Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If Taehyung is being honest to himself, he doesn't understand shit when it comes to basketball or any sports, really. 

Outdoor sports have never been his thing. He enjoys watching them every once in a while, the tension that develops in the last thirty minutes of any match is pure adrenaline rush. But other than those last couple of minutes, there's nothing truly appealing about it. 

Okay, maybe not nothing, nothing. 

There are certainly some aspects of sports that are really amazing according to Taehyung. Cheer leading and getting to wear skirts as an alpha without any judgements or repercussions for example. 

He also likes that he can stay fit simply because of being a cheerleader. The scholarship that comes with it is also very appealing and the free pass to skip classes, oh it's the best.

Taehyung loves studying, don't get him wrong. If he had to choose between partying and an hour with economics, he'd happily choose economics without a second thought. 

He loves studying but Professor Chang's classes are fucking boring and Taehyung is utterly grateful he can skip it whenever he feels like. Not to mention the fact that, in turn of skipping Mr. Chang’s classes, he gets to see naked alphas covered in sweat. 

So truly, sports and being a cheerleader have its own perks. Other than that, he doesn't think there's an— Oh god, how could he forget the one thing that tops all of it?. 

Free traveling! 

The university lets them travel to different cities and states because of inter-university tournaments. It really is the best part. 

As someone who adores traveling and is broke beyond belief, this is the best perk. Absolutely the best, number one. Top of the list. Underlined and circled in bold colors.

The alpha is pulled out of his thoughts and his body moves on auto-pilot when the whistle blows, indicating that their team scored a basket and has secured their victory. 

The whole room is immediately filled with excessive cheers and hootings as well as dejected signs of disappointment. 

Taehyung ignores the suffocating mixture of sad and delighted pheromones in order to cheer with the rest of the cheerleading team, his eyes momentarily falling on him.

The alpha is standing on the opposite side of the court, hairs pulled up in a man bun, some of the strands dancing with the wind while his muscular arms are folded over his chest. 

The man is watching the court intensely, chewing on his lip ring as he seems to be deep in thought. Probably replaying the last basket and figuring out where exactly his team went wrong.

Taehyung looks away with flushed cheeks when the alpha looks in their general direction before pushing back his thick glasses, calling for their basketball team to come around him. Clapping his hands and patting them on the back to encourage them despite losing the match. 

He didn't see Taehyung, the alpha knows. Their rival player never really looks at any of them or anyone except his team and the court to be honest. His dedication to the game is weirdly hot. 

Remember how Taehyung said that free traveling is the number one perk of being a cheerleader? Yeah, well, he'll like to take it back. 

Getting to ogle at him every couple of months for days is actually the true benefit of being in sports related activities. 

‘Him’ being Jeon Jeongguk. 

A student of Korea University, Seoul Campus and the brain of the Tiger High team if Taehyung knows correctly. 

Taehyung has never seen the alpha play, always standing by the side and watching everything, guiding. The alpha would have honestly believed that Jeongguk is a professor instead if he wasn't so young and chill with the rest of the team. 

From what he has observed so far, they all loved Jeongguk very much and such a close friendship certainly wasn't possible between a coach and a student, for sure. He had a great bond with them which was only possible between teammates. 

Taehyung’s eyes flicker towards their own team's coach, a strict man in his mid 40s who, despite winning, is only giving a small pat on the members back. 

Taehyung knows that not even his favorite students could talk with him in ease so yeah, ain't no way Jeongguk was a coach. He was too kind for it. 

Jeongguk was a simple student just like the rest of them. A really handsome one but a student nonetheless. 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, hoping to hide away the blush rising up his cheeks when he finds the alpha smiling brightly at one of the members of his team ‘Raging Rabbits’, murmuring words of encouragement as he high-fives them over something. 

The alpha cheerleader has noticed that, while Jeongguk never plays with them, he's immensely good at leading the team around and making sure they give their best performance no matter what. He's weirdly amazing but only guiding them, helping them around, and making strategies with them.

He supposed that perhaps his eyesight is the cause behind his lack of field play and it's probably allowed for the extras to help around during the match. It's not like Jeongguk is hand feeding them anything anyway. 

He doesn't know all that much about sports and neither does he care enough to truly understand it. 

Taehyung jumped in his spot when someone slammed their hand on his shoulder, gaining his attention before pulling him in a tight hug. 

The alpha only had so much time to realise that it was Jimin, his best friend as well as the point guard of Tiger High. The only omega player in the Tiger High basketball team. 

Jimin’s beautiful eyes disappeared as he grinned brightly, raising his arms open to welcome the alpha. “C'mon, are you not going to congratulate us for our victory, Baby?” 

Taehyung squeaks loudly, wrapping his arms around Jimin. The jock is quick to spin him around, “I was doing exactly that, you dumbass” 

The cheerleader pressed his face against his neck, scenting his friend despite the sweat. Somehow, it made Jimin's tangerines and pepper pheromones all the more prominent and appealing. 

As much as Taehyung knew his friend was perfectly capable of kicking anyone's ass who dared to hit on him, he still felt the need to protect Jimin in whichever way he could. As they have been friends since high school, Taehyung has very well started to consider both of their scents as one and the same. And if one dare add, he sort of considers Jimin to be a part of his pack. 

Jimin giggles as he puts the younger one down, which truthfully wasn't far up from the ground anyway, cupping his face and squeezing his fluffy cheeks. 

“I meant the celebratory dinner. The team is planning to go to the beach and have dinner there. Tomorrow is our last day in Busan and because of the match, the coach didn't let us go anywhere. You have to come with me” 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, thinking about it. He wasn't really much of a party person and he was originally just planning to study in his room.

They had come here while the semester midterms were going on. The coach had, of course, made it possible for them to give it after the match but still, he needed to study for it. 

As much as Taehyung loved cheerleading, being a topper and scoring the best was and will always be his top priority. 

His parents were already mad that he chose cheerleading instead of doing any kind of sports, being a topper at least pacifies them well. He can't lose that as well. 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, quickly getting ready to make his sad puppy face. “We will have midterms once we reach back, Jiminie. I can—” 

“I talked to the coach, Tae. He said he'll give us a week of prep time. C'mon” 

Jimin whined, grabbing his hand and slightly jumping in his spot as if that would make him agree. “You know I'm not close to any of them and that motherfucking Yoongi would be there. Please, you need to be there for me! I cannot handle that nuisance without my soulmate. Help me out, what are soulmates for?” 

The alpha sighed, despite being in the same team. For some reason, Yoongi and Jimin hated each other's guts and Taehyung often had to be the mediator between the two of them or it would be a brawl. 

If he had to guess, he would say either they're mad that they both play the same position or because they wanna fuck each other. If both of them are locked in one room, they'll either reek of sex, blood, or both.

Which — great for them – but Taehyung hates the sight of blood and scent of sex on Jimin all the same so he'd rather not see either of the two. 

Unfortunately, Jimin knew that very well too and he didn't hesitate to use that for his own benefit. 

“Alright, fine. I will go with you” The scream that Jimin gave was deafening and Taehyung could only duck his head in embarrassment when /he/ looked their way in confusion. 

🏀❤🏀

Okay, maybe the decision to come with the whole group wasn't so bad after all. 

It was rather enjoyable for Taehyung. They played around in the water, played beach volleyball, buried some of their classmates under the sand, even made one look like a mermaid. 

And by the time it was night, they had decided to start a bonfire and do a mini karaoke among themselves while playing silly games like ‘I have never’ 

It's a stupid but simple game. Everyone will say something they haven't done in their life and those who have done it will take a sip of their alcohol. Taehyung had found it funny enough to indulge in it. 

The alpha is glad that Jimin had at least remembered his tolerance level and given him a drink with a low alcohol percentage so he could actually play the game and not get drunk just twenty minutes into it. 

Everything was going all well and good until one question came up. 

“I have never dated or had a crush on any student from a different university” 

That had made Taehyung pause before he silently took a sip of the alcohol, drawing the attention of his giggling soulmate. 

Jimin immediately gasped in utter surprise, his wide eyes looking at Taehyung with thousands of questions in them. 

Luckily, he wasn't the only one who was extremely surprised by the sudden but bold declaration from Taehyung. 

The alpha ducked his head down out of embarrassment. He had never actually told Jimin — or anyone really — about his crush on Jeon Jungkook. 

It had simply felt too embarrassing to voice out to his friend, especially when he knows he will never actually find the guts to confess to the person he has a crush on. 

From a young age, the alpha basically has a PhD in running away from his crushes. It’s just — he's simply too shy to admit that he likes someone, much less tell it to the one he likes. 

Jimin, or anyone from the team, wasn't really having it. They immediately started bombarding him with a million questions, each one more interesting and somewhat overwhelming for the alpha 

Taehyung struggled to maintain anonymity while everyone shouted one name after another of basketball players from other universities. Unfortunately or fortunately, none of them seemed to take Jeongguk’s name.

“Guys, listen to me. It's nothing ser—” 

“Tae, it always starts like that” one of the beta players spoke sympathetically. 

“But it's not—” 

“Yeah, you would never know when—” 

“Just leave it guys” Jimin finally intervened, perhaps understanding the increasing discomfort of his friend regarding the sudden interrogation setting. 

Taehyung passed a grateful smile to his friend for understanding his situation. However, the smile is gone just as fast as it came, “Even if we know who it is, my dear boy here wouldn't be able to build up the courage to ask him or her out”

Taehyung pouted while the omega spoke with great empathy and defeat. 

He shook his head, “I have tried my best since—” Jimin paused to bring the bottle of soju near his lips once again, drinking half of it in one go.  

The alpha cleaned the foam off his lips with the back of his hand before speaking up further, “—years. There's no effect on this idiot. He wouldn't ask them out” 

“You're ruining my reputation. I'm not that bad. I just never liked anyone bad en—” Jimin raised a brow, giving him the ‘Don't bs with me’ look which effectively shuts him down. 

The alpha sulked to himself, pouting as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

Jimin wrapped his one arm around his shoulder trying to cheer up the alpha which works successfully as they go back to playing the game. 

However, Taehyung has decided on one thing. 

He will ask Jeongguk out on a date. 

🏀❤🏀

Sometimes, Taehyung wonders why he makes promises to himself that he knows he can't fulfill. And even if he could, he really doesn't want to. 

They are extremely bad ideas, he knows. Any idea that came to him in the middle of the night is a bad idea, period. 

One time he had decided in the middle of the night that he should learn skating. He followed the said decision and the very next day, his leg was fractured. 

So really, it's a well established fact at this point that going through the ideas that came in the middle of the night is calling for danger.

And yet, Taehyung has been standing here in this hotel lobby for the past half an hour like an idiot. 

The alpha looked like a fool, waiting for a specific alpha to come down with his team to leave. 

The tournament organizers had made the different team units stay at different hotels. However, coincidentally SNU and KU had ended up staying in the same hotel which solidified Taehyung's decision to ask him out on a date. 

Taehyung bites down on his lips as he continues pacing around the lobby, hoping that they will come soon so he can confess before any of his university members see it. 

The Korea University team was supposed to leave earlier than SNU members. Taehyung’s friends and classmates were currently having breakfast and in a couple of hours, they would check out too. 

Taehyung resisted the urge to whine to himself and kick his feet on the ground when his stomach grumbled at the thought of food. Why did KU have to leave while they were having breakfast? 

The alpha's steps came to a halt when a loud commotion came from right around the corner of the lobby, indicating that a lot of people were coming to check out. 

The cheerleader took a step back out of nervousness; the jitters were not present during the wait but now came to him with so much force it shook him to the core. 

He swallowed thickly, making a quick attempt to fix his hair and wipe the sweat off on his pants just when the man of his dreams dropped in front of him, looking far hotter than any man should so early in the morning. 

The possible older alpha was wearing a simple white T-shirt and black cargo pants. His hair dripping with water — still so damp as he ruffled them — and lips plump as hell. 

He looked in a great mood too, laughing and giggling with his teammates as they walked past Taehyung, too immersed in their conversation to notice Taehyung. 

The pretty cheerleader took a deep breath to gain some confidence. The gravity of his actions weighed down on him. His heart was clogged up in his throat, gripping the alpha with worry that if he was to open his mouth, it would come out. 

Taehyung has never proposed to anyone before, yet the very first time that he's doing it, it has to be in front of so many students. Shit, he didn't even get any flowers or cards or anything with himself. He doesn't even have a proposal speech.

Wait, does Jeongguk even like alphas? What if he's a strict ‘omegas only’ person? What about men? Does he like men? Shit, what if he's an ‘omegas who are female only’ type of person? Fuck, would he be disgusted? Taehyung fucking hopes not, he doesn't want to curse the shit out of his crush like that. 

He was so busy in finding the confidence to propose that he hadn't even stopped to consider his preference for a partner or thought of bringing all those extremely necessary items with himself. 

Even though they have evolved a lot since the time when there were packs, courting the one you like romantically is still very prevalent. And he forgot the most important part of courting. 

What should he do now? Should he take back his decision? Oh Lord, that would be for the best course of action for sure. He can't let his first proposal be so below average. But if he didn't propose now, the next time he will find the basketball player would be in almost four months—

“Jeongguk!“ Taehyung screamed a bit more loudly than he intended, immediately gaining the attention of everyone.

“Hii, A word please?” He grimaced at how awkward he sounds.

Jeongguk looks around in confusion before nodding, asking the rest to move along. 

Well, here goes everything.

🏀❤🏀

Ever since Jeongguk has been promoted from being an assistant professor to a professor, it's not very often that he gets called by his name. Especially when he's in his working mode. 

So certainly it comes as quite a surprise when he's called by his name while he's taking his students out to get on the bus and leave for the airport. 

The professor wouldn't lie, he was quite surprised when he found the person who was calling for him. 

An alpha from SNU, one of the cheerleaders if he's not wrong. Kim Taejin? Taehyun? Yeah, something like that. He doesn't remember well. 

Jeongguk looked around himself, as if to make sure it wasn't some other Jeongguk. When he finds no one, he feels compelled to nod along that he'll be with the cheerleader in just a minute. 

He instructs his student to move along, trusting the leader and the brain of the matches to manage everything while he's out of sight. 

Jeongguk is cautious in the way he moves towards the student, unable to stop himself from wondering about the nervousness that's tinted in his pheromones. 

Generally, he's not really that considerate of pheromones. Matches and training are always tinted with nervousness. It's quite normal for the members to be anxious during the match and he has barely found any alpha who's nervous simply for… no reason. Unless they're hoping to get extra days for their assignments, of course. 

So, It makes utter sense why he’s unable to decipher the jitters, the nervous bounce and the tint of nervousness and excitement twirling in Taehyung's scent. 

“Yes, Mister uh…?“ 

“Taehyung” The alpha quickly filled in, flushing red in embarrassment over something Jeongguk doesn't exactly understand. “It’s Kim Taehyung, Jeongguk” 

Jeongguk smiled, trying his best to not let his face show just how out of place he feels by the way the alpha is addressing him. “Right, Mister Kim. How can I help you?“ 

“Please just call me Taehyung and Uh.. actually…” Taehyung rubbed his nape, looking around himself as if someone would be able to come forward and say whatever that is going on in his mind. “I wanted to tell you something” 

“Mhm… I’m listening” Jeongguk nodded, pushing his glasses with the back of his finger before putting his hands inside his pockets. 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, rubbing his lower lip as he tries to find a nice way to phrase what he's feeling, the alpha starts tapping on the floor without realizing, getting increasingly worried. 

“Taehyung…” Jeongguk started softly, trying his best to not startle him since clearly, as more time passed, the more Taehyung’s pheromones seem to start to rot. 

“I do not have the whole day, I have to leave with my team so can you please—” 

“Right. Sorry.” Taehyung sighed, rubbing his face harshly as if to pull himself together. 

Jeongguk stops himself from chuckling when Taehyung curses to himself under his breath, making sure that Jeongguk doesn't actually hear it. 

It’s cute, his students have gotten too used to cursing around him since Jeongguk himself is very chill about it. Perhaps he should reinforce the habit of at least maintaining decorum since he’s a professor and they should at least try to not curse in front of him. 

He wonders if they wi— “I like you” —ll liste- wait what? 

Did he hear that right? Jeongguk leaned forward, “Sorry?“ 

“I like you, Jeongguk” Taehyung adjoined his hands together and rested the index and middle fingers on his lips, his wide eyes looking hopefully at Jeongguk. 

“Okay..?” Jeongguk tilted his head, confused. Out of all the things he was expecting from Taehyung — which wasn't anything interesting to begin with — this was actually the last thing he was hoping for. 

Surely, the alpha wasn't talking about like as in romantically.

“I mean..” Taehyung cleared his throat, “I like, like you…. as in romantically” 

The alpha sighed, scratching the side of his brow. There’s a sudden spike of nervousness in his pheromones and Jeongguk resists the urge to scrunch his nose at it. 

“Why?“ he asked, releasing his own calming pheromones in hopes of diluting Taehyung's pheromones that are starting to take up more space than his personal bubble. 

Now, it’s not like Taehyung's scent is bad, absolutely not. Taehyung's scent is rather very soothing, a beautiful mixture of rose and salty ocean. On a normal day, Jeongguk might even compliment the alpha on it if they were around the same age or somewhat friends comfortable enough to talk about such things. 

Of course he wouldn't right now, the situation is highly unlikely to begin with and Jeongguk can only imagine how nervous the alpha must be while knowing that he’s proposing a professor.

Jeongguk assumes that the reason the alpha is daring enough to propose to him is because he believes it’s okay since the alpha is from a different university which — fair, makes sense. They wouldn't have to have any discussion with the dean of the university or handle things with the board members. 

That is, if Jeongguk agrees, which he very honestly wouldn't. Keeping aside their questionable dynamics, he simply doesn't know Taehyung.

Heck, five minutes ago, Jeongguk didn't even know his name properly until now. Sure, the alpha is drop dead gorgeous and Jeongguk has never been the one to worry about gender or sub-gender but still, he doesn't know Taehyung and knowing the complications, he wouldn't want to either. 

“I don't know, I just like you and I would like to, you know, get to know you.. Maybe we could go out? I am not asking to mate or anything, I swear. I just want to go out with you?“ 

“I see,” Jeongguk sighed, glancing towards the entrance door in order to make sure that none of his students were ogling through the door. They’re nosy little fuckers and while Jeongguk doesn't care about what rumors they’ll spread about him, he’ll much rather not have the alpha be burdened with them. 

Naturally, a student has to suffer far more than a professor in matters like this. Especially when the said student is an alpha who's proposing to another alpha. 

 Jeongguk bites down on his lips, “Why do you want to propose to me, Taehyung? I mean i am—“ 

“A student of a different university, I know” Taehyung started, bouncing a little on his feet. “And it’s not exactly ideal when both are from two different universities since there could be, you know, rivalry and shit, but I swear, I just want to get to know you first. It’s alright if we don't actually—“ Taehyung continues to speak, trying his best to convince the older one. 

The soothing scent of Jeongguk has definitely brought a little more confidence to him. Enough to continue talking though Jeongguk doesn't hear a word after the first line.

His mind short circuits at the word ‘student’, “Taehyung” 

The alpha shuts up, flushing brightly. He appeared to be more embarrassed, probably realising just how much he’s speaking and that too quite unnecessarily. 

“What did you just say?“ 

“It’s ok if we just end up being friends?“ Taehyung raised an eyebrow adorably in confusion. 

Jeongguk shook his head, “No, not that… What did you say at first?“ 

“What did I say?“ Taehyung bites down on his lips, thinking about it. He spoke so much that he didn't even realise what he said and when. 

“About being from a different university. What exactly did you say?” Jeongguk leaned a bit closer, removing his one hand to keep it against the wall, taking its support to stand. 

“I know we are students from two different universities and I know it can lead to trouble?“ Taehyung asked more than answered, as if he was still not sure if this is exactly what Jeongguk is talking about. 

The alpha's lips twitched up, curving into a hint of a smile. “A student?“ 

Taehyung nodded, “You’re one of the basketball players, no? I assume you’re one of the extras, the substitutes. Or maybe it’s a strategy your team has because I have seen you guide them from outside the match.” The alpha started brightly, before his eyes widened and the blush on his cheeks deepened just a tiny bit. 

“Not that I was paying that much attention to you or anything! I just noticed it in passing, that’s all!!“ He quickly defended himself, ducking his head down in embarrassment when the alpha chuckled in amusement. 

Jeongguk’s eyes twinkled with something akin to fondness as he checked the alpha from top to bottom. “How old do you believe I am, sweetheart?“ 

Taehyung tilts his head, frowning a bit. “23? I mean, I am 22 and I am in the first year of my masters so I assume you are probably older than me so… 23? 24 maybe?“

This time, Jeongguk laughs a bit, removing his glasses and tucking in his track suit pocket. The alpha cards his hand through his hair, trying to comprehend the situation. 

Taehyung thought he’s a student? Wow.. Jeongguk can't tell if he should feel proud or feel a bit embarrassed that he appears so damn young for his age because he isn't, he really isn't. Far from it. 

“Did I say something wrong?” Taehyung asked nervously. “Are you a little older than that?” Taehyung gasped, his eyes widening in horror. “You’re not a PhD student right? Is that why you don't actually play but still come to the game as an extra? Please don't tell me you’re a PhD student. That’ll be so embarrassing if—.” 

“I’m not a PhD student,” Jeongguk assured, eyes twinkling with amusement. He was trying his best to not laugh and immediately burst Taehyung’s bubble. 

The situation had gone from being extremely awkward to quite hilarious by now in Jeongguk’s honest opinion. He couldn't even imagine how the alpha would react if he came to know that it’s actually worse than proposing to a PhD student. 

He will tell him of course, but the alpha just looks so adorable right now that he can’t really find the right moment to drop the bomb. 

The alpha watches as Taehyung sighs in relief before continuing his babbles. His hands moving around widely as he tries to explain how he isn't some creep who's after Jeongguk because of his body (wow) not that his body isn't attractive of course (thanks?). 

Jeongguk leans against the wall, his arms folded over his chest as he continues to hear the alpha speak. 

He’s not really one for chatterboxes but Taehyung is weirdly very endearing, the way he moves his hands around in exaggeration while his expression looks as if he's giving a ppt presentation on why they should date and why it's not because of just his face. It’s all very alluring. 

Jeongguk would hate to admit it but he could actually hear Taehyung speak all day, everyday. 

“— So yeah, I babble when I’m nervous so can you tell your answer already. Are you willing to go out with me? I’m kind of dying out of nervousness here“ Taehyung huffed to himself, feeling far more comfortable than he originally had. 

Jeongguk bites down on his lips as he tries to think of a reply. Had it been any other situation he would have gladly said, ‘Depends, would you continue to bless me with your voice on the date?’ 

But since it’s not, “You appear to be a fun person, Taehyung,” Jeongguk stated carefully, making sure his words do not come off as suggestive in any sort of way. 

“However, I cannot date you” 

Taehyung’s shoulders slump down in defeat, an adorable pout forming on his lips. “Why?“ 

“Well..” Jeongguk started, shrugging. “For starters, I’m 30. Not 23-24, though that’s quite flattering. I guess good skin care really works” He chuckles. 

Taehyung’s eyes widened in disbelief, he certainly didn't believe Jeongguk. “Wha—” 

“And I’m not a PhD student, I finished that almost 6-7 years ago” Jeongguk shrugged, “I’m actually a professor and the reason I don't play is because, ‘Coaches don't play, sweets'“ 

Taehyung’s jaw falls open, hitting the floor in utter shock. “You’re joking” 

“I’m afraid not,” Jeongguk smiled sympathetically, “I appreciate and understand your feelings but I cannot reciprocate them. Nothing against you Taehyung, you’re a sweet kid but dating a student isn't something I’m interested in, even if not from my university. I hope you un—” 

“Professor” Jeongguk flinched along with Taehyung as the alpha found one of his students standing by the entry gate of the hotel, his eyes urgent. The bus is probably set to leave or they’re getting impatient. Which is fair, he kind of lost track of time and certainly a flight wouldn't wait for anyone.

Jeongguk turned back to Taehyung, giving a curt nod. “That is my cue to leave, have a great day and please don't think too much about this. I won’t report you or anything.”

And with those words, Jeongguk left behind a shocked Taehyung. Who, very honestly, would be quite grateful if someone could throw him off a fucking cliff. 

How the fuck did he manage to accidentally propose to a fucking Professor? 

🏀❤🏀

It's not everyday Jeongguk gets proposed to; so it only made sense that even after being back to Seoul and in the comfort of his own house, he couldn't really stop thinking about it.

About the proposal and the alpha who was bold enough to ask him out. 

Kim Taehyung. 

Jeongguk couldn't help but smile fondly at the thought of it. The whole incident was rather cute. Not something he would ever indulge in, of course. Still, it was extremely adorable of the alpha. 

The Professor doesn't remember much about him prior to the whole proposal. Maybe seen him once or twice during the matches when he's looking at the general direction of the cheerleaders but he has never come into his notice. 

Perhaps due to the simple fact that Jeongguk has simply never looked at him or any student with such thoughts in mind anyway.

Though, now that Taehyung has put himself in Jeongguk’s way, the alpha couldn't stop thinking about it. 

He had to admit that the alpha cheerleader is rather breathtaking, extremely gorgeous, utterly soft spoken, and quite an adorable yapper in general. And the way he was so embarrassed after realising Jeongguk was no student. It was all so cute. 

Okay, sure, Jeongguk was in too much of a hurry to actually gauge Taehyung's reaction after telling him the truth but that brief conversation made it clear that Taehyung was probably banging his head against some wall. 

Jeongguk would never admit it out loud but Taehyung is truly very cute. 

The alpha sighed, picking up a book to distract himself from these unnecessary thoughts. 

He's thinking about this far more than he should. 

It was something that happens once in a blue moon. Jeongguk should simply feel flattered and that is it. 

He should forget about the adorable student and go on with his life. Certainly, he would never have to cross paths with the alpha, right?

Well, only time could tell just how wrong he actually was. 

Chapter Text

Even after almost 3 months, 2 weeks and 13 hours, Taehyung is honestly still not over with the embarrassment that he felt over proposing to Jeongg— /Professor Jeongguk/.

He was so freaking stupid to propose to a professor. How the hell did he manage to propose to a goddamn professor? 

Out of all the people that he could have proposed to in the world, he had to go and propose to a /goddamn Professor/.

It would have been far better if Jeongguk ended up being a PhD student instead. At least then, not only would he have had the chance to bag Jeongguk, but he also wouldn't have been as embarrassed as he is right now. 

Wow, what a disaster his first ever proposal was. 

He could only imagine how funny this whole incident must be for Jeongguk. Heck, he must be laughing so hard right now while thinking about his stupidity. Honestly, Taehyung very well deserves it. 

How the hell did he bring the courage to ask Jeongguk out when he didn't even know that Jeongguk was no student. He didn't even know the professor’s age?! Disappointing. 

Absolutely disappointing. 

How could he be so dumb about this, seriously. Fuck, Taehyung wishes he could bury himself twenty feet below the ground or leave all of this and go live in some secluded countryside house. Better if he can get a one way ticket to another planet. 

Jesus, why the hell didn't he even do basic research. Actually, you know what? Fuck that. Why the hell is such a handsome man a fucking professor? Aren't professors supposed to be men in their late 40s and 50s with a nice pot belly and a permanent scowling expression. Women are fine, they're either super strict or supper chill. No need to worry for them. His focus is men.

Speaking of men, /young alpha men/ to be specific, seriously, Does the university have zero concern for the well being of the students? 

Taehyung sighed, tossing and turning around in his dorm bed. Since the past few months, he hasn't been able to see Jeongguk due to the fact that they didn't have any kind of tournament going on. 

It did a wonderful job in making him somewhat forget about his embarrassing stunt, even if temporarily. No one knows about his crush, no one knows about the proposal so naturally there are close to no instances of this coming up in any sort of form other than the fact that Taehyung’s brain's a bitch. 

It's been easy to suppress the urge to dig a grave and hide quite well. However, now that he's to travel for a tournament tomorrow, that too in Jeongguk’s University. He cannot help but get nervous. 

Of course, Taehyung knew that eventually he /will/ have to face it, face him. He still has a year left till he finishes college and applies for a job, he wouldn't give up cheerleading when he gets so many benefits from it. Someday, he /will/ have to acknowledge his mistake and perhaps apologize for his mistake.

However, why did their next match have to be organized by KU, Seoul campus anyway? It feels far more nerve wracking from the fact that he will meet Jeongguk 

his fiasco in his own campus, own grounds. 

It is literally so unfair. Perhaps, if it had been some other campus or university than maybe Taehyung wouldn't have felt like he was walking into the lion's den, quite literally. 

It's a bit unreasonable but he can't help but feel as intimidating to face him as he felt. I mean, this was inevitable, of course. 

He knew all of that but that doesn't mean he can't mop around because of it, right? If he has made a fool of himself, surely he's entitled to dramatics, right? 

Well, Jimin certainly doesn't think that way. But in his defense, he doesn't know about the clownery part too. 

He was far too excited to finally get on the ground and kick Yoongj's ass just as much as the opponents. So, it doesn't really come as a surprise when he intentionally requests the coach that they should leave a day prior to the match to get well adjusted to their court. 

Which, unfortunately, means that he has a free day and a free day means that they will be interacting the KU students which means that there's a high chance that he /might/ stumble across Jeongguk which means that he'll have to acknowledge the idiocy he pulled last time which basically means that /he's fucked/.

And not the kind Taehyung would enjoy. 

But oh well, there's nothing that he can do about it now, can he? Not unless somehow Jimin completely forgets about his existence. 

Not quite possible so all that he can do is pray that somehow he doesn't come across Jeongguk, at all. 

At least not until the match. 

He'll be safe then since Jeongguk would be too busy to even realise that Taehyung is here and if he does, well, they'll be leaving for home immediately after the match so yeah, he's perfectly safe. 

God will be on his side today. 

He can feel it in his left butt cheeks so the alpha puts on a brave smile and tries his best to get mixed up with the rest of the students and enjoy himself. 

Since they weren't allowed to go out of the campus, at least not without informing the coach so there were certain limitations to what they could do. 

They didn't have many places to roam around so they decided to go through the whole campus, having a little tour session for themselves and positively got awed by the sheer size of the auditorium for theatre majors and the well kept equipment for music majors. Even the supplies for art majors were mind boggling. They had their own /art galleries/ for fucks sake. 

Korea University is known to focus more on the art aspect than pure academics in comparison to SNU but /wow/, he hadn't expected it to be this grand. 

Taehyung could never pursue artistic fields even if he wanted to but this was so inspiring that he couldn't help but feel just a tiny bit jealous. 

Once they had a nice tour of the campus, the team decided to practice a bit and have a friendly pre-match which certainly got heated and far too competitive than necessary. The cheerleading team ignored the snarky remarks shared by the jocks in order to learn and teach their special formations. 

At last, by the evening, to let loose a bit, they decided to have an on campus camping. Since Korea University is a bit closer to the forest, the grounds and the scenery gave the perfect atmosphere to do a camp on campus. 

A cozy bonfire, sweet guitars played by some and the intimate sound of chatters all around was quite comforting to Taehyung. 

He honestly hadn't expected it to go so well. It's very natural for universities to have competition amongst themselves. The competition gives birth to rivalry. However, he's glad that SNU & KU are somewhat neutral in that aspect. 

There is certainly competition and things do get out of hand but mostly, it's all good. Which is quite a relief because Taehyung has never really been fond of snarky remarks or unprovoked punches. 

Luckily, none of that and he was able to let loose and enjoy it all. 

In fact, he was enjoying it so much that he had even opened up and babbled about his interest like the over excited puppy that he is. It had also made him forget about Jeongguk.

Actually, the moment he had stopped worrying about coming across a certain doe eyed professor, he was actually able to enjoy himself far more than he had thought. 

Everything was going all good and well. Taehyung had even marked the day as success since he had successfully avoided a certain professor. However, luck certainly wasn't on his side and god had a really twisted sense of humor. 

Only an hour before they were going to call it the day, /he/ had to arrive. 

Just Taehyung’s luck. 

🏀💜🏀

Jeongguk had forgotten about the alpha cheerleader. 

It's been almost four months to the incident and fairly so, he had forgotten the certain alpha who had really pretty eyes, the sweetest deep voice, and babbled when he was nervous. 

Alright, fine, /maybe/ he didn't actually actually forget about the younger man but give him a break, it's not everyday he gets proposed by a student.

It's hard to forget about such an interesting incident. In fact, it's perfectly normal to never not stop thinking about him, right? It's totally normal that Taehyung was all he could think about in these past few months right? /Right?/ 

Like he had every right to think about Taehyung and search through his memory and wonder if he can remember any moment when he specifically noticed Taehyung, any moment where they encountered or something. Unfortunately, he came up with nothing. No memory whatsoever. 

Jeongguk truly hates to admit it but he has kind of gotten a tiny bit fixated on the younger one. Somehow, he wants to know more about him but still wishes to stay away for a variety of valid reasons. 

He was excited to meet him again, even if it was nothing but a fleeting moment, temporary & gone before Jeongguk could fully comprehend it.

So imagine his surprise when he's dragged by his students to a camp they organized for funsies and finds the bane of all his thoughts right in front of him. 

Taehyung is sitting near a bonfire, talking to the people around him. They appear to be deeply interested in whatever Taehyung's saying. 

The soft glow of the fire cascades over his features, enchanting his honey kissed skin. While the sun sets behind him, casting the world in a pleasant darkness. 

Jeongguk hates to admit that his heart manages to skip a beat the more he watches Taehyung. 

Jeongguk hadn't really noticed any specific feature of the alpha. He could tell he was gorgeous but he hadn't really paid attention to it. The last time they came face to face was too brief to truly focus but now that he has all the time to do it, he can't really stop staring at him. 

Unique eyes, beautiful moles, the perfect dusky skin, gentle and breezy ocean waves like pheromones. Everything about him is simply perfect. 

Kim Taehyung is so utterly gorgeous. 

Objectively speaking, of course, not that he's thinking like he wants to bang Taehyung. None of that. He's just a normal alpha with normal eyes and normal understanding of beauty. He can tell a beautiful man when he sees one, no involvement of his very normal dick whatsoever. 

Now, now, he knows it's probably a tad bit creepy, the way he's staring at Taehyung but he can't really help it alright?! 

The younger alpha is simply quite adorable when he speaks, the way his hands move around in exasperation. It's quite… cute so to speak. 

Jeongguk sighs softly when Taehyung grins widely over something that some other student stated. His smile is quite gorgeous too. The way his giggles light up the whole world should certainly be studied. Even the structure of his lips is perfect, like someone took out a literal measuring tape to make sure it will stretch into a perfect box when smiling. 

And actually, even his mouth is quite big. Honestly pretty perfect to wrap around his di— wait what? Okay, stop. Pause. Where did that come from? 

Jeongguk looked down at his groin — subtly of course, he wasn't /that/ weird.

He raised a brow at the (not) little guy hiding underneath. Are we sure about the normal part? He should have known something was wrong when his thoughts derailed to face architecture somehow. 

Is there even a thing called face architecture? He doesn't really know. 

“Jeongguk?” The Professor is brought out of his very normal thoughts by his colleague and dear friend of long time, Kim Namjoon. 

“Huh? Sorry, I didn't hear you earlier” Jeongguk smiled in embarrassment, hoping that his dear friend would spare him from any kind of interrogation over his weird actions. 

Luckily, Joon was looking somewhere else already to really focus on him. 

“You wanna sit with them or are we supposed to smile and excuse our way out of here?“ Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle when Namjoon turned to face him with a raised brow. 

“Why? What's up? You got some plans after this?“ 

Namjoon shrugged, “Nothing in particular but I was hoping we could get outta here and go have some beer or something?“

Jeongguk sighed, shaking his head. “Can't, match’s tomorrow. Can't risk harboring a hangover.” 

Namjoon inclined his head towards the crowd, “Doesn't seem to stop them though” 

“It's a non alcoholic probab— HEY GUYS!“ Jeongguk called out, gaining everyone's attention. “What are y'all having? Beer?” 

“No coach, it's non alcoholic. Match's tomorrow. /You/ better not be drinking though” Jeongguk grinned, nodding. 

He turned to Namjoon, face smug and filled with pride. “I know my guys well enough “ 

Namjoon rolled his eyes, “How the fuck are your kiddos so matured? My idiots made the lab explode today.” He shook his head. Being a chem professor is fucking tiring. 

“I have no idea,” Jeongguk grinned. 

“Prof Jeon, C'mon, sit with us. We're planning to play something” Jeongguk sighed, nodding as he came to sit with them while dragging Namjoon along. 

“Shouldn't have called to ask” Namjoon murmured under his breath, sighing sadly. 

“Let loose. The mantra to continue feeling young is being surrounded by youngsters” Jeongguk grinned before he sat around the bonfire. And if he had strategically placed himself right in front of Taehyung then it was no one's business but his. 

Just because he wouldn't really interact with Taehyung doesn't mean he can't enjoy his embarrassment a tiny bit, right? 

🏀💜🏀

All of Taehyung’s plan to ignore Jeongguk had gone down the drain the moment the older alpha came and sat right in front of him during the bonfire. 

Originally, they were going to play something but the moment the two professors came to sit with them, everyone collectively seemed to decide that they would rather ask questions to the professors since they were, in KU students words, absolutely chill. 

Some questions were very common like career advice, how to become a professor, memories of their college life, and some interesting stories. Some even went ahead to ask Jeongguk to explain his tattoos. Taehyung hadn't noticed it earlier due to the longsleeve shirts Jeongguk seemed to always wear but my /god/, this man has a full sleeve of tats. 

Now, Taehyung wasn't a horny teenager by any standards – he was almost twenty three for christ's sake – but he'll have to admit that tattooed men are /fucking hot/. 

Too bad that the man wearing those tattoos is a goddamn professor. The one he was stupid enough to propose to no less. 

Taehyung sighed and looked the other way while the older man explained the meaning of some of his tattoos. The cheerleader made sure to keep to himself; the less he looked at Jeongguk, the less embarrassed he would feel. 

It was all well and good until the students decided to ask Jeongguk a question which made Taehyung want to bury himself twenty feet under the freaking ground. 

“Prof Jeon, Prof Kim, don't take this the wrong way but like… since you guys are so chill, have you guys ever gotten proposed to? We all have always been curious about it“ 

“By a student” another one clarified just in case. 

Taehyung perked up at those words, hoping that the growing darkness is able to hide away the blush that's rising on his cheeks. 

Jeongguk's eyes immediately snapped towards the younger alpha. He cleared his throat, looking away to glance at Namjoon. As if wondering if they should actually disclose it or if they should keep it to themselves for a variety of reasons. 

At last, they seemed to come to a decision and Taehyung holds his breath when Jeongguk glances at him for one last time before uttering— 

“No“ Jeongguk shook his head, smiling politely. “Thankfully, we haven't been proposed to by any student and neither do we want such a thing. It's disrespectful and unacceptable, alright? We're too old for you guys” He shrugged. 

Namjoon nodded, “Yes, plus it's really dangerous for you guys. They could A) take advantage of you or B) report you to the Dean like we would which could get you in trouble. Either way, you'll be in trouble. Y'all got more to lose than us so please don't go around confessing to professors.” 

The more everyone seemed to listen to them on why such a thing shouldn't happen, the more everyone's mood seemed to have dampened. Certainly, no one wants to be lectured on morality and ethics when dating a professor is said to be so thrilling and cool anyway.

Unlike the rest, Taehyung finds a whole lot of respect for Jeongguk in his heart. The alpha could have told that yes, he was proposing to just to, you know, mess with Taehyung and maybe relish in his embarrassment but he didn't. He handled it with grace and Taehyung admires that. 

Everyone was probably hoping to get some juicy information out of them and he's glad that they didn't give it to them. 

The professors seemed to have realised that too it seems, and they're happy to get themselves out of the situation. 

However, once they're out, there's barely any more enthusiasm left for the rest and soon everyone's retiring to the dorms and the temporary rooms assigned to Taehyung's whole gang. 

“Mr. Jeon!!!“ Taehyung had decided to run after the professor instead of going to his dorm. 

Last time, the older one had left far too abruptly and it's only fair that Taehyung apologised to him properly. Especially since Jeongguk kept his secret back there. It would have been quite embarrassing for him if he had admitted that someone /did/ propose to him. 

Jeongguk nodded at him, “Mr. Kim” he greeted before turning to Joon who quickly got the cue. 

“I'll be in my room if you need me, bye” Only when Namjoon was out of the picture did he turn to face Taehyung with a polite smile. 

“Yes, Taehyung. Is there anything you need?. Something wrong with the arrangements for you guys?“ 

“Nothing like that, professor,” 

“Professor?” Jeongguk parrots with a teasing grin. “What happened to Jeongguk?“ 

Taehyung flushed, brightly. Guess saving his ass was only in public. “It was a mistake?! If I knew you were a professor. I would have ne—“ 

“Taehyung, relax” Jeongguk chuckled, smiling. “I was merely teasing you, it's fine” 

“Right” Taehyung bites down on his lips. 

“You wanted to say something?“ The alpha professor adjusted his glasses, tilting his head a bit. 

“Yes, uh.. I actually wanted to thank you for what you did back there” Taehyung smiled, grateful. “I would have jumped off a cliff if you told them I proposed or something.” 

“That's nothing” Jeongguk waved him off, “Besides, yours was an accident anyway. You had no idea I was a professor. It's chill, don't worry about it” 

“Are you sure you're a professor?” Taehyung asked, amazed.

“Sorry?“ 

“No, I— You're really too cool to be a professor so I.. How are you a professor, for real?“ Jeongguk couldn't help but laugh at that before he shrugged his shoulders with a grin. 

“I mostly teach undergrads, probably that's why. Boss man is too busy to accompany the kiddos on trip so I go with them” 

Taehyung wrinkled his nose, “My undergrad professors were just as bad as they're now” He whined before his eyes widened in horror, “No Offence! I didn't mean you ar—“ 

“You need to loosen up, pretty” Jeongguk assured, the nickname slipping past his lips without realizing. “My undergrad professors were the same in my time. Almost made me want to drop out”

“No way, you wanted to drop out?“ 

“So much” Jeongguk groaned, as if the thought of it was sending a shiver down his spine. “It's a miracle I stuck around. They have a real talent of making you lose interest in your favorite subjects” 

Taehyung groaned, nodding in agreement. He loved accountancy far more than he liked economics but oh well, like Jeongguk said, they have a crazy talent in that aspect. 

“I know this on a molecular level.” Taehyung expressed, “You must be very different though. I bet you probably make those who aren't interested also interested in your subject or something” 

“Flattery won't get you anywhere, mister” 

“Good thing I'm not your student then” Taehyung grinned, “Genuinely, you probably make your classes very interesting”

Jeongguk hummed, shrugging, “I try to. Can't really be the one giving the feedback though”

Taehyung smiled, unable to say more though he wanted to. Exactly like he had assumed, he truly enjoys Jeongguk’s company and likes conversing with him. 

Only if Jeongguk was open to dating him. 

“Well, I should head back. Gotta sleep, the match is tomorrow. Good night, Taehyung.” 

Taehyung nodded, taking the cue to get out of the situation before it got awkward and weirdly painful. 

“Right, good night to you too professor “ Taehyung called out, smiling at the professor. 

And his traitorous inner alpha goes again, howling and whining about wanting the older one close to herself. 

He honestly doesn't understand his wolf, how come that motherfucker is so submissive and weak for Jeongguk. 

Well, it doesn't matter now, does it? There's no possibility that they would date or whatever. 

🏀💜🏀

Taehyung glanced at the entrance of the parking lot for the hundredth time while his fingers drummed over the fuel tank of his motorcycle. 

The match ended almost an hour ago and by this time, Jimin should have been here ready to leave for home but he was nowhere in sight. 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, having half the mind to go and check for himself in case something happened. 

However, before Taehyung could get off the motorcycle and take out his helmet, his phone rang. 

The alpha took out his phone, grinning as he found Jimin's name on display. Taehyung adjusted his helmet to get the phone slipped through the neck opening. 

“Where are you?“ 

“Tae, I won't be able to go with you” the guilt in his voice slipped through the speaker. 

“Why? What happened?“ 

“We’re thinking of practicing a little bit among ourselves before we leave” 

Taehyung snorted, “In KU? They’re letting you practice there?“ 

He wouldn't lie, it sounded a bit suspicious. Not that he believes that the students would be petty enough to not let them practice but KU won today’s match so certainly they will celebrate their victory. 

It’d be stupid to practice on the same ground where they lost. He’s pretty sure everyone would be too frustrated to hold back a couple of snarky remarks. 

“Yeah… Yoongi wants to go over a couple of strategies and you know how he is s—” 

“Stubborn and obsessive” Taehyung finished for him, sighing. When Yoongi puts his mind to something, it’s extremely hard to get off of it. 

The basketball player hadn't left his studio for almost 30 hours because he was too obsessed with the beat he was producing and he swore that he wouldn't go out until he’s done with it. 

So if even Jimin is holding back from cursing him then certainly it must be real serious for them. 

Taehyung sighed, glancing at himself through the rear view mirror. “Alright, you want a ride back later?“ 

“Oh—Uh, no, I'll be fine. I’ll manage” 

“Okay, I’ll leave. See you at night then?“

“Yup, see you” Taehyung pockets his phone, getting ready to leave when he finds a silhouette walking towards the garage. 

The shadowed man awfully looked like someone Taehyung knew and it didn't take much time to realise that indeed, he knows him. Jeongguk. 

“What is he doing here?” Taehyung mumbled to himself, moving to get off the bike and put it on a stand. Professors have a different parking lot, oftentimes, they park near their departments anyway so he doesn't really understand why the older alpha is coming towards the students parking lot. 

“Professor Jeon” Taehyung called out, removing his helmet and pulling down the face mask, smiling a little embarrassingly. 

“Ah, Taehyung. You haven't left yet?” Jeongguk asked as he came near him, a grin on his face and a toothpick in between his teeths

Taehyung has often seen the alpha have one on himself, mostly during matches. He wonders why the alpha continues to have a toothpick in between his lips. 

“I was about to,” Taehyung pointed towards his motorbike.

“Woah.. Wait, isn't that a Harley Davidson uh…?“ Jeongguk asked, frowning as he tried to figure out the model. “x350 or x440?“ 

“X440“ Taehyung grinned when Jeongguk made a sound of approval, appearing to be impressed. 

“Been a while since I rode one of those bad boys” Jeongguk chuckled, carding his hand through his hair. 

“You like bikes?” 

“Love them.” Jeongguk chuckled, “Though, I have stopped using them now.” 

“Oh, why?“ 

Jeongguk shrugged, giving a tight lip smile. The toothpick tightly gripped between his lips. “Lost a friend because of it. He got in an accident while we were, you know, roaming around late at night”

“Oh— I’m so sorry to hear that” 

“Don’t be, it was our fault” Jeongguk waves him off, taking out the toothpick, the butt of it chewed out as he cracked the pick before throwing it away. “It's been a while.”

“Right, uh — Oh, I was going to ask why you are here, professor. Something up?“ 

“Oh yeah, your bike made me forget. Actually, my car's tires are slashed. I have the spare but I forgot to put the tools back in the car so I was hoping to see if there's anything I can use” 

“oh, alright. Let’s check it then” Taehyung turned to walk towards the watchman, Jeongguk raised a brow, walking behind him. 

“Don’t you have to get back to dorms? It’s getting late” 

“Nah, I have rented an apartment with one of my friends. He’s gonna stay back to practice. I don't really wanna go back to an empty apartment so..” 

Jeongguk nodded, understanding. Despite his best hopes, they didn't have any tools on hand. 

“Where do you live?“ 

“I live in Sillim-Dom. I should probably call for a cab but it's not easy to get a cab there” Jeongguk mumbles, ruffling his hair as he tries to figure out what he should probably do. 

“I could drop you off,” Taehyung blurted out before he could stop and think about his offer. 

Jeongguk raised a brow, unsure about it. “Are you sure? I don't wanna trouble you” 

Taehyung grinned, shaking his head. “Not at all, it's simply on my way. Really, I could drop you off” 

Jeongguk stared at him for a solid minute. He didn't want Taehyung to get any wrong idea but then again, there's nothing really happening between them to send a wrong message anyway. Plus, Taehyung's smile is far too sincere to tell him no. 

“I have a condition though“ 

“Oh, what?‘ Taehyung prepared himself for the worst. As if the alpha would get him suspended or something simply because of a bike ride. 

However, Jeongguk's lips merely twitched in amusement “I will drive the bike” 

“Alright” Taehyung moved to take out the keys when Jeongguk stopped him. 

“I’ll go get my briefcase, you take the bike out of the lot and meet me near the entry gate” Taehyung nodded, moving to sit on the bike and fastening the helmet as he takes it out while Jeongguk goes to retrieve his bag from his car. 

Jeongguk jogs his way to the entry gate, happy to find the younger alpha already standing there with his motorcycle. 

Jeongguk passes him the briefcase and moves to sit on the bike, taking the helmet and fastening it. He’s checking the system when Jeongguk’s body suddenly tenses up when Taehyung’s hand comes around his waist, holding him tightly while their backs are almost pressed together. 

Jeongguk holds back a shudder as he feels Taehyung’s warm breath right against his nape, leaving goosebumps at awake while his inner wolf looks up in alert.

He took in a shaky breath, lowly cursing at himself for feeling so affected simply by the alpha holding onto him. 

That’s what he’s supposed to do.

“This okay? I don't have a spare helmet. It’s with my friend since I was supposed to pi—” 

“It’s fine!“ Jeongguk stated loudly, perhaps far more loudly then he probably should. “It’s fine.. I understand, it’ll be wise to hold me tightly since you don't have a helmet” 

“Yeah” Taehyung murmured softly, hesitant as he came to rest his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder, feeling the warmth seep through despite the dress shirt the alpha is wearing. 

Jeongguk took a solid minute to calm himself down before he started the bike and drove away. 

🏀💜🏀

If four months ago, Taehyung was told that not only would he propose to his crush but he would also be sharing a bike ride with him, sitting behind him, /hugging/ him… 

If someone had told him that, he would have never believed it, never would have been confident enough to pull such a stunt but here he is now, with Jeongguk. 

The cheerleader sighed to himself, snuggling closer to Jeongguk. The sweet chilly wind of the evening made his hair fly in all the directions.. 

He hadn't expected it to get so cold but he wasn't complaining. After all, it gives him a nice excuse to cuddle closer with the professor. 

It's wrong, he knows. He shouldn't be with the older male, shouldn't be /cuddling with a professor/ for moon goddess’s sake but Taehyung can't really help it. 

Jeongguk is just so warm and cuddly at the moment and if all that wasn't enough, Taehyung could feel the outline of his abs through the thin shirt. 

The alpha shouldn't instigate his crush but how can he not when Jeongguk is just so amazing.

The more he comes to know about him, the more Taehyung’s crush seems to increase on the alpha. And it doesn't help when they only have an age gap of eight years. Which, fairly, is quite a lot but the more he thinks about it, the less it feels. 

Taehyung sighed to himself loudly, only if Jeongguk wasn't a professor or he had started working. 

“Are you sure you can actually drive a motorcycle?” Jeongguk's teasing voice pulls him out of his thoughts. 

“Huh? Oh yeah, of course. Why do you ask that?” 

"You are ready to doze off, Taehyung” Jeongguk rolled his shoulders, the shift in the muscles making Taehyung sit up straight, creating some distance between the two of them. “Plus, you are hugging me so tightly, I can't help but think you're scared of motorcycles”

Taehyung flushed red, “I'm not scared!”

“That's what every scared person says, pretty”

“I’m really not.” Taehyung whined, reminding himself that Jeongguk probably just likes using nicknames. He had called them that on their first meeting too. It's probably just that, yes, definitely. 

“Yeah? Then what's up?”

“You are.. just.. Uhm… warm. It feels nice. To hug you, I mean” 

Taehyung blushed, ducking down even if the professor couldn't really see him.

The light smile fell off Jeongguk's lips as soon as those words registered in his brain. 

The tease in his voice was long gone and what overcame instead was shyness, “Oh, uhm…. You can put your head back there if you like, you know, feel cold.”

Taehyung isn't cold but he still did it, wrapping his arms around the older tightly and intertwining his hand around his torso. “In case, I fall asleep” he explained the tight grip and Jeongguk nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. 

The older alpha subconsciously leans into the touch, hoping that Taehyung most probably wouldn't notice it and if he does, he doesn't call him out on it. 

There’s a weird kind of feeling that's overtaking his rationality, one that he can't really explain; neither does he truly understand it. 

He feels nervous, excited, jittery, confident. All at the same time. It's like he's back in high school and even the smallest interaction is making his heart race a mile. 

It's all new and familiar at the same time and the alpha could only hope that none of it is showcasing through his pheromones. He doesn't want Taehyung to get a hint of it. After all, he could have taken the wrong idea and this, whatever that he's feeling, couldn't possibly be due to the presence of a certain cheerleader, right? 

It couldn't be that, definitely not that.

Perhaps, it's because he's driving a bike after so many years. It's probably due to the thrills of it. Yes, it's definitely the thrill and nervousness of that. 

Certainly because of that.

Oh goddess, how he wished he had a toothpick. The urge to smoke is so high right now. 

“Fuck, I should have taken out a toothpick before,” Jeonggule cursed to himself.

"What?" Taehyung frowned, staring at the back of Jeongguk’s helmet. “Why do you want a toothpick?“ 

"Uhm…” Jeongguk swallowed, mentally beating himself for saying it loud. /Great/. This is exactly what he needed now.  

“Professor, you can just say no if you don't want to tell me… it's fine, I understand and I swear I won’t pry or anything” 

Jeongguk’s shoulders snagged up in relief, "Thank you.” Jeongguk muttered, truly feeling grateful. It wasn't that he was embarrassed of his habit or anything like that. He really wasn’t and truthfully, never could be. 

In fact, he's proud of himself. He quit smoking and uses a toothpick only when his desire to smoke is far too high for his own mental peace. 

He's been clean for three years because of that, so really, he wasn't embarrassed about it. 

It's just that.... It's a personal thing and it opens a can of worms Jeongguk isn’t really interested in sharing with someone he barely knows. They basically have no relationship with each other in any shape or form. They just know each other and have seen each other in passing. 

A couple of light conversations doesn't equate to sharing some of his very personal struggles. 

And truthfully, even if he wants to tell Taehyung about it, he shouldn't. He feels like he's crossing a line he isn't meant to. It feels like if he shares his personal matters with the younger, he will break the professionality that's still somewhat maintained between them. 

Jeongguk doesn't really want to break that and he's glad that Taehyung understands it as well. 

He's glad that the cheerleader was smart enough to sense his discomfort and happily backed out without any problem. 

He's grateful for that and the fact that the younger one didn't let the situation become awkward. He doesn't make the conversation feel forced either, giving the excuse that if he stayed quiet, he might fall asleep which obviously isn't good for either of them. 

He talks about something random, tells Jeongguk about his friend Jimin and Yoongi, the two players from SNU basketball team who have a habit of bickering with each other. 

Jeongguk listens to it, chuckling at the innovative insults they come up with. It's soothing, unfamiliar but soothing. Comfortable to get into. 

So much so that Jeongguk doesn't hesitate from participating in the conversation. Giving his own commentaries here and there, doesn't mind repeating himself a bit loudly when the wind blows so fast that the meaning of his words are lost somewhere in the air. 

And before he knows it, he's in front of his building. 

Jeongguk smiles to himself as he switches off the engine, loving the beautiful purr of the bike before it stops. Taehyung gets off first, creating space for Jeongguk to get off as well. 

Jeongguk grins as he removes the helmet and passes it back to its original owner. “Thanks for the ride, I really missed driving that baby.” 

“No problem at all,” Taehyung mutters, moving to adjust his helmet. 

He freezes up when Jeongguk takes a step forward to do it instead, helping him wear the helmet. 

Taehyung lets him. He could do it by himself of course but he doesn't mind the alpha doing it for him. He feels cared for and only a fool would let that feeling go. That or some nice desire to be self dependent. Which is great but not for Taehyung. 

“Hey..” 

Jeongguk chuckles, glancing at Taehyung as he fastens the lower belt of the helmet, tightening it around Taehyung’s chin. 

He doesn't really realise how close they're standing, how their faces are merely inches apart. 

Or maybe he does and he simply likes to play with Taehyung's sanity because he replies with a teasing, “Hey yourself, pretty” 

Taehyung giggles when Jeongguk pats at the top of his helmet, “There , all set to go back. Your friend, Jimin, was it? He should be home by now, I suppose?” 

“Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I'll have to be there to prepare for the dinner” 

“Hmm.. Tough luck. Anyways, Thank you for the ride, Taehyung. You're a lifesaver” 

Taehyung smiles, shrugging. “You don't have to thank me, In fact, I should be thankful to you. For you know… what you did back during the bonfire… You were the first person I proposed to, actually and I would have died if everyone knew I… you know”

“Yeah, I understand. It's in the past though, forget about it,” Jeongguk smiles before it turns into a sly smirk. He leans a bit closer to look the alpha in the eye, “But I was the first proposal? You already proposed to someone else?“ 

Taehyung’s eyes widened in utter surprise when Jeongguk feigned offense. If they didn't have a nice banter going on earlier, perhaps Jeongguk would have hesitated from saying, “I have to admit, I'm quite heartbroken, sweetheart. I thought I was your one /true love/” 

“That's not what I meant!!” Taehyung blurted out panicking, relaxing only when Jeongguk giggled at his reaction. 

Clearly enjoying Taehyung's reaction. 

The younger one pouted, straddling his bike as he glared at Jeongguk, a bit more cutely than he probably intended. If intended at all, that is. 

“You're a meanie,” 

Jeongguk tipped his head in a mock salute, “I have heard worse” 

Taehyung rolled his eyes, starting the engine. He couldn't help but pout as he realized that he practically had no reason to stay anymore. 

“I'll see you later,” Jeongguk muttered, perhaps understanding his sadness. The older alpha provides a comforting smile. “Drive safe, Taehyung” 

Taehyung nodded, “I will” 

“AND DON'T FALL ASLEEP ON THE WAY,” Jeongguk called out when Taehyung almost drove away from the driveway. 

The alpha chuckled when Taehyung ducked his head down in embarrassment. 

And with those words, Taehyung is out of Jeongguk's sight with a happy smile. After all, Jeongguk told him that they'll see each other again. 

🏀💜🏀

As soon as Taehyung reaches home, he's quick to do one thing he's been holding back from doing since /months/.

Actually, from far before he even proposed to Jeongguk. 

Send a follow request to Jeongguk’s Instagram. 

Jeongguk’s profile on the app is the same as his. Simple, beautiful, and charming. 

The alpha is sitting on a beach, the ocean waves serene, his back facing the camera while the sun is setting and painting the world a beautiful orange hue. Jeongguk is looking at his side instead of at the camera, his lip ring shining against the camera while his face is illuminated in the darkness. 

It's a beautiful picture, comforting and just evoking the feeling of ‘I wish I was there’.

The bio is simple but meaningful /‘Shine, Dream, Smile’./ Taehyung likes it. Likes how it easily says everything without much words. 

Everything about the alpha is attractive in a comforting way. 

Taehyung had recognised him just from his side profile and he's been hesitant to send a follow request, much less text him right away. He was quite nervous before and all for very valid reasons. 

Today, however, Taehyung doesn't feel an ounce of nervousness as he sends the follow request and immediately moves to text him. 

Sweet_Tae

Hi 

It's Taehyung

I actually just wanted to tell you that I have reached home safely. 

And no I DID NOT fall asleep on the way okay!!  

🏀💜🏀

Now, Jeongguk wasn't one to indulge in such childish plays. As much as he loves his students, he's very strict about keeping his personal and professional life very far away from each other. 

Unless there's some special occasion, of course, then they're important enough to be included in his personal achievements. 

But otherwise, nope. The more separated they are from each other, the better. 

So, it comes as quite a surprise when he finds Taehyung’s follow request on his Instagram but that's not exactly the most shocking part. The most shocking part is the fact that instead of turning him down like he always does for all his students except for the graduated ones, he doesn't turn Taehyung down. 

Instead, he accepts the following request and even goes as far as to reply to the text that's already sent in his dm. 

Swiping to reply at the last text that Taehyung has sent with a reply of his own to continue the banter they had going on earlier, a little teasing but a lot more fond. 

Still_with_jk 

Yeah? You want me to praise you for it, pretty?

Chapter Text

Now, Jeongguk would consider himself to be a fairly athletic person. He has to be; he's a physical education professor, teaches kids to play basketball and a shit ton of games in his colony, both indoor and outdoor ones. 

So of course, he has to be athletic. 

Naturally, He enjoys all the things that an athlete normally does as well. Sleeping on time, careful of his macros, dedicated training, discipline, watching a shit ton of matches and what not. It's all pretty much a given. 

The only thing that Jeongguk absolutely loathes that most athletes probably don't are mornings.

He hates mornings, it makes him feel disoriented. There's genuinely nothing good about mornings. 

If he had the luxury to sleep till afternoon or something, he so would. But unfortunately, money is a necessity and that comes from lectures that are unfortunately at 7 in the fucking morning.

Now, Jeongguk hates them just as much as his students but a man gotta do what he gotta do right? 

Truthfully, The only way he goes through them is with the help of a large cup of coffee. Sometimes something along with it but mostly just black coffee. 

It's been his routine for years. 

Though, recently that routine has changed quite a lot. Now, along with his precious drink, he also has a nice company to accompany him. All thanks to a great invention called mobile phones.

Every morning, while getting his coffee, he ends up replying to earlier messages of Taehyung or initiating a conversation himself (which is kind of crazy to him because he hates initiating conversation.) 

Actually, if anyone ever has to test how comfortable Jeongguk is with someone, all they need to check is how hesitant Jeongguk feels before initiating a conversation. 

On a scale of one to ten, Taehyung is currently at zero level of hesitation – which Jeongguk hadn't seen coming, especially in a span of a couple of weeks. 

Maybe, Taehyung is just so great at initiating conversations and finding topics to talk about that it was very easy to get comfortable around him. He can yap nonstop if one manages to present the right topic and Taehyung is basically a pro in that. 

It’s easy to talk to him about literally everything. Which is crazy because Taehyung has basically zero interest in some of the things Jeongguk likes but he still manages to stay so engaged in the conversation. It’s admirable. 

Jeongguk genuinely loves talking to Taehyung. Honestly, it wasn't something the professor had seen coming. In fact, he didn't even realise that he was spending an awful amount of time just talking to Taehyung. 

It all just came very naturally and it was too fun that he barely paid attention to the people around him. 

Clearly, people noticed the lack of attention and they rightfully pointed it out. 

Jeongguk, of course, didn't pay much attention to them. They were probably just overreacting because Jeongguk isn't much of an electronic person. 

He would have continued to pay them no heed until Namjoon pointed it out. 

Jeongguk very well remembers that he was in the department office, having his lunch and talking with Taehyung like always, when Namjoon had come to do something. Probably to ask him out to lunch as it's been a while since they have hung out together. 

“Who are you texting?“ Jeongguk dropped the phone and chopstick in utter surprise, a shriek leaving past his lips as he covered his ears. 

The voice came from his right, oh god, are those rumors about his department being haunted really true? He fucking hopes not. 

“Uh… what are you doing now?“ Namjoon emerged from his back, peering into his face with confusion

“What the fuck?!“ Jeongguk cursed despite the relief that flooded through his pheromones. “Give me a warning before giving me a heart attack, will you? Where did you spawn from?“ 

“Through the door?” Namjoon blinked, no less than a lost puppy. 

Jeongguk rolled his eyes, reaching over to pick up the chopsticks while Namjoon bent to pick up the phone. 

The alpha grimaces as he reaches to take out a couple of tissues and clean the chopsticks before he could use them. 

“Who were you tex— oh?“ Namjoon paused, squinting at the display name. “Taehyung? Who's that?“ 

Jeongguk immediately leaped from his seat, hoping to get a hold of his own phone but his reflexes don't seem to be as fast as they usually are. 

Namjoon easily moves away, eyes still trained on the phone. “Are you dating him or something? Tinder?” 

“I’m not dating him!” Jeongguk grumbled, raising his hand to get his phone back, “And who the fuck uses tinder now?“ 

“Who is it then?“ Namjoon raised a brow, returning the phone. 

“Just a student,” Jeongguk shrugged, pocketing his phone. 

Namjoon raised a brow, “Your students send you goofy pictures of themselves?“ 

Jeongguk avoided his eyes, “Not my student” 

At those words, Namjoon perked up. Jeongguk said it so weakly that it almost felt like he was admitting to a sin and /that/ has gotten him intrigued. 

He happily takes a seat, leaning back on it with a smirk. “Since when did you start interacting with students out of your department? Where did you even find another soul to interact with?” Namjoon raised a brow. 

Jeongguk rolled his eyes, “You make it sound like I don't have a life” 

The chemistry professor gave him a look which clearly stated that he called bullshit. “Your life started involving a student who… is doing exactly what with you?“ 

Jeongguk rubbed his face, feeling as if he was cornered. “What are you implying, Joon?” 

“I am implying that you’re hiding shit from me. You’re barely talking with anyone and are always on your phone. Then, you tell me it’s a student and.. that conversation doesn't indicate a prof-student relationship, let me tell you.” Namjoon smiled, one that didn't reach his eyes. “So, what’s going on?” 

Jeongguk sighed, slumping over the chair. “It’s actually not that big a deal. He’s a cheerleader from SNU. We met, kind of started talking, and now I think we’re sort of friends? That’s it. There’s nothing going on, I'm not hiding shit” The professor glared at his friend, defensive.

“That didn't looked like friends though, you guys were flirting“

“I'm not flirting with him,” Jeongguk shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He honestly doesn't know what he's to say or how he is supposed to get out of this situation. 

Namjoon recognized the defensive tone in his voice, the uncomfortability in the way he was sitting in his chair. 

“Jeongguk… You are. Just look at your texts.” 

“Namjoon, I am not—“ Jeongguk took a deep breath, “why am I even explaining things to you? It's nothing like that. What I do—”

“I am not judging you” Namjoon cut him off, gentle but firm. He shook his head reassuringly when Jeongguk frowned at him. 

“I am just asking, for your own well being” 

Jeongguk bites down on his lip. “I really don't understand what you're trying to say” 

“How old is he?“ He asked instead, ignoring the statement. 

“Twenty two, turning twenty three this December” 

The chemistry professor relaxed then, shrugging. “Then I don't see why you can't date him or need to hide it from me” 

Jeongguk gapes at him, “I'm not dating him? Why do you keep thinking that?“ 

Namjoon raised a brow, “have you seen your texts? One glance and that pretty much looks like dating to me…or that you guys are talking with the intention to date” 

Jeongguk shook his head, “I have no intention of dating him. It's — it's not like that”

Namjoon raised a brow, “and what about him? Does he feel that way?“ 

Jeongguk bites down on his lips, thinking about it. He can't tell, Taehyung never really said that he wants to date Jeongguk or anything along those lines but considering how they met, he's really not sure what the younger one's stance on it is. 

It seemed to be enough of an answer for Namjoon though so he nodded, “I guess he does want to date then… you're probably holding back for a variety of reasons” 

Jeongguk glanced at him, contemplating. Namjoon doesn't look at him, focusing on playing with the paperweight. “I'll just say that you're not doing a crime or anything.. Ok? The reason a professor and student shouldn't have such a relationship is simply because of the imbalance of power dynamic. It can lead to abuse and shit, you and him don't really have that dynamic because you don't actually have any kind of power over him. These are just your professions so it should be fine, like.. It's not a sin or whatever, ok?“ He finally looked at Jeongguk, shrugging. 

“You have the final decision, of course but if you like him and he's good to you, I'll say go for it. He's an adult, he should know what he's doing. Don't hold back because of that because then you're just dragging things out unnecessarily, alright?” 

Jeongguk looks away, unsure of what he's supposed to say or feel. Sure, he likes talking with Taehyung or whatever but he doesn't actually think that way about the younger, right?

“You're pointlessly giving a lecture, Joon. I really don't feel that way about him” 

Namjoon grinned then, shrugging, “Then you have nothing to worry about” 

Jeongguk hummed before he finally diverted the conversation to something else. However, Namjoon’s words continue to ring at the back of his head. 

He's probably just trying to process it, he'll get over it soon.

🏀💜🏀

Well, Jeongguk, in fact, didn't get over it. 

If anything, those words have been plaguing his mind like a damn parasite. They eat away Jeongguk’s ability to function like a normal person. Heck, he hasn't been able to even talk with Taehyung ever since. 

It's been almost a week since Jeongguk last talked to Taehyung. Ever since his conversation with Namjoon, he can't stop thinking about everything his friend said. 

Of course, Jeongguk knows that it's wrong of him to withdraw completely without any explanation. Taehyung must be extremely confused about it but he doesn't know what else he's supposed to do, alright? 

He has no idea how he's supposed to… get past whatever Namjoon told him that day. How he's supposed to figure his own feelings out. 

It's not a lie that Jeongguk does likes spending time with Taehyung. He enjoys being with him. It's fun, the young cheerleader simply makes him happy. 

So far, he had told himself that everything is completely platonic. There are no ulterior motives in his mind except plain and simple friendship. However, he's not so sure anymore. 

His friend's words made him analyze their whole situation. Jeongguk reread the whole chat with Taehyung and the more he thinks about it, the more unsure he is about how platonic everything actually was. 

From Taehyung’s side,nothing is platonic. He's been upfront about his feelings since the start. Sure, he didn't explicitly say it after knowing that Jeongguk is a professor but his crush shines through in the way he talks with Jeongguk. 

And Jungkook’s a little ashamed to admit that he did indulge in it, even sort of encouraging the flirty behavior. So, he can tell that everything isn't as platonic as Jeongguk makes it out to be. 

What he can't tell is whether he initiated it because he liked the attention he was getting or because he actually feels something for Taehyung as well. 

The alpha sighed, ruffling his hair as he leaned back in his seat. Eyes automatically drawing towards the digital clock set on his study table. 

It was almost 12 am by now but he still wasn't done grading the assignments of his students. 

Normally, Jeongguk would have left the grading on the assistant professor but he needed a good distraction. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out to be as good of a distraction as he was hoping for it to be. 

The alpha sighed audibly, staring at the screen of his laptop for a solid minute before he decided to switch it off and leave the remaining work for tomorrow. 

Jeongguk stretched, groaning at the pops that came from the tense muscles. He switched off the lights before moving towards his bedroom. 

It was clear that he wouldn't get any work done when he had so much going on in his head. Jeongguk got under the blanket before reaching for his phone and deciding to scroll through his social media in hopes of getting his mind off things. At least, till sleep decided to overcome his consciousness. 

Though, unfortunately, as soon as he opens his Instagram, Taehyung’s post pops up on his home page. 

Jeongguk’s heart skips a beat as soon as his eyes rest on Taehyung. He hasn't talked to the younger one for a week and the sadness of that fact was so evident in his pheromones. 

It wasn't hard to admit that he simply missed the younger alpha. Taehyung was posing with his friend Jimin while they were seated in a car. Both of them winking at the camera with their tongue sticking out and their fingers making a ‘V’ sign. 

Jeongguk’s eyes shift to his profile, the red circle around his profile tempting Jeongguk to click on it and go through the stories that Taehyung has posted in the last twenty four hours. 

Jeongguk goes through each one of them with a heavy heart. He doesn't know why but he feels extremely sad for staying away from Taehyung for so long. His inner wolf whimpers in pain as if they're going through a stupid break up. 

He shouldn't be feeling like that for Taehyung. The reality is so far from it, so why does he feel like that? He shouldn't. 

Jeongguk tries to assure himself, tries to reason with himself that he really shouldn't be feeling that way and it's extremely stupid to get sad over it. 

He almost succeeds in convincing himself but then Jeongguk reaches the last story that Taehyung has posted and all rationality is immediately thrown out of the window when the post appears on his phone screen. 

The cheerleader is at some party, a house party probably. The story is of Taehyung getting kissed by some unknown fellow student. 

A cheek kiss

The rational side of his brain tried to make an appearance but the possessive wolf inside of him shut it down. There's an unknown werewolf kissing his Taehyung on the cheek and what Taehyung is doing? He's grinning brightly at the camera as if he has just won a lottery. 

Jeongguk felt a growl rumble from the deepest pit of his chest. Why is Taehyung letting that fucker kiss him? Why is he allowing it? Who the fuck is that idiot? 

There's a weird kind of pain in his chest as he stares at Taehyung’s instagram story. He doesn't quite understand the irrational possessiveness that's pouring through him. 

It takes him a solid minute to understand that it's jealousy that he's feeling.

The realisation takes Jeongguk by surprise. Jealous about what? Seeing Taehyung with someone else? Someone who's most likely just a friend? Yeah sure. 

Jeongguk snorts to himself, putting his phone down as he decides to sleep the weird feeling off. 

🏀 

Essentially, Jeongguk wasn't going to check up on Taehyung again. He had no reason to. The ‘jealousy’ he was feeling was certainly just a byproduct of his tiredness and lack of Taehyung dosage, nothing more. It should be definitely gone by morning. 

However, even after half an hour, Jeongguk is unable to fall asleep. He decides to check up on Taehyung once again.

Feeling relieved when he finds some sort of clarification that the man kissing him is actually a cousin for whom the birthday party is thrown. 

Jeongguk shouldn't but he joins his werewolf in dancing around from happiness. 

He's about to go back to sleep when he sees that Taehyung has posted another story of him saying that he's bored and he wants to talk to someone. 

Now, Jeongguk wasn't going to reply to it but whatever he does after 1 am, he shouldn't be blamed for it. 

Still_with_jk 

~ You should go to sleep, Sweetheart. It's quite late. 

Jeongguk clicks on the send button before he can talk to himself out of it. However, the more seconds pass, the more the alpha starts to regret his choices. 

For instance, it is a terrible conversation starter. On top of that, after going radio silent for a week, he doesn't really have any right to advise Taehyung on when he should sleep and when he should not. 

Heck, he's pretty sure that Taehyung must be extremely mad at Jungkook for ghosting him. Jeongguk can't really blame him either, he deserves it. 

The alpha curses to himself, reaching for his reading glasses as he resists the urge to bang his head against a wall when his phone shows the ‘seen’ indication, taking away the chance to edit his message. 

Jeongguk is contemplating his choice of jumping off a cliff or drowning himself somewhere when a text bubble appears, showcasing that the alpha is typing a reply. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ You should have been asleep as well but here we are, Sir :D 

Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle at the way the alpha addresses him. Taehyung has been calling him sir for a couple of weeks even though Jeongguk absolutely hates it. 

He's been trying to tell him that he should stop it but Taehyung, well, he doesn't listen. If Jeongguk has to guess why, he'll say that Taehyung likes teasing him. 

Still_with_jk 

~ How many times should I tell you that Jeongguk is fine, pretty? 

Jeongguk paused, deleting the ‘pretty’ before sending the messages. Now he understands why Namjoon thought that they were dating, or at least somewhere around that spectrum. 

He shouldn't be calling Taehyung with such nicknames. If he's being honest to himself they just…. suit Taehyung, like they were solely made for him. 

Jeongguk cleared his throat, sending a bit more serious reply right after it to showcase that he actually isn't dying to talk with Taehyung. He's simply worried for his well being. 

Still_with_jk

~ And I was going to bed, actually. You should too 

Sweet_Tae 

~ with you? 

Jeongguk’s eyes widened while something akin to fire licked at his belly, his wolf straightening up in interest. Yeah, he really was stupid to think that there was anything remotely platonic about them. 

He tries to contemplate on what he should do or say. If he should continue it or put an end to it. His wolf deflects at the mere idea of rejecting the younger alpha. 

Sweet_Tae

~ Shit Fuck, Forget I said that

~ I lose my brain to mouth filter after 12 am.

~ I'm really sorry 😭😭😭 

~ Did I scare you away? 

~ Shit. Ahhh Why am I like this? 

~ Oh fuck, I shouldn't curse in front of a professor should I—

Still_with_jk

~ Woah, woah, take a breather pup. Calm down. 

~ and you didn't ‘scare me away’, just caught me by surprise. It's fine. 

~ And to answer your previous question: no. It's not something I offer before the third date. 

As Jeongguk typed out the last message, he finally accepts to himself that he actually doesn't want the relationship between them to be platonic. 

He very much wants to go on a date with Taehyung and he's only hoping that the younger one would pick up the hint. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ Are you talking about the going to bed together part? 

Still_with_jk

~ yeah, what else? 

Jeongguk isn't exactly sure where he's getting the boldness. It's not exactly right, he knows. He shouldn't be doing this even if Taehyung is practically in his mid 20s and more than capable of making decisions for himself. 

As a professor, he should know his place and maintain the healthy student-professor relationship even though they’re not from the same university.

He really shouldn't but fuck it, Namjoon is right. 

He doesn't have anything to lose and neither does Taehyung. Plus, if they had met in a different setting, he would have totally not let the opportunity go considering the fact that Taehyung is a proper adult and a total catch. 

So he sits up instead, bringing a pillow over his lap to get more comfortable before replying. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ Just clarifying, sir. 

Still_with_jk

~ You don't have to call me sir. Jeongguk is fine. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ but I like calling you sir 🥺 

Still_with_jk

~ and I'm telling you I don't want to be called sir by you, pretty. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ What if I don't listen, sir? 

Jeongguk clicks his tongue at the brattiness. It seems the alpha wasn't lying about losing his brain to the mouth filter at night. He certainly doesn't remember him being so troublesome earlier. 

He is in the middle of contemplating on what he's supposed to answer when another message appears, pulling out a growl from him. 

His eyes darken as he glared at the suggestive message. 

Sweet_Tae

~ will you punish me, sir? I don't think it would really work… Just so you know… I'm quite a brat.

Jeongguk cleared his throat, eyes flashing red just for a brief moment. There were so many ways it could have been interpreted as, the alpha knows. 

In fact, the alpha could have been saying those words simply out of pure innocence but… He is a bit ashamed to admit that his mind immediately went to all the methods he could use to fuck the brattiness out of the sweet alpha. 

He rubbed his face, cursing at himself to calm down before he types out a rather tame response, feigning the control he's certainly losing with himself by each second. 

Still_with_jk

~ Are you flirting with me, baby boy? 

The alpha doesn't give him the chance to answer, adjusting his sweats as he gets comfortable. 

Still_with_jk

~ Which I'm certain you are so… just so you know. 

~ sir isn't my kink, pretty. 

~ In fact, it kills my mood. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ Oh?

~ Then what sets your mood… daddy? Master? 

Jeongguk huffed out a chuckle, rubbing his jaw. None of them were appealing. In fact, he's pretty sure that his kink is very uncommon — 

Sweet_Tae

~ hyung?

A moan tumbles out of the alpha’s lips, instantly feeling his pants tighten. Jeongguk is ashamed to admit that just the thought of that sweet honey dripped deep voice calling him hyung sends a shiver down his spiral. 

The alpha immediately slides the message to right, directly quoting it with a curse. Gaining laughing emojis in return. 

The alpha doesn't bother trying to decipher what they mean, whether Taehyung understood what works for him. 

He definitely did because in a second a voice note pops out in their text. 

The alpha looks around himself, as if afraid that someone might be spying on him right now. There's a weird kind of thrill in what he's doing. A forbidden pleasure probably. 

The alpha has always seeked for thrills, there's no lie there. However, his desire for thrills was showcased in forms of mountain climbing, bungee jumping and what not but this…. This evokes a weird kind of excitement in his heart. 

The forbidden aspect of it makes him feel guilty just as much as it brings him pleasure. His fingers shake as he clicks on the message, playing the voice note. 

Taehyung’s breathy voice filters through his silent room, cutting through the tension as he speaks one single word. 

“Hyung“ 

Jeongguk curses loudly, banging his hand on the bedside table, shaking the water jug and lamp kept there along with his glasses. 

Without a second thought, he opens his voice note option bringing the phone closer to his face as he speaks, voice octave deep and carrying the dominance he reserves solely for his bedroom activities. 

“You're such a fucking brat, pretty boy.” Jeongguk tsked, shaking his head. 

The answer is another giggling emoji; clearly he was too proud and happy to get the alpha all worked up. He's probably drunk too but not enough to go incoherent. Just enough to loosen his tongue. 

Sweet_Tae 

~ I suppose after this, you truly plan on punishing me, hm? Hyung? 

Jeongguk sighed, letting his fingers card through his hair, trying to compose himself and willing his junior to calm down. It's almost pathetic how easily the dude got excited at someone being able to guess on what gets him going. 

It's definitely been a while since he has gotten laid or interacted with an alpha in that sense – years actually. 

The alpha stares at the reply, frowning at the implication it provides. A weird taste fills his mouth out of nowhere. 

The more he stares at it, the more unsure he starts feeling about it. It's not that Jeongguk no longer wants to approach Taehyung in that sense or that he's suddenly struck by his moral compass that he shouldn't be doing this. 

No, it's none of that. It's just that… Jeongguk isn't looking for a fling. Never has. He simply cannot form sexual relationships with someone he's not emotionally involved with. That's just how his brain works. He has normal libido, there's no problem there — it's just his brain and the message.. It suggests the opposite of what Jeongguk is seeking. 

Sure, it's his fault for even going in that direction or encouraging it. He shouldn't have done that at the very least. 

Still_with_jk

~ Taehyung. Don't. 

A small attempt of bringing themselves out of the risky situation they had fallen into. As much as he's tempted by the idea of pulling the alpha over his lap and punishing him by painting his ass red with his fingerprints, it's not what he will like their relationship to be limited to. 

Call him a hopeless romantic or whatever but he isn't the type to indulge in short term pleasures through other werewolves. If short-term thrill is what he's seeking, he would have booked another bungee jumping event for himself, not go for an alpha. 

He understands that Taehyung is young, well younger than him and probably more interested in casual flings. It makes sense for him to wish to explore but if that's what he's hoping from Jeongguk then the alpha is sad to disappoint. 

The attempt seems to work for Taehyung too as he seemed to have sobered up and realised what he was saying so far and to whom.

Sweet_Tae 

~ Sorry… I don't know what had gotten over me. I really am not like this generally. 

Still_with_jk

~ It was… cute. I.. Like it.

~ It's just that… I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, Taehyung. I'm a professor, you realise that, yes? 

Sweet_Tae 

~ I do… Keeping everything that I said just now aside, I do actually uhm.. Like you. 

A smile forms on Jeongguk’s face. 

Still_with_jk

~ Not just for my face or body right? 

He giggles to himself, referring to the time Taehyung had proposed to him. Who would have thought that he would actually be here, initiating such a thing. 

But oh well, Life has an interesting way of going around.

Taehyung sends some shy emojis, probably understanding the reference. 

Sweet_Tae

~ I suppose it's a pleasant bonus 👉👈

Jeongguk couldn't help but laugh out loud at the reply, “Cute” he grinned at his phone screen. 

If anyone was to see him right now, he was sure that he'd appear no less than a lovesick fool. 

Sweet_Tae

Will I ever get to see it though? 

Jeongguk chuckled at the series of eye emoji Taehyung sent. 

Still_with_jk

~ Not before the third date, no 

Sweet_Tae

Are you—

Still_with_jk

Offering to go out on a date with me? Yes

Sweet_Tae

….. 

Is this why you have been ghosting me for the last couple of days? 

Jeongguk bites down on his lips. 

Still_with_jk

Honestly? Yes… I needed time to figure out my feelings. 

I'm sorry pretty

Sweet_Tae

It's alright. 

I like the verdict :D

Still_with_jk

I'll pick you up, 7 pm. This weekend? 

Sweet_Tae

 sure

I'm excited heheheh

Jeongguk smiles at the hiding emoji that follow soon after. He sends a quick good night message, scolding about it being really late before he gets to bed with a content heart and pretty smile. 

He should probably give a treat to Namjoon for helping him out like that

Chapter Text

Four months later

“You still haven't told me why you keep a toothpick in your mouth” Taehyung had asked on their seventh date out of nowhere while he was oiling Jeongguk’s head and giving him a nice massage. 

Originally, they were supposed to go on a movie date but after seeing how tired Jeongguk was, they decided to just stay at Jeongguk's home and chill. 

The alpha hummed, groggily opening his eyes and tilting his head to stare at his /boyfriend/ who's sitting at the sofa while Jeongguk is sitting in between his bare legs on the floor. 

Like Jeongguk promised, he did let Taehyung have a full tour of his body on the third date. 

Truthfully, it wasn't particularly planned. Taehyung simply decided that it was the perfect time to unleash his inner brat and Jeongguk simply enjoyed putting the brat in his place and by the end of the night, he had decided to drop the bomb and ask Taehyung to become his boyfriend. 

“The toothpick,” Taehyung pointed his chin towards the toothpick hanging in between his teeth.

“What's the story behind that?” Taehyung combed through the tangles of Jeongguk’s hair. 

Jeongguk closed his eyes, leaning into the touch as he moved to remove the toothpick. He stared at it, swallowing before breaking it and keeping it beside him. 

“I was a chronic smoker before.” he revealed carefully, looking at Taehyung to gauge his reaction.

Jeongguk turned to face him, taking a hold of Taehyung’s hand, some way to assure himself that the alpha is right here and he isn't going anywhere. 

“Remember the friend who died in an accident? Yeah.. Well, his death took a toll on me. Got stressed, turning to smoking. Got addicted.” 

Taehyung bites down on his lips, “I assume you’re clean now?” 

Jeongguk smiled, nodding proudly. He's glad he didn't tell Taehyung about it back then, it feels much better and comfortable to tell him now. 

“Yeah, I've been clean for over three years now. Almost four actually. The tooth pick is my alternative for nicotine” Jeongguk shrugged, “I use it whenever my urge to smoke is very high. A way to avoid relapsing, I suppose” 

“I am proud of you, hyung” Taehyung cupped Jeongguk’s face, kissing him softly. The professor’s scent sweetened and his shoulders relaxed as they pulled away. 

“I didn't do it alone. Namjoon helped a lot” Jeongguk murmured, smiling while Taehyung pouted, narrowing his eyes. 

“When am I going to meet your friends?” The younger alpha huffed and Jeongguk chuckled, getting up to gather his boyfriend in his arms. 

“You'll meet them soon, pup. You already met my parents, what are you so upset about?“ 

“I don't know, maybe because you have already met /my/ friends?“ Taehyung rolled his eyes but leaned against Jeongguk’s chest, still pouting over it. 

“Well, I haven't met your parents though. So we're even right now” 

Taehyung sighed, pressing his face against Jeongguk’s neck to silently scent him. He's actually anxious about letting Jeongguk meet his parents. He's not sure how they would react after seeing him be with another alpha. 

It's not that they're against it, or at least they never explicitly said as such. They already know that Taehyung isn't interested in omegas but they never really openly supported him on it so he's not sure how they will react. 

Taehyung sighed. Well, that's a problem for future Taehyung to be worried about. 

So, instead he smiles brightly and negotiates. “First your friends then my parents, deal?“ 

Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle, nodding. Namjoon is already dying to meet Taehyung and brag about how if it wasn't for him, they would have taken much longer to be together anyway. 

And as for Taehyung’s parents, well, they took their time to accept Jeongguk. 

However, four years later, Jeongguk goes to ask for their blessing to propose to Taehyung. They're happy to give their blessings. 

Taehyung could have never thought that mistakenly proposing to a professor would actually land him an amazing partner. 

-The End-