"Jungkookie, if this manager of yours mistreats you so much, why don't you just quit the job? You don't deserve such kind of treatment," Hoseok said, taking a sip of his beer.

"If I quit this job, I won't be able to pay my rent and my course fees, hyung. I have two jobs and the money I earn is barely enough. I'm not well educated to interview for any other kind of job either," Jungkook explained, swallowing a lump in his throat, "With the money that remains, I buy groceries. I manage to have at least one meal a day."

"One meal?" Jimin cried, staring at Jungkook as though he had grown a second head.

"Jungkookie, this isn't good for your health. You're working almost the entire day. When do you even get the time to study?" Hoseok asked, a frown marring his handsome features.

"I get around three to four hours of sleep and I study before sleeping."

"Jungkook!" Jimin cried, sounding horrified, "That's not okay! You're overworking yourself. You can't continue like this. You'll hurt yourself."

"I'm fine, hyung."

"Nuh-uh, tomorrow you're going to go and quit both jobs," Hoseok instructed, sternly.

"What? How will I pay my rent and my course fees without the money?"

"You don't need to worry about that. We'll pay your rent and your course fees," said Jungkook, "Whatever you need, we'll get it for you. All you do is focus on your education and your health."

"No, you can't do that," Jungkook cried, a look of horror on his face.

"We can and we will," Hoseok stated, firmly.

"But—" Jungkook began only to be cut off by Jimin.

"Jungkookie, listen to me. We're your family. I know you haven't been cared for in a long time and I know you've been alone all this while trying your best to make ends meet. Before you ask, my wolf can sense it."

"I know we just met but I already feel so protective towards you and I know the rest of the pack will agree with me on this. Mark or no mark, Jungkook, you are a significant part of our life and our family. Let us care for you, pup, the way you deserve to be cared for. Let us help you," Hoseok pleaded and Jungkook felt his eyes well up.

Oh great.

How many times was he going to cry like a baby in front of them?

"Aw, pup, we care so much about you. Would you allow us to help you?" Jimin asked and Jungkook nodded, a tear rolling down his cheek and Jimin kissed it away.

"Come here, pup. You look like you could use a hug right now," Hoseok said, motioning for the younger to sit in his lap, who immediately obeyed, burying his face in Hoseok's neck, breathing in the scent of fresh oranges.

"We'll take care of you. You're exhausted, aren't you, pup?"

Jungkook nodded slightly.

"Sleep then, Kookie. Hyung will tuck you in later," Hoseok smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of his head and Jungkook felt himself drifting off.

"You smell like freshly plucked oranges, hyung," Jungkook mumbled sleepily, rubbing the tip of his nose against Hoseok's neck.

He was so exhausted that he completely missed the way Hoseok froze beneath him or the sharp intake of breath by Jimin. The scent of oranges overcame his senses, lulling him to sleep.

14 March, 2023