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Yoongi was a masochist. He had to be. Otherwise why was he making the walk of shame yet again after spending the night with an alpha that didn’t want a relationship with him, when a loving relationship was all that Yoongi dreamed of?
Bobby was a nice guy and always treated the omega with respect, but he had been honest from the start - this was purely a physical thing.
And before Bobby, there was Kihyun. He was perfectly sweet and there might have been a chance of things working out if the alpha hadn’t been obviously pining after someone else. Yoongi couldn’t really judge. Glass houses and all that.
Yoongi knew he was never going to be happy with the type of situations he kept putting himself in, but he figured if he couldn’t have what he really wanted, he might as well take what he could get. He just hoped his roommate was still asleep. He wouldn’t be able to deal with Hoseok’s knowing eyes.
Of course he was never that lucky.
“You look like shit,” Hoseok said, looking over the brim of his mug as he sat swaddled in a blanket on their couch.
“Good morning to you too, Hobi,” Yoongi said with a roll of his eyes as he kicked off his Doc Marten’s.
“I thought you weren’t doing this anymore.”
“Doing what?” the omega asked as he squeezed himself between his friend and the arm of the couch.
Now it was Hoseok’s turn to roll his eyes. “You know, sleeping with random assholes who don’t give a shit about you.”
“C’mon. You’ve met Bobby. You know he’s not that bad.”
“Oh yes, not that bad. That’s exactly how I want to describe my future Prince Charming,” Hoseok said sarcastically.
“Hobi.”
“Okay, okay. You’re right. Bobby is fine. He’s a good guy. But he’s never going to give you what you want. He made that perfectly clear. So why do you keep going back to him?”
Yoongi rested his head back against the couch and took a deep breath. He knew Hoseok was only looking out for him. He and the beta had been best friends since college and they always took care of each other. But they had been over this a hundred times and the answer was never going to change.
“You know why. There’s no point in getting emotionally attached to someone, or letting someone get attached to me, when there’s no chance for a future.”
“But there could be a chance,” the beta argued. “You just refuse to be open to anyone.”
“Because I already met the perfect guy. Just because I can’t be with him doesn’t mean he’s not out there.”
“Hyung, that was two years ago. And you only talked to him for a couple of hours. And he doesn’t even live here.”
Yoongi shrugged his shoulders. “Doesn’t matter. Look, I know you think I’m crazy for pining over some American alpha, but I can’t help it. That night...I don’t know. Something just clicked inside of me. It’s always going to be him. And I know that I’m probably never going to see him again, but it doesn’t matter. Knowing that he exists is enough.”
“I don’t know if that’s really sweet or entirely depressing. You should have gotten his number. Or at least his last name.”
“Believe me, I know. Biggest regret of my life.”
~
2 years ago
Yoongi was having a bad night. A really bad night. Hiding in a restaurant bathroom stall crying his eyes out kinda bad night.
He wasn’t even that emotional of a person, but he couldn’t help it. This day had been one clusterfuck after another. But it was supposed to have gotten better. Tonight was supposed to make it better. But instead it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
First, he was told the songs he produced for a rookie idol girl group were a little “too edgy”. He tried to explain how the songs fit the concept and would actually showcase the girls’ vocals better, but he was shot down. Told that as an omega in an alpha world, he needs to know his place.
Well, fuck that. Anyone who knew him knew that he didn’t back down from a fight. Especially one based on such outdated worldviews. He ended up being escorted out of the building.
Then he called his parents on his walk back home to vent about what happened. He figured they would have his back. Instead, they told him he shouldn’t have been so hotheaded. He should have kept his cool and he would probably still have a job.
Whatever. It’s not like they ever really believed in him anyway.
And then there was his date with Minho. They had been dating for about six months and he was sure the alpha was going to ask to make things official. He had been extra sweet lately, always checking in, making sure Yoongi never forgot to eat and always got enough sleep. They weren’t in love yet, but they cared a great deal for each other. It was only natural to take the next step to become boyfriends. It’s not like either of them were dating anyone else anyway.
So he had taken a little extra time to get ready. He styled his hair in loose waves and smoked out his eyes. He finished his look with some snug fitting black jeans and a deep purple silk shirt. He thought he looked kinda pretty. He hoped Minho would agree.
~
Yoongi kept his eyes peeled for Minho once he arrived at the pub they were meeting at. It was pretty busy, being a Friday, but he finally spotted the alpha in a booth tucked away at the side.
“Hi hyung,” he said softly as he slid into the seat opposite the alpha.
“Hey Yoongi. Looking gorgeous as always.”
They ordered drinks and Yoongi ended up telling him what happened at work. Unlike the response from his parents, Minho thought Yoongi absolutely did the right thing. The older man was a big advocate for omega rights and had always supported Yoongi’s career aspirations.
The night was going so well. Yoongi thought it was only a matter of time before Minho asked him to be his boyfriend. How could he not? They got along so well. They had the same values. They were attracted to each other. It was perfect.
“Listen, Yoon, I wanted to talk to you about something actually. I probably should have brought it up earlier, but I guess I was a little nervous.”
This was it. This was the moment. “You can tell me anything.”
“I’ve been having a great time getting to know you. We always have so much fun together and I really do think you’re something special. But I just don’t think it’s going to work out.”
Yoongi felt his heart drop. “What? Why?”
“It’s nothing against you, I promise. You’re amazing. I’d have to be blind to miss that. But we’ve been seeing each other for six months now. And I think as much as we like each other, there isn’t a lot here. We’re missing that chemistry...or spark...or something. And I want that. I need that.”
Yoongi pressed his nails into the palms of his hands. He was not going to cry in the middle of a pub on a Friday night. He just wasn’t. “Maybe we just need some more time.”
Minho just shook his head. “I don’t need any more time. I’m really sorry, Yoongi.”
There was pity in Minho’s eyes and that’s what sent Yoongi over the edge. “You know what? You should be. You could have called me to tell me this. We could have had this conversation in private. Instead, you parade me around in public to be some kind of sideshow rejected loser.”
“That’s not what…”
“And you know the shit I went through today,” Yoongi said, cutting him off, voice rising in volume. “You could have given me a day to deal with the destruction of my career before you blow up my personal life as well. So fuck you.”
~
And now he was crying in the bathroom. After he made a scene in the middle of the pub, he was far too embarrassed to leave the safety of the stall he locked himself in. He heard people come in and out, but no one paid any mind to the obvious distressed scent he was putting out.
Until someone did.
“Um, I don’t mean to pry, but are you okay?”
It took Yoongi a second to realize the man outside the stall was talking to him. “I’m fine,” he whispered, not trusting his voice.
The man didn’t really seem to believe Yoongi, if the calming pheromones he sent out were anything to go by. “I just...are you sure? Full disclosure - I may have seen what happened out there.”
“You mean me getting dumped? Wonderful. Public humiliation is just one more thing to add to this shitshow of a day,” Yoongi muttered. Although, he already felt a little better. The rich coffee scent of the other man really was soothing.
“If it’s any consolation, I think breaking up with someone in public is a huge dick move. So you may have dodged a bullet.”
“The silver lining, I guess.”
“Do you maybe wanna come out?” the alpha asked tentatively. “We don’t have to talk about it, but I can buy you a drink? Maybe?”
Yoongi couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. “Are you hitting on me right now?” He opened the stall door and was met with the biggest eyes he’d ever seen.
“No, no! Of course not! Not that you’re not attractive or anything. You’re beautiful. Obviously. I-I just…”
“Relax,” Yoongi said, a genuine smile covering his face for what felt like the first time that day. “I’m just messing with you.”
“That was mean.”
“That was funny. Buy me that drink now?”
~
“So, tell me about yourself. What’s your name? Where are you from? Do you normally start up conversations with random guys crying in bathrooms?” Yoongi asked as he wrapped his hands around a pint of beer.
The alpha couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m JK. I was born in Busan, but I grew up in California. I’m just here visiting my cousin. And so far, you’re the only crying guy in a bathroom that I’ve ever had a conversation with.”
“I’m flattered to have made the cut. I’m Yoongi, by the way. You can call me hyung.”
And that’s how it started. Yoongi had never felt so immediately at ease with anyone in his life. Even Hoseok, who was his ultimate platonic soulmate.
~
“So if you’re supposed to be here visiting your cousin, where is said cousin?” Yoongi asked.
“I’ve been abandoned, it seems. I’m pretty sure he’s defiling his apartment right now. I am so not looking forward to going back there later. It’s going to reek.”
Yoongi scrunched his nose. “That’s why I’m the best roommate. I always take my defiling elsewhere. But I guess those days are over for now.” He tried to keep his face neutral, but he knew he must have failed when he saw the soft look the alpha gave him.
“Did you love him a lot?”
“That’s the worst part,” Yoongi said with a sigh as he tossed back the rest of his drink. “I didn’t love him. We were dating for 6 months and I thought he was going to ask to make things official, but instead he said we have no chemistry.”
“That’s awful. I’m really sorry, Yoongi.”
“As much as I hate that he dumped me in public - and in one of my favourite pubs no less - he was right. We were comfortable together, but I guess I can’t really be angry that he wanted more. The butterflies, you know? I don’t even know what that’s supposed to feel like, but I want it, too. I want someone to look at me like they can’t imagine living without me. I want someone to hold my hand when I’m sick and who will tell me I’m beautiful when I first wake up, even though we both know it’s a lie. I want someone who will dance with me in the rain and indulge my need to watch Kiki’s Delivery Service at least once a week. It sounds stupid, right?”
JK just shook his head. “It doesn’t sound stupid. It sounds really sweet. He didn’t do that for you?”
“No, but he’s a good guy. He’ll do it for the right person. The right person just wasn’t me.” Yoongi took a deep breath and made a move to stand up. “Thanks for hanging out with me, but I should probably go. I’m not the best company right now anyway. Thanks for the drink.”
JK nodded his head. “Yeah, for sure. Get home safe, okay?”
Yoongi felt the cool evening air envelope him as he made his way down the street and cursed himself for not bringing a jacket. He startled a little when he felt a hand wrap around his wrist and he was ready to throw hands before he turned around and saw a familiar face.
“JK? Did I forget something?”
“Spend the evening with me. Let me give you a better memory for tonight.” When the alpha saw Yoongi’s eyes widen, he quickly shook his head. “Not-not like that. I just mean...we can do some of those sweet romantic comedy things, you know? The cliche things that everyone makes fun of, but secretly loves. I just- you seem really nice and I don’t want you to have to go home with your heart sad if there’s a chance that I can make you smile at least once.”
“Really? You’d do that for a complete stranger?”
“We already had a drink together. We’re not strangers anymore. And who knows...maybe it’ll even rain...or at the very least we can look for a sprinkler and pretend.”
~
Present day
“And we found a theatre that was somehow playing Kiki’s Delivery Service. He bought me flowers...they were kinda shitty convenience store flowers, but still. He held my hand and we danced in the middle of the street. We looked at the stars and it was just...magic. No rain, but the way he looked at me- I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.”
“I love this story,” Taehyung said dreamily, sprawled out on the living room floor.
“You really shouldn’t encourage him,” Hoseok chastised. “He’s missing so many opportunities because of one night from two years ago.”
“Because they had a connection, hyung” Tae countered. “You can’t fight a connection. That’s just science.”
“I really don’t think that’s science,” Namjoon interjected, always the level-headed beta.
Taehyung did not look appeased. The younger omega has always been a hopeless romantic and never failed to show his support for Yoongi. “You guys suck.”
“Thanks for always being on my side, Taetae,” Yoongi said softly. “You’ve always been my favourite.”
“Anyway, you know how I’m dating this new guy?” Jin said as he paused his round of Mario Kart to finally participate in the conversation. “He actually has a cousin who lived in San Francisco. That’s in California, right?” When he received an affirmative, he continued, “Anyway, he moved back here a couple weeks ago. Maybe he knows your mystery alpha.”
“California is a big state,” Namjoon pointed out. “The odds are unlikely.”
“I’m still gonna ask Jimin to bring him out. It’ll be fun. Besides, Jimin has only properly met Hobi. It’s time for the rest of you losers to meet the love of my life.”
“Can I bring Bobby?” Yoongi asked.
“No you cannot bring Bobby! Yoongi, what the hell?,” Jin exclaimed. “I’m here trying to help you find your lover boy. You are not going to show up with some random asshole.”
“Does no one here like Bobby?” Yoongi questioned.
“You don’t even really like him,” Hoseok pointed out.
“Not the point,” Yoongi sighed. “But fine. I’m already going to be single for the rest of my life because I’ve been ruined for all other men. I may as well be celibate too.”
~
“Jin hyung is gonna be late,” Namjoon said as he slid into the booth next to Hoseok. “He’s picking up Jimin and Jimin’s cousin.”
“So theoretically we could all just leave now and he wouldn’t be able to stop us,” Yoongi pointed out.
Taehyung couldn’t help but laugh. “Aww hyung, that’s mean. You know how excited he is for us to meet Jimin. Besides, this is the closest we’ve ever been to finding JK.”
“I’m just really trying not to get my hopes up. The odds of this cousin actually knowing who he is are just...well they’re not good. And if by some miracle he is able to put us in touch, it still might not work out.”
“Hyung,” Hobi started, but was cut off.
“I know you all think I’m kinda crazy for putting so much meaning into that night and maybe I am. But that night- he made me so happy. I never felt like that before and I haven’t felt like that since. But maybe it was nothing to him. Maybe I’m just a loser and he was just being nice. Maybe he forgot about me the second he was back in America.”
“I didn’t forget about you.”
The omega froze in his seat. He knew that voice. It had been years since he heard it, but he would remember it anywhere. And yet he couldn’t turn around.
“Yoongi, I’ve been thinking about you for two years. I’d really like to see your face.”
Yoongi met eyes with Taehyung and he looked like he was about to combust. Across the table, Namjoon and Hoseok were wide-eyed. He took a deep breath and extracted himself from the booth. When he turned around, there stood the alpha that had been living in his heart and his mind for the last 730 days.
“Is it really you?”
JK smiled before cupping the omega’s face and pulling him in for a kiss. Yoongi squeaked in surprise, but it didn’t take long before he melted into the alpha’s touch.
“I’m sorry, I should have asked first. But I’ve been kicking myself since that night for not kissing you.”
Yoongi gripped tightly to the front of JK’s shirt. “I was worried you wouldn’t remember me.”
“How could I not remember you? I’ve been half in love with the memory of you for two years. When Jin hyung started to explain why we were all getting together tonight, I knew it had to be you. And here you are.”
“Here I am. And how long will you be here?”
“In Korea? Permanently. With you? Hopefully the same answer applies,” Jk said, his hands holding tightly to Yoongi’s waist as if he’s afraid the smaller man will blow away.
“I’d really like that,” Yoongi said with a smile.
“Perfect. How about you and I let these guys hang out and we can finally go on a second date? Because I don’t know if you noticed, but it’s raining.”