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“They’re here,” Jungkook said as he stepped away from the window and turned to face his mate, no longer having to watch the street for the familiar, sleek, black town car.
Jimin was sitting nervously on the edge of the couch, hands fidgeting in his lap. “Already?” He glanced at the clock, the big hand was on the five. “But it’s only ten twenty-five, they said they’d get here at ten thirty.”
Jungkook cracked a smile at his unsteady voice, placing his phone down on the coffee table. “Well, you can’t really get mad at them for being early.”
“I’m not mad, I’m just – I was preparing myself for ten-thirty. I’ve lost five minutes to calm down,” Jimin whispered and his eyes darted to the elevator doors, body tense in anticipation.
“Love, you’ve been ‘calming down’ for the last half an hour,” Jungkook chuckled and bent down in front of Jimin, folding his arms over his knees. Jimin melted at the sight of Jungkook’s sweet, lazy smile and coffee brown eyes twinkling. “Is it really making you this nervous? I told you they’re really excited to meet you.”
“But they’re your parents. I have to make a good impression.”
“You don’t have to, whether they like you or not isn’t going to change how I feel about you,” Jungkook teased and then squeezed Jimin’s knee, “but they will.”
“Aish, don’t say that,” Jimin rolled his eyes, sometimes questioning Jungkook’s comforting methods.
Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek, eyes shining with affection and amusement. “You are so adorable,” he murmured and tilted his head up and Jimin, even when he was feeling edgy and tense, knew Jungkook was asking for a kiss. Jimin let his hands fall around his shoulders, craning his head forward to slot his lips over Jungkook’s. The angle was a change as Jungkook was the taller of the two and Jimin always had to tip his head back to kiss him.
Jimin sighed into his mouth as his worries slowly eased, feeling Jungkook’s warm body beneath his palms. His mate was here – he wouldn’t let him feel uncomfortable. Jimin knew he had no reason to be so anxious.
When Jimin tried to pull away, Jungkook pressed forward, unwilling to break contact. Jimin giggled as Jungkook rose from his crouch on the carpet and leaned closer, pushing Jimin back against the cushions and caging him with his arms.
“You’re parents,” Jimin mumbled, nipping his bottom lip playfully.
Jungkook made a sound of exasperation and pecked his lips one last time, then a quick one on Jimin’s neck, before drawing away, boyish frown on his handsome face. “They always have such bad timing.”
Jimin was about to reply when he heard the familiar ding of the elevator doors opening, body going rigid. Two new scents that together reminded him of Jungkook greeted his senses and his Omega wolf jolted with fresh nerves.
“Jungkook?” a female voice rang through the apartment and Jungkook grinned despite his earlier statement.
“Hey mom, dad,” Jungkook greeted and tugged encouragingly on Jimin’s hand.
Jimin stood up shakily and tightened his grip slightly. He had seen Jungkook’s parents in photos framed around the apartment, but seeing them in real life was different. Jungkook’s mother was slightly shorter than Jimin with brown hair cut in a sleek bob with doe-eyes like Jungkook’s. She beamed when she saw him, hands clasping together in delight, stepping forward. Jungkook’s father was almost an older version of his son – the same nose and smile. He wasn’t nearly as intimidating as Jimin had imagined him to be.
“Hello, I’m Park Jimin, n-nice to meet you,” he stammered, face going red just from the pressure of meeting his mate’s parents. He released Jungkook’s hand to bow deeply.
“Ah, it’s so nice to finally see you! We’ve been wanting to meet you since Jungkook told us he found a mate, but he wouldn’t let us come around until you properly settled in,” she said as she walked closer, scanning over Jimin’s features in curiosity. She smiled kindly before wrapping Jimin up in a warm embrace, rubbing his back like his mother did and Jimin felt a twinge of homesickness. “It must have been incredibly difficult to move so far away from the rest of your family. We really, really appreciate you doing that.”
Jimin blinked in surprise at her thanks. It was customary for the Omega to go to the Alpha’s residence if they came from different places, but the Jeons weren’t like that, and Jimin realised just how lucky he was to have found such a wonderful mate with a wonderful family. “It’s no problem, really. Jungkook’s university is here, and your mate’s company, besides, I can teach wherever I am.”
“That’s right! You’re a dancer! Contemporary, right? That’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed, voice uplifting and genuine. Jimin blushed meekly.
“Oh, I’m not anything special –”
“He impressed Yunho,” Jungkook added, and Jimin bit his lip in happiness. “He got through.”
Dance was far more competitive in the city, compared to his town when he had been one of the few dance teachers around. Hoseok suggested auditioning for a dance crew to get recognition and do performances, which would eventually lead to opportunities to choreograph for a wide range of productions. Yunho lead one of the most renowned dance crews in the city (Hoseok was in it) with dancers who specialised in a variety of different genres, and hundreds of people auditioned each year with very little getting through. Jimin was extremely doubtful – he really didn’t have that much experience and never performed on a big stage, and although Yunho said he had a fair bit of practice to do before he could perform, he was accepted in. He was astounded and Hoseok was over the moon.
Jungkook’s mother looked gobsmacked. “First try? Wow, you have to dance for us one day,” she insisted and then her eyes softened, “But anyway, how are you finding the city, Jimin?”
“It’s different,” Jimin replied as Jungkook placed a hand on the small of his back, relaxing him, letting him know he was there if he needed him. “I’m getting used to it.”
“I hope Jungkook is spoiling you,” she flicked her gaze up to her son with a half-joking, half serious look, “since he’s so stingy with everyone else, and he made you move all the way here.”
Jungkook groaned. “I’m not stingy, mom, just careful with my money.”
His mom rolled her eyes good naturedly, “Don’t quote your father to me.” She beckoned to her mate who walked to her side. “You haven’t said anything, honey.”
Jimin’s stomach twisted into knots. Jungkook’s father was faintly smiling but he was hard to read – just like Jungkook. He looked like he was assessing him, and Jimin felt very timid under his stare. He was an Alpha, the more powerful one in the room, and Jimin’s wolf curled back. Perhaps Jungkook’s father had wanted someone of higher status or who came from a wealthy family or…
“Dad,” Jungkook cut in, and his tone was polite but firm. “You’re scaring him.”
His mother frowned at her mate, whose expression immediately softened. She patted his shoulder. “I’ve told you, you need to work on controlling your facial muscles.”
Jungkook’s father sighed, but it was fond, before he faced Jimin and extended a hand, eyes astonishingly warm and his content with his son’s mate evidently clear. “I’m sorry about that. Welcome to the family, Jimin.”
Jimin knew that Jungkook was well known around the city due to his father’s incredibly successful business, but he didn’t anticipate the stares wherever they went. Whether it was to a restaurant or the cinemas or walking through the national park, there was a never-ending plethora of admirers fawning over Jungkook’s charismatic good looks and natural charm. It made him a little jealous.
Jimin received stares too, most of them curious with no evident bad intentions, but some were filled with bitterness and resentment. The news that Jungkook now had a mate spread rapidly and was even mentioned in the national news when there was a story on Jungkook’s father. No one knew who Jimin was, where he came from, or what he did, and journalists eager to get the story of their courtship approached them shamelessly.
Jungkook threw them irritated glares and Jimin shrunk back away from the voice recorders and microphones being shoved in his face, asking for an exclusive. He was very, very close to telling them all to ‘get lost, please’ but he didn’t want to tarnish Jungkook or his parents’ reputation in any way so he bit his tongue.
“It’s so strange, Tae. He’s like a celebrity,” he whined to Taehyung over the phone.
“Well, not my fault you decided to mate with the Jeon heir,” his friend replied, completely unhelpful and completely unsympathetic of his situation. “Seokjin hasn’t got it much better – fans of Namjoon, sorry, Rap Monster, have gone a little batshit.”
Jimin sighed and laid back on the bed, eyes drifting to the open door where Jungkook was stepping out of the shower, towel wrapped dangerously low around his hips. Jimin’s body warmed at the flex of Jungkook’s muscles.
“Jiminie? Are you still there?” Taehyung’s suspicious voice cut through his ear.
“Huh?” Jimin breathed and then tore his eyes away from his attractive mate. “Yes, yes.” He cleared his throat and tried to reorganize his scattered brain.
It had been almost three weeks since he came to the city with Jungkook and for the good half of it they had spent their whole time ravishing each other be it on the bed, in the shower, the kitchen counter, the table, the couch, the wall… He thought he would have gotten used to his mate’s body by now, but it still managed to work him up and make him feverish. “How are you and Yoongi?”
“We’re doing fine,” Taehyung replied with a yawn. “He’s such a cutie underneath all that scowling, and when he’s all serious and concentrating on his music – I just can’t deal.”
“Uh huh,” Jimin mumbled as his attention was drawn back to Jungkook who was walking to his phone on the bedside table, replying to a few messages. The Alpha felt him staring and glanced at him, lips quirked into a grin. He still had the towel around his hips and his damp hair was tousled from the water. Jimin bit his lip, blood rushing south.
“Jimin? Ugh, I give up. I’m hanging up,” Taehyung muttered.
“Wait, Tae –”
“I know you’re probably eye-fucking Jungkook right now. I do not want to be a part of this. Good night.”
Sometimes, despite the stares and cameras and whispers, Jimin still couldn’t wrap his head around how influential Jungkook’s family was.
He remembered when they entered a crowded, unbelievably popular, high class restaurant with a lengthy line outside, but the second Jungkook spoke his name to add to the list, he was placed at the front of the wait and ushered to a table a few minutes later.
Jimin was shocked as he sat down, gaping at Jungkook who didn’t seem fazed in the slightest. “Does that happen often?”
Jungkook just hummed in response, a nonchalant yes.
“But…” Jimin turned his head to the window, gaze running across the line of people waiting in the cold. They were all dressed warmly in thick jackets and scarves, but the point was that they had been here first. Jimin and Jungkook had practically just arrived. Even back at his town the wealthier families weren’t given this sort of special treatment. “That’s not very fair.”
Jungkook followed the vector of his eyes, hearing the guilt in Jimin’s tone. “Love, even if I protested, they still would have done it.”
“Well, maybe…” Jimin drifted off and bit his lip. “But still, I don’t like it.”
Jungkook pressed his lips together in a light frown, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket. He seemed confused and unsure as to what to say to make it better. They couldn’t do much now – they’d already sat down and the waiter had poured them some water and handed them the menu. Jungkook reached across and covered Jimin’s hand with his own. “Alright, next time I’ll make a proper reservation.”
“Thank you,” Jimin breathed, still feeling a bit bad for the people waiting outside. He understood Jungkook didn’t purposely use his reputation to his advantage, but simply came to accept the allowances they made for him. It’s been the way he’s lived all his life.
As waiters and waitresses fussed around them, Jimin realised just how out of place he felt. He hadn’t even heard of half the dishes or drinks on the menu and he was positively gawking at the prices of them. He knew living in the city was costly but… what? That much for just an entrée?
“Jungkook,” Jimin whispered and Jungkook glanced up, already folding his menu and placing it to the side. “This is so expensive.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a combination of mild confusion and fondness. “It’s actually quite low-priced.” When Jimin stared at him silently, Jungkook realised his words and flushed, embarrassed with his response. “It’s fine Jimin, that’s just how these places are. You can get anything you want.”
“I… I barely know any of these dishes,” Jimin mumbled and his cheeks reddened and he suddenly felt exposed and discomfited, and terribly out of place. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?” Jungkook chuckled and leaned over the table so he could point to the dishes and explain what they were. “I didn’t understand a thing the first time I came here either.”
The dance crew was amazing.
Hoseok was beyond amazing.
And Jimin was standing to the side at the back, eyes wide and mouth pressed shut. He didn’t know if he could keep up to a choreography like that. The modern dances were fine – they were spectacular and Jimin loved it – but hip hop? Jimin felt something tight coil up in his stomach.
I really don’t think I can do this.
“Jimin?” Hoseok called and touched his shoulder. He beamed at him, bright and reassuring. “It’s not as hard as it looks, I promise, and I’ll help you through it.”
Jimin gulped, a lump forming in his throat, but nodded. He caught the onlooking stares of a few other members, most of them had welcomed him with big smiles and open arms, but the second they found out he was Jungkook’s mate the atmosphere had changed, almost like they felt they had to be more polite with him. Hoseok had told him not to worry – they’d get used to it soon.
“Okay,” Jimin grinned nervously. Hoseok’s encouraging, kind eyes made him feel a little better.
He got up and lined himself up with the others. Hoseok was right to an extent – it wasn’t as hard as it looked – but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a challenge. The movements were different than what he was used to, the stage presence was too, and Jimin found himself unconsciously going back to his contemporary roots. He was unsatisfied by his progress no matter how much Hoseok praised him.
Jimin pretended he didn’t hear the rumours that he only got in because he had landed himself a Jeon.
The examiners hadn’t even known who his mate was when he auditioned.
Jimin loved Jungkook in suits. Or more specifically, Jimin loved Jungkook in ties.
His mouth had dried and he felt desire pool in his stomach and he couldn’t tear his eyes away. When Jungkook had put on the white dress shirt and the dark blue slacks Jimin had appreciated his long legs and shapely arms and enjoyed the way the fabric would stretch across his torso when he moved. Jungkook slung his blazer absentmindedly over his shoulder, muttering about putting it on when he got to the company building, and then grabbed his shiny, silver Rolex and was clasping it onto his wrist.
Then he had grabbed the dark, navy tie with the subtle striped pattern and thin silver lines and grimaced as he put it on with practiced ease, checking himself in his phone camera because he couldn’t be bothered to find a mirror.
Jimin couldn’t help but stare.
Jungkook seemed utterly oblivious to his mate’s reaction. He was tugging at it and continually fussing with it around his collar, lightly scowling as he buttoned up his cufflinks with dexterous fingers. Whenever Jungkook had to go the company to help out he woke up extremely early to make sure he didn’t forget anything (Jimin found it so endearing that Jungkook stressed so much about how the employees at the company saw him), so Jimin was still in his pyjamas, a mug of hot coffee in his hands. This was the first time he’d seen Jungkook dress so smartly, clothes tailored to fit his body perfectly, accentuate all the right places. It was meant to make Jungkook look sophisticated and respectful and businessman like – and it did, it really did – but god he looked sexy, and Jimin was so glad he had sleepily rolled out of bed to see Jungkook off.
His mate’s shoulders looked broader and the angles of his face sharper and just so Alpha. Jimin’s Omega side was enthralled. Jungkook looked a hundred times more mature, and his combed, parted, styled hair complimented his chiselled jawline and high cheekbones. He looked like a model, or one of those unbelievably handsome male leads in those addicting but unrealistic dramas. Jungkook was the epitome of dashing.
“I’ll be back in the afternoon sometime,” Jungkook said and finally faced Jimin, finished with his cufflinks and done fiddling with his tie. One look at Jimin’s flushed cheeks and red bitten lips was enough. He cocked an eyebrow and gave him a quizzical look. “Are you turned on by this?”
Jimin felt his face grow warm, and nodded meekly. “You look really… hot.” He felt like a teenager with a crush.
Jungkook smirked, eyes dancing with amusement. “Is that so? What about it in particular?”
Jimin placed his mug on the coffee table and stood up to smooth his hands over his slightly crooked collar. “I like your tie the most,” he whispered and grabbed the silky material between his fingers.
Jimin looked at the clock and he and his Omega wolf were profoundly disappointed, wishing Jungkook didn’t have to be leaving in five minutes.
Jungkook gripped his hips and pulled him closer, garnet eyes searching his. Jimin had a feeling his pupils were blown and he probably looked more aroused than he should be. “Should I tie you up with it later?”
Jimin couldn’t stop the whine. He had become much more at ease with his Omega side because he trusted Jungkook so deeply, knowing that the Alpha would never force him to submit against his will or make him do anything that made him uncomfortable. In fact, every now and then, Jimin would let his Omega instincts come out and let Jungkook indulge in his dominant side. “Please, alpha.”
“Oh fuck, Jimin,” Jungkook kissed him with an almost carnal intensity, wolf turning ravenous by being addressed by his rank, especially by his gorgeous Omega. Jimin tugged him closer by his tie and moaned into his mouth when one of Jungkook’s hands grabbed his ass. “Do you think – just quickly – can we, please?”
Jimin pulled back and shook his head, giggling at the crestfallen look on the younger’s face and the needy edge to it. Jungkook so rarely begged, and hearing him desperate was a treat.
“You have to go to the company soon or you’ll be late, and I have to start getting ready too.” He grimaced at the thought of doing that fast-paced, complex hip hop routine again. He was going to have to put hours of more practice in than everyone else just to keep up.
“Tease,” Jungkook groaned. “I’m going to be thinking about this all day.”
Jimin released his harsh grip on the tie and flattened out any crinkles. “Well, now you have something to look forward to.”
“When I get back I’m going to torment you until you’re begging for me to fuck you.”
Now, when Jungkook said dirty things like that – and he meant them – Jimin would feel giddy with excitement. “I can’t wait.”
After another strained groan, Jungkook kissed him chastely on the mouth once more before running a hand through his hair, neatening it before shooting him a smile. “Good luck. Don’t listen to what the others say, okay? You’re amazing.”
Jimin’s chest filled with warmth and he let his mate’s comforting words wash over him. “Okay. Now go! You’ll be late!”
“Is Jeon Jungkook really your mate?” Another Omega called Minjae in the dance crew asked as she swept her hair up into a ponytail. They had finished their practice for that day and most of the others had left already.
Jimin was caught off guard, but nodded. Minjae smiled at him as she started packing her water bottle and spare clothes into her sports bag.
“I hope I don’t make you uncomfortable, and feel free to say so if I do, but are you like… gosh, how do I put this… from a prestigious family, or something?” she asked, cringing at her awkwardly phrased sentence and hesitation all over her face.
Normally, Jimin would frown inside and avoid the question, answering ‘I don’t really want to talk about it’ but Minjae was incredibly nice and funny and had helped him a lot with the choreography the past few days. He didn’t hear any ill intentions in her voice except pure curiosity, and Jimin supposed that now that he was a part of the dance group, he should open up a bit. Everyone was friendly and supportive, with maybe a few, rare exceptions, but they were unavoidable.
“Um, not really. Actually, not at all,” Jimin answered as he wiped sweat from his forehead with his towel, sitting on the floor beside her. “I’m from a small town quite a fair bit away. Our social status is miles apart.”
Minjae beamed, shocked but happy for some reason. “Wow, really? That’s so… that’s so refreshing to hear.”
“Oh, why?” Jimin perked up, confused.
“Well, you’ve probably heard the rumours and the talk and all,” Minjae said as she zipped up her bag and placed it over her knees. “But Jungkook has a reputation for being a bit proud and snobbish and everyone sort of figured that if you weren’t from money he wouldn’t give you the time of day. So hearing you’re not from some big, powerful, prominent family is sort of nice – not that it would matter if you were! I like you either way.”
Jimin smiled at her compliment, pleased, but the part about Jungkook’s partiality towards those of lower social status made him puzzled. “What do you mean he wouldn’t give you the time of day?”
Minjae began to braid her ponytail – she was one of those people who couldn’t sit still, always having to do something. “Well, I mean, he always dines at those Michelin star, fancy restaurants and almost everything he wears is designer. He’s like never stepped foot in even the middle-class area of the city and he only attends the really high-status events. I’ve heard that he would only ever sleep with people from esteemed, wealthy families and didn’t like interacting with those lower,” she paused and scratched her cheek.
Jimin stared at her, the information settling heavily within him.
“Oh, I’m such an idiot,” Minjae reddened and looked incredibly mortified and ashamed, “You don’t want to hear about things like that. They’re just stuff in the gossip columns and magazines and all that crap. I’m sure it’s not true. You’re like the sweetest guy ever so Jungkook is probably nothing like how the media portray him. God, I’m sorry Jimin. I really, really overstepped. I’m so sorry.”
Jimin quickly waved away her apology, seeing the regret all over her face – she looked like she was about to cry. Others got curious about Jungkook, Jimin had received questions like this all the time from most people he met, but he had never really humoured them and heard their perspective on his mate and how the city residents saw him.
And now he really wished he hadn’t.
Minjae had continued to profusely apologize and Jimin wasn’t angry at her in the slightest, but that didn’t mean he didn’t think of what she had said.
He had felt something ugly when Minjae mentioned Jungkook only associating himself with those of the same social class. Did Jungkook look down on them when he had first arrived at their town? Had he ever been disappointed his mate turned out to be an everyday person?
Jimin knew the whole matter about Jungkook seeming proud or snobbish was a result of his shyness – Jimin had made the same assumption when they first met – and his expensive dress code didn’t really phase him either. Jungkook bought most of his things online and he looked at all different sites with a variety of price ranges and usually just happened to like clothes and accessories that were of designer brands, and a good part of his wardrobe was actually his mom making her stylist choose things for him because Jungkook didn’t seem to understand the concept of variety.
As for only going to prestigious events, Jungkook didn’t like socialising in big crowds and with people he didn’t know. He would complain whenever his parents asked him to go to some fancy function and tried to get out of it. Though the other day Jungkook had smiled and said he was glad he now had Jimin to endure the torture with him.
In fact, they had an event to go to tonight as their first ‘official’ outing as a couple. Jungkook’s parents couldn’t wait – they were over the moon that Jungkook was finally, finally going to introduce Jimin to the public.
“She wants to brag about you,” Jungkook had mumbled as his mother excitedly told the hosts they were all attending. “And you’d be surprised how many people really respect the dance crew you’re in. You’ll have your own little fan base before you know it.”
“What about your father?” Jimin said, chewing on his bottom lip.
Jungkook had grinned, revealing his just noticeable, extremely cute overbite. “Dad’s mom was a dancer. He’s secretly thrilled you are too. Grandma would have loved you.”
In addition to all that, Jimin didn’t even understand the part about Jungkook not going to middle-class areas because Jimin himself didn’t know the city enough to discern which parts were of which working class.
The part about the dining threw him a bit, and he had to admit there was some credibility to that. Jungkook always opted for elegant, extravagant restaurants, but it wasn’t like Jimin had ever made a suggestion to go someplace else, once again, because he didn’t know the city well.
Of course, the bit about who he slept with struck a chord – not about Jungkook being with other people, obviously he would have and it wasn’t like Jimin hadn’t either – but about the type of people he took as his lovers.
Would Jungkook have ever looked twice at me if he hadn’t felt the urge to become my mate?
Jimin sighed and shook his head, willing the negative thoughts aside as best he could. He’d worry about them later.
“Oh no, not this way,” Jungkook muttered and steered Jimin to the other side of the room, polite smile on his lips and bowing to the people who greeted him as they passed.
The room was packed with people in stunning dresses and suits and everyone there was so clearly from money, but they weren’t entirely unpleasant like how Jimin had fretted they’d be.
“What? Why?” Jimin asked as Jungkook reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“The Kim family over there talk forever. We’d never be able to leave if they started a conversation with us,” Jungkook said under his breath.
Jimin looked back over his shoulder, not even sure who he was meant to be looking at. “Oh.”
When they had first arrived, there had been the cameras and reporters and though Jimin would usually briskly walk past them, today they had stopped and let a few photos be taken. Jungkook had kept an arm around his waist, ready to brush the media away if Jimin got uncomfortable. The whole ordeal was uncomfortable, to be quite honest, but Jimin managed to keep his smile intact and stay close to Jungkook.
He had been overwhelmed at first, especially at the sheer amount of Alphas in the room, all oozing power and dominance. Jimin’s Omega wolf retreated, head low and intimidated, never having seen so many Alphas together – there had only been a handful in his hometown.
Jimin tried his best not to look affected but found himself curling into Jungkook’s side nonetheless, craving the soothing presence and touch of his mate. Jimin could barely speak to the many people who stopped to talk to the Jeons, and when another young Alpha had winked at him from across the room, Jimin dropped his gaze to the floor with a whine stuck in his throat. He hated how pitiful he was acting, but his nerves were out of control. He was a small town Omega in a room full of prominent wolves.
Jungkook’s father gave him a warm smile before whispering something in Jungkook’s ear and his mate had glanced down at him, concern in his dark eyes. Jungkook brought him aside and to the corner of the room, cupping his face in his warm hands. “Would you like me to scent you?”
Jimin blinked up at him and felt a response of yes and no. Yes because having Jungkook’s scent on him would calm him for sure and warn the other wolves away, but no because he wanted to be strong by himself. But the place reeked of authority and everyone was so classy and superior that Jimin gave in, nodding.
“You don’t have to be ashamed, love. Most of the Omegas here have been scented by their mates too,” Jungkook assured him as he nosed against Jimin’s skin. “And I’m getting slightly jealous of others staring at you, as well.”
“They’re not staring at me like that.”
“Yes, they most definitely are, not that I can blame them.”
Jimin smiled against Jungkook’s chest as his scent slowly came over him, clinging to Jimin’s elegant suit, sinking into his pores. His Omega wolf relaxed instantly, happy and at ease. “Thank you.” He drew back when Jungkook had finished, eyes shining and body warm. He had never been scented before, but he felt his mate’s protection wrap around him like a blanket.
“Better?” Jungkook whispered against his forehead and Jimin slipped his hand into his.
“Better.”
Jimin enjoyed himself far more after that, but the amusement wavered towards the end of the night when they had to answer a few questions from the journalist inside the function who would be writing an article on the event. Jimin was officially being introduced to the public and a small story on how they came together was going to be printed.
“And did you both know you wanted to be together right away?” the newsperson asked, anticipating their response.
Jungkook chuckled. For someone who could be awkward and shy at times, he blended seamlessly with the rest of the high-class wolves, well versed and adept. “I did, did you?”
Jimin looked up at him and smiled teasingly. “I did eventually.”
“You wound me, love,” Jungkook laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners.
A few more questions about their relationship were asked, before the reporter finally got to the final one. “And Jungkook-ssi, I think most people expected you to end up with someone like yourself from the city, were you expecting that too?”
Jimin felt his body freeze at the question, heart suddenly beating harder in his chest. He shouldn’t be nervous about the question, or what Jungkook’s answer would be, but what Minjae had said earlier that day suddenly popped into his head. He would be pissed at the reporter if he wasn’t so uneasy.
Jungkook paused. “I… I’m sorry?” He had definitely been caught off guard.
The reported cleared his throat, looking mildly intimidated by the hard edge to Jungkook’s tone. “Taking into consideration your previous relationships, sir, many speculated you would end up with someone perhaps also in business or families close to yours and since Jimin-ssi is not… well…”
The reporter could phrase it however he wanted, but Jimin knew what he was asking. Did you expect your mate to come from the same social class as you? Are you surprised he didn’t?
Jungkook opened his mouth, slight irritation on his face, but he faltered when Jimin snuck a glance at him, expression tight and pale. Jungkook’s hand stroked his waist and something very defensive and Alpha-like crossed his features. He pulled Jimin closer and pressed a kiss to his temple, and Jimin let his anxious Omega wolf be calmed. “I’m not answering that, and I don’t want it mentioned in the article.”
The reported gulped and nodded, an apology on his lips that Jungkook didn’t bother to hear.
“Geez,” Jungkook sighed when they were well enough away. “It annoys me so much when they ask things like that.”
But Jimin really wanted to have heard Jungkook’s response.
“Can we go somewhere casual today?” Jimin asked once they both decided they were too lazy to cook. Jungkook had been studying all day and Jimin had perhaps overdone his practice at the dance studio. “I don’t feel like dressing up.”
“Sure, we can,” Jungkook replied as he typed something on his laptop, finishing up something for one of his university subjects. “There’s an Italian restaurant down the street that’s pretty laid back.”
Jimin grinned at his easy answer, filling silly to have fretted over Jungkook and his supposed high dining tastes.
But when they actually got there, he realised that yes, the dress code was certainly not as strict as other places, but it was by no means an everyday restaurant. It was still for the rich and privileged.
There was nothing wrong with wanting to eat at fancy places – the service was impeccable – but Jimin found himself craving to go somewhere a bit more casual with a more relaxed atmosphere where they could curl up and sip from mugs rather than fine china, and it wouldn’t matter if they used the wrong cutlery for their meal.
He was hit with a wave of homesickness and found himself staring into the city lights late at night, hugging a pillow he had brought from home, wanting to see his parents. He felt better when he met up with Taehyung and Seokjin, at least. But Taehyung had always had a taste for the fine things in life and Seokjin’s family had been quite well off so he found the transition much smoother.
The other day when they had been in the shops Jimin had wandered to the home décor section and had an urge to make Jungkook’s apartment a little more rustic, but pondered if Jungkook would dislike the change to his incredibly sleek, modern style.
He heard Jungkook’s footsteps behind him and then long arms wrap around his waist, pulling him back into his chest. Jungkook kissed the fading scar on his neck. “Are you coming to bed soon?”
Jimin felt bad for being so upset, and over nothing really. Jungkook was always so good to him. He’d do anything if he asked. “In a few minutes.”
“I’m lonely without you next to me,” Jungkook mumbled and drew in Jimin’s scent, yawning sleepily.
“Go back to sleep, Kookie, you have an early morning class,” Jimin chuckled as Jungkook rested his chin heavily on his shoulder. “I’ll be there soon, really.”
“Alright.”
Jimin’s worries all come out a few days later after sitting in a café with Hoseok. They had just finished dance practice and he had his first performance coming up in a month. They decided to get coffee and cakes to celebrate. Hoseok got a call from his sister and had to leave (“Family emergency, nothing serious!” he said apologetically) and Jimin decided to finish his drink before he left. Two young Betas around his age sat down a few tables from him. They were both enviously striking, and Jimin didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t help it when he was the focus of their conversation.
“Hey, isn’t that Jeon Jungkook’s mate with the silver hair?”
“Oh, yeah, it is. He’s not as good looking as I thought he’d be.”
“He is good looking, he’s really pretty. Aren’t you just salty because you crushed on him all throughout high school and after you finally hooked up with him, Jungkook never called you back?”
“No, really! And listen, I heard he only mated with Jungkook for money.”
“I don’t know, my friend said they looked pretty in love.”
“But seriously, aren’t you a bit surprised he settled for someone average like him? And he doesn’t look Jungkook’s type at all.”
“I was a bit surprised, but like I said maybe they’re in love, and what is Jungkook’s type?”
“You know, rich, tall, confident, sensual. His mate looks innocent and cute – he’s got sweater paws! Jungkook never hooked up with anyone like that before.”
“Ah, who knows? He’s probably different when they’re alone together.”
“Okay, okay fine.”
They moved off onto a different topic but Jimin’s body had gone numb, mind buzzing with their gossip. He chugged down the rest of his coffee and hastily left the café, fingers knotting together.
It was ridiculous, they knew nothing about their relationship, but Jimin couldn’t help wondering why did Jungkook choose him? Regardless of status and money, Jimin was not the ideal type described. He was shy and awkward, not confident or sensual. He looked at his sweater, the sleeves a bit too long, and felt his heart sink. He liked his loose clothes – they were more comfortable.
Jimin knew a lot about choosing a mate came from what the person’s inner wolf wanted; it was possible Jungkook’s Alpha wolf had wanted Jimin but Jungkook himself hadn’t, at least not at first. Maybe Jimin’s scent had only appealed to him.
Jimin knew Jungkook adored him, but maybe he would like him more if he was a bit more audacious and dressed in tighter, form fitting clothes?
The questions plagued him all the way back to the apartment, walking in and seeing Jungkook sitting lazily on the couch, flicking through a magazine. He gave him a warm smile when he saw Jimin.
“Hey, look, that interview is in here,” Jungkook said, flipping to an article and Jimin stepped out of his shoes as he walked towards him, eyes briefly glancing at the photo printed on the page: he looked shy and nervous amongst the Jeons. He looked like he didn’t belong.
Jimin sat down beside him, and Jungkook automatically rested a hand on his thigh. “Um… Jungkook?”
“Hmm?”
“About that interview… why didn’t you answer that question at the end? The one about if you had expected to mate with someone from… someone like you.”
“What?” Jungkook lowered the magazine and gave Jimin an incredulous look.
“You didn’t answer the last question.”
“It was unnecessary.”
“Yeah, but,” Jimin tried to keep his voice light, not wanting to offend Jungkook or give him the wrong impression – he trusted Jungkook, he loved him, but Jimin was searching for something... for reassurance. “You got all uncomfortable with it.”
“Jimin,” Jungkook began and his eyebrows furrowed, “you know I don’t care about your status, right?”
Jimin nodded but he couldn’t stop. “Yes, I know, but then why didn’t you just say that?”
“Because I didn’t think I had to,” Jungkook stood up and stepped a few paces back, his expression slipping into that taciturn mask he wore so easily but not before Jimin caught the trace of confusion.
“But they don’t know that, and it’s a pretty understandable inquiry, I mean, everyone was shocked that you settled for me -”
“I didn’t settle for you Jimin, don’t say things like that. I wanted you, don’t you know that by now?” Jungkook’s eyes darkened at his words and he ran a hand through his hair, exasperation seeping into his tone.
Jimin rose to his feet too, knees a little shaky and feeling horrible under his mate’s affronted watch. “Yes – yes I do, I just – you just got all weird when they asked and I get it if you had wanted your mate to be like you too – I probably would have -”
Jungkook made a sound of frustration, cutting Jimin off. “It’s not the question, Jimin, for God’s sake. It’s the implication behind it, about you.”
“What about me?” Jimin whispered, voice a few notches quieter and caught by surprise.
“The insinuation that you’re not good enough because you’re not like me, or that I had high expectations and you didn’t meet them or something equally stupid. That’s how it’ll get framed, and its bullshit,” Jungkook exclaimed heatedly, hand going up to rub the back of his neck, glancing away with fuming eyes.
Jimin felt himself coil from his mate’s hard tone, guilty. “People already say that anyway.”
Jungkook clenched his jaw. “But I certainly wasn’t going to give them something to back it up with.” He sighed heavily and softened his voice. “If it means that much to you – fine, yes, I always assumed my mate would be from the city, but not because that’s what I wanted, they’re just the kind of people I often meet. I would never have met you if Namjoon didn’t suggest traveling so far away. But I’m not disappointed it’s you, not a single part of me is disappointed.”
Jimin swallowed the lump in his throat, chest aching. He hated the strain in Jungkook’s voice, the slight anger, the frustration, the hurt laced all in there. He stepped forward and Jungkook’s eyes followed his movement, and he looked like he wanted to take off, leave the apartment and get some air. Jimin didn’t want to see Jungkook’s back walking away from him.
“I’m sorry,” Jimin mumbled softly, voice thick with shame.
“Jimin…”
“I just… love you so much,” Jimin whispered and it was such a terrible time to say it, but it slipped out because Jungkook’s frustration with Jimin all stemmed from how much he cared about him, and if there was ever any good reason to fight, wouldn’t this be one?
Jungkook stared at him silently.
“The transitions just been hard,” Jimin confessed and wrapped his arms around himself like he could shield himself from all the new, scary changes his life had undergone in the past few weeks. “I’m happy here with you, but your life is so different and I’m just trying to fit in.”
There was a thick, tension-filled silence between the two of them and Jimin’s wolf whimpered. “I know you care about me, I think I just wanted some reassurance. It’s so stupid, and I’m so sorry, Jungkook.” He dropped his gaze and felt a tear prick the back of his eyelids, surprised he managed to stay so composed throughout their argument. He hated fighting with anyone, but fighting with Jungkook was the worst.
His mate still hadn’t said anything. Jimin hated when he couldn’t read his emotions.
“Could you…” Jimin took a shaky step and raised his eyes to look at Jungkook again, fear of rejection rising inside him. “Could you just hold me? Please?”
He thought Jungkook would flinch away, annoyed by his request, but instead his stony expression crumpled and Jungkook was moving towards him in quick strides. He pulled Jimin’s smaller body close and tangled a hand in his hair, the other around his waist. Jimin let out a breath in relief.
“I’m still mad,” Jungkook stated but his voice was considerably gentler and he was rubbing circles on Jimin’s back, tender and comforting.
“Okay.”
“And I love you too.”
All Jimin really had to do was ask Jungkook about each rumour, and his worries were instantly quelled.
“I only know those fancy dining places,” Jungkook shrugged sheepishly. “I don’t like going to places I don’t know.”
Jimin blinked. “Oh.”
“As for my hook ups, the confident ones approached me first. I would never do it myself,” Jungkook muttered as he held Jimin against his side, lips on his temple. “And how do you think you’re not sensual – wait, who even uses that word? – you drive me crazy.”
Jimin’s cheeks reddened.
Jungkook brushed a strand of hair from his eyes. “And I don’t even remember the way any of them dressed. It really wasn’t an important detail.”
“What about the way I dress?” Jimin glanced up, curious.
Jungkook tilted his head. “You’re gorgeous no matter what you wear.”
“No, but really, what do you prefer?” Jimin pressed, eager to know what Jungkook actually liked. He wouldn’t change what he was comfortable wearing for him, but maybe he’d keep it in mind for a special occasion.
But Jungkook’s lips curled into a dirty smirk. “Well, to be completely honest, I prefer you naked.”
“Jiminie, you look so awesome!” Taehyung laughed as he swiped across his phone, grinning widely at the photos that had been uploaded from Jimin’s first performance with Hoseok and the dance crew they were a part of.
Jimin chewed on his lip, flattered and still getting used to having his face plastered on social media.
“You two are such an aesthetic couple,” Taehyung sighed as Yoongi napped across his lap, using his thigh as a pillow. “And the public have gone crazy over you Jiminie. Hey, Jungkook-ah, you’re going to have competition soon, better step up your game.”
Jungkook scowled from across the room, currently in the process of printing out another university assignment. He shoved a new stack of paper into the tray, tongue in cheek. “I’d win,” he huffed indignantly, like Taehyung doubted his abilities.
Jimin rolled his eyes. “I’m your mate silly, you’ve already won.”