Work Text:
From an early age, Jimin believed that courting someone is the easiest thing ever. If you love someone, it shouldn't be hard to show them that you really care about them. It’s not that difficult.
Well, unless you're an Omega. Then things get complicated, because basically you shouldn’t court anyone - you’re the person that should be courted and not the other way around.
It gets even more complicated when the person you have feelings for is the other Omega. Although society began to move forward, and such relationships could be encountered more and more often, it did not change the fact that alternate solutions do not come to everyone with the same ease. There were still people who couldn’t understand this, considering it to be incompatible with biology.
The whole process of courting is even more difficult when the person you love is your best friend, whom you have known practically since childhood, and your habits and touchy behavior are so natural that you have to tire yourself out in order to break out of this strange sphere of being friends. The fear of destroying what had been built together over the years was also there, but surprisingly Jimin didn’t care at all. He was fed up with constantly standing still and blocking his feelings. He wanted to be honest not only with himself, but also with Omega, whom he had feelings for.
But what made courting almost impossible for Jimin was Jeon Jungkook - his best friend from childhood and only Omega who stole his heart over the years. Jimin had feelings for him for a long time, but Jungkook was a critical case of living in unawareness, even if everything was under his nose and showed in front of his eyes.
Jungkook was too oblivious for his own good, but fortunately it was a well known fact that Jimin can be extremely stubborn. If he had to try harder to get his feelings noticed, he was going to do everything in his power to make it happen.
__________
I.
Jimin was the best friend.
Jungkook knew that when he needed help, he would always be able to count on his best friend no matter what happened. This time was no different.
When he came back from work late in the evening, tired from all day standing on the beach and patrolling the horizon to be sure that everyone was safe, it was a blissful feeling when he could finally touch the soft upholstery of the couch. It seemed to him that the temperature in their apartment with Jimin had changed a bit.
Though he initially didn't pay that much attention, Jimin immediately sensed the change in his behavior. They have both known and lived together long enough to know each other's habits and how they each behave. Jungkook, who used to tell Jimin about his adventures at work right after his return, now sat barely alive on the couch, eyes closed and his head lowered down.
Jimin knew something was up. His assumptions were even more confirmed when he put the outer part of his hand against Omega's forehead to feel the warmth emanating from it.
Jungkook was sick and probably running a fever.
"I'll make you a bath, then you’ll go to bed and eat something warm," Jimin ordered, his voice leaving no room for discussion. Jungkook was kind of grateful as he felt terrible and certainly not capable of taking care of himself. All he thought about was going to sleep and never waking up. This way the headache will somehow go away.
The bath that Jimin prepared was perfect. Jungkook felt his muscles gently relaxing, and all the stress of the day was leaving him. He could still feel the heat coming from him, but the lukewarm water was doing its job effectively.
Working as a lifeguard and going to university at the same time was sometimes demanding, but knowing that you always had your best friend with you always cheered Jungkook up. Their shared flat was a real refuge for him. Both of their scents had long blended in the air, making Jungkook feel even more safe in the whole apartment.
"Can I go in?" he heard Jimin's soft voice outside the door.
Jungkook muttered loud enough to be heard, then a second later the bathroom door opened shyly. Jimin stood uncertainly beside the door, wrapped in a large yellow sweater.
"I brought you your pajamas," he waved a cube of folded clothes. "You forgot to take it with you"
Jungkook nodded, immediately regretting what he had done. His head felt heavy, and he only hurt himself more with such movements.
"Thank you. You’re amazing.”
Jimin smiled at his words, and a slight pink blush appeared on his face, but Jungkook wasn't sure if he really saw it or it was just an image of his fever fantasy.
“It's nothing,” waved Jimin, “Don't stay too long or the water will turn completely cold. I have prepared a dinner that will surely help you recover. They say special recipes from Grandma always work wonders,” he winked at him cheekily, then left the room without waiting for Jungkook's reply.
Coming out of the bathtub, Jungkook felt relatively better. Of course, the fever didn't magically go away and he still felt like a walking radiator, a bit like the feeling of the heat, but without horny part.
Leaving the bathroom he was quickly led by Jimin towards his nest. A place where he felt good and, as Jimin claimed, 'which will also contribute to his speedy recovery'.
“Do you want something from my closet?” asked Jimin, worry painted on his face. Jungkook was taller than him and his bulkier body could be intimidating for other people, but right now when Omega was trying to disappear under the blanket, he looked vulnerable and exposed to all the harm in the world. Jimin feels the need to protect him.
“Can I wear my favourite hoodie?”
Jungkook’s favourite hoodie was actually Jimin’s hoodie. It was too big for Jimin, which made Jungkook fit perfectly. Over time, the hoodie became THEIRS, not just Jimin’s. But Omega doesn’t actually mind. He was happy that he could share his clothes with Jungkook, who is so close to his heart.
“Of course Kook. Here you go” he handed him his sweatshirt without hesitation, then disappeared quickly to come back from the kitchen with hot soup in his hands.
Jimin wasn’t fond of cooking. He always praised Jungkook for his skills and loved when taller Omega did something for him to eat. But when it came down to it, Jimin was able to bring his best cooking skills and made for Jungkook the best meal ever. The perfect evidence was Omega's angry face, which he made every time the food was delicious. It was the same situation this time - the soup prepared by Jimin was delicate in taste and he absolutely loved it.
Jungkook sneaked a glance at Jimin, wondering if he should share food with him or not, deciding against it, worried that he would only infect Jimin by his germs doing so.
“Do you like it?” Jimin sat on the edge of his bed with his legs crossed. Jungkook had no problem letting Jimin into his nest. Basically, he was the only person he trusted enough to let him enter such an important place.
“Mhmm it’s delicious.”
“Ay ay Kook, don't talk with your mouth open,” Jimin laughed softly.
Jungkook's gaze went to the tiny fingers of the other Omega, which approached his face to wipe off what had fallen out of his mouth while speaking.
Jungkook didn't know if it was a matter of fever or something else, but Jimin with his face so close to his made him a little dizzy. Is it normal for his heart to stop for a moment, then to start moving again as if nothing had happened?
Jungkook had the last fever as a child, and he hardly remembered having such symptoms before.
He broke out of his thoughts when he felt a cold hand on his forehead.
“You’re still warm,” Jimin said, studying him intently. “Do you feel tired? Maybe you want to sleep now?”
Jungkook smiled weakly at him.
“You’re so sweet Jimin-ah.”
Omega rolled his eyes at the comment.
“I’m just worried. I don't want you to be sick and feel bad" Jimin made his typical cute face that always made Jungkook want to wrap his hands around his cheeks and squish.
“We don't always have the influence of that, Jimin. Sometimes it just happens."
“I know, I know. That’s why you should let me take care of you.”
Jungkook clung to the bed even tighter, covering himself more tightly with the blanket.
“You always care for me, Jimin-ah. You are my best friend and I am truly grateful for everything you do. I love you.”
“I love you too Jungkookie” he stroked the boy’s cheek gently, still feeling radiating heat from him.
While the two words were heard in exactly the same way, both statements were not created equal and did not actually coincide.
'I love you' for Jimin and Jungkook meant two completely different things at the moment, conveying different emotions.
Jimin got up from the bed, heading towards the door.
“Goodnight Kook. If something happened, would feel worse or anything else - call for me, okay? I’ll be close"
Jungkook muttered one last time under his breath as a sign of understanding, but with his eyes closed, he quickly drifted away to the dreamland. When the lights were out and only the moonlight crept into the room, Jungkook half-consciously smiled to himself, feeling so thankful and lucky to have someone like Jimin by his side.
He was really the best friend.
_________
II.
Jimin definitely was the best friend.
Last time when Jungkook fell ill, Jimin practically stayed with him to help with everything in case of emergency. He cared for him, fed him, checked his temperature and did his best to make him recover as soon as possible.
Jungkook thought it was cute and incredibly lovely of Jimin. Knowing that he could always count on him caused a warm feeling in his heart that spread over his entire chest. He felt the same a few weeks later when he returned, tired from work, to see Jimin standing next to the couch, a big smile on his face and his hands clasped together, giving the impression that Jimin was anxious or stressed by something.
“Welcome home Jungkook!” he greeted him, stepping closer and locking him in a tight embrace.
Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin's waist, inhaling the scent of Omega, which was even more intense now that they were both in each other's arms. He and Jimin always greeted themselves this way, there was no inaccuracy in their behavior. Yet something was different. Jungkook felt it in the air, but couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
"Everything's all right?" he asked, looking up at Jimin. Their faces were very close together, allowing Jungkook to see the faint red blush on Jimin's face.
“What? Yes, of course. Why should anything be wrong?"
Jungkook looked at him intently, still not fully believing what the Omega said.
“You’re acting weird.” he pinpoints, resting his head on Jimin’s shoulder. “Your scent is also weird.”
“Okay, you got me,” Jimin laughed. “I’m just nervous.”
One of Jungkook's eyebrows rose in silent question. Over the years, he has seen Jimin in various emotional situations, but what he saw in front of his eyes was completely different from all previous cases.
He saw a nervous Jimin before, but definitely not like that. Jungkook was confused.
“About what? Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently, not wanting to put unnecessary pressure on Jimin if he didn't want to share his own feelings with him.
To show his greater comfort, he began to gently run his hands over Jimin's back. A subtle message that 'he's here and ready to listen'.
Jimin's smile only grew in size. It was one of the reasons why he fell deeply in love with the boy. Despite the fact that Jungkook was not always able to understand the feelings of others, not even fully interpreting them, he tried all the ways he had at his fingertips to bring help and comfort.
Subtle and small gestures, words, touch, or just a pair of ears ready to hear what the other person has to say.
Comforting and confronting other people was quite a challenge for Jungkook, and although the boy always said that it was a really difficult challenge for him, Jimin kept telling him step by step how important it was that he was trying at all.
Jungkook was so easy to love and day by day, Jimin only felt it more and more.
“I have something for you” he said shyly under his breath, but Jungkook, who was still in his embrace, heard the soft words.
“Oh.” his hands, still moving up and down Jimin's back, stopped for a second.
Jimin was nervous because he has a gift for him?
Jungkook turned the words around in his head several times, but still not fully understanding where his friend's reaction was coming from. It's not the first time they've given each other gifts.
“I’m just a little bit nervous, because I want you to like it.” Jimin's hand took hold of Jungkook's hesitantly, leading him slowly deeper into the apartment.
“You know I'll like whatever you give me.” chuckles Jungkook, following the smaller Omega without hesitation.
At Jungkook's words, Jimin's smile took a somewhat fake pose. He knew that whatever he gave Jungkook, the other would like. That was the problem!
He didn't want to give him anything. It shouldn’t be so easy.
Jimin really wanted to show how seriously he is taking the whole thing and make Jungkook understand how much he cares about him. The gift couldn't be anything. Everything had to be thought out and well chosen.
“Ta-da!!” Jimin let go of his hand to spread his arms to the sides in a joyful gesture. They were standing in their shared bedroom - Jimin's bed on the right and Jungkook's on the left. The room didn't look like it had undergone any kind of metamorphosis, but following Jimin's gaze he saw what all the fuss was about. Anyway, how could he not notice when his bed literally began to sink unexpectedly from a pile of new blankets and pillows.
Jungkook said nothing for a moment, staring at the colorful mountain on his sheets. It felt like his heart was making a flip. He was actually touched by this gift.
“You’re silent for too long, Jungkook.” Jimin sighed, the original smile that had been on his face now faded a little “You don’t like it? I really tried my best.” The uncertainty in Jimin's voice was audible.
“It’s not-” Jungkook shook his head “I’m just-” he felt as if he couldn't find the right words. His tongue tangled when he tried to utter anything. “Wow.” it was all he could get out of himself.
“What kind of ‘wow’ is that?” Jimin was still anxiously touching his fingers.
Jungkook didn't answer the question, and instead threw himself on the bed, which now dripped with all the pillows, blankets and other things that Omega considered ‘important building material’ in creating their nest.
“Oh my god, it’s so comfortable!” Jungkook commented with a smile on his face, delighting with its softness and appearance at the same time
“I guess I know what kind of ‘wow’ was that now” giggles Jimin, taking a few steps forward.
"What's the occasion hyung?" He looked at Jimin with his huge eyes, pausing for a moment from his scuffle on the bed.
“Last time when you fall sick you make me so worried Gguk” said Jimin, the tone of his voice changed to a more serious one. “You were basically sleeping on a towel.”
Jungkook, who was still lying on the bed, turned towards Jimin, listened intently, only now realizing how poorly his nest really was.
“Don’t get me wrong Kookie, I love your nest. It’s really unique and beautiful.”
Jimin praising his nest caused a surge of positive emotions in Jungkook. His Omega for some reason proud that Jimin loves their nest.
“But I think you deserve more than that.” Jimin walked over to the bed, then looked at Jungkook questioningly. Although the boy repeated to Jimin many times that he had his full consent to enter his nest, the gesture of constantly asking if he had changed his mind, really touched him.
Jimin sat next to him on the edge of the bed, when Jungkook nodded his head.
“You’re my favourite person Kook. You deserve all the best things.” he stroked his arm, and Jungkook felt his whole body warming up.
He and Jimin have always been like that to each other. They cared for themselves and were always there for each other. If so, why has Jungkook felt different when he heard kind words from Jimin? He had the impression that everything was still the same, and yet the intensity with which his heart beat at times definitely meant some change. Jungkook didn't know where to find the answer to his question, so for now he kept everything to himself. Changes in life are needed, so maybe this one will not be so bad.
“You’re my favourite person too.” he looked at him fondly, at which Jimin could not tear his eyes away. Jungkook's eyes sparkled and stared at him as if Jimin had hung all the stars in the sky.
“Do you want to cuddle with me in my upgraded nest?” Jungkook giggles slightly, playfully pulling Jimin’s hand towards the pillows.
“Sure, let me just turn on our cuddling playlist.”
The playlist was calm and gentle, and it consisted of their favorite songs, which intertwined with each other to create the perfect mix. They used it very often because of how much it was able to create the perfect atmosphere in the air. Jungkook always smiled broadly then, feeling surrounded by the scent of both of them and his favorite person by his side with perfect background music; anything seemed possible. These were moments that he treasured and cherished a lot.
Jimin was the best friend. Full of joy, ready to hug you when you need it and cheer you up on the most cloudy day.
That's why he loved him so much.
__________
III.
Jungkook never wondered if the words "best friend" and "love" could give a strange resonance when standing next to each other. After all, it's normal to love your friends. They are important people in our life and we want to keep them with us. To be for them, just as they are for us.
Loving your best friend was something Jungkook didn't think about. He also loved and respected his other friends. They were the support in his life and were able to show him many new, undiscovered perspectives with their presence or words.
There are many types of love, and those that are directed towards your friend have always been something original and special. So it was a normal occurrence to admit that he, Jeon Jungkook, loves Jimin.
Jimin is his best friend after all. Loving him is nothing out of the ordinary.
And yet, from the day Jimin gave him the pile of pillows and blankets, Jungkook began to spin these thoughts over and over again, as if trying to dig into them for a realization he had no idea about yet. He looked for hints in his behavior and words, but everything seemed to be fruitless.
Since then, he has noticed some changes, but didn’t know how to interpret them. He had always told himself that what they have between each other is normal. There didn't have to be a hidden meaning to explain the changing situation at all. Jimin has always cared about his loved ones, so was it unusual to prepare lunch for him for work or visit him on the beach during his breaks at work? Normally, Jungkook would answer no. After all, this is how best friends and roommates behave. Or so he kept telling himself that when he opened the lunchbox full of food that Jimin had given him once again.
Omega has been taking care of his meals for some time now and also telling Jungkook about important things he should do during the day. Jimin reminded him to apply sunscreen, so as not to get burned from sun and drink plenty of water, worrying that daily sitting and monitoring the beach would make Jungkook forget about himself and his needs.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think Jimin is courting you.” Namjoon said one day, his good friend from work and Jungkook's role model to become a lifeguard like a tall Alpha with the most beautiful dimples in his cheeks.
That day, the sun was shining exceptionally strongly, which is why his gaze at Namjoon ended in squinting his eyes. The fork he was holding the food stopped halfway to his mouth, freezing after what he heard from Namjoon.
Jungkook laughed at Alpha, shaking his head from side to side. "We're only friends hyung." he stuck a fork into the food aimlessly as if he didn't know what to do with it anymore. What he was saying was true, yet it felt strange saying it aloud. As if he himself did not believe in the truth of these words.
Is Jimin courting him will be a bad thing?
He tried to imagine it and couldn't get over how nice it would be. In his eyes, Jimin was the epitome of delicacy. He has seen more than once how with affection and commitment he performs all important duties and work, watering flowers and speaking to them as if the plants understood his speech. Jimin was a gentle person and certainly many people would like to be gifted with it too. Although Omegas are not likely to court someone, Jungkook knew that if Jimin had that kind of role, the boy would do everything with tenderness, putting a lot of emotions into everything.
“Why are you smiling at your rice?” Yoongi's voice came from far away. He looked up only to see the silhouettes of the two lifeguards.
He, Yoongi, Namjoon and Hoseok, who had the day off at the moment, were a very well-coordinated team on a daily basis. Maybe that's why he liked this job so much. After all, the company and people you work with have a great influence on the atmosphere and your well-being. With such a line-up, Jungkook never doubted that he was in the right place. The beach was practically his second home.
“What? I’m not.” he dismissed it quickly, then stuffed his mouth with food so as not to answer any questions posed in his direction.
He couldn’t help it. The thought of Jimin courting him was much more pleasant than he had realized. Especially when Jimin clearly had all the necessary qualities and skills that would be required of an ideal, future mate.
Mate.
Jungkook was definitely drifting away in his thoughts since he had taken them this far.
Yes, Jimin was beautiful, caring and extremely talented. However, Jimin is his best friend. Taking care of themselves and giving each other gifts were nothing new in their everyday life. Right?
He shouldn't think that way.
Being friends was one thing, but a weird feeling of disappointment if that didn't turn out to be true is the second.
That evening, Jungkook found it extremely difficult to fall asleep. Not only did he turn from side to side every now and then, haunted by a series of thoughts that would not silence themselves, but also the situation outside his window made him uneasy.
Jungkook didn't like the storm. Loud noises of thunder in the distance, flashes of light illuminating their shared room with Jimin, and of course the loud sounds of the ocean that raged outside with the gusts of wind.
On nights like these when the ocean showed its other, more dangerous face, Jungkook always lay curled up in his warm nest, trying all ways he knew to fall asleep as fast as possible.
However, when he heard a loud thunderbolt from outside, a quiet whimper unknowingly escaped from his mouth. Jungkook huddled even more, trying to blend in with the pillows and blankets.
Thanks to the gift that Jimin gave him, his nest really became much cozier than he initially thought. Soft blankets cradled him to sleep every evening, and their pleasant smell enveloped him in invisible arms, creating a safety barrier. Still, even this level of comfort could not drown out the raging downpour raving outside.
“Jungkook,” he heard a whisper from across the room. Jimin apparently also had to wake up in the midst of the storm. Or maybe it was his scuffle and a little sour scent that snapped other Omega out of his sleep, which, as Jungkook now noticed, got a bit out of control, and took up most of the space in the room. “I know you’re not sleeping. Is everything okay right there?”
Jungkook didn't want to worry Jimin needlessly. He was already old enough that the fear of the storm should be long behind him. People who did not understand this would surely call his behavior irrational.
For most of the time he had such a deep sleep that even the loud thunder could not wake him up. But unfortunately it wasn’t the case today.
It flashed in the distance, illuminating their room, only to hear a booming noise a short while later. Jungkook squeezed his already closed eyes tighter. He heard a rustle on the other side of the room, followed by a faint creak of laminate flooring. Jimin tiptoed closer to his bed, bare feets bouncing in a characteristic way against the wood.
“Do you need a company?” Despite the fact that neither of them was asleep anymore, and they were the only ones to live in the apartment, Jimin kept reducing his voice to a whisper. It was soothing. Strong, rhythmic tapping of rain outside the window together with subdued voices gave the whole situation a completely new meaning. The storm still existed and raged outside the window, and yet what seemed to be more important was what was happening here and now in the four walls of their room. Deaf silence was broken by sounds from outside, but still the whole epicenter was here between them.
Jungkook opened his eyes and turned to Jimin. Omega was standing in his loose pajamas right next to the window, holding a plush dolphin in his hands. He looks cute and small, but at the same time with lightning from time to time also so powerful.
“It’s late hyung. I didn’t want to bother you.” Jungkook whispered shyly.
“Nonsense. Move over and make room for me.” Jimin commended, and without waiting for a signal from Jungkook, he started to climb under the blanket.
Both beds in the room were not large enough to accommodate more than one person, but it did not change the fact that Jimin and Jungkook repeatedly broke these rules. They were so used to their presence that sleeping in one cramped bed was nothing new.
"If you want to, I can stay with you until you fall asleep, what do you say?" Jimin's shooting voice asked as Jungkook nodded.
He closed his eyes again, trying to speed up the process as quickly as possible. They lay in silence, hearing the storm outside and their steady breathing. Jimin's body next to him gives him safety, and his familiar scent soothed Jungkook's nerves. However, even all these things were not going to bring him the dream he longed for.
Once again loud noises could be heard from outside the window, the whistling of the wind as if it would at least tear your head off. Jungkook didn't know how long they were lying like this, but it didn't look like he was going to actually fall asleep any time soon.
When once again a strong lightning struck, this time the loud bang seemed to be much closer than before, Jungkook could no longer bear this apparent pretending to be asleep. A quiet whimper escaped from his mouth, alerting Jimin next to him.
Jungkook felt guilty that because of him Jimin still was awake and would be tired in the morning. It was not Jimin's fault that for some reason the storm terrified him in every possible way.
“Shh, shh Kook.” Jimin closed the gap between them even further to embrace him in his arms.
Jimin's little hands moved tenderly over his back. Sometimes from top to bottom, and sometimes turning it into steady drawing circles. Both ways were pleasant, but not enough to calm him down. Jungkook felt sweaty and unwanted tears welling up in his eyes.
“You probably think I am pathetic.” he whispered with a bitter laugh in his voice.
“What? Of course not Kook!” Jimin assured him, still continuing to massage Omega's back “Everyone is afraid of something. Don’t be embarrassed about it.”
Jungkook snuffled his nose.
“I-I just can’t help it. I really want to fall asleep, but my mind doesn't want to turn off” he sobbed, staring at the dark outline of Jimin's face.
“Do you want me to scent you?” blurt out Jimin, completely without any thoughts. He knew Jungkook liked his scent, so no wonder it was one of the first ideas that came to his mind.
Jungkook thought for a moment before finally whispering a soft 'yes, please'.
He and Jimin had done it a few times before, but it had never been so intimate and closer before.
When they normally scent each other, it was usually in the form of play, mocking - just typical behavior among wolves who know each other and trust each other well enough that they have no problem baring their necks to one another.
Among Omegas, this type of activity was also quite popular, but when Jimin brought his nose close to his scent gland, Jungkook knew that he would not be able to forget this moment for a very long time.
Instantly, he felt his muscles relax and his head slowly cleared of negativity. All that mattered was Jimin's soothing scent, which now seemed to not only envelop him on all sides, but also entwine inside. Omega gently followed his nose up Jungkook’s neck, taking his time and enjoying the moment to the full.
Jungkook shivered as he felt Jimin brush his lips over his skin. He could feel his insides boiling, and his cheeks turning red at the mere thought of such a close meeting with plump lips.
“Can I scent you too?” Jungkook asked softly, not wanting to destroy the peace of the moment they had built up with each other.
Jimin didn’t say anything, but showing his neck tilted back in front of him was a firm confirmation. Jungkook sank his nose, slowly inhaling his favorite scent while rubbing lightly against Omega's skin. Though Jungkook seemed to be surrounded by the scent of the other Omega on each side, he didn't have enough - on the contrary, he felt like it was still not sufficient for him. He loved Jimin’s scent, and the fact that he could now share his own made his inner Omega delighted.
Jimin purred under his nose, pleased at the feeling. He was still stroking Jungkook’s hair at the same time. Both limbs were now a strange tangle, but eventually Jungkook felt satisfied with his actions and went back to hugging Omega.
"Here" Jimin whispered to him, a faint flush on his face that was thankfully not visible in the darkness in the room.
Jungkook looked at him in question, not knowing what Jimin meant. His eyebrows, pursed thoughtfully, returned to their normal state when he felt a soft fluff in his hands.
"Mr. Dolphin helps me fall asleep in any situation. I think he will help you as well." Jimin's favorite dolphin-shaped mascot was pushed into his hands before he had time to look at it. He turned it over in his hands uncertainly, carefully so as not to destroy something that Jimin had such great affection for. The dolphin was blue, soft and always looked at you with a happy face. Every time Jungkook looked at Jimin's bed, the dolphin had long been there, like a guest of honor, or even a regular.
“It’s yours now.” Jimin added as Jungkook studied the stuffed animal intently.
“W-what? I can’t. It means a lot to you.”
Mr. Dolphin has accompanied Omega for as long as Jungkook can remember. Even though it didn't look like a new toy, fresh from a store, Jimin never minded it. Years of using, hugging and giving a special kind of emotion, which only a small child is capable of, gave a new life to the cuddly toy. He was always there when Jimin needed to cry out, complain or just need a hug. The mascot was practically priceless.
“You mean a lot to me too. I know you will take good care of him.” Jimin was usually very stubborn so Jungkook knew in advance that this was a lost fight.
“I will treat him right. I promise.” he whispered one last time, then they both hugged each other. While Mr. Dolphin belonged to Jungkook now, still between their pressed bodies, it makes them both feel comfortable.
The presence of Jimin right next to him, a gentle and intimate scent session and the soft toy, which was also saturated with Omega’s soothing scent, effectively began to drown out the situation outside the window. Suddenly, the thunder and gusts of wind didn't seem as terrifying as before.
Jungkook felt safe in Jimin's embrace, and the blissful atmosphere between them heightened everything. He smiled contentedly, feeling as finally sleep catches up to him.
Maybe that was the exact moment when he thought for the first time that Jimin could be someone more than a best friend.
__________
IV.
Jungkook liked routine.
After all, it was one of the few things in a person's life that was characterized by constancy. It gave Jungkook certainty on a few things.
He knew that when he got home from work on a late Friday night, he would be greeted at the door by a little figure of Jimin, with their scents mixed together. He was sure that they would have dinner together while talking and smiling, and then spend the evening watching a movie together, hugging on the couch in the meantime. They will drink warm tea and then, late at night, finally go to bed - most likely cuddling once again.
Friday nights were always perfect and the balance was never disturbed. Jungkook was looking forward to Friday, not only because he finally had a free weekend, but also because he will get his alone time with Jimin.
Knowing a familiar routine, he certainly did not expect to be greeted by only a silence on the threshold of the apartment. The sounds of the clock's hands moving from second to second echoed off the walls.
Jungkook stepped inside. He turned on the light, but as he noticed, the rest of the apartment was engulfed in darkness. Jimin should be home by now and would for sure run up to him and throw himself into his arms, scenting him a little.
'That's weird' thought Jungkook, eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully.
"Hello? Jimin?" he called, but there was no answer. Jungkook slowly began to feel uneasy the longer his surrounding was quiet. He walked along the side of the apartment to see if Jimin had fallen asleep on the couch or in their room, but when it turned out that Jimin was nowhere to be seen, Jungkook began to worry.
He could feel his Omega getting out of control, and it wasn't the first time this week. Jungkook's Omega had been behaving differently for a few days now - he started to look closely at how much Jimin eats during the day, if he was dressed well for the weather, and how often the other was happy.
Jungkook didn't quite understand the intentions of his own Omega. It was obvious he wanted Jimin to feel well. He cared for him and no matter what his instincts were, he tried to do everything to keep Jimin safe. Yet something had changed since that fateful, stormy night, and the feelings that had been there all this time suddenly grew louder. He wanted to protect Jimin and give him as much joy as possible. No wonder then, that now when the second Omega was not in sight, Jungkook felt fear building up inside him.
Jimin should have been here a long time ago, and yet he is not.
Jungkook took his phone out of his pocket to check if he had gotten any text messages about it. Maybe Jimin stayed longer at work? Maybe he went to the store to refill their supplies in the fridge?
Many different things could have happened, and yet, not seeing any new messages on the phone, Jungkook could feel the worst, black scenarios swirling in his head.
Where is Jimin?
He started dialing Jimin's number, but was sent back to voicemail. He tried again.
And one more time to be one hundred percent sure, but unfortunately the results were the same.
On a daily basis, Jimin worked in a small cafe near the beach, along with Taehyung and Seokjin.
Not knowing what to do, he desperately tried to call them as well, but with similar effect.
Jungkook's heart was beating much faster than it should have been, and there was a huge lump in his throat. If anyone answered the phone, Jungkook wasn't even sure if he would be able to speak up.
He was worried. It's not Jimin's style to disappear like that without a word. Something must have happened. Jungkook sat down forcefully on the couch when he felt his legs tremble. He took two deep breaths, trying to convince himself that there was really nothing to worry about and Jimin was about to walk through the front door in a minute to tell him this funny story about why he was late.
He rested his back against the soft pillows, his head tilted back. Jungkook felt his anxiety stink the whole room and his sweet scent was sour now. He needs to calm down.
Unfortunately reaching inner peace, when another hour passed and Jimin was still in sight, Jungkook felt himself slowly losing his patience.
For the last hour he had been pacing back and forth around the apartment, occasionally sitting on the couch, chairs, bed - anywhere to calm his breathing. Despite all these things, Jungkook only felt like he was turning into an even bigger bundle of nerves with every passing minute, ready to explode at any moment.
He sat down tiredly on the couch, closed his eyes and sighs. His earlier attempts to reach Jimin ended without any effect. He began to worry even more, and there was a long silence in the room, broken only by the sounds of the city noise outside the window.
He didn't know how long he sat there, but when he finally managed to take two, big breaths to calm his frayed nerves a bit, he jumped to his feet as his phone display suddenly flashed. He reached for the device, and seeing the familiar contact photo of Jimin smiling into the camera, he brought it quickly to his ear with slightly shaking hands.
"Oh my god Jimin. Where are you?! You have no idea how worried I've been." he said with a slightly raised voice, practically in one breath.
"Hello Jungkook. This is Taehyung. I'm calling from his phone."
Hearing Alpha's deep voice on the other side, Jungkook once again felt his legs start to shake, so he sat on the couch once again. He felt the world spinning before his eyes, waiting only for the moment when one of his previous black scenarios would finally be fulfilled. He held the phone in an iron grip, afraid that it would slip out of his hand imperceptibly.
"Where is Jimin?" he forgot any form of greeting, but hoped Taehyung would forgive him.
"It’s nothing to be worried about, but we are in a hospital and-" Taehyung probably was still talking, but after the word 'hospital' Jungkook’s mind stopped and went blank.
The hospital never bode well for anything good. It was a place where people got sick and then left this world. Of course, people there were also recovering, but Jungkook suddenly forgot that that's the thing. Before his eyes he could see people who were there without any energy, tired of their own weakness. Inside the building there was always the same, peculiar smell of chemicals that made Jungkook ward off even at the very thought. He hated it, and knowing that Jimin was now lying in one of these rooms made him shudder.
It was not good. Jimin was in danger and hurt. Jungkook's Omega was feeling more on edge than before. But before his instincts could fully take over, he felt tears welling up in his eyes. A rather loud sob escaped from his mouth and Jungkook's vision blurt because of tears.
He couldn't lose Jimin.
He just couldn't. They were inseparable. Always right next to each other, ready to cheer one another and be here for the worst moments in life. Without Jimin, he felt as if the world had lost all its joy, and the thought that he would never see his beautiful smile again broke his heart.
"Jungkook, are you there?" Taehyung's voice brings him back to the present moment once again.
"I don't want Jimin hyung to die." he sobbed loudly, his voice telling how vulnerable Jungkook feels at the moment. He still felt the tears running down his cheeks "I can't lose him. I love him hyung." his loud voice started to quiet down, after realizing what he exactly said.
Everything he said to Taehyung was under strong emotions and yet the words passed through his throat normally. He loves him like a friend, but it wasn’t only that. Jungkook feels the change the new ‘I love you’ brings. Earlier, these words were not so powerful. But now...
"Fuck, I really said that..." he said in amazement "I love him. Oh my god!" he started crying again, feeling even more lost. The three words tasted strange on his tongue, but at the same time were so right. A pleasant feeling spread through his chest.
"Jungkook-"
"But what does it mean? What should I do?" He didn't know a lot about feelings. The whole concept alone was too complicated for him. "Is it too late? Hyung I don't want to lose him. Jimin is my best friend, but also maybe something more... I don't know, I'm so lost!"
"Jung-"
"I can't believe I really said that I love him. Taehyung, I really love him!"
"JUNGKOOK!" yelled Taehyung on the other side of the phone "Stop being so dramatic, Jimin is not dying. Where did you even get that thought? He just broke his arm. Are you going to pick him up or not?"
"Oh..." Jungkook exhaled loudly. Jimin was not dying. His Omega was safe. The smile Jimin had given him for years will still be available to Jungkook. He will still be able to cuddle up to Omega on chilly evenings and drink their favorite tea together.
His Omega.
"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute..."
"Thank you. But please calm down before you get here okay?" Along with this, Alpha hangs up, leaving Jungkook barely conscious on the other side. He can't believe that his inner Omega was feeling so reckless that he really thought for a second that Jimin is dying out there.
Jungkook blushed, mostly due to the shame overwhelming him and how much he reacted to the situation. Though he was still sobbing, this time it was the result of relief and lightness in his heart. He didn't want to think what would happen if Jimin never stepped into this apartment ever again. If their goodbye-hug really was actually the farewell.
He exhales loudly and starts to analyze everything that he has heard so far.
Jimin broke his arm.
Jimin broke his arm.
He starts panicking again.
__________
Jungkook's legs never moved so fast when he stormed through the hospital door. His darting gaze first tried to find the reception desk, but when he saw two familiar faces at the end of the corridor, his legs carried him that way.
"Jimin!" he threw himself into his arms, clinging firmly to his neck. By trying to be as close to Jimin as possible, he completely forgot about his poor, broken arm.
The smaller omega hissed under his breath, but didn't force Jungkook away.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Jungkook was tired of how often he made mistakes through his inattention and recklessness. After all, he wanted the best for Jimin.
He released Jimin gently from his arms, but still stayed close to him. Jungkook placed his two huge hands on his cheeks and squeezed them.
"I was so worried, hyung! What happened?"
"My clumsy ass happened," Jimin laughed, but Jungkook didn’t. His gaze was still deeply worried. "I slipped on the wet floor and broke my arm."
Jimin's gaze went to Jungkook's, and seeing them flushed and tears still curling at the corners, he looked at him with concern.
"Why are you crying Kook?"
"I'm not" he sniffled and Jimin only smiled gently. His Jungkookie was an awful liar.
"Kook," Jimin wrapped carefully one arm over Omega’s shoulder "It's nothing serious. Before we know it, the casts will be removed," he tried to comfort him, but instead tears ran down Jungkook's cheeks.
"Don't leave me ever again hyung." he whispered straight into his ear, and Jimin only felt the moment when his heart broke.
Jungkook sounds so devastated because of him.
"I won't" he squeezed his shoulder, feeling his own tears in the corner of eye. Jimin was glad that at least now he had the opportunity to be in his arms. "Let's go home Gguk."
Taehyung rolled his eyes as he watched the whole situation from the side. As usual, he was the third wheel with these two, but surprisingly he didn’t feel bad about it. He just hoped that both of them would finally be honest with each other.
__________
"Jungkook, please sit down," Jimin repeated once more, when taller Omega was still pacing the apartment from corner to corner.
"Wait, I'll bring you another pillow," he started walking towards the room, but stopped mid-step when Jimin once again loudly protested.
"Please Jungkook," he patted the seat on the couch next to him to summon the boy. "You've been running back and forth from the moment we got home. Take a break."
"I just want to make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and recover as soon as possible." Jungkook pouts.
Jimin’s heart melts. His boy was the sweetest and the most caring person he knows.
"I know Kook," Jimin smiled towards him "and you're doing an amazing job. Now sit down."
Jungkook, who had not been able to sit still for a moment since returning home, finally took a seat next to Jimin. Since they returned from the hospital, he tried to take care of his Omega as best as he could, so that Jimin, despite the circumstances in which he found himself, felt well and safe. The last hours had been incredibly stressful for him, so it’s not a surprise that Jungkook wanted to make sure everything was fine.
"I think we need to talk." At these words Jimin felt Jungkook stiffen beside him.
"Oh, Taehyung told you." Jungkook said quickly and Jimin looked at him with an unfazed look. "I'm so sorry Jimin-ah. My mind is a mess right now and maybe that's why it takes me so long to figure all of this out." he continued, looking more shy as minutes passed. “When I’m thinking about this I have a realization that I probably had feelings for you for a long time now."
Jungkook looked at him hesitantly, not knowing what to expect. Instead, Jimin sat silently watching him with a soft smile on his lips.
"I know it's all too fast!" he spoke as Jimin was about to open his mouth "but... if you feel the same about me...can I court you?" Jungkook said, feeling out of breath. His heart was racing, never suspecting that he would ask Jimin about such a thing. It was hard for him to meet Jimin's eyes, and instead he was nibbling at his fingers.
"I'm sorry Jungkook, but you can't."
Jungkook's shoulders dropped down and his eyes glazed slightly.
"Oh...I'm-"
"You can't court me when I’m already doing it myself."
"You are courting someone?" he asked, completely shocked. He and Jimin were best friends, and the fact that Jimin had never mentioned anything to him about it made him doubtful.
"Yes."
Jungkook tried not to cry right now. It was not the right time for it, no matter how sad he was.
They both sat in silence, waiting for the other to speak. Jungkook's head was lowered, staring at the wood floor panels.
"Oh my god Gguk!" Jimin said loudly, while brushing his hair from forehead with one hand "I'm talking about you!"
"Me?" Jungkook raised his head quickly, looking straight into Jimin's eyes in disbelief.
"I know we have a very cozy atmosphere between each other, but I thought I made myself clear and what intension I have for you," he laughed, shaking his head.
"I-I mean... Namjoon hyung once said something similar and that gave me few ideas, but I never-"
Jungkook felt his whole face turn red.
"Holy shit! Park Jimin is courting me!" the words sounded very light on his tongue and made him like the feeling of pronouncing them.
Though there was a broad smile on his face, it was gone in a second as quickly as it had appeared.
"Hyung, you need to stop this."
This time it was Jimin sitting confused, stuck in the seat.
"What?"
"You need to stop courting me!" Jungkook repeated "You can't be the first one to win, when we did not have an equal chance to start. It's called false start you know?"
Jimin sat and stared at him with his mouth wide open. He laughed out loud, not believing what he had just heard. Sometimes he wondered how it happened that he fell in love with this boy.
"Yah! Courting is not a game Kook!"
"Of course it is!" stated Jungkook "it's a game to win your lover's heart and let me tell you hyung, I want to be the first one to win yours."
Jimin's cheeks slowly hurt from how hard he was laughing. He got up slowly from the couch to take his place on Omega's lap this time. Jungkook's doe eyes become even bigger after that.
"You can't win my heart if you already have it silly."
"Good. I hate losing" said Jungkook with his whole chest, throwing Jimin one of his sweetest smiles. Bunny teeth on top and eyes shining like two big stars in the sky. Jungkook placed his hands gently on Jimin's waist, afraid to put any pressure on his little body.
"You're unbelievable." Jimin shook his head, still smiling. His bunny Omega really was something else.
"I know. But now I need to catch up with all this courting thing. I was oblivious for too long and it's time for me to make a move."
Jimin grabbed Jungkook's neck with one hand.
"You can start with giving me a kiss." Jimin looked at him flirtatiously, bringing his face closer to Jungkook’s.
"O-Oh...like right now?” Jungkook’s panicking glance jumped from Jimin’s eyes to his plump lips.
“I can’t believe you were so bold a few seconds ago, to be now shy about kissing your Omega.” Jimin's nose touched Jungkook’s. They were very close to each other, and Jimin continued to stare shamelessly into his eyes.
Jungkook’s hands tightened more around the other's waist. His eyes are still big and shiny, admiring the view in front of him.
“I like it when you’re saying this.”
“What Kook?” Jimin knew exactly what Jungkook was asking about, but he wanted to hear it out loud.
“That you’re mine Omega.”
Jimin smiled and his eyes practically screamed out all the emotions he had felt for Jungkook for a long time. Hearing these words aloud with his voice, made his heart warm.
“Yes, I am. Only yours.” Jimin's lips gently pressed this belonging to Jungkook. The feeling of being so close to Jimin, having him right next to him, made him feel even better.
The kiss wasn’t too long. Neither Jimin nor Jungkook were very experienced in the topic. They saw people kissing each other before, whether in a movie or hanging out with their friends, but all in all both of them never did it.
They were each other’s firsts.
“Can we stay like this for a moment?” Jungkook asked, opening his eyes. Jimin looked at him and then rested his head gently on the boy's shoulder, being closer to his scent gland. The sweet scent of Jungkook enveloped him completely.
“Whatever you want, baby.”
The rest of the evening they spend still cuddling on the couch and kissing in between. Both of them feel light on the heart and couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for their fresh and also a little chaotic relationship.