08/05/2020

"An engagement party?!"

"Yeah" Yeojoo muttered, pushing neatly folded clothes into her suitcase.

Taehyung stared at her, mouth wide open in disbelief. "Why am I the last one to know about this?" He sat down on Yeojoo's bed, staring up at his sister.

Yeojoo sighed. "You weren't. Everyone else got to know at the same time you did"

"Everyone else?! You mean the whole fucking pack! I'm your family!"

"Tae, I had to get our parents' permission and then ask my girlfriend about it. Then I had to ask her parents and then only did I let you know"

"That you are getting married!"

"I'm getting engaged. And it's next month, okay? A whole month away"

"You haven't proposed to her yet"

"I will soon" Yeojoo smiled.

Taehyung hummed. "But why so suddenly? You said you didn't want to get married until you're at least 30"

"Well, first of all, I'm in my late 20s and second of all, it's only proper that the eldest of the family get married first. Third of all, she's the one and I have known for years that I want to marry her"

Taehyung pouted. "But it's so sudden. You did all of this in the past week. Like there was some emergency"

Yeojoo didn't say anything, which made Taehyung furrow his eyebrows together in suspicion.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Taehyung asked.

"Stop worrying your stupid head" Yeojoo muttered.

"This all started after you spoke with Jeongguk last week when he came over"

"This has nothing to do with him"

"Yeojoo... did you tell him what we overheard? About the rumours of me and Jeongguk?"

Yeojoo sighed. "He deserved to know"

"Yeojoo!" Taehyung exclaimed. "It wasn't a big deal. It was some stupid rumor–"

"That the whole pack was talking about" Yeojoo looked Taehyung dead in the eye. On the next day, I heard more people talking about you and Jeongguk and how you might not get married to Seojoon. So almost everyone in the pack knows. You know what would happen if word gets into Dad's ears. Or mom's. And it would have been only a matter of time because it might have been just a stupid rumour a week back. But it won't be if they get something new to talk about regarding you and Jeongguk. That's why I told you two to be careful. Jeongguk deserved to know because he too wants to protect you and your relationship. So don't blame me"

"The rumour would've died in a week" Taehyung argued. "Jeongguk and I barely met up in the past week. We were being careful-"

"It would have only been a matter of time until you two slip up or something happens, and a rumour starts circulating again. All the work you two had done to get to this point would go to waste. Dad will marry you off to Seojoon because you haven't really been a good son, after all" Yeojoon's voice dropped low. "You have been fucking some other alpha behind their backs so do you think if they found out, they would just let you go on your jolly way? They will marry you off instantly and also make Jeongguk's life a living hell. Because you two have been tricking Mom and dad all this time. You know how fucking dangerous Dad can be" Yeojoo's words made Taehyung gulp. "You don't want to fuck this up"

Taehyung stared at Yeojoo, dumbfounded. He knew this but...

"So this is serious, Tae. And Jeongguk agreed to do this too. Until my engagement is over, people will have something real to talk about"

Taehyung froze. "Wait..." He looked at Yeojoo with wide eyes. "You bitch... did you fucking decide to have your engagement because... because of this stupid rumour?!"

"Don't you fucking dare call me a bitch, bitch. What else was I supposed to do? You got a better option?"

"Anything is better than rushing your fucking engagement!"

"I just told you that I just brought it forward. It's about time I got married!"

"You didn't fucking have to do this for me!"

"Don't talk like I'm sacrificing something for you, Tae" Yeojoo muttered. "This isn't a big deal. Younga and I are already living together, working full-time jobs, and in our late twenties. All we have been doing since we moved in together was plan our dream wedding. And I'm now going to propose to her and have an engagement party afterwards. It's a good plan. I'm not doing this at the expense of anything else, okay?"

"And Jeongguk agreed to this?"

"It was my idea and why would I need his approval?"

"But you did tell him before me"

"Yes, well. We were planning on doing something to divert the people's attention and this will divert their attention for the next two months"

Taehyung sighed. "You don't have to do something so huge for some... rumour"

"We went through this, Tae. You are taking this too lightly. I'm surprised that it hasn't reached our parents' ears yet. And if it doesn't, it's game over for you two"

"I know but..." Taehyung sighed.

"I'm not making a sacrifice for you, Tae" Yeojoo's voice was gentle. "I'm just looking out for you, please understand that. I want this for you. Because I don't want you to fucking suffer for the rest of your life. Not when you finally seem to have found someone to love. You..." Yeojoo sighed, taking a step towards Taehyung. She took Taehyung's hands in hers. "Since you presented, it was like you had no personality. You were constantly anxious and trying to be the perfect omega for Seojoon because that's what Mom trained you to be. But I could see how much you struggled with being something you are not. I know you want to be free and you deserve it. So just... accept that this is for the best. Let me do this for you and don't feel guilty. I'm not losing anything and I'm happy to help you out in this and be here for you"

Taehyung squeezed Yeojoo's hands. "Yeojoo..."

"I was away at university and doing my job for most of your life. When you were going through hard times, trying to adjust yourself to Mom's and dad's wishes, I couldn't to be here for you. But now I am here and I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me about Jeongguk. So I want to help you because I want you to be happy. You're my only brother. Just, don't feel guilty about me, doing this, okay?"

"Okay" Taehyung nodded. His eyes ached from the swelling drops of tears on his eyes. His heart was heavy from Yeojoo's words. "Thank you"

Yeojoo smiled. "No need"

"I won't fuck this up. I promise. I will be careful and I will make it to the end with Jeongguk"

Yeojoo smiled. "You better marry the fuck out of Jeongguk"

"I fucking will"

Yeojoo laughed.

"I will be back for the engagement party with Younga. Take care while I'm away"

"You too" Taehyung smiled. "And congrats, sis"

-

20/06/2020

Yeojoo's engagement party was lavish, adorned with twinkling fairy lights that cast a warm, inviting glow. The scent of flowers filled the air, as the pack members gathered to celebrate Yeojoo's engagement. The grand hall was draped in shades of gold and white, with elegant tables laden with sumptuous feasts and drinks. Taehyung found himself in the midst of a joyous crowd. Laughter and music filled the atmosphere as pack members mingled and celebrated. They raised their glasses in toasts and exchanged congratulations, their smiles and chatter creating a vibrant tapestry of happiness.

Yeojoo, in her beige suit that adorned her curves ever so elegantly walked through the crowd hand in hand with her new fiance, Yeojoo, who wore a purple dress. Taehyung liked Younga. They have met several times since Yeojoo started dating her. She was a beautiful omega. The couple talked with members from both Yeojoo and Younga's packs who offered them greetings. An engagement party of a pack wasn't as grandeur as a wedding and was more of a celebratory event where the packs of the couple mingled and danced to express their joy for the reunion. The wolves drank and sang and laughed. Taehyung sat at a table, drink in hand, observing the festivities and eyes wandering along with the newly engaged couple. The diversion from the rumours surrounding him and Jeongguk seemed to serve its purpose. For a few precious hours, the spotlight was on Yeojoo and her betrothal, drawing attention away from his own complicated relationship.

Yeojoo looked happy. She had, the whole day. She was grinning all the time, exchanging glances with her fiance and sharing laughter with friends and family. Her joy was infectious, spreading like wildfire through the crowd, warming every heart in the room. Taehyung couldn't help but smile, genuinely happy for his sister. As her eyes met him across the room, she gave him a wink, a silent acknowledgement of their shared secret. Taehyung raised his glass in salute, silently thanking her for everything she had done.

As the night wore on, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude toward his sister. Her engagement had become the perfect distraction, shielding his secret for a little while longer. The engagement party continued with dancing, more toasts, and joyous celebrations. It was a night to remember, and for a while, the shadows of doubt and suspicion that had loomed over Taehyung and Jeongguk were pushed aside by the effervescent atmosphere of love and commitment.

The party did not look like it was coming to an end as the clock struck ten at night. However, most wolves had departed from the premises including most women and children. The rest of the wolves danced and drank and some were blacked out on the tables. Taehyung was speaking with Jimin, who was also invited to the party when he spotted a figure walking from the entrance.

"Jeongguk" Taehyung found himself whispering, turning his body to face the alpha who also seemed to have spotted Taehyung.

Taehyung was about to run to him when Jimin grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Don't you dare go close to him"

Taehyung pouted. "But everyone is basically drunk"

"Be a little more responsible, will you?" Jimin said and Taehyung looked at Jeongguk, who seemed to get the cue. He started walking towards the engaged couple, who sat at a table with a bunch of their friends. Yeojoo stood up when she saw Jeongguk, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him. Jeongguk greeted Younga and Taehyung watched them laugh and talk and he ached to join them.

"I didn't think he would come" Jimin commented.

"He probably came now since the party is almost over now" Taehyung sighed.

Jimin shook his head. "You are depressing me" He groaned. "Come on" Jimin started dragging Taehyung across the hall, towards Jeongguk and the couple. They joined the trio in seconds and Taehung couldn't help but stare at Jeongguk and the alpha did not dare take his eyes off the omega either.

"Don't be alone with him in the pack grounds, okay?" Yeojoo warned before walking away from Jimin, Taehyung and Jeongguk. The moment she was out of earshot, he turned to Jeongguk.

"I missed you"

Jeongguk grinned. "I missed you too"

"You literally spent the night with him a week ago and hung out in my dorm room four days ago!" Jimin whisper-shouted.

Jeongguk laughed. "We hardly got to spend time together in like the past month"

"I know!" Taehyung pouted, sighing.

"Where are your parents?" Jeongguk asked.

"I'm not sure. They were talking with some people a few minutes before you came" Taehyung answered, looking around him.

"Thought I should say hi"

"Yeah, that would be nice" Taehyung smiled.

"I really want to leave you two alone but I don't think I should" Jimin muttered.

"It's fine" Jeongguk smiled. "You're so tiny that I always forget that you exist"

"You motherfucker!" Jimin let out.

Taehyung giggled. "Alpha" He looked at Jeongguk. "Though we can't hang out here, we can hang out somewhere else"

Jeongguk's face lit up. "Do you want to go somewhere?"

Taehyung nodded. "I'm in a celebratory mood and I want to celebrate with you"

"What about me?" Jimin asked.

Jeongguk squinted his eyes at Jimin. "Jimin, we're not going to let you watch while we fuck! That's weird"

Jimin's mouth dropped open. "You are an asshole"

Jeongguk grinned.

Taehyung shook his head, giggling. "Let's go somewhere"

"I'll just head home, I guess" Jimin pouted.

"You can come too" Taehyung tugged Jimin's hand.

"Nah, I would rather go to Yoongi's place than watch you two get handsy"

"I came in the bus, though. My bike's in the garage for some repairs" Jeongguk said.

Taehyung grinned. "Let's take my car"

Jeongguk nodded. "Alright"

"Oh your parents are here" Jeongguk was looking past Taehyung's shoulder. "I will go talk to them. I'm going to bid them goodbye and you guys follow five minutes later, okay?"

"Alright," Taehyung nodded. "Let's drop Jimin off at Yoongi's on the way too"

"Sounds good" Jeongguk at Jimin and Taehyung before making his way towards Taehyung's parents.

-

The three friends piled into Taehyung's car, Jimin taking the back seat, and Jeongguk in the passenger's seat as Taehyung drove. They set off to drop Jimin off at Yoongi's place, cheerful conversation being exchanged on their way. Upon reaching Yoongi's, they bid farewell to the beta and Taehyung took off once again down the roads of Seoul.

"Where are we headed?" Jeongguk asked. His hand hadn't left Taehyung's thigh since they dropped off Jimin.

Taehyung hummed. "How about we keep the party going?" He grinned.

"You wanna party?" Jeongguk grinned.

"I wanna party with you. And I didn't really get to party back at the actual engagement party"

Jeongguk chuckled. "The nearest place we can party is the bar downtown but..."

"I hate that place" Taehyung groaned. "I don't ever want to step foot in there"

"I understand" Jeongguk hummed, thinking. "There's another one about twenty minutes from your pack"

"Really?"

"Yeah, called Amphi. I've been there once and it's nice. The alcohol isn't too expensive either. We can go there or there's one about thirty minutes away. Or we can go to Gangnam and party till dawn"

"I've never been to Gangnam"

Jeongguk stared at Taehyung. "You've got to be fucking kidding me"

"What?! Do you think my parents would let me go to Gangnam?"

"No but..." Jeongguk groaned. "For fuck's sake, Tae. How have you lived twenty-two years without going to Gangnam. I swear on the Moon Godddess, I won't die without taking you to Gangnam"

Taehyung laughed. "I'm sure we will get some time to go there"

"Let's go on the last day before the summer break. We can go with our friends or alone"

"Let's go with friends. Jimin hasn't been there either. Hoseok said he has been there a few times, though. I'm not surprised. He's got this charm that attracts all sorts of omegas and betas and alphas from all over campus"

"But he can't pull you"

"He knows boundaries, Jeongguk. He's not into me"

"How can someone not be into you?"

"Oh please!" Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Besides, he's dating this Art Major omega right now. You really need to stop being jealous"

"I'm not jealous"

"Yeah sure" Taehyung shook his head.

"Anyways, I went last year with Yoongi and Namjoon. Let's go together again. It will be fun. We can party all night and get drunk!"

Taehyung giggled. "Can't wait"

"We can take the subway together. It doesn't even take that long to go there from here"

"Yeah?"

"Yup! I'm going to show you what living's all about, Tae"

"I feel like you already have, Jeongguk. I feel so much more alive since I met you"

"Pup..." Jeongguk whispered, squeezing Taehyung's thigh.

Taehyung placed his hand atop Jeongguk's and the alpha entangled his fingers with the omega. Taehyung smiled at him and looked back at the road as he drove down the busy lanes.

"Let's go to that nightclub you said. Amphi" Taehyung looked at Jeongguk. "You said it's close to my pack?"

"Yup" Jeongguk nodded. "You will love it there"

"Give me the directions, baby"

🌸

I'm excited for the next chap :)
Spoilers! : it's the climax (literally and figuratively)