Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jeongguk can't remember a time when he didn't absolutely loathe Kim Taehyung. 

"I fucking hate him." He grumbles, writing his own name on his paper as the professor comes to collect their assignments. Yoongi hums beside him, not entirely a fan of Kim either but he expresses his hatred a lot less. "Does he ever shut the fuck up? It's like he talks just to hear his own voice."

The beta and omega that sit behind them are never quiet. They talk and talk and giggle and shuffle and just never fucking stay still or fucking quiet. Jeongguk doesn't even know how the fuck they're passing, he's pretty sure they've never paid attention to the professor for longer than a minute or two.

Jeongguk is just glad the semester will be over soon and he'll never have to fucking be near Kim or Park again. Not if he can help it. 

According to Namjoon, both boys are majoring in dance so he shouldn't have a problem running into them since he's majoring in art. He just has to get his gen eds and be done with those idiots.

The high pitched omega suddenly bursts out laughing behind them, startling Jeongguk and Yoongi so bad, they growl instinctively. The professor glares in their direction, not amused about being interrupted by the four as he discusses their final and the review.

Jeongguk feels his face heat up, both in embarrassment and anger. It isn't their fault they were startled, it's the two loud ass fucking boys behind them.

When the professor turns away, the beta and omega go right back to giggling. Jeongguk feels his pencil split in his fist, ignoring Yoongi's hand that settles on his arm to remind him to calm down. 

He's had enough, he fucking hates those two.

*

Taehyung feels a bit sorry for what happened in the middle of class, upset that the cute alpha in front of him was glared at because Jimin and he couldn't keep quiet. 

They can't help it, putting them together in the same class was one thing, but assigning them seats together was just asking for disruption. Their teachers in high school knew this and would keep them as far apart as they could but clearly, the college professors had no clue about the two. 

It's incredibly difficult not to make jokes about anything and everything when he's next to his best friend, but at least it's usually about the topic... usually. 

Either way, he wasn't expecting Jimin to laugh so hard at his joke, much less how loud and startling his laugh would be, which caused a chain reaction to the glare the professor shot their way. 

Now he feels bad because Jeon Jeongguk is pissed, he can smell the sour scent of anger from the other very clearly, and it has his mind spinning. He wants to apologize and bare his neck, promising never to anger the alpha again. But maybe he'll just swallow the other feelings down and just apologize because he's entirely at fault for humiliating and angering the boy.

Jimin looks apologetic too but rather tells Taehyung he's got study plans with Hoseok and bolts out of the class as soon as they're dismissed. He must be embarrassed too, especially since it was his laugh that startled the boys. Also because he has an immense crush on the other alpha, Min Yoongi. 

Yeah, Taehyung can understand why he'd want to go hide immediately. He would too, but the guilt eats at him too strong for him to ignore it.

So he takes a small breath, careful to avoid breathing in Jeongguk's scent too much before following after the alpha out of the classroom. 

Attempting to catch up to him, he reaches forward and taps a finger on Jeongguk's shoulder to get his attention. 

He knows it was the wrong thing to do when he catches Jeongguk's eyes, flashing a deep angry red. "The fuck do you want?" He growls.

Taehyung should have just run away with Jimin.

Swallowing nervously, Taehyung begins to stutter out an apology but he's quickly interrupted. 

"God, you're so fucking annoying, do you ever shut up?" 

The pain that pierces through Taehyung's chest has him pausing, his ramble halting awkwardly. It hurts, especially when he's really liked this guy for a while now.

But he doesn't let it build, he might have been attracted to the alpha but he has no right to talk to Taehyung like that.

"Excuse me?" Taehyung meets his eyes, anger beginning to boil beneath his skin. "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

Jeongguk's tongue pokes the inside of his cheek, his head tilting up in an instinctive act to display dominance. "The guy who sits in front of you in math class. Maybe if you considered looking around yourself for once, you'd realize the world doesn't revolve around you, dumbass."

Taehyung's lip twitches, brows furrowing.  "I was actually going to apologize for what happened earlier, but since you're such a dick, I think you had it coming."

The taller male steps into Taehyung's space, trying to intimidate the beta that doesn't seem to be backing down any time soon.

"You're just too stupid to know when to quit, huh?" Jeongguk taunts, fists itching to punch the smirk right off of the boy's face. "Maybe if you paid attention in class once in a while you'd learn something. But since you don't, I'll gladly teach you a lesson."

Taehyung rolls his eyes, unimpressed by the show Jeongguk puts on of cracking his knuckles. Girls to his right giggle and twirl their hair in excitement at the sight, and it's then he notices the crowd gathering around them. 

This could get ugly really quick but Taehyung can't afford to lose his scholarship, so he sighs, shoulders dropping in reluctant submission and just as he's about to apologize one more time and tell Jeongguk to cut it out, his head is knocking backward.

Pain flairs in his jaw, the momentum causing him to stumble back into a wall. Their classmates chant 'fight!' around them like a bunch of idiots, but Taehyung is more concerned about how Jeongguk grabs his collar, lifting his feet an inch from the ground to look him square in the eye.

"Maybe now you'll know your fucking place." He growls, shoving him once against the wall, hard enough for his head to slam against it. Taehyung groans in pain, lip throbbing, and he feels the blood flow slowly from it down to his chin. 

Jeongguk drops him then like he's filthy trash he's throwing away, causing Taehyung to slump down to his knees. The students around them cheer, omegas and betas following after Jeongguk, attracted to the display of dominance and strength, while the rest just leave and go about the rest of their day. 

Taehyung's eyes are shut, his body sore and weak. He trembles in place, allowing his body to fall forward to hide his shame in his arms. People walk around his curled form, confused, but not concerned enough to ask if he's alright. 

It's better that way, he doesn't want people to know, he's embarrassed as it is. But he's also heartbroken from it all; the boy he's been crushing on all semester is nothing but a huge jerk with a big ego, who thinks he's above everyone because of his status.

Why is he even surprised at this point? Taehyung should have known all alphas were the same, why did he let himself believe his crush—Jeon Jeongguk was any different?

*

The art building is shared with theater and performance building. Jeongguk should have known.

Turns out, he has to see Kim Taehyung's fucking face every other day when he has his ten am class. 

The first few weeks were tense, both of them glaring at each other—mostly Jeongguk, if he's honest. He can't lie, he feels threatened by the boy and can't help but feel the need to establish his dominance in every way he can.

Whispers are quick to fly around them, creating some sort of whirlwind of theories and rumors and by the middle of the semester, everyone believes there's an intense rivalry between the two. And, as childish as it may seem, it's true.

The thing is, Jeongguk cannot, absolutely cannot have the football team believing he is intimidated or losing to a beta. They're all supposed to consider themselves equal and whatever, but Jeongguk knows Taehyung is weak as hell because he doesn't work out at all despite the fact that he's a dance major. Jeongguk can't have his teammates thinking he's weak if Taehyung picks a fight with him and he doesn't put him in his fucking place.

He hates the other anyway, he almost enjoys showing the beta who is boss. But there's always something that tugs at his heart when the older gives in and stops fighting back when he just flinches and waits for the next punch like he's surrendering. It's probably just his stupid instincts or whatever, that makes him angry at himself for hurting a neutral beta. 

It's dumb but, at that point, he always stops hurting him anyway. Because of that instinct, of course. Otherwise, he'd keep going until Kim apologizes for whatever the hell it is they're fighting about.

Yeah. He's lucky Jeongguk doesn't ignore his own instincts.

*

"I don't know how you always manage to get yourself in these situations." Seokjin sighs, patching up the last of his scapes with a butterfly bandaid.

Taehyung chuckles, leaning on Seokjin's shoulder in exhaustion. "I don't know. If I so much as look at Jeon the wrong way he thinks I'm challenging him."

Seokjin huffs, running a hand through the younger boy's soft hair. "I know pulling pigtails is an old school way of flirting but this is a bit much." He jokes, knowing Taehyung will get all flustered. But he's quickly proven wrong. 

"Stop, hyung," Taehyung says softly. "You and I both know he doesn't like me, especially not in that way." 

Slumping in defeat, Taehyung struggles to keep his lips from turning downward. "And I don't know why I can't get over him," he adds. "It doesn't make any sense. He's not that great, I barely even know him. I hate that my instincts keep drawing me to him." He whispers. 

Jin feels horrible now, making a joke like that. "I'm sorry. But you can't control it, so don't beat yourself up over it. Hopefully, he'll open his eyes soon and realize that you're his soulmate and he'll treat you like the king you are to make up for all of this." 

Taehyung shoves him playfully. "Stop, you'll get my hopes up." He laughs softly, glancing at the tiny moon tattoo on his wrist. 

He noticed Jeongguk had the same exact one on his wrist one time and his heart almost stopped. 

Fate really must enjoy watching him suffer, this was just the cherry on top of his life. He must be the only person out there who's soulmate just can't stand him—a story like that has never been heard, not in textbooks, not on the internet. Even Yoongi doesn't hate Jimin, even if Taehyung's story started out the same as he did.

He should have just run away that day, he should never have tried to approach Jeongguk. 

All he does is irritate the other with his mere presence. There is really no way Jeongguk will ever give him a chance, even if they are soulmates.

Fate just doesn't think he's suffered enough yet.

Jin purses his lips, closing up his first aid kit. "Maybe you should show him your mark." 

Taehyung shakes his head, smiling a little sadly. "I don't think it will make a difference." He rubs at his wrist, the mark glimmering in the light innocently. "Besides, even if it does suddenly change our relationship, I don't want him to fall for me because we're soulmates." I want him to fall for who I am. 

The words go unsaid, but they both know they belong there anyway.

Seokjin sets a hand on Tae's knee, rubbing softly as a way to comfort the younger. "I just hate seeing you hurt by him—physically and mentally." He mumbles, leaning over to hug him.

Taehyung pats the omega's arm gratefully. "I know. But it'll be okay. Soulmates always end up with each other in the end, right?" 

But even as he says it, he knows he's only trying to convince himself.

*

Midterms are quickly approaching and Jeongguk is beyond stressed. His rut is due in a few days and it's driving him mad, a constant itch that lies beneath his skin that he can't scratch. He has just enough time between his rut and midterms that he's not terribly concerned about studying, but it still eats away at him in the back of his mind, nagging at him, birthing daily a tension headache that throbs at his temples and the base of his skull.

"Would you stop tapping your pencil." He snaps, eyes burning through Hoseok's fingers that fidget with the writing utensil.

Startled by the sudden break in silence, Hoseok mumbles an apology. 

Huffing, Jeongguk returns to reading his notes, hyper-aware of Yoongi's quizzical gaze. 

"You alright?" He questions, brows furrowing.

Jeongguk almost wants to growl in frustration. "If you would stop talking, I'd be great. I can't focus with all this noise." He says through gritted teeth.

Yoongi rolls his eyes, crossing his arms impatiently. "Okay, what's got you all worked up?"

Taking a deep breath, Jeongguk tries to remind himself that Yoongi isn't being a nosy fucker and that he's just trying to help. 

"Sorry, hyung." He mumbles, a little shameful. "My rut's coming up and I'm stressed from midterms. I'm taking it out on you guys and it isn't fair, I'm sorry."

"Yah," Hoseok leans over and gives him a hug. "It's okay, Ggukie, don't worry. We understand."

Feeling another alpha baby him and cuddle him, logically, should make him angry by instincts, but Hoseok is anything but intimidating, which has Jeongguk feeling oddly comforted instead. "Thanks, hyung."

"Let's go grab something to eat now, I'm starving," Yoongi says, already packing his notebooks away.

Hoseok pouts, still hanging off of Jeongguk. "But I have dance practice in an hour."

Throwing his bag over his shoulder, Yoongi makes a face. "So? We'll just take it to-go. I'm sure Jimin is there already, we could grab him something to eat as well." He says casually. "Knowing him, he probably hasn't eaten all day."

Before the two can make fun of his softer side for his soulmate, Yoongi walks away, leaving the two alphas to scramble to pack their things and follow after him.

*

"Jimin, my arms are gonna fall off." 

Jimin rolls his eyes, chugging his water. 

"I'm serious!" Taehyung continues. "I don't know if I'll make it through practice."

Setting his water bottle down on the bench, Jimin stretches his arms. "You better, or Hobi hyung will yell at you, and he's scary as fuck when he's pissed."

Groaning, Taehyung stretches out like a starfish on the wooden floors. "I know." He whines. "But I can't get the shoulder thing right and they're so sore."

Jimin goes over and kicks him gently on the thigh. "Get up, we need to go over it one more time. This is our midterm grade, remember?"

Taehyung sighs, rolling onto his side. "Is the pain worth being in the final showcase?" He mutters to himself.

"It's worth thirty percent of your final grade, so get the fuck up." He says, pushing his dirty sneaker on the sleeve of Tae's white shirt, making him whine in protest.

Reluctantly, he gets into his first position and Jimin starts the music up again. 

They practice a few more times until Taehyung is sweating buckets in his long sleeve and begs for a five-minute break. Jimin breathes heavily, nodding as he makes his way to his bag again for a drink.

Taehyung groans loudly, mourning his empty water bottle. "I'll be right back, I'm gonna go refill my bottle." He calls out, walking out of the studio on wobbly legs. The muscles in thighs twitch, sore from all the dancing. He curses himself for not stretching thoroughly, not thinking the practice session would go on as long as it has.

He makes his way up a flight of stairs and down the hallway, where the only water fountain is in this entire building. The university really needs to remodel their building, how do they expect the dancers to share a single water fountain with the entire art building? And on top of that, make it so far from their studios? 

God forbid they invest in a few repairs in their art building. He thinks sarcastically.

The fountain is old and sprays water farther than the drain and over the edge, onto the floor, so Taehyung tries his best to aim it so it lands directly into the bottle and doesn't make too much of a mess. He mostly succeeds but does initially spill a bit on the floor. Without any paper towels nearby, he hopes no one ends up slipping on it.

Once his bottle is refilled, he makes his way back down to the studio, thinking about stretching his legs out more before they start up again. He finds the studio and notices through the glass door that Jimin has more company. 

Happily, Taehyung pushes through the door. "I'm back!" He smiles and the boys turn to face him. "Oh. Hi Yoongi hyung, Hobi hyung," he says, smile unwavering. "Jeongguk."

The older alphas greet him in return but Jeongguk simply scowls at him. Lovely.

"What are you guys doing here?" He asks, choosing to ignore Jeongguk's eye roll as he walks up to the circle they've formed. 

As he approaches, he can't help but smell the strong, potent scent Jeongguk emits, his legs becoming even weaker than before as he breathes it in.

"Practice is starting soon, and Yoongi wanted to bring Jiminie some lunch," Hoseok explains, ruffling Jimin's silver hair.

Taehyung nods, feeling his stomach rumble silently at the mention of food. Maybe Jimin will share some with him.

"I guess we should leave you guys to it then," Yoongi begins But is quickly interrupted by Jimin.

"You can stay for a bit longer if you want."

"Yeah, hyung, practice doesn't start for another half hour," Hoseok adds, taking a seat where he stands.

Yoongi and Jimin follow suit and soon they're all sitting on the floor, Jimin eating happily in front of them. Taehyung doesn't want to ask for some, especially in front of Yoongi, who brought the food for his mate in the first place, but he's afraid his stomach's rumbles will soon be too loud to be hidden.

Jimin, however, as his platonic soulmate, knows exactly what he's thinking. Or maybe he's just giving in to the puppy dog eyes Taehyung is making at him. He reaches over the circle to feed a piece of kimbap to him, careful not to drop it.

Happily, Taehyung leans over and eats it, smiling as he chews but he doesn't get to enjoy it for very long.

"Yah," Jeongguk says sternly. "That's Jimin's food. Get your own." He practically growls, brows furrowed in annoyance. 

Taehyung can smell the strong scent sour and he instinctively curls into himself, ashamed. "I'm sorry." 

Jeongguk is still staring at him with a face of disgust, suddenly standing up. "Whatever, I'm leaving. Have a good practice Jimin and Hoseok. I'll text you guys later. Are you coming, Yoongi?"

The oldest shakes his head, frowning at him. "No, I think I'll stick around for a while longer."

With that, Jeongguk sighs impatiently and walks out, leaving the room in awkward silence. Yoongi's brows are still furrowed and Taehyung's shoulders are slumped, disheartened.

Hoseok is quick to pick up on this and wraps him up in a hug. "Hey, don't listen to him. He's just PMSing if you know what I mean." He jokes, but Taehyung is still pouting.

"You can have some of my food if you want, I know you haven't eaten anything today because we came here so early." Jimin offers with a concerned frown of his own, but Taehyung shakes his head.

"No, he's right, it's your food. You should eat, you always skip meals, I can afford to skip a few here and there. You know me," he smiles playfully, but it doesn't reach his eyes all the way. "I'm always eating anyway."

Jimin still isn't buying it, but he doesn't push it any further. He knows Taehyung's hurt by Jeongguk's words, it affects him more than he lets on, but he knows Taehyung doesn't like to talk about his feeling when there are people around. 

Yoongi, however, doesn't agree with what Taehyung says and grabs another piece of kimbap to feed him. "Eat."

And, well, when Yoongi shoves the food in his face like that, Taehyung can't exactly say no. So he accepts the piece, eating it with a small smile.

So what if Jeongguk has something to say about it? His hyungs care about his health and well-being, their opinions are the only ones that matter to him.

*

The next day, Taehyung expects to feel incredibly sore from dance practice the day before but he didn't expect to feel pain like this.

It's an odd burning and curling in his stomach that makes him nauseous, his entire body curling where he lies in his bed to try to alleviate some of the pain. He groans and squirms on his sheets, feeling warm and uncomfortable. Everything itches, sweat is running down his temple, his neck, and even between his legs. 

He has a class in—he glances at his phone—an hour and a half, but he feels miserable. He doesn't even think he has the strength to stand right now.

"Jiminie," he cries, his bottom lip quivering uncontrollably. He must be sick to be feeling this horrible. 

Jimin peeks into his room, confusion written on his face. "What?" He asks, stepping into the room, but he freezes.

Taehyung meets his gaze, startled by the pure fear in Jimin's eyes. 

The older immediately runs to his side, putting a hand on his forehead. "Oh my god." He feels Taehyung's cheeks, then his neck, and again his forehead. "How are you feeling? Are you okay?"

Taehyung shakes his head, wishing he could think past the heat and sweat that covers his body. 

"Okay," Jimin breathes stressfully. "Um. What do you need? Do you want an ice pack? Some pain killers? Do you need toys?"

The question confuses Taehyung and he's quick to question it. "Toys?"

Jimin's face colors pink. "Yeah, I could go buy some for you."

Shaking his head, Taehyung tries sitting up but fails. "What do you mean? Why would I need toys?"

Tilting his head in confusion, Jimin comes to the sudden realization that Taehyung does not know what he is going through. So, with a deep breath and a miniature internal pep talk, he blurts. "You're presenting, Tae."

The confusion on Tae's face doesn't change and he's breathing heavily from the heat. "What?"

"You're presenting, you know?" Jimin inquires. "As an omega."

At that, Taehyung's eyes widen. "What?" He exclaims, startled.

Jimin quickly tries to calm him down, but his friend begins to panic, almost hyperventilating. 

"No, I can't be presenting—I'm twenty, people don't present at twenty!" He almost screeches. "How is this possible? I'm a beta! I've always been, I'm not supposed to change! The doctors told me I would be a beta because I hadn't shown signs of presenting and I was almost eighteen!"

Placing a hand over Taehyung's rapidly rising and falling chest, Jimin tries to releasing a calming scent. This has the younger relaxing subconsciously. 

"Listen, Tae." Jimin begins softly. "I don't know why you're presenting this late, I guess you're just a late bloomer. But you're going through your first heat, so that is what we need to focus on first, we can question it later."

Taehyung nods along dumbly, fatigue suddenly hitting him even though he just woke up. Sleep tugs at his eyelids, his lashes fluttering shut, but he manages to mumble. "Just want some water, it's too warm in here."

Jimin purses his lips, deciding to stay home to take care of his friend. He'll text Hoseok and let him know Tae isn't feeling well and that he's taking care of him, so they won't be at practice today. Hopefully, Taehyung's heat doesn't last long so they don't miss too much.

He also hopes their friends don't overreact later when they see Taehyung again, knowing presenting is something incredibly overwhelming in many ways and Tae hates being put in the spotlight if it isn't for dance.

Which has him freezing a second time this morning, thinking about their friends—Jeongguk.

He hopes Jeongguk doesn't hurt his friend because of this, making fun of him or looking down on him even more. 

But Jeongguk isn't like that, not with Jimin at least.

And he prays he isn't like that with Taehyung either.

*

Jeongguk's rut hits him hard like they always do. He's angry, he's so blindingly angry at everything the entire time, which pisses Yoongi off when he sees his room three days later. 

His room is in shambles; pillows are torn, the bed frame is completely destroyed, his curtains are ripped, closet door unhinged, and his lamp is shattered.

"How the hell did you manage to break the bed frame? What the fuck, are you an animal?" Yoongi asks, helping him clean the mess he made.

Jeongguk still feels the underlying itch that remains from his rut but tries his best not to snap at his hyung who is volunteering to help fix his room.

"I'll go out and buy a new one after my classes today." He says casually; it isn't a big deal for him to spend on things like this, his father sends him a hefty allowance every month because of his intense ruts. He's just glad his family is well off—he doesn't know what he'd do if he was an average college student, working part-time jobs to pay off debt, he'd probably be sleeping on the floor. 

Yoongi sighs, sweeping up the last of the broken lamp. "Okay, but you'll probably have to sleep on the floor tonight. The bed frame probably won't be delivered until tomorrow if you go out and buy it this afternoon."

Jeongguk chuckles, "At least I didn't tear open the mattress." 

Taking the bed frame pieces apart to get them through the door and out to the dumpster behind their dorms takes them both about forty minutes to an hour. Jeongguk has to rush to get ready and out the door to get to class on time, with barely a minute to spare.

The stress of his midterms hits him all over again, which has him internally groaning because his art project for one class isn't even close to finished and he's a bit behind in his art history class. Not to mention, his clothes still feel uncomfortably warm from the lingering symptoms of his rut and the burning eyes he feels on him from the omegas and betas that are attracted to his looks and now, his stronger-than-usual, scent.

There's this buzzing in his ears, constantly rising and falling in volume, making him anxious and annoyed. The clock moves dreadfully slow, beads of sweat roll slowly down his skin, dampening his neck collar. He bounces his leg in agitation, impatiently waiting to feel the fresh air from outside cool his skin.

He can't get out of class sooner. Once the professor dismisses them, he's practically already out the door. He's stressed and warm and uncomfortable and everything is just too goddamn loud. 

It's bubbling up inside him—he's so incredibly frustrated, he thinks he'll burst if someone so much as breathes in his direction.

Which, really, isn't good for anyone. But it especially isn't good for Kim Taehyung, who casually converses with Jimin outside of a classroom, likely waiting for the professor to show up.

He's all smiley and sunshine-y, it physically disgusts and enrages Jeongguk even more. How can that asshole be happy and peaceful when he's feeling so irritable? 

It isn't fair. Jeongguk can't help but feel the indescribable need to make the other feel just as angry and miserable as himself. 

Logically, knows it's not fair of him to do such a thing either, but his mind is clouded and stuffy, the buzzing noise in his head is rising in volume with every breath he takes and before he can think twice, he walks right up to Kim Taehyung and punches him square on his dumb, high cheekbones.

The noise in his head buzzes louder until it reaches this high pitch and fizzles out. Breathing heavily over Taehyung's shocked, crumpled form, Jeongguk frowns. 

Why the fuck is he on the floor? Can't he take a hit like a man? Jeongguk barely touched him. 

But as he blinks the red fogging his eyes, senses return to him. Jimin is yelling at him about something but Jeongguk doesn't hear it. His focus is on Taehyung, who trembles at his feet, neck bared, carefully covering his cheek. Smells return to him and he's suddenly hyper-aware of a sweet scent, soured by distress and fear.

His nose directs him to Taehyung, his stomach plummeting as he figures it out. 

The omega at his feet begins to cry softly, holding his injury, but Jeongguk still tries to convince himself that the other is overreacting, he really didn't hit him that hard. But then Taehyung chances a glance up at him, eyes watery and scared. His hand hovering over his cheek moves just slightly, and Jeongguk feels sick.

Blood. 

He made an omega bleed.

Taehyung is bleeding. From the pure strength of his punch to his face.

Stepping back, Jeongguk realizes people have gathered around them, mumbling, whispering things—truths Jeongguk is having a hard time facing.

"He hit an omega,"

"Wasn't that boy a beta?"

"Weren't they rivals?"

"He's been tormenting an omega this whole time."

"Poor thing must be terrified."

Jeongguk feels like he's suffocating, everyone is watching him, looking at him in horror and he's surrounded. Boxed in. He needs to get out, he needs fresh air, he never meant for any of this to happen—but how the hell is Taehyung suddenly an omega? 

This must be a prank, a joke, something, and it isn't funny.

But looking back at Taehyung, he knows it isn't a joke. No one could pull something off like this, no one would have even thought of it. This is real. It's sobering and so utterly mind-blowing that Jeongguk can't do more than run the other way, hoping to erase all of it from his memory—hoping it was all just some stupid nightmare.

Kim Taehyung cannot be an omega—he is and always has been an irritating, aggravating beta. 

But the pain is still fresh on his knuckles, the punch from before grounding him in a way nothing could in a moment like this. 

For the rest of the week, Jeongguk avoids Taehyung and all of his friends as best he can, staying out late so he doesn't run into Yoongi and leaves before he wakes. He uses studying as a way to avoid any kind of contact, going as far as going to class earlier or later than usual to avoid any kind of confrontations, even if it has his professors raising brows in question and annoyance. 

He tries to forget, tries to focus on his exams, drowning himself in his work and his art.

But the bruises on his knuckles won't let him forget.

He just doesn't understand. Something about all of this isn't right. 

How is Taehyung suddenly an omega? 

*

"What kind of person does something like that?" Entering the living room, Taehyung immediately knows Jimin is talking about him again. It's obvious from the fury in his voice and the strong sour scent of anger he emits. 

Falling onto the couch beside Jin, Taehyung lays his head in his lap. "Well. We were enemies before anything, so I guess to him it doesn't matter that I'm an omega now." But Jimin and Jin are already shaking their heads in disagreement before he can finish.

"There are two things keeping alphas from hurting omegas that they can't control. Pride and instincts." Jin states. "Alphas pride themselves with being able to protect omegas, not hurt them. And their instincts are to take care of us because we are capable of reproducing and raising their children."

Taehyung scoffs, the nasty bruise on his cheek throbbing at the thought. "Right. But Jeongguk wouldn't hesitate to hurt me—we fight all the time." His lips tug downward in a frown at the thought of their arguments and brawls, trying to reason why it is Jeongguk can't see they're soulmates. They're supposed to be attracted to one another from the minute they see each other, their instincts and souls pulling them together. Taehyung has had the biggest crush on him from the start, but Jeongguk has never looked at him without disgust or annoyance coloring his features. 

As if sensing his change in mood, Jin runs his fingers through his hair to comfort the younger. 

"But the reason we believe you presented was because of his rut. He hasn't seen you since—and, well, ruts cause alphas to become very irritable. Maybe he wasn't in the right state of mind—" 

Jimin quickly cuts in. "But that's no excuse for what he did."

Jin hums in agreement. "Of course not. But we still have to see all sides of the story here—Jeongguk is our friend, we have to give him a chance to explain."

Taehyung flinches at the word friends. Jeongguk and he are rivals, enemies, arch nemeses, but not friends. 

It's not like he wanted them to be this way; in fact, he wanted the complete opposite. But now they're here and Taehyung has no idea how to fix it.

"Maybe you should just talk it out with him," Jin suggests softly, twirling strands of Taehyung's hair. "Maybe all of this is just a big misunderstanding."

Taehyung isn't so sure about that, but he's willing to try if it means Jeongguk won't taunt or hit him every time they see each other. His fists seem to hurt a lot more now, which is stupid and unfair because it means omegas really don't stand chances against other sub-genders because of their sub-gender. 

It's unfair but it's true; he's a lot weaker now—Jeongguk could definitely harm him badly if they fought again. 

It's time they really put an end to it.

He sighs, coming to the decision that he'll talk to Jeongguk as soon as he sees him again and hopefully the other will hear him out before doing anything rash.

It's nearing ten pm and Jin gently nudges at Taehyung so he can stand up. "I'm heading out now so I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Taehyung stands up as well, "Can I walk with you? I wanna clear my head." But Jin shakes his head.

"Sorry Taehyungie, Namjoon is picking me up. And besides, you're an omega now, you shouldn't be out at this hour." He reminds him, hugging him close. "I'll see you soon, yeah?"

Taehyung pouts but hugs him back and tells him they'll grab coffee tomorrow morning.

And with that, Jin is gone. Taehyung sits back down to cuddle with Jimin, who pulls him into his chest with open arms.

Taehyung is watching the show on the tv but really doesn't process anything. His mind is thinking about what Jin said about alphas being protective of omegas and how, so far, it hasn't applied to Tae and Jeongguk. 

Maybe it's just because Jeongguk doesn't like him.

And even if it's something he's grown used to telling himself over the past few months, it hurts more now. 

He isn't sure why that is.

They stay in the living room for another hour or so until their heads start lolling and their eyes keep falling shut and Jimin drools on Taehyung's shoulder. 

Sleepily, they head off to bed, Jimin flopping inelegantly onto his comforter, out like a light. 

Taehyung, like a decent person, takes his time to brush his teeth and do his night routine because his skin doesn't stay this clear without hard work, unlike Jin's and Jimin's. They don't know how lucky they are.

By the time he's finished, the sleep from his eyes has cleared and his body feels restless lying on his bed. He shifts and twists and tosses and turns and stares at the ceiling. He sits up and twiddles his thumbs, and stares at his walls, and looks into the darkness of his closet and sighs.

He was literally falling asleep twenty minutes ago, where did all that exhaustion go? His eyes still feel dry from keeping them open but he can't bring himself to close them for long, not without subconsciously opening them to think up of scenarios in his head.

With another exasperated sigh, he sits up again and throws his legs over the side of his bed. He considers his options for a few moments. One: he could lay back down and toss and turn for another two to three hours and then struggle to stay awake tomorrow morning in his eight am class. Two: he could walk around the dorm room to try to tire himself out, but the floors creak a lot and he doesn't want to wake Jimin. Three: he could go back to the couch and watch a movie until he falls asleep, but he knows that if he starts a movie, he needs to know the ending, so he'd probably stay awake anyway.

As a beta, when Taehyung was restless, he'd go on walks at night to exhaust himself and it always worked. But Jin told him to remember he's an omega now.

He hates it.

Sure he's a bit weaker now, but he could still hold his own in a fight. And besides, there's barely anyone out at this hour, so there's really nothing to worry about.

Nonetheless, he searches for his old switchblade in his drawers and pockets it—just in case, and leaves his room, carefully tiptoeing his way to the front door.

Gently, he twists the doorknob and grabs his keys off the table before walking out, closing the door behind him softly.

When he's out, he takes a breath of fresh air and starts making his way down the block. He loves moments like these, the cold breeze of winter freshening his face, burrowing his nose in his jacket to keep warm. 

The Christmas lights decorating buildings around him, apartments, small businesses, bars, restaurants, glimmering and twinkling like stars. It's beautiful.

He starts feeling stress from his shoulders lift, carried almost effortlessly by the wind. Even thinking about his... situation with Jeongguk begins to feel as if it doesn't weigh a million pounds on his chest, allowing his breathing to come easier.

Smiling softly to himself, he wanders around for a few blocks, seconds and minutes slipping through his finger like sand, his mind free from his usual roller coaster of thoughts. 

He almost begins to hum aloud to bring about some sort of noise in the silent streets, to give him some company, but instead yawns widely into his collar and decides it's time he heads home.

Realizing just how far he's walked, he pouts. It'll take him a while to get back to the dorms, but without any further thoughts, he begins his journey back.

It's difficult to navigate in the dark, despite the Christmas lights, but he keeps track of the small business he passed on his way down, hoping he doesn't get lost.

There are some men gathered in front of a building, laughing boisterously and as he passes, he recognizes the bar. He keeps his head ducked, hoping he'll slip past them without one of them noticing, and he succeeds. 

He hurries his pace, suddenly hyper-aware of his omega status, and begins to panic even though he's past the bar. Maybe it's his instincts causing him to panic because he certainly doesn't hear the steps behind him until a hand wraps itself around his wrist.

He squeaks in surprise, heart hammering against his rib cage. He remembers the switchblade in his pocket but is too startled to make a move for it. And then he hears it.

"Kim,"

The smell of alcohol is incredibly overwhelming, hiding the scent he knows he would recognize anywhere. "Jeongguk." He stutters, trying to calm his breathing.

The alpha is very clearly drunk, eyes glazed, lips parted open sloppily, and the potent scent of beer clinging to his skin. He sways on his feet, pointing lazily at Taehyung. "You—" he hiccups. "Fuckin' hate you." 

Taehyung feels his heart sink. He pulls his wrist out of Jeongguk's grasp, gently so the other doesn't stumble and fall. So much for talking it out.

Jeongguk doesn't seem to have anything else to add so they remain relatively quiet, the alpha hiccuping while Taehyung tries to figures out what to say.

He knows he shouldn't care, especially considering what Jeongguk just said, but he can't help wondering if the other is going to make it home alright in this state. "Where are your friends?"

Jeongguk makes a thinking face, apparently very expressive when drunk. " 'ingyu 'n Wonu left—" he slurs, swaying on his feet. "N Bambam 'n Gyeom too." He pouts, glaring at the ground. "Eunwoo stayed home." He scoffs under his breath. "Asshole left me to third wheel."

Taehyung recognizes some of the names but not all of them, he knows they're Jeongguk's friends from the football team but why would they leave him when he's this drunk? Were any of them sober? Sighing, he grabs Jeongguk's hand and begins walking.

"Where're we goin?" He asks, stumbling after Taehyung.

"I'm taking you to your dorm." He states, looking around to try and find a sign to locate himself. He tries to remember where Yoongi and Jeongguk's shared dorm is, hoping he's headed in the right direction. He asks Jeongguk to see if he's any help, and he is, sort of. Taehyung has to almost guess the entire time because all Jeongguk replies with is 'no', so he takes his chances and just goes the opposite way.

"Is it this building?" 

"No."

"This one?"

All the dorm buildings look relatively the same, only they're labeled with different letters and are a few streets apart, so it takes them a while but Jeongguk eventually says, "'s letter E, idiot." Like Taehyung should have known this whole time.

So he takes him to building 'E', tired and cranky, and just ready to be rid of this stupid alpha. "Okay, what number dorm are you?"

Suddenly, Jeongguk gets this cocky smirk on his face that looks sloppy with his drunken features. "Why? You tryna get me in bed, omega?" 

Taehyung tries to keep himself from shivering because this is Jeongguk—stupid, drunk, and irritating Jeongguk. He may be hot sometimes, but drunk Jeongguk is far from hot, no matter how deep his voice may get.

"Yes, but not in the way you think. So the sooner you tell me the number, the sooner I can get some sleep."

Jeongguk clicks his tongue, that stupid smirk still on his face. "M'kay, 's number five. But don't go gettin any ideas, Kim."

A minute ago, Jeongguk was calling him Minghao, asking him what happened to his mullet as he patted the back of Taehyung's bare neck so he isn't really sure if Jeongguk even knows what he's talking about. Which is why he really shouldn't be blushing, because Jeongguk doesn't know what he's talking about, he's drunk.

He brushes it off and drags Jeongguk up the stairs, panting heavily because the guy is really fucking heavy and he's making all of his body go limp so Taehyung has to carry his dead weight.

By the time they get up the stairs, Taehyung thinks he'll pass out from the heavy lifting, but he shakes his head and asks Jeongguk for his key. The alpha whines and stomps his feet, claiming he can open the door on his own, but after waiting five minutes for him to aim it into the lock, Taehyung sighs in exasperation and takes the key from him to open the door.

When they're inside, Taehyung realizes Yoongi should still be home, so they have to make their best effort not to wake the elder. The omega knows better than anyone what Yoongi is capable of when he's disturbed from his sleep.

Making a shushing face towards the alpha so he'll get the message, he tiptoes and tries to help Jeongguk walk to the bathroom quietly. The younger sniffs and pouts, asking why they're in the bathroom and Taehyung tells him honestly. "You smell like a pig's ass." He whispers loudly, pursing his lips as he considers his options. "Plus, you will definitely vomit any minute now. I'm actually surprised you have lasted this long."

Jeongguk pouts but as if on queue, frowns and rubs his belly before burping. Taehyung scrambles to move him off the toilet to open the toilet seats. The alpha makes another face and immediately pukes into the bowl, Taehyung cringes at the sounds.

He tries not to think about it, opting instead to think about what he's going to do. Technically, it isn't his responsibility to take care of the younger—he could go home right now and let him deal with his own consequences. But, knowing Yoongi is asleep and Jeongguk is really drunk, Taehyung can't help but feel the need to help the younger cleanup and get him in bed. 

So what if they don't get along? Taehyung can help him, and he will. In Jeongguk's situation, he'd want someone to do it for him.

With newfound determination and the puking noises gone, Taehyung helps Jeongguk wipe the drool from his face and brushes his teeth. The alpha lazily blinks, trying to keep his eyes open but his need to sleep is too strong. Taehyung curses, working faster so the other won't fall asleep on him.

"Just a little bit longer, Ggukie, then you can go to sleep." He assures, helping him out of his shirt. The omega tries not to let his eyes wander, knowing Jeongguk has a great body, but he'd feel guilty if he stared for too long. Like he's taking advantage of Jeongguk's state and no, he shouldn't do that. So he strips the younger entirely of his clothing without a second thought and gets him in the shower, detaching the showerhead to spray him down.

He forces his mind to think of other things as he shampoos and soaps Jeongguk's body, anything, kittens, puppies, food, but Jeongguk suddenly moans when Taehyung rinses out his hair and tugs on it a bit to thoroughly wash it. He absolutely does not squeak in surprise and, instead, hurriedly sprays down the rest of him, skimming over any private areas, and turns the faucet off.

His clothes are completely drenched, except for his coat that he left hanging on the towel rack, but he wrings it out as best he can and throws a towel over Jeongguk, drying him off quickly. He's exhausted and can't wait to get home, even if his clothes are wet—damn, he'll likely get a cold.

It's then, when Taehyung's drying Jeongguk's hair, that the bathroom door opens and Yoongi walks in on them. He blinks sleepily for a moment, confused, but then frowns. "I need to pee so get out." He says bluntly and if Taehyung knows anything about a sleepy, grumpy Yoongi, it's to do as he says.

So he wraps the towel around Jeongguk's waist and insistently shoves him out. 

Sighing, Taehyung closes the door behind them. "Let's get you dressed and in bed."

Too tired to reply, Jeongguk nods sleepily and leads Taehyung to his bedroom. 

There, Taehyung takes a look around, finds his dresser, and starts searching for a pair of boxers and a tee shirt for the alpha to sleep in. When he's found them, he throws them at him and tells him to put them on. 

Jeongguk whines, struggling to put the shirt on himself and gets tangled. Taehyung really doesn't feel like questioning anything anymore so he just helps him get it on and the boxers, and helps him to bed. 

"Okay," he sighs for the nth time, sitting at the edge of the bed. "Do you need anything else? Because I'm leaving."

Jeongguk has basically fallen asleep already, so Taehyung takes that as a no. He stands and makes his way back to the bathroom, where he left his coat and runs into Yoongi again. 

"Hey, what are you doing here anyway?" He asks, in a bit of a better mood since he's woken up naturally. 

Taehyung chuckles thinking Yoongi isn't going to believe him but explains everything anyway. "And now I'm headed home, so I'm just gonna grab my coat and head out." But Yoongi stops him. 

"Your clothes are wet. And you're gonna go out at this hour?" Yoongi of all people also knows Taehyung always goes on midnight walks because he was the one who suggested it in the first place, so Taehyung doesn't really know what that last question is about. 

"Yeah, I know I'll catch a cold, but it's fine, it was my fault anyway. But I'll be out of your hair in a sec."

Yoongi shakes his head. "No, you're not going anywhere. Here, lemme get you a spare change of clothes, you can spend the night here." 

Taehyung pouts but doesn't make to stop him, knowing that once Yoongi decides on something, no one can change his mind. 

When the alpha returns, Taehyung thanks him. "My clothes would probably be a bit small for you so those are Jeongguk's. Just make sure to return them eventually. And I set out some blankets for you on the couch. I hope you don't mind, Jiminie wouldn't be too happy if he smelled your scent on my bed, you know how it is."

Taehyung almost laughs because it would be really funny to see Jimin so worked up, but he knows it wouldn't be so funny if it really blew up in their faces. "Yeah, no, I get it. Thanks again, I really appreciate it."

Yoongi nods, ruffling Taehyung's hair. "Of course. And thanks for helping Gguk, heaven knows he needs it. Now go get changed, you're definitely gonna catch a cold."

Smiling, Taehyung wishes him goodnight and does as told, before settling in on their couch. He just hopes he can leave before Jeongguk wakes up, he doesn't know what the alpha would do if he saw him in his living room in his clothes. He's too scared to find out. So he sets an alarm and makes himself comfortable, falling asleep faster than he ever has.

*

When Jeongguk wakes, he feels his heart pulsing in his skull, throbbing with a headache that irritates him to no end. He wishes he could just sleep it off but he's got class later today so as much as he wants to, he can't.

He glances at his clock, groaning at how early it is. It's seven twenty-six and the sun isn't up, which he's grateful for because his eyes are really sensitive right now. Either way, he needs to rid himself of his torturous migraine, so he gets up and makes his way to the kitchen, only to hear an aggravating buzzing sound of an alarm.

It's coming from the living room, maybe it's Yoongi's phone and he left it on the couch last night, but Yoongi doesn't ever get up before ten am, so why would he have an alarm going off?

He leans over and checks the couch, only to find Kim fucking Taehyung sleeping on it. Nearly drooling on the cushions. He looks so soft and peaceful but his scent is sweet, almost sickeningly so. Like candy that has too much sugar or chocolate that's just too rich, and it's making his headache worse.

Grabbing the nearest thing he can find, he hits Taehyung in the head with it. It's the tv remote and it makes a louder noise than he thought it would against Kim's head, but he doesn't really care. Not with the irking pulse in his own skull. Taehyung sits up immediately, startled and hurt, rubbing at his head. 

When he realizes who woke him, he gasps and stutters. "Jeongguk."

Huffing in impatience, Jeongguk rolls his eyes. "What the fuck are you doing in my dorm?" 

Taehyung gapes at him. "I—" he stutters.

Jeongguk's eye twitches in irritation. "Get the fuck out." He demands. "Now." The change in his voice is subtle, but to any omega, it's ingrained in them to obey the command. He used his alpha voice.

Scrambling to get up, untangle himself from the blankets, Taehyung tries to explain that his clothing is in the bathroom but Jeongguk is quick to cut him off without hearing him out. "Why the fuck are you wearing my clothes?" He growls, unsure about why he's getting so worked up. The headache only doubles at his irritation.

Taehyung whimpers and runs for the bathroom, stripping as fast as he can to listen to the earlier command. He changes into his own damp clothes that he hung to dry from the shower curtain rod and scampers out like a frightened animal. Jeongguk only watches with confusion and curiosity as the older runs past him and out the door.

The shutting of the door resounds in their small dorm, making Jeongguk cringe from the loud sound. He sighs and goes to search for pain killers like he originally intended.

Once he's found them, Yoongi wanders into the kitchen with a scowl on his face. "What was that sound?"

Swallowing down the pills he tells Yoongi to give him a sec to drink some water before he answers. "Sorry, hyung." He says sheepishly. "Can you believe fuckin' Kim Taehyung was sleeping on our couch? Like, the fuck? How the hell did he even get in here? And why?" He scoffs. "Maybe Jimin kicked him out, I don't know. But he was wearing my clothes and everything, like he fucking lives here."

When he faces Yoongi, he isn't sure what he expects, but it certainly isn't a face of disbelief that quickly morphs into something else, something like anger. "What, so you kicked him out?"

Jeongguk snorts. "Yeah, who the hell does he think he is? Just because he's your soulmate's best friend gives him no right to—"

"I told him he could stay the night," Yoongi says, voice tense with anger. "Because he had to drag your sorry ass across campus and home and even helped you clean up and got you in bed and I wasn't about to let an omega walk home at ass o'clock drenched because he helped you wash up." He shakes his head with incredulity. "I can't believe that after everything he's had to deal with because of you, he still helps you. You're a fucking dick, you know that?" And with that, he walks off, grabbing his keys off the table.

"Where are you going?" Jeongguk asks softly, cringing when Yoongi replies.

"I'm gonna go buy him some cold medicine. There's no way he isn't going to get sick and, knowing you, you probably sent him out with his damp fucking clothes."

Jeongguk sighs, running a hand down his face, groaning, feeling his stomach twist with guilt. "Fuck."

*

Sweat clings his skin in beads, he's shaking like a leaf in the wind, but it isn't from his fever, that much he knows. 

The fear in the pit of his stomach is familiar, and Taehyung thought he'd never feel it quite like he once had as a young pup, quaking before his father.

He's only ever felt this kind of fear when his mother passed and his father took custody of him, if he so much as made a sound when his father was watching his favorite show, he'd be yelled at and hit so bad, he'd limp to school the next day.

It was hell, and that same kind of fear hasn't shown its ugly head since he moved out of that horrible house.

Moving into this university on a scholarship was everything to Taehyung, it felt powerful and liberating like nothing could hold him down anymore. He was a beta and alpha commands didn't affect betas nearly as much as it affects omegas. He knows that now.

"Taetae, you need to take medicine, or else you won't get better," Jimin says softly, sitting at the foot of his bed. "Yoongi hyung brought you some. He told me he wanted to apologize to you for Jeongguk's behavior."

Taehyung shrugs, burrowing into his pillow with shame. He can't believe Yoongi knows what happened, he feels so incredibly pathetic because the older knows the entire story of yesterday night and probably figured out what happened yesterday morning too. He just hopes Yoongi doesn't tell anyone yet—he isn't sure if he wants anyone to know at all.

Considering he hasn't left his bed since he got home and had to cancel his coffee date with Jin yesterday, his friends are becoming extremely concerned, so he thinks he should at least tell them eventually.

Jimin places a gentle hand on Taehyung forehead, cooing softly when he feels the temperature. "You want me to make you some tea?" 

Hating himself for worrying his best friend, Taehyung nods quietly before adding. "Yes, please."

Jimin seems a bit more relieved now that he's speaking, but can't help pouting again at the sight of his trembling friend. "Okay. I have class in an hour, do you want me to make you some soup so you have something to eat for lunch?" 

Taehyung smiles, reaching for Jimin's hand. "Yeah," he says softly. "Thank you, Jiminie. Love you." 

Squeezing his hand gently, Jimin bends down and kisses his forehead. "Of course, I love you too." And with that he walks out of the bedroom, closing the door silently behind him.

Taehyung's smile falls and he snuggles back into his bedsheets, muscles aches burning beneath his skin and he can only pray that, when he gets back to dancing, his body doesn't give out on him. Especially since he'll have a lot of catching up to do.

*

"You really fucked up this time," Jeongguk flinches at Jimin's tone, looking away from his angry glare. "He's never fucking done anything to you, why the hell do you hate him so much?" 

Jeongguk has never been good at accepting when he's wrong, always fighting back no matter how deep of a hole he digs himself. "Because he's a fucking idiot. I mean come on, what kind of an omega wanders around at night and helps a drunk person?"

Jimin looks at him with disbelief, so incredibly similar to Yoongi's it has Jeongguk cringing. "He should have left you to fuckin' fall drunk on the side of a street. You're such a fucking asshole." 

The others stay silent around them, not wanting to get tangled up in the argument, but it's clear who's side they're taking when they don't meet Jeongguk's eyes. 

The youngest groans, slamming his chopsticks down in defeat. "Okay, fine. I get it. I'm a dick, I made a mistake and Taehyung fucking hates me. But that's nothing new, so why are you all so pissed at me?"

They all groan in annoyance, even Namjoon seems exasperated and he's the most patient of all of them. 

"Not only are you an asshole, but you're dense too. God help that poor omega, heaven knows he needs it if he's gonna be stuck with your ass the rest of his—" Jimin rushes to clamp a hand over Hoseok's mouth, eyes wide with panic.

"What?" Jeongguk asks confused. "What do you mean he'll be stuck with me?"

They stay quiet, avoiding his eyes again. Jin even tries to change the subject, but Jeongguk growls in frustration. "Guys, really. What are you talking about?"

Namjoon huffs, clearly annoyed that Jeongguk shushed his omega with a growl. "Maybe you'll find out when you apologize to him." 

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, grabbing his lunch tray. "Right, whatever." He stands. "'Don't care that much anyway."

He throws his trash away and walks out of the food court, tongue prodding at the inside of his cheek in frustration. It's stupid, he knows he should apologize to Kim for what happened two days ago, but he can't bring himself to swallow his pride. 

There's this mental image in his head when he thinks about it though, the sight of the omega in his clothes, cheek bruised and scabbed over, looking so incredibly small as he quivered before Jeongguk in fear. He really feels like an asshole—had he been thinking straight, he knows he would never have kicked him out looking so terrified like he did. 

He can't say why he was so angry then, maybe it was the hangover, maybe it really was Taehyung's sweeter scent, but he's scared that if he goes to apologize to the other, he might lash out again. What if it really is Taehyung's scent that drives him mad? He could end up hurting him all over again, and he really doesn't want that. 

There's something about the way Taehyung looks now, so fragile and tiny that has instincts flaring up within Jeongguk to protect him. Which confuses him even more because all he's done is hurt him. 

Maybe that's just it, Jeongguk feels the need to protect him and his mind is fighting it—causing all this confusion and anger to occur and then he acts on it irrationally.

If that's the case, he doesn't want to get anywhere near the omega, in fear of hurting him again. He may be a dick, but he knows he doesn't want to harm the older. And it's not just because he's an omega now either. He thinks about it now, trying to piece together every moment he's hurt Taehyung and why he did it.

Maybe he's always fought some sort of feeling he has towards him, annoyed by his initial impression of Kim. 

He's picturing the other in his mind before he can think twice, remembering small details about him that he's always—even if he'd never admit aloud—found attractive about him.

His beautiful, expressive brown eyes. His endearing box-shaped smile. The way his hair falls into his eyes and his long eyelashes flicker when they look up at him. The golden shine of his skin. His dorky little laugh and—fuck. 

Jeongguk is really fucked. 

And on top of it all, he has to swallow his pride and apologize. Which he doesn't have a clue how to do.

Sighing, he unlocks his phone and makes a call.

"Hyung, I need to ask you a favor."