47.

[EVENING]

48.

Mr. Park took Jungkook to a nice restaurant for dinner. It wasn't overly expensive but not cheaper either. It was modest, offered decent privacy, and was occupied mostly by middle-class patrons, which made Jungkook comfortable.

Jungkook wore one of the scented t-shirts Mr. Park had offered, feeling safe and protected. The alphas who were eying him as if he was their next meal didn't look at him twice and that was a win in his text book.

He ate everything Mr. Park ordered without complaining. His thoughts still swirled, but at least the immediate future wasn't uncertain anymore.

After dinner, Mr. Park took him to his new accommodation. Jungkook gasped when he realized where he was. The student accommodation for upper-class students was absolutely out of his financial reach, but the car strolled into that place as if they owned it.

"Come on," Mr. Park urged, and a guard rushed toward them, bowing multiple times in greeting. "Sungmin-ah, this is my friend's son I told you about. Jeon Jungkook. Keep an eye on him for me, will you?"

"Absolutely, sir." The security guard was a middle-aged beta and wore a kind smile. Jungkook bowed back in respect. He was working class just like his father once was. The security glanced behind him. "Did you bring your bags, Jungkook-ssi?"

"Ah, no." Jungkook glanced at Mr. Park, uncertain of his response.

"He will move in by the end of this week," Mr. Park replied. "We're here to see the room."

"Sure. This way, please."

They followed the security to the third floor. The room was situated at the end of a long corridor. The furnished room was simple. Small yet spacious. There was a single bed with a mattress, a bookshelf, a clothing rack, a work table with a single chair, a TV, a small kitchenette, a mini fridge, a washing machine, and an attached bathroom.

It was as decent as it could get and smelled good. It had everything he had never dreamed of, and he'd only heard about these one-room student accommodations. Jungkook was absolutely stunned to see the door had an electronic lock with a key card, and the security was the best he could ever ask for.

The security left them to their devices, and Mr. Park turned to him once the door shut behind them. "The entire place is monitored, and this block is for omega students so you can be comfortable. You will get two key cards. There's no master key. If you lose it, then you will have to change the entire lock. I brought you here so you have an idea of what to bring and what you might require." He waved around them. "Go on, take a look," he urged. "This place is close to your work and college. It'll save you a lot of time so you can focus on your studies."

Jungkook just stared. He couldn't afford this, but he also knew this was being sponsored by Mr. Park. It'd take years, maybe his entire life, to repay the debt. There was nothing he could do for Mr. Park in return except for one thing. Was he willing to do that?

Be selfish.

He could fit his entire belongings in here and some more. He didn't have that much.

The omega eyed the bed. He could build a nest here. Something warm rushed to his chest. Memories of him making a minimal nest with what he had of his mom's nesting supplies and then snuggling with his dad surfaced in his memory.

Jungkook noticed the centralized air conditioner and heating system. His father's last words echoed in his mind. I'll never be cold in winters, Dad. I'm trying to be selfish just like you want me to me and cling to the hand extended to me when I least expected it. I'll try to find my happiness and I'll learn to live in this world without you, but for now I'll prioritize my safety.

There were several things he wanted to say but found no proper words. "Why did you choose me to marry your son?" he asked instead. "I'm a regular omega. I'm no match for a purebred wolf."

"Common misconception."

"Huh?" He turned to face the kind alpha, who had shown the kindness he didn't think he deserved.

"Am I too much for you?" The alpha stepped in front of him. "Is my scent overwhelming?"

Jungkook shook his head. No. Mr. Park smelled warm and comfortable.

"Am I threatening?"

Jungkook took a deep breath. "You're kinda intimidating but threatening? No." He bit his lower lip before continuing, "You make me feel safe."

His kind eyes stared down at him. "It's true our wolves are dominant and can be a bit wild sometimes. We might lose control of our primal side, and there are times when we act purely on instincts. But there's nothing that states that it's impossible for a purebred wolf to mate with a regular wolf. It's a bit of an adjustment like it is with any kind of relationship."

His words made sense, but he wasn't satisfied. "Your son isn't exactly single." He looked away. "I'm sure an arranged marriage isn't something he wants."

"My son isn't head over heels for anyone either. These flings are fleeting because he doesn't know what real love feels like," Mr. Park stated. "He's searching in all the wrong places, and I just want to nudge him in the right direction."

"Why?" Jungkook asked again. "Why do you insist on me marrying your son? It's not like there is a lack of purebred omegas. What do I have that they don't? I'm not special."

"You're right. You're not special, but consider it as a father's instinct. The moment I saw you, I just knew my son's life would be complete with you by his side." The alpha took a deep breath. "Jimin is my only son, and he's worth billions. With you, I feel he'd finally have a sense of normalcy in life and would have someone to ground him."

"I..." Jungkook frowned. "I don't understand."

"I firmly believe my son would have a chance at genuine happiness and experience real love with you," Mr. Park replied. "I might not know you personally, but I do know your parents. They're righteous people with values that many lack these days. They're not easily wavered by wealth, and I have witnessed the same values in you. I want you to be part of my family because you are you. You're Jungkook. Someone who isn't fazed by luxury or money. Someone who still values emotions." He stepped closer to take his hands in his. "I know how much you loved your dad and I know you have a huge heart. My son would be one lucky wolf if he could earn even a quarter of your love. And I'm just a selfish father who happened to think 'Oh, my son's life would be much better if he's in his life'. So Jungkook, don't think too much. While I want to help you, this particular proposal is extremely selfish and I don't want you to jump right into it. Take your time and tell me if this is something you can consider. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. So think if you can imagine yourself by my son's side."

It was all too much so Jungkook just nodded. "I need time."

Mr. Park smiled. "That's fine. I'm glad you're even considering it. Thank you, Jungkook. Even if you say no, that's okay. Your answer isn't gonna change any of this." He patted his pockets and produced a business card. "Our company has a brilliant internship program for freshers. We offer a decent stipend. You can apply once you're in the final year if that's something you have in mind."

Jungkook accepted the card without another word. His eyes stung. What did he do to deserve such kindness?

Be selfish.

"Thank you," he whispered. 

49.

50.

"You're late."

Jaehyun glanced up to see Jimin leaning on the door frame of his home office. He rolled his eyes, shrugging out of his suit jacket and draping it around his chair before loosening his tie. "I take it that you showed up for the event."

"Did I have a choice?" Jimin strolled toward him, hands buried in his pocket and leather trench coat swishing behind him. "You can't send me to every event as your replacement, you know." He dropped on an empty chair, kicking up his feet on the desk. "I'm a busy man and I have other engagements."

He ignored the complaint and asked, "Did you meet Mr. Song?"

Jimin shrugged. His son appeared handsome as ever, his scent relaxed and calm. "I got the job done. He kept trying to introduce his son throughout, which was extremely annoying, but the deal is ours." He gazed at him with a lazy tilt of his head. "Dad, but for real, you can't keep throwing me like a dog bone so you can get your work done."

Jaehyun shrugged. He couldn't let Jungkook be alone after he saw his state in the morning. He needed to ensure he has eaten and taken care of.

"Something came up. Drink?" he asked, going to the mini bar in his office.

"Yeah, I could use one after putting up with the overly affectionate omega all night." He sniffed at himself, making a disgusted face. "Jeez, I still smell like him."

Jaehyun scoffed. "Come on, son. Everyone knows you're an omega man. Don't need to pretend you didn't enjoy the attention." He poured whiskey in two glasses, dropping a few cubes of ice.

"Doesn't mean I enjoy every ounce of attention thrown my way," Jimin deflected. "That one was trying so hard to win my favor." Mr. Park took a sip from his drink before handing one to Jimin. "I enjoy a good chase, Dad."

"Like Jiseung?"

Jimin snorted. "He's trying."

"What are you doing here anyway? It's a weekday."

"Mom wanted me here for something."

Mr. Park turned to go to his chair, but stopped when he felt a grip on his elbow. Jimin was suddenly on his feet, nostrils flaring and red bleeding into his eyes.

"Interesting," he murmured with a growl lacing his voice. "Hmm... Maraschino Cherry, isn't it?" He leaned to take another whiff and Jaehyun let him. "An omega." Jimin pulled back with an amusing smile dancing on his lips. "Not someone I recognize. What's the deal?" He sipped his drink. "You let someone other than Mom leave their scent on you. I thought you smelled kinda different but didn't notice it earlier."

"He's family," Jaehyun cut short, going to sit on his chair and stared into his son's eyes, which interestingly stayed amber. Interesting.

"Family, you say." Jimin perched his hip on the desk. "Do I know him?"

"You met him briefly when you were young. He was six-months-old."

The incident left his son traumatized to the point, Jimin had stop talking for months and was afraid to sleep alone. Jungkook was too young to have his own scent. Not that Jimin would remember much even if he had smelled him before.

"Ah..." Jimin clicked his tongue. He looked thoughtful but didn't say further. "Alright, then." He drained the glass. "I'll see you in office tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Good night, Dad."

"Good night."

Jimin's eyes interestingly stayed the color of his wolf. Interesting. Never had Jaehyun noticed his wolf taking interest in anyone's scent before. His son was closer to his wolf that was on the dominant side. It was more primal than anyone else in the family.

It was surprising that Jungkook's scent would stir such a response from him for being a regular omega. He sat back, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as a flicker of hope bloomed in his chest.

He took another sip. Everything depended on Jungkook's answer.

***

A/N: It was hard to write the grieving scenes. I lost my dad when I was 17. I still suffer from funeral & death anxiety because of it. But writing some parts felt like I'm finally grieving properly. Jungkook's grieving tweets are something I personally went through at one point in life. But I write to heal. Apologies for making you all cry. *hugs*

Tight hugs to everyone who lost their parent. I wish I could say it gets better with time but we know it's a lie. We only learn to live with the pain of losing a parent. Just know they're watching over us and are proud of how far we have come. Love you to the moon and back.