Taehyung curled in on himself at the words, wrapping his arms around himself , hating himself because he couldn't deny it. "But this isn't about you and me. Your mother loves you. She's here because she wants assurance that you're alright. We have to give her that."

"You just said you can't be a hypocrite. Pretty hypocritical of you to suggest this when you know that I'm not fine. You hate me. How can I act like I'm fine, Jungkook?" "We'll end this." Jungkook said firmly. "In six months, lets end this. Lets stop hurting each other."

Taehyung went still, eyes lifting to meet Jungkook's. "What?" He whispered, his world tilting on its axis. "I'll talk to my parents too and we'll break the bond. You can find your own happiness and I'll go back to mine." Go back to... Yoongi. Taehyung felt nauseous.

Somewhere inside his heart, there was a space carved out for Jungkook to stay in. Over the years he had tried to fill it with other things, his work his friends and even attention from other alphas. It had never worked. Because that space was Jungkook's. It had his name on it.

Staring at Jungkook now, at how hopeful he looked at the possibility of finally being free of him, Taehyung wondered where he had failed. His love for Jungkook, was always meant to be a source of comfort and joy. When and why had it become a noose around the alpha's neck?

"Go back to him? "He whispered softly, voice bitter and hurt," Are you sure he'll take you back? You do know he has a new boy toy." Jungkook blinked, frowning. "What?" "Why are you doing this , Jungkook? Because you care about my mother? Or because you can't wait to go back

to Min Yoongi?" Jungkook stiffened. "That wasn't what I meant at all, stop twisting my words." He snapped. Taehyung scoffed. "You literally just said you were going back to your happiness.. what else could that possibly mean?" "I meant back to when we weren't married!"

Jungkook shouted, "Back to when we didn't hurt each other every single day. Back to when I had friends and family who loved me and trusted me. Back to when I could breathe in my own fucking home. You have no fucking clue what you did to me, do tou Taehyung? Yoongi is nothing more

than a drop in the ocean of hurt your actions brought me. I got called a cheater, a fucking rapist, that I took advantage of you when you were drunk. I lost friends and I lost a full ride internship at my dream job. I lost everything because you said, I got you pregnant."

Taehyung felt the blow of each phrase like tiny little shrapnels exploding somewhere inside his ribs, lodging in his heart and drawing blood. He wanted to defend himself but there really was nothing he could say, was there? Jungkook would never believe him.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore Taehyung. " Jungkook said softly, looking absolutely exhausted. "We've talked and yelled and screamed and cursed at each other enough, don't you think? We deserve better. Both of us. Staying together is only making things worse."

Taehyung nodded, eyes fluttering shut for a few seconds. He was tired. Of everything really. He knew that Jungkook's offer was something he ought to welcome with open arms. But his heart still ached something fierce. "My mother isn't easy to fool." he said softly.

Jungkook frowned but nodded. "I understand. But you know her better than I do. And she knows you better than I do as well. She knows what kind of relationship would make you happy. The kind of mate you would want in your life. So we'll have to act just like that." he said.

Taehyung felt like someone had dumped a vat of ice cold water on him. "I'm - what?" Jungkook frowned "You must've had a dream about the kind of mate you wanted. How you would want him to treat you?" he asked briskly. "I'm asking you how you want to be loved, Kim Taehyung?"

Taehyung didn't respond, merely staring at the alpha in front of him. Jungkook's hair was messy, likely from wearing the helmet and his eyes were bright, likely because he'd finally found a way to get rid of Taehyung once and for all. How do you want to be loved, Taehyung?

"Easily." he said softly. Jungkook blinked confused. "What?" "I want to be loved easily . " he said simply. " Someone who doesn't make me feel like I'm unworthy of their time , or their kindness. Someone who doesn't make me feel like I'm hard to love."

Jungkook hesitated before running a hand over his face, sighing deeply. He stared out into the courtyard, eyes unfocused as he watched the flowerbeds and the small fountain that fed the koi pond. "Is love ever easy?" he asked softly. " Its always been so difficult for me ."

"Love is only difficult when you love the wrong person." Taehyung said without thinking, the words registering belatedly. He glanced at Jungkook in a panic. half expecting him to bead but he didn't seem upset by his words. The silence stretched and Taehyung hesitated.

"What about you? How would you like to be loved." he managed to say, voice trembling just a bit. When Jungkook looked at him he looked away, awkwardly, " I mean..it would make it more believable if... we made each other happy. For my mom that is." He felt his heart pound a bit.

Jungkook stared away for a few seconds before turning to him. "Completely." he said hesitantly." Sometimes people only love certain parts . The whole, the happy, the joyful. They don't love the broken , the hurt and the aching parts. I wish someone would love every part of me."

Jungkook sighed shaking his head. " I think when someone loves you, breathing around them shouldn't feel so difficult you know? Even when the world tried to suffocate you with its expectations and demands, you should be able to breathe free around the one you love."

Tae stayed completely still, wary of breaking the moment. He had never shared something like this with the alpha, a vulnerable part of him exposed. A part that was likely never meant to be seen by him. Jungkook seemed to snap out of it, rather quickly. He cleared his throat.

He glanced at Taehyung, face void of emotions. "Lets make a list." he said softly. " A list of twenty things we would want from our ideal mate. And then we'll, try to be that... for each other. For these six months. The more honest we are..the more authentic it will look."

"Right." Taehyung nodded, wrapping his arms around himself." And after my mother passes ..." he trailed off, staring at his feet. "We move on and find our happiness." Jungkook said." Wherever it may be." Six months. Taehyung would have to lose the two people he loved the most.

===== End of Chapter 2 =====

Taehyung felt, the gentle touch of someone stroking the curve of his cheeks, back and forth in affectionate touches. He felt disoriented, exhausted in a way . There was a heaviness over his body, like he was underwater and when he blinked groggy, drowsy eyes open,

he was met with the sight of dark doe eyes, staring down at him with gentle fondness. He was dressed in a powder blue dress shirt under a dark blue jacket, hair styled and with the gentle scent of the green apple body wash that he always used.

The room somehow looked both distressingly familiar and completely new. “Jungkook?” He asked, confusion lacing his voice and Jungkook chuckled, moving closer. “Hey, beautiful.” Jungkook whispered, running the tip of his thumb over the small swell of his lips,

“ I’m running late but I just wanted to tell you, I’ll be dropping Jun off at the play group and Sana at school as well. You need to rest well alright? Get as much sleep as you possibly can…”

Sana and Jun, he thought softly. The kids. They were two and five weren’t they? How did he know? When did that happen? Jungkook leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. The warmth of it spread all over him, the soft gesture making his senses sing.

He hummed, one hand coming up to gently cup Jungkook’s cheek. The skin was smooth and blemishless, so warm and real. He felt a sudden overwhelming urge to cry. Jungkook looked so beautiful, so ethereal in the sun kissed room.

It was still quite early in the morning and the curtains on the window were white brocade, letting the sunlight filter through like liquid gold. The lighting did wonders for Jungkook’s skin, setting off a halo around his hair,

and making Taehyung ache in all the best and worst ways. He felt a confusing mix of joy and sadness as he stared at him, his heart clenching and aching. “We have to go see the doctor tomorrow. Take the day off.” He heard himself saying,

and as Jungkook nodded, hand moving down to gently touch Taehyung’s midriff, the first tendrils of realization began taking root. “Think this one will be another girl? Poor Sana’s outnumbered in our home.” Jungkook was laughing.

The words seemed to rouse him out of whatever spell Jungkook’s beauty had cast on him. This isn’t real, he realized, even as Jungkook leaned over him, thick head of hair pressed against his chest as he peppered kisses over a baby bump that wasn’t really there.

He wasn’t pregnant. Jungkook wouldn’t treat him so well. They didn’t have other kids either. They never would. And yet there was something about this dream that made him feel at peace. It felt so real. So … right.

He sighed deeply, gently pressing his fingers to the thick strands of Jungkook’s hair. The texture was just like he’d imagined, a little wiry and coarse but still soft.

He indulged himself for a few seconds, imagining a life where this was possible. He didn’t really want to wake up yet. “What’s for breakfast?” He asked softly and Jungkook laughed, looking up at him with mischief.

Did you forget? It’s my turn to make what I want. So spring onion pancakes and egg rolls.” Jungkook said brightly. “ Tomorrow’s your turn.” Except there wouldn’t be a tomorrow. Jungkook would never know what his favorite breakfast was.

He smiled at little, nodding as he stroked his hair some more. “I love you.” He said rather shakily. “ So deeply and I wish I could tell you why, but the truth is... I love you simply because i don’t know how to stop.” It was less a confession, more an admission of defeat.

Jungkook didn’t stop smiling at him, and Taehyung saved the image away in his mind, this scene where Jungkook looked at him with so much love and affection. This scene straight out of an impossible dream. He wanted rather desperately to hear Jungkook say the words too.

But his mind seemed to draw the line there, because Jungkook didn’t. He merely stared at him with the same beatific expression on his face. Suddenly overwhelmed, Taehyung closed his eyes, screwing them shut with enough force to break the illusion.

And when he opened them again he was alone, the dark of the room greeting him like an old friend. The dull hum of the air conditioner was loud in the stillness of the night, and he exhaled shakily, eyes fixed on the ceiling of Jungkook’s room.

It was painted a dull, lackluster gray. The sheets under him felt cold and impersonal. The mattress too hard. He brought shaky hands up out of the comforter, placing them palm down on his stomach. The hollow empty ache of it made his breath catch.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to the side. Jungkook lay with his back to him, body covered by a thin white sheet and nothing else. He stared at the broad shoulders and the hair. Wiry and Coarse. Probably soft.

His fingers twitched , the phantom touch from his dream still very vivid. He took a deep breath, clenching his hands into fists and exhaling softly. Its alright, he told himself gently. It will be alright.

Someday, the pain would stop being a living , breathing thing, sitting on his chest with an ugly gaping mouth. Right now it was a scraggly, leather skinned creature with black teeth , coated with the tar of Jungkook’s hurtful words,

the stench of his hurtful actions dripping from its wrinkled hideous face. Some day there wouldn’t be these razor sharp claws, digging into the flesh of his chest, threatening to rip his heart out with every breath.

Someday, pain would give up on trying to break him, would pack itself away and leave him. All he had to do was hold on, till then. And Jungkook had given him a timeline for it too, hadn’t he? Six months. He heard the sound of a door opening, somewhere in the living room.

A second later, light pooled in through the slit between the door and the frame. Taehyung blinked, worried. His mother was up. He sat up slowly, trying to decide if he should go check. She probably just wanted some water , right? There was no other reason for her to be up.

But when the light stayed on, five minutes later, he slowly levered himself off the bed, taking care not to wake Jungkook up. He picked his way to the door, taking care not to wake the sleeping alpha. He gently opened it, slipping out and closing it behind him.

Looking around, he found his mother on the couch, one of the side lamps turned on and her embroidery hoop in her hands. She was counting stitches carefully, briefly glancing at him before going back to the hoop.

Taehyung took the subtle invitation, moving to settle into the seat right next to her. "Bad dream? " She asked quietly. Taehyung considered that. No, he thought miserably. It wasn't bad at all. "Why are you up?" He responded and she sighed. "Does Jungkook want me gone?"

Taehyung didn't respond, merely staring at the opposite wall. He had a very volatile relationship with his mother, one that was fraught with a lot of misplaced anger and bitterness. He loved her deeply and knew she loved him as well, but there were times he found it impossible

to like her. His mother, he knew now, had her reasons for being the way she was. His father had left them alone at a young age, and she had been forced to raise him as a single parent. But it stung that she had taken it all out on him. She was just so stubborn

so irrational, so impossible to reason with... that Taehyung himself had grown up to be a bit of a pacifist. Why put up a fight when there was no chance of winning right? He stared at her now, knowing full well that her illness only rendered him further helpless.

But she had asked him a question and he was going to be honest with his answer. "You turned up here without a single phone call. Regardless of your ill Health, a little heads up would have been appreciated. And you didn't have to guilt him with details about it either."

She placed the embroidery hoop down and stared at him with firm, blazing eyes. "Do you know what my biggest regret is?" she asked sharply. Taehyung stayed quiet and she exhaled shakily. "That even knowing that your father was dying, I did not go see him." she bit her lips.

"Mother-" "No! Hear me out. Now that I am here, looking at the end of my life, I realise that if he was still alive, he would come find me. He would come see. Even if it isn't to reconcile, then just to... acknowledge that it wasn't all just hate and anger and exhaustion."

"He left you." "Yes. Only when neither of us had any reason left to stay. When we let all of our hurt fester into something venomous and toxic. Had we spoken freely..." she shook her head. " little misunderstandings in a marriage are common and not dangerous.

But if you don't addressed them-" "We're fine." he snapped, angry. "There's nothing wrong between us and -" "The eyes always tell Taehyung. I don't doubt you still love him but I wonder if ... If perhaps Jungkook is upset about something..." she reached out " talk to him. "

Taehyung stared at the woman in front of him. In the dim light of the lamp, his mother looked old and weary, fragile in a way that made him feel sorry for her. She was a sad woman, regretting past actions. She mentioned her husband but what else did she regret?

Did she perhaps also regret forcing him into mating Jungkook? Did she perhaps regret how she had guilted him into staying in the marriage when all he had wanted was to run? A life full of regrets, he thought with a gentle shake of his head. How pitiful that sounded.

And it stuck him, then, that this was her hoping to atone for some of her sins. She wanted to do some good, to make up for all that she had done wrong. And what better than to mend her son's relationship? He scoffed a bit. His mother had no idea how futile it all was.

But he wasn't going to tell her that. She was a dying woman, desperately hoping to save her only son from the same plight that she had been in : an unhappy marriage. He would give her the reassurance she clearly needed. It was what they had agreed on anyway, right?

He gently took her hand in his. "Do you want me to apologise to him?" he asked gently and she looked taken aback. "Is there something you did? Is he upset?" "Ive been a bit too close with my boss." he lied easily. " Jungkook was bothered by it." His mother hummed.

Her demeanor changed at his words. "I knew it. When I saw you with that alpha, I knew. But this is not a bad thing, Tae bear. If he is bothered by it. it means he still loves you. He still feels you belong to him." Tae hummed, rubbing a hand over her own. He would miss her.

Deeply. With her death, he would well and truly be alone in this god forsaken world. He squeezed her hand a little. "Do you think, I can win him back?" he asked quietly and her eyes lit up. "Yes of course! Do you need my help?" the eagerness in her tone made him smile.

She seemed overjoyed and excited almost. Perhaps she saw it as a vicarious way of healing her own broken marriage. Perhaps she thought she would find peace knowing she had helped Taehyung find happiness. Whatever it was, he wouldn't take it away from her. So he smiled at her.

Taehyung slept fitfully , the rest of the night, tossing and turning in bed until Jungkook’s alarm went off at half past six. He pretended to be asleep, while the alpha changed into his gym clothes, grabbing his bag and heading out. He wouldn’t be back for an hour and a half.

Once the door shut behind him, he slowly got out of bed, making his way over to the en suite to wash up. By the time he was back in the kitchen, the smell of sizzling spring onions and shallots made his mouth water.

His mother stood by the stove, wearing an apron, her hair pinned up to the top of her head. She stood with the handle of the skillet in one hand, an egg in the other. Taehyung watched her crack the egg onto the pan, before using chopsticks to give them a little mix.

“What is this?” He asked in confusion and she grinned. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’m making spring onion pancakes, eggrolls and sausages for son in law. You can tell him you made them yourself. Those are his favorites, right?”

Taehyung remembered the dream and felt a small jolt in the pit of his stomach. “How did you know?” “You used to talk about him all the time.” His mother smiled, before carefully moving to plate the dishes and flip the pancake.

Taehyung watched her work, focused on the quick deft movements. He wasn’t good in the kitchen. He barely got by, actually. But Jungkook had quite a good grasp of cooking.

“You should make him lunch and go see him in his office sometimes.” His mother said casually. “ That would be a nice gesture.” Taehyung hummed, reached over to sneak a bite of the egg roll.

“He’s a very busy man. I think it would be a bother if I turned up in the place where he worked , he said easily. The truth was, he had never once been to Jungkook’s place of work. For one, Yoongi was there. Nothing good could come out of running into the model.

Also, quite a few of Jungkook’s friends from college worked with him. They were alphas and betas who had spread a lot of lies about him. Lies that Jungkook had believed without question. He didn’t resent him for that.

They were his friends. Sometimes people just trusted their friends at face value, took their words for truth without delving into it. He couldn’t blame Jungkook for trusting them over him. Taehyung had always been nothing more than a pest, a nuisance.

He had been an annoyance in Jungkook’s life and the alpha had only ever treated him as such. But it certainly said something, didn’t it? That even after the years of being married to him, Jungkook was still close friends with the same alphas. He still trusted them.

Taehyung had clearly not made much of an impression on Jungkook, these few years. Or maybe the alpha just hadn’t taken a second to get to know him. “The point of being married, is that you be a bother.” she said firmly, offering what Taehyung thought was abysmal marital advice.

But that was nothing new. “I have a job as well.” He said gently. “ You seem to be forgetting that.” “Why are you making so many excuses? Its like you don’t want to put in any effort at all.” She said sharply Taehyung winced. And there it was.

“Mother, I truly appreciate your efforts to help me but, can we just tone it down a little.” He said gently. “He’s here.” His mother said suddenly. “ I’ll ask him myself. Son in law! Can I have a word?” She called out loudly and Jungkook ,

who had just stepped into the house, froze. Taehyung, still with remnants from his dream, clinging to his conscience, looked away at the sight of him, heart pounding just a bit. That dream had felt so real and now he would ache for impossible things even more.

He moved away to the table, taking a seat, knowing full well that his mother could be like a bull charging at a matador when she wanted to get her way. He wasn’t going to get caught in the crossfire. “What is it mother?” Jungkook asked quietly, putting away his shoes and making

his way over. He had clearly showered in the gym. Taehyung peeked at his hair. It looked damp. Did he use that green apple wash again? He looked away, giving himself a mental shake. What was he thinking? It was a stupid dream. He couldn’t get hung up on it.

“Can Taehyung come see you at your work today?” she asked eagerly “ He made breakfast for you and I will be making lunch. You can have something hot and delicious.” Jungkook’s eyes snapped to him at once. Taehyung shrugged. He had no intention of going to Jungkook’s work place.

“Well, I don’t see why not.” Jungkook said carefully. He stared at him again and Taehyung didn’t miss the slight panic there. He ignored it. The whole thing had been Jungkook’s idea to begin with. “Excellent.” His mother went back to the stove and Jungkook cleared his throat.

“Tae could you help pick out my clothes ?” He said casually. Impressed, Taehyung nodded, giving his mother a small smile before following the alpha to his room. Jungkook waited till the door closed behind them before turning to him.

“Visit me at work? Is that really necessary?” He asked, face ashen. Taehyung frowned. “Do you think that’s something I would have suggested?” He retorted, moving to the couch and settling there. Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, looking around in frustration.

“I have a shoot with Yoongi today. You can’t be there. You can’t.” He said sharply. “ And I’m not trying to be hurtful, but none of my friends like you.” Taehyung stared at the alpha for a few seconds. “Do you think,” He said softly, “ I care about their opinion of me?”

Jungkook blinked before frowning. “That’s not what I-“ “This was your idea.” He said sharply. “ You stood there asking me what kind of a mate I wanted. You said that for six months we would act like we were in a healthy loving relationship.

My mother is dying and you were the one using her as a get out of jail card.”He smiled bitterly. “ And I agreed didn’t I? You get your freedom at the end of all this, Jungkook. Focus on the prize and maybe the sight of me won’t disgust you so much.”

He looked away, fighting tears. Jungkook stood still, not moving. After what felt like a small eternity he moved to the closet , rummaging there for a second. When he came back he had a small embossed card in his hand.

“That’s my office. If you give this to the receptionist, she’ll bring you straight to me.” He said curtly. Taehyung took the card, running a hand over the edges.

“I wasn’t planning on coming.” He said finally. “ We don’t have to do everything she asks us to do. You can come pick me up after work and we can get dinner or-“

“And if your mother turns up at my office, to make sure you’re there.” Jungkook retorted.” Don’t tell me she won’t. We both know she will.” Taehyung grimaced a bit at that. It was actually quite a valid fear.

“Fine then.” He sighed, running a hand over his face. He was still tired. “ I’ll take the day off. And I’ll come see you during lunch.” The lack of sleep was getting to him. He wouldn’t be of much use in school either. He could at least sleep in a bit.

Jungkook seemed to be struggling to hold back his words. “What is it?” He asked tiredly, not in the mood for games. “If they say anything, just… just ignore them.” He muttered under his breath. Taehyung smiled a little.

“What will they say?” He asked casually, “ That I’m a slut? A whore?” “Taehyung…” “If they feel comfortable saying things about me in front of you, that is a reflection of who you are alpha.” He said firmly,

“ Not me. Because no matter how bad things are between us, we’re still married. If you had any respect for that, you wouldn’t ask me to ignore it. You would ask them to be respectful. We aren’t kids in the playground throwing insults over the sandpit.

"We’re adults. If the people you call your friends can’t act right, that’s something you should be ashamed of. Not me.” he shook his head. " So go tell them to act their age. Don't ask me to be a doormat for them to step on. " The alpha stared for a second, before turning away.

Yoongi sat back against the plush leather couch, eyeing the alpha on the far end of the room. These days the distance between Jungkook and him, had grown as wide as easy from west, he thought miserably. Ever since he found out about his relationship with Hoseok,

Jungkook had drawn such firm, infallible lines between them , that Yoongi felt frustrated and annoyed and helpless. Hoseok was meant to be a distraction, a tactic to remind Jungkook of what he was missing out on. But Jungkook didn't try and get closer, like he had hoped.

And now , this. "Mr Jeons husband is so beautiful." the hair stylist working on him whispered and the make up artist fixing his jacket giggled. "You aren't the only one who thinks that. Did you see Park Hyunsik? Can't keep his eyes off . Jungkook looks pissed."

"Can you blame him? They've been going at each other's throats ever since Hyunsik got transferred here. And now he's ogling his mate. Won't be surprised if Jeon throws a punch." Yoongi scoffed. As if, he thought angrily. Jungkook was not the kind of person who would act

like a barbarian over something like that. Least of all over someone like Taehyung who really was the most despicable person on the planet as far as Yoongi was concerned. But he couldn't help but wonder why the omega was here in the first place. What was the conniving fox

playing at? And why was Jungkook encouraging this? He cleared his throat and both the gossiping betas moved away. "Ask Mr Jeon to come see me." he said quietly, staring at his assistant who sat a few feet away. The boy bowed before scarpering off. Yoongi watched

as he reached Jungkook who was busy fixing the lens in his camera. Taehyung sat next to him, looking awkwardly out of place. The omega hadn't spared him a single glance since he came in and Yoongi felt belittled for some reason. He wasn't used to being ignored.

As his assistant whispered his request, Jungkook looked up , catching Yoongis gaze. He nodded softly and a second later, Yoongi sat back satisfied as Jungkook stood up, making his way over to him. Taehyung, finally looked up at him. Yoongi smirked. Taehyung looked away.

"The next shot will be in half an hour. You can take a break." Jungkook said casually moving to stand in front of him " What is it, hyung?" Yoongi frowned. "Why is he here?" he asked softly, not one to beat around the bush. Jungkook frowned before glancing back at Taehyung.

"Because he wanted to come see me." Jungkook said simply. Yoongi frowned deeper. "And you just allow him to do whatever he wants?" "What do you mean allow?" Jungkook asked sharply, a bit too curt. Yoongi bit his lips. "I just meant... You haven't had him here before."

"I don't ask you about Hoseok hyung." Jungkook said shortly. " You know why?" "Jungkook -" "Because its none of my business. And the same goes for you hyung." Yoongi felt his pulse quicken. "If you ask me to break up with him, I will." he said desperately, hating himself.

"Why on earth would I do that?" Jungkook laughed. " You're allowed to date Hoseok if you want. And I'm allowed to give my marriage a chance, if I want." Yoongi felt his heart turnover. "You're lying. You would never do that. You hate him." he hissed furious.

"Is it easy for you hyung?" Jungkook said quietly. " Hating people?" Yoongi blinked taken aback. "What?" "To be so bitter and angry and upset all day , everyday. Do you enjoy it?" Jungkook shook his head. " Because it isn't easy for me. And I don't hate Taehyung."

"I hate what happened. I hate that he made those choices all those years ago. I hate that we're both stuck in this place where neither of us wants to be. But I don't hate him. At least not the way you do. So viscerally. I couldn't hate someone like that." Yoongi glared.

Its because you don't love me anymore, Yoongi thought furiously. If you still loved me, hating him wouldn't be hard for you. "You make me sound like a monster. Unlike you, I haven't forgotten all the pain he brought us. It should be me by your side right now." he snapped.

"You broke up with me before I married him." Jungkook retorted. "You slept with him!" "I did not." Jungkook growled. " I never did and just the fact that you still think I did.." "I was willing to forgive you for it-" "There was nothing to fucking forgive!" The alpha glared.

Jungkook took a deep shuddering breath. "Why did you call me here?" he said finally. "We've had this particular conversation a million times. I'm not going to be yet another notch in your bed. You have Hoseok You go home to him everyday. Its time to stop being so greedy hyung."

Yoongi felt like he had been slapped. "Greedy? Is it greedy for me to want to be with the man I love?" " When you have another man in your bed, yes." Jungkook retorted. "I told you I would break up with him" "Do it. For his sake at least. He deserves better." "How dare you!"

Jungkook held both hands up. "I'm done, hyung." he said quietly. " In all the years Ive been with Taehyung, I've tried to be here for you as a friend. I've tried to make up for the hurt that I caused you. But I can't do this anymore. Because you don't care about my feelings."

Yoongi felt ice in his veins and moved to argue but Jungkook took a step back. "Its always about you. About what you lost. About how much you hurt. You haven't once looked me in the eye and asked me how I am. You haven't asked me how I feel about any of this. All you

want to do is punish me for something I never did. Make me pay for marrying Taehyung, when you know damn well I never wanted to. Made me feel guilty everytime I smiled or laughed, because you were miserable and I felt like I wasn't allowed feel happy when you weren't."

Yoongi swallowed , ready to retort but he noticed Taehyung moving , his gaze shifting to omega instinctively. Jungkook's gaze followed his and Yoongi saw him go stiff as Park Hyungsik held a hand out, greeting the omega and sitting next to him. "Did he tell you this?"

Yoongi whispered." Did Kim Taehyung tell you this?" Jungkook scoffed. "Taehyung doesn't know a thing about us. And he may have his flaws, but he isnt selfish. Taehyung knows how to put others before himself. Something you're not capable of." Jungkook said shakily.

"How can you say that when the reason you're married to him is because of his selfishness?" Yoongi demanded. "Selfishness?" Jungkook scoffed. " Hyung what has he gained from this marriage except for heartache? " he shook his head, " You really are incapable of empathy."

"You've changed."Yoongi whispered." You would never talk to me like this-" "And maybe I should have. Tae-" Jungkook stopped, " Someone told me that loving the right person shouldn't be hard. They also said the right person would be able to love you. Easily."

Jungkook shook his head."You always made me feel like I was hard to love. Like you were doing me a favour by letting me stay by your side. I don't want to be with someone who makes me feel like I'm hard to love. Not anymore." Yoongi looked away, heart sinking. "Goodbye,Yoongi."

( Authors Note : The understanding here is this : Jungkook's relationship with Yoongi has been on the decline for quite a while now. It doesn't have anything to do with Taehyung by the way. Its started after Yoongi started sleeping with Hoseok because Jungkook never agreed to

cheat on Taehyung physically. The Yoongi Jungkook arc is what ends here to an extent. Jungkook's feelings for Taehyung are still the same. He doesn't like him or anything. He just empathizes that perhaps they have both suffered because of the events of that night.

Also perhaps a slightly petty side of Jungkook makes it sound like he's getting together with Taehyung to hurt Yoongi ) This chapter isnt done yet btw.

Also here's a way to avoid confusion: Taehyung's opinion of Jungkook is not the real Jungkook and vice versa. So build their characters based on how they behave when its their pov. Dont decide what kind of guy Jungkook is based on what Taehyung thinks of him and vice versa)

They were fighting. Of this, Taehyung was pretty certain. Jungkook's body language, just a little angry and annoyed was something he himself was familiar with, having been on the receiving end of Jungkook's anger on many occasions. Taehyung wondered why.

Just a little, not too much. He had an inkling that it may be because of him being there. Perhaps, Yoongi was mad that Jungkook had brought him here. Jungkook was probably reassuring Yoongi that Taehyung meant nothing to him. It was Yoongi he was in love with. Yes. That was it.

They had had lunch, here in Jungkook's studio, rushed because he was busy. Taehyung had never felt more out of place and awkward in his life. He had taken efforts to look nice, not wanting to seem shabby and somehow affect Jungkook's reputation here. But he soon remembered why

he didn't dress up too often : People stared till their eyeballs were in danger of falling out. Especially the alphas. Taehyung had never done well with attention and he found himself glued to Jungkook's side, not wanting anyone to approach him. But now that Yoongi had Jungkook,

one of the alphas who had been ogling him, had made his way over and was slowly slipping into the seat that Jungkook had vacated. Taehyung bristled as the alpha held a hand out. "Hi. I'm Park Hyunsik." he smiled and Taehyung nodded very curtly. The alpha smiled a bit.

"Are you a new model? Jungkook really has an eye for the best." he commented casually and Taehyung, blinked, surprised. "Oh.. I'm not. I'm his husband. Not a model." He flushed, shaking his head in embarassment. Hyunsik tilted his head in surprise. "Husband? Really?"

" Hmm.. Bastard never mentioned having a husband, let alone such a beautiful one. " He laughed. " Excuse my language. Your husband and I don't really get along." That piqued Taehyung's interest. "Really? Why?" he smiled. Hyunsik smirked before shrugging, all nonchalant.

"Maybe because I get a kick out of taking things from him." He glanced over Taehyung with a grin." Especially really beautiful things. Tell me Taehyung have you ever posed for your husband? Properly." Taehyung blinked surprised by the question. "No..." "Come with me."

Jungkook couldn't find Taehyung. The omega wasn't picking up his calls and a quick call home had confirmed that he hadn't gone back either. It had been about fifty minutes since he'd last seen him and Jungkook knew that Taehyung was a grown man. Perfectly capable of

taking care of himself. But he just couldn't focus on anything else. Where was he? If he was going to leave, why not just shoot him a message? He was supposed to be shooting and editorial right now wth Yoongi. And yet, here he was wandering the hallway on the fifth floor.

Most of the studios here were deserted, allotted for newbie photographers to mess around with lighting techniques. Jungkook himself steered cleat of the place. He couldn't see anyone else , the length of the hallway and stopped a few doors before the last studio.

There was no one here, he thought angrily, trying Taehyung's number again. It rang, loud and clear. But no one picked up. Sighing he ran his fingers through his hair, turning back towards the elevators when he heard it. A soft soothing laugh that sounded familiar.

And then a voice, deeper and much more disturbingly familiar. "Move your hands like this, Beautiful." Hyungsik's oily, disgusting tone made the hair on Jungkook's skin stand on end. He stalked over to the door, before kicking it open, so hard it crashed into the opposite wall.

As he stepped into the studio, the sight in front of him made his blood run cold with fury. Clenching his hands into fists, Jungkook growled , low and deep. "Get your filthy fucking hands off him , " he said softly, " right now." Taehyung who sat on a three legged stool,

Hyunsik standing over him and holding onto his wrist and his waist, looked like a deer staring down a hunter's gun. "Jungkook -" The omega began but Hyunsik cut him off with a laugh. "Always a little late to the show aren't you, Jungkook ah? We could've raised a family in

the time it took you to find us." Taehyung pulled away a bit at the remark but Jungkook glared at the older alpha. "What the fuck are you playing at? Bringing him here? I should get you fired for this." Hyunsik smirked. "Everything that happened here today was consensual."

Hyunsik turned to Taehyung, " Taehyung had a lot of fun. Very eager and a quick student." Taehyung stepped off the stool, moving to stand in front of him. "He was just taking pictures of me." the omega said , voice rushed and just a little nervous. " You were busy so I-"

"So you decided to follow an alpha you never met, to deserted fucking corridor and let him put his handa all over you?" Jungkook demanded, unable to reign in his fury although a voice in his head was screaming at him to calm down. But he couldn't calm down.

Did Taehyung not realize what kind of a Bastard this guy was? How could he be so reckless? There was no one here. He hadn't told anyone where he was going or who he was with. What if something had happened? "I'm not a child." Taehyung was saying shakily.

"I can decide for myself where to go and who to go with." He was glaring at him now, " You were supposed to be at a photoshoot and I had nothing else to do. Hyunsik offered to take pictures of me and I just-" "Stay away from him. " Jungkook growled, moving to stand in front of

Taehyung, glaring at the other alpha who looked amused. "No can do. Taehyung agreed to come shoot with me this weekend at the beach." He grinned, " Right beautiful?" "What the fuck?" Jungkook turned to Tae who was chewing on his bottom lip. "Have you lost your fucking mind?"

Tae stiffened. "No I haven't. Have you?" the omega snapped back making him bristle. He turned to Hyunsik, breathing deeply, eyes narrowed in warning. "You need to take several steps back. Your petty rivalry with me ends within these walls. You don't get to drag him into it."

"Not everything is about hou Jungkook." Hyunsik said softly, crossing his arms and glaring at him. " Your husband told me you've never taken pictures of him and he was curious how a professional photographer works. I was merely showing him how. " He shook his head in disbelief.

"It really makes me wonder, what else you haven't shown him" he smirked. "maybe I could do it instead, right Taehyung? I bet you would enjoy it more with me." "We're leaving." Jungkook snapped grabbing Taehyung's wrist and tugging him out of the room , his steps fast and sure .

The omega stumbled a little as he pulled him along to the elevators, his mind reeling from annoyance. As soon as they stepped into the elevator he rounded on Taehyung. "What the hell were you thinking, Taehyung?" he roared, making the omega flinch. "Jungkook -"

"He's a stranger... an alpha at that... Amd he asks you to come with him to. deserted corridor? You just go? Without letting anyone else know?" Taehyung bit his lips at that. " He works with you. He's not some guy i met on the streets! And I told you he said he wanted to

take pictures of me and I-" "Pictures!!" Jungkook scoffed in disbelief. " Are you ten?! Have you never had your picture taken? Is that what you dressed up today for?" he shook his head, " You're unbelievable." Taehyung looked down at his feet , fists clenched.

"Its so reckless. I can't understand why you would do such a thing, Taehyung. He's not a good man and he just wants to get back at me in any way possible! The fact that you're my husband is why he's doing this and I wish you would -" "I just wanted to know more about you."

Jungkook froze, the words registering but not quite making sense. "You- what?" Taehyung was looking away but there was no missing the sheen of wetness over his eyes. "I just wanted to know more about what you did. About being a photographer." he whispered.

There was a dull roaring in Jungkook's ears, a fist made of iron closing around his heart and squeezing. He felt his mouth go dry, the breath catching in his lungs as Taehyung's worda slowly sank in. Fuck. Fucking hell. "Taehyung..." "I wanna go home, now. I'm done."

Jungkook felt like his heart had dropped straight to his knees, his skin burning with regret. He wasn't sure why the sight of Taehyung upset, suddenly felt so ...wrong. He wanted to apologize but the words burned like acid on his tongue. "You.. You could have asked me."

Taehyung scoffed. "when? When you were chatting with your boyfriend?" "Taehyung..." "You know what, Hyunsik is right. You're so full of yourself you can't fathom that mot everything is about you." Taehyung shook his head. The alpha stayed quiet . "He's bad news."

Taehyung turned to him with a somber look on his face. "He made me smile more times in an hour, than you did in the entire length of our marriage. He's already better than you as far as I'm concerned." he said sharply. Jungkook swallowed, jaw going taut.

Taehyung stepped out of the elevator, ignoring him completely and stalking to the cafeteria. A few minutes later he came out with his bag and his phone Jungkook stood still , but the omega didn't come to him. Instead he merely glared at him before walking out of the office.

( Authors Note: Am tired There's more but I can't do this for a while. I need a break possibly for two to three business days. bye )

Taehyung found himself at the gates of his school at half past four that evening. The idea of going home to his mother was decidedly unappealing. She would want to hear all about his lunch, about Jungkook and about a million other things. He was too hurt,

too exhausted to do any of that. There was a lump of emotion clogging his throat. Every few minutes he found himself fighting tears. Why was Jungkook so...so cruel to him? Why did he treat him like a nuisance? Like an errant child? Taehyung knew following Hyunsik wasn't

a very great idea. But he had done it quite innocently. Jungkook made it sound like he'd tried to deliberately mess things up. On purpose. Why was Jungkook always so ready to believe the worst about him. Why was Taehyung always guilty until proven innocent and not the other

way around? He sighed, leaning against the wrought iron gates and staring at his shoes. He wasn't sure what he'd wanted, when he had sat down to pose. Perhaps to feel beautiful? To be complimented? Taehyung couldn't remember the last time someone had called him gorgeous.

Hyungsik had used that word generously. Gorgeous. Tilt your face a bit, wow. Breathtaking. Lower your gaze, thats just lovely. You're gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. After the seventh time, Taehyung had actually started believing him. Had started feeling gorgeous.

And then Jungkook had turned up and all Taehyung felt was guilty and terrible. He sighed, running a hand over his face. Perhaps, it was because of what had happened between them. Guilt was the default emotion he felt whenever he was faced with Jungkook. Guilt, self pity, despair.

Sitting on that chair, with the lights on him, and the compliments pouring in, Taehyung had felt invincible for a few minutes. Untouchable in many ways. For a few minutes he had imagined Jungkook behind the camera. "A good photographer falls in love with his model."

Hyunsik had said that with a mischievous glint in his eye. Taehyung had laughed it off but the words had settled in the pit of his stomach. Because all he could think of was Jungkook taking photographs of Min Yoongi. Was that why they came out so well? Because he was in love?

"Taehyung ssi?" A familiar voice said right behind him and Taehyung jumped a little, eyes wide and just a little panicked. He turned around only to find himself face to face with a smiling Kim Seokjin, peering out of his car window. He blinked. "Seokjin ssi.." he bowed.

"Ah, you had taken the day off today hadn't you? What are you doing here?" the principal asked, looking curious and just a little worried. Taehyung suddenly felt very foolish. He shuffled awkwardly, managing a small smile. "I got bored at home and just wandered here..." he said.

Seokjin looked endeared for some reason. He nodded in understanding. "I guess that's what happens when you don't have much of a social life. " He said bluntly, amd Taehyung turned red. " Oh, i didn't mean any offense Taehyung ssi. I'm also much the same way. Home and school ."

Taehyung looked around and bowed again. "I'll let you carry on now, Seokj-" "Are you free for the evening? I have no plans to go home early today. I was actually craving some spicy fish cakes. And maybe some ribs." Seokjin said brightly. Taehyung hesitated.

"Unless you would rather go home." Seokjin said quickly. " You don't have to come. Its not... I'm not trying to force you to accompany me". Taehyung laughed at how nervous the alpha sounded. Home was very unappealing. With his mother breathing down his neck. "Alright."

Taehyung shuffled over to the other side, climbing into the passenger side of the nice car. He settled in quickly and reached for the seatbelt but it wouldn't come down past his shoulder. "Oh, let me help" Seokjin unbuckled himself before leaning over him,

his chest leaning into Taehyung's own and the soft downy fluff of his chestnut hair tickling the underside of his chin. Taehyung held his breath as the sweet, soothing scent of almonds and rich chocolate hit his senses. Seokjin smelled very nice, he realised.

Taehyung stayed perfectly still as Seokjin tugged the belt into uts slot till it clicked into place. The alpha gave him another bright grin before moving away. "I don't drink much beer. Soju is what I enjoy. Would you join me?"he asked casually. Taehyung was not fond of either.

But he nodded nonetheless not wanting to seem picky or demanding. Seokjin was his boss after all. He played with the small tassels that hung from his bag, debating if he should message Jungkook about his whereabouts. But when he pulled his phone out, it had run out of power.

Well, not like Jungkook would even notice him gone. These days the alpha came home pretty late And it was barely five. He would be home by seven. He could manage that. "Are you familiar with any good food stalls around here?" Seokjin asked worriedly and Taehyung grinned.

He had spent many a weekend walking around eating his weight in street food , while mourning his miserable marriage. He knew just the right places they could go to. "Let me show you a whole new world, Seokjin ssi." he said with a wide grin. The alpha stared at him in surprise.

"I always forget how beautiful you are." he blurted out and Taehyung flushed, embarassed. He looked away and when he glanced back, Seokjins ears were red as a beet. "I.. Thank you ." he said bashful and Seokjin cleared his throat. "Lead the way then."

Taehyung was drunk. Not blackout drunk, but well on the way to the point where he would lose all filter and say something very stupid. Like how he was madly in love with Jungkook while Jungkook couldn't stand the sight of him. Seokjin looked genuinely worried as he helped him

into the cab. They had had a good evening, Taehyung thought miserably. Seokjin was kind and entertaining and had a lot of nice stories to tell.He talked about his family, his pet gliders, his love for cooking. He also asked Tae questions about himself. It was like a nice date.

Except it wasn't. Not really. Seokjin was just being kind to him. He probably felt sorry for him, standing there loitering around the school even on his day off. Did it get more pathetic than that? Taehyung curled up against the far end of the cab, knees drawn to hus chin.

"I called Jungkook." Seokjin was saying, " He said he's waiting in the parking lot. He'll pay for the cab and get you home safe." Taehyung nodded, head aching and swimming at the same time. He felt good but also terrible. Good because it didn't hurt. Terrible because he knew

he would regret this in the morning. And Jungkook? There was no telling what Jungkook would do to him tonight. He had likely sent his entire family into a panic. "What time is it?" he mumbled weakly. "A quarter to eleven." Seokjin said regretfully. Taehyung wanted to cry.

He nodded absently and buried his face between his knees, exhausted. Sniffling he waved shakily as the cab pulled away from the curb. Jungkook would yell at him. Call him an irresponsible, selfish person. He would tell him how Taehyung was the reason he was miserable.

Taehyung burrowed into the corner even more feeling worse with each passing second. As the cab began slowing down, his pulse began racing just a bit, a steady amount of dread pooling at the base of his stomach, bile tasting bitter on his tongue. He was in for it, tonight.

When the cab finally pulled to a stop. Taehyung screwed his eyes shut, wrapping his arms around himself really tight. He heard Jungkook's voice calm and steady, talking to the cab driver and shivered a bit. When a gentle hand lightly touched his shoulder, he jumped. "Taehyung."

Taehyung didnt move or breathe. he stayed completely still. "Taehyung, come out." Jungkook sounded stern. Taehyung bit his lips, shaking his head. A few seconds later, the door he was curled up against opened and with a yelp, the omega toppled right into the arms of the alpha.

Taehyung's eyes flew open in shock, his body barely registering what was happening. Jungkook had him lifted up against his chest like he weighed nothing, barely even looking at him, as be kicked the car door shut again. "Hold onto me or you'll fall." The alpha said quietly.

Taehyung who had sobered up just from the shock of Jungkook's arms around him could barely move his limbs. It took a lot of effort to move his arms up and around Jungkook's shoulders, clinging to him with a desperate grip. As the cab drove away, Jungkook began walking slowly.

Through the haze of his intoxication, Taehyung registered that although it was almost midnight, Jungkook was still in his office clothes. "Didn't you... Didn't you go home?" he asked in confusion. The alpha sighed. "I told your mother we're spending the night at a hotel."

Taehyung felt like he bad been hit over the head with a hammer. Or perhaps he had fallen into a pothole and woken up in another dimension. "I... You did?" He blinked. " Why?" Jungkook didn't respond, carrying him over to his own car and placing him carefully in the back seat.

Jungkook reached over him grabbing a couple of throw pillows from the side and placing them against the door. "Lie down. There's plenty of room, you can stretch your legs out. " He said carefully. Tae stayed frozen. Jungkook groaned. "Because I had no idea where you were."

He gently pushed him by the shoulder prompting him to lie down. Taehyung curled up against the expensive leather seats, feeling his gut churn. "You weren't picking my calls and I didn't want to go up to her and tell her I lost her son." he muttered." I waited for you in my car."

"In the parking lot?" Taehyung whispered, voice small and shaky. Jungkook hummed. "I figured youd turn up eventually and we could go in together. But then after it turned eight, I told her we were having a wine dinner and couldn't drive so we would stay out at a hotel."

Taehyung closed his eyes, relief flooding his senses. "Thank you." he breathed shakily, " I'm so sorry..." "Its fine Taehyung. You were with a friend so thats fine. But maybe next time you could use his phone and just text me . Just so I know you're alright."

"There won't be a next time!" Taehyung said rushedly. "I promise. I swear it. I'll never do something like this again. I swear and I promise and I will never.." Taehyung frowned," What was I promising again?" Something that sounded suspiciously like a laugh made Taehyung blink.

He turned around, still a little groggy, trying to listen for it again, but Jungkook cleared his throat. A second later the car came to life under his touch and Taehyung groaned a little, settling into the seat again.

He gripped the edge of the seat to keep himself from rolling off into the footwell, hating himself for the terrible choices he’d made. “Do you want some fresh air?” Jungkook’s voice made him blink again. “Air?”

“Sit up, if lying down is uncomfortable. I’ll crack open the window and you’ll feel a bit better.” The alpha said briskly. Taehyung considered it and nodded, levering himself up with some difficulty.

He blinked as the window slid down, crisp cool air blowing into his face right after. He blinked against the breeze, immediately feeling better. “There’s a bottle of water in the side. Finish it.” Jungkook turned down an alleyway

and past a few sidelanes before merging into Seoul’s late night traffic on the freeway. Where were they going? Taehyung fumbled around for a few seconds before finally finding the bottle. He uncapped it before wrapping his lips around the mouth of it,

gulping it all down very quickly. He gripped the bottle, eyes shut against the night wind, the chill of it sobering him up slowly. Jungkook stayed quiet for the rest of the ride, and by the time they reached the hotel ,

an expensive, high rise affair right on the banks of the Han, Taehyung was wide awake and filled with regrets and trepidation. He briefly considered just acting drunk again but when Jungkook came around to open the door, looking completely exhausted and tired,

all he could feel was a crushing guilt. “I’m sorry.” He said again when the alpha held a hand out. “ My phone turned off and –“ Jungkook crouched down, leaning into him till their faces were just inches apart, and when the alpha’s hand moved to lightly touch his hip,

Taehyung realized he was trying to lift him up again. He quickly held both hands up, gripping the alpha’s broad shoulders. Jungkook’s gaze shifted to his and Taehyung swallowed.

He stared for a few seconds, because he’d never seen Jungkook this close. He looked so ethereal, here in the golden glow from the streetlights with the wind playing around with his dark hair. “I can walk.” He said softly.

Taehyung watched as Jungkook pulled his hand away, resting it on his knee for a second and the omega flinched, reaching out and gripping Jungkook’s wrist hard. “What is this?” He asked, horrified, eyeing the rough abrasions on the fist.

There was bruising all over the knuckles, little pin pricks of purple under the translucent skin, where Jungkook had clearly bled, as if he had punched some- Taehyung stared up at him in disbelief. “Did you punch him?!”

Jungkook hesitated, before pulling back and away, stepping out of the way and holding the car door open for him. Taehyung took a few deep breaths to gather his senses before slowly getting out of the car.

He gripped the roof of the car and when Jungkook made to close the door he grabbed his arm again. “Why?” He demanded. “ Why would you punch him?” Jungkook stared back at him before turning away. “Get your bag.” Jungkook said softly, tugging his arm away.

Taehyung watched as he moved to the back of the car, getting his bag out of the boot. He swallowed, wanting to know more. “Nothing happened.” He said urgently. “ It was just a few pictures and-“ “Taehyung.” Jungkook said softly. “ Can we go in?” He pointed at the Hotel.

Taehyung bit his lips. "You didn't have to -" “ I paid a lot of money for the room. I asked them to keep a set of clothes ready for us. I spent six hours sitting in a car not knowing where you were. Debating whether I should call the fucking cops or not. I’m exhausted.

And while I understand that you want to call me a bastard for punching a guy who deserved it, I’m too tired to fight. Let’s just get this night over with. Please. I’m begging you. Please let's just go in. ”

The room was a large suite, with a living space and a larger bedroom inside. Taehyung saw the complimentary wine, the fresh flowers and the soft lighting, feeling tacky and out of place in front of such grandeur.

Large glass walls opened out into a balcony and then an infinity pool beyond . Far off the Seoul skyline lit up like a jewel encrusted necklace draped over a starry black sky. Taehyung watched as Jungkook made a beeline for the bedroom,

returning a minute later with two large shopping bags with a popular brand written on it. “Here. I think these should fit you.” He held the bag out and Taehyung hesitated before making his way over and taking the bags.

He peered in, seeing a brand new set of sleepwear, a small bag full of toiletries as well. He glanced up at Jungkook intrigued. “They bought all this?” “I called in a favor. I did the marketing campaign for this particular chain of Hotels.” Jungkook said with a shrug.

“ I’ll take the bathroom over here. You can use the en suite.” The shower did wonders for Taehyung's tired body and by the time Taehyung came out, hair damp and wearing what had to be the softest clothes on the planet, he felt very relaxed and sated.

He found Jungkook out in the balcony, wearing a matching set of PJs and stopped for a second just to watch the alpha. Jungkook had his camera out, focused on the breathtaking view, occasionally taking pictures before pausing to stare at the landscape.

He wasn’t sure if he should go bother him, hovering by the door uncertainly. He finally decided just to go to bed, but the moment he turned around Jungkook’s voice broke the stillness of the night. “Do you want to see the pictures Hyunsik took of you?” Taehyung froze.

The omega wasn’t sure if it was some kind of a trick question. Was Jungkook angry? Being sarcastic? Was he trying to pick a fight? Hyungsik had given him his number and had taken his mail id as well. He had promised to send the pictures to him once he was done editing them.

“Why…” He swallowed, “ do you have them?” Jungkook turned around then, catching his eye through the glass doors. He leaned over a side table grabbing a large brown envelope and waving it at him.

“Figured, I’d save you the trouble of meeting that bastard again.” Jungkook shrugged. “ Here.” He held the envelope out. Taehyung hesitated before slowly picking his way out to the balcony. It was cold out there and he shivered a bit as he made his way over to the alpha.

Jungkook didn’t say anything as he handed the pictures over to him and Taehyung felt awkward, holding the envelope and just staring at him. “Thank you.” He said stiltedly and Jungkook didn’t respond, merely nodding at the envelope. “Don’t thank me. First see if you like them.”

Taehyung stared down at the envelop and then back up at his husband. He frowned, confused. “Now?” He swallowed. “ With you?” “Does that make you uncomfortable?” Jungkook tilted his head, “ are they photographs other can’t see?”

“What?” He blinked. “ Of course not , what are you-“ “Relax.” Jungkook smiled a little. “ I was the one who printed them out for you. I saw them already.”

Taehyung felt an odd sense of foreboding as he stared down at the envelope. "Can I just check them out later." He said meekly, his nerves frayed already and Jungkook rolled his eyes before reaching out and snatching the envelope back. "Just look at them, Taehyung."

He pulled out the prints and handed them over to him. Taehyung flinched but took them nonetheless. The first shot was him sitting on the stool turned sideways, looking away from the camera. It was nice. Jungkook moved to stand behind him. "The angle is off." he said

casually, hand comming over his arms to point at his face. " See here? The lights casts a shadow on your jawline. It doesn't set it off. " Taehyung jumped when Jungkook's forefinger moved to touch his actual jaw, running down the length of it gently. "You have a lovely

bone structure." he muttered, lips right by the side of his face. " If he had shifted the camera just a bit to the right, the photo would have been breathtaking. But he's an idiot , too busy trying to piss me off to realize what a photogenic person you are. So he fucked up."

Taehyung blinked rapidly, face burning from where Jungkook had just caressed him, and heart racing from what he had just said. Photogenic? Lovely bone structure? Was this another god forsaken dream? Before he could scream, Jungkook reached over and took the next print out.

This was Taehyung laughing, head thrown back, eyes scrunched shut. He remembered exactly why he had been laughing. Hyunsik had been talking about his niece who liked stealing shampoo from the bathroom and pouring it over her mother whenever she was sleeping. He looked happy.

Jungkook was quiet behind him. He cleared his throat, sneaking a glance at the alpha who was staring at the photo with an unreadable look on his face. "Its nice. " Taehyung said hesitantly and Jungkook cleared his throat. "Your face does all the work. " he grunted.

Taehyung moved to take the next print out and froze. It was a close up of his face, just his lips and his nose, fingers resting on his lower lip, tugging the fold gently. He felt his mouth go dry a bit, because this looked sensual. Sexy. And he certainly hadn't posed for it.

No Hyunsik had likely taken this while he was talking casually. It was a habit he had , playing with his lips sometimes while talking. The photo looked just on the border of obscene and Taehyung felt mildly ill. " He put that up in his office.And that's why I punched him."

Taehyung slid the photo back in and turned, but Jungkook took a few steps back. "I have a friend." he said stiltedly. " His name is Yugyeom. He won the best editorial photographer of the year award , last year. Pick out a theme and an outfit. He'll make sure to do a great job."

"Jungkook... " "I'm going to go sleep now. I have a photoshoot out of town tomorrow. I won't be back for a few days. I need to leave early." "Early?" "In about three hours actually." Jungkook sighed. Taehyung stared in disbelief. "Jungkook -" "Not everyone is trustworthy."

Taehyung stared down at his feet. "Hyunsik was involved in a lot of stalking cases a few years ago. I didn't want him in my department but his uncle owns shares in the company. He wanted my job but now he works for me technically. You can see why he hates me. So, Block him. "

" And if you get drunk again tell your drinking buddy to drop you off instead of putting you in a cab all by yourself. Not everyone can be trusted." Jungkook said sharply. Taehyung bit his lips. "Good night." The alpha went back in quietly.

Tae stared after him before turning back to the envelope in his hand. Sniffling just a little, he took the envelope, making his way over to the small trash can in the corner of the balcony. He dropped it in , closing the lid shut. What a beautiful night, he thought miserably.

=====End of Chapter 3 =====

( Authors Note: So the fic is at 22k.words. I won't be updating this till I am perfectly happy with what I have planned so don't ask me when. Please be patient and let me go at my own pace. You can support me on Kofi of you enjoy my work)ko-fi.com/shynloveswriti…

As an alpha, Jungkook on most nights craved intimacy on a raw and primal level. He wasn't built, biologically to be celibate. But despite being an alpha with a high libido, Jungkook had only ever been with one person. He had for years craved intimacy only with

Yoongi, a gentle kind of intimacy. It was genuine, a love driven need. He loved Yoongi, deeply and wholly, so he had wanted to make love to him. To hold him close, whisper endearments against his skin, make him feel loved and cherished and protected. He had wanted him in the way

An alpha would want a mate. Honest and honorable in a way, with the best of intentions. That was the kind of attraction he was used to. That was the kind of attraction he was comfortable with. But about six months into his marriage, Jungkook had become aware of another,

kind of attraction, one that he felt for his unwanted husband. Taehyung was, there was no denying it really, very beautiful. And Jungkook as a photographer, was a connoisseur of beauty. He chased it, captured it for a living. How could he possibly pretend that he wasn't attracted

To the damned omega. He couldn't and there were nights when no matter how much he touched himself, thinking of the man in his heart, he ended up reaching his pleasure while thinking of the man in the room next door. On those nights he was riddled with guilt and self loathing.

Because no matter how much he wanted to blame Taehyung for this, he knew it wasn't the Omega's fault in any way or form. It was Jungkooks wretched body that refused to understand that he was off limits. The one omega in the world he would never bring himself to touch willingly.

Jungkook stared at the envelope in front of him, feeling, for lack of a better word, guilty and confused. He wasn't sure why he had behaved the way he had, with Hyunsik and later with Tae as well. The feeling of guilt returned when he remembered how Taehyung had looked,

When he had mentioned that not everyone was trustworthy. He had made the comment at face value, referring to Hyunsik, but when he thought of the hurt on Taehyung's face, he couldn't help but wonder if the omega had thought he was talking about someone else. Perhaps Tae himself.

Jungkook opened the envelope tugging the photo out. It was the close up shot of Taehyung's lips and fingers. He remembered how mad he had gotten at the sight of it, how he hadn't quite waited for an excuse or an explanation, stalking over and punching Hyunsik in the face .

The look of stunned surprise on everyone's faces, the hushed whispers and the wide eyes. The disbelief hanging heavy in the air at the sight of him nursing his own fist while Hyunsik lay on the floor, clutching his jaw in pain. He had never punched anyone in his life.

He remembered a very vivid argument with Yoongi once, when they were dating. There had been a party, and Yoongi had insisted they attend, although both of them weren't fond of social gatherings. Yoongi had to keep the connections he insisted and so they had gone.

Someone had hit on Yoongi and the omega had curled up against Jungkooks side, throwing vicious glares at the other alpha. Jungkook had told the guy to read the room and respect people's boundaries and had turned away. That had been that. Later that night, Yoongi had been angry.

"Why didn't you punch him? " He had demanded, pushing him by the shoulders and Jungkook had just stood there, at a loss for words. He could see that Yoongi was upset, but he couldn't for the life of him, understand why. Because the answer to that question was simple.

Jungkook hadn't punched him because he hadn't wanted to. At no point had his blood turned hot with anger, his breath turning into fire in his lungs, burning with the need to scorch the guy into ashes. His fists hadn't clenched in fury, and his feet hadn't moved against his will.

" You're not worth the trouble you come wrapped in, Kim Taehyung. " He muttered, running a forefinger over the curve of the jaw. He remembered how smooth Taehyung's skin had felt against his fingertips earlier. He was so thin, he thought, carrying him had been like carrying wool.

His head hurt. The clock on the mantle read seven thirty. Taehyung was in the other room, sound asleep. Jungkook had changed back into his shirt and trousers, and had come out to the balcony for some fresh air before leaving. He had seen the envelope in the trash.

A sharp pang of guilt had lanced his heart at that. Fuck, he hadn't meant for the omega to throw all the pictures away. They weren't bad. Of course he could do so much better, but they weren't bad. And he certainly didn't want to deliberately ruin something Taehyung wanted.

He carefully placed the photographs back in his briefcase . Because if he left them in the garbage bag someone else would find them and it would be awkward. Yes, that's why he was doing this. He sighed before stepping out of his bedroom, closing the door carefully without noise.

His feet paused in front of the door leading to Taehyung's room. He leaned in, listening for any sound but only the gentle hum of the air conditioner greeted him. The omega was deep asleep, likely exhaust and maybe even a little hungover. His eyes fell on the bottle of water, by