#doomgurlficss

“F-fuck!”

The two of you had been going at it since the second Jungkook stepped foot in your apartment.

Both a horny mess as you scrambled to rip each other’s clothes off.

You barely made it past the threshold of the entryway before he was thrusting inside you. Insistent and heavy.

You fucked everywhere.

On the sink.

On the couch.

On the bed.

On the floor.

On the stove.

You were on a roll.

No place off limits in your eyes. And you were turning Jungkook every which way but loose.

It explains how you ended up in your current state: Jungkook flat on his back, your meaty thighs locking him in place as you bounce on his thick, veiny dick.

“[+], slow d-down,” he groans, all loud and needy. Desperately fighting off the urge to cum.

You ignore him.

Head thrown back, rightfully taking what’s yours—at least for the moment. Your stamina on ten as if you weren’t already three rounds in.

You planned to milk him like cow.

Smack. Squelch. Smack.

The sticky sounds of your unison, reverberating off the walls. Jungkook’s hips meeting yours mid air. It was almost as if he hated the thought of being out of your wet heat, even an inch.

You were certain the tip of his dick had made an imprint on your cervix at this point.

“Stop whining,” you heave, fingers teasing and twisting your ebony areolas, perky tits just bouncing. “You were begging for more two seconds ago. Now you’re telling me to slow down? Which. One. Is. It?”

Your hips punctuate each word, ass slapping against his muscular thighs. Overjoyed at the way his eyes flutter from pleasure, failing to will off the pressure building in his pelvis.

Your rickety bed rocks against the hardwood, in sync with your hips. The loud furniture dragging against the floor, ramming into the wall repeatedly.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

If your neighbors didn’t hate you already, they certainly would now.

Jungkook had made an “effort” to muffle the ruckus by sticking a pillow behind the headboard.

But that effort had long turned futile. The pillow abandoned on the floor as the two of you damn near drive a hole into your apartment wall.

Yeah, you weren’t getting that deposit back.

“O-Oh my god, [+]! I’m going to cum.” He grits, your pussy tightening instinctively. Jungkook’s cock twitches inside you, pre-cum painting your walls like a leaky faucet. His heels digging into the mattress, body desperate for a release.

“Nuh-uh,” you giggle breathlessly, smacking his chest playfully before hopping off. Much to his annoyance.

Kneeling beside him, you wrap your hand around his slick dick, all coated with your arousal. Squeezing it gently, you press your thumb over his oozing slit.

“I told you, we cum together. You better wait,” you say leaning over him, lips attracting his like a magnet.

You let him lead.

The kiss a messy exchange of tongue and heat, reminding you exactly why you always let him back through your door.

Jungkook’s tongue roams every crevice of your mouth with a familiarity no one else on this planet has. It’s a language only the two of you speak.

Blunt, heavy, and desperate.

Every time his teeth grazes your bottom lip, your breath hitches. Your unoccupied hand tangling into the strands at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer.

He tastes like cheap whiskey and a cherry sucker. His own hands reaching down to return the favor, the pads of his fingers rubbing your swollen clit with practiced ease.

Jungkook truly knows you inside and out.

And you desperately wanted his outside in.

He flips the two of you over and you reach between your heated bodies, stroking Jungkook’s dick firm enough he hisses, sinking his teeth in your bottom lip.

You revel at the taste of iron on your tongue, giggling breathily.

“Don’t forget,” you whisper against his lips, thumb running along a vein. “Who’s in control here.”

Jungkook lets out a growl that’s borderline animalistic, dick jumping in your hand.

He raises up just enough for you to line his length up with your entrance, mouth gasping into yours when his mushroom tip breaches.

“So good,” you mewl, raising your hips, giving Jungkook clear access to sink in to the hilt.

His hands cup your face, big orbs locking with yours, developing a rhythm.

You can’t help but stare back into his starry eyes. All clouded with lust and something far too complicated to dissect while he’s nine inches deep.

“So beautiful,” Jungkook sighs wistfully, voice a low vibration. “You always look so beautiful like this.” He plucks a curl from your face, eyes intense. “Do I make you feel good, [+]?”

Toes curling, you nod, words catching in your throat. “So g-good Kook. Don’t s-stop.”

His smile grows wicked, blooming with a dark, possessive satisfaction at the praise.

Jungkook raises up, looming over you to part your thighs, forcing you into missionary. Increasing his speed, he drives into you like a mad man.

The room grows lively again. The percussion of your bed slamming into the wall, competing with your sultry moans and Jungkook chanting your name.

The two of you so lost in each other that you are oblivious to the pounding coming from the other side of the wall. Followed by a frustrated string of curse words and thunderous footsteps leaving the apartment next door.

“I’m close,” Jungkook breathes out, his voice strained. Hips stuttering off-beat as his composure slips, nearing his climax. “[+], please.”

Bang. Bang. Bang.

It’s not the wall this time. It’s your front door. Heavy, balled-fist strikes that make the wood groan in its frame.

You remain unfazed, Jungkook follows suit. Fingers digging into your hips, desperately trying to hold onto the ledge he’s about to fall off. Breathing like a marathon runner, jaw clamped shut so tight his muscles cord in his neck.

“Keep going.” You breathe, a command to him and perhaps a prayer to the door. Pushing through it. His pace turns desperate.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

“I know you’re in there!” a voice bellows from the hallway. It’s deep, gravelly, and vibrating with an annoyance that could peel paint. “And I know for a fact you’re still awake because I can hear you moaning all the way out here!”

Just as fast as your orgasm starts to approach, you feel it slowly slipping away. Lustful haze clearing enough for you to make out the pounding at your front door.

Irritation prickles your skin.

“Jungkook, baby stop,” you sigh, pushing at his shoulders gently.

As much as you wanted to ignore whoever was at the door and let Jungkook put you through the mattress, you couldn’t afford another noise complaint. It would be the second one this month…

It takes Jungkook a moment to register your words, dick still pumping in you as he searches your eyes. When he detects that you’re serious, he lets out a frustrated groan, pulling out reluctantly. Irritation prickling his face as he flops down on the bed beside you.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

“Come to the door!”

The voice is louder now, likely shouted right into the wood. It’s a command, not a request, and it carries the weight of a man who has spent the last three hours staring at his ceiling in a silent rage.

“Man fuck off,” Jungkook groans, earning pinch from you as you slip out of bed.

“Don’t make it worse Kook, I got this.” You slip on your silk robe, eyes pinned on his dick which still jumps wantingly. “Keep it hard for me, okay?”

Jungkook looks lethal. Hair a mess, chest flushed, and a scowl that could kill.

He runs a hand down his face, clearly still pissed. But his tatted hand wraps around his length anyway, pumping slowly.

Good boy.

You spin on your heels and head to the door, rolling back your shoulders.

Bang—

You pull the door open before the second strike can land, the wood swinging back with a violent creak. Mentally, you’re preparing for a fight, but the man on the other side looks like he just got hit with a bucket of cold water.

He’s tall, strikingly so, with tan skin and black-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. He’s dressed in an oversized t-shirt and grey joggers, a pen tucked behind his ear as if he’d been interrupted from a study session.

His fist is still frozen in mid-air, but his aggressive scowl melts into a look of pure, wide-eyed shock as he scans your frame. He actually stumbles back half a step, face turning a shade of pink that rivals your silk robe.

“[+]?” He questions more to himself, voice hesitant as he attempts, and fails, not to ogle your frame.

You arch a perfectly groomed brow, leaning against the doorframe. Unbothered by how the tie around your waist loosens some.

“Have we met?” You question, arms crossing, completely suffocating your breast. “I don’t remember being on a first name basis.”

You already knew the answer to your question: the two of you had never crossed paths.

You would remember a face like that. All handsome, dorky, a little sexy. His short trimmed hair perfectly framing his face.

“N-no, I uh,” He adjusts his glasses with a shaky hand, gaze frantically bouncing from the ceiling to the carpet, doing everything in his power to avoid the view of your chest. Though his peripheral vision is clearly betraying him.

“I just overheard…the walls, they’re…you know.”

He’s struggling, clearly.

“They’re thin. Yeah… sorry about that,” you say, voice softer this time, a hint of sincerity woven in. Your gaze drifts over him, catching the way he shifts on his feet, like he can’t decide whether to stand his ground or bolt. “I didn’t realize it was carrying that much.”

A small, almost sheepish shrug lifts your shoulder before your lips curve again.

“Though… you must’ve been listening for quite a while to learn my name,” you add, tone tipping back toward teasing. “Why didn’t you knock sooner?”

Tilting your head, you enjoy the way his blush creeps from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. His mouth parts, caught off guard.

“It wasn’t that I was trying to listen,” he rushes out, voice pitching higher, a dead giveaway. “It’s just, you guys were so loud, and every time I thought it was over…it wasn’t. I finally had enough.”

Now he’s looking at you properly, brows drawn together, like he’s trying to gather whatever dignity he has left.

The courteous person in you wants to promise to keep the noise down and wish your neighbor a good night studying. But your eyes wander down, down to the very prominent print showing beneath his joggers. And all politeness goes out the window.

“Had enough, hm?” You murmur, pushing off the doorframe to step a little closer. You make a show of trailing your eyes from his pants to his face. “You sure about that?”

His breath hitches

The faint creak of the floorboard sounds behind you, his eyes snapping up, signaling you’re no longer alone.

Glancing over your shoulder, you catch Jungkook slipping into a pair of shorts. His brows raised in silent confusion on what’s taking so long.

“Jungkook,” you say smoothly, turning back toward the door, “it seems our… activities have attracted my neighbor’s attention.”

You gesture lightly between them.

“I don’t think I caught your name.”

His eyes widen just a fraction. “It’s Namjoon,” he says, clearing his throat. “And, uh…” Namjoon’s hands come up in a quick, flustered motion, glancing toward Jungkook. “It’s not like that, I can assure you.”

You pout.

“Oh? And just when a girl starts to feel special. Here I thought your hard-on was because of me?” Faking disappointment, Jungkook comes up behind you, wrapping his arm around your waist lazily as he rest his chin atop your curly fro.

He knows how this goes.

Namjoon splutters, hand quickly covering himself. “I’m not—” he breaks off, composure slipping.

You don’t help him.

In fact, you lean back into Jungkook’s hold, perfectly at ease as his arms settles. His grip loose, casual. Like he’s done this a before.

You both have.

A quiet chuckle rumbles from his chest. “Baby,” Jungkook murmurs, voice low, amused rather than annoyed, “you’re gonna scare him off.”

But there’s no real warning in it.

Only curiosity.

You smile.

“If he scares that easily,” you reply, eyes still locked on Namjoon, “why’d he come knocking?”

That seems to hit a nerve.

Namjoon straightens a little, like he’s trying to recover his dignity.

“I told you,” he says, squaring his shoulders, “it was the noise.”

“Mhm.”

You don’t sound convinced.

Jungkook hums softly behind you. “Damn, [+] we must’ve been pretty loud then,” he adds, tone teasing now, playing along as a hand travels up your abdomen to thumb absentminded patterns around your perky, clothed nipples.

Namjoon’s eyes flick to the movement, gaze hooded.

His resolve is breaking. The polite, boy next door facade slipping.

“I-I should go.” Namjoon says, voice uncertain and contradicting his stance which remains rooted in place.

“Or,” you say, stepping closer, rising onto your tiptoes to pluck the pen from behind his ear, “you could stay.”

Namjoon’s breath catches as your fingers brush the shell of his ear, the tiny point of contact enough to short-circuit whatever coherent thought he had left. You twirl the pen between your fingers absentmindedly before sliding it into the pocket of your robe.

“A thief too?” Jungkook muses from behind you.

“Borrowing,” you reply, gaze seductive as they challenge Namjoon’s. “Just for the night.”

Namjoon’s eyes are fixed on you with a focus that’s lost all traces of polite neighborly restraint. Like he’s finally letting himself acknowledge the situation for what it is.

Dangerous. Tempting. Fun.

“You flirt with all your neighbors like this?” Namjoon asks, voice dropping an octave.

You smile sweetly, knowing you’ve got him.

“Of course not, silly,” you sing-song, spinning on your heels and lacing Jungkook’s hand in yours. “But for you, I’m making an exception.”

Leading Jungkook back down the hall to your room, you leave Namjoon at your door.

You were giving him an out.

Or an in.

The decision ultimately up to him.

And it seems he chooses in judging by how the floorboards creak under the weight of his slippered feet. Followed by the thud of the door as it shuts.

A slow smile curves your lips.

Jungkook catches it immediately, squeezing your ass before flopping down onto the edge of your bed without a care in the world.

Meanwhile Namjoon lingers near the doorway. Not awkward, but not exactly confident either.

Just… taking it in.

The discarded clothes on the floor.

The tangled sheets.

The sexual tension hanging in the air.

You watch as he scans the space.

“Nice room…,” Namjoon says lamely, adjusting his glasses.

“You were yelling at us five minutes ago,” you tease, sitting down beside Jungkook, resting your hand on his thigh. “Now it’s nice room.”

Namjoon’s mouth twitches, Jungkook emitting a quiet laugh beside you, lounging back on his elbows. Completely at ease.

“Does this usually work on people?” Namjoon asks.

You tilt your head innocently. “What?”

“This…” His eyes drift between you and Jungkook vaguely. “Whatever this is.”

Jungkook pipes up before you can answer. “She does this thing where she acts sweet enough that you forget she’s manipulating you.”

Your jaw drops in fake offense. “Manipulating is such an ugly word.”

Namjoon huffs out a laugh despite himself. “And what word would you use?”

You hum thoughtfully, “Seducing.”

The air thickens with lust.

Namjoon’s gaze dropping to where your hand pats the empty space beside you.

He walks over slowly, settling cautiously, like he’s trying not to disturb the balance that’s formed between the three of you.

But if anything, he equals the scale.

You turn toward Jungkook first, a flicker of amusement in his expression. But beneath it sits something warmer; trust, familiarity, anticipation.

Your fingers curl around his bicep, tugging him toward you.

Jungkook comes easily.

He always does.

The kiss heated. Picking right up where you left off as he cups your neck, to deepen it. Both of your tongues fighting against each other like a fencing match.

And of course, you’re winning.

You run your hand over his clothed dick, Jungkook’s shaft jumping at the attention. He groans in your mouth as you squeeze him, teeth nicking your lips.

Slipping your hand under his waistband, you give him a tug, more like a silent thank you for waiting so patiently. The veins along his dick so pronounced, you’re sure it won’t be long before he loses his composure completely.

With one final squeeze, you pull away, turning to your guest.

Namjoon’s expression is completely captivated. Eye wide, pupils blown like he forgot how to blink.

The second your hand settles against his stubbled jaw, his lips part, eager for you to close the gap.

So you do.

Namjoon’s lips plush and unfamiliar against yours. Careful, as if he’s scared one wrong move will end it all.

His fists ball into your sheets, afraid to touch you without your permission.

That won’t do.

Grabbing his shirt, you pull him closer, forcing him to grab your waist for balance. He squeezes your hips, tongue dipping into yours as he grows more bold.

His breath hot and minty against yours, tongue moving languidly as if he wants to savor the taste of you.

When you pull back, Namjoon follows a fraction too far, earning a chuckle from Jungkook as he palms himself.

“Gone already huh?” Jungkook teases.

Namjoon shoots him a look, but it lacks any real bite.

Because Jungkook’s right.

Namjoon was a goner.

Smiling widely, you reach back toward Jungkook, fingers catching his chin, guiding him closer.

The space between all three of you disappears slowly, breaths blending together as the tension finally gives way to curiosity.

Jungkook tilts in first.

Namjoon tentatively follows right after him.

You wait patiently, welcoming their lips as they fit against yours.

Like three pieces to a puzzle.

It’s all over the place at first, messy as the three of you find your rhythm.

Jungkook kisses you like he already knows every sound you’ll make before it leaves your mouth, while Namjoon kisses you like he’s still discovering them in real time. The contrast sends warmth curling through your stomach.

Somewhere in between soft breaths and shifting mouths, the three of you finally find a rhythm. Slower than expected. Closer. Jungkook’s hands traveling to unclasp your robe while Namjoon’s fingers massage circles into your hips, like he still can’t believe he’s allowed to touch you at all.

And when their mouths brush briefly against each other, neither of them pulls away.

The silk robe pools around your waist as you shrug out of the material, revealing yourself completely.

Without hesitation Jungkook’s hands slip between your legs, mouth now trailing down your neck as he caresses your wet folds, sinking two fingers inside.

“Yes,” you breathe against Namjoon’s lips, peeking his curiosity as he leans back to take in the sight.

“Damn,” he croaks, eyes glued to Jungkook’s tatted fingers thrusting in and out of you. He palms his clothed dick openly now, desperate to ease the tension a little.

“Help him, Joonie,” you tease, testing out the nickname. Gracefully, you lie back on the bed. “Don’t just stare.”

Namjoon lets out a groan that sounds borderline painful, snatching off his glasses which earns a giggle from you.

Though that giggle dies in your throat the moment Namjoon slides a long digit inside you alongside Jungkook’s two.

The both of them move in tandem, Namjoon curling deeper as Jungkook pulls out and vice versa. The stretch so good, you can’t hold in your sounds.

“Just like that,” you coach, walls fluttering and squeezing around them both as they stretch you open. “You boys are making me feel so good, fuck.”

Your ruined orgasm from before has resurrected, approaching fast and intense. The wet squelch of their fingers fucking into you pushing you closer to the edge.

Mesmerized, Namjoon’s thumb flicks against your clit, making you yelp from the friction. He’s pulled his dick out now, the hard rod curved toward his chest as it throbs, achingly.

It’s even bigger than Jungkook’s.

“Stop.” You command, startling the two men as they blink at you, eyes clouded with lust. “Join me on the bed. No clothes.”

You scoot further up to watch as Jungkook practically jumps out of his shorts, joining you on your right.

Namjoon moves slower, dropping his joggers carefully and folding them neatly, followed by his shirt. He crawls up the bed, lying on his back as he stares at you.

“You okay?” You ask, loving the way his dick reacts to your voice alone.

He smiles, dimples showing. “Never better.”

Satisfied by his response you peck his lips, before turning back to Jungkook, saddling his thighs.

You don’t waste anymore time, sinking down to the hilt. Jungkook gritting his teeth as he grips your ass.

“Fu-uck, [+]. I’m not gonna to l-last much longer,” Jungkook whines. Sweat beading along his hairline. He’s bucking into you involuntarily, beyond ready for a release.

Leaning forward, you brace yourself against his shoulder, pecking his nose “You’re doing so good baby. Feel so good inside me, just hold on a little longer.

Turning to Namjoon, you smile. “Come join us. There’s room for you too.”

Namjoon’s eyes widen the size of a quarter. “Really?!”

Enamored by his dorky charm, you giggle. “Really. Though you may want to move fast, because someone’s getting a little antsy.”

Jungkook huffs beneath you, slapping your ass, which only makes you laugh harder.

Without further hesitation, Namjoon joins you from behind, pushing you gently against Jungkook’s chest to give himself better access.

You wait with excited anticipation, breath hitching the moment Namjoon’s dick prods at your slick entrance.

Namjoon starts pushing in slowly alongside Jungkook, his dick breaching your entrance. It completely knocks the wind out of your chest, Jungkook’s vibrates beneath you.

“Ah shit— this is tight as fuck.” Jungkook wheezes, fingers tightening on the globes of your ass, spreading them apart further.

Namjoon continues to inch in slowly, breath heavy against your back. “You feel so good, [+]. So goddamn wet.”

As his tip fully submerges inside, your mouth forms an “o,” entrance burning slightly from the stretch.

You try not to tense up as he slides in further, body trembling from the intensity. Dropping your head against Jungkook’s chest you release another broken moan. Completely in bliss.

“Fuck—I need to move. I can’t hold it,” Jungkook moans, bucking his hips. The filthy slide of his dick along Namjoon’s making his eyes roll.

“Hold up,” Namjoon groans, dragging his dick out of your wet cunt just to push in further. The pressure emitting a wet cry from you.

In your normal state, you’d be coaching them through it, telling them how fuck you.

But this was your first time taking two dicks at once, and you definitely overestimated how intense it would be.

Feeling bold, Namjoon pulls you further down on his cock, emitting a squeal from you and an embarrassingly loud whine from Jungkook, his dick perfectly snug against your cervix.

“You guys really don’t know—hngh—how to shut up huh?” Namjoon teases. The pressure of being squeezed so tight inside you seemingly getting to him too, judging by the way his voice pitches higher.

The two of them thrust inside you, slow and steady, dicks coated a creamy ring of your arousal, sliding against each other. All sensitive and throbbing inside your sodden pussy.

“I can’t hold it! I’m cuming—fuck!” Jungkook shouts, heels planted into the mattress as he thrust widely, cock spurting heavy strings of cum inside you, pulling you over the edge as well.

Biting into his shoulder, your eyes well with tears as your pussy clamps down, hard. A vice grip that paralyzes Namjoon. Hips stuttering to a stop as he reaches his own climax.

He burries himself to the hilt, groaning deeply, chest coated with a dewy sheen of sweat from the exertion.

You barely register Jungkook scooping you into his arms.

“C’mon,” he laughs softly when you groan into his shoulder. “Can’t let you pass out sticky.”

The bathroom light burns behind your eyelids as he cleans you up.

There’s nothing rushed about it.

Jungkook washes your skin carefully, thumbs smoothing along sore muscles while warm water cascades down your body. By the time he’s rubbing shea butter lotion into your thighs and slipping one of your nightgown over your head, your eyes can barely stay open.

“You alive?” he asks, amused.

You respond with something that sounds vaguely like a yes.

His laugh rumbles against your temple.

Familiar.

Easy.

That’s always been the thing with Jungkook.

No awkwardness. No pretending this is more than it is. Just comfort carved out between late nights, tangled sheets, and him knowing exactly how to take care of you afterward.

He lays you back against the mattress, pulling the blankets over your body before leaning down to press a lazy kiss against your forehead.

“Text me me in the morning,” he murmurs.

You smile sleepily, “No promises.”

“I’m not playing, [+]. Or I’ll spam you.”

Jungkook snatches his discarded shirt from the floor, tugging it over his head before glancing back at you one last time.

And true to his word, your phone is glowing against the nightstand by the time you finally wake the next afternoon.

Twenty missed texts from Gremlin🐰

Your entire body aches as you sit up.

Thighs sore.

Lips swollen.

Neck tender.

Worth it.

With a groan, you drag yourself out of bed in search of water, shuffling down the hallway half-awake before noticing something tucked beneath your front door.

A note.

Your brows knit as you bend down carefully, very carefully, to pick it up.

The handwriting is neat. Slightly rushed.

Turns out the noise wasn’t actually the problem.

Feel free to be as loud as you want next time.

Maybe over coffee you can explain how exactly I got manipulated into all of that.

— Namjoon

At the bottom, he’s scribbled his number beside a tiny smiley face.

You stare at it for a moment before laughing softly to yourself.

Cute.

——-

You just had something about you , an addictive pull that drew attention —male praise and envy alike. You knew this from a pretty young age , that you could play men, that men were pretty much all the same no matter the angle you viewed them from

-Visual with a deep need for control,

they could be so simple.

It was so simple,

If they felt control in your presence —you would become addictive to them.

Maybe that's why you widened your eyes, bit the back of your pencil and feigned attention in maths class , in biology , physics, accounting —maybe that's why your grades stayed in their 90s even when you barely paid any attention.

You became the model student in every classroom entered, all at the bat of your eyelashes —you never had to lift a finger and you'd be gone as soon as they decided that there was something unspoken there, something they needed to possess to maintain some control, they could risk it all for something more but— you'd leave, retracting with coldness, leaving them lost - desperate for more —confused and obsessed —men much old enough to father your mother, men old enough to parent you, men in cold manipulative fields who could probably buy you and trade your existence for something so small as a cigarette , you'd seen a lot and you could still conclude —a man was a man. and when it came down to it ,they wouldn't complain — they could never, what would they say when all you'd done was bat your lashes...?

You had never met a man you couldn't have —until Jungkook.

Something was wrong with Jungkook .

you knew it had to be him because the rest of he office men and women alike drew to you like moths to a flame -everyone else in the office tended you — the reports you needed, your coffee order, anything could be done to make your day easier —you were spoilt rotten and expected no less from your boss

—only. You get the litteral less, something close to nothing beyong the casual standard procedures of office keepings

schedule run throughs, essential report updates, and so forth. anything beyond that came with a set word limit that involved a critical gaze prone to causing silent brain damage –or wet panties.

You felt it deep down, just for a brief moment — that something was deeply wrong with you.

You felt hot at the mere idea of a non-existent memory where he couldn't resist you —where he desired you, day dreams of deep , primal, and raw lust oozing from his end

-you needed something. ANYTHING

you craved that silent tug of war , untouched, unspoken ,tension you could cut through with a knife

you just needed Jungkook unhinged , for you.

by you. —putty at the center of your palm

and You always get what you want .

—

It was 7pm.

Another late night of work , another night you couldn't take in stride of Jungkook’s silence —another opportunity to break the cycle.

You took a breath in and exhaled another one. The light from the ceiling reflected right at the top of your chest, right where the top 3 buttons —once sealed and closed popped open,

the office was damn near empty, while he was left somewhere in the hallways seeing off the last bit of investors once hosted in a meeting.

you waited for him, perched on a chair right across the desk in his office, You reak of practiced poise, and resembled a personified sharpened knife. Your legs crossed —your skirt bunched to near nothingness and you feigned innocence

Even through your facade you couldn't ignore it.

You see the frame , it faces the direction he sits... like he would crash and burn of he didn't see her face —that or he pleads for a reason to stay grounded.

you have seen her before, drop dead gorgeous

—you found her there and you'll probably leave her there — you scoff a little as you reach for the frame , manicured fingers at the edge of the frame when you turn it towards yourself , a tilt of your head and you're face to frame with a delicately smiling Mrs Jeon —Jungkook.

a creak that goes over your head and he's right behind you ,charged silence

'what are you doing?'

you turn your head, you look up from your seat like a deer caught in head lights, you blink—

you flutter your lashes and speak the language that he speaks -eye contact and charged silence that you don't let sit for long.

"She's gorgeous..."

you chime and absorb every click of his dress shoes , you drown in the scent of his cologne and pout when he turns the frame towards himself —how it should be.

you pout, because that's all you can do and as per usual he has no reaction to you like you don't even exist enough to get that, not even the light of your chest get's a reaction and again -you know it's not

with his attention off you, you whisper -silently, it's not me

it's not me

this all feels new, you never had one you couldn't have and Jungkook feels so distant-

it's not you,

but it kind of stings in the moment.

He briefly assesses the image of his wife, protective and guarded like you'd endanger the framed lady. It's all so sudden, the 180 of your emotions -the short lived flash of his emotions, unidentified, it's subtle but you swear you saw it , close to nothing but it was all for her.

you see it all for a moment and you hate it -you shouldn't, but you feel it —jealousy and possible offense that just delves deeper and deeper. To a possible point where it slices deep.

Maybe it’s the hour, or the light hitting your skin just right, or maybe it’s that damn silence but the tears come quick. Hot. Silent.

Undeniable.

-right there, just when he looks back into your eyes, the only place he ever looks of you - you slip and feel quick tears rushing down your cheeks, a select few enhancing the wasted potential of your tits..

your lips tilt down and you view him through a blurry lense.

a part of you hopes -you blink one away and your sight is momentarily clear in seek of his reaction -but he's rigid -eyes narrowed - controlled and calculating ,you can't accept that .You feel the rug slipping from beneath your feet and you try one last time, to hold onto to your loss of control and so you bring your sleeves to your eyes -voice low and breaking

"i'm s-sorry".

he's caught off guard.

He wants to ignore it , ignore you because a part of him tells him something he can't care to confirm -ever. He wants to let silence handle it and he does just that,

you hear shuffling, drawers opening and a box of tissues is silently placed before you

-he won't ask what's wrong and more tears roll down -he stands there palms slipping into his pockets like he's seen this before -so you try to compose yourself, his eyes never stray -it could be pity, but he looks at all of you that he could see, it's assessment .

like he wants to give you the benefit of the doubt

"where are the reports"

you sniffle -push them forward,...if someone were to enter they'd think you'd been scolded _you feel scolded.

"are they complete?"

"you nodded" head held down, gaze avoidant.

silence and cold stares

'words'

it's like you sense it and you look up at him, lashes wet, mouth parted

—"yes" it's breathy, low and he hums

, barely audible. but it's Jungkook,

he threw you a bone -you look up to see his eyes glued to the file in hand

he's intentional -he would never slip -you tell yourself -it's damaging yet before you can let it sink he orders,

"Mr Kim will take you home."

your mind shuts down, sirens go off

it's like the glass veil cracks and reality -reality slips in, you hate reality and it hurts...

It’s not just dismissal. It feels like exile —the worst thing he could have ever said to you ,there was so much that he cold have done,

he could have pry-ed ,he could have circled the table, reach out -give his back to that photo frame

-and it all feels so horrible, you feel cold and your tears make it feel a bit too real -you almost feel sad beneath the frustration and when you get up to your feet with his eyes on you

-when your chest bounces slightly at the impact of you pulling your skirt down...you hope his eyes are at least in the right place and when your heels click to the door, your lips unable to utter anymore words

You walk out, you walk right past Mr. Kim and straight to your own vehicle because the screwed part of you hopes it irritates something in him, regret- care maybe...you would take anything

and when you speed down the road to your apartment -you vent out your frustration and hope to ram directly into the framed woman you have never met

PART ELEVEN

“Wait! Wait, Nori!” you laugh, too late to stop the eager baby from smacking both hands into the red paint.

Nori squeals, completely unbothered, chubby hands waving triumphantly as streaks of red splatter the table. You quickly grab her wrist before she can shove it into her mouth, tugging the card closer as you press her tiny palm against it. It leaves the perfect handprint.

“There,” you breathe, smiling at the bright little imprint. “Your daddy’s gonna love this.”

It was Monday, which meant you had less than a week to get everything ready for Jungkook’s birthday. He’d been keeping you busy lately, trying to keep you from planning anything. But Jungkook was delusional if he thought you wouldn’t come up with something.

As Nori babbles beside you, smearing streaks of paint across her high chair tray, you can’t help but picture Jungkook’s reaction. His dimpled grin, eyes soft when he sees the messy masterpiece she helped make. You wanted the day to feel special, to remind him how much love he had around him.

You manage to get a few colorful handprints out of Nori before she starts to wriggle and fuss, eager to crawl off and explore. Laughing softly, you wipe her tiny hands clean and set her down on the floor mat, watching as she immediately takes off in her determined little scoot.

She’s growing so fast. Eating solid foods, sprouting teeth, full-on crawling. Each milestone sneaks up on you before you can even process the last one. She’s sharp, too, picking up on gestures faster than most babies her age.

Watching her grow these past few months has been such a blessing.

You’ve never felt more at home than you do here, surrounded by her laughter and Jungkook’s quiet warmth. The thought makes your chest ache in that soft, full way, and before you know it, your eyes sting. You shake your head, swiping away the tears with a laugh.

You’ve been so emotional lately, your system completely out of whack, which could only mean one thing: your heat was coming soon.

The realization makes your stomach flutter with both dread and… anticipation. You’d have to make arrangements, talk to Jungkook. The thought alone has your pulse quickening.

Maybe not right now, you tell yourself, forcing the thought away as you move through the motions of your evening. You clean up the art supplies, prep dinner, tidy up Nori’s play area, and finally get her down for her a nap.

Once she’s settled, you collapse onto the couch with a sigh, scrolling through your phone, only to pause when you see a new message light up the screen.

Jungkook’s mom:

Of course, I’ll be able to watch Nori! That even gives me an Opportunity to get Jungkook a gift. I’ll be there at four?

You:

Four is perfect! Thanks so much, I’ll see you next week, take care!

Jungkook’s mom had given you her phone number a couple weeks ago while she was watching Nori. Said in case of emergencies.

She texts here and there asking for updates on Nori and you reply, with Jungkook’s consent of course, sharing snippets of your day.

You were genuinely happy she was trying. It was clear her past absence weighed heavily on Jungkook, even if he didn’t always say it aloud. Watching her make the effort now felt like another small step toward healing for the both of them.

Well, with that squared away, all that’s left is to book the reservations.

Jungkook has been hinting at a new action film that was coming out, saying how cool it would be to see it in the theaters. So you were planning to get tickets, then dinner and a night at a luxury hotel your pack just built.

The reservations were a little tough to lock down but you’d turned on the charm and negotiated a deal.

You were hoping this would be a relaxing romantic night away for the two of you. And maybe you’d even be able to take things all the way.

Goosebumps pebble on your skin as you think back to your camping trip. How close the two of you had gotten in that tight tent.

It was the night the two of you had made it official.

You were curled into each other, the cool air pulling you closer as the scent of pine mixed with Jungkook’s ripening scent. It was intoxicating, and on top of the s’mores you’d eaten, you felt yourself slipping into a warm, electric haze.

“You smell so good, baby,” Jungkook mumbles, his chest vibrating against your cheek as he inhales slow and deep.

You laugh softly. “I smell like you. Your scent is taking up all the air in this tiny tent.”

“Good.”

His voice drops, rough and thick.

“You’re mine now. You should smell like me.”

You push yourself up from his chest to look at him, the sight hitting you like a cinder block. His normally dark brown eyes had shifted, gold speckles blooming and swirling through them like embers in stirred firelight. Something primal lurked underneath the softness.

Your breath hitches and he laughs. “You’re so easy,” he says pulling you down to stare at you up close, the position a little awkward.

“Easy? What do you mean easy-“ You start, ready to defend yourself but he laughs harder.

“So easy to tease baby, so easy to tease.” He says pulling your nose as you pout.

You glare at him. But the look doesn’t land the way you intend, not when he’s staring at you so hungry and sincere.

“You just like seeing me all riled up,” you murmur, your voice softer.

“Damn right I do,” he says, the teasing still there, but deeper now. “Though…” His hand drags up your spine, fingers spreading against your back in a slow, deliberate stroke. “I can think of a few other ways I’d like to see you.”

The implication sinks into your skin like heat.

Your breath catches, but instead of shying away like he expects, you shift your weight, saddling his lap slow enough to watch his pupils drag after you.

“Oh yeah?” you say, letting your fingers trail across his collarbone. “And what ways are those?”

Jungkook freezes under you.

Not afraid.

Not hesitant.

Just… undone.

His jaw flexes. “Baby… don’t start something you’re not ready to finish.”

You tilt your head, pretending to think. “But isn’t that your job? To help me finish?”

The tent goes still, nothing but the sound of cicadas chirping and the mingling of your breaths. You hang onto every shaky exhale leaving him, pulling them into your lungs like they’re the only oxygen you need to breathe.

Then—

His scent spikes.

Sharp. Warm. Possessive.

Jungkook moves before you can process it.

He sits up in one, fast motion, hands sliding to your waist, gripping like he’s been holding himself back for hours. He pulls you flush against him, chests pressed, and crushes his mouth to yours.

The kiss isn’t soft.

It’s hungry, full of teeth and heat and all the restraint he’s been trying, and failing, to keep.

A startled sound slips from your throat, swallowed instantly by his mouth.

His fingers tighten at your hips, guiding you without thought, pulling you deeper into his lap until you feel the solid line of him beneath you. The pressure is dizzying, a spark shooting straight through your core.

He groans into your mouth, quiet, gutted, like he’s been waiting for this exact moment. “Baby…”

The word sounds like a prayer on his lips.

He kisses you again, slower this time, but no less intense. His tongue grazes yours, making your stomach twist, your toes curl, your breath stutter.

Your hands fist the fabric of his tank, knuckles white as you cling to him, trying to ground yourself while your body, your wolf, does the opposite. Jungkook’s mouth trails from your bottom lip to your jaw, the path slow and intentional, until he finds that spot beneath your ear that makes your breath stutter.

His fingers tighten suddenly around your waist, halting the slow, unconscious grind of your hips against him. You go still, realizing too late what you’d been doing, how your body had taken over.

Then his hands slide lower.

Down your sides.

Over your hips.

To the generous curve of your ass.

He squeezes, claiming, through the oversized shirt he’d lent you earlier, his thumbs digging in just enough to make the heat in your belly coil tight.

A helpless sound tumbles out of you, half-moan, half-whimper.

Jungkook’s lips curl against your skin before he drags his tongue up the line of your jaw, slow and hot. “See?” he whispers, voice all smoke and hunger. “Just like I said…”

His teeth graze your ear.

“…easy to tease.”

Your pulse hammers so hard you can feel it everywhere. Your neck, your fingertips, between your legs where the ache sharpens unbearably at his words.

And Jungkook?

He feels it.

He smells it.

He pulls the shirt above your ass, exposing your rear to the cold. The lace panties you’d worn doing nothing to protect you from the breeze. Or conceal the arousal dripping out of you.

He runs a hand over the lace, pulling the garment so that it bounces against your skin. You jolt.

“You thought I didn’t see you pull these out of your bag earlier?” he asks and you shiver, knowing you’ve been caught.

His hands rub your inner thighs, inching dangerously close to your pussy. Your head was becoming so fuzzy that you couldn’t focus on anything but his touch.

He feathers kisses along your temple lovingly. So sweet compared to the filthy words leaving his lips. “Did I cross your mind when you bought them?”

His finger hooks under your panties and you lose all thoughts. Is this question rhetorical?

A harsh slap meets your right cheek. Guess not.

“Yes,” you rush out, voice hoarse and undone already. You rest your head in the crook of his neck, anticipation eating you alive.

He chuckles amused. “Good baby. I’m glad. You know black is my favorite color.”

This man was going to be the death of you.

Hooking your panties to the side, Jungkook growls as your scent intensifies trefoil. A spindle of your arousal following the panties as he moves them.

His fingers tease around your private, ghosting over the part you desperately want him to touch. You buck your hips into his touch, inching for the slightest tease of his fingers.

“Someone’s needy, huh?” Jungkook teases, finger finally gliding over your fluttering entrance, collecting slick.

His middle finger runs through your folds, gathering your arousal on the way to your clit. He rubs it gently and you shiver in his hold, gripping his bicep as you whine.

“This is what you wanted, huh?” he murmurs against your skin, voice gravel as he pulls your head back to look at him.

He holds his glistening digits in front of your face and you watch as he sucks them into his mouth, licking every trace of you from them.

Your mouth parts in an “o” at the sigh and he takes it as a sign you want a taste too, sticking the now spit-slick digits in your mouth.

You suck immediately, face warming at how eager you are. Maybe you are easy. But just for him.

“You still hungry after all that food baby?” He asks as he pulls his fingers from your mouth with a wet pop. You nod.

“Yeah, me too.”

He lifts you up into his arms and you yelp, laughing as he lays you against the pillow.

Now between your legs, Jungkook yanks your panties off, splitting your legs open.

“Jungkook,” you whine, instinctively attempting to draw them closed. But you don’t get far. Not with his hunk of a body between you.

“Nah, don’t get shy on me now, sweets. Your slick taste so good on my fingers…” He pushes your legs back to your chest, spreading them wide as he gets eye level with you pussy. “…but I bet it tastes better from the source.”

You can only watch as his tongue drags from your entrance to your clit, lips spreading like butter as he sucks on the bundle of nerves.

Your whole body convulses in his hold, head rolling back as you cry out. “So good,” you breathe, the compliment egging him on.

Jungkook dives into your pussy, tongue swirling magnificently as he rubs your thighs soothingly.

You don’t even try to silence your moans, unable to hide the way he’s pleasing you.

Jungkook eats you out as if he was truly starved, tongue alternating between circling your clit and dipping into your entrance.

The obscene, wet slurping sounds were driving you crazy, your orgasm inching closer with each flick of his tongue.

You raise on your elbows and watch him work, stomach coiling at the explicit scene. His eyes find yours and the trace of a smirk graces his features.

Jungkook was a munch. And a menace.

“Baby, please don’t stop,” you beg, body folded in an unimaginable crunch. He truly has you folded like a pretzel.

He increase his speed, tongue lapping at your pussy, and your scent spikes, competing with his for space in the room. You were getting close.

You could no longer hold your neck up, so you sink back into the pillow, letting him ravish you. His hand finds yours, interlacing as he suctions on your clit.

You can feel the pressure coil at the base of your spine, tightening with every breath. Your thighs tremble, heat rising so fast it steals your voice. Every brush of his tongue sends a new wave rolling through you, sharper, deeper, impossible to contain.

Jungkook’s tongue teases at your entrance, swirling around before dipping inside and fucking you with his tongue.

His unoccupied hand massages your clit, rubbing fiercely and it doesn’t take much more for you to see stars.

“Fuck, I’m coming,” you shout, legs twitching uncontrollably, a shiver tearing up your spine as your back arches off the bed.

Jungkook doesn’t let up, tongue fucking you through your orgasm and into overstimulation.

The release hits hard, bursting through you in a rush that steals your breath. It crashes again… and again… each wave softer but just as dizzying. Your whole body shakes with the aftershocks, your fingers tightening around his as the last ripples fade.

“You ok baby?” Jungkook asks, rising up from between your legs, chin completely soaked in your arousal. He rubs at your thigh soothingly as he comes up to kiss you, slow and languid.

You nod against his lips, pulling him in closer as you taste yourself on his tongue.

A sharp bark snaps you out of the memory so fast you jolt.

You blink, breath catching, realizing your cheeks are warm. Okay, more than warm. Your whole body feels overheated, like Jungkook’s body is still wrapped around you instead of your crew neck.

Another bark echoes through the living room.

You turn to find Bam planted in front of the sliding door, staring at you like he’s been waiting for you to return from whatever steamy mental dimension you just drifted off to. His tail thumps once against the floor, impatient.

“Oh— right. Sorry, buddy.” Your voice comes out embarrassingly breathless.

You get up so fast you nearly trip over the throw blanket, fanning your face with your hand.

Yep. Definitely need to touch some grass. Maybe roll in it.

Bam barks again.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming,” you mutter, grabbing Nori’s baby monitor and unlocking the door as Bam huffs dramatically, trotting out into the yard.

The cool breeze from outside hits your overheated skin immediately, and you exhale, forehead pressed to the glass for a second.

Get it together, Y/N.

“What are you looking for Y/N?” Jungkook calls from the room as you scope out his closet. The three of you were going to the Autumn Festival today and would be meeting up your brother and friends. But after staying at Jungkook’s house pretty much the whole week, you have been running out of clothes.

“I need a jacket!” You reply as you glance at your appearance in the full length mirror. The leather jacket was practically swallowing you. You take it off and set it back on the hanger, continuing to ruffle through his closet until you come across something that stops you in your tracks.

You pull out your beige sweater, which you had been looking for for months. How did it get stuffed inside Jungkook’s closet?

“I’ve been looking for this,” you say holding up the sweater as you exit the closet.

Jungkook looks up from where he sits with Nori, her tiny foot lifted in his hand mid–sock pull.

His eyes land on the sweater—

And the change is instant.

A full-body freeze.

Like someone hit pause on him.

The tips of his ears flush first, then the color climbs down his neck, spreading across his cheeks in a slow, blooming red you’ve never seen from him before.

“Oh.” His voice cracks. Actually cracks.

He clears his throat. “That. Uh, you must have left it.”

Amused at how flustered he is, you bring the sweater to your nose, sniffing dramatically. “Huh? But I haven’t seen this in months. And even if I did leave it, why would it be buried that deep in your closet… smelling like you?”

His jaw works once… twice… like he’s physically chewing back a confession.

You shrug, teasing. “Well, I’m glad I found it. I guess I’ll just put it on now.”

“No—” Jungkook blurts, but you’ve already slipped one arm into the sleeve.

He shuts his mouth, jaw tight. Whatever trace of your old scent is long gone—now it smells entirely like him. Fresh detergent and warm cedar. His pheromones soften around you as the sweater settles on your skin, and you swear he looks like he’s forgotten how to breathe.

You grab your purse and turn to him. “Ready?”

He swallows hard, eyes flicking away like he’s physically restraining himself. “Yeah,” he says, voice embarrassingly soft. “Ready.”

You hide a smile and follow him out.

The autumn trees are unreal.

Deep reds, fiery oranges, golden yellows shimmering in the wind. You can’t help but lift your phone every few steps to capture it, taking pictures of the winding path, the festival entrance.

Then, of course, you sneak in a few shots of Jungkook pushing Nori’s stroller.

He’s squinting at a vendor map, hoodie pulled up, hair falling into his eyes, and he looks…

domestic.

Soft.

Warm in a way that makes your chest glow.

He catches you. “Why are you taking so many pictures of me?”

“Because I need the memories.” You reply moving on to take pictures of Nori. The gray knit set you bought her looks so cute with her matching bows.

“Well, look at the happy couple!” Jimin shouts in a distance, walking up with Simeon.

He pulls you into a warm hug, before pulling Jungkook in as well. “Finally my mission is complete.”

You laugh shoving your best friend away. “Your mission? You didn’t do anything.”

“Please,” Jimin scoffs, linking arms with you dramatically. “I did everything. I emotionally supported you through your delusional era, I grilled Jungkook on his intentions, and now,” he gestures between you and Jungkook, “my hard work has paid off.”

Simeon snorts. “Bro, you didn’t even introduce them. They met on their own.”

“Details,” Jimin waves off, already bending to coo at Nori. “Oh my gosh, look at this outfit. She’s literally the cutest person here.“

Nori giggles at Jimin’s exaggerated baby talk, grabbing at his face.

Jimin stands, squinting between you and Jungkook again. “You two have that… glow.”

You wrinkle your nose. “What glow?”

“The glow of people who—”

“Jimin,” Jungkook warns under his breath.

“Can we not bring up anything my sister does? I want to keep a pure image of her in my brain,” Simeon cuts in.

You nod eagerly. “I agree! Let’s just head inside. I want to visit as many booths as possible before it gets too busy.”

Pulling away from Jimin’s dramatic pout, you take over Nori’s stroller and wheel her toward the entrance of the fair.

Jimin squints after you. “Fine. But don’t think you’re off the hook.”

“Oh, trust me,” you call back, “I never am.”

Jungkook falls into step beside you, resting a warm hand on your lower back as you all merge with the flow of people entering the festival grounds. The smell of kettle corn, cider, and fresh hay wraps around you immediately. Nori kicks her feet happily, overwhelmed by the colors and sounds.

“We have to get pictures of Nori at the petting zoo,” you say, already planning out the shots in your head. “Maybe we could even do pumpkin painting one day. Or carving?”

Jungkook glances at you, smiling so softly it warms you more than his touch. “I’m down. And I’m sure Nori is too. She loves doing anything that involves you.”

Your chest tightens in the best way.

You stop at a booth selling warm drinks, grabbing a coffee for yourself and a tiny cup of hot chocolate for Nori. Though you blow on it for a good minute before even thinking about letting her taste it.

For the next hour, you wander through rows of vendors. Candles, knitted scarves, wooden toys, homemade jams. Jungkook humors your every stop, even when you linger way too long at a jewelry table.

Eventually you grab some food and settle at a picnic table near the live music stage.

Nori sits on Jungkook’s lap, mouth wide as she signs for another bite while you pick at a cinnamon-sugar pretzel.

“Don’t look now, but you have a snitch approaching from your left,” Jimin mutters around a mouthful of fries.

You glance up just in time to see Hoseok heading toward the picnic bench, hands shoved in the pockets of his bomber jacket. Jungkook visibly tenses beside you.

“Hey…guys,” Hoseok says reaching the table.

A scattered chorus of “hey” answers him. Yours polite, Jimin’s amused, Simeon’s flat, and Jungkook’s… nonexistent. The alpha just stares at him, fingers curling protectively around Nori’s waist.

Hoseok shifts, clearing his throat. “Didn’t expect to run into everyone here.”

Jimin smirks. “Yeah, well, fairs tend to be public spaces.”

You shoot your best friend a look, please don’t start.

“Wanna sit?” You offer, gesturing toward the empty space across from you.

Jimin gives you the most are you serious right now? side-eye you’ve ever seen, but you ignore him feed Nori another bite of the pretzel.

“No, it’s okay, I was just—” Hoseok starts, lifting his hands like he’s backing away.

“I think you should sit.”

Jungkook’s voice cuts clean through the noise of the fair. Steady and absolutely not asking.

Hoseok’s spine goes rigid. It’s instinctive, the way he reacts. His throat bobs once before he nods and lowers himself into the seat across from Jungkook, movements small and careful.

Nori squeals inching for another bite, completely unaffected by the sudden tension. You brush a crumb off her cheek.

Hoseok clears his throat. “Look, I already spoke to Y/N, but I just wanted to express to you, Jungkook…” He swallows hard, voice tight. “My sincerest apologies for the headache I caused. I didn’t mean for my words to create that kind of stress. And I won’t make the same mistake again.”

You give Hoseok a small, sincere smile.

You really did forgive him, and you wanted Jungkook to see that.

When you glance at Jungkook, his jaw is set, expression unreadable. But he isn’t angry.

Finally, he nods once. “Good.”

Hoseok exhales, shoulders dropping—

“Because if something like this happens again,” Jungkook continues, voice low but perfectly calm, “accidentally or intentionally, I won’t be as forgiving.”

The words land like a stone dropped into water. Quiet, but heavy.

Hoseok winces, nodding fast. “Understood.”

Simeon mutters under his breath, “God damn.”

You interlace your hand with Jungkook’s under the table, a subtle press meant to ease him back from that razor edge. His muscles unclench instantly under your palm, fingers wrapping around yours like muscle memory.

Simeon claps his hands loudly, standing as if to physically shove the atmosphere in a new direction. “Alright! I, for one, refuse to let this cinnamon pretzel be the highlight of my day. What’s next?”

Nori squeals at the sudden noise, flapping her arms in excitement.

You laugh, lifting her from Jungkook’s lap. “Hmm… I saw a sign for the corn maze. And a petting zoo.”

“Petting zoo,” Jimin says immediately. “I need serotonin.”

“Maze,” Simeon counters. “My brain needs stimulating.”

Hoseok huffs a laugh. “Some things never change.”

You slip Nori back into her stroller, tugging your sweater tighter around you as a breeze brushes past. Jungkook stands beside you, adjusting the blanket over Nori’s legs like the attentive dad he is. When he’s done, he leans in and presses a quick kiss to the side of her head.

“All good,” he murmurs to her, then looks up at you with a small smile.

Your heart smiles.

“Petting zoo first,” you decide. “Then maze. That way everyone wins.”

By the time you reach the petting zoo, after countless distractions, Nori has gotten that glazed, drowsy look. But the second she spots the baby goats, her tiny body jerks upright.

She lets out a soft squeal, reaching both hands toward a fluffy brown goat leaning over the pen. You hold her a little closer as the goat sniffs at her fingers, and Nori breaks into a shy, sleepy smile. Her fist closes around your shirt as she giggles, a breathy little sound that melts everyone on the spot.

“Aww, she likes that one,” Jimin coos, snapping a picture.

You hold her in your arms as you work through the stalls, Jungkook right beside you goofily acting out all the animal noises. Nori attempts to copy her dad and the group finds it cute.

When you make it to the end of the stalls, Nori’s rubbing her eyes with clumsy fists, her earlier burst of energy completely drained. You kiss the top of her head, rocking her gently as she melts into your chest with a soft whine.

“Someone’s done for the day,” Jungkook murmurs, brushing a hand over her hair.

“Same,” Simeon says, stretching dramatically. “I thought I could make it to the maze but I’m tuckered out. A nap is calling me.”

Jimin pats his shoulder, teasing. “So much for brain stimulation, huh?”

A breeze sweeps through the fairgrounds, carrying the smell of kettle corn and fallen leaves. You turn to the group.

“Alright, we should probably head home before she knocks out.”

Simeon and Jimin both groan in synchronized disappointment, but neither argues.

Hoseok offers you a small wave as you all drift toward the exit. “See you guys later.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook says, tone steady now. “See you.”

As you walk through the parking lot, Jungkook takes the stroller with one hand and slips his free one into yours. The sun is starting to set, painting the sky orange as the three of you make your way to the car, your little trio warm, tired, and content.

You glance at Jungkook.

“Thanks for coming with me today,” you say softly.

He squeezes your fingers. “Always.”

Nori dozes off completely before you even reach the car.

And as you pack everything up, the excited thought drifts in:

Tomorrow is Jungkook’s birthday.

The soft chimes of your alarm pull you from sleep, but reaching for your phone proves… impossible. Mostly because Jungkook is draped over you like a weighted blanket.

An enormous, warm, scent-heavy, dead-asleep weighted blanket.

You wiggle, trying to free an arm. No luck. His thigh is hooked over yours, his arm locked around your waist, his face buried in your neck. How you ended up like this, you have no idea.

The alarm keeps ringing.

You try again, squirming with a little more determination, but Jungkook’s hold doesn’t budge. Eventually, you sigh and sink back into the pillow, the sound vibrating your chest against his.

His scent drifts over you, thick and comforting, heating your entire body.

All week you’ve been battling your hormones, your growing restlessness, the unmistakable signs of your heat creeping closer. You needed to talk to him. Soon.

Very soon.

Part of you fears how he’ll react. Not because he hasn’t shown he wants you. After last week’s tent incident, you’re sure he does. But a heat is different. It’s intense, consuming, exhausting. What if he—

His body shifts before the thought finishes.

“Baby…?” he murmurs, voice deep and gravelly. His arm slackens just enough for you to breathe, then he rolls onto his back and pulls you onto his chest instead. “Why’re you awake so early? What were you thinking about?” His eyes are half open, but his voice is all sincerity.

You finally reach over and silence the alarm. “Thinking about you,” you say softly, brushing your lips against his. “And about how happy I am to be here with you on your birthday. Happy birthday, baby.”

His smile blooms slow and warm. You start to pull back, but he cups the back of your neck, holding you there for another soft kiss before letting you go.

“Thank you,” he whispers. Then his gaze sharpens just slightly. “But… tell me what’s on your mind. I could feel your anxiety in my sleep.”

His thumb strokes your hip, gentle but intentional, as if inviting honesty.

You take a slow breath, your fingers tracing the muscles on his chest.

“So, um… please don’t freak out,” you start.

Jungkook immediately frowns. “That’s exactly what someone says before you should freak out.”

You snort, then sigh. “It’s not bad. I promise. Just… inconvenient.”

You lift your eyes to his, cheeks hot.

“My heat is coming. Soon.”

His scent spikes and his hand tightens around your hip. “How is that an inconvenience?”

“Because I mean, we just started dating. And I don’t want you to think I’m hinting for sex or trying to pressure you. I know we’ve been taking things somewhat slow. I don’t want this to mess up our progress.

Jungkook’s brows pull together, but not in confusion, in something sharper, more intent. His hand slides from your hip to the small of your back, thumb stroking once, slow and grounding.

“Mess up our progress?” he repeats quietly, like the words genuinely don’t make sense to him.

You open your mouth, but he’s already cupping your jaw gently, turning your face toward his.

“Baby… look at me.”

You do.

And the warmth in his eyes nearly knocks the air out of your lungs.

“We didn’t start dating to tiptoe around each other,” he says, voice low, still rough with sleep. “And you don’t ever have to hide something like this from me.”

His thumb traces your cheek.

“You going into heat doesn’t scare me. It doesn’t pressure me. And it definitely doesn’t mess up anything.”

You swallow hard, heart thundering.

He leans closer, nose brushing yours, breath fanning your lips.

“If anything…” his voice drops even lower, almost a growl, “it just means I get to take care of you the way I’ve wanted to.”

Your breath stutters.

Jungkook smiles, soft but hungry underneath.

“We’ll talk about boundaries, we’ll plan what you need… but don’t ever think I’d pull away because your body wants mine.”

A beat.

Then he whispers,

“Baby, I want you too.”

Your stomach does a funny thing inside and you drop your head to his chest as he laughs.

Once everything is talked through, boundaries, timing, reassurance, you both get dressed and step into the familiar rhythm of your morning. Jungkook still has absolutely no clue about what you have planned for tonight, and it makes every small moment feel deliciously secret.

You move around the kitchen together like you’ve been doing it for years. Music plays softly from the speaker, Jungkook humming under his breath while you flip the last of the pancakes. Nori keeps grabbing at your legs with tiny fists gripping as she wobbles on unsteady feet.

“She’s getting too big too fast,” you say, lifting her under her arms.

“I know,” Jungkook sighs dramatically. “If only I had a time machine.”

After breakfast, the three of you tumble into the living room—little piles of blocks, plush toys, blankets, and Nori’s gleeful babbling filling the space. Jungkook crawls around on the rug making ridiculous growling noises, Nori shrieking every time he pretends to “catch” her.

When midday arrives, the two of you take Nori and Bam for a stroll around the neighborhood. Nori waving at every passing stranger, and Bam sniffing out every tree. When you return, Jungkook lays Nori down for her nap, pressing an extra kiss to her forehead.

With hours still left before his mom arrives, you settle into the couch with him for a movie. He scrolls through the options, humming thoughtfully before selecting one.

The title flashes on the screen.

Your heart lurches.

He’s chosen the prequel to the movie you’re taking him to see tonight.

You swallow your smile as you tuck into his side, his arm draping around your shoulders. Well at least now you had time to brush up on what you forgot.

“Perfect choice,” you murmur.

He tilts his head to kiss your temple. “I knew you’d say that.”

Oh, if only he knew.

At some point, Jungkook dozes off, the movie playing quietly in the background. You take advantage of the moment to slip outside, loading the overnight bag into the truck.

By the time you come back inside, Nori is waking from her nap with a soft whine. You settle her in her high chair and feed her lunch, glancing every so often at Jungkook, who’s still knocked out, completely unaware of the little surprise that’s coming.

When you return to the living room, Nori is wide awake and gripping the birthday card she “made” earlier, crinkling the paper proudly in her tiny fists. You lift her and set her gently in Jungkook’s lap.

He stirs, blinking himself awake. The first thing he sees is Nori, beaming up at him. The second thing he notices is her onesie.

“Best Appa ever.”

Jungkook’s smile is instant and soft. “Yeah?” he whispers to her, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “You think so?”

You hand him the gift bag. “This is from Nori too.”

He chuckles, still groggy, and pulls out the card first. His whole face melts as he opens it, taking in the messy little handprints stamped across the inside, the smudges, the uneven edges.

Then he reaches into the bag again and pulls out the small booklet.

He opens the first page and gasps.

You watch his breath catch, his eyes darting between the photos and Nori, who is now tugging at his shirt.

This has been a month-long project, something you built quietly whenever he wasn’t looking—an album full of stolen candids: Jungkook carrying Nori on his hip, Jungkook asleep on the couch with her on his chest, Jungkook laughing while she pulls his hair, Jungkook feeding her with that gentle concentration he thinks no one notices.

Pictures dating all the way back to the very first week you started helping them.

And man, how things have changed since then.

His throat bobs as he swallows. “You… you put all this together?”

You smile softly. “I just wanted you to have something to look back on someday. Something that shows… everything you are with her.”

His fingers smooth over a picture where he’s kissing the top of her head, completely unaware the moment was even captured.

He looks up at you, eyes shining.

“This is…”

He shakes his head, too emotional to finish.

“You’re a great dad, Jungkook. Always have been.”

He doesn’t even try to hide the emotion anymore. He stands, Nori still perched on his hip, and pulls you into a warm, full-bodied hug. You slip your arms around his waist, rubbing his back gently as he presses his cheek to the side of your head.

“Thank you so much,” he murmurs.

Before you can say anything else, keys jingle in the front door. Jungkook straightens, blinking in surprise as you smile knowingly.

“Jungkook-ah! I’m here!” his mother calls before you even see her, stepping inside with that familiar bright energy that always fills a room.

“Y/N, what—?” Jungkook starts, confused, and you just shrug innocently.

His mom sweeps him into a hug immediately, unintentionally squishing Nori between them. The baby squeals in protest, kicking her feet, and Jungkook laughs as he adjusts his hold so she’s not flattened.

“Happy birthday, son!” his mother says, cupping his cheeks and kissing both of them. “Now, off you go. Don’t want you two to be late.”

Before Jungkook can respond, she plucks Nori from his arms with practiced ease, rocking her gently as Nori babbles and pats her grandmother’s cheek.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asks, turning to you with confusion knitting his brows.

You grin, unable to help the fond warmth that bubbles in your chest. “We’re going out! For your birthday.”

“Out?” His eyes flick over your sweatshirt and leggings, then to his own loose sweats and tee. “But we’re not even dressed.”

You lift a shoulder, smirking. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

You grab your purse and shoes, nudging Jungkook toward the door with both hands. “Thank you again, Mrs. Jeon!”

“No problem! Have fun, but not too much fun,” she teases.

You laugh as Jungkook shoots her an absolutely betrayed look.

Outside, the cool air nips at your cheeks as you reach his truck. You spin around, hand already outstretched.

“Okay. Hand me the keys.”

Jungkook’s brows shoot up. “No way. I’m not letting you drive.”

You pout immediately. “Come on, Jungkook. We’ll be late. And you don’t even know where we’re going. Just let me chauffeur you for once.”

He crosses his arms, leaning back against the truck like he’s preparing for battle. “I’m a perfectly capable driver.”

“Uh-huh.” You tap your foot. “But it’s your birthday. So sit there, look cute, and let me drive.”

His jaw flexes. “You think I can’t look cute and still drive?”

“You can. But today I want you relaxed. No decisions, no responsibilities. Just me spoiling you.”

That gets him.

He sighs, pulling the keys from his pocket and placing them in your palm, grudgingly, like it physically pains him.

“If you hit one curb, just one—”

“Yeah, yeah. Just get in.”

Due to your shorter stature, you have quite a hard time navigating Jungkook’s monstrous truck, which he finds hilarious.

But you make it to the theater in one piece.

“The movies?” he says as you park, eyes widening with that boyish excitement he tries so hard to deny. “Wait—are we going to see the new Avengers movie?”

You laugh, “Yep! Now let’s hurry and grab snacks while the previews are still going,” you say jumping out of the vehicle.

He joins your side quickly, fingers slipping into yours like instinct. “You didn’t have to get tickets,” he murmurs. “I didn’t mind watching it later.”

You look up at him, giving his hand a squeeze. “And risk spoilers? Be serious.”

He chuckles, shoulders relaxing.

“Jungkook,” you add softly, “just relax and enjoy your night, okay? This is your birthday. Let me take care of you a little.”

His expression softens, warm and fond in a way that makes your chest flutter.

“Okay,” he says quietly. “If you insist.”

You tug him toward the entrance, smiling.

“Oh, I do.”

You settle into your seats—middle row, perfect view, the kind Jungkook says he avoids because he worries about “taking up too much space.”

You nudge his knee, “Babe you can spread out and relax. There’s hardly anyone on this row, plus the seats have recliners,” you say releasing yours dramatically.

He shakes his head, grinning as he gets comfortable in his seat.

You hand him his popcorn and drink once the lights dim, watching as his knee bounces with anticipation.

Through the movie, you steal glances at him.

He gets tense during the fight scenes, brows furrowed, doe eyes glued to the screen. His eyes light up when his favorite characters win, and he doesn’t hesitate to explain the lore when you’re confused.

Much to your neighbors annoyance.

By the time the credits roll, he’s practically glowing.

“That was insane,” Jungkook says as you step into the cool night air. “I can’t believe they gave us two post-credit scenes.”

“I’m glad we stayed back.” You nod.

He opens the truck door for you, going on about the cinematography, the score, how he predicted half of the deaths.

It’s only after you pull onto the road that he pauses.

“…Uh. Y/N?”

“Mhm?” you hum, driving steady.

“You, uh… missed the turn to go home.”

You keep driving.

He looks at you, eyebrows knitting.

“Baby. Where are we going?”

You hide your smile behind the glow of passing streetlights.

“You’ll see.”

Jungkook tries to read the road, the signs, even your expression. None of it helps.

“Are we… downtown?” he asks as you turn onto a newly paved street lined with warm lantern lights and young trees wrapped in autumn garlands.

“Maybe,” you say.

“You’re being suspicious.”

“You’re being nosy.”

Before he can respond, the building comes into view.

Tall glass front. Warm gold accents. A carved wooden emblem of the pack’s crest above the entrance. The glow spilling from the lobby makes the entire place look like a sanctuary.

Jungkook jerks forward in his seat, reading the sign.

You park in an empty spot and turn off the car. “Surprise! I booked us an overnight stay. And before you worry Nori is taken care of, your mother agreed to spend the night.”

He turns to you, shock all over his face. “Baby this is too much. I can’t accept this.”

Opening the car door, you grin. “Of course you can, help me with the bags will you, I overpacked.”

He gets out the car, beating you to the trunk. “Y/N I’m serious, we don’t have to do all this. This hotel was expensive I’m sure. It’s literally the only one we have.”

You pull him into a hug, trying to butter him up. “Don’t worry, baby, I got a deal.”

He pulls back just enough to search your face, brows still drawn. “A deal doesn’t make it cheap. You shouldn’t have to spend this much on me.”

You slide your hands up his arms, smoothing the tension in his shoulders.

“I didn’t have to. I wanted to.”

You tilt your head, giving him a little smile. “It’s your birthday. Let me spoil you.”

He exhales, long and conflicted, but slowly melting under your touch.

“You already do,” he murmurs. “Every day.”

Your heart squeezes, but you tap his chest gently.

“Then consider this a bonus.”

Jungkook finally concedes, grabbing the bags from the trunk with a resigned sigh and a quiet smile that gives him away completely.

“Fine,” he says. “But only because you look way too cute when you’re determined.”

You lace your fingers with his as you walk toward the glowing entrance.

“And because you secretly love being pampered.”

He snorts but doesn’t deny it.

Inside, the lobby doors slide open, washing the two of you in warm golden light.

The aesthetic was woodsy yet modern. Warm amber lights bounced off polished wood and soft greenery, giving the lobby a calm, inviting glow.

Check-in goes smoothly, the receptionist handing over your key cards with a polite smile.

The two of you ride the elevator up in silence, and you mentally tick everything off your list.

Swimsuits: Check.

Skincare: Check.

Condoms: Check. Check. Check.

You’d also ordered a cake and some balloons to be waiting in the room, so those should greet you the moment you walk in.

Swiping the key card, you push the handle down and flick on the lights.

Jungkook gasps behind you, the sound low and unguarded.

The room is even better than you imagined: soft golden light spills over a king-sized bed dressed in crisp linens, a small table in the corner holding a cake surrounded by gold balloons, room service, and a cozy seating area with a view of the town below. The wood accents from the lobby continue here, complemented by subtle greenery.

He steps further into the room, eyes catching the view, while you hang back, watching him. “Happy birthday, Jungkook,” you say softly.

Turning toward you, he drops the bags and marches over, capturing your lips in a hungry kiss.

You giggle into it, giving in easily.

He pulls back just enough to grin, breath warm against your cheek. “You’re something else, you know that?”

You shrug, pretending nonchalance. “I figured we could eat, then test out the pool,” your voice dips, playful and sly. “Or… if you want something more private, we could heat the Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom?”

He groans, throwing his head back, big hands wrapped around your waist. “You. Are. Dangerous.”

“Oh no,” you tease, pretending to worry. “Will you make it through the night?”

Jungkook smirks, sliding his jacket off his shoulders, and you gulp, heart racing. “I think I’ll manage,” he murmurs, voice low, carrying that dangerous edge that makes your pulse spike.

You press closer, your lips just grazing his ear. “Good… because I wasn’t planning on taking it easy.”

He tilts his head, eyes dark with amusement, and something hotter. “Oh? Is that a promise or a threat?”

You laugh softly, biting your lip. “Maybe both.”

The town lights spill through the windows, casting long shadows over the room. And in that charged silence, with the cake untouched and the balloons swaying gently in the corner, you both know this night is only just beginning.

——

Read Part 12 Here! Masterpost

A/N: Don’t kill me for the cliff hanger 🫣. I promise they will be full on freaked out next chapter, lol. But anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Open Arms is drawing to a close, which is so crazy because it feels like I’ve been working this story for forever. I think I’ll definitely take a pause from longer series like this due to me being in school and everything because it sucks having to wait until who knows when for an update. But I can say that I have some fun stories in the drafts, and I’m thinking about dropping a gamer reader x gamer JK fic once Open Arms is done, so you guys let me know if you’re interested and I may drop a lil synopsis early for ya 😉! But I appreciate you guys always and thanks for the support💕💕🫶🏽

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PART TEN

“So you’re telling me that technically, she can’t remove Y/N from her position as Nori’s caretaker? That the decision is mine alone?” Jungkook asks, scanning the documents spread across the kitchen table.

Yoongi, one of Taehyung’s close friends and a sharp, no-nonsense lawyer, leans back in his chair, arms crossed as he nods. The Jeon household feels unusually tense tonight.

Yoongi nods slowly, adjusting his glasses as he flips another page in the contract. “That depends on how serious you want to get. The low-stakes route; bring this to her attention. Let her know you’ve read the fine print, and make it clear you’ll lawyer up if she tries anything again.”

“And the high-stakes route?” Jungkook asks.

“You go straight to the board. That’ll take longer, but the result’s more severe. Joyce would probably lose her job.”

Jungkook winces. He doesn’t want a drawn-out fight; he just wants Y/N back where she belongs. Besides, something tells him Joyce isn’t half as tough as she pretends to be.

Yoongi reads the look on his face and stands, smoothing down his jacket. “I’ll let you sleep on it. Send me your decision in a few days, and I’ll give you advice on where to go from there.”

Jungkook rises and shakes his hand. “Thanks for your help, Yoongi.”

Yoongi’s smile is easy. “Us dads have to stick together, right?”

Jungkook watches him glance fondly at his daughter who now too is falling asleep on the couch. He’s only ever had one friend he truly trusted, Taehyung, but maybe that didn’t have to stay true forever.

Monday rolls around, and Jungkook dreads it before he even opens his eyes. He wants to call out, to spend the day at home, to keep things as they were. But the precinct’s short-staffed today so he doesn’t have the luxury.

He’s anxious, irritated, and more than anything, worried. Worried about how Nori will handle spending hours without the woman who’s become part of her every day.

The sound of Nori’s giggle draws him back. She’s holding a pancake in both hands, face sticky with syrup, eyes bright with the kind of trust only a child can give. Jungkook’s chest tightens.

Y/N would be here by now. Moving easily through the kitchen, humming to herself as she fixes her coffee, teasing him for being half-awake. And Nori knows it too. Her gaze keeps flicking toward the door, expectant, like she’s waiting for the familiar voice that never comes.

Instead, his mother’s voice carries from the hallway. “Okay, son, Nori’s laundry is in the wash. I stripped her bedding too—do you have any spare?”

She appears in the doorway, smiling brightly at Nori, who giggles at the sight of her.

It’s been an adjustment. Ever since their talk that day, Jungkook’s mom has been making more of an effort. Video-calling Nori three times a week, sending gifts, visiting sparingly. His dad hasn’t changed, but Jungkook won’t stop his mother from trying to rebuild what was broken.

And right now, she’s the only one who can stay and look after Nori until he gets things sorted with Joyce.

He’d called Sofia the next morning, telling her he wouldn’t be needing her services after all. Surprisingly, she hadn’t objected—just wished him luck. But Jungkook doesn’t need luck.

He needs Y/N.

With her back at the nursery, their time together has shrunk to almost nothing. And while it’s only been a week, her absence has been heavy.

“Jungkook?” his mother’s voice pulls him from his thoughts.

He shakes his head. “Yeah—uh, sorry. There are spare sheets in the hall closet.” He leans down to kiss Nori’s forehead before standing. “I should get ready for work. My shift starts soon.”

“You really like her, don’t you?” she says softly, stepping closer. “I’ve never seen you this smitten.”

Jungkook freezes for a second, but she continues, her tone gentle.

“Jungkook, I’m sorry. About this, about everything.” She takes his hands, the gesture warm and familiar. “I couldn’t understand why you needed to leave for so long, because I was ignorant to the damage your old pack caused you. To the strain it put on your life—and Jiyoo’s too. But seeing you now… seeing you raise your daughter, go to work, fall in love. You’re thriving. You’re so deserving of this. I’m so sorry I let you down.”

Jungkook presses a hand to the back of her head and pulls her into his chest. “Mom,” he murmurs, “I forgive you. You being here, it’s enough. It means more than you know.”

She hugs him tight before letting go, patting his chest, as she wipes her teary eye. “I didn’t mean to get all soppy with you before work. Hurry off before you’re late.”

Jungkook nods, heading towards the door before spinning around and hugging his mother once more. “Thank you mom.”

She rubs his back softly, voice weak. “No son, thank you.”

The air carries a faint chill now, the kind that sneaks under your sleeves when the wind picks up. The playground smells faintly of damp bark and dry leaves, the laughter of children cutting through the crisp afternoon. You pull your cardigan tighter, watching as the kids chase each other across the yard, shoes crunching over the first hints of fallen leaves.

You smile despite yourself, helping one of the younger ones climb the last step for the slide before glancing toward the benches where a few toddlers are sharing picture books.

Getting back into the routine of the nursery wasn’t hard at all. And it was nice to know that the children missed you. But things feel different.

You feel different.

And for the first time ever at the nursery, you feel out of place. While your love for children hasn’t wavered, your security at your job has. You feel violated.

You couldn’t wrap your head around Joyce’s decision. Her reasoning not justifiable. But you had to play your cards right. Being an elder, Joyce has influence over the pack. So you knew you had to act with precaution.

But it wasn’t fair. And Joyce doesn’t know how her actions of uprooting Nori’s routine would impact her.

You sigh, as you watch the kiddos play. You missed your sunshine baby. She is a little over two months away from turning one and every day away from her feels like you’re missing out on a milestone.

Aria, one of your coworkers comes up beside you and hands you a water bottle. “How are you holding up?” She asks genuine concern in her tone.

You shrug, “ I’m frustrated. I don’t agree with Joyce’s decision, nor do I understand it. And honestly, now that I think about it I don’t even know how she found out,” you sigh, keeping your voice low.

Aria glances around before stepping closer to your side. “I don’t want to cause any drama ok,” She says as she wipes her hands on her jeans nervously. “But it was the new dance instructor who’s been volunteering. He tells the children to call him J-hope I think, I can’t remember.”

“J-hope?” You repeat. Where have you heard that before. It takes you a moment to register who that nickname belongs to. “Hoseok.”

Aria nods, “Yes, him! I can’t remember how the conversation started, but he was telling some of our coworkers who asked about you how you’d gotten close with one of the parents. Said you two were practically inseparable and he could hear wedding bells in the future.”

You blink, the words taking a moment to sink in. “He said that?”

Aria frowns, guilt flashing across her face. “Yeah. I don’t think he meant it in a bad way, he was just talking. But Joyce overheard, and you know how she is. Once she gets an idea in her head, there’s no changing it.”

You stay silent. The last thing you need is to blow up at work. Why would Hoseok think that’s an appropriate thing to say in your absence?

So what if you and Jungkook are close, you guys are consenting adults. He shouldn’t have spoken about something he knows little about.

“What days does Hoseok usually come?” You ask, voice icily cool. You hadn’t seen him since your birthday, so you have no clue what his motives were. But you were going to find out.

Aria looks through the clipboard she has pinned under her arm. “It looks like today actually for activity block.”

You nod. That’s all you needing to hear.

The day moves forward and you busy yourself with tasks around the nursery, making sure to steer clear of Joyce and any nosy coworkers. You were not in the mood.

Conveniently, your shift ends around the same time as activity block today, so you wait for Hoseok in the parking lot.

He doesn’t notice you at first, a small grin on his face as he walks across the lot, earbuds in, humming quietly to himself. His backpack is slung lazily over one shoulder, a water bottle tucked under his arm.

You cross your arms, leaning against his car as you wait for him to get closer.

When he finally spots you, he halts surprised. “Y/N? Hey, I didn’t know you were back working at the nursery.

“Yeah, I’m sure you didn’t,” you say.

There’s an edge in your tone that makes him pause, his easy smile faltering. “Is… everything okay?” he asks carefully, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

“Not really,” you admit. “I talked to Aria today. She told me Joyce overheard something you said. Something about me.”

Hoseok blinks, caught off guard. “What? What did she say I said?”

“That I was spending a lot of time with one of the parents,” you say, voice low and steady. “After-hours. At his house.”

He stares at you, realization dawning slowly. “Y/N, I—shit. I didn’t mean for it to sound like that. We were just talking casually and someone asked about you. I said you were helping out a parent…and that you two seem to growing close, that’s all. I didn’t think Joyce would twist it like—”

“If this is you trying to get back at me for not reciprocating your feelings, Hoseok that is messed up. I thought we were friends.”

He takes a step forward. “What? Y/N, no, I would never do that,” he says quickly, panic edging into his voice. “It wasn’t—God, it wasn’t like that. I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

You cross your arms, glaring at him. “Then what was it like? Because from where I’m standing, you opened your mouth about something that doesn’t pertain to you causing unnecessary conflict that resulted in me being relieved as Nori’s caretaker.”

His mouth forms an “O” and he drags a hand down his face. Guilt clear in his demeanor.

“Look Y/N, I truly didn’t mean for things to pan out this way. I have a bad habit of oversharing and I’m working on it honestly. I was just—talking. It was stupid, careless. I wasn’t thinking.”

You nod slowly, pressing your lips together. As much as it would feel good to let all your anger out on him, it wouldn’t change anything. It wouldn’t bring Nori back. “Right. Yeah,” you murmur. “I know it’s not in your character to gossip. I’ve just been… stressed. Seeing Joyce’s true nature—it’s made me question a lot of things.”

You run a hand through your curls, sighing. You really needed a trim. Maybe some braids—something new to make you feel grounded again. “Hearing your name as a possible cause just… set me off. I guess I wanted someone to blame other than her.”

Hoseok’s expression softens. He reaches out, rubbing your arm gently. “No, Y/N, I get it. I’m sorry I even opened my mouth. I regret it more than you know. I know how much you love looking after Nori.”

Your throat tightens, thinking about the baby. You nod weakly, eyes stinging. Shying away from his touch, you turn before the tears can fall. “I should probably go,” you whisper. “There’s no hard feelings, I promise.”

And with that, you walk off, the weight in your chest heavier than when you arrived.

Jungkook parks along the curb outside the nursery, engine idling low. The building looks harmless enough from the outside, cheerful murals, bright flowers by the door, but his jaw is set tight. There’s nothing innocent about someone trying to upend his daughter’s life.

Beside him, Yoongi shuts the folder of documents with a decisive snap. “Alright,” he says, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Everything’s here, the employment clause, the caretaker authorization, and the breach-of-boundaries note.”

Jungkook exhales through his nose, still gripping the steering wheel. “Good. I just want this over with. Y/N doesn’t deserve to stress about something she didn’t do wrong.”

Yoongi eyes him with quiet amusement. “You care about her, huh?”

Jungkook shoots him a look, but there’s no real bite in it. “She’s family. And I’d go to war for mine.”

They step out of the car, both Alphas confident about what is about to take place. Some Parents are picking up their kids from morning care as they enter, young children running around the lobby.

“Picking up?” The receptionist asks?

Yoongi shakes his head, “No actually I’m Min Yoongi, an attorney for one of your clients Jeon Jungkook. His daughter is in the at-home-care program. We are hoping to speak with Joyce about a private concern.

The receptionist browse rise in confusion, but she stands quickly. “Sure thing, I’ll go see if she’s available.”

The woman disappears down the hall, heels clicking sharply against the tile.

Moments later, Joyce appears, her smile tight and brittle. “Officer Jeon,” she greets, clasping her hands together. “I didn’t expect to see you here today. And you are?”

“Min Yoongi,” Yoongi says smoothly, stepping forward to shake her hand. “I represent Mr. Jeon in a small legal clarification regarding the care contract for his daughter.”

“Legal clarification? Oh my, such “scary words for a setting like this don’t you think? Let’s talk further in my office.” She turns around without another word, forcing the men to follow.

Joyce leads them down a narrow hall, the sound of distant laughter growing faint behind them. Once inside, she motions stiffly toward the seats across from her desk. “Now, what seems to be the issue?”

Yoongi cuts to the chase. “Two weeks ago, one of your caretakers, Y/N, was released from her duties without warning or prior consultation with Jungkook.”

He slides the folder to her and she very brazenly skims the page. So he flips it.

“As you must know,” Yoongi continues, tone even but firm, “this goes against both the center’s internal policies and the caregiver agreement that Mr. Jeon signed. All decisions regarding his daughter’s assigned caretaker require his explicit consent. There’s no record of such consent being given.”

Joyce blinks, trying to maintain her composure. “I understand what it looks like, Mr. Min, but the situation was… complicated. There were concerns about professionalism.”

Yoongi leans back slightly, folding his hands. “Concerns raised by whom?”

She hesitates, eyes darting to Jungkook. “Certain staff members brought things to my attention. I had to make a judgment call.”

Jungkook’s jaw flexes. “A judgment call that left my daughter confused and crying for someone she trusts. You didn’t even call me, Ms. Han. You showed up at my door with a replacement like I didn’t have a say.”

Joyce swallows, color rising to her cheeks. “Officer Jeon, I assure you, there was no ill intent. I was only trying to maintain professionalism within the program.”

Yoongi taps a finger on the folder. “Then you’ll also understand my confusion. Nowhere in your employee code of conduct does it explicitly state that a caretaker is prohibited from engaging in a romantic relationship with a client, so long as it does not interfere with the child’s care or safety.” His gaze sharpens. “So unless you have documented proof that Nori’s needs were neglected, your reasoning doesn’t hold.”

Joyce’s lips press together, the faintest flicker of uncertainty in her expression.

“Let’s make this simple,” Yoongi says, voice cooling. “We’re requesting Y/N’s reinstatement effective immediately. Any further interference will be considered a breach of contract and reported accordingly.”

Jungkook stands then, calm but unmistakably firm.

“When Y/N came into our lives, Nori barely slept through the night. She wouldn’t eat unless I was holding her, wouldn’t go near anyone else. I was hanging on by a thread, trying to be enough for her, for me.” His voice tightens, but he doesn’t look away. “And then Y/N showed up. She gave my daughter security. She gave her laughter, warmth, a routine that finally felt like home. And somewhere along the way, she gave me back pieces of myself I thought were gone for good.”

Joyce’s expression falters. Jungkook straightens, his tone firming again.

“So if you think removing her was some noble act of professionalism, you’re wrong. It was selfish. And it hurt my daughter.” He lets the weight of his words settle before adding, low and certain, “You don’t get to decide who’s good for my family, Joyce. That’s my choice. Always has been.”

Silence stretches in the room, heavy, until Joyce finally drops her gaze.

Yoongi clears his throat, sliding the folder back toward her. “Then I trust we’re all in agreement?”

Joyce nods faintly. “Yes… I’ll make the arrangements.”

The air outside feels cooler, fresher somehow, the faint breeze carrying the distant sound of children laughing on the playground. Jungkook exhales slowly, his hand raking through his hair as the tension in his shoulders begins to ease.

Yoongi walks beside him, flipping the folder closed with a soft snap. “You handled that well,” he says. “Didn’t even raise your voice. I’m proud.”

Jungkook huffs a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “If I’d stayed in there any longer, I might’ve.”

The two ride back to Jungkook’s house in’s comfortable silence. Finally, things were getting back on track.

A few days pass, and the weekend rolls around. Jungkook sits in his car, fingers thrumming against the steering wheel as he waits for Y/N to come down from her apartment.

He planned a weekend getaway, and she had no idea. All he’d told her was to pack an overnight bag and dress warm.

Technically, this would be their first official date. Nori would be staying with his mom for the weekend, so it would be just the two of them. Well… them and Bam.

As much as his mom adores her granddaughter, she isn’t exactly fond of his dog. But Bam wouldn’t be a problem where they were going.

Besides, Jungkook has bigger things to think about. He plans on revealing the news to Y/N that she can continue being Nori’s caretaker. Along with finally asking her to be his girlfriend.

It has been a long time coming, but he was ready. He wanted her in his life, permanently.

He’s just… grateful. For her. For everything she’s brought into his world. He never thought he’d feel this kind of peace, but Y/N has carved a place in his heart—and he hoped she’d stay nestled there forever.

Y/N’s front door opens, and Jungkook forgets how to breathe for a second.

She’d gotten her hair done. Long, luscious braids that fall to the small of her back, curling softly at the ends. She looks radiant, the kind of beautiful that steals all coherent thought from his head.

He quickly climbs out of the truck and rounds the front to meet her, taking the bags from her hands before pulling her into his arms.

“Hey, baby,” he murmurs, kissing her forehead, then her lips, slow, lingering. Her familiar cashmere scent fills his senses, grounding him. God, he could live in it.

She giggles, fingertips brushing lightly across his back. “Hey, Jungkook. How are you?”

“I’m amazing now that you’re here.” He leans back just enough to meet her eyes, smiling. “Your hair is gorgeous, Y/N. You look beautiful. Let me get your bag.”

He carries it to the trunk, then returns holding a bouquet of wildflowers, soft pinks and whites tied with twine.

Her laughter bubbles up instantly. “Wow, these are so pretty! When did you get so charming?” she teases, pecking his cheek.

He grins, opening the passenger door for her. “What do you mean? I’ve always been this way.”

“Yeah, right,” she says, sliding into the seat, her laughter spilling into the quiet afternoon air.

“Where is Nori?” Y/N asks as he climbs into the car, scratching Bam’s head. He’s excited to see her.

“My mom’s keeping her this weekend, so it’s just me and you. You ok with that?” he pulls off into the street and she pouts.

“Of course, but I miss her. I wanted to see her little teeth.”

Jungkook chuckles, glancing over at her before returning his eyes to the road. “You’ll see her Sunday. She’s probably flashing them at my mom right now, charming her way into more snacks.”

Y/N laughs softly, settling back into the seat. “She’s got you both wrapped around her tiny finger.”

“Guilty,” Jungkook admits. “But this weekend’s about us. You deserve a break too, you know?”

She hums, turning her gaze toward the passing trees as the city begins to fade behind them. “A break sounds nice. It’s been… a long two weeks.”

Jungkook nods, his hand drifting to her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Yeah. But I promise—no stress, no interruptions. Just you, me, and maybe a very hyper dog.”

She looks back at Bam, who’s now sitting upright, tail thumping against the seat, and smiles. “I think I can live with that.”

The tension of the past weeks feels like it’s finally lifting, replaced by something quieter, sweeter.

Thirty minutes go by, filled with conversation and good music. Jungkook loved discovering new things about Y/N and today was her music taste.

As a song ends, Jungkook turns down the radio, catching her attention. “I need to tell you something.” He says in a semi-serious voice. “I hired a lawyer.”

Y/N eyebrows rise in shock. “Jungkook… you didn’t have to do all that,” she starts but he shakes his head

“No, Y/N, I did. And it turns out Joyce was violating my contract. So we confronted her and she had no choice but to give you your position back, or risk going to court.”

“Wow, really?” Y/N says grabbing his unoccupied hand. “When did this happen?”

“Earlier this week. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to feel burdened or stressed out at work.”

Her thumb brushes over his knuckles, the gesture soft and full of relief. “Thank you. I’m so happy to hear that. But I hate the thought of you taking on all that… drama.”

Jungkook shakes his head, eyes soft as he glances at her again. “It was a little stressful, sure—but I was more worried about you and Nori. I know how close you two have gotten. And even with everything that’s been growing between us, you’ve never let that affect the way you care for her. You’ve gone above and beyond, Y/N. You didn’t deserve to be cast aside, and I wasn’t going to stand by and let it happen.”

He lifts her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss against her skin.

Y/N sniffles quietly, trying to play it off with a small smile. “Thank you, Jungkook. I really appreciate it.”

He nods, and the rest of the drive passes with their hands interlaced, both content just to exist in the other’s presence.

The road winds through open fields and soft hills, the trees thickening as they near the outskirts of town. The air grows cooler, the faint scent of pine drifting in through the cracked window.

After nearly an hour, Jungkook slows as a small wooden sign comes into view: Maple Ridge Campgrounds.

“We’re going camping?” Y/N asks, excitement bubbling in her voice as she leans forward in her seat.

Jungkook smiles, easing the truck into a parking spot. “Yeah, that okay?” he teases, glancing her way.

Before he can register it, Y/N is leaning across the console, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. “Of course that’s okay! I haven’t been camping since I was a kid.”

He laughs, wrapping his arms around her and breathing in her warmth. “Well then,” he murmurs against her hair, “you’re in for a treat.”

Outside, the air feels cool and wild. The moment Jungkook steps out, his wolf stirs beneath his skin, stretching against the confines of his body. It always happens out here, where the trees are tall enough to swallow the sky and the ground hums with life.

Y/N steps beside him, closing her eyes for a second as the breeze sweeps through her braids. Her wolf answers his instinctively, a quiet hum that fills the space between them. They’ve long evolved past the need to shift, but out here, where the scent of pine sharpens and the earth calls softly beneath their feet, it feels close enough.

Jungkook’s chest swells with something primal and content. He glances at her, her cheeks glowing with anticipation, and can’t help but smile.

“Come on,” he says, popping the trunk. “Let’s set up camp before it gets dark. I’ve got the tent, the gear, and enough food to last us the weekend.”

Y/N grins, tail—well, the ghost of one—practically wagging. “Lead the way, alpha.”

The campsite glows softly under a string of fairy lights Jungkook hung earlier, tiny bulbs twinkling against the dark stretch of forest. The grill sizzles, casting off curls of smoke that mingle with the scent of marinated meat and toasted bread.

“Mmm, everything smells so good, Jungkook,” you murmur, stepping out of the tent, blanket draped around your shoulders. The night air is cool and sharp, your breath visible in night air.

“Of course it does,” Jungkook says with mock pride, flipping a piece of meat with his tongs. The orange glow from the grill highlights his jaw, his lashes, the faint curve of a smile as he catches you watching him.

You take a seat at the folding table, its surface cluttered with mugs, instant ramen cups, and small side dishes. Your stomach growls at the sight.

“Wow, you really prepared a feast. Is this all for one night?” you tease, eyes widening at the spread before you. Grilled meats sizzling on the grill, steaming sautéed veggies. It smells heavenly.

Jungkook laughs, twirling the spatula between his fingers like it’s part of a show. “I figured we could indulge a little tonight,” he says, glancing up at you with that easy smile that always melts you. “Besides, whatever we don’t eat, we can use for soup tomorrow.”

“Sounds good, Chef,” you reply, grinning as you reach down to scratch Bam’s head. The dog leans into your touch, tail thumping lazily against the grass.

Jungkook focuses back on the grill, humming softly under his breath as the smoke curls around him. The glow from the flames paint his skin in gold and amber, and you find yourself watching him. His hair’s gotten longer, soft strands brushing the nape of his neck. He’s getting buffer too, muscles defined beneath his hoodie, those late-night workouts clearly paying off.

He looks at peace here. And maybe that’s what makes your chest ache a little. How easily he makes you feel safe, grounded, seen.

He’s so handsome. So kind. So thoughtful.

And you’re so completely, helplessly smitten.

“You ready to eat?” he asks, setting out the plates, his voice light and easy.

“You maybe,” you mumble under your breath before you can catch yourself.

He stills. For a moment, the only sound is the quiet crackle of the grill. Then, slowly, his head turns toward you, eyes glinting in the firelight. His scent deepens, thickening the air between you. “What was that?”

Shit. Your body hears. “I said Ouu, maybe,” you rush out, fumbling over your words. “I’m still trying to figure out where I want to begin.” You laugh awkwardly, but your pulse is anything but calm.

Jungkook hums, the corner of his mouth twitching as he turns back to the food. “Careful, omega,” he says lowly, his voice rough enough to send heat down your spine. “You should know better than to tempt me by now.”

The air feels heavier, charged, and you swear the flames flicker higher in response. You shiver, unable to tell if it’s from the cool night air or him.

Jungkook lets you off the hook with a quiet smirk, fixing your plate.

Everything really did turn out amazing, and you were starting to believe there was nothing Jungkook wasn’t good at.

You lean back with a satisfied sigh, your stomach jutting out from all the food you’d devoured.

“Congratulations, Jungkook—you just gave me a food baby,” you tease, rubbing your stomach dramatically.

He pauses mid-chew, eyes dropping to your belly before lifting to meet yours. The look he gives you is hooded, possessive.

Okay… maybe you should shut up.

“It was a joke,” you say quickly, forcing a nervous laugh.

“Strike two,” is all he says, tone low as he returns to his food.

You stare at him, wide-eyed, before exhaling slowly. Man, how were you going to survive two nights in a tent with him?

“Anyways,” you start, desperate to defuse the tension hanging between you, “I found out who ratted on us to Joyce.”

His scent spikes instantly, thick and sharp, his whole body going rigid. “Who.”

Yikes—from one extreme to another.

You sigh, unsure how to ease into it. “It was Hoseok. Apparently, he let it slip to some of my coworkers that I’d been staying after hours to help. Joyce overheard and took it completely out of context—”

“Bullshit,” Jungkook snaps, voice cutting through the quiet night. You wince.

“I know, I know it sounds bad,” you say quickly, trying to keep him grounded. “But when I confronted him, he was instantly apologetic. He didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Jungkook stares at you like he can’t believe what he’s hearing, jaw ticking. “Y/N, I get it, you’re kind, you want to see the good in people. But this man’s mistake caused unnecessary stress to your work life and my child. That’s not something I can just, brush off.”

You nod, your tone gentle. “I know. And you have every right to be upset. I was too. But everyone’s path to forgiveness looks different. And I just couldn’t invest any more energy into the situation. Besides, now that you’ve resolved things with Joyce, I’m ready to move forward.”

He’s quiet for a beat, his expression softening as he looks at you across the firelight. “You’re right. You’re back where you belong, and that’s what matters ultimately.” His lips twitch in the dark smirk. “But I can’t promise I’ll be friendly if I ever see him in public.”

You laugh nervously, shaking your head. “I’ll make sure to warn him ahead of time then.”

That earns you a real smile from Jungkook, the tension finally easing. The fire crackles between you, low and warm, while the night hums with distant crickets.

Before long, the two of you are moving around camp, packing up leftovers, dousing the fire, brushing your teeth side by side in the glow of a lantern. It’s a comfortable kind of quiet, filled with small glances and the easy rhythm you’ve fallen into over the months.

By the time you both crawl into the tent, exhaustion settles over you like a heavy blanket. You can feel Jungkook’s warmth through the sleeping bags, his steady breathing lulling you to sleep.

When you wake again, it’s to a hand gently shaking your shoulder.

“Y/N,” Jungkook’s voice is soft but buzzing with excitement. “C’mon, sleepyhead. Get up.”

You groan, burrowing deeper into your blanket. “What time is it?”

“Not even six,” he says, far too chipper for the hour. “We’re going hiking. You promised you’d come with me.”

You crack one eye open, squinting at his bright grin. “You’re way too happy for someone who didn’t make coffee yet.”

“I brought instant packs,” he says proudly, holding up two sachets. “And if you get up now, I’ll even make yours first.”

You sigh dramatically but sit up anyway, bonnet lopsided and eyes still half-shut. “You’re lucky I like you, Jeon.”

He chuckles, handing you a mug. “Yeah,” he says softly, watching you over the steam, “I know.”

You get dressed quickly as Jungkook insists and follow him out the tent to the trail, Bam’s leash wrapped tightly in your hand. Jungkook was eager to reach the sunrise.

He never expressed a grand interest in them before but you just went along with, happy to see him so happy.

Once you’re fully awake, you can easily admit that the trail is actually breathtaking. The air is crisp with dew, carrying the scent of pine and damp soil. Every step crunches over a bed of fallen leaves, hues of amber and rust painting the forest floor.

Bam trots ahead excitedly, tail wagging, nose twitching as he explores the path. Jungkook walks beside you, backpack slung over one shoulder, his hoodie pulled up against the chill. The soft morning light filters through the trees, streaking his face in gold.

When you reach the clearing, you gasp, taking in the view. The sky is a watercolor blend of orange and blue, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. In the far distance, the faint outline of town glimmers through the haze. It’s breathtaking.

You pull out your phone, snapping a quick photo. “Are you seeing this—” The words falter on your tongue when you turn and see Jungkook standing a few steps behind you, a small velvet box resting in his palm.

Your breath catches. “Jungkook…”

He smiles nervously, exhaling through his nose as if trying to steady himself. “Before you panic, I’m not proposing… at least not yet.” He steps closer, the small space between you shrinking with his warmth. “I just wanted to give you something, a token of my affection. Something you can carry with you every day.”

You take in a shaky breath, eyes never leaving his.

“I didn’t bring you out here just for the sunrise,” he continues softly. “I brought you because of what it stands for—a new beginning.”

Sensing his nerves, you reach out and take his hand, urging him to go on.

“I told you a little about Jiyoo before,” he begins, voice low. “But not everything. She and I weren’t mates. We were friends. Two people going through a rough time who… shared one night together. That night gave us Nori.” His voice trembles faintly. “It wasn’t planned, but we were both determined to give her the life we never had, even if we weren’t bonded.”

He pauses, glancing at the horizon as though the memory lives somewhere out there. “Those nine months weren’t easy. Our parents, the elders, even people in our pack, they all judged us. We weren’t following tradition, and she never saw mating in her future. But that didn’t matter to her. She still wanted me involved, and I was determined to be her support.”

Jungkook swallows hard, voice growing quieter. “We did everything right. Every appointment, every class, every plan. But… Jiyoo’s birth was complicated, and she didn’t make it through.”

A tear slips down his cheek, and you reach up to wipe it away, your own eyes glistening.

“I had so much guilt,” he admits. “So much anger. At myself, at the world, at the pressure from her family. I didn’t know if I could be enough for Nori without her. Everything felt… too heavy. So I left. Tried to rebuild.”

He lifts his gaze to meet yours. “Then you came along.” His voice softens, thick with emotion. “You saved me in more ways than you’ll ever realize. You gave me hope again. You gave me purpose. I truly believe Jiyoo sent you to me.”

Your tears fall freely now as Jungkook opens the box in his hand. Inside sits a delicate gold band that glows in the morning light.

“Nori taking to you so quickly only confirmed what I already felt in my heart.” He takes your hand gently, thumb brushing over your skin. “I want you in my life—permanently. Y/N… will you be my girlfriend?”

For a moment, you can’t speak. The world feels still, like even the trees are holding their breath, waiting for your answer. The sunrise paints Jungkook in soft golds and ambers, his dark eyes glistening with hope and something deeper, something raw.

You let out a shaky laugh through your tears, nodding your head. “Of course baby, of course I’ll be your girlfriend.”

You engulf him in a hug, his strong arms wrapping around you. Your heart was practically beating out of your chest, your wolf overly ecstatic.

The two of you stay embraced for a long time, watching the sun rise together. When it reaches its peak, you draw back. “Oh man, I’ve ruined your hoody.” You say wiping at the snot tears stains.

“It’s all worth it baby.” He holds out the ring to you. “May I?”

You nod, sniffling as you hold out your hand, watching through watery eyes as he carefully slides the ring onto your finger. It glimmers faintly in the sunlight. Simple, but breathtaking.

“It’s beautiful,” you whisper, voice trembling. “I’m never taking it off.”

Jungkook smiles softly, brushing his thumb over your knuckles before pressing a kiss to your hand. “Good. That way, I’ll always be with you.”

You laugh quietly, trying to hide the fresh wave of tears threatening to fall. “You’re gonna make me cry again.”

“Then I’m doing something right,” he teases, leaning forward to kiss the tip of your nose.

You smile, feeling that deep, inexplicable pull between you — something beyond affection, something instinctual. Your wolf hums beneath your skin, content and secure, recognizing what your heart already knew: this was her person.

Jungkook pulls you closer again, resting his chin on top of your head as the morning breeze passes through the clearing. “You know,” he murmurs, “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to feel this — peace, happiness… love. But you came into my life and everything just… aligned.”

You exhale softly against his chest. “You deserve it, Jungkook. And so much more.”

He hums quietly, his grip tightening for a second before loosening. “C’mon, let’s head back. Bam’s probably restless enough to attack a squirrel.”

You laugh, letting him lace your fingers together as you walk down the trail, the ring catching sunlight with every step.

——

Masterpost Read Part 11 Here!

A/N: Y/N has officially upgraded to gf status, make some noise yalllll🥳🥳 I also can sense some tension brewing so things must be spicing up soon🫣… But yall I’ve been planning out the last few chapters and I’m low key sad. I’ve been working on the fic for months now and it’s finally coming to a close?!?! Crazy. I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about my writing stamina and how I’ll plan out/ publish series in the future but wow. I can’t believe Open Arms is wrapping up🥺

Tag-list:

PART ONE

Wails cut through the quiet.

Sharp and unrelenting. It’s hard to believe a body so small could hold so much sound.

You’d think her vocal cords would have given out by now, but no. Her cries have echoed through the house for over an hour, looping endlessly, each one more desperate than the last.

Jungkook cradles his daughter in his arms, gently rocking her in a rhythm that’s grown frantic with fatigue. He’s tried everything. Her bottle, her pacifier, soft lullabies, even a midnight drive but nothing quiets her cries.

It’s the third night this week Jungkook has been pulled from sleep to tend to his daughter’s distress, and his patience is beginning to wear thin.

His frustration doesn’t lie with his daughter, but with himself.

With the helplessness that comes from his inability to quickly attend to her needs. He never imagined he’d have to raise a newborn baby alone.

A sudden wave of grief crashes through him, tightening his chest just as her cries rise again. Sharper, louder. Her tiny face reddens as she gasps for breath, her sobs coming in broken, desperate bursts.

“It’s alright, Nori. Appa’s got you. I’m right here, everything’s going to be okay,” he whispers, the words meant as much for himself as for her.

He shifts her gently, nestling her against the curve of his neck, doing his best to release soothing pheromones, praying they’ll bring her some relief.

And it seems God has answered his prayer because shorty after Nori’s cries begin to subside. Jungkook continues to rock his baby to sleep, his heartbeat her nursery rhyme as they sway back in forth in the chair.

Not long after, sleep finds Jungkook, and the two drift off together, his last thought settling heavy in his mind. He can no longer do this alone.

Mornings were hectic, as you often had to deal with teary-eyed toddlers who hated to see their parents leave.

Today was no different.

Jiah, Seokjin’s daughter, was mid-meltdown, wailing as she clung to her father with the strength of a toddler on a mission. Her tiny fists had a death grip on his shirt, and neither You nor Seokjin could get her to let go.

“Jiah, Appa really has to go now or he’s going to be late for work,” Seokjin said gently, trying to pry her off. “Appa has to go help catch the yummy salmon we like to eat, huh?”

You laugh slightly, endeared by the father-daughter duo.

Knowing that little Jiah is food motivated, you crouche down, pulling the toddler’s favorite crackers out of your pocket.

“Hey, Jiah,” you say softly. “I know it’s hard to say goodbye, but your Appa will be back later to pick you up. And if you let him go, I just might be able to sneak you one of your favorite snacks.”

You dangle the package just within view, letting the crinkle of the wrapper do the rest.

Suddenly, the toddler’s tears cease, and she eagerly turns to you, ready for her snack.

Seokjin’s mouths a silent thank-you as he backs toward the door, slipping out before Jiah changes her mind.

As You hand over the crackers, your heart swells, a quiet warmth blooming in your chest at the small victory.

The rest of the morning passed without incident and you spend most of your time tending to the children. By a little after one, most of the toddlers were deep into their naps, the room quiet and still.

Sitting in a rocking chair, you gently cradling a newborn as he nurses from a bottle. It was quiet moments like this when the ache settled in—soft but steady. Your Omega side stirred, preening at the thought of holding a child of your own.

You’re pulled from your thoughts by a soft knock on the doorframe. Glancing up, Joyce, one of the pack elders who helps run the nursery, stands by the door frame, gesturing for you to come over.

After gently passing the newborn to a nearby colleague, you rise from the chair, following her into the office.

“Come on in,” Joyce says as you step inside. “And close the door behind you, will you?”

The request catches you slightly off guard. Your pulse speeding up as anxiety creeps in. Had you done something wrong?

“Don’t look so skittish, child. You’re not in trouble,” Joyce adds with a small smile, pulling a file out of her cabinet. “Have a seat, and I’ll explain what this is all about.”

You sit without further question, eager to know what it is your boss has to say.

“I got a call early this morning from a parent. A new father. Widowed, and having a hard time adjusting. He sounded desperate, maybe even a little embarrassed to reach out.”

A small wave of relief washes over You. You’re not in trouble.

Sitting up a little straighter you reply, “Well, that’s what the nursery’s for,” your tone steady. “To help the Pack when needed. Should I go ahead and start the onboarding process?”

“Well, here’s the thing. While speaking with the Alpha over the phone, he expressed his desire to have in-home care instead.”

You nod along in understanding, “Ah, well that shouldn’t be a problem right, we have plenty of caregivers available to assist,” you reassure.

Joyce chuckles slightly. “That we do, and I was actually hoping the caregiver across from me would be willing to assist.”

Your eyebrows lift. “Me?”

She nods, folding her hands over the file in front of her. “You’ve always had a calm touch. The way you handled Jiah this morning? That’s exactly what this family needs. What he needs.”

There’s a beat of silence as you absorb her words.

“I… I mean, I’d be honored,” you say carefully. “But are you sure? There are plenty of others with more experience in in-home care.”

Joyce gives you a knowing look. “There are plenty of caregivers, but not all of them carry the kind of presence you do. And this case isn’t just about experience—it’s about connection. This Alpha just lost his mate. The baby’s still young. He’s raw. Grieving. Barely sleeping.”

You swallow, your Omega instincts already responding to the quiet urgency behind her words.

“What’s his name?” you ask softly.

“Jeon Jungkook,” she replies, sliding a folder toward you. “Lives just outside the main pack perimeter. He’s been trying to do it all on his own, and I think it’s breaking him down faster than he’s willing to admit.”

You place a gentle hand on the file but don’t open it right away. “And he agreed to someone coming in?”

Joyce nods, though her expression dims a bit. “Reluctantly. He didn’t want to ask for help, but I think he knew if he didn’t, something would give—and it wouldn’t be pretty.”

You finally open the folder, eyes scanning the brief intake notes. The baby’s name jumps out at you first. Nori. A soft name. Pretty. Your heart clenches.

Joyce watches you, patient and quiet.

“When would he need me to start?” you ask, barely above a whisper.

“Tomorrow morning,” she says gently. “Just a few hours to start. Ease him into it. He’s wary, and I don’t blame him.”

You nod slowly, the weight of the moment settling over your shoulders. “Okay.”

Joyce exhales like she’d been holding her breath. “I knew I could count on you.”

You smile faintly, nerves fluttering just beneath your skin. “I hope he’ll feel the same.”

Tomorrow morning comes quickly, and you find yourself in the car, on your way to Jungkook’s house. A manila folder rests in your lap, the contents practically imprinted on your brain.

You could do this.

It wasn’t that different from the nursery.

Just a little more intimate.

“If you stare at that file any longer, I’m pretty sure you’ll start seeing the words when you blink,” Namjoon teases from the driver’s seat.

You glance up, startled from your thoughts. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m well-prepared.”

Namjoon hums, offering you one of those quiet, effortless dimpled-smiles that always gets you. “Y/N, you’re the most plan-A person I know. You’ve probably already thought through every possible outcome, including a fire drill.”

You laugh softly, closing the file with a sigh. He wasn’t wrong.

Your car’s still in the shop, so Namjoon offered to drive you this morning. You were grateful, maybe a little too grateful.

The silence that settles between you is familiar. Not awkward, just… heavy with things unsaid.

You’ve known Namjoon since primary school. He’s your older brother’s best friend. Always has been. Always will be.

He’s the one who used to share his snacks with you when your lunch money mysteriously disappeared. The one who helped you with your school projects so you wouldn’t flunk a class. The one who never missed your dance recitals, even when your own brother forgot.

And, unfortunately, he’s also the one you’ve been quietly in love with since you were fifteen.

He knows, of course. You told him once, drunk and swaying on the edge of heartbreak, years ago now.

He never brought it up after that. Never pulled away either. He just… kept showing up. Kind. Thoughtful. Utterly unattainable.

You glance over at him now, fingers tightening around the file.

“I appreciate this, Joon,” you murmur. “Really.”

He glances at you briefly before turning back to the road. “Anytime.”

And he means it.

That’s the problem.

You’re pulled from your thoughts as the car turns onto a quiet residential street, the tires crunching softly over gravel before coming to a stop in front of a modest family home.

It’s simple but neat. Dark shutters, white trim, and a small porch with a wooden bench pushed slightly off-center. A baby rattle lies abandoned in the grass beside the walkway, its bright colors dulled by morning dew.

You grip the strap of your tote bag a little tighter.

Namjoon shifts in the driver’s seat, glancing toward the house. “Looks cozy.”

You nod, though your stomach twists with nerves. “Yeah.”

He doesn’t say anything else for a moment, just drums his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. The silence hangs, comfortable but heavy, like a weighted blanket you’re not sure you asked for.

You reach for the door handle, but pause when you feel his gaze on you again.

“You sure you’re good?” he asks gently. “I can wait out here as long as you need. If it’s weird or—”

“I’ll be okay,” you say, turning to him with a soft smile. “Thanks again for driving me.”

His dimple appears again with the smallest smile. “Of course.”

You step out of the car, smoothing your palms down your pants as you adjust your tote. The morning air is crisp, not cold, but it does something to your breathing. Makes it feel shallower.

You glance over your shoulder.

Namjoon is still watching. Not hovering, just there. Like he always is.

You give him a small wave before turning toward the house and walking up the path. With each step, your heart beats a little faster.

The home security alerts your presence before you even lift your hand to knock, a quiet chime sounding from somewhere inside the house. You pause, glancing up at the small camera mounted above the doorbell.

It blinks.

You blink back.

Then, unable to help yourself, you smile awkwardly into the lens, giving a sheepish little wave.

A few seconds pass in silence before a soft click sounds, followed by the quiet crackle of the intercom.

“Hello?”

The voice that follows is deep, husky, and just a little rough, like it hasn’t been used much this morning. It catches you off guard, something about it tugging at the center of your chest in a way you weren’t quite prepared for.

You clear your throat gently. “Hi. Um… this is Y/N. From the nursery? Joyce sent me to help with Nori.”

Another pause.

Then the door creaks open, only a few inches at first, and you catch a glimpse of him.

Jeon Jungkook.

He stands barefoot in the doorway, clad in gray sweatpants and a loose black long sleeve that clings slightly at the collar from the weight of the baby nestled against his chest.

Nori.

She’s tiny, swaddled in soft pink, her small face barely visible beneath the folds of the blanket. Her breathing is steady. Peaceful.

Your breath catches just a little. Instinct kicks in, full and immediate, blooming through you.

Jungkook eyes you carefully, dark lashes low over bloodshot eyes. His features are unreadable Like he’s still trying to decide whether to let you in.

“I thought you were coming at nine,” he says, voice lower than before, almost cautious.

You glance at your watch. “It is nine.”

He looks mildly surprised, then sighs through his nose. “Right. Sorry.”

You shift your weight, fingers tightening around the strap of your tote bag. “I don’t want to intrude if now’s a bad time. I can wait outside or come back later if you need—”

“No,” he says, cutting you off gently. “You’re here. Might as well come in.”

He steps back, opening the door wider.

You enter slowly, careful not to make too much noise, as you remove your shoes.

Your gaze flickering over the living room as you take it in. Baby toys tucked in corners, a burp cloth draped over the back of the couch, a faint scent of formula in the air.

“You have a beautiful home, Jungkook,” you say, offering a soft smile as your eyes return to him.

He doesn’t smile back. Just stares at you for a second too long, like he’s trying to decide whether or not you’re being sincere.

Then he nods, barely, and turns, walking off deeper into the house.

You hesitate, standing awkwardly just past the doorway, unsure if you’re supposed to follow or give him space. Your hand shifts nervously at your side.

Is this the part where you take initiative? Or would that cross some unspoken line?

Just as you take a small step backward, debating whether to text Joyce for clarity, you hear his voice call out, low, but firm.

“You coming?”

It’s not exactly an invitation. But it’s not a dismissal either.

Relieved, you follow him down the hallway, your steps quiet against the hardwood floor. The house is dim, curtains drawn in most rooms, like he’s been trying to block out the world one window at a time.

He leads you into what must be the nursery. The furniture is minimal. A crib, a rocking chair, a dresser. All functional. Moody natural tones fill up the space. Jungkook’s must gravitate towards the darker colors, you think to yourself.

Jungkook gently lowers Nori into the crib, moving with a care so tender it startles you. He adjusts her blanket, brushes a thumb against her cheek, and stands there for a moment. Just watching her breathe.

You don’t speak.

He doesn’t either.

When he finally turns back toward you, there’s something wary in his gaze. Not hostile, just… cautious.

“She didn’t sleep at all last night,” he murmurs, rubbing the back of his neck.“Every time I put her down, she’d start screaming again.”

You nod slowly, voice gentle. “That’s normal at her age. Especially when they’re dealing with grief too.”

His jaw clenches at that, like you hit a nerve without meaning to.

You soften your tone even more. “I meant both of you.”

Jungkook doesn’t reply right away. Just crosses his arms loosely over his chest.

“So… what do you need from me today?” you ask carefully, watching his posture, trying not to step on the wrong nerve.

He exhales slowly. “Honestly? I don’t even know.”

You pause, giving him space before gently offering, “Well… I’d be happy to help you tidy up a bit. If you showed me where things are, I could—”

“No offense,” he cuts in, his voice flat, “but I didn’t hire a maid.”

You nod slowly, choosing not to react to the bite in his tone. “Right. Of course. But as a caretaker, part of what I do is tend to the environment too. And I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.” You try to offer him a friendly smile.

His jaw flexes, but he says nothing, just watches you for a long beat.

You try again, carefully. “I understand that letting someone into your space can be nerve-wrack—”

“I don’t need you to understand,” he cuts in again, this time sharper.

That silences you. Not from fear, but because you get it. He doesn’t want sympathy. Not now. Maybe not ever.

A thick pause stretches between you.

Then, finally, he sighs, the fight seeming to drain from his shoulders.

“If you want to clean, clean. I’ll show you where I keep stuff.”

He turns and walks off without another word.

You follow, staying a few paces behind.

The tour is short and clipped.

“That’s the laundry room. Detergent’s on the shelf. Vacuum’s in the hallway closet. Bottles are in the sink.”

He doesn’t look back to see if you’re keeping up. Just talks and moves and points, like muscle memory is the only thing keeping him upright.

Despite his coldness, you listen. Carefully. Committing it all to memory.

The house is larger than expected but spread out across one floor, thankfully simple to navigate. Still, there’s a quiet weight to the air, like the walls themselves are grieving.

He stops at the edge of the kitchen and finally looks back at you.

“Anything else?” he asks, arms folded across his chest.

You shake your head gently. “No, thank you. I’ve got it from here.”

He nods once, stiff and unreadable, before walking off again, no goodbye, no lingering glance.

You stand there for a moment, alone in the kitchen, and finally take a breath.

Then you set your tote down, roll up your sleeves, and get to work.

You take your time in the kitchen, working methodically. From countertops, to dishes, to the sticky patch of formula on the floor by the trash can. It’s not glamorous, but the order settles something in your chest.

Once the space is pristine, you move on to the foyer, collecting the mess of shoes scattered across the walkway.

By the time you make it to the living room, you stop short.

Jungkook is completely knocked out, slumped in the recliner, his head tilted back, mouth parted slightly as soft breaths escape. His arms are limp at his sides, chest rising and falling in slow, heavy rhythms.

The baby monitor glows quietly on the coffee table, its screen mirroring Nori’s room.

You tiptoe around him carefully, heart softening at the sight. He looks younger in his sleep, less guarded, less worn. You wonder how long it’s been since he truly rested.

A glance toward the hallway confirms what you already knew: he probably wouldn’t have heard Nori even if she had cried.

You make your way to the nursery, moving in sock-clad feet.

Inside, the room is bathed in soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Nori stirs gently in her crib, a soft whimper escaping her lips, not quite a cry, but the kind of sound that promises one if no one answers.

You move toward her, lowering your voice to a soft coo. “Hello, Nori,” you whisper, releasing the faintest wave of calming pheromones into the space.

She blinks up at you, her tiny face still puffy from sleep, lips puckered as if deciding whether or not to fuss.

You lean over the crib, letting her see your face clearly. “It’s alright, sweetheart. I’m here.”

Her fingers twitch beneath the blanket, grasping the air in slow, aimless movements.

You gently lift her from the crib, cradling her in the crook of your arm. She’s warm and impossibly small, a perfect little weight against your chest.

Her breathing evens out as she nestles into your scent, soft and trusting.

Thinking back to the feeding chart you noticed pinned to the fridge, handwritten, color-coded, a little smudged with use, you remember the time slot. It’s just about time for Nori’s next bottle. Her fussiness makes sense now.

“Is someone hungry?” you whisper, glancing down at the tiny bundle in your arms.

Nori wriggles a little at the sound of your voice, her face scrunching just slightly. Not quite a cry, more of a soft, impatient whimper.

You smooth the hair out of her face and walk out of the nursery, gently easing the door shut behind you.

The living room is still quiet.

Jungkook hasn’t moved. One arm now drapes off the recliner, fingers twitching slightly with whatever dream he’s locked in. The angle of his neck looks mildly uncomfortable.

You smile faintly and keep walking.

In the kitchen, the fridge opens with a soft hiss, the cold air brushing your arms as you reach for one of the prepped bottles nestled on the top shelf. His labeling system is surprisingly thorough, each bottle marked with the day and time it was made. You choose the most recent one, giving it a light shake as you make your way to the bottle warmer already plugged in beside the sink.

The hum of the warmer fills the kitchen while you cradle Nori against your chest with one arm. She stirs again, her little face searching instinctively, mouth parting in a hungry pout.

“I know, sweetheart,” you murmur. “Almost ready.”

You glance around the kitchen as you wait, notes pinned on the corkboard, a list of emergency contacts, a reminder to order more wipes scribbled on a sticky note near the coffee pot. Everything is functional. Focused. Like a man doing his best not to drown.

And yet…

There are quiet signs of tenderness here too.

The gentle curve of Nori’s name on the fridge in soft pink magnets.

A tiny onesie draped over a chair like it had been tossed aside in a hurry.

A small giraffe pacifier clipped to the strap of a diaper bag by the door.

The bottle warmer beeps softly.

You test a few drops on your wrist before settling into a kitchen chair.

Nori latches without fuss, eyes fluttering closed, her body relaxing completely in your arms.

You breathe in the moment, slow and steady.

Nori finishes her whole bottle, much to your surprise. You hold her a moment longer, then lift her gently against your shoulder, patting her back in a soft, familiar rhythm until the telltale little burp escapes.

“Good girl,” you whisper, smiling as she lets out a sleepy sigh.

After rinsing her bottle and setting it on a drying rack beside the sink, you make your way back toward the living room, cradling her close as you go.

Carefully, you lower Nori into the baby swing stationed nearby, tucking her blanket around her legs. She shifts just a little but stays asleep, her tiny face relaxed.

You turn the setting on low, the swing humming to life with a quiet whir as it begins its gentle motion.

Then, finally, you stand and glance around the room.

Time to tackle the rest.

You move quietly as you gather scattered blankets, fold burp cloths, and rearrange toys. There’s a half-assembled baby gym you finish setting up, careful not to let any plastic joints click too loudly.

You exhale through your nose, feeling the work settle into your bones, not the exhaustion of it, but the calm. The quiet pride of being useful.

Standing you turn around, only to freeze when your eyes lock with deep brown orbs.

Jungkook is awake.

He’s no longer slumped back in the recliner. He’s leaning into it, one arm propped on the armrest, his face resting in his palm as he watches you.

He doesn’t say anything. Just… stares.

There’s no judgment in his gaze. No frustration. Just something quieter. Heavier.

You freeze mid-step, hands still tucked around a neatly folded baby blanket, the soft cotton brushing your knuckles.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” you say, your voice softer than usual.

“I think you’ve helped enough for today,” Jungkook says, catching you off guard just as you straighten up.

You blink. “But… I thought I was supposed to stay until two? Did I do something wrong?”

He doesn’t meet your eyes. Just exhales through his nose, jaw tight. “Y/N, I can take it from here.”

Your spine straightens instinctively, the way it always does when you’re dismissed.

Behind you, Nori lets out a soft cry, the kind that means she’s waking up slowly and might fuss soon if no one picks her up.

You glance back at her, then to Jungkook again, eyes pleading.

But he brushes past you, gaze fixed on his daughter as if you’ve already ceased to exist.

He crouches beside the swing, lifting Nori into his arms with practiced ease. His voice is low, murmuring something you can’t make out. Something gentle. Something not meant for you.

His back stays turned.

You swallow against the growing ache in your throat.

“Jungkook,” you try, voice steady but soft. “If there’s something I did that was inappropriate or over the line, I’d really like to know. I’d never overstep intentionally. I just…” you trail off, gathering yourself. “I’d sincerely like to make things right.”

He doesn’t turn. Just shifts Nori higher against his chest.

Your Omega stirs uneasily beneath your skin, whining in confusion at the sudden rejection.

“Y/N,” he says finally, his voice tired and hollow.

“Please… just leave.”

It’s the first time he’s spoken to you without bite—no edge, no cold distance. Just raw emotion. Worn-thin honesty.

Realizing there’s nothing you can do in this moment to assist Jungkook’s inner turmoil, you nod, even though he can’t see it.

You quietly gather your things, slinging your bag over your shoulder, heart thudding like a dull echo in your chest. Your fingers hesitate on the doorknob, the silence between you stretching and pulling, heavy with all the unspoken things.

You glance back once more.

He’s seated on the floor now, Nori nestled against his chest, his hand gently rubbing her back.

You bite the inside of your cheek, then open the door slowly, quietly, slipping out without another word.

The click of it closing behind you feels far too final.

You arrive at the nursery 30 minutes later.

Not in the mood for Namjoon’s gentle concern or quiet questions, you avoided calling him altogether. Instead, you took the Pack’s local bus line, hood up, earbuds in, eyes fixed on nothing in particular. It was the longest short ride of your life.

When you step inside, the buzz of midday care fills the building. Toddlers laughing in the distance, the clatter of toys, the familiar scent of powder and baby lotion. But today, none of it feels comforting.

A few coworkers glance up as you enter, surprise flashing across their faces.

You offer them a tight smile and move toward the back without explaining, the echo of your own thoughts louder than the chatter around you.

You find Joyce at the sink, elbow-deep in soapy water, rinsing lunch trays while humming softly to herself. The tune stops the moment she sees you.

She frowns, drying her hands on a dish towel. “Sugar… what are you doing here?”

You force a breath through your nose and shift your weight, voice barely above a whisper.

“I think… I might’ve just gotten fired.”

Her brows shoot up. “Fired? What do you mean?”

You glance down at your hands, still clutching your bag like a shield. “He told me to leave. Said he could take it from here. Wouldn’t even look at me.”

Joyce places the towel down slowly and steps closer. “Did something happen?

You shake your head quickly. “No. Nori was fine. Everything was fine. I fed her, burped her, cleaned the house a bit while she slept. He… he woke up, and something just changed. I don’t know why. It was like a switch flipped.”

Joyce gives you a long, searching look before sighing and pulling out a chair. “Sit down, baby. Let’s talk this through.”

You drop into the seat, your whole body suddenly aching with the weight of the morning.

“I was just trying to help,” you say quietly. “I wasn’t trying to take over or do too much. I swear.”

Joyce pulls up a chair beside you and places a warm hand over yours. “I believe you. But grief and guilt—they do strange things to people. It doesn’t always make sense. And sometimes when things feel too safe, too calm, it scares them even more.”

You blink, trying to hold back the sting in your eyes.

“So where do I go from here?”

“Now you wait.” Joyce’s tone is calm, certain. “You come back to the nursery and work as usual. He may call back to continue the service—or he won’t. But either way, everything will work itself out.”

She gives your shoulder a reassuring squeeze before standing, slipping back into the rhythm of rinsing dishes.

You sit there for a moment, letting her words settle.

Joyce was right. As much as you longed to know what caused Jungkook to react the way he did, it wouldn’t change much. What’s done is done.

Now, all you could do was hope that the small family’s healing journey wouldn’t be paved with more pain than they could bear.

Deciding not to dwell too much on the morning’s mishaps, you pull yourself together and step into the playroom, letting the familiar rhythm of the nursery carry you forward.

——

Read part two here! Masterpost Masterlist

PART NINE

“Oh my god! She’s actually doing it,” you squeal to Jungkook from your spot on the mat. You’re kneeling on the floor, watching as he dangles Nori’s newest jellycat in front of her, coaxing her to crawl.

With a determined little smile, Nori clumsily scoots on her belly toward him. You scramble for your phone, fumbling with the camera app in your rush to capture the moment.

When she finally reaches the broccoli plushie, you and Jungkook cheer so loudly that she startles, only to dissolve into giggles right along with you.

Jungkook sweeps her up into his arms, his voice breaking into song as you trail him with your camera. “That’s my girl! That’s my girl,” he sings, tickling her belly until she squeals in hysterics, collapsing against his chest.

“Okay, hidden vocals,” you joke, ending the recording with a grin.

He winks at you. “Well, they do say I’m a jack of all trades.”

You roll your eyes. “Jack of all trades, huh?” you tease, but there’s no denying how natural this feels. The three of you. Together.

The dynamic between you and Jungkook has shifted so much since your birthday.

Neither of you are in a rush to label things, but he’s been nothing if not intentional. Flowers. Your favorite pastries. A whole set of your hair and skin care essentials tucked neatly in his bathroom cabinet. Not that you’ve slept over-over yet.

You’re both taking it slow. Well at least trying. You keep things professional during your scheduled hours, which is easier given that he’s usually at work.

But it’s after hours that you find yourself anticipating more and more. The way Jungkook pulls you into his arms the moment he walks through the door, burying his face in your hair like he’s been holding his breath all day.

You loved this side of him. Unguarded, playful. No guilt or insecurities holding him back. He was growing more confident, not only with you but with his parenting. And it makes your chest warm seeing Jungkook so…happy.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Jungkook asks suddenly, cutting through your thoughts. His brow lifts in curiosity, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.

You match his playful grin with one of your own, swooping down to organize some of Nori’s discarded toys, “No reason.”

Jungkook’s scent feels up the room. From this angle he has a perfect shot of your ass.

He lets out a huff and you laugh standing back up, though it dies in your throat when you turn around and realize how close he’s gotten to you.

“You shouldn’t tempt me with my daughter in my arms,” Jungkook mutters, his voice low but threaded with warning…and want.

Your lips part, but nothing comes out. You hadn’t expected him to get riled up. His eyes are darker now, locked on yours, and the heat rolling off him makes your pulse race.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you say, attempting to play it off, though your voice wavers. Jungkook’s eyes trail to you lips, as his own part to say something, but your phone rings.

Perfect timing.

He backs away and flops down on the couch with a pout, setting Nori back down on the mat to play.

You pull your phone out of your pocket, slightly shocked to see that it’s Joyce. She only calls when there’s a problem.

Weird.

“I’ll be right back,” you tell Jungkook, stepping into the kitchen for a moment of privacy.

Once there, you answer the phone. “Hello?”.

“Y/N, yes. It’s lovely to hear from you, I hope you’re doing well?” Joyce asks. There’s a stiffness to her tone. Something’s off.

“Yes, I’m fine, and you?” You ask, hoping to further this conversation along.

“I’m doing ok…but I called you because I do have a concern.” She says, her voice losing its warmth.

You gulp, palms sweaty. You have an inkling where this is going.

“It has been brought to my attention that you and Jungkook have been growing rather close. Closer than a caretaker and client relationship. Is that true?”

Your heart drops. You knew she would find out sooner or later, but you still weren’t prepared. It wasn’t against conduct to date a parent or anything, but it wasn’t encouraged either.

Knowing there’s no point in lying, you tell the truth.

“Yes,” you admit softly, gripping the counter until your knuckles ache. “We’ve been… seeing each other. But it hasn’t affected my work. Nori is still my priority. Always.”

There’s silence on the other end. Long, heavy silence that makes your chest tighten.

Finally, Joyce sighs. “Y/N… you’re one of my best. You know that, don’t you? But this sort of relationship, it complicates things. Jungkook’s not in a good mental state, he’s grieving. You shouldn’t further confuse his feelings.”

A low simmer of anger builds within you, your omega territorial.

Joyce continues, “Trust me Y/N, I’ve seen this countless of times. Those who grieve the loss of a mate cling onto the closest person they can in hopes of filling that void. It’s in our nature. But once time has it way, and those wounds heal… well you know what happens dear.”

Your throat burns with unsaid words. She doesn’t know. She doesn’t understand.

Jungkook never had a mate. His grief isn’t about filling a void. It’s about learning to live in the aftermath of everything life has taken from him.

But you can’t tell her that. That’s his truth, not yours to unveil.

So instead, you swallow hard, pressing your nails into your palm as Joyce’s voice drones on, every syllable threading doubt into your chest.

“Y/N, I only say this because I care. If you continue to pursue things with Jungkook, then it might be time for you to come back to the nursery.,” Joyce finishes gently, but her words feel more like shackles than comfort.

“I… I hear you,” you whisper, though the words taste bitter on your tongue.

When the call ends, you stand frozen in the quiet kitchen, the weight of her ultimatum pressing down until your chest aches. You know what you share with Jungkook is real. But now, doubt creeps in, not about him, never about him, but about your job.

The sound of Jungkook’s footsteps makes your heart jump and you quickly attempt to gather your emotions.

Busying yourself with the fridge, you pull out a water just as he enters.

“Baby?” He asks, your omega melting at the pet name. “What’s wrong, you scent has never been this sour.

Some things you just can’t mask. Damn these pheromones.

You turn towards him, “It’s nothing. Just…drama at the nursery,” you lie, keeping your eyes on the condensation beading on the bottle.

He crosses the few steps between you in two strides and lifts your chin with a thumb, making you look at him. His face is soft but steady. “Don’t do this, Y/N. Don’t shut down on me. That’s my job”, he jokes weakly. “Tell me what’s wrong. We can work through it together.”

The firmness of his voice does something to the tightness coiling in your ribs. You open your mouth to keep up the deflection, but the words catch. Instead of another lie, you drop your shoulders and sigh.

“Joyce called. Said some things that fucked up my head a little,” you admit with a shaky breath.

Jungkook smooths a curl out of your face, tucking it behind your ear. “Yeah, like what?” He ask, voice serious but patient.

Your throat tightens. “She thinks our relationship will make things complicated. That you’re only clinging to me—” your voice hitches, “—because you’re grieving and…and eventually you’ll realize I was never what you wanted in the first place.”

The words sting even as you say them out loud, leaving your chest hollow.

Jungkook’s jaw flexes, his eyes dark with something fierce, protective. His hands tighten around your waist like he’s anchoring you.

“Y/N,” he says firmly, shaking his head. “That’s not even close to the truth.”

You nod assuredly, “I know Jungkook, I trust your words. Your feelings,” you melt into his arms, speaking against his chest. “It just, it felt like she was giving me an ultimatum. Between you and being a caregiver for Nori and it’s not fair.”

You feel yourself getting worked up so you take a deep breath, breathing in Jungkook’s scent.

Jungkook pulls back, holding your face between his large palms as he forces you to look at him. “Y/N, us exploring each other isn’t breaking any rules. We’re adults, we both consent, and Nori isn’t harmed in the situation. You are doing nothing wrong.”

He wipes a lone tear from your eye, his thumb lingering against your cheek. “Baby, don’t worry. You’re not going to lose Nori. You’re not going to lose me.”

His words are low, deliberate, meant to anchor you. “If Joyce can’t understand that what we’re building is real, then that’s on her. But I won’t let her take this away us.”

Your chest aches at the certainty in his tone. He looks at you like the ground beneath him would split before he let anyone pull you from his side.

“You and Nori… you’re my world now,” Jungkook adds, voice thick and unwavering. “No one gets to decide how we move forward except us. Not Joyce. Not anyone.”

The knot of dread in your stomach loosens, just a little. His conviction feels like a shield wrapping around you, reminding you of something you’d almost forgotten: you’re not in this alone.

After Nori is fed and put to bed, Jungkook insists on you staying back so that he can cheer you up.

The two of you are lounging on the couch, you tucked into Jungkook’s side as you watch a gory action movie. You wince as another gruesome scene appears, Jungkook’s large hand covering your eyes.

“We can turn it off if it’s too much, Y/N.”

You shake your head quickly, your cheek brushing against his chest. “No, no. You’re enjoying it.”

“I’d enjoy it more if you weren’t squirming every two minutes,” he teases, though his hand lingers protectively over your eyes until the scene passes.

You laugh softly, tucking yourself even closer into his side. “Okay, maybe I regret letting you pick the movie.”

His chest rumbles with a chuckle, his arm tightening around you. “Next time, we’ll watch whatever you want. Even if it’s some cheesy rom-com with terrible acting.”

You grin up at him. “You’d actually sit through that?”

Jungkook glances down at you, a crooked smile on his lips. “For you? Yeah. I’d sit through a thousand of them.”

The sincerity in his tone melts you, the weight of Joyce’s words from earlier feels far away. Replaced with nothing but warmth, safety, and him.

He watches your face with admiration, his thumb brushing absently along your arm. “You should stay the night. It’s getting late, and I don’t want you taking the bus.”

Your heart skips, the simple suggestion making warmth pool in your stomach. “Stay the night?” you echo, trying not to let your voice crack.

“Yeah,” he says easily, but his eyes hold a quiet intensity. “It’s already passed midnight, and you have to come right back tomorrow. Just stay, you can sleep in the guest room again…or with me.”

A playful smirk is on his face and you scoff, shoving him slightly. “I’ll take the guest room, thank you.”

He shrugs turning back to the movie, clearly satisfied. “Suit yourself.”

After thirty more minutes, the movie finishes and you head off to take a shower. You’re amazed how Jungkook managed to get all your products right. He even got you an African net sponge.

You lotion up, slip on the velvety soft silk bonnet he bought for you, and tiptoe to his room to say goodnight.

You knock softly on the cracked door.

“Come in.”

Pushing open the door, you find Jungkook sitting on the corner of his bed, clad in nothing but silk pajama pants as he towels off his hair.

“I knew you couldn’t stay away for long,” he jokes, though his eyes linger on your exposed legs. His shirt only covers so much.

“Relax, I just came to say goodnight,” you say stepping between his legs. Taking the towel from him, you finish the job, enjoying how his eyes clothes with satisfaction. He was practically purring.

When his hair is dry, you toss the towel and plant a kiss on his forehead. “Thank you for today,” you say softly.

“Of course, you’re always there for me. It felt good to be there for you for a change.”

You wrap him in a hug, ready to call it a night. As you pull back, his arms tighten around you and his lips pucker expectantly.

You scoff, “What happened to the old broody Jungkook, bring him back, this one’s too clingy,” you joke, attempting to break free from his grasp.

No luck.

You peck his lips with the intent to keep it brief, but someone’s feeling greedy, and somehow you end up planted in his lap. Your legs around his waist as he holds you.

His grip is firm, but the kiss is gentle, like he’s pouring every unspoken thing he can’t say into it. His thumb strokes along your jaw, coaxing you closer, deeper, until your chest presses flush against his.

When you finally break apart for air, your lips still brushing his, Jungkook keeps you caged in his lap, forehead pressed to yours. His breathing is uneven, but his eyes… his eyes are steady, locked on you like you’re the only anchor he’s got.

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he whispers, voice rough with honesty.

Your throat tightens at the admission, your omega stirring restlessly at the rawness of his tone. You want to laugh it off, tease him like you always do, but the way he’s holding you makes it impossible.

He noses along your neck, inching closer and closer to your scent glands. Your heartbeat thumping in anticipation. You feel the tickle of his lips on your heated skin, trailing kisses right to that special crevice on your neck.

You can’t help the moan that escapes you when his lips latch on. It’s like he’s uncoiling all the wired up tension in your body, leaving you sitting lax in his arms at his mercy.

You hadn’t even realized you began to grind in his hold until a nibble on that spot, sharp canines against skin, sends you halting in your movements with a gasp. The scrape of his teeth is almost too much, toeing that thin line between pleasure and surrender, and it makes your whole body jolt.

Jungkook growls low in his throat, the sound primal, vibrating against your gland as his grip on your hips tightens. “Fuck, Y/N…” His voice is wrecked, like he’s holding back a storm.

Your lips part, shaky breaths spilling out as you cling to his shoulders. Every brush of his mouth unravels another thread of restraint, leaving your body pliant in his arms, desperate for more.

But his teeth linger a second too long, and you freeze, heart racing. Claiming. That’s what it would mean if he bit down.

You both aren’t ready for that. Not yet. No matter how strongly you feel towards each other, a decision like that couldn’t be made so hastily.

He feels the way your body goes still, and with a strained exhale, he pulls back. His chest heaves with restraint, the heat in his eyes warring with the tenderness there.

“Sorry,” he mutters, voice hoarse. “I—I got carried away.”

You laugh breathlessly as you plant a kiss to his chin, feeling the short stubble there. “I think we both did.”

He laughs with you, pulling you into his chest as he flops back on the bed.

You lay still on top of him, listening to his heartbeat. “This was a ploy to get me to sleep in here with you after all wasn’t it?” You question.

“No, of course not. But since you’re here you might as well stay,” he says unconvincingly.

You tilt your head back to look at him, a sly grin tugging at your lips. “You’re a terrible liar.”

His eyes crinkle at the corners, the exhaustion etched across his face softening into something lighter. “Maybe. But you don’t seem too eager to leave either.”

You hum, pressing your cheek against his chest again. The steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath your ear is grounding, and suddenly the idea of slipping away to your own room feels ridiculous. “Fine. Just tonight.”

“Just tonight,” he echoes, though the way his arm tightens around you suggests he’s already hoping for more.

The two of you slip under the covers, Jungkook pulling you into his chest as you drift off to sleep. His warmth surrounds you, steady and safe, the rise and fall of his chest coaxing your eyelids heavier with every passing breath.

The month passes on, and you and Jungkook grow closer by the day. Joyce’s ultimatum taking a backseat.

He’s opening up more, about his fears, his hopes, his past, and you’re doing the same. You feel your walls coming down, on both ends, brick by brick.

Nori’s scooting had developed into a full-on crawl, her little legs now strong enough to carry her across the room in pursuit of toys. Or Jungkook’s phone, which she seemed determined to chew on. Her soft tufts of hair had grown longer too, curling adorably around her ears, and two tiny teeth had broken through her gums, making her grin even more irresistible.

Today, the three of you are at her checkup. Jungkook had insisted you come along, claiming Nori did better when you were around, and maybe he did too. You couldn’t go into the back since you weren’t immediate family, so you were left waiting in the lobby.

The checkup is taking longer than you expected, and after twenty minutes of flipping through outdated magazines and scrolling aimlessly on your phone, you decide to stretch your legs.

The little hospital gift shop tucked down the hall is always stocked with small gifts and stuffed animals, so you’re hoping maybe you can scope out Nori’s next Jellycat.

The bell above the door jingles softly as you step inside. The space is warm and faintly floral, crowded with apparel, trinkets, and rows of get well soon balloons. You move slowly down the aisle, fingers brushing over a bright orange crab that’s just begging to be taken home.

That’s when you smell it.

Familiar. Warm. A little grounding and a little disarming all at once. It’s a scent you haven’t been near in months, and yet your body remembers it instantly. Him.

Your heartbeat speeds up. You freeze, hand still resting on the plush crab’s claw. Maybe if you’re quick, you can slip out before—

“Y/N?”

Too late.

His voice, deep and unmistakable, cuts through the quiet hum of the gift shop. You swallow hard before you turn, already knowing who you’ll see.

Namjoon stands at the end of the aisle, still in scrubs, ID badge clipped to his chest. His hair is a little longer than you remember, his uniform wrinkled. But the way his gaze latches onto you? That hasn’t changed a bit.

For a heartbeat, neither of you says anything. The air between you feels charged, too full of everything unsaid. Then he takes a slow step closer, nostrils flaring slightly.

“I thought I smelled you,” he says, voice low, almost like he’s admitting something he shouldn’t. “Is everything ok?”

You give him a tight lipped smile. “Yep.”

You knew you couldn’t avoid him forever, being that he is your brother’s best friend after all. And you were at his place of work. But it still feels weird.

How someone who had such a large presence in your life can shift so fast. You were finally seeing him without your rose colored glasses.

“How are you?” He asks, scratching the nape of his neck. He takes a step towards you, then back like he’s doing some awkward waltz. His voice is laced with emotion, and you know deep down this isn’t an attempt to small talk.

“I’m doing better now, Namjoon. Way better.” Your voice doesn’t waiver and you’re proud. It took you awhile to get to this place. “…How about you?”

He shortens the distance between you in two long strides, stopping just in front of you. His scent wraps around you before you can stop yourself from breathing it in.

“I’m regretful. Every day.”

Your breath hitches. This is not happening.

“Namjoon, you don’t have to do this. What happened, happened—”

You start, but the store clerk cuts you off.

“I’m sorry, but we’re closing for lunch. If you want to ring that up, you should do it now, please.”

You use that as your escape, eagerly following behind the clerk to checkout. You didn’t want to have this conversation.

When you step back into the hallway, Namjoon is waiting, leaning against the wall, hands shoved into his scrub pants, gaze fixed on you like the world’s stopped spinning since you walked in.

“Could we just talk? Five minutes. That’s all I’m asking,” he pleads, voice raw around the edges. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I really need to get some things off my chest.”

“I really can’t right now, Namjoon. I’m here with Jungkook for Nori’s checkup.” You shift the little gift shop bag in your hand and start walking in that direction, hoping that’s enough to end this.

But you don’t make it more than two steps before his hand latches gently onto your shoulder.

You whip around, glare flicking immediately to where his hand rests. And just like that, he lets go.

There was a time when that simple touch would’ve set you ablaze, your pulse leaping beneath his fingers. Now… there’s nothing. No spark, no ache, no pull. Just silence.

A few people glance your way as they pass, their curious looks prickling at your skin. You sigh. Great, you probably look like some dramatic scene straight out of Grey’s Anatomy.

Namjoon steps back quickly, arms raised in surrender. “I’m sorry,” he says, and he means it. You can hear it in the way his voice dips, small and desperate.

You sigh, long and hard. “Fine,” you murmur, glancing around at the lingering eyes in the hallway. “But can we go somewhere with less of an audience?”

He exhales like he’s been holding his breath. “Yeah… yeah, of course.”

Namjoon gestures for you to follow, and the two of you walk in silence down the corridor, past the elevators and sterile walls that smell faintly of antiseptic. Neither of you speaks, the weight of what’s coming hangs heavy in the quiet between your footsteps.

When he pushes open the door to the courtyard, a soft breeze greets you, carrying with it the scent of grass and rain from an earlier shower. Summer is simmering down, giving way to that gentle in-between space where the air feels softer, calmer. Your favorite season is on the crest of arrival, and for a fleeting second, you focus on that, on anything but the man beside you.

You stop near a bench beneath a patch of late-blooming flowers, turning to face him. “Okay,” you say, folding your arms over your chest. “Five minutes.”

Namjoon takes a deep breath.

“Y/N, every day I regret how I handled our conversation. I wasn’t honest. With you, or with myself. I was a coward and I projected my fears onto you.”

Your stomach knots. You didn’t like the sound of where this was going. “What do you mean?” You ask.

“You weren’t the only one who felt something,” he says, the words tumbling out before he can stop them.

What?

It’s like the air’s been sucked straight out of your lungs. You’re sure you misheard him, that maybe your mind is playing tricks. But the look on his face tells you otherwise.

Your knees suddenly feel too weak to hold you up, so you let yourself drop onto the bench behind you. “Is this some sort of sick joke?” you croak, voice raw around the edges.

“No, it’s not a joke.” Namjoon shakes his head, taking a cautious step closer. “Y/N, I was scared. I had a lot riding on my plate at the time. I was young, just starting residency. And then there was the age gap… and the fact that I’m your brother’s best friend, that we grew up together.” His voice cracks on the last part. “I couldn’t risk ruining any of that.”

Your ears feel like they’re ringing. “So you lie and hurt me instead? Right, perfect solution.”

“I know,” he says quickly, wincing at your words. “I know it doesn’t make sense, none of it does. They’re just excuses, I get that. I just…” He drags a shaky hand through his hair, breath catching like he’s struggling to get the rest out. “I thought I was doing the right thing. But clearly I wasn’t.”

You stare at Namjoon’s distressed state.

“Why now, Namjoon?” you ask quietly, but there’s steel beneath the softness. “What about seeing me in the gift shop changed your mind? What about Arielle?”

His jaw tenses at the name, gaze flickering away for the first time since you stepped into the courtyard. “We’re not together anymore,” he says, voice low. “Haven’t been for a while. I ended it, because she was only ever meant to be a distraction… from you.”

You sigh out at that, standing abruptly. This is a lot.

“Wait, Y/N please,” He begs. “I get it, I fucked up. I should have been more honest. I shouldn’t have lied and led you to believe that you were foolish or alone in your feelings. But I was scared. I value you in my life, and I figured having you around in some compacity was better than complicating things and possibly not have you at all.”

His voice grows shaky, “ I miss you.”

You swallow hard. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss him too. The two of you had been in each other’s lives since primary school, he was practically family. But that spark, the one that once made your heart race, had long burned out. And you weren’t willing to reignite a fire that was never meant to last.

“Look, Namjoon… I appreciate you being honest with me,” you say quietly. “But it’s a little too late.”

Your gaze drifts to the window, where Jungkook stands holding Nori in his arms, watching you with those intense, eyes. How long had he been standing there?

You shake your head, forcing yourself to stay focused. You had to do this.

“For half my life, I wanted you to see me,” you say softly. “I kept hoping you’d look at me the way I looked at you. And when you didn’t, I convinced myself it was because I wasn’t enough.” Your throat tightens, but you press on. “Hearing now that you felt something too… it’s hard, Namjoon. Because all that time, I was hurting, and you could’ve spared me some of that.”

He tries to speak, but you lift a hand gently.

“I understand that we were at different points in our lives. And maybe back then, things just weren’t meant to line up. But the truth is, I’ve spent so much time waiting for you to choose me. And I’m finally at a place where I don’t need you to.”

A weight you hadn’t even realized you were carrying lifts from your shoulders. It feels good, liberating, even, to finally get those words out.

You watch the storm of emotions cross Namjoon’s face, and despite everything, you feel a flicker of empathy. You’ve stood where he’s standing now, full of regret, wishing you could rewrite the past. But this conversation needed to happen. It was the only way for either of you to move forward.

“I need to go, Namjoon,” you say softly. “But I want you to know that I forgive you. And I hope that maybe… one day, we can be friends again.”

You offer him a small, sincere smile before turning toward the door, toward Jungkook, who’s still waiting with Nori in his arms.

It isn’t until a week later, that Jungkook finally hints around to the conversation between you and Namjoon.

You knew he would be curious, but you were a little too emotional to talk about it immediately. Now, it isn’t so fresh.

The two of you are in the car, Nori sleeping soundly in her carseat as Jungkook drives toward some surprise destination. He’d taken a half day off just so he could spend more time with the both of you, and the thought alone makes your chest warm.

You nod, eyes drifting to the window. “Yeah, he does. Apparently, he picked up my scent and found me.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the way Jungkook’s arm stiffens against the steering wheel, muscles flexing beneath his sleeve. He’d been filling out lately, broader shoulders, stronger build, and though you don’t comment on it, the observation lingers in your chest.

He clears his throat, trying again. “What, uh… what were you guys talking about?” His glance flickers toward you, soft, curious, but guarded.

You hesitate, unsure where to start or how much to share.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Jungkook says quickly. “I don’t want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

You smile faintly and reach for his free hand, your fingers finding his easily. “It’s okay,” you say, giving a small squeeze. “I don’t mind.”

You start from the beginning. How it all began with Namjoon, the years of quiet feelings you carried, the confession, the heartbreak, and how he suddenly decided to come back around. The words come slowly at first, then easier, like letting air out of something that’s been sealed too long.

Jungkook doesn’t interrupt once. He just listens, thumb brushing absently against your knuckles, eyes fixed on the road ahead. The steady weight of his hand in yours keeps you grounded, even as old memories stir.

By the time you finish, the car has grown quiet again, but it’s not the heavy kind. It’s calm. Like he understands everything you didn’t say.

“I know this might sound shitty,” Jungkook says after a beat, glancing over at you, “but I’m glad things happened the way they did.”

Your brows lift slightly, but his next words come before you can respond.

“You deserve someone who knows your worth, someone who isn’t afraid to be upfront about how they feel.” His voice is steady, soft but sure. “And I plan to cherish you every single day. I never want you to doubt yourself when you’re with me.”

Your throat tightens, you can’t find the right words. His sincerity hits deeper than you expect.

“Jungkook…” you breathe out, “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

He looks at you, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

“I just—” you exhale, eyes flickering to the window, the blur of trees passing by. “For so long, I thought I had to prove I was worth choosing. But with you… I don’t feel like I have to try. I feel seen.”

Jungkook’s thumb brushes over your knuckles. “That’s how it should be.”

The drive continues for the next fifteen minutes in comfortable silence, the only sound being Nori’s soft snores from the back seat.

You almost begin to doze off yourself, having long given up trying to guess the destination, until the shutter sound of a camera snaps you out of your daydream.

You turn to Jungkook with a sleepy pout. “Noo, delete it,” you plead, covering your face. “My mouth was open.”

Jungkook just laughs, swiping through the hundreds of photos he managed to take in a minute.

When you realize the car’s no longer moving, you glance ahead. There’s a line of vehicles up the road, and a sign in the distance you can’t quite make out through the glare.

“Where are we?” you ask, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Jungkook says, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes.

This couldn’t be good.

After ten minutes of waiting in the cue, you finally inch close enough to where you can make out the sign. “…drive through zoo,” you mumble, heart dropping. “No! Jungkook please tell me this isn’t one of those places where the animals come up to the car?” You ask, voice shaking.

“Would it be so bad?” He laughs, not taking you seriously.

You grip the edge of your seatbelt like it’s your last line of defense. “Yes, it would! Jungkook, those animals are wild. They stick their heads inside the car and everything!”

He’s trying, and failing, to hide his grin. “That’s kind of the point, isn’t it? Hands-on experience.”

“Hands-on?” you echo, horrified. “More like hoof-in! You’ve seen the videos, Jungkook! They spit.”

He laughs so hard his shoulders shake, the sound filling the car. “Come on, Y/N. Nori will love it.”

At the mention of her name, you glance back to see her awake now, big eyes blinking in wonder as She looks out her window.

You sink back in your seat. “Jungkook if you don’t want to see animal cruelty, I suggest we turn around. It’s not too late.”

He gives you flat stare. “They’re harmless Y/n. Hungry, but harmless.”

He doesn’t listen to your pleas, enjoying your meltdown way more than necessary. He goes overboard, buying four buckets of food.

“I’m getting in the backseat,” you say unbuckling your seatbelt.

He grabs you by waist, stopping you. “Absolutely not. You have front row seats to one of the most amazing live actions in history. I won’t let you sabotage.”

You gape at him, half in disbelief, half in outrage. “Live action? Jungkook, this isn’t The Lion King! It’s a drive-through zoo! There’s a difference!”

His eyes crinkle as he laughs. “Exactly. That’s what makes it fun.”

You two clearly have two different definitions of fun. He plops a bucket of food in your lap and your stomach churns.

You’ve heard the horror stories, seen the instagram reels where animals put half of their bodies inside the vehicles. You weren’t ready.

But as you glance at Jungkook, pure excitement on his face, you realized you could no longer complain. He constantly went out of his way to plan fun exertions for you.

You could handle this. Maybe.

The first animals are on the tamer side, goats. One ambles over slowly, eyes half-lidded like it’s just as excited to see you as you are. It gives a lazy bleat, nose twitching toward the bucket in your lap.

“See?” Jungkook grins, rolling down your window before you can protest. “Totally harmless.”

With shaky hands, you hold out the bucket to the goat. And he turns on you.

The goat latches onto the rim and foods goes flying, his friends inching closer to catch the spillage.

You shriek as pellets scatter everywhere, across your lap, the dashboard, even the floor by Jungkook’s feet.

“Oh my god, it’s attacking!” you yelp, trying to shove the bucket away, but the goat is relentless, tugging with surprising strength.

Jungkook’s laughter fills the car, loud and unrestrained. “He’s not attacking, he’s eating!”

“Then he can eat from your side!” you shout, batting at the goat’s horns as it sticks its head even further in.

The car rocks slightly as the goat’s friends crowd around, noses bumping against the doors, bleating like they’re cheering him on.

“Jungkook!” you squeal, half-laughing, half-panicked. “Do something!”

He’s doubled over at this point, tears in his eyes. “Okay, okay!” He reaches over, finally pulling the bucket free. The goat lets go with one last indignant bleat, glaring at you before trotting off to the next.

You slump back against your seat, heart pounding. “Harmless, right,” you mutter, side-eyeing him.

Nori squeals from the backseat, tiny hands clapping as she watches the animals wander by. Her laughter fills the car, and despite yourself, you feel a smile tug at your lips.

Then you spot them, a small herd of cows lumbering closer, slow and curious. Their massive heads bob as they approach, tails swishing lazily behind them.

Jungkook rolls down his window and sticks out the bucket, completely fearlessly.

You watch as the cows fight to get their serving, long tongues twirling in the bucket. A grimace paints your face.

So focused on watching Jungkook, you almost forget your window is rolled down until a head invades your space, tongue reaching for the pebbles.

You shriek, jerking back against your seat as the enormous muzzle brushes your arm. You push the bucket, and the cow, out of your space.

“Ok that’s enough!” You shout, but the cow has other plans as he tugs the bucket out of your hand. “Welp I tried,” you shrug and Jungkook laughs.

“Don’t worry, we have more food.”

You give him a fake smile. “Great.”

Jungkook continue down the path and you see an animal in the distance that makes your heart drop. “Oh hell no.”

You roll up your window immediately.

“Jungkook you got this, I’m not dealing with an Ostrich. I have limits.”

“Come on baby, you’re protected by the car and me. What harm can it do?”

You give him an exasperated look. “I don’t know, maybe peck me in the eye with its beak. I can’t risk it.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Ok miss dramatic, I’ll handle this one.”

Though when turns back to the window, an ostrich is staring him dead in the face. Jungkook’s laughter falters

The ostrich turns its head, one beady eye staring at Jungkook. You pull out your phone. This moment must be captured.

Jungkook freezes, eyes wide, his hand still clutching the bucket midair. “Don’t. Move,” he whispers, voice suddenly serious.

You bite your lip to hold back a laugh. “Why? You scared?”

He doesn’t answer, just keeps staring at the ostrich, whose neck twitches side to side like it’s calculating its next move.

“Oh my god, you are scared,” you snicker, quickly lifting your phone. “Say cheese—”

“Y/N, don’t you dare,” he hisses, but it’s too late. You snap the picture right as the ostrich pecks the food, making Jungkook flinch hard enough to hit his head on the headrest.

You burst out laughing, wheezing between gasps. “Oh my god, Jungkook, your face!”

He groans, running a hand through his hair. “Delete that. Right now.”

“Absolutely not. This is gold.” You’re grinning so hard your cheeks ache, tears welling in your eyes. “This one’s going in my favorites album.”

Nori giggles from the backseat like she understands exactly what just happened.

Jungkook finally cracks a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re lucky I like you,” he mutters, starting the car again.

You’re down to your last bucket now, and you’re approaching a family of llamas.

“Please don’t let these llama spit on me,” plead.

Jungkook snorts, shooting you a teasing look. “They won’t spit unless you provoke them.”

You narrow your eyes. “Define provoke. Because last time I checked, existing seems to offend them.”

He laughs, rolling to a slow stop as one of the llamas trots up to your window, all long lashes and smug attitude. “They’re cute,” he says, voice dripping with amusement.

“Cute?” you scoff. “That’s the face of someone who’s plotting my downfall.”

Still, you roll down your window, bucket clutched tightly in your hands. The llama immediately ducks down, stretching its neck through the gap.

The animal sucks all the air out of you and you don’t dare to breathe. Another llama enters the car from Jungkook’s side and you scrunch your face.

“They stink Jungkook, get them out!” You shout, giggling nervously.

He’s useless, a laughing mess as he struggles to push the llamas out.

Once they lick the bowl clean and realize there’s no food left, they finally lose interest and lumber away. You slump back against your seat, exhaling a deep sigh of relief.

“See? That wasn’t so bad,” Jungkook grins, leaning over to peck your lips. “I had fun.”

You smile, cheeks warm. “I did too… in a way.” The both of you laugh, and you turn to check on Nori. She’s perfectly content in her car seat, babbling to herself as she plays with a toy.

After the zoo, Jungkook drives you out for lunch, the weather cool enough to sit outside. The air smells faintly of grilled food and late summer wind. Between bites and soft conversation, you take turns feeding Nori, sharing quiet smiles and laughter. Soaking in the last golden stretch of summer together.

After lunch, Jungkook drives the three of you back to his house, one hand on the wheel, the other resting loosely over yours on the center console. Nori’s already asleep again by the time you pull into his driveway, her head tilted to the side in her car seat.

You smile faintly. “She’s knocked out.”

Jungkook chuckles softly, cutting the engine. “Guess all your screaming wore her out.”

You roll your eyes and step out of the car, stretching as the afternoon sun dips lower in the sky. It’s peaceful, until you notice a familiar car parked across the street.

“Oh no.” You mumble, right as Joyce gets out of the car. Followed by a coworker from the nursery. What is happening.

Jungkook notices the shift in your scent and looks over. “Were you expecting them?” He asks, as he gently lifts Nori’s car seat out of the car.

You shake your head coming over beside him.

“Greetings!” Joyce says a little too cheerfully. “I hope this isn’t a bad time, I see the three of you are just getting back.”

She walks up the driveway, your coworker, who you recognize as Sofia, in tow.

“And this must be Nori, she’s such a precious sleeper,” Joyce says attempting to lean down, but Jungkook lowers the visor on Nori’s face, hiding her from view.

He clears his throat. “How can I help you Joyce.”

Joyce straightens, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her skirt. “Well, I’m not sure if Y/N told you, but we had a conversation last month about her potentially returning to the nursery due to… changes in your dynamic,” she says, her voice clipped, eyes flicking pointedly toward you.

You stiffen.

“I gave her some advising,” Joyce continues, “and it’s clear she chose to ignore it. So, I’m just here to do a little reinforcing.”

Your palms grow clammy. “And what exactly do you mean by reinforcing, Joyce?”

Joyce doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she nudges the woman beside her forward. Sofia gives you a small, uneasy smile, clutching the strap of her bag.

“Hi, Jungkook,” she says quietly. “I’m Sofia, your new caretaker.”

The words hit like a slap.

——

Masterpost Read Part 10 Here!

A/N: Thank you guys so much reading and supporting me💕! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I’ll do my best not to make you wait so long for the next chapter as I’m sure you’ll be wondering happens next 🙀🫶🏽!!

PART EIGHT

Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Fuck— I hear you! I hear you!” Jungkook barks, rushing to crank open the kitchen window, one hand waving frantically at the smoke detector.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Nori coughs from her high chair, big eyes locked on her father as he scrambles. “I’m sorry, princess,” he huffs, fanning the air with a dish towel. “Appa’s trying.”

The stubborn smoke detector won’t stop beeping, no matter how aggressively Jungkook waves the dishcloth at it. He yanks the back door open, and Bam bolts outside like he’s escaping a war zone.

Nori whines in protest from her high chair, her tiny hands clapping over her ears, and Jungkook is two seconds away from losing it.

“What is going on in here?” Y/N’s voice cuts through the chaos as she steps into the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. Her damp curls drips onto her shirt—his shirt—and the pair of basketball shorts she’s wearing nearly swallow her whole.

A wave of protectiveness slams into him out of nowhere.

Mine, his Alpha growls in the back of his mind.

Re-fucking-lax.

“I, uh—I was making breakfast and I burned something,” Jungkook admits, still pathetically swaying the back door open and closed.

Y/N scoops Nori up from her high chair, settling the little girl on her hip just as the smoke detector finally falls silent. Thank God.

“What were you cooking?” she asks, curiosity tugging at her voice as she steps over to the stove. She leans forward with Nori, both of them peeking into the pot like a pair of detectives.

“I was attempting to make grits,” Jungkook says, scratching the back of his neck. “You mentioned a while back that you missed your dad’s southern breakfast, so I thought I’d try to recreate it. But…” he gestures helplessly toward the charred mess, “…I don’t have that touch.”

Y/N takes in the full spread: biscuits, turkey bacon, eggs, and skillet potatoes. Her smile widens, soft and genuine, a warm rush of her cashmere scent blooms through the room.

Jungkook drinks it in like it’s the best thing he’s smelled all morning.

“You did all this for me?” she asks, voice catching just slightly, her eyes a little glossy.

Jungkook shrugs, suddenly shy under her gaze. “I wanted to repay you for coming to the rescue as always. I-“

Before Jungkook can finish, Y/N collides into him for a hug, Poor Nori squished between their chests.

“Thank you, Jungkook,” Y/N says against his shoulder, her voice warm and sincere. “Burnt grits and all, it looks amazing.”

He rubs his hand up and down her back, catching the faint scent of his own conditioner in her damp hair. “No need to thank me, you’re the hero here,” he murmurs.

Y/N pulls back, sooner than Jungkook would like, and gently places Nori back into her high chair. The little girl kicks her legs excitedly at the sight of the food.

“Let’s eat!” Y/N says brightly, clapping her hands.

Jungkook smiles, taking in the way the kitchen feels full. Smoke cleared, sunlight streaming in, and the two people he cares about most waiting at his table.

Jungkook and Y/N wash the dishes side by side after breakfast, brushing against each other with every movement. Nori crawls around in her playpen, feeling much better than last night.

They’re just about finished when the doorbell rings. Jungkook furrows his brows. Who could that be?

“You expecting anyone?” Y/N asks, glancing at him.

Jungkook shakes his head, heading towards the door. Though he isn’t prepared for who greets him on the other side.

“Mom? Dad?”

His mom glances at him smiling timidly while his dad stands indifferent behind her.

What were they doing here?

“Jungkook-ah. How are you doing, son,” his mom says stepping up to take his hand. Hers still warm and soft as ever. “Where is Nori?”

“I’m ok. Uh, she’s on her play pen. Is something wrong? Why didn’t you tell me you were crossing packs? I would have prepared for you…both,” he says glancing at his dad again.

His mother smile falters slightly. “I know, we should have called. But I was scared you would say no and I,” her voice breaks. “I couldn’t go any longer without seeing you both.” She says glancing into the house.

“Son are you going to let us in? Or is it acceptable in this pack not to invite guests inside.” His dad says, tone stern.

Jungkook bites his tongue backing up. “Right. Come inside.” He says creating space. “But I most warn you I have a guest-“

Y/N comes to the entryway drying her hands on a towel. “Jungkook who was- oh,” her words die in her throat as she takes in the sight of Jungkook’s parents, eyes wide.

Jungkook nervously bites his lower lip. “Uh… Y/N, this is my mom and dad.”

Y/N blinks at them, a mix of surprise and nerves curling in her stomach. “Hi… I didn’t—uh, I wasn’t expecting—” She laughs awkwardly, pulling at the him of her shirt.

Suddenly Jungkook is aware of how this may appear. “She’s my baby sitter,” he quickly interjects. “She stayed the night because Nori started teething.” Jungkook says as Y/N nods along like a bobble head.

“How professional,” Jungkook’s dad murmurs, earning a glare from Jungkook as Y/N cowers under the elder Alpha’s gaze.

Jungkook steps in front of Y/N protectively as nori pulls at her play gate furiously. No doubt curious to see the visitors

“Oh, she’s gotten so big!” Jungkook’s mother coos, running over to Nori.

She kneels at the play gate, hands clasped in delight as Nori babbles up at her. “Look at you, sweet girl,” she says softly, reaching out as Nori grabs her fingers with surprising strength. Her eyes glisten as she drinks in her granddaughter’s features. “She looks just like you, Jungkook-ah.”

Jungkook shifts uncomfortably, still standing between Y/N and his father.

“Honey come look at your granddaughter,” Jungkook’s mom says, distracting the two Alpha’s from their stand off. The elder hesitates before retreating, following his wife’s commands.

Jungkook turns to Y/N. “I’m sorry, I had no clue they were coming. You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I understand how uncomfortable this is.”

Deep down, Jungkook doesn’t want her to go. Her presence steadies him, keeps him grounded in a way nothing else does—but he couldn’t be selfish. This wasn’t her battle to fight.

Jungkook watches the emotions flicker across Y/N’s face, the clear internal tug-of-war, before she finally nods. “Yeah, I probably should go. Give you guys some privacy to catch up.” Her voice is gentle, though there’s a hesitation underneath it that makes his chest ache.

“I’ll… wash your clothes and return them,” she adds softly, reaching out to touch Jungkook’s forearm. The small, fleeting contact is electric. Sparks shooting through him, leaving his skin burning even after she pulls away.

“Thank you again for breakfast, it was delicious,” she says, managing a small smile. “Text me if Nori has another teething spell… or if you just need to talk.”

Jungkook swallows hard, trying to find his voice through the knot in his throat. “Yeah,” he says, his tone rougher than he intended. “I will.”

Y/N lingers a moment longer, as though she wants to say something else, but in the end she just gives him one last small smile before slipping out the door. The faint sound of it closing behind her feels louder than it should, leaving a strange emptiness in its wake.

And then it’s just him. His parents. And the truth he’s been avoiding for months.

Jungkook exhales slowly, turning back toward the living room where his mother is fussing over Nori, cooing at every babble, while his father sits stiffly on the couch, arms folded like a judge waiting to pass a sentence.

He steels himself, jaw tightening. He couldn’t put this off. Not anymore.

“You’ve only visited once since Nori was born,” he says, his voice firmer than he feels as eyes flicker between them. “So why now? What are you really doing here?”

“Don’t sound so excited, son,” his dad replies dryly, sarcasm dripping from every word.

“Stop it,” his mother cuts in quickly, shooting her husband a sharp look before rising from the couch with Nori in her arms. She crosses to Jungkook, her expression soft, almost pleading.

“Son,” she says gently, “We missed you

and Nori. We just wanted to stop by and see how she was doing, see how much she’s grown. No ulterior motive.”

“So you’re allowed to just pop in whenever you want, and I’m supposed to be okay with that?” Jungkook’s voice rises an octave higher, sharper than he means. Nori whines at the sudden tension, and he forces himself to take a deep breath, fists clenching at his sides.

His father stands, shoulders squaring. “Watch your tone, Jungkook. We’re not the ones who decided to leave our native pack.”

“You know why I had to!” Jungkook bursts, exasperation breaking through the thin thread of control.

Jungkook and his dad had never seen eye to eye when it came to his old pack’s dynamics. His dad, similar to Jiyoo’s parents, much preferring the more traditional route.

His father’s lip curls. “So Jiyoo’s parents get a little rough on you. Tough shit. That’s no excuse to pack up and move to play house with your ‘nanny.’”

The words hit like a slap, white-hot fury searing through Jungkook’s chest. His vision blurs at the edges, his Alpha snarling to the surface as every protective instinct roars alive.

“Unlike you,” he growls, voice trembling with rage, “Y/N’s been the only real help I’ve had raising Nori. She’s been here. She’s been consistent. She doesn’t judge me, doesn’t look at me like I ruined my life. She chose to stand by me when you couldn’t even bother to show up.”

A tear slips down his mother’s face, but it doesn’t deter him. Jungkook’s chest heaves as his anger finally cracks open.

“How dare you show up to my house and ridicule my life when you know nothing about what I’ve been going through.” His voice breaks, but the fury behind it only sharpens.

“When you call, it’s never about me. It’s never about how I’m holding it together, or if I even am. It’s always about Nori. Yet in six months, you’ve barely looked at her. Always too busy to visit.”

He steps forward, his Alpha energy flooding the room. “I’m not ‘playing house.’ I’m building a home. A real home. One that’s safe, and stable, and miles away from the toxic, suffocating pack I left behind. I refuse to let my daughter grow up under the same cold, crushing weight that nearly broke me.”

Nori’s cries cut through the thick tension, piercing straight into Jungkook’s chest. He swoops her out of his mother’s arms, holding her close, rocking her against his heartbeat. Her little fists cling to his shirt, her sobs quieting with every sway.

Jungkook exhales shakily, burying his nose in her soft hair. He hasn’t been this angry in months.

“Jungkook-ah…” his mother’s voice wavers, thick with guilt. She presses a trembling hand to her mouth before words finally break free.

“I’m sorry. There’s no excuse. You just seemed so strong every time I talked to you. I thought you were managing—I thought you didn’t need me. And the pack…you know it’s hard to leave frequently.” Tears streak her cheeks, her voice cracking as she shakes her head. “But it doesn’t matter. I-I failed you.”

Jungkook closes his eyes, jaw clenched as Nori nestles against him, her tiny breath feathering his neck. His eyes burn and a lone tear treks down his face. Starting a stream of tears that don’t stop no matter how tightly he bites the inside of his mouth to hold them back.

“Oh, my baby,” his mother cries, rushing to hold him in her arms. But He’s already unraveling, shoulders trembling, chest heaving with the kind of sobs he hasn’t let himself feel in years.

Jungkook loves his parents, he truly does. But their loyalty doesn’t lie with him. It lies with his old pack. And until they opened their eyes to the rot festering in those traditions, there would always be a wall between them.

It takes a moment to gather himself, but he does. Stepping back from his mother’s hold, Jungkook wipes at his face and squares his shoulders, Nori tucked safely against his chest. His voice is low, steady, but each word cuts sharp.

“You may not approve of the choice I made, but the deed is done. There’s no going back. I’m not moving back,” he says with finality, eyes hard on his father. “If you can’t accept that… then don’t bother calling anymore.”

His mother looks at him with wet eyes, desperate.

“But if you truly want to have a place in our lives, you’re going to have to be more present. Nori may be young now but she’ll remember your absence as she gets older. And nobody can explain that but you.”

The silence that follows is thick, suffocating. His mother gasps softly, hands trembling at her sides, while his father’s jaw tightens, a flicker of something, anger, maybe regret, crossing his face.

But Jungkook doesn’t waver. For the first time, he isn’t that boy desperate for their approval. He’s a father now. And he’d burn every bridge necessary to protect the home he’d built for Nori.

Jungkook stands in the grocery aisle, Nori asleep against his chest, staring down at the shelves in indecision. In one hand he holds a pack of double-stuffed Oreos, in the other, the thins.

“I’ll just get both,” he mutters, tossing them into the cart. He’d noticed Y/N snacking on some the other day and figured it couldn’t hurt to keep a stash at his place for her.

He’s just about to turn the corner when someone darts out of the next aisle, nearly colliding with his cart.

“Oh shit, my bad,” the man says, steadying his cart filled with coloring books and crayons. There’s something familiar about him, though Jungkook can’t quite place it.

The man catches Jungkook staring, and his face lights up like a switch. “Jungkook, hey!” he says, beaming.

Jungkook blinks, trying to mask his confusion, but it’s written all over his face.

The stranger gasps dramatically, slapping a hand over his chest. “You don’t remember me? How could you forget this pretty face? I’m Jimin. Y/N’s best friend.”

Realization finally clicks, and Jungkook rubs the back of his neck, sheepish. “Right. Sorry.”

Jimin’s eyes flick down to the cart, and a sly smile curls on his lips. “Y/N likes double stuffed.”

Jungkook freezes, caught, his gaze snapping to Jimin. “How did you know these were for her?” he asks, voice sharper than intended.

Jimin just shrugs, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Because I know her. And because you don’t look like the type to debate Oreos in the snack aisle for yourself.”

Jungkook doesn’t respond, his jaw tightening as he reaches into the cart to pull the thin cookies out.

Jimin leans on his cart like he has all the time in the world. “So,” he says casually,“I’m planning Y/N’s surprise birthday. You in?”

Jungkook blinks, caught off guard. “Birthday?” he echoes, brows furrowing. “When?”

“This weekend,” Jimin replies easily, like it’s obvious. “Don’t tell me she didn’t mention it.”

Jungkook’s stomach twists. She hadn’t told him. Not once. Why would she keep this from him?

Jimin seems to catch the shift in his expression, his easy smile softening. “Hey, don’t take it personally. Y/N’s always like that. She downplays her birthday, says it isn’t a big deal.” He shrugs, glancing at the shelves as though searching for the right words.

“She’s been that way since… well, for as long as I’ve known her.” He cuts himself off with a quick shake of his head before Jungkook can press.

“Anyway,” Jimin says more brightly, “I need a new spot to host it. I threw it at her place last year, but I’m looking for some fresh real estate this time.” He says, winking at Jungkook.

“We could do it at my place, I—” Jungkook starts, only to be cut off by Jimin’s sudden excitement.

“Perfect! I’ll message you the details!” Jimin says, already zooming off down the aisle.

“But… you don’t even have my number,” Jungkook mutters to himself, shaking his head.

Somehow, Jimin does manage to get his number. Jungkook doesn’t even want to know how.

Over the next few days, Jungkook’s phone doesn’t stop buzzing. Messages from Jimin about themes, guest lists, playlists, decorations, and cake flavors flooding in at all hours. Jungkook’s almost tempted to block the spunky omega. Does this much really go into planning a party?

He’s wary about opening his house to unfamiliar faces, but thankfully Y/N keeps a small circle. Still, there’s a few names on Jimin’s list Jungkook would happily scratch off if it were up to him.

Right now, he’s perched at the island table, laptop open to a catering site, scrolling through menu options with a frown. The click of a door pulls his attention, and he snaps the laptop shut a little too quickly as Y/N pads out of Nori’s room.

Her brow quirks, lips tugging into a half-smile. “What was that about?”

“My laptop won’t stop freezing,” he lies smoothly, though his pulse betrays him. “I’ll have to check the damn router later.” His phone dings against the counter, but he ignores it like it doesn’t exist.

“So… you in a rush? I could order us some food?” Jungkook asks, heart thudding faster than he’d like in his chest.

“You’ve been feeding me all week, Jungkook. I can fend for myself today,” Y/N says, her tone light but firm.

Something bristles inside him, his Alpha stirring, unwilling to hear the refusal. “It’s my job as your A—” he cuts himself off, swallowing hard, “—as your friend to look after you, just like you do for me.”

Before she can read too much in his face, he pushes off the stool and heads to the sink, letting the clatter of running water cover the flush creeping up his neck. “Besides… it’s already on the way.”

Y/N huffs out a breath. “At least let me give you half. How much was it?” She persists, but Jungkook’s not having it.

“Oh shit,” he blurts, shutting the faucet off abruptly. “I think I accidentally mixed some of Nori’s white sleepers with the dark load. Could you check that for me?”

Y/N narrows her eyes at him, lips twitching. “I see what you’re doing here.”

“Please? Before the stain sets,” he insists, voice just a little too earnest.

She sighs dramatically, but the corner of her mouth quirks as she slides off her stool. “You win this time,” she mutters, padding down the hall toward the laundry room.

Jungkook exhales the moment she’s out of sight, leaning his forehead against the cool metal of the sink.

He almost called himself Y/N’s Alpha out loud. That could have went terribly wrong.

He’s been spiraling out of control lately. Too touchy, too eager to keep her here longer, too possessive over things that shouldn’t even matter. He needs to rein it in before Y/N catches on.

But when she’s near, it’s like instinct overrides reason. His chest tightens, his pulse quickens, and suddenly all the walls he’s built start to crumble. Around her, everything feels raw. Primal.

He’s become addicted to her scent, the subtle shift when she’s nervous, the quick spike when she’s embarrassed, the warm bloom when she’s excited. He drinks it all in, greedy for more.

His phone chimes again. And again. And again. Jimin, spamming him with another avalanche of emojis and exclamation points about playlists and balloon colors.

Jungkook curses under his breath, snatching the phone and furiously typing back. “Cool it. Y/N’s still here.”

Ouuu is this an after-hours date?!? 😏😏

Jimin’s reply makes him grit his teeth. Jungkook rolls his eyes and slams the screen dark, shoving the phone face-down on the counter.

Thirty minutes later, the air is calmer. He and Y/N are seated at the table, a spread of Italian pastas laid out between them. She’d mentioned offhand earlier that she’d been craving it, and he’d filed that detail away without thinking twice.

Now he watches as her eyes light up at the first bite, as if the food alone made her whole day. Jungkook doesn’t even touch his plate right away, too caught up in the way she hums happily, twirling her fork.

“Is it good Y/N?” Jungkook asks smiling fondly at her.

She nods eagerly. “Yes, everything is amazing. Totally hits the spot,” she says, doing a little dance in her chair.

Jungkook’s chest swells, his alpha preening at the sight. Only then does he finally dig into his own food, the corner of his mouth tugging upward.

Conversation flows easily between them, circling, as it always does, back to Nori. Y/N’s eyes soften as she recalls the way Nori had been gnawing on her teething ring earlier.

“Her first tooth’s already pushing through,” Y/N says, excitement and tenderness blending in her tone. “She’s going to look so different soon.”

Jungkook chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. “She’s growing too fast. Feels like yesterday I could hold her in just one hand.”

Before Y/N can respond, his phone chimes on the counter. Once. Twice. Then again. Within seconds, it’s going off in rapid succession, buzzing and dinging so much it almost drowns out the clink of silverware.

“Sorry,” Jungkook winces tapping furiously on his phone. Jimin won’t stop sending endless images of birthday decor. He said he was taking creative charge, so why can’t he just handle it.

“Someone’s popular,” Y/N mumbles, her bottom lip jutting out as her scent spikes. Is she jealous, Jungkook thinks to himself. His Alpha grows excited at that idea.

He laughs awkwardly as his phone chimes again, “Yeah…sorry I don’t know why they’re being so persistent,” he says putting his phone on do not disturb.

Y/N picks at her food. “Is it someone important?” She asks, avoiding his gaze, though the lilt in her voice gives away her curiosity.

He fails to fight back a smirk, leaning back in his chair. “Why? You sound curious.”

“I’m just asking,” Y/N replies quickly, still not looking at him. Her fork scrapes against the plate, the sound sharp in the quiet kitchen.

“Let me find out, bachelor Jungkook has a date,” she jokes, though the words sound as if they pain her.

“Nah, no date yet.” His voice is casual, but he watches her closely, cataloging every flicker of expression.

Y/N forces a laugh, though it comes out thinner than she probably intended. “Yet? So there is someone you’re interested in?”

Jungkook shrugs, twirling his fork through his pasta like it’s nothing. “Maybe. But she’s hard to read. Can’t tell if she’s into me.”

When he looks up again, Y/N’s plate is pushed aside, her appetite gone.

“Y/N?” His smile falters as she suddenly rises from her chair.

“I’m sorry, Jungkook. I gotta go.” She’s already gathering her things, voice clipped. “Thanks for dinner. I’ll wire you my half.”

“What? No, don’t—” He moves toward her, but she’s slipping on her shoes, refusing to meet his eyes.

And before he can process what’s happening, the door clicks shut behind her.

Silence drops heavy over the apartment. Nori stirs faintly in the distance, but all Jungkook can hear is the blood pounding in his ears.

“Fuck,” he mutters, raking a hand through his hair, jaw tight. “What the hell did I just do?”

Laying on your bed, you stare at the ceiling, watching the fan circulate round and round. Is this what your life had come to?

Spending your 24th birthday cooped up in your room, watching your dusty ceiling fan spin as you mope over a man.

That seemed to be a repeating pattern in your life. Why couldn’t you just like someone who was available.

Jungkook’s words have affected you way more than they should, which could only mean one thing. You’ve grown real feelings for him.

Deep down you knew, your feelings had crossed the line of being platonic a long time ago, but you tried your best to deny it . To hold your omega off.

Your stomach knots at the revelation. You didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Scared that you’ll go down the same path you did with Namjoon.

This “someone” could be anyone. There’s even a possibility that it could be you.

But then why didn’t he just say that?

You roll onto your side, hugging a pillow to your chest as if it could muffle the ache inside you.

Your Omega stirs miserably, restless in your chest. She doesn’t care about logic, about what’s reasonable, about self-preservation. She only knows the comfort of Jungkook’s presence. The way his laugh wraps around you, the way his scent lingers on your clothes after you leave. She wants more.

But you… you know better. You’ve been here before. Caught up in the almosts and what-ifs, tricking yourself into believing someone might choose you.

The door to your bedroom flings open and you squeeze your eyes shut pretending to be sleep.

“Get up birthday girl we’re going out!” Jimin shouts as he jumps on top of you. You wheeze out a breath as Simeon laughs from the doorframe.

Groaning you shake your head. “Can’t we just do something here, I’m not in the mood to go out. Plus I already told you I want to keep it low key this year.

“Nonsense!” Jimin says rolling off of you. “I let you mope all morning! Now put on something cute and sexy because tonight is all about you.”

You sit up with a pout. “Don’t I look sexy in sweatpants?”

“I’ll be in the living room,” Simeon says leaving quickly, causing you to laugh.

“You look cozy, not sexy,” Jimin retorts, tugging the pillow out of your arms and tossing it across the room.

You flop back dramatically onto the bed. “What if the birthday girl just wants to eat cake in peace?”

“Cake tastes better after shots,” Jimin counters, already yanking open your closet. He hums to himself as he flips through your clothes, making a face at half of them. “No. Definitely no. Burn this. Ooo—maybe this dress?”

“Absolutely not,” you groan, throwing an arm over your face.

He gasps in mock horror. “Fine, then I’ll wear it. Don’t test me.”

Despite yourself, a laugh slips out, easing the knot in your chest just a little. That’s Jimin’s gift. He never lets you sink too deep before dragging you back up, heels digging into the floor if he has to.

“You’re impossible,” you mutter, sitting up again.

“Correction,” Jimin says with a flourish, holding up the chosen dress like it’s a sacred offering. “I’m fabulous. Now, get changed. Simeon’s patience is like… nonexistent.”

You roll your eyes but reach for the dress anyway, a small smile tugging at your lips despite the ache still lingering in your chest. Maybe going out wouldn’t be the worst thing after all.

Unfortunately for Simeon, it takes you over an hour to get ready as you have to do your thorough curly hair routine, shave, do some skincare, and your soft glam.

By the time you’re done your vanity is a battlefield of gels, curl creams, wide-tooth combs, and brushes with stray strands of hair still clinging to the bristles. Bottles of oil and leave-in conditioner sit uncapped, their scents of coconut and shea butter lingering in the air, mixing with the warm musk of your perfume.

You shimmy into your dress, the fabric hugging your curves just right, and pause to admire yourself in the mirror. Your coils, carefully defined and stretched from the diffuser, frame your face like a crown.

You lean closer to the mirror, laying your edges with practiced precision. The swoops are perfect, crisp against your hairline. Jimin’s voice echoes from the hallway, growing more impatient by the second.

“Y/N! You better not be in there auditioning for America’s Next Top Model!”

Rolling your eyes, you grab your clutch and heels. One last look in the mirror and you can’t help but smirk. You look good. Damn good.

When Jimin takes in your appearance he whistles. “You look stunning. It’s too bad I’m going to have to blindfold you.”

You stop in your tracks, clutch halfway up your arm. “Blindfold me? Why didn’t you tell me this before I did a full face of makeup?”

Jimin grins wickedly, dangling a silky strip of fabric between his fingers. “Because if I told you, you wouldn’t have agreed to come. And besides, don’t worry, I’m skilled. I’ll tie it so it won’t smudge your lashes.”

You gape at him. “That’s not even the point!”

“It’s exactly the point,” Simeon calls from the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed, clearly amused. “Y/N, just humor him. You know he’s been plotting this all week.”

You narrow your eyes, suspicion bubbling in your chest. “What did you do, Park Jimin?”

“Nothing bad!” he chirps innocently, though the sparkle in his eye betrays him. “Just a little surprise. And before you ask, no, it’s not strippers. Unless you want strippers, in which case I can—”

“Jimin!” you groan, but despite yourself, you’re laughing.

He presses the blindfold into your hand. “Trust me, birthday girl. You’ll thank me later.”

The ride to your surprise destination is oddly long. Your temporary impairment not making it any quicker. You had no clue where they were taking you.

It had to be somewhere nice, judging by their snazzy outfits.

You finally do arrive, the two help you out of the car.

“You can’t see anything right Y/N?” Jimin asks and you laugh nodding.

“You have this thing wrapped so snug, how could I?” you mumble, stumbling a little in your heels. Simeon grips your elbow, steadying you before you fall flat on your face.

“Careful,” he chuckles. “Wouldn’t want you breaking an ankle before the reveal.”

“Reveal?” you ask, suspicion heavy in your voice.

“Shhh,” Jimin hushes, his tone practically vibrating with excitement. “We’re here!”

They guide you up a short flight of steps, Simeon muttering a quiet “watch your step” while Jimin fumbles with a door handle.

Your stomach twists. “Guys… what did you do?”

“Relax, you’ll thank us later,” Jimin teases.

The sound of a door unlocking, hinges creaking, and then, warmth. A swell of air carrying faint scents: food, candles, too many perfumes and pheromones mingling together.

It’s silent. Unnaturally so.

You slow your steps, unease prickling down your arms. “Uh… why is it so quiet?”

“Because,” Jimin whispers dramatically, “this is your big moment.”

The fabric slides from your eyes.

Blinking against the sudden brightness, your vision sharpens—and then your stomach plummets.

Inside Jungkook’s house stands a crowd of your closest friends, coworkers, cousins, your mom, and Jungkook himself. He’s standing off to the side holding Nori, smiling at you shyly.

“Surprise!” the group shouts in unison, the sound erupting like confetti in the air.

You gasp, a hand flying to your chest as you spin toward Jimin and Simeon. “You didn’t…”

“Oh, we did,” Jimin beams proudly, nudging you forward. “You only turn twenty-four once, birthday girl. Low-key was never an option.”

Everyone starts clapping, cheering, and whistling, the room erupting into warmth and noise. But your eyes can’t seem to stray from Jungkook. His smile is small but soft, reverent almost, as if he’s been waiting just to see your reaction.

Jungkook really doesn’t like strangers in his home. Yet, he still went out of his way for you. This has to mean something.

Your mother comes up and wraps you in her arms, distracting you from your thoughts. “Oh my baby,” she says hugging you tight.

You laugh, hugging her back. “Mom! Why didn’t you tell me you were in town?”

“Because that would’ve ruined the surprise. Your nosy ass wouldn’t let up if you knew I was home.

She leans close, low enough for only you to hear. “Now who is this fine Alpha’s home we’re in. You didn’t tell me you were seeing somebody,” she says pinching your arm.

“Ow, mom. I’m not. He’s the Alpha im babysitting for,” you say and she gives you a flat look.

“Mmhm. Let me go ask Jimin, I need someone who’s gonna be real.”

You gasp as she walks off shaking your head. You take your time greeting all the guests and thanking them for coming, before making your way to Jungkook who’s currently camped out in the kitchen with Nori.

The second you’re close enough, Nori lunges into your arms with a squeal, and you laugh, catching her against your chest. “Oh my goodness, hi, princess. Look at your dress you look so precious!”

Jungkook dressed her in the white and black polka dot dress you picked out weeks ago, a matching bow sitting in her hair.

He was dressed up nice himself, in slack pants and a striped button up. His hair gelled in a way that made goosebumps rise on your skin.

“Jungkook, I can’t believe you kept this a secret from me. How much did Jimin have to beg to let you do it here?” You ask peering up at him.

Jungkook shakes his head folding his arms across his chest. You watch his biceps flex in his shirt. “He didn’t have to beg me at all. I offered.”

You’re taken aback. “Oh,” you say voice shaky.

“I won’t lie it was hard keeping it from you. Jimin was texting my phone nonstop with details. I was sure you would catch on.”

His eyes stare into yours intensely, watching your every facial expression.

Your heart drops, heat rising to your face. “So it was Jimin texting you all along?” You ask, voice weak.

Jungkook nods, a smirk creeping on his face. “Yep. Your friend is definitely not afraid to double text.”

You bite down on your bottom lip, eyes darting away from his as embarrassment floods you. So all that spiraling earlier, thinking he was talking to some mystery omega, was for nothing.

“Right. Of course.” You force a laugh, bouncing Nori gently on your hip to distract yourself. “Makes sense.”

Jungkook studies you for a beat longer, eyes narrowing just slightly like he’s trying to read you. The smirk fades into something softer, more careful.

“You thought it was… someone else?” he asks, voice low, curious but not teasing.

Your stomach flips at the question, and you can’t bring yourself to answer. You turn around with Nori in your arms, eager to get out of this conversation.

“We should get back to the party, I need to introduce Nori to my mom,” you say booping the babies nose, earning a giggle from her as you turn around.

You dart off before Jungkook can stop you, eager to flee your embarrassment. Once again.

The party continues on, lots of good food and catching up with those who came to celebrate you. At some point you slide the coffee table out of the way and make a make shift dance floor.

The group dancing to staples like the Cupid shuffle, the electric slide, and many more. You were so happy and thankful for tonight, not realizing how much you needed this.

As the party wraps up, and Jungkook puts Nori to bed, you thank everyone for coming, hugging them all goodnight.

“We were thinking of carrying the party to my place if you want to come Y/N,” Hoseok says as he squeezes you tight.

You shake your head. “Nah, I think I’ll stay back and help Jungkook straighten up. You have fun though.

Hoseok pouts, “Aww, come on. I’m sure he can clean up a few streamers by himself,” Hoseok says. Attempting to convince you.

“She said no. Have a good night.” Jungkook calls from behind you, his voice steady and unwavering. You hadn’t even notice he was behind you.

Hoseok gulps, eye flickering between you two. A look of realization hits his face, finally catching on.

“Oh… right. Well I’ll head off, happy birthday Y/N. You looked amazing tonight,” Hoseok says, finally giving you a small smile. He glances at Jungkook again, this time with a hint of resignation in his eyes, before waving and heading down the sidewalk.

Moments later you’re in the kitchen, perched on the counter eating the last of your cake, as Jungkook collects cups and discarded plates.

“Thank you again, Jungkook. This was so nice. I really appreciate you allowing others into your space for me,” you say around a bite of cake. In a sugar rush daze.

“Of course, Y/N. Though I’m a little hurt you didn’t tell me your birthday was coming up.” He teases.

You swallow thickly. “It wasn’t intentional,” You start then correct yourself. “Well it wasn’t done with malicious intent. I just…birthdays aren’t as special to me anymore.”

You glance down at your plate, playing with the icing.

“Well I hope this changes that,” Jungkook says placing a velvet box and envelope in your lap.

You glance up at him. “You didn’t have to get me anything Jungkook, this looks expensive.” You start but he shakes his head.

“Please read the card,” he says, though his voice lacks its usual base.

You pick up the envelope, your fingers brushing against his as you open it. The card is simple, elegant, and handwritten in his neat script.

From the moment you entered my life, I was captivated by you. By your beauty, your grace, and the care you give to my daughter as if she is your own. By your patience with me, even when I haven’t always deserved it.

You’ve been my calm in the chaos, the light in the dark, the person who lets me feel without fear of judgment. You’ve helped me navigate emotions I’ve kept locked away for far too long. I didn’t think I’d ever let someone in like this again… but you just fit. You belong here, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

Y/N, I like you. Not in a passing, casual way, but in ways that are raw, deep, and undeniable. I care for you more than I’ve ever cared for anyone. Which scares me… and excites me too.

I hope that my feelings don’t complex things. That they don’t burden you or hinder your ability to look after my daughter. But I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I need you to know how much you mean to me. I want to show you, every day, how much you’re wanted, how much you’re loved.

In that box is your first courting gift. If you Accept it I promise there will be more. More gifts, moments, my devotion, my love, my protection. I want to give it all to you. But if it’s too much, I’ll step back. I would never pressure you into anything that isn’t mutual.

Happy birthday, Y/N. You are brilliant, generous, beautiful… and entirely unforgettable. And I hope this birthday is one you remember.

—Jungkook

Your hands tremble softly as you finish the note, your tears swirling with the ink as they connect with the paper. You fold it quickly not to mess up the paper and glance at Jungkook, noticing the tears that threaten to fall in his eyes as well.

He nods toward the box and you take the jewelry box between your fingers. As you open it, the breath leaves your lungs, a wet cry escaping you as you glance down at the necklace.

A sparkly pendant of a tree similar to the one you and your dad used to sit under sits in the box, a dainty silver chain around it. It looks expensive, but that’s far from your mind at the moment.

Jumping off the counter, you fly into Jungkook’s arms

He catches you instantly, arms wrapping around your waist, holding you as if letting go would be unbearable. Your chest presses against his, your tears wetting his shirt.

“Jungkook, you sob into his chest. “This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”

He squeezes you tight, planting a kiss to your head as he rubs your back. “You deserve it, Baby. And much more.”

The pet name sends a shiver down your spine and you pull back to look him in the eyes.

He’s smiling brighter than you ever seen him smile, all thirty-two teeth showing as he stares teary eyed at you. He truly looks happy.

He wipes a tear from your eye and you sniffle. “I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you smile so wide,” you laugh.

He chuckles, “you make me happy.”

Your breath hitches, the words sinking into your chest like an anchor.

It’s simple, but the weight of it crashes into you, unraveling every wall you thought you still had. Your lips part, but nothing comes out, only another shaky laugh as you swipe at your damp cheeks.

“You… you don’t know what that does to me, hearing you say that,” you whisper, voice raw with emotion.

His thumb brushes your cheek again, slow and tender, like he’s memorizing you. “Then I’ll say it again as many times as you need,” he murmurs, leaning close enough that his breath fans across your face. “You make me happy, Y/N. Happier than I ever thought I could be again.”

Your heart flips, your body trembling under the intensity of his gaze.

You suddenly become hyper aware of how close you are, his face inches away from your own. His fingers planted around your waist.

As if hearing your thoughts, his eyes fall to your lips, tempted, before back at you.

“I really want to do something.”

You gulp, “Yeah? Like what?”

“Like this.” His hand finds the back of your neck, pulling you into a kiss that send fireworks through you. Your body lights on fire, your omega more than ecstatic as Jungkook’s lips move against yours.

The kiss is soft at first, tentative, like he’s giving you the chance to pull away. But when you don’t, when you melt into him with a desperate little sigh, he deepens it, lips moving against yours with a hunger that makes your knees weak.

Your fingers clutch at his shirt, needing something to anchor yourself as his hand stays steady on your waist, grounding you even while everything else feels like it’s spinning.

His mouth tastes faintly of frosting and wine, sweet and intoxicating, and you can feel the way his chest rises and falls quicker against yours, his restraint hanging by a thread.

When you finally break apart for air, your foreheads press together, breaths mingling in the space between you. His eyes search yours, pupils blown wide, and his voice is ragged when he whispers—

“Been wanting to do that for so long.”

You laugh softly brushing his face, which is now painted with your makeup. “You have my makeup all over your face. Looks like you were eating a chocolate bar.”

His voice grows raspy. “Oh yea?,” he says gripping you tighter. “Well it’s a good thing I like chocolate.”

Heat pools in your stomach as he pulls you in for another kiss.

You gasp softly against his lips as he claims your mouth again, this time with less hesitation. His lips move with a firmer, needier pressure, pulling you closer until your chest is flush against his.

Your fingers tangle in his hair, careful not to mess up the gel but desperate to keep him there, afraid he might disappear if you let go. His grip on your waist tightens, thumb brushing slow, burning circles against your hip.

It’s messier now, your laugh swallowed into the kiss, your heart hammering in your chest. When his tongue grazes your bottom lip, you nearly lose yourself completely, the taste of him overwhelming, addictive.

Your mixed pheromones fill up the space, clouding your judgment as he backs you against the counter. You try to ignore the bulge pressing against your leg, body shivering as his lips trail kisses down your neck.

His lips find your scent glands and can’t stop the desperate moan that escapes you, Jungkook growling against your skin.

Your head falls back against the cabinet, breath coming out in shaky bursts as his mouth lingers at your throat. The scrape of his teeth near your gland has your knees threatening to give out, your omega clawing at the edges of your control.

“Jungkook…” you gasp, clutching at his shirt like it’s the only thing keeping you grounded.

He groans low, hips flexing against yours before he catches himself, pulling back. His chest heaves as if he’s fighting a war inside himself.

“Fuck, Y/N,” he mutters, voice gravelly, raw with restraint. “You don’t know what you do to me.”

His hand is still firm at your waist, holding you against him, but his thumb strokes soft, reverent circles, as if reminding himself you aren’t just a need, you’re you.

“Likewise,” you breathe out. “My makeup probably looks a mess right now,” you say, running a hand through your curls.

He pecks your lips softly. “You look gorgeous.”

He reluctantly takes a step back and reaches for the jewelry box, pulling the necklace out.

“Can I?” He asks, and you nod.

He leans in, carefully brushing your curls aside with one hand while the other raises the pendant. His knuckles graze your throat as he fastens the clasp just above your collarbone, the fleeting touch making your skin erupt in goosebumps.

When he pulls back enough to look, his gaze lingers on the way the pendant rests against your skin. His chest rises and falls a little quicker, like he’s trying to steady himself.

“It’s perfect,” he breathes, more to himself than to you.

You touch the necklace gently, loving the way it rests against your skin, cool and delicate yet grounding in a way that makes your chest ache.

Your heart swells at his words, your omega preening after finally being seen. Being respected. Being wanted.

This wasn’t one-sided. This was mutual. Intentional. And you were all in.

You take his hand in yours, smiling up at him. “I know you are. And I’m serious about us too.”

“Us?” Jungkook repeats, laughing softly. “I could get used to that.”

You nod, laughter bubbling from your chest. “It has a ring to it, doesn’t it?”

——

Read Part Nine Here! Masterlist

A/N: They’re just the cutest🥹! I hope this chapter was worth the waitttt. No telling when the next part will be out (just being honest). But I’m still working on that surprise one-shot. It’s like 75% done so all I have left is the smut lol. But I hope you guys enjoyed. Always feel free to share your thoughts!!