Honey woke up to the familiar bustling around her. Sunlight streamed through the window, blue curtains opened wide. The gentle hum of the air conditioner and the warmth of the sheets made her want to go back to sleep, but she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep for another hour or so.

The nurse, who was checking her vitals, sent a warm smile at her. A week at the hospital hasn't changed her routine much. Every morning they would come to check her vitals, then breakfast. She would lie around waiting for the day to be over or just sleep with the help of meds that were already pumped into her system.

The only thing that was set today aside was that they told her that they would remove the bandage on her cheeks. Honestly, she wasn't looking forward to it.

Removing that gauze was only going to cement the burden she would have to live with. The reminder of her past would be out for everyone to see. They'd either see her as a victim or curse her because she used to be an accomplice.

Shana was right. She might not have done anything actively to harm Jungkook, but she had been a silent spectator for years. She didn't stop them from doing it nor did she tell them off. Honey realized she could have at least left an anonymous tip at the pack HQ, but she didn't. So it was only right to take responsibility for everything that happened.

"Good morning, miss. How are you feeling today?" The nurse's kind voice distracted her, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Just like every other day." She tried to smile. Her cheeks didn't hurt as bad as it did the first few days. Still, the skin pulled and burned a little. She could breathe a bit easier with her ribs healing nicely and she could eat better.

"The doctor will be here soon and if everything checks out, you can go home today," the nurse continued. "Finish your breakfast in the meantime."

Honey sighed, sadness weighing down on her and a wistful smile pulled the corners of her lips one more time as a courtesy to the nurse, who had been taking care of her this entire week.

Her family was just happy to have her back. With or without scar. They told her that they were just glad that she was alive. The relieved yet sad smiles on their faces were heartwarming to her. They had lamented over it until they learned why she was attacked.

After getting earful from her mother, who called her a traitor and warned her the next time she does something like this, she would strangle her herself. But a mother was a mother and family was family. They had forgiven her, warning to be mindful of her actions in the future. Obviously her brother added that she wasn't welcome in their home if she went against their pack heads ever again. And that was the end of it.

Currently her mom and brother were with her. Her mom was squeezing oranges while her brother sat beside her. "It's okay," her brother comforted her. "You're not alone in this." He patted her hand and squeezed it gently. "Everyone makes mistakes. But at least you didn't go to prison like your friends. Heard they were given harsh punishments inside."

She nodded her head, preparing herself for the worst. She wasn't checking the news much. Her heart ached and guilt ate at her every time she heard her the names of her ex-friends. So she avoided it as much as she could.

Just as the doctor arrived, someone unexpected followed him, entering her room. Honey's eyes widened and she sat upright, wincing as pain shot through her body. Shana and June were right behind him. June carried a tab, typing something away while Shana stared right into her soul with those intense eyes.

"Ah, don't move," their Head Omega said, lifting a hand to stop her.

Honey let out a gasp in disbelief. Jungkook looked even more handsome up close, his flawless skin shined with a healthy glow. She thought the photos or videos did no justice to his beauty.

Thinking back, she'd only seen him from a distance ever since she graduated college. There was a permanent smile etched on his face and he looked so elegant. His presence was both calming, yet commanding respect and obedience. Gone was the boyish charm. In his stead, stood a confident man, who knew his worth.

Her mom and family, who were around her, immediately bowed, their scents shifting with nervousness. Several thoughts coursed through her mind.

Why is he here? Am I in trouble?

Fear licked her veins.

"Head Omega," her mom greeted with a nervous bow. "I would have come to visit if you had sent a word." She straightened only to hurry to stand in front of him, clasping her hands. "What my daughter did was unacceptable and punishable. You have shown us mercy by letting her live and even providing her with the best medical aid. I have no words to thank you for your generosity."

Honey shrank back in embarrassment. They were going to witness her scars of shame. Shana looked intimidating as ever. Would she smile when her scars were revealed? Would she make fun of it? She swallowed hard, her heart almost beating out of her chest. Her palms were growing sweaty.

Jungkook's smile turned shy. "It's nothing." He waved a hand. "Hope she's recovering well." His gaze fell on her, mostly on her face. "Hey, Doc, how is it looking?"

"We are going to remove the gauze today. She'll be as good as new once it heals completely," the doctor replied.

"That's good. You sure it won't scar?" the Head Omega asked again.

"Of course, Head Omega. We used the most advanced procedure while treating her injuries and the medicines would help her heal the scars completely. After a few months, you won't be able to tell she even got injured in the first place."

Her mom let out a cry, muffling the sounds by her hands. Her brother immediately wrapped a hand around their mom, eyes wide and relief flooding his features.

Honey's eyes widened and her gaze shifted between Jungkook and Shana. "W-What?" she gasped. "I-It won't scar? B-But h-how?"

Shana's grin was mischievous and she averted her gaze while Jungkook smiled kindly at her. "Because our medical technology has advanced now."

"Oh."

"Because he paid for your medical expenses," Shana quipped. "He was worried you'd end mateless if you were to live with those scars."

"Shana," the Head Omega chided. "It's just a thank you for the small consideration you showed toward me." He turned to her mom. "I've arranged for her to work in the Head Quarters. She can join whenever the doctor clears her for work."

Her mom fell to her knees, bowing until her forehead touched the ground. Her body shook with violent sobs and beside her, his brother also knelt, head bowed to show his gratitude.

"You have once again shown us why you're the Head Omega and why you deserve all these merits." Her mom looked up. "Our family will be forever indebted to you and the pack. I'll forever remember this kindness. Thank you for forgiving my daughter and giving her another chance."

Jungkook gestured to her to stand. "I see no point in punishing the families for something their children did, especially when they weren't even aware of their misdeeds. Also, your families have been loyal to our pack for generations. The goodness of your hearts outweighs her childish mistakes."

Her mother could only cry. Honey was overcome with emotions. Her tears flowed freely and all she could do was to stare at him. Perhaps this was what it meant to kill someone with their kindness. Even if Jungkook had locked her in prison for an unforeseeable future, it might not have hurt this bad.

"I'll take my leave then," Jungkook continued. "I'm here to visit the kids. They must be waiting."

"Head Omega," she called, moving with difficulty to kneel on her bed and bowed her head. "I'm sorry," she said in a small voice. "I was insensitive and I did nothing to stop them. I was an accomplice and did nothing as they said all those things about you. At one point, I even believed them. I see how wrong it was. I deserve to live with these scars. I'm ashamed to even be in your presence." She took a deep breath. "I'll work very hard to change my ways. I promise I'll become a better person and won't make you regret this kindness you have bestowed on us. Thank you." She bent, ignoring the pinch of pain.

"It's alright," was all Jungkook said before exiting the room.

"Hmm...looks like you're indeed redeemable," Shana's voice made her shift from her kneeling position to look up. "I recommended hiring you so I can keep an eye on you." She smirked. "Don't try anything funny and I hope you mean every word you speak. Because next time, I will let those wounds scar."

With that, she pivoted on his heel and walked out of the room while Honey's body sagged with relief. Sobs broke out of her and it was mostly because of relief. Her face won't scar and she will be able to live a normal life.

Her mom and brother hugged her, rubbing her back as she sobbed. She still didn't think she deserved this kindness, but she vowed to become a better person to deserve that kindness.

I will become a better person and some day if I get a chance, I'll repay this debt, even with my life.

***

A/N: As much as I don't want this to end, we are here. I'll post one more extended epilogue just because I'm still not ready to end it. I don't know why I'm so attached to this AU 😭Like I mean I've laughed and cried while writing this. It's been a year long journey and I have lots of warm memories with you guys. Your comments gave me strength to go on when my days got rough.

That being said, I wanted to share another good news. I finally found the one. Mom introduced me to a guy and we've been talking for a while. He knows of my FF writing and accepts it. And he's very understanding of my love for my boys. You know, there's a time I told him about them and a few days later, he called me to tell me, "hey, I saw your boys in one of my friend's WhatsApp status. His daughter uses his phone. Looks like there are many who like your boys." That's the moment I decided I'll put a ring on it, he he. Anyways, he's my 8th man now 😘🫣

It's funny when he told me that, "end of the day you're in my bed. I'm jealous but they can't have you." Like alkdjflakjdflaskjldk he's so 😭 I kept him cause to me he's a unicorn. Most of you would know how Indian men are. See you soon with an epilogue to wrap this and say good bye. Then we move on to another au.