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Chapter Text

Cover Image designed by the lovely @piuuvy on Twitter

Is it heinous to begin with a flashback to get all of Jungkook's internal trauma out of the way?

Wearing those soft fluffy sweaters that reminded him of his mother - wrapping him in warm fuzzy feels - Jungkook’s sub-gender mattered not his entire life…Until, one day when it did. Mid-debate class in his junior year of high school. Standing up behind the lectern as his gut uncharacteristically hurled in on itself - knees uncontrollably shaking - sending him into immense pain. Everyone’s eyes pinning him into place as his skin began to prickle as he struggled to compose his counter-argument. Until he’d gasped, succumbing to an anxiety attack, collapsed, and passed out onto the floor. 

Later on, being cursed out by an alpha girl right outside of the principal’s office for making her instantly crave a “damned banana split” simply by existing in her presence. All the while waiting for both of his heavily concerned daddies to come pick him up early from school to attend his very first-ever “sub-gender confirmation” appointment with their family doctor. Although, did it need “confirmation?” He could already feel his slick gland testing out the waters with each newly infuriatingly painful cramp.

No…he hadn’t been feeling too great that morning as he practiced his talking points…But this, this wasn’t what he’d envisioned at all… Or, at least, he’d prayed that it was something…more fair…Like food poisoning. Alas, his doctor confirmed it, "Omega, congratulations, little guy. Here, I'll prescribe you some medications to help with the pain and upcoming discomfort. Here's a pamphlet too to help you with the transition, because it can be a very confusing time for young pups like you. But don't worry, Koo. You've got two of the best alpha daddies imaginable to take care of you and keep you safe."

Both men nodding reassuringly from the other side of the examination room. Ready to get out of there and fill their baby up with cheeseburgers and ice cream, before they had to lock him up in his bedroom to do "whatever it was that he had to do" in private.

Later, running into his best friend in the hallway days later after being allowed to stay home for the whole week (drugged up and practically in a coma). Wanting nothing more than to just move past it. Alas, “I would have never guessed that you were a leaking bitch, Jungkook. Damn, should have told me that before we started hanging out. Tch! Now get lost, drop out, and never show up in my line of sight again. Don’t come to me begging for attention or special treatment either. My mom’s already pissed off that we had a sleepover last month. You probably left your cooties all over my bedroom. So now I have to get my whole room deep-cleaned so that my omega doesn’t get any of the wrong ideas. Ugh! Stupid whore, you fooled me!”

Worse yet, that friend hadn’t even been the only one to turn his back on him either… Now seemingly everyone had. They’d even started taking bets on who’d inevitably woo him first. Not that they were “interested.” The once fairly-popular boy demeaned to nothing but the butt of a sick joke. The slut who’d gone into pre-heat right in front of their very eyes like some dirty needy whore. As if it wasn’t a natural occurrence to present around sixteen. He’d just been unlucky enough to be in the middle of debate class, and too swamped in homework to realize what was happening to him. The derogatory gossip even going all the way up the social ladder - to students who Jungkook’d never even dared to interact with before. Most notably, the king’s own son, the crown prince. A senior, who he’d only ever met once before at a royal dinner party that both of his parents had been invited to. And, it was so brief. They’d simply sat down at a table together, exchanged pleasantries, and dispersed. He’d left no real impact on him at all. Aside from meeting the damn prince!

Yet, now here that same pompous (yet, yes, kinda handsome) prick was. Asking Jungkook which romantic country he’d like to visit first. As if he’d whisk the newly presented omega away to a magical vacation. Like, what the fuck kind of sick prank was this!? Sure, Jungkook had fleetingly fantasized about accidentally becoming his Cinderella that admittedly enchanting evening a few months back. But now!? Out of nowhere!? Are you fucking kidding me!? This guy only hangs out with dukes and duchesses, not some mid-to-upper-class peasant. And what was that? Some sort of bizarre proposal!? “We can stay four nights in my penthouse.” It was all because he’s an omega, right? The submissive sub-gender. Someone easy to mess with, right? He was bullying him. Trying to manipulate him. Treating him like a plaything with no strings attached… 

Even stranger. After the prince’s sudden absurd proposal, everyone else had simultaneously ceased bullying him too, mysteriously. Only lasting two weeks in all. As if the older alpha had ordered them all to stop, and wanted to protect him? Alas, no. No, Jungkook rejected that haughty jerk with a superiority complex. Even after he’d insisted that Jungkook think it over for at least a few more days.

No, instead Jungkook’d immediately told his parents how uncomfortable he’d felt that very night. Prompting them to quickly transfer him to a new school. Practically moving all the way across the entire kingdom - to a whole new city far away from the palace. Even if it meant uprooting everything. Even if it meant angering the prince. Even if it meant that their son wouldn’t get the best education that the kingdom could offer. It was the right thing to do. He’s their baby, and not even the prince was allowed to, “Use him as his personal plaything.” Or even simply make him cry.

But, this isn’t a melodrama about a poor downtrodden omega boy beaten down by the world. No, this is a story of love and fluff engulfed amidst a world of angst that’s sometimes a little too cruel. A story full of delightfully dream-filled nights accompanied by soft kisses. For a boy with two doting and overprotective alpha daddies who’ll stop at nothing so that their eternal baby only sees the sweetest side of life. Versus Jungkook, who’d honestly prefer a little tattoos and rock n’ roll. Making a few select bad decisions~ while finding his way in life. Maybe sneaking out and/or secretly dating someone who makes his heart stutter out of his chest effortlessly, no matter how hard he tries to shove it back inside and swallow it back down.

To the present.  

“New school, new me,” Jungkook hummed as he half-heartedly attempted to psych himself up. Visually dissecting every part of his “newer, cooler” fashion choices while practicing his “aloof alpha” facade in the full-length mirror inside his bathroom. 

Mentally gearing himself up with his ever-creative marvelous fantasy world. Imagining himself as some badass stunt man in Hollywood, that even all the alpha body doubles envied. Groveling at his feet after his latest super successful gig or barreling sideways down a skyscraper, only to catch an awning, swing down, and land on top of a car. Followed by hijacking that car. Only to later on find out that said car’s driver has fallen madly in love with him mid-old-school-style-taekwondo fight scene. Soon being showered in dozens of romantic gifts afterward. And also in real life as well, by his adoring fans. The actual protagonist of the movie, tremendously jealous of him as he once again proves that omegas rock and alpha movie stars suck. "Pfft!"

Essentially pretending to be everything that he’s well aware that he’s not. At least not as physically blessed so… Although his boxing gloves, and punching bag, might have a few choice words to say to him otherwise… Alas, it wasn’t reality. He wasn’t a professional stuntman…just your regular run-of-the-mill omega teenager.

Sighing before letting his eyes naturally, apologetically, drift towards the small picture frame laying upside down on his nightstand. The one encasing an old photo of him sitting on his mother's lap. And honestly, he felt bad for flipping it over. However, even after passing when he was still only an infant, he still couldn’t bare the thought of her loving eyes looking back at him. Not now. Not dressed up as ”Bad Boy Jungkook,” in place of her little cuddly hyperactive angel. Her Bunny-roo.

Regardless Bad Boy Alpha Jungkook was here to stay. Or at least he told himself so. He had to stay. He was the “real Jungkook” now. No matter how much his adoptive parents may find it unsettling from here on out. Because this Jungkook couldn’t be bullied and degraded for being a, “soft omega wimp who couldn’t control his needy hormones like a whiny defenseless little bitch.” This Jungkook exuded headstrong alpha auras. This Jungkook was cool and bossy. This Jungkook wasn’t Sweet Baby Koo. …With the help of a little masking cologne, on top of some suppressants. Which, if anything just might convince every other student at his new school that he’s at least a beta. Maybe… He hoped.

I mean, he used to be popular at his old school. Why couldn’t he be popular at his one new, too? It was worth a shot.

Finally throwing his black spear-studded backpack over his shoulder before leaving his bedroom, grumbling, “Here goes nothing.” Unenthusiastically ready to take on the new daunting task of making whole new friends in a totally different environment, after moving all the way across the kingdom to get away from his sophisticated bullies. ...In the middle of the school year, no less…

His Papa Jin pouting profusely the second he spotted his son descending the staircase dressed in all black (hoodie and cargo pants) with red studded accent pieces. Instantly going off into one of his long nagging rants, “Aww, what happened~!? My Little Googoo, where’s your fluffy pink sweater!? You were so excited to wear it just yesterday? And what will all of your new friends think!? They’ll take one look at you and think, boooo, you’re so depressing! A goth boy! No fun! But you’re lots of fun! A great dresser too!” Before trying to push Jungkook back upstairs at the last minute, “Let’s go change, ok!? Your sweater will go perfect with the pair of light blue pants that I bought you last Christmas!” 

If not for Koo's other father's firm hand finding it's place on Papa Jin's broad shoulder almost immediately, “Now now, honey. Relax. Jungkook looks fine. And I’m sure that he’ll make lots of new friends, regardless of how he’s dressed this morning. He’s a good sport. He’s intelligent. Friendly. I have every bit of confidence that our son will do just fine. So breathe. Breathe with me. One… Two… Ok?”

But nope. Nope! As per usual, no amount of breathing exercises were going to soften this man’s internal need to overwhelm his pup with every ounce of paternal love, nitpicking veracity, and overprotection, that he can muster. Nothing will, “Ya, Kim Namjoon—!? Aish! First of all, first impressions are KEY in this society!” Turning back to Jungkook, “And second of all, young man, you will at least wipe that dark makeup off of your face! I will not have my omega son looking like a hooker!” Already stretching out his own sleeve in between his long fingers in order to smudge Jungkook’s eyeshadow and eyeliner all over the place. Using his own spit.

Which, obviously had Jungkook grotesquely shouting in protest as he wiggled out of Jin’s hold, “Gahh—!? Papa, stop! That’s gross!!” Running off to the nearest downstairs bathroom to wash his whole face off in pure retaliations, if nothing else. His papa chasing shortly behind.

Meanwhile, Namjoon just stood back shaking his head in acceptance, “These two… Just let the pup grow up and experiment a little… Is it really that bad, honey?” I mean, loving him unconditionally was what they’d both promised his mother. So, he’d love Jungkook no matter how or what the pup decided to portray himself as in the fight to find himself growing up. Allow him to make mistakes, so long as he was always there to catch and guide him along the way. 

But Jin, Jin had other plans, “There, now you don’t look like a whore!”

“Ya—!?”

“Don’t you ‘ya’ me, young man. I’m the parent, not you!”

Alas, “YA!” Jungkook shouted at him again. Even louder this time just to piss off his father some more while rolling his eyes. You know, like moody teenagers do…

Which was clearly working, “Tch—Wha—Why you—!? You listen here, I only want what’s best for you!” Jin shouted as he held onto the boy’s shoulders with both hands while leaning down to his level, “And what’s best for you right now is to go back upstairs and change clothes! I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Jungkook, but you need to stop it this instant!”

Yet, “And what if I don’t?”

“Then,” Papa Jin let go, standing up straight to place his hands on his own hips, “You’re grounded.”

“And grounded means~?” Jungkook actually snorted from laughter, “When was the last time I got grounded? You two can’t ground me. You never do. That’s such an empty threat. And the answer’s no. I’ll wear whatever I want. You can’t control my wardrobe, I’m in high school now. Not elementary.”

“Oh!?” Jin scoffed, “But you were just fine wearing colorful and cute outfits at your old school? You loved them! That’s why I always bought them for you!”

Wherein Jungkook finally snapped, “Yeah, and that’s the problem!”

“I—!?“ Jin taking a deep breath as the realization hit him. Before running his hand through his hair, “ Sweetie… Look here, Jungkook, we took you out of that prep school so that you wouldn’t be bullied anymore. Not so that you could change yourself entirely just to fit in with what other people want you to be. Or hide the fact that you're an omega, Googoo…”

Deflating a little, his son just huffed in defeat. Alas, that was when they both heard Namjoon *honk honk* from the car awaiting outside. Giving Jungkook the perfect excuse to exit the room without much retaliation, “That’s my cue. Bye.” Subsequently ending that heavy conversation before it even started. Not even bothering to shout, “I love you,” back, after Jin’d attempted to send him off properly at the front door.

A little while later as Namjoon pulled up to the front of Jungkook's new school (Firelight Prep), he roughed up the back of his son’s fluffy head of hair reassuringly. Officially eradicating Koo's painstaking attempt at “messy spikey coolness” earlier that morning. “Now remember if anything gets too hard don’t be ashamed to call me. I will drop everything to come back and pick you up. Ok?”

Alas, Jungkook only pouted at him as he unenthusiastically rolled his eyes, “Daddy, I’m not five, I’ll be fine…” Hands protectively shielding what little trendy strands of hair he had left. Despite the fact that (even without Namjoon's interference) half of it had already fallen victim to his natural (shoulder-length) soft curls anyway.

“I’m just saying that,” Daddy Joon mouthed back as he nonchalantly lifted his hands up defensively, “If you do want me to, I will. There is no shame in asking Daddy for help.”

“Hmph, whatever,” Jungkook just hugged his father from in-between the back of the car seats in nonverbal appreciation before attempting to get out of the car with his backpack. Unsuccessfully might I add, because Namjoon’s arms were quick to wrap around him so tight that his much smaller torso couldn't possibly pull away.

“Love you, pup. No matter how today goes,” kissing his forehead before allowing him to escape. He really didn’t want to let go though…But he had to trust his baby, that he'd be ok on his own again. Plus, he really needed to get to his new studio to check on how things were going. 

“Bye. Love you too.”

Now walking up to the main entrance with a shaky exhale of air, Jungkook could only sense that this was going to be even harder than he’d initially imagined. “Alright mom, this is it. Time for a new me. I can do this.” Alas, this new academy looked nothing like his last one. For example, where were all of the butlers who constantly followed their masters around? The limousines dropping students off? The Maseratis, the…the check-in desk? Like, where the fuck was he even supposed to go anyway? Just walk right in through the closest door? And who the hell was here to greet him? Or tell him how to find his locker? Did he have a locker? All his parents had given him was a folder with important information like his schedule and a map. That’s all he had to go on. I mean, Papa Jin had even highlighted every location that he needed to memorize, but…where did he even start? How the hell was this academy this—this—unsophisticated!? Wasn't Firelight Prep supposed to be the second-best school in the kingdom!? But it paled in comparison to Jungkook’s old institute. His expectations. Sure it was big and pretty (he guessed), but there were clearly no aristocrats here either. Surely, he wouldn’t have to interact with poor kids now…eww.

Already on the verge of having another panic attack (from pure culture shock) from the get-go, Jungkook opened and adjusted the map to find his bearings. Effortlessly locating the front of the building, “Ok, so I need to go up this hallway to the left for first period. Ok.” Or did he need to present himself to the dean first? “Ugh, who even...?” Inevitably realizing that he should just get moving, otherwise, he’d be late. Before refolding his map so that he could hold it up while walking toward his destination. Mentally going over his schedule, “Ethics, Literature, Chemistry, PE, Film. Alternating days with Philosophy, World History, Math, Artistic Design, Home Ec,” over and over again to memorize the order. You know, to prevent from ever bringing the wrong homework on the wrong day of the week on accident… A Day, B Day, A Day, B Day...Not distinctively permanent Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc, respectively. But ever-rotating back and forth.  

When, not even two minutes later his foot collided with a stony object (all because he wasn’t looking where he was going), “Oh shi—!?” sending him tumbling over into a whole-ass decorative water fountain placed near the main entrance door. Yelping in pain after his hip hit the curved stone edge a bit too hard. Crying. Hurting himself both emotionally and physically as he looked down at the now-soaked outfit that he’d worked so hard on. A deep-seated pout on his naturally soft features. Prompting an unknown onlooker to burst out into a fit of boisterous laughter right behind him. 

Wherein, “What—Who’s there!?” Jungkook shouted in retaliation, sweeping his head around to find the asshole. Plus, seeing as he’s already in a bad mood, might as well get into a fight with a stranger. When he realized that said-stranger looked like a freaking diseased scruffy homeless boy, “Oh my Luna!? Stay back! Stay—Stay back, you—you—! What do you want, and why are you here!? Stop laughing at me! Can’t you tell that I’m in pain!?”

“Tch, nerd!” the scruffy boy just continued laughing at him mockingly, “You’re hurt? Just from that little slip and bump? Aww~ poor baby~.”

Pissing Jungkook off further, “Why yes, I am!” as he shouted back aghast, as a matter of factly, “And now I’m mad!”

“Hmph, well your mad looks like a soaked bunny rabbit just now learning how to growl. Aww~ so ferocious~” the homeless boy sarcastically cooed in response as he leaned over and roughly pinched Jungkook’s squishy lil’ cheek. Forcefully shaking the omega’s head left and right. 

Only degrading Jungkook further as he shouted, “Ya—! Don’t touch me, you filthy vermin!” back in protest while finally pushing himself back up. After swatting the offending hand away, to point his index finger accusingly at the latter. “And I’m not cute! I’m rude! How dare you—!” Still on his alpha-charade-attitude. 

Only, “Ye—!? Hahahaha! You’re rude!? You don’t say? Aww, Mr. Bunny’s a wude wet boy~! Hahahaha!”

“Security!!”

“Guahaha—!?” The scruffy boy’s laugh got caught in his throat (momentarily choking himself) at the obscenity of it all, “Oh honey, security is nowhere to be found. They’re at breakfast, hahaha.”

“What—? Ya—!” Jungkook practically squeaked. Quickly losing steam at the realization that no one was coming to help him, all he could do was grit his teeth in anger at the asshole. Who, seemingly refused to stop mocking him despite his bold protests. His worst nightmare coming to fruition before he even stepped one foot inside of his new school. In degrading baby-talk no less, “He so wude~. He’s a wude boy~.” Forlornly letting out a huge humph in defeat with his fists clenched tightly at his sides. 

Alas, the bully finally cooled it after staring into Jungkook’s big downcast watery eyes, “Aish. Ok, Ok, I see that I’ve offended you, your little royal highness. Please accept my apology, I’m sorry.”

“No!”

“Pffftt—Why so cute!?” And~ with that the homeless-looking jerk went right back to laughing his ass off at him. Endearingly so. Which, honestly, Jungkook couldn’t even tell the difference between cruel and charming laughter, anyway. It all sounded demeaning to him; as he pretended to have laser eye vision that’d burn the bastard straight into a pile of ashes while glaring back up at him through his watery eyes.

Alas, “I said I’m not cute…” he still protested despite having no bite left.

“I’m sorry. Ok, how about this?” the boy then turned away from Jungkook to retrieve his own backpack. Rummaging through it before pulling out a change of clothes. Some unknown indie rock band tee accompanied by a pair of ripped baggy jeans. Offering them to Jungkook, “Here, as a token of my apology.”

Only, “Apology, my ass!” Jungkook was not about to accept a handout. From a supposed homeless boy, no less. Crossing his arms over his chest in revulsion as he turned his head away, “Hmph!”

But just like all his previous outbursts, it was only met with a quick jest, “Oh? I’d love to apologize to your ass. When can I meet him?” Wink wink. "You're new, aren't you?"

“…”

“Do you want it or not? Act fast, we’re already late,” the jerk then waved the clothes around in the air over Jungkook’s head. Almost as if he wanted to make him jump for it like a game of keep-away.

Of course, that only infuriated the omega even more, “Not if my life depended on it!” Soaking wet or not.

“Are you sure, that sounded like a no?”

“No!”

“Oh, so it was yes? Here you go,” the jerk then shoved the articles of clothing into Jungkook’s chest before swiftly running off. Leaving behind a very bewildered omega, frozen in time, after failing to shove them right back quick enough. Still in shock over their whole encounter while looking over at his own backpack. Thankful that it was still as dry as the desert as it lay in the grass. His map on the other hand was a lost cause… All of those highlighted room numbers and helpful tips gone forever in a soggy heap of mush. 

“Great…now how do I find my classes...?”

No bone in his body wanting to move in any sense of the word as he just stood there in resignation before falling back down into the pool of water. Too lifeless to even pull his phone out of his backpack to call Daddy to come right back and get him. But enough was enough after a while. He had to pull himself together. Move. Fight back, like the talented boxer that he is. And fight back he did. With nothing more than the wet clothes on his back he hesitantly reiterated, “First impressions are key,” after his Papa earlier that morning. 

Thus, sighing in frustration Jungkook stood back up deciding that he would, in fact, borrow the boy’s clothing. After all, they didn’t smell weird or anything…Except—Wait? Sniff sniff….they belonged to an alpha... “Go figure, he’s an alpha…Tch…” Fine, he’ll wear them. But ONLY because he’s already pretending to be an alpha in the first place. And, wouldn’t smelling more like one only help him out, too? After all, his masking cologne’s already been partially washed off by now anyway. So, "Mild musky pumpkin spice aroma, here I come."

...Little did the young omega know, he'd just encountered his wildest fantasy. His newest addiction that'd soon haunt practically any and all of his dreams at night.

Hours later, multiple foretold figments of his imagination of evilly bewitched winding hallways and dead ends later, Jungkook make-believed that he had a small posse of loyal gnomes following him around everywhere. It helped to ward off the loneliness and anxiety. Giving him a purpose, even if said-purpose was only to reach each target destination before the ear-piercing shriek of the Phoenix (the academy’s alarm bell) found them on their perilous journey once more. Passing up hoards of rowdy ogres and other unknown beasts along the way. Ever grateful for the wise old elf who’d blessed him with a new map after nearly falling into a pit of lava. I.E. he was lucky enough to stumble upon a guidance counselor who kindly replaced his old one.

Only to walk into yet another brightly colored yet daunting classrooms filled with the countless unnerving eyes of strangers all converging on him. Judging him. Sizing him up. Alphas, betas, omegas, shapeshifting sea monsters, ogres, and vampires alike. What if some of them belonged to the wicked faction of wizards? What if they weren’t all good-kin? In particular, this latest classroom had way too many alphas in it, it seemed. Their conjoined aromas unsettling him immensely as he slipped into the one table not utterly inundated with the stank. But like, what, did they all just come from gym class without showering or something? “Ugh,” maybe they needed a reminder to take scent-blockers and/or wear deodorant?

…In the end though, he'd found the only other omega in his new chemistry class. The latter, all wide-eyed and grateful for the company as he cheerfully greeted him, “Hi, I’m Bogum. Nice to meet you,” while offering Koo a new pencil, after he'd accidentally snapped his own in half. Being too tense to hold it steady as he took notes. But Bogum seemed to settle his nerves a little. Maybe it was just the unspoken omega bond that his parents sometimes spoke about…Shaking the thought out of his head. Stupid. 

No other potential friends appearing yet however… Only gnomes. Then again, he was being purposefully stand-offish to everyone he met in all of his classrooms. Honestly preferring to make no friends at all at this point, instead of making the wrong friends. Which in turn, would set him up for failure from the get-go. And that goes double for the other omegas. Who apparently kept giving him the stink eye for no damn reason. Like they knew somehow… Yeah, it all made Jungkook feel like crap, but he needed to understand his new academy’s pecking order before making his first move. After all, at his last school the alpha elites ruled over everything, especially the aristocratic alphas. They even bossed around the superintendent (and other people holding high-ranking offices outside of the academy) with their connections and noble prestige. Rich snobby bastards. 

Yet here, strangely, everyone seemed to just fuse together. Or nothing went together at all. Is that how peasants did it? Alphas, betas and omegas all mixed up? It all wasn’t making any sense to him. Who was the king? Queen? The ruling class? Did he have to wait to be a senior for any sort of recognition around here? Or was there like a secret ceremony that only the cool kids knew about? No one would tell him. They all just looked at him funny, while seemingly judging the hell out of his shirt. “I guess these clothes were a bad choice, after all…” Reading it’s one-worded boldly written out text across the front quietly out loud to himself, “Singularity…?” Was it some sort of code? I mean, it was a nice shirt. Black and gold. But what’s up with that?

He was so confused. Hell, he was still confused to all hell about everything at this point. His old academy would have never left a new student stranded all alone like this. It frustrated him to no end. But then again, maybe that’s just the difference here between commoner and high-society private prep schools?

At least everyone was somewhat nice to him though…if he didn’t count the questionable stares. 

Fourth period, “Ugh…Ok, now I have to find economics. M-28. But where is M-28? Which one is it?” he grumbled as he stared down at his map irritably again. Placing it on the floor - to spread it all out flat - as he crouched down over it somewhere where he wouldn’t get stepped on in the hallway. “M….M …54? M…17.. Ugh, but where’s M-28!? This place is huge! But it can’t be that huge, right!? Where the hell is it!?”

When a sweet voice perked up behind him, “Hi. You need help getting to the pep rally right?”

“Huh!? Pep-Pep rally?” Jungkook startled as he spun around and fell back in shock. A look of pure bewilderment on his face as he discovered a cute cheerful-looking boy looking back down at him. Mentally ticking off omega under the boy’s name without even bothering to ask. Which is rude, by the way. Both ways, assuming and blatantly asking.

“Yeah, we have a pep rally today. Didn’t anyone tell you?”

“N-N-N-No!”

“Omo, “ Jimin looked equally as shocked by now, “Well, we do…” Pausing momentarily, “My name’s Jimin. What’s yours?”

“…Jungkook.”

“Nice to meet you. Now, come on. I’ll help you pick up, and show you the way before we’re both late haha.”

However, Jungkook didn’t move. He just kept staring awkwardly at the boy. Internally waging war with himself as the other boy kindly folded up his map and grabbed his books for him, “He’s too cute not to be popular. But, he’s gotta be omega too. A popular omega? That’s popular in public schools? Or— Oh shit, he’s got some defined muscles under there!” Gulping audibly when Jimin’s adorably sounding laugh snapped him out of his thoughts. Because apparently, that last part hadn’t actually stayed in his head. Leaving Jungkook an even bigger flushed mess on the floor than before. Thankfully Jimin didn’t comment on his appearance - other than complimenting his fashion sense. “So, shall we get going?”

“Ugh, yeah—yeah!” 

On their way, Jimin also took the initiative to point out important features of the school to him. Educating him a bit about the place including the fact that “There are two nurse stations, by the way. One for the general population, and one specifically just for athletes.” Since the academy prided itself on its athletic achievements. Winning multiple student-level championships times over.

When, “Which one do you use?” Jungkook curiously asked, just to delve deeper into the anomaly that is Park Jimin.

“Me? I’m an athlete, of course, so I get to use the fancy one,” with all of the extra amenities to tend to more extreme injuries than what a typical school day may incur. Like a broken leg.

 “Oh, really? What kind?”

“Cheerleader,” Jimin proudly informed him.

“Uwa, my old school didn’t have any cheerleaders.”

“Really?” the other boy looked at him genuinely shocked.

“Really.”

“Damn… must’ve been boring.”

Jungkook just pouted in response.

“Anyway, we’re here,” Jimin announced as he handed his belongings back to him. Jungkook, only now realizing that he’d let the other boy carry them this entire time. “Just go down this hall and up the bleachers on the left side. Not the right. And, sit near the front so that I can see you,” he winked before turning to jog off down a different hallway.

Leaving a puzzled Koo behind, “What, you’re not coming with me? I thought that we could sit together—?”

“Sorry honey, but I gotta beat it or coach’ll have my ass! Make sure you’re sitting in the front left of the bleachers! I’ll be looking for you! Ok!”

“Huh? Oh—Ok…” Fine, he’ll try to find a seat on the left. Successfully finding two such spots right up front in the first row. Both, next to each other so that he could commandeer the second one for his things. As some of the other students side-eyed him just that. For bringing his backpack with him. But well damn, Martha, if only someone had been kind enough that morning to show him where his locker was, we wouldn’t be here right now! On that note, Jimin’d already promised to help him with just that after the rally. 

Otherwise, Jungkook was blissfully unaware of the other reason why students were side-eyeing him. Because those two exact seats were historically “claimed” by two particularly bratty alpha girls. Both of which had bad reputations, and had yet to show up even after the rally had already begun. Missing the principal’s introduction speech, a lecture on societal harmony, and general jovial excitement about upcoming events. Hence, pep. Something that Jungkook was quite unfamiliar with…seeing as his last school was more… Refined, is that the word? Not that he’d classify this new school as casual…But, so far this one wasn’t coming off as a strict institution geared solely towards popping out perfect prodigies. He was expected to have fun. 

Soon spotting one of those pups “having fun” out on the court. Jimin. As Jungkook spectated his very first real-life cheer performance. Gawking at how effortlessly the older boy seemed to pick up and throw the much lighter girls and boys of his team into the air with ease, “Omo!?” as the crowd roared all around him with enthusiasm. Before nervously deciding to join along, himself, with their synchronized shouting. 

The other students, much louder in Jungkook’s ears because they’d already memorized these chants long ago by heart. And honestly, right now, he felt like such a loser for not just unconsciously knowing them too. Or even knowing what to do in this situation. The loneliest he’d felt all morning, really… He needed his gnome buddies again. But, on the bright side, maybe befriending Jimin wasn’t such a bad idea? I mean, everyone seemed to really really like the cheer captain.

When he overheard an obnoxious girl’s voice behind his back, “Ya! Get out of our seats, bozo!”

Reiterating the first girl’s sentiment, her friend added, “Yeah, get lost! Fuck off, newb!” Taking full advantage of the sheer noise level of the rattling bleachers all around them as everyone else stomped their feet to a rhythmic beat and cheered loudly. Drowning them out. 

However, just aghast at their nasty attitudes, Jungkook just glared them down, “No, you can fuck off.” Because what the fuck, didn’t they know how to ask nicely, especially after being so late?

“I said—!”

Nope, before they could even start up again, Jungkook stood up with his index finger extended upwards. Launching into a lengthy, bullet-pointed lecture on manners and why - under no circumstance - will he be giving up his seats to them. His sassy yet factly-backed byproduct-ass the result of being raised by BOTH of his parents. Intelligent and catty. Take no prisoners. Kill them all. But only when necessary. Otherwise, be a total sweetheart. Consequently drawing a little more than a few eyes in their general direction. At least enough eyes to shame the girls into backing down for now - in fear of being reprimanded for their actions later. Hence, Jungkook proudly got to sit his ass back down before watching some very energetic basketball players run out onto the court. Replacing the cheer squad. 

Jimin’s cheerleading buddy nudging him with his elbow as he pointed upwards as they moved to sit back down on the sidelines, “Oh, he just caused a scene~.” Clearly hinting at Jungkook’s little squabble.  

Jimin wearily chuckling beside him, “Oh, he just made two enemies…”

“On his first day, sweet, haha,” his friend carelessly laughed back.

But, “Uuuuggh, leave him alone,” Jimin wasn’t amused.

To which his friend teased him further, “Oh, I’m sorry, I’ll leave your cute Bunny Boy alone~.”

“Don’t call him that.”

“Why? Wasn’t that how you described him to me just minutes ago~?”

“No—!? Ya—But only I can say that!”

“Aish, well, too bad~. Cause now everyone’s calling him Bunny Boy. Haha.” Cause, well, what Jimin says and likes typically spreads like wildfire in this damn place… The curse of popularity.

“Ugggghhh, great…whatever,” clutching his head in his hands, Jimin just sighed at his dumb friends’ inability to keep their damn mouths shut. Knowing all too well that by the end of the day those damn budding rumors will morph into some other shit like he actually has a crush on the poor boy too. But that’s not true. He doesn’t like like Jungkook. He’d just wanted to help him out because he’s sweet and kind like that. He just loves adopting cute little pups wherever he finds them. Regardless, Jimin just had to let it go for now, “Hey, at least he made it easy for me to find him like I asked…” Still occasionally looking up into the bleachers to check up on his little Bunny Boy from across the court (to make sure that no one else was bullying him) from time to time. 

Meanwhile, Jungkook’d returned to the idea of deciphering the school’s hierarchy. Disregarding whatever standing those two dumb hoes thought they had while noting Jimin as a clear favorite amongst the other students again. A fine candidate to stick close to. So, who else? 

Scanning the court, over the school’s rowdy basketball players all throwing balls around chaotically now. Almost as if they were playing dodgeball instead of announcing their new varsity team members. Their captain, J-Hope, shouting out their names one by one. While the rest of them “teased” their newbies almost ruthlessly. Wherein Jungkook just sighed in irritation, “Bullies, the whole lot of them…” 

Especially that one player who really enjoyed dunking the ball enthusiastically right on top of the other pups’ heads. Laughing roarously afterward each time. Noting that particular jerk’s name soon after, as J-Hope then bonked him on the head with one. Jokingly shouting, “Ya, Kim Taehyung, cool it! How’d you like it!?”

Only said-jerk just laughed it off, “I love it! Hahahaha!” Before doing it all over again to his very next new varsity teammate.

Meanwhile, Jungkook’d just muttered, “What a moron…Sick, perverted alpha, I bet…” under his breath to himself. Alas, that sentiment didn’t seem to fly so well with the rest of the crowd. All seeming to enjoy it just as much as Taehyung did. Cheering each time, egging him on. Almost as if he was the star of the show. Jungkook’d even overhead a few omegas behind him giggling amongst themselves something about, “Sex on Legs is looking super fine today. Super cheeky too.”

“Ugh,” but all Jungkook could do was roll his eyes. Because who cared what the guy looked like? Hell, Jungkook could barely even make out his facial features from here. But a bully is a bully. Ugly and grotesque. Hard pass! Especially an alpha bully. He’d avoid making friends with any of these asshats. Even if Captain J-Hope was already coming off as bright-sunshine-incarnate right out the gate. He couldn’t possibly befriend someone who gets along with a bastard like Taehyung. Period. If anything he’d avoid them all outright because of how much they reminded him of his old back-stabbing friends. They’d be the ones bullying him here, he’s sure of it.

Thankfully enough though, their little celebration came to an end soon enough. Quickly being replaced by the tennis team. Followed by various other clubs all sponsored by the school. Koo making a note to try and join one or two of them. Preferably Art Club.

Afterward, school dismissed early. Jimin waving Koo down from outside the gym. Shouting at him to wait by the small wall-attached drinking fountains in the right wing hallway while he grabbed his things and got changed. But as the minutes ticked on by, one by one, Jungkook could only stand around anxiously after finding said-fountains. Or at least, he’d hoped he’d found the right ones. Jimin’d explicitly said, “the five water fountain by the blue-doored locker room. You’ll see like five of them lined up along the wall. You can’t miss it.” But what if there were two sets of fountains, and two blue doors? Or what if Jimin’d left without him? Forgotten him as he watched everyone else walk right past him into the many other locker rooms and doorways all along the long corridor? Apparently, this part of the school was solely dedicated to athletes. Maybe the second nurses office was here too? Should he ask for help?

When “Oh Luna--,” he overheard the distinct ruckus of basketballs repeatedly striking the floor in a cacophonic chorus. The basketball players still boisterously bouncing them around in the hallway on their way to get showered and changed before heading home too. “Unnngghhh,” groaning, all Koo could do to hide (if not run away, only for Jimin to finally show up) was turn around and face the wall. Eyes clenched shut. Hoping that they didn’t notice him and passed right on by like the rest of the athletes.

Only hiding like that, was literally the dumbest thing that he could do. You see, basketball players get thirsty. And well…they’re thirsty. Hence seeing Jimin’s “Bunny Boy” trying to melt into the wall in between those very thirst-quenching water fountains, of all places, was…well… Ok, cute to say the least. By evidence of their snickering as they all, indeed, stopped to check out the little dummy whose clearly pretending that he’s invisible. A few even rudely outright sniffing him. All while Koo’s literally terrified in place. Sure, a bit unreasonably so, but feeling their noses so close to the back of his neck felt like he’d trapped himself in a den of wolves…Well… it—ok, this wasn’t a den, per se…but they were wolves. All alphas from the smell of it too. But, “Nnnuughh,” Jungkook was petrified. He didn’t even have the courage to at least shield his scent gland from potentially being touched without his consent. 

His scent spiking in fear from the realization, before J-Hope abruptly ordered them all to cut it out, “Ya! Drink your water and leave the poor boy alone.” The players obeying their all-be-it pack alpha as they each slowly backed off and went inside the locker room across the hall. 

Their amassed scents finally dissipating enough after a while for Jungkook to unfreeze and peek back behind him after hearing the blue door firmly shut. No evidence of anyone left. Only an empty hallway. Pouting “…Bullies…” as he struggled to regain what little breath he’d been holding onto for that entire gut-curdling experience. So ready to go home, on the verge of tears. Again.

Alas, Jimin still hadn’t arrived to collect him yet like he’d promised. What a friend he was, Jungkook sarcastically thought to himself for putting him into this whole situation, to begin with. When he suddenly caught sight of the blue door across the hall reopening. Taehyung (of all people) stepping right back out while chuckling, “Nope, I can’t let him get—.“ Both locking eyes mid-sentence, “Oh, you turned around? I guess you’re not a statue after all.“ Brazenly checking Koo out from top to bottom as he slowly came closer before gesturing to the spouts beside him. Noting, “Well, well, well, remind me to incorporate a water fountain when I finally propose to you one day. They seem to always keep bringing you to me like a delicious treat~. Tying us to destiny.” 

His cocky smile unsettling Jungkook’s jittery stomach, “Dear Luna, save me…” as he prayed for guidance. 

When, instead of being teased any further by the admittedly good-looking bully (what’d they called him, Sex on Legs?), Tae just tossed him a clean towel instead. “Here. It’s unscented, don’t worry.”

Catching Koo off-guard as he caught it in mid-air, “What—?” A token of kindness? 

When, “Take it. Thought you’d want it… Just like my clothes this morning,” the alpha winked at him, “It’s the kind that acts as a sponge to absorb unwanted scents. Hahaha, wouldn't want you smelling like you got freaky with the whole team now, do we~?”

“Ya—!? Why you—!?” Why would he even insinuate that!? It enraged Jungkook - nearly throwing said-towel right back at the alpha’s face. “Wait—what do you mean, like this morning?” Late on the realization because, huh, what the fuck!?

So Tae just tilted his head coquettishly while unashamedly scanning Bunny Boy up and down once more, saying, “Exactly that. You look so good in my clothes, by the way. So…So delectable. They fit just right too.” Alpha instincts purring…Do—Do wolves purr? Cause, fuck, whatever is living inside of Tae is literally vibrating with pleasure at the mere concept of owning this precious little specimen standing in front of him right now. He’d throw his entire wardrobe at Jungkook if he could.

*Flashback*

Tae and Jimin were heading to the pep rally when, “Oh, who’s that?” Jimin perked up upon noticing the new guy crouched down on the floor along the wall - causing all of the other students to cluster up and curve around him as they walked by.

And snarky as ever Tae simply replied, “The new guy,” after sniffing the air. As if that helped. At all.

To which, “Uh yeah,” Jimin sarcastically retorted as he playfully jabbed him in the rib cage with his elbow, “It looks like he needs help too.” When, he realized something, “Hey, Tae—Hey!? Isn’t that your band tee!? Waaaa~ what a cheapskate?” Frowning at his best friend as he accused him of lying, “But you said that you weren’t selling them yet!”

“Wha—Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m not,” Tae awkwardly chuckled back.

“You’re not? Pfft! Then why’s the new guy wearing one!?”

“Be—Because he got wet…?”

“…”

“Listen, I felt bad for laughing at him for falling in the water fountain out-front this morning so… Ok? I was going to give it to you, for free~. Today~. But then I thought, hey, he needs it more than you do. So, I gave it to him. …My pants too.” Proof evident in the fact that he was still wearing the grey sweatpants that he’d slept in under his brown polo shirt. “…I was kind of mean to him too…”

“…Yeah, whatever. Typical thoughtless Tae,” Jimin replied rolling his eyes. “On that note, stop showering in the locker room every morning! Shower at home before coming to school, like the rest of us civilized beings! Or are you still on this feral kick!?” still scrutinizing him, “You better have my replacement shirt ready by tomorrow.”

“Tch, I will, I will…”

“In any case, he looks like he needs help. I’ll see you on court.”

“Later?”

“Of course, later, you imbecile.”

“Tch! Fine, I’ll catch you later. Don’t be too mean to him though. Bunny Boy cries easily.”

“Huh?”

“And he’s really cute! So don’t fall for him either!” Tae then warned him. Already having called dibs on the little cutie that he'd been positively starstruck by at first sight that very morning. So unbelievably beautiful that he got stung by cupid's love arrow while stumbling his still groggy-ass up to the front of the school; yawning and grungy as usual. Forcing him to catch his breath before unsuccessfully trying to clean himself up and approach the lost boy. Only for said-mythical-bunny-sprite-come-to-life to accidentally nearly faceplate into the fountain. Causing him to burst out into laughter. Then~ it's all history now.

Only, clearly, Jimin hadn't been clued into all of that yet, “Why would I—? And why do you care!?”

Alas, “Bye bitch~!” Tae took off running toward the gym. Too ashamed to re-approach his crush again so soon. At least, not yet. He wasn't up for making himself look like a fucking asshole again.

Leaving his best friend behind to help Jungkook out instead, “Why you little—? I’m older than you, remember!?”

“Two months don’t count!” Tae yelled back, already far down the hallway. 

*End Flashback*

“What—That was you!? You’re the homeless boy!?”

“Hahahahaha!” the annoying bully just kept laughing heartily at Koo's dumbstruck face. He couldn't help it though, Jungkook was just so fucking---Luna, like a dream. An angel. Someone save Tae's ass, he's already 80% of the way to Whipped University, without any brakes to keep him from crashing, dammit... -.-

Although as much as Jungkook'd like to differ, he may very well be on his way there too. Only...perhaps only 10% aboard the train right now. A lot more cautiously falling. While unconsciously focusing on a light gleam of sweat glistening down Tae’s jugular vein, smoothly dripping down towards his long exposed clavicle through his loose-fitted basketball jersey. As the alpha, likewise, still not so subtly took his sweet time allowing his own eyes to explore all over Jungkook’s body too. Telepathically sending shivers down Koo’s spine with a devious lick of his tongue over his bottom lip. Prompting Koo to shut his mouth in pure…pure….he didn’t know what it was. His stomach fluttering up something troubling though as his heart missed a beat out of step. But before Tae could spill out some godawful pickup line, another player - Mingyu - popped out from the door. Pulling the alpha back inside via head-locked noogie. Promising Taehyung a good meal if he helped him with his three-pointers later. 

Finally allowing Jungkook to properly breathe again as he cursed out loud, “Good riddance…scumbag…” 

But just when he’d thought that he’d be done with him and had a chance to cool off, the infuriating jerk came right back out after shaking Mingyu off, “So sorry about that. My friends are a bit..umm..uncouth.”

“Do you even know what uncouth means?” Koo snapped back automatically. No brain function, just reflex.

Making Tae devilishly smirk, “Oh, so you do still got some bite in you now, do you? I love it,” clearly taking Jungkook’s supposed banter as a flirty challenge. When all it was was brain-dead activity.

Resulting in the metaphorical hamster in the omega’s brain to freak out. Forcibly rebooting his whole system into primal overdrive, in order to defend himself, “No—No—No—No! And take your clothes back! I don’t want them!“ Purely flustered to the point of willingly ripping the cursed items off of his own body right then and there in the middle of the hallway. When he froze mid-motion…again. The hamster tripping over his own four feet in his wheel before screaming as he collapsed onto the empty floor of Koo's skull. Having realized his miscalculation a bit too late…Resulting in Koo…actually…idiotically…flashing Tae, and everyone else, in the hallway…Shirt already halfway up - exposing his unbelievably tiny waist and midriff. “…”

Because…if only he could, you know, properly think before he acts and go inside the locker room across the hall to do this… But, oh Luna, there’s alphas in there too! “Ne—Nevermind!” Blushing profusely as he shoved his shirt back down. Upon noticing how dilated Taehyung’s pupils had grown - trained on his lower torso. Fully blown out with unrestrained lust. Backtracking instantly, “I’ll—I’ll give them back tomorrow!” 

“No, keep them,” the alpha barely managed to harshly breathe out, in response. While forcefully keeping his hands to himself. Oh fuck, it was even tinier than he’d imagined when he’d first spotted Koo that morning adorably chewing on his pencil like a bunny rabbit while staring down at his map in pouty frustration. Eyes unbelievably doe-like and honed in, to the point that he’d been utterly oblivious to Tae following him as he practiced his best pickup lines. Ready to go, because he’d never seen someone fit his ideal type so perfectly before. And his clothes were so cutely mismatched with his adorable face too. But~ destiny had other things in plan for him, and Koo was too cute not to tease - all wet and scowling. 

Though “Ya—No way! I’m giving them back! I don’t want them! Take them!” Koo practically hissed back at him now. Pissed off that he couldn’t just magically poof them off of his body and replace them with his original clothes without causing a scene. I mean, his own clothes must be dry by now, right? He’d have to change out of them before going home too, he then suddenly realized. Otherwise, his parents would find out.

Alas, “But I don’t want them back.”

“Why not!?”

“Because I will never look at them the same again,” the alpha confidently flirted back again.

Only Jungkook took it unexpectedly, “Tch! What? Am I that vile to you!?” 

“Oh, sweetie, you are everything but. In fact, are your parents Michelin Star chefs, perhaps? Because oooooo~ you are one hell of a cutie pie.”

Blink blink. “…Do better,” Jungkook just dead-panned at the unexpectedly shitty pick-up line. AKA, get lost already. I mean it, take the L, man…

Alas, “Ok ok, I can do better,” Tae playfully defended himself, hands up between them, “But if you do give me a chance, just know that I will always love you like the little cutie pi that you are. Not pie as in P I E, but pi as in P I. Because baby, I’ll be irrational and I will never stop.”

“I’m gonna be sick to my stomach,” which is what Jungkook said out loud. But, honestly…that--that one had actually kind of worked on him. But, no, no! Not even going there! He may be blushing uncontrollably now, but no! Taehyung’s a bully! Stupid heart, stop it! He's just like the prince!

“When I’m inside you…Wink wink.”

Ok, that’s it, yep “…Damn you…” Jungkook hung his head in shame. Of course, it was sexual. Of course! Stupid alphas!

“What? Nothing? Don’t tell me that didn’t give you any butterflies?” Tae then snickered whilst attempting to smell out Jungkook’s reaction. But the omega’s suppressants and scent blockers were still getting in the way. So his only indicators of interest were the latter's rosey pink cheeks as he unconsciously nibbled on his bottom lip, which wasn’t enough for the alpha, “Fine…” 

If only he’d taken the latter’s verbal responses at face value though as Jungkook then whined, “Nnngghhhhhhh~! I am going to un-alive myself if you don’t stop…” while allowing himself to sink down to the floor and collapse in shame. Forget this. Dramatic? Yes. Warranted? Yeah, kinda.

“What? But I’m covered in bees and sweeter than honey~. What’s not to like? Plus, my voice is velvety smooth, so I’ve been told~. Not to mention, I’m downright handsome,” Tae annoyingly reasoned. Unaffected by Koo’s clear lack of verbal interest because he knew how charming he was. He’d penetrate the boy’s defenses soon enough. A little playing hard-to-get isn’t going to dissuade him. Plus, Jungkook’d very obviously blushed. That had to mean something. He just had to get the omega’s words to match his actions.

Only, “Well aren’t you so full of yourself, you dirty alpha?”

“…Rude.”

“No, you’re the rude one!” Jungkook loudly huffed, “So what if everyone says that you’re good-looking, you’re cocky and crude! Vulgar! Hmph!” snubbing his nose up at him.

Tae hardly phased, “Oh baby, but this is not me being rude~ haha.”

Wherein Jungkook finally burst, “Will you shut up already!?” as he pushed himself back up onto his feet to scold the persistent jerk. Done with this shit, as a gust of courage swept through him, “All you’re being is rude and gross! Now leave me alone! I’ll give your clothes back tomorrow, ok! I promise! Just back off and get lost!” Making sure to drill in the fact that, “I hate alphas!” Even as his strong pout only made him look even cuter.

“Pfft—?” Tae just grimacing in response, caught off guard. A bit ticked off now himself, as he turned his head while aggravatedly mumbling, “Says the boy who still hasn’t even given me a thank you for lending him my own clothes this morning… Tch, maybe he is a rude boy after all? So much for being so damn precious and cute,” to himself. All the while knowing that Jungkook could easily hear him. Before pushing said-omega against the wall. Both figuratively and literally - one arm resting against brick, the other (elbow) resting atop Jungkook’s left shoulder. 

But Tae was right, Jungkook suddenly realized as he was being pinned in place. He’d never even considered that fact beforehand. He’d just taken Tae’s kindness for granted without second guessing it. Like the spoiled brat that he is. “I…I…guess I have been pretty rude to you, huh? I—Then, I’m sorry, Kim Taehyung. Can we just leave it at that? Thank you for lending me your clothes this morning. But—But I’m sorry, I’m not looki—“

However, the latter still wasn’t having it, cutting him off, “Ok, hear me out,” as he leaned in even closer to look directly into Koo’s big round hesitant yet almost sparkling with interest eyes. Breathing in deeply as he tried to inhale Koo’s scent once again, which was still barely there thanks to the scent blockers. Although now he could distinctly pick up a hint of panic with subtle notes of arousal. Hmm fascinating~. “In History class we study important dates right, and I can’t wait to share mine with the class next week. Help me out? How about this Friday?”

Alas, “…You really are a broken record, aren’t you? Have you tried visiting an ear doctor? A brain doctor?”

“No, I mean it,” Tae rested his forehead against Koo’s, clearly unbothered by the fact that he was still invading the omega’s personal space. I mean, the latter hadn’t pushed him away yet. Right? He’d only meekly rested his hands against Tae’s chest in preparation of doing so. His sweaty palms unintentionally coming in contact with the alpha’s firm pecks through his flimsy basketball jersey. Momentary flashing unmistakable lust across the younger male’s face before he gulped down, hard, and vanquished it. Giving Tae all he needed to move forward, “Come on, why not let me show you that not all alphas are hormone-crazed-douchebags?”

Only, “I’m—I’m sorry…” Koo merely swallowed his throat dryly again as his rouge blush only continued to darken and spread slowly down his neck, “I—I can’t. Even if I wanted to, I can’t.”

“What’s stopping you?” It only came as a whisper, at this point, shared between them in an intimate moment.

“My—Everything….You’re a bully.”

Tae sighed as he finally relented and leaned back, releasing Koo, “Fine. Have it your way. But you’ll regret it.”

Alas, Jungkook wouldn’t find out why he’d “regret it” anytime soon. As his beacon of shining light, at last, came out from the darkness. When instead of Mingyu, an older adult alpha came barging out of the locker room and scruffed the dumbass. Ripping him away from Jungkook while frustratingly pinching the bridge of his own nose. Shouting, “Kim Taehyung, I swear to Luna, if you don’t stop fucking around and get showered, I will whoop your delinquent ass at home!” Dragging his misbehaved butt back inside with finality.

Right as Jimin finally ran up to him, full of apologies, “Sorry I’m late, I couldn’t get out of the office! We had a team emergency that I couldn’t put off! Did anything happen to you?” Though he didn’t really have to ask. He could smell it, somewhat… Jungkook’s anxiousness almost tangible in the air as his scent blockers officially gave up, “I’m sorry…Do you want to talk about it?”

Jungkook did.

Fast forward, “Yeah, don’t worry about him. Taehyung’s not as bad as you might think he is. Just…unbelievably annoying at times. Trust me. Besides, Coach Min is Tae’s Pops, so he won’t go anywhere near you as long as he’s around. In fact, you can just tell Coach that Tae’s harassing you and he’ll put an end to it for good. He lets Tae know when he fucks up.”

“Huh? What?”

“His dad,” Jimin reiterated for clarity.

Making Jungkook gasp, “Oh...I was wondering why he threatened to beat him up… Can teachers beat students here?”

Wherein, “Haha, oh hell no!" Jimin laughed at him, "But I bet he got grounded for blatantly flirting with you just now! Hahahaha!”

“…Oh..”

Thereafter Jimin helped him finally find his locker before Jungkook remembered to swiftly change back into his own clothes (now dry). Running out to the pick-up lane where his daddy was waiting to drive him back home. With Tae’s “foreign articles of clothing” discretely hidden deep inside of his backpack. Secretly attempting to throw them into their downstairs washer after getting home. Before allowing himself to cool off from that day’s tumultuous events… Though, it only dawned on him now just how pathetic he felt…While looking down at the alpha’s black shirt (with its sparkling gold font reading “Singularity” written across it). ...After putting all of that hard work and effort into disguising himself as an alpha. Only for a real alpha to immediately peg him out as the pathetic little omega he is…Pfft…Without even trying.  Saddening. Unless of course, Tae’d been flirting with him regardless of knowing his second-gender or not? “How would he know though…?”

It bothered Jungkook. Yet…the jerk was extremely good-looking too…arguably… And, oh Luna, his voice too. Kim Taehyung’s voice was so deep. Hearing it so up close, especially after the alpha’d leaned in to whisper in his ears only an hour earlier was like… Like… Jungkook could only explain the feeling as like lying in a warm dark cave with the night sky itself draped comfortably across his shoulders. So soft and warm, yet thrilling and intoxicating. Almost like Taehyung’s voice alone had put him under a spell that he’d barely managed to escape from. Was he a siren in disguise or something? Toying with the idea of potentially giving said-idiot the chance to prove that he’s not just some “hormone crazed-douchebag. 

…Alas now all he could do was pity himself for being so weak towards such petty advances. Because there were no more chances to give him left… Not after the stunt that the prince had pulled on him… Sweet talking and buttering Jungkook up just for his ulterior motive of turning him into an even bigger laughingstock. Thank Luna, the omega’d been smart and trusted his gut that day. But, he’d never let himself feel uncomfortable or manipulated by an alpha with a superiority complex ever again. He’s no one’s plaything and his daddies will kill the next guy who tries it for sure. Fuck those jerks…Taehyung included. “No, forget it.”

But Koo didn’t have time to just sit there wallowing in self-pity on the floor. Papa Jin was calling him for dinner. “Googoo, dinner time! I fried chicken~, your favorite~!” Quickly shoving Tae’s clothes back into his backpack before dashing upstairs to throw all of his things into his new bedroom. Accidentally running in the wrong direction, of course… “Uuuugghhh new house remember!? New house, new layout! …Dammit, can I go two hours today without getting lost!?” Poor baby cursing at himself, but eventually he made it there to ditch his things and clean up. 

The newly furnished room much larger than his last one. Hell, their whole new house was larger than their previous home. Because it was cheaper to go big outside of the capital. Three-story mini mansion cheaper! With his own private balcony - bordered by a whole wall of retractable glass panels. But his balcony was so wide and long that if his neighbor’s house was any closer, they could see straight into his room and see practically everything he did. However, they couldn’t, because all of the homes in this luxurious gated community were widely spaced apart, with lush fields of grass and foliage in-between. 

But more on his own barely furnished bedroom, he hadn’t quite figured out how he wanted to arrange it yet. Only a partially made four-posted queen-size bed (that didn’t even have it’s drapes hung up yet), and a long dark silver dresser existing so far. Despite moving in a week ago. Maybe the bed should stay in the middle? Or maybe he’d pushed it towards the left wall, and throw all of his precious stuffed animals in the middle? The main event right there, like a puppy pile to jump into whenever he feels frustrated. He didn’t know…All he knew was that most everything was still packed and piled up in his enormous walk-in closet. 

Even though Papa Jin kept motivating him to start unpacking. But what the hell was he supposed to do? He hated hearing, “Now now, you’ll get better at building your nest with time. You just need practice.” 

But he didn’t want a nest! He just wanted to design his bedroom, his personal private space, “Stop calling it a nest!” without having to “omega-fy” it!

"But it’ll make you feel better, Googoo,” Papa Jin had tried again to reason with him, “More at home, and comfortable. And there is nothing wrong with having a nest. In fact, mine and Daddy’s room is much like a nest too. We’ve filled it with all sorts of things that we love and make us happy. Like baby photos of you, designer pillows, and plush blankets to snuggle in. So you see, alphas nest too. There’s nothing embarrassing about it.”

Yet even then Koo refused to give in, shouting, “It is embarrassing!”

“Googoo…”

“Stop calling me that! I’m sixteen now! Pfft!” 

…The following night after that argument, Jin’d slept in Jungkook’s bedroom with him. Not because he’d force Koo to unpack his things, but because he felt a strong urge to just stay near his pup no matter what. To comfort him, when he’d clearly decided to not comfort himself. Sighing as he still couldn’t help his son reconcile with being an omega. But, Koo’d still enjoyed their little Papa-Pup time. They’d played cards, talked about old times and TV shows, and even played a funny prank on Daddy around midnight, haha. 

Jungkook’d liked that…Just feeling like a pup with no sub-gender determined again.

But now looking at how barren his room still looked, he felt…empty… Maybe he did want a nest after all? Envisioning what exactly it might look like. After finishing up installing his bed of course, the main centerpiece. Draping his semi-sheer purple curtains all around it, that he could bundle up with tyes or completely enshroud himself in. Maybe he’d add a few extra pillows here and there onto his bed to make it comfier? Weighted blanket or extra fluffy blanket though? Choices, choices…Both! But certainly not his old Iron Man sheets anymore. He could also color-code his plushies too, instead of just leaving them all laying around randomly. Build a small mural for his art pieces. Add a mini fridge!? He needed a mini fridge, and a snack bar, for long hard nights (and heats, but he’s no thinking about that right now). 

“Agh!?” and he still needed to drag his much-loved punching bag up into his bedroom too! And he damn well would, after how long it’d taken him to persuade his parents into letting him keep it upstairs. Instead of in their downstairs home gym. Pfft, but like Jungkook wanted to walk all the way down the stairs, across the hall, and into the gym, every single time he wanted to blow off some damn steam? For Luna’s sake, most of the time he just wanted to beat the shit out of it and then immediately pass out straight into bed. 

Other than that, he could maybe string up some sparkling fairy lights along his almost entirely glass wall. But you know it’s all converging into one whole sensory cave with alternating rainbow mood lights via a musical light projector by the end of this renovation. A cute little lantern on his balcony for aesthetic purposes. “Ooh, scented candles!” Coming up with all sorts of creative ideas…Maybe repaint the place another more cozy color as he imagined himself curled up underneath two layers of furry animal print blankets reading a good book.

…Maybe the traitorous ho living inside of him (his inner wolf) slipping Taehyung into the mental image…Imagining how they’d both cuddle up sweetly as Koo’s spine before singing him to sleep with a lullaby…With that oh-so-velvety voice of his.. Mmmmmm~. Or potentially even allowing the dummy to even help decorate at some point, by adding his own personal charm. After spending all afternoon painting their nails together (because he wanted to match with his mate) and giving each other the best massages. Koo, slapping the idiot’s grabby (tickly) hands away when the alpha tried to roll him underneath him in their nest. Instigating a playful wrestling match involving teddy bears and stuffed octopi; the latter winning simply by having the upper hand. I E. more hands/arms to compete with. Too bad for Tae and the furry warriors of bear-dom.

When, “Ya—!?” But what the fuck kinda personal charm would that asshole even bring with him anyway, Jungkook scoffed to himself as he snapped out of his delusions. A dirty basketball and/or a sweaty jersey just tossed into his bed? Screwing up his whole newfound feng shui. How was that supposed to relax him, or smell comforting to him? Groaning, “Ugh!” at his subconsciousness as if it had a whole-ass existence of it’s own. But like, at this point, it kinda did. Always taking advantage of Jungkook’s wild imagination to shoot romantic scenarios and impulses into his brain, “Will you fucking cut that out!?” But really, how far can one get shouting at their own natural instincts though…? 

Regardless, the young omega just took a moment to plop down onto his plushly carpeted floor. Extra thick and silky, because Papa Jin’d distinctly told the renovators that an omega would be living in this bedroom particularly. Therefore, they’d pulled up the entire old “normal” carpet and replaced it with materials usually reserved for luxuriously soft shag rugs. Good luck to whoever ever tries to vacuum in here though. Scrunching his peach-tinted fingertips and toe beans into the silky fluff as it somewhat soothed his frustrations momentarily. Before getting up and changing into a comfy blue and lime green sherpa set and making his way downstairs to their large dining room. Wherein, he unexpectedly nearly crashed right into his parents making kissy faces at each other. Awkward~. “Oh—!? Oh, I’ll eat in my room then!” 

Alas, “Nonsense,” Papa Jin snickered while modestly detaching himself from his husband, “Sit. We were just discussing our wonderful new neighbors. Who knew we coincidentally moved in only five houses down from my favorite director’s mother~ hoohoo?”

“No one,” Joon chuckled. Continuing their previous conversation, “But, that doesn’t mean that you should offer to mow her lawn every other week. If anything, she should be mowing our lawn, to convince you to star in her son’s next big film.”

“Oh, Joonie~” Jin giggled, swatting the larger male in the chest again, “Stop it. This face might be worldwide handsome, but I at least need to try to be humble~. My career as an actor is only starting~ after all. What? Have I only starred in 5 movies, and 8 dramas~? I still need to hustle to keep up my good fortune.”

“Pfft, only starting and humble, says the man with 12 large name brands currently fighting over him.”

“I—?” as a means of preventing his parents from flirtatiously teasing each other any further, Jungkook then purposefully interrupted by asking his Daddy how his day went. “Daddy, how was your day? Was your new studio ready to go?”

“Oh yeah, that’s right, my studio’s coming along nicely. Thank you for asking, Bubby. In fact, as long as I’m satisfied with the security briefing tomorrow, I can continue working on my next album right away.” Turning back to face his husband again, “The building is a very nice high-rise though. They gave me the whole floor to myself, too. So you two can come to visit me and relax anytime you want, once we all get settled in here.”

“Uwa~” Jungkook beamed with excitement, “I can!? You’ll let me!?”

“Of course, Bubby. There’s even a comfy room where you can take a nap or do your school work while you’re there.”

Wherein, “Sweet!” Jungkook shouted with delight as he almost jumped out of his chair. Because he loved visiting his daddy’s old studio. Playing with the music board, and meeting all of the famous people who came and went through the doors. All the while pretending to be some security guard and/or staff’s pup or something, since Daddy didn’t necessarily want anyone to know that he had a secret baby at home. But everyone was always so nice to him, and they’d give him candy whenever Daddy wasn’t looking. Especially the four or five close family friends, who did know that Namjoon and Jin had adopted him.

Alas, “Now now, Joonie,” Papa Jin sliced through Koo’s daydreaming, “Don’t get him too excited, we haven’t gotten there yet.” While sitting down to join them after plating all of their home cooked meals. Facing their son to ask, “So what about you, Googoo? How was your day?”

Joon eagerly seconding him as he leaned forward on his elbows across from him, both hands clasped tightly underneath his chin. Giving his full undivided attention to their young pup, rather than the hot and ready meal awaiting him just below. “Yes, tell us all about your day. I know that Firelight Prep isn’t what you’re used to, but was it too much? Too different or difficult to navigate without the flashy butlers everywhere and personal drones that carry around students’ backpacks everywhere they go? Too…low-tech? Scary? If so you can ask Daddy anything you want, because it’s a lot like the school that I went to as a young pup. We didn’t have all those things back then. Daddy was poor, haha.” Catching himself, “Oh! No, I’m not calling your classmates poor! Just Daddy! Daddy was poor! I’m sure that you’re surrounded by plenty of CEO’s and fashion designers pups’ and whatever else. Firelight Prep isn’t some rundown school for impoverished people, or fully open to the public either! I’m ranting here, but it’s a high-class institute that costs a hefty amount to enroll in! We’d never send you somewhere less than that! But—But, back on topic,” Namjoon reeled himself back in, “did you make any new friends? Find your classes ok? How was the cafeteria food? Was it good?”

Jin adding more questions to the list before Koo could even answer anything. Just as eager as Namjoon to know everything that their son had to say, “What about your teachers? Are they kind? What did you think about the facilities? The restrooms? Locker room? Is it clean, and spacious enough for..you know, privacy? It’s sectioned off too, right? What about the gymnasium? It has a safe space for omegas, right? And what about your classrooms? Are they big enough? Are there too many students in one room at a time? Too little? I wasn’t able to visit the campus earlier this week as I had hoped, but did you feel safe? I also read that there are two separate health departments and a good amount of student counselors too, so I’d hope that they’re very observant of any injuries, bullying, harassing, and neglectful incidents.” Secondly adding, “Their policies on heat and rut vacation are fairly lenient too. I read up on them, so…? Agh—No.” Wherein, Jin finally realized that he was overwhelming the pup. Who, by this point had nothing but this blank stare on his face, indicating this the little metaphorical hamster living up inside his brain had tripped over itself and poofed away. Leaving only empty air, the subtle sound of wind blowing up there. So he simply dropped all of his previous questions, and instead replaced them with a simple, “What do you think about the place as a whole, Googoo? Are you getting a good vibe? Bad? Do you think that you can learn there peacefully?”

Koo slowly returning to lucidity, “I—Well…?” But how should he even start? He’d just been steamrolled with questions, “It was different all right…But, it wasn’t horrible. I felt safe enough… Comfortable? Yeah, I guess so.” A few questions slowly coming back to him as he jumbled up his responses almost incoherently because he wasn’t sure what to really say, “Not—Not too many students…Yeah, I saw one of the nurses’ stations, it was nice. The food was good too. Lockerroom’s…shiny. Umm, other than that, I spent most of the day confused. But I made a few friends. I think. So it wasn’t too bad. Just different, like Daddy said. And we had a pep rally today too. The captain of the cheer squad escorted me there, personally, himself. It’s interesting because they have cheerleaders and we didn’t. But, he’s nice. His name is Park Jimin. The pep rally though was really strange. We never had any of those back at my old school either. Just concerts or performance nights. But, here, everyone just casually sat down on the bleachers in the gym like at a sporting event, not in the theater, to watch different teams and clubs do stuff… With guest speakers!” He tilted his head while trying to recall specifics, “I don’t remember too much though, I zoned out. But it was cool, sort of,” before trailing off. “Umm, other than that…? I got lost a lot trying to find my classes because I—I dropped my map in the water fountain out front…”

Wherein, “Omo—Baby, you lost your map!?” Jin gasped in concerned shock.

“Yeah, but it was ok after a while because I ran into a school counselor, and she gave me a new one.”

“Oh my poor baby~, I’m so sorry. How did you drop it?” 

Of course, he’d ask, Jungkook pouted. Before confessing the truth, “I wasn’t watching where I was going…” 

“Aww, baby, did you trip? Did you hurt yourself?” his papa then inquired worriedly as he leaned down to peek underneath the table. Grabbing onto Jungkook’s leg to look for any visible injuries.

His pup admitting, “Only a little,” as he grimaced, “I hurt my butt, and got all wet. But—But it hurt worse that a bully saw and laughed at me!”

“A bully you say?” Jin’s face suddenly shifted from that of a concerned parent to a determined glare. Protective instincts getting the better of him as he insisted, “Give me a name.”

Alas, “Now, now,” Daddy calmly intercepted as always, “I’m sure the boy apologized soon after. Right, Jungkook?” Turning to said-pup as he took Jin’s hand in his own over the dinner table. Softly stroking the tension out of it. Fully aware that his husband’s first and only reaction to anyone hurting their son was to always jump straight into overprotective alpha mode. Warranted or not. Accidentally or not. He doesn’t play around, and he isn’t one to go lenient on women or other small pups either. Hell, he’d nearly beaten up one of Jungkook’s old classmates on their way out of their last parent-teacher conference there. Not that Namjoon was any better~. But he’d like to think that he was more level-heads and had more patience and understanding, before going straight-feral like his husband. At least…he’d never needed to be physically restrained before when it came to protecting their baby.

Koo meekly replying, “Yeah…after a while… But he still laughed at me, and it upset me. I was late to my first-period because of him.”

“But not too late, right? You didn’t get in trouble on your first day, did you?” Namjoon moved to ask next.

“No…”

“There, you see, everything was ok in the end then,” his daddy then graciously concluded calmingly, more directed at Jin than their pup. “And I’m sure that Googoo held his head up high while dealing with his bully with dignity, just fine, all on his own too.” Instilling a bit of confidence in both of them that Jungkook could handle things on his own now - as a part of steadily growing up.

Wherein, Papa Jin took a deep sigh and relented. “Alright, but I have one more major question to ask him. And you, Namjoon, should listen up as well.” Tersely using his left (free) hand to point at his husband accusingly from across the table, so that he, too, wouldn’t act up in the next few seconds. Bewildering his younger mate before turning to Jungkook and asking, “What about alphas? Did you meet any hot alpha boys today?” Yup, point blank. No warning.

Startling the ever-loving crap out of Namjoon as he choked on his water mid-gulp, “Kim Seokjin—!?” 

But Jin had his reasons, and they were damn good ones. Immediately defending himself, “Don’t you start! I need to know now in order to prepare myself! If not, I might literally kill the little motherfucker who just shows up at our doorstep asking to take Googoo out on a date!”

Wherein, “Le—Legit,” Namjoon worriedly sweat-dropped to himself while hiding his face in mild shame from his lover. But why’d he have to ask now? Give a man a warning shot beforehand, please! Rather than be a hypocrite, and just drop this one him out of nowhere too.

Jungkook just as dumbstruck and flustered as his father, “Papa—!?”

Yet Jin still just looked around the table almost innocently, “What? Is it really so crass to ask? Our Little Googoo’s growing up, and he’s a very attractive young man. I’m just asking for a heads-up if he likes anyone.”

Wherein Jungkook just squeaked, “No, I don’t!” before shoving a whole wad of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

And, “There,” Papa Jin nodded his head with finality, “It’s over. Was that so bad?”

Nevertheless, Namjoon’d decidedly had enough excitement for the day in the span of only two minutes time. “Let’s…just eat quietly from here on out…” 

Jungkook quickly nodding his head so fast, as if he’d unintentionally give himself a brain aneurysm if he kept going. All while shoving a whole chicken leg into his mouth next. Attempting to swallow the whole damn thing in one go like freaking Kirby. Anything to get out of here as fast as possible! Bright pink in the face as both of his parents immediately saw and instinctually grabbed for it - to prevent him from choking himself on accident again. Yes again. This is sadly a re-occurring issue. Stuffing his cheeks like an agitated squirrel with lightning speed. It’s an unconscious habit of his. Their pediatrician classifying it a sub-sect of an eating disorder. But it wasn’t so serious that Jungkook needed therapy, so his parents just kept an eye on him. After all, many omegas have oral fixations (like alphas, just…differently). Omegas like gnawing and nibbling on soft fabrics and good smelly stuffs. Jungkook, panic eats (sometimes swallowing entire foods whole at a time) to soothe himself. But Luna forbid, he gave into the urge in the school’s cafeteria. He might go blue in the face before anyone noticed. 

Namjoon softly chuckling as he pet his son’s soft hair, gently consoling him, “Kooby~ what did we say about eating slowly when you feel like you’re panicking?”

The boy letting out a soft whimper while mumbling, “I’m sorry…” with an inherently omegan chirp on the tip of his tongue.

While Papa Jin started pulling his chicken pieces into smaller bits and hand-feeding them to him instead. “Now which dip would you like? Spicy peanut, chili and lime, or honey-mustard, sweetie?”

Frowning, “…I want spicy…” because he just knew that neither of his parents were about to let him feed himself any time now. Even if he readily reassured them that he’d calmed down enough. “Then honey. Then chili and lime. I want all of them.” 

Making his papa snicker, “Oh, so you still wanna be a greedy little boy~?” Nevertheless, he complied, happy to hand-feed his baby while Namjoon watched over them lovingly. It indirectly soothed their own nerves, taking care of their pup so affectionately after all.

Regardless, after they’d finished their peaceful meal, Namjoon quickly sent Jungkook up to bed like a baby too, “Alright now, Banana Nut Muffin, I know that we discussed no more bedtimes ever since you turned sixteen. But, bedtime, Bubby.” 

Jungkook scowling as he puffed out his cheeks like a puffer fish because the latter had so easily gone back on his word so soon. Regardless, he still went willing back upstairs to go get ready for bed. Brushing his teeth as he once again recalled how he still had Taehyung’s clothes in his possession. Before sighing, “I don’t know… I guess I’ll just keep them…” Since it’d be too awkward to return them to him tomorrow…Right? At least, he reasoned it the way. Not that he particularly “liked” the alpha’s clothes…He just wanted them. 

But not for his nest, no. Or in his bed. No. Hidden in his closet. Deeeeeeep in his closet. But, he didn’t say any of that out loud. No. No one heard that.

Falling asleep after tucking himself into his queen-sized bed while replaying everything that’d happened to him earlier that day all in his head. Driving up to his new school, being afraid of making the wrong friends, getting bullied, meeting Jimin…Taehyung’s deep sultry voice as he pinned him up against the wall…Papa Jin asking if liked any young alpha boys…

Frozen Echoes

ʕ≧ᴥ≦ʔ  ʕ ᵒ ᴥ ᵒʔ  ʕノ•ᴥ•ʔノ ︵┻━┻  ʕ；•`ᴥ•´ʔ  ʕ•ᴥ•ʔﾉ♡

Once upon a time in an innocent fairytale world a young prince’s family up and moved away to a whole new kingdom. Yes, the royal family just up moved on a whim for no legitimate reason what-so-ever. No peasant uprising kicking them out, or tumultuous downfall. Just capricious alpha King SeokieSeokieSeok The 4th deciding that he no longer liked the view outside his bedroom window anymore. “Hmph, just throw the whole kingdom away.” 

Omega Prince KooieKooieKoo, a strapping young sweet 20-year-old, honestly afraid that one day his papa would up and randomly decide to throw him away too. Honestly…

Regardless, the royal family of three settled in nicely to their new wonderful home of surprises within only a few days' time. The kingdom of Elletraya, everyone so graciously called it. With its brilliant castle made entirely out of light blue and purple crystals. From the dazzlingly blinding ballroom floors, all the way up to the highest spiraling spiked tower. Glittering green drawbridge over a sparkling pink moat encircling the base. With an extravagant marketplace full of happy citizens surrounding them below. The city spanning miles and miles all the way around. 

The people, sweet as candy. Whether they were normal-sized people living in the main city, or the tiny little gummybear villagers (each 203mm tall) who run their own little mini-city in-between the cracks and wedges of the much larger cobbled-stoned paths, and workshops. Everyone was generous, caring, and fun. Always helping each other out. A wonderful crowd.

The landscape beautifully lush with rolling hills all the way to the snow-covered mountain tops off in the distance. One brilliantly clear river running down from the horizon into the peaceful valley, consisting purely of freshly melted snow. Dozens of healthy fish splashing around within it. Rumors of a still completely frozen majestic purple lake somewhere hidden up there, just beyond the lush orange and red forest line. Countless flowers and delicious berries in full-bloom. Wild and domestic animals roaming freely. Not just in the woods, but also throughout the beautiful roads. Never causing any harm. Only the occasional funny incident.

Prince KooieKooieKoo free to run around, giggling while taste-testing all of the new delicacies that he could find in this stunning new kingdom’s little mom-and-pop stores. Including those delicious tiny fruit pies and sour candies that his new gummybear friends cooked up for him in their much smaller restaurants settled right atop the sides of their larger counterparts. Usually right next to the entryway, or along the wall, up somewhere high where you couldn’t miss them. “Mmmm, I am in love with this place~!” 

However, the thing that Prince KooieKooieKoo loved the most about this new kingdom was it’s mysterious nightly lullaby. When every night at the stroke of 10, a beautiful voice wafted over the entire kingdom. The man’s silky husky tone pleasantly soothing the prince’s ears through his opened bedroom window. Relaxing him. Reminding him of home, yet simultaneously warmly welcoming him to his new one.

Sometimes the mysterious man chose to sing more dramatic yet soft operatic pieces. Arias. Occasionally veering eerily familiar to a wolf’s howl in his heart-wrenching sadness. Other times, a subtler, sweeter, children song. But always acapellic, as Koo imagined a smooth jazz accompaniment to compliment his gracious vocals. Promising himself that one day he’d meet this unknown man in person.

But no one could ever explain to him where the voice came from. Or why only a select few could even hear him. No one knew with certainty, at least. Strangely. Yet, the prince felt honored to be one of those lucky few. One maid educating him about a myth surrounding the voice over breakfast one morning, “Legend says that he’s a deadly ghost or other ghoul trying to lure his victims out into the woods. You shouldn’t listen to him, your highness, or you’ll be next. He’ll come for you. Whatever you do, don’t invite him in.” 

Another, scoffing as she changed out his breakfast plates, seemingly correcting the prior maid, “No, he’s a fairy! I hear him too! My mom’s friend thinks that he may even be a unicorn! You know, they’re such lonely magical creatures! It’s a blessing to hear him! He’s just too shy to show himself.”

When, “Ridiculous!” the head chef shouted as she shooed them both away before bowing to Prince Koo, “They’re both full of nonsense, your highness. I have reputable sources that state that that infernal voice that sings to young pups at night is nothing but a foul-hearted witch. And she will bewitch you if you so much as step one foot outside of the city wall’s past 10 o’clock at night. After that, oh heavens, there’s no telling what that evil woman will do to you, you sweet thing. So please stay in bed at night no matter how tempted you are to follow that sweet voice. Promise me, your highness.”

Prince KooieKooieKoo frowned, “…I promise.”

“You know, it’s just like that old Pied Piper story. We mustn’t have all our precious babies kidnapped right out from under us.”

“I agree…” Alas, rumors are rumors, after all, he decided for himself. And, there was one more that particularly intrigued the prince.

“The siren of the purple lake,” a fellow prince, Jimin, from the next kingdom over had told him. “He’s been trapped up there ever since it froze over.”

“Well then, how did it freeze over?” Koo asked curiously, but Prince Jimin just shrugged.

“I don’t know, it’s snowy up there…so I guess…?”

Wherein, the prince then boldly declared, “Ok, that’s it! I’m going to find out for myself then, on my own! Starting with that unusual purple lake!” Calling upon his most loyal servants to escort him. But King SeokieSeokieSeok The 4th was adamantly against it. Hence Prince KooieKooieKoo implored his case to King NamieNamieNam instead, and King NamieNamieNam granted his request. Via the most adorable puppy-eyed pout that the prince could ever muster. Sparkling gemstones for eyes, “Thank you daddy, I’m not afraid of anything!” But only because he agreed to take Sir HoieHoieHo and Sir GigiGigiGi along with him for protection. 

[Breaking the 4th wall: Yeah, I did my man dirty, but YoonieYoonieYoon wasn’t cutting it! LOL]

“Your majesty, we’ll have the prince back home by morning light,” and with that, they were off. Riding on the backs of giant orange foxes as they galloped toward the forest. All because running there on foot (even in wolf form) would be far too taxing on their dear baby boy, according to both of his fathers. Likewise, a carriage couldn’t possibly make it through all the unpaved landscape. Hence, foxes it was. 

Sir GigiGigiGi keeping his watchful eye on everything they passed as Sir HoieHoieHo grinned to himself. Cockily knowing that he too could hear the siren’s call. Whereas Sir GigiGigiGi was deaf to it. Which meant that he had the upper hand tonight in their nightly squabbles over who was the greater knight. Eventually coming upon a narrowing dirt road amidst the heavily foliaged trees completely encompassing them under the night sky an hour later. And with their foxes being too tall, they had to dismount and continue on foot. “My prince, stay close,” Sir GigiGigiGi commanded.

Sir HoieHoieHo leading the way as he followed the voice steadily growing louder and louder with his keen ears. But KooieKooieKoo was growing impatient, “Where is he? Is he moving? Why haven’t we found him yet?”

“Patience, your highness,” Sir HoiHoieHo smiled, “I believe we’re almost there.”

When Sir GigiGigiGi abruptly pulled out his sword - upon hearing a soft rustling in the bushes nearby. Only for it to be nothing but a small woodland creature happy to see them.

“Aww,” Sir HoieHoieHo cooed, “Aren’t you a cute little guy,” petting the squirrel as the prince took the initiative to walk a little further ahead of them. Not so far as to disappear from their sight, but a little ways'. Where he spotted a small house tucked away behind a small hill, “Omo!? Sir HoieHoieHo, Sir GigiGigiGi, I think I found some—!” Instantly turning around to point his new discovery out. Only, ”Hello…?” they’d seemingly vanished into thin air, “Sir Gigi—? Where did you go!?” Backtracking his few steps to circle around and find them. But they were nowhere to be found. Not even the polite squirrel was left. He was alone…and scared, “Ms. Witch, I’m sorry if I upset you…”

Alas, nothing moved, and nothing else happened. Leaving the poor prince to his own devices. Those devices being, “I guess I just have to move forward.” Because even if he left now, he wouldn’t have any idea how to make it back home. He was lost. So the only logical next step was to keep going. At least make his adventure worth it. Yes. Walking back over towards the potentially bewitched house - that looked more and more like it was constructed entirely out of sheer pink cotton candy the closer he got.

Lightly touching its wall as he stood next to it, “It’s so fluffy…” When the front door popped open, frightening the pup, despite no one being visibly inside of it as Koo peeked his head around. “Hello?”

No one answered, so he waited a bit longer before carefully stepping inside to get a better look around. When, out of nowhere a chair moved all on its own, “Luna—!?” 

The cotton candy chair wiggled again, as if happily dancing, as the prince stared wide-eyed at it before cautiously continuing to search for clues. Keeping a close eye on it, just in case the wobbly thing decided to jump out at him again. But it seemed to want to follow around everywhere,“…Do—Do you want me to sit on you?” Otherwise, there wasn’t much else to be found here. Only the basics: a table, a bed, and a selection of books written in various languages. Everything made entirely of pink cotton candy. Except for the books, of course.

The omega staring straight back down at the cotton candy chair once more, “But if I sit on you, won’t I just fall through?” as if it could understand him.

Although, the chair wiggled again.

“Are you made of magic?”

The chair bounced on its legs twice.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Can you tell me who’s house this is then?” More hopeful now, seeing as the animated object did seem to directly respond to him, at least. Maybe it could actually understand him?

Although this time the chair just stayed put.

“No?”

The chair did nothing again and Koo sighed. Finally relenting, “Ok, I’ll sit on you,” pouting, “But only because my legs are very tired.”

And just like that, the chair began to bounce up and down again. As if holding a happy little celebration before settling down and letting Koo sit on it. In awe of how soft and sturdy it actually felt, “Omo, you are a chair…”

Only, “Now what?” he thought to himself. Was he just meant to sit here and wait? “What happens now?”

Thankfully, the prince wouldn’t have to wait much longer though, before he heard the familiar sound of a carriage coming closer. Momentarily frightened, “Oh no, is that the owner?” expecting some cotton candy hermit to walk in any second now, “Is he home? I’m trespassing! Ya—Wait, is he the mystery singer!?” Excitement overtaking his fear over potentially meeting the man that he’d come all the way out here to see.

Alas, as he ran outside to greet him he was met with only emptiness. All over again. Sure, there was a carriage there now, indeed. A beautifully crafted blue one - visually similar to the one in Cinderella, at that. Made entirely out of, again, cotton candy. Two massive horses at the helm who were also peculiarly wholly crafted out of white…cotton candy. KooieKooieKoo’s getting tired of this. But there was no one inside, and no driver sitting upfront either. 

More suspicious, the forest all around him was entirely different now too. There was now a large dirt road right in front of him. “Oh…? Ok? Am I being kidnapped by ghosts?” Terrifying him. He wanted his big strong daddies here to protect him…

When the chair popped outside to do its little wiggle dance again for him. As if to say, “No.” But the prince still couldn’t shake off his concerns while looking back and forth between it and the empty carriage. “What happens if I get in?”

“…” Crickets.

“…Do I have a choice whether or not I get in?”

“…” Again crickets.

“I won’t go.”

Suddenly the man’s voice - that’d hardly wavered ever since they’d first entered the forest - abruptly stopped singing and the forest fell mutely silent. Unnerving the omega even more than he already was before, “What—Why’d he stop singing? Did I upset the voice?” Screaming, “Ok! Ok! I’ll go! I’ll go!” as he quickly jumped into the cotton-candied vehicle. Keenly listening in for the man to begin singing again. Which, graciously, he did. Koo sighing in relief upon realizing, “So I am really on the right path then?” Wherein, the carriage started to move only seconds later, taking him to his unknown destination. Likely far far away from home, as it felt like the hours ticked by and he unknowingly fell asleep. Only awaking to the soft puff of gently being laid down as the carriage, and horses alike, steadily disintegrated into the air all around him. Leaving him comfortably lying on the snowy ground. Or, what he’d once believed was the snow-covered mountain tops. In reality, it looked and tasted a lot more like a massive dump of powdered sugar donut holes. Eating his fill without a care in the world before standing up and wiping his mouth. 

It was cold all the way up here, but it was nothing that he hadn’t weathered before as he pulled his warm coat tighter around himself. The only reason he wasn’t shifting into his wolf form already (to better stave off the cold) was that then he’d have to keep track of his clothes then. …With no means of doing so. “Hello, is anybody out there!? Is anyone going to greet me!? …Hello!?” he called out again. Expecting a welcoming party or something. Yet, like the last few times, no one came. Only echoes. “Alright then, I’m just going to wander around!” Doing just that as he spun around - choosing, “North, south, east, west. I choose~ East! Ok!” Walking for about five minutes, but there was just more snow, “Alrighty then, I choose north!” Switching directions to instead climb up a short cliff to try and get a bird’s eye view of everything beneath him.

Wherein, after a few near-fatal accidents, he managed to get atop and look around. Almost instantly spotting the infamous purple lake maybe a twenty minute walk away, “So it is real? So beautiful…” Decisively heading straight for it as he carefully slid back down the small cliffside, “I need to see it up close!” Leaving his cute little footprints in the snow as he excitedly hopped around playfully. Knowing that he could easily find his way back, purely using them alone, - with how messy a track he was leaving behind. Unless it snowed again any time soon, of course. Since his nose was fairly well frozen over.

Venturing closer though, the prince noticed something. Or better yet, someone. Finally, he wasn’t alone anymore! “Omo—Hello!? Hey—!” There was someone drinking from the lake over there. The frozen lake, “Wait—? Shouldn’t his tongue be glued to the ice then?” Koo thought to himself as he quietly tiptoed closer. Sniffing him out just to be safe, “Omo…what if he’s a feral alpha…?” When, to the prince’s utter horror (just a bit closer) he realized that the other wolf hadn’t, in fact, been drinking water from the lake. But was actually stuck ass up in it. His head and front legs completely submerged underneath the ice. Permanently glued in place for Luna knows how long. The young omega, questioning whether or not he should get any closer. After all…this new guy may very well be…dead…

Alas, “Holy crap, he’s alive!?” the gingerbread brown wolf began to wiggle and jerk around. Actively still trying to pry himself out of his dire predicament. Instantly activating Prince KooieKooieKoo’s fight or flight instincts as he shouted, “Hold on, I’ll pull you out!” before grabbing the wolf’s hips and pulling as hard as possible. But it wasn’t enough the prince soon realized, before switching to a different tactic. This time going in search of a big rock to smash over the thick ice in hopes of shattering it. Or at least loosening it up just enough for the gingerbread wolf to slip loose and free himself. Making several attempts before exhausting himself and collapsing on top of it, “Ugrrggh, stupid ice!” 

Rethinking all of his options urgently, Koo gasped, “Agh!” Shedding off all of his clothes before transforming into his wolf form finally. In hopes of converting all of his warm fur and hot breath into a heater of sorts as he rolled around and panted all over the ice. In a last-ditch effort to try and melt it instead. Then using his claws to scratch and pounce in place (much like how mister gingerbread had initially gotten his whole ass stuck in the first place.)

Somewhere along the way something giving way just enough for the other wolf to snap one leg loose and start digging out from underneath the thick layer of ice too. Finally ripping himself loose with the most bewildered expression on his face that KooieKooieKoo had ever seen anyone make in his entire life. Vehemently shaking his head as he swiftly switched back to his human form to enthusiastically pull the prince into a much-needed tight hug. Shouting, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’d been stuck like that for an awfully long time! I owe you my life! I am indebted to you!” as he smiled invigoratingly while scenting Koo with considerable appreciation to show his undying gratitude.

The omega quickly transforming back into his own human form as well - to ask him what’d exactly happened. But instead, instantly melting into the other male’s arms upon hearing that smooth chocolatey voice. Coupled with his rich maple honey and pumpkin fused scent, practically hypnotizing him, “You’re…You’re welcome..” Not so shamefully enjoying the unanticipated snuggle fest. Hell, he was a cuddler. Wrapping his own arms around the alpha to scent him back affectionately too. Only realizing a short while after the fact how freaking cold they both were, “Oh shit, I’m naked!”

Sending the other male into a frenzied laughter as he pulled back with this blindingly wide boxy smile on his face, “It’s ok, you can put your clothes back on. Or you can change back to your wolf form if you’d like?” Leaving the prince speechless as he struggled to snap back into reality all over again. Until the sticky stranger actually helped him pull his own clothes on.

“No—No,” Koo stuttered, “I have so many questions to ask you!”

“Oh, really?” the man cocked his head curiously, his wolf ears popping out.

“Yeah, like..like— It’s you, isn’t it!?” pointing his index finger at him in disbelief.

But the other male just laughed, “It’s me? Yes, it’s me. I’m me.” 

“No, no, I mean,” Koo coughed to disguise his embarrassment, “You’re the voice!”

“What voice?”

That puzzled Koo too though, “The voice…? The voice that sings every night...”

“Oooooh, yes! Yes, that’s me! I love singing. But…” Only…? “Could you hear me, hehe?” the gingerbread wolf played innocent. Before also asking, “You aren’t from around here, are you?” while putting a few mental puzzle pieces together in his head. Still stark naked, by the way, in the snow.

KooieKooieKoo refusing to look down. “Yes—No, no! Not really, I just moved here! But I live down there now!” Pointing down south - in the direction where his parent’s new palace was located.

The latter male’s eyes following the tip of his finger, “Oh, you’re from that horrible kingdom?”

“Yeah—What—No! It’s not horrible!”

“It is to me, they’re awful.”

Cutting the stranger off then and there KooieKooieKoo grunted, “Wait, wait, hold up! Just for reference, my family just moved in and took over the place! So whoever you had qualms with is out of there! They’re gone! We’re good people, I promise! Plus, everyone I’ve met so far has been a total sweetheart, so don’t you dare go around cursing at them!”

The alpha looked him up and down in thoughtful consideration as he mulled over trusting him or not. Shrugging, “Eh, you’re too cute to disagree with, so I’ll believe you for now. But you’ll need to prove it to me later on, ok?”

“Ok! I promise!” the prince spat out in return. His face flushed from more than just the cold winds now, “So—So, what’s your name?”

“I am Kim Taehyung, King of Elletraya. Lord of The Lake.”

“But…?” the omega grimaced as he stared the alpha down in disbelief. Clearly disapproving of the braindead individual who just claimed to be the ruler of his own father’s new kingdom. Determined to set him straight, “Ok, no, no you’re not—.” 

Alas, “I know,” the alpha just snickered at him, “Funny, huh?”

“No, not funny at all! Who are you really!?” the omega huffed, “Did the water give you permanent brain damage, or what!?”

Only no, the alpha confidently repeated, “I am King Kim Taehyung, King of Elletraya. Lord of The—“

“Lord of The Lake! You’re just Kim Taehyung, Lord of The Lake!”

“Haha. No need to get angry little one, I’m not lying,” Tae still just smiled kindly at him. A soft chuckle on his lips.

But the prince still wasn’t having it, perturbed, “Yes, you are! The last guys moved out! So—So—…move out!”

“Pfft!” Thankfully, Taehyung only found this new baby boy (that looked like he’d better suit a bunny than a wolf) cute. Otherwise, he’d be offended by now, “Let me tell you a story. Can I?”

“Fi—Fine. But it better include your real name!” Kooie huffed in return. Before his jaw dropped in disbelief as he suddenly became engulfed in what looked like a massive igloo. Consisting of, you guessed it, nothing but cotton candy. Snapping his eyes back to the now not-so-naked man stuffing more of said-cotton candy into his own mouth.

“I assure you, it will. But Luna, I missed the taste of this shit so much!” practically moaning as he sat down on the newly formed couch, “It was all I could think about day in and day out! I love cotton candy!” Before going on to describe his story in detail about how a previous king of Elletraya (many years prior) had tricked him into participating in a wild competition of sorts. The prize culminating around his favorite lake (the one that he’d inherited from his ancestors). Which resulted in foul play, hence him getting his head stuck under the thick sheet of grape-flavored ice.

“So…it is your kingdom then…?”

Alas, “Don’t worry, your parents can keep it,” Tae smirked, “That’s fine, you can always marry me.”

“What!? Marriage!?”

“Besides,” the alpha licked his thumb in deep thought, leaving the floundering omega in limbo, “I don’t seem to know how long I’ve been gone. I’ll need to readjust myself to the common folk. What year is it?”

“How—How—!? Holy crap, how long were you down there!? How’d you not drown!? Are you serious!?”

“Yes, very much so.”

The prince just let himself fall back down into his own chair, too bewildered with the alpha’s lack of freaking out. He just seemed so damn calm about everything, weirdly. “Well…it’s the twentieth moon after the eighth tiger cycle.”

“So..” Tae sighed, “I’ve been stuck in grape juice for 200-plus years…”

“Two—Two hundred!? How old are you!? I have so many questions!”

“Relax darling. If anyone should be behaving irrationally right now, it’s me. You’re perfectly safe here. Breathe—.”

“Then why aren’t you!?”

Tae then laughed heartily at him as he stood back up. After years of loneliness, he sure loved having someone to interact with. Especially someone so spry and adorable at that. Leaning over KooieKooieKoo to brush his thumb delicately across the omega’s chin as he admired his savior’s beautiful features. While thinking out loud, “Hmm, seeing as you’re so lively tonight, shall we begin the mating process? Sooner, rather than later. You are a fertile young omega after all.”

“Fert—What the fuck!!? What do you mean by fertile!? What the hell are you even on about!?” the prince immediately spat back. Panicking as he fell over backward and quickly crab-walked away, “There are no baby-makers here, sir! I am a male, in case that grape juice made you blind and stupid too!” Momentarily fizzling out in the brain department, “Be--Be-B-B-Besides, you—you already saw that for your—yourself! Yes, you did! Yes, I am a man!” 

Leaving this amused look on the older’s male face. Obviously satisfied with the younger’s overly animated reaction. While scanning him over once more, commenting, “Hn, you’re cute when you’re panicked. I’ll be sure to scare you quite often if this is the response I’ll get.”

“Wait, what!? Don’t scare me just for fun! I’m not here for your amusement, you asshole!”

“No? But what I meant to say, is that you’re approaching heat, and as your mate, I should keep—.“

“Ya! Ya!? I’ll stop you right there, mister, we just met! And I don’t care how old you are, or how much you’ve missed! But we are not barbarians anymore! I’m not mating a complete stranger that I pulled out of a creepy lake in the middle of nowhere! So keep your ancient frozen-ass over there where I can see you! Hands up or I’ll scream!”

Wherein, as if the alpha turned into an entirely different person, Tae’s face abruptly transformed into an unbearably cute frown. Shouting, “But you cuddled back!? You scented me too!” Suddenly overcome with the sorrowful realization that the omega wasn’t as infatuated with him as he was as he began pacing back and forth. Audibly complaining out loud, almost as if he’d instantly devolved into a whiny 2-year-old pup the way his eyes widened and began watering up, “And, I mean, I haven’t even bathed in like 200 years, so that’s gotta mean something!”

KooieKooieKoo going stark white at his justification, after the bizarre shift in the alpha’s aura, “I—I mean—I...I did! But, wait—I—I wasn’t in my right mind though! It was in the heat of the moment!” Waving his hands rapidly in the air in his defense as he stumbled over his own words to defend his actions. 

Alas, “So you don’t like me? I’m not attractive to you!?”

“No, I didn't say that! I do--you are—!”

When “You are!? You like me!?” Tae’s eyes immediately began gleaming with unbridled happiness again upon hearing the beautiful omega's admission. Regaining a bit of his self-confidence back. Though still all bread-cheeked and pouty-faced overall.

Leaving KooieKooieKoo dumbfounded, “...The fuck just happened?” 

“I’m proposing to you, that’s what just happened. But then you were mean to me!”

The omega just took a long deep breath of air to steady himself, before asking, “Aren’t you being a bit too forward, sir?”

Alas, “Why? I’ve already seen your gentle form in all of its naked glory, and I’m quite pleased with it. Plus, your sweet banana scent is so enticing that I’ve barely kept myself contained. I never knew that I could like bananas so much.”

“Oh…”

“Very.”

“Ok, ok, full cards on the table,” the prince swallowed his nerves as he placed his fingertips to his forehead while scrunching up his cute lil’ round face in frustration. “Everything is going too fast. But, yes, I am attracted to you. Despite the fact that you’re a 200-year-old frozen wolf, stranger, that I found upside down in a lake. Covered in smelly, sticky, grape juice. While on a magical quest to track down a mysterious voice that sings to everyone at nighttime. Ok, now that that’s settled, why do you want to mate me!?”

“Because,” Taehyung chuckled as he sat back down in his chair, casually resting his chin atop his open palm. Positively adoring this pup, “You’re the most fun I’ve had in the past 200 years. Haha.”

“Will you be serious!?”

“Alright fine. I have been tremendously lonely for two centuries, and I’d love to return to my kingdom. However, I hear that said-kingdom has already come under a new ruler. Thankfully, for me though, that ruler has quite the alluring lil’ pup that I shall mate and find my way back atop my throne. If,” the alpha cocked his head cutely, still evidently teasing the prince, “said-pup will have me.”

“…”

Mildly curtly adding, “Also! He scented me, then acted like a total jerk, so now I’m being petty! Hmph!”

The prince sighed, decidedly mulling over his fate, “Ok. Deal. I’ll mate with you. But, only if you shower and meet my parents first! And—And, no promises! My daddies have full say! So if they say no, then no! Or if they say that we have to wait five years in a long-drawn out leeeengthy betrothal, as per custom, then we do! Ok!?” Which, quite clearly, they would. KooieKooieKoo is their precious baby after all, they wouldn’t just hand him over for free to some crazy freak that he found on the powdered doughnut-covered mountain tops.

Wherein, “Deal!” Tae sprung up shouting. Moving in to hug and scent the bewildered red-tomatoed’-omega all over again. Because, Luna, did he smell sooo fucking good. So much in fact that the alpha still refused to believe that he was even real. Or, maybe that was just the long-term solitary confinement hallucinations kicking in again? He'd find out after speaking with a therapist. Oooh, and they can get couples counseling too, to make extra certain that they're perfect for each other and enhance their communication skills too. Because Luna knows, Tae's bound to do something else that KooieKooieKoo doesn't like. So he'd nip that in the bud before he messes up again. "Yes."

Otherwise, while Taehyung was already imagining their perfect future together, the prince could only swallow his gut in the hopes that he didn’t just make the worst decision of his life. But, be damned, he’d stumbled upon his own personal wet dream! Sexy voice, sexy looks, addictive scent (if a bit too potent), cool, aloof, mysterious, dorky! With an ample amount of aegyo despite being an alpha! Fuck! To hell, he’d ever actually let Taehyung know that though! They just needed to get to know each other first. “Yes..let’s get to know each other first…” But, how exactly had following a mystery voice into the woods gotten him engaged, again? Someone explain this to him, please. Because he wants his therapist right now.

A little while later, Tae bathed himself in a hot spring hidden within a cave underneath the mountaintop while recounting all sorts of funny puphood stories to his now-fiancé. KooieKooieKoo, hiding behind a big rock as he listened in and laughed over how much of a rambunctious like shit he used to be. Just dying to jump into the steaming warmth himself too, but too afraid of accidentally, you know, getting into another compromising situation. Especially since he’d already inadvertently agreed to do the…the deed with the alpha…eventually. Even if Tae was very much so baiting him into jumping in for a swim, “No, I’m good. Tell me more about your grandmother!”

Moving forward, after they'd set out on the long journey back home, the omega pondered still as to how Tae'd been stuck in the lake all alone for so long. Full of questions, but mostly, “So it’s not actually water then?”

“Nope, that’s actually grape juice,” the alpha casually snickered. Momentarily looking down at his reflection in said-frozen-lake in contemplation, “Momma always told me not to drink it. Alas now that’s all I’ve been drinking for 200 years.. Meh,” he shrugged, “Still not sick of it,” before breaking off a big chunk and shoving it in his mouth like an ice pop. Offering KooieKooieKoo a piece as well.

“Thank…Thanks. But is that how you didn’t drown? You licked…the grape juice?” the omega then inquired while giving it a test lick of his own, “Oh, it’s actually quite nice,” liking the taste.

“Pretty much. I was able to make an air pocket.”

“…Oh?”

“Anyway,” Tae side-railed the conversation, “you graciously asked for an escort home, your highness?” politely bowing almost comically as he played up his aristocratic persona. Before letting out a loud whistle. Calling forth a massive 25m tall blue gummybear. Instead of manifesting some more freaking cotton candy. I know right? Koo was half expecting to see the carriage again. Not…Not…that…

“Is that—Is that really a gummybear!? They can get that big!?”

“Why yes, they can,” the alpha offered as a matter of factly, “Most just choose not to.”

“I’ll…I’ll keep that in mind…” the omega sweat dropped. Recalling his miniature citizens…who apparently chose to be so tiny.

“Great, let’s hop on!”

“What—Really!? We’re gonna ride that thing!?”

“Yes dear, now would you please quit being so rude to my darling old friend here?”

“Oh, oh, yes! I’m so sorry, Mr. Gummybear! I have been awfully rude to you! I did not mean to refer to you as a thing! I’m just—overwhelmed is all!” But just like that, they set off. Riding atop the shoulders of a massive friendly gummybear - heading back to the palace. 

Over halfway there though, just past the lushes red and orange forest, into the rolling hills, Taehyung noticed the darkening clouds huddled up above. Blocking out the morning stars, and almost concealing the light of the brilliant full moon. “Looks like rain.” 

The prince frowning at the thought, “Aww, great, now we’re gonna get wet…” Because he hadn’t even suspected that it’d rain tonight.

But, obviously the alpha just grinned as he snuggled up closer to him, “If you’d like, I can keep you dry?”

KooieKooieKoo’s face flushed beat red at the underlying suggestion, “N—No thanks.” Seconds later feeling the first few droplets starting to trickle down. Drip drip. The rain picking up to his dissatisfaction as he did his best to run and take shelter underneath the gummybear’s ear to hide from the oncoming downpour. While the giant creature itself made no effort to shield itself. And neither did the snarky alpha either. 

Walking out almost to the edge of the bear’s shoulder as he enjoyed getting soaked through, “Waaa~ guess I didn’t need to take a bath after all…”

When, “We use soap now, you Edwardiian!” the prince judgmentally shouted back in spite as he remained curled up against the giant’s neck, shielding his face. Insinuating that Tae behaved so ancient and barbaric, that he wasn’t even considered a wolf anymore. But rather an ancestor of the wolf - Canis edwardii. 

Bringing the alpha to his knees, practically in tears, laughing so hard, “Hahaha!”

“Aish—!” angering the omega, who around turned to scold Tae for is lack of empathy, “Ok, you can go—Wait a minute?” I mean, he’d just offered to shield him from the rain only seconds earlier, didn’t he? But now he’s all the way over there!? On the furthest reach of the gummybear’s shoulder. He didn’t even push the matter. He’d just left the boy to suffer. Where was his big strong alpha who’d protect him despite his cute protests now? Where? “Hmph!” He’d expected Tae to be a bit more forceful at least. So much for romance… 

Alas, maybe he’d been looking in all the wrong directions? Or so not looking at all. Now that his eyes were open, beholden to the most gorgeous sight that he’d ever seen in his entire lifetime. The night sky encapsulating them both in a rainbow of glowing iridescent rain. Each droplet shimmering brightly as they crashed down, splashing brilliantly into a thousand tiny pieces. Creating a hazy vibrant halo around the alpha’s sultry form. Unlike anything he’d ever seen before, “What’s going on…?” A rain like nothing he could have ever imagined.

Only,“It’s raining,” Tae just smirked, “Haven’t you ever seen rain before?”

“N—Not like this…” It was dazzling. Not the usual boring water that the prince had witnessed growing up. Hold up inside his room while begrudgingly waiting for it to stop, so that he could finally run outside and splash around in all the puddles. Never once failing to make Papa SeokieSeokieSeok upset with all of his little muddy footprints while Daddy NamieNamieNam cooed over them in his undying love for him. “They’re so tiny~!”

Alas what Koo saw before him now, he’d gladly allow a never-ending rain to overtake the kingdom. It was even better than the occasional lovely snow day.

“Oh, how sad…” the older male looked up wistfully, “I missed it…”

“Does it always rain like this here? …It’s so beautiful…”

“No,” Tae paused, “I made it…for you.”

The prince blushed, once again wondering just how magical this stranger really was, “What—What else can you do?”

Wherein, “I can do so much more, but I’m not going to spoil the surprise,” the other confessed as he casually strolled closer to his omega. Gently placing a peck on his soft pink lips, ”It wouldn’t be any fun otherwise…if you knew it was coming.”

“…At least answer me this, how did I hear you all the way from my bedroom window?”

Tae hummed, already positioning his hand behind the omega’s neck to tilt his head upwards in order to place a second much deeper kiss on him, “Maybe it’s destiny? Or maybe it’s just good acoustics, who will ever know?” Taking those soft petals for himself again as the other willingly melted into his arms.

“…Or maybe you really are a siren in disguise out to kill me?”

Tae chuckled into Kooie’s mouth, “Or maybe there’s an elaborate underground cave system underneath the lake that resonated with me each night that I sang to stave away my loneliness? Echoing my voice down river, allowing it to beautifully waft into the city's walls with wonderful acoustics~?”

“No, you’re just magical,” KooieKooieKoo returned. This time instigating the next kiss.

The alpha very much appreciative, “Oh, that was just lovely.”

“It was, wasn’t it?”

Fast forward, they arrived at KooieKooieKoo’s parent’s palace with much flare after dawn. Both still drenched in rain. Sending King SeokieSeokieSeok The 4th into a tizzy. Grounding his baby boy out of fear for his health and safety, after refusing to hear him out. Until King NamieNamieNam stepped in to intervene,  granting the mysterious man permission to stay for a few nights.

Several months later, both kings surprisingly publicly announced their son’s official royal engagement via their noble announcer, “Hear ye, hear ye, I come forth today by royal decree to declare that his highness, Prince KooieKooieKoo is henceforth formally engaged to be mated to King Kim Taehyun—!”

Wherein “No!” the prince himself abruptly pounced out from behind the guy to interrupt, scolding the royal announcer, “It’s HyungieHyungieHyung! King HyungieHyungieHyung, get it right!”

And yeah, *Cough cough* the announcer cleared his throat, “Correction. Prince KooieKooieKoo is henceforth formally engaged to be mated to King HyungieHyungieHyung, Lord of The Lake!”

By the way, Sir GigiGigiGi and Sir HoieHoieHo are fine. They’re both drunk at a bar bickering over Tae’s latest annoying magic stunt.

Back to reality, Jungkook awoke the next morning curled up in a comfy ball underneath his weighted blanket. Aspiring to continue his adorable little dream in order to find out what’d happen next. When, he realized that King HyungieHyungieHyung’s appetizing pumpkin essence was still with him, and hadn’t faded away like the rest of his fantasy world when he’d stirred back into the living one. But rather subtly permeated from within his own bed. Notes of cinnamon and nutmeg coming from just beneath his chin, when he lifted his blanket. Only to discover that he’d been curled up around none other than Taehyung’s black shirt (that’d once certainly been buried deep inside his closet). Drowsily eyeing it as if it had some kind of supernatural power, or like, “The fuck--…did I sleepwalk?” 

Before taking a much longer moment to sniff it again. That oh-so-addictive stench still vaguely there, even nearly 24 hours after the alpha’d fished it out of his own backpack and handed it to him. At least enough to just barely pick up on. Or maybe Jungkook was just delusional? Whatever it was, he was annoyed and determined to re-bury it in the back of his closet. Where he couldn’t unconsciously retrieve it again. All the while, chastising his inner wolf for pulling such a dirty prank on him, “I haven’t even sleepwalked in like five years!”

Before mockingly replying to himself to substitute his subconsciousness’s own voice out loud, “Yeah, but how do you know that?” 

“Pfft, shut up! You don’t own me. You don’t control me, I control you!” 

“…Says the boy who drooled all over his blankets and slicked himself in his sleep… Ugh, I hate him so much…” Tae, that is. Alas, Koo’s newly emerging omega instincts were clearly trying to tell him something…As if his more primal intrinsic needs had imprinted himself onto the alpha against his will. Ever so silently whispering, “He’s your mate, I know it, he’s your mate. I can feel it. Our souls are already attached to one another.”

…Body and mind having entirely different opinions about the boy. Now, which one would win? Luna’s natural order, or the fact that he’s figuratively “repulsed” by the cocky asshole? Only time would tell.

"I need some grape juice..."