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Thousands of questions arise in Jeongguk’s mind when he sees Jimin approach him, deepening the frown on his face.

“What are you-”

“What makes you think you can leave just like that?”

Jeongguk’s mouth opens and closes, perplexed at the accusing tone in Jimin’s voice. “What-”

“Take me with you. Take us with you.” Jimin corrects himself, his posture screams of confidence before taking a step closer and adding, “You can’t get rid of us that easily.”

Jeongguk’s facial features become softer as he buries his hands in his coat, shoulders moving back into a relaxed posture and pushing his chest out. He can only guess and hope where this conversation is leading. His eyes flicker momentarily to Jimin’s lips before they are back to maintaining good eye contact. Jeongguk hasn’t felt as daring with someone as he does now. Jimin looks absolutely attractive right now with his hair parted and the determination that sparkles in his eyes. He feels like he could sweep him off his feet just from what he said. “Who says I wanted to get rid of you? I thought you have a life here.”

Jeongguk watches Jimin mirror his confused expression, gaze clouding and brows knitting together. A hesitant nod follows.

“Tell me now if I’m the only one who feels like this… When I’m with you it feels like home. Being with you feels like I’m home. Those days in the hut… they were our happiest days that we had in a while.” Jimin is bold enough and advances to Jeongguk. A wave of nervousness crashes down on him and he breathes out shakily while his hands start to clench and unclench. All of a sudden he feels smaller under Jeongguk’s eyes. His mind is in turmoil with all the possibilities of Jeongguk reciprocating the same feelings for Jimin and Myung; what if this and what if that?

Now Jimin is within close proximity, he can clearly see the small mole situated just under Jeongguk’s nose. Jimins mind starts to imagine he can feel his body warmth radiating. Will he accept them?

“Can you…imagine us in your life? Maybe we don't have to date immediately if you think it's too fast, or did I perhaps read something wrong?”

“Jimin.”

“Do you- Do you even like me this way? I just assumed- It was stupid of me, I’m sorry.”

“Jimin,” Jeongguk says and puts a finger under Jimin’s chin to lift it. “You’re rumbling.”

“Oh…” he breathes softly out, realising he just did like Jeongguk said.

“Don’t worry, it's cute.” Jeongguk grins and leans in, only stopping an inch before him. Their breaths are mingling and like this Jimin looks like he would explode from nervousness at any time. Cute.

“Let me just say… You are very attractive and you liking me… I’d be very stupid to pass this opportunity.”

Jimin playfully slaps Jeongguk’s chest, lips forming into a pout which the latter would gladly like to kiss. “So what you’re saying is… you don’t want to miss this opportunity because I like you? Nothing more?”

Jeongguk grins stupidly, hands cupping the hybrid’s flushed and round cheeks. “What I’m saying is, I like you and you’re very brave for admitting it first. You being attractive is only a bonus. I thought I was the only one feeling this connection between us.” His gaze then flickers down once more to the smaller man’s lips, staying there longer than he intends to while feeling his heart fluttering. “However, yes, it might be a bit too fast, but we can take our time to get to know each other, okay?”

“Does that mean we can go to the city with you?”

Jeongguk looks forth and back between his eyes, searching for something that would hint to uncertainty, but he finds none. Instead he finds determination and is aware of the rising tension between them. Hope blossoms in his chest, mixed with worry. “Are you sure you’ll be fine living in the city?”

The fox hybrid nods, his gaze fixed on him, tears start to pool slightly in his eyes.

“Are you sure Myung will be able to adapt to living in the city? It might be a big change for both of you?”

“Are you looking for an excuse?” Jimin nestles against Jeongguk’s left hand and his eyes flutter shut, the tears now vanished that threatened to spill onto his cheeks. Bathing in the comfort of Jeongguk's hand, shows how safe he feels.

“No, I’m just worried about both of you.” Jeongguk brushes with the tip of his thumb over Jimin’s cheekbone, feeling the soft skin under his fingers. “The city is so much different than compared to the forest-”

“Then let us experience the city with you, please? Living here… I'm constantly on edge wherever we go, always having this fear that something serious will happen to Myung, that another hunter will find us and- I only want the best for Myung and also... for me. Am I selfish to say I want to see where this leads us, knowing I won't be happy here once you'll be back in the city?”

“You’re not selfish at all. I’d be happy to take you with me to the city. I have enough space for you to live in my apartment… I mean- if you’re comfortable with that. I’d understand if not-”

“I’m completely fine with it and I’m sure Myung is too. We trust you. You showed us we can trust you. Can I- Can I scent you?”

“Scent me?” Jimin nods and Jeongguk snickers which makes the former whine. “I thought you’re going to ask for a kiss.”

“Jeongguk~ don’t tease me.”

“Me and teasing? Alright, alright. Go ahead.” Jeongguk chuckles as the fox hybrid swats his chest. He gladly bears his neck so Jimin can scent him. He knows that it can be important for hybrids in certain situations.

“You really don’t mind?”

“Min, I wouldn’t let you do it if I was uncomfortable. Go ahead and scent me if you want to. Then I’ll smell like you.” He can’t hide the teasing grin which comes with a wave of pride, flooding his chest. It makes him feel unbelievably proud to have earned enough trust for Jimin willing to scent him. Jeongguk knows while humans smell only a faint scent it might be the complete opposite for hybrids. After all, they have a strong sense of smelling.

Jimin is quick to place his hands carefully on Jeongguk’s broad shoulders, his fingertips softly tightening to grip and steady his balance as he stands on his tiptoes, nose brushing slowly against Jeongguk’s soft warm skin. Humming with contentment and delight as Jeongguk’s scent fills his body. It's as though all of his concerns have vanished.

It takes some time until Jimin leans back, placing a kiss on Jeongguk's cheek, surprising them both with the sudden act of affection. Their eyes are meeting again and neither seem to be able to break out of the bubble they have created.

Jeongguk overcomes the urge to throw his head back and groan, seeing Jimin sweetly grin at him, orbs shining even clearer in close proximity that resemble the colours of amber and copper. How can he be this smitten already?

He can’t help but to tuck a hair strand behind Jimin’s ear, looking briefly at his pink plump lips. Jeongguk notices how he slowly and calmly leans in, wetting his lips and giving Jimin the chance to dodge and say that he doesn't want to carry on. Jimin does neither. Instead, he presses his body closer to Jeongguk and comes towards him, hands gripping his coat and his eyes falling shut just before their lips meet in a soft kiss. Butterflies flutter in his stomach and a rush of positive warm feelings surge through him. It’s overwhelming. Yet it feels right.

Jeongguk dares to take a step further and bind their lips in a chaste kiss, enjoying the feeling of Jimin’s lips against his. That’s until Myung’s voice breaks them out of the bubble they were locked in.

“Papa… can we come to the city with Jeongguk?”

“I forgot we aren't alone.” Jeongguk chuckles as red tints Jimin’s cheeks, flushing with embarrassment. Seeing how Jimin is unable to say anything right now  Jeongguk decides to speak up, crouching down in front of Myung.

"I'd be happy to have you there with me. Your papa said you can come and live with me. Are you excited to get to know the city?"

"Yesss!" the small boy excitedly exclaims and runs into Jeongguk's arms, burying his head into Jeongguk's neck. "Thank you for allowing us to come with you. Can you promise to look after my papa?"

Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, head leaning against Myung's head. He's so young, but he seems to know exactly what he does.

"I promise to look after your father and take care of not only him, but also you. Pinky promise?"

Myung eyes the pinky finger Jeongguk holds out, waiting for the former to accept it. Fortunately, he nods and soon swears on it with his own pinky.

"Then let's get into my car and off we go to the city."

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A/N: I guess what's left is only the epilogue 🤭

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