Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jungkook ignored all the  hustling and bustling around him as he dragged his eyes on the papers in his hands as he read through the notes he had taken the night before. It was a hard task to be concentrated and laser focused in a place like Seoul Station. But he had ton of practices. He had long before learned to ignore the constant glances thrown his way in disdain, distaste or full of disgust. He had long before learned to ignore the constant chatter and tune the noise out as he got lost in his own world. He had long before learned to ignore all the leering and lustful eyes of various perverted alphas that had tried to consume him and his omega with their overbearing pheromones.

It had been some long years. He had been through a  lot in his twenty five years of life. Looking back he was proud for being where he was today. He had come a long way from the place he had once been suffering and freezing. Both literally and figuratively.  It had all been possible because of his hyungs, Yoongi and Jimin, a mated couple he had met way back when he lost everything he thought he needed in his life. They had given him his life back. He was so grateful, that he could not take their extended hands full of love anymore with what they had to offer. It was simply too much. 

Yoongi hyung had been kind enough to offer him his little resting room in this very train station as he worked his feet out. Being a train master was  a hard profession to be in. Jungkook had learned. It seemed so at least for him. But Yoongi hyung seemed to like it. Offering his hands to the people in need, taking care of each and every member of the staff panel, even they seemed insignificant at first. He guessed it was a fitting career path for his kind alpha hyung. 

Thanks to Yoongi and his mate Jimin, Jungkook now had a place to live in. A place to call his home. Even though it was packed away in a corner, Jungkook now had clothes of his own. Tattered they might be. But he was warm. Even though it was a tight fit, Jungkook had a nest. Thin and less fluffy the blankets may be. But he was content. It was all he could asked for. It was home.  A place that was warm and content.

So he took care of the place as his own. This train station was his home. His place of comfort. His place of safety. As scratchy as it sounds, it was the safest he had felt after everything began to go down in the drain, when the destiny decided to snatch his life out of his hands. So he was grateful. So much so. He made it his responsibility to help out his hyung to run things smoothly. Taking care of small things, that all the other staff members tend to miss out. Yoongi hyung noticed this and even went as far as to offer him a wage for his labor which Jungkook instantly refused. He was  earning enough from his part time job he had taken in the small library that was located at a very little distance from the station. He couldn’t possibly take more advantage of his hyungs kindness. This was the only way he knew to pay off the life debt he had owed them. 

So he could not just impose on their lives and be an intruder. They were a mated couple. Jungkook just could not go live with them even though it was what they wanted. Jimin hyung was pupped up for heavens. Jungkook was still scolding Jimin hyung for bringing him food every now and then cradling his heavy belly. Jimin hyung would just gently grumble that he could not just stop caring his first pup, no matter what Jungkook would say. It was parent instincts. Oh, wouldn’t Jungkook know that. So he just accepted the love and affection offered by Jimin hyung. Always smiling softly seeing the alpha hovering over them, protective of his three precious people out in open for the eyes of all the hungry people. 

Jungkook knew that they worried. It was a dangerous place to be, specially for an unmated omega. He had to spend the nights alone. But he had long before gotten used to all of this. Loneliness was his friend. So he was fine. Yoongi didn’t have to grumble about leaving him alone to his own devices without any protection. His pupped up omega needed more of it, as Jungkook had mentioned thousands of times before. Jungkook was just grateful. So much so. And he loved to have them in his life. 

Jungkook sighed as he put his notes away for a few seconds. His eyes had started to hurt from the constant readings he had gone through from early in the morning, before even a soul had stepped into the station, starting their own lives. But he had to study. He had to continue from where he had paused his life. It was his only way out. Only way out into the world. He had to take care of himself. Buy a small apartment. Take in some stray cats. Because he had dreams. Pay his hyungs back. With his happiness.

✨✨✨

Taehyung was in a rush. His tie hung around his neck. A few buttons of his shirt undone. Sleeves were halfway up. His usually neat and tidy self was crumbling up as he struggled to tie his five year old daughter, Kim Mi Rae’s hair into something at least resembled a ponytail. 

“Papa!!! It is not a ponytail!!!”

But as he tried, and tried, it was proving to be a hard task to achieve. His hands just did not compile with him in the correct way. Strands of hair slipped through his fingers, forming a tangled mess that defied his attempts to smooth it out. Taehyung’s patience was running extremely low. He sighed and looked at the wall clock that hung prettily in Mirae’s room. He was late.

“This is the best I can do Mirae. Don’t grumble.”

“If the aunt Ji-Hye was here, she would have done it way better!” Mirae pouted and crossed her little arms over her chest as she looked at herself in the little mirror. She looked ugly.  The ponytail was uneven and lopsided, with loose pieces sticking out in all directions. Mirae grumbled. How could she go to school looking like this! It was unacceptable.

“But she is not here today, is she? You have to deal with me today Mirae. So don’t try this attitude with me. I am already running late.”

Honestly, Taehyung was not present much in his pup’s life. It was a guilt he had to carry around on his shoulders. He simply could not with everything went down in his life. It was all too much. All too soon. He was just twenty-three when he got a handful of Mirae in his arms. He was immature. He was heartbroken. He was not in a state to take care of a child. He didn’t even know  how to. Taehyung was not going try with relationships ever again. That’s why he hired a nanny for her. He had to go through a few nannies, until he came across the middle aged lady Ji-Hye. She was an omega, a ball of sunshine. All too happy to take his own daughter into her arms. It was something even Taehyung was afraid to do. She was just too little. Taehyung would stare at her as she cradled his daughter while feeding her some bottled milk. Taehyung’s heart sank. But there was nothing he could do. The destiny was too cruel on him. On his little daughter for giving her a father like him.

So it began like that. Ji-Hye took a good care of his daughter. Spoiling her like a grandma would do to their own grandchildren. Taehyung just simply watched from afar. His guilt making him staying far away. His heartbreak making him from closing the distance he had put between them.

Taehyung sighed as he stood up, he had to get himself ready, if he wanted to reach his office on time. Being the CEO didn’t guarantee that he could slack off. 

It was hard to manage everything without Ji-Hye. Taehyung remembered how she apologized over and over again. But he understood. Even with the promise of her visiting Mi-Rae in the future, he knew it would be a long time before she could get her hands off from her own newborn grand-daughter. 

Taehyung rubbed his forehead as he thought about how to make arrangements to find another babysitter. It was hard to come across people like Ji Hye. They had to be trustworthy. He valued his pup, more than he showed it. She was all he had. She was his home. The home that he never had. The home that was calm and warm.

“I am not going to school today.”

Taehyung looked down at his daughter who was still huffing and grumbling about her hair as he neatly buttoned his shirt up all the way to his neck. He didn’t know where his child got this attitude. She threw tantrums all day when Taehyung was within the reach of her eyes. Ji Hye exclaimed her surprise at that saying she was a sweet child who listened to all her advices unlike when she was with Taehyung. He  guessed he deserved this attitude. Who could he blame but himself? 

“Mirae, don’t be like that. Papa has a lots of works to do today. There isn’t anyone to look after you. Uncles Joonie and Jinnie are also busy. So be a good pup and get ready for the school.”

Taehyung was tired. He glanced up at the clock again. His driver was late. His scent of cinnamon taking a slight tone of burnt wood, a huge contrast from his usual calming scent. He just could not handle all the stress he was put through within these few days.

Mirae scrunched her little nose in distaste. She was a sensitive pup. She looked up at her papa, who looked so worn out for his age. Even though she was a little kid and didn’t understand the heavy responsibilities the adults needed to carry on their shoulders, she didn’t like that look on her father. She didn’t like how his scent turned sour. She loved him. She could be good. Even though she looked funny with her hair. Even though the other kids would make fun of her for that. She could be good. At least then her father would stay at home. He would play with her more.

As Taehyung saw how Mirae settled on her seat, packing the rest of her things, he pulled out his phone dialing the number of his driver. He was running extremely late for the meeting he had scheduled for that morning. Everything was going haywire since he had received the resignation of Ji Hye. Taehyung huffed as his phone call went unanswered. His driver had lots of explanations to do.

Taehyung pocketed his phone and patted his daughter on her head. It was awkward. He had never done that. But it seemed like Mirae enjoyed what little attention she got from him. Her little eyes sparkled as she leaned into his touch. His heart sank as he withdrew his hands. “I’ll be in the living room.” 

✨✨✨

Taehyung was grabbing his briefcase from his bedroom when his phone rang. He huffed as he answered the phone. It was about time. “Where are you?? Have you seen what time it is now!?” Taehyung questioned his driver as soon as he answered the phone. No greetings. No familiarity. Just straight out facts and points. He was rude. He was arrogant. That’s just how he was. At least, he was like that after his heart turned into that stone of cold ice.

“I am really sorry sir. But I have met with a minor accident on the way. It would take me some time to come and pick you up.” The driver sounded apologetic and fearful. All of the employees knew Kim Taehyung’s temper. And no one dared to mess with it. 

Taehyung shut his eyes tightly to control himself. He couldn’t yell. Not when his pup was there not more than a room away. “How bad is it?” He questioned instead.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle myself sir. You don’t have to worry about that.” The driver was quick to reassure him.

“Good,” Taehyung waited for a beat of second before continuing. “Were you harmed?”

The driver was surprised. It was evident in his reply as he hurried to clarify his state of safety. “No sir. All is fine.”

“Pick Mirae up from school in the afternoon with Jin.” With that Taehyung hung up the phone before continuing with his task at hand.

When Taehyung made his way into the living room, Mirae was already waiting for him at the door. She was such a good pup, except for the times when she decided to be a brat. Taehyung sighed as he shook his head. He could feel the beginning of a headache forming. It was going to be a long day. He didn’t have time to wait around for a cab. The best and last option left with him was the subway that was around the corner. He grumbled thinking about all the sweaty bodies that were going to make his headache even worse. 

Taehyung grabbed his tie and the briefcase in one hand and grabbed hold of Mirae’s small wrist in the other as he made his way out of their luxurious apartment. He just had to survive through this morning. It was just a subway. 

✨✨✨

Taehyung was typing away on his phone as he waited for the train. He had to reschedule the morning meeting for a later hour. The client was a headache to deal with. His assistant, a freshly graduated beta named Soobin, still messed up his works when left alone without any guidance. Taehyung wished he had hired someone else. But he liked to give out opportunities to those who deserved it. Soobin had shown flying colors in his college as well as in his interview. A little patience was all he needed. Otherwise the beta was a good choice. He was informing him how the client was demanding to meet him, and asking for the money back he had invested in Taehyung’s new product. 

Taehyung’s alpha growled inside his chest, in annoyance. Taehyung needed to get rid of him for good. He always came up with new tantrums for making Taehyung’s days harder than they needed to be.  Taehyung grumbled when he pocketed his phone in his slacks as he let go of his daughter’s hand for a second to adjust his tie as it was poking him in the neck. Taehyung hated ties and coats. But it was what was expected of him as a CEO. He had to set an example.

Taehyung thought about how to arrange his week, he had to reschedule lots of things, while he needed to figure out what to do with the babysitter of his pup. Surely, Jin hyung would be probably up to taking care of her for a few days. But still he could not hand over the entire responsibility of his pup to him. Jin had his own life and work that needed his attention. He could not just impose his responsibilities on their shoulders. They have done a whole lot of that in their lives already as it is. 

Taehyung was so busy in his thoughts that he didn’t realize the pup was not following him as he stepped into the train that had arrived just a second ago. His alpha was too restless. The sweaty bodies and the stinky smells of wet dogs filled the air, making him grumble in annoyance. Taehyung turned around to grab his pup’s hand in his. He and his alpha didn’t trust a single wolf that was here. But to his horror his hand only grabbed hold of an empty space. His hand slipping through the air so easily. He frantically looked around searching for her. His alpha scratching inside his chest. Asking for control. “Mirae!” He shouted, ignoring all the annoying glances the people threw at him. He pushed through the crowd to the way he came back, only to stare wide eyed at his pup who was stuck on the crowded station crying out for him. 

“PAPA!!!” 

Taehyung hurried his steps. He had to get out of here. His daughter was out there. All alone. Crying. Calling out for him. He cursed himself for being so careless.  He pushed and pushed. “Let me through!!” 

But he got stopped when the door got shut on his face. “Mirae!!”

“Let me out. My pup. She is out there!! Let me out of here!!” Taehyung growled out. 

He tried opening the door. He tried hitting it with all his strength. But all he could do was stare at his daughter’s eyes with horror as they got filled with panic and her little cheeks that got stained with tears as the train started taking Taehyung far away from his daughter. 

“LET ME OUT!!! MY DAUGHTER!! MIRAE!!”

Chapter Text

Jungkook got caught off guard by the sudden scent that washed over him with a wave of spicy vanilla milk. It was a really nice combination, adding a wonderful mouthwatering delight to his omega. He forgot all about his studies and dreams as he focused on the scent that was calling out for him. He wanted to find the source of that wonderful scent, already knowing that it belonged to a small pup who still had their milky scent lingering in their being. He adored their scents. But this one had something special about it, that Jungkook couldn’t just ignore as he would usually do. 

He wanted to protect his heart. To resist his omega, that was yearning for their pup. These children were not his. His omega had to understand that. So he ignored. But this time, the pull was too strong, even Jungkook could not resist the urge.

He looked around. The station was unusually crowded. People were stepping into and out of trains, each focusing on their own days, ignoring all around them. Everything was a blur. Rushed. But not the pup who stood in the middle of the crowd, looking around with curious, and wondrous wide doe eyes, taking everything in, like it was her first time in a place like this. So so  absorbed. Jungkook chuckled. A sudden, smitten one.  

Jungkook took in all her features. She looked adorable. Caramel eyes, little moles scattered all around  her face, full pouty lips. What looked most endearing was her hair. A single hairband was holding on to her hair with its dear life. It was funny to look at, but in an extremely adorable way, Jungkook thought with a smile. It looked like someone with less practice had attempted at styling her hair, but the love and care of that person showed, with their clumsy attempt of holding the stray hairs with several tiny clips, to smooth out her hair. It showed with the attempt itself. Whoever had tied her hair has tried. That was adorable.

Jungkook wondered if he would ever get the chance to be a parent to a pup like that. It seemed like a fever dream that his omega oh so desperately longed for. Jungkook had long learned to live through the misery of life. Which had taken away such a wondrous gift from him. But his omega struggled to come to terms with that fact.

His omega yearned. He cried. He wailed. But the reality was too cruel. That not so *accident* had changed his entire life, for the better and for the worse. A life for a life. A price that Jungkook had to pay.

Jungkook blinked his eyes, getting rid of the cloud of emotions that had started to wash over him. He couldn't just let them win over him. He had to be stronger than that. He had been stronger than that. So instead of giving into the grief of his omega, Jungkook let his eyes focus back on the tiny pup who was now looking up at the person who held her little hand. It was such a curious and trustful gaze. Too curious himself, Jungkook let his eyes follow the ones of the pup.

Jungkook gulped. An alpha. It was obvious from his posture. All confident and prideful. The frowning lines in his forehead and the tight tick of his jaw giving away his frustration in his otherwise emotionless face.  Jungkook frowned as the alpha kept typing away in his phone. He looked busy. Not once paying attention to the pup who was looking for guidance in the huge crowd that suddenly started to surround them. How careless. He was so absorbed in his phone, forgetting that he even had a kid hanging on his hands, scared of life outside of her home. 

Jungkook made a tiny involuntary noise of distress from the back of his throat when he saw how the alpha let go of the pup’s hand in favor of tidying up his tie that did not look crumpled enough to act so blindly to the crowd that were preparing to get on to the incoming train. The pup looked so scared as he stared up at the alpha. Jungkook gritted his teeth as he felt anger consuming at the irresponsible actions of the alpha.  How could he let a child go so easily in a place like this? He looked so consumed in his own thoughts. Jungkook felt his blood run cold as the alpha got on the train without even looking back to check if the pup was following him in. Jungkook stood up abruptly as he saw how the kid got stumbled around in the middle of the crowd. Panicking. 

“PAPA!!”

Jungkook’s heart dipped to the pitch of his stomach. His feet carrying him automatically through the crowd. His omega taking over. Begging him to go. Begging him to comfort. He was disturbed by how no one else seemed to mind the pup who was crying out for her father, as they continued to go through their days as if nothing was wrong. As if there wasn’t a very distressed pup crying her heart out as the train, that had her father in it hadn’t long had started its journey to the east. Jungkook was too lost in the urging need to bring comfort to the pup that he only managed to register the wild look in her father’s eyes as he started making a ruckus inside the train. His instincts on the drive, as Jungkook’s had been. But Jungkook could not focus on him, not when there was a pup, so lost, all alone, in a now deserted train station, all silent except for the shallow breaths of the pup whose now the whole attention was on him as he approached her with shaky legs. Her eyes were wide with tears  and fear as she clutched the little teddy to her chest, something Jungkook had failed to notice before with the way his heart beat, as he stared at the pup as she had hung stars in the sky for Jungkook. 

The pup eyed him with apprehension, as Jungkook crouched down in the dirty platform, not caring about how his only pair of clothes that were in a good condition would get stained from the action. His omega was whining and clawing at him to get to the pup already.  The distance was killing him. The urge was too great for him to bear. But he resisted. Even though his body was shaking from all the pheromones his omega was releasing. He forced them down. He couldn’t scare the pup away. The poor little frightened thing. 

“Hey there… ” Jungkook smiled up at her. Gentle. Affectionate. “Would you like me to go bring your papa back?” It is a tricky question. Jungkook could not possibly bring the alpha back. But he could try and locate him. He had a hyung that he could rely on. And the perk ed up eyes that he got as a response was all he needed to continue.

“There is this hyung, big and aloof, but is the softest when no one is looking,” Jungkook whispered the last part ,as if to prevent his hyung from hearing it, even though he was no where around. “He can find your papa for you! ” Jungkook smiled big. Hopeful. He wanted to warm his way into her little heart. To be able to assure her. To be able to be that safe space while her father came back searching for her.

“Papa?” It was small. An almost whisper. Regardless, Jungkook heard it. His heart thumped inside his chest. 

“Yes, Papa!” Jungkook scooted a little bit closer as the pup sniffled and tried to wipe her eyes with a tiny fist that wasn’t holding her little teddy. “He would be back before you know it!” 

“Really?” The pup's eyes got filled with a glimmer of hope. Her voice quivering but filled with a sliver of trust. Jungkook smiled in triumph at the small smile that graced her tear stained face.

“Really,” Jungkook assured her. “My hyung has found lots of people before. He’s like a superhero at finding missing people.”

“I miss Papa.” The pup whispered as she looked down at her teddy, clutching it tightly to her chest as if to comfort herself. Jungkook’s heart clenched again at the raw emotions that graced her eyes. Sad. Scared. 

“I am sure your papa misses you too.” Jungkook whispered as he closed the distance between them. His hands itched to reach out and comfort. The urge was so strong, that he could no longer resist his omega of the need to reach out as he gently wiped at the tears that stained her pretty rosy cheeks. A barely there touch. Too scared to startle the pup away. Losing all the small trust she had decided to put on him. But breaking down all his fears and doubts the pup leaned into his touch. Looking for comfort. She stared at him for a few seconds sniffling as Jungkook gently thumbed at her cheeks.

“You smell nice.” Jungkook froze at the unexpected comment. Jungkook didn’t even realize that he had begun releasing calming pheromones in hopes of bringing comfort to the pup. It is now he noticed the rose garden that surrounded them in a comforting cocoon. Jungkook smiled as the pup sniffled a few more times, taking more of his scent in. His omega was happy. After a long time. It was sated. No longer nagging at him. No longer whining. No longer feeling like the world was closing on him.

“Thank you.” Jungkook softly replied with a small smile. His scent blooming with happiness. “Let’s go and have your papa back. Shall we?” Jungkook asked as he took ahold of the pup’s hands, gently squeezing them a little in comfort.

✨✨✨

“You know I didn’t get to know your name before! As for me, I am Jungkook. But you can call me Kookie.” They were walking down the platform in search of Yoongi, when Jungkook suddenly remembered that with all the chaos and urgency he didn’t introduce himself to the pup. He had to talk to her about walking with strangers, so easily.

“I am Kim Mirae. Uncle Jinnie calls me Mimi. So Kookie can call me that too.” The pup looked up at Jungkook as she explained with bright eyes. Jungkook was happy to see her all cheerful and hopeful once again, unlike the pup he met with all the colors lost in her eyes. 

“What a wonderful name you got there! I am jealous…” Jungkook fake pouted as the pup laughed at his antics. “Kookie’s name is pretty too.” 

“What’s all this laughter about?” A gruff voice suddenly interrupted their little bubble as Yoongi emerged from the little office space he had built for himself. 

“Hyung!!” Jungkook turned to look at him with a huge smile on his face with a handful of pup hiding behind his legs, clutching onto his pants. Scared of the new figure that startled her out with his grave and aloof voice. “What are you doing here Kookie? Didn’t you say that you have a lot to study?” Yoongi raised a brow in question. Jungkook even asked him to leave him alone so he couldn’t disturb him with all his pestering about his well being.

 “We were searching for you!” Jungkook exclaimed, ignoring the question Yoongi had asked him. He would get his answers eventually anyway. Besides, he had more important matters at hand.

“We?” Yoongi asked as he glanced down at the pup who he only now noticed as he followed Jungkook’s eyes which were sparkling with a lightness into them that he hadn't witnessed before.

“Yes, me and Mirae,” Jungkook gently guided the pup to come forward as she stared at the alpha with wide eyes. His coffee scent washing over them in a comforting blanket of safety. “Mirae wants to find her papa,” Jungkook informed with a certain look on his face that told Yoongi to play along and not to utter a single word out of context, making the pup uncomfortable. “Superhero hyung is going to help her to do that, right?” Jungkook eyed Yoongi as he smiled sweetly at the kid who was now looking at Yoongi with so much hope shining in her little doe eyes.

Yoongi sighed at Jungkook's antics. He can be so extreme when it was something that involved a pup. He understood though. The place Jungkook was coming from was so pure and sincere.

“Of course, I have not failed a client of mine before!” Yoongi crouched down so he could look the pup in her eyes. Assuring as he went “Your papa would be with you in no time. I’ll make sure of it.” Yoongi patted Mirae’s head with affection as the pup mumbled out a small thank you.

Yoongi stood up and leveled Jungkook with a look that demanded answers. Jungkook gulped before turning to look at the pup, the smile back on his face. “See I told you that Yoongi hyung would help us! So how about you go sit on that bench a little bit, I will bring you a chocolate, hmm?”  Jungkook asked pointing at a bench that was safely tucked away near Yoongi’s office.

Mirae looked hesitant, reluctant to leave her new found companion, afraid to be all alone, again.

Like if understanding her hesitancy Jungkook crouched down holding both of her tiny hands in his big scarred ones. “I’ll be quick. Just like the wind.” Jungkook explained gently.

“Promise?” Her voice was so small. Filled with insecurity. Jungkook's heart swelled for the hundredth time that day at the affection he felt for the pup.

“Pinky promise.” 

Mirae finally cracked a smile as she gently sealed the promise with her own tiny finger that matched Jungkook’s big one.

Yoongi wasted no time to question Jungkook as soon as the pup was out of the earshot. “Alright kid, care to explain what is going on here?”

Jungkook sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, his scent souring a bit at the reminder of how that alpha — Mimi’s father — behaved so irresponsibly. 

✨✨✨

“Mimi, look what I brought you!” Jungkook sneaked up on the pup with a small chocolate that he had hidden away in his nest so he could have it when he was in an extremely bad mood, when his omega became extremely distressed. But this was a far better use for that small chocolate. His omega was wagging its tail as he saw how the pup was eyeing the chocolate with interest. 

“Yoongi hyung went right away to find your papa…” Jungkook took a seat beside the pup as he handed the chocolate over. “So save some for your papa too. Because sharing is caring.” Jungkook smiled fondly as he looked at the pup who was nodding along to him. 

Yoongi hyung had said that he would contact the next train station and let them know about the situation. He was shocked when he first heard about it. He was highly disappointed in the alpha. But he explained how his instincts must be going haywire now, making it difficult to deal with him. An alpha provoked with their parenting and protective instincts were not a good combination at all. So he asked Jungkook to be careful before sending him off. 

Jungkook didn’t have any more time to reassure his hyung. He had to get to the pup. His instincts urging him to. But he knew how to take care of himself. Living a life like he did. He had to. So he was not at all worried. He just wanted to be with Mirae. Bask in the milky scent that was healing his soul. 

“Mimi, who did your hair?” Jungkook asked as he patted along the smooth ponytail while Mirae was busy eating the chocolate away. 

“Papa did. It’s funny, isn’t it?” Mirae pouted after gulping a handful of chocolate.

Jungkook chuckled, even though he was quite taken aback knowing it was the same alpha who was so careless with his kid, did it. A complete contrast of an image he had gotten to see from him today. 

“It is cute…” Jungkook smiled as he eyed the ponytail, looking at it in a new light. Maybe the day was just not in their favor today. Afterall, Jungkook didn’t know the alpha enough to judge him based on a singular situation that had showcased him in a bad light. The pup seemed content enough. Loving his alpha father. So it was all Jungkook needed to let it go. Jungkook briefly wondered about her other parent too. Already imagining the distress he or she would be put through. He sympathized with them.

“No! The kids are gonna make fun of it! They do about everything…” Mirae turned to look at him, now neatly folding away the half eaten chocolate, saving a piece for her parents. 

Jungkook frowned at the comment. That sounded really disturbing. But he did not get much time to ponder over it as he got an armful of pup in his lap, looking at him with these big glassy eyes with so much trust that Jungkook didn't know whether he was worth it.

“Kookie, can you redo my hair?” Mirae asked with a pout on her lips, with furrowed eyebrows, looking all serious.

Jungkook chuckled as he brushed some stray strands of hair back on her forehead. “Why? It really is nice Mimi, your papa had done a good job.”

Despite Jungkook's words, her frown only got deeper, making Jungkook concerned. His worries intensified as the pup fell silent. Thinking. Then her eyes turned glassy. Jungkook panicked. “Oh baby, no-”

“Please Kookie? The kids are so mean to me because I don't have a mommy. They say bad things.” Her lips wobbled explaining her deeply held secrets that even her papa didn't know. Mirae didn't want to trouble her papa, afraid he would be angry with her, afraid that he would not have a papa too. 

Jungkook's heart sank for the nth time that morning. Jungkook was an orphan. So he really didn't know what it was like to have a parent. He guessed it would feel more or less like what he felt when Yoongi or Jimin fussed over him. But he sure knew what it was like to be the source of fun to others because of it. And he couldn't bear the thought of this sweet little pup going through the same.

So Jungkook pulled Mirae a little bit up on his lap, turning her around with a gentle grip so he could untangle her hair without tugging or making it an uncomfortable experience for her. 

“You know, when I was younger I used to cry because my friends thought my eyes were too big for my face.” Jungkook spoke with a small smile on his face. His voice soft. Reminiscing. 

Mirae gasped trying to turn back around to look at Jungkook.

“Ah, ah. Hold still…” Jungkook gently reminded her as he gently tugged at her hair. Gathering the hair around in a small ponytail.

“Sorry Kookie,” Mirae apologized before rambling on, with a cute anger grazing her voice. “But that is so mean. Kookie’s eyes are the prettiest!” Mirae exclaimed with so much certainty in her voice.

“That’s what my hyung said too.” Jungkook paused, thinking about the one and only person who had stuck to him throughout his teenage years to his early twenties. Jungkook wondered about him quite a handful of times. He missed Hoseok hyung. The only person he regretted having cutting the contact off.

Jungkook turned the pup back around to face him. “See. The perfect pony in the world!” Jungkook chuckled as the pup started patting her hair around with big wide eyes. “Thank you Kookie! It feels perfect.” Mirae beamed.

Jungkook gazed at her with so much fondness. His omega purring in content. He didn’t remember the last time he was in this much peace despite the bussing around him.

“So what I wanted to say was, the kids can say so many mean things about you Mimi, but that doesn’t mean they are right. It’s important to remember that their words don’t define you. You are amazing just the way you are.”

Mirae listened quietly, her small hands clutching her teddy. “Even though I don’t have a mommy?” Her voice small, insecure, and tired.

“Of course, not having a mommy does not change how wonderful you are. Instead you are loved twice as much by your papa. See how much of a great job he did with your hair,” Jungkook flicked her ponytail gently, chuckling a bit before he continued. “That is because he loves you. Because he cares for you.” Jungkook looked into her eyes. “You are loved Mirae. It doesn’t matter where that love comes from. Your papa loves you, your uncle Jinnie loves you, Yoongi hyung loves you…” Jungkook paused for a moment until the pup could soak all the words in. “Kookie also loves you.”

Mirae’s scent bloomed. Milky scent spreading throughout Jungkook’s being. His own scent replying with the same intensity. Blanketing them in a garden of roses and a hint of citrus. 

But a booming voice startled them out of it as the pup jumped off Jungkook’s lap before dashing away with a shout of “PAPA!!” 

✨✨✨

Taehyung was panicking and hyperventilating by the time he arrived back at the Seoul Station. He could not believe that he had let something of this sort to bestow upon his child. Sure he had his moments. Where he lacked a lot as a father. But this, it held no excuses. How could he let her go in a place like this so carelessly. He was furious. At himself. His daughter, his little Mirae, was paying a hefty sum of price just because Taehyung couldn’t handle some stressful times with grace. 

He didn’t know how to control himself. His alpha was pawing and scratching at him. Demanding. Growling. Howling. Taehyung had long learned to control his wolf. Having to ignore his own instincts for a long time. But as the tears of frustration and fear started to cloud his eyes Taehyung understood it was a battle he could not win against. This was his daughter. No matter what, he loved her. No matter what, he valued her. 

So he knew nothing, thought nothing as he looked around. Wildly. He just wanted to have his pup back with him. Where she was the safest. Where he could hide her away from all the scents that were irritating him. Taehyung growled in frustration.

People  were straying away from him. He was putting them off with his pheromones that were suffocating them. Too aggressive. Threatening. Taehyung ignored them all. His feet carried him, his nose following the faint scent of his pup that lingered, mixed with something flowery. Too many people, too many scents. Taehyung huffed as he hurried away from the crowd into the pavement.

As soon as he got cleared from all the people that surrounded him, Taehyung’s eyes zeroed on the pup, his pup, who was in the arms of a stranger. Alarm bells started ringing through his head at the sight. Even though the rational part of Taehyung understood that the young omega was not a threat, the fact that Mirae’s scent was mingling with the omegas oh so pleasantly, untroubled was proof enough, Taehyung couldn’t help the fresh wave of fury that washed over him. He was a highly territorial wolf. His protective instincts driving him mad, so he couldn’t help the way he roared. 

“Let her GO!!” Taehyung growled out threateningly. He did not have the mind to care about how badly the man in front of him flinched at the harsh sound. He did not have the mind to care about how the once calming scent of roses wilted away from the distress. All he could focus on was his pup, who was simply *away*, out of reach. He did not have the mind to care about anything but his pup. 

Taehyung took a step forward threateningly. Blind to his instincts.  His alpha bristling inside him. Growling. Demanding to tear his pup away from the omega. 

“Papa!!” But before Taehyung could do anything at all, Mirae’s joyful voice filled with relief pierced through his rage. She wiggled out of Jungkook’s arms and ran to Taehyung, clutching at his leg. 

Taehyung crouched down instantly pulling the pup into his embrace. Mirae clutched at the lapel of Taehyung’s coat in her small hands as she was surprised by the sudden hug. She could feel the small trembling of her father’s hands as he held her body so closely to him. She hadn’t ever seen her father like this. She couldn’t remember the last time he held her oh so lovingly. Maybe Kookie was right. Her papa did love her. “I missed you papa.”  

Taehyung fought away the tears of relief welling up in his eyes as he heard her words. He did not deserve this little bundle of sunshine. So how dare he express himself through something precious as tears? He did not have the right. So instead he held her tighter. “I missed you too pup. Papa is sorry for leaving you alone.” Taehyung buried his face in her hair as he took a deep breath in. Her scent mingled with the omega’s. Surprisingly a pleasant mix that had his alpha perking a little bit in interest, finally a little bit calmer now he had her pup in his arms. He found comfort in her warmth. She was safe. She was unharmed. She was here.

With the rustling sound of fabrics Taehyung glanced up, his wolf again coming back to the surface. He growled a little at the omega who now stood a few feet away. A warning to stay away. He was still wounded up from the separation. Still on edge. Protective. He held the pup close as he kept an eye on the omega who was looking at him with wide eyes. Nervous. Afraid. Like he caught off guard by his own closeness to them.

✨✨✨

Jungkook was quick to scramble up to his legs as he saw how the pup ran away from him, into the arms of another. The same alpha from the morning. Jungkook noticed. His angry pheromones making Jungkook’s nose scratchy. His omega whined inside him. At the onslaught of the pheromones. At the loss of the pup. Jungkook could withhold the effect he had on angry pheromones. He had long before gotten used to reign his omega in. He was in no position to let his instincts drive his being. It was too expensive for someone like him. But he could not withhold the effect the pup had on him. It was a small interaction. A passing by experience. But the way the pup had crawled in his heart was unsurprising. Jungkook was a sucker for pups. After ignoring this part of him for so long, it was no surprise for having grown a soft spot for an adorable pup like Mirae in no time. But this was the end. The small smile that played on his face fell right at the reminder. His scent wilted at the thought of not being able to see her again. 

But as he looked at Mirae who was happily thriving in the embrace of her father he guessed it was meant to be. He was just a passerby, a stranger, that was kind enough to extend his hands to her. To make her traumatic experience less stressful and less frightening. Hopefully. And Jungkook was glad. He was glad he could be of help. He hoped the pup found some comfort in him for the little time they had with each other. Because for sure Jungkook did. The pup was the remedy he didn’t think he needed. The pain in his heart was dulled. No longer the intense feeling that tried to suffocate him every day and night.

Jungkook sighed as he looked down at his feet. He somehow felt lighter. His heart beating lightly. Warming his soul up. The pup was happy. She was loved. He wasn't needed anymore. And the alpha looked so affected by the whole thing, Jungkook guessed he knew the consequences of his own actions. He didn’t need an homeless omega, giving advice to him about parenting. Besides, what would he know? If asked he would answer, *plenty*. At least enough to know that a parent can’t bear the pain of a separation from their child. So he was glad. They could find each other again. Could feel each other. Warmth. Flesh. Blood running through those veins. It was a gift.

Jungkook was about to leave the place, unnoticed, blending into the background. But got stopped on his feet as the alpha locked eyes with him. The growl he left out was threatening. A warning. Jungkook realized how close he had been to the pair. Unconsciously shuffling closer. Taking that milky scent in, mixed with spicy cinnamon. 

“What do you want?” Taehyung growled out. 

“Oh- N-Nothing. I was just-” Jungkook scrambled to find something to say. His heart beating fast in his chest. He didn’t mean to interrupt their little bubble. He knew how a parent’s protective instincts tend to be. The alpha still had little splotches of red bleeding in his eyes. It was like digging his own grave to provoke someone like him,  no matter how confident Jungkook was in his ability to withstand his omega and its need to submit.

“You what!?” Taehyung was annoyed. He eyed the omega with disdain.  “What-” 

“PAPA!!” As Taehyung was about to shout at the omega again, Mirae pushed at him. Obviously upset as she cried out. “Don’t talk to Kookie like that!!”

Taehyung stared at the pup with disbelief. “He was the one who helped me while you were away!” Mirae complained. 

It was like a cold bucket of water had been poured on to Taehyung. His eyes slowly taking back the shade of warm chocolate brown. How could he forget that he was the root cause of everything?

“Mimi, it’s okay… Papa was just worried for you.” Jungkook spoke seeing how upset the pup was at her father. It was not okay. Jungkook didn’t want to be the reason for a fall out between a parent and a child. Oh he could not bear the consequences for the love of god. Besides, he understood where the alpha was coming from. His instincts still running haywire.  Jungkook couldn’t imagine how hard it must have been for him.

“But- But- He was mean to Kookie…” Mirae’s lips wobbled as she looked at Jungkook. Oh, Jungkook wanted to pull her into his arms. Assure her that it was okay. He eyed the alpha as he took a step closer, stopping once the alpha narrowed his eyes at him. So instead he slowly crouched down into their level as if to not to startle the alpha.

“Oh no Mimi, papa just thought Kookie was mean to you. Papa is just mean to the people who are mean to you! Why? Because he loves you, remember? ” Jungkook spoke gently. Voice soft. As his eyes kept glancing back at the alpha, who still had a hold on his pup. Protective. But Jungkook saw how the redness of his eyes was slowly fading away, giving way to the natural warmth of his eyes. The alpha seemed stoic, expressionless as he took Jungkook in. But the unspoken emotions were apparent. He was slowly coming back to himself.

Taehyung was surprised at the gentleness of the omega, Kookie, according to his pup. How he spoke for him. How he spoke emotions that even Taehyung failed to understand. It was strange. How a stranger could understand him so so deeply. His rage and fear slowly lifting away as he took the omega in. Took the reality in. His scent of roses wafting in with waves. Calming. Strange. How his wolf seemed to calm down. “Papa, Kookie was so nice to me. He even did my hair. See!!” Taehyung looked at his daughter. Really taking his daughter in. Her hair was done so prettily. Something Taehyung for the life of him could not achieve that skillfully. 

“It *is* nice.” Taehyung whispered. He could not fathom the fact that a stranger was so kind enough to extend his kindness to a pup of another wolf. Something so rare to find in this time of days. Taehyung glanced back at the omega who was looking at him with his big wide eyes that were too big for his skinny body that was covered with tattered clothes. And it was obvious that this omega did not do very well financially. But he was pretty. Taehyung had seen plenty pretty. So it was not something that stuck around his mind. But what did stick around was the heart of this omega. It seemed that his heart was bigger than all the money Taehyung could ever earn in his lifetime. He was arrogant. He was rude. But he was not judgy. Everyone had their own circumstances. As he had his own. 

“Papa is sorry Mimi. I was really scared.” It was hard. To admit. Taehyung never spoke his mind. Not to his pup. Not to his hyung. Not to himself. So it was hard. But relieving at the same time. Mimi was in his embrace within seconds. “It’s okay papa, Mimi is sorry too.” 

“No, Papa is wrong. You were all alone because of me.” 

“Kookie was with me the whole time! Remember?” Mirae patted Taehyung’s hair as he buried his face in her little neck. Taking the mixed scents in.

Jungkook caught the alpha’s eyes once he pulled away as they stood up from the ground. The alpha picked the pup up, holding her protectively. “Thank you. For being there for her.”

There was a lot unsaid in between those words. Thank you for being the stranger who was there for her, when I as her papa was not. Thank you for being kind enough to help her out and protecting her innocent smile. 

Jungkook smiled. “It was my pleasure. Mirae is such a sweet little pup.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Each with different emotions swelling in their eyes. Taehyung was curious, confused, surprised and relieved. While Jungkook was content, happy and nostalgic. 

“Kookie!! Your superhero hyung is awesome! Can you thank him for me? He found my papa!!” Mirae interrupted them with big pleading eyes. How could she forget him? He had helped her, finding her papa!!

Taehyung raised a brow at the mention of another to which Jungkook simply chuckled as he replied, “Of course, I told you so.”

“Okay then. Thank you again. I appreciate what you did. Truly. I will never forget.” Taehyung said as he was preparing to leave.

“Sure thing. I am glad I could be of help.” Jungkook smiled. A little strained.

“See you again Kookie!!!”

Jungkook chuckled as he bid goodbye to the little bundle of joy that took his heart away with her. He glanced at the pair with longing before discretely wiping his eyes away. He should not get attached. Because despite Mirae’s promise to see him again, Jungkook knew how unlikely it was to be. 

The reality was not always so fond of Jungkook. But he was happy. He was content. The smile of the pup forever taking a place in his mind.

Chapter Text

As the alpha and the pup disappeared from his line of sight, Jungkook trotted back to the bench he had shared with Mirae. He glanced at it before sitting himself down. Staring into the distance. It had not been even a minute but he was already missing the pup.

Jungkook sighed as he finally burrowed his nose in his collar, sniffing himself out. He was fully expecting to scrunch his nose in disgust. He was sure that the angry pheromones of the alpha was enough to get rid of the pleasant milky scent that he was oh so longingly searching for. But the aroma of the wild roses dipped in milk with a hint of cinnamon caught him off guard. Jungkook took a deep breath in of the surprisingly pleasant combination of scents that washed over him. It was weird. Never before Jungkook had smelled something, that was calling out for his soul. The scent was alluring. Very much so, he wanted to roll in his nest, spreading the scent more deeply into his being. It was strange. But despite everything he enjoyed the lingering scent of the pup on him. It was calming his wolf down. Patching up the longing he had felt all day along for the past two years. Jungkook closed his eyes. Already imagining the smile of the pup who brought so much comfort to his soul. He wondered whether she would miss him too.

Yoongi found him like that, curled up on the bench, nose buried in his worn out shirt collar. “Whatcha doing kid?” Yoongi asked in curiosity as he took a seat beside him, a lunch box in his hands. “Where is the pup?” Yoongi looked around curiously. “I have made some calls around and the next station should guide her father back here.” Yoongi opened the lunch box filled with Jungkook’s favorite lamb skewers.

If it was a usual day, Jungkook would abandon anything in his hands to grab the lunch box and devour the contents in it. So the faintly mumbled “Gone!” and the silent response to the lamb skewers — which was whiffing off its delicious aroma — got Yoongi’s attention as he whipped around to take a proper look at Jungkook who looked like he was in cloud nine. “Kookie you okay?” Yoongi hadn’t ever seen Jungkook looking quite out of it. He strangely seemed like he was scent drunk. Which was highly concerning. Alarm bells rang as Yoongi leaned in and took a few sniffs and scrunched his nose in disgust. His hair rising in the back of his neck. Alpha. It lingered in every corner of Jungkook’s body. Yoongi was up on his feet in a second. Yanking Jungkook back by his arm. “Jungkook! What the hell happened??”

Yoongi looked around. The pup was nowhere to be found. He was ready to tear down the entire train station in search of the alpha who dared to come near his little omega pup if it wasn't for the dopey smile and the bright “Papa came!” that Jungkook exclaimed with a really bright voice.

Yoongi blinked. “What?”

“Big bad alpha, took the pup away!” The way he worded it was really concerning. If it wasn’t for the fact that Jungkook was smiling, smitten, content and drunk, Yoongi must have lost his shit.

Yoongi sighed as he sat back down again beside the omega. Hiding his face in between his hands as he rubbed at it. Tired. Relieved. Endeared. “I swear to the god Jungkook, you are going to give me gray hair just by existing.”

“Liar, you always say that you are full just by seeing me eating.” Jungkook pouted.

Yoongi looked back at him and didn’t know how to deal with a scent drunk Jungkook. How the hell did he even manage to get himself in this state? Getting scent drunk was only possible between mates or really close family members. It was an act of comfort for an omega. So Yoongi was confused and concerned.

“Jungkook, I need you to focus. Can you do that for me?” Yoongi gently questioned him. Despite the state Jungkook was in, Yoongi wanted answers. He was really lost in the situation.

Jungkook nodded his head as he opened the lamb skewers container taking a deep breath in, his mouth watering at the smell.

“Can you explain what happened Kookie? Where is the pup?”

“The alpha came back and he took her with him.” Jungkook pouted and he suddenly sounded so so sad. His voice small as he stared at the distance where the pair disappeared into. Yoongi’s heart sank. Oh, how he wished he could give Jungkook what he wanted oh so desperately. But the reality was too harsh on them. On Jungkook. How could the destiny be too cruel to him, handing him over just a glimpse of a life he oh so desperately wished, only to snatch it away in the next second.

“That was fast.” Yoongi hadn’t expected the alpha to come so fast for the pup. He had thought Jungkook would get more time with the pup. He thought it would be of some help. To heal that part of him that Yoongi or Jimin couldn’t reach out a hand to. He was not so sure whether it was a blessing or a condemnation as he looked at Jungkook now.

“Yeah, but Mimi was happy. The alpha hugged her. Must have been so warm.” Jungkook mumbled. Nostalgic. Longing. Happy. A bittersweet smile playing on his lips.

Yoongi couldn’t help it as he pulled him into his embrace. “You can get warm hugs too pup. Jimin and I would always be there to hug you warm.” Yoongi held him close as Jungkook buried his face on his neck. Sniffling a little bit.

Once they pulled away Jungkook’s eyes had cleared out a bit. The fuzzy and cloudy feeling fading away.

“Hey pup.” Yoongi greeted.

“Hey hyung,” Jungkook spoke, shy, sheepish as he held the lamb skewers container in front of him. “Thank you for this. Jimin hyung should rest more though. He is in his last trimester.”

Yoongi brushed off his concerns as usual, waving a hand in front of him for more effect, “Oh you know how he is. He likes taking care of you. It helps his instincts. So no need to worry your little head over it.”

“You almost gave me a heart attack today though. You should be more careful around here kid.” Yoongi spoke after a long period of silence when he saw how Jungkook was halfway into his lunch. “How did you even get scent drunk???” Yoongi looked at him with a bewildered expression on his face. He just couldn’t understand this no matter how hard he tried.

“I don’t know hyung. I wasn’t expecting it either. But it was nice. All I wanted to do was roll around. The pup’s scent had calmed me down. A lot.” Jungkook spoke after gulping down a mouthful of food.

Yoongi frowned. “All I smelled from you was the scent of the alpha though.” As if to make his point through he leaned in taking another whiff. “Yeah, scent of an alpha.” Yoongi scrunched his nose in disgust.

Jungkook frowned as he took a whiff of himself. Lifting his collar, sniffing it out Jungkook exclaimed, “What do you mean, the milky scent is so prominent, with a hint of cinnamon?” Yoongi frowned. “See alpha.” Jungkook huffed as he closed the container after finishing with his meal. “It was pleasant. Mixed with mine. So I guessed it carried me away for a bit.”

“That’s-” Yoongi cut himself off as he sighed. “Just, be careful. You are an unmated omega. Vulnerable in a place like this. So it might be getting to you.”

“I- I will hyung. I am sorry for making you worry over me.”

“I am always going to worry over you kid. Doesn’t matter whether you live in a bed of roses. I will still worry over you.”

Jungkook held back a sob as he focused more on the way his heart soared from the words. How much he loved his hyungs. If it weren’t for them he didn’t know what would have happened. He didn’t know where he would have ended up in. He guessed it was time. To make amends. He had been recovering so well with the guidance of Yoongi and Jimin. So he felt ready for the next step he wished to embark in his life. To connect with the part of his past he left behind oh so cruelly.

The pup had been a firm reminder of his past. The good and the bad.

“I want to see Hoseokie hyung again.” Jungkook whispered. He felt lighter. As if a weight had been lifted off his shoulder. It had been a long due commitment. One Jungkook was not just ready for. But as he looked back, he felt calmer. He felt serene.

“Oh, pup. Are you sure??” Yoongi stared at Jungkook looking for any sign of discomfort. He had heard of this Hoseok from Jungkook a lot. He had heard how amazing of a person he had been in Jungkook’s life. But at the same time, he was a big catalyst in Jungkook’s past that he had left behind. So he was worried. About what it may bring in Jungkook’s life. He didn’t want Jungkook to tear open the wounds that they have oh so carefully managed to heal up until now.

So when Jungkook glanced back at him, Yoongi was surprised. He was determined. A brightness to his eyes that he had never seen before. A lightness in his scent that Yoongi had never noticed before. “I am proud of you pup. So so proud. If you think it is time, I am not going to stand in your way.”

✨✨✨

Taehyung sighed for the nth time that day. He was so so tired from the day he had and he just wanted to sleep. But her pup decided to be a brat as she had been for the past few days, throwing tantrums and demanding they go visit the train station again.

“Mirae, no we can’t go there again. I have a really busy schedule. Maybe some other day.” Taehyung tried to explain to her with as much gentleness as he could afford.

“No! I want to see Kookie, right now!! I miss him so much. Papa please.” Mirae was crying. Why couldn’t her papa understand how much she was missing her Kookie. She had promised to see him again. And it’d been days. Her papa refusing to take her back there.

Taehyung was holding on to the last thread of patience as he held his head in his hands. He had been dropping her off to the school early in the mornings. Rushing to his office right after to attend his meetings that had been putting so much pressure in his work schedule. The lack of a babysitter was weighing him down. So fast and so hard. Jin and Namjoon helped. Of course they helped. But Taehyung couldn’t and he wouldn’t ask them more than he already had even though he knew they would drop everything and would be there for him at a single distress sign from his part.

But he had to manage. He had to stay in composure. But sometimes it was too hard. It was too hard to hear his pup’s cries. It was too hard to make amends and balance everything out. It was too hard to make it out there all alone.

“Papa!! Can you please take me to Kookie tomorrow? I really really miss him. Please papa. I won’t ask for anything else. Please.” Mirae didn’t know how to explain the ache she felt in her heart. Her vocabulary was too small for such complex feelings. She really wanted to see him. It hurt to be away from him. Mirae didn’t understand. She just wanted to see him.

Taehyung glanced at his daughter. Her eyes rimmed with red water lines. Her face stained with tears that were still flowing down. She looked so distraught that Taehyung was taken aback at the intensity of her emotions. He thought it would be only a momentarily attachment. He thought the pup would forget about her Kookie as the time passed. He thought that the tantrums would die down eventually as she got distracted with her life. But as he stared at her now, Taehyung’s mind wandered back to the omega he had met a few days back. Jungkook. Her pup had talked nonstop that day. Explaining oh so expressively, how Kookie held her as she was looking for him. Scared and alone. Kookie was her safe place. Kookie was warm. Kookie was nice. Kookie hadn’t left her mind at all.

Taehyung was wary. Hesitant to let his pup get close to this unknown omega. Of course, he had helped her. He had been there for her when Taehyung himself was not. But still he felt restless at the thought of letting his pup get closer to someone that Taehyung wasn’t in contact with. He felt threatened to some extent. As ridiculous as it was. But at the same time he couldn’t get rid of the warm big eyes that held so much affection and fondness as he glanced at his pup. The omega was strange. The way the omega was affecting him was strange. The way the omega lingered in every thought of Mirae was strange.

“Fine. I’ll talk to uncle Jinnie to take you there.” Taehyung saw how quickly Mirae’s eyes shifted as he gave into her demands. All brightened up as a big smile graced her lips. “Really? Thank you. Thank you so much papa. I won’t trouble you at all. I promise.”

“Come here…” Taehyung tiredly pulled her into his embrace, something he had gotten used to since that day. He had forgotten how warm it felt, it was to be hugged. How could he deprive his pup of such a wondrous gift? He wanted to do better. He wanted to become better. Show Mirae the world. Grow her up to be a wonderful woman. Kind and confident.

The dark circles under his eyes were such a contrast against his skin when he closed his eyes. Pulling the pup in more into his embrace as she hugged him back with her tiny little hands. Content. Now finally having the permission to see her Kookie.

Taehyung thought back to the way his wolf took in the mixed scents of roses and milk once they were at home. How his wolf seemed to be pleased with the way it lingered on his skin. Taehyung was confused. He was confused about a lot of things. But all of those things did not matter when his pup was purring so contently in his arms. “I love you papa.”