Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

In the twelve years that Taehyung has owned his flower shop, he could count with the fingers on one hand the amount of days he had skipped a working day —and those are mainly due to his strong rut days, whenever the blockers don’t manage to make a full effect. No matter how tired or feverish he felt, or how snowy or hot the day turned out to be, he was always up at six in the morning and opening Golden Flowers by eight thirty. And today isn’t any different.

A quarter to seven he walks down the two blocks separating his apartment from his store, making a brief stop at Seokjin hyung’s Café to grab a coffee and a pistachio croissant to go, which, more often than not, he forgets on his counter until way past lunchtime. He then pushes the roller shutter securing the storefront up with one hand and walks in when the sun peaks through the horizon, casting a beautiful, soft light on the entrance. As every morning, the scent of fresh flowers embraces him as he starts to organize some bouquets, occasionally sipping from his by then lukewarm drink, before it is time to switch the small sign hanging on the door to Now open.

The first client only takes fifteen minutes to arrive, the sound of the bell above the entrance door drowned by the background jazz music playing on the speakers. Taehyung is lost in the storage room, where he keeps all the materials neatly organised. He is watering some of the recently arrived flowers and complimenting each one of them. His fingertips gently caress the petals and leaves, his mind already working on several different flower arrangements he could do with them.

‘‘Good morning. Hi?’’ A shy voice calls from the storefront, startling him. ‘‘I saw the sign and the door was unlocked… Am I too early?’’

‘‘Good morning,’’ Taehyung yells back, drying his hands on the apron as he heads there. ‘‘Coming right away! Sorry, I was–’’

The words get caught on his throat, and he is quite sure his heart has skipped a beat, as his eyes scan the person waiting for him with a bouquet of orange tiger lilies in his hands.

‘‘–busy organising the backstore.’’

The man smiles at him, bunny teeth peaking adorably from behind pretty, soft pink lips. The most beautiful smile Taehyung has seen. ‘‘No worries. I can wait if you are busy! I’m in no hurry.’'

‘‘Oh no, not at all,’’ Taehyung rushes to say, moving forward until he is in front of the man. He looks like a puppy, or a flower, so delicate. Taehyung is sure his scent is as soft too, but to his disappointment nothing comes to him. He clears his throat. ‘‘Tell me, how can I help you?’’

‘‘I would like these. If it is not too much to ask, could you wrap them up nicely, please?’’

As Taehyung reaches to take the lilies from the stranger’s grip, their fingers casually brush. And it is not a big deal, the contact is brief and feathery, but it is enough to shake Taehyung to the core. His eyes widen and his mouth runs dry. He swallows, averting his eyes from the flushed cheeks of the black haired man in front of him. Did he feel it, too?

‘‘Are these for a lover?’’ He ventures to ask, as he takes a few steps back to the counter.

‘‘A lover?’’ The man scrunches his nose and oh for the Moon Goddess, Taehyung wants to kiss it. ‘‘No, no, no. They are for a friend. Wait– Those are good for a friend, right? I mean, I love him, but he is not my boyfriend and I don’t want him to be. He is more– How to put it? He is my childhood friend. Yes. Exactly that. I haven’t seen him in years and I thought to bring something nice. Should I pick something different? Wait– I’m rambling, aren’t I?’’

He definitely is, but Taehyung gladly listens to each and every word coming from the omega’s pretty, pink lips. Because, even though he has not noticed any scent coming from him, he surely can be anything but. How else could someone explain the adorable bunny teeth peaking through those pretty lips? Or the way his round eyes seem to hold all the stars in the universe? Or the way his alpha seems to be scratching in his chest, begging to learn everything about him?

‘‘Please love me,’’ Taehyung mutters.

‘‘What?’’ The omega asks, surprise taking over his soft features. ‘‘What did you say?’’

‘‘The flowers– I mean, that is what these flowers mean. ‘Please love me’,’’ Taehyung quickly clarifies. ‘‘But don’t worry, the orange lilies are a perfect fit,’’ He assures him, wrapping the bouquet with a beautiful white paper. ‘‘It is true that they can convey romantic love and passion. However, they also symbolize deep, lasting friendship and admiration. Childhood friend, you said? These are just perfect. Any reason why you picked them?’’

There it is again, that little nose scrunch that is taking all of Taehyung’s inner strength not to reach and boop boop it with his index finger. ‘‘I just– They are my birth flower.’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Taehyung smiles and nods. ‘‘That is just great.’’

‘‘Is it?’’ The omega tilts his head, as if interested to hear more. And Taehyung obliges.

‘‘Of course,’’ He finishes some details on the bouquet, adding some orange ribbons as decoration. His eyes set on the man, whose full attention is all on him, and his inner alpha feels pleased. ‘‘Tiger lilies bring good fortune and success. They also represent confidence and strength.’’ He explains, while the man gives small nods with his head.

‘‘I see. I like the sound of that! It does sound great.’’

‘‘Here,’’ Taehyung hands him back the bouquet. ‘‘I’m sure your friend will love them.’’

‘‘Thank you,’’ And there it is again, that electricity rushing from his fingertips to his toes. Taehyung blinks, and when he opens his eyes the man is smiling at him. He surely had to feel it, too. Right? The omega reaches for his wallet. ‘‘How much is it?’’

‘‘They are on the house.’’

Surprisingly, the stranger’s eyes grow bigger. ‘‘I could never!’’

‘‘I insist.’’ Taehyung smiles.

‘‘No, please. I would like to pay for them.’’ Taehyung’s smile falters at the blatant refusal. Did only he feel it?

‘‘Sure, of course,’’ Taehyung clears his throat. ‘‘I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.’’ He tries to smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He runs one of his hands through his golden hair, trying to hide how they tremble. In his chest, his alpha howls in pain at being rejected.

‘‘Not at all! I very much appreciate it. So much! But if they are free, then it is not my gift to my friend, but yours. So, I really want to pay for them. Does it make sense?’’

Oh.

‘‘In that case,’’ Taehyung tries again, tipping the price on the payment terminal where the omega swipes his card. ‘‘Would you accept a flower if it’s for you?’’

‘‘For me?’’

Taehyung nods.

‘‘You want to gift me a flower?’’ The omega points at himself, astonished. ‘‘Me?’’

‘‘It would be my pleasure,’’ Taehyung’s heart is beating so fast that he can feel it in his throat. We can’t deal with a second rejection, what are you doing? ‘‘Would that be okay?’’

And as the omega agrees, his eyes shining in the morning light and his lips taking the shape of the most beautiful smile in the universe, Taehyung realizes he has probably found his perfect mate.

‘‘Could you wait here? It will be a second,’’ He quickly disappears in the storeroom. When he comes back, his fingers hold a single lavender rose. Love at first sight. ‘‘For you.’’

Let the courtship begin, his wolf growls excited.

‘‘Wow. It’s–it’s so pretty,’’ The man breathes out, his cheeks a dusty pink. ‘‘No one has ever gifted me flowers before.’’

Taehyung’s chest fills with joy, his alpha prideful at being his omega’s first one.

‘‘Thank you so so much,’’ The omega brings it to his nose, his eyes fluttering shut as he takes the sweet scent in. And Taehyung dies to know, how will the man smell without scent blockers? Soft, delicate, like one of his flowers, perhaps?

After that, they part ways in the most casual way. No numbers are exchanged, not even names, but the alpha is not worried. He is sure of one thing, they will see each other again. He doesn’t know when or how, but he can feel it in every cell of his body.

The rest of his work day goes slow, just the way he likes it. He not only enjoys being a flowershop owner, but it is part of who he is. People come and go with smiles on their faces as the sun moves down, but none quite like his omega’s. His image doesn’t leave his mind. He misses him already. It is hours later, when Taehyung is mopping the floor right after closing the store, that Jimin’s messages come in. The vibration on the back pocket of his brown pants startles him, too focused on removing a mud stain from a spill earlier.

17.35, Soulmate:

Hi my loveeee

Still on for tonight?

17.35, Taehyung:

Yes, I’ll be there

Just finishing up here

17.36, Soulmate:

Greaattt 🥳

Btw is it okay if Gukie joins us today??

17.37, Taehyung:

Who?

17.38, Soulmate:

My friend from Busan

He arrived today

Don’t want him to stay alone on his first night in Seoul 😔

17.39, Taehyung:

I completely forgot about it

Sure

I’ll see you two there :)

❀

For a Thursday night, the bar is quite crowded, but it only takes Taehyung a few seconds to spot his best friend’s pink hair among the crowd —Truth be said, it is not just the color that stands out, all of Jimin does. He is just a magnet to the eyes. He is sitting on a table at the far end, sipping from what Taehyung assumes it’s his usual Strawberry Margarita. There is no childhood friend around, but a denim jacket takes one of the chairs in front of Jimin. Taehyung slips in the one next to it.

‘‘Hi lovely,’’ Jimin greets him with a wink. ‘‘Thought you forgot about us.’’

‘‘Hi there. Sorry, the train situation was shit,’’ Taehyung grabs the drink from his best friend and takes a long sip. When Jimin complains, he adds. ‘‘Yoongi always puts an extra effort on your drinks.’’

‘‘You are such a liar,’’ Jimin rolls his eyes at him, although they both know Taehyung is right. ‘‘He is not biased. He is a professional.’’

‘‘Your husband, not biased? Sure.’’ Taehyung scoffs.

‘‘You are just jealous.’’

‘‘Of your higher quality, free drinks? Definitely,’’ Taehyung chuckles. ‘‘Hey, where is your friend?’’

‘‘He insisted on getting something for you before you arrived,’’ Jimin takes back his drink. ‘‘He is queuing at the bar. Told you he is a sunshine. He was so excited to finally meet you.’’

‘‘Me?’’ He snatches Jimin’s drink from his hands once more, sips from it and turns his head to scan the crowd again.

‘‘Apparently I talk about you a lot. And I swear, leave my Strawberry Margarita alone.’’

‘‘I hope you say good things,’’ Taehyung pauses to take another sip. ‘‘Damn, tonight this drink is amazingly good.’’

‘‘Good to know, because I brought you the same one.’’

The warm voice Taehyung has memorized sounds behind him, taking him off guard. When he turns his head, there he is. The mesmerizing creature from this morning is staring at him with a beautiful smile and is offering him a drink. And oh, he chokes. The liquid goes on the wrong side, and he coughs repeatedly in an attempt to free his airways. His eyes are teary and his cheeks are red due to the lack of oxygen, but he is more worried about his heart going into cardiac arrest.

‘‘Oh my God, Taehyung!’’ Jimin exclaims, alarmed.

‘‘Sorry, it wasn’t my intention to startle you! Are you okay?’’ 

Taehyung feels a hand on his forearm, fingers curling around the soft fabric of his black button up. The alpha can feel that electric connection again, warming up his body.

‘‘Yeah, all good. No worries,’’ Taehyung coughs, his voice coming out more raspy and broken than desired. When the touch disappears, he feels cold. ‘‘Thank you.’'

Jeongguk scrunches his nose again, his eyes wrinkle at the corners. He looks so cute, so ethereal, that Taehyung feels he has reached heaven. Then he sits on the chair next to him, and their legs bump casually. Taehyung wants to yell, his wolf wants to howl.

‘‘I must admit, I’m also surprised to see you here. Thank you again for the flower. Since I got you a drink, I guess we are now even!’’

Even? What is he talking about? But Taehyung doesn’t have much time to analyse it, as Jimin’s eyes widen in astonishment.

‘‘Wait— Taehyung here is the guy who gave you that purple rose?’’ Jimin gives the alpha a questioning look, followed by a subtle smirk.

‘‘It’s a lavender rose.’’ Taehyung corrects, Jeongguk nods.

‘‘You gave /Jeongguk/ a rose,’’ Jimin repeats with that tone that makes Taehyung nervous, the same tone he uses when he reads beyond the lines. ‘‘As in a flower he didn’t pay for.’’

‘‘It’s not a big deal!’’ Jeongguk rushes to say, his cheeks turning crimson. ‘‘Don’t get all crazy about it.’’

Taehyung frowns, it is indeed a big deal his wolf wants to yell. But he doesn’t, it is not the moment nor the place. One thing seems clear now, Jeongguk didn't understand the meaning behind the gift. The next sip on his drink tastes like disappointment. For his wolf, however, tastes like a challenge.

‘‘He has never given one to me, Jeonggukah.’’

‘‘You haven’t?’’ Jeongguk sounds surprised.

‘‘Come on, that’s a lie,’’ Taehyung protests, his index finger pointing at his best friend. ‘‘You always take them from the shop without asking!’’

‘‘That’s not the same.’’

‘‘Well, technically not, but I never make you pay for them!’’

‘‘Are you replacing me, Kim Taehyung?’’

‘‘We both know that is not what is happening here.’’

‘‘I see,’’ Jimin nods, full on smirking now. ‘‘Is happening what I think is happening?’’

‘‘I—’’ Taehyung gulps. He can feel Jeongguk turning his head to look at both of them, as if watching a table tennis match, and now is his turn to have Jeongguk’s full attention on him. Then, the most alluring sound catches Taehyung by surprise. As if wired to respond to Jeongguk, his head snaps towards him.

‘‘I don’t know what is going on, but you two are so funny,’’ he says in between giggles. ‘‘If I may give my opinion, I think Jimin is right, that’s not the same. However, it is so kind of Taehyung for letting you take all the flowers you want. That shows he is a great friend.’’

I can also be a great lover, the unsaid words rumble in his head. And with each minute that passes by, Taehyung feels that he is falling more and more for the doe eyed next to him. He is just the most adorable being to ever exist, and Taehyung wants nothing more than to pluck all the stars from the sky one by one and offer them to the omega.

‘‘I think I should get going,’’ Jeongguk says two drinks and one hour later. ‘‘Tomorrow morning I have to sign the papers to my new apartment. And in the afternoon the truck comes with all my things.’’

‘‘Where are you staying tonight?’’ Taehyung asks, not trying to invade Jeongguk’s privacy but way too curious to say nothing.

‘‘At Jimin and Yoongi’s.’’

‘‘Taehyung, I told you about it! Do you even listen when I talk to you?’’

The alpha ignores his best friend, his eyes not leaving Jeongguk’s. ‘‘But they only have one room.’’

‘‘It’s fine, I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s only for a few days until I have it all ready to move in.’’ He brushes it off, waving his hand in the air. ‘’They are being so nice for letting me stay.’’

‘‘Their couch is shit. Worse than a bad rut without painkillers,’’ Taehyung blurts out. He should have stopped after the third drink. ‘‘You should stay at mine.’’

‘‘A rut?’’ Jeongguk giggles. ‘‘And no way, I couldn’t intrude like that!’’

‘‘You wouldn’t intrude, I’m offering.’’

Jimin laughs. ‘‘Wait— You aren’t joking?’’

‘’I’m not,’’ Taehyung quickly replies.

‘‘Seriously, I could never bother you! You have already been so kind, Taehyung. You gave me a flower and allowed me to join the meeting with your best friend. You even paid for my second drink!’’

‘‘It was me who let you join, brat,’’ Jimin mumbles, rolling his eyes. ‘’But fine. I do agree that Taehyung is a nice guy. And that our couch is not the best.’’

‘‘It’s okay, I can’t take advantage of Taehyung like this. It’s only for a few days. But thank you so much, both of you.’’

‘‘In that case, let me walk you to Jimin’s. I insist.’’

‘‘Oh, are you staying?’’ Jeongguk turns to look at his childhood friend.

‘‘Yes. I’ll stay until Yoongi finishes his shift.’’ Jimin smiles, then winks at Taehyung.

‘‘Well,’’ The alpha says, scratching his nape. He knows what his best friend is doing, and he is thankful for it. But he doesn’t say it, there is no need, because Jimin knows. He always does, they always do. ‘‘Should we get going?’’

‘‘Yes, thank you so much. But I really I don’t want to bother you...’’

‘‘I want to do it. And you could never bother me,’’ Taehyung assures him as they leave the bar. Without the sun above them to keep them warm, the cold evening breeze of February hits them in the face, clouds form and dissipate in the air as they breathe walking down the street. It is not until a few blocks down, however, that the alpha notices the omega shivering. ‘‘Are you cold?’’

What a stupid question, Taehyung. Is seriously this the best you can do? Of course he is cold, don’t you see him shivering like a lost, little pup on a frozen field!

‘‘I should have brought a thicker jacket,’’ The omega replies, shoulders raised and arms around his torso to protect himself from the frozen air. ‘‘Busan is much warmer, you know? Have you been there— Oh, what are you— It’s okay, oh my god. Taehyung, you don’t have to!’’

‘‘I don’t have to, but I want to,’’ Taehyung chuckles as he ties his green scarf in a nice, loose knot around Jeongguk’s neck, making sure to cover his cute, button-like nose as well as half of his ears. As he does so, his knuckles slightly brush against Jeongguk’s neck, exactly where his scent gland should be. It is soft, barely there, but it is enough to make his wolf feel delighted. His breath catches in his throat, as shining, doe eyes stare into his brown, almond ones. Even if Jeongguk is wearing scent blockers and Taehyung can’t catch his natural scent, he can, however, catch his coming from the scarf now on his neck. ‘‘Better?’’ He mutters, a thin cloud forming and quickly disappearing between them.

‘‘Yeah,’’ Jeongguk breathes too. He nods his head, and under the street lights and the few visible stars in the sky, Taehyung thinks that he sees his cheeks blushing profusely. ‘‘Better. You are so kind, but won’t you be cold now?’’

And you are so cute. Taehyung smiles fondly, a feeling too big and too warm to describe settling in his chest. Albeit intense, he welcomes it with open arms. ‘‘My body handles cold temperatures better, don’t worry. Come, we are almost there.’’

Jeongguk nods but doesn’t say anything, he just walks along with him. Their fingers accidentally brush with each step they take, and if the raven haired guy notices it, he doesn’t move away to avoid it. Taehyung is sure that now, as the omega walks smelling like juniper berries —fresh and woody, like a forest but with a citric and sweet touch, his intentions and feelings are being clearly conveyed.

❀

22:32, my omega:

Thank you so much for walking me home and for the scarf

I will make sure to wash it before returning it

22:33, Taehyung:

You can keep it

It is yours now

22:34, my omega:

Omg noooo 🙈

You are way too nice!

22:35, Taehyung:

Please, I insist

At least until your warm clothes arrive

22:35, my omega:

Haha fine

Thank you so much

I meant it ☺️

22:36, Taehyung:

No need

My pleasure

:)

22:36, my omega:

You are exactly how Jimin described you

Such a caring friend

What did he call us? His inner wolf growls offended while Taehyung stares at the screen, feeling the dumbest alpha on planet Earth. No. On the whole universe. There is no way this is happening to him. He has faced rejection before, but this doesn’t seem nor feel like it at all, because Jeongguk is actually accepting and responding positively to his advances. He hasn’t rejected him directly, and still, he doesn’t seem to be taking him seriously either —at least, not in the way Taehyung means to be taken. And still, the moment his phone buzzes with a new message from the omega, the alpha opens it immediately, as if his whole sanity depended on it.

22:42, my omega:

Before I fall asleep (my eyes are already closed, so I’m typing blindly) 😴 💤

Are you sure it is okay for you to join me tomorrow? 🥺

I totally understand if you are busy! 

22:43, Taehyung:

Don’t worry

I told you I’d be there to help you

Just send me the address before the truck arrives

Now go to sleep

Good night, pup

22:44, my omega:

You are the best!

Good night Tae

ʕ ˶ᵔ ∇ ᵔ˶ ʔ

❀

23:14, Jimin:

What do you mean you are not opening Golden Flowers tomorrow?

I saw your new post in the business account 

Come here 

I know you are awake 

The post was 3 minutes ago Tae!

You haven't taken a day off in forever!!!

Why do I feel it has to do with Jeongguk?

Fine, ignore me

But you know what?

I'm happy for you 💕

23:19, Taehyung:

 ♥️

❀

The last time Taehyung slept past his alarm was four years ago when he had the highest fever of his life. Forehead covered in sweat and each fiber of his body aching, his brain opted to play images of his flower shop turning into ashes instead of the lustful dreams that are common during ruts. The nightmares and the pain persisted for the whole day, suppressants and painkillers not doing their job, and as he got to know later, Jimin had been next to him the whole time, making sure he ate, drank enough water and took his medication. This time, however, feeling perfectly healthy and not a symptom that could indicate his rut was near, Taehyung switches off his alarm and turns around in bed. He needs to be well rested if he wants to give Jeongguk a good impression, because in an attempt to show his affection, yesterday he had promised to help him carry his heavy belongings to his new apartment.

However, now that his sleep has been interrupted, he can't seem to fall asleep again. Somehow, his body knows it is not time to be in bed but to start the day and be productive —Circadian rhythm, they call it. To be honest, closing the shop to court someone was not something Taehyung had imagined himself doing, ever, but yet again, he had never imagined meeting someone like Jeongguk and falling so fast and so deep for him either. He had love interests in the past, but it never reached anything serious. And perhaps it’s for that reason that his wolf is so thrilled. He has set his mind on him, and despite his determination Jeongguk seems— how to put it nicely? A bit too oblivious to Taehyung’s feelings.

Taehyung is confused, very much confused, to the point that he starts overthinking and doubting himself. Is he being a good alpha and courting Jeongguk according to their traditions? Is he doing something wrong? He kicks the blankets in an attempt to free himself and jumps out of the bed, looking for a pen and a piece of paper. He needs to brainstorm and write down his thoughts.

┇Courting Jeongguk —A step by step guide by Kim Taehyung┇

The first courting gift was a flower, something meaningful for the alpha, and it wasn’t any flower, it was a Lavender rose, symbol of love at first sight. Taehyung writes that information down.

┇Step one: Show your interest with a significant flower (✓)┇

As the omega had accepted it, then he had given him permission to move to the next step. He had accompanied him home and gave him an item with his scent, a way of claiming him in front of other possible interested alphas.

┇Step two: Give him something of yours so that he smells like you (✓)┇

Now, he should offer him something to eat, shouldn’t he? A way to show the omega that he is a reliable alpha, someone who can provide and take care of him.

┇Step three: Offer him yummy food so he is happy and loves you back (  )┇

The question here is… what? Should he make a quick detour on the forest away from the city and try to hunt something? We are not wild animals, supermarkets and restaurants exist, Taehyung, for the Moon Goddess! Actually, yeah, there is no way he can show up at Jeongguk’s doorstep with a corpse between his hands. Taehyung takes a deep breath and lets it all out dramatically. He is definitely overthinking this too much. You know what? He needs a shower, a warm shower to relax and organize his thoughts. Before standing up, however, he adds:

┇Step four: Ask him out on a date and hold his hand  ( )┇

┇Step five: End the courting by kissing your omega on the lips ( )┇

Damn. Taehyung hadn’t realized how much he wanted to get to the last step until now. Jeongguk’s pretty lips, his pink tongue wetting them before Taehyung captures them with his. If the alpha brings two fingers to his lips, if he caresses them lightly under the stream of warm water, if he closes his eyes, he can totally imagine Jeongguk is there with him, kissing him softly.

❀

Not sure what food Jeongguk would like, Taehyung decides to go grocery shopping for him. There is no way he can go wrong now, especially given that the omega got the apartment today and thus his cabinets and fridge are empty. As his grandma used to tell him, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Believe me, son, I would know as that’s how I managed to seduce your grandpa.

So, Taehyung walks down the store checking each one of the aisles, thinking what could make Jeongguk happy. He pushes the cart with one hand while with the other one picks up three different types of pasta and puts it in. Next to him a couple with a baby chat about what they could make for dinner, holding hands and exchanging warm smiles. The alpha looks at them and something cozy settles in his chest, the domesticity of the scene has him feeling all soft. He wants that too —a partner, a family. He has been alone for too long, way too long, and wolves, especially city wolves, are not wired to live without the companionship, care and love of a pack. No one is a lone wolf by choice, but rather by misfortune.

Taehyung steals glances at them until they disappear in another aisle, and wonders if Jeongguk also wants to have a family —he wonders if, perhaps, someday he will carry his pups. The idea makes him smile, wide and unfiltered. But immediately after, he shakes his head, as if asking these thoughts to go away —for now. It is too soon to visualize these ideas, so he tries to clear his mind and focus on his ongoing task. At the end, he decides to buy a bit of everything in order to prepare balanced and healthy meals —he also adds some chocolates and other snacks in the cart, because everyone loves having a sweet treat after a hard day.

An hour later and holding four bags full of groceries, Taehyung walks down the street leading to Jeongguk’s apartment. Gone is the lovely sunny weather from the day before, replaced by dark, dense clouds. Big water droplets start falling the moment he reaches the omega’s building entrance. Sheltered from the rain, Taehyung waits for Jeongguk to answer at the other side of the intercom.

‘‘Who is it?’’

‘‘Me,’’ The alpha says. Then adds. ‘‘Taehyung.’’

‘‘Oh, hi!’’ The door buzzes and the alpha pushes it open with his shoulder. ‘‘Third floor, left corridor, second door.’’

‘‘Got it. Thanks.’’ Taehyung yells, already inside the building and walking to the elevator.

When he reaches the omega’s floor, Jeongguk is waiting for him at the door. Slender body leaning on the door frame, a white sweater with black stripes covering half of his hands. Taehyung’s air gets stuck in his chest, mouth slightly open as he takes in the image of the man in front of him. He is so cute, so adorably cute, that I want to pull him in a hug and squish him. But he doesn’t, he just resumes his walking and smiles at him.

‘‘Hi there.’’

‘‘What is all of that?’’ Jeongguk blurts out as he takes in Taehyung’s bags. His eyes widen as he tilts his head, and Oh Moon Gooooooooooddesssss. The alpha’s heart is having some issues trying to beat at a normal pace.

‘‘I brought some things.’’

‘‘Some things?’’ Jeongguk exclaims, then moves inside so Taehyung can enter his apartment too. Taehyung can feel the doe eyes stuck on him. The omega giggles. ‘‘You brought the whole store! Why did you do such thing?’’

Because I want to give you the stars, but since I can’t, I’m doing your groceries instead.

‘‘I thought you would be too busy and tired after everything the next few days, so I wanted to make sure you had food to eat.’’ Taehyung carefully leaves the bags on the floor.

‘‘I—I don’t even know what to say. It’s—Wow. Thank you. Seriously. You are amazing. But I—’’

‘‘Please, don’t say you want to pay me back.’’

‘‘But—Taehyung, that’s a lot!’’

‘‘That’s nothing compared to all the things you deserve, pup.’’

‘‘Oh God,’’ Jeongguk lets out a high pitched sound and covers his face with his hands, but still it gives Taehyung enough time to see his cheeks turn pink. Then his voice comes out muffled. ‘‘You can’t just say these things out of nowhere.’’

‘‘Hey,’’ Taehyung mutters softly, crossing the few steps separating them until he can circle the omega’s wrists with his fingers and gently pull Jeongguk’s hands away from his face. His heart skips a beat as Jeongguk’s eyes stare directly at his —so close, so round, so shiny. ‘‘If you don’t want to accept my gift, it’s fine. I will understand. Last thing I want is for you to feel forced or uncomfortable.’’

‘‘It’s not that,’’ Jeongguk breathes out and fuck. The urge to capture those pink lips between his burns him, but he doesn’t. He lets Jeongguk continue talking. ‘‘I’m very much flattered, but I don’t think I deserve it. And you are just perfect! Like a knight in shining armor.’’

Despite his need to keep touching the omega, Taehyung lets his wrists go.

‘‘I’m glad you see me that way,’’ He smiles, his wolf feeling proud. ‘‘And again, you deserve much more. Just say it, and I’ll make sure to make it happen.’’

‘‘Seriously, stop! You are—Ugh!! I think my face is on fire. Oh God, am I blushing?’’

‘‘You have been for a while now,’’ Taehyung winks at him. ‘‘Now, where do we put all these things? Some of them need to go in the fridge.’’

He grabs the bags again before Jeongguk can do it, and follows him to the kitchen. As they put everything away, he can’t help but think about the couple he saw earlier. This, right now, as their hands brush while taking items out of the bags, as one opens the fridge to put in the meat and the other opens a cabinet to store the three packages of pasta, feels as domestic as that family did. Being next to Jeongguk feels so natural, it feels like home.

‘‘All good?’’ Taehyung asks when he catches the omega smiling to himself.

‘‘Yeah,’’ Jeongguk turns to look at him. ‘‘I’m just happy Jimin introduced us to each other.’’

Taehyung’s heart does a little flip. ‘‘Me too.’’

‘‘You know what?’’ Jeongguk says while putting away the salt and pepper. ‘‘I think you should stay for dinner tonight. What do you think? You bought all of this and you are gonna help me with the moving truck, so—’’

‘‘No.’’ Taehyung shakes his head.

‘‘No?’’ Jeongguk repeats, taken aback.

‘‘I don’t want to stay as a way for you to repay me. I’ll stay, tho’, if you really want to have dinner with me.’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Taehyung catches the omega playing nervously with his fingers, and he fists his hands to avoid holding Jeongguk’s. Then Jeongguk looks at him, his cheeks still a sweet blush. ‘‘I want you to stay. I want to have dinner with you. Do you?’’

Taehyung can’t believe the omega beat him to ask him out on a date, but still, he happily agrees. Perhaps, his wolf jumps in his chest, we can cross every step on our list tonight.

❀

Moving boxes in and out of the truck, carrying them to the elevator and then from there to Jeongguk’s living room is an exhausting task even for an alpha like Taehyung. By the fifth ride, around eighteen boxes in, his arms start to feel fatigued. He doesn’t say it, of course, and keeps making sure that Jeongguk carries the less heavier boxes.

‘‘Is that a piano?’’ Taehyung asks, pointing at the object under a white bedsheet. ‘‘You play?’’

‘‘Oh, yes,’’ Jeongguk smiles. ‘‘I guess we haven’t had enough time to share much about ourselves. I majored in piano and violin. I got accepted as a primary school music teacher. That’s why I moved to Seoul.’’

‘‘Oh wow, that’s amazing!’’ somehow, Taehyung is even more enamored. ‘‘The kids will love you.’’

‘‘I hope so,’’ Jeongguk scrunches his nose in the way that drives Taehyung crazy. ‘‘I start two Mondays from now. I’m a bit nervous. Wait—Let’s carry that together. That box is too heavy.’’

‘‘No worries,’’ truth is, the box is. What does he have in here, rocks? ‘‘I can manage. Don’t want you to get hurt.’’

‘‘Those are my books,’’ as if he could read his mind, Jeongguk says. ‘‘I read tons of fantasy.’’

‘‘Me too!’’ Taehyung takes every opportunity to learn more about him. ‘‘As in Lord of the Rings and such?’’

‘‘Well,’’ Jeongguk seems to be blushing again. ‘‘Not exactly… I mean, it has faes and such… uh—But I don’t think you’d like these books…’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Taehyung frowns, confused. Then he smirks, knowingly. '‘Wait a second. Are those the same type of books Jimin reads? Like, those not suitable for work things? Full of sex—’’

‘‘Oh my God,’’ Jeongguk cuts him short. ‘‘Don’t say it! I should have kept my mouth shut. Or just say yes, of course it’s Lord of the Rings or whatever. This is embarassing. Yes, that type of fantasy books. Oh my God. Can we forget this conversation ever happened?’’

‘‘Why?’’ Taehyung’s smirk grows bigger. ‘‘I like it.’’

‘‘You are clearly just mocking me,’’ Jeongguk pouts. Please, please, please. Stop doing that or I swear to the Moon I will just kiss you right here, right now. ‘‘And now you probably think I’m a weirdo. I’ll go one sec real quick and throw myself off the rooftop, okay? Be right back.’’

‘‘Hey, hey,’’ Taehyung puts the box down and grabs the omega by the arm, squeezing it softly, thumb caressing him through the shirt. And there it is, that strong connection and sense of belonging. '‘I would never make fun of you, pup,’’ Taehyung’s eyes turn softer. ‘‘Why would what someone reads define them? Literature is literature. And if it’s spicy, and you enjoy that, then it’s even better.’’

‘‘So…’’ Jeongguk ventures to ask, voice low and shy. ‘‘Do you also read these things?’’

‘‘Oh no. I don’t read that, pup, but I do make it happen in bed.’’ Taehyung winks, slowly letting him go before he can panic for sounding creepy and arrogant. Jeongguk's ears and nose turn a dark shade of red. And oh, it was worth it.

‘‘Am I—?’’

‘‘Blushing?’’ Taehyung finishes for him. Jeongguk nods. ‘‘You totally are.’’

‘‘You are gonna be the end of me, Kim Taehyung.’’

‘‘I hope not,’’ He smiles. ‘‘Come, let’s finish this so we can have dinner. I will cook for you.’’

‘‘What? You will definitely not! I’ll do the cooking while you rest!’’

‘‘We’ll see about that.’’

They put the last round of boxes and the piano in the elevator. The remaining space is narrow, and Jeongguk’s chest presses against his own. His hands itch to touch, to caress, to worship. He wants to cup Jeongguk’s face and kiss his forehead, his eyelids, his lil nose, his pink lips. His wolf growls, later, just a little bit more. Later. Soon.

‘‘I’m so sorry…’’ Jeongguk mumbles, but Taehung wishes this ride would never end. ‘‘I just—There’s no space and…’’

‘‘Don’t be,’’ The alpha whispers back, his hand flies to Jeongguk’s waist as he feels the omega trying to pull himself back. ‘‘Come here, it’s fine.’’

‘‘Are you always like this?’’

The question leaves Taehyung confused. He frowns. ‘‘What do you mean?’’

‘‘So caring, so sweet. So perfect?’’

‘‘I—’’ What should we reply? ‘‘I try to be?’’

‘‘That’s—’’ Jeongguk sighs, his eyes not looking at him anymore. And with a soft voice, he says. ‘‘That’s not fair.’’

What? That was definitely not the reaction he was expecting, but the elevator arrives at Jeongguk's floor and the omega takes a step to the side. Taehyung’s hand falls next to his body, rejected, and Jeongguk grabs a box and brings it inside his apartment, not allowing Taehyung to ask what just happened.

After that, Jeongguk starts acting differently —he is clearly avoiding us, his wolf growls, pained. He doesn’t ask him to leave his apartment, thank Goddess, because Taehyung could never live with that rejection. And okay, yes, he keeps talking to him, but he is obviously forcing himself, and whenever their fingers brush while cooking dinner together, Jeongguk jumps as if he had been burned. And now, as they sit in front of each other on the small, squared table, Jeongguk talks but tries not to look at him.

‘‘This is the best meal I ever had,’’ Jeongguk nods to himself. ‘‘You really are amazing at everything.’’

‘‘I’m so sorry, Jeonggukah,’’ Taehyung finally addresses the elephant in the room. ‘‘What did I do wrong? I need to know, please.’’

‘‘What?’’ Jeongguk blinks, a forkful of spaghetti frozen in front of his mouth. ‘‘You did nothing wrong. At all.’’

‘‘I’m so confused right now,’’ Taehyung shakes his head. ‘‘You are clearly upset. I just want to understand you.’’

‘‘Taehyung, please. You didn’t—’’

‘‘Then why don’t you look at me?’’

‘‘Because—Oh, God,’’ Jeongguk sighs. And when their eyes meet, Taehyung can see how troubled the omega’s eyes are. And damn, it hurts. ‘‘I have the biggest crush on you. Like—I know it’s too sudden and we barely know each other. I—I know, okay? It’s weird even to me. But damn. It just hurts to know you see me as a friend.’’

‘‘Excuse me? What?’’

‘‘God. I’m sorry, I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable! You are so kind, you always are, aren’t you? You said that yourself. And I’m sorry I let my feelings get carried away. I don’t know— I guess I have never been treated so nicely before and my heart just fell for you. Forget about this, okay? I want to be friends. Of course. I meant it when I said I’m so glad we got to meet each other. Great, now I made you upset…’’

Taehyung lets his fingers run through his golden hair, giving himself time to take in the omega’s confession and organize his thoughts because what the actual fuck is going on here?

‘‘Jeongguk… I’m just confused. Not upset. At all, but,’’ He sighs again. ‘‘How did you come out with that conclusion? I’ve been courting you since yesterday morning when you stepped a foot in Golden Flowers!’’

‘‘Courting me?’’ Jeongguk scrunches his nose. ‘‘Like… Victorians back in the 19th?’’

‘‘What are you talking about?’’

‘‘What are you talking about?’’

‘‘I’m so confused right now.’’ Taehyung grunts.

‘‘Well,’’ Jeongguk giggles. ‘‘That makes two of us.’’

‘‘I’ve been courting you, Jeongguk, as in I like you too and I want us to be together.’’

‘‘Courting as in… flirting with me?’’

‘‘Flirt—’’ Taehyung frowns. ‘‘Jeongguk, what are you?’’

‘‘That’s a very introspective question for a moment like this. I mean, I don’t know what to say…’’

‘‘No. Quick. What are you?’’

‘‘A man? I mean, what else is there to be?’’

‘‘Oh for the Moon,’’ Taehyung chuckles, then shakes his head with the biggest, most sincere boxy smile ever. ‘‘I’m an alpha! And I thought—I thought you were an omega! Not that I mind—’’ Taehyung rushes to add. ‘‘I like you so much. I don’t care about that at all!’’

‘‘Stop. Stop, right there,’’ Jeongguk pushes the plate full of food to the side. Who cares about spaghetti bolognese right now? ‘‘You are a what now?’’

‘‘A werewolf, Jeongguk. I’m an alpha,’’ Taehyung chuckles. ‘‘Don’t you have any of those in the lil books you read?’’

‘‘I mean— Yes, of course… But that’s just fantasy…’’ Jeongguk’s confused and blushing face is so adorable that Taehyung can’t help but stand up and walk to him.

‘‘Come here,'’ he says, grabbing the human’s hand and helping him stand. Then, he embraces him in a tight hug. Finally.

‘‘What are you—Oh,’’ Jeongguk sighs, and after a few seconds Taehyung feels him relaxing in his arms. ‘‘Are you really an alpha? Like—That’s real? Werewolves exist? I think I’m going crazy. Am I dreaming? Is this one of my crazy bedtime fantasies?’’

‘‘I guess your little kinky fantasies became reality,’’ Taehyung whispers in his hair, tenderly but mockingly. ‘‘This is very much real. I do exist.’’

‘‘Shut up. Please. It’s embarrassing. And you are definitely making fun of me.’’

‘‘I’m not. I’m an alpha, you can ask Jimin. But not now,’’ Taehyung presses him harder against his body. ‘‘And I was wondering, why you didn’t have any scent,’’ His nose buries in the black strands. ‘‘But you actually do. You smell very faintly like clean, like cotton.’’

‘‘That’s probably just my detergent.’’

‘‘No,’’ Taehyung smiles. ‘‘That’s you. It’s faint, it’s human, but it’s there.’’

‘‘I still need to process all of this,’’ Jeongguk giggles, then takes a step back. ‘‘Are there more people like you?’’

‘‘Yeah, of course.’’

‘‘Oh my God,’’ Jeongguk’s eyes widen. ‘‘Jimin?’’

‘‘Ji—? No, of course not. He is a human, like you.’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Jeongguk clears his throat. ‘‘I see. And, like, you said… that you were courting me because you thought I was an omega, but… you like me even if I’m just a human?’’

'‘You drive me crazy no matter what you are,’ Taehyung boops Jeongguk’s nose, and finally, finally, he feels complete. ‘‘I even had a list. You wanna see it?’’

When Jeongguk nods, Taehyung grabs his hand and guides them to the couch, trying not to trip over the boxes that are scattered all over the place. Sitting in front of the other, the alpha hands him the paper.

‘‘‘Courting Jeongguk, a step by step guide by Kim Taehyung’,’’ Jeongguk reads outloud. ‘‘Wait a second—This is so cute. When did you do that?’’

‘‘Yesterday after dropping you at Jimin’s. Keep reading, pup,’’ Taehyung encourages him. ‘‘You’ll understand it all better.’’

‘‘‘Step one, show your interest with a significant flower’. That’s the rose you game me yesterday morning, isn’t it?’’

‘‘It’s a Lavender rose, it means ‘love at first sight’.’’

‘‘‘Step two, give him something you wore so that he smells like you’. I have to admit, your scarf did smell amazingly. Well—You smell amazing. When you hugged me, even in the elevator, you smell like—I don’t know. A forest? But fruity?’’

‘‘That’s my scent,’’ Taehyung explains, his alpha jumping ecstatic in his chest because Jeongguk likes how they smell. ‘‘Juniper berries.’’

‘‘I love it.’’

Taehyung smiles. ‘‘I love it more when it’s on you.’’

‘‘On… me?’’ Jeongguk blushes. ‘‘As in… scenting me?’’

‘‘Oh,’’ Taehyung chuckles. ‘‘So you know about that?’’

‘‘I mean… Yeah…’’ Jeongguk wets his lips. ‘‘It’s in the lil books I read.’’

‘‘Keep reading, pup,’’ Taehyung’s heart starts beating way too fast. He takes a deep breath, trying to relax himself. ‘‘Let’s finish this, then I can scent you if you want to.’’

‘‘Ye—yeah, okay,’’ Jeongguk’s voice trembles in anticipation. He seems to read it for himself, because he doesn’t say anything else. ‘‘I guess the groceries and cooking together, is step three. What about number four?’’

‘‘The date?’’ Taehyung smiles. ‘‘Well, you beat me to it.’’

‘‘This is a date?’’ Jeongguk asks, surprised.

‘‘Is it not?’’ Taehyung frowns.

‘‘Yes,’’ Jeongguk rushes to say. ‘‘Of course. If you want to, that is,’’ Taehyung nods, whispering of course I want this to be a date, then Jeongguk continues shyly. ‘‘That means, your list is almost finished…’’

‘‘Almost, yes.’’

‘‘Except step five.’’

‘‘Except step five,’’ Taehyung repeats, nodding. He feels his heart beating in his throat. But it’s fine, it’s okay, because Jeongguk likes him back. Still, the urge to kiss him senseless intensifies, to the point he can barely contain the sound rumbling in his throat coming from his wolf at having Jeongguk so close, doe eyes shining at him, pink lips waiting to be devoured. Without realizing, his nose brushes Jeongguk’s. Softly, gently. And when the human doesn’t back away, Taehyung asks. ‘‘May I?’’

‘‘You may. Pleas—’’ Jeongguk whispers, and the word dies in Taehyung’s lips.

As he had expected, kissing Jeongguk feels like stepping a foot in Heaven. His body shudders internally, his wolf growls and scratches within his chest. More. Faster. Taehyung ignores it, he wants to take his time, and thus he kisses the man slowly, wet lips moving in unison. His right hand pulls Jeongguk closer by the nape, while the other grabs him by his waist, his deliriously tiny waist.

‘‘Fuck,’’ He grunts. ‘‘You are perfect,’’ He mutters, kissing the man’s nose, his cheeks, forehead, eyelids. He kisses every inch of skin available, without an order, just wherever his lips want to go. Jeongguk whimpers under his touch, remaining pliant under his kisses. ‘‘I want to kiss you everywhere. I want to mark you everywhere.’’

‘‘Then do it, alpha.’’

And Taehyung almost loses it then and there. ‘‘What did you just call me, pup?’’

‘‘Alpha,’’ Jeongguk repeats, his doe, shiny eyes staring at him. His cheeks, Taehyung’s favorite color. ‘‘Alpha. Alpha. My alpha.’’

‘‘Keep reading these books of yours,’’ Taehyung wets slowly his now swollen and red lips. ‘‘They totally teach you well how to make me go feral.’’ He pushes Jeongguk to lay on the couch, coming on top of him, as he captures his lips in a fierce kiss. His tongue opens his way past those pretty lips, and finds Jeongguk’s tongue. And Jeongguk’s hands travel to his golden hair, pulling him closer. Taehyung kisses him until he feels dizzy, until his teeth ache, asking him to claim the man under him.

‘‘Don’t stop. Please. I—’’

‘‘Pup, I have to,’’ Taehyung breathes in Jeongguk’s now sweaty scent. And it fires something within him. ‘‘I don’t want to hurt you.’’

‘‘Then scent me.’’

‘‘Oh for the Moon,’’ Taehyung grunts, biting his lower lip. ‘‘You don’t have a scent gland, but still, some of my scent should cling to your skin. At least for me and other alphas, you’ll smell like Juniper berries. Come here, pup. Tilt your head.’’

Fingers on Jeongguk’s chin, he guides him the way he wants him. His nose trails up his neck, from the base, up his Adam’s apple to his chin. He kisses along his jaw, to his earlobe, then down. He brushes his cheek against the side of his neck, where the scent gland should be if Jeongguk was an omega. He rubs his cheek and his nose, his lips, his tongue, again and again against Jeongguk’s pale skin, until he feels satisfied, until he hears Jeongguk letting out a small, shy moan. Then he starts rocking his hips against Taehyung’s thigh, his bulge hard under the jeans. The alpha stops immediately, eyes sharp and flashing a darker shade of brown.

‘‘Oh my God,’’ Jeongguk covers his face. ‘‘Oh my God. I’m sorry. It’s just— It feels—’’

‘‘I want to see you,’’ Taehyung grabs his wrists with both hands, then adds pressure on Jeongguk’s crotch with his leg. ‘‘You are so beautiful. Tell me, pup, how does it feel?’’

‘‘Good,’’ Jeongguk breathes out. Hands pinned above his head, squirming under the alpha. ‘‘So good.’’

Taehyung smirks, satisfied. His free hand ventures inside Jeongguk’s shirt, while he pleases Jeongguk with the back and forth of his thigh. Then his fingertip graces the man’s left nipple, slowly, moving in circles, and Jeongguk shuts his eyes, moaning loudly, pink, wet lips parting to let all these whimpers out. His back arches seeking the touch, his legs open wider to accommodate Taehyung better, and then he feels it —the alpha’s cock pressing against his own thigh.

‘‘Oh God. Oh God,’’ He repeats. ‘‘Taehyung, just—Just—’’

‘‘Just what, pup?’’ Taehyung asks, index and thumb pressing on the overstimulated bud. ‘‘What do you want?’’

‘‘You. I want you. I want—You.’’

‘‘You have me. Don’t you, hmm?’’ His voice lowers, whispering directly in Jeongguk’s ear.

‘‘No. Yes. But—but fuck me.’’

‘‘I can’t do such thing, pup.’’

‘‘What?’’ Jeongguk whimpers, trying to free his hands, but to no avail. Taehyung is stronger than him, of course he is. And he is making him feel so good. ‘‘Why? Why not?’’

‘‘It will hurt you. So bad.’’

‘‘It won’t. You won’t.’’

‘‘It will. I will,’’ Taehyung kisses his jaw. Once, twice. ‘‘Another day. I promise. I’m dying to. But first—first we need to do research on how you can take me safely. My knot— Humans don’t have that. It will hurt. I promise, we will figure it out. Another day.’’

‘‘You promise?’’

‘‘Of course, pup.’’ Taehyung catches a patch of skin from Jeongguk’s neck between his teeth. Not a mating bite, not even close to it but rewarding anyway. His cock twitches inside his pants when Jeongguk moans again.

‘‘I think I’m close,’’ Jeongguk bites his lower lip. ‘‘I don’t want to come like this. Not in my pants.’’

‘‘Wait—I have an idea,’’ Taehyung frees Jeongguk’s hands to unzip both their pants, pulling out their dicks. ‘‘This—this should make us both feel good.’’

‘‘Oh damn,’’ Jeongguk breathes out, taking in the size of the alpha. ‘‘That’s huge.’’

Taehyung smirks, a wave of confidence hitting him full force. ‘‘I know. Now, come here.’’ He grabs both of their cocks in one hand, sensitive skin brushing, Jeongguk’s warm dick against his own feeling so damn good. He grunts, Jeongguk closes his eyes, and he starts jerking them off at the same time. It’s hot, it’s needy, the sounds they let out. Taehyung captures Jeongguk’s lips in a hungry, desperate kiss, biting his lower lip. And Jeongguk lets him, God of course he does, so pliant under his body, at his mercy.

‘‘Close. So close. Oh God. Taehyung. Fuck.’’ Jeongguk’s body tenses, his face the most beautiful thing Taehyung has ever seen when he finally comes, pleasure painted all over his features. And the alpha does soon after, his knot building in his fist.

‘‘Fuck. Jeongguk. Mine.’’ He grunts, letting his head fall on the man’s neck, breathing in the spicy, sweaty human scent, mixed with a citric bloom, with wet soil —a pine forest after it rains.

❀

Taehyung scrubs Jeongguk’s hair under the warm stream in the shower. He smiles, feeling as blissful as never before.

‘‘Another question,’’ Jeongguk starts saying lowly. Taehyung chuckles. For the past fifteen minutes, the man has been asking him anything and everything that crosses his mind. ‘‘If—if I was an omega, which I know I’m not, but if I was…’’

‘‘Mmmh,’’ Taehyung mutters, as an indication that he is listening. ‘‘What then, pup?’’

‘‘If I was an omega and we had sex, would that mean I could carry your babies? As in, we could have our own biological babies?’’

‘‘Pups,’’ Taehyung corrects. ‘‘We call them ‘pups’. And yes, you would carry my pups right here,’’ He murmurs in his ear, caressing Jeongguk’s lower belly with his fingertips. ‘‘They would grow here, inside you. And I would make sure to take such good care of you. Both of you.’’

‘‘But I’m not an omega. I can’t get pregnant.’’ Jeongguk lets out a deep breath.

‘‘I know,’’ Taehyung kisses his nape, then turns the shower head so it hits mainly Jeongguk, rinsing the shampoo and soap from his body. ‘‘I don’t mind.’’

‘‘Aren’t you sad?’’ Jeongguk says, stepping out of the shower after the alpha, who waits for him with a towel ιn his hands. The man blushes. After he had mentioned that no one took such good care of him before, Taehyung made it his life mission to always shower his man with love and attention. ‘‘Thank you.’’

‘‘No. Why would I be sad? My boyfriend is the most beautiful, sweetest human ever.’’

‘‘But you will not have biological children. Growing up… I’m sure you thought you would have pups.’’

‘‘I did. Four to be exact. I even thought we would have ours together,’’ Taehyung smiles. ‘‘And we will. Even if not biological, we will raise pups, or babies, together.’’

‘‘Four? Oh my God,’’ Jeongguk giggles. ‘‘Honestly, if any other boyfriend would talk about these things just after a few hours of dating, I would literally run away. But, my lil books taught me werewolves mostly court to mate.’’

‘‘I do have intentions to mate you, Jeongguk.’’

The man gasps. ‘‘As in… biting me?’’

‘‘It’s okay for me to do it the human way, too.’’

‘‘The human way?’’ Jeongguk frowns while he puts on his underwear. ‘‘You mean getting married?’’

Taehyung nods, putting on the shirt Jeongguk lent him. It’s a bit small, his arms bulkier than Jeongguk’s. But it’s fine, it will do.

‘‘Another question,’’ Jeongguk says, putting on a pair of gray joggers. ‘‘Why do you call me ‘pup’? Is that like, our ‘babe’?’’

‘‘It is,’’ Taehyung says. ‘‘But it has more to it. When I call you ‘pup’, it evokes in my inner alpha a feeling of deep care and protection. It’s not just something I say, but rather something I feel.’’

‘Great, now I’ll be blushing each time you say it,’’ Jeongguk pouts. ‘‘Wait— how should I call you?’’

‘‘Whatever you want, pup.’’

‘‘Alpha?’’ Jeongguk questions as they leave the bathroom and sit facing each other on the couch.

‘‘During sex? Definitely.’’

‘‘Oh my God, you are shameless!’’ Jeongguk grunts, covering his face. ‘‘And here I thought I got myself a gentleman.’’

‘‘You got lucky you got both,’’ Taheyung says, gently pushing the man’s hands away from his face to kiss the tip of his nose. ‘‘I know what you read, pup. I know you like it shameless.’’

‘‘Please, don’t bring that up again and again. It’s embarrassing.’’

‘‘In my opinion, it’s cute. Whatever you do is cute.’’

As they cuddle on Jeongguk's couch, leaving all the unpacking for another day, Taehyung makes sure to leave his scent on his boyfriend all over again. He doesn’t get tired of it, of Jeongguk’s soft skin, of his little whimpers, of the warmth that radiates from his body when it’s pressed against his.

‘‘Don’t go to Jimin’s tonight,’’ Taehyung mumbles against his hair, taking in the man’s natural scent mixed with his own. ‘‘We can’t sleep here because of all the unpacking left to do, but I don’t want to let you go. Stay with me in my apartment. I need to go to work early, but you can stay for as long as you wish. I’ll give you a spare key, so you can come and go as you please.’’

‘‘Wow,’’ Jeongguk giggles, but he sounds slightly nervous. ‘‘I know your pace in relationships is totally different than for humans, but aren’t we going a bit too fast? Are you sure you want me to have a key to your place? I mean, I don’t mind giving you mine too, I trust you. I think I’m panicking a bit. This past hour has been my best relationship so far, and I don’t want to mess it up…’’

‘‘Hey, Jeongguk. It’s fine, you are not gonna mess anything up. And if you were an omega, I would probably mate you by the end of the week,’’ Taehyung chuckles. ‘‘But of course, we will use human time. I don’t want you to feel pressured or stressed about us. If you don’t feel confident about something, just let me know.’’

‘‘I don’t feel pressured, at all. And I’m confident. I want to exchange keys, I do. But uhm, I would appreciate it if you don’t propose to me for at least half a year. And I’m being optimistic!’’

‘‘As you wish, pup. We have all the time in the world and I will always prioritize your comfort,’’ Taehyung kisses his nose tenderly. ‘‘But we will definitely have four children. There are no discussions about it.’’

With a bunny smile that makes him glow, Jeongguk says:

‘‘We will see about that, my tiger lily.’’