Archive of Our Own

“𝑨𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆. 𝑻𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐𝒐. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕.”
-𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒓

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Nine- year-old Jeongguk didn’t want to be here.

He had told his mom that. He had told his dad. He had told them over and over again that he didn’t want to go to summer camp, that he didn’t care if it was at the beach or if there were animals or if it was "a great way to make friends!" He didn’t want friends. He was fine on his own.

But they hadn’t listened.

And now he was here, standing in the middle of a noisy, sunburnt crowd of kids who were already running around like they knew each other, dragging their duffel bags through the sand like it was nothing. Meanwhile, Jeongguk’s suitcase was heavy and awkward in his hands, the strap digging into his fingers. He could already feel sweat sticking his t-shirt to his back.

“Isn’t this exciting, Jeonggukie?” his mum said, crouching in front of him with that big, hopeful smile that made his stomach twist. “There are so many kids your age! And look, they even have a farm! You love animals, don’t you?”

Jeongguk did love animals. Especially bunnies. But he didn’t love camp.

He stared at the sign flapping above the main entrance:
CAMP HARMONY - WELCOME, FUTURE LEADERS!

Future leaders. Right.

The air smelled like sea salt, grass, and something vaguely farm like and he already hated it. The counselors were all way too happy, clapping their hands and shouting things like, “GROUP A, OVER HERE!” and “LET’S GET EXCITED!” like this was actually something fun.

His dad ruffled his hair. “Come on, bun. Give it a try, okay? It’ll be good for you.”

Jeongguk didn’t answer. He knew what that meant. It meant, We’re worried about you. It meant, You need to make friends like a normal Alpha. It meant, Stop hiding in your room playing video games all day.

His parents thought there was something wrong with him. That’s why they were making him do this.

He swallowed down the lump in his throat and clenched his fists. “Can I go home if I hate it?”

His mom hesitated. “You’re staying for the full two weeks, sweetheart.”

His stomach dropped.

Before he could argue, a counselor came up to them. She was tall and blonde and wearing a bright orange t-shirt with a little whistle around her neck. “Hi there! You must be Jeongguk!”

Jeongguk just stared at her.

She didn’t seem to mind. “I’m Counselor Yeri! I’ll be one of the Alphas watching over Group A this week. You’re gonna have so much fun!”

He highly doubted that.

She gestured to a group of kids already gathered by a tree. “Come on, let’s get you settled in.”

Jeongguk felt his mom squeeze his shoulder. When he turned to look at her, she was smiling, but he could see the way her eyes were all watery. “Be good, okay? Have fun.”

His dad clapped him on the back. “You got this, bun.”

And then, just like that, they were walking away, leaving him alone.

Jeongguk’s heart thumped painfully in his chest, but he bit his lip and followed Counselor Yeri toward the tree.

The other kids barely looked at him.

Well, except for one.

A boy with brown shaven hair nudged his friend and whispered something, eyes darting toward Jeongguk’s stomach. Then they both giggled.

Jeongguk’s face burned. He crossed his arms over his belly and looked away.

It was always like this.

At school, at the playground, at birthday parties his mom forced him to attend-wherever there were other kids, there were always those kids. The ones who pointed and laughed and called him names when they thought he couldn’t hear.

Fatso. Piggy. Chubby Bunny.

He wasn’t stupid. He knew he was bigger than the other Alphas. His grandma loved to spoil him with sweets, and he loved food. His mom always told him he was perfect just the way he was, but that didn’t stop the other kids from making him feel like he wasn’t.

And now he was stuck here with them.

Forever.

Or at least for two weeks, which felt just as bad.

“Okay, campers!” Counselor Yeri clapped her hands. “Time to get your cabin assignments! Boys on the left, girls on the right. Let’s go!”

Jeongguk grabbed his bunny printed suitcase and followed after the other boys, his mood lower with every step.

Maybe if he was lucky, they’d forget he existed.

´´´´´´´´´´

Jeongguk had really, really hoped that the other kids would just forget he existed. Maybe they’d be too busy running around, making new friends, or doing whatever it was that kids at summer camp did. Maybe, if he stayed quiet enough, still enough, he could make it through these two weeks unnoticed.

But that hope disappeared faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.

The moment Counselor Yeri walked away to talk to another group, Jeongguk felt it; Them. The shift in the air, the way tiny feet shuffled closer, how hushed giggles turned into cruel snickers. His fingers tightened around his suitcase handle. He stared at the ground, but it didn’t matter.

He knew what was coming.

A sharp poke to his side. Then another.

“Wow, I didn’t know they let piggies into camp,” a boy said. He sounded older, maybe ten. The other kids laughed.

Jeongguk’s face burned. He bit the inside of his cheek and tried to ignore them.

“Hey, piggy,” another voice said, “Oink for us.”

Someone shoved his arm. Not hard enough to make him fall, but enough to jolt him forward. His stomach twisted.

“Or maybe he’s a cow instead,” another voice chimed in. “Cows are chubby too. Moo!”

More laughter. More shoves.

Jeongguk’s chest felt tight. He wanted to run, but where? The camp was huge, the sand soft under his sneakers, the ocean stretching out in the distance like it had no end. Even if he ran, they’d just follow him. He was stuck here, trapped in this stupid camp with these stupid kids and then, all of a sudden, the air changed.

Something incredibly sweet filled Jeongguk’s nose, like cherries on a warm day, fresh and sugary and strong. It was the kind of smell that made his stomach flip, his head feel a little fuzzy. The bullies must have smelled it too, because they all froze.

And then;

“HEY! STOP BEING MEANIES!”

The voice wasn’t loud, but it commanded attention. It was clear, soft but sharp, ringing through the air like a little golden bell.

Jeongguk turned his head just in time to see him.

The most beautiful Omega he had ever seen in his life.

He had golden skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight, long lashes framing big, brown eyes, and lips so pink they looked like real cherries. His blonde hair was soft and wavy, like something out of a fairytale.

Jeongguk had never seen an angel before, but now he had.

And the angel was marching right toward them, hands on his hips, brows scrunched up in the angriest frown a nine-year-old could manage.

The Alphas around Jeongguk stiffened. “What are you doing here?” one of them blurted. “This is the Alpha section.”

“I know,” the Omega huffed, stopping right in front of them. He smelled even stronger up close. “But I saw what you were doing. And you’re being meanies!”

One of the older Alphas crossed his arms. “So?”

The Omega stomped his foot. “So?!” His cheeks puffed up. “You can’t just push people around like that! That’s mean! And meanies don’t get any friends!”

The boys shifted awkwardly, looking at each other. They were still Alphas, but… Omegas were special. And this Omega was really, really special.

He was beautiful, and he smelled nice, and his voice made everyone’s ears turn pink.

“Go away, Taehyung,” one of the Alphas muttered, but it was weak, like he didn’t really mean it.

So his name was Taehyung.

Jeongguk could only stare.

“No,” Taehyung snapped. “You go away.”

For a moment, nobody moved.

And then, to Jeongguk’s shock, they actually listened.

One by one, the other kids mumbled something and shuffled off, pretending they weren’t leaving because an Omega told them to. But they were.

Within seconds, they were gone.

Jeongguk let out a breath. His hands still gripped his suitcase tightly.

Then, Taehyung turned toward him.

Jeongguk stiffened.

For a second, neither of them spoke. Taehyung just blinked at him with those big, pretty eyes, his head tilting to the side, lips pursing like he was thinking.

“Why are you holding your suitcase like that?” Taehyung asked.

Jeongguk blinked. “Huh?”

“You’re squeezing it so hard,” Taehyung pointed out. “Is it special? Do you have treasure in there?”

Jeongguk’s face turned hot. “N-No.”

“Oh.” Taehyung nodded as if that made sense. “Well, that’s okay. You don’t need treasure.”

Jeongguk swallowed. He wasn’t sure what to say. He had never talked to an Omega before, let alone one like this.

Taehyung suddenly crouched down in front of him, resting his elbows on his knees, tilting his head up to look at him. He was so close that Jeongguk could see the tiny mole on his nose.

“Hey,” Taehyung said softly. “You okay?”

Jeongguk’s throat felt tight. He nodded.

Taehyung grinned, his cheeks rounding out. “Good!” Then, after a beat, he said, “Those kids were dumb. Don’t listen to them, okay?”

Jeongguk looked away. “They always say stuff like that.”

“Well, they’re wrong.” Taehyung huffed. “I think you’re cute.”

Jeongguk’s cheeks turned bright red. His head snapped up. “W-What?”

“Yeah!” Taehyung nodded seriously. “Chubby bunnies are the cutest of all!”

The nie-year-old Alpha blinked. “Chubby… bunny?”

“Yeah!” Taehyung beamed. “You’re all soft and round! That’s the best kind of hug!”

Jeongguk had never, ever heard someone say something like that about him before. It made his chest feel all weird and warm, like hot chocolate on a rainy day.

“Chubby bunny,” he murmured under his breath, testing it out. It didn’t sound bad like it usually did. Actually… it sounded kinda nice now.

Taehyung rocked back on his heels. “Yup! So don’t listen to those meanies, okay? You’re my chubby bunny now.”

Jeongguk blinked again. “I-I am?”

“Mhm!” Taehyung grinned. “I just decided.”

And just like that, Jeongguk was speechless.

His face was on fire.

++++++++++

Even though the other kids still made fun of him sometimes by calling him names when the counselors weren’t around, whispering behind their hands when they thought he couldn’t hear- Jeongguk found that it didn’t hurt as much anymore.

Because now, whenever their words started to sting, he just thought about him.

Taehyung.

The golden-skinned Omega with the cherry scent and the most beautiful voice, who had marched up to a group of Alphas without fear, all to defend him. The boy who had knelt beside him, looked him right in the eyes and told him he was cute. Not just cute but the cutest. His chubby bunny.

Jeongguk had never been anyone’s anything before.

But now, he was Taehyung’s chubby bunny. And that made everything else a little easier to handle for the nine-year-old.

There was a farm at the summer camp, tucked away behind the main cabins. It wasn’t huge, but it had everything a farm should have; Some chickens, a few goats, a tiny stable with two sleepy ponies, and Jeongguk’s favorite part: the bunny pen.

It was a wide, grassy enclosure filled with soft, round rabbits in every color. White, brown, gray, even a few spotted ones. Jeongguk loved watching them. They were always nibbling on something, twitching their noses, flopping into tiny, fuzzy piles like they didn’t have a care in the world.

They were chubby bunnies.

Just like him.

The farm was quiet in the afternoons, after the scheduled activities were over but before dinner- that was when Jeongguk liked to sneak off and sit by the bunny pen, watching them hop around while he picked at the loose strings on his camp shorts. He never went inside the pen. He didn’t want to bother them, just being near them made him feel peaceful.

One afternoon, as he sat cross legged in the grass, watching a particularly round bunny struggle to jump onto a little wooden platform, he heard the grass rustle behind him.

Then, a voice.

“There you are!”

Jeongguk turned his head just in time to see Taehyung plop down beside him, his legs stretched out in front of him as if he had been looking for him all day.

Jeongguk immediately looked away, his face growing warm.

“Ohhh,” Taehyung gasped, pointing at the bunny struggling with the platform. “That one looks like a potato.”

Jeongguk let out a tiny giggle before he could stop himself. Taehyung grinned at him, eyes sparkling.

“See? You laughed!” he said triumphantly. “That means I’m funny.”

Jeongguk bit his lip, still shy, but something about Taehyung made it really hard not to smile.

Taehyung scooted closer, resting his chin in his hands as he watched the bunnies. “I like the white one with the pink ears,” he announced. “He looks like a cloud. Which one do you like best?”

Jeongguk hesitated. Then, he pointed at the round brown bunny that was still struggling to jump. “That one.”

Taehyung turned to look at him, blinking. “Why?”

Jeongguk shrugged, picking at the grass beside him. “He doesn’t give up.”

Taehyung was quiet for a second. Then, he nodded seriously. “That’s a really good reason.”

Jeongguk felt his ears burn.

For the next few minutes, they just sat there, watching the bunnies together. Taehyung kept talking, saying whatever came to his mind. How the goats smelled weird, how the chickens were scary because they ran too fast, how he thought the ponies should have cooler names than ‘Momo’ and ‘Dubu’, all while Jeongguk just listened, sneaking glances at him every now and then.

Eventually, Taehyung flopped back onto the grass, stretching his arms out like a starfish. “The sky is so blue today,” he sighed dreamily. “Do you think the bunnies like the sky?”

Jeongguk thought about it. “Maybe,” he said quietly. “They like the grass more, I think.”

Taehyung hummed, rolling onto his side to face him. “What do you like more?”

Jeongguk frowned, confused. “Huh?”

“The sky or the grass?” Taehyung clarified, tilting his head.

Jeongguk blinked. No one had ever asked him that before. He thought about it for a moment, then mumbled, “The grass.”

Taehyung’s lips curled up. “Me too.”

Jeongguk risked a glance at him. Taehyung was still smiling, his cheeks a little pink from the sun, his golden hair shining bright.

For some reason, Jeongguk’s heart felt like it did when he ran too fast in gym class.

From that day on, every afternoon, Jeongguk found himself at the bunny pen.

And every afternoon, Taehyung found him there.

Sometimes, they just sat together in silence, watching the bunnies and feeling the warm breeze. Other times, Taehyung talked about everything and anything, and Jeongguk listened, nodding and occasionally mumbling a response.

Once, Taehyung tried to name all the bunnies, even though there were at least twenty of them. “That one is Mr. Floppy,” he said confidently, pointing at a gray rabbit. “And that one is Captain Carrot.”

Jeongguk had to cover his mouth with his hand to hide his laugh.

Another time, Taehyung brought a small bag of lettuce he had stolen from the lunch hall and made Jeongguk help him feed the bunnies. “Look, they love us,” he whispered excitedly as the rabbits nibbled at the leaves in their hands. “We’re bunny heroes.”

Jeongguk had never been a hero before. But if Taehyung said it, then maybe it was true.

The other kids teased him to hell and back in the morning , but it didn’t matter to him now. Because now, Jeongguk had something better; Someone better.

He had Taehyung.

+++++++

One night, long after lights were out, Jeongguk layed in his bunk, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn’t come. He tossed and turned but his mind was restless. After a while, he gave up.

Carefully, he climbed out of bed, slipping on his sandals as quietly as possible. He tiptoed through the cabin, then out into the night. The camp was quiet, the only sounds were the rustling trees and the distant waves crashing on the shore.

Something pulled him forward, a familiar scent was flowing in the air. Sweet cherry.

Taehyung.

He followed it, tiptoeing through the camp until he reached the Omega sleeping quarters. Heart pounding, he crept around the cabins, searching. When he finally found the place where the scent came from, he leaned close, whispering. “Taehyung.”

A giggle.

Jeongguk jumped back as the window creaked open, revealing Taehyung’s grinning face. “I wasn’t sleeping either.”

Jeongguk bit his lip, then reached out a hand. “Come with me.”

Taehyung’s eyes lit up. “Okay.”

Just like that, they were sneaking off together into the night, down to the beach, where the moonlight shimmered over the waves.

The first night they snuck out, it had been a little scary. The campgrounds were big, and the woods between the cabins and the beach were darker than Jeongguk expected. But Taehyung had grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward without hesitation.

"C'mon, Jeonggukie! It's not scary, it's an adventure!"

Jeongguk had swallowed the lump of fear and followed.

That first night, they had wandered along the sand until they found a small cove hidden by big rocks, the kind of place only kids would think to squeeze into. It was perfect. The moonlight made the water shimmer, and the sand was cool under their toes. There were little pools with tiny crabs scuttling around, and Jeongguk watched them with fascination while Taehyung declared them all his "tiny crab army."

After that, sneaking out became their thing.

Every afternoon was for the bunny pen and every night was for the beach.

They collected pretty seashells, splashed their feet in the water, and tried to see who could skip the most stones (Jeongguk was bad at it, but Taehyung was worse, so he didn't mind). One night, Taehyung insisted they build a sandcastle big enough for both of them to sit in. It collapsed almost immediately, but they still sat in the pile of sand and called it their "royal palace."

Taehyung talked and talked and talked, while Jeongguk listened, sometimes nodding, sometimes humming in response. He didn’t always know what to say, but Taehyung never seemed to mind. He just kept talking as if Jeongguk’s quietness didn’t bother him at all. And Jeongguk liked that. A lot.

´´´´´´´´

The night before camp ended, everything felt different.

Not in a bad way. Just different.

The air was softer, warmer. The waves sounded quieter. The whole camp felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for morning to come.

Jeongguk and Taehyung found themselves in their secret cove again, their feet buried in the sand.

“I don’t wanna go home,” Taehyung suddenly announced, arms crossed as he pouted at the waves. “Home is boring. And I have to wake up early for school. And I can’t eat as much ice cream as I want.” He huffed. “This is the worst.”

Jeongguk stayed quiet, staring at his hands in the sand. He didn’t really know how to say it, but he didn’t want to go home either. Because at home, there was no Taehyung.

Taehyung flopped onto his back with a dramatic sigh. “What if we just stay here forever?”

Jeongguk hesitated, then shook his head. “They’ll find us.”

“Hmm… true.” Taehyung kicked his feet in the air, thinking. Then, suddenly, he sat up, eyes wide. “I know!”

Jeongguk blinked at him. “What?”

Taehyung grabbed Jeongguk’s hands and squeezed them tight. His own hands were small but warm and Jeongguk’s face immediately felt hot.

“We can be mates!” Taehyung said proudly. “Then we have to stay together forever.”

Jeongguk stared at him, wide eyed. “Mates?”

“Yeah! Like my parents! Appa Joonie and Daddy Jinnie! They’re mates, and they always stay together, and they take care of each other, and- Oh! And they give each other kisses all the time.” Taehyung’s nose scrunched up. “I don’t wanna do that all the time. But sometimes it’s okay. Maybe. If it’s you.”

Jeongguk swallowed, suddenly feeling really warm. He wasn’t sure what to say.

Taehyung, as always, didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed their lips together in a clumsy, quick little press.

It wasn’t really a kiss. More like the way someone would press their lips to a toy to make it better. But Jeongguk still froze, eyes round and heart racing in his chest.

When Taehyung pulled back, he was grinning, looking proud of himself. “Now we’re mates.”

Jeongguk didn’t know much about what it meant to be mates, but he did know one thing. He wanted to be the one to take care of Taehyung.

“I want to be your Alpha,” Jeongguk mumbled, staring down at their hands. “When I grow up.”

Taehyung’s grin widened. “Really?”

Jeongguk nodded, biting his lip. “I wanna protect you. I don’t wanna be chubby bunny anymore. I wanna be… handsome muscle bunny. For Tae.”

Taehyung gasped. “No way.”

Jeongguk looked up, confused. “Huh?”

Taehyung grabbed his cheeks, squishing them. “You’re always gonna be my chubby bunny! Even if you have superman muscles.”

Jeongguk pouted, but Taehyung just giggled and squeezed his face a little more before letting go.

“I like you just the way you are, Jeonggukie.” His voice was softer now, a little shy. “Even if other people don’t. I do.”

Jeongguk felt his ears turn red once again. He looked away, picking at the sand between his fingers. His chest felt warm, all fuzzy and weird, but in a way that wasn’t bad at all.

Suddenly, Taehyung jumped up. “Wait, wait, I have an idea!”

Jeongguk blinked as Taehyung ran to the nearest tree, searching the ground until he found a small, sharp rock. He turned back, eyes shining.

“We gotta put our initials in the tree! That’s what people do when they love each other.”

Jeongguk’s breath hitched. “Love?”

Taehyung shrugged. “Dunno. Maybe. But I do know that I wanna remember this forever.”

Jeongguk swallowed. He wanted to remember this forever too.

So he followed Taehyung to the tree, watching as the Omega carved:

“T + J.”

Taehyung stepped back, hands on his hips. “Perfect.”

Jeongguk reached out, brushing his fingers over the letters. It was rough, a little uneven, but to him, it was the most perfect thing he’d ever seen.

Taehyung grinned at him. “Now we’re really mates.”

Jeongguk looked at the tree, then at Taehyung, golden and glowing even under the moonlight.

“…Yeah,” he whispered. “We are.”

The next morning, camp ended.

The buses came, the kids left. The summer was over.

Jeongguk never forgot that last night. Never forgot the way Taehyung had smiled at him. Never forgot the letters carved into that tree or their promise.

Even as he grew older, even as the summers passed, he never forgot.

Because Taehyung had promised that he would always be his chubby bunny and so, he would do everything to keep his promise. He would become his Alpha.

++++++++++

When Taehyung came back home from summer camp, all sun kissed and glowing, his parents hadn’t expected the first thing out of his mouth to be:

“I found my mate!”

Seokjin had nearly dropped the plate he was holding, and Namjoon had choked on his evening tea. Their nine-year-old son stood in front of them, beaming, his cheeks flushed with excitement, his golden curls still messy from the long ride home.

“You what?” Seokjin shrieked, immediately pulling Taehyung closer as if to inspect him for any signs of injury or wrongdoing.

“I mated!” Taehyung announced proudly, puffing out his tiny chest.

Namjoon’s tea cup shattered on the floor.

For a full minute, no one said anything. Then Seokjin let out a horrified gasp, gripping Taehyung by the shoulders. “You did what?”

Taehyung tilted his head. “I mated! With Jeonggukie! He’s my Alpha now!”

Seokjin paled. “Your what?”

“My Alpha! We kissed on the beach and made a promise!” Taehyung explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I told him I want to be his mate, and he said he wants to be my Alpha and protect me! And we carved our initials into a tree! So now, when we’re twenty, he’s going to find me at the mate fest and we’ll be real mates!”

Namjoon, still recovering from his near death experience, stared at his son, blinking slowly. Then he turned to Seokjin. “Is this my fault?”

Seokjin looked utterly mortified. “No, it’s mine. I let him read those fairytale books before bed.”

Taehyung stomped his foot. “It’s not a fairytale! It’s real! Jeonggukkie promised!”

Seokjin sighed, rubbing his temples. “Sweetheart, you’re nine. Mating doesn’t work like that.”

Taehyung crossed his arms. “It does if you really mean it.”

Namjoon and Seokjin exchanged looks, both equally bewildered, but ultimately, there wasn’t much they could do. Taehyung was stubborn, and despite their attempts to explain that true mate bonds developed later in life, he remained steadfast.

And as the years passed, he never gave up that thought.

By the time Taehyung finally turned twenty, the annual Mate Fest had become a highly anticipated event in his life. The festival was a grand celebration, held every year for Alphas, Betas, and Omegas who had reached the age of twenty- the prime age for forming official bonds. If an Alpha was interested in an Omega, they would approach them with a courting gift; Something that was thoughtful and meaningful and if the Omega accepted, it signified the beginning of their courtship.

It was romantic, it was exciting and it was the perfect opportunity for young people to find their fated partners.

For most, anyway.

For Taehyung, it was only a waiting game.

Every year, Omegas like him were showered with attention, surrounded by eager Alphas vying for their affection. And Taehyung? He was the center of it all this year.

He had grown into a breathtaking vision of an Omega. His golden skin sparkling under the soft glow of lantern lights, his luscious blonde curls falling over his delicate face, his full pink lips always positioned in a polite smile. His figure was soft and ethereal, curves in all the right places, the kind that made heads turn and hearts race.

But perhaps the most mesmerizing thing about him was his scent. Cherry sweet, just as intoxicating and unique as it had been when he was a child. It stayed in the air like the promise of something magical, something impossible to forget.

And yet, no matter how many Alphas approached him with gifts and hopeful smiles, Taehyung turned them all down.

“Why do you keep rejecting everyone?” Jimin, his best friend (who was two years older than him), groaned, flopping dramatically onto the couch. “Some of these Alphas are gorgeous, Tae. Like, jaw droppingly hot. Do you know how many Omegas would kill to be in your place?”

Taehyung shrugged, twirling a strand of his hair between his fingers. “I told you already. I’m waiting.”

Jimin groaned louder. “For that childhood Alpha of yours?! Tae, you haven’t even seen him since you were nine!”

Taehyung pouted. “So? He made a promise.”

Jimin sat up. His eyes widened with disbelief. “He was a kid! What if he doesn’t even remember? What if he doesn’t show up? What if he found someone else?!”

“He will show up,” Taehyung said firmly. “He promised he’d find me.”

Jimin groaned for (what seemed to be) the millionth time.
“This is so stupid. You’re so stupid.”

“I think it’s cute,” Seokjin joined in from the doorway, watching his son with amusement. “Painfully naive, but cute.”

Namjoon, standing beside him, sighed. “It’s been eleven years, Taehyung.”

Taehyung turned his nose up. “I know.”

“And you really think he’s going to magically appear, after all this time, at this year’s Mate Fest?”

“Yes.”

Namjoon shook his head. “Unbelievable.”

But no matter how much they tried to knock some sense into him, Taehyung remained stubborn.

He knew Jeongguk would come.

He had told him where he was from back then; His province, his pack. And if Jeongguk still remembered, if he still meant what he had said on that beach all those years ago, then he would find him.

Because a promise was a promise.

And Taehyung was still waiting.

+++++++

The day of the Mate Fest arrived with the soft glow of the afternoon sun melting into hues of gold and rose, painting the sky as if it were blessing the sacred gathering. The air was thick with the scent of desire and anxiety, but to Taehyung, nothing mattered. Not the dozens of Alphas who had traveled far and wide just for the chance to court him, not the whispers and murmurs that followed his every step. He was waiting for only one person.

Jeongguk.

His heart had never changed. Through all these years, he had held on, clutching onto a memory that was so innocent and sweet that it had carried him through his adolescence. He had never seen Jeongguk again, never heard his name spoken. But he believed. He knew. Because a promise made at nine years old was still a promise. He would get his Chubby Bunny.

“Hold still, you brat.”

Jimin’s voice was sharp as he carefully dusted Taehyung’s cheeks with a soft pink blush, bringing out the natural rosiness in his golden skin. Seokjin hovered beside them, hands wringing nervously, while Namjoon sniffled into a handkerchief like a grieving mother.

“My baby,” Namjoon whispered dramatically, shoulders trembling. “My precious baby, all grown up. Oh, Jinnie Babe, I can’t believe we have to let him go.”

“Let him go where?” Jimin snorted, rolling his eyes as he lined Taehyung’s lips with a delicate touch of gloss. “To an Alpha that doesn’t exist? Seriously, Tae, I still can’t believe you’re doing this. Just pick someone hot, kind and rich. What else do you need?”

Taehyung sighed as he admired himself in the mirror. His reflection was breathtaking. Goddess like wasn’t enough to describe him. His blonde curls shimmered under the light. His lips were glossed to perfection. His golden skin glowed like he was born from the sun itself. His attire that day was the finest silk in warm reds and soft creams. It wrapped around his elegant frame, accentuating the delicate curves of his waist. Tiny gold chains draped around his wrists and neck. His decorative head piece made him look ethereal, like some royal prince.

An untouchable beauty.

And yet, he was still waiting. Waiting for a boy from a memory, a boy who might not even exist anymore.

“I don’t want just anyone, Jimin,” Taehyung said simply, lifting his chin as Seokjin adjusted the silk draping across his shoulders. “I’m waiting for him.”

Jimin threw his head back. “You’re so stupid.”

“I still think it’s romantic,” Seokjin hummed, stepping back to admire his son with an approving nod. “Hopelessly stupid, yes, but romantic nonetheless.”

Namjoon only sobbed harder.

´´´´´´´´

The Mate Fest was held under the night sky, lanterns and fairy lights illuminating the massive open space in a golden glow. The entire province was gathered, families watching as hopeful Alphas and Omegas walked through the fields, mingling, searching. Taehyung stood in the center of it all. As if he was a vision of grace, a magnet to every eye. Alphas flocked to him in waves, each more handsome and powerful than the last, each one eager to claim the most desired Omega of the night and make him the Luna of their Pack. But Taehyung wasn’t interessted in power, status nor being a Luna.

He turned them all down.

One by one, they presented their courting gifts. Gold rings, delicate perfumes, handcrafted silk, but Taehyung only shook his head politely, offering them a smile before looking away. He wasn’t interested in their wealth, their power, their charm. None of them had dark brown doe eyes. None of them had that soft, unsure voice. None of them had ever called him Tae like it was the only name that mattered.

Jimin stood at his side, arms crossed, watching him with raised eyebrows. “You are actually insane. You know that, right?”

Taehyung ignored him.

Suddenly something had shifted in the air. A scent, strong and familiar, drifted toward him, making his breath hitch. It was warm, rich, masculine. A deep musk of sandalwood, spiced vanilla, and something sweet underneath. It wasn’t just any scent.

It was his scent. It threw Taehyung all the way back to when he was just nine years old and fell in love.

Taehyung’s eyes widened. His heart slammed against his ribs, body turning sharply as he reached for Jimin, clutching his arm with trembling fingers. “Jimin.” His voice shook breathlessly. “Jimin, he’s here. I can smell him.”

Jimin groaned loudly. “Taehyung, for the love of-”

But then he stepped into view.

And suddenly, everything else disappeared.

The crowd parted naturally as a lone (stunning) Alpha walked toward them. He was freaking tall with a sculpted body that had Omegas melting at first sight. His dark curls fell into his eyes, contrasting his sharp features. His jawline was cut from stone, lips plush, his nose perfect. Piercings decorated his brows and lips. Black ink against pale skin, peeking from beneath the folds of his black sirt. He was dressed simply but elegantly, no flashy gold or extravagant jewelry. Only a single silver chain around his neck and a sleek black silk shirt that hung over his broad shoulders.

He was stunning.

Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat.

And then there were those eyes.

The same brown doe eyes from his childhood, but sharper now, older, deeper. Nevertheless, he still had them and they still looked just as cute. They locked onto him, holding him captive, and Taehyung’s entire body knew.

It was him.

It was Jeongguk.

A happy and excited sound left his lips before he could even think to stop it. His heart felt like it was going to explode, his body moving before his mind could catch up. He didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. He ran.

He ran straight into Jeongguk’s arms.

The force of his embrace knocked them both back a step, but Jeongguk caught him effortlessly, strong hands gripping his waist as if he was afraid to let go. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s shoulders, his body sinking into the warmth he had waited years for. His breath came in shaky gasps, his face buried into Jeongguk’s neck, inhaling the scent that had lived in his memories for so long.

“I knew you’d come,” Taehyung whispered. “I knew you’d find me.”

Jeongguk didn’t speak at first, only tightening his hold, his heart thundering against Taehyung’s chest. When he finally spoke, his voice was deeper than Taehyung remembered, rougher, but still the same soft Jeongguk underneath.

“I told you,” Jeongguk murmured, his breath warm against Taehyung’s ear. “A promise is a promise, Tae.”

Taehyung pulled back just enough to look at him, tears filling his eyes, his lips forming the brightest smile Jeongguk had ever seen.

The crowd watched in stunned silence, but Taehyung didn’t care. Because after all these years, after endless waiting his chubby bunny had finally come back to him

The moment Taehyung crashed into Jeongguk’s arms, the world seemed to stop.

A collective hush had fallen over the crowd, dozens of Alpha suitors frozen in place, their ornate courting gifts clutched uselessly in their hands. The Omega everyone had wanted; The breathtaking, untouchable Taehyung, was now wrapped around an unknown Alpha, his delicate arms tight around Jeongguk’s neck, his long fingers digged into Jeongguk’s dark curls as if to make sure he was real.

Stunned whispers broke through the festival grounds.

“Who is he?”

“Where did he come from?”

“He stole Taehyung...our Taehyung- right in front of us.”

But Taehyung didn’t hear them. He didn’t care. His entire world had narrowed down to the Alpha standing before him, the Alpha whose familiar and addictive scent was finally wrapped around him again.

Jeongguk’s strong arms steadied him, holding him close but not too tight, like he still wasn’t sure if he was allowed to touch hime like that.

Taehyung pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes wide with disbelief and wonder.

“Jeonggukkie,” he breathed, and a shiver ran down Jeongguk’s spine at the way his name sounded on Taehyung’s lips. “You came.”, he repeated himself over and over again.

Jeongguk’s throat bobbed. His eyes softened slightly. “As I said, I promised.”

Taehyung exhaled shakily, his heart feeling like it might burst. Jeongguk remembered. After all these years, after everything, he remembered their childish promise.

Before Taehyung could say another word, Jeongguk turned around to his companion, revealing something he had brought along. A small, white bundle of fur wiggled slightly, tiny pink ears twitching.

A baby bunny.

Taehyung gasped, his hands flying to his mouth. His eyes shimmered as he looked at the soft little creature, identical to his favorite bunny from their summer camp days.

“For you,” Jeongguk murmured, offering the bunny to him with both hands.

Taehyung carefully cradled the tiny thing against his chest, his entire being overflowing with warmth. He looked up at Jeongguk. His eyes were glowing with pure and unfiltered joy. “You remembered Cloud Bunny?”

Jeongguk nodded. “Of course I did.”

Taehyung let out a soft, disbelieving laugh. He stared at Jeongguk, drinking him in, eyes roaming over every new and unfamiliar feature. Sharp jawline, strong frame, tattoos. He was taller, broader, impossibly handsome. He looked like he belonged in a magazine.

Then the Omega’s gaze flickered to the way Jeongguk’s fingers fidgeted against his sleeve. The way his lips were pressed together, like he wasn’t sure what to say. The way his ears burned pink under the attention, despite standing so confidently in front of everyone.

And just like that, Taehyung saw him. Really saw him.

Underneath all the changes, he was still there. Still Jeongguk. Still his shy, quiet chubby bunny.

Taehyung beamed, eyes shining. “You’re still the same.”

Jeongguk blinked. “What?”

“You may look different, but you’re still my chubby bunny.”

Jeongguk pouted and Taehyung giggled, reaching up to pinch his cheek. “Well, okay, maybe not chubby anymore. But you’re still cute.”

Jeongguk groaned, covering his face with one hand. “Tae-”

“Still my bunny,” Taehyung insisted, grinning.