Jungkook groans when he looks at the time. It's 3:23AM and he needs to pee.

Jimin is lying on his stomach, his cheek is squished on the pillow and his lips are parted. Jungkook smiles at him before rubbing his face to wake himself up. He sighs as he slowly gets out of bed, trying not to wake Jimin. He stumbles in the dark, until he finds his boxers and puts them on.

His heart literally stops when he opens the door and finds Haewon standing behind it. Her black hair is a mess and she looks sleepy. Her eyes widen when she sees Jungkook.

"You scared the shit out of me," Jungkook whispers, resting his hand over his heart.

"Don't swear."

Jungkook snorts before putting a hand over his mouth and looking at Jimin's unmoving form. He quickly grabs a t-shirt that's sitting on a chair and puts it on. He closes the door and faces Haewon again. She hasn't moved from her spot, looking up at Jungkook with curious eyes.

"What are you doing up?" Jungkook asks as he squats down to her level.

"Can't sleep," she pouts and rubs her eyes with her small fists.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Haewon shakes her head. "Alright," he licks his lips, trying to think about what to do without waking Jimin. "Are you thirsty? Do you want a glass of water?"

"Please," she nods.

Haewon lifts her arms up when Jungkook stands up, asking to be held. Jungkook doesn't think twice about it and takes her in his arms. She rests her head on Jungkook's shoulder and loops her arms around his neck. Jungkook heads to the kitchen, holding Haewon with one hand and opening cupboards with the other to look for a glass.

"Why are you awake?" she asks.

"I needed to pee," Jungkook pours tap water into the glass. "Here," he says, offering it to her. She pulls away from Jungkook's shoulder and takes it before taking small sips of water. "Why can't you sleep? Aren't you tired?"

Haewon avoids Jungkook's gaze, looking down at her empty glass. Jungkook puts it in the sink and Haewon hides her face in his neck. Jungkook wants to coo from how cute she is but he's worried about her lack of answer. He decides not to push it though. Instead, he starts pacing around the living room and rubs a comforting hand up and down her back.

The apartment is quiet except for the muffled sounds of a few cars driving down the street. Jungkook's eyes slowly accommodates to the darkness and soon the light of the moon is enough to illuminate the room. Jungkook is filled with a sense of serenity, with his omega soundly sleeping in what almost feels like their bedroom and his omega's pup slowly dozing off in his arms.

The silence doesn't feel suffocating for once.

It's just peaceful.

"I don't want to go to my dad's house tomorrow," Haewon's small voice breaks the silence. Jungkook's heart squeezes in his chest. He unconsciously tightens his hold around Haewon.

"Why?" Jungkook asks. Haewon just shrugs. "You have to, sweetheart," Jungkook sighs and rests his head against Haewon's.

"I want to stay with you and mommy."

"Mommy and I aren't going anywhere," Jungkook smiles. "We'll be here when you come back on Sunday. Maybe we can go to the park or something."

"I want to do that tomorrow," she mumbles, her small hands fisting Jungkook's shirt.

"You have to go to your dad's first. I'm sure he has a lot of fun things planned for you two," Haewon doesn't say anything. "Has your dad ever been mean to you?"

"No," she shakes her head. "He's nice to me."

"Don't you have fun when you're with him?"

"I do," she breathes out, "but I always miss mommy. I don't like when he's alone and I'm having fun."

Jungkook's breath hitches in his throat. The thought of Jimin being all alone when Haewon leaves makes him sad. He wonders what Jimin does when Haewon is at her dad's. Does he spend time with his friends? Does he go to his studio and dance? Or does he stay at home and tries to find a way to make Haewon's absence hurt less?

"He won't be alone," Jungkook says. "I'll be with him the whole time. I'll take care of him, okay?"

"Promise?" Haewon pulls back to look at Jungkook with determined eyes.

"Promise," Jungkook chuckles and offers his pinky. Haewon hooks it with her own pinky and smiles. "You know," Jungkook quirks an eyebrow up and smirks, "maybe your mom likes being alone. He can finally rest without you, little demon," he tickles Haewon's sides. She giggles and squirms in his hold, pushing his hand away.

"Stop," she whines and hides her face in his neck again. "I'm an angel."

"Are you now?"

"I'm the best, mommy loves me."

"He does," Jungkook nods, "but you're still a little demon to me," it makes her giggle.

"Angels are boring anyway," Haewon shrugs. It's Jungkook's turn to laugh.

A comfortable silence settles over them as Jungkook keeps pacing. He slowly rocks Haewon, hoping that it'll help her fall asleep. They're mostly just cuddling at this point and that makes Jungkook feel warm.

His heart skips a beat every time he feels Haewon's nose against his neck, so close to nuzzling his scent gland to scent him. Jungkook would probably melt on the spot if she did because it's such an intimate thing to do, especially for pups who usually just scent their parents.

His scent must be comforting for her, though, because she's fully relaxed in Jungkook's hold. The more they spend time together the more familiar her peachy scent gets for him, almost as familiar as Jimin's. Jimin smells like flowers but most importantly he smells like home.

Jimin and Haewon's scents are always mixed together. The two of them, to Jungkook's alpha, smell like home.

"I'm sleepy," Haewon breathes out.

"I'll put you to bed, then."

"No," Haewon tightens her hold on Jungkook's neck, a hint of anxiety filling her scent. "Just a little bit more."

Jungkook's heart is threatening to beat out of his chest and he's pretty sure Haewon can feel it. He's filled with a weird feeling, something that his dad told him about when he was younger. That day, when Taehyung had accidentally hit him in the face with a stick so hard that it opened his cheekbone. His dad had rushed to him, took him in his arms and growled at a 6-year-old Taehyung.

It made Taehyung cry and Jungkook cry harder.

Later that day, after Jungkook went and got stitches, his dad went to Taehyung's house and apologized to him and his parents. When his dad put him to bed, Jungkook asked why his dad was so angry at Taehyung when it wasn't the first time that Jungkook got hurt while playing. His dad called it "paternal instincts".

"I didn't mean to growl at Taehyung," he said. Guilt was written all over his face. "I just saw the blood on your face and my alpha got so angry. I just had to protect you, to keep you away from harm and to my alpha, Taehyung was a threat," he sighed. "I shouldn't have let my alpha take over like this. You should always have control over your feelings, otherwise you'll do things you'll regret. I don't want Taehyung to be scared of me, but I was so scared for you that I couldn't stop myself."

Jungkook had to wait to present as an alpha to understand his father's words. He understood then how sometimes the wolf can be stronger than the human side.

He never understood paternal instincts until now, though.

The deep rooted need to protect and to take care of a pup.

He hugs Haewon tighter and shushes her, humming a lullaby that his mom used to sing to him when he was a kid. He releases calming pheromones and rubs Haewon's back. It takes a while but eventually, Haewon's body goes lax. Her small hands hang over Jungkook's shoulders and her breathing evens out. Her scent turns sweet and her weight becomes heavier in Jungkook's arms.

Jungkook can feel himself getting sleepy when he hears a door open. Jimin is rubbing his eyes when he enters the room, frowning cutely at the scene. Jungkook stops pacing and gives him a soft smile.

"What's going on?" Jimin's voice sounds so loud in the silence of the night.

"Shh," Jungkook shushes him, tilting his head to point at Haewon, "she's asleep."

"Did she have a nightmare?" Jimin asks as he walks up to them. He looks at Haewon's face and smiles.

"No," Jungkook whispers. "Why are you awake?"

"I heard you singing," Jimin tilts his head to the side and brushes Jungkook's hair back. "We should put her to bed."

Jungkook nods and heads to Haewon's bedroom. A nightlight illuminates the whole room and her covers are pushed at the foot of her bed, a Flounder plushie sitting in the middle of the mattress. Jimin moves it next to Haewon's pillow and Jungkook lays her down as gently as possible, holding her head in one hand. Jimin is just watching him, a fond smile on his face. Jungkook pushes the covers over her body and tucks her in.

She's still fast asleep when they leave her bedroom.

"Seems like you've done this all your life," Jimin says.

"Really?" Jungkook chuckles nervously, a blush spreading over his cheeks. Jimin wraps his arms around his waist and pecks him on the lips.

"She fell asleep in your arms," Jimin whispers. "Do you know how cute you two looked?"

"She's kind of adorable," Jungkook nods. "I was this close to melting," he brings his index finger and his thumb together to show Jimin just how close.

"You're just as adorable," Jimin beams, leaving a trail of kisses on Jungkook's cheek and neck. "God, I could eat you," he says before nipping Jungkook's jaw.

"Sounds like something I'd say."

"You have," Jimin chuckles. "It's late, let's go back to bed," he pecks Jungkook one last time before pulling back.

"I need to pee so bad. Go ahead I'll join you in a sec."

"Okay," Jimin winks at him before walking to his bedroom, and Jungkook definitely notices the swing of his hips. He squeezes his eyes shut and groans. Now's not the time to get horny.

He takes care of his business in record time and flops onto the bed next to Jimin, throwing an arm around his body over the covers. Jimin is lying on his side and looks like a small burrito.

"Get under the covers, come on," Jimin giggles.

"Are you hiding a surprise under there?" Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

"Just me."

Jungkook throws the covers back dramatically, ignoring Jimin's complaint about being cold and wiggles to wrap his body around him. Jimin huffs and puffs at Jungkook's antics and even tries to push him away but he quickly gives up when Jungkook throws his leg around his hips and hugs him tighter to his chest.

"You're so annoying," Jimin grunts out. "I can barely breathe you know."

"Shh, we're cuddling," Jungkook nuzzles the back of Jimin's neck and closes his eyes.

Jimin turns in Jungkook's hold until they're facing each other. His arms are stuck in between their bodies and one of his thighs slides in between Jungkook's, who still has one leg thrown around Jimin's hips. Jungkook kisses Jimin's forehead and smiles down at him. They can barely see each other in the dark.

"I didn't know you could sing," Jimin breathes out.

"It can hardly be called singing."

"Still," Jimin manages to slip an arm around Jungkook's chest, "you sounded really good."

"Thank you," Jungkook nuzzles Jimin's forehead and leaves a soft kiss on his nose. Jimin's scent is lulling him to sleep. He feels warm in Jimin's arms and he can still smell the remnants of Haewon's scent on his body.

"Thank you for taking care of Haewon," Jimin tightens his hold on Jungkook.

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," Jimin looks up. "It means the world to me," he's never looked more sincere.

Jungkook doesn't know how to reply so he decides to kiss Jimin instead. It's just a soft press of their lips but he hopes it conveys how much he cares about Jimin. It doesn't take long for them to fall asleep after that, still wrapped in each other's arms and their three scents filling the room.

............&............

"Haewon!" Jimin calls out from Haewon's bedroom. "Where did you put your Ariel doll?"

"I don't know!" Haewon replies from her spot on the couch.

Jungkook yawns. It's too early for shouting but it's probably a very common thing in the Park household. Jungkook is sitting next to Haewon and they're competing on who can solve a rubik's cube the fastest. So far, Haewon seems to be doing a lot better and Jungkook's pride is only slightly hurt.

"Well, do you need it for your dad's?" Jimin asks. He started his morning late because of Jungkook and his cuddles. Late has a completely different meaning to Jimin though. It was 7:30AM when he got out of bed and Jungwoo is supposed to pick Haewon up at 9AM.

"Yes!" Haewon replies. She looks over at Jungkook's rubik's cube, "You're doing it wrong, oppa."

"I'm not," he whines. "Focus on yourself, little demon." It makes her giggle.

"I can't find it!" Jimin sounds desperate and frustrated. He's been running around all morning to prepare Haewon's stuff and Jungkook's has been doing his best to keep her occupied. Jungwoo is supposed to be there in ten minutes and Jimin sounds like he's about lose it.

Jungkook sighs and looks up from his rubik's cube. He gasps when his eyes fall on a mess of red hair peeking out from under the TV cabinet. He stands up from the couch and retrieves the lost doll.

"I found it!" Haewon yells. Jungkook frowns at her.

"Where?" Jimin asks, looking disheveled as he walks into the living room. He sighs when he sees it in Jungkook's hand. "Jungkook found it, not you," he rolls his eyes.

"Same thing," Haewon shrugs, not looking up from her rubik's cube.

Jungkook snorts and ruffles her hair as he passes her by.

"Oppa!" she whines, swatting at his hand before brushing her hair back into place.

"Here," Jungkook says, handing the doll to Jimin.

"Thanks, babe," Jimin pecks him on the lips and smiles.

" Thanks, babe, " Haewon mocks, making a kissy face.

"Brat!" Jungkook and Jimin say at the same time. She giggles and throws her rubik's cube on the couch before standing up.

"Gonna pee!" she sing songs as she runs to the bathroom.

Jungkook takes the opportunity to push Jimin against the back of the couch and kisses him.

"Jungkook," Jimin chuckles against his lips. "We don't have time for this."

"Your daughter is a demon," Jungkook cups Jimin's cheek and sucks on his bottom lip. Jimin moans.

"For once, I agree," Jimin breathes out, tilting his head to the side and giving a teasing lick. Jungkook slips his hand under Jimin's shirt. "Fuck," Jimin arches into the touch, "we really can't do this right now."

"Okay," Jungkook says but he doesn't stop kissing Jimin. He knows he's being greedy because he has the whole weekend with Jimin to kiss and touch him, but he just can't help it.

"I'm serious," Jimin whispers when he breaks the kiss. He lets Jungkook peck him one last time before pushing him away. Jungkook pouts, but it almost never works on Jimin. "Silly, pup," Jimin smiles fondly.

They're interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Jungkook's mood instantly plummets.

"Fuck, he's here already?" Jimin looks at the clock in the living room. It's 9AM.

Jungkook doesn't have time to offer to open the door before Jimin does it. The last time Jungkook saw Jungwoo, he was wearing a black suit. Today, he looks a lot more casual, in blue jeans and a grey sweatshirt. His wavy hair falls into his tired eyes and his scent turns sour when his eyes fall on Jungkook.

"Morning," Jungwoo says.

"Morning," Jimin steps to the side. "Come in."

Jungwoo gives Jungkook a curt nod of acknowledgement and Jungkook does the same. He looks around the apartment with curious eyes, as if it's the first time he's seeing it.

The apartment is a bit messy and it's mostly Jungkook's fault. His camera equipment is sitting next to the couch and some clothes are thrown over the dining table chairs. Two pairs of his shoes sit next to Haewon's and Jimin's and the kitchen sink is filled with three bowls instead of two.

"I'm gonna get Haewon's stuff," Jimin points at the both of them. "Play nice."

Then he leaves them alone. Jungkook does his best to control his scent. It's no secret he doesn't like the guy but he's bound to see him more often now that he's part of Jimin's life, so he should try to be as civil as possible.

"You live here now?" Jungwoo asks, burying his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.

"No," Jungkook sounds colder than he intends. "I'm staying just for the week."

"Smells like you've been here for longer than a week."

"I haven't," Jungkook leans against the back of the couch and crosses his arms over his chest.

"You're just a territorial alpha then?"

"Sure," Jungkook rolls his eyes. He doesn't consider himself like one but Jungwoo is going to believe what he's going to believe. Jungkook's scent is prominent in the apartment but it's not like Jungkook meant for it to be this way.

"Two can play at that game," Jungwoo quirks an eyebrow up. Jungkook's body tightens when Jungwoo's pheromones become stronger, filling the air with the smell of coffee.

"It's not a game," Jungkook glares at him. "Only you take pleasure in fucking with Jimin's head."

Jungwoo's posture completely changes. His eyes darken and his closed fists fall to his sides. His scent becomes sharper, more menacing. He looks like he's two seconds away from jumping at Jungkook's throat. Jungkook's own anger is bubbling in his chest. Jimin said to play nice but he can't help it, he just hates the guy.

"Don't talk about something you know nothing about," Jungwoo grunts out.

"I know enough."

"There's always two sides to a story."

"That's what guilty people always say," Jungkook chuckles darkly.

Jungwoo takes two steps towards Jungkook but stops in his tracks when a peachy scent fills the room. It's quickly followed by Jimin's flowery scent. Jungkook uncrosses his arms and clears his throat. Jungwoo is still glaring at him.

"How about you take your daughter and leave?" Jungkook says.

"You don't tell me what to do."

"Seriously?" Jimin sighs. "I said play nice," he walks up to Jungwoo and hands him Haewon's bag. Jungwoo doesn't take it. "That's enough."

"This kid is getting way too comfortable," Jungwoo glares at Jimin now and Jungkook takes a step forward, closing his fists. His alpha is on edge. "When are you gonna tell him you don't give a shit about him? You're just lonely."

"Can we not do this now?" Jimin sounds so calm it's almost scary. His scent betrays his anger though. "Haewon, baby, are you ready to leave?" he turns to Haewon who looks distraught. She walks up to Jimin and hides her face in his side, wrapping her arms around his waist. Jimin glares at Jungwoo and Jungkook.

"Stop talking like you know him," Jungkook can't help himself. He hates how Jungwoo speaks to Jimin. Jungkook knows he shouldn't do this now but his alpha can't just stand here and say nothing.

"I know him a lot more than you do, kid," Jungwoo snorts. "I've known him for 9 years. You've been here for 2 days and you think you know him?"

"You're a prick, that's what I think," Jungkook rolls his eyes.

"That's enough!" Jimin says, taking Haewon in his arms. She's looking at her dad and Jungkook with wide eyes.

"You think you're what?" Jungwoo chuckles. "His knight in shining armor? You're nothing but a new toy."

"Shut the fuck up," Jungkook takes strides towards him, until only a few inches separate their faces. The apartment stinks of alpha pheromones, completely erasing Jimin and Haewon's scents.

"Jungkook, stop it!" Jimin exclaims.

"I think you're just fucking jealous!" Jungkook smirks. "I think you realized years ago that you made the biggest mistake of your life when you let him go. You know that he'll never take your sorry ass back and it fucking kills you, doesn't it?"

"I said stop!" Jimin yells, pushing them away from each other. Haewon is standing on the side. Jungwoo's murderous look tells Jungkook he hit a nerve and that gives him some weird satisfaction. "You!" Jimin points at Jungkook, looking infuriated. Jungkook has half a mind to look afraid. "You stop talking!"

"You!" he points at Jungwoo. "You don't leave with our daughter until you've calmed down and you better do it quick!" Jungwoo is still glaring at Jungkook. "Go away," Jimin tells Jungkook.

"What?" Jungkook frowns.

"Go away! Go in the bedroom, the bathroom, I don't care but just leave us alone."

"But--," Jungkook wants to protest but Jimin cuts him.

"Jungkook, you're already in trouble so you better listen to me before I kick you out of this apartment," Jimin warns him. He looks furious and Jungkook finally realizes how much he fucked up.

He scoffs, glaring at Jungwoo who's smirking at him. Jungkook wants to break his face. He turns around and slams the bedroom door behind him. He knows it makes him look like a teenager but he doesn't care. He paces around the room to calm himself down but it doesn't work.

He's hurt, he's angry and his alpha just hates the idea of Jimin being alone with that asshole. There's probably some jealousy there, Jungkook isn't sure, he can't put words on how he feels. He just doesn't want Jimin to be with that other alpha. It would be a lot easier if Jungwoo was just a random alpha, a nobody, but he's Haewon's father. He gave Jimin a pup and Jungkook hates that.

Most of the time, Jungkook doesn't think about it, he understands his jealousy is misplaced but right now he's furious and his alpha is begging to be let out. Jungkook hasn't felt this uneasy in so long. His father's words keep replaying in his head.

"You should always have control over your feelings, otherwise you'll do things you'll regret."

And Jungkook did just that.

He knows what he did is going to bite him in the ass but he couldn't help it. Jimin is smart, he'll understand, right?

Irrational fear joins Jungkook's anger, clawing at his brain.

Jimin said he was in trouble. Jungwoo said Jungkook's just a toy. Did Jungkook fuck up so bad that Jimin is going to throw away his toy?

Jungkook sits on the edge of the bed and lets his head fall into his hands. He takes deep inhales before exhaling slowly. His blood is boiling, he hates not knowing what's going on on the other side of the door. His alpha is telling him one thing and his heart is telling him another.

Breath in. Is he a toy?

Breath out. No, Jimin cares about him.

Breath in. Is Jimin going to leave him?

Breath out. No, Jimin cares about him.

Jungkook slides down to the floor and rests his head against the edge of the bed. He hugs his knees to his chest and waits.

It's stupid. Why would he start doubting himself now? Jimin wouldn't leave him over this, would he? Jimin does tend to flee when conflict arises but he wouldn't flee from Jungkook. Right?

He hates the fact that Jimin told him to leave. To leave them alone. It makes Jungkook feel like he's an intruder, like he's not supposed to be here, when all he did was defend Jimin.

It feels like he waits forever.

The more he waits the more anxious he gets. He's alone and his brain is filled with stupid thoughts. His alpha is rowdy, begging Jungkook to stand up and to make Jungwoo leave. He doesn't want him anywhere near his omega.

His dad would be disappointed in him for losing control.

Jimin definitely is -- it was clear in the way he looked at Jungkook.

Jungkook's head shoots up when the door finally opens. He doesn't know how long it's been but as soon as he sees Jimin's face, the irrational fear of losing him intensifies. Jungkook stands up slowly. His legs feel weak under the pressure of Jimin's intense gaze. His stomach is in knots, he almost feels nauseous and his hands are clammy. He needs to calm down and Jimin is the only one that can do that. He needs Jimin but Jimin is angry at him.

Jungkook takes a tentative step towards him. Jimin doesn't flinch or try to move away. Jungkook takes another step. Jimin sighs but he doesn't stop him. Jungkook approaches him like he's a wild animal. Jungkook sweetens his scent and if he was in his alpha form, his tail would be in between his legs right now.

Up close, Jimin's scent is sharp. He smells and looks angry but he lets Jungkook come closer anyway. Jungkook stops a few inches in front of him and looks down. He needs to ask for his omega's forgiveness. He needs Jimin to let him show him he's sorry or he feels like he's going to die.

Jimin watches his every move with cold eyes but his scent betrays him. It's slowly sweetening. It's a sliver of hope and Jungkook's alpha latches onto it.

Jungkook nuzzles Jimin's cheek and whines in the back of his throat. He releases pheromones, not the ones he usually uses when he wants to attract Jimin's omega, but the ones alphas use to ask for forgiveness. It's a type of submission that alphas only show to their mate. The type of submission they would never show to another alpha.

Jungkook brushes his cheek against Jimin's and starts purring. Jimin lets out a shaky breath, the tip of his fingers coming up to brush Jungkook's arm. Jungkook shivers at the touch. His body is burning with the need to wrap Jimin in his arms but he can't. Jimin hasn't given him permission.

Jungkook brushes his lips against Jimin's jaw, taking in big gulps of his scent. In this moment, his brain only knows Jimin. He wants the anger to leave Jimin's scent but it's still there. No matter what Jungkook does it's still there and his alpha is getting desperate.

Jungkook's purring intensifies, and he can't stop the soft whines from coming out of his mouth. He buries his face in Jimin's neck and leaves a gentle kiss on his scent gland. He has to close his fists to stop himself from touching Jimin.

Jimin's breathing quickens but Jungkook can't tell if it's because he's getting angrier or if he's just overwhelmed. It might be a little bit of both.

Jimin slides the tip of his fingers up Jungkook's arm all the way to his neck. Jungkook trembles at the touch. He lets out a sad whine when Jimin pushes his head away. His eyes look more gentle when he stares at Jungkook this time.

"Please," Jungkook whispers. Jimin didn't accept his apology. His omega didn't scent him back. Jungkook tilts his head to the side to expose his neck. It's such a submissive thing to do but Jungkook's alpha is desperate.

Jimin's eyes fall to his neck and he bites on his bottom lip. "We should talk," he whispers.

"Jimin," Jungkook whines. He can't stop the way his hands grip Jimin's shirt. His heart is so close to break. He knows he's going to lose his mind if Jimin doesn't scent him back.

"I'll scent you," Jimin says, brushing his thumb over Jungkook's scent gland. Jungkook closes his eyes and lets out a sigh of relief. "But we still need to talk."

Jimin latches his lips onto Jungkook's scent gland and Jungkook shivers, wrapping his arms around Jimin's waist. Jimin buries his hand in Jungkook's hair and tilts his head back. He licks over Jungkook's scent gland and Jungkook's surprised to find a hint of arousal in Jimin's scent. He lets out a low growl that breaks into a whine when Jimin bites his neck.

It's a warning. Jungkook shouldn't get too cocky.

Jimin leaves a soft kiss on the indent that his teeth left behind on Jungkook's skin, before nuzzling the underside of his jaw. Jungkook's still purring and he hugs Jimin tighter. The feeling of Jimin's body against his helps to tame the fire inside of Jungkook's chest. He slowly relaxes against Jimin the more Jimin scents him.

Jimin rubs their cheeks together, scratching the back of Jungkook's head. He leaves one last kiss on his cheek before pulling away. Jungkook has a hard time letting him go but eventually he does.

"Living room," Jimin says before walking away.

The scenting soothed Jungkook's alpha but he knows Jimin only did it for his sanity. Jungkook clears his throat. He's never had to ask for forgiveness like this and he feels kind of hazy. He feels calmer, he doesn't feel like he's on the verge of ripping his own hair out anymore.

When Jungkook walks into the living room, Jimin is leaning against the back of the couch, looking down at the floor. He looks up when Jungkook stops in front of him.

"Don't ever do that again," he says. The coldness in his voice is back.

"I can't control it," Jungkook's alpha has stepped down and it's only him talking. He feels a lot less fragile when he has control over himself. "I hate the way he talks to you."

"It was out of line, Jungkook," Jimin shakes his head. "Haewon was right there."

"Look," Jungkook licks his lips, "you don't understand how it feels when he's there. When he says those things about you."

"I do understand," Jimin crosses his arms over his chest. "I just don't want you to do that shit in front of Haewon."

"She's smarter than you think, Jimin. She understands what's going on."

Jimin scoffs, "I know exactly what my daughter's like. You don't get to act like you know better and you don't get to speak in her place either."

"That's not--," Jungkook sighs.

"I'm the one raising her," Jimin continues. "If I tell you not to fight with her dad when she's around, you listen to me. If you can't do that then..."

Jungkook bites on his bottom lip. The more he talks the worse it gets and he knows that Jimin is right, he knows that he's totally out of line. Maybe, Jungwoo was right when he said he was getting too comfortable.

He's just so angry. He feels like Jimin is misunderstanding everything he's saying, and he can't seem to properly express how he feels.

"I'm sorry," he mumbles. "I shouldn't have said that. I still can't promise you that I won't lose my temper again, though," he shakes his head. "I hate him, I really do."

"Then you better start working on your temper, Jungkook. I'm not your mom, I can't teach you how to be civil, it's something you should already know how to do," he sighs. "If I can do it, surely you can as well."

Jungkook slides his hands over his face and groans. "I don't know what to tell you."

"Fine," Jimin shakes his head and heads to the entryway.

"What are you doing?" Jungkook's eyes widen when he starts putting his shoes on. "Are you leaving?" Panic spreads in his chest. His alpha is angry again but this time he's angry at Jungkook.

"I'm going to Taehyung's," Jimin says. He grabs his jacket and puts it on.

"You can't leave like that," Jungkook walks up to him. "We're still talking."

"You just said that you don't know what to tell me," Jimin quirks an eyebrow up.

"Still, you can't leave while we're," Jungkook gestures between them, "I don't know, arguing?"

"Look," Jimin buries his hands in the pockets of his jacket, "I think we both need time to cool off. We aren't understanding each other right now. We'll talk when I come back, alright?"

"I...," Jungkook sighs, letting his arms fall to his sides in defeat, "I don't know. I've never done this before."

"You've never had an argument?" Jimin frowns.

"Not with my boyfriend, no."

"Well," Jimin scratches his temple, "I doubt it will be the last."

"Are you sure you don't wanna stay and talk it out?" Jungkook says. His anxiety is replaced with relief. Jimin is mad but he's still willing to work things out. Jungkook hates the little voice in his head. The one that kept repeating "he's going to leave you" over and over again.

"Are you sure you're ready to hear me out? Actually hear me out?"

"I am hearing you out," Jungkook mumbles, a small pout on his face.

"No you're not, baby," Jimin cups Jungkook's face and Jungkook closes his eyes. "Just enjoy your alone time and when I come back we'll talk."

Jungkook wraps his arms around Jimin's waist and brings their foreheads together. "You're mad at me?" he whispers.

"Yes, I am," Jimin rubs his thumb over Jungkook's cheek.

"I'm mad at myself, too."

"Are you mad at me?" Jimin bumps their noses together. It makes Jungkook smile.

"A little bit."

"Fair enough," Jimin pecks him on the lips. "I'll go, now," he pulls back and Jungkook lets out a disappointed sigh. Jimin opens the door but Jungkook stops him before he can leave.

"Jimin," he says. Jimin turns around. "Thank you," Jungkook smiles, "for checking up on Tae."

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," Jungkook repeats the words Jimin whispered to him in the early hours of the morning. "It means the world to me."

Jimin smiles at him before nodding. Then he leaves and Jungkook's left all alone in another apartment that doesn't belong to him.

At least, he belongs here.

............&............

When Jimin arrives at Taehyung's apartment building, he's still shaken up from his fight with Jungkook.

He tried not to show how overwhelmed he felt because he could tell Jungkook was feeling way worse. It felt like one wrong word could break him and Jimin never wants to hurt him like that. No matter how mad he is.

Jimin turns the ignition off and throws his head back on the seat. He closes his eyes and lets out a heavy sigh. He needs to stop thinking about what happened and focus on something else because he's supposed to be cooling off.

"Stupid alphas," he whispers before getting out of his car.

He enters the building using the code Jungkook gave him and does the same to enter Taehyung's apartment.

He's met with a strong smell of vanilla, filled with arousal and desperation. The apartment hasn't changed since the last time he came which means Taehyung probably didn't leave his room much.

"Taehyung?" Jimin calls as he takes his shoes off. "It's Jimin!" he walks to the single bedroom and knocks on the door. "Are you okay? Can I come in?"

Jimin can hear a muffled whine, the rustling of sheets and a few seconds later the door opens, with only Taehyung's head peeking out. He looks like a mess. His hair is stuck to his sweaty forehead, his lips are chapped and he looks like he hasn't slept in days.

"What are you doing here?" Taehyung croaks out. He runs a hand through his sweaty hair which only makes it messier.

"Jungkook asked me to check up on you," Jimin gives him a soft smile. "Have you eaten?"

"Not much."

"Drink?" Taehyung shakes his head. "Shower?" He shakes his head again. Jimin sighs. "Alright, how about we start by cleaning you up first? Are you lucid enough for that?"

"Yes," Taehyung mumbles. He keeps throwing glances over Jimin's shoulder, hiding his body behind the door.

"It's just me, here," Jimin smiles. "No alphas."

"Okay," he breathes out. "I'm not very presentable, I don't know...," he clears his throat.

"Oh, um," Jimin looks around, in search of something to cover up Taehyung's body. He opens the bathroom door and finds a bathrobe. He takes it and hands it to Taehyung.

"Thank you," Taehyung smiles at him. He closes the door to put it on and when he comes out Jimin scrunches his nose up. The room smells like heat. Sweat, slick and cum. It doesn't necessarily smell bad because it mostly smells like vanilla but it's still overwhelming.

Taehyung looks exhausted and like he's seconds away from passing out. Heats are hard on omegas when they're unmated or when they don't have an alpha to help them. Taehyung is on his second day which is still pretty early.

"Wait," Jimin says. He wraps an arm around Taehyung's waist and guides him to his living room couch. "You sit here, I'm gonna run you a bath okay?"

"Oh, you don't have to," Taehyung shakes his head. He tries to stand up but Jimin stops him. "I can shower, Jimin."

"Can you shower without falling over?" Jimin quirks an eyebrow up. Taehyung bites on his bottom lip before letting out a defeated sigh. "Exactly. Just wait here."

He gives him a soft smile before going to the bathroom. It takes him a few minutes to find the perfect temperature. He even finds a strawberry scented bath bomb that he drops in the water. When the bath is ready he goes back to Taehyung who's dozing off on the couch. He kneels in between his legs.

"Hey," he whispers. Taehyung shoots up, blinking at Jimin. "It's ready. Come with me."

He helps Taehyung to the bathroom and turns around when he has to take his bathrobe off. He turns back around when Taehyung tells him he can. He decides to kneel by the edge of the bathtub.

Taehyung sighs in relief once he's comfortably settled, "Thank you. Feels like heaven."

"I bet," Jimin chuckles. "How are you holding up?"

"Not gonna lie, this one is pretty rough," Taehyung gives him a forced smile.

"How come?"

"I don't know," he shrugs. "It might be because I can still smell Jungkook's scent in the apartment." Jimin hums. "Don't get me wrong, I don't want Jungkook to come anywhere near me in this context but the fact that it smells like alpha just confuses my omega, you know?"

"I know," Jimin nods. "Do you have the right toys?"

"Yeah, yeah," Taehyung sighs. "I have toys, snacks and water but I'm so out of it that I can barely think."

"I'll cook you something."

"You don't have to. You're doing too much already."

"I haven't done anything," Jimin chuckles. "Plus, I need the distraction," he brushes a hand through his hair and sighs.

"What do you mean?" Taehyung looks intrigued.

"Nothing, nothing," Jimin shakes his head. "I'm here to take care of you, not to bother you with my problems," he stands up.

"No wait," Taehyung wraps his hand around Jimin's wrist to stop him. "I need the distraction too. I haven't talked or seen anyone in two days," he smiles. "Tell me."

Jimin chews on his bottom lip, weighing the pros and cons of complaining about Jungkook to Jungkook's best friend. He doesn't want to put Taehyung in an uncomfortable position, but maybe Taehyung is the best person to talk to when it comes to Jungkook.

Jimin sits on the floor, leans against the wall and sighs.

"That bad?" Taehyung jokes.

"It's not bad, it's just complicated."

"And I'm guessing it involves Jungkook."

"How did you guess?" Jimin smiles. Taehyung chuckles. "Yeah, it does. We had a fight before I came here."

"First fight?"

"I guess," Jimin shrugs. "First fight as a couple at least."

"What did he do?"

"Why do you assume he's the one who did something?" Jimin plays with the holes in his jeans.

"Am I wrong?" Taehyung smirks.

"Not entirely," Jimin laughs. "My ex came over," he swallows. "Haewon's dad. Jungkook and him fought in front of her."

"Physically?" Taehyung's eyes widen.

"No, no!" Jimin shakes his head. "They had an argument, but if I didn't stop them I'm sure it would have gotten physical."

"Knowing Jungkook he did it to defend you?"

"Yeah," Jimin whispers. Deep down he appreciates that Jungkook defended him and if it was in any other circumstances he wouldn't be mad at him but the fact that it happened in front of Haewon is something Jimin can't accept. "He thinks I don't understand why he got angry at Jungwoo."

"Your ex?"

"Yeah," Jimin nods, "and Jungkook doesn't understand why I got mad at him for defending me. I told him I just don't want him to do that in front of Haewon, but he was angry and I was angry. We couldn't communicate," he sighs. "So, I left."

"That's so mature of you," Taehyung laughs. Jimin looks up at him with curious eyes. "If I were you I would have probably yelled at him and told him to go to hell or something."

"Really?" Jimin laughs. "Even if he's your best friend?"

"He's like a little brother to me. We argue over stupid things but we make up very quickly. Once, when he was 15 and I was 17, we even got into an actual fight," Taehyung smiles and rolls his eyes. "My mom had to separate us."

"What did you fight about?" Jimin gasps.

"Something stupid," Taehyung groans. He slides his fingers over the water to create random shapes. "Well, not stupid, because it hurt his feelings. I was stupid. We were supposed to meet up to play video games but I was two hours late because I was at this guy's party and ended up making out with a guy that I'd been crushing on for like 2 years. I forgot to text Jungkook and he was furious. Rightfully so," shame is written all over his face.

"Happens to the best of us," Jimin tries to joke.

"Yeah," Taehyung chuckles, "but still, I felt so bad. I felt even worse after we fought because I shouldn't have lost my cool when I was in the wrong."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Taehyung smiles. "We made up the next day."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, we both apologized and ended up spending the whole day together to make up for the night before. I don't know if you've noticed but he's like a puppy, he's easily pleased. You just have to give him attention and he's fine," Taehyung laughs.

"I've noticed," Jimin joins him. "It's cute. We're very similar in that way."

"I know, that's why you're always attached at the hip."

"He's a great boyfriend," Jimin sighs, resting his head on the wall. "He's so good to me. I feel bad for being angry at him but, no matter how much I care about him, Haewon's well being is always going to be my first priority."

"He knows that," Taehyung looks at Jimin with sincere eyes. "He doesn't like you any less for it."

"It's so hard for me," Jimin clears his throat. "I have to divide my attention between my boyfriend and my daughter, and I don't want either of them to feel left out. I have to build my relationship with Jungkook and raise my daughter at the same time and finding the right balance is difficult."

Jimin squeezes his eyes shut and sighs heavily. He hasn't told anyone this before, not even to his own best friends. He doesn't know why he's telling Taehyung when they don't even know each other that well. There's just something about Taehyung that makes him feel safe. The omega seems like a non judgmental person and he doesn't have anyone like that in his life.

Jimin has so many fears that he doesn't know how to put into words. Things that he should probably talk to Jungkook about, but he doesn't want to feel like a burden. Jungkook isn't Jimin's therapist, no matter how supportive he is. Jimin can't just put all of his insecurities on Jungkook. It's something he has to deal with on his own.

He's happy. He's never been this happy.

He just wants Jungkook to feel the same way.

His fears lie in the fact that he's not sure he's doing a good enough job at making him happy.

"Jungkook is amazing," Jimin whispers, looking at Taehyung. "He's trying so hard. I don't like being angry at him because I don't want to be too hard on him," he looks down, playing with his fingers. "But what am I supposed to do when my frustrations are justified?"

"Jungkook is...," Taehyung sighs, scratching the back of his head. "He'll surprise you. He's good at making you believe he's an open book, but the truth is that no one really knows him. He doesn't let people in that easy, he chooses what he wants to show you. He's not as strong as he lets it seem," Taehyung and Jimin's eyes meet. Jimin is hanging onto every word Taehyung says. "But he's also stronger that he lets it seem. He's vulnerable in many ways but he can take whatever you throw at him if it comes from a good place."

"He's smart," Jimin whispers.

"So smart," Taehyung smiles. "He's very emotionally intelligent and he's very understanding. He was angry at you and probably scared that he made you angry, but I'm sure he understands where you're coming from. He understands that Haewon comes first and he would never blame you for it."

"I just have to give him time to process things," Jimin continues.

"Exactly," Taehyung nods. "And don't underestimate him. Never underestimate him. He hates not being taken seriously."

"I've brought up his age so many times when we talked about serious things," Jimin licks his lips. "Before we got together. I didn't think it could hurt him but I get it now. I get how that must have made him feel like I didn't take him seriously, and," Jimin sighs, burying his face into his hands, "I even believed it at one point. You know," he looks up at Taehyung and smiles bitterly, "what would a 21 year old know about raising a kid and relationships? That's what I thought."

"Of course, you did," Taehyung gives him a reassuring smile. "He doesn't," he shrugs. "He doesn't know anything about those things. It doesn't mean he's not going to try."

"He's doing well," Jimin smiles. "With Haewon, with me. He's doing better than I ever did at his age."

"That's not true," Taehyung reaches for Jimin's hand. He squeezes it. "You've done well. You've raised a kid mostly on your own and you survived a very ugly breakup. You've been through some shit," Taehyung chuckles and Jimin does too, "but you're strong as hell. Look at you now," he smiles, rubbing a thumb over the back of Jimin's hand, "you've got a hot alpha boyfriend who likes you more than anything and you're living your best life. So, screw that Jungwoo guy and screw the dumb voices in your head because at the end of the day, you're happy and you have good people around you. It's all that matters."

Jimin's eyes sting but he feels like crying happy tears for once. He beams at Taehyung and intertwines their fingers. Jimin doesn't know what he did to deserve people like Jungkook and Taehyung but karma probably has a lot to do with it.

"You're right," Jimin says.

"I always am," Taehyung winks. It makes Jimin laugh. "Now, no offense but I really need to take care of my business so if you could give me some privacy?"

Jimin's eyes widen and he finally registers the way Taehyung's scent has gone sweeter. He's started sweating again and his face is contorting in pain. Jimin feels bad for not noticing before. He lets go of Taehyung's hand and stands up.

"I'm sorry. Do you...," Jimin gestures towards him, "do you need any help?" Taehyung frowns at him.

"Well, unless you wanna get balls deep inside of him, I don't think you can do much," Taehyung grunts out, a teasing smile on his face. "I also don't think Jungkook would like that very much."

"No," Jimin nods, "no, he wouldn't."

"Then," Taehyung points at the door.

"Right, right, sorry, I'm leaving now," he walks out. "I'll cook you something in the meantime!" he yells once he closes the door but he doesn't get a reply.

Jimin manages to find the right ingredients to make kimchi fried rice for the both of them. It only takes him twenty minutes to finish and then he's left sitting at the dining table with two plates in front of him. He puts his earphones on and watches Youtube videos to give Taehyung some privacy.

Jimin only has to wait for ten more minutes before Taehyung comes out of the bathroom. He smells like vanilla and strawberry and he looks a little more relaxed than he did when Jimin arrived. Jimin takes his earphones out and puts his phone on the table.

"Smells good," Taehyung says, smiling at Jimin. "I'm impressed," he points at the plates. "I'm not much of a cook, I could never have made that on my own."

"It's nothing," Jimin shakes his head and stands up. "Let's sit on the couch, it'll be more comfortable for you."

He doesn't leave Taehyung a choice, taking their plates and chopsticks and heading to the couch first. Taehyung doesn't protest and thanks him when Jimin hands him his food.

"Eat up," Jimin says.

"So good," Taehyung mumbles around the food in his mouth. "Jungkook's lucky."

"I'm teaching him how to cook."

"How's he doing?"

"Good," Jimin smiles. "He's a fast learner."

"Always has been," Taehyung chuckles. "The boy can do anything he sets his mind to."

"I find that very attractive, not gonna lie," Jimin confesses cheekily.

"Determination is sexy," Taehyung nods. Jimin laughs.

"What about you?"

"Hm?" Taehyung looks at him curiously. His cheeks are filled with food and Jimin notices he's almost done with his plate already. He decides to save the rest of his food to give to him.

"No boyfriend? Or girlfriend?"

"Ah, no," Taehyung shakes his head. "I'm too picky."

"Really?" Jimin frowns. "Not even a potential candidate? Someone you're talking to."

"Well," Taehyung swallows his last bite of food and wipes a hand over his mouth. Jimin hands him his plate. "You don't want it?"

"No. Take it," Jimin smiles at him. Taehyung accepts the plate and Jimin is happy to see him eat so well.

"The last time someone asked me out was a few months ago. I turned him down."

"Why?"

"I don't know," Taehyung shrugs. "He's a guy from Jungkook's frat. We met like once at a party and I was drunk enough to give him my number apparently. I can barely remember the guy so I just said no."

"What's his name?" Jimin asks. "Don't tell me it's Wonho."

"God, no," Taehyung makes a disgusted face. "That guy is a dick," Jimin nods in agreement. "His name's Jisoo."

"Ah, never heard of him," Jimin scratches his jaw. "You should put yourself out there. A simple date is harmless. Maybe you would have liked the guy."

"Hm, maybe," Taehyung admits. "But a frat boy?" he grimaces. "Not really the type of guys I go for."

"Your best friend is literally a frat boy," Jimin chuckles.

"Was!" Taehyung points out.

"Was," Jimin smiles. "Well, you know, people can surprise you. Look at me and Jungkook. Doesn't seem like we would work on paper, but here we are," he quirks an eyebrow up. "Going for that silly frat boy was one of the best decisions of my life."

"Yeah, I guess that's true."

"Just ask Jungkook to show you who that Jisoo guy is. If you find him cute, then go for it. He asked you out first, I'm sure he'll say yes if you ask him."

"Even if I turned him down?" Taehyung frowns.

"Well, if he really likes you he won't care that you turned him down."

"Alphas can be prideful."

"If he says no then that's his loss," Jimin bumps their shoulders together. "You're hot, you can have any alpha that you want."

"You're right," Taehyung winks at him and it makes Jimin laugh.

They sit in silence for a little while and Jimin is happy that he gets along so well with Taehyung. He's one of the most important people in Jungkook's life and he really wants Taehyung to like him. Jimin knows that he's hurt Jungkook in the past but somehow both Jungkook and Taehyung seem to have forgiven him. Jimin is impressed by how understanding they both are.

"Hey, Jimin," Taehyung breaks the silence. His second plate is empty. Jimin looks at him. "Stop doubting yourself so much, okay?" he gives him a soft smile. "You're good for Jungkook and he's good for you. Trust in him and trust in yourself. It's okay to fight with him, just don't push him away. Let him learn from his mistakes."

Jimin's first instinct when someone messes up is to flee or to push them away, especially when it involves Haewon. He's a perfectionist and a control freak, he wants things to be perfect, no bumps in the road, just straight to the point. He knows it's unrealistic and that his standards are way too high. For other people and for himself.

He doesn't want to push Jungkook away, he wants things to work out and the only way it's going to is if he talks to Jungkook. He needs to sit him down and express his feelings and that's something Jimin isn't good at.

Jungkook has a lot to learn but so does Jimin.

"Thank you," Jimin breathes out, smiling at Taehyung. "He's very lucky to have you."

"I'm rooting for the boy," Taehyung chuckles, "and for you two as a couple."

"We'll try our best not to disappoint, then," Jimin winks.

"You're doing good already, you guys are disgustingly cute."

"My friends always say that," Jimin rolls his eyes. "Speaking of," he points at Taehyung. "We all had dinner yesterday. Next time you're invited. You don't have a choice but to say yes."

"Fine," Taehyung laughs. "Okay, yeah, I'd like that."

"They said they'd love to meet you too," Jimin beams. "You already know Yoongi hyung."

"I do," Taehyung nods. His scent translates how happy the offer makes him feel. "Thanks."

Jimin gives him a quick smile before standing up. He picks up their plates and takes them to the kitchen.

"Make sure you drink water, Tae."

"Yes, mom," Taehyung jokes. He takes a bottle out of the fridge and downs it.

"Shut up," Jimin groans, as he starts washing the dishes.

"You don't have to do this," Taehyung whines, leaning against the counter next to him.

"Stop saying that, idiot," Jimin flicks soap at Taehyung's face. Taehyung swats at his shoulder and grumbles under his breath. "I came here to take care of you so let me."

"Thank you," Taehyung mumbles. "My heat usually lasts 3 to 4 days so I should be good, now. The last day is always easier so I'll be able to take care of myself."

"Good," Jimin nods. "If you need anything just text me, okay? I'll come over."

"I understand why Jungkook fell for you."

Jimin chuckles, a blush spreading over his cheeks. Fell for him . Jimin doesn't know about that but the thought sends butterflies to his stomach.

"Exactly, I'm marriage material," Jimin laughs it off.

"You actually are," Taehyung chuckles. He pushes away from the counter and sighs. "Okay, I think I'm gonna go back to my nest. I can feel another wave coming."

"Yeah, yeah," Jimin nods, "go ahead. I'm gonna finish up here and then I'll leave."

"Thanks again, Jimin," Taehyung hugs him and Jimin smiles. "Make sure to tell Jungkook I miss him and that he's an idiot."

Jimin laughs, throwing his head back. "Alright, I'll tell him."

"Drive safely!" Taehyung sing songs before disappearing into his bedroom.

"I will!"

............&............

When Jimin comes back to his apartment, he finds Jungkook studying at the kitchen table. There's books and notes scattered all over and Jungkook is typing on his laptop. Jungkook's head shoots up when he hears the door.

"Hey," Jimin says as he takes his shoes and jacket off.

"Hey," Jungkook gives him a tentative smile. He's playing nervously with a pen and Jimin feels bad for making him feel like he has to walk on eggshells around him.

The atmosphere is tense, and it's mostly due to Jungkook not knowing how to act around Jimin. Jimin is upset about what happened but he doesn't feel angry anymore. He just wants things to be okay between him and Jungkook, and most importantly he doesn't want to hurt Jungkook.

"Come here," Jimin says, opening his arms. Jungkook lets go of his pen and strides over to Jimin, wrapping his arms around his neck. Jimin hugs him tight, nuzzling his scent gland and taking in big inhales. The woodsy scent relaxes him instantly, tension leaving his body. He rubs his hands up and down Jungkook's back, and Jungkook kisses his temple. "Taehyung is okay. I made him eat and drink, and he took a bath. He says this heat is harder than usual but he's holding up."

"Thank you for checking up on him," Jungkook whispers. Jimin can feel his heart beating against his chest. It's racing. "Missed you," Jungkook mumbles.

"I've only been gone for two hours," Jimin giggles before leaving a kiss on Jungkook's neck.

"Still."

Jimin pulls away and cups Jungkook's face. Jungkook doesn't look like he's going to break any second now, he looks at ease just like he always does when he's in Jimin's arms. Jimin kisses him softly, just a brush of their lips.

"I missed you too," he whispers, and it's not a lie. He always misses Jungkook when they're apart. Jungkook brings their foreheads together and smiles at him. "Are you okay to talk?"

"Yeah," Jungkook nods and kisses the tip of Jimin's small nose before pulling away.

They head to the living room couch, sitting without leaving any space between their bodies. Jungkook rests his arm on the back of the couch, body turned towards Jimin, and Jimin folds his legs under him.

Jimin doesn't know where to start. He needs to open up for Jungkook to understand why he was so upset earlier and there's so much to say about his situation with Jungwoo, and how Haewon's relationship with her dad partly depends on how Jimin acts around him.

"Look," Jungkook starts, when he sees that Jimin is struggling to find the right words. "I'm sorry for losing my temper in front of Haewon. I'm not sorry for defending you, but," he sighs, playing with the hair at the back of Jimin's head, "you were right when you said I should listen to you when it comes to the things you don't want to show Haewon. It wasn't my place to say what I said."

"It's hard to find the right balance, isn't it?" Jimin gives him a soft smile. "I know," Jimin sighs, licking his lips. "I know you're trying to find your place in our little family and I know it's hard to do that without feeling like you're," he gestures vaguely, "I don't know."

"Intruding," Jungkook says. "I don't wanna feel like I'm intruding."

"You're not," Jimin assures him. "So far you've done an amazing job with Haewon, and it really warms my heart. Earlier, when I got angry at you, I didn't realize that you didn't know. I've never told you that I don't want Haewon to see you or me fight with her dad."

"Yeah but," Jungkook shakes his head and looks at the ceiling, "I should have known. You shouldn't have to tell me that. It's common sense."

"It's not, though," Jimin caresses Jungkook's cheek. Jungkook leans into the touch. "I need to communicate with you more, when it comes to raising Haewon. I mean, she knows you're here to stay so eventually you're going to become some kind of father figure to her. It's so early on in our relationship," Jimin sighs, looking down. "I don't wanna ask too much of you, but," he chews on his bottom lip nervously, "you need to be careful when she's around. You need to set a good example, otherwise it's gonna mess up her perception of things."

"It's hard when he talks to you like shit, Jimin," Jungkook lifts Jimin's chin up to look into his eyes. "Do you understand that?"

"I do, Jungkook," Jimin takes his hand and intertwines their fingers. "But you have to."

"He's such a dick," something dark flashes in Jungkook's eyes and Jimin can't help but feel endeared by his protectiveness.

Jimin doesn't like talking about Jungwoo because he always feels like he's going to break down when he does. There's so many things he hasn't told to anyone, not even his closest friends. He needs Jungkook to understand where he's coming from, but the thought of talking about it makes Jimin feel sick. He swallows the lump in his throat and takes a deep breath.

"Jungkook, listen to me," Jimin clears his throat and the atmosphere around them changes. Jungkook squeezes Jimin's hand and his scent becomes sweeter, more calming. "No matter how much I hate Jungwoo, I've always wanted Haewon to have a good relationship with him. He's a shitty alpha and he treated me like shit but," Jimin looks deep into Jungkook's eyes, "he's a good dad. It'd be easier if he wasn't but he is. He wasn't very present after Haewon was born but when she turned 2, he started getting involved. He fought for shared custody and he got it, and even though it was hard for me to let him see her, he's never given me another reason to doubt him with Haewon."

The first two years after Haewon was born was hell for Jimin.

He doesn't know how he managed to graduate college while raising his daughter. He could barely sleep and no matter how much his friends tried to help, they were just as busy as Jimin was. Jimin had to work two jobs as a dance teacher and a barista at a coffee shop near university to be able to care for Haewon. He only slept four hours a night, waking up every hour to feed or change Haewon and Jungwoo wasn't there to help him. He barely passed his exams but he did it, and he doesn't think he's ever recovered from how exhausting that time was.

The only reason he didn't have a mental breakdown back then was because of Haewon. Because no matter how hard it was, not matter how tired he was, every time he looked at her he felt so much joy. He loves her with every fiber in his being and she's the sole reason for his strength.

"I just want to offer Haewon stability. I want her to have me and her dad. I've always tried to hide how much I hate Jungwoo from her. I've never told her how he actually treated me and I try not to talk badly of him when she's around because I don't want her to hate her dad," Jimin sighs heavily. Jungkook's looking at him with soft eyes, rubbing his thumb over the back of Jimin's hand. "But I know she doesn't like him," Jimin's voice breaks on the words. His eyes start to sting. "And it breaks my fucking heart."

"Jimin," Jungkook brings Jimin to his chest, wrapping his arms around his body. Jimin hugs Jungkook's waist and tries to control his breathing.

"The first time she told me, it's like my whole world crumbled," Jimin continues with a shaky voice. His heart feels tight in his chest. "I just didn't understand why. I don't understand why," he breathes out. He can hear Jungkook's heartbeat with his cheek buried in his chest like this. He focuses on the rhythm of it to slow his racing thoughts down, trying to make sense of how he feels. "I've tried so hard you know. I forced myself to portray him as a good guy because she's a fucking child, she's supposed to admire her dad," Jimin clears his throat when his voice breaks again. "I just don't know where I went wrong."

"You didn't, baby," Jungkook says, tangling his fingers in Jimin's hair. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"I don't want to be the kind of parent that forces her to like her dad but I also don't want to be the guy who tells her her dad is a piece of shit," Jimin almost starts purring under Jungkook's petting. It's paradoxical, how agitated he feels and how relaxed his body is in Jungkook's arms. "And that's not even entirely true because, yeah, he was a shit boyfriend but he pays child support every month, he does fun activities with her every time he has her and he's even saving money for her to go to college," he chuckles sadly. "I couldn't talk shit about him as a dad even if I tried."

"I had no idea," Jungkook whispers.

"I know right?" Jimin pulls back, smiling bitterly. "When you see how Haewon acts around him you'd think he's a shit dad."

Jungwoo is a bad guy in Jimin's eyes because he hurt him so deeply that he's still struggling with the scars he left behind, but realistically speaking Jungwoo isn't bad. He's a good lawyer with a nice apartment, he takes care of his daughter well and has never tried to take her away from Jimin. He's always polite, and friendly with everyone except Jimin. They seem to share the same hatred for each other even though Jimin isn't sure where Jungwoo's hatred stems from.

He's learned to accept it over the years but sometimes, when Jimin thinks about it for a little bit too long, it hurts.

"At first that's what I thought, yeah," Jungkook nods. He strokes Jimin's cheek gently, looking at him with the softest eyes. It's a mile away from how Jungwoo looks at him. "But last night," he licks his lips nervously, "when she couldn't sleep, she told me that her dad wasn't mean to her and that she has fun with him. That's when I found out he treats her well."

"Then why doesn't she like him?" Jimin's eyes start to sting again. He feels like crying because he's sad but he's also frustrated. "What more can Jungwoo and I do? Why does she never want to go to his house?" he looks at Jungkook like he has all the answers in the world and sometimes it feels like he does. "I just don't get it. I try so fucking hard but, it just," he releases a defeated sigh and looks down, "it doesn't work."

"She said...," Jungkook fidgets under Jimin's gaze. He smells nervous, and sad, and that makes Jimin feel even worse. "She said she feels guilty for liking Jungwoo."

"What?" Jimin's body freezes, it feels like someone just poured a bucket of ice over his head. He did not except Jungkook to say that and he's not sure he understands why Haewon would say something like that. "Guilty? Why would she feel guilty?" The lump in Jimin's throat keeps getting bigger, and it feels like he can barely breathe. It's getting harder to keep the tears from falling.

"She said how can I like someone that my mom hates?," Jungkook whispers. Jimin's heart painfully squeezes in his chest, a sob gets stuck in his throat. "How can I like someone that hurt my mom?"

Warm tears fall down Jimin's face. He feels like his world is crumbling all over again. The fact that he didn't know about this makes him feel inadequate, like he doesn't know his own daughter. He can't stop the sob that comes out of his lips and he doesn't have the heart to feel embarrassed to cry in front of Jungkook.

"Baby," Jungkook whispers, pain evident in his tone. He brings Jimin to his chest once again, wrapping his body around Jimin like a shield. Pained whines come out of Jimin's parted lips and his tears start to soak Jungkook's shirt.

Haewon's dislike for her father is something that Jimin has fought hard to avoid. He never told her how much her dad hurt him and he always concealed his personal feelings towards her dad, because she deserves to have two parents and she deserves to get along with the both of them. That's what Jimin's always wanted. For her to feel normal in a dysfunctional family.

He was too focused on himself to notice that she could see right through him and that makes him sick to his stomach. He's too self-centered. That's what Jungwoo always says.

"That's exactly what I didn't want to happen," Jimin says but he's not even sure Jungkook can understand a single word with the way he's crying. "How does she know I hate her dad when I've tried to hide it for so many years?" Jimin gasps in between sobs, burying his face in Jungkook's chest. Jungkook leaves a hundred kisses on Jimin's head, gripping his body to bring him impossibly closer. The alpha's scent is a mess of emotions. He mostly smells like desperation. "Am I that shit of a parent?"

"Hey, baby, no," Jungkook's voice sounds so loud over Jimin's whines. "You're not. You're an amazing parent, are you kidding?" he sounds almost angry, not necessarily at Jimin but at the whole situation. Jimin hums almost happily when Jungkook starts purring. Jimin can feel the rumble of his chest against his cheek and the feeling is oddly comforting. "You've raised a smart, sweet and funny girl. Haewon is lovely, and even if her relationship with her dad isn't perfect she seems happy," Jungkook sounds so sure of himself. "She loves you more than anything and it makes her sad to see you sad but that's how almost every child feels, isn't it?"

Jimin doesn't have the strength to reply. He just sits there, in the warm embrace of Jungkook's arms and cries until he doesn't have any more tears to shed. Jungkook doesn't stop purring, and he even manages to control his scent, sweetening it to comfort Jimin's omega. Jimin feels sad, angry but he also feels safe in his alpha's arms.

He hates crying in front of people and most of the time he's good at controlling himself. Crying makes him vulnerable, it makes him feel bare and Jimin has built so many layers around his heart over the years that it's hard for him to show himself. His true self. To anybody.

He knew that opening up to Jungkook would be hard but he wasn't on planning on showing this side of himself to him -- his weak side -- because he hates feeling weak.

But Jungkook's entire being exudes a sense of security that Jimin's never found in anyone else. He does feel embarrassed but it's not because he feels like Jungkook is judging him, it's just that he doesn't want Jungkook to see him like this. Usually, his first instinct would be to run and hide, come back like nothing ever happened and like the mask he puts on didn't crack, but there's no running from Jungkook.

Jungkook is his hiding place. When Jimin feels sad, Jungkook's arms is the place he wants to run to.

And Jungkook is right here. Solid like a rock, soft like a blanket and the embodiment of Jimin's safe place.

"She's too young to worry about these things, Jungkook," he whispers. The tears have stopped falling. Jimin pulls back, lips shaky and eyes puffy. He feels kinda bad when he sees the state of Jungkook's shirt, completely soaked with his tears. Jimin runs a hand over the wet spot as if it'll help it dry somehow. Jungkook takes his hand and kisses his knuckles. Jimin sniffles, and looks at him. He melts when Jungkook gives him a soft smile.

"I know, I agree," Jungkook nods, kissing the back of Jimin's hand. He intertwines their fingers and doesn't take his eyes away from Jimin. Jimin doesn't even feel embarrassed anymore, he just feels safe. "But the fact of the matter is that she does worry about these things and I don't think that anyone should invalidate her feelings," he wipes Jimin's tears away with his thumb and Jimin closes his eyes, leaning into the warm touch.

"I remember when I was a kid," Jungkook continues. "My mom always used to tell me "don't worry about it, Jungkook-ah. You'll worry when you're older" and at the time I didn't really understand what she meant but I remember feeling angry when she told me not to worry. It didn't make me feel better, it just made me feel like my feelings weren't important," Jungkook says. Warmth spreads inside Jimin's belly when he realizes Jungkook is opening up to him. It's not often he talks about his childhood or his parents. "I'm not saying that's what you're doing with Haewon, baby. I just think that you have to accept that she does worry and that it's normal for her to do that because she loves you."

"Then what should I do?" Jimin runs the tips of his fingers over Jungkook's forearm, smiling when it makes goosebumps rise on his skin. "Do you think I should sit her down and talk to her?"

"You could do that but I don't think it'll make her change her mind," Jungkook plays with Jimin's fingers. Jimin throws his legs over Jungkook's lap and rest his head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly. "I think that as long as she knows you hate Jungwoo she'll keep disliking him."

"God I hate this," Jimin pouts, looping his arm around Jungkook's. "I hate not knowing what to do."

"I know it might sound crazy but...," Jungkook hesitates, eyes never leaving their intertwined hands. Jimin tilts his head to look at him, nose brushing against his neck. "I think maybe you should have a talk with Jungwoo."

"About what?"

"Have you guys ever talked about how you feel since you broke up?" Jungkook asks, turning his head to brush his lips against Jimin's forehead. If they weren't having such a serious conversation, Jimin could fall asleep. He's starting to get a headache from all the crying. "Did you ever sit down and actually talk."

"No," Jimin mutters.

"He's never told you how he feels? How he felt back then?"

"He told me he didn't love me anymore."

"He told you that back then but 8 years later, do you think he'd say the same thing?"

"What do you mean?" Jimin frowns. He's confused because what else would Jungwoo say? There's nothing to tell other than he fell out of love with Jimin and it took awhile for Jimin to accept that.

"I really hate the guy," Jungkook starts, resting his cheek on the top of Jimin's head. "Trust me, I'd love nothing more than for him to be completely out of the picture but that's for selfish reasons." Jimin can't even blame him because that's how he felt after Haewon was born. "I'm not a dad, I don't know how raising a kid works but I understand why you want Haewon to have both of her parents," he squeezes Jimin's hand. Jungkook's voice is very soothing, enough to calm the storm inside Jimin's heart, and Jimin listens intently to what he has to say.

"And she said she dislikes her dad because you guys don't get along," Jungkook continues. "So, maybe the solution to all of this is for you and Jungwoo to actually get along. The only way for that to happen is for you two to sit down and talk things out. No more bullshit, no more holding back. You guys need to be truthful and express how you felt back then and how you feel today. Because I don't think he realizes how much he hurt you and I don't think we know how he actually felt after Haewon was born."

Taehyung was right when he said Jungkook can surprise people. Jimin knows it because Jungkook has been nothing but amazing at dealing with Jimin's insecurities and with the fact that he has a kid.

But this is almost overwhelming, the way he comes up with a solution that Jimin's never even considered before. It sounds so simple when he says it, though Jimin knows it would be harder for him in practice, but the fact that Jungkook even tries to come up with a solution for Jimin, just warms his heart.

Jimin has been doing this parenting thing for eight years all on his own. No one to help him figure out how to deal with certain situations, no one to offer advice and it's mostly due to the fact that Jimin doesn't like asking for help. Not when it comes to Haewon, because she's his responsibility.

Jimin is surprised by himself too. By how he easy it is to open up to Jungkook and how he didn't think twice before voicing his helplessness. It's just not something that he does and the fact that Jungkook is right here, listening to him and actually supporting him in the best way that he can, just makes something warm and heavy churn in his chest.

"It makes sense," is all Jimin can come up with because he's too stunned. He's tired too. His eyes sting and his eyelids are heavy.

"Does it?" Jungkook chuckles nervously and it translates his uncertainty. Jimin smiles fondly. It's like Taehyung said -- Jungkook doesn't know how any of this works but he's still trying to help.

"Yeah, babe, it does," Jimin leaves a soft kiss on his neck, hugging Jungkook's arm to his chest. "I hate talking about what happened though. I know that if I sit down with him and tell him how I truly feel I'm gonna break down and I don't want him to see me like that."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want him to think I'm weak."

"You're not weak, baby," Jungkook lets go of Jimin's hand to squeeze his thigh. "I've told you this before, being vulnerable doesn't mean you're weak. I don't think you realize how strong and confident you are," Jungkook says. Jimin hides his smile in the crook of his neck. "You're not the Jimin you used to be. You have your whole life figured out now. Haewon is happy and you have me," his grip on Jimin's thigh tighten. Jimin trails soft kisses up Jungkook's neck all the way to his jaw. His words are so comforting Jimin feels overwhelmed.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of," Jungkook continues, "nothing to feel weak about. He doesn't have the upper hand or whatever you think he may have. You've buried all of these feelings over the years and you've never had the opportunity to let them out. I think that talking to Jungwoo might help both you and Haewon."

Jimin hums, lips pressed against Jungkook's cheek. He turns Jungkook's face and brushes their lips together. Jungkook lets him, eyes fluttering shut. Jimin doesn't have any reason to do this other than he needs to feel him. Jimin leaves one, two, three soft kisses on Jungkook's lips before whispering, "I'm so scared."

"I know, baby," Jungkook slides his hand to Jimin's waist. He brushes their noses together and rests his forehead against Jimin's.

"Just the thought of hearing what he has to say terrifies me," Jimin releases a shaky breath, hand falling to Jungkook's neck and thumb brushing over his scent gland. The thought of talking to Jungwoo makes shivers run down Jimin's spine -- or maybe it's Jungkook's hot breath against his lips. "What if it breaks me?"

"Then it breaks you," Jungkook cups his face and looks into Jimin's eyes. He looks so sincere, as if it was easy for someone to just break.

"Jungkook," Jimin can't look away from him, and he wonders what Jungkook means.

"Everyone is scared of getting hurt, baby," Jungkook smiles at him, which confuses Jimin even more, "and everyone does get hurt. It's inevitable. Sometimes you just have to take a leap, and if it ends up hurting then it hurts. It hurts but at least you won't regret not doing anything."

"I can't be a spectator of my own life," Jimin mutters, shivering when Jungkook beams at him.

"Exactly," Jungkook kisses him, thumb caressing Jimin's cheek in a soothing motion. Jimin melts into Jungkook's touch, heart soaring in his chest. It's impossible for Jimin not to take Jungkook seriously when he says things like that. If it was anyone else Jimin would be embarrassed by the fact that a twenty-one year old is wiser than him, but Jungkook isn't just anyone. He's his , and Jimin just feels proud. There's a hint of something else there that he can't put his finger on just yet.

"You really think I'm strong enough for this?" Jimin asks when they break apart, eyes shut and lips still wet from the kiss.

"What about you? What do you think?"

Jimin is his own worst critic and he can be a pessimist sometimes. The way he views himself is altered by layers of insecurities and misplaced perfectionism. But, if he really thinks about it, if he throws all of that baggage away and treats himself with the gentleness he treats others, then would he think he's strong?

Jimin graduated from college while taking care of a baby. He recovered from a bad break up and a pregnancy all on his own. He's raising a happy and healthy child, and he's surrounded by amazing friends. Jimin is kind, caring, and loving. He's a fully independent omega, who built his life without the help of any alpha or even his parents. Jimin has numerous qualities and yeah, he does have a lot of faults too, but everything that makes him him is beautiful. All of his vulnerabilities, his insecurities, his scars -- none of that has ever stopped him from living his life to the fullest.

"I am," Jimin says, straightening up and looking deep into Jungkook's eyes. "I am strong enough."

"You are," Jungkook grins at him, something so sweet emanating from his scent that makes Jimin feel dizzy.

"Thank you, Jungkook," Jimin smiles at him. It feels weird, going from sobbing to feeling so content and relaxed in his alpha's arms, but it's them and Jimin doesn't regret breaking down in front of Jungkook. "You're just...," Jimin sighs dreamily and he hopes it translates in the way he looks at Jungkook, "amazing."

Jungkook caresses his cheek and kisses his forehead, then his nose, then his lips and it makes Jimin giggle. Jimin wraps his arms around Jungkook's neck and sighs into the kiss. His heart is soaring in his chest and Jimin feels warm all over. He tilts his head to the side and melts into the soft kiss. It's very chaste, just a slide of their lips but a pleased moan still escapes Jimin's mouth. Jungkook grunts in response, bringing Jimin's body even closer.

Jimin smiles into the kiss, so much so that they have to break apart. Jungkook chuckles and bumps their noses together. Jimin can't help it, he just likes Jungkook too much.

"Thank you for opening up to me," Jungkook says.

"It's oddly exhausting but I feel better."

"I'm sorry for earlier," Jungkook grimaces. "It won't happen again."

"Thank you for defending me."

"I know you don't need defending but I-,"

"Everyone does, don't they?" Jimin brushes Jungkook's hair back, giving him a cheeky smile. "That's what you told me once. That everyone needs protecting once in a while. I didn't really believe you when you said it but now I do. I really appreciate it."

"So, you do listen to me," Jungkook grins.

"Of course I do," Jimin nods before kissing him again. "You know you can open up to me too, right? I know I'm a mess but I don't want you to feel like you can't talk to me about," he gestures vaguely, "literally anything. Taehyung said that you have a hard time doing it too, even if you pretend like you're an open book."

"What other secrets did he reveal, huh?" Jungkook scrunches his nose up in embarrassment but he's still smiling.

"Apparently you beat his ass when you were 15," Jimin raises his eyebrows.

"Oh my god," Jungkook laughs, hiding his face in the cushions. "Not my proudest moment."

"Not his either," Jimin chuckles, petting the back of Jungkook's head.

They sit in comfortable silence, basking in each other's embrace, not an inch of space separating their bodies. Jimin feels lighter than he did when he came back from Taehyung's. Jimin is hopeful. Hopeful that his relationship with Jungkook will work out and that they'll be able to work through things together, as a team. It's new to Jimin who's used to doing everything on his own but he loves it.

"Come with me," Jungkook says after a while. "I wanna show you something."

"Where?" Jimin's eyebrows furrow and his hold on Jungkook tightens when he starts to pull away.

"You'll see," Jungkook chuckles, gently pushing Jimin's arms away and standing up. He tugs on Jimin's hands to help him stand up.

"I look like a mess Jungkook I can't go out like this."

"You look beautiful, baby," Jungkook kisses his cheek and Jimin keens internally. "Please?"

"Yes, okay," Jimin stops pouting. He can't refuse Jungkook anything.

Jimin rearranges his clothes and heads to the entryway to put his shoes and jacket on. He sees Jungkook rummaging through his camera bag and looks at him curiously. Jungkook takes his camera out and hangs it around his neck. When their eyes meet, Jungkook gives him a smile.

"We're going to take pictures?" Jimin asks.

"Maybe," Jungkook says as he puts his shoes on. "If I find something pretty enough," he winks at Jimin.

Jimin swats at his chest for flirting so shamelessly, as if they don't do it on a regular basis. Jimin gets flustered sometimes, when Jungkook calls him pretty, just because he likes hearing it so much.

"Let's go," Jungkook says, looking excited. "Follow me, my baby," he takes Jimin's hand and Jimin doesn't have to think twice.

He'll follow Jungkook anywhere.

............&............

"Wow," Jimin gasps, hair flowing in the wind. It's not cold even though they're nearing the end of March and even though the air in Seoul isn't the freshest, Jimin happily breathes it in. "Where are we?"

"This is...," Jungkook wraps his arms around Jimin's waist, pressing his chest against his back and looking out into the city, "my safe place."

"Your safe place?" Jimin tilts his head to look at Jungkook. Jimin was surprised when Jungkook took him to an abandoned parking garage, he thought Jungkook was joking at first but then Jungkook lead him up the never ending stairs until they reached the roof. The view took Jimin's breath away.

All he can see are buildings and behind them, the mountains. The roof is empty of anything, it's just a flat surface of concrete surrounded by concrete railings. They have a 360 view of Seoul and Jimin's never seen the city that he loves so much like this before.

Even though the place is not quiet, because the city is always busy, a feeling of serenity filled Jimin as soon as they reached the top. He gets it. Why Jungkook calls it a safe place.

"Only Taehyung knows about it," Jungkook mutters in Jimin's ear. "I've never shown anyone else."

"Oh," Jimin breathes out, his heart fluttering in his chest. The importance of the moment finally hits him. Jungkook is trying to open up to him by showing him his safe place, a place that only the special people in his life have seen. Taehyung and Jimin.

"I come here every time I feel sad or angry. Sometimes even when I'm happy."

"What are you feeling right now?"

"A mix of everything," Jungkook chuckles. "I just wanted to show you."

"The view is beautiful," Jimin breathes out. Jungkook pulls back, walking a few feet away from Jimin.

"Yeah," he says, smirking. He means Jimin, not the actual view. Jimin smiles and blushes. "Can I take pictures of you?"

"Oh," Jimin hesitates because he probably looks horrible right now, with his puffy eyes and swollen cheeks. But it's a special moment, or at least Jimin wants it to be special. "Sure. How do you want me to pose?"

"Don't," Jungkook shakes his head, taking his camera in his hands and lifting it closer to his face. "Just pretend like I'm not here."

"I want you to be here, though," Jimin says shyly. He's leaning against the railing, looking intently at Jungkook with a pout on his face. He hears the telltale sound of the camera taking a picture and he frowns at Jungkook.

"Then pretend like I'm not holding a camera," Jungkook beams, ignoring Jimin's disapproving gaze.

"Okay," Jimin smiles and Jungkook takes another picture. Jimin finds him very attractive in this moment. He looks very serious and focused, black hair flowing in the wind and rosy cheeks. Jimin notices that Jungkook's hair is getting longer and he thinks that it suits him. He turns around and leans his forearms on the railing, looking straight ahead.

"How did you find this place?" Jimin asks. Jungkook walks to the side so he can take pictures of Jimin's profile.

"On my first day of college," Jungkook doesn't stop taking pictures as he speaks. "It was the first time I was away from my parents, in a city that I didn't know, with people that I didn't know," Jimin looks at him and Jungkook snaps a picture, smiling at the screen when he looks at the result. "I just felt so nervous that first night, I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take my camera and walk around Seoul."

"And you just found this place?"

"Yes," Jungkook smiles.

"So, your first thought when you saw this abandoned parking garage was to climb up until you reached the top?" Jimin asks incredulously. Jungkook laughs and nods. "I never would have even looked twice at this place if I walked past it."

"I just like abandoned places," Jungkook shrugs. "It's always silent. Sometimes eerily so, but this place," he looks around with fond eyes, "it's like finding an isolated island in the middle of a busy city. Like you said," he leans against the railing next to Jimin, "no one looks twice at this place. No one notices it. It's exactly what I needed," he smiles at Jimin.

"Why do you like the silence?" Jimin asks. He can't take his eyes off of Jungkook.

"I don't really like it," Jungkook shrugs. "Silence is kinda scary because you're left with just your thoughts, nothing to distract you. But sometimes I prefer the silence over crowds and noisy people."

"You're introverted," Jimin says, looking at Jungkook like he's the eigth Wonder of the World.

When he first met Jungkook he never would have thought that there was this quiet and soft side to him, just because Jungkook carried himself with so much confidence. And he is confident but Jimin realizes now that the cockiness he exudes sometimes is just a mask. He's just as guarded as Jimin but unlike Jimin who tends to be cold and closed off to push people away, Jungkook can be loud and he puts himself out there to hide the fact that socialization makes him anxious.

It's fascinating to Jimin, the different sides of Jungkook he keeps discovering. There's probably a lot he hasn't seen yet but he wants to. He wants Jungkook to let him in so bad, until Jimin knows every little quirk and insecurity he may have. And he understands now, why Jungkook wants him to open up, because he feels the exact same way.

"I guess I am, huh?" Jungkook grins at him.

"You're...," Jimin looks at him with shiny eyes, and Jungkook's beauty takes his breath away. Jungkook is so many things and Jimin can never find the right words to describe him because words like "amazing" and "incredible" aren't enough to encompass just how beautiful of a human being Jungkook is.

"I am?"

"You're an enigma, Jeon Jungkook," Jimin smiles, brushing his knuckles over Jungkook's cheek. "An enigma that I want to solve so badly."

"You know a lot more than I usually like to share," Jungkook takes his hand and kisses the back of it. "Because you're special to me."

Jimin intertwines their fingers together, heart beating loudly in his ears but not in a bad way. Never in a bad way. Jimin can't believe how lucky he is to have Jungkook, and for the first time he does believe that good things come to those who wait.

And god, is Jungkook a good thing. So good. Too good probably, but Jimin isn't going to turn his back on it because he deserves good.

For the first time he believes that he deserves good. He deserves Jungkook and he deserves to be happy.

He feels so many things for the alpha, and sometimes he feels dizzy with it. It's hard to put words on something he hasn't felt in so long but it's there.

The words are right there, on the tip of his lips.

I love you.