145.

146. [MEETING]

147.

148.

149.

"Sir, are you sure this is where we have to be?" the driver asked again, looking outside with a frown. "The restaurants in this area aren't up to your preferences. The food is usually cheap and greasy."

"I'm meeting someone here." He pulled his shirt sleeve to check his wrist watch.

"Okay, sir."

Jimin sniffed and scratched his nose when the driver pulled in front of a family restaurant that was situated in the most crowded part of the town. His Mercedes Benz looked way out of place, causing several heads to turn curiously.

The alpha sighed. His phone pinged with a few notifications but he tuned it out in favor of focusing outside.

"Linger nearby and come back when I call you," he instructed the driver. "I won't be gone for long."

"Yes, sir."

Several scents assaulted his nose as soon as he exited the vehicle. The streets were seemingly neat but clustered. The mixed aroma of different street food and the sounds of vendors beckoning customers was something he wasn't used to. Something he'd only seen in movies but never imagined experiencing himself because he didn't belong in this part of the town nor had the need to.

The weather was hot here despite the generally chill autumn evening. Several people stopped what they were doing to stare at him.

It was no wonder. He would obviously stand out as the only dominant wolf in the vicinity. The majority of them probably wouldn't even have seen one in person. Jimin saw many of them pointing their fingers in his direction, whispering furiously.

Jimin pushed his hands inside his pant pockets, realizing his tailored suit didn't really suit the vibe. Maybe he should have changed into something casual before coming here. However, he was in a hurry and maybe a little bit impatient.

A few weeks ago, Jimin wouldn't have imagined himself stepping foot into this part of the town. He had no requirement to do so. But the omega his father picked out for him worked in this area.

The old building looked worn out with only the restaurant sign glowing in bright neon lights. A 'closed' board hung on the outside.

Someone rushed to open the door at the sight of him. He assumed that must be the owner. After all, he booked the restaurant for the rest of the night and ordered two servings of their most recommended menu.

"Please come in," The middle-aged man hurried to greet him and left him inside. "I have made every arrangement just like you instructed." He beamed, showing all his teeth. His scent was too light, mixed with firewood and something greasy.

The restaurant was small and modest, lacked privacy and was better for friends gathering. His gaze swooped around finding no one except for the owner.

"Please take your seat, sir." The owner pulled a seat for him to sit. "May I bring your some refreshments while you wait for your friend?"

Jimin ignored his overenthusiasm and took a seat. "Where is Jungkook?" he asked, glancing at the staff door expectantly.

The owner blinked. "He's inside." He pointed his thumb over his shoulder. "I have already informed him that he's serving our special guest today."

Jimin hummed. "Just send him over and you bring the food. Drinks first."

The owner gaped at him but nodded. Jimin was in no mood for a chit chat with the beta and he could tell this one was a bit nosy. The alpha unbuttoned his suit jacket and crossed his leg at the knee, getting as comfortable as possible in that seat.

Meanwhile the owner disappeared behind the staff door and Jimin heard him yell a series of commands at whoever was behind the door.

The restaurant wasn't up to his liking but his betrothed worked here. Jimin still had trouble, wrapping his head around the fact that his father would choose an ordinary omega with no family background as his mate. He wanted to confront his dad and ask more questions but he decided it would be better to meet this omega and find out himself.

His fingers unconsciously drummed on his knee. He wanted to lean forward but wasn't convinced the table was clean enough. It was wiped recently but he could spot some residual oily substance on the surface. His outfit was way too expensive than the entire furniture in the restaurant combined.

The door opened again and his head whipped expectantly toward it. Sure enough, there was Jungkook, carrying a tray with drinks.

Hidden behind a face mask and apron, his future mate shattered every ounce of expectation he had. Jimin tilted his head curiously to the side. Is he really an ordinary omega?

Jungkook was tall and lean, looked stronger than the majority of their omega counterparts, steps measured and careful, eyes downcast and posture professional. He placed the drinks on the table and bowed, ready to leave but Jimin felt his body tense as if he recognised his scent. The omega froze, gaze snapping to Jimin's face.

Jimin was struck with wide doe-like eyes that further widened. The alpha inhaled, trying to get a read on his scent and scowled in disappointment when he got none.

"W-What are you doing here?" Jungkook asked, dumbfounded.

Jimin smirked. "You were obviously busier than me. So I had to buy your time."

Jungkook glanced around. "You're the VIP customer, who booked the restaurant for an entire night," he whispered.

Jimin shrugged. "I figured that's the only way I get to meet you and talk. Your schedule is insane." He eyed him top to bottom. "At this rate, how haven't you burned yourself out yet?"

The omega smiled. "I'm sorry for saying I'm busy." He shifted on his feet. "I just got this job and they won't let me take any leave for a month at least. I didn't expect you to go through this trouble to talk to me."

Jimin hummed. In his peripheral vision, he saw the door creak open and someone pressing their ears against it.

Then he eyed the drinks. "Call that beta, who just came in from here."

"Ah..." Doe eyes blinked at him before the omega pivoted on his heel, scurrying inside.

Jimin let his gaze trail after him, pausing at the flare of his hips and down the curve of his ass that was encased in tight pants. By the time his gaze dipped low to grace his toned thighs, Jungkook had disappeared behind the door.

The wolf inside him perked. Jimin chastised it half-heartedly. At least, his dad knew his taste. Perhaps more than he did. All his initial intentions of telling the omega to call this engagement off took the back seat at that moment.

Jimin knew he had a weakness for strong omegas, especially ones with a firm ass and thick thighs. With a sly smile, he reclined in his chair, grimacing at how hard it was against his back.

The owner came running out of the kitchen or whatever it was. Jungkook followed after him, keeping his distance. "Sir, you called. How can I assist?" He was all smiles.

Jimin didn't miss the glare the beta sent the unsure omega's way. "My instructions were very clear. I told you to serve today. Not him. I do not like when people disobey me." He narrowed his eyes at him. Then he stood, pushing his hands inside his pocket. "And I hate someone eavesdropping into my conversation even more. I have already paid you for the entire night. Do what you want with the food. I'm taking Jungkook-ssi with me."

"Sir, wait..."

Jimin ignored the owner and glanced at Jungkook, who appeared stunned. "I'll be outside in the car." He spared a casual glance at his watch. "You have five minutes. I'm not a patient man. Lose that mask and apron." He pivoted on his heel before pausing by the door. "Oh, and remove your scent blockers. I prefer honest communication." Then he pulled the door open, firing a text to his driver to bring the car out front.

***

Jungkook slid into the back seat of the car with thirty seconds to spare. An involuntary grin automatically tugged at his lips. The omega valued time, something he appreciated the most. When he closed the door, Jimin got a whiff of a familiar forest scent.

Interesting.

His dad must really care for this omega. He lost his only parent recently. Jimin frowned. That must be really hard. His respect for his father only grew when he realized how thoughtful his father was. This would be his responsibility after his father or until Jungkook found an alpha to share his life with.

He pressed the button by the side of his door. "Drive." He inclined his head toward Jungkook. "Guess, my dad is your guardian now. That'd explain his scent to you."

A fond look crossed the omega's face. "Mr. Park was kind enough to stop by and give me some clothes with his scent. He's so thoughtful."

Jimin hummed. His father was indeed thoughtful and often went out of his way to help someone. But in Jungkook's case, he deserved more. This omega lost his mother because of him. Jimin wondered if their paths would have ever crossed if not for that.

"Um... Jimin-ssi, my scent blockers..." the omega drawled and Jimin turned his head to properly look at him. "It's tea." Jungkook nibbled at his bottom lip while his fingers fidgeted with the strap of his bag. "It'll wear off in a couple of hours or so. I...I really don't have anything to um..." His hesitant gaze met him. "I don't know how to remove it."

His voice soft and gentle like an evening breeze, brushed his ears and the alpha was too busy staring at his lips to form a response. Thin and petal-like lips, painted the color of pink roses. All natural, save for the lip balm that provided a moisturized glow. And at the bottom of those lips sat a single mole like a crown.

Fuck!

Jeon Jungkook was a stunning omega in real life. Those two photos his father shared did no justice to his ethereal beauty. It didn't show how dewy soft Jungkook's skin looked. Moreover, the omega's calm demeanor and melodious voice caught him off guard.

Does he sing?

He'd be an absolute delight if he did.

Jimin's nostrils automatically flared, his wolf too impatient to get a read on this omega.

What did he smell like?

"Um... Jimin-ssi?"

Jimin blinked, clearing his throat. "Ah, yes, I know of a way," he replied absent-mindedly as the few ways to bring out his scent surfaced in his mind.

He could bite his scent gland and force his omega to reveal his scent. It was more like coaxing the wolf to override the effects of the tea to let out his natural scent. That was too intimate, though. The second option was to use his pheromones to entice the omega.

"What is it?" Jungkook asked curiously.

"My pheromones," Jimin answered and forcefully averted his eyes to the front, staring at the divider that offered them privacy. He really needed to get his shit together. He cannot absolutely fuck this omega in the backseat of his car. He clenched his fist and cleared his throat again. "If you inhale it long enough, your wolf will surface and the effects of the tea will wear off soon."

"Oh."

"Biologically the omegas are designed to respond to an alpha's scent, especially the unmated wolves. As you might be aware, our primal instincts are to survive. So when your wolf gets wind of my pheromones, if it deems me a worthy, capable alpha to mate and breed, it'll respond to it with its own pheromones. Your wolf is strong enough to override the effects of scent blockers," Jimin explained even when he didn't understand why he would go through such pain.

Jungkook listened intently. "Thank you for explaining," he said softly. "You can use your pheromones, though, I'm not sure how this works."

Jimin nodded, his wolf suddenly on full alert now that they both had the omega's consent. "I'll release it in a controlled amount so you don't get drunk," he warned.

"Okay."

The alpha sat comfortably. "There are a few things I wanted to clarify." He tapped a finger on his knee, looking outside the window. "You don't seem like the type that prioritizes wealth. Why did you agree to marry me? My dad can be pretty persuasive, but I want your reason."

There was a moment of silence. "I'm just being selfish," he murmured. The alpha whipped his head to see the omega, waiting for him to elaborate, but Jungkook pulled his phone out of his hoodie pocket before scrolling through it and handing it to Jimin. "Your dad is the kindest person I've ever met. I don't know what would become of me if he hadn't come when he did."

Jimin took the phone, scrolling through the text messages exchanged between Jungkook and his dad. He skimmed through the texts, feeling a surge of pride in his chest upon seeing his dad's conversation with the omega. His dad was really a kind man and his reasoning for wanting this relationship to work sounded valid, but Jimin thought it wasn't that simple.

He handed the phone back to Jungkook. "We are worlds apart," he said, trying to form suitable words so as to make the omega understand.

Jungkook's smile was soft and Jimin noticed the way he was perched at the edge of the seat, looking unsure and uncomfortable. He stared at his hands on the lap, continuing to play with the straps of his bag.

"I know I don't belong in your world," once again Jimin was taken back with the gentleness and understanding reflected in his tone. "I'm doing this so I won't feel bad about it. Mr. Park and my dad, I don't know why they would see me as a suitable mate for you. I was hoping you would reject me and we could conclude this peacefully. And..." He glanced out of the window, worrying his lower lip.

Now those words made Jimin sit straight. His wolf was even more attentive than ever. Interesting. The expression on Jungkook's face was one of understanding and as if he already knew what was on Jimin's mind.

"And?" the alpha urged.

Jungkook glanced at him. "I won't feel guilty about not honoring my dad or Mr. Park's wish. I would know I tried and it didn't work out." Then suddenly his eyes widened. "Oh, here's my stop," he announced. "You can leave me at this bus stop. I'll catch a bus home."

Jimin stared at him until Jungkook was squirming in his seat. "Did you think I'll just let you walk out like that?"

The omega blinked up at him innocently and oh, the urge he felt right then to ruin that innocence right then and there. This omega was definitely something. The tip of Jungkook's ears turned red. "I'm sorry." He averted his gaze again. "I don't know what to expect. I thought you would just say no and move on since you're already seeing someone."

Jimin cocked a brow at that. So he knew. "I cut ties with him as soon as my dad told me about you and I don't do long term relationships."

He sat back, reading the omega's expression shifting to form a surprised 'oh'. How could someone look so adorable? The alpha was only used to omegas that were hot, sexy and confident, the ones that knew how to use their charms to entice him. Then here was Jungkook, so clueless and oblivious of what he was doing to Jimin and his wolf without even trying.

Honestly, Jimin didn't understand what was happening either. Jungkook wasn't even dressed to the nine. His attire was just like that of any other college student, running from one thing to another, barely getting any breather. Dressed in a comfortable hoodie and jeans, Jungkook reminded him of a giant teddy bear all soft and comfy. So far, he hasn't even tried to send a flirtatious look his way.

Respectful, shy and reserved.

"I'm taking you out for dinner," Jimin announced. "I'll drop you at your place later."

"Oh." He bit his bottom lip and Jimin noticed that he did that a lot. Jungkook then nodded to himself before glancing outside the window.

"Move back and sit comfortably. You're gonna get back pain at this rate."

Jungkook whipped his head to see him, eyes widening before he hurried to obey, but Jimin could tell he wasn't comfortable just yet.

They reached the restaurant's back entrance in no time. Jungkook exited the car without waiting for Jimin, eying the surroundings with wide eyes. The alpha circled the car, amused with his behavior.

"Come."

Jungkook nodded, unconsciously shifting closer to Jimin. The staff bowed at Jimin, glancing at Jungkook curiously. Jimin didn't usually bring his dates here. He used this space for meeting clients and occasionally hanging out with his friends in a relaxed environment.

The restaurant manager hurried to guide him to the private room in the back. Several eyes turned in their direction but Jimin wasn't worried. They had all signed an NDA. Maybe Jungkook stood out because he didn't fit the criteria of people that accompanied Jimin usually.

Jimin stepped back to let Jungkook inside first and then entered the room. "The food here is the best. This is my go to place to dine with friends and family."

He guided the omega to a seat and noticed the way his eyes twinkled. Jungkook wasn't looking around but at him.

The alpha slid the menu toward him. "Here. Order whatever you want."

Jungkook eyed the menu, not reaching for it. "What would you recommend?" This time he noticed the omega's nervousness. "I don't want to look like an idiot, trying to choose something I'm not familiar with."

Jimin cocked his head to the side, his features softening. "How would you know if you don't try?" He opened the menu, sliding it toward him once again. "I won't judge you for not knowing things. If you're willing to learn...then I can show you."

"Oh. I..." Jungkook nibbled at his lips, keeping his hands hidden under the table for some reason.

"Go on," Jimin encouraged.

"Um...this one?"

Char-grilled Korean Beef Rib-eye with pickled onion.

"That's a good choice," Jimin said and observed how Jungkook bloomed under the praise. The soft pink hues dusting his cheeks betrayed the omega's emotions to him. "Let's eat first. I'm sure you'd be hungry because I'm starving." He beckoned the waiter.

There was so much he wanted to say, but that could wait. Besides, he thought the omega would grow a bit comfortable around him when they were done.

Jungkook's earlier words replayed in his mind. It was obvious the omega had come prepared to accept the rejection. Hell, he hadn't even considered dating or tried convincing him in some manner. He just seemed like someone who was content with how things were.

But there was more to this omega. More that he wasn't revealing yet and Jimin was nothing if not persistent and his curiosity got the best of him. He was going to figure this omega out at any cost and see for himself why his father believed he was the right partner for him.

***

A/N: Don't skip today's author note:

Hello loves,

Just wanted to update you regarding my health. My endometriosis went bonkers and it's kinda critical. It spread around my internal organs and is holding them hostage 🙄

I'm scheduled for an urgent surgery on 4th Oct and it's in a different city. It's my 2nd time going under the knife for this. My doctor got me an appointment from one of the best and experienced surgeons because it's gonna be complicated.

I'll be gone for a week. So next month I'll take it really slow while I recover. Please keep me in your prayers 🙏

Regards,

Chimmy