Chapter Text
“Jeongguk, you need to marry Taehyung and that's final.” Jeongguk hears his mom assert as he hangs his head down, blinking as he tries not to let the tears fall.
“But- but eomma-”
“I'm not going to listen to a single word further from that disgusting mouth of yours. You are already a disappointment to this family. Just marry Taehyung and we will be done. No arguments.”
The omega bites his lips, swallowing the sob that is threatening to punch out through his gut. He knows he is a disappointment. He is used to this treatment. If he bows his head and nods to his parents words, most of the time they leave him alone.
But he always thought marriage would be one thing he would have a say in. As many things his life, if not all of them, are always decided by his appa. Alpha Jeon Junghyun, chairman of one of the largest fabric manufacturing companies in South Korea.
“I'm waiting for an answer. You know, I suggest you to stop throwing a tantrum. You have caused us a lot of loss already. Marry into the Kim family and show your gratitude towards us.” His mother bites out, her alpha pheromones wafting in the air, causing Jeongguk to cower in submission.
“Can I- can I think about it?” The omega stutters out, head still bowed.
He hears his mother scoff. He knows she has a frown on her face, shaking her head in disappointment.
“I don't understand what's there to think! You will have a perfect life. Your father will hear about this if you drag this any further and I know for a fact that you would not want that.”
He feels a harsh grip around his chin and is forcefully made to look at his mother.
He did not even realise that she crossed the room from where she was standing.
The omega scolds himself for not realising the threat.
His mother is shorter than him, even with heels on. She is fair, her long nails digging into his skin painfully. He knows there will be bruises there soon.
Jeongguk easily towers over his mother but his meek omega persona is nothing in comparison to her's prideful alpha one.
He jerks when his mother's grip tightens further, making a pitiful sound.
“You disgust me.” The alpha spits, taking a step back. “You are marrying Kim Taehyung and that is final. I will make you marry him even with your corpse, so don't think dying will take you out of this situation.” She warns and storms out of the room, leaving Jeongguk with his own ragged pants and wheezes.
⑅
When Taehyung first heard of the wedding, he was shocked.
He knew Jeongguk. Of course he knew. He had a massive crush on the younger when they were in highschool. But even before that, they were friends. The best of friends.
There has always been a weird tension between their fathers, that the younger Taehyung did not understand. But now, as the future CEO of their company, he knows that it was competition. It still is.
That is why he is surprised to know that both the families arranged a marriage in between them.
He also noticed how Jeongguk's bright eyes started to dim after he presented as an omega.
Taehyung too, like many of the other people who knew Jeongguk personally thought he would present as an alpha. His mother and father both were alphas, and it was only natural for Jeongguk to present as one too.
So Taehyung was shocked when he overheard his mother on the telephone speaking with Jeongguk's, who was informing them about the situation.
Jeongguk was a late presenter. While most of the people present at the age of sixteen, the younger did not until he was nineteen.
It was unheard of and very unnatural.
Jeongguk always worried whether he was not a wolf but Taehyung always consoled him, and soothed his worries.
When Taehyung presented as an alpha, his feelings towards the younger changed. He always wanted to take care of the younger, provide for him and protect him.
His alpha instincts did not help one bit, but he made it work, repressing them.
He dated, watched the younger date others, but none of it made the pull he had towards the bunny tooth boy diminish.
But when he heard that the younger presented as an omega, every time he saw him, his instincts intensified a ten times over, and he slowly began to keep a distance between them.
He knew, he observed how the younger's face fell every time he rejected his plans of hanging out, how he nodded with a small smile and didn't argue with him.
And over time, Jeongguk stopped inviting him over, and Taehyung too, moved to an entirely different country, breaking their already thin wired friendship.
Taehyung was always there in every important event of the younger and his only regret is not bidding the omega one final goodbye before he moved to Japan for university.
He hopes Jeongguk gives him a chance to explain himself.
With that hopeful thought he boards the plane, ready to start a new chapter of his life.
Taehyung is met with the scent of lavender as soon as he is in the terminal, and soon enough he finds his mother patiently waiting for him.
His father is also there, a bouquet in his hand, and Yoongi, his favourite cousin, who is tapping away something in his phone.
His mother sees him first and immediately opens her arms and Taehyung dives in, taking in her scent.
Taehyung never returned home since the day he went to Japan, and seeing his mother after many years makes him emotional.
When they part, he turns towards his father. “Appa” he greets, and is soon engulfed in a hug, his father's strong camphor scent hitting him with a force.
He smells the bouquet and is instantly reminded of Jeongguk.
He shakes his head and wills his thoughts away, finally facing Yoongi. Min Yoongi, an alpha as well, one of his best friends since childhood, who is also his cousin from his eomma’s side.
Yoongi is never one for affection, or physical touch, but Taehyung ignores it all and tackles him in a hug.
He is instantly met with a groan of annoyance, but that only makes him tighten the hug even more.
“Aww hyung, I know you love me, you don't need to pretend” he says, finally freeing Yoongi from the hug.
“Shut the fuck up.” Is all Yoongi says, before taking his suitcase from him and making his way to the car.
“Still a feisty thing, that one.” His father says, as they follow Yoongi.
“You didn't have to come, appa. I know you are busy.”
“Nonsense, I had to welcome my son. It's not every day that my son comes from abroad is it? And where will I ever be of not here?” He coos, pinching his cheek.
Taehyung groans, flushing at the action. “Oh my god, don't embarrass me.”
They all laugh as they get into the car, the vehicle smoothly driving away to the Kim mansion.
“We had a talk with the Jeons. You should meet Jeongguk soon. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do, no?” His mother speaks up, interrupting the silence.
“Yeah, alright. But I need to rest first. Then I'm all ready for everything you say.” Taehyung answers around a yawn.
“Of course, honey. Everything will be done according to your wishes. We are not forcing you. You know that right? It's your decision in the end.”
“Thank you eomma. I'll meet him soon.”
The silence follows them until their destination and as soon as Taehyung is in his bedroom, he falls face first onto the mattress, slipping into the dreamland immediately.
Next morning, he is woken up when he feels something wiggling on his face, and he finds tannie, his pet dog, licking his chin.
His eyes crinkle as he pets the dog's fur, remembering his childhood as he played with this same adorable puppy.
His mind travels to Jeongguk, who loved the dog as his own. He always wanted a pet, but his parents denied, and so Jeongguk spent most of the time he visited Taehyung's playing with tannie.
Taehyung was jealous at first, but seeing how happy the younger was, he joined Jeongguk and the three of them played together, laughter and screeches filling their backyard.
He wonders if Jeongguk remembers tannie. He does not know if Jeongguk kept contact with his parents after he moved to Japan.
Taehyung did not want to talk about the omega, and his mother too, after observing Taehyung's reluctance on speaking about Jeongguk, didn't bring the matter up ever again.
He sighs, pets his dog one last time and gets up from his comfortable bed, making his way into the bathroom to get ready for the day.
His parents greet him as soon as he sets foot in the dining room, elated expressions in their face.
“I thought you would sleep for some more time, darling.” She looks at the giant clock hanging on the opposite wall. “It's still early.”
“Yeah, couldn't sleep.” Taehyung murmurs, buttering his toast.
“Why? Something bothering you?”
He instantly feels guilt filling him at the concern in his mother's voice.
“Nothing eomma, just need time to settle again. I'm good, promise.”
His mother scrutinizes him for various minutes and nods, heaving a sigh.
After a few minutes of silence, his father speaks up, clearing his throat.
“Taehyung-ah.”
“Yeah, appa?”
“Would you like to meet Jeongguk today?”
Taehyung almost chokes on his toast. Almost.
“Um why?”
His father chuckles. “What do you mean why? You guys are going to get married. Don't you want to meet him?”
“We are getting married?” Taehyung exclaims.
His mother whips her head from where she was having her salad. “Taehyung, why do you think you are here? I thought we said you are arranged to be married to Jeongguk.”
“Yeah I know. But I thought I still have time to make a decision!!” Taehyung is getting worked up, and he himself is not aware of the reason.
He can feel buzz under his skin, and the change in his scent.
His mother too, notices that, because she clasps his hand in her own, caressing it gently. “Honey” she looks at her husband. “We thought you liked Jeongguk. Don't you?”
That's the problem though. He likes Jeongguk. Hell, he loves him. But he has no idea about how the other feels though. And something says that Jeongguk is not on board with the marriage.
When Taehyung stays silent, his mother speaks agian.
“Why don't you meet Jeongguk? We will go from there, yeah?”
Taehyung nods, sighing.
“Is he- is he willing to meet me?”
His mother beams at him. “Of course. Euna says he was born ready. Just tell the time and place and he will be there.”
“I can get ready in an hour. We can meet at a cafe?” He asks.
“Sure, honey. As you wish.”
“Which cafe you are thinking about?” His father pipes up.
“Just tell him to come to our cafe. He would understand.” Taehyung says, and walks up to his room.
If Jeongguk doesn't remember, then he is going to get his heart crushed.
But atleast then he would know what is in Jeongguk's heart.
Taehyung reaches their destination fifteen minutes earlier.
He sits in the farthest booth, away from prying eyes and chatter of the customers. Their booth, he thinks longingly as he caresses the plush cushion.
The cafe is not that changed. Just a few renovations here and there, and the owners are the same too.
It is like a cottage in middle of a jungle, and Jeongguk used to love the ambience.
So naturally, Taehyung brought them there every chance he got, and puffed up his chest every single time Jeongguk's face lit up.
Taehyung waits for Jeongguk, tapping away in his phone to pass the time, as the waitress brings his order.
She is an omega, and he is ninety percent sure that she is flirting with him.
When she bites her lower lip, and cocks her hip to the side, leaning against the table, his suspicions are confirmed.
He opens his mouth to politely tell her off, when a sound of throat clearing makes them turn to it.
“Jeongguk.” He whispers, as he stands up from the chair. His limbs are awkward, not knowing what to do with them.
He wants to hug the younger and breath him in, but he is sure that is extremely inappropriate in the public.
Jeongguk also looks like he will punch him in the face if he takes a step in his direction, so he shoves his hands in his pockets.
But Jeongguk is not looking at him though, his attention is fully on the omega who was previously flirting with him.
The omegas glare at each other and Taehyung is perplexed by the idea of it.
Is it allowed for the employees to be hostile towards their customers?
Is Jeongguk jealous now? Jealous of the waitress? Who was clearly flirting with him?
He is brought back from his thoughts when Jeongguk drags the chair and sits on it, crossing his legs.
Jeongguk looks expensive. With his silk shirt and dress shoes, hair gelled and parted.
Tattoos peek from the sleeve of his shirt, and hoop earrings adorning his ears, piercings on the left eyebrow and the lower lip on the same side.
Jeongguk looks beautiful. Regal. And Taehyung is brought back with the memories of being attracted to him.
Jeongguk glares at the waitress and she scurries away, stumbling in her steps.
To say Taehyung is amused is an understatement.
When Jeongguk finally looks at him, Taehyung gets lost in his eyes..
Jeongguk changed. A lot. The scrawny little kid with hunched shoulders and timid personality is nowhere to be found and Taehyung is in dilemma about whether to mourn the boy he once knew or worship the man in front of him.
“Taehyung-ssi” Jeongguk nods, his face blank.
The alpha is shocked. Did Jeongguk, a bratty kid, who refused to call him hyung, who made his life hell with his brattiness, whose smile could rival the shine of the sun, just used honorific with him?
He gapes his mouth, unable to form the sentences. But Jeongguk seems not to mind. Or care for that matter, because he is giving off an air of nonchalance, which Taehyung never saw on him.
“I was told that we are to be married. And you wanted to meet with me?” He checks his watch. “I'm a bit busy, you see. So if you would get to work, I'd be happy.” He smiles. But that seems mocking. “Taehyung-ssi.” He adds, as he sips the water from the glass.
Yep. Definitely mocking.
If Taehyung was any less shocked, he would play along. But his brain is wired with how Jeongguk is acting with him.
Like strangers.
“Uh. Yeah. I just wanted to see- see you.” Taehyung croaks out. “It's been so long. Years. I wanted to get-”
“Leave it Taehyung-ssi. I have no interest in digging the past. Let's focus on the present. Are you ready for the wedding?”
Taehyung feels like he was slapped across the face. This new Jeongguk, he is having a hard time understanding him.
The glare in his eyes, the constant tick of his jaw, his face a mask for his emotions.
“Taehyung-ssi?”
“Uh? Yeah. Yeah?”
“Are you ready for the union? Are you okay to get married to me?”
Taehyung nods his head. “Yeah. I mean, it's what our parents wanted.”
Jungkook jabs his tongue into his cheek, and he looks pissed off. “Right.” He nods.
“Well, that's settled then. See you at the altar.”
With that, he gets up, grabbing his car keys.
“Wait.” Taehyung almost shouts, not wanting the omega to leave yet.
“Yes?” Jeongguk cocks his head. “Taehyung-ssi?”
Taehyung is starting to get real annoyed at how the younger calls him, but he swallows his words, keeping a present expression.
“What do you mean see you at the altar? What about the preparations? Outfits, cake, flowe-”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “All will be looked over by our parents. But, if you want to participate, by any means, please go ahead. I have a company to look after which is one mistake away from falling into shambles.” He smiles, lips pressed tight. “Anything else, Taehyung-ssi?”
“No, that is all.”
“Great.”
The omega turns around, making his way to the exit, but he comes near Taehyung again.
“I have one request though.” He starts.
Taehyung perks up. “Yes please. Anything. I want you to be comfortable and everything to be perfect.”
Jungkook looks at him, a hint of some expression slipping into his face, but then schools it immediately, clearing his throat.
“Just don't kiss me.” He states.
“What?”
“On the day of our wedding. Please don't kiss me.”
And with that he walks away, leaving a confused and heartbroken Taehyung.
The wedding arrangements pass by a blur. Just as Jeongguk said, he is nowhere be seen.
But Taehyung took everything under his control. If Jeongguk doesn't want to, he can not do anything about it. But this marriage, even if it is arranged, is special for Taehyung. Taehyung is sure he will win Jeongguk over.
Taehyung makes sure to be present at every important thing for the wedding. He chose the cake flavour, their wedding outfits, flowers, the menu for the reception, anything and everything which requires the attention of the groom.
He is a little disheartened about the fact that Jeongguk is not there with him, and if their families notice the strange behaviour, they do not pry.
Aside from the obvious absence of the omega, Taehyung is pretty satisfied about the arrangements. What he is not happy about is Jeongguk being so against about it and not even sparing him time to talk.
But it's okay. He consoles himself. He will do everything he can to mend their relationship. He is marrying the love of his life afterall.
The day of the wedding, Taehyung is jittery. He works on autopilot, getting dressed, as a beta applies makeup on his face.
His mother went all in, and he couldn't refuse her.
The event was the talk of the country, as the heirs of the two most influential companies of South Korea are getting married, the news was took by a storm.
Even though the news was public, the wedding itself was private. But the guests were over five hundred people, and Taehyung, who grew away from all the media is overwhelmed.
He is also shocked to his core. The number of well wishes Jeongguk got were phenomenal. Taehyung never knew the impact of the younger.
Many non profit organisations, volunteers, artists and many more graced them with their presence, and as Taehyung makes his way to bring Jeongguk to the altar, he is not proud to say that he shakes a little.
Taehyung remembered a little detail Jeongguk shared with them when they were kids.
The younger always wanted someone else to walk him down the altar. Not his father. He didn't have many good memories with the older alpha and he wished the day he starts a new journey, that will be not from the person who pained him to no end.
And so Taehyung took upon himself to request both of their families that they would walk down the altar together, forgoing the traditional method.
Even though Euna, Jeongguk's mother wrinkled her nose at that, she eventually agreed without much fuss.
Taehyung takes a deep breath as he stands outside of the door that Jeongguk is getting ready in, patting his suit.
He knows Jeongguk is behind the door, getting married against his will, and that minute, Taehyung vows to himself to keep the omega happy always.
He knocks on the door, and Jeongguk opens it. He thought someone might be in the room with Jeongguk, but to his utter astonishment, the room is empty except for the omega.
The omega who is going to be married to him.
The omega who clearly loved him once, and Taehyung fucked up.
The omega who Taehyung will spend the rest of his life with.