Chapter Text
It happens on a Saturday afternoon, coming from somewhere out of left field; leaving Taehyung completely stunned.
They’re watching TV, or well, Soobin was watching TV. Taehyung was working on unpacking their belongings. They had just moved into a new apartment, and he hasn’t even made a dent in unpacking the dozens of boxes they had. Soobin had turned 5 a few days earlier, and never in that time, has the young alpha ever asked about who was his second birth parent. Of course, Taehyung knew it was bound to happen, he just didn’t expect it to come so soon, or when he was the least prepared to answer it. For 5 years, he’s taken care of Soobin all on his own, giving little thought to who his sperm donor had been. Some days, he even forgot what her face looked like, or what her voice sounded like.
Hell, he doesn’t even think he had a photo of Soobin's biological mother. She’d been an alpha Taehyung barely knew, and when she found out he was pregnant, she quickly tucked tail and was out of the picture before he could even blink.
He didn’t mind, not really.
But it was in moments like these, that Taehyung kind of wished she was in the picture. At least a little bit.
Had she been more present, then maybe Taehyung wouldn’t have dug himself so deep into a hole that he couldn’t climb back out of.
“Appa,” Soobin’s soft voice comes from behind him.
Turning, Taehyung smiles down at him, kneeling so that he was eye level with the boy. “Yes, baby?” He asks.
“Where’s my daddy?”
Taehyung’s eyes go wide in shock. It takes a solid second for Soobin's question to take root, and once it does, the panic quickly starts to set it. He wasn’t ready for this conversation, at all. “W-why do you ask?” Taehyung counters, clearing his throat, unable to look his son in the eyes.
“Jiwoo has both of her daddies drop her off everyday.But I only have you.” He says, big doe eyes looking into Taehyung’s curiously. Jiwoo was Soobin's best friend, he talked about her almost every day, but he never realized just how closely he'd been watching her. Then again, it was hard to notice that she had two daddies, whereas he only had one. “So I was wondering where my other daddy was.”
Standing up straight, Taehyung roughly runs a hand through his hair, brain searching for an appropriate answer. What do you tell a 5 year old in this situation? Surely he couldn't tell him that his sperm donor wanted nothing to do with either of them, right? That would devastate his pup. “Um... well... you see...” What could he say... What should he say? Glancing over at the box he’d been shifting through, Taehyung hurriedly starts searching through the cardboard container, and when he finds what he was looking for, he jerks the old photo from the bottom. Handing it to his son, Taehyung puts on a smile that he hopes is convincing enough. “Your daddy can’t be with us, because he’s a famous rapper, sweetie! He’s always very busy and because he’s so busy, he can’t come home right now.”
The photo he handed to Soobin, was that of a rapper he’d been obsessed with before he'd had been born. Min Yoongi, or AgustD as he was known globally, was a popular entertainer. He debuted shortly before Soobin’s birth and blew up steadily over the last few years. What harm could it do if his 5 year old son thought his dad was someone famous? It’s not like they would ever meet, or run into, Yoongi. And once Soobin was old enough to understand, he’d explain everything.
At least, that’s what he hoped would happen… Unfortunately, things do always go as we hope.
After the incident in the living room, a month passes by and Taehyung has built an entire story for his son. Every time Soobin asked a new question, Taehyung felt his hole get just a little deeper, and before long, he could barely see the light from the bottom. He was running out of things to say, and was beginning to confuse himself at the same time. The lies were stacking up and he was finding it difficult to keep track of what was what.
He needed help...
“I don’t know what to do...” Taehyung loudly whines.
“I have an idea.” His friend interjects. “Tell. Him. The. Truuuuuuth.”
Taehyung lifts his head, taking his eyes off Soobin playing close by, to look at his best friend sitting beside him. He asked Jungkook to meet him here at Soobin's favorite playground, hoping to get some advice out of the other omega. Unfortunately, it seems Jungkook wasn't going to be any help.
“I can’t do that.” He groans.
“You really can and you really should. Before it gets completely out of hand.” He sips the cup of coffee he had cradled in his hands. “You’re only going to make it worse for him when he’s old enough to understand his real daddy isn’t a world famous rapper and no, he won’t have a million dollar trust fund at 18.”
Taehyung whimpers, ultimately knowing Jungkook was right. Continuing to lead Soobin on, was only going to make things worse in the future. “But if I tell him the truth, I'll have to tell him about Jisung and how she wanted nothing to do with us.”
“Maybe so, but that’s better than him believing a lie and growing up thinking his father is someone it’s not.”
“You’re right... I know you are, but that doesn’t make it any easier. He’s a pup, he won’t understand.” Taehyung’s shoulders slump. “It would break his heart.”
In the end though, Taehyung doesn’t take Jungkook’s advice. No matter how many times he rehearsed it in his head, he just couldn’t stand hurting his son... even if it was the truth. So, he continues with the lie.
Unfortunately, the truth always finds a way to come out. And a month later it comes out in the most horrific way possible.
***
He’s out with Soobin when it happens. They’re at the mall buying presents for one of his classmates' birthday, when Taehyung is confronted with his lies, in the form of the one and only, Min Yoongi.
It started out fine, they were having a good time goofing off and trying on all kinds of outfits, when someone nearby let’s it out that AgustD is in the record store next door. Taehyung immediately feels his spine go straight as all of the color drains from his face. Beside him, Soobin’s eyes go wide and a large toothy smile breaks out and e starts tugging insistently at Taehyung’s hand. “Appa!! Did you hear that!? Daddy is here!”
“S-Soobin, no I don’t think that’s correct.” He tries to laugh it off as he takes a hold of Soobin’s hand; trying to drag him out of the clothing store and in the opposite direction.
“But it is!” Soobin cries out twisting his hand in Taehyung’s in order to get himself free.
Everything happens in a blur after that. Hands sweaty, Soobin easily slips out of his father's hold and before he realizes it, his 5 year old son disappears in the ever increasing crowd of onlookers, gathering around in hopes of getting a glimpse of Korea’s biggest celebrity.
“SOOBIN!!” Taehyung cries out, twisting around to chase after his son, only to watch as his mop of black hair disappears through the legs of strangers.
Rushing forward, Taehyung tries to push his way through the thickening crowd of omegas and alphas, their scents drowning out Soobin’s earthy tone. Panic begins to set in as he fights his way through, earning himself more than a few harsh jabs and evil looks. But he doesn't feel, or hear, any of it. His heart races in his chest, loud and thundering in his ears, at the thought of his little boy getting lost or hurt because of his ignorance. Then finally, after what feels like hours, but was more likely just a few seconds, Taehyung breaks through the crowd. Only to face a second obstacle. Huddled in front of the record store, were three very large, very mean, looking alphas standing guard; arms crossed over their chests, releasing dubious amounts of threatening pheromones.
For a split second, Taehyung hesitates to approach. The omega inside of him was too scared to so much as look at the three alphas, much less speak to them. But as he’s standing there trying to figure out how to even try, Soobin’s scent reaches his nose, and suddenly his omega has no problem stepping up to the largest of the three.
“Excuse me,” he says, voice firm. “I need to get in there, my so-“
“Sorry, no ones allowed to enter right now.” The middle alpha guard says, not even bothering to look at Taehyung.
“I just need to get-“
Taehyung is interrupted again by the second alpha to the right of the one in the middle. “ Did you not hear him, omega? No ones getting in right now. Don’t make a scene.”
“I’m not trying to make a scene. My son is inside the store, he wiggled away from me and I can smell his scent inside. Please, I just need to get to him.” Taehyung growls, feeling his patience wearing thin. It wasn’t so much about him being afraid Soobin would confront Yoongi, but more about the fact that his son had gotten away from him and could potentially get lost or hurt... and it would be his fault. Had he just told the truth from the start, Soobin never would’ve believed Yoongi was his birth father, and he wouldn’t currently be bearing fangs at three very large alphas in an attempt to get past them. “I’m getting in there.” Taehyung says defiantly.
The third and final alpha steps forward, brows drawn together, and lips pulled back to display sharp, fully lengthened, fangs. “No, you’re not.”
The “alpha” voice is used on omegas to control them. And no matter what, an omega isn't able to resist obeying an Alpha's command when it was being used. Even now, Taehyung can feel his mind beginning to go foggy as his body tries to step away from the alpha giving the command. Only, the omega in him knew his pup was inside, possibly in danger, and that thought alone helps him fight off the compulsion. Nothing is stronger than an omega protecting their young, not even an alpha’s voice.
Shaking his head to clear the fog, Taehyung steps forward again, brown eyes flashing blue. The three guards are left stunned, wondering how an omega could fight against the “alpha voice”. Using their shock as a distraction, Taehyung suddenly rushes through them, twisting from a hand that grabs a hold of his upper arm.
Soobin’s scent is stronger inside of the store, and Taehyung is able to easily follow the trail of earth tones towards the Kpop section. Hurrying before he was caught by Yoongi’s guards, Taehyung races to find his son, praying he hasn’t run into his “daddy”. But as he follows Soobin’s earthy scent, it’s quickly accompanied by the strong scent of spearmint. Having been a huge fan of AgustD in the past, Taehyung knows that the scent of spearmint was Yoongi’s own unique scent. And in an instant, his heart sinks to the very pits of his stomach.
Turning a corner, he freezes at the sight he sees. Kneeling in front of his son, was a platinum blond haired alpha, Taehyung immediately recognizes him as none other than Min Yoongi.
Catching his scent, Yoongi lifts his head and locks eyes with Taehyung, who feels his throat close up. Soobin too must sense him, because with a big, happy grin, he turns towards Taehyung and says out loud with all the excitement of a 5 year old, “Appa look! I found daddy!”
Taehyung feels his world completely tilt.
“Is this your son?” Yoongi asks, voice as raspy in person as it sounds in his interviews.
Taehyung feels faint, but manages to nod his head while holding a hand out for Soobin to take. Only, he doesn’t come running to his side, instead he stays glued to Yoongi’s beaming like he just won the lottery, and Taehyung guesses, in his mind, he has. After spending 5 years without his “father”, finally meeting him must feel like he won a million bucks. Clearing his throat, Taehyung tries this time to call for his son. “Soobin, we need to go sweetie.”
Soobin quickly shakes his head, refusing to do as he’s asked. “But it’s daddy,” he says with a pout, tilting his head up to look Yoongi in the face. “He’s finally here.”
Taehyung’s stomach twists painfully. “That’s not your daddy, sweetheart. Let's go now, so we’re not bothering him anymore.”
Soobin’s face drops and the confusion that enters his eyes has Taehyung wishing Yoongi really was his father. “But… aren’t you Min Yoongi?” He asks, tugging on the edges of the alpha’s very expensive looking shirt.
Yoongi looks down at the boy, then back to Taehyung. “That’s right.”
“Then you’re my daddy…. Right?”
“Soo… baby please, I’ll explain everything-”
“That’s right pup,” Yoongi says before Taehyung has a chance to finish his sentence. His eyes meet Taehyung’s and there’s amusement in his gaze. “I’m your daddy.” Surely he didn't just hear what he heard.
10 minutes later, he finds himself sitting at a table across from Yoongi in the mall food court, watching as Soobin plays in a children's zone nearby. Taehyung isn’t exactly sure how they got to this point in time, and doesn’t really remember anything after Yoongi told his child that he was Soobin’s father. Everything after that moment is basically a blur in time.
“So,” Yoongi pipes up, breaking the awkward silence. “How old is my son after all?”
Taehyung groans, and lets his head fall into his hands. “I am so sorry.” He mumbles, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “I know it was wrong to tell him you’re his father, but I panicked and didn’t exactly have the heart to tell him the truth. He’s only 5 and I didn’t see the harm. Besides, what were the odds we’d actually meet you one day. Please, I am so sorry and I swear I’ll explain everything to him when we get home.”
Taehyung’s startled when Yoongi starts to chuckle. In fact, he expected the alpha to be upset, but all he got from his scent was amusement. “It’s fine, I’m sure you’re not the only omega to tell their children I’m their father. Though, I must admit, this is the first time I’ve ever been approached by one.”
“I really am sorry about all of that. He heard someone mention your name while we were in the clothing store next door and before I had the chance to get him away, he bolted.”
“It’s not a problem, your son is cute and he was very polite too.” Yoongi smiles, and it somehow relaxes Taehyung enough that he begins to feel a little more comfortable and not so awkward. “So, where is the boy's alpha?”
“Well… she kind of ran the moment I told her I was pregnant. I honestly haven’t seen her since and probably wouldn’t even recognize her if I passed her on the street.” Taehyung doesn’t feel ashamed to tell Yoongi this, despite him being a total stranger. It wasn’t any secret how Soobin’s mother didn’t want anything to do with him or their pup, and Taehyung never really hid it either. Well… he did hide it from Soobin, but he also didn’t want his son to feel like he wasn’t wanted, when in fact he had been and still was.
“So, I know your son’s name, but I don’t remember getting yours.” Yoongi asks, bringing his cup of coffee to his lips, watching Taehyung from over the rim.
“Oh! It’s Taehyung, Kim Taehyung.” He says, introducing himself. Embarrassed that he hadn't done so sooner.
“Well Taehyung, it’s a pleasure to meet you and our son finally.” Yoongi grins teasingly, and Taehyung can’t help his own smile. Maybe this wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.
When it was time to go, Taehyung calls Soobin over to them, and holding his hand turns towards Yoongi. “It’s getting late and I need to get Soobin home and bathed.”
“I can honestly say that today was probably the most interesting day I’ve ever experienced in a long while. But I enjoyed it.” Yoongi replies, ruffling Soobin’s hair affectionately.
“Wait,” Soobin frowns, reaching up to take a hold of Yoongi’s hand on top of his head “Aren’t you coming home with us, Daddy?” He asks, looking expectantly between them.
“Um… Soobin, you see…” Taehyung wasn’t sure how to tell him that his “daddy” wouldn’t be coming home with them. Thankfully, he didn't have to, because Yoongi speaks up before he comes up with something.
“I’m really busy right now, buddy.” Yoongi says, taking over when he sees Taehyung stumbling. “But I’m going to give you my phone number and whenever you want to talk, you just have to ask appa and he’ll make sure to get a hold of me. How does that sound?”
Soobin smiles and nods his head. “Okay!!” He rushes forward to hug Yoongi tight, tilting his head up to look at the older alpha’s face and what he says next, makes Taehyung’s heart melt. “I love you, daddy!”
Yoongi’s eyes go wide at the young pup's declaration, and something changes in his spearmint scent that Taehyung can’t quite identify. Kneeling down, Yoongi is now eye level with Soobin, he pulls him into a tight hug and Taehyung is shocked when the alpha starts scenting him… like he would if Soobin was really his son. “Love you too, pup.” Yoongi whispers softly. “Go on now, and be good for appa.”
“I will!” Soobin hurries back to Taehyung’s side, taking his hand once more.
Taehyung and Yoongi stand there a moment, the awkwardness slipping back in. “It was good to see you Tae.” Yoongi says.
“Y-you too, Yoongi-hyung.” Taehyung replies, lifting his hand a little in a goodbye wave.
The three of them part ways after that. Yoongi gave Soobin his number as promised, before being led off by his bodyguards, with Taehyung leading Soobin the opposite way to the parking lot where their car was located. Surprisingly, they’re not stopped by any of Yoongi’s fans from earlier, even though it was obvious they were seen leaving the record store together and later could be seen in the food court. Not that Taehyung was complaining, he didn’t think he could handle any of the media's questions, or being hounded by crazy fans wanting to know his relationship to their idol.
The car ride home is just as quiet, though that could be because Soobin fell asleep almost as soon as he was buckled in, Yoongi’s phone number clutched tightly in his hand. Taehyung knew he had no choice now, he needed to tell Soobin the truth. Hopefully come morning, he could actually do it, but with the image of Yoongi scenting his son burned into his memory, he didn’t think it would be that easy, because now he wanted to believe the alpha was the father Soobin deserved this whole time.
***
A week passes without much change. Despite Taehyung’s promise to himself to tell Soobin that Yoongi wasn’t his real father and that he had lied, Taehyung kept up with it. Then again, Yoongi wasn’t much help either. Every night, Soobin asked Taehyung to call the alpha, so he could tell him goodnight and that he loved him. And every time Soobin called, Yoongi answered immediately, no matter how busy he might be. On the weekends, when Soobin didn’t have school, Yoongi would video chat with him well past his bedtime. It was sweet that Yoongi allowed Soobin to keep believing he was his father, but at the same time, Taehyung was beginning to worry. Eventually, Soobin would be old enough to realize Yoongi never came home for dinner or his birthday. Eventually, he would start asking why he and Yoongi were never seen together as a couple. Because he never said they weren’t mated, only that Yoongi was his father and couldn’t come home because he was always so busy.
Then the little bubble they lived in, where they were safe to play in their world of pretend, all came crashing down, one Tuesday afternoon.
Taehyung left his apartment like normal, walking the short distance to pick Soobin up at school, when a feeling came over him. Almost as if someone was following him, only when ever he turned around, no one was there. Shrugging it off nothing more than just paranoia, Taehyung continues on his way. It's when he arrives at the school gates, that he realizes something is very wrong. There were more people than normal standing around outside of the front gates, talking among themselves and looking like they might be waiting for someone important. Like maybe there was a celebrity at his son's school and they were waiting to get a glimpse.
Which he knew wasn’t right.
Cautiously, he approaches the crowd blocking the entrance. “Excuse me, I need to get inside.” He tells them, trying to remain polite.
A few people move out of his way, paying him little to no mind. When he’s nearly through them, a young girl with a rather large, expensive camera, looks up at him as he tries to pass by. Her chocolate eyes go wide, and Taehyung feels his stomach drop. “It’s you!” She cries out, lifting the camera to snap a picture, her flash nearly blinding him.
Unsure of just what is going on, Taehyung now has the attention of everyone in the crowd and it becomes glaringly apparent that they were members of the media, mixed in with a handful of fansites. Later he would realize just who they were fansites for. Forcing his way through the now mobbing crowd, Taehyung is eventually able to break free of them and sprints for the school, thankful when one of the teachers was there waiting with the door open for him, ushering him inside and locking it behind him.
“Are you okay, Taehyung-ssi?” The short female beta asks, and Tae recognizes her as Soobin’s teacher.
He nods, glancing out the window briefly. “What’s going on? What are they doing out there?”
She looks just as confused as Taehyung when she shakes her head. “We don’t know. They just showed up and sort of began camping out front. When we asked what they were doing here, one of them said they were waiting to see AgustD’s son. But there isn’t any student here who’s his child.”
Taehyung feels the blood completely drain from his face. 'Oh god, how did they find out?' “Where’s Soobin? Is he alright?” Taehyung asks out loud, keeping his thoughts to himself.
“Yes, Soobin is alright. We decided to keep all of the students inside to wait here for their parents to pick them up. He’s waiting with the other student’s in the cafeteria.”
“Thank you, Ms. Choi. Is there a way we can leave without having to go through the crowd in the front?” Because there wasn't any way in hell he was going to let those vultures get pictures of his son without his permission.
Ms. Choi nods, easing some of Taehyung's worry. “Yes, of course. Here, I’ll go get Soobin if you want to wait here for me, then I’ll show you the back way out.”
Taehyung bows his head to her. “Thank you, I really appreciate this.”
As Soobin’s teacher runs off to get him, Taehyung pulls out his phone. He opens his social media account to try and make sense of what’s happening, but his phone starts to ring, Yoongi’s name showing up on the caller ID. His heart starts to race as he accepts the call, bringing the device to his ear.
“Hello? Tae?” Yoongi’s voice sounds frantic, panicked even.
“Yeah, I’m here.” Taehyung answers, confusion slipping through. “Hyung, what’s happening? There are reporters and fansites crowded around Soobin’s school.” He says, trying to keep his own panic under control. And, for the moment, he likes to believe he was doing a good job.
On the other end of the line, he hears Yoongi curse under his breath. “Damnit, I hoped they wouldn’t find you two.” He sighs heavily and Taehyung imagines the alpha running his hand through his hair roughly in frustration. “It looks like someone overheard Soobin call me ‘Daddy’ that day we met at the mall. We were followed and someone took pictures of us together at the food court too.”
Taehyung feels his heart practically stop in his chest. “Y-you’re kidding me, right?”
“Unfortunately I’m not.” Yoongi pauses for just a short moment. “My management team tried to handle it, but I guess whoever took our pictures, got tired of waiting for their response and leaked everything they had to Dispatch.”
It suddenly felt like his entire world was crumbling down around him. This couldn’t be happening right now. He could feel the sweat collecting at the back of his neck. “S-so what now? What do I do? I can’t take Soobin home. They know where he goes to school, what if they know where we live now too? Is it even safe?” Taehyung holds back the whimper lodged in his throat. “Y-yoongi, what do I do?”
“Don’t worry,” Yoongi says, and Taehyung can sense that he was doing his best to stay calm himself. Likely affected by Taehyung’s distress, even though he wasn’t physically with him. “Go somewhere you feel is safe, not your apartment, and then send me your location. I’ll have my friend pick you up from there.”
“What’s that going to do-?” Taehyung starts to ask, but sees a head of dark hair running towards him.
“Appa!” Soobin shouts.
“I’ll call you back when I get to Jungkook’s house, okay?” Taehyung says, lowering his voice, not wanting the panic he felt be picked up by his son.
“Okay,” Yoongi agrees, and again Taehyung pictures him nodding his head. “But make sure to send me your location too.”
“I will.” Taehyung quickly hangs up and drops to his knees with his arms open wide. Sweeping Soobin into a tight embrace, he immediately begins scenting his pup. Mostly just to reassure himself that he was alright and safe. When he feels a little better, he pulls back just enough to look down into his eyes with a smile on his face. “Hi baby,” he says, rubbing the tip of their noses together. “How was your day?”
“It was good.” Soobin replies, “But it was a little weird towards the end of the day.” He says, looking a little confused. “This really weird guy, I don’t know who he was, came up to me while we were outside playing, and started asking me lots of questions.”
Taehyung’s heart nearly breaks. Clearing his throat, he tries to keep a brave face as he asks, “What did you do? Do you remember what he asked you?”
Soobin shakes his head. “No, I remember what you said appa, about not talking to strangers.” He beams brightly, puffing out his chest with a sense of pride. And Taehyung was definitely proud of his little alpha. “I then ran straight to Ms.Choi and she took all of inside.”
Taehyung releases a sigh of relief. “Thank god.”
“Appa,” Soobin looks up at him with hopeful eyes. “Were you talking to daddy? Can I talk to him too? I want to show him the picture I drew today in class.”
“U-Um…” Tae clutches his phone in his hand. “Yes, I was talking to him just now.”
Soobin’s eyes light up. “Can I talk to him too? Please, appa?”
He hates denying his son anything, especially when he was giving him such adorable puppy eyes. “Not… not right now baby. We have to go to uncle Jungkook’s.” Taehyung holds back a groan, and instead ruffles the boy’s hair. “But we’re going to see daddy later, okay?”
“Really! You promise?” Soobin exclaims.
“Absolutely!” Taehyung nervously chuckles. “I think so, anyways. But you have to be a good boy, okay? Make sure all your homework gets done when we get to Kookie’s, alright?”
He enthusiastically starts nodding his head. “Okay! I promise!”
“Good boy, Soobinie.” Taehyung smiles, patting the top of his head. “Ready to go?” Soobin gives him another quick nod of his head.
***
“You’re shitting me!” Jungkook shirks, after Taehyung finishes filling him in on everything that happened in the last 2 hours.
Taehyung flops back onto the floor, not caring when his head hits the wood harder than he intended. “You can’t sit there and tell me you haven’t seen any of the media articles?” He groans frustratedly. Jungkook wasn’t that disconnected from social media. “Apparently it’s all over Twitter right now. Trending at number 1 all over the world!”
“Tae,” Jungkook looks at him pointedly. “You know I don’t go on Twitter, or even bother with any of those social media apps. They just cause divide and makes everything so much worse.”
He looks at his best friend for a moment, before nodding. “Well, it’s true. I scanned one of the articles on the way over here.”
“So let me get this straight.” Jungkook taps his chin, as if in deep thought. “According to the fansite that saw you, Soobin is AgustD’s son?”
Taehyung nods. “That’s right.”
“Okay, and because no one has ever seen or even heard of Soobin before, then everyone is speculating that Soobin was conceived outside of a proper mating, with you, and because of that, has been keeping both of your existence a secret from the world.”
“Something like that.”
“That makes literally no sense!”
“That’s exactly what I thought too!” Taehyung exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. He uses his hand to cover his face, groaning loudly. “I have no idea how to get out of this mess.”
“Have you called Yoongi back? Didn’t he want your location so he could come pick you and Soobin up?”
Taehyung chews at the corner of his lip, hesitating to answer. Finally, he shakes his head. “I don’t think I should.” He says, voice soft and shoulders low.
“Why not?” Jungkook asks, brows furrowed in confusion. “If anyone can help you, Yoongi can. Right?”
“Because it’s my fault he’s in this mess to begin with!”
“Taehyung….” Scooting onto the floor beside him, Jungkook wraps his arms around his friend, pulling him close. “It’s not your fault, and you know that.”
Before Taehyung has a chance to respond, Soobin calls him from the other room, where Jungkook keeps all of his gaming consoles. “Appa?”
“Yes, Soobin?” He answers, trying not to sound as defeated as he felt.
“What’s uncle Kookie’s address?”
At the same time, both omegas share a confused look. “Why do you need my address, pup?’ Jungkook asks, glancing over at the opened door.
Soobin comes out of the room with Taehyung’s cell phone held against his ear; expression innocent. “Daddy says he wants to come see us, but he needs uncle Kookie’s address in order to come.”
Taehyung’s eyes go wide. He frantically looks around him on the floor in search of his cell. How, and when, did his son even get a hold of the device? Leaping to his feet, Taehyung swipes the phone away from Soobin. Holding it in his hand, Taehyung can hear Yoongi’s voice calling for Soobin, asking if he was still there. In front of him, Soobin’s eyes were wide and were quickly beginning to tear up. “I-I’m sorry baby, I didn’t-”
“Tae?” Yoongi must’ve heard his voice. “Taehyung talk to me, please.”
His hands were shaking as he looked down at the phone, and seriously debated hanging up on the alpha. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Jungkook picking Soobin up, giving him a pointed look that told him without words to just talk to Yoongi. To give him a chance to help him get through this.
“Talk to him, Taehyung.” Jungkook whispers, his hand rubbing soothing circles along Soobin’s lower back. “Let him help.”
Taehyung holds back a whimper, closes his eyes and brings the phone to his ear. “Hello?”
“Tae?” Yoongi actually sounds worried, and it makes Taehyung’s heart skip a beat. “Why didn’t you call me when you got there? I’ve been worried.”
“I’m sorry.” He apologies, falling back onto the couch. “I just needed a moment to think.”
“Are you okay? Is Soobin okay?”
“We’re fine.” Taehyung reassures him. “We made it to Jungkook’s apartment. Have you figured out a plan?”
“Sort of? But I want to discuss it with you first. Can I send someone to come pick you and Soobin up?”
Taehyung pauses for a moment, thinking it over. He didn’t really want to involve Soobin anymore than was necessary, and taking him to wherever Yoongi was, just seemed like too much. But at the same time, they did need to talk about this entire situation, and how they were going to handle it. “I’ll meet with you,” he finally says, glancing at the now closed door where Jungkook was likely spoiling his son. “But I want to leave Soobin out of it.”
There was an audible sigh coming from the other end of the phone. “Alright, as long as you think he’s going to be safe separated from you.”
“I do.” He doesn’t hesitate, trusting Jungkook completely with his son’s safety. “I’ll ask Jungkook if he can keep Soobin while I’m gone.” The door creaks open, and as if he were sitting there at the door listening in, Jungkook’s head peeks out. His eyes meet Taehyung’s and he quickly starts nodding. “I know he won’t mind watching him for a little while.”
“Okay, then I’m going to send Hoseok to pick you up. Can you send me the address?”
Reciting the address for Jungkook’s apartment, Taehyung soon hangs up and heads into the gaming room where his best friend has his son, keeping him entertained. Soobin was not going to like what he was about to tell him. “Soo,” Taehyung calls, waiting for the boy’s attention to be on him.
When he does turn to look up at him, there was so much hope in his eyes that Taehyung nearly said “fuck it”. “Appa, is daddy coming to get us, now?” He asks, sitting on Jungkook’s lap, holding his uncle’s Nintendo Switch; only pausing the game long enough to look up at him.
“Well… kind of.” He sighs softly, there was no easy way to get around this. “Daddy’s friend is coming to pick me up, so we can talk. So I’m going to ask you to stay here with uncle Kookie while I’m gone.” Immediately he sees the hurt filling his son’s eyes.
“B-but…” Soobin’s bottom lip juts out, quivering as he tries not to cry.
Quickly, Taehyung goes on to try and console him. “Just for a little while, and when this is all sorted out, you can see daddy again.” Taehyung really hates having to tell his son “no”, but he really didn’t want to involve him in any of the mess he got them into. Had he just told Soobin the truth about his mother from the beginning, none of this would be happening right now. Yoongi’s entire career wouldn’t be on the line, he and Soobin would be at home right now, watching cartoons and eating ice cream. None of their lives would have been permanently turned upside down.
Because no matter what happens now, nothing would change. No matter what Taehyung does now, nothing would change the mess he made.
Even telling the truth couldn’t change things now.