Sorry for making you guys wait. Life had been so busy :(

01/05/2020

Since Taehyung "made up" with his parents, things at home had been peaceful. His parents hadn't spoken to him about his marriage, when any other day, they would remind him of Seojoon and the Park pack at least once a day. He had, however, overheard his parents speak to each other about the "issue" with Taehyung's marriage. And all of those times Taehyung had overheard his parents' conversations, his mother had been at the brink of calling Taehyung "ridiculous" for even thinking of stopping this marriage.

What made him relax at least a little was how his father was actively thinking of ways to find some middle ground, from what Taehyung had picked up.

And for once in his life, he felt seen.

His father was finally hearing him out and thinking about what he felt. And that made him happy.

It was over two weeks later that Jeongguk decided to give a visit to the pack grounds, since Minseok invited him to see the newly built studio. In the previous two weeks, he and Jeongguk had been meeting up in secret like they always did. Jeongguk was happy that Taehyung's parents were giving some thought to the way Taehyung felt about this marriage. And the two of them finally had some hope for a future together. Some solid hope.

Jeongguk had texted Taehyung as he arrived at the pack grounds and that he met Taehyung's father. After a while, feeling impatient, Taehyung decided to drag his sister to go to the studio, since going alone would seem suspicious. They were walking side by side, through the streets of the Kim Pack towards midday on that sunny Sunday morning. The streets were filled with pups running about and teenagers flocking in several places, chatting about. As Taehyung and his sister reached the far side of the pack, Taehyung saw a group of young people flocked under a tree, chatting. A smile crept up on Taehyung's lips when he noticed a few of his childhood friends in the group. He was about to walk towards them and say hi when-

"...with Seojoon"

Taehyung paused the moment he heard the familiar name from one of the people there.

"The marriage might not happen? But the whole pack has been waiting for it since Taehyung presented!" Another voice from the group said.

"Why in the world would the marriage break? They look so good together! And they have been friends since like forever" Another voice. "I don't think this rumour is true"

"Probably because Taehyung likes someone else" A masculine voice, now.

Taehyung gulped, eyes widening.

A wave of mutters ran through the group.

"Taehyung wouldn't do that!" Taehyung was sure it was one of his childhood friends.

"Why not? He's fucking gorgeous. What alpha wouldn't want him?"

"But he wouldn't just betray his pack like that!" Another voice. "This alliance means so much to our pack!"

"None of that matters when you start liking someone" A voice said. "I saw him and that music guy walking around, a few weeks back and I could swear that there was something going on between them"

"Music guy?"

"Yes. The lead singer of that band that played at the pack gathering"

"Oh him! Wasn't his name 'Jeongguk?'"

"He was fucking hot"

"Rumour has it that they have been sneaking around behind Taehyung's parents' backs. Fooling around and doing nasty things together"

"No way!"

"They're in the same university too. And you know how Taehyung hardly ever comes home from university. I bet they have been fucking all they want at university"

"I can't even imagine Taehyung being like that..." A voice of disbelief. "That's so vulgar and..."

"Whore behaviour"

"Shut up! You guys are being ridiculous! Maybe he's just in love with Jeongguk!"

"But at the cost of betraying his pack!"

Taehyung's chest tightened and he turned to his sister, who looked as shocked as him. Her eyes turned to him as well and the next moment, she was dragging Taehyung out of the street and away from earshot of the conversation.

"Don't listen to them. They're just stupid rumours" Taehyung's sister said as she dragged Taehyung.

"They're not rumours. They're true" Taehyung muttered blankly.

"Well, Mom and Dad are reconsidering the marriage so there's nothing to worry about, is there?"

"I'm worried, Yeojoo. If people are already suspecting me and Jeongguk, it would be in no time they get to know the truth" Taehyung's voice shook. "If they get to know the truth, we would be done for"

"They won't, okay? They won't know it as long as we follow our plan and you and Jeongguk keep it low-key. Besides, right now, it's just gossip about a baseless rumour. No one takes things like that seriously. And those people have no idea what they're talking about"

Taehyung halted, dragging his sister to a pause along with him. "What if I am betraying my pack?"

Yeojoo sighed. "Look, it's either this, or you're going to end up sacrificing your life to this pack. You're not trying to fuck this pack over. You're only trying to follow your heart and prevent yourself from marrying someone you don't like. This is your pack and you have to be selfless to a certain extent when it comes to working for the pack's best interest. But this.... This is beyond simple selflessness. Because we are talking about the rest of your life and you don't have to sacrifice that for this pack. That's not selflessness, that's stupidity. Do you hear me?"

Taehyung's bottom lip quivered. "Yes"

"Good" Yeojoo took Taehyung's hand again. "Now let's go find your lover boy"

-

"This is a perfect studio, sir. I'm impressed!" Jeongguk's voice echoed inside the massive, empty and soundproof studio he was standing in the middle of with Minseok, Taehyung's father.

Minseok chuckled. "I'm glad you think so, Jeongguk. We are going to fill this place with instruments next. I wanted to ask you if we should get a grand piano or an electric one?"

Jeongguk hummed. "This might sound like my personal preference but... A grand piano"

"Why is that?"

"You get the feeling that you're playing an actual piano when you play the grand piano. Playing an electrical piano isn't much different from playing an organ. People can experience the real feeling of playing a piano when they play with a grand piano"

Minseok nodded. "I like that explanation. A grand piano it is, then. It's decided"

Jeongguk chuckled. "I'm honoured that you're even asking me my opinion on this"

"I saw how you played and sang the other day, son. I knew you were a born musician"

Jeongguk grinned. "You flatter me, sir"

Minseok. "It's not flattery. It's the truth. I remember when Taehyung was young, he had an interest in music so I bought him an organ and even got him a teacher to teach him how to play. But it only lasted a few years and once he started going to high school, all that stopped. Now, I don't even know where that organ is"

Jeongguk laughed. "Yeah, that happens. Interests change over time"

"Indeed" Minseok sighed. "So does people"

Jeongguk looked at Minseok and saw his smile fade into a thin line of his mouth. "You seem bothered, Mr. Kim"

"Oh" Minseok chuckled awkwardly. "Nothing serious... just... problems at home..." He hesitated before speaking again. "With Taehyung"

Jeongguk's eyebrows arched in surprise at that. "Taehyung? Is there anything I can help with?"

Jeongguk was sure that this was about the marriage. Taehyung had told him about how things had been going on at home and how his parents had looked stressed about Taehyung's take on the marriage.

"You already know that Taehyung was promised to be wedded to the Park Pack. But now, he's saying he doesn't want to" Minseok started.

"Oh..."

"This wouldn't have initially been a problem, since he knew for years that he was supposed to marry Seojoon and it's enough time to make peace with this. He's had enough time to get to know Seojoon. It's not like we planned to marry him off to a complete stranger. This is Seojoon. He's as good as it gets"

Jeongguk's stomach churned as a wave of anger flushed through him. "Sir, with all due respect, it's Taehyung's marriage. He should have a say in who he spends the rest of his life with"

"But there's nothing wrong with Seojoon. Seojoon loves Taehyung. He always had. And Taehyung also liked Seojoon. They have known each other since childhood"

"But did he ever like him romantically?"

"Taehyung says he didn't"

"He's also known Jimin since childhood. But obviously, he doesn't want to marry him" Jeongguk said.

Minseok looked at Jeongguk at that. "You're right. But he had known that he would be married to Seojoon since he presented. And he was okay with it, never objected to it. Until recently"

Until he met Jeongguk.

Minseok continued, "I don't know what changed. All this seems so sudden"

"Maybe he realized what he truly wants in life. To be free. To follow his dreams and do what he likes with his life. And not be tied to an alpha for the rest of his life and be just a pack leader's mate"

Minseok sighed. "Yes, perhaps. It's the culture in our pack that omegas... especially the pack leader's omega children marry into other packs to form alliances and strengthen bonds. So this dislike of Taehyung shouldn't be a problem to me... I could've married him off saying it's a tradition that he must follow. But I can't. Because this is Taehyung, my son. My only son and I love him. I understand that he doesn't want to marry Seojoon"

Jeongguk nodded.

"Taehyung has always been a good son. He's smart and he works hard" Minseok smiled. "He listens to us and is disciplined. Always obedient. I trust him"

"Oh" Jeongguk didn't know what to say.

"Which is why I'm thinking of ways out of this marriage. I don't want a good kid like him to be unhappy. He hasn't wronged us and if I marry him off to a person he doesn't have feelings for, we would be wronging him"

Jeongguk had always prided himself on his honesty, but as he stood face-to-face with Taehyung's father, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his own duplicity. Taehyung's father, Kim Minseok, regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and trust, unaware of the clandestine relationship between Jeongguk and his son.

"I feel like recently, Taehyung's been distant, and I fear it has something to do with this arranged marriage." Minseok started once again.

Jeongguk's heart sank. He knew he was at the heart of Taehyung's distance, and he couldn't stand to see the pain that his secret relationship was causing Taehyung and his father.

"Mr. Kim, I think Taehyung is just struggling with the idea of marriage," Jeongguk said carefully, choosing his words with caution. "It's a big step, and he wants to make the right decision."

Minseok nodded thoughtfully. "I trust my son's judgment. If he has reservations about this, I need to listen. But I also want what's best for our pack. This alliance could strengthen us."

Jeongguk's heart pounded as he weighed his words carefully. He had to maintain the facade of a supportive friend while working to find an alternative solution that would allow Taehyung to be with him, all without revealing their hidden relationship.

"Mr. Kim, alliances are crucial, and I understand their importance," Jeongguk began, his voice measured. "But perhaps there's a way to secure the alliance without sacrificing Taehyung's happiness."

Minseok leaned forward, his gaze intent. "Go on, Jeongguk. I'm listening."

Jeongguk cleared his throat, trying to find the right words. "What if we proposed a different arrangement? One that still solidifies the alliance but doesn't force Taehyung into a marriage he doesn't want? It could be a business arrangement, a partnership between the packs that doesn't involve a romantic commitment."

Minseok's brows furrowed as he considered this suggestion. It was a departure from tradition, but it had the potential to satisfy the needs of both the pack and his son.

"Jeongguk, you're suggesting we alter a long-standing tradition," Minseok said, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Jeongguk nodded, understanding the gravity of what he was proposing. "I know it's unconventional, sir, but it might be the best way to honor the alliance while allowing Taehyung to make his own choices in matters of the heart. It would ensure that he's not forced into a marriage he doesn't desire."

Minseok's gaze lingered on Jeongguk, and in that moment, Jeongguk felt a glimmer of hope. If Taehyung's father could be convinced of this alternative arrangement, it would change everything.

"You care deeply for Taehyung, don't you?" Minseok asked, his eyes searching Jeongguk's face.

Jeongguk didn't hesitate. "Yes, sir. He's my friend, and I want what's best for him."

Minseok nodded slowly as if processing Jeongguk's words. "This is a lot to consider, Jeongguk. I need time to discuss it with the pack council and with Taehyung himself."

Jeongguk exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I understand, Mr. Kim. Take all the time you need. I just want to see Taehyung happy."

Minseok offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you for your honesty, Jeongguk. You've given me something to think about."

As the conversation ended, Jeongguk couldn't help but feel a mixture of hope and anxiety. The future remained uncertain, and the truth about his relationship with Taehyung still hung in the balance. But for now, he had planted the seed of an alternative solution, one that could potentially change the course of their lives.

-

Jeongguk met Taehyung and his sister as he and Minseok were walking back from the studio. After greeting Taehyung with a wave of his hand and a secretive smile, the four of them started walking back to the Kim pack house, since Minseok invited Jeongguk over for tea. Taehyung was walking beside Minseok and Jeongguk walked a few feet back with Yeojoo.

They arrived at Taehyung's house within minutes and right after Minseok and Taehyung walked into the house, Yeojoo pulled Jeongguk aside.

"What?" Jeongguk asked, surpsised.

"Jeongguk, we need to talk," Yeojoo said urgently, glancing around to ensure their conversation remained private.

Jeongguk nodded, following Taehyung's sister to a more secluded spot on the grounds. He could sense the weight of the impending revelation pressing down on him.

"What's going on?" Jeongguk asked, his voice low.

Yeojoo sighed, his gaze troubled. "Taehyung and I overheard some pack members talking about the rumours regarding your relationship. He's worried, Jeongguk. He's afraid of what might happen if the truth comes out."

Jeongguk's heart sank. He knew that Taehyung had been living with the fear of their relationship being exposed, but hearing it from Yeojoo was a harsh reminder of the danger they faced.

"We have to be careful, Jeongguk," Yeojoo continued. "If Taehyung's parents find out about you two, it could jeopardize everything."

Jeongguk nodded solemnly, his mind racing with the implications. The revelation of their relationship would not only impact Taehyung and his family but could also destroy everything Taehyung and Jeongguk had been working for, all these months.

"But..." Jeongguk's eyes met Yeojoo's, sharp and glinting with suspicion. "How could they know about us at all? It's not like we have been hanging out much inside the pack grounds. We might have talked and walked together here and there. But that's all"

"Yeah I know"

"The issue is, these rumours are true" Jeongguk muttered. "Could it be that these rumours are more than assumptions or someone's imagination?"

Yeojoo shook her head. "I feel like someone is spying on you two"

Jeongguk's blood ran cold. He hadn't anticipated this. Who could be spying on them, and what did they intend to do with this information? The revelation left him with a sense of impending danger that he couldn't ignore.

"B-But-" Jeongguk's throat felt dry. "Why?"

"I don't know" Yeojoo sighed exasperatedly. "I'm not even going to be here after this week. You guys are going to be on your own"

Jeongguk groaned. "Can't you stay until this issue is solved? Taehyung is spending more time at home now and if something goes wrong with his parents, he will need you"

Yeojoo ran her fingers through her short hair. "I have work that I must attend to. I want to stay and help Taehyung but..." She sighed. "I will try to come over at the weekends at least"

"All the way from Daejeon? That's impossible, Yeojoo"

"Just call me up if anything serious happens and I will hurry here"

Jeongguk nodded. "I feel like something bad will happen. Everything was going so smoothly. I was starting to have hope about a future where Taehyung and I could be together" Jeongguk's heart ached as he uttered the words.

"I know. I did too. Right now, you guys just have to watch your backs a little. Put your guard up and don't be all lovey-dovey in public. Even if it's at university. There are a few people who attend your university from this pack so it's probably one of those people. It would be best to not hang out with Taehyung publicly for a few weeks, I think. Just so that the rumours would ease away. I will tell Taehyung about this too"

"Okay," Jeongguk nodded sternly. "We will be careful"

"Other than this person who is spreading rumours, there is no threat to your relationship, okay? Everything is going according to plan at the moment"

"Everything will go according to plan until the rumours fall on either of Taehyung's parents' ears" Jeongguk grunted.

Yeojoo gulped. "We can't stop people from talking. What we can do is give them is not give them anything to talk about. So stay away from Taehyung for a while"

"I will" Jeongguk agreed with Yeojoo, though his heart ached at the mere thought of staying away from Taehyung.

"Just remind yourself that if this works out, you guys will be able to be together for the rest of your lives. So sacrifice these few weeks for a lifetime"

"You're right" Jeongguk sighed.

"There's nothing else we can do right now"

Jeongguk stared into the distance, lost in thought. Across the street, further away from them, pups played around the houses and streets, laughter and cheers flooding Jeongguk's ears even from a distance. Older wolves walked around in groups, chatting and laughing, their gasps and voices audible to Jeongguk as he watched.

"Maybe there is something we can do" Jeongguk muttered.

Yeojoo's eyes widened. "What?"

"We can't stop them from talking" Jeongguk smirked.

"Yes?"

"But we can give them something else to talk about"

🌸

I'm excited for the coming chapters (Did I say that earlier?) I hope you guys are too. Stay tuned for the next chapter! Ily ❤️❤️