Chapter Text
Taehyung took a moment to breath in the fresh crispy air. Spring was there with a fanfare of green, although it was still too cold for anything than wool and a warm jacket. Taehyung couldn’t help but smile despite the biting cold. He wrapped his coat tighter around himself. The red cashmere scarf covered his mouth keeping the icy breeze at bay. Taehyung giggled with delight as his gaze swept over the busy campus. He was allowed there. He was allowed colors and casual outfits. He was allowed short hair and a simple life.
More importantly, Taehyung was granted an ephemeral freedom.
Taehyung took in another deep breath and started walking towards the main building. He had to hand in some papers for the administration. His scarf smothered another giggle. He was allowed to do trivial tasks now. It felt refreshing. And so he walked. He looked around with wonder. Many students hurried to their classes or simply to seek a warm shelter. Taehyung took a moment to watch them. Tall, short, skinny, fat, plump, cripple, limping, healthy, laughing, smiling, scowling, tired, wide awake… there were so many people. Taehyung thought it to be overwhelming at first for someone who lived a sheltered privileged life. It was not. Watching so many people felt invigorating. A few passed by him in a hurry. A few smiled and even greeted him. None avoided his gaze. None bowed until their back cracked. Taehyung was a mere student lost in a crowd of many. He loved every second of it.
He carried on his walk looking at the blooming trees and the blue sky. Sun pierced through the white clouds. A few stands were aligned in the main alley. Students handed flyers. Taehyung took each one and carefully read them. He was allowed to. A group of students talked loudly inviting people to join their club. Others used more subtle methods. Taehyung watched it with a smile and delight. He recalled it was the first time since he saw life thrive in another place that his gardens.
Taehyung started walking again. On his way, he noticed a student all dressed in black sitting on a plastic chair. By his side lay a big black board sign. On it, written in white bold letters, was “Free hugs”. Taehyung guessed that the student favored the color black. The only color on him was his white skin and pink lips. He seemed busy on his phone. Students passed by him ignoring the bold letters. Taehyung’s heart ached for the stranger. No one stepped forward for a free hug.
Without realizing, Taehyung started walking towards the young man. “Hello,” he found himself saying. He pulled down his scarf enough to show his smile. The student looked up with wide eyes, surprised to see someone talk to him. The sight made Taehyung’s heart ache even more. It comforted him that it was the right thing to do, to ask for a hug. He couldn’t pass by the young man and ignore him like the rest. “I couldn’t help but notice your sign,” he said with a blush. He wondered if it was from the cold licking at his warm cheeks or from the smile of the stranger.
“My sign?” The student stood. He looked at the big board as if he remembered it only then. “Yeah,” he grinned at Taehyung. Bunny teeth appeared under the plump lips. The brown eyes sparkled.
“Can I have a hug?” Taehyung asked taking a step forward the student. The cold breeze brought with it the musky scent of the stranger. He was an alpha. The scent was thick and potent. Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. He had never been so close to an alpha before. His entourage was exclusively omegas. His servants were mostly betas. The only alpha he interacted with was his father, and only during rare occasions.
“Of course,” the student said closing the distance between them. Strong arms wrapped around Taehyung. His small frame disappeared in the embrace. He felt like melting into the black. “My name is Jungkook, by the way,” the student added. His lips brushed against Taehyung’s ear as he spoke. His voice was deep. His breathe was warm. Taehyung shivered.
“Taehyung,” Taehyung answered with a hitch. His arms wrapped around the bigger frame. His cheeks rested against the strong chest. A steady heartbeat echoed to his ear. He closed his eyes breathing in the new yet familiar scent. “My name is Taehyung,” he repeated in a whisper. The background sounds faded into a whisper. “Nice to meet you, Jungkook,” he breathed against the warm shirt. The soft material brushed against his lips. Taehyung suppressed a whimper. He could almost taste Jungkook’s scent. It coated his tongue. His whole body reacted. It never did before.
“Nice to meet you too, Taehyung,” Jungkook answered with a smile. His chin rested on top of Taehyung’s head. The soft curls brushed against his mouth as he spoke. He tightened the embrace without meaning to.
The embrace lasted mere seconds. For them, it lasted an eternity.
“You are new here, right?” Jungkook asked once they pulled away.
Taehyung nodded, “I transferred in for the second semester,” he explained. He felt cold and unpleased to part from the alpha. It was a peculiar sentiment. “I was heading to drop in some papers,” he added glancing at the main building. “I don’t know where I am supposed to go,” he smiled as he looked up to meet Jungkook’s gaze. He found it warm and brown like honey. There was no need for red. It was obvious from his stature that Jungkook was nothing but a strong potent alpha.
“I can take you there,” Jungkook offered instantly. “I am done here anyway,” he reached for his bag. With no surprise, it was black.
“Thank you,” Taehyung said as they started walking together. He looked up to Jungkook’s profile. “You have blond hair,” he stated noticing the blond locks peeking out of the yet again black beanie. “I thought we aren’t supposed to dye our hair”.
Jungkook chuckled softly. His eyes and nose wrinkled. Taehyung blushed from such sight. He never found any man attractive before Jungkook. “The rule stands only in high school,” Jungkook explained oblivious to Taehyung’s trail of thought. “My best friend has pink hair,” he shared, “His husband used to dye his hair green,” he laughed softly.
Taehyung smiled brightly as he listened to the stories Jungkook had to share. He wondered if it was so easy for everyone to make friends. Once in the building, Jungkook took off his beanie. Taehyung suppressed the urge to run his hand through the blonde hair. It looked soft and tempting. Jungkook’s hair was longer than his. Once upon a time, Taehyung’s hair reached his middle. Now, he was allowed short hair and to be free.
“It’s here,” Jungkook said snapping Taehyung’s out of his thoughts. The omega looked at the door. It was there indeed. They reached destination too quickly for his liking.
“Let me invite you for coffee as a thank you for your help,” Taehyung offered impulsively because he was allowed to. Jungkook grinned and nodded. “I won’t be long. Please, wait for me,” Taehyung added before disappearing into the office.
When he came out, Jungkook was waiting there for him with a smile.