Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

News spreads fast through the Golden Empire.

For as many kilometers as the Empire spans in the deep ocean, gossip seems to travel at the speed of a sailfish when it comes to mers. So, it’s no surprise when Jungkook gets word of the Emperor’s champion returning home after a long campaign he spent fighting far away.

He doesn’t understand all the commotion that's being made because he’s sure the champion is just another egotistical alpha. He knows the type all too well, considering he and his brothers deal with them from time to time. He can’t imagine an alpha of that standing could be anything but stuck-up.

The streets are filled with celebration, and for a week straight, Jungkook can’t seem to maneuver through the capital city without bumping into hordes of people on his way home. He ends up swimming over the structures just so he can get around.

Of course, it’s easier to swim in the open water above the city than through the streets of the empire, but once Jungkook is high enough, he can’t make out anything below. It makes getting around far too frustrating, especially since his family’s estate is located on the outskirts of the city.

Honestly, though, if he has to hear one more word about the Emperor’s champion though, he’s going to explode like some sort of puffer fish.

He decides to spend his free time away from the commotion while things simmer down, collecting trinkets on the outskirts to kill time. He doesn’t stray too far, knowing the dangers that lurk in the ocean, but he stays far enough away to avoid hearing about the champion. It isn’t exactly proper behavior for an omega of his standing, but there are worse things in life.

He knows he shouldn’t be out this far, given his family’s standing within society. They’re not exactly royalty or anything of the sort, more like fallen socialites that are somehow still in the public eye. One wrong move and everyone will be hearing about it. Jungkook’s four younger brothers already make it difficult to keep a low profile.

Jungkook’s family consists of him, his older brother, Taehyung, and their four younger brothers: Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, and Huening, all omegas. Their parents passed not long after Huening was born, and their aunt on their father’s side ended up taking custody of them. It's been a hectic ordeal ever since.

It hasn’t been easy and their aunt, Hyunjung, is constantly reprimanding them in an attempt to keep the family clan within good graces since she has no power to take over their estate if none of them mate and she worries it'll go to some distant alpha or beta relative on their mother's side since she was an alpha and they'll be left with nothing.

Of course, keeping the brothers in line is easier said than done, given that Jungkook and his brothers don’t make it easy for her. Jungkook and Taehyung try their best to rein in their little brothers, but it’s not an easy task.

“Hyung, you’re back!” Huening, the youngest at eighteen, cries out as soon as Jungkook enters the estate.

He’s kept under lock and key because of his reckless nature for the time being. Far too social and outgoing for his own good.

It’s just before sunset, and currently, only Taehyung and Huening appear to be home. Their aunt is probably out trying to find the other brothers after they most likely ditched their lessons in etiquette and went off to look for trouble. It’s always a surprise when the younger omegas manage to convince Soobin, the most responsible of them, to play along and ditch.

Jungkook says a silent prayer for them because he knows their aunt will most likely skin them alive once she finds them.

“Where were you?” Taehyung asks. “Aunt Hyunjung was going mental earlier when she couldn’t find you and the boys. She hoped you might’ve been with them to keep them out of trouble.”

The family estate is big enough for several people, and once, this place felt too small with six omegas and their aunt swimming around. Now that they’re older and constantly coming and going, it feels far too large. Jungkook often misses the chaos of their lives from before.

Now, their aunt is constantly getting onto them about mating soon. She used to scold all of them before Taehyung and Jungkook had a serious discussion with her about leaving the younger omegas alone. They’ll gladly do their best to find mates if it means securing the estate and having their aunt leave their younger brothers be.

“The city has been hectic lately with news of the championship returning, so I went to the outskirts,” Jungkook confesses as he takes off his satchel, now full of trinkets, and swims toward Taehyung and Huening. “Aunt Hyunjung will get over it,” he reassures his brother, laughing when Huening tackles him in a hug and nearly sends them both to the sandy floor of the estate.

Their aunt will get over it because she knows that no matter how much she scolds the younger omegas and reminds them of how proper omegas act, it will do her no good because Taehyung and Jungkook will protect them.

None of the brothers plans to change who they are, and her insistence that their actions will make mating difficult for them does not bother them in the least.

“We’re expecting a guest for dinner tonight,” Huening informs him. “Someone our aunt desperately wants us to meet.”

Jungkook and Taehyung both lock eyes following their younger brother’s confession and make a face at that. They know by now that a guest their aunt wants them to meet is never good news. It’s going to be an alpha or beta, of similar or slightly higher standing, one that their aunt is desperate for one of them to meet so they can mate as soon as possible.

It’s no secret that whoever mates one of them will get the benefit of the family’s estate, so most people who come and propose mating are opportunists who know how to swindle their aunt. Sometimes, Jungkook thinks they’re a worse nuisance than any other predator in the ocean. But alas, he entertains them for his aunt’s sake as well as for his younger brothers.

“Gross,” Jungkook laments, looking down at the seaweed scroll in Taehyung’s hands. “What is that?”

“Oh, Jungkook-ah, sweetheart, you’ve finally returned from your…adventures!” Aunt Hyunjung greets Jungkook as she swims into the main room, her emerald tail looking freshly polished. “You would not believe the day I have had,” she bemoans, and behind her enter the rest of Jungkook’s brothers, all sporting annoyed expressions, minus Soobin, who looks remorseful. “I know you both won’t hear it, but these pups need more discipline; you would not believe how far I had to go into the city to find them, after they neglected to finish their lessons for the day, mind you!”

“We already said we were sorry,” Yeonjun mumbles, looking like he means none of it. “We were just hanging out with some of the guards in the city, not lingering near the shark hunting grounds.”

“Hanging around the guards!” Their aunt huffs as she puts her hands on her hips. “You think that’s a proper thing for omegas of your standing to be doing?”

“We’re so sorry,” Soobin swears, looking the most sincere. “We were just going into the city for sweets, but then, we swam into some… acquaintances!”

Yeonjun just rolls his eyes behind their aunt’s back.

Beomgyu says nothing and swims over to Taehyung, knowing their aunt’s wrath can’t reach him there.

Their aunt scoffs and frowns at Yeonjun and Soobin, but seems to forget her anger when she sees the seaweed scroll in Taehyung’s hands. She does tend to have a one-track mind whenever she’s upset.

“Well, never mind all of that!” She claps her hands together, smiling now. Yeonjun and Soobin physically relax now that her attention is off them. “We’ve received great news today from the Kang clan this afternoon.”

Taehyung hands Jungkook the scroll, and the boxy smile on his face and Huening’s bright eyes tell Jungkook everything he needs to know.

Immediately, Yeonjun, Soobin, and Beomgyu crowd around Jungkook to get a peek at the scroll, nearly knocking each other over with their tails in the process.

“From the Kang clan?!” Yeonjun asks, practically vibrating at the prospect of a ball. “Open it, hyung, open it!”

“What does it say?!” Beomgyu asks, trying to get a closer view.

Jungkook tries to hold it away from them. “Give me a second and I’ll read it.”

The scroll is engraved with the seal of the Kang clan, a prominent family in the empire that’s only a bit higher than Jungkook’s family. It’s not often they receive an invitation from them, so this is certainly big news.

It’s an invitation to a ball at their estate where they’ll be hosting prominent guests of honor. Well, this is certainly unexpected and manages to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“It’s a ball, it’s a ball,” Yeonjun happily cheers, nearly vibrating from excitement against Jungkook’s back. “It’s going to be amazing!”

“Prominent guests,” Jungkook reads, trying to think of who that might be.

“I thought they’d already held their annual ball a few moons ago,” Beomgyu mumbles, looking away when their aunt turns her sharp eyes on him. “Not to say they can’t hold another one!”

Jungkook skims the rest of the invitation. “Who is Kim Seokjin, and why is he their guest of honor?”

He recalls the last ball so vividly because their aunt had prepped them for hours, in case they were to meet an eligible bachelor or bachelorette. Their aunt had been devastated when neither Taehyung nor Jungkook found anyone that night. It wasn’t from a lack of trying, of course, the real issue had been all the stuck-up alphas and betas that were in attendance.

Soobin presses against Jungkook's side and intertwines their tails in a show of affection, looking down at the scroll, clearly just as interested as the rest.

“Kim Seokjin-ssi is the son of a prominent noble and is high ranking within the Emperor’s army, and apparently, he’s been gifted an estate in this area by the Emperor near the Kang clan,” their aunt gossips, expression enthralled at the mention of Kim Seokjin. Taehyung nods in confirmation. “A few of my acquaintances have led me to believe that Seokjin is the reason the Kang clan is hosting this ball,” she reveals. “One of them even mentioned he gets a monthly salary of five thousand pearls.”

Taehyung turns to their aunt in shock. “Five thousand pearls?!”

“Five thousand pearls!” She confirms.

“Five thousand pearls!” Huening gasps.

Now, it makes sense as to why the Kang clan is hosting a ball. They’ve always been a bit of opportunists.

“They’re trying to suck up to Seokjin and move up in society, then,” Jungkook sees right through this mess. “Especially if he’s bringing in five thousand pearls a month.”

Their aunt doesn’t let that dim her spirits. “Well, even if that is their goal, who knows what kind of guests will be in attendance that we usually don’t have the pleasure of mingling with, Seokjin-ssi especially!” She turns to Huening, knowing very well that he’s good friends with the Kang clan’s youngest beta son, Taehyun. “You simply must pay your dear friend a visit tomorrow and see if you can learn anything about the ball!”

Huening’s expression turns confused. “I thought you said it was improper to be seen out so much,” he recalls her last scolding. “You said I was grounded until the foreseeable future.”

Their aunt scoffs and calls for some of the estate’s staff. “Nonsense, you shall go over and have tea with dear Taehyun-ie this very evening!” She claps her hands together. “They’ll surely invite you to stay for dinner, I just know it!”

Jungkook and Taehyung shake their heads at their aunt’s antics but say nothing because they know fully well Huening is bursting at the seams to get out of the estate.

“Well, even if they are trying to suck up, it just means we get to go to another ball,” Taehyung points out, always choosing to see the good in every situation. He looks over at his brothers, who all seem to be in high spirits at the prospect of a ball. “Besides, aren’t you all curious about Kim Seokjin? People say he's a hot commodity and a decent alpha, especially at five thousand pearls a month.”

Jungkook isn’t sure if he’s that excited about meeting yet another stuck-up alpha. He personally hasn’t heard much about Seokjin, other than his vague connection to the beloved champion and Emperor, and well, he’s tired of hearing about the champion, to be quite frank.

“I hear he’s quite handsome,” their aunt confesses before changing tunes once she spots some of the estate’s servants walking in. “Handsome like our anticipated dinner guest tonight,” she states, ushering the servants to begin prepping dinner now that she’s recalled. “Go clean up all of you, and please, be on your best behavior! Who knows where this dinner could lead toward!”

Jungkook wants to argue, but Taehyung doesn’t give him or their younger brothers the chance and drags them through the estate toward their quarters. He knows it’s for the best because their aunt is stubborn and won’t back down, no matter how much Jungkook may argue with her. Still, it never stops him from doing it whenever he has the chance.

“We just have to bear it for tonight,” Taehyung says as he and Jungkook get ready for dinner in Taehyung’s room. “Besides, better us than our little brothers going through this, right?”

Jungkook nods and lets Taehyung put accessories on him. He knows their aunt isn’t against pushing their younger brothers to get mates if Jungkook and Taehyung didn’t at least entertain her whims. They cannot let that happen.

It’s a difficult situation because Jungkook knows their aunt means well in her own way, and she’s merely worried about them losing the estate. It wouldn’t be easy for them to get it back, given that all six of them are omegas and this estate belonged to their mother’s clan, an alpha, but still, it’s frustrating. If only the rules and regulations weren’t so set in favor of alphas and betas.

Still, meeting their aunt’s guests never gets less tedious.

Tonight, Min Yoongi joins them for dinner.

Immediately, it’s rather obvious that this is a bad match, but their aunt keeps insisting that Yoongi is a rather good choice for a mate. He’s a good alpha of good standing, handsome, and polite. Of course, nowhere as rich as Seokjin, but his name still carries some weight.

Yoongi seems to take to Taehyung quickly and well. Taehyung is always too nice to deny anyone. It’s one of the reasons he’s one of the most sought-after mers in their area. Plus, he’s very pretty with a lovely tail to match.

“Will you also be attending the ball at the Kang estate, Yoongi-ssi?” Aunt Hunjung asks after they’ve finished the main course, freshly caught and prepared tuna. Only the best for their special guests, after all. “It’ll be a grand event, I’m sure of it!”

Jungkook hopes the tuna gives Yoongi a bit of indigestion because even if the alpha hasn’t done anything suspicious, Jungkook is sure that the alpha is here as an opportunist and nothing more.

He and Taehyung keep exchanging looks whenever their eyes meet, much to their aunt’s frustration. They can’t let their guard down, not even a little. Their younger brothers, minus Huening, who is away for the night, are having far too much fun tormenting Yoongi, only adding to their aunt’s annoyance.

“I’ll be attending,” Yoongi confirms, much to Jungkook’s annoyance. The alpha smiles at Taehyung, and his scent sweetens. Mers can taste and smell scents, so it promptly ruins Taehyung’s appetite as well as Jungkook’s. “I actually came with the intention of inviting you all, Taehyung especially, but I’m glad to know you’ll be there as well. It’ll give Taehyung-ah and I a chance to get to know each other better.”

Taehyung musters up a forced smile at the familiar way Yoongi addresses him. “Of course, Yoongi-ssi.”

It’s after the dreaded dinner has ended and their aunt has already imagined the mating ceremony between Taehyung and Yoongi a million times that the brothers go to bed.

“Poor Aunt Hyunjung, she’s such a romantic,” Taehyung sighs as he and Jungkook lie together in his nest. “She was absolutely smitten with Yoongi-ssi.”

“If it were up to her, you’d be mated by the end of the week,” Jungkook points out. “She’s never going to give it a rest until we mate.”

Taehyung hums in agreement. “She’s worried about us losing the estate, and even if father’s family left her a sizable inheritance as the only alpha child, it’s nowhere near enough for her to fund six omega nephews. We need to make sure we’re able to keep mother’s estate in the family, and well, sadly, the only way we can go about doing that is by mating an alpha or beta.”

Jungkook frowns. “There you go again, being all sensible and responsible,” he teases, mostly so he doesn’t have to think about their impending doom. “The younger ones are right, you’re the most mature out of all of us.”

“As if,” Taehyung laughs. “But it’s better that they think that and leave this to us,” he gets serious again. “They shouldn’t have to worry about the estate.”

Jungkook knows he’s right, but man, the prospect of having to find a mate soon is so daunting. There’s hardly anyone who’s caught his eye, and he ventures through the capital city almost every day.

“Besides, you only think like that because you’ve yet to meet anyone that you like,” Taehyung teases, making Jungkook snort. “One day, you’ll meet someone who’ll change your world upside down, just you wait and see.”

“I highly doubt that,” Jungkook mumbles, looking up through the gaps in the marble roof that give them glimpses of the world above them, and if they look hard enough, the moon on the surface.

For now, they sleep, and Jungkook pretends everything is fine.

Jungkook doesn’t expect much from the ball. Mostly, he’s excited about the food and about people-watching, but that’s it.

There are only so many things to do at balls such as these, especially ones full of socialites that are constantly trying to climb the social ladder to the surface of the water.

Aunt Hyunjung takes the whole day of the ball to prepare her nephews. She has their tails polished, their hair shined with expensive oils, and brings out some of their best family heirlooms from both sides to accessorize them.

She prepares them as if they’re about to go to war, and after it’s done, Jungkook certainly feels like it. Poor Huening has been interrogated by her at least a million times after he met with his friend.

As soon as they arrive at the ball, held in the Kang’s massive ballroom, their aunt ushers them to mingle and introduce themselves. It doesn’t take long for vultures to circle Taehyung and Jungkook, but mostly Taehyung, all desperate for their estate and family fortune. Their younger brothers scatter into the sea of people, and their aunt rushes to go after them, worried they’ll do something to embarrass the family.

Jungkook plays along for his aunt’s sake, but as soon as he sees an opening, he takes it and doesn’t look back. He hopes Poseidon helps his younger brothers tonight because Jungkook is only saving himself from their aunt.

It doesn’t take long for Taehyung to come and get him, with a serious pout on his face. He’s barely managed to finish a few oysters.

“You threw me to the sharks,” Taehyung accuses him. “Now you have to dance with me.”

Jungkook goes willingly and lets Taehyung pull him toward the middle of the room. He floats across from Taehyung and waits until the Orchestra begins playing. The music is lovely, and it sends deep vibrations through the water. The Kang clan certainly went all out for this ball. It’s far more lavish than the last one they held. They’re certainly out to impress tonight, that’s for sure.

Mer dancing is a combination of twirling around each other and keeping in sync. Their aunt hired some of the best instructors to teach Taehyung and Jungkook when they were still young, and now, the omegas are quite proficient dancers and have taught their younger brothers.

Jungkook and Taehyung dance for a few songs, both sporting bright smiles as they move around, oblivious to everyone in the room. They’ve managed to catch a few eyes, which is never a bad thing.

Then, Yoongi arrives and cuts in to get Taehyung’s attention. Their aunt is delighted to see that Yoongi has arrived and wastes no time ushering Taehyung and Yoongi away from the crowd so they can mingle with a bit more privacy.

Jungkook leaves the dance floor before someone else invites him to dance and goes to float in a far corner, helping himself to a few hors d’oeuvres as he people-watches and listens to the gossip. He winces as he sees Yeonjun and Beomgyu getting into trouble, all while Soobin tries to stop them. Oh well, they’ll have to face their aunt on their own.

Poor Taehyung is stuck talking to Yoongi, and normally, Jungkook would go over and save him, but his brother seems determined to ward off the alpha tonight on his own. It’s best to leave the older omega to work alone on this matter.

It wouldn’t be the first alpha they send running for the depths, and it won’t be the last, not until they find one worth mating so their aunt can leave them alone once and for all.

A group of betas swims past him, all smiling as they gossip.

“—so handsome, isn’t he?”

“—heard the estate he was gifted is just divine.”

“—he’s single.”

“—of course, he’s a single alpha, in possession of good fortune, so he must be in want of a mate.”

“—his brother is so lovely as well, just a beautiful omega!”

“—Seokjin-ssi!”

Jungkook listens to them gossip and sing Seokjin praises, but the omega is still under the belief that they’re just talking up the alpha with no real basis.

But then, Seokjin walks in, and it’s as if the atmosphere in the room shifts drastically.

So… maybe the gossip was right about Seokjin. The alpha is terribly handsome with broad shoulders and an equally broad back to match. His tail is a light shade of pink that seems to complement his appearance in all the right ways. This man could very well be one of the most perfect-looking mers Jungkook has ever laid eyes on.

The alpha wears his clan’s crest, bestowed on a pin that's connected to the armor over his shoulder and drapes across his chest. It only seems to add to his looks. It’s impressive, and everyone’s eyes are locked onto him, even Taehyung, who has now lost all interest in Yoongi. Goodness, even Yoongi is looking at Seokjin with wide eyes.

Seokjin looks around the room and does a double-take when he sees Taehyung. It only lasts a moment, but Jungkook sees it and sees the hard blush that spreads across Taehyung’s face.

There’s another mer behind him, an omega with a lovely heart-shaped smile. This must be the brother the betas were gossiping about. His tail is silver and polished, making him look almost eternal. He’s very pretty as well, letting Jungkook know it must run in the family.

People are instantly swooning over Seokjin and his brother, Hoseok, after their arrival has been announced, especially the oldest child of the Kang clan. It isn’t every day that they get to mingle with someone of Seokjin’s status, after all.

It’s then that someone else enters the large room behind Seokjin and Hoseok, which really has the crowd going into shock.

Jungkook doesn’t understand why until he lays eyes on the newcomer. It’s another prominent alpha standing there, wearing similar attire to Seokjin, except this one is simply captivating and massive, toned all over as well.

This alpha, he’s built, with a few scars on him, and a lovely face. His tail is a lovely shade of light blue and looks powerful enough to push through the ocean at an impressive speed. He’s something out of Jungkook’s deepest fantasies, appearing as if he’d been sculpted by the deities of the ocean themselves.

Now, it’s Jungkook’s turn to be mesmerized by the sight of this man, just as Taehyung was with Seokjin.

Taehyung often teases Jungkook, as do the rest of his brothers, that one day he’ll find an alpha or beta that leaves him speechless. For a long time, Jungkook didn’t think that was possible because he’d seen plenty of alphas, some good-looking and others who’d seen better days, and none of them ever left a good impression on him.

Yet, he can’t help but be drawn to this particular alpha. He’s positive that his heart is beating so fast it’ll surely crack his ribs from the force and speed.

He’s never felt so self-cautious before, and can’t help but feel extremely grateful for his aunt and Taehyung, who helped him get ready for the night. He blames his emotions on his inner omega because he can’t think of any other reason for the need to impress that courses through him.

Jungkook dares to glance the alpha’s way again as he, Seokjin, and Hoseok make their way through the crowd, and this time, despite the sea of people, their eyes meet, and Jungkook feels frozen. Even more so when the alpha seems to be looking into his soul with how heavy his stare is.

The alpha’s eyes are sharp, reminding Jungkook of eyes described on beasts in old myths, powerful and commanding attention.

Just who is this man?

Someone calls for the crowd’s attention, and the intimate moment between Jungkook and the mysterious alpha is shattered into a million pieces when the newcomer’s name and title are announced once they’ve arrived at the other side of the room.

“We have an unexpected guest joining us tonight. Everyone, please welcome, The Emperor’s champion, Kim Namjoon!” The head of the Kang clan announces with great delight. “He has been away for some time now, as has Kim Seokjin, so please do help us in welcoming them back to the empire and as the newest residents of the RJ estate.”

Jungkook blinks and looks away as if he didn’t just lock eyes with one of the most attractive alphas he’s ever seen in his life. He can’t believe he was swooning over the champion. How ridiculous and embarrassing.

He can’t believe he fell for the trap of an egotistical alpha. Well, he supposes it would be naive of him to believe he’d be exempt, given that he’s only a mer at the end of the day. Sometimes, he is nothing more than a slave to his omega instincts, as are alphas and betas with their own instincts.

Almost immediately, mers start swarming Namjoon and pulling him into conversation as they fight for his attention. Their actions aren’t surprising, given that two eligible mates have just entered the game and everyone here who’s looking is out for blood, minus Taehyung and Jungkook. Even poor Hoseok gets caught in the mess, but Seokjin is quick to keep his brother out of harm’s way and reveal that the omega is already mated.

For as much of a rough exterior as Namjoon portrays, it doesn’t take long for his expression to soften and a dimpled smile to make an appearance; his eyes stay sharp, though. It makes Jungkook sick because, of course, the alpha would be this charming. It must be because of his massive ego.

Of course, Namjoon would love the attention, just as Jungkook predicted. Oh well, it’s not like the omega can be that surprised. He’s just another alpha, after all.

Their eyes meet again, and Jungkook takes great pleasure in turning away. Serves the alpha right. Maybe it’ll humble him a bit or hopefully, a lot.

“There you are, Jungkook-ah, come along,” his aunt finds him in the crowd and pulls him along toward Taehyung with a schooled expression. She has been playing this game far longer than they have. Her scent is excited, though, a clear indicator that she noticed Seokjin and Taehyung’s interaction, and she is quite a fan. The more options, the better. “We have to make a good impression and go greet the guests of honor, especially since Yoongi-ssi is with us. He seems absolutely enthralled with your brother,” she whispers to him as they make their way and grab the younger brothers. “Tonight is going far better than I expected!”

Jungkook is about to protest, but stops when he sees the scene that’s playing out before him. It’s Taehyung, who has somehow managed to get away from Yoongi. He’s greeting Seokjin with bright eyes and a sweet, boxy smile, and from the looks of it, Seokjin is equally as charmed by the omega.

This is unexpected but certainly not bad. It isn’t very often that someone manages to make Taehyung swoon. It would make sense that someone like Seokjin would be the one to break through Taehyung’s defenses.

It’s then that Namjoon comes over and greets Hyunjung. She’s delighted, of course, given Namjoon’s reputation. She’s laughing shyly as if she’s young and freshly out of school again.

Honestly, Namjoon cannot be that funny.

Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, and Huening all try to keep a serious expression despite their aunt’s current antics. They’re quick to fail, though, and all look toward the floor when their aunt turns her glare on them.

“These are my nephews, Taehyung, Jungkook, Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, and the youngest, Huening,” she introduces the omegas to Namjoon and Seokjin from oldest to youngest. “I hope you’re enjoying your time here in this part of the empire.”

Namjoon turns his sharp eyes onto Jungkook, and if Jungkook were any weaker of an omega, he would’ve crumpled like ripped seaweed. He almost crumbles, truth be told, but he manages to keep himself upright. He won’t let this alpha get the best of him. If anything, he meets Namjoon’s stare head-on and holds it.

“It’s a pleasure,” Namjoon confesses, taking Jungkook’s hand and rubbing their inner wrists together. It’s meant to be a sign of trust within mers since it mixes their scents, but can have deeper implications when it comes to lovers, not that they’re lovers, of course. “My name is Kim Namjoon.”

Jungkook keeps his expression neutral. “Likewise,” he tries to stay amicable.

It’s a shame that this alpha is so handsome and so egotistical.

Namjoon narrows his eyes but doesn’t reply; instead, he moves on to greet the rest of Jungkook’s brothers.

They make conversation, mostly between Namjoon and Hyunjung, and Jungkook quickly grows bored. Well, at least that’s what he tells himself because he’d never admit it, even to himself, that it is Namjoon’s sharp gaze on him that keeps his eyes wandering around the room. It’s far too intense, and Jungkook refuses to be intimidated by him.

The dance begins again, and much to Hyunjung’s surprise and delight, Seokjin asks Taehyung for a dance. Their aunt practically pushes Taehyung toward the dance floor, happily forgetting Yoongi’s existence for the time being.

“Jungkook-ah!”

Jungkook turns when someone calls out to him. He’s pleased to see Jimin, a young omega friend of his and Taehyung’s, approaching him. It gives him an excuse to leave his aunt and Namjoon and finally escape Namjoon’s heavy gaze.

His younger brothers also take the opportunity and book it away from their aunt.

Jimin floats behind Jungkook with an excited smile spread on his face. He’s a pretty omega, from a good family, and very popular within their social circles. He’s yet to find a mate that his family will approve of, though, and it isn’t from lack of trying.

“You know the Emperor’s champion, Seokjin-ssi, and Hoseok-ssi?” Jimin asks excitedly. “I can’t believe you’ve never mentioned it before,” he accuses, looking over at Seokjin, Hoseok, and Namjoon.

Jungkook shakes his head. “No, I just met them tonight for the first time,” he admits. “I would’ve told you beforehand. You know very well that I tell you everything.”

Jimin looks toward the dance floor where Seokjin and Taehyung are dancing together. “I would’ve thought you and your brother were well acquainted with them, given the familiarity between those two,” he admits, his cheeky smile still spread across his face, eyes locked on Seokjin and Taehyung.

Jungkook snorts and intertwines his tail with Jimin’s. “Don’t say silly things,” he teases. “You’re such a romantic, honestly.”

“Still, it would do Taehyung-ie well to charm Seokjin-ssi,” Jimin points out. “Seokjin-ssi is well off and in good standing with the Emperor, not to mention that he was gifted the RJ estate!”

“They’ve only just met,” Jungkook reminds Jimin, chalking up the omega’s mindset to him being a helpless romantic. “My brother hardly knows the alpha. They could be incompatible for all we know.”

Jimin leans in suddenly, scent sweet with excitement. “The Emperor’s champion keeps glancing in your direction,” he whispers. “A good sign perhaps?”

Jungkook crosses his arms across his chest. He tries to hide the annoyance that spreads through him at that. As if he cares what Namjoon is up to right now.

He attempts to look over toward Namjoon as discreetly as possible as Jimin talks his ear off, curious to see if the alpha is staring at him.

Namjoon is making conversation with someone, possibly one of Jungkook’s aunt’s acquaintances, and sure enough, he’s glancing in the omega’s direction.

The nerve of that alpha.

He’s most likely talking, no, more like gossiping, about Jungkook to that lady. It’s the most logical explanation. What else could someone of Namjoon’s standing and ego be speaking about as he glances in Jungkook’s direction? Nothing good, that’s for sure.

Jungkook should ignore it. It’s not worth getting upset over. He should try to enjoy the party, but he can’t. He is far too petty for such a thing.

So, he does the mature thing and asks Jimin to dance so they can be close to Namjoon, and he can overhear some of the alpha’s conversation. Jimin, of course, is happy to dance, always the extrovert, no matter the circumstances. Plus, he’s just as nosey, if not more, than Jungkook.

Jimin is a good dancer, so it’s easy for Jungkook to focus on Namjoon and let the omega lead them.

Despite how hard Jungkook tries, he fails to overhear anything. He does, however, see Seokjin ask Taehyung for another dance, much to Yoongi’s dismay. Their aunt makes sure to keep Yoongi’s attention, though, not willing to upset the alpha but also not daring to jinx Taehyung’s chances with Kim Seokjin. She manages to get Beomgyu to dance with Yoongi.

“Jimin-ssi was it?” Namjoon cuts in after the song has ended, much to Jungkook and Jimin’s surprise

Jungkook’s surprise is one of horror, while Jimin’s surprise is full of excitement. He almost disowns Jimin, the traitor, when the omega sneaks a glance at Namjoon’s toned, firm pecs.

Jimin remains enthralled as Namjoon speaks to him and quickly nods in response. Jungkook supposes he can’t blame him. Namjoon’s position is quite impressive, even if it makes him egoistic and insufferable.

“Would it be possible to steal Jungkook-ssi for a dance?” Namjoon asks, glancing at Jungkook with those damn sharp eyes of his. “Of course, as long as Jungkook-ssi will have me.”

Jungkook is speechless and tries not to squirm under the alpha’s gaze. This was the last thing he expected Namjoon to do.

“Please, go ahead!” Jimin replies, far too enthusiastically, before Jungkook can even process what is happening.

He steps away, nearly bumping into Yoongi, leaving Jungkook to the sharks. Yoongi’s eyes follow Jimin through the crowd, forgetting about Beomgyu completely for a moment.

Jimin, too, can’t seem to take his eyes off Yoongi for a moment, only snapping out of the daze when someone else gets his attention.

People are staring now, so Jungkook acts fast as a fierce blush spreads across his face. “Let’s dance then,” he mumbles, reaching forward and grabbing Namjoon by the bicep, his toned, thick bicep.

Namjoon frowns as they get into position. Jungkook, however, pays him no mind. He’s not going to let Namjoon win. If this egotistical alpha wants to dance so badly, then they’ll dance.

Throughout the entire thing, Namjoon looks like he’s in physical pain, which only serves to piss Jungkook off even more. It’s funny how this alpha was all smiles and sweet words, but now, he’s acting like Jungkook is throwing him onto the surface and leaving him to suffocate surrounded by air and the hot sun.

“You’re good at dancing,” Namjoon mumbles, looking away from Jungkook.

Jungkook narrows his eyes and frowns. “Did you think I would be bad?” The nerve of this man! “Is that why you invited me to dance?”

Was his goal all along to embarrass Jungkook!?

Namjoon becomes horrified. “No, that’s not—”

The dance ends, and with that, Jungkook starts to make his departure, not caring about how many people are staring at them. His aunt looks beyond delighted, too bad his dance with Namjoon isn’t going anywhere.

“I know what game you’re playing,” Jungkook whispers at Namjoon, leaning in close. “Sadly, you won’t be winning it.”

“Game?” Namjoon asks, frowning again.

“The nerve of you,” Jungkook scoffs, leaving before Namjoon can get another word in.

“That man is simply insufferable,” Jungkook laments to his brothers as he passes by them, swimming away, all while ignoring the fierce blush on his face.

He never wants to see or dance with Kim Namjoon ever again.

“Kim Seokjin couldn’t keep his eyes off you the entire night,” Jungkook whispers as he and Taehyung lie in his nest.

Taehyung hides his face behind his hands, and his scent sweetens. “You lie.”

Jungkook scoffs and scoots closer. “It’s the truth,” he points out, trying to pull Taehyung’s hands away from his face. “It would’ve been surprising if he hadn’t looked at you even once,” he admits, smiling when Taehyung’s face comes into view. “I would’ve feared him to be blind.”

Taehyung shoves at Jungkook as his face blushes a fierce shade of red. “Nothing might come of it,” he reminds his brother.

“Aunt Hyunjung has already started planning the mating ceremony, I fear,” Jungkook laughs. “I’ve never seen her so happy.”

“She’s always been one to act before thinking things through,” Taehyung mumbles. “Poor Yoongi-ssi, though, I do wonder what’ll happen to him now.”

“Hopefully nothing that concerns us,” Jungkook admits.

“He’s a nice alpha,” Taehyung says. “I hope he finds someone who’s worthy of him.”

With that, they sleep, and Jungkook ends up tossing and turning all night as he dreams (more like has a nightmare) of Kim Namjoon.

Their aunt, to no one’s surprise, doesn’t stop talking about Seokjin for the next few days. It’s honestly impressive how long she goes on about the alpha, speaking of him as if she’s known him since the day he entered the ocean.

“Oh, I just knew Taehyung-ie would be the one to mate well,” their aunt confesses while they eat breakfast. Her eyes are bright as she rambles. “He’s always been the best looking,” she points out, making Jungkook and his younger brothers roll their eyes when she isn’t glancing in their direction. “He takes after your father's side of the family, after all!”

“Aunt Hyunjung, Seokjin-ssi hasn’t actually proposed mating to him yet, much less a courtship,” Yeonjun reminds her, leaning away when she turns her glare at him. “I’m only stating facts here…”

“Well, we need to be optimistic!” She declares, not the least bit deterred. “Imagine if your brother were to mate with him, it would open the doors for all of you to mate well!”

“Yeonjun-ie is right,” Jungkook decides to join in on the teasing, mostly because he loves getting under her skin. “They’ve only just met; who knows what’ll come of this.”

Taehyung grins, even more so when Beomgyu and Soobin join in on the teasing. “I know we’ve just met, but I do believe he’s different.”

“Oh, you like him!” Huening gasps, talking with a mouth full of food. It doesn’t take long for their aunt to scold him, not that it does any good. “Sorry!”

“If I do?” Taehyung defends himself, blushing now. “He’s a good alpha.”

“A good alpha with a six pack and a salary of five thousand pearls…” Beomgyu reminds everyone, laughing.

“This is not the type of conversation proper omegas should have, much less at breakfast!” Their aunt reminds them. “…Even if those things are true!”

Much to her dismay, no one listens, and breakfast is full of her scolding and even more teasing from the omegas.

Yoongi is, just as Jungkook suspected, an opportunist and nothing more.

In an ideal world, Yoongi would be left behind and discarded, but sadly, Jungkook’s family does not have that luxury, not when they could lose the estate if none of them manage to find good mates.

Yoongi comes to pay them a visit two weeks after the ball and proposes his intent to court and mate Taehyung before midday.

This is a problem because, since the night of the ball, Taehyung has been spending time with Seokjin, and it’s obvious to Jungkook that the two are getting along. It’s been nothing more than Seokjin coming over and spending time with Taehyung in their coral reef gardens, but still, in their aunt’s eyes, they might as well be eloping. She’s been over the moon and telling all her friends that her nephew is going to be mating well, practically into royalty.

At least their aunt has enough sense to dismiss Yoongi’s proposal. She knows how beneficial a mating between Taehyung and Seokjin would be for their family. It would secure them for life and keep the estate safe.

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible,” their aunt lets Yoongi down easy. “Taehyung-ie has been spending time with Seokjin-ssi as of late, and we expect a courting proposal soon.”

Yoongi seems displeased by this, and if Jungkook were still a child, he would stick his tongue out and dismiss the alpha from their home. Well, he does feel a bit bad when Yoongi’s scent turns sour with sadness. Perhaps he shouldn’t be so cruel.

Then, their aunt locks eyes with Jungkook and gives him that look, and just like that, Jungkook knows she’s about to doom him with her next words. He was a fool for thinking she would give someone like Yoongi up so easily.

“But I don’t see the harm in you getting to know my other nephew, Jungkook-ie,” their aunt offers, as if Jungkook is nothing more than freshly caught tuna at the market. “Of course, he isn’t as easy on the eyes as my other nephew, but he’s a good omega, I assure you!”

Jungkook’s blood runs cold, and Taehyung’s eyes go so wide that Jungkook fears they’ll pop out of his head. From the other side of the door, four gasps are heard, most likely from their nosey younger brothers.

Yoongi considers this for a moment as he looks between Jungkook and Taehyung. He seems more stressed than anything as he thinks things over.

“I suppose I would not be opposed,” Yoongi admits, narrowing his eyes at Jungkook as if he were assessing some sort of legal document rather than a person. “Though, only if Jungkook-ssi is willing.”

Jungkook scoffs in disbelief and tries to find the words as he glares at his aunt. “I—“

“Jungkook,” his aunt smiles at him, but it’s forced, and if looks could kill, he’d already be dead.

He can’t even speak, can’t even begin to gather his thoughts, so instead, he moves away from the table and doesn’t even look back as he darts out of the estate, hearing his aunt call after him.

Absolutely not.

He will deal with this later, but not now. He knows their situation is not ideal, but really, must his aunt just offer him up to whatever alpha comes their way? To add insult to injury, Yoongi wasn’t even interested in Jungkook; he’s only considering him because Taehyung is no longer available. Well, not that Yoongi was that interested in Taehyung to begin with.

“Jungkook-ah!” Their aunt screams as she rushes after him, followed by Soobin and Beomgyu. “I know you can hear me!”

“Get back here!” She demands, but it only makes Jungkook swim faster toward the outskirts of their estate.

“Yoongi-ssi is not a bad choice for a mate!” His aunt tries to reason with him. “Sure, he only earns two thousand pearls, but still, you would live well!”

Jungkook doesn’t listen to his aunt and pushes himself to swim as hard as he can over the structures as he heads towards the outskirts of their estate. He’d be a fool to head for the surface because his aunt will lock onto him and follow, or worse, send Soobin and Beomgyu. That’s the last thing he wants right now.

He already knows what she’ll say, and he knows deep down that she’ll end up convincing him to mate Yoongi. He cares far too much about his family to be selfish.

It doesn’t take him too long to make it to the outskirts where schools of fish come and go, small creatures move across the bottom, and not a soul lingers. Finally, he can relax and be alone for a moment.

He remains there for some time, collecting shells and such things. He knows his aunt won’t follow him this far out. She’s never done so before, claiming that no proper mer would ever do such a thing. Never did he think her poshness would be his saving grace.

To his surprise, it’s not one of his brothers who comes to find him after a few hours, but Yoongi.

Instantly, he’s on guard and waiting for the alpha to try to convince him to mate with him.

“Jungkook-ssi?” Yoongi hesitantly asks as he swims toward the omega. He’s got a wrapped package in one hand and holds it out in an offering. “Your aunt asked me to bring you this; it’s the breakfast you left behind. Taehyung-ssi would’ve come after you himself, but—”

Jungkook nods and takes it, still not trusting. “My aunt,” he says in understanding. “She must not let him.”

“Can we speak for a moment?” Yoongi asks. “I don’t like how we left things back there. It was never my intention to make any of you uncomfortable or anything of the sort.”

Jungkook feels a little awkward but nods either way. It feels rude to turn Yoongi away, given that the alpha hasn’t really done much to upset him. Still, his guard remains up.

“I know you aren’t interested in mating me,” Yoongi admits. “I have no interest in mating you or Taehyung-ssi either, for that matter.”

“…What?” Jungkook asks as a confused expression paints his face. “But you came and proposed courtship to my brother. Why would you go through all that hassle for nothing?”

Yoongi rubs his nape and sighs. “It's complicated, but I’m mostly trying to find a mate because my family keeps pressuring me to settle down,” he explains. “I like to believe that I’m a mellow, agreeable alpha, so as long as I find someone that isn’t too different from me, we could make it work,” he goes on. “Every day that I don’t find someone, the pressure increases.”

Jungkook nods as he listens, feeling his hackles settle. Clearly, Yoongi isn’t here to convince him of anything.

“I understand that you’re not willing to mate me, and I wouldn’t want your aunt to force you,” Yoongi admits. “I want my mating to start off well with a partner who wants to be with me. I came to tell you that I’ve told your aunt that I am not interested anymore and won’t be returning to seek your hand, so please, go home without any worry.”

Jungkook isn’t sure what to say. He’s a bit shocked, truth be told. This is not what he expected Yoongi to say. He misjudged the alpha, it seems. Still, Yoongi is far too optimistic if he thinks Jungkook’s aunt will go down that easily.

“You’re serious?” Jungkook asks, trying to make sure he isn’t hallucinating or anything of the sort.

Yoongi nods. “I am,” he swears. “Besides…I have been hearing that someone else is already interested in you, and it’s not my intention to intervene.”

“In me?” Jungkook asks in confusion. “ I haven’t the faintest idea of who that could be.”

“You danced with him at the Kang clan’s ball,” Yoongi reminds him, furrowing his eyebrows in clear confusion. “The emperor’s champion, Kim Namjoon.”

Jungkook blinks, once, twice, thrice, before scoffing in disbelief. “I believe you have been hearing wrong, Yoongi-ssi,” he rushes to explain, ignoring the flush in his cheeks. “Namjoon-ssi and I are the furthest thing from being interested in each other.”

Yoongi frowns. “Surely, I didn’t mishear—”

Jungkook will not hear anymore of Kim Namjoon. “I promise you that you have,” he argues. “But that aside, thank you, Yoongi-ssi, for this. My aunt would’ve kept pushing if you had not. She is not easily deterred.”

“Of course,” Yoongi says, offering Jungkook a soft smile. “I’ll be off now.”

It’s as he’s turning to leave that someone new arrives, nearly knocking into the alpha from how fast they’re swimming toward Jungkook.

“Oh!” Jimin exclaims. “Yoongi-ssi, I didn’t know you were here,” he mumbles, looking between Jungkook and Yoongi with a surprised expression. “Taehyung-ie asked me to check on Jungkook-ie since he hadn’t come back, and he didn’t mention anything about you being here with him,” he rambles, a clear indicator that he’s nervous. “I didn’t mean to interrupt!”

Yoongi shakes his head. “You were not interrupting, rest assured, Jimin-ssi, I was just about to leave.”

“I’m glad then,” Jimin admits, swimming over to Jungkook. “Are you alright, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook nods and moves to grab his bag of trinkets as well as the package that Yoongi brought him. He made the bag out of seaweed in an effort to kill time as he waited to go home after searching for trinkets, hoping that his aunt’s anger would simmer by the time he returned.

“I’m fine now, I swear,” Jungkook says to Jimin, offering him a smile and intertwining their tails in a show of affection. “I had a disagreement with my aunt, but it’s been dealt with now. I think it’s time I head home before it gets too dark and the sharks emerge.”

Jimin nods. “Of course,” he says. “Do you need me to accompany you home?”

“No, you live in the opposite direction and so much further, I don’t want to trouble you,” Jungkook says, knowing most mers of their status rarely are seen out after dark alone. The last thing he wants is for Jimin to get scolded as well. “It’ll be dark by the time you get back.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I arrive home after dark,” Jimin points out, grinning mischievously. “Truly, I wouldn’t mind it.”

“I’m heading in the direction of your family’s estate, Jimin-ssi. I could accompany you home, if you’d like,” Yoongi offers, much to Jungkook and Jimin’s surprise. “It’s on my way, and I wouldn’t mind seeing your family’s estate in the process. I’ve heard that your father raises prized groupers.”

Jimin nods. “He does, it’s his favorite pastime! You’re more than welcome to my family’s estate,” he offers. “You should join us for dinner tonight, it would please my parents to host you as a guest. I’m sure my father would be delighted to show you his prized groupers,” he rambles, a clear indicator that he’s nervous.

“I would love to join,” Yoongi accepts, much to Jimin’s delight. “Will you be alright getting home, Jungkook-ssi?”

“Yes, and thank you again,” Jungkook says to Yoongi. “You have no idea how much your words have meant to me.”

Jungkook and Jimin share a confused expression, silently communicating regarding Yoongi, wondering why he offered to accompany Jimin home.

Later, we’ll talk, Jimin mouths at Jungkook.

Jungkook nods as he watches Yoongi and Jimin swim away together.

With that, Jungkook swims home, where his brothers waste no time in bombarding him as soon as he enters the estate. Luckily, his aunt is dining with some friends, probably distraught over Yoongi leaving, so he is able to avoid her for a bit longer.

“We were worried sick!” Taehyung scolds him. “We almost sent a search party out for you once you didn’t return, even after Jimin-ie went looking.”

Soobin nods, always the worrier of the bunch. Honestly, one would think him to be the oldest brother with how much he stresses over his siblings. “Especially because it was getting darker, hyung.”

“I told them you would be alright,” Yeonjun says, rolling his eyes at his brothers’ dramatics. “You know the outskirts inside and out better than anyone I know.”

They caught Huening sneaking soon after Jungkook returned. The young omega nearly cries with joy when they tell him their aunt isn’t home yet. After their aunt went berserk, he went to spend the afternoon with his friend, Taehyun, in an effort to avoid her.

“I thought I was a goner!” Huening expresses, before grinning, his fear of their aunt, long forgotten. “You’ll never guess what Taehyun told me today.”

Beomgyu swims closer to him. “What did he say?”

Yeonjun urges him on, always the gossiper. “Well?”

Huening preens, scent turning sweet with excitement. “One of the emperor’s most decorated battalions is being stationed in the capital city for a few weeks!”

“Soldiers!” Yeonjun gasps, eyes wide. “This is amazing news!”

“Some of the most handsome alphas and betas you’ve ever seen!” Huening rambles on. “Taehyun-ie saw them himself!”

Soobin can’t help but join in. “Truly, they’ll be coming?”

“Yes!” Huening swears. “They arrived yesterday and are expected to be invited to the next event that’s being hosted. I can hardly wait!”

The younger omegas all preen in excitement, always eager to meet and mingle with newcomers.

Taehyung and Jungkook can’t help but roll their eyes, knowing fully well they were the same when they were younger.

“Surely, you wouldn’t have that type of reaction if we were gossiping about Seokjin-ssi!” Yeonjun calls Taehyung out, making the oldest brother blush.

Taehyung says nothing and instead swims after Yeonjun with the intent to murder. He gives chase, much to the horrified expressions of the staff of the estate. They nearly destroy the main room during their game.

Good thing their aunt isn’t home to reprimand them.

It only takes one week for his aunt’s anger to dissolve regarding Yoongi and for Jimin to come visit, bearing the most unexpected news.

She’d been delighted to hear about the soldiers coming to the city. It’d been the perfect distraction.

“Hyung?” Jungkook smiles when Jimin comes to find him in the coral reef gardens of his home. It’s where Jungkook has been spending his time whenever he isn’t hunting for trinkets. Taehyung has been busy getting etiquette lessons from their aunt since she swears Seokjin-ssi is going to propose courting soon. “I was not expecting a visit from you, but this is a wonderful surprise,” he admits. “What brings you?”

“Jungkook-ah,” Jimin greets him, looking and smelling a bit anxious. “Have you been well?”

“I’ve been well. Is everything alright?” Jungkook asks, frowning as he sees Jimin fidget. “Did something happen?”

“Well, yes, something did happen, but rest assured, everything is fine, amazing even,” Jimin promises, swimming closer. He holds up his hand for Jungkook to see, and on his finger is a beautiful ring. “…I’m courting Min Yoongi.”

Jungkook doesn’t know what to say for a moment. His brain stops functioning as he tries to process Jimin’s words.

Min Yoongi?

Min Yoongi!

Once Jimin is close enough, Jungkook reaches for the older omega’s hand to get a closer look at the ring. “You’re courting Min Yoongi?!”

The fish in the garden scatter from the fright.

Jimin nods, blushing a little, but his scent smells of nothing but pure excitement. “Yes, we’re officially courting as of three days ago when he came and officially asked me. My parents are nothing but delighted at the turn of events. I am as well.”

Jungkook’s head is spinning. He can’t believe what’s happening. It’s not that he isn’t happy for Jimin, but the omega has barely just met Yoongi, and now he’s telling Jungkook that they’re going to be mates? It doesn’t make sense.

“But you hardly know him,” Jungkook points out, letting go of Jimin’s hand.

“I’m getting to know him now,” Jimin defends his mate-to-be. “He’s a good alpha, and I’m optimistic for the future with him. He comes from a good family, of good breeding, has a nice salary, and my parents approve of him. I couldn’t possibly ask for anything else.”

The frown on Jungkook’s face deepens. “What about all your preaching regarding romance in a mating?”

Jimin’s excitement dies down a little at the mention of that.

“Hyung, I’m just trying to understand where you’re coming from here,” Jungkook tries to explain everything that’s swimming through his mind at the moment. “You have prospects, other alphas and betas that would give anything to court you,” he points out. “But you’ve chosen an alpha you hardly know that was here not even a month ago, asking for my older brother’s hand.”

“I know that,” Jimin states with a little bit of bite to his words. “Jungkook-ah, listen…it’s complicated, just know that he’s a good alpha and truthfully, he’s offering me something no one else has: a home and protection. Plus, my parents approve of him, and they’re not easily pleased.” He frowns. “Sure, I’ve had other prospects, but I never would’ve imagined someone of Yoongi-ssi’s status would give me a second glance.”

“Hyung—”

“He likes me and noticed me at the Kang clan’s ball, actually. I would be a fool not to accept his proposal,” Jimin admits. “Besides, his situation isn’t much different than mine. His family wants him mated before the end of the year, and so does mine, given our ages,” he goes on. “This is the best outcome I could’ve hoped for, and I’m going to take it. It’s alright if you don’t understand where I’m coming from. I wouldn’t expect you to, given your family’s status and how much freedom you’ve been given. I’ve never had that luxury.”

Jungkook nods, swimming closer to Jimin to pull him into a hug. “No, I understand now,” he swears. “I’m sorry, hyung, I know your parents have been pressuring you. It was never my intention to make you feel bad,” he apologizes. “If you like Yoongi-ssi and you’ll have him, well, then it is not my place to question you.”

Jimin’s scent turns sweet again. “You’ll visit me once I move into his home?”

Jungkook smiles, but it’s a little strained. “Of course!” He can already imagine the trouble they’ll get into, though, and well if Jimin trusts Yoongi, he will too. “I just hope he’s prepared to spoil you rotten, it’s the least you deserve.”

“He’s been good to me so far,” Jimin confesses, blushing.

“Well, now I must know!” Jungkook presses. “What has someone as shy as Yoongi-ssi done to have you blushing like that?!”

They stay in the garden for the rest of the afternoon, and it’s no surprise when Taehyung joins them after his lessons are done.

“You’re WHAT?!” Taehyung exclaims, nearly fainting from the surprise when Jimin tells him the news.

It’s safe to say Jimin ends up spending the night, given how long the three of them end up chatting together.

A day after Jimin’s visit, Taehyung receives an invitation to have dinner at Seokjin’s estate, much to their aunt’s delight and Taehyung’s panic.

“It’s happening!” Their aunt screeches as she swims around their home as if she’s been hooked on a line. “It’s happening!”

Taehyung is a mess of nerves, but there’s clear excitement lingering in his scent as well. “I didn’t think he’d invite me over so soon.”

The younger four brothers watch as their aunt loses her mind from the sidelines, knowing better than to get caught in her path, lest they want to face her wrath.

“If he invited you, it’s good news; you shouldn’t be nervous,” Jungkook tries to calm Taehyung down. “He’s been here to visit you a few times already. This is a good sign if he’s inviting you over. It means he’s still intent on courting you.”

“You think so?” Taehyung asks, trying to shake off the nerves. “It’s just—this is a big deal. His brother will be there, so will Namjoon-ssi.”

Jungkook can’t help it when his eye twitches at the mention of that egoist alpha. “Well, some things can’t be helped…”

His reaction seems to get Taehyung to laugh and settle down a bit.

“Don’t worry, I’ll try my best to slight him in your honor,” Taehyung swears with a wink.

“It’s your duty as my older brother,” Jungkook teases him.

“I’ve got it!” Their aunt declares suddenly, startling poor Soobin. “Taehyung-ah, you’ll make the journey to Seokjin-ssi’s estate on your own!”

Soobin frowns. “But that’s so dangerous. It’ll be dark by the time dinner finishes. How will hyung even get home?”

Their aunt throws her hands up in the air, looking at Soobin as if he’s just sprouted two tails. “My dear child, that’s the point,” she stresses. “Then, Seokjin-ssi will have no choice but to invite Taehyung-ie to spend the night!”

“But it might look improper of him, arriving alone,” Soobin argues, always so reasonable. “One of us could go with him as company or moral support.”

“I’ll go!” Yeonjun volunteers.

“No, send me!” Huening yells over him.

“Be quiet, I’ll go!” Yeonjun tries to shut his baby brother up.

Huening groans. “You always—”

“Both of you aren’t going anywhere! It’ll be fine!” Their aunt decides, mind already made up. “He’ll go on hippocampus-back and that’s that.”

“You’re not even planning on sending him in the carriage?!” Jungkook can’t believe their aunt. “You know he gets motion sickness from riding hippocampus-back. He’ll surely fall ill.”

“Just trust my plan!” She argues, clearly over her nephews arguing against her, and being sensible. “We’re trying to get your brother mated off to a good alpha, and sometimes sacrifices must be made! Besides, a small illness never killed anyone.”

“Actually, illness kills many mers every year,” Beomgyu silently adds to the discussion.

Their aunt turns her glare onto Beomgyu.

So, just like that, Taehyung gets dressed and sent on his way toward Seokjin-ssi’s estate for dinner, on hippocampus-back, as their aunt cheers him on. Taehyung, ever the good nephew, doesn’t fight it, probably far too excited to have dinner with Seokjin.

Jungkook would normally be more against this, but he’s seen Taehyung and Seokjin interact. It’s clear as day that the alpha cares about Taehyung, so Jungkook is sure that his brother will be fine. Still, their aunt has such unorthodox methods when it comes to getting what she wants. It’s pure luck she managed to keep them all alive for this long.

It’s no surprise when they receive word the following day from one of the staff members from Seokjin-ssi’s estate that Taehyung had fallen ill after dinner.

Of course, he fell ill!

Their aunt preens in delight at the news. “Oh, now he’ll have to stay there until he’s recovered! This is simply splendid.”

Jungkook sets off to see him as soon as daylight appears. His aunt tries to stop him, insisting that Jungkook is going to ruin this precious bonding moment between Taehyung and Seokjin, but he won’t hear it. He’s going to check on his brother and make sure he’s alright.

Then, just to upset her more, he decides to swim there, as if he’s some common mer, and his aunt nearly faints. Good thing his younger brothers manage to distract her with talk of the soldiers; suddenly, she’s all smiles as they head into town to catch a glimpse.

It takes Jungkook a good bit of time to reach Seokjin’s estate, but finally, it comes into view, and it is breathtaking. There is more than the eye can see.

He isn’t one to be materialistic, but deep down, he hopes this works out for Taehyung because his brother deserves this and so much more. Taehyung has been taking care of him and their younger brothers for so long now. He deserves happiness and everything this world has to offer him. Seokjin is a good alpha, and he can make Taehyung so happy.

Jungkook is promptly greeted by the staff upon his arrival and taken into the main room, where, to his surprise, he finds Namjoon mingling with Seokjin and Hoseok.

Immediately, his mood sours a bit because he did not expect Namjoon to still be here. He tries his best to keep his emotions to himself, though. This is about Taehyung, after all!

“Jungkook-ssi, what a surprise,” Seokjin greets him. “I wasn’t expecting your visit, but it’s certainly welcome. I presume you’re here to see your brother.”

Namjoon greets Jungkook and averts his eyes as if the omega isn’t worthy of his gaze.

Whatever.

Jungkook tries not to let it get to him and ignores the alpha, instead focusing his attention on Seokjin and Hoseok. “Yes, I received word that he’s fallen ill, and it worried me, so I made the journey here to see him as soon as I could.”

“That’s understandable, but I assure you, he’s being taken care of here by the best,” Seokjin swears. “I would never let any sort of harm come to your brother,” he confesses, and then the tip of his ears turns bright red. “He means a great deal to me.”

Hoseok can’t help but smile at his brother’s reaction, and Jungkook takes that as a good sign. He doesn’t even glance to see what kind of reaction Namjoon has because it’s most likely a stuck-up one.

Seokjin requests that Jungkook wait until Taehyung has awoken for him to see his brother, since the omega apparently barely slept the night before due to his illness. Jungkook, with some hesitation, agrees and makes small talk with Hoseok instead to pass the time.

Hoseok is a proper omega, posh and polished. He’s well read, educated, knows how to dance, speaks well, and possesses every talent under the sun. It’s what is expected of an accomplished omega of their standing, but goodness, Jungkook isn’t sure how Hoseok is able to do all of that and not go insane. He truly admires him.

Jungkook knows that he and his brothers should be like Hoseok, and maybe in an ideal world, they would be if their parents were still alive. But alas, their aunt could not make them into accomplished, posh omegas, no matter how hard she tried and still does. Taehyung is the closest to being tame, and even he is still a bit rambunctious.

They’re far too hardheaded and would rather go off and do something else than attend their lessons. He also knows that this is a fact that does not escape their acquaintances, and people most likely gossip about them. He might feel upset about it, but he knows fully well that he and his brothers gossip about others right back so it even out, he supposes.

“What is that?” Hoseok asks, pointing toward Jungkook’s satchel that’s full of trinkets.

He’d only brought it along in case he had a moment to go exploring late, since he rarely comes this way. He didn’t think anyone would notice, and well, now that he thinks about it, it does stand out.

“Oh, it’s my bag of trinkets,” Jungkook answers, feeling a bit shy now that everyone is looking at his bag. “I carry it with me whenever I leave my family’s estate in case I find something while out and about.”

Namjoon quirks an eyebrow, and suddenly, Jungkook’s shyness is replaced with annoyance. “Trinkets?”

Jungkook nods, perhaps a little stiff and far too defensive, as if the trinkets are his children. “Yes, I enjoy collecting trinkets in the outskirts, and sometimes I venture toward the surface to see what I can find. It’s a nice way to pass the time.”

Namjoons hums, and his eyebrows furrow as if he’s deep in thought.

“What is it, Namjoon-ssi?” Jungkook presses because he can never let things go.

“Nothing, it’s just that you’re quite the unorthodox omega, that’s all,” Namjoon confesses. “From what I have learned about you and from my observations.”

Hoseok and Seokjin look at Namjoon with wide eyes, as if not believing the alpha just said that. Seokjin then rolls his eyes and grins, and Namjoon does his best to avoid the alpha.

Namjoon shakes his head, flustered now. “You swam here instead of taking a carriage, which is unusual as well.”

“I enjoy it,” Jungkook defends himself. “I wouldn’t expect everyone to understand.”

His scent must turn sharp because Hoseok steps in and begins telling Jungkook about his mate, Yoonji, a noble alpha woman. She is from a good family and was introduced to Hoseok by Seokjin. Jungkook can’t say he’s too surprised to learn that Hoseok married well.

It’s then that Jungkook realizes just how far apart they are in society. Of course, Jungkook and his family aren’t commoners, but they’re still nowhere near Hoseok, Seokjin, and Namjoon’s status. Even compared to Hoseok, they might as well be a different species of omegas.

For a moment, he has doubts that Taehyung could mate with Seokjin, but then he sees one of the staff members come and tell Seokjin that Taehyung has awakened, and the alpha’s face lights up before ordering that breakfast be taken to him, along with his medication.

He seems worried about Taehyung, more than Jungkook expected him to be, so the omega will take it as a good sign. He hopes he is wrong about Seokjin and Hoseok. He’s probably right about Namjoon, though.

Thankfully, Jungkook doesn’t have to endure being judged by Namjoon as he’s escorted toward the guest quarters where Taehyung is.

He can’t help but admire the decoration and detail as he makes his way. Seokjin has certainly put a lot of effort into this estate since he arrived. Jungkook is sure that his aunt would explode from the sheer joy of seeing the estate that her nephew could possibly reside in if the mating goes through. Good thing she did not come, or else she might never leave.

“Oh, hyung,” Jungkook bemoans once he sees the state that Taehyung is in. “Look at you.”

His brother is nestled in a large nest, made of extravagant material. It seems that Seokjin has been taking good care of Taehyung after all, and it wasn’t just talk.

“Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung mumbles, voice cracking. “You came to see me.”

Jungkook playfully scoffs and makes his way over. “You say that as if I would ever abandon you,” he teases as he brushes Taehyung’s hair out of his face. “I am not that easy to get rid of, dear brother.”

Taehyung smiles, and for a moment, his sickly scent turns a little sweet. “I fell ill shortly after dinner.”

“I knew this would happen,” Jungkook laments, shaking his head. “Yet she insisted you ride here anyway.”

“She means well,” Taehyung defends their aunt as his eyes flutter from the fever. He’s always been far too forgiving.

“Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if she loves us or wishes us to perish,” Jungkook mumbles. “Do tell me, are they treating you well here?” He leans in closer. “Say the word and I’ll take you home.”

Taehyung nods. “Seokjin-ssi has been so good to me,” he confesses. “He was so worried when I fell ill during dinner and wouldn’t leave my side until the doctor told him I needed rest,” he goes on, preeing at having such an attentive alpha. “Hoseok-ssi has been good to me as well. Namjoon-ssi too, but don’t worry, I’ve kept my distance out of solidarity for you.”

Jungkook scoffs at the mention of Namjoon and rolls his eyes. He knows it’s juvenile, but he cannot help it. Namjoon makes him act so irrationally sometimes!

“Did Namjoon-ssi say something to you when you arrived?” Taehyung wonders as he looks at the expression on Jungkook’s face. “I would surely hope that isn’t the case.”

He’s always been far too good at reading Jungkook. He’s the best older brother Jungkook could ever have.

“Nothing you should worry about,” Jungkook reassures him. “He’s just so–ugh,” he can’t even find the words to describe the man. “Honestly, it’s all fine, hyung, don’t you worry, just focus on getting better.”

“Well, you shouldn’t let him upset you too much,” Taehyung advises, sniffling. “Seokjin-ssi said he might be leaving soon to visit his sister, so you won’t be seeing much of him for a while.”

“Good riddance,” Jungkook mumbles, laughing when Taehyung starts to laugh. “Really, though, you’re comfortable here? I could get the carriage brought here and take you home in no time if you’d like.”

Taehyung nods as he taps the end of his tail against the nest. “I should be better by tomorrow, hopefully, and then, I’ll come home,” he promises. “I fear that if I go home now, our aunt might banish me for ruining my so-called opportunity,” he admits. “Besides, it’s nice having Seokjin-ssi fluster over me.”

Jungkook shakes his head. “I wouldn’t put it past her, honestly. You’d be homeless within an hour of arriving.”

They end up giggling together for a bit before Taehyung starts fighting sleep, and Jungkook takes that as his sign to let his brother rest.

He leaves Taehyung to sleep and joins Namjoon, Hoseok, and Seokjin again. He feels better now that he’s seen his brother and can rest easy knowing everything is fine. Still, leaving Taehyung is hard, but he knows that they’re not children anymore, and eventually, they’ll both be mated and living separately.

“I’ll be departing now, thank you again for taking care of my brother,” Jungkook tells Seokjin. “He seems to be in high spirits despite his illness.”

Seokjin nods. “Of course, and please, come back tomorrow to see him,” he offers. “I’m sure you being around will help him get better faster.”

It’s as he’s leaving the estate that he sees Namjoon following after him. For a moment, Jungkook wonders if he forgot something and what misfortune Namjoon must have to bring him the item.

He looks down at his bag of trinkets and doesn’t find anything missing.

“Jungkook-ssi,” Namjoon says once he’s reached him, looking nervous. “You’re swimming home, I take it?”

Jungkook nods, still trying to figure out what exactly the alpha wants. “Yes, I only came to see my brother, but I’m off now.”

Namjoon frowns and stays quiet for a moment before speaking again. “May I speak frankly?”

“Of course,” Jungkook replies, a little surprised at the question because from his experience, Namjoon is nothing but blunt and direct.

“...Have I done something to upset you, Jungkook-ssi?” Namjoon asks him.

Jungkook blinks because that’s the last thing he expected Namjoon to say. First and foremost, Namjoon is the one who has an issue with Jungkook, not the other way around, so he isn’t even sure where to go from here.

“To upset me?” Jungkook repeats, just to make sure he’s not hearing things. “Is that what you’re asking?”

“Yes, you seem distant whenever you speak with me,” Namjoon admits, frowning again, like it bothers him or something of the sort.

Jungkook wants nothing more than to wipe that frown off Namjoon’s face. Honestly, the nerve of this man to come and ask him this! Also, why is he even frowning?

He takes a deep breath and tries to keep himself calm. He won’t ruin this for Taehyung. He can hold it together even if it means dealing with Namjoon.

“If this is because of what I said about you being unorthodox, I did not mean it in a condescending way,” Namjoon apologizes, rubbing the back of his nape as he apologizes. “I think the way you approach life is different than most, and it’s never a bad thing to be different. It’s admirable, really.”

Jungkook nods as he listens. “Some people would argue that it is bad in my situation, given my status and all.”

“People will talk regardless,” Namjoon points out before changing the subject. The atmosphere is still a bit awkward around them, and Namjoon seems to be searching for a way around it. “…Were you going to scout for trinkets right now?”

“Yes,” Jungkook replies and chooses to ignore the awkwardness for Taehyung’s sake. “I don’t come this way often, so I thought I would take my time and see what I could find.”

“I’ll accompany you,” Namjoon insists, but his expression is still nervous, nothing like the charismatic expression he gives other people.

It’s so odd, and Jungkook doesn’t get why Namjoon acts this way with him yet acts so friendly with everyone else.

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow as he tries to make sense of the alpha. “Did Seokjin-ssi ask you to do that?” It’s possible. “Rest assured, I don’t need you to, if that’s the case.”

“He did not ask that of me,” Namjoon confesses. “I was the one who decided to follow after you.”

“I mean no offense, Namjoon-ssi, but going into the outskirts to collect trinkets isn’t something…something I would think you are used to,” Jungkook tries his best to explain without coming off rude. “It’s mostly digging in the sand and whatnot, nothing noble or proper about it.”

“I don’t mind,” Namjoon insists, but his expression says otherwise. “Truly!”

Jungkook narrows his eyes as he thinks. Suddenly, a mean idea pops into his head.

“Sure, join me,” Jungkook decides, already swimming away toward the outskirts.

If Namjoon wants to join him that badly with that dreadful expression, so be it. Who is Jungkook to turn him away? Stupid, handsome, Namjoon.

Chapter Text

It’s late in the afternoon when they get done, and they’re both completely filthy, almost comically so. It’s dirtier than Jungkook usually gets, and well, that was part of his mean plan.

He purposely sought out the dirtiest searching places he could think of in order to deter Namjoon, but to his surprise and amusement, the alpha did not complain even once.

Namjoon, especially, is dirty since he accidentally picked up a squid that shot ink at him. Jungkook almost died from holding in his laughter.

All in all, he had a great time with Namjoon. He hadn’t expected it, but it was a much-welcomed surprise.

“Was it everything you thought it would be?” Jungkook asks as his family’s estate comes into view. He shakes the sand out of his hair. “I know sometimes reality is often disappointing.”

Namjoon had insisted on accompanying him home despite the fact that he sported that dreadful expression the entire time they were scouring for trinkets.

“Yes,” Namjoon admits. “It was different, but I didn’t mind it.”

Then, after a moment, Namjoon adds shyly. “You resembled the Jorunna parva we came across.”

Jungkook blinks as he turns to look at the alpha. “The what?”

“You called them sea bunnies when you saw them,” Namjoon mumbles.

“You think I look like a sea bunny?” Jungkook asks, and he can’t help but smile.

Namjoon looks away. “…Yes.”

Everything that comes out of Namjoon’s mouth never fails to surprise Jungkook. He does, however, turn back around before Namjoon sees the silly blush that spreads across Jungkook’s face at the comparison.

It’s then that Jungkook sees that his brothers, along with their aunt, are outside the estate, with Seokjin nonetheless. Well, this is certainly unexpected.

This might put a huge damper on Jungkook’s mean plan. He hadn’t expected anyone to see Namjoon in this state and figured his aunt and brothers would still be out. He’d planned on helping the alpha clean up before sending him home.

“You should host a ball, Seokjin-ssi, I bet it would make my hyung feel better so much faster!” Huening begs Seokjin, and Yeonjun nods in agreement. “I just know it’s the remedy he needs, trust me!”

Seokjin nods and chuckles. “I’ll take it into consideration,” he swears. “As soon as your brother is well, I’ll speak with him about preparations and do my best to host a ball to his liking.”

Huening and Yeonjun preen in delight, all while avoiding their aunt’s glares.

Soobin shakes his head in disapproval, but his eyes are bright, clearly just excited for the ball.

Their aunt goes back to speaking with Seokjin, waving her hands around.

“You didn’t have to come all this way to reassure me of my nephew’s health!” His aunt insists. “Of course, an alpha of your standing would treat my Taehyung-ie well!”

Beomgyu, Soobin, Yeonjun, and Huening’s eyes go wide at the sight of Namjoon once Namjoon and Jungkook swim close enough into view. It’s almost comical.

Well, it is a pretty amusing sight, seeing an alpha of Namjoon’s status covered in ink and dirt and looking as if he just spent a decade in the deep water mines. Jungkook grins at his younger brothers.

Huening, always the first to break, can’t contain his laughter, making their aunt turn around to scold him. Instead, she locks eyes with Jungkook, then turns her sight on Namjoon. Her expression turns horrific.

“Good heavens!” She gasps, calling for a member of her staff to bring something for Namjoon to get clean. “What happened?!” She directs the question at Jungkook. Damn, she’s too good.

Seokjin turns and sees Namjoon, and to everyone’s surprise, bursts into laughter. His laughter, to everyone’s surprise, sounds squeaky.

“He accidentally picked up a squid and squeezed it,” Jungkook explains, biting down on his bottom lip to keep the grin from spreading across his face. “What happened afterwards couldn’t be helped.”

Their aunt nearly bursts a blood vessel at that. “You took him with you to the outskirts?!”

“He insisted on coming,” Jungkook defends himself. “You act as if I dragged him there.”

“It was my doing,” Namjoon politely cuts into the conversation. “Jungkook-ssi is not the one to blame here, I assure you. I wanted to join him.”

Their aunt looks like she doesn’t know what to do here. Thankfully, the staff arrive and help Namjoon get rid of some of the ink.

Seokjin still has yet to stop laughing. He swims over to Namjoon and claps the alpha on the shoulder.

“I never thought I’d see you in such a state,” Seokjin laughs, directing Namjoon toward the carriage he arrived in. “Rest assured, I will take him home and polish him right up,” he promises Jungkook’s aunt.

“Are you positive?” Jungkook’s aunt flusters, still glaring at Jungkook. “I am so terribly sorry, Seokjin-ssi!”

“Nonsense,” Seokjin smiles and bids everyone goodbye, Jungkook especially. He ushers Namjoon into the carriage.

Jungkook stays put and waves at Namjoon, fighting a stupid blush when Namjoon’s face becomes what appears to be enamored. It’s official, Jungkook is going insane. It was probably the squid ink that leaked into his brain and did the job.

“You are utterly hopeless, you know that,” Seokjin says to Namjoon as they get into the carriage.

Jungkook isn’t sure what Seokjin means by that, and he doesn’t get the chance to overhear anymore because his aunt pulls him inside the estate. She’s frantic, worried that Jungkook’s little adventure with Namjoon has ruined whatever chances Taehyung had with Seokjin.

Meanwhile, Jungkook’s younger brothers are all in an uproar over Seokjin’s (possible) upcoming ball, daydreaming about inviting the soldiers and whatnot.

Jungkook tunes his aunt out because he doesn’t think he ruined Taehyung’s chances. If anything, he might’ve improved them since he entertained Namjoon for the afternoon. Poseidon, willing, Namjoon will tell Seokjin how much fun he had, squid ink attack aside.

Besides, all things considered, it wasn’t that bad having Namjoon tag along since it was nice having someone else search for trinkets with the omega. Despite Namjoon’s unpleasant expression, he made for decent company and let Jungkook speak about whatever came to mind. Truly a good listener, even if it’s possible he was just tuning the omega out.

Jungkook even managed to find a small gem while they searched, and he very generously gifted it to Namjoon. It was silly since he suspects someone of Namjoon’s status probably has hundreds of gems of better quality, but it’s the thought that counts. A small thank you for tolerating someone as unorthodox as Jungkook.

Taehyung returns two days later, and their aunt practically smothers him to death from the delight, not because of his recovery, of course, but because Seokjin himself came to drop the omega off.

“Oh, it’s official, he is madly in love with you, dear nephew,” their aunt gushes happily as she twirls Taehyung around in her arms. “You couldn’t have found a better alpha in the whole ocean.”

Taehyung, ever the sweetheart, entertains her. “He’s far too good to me,” he admits, blushing once she lets him go. “He even mentioned something about throwing a ball in celebration of my recovery and let me pick out every detail.”

Jungkook covers his ears when his four younger brothers practically screech in excitement at the news, as if they weren’t the ones who pitched the idea to Seokjin in the first place.

Taehyung laughs. “I had a sneaking suspicion this was your four’s doing,” he says, smiling at their four younger, insane brothers. “Well, you’ll be delighted to hear that Seokjin-ssi gifted me a hundred pearls to take you all shopping for the ball.”

Their aunt gasps. “Oh, did he now?” She beams with delight. “That man, he is far too generous, I must simply admit.” She turns to Taehyung. “After you return from shopping, we must sit for tea and you’ll tell me everything!”

“We can have tea now,” Taehyung offers, but their aunt is already headed to her quarters like she’s been possessed.

“Nonsense, I must simply go have lunch with Jimin-ssi’s parents since they’ve been boasting about their son’s upcoming mating to Yoongi-ssi,” she reveals, smirking. “They must know all about my Taehyung-ie’s upcoming courtship,” she mumbles. “That’ll show them.”

Taehyung shakes his head as he watches her go. “Oh, she’s never going to change, is she?”

Yeonjun comes up behind Taehyung and wraps his arms around the older omega. “No, probably not, I think the ocean would sooner dry up than her change,” he teases before leaning further into Taehyung. “So, those one hundred pearls…”

Beomgyu nods. “So generous of Seokjin-ssi!” He sighs. “I can already imagine what I’ll be purchasing.”

Soobin frowns. “We shouldn’t be too greedy and spend it all.”

Huening rolls his eyes before smirking. “I guess that just means I get to spend your share of it then.”

Soobin scoffs. “I never said I was forfeiting my share!”

Jungkook swims over to Taehyung and pulls him into a hug. “Oh, I missed you,” he confesses, feeling whole again. “These four were driving me mad.”

Taehyung hugs him back. “I’m glad to be back,” he says before narrowing his eyes at Jungkook. “Later, though, you’ll need to fill me in on you and Namjoon-ssi going off in search of trinkets,” he whispers, and his expression is nothing short of mischievous. “It was my understanding that you couldn’t stand him, so imagine my surprise when I came to learn of this.”

Jungkook pulls away and fights the fierce blush that spreads across his face. “Let’s hurry and get to the city before it gets too crowded!”

He is not having that conversation right now with Taehyung out of all people. His brother is too good at being able to read him, and the last thing he needs Taehyung to know is that maybe, just maybe, Jungkook doesn’t dislike Namjoon that much anymore.

So, off they go toward the city to shop. They decide to swim there, mostly because Taehyung is tired of being cooped up and because they know it’ll fluster their aunt to opt for taking the carriage.

The city is nothing short of lively when they arrive. There are so many people coming and going, street vendors, carriages pushing through the streets, fish darting through the mers, and so much more. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of it all.

“I think maybe some hair polish?” Taehyung mumbles as they swim along the sidewalk where most of the lavish shops are located.

Jungkook nods in agreement, hardly paying attention since Taehyung revealed that Namjoon will be attending this ball. Not that Jungkook cares, of course. He could actually care less, but it’s just unexpected, that’s all, so it’s all he can currently think about.

Suddenly, Huening stops out of nowhere and gasps. “Look there, it’s Officer Wang!”

Officer Wang?

Taehyung and Jungkook both share a look of confusion as Huening and Yeonjun swim toward a tall, handsome alpha in military wear.

“Officer Wang is one of the guards who got stationed here,” Soobin explains. “We met him the other day, and Auntie Hyunjung loved him.”

Huening seems enthralled by the man, and Jungkook can’t help but shake his head. It’s endearing sometimes, seeing how young his little brothers still are despite their ages. Still, he worries their way of being will only get them into trouble.

“Hello,” Officer Wang greets them as he swims over with Huening and Yeonjun. “I take it you’re Taehyung and Jungkook?” He asks. “I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you two last time I crossed paths with your family.”

Taehyung smiles and greets the alpha. “Oh yes, it’s lovely to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Jungkook says, a little enthralled at how charming the officer is.

Officer Wang proves to be even more charming when he treats the six omegas to lunch. He’s all smiles and even joins them shopping afterwards. He tells them about himself and his current position within the military, keeping everyone enthralled and laughing as he tells story after story.

By the end of it, Jungkook wonders how a man like Officer Wang is still single despite everything.

“I’ll wait out here,” Jungkook says to Taehyung as he watches his brother get dragged into another shop by their younger brothers after lunch is done with. “It’s getting far too crowded.”

He loves his younger brothers, but goodness, they can drive him up the wall sometimes, and the city’s chaos only adds to it. He decides to linger underneath some of the kelp that’s been planted in the middle of the shopping center.

“I’ll join you,” Officer Wang says and comes over toward Jungkook.

This close, Jungkook gets a good view of the alpha, and it’s safe to say he isn’t disappointed. The alpha’s tail is grey and looks strong. His face is handsome, and his scent is easily on the nose.

“So, what event has your younger brothers this excited?” Officer Wang asks. “They’re practically bursting from the anticipation.”

Jungkook smiles. “Seokjin-ssi is hosting a ball soon,” he reveals. “Do you know of him?” He asks. “He was recently gifted RJ estate.”

Officer Wang hums. “Oh, I know of him, of course, he’s quite popular,” he reveals. “I also know of his good friend.”

Now, that gets Jungkook’s attention. “You know Namjoon-ssi?”

Officer Wang nods. “He’s something of an old acquaintance of mine,” he explains. “We were stationed together for a few months before a dispute came between us,” he goes on, and the longer he talks, Jungkook notices his scent getting sour. “It’s in the past now, but…let’s just say sometimes, only the greedy and malicious get promoted so quickly by the Emperor.”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide as he listens. “Goodness.”

“He’s not an alpha that can be trusted, so please, for my peace of mind, be wary of him,” Officer Wang begs.

Now, this is certainly some surprising news. Jungkook hadn’t expected to hear such a thing about Namjoon. Sure, he hardly knows the man, but from what he’s gathered, Namjoon is well respected because of his position in the Emperor’s military, and everyone seems to like him.

It’s odd to hear Officer Wang speak of Namjoon in such a negative light, but it does manage to leave Jungkook wondering what the truth of the situation is.

Well, if it is true, he’d hardly be surprised, given how stuck-up Namjoon acts around him. But, despite that, it has nothing to do with him, so he tries (and fails) to stop thinking about it.

“Of course,” Jungkook promises Officer Wang.

Still, he wonders if it’s true. It isn’t like he could outright ask Namjoon; they’re hardly friends and barely acquaintances. Oh well, from what Taehyung told him, Namjoon will be departing after the ball anyway, so it doesn’t matter. It’s only gossip, after all.

It isn’t as if he’ll miss Namjoon once the alpha is gone or anything of the sort. Certainly not.

“Officer Wang!” Beomgyu yells as he and Jungkook’s other brothers exit the shop, hands full of bags. “Come see what I got.”

Officer Wang smiles. “Oh, please do show me.”

“Officer Wang, you must come to Seokjin-ssi’s ball,” Huening begs, nearly knocking into someone as he comes over.

Luckily, Taehyung manages to move him out of the way.

“Oh yes, you must!” Yeonjun agrees, looking back at Taehyung. “Seokjin-ssi said you could invite whoever you wished, right? Please invite Officer Wang!” He begs.

“Please, hyung,” Huening joins in, followed by Beomgyu and, surprisingly, Soobin.

“Well, only if Officer Wang would like to come, of course,” Taehyung tries to pacify his younger brothers. “I’m sure your presence would be well enjoyed by everyone there.”

Officer Wang, to Jungkook’s surprise, accepts the invitation.

It’s only after Officer Wang offers to escort them home so he can say hello to their aunt that Jungkook brings it up to the alpha.

“Are you sure you’re comfortable coming to the ball?” Jungkook asks as he and Officer Wang linger behind the group. “Namjoon-ssi will be there.”

Officer Wang nods. “Of course, it would do me no good to avoid Namjoon-ssi and give him the satisfaction of hearing I am wary of him,” he points out. “It’s best he knows that no matter what he has done, it has done nothing to deter me in the least.”

“Well, as long as you won’t be uneasy,” Jungkook says, feeling like Officer Wang attending the ball is a recipe for disaster in the making.

Then, to their surprise, they see Seokjin’s carriage approaching, most likely headed toward the city. It’s pulled by beautiful Hippocampus.

“Oh, it’s Seokjin-ssi,” Taehyung gasps, trying and failing to act nonchalant as the carriage passes by them and comes to a stop.

“Auntie Hyunjung is right, he’s completely infatuated with you,” Yeonjun mumbles, hissing when Taehyung elbows him.

“Seokjin-ssi!” Beomgyu greets the alpha, and to everyone’s surprise, Namjoon is with him as well. “Namjoon-ssi, what a surprise.”

The younger omegas all rush to show Seokjin what they purchased for the ball, and Seokjin does his best to entertain them before looking over at Taehyung.

“You got something as well, I hope,” Seokjin says to Taehyung, offering him a soft smile.

Taehyung blushes and rushes to nod. “Of course.”

Jungkook and Officer Wang watch on from behind the omega’s brothers.

It isn’t until Jungkook looks over that he meets Namjoon’s sharp gaze, and for the first time since meeting the alpha, he looks and smells angry.

He frowns, wondering what has Namjoon so upset, until it dawns on him that Officer Wang is here. That’s interesting. It seems like Officer Wang wasn’t lying when he said he and Namjoon don’t get along.

Jungkook offers Namjoon a greeting, just a small wave, and almost immediately, Namjoon’s face softens just the smallest amount.

“I’ve told you, spare yourself,” Officer Wang sighs. “Someone like him should always be avoided,” he mumbles under his breath.

Namjoon waves back at Jungkook, but his anger doesn’t lessen in the least as he looks between the omega and Officer Wang.

Jungkook doesn’t stop thinking about it for the remainder of the day and eventually brings it up to Taehyung later that night.

“It’s strange, right?” Jungkook says as he and Taehyung get ready for bed. “I didn’t believe Officer Wang at first, but after seeing them interact, I certainly believe they have bad blood between them now.”

“It is odd,” Taehyung agrees. “But I thought you didn’t like Namjoon-ssi?” He frowns in confusion. “Why does it surprise you to learn that he isn’t exactly on good terms with Officer Wang? Well, according to Officer Wang at least?”

Jungkook clasps his hands together as he thinks. “Well, I don’t like Namjoon-ssi…but I guess I don’t dislike him either,” he admits. “Still, it’s just weird to hear someone speak so ill of him.”

Taehyung comes over and gets into the nest with Jungkook. “Truthfully, I believe that Officer Wang might have bad blood with Namjoon-ssi, but that’s not to say Namjoon-ssi isn’t a good person. I don’t think someone as kind as Seokjin-ssi would keep him around as a friend if that were the case.”

“That would make sense,” Jungkook agrees. “Well, either way, he agreed to go to the ball, so they can’t dislike each other that much.”

Taehyung nods before his expression shifts into something teasing. “Speaking of Namjoon-ssi,” he begins, and Jungkook knows exactly where this is going. “Tell me how it went when you took him to the outskirts?” He asks, laughing when Jungkook covers his face and tries to hide. “Oh, no, you’re going to tell me everything!”

Jungkook blushes and tries to stay silent, but eventually gives in. He can never keep anything from Taehyung. He tells Taehyung that he only meant to tease, but was surprised when Namjoon actually went with him and stuck it through until the end. He even took the gem Jungkook had found after the omega gifted it to him!

“Oh, you like him,” Taehyung whispers with a shocked expression as he listens. He looks as if Poseidon himself has just appeared before him. “I never thought the day would come…no wonder you’re so focused on Officer Wang’s dislike for him!” He grins. “You like him!”

Jungkook tries to smother Taehyung in the nest. “Oh, hush, the whole estate will hear you!” He hisses. “I do not like him!” He lies.

Taehyung laughs. “You like him!”

“No,” Jungkook keeps lying. “I do not like him, I merely think he’s…tolerable, yes, that’s it!”

“Tolerable, huh?” Taehyung grins as Jungkook’s blush darkens. “Coming from you, that’s high praise.”

“Taehyung!”

The ball at Seokjin-ssi’s estate is something out of a dream.

It’s decorated from floor to ceiling with the most extravagant materials and patterns, all chosen by Taehyung, who Seokjin had made sure to introduce as his guest of honor as soon as the omega arrived.

As of last night, Seokjin and Taehyung are officially engaged. Seokjin came over for dinner at Taehyung’s home and officially proposed a courtship, and well, Jungkook isn’t sure who screamed louder once the alpha departed: their aunt or Taehyung, especially after Seokjin gave Taehyung an engagement ring that rivals the brightness of the sun. Things are really official now, and tonight, everyone here will be hearing the news.

Tonight, Seokjin makes no attempts to keep it a secret. He keeps Taehyung close to him as he mingles, and Taehyung is all smiles.

Jungkook is happy for his brother. Seokjin will take good care of him, and now, they don’t have to worry about the estate. Of course, it’s still on him to find a mate, but there’s slightly less pressure now, especially since Taehyung managed to find a good alpha of good standing. Once they’re officially mated, the estate will be saved.

Their aunt is over the moon tonight, talking everyone’s ear off about Taehyung and Seokjin’s upcoming mating. She simply cannot wait for the mating ceremony, and Jungkook just knows she’s about to be insufferable once it comes time to start planning.

“I already told Seokjin-ssi, my nephew deserves nothing but the absolute best,” their aunt rambles some poor soul’s ear off.

Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Soobin, and Huening are all dancing tonight and being reckless. They’re taking advantage of their aunt’s good mood to the fullest.

Jungkook watches them fondly from the edge of the ballroom, content to people-watch and eat. There’s been more than enough excitement for him following Taehyung’s engagement and the weird tension between Namjoon and Officer Wang.

He hasn’t seen Namjoon tonight, not that he’s looking for the alpha or anything, of course. That would be insanity, but like they said, Namjoon was coming, right? So, where might he be?

Strange.

He’s about to help himself to lobster when someone taps his shoulder.

He turns and smiles when he sees that it’s Officer Wang. There are so many people here tonight that it’s quite difficult to pick up individual scents.

“You’re here!” Jungkook expresses, happy to find a familiar face in that crowd. Of course, Jimin is here, but good luck being able to get Yoongi to let him go. Those two are proving Jungkook’s worries wrong because they’re simply obsessed with each other. “I almost thought you weren’t going to make it.”

Behind Officer Wang, other officers enter the ball, and Jungkook’s little brothers zero in on them like sharks, along with some other mers their age.

“I said I would come,” Officer Wang laughs. “We were held up doing administrative duties. Hopefully, I haven’t missed much.”

Jungkook shakes his head. “No, nothing at all, you’ve arrived just in time.”

“Shall we dance?” Officer Wang asks when the music begins to play. “It would make my night to dance with you, Jungkook-ssi.”

“Of course!” Jungkook agrees as they swim over to get into position. “I will say, if one dance with me makes your night, you must not have had high expectations,” he teases.

Officer Wang smiles fondly. “You wound me, Jungkook-ssi.”

The dance begins, and Jungkook and Officer Wang move in sync. Jungkook will give it to the alpha; he’s a decent dancer. Of course, nowhere near as good as Namjoon, but better than expected.

Speaking of Namjoon…after the dance ends and Jungkook and Officer Wang stay for another, Jungkook can’t help but look around, feeling eyes on him.

Sure enough, Namjoon watches them dance somewhere off to the distance with that same angry expression he wore the day he passed by Jungkook, his brothers, and Officer Wang in the carriage. The people trying to make conversation around him seem to notice his mood and attempt to step away.

Jungkook tries not to keep looking at Namjoon, but it’s hard because the alpha’s stare never once falters. It makes Jungkook’s instincts come to life, and suddenly, it’s not so easy to keep his attention on Officer Wang and the dance.

He meets Namjoon’s eyes and says nothing, feeling warmth pool in his stomach at how the alpha’s eyes stay locked on him.

“What is it?” Officer Wang asks, placing a hand on Jungkook’s waist. “You’re awfully distracted.”

“It’s nothing,” Jungkook lies, looking away from Namjoon.

He hopes he isn’t blushing tonight.

“I was worried for a moment I wasn’t a good dance partner,” Officer Wang teases, making Jungkook laugh. “Would you be willing to dance with me again?”

Much to their surprise, Huening cuts in.

“Hyung, you can’t take up all of Officer Wang’s attention tonight,” Huening whines. “Let me dance with him, at least once.”

“Well, you’re certainly popular tonight,” Jungkook says, leaving Officer Wang and Huening to dance. “I’ll leave you two be for now.”

Officer Wang looks like he wants to say something else, but keeps it to himself as Huening eagerly pulls him into position.

Jungkook hasn’t even moved away from the dance floor when someone else comes up behind him.

This person he knows because despite his best attempts over the past times they’ve met, he’s managed to engrain their scent and presence to memory. He once told himself it was because of his dislike for them, but these days, he’s not really sure.

“Namjoon-ssi,” Jungkook turns around to greet him, catching the alpha by surprise.

“Jungkook-ssi,” Namjoon says, looking awkward instead of angry now. “Would you like to dance?”

“One dance wouldn’t hurt,” Jungkook says and takes Namjoon up on his offer.

Truthfully, he isn’t sure why he takes Namjoon up on his offer, but he doesn’t think on it too hard. But maybe it’s because Jungkook has been the first person Namjoon has invited to dance since he made himself known. Not that Jungkook took notice, of course, because he doesn’t care what Namjoon does. Yes, that’s right.

Jungkook shakes the thought away as he gets into position. Now, he’s just being delusional.

“It’s good to see you again,” Namjoon says once the dance starts. “You look well tonight.”

“Thank you, you too,” Jungkook replies. “Did you just arrive?” He asks. “I hadn’t seen you until a few moments ago.”

Namjoon looks surprised by that. “You noticed I wasn’t here earlier?”

“Well, no, yes, a little,” the omega stumbles through his words. “You’re hard to miss in a crowd.”

“That makes me glad to hear, especially coming from you,” Namjoon reveals, and much to Jungkook’s surprise, almost smiles. “May I ask you something?”

Jungkook nods as they keep dancing. “Of course.”

Namjoon’s expression turns distant again. “...How do you know Officer Wang?”

Oh, well, this is about to get interesting.

“I met him recently in the city shortly after his arrival,” Jungkook reveals. “He’s rather nice.”

“He’s always been very charismatic,” Namjoon admits, but he might as well be talking about sea urchins given his tone. “If I may, Jungkook-ssi, I think it would be in your best interest not to get too close to him.”

Jungkook gets hit with a vague sense of deja vu. “...What?”

“For as much as he is charismatic, he is also untrustworthy,” Namjoon explains, and his gaze grows sharp again. “I know firsthand how he can be at times, and I would hate for you to get caught in the middle of that.”

The song ends, but Jungkook doesn’t let Namjoon get away.

“Explain, please,” Jungkook requests, leaning in close as they dance together for another song.

Namjoon seems flustered by how close they are, and Jungkook swears he can see a blush on the alpha’s face. It almost makes him grin and push in closer just to tease.

“I’ve known him for some time,” Namjoon begins to explain. “He got in a bit of trouble shortly after he was promoted, so I took him in. We were friends, but then, he caused a lot of trouble in both my personal life and career. It wasn’t easy to recover from it once he’d left,” he admits. “He stole money, almost got my younger sister to give him part of her inheritance, and almost cost me my position.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow together as he processes Namjoon’s words. “He did what?”

Well, that’s certainly not what Jungkook expected to hear.

Namjoon scoffs. “I take it that he told you a different story,” he says. “That short of behavior is typical, coming from him.”

“...Yes, he did, and he never mentioned doing such things of that degree,” Jungkook confesses. “But I knew there must’ve been something else aside from what he’d told me,” he goes on. “I just–I don’t know, I didn’t fully believe it. You might be a bit stuck-up, but you’re not a malicious person.”

“You think I’m stuck-up?” Namjoon frowns, and for once, he looks utterly defeated.

“Well, you–!” Jungkook scoffs, blushing now.

Are they truly having this conversation right here in the middle of the dance floor? Did Jungkook really just admit to Namjoon that the omega thinks he’s a bit stuck-up?

Another song begins, and this time, it’s Namjoon that keeps Jungkook there with a secure hold on the omega’s waist.

“You were not kind to me when I first met you,” Jungkook accuses, swallowing at the feel of Namjoon’s hands on his waist. They fit far too well there. “You smiled with everyone else but me,” he mumbles. “It was rather hard to believe you enjoyed my company then.”

“You misunderstood,” Namjoon rushes to explain.

“I misunderstood?” Jungkook frowns. “Please do enlighten me.”

Namjoon shakes his head. “You–well,” he looks away for a moment. “You made me nervous,” he confesses. “I’d never had someone have that effect on me, and I didn’t know how to react,” he goes on. “I never meant to slight you, but I suppose you mistook my nerves for hatred.”

“I made you nervous,” Jungkook repeats, blinking in disbelief.

“You still do,” Namjoon whispers. “I’ve just decided that I’d rather get close to you and face my nerves head-on rather than keep my distance any longer,” he goes on. “I enjoy having your attention and company far too much to give it up again.”

Jungkook must be as red as a lobster right now. His brain isn’t working, and suddenly, he’s hearing colors and seeing sounds. He doesn’t know what to say or how to act.

To make matters worse, he looks down and sees that Namjoon is wearing a necklace, and on it hangs the gem Jungkook gifted him after their little adventure.

Surely Jungkook won’t survive this. He doesn’t even remember how to breathe through his gills or how to swim. Honestly, it’s a shock he hasn’t gone belly up in this massive ballroom full of people from everything that has happened in the last few moments.

“Are you alright?” Namjoon asks as concern paints his handsome features.

“You like me?” Jungkook whispers in disbelief.

“Too much for my own good, I fear,” Namjoon confesses, only adding to Jungkook’s severe blush.

“I–I have to,” Jungkook stutters, trying to remember how to function. “You should, I just!” He blushes even more. “You!”

Namjoon smiles, and he looks utterly endeared. “Of course, do as you must, but rest assured, my feelings for you won’t waver even if you do not feel the same currently. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Jungkook blushes even harder, and he swears it only seems to make Namjoon’s smile turn sweeter. He surely won’t survive this night at this rate. “Namjoon-ssi!”

The song ends, and Jungkook leaves the dance floor, feeling his heart one beat away from bursting. He takes a moment to cool down, but he can feel Namjoon’s eyes on him, and it does him no favors.

Namjoon likes him?

Namjoon?

Namjoon, the Emperor’s champion?

Surely, this must be a dream!

This can’t be, and why does Jungkook feel giddy about the idea? What is happening to him? He must be going mad, yes, that’s the only solution.

He almost bursts out of his skin when Jimin comes over and startles him. He’s so on edge right now, and for a moment, he’s disgruntled that it isn’t Namjoon there.

“Oh, he’s enamored by you,” Jimin whispers to Jungkook as he looks over at Namjoon. He’s not subtle in the least. “The way he looks at you, it’s utterly romantic!”

“I don’t think enamored is the right word,” Jungkook lies, trying to cool his face with his hands. “He loathes me,” he keeps lying as the blush returns.

Jimin rolls his eyes. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you while you two danced.”

“Well, we were having a heated discussion,” Jungkook explains.

“A heated discussion?” Jimin smirks. “To think Yoongi was correct when he mentioned to me that Namjoon-ssi was simply obsessed with you.”

Jungkook almost strangles his dear friend, almost. “He did not say that!”

“He did,” Jimin insists. “Apparently, it’s why no other alpha has approached you. Well, other than Officer Wang, but he’s been flirting with everyone here tonight.”

Jungkook simply won’t hear anymore of this and heads to the balcony for some air in hopes of calming down his fierce blush.

Suddenly, he can breathe again once he’s away from the crowd. The night is calm outside the ball, and it does wonders to help him calm down.

So, Namjoon likes him.

Fine, Jungkook can deal with it. If Namjoon wants to like him, fine, Jungkook will let him.

It isn’t a big deal, not like they’re going to get mated or anything. Well, they could, right? As long as Jungkook likes him back and is willing and well, he might be willing.

He’s also read that Namjoon was gifted RM estate, and it’s apparently three times the size of RJ estate, not that he cares, though. He just heard the gossip once, and he’s been thinking about it; that’s it and nothing more.

But then–

His thoughts come to a halt when someone joins him on the balcony.

To his surprise, it’s Officer Wang.

“Jungkook-ssi, are you alright?” Officer Wang asks him. “I was worried Namjoon-ssi might’ve said something to upset you.”

Jungkook shakes his head. “No, he said nothing, I’m fine,” he reassures the alpha. “I just needed to step away for a moment. The crowd was beginning to get to me.”

“Are you sure?” Officer Wang frowns. “Like I said to you, he cannot be trusted.”

“I remember your warning,” Jungkook says, and his giddy mood sours.

“Oh, no,” Officer Wang bemoans at the change in Jungkook’s scent. “He’s gotten to you, hasn’t he?” He shakes his head. “Not you falling into his trap too, Jungkook-ssi.”

“You say that as if I can’t think for myself,” Jungkook points out, suddenly feeling on edge. “I assure you I am of sound body and mind, Officer Wang.”

He does not enjoy being talked down to like this.

“Well, clearly, he’s managed to sway you so…” Officer Wang holds his ground.

Jungkook’s eyes go wide. “You say that as if I can’t form my own opinion.”

“Well, who is to say you haven’t been swayed by his money and position?” Officer Wang remarks, tone snarky. “Given who your aunt is and how loudly she’s boasting about her nephew marrying Seokjin-ssi, I would not be shocked.”

Jungkook’s eyes turn sharp with anger. “You’re terrible, Officer Wang.”

“I’m terrible?” Officer Wang demands. “For what?” He moves closer again. “For merely trying to make people see who Namjoon-ssi truly is?” He asks. “Or because I’m right and he’s managed to sway you with his money and position?”

“Because you’re cruel and, from what I’ve gathered, nothing more than a liar,” Jungkook holds his ground. “You should go back to the ball now and leave me be.”

“I’m not a liar,” Officer Wang hisses, and for once, he looks dangerous. “And I am not done speaking with you, so, no, I will not be leaving.”

“He said you stole from him and even tried to convince his younger sister to give you more money after you almost ruined his career,” Jungkook stresses. “You could’ve gotten him thrown in prison for what you did,” he points out. “You would’ve ruined him for your gain!”

“So, what?” Officer Wang scoffs. “He would’ve been fine!”

“Still, you lied to me,” Jungkook accuses, moving back when Officer Wang tries to approach him again. Suddenly, they’re standing far too close. “You tried to convince me that Namjoon-ssi had wronged you when it wasn’t the case all along.”

Officer Wang runs his hands over his face, clearly distressed. “Well, everyone has their version of what happened,” he reveals, tone more stoic than Jungkook has ever heard him use. “How do you know he’s telling the truth?”

“Because,” Jungkook insists. “He might be who he is, but I–I trust him.”

“You trust him?” Officer Wang scoffs. “Don’t make me laugh.”

“Get away from me,” Jungkook hisses. “I won’t repeat myself.”

Officer Wang growls as his patience begins to wear thin. “I am simply trying to–”

“Get away from him,” Namjoon demands as he comes out to the balcony. “It’s better if you were to leave at once,” he warns, swimming over to stand in front of Jungkook. “You’re no longer welcome here.”

Officer Wang huffs. “You think so little of me, Namjoon-ssi?” He grins. “I was merely having a private conversation with Jungkook-ssi, one that certainly did not involve you.”

“Get out,” Namjoon orders, and for once, Jungkook can see why they call this man the Emperor’s champion. “Don’t make me escort you out of here,” he threatens. “And don’t ever approach Jungkook-ssi again, or I fear I will not be nearly as gracious as I have been before.”

Oh yeah, Jungkook might really like Namjoon, maybe just a little too much.

“Fine,” Officer Wang scoffs. “Clearly, nothing out here was ever worth my time,” he confesses and tries to hurt Jungkook with his petty words, like a coward. “Perhaps one day the world will open its eyes and stop seeing you as the hero when you’re nothing but a filthy liar, Namjoon-ssi.”

He looks over and meets Jungkook’s eyes, and the omega frowns, seeing nothing but malice in them.

“Ignore him,” Namjoon says, turning around once Officer Wang has departed. “His words always aim to hurt because he’s nothing more than a coward.”

Jungkook nods. “He does not wound me, if anything, I’m glad because now I see who he truly is,” he admits, feeling nothing but foolish for ever trusting the man. “Thank you for coming out here, though, truly, you did not have to.”

“I worry too much about you to let something happen to you,” Namjoon confesses. “Please, just for the future, stay away from him and keep your family away as well. He can be quite cruel when he is slighted or hasn’t gotten what he wants,” he explains. “You did not deserve that.”

“Of course,” Jungkook swears, and in a moment of bravery, he reaches up and cups Namjoon’s face. He acts quickly and presses a kiss to Namjoon’s lips, sweet and full of gratitude, before the nerves set in and he’s scrambling away. “Thank you, Namjoon-ssi, I will see you later!”

Jungkook does not look back, far too worried about seeing Namjoon’s expression, and because he does not want the alpha to see his fierce blush.

Even still, Namjoon’s sweet scent tells Jungkook all he needs to know.

“Jungkook!” Their aunt screams a week later as the sun begins to shine above the water. “Taehyung!”

Jungkook and Taehyung startle awake and look at each other before swimming toward their aunt’s quarters as fast as they can.

“What’s going on?” Jungkook asks, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Auntie, it’s still dark out,” Taehyung mumbles, almost swimming into something in his haste to get to her. “What is it?”

“Oh, it’s so awful!” Their aunt sobs.

What in the world is happening?

Their aunt is many things, but a crier is not one of them. Jungkook thinks the only time he saw her cry was when his parents died, and that was ages ago. This is so unlike her. It’s so rare she lets anyone see her not put together, even her own nephews.

“Auntie!” Taehyung gasps as he pulls her into his arms. “What’s going on?”

Yeonjun, Beomgyu, and Soobin enter the room, looking startled at the scene before them.

One of the staff members, Nari, an omega who’s been with them for years, swims toward Jungkook and hands him a scroll. “Huening was staying with the Kang family, or so we believed. One of their staff members brought this message over just a few moments ago; they said it was urgent. They found it in their guest room, where they thought Huening was staying. Even their son had no idea about what Huening planned to do.”

It’s only then that Taehyung, Jungkook, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, and Soobin realize that their youngest brother is not there.

Jungkook opens the scroll and reads its contents of it in disbelief. “Huening…Huening ran away with Officer Wang?!”

Their aunt sobs into Taehyung’s arms. “Oh, that child, he has no idea what he’s done, running away with such an older alpha!”

Taehyung’s expression falls. “No, he wouldn’t do that.” He turns to look at Soobin, Yeonjun, and Beomgyu, who look just as surprised as they do. “Did you three know about this?” He raises his voice at them, so unlike him.

Soobin shakes his head. “No, he never once mentioned it to me!” He looks like he’s going to be sick. “I would’ve discouraged him from doing such a thing!”

Yeonjun is oddly serious. “I didn’t know,” he swears. “Sure, he was a little infatuated, but I thought it was only a crush. I didn’t think he’d ever do such a thing; it’s not like him. He knows better, I know he does.”

“Officer Wang must’ve convinced him,” Beomgyu stresses as he starts to hyperventilate. “The night he was leaving the ball, we ran into him, and he was being awfully kind. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now looking back, he kept asking about Hyung and Seokjin-ssi’s mating and why Auntie seemed so excited about it,” he reveals. “Huening told him about one of us needing to marry to secure the estate, but Officer Wang didn’t even comment on it at the time,” he goes on. His scent turns sour from distress. “He must’ve talked to Huening afterwards, maybe another day, and asked more about it since I didn’t let Huening tell him too much.”

“He wouldn’t marry Huening just for the estate, would he?” Soobin asks. “Surely, he is not that cruel of a man?”

“He might be,” Jungkook admits. “I’d asked you all to keep your distance from him and for good reason,” he reminds his younger siblings. “I do not put it past him to try and get our estate by marrying our younger brother before Hyung and Seokjin-ssi get mated.”

Their aunt keeps crying. “We must get him back before that beast of a man ruins Huening’s life and reputation, and before he manages to take the estate away as well!” She stresses. “But we’ve no idea where he’s even taken Huening!”

“We will get him back,” Taehyung tries to reassure her. “Right, Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook, despite the fear that claws at him, nods in agreement. “We shall,” he promises. “Officer Wang will not win.”

With that, Jungkook and Taehyung decide to rush toward Seokjin’s estate. They didn’t even take a moment to get ready, and for once, their aunt did not care, far too busy worrying over Huening.

They had their younger brothers stay back to comfort their aunt. It’s for the best that they stay home and not worry, not when Jungkook and Taehyung will handle things.

“We’re so sorry for the intrusion, but we must speak with Namjoon-ssi at once,” Taehyung apologizes to the staff as soon as they’re greeted.

“Oh, Taehyung-ssi, of course, give me a moment to see if he has awakened for the day,” the staff member says, sensing Taehyung’s distress.

It doesn’t take long for Seokjin to appear, smelling frantic as he swims toward Taehyung and pulls the omega into his arms. He must’ve sensed the omega near and in distress. “What’s going on, my love?”

Jungkook swallows. “We’re here to speak with Namjoon-ssi,” he answers when Taehyung starts breaking down. “Our youngest brother, Huening, ran away with Officer Wang, and we need Namjoon-ssi’s help in finding them before something happens to Huening,” he rushes to explain. “They plan to marry, and we don’t have much time.”

“What?” Namjoon’s voice booms as he comes into view from somewhere in the estate. “Officer Wang did what?!”

Jungkook holds the scroll Huening left behind for Namjoon to read. “We don’t know where they might’ve gone, which is why we came to see you, in case you might have an idea.”

Namjoon reads over the scroll and shakes his head. “I think I might know,” he says. “I’ll head into the city right now and see what I can do.”

“I’ll come with you,” Jungkook insists. “Let me come, please,” he begs.

Namjoon nods. “Let’s go,” he says. “We’ll swim there, it’ll be much faster.”

Taehyung and Seokjin head to see the Kang family in case Huening were to return there for any reason and to ask around. Seokjin is sure someone might’ve seen them leaving in the middle of the night around the estate because mers are nothing if not nosy creatures.

Jungkook and Namjoon swim as fast as they can toward the city. It’s almost impressive how quickly they manage to arrive.

It’s still early, and there aren’t many people out yet, once they arrive. It provides the ideal opportunity to swim over the city to see if they can spot Huening and Officer Wang, but sadly, there’s no trace of them.

Namjoon doesn’t seem surprised. He says Officer Wang is very much like an eel, slippery and knows where to hide once he’s been discovered.

“Where do you think they are?” Jungkook asks, following closely behind Namjoon as they head deeper into the city.

They’ve already gone to where the officers were being stationed, but sure enough, they’ve not seen Officer Wang for two days now, but Namjoon had expected that. He just wanted to make sure they checked everywhere.

Jungkook can’t help but see Namjoon through a new light as they search. No longer is Namjoon the shy alpha he’s known; no, right now, Namjoon is all champion, focused and at the ready.

It’s certainly…something, and Jungkook would be a lie if he denied finding it attractive.

“In the underground of the city, I’m almost sure of it,” Namjoon says, keeping hold of Jungkook’s hand so they don’t lose each other as the city begins to come to life. People turn in disbelief at seeing someone as prominent as Namjoon wandering the city, and Jungkook can’t help but squeeze Namjoon’s hand a little tighter. “He’s a smart man, and I know he must’ve thought no one would go looking for Huening there.”

“The underground?” Jungkook frowns, feeling uneasy. “Surely not?”

“Officer Wang isn’t above doing something that heinous if it gets him what he wants,” Namjoon admits. “He felt slighted by you, and I can almost guarantee this is his way of getting revenge on you. He is a cruel man.”

“Well, let us go then,” Jungkook insists, but to his surprise, Namjoon takes them somewhere else.

It’s a fine apartment in the city, decorated with such beautiful pieces of art that Jungkook cannot help but be enchanted by them. An apartment in this location must have cost a good number of pearls, that’s for sure.

“This is my apartment,” Namjoon reveals. “I have to ask you, Jungkook-ssi, please stay here while I go into the underground in search of your brother,” he pleads. “It is wise if I go alone. The underground is a dangerous place, and I could not live with myself if I were to take you down there and we were to get separated.

At first, Jungkook is hesitant, but Namjoon swears he’ll bring Huening back for him, even if it's the last thing he does. He should trust Namjoon; this is the Emperor’s champion, after all, and that’s a title not given to just anyone.

“I swear I’ll find him for you,” Namjoon promises, clutching Jungkook’s hands in between his own. “Just wait for me here.”

Jungkook nods, and he can’t help feeling utterly endeared by the man, even if he is a bit miffed at not being able to. “Namjoon-ssi…why are you going through all this trouble for me?” He asks. “I cannot help but wonder, especially after what I said to you at the ball.”

Namjoon’s expression shifts to one of surprise, then confusion. “Surely, it’s obvious?” He leans closer until their foreheads are pressed against one another. “I made it no secret to you the night of the ball that I like you, and since the night I met you, I’ve not been able to stop thinking about you,” he confesses. His scent turns sweet with adoration, and Jungkook cannot help the intense blush that paints his face. “It is because I love you, most ardently.”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide. “…What?”

Namjoon nods. “My affections and wishes toward you are sincere, I promise you that, but one word from you will silence me forever if you do not feel the same,” he promises. “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love you, I love you, I love you.”

Jungkook doesn’t even realize his eyes have glazed over with tears until his vision turns blurry and Namjoon is reaching up to cup his face in such a tender hold.

Surely, this is not happening. Jungkook must still be sleeping, yes, that must be the case. Surely, someone like Namjoon is not professing their love for someone like Jungkook.

“I never wish to be parted from you from this day on, and if searching for your brother is the least I could do for you, I shall,” Namjoon promises, caressing Jungkook’s cheeks with his thumbs. “Your happiness means more to me than anything in this ocean.”

This isn’t a dream. Jungkook isn’t dreaming. This is actually happening.

“Namjoon…” Jungkook struggles to keep his composure, not that Namjoon seems to mind. “You’re more than I deserve,” he dares to admit, knowing fully well he has been hard on the alpha. “But please…rest assured that I love you as well,” he whispers, smiling when Namjoon smiles down at him with those dimples. He does not think he could adore this man more if he tried. “I shall have you, but please, know that I am far too greedy for my own good,” he attempts to tease.

Namjoon says nothing and instead pulls Jungkook into a kiss, one that nearly leaves Jungkook lightheaded from the passion.

It’s sweet and full of promise, and for a moment, Jungkook lets himself be lost in it and dreams and hopes for the future. He cannot believe how much he once despised this man, and here he is now, professing his love for him.

“I shall find him,” Namjoon says before he departs, leaving Jungkook a mess of red-kissed lips and reeking of his scent.

Sure enough, a day later, Namjoon returns to the apartment with Huening in tow.

Huening cannot help but break down into a mess of cries once he spots Jungkook, and Jungkook is quick to pull the younger omega into his arms.

“He deceived me, hyung, I am so sorry!” Huening cries, and Jungkook just holds him. “I was so stupid,” he sobs.

“Don’t ever do something like that again, so help me,” Jungkook tries and fails to scold his baby brother. “You scared everyone,” he reveals. “We surely thought Officer Wang had taken you somewhere far from us and we’d never see you again.”

“He said you knew, that Auntie knew as well,” Huening cries. “I would’ve never gone with him if I’d known he was lying!”

“It’s alright now,” Jungkook promises, because things will be alright now.

The future looks bright, and Huening is safe and sound. Their family estate will remain in the family, and now, their baby brothers can enjoy their lives without the concept of mating looming over them.

It’s a day later, once Huening has been taken home and reunited with everyone, that Namjoon and Jungkook get a moment to themselves.

They’re still at Jungkook’s family’s estate in the gardens.

“You’re sure he won’t return?” Jungkook asks, content to let Namjoon put his arm around him.

“If he knows what’s good for him, he shall not,” Namjoon promises. “Even if he does, I will protect you and your family…they’ll soon be my family as well.”

Jungkook snorts and pulls away, thinking Namjoon is surely teasing him, but his face freezes when he sees Namjoon holding out a ring for him.

Oh.

Oh!

It’s a lovely ring, clearly made from the finest material and gems.

“What?” Jungkook swallows as he tries to make sense of what is happening. “Surely, you’re teasing me,” he scolds Namjoon. “How cruel of you!”

“I assure you I am not,” Namjoon swears. “I was not lying when I said I wish to never be parted from you.”

Jungkook’s hands tremble as a massive smile spreads across his face. He nods and watches as Namjoon slides the ring into place on the omega’s finger.

“I promise to make you happy,” Namjoon whispers, pulling Jungkook into another kiss, one Jungkook eagerly reciprocates.

This time, Jungkook lets his hands settle on Namjoon’s toned chest and get a feel. He’s been wondering for far too long what those muscles felt like, and well, the time has finally arrived!

“Oh my goodness!” Yeonjun yells from somewhere in the distance, startling Namjoon and Jungkook.

“He said yes, Auntie, he said yes!” Beomgyu’s screams join him.

“Of course, he did, Jungkook-ie might be many things, but stupid is not one of them!” Their aunt rejoices. “Ten thousand pearls!” She gushes, loud enough for the entire ocean to hear. “I can hardly believe it, my nephew, living at RM estate!”

“Auntie!” Taehyung attempts to scold her, and Jungkook can hear Seokjin’s squeaky laughter somewhere near his brother. “Please!”

Jungkook and Namjoon pull apart, and he’s not surprised in the least to find Seokjin, the omega’s brothers, Taehyung included, as well as their aunt on the rooftop, watching and screaming their joy as they watch the scene below them.