Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Come on y/n, you're probably just stressed with your final project coming to an end." Her best friend whined. Valerie's answer to everything was to go out and let loose.

''If you're still feeling sick in an hour we can go home. But it couldn't hurt to try it out. Maybe a night out is just what you need." Her other friend, Margo compromised.

Y/n had been feeling sick all day. A pounding headache that would not go away with any pain killers, bouts of nausea, and a feeling of unease she could not shake. She thought it was a sign. A reason to stay home. Something telling her that going out was a bad idea. But at the same time, there was a small, tiny barely there voice that whispered, Go.

Truthfully y/n was never one to pass up a party. Always looking for an outlet and dancing and screaming the lyrics to their favourite songs sounded like a great idea. A headache wouldn't stop her. Besides, once she started drinking, she would barely notice it anyway. It would be good for her restless mind. Take off all the pressure she's been putting on herself this semester. Her friends were right; her final project was stressing her out. Had been taking over every waking thought of hers. Surely, her friends dragging her out after being stuck in the studio all day might be just what she needed.

"Fine!" she contested, "But the second I feel unwell, we're leaving, okay?" Her friends nodded their heads vigorously.

Determined to feel better and have a good time she puts in a little more effort than usual in her appearance. Her usual "jeans and a nice top" are traded in for a sparkly black mini dress and strappy heels, still a little cold for the outfit but that’s never stopped any girl from doing the same. Convincing herself that maybe if she had a lot more fun getting ready, the actual going out part would be worth it. Artfully styling her hair as the music plays and Valerie and Margo fluttering around her, making drinks and passing out compliments like free samples at the mall.

There’s no way she is going to have a bad time tonight. Even that weird off feeling in the pit of her stomach has subsided.

Maybe they were right, this was what she needed. Just some time to unwind and spend with her girls. As soon as the three girls got to the club she had forgotten why she was so apprehensive about the night in the first place. Dancing and screaming off key to their favorite songs, y/n could feel the stress melt right out of her body.

She wasn't sure when the night started to blur, maybe after the third or fourth shot at the bar, but she felt good. Floaty and free. Swaying in the crowd letting the music take her. Her friends were pulling her towards the bathroom, but that wouldn’t do. She needed to stay here. Something was telling her that. She shook them off, mouthing and point to her spot that she won’t move and to find her back here.

Valerie and Margo nodded their heads. Assuring her they would be right back. But the line for the bathroom was long, and the line to the bar was much more manageable, so they stopped for drinks first, needing something to pass the time while waiting in line.

Y/n might have been a self-proclaimed party girl, but she never hooked up while she was out. In fact, she hated the thought of a boy taking her away from her fun. it's why as she danced in the crowd, she brushed off the looks sent her way. Not giving the green light to be approached. She was swaying to the music, sweat dripping down her chest. It was only a few moments later that she saw them. The flashing club lights were clinging to them, as if some higher power was showing her, “Here! Look here. I brought them here for you.”

The three most beautiful boys she had ever seen were making their way through the crowd. The first looked like he stepped out of a painting. Wavy black hair, a sharp jawline and beautiful sharp eyes. He dripped sensuality with every breath.
The second was just as beautiful, but the only word that came to her mind was ethereal. Blonde hair, full kissable lips and the face that people went to wars for. He was the closest thing to an Angel she had ever seen.
And the third. The third was delicious. Wispy hair, not long enough to be called a mullet, but still with enough length and shape, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to run her fingers through it. His shoulders were strong, the tattoos running down one arm had her itching to trace the designs. And oh. The lip ring. If the other two were a painting and an angel, then this one was sin incarnate.

As if they could feel her eyes on them, they turned their attention onto her, a force pulling them through the last few people on the dance floor and depositing them right in front of her. She wasn’t sure what was happening only that her body needed to be close to them. No words exchanged they surrounded her, the painting in front the angel by his side and sin behind her. They smelled so good. Alphas. All three of them.

Why they were focusing on a beta woman like herself was beyond her, but she could never turn away their attention. Not when she felt this good. Their bodies were swaying to the music, back and forth, closer and closer. Sin’s hand wrapped around her waist, flush with his chest. The scent of amber and vanilla drifted off him and she sunk right into his hold.

The painting in front of her wrapped himself around the same arm as Sin’s, leaving her right side wide open for the angel to lean down and breathe her in. They both smelled of cherries and honey and a touch of vanilla. The three of them their own walking dessert. And she wanted nothing more than to eat them up.

“God, you smell so good baby, it’s not fair how many people are around and get to smell you too.” Angel whispered in her ear, his nose trailing down her neck.

A noise threatened to escape her, a bite to her lip the only thing saving her from the embarrassment of exposing just how affected she was by them. She was never this forward. So keenly showing her interest and being met with the same back. Whenever she did speak to boys, she was awkward, and stuttering. Whoever this mysterious siren was that had taken over her body and her mind, was playing a game she didn't know the rules to. But every thought she had that would suggest to ring the alarm bells were brushed off with a more potent desire to be close to them. To let them be close to her.

“You do smell good. Like sweet rum and vanilla.” Sin rumbled behind her, his gripped tightening.

All three boys were just as scent drunk as she was, if not more. Jungkook could hardly remember the last time a women's scent had made him feel this way, if there ever was an instance such as this one. Taehyung was no better. What was it that had pulled him away from the exit, and onto the dance floor? They were only here to grab a few things for their pack alpha, Namjoon and were to be on their way. But no, he must have felt it at the same time as his other two lovers. The pull was so visceral it was like he was floating in water, being carried away with the tide.

Jimin, perhaps was the most surprised to find himself longing like this. After so many years of keeping his desires locked away—for anyone that wasn't his pack—it felt like his senses were on fire. Was it her? Was she doing this to them? It was then that the three boys knew exactly what was happening. This beta they approached, was no beta.

She was an omega. Whose first perfume was coming in now.
On the dance floor.
With them.
In a crowd full out people.
And she was none the wiser.

The three of them shared a look, concern raised in their eyes. They needed to get this girl out of here and fast. Before anyone else got a whiff of her heady scent. Jungkook’s inner alpha was screaming with joy. How lucky they were to get here not a full twenty minutes ago and managed to find an omega instantly. The word mate flowing through his scent drunk brain as he grappled with his urges her kiss her, to scent her fully to smell like his. It was difficult to curb his alpha's urges, but she needed their help. His help. And his first instinct was to protect.

Taehyung was just as rattled. His scent pushing out soothing pheromones, trying to diffuse the air around them of her scent. There was no way in hell anyone else would have the privilege of smelling her. Not when she was so wholly theirs, if only for this moment.

The only one who seemed to have any control of his urges was Jimin, as soon as her smelled her, he knew what she was. Gears instantly shifted as he leaned down and cupped her face in his soft hands, making her look at him.

“Baby, can you hear me, okay?” He asked the beautiful girl in his pack members arms.

Her eyes were glazed over. The smell of tequila on her breath probably the reason she was having a hard time focusing on anything else other than how good it felt to be touched by him. She nodded her head with difficulty. Alcohol and scents overwhelming her wholly.

“Okay that’s good. Can we take you home? It’s not safe for you here.” Jimin was going to combust there on the spot as she slightly tilted her head to the side, confused.

Fuck she was so beautiful. Large brown eyes, a cute small button nose and lips so full he wanted to bite them.

Focus.

“You’re safe with us, we promise to take care of you. Make sure you’re okay.” Jungkook leaned down to catch her eyes.

“Safe?” She mumbled, so small and dizzy.

“Darling, do you know what’s happening right now?” Tae asked her, and she whipped her sights back to him.

She shook her head. What were they asking her? To go home with them? All three of them?! How would that even work. Even with her limited experiences with intimate partners she never experimented. At least not to the extent of adding more people in her bed. She was instantly brought back down to earth from her racing thoughts, the painting brushing his hand down her cheek.

“You’re perfuming.” He whispered

She vehemently shook her head. “Not an omega.”

How drunk were these boys? She thought she was bad when under the influence but to mistake her, a beta for an omega? Yea, these boys were definitely on one.

“Baby, you’re in the middle of presenting.” The angel answered her non-question.

She looked confused, not able to put two and two together. Blooming this late, in a setting with so many smells and bodies swaying back and forth must be overwhelming.

“But I’m a beta. I’ve always been a beta.” The panic in her voice has the three alphas around her lock into her distress.

Her emotions were giving her whiplash. How does she go from feeling so good, to confused, then to scared all in the span of a few minutes. How was no one around them seeing her panic? she thought.

Except people were shooting them weird glances, some people even tried to come up to see what the problem was but were instantly coward by the look in Jungkook's eyes. No one was going to get near her, not when she was in such a vulnerable state. But they needed to get her out of here. Fresh air would do them all some good.

“Sh sh it’s okay doll. We’re gonna help you. Need to get you out of here.” Jungkook soothed from behind her, his eyes trailing towards the quickest exit.

“Will you let us help?” Jimin asked as he tucked her hair behind her ear, not quite touching her scent gland but close enough to give her comfort.

“I don’t know, I’m here with friends.” she bit her lip. Margo and Valerie knew she was on the dance floor. They knew that they couldn't dilly dally too long in the washroom. Maybe they were at the bar getting drinks? Or maybe they forgot all about her because they were just as wasted as she was. God, what was in those drinks?

“Where are they?”

“I don’t know. They said they would be back. They should be back by now.” The small whine escaped her lips, unable to control the twisting in her belly she’s had all day. Taehyung had to take matters into his own hands. Knew it was now or never, the distress of his omega—no, not his—is enough to warn him just how overwhelmed she is, just how much she needs them to guide her out of here and get fresh air.

“Let’s go, you can call them outside. We need to get you out of here before anyone smells you and starts a riot.”

She just nodded her head, grateful to not have to make any choices right now. Her feelings are all over the place. A part of her knows how stupid it is to leave with three strange men. A bigger part of her knows just how dangerous alphas can be. But for the second time tonight a tiny voice in the back of her head tells her she’s safe. To follow them. Perhaps the force that pulled them together was pointing towards safety.

She let them lead her towards the back exit. The security guard standing at the door didn’t even blink at them just nodded his head and let them pass.

The fresh air immediately helped. Stumbling out of one of their arms, she braced herself onto the bricked alley wall and took in deep breaths. The rough texture of the stone grounding her further.Breathe. She commands herself. In and out.

The clouded thoughts cleared just enough for her to make sense of her situation. She’s presenting. She an omega. Everything that she has ever known has changed.

Except it makes no sense. How can she be an omega? Her mother was a beta, her father was a beta, her brother was an alpha, which already took their family by surprise, but for her to be an omega? Presenting past the age of majority? She was too old for fucks sake; there’s no way this should be happening.

Nope. These men were mistaken. There had to be a logical explanation for this. Maybe there was something in her drink. Maybe the club was pumping out pheromones, like some of the steadier dens do. That had to be it.

She could hear the boys muttering to each other, still close enough to offer some form of protection if needed. They’re under the impression that she’s something precious, something to be taken care of.

“There’s no way that I’m presenting. You guys are wrong.” She croaks out finally voicing her spiraling thoughts.

They stop talking.

“What makes you say that?” The angels soft voice asks. Fuck she really needed to ask their names.

“I’m too old. There has to be an explanation as to why I smell like this, but it’s not presenting.”

“Okay, do you have one?” The painting asks, clearly trying to steer her away from panic.

She nodded, pulling herself upright away from the brick wall.

Looking at them now, she can see just how affected they are standing with her here. Stances wide, positioned around her and the door to the club and the opening of the alley. Their formation screams Alpha.

“There was probably something in my drink.”

“That would make you perfume such a lovely scent?”

“Yes?”

“Okay, how would you explain our reactions?”

“Pheromones in the vents.”

“Not in this place, darling.”

“There’s no way you could know that.” she was getting frustrated at this point.

“Actually, there is, our pack owns this place. And our bartenders are all vetted.” The painting explains things so plainly. No argument in his voice just stating the facts. Taehyung doesn't want to offend her, just wants her to see that her logic is flawed. There was no way that her scent could be manufactured by any drug. She was exquisite and he was beyond the belief that anyone had ever smelled as good as she did.

“I know it’s hard to wrap your head around it, you’re probably scared and confused. But all the signs are pointing to presenting.” The angel tries to comfort.

“I’m sorry there’s just no way this is happening to me.” she wrapped her arms around herself. If it was true, if she were to believe them, then everything that she has known to be true is not.

“Can I come closer baby? Just want to check you over.”

“Why?” her brown furrow in question. Is this a trick? No, they wouldn't trick her, they wanted to help her. That tiny voice has been getting her into trouble all night. If only she stayed home like she wanted to none of this would have ever happened.

“Our Jimin is a doctor. He’ll be able to see if you’ve been drugged or otherwise.” Sin replied gently, as if he didn't want to startle her.

Jimin. The angel's name is Jimin. A doctor. Yes, okay that's fine. She nods her head, and he steps forward immediately enveloping her into his warm scent, a sense of calm washing over her.

“I’m going to check your eyes first, just to be sure.” He tilts her head sideways, then pulls out his phone the flash helping check her pupils. Everything is normal. No signs of being dosed. He then runs his fingers down her temples and over her jaw, no signs of grinding her teeth and no signs of fever or cold sweats.

In fact, she’s blooming under his touch. Not aware just how much she’s leaning into his comforting scent. Cherries. But also…almonds? He smelled so good. Good enough that she wanted to wrap herself around him like a cat and rub herself in his scent.

“Baby? Where did you go? Come back to me.” He called her out of her reverie. She flushed, embarrassed to be caught so unaware and so enamored by him. But all she saw was concern on his beautiful face.

“I don’t see any signs of being drugged. Your pupils are fine, you’re not grinding your jaw, and you’re not sweating. No fever and no chills." Jimin listed off, hoping his words bring her some form of comfort. "Have you been feeling unwell today? Or maybe yesterday?”

She’s ready to protest no, that’s she’s been fine, when that goddamn voice chimes in telling her that’s not true. No, she was feeling nauseous all day, had a hard time sleeping last night too. Feeling restless, unsettled. Feeling off.

Her eyes widen, “Y-yes,” She stuttered, “I couldn't sleep last night, and I’ve been nauseous all day today.”

“Are you nauseous now?”

“No, it went away just before I was getting ready to go out.”

He hums to himself, knowing the signs of presentation well. After all, he spent years studying pediatrics, presenting usually happening just at the tail end of puberty.

“Okay, and how did you feel once you got here? The same? Still sick?”

“No not at all, I was fine. Felt amazing in fact. S’why I didn’t bail early like I planned to. Oh my god, my friends!” She then remembered she didn’t come here alone, panic seeping into her bones as she looks for her phone. As she’s pulling it out, the screen is flashing with an incoming call. Jimin is trying so hard to resist the urge to settle her, her scent tipping into distress once again.

“Hello?” “Where are you?! We’ve been looking everywhere for you. You said you were going to stay put?!” Margo's voice yelled on the other end loud enough for Jimin to hear. He couldn't help but feel annoyed at her friends. Why would they leave her alone?

“I know, I know, I’m sorry. I was feeling sick from earlier today and needed to leave. I’m okay I promise.” It only took her a split second to make the decision to not tell her friends what was happening.

Not that she herself knew much, but the idea of seeing both of them and trying to calm them down while she was so close to breaking was too much.

“Where are you? Do you need us to get you?” Valerie's panicked voice calling to her. She must be on speaker.

“No! No please I’m okay, I ran into an old friend, he’s taking me home. I swear I’m fine.” She winced, knowing how it sounded, even though she said she was sick, she knew they both would focus on this little tidbit.

“Old friend? He?! Girl why didn’t you say that before. You have sooo much fun with your friend, and don’t forget to tell us all about it.” Valerie shrieked. “It’s not like— “

”Bye babes! Love you.” She’s cut off before she can explain.

While she didn’t want them to know about her current situation, she didn’t mean to give them any kind of false hope of her leaving with someone tonight. Those two were always plotting for her to get out more. They were not going to just let this go. Nope, she was going to have a lot of explaining to do. but later. For now, she needed to figure out her next move.

“Everything okay?” Jimin pulls her out of her head once again.

She nods, “Yeah, they’re fine. They have my location so they’re not gonna be too worried.”

“Are you okay?”

She shakes her head, "No.” But then, it finally hits her. She’s presenting. She’s an omega. And she’s alone with three alphas she just met.

“I should probably go. Thank you for your help.”

The other two must have seen her distress and stepped closer, caging her in. Calming scents wafting from three of them now. It's kinda nice, she thought.

“Darling, I don’t think you should be going anywhere alone right now.” Says the painting.

The last thing Taehyung wants if for her to attract any of the wrong attention on her way home. Knows how badly it would end for her. Has heard horror stories from omega friends and clients just how unfair the world is to their designation.

“Taehyung is right. It can be dangerous. Let us take you home?” Sin supplies another name.

Jungkook is wrestling with the impulse to throw her over his shoulder and carry her back to their house. But he knows that would just scare her more, so he settles on stepping closer to her, his scent pushing out those calming pheromones she seems to being leaning into.

“Home? I— “She then remembers that she doesn’t have her keys with her. The plan was to stay over at Margo’s. Stupid. So stupid. And the fact the girls didn't remember either is a testament to just how much the three had to drink tonight.

“Fuck. I can’t.” she buries her head on her hands. how did this night take such a wrong turn?

“It’s okay you’re safe with us. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Taehyung mistakes her refusal as fear.

“No, it’s not that, I don’t have my keys. Left it at the girls' place. Was supposed to stay over. I can’t call them now after what I told them. They’ll know something is wrong.” she sighs, defeated in her inability to think ahead.

“That’s okay. We’ll take you anywhere you wanna go.”

“My brother, he’ll help.” She answers with no hesitation.

While Leo will be more worried than angry at her showing up to his house at four in the morning, she knows exactly how he's going to take this. His little sister has presented as an omega. the rules have changed.

“Okay dove, let’s take you to your brother.” Sin offers his hand, and she gladly takes it, letting him guide her out of the alley.

Jungkook is howling on the inside. So happy to be holding her hand in his, so happy she feels safe to let him guide her through the streets at night. He never quite understood why some alpha's were so overbearing when it came to omega's—having never felt this way himself—but now that he's met one that he likes, that smells like she does he can see that it was never about dominance but about providing comfort and safety.

Taehyung positioned himself to take the lead, keeping an eye out for anyone coming too close for his liking while Jimin took the rear. She had their protection from all ends.

She found it hard not to trust them. How could she question their intentions when they've done nothing but show her kindness? She realized that she only knew two out of three boy's names. Taehyung the painting and Jimin the angel. The third still a mystery.

“What’s your name?” She asks while looking up at her sinful Saviour.

He smiles down at her, her eyes instantly snapping to his lip piercing flipping as his lips turn up, something he doesn’t miss.

“I’m Jungkook, what’s your name, dove?”

“It’s y/n.”

“It’s nice to meet you y/n.” The way he says her name makes her stomach riot with butterflies. Oh god, his voice. How dare he sound like that when she feels like this. He squeezes her hand in response to her scent spiking—unbeknownst to her—and she shivers.

“Are you cold? Here take this.” He stops them from walking for a split second, and before she can tell what’s happening she’s being wrapped around in a delicious warmth that smells divine. Jungkook helps her with the arm holes, getting her bundled up in his leather jacket, still warm from his body heat. She doesn’t know it, but the three alphas can just see her melt right into it. Jungkook resist the slight growl that threatens to break when he sees her sneak a quick sniff of the collar, successfully covering it up with a fake cough.

Fuck, what a vision she is, he thinks.

“Thank you.” She breathes her voice small.

Taehyung is trying to focus. He really is. But the omega behind him is fucking with his senses. Protect. Comfort. Claim. Thoughts repeating over again over again. Thank God he gets to drive. As much as he would love to have her look at him with those big brown eyes, the same eyes she was giving him on the dance floor, he knows that she’s scared. And the last thing she needs is an overbearing alpha betraying her trust. Just the fact that she does trust them speaks volumes. He will not let her down. Going to take such good care of her.

Jimin on the other hand isn’t wrestling with his alpha. No, not at all. His brain is sorting through all his medical training. Texts books, journal articles, previous patients. He wants to reassure her that it’s perfectly normal to present a little later than most. That there’s absolutely nothing wrong with her. He’s already made up his mind that he’s going to offer for her to come by the hospital to run a few tests. Just to ease some of hers (his) panic and curiosity.

They reach the car, Taehyung immediately opening up the door for her to slide into the back. Jungkook following beside her. Jimin would love to take the seat that’s left, but the front passenger seat offers more visibility, another set of eyes on the road. Wants to help Taehyung navigate to her brother’s house. Show her just how good he is as protecting. He wants to roll his eyes at small slip of his alpha's urges. Never has he responded so potently to an omega before.

Taehyung closes the back door, and gets into the driver's seat, Jimin not far behind.

Before he buckles himself in, he turns to her, “y/n, baby what’s your brother’s address?” He says handing her his phone. She quickly types it out; he doesn’t even blink at the distance it is from the club.

Jungkook immediately searches for her hand back, and she gives it to him willingly. His touch so grounding, so settling. Fuck she’s really starting to sound like an omega.

What now? Where does she go from here? It’s no secret that omegas require a little more fussing than betas do. She’s never had to think about the needs of one until now.

Can she still go to school?

Can she still stay in her apartment and be safe?

What about work?

What is her life going to look like now?

“Dove?” She hears Jungkook brings her back, “What’s got you thinking so hard?”

“I don’t know.” Even to herself her voice sounds unconvincing.

“Come on, it’s okay, maybe I can help?” He offers.

she relents, after all they seem to have a lot of the answers to the questions she's had all night.

“My whole life has to change now, doesn’t it?” She whispers, her scent tipping towards distress, tears already falling over.

Jungkook swoops right in, letting go of hand to wrap around her shoulder as he pulls her into his chest. He makes soothing noises, letting her cry.

“I don’t know about your whole life changing, but yes, things will have to change.”

“I don’t want it too.”

“I know dove, I know. It’s okay to be scared. Truthfully, I think you’re handling this way better than I would.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“God I’m such a mess. Thank you for doing this. I must have ruined your night out. I’m so sorry.” she blubbers into his chest. Were they happy to help or did they feel like she was their responsibility?

“You didn’t ruin anything baby.” Taehyung reassures looking at her in the rear-view mirror.

“He’s right, we weren’t even supposed to be out. Just went in to get some paperwork for our pack alpha and we were supposed to leave.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Not sure really. Felt right to stay there. And then we saw you.”

“Yeah, I felt that too. I usually wouldn’t stay on the floor alone, but I felt like I had to be there.” she replied, remembering the feeling she had right before she saw them.

The boys share a discreet look. All four of them sharing this pull towards another before they could even scent each other? That had to be a sign, but Jungkook didn’t want to open his mouth. The fear of the word mate coming out too soon. She had enough to deal with tonight without adding potential mates to her plate. Not that they were—potential mates—just a nice idea running through his head. He could picture all of them fifty years from now talking to their pups about how they met their mom. Nothing more romantic than the thought of an indivisible string pulling them all together.

Would his hyungs feel the same? Would they have the same pull the three of them undoubtedly had? He was getting way too ahead of himself; he needed to focus on the sweet omega in his arms.

“Dove? Do you want to call your brother? Give him a heads up that we’re coming?” he asked her, trying to keep her from spiralling but also to keep himself focused on her needs, not his hopeless romantic ideations.

She tensed in his arms, how could she forget that her brother had no clue what was happening? He was probably sleeping. They probably all were. The thought of waking up his pack with her problems was so unappealing it sent her into another bout of distress, her scent tipping, burnt vanilla and sour rum filling the car.

“Dove? What’s wrong?”

“How do you know that’s something’s wrong?” She timidly asks.

Was she that obvious? God, she wondered what she looked like right now. Make up probably running down her face, her hair no longer straight but wavy from the humidity of the club and her sweat.

“Your scent. You smell like you’re scared.” Oh. They could smell even when she's scared?

“Should we maybe not take you to your brother?”

“No! No, it’s not that, it’s just that it’s late and I don’t want to wake him and his pack up. They're all sleeping and I’m going to show up and dump this bomb in them. God, I feel awful. The pups are going to be so scared.”

She mentioned pups, she wants pups, Jungkook’s alpha screams at him. Shut the fuck up, he screams back in his head.

“It’s okay, he’s your brother, I’m sure he’s going to feel much better that you’re going to him than dealing with this alone. This isn’t something small y/n, he’s not going to be angry. None of them are.”

“You can’t know that.”

“You’re right, I can’t. But if by some chance we get there and they are, you don’t have to stay there. You can come with us. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Jungkook starts making promises he doesn’t know how he’s going to manage to keep if she does need to stay with them. But for her he would figure it out. All three of them would.

“Okay, I’ll call him.” She says clicking on his contact. He picks up on the first ring.

“Bambi? What’s wrong?” Hearing her brother’s sleepy panicked voice breaks all her restraint.

“Leo? I’m sorry to be calling you so late, I don’t know where else to go. I—I-I’m okay but I’m on my way to your house right now. I’m sorry. Something happened and I can’t be alone right now.”

<>“How are you getting here? Do you need me to get you?”

She can hear someone in the background asking what’s happening. She shuts her eyes hoping this night would just end.

“My friends,” he looks up at Jungkook as she uses the term, he just smiles in return. “My friends are dropping me off; we should be there in—“

“15 minutes.” Jimin supplies for her.

“15 minutes.” She replies.

Her brother is quiet, “Bambi, who are you with exactly?” She starts stuttering, unable to explain her mind running a mile a minute.

Jimin looks back at her, silently offering to do the explaining to her brother. She nods and hands over the phone.

“Hello Leo, my name is Jimin, I’m a friend of y/n’s.” Leo is panicking at this point. “She’s safe. I swear it. But there is something she needs to tell you and has asked me to explain.”

By the sounds of it Jimin has been put on speaker phone. He quietly explains the turn of events tonight, while she just seeks the comfort of Jungkook’s arms once again.

“You okay dove?” He murmurs.

“Mmh, just tired.” She replies, the past hour catching up with her.

“Rest your eyes for a bit, I got you. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Just gonna close my eyes, not sleeping.”

“Whatever you want.”

She relaxes in his arms, the sound of Jimin on the phone with her brother and the steady speed of the car lulling her into a state in between sleep and awake. What felt like a minute later, Jungkook was whispering for her to wake up.

They were pulling up to the house, her brother and his pack were outside. Well not everyone, just him, his beta wife, Jeanine and their omega, Liam. Taehyung parks the car, and they all get out.

Jungkook is shuffling outside his door, offering his hands to y/n that she gratefully takes. His steadying presence the only thing keeping her nerves at bay. She jumps out and wants to turn towards her brother, but something is keeping her rooted in her spot.

“You okay dove?” Jungkook whispers so low, she’s sure no one else can hear.

“Nervous.”

“You’ll be okay, remember my promise? One word y/n and I’ll take you where you wanna go.” She nods and smiles at him. It’s easy to feel at ease with Jungkook.

“Bambi?” She hears her brother call out to her and she steps away from Jungkook.

Her brother is standing at the curb, she can’t quite place his expression, somewhere between worried and angry. Maybe this was a bad idea. He must see her clam up, and softens his expression, opening his arms. She launches herself at him, instantly sobbing into his chest.

“Shh-sh Bambi it’s okay, you’re home. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you.”

“How could this happen to me? Why now?”

“I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out, okay?” He says as he pulls her away, “Now let me talk to your friends here.” He says the term like it’s something distasteful. Y/n feels her stomach fill with dread. Is her brother going to hurt them? They did nothing wrong. They helped her. Protected her.

“Bambi? Come inside? Let’s get you warm hmm?” Jeanine’s voice calls from behind her brother, but her instincts tell her to stay put. Leo is tense as he moves towards Jungkook, Jimin and Taehyung flanking him.

“Which one of you is Jimin?” He huffs, not sure how to process what has happened to his sister tonight, but he is looking for someone to blame for her distress. The sobbing on the call being interrupted by a man’s voice has had him on edge for almost twenty minutes. Sure as hell doesn’t help that these three are alphas. And one of them smells a little too much like his sister new perfume.

“That would be me. We spoke on the phone.”

“I trust that you won’t be using this to your advantage.”

What? What is he talking about.

“Pardon me?” Taehyung replies his tone clipped. Oh no. This is going south and quickly.

“You’ve delivered my sister to me. Thank you for your help. But I hope I make myself clear when I say we do not want to see you here again. Her situation is not a window of opportunity for three alphas to stake their claim on her when she has no idea what’s going on.”

She’s going to kill her brother. And then she’s going to flee the country and change her name.

“That’s not what this is—“Jungkook starts, Leo’s piercing gaze turns right to him.

“And I’m supposed to believe you? The one that smells a little too much like her right now?”

“It’s not what you think. She needed help.”

“Yes, and you’ve provided that, now it’s time to disappear from her life. Tonight, has been traumatic enough for her. She doesn’t need you three confusing—“

“Leo!” Y/n admonished, “Stop that right now.” She rushes over placing herself between Jungkook and her brother.

She knew she was going to be met with a frenzy of emotions, both from herself and her brother. But this was borderline ridiculous.

“Bambi, stay out of this, go inside with Liam.”

“No. I’m perfectly comfortable right here.”

“Bambi, I’m trying— “

“What you’re doing is embarrassing me. These guys helped me. Leo, they saved me tonight. Do you know what would have happened if they didn’t get me out of that club? Do you know what was going through my head the second they made sure I was able to take a deep breath? I was going to walk home. Alone. Without a way into my apartment.”

“Bambi, I know you’re scared but now is not the time—“

“Now is the perfect time actually. They protected me when I needed it most. They’re not like the alphas you know.”

“You don’t even know them.” He huffed annoyed at being questioned when all he was doing was ensuring her safety.

But that's not what she saw. She needed her boys to know how grateful she was to them. And maybe a small part of her (Okay a large part) was hoping to see them again. Preferably when she didn't look like a hot mess and was able to hold a proper conversation.

“I know what I need to know Leo. And if I want to see them again or not, that’s entirely my choice is it not? Or does my new designation not grant me the right to make my own decisions anymore?" She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing at her brother.

“She’s got you there love. I too would like to hear your answer.” Liam's choked out behind Leo. The omega was enjoying his mates discomfort a bit too much.

Leo lets out an exasperated sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. She would feel bad for him if he didn’t just insinuate that her boys—nope not hers—were anything but genuine in their care for her.

“Okay, you’re right.” He says to her then looks again to the three boys, who were more amused with the omega's outburst than offended by her scared brother’s words. “Thank you for keeping her safe tonight.”

“Someone had to.” Taehyung replied, earning an elbow to the ribs from Jimin when Leo’s eyes snapped to him.

“Say goodbye Bambi. It’s time to go inside.”

“Okay I’ll be right there.” She silently dismissed her brother hoping for some privacy. “Oh my god, can you just give me a second please?" she pushes her brothers should with no movement from him. "Go stand with Liam, he seems like the only man with a brain in this family.”

“He’s not related to you.”

“Explains why then. Go. Please.”

Leo rolls his eyes, secretly loving that his sister is able to banter at him like this. Definitely a good sign. He relents and makes his way to his mates. Jeannie says something that makes Liam laugh again, earning himself a slight nip from his alpha.

Y/n turns over to her three saviors. The painting. The angel. And sin. Tonight was definitely a lot. But she would always be thankful that they were the reason she’s safe.

“I’m so sorry about my brother. He’s just cranky in his old age.” That earned her a growl.

The boys were looking at her, like they haven’t seen her all night. A new side to the scared girl that she was in the alley and in the car.

“We’re not upset in the slightest, baby. He’s clearly just looking out for you.” Jimin explains.

“I’d probably do worse if my sister showed up after a rough night with three alphas too.” Taehyung offers.

“Are you gonna be okay Dove?” Jungkook asks.

She starts wondering if Sin is the right word for him. Yes, he looks like it, but really, he’s more of a sweet puppy. Making her feel all safe and protected.

She nods her head, “Yeah, I’ll be okay. Thank you again for everything.”

“Don’t sweat it. We’re just happy we could help.”

“Oh, you probably want this back.” She says remembering she’s wearing his leather jacket.

“Keep it, looks better on you anyways.”

She blushes, clearly affected by the alpha. All three of them really.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Something to remember me by.”

“As if I would forget any of you.” they laugh. All four of them just unaware how true that statement would be.

“Baby, if you are still unsure about what’s going on, I would be more than happy to run some tests or get you in to see one of my colleagues.” Jimin says pulling out his card. Dr. Park Jimin, Paediatrician.

She’s been secretly hoping for a way to contact them again. If only to thank them properly. She pockets the card and reaches out to Jimin, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Thank you. Truly.”

“Always.” She lets go of him and he heads back in the passenger seat.

She turns to Taehyung giving him a tight squeeze as well. “Thank you for getting me out of there. There was no way I would have been able to do it myself.”

“Yes, you would have. I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”

“Thank you again.” She whispers and He lets her go with one last look before rounding to the driver's seat.

All that was left was Jungkook. A part of her didn’t want to say goodbye. She wanted him to stay with her and lean into his comforting scent and strong arms. Wanting to feel as comfortable as she did when she fell asleep for those few minutes with him in the back.

“You sure you don’t need this back?”

“Nah, gives you a reason to find me again Dove.”

“Confident, are you?”

“More like hopeful. I hope everything works out for you y/n.”

“I hope so too. Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Their hug lasts a little longer, Jungkook resisting the urge to scent her, but her newly formed omega instincts have no qualms about scenting him. He’s not even sure she knows what she’s doing. Not that he’s going to complain. He’s going to be dreaming about her scent for weeks.

“Goodnight.”

“Night Dove.” She steps back and lets him get into the car. The engine starts and they’re on their way. Away from her. She can’t tell if this is the worst thing that’s happened all night.

___

The three alphas drove away in silence. None of them pictured their night going this way. What was supposed to be a quick in and out, quickly devolved into the most unexpected night of their lives. Jungkook was itching to ask Tae to turn the car back around. Every fiber of his being felt wrong. It felt wrong to leave her somewhere he wasn’t. He knew it was his instincts. He knew the loud voice in his head was his alpha yelling at him for leaving her. But he also knew that what he was feeling would scare her even more than anything tonight ever did.

“Koo, I can feel you thinking back there.” Jimin said from his seat.

Jungkook sighed, clearly, he wasn’t as calm as he thought he was.

“Sorry hyung, I’m just restless.”

“I know love. But she’s safe with her brother now. Nothing left for us to do.”

“Do you think she’ll reach out to you?” Taehyung asked.

“Not sure. She was so adamant that she wasn’t presenting or wasn’t till I checked her over that she calmed down. Poor thing was so scared.”

“But not of us. She settled so well for us.” Jungkook preened in the back. Settling an omega was such a privilege for an alpha. To have one find comfort in you felt like a compliment of the highest order. It said, I trust you. And trust was a huge thing to Jungkook.

“I found it curious, when she said that she felt like she shouldn't move from her spot. Sounds like it was the same moment we all switched our focus from leaving and walking onto that dance floor.” Jimin voiced his thoughts. He wondered if there was anything similar in his research that talked about what they felt tonight.

“God, she looked so good dancing. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her, it’s like she was pulling me towards her.” Jungkook whined.

“Yeah, she felt even better too. So responsive to our touch. And when you leaned in to scent her hyung? She smelled so good.” Tae added, one hand gripping the wheel the other running his fingers through his hair.

“Never smelled anything like her before.” Jimin groaned his thoughts switching from work to only her. He couldn't wait to get home and have a drink. He definitely needed one after tonight. Tae reached his hand to grip Jimin's thigh, feeling unmoored, needing to touch his soulmate.

“She’s ours, isn’t she?” Jungkook asked without needing the boys to answer. He knew what he wanted, what he felt.

“We’re so fucked.” Tae concluded.

“Not yet we aren’t. We gotta tell the hyungs everything. I think Namjoon-ah called me like twelve times tonight. He’s not going to like this.”

“What? Why?”

“He’ll find his reasons, but mostly because he wasn’t the one to find her.”

“Koo, get ready for him to lose his mind when he smells you.”

“I never want to wash this shirt.” He says dreamily.

—

It’s well after five in the morning when they get back home. No need to be cautious of making too much noise it seems. All the lights were on. Taehyung felt like a teenager that broke the rules and was now coming home to accept his punishment from his parents.

He’s not far off. Namjoon has been pacing a trail into the white carpet of their living room. He called the maknaes a collective of eighteen times.

Something was wrong. They wouldn’t just fuck off like this after they said they would be home right away. He called their manager of House of Cards, Sejin assured Namjoon that the boys came by and grabbed the documents and promptly left.

“Namjoon-ah, you’re going to walk a hole into the carpet. Sit down.” Hobi called from his spot of the couch, curled into Yoongi's arms. He too was worried, but his thoughts were less concerned about the boys being in danger and more worried about their ability to walk. Hobi was convinced they just went for a night out and forgot to mention it.

“I can’t sit down. What if they’re dead in a ditch?”

“Did you try checking their locations?” Yoongi asked not at all concerned by their absence.

How could he be when all three of them had every reason to indulge. Tae was constantly flying out for fashion weeks, to Paris, to New York, and if he was here, he was almost always glued to his iPad sketching his next design.

Jungkook was no better. The number of photoshoots he booked on top of the tattooing he did at the shop downtown made him scarce at home too.

And Jimin? Yoongi could count on one hand the amount of time he’s seen Jimin out of scrubs in the last six months. All three boys were always so busy, they never had the time to see each other much less go out. They must have saw an opportunity to catch up and took it.

Seokjin was perhaps the only one whose concern rivalled Namjoon's. As the eldest, he can vividly remember being the only one those three would call when they needed bailing out. Twice from the drunk tank and once from a fearsome ninety-year-old women threatening bodily harm when Jungkook ran over her roses with his motorcycle. The kid was apologizing to her for weeks until he called Seokjin to beg him to keep Jungkook away from her house.

Namjoon stopped pacing, eyes wide, “Location? Why didn’t I think of that!?” But before he could pull up his app the front door was closing, and the most mouthwatering scent filled the room as all three guilty parties stepped into the living room.

The seated alphas immediately rose, taking a tentative step towards the maknaes.

“You all smell amazing.” Hobi mutters a little dazed. The three boys shared a look, Namjoon zeroing in on them and their silent acknowledgements.

What were they up to?

“Where were you? And whose scent is that?”

“It’s kind of a long story.” Says Jimin nervously scratching the back of his head.

“We have nothing but time.” Namjoon barks back. His worry has quickly evolved into anger. Were they seriously picking up girls and ignoring his calls?

“We were at House of Cards. We just finished up with Sejin-hyung when we felt something.” Tae started. He needed to tell the story right. Needed to communicate just how much his earth had tilted off its axis tonight.

“We were at the door ready to leave, it’s not like we went out looking for her.” Jimin supplied.

“It was like we were being pulled. Straight onto the dance floor and delivered right to her.” Tae finished his sentence.

“Hyung she was so beautiful.” Whispered Jungkook. It hardy escaped anyone's notice just how dreamy his voice sounded while speaking about the unknown girl.

“You aren’t making any sense. All of this for a girl?” Namjoon was losing his patience.

Jungkook bristled at the tone his pack alpha was using when speaking about they're omega. Even if none of the hyungs met her, he knew the instant they saw her, smelled her, they would be just as taken as him and the other two maknae's were.

“No, not just any girl. At first, we were so dazed we didn’t know what was happening but once we got close to her, once we smelled her, we knew.” Jungkook kept the bark out of his voice. They just didn't know her. But they will.

“We found an omega, a late bloomer, who had just presented the second Jimin scented her. It was as if her omega and our alphas knew she needed us.” Taehyung looked over at Jungkook and Jimin and saw them nod along to his statement.

“She was so confused hyung. So scared.” Jimin whispered, remembering just how quickly everything had transpired.

“She didn’t even believe us when we told her she was perfuming. Tae had to lead her outside. She settled so well for him.” Jungkook preened.

He loved seeing his two mates take care of her. Loved just how responsive she was to them. Would she have acted the same for just anyone who found her in that state? No, she would have found her friends and gone home. She stayed with them because she felt safe. Jungkook convinced himself that was true.

“Then when we got outside, she started to panic, thinking of every other possible reason other than presenting. Said she must have been drugged, or the club was pumping pheromones in the vents.” Tae added.

The sound of a scoff had the three youngest alphas' turning their heads at the culprit. Yoongi just smiled and raised his hands in defeat. Those three were clearly not in a joking mood, especially in concerns to the omega they stumbled upon.

“Jimin checked her over, not a sign of dosing, and when he was checking her for fever, and checking her jaw she perfumed again for him.”

“Her friends weren't around, she didn’t want to worry them, so she called them saying she was going home but after the call she realized her keys were at her friend's house. She was going to walk home, and I don’t know I guess wait for her landlord to open the door. Her thought process was questionable with that.” Jimin wanted his hyungs to understand just how traumatic tonight was for her. Just how much she really needed them. “She didn’t have anywhere else to go, and we couldn’t leave her hyung. She would have been in danger. So, we drove her to get brothers.”

“She was distressed the entire time, unaware we could smell it rolling off of her. But she just held onto Kookie in the back and cried.” Tae's voice cracked at the last statement. He hated that he couldn't take away the pain and anxiety for her. Hated that she didn't have a good presentation. “Wasn’t till we got her to her brother and his pack that she was settled enough for us to have a real chance to talk to her.”

“You should have seen her hyung.” Jungkook said dreamily. “She stood up to her brother when he was questioning us.”

“We didn’t take it to heart but nonetheless she defended us to her family. Felt really nice.” Tae added, their story coming to an end.

“That’s when we said goodbye and came home.” Jimin was starring Namjoon down, hinting that he would not take any criticism of her lightly.

Namjoon was frustrated. He could sympathize with the girl, she did need their help, but would it have killed them to at least send off a text? They're his responsibility. If anything were to happen to them it would eat him alive. But he recognized just how strung out they were on her scent and their instincts to protect. He wasn't going to admonish them for helping the girl. They were right to do so. What Namjoon wasn't looking forward to was the conversation he knew they wanted to have.

“While it’s admirable that you helped this girl, the point of the matter is that one of you should have communicated with us.” He tried to steer the conversation back on track.

“You’re right hyung, we’re sorry.” Tae bit his lip. Yes, he was sorry for not calling, but he wouldn't have done anything differently.

“But wait till you meet her—“Jungkook's excited voice breaking the spell on the rest of his pack members.

“Meet her?” Yoongi scrunched his nose. Tonight was not what he expected after coming home. He wanted to go upstairs and get what little sleep he could manage. He was to be back at the studio in a few hours. Nothing was booked, so he thought about sleeping in, with but the direction this conversation was going in, he knew they would be up for a while.

“Why would we be meeting her?” Hoseok asked them genuinely confused thinking he missed a part of their story.

The maknaes exchanged a confused look. Shouldn't they be excited to meet an omega? Their omega? Not that the boys could make that decision for everyone, but surely if three of their pack members were so taken with her it warranted some thought, no?

"You don't want to?" Jungkook asked incredulously, the other two youngest sensing his distress, wrapping their arms around him.

One thing about being the youngest was that Jungkook was never denied anything. Comfort, affection, love. The first bite of food, a good cuddle when he was feeling down. His pack has always looked after him. Loved him. It wasn't like he never did anything for them. On the contrary, he was just as giving. He would drop everything for his pack mates. Whether it would be to help Tae out with a shoot when his photographer was too sick to come in, or if Hoseok-hyung needed new head shots to be taken. He even helped Jin-hyung with some of his videos for his brand as a celebrity chef.

Jungkook was always ready to help, to show his pack how much he loved them. They were always giving and taking. it was never about who did what most or who needed more. They were pack and nothing could change that.

So, he stood there watching the older alphas bicker about whether or not they were going to do as the younger three asked and meet the omega. He so badly wanted this to be the start of something. He knew it would take time, and that she would have to want to see him and his pack, but right now he was more focused on trying to get everyone on the same page. From the sounds of it, his hyungs were split on the decision.

Jin was intrigued and wanted to meet her first before he passed any judgement. after all a meeting wasn't a commitment.

Hoseok was apprehensive. He's worked with countless omegas throughout his career; he knew how much maintenance they were. How picky they could be, and even down right mean when they didn't get their way. Granted these omegas knew how to manipulate every situation, trained to do so even before they presented. Perhaps this one would be different? He couldn't be sure.

Yoongi was willing to hear the boys out. But he more than anyone, was reluctant to take any time away from his work. If his packmates wanted her, he wouldn't stay in their way. He just hoped they would understand his disinterest and not take it as rejection. Besides, he had his hands full with all six of them, adding a seventh to his bed sounded excessive.

Namjoon felt like his head was going to burst. The mouthwatering scent coming off his maknae's was distracting at best. At worst, it made him want to make rash decisions. Agree to their requests and set up the meeting and see for himself what had these boys so ready to invite her to be pack. To be theirs. Namjoon had entertained the idea once. It had ended with his heart broken, and three albums produced as a result of throwing himself into work.

No, he can't let himself be hopeful. It would only end in tears, and he didn't know if he could shield the younger alphas from that kind of pain. Hell, it had only been a few hours, and she already had them considering things he never heard them speak about.

Namjoon sighed, he needed time to think. To come up with a plan that kept everyone happy. He was tired, the adrenaline coursing through his body had crashed when saw his three pack mates safe, he had no more energy for tonight.

Swiping a hand down his face he turned to look at his pack, "There's no need to figure this out now. It's late, we should all get a few hours before we have to get to work."

The maknae's were ready to protest, Jungkook taking a small step forward, before being pulled back into the puppy cuddle.

Namjoon raised a hand placating him, "We will talk about it, I promise. I'm not shutting you down. But tonight has been a long night."

The three boys shared a look, and nodded their heads agreeing to table this conversation, if only for the sake of everyone getting some rest.

Yoongi was the first to say goodnight and head upstairs. Hoseok came up to Jimin, planting a sweet kiss to his mouth before heading to his room as well. Namjoon and Jin headed to their room but not before hearing the three boys still in the living room.

"Kookie, do you want to stay in my room tonight?" Jimin asked, partly because he didn't want to be alone, partly because Jungkook smelled like her. Wanted to keep the scent close to him. And if it resulted in them letting out some of that pent up frustration then so be it.

"Me too Min-ah?" Tae anxiously nosed against Jimin's neck.

Namjoon and Jin shared a look, a cross between panic and surprise. The three of them were always looking for reasons to be close, but it was the way they spoke to each other. Like they were wounded.

Both alphas knew they needed to figure out a plan and fast.

Jimin nodded, and the three boys all made their way to Jimin's room. They had changed for bed, Jungkook keeping his t-shirt on, not willing to be parted from the sweet vanilla and rum scent. He had guessed Tae and Jimin felt the same.

Without much fussing, the three alphas fell into bed, light touches and kisses traded, as the omega's scent swirled around them and penetrated their sweets dreams.

__

Across town, tucked away in a spare bedroom, Y/N tossed and turned unable to get comfortable, still feeling restless after tonight's events.
She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt as if something was missing. She let out a frustrated huff.

Giving up on trying to make the pillows more comfortable and tucking the duvet closer to her she got up from her bed, half delirious, and grabbed Jungkook's jacket.

She laid back down too tired to question why cuddling up to the soft leather of the oversized jacket was a hundred times more comfortable than any material in her bed.

Chapter Text

A week after her eventful presentation at House of Cards y/n is attempting to lean into her new designation. After being dropped off by her three saviors, her brother, Jeanine, and Liam determined it would be best for her to move into the house for the time being. While her apartment was safe, her wellbeing mattered most, and everyone felt better having her where they could keep an eye out. Truth be told, she was way more comfortable at their house anyway. She was only mildly afraid of being alone. 

Her life hadn’t changed much. She still went to school, albeit with scent blockers on. She did go to work but had to lower her hours and needed to change to only daytime availability; working at night was out of the question for Leo and his other mate Quintin.

Both alphas were determined to keep her home, away from potential danger as much as possible. While Jeanine and Liam had no qualms whisking her out of the house for impromptu activities. She’s been shopping nonstop. Liam sat her down the next day and gave her a crash course of everything that she needed to know immediately.  

Nesting. Scenting. Cravings.  
Heats.  
Mates.  

An omega does not have the luxury to avoid their physiological needs, lest she like to burn out, an experience Liam promised her was rare but traumatizing. Completely avoidable, and easy to spot the signs. The entire experience stemming from the omegas physical and emotional states. Should she neglect herself, or feel neglected from the people she cares for, in Liam's example, Mates, then the burn out can start to manifest quickly. Rejection dysphoria, severe loss of appetite, weight loss, agoraphobia—mostly not having the ability to leave the nest—and in some rare-er cases, takotsubo syndrome, and even more rare, the possibility to slip into a catatonic state.  
She never pictured herself to ever be as affected as omega burn out calls for, especially since her only source would be her brothers pack and her friends. She brushed off Liam's warnings. She would never let anyone have that much power over her. 
 
What about our alphas from the other night?  That stupid voice was going to spin her in circles.  
 

Liam had taken it upon himself to be her wise teacher, or in the terms that omega's use, if she was part of their pack, head omega. 
And as head omega he made sure she had everything she would need. She found herself at Liam’s favourite department store, filtering through nesting material. Blankets, pillows, duvets, quilts, cushions. Everything had to be right. Unfortunately for her, she still didn’t know how right felt.  

This blanket was too scratchy.  
This pillow too firm.  
This quilt had a loud pattern.  

All these things mattered now. Gone were the days that all she cared about what aesthetics or simply buying something because it was on sale. It was easy to get frustrated when she spent the last three hours trying to filter through items she knew she needed but she just couldn’t figure out what was missing. Comfort was a top priority for her now, materials used in her clothing and nest were imperative to her. For one, she hated her old favourite sweater. It’s smelled off. The fabric was cheap polyester and made her skin crawl. Which was a shame since she spent a pretty penny on it. Liam had convinced her to start selling things online.  

“Time to re-home the old to make room for the new.” He said.  
 
They had walked out of the department store with only a quarter of their to do list checked off. Liam wasn’t fazed at all by y/n’s quantity of items. Though it weighed heavy on her.  

“Bambi, you don’t need to get everything all at once. It takes time to figure out how you like your nest. You don’t have to rush.” Liam reassured as they left the store with their bags in hand.  

Y/n groaned, “I just feel a little overwhelmed. There’s so much to learn and do, I feel like I want to just get it all out of the way.” 
  
“Bambi, you’re forgetting that Liam has had twenty years of experience with being an omega. It’s only been a week for you. And I think you’re doing great.” Jeanine offered and Y/n shot her a grateful smile.  

Jeanine was right, it will take time, and her instincts will guide her. She just has to learn to listen to her body and her inner omega. 

“I’m starving. Do you wanna grab some food?” Liam asked the two women.  

 “Yes please!” Y/n chimed.  

Food was something she thankfully saw little to no change in. She still loved her favourite foods but found herself craving fresh ingredients. Things that kept her fuller longer, rather than the more processed stuff. Though she was still impartial to a sweet treat. She still loved her comfort food, but she didn't reach for it in times of stress like she usually would.  

She made the mistake of asking Liam a few days ago about the change in her cravings while at the dinner table, and to which he replied, "Oh that's normal. Your body is preparing to carry pups in the future. Same thing as your cycle that you’re used to except stronger in a way." 

She remembered the way her face had burned red with embarrassment. She did not need her brother or Quintin to hear that. Liam was oblivious to her reaction, still talking about the beautiful journey she was about to go through and how excited he was to teach her as much as he could. She quickly learned not to ask him questions in front of the others.  
 
They had entered the new udon place just down the street from the department store. The weather was finally turning, the air smelling less of frost and more of petrichor. Still on the chillier side of spring, a nice warm bowl of soup was just what she wanted. The restaurant was beautiful on the inside. With modern Japanese influences tied throughout the design. it was inviting, and warm. The chesnut wood mixed in with stark white stone and black accents giving it a sleek look. Something you would see in magazines.  
 
Architectural Digest, she thought then instantly shaking her head free of the thought. Not only did it remind her of her parents' disappointment in her schooling and career choice (she chose not to follow the family footsteps), but it also reminded her that she did not tell her parents of her new designation.  What would her mother say? How would her father react? The two betas were so proud when Leo presented. Ready to take out ad space in the newspaper to announce it. Of course, Leo did nothing if not make them proud. The prodigal alpha son, set to take over his family's firm. Already winning awards for his designs. Working with their parents' colleagues. Earning everyone's respect. Y/n was never afforded those kinds of sentiments.  

  
Art will not sustain you y/n, not like working at the firm. 

A beta woman needs to have her own income, no one will provide for you. 
 
You must be worth something for a pack to take notice of you.  

Do you want to end up like us with only each other? 

Why can't you be more responsible like your brother? 
  

She could put off the conversation for a little longer. Besides, she was still learning about being an omega. Should her parents make any negative comments, she would definitely not respond well. It's hard enough to deal with just her own anxious thoughts, she didn't need anyone adding fuel to the fire.  
  

They were seated rather quickly, for how busy the restaurant was, their booth offering the view of the entire front of the dining room. Liam and Jeanine were combing through the menu. Everything sounded so good.  

The beta and omega were in their element, having picked out their mains they turned to her, "Bambi, are you seeing anything you like?" Jeanine asked her.  

 
"Yes, but I'm stuck." She pouted, "I want the hot udon but I'm also leaning towards to donburi. They both sound so good."  

"Which ones are you looking at?" A rich throaty voice asked.  

She turned towards the person speaking and was met with the most beautiful man she had ever seen. An Alpha.  Well, maybe the fourth most beautiful,  She thought to herself. He was tall, with broad shoulders. Fluffy black hair, and full strawberry pink lips, that were quirked in a half smirk. He looked like a Greek God. She must have been lost in thought, to busy staring at the handsome stranger, when Liam cleared his throat. She looked back down on her menu, face flushing.  

"Um, I was looking at the gyutamadon and the kamonan." She said looking back up at their server.  

God how does anyone get any work done around here. She would have been fired her first day. Would fail to bring anyone their food, too busy looking at him. 
  
"Both are great choices, but if it's your first time here, I would recommend the udon over the rice bowl." he pointed on the menu, getting closer.  

He smelled good enough to eat, hibiscus and warm sugar. She was almost sad he wasn't on the menu.  Get a hold of yourself,  she berated. This was not the time.  

Too preoccupied with her racing thoughts about skipping to dessert, she blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. "Maybe I'll get both."  

The Greek god gave her an appraising look as he laughed in surprise, "Great choice, I should have suggested it myself. Silly me." He took the rest of their order and walked away taking his heady scent with him. When he was finally out of earshot, she groaned, folding her arms onto the table and burying her head. 

  
"Bambi, it wasn't that bad." She could hear the amusement in Jeanine's voice.  

"Yea, I'm sure he gets that all the time." Added Liam. 

She lifted her head, brows raised, "Really?"  

"No. Girl you were as subtle as a gunshot." deadpanned Liam. Jeanine smacked his arm, chastising him.  

"We have to leave." She muttered back in her arms.  

The two mates still bickering about their little sister's poorly concealed interest of their server. They ignored her comment in favor of swearing not to tell Leo. Last thing they needed was for him to worry about their shopping trips too. Y/n let her thoughts drift to her other three alphas. Fuck. She found herself doing that a lot. Thinking of them as hers. How preposterous. As if they would want her. Yes, they seemed interested at the club. But there is a difference between being interested for a night and being interested long term. Besides, they had seen her completely lose it that night. Seesawing up and down between panic and fear.  
 
But she couldn't help but imagine them. She slept with Jungkook's jacket every night. The only thing that brought her comfort. She was contemplating reaching out to Jimin. He had given her his contact information, and she should really return the jacket, even if it were a guise just to see at least one of them again. She didn't want to admit just how often she thought about them.  
She should contact Jimin. She would, she promised herself.  
 
Her thoughts of the three Alphas were interupped by another. The Greek God was placing plates down onto the table. 
 
"Okay, here we have the yaki nasu and chawanmushi for the table. And the ankake undon for you," he says placing the hot dowl in front of Jeanine, "The truffle wonton for you." He placed a bowl in front of Liam. "And I'll be right back with your order." His eyes sparkled at her, but she was more focused on the way his lips moved.  

she nodded too late, he was already halfway back to the kitchen. There was little time to focus on her blatant inability to look like a normal person in front of this man. In fact, since she's presented, every alpha she met that wasn't related to her, seemed to influence her. God, she was a mess.  

The server was back with two steaming bowls, "And for my favourite guest, here is the gyutamadon and the kamonan. Please let me know if you need anything else." He smirked down at her and left them to their dishes.  

She was sure her heart had stopped. Not once but twice. First at him saying she was his favourite guest and again when he smirked at her. She looked over at both Liam and Jeanine, before the two of them burst into giggles. She immediately covered her heated cheeks. How many more times was she going to suffer at this table.  
Thank God she was too distracted by him to perfume. She was still having a hard time with understanding how she was triggered. Especially around those she found attractive.  

she quickly forgot her embarrassment when she tasted the gyutamadon. It was delicious. The beef was tender, and the egg was cooked soft, all of it melting on a perfect bed of rice. She was going to dream about this bowl. She would need to come back, just not when the Greek God was working. She had to pause, remembering she had another dish waiting for her. If the gyutamadon was delicious than the kamonan was divine. She slurped her soup and let out a pleasantly surprised noise. A cross between a whine and a moan. She didn't know what was more delicious, the food or the staff. One in particular. The duck was cooked to perfection, the broth salty and the noodles were bouncy and fresh. She was in heaven.  
 
"How is everything?" The server checked in on them.  
 
All three of them sang their praises of the food. He nodded and went to check on his order tables. They ate relatively quick; the shopping trip had clearly taken a lot out of them.  
 
"Bambi, you gonna finish all that?" Liam asked, already knowing that she was going to need a takeout container.  
 
"I want to say yes, but I'm already so full I can hardly breathe."  
 
"We're gonna need to bring Leo and Quinnie here. They would love it." Jeanine mused. Y/n perked up at the thought of coming back. Obviously for the food, and the view.  

"With y/n fawning over the staff, dinner and a show would be quite fun for them." Liam teases.  

Y/n rolls her eyes. These two witnessing her embarrassment at being caught up with the alpha is enough to keep her from repeating the same mistake, should they come back with the two overprotective alphas.  
She looked down at her food, the heartbreak that came with being too full to finish a perfect meal stung her chest.  

"Let's get you a to go container." Liam offered and flagged down their server.  

Jin's opening weekend has been a success. He knew the food was good, his pack fawning over the tasting menu when he finalized his courses. It wasn't necessarily doubt that had creeped in leading up to the opening, more so concern for the reception he would have from the locals in the area. Quiet, residential. The mall central to everything in the small community.

Would people hate the decor?

Was the menu too complex?

Did he find the proper balance between taste and cost of ingredients for the would-be patrons? 

He owned three other restaurants, all with excellent service and menu's that spoke to the type of people who would frequent his establishments. He wanted to try something different this time. More of a homey feeling. A place where people could relax after work, students gathered for a comforting bowl of soup, where families could take their kids and not worry about the price. 
It was safe to say that he achieved all of that and more. He was proud of the restaurant.  

He had a tradition for all his openings to work the floor and get a feel for how everyone responded to his food. Granted he always helped out, but he took a more active role the first weekend, and subsequently a few months following should the staff need support. He was having a wonderful Sunday lunch rush, loving the faced paced environment he was in. All his tables were kind, and all had nothing but praise for the food and him. A few people would come in and recognize who he was, some even having lined up this morning to try. But he kept the grand opening hushed. Wanted to get a feel of the neighborhood without the self-proclaimed foodies shutting out the clientele he was aiming for. 

There was one table in particular that he really enjoyed serving. A beta woman, and two omegas had sat down in his section and quickly became his most interesting table of the day. The beta women and the male omega were clearly mates, the marks to prove it. But the other omega, the young girl was unmated but smelled strongly of their scents. Family he concluded and was proven right when he heard them teasing her about checking him out. Jin could hardly blame her. He was in fact, very beautiful. Something that Namjoon had whispered to him just last night as he fell asleep spent from their quick tryst in the shower. It wasn't like he didn't hear it from others as well, considering he was a celebrity in his own right, there was something innocent and endearing about the girl's appreciation. He too in fact had his fill of her. Beautiful expressive brown eyes, full pink lips and long amber hair. She looked like a doll. But what really piqued his interest was her decision to order both dishes she wanted, not willing to sacrifice her curiosity and palate to only one choice. Sure, many people did the same but there was something about her. Alluring.  

He looked around the dining room, trying to gage the table turnover when he noticed the male omega waving him over. As Jin rounded the corner, he noticed that the brown eyed beauty did not finish her food.  
  
"Could we grab a container for her please, seems like her eyes were bigger than her stomach." The man laughed.  
  
Jin turns towards the girl with an amused smile, "Should I be offended that you don't like my food?" 
  
"Your food?" The beta asked.  
  
"Oh, forgive me, my name is Kim Seokjin, this is my restaurant." He sent her a dazzling, practiced smile. Her eyes lit up with recognition.  
  
"Oh my God, Chef Kim, it's such an honor. We loved Black Swan. Our pack went there for our anniversary, and it was the best food we've ever had."  

He smiled, ducking his face quickly before thanking her for the kind words. Some people recognized him from the shows he's done and his cookware line with a popular department store, but his favourite interactions was with those who knew him for his food. Sure, being a TV personality was nice, but he was always on, always in character for the cameras. It was nice to still be recognized for his food.  
He turned back towards the omega as she stumbled across her words.  
  
"No, everything was amazing, honestly. Just too full." her cheeks flushed for a third time in as many interactions.  
 
Cute. So sweet. His alpha cooed.  
  
He hummed and picked up her plates, "I'll get this packed up for you then to enjoy later. Would you like to see the dessert menu?" He asked them all, knowing they would decline. He was definitely generous with his portions.  
 
"No thank you, but we will grab the bill whenever you get a chance." The male omega requested.  

Jin made quick work of packing her dishes up for her. Even added a free dessert as a surprise. So what if he was flirting a little. Didn't mean anything. Besides, with the amount of teasing she was getting she deserved a treat to take home. Take out bag in hand and the receipt and machine ready he made his way back to the table and cashed them out.  
He placed the takeout bag in front of the girl, while the male paid for the bill. Jin ripped off their copy and handed to them.  
 
"I hope to see you all very soon." He was careful to send the comment towards the girl, his voice almost purring the request. She must have read the invitation for what it was and sent him a heart stopping smile. The sweet scent of rum and vanilla wafting off of her.  
  
Rum. Vanilla.  
  
Wait, he knew that scent. Had been smelling it on Jungkook's shirt days after his and the others eventful night with their omega.  

Could this be her? He thought. Surely not, I mean what are the chances.  

But there was no mistake, this was the same scent, he was sure of it. And if it was the same scent, then this must be the same girl from that night. The omega that had sent his three younger mates into a spiral of longing. If this was her, then there was no reason for him to refuse the meeting the three were itching to push for. He couldn't wait to get home. Should he tell them? No. Let it be a surprise. Just agree to the meeting. Take their side on it. Give them his support.  

"We'll definitely be back." She replied to him, the sweet scent slowly disappearing. He didn't stay long enough to see them out. Hee spent the rest of the day counting the hours till he would get home.  

Four hours. 
 
Three hours. 

Half hour. 

Fifteen minutes. 

He pulled into the garage, grabbing his things before heading inside. It wasn't hard to find the three maknaes. Lately they had been favouring staying home if they weren't at work. Taking comfort in each other. Jin slipped off his shoes and put away his keys before walking over to the living room where the three boys were sprawled on the couch, focused on their videogame.  
 
Taehyung was the first to notice Jin's arrival, having sat out this race since it only called for two players. 
 
 "Hey Hyung. How was the restaurant?" 

Jin just smiled at his young mate. While Jungkook was the youngest, the true maknae of the group was Tae. The whole pack leaning into the honorary title as the boy was so receptive of their attention and care, even Jungkook treated him so. Jin collapsed into the love seat just across from them, opening his arms for Taehyung to come cuddling into.  
Tae would never deny his hyungs anything, least of all comfort, especially after a long day at work. He quickly left his spot between Jimin and Jungkook and gracefully folded himself into Jin's lap. Instantly being met with sweet kisses stamped into his cheeks and forhead.  
 

"It was good TaeTae. Great turn out, and I met a lot of people from the neighborhood." He emphasized, even though none of the boys caught onto it. His own little secret.  
 
"That’s good hyung, I knew everyone would love it." Tae mumbled as his hyung brushed his hair back, carding his fingers through and giving light scratches to his scalp. Tae couldn't help the purr that escaped him, not that he would ever hide it. Loved the way he felt with Jin. Loved how much he loved him and vice versa.  
 
"Taebaby, I've been thinking about the other night with the omega," Jin started, "If you guys still want us to meet her, I'm open to it."  
 
Tae froze in his lap. Jungkook and Jimin paused their game. All eyes on Jin it seems.  
 
"Hyung, do you mean that?" Jungkook croaked. 
 
"You want to meet her?" Jimin clarified. 
 
"Yes, if it's important to you, I want to meet her. If she managed to make such an impression on you then it certainly warrants it don't you think?" He smiled at their baffled expressions. The three boys had been secretly trying to find ways to bring up the discussion again. Didn't want to rock the boat any more than they already have, but never forgetting the omega in question.  
 
Tae didn't dignify to respond with words, instead he pulled Jin into a searing kiss, pouring all of his love and gratitude into it. Jin moaned into the alpha's mouth, gripping his waist and letting the pup grind into his lap. Fuck, if this was the response he would have agreed to the meeting ages ago.  

Tae releases Jin from his kiss only to pepper more down his throat, finding the spot where his shoulder met his collar bone. Sucking and licking his kisses into the mating mark he had left there.  
 
"Does that sound nice pup? Do you like the idea of seeing her again?" Jin breathed into his ear. 

Fuck, this day was just getting better and better.  
 
The other two alphas quickly woke themselves from their trance and piled on top of the love seat to shower Jin with the same attention that Tae was giving him. What started out as sweet thank you's quickly devolved into scorching passion. Jin, deeming the love seat lacking in function for what he wanted to do, directed the four mates upstairs to Tae's room, where they fell into each other and counted the ways in which to say I love you. Thank you. You mean everything to me.  

It was a perfect way to end his perfect day Jin thought as he watched his mates find their bliss. 

The next morning Jin woke up in a literal puppy pile. His lovely night only made lovelier with all the cuddles he got. He was reluctant to get up, having to get ready and head back to the restaurant. Would love to stay just a bit longer in bed, maybe wake up the pups and have them repeat last night all over again. He knew it was wishful thinking. Jimin scheduled for a call shift later, and Tae flying out for a quick meeting with a new supplier, and Jungkook would be left to his own devices for the day. 
 
Jin quietly untangles himself from the pups' arms, the space he leaves quickly filled up by seeking arms and legs, needing something to latch onto. He looks down at his mates and smiles. What he would do for these three pups is beyond him. 
 
He makes his way down to the kitchen, needing to make a cup of coffee before he could think about getting ready. He was getting older, was so tired. Didn't have the same stamina as those three. They had thoroughly worn him out. He loved it, nonetheless.  
 
As he poured his milk into the frother, two strong corded arms snaked around his waist. Namjoon. Jin breathed in the scent of his mate, leaned back into his warm chest, preening at the younger man's affection. 
 
"Good morning my love, I missed you last night." Namjoon buried his face into Jin's neck, taking deep breaths.  

It had been a while since he smelled the three pups on anyone but themselves, and even then, it was in passing. Quick hugs and sweet kisses, but nothing more. He didn't fault them for keeping space. The last week had been tense around the house. At least in comparison to their usual interactions. Jungkook still cuddled with Namjoon on the couch, and Tae still stopped by his room to kiss him goodnight, Jimin still leaned into his touch and stamped kisses when close. But they were holding back. Namjoon knew he had to make a decision, and deep down he knew there was no escaping the inevitable, but he still wanted to be sure. Needed the reassurance from his other pack members that they were just as willing to meet with the omega.   

"Can't be without me for one night huh?" Jin giggled as Namjoon's nose tickled the back of his neck. 
 
"No. I'm afraid you've spoiled me rotten. Don't like to sleep in an empty bed. But I'm happy you had some time with the pups." 
 
Jin paused then turned around in Namjoon's arms, he cupped his face and met his beautiful mate eyes. He always managed to take Jin's breath away, but especially when he wore his glasses, the remnants of sleep lingering in his soft gaze. 
 
"Mhm. It was a bit of a celebration." Jin leaned down to kiss him before turning back to his coffee. He knew he needed to tell Namjoon of his declaration to the three alphas that he would back them in their request to arrange a meeting with the omega. 
 
"Oh, what are we celebrating?" Joon mumbled, still clinging to his hyung, not able to get enough of their scent. 
 
"I've decided that I would like to move forward with meeting their omega friend." Jin replied nonchalantly. 
 
"Oh." Namjoon stopped breathing and took a step back, "And last night was their way of thanking you?" 
 
Jin turned back around to face his mate and pack alpha, coffee cup in his hand, he took a sip before replying. Needed the extra few seconds to formulate his thoughts. He tried to gage how Namjoon was feeling, but his scent was only mildly affected. Still smelled of toffee nut and sweet apples. Just a bit of hesitation mixed in.   
 
"Yeah, I guess in a way it was. I just want to meet her. For all we know she may not even be interested in seeing them again." 
 
"I highly doubt that would be the case." Namjoon ran his fingers through his unkept hair, and sighed. "I guess I should have a talk with Hob-ah and Yoon." 
 
Jin winced. It was not his intention to make his mate feel like four of his pack mates were ganging up on him. He knew the past that Namjoon was reliving with this situation. Didn't want to reopen any wounds that didn't heal correctly. But the pack had to all be on the same page. Besides, the pups had never asked for something of this magnitude before. Never thought that they would welcome and eighth addition into their pack. 
 
The girl that Jin had met at the restaurant was nothing like what he knew Namjoon was picturing. She was sweet, kind, innocent. Something Namjoon was sure to eat up the second it was directed at him. Namjoon loved to be needed. Loved to take care of others, but he also loved nothing more than his pack being happy. If Jin was right about her, then what's to say that she wouldn't be someone who could bring joy into their lives. bring love and comfort. But he was getting to ahead of himself. Was reminded that he only just met her yesterday, and didn't even get her name. 
 
Bambi? Her family had called her Bambi. 

Jin didn't actually think that was her name. A sweet nickname for a sweet girl they all loved deerly. He laughed at his own pun in his head. Jin needed to leave soon, had to get ready for the day. Maybe by the end of it he could come home and shower his mate with all the love and affection he was dying to bestow right this second. But once again, his thoughts trailed to activities he had no time for. 
 
"I'll be home later this evening. Let's enjoy the time we have alone tonight? We can talk some more if you want to." He kissed his mate goodbye and climbed upstairs to their shared bedroom and got ready for his day. 
 
Still in the kitchen, focused hard on the task of making his own cup of coffee, Namjoon had an inkling that he was going to have a rough day.  

 
Monday's were always busy for y/n. Back-to-back classes and then studio time required her to spend at least ten hours on campus. She had just finished her art history class when she bumped into Margo on the way to the café to grab something to eat before her next class. 
 
Y/n had decidedly called the two girls the next day and let them in on her eventful night. The two girls, at first, were too quiet for her liking. She hated to be perceived in a bad light. Would they be upset that she lied on the phone? Or would they be jealous that she presented and they did not? Margo and Valerie were always gushing about how nice it would be to be omegas. The nests they would build, the pack they wanted, the lifestyle they would live. But y/n's worry was more so that she felt undeserving of the new status. Didn't want anyone else to say it to her. She had a lot to learn, and the fears she voiced in the back of the car to Jungkook were running rampant in her mind. Everything had to change. Even her. 
 
But y/n's worries were quickly replaced with warm relief when her two best friends were nothing but supportive. Had tried to take on the blame for that night, stating it was them that dragged her out despite her initial protests. Apologized for not staying with her and that they were so unaware of what was going on. How they should have seen the signs, even though she had to be convinced she was presenting in the first place. How could she blame them for something she didn't even know was happening. She brushed them off, and apologized for lying to them, which reminded them that she wasn't alone that night.  

It was the first time she could talk about them freely. Sure, she told Liam and Jeanine about the events of that night, but she kept her feelings to herself. Only disclosed how safe she felt with them, how considerate they were, willing to help her and make sure she was okay. But telling her two best friends was a different story. 
 
"I can't believe you just left with them." Valerie had protested. 
 
"y/n, that could have ended very differently." Margo chided. 

“No, it really wasn’t like that, I promise. They were so careful with me. They didn’t give me any reason to fear them.”   

It only took a few more quick words to reassure the two girls. And only a few choice words to have her gushing at the three boys and their chivalrous actions.   

“You were calling them what?!” Margo laughed on the other line.  

Y/n groaned, “oh my god it wasn’t my fault, okay? They were just so pretty.”   

“Yeah, pretty like a painting.” Cooed Valerie.  

“Or an angel.” Margo giggled.  

“And let’s not forget get Mr. Sin.” Valerie snorted.  

It felt good to laugh with her friends. Felt normal. She was so happy that she had her friends to lean on. Especially when she told them about her desire to see the alphas again.  

“I don’t know if I should take Jimin up on his offer. I want to see him again, even if it’s just to thank him properly.”   

“Y/n, we all know why you want to see him again. It’s okay to like them.”   

“Yeah, there’s nothing wrong to want to see the people who saved you that night.”   

Y/n heard Margo call her name in line at the cafe, zoned out and not aware that they even got there. She shook the memory out of her head and ordered her tea and a wrap. 
The two girls both had their final projects due very soon. A week from now they would be handing in the final art pieces to be displayed at the student showcase taking place next month. Y/n was a little nervous, still unsure about her piece.

The paining was done, but it didn’t feel done. There was something missing and she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. She knew what she was trying to convey with the image she created, but she wondered if she was saying too much. Screaming it really. Loud and clear for everyone to hear. Especially her parents. The echoes of I'm here, I matter, I did it all by myself, just to prove to her parents that everything they had ever said about her art was wrong.  

Margo, on the other hand, had decided her final piece to be a sculpture. Y/n knew it was sure to capture all the attention at the showcase. She just hoped her piece would be just as well received.  

“I heard Professor Im invited a few curators and critics to the showcase.” The girl stated. 
 
Y/n had grown to just accept that Margo knew everything about everyone. The beta woman was very popular on campus. Had mingled with ever clique she could find. Was invited to every party. She was just so likeable. Had this air about her that made people want to be around her, and in turn tell her things.

“I genuinely want to know who your sources are for all this gossip you seem to always have.”   

Margo shook off her comment. “Not important. What is important is that one of the curators is Choi Ye-Jun.”   

Y/n swallowed the bite of her wrap whole. Choi Ye-Jun was an alumni of the university’s art program. Had started out as a painter till he mixed his mediums and began working with electronic sculptures, specifically creating pieces made from light. He was a visionary, Professor Im’s pride really. Always name dropping his most successful previous student.   

Ye-Jun had taken a step back from creating and tried his hand at curating. His gallery always displaying Korea’s next big talent.   

“Fuck, as if I wasn’t nervous enough.” Y/n grumbled, her food sitting heavy in her stomach.  

“Oh, hush you. You have nothing to be nervous about y/n, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, your piece is beautiful. You’re overthinking it.”   

“Kinda hard not to overthink it considering it going to decide my entire future.” She pressed her fingers to her temples. The list of people to impress just kept getting longer and longer.  

“God you’re so dramatic,” Margo giggled at her friend’s antics. “We both know that you’re a shoe in for the master's program, and if you wanted too, I’m sure you could have your art displayed in Choi’s gallery.”   

“Now you're just teasing me.”   

“Meh you do make it really easy.” The girl replied as she rose from her seat and waved goodbye.  

Y/n sighed, she needed to get going, her next lecture was going to start in ten minutes, and she hated to sit up front. Cleaning up her mess, she headed over to the photography building for her media arts lecture. The campus was large, and her walk meant she needed to cut through the field where a few guys were playing a game of catch.   

Y/n didn’t really care for sports, never had the interest nor the coordination for it. Preferred to get her exercise the way most college girls do; dancing and walking in heels. Although that was now not going to be a possibility for her. In the short week that she had been an omega; she had already made many sacrifices and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately going to the club and drinking was out of the question. Unsupervised that is. But the only people who could supervise were her brother and Quinn and she would rather not have them watching her every move at the club when she wanted to let loose.   

So lost in her thought's y/n didn’t hear the shouts of warning until a ball landed right in front of her nearly missing her face.   

“Sorry!”   

She turned to the voice that was yelling. A boy with short black hair came running up to her. The clear owner of the stray ball.   

“I’m so sorry, didn’t mean to throw it that far.” The boy replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.   

“It’s okay, I should have been a little more aware of my surroundings.” y/n sent him a polite smile. Not really caring to have this interaction.  

“Are you okay? It didn’t get you right?” He asked worriedly.  

“Nah you’re good. I swear.” She was going to be late, but the boy was lingering.   

“I’m Lee Do-Won. It’s nice to meet you.” He smiled, eyes crinkling to half-moons.   

Jimin’s eyes are nicer when he smiles.   

“Nice to meet you, I’m Song y/n.”   

“Song y/n, do you think I could take you out for some coffee?”   

“Oh, uh I would but I’m on my way to class and I’m kinda seeing someone.”   

“And he doesn’t let you have friends?” She really doubted he wanted to be friends. Was doubting that the ball coming her way was even an accident.  

“Um,  they  are all a little protective.” She emphasized, hoping he would get her point and move on.  

“Oh, you have a pack.” That seemed to get the message across as she sidestepped him.  

“You could say that. But I uh gotta go, don’t wanna be late to class. It was nice meeting you.” Y/n called over her shoulder as she walked away from the weird boy.   

It was the first time ever that she’s been approached so suddenly. Not used to it at all. Kinda glad she never had to deal with it before, especially since she’s an awful liar. And she technically didn’t lie to the boy, she was kinda seeing someone, and they were protective. But she didn’t clarify that they were in her dreams, and the protective treatment was strictly from her two brother alphas.   

She sighed and made her way into the lecture hall, happy to claim one of the last few seats in the back. She would rather be at home in her nest right now cuddling with Jungkook’s jacket than having to sit through another two hours of class.   

Namjoon was never one to preoccupy himself with what ifs. No, he much rather deals in facts.  

Like the fact that his pack was working themselves to the ground. 
 
Like the fact that him and Yoongi have been pretty much sleeping at the studio lately trying to finish their big project with one of their long-time artists. 
 
Like the fact that Tae, Kook and Jiminie were all walking zombies since that night they found the omega. Well, when they weren't with each other. 
 
And like the fact that Jin was now in favor of meeting the omega. 

It’s not that Namjoon didn’t want to entertain the idea of bringing in another member into their pack, it was the fact that this omega had already stirred up his three maknaes to the point of pouting babies, he was sure that he would be no better. But they didn’t have time for it. He knew that things have been rough well before her. He knew that he needed to try to get everyone to take a break, but how could he when he himself was constantly on the go. But even so, he couldn’t ignore the fact that his three youngest pack mates were sulking. How could he make things better for them? He was stewing, so much so even Yoongi pointed it out.  

“If you think any harder, I think brain matter will leak through your ears.” Yoongi's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.   

They were taking a small break to eat. Take out containers littered their coffee table in the studio. Truthfully, they hadn’t had a come cooked meal in ages. It's what happens when you’re too busy to cook. Namjoon sighs, dragging a hand down his face, as if that would rearrange his expression into something believable. But it was Yoongi he was talking to, he didn’t have to worry.   

“I’m just trying to figure out how to make the maknaes feel better.”   

“We both know that the only thing that can help is seeing the omega again.” His mate replied not looking up from his bowl of ramen.  

“I’m trying to avoid that. I don’t need this spiral session to extend any further.”   

“Either way though, they’re not going to just let this go. You know how they get. Jungkook especially.” Yoongi referred to the young alpha's penchant of getting attached too quickly.  

“I know. I just don’t want to give them false hope.”   

Yoongi hummed in thought. Namjoon wondered if he also was curious about this mystery woman. Would it be so bad for them to meet her? Yes, the answer is yes.   

“Do you want to entertain the idea of an omega joining the pack?” Yoongi asked.   

“My track record with omegas isn't very good. Remember last time?"  

He hadn't thought about Duri in years. Granted the last time he saw her she was tearing into him. But no, omega's brought on nothing but heartbreak. And Namjoon didn't think he could survive that again, especially if his pack is affected as well. 
 
Besides how would they even make it work?  
 
With Namjoon and Yoongi both holed up at the studio most days of the week. Jin would probably be home the most, but even then, he would always be working in the kitchen. Hobi has at least two flights a week for photoshoots and runways. Same thing with Tae, he can barely manage making time for sleep with this upcoming season right around the corner. Jungkook already splits his time between shoots and the tattoo shop. And Jimin is always getting called into the hospital. Even if they did want her, she would be alone most of the time.  

“Not everyone is like Duri, Namjoon-ah.”   

“I know that. But is it really worth it to open ourselves up to any potential pain like this?” 
 
"Would you have said the same thing about Jimin and Tae when they first came to us?" 
 
"That's different and you know it." 
 
"Doesn't mean it didn't have the potential to cause just as much pain, if not more than Duri." 

Namjoon sighs. He knows that he's being unfair. Knows that he's projecting his fears and concerns on this faceless girl. But it took him a long time to make peace with his pain. With the words Duri cut him so deeply with. 
 
Hard to love.  
Not the man I thought you were. 
A poor excuse of an Alpha.  
 
“I’m saying that it wouldn’t hurt to just meet her, for all we know those three are just romanticizing her. Their savior complex clouding their ability to judge whether or not she would even be a good fit for us all.”  

“And if she is?”   

“Then we figure it out.”   

“You gave this some thought haven’t you.”   

“Come on Namjoon, you smelled her scent on them that night. What can I say I’m curious.”   

“Well curiosity killed the cat.”   

“And satisfaction brought it back.”   

Namjoon raised his brow in answer to the statement. Maybe Yoongi was right, this could all lead nowhere. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that if the maknaes were this rattled by the omega, how would him and the other boys feel?   

Namjoon had met Duri well before he met any of his mates. It was their first year of university, both had been in the same composition class. She was a singer, and he was the best producer in their year. So naturally she had to have him.  

They had dated on and off for a year. At first the fights were petty things like, not answering the phone on nights out with friends, or when another girl had texted Namjoon for study notes, to which Duri thought was equivalent to cheating. They were just too different. Namjoon was a quiet man. Liked his solitude, but when he did want company, it was always people that were like minded. Duri was always pushing him to go out with her friends, hit up the parties, go drinking at the club, go to karaoke or open mic nights just to be showered with compliments. It was a wonder that he never saw her for what she was.  

They had taken a break their second year of school. Namjoon was tired and when Duri told him she was going to study abroad, he was nothing but encouraging. After a month of her being away, Namjoon had met Yoongi. They travelled in the same circles; Yoongi was a grade higher than him in the same program. Was dubbed the hands of Midas, since every track he made, regardless of who he collaborated with, was highly praised by their professors. There even was a rumor that he sold one of his songs to a K-pop group, but he never confirmed nor denied it.   

One night, their mix of friends had gathered at a local underground bar to listen to a new up and coming rapper. Their friends were scattered throughout the crowd, going back and forth between the bar, the front of the stage or out back to the smoking pit. Namjoon and Yoongi naturally gravitated towards each other. After that night they were inseparable. Their love story was slow and sweet. No tug and no pull. As steady as a single note played on the piano.   

Namjoon was in love. So, in love that he didn’t think about Duri for the remainder of the semester. When she came back, things were hard. Namjoon was now being pulled in different directions. Duri instantly taking a disliking to Yoongi, and Yoongi not caring for her attitude and attention seeking habits, they both felt it was best to limit their interactions.   

Namjoon was fooling himself into thinking that they could be a pack together. It wasn’t until Namjoon got wasted one night and cried to both lovers that they agreed to put aside their differences and try to make it work. For him.   

That lasted all of four months.  
 
Jin had been introduced to Duri through someone of her work colleagues. She had started to model on the side, trying to get her foot in the door for industry people to take notice of her work. She knew she wanted to be in the public eye and to her, being in front of a camera was only a few steps short of being on stage.  

Jin was beautiful, even back then. Had been modeling for a few years, a way to pay for school and shake hands with people in high places. His boyish charm, wide shoulders and his propensity for positivity was refreshing for Namjoon.   

Duri was invited to a tasting for a chef that was up and coming in the culinary world, and Jin was his sous chef. He had extended the invitation to everyone at their small agency and Namjoon dragged along with Duri for the soft opening.   

It was awkward to be surrounded by so many beautiful people, talking about things Namjoon didn’t understand and didn’t care to understand. The cracks were starting to show in his and Duri’s relationship. It was always about her. She never would have made the same sacrifices of compromises if Namjoon or Yoongi asked her too. So, Namjoon sat at the table of the upscale restaurant and listened to the superficial conversation around him.   

Did you know so and so was hooking up with this photographer?   

Did you see that so and so gained weight and was dropped from her agency?   

What do you think about switching from a chemical sunscreen to a mineral one?    

He was so bored out of his mind he quietly excused himself and headed out back for a smoke. Namjoon didn’t condone the habit. In fact, he always swore he would never pick up a cigarette. But that was before. Yoongi would have bopped him on the head if he knew Namjoon was smoking again.   

But it was an excuse to get away, take a breath, so to speak, and be left alone most of the time.   

He had just lit up one when the back door opened and out came Jin, in his chef coat holding a deli container full of water.   

“Oh sorry, should I not be here?” He had asked the older boy.   

Jin had just smiled at him, dimples on display and Namjoon could have sworn his heart skipped a beat.   

“Nah it’s okay, I could use the company anyway.” He said as he sat down on a milk crate and took a sip of water.   

Namjoon offered him a cigarette, to which he accepted. Both boys taking drags in each other's company.   

“You’re not a fan of the party?” Jin asked breaking the silence.   

Namjoon choked out a laugh, “Um no actually. I hate it. Food was good though.”   

That caused Jin to let out a surprise laugh. He hadn’t expected the boy to be so honest. Wasn’t sure how he was supposed to respond.   

Instead, just introduced himself, and asked Namjoon if he liked ice cream. The younger alpha nodded, and the rest was history. Jin had invited him out the next day to the park. Namjoon asked if he could bring his boyfriend Yoongi, and Jin smiled, said he was going to bring his boyfriend too.   

He never mentioned the outing to Duri. Didn't want to keep it a secret necessarily, but he did want to have fun. And he was starting to realize that Duri only liked to have fun on her terms.   

That next day Namjoon and Yoongi arrived at the park to an excited ball of energy that was Jungkook. A shy boy at first who just started college. So open to all the world had to offer him. Namjoon instantly became protective of him.   

Wasn’t long till they were all seeing each other. Their bonds deepened as time went on.   

Yoongi had graduated, took up a job as a roadie, toured a bit with a few K-pop groups, wanting to see how a show was put on start to finish.   

Namjoon was finishing up his last semester. Had been flying through his courses. His professors loved him. His classmates wanted to be partnered with him. He was finally getting the recognition he deserved.   

His three boyfriends were so proud of him, especially when he got a summer internship at BigHit.   

Duri was less than thrilled. The strain on their relationship was evident. They had been together for four years, but it felt longer. Felt like a lifetime of Namjoon constantly trying to make her happy. Keep her company when he could.  

She was also getting recognition. Had dropped out of school that last year. Had gotten signed to a small label and was working on an album. Namjoon was so happy for her. She truly was talented, he just wished she cared enough about his happiness to make things work.   

Hoseok had come into the picture at the same time as the singer gave Namjoon an ultimatum. He was picking her up from her last shoot with the agency when she had decided that she had enough.   

The boy was passing by when he had heard yelling in the back studio and went over to investigate what was going on. He was met with Duri, a girl he only knew in passing but never actually cared to know, had heard enough about her that he decided early on that she was just not his type of person.   

But he saw her throwing a fit, saw her pushing a boy, an alpha. When Hoseok had taken a closer look at the boy, he just saw the most resigned expression. Tired. Unhappy. Broken .   

“You never have time for me Joon! It’s always the boys. Always something.” She seethed. “It’s like you love them more than me! I’m your omega, me not them. I’m the one you should be prioritizing.”   

“Duri, please can we not do this here.”   

“No here is just fine. I want you to choose. Right now. Me or them. Take your pick.”   

“Duri that’s not fair. How could you ask me to pick between you and the loves of my life.”   

She laughed mockingly, “loves of your life? I should be the love of your life, not a bunch of alphas that you can’t even knot. That’s can’t give you what I can.” 

“You’re being unreasonable. How could I choose—“  

Hoseok had heard enough. Had seen enough. The omega was manipulating the alpha. It was clear as day that the boy loved her. His expression not hiding it at all.   

“I think that’s enough.” He said, placing a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. At first Namjoon thought he was going to get punched. Any other alpha would have done so for distressing an omega as much as he had.  

But no, Hoseok gave a comforting squeeze and turned his attention to Duri. “You’re a mean, manipulative little thing.”   

Duri huffed out a breath, outraged at being called out by a stranger.   

“This is none of your business.” She hissed and turned back to Namjoon.   

“If you won’t choose, I’ll choose for you. I’m leaving and I’m never coming back. You are not the man I thought you were, not the alpha you needed to be. You’re hard to love and one day those boys will see that too and you’ll be left alone.” She turned on her heel and left.   

At the sound of the door slamming Namjoon couldn’t hold it in anymore and let out the most painful sob Hoseok had ever heard. He brought the man into his arms and just left him cry it out. They had spent some time in that back studio, Hoseok providing comfort to the broken alpha when he heard his phone ring. Namjoon was in no state to answer it, so Hoseok answered for him.   

It was Jin on the other line frantic, asking where he was. Hoseok had introduced himself, explained a little about what had happened and told Jin he would bring Namjoon home.   

It took Namjoon years to reconcile who he thought Duri was and who she really is. But those words she threw at him were like knives. Repeating in his darkest hours. Feeding on his own insecurities. He had vowed to never get involved with another omega again.   

“Namjoon-ah,” he heard Yoongi call him back to the present. “Come on back to work baby.” 
 
Yoongi was about to get up from the couch, done with his food and ready to get back to work. But Namjoon had another idea. He tugged the alpha’s arm, not meeting any resistance, and pulled him back on the couch beside him. Before Yoongi could ask what his mate wanted, Namjoon cupped the alphas face and brought him in for a searing kiss. Yoongi melted right into his touch. So responsive to the kiss, so willing to be distracted just a little more. He maneuvered the younger alpha to lay with him on the couch. Kissing and cuddling his mate, understanding that he needed to be close. Wanted the reassurance.  
 
Yoongi pulled back only slightly, kissed Namjoon’s nose and said, “I love you. Nothing will ever change that.”  
 
Namjoon just smiled at his mate. “And I love you.”   

The two mates extended their break a little longer. Just laid together on the couch, a tangle of limbs, holding each other as they lost themselves in their kisses.  

Chapter Text

Y/n missed a few things about her apartment downtown. The coffee shops around each corner. The easy access to twenty-four-hour corner stores with any type of snack she could imagine. The quiet solitude after a long day at school or work. But there were upsides to living with Leo and the pack.  
For one, her bed was ten times comfier than her cheap lumpy mattress and creaky bed frame. Second, it was nice to actually get to eat home cooked meals and not rely so much on instant ramen and frozen dumplings. And thirdly, she had three little sprouts that were always seeking her attention.  
 
She had come home late from the studio the night before, finally finishing her piece. She had felt a sense of quietness envelop her as her head hit the pillow. Sleeping soundly well into midmorning only to be woken up by hushed whispers from her nieces and nephew. She kept her eyes closed as she listened to the two girls, Nabi and Ha-Ri as they elected their little brother Sung-Hoon to wake her up.  
 
“Just do it Sunghoon-ah.” Nabi urged, “Appa said we can’t have any pancakes until gomo wakes up.”  
 
“But what if she gets mad?” The toddler mumbles.  
 
“Gomo won’t get mad. Go on just do it.” Ha-Ri commands.  
 
Y/n fights back a smile at their antics. The shuffling of tiny feet on carpet edge closer to her nest. Sung-Hoon was such a sweet boy. Freely passing out smiles that lit up his whole face, his wide puppy dog eyes so innocent she couldn’t help but want to spoil him.  
The little boy didn’t stand a chance. As he reached out to wake her, both her arms shot out pulling him under the covers and mercilessly tickling his sides.  
 
“Who dares disturb my slumber?” She mimics a monstrous deep voice. Giggles ring out of her prey and laughter answers in turn from the two onlookers.  
 
“Gomo! No please don’t eat me.” Sunghoon cries.  
 
Nabi and Ha-Ri valiantly crawl into the nest to save their brother; their efforts focused on trying to tickle y/n into submission.  

“Okay, okay, you win! I’m up.” She laughs.  
 
Sung-Hoon crawls up into her lap, while the two girls cuddle into her sides. The pups were always ready to cuddle. It was a nice feeling to have the three inside her nest, feeling safe and comfortable. Liam was quick to let y/n know that the nest was the one place where she would have to explicitly invite anyone to join in, but seeing as how new everything was for her, the pack would refrain from asking, at least for a little while. Wanting her first to settle in properly, have her scent fully saturated in the blankets and the pillows. Make it truly feel like hers before any other scent was mixed in.  
but the pups were exempt from that. having the three darlings in the nest only made her feel happy. Unlimited cuddles and naps were always welcome. They smelled of sunlight and syrup and bubbles and everything good. She wished she could bottle it. Wondered if she would feel lonely without them when she inevitably went back home. 
 
“Appa is making pancakes today.” Nabi gushed, “But he said we have to wake up first before we can have any.”  
 
y/n lets out a surprised laugh. “Oh, did he? Well, I guess we should head on down hmm?”  

The pups let out excited shrieks, the girls climbing off the bed easily while Sung-Hoon, attempting to get off on his own but still nervous about the distance between the bed and the floor looks towards her for some help. Y/n scoops up the youngest pup into her arms and makes her way downstairs.  
 
The girls excitedly tugged on y/n’s shirt, each one asking her to sit beside them. Sung-Hoon cuddled close, head resting just under her chin, she could smell the soft sent of baby oil in his hair.  
 
Breakfast in this house was taken very seriously. Daily themed menus meant that each pack member had their signature dishes. Leo was stationed at the stove, pancake flipping was his forte, while Quinn, just to his left was tasked with plating and topping each dish with fresh berries and cream. There was a reason the pups loved pancake day. The kitchen was the heart of the home. The joy permeating the air was contagious and y/n loved everything about it, even if it was a little chaotic. 
 
As the girls settle into their seats, Jeanine rounds the table, arms out for y/n to hand Sung-Hoon off to be seated in his highchair. Liam was at the kitchen island, focusing hard on what looked like a recipe video on his phone.  
 
“Ah sleeping beauty has risen.” Liam chimes as he looks up from his phone. “Come help me with this please?”  
 
she makes her way over to the island, saying her good mornings to the two alphas passing by to feed their overly excited pups. The sugar rush was definitely not going to help. 
 
“What are you making?” She asks as she’s looking over all the ingredients laid out in front of them. Liam had been on a health kick lately, resulting in a lot of new recipes being attempted but mostly not that well executed.  
 
“Avocado toast with the fluffiest scrambled eggs.” He declares as he starts whisking. “Can you please cut up the avocado and green onion?” 
 
y/n hums her agreement, picking the first avocado, slicing it in half and pitting it perfectly. She truly loved having so much fresh produce available to her now. She slices the second avocado in in half when a pleased squeal sounds from the dining table. 
 
“Gomo! Look at my pancakes, it’s in the shape of a cat!” Ha-Ri calls excitedly. Y/n looks up to humor the pup, but as she looks up, the knife slips off the avocado pit, and lands in the palm of her left hand. Y/n never understood when people would say they didn’t feel any pain with severe injuries, but as she stares at the blood pooling in her hand she could see why.  
Panic set in, the sharp smell of iron and sour rum and vanilla wafted off her. Liam’s gasp clawed through the merriment at the table, quickly rushing to her side and taking the knife away as he placed her hand under cold water.  
 
“You’re okay Bambi, everything’s going to be fine.”  
 
she wasn’t sure who he was trying to reassure more, her or himself. Chairs scrapped the tiles floor and Leo and Quinn instantly rushed to their sides. Quinn assessed the injury quickly before pulling out a clean kitchen towel and wrapping her palm. Leo was busy asking Liam if the knife had touched anything with cross contamination.  
 
“Maybe don’t use the avocado with the blood on it hmm?” She shakily joked as she looked at the blood soaking through the white fabric.  
 
“Bambi!” Cried Quinn. 
 
“Not funny!” Leo reprimanded. 
 
“It is kinda funny.” Liam whispered. Clearly the only person with a clear head in the room was Jeanine, as she soothed the pups who could smell and hear the distress around them.  
 
“You are all ridiculous. Get in the car, she needs to go to the emergency room.”  She called sending a look to Leo that had him scrambling to grab his keys and wallet.  
 
She barely has a second to protest before the two alphas had her buckled in the front passenger seat with Leo driving them to the nearest hospital. She was never going to live this down. 
 

“Oh my god, you overbearing alpha. Go sit with all the other dads in the waiting room, I’m fine.” Y/n whines, embarrassed by how Leo was reacting to a small cut in her hand. Okay so maybe it wasn’t that small but pitting an avocado was dangerous work. Could have happened to anyone. Truly.  

“Go sit over there.” She gestures to the seats off to the side, “I’m going to register. Honestly you would think you’re the one needing medical attention.” She huffs and walks over to the registration window. The nurse she speaks to takes her information, and her reason for the visit. She informs y/n that this does in fact happen often. Too often.   

“We’ll call you right up. Shouldn’t take too long.” The elderly lady is kind as she maneuvers y/n out back into the waiting room.  

Leo is grumbling something about child proofing the kitchen which earns him an elbow to the ribs.  
 
“Bambi, I’m going to bubble wrap you and never let you leave the house. Stop doing stupid shit.” Leo pinches the bridge of his nose. This girl was going to give him grey hair. 

“If it’s so stupid, why did the nurse say it was so common then?” She sassed him.  

“Because other people can be stupid, but my fragile sister can’t.”  

“That’s your argument?” She raised a brow.  
 
“Yours is just as flawed.”  
 
They wait less than half an hour before a nurse calls out her name. Rising from their seats they follow her into the trauma bay and wait for the doctor to see her. Like always, the emergency room is bustling with movement. Nurses moving from patient to patient, doctors are paged on the overhead system. Machines beep in steady rhythms.  
 
Y/n feels a little too exposed here. Her bed just a little too close to the patient next to her. The smell of antiseptic and iron clinging to everything. She just wanted to get this over with. Of course, her brother wasn’t making things easier. The alpha had been in panic mode the entire drive here, mumbling grounding reassurances that were meant for her but clearly did more for him. Leo slipped into his over-reactive father role he usually saves for the pups. It was a little embarrassing the way he would hover over her.  

“Can you stop glaring at everyone. You’re making a scene.”  

“No I’m not.” He calmly replies, completely contrasting his state of high alert.  
 
Y/n sighed. She was already nervous as is, she didn’t want some poor unsuspecting doctor to walk in and have Leo ready to bite his head off if they so much breathed the wrong way. 

“You are. Why don’t you go grab something to drink? I didn’t get to drink my coffee this morning since I got blood on my avocado.” She pouted. If this were Quinn, she would have never been able to get away with the suggestion of being left alone.  

Leo’s eyes widen in realization, his poor baby sister not only bled on his watch, but she was also thirsty and probably hungry. How does he have three pups at home, but his younger sister is the one giving him a run for his money.  

“Okay, I’ll be right back. Hopefully you’re not waiting too long. I’m just a call away, okay?” He squeezes her shoulder, reassuringly.  

She nods her head, happy to have given her brother a purpose besides the guard dog position he took. He leaves, and it only takes a minute to have the slight panic set in. She was by herself—granted by her own design, so really nothing to complain about—but it left her feeling antsy. Almost as if she were on display. Too many people passing by. Too many people able to smell what she was. She didn’t have time to put on scent blockers this morning. She was rushed to the hospital without even being able to change. Still in her pajamas, luckily, they were passing as lounge wear.  
 
The curtain moves abruptly, closing shut behind a young doctor as he walked into her cubicle with a tablet in his hands that must have been her chart. A beta. Good, she had enough experiences embarrassing herself in front of alphas to last her a lifetime.  

“Ms. Song y/n?” He asked. 
 
“Yes, that’s me.”  
 
“Says here we are stitching up a cut on your palm today. Avocado?”  
 
She can’t help but laugh and nod her head. “Guilty.”  
 
“We see it a lot. I’m sure after this you’ll find a better way to pit avocados from now on.”  

“Yes, I think that would be best.”  
 
The doctor sets his station up with her suture kit and anesthetic but just as he’s filling the syringe with the drug, y/n eyes focus all her thoughts on the size of the needle. There’s no way that’s going inside her hand. Why did it have to be so big? Almost the same length as the knife she was using too. Didn’t they have normal sized syringes here? The smell of sour rum and burnt vanilla fills the air and the small whine she lets out from the back of her throat sounds so much louder in the curtained off patient bed. The doctor doesn’t react at all, probably used to omegas crying about the pain.  

“I know it looks daunting but it’s quick and you don’t even have to look. I promise it will only hurt for a little.” He attempts to calm her down.  

“I-I don’t think I can.”  

“It’s okay.” He smiles reassuringly, “Do you want me to see about getting you a sedative? That might help with the nerves.”  

She nods her head and the doctor puts down the needle onto the tray. As he was opening the curtain, y/n caught a glimpse of blond hair, and the scent of cherries and almonds. She knew that scent. Had been dreaming about it for weeks now. Hadn’t even crossed her mind of the possibility of seeing him here, out of all the hospitals in the city.  

“Jimin?” Her voice hopeful of sighting the gentle alpha.  
 
The last thing Jimin was expecting was to see the beautiful omega in his place of work. The fact that she was lying in a patient bed had the gears in his brain working overdrive. His feet carried him over to her, the reason for being down in the pit completely forgotten.  

“Y/n?” He came up from behind the other doctor. A flash of concern quickly passing through his expression. What was she doing here? Was that blood he could smell? He was going to have to speak to her about her lack of self-preservation.  

“Jimin! It is you.” She beamed. Her inner omega preened at the presence of her alpha. Hers? Y/n couldn’t place why she felt so possessive suddenly only that she wanted him closer.  

“Y/n, you seem to be a beacon for trouble hmm?” Before she could reply Jimin turned towards the other doctor, “Dr. Lee, do you think I could—”  
 
“Yeah, not a problem Dr. Park,” The young doctor smiled, sending Jimin a conspiring glance. He defiantly had some explaining to do to his closest work colleague. 
  
Dr. Lee handed over the tablet with the chart, and clapped Jimin on the back. He glanced back at y/n sending her a knowing smile. “You’re in excellent hands Ms. Song.” 
 
“Thank you.”  
 
Jimin was going to have to buy the beta a coffee after this. Definitely was going to have to explain who she was and what she meant to him and potentially his pack. He wasted no time closing off the curtain, giving them privacy. Mostly for him to fuss and not be questioned why a pediatric attending was stitching up an adult in the pit. But stranger things have happened in the ER. 

“I have to say, this isn’t how I imagined seeing you again.” Jimin drawls as he pulls up her chart, reviewing her demographics and history.  
 
She couldn’t help but preen at the fact that he imagined her at all, let alone meeting again. She meant to reach out. After all he had given her his card, with the intention to take him up on his offer but every time she thought of it, she clammed up. Had convinced herself she would that day at the restaurant and then just didn’t.  

His eyes shot to her, giving her a bland look, “You cut your hand from peeling on avocado?”  
 
She lets out a small whine ending with a giggle, “I’m told it’s really common.”  
 
“And? I thought you were smarter than that.”  
 
“Not fair, you can’t say that to me, I’m injured.” She pouts and he instantly has to hold himself back from taking his thumb and brushing her lip back in place.  
 
This won’t do, he needs to focus. Her scent was still tipping toward distress, sour rum hanging over them, but the light sent of vanilla told him she wasn’t as scared as before. 

“Okay let’s get you fixed right up.” He takes her hand and gives in a once over. Not as deep as most cuts go. He can stitch it up nicely, try to avoid scarring. Just as he’s reaching for the syringe again, her scent sours again, and she manages to keep the whine in but only barely.  

“y/n?”  
 
She closes her eyes in embarrassment, “The needle. It’s really big. I don’t like it.”  

He smiles at her, “Do you trust me?”  

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to answer.  
 
He tucked away the joy surging through him for another time. When he’s alone. When he can fully appreciate the warmth he feels.  
“Okay close your eyes.”  
 
She frowns and tilts her head, “But I know you’re going to just stick the needle in with my eyes closed.”  
 
Jimin thinks his face is going to set in a perpetual smile. She has no idea the effect she has on him. Or maybe she does. And maybe, he has the same effect on her. God, he hopes so.  
 
“Trust me?” He asks again, her nod answering him this time.  
 
He knows what he’s about to do is unethical. Knows that it goes against hospital policy. Knows that he’s doing everything her brother said he would. But he can’t help himself. She needs him and he’s going to provide the comfort she deserves. Her eyes flutter closed, and he leans in a bit closer, syringe in hand, and lets the calming pheromones of his scent release around them. It worked that night outside the club. She settled right into his presence.  
Just as anticipated her reaction is instantaneous. Shoulders slump down, jaw unclenched. She lets out a soft sigh, and that’s when he strikes. Her beautiful scent only tipping for a second as the needle penetrates her hand, the anesthetic taking effect fast. Jimin pulls the needles away from them and lays it down on the tray. He takes his suture kit and begins working. She opens her eyes seeing him focused on her hand. It worked; the pain was there but bearable.  
 
“It’s a pretty clean cut, I can probably stitch it and not leave a scar.”  
 
“I don’t know, a scar sounds pretty badass.”  
 
“Till you tell people what it’s from.” He deadpans, silently hopes that there's no proof left on her hand when she heals. 
 
“Mmhm, I would never tell. Let people make their own stories up.”  
 
“Let it become a legend that when you do explain it’s too simple?”  
 
“Exactly.” She giggles. 
 
“Let’s hope it’s your only one.”  
 
“Who knows? You said so yourself, I’m a beacon for trouble.”  
 
Jimin laughs, he can’t tell if this is flirting but he’ll take anything he can get at this point. He’s already going to pay for this later, when his other two mates get a whiff of him. They’ve spent days after taking about her. Wondering how she was doing, when or if she would reach out. Wishful thinking. Had re-lived the cycle again when Jin told them he was open to meeting her. But fate was a sneaky little bastard. He spent so much time thinking about her that he was convinced she was delivered into his hospital at the right time.  
 
“So how have you been these last few weeks?” A loaded question he knows, but he just wants to hear that she was too busy to reach out. Too overwhelmed with all the changes in her life to be able to make any plans with anyone let alone them. Makes a conscious effort not to mention meeting his pack. Needs everyone to be on the same page first.  

She puffed out a breath, “Okay, I guess. My brother's pack has me staying with them for now. Liam has been amazing. The last three weeks have been a crash course for me to get acquainted with my new designation.”   

“And how are you finding it?”   

“A little overwhelming?” She trails off.   

“To be expected.”   

“It’s just that there’s so much to learn and every time I think I’m getting the hang of tuning into my instincts I end up feeling lost and frustrated. Like, the other week we went shopping for nesting stuff and the entire time all I could focus on was what I didn’t like. I know it’s going to take time, that’s what everyone is telling me, but I don’t know, it feels like I’m already failing.” She rants.  

“Failing? It’s sounds to me like you’re doing really well.”   

She gives him a bland look, and he laughs. “What I mean is, you’re clearly getting a feel of what isn't working. No two nests are the same. Sounds like you know what your standards are.”   

“I guess you can put it that way.  I know I'm being a little self-critical here. But there’s still so much I don’t know, I want to be able to learn as much as I can.”   

“And you will, it just takes time. What else has Liam gone over with you?”   

“Well uhh scenting, cravings, heats and mates.” He couldn’t help but notice the way her cheeks flushed at the mention of heats and mates.   

Was she thinking about him?   

“Mmh all very important.” He focuses on the stitches. The knife made a clean cut, while it had some force behind it, the wound wasn't too deep, and he was able to close it up rather quickly. As he was tying the last stitch, the curtain moved, opening to a very worried and very distraught Leo. Y/n was sure he was going to blow up, he already wanted to keep her in bubble wrap and in the house, after this he’s going to build her a tower, and she would have grow out her hair to escape it.  
 
“Leo, you remember Dr. Park, right?” She widened her eyes in warning to be nice. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of his attitude towards him from that night. 
 
“Just Jimin, please.” He sent her a smile and looked up at Leo. “It’s nice to see you again Leo-hyung.”  

“Hello again Just Jimin,” He smiles down at the doctor and Y/n rolls her eyes at the awful dad joke. “Will my sister live?” He asked as he stand off to the side of the bed, water bottle and protein bar in hand. Of course, he would get her everything but what she wanted.  
“It was touch and go there for a second but I’m sure she’ll make a full recovery.” He cuts the suture and covers the cut in a protective gauze, “It’s usually best in these situations to administer a tetanus shot. Even if the knife was clean, it’s better to be safe.” 
 
“Another needle?” She clams up.  
 
“I know, but this one is a lot smaller, and you won’t feel a thing.” Jimin reassures as he draws the vaccine into the syringe. He was right, the needle was smaller, but y/n was still hesitant. She had to remind herself that Jimin has yet to steer her in the wrong direction.  
 
“Ready?” He asked, and she nodded. The alpha carefully rolls her sleeve up, disinfects the area and quickly administers the shot. “You’re going to feel a little bit of a chill. Totally normal.” He says pulling the needle out, cleaning the area and securing a cotton ball with a band aid over the affected area. It all took less than thirty seconds.  
 
“Okay that wasn’t so bad.” She confesses.  
 
“Will she have to come back to get the stitches removed?” Leo asks. 
 
“Yes, the stitches are typically removed between ten to fourteen days depending how well the laceration is healing. The cut wasn’t that deep, so you won’t need to see a specialist but barring any complications you’re looking at, at least a month to recover.” 
 
“And at most?” Leo continues.  
 
“It varies; best results are usually seen after six to eight weeks.” 
 
“Will I be able to paint? Or play the piano?” She asks concerned about the impact the injury can have on her everyday life. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. What would this mean for her portfolio? She couldn’t afford to take the summer completely off from her art, from music and photography. And if she decided to accept the master's program, she would need to have full function of her hand before August.  

“Playing the piano may be challenging. I wouldn’t recommend you play till the stitches are out. You could pull one and the incision may open. Afterwards, you can see how it feels, but you should limit the amount of time. As for painting, as long as you’re not left-handed you should be fine. Only concern is keeping it clean. And not bearing any weight on it. Including handheld palettes.” Jimin tries to reassure her as best as he can while also tucking away the pieces she shares for later. His lists from today’s meeting growing longer.   

“How much do you have left to do for your final piece?” Leo looks down at his sister.   

She shakes her head, “It’s done. I finished it last night and handed it in. But my portfolio—“   

“Won’t be impacted. You’ve already been accepted, there is no expectation to hand in anything new for the next few months.” Leo consoles.   

Jimin understands what this means for her. How could he not when two of his mates live and breathe music. When Yoongi had to undergo surgery for his shoulder injury, it took him months to regain full mobility before he could sit in front of a piano or balance his guitar.   

“We won’t know the full extent of your limitations for a few weeks. If you take care of the cut, don’t pull anything and keep it clean, I don’t see your abilities being impacted by much.” He tries to meet her eyes.   

Y/n hates feeling like this. Too many things have dawned on her in the last few minutes. She was going to have to be extra careful. Couldn’t remember the last time she had taken a step back from creating anything. Her whole life revolved around art.   

“Okay, I guess I’ll have to just wait and see.”   

Leo just nods along, not wanting to push. She was going to be okay, it was the waiting that was going to be hard.   

“You’re pretty much all set to go, just going to write up a prescription for the pain, and we can get you discharged.” Jimin hesitates, unsure if he should remind her of his previous offer. Decides to take his chances.  He catches her eye, “Before you go, y/n, have you thought about my offer from the other night?”  

“What offer?” Leo bristles, thinking the worst.   

Y/n just rolls her eyes, “Yeah, I have. Do you really think it would make a difference? Would it show anything important?”   

Jimin takes pity on her unaware brother and fills him in, “A full blood panel can show us a lot. Deficiencies, hormone levels, any immune system disorders.”   

“Bambi, maybe you should take him up on this? Could tell you something about your late presentation.”   

“You just wanna stick another needle in me.” She pouts at Jimin.   

He lets out a soft laugh, “I promise this would be the last one.”   

“Okay, yeah let’s do it.”  
 
Jimin nods, letting them know he’ll be right back.
 
When he got into work this morning, he didn’t think he would be having such an eventful day. His alpha is staring inside. On edge from the omega being hurt but swelling with pride for taking care of her. His entire being was wrought with restless energy. He was trying so hard to be professional, provide her with the best care, but it was so hard to not almost provide comfort, especially in a way that would be highly inappropriate at his place of work and in front of her brother. He already knew Leo had caught him staring at y/n a little too closely. The last thing he wanted was for Leo to think him incapable of taking care of her. Of putting his alphas needs before hers. He took a moment to compose himself. The entire interaction was a gift, to be able to see her, learn more about her and be there for her as she processed her recovery.  
 
He imagined what it would be like if she were his. How he would dote on her, how he would comfort her in the privacy of his own home. Wanted to cook for her, make sure she didn’t lift a finger. But he couldn’t do any of that. All he could do was patch her up and send her home. Even his offer of running the blood panel wasn’t enough. But it would give her something. And it would give him an excuse to seek her out again. Talk to her, see her. Any form of contact was good contact, especially since his pack was still undecided about arranging their meeting.  
 
Back in the patient bed, y/n is trying to hold it together. The stress of the morning has added up enough that all she wanted was to go back home to her nest. She was going make Leo stop to grab her a treat. Perhaps she could convince him to drive her over to the udon place. A big bowl of soup would be perfect. But he would have to go in himself, there was no way she was going to chance running into Jin looking like she did.  

“He’s nice.” Leo comments breaking her out of her thoughts.  

“Oh my god, Leo. Read the room.” She groans. Leave it to Leo to do a complete one-eighty of his option of the alpha at the worst possible time. What if Jimin overhears him?   

“What? I’m just saying. He’s definitely not the type of Alpha I assumed he’d be.”   

“Leo now is not the time.”   

“Still don’t know about the other two but he definitely has my approval.”   

“Oh my god you are so embarrassing!”   

“How? You’ve been blushing this whole time, and he hasn’t taken his eyes off you. Clearly, you’re both attracted to each other.”  

“I swear to god, if you don’t stop talking, I’m going to scream.”   

“You’re so dramatic, I thought you wanted to see him again?” Her brother laughs, enjoying her discomfort.  

Jimin doesn’t waste any time before he’s back ready to collect the samples. Completely oblivious to the awkwardness hanging in the air around the siblings, he makes quick work of tying off her arm and locating the vein.  
 
“I’m going to take about three vials worth, okay? You’re going to feel a pinch.” He explains trying to make her feel more comfortable. “Now make a fist for me? Good.”  
 
He inserts the needle, the first vial done, then the second then the third. He adds another cotton ball and band aid to her collection and hands her a paper with her prescription on it.  
 
“You should take one every four hours for the first three days then you can take as needed. I’ve made you an appointment to see Dr. Lee to follow up on thee healing in ten days—“ 
 
“Not with you?” She interrupts and blushes at the sound of the question, but all Jimin hears is that she wants to see him again.  
 
“I could be there too. Your results would be back by then so we could combine the appointments if you would like?” She nods her head, and he smiles warmly at her.  
 
“Okay, then I’ll see back here in ten days.” 
 
y/n is discharged; paperwork arranged quickly with Jimin’s help. Really, the whole day was made easy with his help. She wanted to let him know how grateful she was that he stepped in when he did. How comfortable he made her feel.  

Leo made a comment about bringing the car around, asking Jimin to keep y/n company while sending her a sly smile. She was going to die from embarrassment. Her brother was not a slick as he thought he was. All the same, Jimin reassured her brother that he would stay with her until then. Just happy that he somehow had her older brother's approval and trust when it came to his sister. An interesting new development that he was going dissect later.  

If we asked to court her, would he be just as open to the idea?  

 It's how she found herself in the front lobby of the hospital, awkwardly waiting with Jimin. 
 
“I’m sorry you don’t have to wait with me, you’re probably really busy.” she stresses. 
 
“It’s okay, I want to.”  
 
she bites her lip and nods turning back towards the doors as she waits for her brother to come back. She knows she should say something but fear of saying the wrong thing keeps her quiet.
 
“So, you’re an artist?” He asks, very aware that their time together now is limited. Wishes he could just go home now. Remembers he still had another seven hours left of his shift. 
 
“Yes, I’m just finishing up my last year.” 
 
“And the plan is to do a master program in the fall?” 
  
“I don’t know yet. I’ve been accepted, but I’m still unsure if I want to do more schooling. I think after this showcase I’ll have a better idea.” 
 
“Showcase? Is that the final you mentioned?” 
 
“Yes! The all students were required to submit a piece to be displayed in the student gallery. We have our opening this weekend.” She bites her lip.  
 
Would it be too forward to invite him? To ask him to bring Taehyung and Jungkook is they were willing? Was she deluding herself into thinking they were just as excited to see her as she them? All these thoughts were running through her head. Overwhelming her with all the possible answers to the question, but she was so tired of second guessing herself. And if Leo was telling the truth and Jimin was in fact looking at her just as much as she looked at him, then maybe it wouldn’t be so absurd to invite him.  

“Would you maybe want to come?” She asks timidly.  
 
Jimin is so happy he’s at a hospital, since he’s sure his heart is about to stop. “Y-Yes! I mean I would love to.”  

Y/n blushed at his quick response, “Okay, um here,” he quickly averted her eyes from him, not wanting to seem too over excited. “I can send you the details.”  
 
She pulls out her phone, selecting his contact that she added in but never had the guts to use, only for his phone to vibrate with a link to the schools showcase ticketing portal.  
 
“It’s a free event,” she explains, “But the school only lets in ticket holders.”  

“I’ll grab our tickets now. Is it okay if I invite Tae and Koo?”   

Her heart swells at the affectionate nicknames he has for them.   

“Yes, I would love for them to come.”   

“Perfect, I’ll let them know when I get home.” He can already imagine their surprise.  

“Fair warning though, it might be pretty boring.”   

“I highly doubt that. The guys and I have been hoping to see you again.”   

“You have?” Her eyes widen.   

Jimin is sure he’s been anything but subtle in his interest. Even Leo had caught him looking at her today. But even so, that night of the club started off with them dancing so close together. Hell, Jimin had almost kissed her neck that night. Maybe he’s been going about this all wrong. Instead of not wanting to pressure her or have her think of him and his mates as pushy alphas, he should be a little more forthcoming in their interest. Even if his pack was still deciding what their next step was. With Jin on board, he knew that Hobi and Yoongi would go with the flow, and Namjoon—regardless of his reservations—would always be willing to do anything for his pack.  

“If I can be honest?” He trailed off.   

Y/n nodded her head urging him to continue.   

Jimin huffed out a breath, here goes nothing he thought.   

“We haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night at the club.”   

Her scent warmed at his confession.   

“In fact, we were hoping that you would reach out, even if it was just to return Koo’s jacket, or the pretense of it.”   

“Oh.”   

“Have I said too much?”   

“No! I swear, I just—I’ve been thinking about you guys too. But I couldn’t be sure if you wanted to hear from me, and if so, what I would even say.”   

“Hello usually works.”   

She sent him a bland look.   

He just sends her a megawatt smile, and she melts.   

“Does that mean you wouldn’t be opposed to us taking you out after your showcase?”   

His question is punctuated by two loud sounds of a car horn. They look out the window and see Leo waving her over.   

Y/n quickly turns back towards Jimin, “Not opposed at all. I’ll see you this weekend and thank you for today!” She leans in for a quick hug, leaving Jimin too stunned to speak.   

He watches her climb into the front seat, mindful of her bandaged hand, she sends him one last smile and a quick wave and they’re off. Jimin isn’t sure what he should be happier about; the warm welcome he’s sure to receive at home or seeing her this weekend. 
 

Leo has a shit eating grin on his face as he hands over the bottle of water and protein bar to y/n when they stop at the light. As much as he hated the thought of his sister being involved romantically with anyone. Ever. He couldn't fault her for her blatant interest in the doctor.  
 
y/n groans and buries her head in her hands, "Please do not start."  
 
"What? I'm not doing anything." 
 
"You know exactly what you're doing." She huffed.  

"I think it's sweet that you have a crush."  
 
"Yeah okay, this coming from the guy that threatened all three of them. What was it that you said? You trust that they won't be using this to their advantage?" She snorts. 
 
"Wow no mercy for your brother who was terrified out of him mind." He shoots back.  
 
y/n instantly feels awful for teasing him about it. "I'm sorry, that was shitty of me."  
 
"It's okay. I was being a dick to them, but they haven't proven me right yet." He sends her a serene smile. "Besides, Jimin seems like a good person. I'm sure his pack is too." 
 
"they are."  
 
Leo rolls his eyes at his sister. She was so smitten with these alphas it was hard not to tease her for it.  
 
"There is something I wanted to talk to you about." He starts.  
 
"Oh?"  
 
"I think it's time we tell mom and dad about you presenting."  
 
Sour Rum, burnt vanilla fills the car. Not only did y/n not want to see her parents period, telling them about her being an omega felt ominous. The conversation could go any which way. If they were upset she could deal with that, has been her entire life. But if they were happy, then what did that say about her worth to them? Was she more deserving of love because of her designation?  
 
"I don't know Leo, It could end very badly for me." 
 
"I promise you that it won't. And if they do try to pull anything you'll have me and Quinn there." 
 
Would her parents really rein it in because another alpha would be present? It was hard to believe that she would leave that conversation without feeling some type of way.  
 
"How would we tell them?" She worries her lip.  
 
"Dinner. At that restaurant downtown. They'll behave if there's people around. But we have to tell them before they find out on their own and decide that they should be the ones to keep an eye on you." 
 
"I don't need anyone to keep an eye on me." 
 
"I beg to differ," He stares pointedly at her hand and she flips him off with the other.  
 
"I just think it's best that they hear it from us and that Quinn and I make it known to them that we are the ones to keep you safe." 
 
"Nobody cared about who was keeping me safe when I was a beta." She grumbles. 
 
"I know. It's not that I don't think you can't handle yourself. I know you can. But there are traditions that older, more conservative families hold. And our parents fall into that bubble." 
 
"Fine." She concedes, "But the second they start their usual bullshit I'm leaving."  
 
"It won't come to that. I promise." 
 
"I guess we'll see." 
 
"I'll call them when we get home then." 
 
"I'm hungry." y/n quickly changes the subject, wanting to move on from the daunting topic at hand.  
 
"Eat the protein bar I got you."  
 
y/n shoots her brother bland look. He was delusional if he thought she was going to eat the chalky hard monstrosity that was disguised as a brownie.  
 
"Fine. What do you want? Please let it have a drive through." 
 
Deciding she could grab udon another time, she directs her brother to McDonald's, where she informs him that lunch is on him. 

Chapter Text

Hobi was tired. No, Hobi was exhausted . This last week had taken its toll on his body. He worked five campaigns in totals and had to be flown out for two of them, one in Japan and the other in New York. All that travel had him feeling spent. He just wanted to sleep for a full twelve hours before he could even think about working again.    

The airport was busy today. So many arrivals at the same time as his. While he was ready to go home and be reacquainted with his bed, he had a craving for some hand pulled noodles. And he knew just where he wanted to get it from. Jin's new restaurant wasn't too far from their house, and he has yet to stop by and offer his congratulations. He wondered if Tae would be willing to stop on the way and grab an order to go.    

Taehyung had texted him when his flight arrived, letting him know that he was parked in the lot on the second floor closest to the elevator. Making quick work of picking up his bags Hobi rushes through the arrivals gate. True to his word, Tae’s car is idling right by the doors. Hobi wastes no time climbing into the front seat of the car. Before he can utter the word hello, Taehyung is crashing his lips to his. Both mates were used to spending time away from each other, stolen moments between coming home while the other was leaving. Planning dates around campaigns and trying to squeeze in one more kiss one more hug before the other had to pass through security. It wasn’t ideal but they all made it work. A little too well, Tae thinks sometimes. When were they going to slow down? Would this be their routine for the rest of their lives? Or at least for as long as their careers were thriving? Hobi pulls away, but Tae pulls him back for another stamp of a kiss, then another and another.    

“Missed me?” Hobi muttered.   

“Always.” Tae promised.    

“Enough to take a detour to Jin’s before we go home? I have a craving for noodles.”    

“Done.”   

“And then a bath and cuddles when we get home?” He adds, knowing his mate was going to spoil him rotten.    

Hobi was feeling particularly drained after this last week. Before he left Namjoon and Yoongi had brought him up to speed about Jin agreeing to meet the omega. He left that conversation without knowing how he felt about it. On one hand he knew it would make his three youngest mates happy, especially with how reserved they’d been since that night, but on the other hand he was wary of this stranger coming into their dynamic and changing it, for the lack of a better word. He spent the entire trip across all five jobs observing his omega coworkers. How they treated other people, how they spoke about their packs, if they shared any of the same characteristics as Duri, and if he could blanket them all as the same.    

It was unfair of him, but that girl did a number on his mates. He only had the displeasure of seeing her in action once and it was once too many. It had taken them years to help Namjoon fully understand just how toxic that entire relationship was. Hobi remembered Yoongi breaking down in his arms, blaming himself for letting it go on for so long. For not trying harder to shoulder the burden of carrying her expectations, for fighting her every step of the way. She had left her mark on the two alphas, poisoned their thoughts and sunk her teeth into their flesh. If they were serious about this meeting, then all Hobi could hope for was his two mates coming out unscathed in the process.    

“—Not listening to me, are you?”    

“Sorry baby, what were you saying?”    

Taehyung shot him a concerned look, “Hyung, you look exhausted. Are you sure you don’t want to go straight home?”    

“Nah, if I go home I’ll fall asleep, and I need to shake this jet lag before it becomes a problem.”    

Taehyung still looked worried. They couldn’t keep going like this. At some point it was going to catch up to them.    

“Don’t worry baby. I’m okay I promise.”    

Tae just nodded and clasped their hands together keeping his left on the wheel.    

It didn’t take them long to get to the restaurant. Tae was able to find parking rather quickly. Hobi took Tae’s hand in his and they walked slowly into the restaurant.    

He could never get tired of seeing Jin’s visions come to life. His eldest mate had a gift for bringing comfort and joy with his food, had been doing it for them for years. Their kitchen was always so lively, and homey. A lot of happy moments came from spending time together cooking, eating and cleaning up. It only made sense that he wanted to re-create a space where people could experience the same with their families and friends.    

The dining room is fairly busy, servers running to and from the kitchen to their guests. It seemed like the community had taken a liking to the place. A group of students in their uniforms were laughing in the corner, a group of young people looking like they just got out of work were decompressing with hot bowls of soup and telltale green bottles of soju.    

Hobi’s eyes travel through the crowd of happy people and land on Jin helping at the bar. They walk over to him as he’s handing off a take-out bag to girl who looks to be in her twenties, probably another student Hobi concludes. But as she tips her head back and laughs at something Jin said, Hobi could feel Taehyung tensing bside him, gripping his hand like his life depended on it.    

It was then that Jin saw them, hand raised to wave when his eyes flashed with concern looking at Taehyung’s expression. The girl, following his eyes, turned around to see what had him looking so alarmed. Hobi could see recognition flash in her eyes, probably a fan out Taehyung's work, not entirely uncommon for all three mates given their positions in the spotlight.    

But no, this was something else . A look passed between the girl and Tae. A little too intimate to be a fan looking at someone they admired. A strangled noise left Tae’s mouth, a cross between a gasp and a whine. He let go of Hobi’s hand and took a tentative step towards the girl. She let out a startled laugh and they both launched themselves at each other. Jin and Hobi share a look, both just as confused as the other.    

Tae wasn’t sure if he was dreaming, but if he was, he sure as hell didn’t want to wake up. When Hobi said he wanted to stop by at Jin’s, Tae assumed they would go in, say their hellos grab their order and go home.   

He didn’t plan on running into y/n in the middle of his mate's restaurant. He didn’t plan to freeze like a deer in headlights. And he sure as hell didn’t plan to crush her into his arms and lean into her scent.    

And yet here he was.    

“It’s so good to see you, Taehyung.” She giggled softly into his neck breathing him in deeply.    

“Not as good as it is seeing you y/n.”    

“You’re just saying that.” She demurred.    

“Jimin told me he ran into you the other day at the hospital.” He pulled back to get a good look at her.    

She was beaming at him, making his heart stutter. Y/n raised her injured hand as evidenced of their unforeseen encounter.    

“Yeah, he patched me up good. Stabbed me with a few needles too.”    

“Can’t argue with a doctor.” He muses and looks up to his two mates. Hobi’s confusion is palpable but Jin, he’s smiling. Like he knows something Tae doesn’t.    

“Oh, where are my manners?” Tae asks himself and he maneuvers her to face Hobi. “Y/n this is my mate Hobi, Hobi this is y/n, the girl we’ve been telling you all about.”    

Y/n would like to think of herself as the type of girl that keeps her cool in front of celebrities. Not at all a Fangirl in the slightest. Except she is a Fangirl, and she is not keeping her cool.    

“Y-you’re J-Hope. I saw your editorial in Designate last year. It was so beautiful I had to paint it for one of my classes.” She stutters her way through an awkward introduction.    

While she wasn’t as familiar with Jin’s work, she was familiar with J-Hope, the model. Had been following his work for years. Always admired him for his clean lines, dancer like movements captured in stills and the way he became the art itself. Some models were just that. They walked shows, and did shoots.   
 
But for y/n, J-Hope was a muse.  
   
And she was standing right in front of him, had tackled his mate with too much familiarity.   
 
But Hobi wasn’t focused on that. No. What he was struggling with was the fact that this girl smelled like the most mouthwatering mix of rum and vanilla. Her scent reminded him of stolen moments on warm summer nights. The calm after a day in the sun by the ocean.  

Did she say she painted him?    

Hobi was flattered. He was used to people telling him he looked good, but for someone to paint him? To be compelled so strongly by of a photo of him to recreate the lines and shadows of his face and body? He felt revered. In the best way possible.    

“Thank you. That campaign was one of my favourites too.” Hobi sent her a charming smile,“I’ve heard a lot about you from Tae and the boys. You really made an impression.”    

She ducks her head, hoping the statuesque man wouldn’t be able to see her blushing.    

“I don’t know how considering I was having an out of body experience that night.” She smiles over at Tae and adds, “They really took care of me. If it wasn’t for them, that night could have ended very differently for me.”    

“That’s our maknaes for you. Once they decide on something there’s no changing their minds.” Jin’s voice sounds off right beside her. She had almost forgotten where she was. Almost being the key word.    

She decided to come by the restaurant after class and grab something to take home, needing something to keep her energy up before going home to change and head back to school to help with the showcase set up.    

“Hi Hyung.” Hobi planted a soft kiss to his other mate's mouth.    

“Our?” y/n questions.   
 
Her heart was beating so fast she swore the three alphas could hear it. What were the chances that her three favourite saviour's knew Jin and J-hope.   
 
“Jin-hyung is my other mate. He’s the eldest of us all.” Taehyung filled in for her.  
 
“He’s our mother hen when the six of us are acting too much like pups.” Hobi adds smiling fondly at his mate.   
 
The only thing y/n heard with that extra piece of information was that her original three were actually a part of a seven-member pack. And one of them was Jin. Who she had a hard time forgetting about since her first interaction with him. The other was J-Hope, or Hobi as his mates called him. Not only one of the most celebrated male models, but also the subject of many of her pieces. She wondered about the last two mates she had yet to meet.   
 
Did that mean they had an omega at home?   
 
“Such a small world.” She said. An understatement really.    
 
“How did you two meet?” Taehyung asks.  
 
“Oh, I came here with Liam and Jeanine the other day.”  
 
“I served their table that day.”  
 
“Oh, when was that?” Tae follows up as innocently as possible. But Jin can see the mischief behind his eyes.   
 
“Opening weekend. She’s been back twice since then.” Jin beams down at her.   
 
y/n’s face is going to melt off with the perpetual blush that's staining her cheeks. She doesn’t want to admit that she came by the other day craving noodles, only to come by today craving the floaty feeling being around Jin gave her.   
 
“I like the noodles here.” Shee replies shyly, the remembers she needs to head home and change before heading back to campus to help set up the gallery for the showcase this weekend.   
 
"Actually, I should get going.” She starts, “Taehyung, did Jimin mention the art show at the university this weekend?”   
 
Tae’s eyes light up, “Yes, he did! He got our tickets for it.”   
 
y/n smiles at his enthusiasm, gaining confidence to address the two other alpha’s near her.  
 
“I’m having a showcase this Saturday with the university. It’s my final project with the program. If you two are able, I would love for you to come.”  
 
Hobi can understand why his mates have been so keen on getting the pack to meet her. She was magnetic. He had barely spent any time in her presence, and he found himself reluctant to watch her leave. He hoped that she was as genuine as she seemed to be. He wanted to be wrong more than anything now that he’s met her.   
 
“Sounds like fun.” He surmised, confirming his attendance.   
 
“Count me in too.” Jin added.   
 
“I’ll have Jimin grab their tickets too.”  
 
Hobi watched as she said her goodbyes to Tae and Jin, before turning towards him.  
 
“It was really nice meeting you.”   
 
“Likewise.”  
 
“I’ll see you all this weekend!”  
 
As soon as y/n was out of earshot, Hobi watched as Tae poked Jin in the chest. Hard.   

“You sly little fox. You knew who she was this entire time.” He playfully scolded  
 
Even when he was being poked and reprimanded, Jin looked at Taehyung with so much love in his eyes.  
 
“I couldn't be sure. I caught her scent that day and didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong.”  
 
“But you weren’t.”  Tae concluded.    
 
“But I wasn’t.”   

Tae switched his focus on his other mate. Eager to know his impression of the omega he was so enamored with. Wanting nothing more than his approval.  
 
“She’s sweet. I guess I’ll have the chance to get to know her more this weekend.” Hobi surmised.   
 
Taehyung looked at him as if he hung the stars. Hobi felt his heart stutter a beat. He loved that he could give his mate this.   
 
“Wait till Minnie and Koo find out about this.” Tae pulls out his phone and starts typing aggressively fast. Seeing the way Taehyung lit up after they agreed to attend the showcase this weekend had them ready to offer anything else the young alpha wanted, if only to keep that giddy look on his face. Both mates laugh as they feel their phones vibrate simultaneously, aware of the maknae’s tendency to create group chats for any occasion. Jin sends Hobi a content look, both of them letting the anticipation of seeing the omega again wash through them and keep them afloat for the next few days till then. 

Saturday came too quickly. Y/n had spent last night running around the gallery space with Margo, their entire graduating class helping out with finishing touches. Light fixtures that needed bulbs to be replaced. The coat check tickets that needed to be individually ripped and ready to give out to visitors. Title cards and descriptions needed to be mounted beside each student piece. Price sheets needed to be ready should anyone want to purchase a piece. Program sheets needed to be printed and folded. Refreshments needed to be confirmed for delivery the day of.  
There were so many little things that went into an opening night it was easy to get overwhelmed, especially since she was only able to use one hand.  

In fact, there wasn’t much she could help out with, so she settled on supporting those that needed it. She was in charge of The Checklist(trademark), a dangerous thing to give her power over. She walked around the space, her friends and classmates sounding off anything that they weren’t able to finish before heading home.   

While the list wasn’t long, Y/n had gone in early this morning to help settle all the loose ends.  
It’s how she found herself with three brand new paper cuts on her only useful hand, attempting to arrange program sheets to split between the front desk and her classmates that volunteered to hand them out.  
 
Jimin is so going to be mad at me, She thought to herself. But the last task on their list was finally checked off. 

The reminder that the alpha’s were coming to the show had the butterflies in her stomach causing a riot. She made sure to pick out an outfit that screamed professional but made her feel desirable. She remembered Jimin telling her he was going to take her out after the showcase, so she settled on a black mini skirt with a black long sleeve turtleneck. It was simple but effective.   

With everything ready, her professor called everyone to the front of the gallery.  

“Everyone, if you can all gather round here.” Professor Im was passing out flutes of champagne and y/n grabbed her glass and stood beside Margo.  
 
“I wanted to take a second and let you know how proud I am of you. This last year wasn’t easy, I would know since I made the curriculum.” That earned him a few laughs. 
 
“It is an extraordinary thing to be a spectator watching art come to life. I have watched all of you grow into true artists this year. Artists that I am proud to unleash into this world knowing that you are confident in your abilities, that you are loud with your expression. And that you have something to say and will not be silenced. Many people have asked me why art? To which I reply; Because you will never have to change batteries or remember passwords or read directions or fear obsolescence.” He smiles at his students, “Do not forget that Poetry, Art, Beauty, and Love are what we all stay alive for. And what you all have done in the last four years is proof that you exist. To create the way we do is medicine for the soul. I hope tonight shows you just that. Cheers.”  

He raises his glass and they all raise theirs in turn. Professor Im always had a way with words, the conviction behind them was absolute. There was no question if he loved his job. It took everything in y/n to not feel overwhelmed by her emotions. These last four years have been a rollercoaster ride. From meeting her two best friends to finding her voice in her art. She was truly sad to see this chapter of her life come to an end.  She knew tonight was going to feel heavy in more ways than one.  
 
Professor Im’s moving words cast a somber feeling for all of five minutes. Quickly switching gears to excitement, the students in the room began to flutter around the empty gallery space. Many taking photos with their pieces and their friends.  
 
Valerie asked y/n and Margo to pose together, then separately in front of their respective work. The three girls had started in the art program together initially, but Valerie had switched majors after the first half of their first year, deciding to pursue music instead. The beta women's first love was the violin. Had been playing it since she was a child but had ventured into art in high school. Had an eye for graphic design but quickly found herself longing to compose music instead of painting or drawing, had little patience with learning new software too.  

Luckily the girls stayed close. But there were times where y/n questioned just how close Valerie and Margo were with each other. It was no secret that the two were attached at the hip. It was nice to know that when y/n would lose track of time, or lock herself in the studio to finish a piece, that the two girls had each other to spend time with. But there were moment where y/n thought she saw something more between them than just friendship. Glances that lasted a few seconds too long. Always finding an excuse to be near, to touch. Had noticed how one of them would be snippy to the other when talking about the boys they were seeing. Small things. Y/n wasn't even sure they were even aware they were doing it. But she was more than happy to watch it all unfold, silently rooting for the two to figure it out. 

"Okay perfect! These are so cute. I'll airdrop them to you both. Hold on." Valerie announced as the two girls pulled out their phones to accept the shared photos.  
 
Y/n noticed her brother messaged in their family group chat—which technically was just his pack plus her—that they were on their way, the pups finally settled in with the babysitter for the night.  
 
"Leo and the pack are on their way now." she mused letting the girls know.  
 
"Cute! I wish my family could come." Margo pouted. While Margo was Korean, her family had moved to Canada when she was young. It had come as a shock to them when she wanted to accept her offer to attend school in Seoul but they respected her wishes. Just meant that she only saw them during the summer or holidays.  
 
"You said you were going to FaceTime them tomorrow. I'm sure they're really proud of you." Valerie supplied, hoping that the reminder of her planned video chat would offset her disappointment.  
 
"Yeah, at least I have you two here. Can't imagine being by myself." She mumbled. Both girls quickly changed the subject, instead focused on planning brunch for the next day. Something nice for the three of them to celebrate graduating. 
 
But y/n wasn't listening. Apart from Leo messaging their estimated arrival, another message had come through at the same time.  

J: Hey Y/n, it's Jimin. 
J: The guys and I are on our way. 
J: Should be there within an hour ☺️ 
 
                         Y/n: Okay! See you soon. 

 
"Hello, earth to y/n." Margo called. 
 
"Leo again?" Valerie asked.  
 
"Um. Actually no. I may have done something really stupid." she bit her lip. 
 
Margo waved her hand, urging her to go on. 
 
"I, uh, may have ran into Jimin at the hospital when I was getting stitched up. And I may have invited him tonight. With Jungkook and Taehyung." 
 
"Okay, why is that stupid?" Margo asked confused.  
 
"Well, I may have also run into Taehyung and met two more of their pack mates and also invited them." 
 
"Wait, how many are there?" asked Valerie. 
 
"They're a pack of seven. I haven't met the last two." 
 
"And it's stupid because?" Margo repeated, still not understanding. 
 
"Because she's nervous she's going to turn into a puddle of goo in front of them." Valerie clarified. 
 
"That's not true!" y/n defended. 
 
"It totally is." 
 
"Maybe just a little. I can’t seem to think straight around them.” 
 
“Damn, remember when she didn’t care to speak to one boy? Now she has seven.” Margo teased. 
 
“I don’t have anyone. We’re just friends. Again, I don’t even know the other two.” 

“You have nothing to worry about. They clearly like you, friend wise or other. And besides, you’re in your element here. You’ll do fine.” 
 
“Even if you do melt into a puddle of goo, at least you look hot.” The girls giggled at Valeries encouragement.  
 
The two girls were called away by Professor Im, the gallery filling up with enough guests now and needed Margo and Valerie at their stations to hand out the programs. Y/n nodded to them when they said they would meet up soon, wanting to be introduced to Jimin and the pack. She had a feeling that tonight was going to be embarrassing.  
 
It wasn’t long after that Liam came bouncing over to her, the pack trailing behind him with proud smiles on their faces. It felt nice to have her family there. Leo’s pack were the definition of supportive. Never holding back their praise.  
 
“Bambi we are so proud of you. You’ve worked so hard this year you deserve to be celebrated.” Quinn gushed as he wrapped his arms around his sister-in-law.  
 
“Next thing you know, we’re going to be attending your own gallery opening.” Leo beamed as he patted her head.  
 
y/n just rolled her eyes at both alpha’s a little embarrassed at their praise but still welcomed it.  
 
“Come, let me show you around.” She guided the pack through all the pieces, stopping to introduce them to her classmates before stopping in front of her own.  
 
“Wow Bambi, this is beautiful.” Breathed Jeanine. 
 
Y/n was so proud of the final result of her self-portrait. She had painted the silhouette of her head and shoulders, vivid details in the shadows of her cheeks and collarbones. She had included her lips but all features above that were distorted with colors. Vivid pinks, yellows, blue and greens smudged through where her eyes were meant to be creating a simultaneous contrast. In the background, hidden away by various dark shades of blue, there were rough silhouettes with hollowed eyes lined into the canvas, almost there but not. Just visible enough to make an impression, to leave a mark. To show just how empty those versions of her were. She had struggled with what was missing for so long, she didn’t realize it was right in front of her. She spent years trying to mold herself into someone her parents would be proud of, kept her true colors hidden. But now she was comfortable to be herself, to explore all the things she never got to. And the bright colors hiding her eyes represented the many possibilities she saw for herself.  

The canvas held the all the versions of herself that she thought she could be. And all the versions of herself she never wanted to be ever again. It truly was a labor of love hung up right in front of her.  

“Is that really how you see yourself?” Liam asked quietly.  
 
“It’s more how I see myself so far.” She clarified, “I know it looks sad, and maybe a little chaotic, but it’s supposed to make the viewer feel a little of kilter.”  
 
“Art should make the viewer ask questions, and y/n here has a gift for it.” Professor Im interjected.  
 
“Everyone this is Professor Im, my favourite teacher.” She smiled, “Professor this is my big brother Leo, and his mates Quinn, Jeanine, and Liam.”  
 
“It’s so lovely to meet you Professor Im. Y/n has told us a great deal about you.” Leo shook the professor hand.  
 
“The pleasure is all mine. Y/n is one of my star pupils. I hope to see her next year in the master’s program.” He says as he shakes everyone else's hands.  
 
It was time to finally make a decision. She couldn't put it off any longer.    
 
“I promise to have an answer for you by Monday Professor.” She promised.  
 
“Take your time, it’s not a decision you need to rush. But I would be more than happy to have you there.” He turns towards the pack, “I have a feeling your y/n will be the next big thing in the art world. She has the talent and the voice for it.”  
 
Quinn squeezes her shoulder at the high praise from her professor. Jeanine sending her a watery smile.  
 
“If you will excuse me, I see one of our alumni I wanted to introduce to you y/n.” Professor Im walks towards the front to intercept a group of three men.  
 
“Bambi, I knew you were good, but a star pupil, wow. That’s high praise.” Jeanine remarked. 

“This calls for champagne.” Quinn muttered as he stopped one of the student volunteers wandering with the tray of flutes.  
 
For the second time tonight y/n was handed a glass and toasted to her hard work and to her future.  
 
Liam’s phone rang as they finished their glasses. 
 
“It’s the babysitter, hold on.” He walked off to the side to take the call.  
 
“We should celebrate, what do you say to going out tonight?” Leo asked. 
 
Y/n made a face. She was going to have to come clean.  
 
“What?” 
 
“I’m already going out actually. I invited Jimin and his pack tonight. He said he wanted to take me out afterwards to celebrate.”  
 
Leo’s eyes widened.  
 
“Jimin? Is that the alpha you have a crush on?” Quinn asked absent mindedly.  
 
“Quinn! I don’t have a crush on him.” 
 
“Now that’s a lie. You should have seen her at the hospital. Both of them really, couldn't keep their eyes off each other.” Leo teased.  
 
“Weren’t you the one threatening them to not come near Bambi ever again?” Jeanine questioned. 
 
“Thank you!” 
 
“Besides Y/n has a crush on someone else.” She revealed. 
 
“What?” 
 
“Who?” 
 
“Oh my god.” Y/n whines and buries her face in her hands.  
 
Before they could embarrass her any further Liam returned to the group with a worried look.  
 
“We need to go. Ha-Ri got sick. Is crying up a storm asking for us.” 
 
“Oh, my poor baby.” Jeanine cried.  
 
“Sorry to rush out Bambi, but—”  
 
“No I understand. Give her a big hug for me, okay?” 
 
“We will. What time will you be home after your date?” Leo couldn't help but tease her one last time. 
 
“You’re impossible. I don't know, late probably. Please leave the light on.” She asks as they all hug her goodbye and congratulate her one last time.  
 
her family leaves without any more fanfare, promising to see her in the morning. Y/n bids them farewell and goes off to look for her friends.  
 

Jungkook was nervous. So much so his palms were sweating. When Jimin came home one evening from work all smiley and giddy, letting them know he ran into y/n at the hospital, Jungkook thought he was going to suffocate the older boy with kisses.   

He felt such an immense rush of relief. And the fact that she not only invited them to her art show—he was still reeling from that new piece of information—but Jimin also took the opportunity to invite her out to celebrate. Granted it wasn’t the pack introduction he wanted to do but still, he felt less like he was in limbo and more on solid ground.   

But now, as he and his four mates were entering the gallery space, he felt a little overwhelmed.   

Tonight needs to go well . His alphas stirs. Have to show her how good it would feel to be around each other all the time.   

It was no secret that Jungkook got attached very easily. Happened with Jin instantly. One look at the alpha and he was hooked. Then it happened with Namjoon and Yoongi. That was hard to decipher. So confusing for the young alpha to be not only showered with love and attention by one hyung but to have two more added into the mix? He felt like he had won the lottery of love.   

But with that came his anxiety.  

Now he had three times the love to lose.   

His few meetings with Duri were cold at best, so he never included her in his rumination. She only ever bothered him when she made Namjoon sad and Yoongi angry.   

Namjoon and Jin were so understanding, so gentle in their reassurance. Constantly reminding Jungkook that they were his and he was theirs.   

But with Yoongi it was different. Not in any way that could be compared or measured. But in the way that Yoongi handled him. And sometimes, Jungkook would act out just so he could be handled by the older alpha. Needed it. Craved it.   

It was not long after that he met Hobi-hyung. With four older alpha mates doting on him and praising him and showering him with open affection, spoiling him rotten. Had always found ways to make him feel so special. So desired. So happy to the point that sometimes, Jungkook felt like he was the packs omega.   

When Jimin and Taehyung found their way to them, Jungkook was excited to have partners in crime. To have some level footing and share the doting care he received too. Their seven alpha pack was unconventional, but they were happy. They were so loved, and they were always there for each other.   

It was no surprise to anyone just how attached he was to y/n. And just like with his six other mates, all it took was one meeting. He had seen her and wanted her. Then he had taken care of her, held her while she cried and he needed her like he needed air in his lungs. Wanted to take care of her forever. Give her the same affection and comfort his mates gave him daily.   

Those few weeks leading up to seeing her again had been hard. He was trying to reconcile the facts that maybe she didn’t want them the way they wanted her, or maybe she already had someone.   

That one hurt the most.   

Need to protect her. Show her how well we could provide. His alpha postures.  

They made their way past the front entrance and into the gallery space. For a school sanctioned event, the exhibit was set up beautifully. There was an overall sense of excitement and pride that drifted from the attention to detail. He wondered if y/n had a hand in the execution of the event.  
 
“Hello welcome to the SNU Art program’s end of year showcase. Would you like an event program?”  
 
Jungkook turned towards the voice and is met with two girls, both holding out folded booklets towards him and his mates. He grabs one for himself and the others followed suit.  
 
“Maybe you could help us, we’re looking for Y/n?” Taehyung asks charmingly. 
 
The two girls share a look.  

“Oh y/n, she’s somewhere around here.”  
 
“You must be the Angel she’s talked about so much.”  
 
Taehyung feels his heart fall into his stomach. These must be her friends.  
 
“No Margo, he’s definitely the Painting.”  
 
“No, he’s the Painting.” The one called Margo points to Jimin. The boys are confused. Taehyung and Jimin share a look pointing to each other trying to follow along the asinine conversation. 
 
Jungkook tries to interject before both girls give him a once over.  
 
“Well he’s definitely sin, no question about it.”  
 
“Yeah that’s a given.” 
 
Jungkook is confused why she would call him such a thing.  
 
“But then who are the other—“ 
 
“Margo, Valerie. I see you met Jimin and his pack.” Y/n saunters up catching the tail-end of the conversation. Her cheeks are aflame with embarrassment. Leave it to her two best friends to out her and the nicknames she gave the three alphas. Thank the lucky stars that she didn’t tell them about Jin or J-hope.  
 
Before y/n can make the introductions, Valerie takes the opportunity to embarrass her friend one last time, “y/n you have to settle the debate. Who is the Angel and who is the Painting?”  
 
“I’m right, aren’t I?” Margo begs for an answer, “He’s the Angel, and he’s the Painting.”  

“Um I dont think now is—”  
 
“Y/n you’re killing us with the suspense.” 
 
“I think Hobi and I are also invested in the answers Bambi.” Jin holds back his smile as y/n sends him a withering look.  
 
she sighs, reluctant to voice the true identities, but what's one more embarrassing encounter to be added between her and these alphas.  
 
“Taehyung,” she says pointing towards the alpha while looking at her friends, “Is the Painting.”  
 
That earns her a squeal from Valerie, and y/n sends her a bland look and points over to the other alpha in question, “And Jimin is the Angel.”  
 
“And...” Margo prompts.  
 
Y/n raises a hand to massage her temple; this conversation warranted another glass of champagne. 
 
“And obviously Sin is Jungkook here.” she concludes, hoping her friends were done with revealing her secrets for the night.  
 
“Why is that obvious?” Jungkook whispers to Jimin.  
 
“And this is Jin and Hobi. And no before you ask, I will not be telling you who is who.” Y/n declared before turning to the amused alphas, “Everyone, these two gossips are my best friends Margo and Valerie, who were just leaving.”  
 
“Ah yes, we would love to stay and chat and potentially embarrass our y/n here more, but we have programs to hand out.” Margo ribbed.  
 
“It was nice meeting you finally. We’ll catch up with you later.” Valerie concluded as the two girls rushed off giggling.  

 “So, the maknaes get nicknames huh?” Jin laughs breaking the awkward silence as the two girls leave.  
 
Y/n sighs and looks over at the beautiful man, “In my defense I was presenting and didn’t know their names.” 
 
“I get Tae and Minnie’s names but mine? Sin? Really?” Jungkook pouts.  
 
Jimin and Tae are both blushing profusely. Unable to look her in the eye. Both of their alpha’s preening at the intimate nicknames she gave them. 

“You have to know the vibe you give off Jungkook. The leather jacket, the tattoos, the piercing?” Y/n defends.  

Hobi decides to spare his youngest mate and walks up to y/n wrapping her arm through his, “Don’t worry about him, he’s a little unaware of the effect his has on people.”  

She sends Hobi a grateful smile, overjoyed at the fact that he was touching her. “A shame really.” She breathes.  

The alpha gives her an appreciative look, “I’m excited to see your work.” 
 
She nods and leads him over towards her piece, the others following right behind them.  
 
“Hyung, what effect do I have on people?” Jungkook asks Jin quietly, still completely unaware of what they could possibly mean.  

Y/n delivers the pack front and center letting them have a clear view of her work.  

Jungkook's breath is knocked out of him. Her piece is stunning. There is a level of complexity to a self-portrait that has more than one self in it. He wondered if she felt exposed as they looked upon the past versions of her, if she felt vulnerable sharing just how optimistic she was about her future. At least thats what he thought he was seeing in her work.  
 
Taehyung marveled at the colour she used. The melancholy blues and the bright shades of pinks, greens, and yellows creating a spectrum of feelings inside him. Wondered if it would be too much to buy this peice and hang it in his studio.  
 
Jimin was at a loss for words. He couldn’t help but wonder how much Namjoon would have loved this.  

Jin was probably the only one not surprised. He had a knack for reading people very well, and he could tell that within y/n lived a multitude of dreams and possibilities. He just hoped that they were all apart of those dreams.  
 
Hobi’s thoughts were a little more selfish. If this was the magnitude of her talent, he wanted to beg her to see the paintings she did of him. Wanted to sit for her for hours just so she could create another piece and see the way her work came to life.  
 
“Dove, this is beautiful.” Jungkook looked down at her, eyes wide with awe, “You are so talented. This belongs in a museum.” 
 
“Thank you.”  
 
As the pack took in their fill of the work, Professor Im wandered back over to y/n’s piece with someone in tow.  
 
“Ah, the artist in question. Y/n may i introduce to you my previous star pupil, Choi Ye-Jun. Ye-Jun this is the young lady I've been telling you about.” 
 
“Yes, the artist and the artwork itself. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Miss Y/n.” 
 
Y/N steps towards the pair and bows at the waist. “It’s an honor to meet you Sir. Professor Im speaks very highly of you.” 
 
“More like brags, I'm sure. I understand you have been accepted to the master’s program next year. Exciting stuff.” 
 
“Yes, I am still deciding on what my next steps are, but it’s looking like I will be accepting the offer.” 

"Well, if you would be interested, I would like to offer you an apprenticeship with me at my gallery. You have a gift, and I would like to claim you for myself before any other curator can."

"I-I-I don't know what to say." she stutters unsure if she heard him right. An apprenticeship with Choi Ye-Jun was monumental. She could remember the last artist he took under his wing. Now he was working for one of the most critically acclaimed galleries in all of South Korea. 

This could change everything for her. But the question was if she was ready. 

"You don't have to say anything now. Think it over. Here's my card. Give me a call or come by the gallery anytime." he hands her his card, "Also, if you are open to it. I would like to make you an offer on this piece."

Her head was spinning. Was she sure she was awake? Maybe this was all a dream. There was no way he said what he just said. 

"You want to buy my piece?" she reiterated. 

"Only if you are willing."

"Yes! I mean of course. I just don't know why you would want to."

"It's moving. And it makes a statement. It would fit really well with our next exhibit."

"Yes, I'm definitely open to it." 

"Great."

"Come with me Ye-Jun and I'll have you squared away." Professor Im offers.

"It was very nice meeting you y/n. I hope I'll be seeing more of you." The artist said as he was directed towards the sales table. 

She turned back around to the five alphas. 

"Did that just really happen?" She asks no one in particular. 

"It seems like it did." Jimin reassured. 

"I think I need a drink." 

"That can be arranged." he adds. 

It took all of five seconds for a glass of champagne to be placed in her hand. She took a generous sip, letting the alcohol take hold. She just sold her first piece. And to Choi Ye-Jun. She could feel her heart beating a mile a minute. This was all she ever wanted. To be recognized for her work, for her talent. The sense of accomplishment washed through her.

She was lost in thought when Professor Im made his way back to her, handing her a slip of paper. It was a cheque.

"Professor there has to be a mistake—"

"There's no mistake. Ye-Jun was very impressed."

"This is too much."

"No it's not y/n. This is just the beginning. Keep an open mind since many people will be inquiring about you after the exhibit opens to the public." He concludes and walks off.  

y/n looks down at the slip of paper that reads 8,282,610 Korean Won.

"Now this is a cause for celebration." Jin concludes and y/n couldn't agree more.

Chapter Text

As soon as they got to the bar, Margo and Valerie rushed y/n to the bathroom. Sleek cherry red tiles decorated the retro bathroom painting the girls in soft red and pinkish hues. Y/n’s thoughts churning out ideas for a new piece.  
 
A canvas full of varying shades of red. Tiled. Different hues. Stepping back to create a cohesive picture. But what would the subject be?  
 
“Hello earth to y/n!” Valerie called, shaking her from her thoughts. “When were you going to mention that one of those alphas was J-fucking-Hope?”  
 
“Or Kim Seokjin? Or V?” Margo added.   
 
“V?” Y/n scrunched her nose, unsure of who they were talking about.  
 
“Oh my God, Margo hold me back.” Valerie says pinching the bridge of her nose.   
 
“You’re being so dramatic.”   
 
“Yes well I’m a cancer what do you want from me.”   

“Details? Who is V?”  
 
“One of your boyfriends you little shit.” Margo supplied with a bland look.  
 
“Not my boyfriend.”  
 
“Okay not the point. Your Painting, the one you introduced as Taehyung, he's probably one of the most famous designers in the world.” Valerie stated bringing them back to her original point. “His shows are always the featured at fashion week and he has some of the most sought-after models walking for him.”  
 
“I beg your finest pardon?” y/n chokes.  
 
Margo throws her hands up, exasperated with her clueless friend and pulls out her phone. Searching this year's spring collection that had people online crying, dubbing him a designer that “Loves women”. As Margo and Valerie bombard her with various pieces he's created y/n wonders if everyone in the pack is artistically inclined. She found herself craving to know more about them. It was clear as day how much she liked them. Had been letting them run through her mind for weeks now. But she had to reign it in. They probably didn't even see her like that. She sighed. What was she doing? First with Jimin and inviting him to her art show, then with Taehyung and that way too intimate hug they shared at the restaurant. Heat crawled up her neck as she remembered the stammering mess she was when she was introduced to Hobi. She would have been able to hold back her comments if her body wasn't too busy taking a screenshot. So preoccupied with the fact that he was standing in front of her, her mouth just spat out the first thing that came to her and admitted her rendition of his likeness in one of her paintings.  

As clueless as she was, it was entertaining to watch the two beta women feel so unified in their exasperation with her ignorance of who the alphas were. There was a small ringing of joy insider her loving the way the two girls treated her as they always had. Even if everything had changed, there were some things that would always stay the same.   
 
“You two are worse than me when I met Hobi.” They weren't, but they didn't know that. The two girls share a look at the omega’s use of the nickname. If they had anything to do as friends, then it was to make sure the alphas got to know her better and she, them. A plan was forming. Y/n could see mischief dancing behind their eyes. “Why am I going to regret inviting my you guys out with us.”   

The two girls squawk at their friend's comment but find it hard to blame her. They did in fact get her into some questionable situations.   

“I’ll pretend that I didn’t just hear that so, off we go to your pretty alphas before they come sniffing you out.” Margo teased.   

Y/n rolled her eyes, not bothering to acknowledge that comment. But as they stepped out of the bathroom, they found one of the Alphas waiting at the end of the hallway. Y/n ignored the quiet giggles from her two friends and walked up to meet the alpha. Taehyung was interesting. He was neither cute nor hot. He was a secret third option, one that only his mates could pinpoint and subsequently, y/n now (she still couldn’t admit it to herself). He was bewitching. Y/n could see the subtle shift in his expression. Eyes darkening, and a playful smile directed at her. If she wasn’t careful, he would have her a whining mess in no time. She tried to get his scent, wanting to gauge his emotions. But nothing. She would have to ask him later.   

“Good?” He asks as he reaches out his hand for her to take, and she accepts readily. She wasn’t going to deny herself anything she wanted from these alphas if they were the first to offer.  

“Yeah all good.” She smiles and the two beta women behind her giggle at her expense. Again.  

“Drink?” He hums as he walks them over to the bar.   

“Yes please.”   

“Hyung!” He calls out to the man behind the bar. Bottles littered the wall bathing in sunset soft yellow lighting. Creating a welcoming atmosphere.  

“Oh well if it isn’t my favorite pup. Oh, and who is this?” Hyung-Sik eyes the omega at his friend's side, the possessive hold Taehyung has on her hand alerting him to the new status of his closest friend's pack. Courting. They found their omega. Funny how easy it was for a stranger to figure it out. Too bad y/n was still completely unaware, even thought she had front row seats.  

“This is my darling y/n.” He gestures to the older male, “y/n this is my best friend Hyung-Sik. He owns the bar.”   

She bows her head politely, “it’s nice to meet you.”   

“And who are these lovely creatures behind you?”  Y/n did her best not to giggle on her friend's behalf. The alphas was smooth. If he wasn't careful, he was going to get himself in trouble. Margo and Valerie would devour him whole. But y/n wasn’t going to stand in his way. On the contrary, she was going to enjoy the show.  

“Oh! These are my best friends, Margo and Valerie.”   

Hyung-Sik sends them a smoldering look. “Enchanted.”   

Y/n thinks her two friends must be malfunctioning; she’s never seen them so flustered by anyone.   

“It’s lovely to meet you.” Margo replied and Valerie nods along with her agreement at a loss for words. Y/n guessed this alpha was beautiful. But not as beautiful as the one she was holding onto.   

“Let me get you a round of drinks! What’s your poison?”   

“Tequila.” The three of you reply in unison, giggling as you make eye contact at the synchronization only best friends could have. Hyung-Sik looks over at Taehyung, the alpha just as enraptured with your laugh.   

“Okay give me five minutes and I’ll blow you away.”   

“Don’t over promise Hyung, five minutes is ambitious.”   

“Just for that I'll make it four.” The alpha laughed as he turned towards the bar, grabbing various bottles, eyeballing measurements and shaking the canister of liquid before pouring it over four separate shots. Lining them up on the bar, the four of them knock their respective shots back, the alcohol burning on the way down but not in the usual way their favorite drinks does. In fact it's sweet. Light.   
 
“That was delicious.” y/n praises.  
 
“What was that called? I think that's gonna be our go to from now on.” Margo asked licking her lips. A motion Hyung-Sik's eyes follow closely.   
 
“Tequila has never tasted so good.” Valerie stated.   
 
Hyung-Sik just gave Taehyung an amused look, clearly basking in the praise. “That, ladies was a double trouble.” The alphas says as his eyes trail Margo and Valerie. y/n caught the alphas eye, and he sent her a wink. She lets out a startled giggle, resulting in Taehyung pulling her into his side by her waist, the barely there growl directed at his best friend making her look up at him.

There was no way the alpha was jealous, she thought.

She was too preoccupied staring into the alphas eyes to hear the bar owner offer another shot to the girls. Could only nod her head when they asked if she wanted one too. Hyung-Sik eyed the couple currently having a staring contest right beside them, looking back to the beta women, tipping his chin towards his friend and theirs in question. Margo’s eyes were sparkling with joy, Valerie nodding along to their silent conversation.   
 
Yes, this is happening.   
Yes, they’re so cute pretending like they aren't half in love already.   
Yes, we’re gonna tease them mercilessly for this.  
 
Taehyung didn’t know why he growled at his friend. Liar, his wolf called out; the alpha knew exactly what he was doing. Exactly how jealous he felt the moment someone else managed to make the omega laugh. He felt like an asshole for reacting like that. Who gets mad at the fact that they weren't the ones to make their crush laugh. Crush? Such a simple term to define who y/n was to him, his wolf. His pack. There was nothing simple about the way his heart was racing, the way his thoughts were swirling in his head. Get a hold of yourself Tae, you can’t blow this. She deserves to be courted, He reprimands. As much as Taehyung was struggling with his wolf and as much as he wanted to have her marked as his, he knew that she deserved a beginning they could look back on and savor. Slow and intentional. If the alpha was right about this, then this would be the last time they ever courted anyone for the rest of their lives. Had to do it properly.   
 
Taehyung shook himself free of his thoughts. Hyung-Sik placed two new shots in front of them. A thought popped into his head—He would reflect on his decision-making skills later—knew it was stupid, especially if she didn’t respond the way he was imagining. He took a hold of his shot glass and tipped the cold drink back. Before she could reach for hers, his hand curled around her shot glass, his other hand coming to hold the back of her neck lilting her chin up and brought the shot up to her mouth a silent command to drink and to let him take control. With the way she responded so willingly, Taehyung figured his decision-making skills were as sharp as ever. No need to reflect when he clearly knows what he's doing. Not once did she take her eyes off him. It might have been his imagination, but he could have sworn the was some heat behind her eyes. Something to file away for later. Still in their little bubble the two of them were herded by Margo and Valerie towards the table Jimin, Jungkook, Jin and Hobi were sitting at, the spell only breaking as y/n took her seat to Hobi's right.    
 
“Maybe you can settle this debate for us y/n,” Hobi leaned into her, “These two think that helping someone who isn’t your partner peel a perilla leaf is equivalent to cheating. I say it's not.”   
 
Taehyung used to agree with Hobi, was adamant that peeling a leaf didn't mean anything. But after what just happened at the bar, the way his wolf growled at his best friend for making a drink for y/n that she clearly liked and winking at her, he would probably die before he let anyone peel a perilla leaf for her or she, them.  
 
“What Hyung is failing to understand here is that it’s entirely possible for the person struggling to just take the two leaves that are stuck and un-peel it themselves on their own plate.” Jungkook argues from across the table, amusement dancing in his eyes. Jimin stares at his mate with clear devotion on his face. He loved it when they debated this topic. Loved it when Jungkook got jealous and possessive.  
 
“It’s about trust. I don’t want my partner to peel a leaf with good intentions only for the other person to see it as an opening for them to swoop in and make them fall in love.” Jin whined, clearly heated with the hypothetical situation.  
 
"As if that would ever happen Jin-Hyung. You'd never let someone get close enough to sit at the table with us if there's perilla being served. " Jimin smiled at his eldest mate earning himself a wink.   
 
“If the friend is that willing to swoop in and ruin a relationship then maybe they aren't a friend at all.” Hobi directed at Jin before turning away, “Would you look at opening a water bottle for someone else to be on the same level too Jungkook?”   
 
“Not sure, but you better not be opening anything for anyone that isn't your mate Hyung. You’re my knight in shining armor.” Jungkook flirts, resulting in a deep flush tinting Hobi’s cheeks. Taehyung and Jimin giggling at the embarrassed alpha. The three youngest had a knack for flustering their older mates. Y/n liked seeing this side of them. They were all so casual and at ease with each other. It was cute the way Jungkook teased Hobi, the way Jin and Jimin flirted with each other. Taehyung observing his mates with nothing but pure love in his gaze. Especially when Jin was getting so worked up by the hypothetical situation. She felt excited to see their reaction at her answer.   
 
“Umm, I’m going to have to agree with Hobi on this one. It’s just a leaf, I don't think it holds any significance on whether the person peeling it, or the person needing help are going to fall in love and breech your trust. But if all it takes is a leaf, then I would rather find out sooner rather than later.” She sent the two opposing alphas an apologetic look.   
 
“I knew I could count on you.” Hobi’s face lit up as his laugh takes over his entire body as his arm wraps itself around her shoulders, rocking himself into the back of his chair clearly surprised but also ecstatic of the answer she gave.   
 
“Yah y/n how could you! This is backed by science.” Jin whined.  
 
Y/n raised an eyebrow at him, “Really?”   
 
“No.” The quick witted answer sent her into her own fit of giggles.  
 
The two beta women were seated just on the left of Jungkook, the perfect spot for all their observations. Margo and Valerie sat back and watched as the pack curled it self around y/n. The second she sat down, Hobi instinctively moved closer to her, Taehyung taking her other side. Jin positioning his chair on an angle looking towards y/n. Even Jungkook and Jimin who were both seated across from Y/n, leaning closer towards her as if the table wasn't in the way. They watched as the alpha's faces lit up while she was laughing. They couldn't believe their friend was denying that they had any interest in her. Clueless and blind. Margo wondered if these five men would let anyone else peel a perilla leaf for her friend. She could picture them fighting each other to peel the leaf for her instead.  
 
When Jungkook was done laughing he noticed that his drink and everyone else's were empty. That wouldn't do. He turned towards the beta women, both of them had beaming smiles on their faces. He wondered what made them smile like that. But instead he asked a different question, "I'm going to grab another round, what are you three drinking?" He tried to be discreet in his question, hoped they would pick up the underlying thoughts he had, wanting to know what y/n's favourite drink was. Of course the two beta women could spot that a mile away, shared a look and asked for two tequila sunrises and informed the young alpha that y/n never turned down a margarita. Especially a spicy mango margarita. The alpha sent them a grateful smile and headed over to the bar.   

After their little debate, Jimin and Taehyung took Jungkook's lead and stepped away from their table, the two beta women also noticing and excused themselves to the bathroom—not that y/n was listening, but they couldn't blame her. Was nice to see her like this. The maknae's were well aware just how much Hobi and Jin liked her. It was easy to decide to give their hyungs some more time with y/n. As they were excusing themselves to the dance floor, they caught Jin’s eye, their eldest mate sending them sparkly eyes full of love. He knew what they were up to. Felt a rush of joy and love for their consideration no matter how much it wasn't needed in this case. But he supposed that having one-on-two time with y/n was a gift. Jin watched as Hobi leaned back in his seat, languid and open, as he asked her, “Did you always know you wanted to paint?” 

She nods her head. It was a point of contention between her and her parents. She always valued her creativity more than her logical side. Sure architecture had room for creativity, but she felt boxed in. Never had the space to expand her thoughts. It was always about structural integrity, always about numbers, always about what someone else wanted. And she didn’t see herself thriving in an environment where she couldn’t change course as new ideas rushed in.  
 
“I love painting, it’s my most used medium that’s for sure but I love all art. I’ve tried to expand into all mediums. Painting, sketching, sculpting, photography, I even tried to mix music once, not my best moment but I find it so intriguing.” 
 
“Jack of all trades?” 
 
“Something like that. I have this vision for an exhibit where everything is made by me, even the music would be made by me. Almost like stepping into my brain.” 
 
“Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into it. You know, our other two mates are producers. I’m sure they could teach you a few things.” Hobi doesn’t know why he’s offering on behalf of his two most stubborn mates, but with the way her face lights up at the chance of learning, yeah he would make sure they taught her.  

“What about you? Was modelling always the plan?”  
 
“No actually dance was. I wanted to dance professionally. I was good in high school, had the chance to join a company but my dreams ended before they even started when I broke my ankle. Six weeks of recovery and I was healed, but I couldn’t move the same without the pain coming and going. Decided not to risk it and chose modelling. I still dance just not as much as I used to, Jimin invites me to his studio a lot. We find the outlet there. Even if we can’t perform. But modeling is still something I love. The traveling, meeting people, the campaigns. Every day is different.” 
 
Jimin danced?  Y/n made a note to ask the alpha about it another time.  
 
“I’m sorry about your ankle, but I'm happy you found something else that you love.” 
 
“It’s okay. Truthfully it was meant to happen, otherwise I would have never met Namjoon and the pack. It’s funny how things work out like that.” The faraway look on the alphas face spoke to just how much he loved his mates, his pack.  
 
“Namjoon? He’s your other mate right?” She tentatively asks, not wanting to pry but curiosity got the best of her.  
 
“Namjoonie is our mate and pack alpha. Our other mate you haven't met yet is Yoongi. They’re both producers at their own label.” supplied Jin smiling at Hobi. Both of their faces lighting up as they talked about them.  
 
“They’re amazing even if they are impossible at times.” Hobi says rolling his eyes in the most affectionate ways.  
 
“How did you meet?” She asks, wanting to keep the happiness on their faces.  
 
“I met Namjoonie when I was starting out as a sous chef. We had a tasting menu set for the agency I worked for, and he was someone’s plus one. When we first spoke, it was clear the restaurant was the last place he wanted to be. Complimented the food though, as a consolation for admitting how much he hated being there.  I met Yoongi the next day when we decided to have a date at the park. Jungkook met them then too. It felt right, you know? Like there was no question of whether or not we liked each other, we just clicked into place and the rest was history.”  
 
“I met Namjoon-ah a little unconventionally. I stepped in during a tough situation and tried to help him. Jin ended up calling at the right time and the rest is history from there.” Hobi summarized quickly. Clearly whatever situation he and Namjoon found themselves in was personal. Not something to share with a stranger. Y/n could understand, she would hate for someone to know something personal about her without even knowing who she was.  

“Wait? Did you say agency? Jin are you a model too?” Y/n redirected the conversation back towards the alphas in front of her.  
 
“I started out as one yeah. It’s how I paid for culinary school and how I got my foot in the door for the shows I've been in or produced. Actually, it was the same agency Hobi was later working with. Funny how fate works.” He hummed.  

“Degrees of separation.” y/n mumbled. 
 
“Exactly that.” Jin agreed. 

Jungkook hasn’t looked at y/n in over ten minutes, which for him seems like a big accomplishment. It’s not that he keeps checking her out—just a few times here and there, but he would swear it wasn’t his fault and blame it on his alpha—he just wants to keep her in his line of sight. Make sure she’s safe. The last time he saw her was also in a similar situation. Drinks flowing, music thrumming through the floor, lights bathing everyone in colors and shadows. He glances one more time at her, throwing her head back laughing at something Jin and Hoseok said.   

God she’s beautiful , he thinks.   

“You’ve been staring at her all night dude.” Teases Hyung-Sik, “You’re just as bad as Tae-ah.” 

“What?” Bewildered at being caught, “I’m not starting.” 

Hyung-sik smirked at the young alpha, holding up both hands in surrender.  “Hey I call it like I see it.”   

“I don’t mean to stare it’s just that—“   

“You like her.” He states.   

“Yeah, I do. I want to know everything about her.” Jungkook grabs the tray of drinks, “Was it like this for you? When you met hyung did you know right away he was your mate?”   

The older alpha sends a gentle smile at the younger man. Endeared that he would ask him this. “I guess it was something like this. We had known of each other for years but didn’t actually know each other. I remember feeling like I was losing my mind whenever I wasn’t near him, never wanted to leave after a date. But yes, I think I knew the second he called me an idiot for spilling a drink on his shoes.” He smiles fondly at the memory.   

Jungkook wonders if he looks like that when talking about y/n. “I want her to meet Namjoon-hyung and Yoongi-hyung before I tell her how I feel,” He worries his lip ring, moving the metal band back and forth, “But do you think it’s too soon?”  

“I don’t think you can measure these things in time, of course you can decide if you want to court her, but the actual courting process takes the most time. But no, if you and your alpha are on the same page about this, if she smells like your mate then I don’t see why it would be too soon.”   

The older alpha pushed the tray closer to Jungkook and tips his chin towards the table he keeps eyeing. A part of him feels relieved at Hyung-Sik’s words and a larger part of him is ready to call his other two hyungs to meet him here so he can introduce them, to have things move just a little faster in the right direction.   

“You did not just say that!” Y/n’s gasping giggle is the first thing he hears as he places the tray of drinks down and passes glasses to his hyungs, noticing Jimin and Taehyung had taken to the dance floor. He places their drinks on the table where Jimin was sitting.  
 
“I did! And I’d say it again.”   

“Hoseok, you can’t call people sociopaths for liking mint chocolate ice cream. It’s literally one of the most common flavours.” Y/n argues as she tries to contain her laughter. Jungkook looks over at Hoseok who is wearing the same expression he has whenever one of his mates teases him.   

“You know what else is common? Serial killers.”   

“Babe, those two things aren’t mutually exclusive.” Jungkook interrupts as he’s handing Hoseok his drink.   

“Okay now both of you are teaming up. What are you both secretly mint chocolate chip enthusiasts?”   

Jungkook and y/n share a look, silently agreeing to keep the bit going. “I like mint chocolate chip. It’s actually really refreshing.”   

“Agreed, and I’m pretty sure Yoongi-hyung also likes it.” Jungkook winks at her. 

“Great. Now they’ve formed an alliance.” Jungkook and Jin just laugh at their mates' theatrics. He takes Taehyungs abandoned seat beside y/n handing her a drink. Her eyes lit up, silently asking how he knew she would like it. 

“I may have asked your two besties what your favourite was.” He blushed under her gaze.  
 
“That’s sweet. Thank you,” She lets her hand brush his arm.  
 
“Speaking of besties,” Jin started as he tipped his chin motioning for their group to look over at the bar. “Think Hyung-Sik is crushing on your friends y/n.” 
 
“They’re gonna eat him alive.” She laughs remembering the way the two girls were eyeing the bartender as he made their shots.  
 
“I think it’s the other way around.” Jungkook argued 
 
“Nuh-uh. Those two are menaces. Trust me.”  

Y/n finished her drink in record time. Hyung-Sik was an amazing bartender since her mango-rita tasted nothing like alcohol and more like juice. A dangerous combination for her. She wanted four more. She had excused herself to the bathroom, passing by her two friends who were blatantly flirting with the bartender. Y/n wasn't joking when she said they would eat him alive. Just hoped they were nice when they did. She finished up in the bathroom quickly, wanting to get back to the alphas at the table. The alcohol running through her veins was triggering her neediness. Her craving for their attention and closeness. Liked the way they were bantering. Liked the way Jungkook took the effort to ask her friends about her favourite drink. Left her thinking—hoping really—that he liked her as much as she liked him. She made her way towards the opening in the hallway where Taehyung was waiting for her a few hours ago, like the gentlemen he was, only this time she wasn't met with a sweet alpha, instead she was bulldozed by a drunk beta man, and lost her footing. But before she could meet her new friend, the floor, arms shot out and steadied her.  
 
“Woah Bambi, you okay? Did he hurt you?” Jin as he stood her upright hands caressing both shoulders as he leaned down to catch her eye.  

“I’m fine. I think I was just startled, didn't see him there.” She told the worried alpha.   

“Want me to kick his ass?” She laughed at his offer, “Judging by the way he was running to the bathroom, it seems like his night is already going downhill. But thank you for the offer.” 
 
“You can take me up on it whenever you want.” He smiled.   
 
Before y/n could say anything back, a voice cut through their little bubble.  
 
“Y/n,” Taehyung whines as his eyes sparkle with mischief. Or perhaps just alcohol. “Come dance with me.”  

“And me!” Jungkook steps up beside his mate, arm wrapped around his waist. The alpha must have gotten tired of seeing his two mates dancing without him. “Ours got short last time.” He pouts like he’s used to getting his way. Y/n looks at Jin, not wanting to leave him in the middle of their conversation but the alpha just laughs at his two mates, “Go, they don’t bite.”  
 
“Yes we do.” Taehyung argues sending him a smug look, flustering Jin to the point of blushing.  
 
“Okay, okay! Let’s go.” Y/n laughs and steps towards the makeshift dance floor. Jimin intercepts her, taking hold of her good hand and twirling her in a circle. The bar isn’t busy—Still a little early in the night—in fact they’re the only ones dancing, everyone else preferring to stay with their groups conversing. The red led lights and smoke are their only company. It only seems to fire them up more, as if the DJ was playing for their own private party. They were swaying to the music, too busy sing-yelling the lyrics of a One Direction song to each other. Jin and Hobi look towards them, laughing at the maknae’s antics and y/n’s sassy expressions as she delivered every line back to the alphas. Was this a preview of what it would look like to court her?  
 
“Do you think she knows how those three feel about her?” Hobi asks. 
 
“They’re not doing a great job hiding it are they?” Jin said, nodding his head towards the dance floor as the three alphas follow her every move, gentle touches lingering on her shoulders, her waist, holding her hand when they want to spin her towards them, craving her attention even if it's only been seconds since she's looked away.  
 
“They’ve got it bad.” 
 
“Definitely. Probably since that first night.” 
 
“It's strange really. Before meeting her the other day and spending time with her today, I feel like I owe her an apology.” 
 
Jin raised a brow in question at his mate, “Why would you need to apologize?” 
 
Hobi shrugs, “I didn’t want to give her a chance hyung. I assumed she would be just like Duri. Assumed she would be mean and manipulative, and would make the pack chose, just like she did.” 
 
“Oh Hob-ah. Duri is not the best representation for omegas in general, you know that.” 
 
“Yeah, but even the omegas I work with, they all share traits and characteristics like her. I just assumed it was an omega thing and labeled her as the same.” 
 
“Do you still thing that?” 
 
“No of course not!”
 
“Then I don't think you need to feel guilty about any of it. Our pack doesn't have the best track record with omegas that’s true. But y/n isn’t like that. Omega’s share a subgender and biological responses, not personalities. She is her own person outside of that.” 
 
“You’re right. I see that now. But I don’t think Namjoonie and Yoongi-hyung will see it like that. There’s too much pain there.” 
 
“Who knows? Maybe she’ll surprise them. Either way, there's no going back now. They just have to meet her and they’ll understand.” 
 
“Do you think they’ll be open to courting her?” 
 
“Do you want to court her?” 
 
“Yes.” 
 
“Then yeah, I think that if five out of seven, or I guess six out of eight now, agree to the courting then they would never stand in the way of that. No matter how hesitant they are.” 
 
“We’ll just have to make them see her the way we do.” 
 
“Uh-oh. I know that face. That’s you scheming face.” 
 
“That’s going to be the goal now. For Joonie and Yoon to get close to her.” 
 
“This is going to be fun to see.” 
 
“Glad you think so, because you just volunteered to help.” 
 
Their conversation was interrupted by the most sweet-smelling scent. Warm Rum and Vanilla. Happy omega.  
 
“Jin, Hobi come dance with us!” She squealed holding her good hand out for them. Jin grabbed Hobi and took a hold of her outstretched hand and they joined their mates on the dance floor.  
 

Back at the bar the two beta women and the alpha were observing their friends. The soft club lights bathing the six of them in soft hues, smoke rolling in on them, making everything look soft. Far away. Like a memory they'll recall during their mating ceremony. The smell of happy omega and proud alpha’s wafting, scent blockers fading as sweat beaded off them.  
 
“How much you wanna bet they’ll be courting by the end of the month?” Margo asks no one in particular.  
 
“Month? I give it a week.” Hyung-Sik snorted as he placed an order in front of another customer, swiping their card quickly. The alpha was distracted by the two beautiful women but not to the extent that he couldn't do his job.  
 
“Hmm, y/n doesn’t really move this quickly. I think a month is a little short, I give it three.” Valerie supplied.  
 
“Okay so between one week and three months, what are the conditions?” 
 
“If one of us wins, we get free drinks for a year.” Margo smiled sweetly at the alpha.  
 
“Okay done. But if I win, I get to take you out to dinner.” 
 
“Who?” Valerie asks, eyes widening. 
 
“Both of you.” He replies as if it was obvious from the start. The two beta women share a look. Boys have always been a sore spot for them. Each beta woman having different reasons why their hook-up or fling of the month wasn't good enough for the other. But to see the same man, an Alpha? Together? 
 
“Oh is that not something you're interested?” 
 
“We've never dated the same person.” 
 
“But you’re into each other right?” 
 
A choking sound came out of Valerie, never had someone called them out for it. Not even the two women acknowledging it themselves.  
 
“We’ve never—” 

“It’s not something—” 
 
“Oh. Oh this is cute. You’re so cute.” 
 
They share a look, eyes gazing into each others before the both look away flustered.  
 
“Will you? Let me take you out?” he whispers eye darkening at the two women who he managed to fluster beyond belief.  
 
“Yes.” Valerie squeaked. Margo just shot her a surprised look. Never did she think that Valerie would be the first to agree. She just looked at the alpha and nodded her head. Heat spreading down from her neck to her core. This was insane. But she needed to speak to Valerie. She wanted to be on the same page. The alpha just shot them a soft smile and turned back to his customers, taking orders and managing his bar. Clearly giving them space.  
 
“Are you sure?” Margo breaks the silence.
 
“Are you?” 
 
“I asked you first.” 
 
Valerie shrugs, no longer interested in keeping her feelings to herself, “I wont lie. I’ve always cared about you. As more than a friend.” 
 
“Why didn’t you say something?” 
 
“Because, I couldn't be sure if you wanted the same. And the possibility that you didn't scared me. I didn't want anything to change, didn't want to lose you.” 
 
“I care for you too. As more than I friend.” Margo blushed under her friend's penetrating gaze. 
 
“We should probably go.” 
 
“But y/n—”  
 
“Is busy. She wont mind. We’ll see her tomorrow at brunch.” 
 
“Okay.” 
 
The two betas approach y/n and her alpha’s on the dancefloor. Quickly saying goodnight and reminding the omega of their brunch date tomorrow. Not wasting anytime they hug her goodbye and head to the bar to wish Hyung-Sik a goodnight but not before the alpha asks for their number. They both blush and add their numbers into his phone.  
 
“I’ll see you soon.” He promised, very confident in his winning. The two women roll their eyes and say goodnight one last time before the exit the bar. The crisp spring air cools their skin. For many the night has just started, lines forming outside of clubs and bars. The lights of the city blinking around them. The two beta women smile at each other. Margo hold out her hand, and Valerie threads their fingers together.  
 
They were finally done hiding just how much they meant to each other.  
 

It wasn't long after y/n’s friends left that Jin and Hobi were also calling it a night. The maknae’s elected to see y/n home but first they had to answer the call for greasy food. They quickly entered a busy pizzeria, and ordered enough to feed a soccer team. But y/n wasn't judging. Especially with the way Jungkook was holding onto her. His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her back into his chest, the long sleeve top she wore doing little to erase the chill from the spring air. She let her head fall back onto his shoulder, loving the warmth radiating off him.  
 
“There’s no seats left. We can go outside and eat?” Taehyung offered.  
 
“It’s too cold.” Jimin shook his head.  
 
“Uhm my apartment is like two blocks from here. We can go there if you want?” 
 
The alpha's shared a look, “Only if you’re comfortable y/n.” 
 
“We wouldn’t want to impose.” 
 
“You wouldn't be. It’ll be fun.” She smiled at them. The alpha‘s preened. Obviously they knew she felt safe with them. Had trusted them to get her home safe. But they too needed reassurance that this is what she wanted. Couldn't stomach the idea of assuming her willingness to spend time with them, alone. But the omega just turned on her heel and walked through the crowd of people, some giving her interested looks, her scent alerting them to her designation, but one quick growl from Taehyung was all they needed for the looks to turn away. They followed her, Jimin slipping his hand in hers and Taehyung and Jungkook following them closely. Just three alpha’s out with their sweet omega.  
 

Jin and Hobi tried to enter the house as quietly as possible. Taking off their shoes and jackets and leaving their keys by the door, they tiptoed towards the stairs but before they could reach the first step, they looked into the lving room adn wer met with the cutest sight ever.  

Yoongi was sprawled on the couch, the soft lamp light dousing his face in soft golden hues. He was beautiful. Jin shares a look with Hobi before both of them kneel down in front of the couch the alpha is snoozing on. Jin brushes his hair back gently, so not to startle him. The alpha stirs in his sleep, not wanting to open his eyes. Too tired to think about starting his day. Jin brings his lips down to his cheek, trailing the softest touch to his skin before whispering, "Sorry baby didn’t mean to wake you, but this can’t be comfy.”  

The alpha just grumbles as he stretches out his neck; the mating bites of his pack glistening silver in the soft light. Not bothering to open his eyes Yoongi mumbles in a sleeping heavy rasp, “It could be comfier with you.” 

Hobi makes a sound in the back of his throat, the need to shower the alpha with kisses overwhelming him.  “As tempting as that is let’s go to bed.” He states.  

Yoongi grumbles that he doesn’t wanna move, resulting in Hobi caving to his former thoughts and presses his lips to the sleeping alpha’s before pulling away. But Yoongi would not have that. Letting out a soft growl, he chases the kiss, his sleep addled body following the sweet scent of his mate. Jin cards his fingers through the soft alpha’s hair cooing at the tender moment.  
 
“Come to bed Yoongi-ah. Let us hold you.” He offers. Slightly more awake Yoongi lets his two mates pull him to his room upstairs. Jin and Hobi quickly switch off using the bathroom to get ready for bed before climbing in on opposite sides of the sleepy alpha and cocooning him in their arms. Alcohol still pumping through their veins, the two alpha’s were needy for their mate. Hands brushing his hair, down his back, gripping his thigh to rest over a hip. Yoongi loved it when his mates were so touchy like this.   

“Where were you?” He breathed between kisses. Jin pulled away, leaving Hobi to scent Yoongi’s neck, tongue lapping at the mark the alpha left there.  

“Went to y/n’s art show. Turns out she’s one of my best customers at the restaurant, so I tagged along. Hob-ah too.” 

“Y/n? You mean the omega?”  
 
“Mhm.” Hobi hummed into his neck.  
 
“Is that who I’m smelling on you?” Yoongi asked as he took a deep breath. A blend of his mates' scents. And the omega's, He thought. Honey, Cherries, hibiscus and coconut mixed in with strong vanilla and rum. They smelled like summer.   

“Not mad. Never. Just surprised.” He said between lungs-full of the sweet scent.  

“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you.” Hobi muttered.  
 
"Nothing to apologize for. You smell so good.” He gasped as Jin sucked a particularly sensitive spot on his collarbones. Between his sleep addled brain and the mix of scents and sweet touches he was losing his mind. Would never object to being woken up if it was like this. 
 
“Aw hyung you like how we smell?” Hobi teased. 
 
“Just said that.” Yoongi rasped only for the alpha to bit the mark he was so lovingly lapping at. The bite sent shocks through his body. Leaving him wanting more. He turned to face his younger mate, sleep forgotten as he pulled him into a licking kiss. Hobi loved it when Yoongi got like this, so desperate and needy for him.  
 
“What is it you want Pup?” Jin’s teasing voice brushed the shell of Yoongi's ear and he shivered. Rocking his hips back towards his eldest mate. and brushing the growing length there. Sharing a wicked look with Hobi, Jin’s hand snaked around Yoongi’s hips, pulling the alpha flush to him as he reaches under the band of his boxers. Yoongi lets out a satisfied whine, as Jin’s hand strokes him slowly. Hobi’s kisses are getting hungrier, teeth grazing the smaller alpha’s lips. He loved the sounds his mate made when he felt good.
 
“Is that what you needed Hyung?” Hobi asks trailing kisses down his neck, hands pulling the hem of his shirt up before tossing the material away. Met with soft milky skin his lips trailed to soft brown nipples, talking one in his mouth and sucking so eagerly he was sure it would leave a mark.
 
“More.” Yoongi gasps as his hands cup the back of Hobi’s head, keeping him lapping at his chest, fingers running through the younger alphas hair, pulling slightly when he would feel sparks of intense pleasure.   
 
“Oh?” Jin laughed, taking his hands off him, and pulling the boxers down to the alphas knees. Hobi took the hint and pulled yoongi’s leg to rest high over his hip, opening him up for Jin. Jin quickly crawled lower on the bed, alligning himself with the most beautiful sight. Spreading him open a bit more, he licked a wet strip from Yoongi’s taint to his hole. Tongue swirling as he made contact. Yoongi let out a strangled moan, hips once again rocking. Taking advantage of his mates distracted thoughts, Hobi let go of the nipple with a loud wet pop and slid down the alphas body, lips licking over a small trail of hair on the alpha’s stomach. His mouth watered at the sight of Yoongi’s hard leaking cock right in front of him. He placed the softest kiss on the tip before sliding the length whole, letting it hit the back of his throat.
 
They’re going to kill me, Yoongi thought. The immense pleasure coursing through him was sending him over the edge. Jin’s tongue and now fingers sliding inside him, while Hobi's throat engulfed him.  
 
“Fuck, baby I'm gonna come.” He warned, which only made Hobi bobbed faster.  
 
“Be a good boy for us Yoongi.” Jin teased as he set a punishing pace with his fingers, curling just the way Yoongi liked it. “Give Hobi what he wants, yeah that's it. Come.” 
 
With a broken moan Yoongi spilled down Hobi’s throat, and the alpha drank it all. Pulling off the alpha he left a sweet kiss to the softening tip before coming back up and pulling him into a sweet kiss. “You did so good Hyung. You can sleep now baby.” he muttered to the already fading alpha. His mates scents and a good orgasm sending him into the deepest sleep. 
 
Jin cleaned them up, wiping the wetness off them, and tucking both his mates in as they cuddled. It seemed that Yoongi was not as unaffected as he made himself out to be. But that was a question for the morning, he thought as her curled himself around Yoongi's back and caressed Hobi’s waist. He fell asleep to the smell of marshmallow and caramel with a hint of fading rum. 
 

The last time y/n was at her apartment she made sure to leave it as clean as possible. Had cleared out her fridge of everything except the sauces. Who would get rid of those? She knew that she was leading the three alphas to a clean apartment, but she still felt nervous. You could tell a lot about a person by how they decorate their space. What if they thought her design choices were immature? What if they didn’t laugh at her ironic “ Don’t Do Coke in the Bathroom ” sign she painted by the door, or her DIY coffee table in the shape of an actual coffee cup? She usually took pride in her apartment, had been praised by the creativity she put into it and the amount of effort it took to make the majority of her own pieces, even if some of them were wonky.But they were drunk and hungry, and her place was only steps away from the restaurant.   

As they approached her buildings front door, she noted the door was propped open, someone clearly bypassing the need for a key or to be buzzed up. But it was common, especially on a Saturday night, for the students in the building to be coming and going. With parties on almost every floor, buzzing every guest was tedious. Y/n held the door for the alphas as she walked through the lobby and towards the elevator. The three alphas shared a look, clearly stating just how much they didn’t like the idea of just anyone being able to enter the apartment. Glad that she wasn’t staying here for the time being. She led them to the fourth floor and down the hall, punching in the code to her apartment and told them to make themselves comfortable.   

Jungkook was in heaven. Not only did he get to see his omega, but he got to take care of her. Again. And here he was now, with his mates being invited into her home.   

Close enough to her nest, His alpha preened.   

Jungkook knew that she had never built a nest here, didn’t think she had even stayed in the apartment since she presented, her scent was faint and even so didn’t hold any sweetness of joy or warmth. But his alpha didn’t care for facts, was more excited at the progress they were making. Especially with the way she kept looking at them all night. Finding reasons to be close to touch. She turned on a few lamps, and the back light on the television. The room was bathed in orange and blue and pink and purple lights, filling the atmosphere with a sense of softness and warmth.   

“Make yourselves comfortable. I’m gonna grab some plates for us. And I think I may have something to drink here.” She tipped her chin pointing the three alphas over to the soft velvet blue couch. Jungkook didn’t hesitate to melt into its soft texture, both the couch and alcohol making him feel warm and fuzzy. Jimin and Taehyung were taking the apartment in. Everything about its decor was intentional. From the jewel tone colors—reminiscent of their basement den—to the small knickknacks that littered any available surface. Taehyung made a mental note to ask her where she got her coffee table from as he set down three boxes of pizza. The literal use of a white coffee cup with the contrast of brown as the tabletop was genius. There was a level of detail in the space that felt curated. Jimin was trying to keep his cool. Out of all their interactions he has never not been in control of himself. But seeing how she lived, how expressive she was in all aspects of her life, made his alpha purr at the thought of her building them a den.   

What a beautiful den it would be, His alpha coos.  

The apartment was an open concept the same way every apartment is these days. The kitchen to the right of the entrance, the living room to the left. Everything connecting in one straight line. The only rooms it seemed to have were down a hallway that shared a floor to ceiling window, illuminating the busy city outside. Even at four in the morning there were flashing lights and the sounds of traffic bleeding in.   

Y/n gathered four plates handing them off to Jimin and walked behind the couch where her bar cart was parked. She passed the bottle of tequila to Jungkook who was facing her, curious to see where she was going. He could look at her for hours and not get bored. Could watch her watch paint dry and easily count it as a top ten day. As he opened the bottle, the fresh crack of the seal alterting the other two alphas as y/n rounded the couch with glasses in hand and sat down on her plush black and white checkered carpet.   

“I’m starving.” She moaned, opening the first box and pulling out a slice. She took her first bite and let out a loud whine. “Hot hot hot.” She repeated, trying to cool down the bite in her mouth.

Jungkook moved without thinking, his thumb and his pointer finger grasping just above her chin, he tipped closer to blow cool air into her mouth. Y/n was definitely drunk because there was no other reason why she thought that was so attractive. Jungkook blew one last time, “Better?” He whispered.  

Y/n closed her gaping mouth and swallowed then hummed her agreement. She was no longer hungry. At least not for food. Taehyung was smirking at the pair, his thoughts taking a turn as he smelled y/n’s scent tip slightly sweeter. Jimin just elbowed his mate, trying hard not to laugh at the pining looks the omega and alpha shared.   

Quickly clearing his throat and grabbing a slice himself, “Jungkook are you gonna blow in my mouth too?” He asked innocently as the innuendo washed over the other alphas face, and he flushed red.   

Y/n giggled and patted Jungkook’s knee with her free hand, reassuring the alpha that everything was fine. They finished a whole box quickly, y/n tapping out after her fourth slice. The three alphas digging into the second and third box like it was nothing. She was glad they got three large boxes. She grabbed the empty box and placed it on her small kitchen island and grabbed the six pack of coke in her fridge. Quietly sending a prayer a gratitude to her past self for leaving it in there.   

She quickly took a seat back on the floor, propped on her knees as she grabs the glasses, “Drink?” She mused, looking over at the alphas that littered her tiny couch.   

Jungkook hummed grabbing the tequila bottle he opened minutes ago and filled each glass with a double shot. Tonight was just getting started. Y/n took her glass graciously, cracking open a can and pouring the full contents into her glass, then cracks three more for the boys.  

“Your apartment is really nice y/n.” Taehyung comments as she pours coke into his glass.   

“Thank you! I spent a long time fiddling with it.”   

“Where’s the coffee table from? I could use one of these for my studio.” He nods in thanks as he takes a sip of the strong drink. Felt like he was back in college himself drinking cheap tequila with anything to cut the taste.   

“Oh, I made it. Second year in my sculpting class.” She preened at the fact that a literal fashion designer was complimenting her work that wasn’t even close to being perfect.   

Taehyung’s eyes shot open wide, “No way! It’s amazing. Looks like something out of a catalog.”   

“Thanks, I was really into DIY-ing a bunch of stuff for this place.”   

“What else did you make?” Asked Jimin, pleased with her excitement.   

“Come I’ll show you!” She stands up, tugging Jungkook off the couch to follow.   

They walk over to her kitchen where she shows them the wooden trivets that she made in shapes of puzzle pieces. Then in the span of three seconds they pull their attention to the door stoppers she created to look like spilled paint tubes. She then flutters down the mysterious hallway they haven’t had a chance to go down, and points to two doors, leading to her bedroom the other the bathroom. She’s excitedly pointing to a canvas, “I painted this as a joke too, thought it would be funny during parties but sadly never had any here.”   

Jungkook lets out a startled laugh, surprised that she would paint something like it. The canvas had a stark white background with neon pink block lettering that was purposefully made to look like it was bleeding down the page. Taehyung was even more determined to request one of her original works, and a part of him hoped that if things turned out the way he wanted them too, she would be just as excited to decorate their home with anything equally as fun for her. Jimin on the other hand, the self-proclaimed levelheaded alpha, was trying so hard not to boast that he and his mates were the first people to see these, outside her friends he assumed.   

“Oh, and then I have this in my room.” He turned toward the door at the end of the hallways and turned on the big overhead light, offensive in its own way, but not to the three alphas who were struggling with the fact that the omega they were crushing on was inviting them into her room. Regardless of context. She was pointing to a shelf that she mounted on her wall, except it wasn’t a shelf at all, but a skateboard with the wheels attached. The clever use of the board held up a few cameras and a plant that was clearly fake judging from the fact that she hasn’t been here to water it. As she chattered happily, stumbling over her words—a side effect of the alcohol and her alphas undivided attention—Jimin looked around the room and was filled with curiosity. Y/n was someone who had a vision. He noted as he looked over her bedside table, a framed photo of her and her two friends from earlier decorated with bottle caps. He noticed just how many books she had littered all over her room, some having a home on her book self while the overflow resting in a large pile on the floor.   

Namjoon would love to talk to her about books, He thought.   

He was so lost in his thoughts he hadn’t heard the conversation pass between them.   

“Come I have a whole set up in the living room, but there’s only two controllers, so we’ll have to take turns.” She zoomed out of the room, grabbing Jungkook’s hand. The two had been gravitating towards each other all night.   
 
Jimin and Taehyung both followed the overexcited pups back into the living room, settling down onto the floor, so as not to have y/n sit there this time. Both needed her to be comfortable first. They watched as she handed Jungkook the controller for second player, silently laughing at the twitch in his eyebrow. The youngest alpha had never not been first player. She quickly powered up the system and clicked on the TV, asking her Alexa to change the setting to the backlight to respond to the sounds from the game. They both got comfortable on the couch, Y/n noticing the two alphas vacated the spot, but before she could protest Jungkook pulled her down right beside him, close enough for her to smell his amber and tonka bean scent.   
 
A thought popped into her head, “Why haven’t I been able to smell you all tonight?” She hummed leaning in closer to the alpha, only able to scent his shoulder.   
 
“Hmm? Oh, we used scent blockers. Thought it would make you more comfortable.”  
 
“Oh.” Her voice held a hint of dissatisfaction. She liked how they smelled. Loved the lingering scent on Jungkook jacket. Although now that she thinks of it, it no longer smells of alpha.   
 
“What’s that ‘oh’ for, darling? Were we wrong?” Taehyung mused from the floor, tilting his head back to get a look at her.  
 
Feeling bold, and very much not in her right mind, she replied, “Yes. Well to an extent. I don’t like the idea of other people smelling you, but I hate that I also can't smell you.”  
 
“Should we not wear them around you anymore?” Asked Jimin, the alpha hoped she would say yes.   
 
“I don’t think that’s my decision.” She worries her lip. Who was she to tell these alphas what they can and cannot do? What right did she have to them? Sure, everyone joked that they were her boyfriends, and sure she had crushes on all of them.  
 
Well not all, she thought.  
 
But that still didn’t mean anything. A seven alpha pack that was all mated didn't strike her as a group of people who were starved for affection like she was. No, every interaction she has had with them has been polite. Friendly. These three boys were her friends. They did her a solid and made sure she was safe on one of the hardest nights of her life, as much as she wanted to read into it. Y/n knew that there was no possible way that she could cross that imaginary line with them. No matter how much she wanted to. No matter how good they smelled.   

“We’re presenting it to you as one.” Taehyung offered.   
 
“Whatever makes you comfortable. But if you’re just doing it for my sake, then no, I don't want you to wear them.”  
 
The three alphas could feel the joy radiating off one another. Tonight couldn’t have gone better. Their only goal for the night was to see her. Never did they think that they would be lucky enough to be this close, this alone. Their scents collectively tipped sweeter. The apartment smelled like their own personal bakery. Cherries and almonds, honey and citrus, Amber and tonka mixed in with her own vanilla and rum. Her thoughts her swimming in her head. It was intoxicating, more so than anything she’s ever experienced. Noticing just how much she was leaning into Jungkook's side, she quickly pulled herself together, clearing her throat before starting the first round of the game. She only owned a handful of them, so they had settled on Mario Kart, which of course was the only and correct choice. Jimin and Taehyung once again tried to keep their giggles to themselves as she selected bowser, Jungkook’s favourite character. The slight switch in his eyebrow making a second appearance of the night. But the alpha just shrugged it off, selecting princess peach and played on.   
 
Y/n liked to think that she was good at the game. Had been beating her brother and his pack for years and had only really lost a handful of times to Valerie who was just as competitive as her. She didn’t think she had anything to worry about, but Jungkook gave her a run for her money. Both of them started out in the top three, switching places as the track spewed its obstacles. For a second she had thought she won, but Jungkook quickly swept in and claimed first place. She was far from a sore loser, but as princess peach was celebrating her victory on screen, so was Jungkook right beside her.   
 
“And I did it without choosing bowser.” he smirked as he ran his finger through his hair.   
 
She narrowed her eyes at him, “You little cheat.”   
 
“I did not cheat.”   
 
“Yes you did!”  
 
“How?”   
 
“You threw those flying shell things at me on purpose.”  
 
“That’s not cheating Dove, that’s strategy.”  
 
She just shook her head and handed off her controller to Jimin, Jungkook handing his off to Taehyung. The other two alphas were just about to start their game, when they heard a noise coming from her wall. Her neighbor was notorious for throwing parties, but this didn't sound like that kind of party. Through their shared living room wall, the telltale sounds of moaning bled through, into the now quiet room. Slightly embarrassed and slightly flustered, y/n quickly called out a command to her speaker to start playing music, turning the volume up to be safe. The four of them shared one awkward look before bursting into laughter.   
 
“Oh my god, I am so happy I am not staying here.”   
 
“Can’t imagine that would be fun to hear in the middle of the night.” Taehyung mused, as the two alphas selected their characters and started their game.   
 
Jungkook doesn’t even pretend to pay attention to his mates game. No, all his attention is on y/n, and the way her scent has tipped even sweeter than before. They’re still sitting close enough that their thighs are touching, arms pressing to the others, it takes no effort at all to wrap one arm around her shoulder and pull her into him. At first, he buries his nose in her hair, loving the way it smells like shampoo and sticky rum. Even with the obvious pining and affection they’ve been displaying all night, the omega has no clue what it is they’re feeling. How could she when all she's known throughout her years as a beta was polite interest? Offers of intimacy without commitment are often disguised as friendship for young beta women. But Y/n’s omega is ready to purr. She tilts her head, baring her neck for the alpha, an instinctive response as he moves down to scent her neck. 

  This is okay, friends do this, right? She thinks to herself.  

He’s not even really touching her, and she feels like she’s going to explode. Her scent tips over to fully alert the other two boys on the floor. Pausing their game, they turn their full attention to the omega and their mate. Y/n is struggling to keep in her whines, letting one slip through her lips as she feels Jungkook lap at the junction where her neck meets her shoulder. He’s scenting her. Like really scenting her. Taehyung drops his controller to the floor and eagerly climbs onto the couch on her other side. Brushing her hair behind her ear he leans in, “Does that feel good darling? Is kookie making you feel nice?” He whispers.  
 
She lets out another whine and Jimin shuffles between her legs, both of his hands brushing up and down her bare thighs, providing comfort and another layer to her arousal.   

“We shouldn’t be doing this.” She gasps, not wanting to overstep a line that has already been trampled on.
 
The alphas are also hesitant, but only slightly. And for different reasons. Nothing to do with the possibility of this being wrong, just too soon. Told themselves that they were going to g to take it slow, do things the proper way. Have her meet the pack then ask to court her. This was skipping like five steps. But between being both drunk on scents and drinks, their judgment was impaired. All they could think about was making her feel good. Jimin watched as Jungkook abandoned her neck and instead pulled her in for a licking kiss.   

Fuck that is so hot , he thought. Not to be out done, Taehyung attached himself to the other side of her neck, lapping at the scent glands there. Every hitched breath and noise coming from her was a reward. Y/n is barely hanging on. Never has she felt this way before. Jungkook’s lips are so soft, making the way his lip piercing moves with her feel so sinful. She’s overwhelmed with the intensity of her arousal. Wants to bite his lip, flick the ring with her tongue just to see how it feels. Does so before she can overthink it. Jungkook lets out a growl of approval, hands cupping her face deepening the kiss. Y/n feels like she’s floating. Didn’t know it could feel like this. Had always thought people exaggerated the extent a person could feel pleasure. Turns out they were right, and this was only kissing. Her mind glitched at the thought of what sex could feel like with her alphas. No longer questioning if they were in fact hers. Everything about them drew her in, the way they looked, smelled, sounded the way they moved with her. Hers for the night, she amended.  

Jungkook released her lips only for her to turn her head and find Taehyungs instead.  The velvet voiced alpha let out a groan as their lips touched. Convinced he was addicted with just one hit of her taste.  His kisses were softer and slower. Sensual. If Jungkook kissed like a man that was starved, Taehyung kissed like a man that found religion. He pulled her into him, arms cradling her as if he were terrified to lose her. Their lips moved in tandem, drinking in each other's taste, his tongue swiping gently on his lips, waiting to be invited in. Gasping into his mouth y/n was slowly coming undone. Taehyung moaned into the kiss before pulling away slightly, only for her to chase him. He let out a small laugh, placing one last kiss on her lips before he turned her face towards Jimin. Raising himself higher on his knees, he slowly leaned in, her eyes fluttering open as he kissed the tip of her nose, switched off between both cheeks, then her forehead before sealing her mouth into a bruising kiss. Jimin kissed her like she was his reason for breathing. Hard and desperate. But before they go any further, Jimin pulls himself together and pulls away, leaving y/n gasping with her eyes still closed. She had no idea how they got here. But was so happy they did. After weeks of trying to get them out of her head, weeks of sleeping with Jungkook’s jacket, and thinking about the next time she got to see them, her mind was at peace.  

“We should stop here baby.” Jimin breathed as her eyes started to flutter open. She sent him a dazed look that had his alpha snarling at him for not claiming her then and there. Sending thoughts into his head, making him wonder just how ruined she would look after he’d sink his teeth into her.   

“We should?” She questioned a little dazed from the pheromones, wondering why they needed to stop if everything felt so right.    

“Wanna do this right baby.”    

“Can’t have our first kiss and our first time be while we’re drunk.”    

“We promise we’ll take care of you.” She looked to her alphas, their lips swollen and pupils blown. What were they saying? Do what right? Take care of her how? First time? She was so confused. Could they possibly mean what she thinks they mean?   
  
“I don’t understand. This wasn’t just a one-time thing for you?” Her voice cracked, unsure if she should even bring this up now. But she was still reeling from the kisses, still had traces of liquid courage coursing through her. She spent the entire night leaning into their caring hands, answering their tentative questions. Even Jin and Hobi were so careful with her. But that didn't mean anything. Y/n spent years interacting with the opposite sex, and almost always every time she read into an action or a promise, she was usually wrong. Just because she thought of them as hers didn’t make it true.   
  
The three alphas shared a look, unsure of what she was asking. Did they not make it clear that they liked her? Clearly not well enough.   
  
“No darling. This is so much more than that for us.” Taehyung reassured, his hands coming to brush her hair down and cupping her face. Her eyes were glossy, as if she were on the verge of tears. No, that won't do, Taehyung thought. He quickly maneuvered the omega into his lap, cradling her close, letting her rest her head right her his chin. Jimin claimed her abandoned spot on the couch, Jungkook closing the space between all of them as he reached his hand to rub small comforting circles on her knee. A puppy pile. Or as close to one they will allow themselves.   
  
“Do you want it to be a one time thing?” Jimin asked cautiously. If she said yes, If she didn't want them the way they wanted her, he would be devastated but ultimately understanding. Pack life wasn't for everyone, and that included some omegas.   
  
“No! That’s not it, I just...”   
  
“Just what dove?”   
  
“I just thought you were being nice. Thought you were indifferent.”   
  
The three gaped at her dumbfounded at the idea that they spent all this time thinking about her, wanting her, talking to her, touching her and she thought they were indifferent?   
  
“Indifferent?” Gasp Taehyung. He would never forgive himself for holding back like he did. Would spend the rest of his life making sure she knew just how much he wanted her.   
  
“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to read into it, you guys were just so nice, and pretty and you smell amazing, and I let myself get carried away—”   
  
“No baby.” Jimin interrupted her rambling, “We’re sorry.”  
  
She looked at him, confused as to why he was apologizing.  
  
“We’re so sorry that we didn’t make ourselves clear dove.”  
  
“We’re anything but indifferent.” Taehyung states.   
  
“We thought it was maybe too soon to tell you. Didn't want you to feel weird or pressured. But baby, we’ve haven't stopped thinking about you since that night. We got home and immediately pestered our hyungs to meet you. We knew that we wanted you from the start.”   
  
“The question was did you want us? Would you be weirded out if we asked you to meet our pack so soon?”   
  
“We were at our wits end, wondering when we would see you next, thought about sending flowers to your brothers house as a way to get your attention. You hadn’t messaged Jimin yet so we thought you didn’t want to talk to us. But then he came home looking like he just won the lottery and told us about seeing you, about you inviting us to your art show.” Jungkook rushed not wanting to miss anything in his confession.   
  
“And then when I saw you at Jin’s i thought i was going to die right there. When you hugged me like that I never wanted to let you go. Missed you so much and I only met you once. I knew my alpha saw you as his.”  
  
“And then tonight, when we got to your art show, I swear it felt so right to be there with you. We spent hours getting ready, had thought about what tonight would look like. Never did we think we would get to be so close to you.” Jungkook rushes to add.  
  
“We want you to meet our pack. All seven of us. We want to present you to our pack-alpha and ask to court you. Properly. You deserve that darling. Deserve being the center of attention. Our attention.” Jimin stated their intentions clearly this time. 
  
“We’re so sorry we made you think otherwise. That we wouldn't take care of you the way we should.” Taehyung whispers. The alpha’s looked at her with pure adoration. Not letting their preconceived notions about needing to hold back take root. They would show her just how much she meant to them.   
  
“You want to court me?” She couldn't believe what she was hearing. A pack of seven mated alphas wanting to court her. That would never have crossed her mind.   
  
“Would that be something you're interested in?”  Jungkook’s large boba eyes were glistening in the LED lights around her living room. The soft blues and greens creating stars in his tender gaze.   
  
“I don’t know what to say. I mean I haven't met all of your pack yet. What if they don’t like me.” she gnaws on her lip. An awful habit of hers.   
  
“Not possible.” Taehyung rasps.  
  
“But if you want to meet them first before giving us your answer that would be fine too. You might not like them too.”  
  
“Not possible.” Taehyung repeats himself. Jimin just swats his younger mate and y/n lets out a giggle, breaking up the tense moment.   
  
“I think I would like that. To meet them first. If that’s okay?”   
  
“More than.”  
  
“We’ll set it up as soon as Namjoonie wakes up tomorrow.”  
  
“So...you think we’re pretty?” Jungkook teases and Y/n groans and ducks her burning face into Taehyungs chest. Embarrassed that she let that slip.  
  
“And she likes how we smell.” Jimin hums as he preens with the knowledge that their future omega likes their scent. A very important aspect of courting.  
  
“We’ll never wear scent blockers ever again.”    
  
Taehyung tipped her face up to look at him, “Can I kiss you?” she nods her head and he swoops down to catch her lips in a sweet tender kiss. The first she they should have had. Taehyung pulls away with a beaming smile. Y/n would never get used to how beautiful he was.  
  
“Baby, can I kiss you too?” Jimin asks and smiles as she nods again. Pulling her closer to him but still comfortable in Taehyung lap, he presses one single kiss to her plump mouth and pulls away. Before Jungkook can even ask her, she’s pulling on his hand bringing him closer to her and Taehyung before letting him capture her lips. While his mates were soft and tentative, almost shy with their kiss Jungkook wanted more. Wanted to wipe away all questions of whether he wanted her. So he kissed her the way he would kiss any of his mates. Passionately slow and deep, as he pulled away y/n couldn't help but let a soft whine come out of her. Now that she knew they wanted her she didn't want to stop. But they had mates who weren't aware of what was happening here. She would hate to be a part of contention for the pack.  
 
She Noticed Jungkook adjusting his jeans, Taehyung reaching out to pull her skirt down to cover her up. They could smell her slick, knew just how much she had loved kissing them. But they had all the time in the world now that they’ve found her. They weren’t going to let anything mess this up for them, not even themselves.    

“We should probably head out.” Jimin sighed, not wanting to push her. Already knew that this night was more than what they could have asked for.    

She whined at that, “No please stay, I don’t wanna be alone tonight.”    

“Okay dove, we’ll stay.”    

“My room?”    

“Whatever you want.”    

“Just you. All of you.” The three alphas beamed, ecstatic that she wanted them nearby. Taehyung didn’t waste any time as he lifted the dazed omega into his arms and carried her off to her room. Jimin and Jungkook stayed behind to turn off the lights and put the game away and lastly making sure the door was locked. Instinctively needed to make sure everything was fine before they joined them.    

“Tae can you grab me a shirt in there please.” She said, pointing to the second drawer of her dresser. Taehyung makes quick work of handing her a soft oversized shirt. Preening at the fact that she called him by his nickname. Wanted to hear her say it again. "Do you need something to sleep in?" She asked.  
 
Taehyung shook his head, "Was just gonna sleep in my boxers, if that's okay?" He checks not wanting her to be uncomfortable. No chance of that happening, seeing as how quickly y/n nods her head yes. She excuses herself to the bathroom, directing Jungkook and Jimin to make themselves comfortable, and closes the door. Brushing her teeth and washing her face free of make-up and only putting on moisturizer—something she will regret in the morning—she quickly changes into her shirt and opts to wear a pair of tiny shorts underneath, she then pulls out a few face towels and extra tooth brushes she has stored under her sink to offer the three alpha's in her room. She directed the alpha's to use the bathroom letting them know she laid out some stuff for them and that they could use anything she had on the shelves or in the drawers. Jungkook was the first to excuse himself, Taehyung following behind wanting to limit the amount of time away from her, leaving her and Jimin alone. 
 
 Jimin with clothes on was impressive, but Jimin without anything on but underwear? Exquisite. Quick to look away, in fear of making him uncomfortable or worse having her scent tip the way her thoughts were, y/n set her mind to fluffing out her bed. Jimin smiled at the omega who was clearly struggling with his state of undress. But to be fair, so was he. Y/n was in an oversized t-shirt that reach her upper mid thighs, he wasn't sure if she had anything on underneath. He was having a hard time not thinking about how softer her skin was, how pliant she became for them on the couch those few moments ago. As she pulled the duvet back Jimin did the only natural thing he could and scooped her up into his arms to lay them both down on the bed. Giggling she let the alpha maneuver her into a more comfortable position, her half on top of his chest and him with his arms around her breathing in her scent.  
 
"Are you okay with everything that happened tonight?" He asked tentatively wanting to check in with her.  
 
"Yes. More than okay but..." 
 
"But?" 
 
"Will your mates be mad about what happened tonight? Would Jin and Hobi be mad at me?"  
 
There was a part of Jimin that was cooing at the thought of her caring about his mates feelings, but there was a larger part of him that was scared she would pull away in fear of being perceived negatively. 
 
"No, they won't be. Trust me. If anything they'll be jealous."  
 
"Jealous? Jimin I don't want to cause problems with you and your pack." 
 
"No y/n, not jealous of you, jealous of me, of the three of us." 
 
"What? Why?" 
 
"I'm sorry were you not paying attention to our conversation out there?" He sasses, "They'll be jealous because they'll wish it was them." Y/n let out a surprised squeaked at the statement. Had she made that much of an impression on the two alpha's? So much so they would be jealous? Would want to kiss her? She was lost in thought when Jungkook and Taehyung came back into the room, both of them kicking Jimin out of the bed to go brush his teeth and wash his face. The alpha was reluctant to move, loving the spot he claimed beside her. "Go, I'll save your spot." she laughs as he scrambles quickly out of the bedroom, the bathroom door closing quietly.  
 
"Too bad I'm going to crush his dreams." Taehyung boasts as he climbs into Jimin's spot. Jungkook making quick work shuffling into the other spot beside her, scooping her into his arms and cuddling her close to his large chest. Y/n is half asleep when Jimin comes back, sliding in behind Taehyung, "You just want me to yourself hmm?" He asks quietly. Taehyung turns around and presses a sweet kiss to him mates lips, "Always."  
 
They fall asleep in the too small cramped double bed. Y/n thought it was the best sleep she had in weeks.  
 

 
Y/n was hot. Still in that place between sleep and awake she tried to kick off her duvet but was met with resistance.  
 
What the hell? She thought.  
 
It only took her a handful of second to realize that she was trapped in between two very hot, very sweltering bodies. As she opened her eyes she was met with the cutest sleeping bunny she had ever seen. Especially when she realized it was his arms that were holding onto her for dear life. A very big, tattooed arm at that. From the minimal movement that she was able to use of her neck, she realized Taehyung was the other culprit that was causing her to have a hot flash. She tried to wiggle out of their hold only for Jungkook to squeeze her tighter. As much as she wanted to feel embarrassed and shy with their position, she found herself doing the opposite and melting into his hold.  
 
A few more minutes like this won’t hurt, She thought. 

Waking up like this was nice. Enveloped in the alphas scents she felt calm, serene. Sleeping alone in her nest back at her brothers would now be tainted with the knowledge of their missing scents and body heat. Even if she was overheating. She would much rather be warm than have to sleep alone ever again. Y/n sighed, reluctant to accept the fact that she needed to get up if she was going to make her brunch plans.  She had time, right? Her alarm hadn’t even gone off yet. Except y/n didn’t set an alarm last night. She didn’t even bring her phone to the room to charge. Eyes widening, she tried to pull out of Jungkook’s arms, this time with enough movement to wake Jungkook.  
 
“Dove? What’s wrong?” His sleepy voice was adorable.  
 
“I’m supposed to meet the girls for brunch, but I have no idea where my phone is or what time it is.” She echoed her thoughts. The alpha let her scramble from the bed, Jimin and Taehyung waking up from the jostling.  
 
“What’s going on?” 
 
“Baby? You okay?”  
 
“Fine! Just need my phone.”  
 
The two half asleep alphas looked at their mate confused. Jungkook filled them in and the three of them slowly got up. Jimin found his clothes in the corner, sliding his pants and button up back on, Taehyung made the bed and Jungkook, well Jungkook supervised. A small squeak sounded from the living room, the boys following the noise to see what y/n was up too.  
 
“Darling?” Taehyung called. She looked up from her phone, a saw the most wonderful sight. Jimin was buttoning up his shirt from last night, while Taehyung and Jungkook were still half naked. In their boxers. In her living room. In broad daylight. The girls would forgive her for being late, right?  
 
“Baby?” Jimin called smirking as she eyed him and his three mates.  

“Oh um, I have brunch plans with the girls, and we slept in. Forgot to set an alarm.”  

“Fair.” Jimin reassures, “You were a little preoccupied last night.” His two mates snort at his teasing comment and Y/n narrows her eyes.

“Want us to head out?” Jungkook asked shuffling his feet. 

That was the last thing she wanted. “No! I mean no, you don’t have to. I’m gonna get ready, please help yourself to anything. There’s coffee in the cupboard above the machine.” She rushed out as she made her way back down the hall and into the bathroom. Determined to only take ten minutes to get ready, she took the quickest shower of her life, brushing her teeth and applying only the bare minimum, opting for moisturizer and sunscreen. Not even attempting to put on any make-up, she beelined it to her room grabbing whatever she had left in her closet before moving into Leo’s house. Unfortunately that meant she was stuck wearing a pair of sweats with a baby tee and matching zip up. But it was just brunch at the same place they always went to too, and it’s not like she was impressing anyone.  
 
When she got back to the living room, the boys were fully dressed (unfortunately but required) and had been finishing up their coffees. Not to make her anymore late, they cleaned up and followed her out of the building, volunteering to walk her to the restaurant a few blocks away. One of the perks she missed about her apartment was that everything was so central. Y/n wasn’t sure how she felt. She wanted to tell Margo and Valerie everything about last night. Wanted to gush with her friends about the three alphas and the promises they made her, the possibilities she saw now that she knew they returned her feelings, even if nothing was official. But a part of her was sad to let them go. They had reached outside the restaurant and y/n wasn't ready to let go of her alpha’s hand. When would she get to see them next? Would she have to wait till she met their whole pack?  
 
“Darling? Everything okay?” Taehyung asked as he picked up her scent. Muted and cloudy. Not distressed but overwhelmed.  
 
“Hmm?” She looked up at the alpha, eyes trailing down to his lips and back up to his eyes.  
 
“Your scent Darling. What are you thinking about?”  
 
“Oh right. It’s nothing bad I swear, I’m just a little sad to be saying goodbye?” She flushed. 
 
The other two alphas shared a look at her confession. Taehyung sent her a gentle smile, eyes crinkling at the corners, “I know the feeling, but we’re only a text or call away.” 
 
Jimin immediately pulled out his phone, typing away quickly when their phones went off at the same time. He’d created a group chat for them. She beamed at him, her scent tipping back to its original state of sticky sweet rum and vanilla. Wanting to commit the scent to memory and also finding any reason to be close to her, Taehyung leaned down to stamp a kiss at her temple.  
Jungkook took the opportunity to rename their group chat to “Y/n’s Fan Club” earning himself a giggle from the omega.  
 
“I’ll be speaking to Namjoon as soon as we get home baby.” Jimin reminded as he stepped closer to cup her cheek. She snuggled in closer to his palm, her heart beating a mile a minute. “We’ll be seeing you soon, yeah?”  

She just hummed her agreement, not wanting him to let go. How soon was soon? Tomorrow?  
 
“Any day that doesn’t work for you dove?” Jungkook cooed at the cuddly omega. He didn’t want to let her go but knew that they had a lot to discuss before Jimin called for their pack meeting.  
 
“Whatever day works for you. I’m free whenever this week.”  
 
“Can we call you tonight, darling?” Taehyung asked tentatively. Y/n nodded her head so fast she was sure she resembled one of those bobble head dolls. But she would not pass up an opportunity to talk to them, get to know them more. The alphas took their turns hugging her goodbye, each one stamping a kiss on her face. It was a shame they didn’t kiss her lips, but it was just something to look forward to next time. She let go of Jungkook, the last alpha to squeeze her goodbye and waved at them before entering the restaurant. Once she saw her two friend’s mischievous smiles and knowing eyes, she realized they could see everything from outside. Y/n braced herself for the interrogation and quickly sat down in their booth. Not even two seconds passed before the two betas were speaking over each other asking her to tell them everything.
And so, she did.  
 

Chapter Text

“It’s settled then.” Hoseok hummed stirring his coffee at the kitchen table. Jimin face was beaming, along with Taehyung and Jungkook’s. The three maknaes were dripping in smokey rum and sweet vanilla. As soon as the three got home, they called an immediate pack meeting, rousing a sleeping Yoongi into a chair and placing a coffee in front of him. It was obvious what they were going to talk about even before Jimin uttered his first words. All three of the maknae’s pleaded with their pack alpha and Yoongi to meet with the Omega. Had stressed just how much they wanted the pack to court her. To ask her to be theirs. Had told the older alphas how much she wanted to answer their unspoken question only after she met with the last two. Hoseok spotted the two alphas in question sharing a look, Yoongi shrugging his shoulders as if to say I told you so, while Namjoon let nothing pass in his expression. Not cold just unreadable. Hoseok wondered if past memories of a certain omega were flashing in his mind. 

“I think that’s fair.” Mumbled Yoongi, a hand coming up to cover his mouth as he yawned. It was way too early for him to be up, especially after his two mates had so lovingly taken him apart and put him back together again last night. But it’s been weeks since the night of the club and the maknaes were clearly getting restless. If the omega wanted to meet with them all, then why would Yoongi stand in their way? A little voice in the back of his head reassured that it was a good thing she wanted to meet him and Namjoon first, wanted to see the pack whole instead of just taking the maknaes words and promises and calling it a day. Perhaps she wouldn’t like them.

Or perhaps she would prefer the whole pack or none at all, his alpha reasoned. 

Hoseok noticed Yoongi scrunch up his face, a distant look in his eye as he lowered his head. His mate was clearly working through something, and while he wanted to ask it was better to leave it alone. For now. 

Namjoon wasn’t fairing as well as Yoongi. The sleepy calmness his mate was enveloped in skipped him entirely as he ruminated on the possibilities this decision could hold. His fingers traced the rim of his glasses, would he be able to get through this meeting without disappointing someone? His mates? Or the omega they were so fond of? What if he truly wasn’t the alpha that he thought he was? What if she took one look at him and decided she wanted nothing to do with him or his pack? Or worse; what if she only wanted some of them but not all? 

Running his fingers through his hair, Namjoon leaned back again his chair, “Let’s arrange to meet this Saturday? Jin-hyung could you please arrange dinner reservations for us?” 

“I know just the place.” The alpha promised. 

“Jimin-ah, could you see if she is available then?” 

“Yes alpha.” A shiver passed Namjoon’s shoulders at the honorific, missing the way the younger alpha’s voice sounded when he called for him. 

Namjoon shook the thoughts out of his head before his scent could catch up. “Okay, then it’s settled. We’ll meet her in a week if she’s available.” 

The pack alphas words had the three maknaes jump out of their seats fussing at him. Without so much as a word Jimin grabbed his hand while Jungkook scooped up a bleary eyed Yoongi, leaving Taehyung to lead Jin and Hoseok to Namjoon’s bed where the pack spent their entire morning, soft and pliable, scenting each other and holding their mates close. Hoseok could have sworn he saw Namjoon reach for Jungkook and scented his neck, not something out of the norm, only surprising to see since the only scent clinging to him as if it were his own was rum and vanilla. 

Perhaps his alpha was not as unaffected as he made himself seem.

Time was a weird thing. One second, you’re in elementary school playing M.A.S.H, the next second you’re in your mid-twenties and panicking about your water intake and if probiotics are better eaten or supplemented. Time was also standing still for y/n as she went through the motions waiting for Saturday to come.   

She remembered the butterflies in her stomach as her phone vibrated as she was leaving brunch. A text from Jimin letting her know that the pack would like to meet her, asking if Saturday evening would work for her. The thing she wouldn’t let herself hope for was really happening.  But waiting was a form of torture in itself. True to their word, her three alphas called her that night. Their video chat lasted for hours, well past her bedtime, but she didn’t mind. In fact, she complained about having to hang up, didn’t want to be met with the silence of her bedroom. Wondered if she could have moments like these with the others in the pack when they officially started courting her.   

Of course, since she was looking forward to Saturday, the week dragged by exponentially slow. Her Sunday at work felt like she was there for twelve hours and not the six she was shifted for. Luckily, she had class on Monday and Tuesday but with the year finishing up, and her showcase out of the way, there was very little to do besides fine tuning her portfolio and stewing on the fact that she now had two offers for what next year could look like.  

Apprentice or master's program. The possibilities had her head pounding.   

The middle of the week was only mildly better since she was planning her outfit for the dinner with the pack. A trip to the mall was much needed for options and a distraction. She spent a lot of time daydreaming about the last two alphas she had to meet. Had messaged in the group chat to get a feel for their opinions about her. Jimin and Taehyung had reassured her their pack alpha and their second oldest mate were excited to meet her. That she had nothing to worry about. Jungkook made sure she knew just how much the two alphas liked her scent—If the reaction they got coming home after spending the night with her, was anything to go off of.   

It made her a little calmer, if only marginally to know that they liked at least one thing about her. Y/n didn’t know how she would feel if her pack was this adamant about meeting someone that they all had an established connection with. While she knew that they agreed to the meeting, she wasn’t going to assume they were happy about it.   

A few days before y/n decided she was in dire need of a self-care day. Getting her nails done and her hair treated (not at all for her dinner date with the pack), she left the salon feeling brand new. But that only lasted an hour or so as the nerves set in once again.   

Friday evening rolled around when her brother caught up with her in the hallway before she turned in for bed. “Bambi, I spoke to mom and dad, and they would like to have breakfast at the house on Sunday.”   

She knew this was coming, but she foolishly hoped it wouldn’t be this soon, at least not just hours after her night with the pack. But nonetheless she nodded her head and agreed with the plan. She was going to have to tell them, and Liam and Quinn would be with her. They wouldn’t let her parents bulldoze right over her feelings. That night she had the worst bouts of cramps she’s had in years. When she first presented Liam had warned her that her cycle would be disrupted, her body’s biological needs resetting itself to cope with the sudden onset of hormones, scents and pheromones.  She hadn’t had her period in almost two months, had finished her last cycle two weeks before she presented at the club. But it seemed like her body was gearing up for one now. The only thing that got her through the night was knowing she would see her alphas the next day.   

But the morning off wasn’t any better. Trudging through work she felt like a monotonous robot, listing off the promotions the retail store she worked for had on that weekend.

Buy one get one half price.

Spring sale for all winter items.

Clearance. Clearance. Clearance.

By the time she got home that afternoon her cramps were slowly driving her crazy and her mood was foul after dealing with rude customers all day. Why was it that the weekend crowd, that was mainly made up of families and those who worked office hours, were some of the rudest customers ever? Huffing to herself as she climbed up the stairs to her room, she quickly gathered all her toiletries to take the most in dept shower of her life.  

When y/n pictured meeting the last two alphas in the pack, she didn’t picture herself running late. Truthfully it all went downhill when she was doing her make up, hating how it turned out the first time resulting in her washing her face and immediately starting all over. Skin care. Prep. Application. And setting spray to finish. Thankfully she had thought ahead and picked out her outfit last night. It was a little more daring for a first impression. A black mini skirt, that was just shy of being too short, paired with a seamless red top and Jungkook’s black leather jacket, she slipped her feet into boots that cut off just right above her knees.      

She looked ready for trouble.      

She didn’t want to think about how self-conscious she would have been a few months ago before she presented in something so bold. But her newfound style made her feel more herself than ever.  She artfully clipped her hair back, a French twist that was messy enough it looked like she did her hair this morning. Lived in. Front pieces escaping to make her look like she just threw this look together instead of the meticulous planning she did. Nope, she knew meeting the last two alphas was going to be nerve wracking, the least she could do was look like she was as confident as possible.      

But with every woman that wears an outfit to be comfortable and confident and perhaps wanting to feel sexy, there was always a man who was ready to ruin it. She had only just shut the taxi door when a strong smell assaulted her nose. Sharp frankincense and sickly-sweet rose. The smell of a funeral home. How kind of the owner to not only give her nose a reason to recoil but he also took it one step further and grabbed her hand.      

“What’s a rare jewel like you doing out here all alone?” She looked up, the man wasn’t ugly, he wasn’t anything really. Plain. Forgettable. Inconsequential.      

“I’m not alone, I’m meeting someone.” She yanked her arm back, but his fingers only tightened around her wrist.      

“Funny, I don’t see anyone here.” He hummed, pupils wide, looking her up and down. She liked this outfit; she thought she looked pretty, feminine. But the way he was looking at her made her feel cheap. Like he could see through her clothes. Normally she wouldn’t get angry, she would just laugh it off and try to walk away, but there was something smarmy about this guy and the way he was handling her.      

She huffed out a breath, “They’re clearly inside, you douche bag.”      

His eyes widened, but his efforts only doubled. He was after the chase.      

“Oh kitten has claws. I can be into that. I’ll just have to make you lose the attitude.” He was getting closer, clearly not caring for her refusal. The type of guy who heard a woman say no and thought it meant convince me. Her patience was wearing thin. He was making her even more late. She wanted to get inside and see her friends. Her alphas.    

“Let. Me. Go.” She growled, sour rum and burnt vanilla wafting off her.      

“You omegas can never take a joke huh?” He said rolling his eyes as he smelled her discontent. “Always playing hard to get and crying for a knot.”     

Tears started well in her waterline. The one thing she had always hated was the fact that she was an angry crier. Grinding her jaw, she focused on not letting the tears fall. Her throat was dry, the rough ball she always associated with feeling silenced. She wanted to say more; she knew she could. But when y/n was angry, her words tended to draw blood. Slicing the recipient right at the jugular. How dare he make her feel like this? How dare he take what was supposed to be an exciting night away from her?     

“Look at you now, trying so hard not to cry, as if you didn’t come here dressed like a little slut just to get attention from an alpha like me. Come one kitten, don’t be shy. I’ll take care of you.”   

Namjoon and Yoongi were late. The telltale beep of the car locking had them crossing the street towards the restaurant, when they just caught the tail end of the conversation. Namjoon would recognize that jacket anywhere. Jungkook loved that thing, wore it almost everywhere, so when he noticed a woman wearing it right outside the restaurant he was meeting his pack and their omega, he instantly knew who this was. But the guy gripping onto her wrist was not one of his mates, not pack.     

Did he just call her a slut? Namjoon thought. As hesitant as he was to meet the omega, he was never one to shy away from putting alpha-holes in their place. Especially ones who preyed on women. Especially this one who was harassing the omega his pack was tied to. The closer he got the more he could smell her distress, saw her trying to maneuver out of his grip. He shared a looked with Yoongi, a silent command to keep his cool. Yoongi was prone to being quiet, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous. A small nod of acknowledgement had Namjoon moving quickly and quietly. Before the other alpha knew what was happening, Namjoon had the omega’s wrist out of his hand, pulling her behind him, just in time to block out the sight of Yoongi slamming the prick into the wall. Must have been hard judging by the gasping cough he let out.     

“Did you just say what I think you did?” Namjoon’s silky voice questioned.      

Y/n was teetering just between hyperventilating and laughing. Namjoon's hand was curled protectively around her, creating a barrier and sending a message: You have to get through me first. She didn't notice at first but her hands were gripping the back of his shirt, a stabilizing reaction when being maneuvered out of the way from the unwanted alpha's attention. The anger she felt was still there, rolling under her skin. But there was also a satisfaction, when she looked over Namjoon's broad shoulders(to unpack later), to seeing the fear cross the man’s eyes. Of course she knew who these two were. They smelled like the pack. Had smelled them faintly on Jin and Hoseok the night at the bar. Had questioned Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook about their two hyungs all week. She was grateful to Namjoon and Yoongi for stepping in. But also embarrassed that they had to save her. A reoccurring theme she really wanted to stop identifying her interactions with the pack. The alpha didn’t answer him.     

“I believe my mate asked you a question.” Yoongi hummed, the stillness in him the only thing alerting Namjoon to just how badly he wanted to hit this prick.      

“Piss off. This is none of your business.” He snarled. Yoongi just smirked at him. Y/n was losing it, because why, at a time like this did she find that so sexy.      

“She’s our business.” Namjoon plainly stated. He didn’t need to puff out his chest. Didn’t need extra punctuation in his speech. He knew what he was capable of. Wasn’t going to backdown from a fight. Especially one that was oh so easy to win.      

“Oh fuck off. This little slut was asking for—” the air left his lungs, a gasp cutting off his voice.      

“You were asking for it. Keep calling her that and see what happens next.” Yoongi was miffed. Was this prick stupid? He had to be, why else would he keep running his mouth when they made it clear she was off limits. Not that any other women would be fair game. But y/n did nothing to warrant such behaviour.  

“Angel, was this guy bothering you?” Namjoon turned his head slightly, eyes just trailing to her face, gauging her expression. While her scent was still distressed, she looked almost smug. Interesting.     

She quickly nodded her head, “I told him I was meeting you. But he didn’t care, kept propositioning me. Kinda pathetic trying to convince me just how good of a time he could show me.”      

Yoongi’s head whipped right to her, eyes wide, mouth tilted up in the corners. She was feisty.      

“Oh? You have to convince women to sleep with you?” Namjoon smirked, also liking just how ruthless she was being.      

“I’m sure it’s a side effect of not having any repeat customers.” She added.      

“You little bitch—“ A crack sounded through the air, followed by a yelp.

Yoongi punched him, breaking his nose. “Now what did I say?” He looked at the bleeding alpha, feeling just a slight bit of satisfaction. He made this prick bleed. He was protecting the omega. Being a good alpha. If Yoongi was a little more clear headed, and not reeling from the adrenaline, he would have questioned his sanity. Was it not just an hour ago that him and Namjoon were discussing their neutrality with this situation? Did he not express just how much he wanted to get to know her before he dived into the possibilities of being an alpha for the omega they were meeting? All it took was one minute around her, enveloped in her scent and he was beating an alpha for touching her, for calling her what he did. He deserved it, that's for sure. But Yoongi was in no way prepared for the heavy onset of feeling protective and possessive.      

“I suggest you take whatever pride you have left and get out of our faces.” Namjoon growled.      

The pricks eyes darting between the three, whatever he saw, deemed it not worth the trouble and tucked tail and ran. It wasn’t until he was out of sight that y/n let out a breath. Her shoulders relaxed, lowering, her pinched expression warming. She hoped that this didn't set her back with the two alpha's she had yet to meet. Hoped they weren't annoyed that they had to step in, that she was too much trouble already.      

Yoongi felt like he’d been hit by a truck. Sure, he was expecting a pretty girl. An omega that had clearly caught his packs’ attention, but she wasn’t just pretty. No, y/n was exquisite. Big beautiful brown eyes that reminded him of his favourite whiskey. A brown that would haunt him every time he drank his coffee or poured rich liquid from his decanter in his studio. He wondered what they would look like first thing in the morning. Would they be glossy and peaceful? Or would they be dark and bittersweet begging for five more minutes? He shook his head, freeing him from the train of thought.     

Namjoon was hesitating. This is the omega that has his maknaes wrapped around her finger? This is the omega that his hyungs have been so besotted with? He was in trouble. The idea that this would just been a fleeting experience, a moment in time for his pack to look back on and reminisce but not regret, had been foolish. He could even see it in the way Yoongi looked at her now. The same look he had whenever he blissed out playing on the piano. Reverent and peaceful. Namjoon’s choice had been made for him. There was no going back now. Fate had played its cards, and he couldn’t fold his hand now.     

“Are you okay?” He asked her.      

Her wide eyes darted to him, mouth tilting at the edges.“Yes, thank you for stepping in when you did.”      

“Did he hurt you?” Yoongi asked, eyes trailing her up and down, assessing.      

“No. He just grabbed me pretty hard, wouldn’t let go of my wrist.” She raised the hand in question; there was a bruise forming already in the shape of fingers. Spotting gauze and bandages already dressed on the plan of her hand, Yoongi covered up his growl with a cough. He should have hit that prick harder. Was that asshole also blind? Could he not see he grab her already injured hand?    

“Come, let’s go get you a drink hmm?” Namjoon smiled, gesturing for her to walk in front of him into the restaurant. The front entrance was separated from both the outside and the dining room with billowy maroon drapes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The three of them shuffled awkwardly towards the hostess, giving Jin’s name and were escorted to the private room. The dinning room and bar they passed were busy. The space filled with buzzing conversation, slow house music playing in the background and the low lighting made it seem like they were transported from the cold spring streets of Seoul to the summery nightlife in Spain. Or at least what y/n imagined Spain to be like. Did they usually frequent places this beautiful? Y/n didn’t know what she expected as she walked into the room with the two alphas, but it definitely wasn't sour expressions and distressed scents from the five alphas sitting there.      

“Darling why do you smell like that?” Taehyung asked as he sniffed the air. Sour rum, brunt vanilla and…was that roses?     

“I keep forgetting you can smell everything I feel.” She mumbled looking down at her feet.     

“Can’t place the other scent, kinda smells like a church.” Jungkook scrunched his nose. He was sensitive to scents. Had trouble finding fragrances he could tolerate. But not y/n's. Had his nose burrowing in her neck just last week.      

“We found her outside about fight some guy that wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Yoongi announced and the tension at their table let loose.      

“What guy?”  

“Where is he?”  

“Are you okay Dove?”  

“Y/n baby are you hurt anywhere?”  

“You guys helped right?”  

“Fuck knew we should have waited outside.”      

Each alpha stood from their seat, crowding around her asking questions. She wanted to comfort them as much as possible, let Jimin look at her wrist, and let Jungkook run his hand up and down her back. But Taehyung looked like he wanted to go outside and check to see if the other man was still there. She pulled him into her arms his usually honey and citrus scent tipping towards metallic, almost resembling the artificial scent found in air fresheners. Jin and Hoseok were looking back and forth between her Namjoon and Yoongi, trying to gauge their moods.     

“I’m fine! I promise. Namjoon-ssi stepped in and Yoongi-ssi broke his nose.” Insert a record scratch here. The questions stopped. All eyes zeroed in on Namjoon and Yoongi who were standing just off to the side watching their pack lose their minds of y/n being harassed. Yoongi was tempted to also get closer to her, to see if she would respond to his care just as well as the others. All thoughts of politely keeping space between him and her were erased. Now that he’s met her, he’s willing to try to get to know her. See if what he’s feeling is just a byproduct of his protective instincts and the packs joy, or if there is a genuine possibility that she could be their omega. Her scent was already a match for him.    

“Did you really break his nose?” Jin asked with a teasing smile on his face as he elbowed his mate teasingly. Yoongi didn’t even bother with a reply, just reached out and shoved his hyung away, Jin letting out a maniacal laugh.

Great, Yoongi thought, let the games begin.      

Taehyung’s attention was focused on the girl in his arms. brushing her hair back, the clip she used loosened the shorter strands framing her face. “I’m glad they were there to help you Darling. Hate to think about you being alone.”

both their scents had tipped from sour to sweet. Taehyung was sure he could skip the alcohol tonight; just get drunk off her sweet vanilla and Smokey rum. Reminding him of his favourite jazz club in Paris.    

“Wasn’t alone.” She hums as she’s moving from Taehyung’s arms to Jungkook’s. He’s wound just as tight his amber and tonic bean scent holding the remnants of distress, but quickly fading away as she melts in his arms. Hums softly as he smells her scent completely dissolving all other thoughts. The exact thing that he didn’t want to happen at House of Cards happened to her here, while he was inside none the wiser. “I wanna tell you how beautiful you look tonight, but I’m sure that asshole ruined it for you.” He sighs, brows furrowed.     

“Thank you, and he doesn’t matter enough to ruin anything. Now that I’m here with you all.” She raises her hand and cards her fingers through his silky black hair. She’s perfuming under their attention. Liking how it feels to be fussed at.      

Namjoon’s curious eyes followed her, the way she melted right into the two youngest’s arms. He wondered what their dynamic would be like. Jin and Yoongi were busy whispering to each other off to the side. Hoseok and Jimin back in their seats waiting for their turn to say hello and check her over. Needing the reassurance only she could provide. Jungkook was reluctant to let her go. Wanted to scent her, wanted to leave a mark, warning anyone else that thought themselves worthy enough to breathe her air. Stay away. She’s not yours. Really, she doesn’t belong to anyone but herself, but Jungkook likes the idea of being her first choice should she ever want to be his.      

“Nice jacket.” He rumbles, chest vibrating, hands still gripping her waist. She smiles, ducking her head slightly to hide the redness blooming on her cheeks. He likes it. Likes the way her body responds to him. His pack.      

“Thanks, a handsome stranger gave it to me. Used to smell better though.” She pouted. Jungkook might as well have been a peacock rather than an alpha with the way he preens at her words. She thinks he’s handsome and likes the way he smells. He might die. He’s going to keep this moment alive in his pre-sleep scenario’s until the memory feels like a dream.      

“Mmh think it smells perfect dove.” He hopes she disagrees; hopes she asks him to fix it before she leaves. Maybe then she’ll be left alone by overconfident men that aren’t them. She swats his arm, fingers lingering just a second longer before she makes her way to Jimin and Hoseok. Conversations between the rest of the pack are splitting off, everyone feeling more at ease with her in their line of sight.     

“Are you okay baby? Did he hurt you?” Jimin asks as he pulls her into his side. Y/n is slow to respond. Always forgets how to speak when all his attention is on her. It’s the way his eyes shine while looking at her, deep pools of a starry night. Hard to look away; easy to get sucked in. She shakes the thoughts out of her head. Needs to focus. Doesn't help that he's pushing out calming pheromones, cherries and almonds so cloudy it reminds her of amaretto.    

“Pretty sure he’s more hurt.” She muses.      

“Not hurt enough.” Hoseok mutters beside Jimin. Y/n can’t help but giggle into her injured hand. God, since when was she such a schoolgirl around boys? Enraptured by the sounds escaping her, he looks at her bandaged hand but he catches a glimpse of her wrist just peeking out of the jacket sleeve. The start of a bruise in the form of fingers ring around her delicate skin. Jimin acts before thinking, grabs her hand in his gently, pushes up the sleeve to get a better look. He was right, the impressions of fingers start to bloom red and purple under her skin. And what’s that? Is that blood? That bastard dug his nails into her! Jimin’s scent and Hoseok growl alert the others to the interaction. Y/n shrinks into the jacket; the collective smell of unhappy alphas setting her instincts in flight.     

“Y/n?” She can hear Taehyung call behind her, tone gauging her emotions. Hoseok mutters something to Jimin that has him taking action.     

“Baby I’m so sorry. Everything’s okay, you’re safe I promise.” He gently runs his thumb over the cuts on her wrist, wants to check her stitches to make sure nothing was pulled. He remembered how distraught she was at the hospital regarding her healing. He didn't want this to be the reason she couldn't play piano or paint anytime soon.    

“S’why is everyone so mad?” She asks quietly not daring to look around.     

“Not at you baby. You’re hurt. That bastard dug his nails into you.” Jimin continues to reassure as he looks to his mates, silently pleading for them to calm down.    

“Should have broke his fingers too.” Yoongi hissed.      

“I’ll see if they have a first aid kit. Should clean you up just in case.” Jin announced as he got up to flag the hostess.      

Y/n wasn’t used to the level of care they were giving her. Usually, she would brush things like this off. It happened but it could have been worse. What’s a bruise and a scratch or two compared to what women experience daily. Jimin was her healer, small delicate hands examining her, looking for ways to ease the pain. She heard him mumble something about checking her incision. Yoongi, on the other hand, was her own personal bodyguard. Promising pain upon her discomfort. And Jin, the sounding board to all her troubles. She could help but glance over at Namjoon. Yoongi may be her bodyguard but Namjoon was her alpha. Evan if they both didn't know it. Even if it took them years to admit it.    

Nope, not yours. You really need to get a grip, She reprimands her omega. Trying to keep these constant circling thoughts to a minimum. A losing battle.      

Seconds later Jin shows up with a large first aid kit. The damage not severe enough to need them, but the omega was hurt. Was bleeding. He needed to do something. He wanted to take her to the hospital. Demand x-rays. But Jimin is here. Yes, Jimin knows what to do. Jin needs a drink. How can someone so small cause such enormous feelings inside him? They barely knew each other. Run-ins at the restaurant and one night drinking together. Granted it was all surface level. Flirting with no intention of taking it further. At least not in a public setting. But he couldn't shake the overwhelming urge to dote on her. Jin left their private room and strolled on over to the bar, ordering two drinks. Tequila. Neat. He remembered something about her liking tequila.     

Downing the first one to keep himself from getting too worked up. Needing to take the edge of his raging alphas instincts. Carries the second one over to the table, doesn’t look at Namjoon, doesn’t know what he’ll see in the leaders eyes. Knows they have to have a pack meeting when they get home. Knows what this all means.

Namjoon isn’t fairing as well as everyone thinks. Keeping his stoic charm about him, but inside he’s fighting a losing battle. If she can’t even walk into a restaurant without being harassed, then it’s no question how that fateful night would have ended for her had his pups not intervened. Protection is what he does best. It’s what he can offer. At least that’s what he’s telling himself. Would it be so bad to let someone else besides his pack in? Would it be as catastrophic as last time? A month ago he would have said yes. Never would have thought to take the risk. But now? Now he’s wondering if he ever really stood a chance at keeping her at arms length. His alpha stirs inside his chest, acceptance of the situation very apparent. But he would never breech the topic. No, best wait for his members to ask. Best let them take the lead on this.      

Y/n grabs the drink from Jin, grateful for the distraction. The burning sensation going down her throat helping settle her nerves. She’s been an omega for all of two seconds, and yet sitting there, watching the boys flutter around her, concerned and willing to take care of her, she feels those instincts that everyone keeps telling her to follow tell her something that she’s been certain of since that night on the dance floor. She wanted to keep them.  

Once Jimin looks over y/n and determines that her wrist is going to be fine—a medical opinion wasn’t needed to diagnose a scratch—and that her stitches have not been pulled, the pack settles into their seats around the table, the closed off space offering privacy and comfort as y/n is surrounded by the alphas. It was predetermined that Taehyung and Jungkook would sit on either side of her, while Jimin would take the seat between his pack alpha and his second oldest mate. Leaving Hoseok and Jin at opposite ends of the table. It was comforting to have all three of her young alphas so close to her. Being able to make eye contact with Jimin head on, meant that she could gauge his reactions to anything being said, but the disadvantage would be that he too could gauge hers. 

Her thoughts of attempting to appear nonchalant were interrupted by Jin deciding to order starters for the table, asking y/n to pick between a few dishes he knew she would like. Jin informed them that the chef was a friend of his and was hoping to try out a new tasting menu for them to which they all agreed to happily. It didn’t escape her notice that when speaking to their server Jin remembered to ask for no radishes in her dishes, seeing as she didn’t particularly care for them. The attentiveness bloomed something tender in her stomach. He remembered the one passing comment she made a week or so ago when picking up her order. The butterflies that died outside were revived. 

Once ordering the meal was out of the way, the atmosphere around the table turned. An awkward silence followed as the pack searched for what to say. How to make sure that the remaining two alphas were just as invested in the outcome of this dinner and the rest were.

“How were your classes this week?” Hoseok asks trying to get everyone comfortable. 

“Boring. Now that the showcase is done the professors have us working on our portfolios, mostly everyone is getting ready for interviews and cleaning out their studios.” 

“Have you thought about Choi’s offer?” Jimin reaches for his glass of wine. 

“It’s all I can think about really, that and the masters program.” 

“Hyung you should see y/n’s work! She’s so talented, Choi Ye-Jun, the artist you really like, offered her an apprenticeship.” Jungkook bounces in his seat. 

Y/n was half embarrassed to have him singing her praises but the other half was delighted to know that she and Namjoon had at least one similar interest. 

“Congratulations, Ye-Jun is never wrong about talent. Are you unsure of what you would like to do?” 

Y/n nodded, “it’s just that I’ve worked hard to get into the masters program, but I was putting off accepting it well before Choi’s offer and now it seems like a sign that I should take it but—“ 

“There’s always a chance that you’ll regret it?” Namjoon surmised.

“Something like that? It sounds silly but I want to be sure of my next steps, and I want to choose what will enable me to get my own exhibition.” 

“You’re talented enough that whatever you choose will lead you there regardless.” Jimin adds.

“How old are you y/n, if you don’t mind me asking?” Jin leans against his chair.

“I’ll be 28 this year.” 

“Oh!” Jungkook gasps and the alphas laugh at his excitement. 

“When is your birthday y/n?” Jungkook’s teeth bite his lip sending her a bunny smile. 

“November 4th.” 

“Finally!” 

Y/n sends Taehyung a questioning look, “Looks like our Jungkookie is finally older than someone at this table.” 

“When is your birthday Kookie?” 

“September first, same year as you.” 

“How old are all of you?” 

“I’m a year older, gonna be 29 in December.” 

“Same age as Tae-ah but I’m in October.” 

“Namjoonie and I are the same year, my birthday just passed so I’m thirty one, Namjoon’s in September too. And Jin-hyung is pushing thirty three this year in December and Yoongi-ah just turned thirty-two a few weeks ago.” 

Their conversation carries on to explain what they all did, earning Taehyung a poke to his ribs from y/n as she disclosed getting berated for not recognizing him. The alpha blushed and promised to make it up to her in the form of any dress she wanted. She rolled her eyes at the offer. Even if he did make her a dress where would she wear something like that?

Jungkook was also reprimanded as he told her he was a photographer and a tattoo artist, leaving y/n excited to see his work. “Does that mean I could get a tattoo at a discounted rate?” 

“Discount? Dove I’ll do whatever you want for free.” 

“Yeah right like I would ever let you not charge me. Artists pay for other artists work.” 

The conversations turns towards Namjoon and Yoongi who are both a lot more at ease than they predicted. Y/n was animated when she spoke, had been asking questions about each of them. Her curiosity was something that spoke to Namjoon, had him wondering if she was like this with everyone. Hoseok took the opportunity to nudge the conversation towards their profession. 

“Would I know anything you guys produced?” 

“Uhh maybe?” Yoongi scratched the back of his head, “Have you heard of PTD? Or Take two?” 

“Have I heard of them? They’re only the biggest boy bands ever—wait are you saying—“

“Yeah we wrote their first albums and produced them too.” 

“We’re working on Take Two’s next single now.” 

“Oh my god you guys are so cool.” 

“Thanks pup.” Yoongi murmured. 

That sends y/n into a tizzy. She likes it when they call her different pet names, feels all floaty and warm. But when Yoongi said it, with his honeyed voice and his pretty eyes she had to hold herself back from crawling under the table and into the alpha's lap. She reached for her drink. Conversation is paused as the food is served. Y/n watches as the pack passes around dishes, exclaiming how much one of them would like a particular dish. It warms her heart to see them so free with their affections. She almost combusts when Jungkook saves her some of his dessert, stating she had to have the last few bite. Would make him full, just seeing her eat the sweet treat right off of his fork. It takes seconds for her scent to tip into dangerous territory; buttery soft vanilla and sticky rum permeates the air and all the alpha's are beaming at the happy omega. Even Namjoon and Yoongi. If anyone were to walk into the room all they would smell is the equivalent of a bakery. 

 Their dinner is almost at and end when the plates are cleared and the last of the wine is opened and poured. Y/n had enjoyed herself immensely. The monotonous week she had leading up to it was well worth the wait. Even the cramps that were making themselves known again were not going to bring her down. Well not completely. 
     
“You’re quiet.” Namjoon whispered beside her. As the dinner progressed seats were shuffled, conversations to be had closer together as the mates all played musical chairs. Somehow Namjoon ended beside her.     

“Mmh, yeah just thinking.”      

“You okay?”      

“I think so, it’s just..” she trails off unsure if the alpha would be receptive to hear her thoughts. She didn’t necessary smell indifference on him, more like hesitation. Stale Toffee nut and sour apple. She decided to confide in him all the same.      

“I’ve been an omega for all of a month now, and so far I’ve had a handful of interactions with males, alphas and betas who have thought themselves to be more than entitled to me.”     

Namjoon makes a noise in the back of his throat. Urges her on. Is interested to see where she’s taking this.      

“It’s just that, I have my brothers and his mates scents on me, two other alphas and a beta in his pack. I’m pretty sure Jungkook’s jacket also smells like him and if not then it’s not rocket science to figure out it belongs to a man. So I guess what I’m getting at here is if I, who have all the protections and social cues in place around me screaming to stay away, am still getting harassed, it makes me wonder about other omegas who aren’t as lucky as me to have all these people looking out for them, how are they functioning through their everyday life? I know that what I’ve experienced is mild at best but when I was a beta I was invisible. I was left alone. I could count on one hand the amount of interactions I’ve had with men in the last four years and yet my designation is flipped and all of a sudden I’m a desirable object? It’s not fair.” She rants, “Women, regardless of their designation, are rarely the culprits too. I want to be able to give men the benefit of the doubt but it’s hard too when all they see when they look at me is something to be claimed. I’m still a person, you know?”      

Namjoon felt as if he were underwater. She was right. Every word was right. It was unfair how differently omegas were treated. While cherished and celebrated they were also preyed upon. Were seldom given the same opportunities and curtesies as the rest of society. He wanted to fight everyone who treated her as less than, and something and not someone. He knew how much he hated being seen as only his designation, as if she were at the mercy of his alpha instincts at all times and was deemed a threat. But it was always better to be feared than to be in fear.      

“I wish I could tell you that it gets better but that would be a lie. And you’re right, you do come from a place of privilege with your standing with two packs looking out for you. I unfortunately can’t tell you the extent to which omegas suffer from societies expectations and aggressions, especially at the hands of men, but you’re asking the right questions. You are a person before you are your designation y/n, don’t you ever let anyone tell you differently. You deserve to be treated as an equal and I’m sorry that hasn’t been the case so far.”      

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault. I think you and your pack might be the exception to the rule. Everyone keeps coming to my rescue, ready to fight my battles for me. The boys at the club that night, you and Yoongi outside just now. It’s never been about a claim on me, only about my safety from other people.”    
     
“I wish people were different. I wish you could just walk down the street and not have to be scared. But I’m glad that they could be there for you and I’m glad that you find comfort with my pack.”     

“I find comfort with you too Namjoon-ssi.”      

He sucked in a breath, "Please, just Namjoon is fine."

Namjoon was drowning. Had Duri ever put herself in anyone else's shoes like y/n just did? Did she ever feel that level of compassion for strangers? Did she ever feel any level of regret for the way she treated people and their pack?He couldn't form a coherent thought. All things pointing back to y/n and how she just displayed more selflessness in the span of a few minutes than Duri did in the four years that they dated. Was he that blind to her faults? Just how much did he let slide in the beginning only to be met with such harsh words at the end?

Namjoon decided then and there that even if he couldn't give y/n all of his affection, even if he couldn't be the alpha she needed or wanted, he would give her the one thing that was taken from her the night she presented.

Protection. 

Chapter Text

“Morning!” Liam sang as he bounced on his heels, steering a bleary y/n away from the stairs and into the dining room that was usually only reserved for special occasions and holidays, “Someone got a delivery today.” 

y/n rubs her eyes, still wondering if she could just cancel this awful breakfast and go back to bed, when a glimpse of red catches her eye in the usual beige room. If by delivery the omega meant a garden then yes, she did indeed receive a delivery. A tiny whine slipped from the back of her throat as she rounded the table where seven large bouquets sat. Seven. One for each alpha. A bouquet of red roses, an arrangement of pink peonies, her brain was short circuiting, surely this was excessive, right?  

She asked Liam to which he replied, “Its customary for each potential mate in the pack to send a courting gift, especially one as large as this, sends a clear message as to their intentions.” 
 
y/n hummed as she pulled the card from the largest arrangement.  

To new beginnings y/n. - Namjoon 
 
p.s there’s more where this came from.  
 
The note has y/n giggling as she pulls out each card from the rest of the arrangements. Her scent was gooey vanilla, and sweet rum. The scent of an indulgent omega. Happy. Blooming.  
 
Jimin’s arrangement was obvious from the get-go, the pink peonies were fluffy and looked like clouds.  
 
Because you deserve all the beautiful things in life - yours, Jimin 
 
The card from the arrangement of baby pink lilies: 
 
So you can keep your standards high - Jungkook 
 
The red roses could only be from one person: 
 
It’s your world and I want to live in it. Whatever you want, it's yours, including me - Taehyung  
 
The delicate white baby’s breath: 
 
Just to brighten your day like you brighten mine - Jin  
 
the yellow daisies that resembled sunshine: 
 
Because you smiled at me - Hobi 
 
The deep blue hydrangeas: 
 
Can I make you my muse? -Yoongi 
 
 It was overwhelmingly sweet to have the alpha’s each send their own arrangements but what was even sweeter was all their handwritten messages. y/n was sure she would melt into a puddle. It would be hard to keep herself in check the next time she saw them. Because this definitely meant that she was going to see them again, right?  
With Liam’s help she quickly arranged the flowers around her, holding Namjoon’s in her lap front and centre—only right seeing as he was the pack alpha. As she made herself presentable, Liam snapped a few pictures for her to send to their group chat. Going for a more candid look, she wanted to show the alphas just how much she appreciated the gesture but also have something to look back on. She pulled up her and the young alphas chat, adding Hoseok and Jin—she still didn’t have Namjoon’s or Yoongi’s number—and sent off the photo. 
  
y/n:This was the best surprise I could have ever woken up to. Thank you. 
y/n:Please tell Yoongi and Namjoon how much I loved their gifts.  
 
Tae:It was our pleasure Darling. 
 
Hoseok:So glad you liked them  
 
Jin:Did you smile?  
 
Jungkook: I bet you smell amazing right now Dove. 
 
Jimin:We’re just getting started baby.  
 
y/n was kicking her legs giggling at her phone, a sight that was welcomed for Liam and the two alphas that joined him.  
 
“What’s this?” Leo asked quietly  
 
“Seem’s like our little Bambi has found herself a pack.” 
 
“Oh! A courting gift. How sweet for them to send her such pretty flowers.” Remarked Quinn, resting his chin on Liam’s shoulder. The three men could remember the last time they saw her this happy, if they ever saw her this happy. Maybe it was her acceptance into the art program, or the master's program, or maybe it was that one time she won a raffle for a juicer, that is sitting in her apartment collecting dust.  

Unaware of the eyes on her y/n is beaming at the phone in her hand.  
 
Hoseok:Wait, let me add Joonie and Yoon to the chat 
 
Hoseok added Maybe: Kim Namjoon 
Hoseok added Maybe: Min Yoongi 
 
Hoseok sent an image 
 
y/n:Thank you for the flowers, they’re the prettiest arrangements I’ve ever seen 
y/n:And your sweet messages 
 
Maybe: Kim Namjoon:Happy you liked them. 
 
Maybe: Min Yoongi: Hope it’s not too much.  
 
y/n:Its perfect 
 
with a dazed sigh y/n puts the phone down, ready to put all the arrangements back onto the table, when she finally notices her three brothers. Liam was beaming at her, all proud and giddy, Quinn was looking at her like she’s one of his pups that’s been asked to the school dance for the first time, and Leo—well he looked like a father who is ready to “lay down the law” with her potential suitors.  

“What?” She pouts ducking her head as heat travels up her neck and to her cheeks. Y/n is sure she’s going to be in a perpetual blush for the next few weeks or months.  

Never has anyone gone out of their way to make her feel so special. And now there’s seven someone’s who are determined to show her.  

“Nothing, just wondering when we should invite these boys to dinner. Get to meet them ourselves.”  

“Yeah, might be a good idea. Get to know them, sprinkle in a few threats here and there.”  

“Leo!” Both y/n and Liam exclaim. 

The alpha just rolls his eyes, “We’re leaving in twenty minutes, go get ready.”  

“But I haven’t even had a coffee yet!”  

“Well that’s what you get for dilly dallying. Now hop to.”  

“Sir yes sir.”  

— 

Leave it to her parents to turn a breakfast with just the family into a whole production. Tiered trays full of pastries and finger sandwiches sat on the table, a pitcher of what looked to be like lemonade sat beside a serving tray of sliced fruit.  

Forty-five minutes into the breakfast and her mother hasn’t stopped talking about one of their colleagues alpha daughter. The one breath tirade about how she’s inconsiderate of her mother how she doesn’t think about anyone but herself. Pot calling the kettle black. But If the alpha’s mother is anything like y/n’s, she can imagine that she too has been the topic of conversation at a dinner table.  
Y/n didn’t speak the entire time. Just sat there as her parents talked around her and about her. Leo and Quinn are doing their best to seem interested. Have been nothing but courteous to them, even when her father asked Quinn when he was going to stop changing people's passwords for a living and come work at the firm. Quinn was a software engineer that had created one of the most successful electronic medical record system. All hospitals in South Korea were using it and the system was getting traction overseas. He smiled graciously at my father, thanking him for the opportunity but the was vastly unqualified for a role at the firm. My mother praised him for his humility.  

It was hard to take her parents seriously especially with how disillusioned they were to their relationship with everyone present at the table.  
Would it be an overreaction to ask them if they were high? She thought as she dragged her fork across her plate. She wondered how she was able to grow up in a house with them. Was it always so glaringly obvious how awful her parents were? And not just as parents but as human beings. How can two people be so blind? How did they manage to fall in love with each other if each one was equally selfish and self-centered.  
Her thoughts were interrupted when Leo grabbed her hand, not noticing how she was gripping her thigh. She hoped that this was a good idea. 

“We have some news to share actually.” Leo interrupted the nonsensical back and forth her parents were having.  
 
“Oh?” Her mother pursed her lips.  
 
“My dear sister has had some big changes happening lately—“ 
 
“oh are we to hear about her little hobby again?”  
 
“Mom it’s something more—“ 
 
“Honestly y/n why can’t you be more like your brother?”  
 
“Would it kill you to make your parents proud for once?” Her father added.
 
“Dad that’s not fair—“ Leo kept getting interrupted and no matter how much y/n hated the idea of telling her parents her business she knew that they weren’t going to give Leo a second to complete his sentence.  
 
“I’m an Omega.” She announced nonchalantly.  
 
“What?”  
 
“Y/n dear that’s not something to joke about. Omegas are so precious to our society you shouldn’t be make fun of the designation.” 
 
“Not Joking. I presented over a month ago.” 
 
“Leo! What is the meaning of this?”  
 
“Y/n is a late bloomer. She is telling the truth.”  
 
“This is preposterous, how can Y/n be an omega. She’s too old to present.” 
 
y/n scoffed at her mother, quickly grabbing the napkin that was resting in her lap, wetting a corner into her water glass and wiping off the scent blockers she had on at her wrists. The smell of warm vanilla, and smokey rum was all the proof her parents needed. Of course, they didn’t bother to realize that her scent wasn’t that of a happy omega, instead annoyed, angry even. But they just carried on like always. Ignoring y/n’s feelings were what they were good at. Her parents didn’t know how to respond to the news. Y/n could see the cogs running in her mom’s head, deciding if she wanted to approach the news with praise or reprimand her for not telling them sooner.  

“Ji-Woo, you have blessed me with two rare jewels for children.” Her father reaches for her mother’s hand, the praise made y/n want to vomit.  

“An omega! My daughter. How wonderful. Wait till the ladies hear about this.” Her mother’s tone had suddenly changed to one y/n had never heard before in her entire life. Didn’t know her mother was capable of sounding so soft when speaking about her.  

“I wish you would have told us this sooner y/n, but no matter, we know now and we can start thinking about your future.”  

“My future?” The few bites she took of breakfast churned in her stomach.  
 
“No wonder she couldn’t handle architecture,” Her father guffaws, “Of course she wanted to do art with her sensitive omega disposition. Oh, how could we not have seen this coming.” 
 
Y/n was tensing in her seat. She felt Leo let go of her hand, ready to step in and redirect the conversation back to what was important. Quinn was letting out subtle calming pheromones, trying to keep y/n’s anger at bay just a little longer. The alpha knew that breakfast was on its way to being done.  
 
“Oh! There are so many people we are going to introduce you to y/n.” 
 
“Perhaps the Jangs, their son is very respectable.” 
 
“Oh yes, very influential family. Could be good for us to have a connection with them.” 
 
It was then that they finally smelled the rolling anger coming off of their daughter. Y/n was fuming. Here she was sitting in front of them, telling them how she just went through one of the most monumental changes in her life and they’re worried about matchmaking?
 
“Oh y/n no need to be upset. It’s normal to be nervous. Don’t worry we will take care of everything for you.” Her mother sent her what she thought was a reassuring smile, but y/n thought she looked like she was choking. Without so much as an affirmation from her, the two betas went back to their scheming not once taking a pause to think about what was coming out of their mouths.  
 
“She can’t just be courted by any pack yebo. They would have to be from our circle, that way we could—“ 

“Just who do you think you are?” She asked vehemently. Her parents' blank stares met hers as she stood from her seat, “You don’t get to be loving parents to me now that I’m valuable to you again. I’m not meeting any of the alphas you think you’re introducing me too. I don’t want that and I sure as hell don’t need your help with finding anyone.”  

“Oh y/n don’t be so dramatic. We know who will be best for you. Someone to take care of you.”  

“I don’t need to be taken care of I do that on my own. And not that it’s any of your business but I’m already being courted.”  
 
“Oh?”  
 
“By whom?!”  Her mother exclaimed. Clearly more offended that she didn't get a chance to choose the suitors.
 
“The Kim pack.” The name settled around the room. Of course her parents knew of them. It was hard not too with who they were and the professional circles they ran in.  
 
“Y/n, be sensible, that pack isn’t a good look for you. They’re all from small families. And they like the attention too much with all their fame and whatnot. How would they take care of you?” 
 
“The Kim pack and I are courting. End of story. You don’t get to have an opinion about this. This breakfast is done. I’m going home.” She grabs her bag from the chair and rushes out. Quinn hot on her heels.  
 
“Y/n don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you.” She didn’t look back as she waved her fingers in a mock goodbye. 

“Hyung, wanna see how many fruit snacks I can fit in my mouth?” Jungkook calls from the living room. 

Yoongi is half afraid and half intrigued by the young alphas proposition, especially since he’s been trying to fix the hook on his new project and everything this he tries just isn’t working. Perhaps a break is warranted. Shutting his laptop, he opens the fridge pulling out a beer for himself and a banana milk for his mate. Him and Namjoon have been working tirelessly on Take Two’s new album, writing and producing new material wasn’t hard for them, it was making the subject and story lines work for the group, and delivering that fresh sound that they’ve been craving, had requested something more mature, grown up. Yoongi could understand why the two alphas wanted a bit of a change, nearing their mid twenties, they wanted to be taken seriously, be seen as men and not the boys they were when they debuted. It was a challenge Yoongi and Namjoon wholeheartedly accepted. But now, as Yoongi was trying to compose a ballad of yearning and soft spoken feelings, he was drawing a blank as to what he was trying to say. He knew what he would say about his mates, what he would want to hear from them as well, but he couldn’t reconcile the feeling that there were too many unsaid words. The alpha shook his head free of the ruminating thoughts and sat down beside Jungkook. 

“Didn’t you just buy that family size box of fruit snacks yesterday?” 

“And?”

Yoongi shoulders moved as he full bellied laughed as the young alphas ripped open a foil packet, “Hyung you gotta count them!” 

“Okay okay, one, two, three—“ If there was one thing Yoongi knew would always ring true was that Jungkook was competitive, even when the only competition was himself. 

It wasn’t long before foil packets were littered on the couch between the two alphas and Jungkook’s cheeks were straining from all the fruit candies he managed to squish into his mouth, “hhwnysght?” 

“Huh?” 

“Hhwnysght?” 

“Sorry I can’t understand you with your mouth so full.” Yoongi smirked at the way Jungkook’s brows furrowed. 

The younger made an unintelligible noise of outrage, his body vibrating with anticipation for the final count. 

“Oh sorry, I was supposed to keep count right?” Jungkook narrowed his eyes in mock anger, his mouth twitching at the corners and his fingers quickly coming up to press against his lips. Yoongi wondered if he could make him laugh hard enough for all the candies to fall out, like one of those old Cartoon Network sketches. 

“Hyungs joking, Kook-ah, I kept count. There’s 20 in your mouth right now.” He lied as he took a swig of his beer. 

If his mouth wasn’t so full Jungkook would have growled at his mates teasing, but he just reached over and pounded his fist lovingly against one of his things, shaking the beer bottle as Yoongi was mid sip. 

“Yah okay okay, there 43 pieces in there, now hurry up and swallow or spit it out already.” 

Unbeknownst to the two men sitting the couch, their eldest mate was observing them in the archway of the living room, a blissful smile stretching his face. Jin was always so happy to see the way Yoongi and Jungkook interacted. Their dynamic was always one of give and take, switching off between eachother whenever the other needed a bit more tenderness. Their teasing was a welcomed sighed, especially after the long day in the kitchen that he had. 

“Jungkook is a good boy. He always swallows for his hyungs.” He announced while leaning against the wall. 

And it was true. Jungkook always swallowed, except this time, his body and his brain were fighting with eachother, surprised and flustered at the same time, he jerked at Jin’s voice behind him, and spat out all 43 candies into his hands. Yoongi doubled over, setting his beer down and clutched his sides, howling at the sight of Jungkook’s pinched expression. 

“Hyung! That’s not fair you can’t say stuff like that and not expect me to react.” He whined watching his two alphas wipe tears off their faces. 

“Oh Koo the reaction was entirely the intention behind the comment.” Jin sent him a cheeky smile. 

He pouted at his hyungs, knew that there was nothing he couldn’t get away with when he gave them his sad puppy dog eyes. 

Yoongi caved first, like always, “Oh Jungkook-ah don’t be sad, Hyungs are just joking with you.” 

“‘M not sad.” His reply in complete contrast to his expression. 

Yoongi clicked his tongue and pulled his mate into his lap. This was entirely part of the game still. Jungkook would pout and whine and one of his hyungs would coddle him until his scent tipped sweeter than whipped frosting. He came willing into Yoongi’s lap, instantly burying his nose into the crook of his neck, taking deep pulls of his scent. Marshmallow and caramel. Yoongi loved it when Jungkook was like this, so pliant and sweet. Loved being able to provide comfort to his youngest mate. 

Jin had moved from his spot and claimed the seat Jungkook vacated, watching his two mates curl up together, intertwined limbs leaving no space between them. He knew Jungkook wasn’t upset, not in the slightest, had smelled the youngers scent remain a steady steam of contentment and joy. Wondered what Yoongi was doing to warrant Jungkook playing up the role of needy maknae. 

Yoongi’s body was buzzing, relaxed in a way it hadn’t been all day, perhaps all week. Growing more pliant when he felt Jungkook’s tongue leave small kitten licks on his scent gland. The marshmallow and caramel scent was melting, and the alpha was floating higher into space. His one hand  caressing Jungkook’s back, as the other came up to cup the back of his head, a silent plea to keep scenting him. 

“Oh my two sweet angels smell so good.” Jin cooed, “My tooth is gonna to start aching.” 

Jungkook let out a small chirp, and Yoongi hummed, eyes glassy and heavy lidded. Jungkook reached out a hand towards his mate, an invitation to cuddle close to both of them. Jin wasted no time at all, quickly adjusting Yoongi to be in the middle, Jungkook still glued to his side, but now all three of them laid on the soft couch, hands tangling in each others clothes and hair. Yoongi was so content, as if he were gently placed in that elusive cloud between asleep and awake; where nothing could hurt him. Where everything felt right. He didn’t realize just how much he was stressing over this album, how much he was neglecting himself. A small thought was stored in the back of him mind to make sure Namjoon got the same treatment as he was getting. 

Jungkook smiled into Yoongi neck as he started to purr. What started off as a small very much needed distraction was now a self care moment. He felt his pulse thrum, pride washing through him at knowing he was able to provide this for his second eldest mate. Just icing on the cake that his eldest was in on it too. The oldest and youngest both showering Yoongi with the attention and affection he deserved. 

“That’s a good pup, settling your alpha so well hmm?” Jin cooed at Jungkook, who lifted his head just enough to send Jin the same smile. 

“Has my good boy been working too hard?” Jin hummed into Yoongi’s ear, causing him to shiver in delight. 

“He’s always working so hard. He deserves to let go.” Jungkook added. 

Yoongi sighed, the floaty feeling ebbing and flowing, a part of him knowing he needed to get back to work but a larger part of him begging to stay put. 

“It’s just this song. I’ll be fine when I finish it.” 

“Heard that before baby.” 

“Yeah hyung, there’ll always be a song to finish.”

“Don’t stress about it right now, let us fuss over you a little longer pup.” 

“Don’t have too.” 

“Oh but we want too.” Jin stated, no room for arguing.

“You’re so cute when you melt for us.” 

“I’m always cute.” 

“True.” Jungkook giggles, triggering a small smile on Yoongi’s lips. Jin knew he was going to have to speak to Jungkook about what he’s been noticing about Yoongi’s behaviour, needed to know if he should be making a point for all of them to spend more time together, perhaps even go away for the weekend. He put the thought away and cuddled closer to his two mates, all three of them slowly dozing off on the couch. 

Y/n spent the rest of her day at home. After a call with Margo explaining how breakfast went she decided she needed a little bit of a break from being around so many people. After a long bath and some pampering, she asked Liam if he wanted to order food and watch a movie. The omega jump at the chance to rot in their living room nest. What was supposed to be one movie turned into three, because you can’t watch only the first pirates of the Caribbean and not the second and third in consecutive order. Quinn had been their quiet little helper, grabbing their takeout and plating it for them, collecting the dishes when they were done and making sure they had snacks ready for them throughout their movie marathon. Y/n was happy no one was bringing up that disaster of a breakfast. It was nice just to relax and let her mind go blank for a few hours. 

“Elizabeth swan is the definition of bi-panic.” Liam drawls as he stuff his face with popcorn. 

“Oh is this you panicking?” 

“Duh? Can’t you see my struggle here?” 

Y/n snorted and got up to stretch, grabbing the empty glasses and bowls she headed to the kitchen to start cleaning up. It was late, well past midnight. While y/n did the dishes, Liam folded their blankets they were using and straightened up the cushions. Both omegas tired and ready for bed. As y/n settled in bed, she saw a video call coming through on her phone, Jimin’s name flashing across the screen. She quickly answered it, worried that something was wrong. 

“Oh shit did I wake you?” 

“No, I’ve been up. Just finished a movie with Liam.” 

“Sorry I didn’t even realize the time. I can call back tomorrow.” 

“No! No it’s okay. I’m not going to bed yet. What’s up?” 

“We got your test results back, was wondering if you wanted to come in tomorrow? I know it’s a few days earlier than your scheduled appointment but I thought I could take you out after?” 

The urge to kick her for and giggle was hard to ignore but not impossible. She nodded her head vigorously, “Yes, I can come tomorrow. Where did you want to go after?” 

“It’s a surprise.” He smirked. 

“Don’t I get a hint?” She pouted back. 

“Nope.” 

“Jimin!” 

“Any hint I give you will 100% give it away.” 

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes, secretly loving the effort he was putting into whatever he had planned.

“I’ll be there at ten to pick you up.” 

“Okay. I’ll see you then.” 

She hung up the call and immediately walked over to her closet to pick out her outfit for her first date tomorrow.