Archive of Our Own

Jungkook walks along the river right at the edge of the forest. A little blood trails down his bare torso. His muscles ripple with every move. A dead deer hangs over his shoulder. Carefully crafted leather trousers stick to him like a second skin.

Taehyung isn’t the only one watching.

By this time of day, at least on a summerlike autumn day, a lot of omega’s flock around the river to work on their daily chores. Wash laundry in the river, bathe the pup’s, skin fish or meat, knitting or crafting clothes and commodities. Most omega’s eyes are set on the hunters coming back. At least half of them are focused on Jungkook.

Taehyung sits by the river rinsing a freshly caught fish. His lamb fur is tightly bound around his torso to protect him from the cold wind. Water splashes against Taehyung’s worn out leather trousers. Instead of focusing on the fish his eyes are glued to the alpha shouldering the deer. His scent fills the air. Notes of lemon accompanied by leather and cedar wood.

“You’re hopeless.” Jimin quips beside him. 

Taehyung ignores him in favor of watching Jungkook walk up the hill towards the pack grounds. 

“I’m going to court him.” Taehyung says determined. 

“I know.” Jimin sighs. “You keep repeating that.” 

To gather courage, but Taehyung doesn’t say that out loud. He fears he might be treated like any other omega who tried to court the reserved alpha. Till this day, Jungkook had never responded to any omega’s courting. He leaves them hanging while being courteous. 

“You are practically asking for a heartbreak.” Jimin continues. “His reputation precedes him.” 

Taehyung scoffs. Just you wait, he thinks to himself. He has been thinking about courting Jungkook for a while now. He is confident his courting gifts will be well received by the alpha. All of them stand neatly packaged in his hut, ready to be given to no other than Jeon Jungkook. 

With a knife Taehyung removes the fines on the fish. Next to him, Jimin throws the fishing rod back into the water. Taehyung uses the blunt side of his knife to scrape the scales off the fish. Right after he rinses the fish again to make sure all scales are gone. 

“What about Namjoon?” Jimin asks. 

“What about him?” Taehyung answers knowing fully well what Jimin is suggesting. With the tip of the knife Taehyung slices the belly of the fish open. 

“He is kind, intelligent and sweet. I would go for him if I were you.” 

“But you aren’t me.” Taehyung remarks dryly. “Does your mate know that you’re lusting after other alpha’s?” 

Jimin snorts. “I’m merely trying to help you out.” 

“I know who I want. I want Jungkook. You know that.” Taehyung spreads the stomach of the fish open to remove the guts and entrails. 

Jimin sighs. 

Taehyung doesn’t pay attention to him, instead he carefully scoops out the fish’s kidney. 

“I worry about you.” Jimin continues. 

“I know Jimin. Everyone does. Twenty-six and not yet mated. I know, I know. My parents are already giving me a hard time.” With water from the river Taehyung rinses the inside of the fish. 

“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you getting your heart broken. Namjoon would be such a responsible choice. He is a good alpha.” 

Taehyung grunts and throws the gutted fish towards the others, waiting to be fileted. “I don’t want Namjoon.” Done with the conversation, Taehyung picks up the basket full of fish. “I’m gonna head back to the pack grounds.” 

Jimin rolls his eyes and waves him off. Taehyung knows what Jimin is thinking and he is right. He had been waiting for Jungkook to return before heading back up the hill. With the basket in his hands Taehyung follows the hunters to their pack grounds. His steps are fast as he tries to catch up with them. 

When he arrives at the pack house the hunters are there handling their quarry. 

Namjoon stands in front of the house. Taehyung approaches Namjoon, who is handling today’s contribution to the pack, to hand over the fish Jimin and him had caught today. 

“Hi, Taehyung.” Namjoon greets him with a dimpled smile. Taehyung gets his charm. He does but while handing over today’s catch he is already looking for Jungkook. “Wow, you caught a lot today.” 

Taehyung swiftly shakes his head. His dark locks bounce on his head. “It’s from Jimin and me.” 

“Noted.” Namjoon replies. 

Where he is. Right beside the pack house helping the other hunters handling their quarry. His long dark hair falls into his face whenever he flexes his head. Today it hangs in loose curls around his face. Taehyung knows Jungkook never gets his haircut by an omega, instead he uses his knife to cut it. Taehyung can see the shared edges his knife left behind on his hair. His mother had taught Taehyung how to care for hair since forever. It’s one of her passions and despite it not being one of Taehyung’s passions, he would love to give the alpha a proper haircut. Make his hair shine.

“Don’t tell me you like him too?”

Too deep in thoughts Taehyung jumps out of his skin. “What?” He blurts out embarrassed. 

“Jungkook.” Namjoon nods towards the hunters. “Quite a popular one.” 

Taehyung blushes. 

“Don’t worry.” Namjoon winks at him. “Your secret is safe with me.” 

“Are you friends with him?” Taehyung asks shyly.

“Calling him a friend would be a stretch, but we get along well.” Namjoon grins. “He is a soft one behind the hard shell.”

I know, Taehyung thinks to himself. It’s what made him fall so hopelessly in love. If one looks at Jungkook a little closer one can see all the tenderness behind his tough exterior. Taehyung saw Jungkook care for the chickens, caressing them and lightly humming while doing so. Saw him in the early hours of the day bringing the omega’s eldest to the river. He does so everyday. Taehyung knows. He is an early bird himself. That’s why he is so sure about Jungkook: He fell for his heart and not for his looks. 

“He used to get a lot of courting offers.” Namjoon says counting the fish in the basket Taehyung had handed him. 

“Used to?” Taehyung asks. He is under the impression that the older is still quite popular among the omega’s. 

Namjoon hums. “Yeah.” He briefly looks up to the few hunters crowding the area beside the pack house. “The older he gets the less courting offers he receives. At your age he received one every week.” Namjoon snickers and shakes his head. “But, you probably know, he is not interested. Never has been. His head is always full of things he wants to do.” 

Taehyung chews on his lower lip. He rarely talked to Namjoon beyond talking about everyday things. This was new. Taehyung wasn’t sure why, today out of all days, Namjoon decided to talk to him. “Is he not interested in mating at all?” Taehyung asks quietly, he does not want to be overheard by anyone else asking these invasive questions. 

Jungkook’s laugh echoes through the tiny square in front of the pack house. There he goes with confident, powerful steps crossing the market square. 

“I think he is.” Namjoon answers quietly, his eyes also on Jungkook. “But I don’t know what he is waiting for.” 

Taehyung frowns. “You think he is waiting for something?” 

Namjoon shakes his head. “No. But something keeps him at bay.” He clears his throat. “Twelve fish. Jimin and you are good for today, your deed for the pack is done.” 

“Thank you, Namjoon.” 

Namjoon gives him a dimpled smile. “Always, Taehyung. Good Luck.” 

“Thank you.” Taking the basket, Taehyung crosses the now empty market square. The sun shines through the trees and most of the pack is still either committed to their duties or enjoying the good weather by the river. 

Taehyung’s small hut is at the very end of the pack grounds. The day he turned nineteen he started to build one himself. Sharing a large hut with a group of omega’s had always been difficult for him. He loves spending time with the rest of the pack, but he is a quiet one and he tends to get overlooked. In his own hut he can do whatever he wants to. 

On the day he moved into his small hut, he was around twenty one by that time, he had first noticed Jungkook. The alpha has his own hut, six times as large as Taehyung’s, right at the corner of the forest. Jungkook likes solitude. At least that’s what Taehyung heard. 

Actually, the first thing he had noticed hadn’t been Jungkook, it had been his hut. 

To say it was gorgeous would be an understatement. 

Taehyung walks along the path to his own hut and from the corner of his eyes he can make out Jungkook’s. It is every omega’s dream to mate an alpha with a hut like Jungkook’s. Sturdy build, intricate wood carvings. Able to give them shelter even through heavy storms, wind and rain. Large enough for a litter full of pups and with a beautiful porch for them to enjoy the morning sun. 

Right in front of his own small hut Taehyung puts his basket down and peers back at Jungkook’s hut. To catch a glimpse of the alpha. There he was. Already working again. Chopping wood beside his hut. 

This was his chance. To give Jungkook his first courting gift without anyone around. Taehyung entered his hut and grabbed the jam with Jungkook’s name neatly written on it. He had made them just a few days ago with fresh raspberries. One morning, Taehyung had walked down to the river and had seen Jungkook snack on a bush of raspberries. 

With confident steps, Taehyung walks up to the alpha chopping wood. 

“Jungkook.” He greats the alpha who only grunts at his name being called. “I got something for you.” 

The axe swings down one last time before Jungkook takes a step back and faces him. Sweat trails down his nape and the ax remains firmly in his hand. Taehyung tries not to stare. 

“I’ve been making my own jam. I brought you some.” With hopefully eyes Taehyung stares at the alpha. Jungkook eyes him and the glass of jam in his hand. Taehyung blushes at the attention. “It’s a jam made from raspberries.” 

“For me?” Jungkook asks curtly. 

Taehyung nods and hands him the jam. 

“Thank you.” Jungkook drops the jam next to the logs and continues chopping wood. 

Disappointment blooms in Taehyung even though he did not anticipate Jungkook to react differently. It’s what the tales tell. Alpha Jungkook will accept every single courting gift but never reciprocate or be enthusiastic about it. 

Jungkook cleaves another tree trunk into smaller logs. A mountain of logs lay beside him. Taehyung smiles at the sight. It’s one of the many attributes of Jeon Jungkook that make him swoon for the other. He is hardworking. The leather trousers the alpha wears are handcrafted too. One of the many talents of Jungkook. Many alpha’s look down on the so-called omega work, but Jungkook handcrafts all of his clothes and prefers to cook for himself. 

Weren’t it for Jungkook’s disinterest in the omega’s of the pack he would have already been mated. Most Alphas in his thirties were. Jungkook at 36 is probably the oldest unmated alpha. Taehyung at his young age of 26 is already being pressured to mate soon. But he knows he won’t settle down for just anyone. He ignored every courting offer he ever received. He wants no one but Jeon Jungkook. The strongest Alpha of the pack. 

Jungkook’s dismissive attitude made Taehyung even more determined. It took him weeks to carve out sand wood into a bracelet. Cherry wood, ash tree and walnut made it into the bracelet. Taehyung had carved them round, drilled holes into them and connected them with a string. 

This time he went all out. He used a little oil to tame his looks, bathed in a lavender bath and wore his best leather trousers and his white sheep fur. 

It was early in the morning and Taehyung waited for Jungkook to leave to help the eldest of the pack to wherever she wanted to sit and knit today. 

Jungkook opens the door, his hair unkempt and his fur hung loosely on his shoulders showing off his naked torso. Taehyung eye’s trail along the muscles. 

“Jungkook!” he calls before the other can vanish. “I made you something.” With hopeful eyes he stares at the alpha, in his hand the wooden bracelet. Jungkook’s cedar wood scent immediately fills his nose. The scent is always stronger in the morning. 

Jungkook frowns, but takes the bracelet, it slides onto his wrist seamlessly. Taehyung can’t contain the joy spreading through his body and he gives Jungkook one of his brightest smiles. Jungkook doesn’t smile back but his eyes widen. He blinks, stares, and blinks again. 

“Do you like it?” Taehyung asks. Still full of feelings of happiness. Jungkook is wearing his bracelet. His . 

Jungkook seems to snap out of it as he stares down on his wrist. “Thank you.” 

“I made it myself.” Taehyung continues. “It's walnut and ash tree as well as cherry wood.”

Jungkook slightly nods in acknowledgment. A deep frown between his eyebrows. “For me?” He asks just like he did last time. 

Taehyung nods enthusiastically. “For you, picked out the wood according to your taste. I mean at least you used a lot of cherry wood for your hut, so I thought..” Taehyung bites his lips. What he did right now was more than brave. Jimin would call him stupid. Jin would belt out curses at him so fast Taehyung wouldn’t know what hit him. Everyone knows the courting etiquette of their pack. No omega would ever stoop as low as to give an alpha a second courting gift if they haven’t received one. Taehyung doesn’t care. He wants Jungkook and he is going to fight for him. 

Jungkook eyes Taehyung. It feels like the first time the alpha acknowledges him in a different way. 

He might run to their pack alpha to report Taehyung for indecent behavior. But for some reason, Taehyung doesn’t think he will. Jungkook’s frown always deepens whenever an omega is reprimanded for indecent behavior and Taehyung is sure the reason Jungkook lives so far outside the pack ground is similar to his own. 

Some of the pack’s rules are outlandish. Especially regarding omega’s. 

Jungkook tilts his head and nods at him again, this time as a way to say goodbye. With fast steps Jungkook leaves like the short conversation has taken too much time of his day. 

Taehyung feels giddy. Jungkook’s reaction was a little different this time than the last. He hopes the alpha will see how suited they are for each other. This was also just the beginning. Taehyung has so much more courting gifts prepared. He knows most omega’s will never go so far as to give an alpha more than one courting gift. But Taehyung also knows what he wants. He wants Jungkook. Unless the alpha doesn’t tell him to stop or seems uncomfortable by his advance, he will not. Taehyung is going to try to win him over. 

With that thought in mind Taehyung walks up the path leading towards Jin’s and Hoseok’s hut. He hums while walking through the forest. Somehow courting Jungkook makes him feel empowered and happy. All his life he had loved giving little gifts to his friends and his little sisters. Preparing all sorts of gifts for an alpha that stole his heart made Taehyung even happier. A part of him just wants to make Jungkook happy with his gifts. Makes him want to see Jungkook smile and enjoy the gifts Taehyung prepared for him. Taehyung really couldn’t understand how it was frowned upon for omega’s to even start the courting and practically forbidden to give more than one courting gift without receiving something back. 

Taehyung sighs. 

Jin’s hut is nearly as large as Jungkook’s and surrounded by trees. Taehyung loves the hut. It’s always cozy in their kitchen and he loves to play outside with the twins. He hopes he will have some too one day. Little pups running outside or cuddling with him in front of the fireplace. Hopefully they will have big dreamy eyes and jet-black hair or maybe a slight overbite that makes their smile look almost bunny-like. 

Taehyung plays with his necklaces as he waits for Jungkook to leave his hut. The morning sun has barely risen and the whole forest is dipped into a pretty orange. Taehyung yawns and tightly fists the gift for Jungkook in his hand. It’s a little too early for him but this is the only way he can make sure that he actually runs into Jungkook. 

Like every morning, Jungkook opens the door barely dressed with his hair tousled. 

Taehyung immediately catches Jungkook’s scent. His omega perks up at it as if to signal Taehyung where to go. With light steps Taehyung hops down the path towards the alpha. “Jungkook.” He calls. The alpha was already heading towards the path running through the small forest. Hearing Taehyung’s voice he stops and lightly tilts his head back. 

“I’ve another gift for you.” Taehyung declares walking up to the alpha.

At that the alpha turns around and faces him. “Hmm?” He hums. 

Taehyung nods and smiles at the other. With the gift laying in the palm of his hand he offers the gift to Jungkook. Jungkook blinks at him again. He looks sleepy. A frown is etched between his brows and his eyes are still puffy. “Another one?” Jungkook asks. 

Taehyung gives him a hesitant smile. “A leather band for your hair.” 

Without hesitation Jungkook takes the leather out of Taehyung’s hands. He holds it between his fingers and looks at the designs Taehyung had carved into the leather. He had carved a pair of wolf mates into it to make his intentions crystal clear. Taehyung has always been a little romantic. He likes the idea of wooing someone. 

Without a word Jungkook uses the leather band to tie his hair back. Taehyung's chest swells with pride and a grin breaks his face. “I made it.” 

“Thank you.” Jungkook rasp. His voice is heavy with sleep. 

Taehyung beams. His heart flutters. “You probably have to keep going. If you want I can accompany you a bit? I’m on my way to Jin’s hut.” Taehyung bites his lips, but he is hopeful that Jungkook will agree. He accepted all of his courting gifts after all.

Jungkook nods and resumes his path. 

Giddy Taehyung walks right by his side. “Did you sleep well?” Taehyung says. “I’ve slept like a rock. I played with the pups all evening.” 

Jungkook hums affirmatively. 

“I’ve been taking care of the young twins. They are up early every morning driving Jin insane.” Taehyung giggles. “He can get a few more hours of sleep since I’ve been coming over early in the morning.” 

“Hoseok’s kids?” Jungkook asks. 

“Yeah, they are really sweet, but always on the run. I guess they get that from Hoseok.” Taehyung pulls his duffel bag closer to himself. “I made some millet porridge with walnuts this morning, to warm it up for them.” 

Taehyung eyes Jungkook from the side. Even his side profile is handsome. His sharp chin, the soft slope of his nose and his sincere big brown eyes. 

As the path splits in two Jungkook nods at him. 

With a bright grin Taehyung waves. “Goodbye.” 

Jungkook peers back at him and continues walking down his path. Taehyung watches him walk off with a smile on his face. 

Today Jungkook sees him before Taehyung has to call for him. Taehyung bites his lips in excitement. “Look what I got for you.” Taehyung calls as he excitedly hurries to Jungkook, waving the gift in his hand. Jimin’s mate Yoongi was an excellent goldsmith and made a pair of silver earrings for Taehyung to give to Jungkook. 

This time Jungkook stops and waits for Taehyung to catch up to him. 

“I got this for you.” He hands Jungkook the small leather bag with the jewelry inside. 

Jungkook smiles and takes the leather bag out of Taehyung’s hands. “Yoongi?” He asks. 

Taehyung nods. He isn’t surprised Jungkook recognizes Yoongi’s jewelry from the bag alone. His ears are pierced and silver hoops hang from both of his ears. Unless he got some from merchants moving through their pack he has no other way to get them except from Yoongi. 

Jungkook gently shakes the bag and the content on his palm. The silver gleams in the morning sun. Jungkook rolls them between his fingers and raises his eyebrows. A small smile plays on his lips and Taehyung tries to remain calm. 

When Jungkook looks up, his eyes are piercing. Like he is scrutinizing Taehyung. “Thank you.” He murmurs. 

“I picked them out.” Taehyung tells the other. “You always wear silver earrings, so I thought you would prefer that.” 

Jungkook hums and pockets them in the small pouch hanging from his trousers waistline.

“It’s tiny leaves. I thought they were really pretty.” Taehyung rambles as they continue their way along the path. “They reminded me of you.” 

Jungkook stops for a second. “Why?” 

Taehyung chews on lips and contemplates. “You’re reliable like a tree. You’re handsome like the leaves in autumn. You’re so versatile, I feel like there is nothing you can’t do.” 

Jungkook shakes his head. “There are lots of things I can’t do.” 

Taehyung laughs. “I don’t believe you, you can hunt, you can swim, you can fish, you can carve, you can craft, you can sew, you can cook, the list is endless.” 

“You know I sew?” Jungkook raises an eyebrow. 

“Eh, yeah, don’t you? I assume since your clothes aren’t made from the omega’s sewing shop.” 

“I do.” Jungkook answers frowning. “Does everyone know?” 

Taehyung blinks confused, he scratches his neck. “Haven’t really talked about it with anyone. I just assumed, your seam’s are extremely neat and your clothes are always in perfect condition. If you would be giving them to the sewing shop it would have taken their time since they repair and sew most unmated alpha’s clothes.” 

Jungkook nods. 

“I’ve worked there for a bit, but I prefer looking after the pups and going fishing from time to time with Jimin. Sometimes I help when a harvest is in season or help out in the communal kitchen.” Taehyung blabbers on. “I also have my chicken at the back of my hut.” 

“I’ve noticed.” Jungkook says. 

Taehyung smiles. “They like to roam around once in a while.” 

“Who built your hut?” Jungkook asks. “And the henhouse?” 

“I made it myself.” Taehyung proclaims proudly, he knows it’s not the sturdiest hut, but he is probably one of ten omega’s who built or had a say in how their hut was built. Building, working with wood is clearly not an omega task as they should be treated with care. Luckily Taehyung’s alpha father taught his kids everything. How to build, how to carve, how to hunt, how to care for the chickens they have, how to…. He made no difference between alpha and omega. “Well, of course, my father helped me a little.” 

Jungkook nodded seemingly lost in thought. “Is Jiwon your father?” 

“Yes.” Taehyung agreed happily. He knows his father has quite the reputation. Depending on what your views were either a good or a bad one. “You know him?” 

“Who doesn’t know him?" Jungkook replies. 

“True.” Taehyung laughs. “He made quite the commotion at the last pack meeting.” 

Jungkook actually cracked a smile at that and Taehyung’s heart nearly beats out of his chest. “He does so most of the meetings.” Jungkook replied. 

Taehyung laughs. “Can’t argue with that. Wouldn’t even want to argue with that.” 

If there is one thing one can criticize about his father, it’s his temperament. He speaks up whenever injustice is about to happen. When everyone keeps quiet, afraid or ignorant, his father speaks up. Last meeting he was very passionate about the omega-only eating room in the pack house. To create more equality between the sub genders they were about to remove the omega-only eating room since omega’s, beta’s and alpha’s have long been eating together. Jiwon nearly ripped his hair out at the proposal. He stated: ‘It’s a safe place for them. It isn’t about eating anymore. We, the alphas, shouldn’t decide about spaces that do not belong to us.’ 

“I’m glad we have people like your father in our pack.” Jungkook says, gives Taehyung another nod and leaves him at the pathway split. 

Taehyung swoons. He can’t get enough of this wolf that meets all of Taehyung’s rather high standards. An alpha that agrees with his father is a one in hundred chance to find in his pack. Or maybe Taehyung exaggerates a little bit, but it’s definitely a low probability. 

“Have a good day.” Taehyung calls after Jungkook who is long gone. 

Taehyung lightly curses as he tries to carve the wood in a round shape. Since noon he’s been sitting near the river trying to carve a toy for the twins. He had asked Yoongi what wood would be easy to carve and what knife to use but still it’s been nothing but a hassle. Jungkook’s bracelet took him months and Yoongi had helped him with the shape. 

By now his hands are hurting. His right hand cramps up every so often, but he really wants to make something for Jin’s twins. He adores the little rascals. 

A shadow casts over him and Taehuyng looks up in two warm brown eyes. Jungkook kneels beside him. “Taehyung. Can I?” 

Taehung nods. Flabbergasted that Jungkook said his name. His name. 

Jungkook takes the wood out of his hand. “You have to hold it like this, it’s easier that way and like this you get the curve you want. It’s quite easy once you get the gist..” Jungkook explains, easily carving the wood like it was butter.

Enthralled Taehyung watches. The scent of leather and cedar wood strong in the air. Jungkook is so close to him that if Taehyung would lean to the right his head would touch his shoulder.

“If you hold it like you had been doing your hands might cramp.” 

Taehyung nods watching Jungkook move the knife. “Thank you.” He murmurs. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Taehyung is given one of Jungkook’s rare smiles. Stunned, Taehyung looks at the other. What is happening? Jungkook had never initiated such a long conversation with him and certainly hadn’t given him so many smiles all at one day. Taehyung lightly massages his right hand and watches Jungkook continue carving the wood. 

“What are you making?” Jungkook asks and stops for a second to hold the wood piece up. 

“It's supposed to be a bird. For the twins to play with.” Taehyung answers looking at the wood he had been carving. It looked more like, like two stones stacked onto each other. A smaller one and a bigger one. 

“It’s not my forte.” Taehyung explains a little embarrassed. He knows Jungkook is an excellent carver. His hut is an excellent example as Jungkook had carved intricate details into the wood. 

“The shape is great.” Jungkook says and glances at Taehyung’s hand. “If you want I can help you.”

“Please.” Taehyung replies lightly massaging his right wrist. 

Jungkook starts carving again while explaining to Taehyung what he is doing. Unconsciously, Taehyung scoots a little closer to get a better view. Jungkook handles the wood with skillful hands. His elegant albeit rough fingers move the knife with ease. His voice soft and his explanation graspable. This is the most Jungkook has ever talked to him. Happiness engulfs Taehyung and he relishes in Jungkook’s warmth and his comforting scent of cedar wood and leather. His omega is happy to have his chosen alpha so close to him. 

For a good while they sit like this, Jungkook carving and explaining, Taehyung enjoying the alpha’s presence, till Jungkook suddenly asks, “Have you been doing the twins' hair?” Taehyung looks up but Jungkook is still concentrating on the wood. 

“Yeah, I’ve braided their hair this morning.” Taehyung replies. 

“I saw them running through the woods.” Jungkook says.

Taehyung laughs lightly and shakes his head. “Sounds like them. Little trouble maker. Hopefully they weren’t alone?” 

“Jin was running right behind them.” Jungkook answers looking up for a moment to meet Taehyung’s eyes. “Do you want pups?” 

Taehyung nearly falls off his stool. The question takes him completely off guard. Is Jungkook making sure they are suited for each other? Is this the reason Jungkook is still unmated? Because he doesn’t want pups? If this will be the reason why Jungkook rejects him, so be it. Taehyung loves having pups around him and he wants to have at least two of his own. 

“Yes.” Taehyung smiles. “I grew up with a lot of siblings and I always wanted to have a house full of life.” 

Jungkook hums. He bites his lips contemplating. “You have been courting me, haven’t you?” 

Taehyung nods now self-consciously. The only sounds are the rushing river in the distance and the wind rustling through the trees. Had his courting gifts been that bad that Jungkook hadn’t even considered them as such? 

Jungkook stops carving for a moment. The shape is now very recognizable. Taehyung can see the beak at the head of the wooden bird. 

“Why?” Jungkook asks. 

Out of anything that Taehyung thought Jungkook might say this wasn’t it. Taehyung blinks. Why? “Why wouldn’t I? You’re kind, respectful, strong and attentive.” And good-looking, but Taehyung doesn’t say that out loud, he doesn’t want to be perceived as shallow. “I like you.” 

Jungkook resumes the carving and tilts his head to the side. A few hair strands fall into his face. Taehyung’s gaze follows the movement and finds his gift, the leather band, in Jungkook’s hair. The feeling of Jungkook being so taken by his gifts that he is actually using them makes Taehyung’s head spin. He wants to run to Jimin and tell him who this wonderful alpha accepts all of his courting gifts. But he hasn’t told Jimin a thing. If he knew what Taehyung has been doing he would have shaken him till his ears ring. But he will tell him. Eventually. 

“You’re so young.” Jungkook finally says. It sounds more like a question. 

Taehyung gulps. After accepting all his gifts is he still getting rejected? His heart drops. “I’m twenty-six. I know what I want and I know how I feel about you.” He answers without showing his nervousness. 

Jungkook nods. He puts the wood and knife aside and faces Taehyung. His brown eyes search for Taehyung’s hazelnut green one’s. “Are you sure about this?” 

“Never been more sure about anything.” Taehyung replies immediately. 

Jungkook smiles. One of his small smiles. The corner of his mouth barely lifts but his eyes gleam with a certain joy. The silver leaf-earring Taehyung gave him and a few silver rings hanging on his ear shine in the afternoon sun. Taehyung grins back at him. Jungkook's smile deepens till his dimple pops up on his cheek. Taehyung, who has been unconsciously fisting the sleeve of his shirt, lets go of them and beams. 

And Jungkook, Jungkook actually, chuckles and brushes a hair out of Taehyung’s face. 

“It would be stupid of me to say no.” Jungkook says. “I have to go, but can we finish your wood carving tomorrow?” 

Taehyung nods and stares at him. 

Is he dreaming? This can’t be real. 

Jungkook gets up and leaves with the words, “Rest your hand for the rest of the day or it might get worse.” 

With his mouth slightly parted, Taehyung watches him walk off. His heart is racing and Jungkook’s words replay in his mind. It would be stupid of me to say no. This definitely wasn’t a rejection. No, this was… Was this a yes? 

He had to tell someone. 

Taehyung jumped up, put the knife back into his sheath and stuffed the knife and the wood carving into his duffel bag. He knew where to find his best friends at this time of day. Jin was probably cooking and with luck Jimin sat in his kitchen talking with the others. 

With fast steps he hurried up the hill towards Jin’s hut. 

None of them looked surprised to see him opening the door. Jimin gave him a sweet smile. Nori, one of the twins, sprinted at him with open arms. “Tae!” 

“Hey, little one.” He had an arm full of a pup within seconds. 

Hyun ran behind her screaming his name. 

“Hyun! No running when I'm cooking.” Jin calls from the stove. The toddler grabs Taehyung’s trousers without even looking at Jin. "You’re back!” Hyun calls and grins up at him. “Will you play with us?” 

“Ah,” Taehyung looks up to catch Jimin’s eyes, “I’m actually here to talk to Jimin and Jin.” 

Abruptly, his leg is freed. “Talking is boring.” Hyun states and takes his sister to pull her back to whatever they have been up to. Nori gives Taehyung one last pouting look, but today Taehyung isn’t budging. 

“What a rare sight.” Jin comments. “Taehyung saying no to pups.” 

Taehyung gives him an awkward smile. Both Jimin and him are already eyeing Taehyung skeptically. They know something is up. 

“I have to tell you something.” Taehyung starts and sits down on the kitchen table. Jimin lifts an eyebrow at him questioningly. 

Jin sighs. “You broke the pack rules again.” 

“It’s a matter of interpretation.” Taehyung replies. “I did nothing unethical.” 

“Of course not.” Jimin answers, giving Taehyung’s shoulder a squeeze. “No one would ever assume you did so.” 

”I gave him a courting gift.” Taehyung tells them biting his lips. 

Jin frowns at him and places a kettle on the stove. “Jungkook?”

“Who else?” Jimin snorts. “And he gave you one back?” 

“Uh, no.” Taehyung answers, “But..”, he grins at the two, “he helped me carve today, asked me about pups and told me it would be stupid to say no.” Taehyung beams at others full of joy. “Isn’t that great?” 

“He asked you about pups?” Jin asked incredulously. 

Taehyung blinks up at him. “If I want pups, yes. That’s a good sign, right?” 

“That’s..” Jimin says, “That’s great, yeah.” 

Jin squints his eyes at him. “Will you finally tell us what you got him?” Jin asks while getting herbs out of his drawers. 

Now Taehyung can confess to what he did or lie through his teeth. He knows his good friends, he knows they will never tell on him. “My first gift was the raspberry jam I made this summer.” 

“First?” Jimin asks who never misses a detail. 

Jin rattles with a few cups without saying a word. A storm is brewing, Taehyung knows. He nods. “I gave him two more. All in all three gifts right now, but I’m planning to give him more.” 

Jimin gasps and looks at Taehyung with his jaw slacked. “No, you didn’t.” He says at the same time Jin drops a cup. The clink echoes through the room. 

“I did.” Taehyung answers. 

Jimin closes his eyes, opens them again and looks at Taehyung resigned. “Of course, you did.” 

“Why can’t we court alpha’s? It’s unjust.” Taehyung pouts. 

“You’re your father’s son, has anyone ever told you that?” Jimin answers. 

“More than once. So you wanna know what else I gave him?” Taehyung looks from Jimin to Jin, who has picked up the undamaged cup. 

“Tell me everything.” Jimin answers with a smile on his face. He knew once Taehyung had made his mind up he wasn't going to be stopped easily. 

“I made him a leather band with a carving for his hair.” It’s one of the things he loves to do. Most of his friends have such a hair or arm band from him. He softens the leathers and draws into them with a sharp knifelike tool. 

“I made tea.” Jin puts three steaming cups on the kitchen table and sits down as well. Whatever stew he made bubbled on the stove behind him. “Taehyung.”

Taehyung bit his lip and looked at the other. 

“You know what you did can have serious consequences?”

Taehyung frowns. “It’s a shitty rule.”

“I agree.” Jin replies, his face serious. “But it can get you in trouble.” 

“Who would tell on me? You both know Jungkook would never do so.” 

“That’s not the point.” Jin sighs and rubs a hand on his forehead. “It’s.. please, be careful, don’t go around telling people this.”

“What do you think of me?” Taehyung shakes his head. “You’re the first I told about this.” 

Jin smiles, a little tired, but his eyes warm. “I know. Sometimes I can’t help but worry about you.” 

“I have never been better.” Taehyung grins, his mood not dampened the slightest. Jungkook wants him. Probably. Most likely. Taehyung is sure of it. 

“He really has to give it all now.” Jimin says and takes a sip of his tea. “Making you give him three courting gifts. I can’t believe this.” 

Taehyung chuckles. “It’s okay, Jimin.”

Jin snorts. “It really isn’t. He should treat you better. Calls himself an alpha, but lets you court him. Shameful.” 

“Don’t talk like that about him. Maybe he just wants to be sure when picking a mate.” Taehyung pouts and cups his teacup to soak in the warmth. 

Jin sighs. Loudly. “Namjoon-”

“Jin!” Taehyung groans. “No.” 

“I know, I know, I’m just saying.” Jin has a teasing smile on his face. “So what else did you get him?” 

“A pair of earrings Yoongi made and a wooden bracelet I carved.” Taehyung says proud of his gifts. 

“I knew those earrings weren’t for you.” Jimin grumbles. 

“So you knew about this?” Jin exclaimed, raising his arms. 

“No! I thought it was his one and only courting gift.” Jimin argued. 

“Right.” Jin does not look convinced as he sips on his tea. 

Taehyung watches them argue with a smile on his face. It’s good that his friends take his courting more or less light-hearted. There wasn’t anything they could do about it either way and they probably knew that. Taehyung is going to continue to court Jungkook. It brought him closer to alpha already. He bites his lips as he thinks about the alpha helping him to carve the toy and talking to him in his low and calm voice. Taehyung could spend the rest of his life with him. 

In the morning, Taehyung practically jumps out of his bed. Excited to leave his hut, he gets ready in minutes and grabs today’s gift for Jungkook before he heads out. A full bottle of citrus oil to compliment Jungkook’s scent. He made it out of fresh lemons. He doesn’t come far, because right in front of his hut stood no other than Jeon Jungkook. 

For once he didn’t look like he came straight out of his bed. His hair wasn’t tousled, it was loosely bound back and a few strands framed his face. The silver earrings Taehyung gifted him in his ears. 

Taehyung bites down the smile threatening to break free. He can’t believe Jungkook is standing in front of his hut this early in the morning and openly wearing everything Taehyung gifted him. “Good morning, Jungkook.” He says cheerfully. 

“Morning” The alpha answers. Only then Taehyung sees the fur bundle in his arms. “I’ve made fur for you. It’s soft on the outside and the inside. I also made you a pair of matching gloves for the upcoming winter.” 

Bewildered Taehyung stares at Jungkook. “For me?” He asks, pointing at himself. 

“Yeah, if you accept my courting offer.” Jungkook answers.

Taehyung glows. “Yes.” Excitedly he steps closer, eyeing the beautiful fur in his hand. Without taking his eyes off the black fur he hands Jungkook the small bottle of oil. “I made citrus oil for you, for your body and hair.” 

Jungkook takes the bottle and hands Taehyung the softest fur he has ever touched. He sinks a hand into it and can’t help himself but close his eyes and nuzzle into the softness. Jungkook’s scent lingers on the fur and Taehyung could bury his nose into it. Jungkook’s scent is so present. The rich wood and fresh citrus. It’s like the fur is drenched in his scent. Suddenly it clicks, his eyes shoot open and he looks at Jungkook who carefully watches him. 

Jungkook had scented the fur. For him. He leaped right into the courting with an intimate gesture. It’s a rather possessive gesture. It makes it clear to everyone that Taehyung belongs to him. If Taehyung wears the fur and walks around with it everyone knows Jungkook is courting him. Jungkook watches him with rapt attention. 

“Thank you.” Taehyung murmurs. He takes off the brownish fur he has been wearing and places it on the bench outside of his hut. He slips into Jungkook’s right away and a shudder goes through him as Jungkook’s scent engulfs him and the softness embraces him. He noses it again, takes a deep breath of Jungkook’s scent. The layers of sandalwood, leather and lemon. “I love it.” 

This time, Jungkook breaks out in a big grin, his dimple pops out and his eyes sparkle. The smile takes Taehyung totally off guard and sweeps him off his feet. “Let’s walk together again.” Jungkook suggests. 

Taehyung would never say no to that. He nods enthusiastically. “Let me put this away first.” Taehyung says grabbing his old fur and the pair of gloves Jungkook made him, to store them away in his hut. He takes a deep breath once he is inside and lays them on his dresser. What a great start to his day. Way better than Taehyung could have ever imagined. 

Taehyung gives Jungkook a big smile once he stands outside his hut again. The alpha extends a hand towards him and Taehyung takes it without a second thought. Jungkook’s hand feels rough due to the manual labor but also much warmer than Taehyung’s own. His cold fingertips get warm rather quickly through Jungkook’s embrace. 

The two of them walk along the path, hand in hand. 

For once Taehyung is silent. A grin splits his face and giddy happiness bubbles up in him. He can’t believe this. He can’t believe the infamous Jeon Jungkook is courting him. That his own courting actually led to something. That he is holding the alpha’s hand. 

“On your way to Jin’s again?” Jungkook asks.

“Yeah.” Taehyung replies. “Every morning I’ve been helping with the pups since the day they were born. No one expected a pair of twins, and Jin was stressed. I'll tell you.”

Jungkook hums. “I remember Hoseok frantically building a second crib.” 

Taehyung giggled. “Oh yeah, they were so young back then, Hyun and Nori are five now.” 

“Is that the reason you choose a hut this close to the pack borders? To be close to them?” 

Taehyung shakes his head. “I chose this place first, I told them about the spot between the trees. I like the solitude and..” to not be surrounded by suffocating alpha’s. But Taehyung bites his tongue. 

“And?” Jungkook asks.

“Uh,” Taehyung scratches his neck. “The space, to not be surrounded by other wolves all the time.”

Jungkook nods. 

In front of them the crossroad appears and Taehyung knows it’s time to say goodbye. Will he come looking for Taehyung like he promised? Carve with him again? 

Jungkook turns towards him without letting his hand go. For a second Taehyung holds his breath. Their eyes meet. Jungkook strokes one of Taehyung’s hair strands out of his face. Taehyung gulps. 

“Can I kiss you?” 

Taehyung blinks, smiles and steps a little closer. Jungkook’s citrusy and woody scent fills his nostrils. “Yes.” 

Jungkook lets go of Taehyung’s hand and cups his cheeks with his warm hands. He presses his lips against the others in a rather tender kiss. His lips are soft against Taehyung’s but after a short press he already moves away. Taehyung’s eyes flutter open again. There is just a hand’s width between them. Jungkook’s scent had never been this intensive. Taehyung wants to bare his neck and submit to the other. Never had he felt safer in the hands of an alpha. Jungkook’s eyes never leave Taehyung as if every impression the omega makes is of utter importance. 

“More.” Taehyung whispers. 

Jungkook obliges. He presses his lips against Taehyung’s. One of Taehyung’s hands wanders into Jungkook’s fur to hold him close. Taehyung parts his lips instinctively. Jungkook slightly sucks at his upper lip and deepens the kiss. Taehyung’s heart races with every swipe of Jungkook’s tongue. Taehyung tries to catch Jungkook’s lips as the other moves away again. He doesn’t succeed. 

“I will come see you later.” Jungkook murmurs and presses another kiss on his mouth. Short and sweet.

“Promise?” Taehyung replies. 

Jungkook hums. “I will find you.” A thumb caresses his cheek and Taehyung doesn’t feel like turning away, but Jungkook does, so with a last press of lips against his he follows the path to the oldest omega’s hut. Taehyung stares after him, his hand raised to his mouth. 

“You smell weird.” Hyun says as soon as Taehyung picks him up from the ground. He wrinkles his nose and stares at Taehyung like he greatly offended him. 

“He smells like alpha.” Nori says matter of factly staring up to the two. Her little squirrel plushy in her hand. “Are you getting mated?” She asks without batting an eyelid. 

Taehyung chokes on his saliva. 

“Mate?” Hyun asks, shocked. His mouth parts and his eyes open wide. With his long hair still tousled from sleep he looks rather adorable. 

“Yeah, Elo says if an omega smells like an alpha they are mated.” Nori explains like she knows it all. She presses the squirrel to her chest and presses a kiss on his head.

“What’s all this mate-talk this early in the morning?” Jin grumbles and walks into the kitchen. 

“You’re awake already?” Taehyung asks, readjusting Hyun in his arms who leans his head against his shoulder. 

“Stinky.” He grumbles against Taehyung’s neck and buries his little nose in Taehyung’s scent gland. 

Jin yawns and sets the kettle on the stove. “For once these little wild wolves slept through the night.” 

“Taehyung has a mate.” Nori tells Jin and slings her arms around his legs. 

“No holding papa when he is at the stove, remember?” 

Nori pouts, but walks to the kitchen table to take a seat. 

“And what about Taehyung?” Jin mumbles rubbing his eyes. 

“He has a mate!” Nori proclaims rather loudly this time around. Taehyung quietly groans and takes a seat next to her. Hyun still in his arms. 

At that Jin fully turns around. He looks startled. “Am I still dreaming?” 

Nori giggles. “No!!!” 

Hyun lifts his head, “Taehyung stinks.”He says with another scrunch of his nose.

“He,” Taehyung protests lightly. “You’re snuggling into me even though I stink?”

Hyun's only answer is a yawn. 

Jin takes only a small step closer to the kitchen table and gets a whiff of the scent. “Jungkook.” Jin states his eyebrows drawn to the top of the head. He shakes his head. “You really did it. Jimin will scream your ears off.” 

The first thing Jimin did when entering Jin’s hut to pick Taehyung up for fishing was indeed scream. “No way!” 

Taehyung, who is still sitting at the kitchen table with Jin drinking freshly brewed tea, was, of course, not surprised. Jin made him promise to tell him everything once Jimin arrived at the hut. While the twins are busy drawing with charcoal on a piece of wood Taehyung is being interrogated at the kitchen table. 

“When? Where? How?!” Jimin asks as soon as he processed what Taehyung was wearing. 

“This morning.” Taehyung says blushing lightly. “He stood in front of my hut with a courting gift.” 

“I can’t believe it.” Jimin genuinely looks stunned. 

“I’ve always known that no one can say no to our sweet little Taehyung.” Jin chips in. “What else did he gift you?” 

“A pair of gloves. In the same color, the same fur.” Taehyung answers. 

“Pff, he only bought you a fur and a pair of gloves?” Jimin 

“It’s not bought.” Jin says before Taehyung can get a word in. “It’s good work.” Jin runs a hand a long scrutinizing the seams. 

“Right?” Taehyung excitedly agrees. “It’s so soft and warm.” Taehyung gushes caressing his new fur. 

“He made it, didn’t he?” Jin questions his eyes borrowing into Taehyung’s. 

“I think so.” Taehyung's murmurs back. He knows Jungkook’s secret is safe with them. None of them will be running around telling anyone that the Jeon Jungkook sews clothes. 

“It must have taken him a while.” Jin comments. “It’s a double layer. Fur on the outside and the inside.” 

“It’s soft inside too?” Jimin questions. 

Taehyung nods. 

Jimin whistles through his teeth. “I take everything back. Wow, Taehyung, who would have thought.” 

Taehyung beams at him. “Me.” 

Jimin rolls his eyes at that. 

“It’s good to see you this happy. Of course, our sweet Taehyung, did the impossible.” Jin says with a smile.

By noon that day the whole pack knew that Alpha Jeon Jungkook was courting Kim Omega Taehyung. If they haven’t seen Taehyung walking around the pack grounds with the scented fur they have at least heard about it. Taehyung tried to stay far away from any pack drama so he did not pay it any mind.

Days went by like this. 

Most days, Jungkook picks Taehyung up in the morning and spends time with him in the evenings. They spend these evenings either at the river or on the porch of Jungkook’s hut. Talking and crafting. Jungkook carving or sewing. Taehyung with whatever project he had picked up that week. The day Jungkook asked him to move into his hut he was working on a mobile with pretty rocks and other things he found in the forest. 

That evening Jungkook asked, “Do you want to move in with me?”.

Taehyung, shellshocked, halts in. After only a few weeks of courting he hadn’t expected Jungkook to ask such an important question. He looks up to Jungkook who is still carving his wood, eyes downcast. 

“Move in?” Taehyung asked surprised 

Jungkook must have heard how incredulous Taehyug’s voice sounds because he begins to explain “You’re hut..” Jungkook hesitates. “I want you to be warm at night and have all the space you want. You can have a room for yourself. I have a lot of space.” 

Taehyung suppresses the giggle, wanting to spill free. Suddenly he gets it. Jungkook wants him to be safer. Have more space. Provide for him. His alpha probably feels the urge to protect him and seeing Taehyung’s small hut that wasn’t ideal was probably bothering him. Taehyung really doesn't like being subjected to alpha’s whims and needs but in the case of neon Jungkook he enjoyed the feeling of being cared for. Being protected. 

“I will move in with you.”

Jungkook’s grin and his sparkling eyes was all Taehyung needed to know that he made the right decision. It takes only a few days for Taehyung to pack up all his stuff and move into Jungkook’s enormous hut. Jungkook easily carried anything Taehyung needed into his hut. 

A huge fireplace lights and warms up the first floor of the building. The hut atmosphere is warm and cozy. As Taehyung steps inside the hut he realizes one other of his wishes came true seeing Jungkook’s hut from the inside. It’s even more beautiful than Taehyung could have imagined. The kitchen on the left side is three times the size of the one in his small hut. Every piece of furniture is built out of wood with intricate carvings probably made by none other than Jungkook himself. His future mate. The wolf who is courting him.

“I built it with the hope of finding a mate and building a family.” Jungkook says to explain the size of his hut. 

“It’s perfect.” Taehyung says. A little lost for words.

Everything smells like Jungkook. Like sandalwood. With the fresh notes of lemon and the comforting smell of leather. Taehyung wants to bathe in it. 

In the middle of the room stands an enormous bed. It was covered with furs and blankets and cushions. It was like all of Taehyung’s dreams came true. Jungkook wants him. His alpha wants him. He showed him his hut and provided him with perfect nesting materials. For him. 

“Can I?” Taehyung asks already on his way to the bed. Is this for him? Can he touch it? Can he make a nest in his alpha’s hut? Is this their hut now?

“I put them there for you.” Jungkook’s cheeks tint red. 

Taehyung purrs in excitement. For him. This is all for him. He gives Jungkook one fleeting glance and climbs onto the bed. This is for him. Taehyung had never been in such a big bed. Most importantly Taehyung had never in his life nested in such a big bed. The bed was perfect for it. The bed linen is soft. The furs, cushions and blankets on top of it tempted him downright to nest. 

Without thinking much about it Taehyung takes most of the cushions and lines them at the headboard. Jungkook watches him with rapt attention. He places two really soft furs on the bed linen and uses the rest of the cushions to one them up at the end of the bed. There are a lot of blankets left but not enough cushions for this enormous bed. Taehyung frowns. He needs more. 

Luckily Jungkook hands him more. 

Taehyung rearranges everything a little bit and takes every cushion Jungkook gives him to form a sort of cushioned wall around him. He uses every fur to make the inside as soft as possible and takes the blankets to make himself a little makeshift bed inside of it. Everything smells so good like cedar wood, leather and lemon. 

Jungkook stands just a few steps away from his nest. 

“Jungkook?” Taehyung asks. Suddenly wondering why the alpha is standing so far away. His instincts are taking over him. “Won’t you come inside?”

Jungkook's eyes go comical wide. Taehyung has never seen him this surprised. “You want me to come inside?”Jungkook asks. 

Taehyung frowns. “You don’t want to? You don’t like it?” Taehyung eyes his nest. Didn’t he do a good job? 

“No.” Jungkook answers swiftly. “I love it. I’m honored to be invited.” 

“Come then.” Taehyung says. He wants his alpha close, he wants to cuddle into him, scent him, kiss him, give him all the love he deserves. 

Carefully, without moving any of the cushions, Jungkook enters his nest. Taehyung beckons him closer so he can melt into his arms. As soon as Taehyung lays his head on Jungkook’s chest the other arms embrace him. 

“Scent me.” Taehyung murmurs. 

Jungkook obliges. He softly starts to scent him on his neck. Running his nose and chin along Taehyung’s neck. Taehyung bares his neck instinctively, making Jungkook’s rumble in joy. He moves Taehyung to lay on his back and the omega relishes in the way Jungkook oh so gently moves and scents him. Carefully leaving his scent on the other, making him dizzy with his scent. 

Taehyung presses a hand against Jungkook’s chest. Jungkook gets it immediately and rolls off Taehyung onto the bed. Taehyung snuggles into his chest. Jungkook’s body heat felt too good to be true. Jungkook presses a soft kiss against his forehead and Taehyung purrs with contentment. 

“I never thought I would have this.” Jungkook murmurs. 

“Why?” Taehyung asks and cuddles even closer to the alpha. 

Taehyung nuzzles in his neck, breathing in Jungkook’s scent. Fresh and warm. He is too far gone to completely understand what Jungkook is talking about. He rubs his nose against Jungkook’s scent gland again to breathe in his scent. A warm hand cups his head and Taehyung’s hums happily. This is so good. 

“You’re adorable.” Jungkook murmurs. 

Taehyung smiles against Jungkook’s skin. 

“I love your smile.” The alpha continues. 

If Taehyung could smile even wider he would, but right now he is preoccupied with scenting Jungkook and bathing in scent. He noses against his neck, while Jungkook brushes a hand through his hair. It’s all so comforting. Everything feels soft, warm and cozy. Everything smells like alpha. Like his alpha. 

Taehyung listens to Jungkook breath as he lays on top of him. His nose is buried in his scent gland, and enjoying every touch of Jungkook’s. His hand lightly massages his scalp and the other one gently caressing his back. He dozes off like this. In the arm of his alpha, in their hut, and his nest. 

Jungkook presses a kiss against his head. Even with a sleep muddled mind, Taehyung still hears Jungkook say: “You’re so sweet. I cherish you, I love you.”