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Taehyung had a bad day. But, the atmosphere at Jungkook's house was just so happy after his friends winning the football game just hours earlier, that he just couldn’t bring himself to voice out his frustrations. He felt as if him showing that he was upset and talking about his bad day would only bring the mood down, and so he just… didn't. Taehyung wasn’t able to stay there very long because he knew that he couldn’t hide his emotions and feelings to save his life, so he made up an excuse to leave. He was able to hold together a smile long enough to get out the door, but after that he moped his way to a little park for some alone time.
He hated that he wore his heart on his sleeve, and worried too much about bothering his friends. He would much rather be there, in a safe zone with his best friends; a place where all their scents collided and he could be himself. But, he was here... alone at a park, as the sun began to set. Yeah, things just weren’t going his way today. He started off the day being late, and getting his favorite shirt ruined by some kid running with an ice cream cone messily clashing into him. Then getting yelled at for being late to his second period, and he was so late that he had forgotten his bag so he didn’t even have his textbooks. The day continued on with clumsy endeavors, forgetting everything and dropping anything he could get his hands on. He was sure that today was one of his worst days ever, but he tried to mask it in front of his friends. Jin, his omega friend, was more than excited to cheer on his alpha boyfriend Jungkook at his last football game of the semester today. Jungkook was pumped to end the season on the best note he could, and Jimin had even joined Jin in the stands. Today was special to his friends, and Taehyung guessed that sort of made up for how bad it had been for him. Seeing his friends happy made his day a little less awful.
Taehyung sighed, and sat down on the bench. The park was beautiful, even during the night. Flowers bloomed preciously all around his feet, and a pretty little swing set was sat next to a small bird pond. The prettiest park Taehyung had honestly ever seen; he mentally noted he would have to come back in the daytime to see it in its full glory. A passing breeze grazed Taehyung’s cheeks, and caused him to slightly shiver. The smell of the night. A beautiful scent then flooded Taehyung's senses, instantly prompting him to tilt his head in the direction it came from.
Taehyung wished he were exaggerating. He really did, but the moment the scent had hit him he was already melting. It was quite literally the loveliest scent he had ever encountered in his life, and he wished he could put it in a bottle and keep it forever. He immediately stood up, looking around in hopes of finding its source, and it didn’t take very long to find exactly what he was looking for.
There it was. A brownish jacket laying down gently on the edge of a bench that was on the opposite side of the park. Taehyung gazed down at it, the scent being so much stronger now that he was here, his eyes almost rolled back. He hesitated before picking it up and burying his face in it. It was a mixture of something he could only explain as pine and overwhelming vanilla, and Taehyung was absolutely in love with it. Almost all of Taehyung’s sadness had washed away at once, as he found himself curling into the beautiful smell of nature in a person.
Whoever this belongs to, Taehyung was already head over heels for.
-
If one thing was true, it was that Taehyung hadn’t let go of the jacket in days. His friends were a little confused at first when they entered Taehyung’s little apartment days ago and the rooms smelled nothing like Taehyung's strong scent of strawberries at all. Instead the lovely scent of pine and vanilla circled the room, and Taehyung was right in the middle of it. But soon after they found out more about the jacket, they encouraged Taehyung to find the person it belonged to. Of course, Taehyung teared up at the thought of giving it back but he guessed it was beginning to fade as time passed anyways. The scent wasn’t half as strong anymore, but Taehyung still got dizzy in love the second he walked into his apartment.
He wondered what kind of person it belonged to. Or whether or not he would fall head over heels just at the sight of them. He wasn’t so sure of anything except all he knew was that he could no longer live without the scent. He had buried himself into it for days and the thought of not having it here saddened him. Call him crazy but he had never fallen in love with someone’s scent before. Sure, he loved that Jimin smelled so strongly of peaches, and how Jin and Jungkook’s scents of rain and flowers had mixed together due to being scented by each other. Put all of them in the same room and the aura made Taehyung feel at home. He loved them. But this was different, Taehyung had grown attached in a different way to pine and vanilla. It was something he had bonded with.
“Wouldn’t it be funny if it were someone you hated?” Jimin giggled, earning a death glare from Taehyung.
“I don’t think I could ever hate anyone who smells like this. I don’t hate anyone, in fact,” Taehyung smugly turned up his nose at his friends who were teasing him.
Jungkook snorts, “As if. You hate those rappers. The ones you constantly insult, what’s their names?”
Jimin slapped his leg getting excited, “Yes! Cypher! Those three rappers!”
Taehyung rolls his eyes, “I don’t hate them, they just annoy me. They seem stuck up, I just don’t like them. Plus, this could never belong to one of them. They wouldn’t be caught dead in something warm and snuggly like this.” Taehyung smiled at the fabric as he ran his fingers across it.
Jin only nodded, “You’re right, I don’t think any of those guys would wear anything like this.”
Taehyung sighed, “I really wonder who they are. What kind of person they are, and if they like strawberries.” The three boys laughed. Taehyung only smiled and looked defensive, “What? We could swap, you know?”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, “You know it’s called scenting right? Where you scent your person and your scents mix together so others know you are taken?”
“No shit, Sherlock. We all know what it is,” Taehyung rolled his eyes.
All Taehyung knew was he wanted Pine and Vanilla on him all the time.
-
Taehyung had been looking for the person who owned the jacket for over a week now, but he hadn’t had any luck yet. The jacket no longer smelled strongly nor did his apartment. Taehyung’s scent of strawberries had taken back over the rooms, and sadness was etched onto Tae’s face. He could still faintly smell Pine and Vanilla, but he knew that there was a good chance he would never be immersed in that scent again once it fully dulls out. Just the thought broke Taehyung’s heart.
“Still no luck?” Jimin asked Taehyung. A sad bow of the head and a shake, “No, I don’t think I will ever find the person.”
Jimin patted Taehyung on the back, “Hey, it’s okay. If not, I’m sure you’ll find someone else who’s scent brings you more joy. I’m sure of it.”
“I’ve just been looking everywhere and still haven’t had any luck. I just wonder where they are, or how to find them. I don’t know what to do, but I just don’t feel like I should give up yet, you know?”
Jimin nodded and smiled. “I get it, Taetae. We can continue looking for a while, alright? You know I just want you to be happy.”
Jimin really did want his best friend to be happy. He had been trying to help Taehyung find his mystery person for the last week, driving him around to all the parks and restaurants but for some reason nothing ever came up. He hoped they could find the person before Taehyung gave up and moped around for weeks on end. He sighed and pulled Tae into a hug, “It’ll be alright. We’ll find them.” Taehyung only hoped his best friend was right.
Later that night, Taehyung had decided he would go look somewhere different tomorrow. He had no luck anywhere near him so he figured his last attempt should be going out a little farther this time. He mentally agreed that if he didn’t find the person tomorrow, he would try to move on and forget about it. After all, he felt as if he was just dragging his friends around their city all the time looking for someone he didn’t even know.
-
The next day, Taehyung found himself driving all over the surrounding cities, by himself. He didn’t wanna drag his friends all over the place again so he just decided to go looking on his own. With the jacket in one of his hands, he walked through countless parks and bars. He had woken up early that day just to get out and look everywhere he could even think of.
“Have you seen anyone who wore something like this?” Taehyung shows the jacket to a waitress before adding, “They sort of smell like Vanilla. I’ve been looking for them.” The waitress only shook her head, “No, sir. I haven’t, do you want me to keep that in case I do?” Taehyung’s reflexes made him snuggle the jacket closer to his chest as he shook his head. “No thanks, I will find them myself. Thank you for your time,” He bowed before walking away with slumped shoulders.
It seemed as if the universe just didn't want them to meet, he guessed. Fate was never on his side anyways. He plopped down on a bench outside of a little musical venue and sighed. The day was almost over; he could see the night fastly approaching. He knew he said he would give up after today, but he just didn't want to. Taehyung hadn't ever fallen for someone, or bonded with a certain scent before the way he had now. He had never had good luck when it came to almost anything. He was just a clumsy mess of a person. Sighing again, he felt pathetic.
Sitting here on a bench, after searching for a week for someone but with no luck, Taehyung was depressed. He felt weak and in a weird sense, humiliated. He heard music playing from inside of the little building, and he wiped a tear that fell and was making its way down his cheek. He guessed it was time to make his way back to his car and head home despite returning empty handed and with a heavy heart.
Standing up, and walking down the little walkway between the music venue and another building, he was on his way to find his car which was parked a little bit away. But, suddenly an overwhelming feeling of unsettledness washed over him as he could sense a presence around him. A strong scent that made Taehyung’s nostrils flare, and his whole body to tense up. Then a footstep that sent chills up Taehyung’s spine. All the omega could feel was fear, as he realized that what he could sense and feel was the presence of an Alpha that didn’t seem too friendly.
“Hey there, little one,” A deep voice growled out, as Taehyung could now make out the figure walking towards him. His whole body went numb as his mind went through all the options he had. What should he do? He figured if he tried to run, he wouldn’t get very far before the Alpha caught up to him. He wasn’t at all strong enough to fight him off, either.
Taehyung’s voice shook, “Pl-please leave me alone.” You could hear the fear in his voice alone, as tears welled up in his doe eyes.
The man walked closer and shook his head, “Why would I do that? You’re such a pretty boy.”
Taehyung backed up against the side of the building and shook his head. “No, no. Please, d-don’t hurt me.” Taehyung had never been in this position before, and he just felt so helpless. What could he do? There wasn’t much of an option for him. Nowhere to go and no one around, his body went into panic.
The man was now at arm’s distance from Taehyung, “I won’t if you are good for me.” Taehyung slid down the wall and closed his eyes. This was it for him, he thought. Who knew what was going to happen? He shivered. Fear filled the aura around him as he lost the feeling of his lips as they trembled.
He was begging him at this point as he curled into himself, “Pl-please, don’t touch me.” Taehyung forcefully closed his eyes and tried to pretend this wasn’t happening to him. In his mind he was back in his house wearing the jacket that made him feel at home. Gently cuddling in it, far away from reality. Taehyung couldn’t hear anything at this point, he was in a trance with the scent of Pine and Vanilla to which he didn’t even realize the man who was trying to touch him had been thrown against the wall and was already running far away from the little pathway.
Hands touched Taehyung’s arms and he shivered, “Pl-please,” he whimpered. The hand was gentle though, and warm this time. Pine and Vanilla. That was all he could smell. It covered him, and traced itself into his heart once again. Only getting stronger and stronger, he shut his eyes even harder in hopes to never wake up from it.
Until another shake caused Taehyung’s eyes to open, “Hey, get up. He won’t bother you again,” A voice smooth as honey spoke. Taehyung’s nose flared again, noticing the strong scent hadn’t faded away the moment he opened his eyes. He wondered if he was going crazy as he sat in disbelief. Pine and Vanilla. Was this really happening to him? He closed his eyes once more, was he dreaming? “What are you doing?” The man spoke, confused at Taehyung’s odd actions.
Tae’s eyes opened once more, “Holy shit,” He whispered under his breath. “It’s you, It’s you. Holy shit.” Taehyung’s head snapped up in happiness to look at the man who was kneeled beside him when every vein in his body ran cold.
-
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Kim Namjoon was an intimidating man. Taehyung had seen him for many years on Television, as Kim Namjoon was one of three rappers in the Cypher trio. Taehyung had always had a deep annoyance for the three rappers that came off as ignorant badasses on TV. He sat in shock for a moment wondering how in the hell the scent that smelled so sweet and warm could belong to none other than Kim Namjoon. He was anything but what Taehyung had been imagining when he found the jacket. He figured he should probably ask if it belonged to him before he got too ahead of himself but Taehyung knew this scent anywhere. He had grown attached to it and could sense it anywhere. Damn his friends for jinxing him.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here. Then we can talk.” Taehyung just nodded and stood up to follow the man but his mind was running a million miles a minute. On one hand, the scent alone had him swooning and he had to admit... Kim Namjoon up close was absolutely gorgeous. On the other hand, Taehyung was annoyed that out of everyone it had to be him. Two parts of him collided and caused a division between heart eyes and raised fists.
Once the two got to the little parking area behind the music venue, Namjoon turned to look at the omega who hadn't exactly processed what he was taking in yet. "Are you okay?" Namjoon asked, snapping Taehyung out of his thoughts.
"Uh- , yeah I'm okay," Taehyung took this opportunity to look the tall man up and down and take in the dark black button up matched with ripped jeans cuffed with chains. Was he sure he had the right guy?
Namjoon held out a hand, “I’m Namjoon.” Taehyung thought about it, before deciding to take his hand. “I’m Kim Taehyung.”
"Sorry I didn't show up sooner," Namjoon scratched his neck. "I didn't know what was happening til I came out of the building and passed by. Anyways, you really shouldn't be walking alone at night." Namtheon looked Taehyung up and down before shaking his head, annoyed.
Taehyung scoffed, "I can take care of myself." He couldn't help it, he snipped back at the alpha in front of him.
Namjoon scoffed and flicked Taehyung on the forehead, "Yeah right. Whatever you say."
Taehyung was seeing red, but the second Namjoon turned to walk away, he quickly reacted and grabbed his arm. "Hey, no. Don't go yet."
The tall man turned back with a quirked eyebrow, "What? Listen, I don't give autographs, or whatever. I only wa-" Taehyung cut him off with a glare.
"I don't want an autograph from you," he rolled his eyes. "Uhm, so.." How could Taehyung tell this man that he hated him but also didn't want him to leave because he had a growing attachment to his scent and was anxious without it? Wouldn't that sound a bit weird? Taehyung sighed, before looking down at the ground.
"Do you want to go get food? I don't want to go home right now… after that." It came out as a whisper, barely above a whisper at that. But, Namjoon had heard it. His expression softened and he thought for a moment before nodding. "I wouldn't want to be alone after that either. Come on."
When Namjoon had told Taehyung that he would take him home, and have someone drive his car to him in the morning, the omega could only nod and gulp. He guessed being famous had its perks. Privileged Asshole, Taehyung thought to himself.
He hadn’t said much since he had sat down in Namjoon’s expensive ass car, and he was honestly too afraid to even touch his door handle. But, when Namjoon had asked him what he wanted to eat, Taehyung’s eyes lit up and he sat up straight. “Can we eat at McDonald's??”
No one loved Chicken Nuggets like Taehyung did. His friends were so burned out from eating nuggets every weekend but every time Taehyung flashed his puppy dog eyes it wasn’t more than a mere ten minutes before he was sitting in a little booth eating nuggets and fries. Taehyung had even gone as far to say he wanted to be reincarnated as a chicken nugget in his next life, and Jimin always told him that he would never let anyone eat him so he would be able to rest assured. Yeah, Taehyung didn’t play around when it came to nuggets.
Namjoon looked over at the omega with a quirked eyebrow, “McDonald's?”
“Yeah, are you too fancy for that?” Tae sat back and rolled his eyes. He really was an entitled asshole, huh?
Namjoon laughed then, dimples on full display and Taehyung’s eyes were as wide as a deer in a headlight. “No, I used to love McDonalds. I don’t get to eat there often anymore. Sounds like a plan to me.” Namjoon’s face resembled almost a kid for just a moment, lit up with happiness beyond belief. Taehyung was stunned, staring at the little spot on Namjoon’s cheek that the prettiest dimples he had ever seen, sat so prettily. His heart rate sped up and he gulped. Okay, maybe Taehyung had a new favorite facial feature.
Namjoon noticed how Taehyung was staring at him and his face fell. Coughing and hardening his gaze again, he cleared his throat. “Okay, we will go to McDonalds. Then I will take you home.” The silence had returned, leaving Taehyung to hear his own heartbeat ring through his ears. He shook his head and looked ahead of him, feeling a mixture of contentment and frustration.
-
McDonalds wasn’t very busy that night, so the two had decided to eat inside at a little table in the very back of the place. Taehyung sat so happily, but Namjoon couldn’t help but feel a little tense. He hadn’t really been able to go out like this in a long time, but he was thankful that they weren’t super busy so he could enjoy it without being mobbed. Don’t get him wrong, he was thankful and grateful for what he had. He just wished he could do normal things sometimes.
Namjoon shook off the thought and looked at Taehyung who was happily eating his chicken nuggets. He had just met the omega and for some reason he already felt like he knew him. That was the confusing part about all this. Though Taehyung definitely wasn’t like others… Instead of freaking out over being in the same area as him, he seemed rather… annoyed? Namjoon didn’t know. Maybe he didn’t like his music or something, but as far as he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong. Sure, Namjoon knew he didn’t particularly come off as the friendly type but he didn’t go out of his way to be mean. Hell, he saved the omega just hours earlier. His eyebrows furrowed, “Do you hate me or something?”
Taehyung’s head snapped up mid bite, “What? No, I mean, maybe? I don’t really fancy rappers like yourself.” Namjoon tried not to laugh at how serious he looked with chicken nuggets stuffed in his cheeks. Taehyung started to talk with his hands, “Not to be rude or anything, but you just seem like a dick on TV. I have friends that love Cypher and honestly it just isn’t my cup of tea. You know? I really jus-”
Namjoon laughed then, stopping Taehyung dead in his tracks. “Do you always talk so fast? And why the hell are you so upfront? You could have left out the fact that you think I am a dick. Spare my feelings Mr. Taehyung.” Namjoon placed a hand on his heart and acted hurt.
Taehyung’s face was frozen, his jaws stuffed with chicken and his eyes wide at Namjoon’s reaction. He hadn’t ever seen the rapper smile and laugh like this on TV. Why didn’t he show this side of himself more often? Surely it was just an act. Taehyung was confused about how he felt. He was half in bliss being smothered in the most beautiful scent of his life, but annoyed as hell to be in the presence of a rapper like Namjoon. But at the same time, the dimples and smile that was sketched on the face of the alpha sent his heart into a frenzy. He didn’t know how to feel. Namjoon flicked Tae on the forehead, “You ok in there?”
Taehyung snapped out of his trance and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Namjoon cleared his throat, “So. Where do you live?”
Taehyung’s eyes never leave the table, “About an hour and a half away. I’ll help you get there.”
“Why were you down here alone then?” Namjoon asked before plopping one of Taehyung’s chicken nuggets in his mouth, causing Taehyung’s eyes to widen as he looked at the alpha in anger.
His mouth formed a perfect O as he went flying over the table, “How dare you! Get your own food!” Namjoon swatted Tae’s arms away as his laugh fills the entire restaurant. “Are you crazy!? You have the audacity to buy me food then try to take it away?!” Taehyung said loudly as Namjoon giggled. Leaving them both surprised…
Did he just giggle?
The laughs from Namjoon and the angry screams from Taehyung filled the whole place, but at that moment, neither of them really cared.
“Taehyung, sit your ass down! It was just one chicken nugget! I don’t have any problem buying you another meal!” Taehyung stopped then. Did he just say he would buy him more?
-
It was two in the morning and Taehyung had just gotten out of Namjoon’s car that was parked in front of his house. He had stayed out way longer than he expected to, but to be honest he dreaded coming home. When the car pulled up at his house, he was halfway about to ask if he could just sleep in there instead of going back into his little apartment. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the scent of Pine and Vanilla, but to be fair his clothes reeked of it from being out with Namjoon all evening. The thought of his name sent shivers down Taehyung’s spine. He couldn’t believe it really was him, but he had no choice to.
He covers his quickly reddening face in his pillows when he remembers being out with the alpha. Seeing his dimples, and hearing his pretty giggles threw him for a loop. But, Namjoon’s cold stare returning after he pulled one of those pretty smiles threw him for an even bigger one. He didn’t really know what he thought of the man after that little trick he pulled. What was he supposed to think?
The aura Kim Namjoon had was totally different from the vibe he got from the scent. The scent was warm and inviting, loving even. Something Taehyung had somehow built an emotional bond with. He had made a home in the scent and aura of Pine and Vanilla. It was soothing for him now, and he had believed he would fall head over heels for whoever possessed it.
Turns out, the man that the beautiful scent belonged to was none other than Kim Namjoon. The pretty jacket-
Taehyung sat up quickly as his heart skipped a beat. The jacket. The jacket. He had forgotten the jacket. Oh my God. How could he?
He stood up and started pacing, “Holy shit. My jacket. I mean, his jacket. Holy shit.”
He was in for a rough drive back to the music venue in the morning.
-
When he got there he practically ran back to the little side of the venue to find the jacket, but it had already disappeared. He ran into the little theatre, as panicked as he could be. “Have you seen a brown jacket? It was left just outside last night. I really need that jacket, it means a lo-”
Taehyung’s hair stood on the back of his hands when he sensed the familiar scent. The familiar presence. His heart did black flips.
“Taehyung?”
Namjoon stood confused behind Taehyung and the front desk lady was equally confused. Kim Namjoon never spoke to anyone here. Or called anyone by their names, at that.
“Namjoon? What are you doing here?” Taehyung was confused too.
Namjoon shook his head with a sarcastic laugh, “I work here. Why are you here again?”
It clicked then, Taehyung thought. Of course he worked here. It was a music venue and Namjoon was a musician after all. Taehyung felt stupid for even asking such a question. But, the rings around Namjoon’s eyes concerned him a little. He doubted Namjoon got home very early last night, which was… very much his fault. He sort of felt bad… for just a moment.
The lady stood up and bowed to Namjoon, “Sir, do you want me to get security?”
Namjoon shook his head, “No, he can come with me.” Taehyung’s eyes widened as his head perked up. He was going with Namjoon? The alpha only turned to Taehyung with a sigh, “Come on, Taehyung.”
Namjoon grabbed Taehyung’s arm and he dragged him away. Leaving the lady at the front desk as stunned as she could be. Namjoon had never brought anyone inside before.
They walked for what felt like ages through the maze the music building was. Taehyung took everything in as he looked around at the sets and equipment backstage. Everytime he would reach out to touch something the alpha would slap his hand away before he could even get the chance to, causing the omega’s cute lips to pout. After many minutes of hand slaps and ‘OO’s from Taehyung, they finally approached a little room in the back with Kim Namjoon written in bold letters on the door.
The room was full of little figurines, and music equipment. There was a little couch sat in the corner of the room, and lots of … plushies? Taehyung’s eyes widened, was this Namjoon’s studio? Was he sure that he was in the right place? No, he had to be. Namjoon’s name was literally written on the door.
Namjoon shook his head as he closed the door. “What are you doing back here?”
Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows, “What do you mean? I just left a jacket here yesterday and I was trying to find it.” Namjoon held the bridge of his nose, and sent a death glare to the omega that almost made him shake in his nonexistent boots.
“Couldn’t you have just bought a new one?! Don’t you remember what happened here yesterday?” Namjoon snapped at Taehyung, causing Tae to flinch when he raised his voice at him. Why was he being so rude today?
Taehyung’s face fell at being yelled at, and he could feel tears brimming his eyes. He really was a sensitive boy, and he hated loud noises and especially being yelled at. He thought for a moment before looking down at the ground. So, he was right after all. Namjoon really was an asshole. “What’s the problem? Do you really not want me here that bad?” He hated Namjoon. He hated Cypher. Why did he even let Namjoon drag him back here? He felt silly for thinking that he may have had it all wrong after seeing Namjoon last night. How could he ever had thought differently? How could he have possibly let himself get giddy over this man?
The scent of Pine and Vanilla calmed him down. It was ironic, he thought. The scent of the man who had almost made him cry is what stopped him from crying. He wished he hadn't gotten his hopes up. What happened? Why was he so confusing…?
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a week later
Taehyung had a newfound annoyance for Namjoon. It has been a week since he yelled at him, and he just wasn’t over it yet. Namjoon still hadn’t apologized, and Taehyung hated that he immediately acted like it didn’t happen when Taehyung was still very much upset about it.
Now, this didn’t keep Taehyung away from the alpha. Somehow, he clinged to him even more. While Namjoon annoyed him, he couldn’t help that his heart yearned to be near his scent. So, he found himself bickering with Namjoon all the time and sticking to his side like glue. It was very confusing for everyone around them, because not only did Namjoon ignore almost everyone when he was working, he also never had the care to argue with them. But not Taehyung. Definitely not him. He would argue with him every moment of the day, and never get tired. The funny and most confusing thing was, they would sometimes find themselves cracking up about something, but then go right back to arguing. Yeah, it was definitely a sight to see.
Taehyung had shown up at the music venue daily for the last week. He had found himself getting home late every night because he had been staying a little too long to annoy Namjoon and make him buy him food. He had even found himself at one of the shows the Cypher trio put on, and he would never admit it but his foot was tapping along to the beats he claimed to hate so much the whole time.
After the show, Namjoon had brought Taehyung back to meet the other two rappers, Hoseok and Yoongi. Taehyung immediately took a liking to Yoongi, who’s scent was strongly made of tangerines. When Yoongi showed his shy gummy smile, Taehyung almost fell in love on the spot. He giggled and poked Yoongi’s cheek, wondering how could the cutest boy become an idol rapper like the Cypher rappers? And how could he have ever thought he was an asshole? He was nothing like Namjoon, who was always tense and rarely cracked a smile. Tae could say the same thing about the other rapper: Hoseok, who smelled something like a field of sunflowers, radiated nothing but happiness and energy when he smiled.
Taehyung, at that moment, saw that these guys really weren’t as bad as he thought. Except Namjoon. He was annoying. But, Taehyung would sometimes catch himself smiling at the alpha… He guessed he didn’t hate him as much as he said he did.
When Taehyung came in one day feeling a little low on himself because of school, he noticed Namjoon taking it ….. easy around him? He didn’t annoy him as much, and even took him to McDonalds without Taehyung even having to ask. Ordered his food for him and everything. Taehyung didn’t say it, but he appreciated it beyond words could even express.
“Come on, eat your chicken nuggets. I know you love them.” Namjoon flicked Taehyung on the forehead.
Taehyung pouted and took a bite off of one before looking up at Namjoon who sat his elbows on the table with his head on his hands, watching him closely. He had been oddly sweet to him today. He guessed he could tell how down he was. It meant a lot to him to see that despite how much they annoyed each other, Namjoon cared deep down. Maybe he really wasn’t that bad.
Taehyung looked down at his chicken nuggets, before picking one up and setting it down on a napkin in front of Namjoon. He deserved one too.
Namjoon smiled a little, his dimples peeking out. “Thanks, Taehyung.” Sending butterflies into Taehyung’s stomach, after seeing those pretty dimples again. He wished he could see them all the time. Taehyun gulped and looked back down at his food before smiling only a little bit.
Yeah, he really wasn’t that bad.
After that, he found himself enjoying being around Namjoon. Sure, he annoyed him beyond belief… but he enjoyed his company. Every day he looked forward to seeing the alpha, and even listening to him rap. And his newfound rapper friends too. Namjoon still argued with him all the time, but Taehyung didn’t really care anyways. Namjoon yelling at him and hurting his feelings slipped further and further away from him til he didn’t care anymore.
Now, it was a little after eleven and Namjoon was cleaning up the set with the rest of the crew and Taehyung was sitting in his usual seat. He had classes tomorrow but right now, he didn’t really care. He sat watching the stage. The three rappers cleaned without talking to each other, making Taehyung wonder just what kind of friendship did these three have? Hoseok and Yoongi seemed to be pretty good friends, but Namjoon? He was quiet. Now that he thought about it, Taehyung hadn’t really seen Namjoon talk to anyone much since he had been coming around here. He wondered what that was about. Especially if these were the men he worked with.
When the rappers stepped off the stage and walked toward the exit, Taehyung ran in front of them with a big grin. “Do you guys want to maybe go to watch a movie? I know it’s late, but I don’t wanna go home yet,” Taehyung gave his best smile at the three men standing in front of him. Surely they wouldn’t say no, right?
He stared at three blank faces looking right back at him. After a moment of silence and awkward stares, Hoseok poked Taehyung’s cheek with a smile. “No thanks.” Two simple words later, the three men walked by Taehyung leaving him in his tracks. huh?
Taehyung ran in front of them again, “What? Please! I just want company…” He hung his head and sighed. No one could withstand sad and mopey Taehyung… Surely, they would give in… or not.
“Nope. I’m going home.” Tae’s head shot up, his mouth forming a perfect O. He watched the three rappers walk out the door, leaving him alone.
He sighed, and shook his head. Well, he guessed it was time for him to go home anyways. He had classes in the morning, and he didn’t want to be late again. He hung his head, and got his stuff before making his way to his car. Maybe he could get some food before going home, he thought. He could always go to the movies ano-, what? Taehyung’s eyes widened when he saw the three rappers leaning against his car looking right at him.
His eyes lit up as he smiled, “Really? I thought you guys wanted to go home?”
Hoseok smiled and shrugged his shoulders, “I decided I can always sleep in tomorrow. “
“I’d rather hang out with you for a while, I have nothing better to do.” Yoongi said shyly, and Taehyung giggled.
His gaze turned to Namjoon who was looking at the ground. The alpha looked up at him, and cleared his throat, “Uh, I only agreed because if I didn't, you would never leave me alone about it again.” Taehyung flicked his forehead before laughing. He couldn’t believe it.
He clapped his hands, and smiled really wide. “Thank you guys!”
-
The movie theater wasn’t very full since it was already so late. They caught one of the last movies of the night, and Taehyung was quite happy to be here with his new friends. They had chosen one of the horror movies, and sat all the way in the very back of the little theater. Taehyung sat in between Yoongi and Namjoon, who were both quite interested in the movie. Every now and then, he would see one of them flinch when jumpscares would happen, but nothing like Hoseok who was on the opposite side of Yoongi.
Hoseok let out screams every single time anything happened on the screen, and Taehyung would always check on the rapper. “You okay?” He would whisper behind Yoongi, only for Hoseok to nod his head with wide eyes. It was quite cute, Taehyung thought. A rapper who dresses in black head to toe, wears chains and looks as intimidating as Hoseok did, was just a cutie that was actually quite easy to scare. It was adorable. The few people in the theatre didn’t find it as cute though, because every time he would scream it would startle them and popcorn would go flying. Taehyung would only muffle a giggle and try to ignore the popcorn landing in front of him.
Namjoon on one hand, didn’t seem bothered by the movie. Other than an occasional small flinch, he didn’t seem too worried. Yoongi’s flinches were a little bit bigger though, Taehyung could tell he was trying to hold it together to look cool. Yoongi just gave off that vibe.
Taehyung eventually slipped his hand on top of Yoongi’s, when Yoongi flinched and looked away from the screen. Taehyung smiled over at him, and Yoongi only gripped his hands tighter. He was so focused on Yoongi that Taehyung didn’t even notice Namjoon’s head snap at their intertwined hands, or the way his face fell when Yoongi gripped his hand back. To Namjoon’s luck, their hands stayed intertwined for the rest of the movie.
Now, Namjoon wasn’t usually the jealous type. He knew that. But, when his stomach churned at them holding hands, he was internally denying it was jealousy. He scoffed and rolled his eyes at the two, before locking his jaw. Why would Taehyung have to hold Yoongi’s hand anyways? He was a grown ass man that didn’t need anyone to comfort him. Especially during a movie like this. It was only jump scares, nothing really that terrifying. Namjoon rolled his eyes again. Whatever.
When the lights slowly turned back on, one by one, and people started making their way out of the little theatre, Namjoon was almost fuming. He didn’t know why it upset him so much, but he was pissed the hell off. Yoongi didn’t even know Taehyung as much as he did. If Taehyung was going to hold any of their hands, why wouldn’t it be his? And why the hell did he care so much anyways?
Taehyung smiled and stood up, “Okay! Let’s go, boys.” Yoongi stood up with Hoseok who looked as pale as a ghost. Taehyung looked over at Namjoon who was still seated, “Are you coming?”
Namjoon scoffed and rolled his eyes, “No. Leave without me.”
Taehyung cocked his head to the side, confused. If Namjoon wasn’t so pissed, he would actually think it was quite cute. He looked like a confused puppy. “What? Why? We can leave together! Come on, Jooni-,”
Namjoon stood up and cut Taehyung off. “No. Goodbye.”
Namjoon hated that he was this way. Why did he have to be mean and rude about it? He could have just ignored it and left the omega alone. When he was finally outside he processed the look of confusion on Taehyung’s face.
“Namjoon you stupid asshole,” He sighed and face palmed over and over. What had he done?
Back at the movie theater, Taehyung stood scratching his neck. He laughed awkwardly, “I guess he didn’t like the movie.”
-
Taehyung was a pushy person, but he knew when to back off. But, when it came to Namjoon he just couldn’t help but find himself gravitating towards him. He knew something was up, because Namjoon usually didn’t just blow up on him like he did a few nights ago. He decided he would give him a few days to cool off, and maybe then they could talk. They were friends after all.
And, sure Taehyung knew he was an asshole, but he looked at Namjoon like he hung the stars. As much as he tried not to, he couldn’t stop himself from falling for the annoying alpha that smelled like Pine and Vanilla. He couldn’t help how he slowly began to fall for everything about the man. The wide eyes when he was working on his music, the smirks that sat so cutely on his lips, and the dimples that rarely came out but when they did would make Taehyung dizzy on his feet. He annoyed the hell out of him but that was the fun of it. It was safe to say he had a big fat crush on him.
Now, Taehyung had just arrived at the little music venue and passed through the front of the building. The lady at the front desk was so used to Taehyung being here that every time she saw him she would smile so wide and wave to him. He guessed no one talked to her much here, by the way she acted. It was nice to see her so happy just to see someone who would ask about her day.
Taehyung had a little bit of pep in his step today. He woke up on the right side of the bed and even bought a little rose for Namjoon on the way here. The people constantly screaming at him on the side of the road to buy little flowers finally caught him and reeled him in… He ended up buying a pretty yellow rose that he had planned to give to Namjoon when he saw him. Maybe it would make the alpha less tense and talk to him, he hoped.
He had just finally made it to the door with the name Kim Namjoon written on it in bold letters. He mentally sighed and put on a smile. Today will go well. He will be in a good mood and I will finally get to see him smile again. Taehyung hoped with all his heart that whatever he did, Namjoon would finally let go of and talk to him. It was eating Tae up inside thinking he had done something wrong to someone who had become so important to him.
Opening the door and peeking in, he saw Namjoon sitting at his little desk. He slowly tiptoed in, trying not to startle him. Just when Taehyung thought he was off the hook, Namjoon sighed. “What do you want, Taehyung?”
Tae’s eyes closed in defeat, “Hey… I just wanted to talk to you. You left in a hurry the other night.”
Namjoon didn’t even turn his head to look at the younger omega. He just continued staring straight at his monitor. “Go away.”
Ah, so he must still be angry with me… Taehyung’s lips sat in a pout. What could he have possibly done to make Namjoon so angry with him? Sure, Namjoon would fight with him all the time but usually it wasn’t so serious. But, this time the air was so tense that Taehyung’s hair stood up on his arms. He shook his head, trying to break through the walls Namjoon had built around himself. “No. What did I do? Talk to me please. I gave you a few days to calm down, I just want to be there for my friend. What could po-”
Namjoon’s head snapped around to Taehyung, “Friend? You think we are friends?” His tone was harsh. Taehyung felt himself curling into the wall behind him and Namjoon stood up. The scent of Pine and Vanilla getting stronger, as he could sense and feel the anger radiating off of Namjoon. The air was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. Taehyung winced, “Y-yeah, my friend. You’re my friend..”
Namjoon sarcastically laughed, “Don’t you hate me? I thought you hated my guts. All you do is insult me! Are you fucking kidding me right now!?” Namjoon’s voice raised and Taehyung felt tears welling up in his eyes. His hands shook as he clutched the little rose in his hands, not even noticing the thorns pressing into his fingers. What the hell could he have done?
Yoongi and Hoseok heard the booming of the alpha’s voice, and ran right to his studio only to see Taehyung with tears streaming down his face and Namjoon stood up with his jaw locked. Namjoon sighed again before pointing to the omega, “Listen here. You're not my friend. You never were my friend. You’re just some weird college student following me around everywhere I go. Hell, you don’t even like my music.” Namjoon’s head turned to the opposite side of the room, shaking his head.
Taehyung couldn’t hold it in anymore. He felt his chest tighten and he finally let out a sob and Namjoon looked over at him, “Why are you crying? Am I not right? What c-” Yoongi stepped in front of Taehyung and glared at Namjoon. “What the hell, man? What are you saying? Can’t you see he is hurt? You fucking idiot. Don’t you know when enough is enough?”
Namjoon looked over at Taehyung who was now in Hoseok’s arms, hot tears running down his cheeks. He spots it then. A little yellow rose, laying on the floor where Taehyung was standing. Yoongi shakes his head at him before turning to Hoseok who was holding a crying Taehyung to his chest, “Come on, Taetae. Let’s get you out of here.” One last look at the alpha, and the three had left the room. He could hear Taehyung’s sobs down the hall, as they walked further and further away.
Leaving him and the yellow rose back in the studio where Taehyung’s heart broke into pieces.
-
Taehyung hadn’t come back to the venue. It’s been a week and a half and Namjoon was back to avoiding everyone. He found himself wishing that Taehyung was here with him, every second of the day. He just couldn’t shake the image of Taehyung with tears running down his plump cheeks, hiccuping as Namjoon’s own friends took him out of the building. He shook his head. Friends. They weren’t his friends. They hadn’t been friends for a long time.
See, Namjoon used to be more outgoing. He used to be able to show his emotions, and face them head on. Ever since Cypher had blown up, he guessed he just didn’t really feel like himself anymore. He found himself not knowing who to trust because it felt like all people wanted to do was use him for his fame, use him for his money. He missed the way things used to be, before his hobby became his job. He missed when the three rappers would hang out for fun and not because they had to. He hated it. It was so frustrating that he decided to close himself off completely, and he guessed he lost himself along the way. He didn’t even speak to his best friends that he had known since he was little, other than when they were on stage. He often avoided everyone, and when people tried to break his barriers he completely went off on them. Like a ticking time bomb. That was what he did to Taehyung.
The truth was, Namjoon didn't mean anything he said to Taehyung. He often found his heart speeding up around the omega, and his dimples unintentionally making an appearance. He didn't mean to hurt the younger, he just wasn't ready to open up yet… he thought it was the best thing to do. But now… he regretted it more than anything. He just kept pushing it away until he pushed Taehyung away all together...
He sighed, and laid his head down on his table. He thought about how Taehyung had somehow already tore through a piece of his walls and how he had somehow weaseled his way in despite Namjoon shutting down on him every time. He had even brought the three rappers together, after so long of him pushing them away…
Namjoon was often angry with himself over how he had become, so he took to nature when he became lonely. Believe it or not, he didn’t always dress in black and just sit around in his studio. When he found himself growing lonely, he would make his way to little parks, and areas around the town in which he could make friends with the plants. This was what he did when it got too much for him. When he felt as if he needed to get out of his own skin. This was his way of reaching out, when he suddenly didn’t know how to reach out anymore.
Namjoon hadn’t gone there in a long time.
He groaned in his hands. He had really done it, hadn’t he?
He found himself missing the scent of strawberries so badly that it physically made his stomach hurt. It was his new favorite scent. Everywhere he went he searched for it, without even knowing he did. He had been doing this for a long time now, he supposed. He guessed it was time for him to finally admit it, and stop pushing his feelings away. Not just for Taehyung, but also for everyone around him.
That evening Namjoon found himself sitting on a little bench in a park nearby the venue. He felt the wind brush itself across his nose as all the thoughts in his head began to fade away. For the first time in days, he was able to feel peace. This was how he had managed to stay sane for years now. Things would eat him up inside, and this was where he would throw them out at, and never return. It wasn’t the healthiest thing he could do, but it was just how things were. His fingers played with the fabric of the pretty tan sweater he had on, ditching his idol clothes back at the venue. It just wasn’t him, he wasn’t a badass at all. Underneath all of that all he wanted to do was make music. Music from his heart. He wanted to be himself. Sighing, he wondered why the thoughts kept coming back, when usually he was able to push them away so easily.
“Hey,” Namjoon jumped a little, when he heard a voice come up from behind him. He turned to see Yoongi, standing there in a little sweatshirt from college. Standing behind him was Hoseok. Namjoon gave a puzzled look, and went to ask, “What are you guys doing here?”
The two boys sat down next to Namjoon, and Yoongi smiled. “Just here to hang out with you.”
The three men sat in silence for minutes, taking in the beautiful scenery around them. Yoongi and Hoseok could see why Namjoon came here to calm down. They saw the pretty trees and heard the sounds the birds made, it really was relaxing. Yoongi smiled, “I see why you come here. It’s so pretty.”
Namjoon only nodded, “Yeah. It’s nice.”
“I’m going to have to start doing this more often. Maybe we can come here together? Wouldn’t it be ni-”
Namjoon cut him off. “What are you guys doing here? For real?”
“Can’t we come hang out with our best friend?”
Namjoon shook his head and fiddled with his fingers, “You know I’m not your best friend anymore.” His voice was soft, compared to how usually he would react to them. They could tell he was really down, despite him not being as open with them anymore. They just wanted to help.
Hoseok patted Namjoon on the back, “You can be, though. We miss you.”
Namjoon looked down at his hands again. He fiddled with his fingers and the sweater paws he had as he sighed. Did they really? This wasn’t the first time they tried to break through those walls, or tell him that they miss him. He just didn’t know how to fix what he had damaged between their friendship. He felt as if he was caught in the middle of a cobweb and there was no way of him getting out. Not just in their friendship, but also in every aspect of his life. He had messed up, and he knew it. All this time, he just thought there was no going back.
His eyes began to water up, “I can’t fix it. I can’t fix anything.” His emotions were beginning to uncover, and tears were seconds away from falling if he wasn’t careful. Had it really come to this? He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. He hadn’t been honest and open about what he was feeling in a long ass time, and it just felt wrong. He couldn’t help but fight back the tears.
Yoongi slipped a hand over his, “We want to help you. We miss you being around, but we never wanted to push you… but you’ve been this way for so long, and it’s starting to hurt others… We know you didn’t mean what you said to Taehyung the other day..” That was all it took. The mention of Taehyung, and the memory of what he had said to him the other day came rushing back to his mind, and burned a hole into his walls, tearing them down. What had he done? He couldn’t believe he had said that to the omega. To Taehyung, of all people. He remembered the hot tears running down his face, and he just couldn’t take it anymore.
Namjoon broke down then. Yoongi pulled him into his arms, and let the alpha cry to him. It was odd seeing Namjoon like this, as he always came off so big and strong, never showing his emotions. Coming off cold but Yoongi and Hoseok knew the real Namjoon. The real Namjoon before he hid himself away. Hoseok rubbed Joon’s back, as Yoongi let him cry on his shoulder. This was a step. A step forward to change. Namjoon needed it, he knew he did. He was hurting his friends, and he had hurt Taehyung. He wasn’t so sure how Taehyung had felt about him, but he knew Taehyung meant something to him. He thought about him all the time, and longed for the sweet scent of strawberries 24/7. How could he have been so mean to him?
-
Namjoon was going to fix this. He was going to fix this. He had stayed up all night talking to Yoongi and Hoseok, trying to fix things between them as much as he could at the moment. Now, it was his turn to fix things with Taehyung.
Now, Namjoon had been the way he was for years now. It wouldn’t be as easy as flipping a switch and becoming open, but he could attempt to be honest about his feelings and apologize for what he had done. He could work on being himself again, and not hiding behind walls around every turn. He could do that. He could fix the messes he had caused, and over time find himself not feeling the need to hide anymore.
After all, being open like that was easy with Taehyung. There were numerous times where he’d found himself opening up to the omega, then quickly retracting when he realized what he had done. Now, he had wished he hadn’t retracted at all. But Taehyung at least knew Namjoon more than most people did.
Namjoon remembered the night they met, the first trip to McDonalds and how Taehyung had managed to make him laugh so loudly.. The way his dimples peeked out, waving hello to the cute omega who smelled like strawberries.
He remembered every single time he found himself laughing, and arguing with the omega. He realized then that hiding himself completely from him was almost a lost cause, because Taehyung somehow brought out happiness in Namjoon. Even if sometimes, Namjoon was an asshole to him. The alpha couldn’t stop himself from smiling at the thought of Taehyung laughing, and it was incredibly clear to him then. He had at some point started falling for him.
That was why he’d been so jealous when he saw Taehyung holding Yoongi’s hand, that was why he thought about him all the time, and why he longed to be near the scent of Strawberries. Namjoon knew that this was happening for a while now, but he’d been pushing it away and denying the fact that Taehyung was becoming someone he found himself opening up to… He just didn’t know how to handle it. It had been so long, and Namjoon was wrong to attempt to push the omega away. He was wrong to deny himself the right to love, the right to fall for someone who his heart found solace in.
Namjoon, you stupid ass.
He was going to fix this.
-
When Namjoon’s car had made its way into Taehyung’s neighborhood, he had suddenly felt nauseous. He was about to confess to someone, and apologize all at once… He was nervous as hell. This was a big step for him. And he wanted to make things right with the omega... His heart hurt every time he thought about the tears running down his pretty cheeks. Namjoon hadn’t been able to forget about it once since it happened. He felt like an awful person for hurting him like that, and for saying such things that he didn’t even mean.
He had pulled into Taehyung’s driveway 3 times now, but his car slowed down only to speed up again and drive around the block one more time. One more time, just one more time. One more time had gotten him around the block 10 different times now. He sighed and shook his head. He needed to calm down and clear his head before doing this. So he did what always calmed him down, and what he thought would help clear his nervousness.
He found the nearby park, recognizing it to be one he had visited over a month ago. He remembered this place, seeing the pretty fountain he had stared at in awe of once upon a time. He sat down on the little bench, before sighing. He had to get his head together.
He could do this. He could do this. He knew he could, despite it being scary. It was easy, wasn't it?
Just tell him how you feel, Namjoon. That's all you have to do. All you have to do is tell him that you were wrong to push him away, you were wrong to hurt him the way you did. Tell him that in all honesty, you just wanted it to be your hand he held. You want to hug him and be there for him. You just made a mistake. Just tell him Namjoon.
Namjoon wiped his sweaty hands on his brown, naturey jacket. He was quite honestly nervous as fuck. How was he going to tell him something like this so casually? He wanted to hug Taehyung and apologize, but at the same time he was tempted to turn around and go home because he was so scared. But, he knew where his heart was leading him, and it was right to the cute omega that smelled like strawberries. After all, Taehyung had weaseled his way into his heart, and now he just couldn’t get him out of his head. He had to tell him how he felt. Even if Taehyung turned him away.
He sighed and decided it was time for him to face Taehyung. It was time for him to go to him, stand before him and tell him that despite his walls being stronger than they have ever been, he was able to break through them. That he didn’t know anything about love, but he knew that if he let himself he could learn... He could take care of him; he would treat him right. But, he had to fix his mistakes first. The fact that he hurt the omega alone was killing him… He would fix that.
Namjoon had to admit. He was sort of drunk from the thought of telling someone that he was starting to fall for them. He had never really confessed to someone, let alone have a relationship. This was all so new, and such a change for the alpha. Someone who had been so alone for years now, to someone who was working towards a change. Namjoon had to say he was proud of himself. It was something he had been wanting to do for a long time now, and he was glad that Yoongi and Hoseok hadn’t turned their backs on him… and he hoped that it wasn’t too late for Taehyung.
He still had a long way to go, and he knew that. But, as long as he tried his best to open up, and rely on his friends when he needed them, then everything would be okay. He would struggle a lot and have to overcome his moments of insecurity, but he was determined to fix things. This was something he was ready to do.
Just then, the wind blew across his face, and caressed his cheeks ever so lightly. Brushing the smell of strawberries across the air. He immediately perked up, knowing that specific scent to be Taehyung’s. Was he here? Why would he be here? Namjoon looked around him, but no one was near. Was he just imagining it? Another gust of wind, and Namjoon knew he couldn’t just be imagining it. It was too strong, and too sweet for his imagination. He knew he was here. But, where?
Namjoon guided through the little park, looking everywhere for Taehyung. The scent of strawberries hadn’t abandoned the air yet, but there was no sign of Taehyung. No sign of the omega that his heart was yearning for. He kept searching and searching, until he came to a little bench that his mind somehow remembered.
It was the bench he had forgotten his jacket on that day. The day that he had ventured across county to county, debating whether or not he should just run away. He was tired of being in the spotlight, tired of feeling so disconnected from everyone around him. He had wanted to get away from here, but he knew he couldn’t. He hated himself for it.
Only a short amount of time later, a cute doe eyed boy had found his way to him, and slowly began a change inside of his heart. A change that Namjoon had been running from, but one he needed. A change for the good.
Namjoon looked down at the bench, and saw a little beret sitting gently on the bench. His hands slightly shook as he reached down to pick it up, the scent of strawberries radiating off of it. Namjoon knew who this belonged to, and found it as a sign. Going to Taehyung was the right thing to do. It was what he wanted. He smiled and shook his head, “Taehyung, I think I’m falling for you.” came out as barely a whisper, but Namjoon had never meant something more than he did then.
And with that, Namjoon ran.
-
Where was he?
Namjoon’s heart raced as he looked around for the pretty omega but still no sign of him around… No trace of the omega at all. Namjoon’s shaky hands held the pretty yellow beret as he stopped for a moment to catch his breath. He was really going to do this.
He was really going to do this.
Namjoon ran through the park, searching for the one person who could get through to him… the omega with the longest and most gorgeous eyelashes, and a smile so sweet it could move mountains. The person who was able to bring a smile to his face when it seemed as if it were impossible. The one boy Namjoon’s heart yearned for: Taehyung.
His eyes searched the park, he was sure he was here. Namjoon had a feeling, it was like he could feel Taehyung near him. He kept walking through the little park, until it felt like he had already searched everywhere.. After Namjoon had searched every bench, and every corner of the park, he just couldn’t believe it. Taehyung was probably at home; he probably left his beret here earlier and Namjoon had missed him by mere seconds. And that was fine; Namjoon would search for Taehyung until he found him. He just felt silly after searching the whole park for someone who seemed to not have even been there at all. But, it was worth it. Namjoon would search night and day for Taehyung. Little did he know, Taehyung would do -and did- the same for him. If only he knew.
He held the little beret in his hands as he walked towards his car. The sun was beginning to set now, a pretty gradient of purple and pink lighting up the sky. Namjoon thought it was beautiful. He finally took a second to feel how soft the little hat was… a pretty dull yellow that only Taehyung could pull off. The sweet smell of strawberries lingered from it, causing Namjoon’s head to spin.. He folded the beret gently and tucked it into his jacket pocket, as he thought about how pretty it must have looked on him. He really was falling. And it was happening quickly. Quicker than he had expected himself to. But, after he let go and let himself, it seemed almost… easy. Taehyung was easy to adore, easy to be around, and easy to talk to. Namjoon was almost jealous of how perfect the omega was. He once again wondered how much easier this would have been had he just stopped fighting himself earlier… but that didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was Namjoon was determined to make Taehyung happy again- if he would only accept him.
The alpha made his way to the little parking lot, thinking of how amazing Taehyung was. The smiles that made Namjoon lose his composure, the batting of his long lashes when he wanted something, the hair that fluffed up so cutely. Namjoon could almost see it. He could almost see the little strands covering his face, the pretty plump cheeks… Namjoon could see it.
No, Namjoon really could see it.
The second Namjoon spotted his car, he saw a tall slender figure leaning up against it. A soft baby blue sweater, and that fluffy hair that fell gently against his cheeks. A pretty omega that had begun to mean something so dear to Namjoon. Someone he would search miles and miles for: Taehyung.
He was here. He really was. Namjoon stopped in his tracks only a few feet away, gazing at the omega who stood in front of him. He was really here. Taehyung hadn’t noticed him yet. The omega was leaning against Namjoon’s fancy car that he was too afraid to touch at first. His feet kicking little pebbles across the ground, unaware of the alpha standing only a bit away from him. Taehyung kicked a pebble a little farther then, looking up to watch it wander away, but he was surprised to find something else waiting for him.
Their eyes met then.
Taehyung cleared his throat, and leaned off of the car to straighten his vest. “I- uhm, I saw your car… I was going to wait for you..”
Namjoon stood for a second, seeing the pretty omega tense up. He could tell he was tense. He felt his heart start to hurt at the solemn look on the usually bright and cheerful Taehyung. Almost every time Taehyung waltzed right into the music venue, he wore a perfect and pretty smile. At first Namjoon tried to ignore it, but the harder he tried the more it reeled him in… He missed that smile. And he missed his laugh. He missed Taehyung.
Namjoon didn’t waste any more time.
Within only a moment, Namjoon walked towards Taehyung and wrapped his arms around him. A big hug, a warm one. One that caught the omega off guard.
Taehyung stood there for a second, processing what was happening. Was Namjoon hugging him? The same man that went off on him days ago? Namjoon had never hugged him before. But this hug wasn’t just a regular hug… He could feel Namjoon’s emotions radiating off of him, as the wonderful smell of nature surrounded him. It took him a second before he relaxed, and hugged the alpha back. The regret and sadness, guilt, seeped off of him, he knew then that Namjoon never meant what he said.
Namjoon buried his head in Taehyung’s shoulder. He hadn’t had a hug in so long, but he was so glad Tae was here for him to wrap his arms around. A tear trickled down Namjoon’s cheeks and onto Taehyung’s pretty blue sweater, and Namjoon’s voice broke. “I’m so sorry..”
Taehyung’s eyes widened, and he pulled away to look at Namjoon’s face. Seeing the tears form in his eyes, as a couple streamed right down his cheek… Taehyung couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
A tender hand brushed the tears off Namjoon’s red cheeks, and softly pulled him in for another hug. Taehyung wrapped his arms around the alpha, “Hey, it’s okay… It’s alright.” His voice was just like a feather landing on Namjoon’s shoulders. A brush of wind that chilled his nose, leaving him breathless for only a moment. A comforting hug. A break in the atmosphere, leaving Taehyung and Namjoon alone in a crowded park. This was all that mattered then.
Namjoon shook his head, “No, it isn’t. I hurt you, I’m so sorry.”
Taehyung let his hand brushed through the alpha’s hair. “I’m not mad at you, I forgave you when it happened. I just didn’t know if you wanted anything to do with me anymore…”
Namjoon pulled away then, revealing his red eyes to the omega who had a softer look than before… almost relieved.
Namjoon shook his head, “I could never hate you. I didn’t mean anything I said… I’m sorry for shutting you out. I just… I have so many things to say to you…” the alpha was tripping over his words at this point.
Taehyung nodded and smiled, “Let’s talk somewhere else. I think you need a moment to calm down first. Is that okay?”
Namjoon sniffled and nodded, and Taehyung wiped another tear off of his face, “It’s okay. It’s alright, I promise.”
-
Taehyung had to admit, this was a shock. Seeing Namjoon so emotional, and …. Open. Vulnerable. It was new, seeing the usually intimidating alpha so honest about how he feels. He had to admit though, being around the rapper again made him feel at ease… almost like coming home. He always wanted to be around the alpha, and ever since he had begun to grow attached to him it had only gotten worse.
After Taehyung was able to calm him down a little bit after the scene in the park, they drove back to Taehyung’s little apartment. This was the first time Namjoon had come into Taehyung’s place… and to be honest, he felt sort of embarrassed about it. When they had walked in, Namjoon looked around at the walls and saw all the photos of Taehyung and his friends, Jimin, Jin, and Jungkook.
Namjoon reached out to touch the photos, “Are these your friends?”
Taehyung laughed at the photo of them making funny faces, “Yeah, they are dorks. They are real big fans of Cypher… maybe one day you can meet them.” Namjoon smiled a little and nodded. Of course he would. Anything for Taehyung, he thought.
“So where do we start?” Taehyung asked Namjoon after they had settled down on the little sofa in his living room.
Namjoon rubbed his nervous hands across his legs, and took a deep breath. “Well… “
Taehyung noticed how nervous the alpha was, he put a hand on top of his, “Hey. It’s just me, don’t worry.” It was true… It was just Taehyung. Taehyung who was so easy to talk to, so easy to be around. It was only Taehyung. Namjoon felt his nerves ease a little as he turned towards the pretty omega in his blue sweater.
Namjoon only nodded his head and sighed, “Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about the other day..”
“Uh huh..” Taehyung’s eyes were doe-like. So attentive, so caring. Listening to every word the alpha spoke, thinking them through with care. Taehyung’s love language must have been understanding. It set Namjoon at ease.
Namjoon looked into his eyes then, and took his hands. “Taehyung... I am sorry. I am sorry for saying things that I didn’t mean, and for hurting you. The truth is, I love having you around… I just haven’t been open in so long… I got scared. I denied how I felt and pushed you away. I could never hate you, and you aren’t annoying. You never annoy me, well- maybe sometimes, but only in the best way..” Taehyung laughed then, and Namjoon smiled. Dimples waved hello to the omega, and sent butterflies through his stomach.
“I also have something else… to tell you. And, this is the part I am really worried about…” Namjoon took another deep breath.
This was it. This was Namjoon’s chance to tell him. His chance to tell him that the more he thought about him, the more his heart became his. He could do this.
“Taehyung… I’m awful at expressing my feelings.. I’m aware of how difficult I am. And how awful at communication I am. I often hold myself back when it comes to the unfamiliar. I don’t really know why... I have walls put up, but somehow you broke them with ease… it scared and still scares me and I don’t know.. I think that’s why I blew up on you- and in no way am I justifying it because I should have never said those things to you. No one ever should. You deserve way more than that. You deserve way more than me. The truth is… I want to be around you. I want to be with you all the time, day and night. I think about you all the time, and when I am away all I do is miss you. I find myself writing songs about you, and …”
Namjoon took a breath then, before softly speaking, “-how pretty you are.” The last part came out as barely above a whisper. But, Taehyung heard it. His eyes were wide, listening to every single syllable that left Namjoon’s pretty lips. He felt his heart begin to race as the alpha continued to ramble in the cutest way he had ever seen.
“-about how amazing you are, and how you make me feel... I know I’m not good at this. This is unfamiliar for me, this is something I have never really done. But, I can try… I can do my best to open up, and I will treat you well… I will work on myself, and be someone you can rely on. I know you deserve way way more than me, some rapper who sucks at communication… But, I can fix that. I will make everything right if you would just le-” Taehyung couldn’t take it anymore.
He leaned forward and left a soft kiss on the alpha’s cheek, cutting him off. Namjoon’s eyes widened, only looking at the omega with curiosity swimming in his eyes.
Taehyung smiled, “I like you, just the way you are. Just be honest with me, that’s all I ask.”
Taehyung took in the moment to notice the pretty beige coat that Namjoon had worn, remembering it to look similar to his older jacket. He saw then; the real Namjoon. No chains, no badass rings. Just Namjoon. The man he had grown attached to. All he wanted was for Namjoon to be close to him, to be near. For pine and vanilla to be etched in every layer of his heart, every single crevice.
“Taehyung, I like y-”
The omega covered his mouth, before smiling warmly. “I like you too. I like everything about you.”
Namjoon quirked his eyebrow playfully and peeled the omega’s hand away, “Except for my music, huh?”
Taehyung shrugged and rolled his eyes, “I guess… It kind of grew on me…”
Namjoon smiled to himself, feeling the blush rise up on his cheeks. He knew it was time.
Namjoon pulled a yellow rose out of his pocket, along with Taehyung’s beret. Taehyung’s eyes widened, only now realizing he had forgotten his beret in the park. His eyes then wandered to the delicate flower, almost the same color as his beret. The little rose Namjoon was holding looked almost exactly like the one he had bought for him that day. His doe eyes looked into Namjoon’s as the alpha gently placed the pretty beret onto Taehyung’s fluffy hair. Before looking at him with the rose held ever so gently, “You left your beret in the park. That’s how I knew you were there… I spent forever searching for you. But, you were still the one waiting on me…” He held the rose out to Taehyung. “I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you sooner.”
Taehyung smiled at the pretty rose that was laid in his hands. It was beautiful, just like Namjoon. When he was with him it seemed like that was all that mattered. He had been falling for him for a long time now, but he just now realized how deep he was. For him, Namjoon hung the stars. That was what made this so special to him.
Taehyung leaned forward once more, to cup his hand against the alpha’s cheek. Barely above a whisper, “I’m so happy we are both forgetful.” He kissed him then. A beautiful, gentle kiss that was long awaited. All the arguments that turned into play fighting, all the late night trips to McDonald's. Everything led them here, in this exact moment. A kiss so sweet, full of so many emotions. The overwhelming scent of pine and vanilla mixing with the smell of strawberries.. This was their safe place. And Taehyung truly was glad they were both forgetful because in the end, they led themselves here.
And right here was where they both wanted to be.
It wouldn’t be easy. It wouldn’t be a walk in a park, though they may take many walks in parks through their journey together. Namjoon had a lot of work to do, a lot of things he would have to work on. Fully mending the relationship between him and his two best friends. Putting his full passion back into making music, and tearing down those walls he had spent so long building. As scary as it was, Namjoon had Taehyung. And with Taehyung, he felt as if he could do anything.
Taehyung thought it was funny, really. How he had become so attached to the smell of Vanilla and Pine. How it had become a home for him. He really was thankful in the end that Namjoon was the person the universe had led him to.
The future wasn’t promised, but their journey had just begun.
But, first things first... Taehyung’s friends were in for one hell of a shock.