Chapter Text
There's maybe only one solid time in Jimin's life he can actually recall shifting. According to family, he'd done it many times as a pup. Though frowned upon, even physicians agree in the merit of a pup having at least one shift prior to puberty. But the one he seems to recall most vividly comes from one of his favorite memories of time spent with his Gran. It doesn't bring much to his consciousness. But the little bit that circles back every now and then holds firm. The soft smell of roses, a wet snout and chubby fluffy paws. More than anything, he remembers the feeling (and partially him being tossed in the air in praise). And he remembers the smiles and the warmth.
Thinking about Gran always gets him reeling. He's so excited, it strangely has him trying to remember shifting, something he hasn't done since he was barely able to walk and has no need to.
But remembering what it feels like to be cuddled in Gran's warm, thick fur, surrounded by her gentle rosy scent with a hint of something spicy brings out the pup in him. And ever since he got the news, he's been bouncing around like a grasshopper, barely able to sit still. The very last time she made the trek in his direction, circumstances were quite different.
It's getting harder for her to do the back and forth, especially with the state of the land. And it wouldn't be prudent for an unmated, fully presented omega like Jimin to continue that way unless permanently, no matter how much escort could be provided.
When the big wave of attacks occurred just before Jimin was born, Gran was moved to the bigger territory, establishing herself as an esteemed elder, safely among the Min Pack. They were a mighty pack, generations' deep and yet to be afflicted by any of the territory disputes. And through that strength, it allowed Jimin, pre-presentation, to be able to visit. Though, in hindsight, those visits were truly few and far between, they still are met, in Jimin's mind, with a sense of simplicity and gentle fondness.
It was Jimin's other lineage, the Park clan, who were among the most affected; their family land infiltrated by rogues. Rather than following Gran to the Min pack, it was a tough but split second decision that had his appa seeking refuge in Yul -- a still developing town that did not abide by pack laws, primarily established by humans.
Jimin was raised in a completely different world from that of wolf-kind, where Gran lived. Though his harabeoji insisted they hold pride in their heritage, there was an overarching insistence that they blend as well as possible. "A new world breeds new opportunities" his appa would say. So Jimin grew up more accustomed to the laws, customs and traditions of Yul.
In fact, unless guests are over, it's really only Harabeoji who can not carry a full sentence in the commonspeak of Yul. His parents speak the tongue of the wolf in the house, the kids respond in the ways of Yul. At this point, he speaks a bit more proficiently than his brother but even he is still rusty. With the exception of being around the elders, there's not much need for it unless he's home.
Which is how it isn't surprising for him that he's typically ignored the talks of the elders. How they cling to reminiscing on the days of yore, while enjoying the modern conveniences of Yul. He can't imagine, for example, how someone would want to relieve themselves using holes in the soil or without some type of water drainage system. While his memories of visiting Gran are met with a whim of nostalgia, he knows a more mature and presented omega like himself could never.
Still, he couldn't ignore the rumblings. A set of rogues threatening to infiltrate one of the biggest and oldest wolf packs. He couldn't help but notice the way his poor eomma started to fret over the safety of her mother, especially as age slowly hindered Gran's ability to come and go on her own. Then word got to them that Gran finally relented, reluctant as Jimin is sure that might be, and would be provided with escort to ensure her safety so she could live out the rest of her days safe with them.
Rusty as he might be, he'll definitely need to brush up on his wolf tongue for Gran.
It's tough, still hearing about the chaos and Jimin also can't help but be excited too.
"I know you're usually quite sprightly but what could possibly have you this jittery today, Park?" His friend and classmate, Hangyeol asks.
He's interrupted as he goes to speak.
"Oh, maybe that knothead is finally letting Taehyung out."
The group in the circle laughing a bit more loudly than Jimin's really comfortable with, if he's honest. It might not be outwardly stated, but it's still an awkward and sometimes contentious relationship between Yul customs and old pack dynamics.
Most wolves have learned to assimilate and reject many beliefs. So much so, they frown upon their own kin should they not be able to adapt or speak the language. Jimin and his brother rarely ask eomma to attend Yul social events because her common tongue still sounds broken. Most of the elders don't speak it. But respectability comes in levels, proximity and status. It's known but rarely stated.
What happened with Taehyung highlights that weird, sometimes, unspoken teetering for Jimin's kind. That which is hidden (and not so) in plain sight. It's awkward to say the least, so he does what he knows to do best. Deflect. He's not ready to talk about Taehyung. He's not sure he'll ever be. Instead, he chooses to pout, immediately shifting the attention, finding his friends endeared and cooing.
"Don't be crude," he chides, somewhat (but not really) playfully. "I get to see Gran today!" He squeaks excitedly.
"So some furheads were finally able to get their scruff out of their bottoms enough to bring her to civilization?" Hana, a beta, asks, adding more laughs.
It's hard enough having to explain his identity to non-wolves but it gets exhausting going back and forth with other wolves. So he laughs, awkwardly, before adding, "she makes the best sweet treats, gives the best cuddles and lets me sneak wine, I'm excited."
Hana snorts. "I'm guessing she's an omega, then?"
Jimin tilts his head to the side. Every one of their kind, regardless of how assimilated or not, knows Gran, including Hana. And everyone knows she's an omega.
"She is..?" He answers with a question, that feels more like probing to see where this is going.
Hana snorts again. "Typical."
Jimin shrugs. "What ever does that mean? I'm an omega, technically, and I don't know how to cook or bake."
He's not really sure where the implication comes from and he isn't sure he wants to know. It is well-known that Hana's entire family came to Yul willingly. They'd not been subjected to the hazards of war rather, instead, made quite a lucrative business of integrating new wolf families to human customs. Truth is, usually, they only participate in any old traditions out of formality. Some of the elders gossip but Jimin knows if he wants to maintain his comfortable social status and avoid scrutiny, he at least has to play nice.
"Let us hope your parents stay progressive for your sake."
He understands what's implied but is none too sure whether or not he wants to think further on it. He knew Taehyung's own parents to be sweet and loving, encouraging his omega friend to branch as far as his limbs could stretch. But when an uncle from one of the old packs insisted the Kims needed to fulfill their pack agreement, they relented.
And it happens more often than anyone's really willing to name.
That alphas will come from the woods, seeking asylum. Pleading to be connected with family members already established here and those family members will rush to get the alphas bonded to someone.
A bonded alpha can remain in Yul, after all.
Would his parents ever agree to that?
Along with their lax stance on language, he didn't have to keep his hair long. He was allowed, or rather, it was strongly encouraged that they blend. So he was thrust to make the most of a blessed opportunity according to harabeoji-- attend school among other alphas, humans, betas. Though there was hierarchy and propriety in those spaces that did not exist on pack land where Gran lived. Instead of the tunics worn in packs, he got to wear the latest hanbok. He didn't even call his parents by their subgender as was custom of his clan. His parents didn't force him to shift like some others who still held the old traditions did. In fact, shifting was forbidden on Yul land as it were and the Parks knew firsthand the dangers of doing so. He didn't even have to show up for the full moon ceremonies if he chose not to. (But sometimes he went because the dandelion wine was amazing)
He doesn't think his parents would but he didn't think Taehyung's parents would agree to some silly, archaic debt settling from before Taehyung was born, either. If he were more in touch with his wolf, he'd imagine his scent would likely be sour at the moment. But as it stands, even that has been muted from lack of connection and strongly emphasized decorum. Those of his kind, especially omegas, and definitely male omegas, did not expose their scents in Yul. It was simply unheard of and untoward to see such displays. Jimin may have presented. He may have to take a week away to deal with that. But while he knows how to greet in the old ways and speak the old language, surely, his parents would never suddenly expect him to be some alpha's omega.
His thoughts are interrupted, yet again, by the sounds of hooting and whistling from among their circle.
"Would you look at this fanfare? I wonder if they even know what baths are."
In viewing distance, but still quite away, walking in the square, a group of pack wolves in tunics, long hair flowing down their backs. They carry themselves like alphas. Jimin groans internally. He's not even sure why or where this reaction comes from but it happens any time wolves of the old ways enter town. He can't really help himself. They just stand out so much.
Especially when he notices Gran latched onto the arm of one of them.
"To think this is what you come from is a marvel, Park." One of his friends says and the others chuckle. "They look absurd. Brutish heathens."
Nevermind that all but one among their circle also come from wolf families who practiced similarly not even a generation ago. The circle mocks, even so far as to pretend they are the alphas. Speaking in broken Yul language in the same ways many alphas of the woods do when they're acclimating.
"Mocking those who escort the elders to safe passage is unfitting, surprising among the likes of you." Someone else interrupts the conversation.
Kim Namjoon. A human well versed and in charge of foreign affairs of Yul.
Everyone wants to be in his inner circle.
Jimin happens to know Kim Namjoon well because the liaison spent a great deal of time trying to negotiate peace between the Kims and Taehyung's new mate and family. Jimin's father also tutors Kim Namjoon in the old language, taking over after harabeoji retired. A career that provided Jimin's family great comfort.
The others damn near fall over themselves, straightening up, as if they hadn't just been the lead participants in mocking buffoonery.
Among them, Hana looks a bit admonished and Jimin's not remotely surprised. The beta doesn't exactly hide her adoration of the human.
"Park Jimin-ssi, good day. I was placed in charge of seeking you so that I may provide escort. Your Gran has arrived among the other elders and your attendance requested at this time." Kim Namjoon offers with a gracious bow.
Jimin can understand the desire to be near and in community with a human like Kim Namjoon. He's intelligent, striking and his family has been part of the monarch's aristocracy for generations, even before this particular town was established. He comes from good stock. And unlike some humans, he is kind.
Jimin stands, with assistance from Namjoon, smiling graciously at the offer of the hand. He bows courteously to Namjoon then to the circle where he was seated, noticing the way Hana's eyes narrow just a bit towards him. Rather than acknowledging it, he smiles demurely while internally rolling his eyes. He takes the human's arm, allowing himself to be guided until the point where he catches the faint smell of spicy roses. But that can't be right.
"What did I tell you, Yoongi-yah? You should trust old Gran's good sense. I still got it."
Jimin's eyes widen, ignoring the alpha who nods stoically at Gran.
"What are you doing here? Why would you walk this far beyond the square, Gran?" He huffs in disbelief.
"I require at least five kisses and four hugs before any sass." The elder reproaches, making Jimin giggle.
Jimin detaches himself from Namjoon's arm, opening his own towards his Gran, excitedly.
But before he can make it to his Gran, Jimin notices the way the alpha's attention turns toward him. He watches this alpha, with his long chestnut hair and sharp eyes, lift his button shaped nose in the air to sniff.
Then his eyes flash a purple color before he declares, "mate" very gruffly.
The alpha, violet eyes and all, looks directly at him, stepping towards Jimin. And naturally, Jimin steps back, holding down a gasp as his Gran begins squealing in delight.
"Blessed be the moon! I knew I was lucky in another life!" She declares to no one in particular as she keeps clapping her hands in praise.
The alpha moves closer circling and sniffing the air around Jimin and Jimin recoils, especially when the uproar of the circle, who he hadn't realized were observing, takes over.
He's so embarrassed as the alpha continues to circle, so much so, he shrinks into himself, subconsciously leaning towards Namjoon. The alpha looks directly at Namjoon, growling.
"What a barbarian. Pity, he's kind of cute."
"The cute furheads are usually the brainless knotheads though." Jimin overhears and he's absolutely mortified. He's not sure if this alpha can understand the new language at all but Namjoon, ever the diplomat, steps back, smiling.
"Alpha Min, a pleasure to meet your acquaintances," Namjoon says, perfectly in the way of the wolf. "I am Kim Namjoon. I believe you and I have been corresponding to arrange the transport of the elders. I was just here to escort Omega Park to his family's home to meet his Gran."
Jimin knows how it go with these pack alphas but hearing himself referred to as Omega Park still makes him cringe.
The alpha takes what Jimin feels like is forever to look him over. Finally, he nods, "thank you, Kim Namjoon, for your correspondence. I appreciate the kindness but I will escort Halmeoni and my mate- and Omega Park."
And Jimin cringes more. Who is this alpha and how is he so casually referring to his Gran as Halmeoni? Also, Jimin can escort himself. This whole thing makes his stomach churn. Namjoon seems to sense it, looking between Jimin and the alpha. The alpha releases another low growl. Now, Jimin's not well versed in growl but senses it's a bit of a warning- enough to have Namjoon step back again, hands up non-threateningly, with an easy smile. The circle also quieted their ruckus but still whisper among themselves.
Gran places a gentle hand on Yoongi's shoulder. "Yoongi-yah, you sour toad, put that strong spine of yours to good use and help Gran get over to this fancy new place of the Parks so I can give my child and her mate the shock of their lives. Come Jiminie, pick your jaw up from the ground. We have much to discuss."
***
The walk to the Park family home should be mostly silent. But Jimin can't control the ilk rumbling in his belly much longer.
"Gran, what the hell is going on?" He asks, in a not so quiet whisper.
It's an odd procession, indeed. He and Gran, walking arm in arm. Two alphas following behind them and Kim Namjoon, after much reason and negotiation with the snarling alpha, following at a respectful distance behind them.
"You're still three kisses short of sass, Park Jimin!" She chides, swatting his bottom.
"Gran!" Jimin pouts. He stops walking, turning to face her.
The procession stops. "Why are there two alphas following behind us like foot soldiers and why is he so insistent on speaking to appa?" He whispers.
Gran grins as if she holds a secret she refuses to reveal. She places two shaky, warm hands on the sides of his face. "I teach you so much and the only thing that sticks is how to finagle hearts with that pouty face. All these years caged in these bricks seems to have made that pretty head of yours stuffy."
"Yah!" Jimin protests in mock insult.
"Yoongi-yah here is to be your mate," she starts, grinning like a bear who just found a stash of honey.
Maybe he's not hearing correctly. Maybe it's a figment of his imagination. But when he looks down into Gran's deep, mirthful eyes, he just knows. And slowly, he can feel the color start to drain from his face.
"That is his younger brother, Jeonggukie. Still a pup, such a sweetling." She coos.
This serious, stoic looking alpha, Yoongi, will not takes his eyes away from Jimin. The other tries to look everywhere but in their general direction. But none of that matters. And he's about to say so when Gran grabs his arm again to continue on their trek. She keeps walking as if not an ounce of concern for the devastation she just dropped in Jimin's lap.
Mate? How the hell do they all know?
Technically, Jimin knows how they know but that practice is so archaic. So unnecessary even.
Mates were chosen to help packs thrive. Wolves sniffed out the most compatible scents that signified a strong connection and potentially stronger possibilities of offspring, leading to higher chances of survival. But that does not apply in Yul. It's quite frowned upon. Besides, Jimin's scent, if he even has one, is extremely muted. Sure, some of his kind still partake but surely...
Surely, his family would not willingly expect him to just relinquish the only life he's ever known to participate in some antiquated practice that holds no merit or bearing.
Surely.
But Gran seems so delighted, if judging by the way she very loudly begins plans for ceremony.
When they arrive into the courtyard, the alphas still behind them with hands behind their backs, stop at the threshold.
Gran groans loudly and dramatically. "To think, I've not seen hide nor fur of the likes of you in sooo long and not even the slightest sign of grandeur for my arrival!"
Jimin chuckles, shaking his head. And they wonder where he gets it from.
Behind him, he can hear snickering, making his grin turn into a frown. That's his Gran. And maybe he's being a little stingy but after what he's just been told, he doesn't want to share.
Jimin watches his appa affectionately shake his head, making his way towards Gran with a bow, followed by hugs and kisses. Eomma runs out, scuffling with his brother, Jihoon, to get through the corridor first. Jimin giggles at his family's antics. Especially when Jihoon picks both Gran and eomma up.
"My goddess! What are you feeding this pup? Put me down, beast." Gran demands, swatting at Jimin's younger brother, who grins while running around her, intentionally attempting to make her dizzy. Instead, she shakes her head, fanning out her tunic. "You know my sense. This one will be an alpha, I just know it. Jeonggukie, you can have an alpha friend your age instead of following that old sack of skinny bones."
At the mention of the other alphas, Jihoon stops teasing Gran to stand erect, puffing out his chest. Before he can growl, Gran pokes him in the belly, causing the younger to double over. Jimin wants to laugh but is startled when his appa bows towards the alphas, before shaking hands with Kim Namjoon.
Jimin's seen elders escorted by pack wolves before. The custom here is not to typically bow that way. Maybe a thank you, some food for their trouble and they're sent on their way. As they're not allowed to shift within the town's confines, once they leave the city line, they shift and return from where they came.
What's even more startling is his eomma follows up, doing the same, poking at a confused Jihoon to follow suit. Even Harabeoji, who hardly ever moves anymore, waddles into the courtyard leaning heavy on his walking stick, before lowering it to bow.
"Alphas of Min, it is a great honor that you have personally escorted our family. Please, we honor you by inviting you inside our home to feast before you make your long return back."
Well, that's also different.
Just who are these alphas of Min?
Jimin's being facetious. And a bit unimpressed with the fanfare. So much so, he moves to head inside before he's grabbed at the arm. He looks to his eomma as though she grew two heads.
"Park Harabeoji, Alpha and Omega Park, young pup Park (to that, Jimin almost snorts), my brother and I accept your invitation and I also formally request to court your omega child."
What?
Jihoon doesn't even bother posturing anymore. His eyes just bulge from his head. Appa also looks a bit taken but then looks between eomma and Gran, while Harabeoji stands stoically. They all turn to look to Jimin.
He looks at them, so confused. So... unsure? His heart's beating too fast and his palms are now sweaty. There's a part of him that absolutely does not want to and will not acknowledge what's happening. There's another part of him that just wants things to be so much clearer so he's not left to draw his own conclusions. A part of him wants to feign willful ignorance entirely. Because deep down, he knows exactly where this all leads.
The only time Jimin can ever recall feeling forced into something was during his first heat. Eomma made him stay home even though he was headed out on a learning excursion with his peers that he'd been looking forward to for months. He didn't like it then, that he'd have to miss out on things he enjoys just because of his inane biology. Of course now, he sees merit. He can't exactly fight against that no matter how much he'd wish to. But he'd been somewhat prepared for that with eomma's guiding hand.
This?
They've never really discussed mating or courting in the home. When Harabeoji inquired, appa always said this is a new way of life and they will embrace the new. Even when some of the elders would come with their young(ish) alpha relatives, newly arrived from the old world, appa hadn't budged. The only time they really acknowledged that Jimin was coming of age beyond that he was supposed to stay away from the public for a week here and there, was in observing Jimin during Taehyung's ceremony. But he's still not ready to discuss much of it so they hadn't gotten far.
After all, Jimin was there when those alphas came to collect their debt from the Kims. He didn't know then and he's unsure now of how they get belligerent alphas to leave. Still, even he is fair in his observation that these particular alphas at least seem agreeable, judging by how they haven't fully crossed their threshold yet.
"We accept." His parents say, almost in unison. Much to the delight of Gran and the shock of Jihoon.
Jimin stands there, frozen.
He doesn't even get time to settle in with his Gran, let alone his thoughts, before he's being called to make sure there's tea and enough teacups. Of course, one must also not forget the sugar cubes. It would be in bad form to send the alphas away without their accepting tea. Hopefully, they'll have some decorum, accept the tea and go and he can wash this whole absurdity down with chamomile.
What happens instead, is somehow in that time, escorted by Kim Namjoon, the visiting alphas manage to leave the town lines so they could hunt a stag.
A giant, messy, stag.
Because apparently that's part of his courting gift.
It draws so much attention from townsfolk. How could it not? To no one's surprise, he watches as people file in down the path towards Jimin's home, observing the two alphas with their kill.
Jimin's so embarrassed.
Especially when the alpha actually genuflects while placing the stag at his feet after eomma insisted on pushing him out to meet him in the courtyard. The moment Jimin sees the thing, his gag reflex kicks in. The alpha stares up at Jimin expectantly.
"Apologies..." the alpha declares after clearing his throat. "I will make no excuse for my deficiencies and will provide you with better next time."
Next time?
Is the alpha implying that he'll look for something even bigger and more gruesome than this?
He shudders. He wants to crawl away the minute he sees some of his circle looking on, clearly whispering among themselves.
"W-Why, Alpha Min, this is such an honor. Our Jiminie here is not used to such displays but I assure you, this is more than sufficient. May the Moon be Blessed." Even if Eomma still remembers all of the things to say, he can tell, she also doesn't know what to do with this monstrosity that now leaks fluids across the pathway.
It's taking everything in Jimin to not show repulsion. To contain the heave. The red across his face, obvious and he tries to hold his breath. Still, he hopes his face doesn't turn white... or worse yet, green.
The alpha, though, seems to look Jimin over once again before nodding in affirmation. "And may the Harvest be Bountiful. I shall handle the stag with my brother. If it pleases the omega of the house, I will prepare it for supper?"
Jimin's eomma nods, a bit shellshocked. "I... why, yes, we would be honored. And... and Jiminie can help!" she squeaks. He wants to turn to his eomma in outrage. They don't even eat deer meat and Jimin surely does not cook.
"You've been away far too long, my silly sweet," Gran waddles over next to eomma and Jimin. "Min pack tradition. The alpha prepares the first kill. Let me get a good look." She says, inspecting the stag. "Ah, Yoongi-yah!" She appraises and the alpha stands erect and proud. "A fine catch, indeed."
His chest puffs out.
Though Harabeoji is now seated, he still manages to look over, inspecting the beast with his own eye. He says nothing but his approving nod seems to say a lot of things Jimin's not so sure he wants to know.
"You wait until I see those old stuffy goats at the next moon ceremony. Wait until I tell them how even with very little notice, the Min alpha caught such a fine prize for my Jiminie. Did Jeonggukie help you?"
The younger, wide-eyed alpha shakes his head as if admonished, quickly hiding his hands behind his back.
"He caught two hares."
Gran giggles.
"The youngling is quite competitive. He's only supposed to be look out for a hunt like this," Gran explains, mostly for Jimin's sake. "But he couldn't let old grumpy here have all the fun."
She's still giggling. So is eomma. Harabeoji hums, hands resting on his middle with a satisfied smirk.
Jimin's not sure what's so humorous.
The alpha stares at Jimin for a beat or two longer. His eyes are so intense that Jimin feels like he could be melted under that heavy gaze. He starts to feel agitated and wants to run into the comfort of his room and away from this madness.
Nodding, the alpha lifts the stag. It's easily bigger than Jimin, eomma and Gran combined. Yet the alpha lifts it like it's a feather.
"The show is over, next time we'll charge!" Gran shouts, as the crowd, feeling berated, scurry quickly.
When they said they would go hunt, Jimin's not sure what they meant. He tuned that out. Granted, even Jihoon was surprised to be invited. At the time, Jimin wasn't sure why he'd declined. But now he gets it. Jihoon's never shifted. Judging by the size of the teeth and claw marks in that stag, it's obvious the visiting alphas did. Jimin's still standing, a bit shellshocked so he's not sure where the visiting alphas hurried off to because they've certainly not been in the kitchen.
In fact, it's eomma who insists Jimin make use of his time by magically becoming domesticated. The sun is setting, almost time for supper. The kitchen is filled with the scent of sweet dough from Gran rather than whatever is supposed to be happening with the deer. He can't even find solace in that familiar and usually comforting smell. Gran's too busy humming in apparent glee to acknowledge his plight. Eomma's wiped down every surface at least five times. Even his appa has shifted things to make their seating arrangements more amenable somehow. Meanwhile, Jimin's seeing all of this but has knots in his stomach the entire time so he's not really sure what to expect.
When he's sent to fetch the alphas, it feels cruel. Like they're just really laying it on. Still, as if in a trance, he complies. That much more shocked to find no trace of the scene displayed earlier. The courtyard is spotless. He does smells fire from the distance though. He's not even halfway towards the direction of that smell before being flanked by the alphas. His brother in tow.
"Hyung, wait until you taste what's in this pot!" Jihoon announces while the other two alphas carefully balance a hot steaming cauldron sized pot of something between them.
It does smell good.
"You're supposed to be the first to eat but since we're related and they needed a tester, they let me try it." The younger beams proudly.
Jimin rolls his eyes. "Go wash and be ready for supper and make haste, Jihoon. No dallying."
"No dallying!" Jihyun repeats, teasingly but dodges off before Jimin can swat at him.
He also sticks his tongue out at the elder before running off. Jimin's never seen him run so fast to prep for supper. He has so many questions. Like where the alphas even got that giant pot? Like when Jihoon started following them around like a love starved pup? Sighing, he runs a tentative hand through his hair. He can't even find words, now realizing he's left alone with two alphas. His cheeks flush before he finds himself scurrying towards the entrance to make space for them to come through.
Suppers with the Parks are typically lively. Especially any time Gran gets to visit. But Jimin's so lost in his own confusion, he doesn't even look up to notice the alpha pouring stew into his bowl. His eomma coos and it goes right over him as to the reason. He doesn't even notice when everyone waits for him to take a spoonful.
Someone clears their throats. "Jimin, sweetness, have supper," he hears Gran say. If he had more of an appetite, he'd admit it's really good.
He's vaguely tuned into general conversation about Gran's trip, what it was like to escort her, how the alpha's family is doing. But things turn, at some point.
"How long do you anticipate for preparation before we proceed with ceremony, Alpha Min?" He hears Harabeoji asking.
"On my part, I will require at least until the next moon." The alpha responds.
"Oh, that should give us plenty of time!" Gran coos.
"That, indeed." Appa adds. "If you should require extra legs, Jihoon may still be wobbly on his own, but he's got the energy to make up for it." He pats an affronted Jihoon on the back as others laugh robustly.
Although Jimin's not directly dealt with these kinds of things, he actually knows a little about what's possibly going on. This is his heritage after all. But when eomma begins talking about his own preparations and appa asks about housing arrangements, something bubbling spills over.
He thinks about Taehyung. About how part of him feels guilty because Taehyung didn't even have all of this before being told he'd need to prepare to be bitten in front of a bunch of strangers. Of other omegas he knows who were placed in similar situations. Raised in two worlds. Expected to keep a foothold in the old.
And he snaps.
"Oh, the cherry blossoms should bloom in that time and there will be a pink moon. A true blessing, indeed. Jiminie will look so beautiful in shades of white and pi-"
"I am sitting right. here." He seethes after slamming his fist on the table.
Everyone stops.
The first pair of eyes he meets when he finally looks up are two wide, doe-like eyes belonging to one of the Min alphas. They're seemingly made that much bigger by Jimin's outburst if he were to guess. He doesn't care.
"Am I glass?" He asks, rhetorically.
"Jimin-ah..." Appa offers, with a gentle but stern warning.
Jimin ignores this. "Am. I. Glass?" He asks, chest heaving.
What happens next shocks everyone from his family seated for supper save for Harabeoji it would seem. His appa growls. Actually growls. He's never growled before. Jimin didn't even know he could.
"Apologies, alphas, I-" Appa starts and Jimin blinks.
"You apologize to them?!" He asks, incredulously. "What about me? You should apologize to m-"
Appa stands abruptly, after slamming his hand on the table in a loud bang. "I know my place in this family. It is time you do the same!"
Floored, quite a bit hurt, definitely (but not admittedly) embarrassed, Jimin blinks back tears.
He stands quickly and before eomma can grab at him, he leaves in haste.