Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

This is a terrible idea. Jungkook knew it from the start, when Namjoon planted the seeds of it in his head. Let me put you out of your misery, he said. Jungkook punched him in the arm for it. He genuinely considered aiming for his pretty face, but the lawyer had to be present at the court the next day - that’s the only reason he spared him; his best friend status wouldn’t have helped him this time. 

Jungkook stares at his phone screen, the sugar baby website staring back at him, taunting. 

“There are plenty of hot alphas in there, I checked,” Namjoon says with a sly grin, prompting an eye roll from the other. 

“You don’t even like alphas.” 

“I still have eyes, duh.” 

Jungkook doesn’t entertain him with a reply, only stares at his phone blankly, his mind reeling. It’s a desperate move, but isn’t he desperate? His heats have been killing him lately and they get worse with every time he spends one without an alpha. It’s a curse to like knots, truly. 

Still, is it worth it? 

“I don’t know Joonie,” Jungkook puts his phone down with a sigh, “it seems risky.” 

“Many people use it, both omegas and alphas. The wolves who offer their services are thoroughly vetted and they have to go through sensitivity training. They even consent to partake in an investigation if their partner has any complaints,” the lawyer says softly. 

Jungkook exhales shakily, hand raking over his face. “Fuck, Joon...“ 

“Just think about it, okay?” Namjoon interjects, reaching over the desk to give his hand a reassuring squeeze, “and if you happen to find an alpha you won’t punch in five minutes, I’ll whip up a bulletproof NDA for you,” he adds with a grin. 

Jungkook snorts at that, shaking his head in disbelief. 

“You better put a clause into it about the punching too, just in case,” he says, only half-joking. 

“So you’re considering it?” his friend says with a hopeful expression. 

“I—“ Jungkook bites his lower lip. No. Maybe? Maybe. “I’ll think about it. Let’s just focus on work for now, okay?” 

Namjoon pouts, but only for a moment, switching into work-mode swiftly, much to the Jungkook’s relief. 

Jungkook puts the idea on the backburner for the rest of the week, procrastinating the decision until he physically can’t anymore - preheat . The bane of his existence. 

You see, Jungkook is a strong, independent omega. Contrary to popular belief, he’s perfectly fine without an alpha. Hell, he’s survived thirty-seven years without one, why would he need a stinky alpha in his nest?

Except when he’s in heat. Nothing else helps and believe him, Jungkook tried everything . His omega is only satisfied when there’s a knot nested deep inside him and boy, does he despise his wolf for it. 

Still, it can’t be helped; nor can it be stubbornly ignored as Jungkook likes to do with things he doesn’t like. It takes over his entire being, turning him into something he doesn’t like at all – desperate. Yes, he is desperate. Definitely not lonely , contrary to his friend’s horrendous assumption. Silly Namjoon. That’s how Jungkook justifies his actions when he ends up registering on the sugar baby website. His face burns with embarrassment as he fills out the questionnaire, even though he rationally knows he has nothing to be ashamed about. He’s been preaching about sex positivity for ages, hell, he’s held conferences about it, but it’s just as much internal fight as it is external, isn’t it? Some internalized omegaphobic assumptions are just harder to unlearn than others.

It’s truly a relief when he can finally focus on work instead of discussing his sex life – or lack thereof – with his best friend. The sugar baby website only crosses his mind once he’s in bed, staring at the ceiling with the foreboding cramping in his lower belly. His heats get progressively worse with every one he spends alone. It’s his sixth one without a partner. The last time he dragged it out this long, he ended up calling an old flame in the middle of his heat to help him, crying like a little baby. It was humiliating to his human side, but his omega knows no shame when it comes to alphas, that horny little shit. Needless to say, it was awkward to explain to the guy after his heat that it didn’t mean anything. He got super pissed and called Jungkook vile names, which only solidified in him that he made the right decision to dump his sorry ass. 

Jungkook would rather admit to Namjoon that hiring a heat partner was a good idea than let that man anywhere near him ever again. 

As if summoned, his phone pings. Jungkook glances at the brightly lit screen, recognizing the logo of the website on top of his notifications. You have matches! it says. He grabs his half-charged phone from the side table, opening the site once again. Indeed, the website offers him several alphas that match his sexual preferences. Jungkook scrolls through the profiles, scrunching his nose in disgust as the typical alpha posturing gets progressively worse. He’s about to give up completely when a head of bubble gum pink hair stops him. The owner of it doesn’t look anything alpha-like — maybe that’s exactly what catches Jungkook’s attention. Although his jawline is sharp as alphas’ face structure usually is, his other features are soft and kind . Jungkook isn’t sure why the latter is one of the first words that come to his mind, but his inner wolf is set on it with utter certainty. It yips and wags its tail in his head when he learns more details about the alpha from his profile. 

Chocolate with a dash of cinnamon would compliment our whipped cream scent so well, his omega remarks enthusiastically. When Jungkook doesn’t shut down its daydreaming immediately, his wolf continues raving about how a younger alpha like him has much more stamina than the boring ones their age and could satisfy them better during their heat, making the human close his eyes embarrassedly. 

So desperate. 

With a deep inhale, Jungkook makes a choice, putting his phone back on its charger before he regrets it. 

~~~

The alpha confirms he’ll be his heat partner by the morning, texting him an innocent hi and a cute emoji. Jungkook promptly ignores it, too overwhelmed to deal with his feelings about it. He doesn’t admit it to himself though, and instead blames the morning rush. The device burns his pocket as he drives to work, scorching by the time he manages to reach the office coffee machine. He groans when he finds they are out of coffee beans. They’re constantly lacking everything except passion, Namjoon likes to say. Jungkook almost threw his empty mug at him the last time he said it, but to be fair, there is some truth in it. 

Omegas Pro Bono Initiative – or OPI, as they like to call it  – is their love child. They launched it back when the lawyer was fresh out of school and Jungkook — well, he didn’t have a diploma since he dropped out, but he was just as frustrated and disillusioned by the justice system as Namjoon was. It started out as a small project with the older one giving free legal advice at an omegas’ shelter Jungkook volunteered at, then grew into something neither of them expected. One lawyer became three, then five. Now they always have a handful of volunteers offering their services to the most vulnerable. Needless to say, it’s never easy to find donors who are willing to spare some money for their cause.  Saving omegas from their abusive mates or helping them when their alpha threatens to take away their pups if they leave aren’t popular causes. So, they mostly rely on volunteer work, saving the little money they have to run the office. The lawyers have their additional income from their main job, including Namjoon. Jungkook works here full time, but he is a special case, given his family’s wealth. His chaebol status isn’t something he’s proud of, but he tries to make the best of his position and money. His parents aren’t exactly happy about how he uses his inheritance, but Jungkook stopped caring about their opinion ages ago. 

“Good morning, Jungkook-ssi,” Taehyung’s deep baritone cuts through his thoughts, the young omega holding three takeout coffees with a side of bright grin on his face. 

“You’re a lifesaver, Taehyung-ah,” Jungkook sighs out in relief, accepting the beverage gratefully. “Ah,” he moans at the first sip, “did I ever tell you you’re my favorite employee?” he says, eliciting a cackle. 

“Only every time I bring you coffee,” the Taehyung sing songs, placing the rest of the coffees down on the round conference table before he steps to his own tiny desk in the corner. “I can’t stay long though,  have a class in the afternoon.” 

Jungkook smiles, following his movements with a fond expression. Taehyung has been one of their very few recurring student volunteers. The first time he came here, he was new to the big city and its disadvantages. Seoul doesn’t treat naive omegas kindly. It tears them apart, limb by limb, then laughs into their faces for ever being foolish enough to think they are safe. Taehyung reminded Jungkook of his younger self, with his positive outlook and enthusiasm. He came to the city to study law, just like he did, and the obnoxious alphas at the university did everything to remind him he doesn’t belong there, just like they did with him. Except, Taehyung had a shoulder to cry on, a safety net to hold onto. So, he pushed through. Jungkook thinks it’s one of his biggest achievements yet. 

Taehyung is a couple months short of becoming a full-fledged lawyer and they’re both immensely proud of him. He’s been steadily rising the ranks – from volunteer to intern, and now to half-time employee –focusing more on the professional work with Namjoon’s guidance rather than the operative assignments he was previously tasked with. 

It’s four hours later, when Namjoon finally escapes the courthouse and arrives at the office too. He looks more exhausted than usual, his hair tousled from running his fingers through it one too many times — not a good sign. Jungkook offers him his takeout noodles he saved for lunch, the lawyer accepting it with a grateful smile. 

“So, how did it go?” Jungkook asks carefully, already knowing the answer when his friend freezes mid-bite, his face contorting. It passes in a blink of an eye, Jungkook schooling his expression swiftly, but Jungkook knows him well enough to notice the smallest twitch of his face. “Damn it,” he curses under his breath, the familiar sense of disappointment settling in his heart. Haneul, the defendant, left her alpha over a year ago with nothing to her name. The fucker didn’t care much until he was notified she’s pregnant – doctors are legally bound to alert the partner if case of a registered mating – but now he wants custody of the pup. Understandably, Haneul was petrified by the idea after being subjected to his abuse for years. Their goal was to make sure the alpha wouldn’t come anywhere near the pup or the mom, but they both had a hunch it wouldn’t fly at the court. After all, being a terrible, violent person to your mate out of all people isn’t enough of an excuse to forbid someone from seeing their child, right? Ugh, even thinking about it makes Jungkook’s blood boil. 

“Yeah,” Namjoon nods, taking another bite and chewing it thoroughly as the bad news settle. “I’ll file an appeal, but the best case scenario is supervised visitation,” he explains. “Haneul is pretty shaken up. I think you should talk to her, Kook-ah.” 

Jungkook nods, the food feeling like ash in his mouth suddenly. He wills himself to swallow it, then puts his chopsticks down. Jungkook loves his job. He wouldn’t trade it for anything, with all of its ups and downs. Still, there’s one thing he always dreads to do: look into the victims eyes after they failed to protect them. It somehow naturally ended up being Jungkook’s duty as he has always been better at handling people. Namjoon is an amazing lawyer, but he can be a bit daft when it comes to feelings. 

“I’m pretty bummed out too,” the lawyer sighs, stretching his legs under the table. “It’s been a shitty week. I need a win,” he mumbles, pausing for a moment before he adds, “I think I’m gonna call Hobi,” eliciting a litany of disapproving words. “What? I worked my ass off, I deserve to get laid!”

“No offense, Joon-hyung, but calling your fling after he told you to go to hell isn’t what I’d refer to as a win.” 

“Just because you say no offense, doesn’t mean it’s not offensive,” Namjoon scoffs, kicking his friend in the shin under the table. Jungkook hisses, kicking him right back.

“Okay, full offense then,” Jungkook bites back, the two ending up playing footsie under the table, completely lost in their own world. They have the good grace to blush at least when Taehyung bursts into a fit of giggles. “Maybe we should stop airing our dirty laundry to the employees, hyung. I think it ruins our reputation as professionals,” he says, only half-joking. 

“Oh, no, please,” Taehyung says mid-laugh, waving his hand, “your stories make me feel less self-conscious about my non-existent love life.” 

“Since we’re on the topic of non-existent love lives,” Namjoon turns to his friend with a wry grin that means no good. “Did you find an alpha for your heat?”

The morning text he left unanswered flashes through Jungkook’s mind. He lets it show on his face for a moment long enough for his friend to catch onto it. 

“Oh my god, you did!” Namjoon cheers. 

Jungkook hides his face with an embarrassed groan. 

“What’s his name? Is he cute? Dick big?”

Jungkook slips even lower on his seat, wishing for the earth to swallow him. 

“Get off my back, will you, hyung?” Jungkook scowls profusely, “at least while I’m in preheat.” 

“Wait, you’re working during your preheat ?” Taehyung interjects, horrified. Jungkook slaps his palm over his face with a groan. He is too irritated and tired to deal with this conversation again. Yes, he prefers to consume a handful of pain meds and do something useful instead of rotting alone in his nest, sue him. 

“Don’t even bother, Taehyung-ah,” Namjoon waves the younger off, promptly ignoring the daggers Jungkook’s eyes are shooting at him. He is awfully good at that. “I’ve been telling him for years that he won’t get a cookie for pushing through it, but his skull is too thick for any sense to get through,” he knocks on his own head for good measure. “Also, you’re the one refusing to go on a sick leave,” Namjoon replies to Jungkook next, “tolerating me is part of your job description,” he says before turning back to Taehyung. “I mean it, I literally wrote it into his job description.” 

Taehyung bursts into a fit of laughter at that, while Namjoon turns to Jungkook with a smug grin. ‘See? I told you it’s funny as hell,’ his smile says. Jungkook rolls his eyes, though he can’t help the way his lips curl up around the corners. 

“Alright, as entertaining as you are, guys, I have to get to class,” Taehyung starts packing his stuff into his backpack once they calm down, “Professor Choi has been on my ass since the start of the semester,” he mumbles under his nose with a little huff, “I don’t want to give him more reason to hate me.” 

“Sure,” Jungkook gives him a sympathetic smile. “See you tomorrow.” 

“Yeah, see you, hyung. Don’t work too hard, okay?” Taehyung smiles, though it’s not as vibrant as it was a moment ago. 

“Oh, Taehyung-ah,” Namjoon stops him before he turns the doorknob, “I read your report. No comments from my side,” he says with a warm smile. “You did a good job, kiddo.” 

Jungkook beams, the light returning into his eyes. “Thank you, hyung,” he says softly before leaving in a hurry. 

“Alright,” Namjoon turns to him with a serious expression the second the door closes. ”Back to business.” 

“Haneul’s case?” 

“No, silly,” the lawyer waves him off. “I mean, technically yeah, that is our business, but I meant your business. Did you text him?” he asks, already knowing the answer judging by his expression.

Jungkook groans. “I’m having cold feet, ‘kay? Maybe it’s safer if I just get through it on my own,” he says, attempting to bury himself in the files in front of him, turning the page with a bit more violence than needed. 

“But that’s the thing, Kook. You don’t have to push through it. Heats are supposed to be a special time, but you’re using it as a way to punish yourself instead of embracing it,” Namjoon says, continuing before the other could argue. “Please, give it a try. Just this once, okay? I promise I’ll leave you alone if you hate it,” he says, a small smile blooming on his lips, “and if you, by any chance, end up loving it, I won’t gloat either.”

Jungkook ducks his head, feeling his cheeks flush. His gaze finds his phone on the edge of the table, the pink-haired alpha sneaking into his thoughts again. Goddammit. Perhaps, Namjoon is right. It wouldn’t hurt to try, right? Or text the guy back, at least.

Jungkook takes a deep breath and grabs his phone with intention. 

~~~

Jungkook stares at his nest, the layers of soft blankets and clothes arranged on his spacious bed. It looks like it always does, all neat and color coordinated, yet something is still terribly wrong with it. He whines in frustration, adjusting the pillows desperately. He doesn’t have time for this. The alpha could arrive any moment, and he doesn’t even have his nest ready. What kind of omega is he? He can’t even make a nest. Stupid. Useless.

The doorbell rings. Jungkook freezes, his breathing heavy in the following silence. He gathers himself when it rings again, limbs heavy as lead as he walks to the door to open it. 

It was a terrible, horrible idea. 

He invited a strange alpha into his place, one he barely talked to. It’s not the alpha’s fault though, rather Jungkook’s inability to hold a conversation. The poor guy tried his best, he was just too annoyed by his preheat to function properly. Jungkook was about to cancel the entire deal when the first wave of cramps hit him. It was brutal . Jungkook took it as a warning sign, a painful threat by his body, and cave in. 

“Hi,” the alpha - Jimin, his name is Jimin -  greets him with a warm smile, the chocolate and cinnamon already infiltrating Jungkook’s senses. Jungkook swallows down the whimper threatening to rip out of him, stepping out of the way to let Jimin in. He studies Jimin’s lean body carefully, the energetic bounce in his steps. He’s a tad shorter than him, even less intimidating in person with that soft expression on his face. He must’ve been wearing makeup on his profile picture, Jungkook realizes, noticing how his eyes look much rounder in person, making him look much younger than his age; although twenty-six is already pretty young if you ask him. It feels like a lifetime ago for Jungkook with his thirty-seven years. “You didn’t reply when I asked if I should bring something, but I thought some snacks shouldn’t hurt,” Jimin lifts the grocery bag he brought with a sheepish smile.

“Yeah — thanks,” Jungkook mumbles, wiping his clammy hands as he watches the younger one unpack the snacks onto the kitchen counter. Sweet. That’s the first thing that comes to his mind. Jimin seems sweet and caring and Jungkook wants to believe it so bad. He wishes he could. Next, Jimin looks around curiously, hands hidden in the pockets of his baggy jeans. The silence is awfully awkward, but he either doesn’t notice or decides to promptly ignore it. Jungkook glances back at his nest, the familiar agitation rising in his chest again. His hands twitch with the urge to fix it, make it perfect before Jimin notices... 

Fuck . He is already losing himself. He needs to get a grip. 

Jungkook closes his eyes, taking a deep breath to gather himself before he turns to Jimin. 

“There’s an NDA on the table for you,” he points at the neat stack of paper. Jimin blinks, eyes wide with confusion for a moment. He looks like he wants to say something, but opts to do as Jungkook says instead. He hums as he brushes through the first page, then glances up. 

“You know my contract with the agency includes an NDA, right?” 

“Uhum,” Jungkook nods distractedly, fluffing up the pillows in his nest in a desperate attempt to fix it. It doesn’t work. Jungkook wants to scream . “J-just read through it and if you have any questions, you can talk to my lawyer.” 

“Alright,” Jimin replies quietly, still immersed in the pages. Jungkook thinks he spots a smile ghosting on his face but it disappears before he could make sense of it. Besides, he’s too busy with his nest to analyze it further, his frustration morphing into anxiety. He’s running out of time, he feels it in the way his stomach twists, how his head is growing dizzy with every haste movement he makes. His heat is about to hit and he’ll have to make it through in a terrible, messy nest.

“Would you like my shirt for that?” 

Jungkook halters, his cheeks burning when his own sour scent hits his nose. The shame turns scorching as it sweetens upon the offer, his inner omega awfully pleased by the idea. Jungkook swallows thickly, letting the pillow he’s been holding fall and holds out his hands towards Jimin as a silent request. He hears some shuffling and the unmistakable sound of clothes ruffling, then a soft cotton material is placed into his palm. Jungkook is immediately hit with the mouthwatering scent of chocolate and cinnamon, having to physically hold himself back from just burying his face in the shirt by gripping into the flesh of his thigh until his knuckles turn white. He tucks the soft material in between two pillows at the headboard, the crown jewel of his nest. Jungkook decides not to dwell on how much it soothes his wolf, opting to splay out on the bed instead. He sighs in relief as their mixed scents wash over him, a little purr escaping him before he could control himself. Jungkook rolls around in the nest, rubbing his face all over the soft materials, inching closer and closer to the headboard. He slumps on his belly once he reaches the source of the chocolate scent, the low rumble in his chest growing louder. 

“You can get it from the source, you know,” Jimin’s amused tone pulls him out of his heat-induced daze. Jungkook wills himself to separate from the shirt just to shoot a death glare at the alpha. His grin doesn’t strike him as mean spirited by any means, but it still makes Jungkook grow defensive. 

“Just read the fucking contract, will you?” he says with a little growl that’s meant to come off menacing, or authoritative at least, but that only seems to pique Jimin’s interest, not intimidated at all. Jimin holds eye contact for a long moment, observing him with a smart gaze. Jungkook wants to look away, he truly does, but he finds himself unable to do so, despite the horrifying realization that his panties are sticking to his skin by now. 

 “Fine,” Jimin tears his gaze away - Jungkook doesn’t miss how his nostrils flare the exact moment he himself feels a glob of slick glide down his inner thigh - and picks up where he left off. “Looks reasonable to me,” he murmurs in a few minutes. He grabs the pen intentionally set next to the contract, then signs both copies. 

Jungkook blinks. He expected a bit more resistance or confusion at least, given how insanely intricate Namjoon’s contracts can be. 

“You’re okay with it? Just like that?” He says in disbelief. “Do you even know what you signed up for?” 

“Yes, I believe I do,” Jimin nods, leaning on the edge of the table leisurely. “It’s very thorough.” 

It takes a moment for Jungkook to reply, distracted by the expanse of delicious-looking naked skin right in front of him. He snaps out of it when he registers the sly grin plastered over Jimin’s face. 

“Yes, I know. I have the best omega lawyer in town,” Jungkook says fiercely. Generally, he avoids referring to his Namjoon by his secondary gender, but he feels confrontational right now, angered by Jimin’s cool, polite demeanor. He wants him to slip up, to show his true face, the alpha behavior Jungkook is familiar with, the one he knows how to deal with. 

However, he doesn’t get the desired result. 

“I can see that,” Jimin replies with a smile, gentle and calm, none of the pity and disdain he initially expected. Jungkook can’t seem to throw him off. He isn’t sure if he finds it weird or just plain annoying. 

“Great,” Jungkook mumbles, unsure how to act. He caresses a fluffy blanket in his nest, the motion easing his mind a little bit. 

“Great,” Jimin repeats, taking a hesitant step closer. “May I enter?” he asks, referring to the nest. Jungkook’s wolf yips happily, its tail wagging at the notion of having the delicious smelling alpha in his nest. If his shirt made the nest this much better, imagine how wonderful it will be to have him in it.

Jungkook takes a big inhale, collecting himself before he nods. Jimin approaches him carefully, leaving some distance between them as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed - it’s still the closest they got to each other so far, the cinnamon so intense from up close it burns Jungkook’s nostrils. It’s what makes Jungkook snap. He reaches for the alpha, the younger man landing on his back with a surprised little huff. Jungkook straddles his lap and immediately goes for his neck, a relieved whine leaving his throat as the delicious scent invades his senses. His cock starts to chub up in the constraint of his sweatpants, hole clenching around nothing desperately. 

“Woah, okay, okay– Wait a minute,” Jimin gasps, grabbing his hips firmly when Jungkook starts to grind down on his crotch instinctively. Jungkook freezes, his mind hazy as his inner wolf tries to push to the surface. “Jungkook-ssi, are you with me?”  

“Shit, sorry,” Jungkook pulls away, trying to sit up straight and almost falling to the side. Jimin is there to keep him in place. “I’m sorry, I just... I can’t think straight anymore,” he stutters, avoiding Jimin’s gaze. He feels his eyes burning with shame and humiliation, his omega whining desperately at the notion of disappointing their alpha. Oh, he’s truly starting to lose it, isn’t he? 

“It’s okay, nothing’s wrong,” Jimin says gently, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on his hip bone. “I just want to talk to you before, uhm, we lose ourselves a little; talk about our preferences to keep everything safe and consensual, you know?” 

Jungkook’s brows furrow. “All of my hard nos and kinks were on my profile and I read yours too,” he says impatiently. 

“I know and I read it thoroughly, but it was rather — scarce” Jimin says, giving his waist a light squeeze to coax him into looking at him. Jungkook does with a sigh, feeling uncomfortably small and vulnerable under Jimin’s gaze. He isn’t comfortable talking about sex, sue him.  “I still have a lot of questions.” 

“Alright,” Jungkook nods, tearing his gaze away to keep his sanity. “Ask away.” 

“My goal here is to take care of you. What do you need me to do?” Jimin asks softly. 

“I just need your knot,” Jungkook replies stubbornly, “I can do everything else by myself.” 

Silence. He probably finds you weird , Jungkook’s mind notes. He’s never been your regular sweet and submissive omega. Alphas tend to find that appalling. Why would Jimin be any different? 

“Okay,” Jimin says carefully, his scent politely muted, not giving away his feelings. “I can provide that,” he says jokingly, eliciting a little scoff from Jungkook. “So, what about pet names? Are you comfortable with me calling you baby? Sweetheart?” Oh, Jungkook’s omega is very comfortable with that. His human side though, he isn’t sure. Those pet names were tainted for him a long time ago. 

“No,” Jungkook mumbles, his scent souring. He attempts to pull away Jimin, but the latter stops him gently. 

“Okay, sorry,” Jimin says, sounding honest. “Please don’t go. We’re just talking, yeah? This is why it’s important to discuss these things,” he says, releasing calming pheromones to soothe the omega. Jugkook slumps, inhaling the spicy sweet scent greedily. “So, should I call you Jungkook-ssi? Or — hyung?” Jimin tries again. Jungkook squirms, another glob of slick gushing out of his hole. Wait, does he have a hyung kink? “Okay, I take it as a yes, hyung ,” Jimin says playfully, his scent sweet and pleased. “What about kissing? Are you okay with that?” 

Jungkook gulps, fighting off his displeased omega as he shakes his head. Then, on a second thought, he adds, “anywhere but the lips,” failing to fight off his curiosity about how nice those pillowy lips must feel against his skin; he really wants to know. 

“I can work with that,” Jimin says in a sultry tone, pulling him down against his crotch. His cock presses against the omega’s ass, prompting a soft little gasp. 

“W-what about you?” Jungkook remembers to ask. It’s only fair, right? Quid pro quo. 

“Oh, I’m vers, really,” Jimin replies, his fingertips sneaking under the hem of his shirt, “there’s one thing though,” he continues, Jungkook willing himself to look into his eyes. “I do appreciate a little aftercare. Maybe some cuddles?” he asks, a little shy as he smiles. Jungkook notices a crooked tooth - it makes him look endearingly boyish. 

“Okay,” Jungkook nods, “I can do cuddles, I guess.” 

“Cool,” Jimin beams, his puppy-like expression shifting into something akin of a siren in a blink of an eye as he speaks next, “come on then, hyung. Use me however you please.” 

Jungkook exhales shakily, his mind going blank as the alpha pheromones envelope him, syrupy sweet. He instinctively goes for Jimin’s neck, rubbing his nose against his scent gland, inhaling the pheromones greedily. It’s not enough. Jungkook doesn’t think he’ll ever get enough of it. He attaches his mouth on Jimin’s neck next, moaning when the heady scent of lust clouds his mind. Jimin’s hips buck up, a low groan escaping his lips. Jungkook takes the memo and starts to grind his hips, loving the way Jimin’s breath hitches, his fingers digging into the meat of his backside. It makes him feel sexy, and powerful, and — way too overdressed. 

Jungkook sits up, reaching for the neckline of his shirt to pull it off. He hears Jimin cursing under his breath, the reaction filling him with a sense of pride he’d push into the back of his mind under any other circumstances. It’s humiliating to be so affected by an alpha’s attention, to say at least. 

“You’re so fucking hot,” Jimin says, his hands exploring the expanse of his chest, “I can’t believe I’ve got to have you.”

Jungkook grabs him by the wrists, pushing his hands above his head. “No one has me,” he says firmly, a knee-jerk reaction. Their faces are inches apart,Jimin’s eyes wide and shożcked, but his scent is spicy , burning Jungkook’s lungs. Oh, he likes it.  Interesting. Jungkook lets go of his hands. Jimin keeps them there, his cheeks flushed. It gets into Jungkook’s head a little; and his dick. 

High on adrenaline, Jungkook stands up on wobbly legs, reaching for Jimin’s pants. As he pulls the light wash jeans down, he reveals the tight black underwear, the alpha’s thick cock straining against the fabric. Jungkook’s hands tremble as he almost rips the underwear off him. A fresh wave of delicious chocolate hits his nose, Jungkook salivating, both at the smell and the view: Jimin is well-endowed - as expected from an alpha -, girthy and long, with a promising swell above his neatly trimmed pubic hair. His omega cries out in relief, making him slick up even more at the promise of a knot. Jungkook shimmies out of the rest of his clothes, wincing when his underwear lands on the hardwood floor with an unmistakable splat . He gulps down the embarrassment and opts to take his place on Jimin’s lap again, without a barrier this time. He goes back to sniffing and sucking his neck, moaning as Jimin’s cock slides between his ass cheeks deliciously. Oh, he can’t wait to have it inside — actually, he doesn’t have to. Jungkook lifts himself up hastily, attempting to position himself above the other’s cock, ready to descend. 

“Wha— wait, ah , wait!” Jimin stops him with a firm grip on his waist, stronger than Jungkook expected. It scratches something awfully primal in the back of his head, to know that Jimin could easily overpower him if he wanted; he just doesn’t . “Let me stretch you at least, hyung,” Jimin offers, his gaze full of worry, “you’re going to hurt yourself.”

Jungkook’s expression softens, not expecting the sudden shift in tone. He didn’t expect an alpha - who’s horny out of his mind, judging by his scent - to worry about his well-being. Taking care of an omega in their books usually just means fucking their brains out. They’re lucky the heat makes them orgasm so easily, to be quite honest. Jungkook shudders by just imagining being at the mercy of an alpha’s dick game - or worse, their sympathy - in such vulnerable times. 

That’s exactly why he’d come prepared. 

“No need. I’d already done that,” he mumbles, ascending with a relieved sigh. The sudden movement punches a moan out of Jimin, his hand scrambling to his thighs to ground himself. Jungkook steadies himself with his palms flat on the younger man’s chest,  wiggling his hips to relish the feeling; it’s so much better than any toy he’s ever tried: warm and hard and reactive to his every move. 

“You sure you’re okay?” Jimin asks, his voice strained, the care and restraint he’s showing pulling something strange and uncomfortable to the surface inside Jungkook's heart. Jungkook isn’t sure he likes it. 

“Yeah,” he breathes out, attempting to collect himself with a shaky breath, “and you?” 

“Yes, ‘course,” Jimin nods with a faint smile. “Feels good. Go on, hyung,” he says with a caress on Jungkook’s bare thigh that’s way too tender, way too personal for Jungkook’s liking. His omega though? Oh it adores the alpha already. What a touch-starved idiot. Still, Jungkook is determined to win this fight. He’s the one in charge this time, not his wolf. Carefully, Jungkook lifts himself until only the tip is inside him, then descends in one smooth slide. They moan in unison, egging the older man to continue eagerly. Jungkook bounces in Jimin’s lap with a vigor, so wound up and high on pheromones he doesn’t even notice the burn of exhaustion developing in his thighs. They are rendered into a symphony of moans and the unmistakable squelching sound of sex, the impending orgasm building up in Jungkook’s insides swiftly. Jimin isn’t faring any better, judging by how he’s starting to struggle to keep his hips in place, bucking up from time to time to meet the omega. 

Then, he feels the unmistakable tug on his rim, disrupting Jungkook’s rhythm for a second. Jungkook’s breath hitches, his mind going empty other than the primal instinct to be filled with seed. He hopes the alpha will come a lot and his belly will bloat, Jungkook finds himself thinking, his heat-dazed mind completely ignoring the fact that he is on contraceptives as his palms slide off the younger’s sweaty torso. Jungkook topples over, catching himself with his hands on either side of Jimin’s head, their faces inches apart as he continues chasing his orgasm clumsily. He notices how Jimin’s eyes flicker to his lips, the hunger in his eyes, expecting Jimin to break their agreement. He doesn’t. Instead, Jimin buries his face in his neck, nipping at his collarbone as they approach their orgasms. 

It feels like a carcash. 

Jungkook’s vision goes white, the pleasure so overwhelming he feels a tear escape his eyes. Jimin shudders through the orgasm, grinding Jungkook’s hips down to ride it out before his knot locks in place completely. His arms trembling from the strain, Jungkook slumps down on top of Jimin, trying to catch his breath. The exhaustion settles on him like a weighted blanket along with the alpha’s arms, caressing his back tenderly. 

Jungkook feels a barely there kiss pressed onto his shoulder before he enters dreamland. 

~~~

The next time Jungkook is lucid, it’s the night. He faintly remembers it was dark when his cycle first hit, but judging by the ache in his limbs, it’s not the same day. The room is enveloped in darkness, other than the city lights seeping in through the shutters. Jungkook blinks his eyes open, expecting to find himself sticky with dried come and slick, but much to his pleasant surprise, he feels comfortable in his skin, not counting the familiar itch building in his gut. The next thing he notices is the arm wrapped around his torso, warm and heavy, pulling him closer instinctively as he wiggles a bit. Jungkook grimaces, finding the alpha’s possessiveness both annoying and weirdly endearing. He slips out of Jimin’s hold with a bit of struggle - thankfully, Jimin seems to sleep like a log - and sits up, mentally preparing himself for the walk to the small kitchenette on the other side of his loft apartment. It’s just a few steps, but even that feels too much with how exhausted and weak he feels. Still, he needs to go before the next wave hits. Jungkook stands up, holding onto the bed frame when the room starts to spin. He takes a deep breath, then another, and takes a hesitant step, still holding onto the bed. He grows entirely too confident when his knee doesn’t give up immediately and takes another, then another, letting go of the bed frame entirely - a terrible mistake. His knees buckle, a pained whine leaving his lips when he falls on his knees. 

“Hyung!” the panicked voice comes immediately, filling Jungkook with an uncomfortable blend of anger and the need to be taken care of. “Are you alright?” Jimin is next to him in a blink of an eye, helping him carefully. 

“I’m fine, I’m fine ,” Jungkook hisses, pulling himself out of Jimin’s hold, only to lose his balance again. This time, Jimin doesn’t let him fall. Jungkook’s eyes burn with tears, the frustration and humiliation demanding to burst out. “I can fucking walk myself,” he snaps at Jimin, “I don’t need your help.” 

“I know, hyung,” Jimin says patiently, though they both know it’s a lie. Jungkook can barely stand. It’s a miracle he still puts up with him. There’s only so much money can do. “I know you can do it on your own, but why not make it a bit easier on yourself, yeah?” he tries to reason with the stubborn omega, still struggling in his hold. “That’s why I’m here, to make things easier for you.” 

Jungkook slumps against Jimin’s firm chest, too exhausted to fight it. The thing is, he wants it to be easier. He’s too tired to fight it, to fight his wolf , and ignore his primal need to be taken care of. Is it really that bad? Does it make him any less of an activist? Isn’t the point of fighting for omega rights is to let everyone enjoy whatever they want, whatever they need , without shame? 

“There you go. It’s alright,” Jimin rubs his back tenderly; Jungkook just now notices they’re hugging — or more like, he is clutching onto him and Jimin just lets him. “Now, where do you need to go, hm? The bathroom?”

“Kitchen,” Jungkook sniffles, his tone whiny, “thirsty.” 

“Hyung, we have stacks of bottled water right beside the bed,” Jimin points out. 

“Wan’ banana milk.”

“Okay,” Jimin chuckles sweetly. “I’ll get you back to your nest and bring it to you, alright?” 

“No.” 

“No?” 

Jungkook shakes his head stubbornly. Now he’s just being a brat; he knows it, yet he can’t help it. 

“Fine,” Jimin sighs. “Kitchen it is,” he says, leaning down to pick up the omega bridal style. Jungkook squeaks, holding onto Jimin’s neck instinctively. 

“This is really unnecessary,” Jungkook says flatly, a weak attempt to mask how much it turns him on. The unmistakable scent of slick gives him away anyway. 

“You literally cannot stand straight,” Jimin says, more amused than anything. Jungkook huffs, but doesn’t say anything else. Jimin puts him down on a barstool and steps to the fridge. He bends down to grab the banana milk and Jungkook can’t help his gaze from wandering to his sculpted, round bottom. Dear lord, this guy is truly a piece of fine work. “Are you checking me out?” Jimin straightens up, looking at him over his shoulder with a cheeky smile. 

“No,” Jungkook says instinctively, despite being caught red handed. It makes Jimin cackle. Jungkook’s cheeks burn . 

“If you say so, hyung,” Jimin smiles, turning to him - stark naked - to give him the banana milk. “Here you go,” he says with a glint in his eyes. Oh, this little shit knows he’s hot. Jungkook squeezes his legs together, attempting to hold the slick in. He wants to wipe that smug smile off his face with a slap, or a kiss; he isn’t sure yet. Jungkook sips his banana milk, fixing his eyes on the ground to save himself from more embarrassment. Jimin cleans up in the meantime and stacks some banana milk in the mini fridge Jungkook keeps next to his bed. Jungkook steals a glance at him from time to time, unable to help himself when the soft, syrupy emotions develop in his chest. It’s so nice; so wonderful to be taken care of. Jungkook hates how damn good it is. “Ready to get back to bed?” Jimin asks, his gaze soft and warm. 

Jungkook swallows thickly, shaking his head. 

“No?” Jimin’s eyebrows lift in surprise. He leans on the edge of the counter, caging Jungkook in. “What would you like to do then?” he asks in a sultry tone, a lop-sided smile playing on his lips. 

“I want you to touch me,” Jungkook replies, his tone small. He wanted it to come out confident, but his voice keeps failing him. 

Jimin pushes closer, gliding his nose down Jungkook’s jawline. “Yeah? Where do you want me to touch you, hyung?” he is teasing, Jungkook knows he is, yet he can’t help himself. His grip on his omega is slipping and he’s too exhausted to tighten his grip. 

“Anywhere. Everywhere,” he breathes out, a soft gasp escaping his lips as he feels a playful nip on his neck; never the scent gland though, Jimin’s teeth always politely avoid that. 

Jimin hums, pressing a kiss on his skin before he speaks. “Can you stand if you lean on the counter? I’ll keep you steady.” 

Jungkook contemplates for a moment, then nods. Jimin helps him down the chair, turning him face forward the counter – oh, is he going to... – Jungkook props himself up on the counter, his palms sweaty against the cold marble. Jimin descends onto his knees, making Jungkook’s breath hitch, his scent sweetening with excitement. The first lick against his rim comes with purpose, not wasting any time. Jimin grabs his waist to keep his knees from giving in, sucking on his rim with a slurping sound that makes Jungkook’s face burn. 

“Mhm, you taste just as good as I imagined, hyung,” Jimin murmurs, pressing a chaste kiss on his ass cheek. The praise makes Jungkook’s omega preen, the familiar haze setting on his mind. The next lick punches a little whimper out of him, his legs trembling underneath him. Lord, it’s been so long since he’s been eaten out. It probably wasn’t even an alpha, but an omega from his experimental period... Jimin’s tongue breaches his rim, slipping inside. Jungkook moans, his chest splayed out on the counter. Jimin fucks him with his tongue with precision, the slick muscle massaging his walls deliciously. It’s when he adds a finger that Jungkook’s legs almost give out. He scrambles to hold onto the edges of the counter, moaning shamelessly as Jimin’s short fingers prod inside him, looking, searching – oh.  

“There, there, ah , fuck,” Jungkook moans, pushing his ass back against the intruding fingers. Jimin gets the memo, fucking him faster. 

“Yeah, hyung? Are you going to come on my tongue, hm?” Jimin keeps abusing his prostate, giving his rim a harsh suck. Jungkook’s mind goes blank after that, only managing to babble incoherently, until the band in his belly snaps, Jungkook coming all over the counter. Yet, something is still missing, his inner wolf not satiated. 

“Fuck me,” he mumbles impatiently, his chest still pressed on the counter. It feels good, being in this position. Jungkook ignores the small voice of reason inside his head telling him that technically, he is presenting, and he should probably stand up if he wants to keep any of his dignity. It feels less humiliating here than in the bed, where their positions aren’t as limited. 

“Okay,” Jimin chuckles faintly, still out of breath. “Bed?” Jimin asks, his tone so gentle and sweet, it tugs on Jungkook’s heartstrings. If it was only real — maybe he can pretend it is, only for a little bit. 

“No,” Jungkook croaks out, arching his back instinctively. “Here. Fuck me here, Jimin.” 

“Mhm, I like it when you’re bossy,” Jimin teases, pressing closer to Jungkook. His hard cock slips between Jungkook’s ass cheeks, prompting a choked moan, full of anticipation. He pushes his ass back impatiently, relief flooding his system when he feels the tip of the alpha’s cock breach his rim. Jimin pushes inside him with one fluid motion, no restriction whatsoever. He’s spent more time inside him than not these last few days, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it still makes something primal inside Jungkook swell with satisfaction, too wound up to feel ashamed about it — and it feels so fucking good. It’s so damn nice to just let go and give into his instincts. He deserves this. Jungkook deserves a nice alpha taking care of him and it doesn’t make him any less of a strong, independent omega. The realization is only made sweeter when Jimin starts pistoling into him, his sharp thrusts making Jungkook’s eyes roll back, his mouth opened in a silent moan. Jimin reaches into him deep, so deep Jungkook wonders if his cock makes his belly bulge. He’s hitting all the right places, massaging his abused prostate with every thrust. Fuck, if he knew Jimin could use his dick so well, he would’ve let him take the reels a long time ago. 

Jungkook lets his instincts overtake him, pleasure clouding his mind for the remainder of his heat. 

~~~

Jimin sprints through the empty hallway, cursing himself and his inability to wake up on time. This is the third time he’s late for Choi’s class. He threatened to fail anyone who’s late more than two times this semester. Jimin hopes he’ll be the exception, given he’s been on top of the class since first year. 

He stops in front of the designated classroom, peeking through the door in hope the professor is late by any chance. Of course, he isn’t. The projector is already working and Choi is immersed in explaining today’s legal history topic. Gods, he despises this class. It shouldn't even be a priority when they have a commercial law exam looming over their heads, but of course, Choi wouldn’t  let them off easy. His ego is too fragile for that. 

Jimin takes a big inhale, painting his most charming smile onto his face. He might hate this dude, but he doesn’t want to fall out of his good graces. Choi has a successful law firm and he intends to take the top students of his class as interns. It would look real good on Jimin’s CV. 

Professor Choi halts his words when the door creaks open, his face confronting upon seeing the intruder. 

“Park Jimin, what did I say about late arrival?” he says sternly. 

“I apologize, Professor,” Jimin bows politely as he backs to an empty seat. “I didn’t want to disturb the class, but I was so excited to hear about—” he glances at the projecting screen briefly, “the history of common law from your perspective, I couldn’t miss it.” He hears his friend, Yoongi, snort at his obvious boot licking. Jimin pretends he doesn’t hear it, then kicks him in the shin under the table once he’s seated. Yoongi hisses, shooting daggers at him that Jimin promptly ignores, smiling at the professor politely. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Jimin really wants that internship. 

As expected, the professor’s face softens by the praise, his previous frown morphing into a pleased smile. “Alright,” Choi gives in, “I’ll let you off the hook, just this once,” he says, waving the young alpha off as he thanks him profusely. He continues with the lecture where he left off, Jimin pulling his notebook out of his backpack with a relieved exhale. 

“I thought you were too busy working to attend any class this week,” Yoongi whispers to him teasingly, eliciting a little huff. 

“Change of plan,” Jimin replies, biting his inner cheek to not let the disappointment seep into his scent. 

“Did the omega kick you out again?” Yoongi muses, clearly entertained by his misery. 

“Shut up,” Jimin hisses back, cursing himself for confiding in the other alpha about his hurt ego. 

Never in his life Jimin was kicked out of a nest so fast. Surely, it was expected that Jungkook wouldn’t want anything from him once his inner wolf was satiated after their first time together, given how defensive he was from the start. Still, Jimin was a bit wounded when his clothes were pushed into his hands and Jungkook not so politely asked him to leave. He barely got any aftercare other than the previously agreed upon cuddles while his knot went down. It was truly a shame. Jimin is fucking amazing at aftercare: helping his partner clean up themselves and the room, feeding them, and just — helping them relax. He wouldn’t admit it out loud to anyone, but that’s his favorite part. It satiates something simple and primal inside him, to take care of an omega— 

Anyway. 

The point is, that despite the initial coldness, Jungkook offered him a long-term contract for his services the next day. Foolishly, it made Jimin hopeful, his inner wolf’s tail wagging excitedly at the premise of seeing Jungkook again. He must’ve made a good impression if he wishes to see him again, right? 

Well, yes and no. 

Indeed, Jungkook was satisfied with him enough to wish to continue their arrangement, but that doesn’t mean he was any less defensive the second time. They were back to square one, as if their first time together didn’t even happen. 

Still, there’s no point in complaining. He signed up for this. It’s not about him, but about his partners and this one particularly, was very generous when it came to payment. Jimin will be able to pull through two months if he’s smart about it. 

“Wow I thought you’re like, really good at this,” Yoongi quotes from his previous bragging, clearly amused. 

Someone shushes them in the row in front, but neither of them care too much. 

“I am. Why do you think they spent their heat with me the second time?” Jimin shoots back, taking his voice down a notch out of courtesy, “they were a special case,” he says carefully. 

“That sounds ominous,” Yoongi notes. 

“No, I—“ Jimin sighs, rubbing his eyes underneath his glasses, “I didn’t mean it like that. They are just so closed up and angry ,” he murmurs, his thoughts wandering back to the strange omega, “it’s kinda hot. I can’t stop thinking about him,” Jimin mumbles, so lost in his thoughts he doesn’t notice the pronounce slipping out. 

“Oh, so it’s a he ,” Yoongi grins, eliciting a tired groan from the younger alpha. “Didn’t know you were into the bossy, bratty ones,” he comments, pausing for a moment before he continues, “actually, it makes a lot of sense now that I think about it.” Jimin shoves him, prompting a play fight between the two under the table. 

“Can you two shut the fuck up?” 

The two alphas freeze, whipping their heads towards the voice. They are met with a defiant glare and some angry omega pheromones that make their inner wolves’ pull their ears back and whine. 

“Some of us are trying to listen,” the omega hisses — Taehyung , his name is Kim Taehyung, Jimin remembers. He is one of the only three omegas in their grade of over two hundred students. Jimin doesn’t know much about him - they’ve never talked outside class projects - but what he does know is that he’s brilliant. He wiped the floor with Jimin at debate class last year. In his defense, Jimin was extremely tired - he was still scraping by odd jobs -  and didn’t prepare at all. He hoped he could wing it and had to learn the hard way, that it doesn’t work when his opponent does actually come prepared. It was a humbling experience. Don’t get him wrong, Jimin studies a lot , but he also relies on his natural charm whenever he can. Taehyung, on the other hand, studies day and night. He’s as constant of a presence at the library as the old librarian lady. Jimin can’t blame him. Some of the professors don’t even try to hide their blatant sexism, picking on the omega students constantly. The other students aren’t any better. Law is a knot fest in general, everyone puffing their chests to show they are the biggest, baddest alpha, and omegas are pushed to the sidelines. 

So, he isn’t by any means surprised when Choi starts scolding - humiliating - Taehyung in front of the entire class. 

“Mr. Kim,” the professor thunders, making Taehyung wince and turn back to face him with an audible gulp. “Is my lecture boring you?” 

“N-no,” Taehyung says, “of course not, Professor.” 

“Then please explain how you’re not only late,” Choi counts on his fingers, agitated, “but then again disturb my class the second time with your talking.” 

Jimin winces, sharing an embarrassed look with his friend. Kim Taehyung is never late. He’s always the first one in class, going over his notes and preparing for the lecture. There must’ve been a serious reason for him being late, unlike Jimin, who just slept in. 

“I’m sorry, professor,” Taehyung’s head hangs low, “it won’t happen again.”

“Well, that’s for certain,” Choi huffs, adjusting his blazer with a violent move, “because I’m failing you. Get out of my class. I hope you learn some manners by the next semester.” 

“What?! But Professor—” 

“Don’t talk back to me,” the older alpha barks, “have you got no shame? Know your damn place,” he spits, making Jimin’s blood boil. 

“It was actually me who was talking, Professor,” Jimin stands up, surprised murmurs following his action. “Taehyung-ssi was only asking me to keep quiet so he can focus on the lecture.” 

Choi splutters, his face growing red with anger as he tries to come up with an answer. “Well, consider this a warning then, Mr. Park,” he says, clearing his throat. “I won’t be so lenient with you either, if you keep up this behavior.” 

“But this is my third time being late to class,” Jimin keeps pushing, “and now I disrupted the lecture again. Shouldn’t you fail me too?” 

“What the fuck are you doing?” he hears Taehyung hiss lowly. 

Jimin ignores him, going even further. 

“You’re, uh, one of my brightest students,” Choi frowns, clearly confused by his intentions, “as I said, consider this your last warning, Mr. Park and sit back down.” 

“Forgive me, Professor Choi, but to my knowledge, Taehyung-ssi is top of the class along with me,” the younger alpha doesn’t relent, “if you give me the grace of another chance, shouldn’t he get one too? Unless..." 

“Alright, fine,” Choi cuts him off panickedly, suspecting the route Jimin’s train of thought is taking. It’s one thing to be w closeted sexist, and another to be publicly accused of it. “This is the last warning for you both . Sit down,” he says angrily. 

Jimin sits down with a triumphant smile that falls when his eyes lock with Taehyung’s, shooting daggers at him. What is his problem? 

“There goes your internship,” Yoongi whispers to him. 

Shit. Jimin didn’t think this through. 

“Whatever,” he shrugs anyway, pretending to be nonchalant. “I’ll find something else.” 

“In two weeks?” his friend replies, reminding him of the deadline to start their three-month long mandatory internship. “I told you, that you need to keep that stupid sense of justice of yours in check. It’s not sustainable in this field.” 

“I’ll figure something out. I always do,” Jimin just shrugs again, immersing himself in note taking to prevent his mind going haywire. He was really counting on this internship. It’s the last thing he needs to graduate and he absolutely cannot push it to another semester as his scholarship only covers the standard five years. Most of his classmates are long ago done with their internships, not wanting to leave it to the last minute, but unfortunately, Jimin couldn’t afford to work for free at a law firm for months if he didn’t want to starve. This whole heat partner thing was his hail mary, as it gave him the flexibility to only work one week every two months, but now even that won’t save him. 

As expected, the professor gives him another round of scolding after class, telling him that he’s truly disappointed in him; to be fair, disappointing one of his shitty professors is the least of Jimin’s worries. He’s lost in his thoughts, panicking internally when he once again gets pulled to the side, this time by Kim Taehyung, who is about to tear him a new one, judging by his violent pheromones. Jimin groans, letting Taehyung drag him to an empty corner. 

“Why the fuck did you do that?” 

“You mean saving your ass from failing?” Jimin retorts, a little offended. He didn’t expect Taehyung to thank him - it was him who got the omega into trouble after all - but his anger shouldn’t be channeled into him. 

“I did not need you to save me. I’m not some fucking damsel in distress,” Taehyung pushes his chest angrily. “Now everyone will think I’m sleeping with you or something.” 

“Who cares? Screw them,” Jimin frowns, rubbing his pecks where Taehyung hit him, “at least you can graduate in time.” 

“You really don’t get it, do you?” Taehyung’s face crumbles. He looks like he’s about to cry, the teary eyes making any resentment Jimin had evaporate. “Stupid knothead alpha,” Taehyung storms away, the other running after him. 

“Wait, Taehyung-ssi!” Jimin grabs his wrist, stopping him from entering the restroom. Taehyung pulls his hand away violently, giving him a death glare. “I’m sorry, okay? I’m really sorry. I just didn’t want you to get into trouble because of me. It wasn’t fair and Choi was acting like a sexist pig and it made me angry. I’m sorry.” 

Taehyung’s face softens, all the anger disappearing, only leaving the sadness behind. “It wasn’t your fault,” he shrugs, wiping his nose with the back of his hand, “Choi always had it out for me; he’d have taken any opportunity to fail me. I only worry that now he’ll just be even harsher on me.” 

Jimin’s heart constricts in his chest, itching to physically comfort Taehyung. It’s only natural, using affection to calm each other, but he knows they aren’t on such terms. “Would you like some coffee? It’s on me,” he offers instead. 

“I don’t like coffee,” Taehyung sniffles, lifting his head with a faint smile, “but you can buy me a caramel frappuccino.” 

Jimin chuckles, “Alright,” he says, opening the hallway door to the omega. 

“I hope you know it doesn’t mean you can get into my pants or something,” Taehyung adds as he walks through the door with his head held high, eliciting another laugh from Jimin. 

“Understood loud and clear, sir,” he replies playfully, following behind the other. 

Turns out, Kim Taehyung is not only hard-working and smart, but fun to be around too. He is witty as hell, and has a great sense of humor. They immediately click now that they both calmed down. Taehyung even opens up a bit about his experiences with the other professors and their fellow classmates, and how terrible they have been treating him. It makes Jimin’s blood boil. He knew that they were terrible before, but hearing it from someone who experienced it first-hand is truly disheartening. 

“I’m so sorry, Taehyung-ah,” Jimin says earnestly, “you don’t deserve this treatment.” 

“Yeah,” Taehyung shrugs weakly, messing with his light-brown heart to keep his hand busy, “honestly, I just want this to be over. I’m exhausted.” 

“I can imagine,” Jimin smiles sympathetically, “but it’s just three more months. It’s nothing compared to four and a half years,” he continues, “if anyone can get out of this hell hole with a valedictorian, it’s you,” Jimin adds, only half-joking. 

“Yeah, I’m sure the board members - including Choi - love me so much,” Taehyung grimaces, prompting a little giggle from Jimin. “They’d rather give up their yearly bonuses than let an omega graduate with perfect grades.” 

“It’s honestly baffling, how deeply it’s embedded in the system, especially considering the university brands itself as progressive ,” Jimin says little huff, taking another sip of his coffee. 

“Yeah, they’re progressive when it comes to alphas like you for instance, who miss out on whole weeks sometimes,” the brunet mumbles angrily, sucking in a deep breath when he realizes what he just said. “I’m — I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it—” 

“No, it’s okay,” Jimin shakes his head. “You’re right. They are very lenient when it comes to me,” he agrees, with a smile. “I’d like to say it’s because of my grades or because I took the TA position at Prof Kang’s class when he couldn’t rope anyone else in, but that’s probably not the sole reason,” he continues with a grimace, Taehyung smiling softly.  “But in my defense, I only do it because I work during those weeks and I really need the money.” 

“Oh,” Taehyung mumbles into his glass, swishing the remnants of his drinks from side to side, “I’ve heard the general scholarship only covers the tuition,” he says quietly, both of them falling silent. As an omega, Taehyung gets a full-ride scholarship thanks to an equity act the board had passed right before they started university. Jimin isn’t jealous by any means. Omegas have to work twice as hard in academics to get recognized; they deserve some financial support to compensate for it.  

Surely, they wouldn’t let an omega miss out a week every two months like they let him. 

“Oh, shit,” Taehyung gasps, his eyes all wide and panicked. “Weren’t you supposed to do your internship at Choi’s firm?” 

“Yeah,” Jimin makes a face, “but I’ll figure something out,” he shrugs, playing it down. Taehyung hums, seemingly deep in thought judging by the serious frown in between his brows as he finishes his drink. 

“I interned at a legal support organization,” Taehyung says with a hint of hesitation. “I learned a lot during my time there. Actually, I just started working there part-time. I think I can hook you up if you’re interested.” 

“Oh,” Jimin blinks. “Really? You’d do that?”  

“I mean, why not,” Taehyung shrugs. “I think you’d get along with Joon-hyung,” he says, “he’s the coolest person I know and... I guess you’re okay too.” Jimin bursts into laughter, equally endeared and amused. “Unless, you’re more interested in working with a more conventional lawyer,” Taehyung continues. Jimin tilts his head, looking at him expectantly. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s the best lawyer I know, but as an omega lawyer, he never gets the recognition he deserves.” 

Jimin has heard that phrase before but he can’t seem to place it in time and space. 

Anyway. 

It doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s the best choice he has right now. 

“I’d rather learn something useful than just have another sentence to add to my CV,” Jimin says, earnest. 

“Great,” Taehyung beams, fishing his phone out of his backpack to push it into Jimin’s hand. “Give me your number. I’ll text you when I know more.” 

~~~

“You’re kidding.” 

“I’m not, hyung.” 

“An alpha,” Jungkook parrots, bewildered. 

“Yep.” 

“He wants to intern. Here,” the older omega motions around the office. Taehyung nods. They stare at each other in silence for a moment, Jungkook too shocked to speak. 

“No,” he says with finality in his tone, going back to typing out the email he worked on prior the conversation. 

“What? Hyung, come on—“ 

“Taehyung-ah, I love you and I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Jungkook looks up with a sigh, “but that boy is just trying to sleep with you.” 

The younger omega groans, looking at Namjoon for help. The lawyer only shrugs, scratching his neck awkwardly. 

“Not every alpha is an asshole, you know,” the younger omega huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Oh my sweet summer child,” Jungkook shakes his head with a smile. Taehyung pouts, his haze defiant. He reminds the older omega of himself, back when he was more naive and less beaten down by the world. 

“I think what Jungkook-ah is implying here,” Namjoon interjects with his usual patience, “is that alphas don’t really care about our cause, you know? It’s more likely that he has an ulterior motive.” 

Taehyung’s face contorts. “You two are such hypocrites,” he huffs, the other two looking at him in shock. “We’re supposedly fighting prejudice yet here you are, writing off a nice person without even giving him a chance just because of his secondary gender,” he points out, the other two sinking into his seats like two scolded pups. “Besides, isn’t raising awareness one of the goals of the organization? So, maybe he isn’t passionate about omegas’ right from the get go and just wants to get done with his internship, but he isn’t hateful and I think that’s a good start. He is our target audience: a young, impressionable alpha who might end up in a position in the future that could change lives. Because, let me tell you, that guy is going to places. Everyone at the university knows it.” 

Jungkook swallows around the lump of shame in his throat and shares a look with Namjoon, the latter’s expression mirroring his. 

“You’re right, Tae,” Namjoon says, tone apologetic, “we’re sorry.” 

“Invite your friend over next week,” Jungkook adds, “I can’t make promises but Namjoon can interview him, alright? Fair and square.” 

“Thank you,” the younger omega beams, jumping into the older’s arms much to the latter’s surprise. Jungkook pats him in the back awkwardly, not used to affection. “I really appreciate you trusting my judgment, hyung. It means a lot,” he says, leaning back to smile at the older omega. Jungkook’s features soften along with his heart. He knows how much it means when your superior - let it be a parent, a teacher, or a boss - trusts you to try out your wings. The adults in his life never gave him such grace back when he was Taehyung’s age. Omegas aren’t supposed to make big decisions after all; they’re meant to bear pups and take care of the household – at least that’s what the general public are conditioned to think. And how does Jungkook expect it to change if he himself confines to these beliefs? 

Change starts here , their motto says. Looks like Jungkook has to do some work on himself too. 

~~~ 

Taehyung’s foot taps on the ground in an anxious rhythm as they wait for the elevator. Jimin eyes him with a blend of endearment and curiosity, the omega clearly lost in his thoughts. 

“You’re aware it’s me who’s getting interviewed, not you, right?” 

Taehyung snaps his head to him, his eyes sharp and annoyed. 

“I know,” he huffs, stepping into the elevator with Jimin following behind. “Why aren’t you nervous?” 

“I’m just naturally confident and charming— Ow, don’t hit me!” 

“This cocky behavior won’t fly here,” Taehyung scolds. 

“Meanie,” Jimin mumbles, rubbing the back of his head. 

Taehyung pretends he didn’t hear his whining, stepping out of the elevator once it signals their floor. Jimin sighs exasperatedly, then follows Taehyung’s tail, wondering what’s got his panties twisted. It’s just an interview for an intern position, not his thesis defense or something. Most firms that take interns don’t even bother to hold interviews. They usually just want free labor to deal with the boring administrative work and make coffee — well, surely, that’s exactly what Jimin hoped to avoid, but it is what it is. 

Taehyung halts his steps right before the office door, Jimin almost bumping into him. 

“Look,” Taehyung turns around, his whole posture tight and anxious along with his usually tame brown sugar scent, “I know you’re not used to this since,” a sigh, “you’re an alpha, but you’ll have to prove yourself here.”

Jimin blinks. “O-okay?” he says carefully, unsure what Taehyung is getting at. 

Taehyung, groans, frustrated. He glances at the ceiling for a moment, as if asking for divine intervention. It doesn’t come, so instead, he takes a deep breath. 

“There is a seasoned veteran omega in there who witnessed the worst of alphas,” Tae explains. “So, he has his own preconceptions about you. It’s your job to prove him wrong and to do so respectfully . If you’ll get offended, this isn’t going to work out.” 

“I, uhm, won’t?” Jimin lifts an eyebrow, growing equally confused and curious about that omega now. 

Taehyung doesn’t look convinced, but he seems to have given up, busying himself with adjusting his button up instead. Jimin smiles at him, fond, then reaches for the doorknob. 

Before he turns it, Taehyung speaks again. “Sorry,” he mumbles.  “I just... I really want this to work out for you.”

Jimin’s gaze immediately softens along with his heart. It’s difficult to stay annoyed at Taehyung when he is genuinely trying to help him — though, he isn’t sure why exactly. It’s definitely not because Taehyung is into him - he flat out told Jimin that, just to ‘make sure he doesn’t get ideas.' It's a relief, considering how Jimin can’t stop thinking of another omega.

An omega who didn’t even reply to his texts asking if he’s doing okay after his heat. Jimin must admit, he’s a bit butthurt about it. He genuinely thought they successfully broke down some walls the first time, but it looks like they’re back to square one. Jimin has never met an omega so out of tune with his wolf. Jungkook clearly wants to let go and let Jimin take care of him, but something in him doesn’t let him, even in the throes of post-heat. Jimin can’t help but wonder, what made him so defensive, like an intricate flower with razor-sharp thorns?

Jimin shouldn’t care. Dealing with his clients’ emotional issues is way above his pay grade, literally. Besides, Jungkook clearly doesn’t want help, especially from an alpha. It’s just Jimin’s stupid wolf that keeps thrashing and whining about leaving the omega on his own immediately after heat. He keeps wondering if he ate enough protein to replenish his energy, if he drank enough water — Jungkook didn’t even let him change the sheets, for fuck’s sake, surely he can’t do it when he’s so weak and exhausted.

Still, Jimin tries to be respectful to the omega’s wishes. If he wants to keep Jimin at arm’s length to be comfortable, so be it. Jungkook is the client after all. Jimin’s alpha growing protective of him is not the omega’s problem to deal with. Their relationship is purely professional and Jimin would never push someone’s boundaries like that. And he can’t afford to lose this job over his wolf acting up, the same way he can’t afford messing up this internship. There is too much on the line. 

His scholarship. 

His diploma. 

His future. 

His mother worked so hard for him to get here. Jimin is willing to put himself through anything to not disappoint her. He just has to push through and keep his eye on the prize— 

Yeah. No time to worry about stubborn omegas. Eye on the prize, Jimin. 

“Trust me, I want it to work out too,” he replies, “I need it to,” he adds, quieter this time. Taehyung lifts his hand, as if he wants to comfort him, but pulls back before he could actually touch him, hiding his hand in his pocket instead. Jimin pretends he didn’t notice, but it warms his heart still. Maybe one day, they could be friends; at least he hopes so. 

Jimin takes a deep breath and opens the door. 

~~~

Discomfort. 

Hostility. 

Those are the first things that come to Jimin’s mind as he sits down in front of the tall, broad omega who introduced himself as Kim Namjoon. 

His wolf is utterly confused. Usually, when he feels like an omega is uncomfortable around him, he either leaves or releases calming pheromones to ease the tension. Neither of those things are applicable in this situation. First of all, Jimin is pretty sure he is more uncomfortable than said omega. Namjoon’s scent doesn’t show any sign of distress; oh no, it’s hostile, violent even, as if he’s ready to fight. He reminds Jimin of another omega...

No, no time for his mind to wander to Jungkook. 

The point is, that Jimin isn’t sure how to behave other than keeping his wolf on a tight leash and not let it attempt to pacify the - in his alpha’s simple mind distressed - omega. 

“So, tell me about yourself, Jimin-ssi,” Namjoon murmurs in a monotone voice, his shoulders stiff as he reads through Jimin’s CV and letter of recommendation. 

“Okay, uh,” Jimin shifts awkwardly on his seat. Namjoon lifts his gaze from the documents, looking at him expectantly. Jimin forces a polite smile onto his face to break the uncomfortable tension, but Namjoon doesn’t smile back. Jimin gulps. “I’m a twenty-six-year-old law student from Busan. I’m a straight A student and expected to graduate valedictorian. I’m also a teaching assistant for several courses —” 

“I read all of that,” Namjoon tosses the documents on the desk, leaning forward with an unreadable look on his face. Jimin instinctively leans back, until his back hits the backrest of the chair. “What I’m curious about is, why would a promising young alpha like you,” he says — it doesn’t sound like a compliment, “would want to intern at an omega’s rights organization?” 

Jimin briefly considers lying. He could say that he followed the organization’s work closely or that he is passionate about the omegas’ rights movement - which is partly true, he is a firm believer that omegas deserve to be treated with respect, but praising himself for the bare minimum in front of a civil rights lawyer who also happens to be an omega feels wrong -  but he has a suspicion this guy would see right through him. 

“I was kicked out of my original internship program due to an argument with my professor,” Jimin says honestly. 

“What kind of argument?” 

“I have a big mouth and he didn’t like it,” Jimin says cryptically, not wanting to put Taehyung into an uncomfortable position in front of his boss. “The topic of the discussion doesn’t really matter.” 

Namjoon raises his brows, observing him with a sharp gaze. Jimin holds eye contact, his scent neutral. Namjoon is challenging him - his alpha - but Jimin isn’t going to take the bait. After a tense moment, Namjoon leans back, his expression blank. Jimin releases a breath he wasn’t aware of holding. 

“What areas are you interested in?” 

“I’m planning to go into complex litigation or corporate law, I haven’t decided yet—” 

“I didn’t ask about your career plans. I’m asking what you are actually passionate about?” 

Jimin falters for a moment, taken aback by the question. No one has ever asked him that. 

“Uhm, family law, I think,” he replies. 

“Why?” Namjoon asks, eyeing him above his thick glasses with a hint of curiosity. 

“I’m a child of divorce,” Jimin explains, downcasting his eyes awkwardly, “my father left us penniless and hasn’t paid child support ever since.” 

“So why not family law? There is a lot of money in it if you do it right,” Joon asks, crossing his arms over his broad chest. 

“Yeah, when you deal with rich people’s shitty marriages,” Jimin replies, “I can’t stomach enabling rich people fighting over their properties and diamond necklaces after the court barely gave my mom’s case a single thought,” he says with a bit more edge in his voice than he’d usually allow himself in a job interview. 

Namjoon, though, he smiles. 

“Alright,” he says. “You can help me with the divorce cases then. Taehyungie is more interested in criminal law anyway,” Namjoon reaches for his laptop, “don’t worry, no diamond necklaces will be included,” he adds with a playful expression — is he trying to make a joke ? He looked like he was about to rip Jimin a new one if he breathed wrong just a moment ago. Still, Jimin smiles back, a bit sheepish. “My colleague will handle the administration. Take a left turn and you will find his office at the end of the corridor to the right. He will explain everything else,” Namjoon says absent-mindedly, already immersed in work. 

Jimin stands up hesitantly, glancing back at Namjoon as he stumbles out of the office only to immediately bump into Taehyung. 

“So? How did it go?” Taehyung asks eagerly. 

“Uh, good, I guess?” Jimin replies, still trying to shake off whatever spell the older omega had put on him – intimidation, he finally finds the right word for it. He felt intimidated. Holy shit, what an aura, what a man . Jimin isn’t sure if he’s crushing on him or terrified of him. “I have to go to,” he glances around, trying to remember what directions Namjoon gave him and failing miserably. “Shit,” he mumbles, rubbing his face tiredly. 

“To Jungkook?” 

Jimin's head jerks up, staring at Taehyung with wide eyes.

“Or no?”

“I, uhm,” Jimin shakes his head. “N-no, I mean — I don’t know his name,” he says, pausing to take a deep breath as a weak attempt to collect himself. “Namjoon-ssi said something about administration.” 

“Oh, that’s definitely Jungkook,” Taehyung’s face brightens. “Come, I’ll show you the way,” he tugs on Jimin’s sleeve, the latter following him with a soft smile, endeared by Taehyung’s excited rambling about that mysterious Jungkook whom he clearly admires. He sounds like a warm and passionate person who cares about the young omega deeply. Jimin is glad Taehyung has someone like that here in the big city. It’s tough to be so far from your family even as an alpha; he can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for an omega.

“Oh, by the way, don’t worry about your wolf’s reaction to Namjoon,” Taehyung snaps him out of his thoughts. Jimin almost stumbles in his own feet, feeling his face burn as the omega eyes him. 

“What do you mean?” he asks, trying to sound nonchalant, as if he didn’t know exactly what the other was talking about. 

Taehyung gives him a knowing smile before he looks forward, greeting a kind looking beta before he speaks again. “It’s okay. Intimidating alphas is part of Joonie’s job. You’ll get used to it, don’t worry,” he says, knocking on the door politely before opening it. 

Jimin freezes as his gaze locks with the familiar doe eyes, all the air leaving his lungs as if he was punched. Jungkook seems just as shell shocked as he is, his face pale as snow under tbe rimmed glasses. 

“Hyung, this is Park Jimin, the new intern,” Taehyung chirps, completely oblivious to the tension in the room by some miracle. “Joonie-hyung already interviewed him, so he’s all yours,” he says playfully. Jimin chokes on the little saliva he’s left in his mouth, coughing awkwardly. Taehyung gives him a weird look, patting him on the back until he stops coughing, then leaves the room. 

Jungkook is still staring at him, eyes wide and round, by the time Jimin collects himself. 

“Well, this is awkward,” he says with a sheepish smile, hoping to break the uncomfortable tension. Jimin isn’t sure he succeeded, but he definitely managed to snap Jungkook out of his shock judging by how his gaze sharpens. 

If looks could kill, Jimin would be dead right now. 

He shouldn’t find it hot, right? 

“What are you doing here?” Jungkook hisses, jumping off his seat to close the door. He is suddenly awfully close to Jimin, his arm muscles bulging under the dress shirt from how tight his posture is. 

Oh, he definitely shouldn’t. 

“I’m the new intern,” Jimin says carefully, “and before you accuse me of being a creep or something, I had no idea you work here, I swear.” 

“And why should I trust your word?” Jungkook stares at him hard, observing his features with distrust in his gaze.  

“Fine, you don’t have to trust me . Trust Taehyung. He is way too smart to fall for a stupid scheme and he has no reason to help me, a mere stranger. Besides, he clearly looks up to you,” Jimin holds his gaze, not backing down — he has no reason to. Jungkook’s eyes soften at the mention of the younger omega. He relents with the accusations, slumping down against the edge of the desk instead.  

“This is fucked up,” Jungkook mumbles, rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly. 

“It is,” Jimin agrees quietly, unsure what else to say. 

Jungkook’s foot shakes anxiously as a conflicted frown settles on his features. Jimin shifts on his heels awkwardly, waiting for him to say something. 

When nothing comes, he takes a deep breath and starts. “Look, hyung—“ 

“You need to leave.” 

Jimin halts, his thoughts stopping with a vinyl scratch. “Wait, what?” 

“You can’t work here,” Jungkook lifts his head with a firm gaze. “It’s wrong.” 

Well, fuck. 

“No, you can’t do this,” Jimin says, his panic rising. There is no way he can find another place to start his internship if he loses this spot. “Hyung, come on.“ 

“You’ll be fine,” Jungkook waves him off, circling the desk to get back to his chair. “I’ll even help you get a good spot at a nice, respectable firm. Trust me, those will be better for someone like you anyway,” he puts his glasses on, typing away on his laptop. 

“The deadline is tomorrow! ” Jimin snaps, his scent turning bitter and full of anxiety. 

“Then you can do it next year,” the omega waves him off distractedly like a misbehaving pup, a dark line appearing between his brows as his eyes scan the screen, “it’s not a big deal.” 

“It is a big deal to me!” Jimin steps closer to the table, closing the laptop. Jungkook looks up, annoyed and ready to fight. Jimin exhales in a weak attempt to calm his nerves - and more importantly, his scent - then tries again. “Listen, I understand that this is uncomfortable to you,” he says, careful with his words, “but I can’t postpone it to next year. My scholarship only covers the standard five years and I don’t have the means to cover the tuition on my own. Losing this position could cost me my diploma,” Jimin explains, hope sprouting in his heart when he sees the omega’s initial resolve chip away with every word. “ Please , hyung, don’t do this to me,” he pleads, sounding awfully small and vulnerable even to his own ears – maybe Jungkook is right to treat him like a child. He certainly feels like one. 

Jungkook stares at him, a myriad of emotions swirling through his beautiful dark eyes. The silence should be deafening, but it’s nothing compared to the drum-like heartbeat in Jimin’s ears. 

The omega is the first one to tear his gaze away. He does so with a deep, exhausted sigh, his shoulder slumping in defeat. 

“Fine,” he murmurs, his fingers click-clacking on the keyboard. Still shaken up by the emotional rollercoaster they just exited, Jimin flinches slightly when the printer whirrs to life.  Jungkook grabs the documents coming out of it and hands it to Jimin, the freshly printed paper still warm in his hand. “Your contract,” the omega gestures at the documents vaguely. 

Jimin huffs, amused. 

“What’s so funny?” Jungkook asks with a blank face. 

“Deja vu,” Jimin notes, his smile dying down when he spots the annoyed look on the other’s features. 

“Whatever happened between us outside the office has to stay between us,” Jungkook says firmly, his jaw clenched. “No one can know about it, you understand? I could get into huge trouble.” 

Jimin frowns, confused. Why is he making such a big deal out of it? Heat and rut partner services in any form or shape - free or paid - are protected and accepted by the law. Wolves are traditionally sex positive and community centric. It has always been about helping each other and the legal system reflects it, give or take a couple loopholes. 

“It’s not illegal, you know,” he says carefully, circling the topic like one would a wild animal. “People help each other out with their cycles all the time, it’s not a big deal, hyung. Besides, you aren’t even my supervisor,” he waves the internship agreement to make a point. “Namjoon-ssi is.” 

“Speaking like a true lawyer,” Jungkook scoffs. Again, Jimin has no idea if it’s meant to be a compliment or an insult. “Not everything that’s legal is morally correct, you know ,” the omega says mockingly, “but why am I even bothering to explain it to someone like you ?” 

Jimin stares, taken aback, the omega looking right back at him defiantly. 

A knock disrupts their staring contest, making Jimin flinch. 

Jungkook schools his expression with a sigh, before he says, “Come in!” 

Namjoon’s dark map of hair pops in, the smile on his features equally curious and unnerved. “Everything’s okay in here?” 

“Of course,” Jungkook says with a polite smile, as if nothing happened. “I was just explaining to Jimin-ssi the contents of our internship contract,” he lies, “Jimin-ssi, you can take it with you and just send your scanned ID tomorrow. Feel free to ask Joon if you have any questions,” the omega adds with a sharp look, a not so polite office jargon for  ‘if you have any questions, don’t even think about asking me.’ 

Namjoon’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he quickly schools his expression, giving the other omega a small nod before he turns to Jimin with a tight smile. 

“Come on, I’ll show you around,” Namjoon offers, Jimin obeying defeatedly.

It takes a while for the reality to hit him, but when it does, it lands like a gut punch: he might’ve salvaged his internship today, but he certainly lost the job that actually paid his bills.