I didn't mention dates because it's been the same date since Chapter 33, the morning after Taehyung's sister's engagement. So all these chapters; the kidnapping, Taehyung's parents' ruckus, the fights and now, the hospital scene all happen on the same day.

21/06/2020

The sterile scent of the hospital room hung in the air as the soft hum of medical equipment provided a distant backdrop. Jeongguk lay still in the crisp white sheets, the beeping monitor the only audible sign of life. His face, adorned with fading bruises, bore the traces of the brutal encounter that had transpired.

As Taehyung entered the cubicle, Jeongguk's eyes were open and a nurse was injecting a fluid into his arm. Jeongguk's tired eyes shifted to Taehyung's upon his arrival.

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung's voice trembled with relief.

Jeongguk blinked, grogginess evident in his gaze. "Tae" His voice was hoarse, strained. His gaze shifted to Yeojoo and Minyee and a small smile stretched on his lips.

"How are you feeling?" Taehyung rushed to take Jeongguk's hand in his as the nurse walked out of the cubicle.

"I'm alright"

"Where does it hurt?"

"Here and there. Nothing that a little medicine and rest could fix" Jeongguk smiled, squeezing Taehyung's hand. "How are you? Did you get treated?"

"I did. I didn't have any bruises, though" Taehyung sighed. "At least, nothing a bandaid won't cover" His throat was on the brink of closing up as he spoke. His heart ached as he took in the bandages around several places on Jeongguk's body.

"Hey, stop worrying your pretty head" Jeongguk whispered. "Your scent is so sour that it's making me sad"

Taehyung couldn't help himself as he broke down sobbing once again.

"Tae!" Jeongguk exclaimed, sitting up on the bed. "Come here"

Taehyung sat on the hospital bed and Jeongguk carefully wrapped his free arm around him. "My baby" He whispered.

Taehyung placed his head against Jeongguk's shoulder. "H-How could you be s-so... selfless... Y-you-" Taehyung sobbed.

"My sweet pup" Jeongguk whispered. He lifted Taehyung's face with one hand, making him face the alpha. He drew closer to Taehyung, their faces only inches apart and Taehyung's eyes fluttered close, giving into the kiss, ready to feel liquid comfort from Jeongguk's touch.

However-

"Jeongguk we heard you woke- Oh"

Taehyung whipped his face to the side to see an embarrassed-looking Namjoon and Jin standing by the door of the cubicle, Namjoon holding the curtain wide open.

"You guys want hotdogs?" Jin asked with a grin.

"Let's all get out of here and give the lovebirds some privacy," Yeojoo said, ushering everyone out of the cubicle. Taehyung watched the curtain fall shut behind the crowd and they were finally left alone inside the small but confined space inside the emergency room.

"I was thinking about-" Taehyung started but his sentence was cut off by Jeongguk's lips meeting his own with a hunger that had built up during the chaotic events of the day. The kiss was intense, a magnetic force drawing them closer as if the world around them ceased to exist. The sterile hospital environment contrasted sharply with the heated passion that enveloped them.

Taehyung, though the kiss had knocked his breath out, kissed Jeongguk back with equal intensity, pouring all his desperation, worries and pain into the kiss. When they pulled away with huffs of breaths leaving their parted lips, Taehyung felt his heart start to ache once again.

Jeongguk's dark eyes locked onto Taehyung's with a mixture of desire and something deeper. "You should stop thinking so much. Overthinking never did anyone any good"

Taehyung shook his head. "How could I not? With everything that's going on and apparently, I'm pregnant now-"

"We didn't confirm it" Jeongguk muttered.

"I should take a pregnancy test" Taehyung whispered.

"Why would you need a pregnancy test when I'm right here?"

"What- Oh"

Jeongguk nodded.

Taehyung gulped, looking at Jeongguk with puppy-like eyes. "Alpha"

"My omega" Jeongguk wrapped his free arm around Taehyung's waist, drawing him closer. Taehyung placed his hands on Jeongguk's chest, careful not to touch any wounds.

Taehyung smiled softly and tilted his head, baring his neck to Jeongguk. Jeongguk sucked in a breath and moved his face closer to Taehyung's neck and the omega felt his nose brush against his neck.

Taehyung sucked in a breath, his hand tightening against Jeongguk's shoulder as the alpha took a deep inhale, a growl escaping his throat as he exhaled. The omega whimpered and Jeongguk continued to take deep inhales, taking in Taehyung's scent. Both the alpha's and omega's pheromones were thick inside the small vicinity of the cubicle, their privacy only hidden by mere curtains.

A growl reverberated from Jeongguk's throat– and Taehyung knew it was loud from the way a few distant voices around them quietened. However, he didn't have time to ponder on it as Jeongguk pulled the omegas's chest flush against himself, hand wrapping around the back of Taehyung's neck. His fingers dug into Taehyung's neck slightly, making him whimper. Jeongguk's breaths were coming out ragged and laboured. Another low growl rolled off his throat and Taehyung let out a small noise of submission and blissful pleasure.

"It is true" Jeongguk's voice was a low roar as he spoke after a few minutes of intense scenting, his nose still buried in Taehyung's neck.

"Mhm?" Taehyung's mind was goo.

"You have my pups in you"

Taehyung let out a whine of happiness. "A-Alpha" Tears had pooled at the corners of his eyes.

"My omega" Jeongguk whispered as he drew away from Taehyung's neck. "Mother of my pups"

Taehyung watched Jeongguk with wide, glassy eyes. "I'm pregnant"

"Yes" Jeongguk nodded, "My omega is pupped"

Taehyung smiled, tears welling up in his eyes. "Alpha"

"And you smell..." Jeongguk dived back into Taehyung's neck, taking a deep inhale that made goosebumps appear on the omega's skin. "Devine"

"Because I'm pregnant?"

"Yes. I believe it's the pregnancy that makes you smell so heavenly. I can smell a hint of milk in your scent and other than that, you smell so sweet. Sweeter than usual. Maybe it's just imagination" Jeongguk whispered, pressing a kiss onto Taehyung's lips.

Taehyung kissed back, his eyes fluttering close as happiness flowed in his veins.

"I heard that the smell of milk start getting more prominent throughout the pregnancy" Jeongguk smiled. "It couldn't have been long since you were conceived, right? That's why the smell is so faint. But you really are pregnant" Jeongguk grinned. "Wow"

"It is nice but Gukkie" Taehyung's bottom lip wobbled. "Now what do we do?"

Jeongguk drew Taehyung into an embrace. "Life will go on, Taehyung. And we will live on"

Taehyung sniffled.

"I'm here for you. I won't leave you. Ever. So there's nothing to worry about" Jeongguk whispered.

"Promise?"

"I promise. I swear with my life"

Taehyung pouted. "What shall we do about the pup?"

"Have you thought about what you want to do with it?"

Taehyung shook his head.

"You are twenty-two. Twenty-three in a few months. You are young and you have a life ahead of you. You have dreams and ambitions. I know you want to work and do great things. So if you decide to pursue those dreams, I will support you with all my might. The pup will need you once it's born. At least for a year or so, and your education will come to a halt because of it, most probably. But you can decide to abort it. We can always make another, once we are both ready. I mean, readier. After university and after we stabilise ourselves in the adult world. After we are married and mated"

"That would be nice"

Jeongguk nodded. "Or you can push pause to your education for about a year or so and give birth, deal with the baby and go back into studying. Since I want to be a psychologist, I'm sure I can make time for the baby once it doesn't need breastfeeding. I can be a stay-at-home dad and maybe I can have sessions with patients in the meantime. We can always get a nanny. I'm sure we will find ways to fund ourselves. I already have lots of savings from the part-time jobs I did since I was a teenager. My father will be more than happy to hear that he is going to be a grandfather so he will support us too"

Taehyung's heart burst with happiness. He smiled through tears. Jeongguk's words brought Taehyung comfort that he didn't think was possible in this scenario.

"We can figure it out if you decide to keep it" Jeongguk took both Taehyung's hands in his. "But like I said, we can also have a more planned pregnancy later on in life. Either way, I would love to start a family with you"

"What do you want to do?"

"It's not my choice, at the end of the day. I will go with whatever choice you make because it's not me that's going to have to pop a baby out of my body and possibly pause my education"

"You're the father of the pup and you're going to be with me throughout the whole way. I'm not the only one who's going to be affected by this baby. We both are. Your life will also change once it arrives and while I'm pregnant. We are a family. It took 2 people to make this baby and we should take this decision together. I might be the one popping the pup out of my body. But as the father, and since you're willing to make sacrifices, this is going to change your life and leave an impact on it. It's going to affect both our futures. I know you're going to suffer as much as me in these nine months and maybe more than me, after it's born. So I don't think it's just my choice" Taehyung whispered. "It took two people to make this pup and it's going to take two people to raise it too"

Jeongguk smiled. "You're right. But if you don't want the baby, I will accept your choice. We both love and respect each other, right?"

Taehyug nodded. "I don't... not want the baby. But I'm confused about what might happen if I decide to keep it"

Jeongguk nodded. "There's still time. You can take your time to make a decision. Don't worry"

"What do you want?"

"I would love a baby. I love kids, but I think it could be the smart decision to postpone this fetus"

Taehyung giggled. "Yeah that would be the smart decision"

"I can always pup you again. Properly. To mate you and pup you at the same time"

"So traditional, my alpha" Taehyung grinned.

Jeongguk shrugged with a lopsided smirk. "But I promise we can manage even if we get a pup in around nine months"

Taehyung nodded and sighed. "Jeongguk..."

"Oh no, you're going to ruin the mood" Jeongguk's smile dropped.

Taehyung smiled. "You speak of a future for us. Where you mate me and give me pups. But you won't be able to do any of that if you die in a week"

"Taehyung, how many times do I have to tell you? I will not die–"

Ehem

Taehyung and Jeongguk's heads whipped to the front, where a doctor and a nurse stood, the doctor holding the curtain slightly open. Taehyung jumped away from Jeongguk, realizing how they were intimately wrapped around each other on the hospital bed.

"Come in, Doctor" Jeongguk smiled.

The doctor opened the curtain all the way and walked inside. The nurse started preparing an injection while the doctor started speaking.

"Is there a family member present with you, Mr. Jeon?"

"Yes, my mate is here," Jeongguk said, looking at Taehyung.

"Alright" The doctor said, taking a brief look at Taehyung. "You can be discharged today, in around six hours, once you finish the medications we're giving you"

Jeongguk's face lit up at that and Taehyung sighed in relief.

"Once you take him home, you must ensure that none of his wounds would get wet," The doctor said, looking at Taehyung. "Bring him to the hospital in two days and we will check the state of his injuries and reapply medicine if needed"

Taehyung nodded.

"He will have difficulty walking because some of the tissues of his legs are damaged. Luckily none of his bones are broken or fractured. Just some surface injuries and there were two deep cuts on one of his legs and back. Those will take a few weeks to heal. He will be able to walk just fine in a few days if he doesn't move much. So make sure he stays in bed and doesn't exhaust himself. We will check the status of all his injuries when we check him in two days"

Taehyung nodded. "I will take care of him"

"Can I start working out in around three days?" Jeongguk asked cheekily. "I need to build up my strength"

The doctor sighed. "Most probably. Your wounds and most injuries will stop hurting by then. But don't do anything that would stretch your already damaged muscles. Restrict movement of them as much as possible. You can work out on your upper body all you want since your muscles are okay there"

Jeongguk nodded. "Thank you"

"Make sure he rests a lot," The doctor told Taehyung before making his exit. The nurse injected another fluid into Jeongguk's arm and took her leave as well.

"You should go eat something" Jeongguk muttered, his eyes were droopy.

"Are you sleepy?"

"What? No!" Jeongguk scoffed. But his eyes were slowly falling shut. He kept blinking to keep himself awake.

Taehyung smiled. He assumed the nurse had given him a painkiller as well. "Get some sleep, alpha"

"I'm fine!"

Taehyung shook his head with a smile. He watched as the lines of tension softened on Jeongguk's face, the alpha's defences gradually surrendering to the pull of sleep. The rhythmic rise and fall of Jeongguk's chest, accentuated by the steady hum of the machines, created a soothing lullaby in the hospital room. Adoration shimmered in Taehyung's eyes as he witnessed the vulnerability Jeongguk rarely revealed. At that moment, surrounded by the sterile ambience of the hospital, Taehyung marvelled at the strength and gentleness encapsulated in the one he loved. He pressed a tender kiss to Jeongguk's forehead, and walked out of the cubicle, pulling the curtain shut behind him to meet the friends and family that waited outside.

-

In the early hours of the next day, Jeongguk was discharged. Taehyung had to admit that Jeongguk looked a hundred times better than the previous day as they walked out of the emergency room together. He looked well-rested and his face was bright. There were only a few bandages on his body and he was able to talk on his own, though he had told Taehyung that his ankles ached a bit.

Taehyung had whined for Jeongguk to use a wheelchair but Jeongguk was too stubborn and decided to walk on his own, though with difficulty. Regardless, Taehyung made sure Jeongguk put his weight on the omega as they walked together.

Hoseok and Jimin said that they would come to accompany them to Yoongi's place, where they decided to stay until things got better. His sister, Minyee, Namjoon and Jin went to their homes after staying till late the previous night. Taehyung decided to stay beside Jeongguk until he was discharged.

Since Jimin and Hoseok hadn't arrived yet and it was still dawn, Jeongguk and Taehyung decided to get something to eat from the canteen. Taehyung had given Jeongguk some food when he woke up from the medications late at night. Regardless, he needed to eat well to regain his strength.

Taehyung ordered himself a salad, silently thanking the 24-hour open canteen of the hospital. Jeongguk decided to have ramen and some chicken, despite Taehyung's nagging about how he should eat something healthier and filling.

"I'm going to have this protein drink!" Jeongguk said now, sitting by Taehyung at the corner of the empty canteen. "It's energizing"

Taehyung rolled his eyes, slamming his fork into the salad.

"Besides, why the salad? You also love ramen" Jeongguk asked.

"Nutrients, Jeongguk"

Taehyung grinned. "Is the pup already controlling you?"

Taehyung's eyes widened, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Shut up"

Jeongguk chuckled, but his chuckle didn't last much long as he doubled up, a groan of pain leaving him.

Taehyung's eyes widened with alarm. "Are you okay?"

"Fuck!" Jeongguk groaned. "Yeah. Fine. My stomach muscles fucking hurt. Can't even laugh, fuck's sake"

Taehyung sighed, his heart heavy. "You will get better soon"

"Yeah. I'm fucking strong"

"You are" Taehyung smiled, taking Jeongguk's hand in his across the table. "My strong alpha"

Jeongguk grinned.

Taehyung had told Jimin and Hoseok to pick them up at eight, which was three hours away. The Gynaecologist of the hospital would be arriving in around an hour and a half and Taehyung and Jeongguk had already booked an appointment.

It was ten minutes to their appointment when they walked out of the canteen, stomachs full and hearts content after chatting and embracing each other for over an hour. The good thing about consultations early in the morning was that you didn't have to wait in line. Taehyung and Jeongguk were taken into the doctor's room the moment they arrived at the clinic and not a single other patient was in line.

Taehyung was instructed to lie on the bed by the nurse of the clinic. The room had a calm ambience, with soft lighting and the gentle hum of medical equipment in the background. Jeongguk stood close to Taehyung, his hand tightly holding onto Taehyung's.

The nurse covered Taehyung's lower half with a white cloth and soon the Doctor, Dr. Kang who was a middle-aged woman, walked into the room with a warm smile.

"Hello" She said, "How are we feeling today?"

"Okay but a bit nervous," Taehyung said.

"That's completely normal" She smiled at Taehyung and clicked some buttons on the monitor next to the bed. "You don't have to worry at all, I'm only going to do an ultrasound and everything is going to be okay"

Taehyung nodded, though anxiety still made his heartbeat rise.

"When do you think you got conceived, Mr Kim?" The woman asked as she lifted Taehyung's shirt up to his chest and poured some cool gel onto his stomach.

"Maybe about two months ago?"

"You weren't aware of your pregnancy, is that correct?" she started lathering it over Taehyung's stomach.

"Yes, not until yesterday"

The woman hummed. "You didn't have any symptoms? Like morning sickness or moodiness?"

Taehyung hummed. "I did throw up twice in the last month. I felt nauseous around some food but I was under a lot of stress so I didn't think I was pregnant"

"I see" The doctor moved the ultrasound probe over Taehyung's belly, and a monitor displayed black-and-white images that seemed to dance with life. Taehyung's eyes fixed on the screen, heart pounding as he awaited the first glimpse of their unborn child.

"I-Is that..." Taehyung stuttered, eyes growing big as he watched the screen. His breath hitched as he saw a small blob of black displayed on the monitor.

"Yes" She adjusted some controls of the monitor and Taehyung and Jeongguk were displayed with a much clearer image of the fetus.

Taehyung let out a soft gasp and Jeongguk's hand tightened against Taehyung's.

"That's your baby," The doctor said, smiling. "A very healthy pup"

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk, who was still watching the screen in awe. His eyes sparkled and Taehyung's eyes were filled with tears. Jeongguk's eyes switched to Taehyung and in that shared gaze, a myriad of emotions swirled. The flickering image on the screen, a small, pulsating speck, seemed to bridge the gap between uncertainty and the profound reality of impending parenthood.

"It seems like you are about five weeks pregnant," The doctor said. "We can't see a heartbeat just yet but in about three more weeks we would be able to see a heartbeat. You don't have to worry, it's healthy as it can be"

Taehyung and Jeongguk nodded, their gazes fixed on the monitor. Dr. Kang explained each detail — the size of the embryo and the forming limbs. The technical terms blurred into a comforting hum as the couple absorbed the magnitude of the moment. Taehyung felt a lump forming in his throat as he looked at the tiny life within him. It was both awe-inspiring and daunting, a testament to the complexity of the choices they were facing.

As the ultrasound concluded, Dr. Lee wiped off the gel, offering Taehyung a kind smile. "You're a male omega so you will have an easy pregnancy"

"Have you tested other male omegas before?" Jeongguk asked.

"Yes, once in Incheon" She smiled. "He had a very healthy pup"

Jeongguk nodded.

"I consider it a privilege that I was able to test you since it's such a rare occurrence to come in contact with a male omega" She said with a smile as Taehyung sat up on the bed and pulled his shirt down.

"You're really unique. It's a gift" She smiled brightly.

With contentment in his heart, Taehyung smiled. "Thank you"

"I'm only telling the truth. Male omegas are the most fertile sub gender. It's like your bodies are made to reproduce, which is why male omegas don't go through as much pain as female omegas and betas during giving birth. I mean, there is a pain but your bodies recover quickly after birth and I learned that male omegas always go through such smooth pregnancies and birth-giving"

"Oh, I didn't know that" Taehyung said.

The doctor offered him a warm smile. "You will handle this pregnancy well, you don't have to be nervous at all"

Taehyung nodded, feeling a lot relieved. However...

"I have a question if you don't mind" Taehyung said as he hopped off the bed. "Can you tell me what is the time period someone could get an abortion?"

The warm smile was slapped off Dr. Kang's face. "A-an abortion?"

Taehyung gulped. "Yes"

"Oh...I..." She looked dumbfounded. "You're thinking about getting an abortion?"

"I... I haven't decided yet"

"But you..." The Doctor was saying but cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, that wasn't professional of me. I was just surprised"

Taehyung shook his head. "No worries"

"You can get a clinical abortion until 24 weeks. If you're planning to get an abortion, I suggest you visit an abortion clinic"

"Okay, thank you, doctor"

"How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" She asked. She looked as old as his mother, Taehyung thought.

"I'm almost 23 years old"

"You're still young. Forgive me for not being professional but I understand why you might be thinking about an abortion. It's the better choice for someone your age. I suppose you are both in university. Whatever choice you make, please don't make hasty decisions. Take your time and decide after taking in all the consequences around you. I know the consequences might seem like they are all against you and this pup but at the end of the day, if you know you can give a loving family to your pup, that's what matters the most" She said. "I hate to say it. I was excited for you. I am a mother myself. But if you can't be present for your pup or provide for them financially, it's best to get an abortion"

Taehyung nodded. "The consequences around us are really against us and this pup. The best choice feels like an abortion"

"Yes but if you're going to do it, make sure it's a reputed place. You're healthy and your pup is healthy. Your body is made to carry pups. You will give birth to a healthy pup. If you're planning to give birth to this pup you will have to take care of yourself very well. Since the pup is still very small, in the first trimester, you have to eat well and take your nutrients and needed medicine. And stay away from stressful environments"

"I understand"

"Would you like me to write you a prescription?"

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk.

"Yes, write a prescription, please" Jeongguk answered for Taehyung.

"I will write some vitamins for you to take. I advise you to take them until you come to a firm decision whether to keep the pup or not. If you decide to keep it, you should start taking the other medicine I write here"

"Okay" Taehyung nodded. "When should I visit next?"

"In four weeks. That is if you keep the baby till then" She smiled. "Would you like a photo pf the pup?"

Taehyung's eyes lit up. "Yes!"

Taehyung and Jeongguk were soon bidding goodbye, prescription and three photos of the ultrasound in Taehyung's hand.

"I hope I get to see you again, Mr Kim," The doctor said as they were taking their leave.

Taehyung and Jeongguk bowed to her with smiles on their faces before they walked out of the doctor's room and into the now-busy hallways of the hospital. The two of them walked through the hospital in silence, hand in hand. In no time, they were the entrance to the hospital. Taehyung was looking around and saw Hoseok's red car parked a few meters away from them and Jimin was standing by it, waving his hand to get Taehyung's attention.

Taehyung smiled at him and waved back. He looked at Jeongguk and tugged him to move forward. With smiles that hid many conflicting emotions, they walked to their friends waiting for them to head to Yoongi's apartment. 

🌸

Thoughts?
What do you think Taehyung and Jeongguk should do about the pup?