserves to treat you that way, pregnant or not. Those guys were assholes and if I could I would have given them more than they got tonight.” 

The omega remains silent, averting his gaze from his words. 

“So please,” he mumbles as he picks up his cup. “Do not shed any tears for me.” he raises the cup for him to take. “Drink.”

The omega takes the cup this time, bowing his head quickly in thanks before taking bought sips. 

Yoongi takes a steady breath and walks back to his corner, content that he’s quenching his thirst. But that moment soon dies once the door opens, seeing security enter the room.

“Excuse me,” the man says, arms buff and firm under his thick layers, motions him out of the room. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You do not have clearance to be here.” 

His voice is rugged and deep. Serious. His scent is unsettling from the overwhelming aroma of smoke.

This might be a tough alpha to convince…

Yoongi glances at the resting omega, who looks between them, his lips forming the cutest pout.

Yoongi knows the rules. He doesn’t work here, nor is he related to this omega. He doesn’t want to give Seokjin a harder time than he gave him tonight. 

But his alpha is stubborn. It wants to root him in place. Take his stand.

Don’t go. Protect him.

Yoongi takes a breath and looks back at the guard, trying his best to be civil and control his glands from producing any indication to challenge him. 

“Sir,” he motions.

“If I may—”

“We can discuss outside.”

“I..would like to remain here-”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. Please,”

“Look, I know–”

“Sir,” he says again, in warning.

“If I can just-”

“I do not want to ask you again.”

“Can I just stay with him for a little longer? Just a few, he’s been through a lot tonight—”

“Only relatives are allowed to visit. You do not have a visitor's pass and are not related to the patient. Please step out of the room.”

Yoongi huffs. “I understand that-”

“ So,” he motions again, his arm stiffening the more he repeats himself.

“Sir, please,” the nurse says near the threshold.

“I will have to use force if you will not comply.”

“That’s not necessary. Just please hear me out.” He pleads. “This young man was in danger, and I-”

“Sir. Please step out of the room.” The alpha raises his voice. 

“Listen to me!” Yoongi snaps, his patience tossed out the window.

The nurses nearly screams. The world spins quickly, then lopsided. Yoongi finds himself on the floor, pain slowly emerging on the side of his head, his arms pinned behind his back.  

Adrenaline shoots through his veins like a drug. He’s alive, he’s been challenged. He’s in a vulnerable position; he needs to break free and defend himself.

“Let go of me!” he thrashes.

“Stop resisting.” 

The guard grips his arms to pull him off the ground and shove him out.  But Yoongi refuses. 

“You’re not listening!” 

The guard snaps his canines close to his neck, growling ferociously in warning. Another threat.

Yoongi’s alpha is ready to fight. He will not back down. He will not lose. 

He continues to struggle in his hold, skitting his feet against the tile floor in protest. Yoongi slams his back against his front before yanking his arms away.

“Let go of me!” Yoongi barks. 

We cannot leave him. 

Quickly, the guard manhandles Yoongi against the wall, slamming his body hard enough to leave him stunned. Yoongi groans in pain from hitting his head yet again and twisting his ankle from skitting his foot.  The curtains scrape against the rail, and the tray shakes, tumbling the smaller items to the floor, pillows and blankets included.  and 

The resting omega cries, covering his mouth at the scene.

“We cannot have this in the room! Huang-nim! Compose yourself!” 

“What is going on in here?!” The angels above send Seokjin, who rushes in and meddles between them to pull them apart. “Stop! Release him!” 

“He does not have clearance, and he’s hostile.” The guard said, tightening his hold on Yoongi’s arms. 

“I’m hostile because you’re throwing me around like I’m some wild animal!” 

“Release him,” Seokjin demands. 

“He does not have clearance.” He repeats. 

“He is no criminal or a threat to anyone in this room. Now release him .” 

“On what grounds?” He glares at Seokjin. 

“On the grounds of my name as the Chief and one of the Board Members of this hospital.” Seokjin’s glare is ice cold, his growls rumbling in the space. “You have three options. You can let him go and walk out still employed, I can have you removed from the premises for assault, or I can report to your supervisor and file so many complaints against you,  your grandkids are going to need hire a lawyer. The choice is yours, Huang-nim.” 

Seokjin’s tone is harsh; the room chills. The world freezes. Words spoken by a man one should never defy, whether a nurse, a doctor, or paper boy. Subgender be damned. 

Seokjin’s voice will lead you to wisdom or consquences. Choices enable them.

The room falls quiet. Glares are being thrown back and forth like ping-pong. Eventually, the guard releases Yoongi and takes a step back. With one last glance between them, he huffs and storms out. 

“You,” he points at the nurse. “I will deal with you later. Leave us.” The nurse bows her head, guilty and scurries off.

Yoongi leans over, supporting his front with his ankles. He takes an easy inhale and exhale, relieving the pounding in his head. 

“Are you good?” Seokjin asks, his tone still direct.

“I hit my head.” 

“Is your vision blurry?” 

“No.” 

“Good. I’ll give you Advil later.” He starts cleaning up. “I told you not to come. I told you.” 

“I-” 

“I don’t want to hear it.”

“Hyung-” 

“I said I don’t want to hear it.” 

“I told you I had to see him.” 

“And look what happened.” he motions around as he picks up the mess.

It doesn’t take long for guilt to settle in the alpha. 

The eldest takes a deep breath of his own before breaking into a soft smile. “Jungkook-ssi, I am so sorry for all of this. I promise you that this is not a recurring affair. It won’t happen again. You’re safety is very important to us. Are you alright?” 

Seokjin’s attention to the omega is gentle and nurturing. Completely different than a second ago.

Jungkook—the resting omega–on the other hand, is not receptive to his nurturing engagement. His breaths are shallow and quick, as if he just ran a mile. Clenching on hand in the sheets, the other on his stomach for dear life. 

His scent is suffocatingly sour. His eyes are wide and unfocused. 

Seokjin’s fake smile drops instantly. 

“Jungkook-ssi?” 

Abruptly, he hunches over as he lets out a strong blow and then a painful shout. 

Yoongi snaps his back straight in concern while Seokjin quickly moves to his side to lean him back against the bedframe to inspect him, but he doesn’t budge. He releases another shout, eyes clenching shut from the pain. 

He barely needs an inspection when the doctor sees a large wet spot in the center of the omega.

Seokjin rushes to the door and swings it open. “I need nurses!! Nurses!” He calls. 

“Hyung,” Yoongi calls him in a calm panic. “What’s wrong?” 

“Seonsaeng-nim!” A team rushes to him, ready for command. 

“I need a wheelchair, stat. Get the labor team ready. We need to act quickly, quickly!” 

They disperse. 

Ignoring the alpha momentarily, he rushes back to Jungkook’s side once more to ease him onto his back. 

“O-Oh my God, my baby–” Jungkook panics, his breathing worsening. “S-somethings—something’s w-wrong with my baby!” 

“Shh, it’s alright, Jungkook-ssi. You’re water broke. It just means the baby is coming.”

“What?! No, you said–” 

“The time frame is accurate based on the measurements, but it seems it’s coming sooner than intended.” 

“I-I can’t–I’m not ready– ”  

Jungkook releases a scream that shakes Yoongi to the core. Completely frozen, watching him struggle to breathe, breaking down in a matter of seconds, watching a team of nurses come in with a wheelchair, some waiting by the door with masks and gloves. 

Watching reality slap Jungkook in the face that his baby is due any second. 

“Jungkook-ssi, you need to stay calm, or you’ll fall ill, okay? I need you to breathe. Deep, slow breaths.” Seokjin calmly instructs. 

Seokjin takes deep breaths to follow along. Jungkook struggles, too focus on the excruciating pain. His eyes screwed tight, Jungkook breathes in a deep shakey breath, and releases it just as fast. He does this repeatedly with Seokjin, trying to focus on that rather than everything else around him.

“There we go. Good . Just like that. Focus on that, okay? We’re going to take care of you and get that baby out safely, okay? Good, good .”

His whines release with his breaths, his knuckles pure white from the iron grip on the blankets. His face flushed red and sweaty. 

“Get him in the chair,” Seokjin orders his nurses, slipping away as they got to motion. “Yoongi, you need to go home.” The omega concludes as he guides him out the room.

“W-what? Wait–but–what—Is he going to be okay?”

“Yes. You need to go. Now.” 

“Hyung–” 

“ Now , Yoongi.” He respectively pushes him through the exit.

The doors close as if never to be opened again. The silence does not comfort him. 

Yoongi usually prefers it. 

But right now, he’s dreading being in it.

Chapter Text

The sounds of a baby’s first shriek echos in the shadows.

Or the sounds of different tunes of the monitors to record their state, while medical staff desperately utilize resources to keep his heart pumping. 

Or soundless. To mourn the departed. 

A glance at the clock. 4:36am.

A chilling feeling leaves Yoongi pacing back and forth in the waiting room. His arms are crossed tightly over his chest, and noms on his lower lip. 

“Yoongi,” Namjoon mumbles. “Please sit down. You’re making me nervous.”

The man ignores him, running on the anxious drive to move around. Right now, words are very difficult to form when his brain is filled with horrid ‘what ifs’.  His scent is dangerous, a repellant to most people who are also waiting for updates of their own. 

His screams—it plays in his head, on repeat. He can’t tune them out, and yet, he does not fight hard enough to block them out, leaving them engraved in his mind. To remind him of what had caused them to get to this point. 

The stress that Yoongi has inflicted–his presence and his stubbornness. 

Why is he forcing himself into this torment? Living in different worlds that now collided because of an opportunity to kick ass.

An opportunity that’s opened a brand new path to walk in. 

He could just leave like Seokjin told him to. Go home and move on with his life. Enjoy his week off like he’s supposed to. 

No. His alpha decides, every single time since they’ve been here. 

Is he regretting his choices? Should he regret his choices? Should he have stayed in the market longer to avoid the encounter? Should he have–

No. Ignoring the pain of the innocent is not an option. Thinking these selfish thoughts is not an option.

“Yoongi,” Namjoon’s voice snaps him out of his deep thoughts. 

“What is it?” His tone is bland. He continues pacing, running his fingers through his hair before re-crossing his arms. 

“Sit down, please.”

“I can’t.”

“Because you can’t sit still. I know you're stressed out, but have faith. Everything is going to be okay.”

“You don’t know that.”

“You said it yourself, we’re in the best hospital in Seoul. Do you not trust your friend? Do you think he’ll let something happen to them?”

No .

“Trust has nothing to do with it,” he says vaguely.

“Hm. I know Jin-hyung would be very upset to hear you say that.” 

Despite running on nerves, Yoongi picks up on the change, the honorifics. His curious gaze takes the moment of tangent. 

“Is it not sonsaengnim to you?” 

Namjoon’s eyebrows shot up, his lips parting to speak; no strings of words came out. 

“Uh…”

…Huh.

“Now that I think about it…I noticed you didn’t follow me when I left the room. You had a nice chat?” 

“N-nothing important. He never met me before, and we wanted to give you time, and he said calling him hyung was fine,” he quickly says, sitting up straight the more flustered he got.

“Hm…” Yoongi continues his pace. Much slower now. 

“Besides, we both know he’ll be upset at you for not trusting him, especially when you should be sitting rather than pacing back and forth like a madman.” 

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “You’re being dramatic. Besides, there’s nothing else I can do.” 

“There’s a lot of things, actually. You're psyching yourself out over someone you don’t even know.” 

Yoongi’s eye twitches. His patience tweaks yet again. 

“I don’t have to know them to care.” Yoongi stomps to a halt, his eyes narrowing to the beta. 

Has humanity dropped to a new, cold level of apathy? Is he supposed to not care about the kid because he’s an omega? 

“Is he supposed to matter if I was an omega? If I was carrying a pup, or in his place?” He asks pointedly. 

“What?” Namjoon’s eyes widened. “No! Of course not–” 

“Am I not allowed to care? Am I supposed to live on without worrying if he or the pup lives?” 

“That’s not what I’m saying at all!” 

“So what are you saying?” 

“I’m just–look–” the beta huffs. “I just want you to sit down and relax. You’re not making this a settling space, you know.”

“Then don’t pay attention to me. Look at your phone or something.” 

Namjoon sighs. “I would if it was on .” 

“So fucking turn your phone on, Joon, I don’t know what else you want me to do.” Yoongi snaps a little. 

“I don’t want you to do anything about it unless you have a charger, which I know you don’t–” 

“Namjoon,” Yoongi warns and glares. 

He loves his friend. Namjoon is his safe space. But right now, he does not need his safe space. He needs Namjoon to shut up–just for a moment. But he can’t say that to his friend, and unluckily enough, his expression does it for him, but right now, Namjoon is in no mood to succumb to his needs.

“I need you to have a seat, hyung,” he says, more of a command than a suggestion. 

“I don’t want to,” he grits out. 

“It will help you greatly if you do. Pacing back and forth is not going to speed up time.”

“Sitting is not going to do anything either.” 

“Just sit down.” 

“If you’re so bothered seeing me, then why don’t you go home?” his voice firm. 

“Why don’t you go home?”

“I can’t just leave him here.” 

“Why not?” 

“Because!” 

Because he doesn’t know if he has family. He doesn’t know if he even has a partner who’s looking for him. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen when he steps out of this hospital, and Yoongi…Yoongi doesn’t like that.

“I have to stay.” He settles. 

“No, you don’t–” 

“Enough,” Yoongi hisses. “I am not doing this with you, okay? Just go the fuck home. It’ll be easier for you to detach; you chose to be here anyway.” 

“That’s right. I chose to be here, for you.” Namjoon emphasizes. “And let’s get something else straight here–you’re deciding to stay for an omega that you don’t know and don’t owe anything to.” 

“You didn’t see what I saw!” Yoongi shouts. “You didn’t hear what I heard! If you were in there, you’d be in my position, and guess where I’d be. Right fucking here! So stop asking me stupid questions, stop telling me what to do, and just leave me the alone, or leave!”  

The tense atmosphere in the waiting room thickens. Different reasons mixed in. Yoongi feels their eyes on him. He can hear their mumbles and whispers. 

An alpha, commanding a beta. Ordering them. Expectance of respect and obedience. 

The saliva that pools in the back of his throat is thicker, difficult to swallow. 

Namjoon’s jaw tenses. The waiting room grows silent, and now…

Yoongi feels regretful. 

“I’m just trying to help you, hyung, and I don’t appreciate being talked down to or being yelled at as if I have done you wrong.” 

Yoongi nods after a moment. 

“You’re right. I could have gone home hours ago, but I’m here. With you, because you are my friend. And I care about your well-being.”

Yoongi nods again, letting his words sink in. He’s right. He didn’t ask him to be here, he didn’t ask him to stay. Namjoon chose to. He stayed to make sure he was good, and here he is, acting like the biggest asshole in the world. 

“I know I’m being pushy, and I’m sorry. But I don’t know if you noticed, but you’re stinking up the entire space. Look around you. No one but me is within your proximity, and I’m trying my best not to move away from you.” 

One glance was all it took for embarrassment to kick in. Yoongi lowered his head, his cheeks flushed a healthy red. 

“You’re tired,” Namjoon says calmly. “You’ve been up for over 12 hours. You went through a lot today.  I get it. But you need to take it easy, or you’ll end up walking yourself into a panic attack. So, please,” he motions to an empty chair beside him. “Sit down.” 

“I’m sorry,” Yoongi said after a moment of silence. He runs his hands over his face when he plops beside him. “You’re right…I’m sorry.” 

Namjoon nods, taking a breath.

“Fuck, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” The beta wraps his arm around his shoulder, bringing him into a side hug. “It’s alright. Just try to relax. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Yoongi takes a couple of deep breaths and rests his elbows on his lap to support his head. It’s taking everything in him not to stand or shake his leg. He clenches his hands into a ball, tucking them under his chin for now. Squeezing them as tight as he can. 

His heart is heavy from the weight of dread. It gets a little lighter when Namjoon runs his hand down his back. It’s comforting. 

“Thank you,” Yoongi whispers. “I really appreciate you.”

Namjoon smiles a little. “I know.” 

➳

The sun rises at 6. The waiting room is nearly vacant. 

Yoongi didn’t know when he fell asleep tucked Namjoon’s arm, his nose directed to the junction of his neck and shoulder. Its effects were strong enough to settle him and drift into slumber until his phone violently buzzed in his pocket. 

Blinking drowsiness out of them, he reads Seokjin’s name on the caller ID.

This wakes Yoongi up quicker than a sip of coffee. He swipes the answer, not letting it ring for a second longer. “Yeah,” he answers, pulling away from the tucked spot in Namjoon’s side, immediately waking him up.

“Oh, sorry, did I wake you?” Seokjin’s rumbles, exhaustion drips in his voice.

“You did, but it’s fine. We’re in the waiting room.” 

“…You stayed?” 

“I did,” he says without hesitation. 

…

“I told you to go home.” 

“I know.” 

…

Seokjin sighs. “You know, you can be real bratty when you want to….” 

“How is me caring about the public being bratty?” 

“I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about ignoring my–” 

“Hyung,” Yoongi sighs. “I stayed because I need to know if they’re okay.” 

It’s silent on the other line. Seokjin fills it with a huff. 

“Out of all of my years of knowing you, I have never seen you get so attached to an omega.” 

Yoongi blushes at the comment. He isn’t wrong. It’s very out of character and–

“Unprecedented, I know.” 

“It’s concerning.” He says lightly. “Are you sure you are not acquainted with him?” 

“I’m not, I promise it’s nothing to worry about. Just completing my good samaritan goal for the week.”

“Well, in that case…” Seokjin clears his throat. “Consider your goal accomplished. The baby is born.” 

Yoongi’s eyes widened in relief. “So they’re okay?” 

“There were some complications. We had to do an emergency C-section and focus on maintaining the omega’s blood pressure. It was extremely high.” 

“Oh my God,” he mumbles, reaching for Namjoon’s hand to hold.

“Hyung?” Namjoon whispers. “What happened? Are they okay?” 

“Hyung, can we come up? Can we meet you somewhere to talk?” 

“We?” 

“Namjoon is here too.” 

There’s a moment of silence. 

“Come to my office.” Seokjin clears his throat. “Sixth floor. 613.” 

➳

For the first time in hours, Yoongi felt like he could breathe once he stepped into Seokjin’s office. 

The space is larger than he expected, but then again, his friend is the chief of emergency services. The space is beyond clean, with no speck of dust in sight. Meanwhile, his desk is a huge contrast, covered in stacks of folders and papers that need to be shredded or organized. Walls aligned with the window, presenting rising dawn and multiple awards, degrees, and certifications of his academic-medical history. 

His alpha preens at the sweet fragrance of peaches, reminding him of a faraway place that’s tropical and warm. Yoongi would hug his friend just to bask in it if it weren't for these circumstances. 

But it seems he wasn’t the only one affected; The hair on Namjoon's neck stands tall from the concentrated aroma. His eyes dilate in seconds, scanning around the room to find the source of it, thinking it was a diffuser or a disinfectant spray. Or maybe a limited edition perfume. But once Seokjin passed by the both of them, his eyes tunneled to him, gripping his hands to his sides to shake himself out of the bouquet daze he had walked into. 

“Okay,” the elder says as he sits on his chair. He tilts his head back and releases a heavy groan, wallowing in the support for a moment.

Yoongi takes a seat in front of him, glancing back at Namjoon, who’s rooted in place, finding himself back in the daze as his eyes glue to the man’s neck. Defined in seeing the structure the more he stretched his head back, bare for the beta’s liking. He can feel the dominant energy from the entryway, and this is questionable. Not once did he ever think about Namjoon’s orientation. Not that it mattered to him, but in this moment, he realized there’s more to learn about his friend. 

Perhaps the taller has alpha-like tendencies that he’s never witnessed firsthand. Perhaps he doesn’t have a preference at all. Again, Yoongi doesn’t care, but it’s a brain picker. If they were here for a different reason, Yoongi would find this amusing, but right now, he needs Namjoon to decide whether to participate or idle nearby. 

The alpha clears his throat loudly enough to capture his friend’s attention, signaling him to sit down. It’s enough to shame Namjoon, who bowed his head as he makes his way to the open seat beside him. 

Yoongi’s nose twitches from the intense scent coming from him, but only momentarily as Namjoon quickly composed himself.

“Sorry. It’s been a long shift.” Seokjin mumbles, his voice grating and leaking exhaustion. “I haven’t sat down since I got here.” 

“Sorry, Hyung,” Yoongi says, apologetic. 

“Not your fault.” he waves it off before sitting up. “The nature of the job.” 

“Should I get you something? Perhaps a coffee or a cup of water?” Namjoon offers, already on his feet.

The omega’s pout comes out naturally. “Oh, how kind of you. Uh–” he glances at Yoongi, who shrugs. “If–if you don’t mind?” 

“Not at all. Which would you like?” 

“Water, please. I’ll be heading out in the next hour, so coffee is a big no. I plan to plop in my nest and sleep.”

“Noted. Hyung?” 

“I’m good.” Yoongi waves his hand a bit. 

“Okay. I’ll be back.” 

It’s silent between them until the door clicks shut. “What a nice-odd fellow…” Seokjin mumbles. “Where did you meet him?” 

“Work.” Yoongi crosses his arms, his eyes remain slit and filled with curiosity. 

“Really? Can’t picture a personality like that in your field. He must be really smart. I wonder how he looks in a professional setting.” 

Yoongi tilts his head to the side. “That so?” 

Seokjin picks up on his accusatory demeanor. “Why do you sound so surprised?” 

“Because I’ve been in the industry for seven years, and not once have you taken interest in my profession.” 

“Well, to be fair, you act the same when you’re working and when you’re relaxing. You’re more on the side of avoidance when you’re busy.” 

Yoongi hums and sits up. No rebuttal there. 

“You know, if you want to see him in a suit, I could just give you his phone number.” Yoongi shrugs. “I think he’ll like that very much.” 

“Wha–” Seokjin stutters, blushing a little. “D-don’t be absurd! I’m not interested, I was just–” 

“Just?” Yoongi says after a delayed response.

“You know,” he motions his hand between them. “Making conversation! Can’t a person be curious? Isn’t that what we are as a species?” 

Yoongi shrugs. “Sure.” 

“I’m serious!” 

“I believe you, hyung, calm down.” 

“I am calm,” the omega grumbles in his seat, gathering some papers, prepping for organization that’s long overdue. He refuses to look at Yoongi, pouty and plumps, red up to his ears. 

How adorable. 

Yoongi bites back his smirk before masking back to a blank expression. 

“Now, let’s get into why we’re here to begin with,” Seokjin clears his throat and settles the stack in front of him.

“You said there were complications?” 

“Yes. The omega’s blood pressure was extremely high. He was emotionally unstable during labor, which was expected. Early pregnancies tend to cause whiplash for some.” 

“It was an early pregnancy??” Seokjin nods. “But how?” 

“Many reasons vary an early pregnancy, stress being one of them. Has been ever since you brought him in.” 

Yoongi frowns. “Poor thing…” 

“He’s resting now. We’ll be keeping a close eye on him for a bit. He’ll be in our care for a week. Maybe more.” 

Yoongi sighs, a little relieved to hear. “That’s good. And the pup? Will they be okay?” 

“The pup is fine, but…there are some concerns. She’s under the threshold of a healthy weight, so we’re going to need to bring it up and monitor for any intricacies. So she’ll be in our NICU care for now.” 

His heart sinks to his stomach. “I…I had a feeling something was wrong with–wait–her? It’s a girl?” 

Seokjin nods. “Normally, infants need to be at least five pounds before discharge. It’s not definite, but the omega seemed to have survived in a malnourished state the past couple of days. It’s not severe,” Seokjin emphasizes. “But any sign of maternal weight loss during pregnancy is worrisome. There can never be a risk.” 

“Right...” 

Seokjin turns to his monitor, shaking the mouse to wake it before typing in his password. “You said he disclosed being in a shelter?” 

Yoongi nods. “When I advised to bring him here. He was adamant not to, scared that you would bring him back.” 

Seokjin frowns. “I see…” 

Yoongi monitors Seokjin’s facial expression. “I’ve heard some stories. About some of these shelters. They’re not…good ones.”

Seokjin nods, quiet as he types. 

“...I know you’re just doing your job, hyung. And–and I’m so grateful for your help the past couple of hours. Believe me.” 

“Let me guess,” he said, facing Yoongi, resting his cupped hands on top of the desk. “You don’t want me to send him to a shelter.” 

“I promised him I wasn’t going to let anyone take him somewhere he doesn’t want to go.” 

“I don’t have a choice, Yoongi.” Seokjin frowns.

“Can’t you make this one exception?” 

“Exception?” Seokjin scoffs, leaning against his chair, shocked by what he just heard. “I’ve made plenty of exceptions for you all night long!” 

“I know, but–” 

“And yet, all you do is take and take–You’re no better than these visitors!” 

“Hyung–” 

“I have risked my status for you tonight. Isn’t that enough?” 

“Jin, for God's sake, we’re talking about a young omega and their newborn.” Yoongi pushes. 

“You don’t think I know that? Do you not think I’ve tried to offer as many resources as I can? South Korea offers comprehensive programs for new dams, but they are costly, insurance or not.” 

“So set him up with that.” Yoongi pushes. Seokjin gives him a disapproving look. 

“Would I be talking about shelters if I was going to sign him up for comprehensive care?” 

Yoongi winces. That is a good point. 

“But I know you have midwife services that would benefit him. Besides, you said he isn’t in the best condition.” 

“Yes, which is why I stated he will be in our care for a bit, but do you honestly think I have the space and resources to keep them long-term?” 

“Lord, I’m not asking you to make a VIP section for him.” 

“Then what are you asking?” 

“Just don’t send him to a fucking shelter!” 

“For once in your life, can you stop thinking like a vigilante and think like an adult?” Seokjin scolds. “Do you even hear yourself? You’re asking me to break the law , Yoongi. For some random omega that you don’t know.” 

Yoongi runs his hand over his face. He’s getting really tired of hearing that. 

“Where is your compassion?” Yoongi slams his hand on the armrest. 

“In here,” the elder points to his chest. “But at the end of the day, I have a job to do. It’s not just sending them to the shelter. He will be registered under the city. Shit, he practically is by admission in my hospital. There’s paperwork that needs to be made, faxed, and filed. It’s a process. Trust me, as much as he will hate it, he will be grateful for it.” Yoongi shakes his head. “Yoongi, I will make sure to find a good one. One that will have proper resources to help take care of his pup. He will feel safe.”

“Please, hyung…” he pleads weakly. 

Seokjin sighs heavily. “I’m sorry. Unless you can find his relatives or the sire to that pup, I don’t have any other choice. I’m filing the paperwork as we speak. He will be in our care until he’s recovered and a location is set.  We’ll have transportation to bring them to the institution.” He returns to his computer and types away, the tapping of the keys filling the silence. 

Yoongi feels so useless. He can’t imagine what Jungkook’s face will look like when they tell him he’s being sent to a shelter.

Knowing that he will feel betrayed breaks Yoongi’s heart even more. 

“You’re a good man, Yoongi.” Seokjin says faintly. “I know how much you want to help him. It feels good to know that there’s someone out there who’s looking out for us.” His voice is strained with emotion. His eyes wander, clouding. Tapping into his own feelings unwillingly. “It’s not easy living these days.” 

“I know.” Yoongi mumbles, rubbing his bottom lip out of stress.

“You know, it brings me back to our college days. It was much worse back then. You remember?” 

Yoongi shifts in his seat. He nods.

“I can’t tell you how many times I had to defend my honor…to fight back. Do things the right way, but…You just get turned away. Looked at a certain way. Regardless if it was in my labs or privately.” He turns his chair to look at the walls behind him. Standing, holding his degrees proudly.

“You worked hard,” Yoongi says gently. The meaning gives more praise for his achievements from the past. 

“Too hard, I’m afraid,” he accepts. “Envy was the motivation. It should be more positive, but…” 

“It wasn’t your fault.” 

Again, Seokjin remains silent. 

“I almost hated you at one point,” Seokjin admits. “I envied you mostly, but I almost hated you.” 

Yoongi…Yoongi takes a breath. He forces himself to relax his posture, but still, the hairs on his nape stand.

“You worked hard, but you didn’t struggle.” 

“I had my own journey.” 

“But was your journey deemed wasteful? Followed by the eyes of those who waited for you to fuck up at any moment, just to push for the heroine to swoop in as if you needed saving?” The pain in his friend’s voice is raw. The sweet peach sours to something rotten. “Did they take you seriously?” 

Were you an outcast? 

“Not as much as you or others,” Yoongi answers. “I had my own struggles. But it’s nothing to compare to.” 

It’s a reminder. Seokjin takes it in.

“And now, here we are again. Now, we have to watch our future suffer because of egotism.” The omega turns his chair back to face him. Anger in his eyes, his lips thin. “I worry for him.” 

Yoongi stares at his friend, lost in his thoughts. His sharp expression softens to something more melancholic. Pleading for some kind of hope. 

A ‘how. ’ 

“You don’t want him to go either.” Yoongi acknowledges. 

Seokjin remains silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. 

A ‘what. ’ 

“I will find a good one,” he promises. “One that is safe and has everything that he needs. I will let him know of you and everything you’ve done for him. I know he will be very grateful for your help.” He ends it there. “I think you should go home now, Yoongi. Get some rest. Hyung will handle it from here. You’re starting your vacation, right? You still have time to make a fresh start…” 

Yoongi’s attention drifts from Seokjin’s words, pondering. The last speck of hope in his heart is flickering. The path of surrender is neglected. 

A who.

The light bulb flickers on. The light in his eyes sparks again.

“What? What is it?” Seokjin asks, noticing the alpha’s silence. 

“I’ll do it.” He decides.

“Do what?” 

“I’ll take him. He can stay with me. Until he gets back on his feet.” 

Seokjin blinks, speechless. “What?” 

“You’re planning on sending him away as an alternative. I can be that alternative. I can give him what he needs, I can help him with the infant.” 

“You don’t know anything about raising a newborn pup.” 

“Doesn’t anyone? It’s an experience for all mated couples.” 

“And you’re not mates .”

“We don’t need to be.” 

“You’re saying you want to bring in a stranger and their pup into your home. For what?” Anger fails to disguise itself in the omega’s tone. Very defensive for an unknown presence.

“I have the space, I have the money to support them for whatever they need. They don’t go into a shelter, you don’t have to file any paperwork, everyone’s happy.” He defends. 

Hope is getting stronger.  

“And where does that leave you?” 

Yoongi blinks. “What do you mean?” 

“What good is this to you? What’s the motive here?” Yoongi blinks, tongue-tied from the question. The accusation. 

It makes Seokjin seethe in his seat. 

“Yoongi,” Seokjin says carefully. “You’re saying you want to bring in a stranger and their pup into your home,” he repeats. “That is a very big change that I do not think you’re ready to deal with. This isn’t a five-month-old or a six-year-old kid. This is a freshly born child. Plus, you are sheltering an unmated , defenseless omega that has no idea how to raise a child.”

“I can provide the essentials. Toys, bibs, cribs, formula, nesting necessities–” he names. “I can provide all of that for him. He wouldn’t need to pay a dime.” 

“This isn’t about materials,” Seokjin raises his voice by several decibels. “ This is a person’s life, not some kind of kick to make yourself look good.” 

“A life I am trying to save!” Yoongi stresses. 

“For what gain?!” 

“This isn’t about me!” Yoongi shouts. He stands before him, slamming his hands onto the desk. His alpha growls at the accusation. 

The stacks rattle in their place. The pencils and pens jiggle in their holder. 

Seokjin’s eyes widen from the sudden outburst, yet his jaw remains tightened. A mixture of burnt, rotten fruit fills the space. Emotions running high, challenged. There is nothing but the sounds of shared, tense breathing between them. 

Seokjin slowly rises to his feet. His hand shakes against the desk. He refuses to make anyone, especially alphas, stand over him as if they have power. While his omega is doing everything in its power to make him sit back down, telling him that he mustn’t challenge the alpha , his own friend, he will not be viewed as weak.

His wolf may care, but Yoongi doesn’t. He didn’t do this to intimidate him or to make him submit.

He’s fucking tired. He’s tired of hearing the same damn lines in the same damn script. He wants something new, something unoriginal. He needs to make a stand, and if it means fighting with his friend, then so be it. 

“You know I would never do anything that would put them in a more vulnerable state. Quit treating me like I’m one of them.” Yoongi whispers roughly. 

Seokjin blinks. His anger subsides. He becomes more apologetic and ashamed of his outburst. He averts his gaze to the metal surface.

He can see it in his eyes, the conflict. The defense for the youngblood, the expectations. Trust, apprehension…

A young omega that’s still healing from the wounds stitched by their own hands. Anger that’s porous to the flesh. 

“Imagine what others would think.” 

“I don't care about what anyone else thinks,” he tilts his head to meet his eyes. “Jin.” 

He moves his head away from his fingers. “What?” 

“I don’t care about anything other than the safety of the pup and her dam. Anything outside of that scope is nothing to me. I just want to keep them safe. I know you do too, and I’m glad it’s not just me. But I need you to trust me.” 

“I do trust you.” 

“You don’t. Because I’m an alpha.” He says bluntly. 

Eventually, Seokjin nods and looks away. “...Yeah.” 

“And if I were a beta,” Yoongi continues as he steps back into his seat. “Well…If not cut from the same cloth, it’s not worth using. Right?”

Seokjin takes his seat, scoffing out a dark, sad chuckle. “Yeah.” 

The room is silent between them. His scent comes off dull and…sad. The faint smell of fruit slowly rotting tickles his nose. 

“Ah,” Seokjin sniffles, using his wrist to dab the corner of his eye as he faces the wall behind him. “I’m sorry. I…I don’t know why I’m so emotional. I do trust you. You’re my friend. It’s just…hard, you know?” 

Yoongi nods. 

“You’re serious?” his voice cracks in sorrow. “You’ll really help them? Take care of them?

“Absolutely. Only if he’ll let me.” 

Seokjin sighs heavily, nodding after a long, dreading moment of silence. “And make sure you call me if you ever need me. I’ll do what I can too.” 

Yoongi nods, relieved that his support is limitless. “I will.” 

“Very well.”

A huge wave of relief crashes into shore. Yoongi opens his mouth to say more, but Seokjin beats him to it. 

“Thank you, Yoongi,” he says sincerely. “You’re a very good man.”

It brings a small smile to his face. He doesn’t dare fight the faint blush on his cheeks from the genuine compliment.

A comfortable, needed silence protrudes until the door creaks open. A strong odor of coffee strikes them both, making them turn to Namjoon, who enters with a cup of water, a heavily stained hoodie, and a pinched expression. 

“You’re water…” he gently settles on the desk before taking a step back. 

“Good, God, what happened to you?”

“And why does it smell like you jumped in a pool full of coffee?”

“I uh…” Namjoon clears his throat. “May have bumped into a nurse holding two carriers worth of large coffee on my way over here.” 

Seokjin’s eyes widened. “What?!” He immediately gets up, while Yoongi pinches the bridge of his nose. “Are  you okay?” 

“Y-Yes! I’m fine, nothing to worry about—ay..” Namjoon whimpers from one touch on his abdomen. 

“Lift your shirt for me.” Seokjin commands. Hesitant, Namjoon does so, averting his gaze as the omega’s shock worsens. “Oh, my God, you’re blistering!!” 

Yoongi snaps toward them, eyes widened at the deep red all over his stomach. He rises to his feet to stand beside his friend to inspect it. “Jesus, Joon!” 

“I-I’m fine! Everything is fine, I promise–” 

“Follow me,” Seokjin guides Namjoon out of his office. “We need to treat this immediately.” 

“W-wait, no-it’s not necessary! I just need to–hyung??” 

“Yes, hyung will help you, come, come…”

The fearful whimper that leaves Namjoon’s lips is the last trace of sound in the office until Yoongi’s surrounded in silence. 

Relief. Yet worry still lingers.

➺

The elevator ride to the seventh floor is agonizingly slow. It’s like living in a trick within your mind, coming back to a place that you just came from. As if he were an employee clocking back in for their night shift. 

For nearly fifteen hours, Yoongi remained in this hospital voluntarily, tipping into the hallucination stage due to sleep deprivation. After Namjoon was discharged, they drove back to Yoongi’s place to crash for a little while (and to keep a close eye on the beta, just in case). Yoongi couldn’t wait to lie down and sleep the morning away. 

“I can’t believe you got a severe burn from coffee. Two carriers worth, at that.” Yoongi mumbled as he made a smooth turn around the corner, while Namjoon scrolled through his phone. 

“Aish, hyung…Don’t make fun of me.” The man pouted.

“I’m not. Your burns looked pretty bad, Namjoonie. I’m glad Jin-hyung was able to treat you right away. It was a little worrisome.” 

“Yeah…” he winced. “I feel bad for being such a burden. Ugh,” he groans, facepalming. “I feel like a loser.” 

“Why?” 

“I didn’t plan to come in there injured. I truly wanted to get the man his water. It’s so uncool of me.” 

“You were trying to impress him with water?” 

“Yes–No–it’s—” he huffs, flustered. “I just wanted to do something for him. You know…make him feel nice, I guess? A token for doing so much for us. Being a doctor is one of the greatest responsibilities, and–you know, being Chief and all…” He trailed off, trying to compose his words, but it came out jumbled. “It’s a little weird saying out loud…He was working long hours and said he would leave within an hour of speaking with you. Because of me, he had to stay longer.” 

“Hm,” Yoongi nodded in understanding. “I get it. But he seemed very worried about you, so it’s good that you came before he left.” 

“I guess…” 

“Oh, come on, don’t look so down…think of the positives. You’ll get to see him again.” 

That fact brightened his spirits a little. “Yeah…I do have a follow-up appointment with him next week. I can apologize then.” 

“Or…you can use this meeting to get to know him.” 

“Isn’t that a little weird?”

“Multi-task. Focus on your health first, then smooth talk.” 

“I don’t smooth talk.” 

“Yes, the fuck you do–I’ve seen you after hours.” Yoongi let go of the wheel to wag his finger at the man. “You’re not slick, Kim Namjoon.” 

The man grumbled. 

“Just look forward to meeting him at next week’s appointment and the week after that. It’s enough time to make up for your actions. If smooth-talking is what’s worrying you, then take it with a grain of salt. Just be yourself,” he shrugged. 

Namjoon was still skeptical, but Yoongi’s pep talk cheered him up. That sounds good all that mattered. 

When they arrived to the penthouse, Yoongi quickly changed his bed sheets to accommodate his friend. He guided Namjoon to rest on his back, per the doctor’s orders, and gave him loose clothing to let his abdomen breathe for a while. He was more than happy to give him privacy and opted to sleep on the couch; it’s one of his favorite places to sleep, after all. 

Once his head hit the pillow, his body on the cushion, Yoongi was out like a light. 

And now, he’s here. On the seventh floor, making his way down the hall, searching for 709-01. 

His heart beats faster than the speed of light. His palms soak on his dress shirt, the more he clamps down on the fabric. His hair bounces from each step, its fringe puffy from the beads of sweat hidden underneath. 

He shouldn’t feel this nervous about checking up on someone. It's not supposed to be some grand gesture, just a formal introduction to one another and to see how they’re doing. Fulfill his good Samaritan streak. No biggie.  Welcome them with open arms and offer everything that they need until they’re fully comfortable being on their own. 

They’ll leave. Then, Yoongi can move on with his life, alone and happy. 

His mind tries to prepare him for any scenario because this could go really good or really bad. Jungkook’s reaction could be crazed, call for security, and get Yoongi kicked out of the hospital for harassment. Or go to jail. Or, he would be relieved and joyous for Yoongi’s offering. Or he could go completely psycho on him.

Just thinking about it is starting to grow tiresome. 

His conversation with Namjoon prior to his release added to his worries. When they awoke later in the afternoon, they felt extremely well-rested and starving , so the alpha made his way to the bathroom to wash up before making for both of them. 

“So,” Namjoon said after slurping down some noodles. “Since I missed majority of the conversation, is the omega okay?” 

Yoongi nodded, tipping his head back to drink some water. “He’s resting now. They’re going to keep an eye on both of them for the next week or two. Poor thing’s been malnourished for a couple of days, give or take.” 

“Oh, no.” Namjoon frowned. “That’s horrible. Are they going to send him to a shelter after he recovers?” 

“No...” Yoongi said, hesitating. “I volunteered to accompany them. If he’s okay with it, he’ll be… staying with me for a little while.” 

Namjoon froze, snapping his head towards him. 

“Oh.” That was all he said. 

Yoongi poked a thin slice of samgyeopsal. “Yeah.” 

Nothing else was said. 

Namjoon slowly took a bite of his piece, nodding slowly. It was a little unnerving. Yoongi would wonder if he heard what he said, but he could smell how unsettled he was. 

“What?” 

“Nothing.” 

It was a little unusual. Yoongi was expected to defend himself yet again.  But he didn’t. Namjoon resumed eating his meal and left it at that. 

It was a little bothersome. 

“You’re not going to say anything?” 

“Why would I?” 

“You normally do. This is the first time you’re quiet, and I don’t think I like it too much.” 

He straightened his back, pressing his chopsticks into the broth. 

“If you have something to say, spit it out.” He said simply. “You know you can be honest with me.” 

“...Alright.” Namjoon placed his bowl on the table. “I’m a little incredulous. I’ve never seen you around children, let alone newborn pups.” 

“First time for everything.” 

“Yeah, but it’s not yours. You don’t know–what’s his name? Jungkook? You don’t know him. Why open up your house to him? Why go this far with your promise?” 

“Because it’s the right thing to do.” Yoongi stated. 

“Fighting against alphas, sure. But sheltering them? He’s not your responsibility. That pup is not yours, and it looks like you’re wedging yourself into their lives.”

“I’m not pushing anything.” Yoongi set his bowl down. “I’m trying to be in his corner.” 

“How do you know that’s what he wants?” 

“I don’t, I haven’t seen him since he went into labor.”

Yoongi remembered his own scent turning thick. His alpha was annoyed by another person questioning him. 

Namjoon huffed. “I only want you to see where I’m coming from. It just looks wrong.  I never imagined you opening your house up to some random alpha or a beta. Opening up for an omega–it doesn’t look good. It looks like you have a motive. I’m not saying you do,” he quickly assured, seeing his hyung’s frown. “I know you would never take advantage of someone. But…I can’t help what others would think.” 

“I don’t care about others.” 

“I know you don’t, and I love that about you. I’m just worried. That’s all.” 

“Who are you worried about?” 

“Of course, both parties. But a little more of you. Are you sure you’re going to be okay if you do this?” 

“It’s not about me.” He said. 

“No, but…this will be a big change for you…” 

He stops in front of the door. 709-01.

Fuck, his heart feels like it’s going to give out. He needs to get a grip.

The alpha shakes it out. Gripping his hand into a fist, he raises it to the door, but halts. 

Is he ready for this? Once that door opens, his life will change, for better or for worse. 

We’re not afraid of change. Change is afraid of us. His alpha tells him.

Right. 

Yoongi takes another breath and gently knocks three times.

…

…

…

Nothing. 

Maybe he’s still resting. Or with a doctor for a check-up. 

Yes, of course. After everything he’s been through in the past–what–24 hours? Of course.  He needs all the support and care he can get. Yoongi can come back later when he’s fully rested. Or tomorrow. He has time, he is out for the week. 

Which reminds him that it might be a good idea for him to request another week. It’s an emergency, after all–

“Oh,” a faint voice interrupts his racing thoughts. “It’s you.” 

He didn’t expect to see the omega standing, gripping onto an IV stand, line connecting to a spot on his arm that was hidden under his hospital gown. His voice is faint, surprised to see someone who’s not medical staff.

He blinks owlishly as if he were to fall asleep right then and there. His hair is completely disheveled; curly in some parts, frizzy in others. Tear stains were visible on his pale skin, his eyes supported by the bags under them.

“O-oh,” it slips out of Yoongi’s mouth, fully turning to him. He straightens his back before bowing down, 90 degrees before coming back up. “Hello.”

The omega tips his head down in greeting. “Sorry, I would go lower, but…” he motions to his stomach, hidden under the fabric. 

“Oh no, please, do not worry. Do you need some help? You look uncomfortable standing.” 

The IV stand is giving him full support currently; One hand gripping for dear life, while the other rests under the curve of his belly, as if he were still carrying. Yoongi notices the form from the bunched-up material on his arm. 

The omega opens his mouth to protest, but nothing comes out. His mind, he assumed, was in disarray at the moment, halted by the question. Yoongi can see when the younger disassociates momentarily, snapping out of it in another passage. He ends up giving up and accepts the offer.

“Please.” He says weakly.

Yoongi moves to open the door but halts at the omega’s words. “My doctor told me to walk around this floor twice before going back to bed. I have only completed one thus far.

“Did they say twice consecutively or twice a day?” Yoongi asks. 

“Oh…” the omega mumbles. His eyes droop, trying to remember.

Then he dissociates. 

Maybe Yoongi should lay off on the questions right now…

“I think,” he says, snapping the omega’s focus back to him. “You should continue your…exercise later. Rest more. You have all the time in the world to go back to it. Does that sound good to you?”

A question that’s easy to answer. He hums in agreement.  “Yeah…that sounds good.”

“Is it okay if I get close to you?”

Hesitance. 

His body stiffens, hand gripping onto the pole a bit more,  knuckles turning white. 

“Only if you want me to,” he says gently. “Just a little nervous of you falling is all.”

“I can walk perfectly on my own.” He snaps, eyes narrowing into a glare. 

Funny. When his oldest friend yelled at him a couple of hours ago, he felt no fear. But a glare from this kid sends chills down his back.

He knows it has nothing to do with him personally. Or maybe it does, and he’s going to have to accept that not every omega will accept his help. 

Yoongi rubs the back of his neck. “Of course you can. I only want to support you.”

The omega watches Yoongi, trying to get a read of him. He doesn’t seem to pose a threat…for now. 

His scent weaker than the last encounter…the alpha couldn’t help but worry more, hoping he’ll get to bed soon. 

“Why are you here?” The omega asks. “Do I owe you money? Did I take something from you?”

”No, none of that…I know this is unusual, but I’ve been worried about your well being ever since I found you that night. I couldn’t just leave after bringing you in. It didn’t feel right.”

The omega stays quiet, his glare barely softening. “You’re Seokjin sonsaengnim’s friend.”

“I am.”

“Hmph,” his glare softens entirely, but remains narrow. “He told me you were the one who brought me in and have been waiting to see me. You caused quite a ruckus. That I remember.”

“Ah...” Yoongi could almost chuckle. He completely forgot about that little…exchange. “I’m sorry about that. I’m not usually behave that way.”

“Well, thanks to you, I have a daughter, so…”

Yoongi…doesn’t know how to respond to that. 

“Then?” His voice is a little shaky and deeper than he intended. “There has to be another reason why you’re here.”

“No…that’s pretty much it.”

The younger scoffs. “Sure. I don’t suppose you expect some kind of reward from me, right? Think I’m gonna vow my life to you or some shit because you played hero for the night?” His tone comes out sarcastic, a pending rage ready to be released.

He feels it. But Yoongi only shakes his head, the plan is only to ease his concerns. The first step is to trust. 

“No.” 

The younger blinks, taken aback. Yoongi’s tone, his words are flat. Direct.

“Don’t bullshit me.” 

“I don’t have any interests or ideas for compensation.”

“…Looks like there’s a ‘but’ coming in, so out with it.”

Yoongi’s eyebrows raise a little. Perceptive.

“I do want to talk to you about an idea I have. A proposal if you will.”

He scoffs. “You alphas are so fucking predictable, you know that?”

Yoongi drags his tongue across his lips. He’s not wrong though…in some cases.

“There’s nothing I want.” He assures. “If anything, this will only benefit you and your pup.”

The omega rolls his eyes. “That's what they all say.” 

Yoongi feels in his gut that this is going to be harder than he thought. 

He lets out a quiet sigh, his face schooled, unreadable, knowing what he’s implying. Foreshadowing the experience of deceit and betrayal. 

“I highly doubt it will be, but, fine. I’ll humor you.” He croaks, tone flat, expression bored. “Enlighten me.”

He pulls the crew neck of his sweatshirt to relieve the pressure on his neck. “I’d rather help you get into your room first. If you allow me.”

The younger kicks his lips, dry and burning from lack of moisture. He jerks his chin to the door.

“Open it then.”

It takes some time to get him to bed. 

Yoongi stays near him, but not close enough to brush his finger against his gown. He watches the omega take his time to sit on the bed, steadily shifting closer to the pillows for his head and his pregnancy pillow. Yoongi holds the infusion set to avoid flow disruption. By the time he’s fully rested, lying on his side, pressing his weight against the pregnancy pillow for better comfort. 

The omega releases a heavy sigh, his eyes closing, enjoying the relief. Peaceful, even if it’s for a moment, his wolf purring lightly.

A tiny swell pools in Yoongi’s chest, glad that he’s comfortable. He schools his face, scanning the room to give himself some privacy. 

A basic, clean setting. Private. Spacious. The extra bed is used to hold his essentials for a close need: a tray of fruit cups, soup, and crackers, two pink pitchers of water. Rolls of tissue and a pink waste disposal behind it, while clutters of disinfectant pieces and bandage wraps scatter around. The bathroom is on the opposite side of the room, the door held open by the stopper tucked under.

Good. Easy access.

“Something interesting over there?” The omega is snippy. It’s enough to redirect Yoongi’s focus. 

The elder crosses his arms, feeling a little flustered from his edgy state, but still maintains his composure.

Calm.

“Nothing in particular. Just looking around.” 

“Hmph,” he doesn’t pry further. “Well, now that I’m here, let’s hear this grand proposal of yours.” 

“Well,” the alpha switches his posture, moving his hands behind his back, cupped and tight. “Before I tell you, I think it’s only fair to get acquainted a little, since we’ve been entangled for the past couple of hours. I already know your name; your doctor disclosed it to me. But, I would love it if you introduced yourself to me.” 

Yoongi looks around for a chair before moving it carefully to where he stood before sitting down. He doesn’t ignore the younger’s eyes on him, unguarded. They slowly trail away, his eyebrow furrowed; confused and unsure. 

It’s out of the blue, but not to Yoongi. 

It’s supposed to be convenient for the omega. Disruption of power. Disruption of the historical imbalance between alpha and omega. A structure that Yoongi doesn’t care about. 

A system that has left one of them broken, forcing him to run and hide. Defenseless. Risked for the safety of the innocent.

Naturally, in his position, an alpha could just out his name and move on, without a proper introduction. Microaggression is nowhere near subtle because it has settled as the norm. Because they have implemented it. 

He shakes his head, releasing himself from deep thought. He can’t get into this right now. It’s overpowering and dismissive; let’s leave it at that. 

Yoongi doesn’t want to show that. He wants him to feel equivalent. 

“Never heard that before…” the omega mumbles. 

“Weird?”  he nods. “Hm…Do you think it’s weird because no one asked this before?” Yoongi asks. “Or is saying it out loud off-putting?” 

The omega grasps onto the pillow. His lower lip forms a pout as he shrugs. Timid to speak further. But Yoongi senses that he has some thoughts. 

“Do you want to hear what I think?” 

He glances back at Yoongi. His eyes dip to his frame before making their way back up to his own. His eyes are somewhat attentive, trying his best to remain focused on his words. That speck of light glimmering in his eyes. 

Like a baby bunny coming across a furry friend, or finding a delicious berry to munch on. 

And then, one blink. It’s gone. Swallowed by the void. The omega shrugs again. 

“It’s okay if you don’t. I don’t have to speak further on it.” 

His shrugs seem to be the way of communicating for now. It does no service for him whether Yoongi speaks his mind or not. So he decides against it. 

“Okay,” Yoongi says gently, brushing his hands against his pants. He didn’t realize how much sweat was building up in his palms. “Would you be comfortable introducing yourself?”

The omega picks at the fluff on the pillow. His eyes drooped yet again. The alphas voice is calming, almost like a lullaby. “Jungkook…” he mumbles. “Jeon Jungkook. I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but I’d be lying.” 

Well…least he’s honest. 

“Jungkook-ssi,” Yoongi says in practice. “It’s a nice name. Do you live in Seoul?” 

Jungkook stops picking. His body tensed.  “Haven’t been here long. I think…two years?” 

Yoongi nods. “I can see it being a while. Where did you move from?” 

The younger eyes him. “Are you writing a book?” 

Yoongi chuckles a tiny bit. 

Okay . 

“Just figured to get acquainted.” 

“Are you a cop?” 

Yoongi’s smile fades. “Excuse me?” 

“Are you a detective? PI? CCPSS?”

Yoongi blinks. “No.” 

“Where are you from?” 

“Do you–do you mean occupation or…” 

Jungkook rolls his eyes. “You tell me.” 

Yoongi opens his mouth, but then shuts it. 

Okay..

“Well…I was born and raised in Daegu. I moved to Seoul years ago. Been here ever since. For employment, I’m a Director in the Finance department.” 

Jungkook raises his eyebrows. “Bullshit.” 

The alpha tilts his head. “How do you mean?” 

“You don’t look like you’re in finance. You look bummy.” 

His comment leaves Yoongi speechless. Then he chuckles. 

“Sorry–” he clears his throat. “Caught me off guard. This is how I look when I am off the clock. Pretty bummy. But I like it. Better than wearing dress shirts and suits all day.”

“Hm..” Again, Jungkook checks him out. Judging him almost. 

“You said you were born in Daegu?” 

“Yes.” 

“Hm…Okay.” 

“Were you able to see your pup yet?”

Yoongi watches all of the tension leave Jungkook’s body soon after. His fingers splay on the pillow, and a warm smile blooms on his face. 

“Yes…” His voice is calm and soft. His smile soon fades to a frown. “But she’s in treatment right now. I won’t be able to see her for a bit.” 

Yoongi nods slowly. “I’m sorry.” 

Jungkook shakes his head. “It’s my fault…I-I put her in harm's way.” 

“That’s not true.” 

He rolls his eyes. “You weren’t even there.”

“I may not have been there in the beginning, but I know you did what you needed to do to protect her. Even if it meant harming yourself in the process.” 

Yoongi’s words are gentle, like the sweetest lullaby. It brings Jungkook to tears. Jungkook’s grip on the pillow tightens the more he thinks about his journey. The pain scrunched in his face, his eyes flipping through a thousand stories to tell. 

“Can I ask you a question?” Jungkook says nothing; just a glance. “You said you were scared about coming here. Because they wanted to take you back to the shelter. That night, were you registered in one? Did you leave on your own?” 

“What’s it to you?” His voice cracks, his wrath leaks out like smoke in a dragon’s mouth. 

“I just want to understand.” He responds sincerely. 

“There’s no point in talking about it. It’s not like it’s going to change anything. And I know you don’t care, so don’t act like you do.”  

“Ah, Jungkook-ssi…I want to understand what happened. The details are important. There was a reason you ran away from a place that’s supposed to take care of both of you. You did not feel safe, and I also believe it’s important to talk about it. You should never have to suffer alone. You should never have to cry alone.”

Jungkook breathes; it comes out shaky. He tries not to cry, he really does. But the tears were too large to hold back. His heart is too heavy to hold. 

His glare nowhere in sight, just big, soft, round eyes glossed in sadness and pain stare at Yoongi with large tears streaming down his cheeks. 

The omega’s eyebrows pinch together as a last attempt to hold it in but all resolve breaks. His face presses into the pillow. A soft whimper muffles through it. His weak, sour scent lingers, but not unbearable.

Yoongi’s heart breaks for him. He wants to give him a hug, or a pat on the back– something , you know? It’s hard to watch someone cry, be in distress. For someone so young to go through so much…A pain that Yoongi doesn’t wish on his worst enemy. 

He gives him time to cry, to release that tension weighing his heart down. Instead,  he wipes his face, takes a couple of breaths, and collects himself.

“Don’t do that again.” Jungkook firmly says, almost scolding. 

“Sorry?”

“Don’t speak as if you care.” 

“I—” 

“You don’t.” He declares. “I am an omega who is recovering from giving birth. I shouldn’t be crying and feeling more stressed than I already am. I don’t need your pity.” 

“I’m not pitying you. I only want to understand what happened to you. Those alphas tried to harm you and your child.”

“And what are you going to do? Report them?” 

“Yes,” He says simply. “Yes, actually. They deserve to be in jail for assault and harassment.” 

 Jungkook looks away from Yoongi. Contemplating, but decides against it. “I have humored you long enough.” He shoos. “Get out, or I will have the nurses call security.”  

“Jungkook-ssi, wait,” he reaches the edge of the bed. “Please hear me out.” 

“I’ve heard enough.” 

“I sensed you were put in an unfortunate circumstance, one that does not fault on you. A circumstance that has led you here, has led me here to give you an opportunity.” 

“An opportunity…” Jungkook scoffs. “To have a pup and be homeless? Yeah, grand . Just what I need.” 

“Well,” Yoongi casually runs his hands together, leaning onto his lap with the support of his elbows. “With this proposal, it won’t come to that.” 

Jungkook gives him a skeptical look. “What are you talking about?” 

“I was told, after you and your pup have recovered, you would be sent to a shelter.” Jungkook’s eyes widened at that. His scent quickly turned foul. “But I fought for them not to do that.” Yoongi gently motions his hand to caress the corner in an attempt to ease him. “I offered an alternative.”

Instinctively, he tries to curl his legs under him as much as he can without opening up his stitches. “W-what…what’s the alternative?”

The alpha takes a breath. “You…could stay with me for a little while.” 

Jungkook’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. He’s speechless.

“I’m not saying you have to. This is optional. Completely up to you.” 

“Are you out of your mind? I can’t stay with you, you’re an alpha.” he huffs, panic quickly rising in his voice. “You really are all the same!”

“I promise you, I’m not like them.” 

“You’re just being nice so you can try to trap me!”

Shit, this is not how this conversation was going to go. 

“Jungkook-ssi, please listen to me. I need you to understand that you have full control of this. I am not making you do anything you don’t want to do.” 

“Who are you? Who do you work for?”

Yoongi’s eyes widened. “I don't work for anyone–” 

“Bullshit!” He shouts, his expression sharp, a glare so icy it chills Yoongi to the bone. The hositale omega tries to sit up and scoot away from Yoongi as if he was carrrying the plague, but he could barely move; he could only lean against the headboard. “Who do you work for?! Who sent you!? 

“No one sent me!” 

“Who was it? Was it him? Tell me!” 

“No one sent me,” his voice cracks, his nerves are starting to gain control. “I promise. I don’t work for anyone. As I said, I’m just a finance guy.” 

“No, no, no, y-you’re lying! Why are you here?! Why are you doing this!?”

“I just want to help you.” His voice is stern enough to quiet Jungkook down, but his whimpers turn to weak sobs. He shuddered in place, hugging himself, closing himself off. “I couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to you or your pup when you leave this place. You don’t feel safe going to a shelter, I don’t want you to end up in the streets with no protection. Last night terrified me! I stayed in this hospital for 15 hours, because I wanted to make sure you two were okay. I couldn’t leave until I saw you.”

Nothing but soft hiccups from the omega before him. It’s as if he were speaking with him in the alleyway on that cold, rainy night. 

His heart shatters all over again. 

“You don’t know me…” he barely whispers. 

“I know. But…I just want to help you.” 

Jungkook shakes his head, chewing on his lower lip. “I-I…I-I don’t–I don’t have money–I don’t have anything to give you.” 

“That’s okay. I don’t expect you to pay me. I don’t want–” 

“W-what kind of sick game are you trying to play, huh?” Jungkook snaps. “D-do you find this amusing? Watching a helpless omega struggle?” 

Yoongi grips his hands into fists. He’s trying to keep himself whole, but it grows more difficult. His alpha whimpers in sorrow, feeling nothing but sympathy for him, a young fan who can’t recognize benevolence. He has to look away, tip his head down to focus on something else. He closes his eyes, connecting with himself, his wolf, to settle.

Calm…  

Who was it? Who was it that made them fear helping hands?

Calm…!

Who has abandoned him? Abandon her?

Calm!

“I just want to help you,” Yoongi whispers. His voice is rough and nearly fragile.. “You don’t have to worry about money. You don’t have to worry about getting things for your pup. You don’t have to worry about anything. I can provide it for you.” 

“B-But…” Jungkook trails, his body giving up. His breathing turns shallow and slow. It seems he’s calming down. 

“You will be safe with me. I have enough space for you and your pup. I will leave you to your own. Until you feel ready to leave, you can.” Yoongi looks at him. 

Yoongi waits for an answer, but it never comes. Jungkook just shakes his head, weak. He’s barely supporting himself, just sits there. 

“I won’t keep you,” he whispers, trying . “You have full control of this situation. I won’t do a thing that you don’t want to do. You don’t have to give me an answer now. I want you to think about it. Consider it.” 

No answer. His eyes are unfocused, settling to the bundle of blankets. Flushed contrasts with his pale complexion. Yoongi inspects him.

“...Jungkook-ssi?”

Still no answer. His eyes are spiritless, drooping until they fall close. 

Jungkook’s body leans to the side. It alerts Yoongi, sprinting out of his seat to catch him before he slips out of the hospital bed. 

“Jungkook-ssi!” Yoongi calls, in slight panic. “Hey, what’s wrong? Jungkook-ssi!” 

A shake or two doesn’t wake him. His body barely heavy, his head lolling to the side. Carefully, Yoongi lays him on his back before frantically searching for the call bell. Smashing the button excessively until someone came, which quickly called for support to tend to him. 

Yoongi was kicked out of the room when a team arrived. He wanted to wait, but he was forced off the floor, advised to come back tomorrow if he wanted to visit. 

Yoongi doesn’t  recall walking out of the hospital, nor driving home. He just blinked and—there he was, in the elevator heading up to his penthouse. 

He finds Namjoon sitting on the couch, staring out the window. Turning to greet him, his dimply-smile dropping in seconds. 

Chapter Text

Three days. Three days of turmoil. Three days of regret. Three days of recollection of that visit, trying to figure out what went wrong . No matter how many times he circles each sentence and each syllable, focusing on the changes of scent or facial expression, it leads him back to where he initially was. 

Regretful.

He expected rejection. He expected a push, a shove. Screaming. He expected the harshness, the mood swings, the raw emotion, and the reality of sheer abandonment and loss. Still, being the cause of the omega’s fears and defense makes Yoongi feel like an asshole. 

To see him cry like that...He feels like a…

...

As if he were in that place again. Dark, bleak, and suffocating. Nothing but the sounds of fear, anger, and…

No. You can’t think about that now. 

Yoongi leaned against the closed door of his apartment when he stepped in. Not taking into consideration the absolute struggle he had when taking his shoes off, until his legs gave out on him, slipping onto the cold ground. Not even deserving to stand. His eyes stared a thousand miles ahead as the moments in the hospital replayed in his head without a break. 

What happened? What went wrong ? He kept asking himself. But he didn’t have an answer.

Namjoon quickly came by his side to help him up and to his couch to sit on, leaving him on his own as he went to make some tea. Yoongi was met with his favorite mug, which burned his skin upon immediate contact; he remained in a pose of deep thought for more than a minute. Possibly an hour.

Thus, leading to a long while of silence. Silence that’s so bitter, its taste on your tongue is insufferable. Silence that he desperately needs for his loud mind. It’s these moments that he feels grateful for his friend’s presence, despite being there for treatment. It wouldn’t be great for him to wallow in his thoughts (despite doing it anyway). 

“Hyung,” Namjoon calls for his attention. Yoongi hums, dry and flat, almost like a purr. “Did you go on another walk?” 

“More or less.”

Yoongi had tried visiting him over the past three days, but was turned away before he could even reach the reception. Security was notified to remove him from the premises should he ever set foot on the hospital grounds. He never had time to defend himself, not when their immediate response was to scoop him up and toss him out. He wasn’t sure if this was Seokjin’s doing, which he had his suspicions it was; his hyung can be cruel when the moment calls for it. 

Today was the third attempt, and let’s just say, he’s embarrassed that they know his name at this point. 

“Did your walk entail stopping by the hospital again?” 

Yoongi snaps his head towards him. “How did you know?”

“Lucky guess. Jin-hyung texted me which solidified it.”

Yoongi sighs. “Did he tell you why he got me blacklisted?”

“No.”

“Ask him. He won’t respond to my texts.”

“Maybe I should ask you,” he says, cupping his hands together. “You never told me what went down between the two of you.”

“Nothing happened between me and Jin-hyung.” 

“I’m talking about you and Jungkook.”

Yoongi casually averts his gaze. A coward is what he is, and it showed. Showed in the hospital, disguised as aggression and desperation to make things right, to continue to try to help. He doesn’t know he’s even making it out like he’s innocent. He knows he’s not. He put Jungkook at risk. Again. Because of his selfishness. 

“It didn’t go well.” The beta’s tone is treading on light waters, his eyes focused on his expression. “Did it?”

“...He said no at first but it was vague,” he finally speaks, dragging his tongue over his dry lips, the memory of the fearful gaze. “He was quick to anger the more I spoke to him, then began freaking out the more I pitched it. It was—” Yoongi motions with his hand, trying to find the right words. “It was a very heavy mixture of emotions during our conversation. I expected it, but– fuck , do I feel like an asshole.” 

The alpha combs through his hair, his head following the motion, tipping to the back cushion. Even the dull, white ceiling wasn’t enough to comfort him. 

“What did you do?” 

He explains everything, from the entry of his room door to the nurses pushing him out of it. The monitor’s deadly sounds still ring in his ear. His fingers twitch against the scorching cup. But he lets it be. Even if he fights his wolf to save himself from a blister, he lets them weigh the punishment. He deserves it.

Namjoon frowns during the story and carefully leans on the couch, releasing a heavy sigh.

“I know.”

“This is tough,” His words come out soft. “...I mean—You handled it like any other decent person would.”

“But not a decent alpha.”

“Don’t say that.”

“What if he gets worse because of me?  What if the treatment is prolonged and he loses trust in hyung for letting me see him? Because I was being selfish.”

Why didn’t I just stay away…

“Yes, it was selfish,” Namjoon says bluntly. “But it’s coming from a good place. That’s the difference. You didn’t lose your temper, you didn’t lash out at him, you didn’t dehumanize him. You knew there would be backlash, but the message and intent were there.” 

Yoongi continues to shake his head. He should have done better. He should have done more…

Or maybe he shouldn’t have done anything at all.

An itch of frustration spreads. An itch that’s damn near impossible to scratch.

“Ah.” Yoongi puts the cup on the table before leaning back to grip his hair. “How infuriating.”

He doesn’t know him. He shouldn’t care; he normally doesn’t. But there’s something behind those eyes. How wide, filled with a spirit that is severely disturbed. A soul that is desperately looking for something. How his eyes sparkled in the bit of interest, but died soon after. A correction? A form of discipline for a person who has been wronged too many times to count? Yoongi can sense that Jungkook has trusted time and time again, only to cross paths with betrayal as if it is a part of him. Now, with a tiny being involved, it makes everything worse. So much worse…

Yoongi clenches his fists. Why didn’t he handle this differently? Why does he have to deal with this at all? Why can’t he just not feel?

“It’s okay,” Namjoon eases, gently taking his hands out of the hold of his hair before he could even think about ripping it out. His scent thickened in a matter of seconds, while Namjoon’s attempted to repel it, to purify the space. 

“It’s not okay.” The elder whispers. 

“There’s only so much you can do. You don’t know him.”

“I don’t have to know him to care. I have to do something to make sure he’s safe. Instead, I worsened his condition. I’m no better.” 

Namjoon frowns more at that. 

“His pup, Joon…” Yoongi's voice cracks. The way he looks at his friend…His expression was neutral and bored, yet his eyes glossed in sorrow and worry. “What would they do?”

Namjoon could only hold his friend’s hand. That was enough of an answer.

Yoongi doesn’t think he likes it too much.

Silence lingers. Long enough to forget the tension joining them. 

Then, a soft chuckle emerges from the beta. Namjoon shakes his head a bit, dipping as a tiny smile appears on his face. 

“What?” Yoongi asks. “What is it?” 

“Nothing, just–this reminds me of the other times we found ourselves in this position.” 

Yoongi’s eyes shift to a pointed look. “Really?” 

“Well-not exactly like this, just…” He reaches to rub the back of his neck, bashful. “Moments when I found myself feeling…pitiful from my actions. And I know they happen a bit more frequently than I hoped.” 

His friend releases breath that seemed held back for some time, resting his back against the cushion as his head rests on the top. As if he were stargazing, only viewing the ceiling above them. Yoongi does the same.

“I can think of so many moments in the office.” His voice is soothing with a hint of disbelief. “It can be aggravating. I’m surprised you stick around.” 

“Who else will pick up your mess?” Yoongi mumbles, with no confirmation whether his words are malicious or not. Still, it brings a chuckle out of Namjoon. 

“I still ask myself that sometimes. Especially during my sister’s wedding three years ago.” Yoongi can feel the younger’s eyes on him. “Do you remember?” 

“Of course, I remember.” He crosses one leg over the other. “It was a beautiful wedding.” 

“With messy behind the scenes,” Namjoon confirms. “I was helping with the wedding, and I had to write a speech. Not only was I a gibbering mess during–” 

Yoongi’s smile appears in seconds, chuckling at the memory. “Oh yeah–you destroyed your sister’s wedding dress.” 

“Yeah.” 

Yoongi’s chuckle turns to silent laughter. His shoulders bounced the harder he laughed. “Ah, fun times.” 

“Not for me,” the beta complains.

“Of course not for you; but how wide her eyes got, I thought they were going to pop out.” Namjoon bursts into a giggling fit. “No, seriously; I was worried. Your sister wanted to strangle you. It took three men to hold her back.” 

“I know!” 

“To this day, I still don’t know how you mixed water with grey dye, man.” 

“I’m not sure either.” 

“She had a lot of restraint.”

“Yeah, she’s a tough cookie…I was a mess that day. I truly thought she was going to cut me out of her life after that, no matter how many times I said sorry.” 

Yoongi breathed out a sigh, feeling a little less stressed than before. He needed that. 

“But you stepped in. You spoke with her, someone who barely knows her. You said, ‘Unnie–I know you’re upset, but please have mercy on your brother. We can turn this around–make it better.’ And you did.” 

If there’s one thing Yoongi learned over the years, it's that anything in your surroundings can be used to make something better. The grey dye used wasn’t all too bad–in fact, it matched the groom’s tux perfectly. The only thing to do in that moment was to change the entire dress to match, and with great skill and patience, Yoongi was able to transform the dress into an entirely different level of beauty. 

“She was beautiful walking down the aisle.” Yoongi nods to himself. 

“And it was all thanks to you. She was able to have the wedding of her dreams, and forgive me. That’s when I knew…you were more than a colleague.” 

Yoongi looks at him. His rabbit heart calms from his words, ever so sweet and healing.

“You know, saying this out loud, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to date me.” Namjoon deadpans, yet clear mischief in his eyes. 

Yoongi snorts and shakes his head.

“It’s okay to make mistakes,” Namjoon re-directs. “Sometimes people don’t understand the goodness that comes from your actions. I’m afraid kindness is becoming a distant memory. Something that is earned. You’re making that change from just being you. I love that about you.” 

Namjoon reaches for Yoongi, placing his hand on the side of his face. 

“If you’re this distraught, it goes to show that you’ve proven that, right? He’ll come around. Just give him time.” 

A couple of taps are enough to snap Yoongi out of his emotional daze. His eyes were wide, cat-like, glossed over with emotion. To have someone truly believe in him after long hours of defense…he’s almost forgotten what that feels like. 

He couldn’t help but take Namjoon’s hand into his own, shaking it with sincerity and a holding grip.

He nods towards their little embrace. “Thank you, Namjoon.” 

Namjoon smiles at him, resting his head, enjoying the moment a little longer.

Yoongi spends the rest of the day on his couch with his friend, eventually dozing off; just for an hour or two, maybe three. Until his phone vibrates harshly in his pocket, waking him. 

He grabs his phone to look at the screen, blinking the blurriness and sleep in his eyes. As he saw the silly photo of his hyung as caller ID, all drowsiness seeps out of his body in seconds, shooting up into a sitting position and answering.

“Hyung.” He clears his throat to cover up the evidence that he was asleep.

“You were sleeping?” 

No hello. A flat, dismissive tone. A volcano waiting to erupt any second. He expected this type of call, this behavior. He just hoped he’d come across a little bit….understanding. 

“Just woke up a little bit ago. Did you sleep yet?”

“Not yet. I’ll be leaving soon, though.”

“Good, good. Make sure to rest well.”

“I always do.”

A pregnant silence. He feels himself clamping up a bit.

“Yoongi-yah.”

“Hyung.”

“Were my words and my advice to you the other day not enough as a warning for you to not hinder my patient’s health?”

There it is…

“The kid’s been through enough. You know that.” Seokjin slowly erupts, his words come out sharp and dangerous. “Was this your plan all along? Butter me up so that you could take advantage of him after all?”

“No.” 

“Then what was that?”

Yoongi couldn’t even defend himself; he doesn’t know either. The replay of that day still torments him, and…he doesn’t have an answer.

“I don’t…I don’t know,” he says honestly. “I didn’t attack him or speak out of turn if that’s what you’re thinking, but…” he trails off briefly. “I am sorry.” 

The line is silent. 

“It was not my intention to make your life harder. If it’s best to stay away, then…I will.”

“...Really,” Seokjin scoffs. “That’s it? Just like that, you’re giving up?”

Yoongi switches his phone to the other hand. “I…I don’t think there’s anything else I can do right now. I don’t want to give up, but…I don’t want to put his health in jeopardy. I’ve caused enough damage. He is not in favor of me, and that’s okay. I trust that you’ll take good care of him in treatment and…after his discharge.”

Silence yet again. The weight of his words is enough to crush the floor beneath him; meanwhile, the pounding beat of his heart is enough to make him go deaf. His nerves are getting the best of him, flavored with guilt and anticipation.

“I should have known.” Seokjin mumbles. “You were all talk after all.”

The line disconnects. 

Those words are much heavier in his chest. His hand drops to his lap. Yoongi’s back in the same place where he walked in.

Regretful.

➺

A week goes by quicker than he anticipated. It’s like he disassociated during the remainder of the week; blink, and he finds himself at his desk in his home office with a cup of coffee on Monday. 

It feels his soul’s been sucked out of him, feeling as if he didn’t get an ounce of sleep, despite being passed out on his couch the remainder of the time. While Namjoon (who is still occupying his bed, working in the other room) provides as best comfort as possible, the demons in his mind seemed stronger than usual. No matter how many spreadsheets he looks over, no matter how many pieces of data he corrects, no matter how many emails he writes–

You weren’t enough. 

You were just all talk.

You’re a fraud. 

It makes him stop, combs his hair back, and–that’s it. He’s mentally checked out for the day. 

He hasn’t spoken to Jin since—no text, no call, nothing. Only one text was sent—nothing big;  only an apology. Seokjin left him on read. That was that.

His heart sinks to his stomach every time. Then, he takes another sip of his coffee and forces himself back into it.

The voices worsen each day, becoming increasingly brutal by Friday.

Why? Why did he let it go down that way? 

Why didn’t he think of a different path?

Why didn’t he just walk away? 

You didn’t have to put yourself in that position. 

“He was going to surrender! He was going to walk away!!” 

“I had no choice !” 

“You had a choice, you MONSTER!!” 

“Yoongi!” 

Yoongi gasps from the sudden call, snapping back into reality. 

“Y-yes?” 

“I asked you a question.” His boss, Daehyun, spits in their meeting. “Do you have the updated sheet or not? I don’t have all day.” 

“Y-yes, sir.” Yoongi clears his throat and quickly looks for the file to send. “Apologies.” 

A glance. He’s home. He’s home, in his office, with a regular job. He’s home…

He’s…

“You’ve been acting weird this week, Min,” he says bluntly. “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing, sir. Been a long week. You know how it is after vacation.” 

Daehyun narrows his eyes, but doesn’t say anything else on that. “I got the file. Alright, let’s see…” 

Yoongi mutes himself and sighs heavily. He drags his tongue over his lips out of dread. His feelings towards this personal project have not subsided; in fact, they’ve grown worse since his return. After this week, he’s going to need to sleep the day away to gain the hours back. He pulled an all-nighter Tuesday night to update this file for Daehyun for today’s meeting. He’s surprised the numbers were vastly different compared to last week. 

He feels like something is wrong; worried that he calculated incorrectly or put the wrong decimal somewhere…he hopes he’d miss it. It doesn’t help that Daehyun’s facial expression worsens, the silence so thick, Yoongi could hear the faint sound of his children in the other room.  

“You said in our last meeting that these numbers are linked with stocks and wires,” the alpha said. 

“Correct.” 

“Are they regional? National? Global?” 

“It’s hard to say,” Yoongi answers. “The acronyms could mean anything. While some may have a digital footprint, not all of them represent a stock, so it would be a lot of research.”

“I’d prefer if you look into that, if possible. Once I know which it links to, it’ll help me track the interest and the deductions.” 

Is he serious? Does he not understand how long that would take him? Yoongi already has enough on his plate; he doesn’t have time to look up each stock.

Why does he need this? Who is this for? What is this for?

“Sir, if I may,” Yoongi starts. “I believe the bandwidth I am upholding at this time is…a bit more pressing. While the reasoning for reviewing this document is crucial, I don’t think I have the space on my list to add this. I recommend having one of the interns-” 

“Absolutely not. I will not have an intern handle something like this.” 

“How come?”

Daehyun blinks. “That is none of your concern.” 

“Is this personal data? Data that’s far from our origins? Is this for an external client?”

“Yoongi-“

“If so, then–” 

“Enough questions.” 

“Sir, I just don’t believe this is ethical–” 

“Yoongi,” he warns, a growl pending. “I said enough.”

It’s enough to silence him.

“I believe I had this conversation with you before, about asking questions on things you have no business getting into. I just told you, as your supervisor, that I will not entrust interns, assistants, or coordinators, to add on, to a project that is designated specifically for your senior title. Specifically, to you . I expect you to continue working on this project, without bringing up ridiculous questions, and without distrusting me. I am giving this to you for a reason. You have a gift, Min, a gift that I need to get this done,” he stresses the last part.

Yoongi isn’t sure why he did. He could be misreading it, but it confirms his suspicions and that something is going on. Because out of all of the years of working here, working with him, he’s never shown an ounce of distress. 

Well–was, his expression hardening soon after.

“If you are going to continue to counter this, well, I have no problem noting this in your next performance report. Perhaps further discussion with HR is needed.”

Yoongi’s mouth parts. “P-pardon?”

“I don’t know, it seems I am missing something in regards to your role and your loyalty to our company–” 

A deadly threat…

“That won’t be necessary,” Yoongi quickly assures. “You know I am committed to the work.” 

“Are you? Because you seem very resistant.” 

Because this is wrong, and you’re not telling me why. 

But he can’t say that. He’s already treading on thick ice, turning thin. He has no choice but to give in, no choice but to fan out the fucking fire under him.

“I’ll…I’ll work some things around.”

The smirk on Daehyun’s face doesn’t go unnoticed. 

“Smart man. Since it’ll take some time, I’ll send another meeting invite for the next four weeks. See you then.” 

When Daehyun is no longer visible, he slams his hands on his desk, leaning into his hands, supported by his arms to cover his face. 

Fucking hell. Fucking hell . Why? Just why? 

Why him? Why now? Why ever ? 

Thunder. It rumbles in the distance.  A warning to the world that it’s coming. A pending doom? Will it be a shower? Will lightning strike down the wicked? Will that light brighten the sky as it passes through? 

Yoongi turns his head towards the glass window. 

Will he cower under the blankets? Will he sleep well through it, knowing he will be kept nice and dry? 

Will he know it’s raining? Will he see the rainfall? 

How are you? How is she? Are you safe? 

It’s been a week. A week of his heart dreading, but also filled with remorse. 

He just wants to know if he’s okay. He hopes he’s recovering well, eating well. 

He hopes…he hopes Jungkook gets to hold his pup. Just for a little while. Yoongi hopes she’s tucked by her dam’s side. Protected and comfortable.

Yoongi hopes. 

…

He takes a deep breath. Then another, before sitting up to continue his work. He ends the day in the evening, meeting Namjoon in the kitchen as he prepares tea. 

“You look stressed,” the beta says, dipping his tea bag in the mug. 

“When do I not?” Yoongi mumbles while opening the fridge, looking around for ingredients. “What are you in the mood for?” 

“Let’s order again. You still don’t have groceries, right?” 

“Oh. I guess not.” He forgot about that.

“Whatever you want, I’ll eat. I’m not picky.” 

“Sure.” Yoongi closes the fridge and makes his way out. “Did you put the ointment on?” 

“I did. Showered earlier. The burns are going away mostly. I have an appointment with Seokjin-hyung next week, so I’ll let you know when I’ll be heading home after or not.” 

“Sounds good, though, you know you’re always welcome here, Joon. You can stay as long as you want.” 

“Aw.” Namjoon picks up the mug and follows him out. “Aren’t you nice. But I don’t wanna be a burden.” 

“Never.” He finds a smile on his friend’s face. “Rent's due the first.”

Namjoon sputters. It’s enough to leave a small smirk on the alpha’s face. 

Yoongi fishes for his phone as he pops a squat on his couch, going into his takeout app to scroll through. He’s not really in the mood to eat, but he hasn’t eaten all day and needs to get something in him. “You sure you don’t have anything specific in mind? I don’t have–” 

A soft oh falls out shortly from the interruption from his phone, buzzing harshly in his hand. 

Seokjin’s goofy picture as his caller ID appears.

He doesn’t think; he swipes and brings the phone to his ear. 

“Hyung?”  

“Yoongi.” 

He sounds exhausted. Defeated and numb. 

“Hyung,” Yoongi repeats the greeting. He glances around before averting his gaze to the table. “How are you?” 

“I could be better. How are you?”

“I’m…hanging in. Could also be better.” 

“I see.” 

An awkward silence. Yoongi isn’t sure what to say, what to expect. Maybe it will be round two of shame, or…if something’s happened—

“Did something happen?” he asks. 

“What?” 

“Did something happen at the hospital? Did—did something happen to Jungkook? His pup–Is his pup okay ??” 

“He’s fine, he’s fine.” Seokjin quickly assures. “She’s fine–They’re both fine , Yoongi. Relax.” 

The alpha could only sigh in relief. “Good. That’s–good—Sorry…I just assumed from your tone, and I…” He shakes his head. “Sorry.”

“Well– glad to hear that you still care.” He releases his own sigh. Not sure if it’s relief or something else. 

“Of course I do.” Sincerity in his voice. “I never stopped.” 

“Hm…I guess I expected more stubbornness from you after our last call, so…one could get a little surprised from the lack of attendance these days.” 

Yoongi starts picking at the tiny balls of lint on his pants. “Well…I did say it would be best to step away. Seems like you agreed.” 

“Heh…I did, didn’t I…” 

Another moment of silence. 

“Why did you call, hyung? Is this about Namjoonie’s appointment next week? You could have called him.” 

“It’s not about that. I just…wanted to check up on you and…apologize for my behavior. I didn’t mean to act that way.” 

“It’s okay. I would have acted the same way.” 

“It’s not okay. I know you were looking out for them and…I don’t know…I wanted you to continue being stubborn. I wanted you to fight for them more. After everything, I never thought you would give up so easily. But then I realized it was wrong of me to ask that of you.”

Yoongi nods. “It would have been selfish of me to pursue further. I didn’t want anything else to happen to him.” 

“I know.” 

“But don’t worry, hyung. I was never mad at you. You don’t need to apologize to me. Nothing to forgive.” 

“Ah…you are truly a good man.” 

It brings a smile to the alpha’s face. “Thank you for calling. I’d love to see you sometime to have lunch or something. But, Namjoon and I are trying to figure out food options right now, so let me call you–” 

“Wait, please. There’s something else.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about Jungkook.” Yoongi’s eyebrows shoot upward. “He’s fine, but…he’s been asking about you lately.” 

Yoongi blinks. “Has he?”

“He’s been asking questions about you: who you are, where you work, and stuff. He confided in me about your conversation.” 

“Well…That’s…that’s good then. I’m sure he was relieved when he found out the information was similar.”

“I figured he would be, but he seemed more troubled than expected.” 

“Why do you think that is?” 

“I don’t know. I tried asking, but he’d just ask me to leave the room.” 

“Do…do you think he’s considering it?” 

“Considering what? Your idea? It’s kind of hard to say right now. If anything, this proves that he probably doesn’t like you.” 

All hope in Yoongi dies in him. “Hyung,” he complains. 

“Kidding. Maybe, but…I wouldn’t have hope.” 

“Fair….Alright then.”

“Alright. I’ll let you go then. I’ll see you.”

“See you, hyung. Thanks for calling.” 

Hope. Cursed thing to believe in. Whether his feelings towards Yoongi align or not, it still leaves a pit of worry in his chest. 

But to not have hope, is to not fight at all, right? 

Another week passes like a blur. His phone buzzes right after the all staff meeting. Expecting to be his boss, only to find his omega friend appearing on the screen. 

Yoongi fixes his posture, snatching his phone from the table in seconds to answer. “Hyung, are you okay?” 

“What? Of course, I am okay–What’s with you lately? Every phone call you demand for my well being.”

Aaaand Yoongi’s already exhausted from this conversation. “God forbid you care about your best friend.”

“...I’m your best friend?” he awes. 

“I’m hanging up, bye~” 

“Wait, wait, wait, wait ! Let me have some fun, man!” Seokjin squeals. 

“You never call me in the middle of a workday–or work at all, so I couldn’t help but think something was wrong,” the alpha complains, a calm pout resting on his lips. 

“Concern does not look good on you, my friend.” 

Lord , he can’t help but roll his eyes. “What do you want , Kim Seokjin.” 

“I think Jungkook might be considering your idea.”

 Yoongi shoots up from his seat, shock and excitement shooting through his veins like a drug. 

“Really?” 

“He hasn’t given me a definite answer; I’m trying my best not to get involved in his decision-making. I want him to be sure that this is something he actually wants to do. I don’t want him to think it’s forced.” 

“Of course, of course.” The alpha begins pacing. “I did mention that to him.” 

“Right. I can hear that you’re excited, but please understand—it’s not a guarantee. If he says no, then I’m going to have to send him to a shelter. If he says yes, I’ll let you know. But Yoongi…this will change everything. I need to make sure that you’re prepared for this.”

“Of course, hyung.” 

“There would be no backing out at that point.”

Yoongi faces the large glass window. Seeing a faint reflection of himself, half distorted to the grey clouds slowly coming his way. He can’t help but reach out to the surface, feeling the cold contrast. 

Through it all, he could see the speck of sunlight coming through. 

Things could go really well, or really, really bad. He feels like he’s seen it all, as if he is nothing but an elder, prepared to pass on to the next stage of life. Ready to pass down any form of wisdom to his underlings, so they would never make the same mistakes he’s made, and live life more peacefully than he ever did when he was a nobody. 

This is it. The moment that will change everything. 

“I’ll head to the mall to get some things.” He takes a seat, digging his fingers into the keyboard the faster he types.

“The mall? What for?”

“You know,” he clicks send before opening a new tab. Yoongi types Babys.com , immediately browsing their merchandise. “A crib, a car seat, et cetera.”

“Save your money. We don’t know if he’ll say yes.” 

“It’s okay to prepare in advance.” 

“His pup’s still in the NICU. She tends to stay with Jungkook a little more these days, but we’re keeping a close eye on her. We aim to have them discharged in the next couple of days, but it might be longer.” 

Yoongi clicks on a link to a crib, observing the detail before clicking back. “If he says no, I’ll return them. Or donate them.”

“And what if it takes a week more? Three weeks?”

“If it takes a month, I’ll wait. I’m a very patient man, you know.”

“When you want to be!”

Yoongi shrugs. “If the moment calls for pressure.”

“Brat.”

➳

Yoongi made sure to make the house spotless later that evening. Every corner swept, every section dusted and wiped down. Every room mopped, and every utensil washed. Every rug vacuumed, every piece of linen washed, dried, and folded for use, leaving all usable blankets and sheets in a basket in the guest room. It’s big enough to fit a crib, maybe a changing table in there, which will be perfect for the pup. 

He made sure to go grocery shopping that night and restock his fridge. He was glad to see nothing unusual on his way home; he’d hate for something to happen and lose his groceries for the second time in a month (he’ll have to consider going to a different marketplace if so).

He’s excited. He’s nervous. Maybe a little scared. He knows it will be a challenge, but he’ll make it work. He always does.

His patience extended exactly two and a half weeks, awarding him another phone call from Seokjin.

“Jungkook wants to see you. Can you stop by later?”

As soon as he slams the laptop shut, he grabs his keys and bolts out the door, into a cab to head straight to the hospital. 

He meets the doctor by reception, halting incoming security once he enters. 

“It’s okay. I lifted the ban. It was only temporary,” he explains briefly. 

Yoongi doesn’t ignore the ominous looks from them as they walk back to their designated posts. 

“Please sanitize.” Seokjin motions to the sanitizer machine before making his way through the floor. Yoongi reaches for the machine, rubbing the disinfectant until his hands were dry, following right behind his friend.  

“How are you doing?” Seokjin asks. 

“I’m good. You?”

Seokjin chuckles. “Tired.”

“I’m sorry. I know I put a lot on you.” 

“It’s okay. It’s worth it.”

Hearing that makes the alpha’s heart swell. 

“He’s doing fine for the most part,” the elder directs. “His vitals look good, and his strength has somewhat returned. But he’s still a little malnourished, so make sure to take good care of him.”

“He will eat well,” Yoongi assures softly. 

“He’s still dehydrated. It’s been a little tough getting him to drink water these days.”

“He will drink well.”

“He will need a lot of support on feeding and maintaining a sleep schedule for the pup. So expect lots of crying and fussing.”

“I’ll be on the lookout.”

“And another thing…” 

“Hyung.” Yoongi gently holds onto his wrist. They both stop, the omega turning to face him. “Don’t worry.” 

The harsh tone in Seokjin’s eyes remains, compared to Yoongi's soft and neutral one. Eventually, he averts his gaze, his voice dropping to a soft, fearful sound.“I can’t help but worry.”

“It will be okay,” Yoongi assures once again. 

The silence between them is enough to bring comfort to the doctor. He sighs heavily and nods. It’s enough for Yoongi to let go and continue their way.

“He’ll be…wary of you. Especially that he will be staying with you. It won’t be easy.”

“Nothing in life is easy. But we’ll make it through. He’ll be fine.”

Seokjin hums. “I need you to stop by my office first. There’s some paper you need to complete.”

“Paperwork?”

“What, you think I was just going to give him to you? We need to make sure we have the necessary information so in case something happens, as well as for governmental record keeping.”

Makes sense. “Not a problem.” 

“Once you finish that, I’ll take you to him.”

Completing paperwork takes about thirty minutes. But it lasted for an hour since he was…distracted.

“So how’s Namjoon doing?” Seokjin blurted out. 

Yoongi snaps his head up to him, caught completely off guard by the sudden change in topic. He had a hunch that something was going on between them; he just didn’t think he would be involved. 

Or maybe something wasn’t going on; maybe he’s just asking as a doctor. Namjoon has a habit of not answering the phone when you need him most, so Yoongi is the closest contact—yeah. It makes sense. 

“He’s good. His burns are recovering nicely. I think you had an appointment last week?” He glances down to the clipboard, writing his full name. 

“Two weeks ago.” Seokjin corrects.

“Ah. I haven’t spoken to him outside of work. But I think he’s doing well. He hasn’t shown himself any different.”

“Good. That’s—that’s good. I’m glad.”

“Thank you for helping him. You’re amazing.”

“Oh, Min Yoongi, you flatter me~” Seokjin bashfully shoos. 

“It’s true.”

“Well, I guess it can’t be helped, since I’m so great, and so darn handsome.” 

Yoongi didn’t need to look at him to sense he was doing his signature handsome pose. And yet, he still shook his head.

“I’m glad you know it.” 

A moment of silence. Yoongi, invested in completing the pile of documents, his focus torn again from Seokjin asking—

“Do you know what he mostly does in his free time?” 

Again, Yoongi paused and looked up at him. “I do not know most of his hobbies.” 

“Oh. I figured you knew since you two are best friends and stuff.” 

“We are.” Yoongi found himself fixing his posture. “We don’t chat as often as you think. But what I do know is that he enjoys reading and long walks in the park. He enjoys riding bikes and going to museums.”

“That’s…expected.”

Yoongi smirked a bit. “Seems like the type, I know. But I'm surprised you haven’t asked him yourself.”

“Oh, well you know.” He waves it off, lowering his head to focus on the stack of papers in front of him. Yoongi could see the faint blush on the elder’s face. 

How intriguing. 

Yoongi could tease further, but he’ll spare him for now, and focus on—

“If you considered asking him out for dinner,” Seokjin continues, “do you know what his go-to would be?”

Sigh…

“Do you want me to give you his phone number?” Yoongi deadpans at first, but switched to a more lighthearted tone.  “Better yet—I’ll give him a call and ask him and put you on speaker–”

“That’s not necessary.” Seokjin squeaks, the blush on his face worsening. “That’s not—Don’t do that. Just—focus on the form.” 

“You sure?” He reaches for his phone in his pocket. “I have him on speed dial. It’ll only take a moment.”

“It’s not necessary.” The omega stands and walks around him to grab his wrist to get to his phone. But Yoongi’s committed to the act, fighting against his hold. “I said it’s not necessary! Stop!”

“Just a moment.”

“Stop it!”

Their banter led to Yoongi’s phone in Seokjin’s pants. Deep in the crevice. 

Least Yoongi was able to focus on completing the form.

➳

“Jungkook-ssi?” Seokjin knocks on the door three times before opening the door enough to move his face between. “Good evening, how are you? Good, good–Oh! I see you have the little one today as well. How is she, was she…” 

Yoongi keeps his distance away from the door. Not enough to be extremely far, but enough to leave substantial space to avoid hearing their conversation. In the end, Jungkook is Seokjin’s patient and Yoongi needs to respect his privacy. He isn’t sure if Seokjin had broken any HIPPA laws during this whole arrangement; he is not related to the kid in any way shape or form. He’s just a stranger who wants to help an omega and their kid. But that’s something he’ll have to worry about later.

Eventually, Seokjin turns his head towards Yoongi. It puts some fire under him to rise and come closer. Before he could say a word, the doctor raises his hand; a motion that all is well. 

“Stop worrying so much.” He speaks low. “Nothing’s happened yet.”

He nods, dragging his tongue over his chapped lips. It seems that Yoongi’s worried expression made an appearance yet again. Seokjin steps in and holds the door for him, motioning him to enter.

It feels like all of the air’s been sucked out of the space from how tight it’s kept in his lungs. He feels like his feet are rooted to the ground, but is easily shaken off by the first, cautious step he takes inside. The alpha crosses his arms, gluing his eyes to the ground. The room’s light shines on his face, the faint sound of the monitor’s beeps making his skin prickle.

The sound of a baby's hum is enough to capture Yoongi’s attention, picking his head up towards them. 

He inhales sharply at the sight. Finding the omega laying on his side, curled into himself. His right arm curves around the swaddle. In that swaddle, lies a soft, curly brunette of a pup, with cheeks plumpy as fresh rolls straight out of the oven, with a tint of a rose color. Her eyes closed, mouth pursing in a cute pout, squirming a bit in place. It seems she was sound asleep, her coos gentle as a summer stream. 

The omega’s arm curves a bit more around her. A protective embrace. 

His eyes are trained to Yoongi, watching every vertebrae, every fabric, every strand of hair move just an inch. Sharp and defensive. He can’t help but bare his teeth a little, a soft growl rumbling in his chest. 

He looks healthier than the last time he saw him, or when he saved him from the alley. His complexion is much colored, and his scent is fresh and–

Oh. Lethal . 

It’s not…the best thing to get a whiff of, but it all leads to signs of recovery. While his expression doesn’t show it, he’s glad. Very glad. 

He isn’t scared of the omega–not at all–but he can’t help but place his hand over his chest to soothe his pounding heart. 

“Hello, Jungkook-ssi.” Yoongi bows politely in greeting, huffing out a huge sigh. It calms his nerves a little, breathing in a tad heavy to regulate it.

Jungkook does not respond. 

“I hope you’re doing well this evening. You look well rested.” His comment seems to work; Jungkook’s eyebrows shoot up, unexpected to hear such a compliment. His eyes avert to his arm. 

Yoongi can see the mental warfare in Jungkook’s eyes; perhaps questioning why he’s feeling overprotective in the first place, especially this persistent alpha. But he can’t help but bare his canines, he can’t help but growl at the man.

He gets it. A new guardian to a young helpless being. His helpless being. Alone in this cruel world. So he needs to make this work, whatever this is. Whatever it will be.

He makes sure to keep his tone calm and play unaffected by his scent. His alpha showed no interest in giving the omega the satisfaction of feeling intimidated. But Yoongi doesn’t care for that; he just wants to make sure Jungkook feels safe being in a room with him.

With this reminder, it brings recollection to ensure his comfortability. He takes a step back, moving his hands behind his back, and lowers his head. 

Jungkook’s lips part from the action, glancing at Seokjin. Not too shocked from unknowing, but shocked that he has performed the act of submission in front of his friend, who is also an omega. 

Seokjin’s shock does not go unnoticed, even releasing a soft ‘what’ to add onto his confusion. Of course, the alpha does not acknowledge him. Seeing as Yoongi does not nudge from difference, Jungkook still remains silent but dips his head a bit in a bow. 

It’s enough. 

“Your pup,” Yoongi says. “Is she sleeping?” 

Jungkook looks at her and reaches to gently caress her soft cheeks. He nods.

“That’s good. I’m glad she’s getting rest. She’s…adorable, if I can say.”

The omega glances at Seokjin, as if looking for permission. The doctor offers a small smile, nodding his head as encouragement. 

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. I hope you’ve been eating well. It’s not exactly five courses here, but it’s something.” 

“Hey now,” Seokjin hisses.

Yoongi shoots him  a tiny playful smirk. 

“Aish, you brat…” the elder mumbles, shoulders slouching. While his lips form a pout, gradually it turns to a smile. 

It leaves Jungkook baffled—what just happened was clearly disrespectful, and yet both of them are laughing. Yoongi, being an alpha, can say things like that and get away with it; that much is expected. But what unsettles him is Sekojin’s reaction—how can he find it funny?

Is this some inside joke he’s not part of? Or worse, is Sekojin masking something, hiding whatever truth lies behind that smile? Maybe he’s pretending it doesn’t hurt. Because alphas… alphas never truly understand an omega’s heart. They never have. They never will.

For now, he remains offended for Seokjin, in silence. He knows better than to meddle in things that don’t involve him. 

“So.” Yoongi unlatches his hands to cross his arms in front. “Seokjin-seonsaeng-nim informed me that you wanted to speak with me.” 

The expression on Jungkook’s face is unreadable. Seokjin’s eyebrow cocks upwards from it when he looks his way. It makes him nervous; he truly believed that he was certain earlier, but now that Yoongi is present before him, he’s not so sure anymore. 

He glances over at the alpha. Cautious. He can’t help but nibble on his bottom lip as he tries to gather his thoughts. 

God, there’s nothing greater than to curse him and kick him out, never to see him again. But his mind tells him otherwise, telling him to seek his aide. 

His omega, however…

Let’s just say the silence has been loud for as long as he could remember.

His heart is gone, trapped in chains, in the abyss. His brain is thinking of all of the possibilities, trying to see the pathways and understand the improbability of living a normal life. 

But when he looks at her... Oh , when he looks at her, the chains wrapped around his heart jiggles. It awakens. 

It’s then he realized that his life was never normal to begin with. 

He knows he can’t live like this, not when his life is dedicated to her. He can’t risk putting her in harm's way because of his comfort. 

His life will never be the same. He will never have a normal life.

But she can. She must. She will . 

Jungkook takes a steady breath and curls closer to her. He can’t ignore the urge to drag his thumb across the fabric over her chest to scent her gently. Her cheek twitches under the pad, then fully relaxes. A soft sigh escapes her tiny nostrils, falling deeper into comfort. 

Oh…sweet thing…

Jungkook blinks out of his haze to sit up and face the alpha. The storm clashes over tranquility. His trembling hands grip onto the rolls of the blanket as an attempt to compose himself. 

The flint clamps near the wick in him. His stare is cold and chilling, causing Yoongi to recoil a little. 

“I did,” he answers, tone pointed.

Yoongi hums in acknowledgment. “Alright. You have the floor.”

It's fascinating how the smallest things can throw Jungkook off balance—ordinary aspects of social interaction, unexpected responses, or even brief glimpses behind his nonchalant facade leave him stunned.

And very irritated.

“First off, I want you to know that your little act won’t work on me.” He motions to him. “I know what you’re doing. You’re not fooling anyone.”

“O-oh…” Seokjin barely whispers, glancing between them.

Yoongi expected this. A little too direct for his liking, but…it’s expected. All he can do is listen. 

“You’ve been sticking your nose around for far too long. I find it troubling, especially when your presence has brought me nothing but stress. While I’m grateful that you had a part to play in bringing my daughter into my arms, it…” he trails off into a scoff, “It makes me question if you really are some finance chump that works at a boring desk all goddamn day.”

Oh.

“It makes me wonder if you really are a dull man, or if you’re some kind of freak in disguise.”

Oh. Well…

Truthfully, Yoongi’s surprised. Freak is a new one. 

Again, it’s expected, but he can’t help but feel like this was an ambush. Despite the terror on his face, if he were in his shoes, he wouldn’t let his patient berate him this way. 

But that’s just him. 

“What kind of alpha sticks around an omega and their child? Do you think you have power over us? Over me, because of what you did? Do you believe that our lives belong to you now?” 

“An alpha who thinks that way is a delusional one,” Yoongi simply answers. 

Again, Jungkook scoffs, unimpressed with his answer. “I think the word you’re looking for is stupid.” 

“Is that what you think I am?” 

“Damn right, I do. He can see, and you can too, that I don’t have a dime to my name. I can’t give you a damn thing, and even if I did, I wouldn’t want to. I don’t care that you saved me, because you will have nothing to hold over my head because I never asked for your help.”

“And that’s fine,” Yoongi assures. “It was never my plan to hold it against you nor ask for anything in return.” 

Jungkook bites his bottom lip. He has nothing calculating to say, but needs to buffer from that unanticipated response. His scent is unmoving; lethal. 

“Why?”

“I do not have a reason.”

“Bullshit. What is your motive?” Yoongi shakes his head and shrugs. Irritation boils in the younger’s veins even more. “What, you just want brownie points in life? To be known as a good alpha when you walk down the streets?” 

 “I just want to help you,” Yoongi answers calmly. 

“But why ?” The omega’s voice rises. “You don’t know me.” 

“I don’t need to know you to help someone.” 

The room is filled with bitter silence until Jungkook fills it with a dark chuckle that makes the hair on Yoongi’s arms stand. His eyes glare down at the floor, fingers that grip onto the blanket surrounding his body tighten for dear life. It pains Yoongi to see his body so reserved, eyes filled with nothing but disarray, fear, and sorrow. Seeing the suffering of his bottom lip as it seethes under his teeth.

That pain turns to pure rage. 

Who did this? Who has left you all alone like this? Who has caused you so much pain? 

The smell of burnt wood passes through his nose, snapping him away from the threshold of the raging headspace before he falls too deep. He can’t afford to ruin this with his own feelings. How he feels doesn’t matter. What’s important is how Jungkook feels, and ensuring that he's comfortable and reaches enlightenment for a better tomorrow. 

“I get it.” The alpha’s tone remains neutral. “It’s hard to trust people, especially when you’ve been burned too many times, so the feelings are mutual.” 

He finds Jungkook’s eyes. It eases him knowing that he has his full attention.

“It was much worse when I was younger. We live in a world where oppression and discrimination tackle both sides, with one being favored and crowned over the other. Now, we live in a generation that glorifies the system and refuses to make it better. Where change is foreign and frowned upon. Living through it, no matter at any point in time, follows you and forces you into an image that is far from the truth. I truly believed that it only ended in pain and suffering, no matter what you do, no matter how far you go, no matter how hard you try to change the narrative. No matter how hard you try to just live .” 

Yoongi takes a deep breath to calm his rabbit heart as he continues. 

“I was a kid with this big boulder on my shoulders. A mass of anger. Eventually, I had learned to navigate through life without letting my feelings get the best of me. Let experiences drive me to the person I want to be, not the person I have to be. It was hard. Still is. But it doesn’t mean we give up. In my view, everyone has a role to play. Not as an alpha, an omega, or a beta, but as a professor, as a fireman.” He glances at his friend. “As a doctor, as some finance chump. As a parent.” He looks back at Jungkook. “To play these roles, we must be better. We must be kind to one another. To be kind to yourself.”

He can feel his heart cracking as Jungkook’s eyes begin to water, seeing the pain emerge from the depths of his heart, his soul. He releases his lip from its sharp prison, only to leave it bleeding. Yoongi can’t help but make his way over to his side, reaching for a tissue to offer. He can feel eyes on him, scanning his body language and the faint grip of the tissue between his fingers, extending towards the younger.

“While it may seem that kindness is rare, it’s not extinct.” 

A tear rolls down Jungkook’s cheek. Then another, and another. Sorrow bleeds through, resolve breaking the more he tries to keep it together. 

“You’re right. I don’t know you. I don’t know what you’ve been through. But I can tell that you’ve gone through so much for her sake. It breaks my heart to think of what will happen to you after leaving this place.” 

Yoongi slowly gets down on one knee in front of him, but is still cautious of the space between them. Jungkook’s wet eyes widened from every bit of movement, his lower lip pulled back between his teeth. 

“That’s why I want to help you. I know all of this is weird and random, but I hope you can trust my words and see my true intentions. I am not here to claim any form of compensation. I am not here to demand your loyalty to me. None of that interests me. Helping you in any way does. I want to help anyway I can to ensure your pup is healthy and can be in a safe environment. To make sure you’re safe.” 

Jungkook’s large eyes avert to his shaken hands, fidgeting with the sheets. His sniffles are congested and wet the more he tries to hold his broken whimpers. 

“I will make sure to give you the space that you need to take care of her,” Yoongi says low enough for him to hear. He moves his hand an inch closer. “I promise to make sure you’re comfortable. You don’t have to do this alone.”

“B-but–” Jungkook’s voice shakes. “B-but what if—it’s too much?” 

“It will never be too much.” 

“W-what i-if there is not enough space?”

“My home is big enough for whatever you need.”

“But…I-I can’t give y-you anything…” 

“That’s okay. I don’t need anything.” 

Jungkook stares at the tissue. His mind runs a million miles per minute. He feels like this is wrong; he shouldn’t even consider this. This whole thing is ludicrous; living with a stranger—an alpha, unmated, while raising his child. It’s maddening. 

But he doesn’t have a choice. He can’t go back to the shelter. If it were just him, it’d be different. But it’s with her now. 

It’s with her now….everything he’ll do, he’ll do it for her. 

“Jungkook-ssi?” Seokjin’s call is gentle and alluring. “I want to remind you that your decision is what drives this entire process. You have a say in everything until the end. If you need more time to think about it, he’ll understand.” 

The omega turns away from Yoongi, facing the sleeping babe beside him. He shakes his head as he gets back into position, a protective curl around her. His arm under and circled, with his fingers barely brushing against the bump of where her arm rests. 

“I don’t need to think about it more. I’ve made up my mind.” His voice is deep and wet, muffled into the pillow under him.

Seokjin’s expression changes to worry. Yoongi shares the same look as he gets up from his position. 

The tears continue to stream down the bridge of Jungkook’s nose, his eyes half-lidded, locked onto his pup. 

“I’ll go with you.” 

Seokjin's gasp is very faint. His face changing to huge relief doesn’t resolve Yoongi’s delayed reaction. 

It doesn’t feel real. His wasn’t prepared for acceptance. To hear four simple words reprogrammed his central nervous system. He can’t hold back the gush of pure sandalwood out of excitement. It’s enough to tickle both omegas’ noses, capturing looks.

“S-sorry,” Yoongi clears his throat. “Sorry.” 

“Well,” Seokjin sighs. “I’m glad that’s been decided. The good thing is that Jungkook and the pup will be discharged in the next couple of days. This will give you some time and hopefully, put fire under your tush to gather the necessities needed to prepare for a newborn in your home.” 

“Everything will be prepared by then.”

“I trust that it will. For now, I think we should step out for a bit to give Jungkook-ssi some space.” Seokjin opens the door, motioning for Yoongi to step out first. “Jungkook-ssi, I will visit you later for a check-up. A nurse will stop by shortly to assist with feeding.” 

Jungkook says nothing as his eyes remain glued to his baby. 

Yoongi walks out of the room without saying a word. He feels like if he says anything else, it would cause the omega to change his answer. With Seokjin right behind him with the door closed behind him, he takes a couple of steps ahead. 

He places his hand on his chest as he releases a huge sigh. He feels like he can breathe again. 

“You alright?” Seokjin walks beside him with an arm around his shoulder. “You look paler than usual.” 

“Fuck off,” Yoongi huffs. Seokjin cracks a smile. “I can’t believe he said yes.” 

“I know. I thought he’d push.” 

“Right?”

“But this is good.” 

“Yeah,” Yoongi huffs again. “It is. It is good.”

“...Yoongi.” 

“Hyung.”

“Are you ready for this?” 

Yoongi hesitates. “Is it bad that I’m not so sure now?” He looks up at Seokjin. 

His smile only grows. “No.” 

“I’m not backing out, though.” 

Seokjin pats his shoulder. “I know.”

Chapter Text

Yoongi takes a sick day this sunny Wednesday. 

He wakes up at 6:30, washes up, and cleans the house, top to bottom. 

The couch is steamed and the pillows are arranged to perfection. He digs into the deep, dark depths of his closet to find stacks of blankets and pillows for nesting; the one thing that’s a necessity for omegas and their newborns. He’s done plenty of research on the needs for a dam to be comfortable in the early stages, and is prepared to help him with anything that he needs. They were the first set to be sent to the washing machine for a good cleaning; lavender-scented detergent included. Dry fabric softer wipes straight in the dryer. He also researched that newborn skin can be easily irritated.

Every fabric is washed, the mattress is flipped and steamed, every counter, cabinet, and drawer are wiped down. Every corner has been dusted; Yoongi did not stop cleaning until the apartment speaks to him with shine. 

Yoongi walks in circles by the time the sun shines in the big blue sky, checking if every corner is set, and all materials are stationed where they need to be. The guest room—now transformed into a nursery with a simple bed, is blooming with color. With the softest touch of the rug under his feet, soft as a pet’s fur, the changing table that stands tall, complained with shelves worth of lotion, diapers, and wipes. A cup that holds baby powder, a soft bristle brush, and simple toys for the baby’s entertainment. 

Behind him lies the crib that supports the baby mattress with eco-friendly foam that’s perfect for comfort, filled with blankets, pillows, and more toys. There’s plenty of space to store a year’s worth of diapers and wipes; lord knows Jungkook will need it. He also decided to buy a variety of baby washes for him to choose. He wasn’t sure if he’s sensitive to scents, so he played it safe and got the most common: Vanilla, linen, and cotton. He also got an unscented one just in case. 

He’s just missing the baby bath, but it should be coming in the next week or two. 

A quick scan while checking off the mental list in his head, slowly walking out of the room. Everything is washed, dried, and put away. The blankets are stacked on the guest bed, boxes of extras are in the closet. Everything seems in order—

Oh, not everything. Baby seat. He needs a baby seat. 

Seokjin told him that he should be discharged by the end of the week. He plans to bring him in Namjoon’s car, so he needs a baby seat! Oh, and one for feedings! Of course! 

“Fuck.” Yoongi jogs to his bedroom. Another thing comes to mind. “Groceries.” 

Of course he needs to buy groceries. How else will they eat healthy meals? 

Silly alpha, how could he forget?

He quickly washes up and puts on comfy clothes before heading outside. 10am out the door, 4pm, he’s dragging bags of produce by his arms and hands. Yoongi practically drops the bags onto the counter before jogging back outside to bring in the boxes of the car seat, stroller, and baby chair. 

He nearly collapses onto the floor, but careful enough to guide himself down until his back hits the clean tiles. A harsh, long sigh escapes his lungs, feeling the day catching up to him. He feels dizzy, he’s sweating buckets, and quite frankly, he doesn’t want to think about babies for at least an hour. 

But that’s what’s in his membrane right now. Babies. Crying babies. Screaming babies. 

And a dam that hates him for existing. 

Another waft of breath escapes his lungs. His heart is racing still. Presumably, not from the day’s events, but the fact that this house is filled with baby things for an infant and an omega that are not in relation to him. Not that he cares about that at all–he’s the one that suggested this after all. This is something completely unprecedented; it’s new for him too. He’s never lived with a pup before. Sure, he babysat his brother’s little ones when they were babies, but never infants. He doesn’t even think Jungkook will let him near his baby. Which is understandable; it’s his pup, he must protect her.

It’s just…When would he help? How would Jungkook be comfortable? Would he remain locked in the guest room for the rest of time? Would they ever speak? 

Yoongi rubs his face. His brain hurts from all of the repetitive worries. 

He just needs an hour. That’s all. 

Yoongi can feel himself finally drifting to sleepland, until the sound and feeling of his phone buzzing in his pocket pulls him away from that sedative dimension. He doesn’t fight the growl that escapes him, shoving his hand into his pocket to immediately answer whoever it was. 

“Someone better be dying,” he snaps a little. 

“Yikes, who pissed in your cereal this morning?” Namjoon chuckles on the other line. “I just wanted to say hi.” 

Yoongi sighs, a little regretful. “Hi Namjoon. Sorry, I’ve been busy all day. You caught me right when I was about to take my afternoon nap.” 

“Awe, so sorry, kitten. I just wanted to check in on you. You can go ahead and take your cat nap. I’ll talk to you later.”

“First, fuck you. Second, thank you. I was just getting everything prepared for Jungkook and his pup to arrive.” 

“Ah, yes, they’re coming this Friday, right?” 

“Hm, and I forgot a couple of things that are important, so I had to run around the market today.” 

“What did you have to get?” 

“Oh, you know,” Yoongi yawns, rubbing the tears and exhaustion out of his eyes. “Car seat, stroller, baby chair….groceries.” 

“Groceries? Jesus, how have you been surviving??”

“To be honest with you, no idea.” 

“Ah, hyung…why didn’t you tell me? I could have helped you know.” 

“This isn’t your responsibility.”

“I know, but I would like to at least help out a little.” 

“You are. You’re letting me borrow your car.” 

“That’s not enough.” 

“It’s a big one. If I had my own parking spot, trust me, I’d buy my own car.” 

“What’s wrong with parking on the street?” 

“I’ll beat someone to a pulp if they dare to argue with me over a parking space.” 

“...Point taken. But look, I can help too. You don’t have to go through this alone. Besides, I think it will be a great medium for Jungkook. Maybe he’ll warm up to me a little since I’m a beta. This is going to be tough for the both of you.”

Yoongi hums. A soft smile appears in response to his warming heart. 

“Just…promise me you’ll let me know if you need help. Okay?” 

“I will. Thanks, Joon. How’s work today?” 

“Ugh, fucking killer. I don’t know how you deal with Daehyun. He’s a prick.” 

 “What has he been doing?” 

“More than the usual. But he’s been putting all of your work on me today, and we nearly got into it when I declined. I may be a director, but he fails to understand that we don’t work in the same department. I can’t take all of your responsibilities, and more importantly, he is not my boss.” 

Yoongi frowns at that. “I’m sorry you went through that.” 

He’s surprised. He knows his boss can be much sometimes, but he’s never acted that way towards him, unless he was working on that specific spreadsheet. He isn’t sure if Yoongi’s just good at setting boundaries, or if he waited to do something while he was gone. 

Unless….Could that mean….

“What kind of work have you been handling that’s under me?” 

“Ugh, you know, reviewing the audits, connecting with your team to make sure it’s being handled properly, spreadsheets…”

“Which spreadsheets?” 

“I don’t remember and honestly, I don’t want to talk about that anymore. Just know your boss is an ass.” 

“Yeah….yeah….gotta love him…” His sarcasm falls weak. 

“Anyway,  do you have everything you need?” 

“I think so. If not, I can just head out and buy it. I’ve been cleaning since dawn and arranging everything. The place is spotless. I just need to keep it that way.”

“I’m curious as to how much money you spent on all of this.” 

“Let’s just say if I wasn’t making the salary I have right now, I’d be pulling out loans.” 

Namjoon chuckles. “But it’s for a good cause. I’m a little excited for them. Jungkook will appreciate it.” 

“I hope so.” 

“He will, hyung.” 

➳

“And then, once it’s aligned, you just—” Yoongi finishes his instruction by connecting the buckle of the seat belt into the tiny compartment. “There. Should be well secured now.” To demonstrate, he roughly shakes the seat in place. It barely nudges.

While Jungkook remains silent, his lips pursed as he tunnels at the seat from Yoongi’s tutorial on how to secure the baby’s car seat into the back. His eyes scans all over the area, as if his eyes were lenses from a camera; every blink is capturing the moment. 

“If you’d like, you can have a try at setting it up? I think it will be easier to understand if you do it yourself.”

“When you just installed it? That’s stupid. Unless you’re switching cars or something, I’m not interested in restarting,” he says as he gets out of the car. 

His dismissive tone catches Yoongi offguard. He cocks his head to the side to relieve the tension in his neck before crawling out of the vehicle.

The slap on the face stings way more, and that’s on him. He shouldn’t have believed that  Jungkook would act any different. 

Seokjin and Yuna, a newborn care specialist, stand by each other as they prepare to depart. Jungkook focuses on dismantling the stroller, functions instructed by Yoongi, without breaking it. 

“Oh.” Yoongi stands straight to make his way to his side. “Allow me to help you with that. I know it’s—”

“I am more than capable of closing it myself, thanks,” Jungkook huffs out as he slams the stroller when folded. “I'm not some kind of spreadsheet to control, finance chump.”

Jungkook takes the equipment to the trunk to store, leaving Yoongi deflating where he stands. 

“Don’t mind him,” Seokjin mumbles to his ear. “You’re doing great.” 

Yoongi sighs. “I know this is going to be challenging but…this is giving me a taste that it will be more than that.” 

“Oh, yeah.” Seokjin pats his back. “But it’s worth it. You’re doing so much for him. He’s grateful, just…give him time. He’s been through a lot. Make sure to give him his space, ok? Being a new parent can be a lot.” 

The alpha nods. It’s what he tells himself every second. “Of course. Thank you, Seokjin-hyung. For everything.” 

Their hands clasp, loud enough to echo, but their embrace is loud enough on their own. Yoongi taps Seokjin’s back a few times before pulling apart to get in the car.

“I’ll strap her in,” Yuna says as she makes her way into the car. “Jungkook-ssi, feel free to get in. Do you have everything?” 

“Nothing of importance left behind.” The omega closes the trunk before walking towards the elder. “Seonsaeng-nim.” 

As Yoongi starts the car and fixes the mirrors to make sure everything is in order, he sees the omegas in their own farewells in the rearview, Jungkook presenting a deep bow to his friend, who reciprocates just as deep. Seokjin’s hand falls on his shoulder as he leans closer. 

He’s giving him a speech. He knows that pose better than anyone; lord, this could take a while. It brings Yoongi a tad of worry for the man, because this could go sideways. But seeing Jungkook being receptive, nodding at his words, Yoongi can take a deep breath and relax. 

He can only do one out of the two. The grip on the steering wheel is a tight one. If objects could talk, the wheel could be begging for release. Yoongi forces himself to stare at the road, thinking of the best and safest route to get home. He would hate his chance to be ruined by some asshole’s poor decision to be on the road today and–

Ok…Let’s not think about that. Maybe he should have Namjoon drive–

God no. That’s fucking worse. 

Shit, he’s too nervous. He was nervous when he woke up this morning, while working, and driving over here. Doing the little things helped lots, but now fully aware of the situation, waiting for them, waiting for him…

The route he took earlier is safe right? It’s not that late…there shouldn’t be that much traffic. 

He needs to calm down. He needs to take a couple of breaths and stretch his body.

“Yoongi-ssi?” Yuna calls, snapping him out of his own head. 

“Y-Yes?” He looks up at the rearview. 

“Is everything alright? You seem troubled.” 

“Oh,” Yoongi huffs out a nervous chuckle. “No, I’m…I’m alright.” 

The pup’s coo fills the space, along with the gentle blow of the AC. Her focus on the infant, Yuna gently places her hand over her covered head, gently caressing the fabric.

“I know my assistance is limited, but I’m sure you both will be able to make it work.” 

Ah, yes…A helpful reminder that she will be around for a little while. Not too long, but enough to make sure Jungkook is fully settled. A reminder that Yoongi too could learn a couple of things about infanthood, and find ways to help Jungkook as much as he can. 

“Of course,” Yoongi responds faintly. He finds himself much calmer now. His hands slip off the wheel and onto his lap. 

When he glances up at the rearview, just out of habit, he finds Jungkook looking. He knows it isn’t directly at him, but it seems that way. His eyes are filled with uncertainty. A cold stare that chills Yoongi to the bone. Meanwhile, Seokjin is close to his ear, whispering something. 

Whatever it was thaws that stare, causing him to frown and turn away. He nods, bows again, and makes his way to the car. It signals Yoongi to look away and busy himself with something, and Yuna to get out, her seat taken by Jungkook as Yuna steps into the front. 

“Are we all set?” Yoongi asks, reaching to put on his seat belt. 

“Yes.” Yuna responds, her and Jungkook doing the same. 

Jungkook leans towards his daughter’s seat before turning towards the back. Seokjin remains, waving them off as Yoongi slowly pulls out and into the road. 

Yoongi glances at the rearview. It’s a weird feeling, seeing his friend get smaller and smaller, until he was out of sight. 

He hoped to see him there a little longer. 

➳

The gasp Jungkook lets out echoes in the large space when Yoongi presents his freshly cleaned apartment. 

The lights brighten the mini entryway, then to the wide living room space, presenting the tropical ombre sunset from the jumbo windows. 

“Oh, my…” Yuna whispers as she takes a couple of steps inside, hand placed in front of her lips, taking in the space. “This is…so clean—this view…! I’ve never seen a condo so…” 

Once the two were fully inside, Yoongi easily picks up the infant seat in one hand, and closes the door with the other. The pup’s eyes are also wide as she takes in the place, blinking owlishly, humming contently. 

Yoongi finds it amusing that she’s in her own world, without a bother. Seems the 30-minute nap did wonders.

“Apologies for the strong scent of disinfectant,” Yoongi says as she removes his shoes by the door. “I wanted to make sure it was spick and span before bringing you here." 

“Oh, please, do not worry, this is a good thing. It’s important to have a dam and their pup in a tidy environment—is this marble?” Yuna goes off track while removing her shoes by the door. Jungkook is a little more delayed as he’s still taking in the modern setting. Once Yuna’s free from her confinements, she scurries over to the coffee table to get a better view. 

“Is this marble?” 

“Yes, it is. I’ve had it for a year now. Wonderful table. I find myself working here rather than in my office.” 

“It’s exquisite. Do you work from home normally?” 

“Yes. It’s rare to be in the office.” Yoongi walks towards the oversized sofa to place the infant seat on top of the cushion. His hand, however, remains latched onto the handle. “Unless there is an important meeting to attend to in person, I can work in any location.” 

“That’s very convenient. It will make things easier for Jungkook-ssi and the pup, won't it, Jungkook-ssi?” Yuna turns to him from the lack of response. “Jungkook-ssi?” 

The omega in question stands by the end of the sofa. His eyes are wide like a baby deer, filled with interest and utter shock, scanning the entire space, down the corridor where the bedrooms lie. His hand resting on the corner of the cushion tightens around it.

The further he falls into his thoughts, the tighter the grip, until Yuna’s voice pierces through that.  

“Jungkook-ssi, are you alright?” 

“Yes.” Jungkook clears his throat. “Yes. It’s just…it reeks of alpha in here. It’s hard to breathe.” 

“Unfortunately, I do not have anything that will mask that. I hope it’s not too much.” 

“An alpha’s scent is always too much.” He spits a little. Yuna frowns at his words, going to say something until Jungkook speaks again. “Where is the restroom?” 

“Walk straight down. First door in front of you.” 

Jungkook darts down the corridor. 

“Ah, I am so sorry for him.” Yuna cups her hands together in guilt. “I spoke to him before we left the hospital.”  

“It’s no problem. He’s been through a lot.” Yoongi glances towards her with a tight smile. “I’m not bothered. Maybe I’ll get some scented candles on my way to the market today.”

“Would you like for me to go on your behalf?”

“Oh, no, please.” He waves off. “No need. You will not be treated like a servant here. You’re more than welcome to make yourself comfortable.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. That way to give you both some space and get acquainted with all of this.”

“Hm…” Yuna shakes her head. “Even still, he should be a bit careful with his words. The fact you are offering your home to him is…” 

“It can be difficult to see good in people when going through something,” Yoongi explains. “This is all new to him. I want to make sure that he’s comfortable, and by doing so, we must allow him to process things his own way.” 

Yuna nods. “Yes…of course…” 

Yoongi leans over enough to get a good look at the pup. He captures the beauty of her honey brown eyes; the color of honey dripping from its comb. Her gentle coos piques her own interest, paws covered by the soft pink mittens. 

His heart swoons at the sight. It motivates him more. 

“This may be selfish of me to ask,” Yoongi stands tall, “but I would like to ask for your patience with him. I know my subgender makes it difficult, but…I will do anything in my power to take care of his needs and his well being. You as well, Yuna-ssi. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything during your stay.” 

“Oh! Well–thank you, Yoongi-ssi.” Her gentle hands press against her chest, over her heart. “You’re so kind…I appreciate it. I’ll only be here for a couple of weeks. Just to make sure Jungkook-ssi gets the hang of things, and I’ll be out of your hair. We’ll be on our best behavior.” 

The alpha smiles. “I have no doubt. Now.” Yoongi grips the handle before picking up the infant seat. “Would you like to see more? I’d love to give you a tour.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful!”

He gives them a little tour of the apartment. It doesn’t last long, considering the space is pretty standard, but it puts a little pep in his step regardless. He’s been looking forward to showing them his preparations and seeing the room set up, but he also feels like it would be very important for them to know what is where. 

He doesn’t have a problem showing them where his office and bedroom were; just in case. 

“I’m usually in my office until bedtime, which can be after hours. Feel free to bother me if you need anything.” 

Next is the bathroom, which is given.

“I have a separate bathroom, so you’re more than welcome to claim this. There are extra toothbrushes and pastes–anything you need to handle your dental routine.” 

He shows them the kitchen, the only room in the entire apartment that has a separate space. 

“It’s rather spacious, so feel free to stop by and cook any meals as you please. All groceries have been recently purchased, as well as any formulas and baby food needed. I was planning on getting snacks, but I would like to leave that to Jungkook-ssi as I believe he should be fully aware of what goes in the pup’s belly.” 

Jungkook ‘s scowl grabs both their attention. Yuna frowns and nudges his shoulder and a pointed look. “T-thank you.” 

Yoongi says nothing to that.

Last but not least, he brings them to the nursery. Yuna nearly lost her footing at such beautiful arrangement, while Jungkook stands there in complete, utter shock. 

“I figured to make things easier for you,” Yoongi says, politely stepping out of the way as both circled around the space. “I know it seems a little crowded, but easy access is the best preference.” 

Jungkook huffs out a scoff. “ Crowded you say…” 

“The fact that we’re still able to walk around with a big breath of fresh air!” Yuna chirps. “Oh, would I have killed to have this nursery when I was carrying….” 

“Are these—” Jungkook slides the closet door open. “Are these extra diapers?” 

“And wipes. You can never say no to an emergency pack,” Yoongi states. 

The shock remains plastered on Jungkook’s face. Almost…petrified. His attention is captured by the hanging piles of baby clothes, some folded on top of the boxes. Suddenly, Yoongi feels exposed, bashfully rubbing the back of his head. 

“I hope I didn’t overstep. I saw they were on sale and…I couldn’t resist.” 

“Can’t say no to a good deal.” Yuna giggles. 

“Exactly.”

“I get you. Happens to me all the time!” 

“I have coupons if you want them. A kind woman offered as she was heading off the line. I was going to deny them at first since she has twins but–” 

“How much?” Jungkook interrupts. His hands fiddle with the ruined stack of onesies. His head snaps to the side, dared to even look at him, only the rug. “How much was all of this? How much did you spend?” 

Yoongi shrugs. “I didn’t track.” 

“Liar.” He glares at the man. “A finance chump always tracks.” 

“When needed. But I don’t need to in this case, because money is not my concern, so I don’t pay attention to the amount. I don’t keep receipts either….Is there a reason why you’re asking?”

Jungkook turns away. “I know this isn’t cheap. All of this, this nursery. You spent a lot of money. Money you could have saved for yourself.” 

This is all too much to spend on someone he doesn’t know . He doesn’t understand how Yoongi is willing to do all of this. How he can just…

“You didn’t need to go all out like this. I would have been fine with just diapers.”

Yoongi frowns. He senses shame and regret. Shameful. Worthless. Feelings that Yoongi knows all too well. 

“Jungkook-ssi.” Yoongi’s voice is tender.  “I know raising an infant alone can be very tough. I wanted to get everything that you need without much conflict.” 

“This is all too much. You shouldn’t have wasted your money so carelessly.” 

“It was not careless.” 

“You’re spending thousands for a pup that isn’t yours,” Jungkook hisses. “How is that not careless?” 

“Because it’s for a good cause.” Yoongi takes a step closer to his side. Distant, but enough to see the ball of clothes squeezed into wrinkles from his grip. “I want to make sure you’re getting a proper experience of raising your baby. All of this,” he motions around, “is not based on wants. They are necessities.” 

Jungkook shakes his head. “It’s too much,” he whispers. 

“I know.” Yoongi cups his hands together. “But I know that it will work out. Anything you need, I’ll provide for you. Just say the word. Jungkook-ssi.” 

The omega’s head snaps toward him. Fear and hostility mixed in his expression. But it doesn’t alert Yoongi, not at all. In fact, it fuels his determination.

 “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Hearing the gentle reminder, it….it moves Jungkook. The furrow in his brow pinches to a softer look. His eyes burn from the incoming tears, glossed and shining under the fluorescent lights.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing. It will be okay.” 

The younger observes Yoongi’s posture, assessing the welcoming presence, while the younger is the exact opposite. Silence makes its way between them. He doesn’t need to look at Yuna to feel the worry emanating from her. His mouth opens and closes to find the words, fighting with his own brain to resist or cease. It’s enough to shut down all power. Instead, Jungkook reaches for the handle of the infant seat to take from Yoongi’s possession. 

“Alright…Alright, fine…” 

He nods. He can breathe again.

“I’ll leave you to it, then. There are some fresh clothes in the drawers for you as well. I wasn’t sure what size to get so XL will do, I hope? For the pup, unscented baby lotions and body washes are also in the closet. Other than that, I’ll let you get settled in.” 

“Thank you, Yoongi-ssi.” Yuna bows, Jungkook soon comes second.

“Of course.” He bows in return before making his exit.  “Welcome home, Jungkook-ssi.”

Once they are alone, Jungkook releases a huge sigh. “Alright…I believe she is due for a diaper change and a feeding…”

“Yes. Why don’t you get her settled on the changing table, and I’ll grab some essentials for you.” 

“Thank you.” 

It’s surreal how light his pup is in his hands, even more when her smile appears when finding her dam in view. It thaws Jungkook’s heart greatly.

“Hey there,” Jungkook whispers, leaving light kisses on her nose. “Ready to eat soon? You must be hungry, aren’t you?” 

She coos, brushing her mittened hands on his cheeks. Playfully, the omega gasps, widening his eyes to add more to the banter. 

“Oh, yes, you’re starving. Oh, me, oh my. We’ll get you changed soon, okay?” 

“Diaper and wipes are right here,” Yuna instructs beside him. “It’s important to moisturize as well, which… ah , here it is.” She reaches for the bottle on the shelf above. “Perfect.” 

Carefully, Jungkook lays her on the table and begins unbuttoning her onesie for easy access. He pays no mind to her squirming, finding the little distraction amusing. 

“By the way….I’ve been meaning to ask, have you come up with a name?” 

“Hm.” Jungkook lifts her enough to slowly remove the onesie before changing her diaper. “I had a couple, but…I’m not confident in them.”

“I see…are they more generational? Familial?” 

“Yes. I don’t think I’d want that.” 

“What about an English name?” 

“A thought…but, I’d prefer a traditional name…” 

“How about….’ Yuna trails off as she thinks.

The diaper change is done in less than ten. Her bum moisturized and freshly cleaned, swiftly, Jungkook redresses her in her onesie before placing her in his arms. Those big, honey brown eyes stare back at him. 

Full of wonder. Full of contentment from being in his hands.

The tiniest little babe…

She has his eyes… he thinks. 

They shine under the light…like the glistening sun at dawn, while his dims. A pit in his chest makes him uneasy.

“Ji-hyo,” he whispers. Her eyes widened a bit in response. Jungkook faintly gasps. 

“What’s wrong, what happened?” 

“...Ji-hyo.” He speaks louder for her to hear. She curls her hands into fists, pressing close to her chest. “J..Jihyo-ah…” 

She squirms in his hold, shivering. Probably from being cold for more than a minute, but her lips part to voice broken noises. This is the most active he’s ever seen her for being born for only two weeks. 

“She’s responding,” Jungkook says, astonished. “She’s responding to the name.”

“Oh, my…!” 

For the first time in a long time, Jungkook’s eyes gleam to the caretaker with a fond smile. It's the brightest smile Yuna’s ever seen. Almost a duplicate of the child in his arms.

“Jeon Ji-hyo,” Jungkook brings her close to his face, gently resting his forehead onto hers “It’s perfect.”