The Nanny Affair 3

by ot7mikrokosm

Summary:

When Yoongi's ex comes back from the dead, Yoongi and Jimin's engagement is suddenly overshadowed by an intense custody battle.

 

Based on a Choices story

Chapter 1: 1

Jimin leaned back onto the mattress in the honeymoon suite as his gown pooled around him and Yoongi, pulling the alpha in for a heated kiss. "My mate…" Jimin whispered. "I love the way that sounds."

"Me too." Yoongi grinned. "Though I'll love it even more when you're moaning it." Jimin instantly felt slick gushing out of him as Yoongi trailed kisses down his neck.

"I need more of you." Jimin shoved Yoongi's jacked down his shoulders, eagerly moving to begin unbuttoning his shirt as the alpha shrugged the jacket the rest of the way off.

"Is this how you want me?" Yoongi asked.

Jimin bit his lip as he ran his hands over Yoongi's chest and down his abdomen. "Close. But I think we can do better."

Together, they dispensed the rest of Yoongi's clothes, Jimin reveling in all the planes and contours of the alpha's body. "As beautiful as your dress is, I prefer what's underneath it." Yoongi slid the fabric of Jimin's gown up toward his hips, his lips trailing after it as he kissed up Jimin's leg. He paused when he reached the garter around Jimin's thigh, eyes burning with desire as he pulled it down slowly.

"Yoongi, get me out of this dress." Jimin demanded.

"I'd like nothing more." With deft fingers, Yoongi quickly freed Jimin from his gown, letting it join his own clothes on the floor.

Jimin reached out to pull Yoongi on top of him. "Touch me, alpha." Yoongi flashed a wicked grin as he ran his hands over Jimin's torso, teasing his nipples before leaning own to kiss his inner thigh. Finally, Yoongi's mouth reached Jimin's core, his tongue swirling in a pattern that made Jimin's head spin. He slipped a finger in beside his tongue, coaxing out a gasp of appreciation and pleasure. The fire blazed inside Jimin at Yoongi's teasing, the omega arching his back as he tried to urge him on. "Yoongi~" He whined as Yoongi curled his finger just right.

Yoongi began kissing his way back up Jimin's body as he pressed a second finger inside him. "That's not what I want to hear you moan tonight, remember?"

Jimin bucked his hips as Yoongi increased his pace, the alpha's fingers thrusting hard and fast. "My-my mate!" Jimin cried out.

"That's right." Yoongi murmured appreciatively. "Now come for me, my irresistible mate." Jimin gripped the silken sheets of the bed as his orgasm threatened to crash over him. Just as he was about to get there-

"Yoongi, how could you?!" Jimin bolted upright and saw Jieun, Yoongi's first mate, standing in the doorway. "How could you betray me like this? How could you betray our pups? And with the nanny!" Yoongi looked stricken by Jieun's accusation. He opened his mouth to reply but instead a buzzing sound came out.

Jimin jolted awake, looking around for Yoongi and Jieun before realizing it was just a dream. He flopped back against his pillow with a sigh of relief. He grabbed his phone from its charger and found a new text from Hoseok.

So… hows the cabin getaway going???
⛄️

Hard to complain about a trip to the Min
family 'cabin' 🏰

…Tho I wish it wasn't b/c my fiance's ex
returned from the dead

Yeah I cant even imagine 💀

But you gotta focus on you and Yoongi rn

Enjoy the time you have away from it all

Youre right. Thx Hobi

Jimin lifted his left hand to admire the gorgeous ring that now occupied his fourth finger. Despite Hoseok's advice, Jimin just couldn't get Jieun out of his head. He climbed out of bed and headed downstairs.

The smell of tteokbokki hit Jimin as soon as he entered the kitchen. "Morning, beautiful." Yoongi greeted him with a smile. "Sleep well?"

"About that…" Jimin bit his lip.

Yoongi's smile fell slightly. "What's wrong?"

Jimin sighed. "I had a dream that Jieun…interrupted us. On our mating night. Talking about how you betrayed her and the boys by being with me. It was…"

Yoongi reached out for Jimin, pulling him into a tender hug. "Jimin, I am so sorry. I know this must be awful for you and we haven't had much time to talk about it directly."

"The dream was just so weird." Jimin said. "And you're right, we haven't had the chance to really process it all."

"You know you can always talk to me about anything." Yoongi said. "Including Jieun. Speaking of, my lawyers wanted to update me on their progress. They've been trying to confirm her identity as quietly as possible."

Jimin pulled back to look at Yoongi. "Really?"

Yoongi nodded solemnly. "Of course. Five years ago, a medical examiner told me my mate was dead. I saw her at the morgue. The boys and I buried her. After all this time, she could be a complete stranger pretending to be Jieun. I'm not taking any chances either way."

"That's smart." Jimin murmured. "It's the only way to be sure."

"I was hoping to have it handled discreetly before we broach the subject with the boys again." Yoongi said. "If it's just some sort of sick joke…" He trailed off.

Jimin frowned. "Do you think the boys are okay?"

"I think they're as okay as they can be in this situation." Yoongi ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm sure it helps for them to be out here and not back in the city while everything's being figured out." Jimin said.

"Exactly." Yoongi agreed. "I want to protect them from as much blowback as we can."

"We'll keep an eye on them." Jimin assured him. "And they know their dad's always there for them."

Yoongi reached out to gently rub his thumb over Jimin's cheek. "Thank you. I'm so lucky to have such an incredible omega that cares for my boys as much as I do."

Jimin hesitated for a moment but there was a question he still had to ask that he'd been putting off. "If it is Jieun, what do you plan to do?"

"Well-"

Yoongi was cut off by the sound of two pairs of feet pounding down the stairs. The twins tumbled into the room a moment later. "Appa! Jimin!"

"We wanna build a snowman!"

Yoongi laughed as the boys grabbed him by the hands and started to drag him out the door. "Jimin, care to join us?"

Jimin looked down at his thin pajamas. "Let me just change into something snowman building appropriate."

After changing into a light purple snowsuit that Yoongi had bought him just before whisking him and the twins away on the impromptu vacation, Jimin swung by the kitchen for a surprise of his own before joining Yoongi and the boys in the backyard where they were putting the finishing touches on a two-tiered snowman. "I hope I didn't miss all the fun." Jimin said.

Yoongi smiled at Jimin, running his eyes over the length of the omega's body. "Definitely not."

"That was just a practice one." Jungkook informed him.

Taehyung nodded. "You can't make just one snowman!"

"Right, that would be ridiculous." Jimin said.

"What's that?" Jungkook asked, pointing to the thermos in Jimin's hand.

Jimin smiled. "Just my famous hot cocoa. I thought all that practicing might have made you thirsty." He pulled the cups off the top of the thermos and poured out hot chocolate for everyone.

"You make the best hot cocoa, Jimin!" Jungkook cheered. "Will you make it for us all the time after you mate Appa?"

"Of course!" Jimin promised.

"Even in the summertime?" Taehyung asked. Jimi nodded and the boys cheered, grabbing their cups before starting on the second snowman.

Yoongi lingered by Jimin's side. "What else will you do once you mate me?" He murmured, resting a hand on Jimin's hip as he took a sip of his hot chocolate.

Jimin smiled. "I'll find a million and one more ways to please you." Careful not to spill their drinks, Yoongi pulled Jimin into a fiery kiss that could melt the snow around them.

"Ew, they're kissing!"

"We're trying to work here!"

Jimin and Yoongi pulled away with a laugh at the twins' reaction. "Sorry, we'll be all business from here on out." Jimin promised and began helping them collect snow into the base of the snowman.

"How many levels should we make this one?" Yoongi asked.

"16!" Taehyung exclaimed.

Jungkook shook his head. "75!"

Jimin giggled. "I'm pretty sure we'd need a ladder and an engineering degree for that, boys."

"How about three?" Yoongi suggested.

Jungkook pouted. "Can it at least have four arms?"

"It can have as many arms as you find sticks." Yoongi assured him.

As they worked, Jimin glanced at the twins. "School's starting up again soon. Are you excited to see your friends?"

Taehyung nodded. "I have so many new prank ideas to tell Jihye!"

"And I wanna hear about Seohyun's new puppy!" Jungkook exclaimed.

"That's just because you like hearing Seohyun talk." Taehyung said.

"Nuh uh!"

Jimin cut in before they could start arguing. "I'm sure all your friends missed hanging out with you."

Taehyung beamed. "We're the life of the party!"

Yoongi looked at him in confusion. "Where did you learn that phrase?"

"Sejin." Jungkook said.

The boys focused as they worked on the snowman's head. Once they were satisfied with the size, Jimin and Yoongi helped them lift it on top of the other tiers. Together, they added rocks for the eyes and mouth, sticks for arms, and a few other accessories. Then they stood back to admire their work. "Now we just have to name them." Jimin said.

"The small one is Snowjungkook." Jungkook said.

"And this one is King Freeze." Taehyung said.

Yoongi nodded. "Not bad for a morning's work."

"I hope they don't melt until after we leave." Taehyung said.

Jungkook shifted on his heels and Jimin put a hand on his shoulder. "Is, uh, Jieun gonna visit while we're here?"

Yoongi seemed at a loss for words. After a moment, Jimin stepped in. "Your dad has to figure some stuff out first."

"Like whether she's actually an alien impostor?" Taehyung asked.

"Something like that." Jimin nodded. "We probably won't see Jieun until we get back to the city, okay?" That seemed to satisfy the boys and Jimin opened his arms for a hug. Both boys nestled into his embrace as Yoongi wrapped his arms around all three of them.

"Thank you." Yoongi whispered to Jimin.

After a minute, they untangled themselves from one another. "Building snowmen was fun and all but we still haven't done my favorite thing." Taehyung said. "Skiing!"

"I wanna spend the whole day out here with you." Jungkook said.

Jimin couldn't help but notice that Jungkook's spirits didn't seem quite as high as Taehyung's. "A whole day just playing together as a family would be fun." He glanced at Yoongi.

"Our lift tickets expire tomorrow." Yoongi said. "And the conditions today really are perfect."

The twins started marching around the snowmen, chanting in unison, "Skiing! Skiing! Skiing!"

Yoongi chuckled. "Alright, let's get going."

After grabbing their equipment, they all headed over to the ski lift. The boys bounced around excitedly as Jimin strapped on his skis. "Jimin, sit with me on the lift!" Jungkook exclaimed.

"No, Jimin is riding with me!" Taehyung argued.

Yoongi shook his head fondly. "This is what I get for having such a wonderful fiancée."

Jimin giggled. "I'm sure I'll have a chance to sit with all of you this afternoon but first up is Jungkook." As Taehyung pouted, Jimin waved him over and dropped his voice to a whisper. "Jungkook and I need to talk about a super-secret prank, and we need you to distract your dad."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "What prank?"

"We'll tell you later." Jimin promised. "But since you're the best at distracting…"

"Okay, I'll do it." Taehyung ran over to Yoongi. "Come on, Appa! Nothing to see here!" He took Yoongi by the hand and led him away. Yoongi gave Jimin a curious look but played along.

Jimin and Jungkook hopped into the lift together. Once they were in the air, Taehyung waved at them from his seat with Yoongi and Jimin waved back. "Did you really wanna talk about a prank, Jimin?" Jungkook asked.

"That was actually a little lie." Jimin said. "I just didn't want anyone's feelings to get hurt."

"That's nice of you." Jungkook said. "I like being nice but sometimes…" He trailed off and Jimin waited for him to continue. Jungkook looked at Jimin a little sheepishly. "It's hard to be nice all the time."

Jimin wrapped an arm around Jungkook's shoulders and gave him a squeeze. "Sometimes I have a hard time being nice too. Like if someone says something mean to me or I see injustice in the world."

Jungkook frowned. "What about when Taehyung won't leave me alone about Seohyun?"

"I'm sure that's annoying because she's your friend." Jimin said. "But feeling annoyed or angry doesn't make you not nice. It's what you do with those feelings that matters."

Jungkook thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Like if I put on a really fast song and jumped on the bed until I wasn't angry?"

"Exactly!" Jimin smiled. "Or if you scream at the top of your lungs into a pillow."

"What if I went outside and stomped super hard on all the crunchiest leaves?" Jungkook asked. They spent the rest of the ride listing things Jungkook could do when he was mad, each item more ridiculous than the last.

Chapter 2: 2

"Last one down's a rotten egg!" Taehyung exclaimed once they were all at the top of the mountain.

"Wait for me, Taehyung!" Jungkook called after his brother.

As the boys pushed off with their poles to ski down the slope, Jimin turned to Yoongi with wide eyes. "Should we be worried?"

Yoongi shook his head. "They're fine as long as we can see them. They've been skiing practically since they could walk."

"I should've known." Jimin let out a tiny giggle.

"When was the last time you skied?" Yoongi asked.

"Oh, I'm basically a pro." Jimin insisted. "You should see all my lift stickers."

Yoongi smiled. "Then let's catch our boys."

The took off down the mountain, expertly navigating the best line through the snow, keeping pace with each other. Suddenly, Yoongi swerved to the right ahead of Jimin. Seeing the downed sapling the alpha had just avoided, Jimin quickly followed suit, the wind whipping against his face in a burst of speed. Jimin stabbed his poles into the snow, picking up even more speed as his momentum propelled him down the mountain. The trees were a blur as he swayed back and forth over the snow. As the path veered around a corner, Jimin spotted the twins going off a short jump. He followed the boys, bending his knees in time to fly off the ramp. He sailed through the air for a few meters before landing back on the course. "Impressive!" Yoongi called after him.

Soon after, the boys’ cheers rang up from the end of the path. "We won!"

Jimin and Yoongi slid to a stop beside the dancing pups. "Are we both rotten eggs?" Jimin laughed.

"I think this calls for a rematch." Yoongi said. With the boys distracted celebrating their victory, Yoongi reached out to tug Jimin closer, lowering his voice so only the omega would hear. "You didn't think I'd let you get away without a kiss, did you?"

"With those skiing skills?" Jimin smiled. "Definitely not." With a laugh, Yoongi slid their skis together so Jimin was flush against him, then he captured Jimin's lips in a hungry kiss. Their tongues tangled as Jimin clung to Yoongi to keep steady, enjoying the warmth of the alpha's body in the cold air.

"They're doing it again!"

Taehyung's voice had Jimin and Yoongi breaking apart. "You have your way of celebrating a victory and we have ours." Jimin said.

Jungkook scrunched his nose. "But you didn't even win!"

"Yeah, I did!" Taehyung boasted.

"Nuh uh!" Jungkook argued. "It was a tie!"

Yoongi chuckled. "Then I guess we'll just have to race again to break the tie." The twins rushed off toward the ski lift and Jimin and Yoongi were quick to join them.

 

After the twins settled down for bed, Jimin and Yoongi snuggled by the fireplace. "Thank you for answering the boys' question about Jieun earlier." Yoongi murmured. "I just froze. I was so afraid of saying the wrong thing. I don't want them to hurt more."

"I don't think you would've said the wrong thing." Jimin assured him. "But I’m glad I was able to help."

Yoongi ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath. "What should I do if they bring her up again before we've had a chance to figure this all out?"

"You should just be there for them." Jimin said. "The best thing you can do is support them. If they wanna see her, if they don't wanna see her…just be there for them."

Yoongi pulled Jimin closer, resting his forehead against Jimin's. "I don't think I could get through this without you."

Jimin bit his lip as a thought that had plagued him ever since Jieun first reappeared came to the forefront of his mind. "Are you sure about all this? About us?"

"What do you mean?" Yoongi asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Jieun was your mate." Jimin pointed out. "I know you loved her once and now that she's back…" He trailed off.

Yoongi shook his head. "You are the one I want by my side, Jimin. Now and forever."

"But-"

"There's no but about it." Yoongi said with conviction. "I mourned Jieun and moved on. Her coming back--if it really is her--doesn't change that." Jimin nestled in against Yoongi's side, reassured by his words. "How did I get so lucky to have you as my fiancée?"

A warmth spread through Jimin, and he couldn't help but smile. "I love hearing you call me that. We had to hide our relationship for so long, I'm still getting used to it being real."

With a grin, Yoongi pulled Jimin into his lap. Jimin instantly shifted so he was straddling the alpha, looping his arms around Yoongi's neck while Yoongi caressed his lower back. "Does this feel real?" Before Jimin could answer, Yoongi's lips were on his in a fierce kiss. Jimin tightened his arms around Yoongi, pressing against him. Yoongi broke the kiss so he could focus his attention on the length of Jimin's neck. He tilted Jimin's head as he made his way up to the omega's earlobe, nibbling it before growling into his ear, "I want you."

"I want you too." Jimin moaned softly before bringing Yoongi's lips back to his.

Yoongi sucked on Jimin's bottom lip in a way that made the omega forget his own name. Jimin rolled his hips, seeking any sort of friction as Yoongi pulled back to look into Jimin's eyes. "Where do you want me?"

"Right here." Jimin whispered before kissing Yoongi again. Gripping Jimin's waist, Yoongi twisted them so Jimin was lying on the couch with Yoongi on top of him, all without breaking the kiss. Jimin tangled his fingers in Yoongi's hair, relishing the feeling of Yoongi's weight on him. Jimin then slid his hands down and underneath Yoongi's shoulders, mapping out his lean muscles. Yoongi flexed under Jimin's teasing touch. "I never knew you were ticklish." Jimin giggled.

"More like eager for you to keep touching me." Yoongi said.

"Like this?" Jimin tugged Yoongi's shirt up and ran a finger along the waistband of his sweatpants, earning a shiver of pleasure from the alpha.

Yoongi groaned, leaning down to kiss Jimin's neck. "Should I be taking my clothes off or were you still deciding?"

"I was planning to take my time." Jimin pushed at Yoongi's chest until he was sitting upright, kneeling between Jimin's spread legs. He trailed his hands over the fabric covering Yoongi's chest, one hand going lower down Yoongi's stomach and pelvis until Jimin was caressing his hardening dick through his pants. "You'll have to forgive me for wanting this to last." Jimin said as he pushed at Yoongi's shirt until the alpha tugged it over his head. Once that was gone, Jimin slowly tugged his sweatpants and underwear down, exposing more and more of Yoongi's bare skin until Yoongi had to climb off of him to kick them off. "You truly are the most gorgeous alpha I've ever seen." Jimin said.

"And you're the most beautiful omega." Yoongi said as he climbed back on top of Jimin. "Good thing I'm all yours and you're all mine." He pulled and tugged at Jimin's clothes until he was bared before him as well. "Seeing you like this, I want to kiss you everywhere."

"Then do it." Jimin said.

Yoongi captured Jimin's lips in a fiery kiss before sliding down his body, stopping only once he was between the omega's thighs. A shiver of ecstasy ran through Jimin as Yoongi slowly stroking his tongue over Jimin's entrance. Jimin's back arched involuntarily, and he let out a quiet moan as Yoongi expertly worked his mouth against him. "God, I want to touch you too." Jimin moaned out.

Yoongi looked up at Jimin with a smirk. "I like the sound of that. But it doesn't mean I'm stopping." He shifted his position over Jimin so his dick was by Jimin's head before returning his focus to Jimin's core.

Tilting his head, Jimin wrapped his lips around Yoongi's dick, swirling his tongue over the tip. Yoongi moaned against Jimin, sending a fresh wave of pleasure through the omega. Jimin gripped Yoongi's hips to keep steady as he took more of the alpha in, bobbing his head in time with Yoongi's own ministrations. Jimin hummed in pleasure around Yoongi, the answering thrust the alpha gave pushing Jimin ever closer to the edge. Jimin pulled off of Yoongi to catch his breath, squirming under the alpha's mouth. "I'm not gonna last much longer." He whimpered.

Yoongi pulled off of Jimin, changing their position once more. "Then we should do something about that." He said just before kissing Jimin so passionately, the omega briefly believed he might burst into flames.

Desperate for the alpha's knot, Jimin pushed Yoongi until he was the one lying on the couch with Jimin on top of him. Jimin wasted no time positioning himself over Yoongi's dick and sliding down, not stopping until he was completely filled by the alpha. Yoongi ran his hands down Jimin's back until he was gripping his ass, squeezing to encourage Jimin's movements as the omega began rocking his hips on top of him. "God, you feel amazing." Yoongi groaned as he thrusted up to meet Jimin's movements. Jimin felt himself hurtling over the edge, so he quickly leaned down to kiss Yoongi, the alpha's mouth muffling his cry of pleasure as Yoongi's knot locked them together.

As Jimin came down from his high, he slumped on top of Yoongi in total satisfaction. "I love you." He whispered, nuzzling Yoongi's chest.

"And I love you." Yoongi murmured, tilting his head to press a kiss to Jimin's forehead.

 

Jimin had no idea how long it had been since he and Yoongi had dragged themselves to bed. All he knew was that something had just woken him from a deep sleep. He looked sleepily around the room just as a banging from the front door rang up the stairs to them. "What the fuck is that?" Yoongi mumbled tiredly.

"Whoever it is, it doesn't sound like they're going away." Jimin said.

They crept down the stairs into the living room, thankful the loud banging hadn't woken Taehyung and Jungkook up. Yoongi cracked open the door and immediately froze. "Jieun?"

"Hi, Yoongi." Jieun smiled. "I know it's late, but your parents said you were here, and I just had to tell you in person."

Jimin stepped up beside Yoongi. "Tell us what?"

Jieun's smile dropped as she realized Jimin was also there, and she handed Yoongi a stack of papers. "The DNA test you asked for proving that I am, in fact, Lee Jieun. Now where are my pups?"

As Yoongi scanned the test results, Jimin read them over the alpha's shoulder. "I guess that's one mystery solved." He mumbled.

"I'm honestly hurt you didn't believe me, Yoongi." Jieun pouted. "Didn't you recognize your own mate?"

Yoongi shook his head slightly. "I'm sorry if you were hurt but I spent five years thinking you were dead and then you show up at the company holiday party after apparently stalking us-"

Jieun cut him off. "I didn't stalk you."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "So seeing us at that café was just a coincidence? You acted like you had no idea who we were."

"I swear there's a reason for everything," Jieun said before looking Jimin up and down. "Not that I have to explain myself to you."

"Either way, Yoongi did the right thing by asking for a DNA test." Jimin said. "You've been gone a very long time, Jieun."

"Exactly." Yoongi said. "Whether I believed it was you or not was irrelevant. Too much time had passed for me to be sure."

Jieun studied Jimin for a moment before sighing and turning back to Yoongi. "Can we talk in private?"

Yoongi refused. "Anything you have to say can be said in front of Jimin."

"And what gives him that right?" Jieun asked incredulously.

"For starters, I'm Yoongi's fiancée." Jimin said.

"And you coming back doesn't change that, Jieun." Yoongi added on.

Jieun glared at Jimin and Jimin barely managed to catch the words she muttered under her breath. "I won't let you steal my family."

Yoongi sighed. "Jieun, now that I know it's really you, I think you owe us some answers."

"Like where you've been for the last five years." Jimin said.

"That's why I'm here." Jieun said, keeping her focus on Yoongi. "I want to tell you everything. Starting the day of the crash. The paparazzi accosted me again as soon as I left this little boutique. I ducked into the subway in an attempt to lose the paparazzi in the morning rush and hopped onto a random train. Unfortunately, that train malfunctioned and crashed into the station. I ended up buried in the rubble, and my purse with my ID in it was mixed up with another omega's. We both had severe injuries, and we looked enough alike that you identified her as me. And when I woke up, I couldn't remember anything about who I was, not even my own name. After I was discharged of the hospital and still had no memories, I ended up settling in Daegu and tried to make a new life for myself under the name Kim Jiwoo. Then a few months ago, I was walking by an electronics store that had the news on and saw them doing a story on you, then all my memories started to come back. So I moved back to Seoul. Seeing you at that café truly was a coincidence, and maybe I should've approached you and told you then, but I was still processing everything myself. And you know the rest."

Yoongi and Jimin shared a look as they processed Jieun's story. "That must've been really hard." Jimin said sympathetically. "I can't imagine waking up after an accident and having no idea who I am."

Jieun's defenses weakened momentarily, her expression softening. "Yes, it was really difficult. But the wort part was realizing that I had a mate and pups who thought I was dead. Who had moved on."

"I'm sorry, Jieun." Yoongi said softly. "You lost so much time with the boys…" He trailed off and Jimin could see that he was struggling with a mix of emotions.

"I know." Jieun took a step closer, reaching out for Yoongi. "But we can make up for that lost time. All of us."

Yoongi stepped back away from her outstretched hand. "No we can't." Jieun was taken aback. "The lawyers will handle whatever you need. Money, a place to stay, putting you in touch with your parents. But right now, you need to leave before the boys wake up. This has been hard enough on them already."

Jieun scoffed in disbelief. "Yoongi, I'm their mother. You can't keep them from me."

"You should leave." Jimin said gently. "If you care about the twins, if you're as dedicated to being in their lives as you claim, you'll respect that they need time to adjust."

"Jimin's right." Yoongi said. "I'm not trying to keep you out of their lives. We just have to take it slow."

Jieun hesitated before nodding. "Fine. I'll go. For the twins' sakes. But I'm not giving up on getting my family back. Not now, not ever."

As she left, Yoongi closed the door behind her before immediately seeking comfort in Jimins' arms. "Let's go back to bed." He murmured, briefly nuzzling Jimin's scent gland before pulling back to take his hand and lead him upstairs.

Chapter 3: 3

Jimin tried to sleep but he kept replaying Jieun's words in his head. After a while, he felt Yoongi stir next to him. "Are you awake?" Jimin whispered.

"Can't sleep either, huh?" Yoongi murmured.

"I can't stop thinking about what Jieun said." Jimin sighed. "This will change everything."

Yoongi threw an arm around Jimin's waist. "Having her back affects a lot of things but never how I feel about you." Jimin rolled over and snuggled up against Yoongi's warm body, resting his head on the alpha's chest. "Is that what you're worried about?"

Jimin shook his head. "I'm afraid to lose the boys. I can't leave them again. I won't."

"You won't have to." Yoongi assured him. "I promise." He kissed the top of Jimin's head, drawing lazy circles on Jimin's back with his fingers. Still, Jimin couldn't help feeling anxious. "You believe me, don't you?"

"I want to." Jimin said. "This is just a lot."

Yoongi hooked a finger under Jimin's chin, tilting it upward until their gazes met. "Please, Jimin. If my words don't reassure you, maybe I can show you how much I mean them." He leaned down to meet Jimin's lips in a sweet kiss that soon turned hungry and raw.

Jimin pressed against Yoongi, desperate for his closeness. Then he broke the kiss to whisper huskily in Yoongi's ear. "Show me how much you love me."

"I'll do anything you want me to." Yoongi whispered back.

They came together again, their kisses passionate and hurried. Yoongi rolled on top of Jimin, his delicious weight a familiar comfort. Jimin reveled in Yoongi's kiss, groaning as Yoongi's hands glided along his body over his pajamas. Jimin's skin ached to touch Yoongi's. "Get rid of these clothes." Jimin demanded. "I don't want anything between us." Yoongi pulled away just long enough to tug Jimin's shirt off. After another thorough kiss, he sat back to remove his own shirt, tossing it on the floor. He immediately descended on Jimin's exposed chest, kissing and licking his smooth golden skin. "More…" Jimin whimpered, arching against Yoongi's mouth. Yoongi glanced up at Jimin with a smirk as he swirled his tongue around the omega's nipple. Jimin closed his eyes and let his head fall back against his pillow. "That feels so good…" He moaned.

Yoongi trailed kisses down Jimin's stomach and Jimin lifted his hips to aid Yoongi as the alpha removed his pajama shorts and underwear. "Tell me how to please you."

"Taste me." Jimin said.

"And how would you like to enjoy it?" Yoongi asked.

Jimin bit his lip as he felt slick trickling out of him. "I want to sit on your face." Yoongi rolled off of Jimin, settling against his own pillow as Jimin straddled his face. Jimin moaned softly as Yoongi's lips grazed his inner thighs. "Don't keep me waiting."

"Of course not, my love." Yoongi's tongue brushed Jimin's entrance, his hands gripping the omega's hips to hold him steady. His mouth worked against Jimin with a teasing featherlight touch.

Jimin's back arched as Yoongi licked and pressed his tongue inside Jimin and sucked at the slick leaking out of his hole, alternating just often enough to drive Jimin wild. Jimin's breathing grew heavier as Yoongi worked against him and Jimin couldn't help but grind against his mouth. "Your tongue feels amazing…" Jimin moaned softly. "Go slow. I want you to savor me."

Yoongi stopped long enough to flash Jimin a wicked grin before licking him at a teasingly slow pace. Up and down, side to side, in and out at a maddeningly unhurried pace. Jimin rocked his hips in time with Yoongi, biting his lip to quiet his moans. "You like when I take my time pleasuring you?" Yoongi asked.

"I love having your tongue on me." Jimin said.

"God it's so hot hearing you say that." Yoongi groaned, sliding one hand up Jimin's thigh.

Jimin gasped as he felt Yoongi press a finger inside him. Yoongi started slowly, his tongue swirling around Jimin's hole while his finger slipped in and out of him. Jimin's senses exploded, his body swaying with Yoongi's every touch. "More…please…" Yoongi groaned against Jimin at the demand, the vibrations sending a thrill through Jimin's body. He gasped as Yoongi added a second finger. Yoongi's other hand dug into Jimin's hip, urging him impossibly closer. Yoongi's ravenous desire set Jimin's nerves alight. Jimin felt himself approaching the brink of ecstasy and clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle his feverish moans. "I can't hold back any longer." He whimpered against his hand. "I'm so close."

"Tell me how you want me to make you cum." Yoongi said.

"Your mouth." Jimin moaned out.

Yoongi moved both hands to Jimin's hips as he sealed his mouth around the omega's hole, flicking his tongue and suckling with vigor. Jimin relished the feeling of pressure building within him as Yoongi's tongue caressed him, each touch coaxing him closer to the edge. Yoongi lovingly worked Jimin over, his hands bracing the omega. Jimin lost himself in Yoongi, overtaken by how good it all felt. He gripped the headboard, rolling his hips in time with the tantalizing strokes of Yoongi's tongue. "That's it." Yoongi murmured against him. "Cum for me, Jimin." Jimin's orgasm exploded from deep within him. He threw his head back, his body arching with Yoongi's face still buried between his thighs.

Jimin collapsed onto the bed next to Yoongi, trying to catch his breath. He laid there for a few minutes in a comfortable silence until Yoongi broke it, his tone pensive. "What if we have an engagement party when we get back to the city?"

Jimin looked over at him in surprise. "So soon?"

Yoongi nodded. "I don't want Jieun dictating our timeline for our mating. Especially not after I let outside factors affect our relationship before."

"I don't want to wait either." Jimin said softly. "You're it for me. All I want is to start our life together as soon as possible."

"Me too." Yoongi rolled over onto his side and reached out to tug Jimin closer. "I can't wait to have you as my mate."

"And I can't wait to be your mate." Jimin whispered, pressing his lips to Yoongi's.

 

All too soon, Jimin, Yoongi, and the twins had to head back to the city and return to school and work. The morning of Jimin's first day back, he stopped by the penthouse to eat breakfast with Yoongi. "Are you sure I can't give you a ride to the office?" Sejin offered once again.

Jimin smiled. "Positive but thank you, Sejin." Sejin gave a tiny bow before heading down the hall to wrangle the boys and Jimin turned back to Yoongi. "It feels strange to go to work knowing that you won't be right upstairs."

"It's strange for me too." Yoongi said. "And I imagine that's just the start of the changes now that Seokjin is CEO."

"Yeah, I'm sure there will be a lot to catch up on." Jimin said. "But I'm looking forward to getting back to work. I loved our vacation, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss thinking about chemical structures and sustainability models."

Yoongi smiled. "That passion is one of the many things I love about you."

Jimin frowned as a thought came to him. "I wonder if they've replaced Seokjin as head of the department yet. Imagine if I walk in and already have a new boss."

"Then you don't want to be late just in case." Yoongi said.

"You're right." Jimin nodded. "Kiss for good luck?"

"Always." Yoongi leaned in to press a sweet kiss to Jimin's lips, then grabbed the omega's empty plate as he stood up and headed for the elevator.

 

Jimin arrived at Min-Kim Incorporated and headed straight down to the lab. As soon as he pushed open the door, he could sense the tension in the air as well as heard the whispers going around. "Wasn't he Yoongi's nanny before getting this job?"

"Yes, during the engagement to Seokjin!"

"And then I heard that the first mate-"

Everyone immediately stopped talking when they saw him, averting their eyes. Jimin didn't recognize them, but they obviously knew all about him. They shuffled off to their desks before Jimin could even wish them a good morning. He tried to ignore the whispers that started back up as he looked around for the people he did know. He saw Dohyun scowling by his office door then spotted Jiyoon and Woojin chatting quietly at their neighboring stations and made a beeline for them while jerking his head at their boss. "What's with him? He mix salt in his coffee instead of sugar again?"

Woojin shook his head. "Dohyun's been like that more and more lately."

"Yeah, there's been a lot of pressure since the holidays." Jiyoon said.

Jimin frowned. "From Seokjin?"

Woojin shrugged. "I'm not sure. No one ever tells us anything these days. Come on, Jiyoon, we should get those calibrations started. Excuse us, Jimin." They headed toward the machines, leaving Jimin even more confused.

Jimin slumped into the chair at his own workstation and closed his eyes. He could already feel a headache coming on. "Hope I'm not interrupting."

He opened his eyes at the familiar voice and smiled with relief. "Geonwoo! I'm so glad to see you. How have you been? I'm sorry I didn't reach out over the holidays."

"It's okay." Geonwoo waved off his apology. "I figured you were off somewhere exotic with no cell service."

Jimin snorted. "Try the mountains with twin eight-year-olds who hid my phone in the freezer." He inclined his head at the to go cups in Geonwoo's hands. "That for me?"

"Oh yeah, your usual." Geonwoo handed one of the cups to Jimin. "You look like you need it."

Jimin took a long sip of his latte and let out a satisfied sigh. "So good." His face fell. "Unlike the start of this morning. Why is everyone acting so weird? Is it because I got engaged to Yoongi?"

"No." Geonwoo quickly shook his head. "I mean, not really. It's more…" He looked around to see if anyone was paying attention. Jimin could see a few heads bow over their desks quickly as they pretended not to eavesdrop. "Complicated."

"You wanna join me for lunch today?" Jimin offered. "I know this great place that has a view of the Lotte World Tower. My treat."

Geonwoo grinned, clearly catching on to Jimin's plan to get away from prying ears. "Sure sounds great. I'll meet you back here when lunch rolls around." Jimin smiled before turning his attention to his very full inbox.

 

"Wow." Geonwoo blinked as he took in the restaurant they had just been seated in. "Being engaged to a trillionaire has its perks."

"So does being friends with a trillionaire's fiancée." Jimin playfully nudged the alpha. He placed his order then gazed out the window as Geonwoo placed his. As the waiter walked off, Jimin let out a sigh. "You know, I thought life was complicated the last time I came here."

"Were you on a clandestine date with Yoongi or something?" Geonwoo asked.

Jimin shook his head. "If only. I had brunch with Seokjin after Yoongi left him. Our publicist thought it would save face before we went public."

Geonwoo raised his eyebrows. "Yikes. I don't envy past Jimin."

"Yeah, the company's a lot better this time around." Jimin said. "Anyway, spill. Why was everyone acting so weird around me this morning?"

"Cutting right to the chase, huh?" Geonwoo chuckled. "Who do you want to hear about first?"

"Jiyoon and Woojin." Jimin said. "I thought we were all a team?"

"We are it's just…" Geonwoo sighed. "As much as Jiyoon and Woojin like you, after the holiday party, they felt like they never really knew you."

Jimin frowned. "Even after all the work we've done together?"

Geonwoo shrugged. "I think they felt blindsided by everything going on in your personal life. You knew about the competition and didn't tell us, you're engaged to the alpha whose family name is on our building, everything with Seokjin and Namjoon, and now Yoongi's first mate…they're worried you don't really belong with the rest of us. Like you're out of their league life wise."

"That's ridiculous." Jimin said. "Just because my private life has some…" He trailed off.

"Drama?" Geonwoo supplied.

Jimin nodded. "I know it's been a lot, but I’m still me."

"They'll come around eventually." Geonwoo assured him. "Don’t worry."

"What about Dohyun?" Jimin asked. "He was in a weird mood all morning."

Geonwoo pursed his lips. "Well when Seokjin was named CEO, Dohyun was sure he'd be promoted from head of the environmental lab to head of the department."

"But he wasn't." Jimin guessed.

"And he's been pouting ever since." Geonwoo said. "Seokjin's already had to reprimand him twice in front of everyone. And who knows how many times Seokjin tried to talk to him in private."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "You'd think he'd try harder to get the promotion, not less."

Geonwoo nodded. "What's worse, he's been making it everyone else's problem."

"Great." Jimin groaned. "Now it'll be impossible to get things approved. Do you think he'll snap out of it?"

"Maybe." Geonwoo said. "Or he'll get fired. I wouldn't wanna go head-to-head against Kim Seokjin."

Jimin let out a quiet snort. "Yeah, I have some personal experience with that." The waiter returned with their food, and they dug in happily. "Enough work stuff. How are things with you?"

"Well my mate's family was in town for a bit which was stressful." Geonwoo said. Knowing how demanding the alpha's mate could be, Jimin could only imagine what her family would be like. "But I actually saw Hoseok at a coffee shop a couple of days ago. It was really nice to catch up."

Jimin perked up a bit at the smile on his coworker's face. "Tell me more about seeing Hoseok. It seemed like you two really hit it off at the holiday party."

"Yeah, we did." Geonwoo said. "I really only hang out with coworkers or my mate's friends, so it was nice to chat about something other than chemical compounds or the latest idol survival show."

"Hey, we don't only talk about chemical compounds." Jimin pouted. "Sometimes we talk about Dohyun's tantrums."

Geonwoo chuckled. "You're the rare exception Jimin. Anyway, I was thinking about giving Hoseok a call. What do you think?"

Jimin smiled. "If you're looking for a new friend, I can vouch that Hoseok's the best. He's been wanting to see that new exhibit at SeMA."

"The one about the textile manufacturing?" Geonwoo asked excitedly. "I've been wanting to see that too, but my mate said it was too boring."

"You and Hoseok should go together then." Jimin suggested. "Hoseok can talk about the fashion and you can talk about the science."

"Yeah, that's a good idea." Geonwoo said. "Maybe I'll call him later." Jimin returned to his food, enjoying the decadent meal and amazing view. "Enough about me. How are you doing? A lot has happened for you in the last couple weeks."

Jimin sighed. "I'm not so great. I know I should be happy but everything with Jieun is making it hard to enjoy being engaged. She found us during our vacation and straight up said she planned on getting Yoongi and the boys back."

"She'll have her work cut out for her." Geonwoo said. "It's obvious to everyone how much that family loves you."

"But she's their mother." Jimin said. "And she was Yoongi's mate. We've overcome so much already, and I really thought our struggles were finally over."

Geonwoo gave a tiny shrug. "Anything worth having is also worth fighting for. Besides, Jieun's got nothing on you, Jimin." Jimin felt a bit better having been honest and he offered Geonwoo a small smile in thanks. "I'm really glad we did this. Thanks again for lunch, Jimin."

Jimin's smile grew a bit. "Me too. I feel more than ready to deal with the office drama now."

"I think that's just the serotonin from the food." Geonwoo laughed.

Chapter 4: 4

Jimin was finishing up some paperwork when he heard a commotion in Dohyun's office. Practically everyone in the lab turned to look. "Oh no." Jiyoon sighed. "What now?"

"This can't be good." Woojin muttered.

Geonwoo joined Jimin as the omega pretended to work while straining to hear what was being said. "What do you think's going on in there?" Geonwoo asked.

"I think half the company's about to find out." Jimin said.

Woojin raised his eyebrows. "The way they're yelling, I don't doubt it."

Jiyoon nodded. "Seriously."

"I bet Seokjin is finally sick of his attitude." Jimin said. "Isn't this, like, the 20th time he's had to talk to him about it?"

Woojin and Jiyoon seemed surprised that Jimin knew that, but that didn't stop them from leaning toward him conspiratorially. "I heard Seokjin told him to suck it up and get over himself." Woojin whispered.

"Everyone heard it." Jiyoon confirmed. "They were arguing so loud, you couldn't avoid it."

"Well if this is how they whisper, I'm not surprised." Jimin said. They all shared a quiet laugh, and it felt like old times.

After a few more minutes of muffled arguing, Seokjin came stomping out of the office with Dohyun on his heels. "Seokjin…Sajang-nim, wait!"

"I'm done talking to you." Seokjin snapped. Jimin immediately went back to lookin over his files, ignoring Seokjin as he marched through the lab. "You can all stop pretending to work. You're not as subtle as you think." Seokjin crossed his arms over his chest. "Apparently the head of the lab has been masquerading as an accomplished adult when in reality he's a pouty pup." Dohyun opened his mouth to defend himself, but Seokjin talked over him. "Productivity is down eight percent, paperwork has been neglected, and our production schedule is already a month behind. All because Dr. Song didn't get promoted to head of the department."

Geonwoo leaned over to Jimin and whispered, "Told you."

"I didn't realize he was slacking off that much." Jimin whispered back.

"How can I trust him to do more when he doesn't even do the job he already has?" Seokjin continued. "Which is why, as of today, I'm demoting him." Dohyun stared at him in shock while surprised murmurs broke out across the room.

"Then who's gonna run the lab?" Jimin asked.

Jimin didn't like the wolfish grin on Seokjin's face as he turned to him. "You are. Congratulations, Jimin. You've just been promoted."

Everyone was so stunned that Jimin could almost hear a pin drop in the environmental lab. "You're promoting me to head of the lab?" Jimin asked.

"Yes." Seokjin nodded. "Now I have things to do and money to make so…"

Every eye turned to Jimin as Seokjin headed for the exit. "But Jimin's only been here a few months…"

"Must be nice to have your future in laws own the company."

Geonwoo nudged Jimin. "You should probably say something."

Jimin cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Um, I have no idea what's going on." He said honestly. "I'm as shocked by this as any of you but I will talk to Seokjin and find out what's happening."

Dohyun glared at him. "See that you do." He stalked out of the room as everyone else returned to work, tension still heavy in the air.

Woojin smiled. "Congratulations, Jimin."

"I knew you'd make big moves here." Jiyoon said.

Jimin let out a weak laugh. "We'll see. I still have some questions for Seokjin." He dashed out of the lab to get some answers. "Seokjin, wait up!" He called after the older omega. "You can't just fire someone and then walk away!"

"I didn't fire Dohyun." Seokjin said. "I demoted him. And as CEO, I absolutely can."

"What's your game?" Jimin asked. "Why did you pick me to replace Dohyun?"

Seokjin turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Usually people are excited to get a promotion." He turned away and hit the button to call the elevator. When the doors opened, Jimin followed him on, and Seokjin let out an exasperated sigh as he realized Jimin wasn't going to let it go. "I'm running a company, Jimin. I'm not gonna let some petulant alpha pup stop me from making the right business decisions." When the elevator doors opened again, Jimin resolutely followed Seokjin into his office--Yoongi's old office. "So tell me, are you the right decision?"

"You're missing the point." Jimin said. "No one's gonna believe I'm the right person when you didn't even try to find someone else! How am I supposed to work with people who don't respect me?"

Seokjin shrugged. "You're an annoyingly tenacious omega, Jimin. I'm sure you'll figure it out." He sat behind his desk. "Now I have a lot of work to do, as do you. HR will contact you by the end of day.”

 

After a long day of reviewing Dohyun's neglected work, Jimin headed back to the penthouse to share the news with Yoongi. "Hello?" Jimin called out as he stepped off the elevator. "Anybody home?"

"Jimin!"

The omega followed the excited voices to the twins' bedroom and was met with Yoongi's smile. "Just in time." The alpha said. "We're about to say goodnight."

"My favorite part of the day!" Jimin exclaimed.

Jungkook frowned. "Doesn't that mean you like when we're sleeping?"

Jimin shook his head. "I like bedtime snuggles with my favorite twins."

"Do you even know any other twins?" Jungkook asked.

"It doesn't matter." Jimin insisted. "Because you'll always be my favorites." The boys settled back into their beds and Jimin kissed their foreheads.

"Goodnight, boys." Yoongi said.

"Sleep well." Jimin smiled as he flipped the light switch before following Yoongi out of the room.

Yoongi barely waited until they were in the living room to pull Jimin to him. "This is a pleasant surprise." He murmured. "I didn't expect to see you tonight." He tugged Jimin onto the couch.

Jimin leaned in to meet Yoongi's lips in a tender kiss. "I've got some news, and I wanted to tell you in person." He said.

"Is this good news?" Yoongi asked, his eyebrows furrowing the tiniest bit. "You seem serious."

"I'm not sure yet." Jimin said honestly before taking a deep breath. "Seokjin promoted me to head of the environmental lab today."

Yoongi's eyes widened. "Congratulations! That's great news!"

"It is." Jimin nodded. "But it's also complicated because of my coworkers. People were talking about us when I came in this morning. Even Jiyoon and Woojin were being weird. Now I’m supposed to be everyone's boss after being on vacation for a month? Who would listen to me?"

Yoongi tugged Jimin closer until his head was resting against the alpha's shoulder. "I get why you're conflicted and I’m sorry for how things happened but Jimin, I'm so proud of you. You've worked really hard, and you deserve to have that recognized."

Jimin smiled softly. "Thank you, Yoongi." He pressed a kiss to the alpha's cheek. "But enough about me. How was your day?"

"Productive." Yoongi said. "The one alpha show is up and running but it's definitely different not having the weight of Min Enterprises behind me."

"Maybe you should take it slow." Jimin suggested. "You won't go from home office to multinational corporation in one day. Especially since you have stay at home dad duties too." He bit his lip as another question came to mind. "Speaking of dad duties, have you heard anything from Jieun?"

Yoongi shook his head. "Not since the cabin. The lawyers are figuring out how to get her money back to her. Between the boys' trusts and the life insurance payout…"

Jimin grimaced. "Sounds complicated."

"It is." Yoongi said. "Nothing can really happen until she's legally declared alive again, but it seems like she's staying true to her word and backing off for now."

"That's good news." Jimin said. "Hopefully that means she'll respect whatever decision you make about her being in the boys' lives."

Yoongi exhaled. "I hope so. I just want this to go as smoothly as possible for their sakes." He paused for a moment. "To that point, I think we should hire Eunkyung again to help us deal with this."

Jimin's eyes widened. "After what happened last time? She fired us as clients, remember?"

"I know things didn't go as planned when we were taking our relationship public." Yoongi said. "But she's still the best in the business. And honestly, I don't want Jieun getting to her first."

"I think we need to be cautious." Jimin said. "She was pretty controlling last time, and our lives are even more complicated now."

"That's true." Yoongi agreed. "But I think we can set boundaries in the contract. Her focus will be protecting Jungkook and Taehyung from the media."

Jimin gave a small nod. "In that case, if you think we should hire her, I'll back you."

"Great." Yoongi said. "I'll call her tomorrow and get the ball rolling." He pressed his lips to Jimin's, hand cupping the omega's cheek. "Whatever happens, we'll get through this together."

 

"Welcome back, Jimin, Yoongi." Eunkyung greeted them as they entered her office.

Jimin smiled politely. "Long time no see. I wish we didn't need your help again but I'm grateful to have it."

Eunkyung ushered the two of them into the chairs in front of her desk as she settled behind it. "First off, I owe you an apology for how I ended our last arrangement. You hired me to protect your love, and I failed you."

"Let's just focus on the future." Jimin said. "That's all in the past now. I want to move forward with a clean slate."

"And our priorities aligned." Yoongi added on.

Eunkyung nodded. "In that case, let's get down to it. I've taken the liberty of drafting a media plan that should shield the boys from the worst of it, as requested."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "You don't waste any time, do you?"

"In today's 24-hour news cycle, we can't afford to." Eunkyung said. "Which is why I booked you on The Jiwoo Show later today. We need to get your side of the story out there ASAP."

"That live daytime show?" Yoongi glanced at Jimin. "What do you think?"

"I'm nervous to go on camera live." Jimin said honestly.

"You'll be great." Eunkyung assured him. "All you need to do is show the audience how much you love each other."

Yoongi smiled and took Jimin's hand in his. "That shouldn't be too difficult."

Eunkyung clasped her hands together and rested them on the desk in front of her. "The focus here is on family. Which is why I think Yoongi's parents should be there too to show people they're on your side."

"I'll call them right now." Yoongi said, pulling his phone out as he stood up and exited the office.

Jimin turned to Eunkyung who offered him a small smile. "You're a brave omega, Jimin. If it were me…" She stopped herself, suddenly seeming unsure. "Never mind. It doesn't matter."

"What doesn't matter?" Jimin asked. "You can tell me."

"I…well…" Eunkyung hesitated.

Jimin tilted his head slightly. "Don't you still value honesty? You were pretty insistent about it when I was the one holding back information. So take your own advice. I want your unfiltered opinion on all this craziness."

Eunkyung chuckled. "You've got me there." She leaned back in her chair and let out a sigh. "I was gonna say you're a braver omega than me because I'd be running for the hills if I were you."

"Seriously?" Jimin asked.

"No one would blame you." Eunkyung said. "They might even applaud you for stepping aside. The mate returned from the dead, the family reunited, it's a compelling narrative."

Jimin looked at her in disbelief. "I love Yoongi and the boys. I would never walk away. Especially not after how hard we've fought just to get to where we are. I want to spend the rest of my life with the three of them."

"I know you love them." Eunkyung said. "But there isn't a version of this story that doesn't end in heartbreak for someone. Most likely you." Jimin considered her words, but it was hard to fathom a future without Yoongi and Jungkook and Taehyung in it. "Alternatively, you and Yoongi could elope."

"How would that help?" Jimin asked.

"From an image standpoint, it wouldn't." Eunkyung said. "You'd be eviscerated in the press. But it would make it a lot harder for Jieun to make moves against you. She'd have fewer options."

"Well I'm not leaving Yoongi." Jimin said. "And I'm not letting Jieun force us into a shotgun mating."

Eunkyung's lips quirked. "Why am I not surprised?"

Jimin smiled. "Because you know me so well. So what else you got for me?"

"Well you won't budge on this because you care about Yoongi and the boys more than anything." Eunkyung said. "So when you're hounded by the press or when things get hard, and they will, remember that you're doing this for them."

"That's it?" Jimin asked in surprise.

Eunkyung shrugged. "Sometimes the best answer is the simple one. You love Yoongi, Jungkook, and Taehyung. Just keep bringing your answers back to them and you'll be okay."

Jimin nodded. "I'll do that. Thanks, Eunkyung." He gave her an appraising look, seeing her in a new light. "I have to ask, have you ever been in love?"

Her face fell slightly. "I was once. Years ago. He died."

"I'm so sorry." Jimin said. "I didn't realize…"

Eunkyung shook her head. "No need to apologize. I don't mind talking about him now. We met in college, but we were never really what you'd call serious. Too focused on our careers, never making each other the priority. Until he got his diagnosis."

"Did you tell him how you felt?" Jimin asked.

"I did." Eunkyung said. "And we were together until he passed. I just wish I'd told him sooner."

Jimin let her confession hang between them for a few moments as if to honor the memory of her lost love. Eventually he said, "You know, it sounds like you wouldn't really leave if you were in my position."

Eunkyung smiled a bit. "No, I guess I wouldn't. Maybe I was trying to spare you the pain of losing someone like I did. But it might be too late for that. It was for me."

"Thanks for the advice, Eunkyung." Jimin said, feeling like he understood her a little better.

Yoongi came back into the office with a smile. "It's settled. My parents will be there."

"Fantastic." Eunkyung said. "I'll confirm everything with the studio and text you the details."

Chapter 5: 5

Jimin waited in the green room of The Jiwoo Show while Yoongi met his parents out front. "Need anything, Jimin?" Eunkyung asked. "Water? Coffee?"

"I'm fine." Jimin shook his head. "But can you tell me more about the host?"

"You don't have to worry about Jiwoo." Eunkyung assured him. "She's doing this as a favor to a former roommate. We went to university together. I briefed her on what you're going through. She won't pull punches, but she wants you to succeed too."

There was a knock on the door before the PA stuck her head in. "Jimin-nim, we need you on set in 10. Have you been through wardrobe?"

Eunkyung smiled. "And that's my cue. I got you something that's perfect for the interview." She grabbed a garment bag off a rack in the corner of the room and offered it to Jimin.

Jimin unzipped it to find a low-cut sea green shirt with a pair of dress pants. "This is perfect." Jimin said, giving Eunkyung a grateful smile before heading off to change.

Once Jimin was ready, the PA's walkie talkie chirped, and she raised it to her ear to listen. "Jiwoo-nim's ready for you, Jimin-nim. Yoongi-nim is already on set."

Following the PA to the set, Jimin's eyes went wide as he took in the lights, the audience, and the host onstage. He found Yoongi in the wings as Jiwoo finished her previous segment. "…but I doubled the cinnamon and added a pinch of nutmeg, and you know what? Divine!"

Yoongi leaned close to whisper in Jimin's ear. "They're about to go to commercial and then we'll be up." He looked Jimin over. "Are you trying to sabotage the interview?"

"You don't like it?" Jimin asked.

"Oh, I love it." Yoongi's lips quirked. "And that's the problem. How am I supposed to focus up there when all I'll be able to think about is you?"

Jimin smiled. "Maybe that's what I want you thinking about?" He looked around. "Where are your parents?"

"In hair and makeup." Yoongi said. "Jiwoo wants to talk to us alone first so they'll join halfway through."

The cameras cut and a producer ushered Jimin and Yoongi onto the stage. Jiwoo greeted them with a warm smile as they got settled on the couch. "Welcome to The Jiwoo Show."

"Thanks for having us." Jimin said. "Especially on such short notice."

A yellow light flashed, counting down to the return from commercial. "Here we go." Jiwoo said. "Deep breaths, everyone. You're gonna do great." She turned to smile at the camera right on time. "And welcome back! You may recognize today's guests from the tabloids but we're here for the real story. Min Yoongi and Park Jimin, thank you for joining me."

Yoongi smiled. "It's a pleasure to be here, Jiwoo."

"Let's dive right in." Jiwoo said. "Yoongi-ssi, you met Jimin-ssi during your engagement to another omega, correct?"

"That is correct." Yoongi nodded. "I'm not proud of the timing of everything but I knew from the moment I met Jimin that he's special."

"Jimin-ssi, did you feel the same?"

Jimin glanced at Yoongi and smiled softly as he thought back to that moment that felt like an eternity before. "There was an undeniable spark between us. I knew it was meant to be from pretty much the start."

"So sweet!" Jiwoo gushed. "The heart wants what the heart wants, right folks? But every love story has complications which brings us to the elephant in the room. Lee Jieun. What really happened there?"

Yoongi took a deep breath. "It's hard to believe but our family thought we lost Jieun five years ago. She was in that terrible subway crash in Gangnam…" He trailed off and Jimin reached over to take his hand.

"We know now that this was a tragic case of mistaken identity." Jimin picked up. "But until she showed up last month, none of us had any idea she was still alive."

"I imagine that was quite a shock."

Yoongi nodded. "To say the least."

"Jimin-ssi, this must be difficult for you." Jiwoo said. "Both as Yoongi's fiancée and having cared for his sons as their nanny."

Jimin swallowed down the stress he'd been feeling regarding his relationship with Yoongi and focused on the one positive that could come out of the situation. "Actually it could be a blessing. The twins now have a chance to know their biological mother if things work out. I'd say that's a gift."

A tiny smile tugged at Yoongi's lips. "I couldn't agree more. Pups can never have too many people who love them in their lives."

"It shows just how much you two love those boys that you're putting their happiness first in what must be an uncomfortable situation." Jiwoo said. "You truly have a modern family. Now is there anything you want to add before we take a little break? Jimin-ssi?"

"I just want what's best for Jungkook and Taehyung." Jimin said. "If that means their mother and I are both in their lives, then we'll figure out how to make that happen." He was surprised himself to feel tears welling in his eyes. "Sorry, I didn't expect to get so emotional."

Jiwoo reached for a tissue, but Yoongi was already wiping the tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Never apologize for how much you care about those boys." Jiwoo said. "They're lucky to have you."

Jimin shook his head. "I'm the lucky one."

Jiwoo turned and gave the audience a big smile. "Don't you just love them? It's clear why Yoongi's so smitten."

Yoongi smiled softly at Jimin. "I don't know what I did to deserve him." He squeezed Jimin's hand.

"Well I know I’m rooting for you both." Jiwoo said. "We'll be back with Yoongi's parents after the break. Stay with us!" The audience cheered and clapped as the producer cued Jiwoo that they were clear. "Great job, you two." She turned to smile at the couple. Anyone who was Team Jieun will be reconsidering, I guarantee it."

As the break neared its end, Yoongi's parents joined them on the set. "This is so exciting!" Yoongi's mom gushed. "It's been forever since we've done a live interview."

Yoongi's dad shushed her. "This is their moment, not ours."

"Thanks for coming." Jimin said. "It means a lot to have your support."

"Well actually-"

The producer counted them in from the break, cutting Yoongi's mom off. "Welcome back!" Jiwoo smiled. "We're here with the Min Yoongi and Park Jimin to talk about their upcoming mating! What a love story! We're also joined by Min Jungkook and Kang Yeeun, billionaires, philanthropists, business icons, and Yoongi's parents!"

"You forgot fantastic dancers." Yoongi's dad chuckled.

Yeeun smiled. "Thank you for having us, Jiwoo."

"How are you two feeling about all this?" Jiwoo asked. "Your former daughter in law shows up just as Yoongi's about to remate?"

"Of course we're thrilled that Jieun is alive." Yoongi's dad said.

"But we've also never seen Yoongi as happy as he's been since meeting Jimin." Yeeun said.

Yoongi kept his gaze on Jimin as he smiled. "That's because I've never been as happy."

Yeeun grinned. "Which is why we can't wait to host their engagement party next week!" The audience applauded as Jimin and Yoongi shared a shocked look, completely blindsided by the announcement.

 

Jimin and Hoseok lounged on Jimin's couch as they had a major catchup session. "I feel like I've barely seen you since the holiday party!" Jimin gushed.

"I know!" Hoseok agreed. "But in my defense, you've been pretty busy. So spill! I wanna know everything!"

"Where do I even start?" Jimin ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath. "Well first, there's Jieun."

Hoseok's eyes widened. "She came back from the dead and there's more?"

Jimin nodded. "Remember how I told you she ambushed us at the cabin with the DNA test?" He filled Hoseok in on the rest of that particular encounter. "Luckily she left before the boys woke up but it was a lot."

"Damn." Hoseok leaned back against the couch. "And you haven't heard from her since?"

"No." Jimin shook his head. "But it's just a matter of time. She made it clear that she plans to get Yoongi and the boys back." He sighed. "I just feel sorry for her. I can't imagine what it's like to miss out on five years with your family and come back to find they've moved on. I'm not sure I'd do anything different in her shoes."

"For what it's worth, I think you're a good person for thinking about it from her perspective." Hoseok said.

"Maybe." Jimin mumbled. "But it doesn't make things any easier. Especially since everything with Yoongi and the mating isn't going how I expected."

Hoseok frowned. "Is everything okay between you two?"

Jimin nodded quickly. "We're great and I'm so excited to be planning our life together. But I feel like I've barely had a moment to breathe and even enjoy being engaged. And now this party…"

"You're not excited for it?" Hoseok asked.

"I just wish it wasn't sprung on me." Jimin said. "And on national TV. It feels like I have no control over my life right now. The mating ceremony is the one thing that should be just ours. Mine and Yoongi's."

Hoseok threw an arm around Jimin's shoulders and gave him a comforting squeeze. "I'm sorry, babe. But you know I'll be there working overtime to make sure it's everything you've ever dreamed."

Jimin smiled a bit. "Thanks, Hobi." He sighed. "I haven't even told you what being back at work has been like. Talk about a rollercoaster."

"Are you queen of the nerds yet?" Hoseok laughed, making it clear he was just joking.

"Actually I kind of am." Jimin informed him. "I got promoted to the head of the lab."

Hoseok's eyes widened. "Jimin, that's amazing!"

"It would be except Seokjin didn't even interview me." Jimin said. "He just stomped in, demoted Dohyun, and unceremoniously gave me his job. I'm suspicious he has ulterior motives."

"Knowing Seokjin, his ulterior motive's just making money." Hoseok shrugged. "Which kinda makes sense as CEO."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "What, are you Team Seokjin now?"

Hoseok snorted. "No, I’m Team Jimin and always will be. Which means I know exactly how awesome you are. Maybe Seokjin finally sees it too."

"Well…" Jimin sighed. 'That's my life right now."

"And it's a lot." Hoseok said. As they got up and headed into the kitchen for a drink refill, Hoseok flashed Jimin a reassuring smile. "But you've got Yoongi and the boys and a certain glamorous BFF in your corner."

"And it means a lot to know you have my back." Jimin said sincerely. "But honestly, I could use a distraction from it all. How's it going with the hottie from the gym?"

Hoseok shook his head. "Nothing's really happening there." He studied his nails for a conspicuously long moment.

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Nothing? Come on, you said he was practically drooling over you!"

"I've actually been taking a little break from dating." Hoseok admitted. "Focusing on other stuff."

Jimin's eyes narrowed at the vague statement. Luckily, Jimin knew just how to get Hoseok to open up. "If your calendar's open, then I guess you're free to go on a trip down memory lane with me. A bowling lane to be exact."

Hoseok raised his eyebrows. "You seriously wanna go to our old high school hangout spot? Like right now?"

"Oh, you bet." Jimin grinned. "We could both use some old school fun right now."

 

Jimin and Hoseok entered Bowlmates, a bowling alley that Jimin and Hoseok used to frequent as teenagers. "Oh my god, this totally brings me back." Hoseok looked around the space with a grin.

"It hasn't changed at all." Jimin took in the fluorescent lights, the red vinyl benches, and the sounds of clattering pins.

"We had so many good times here in high school." Hoseok mused. "I wonder if any of our high scores have held up."

"Remember when you dumped your cola on Cho Siwoo in front of the shoe rentals?" Jimin giggled.

Hoseok laughed at the memory. "He deserved it! He kissed Yoon Yunseo the day after he asked me out!" He shook his head a bit. "So what made you wanna come here after all this time?"

Jimin shrugged nonchalantly. "I was really craving their fried chicken." Jimin gestured to the concessions stand. "It just suddenly came over me. The thought of that crunchy breading and two dozen dipping sauces…"

"A craving, huh?" Hoseok raised an eyebrow.

"Yep." Jimin nodded. "And since we're here, we might as well bowl a game. What do you say?"

Hoseok grinned. "I say you're on!"

They rented their shoes and grabbed bowling balls then made their way to their assigned lane. "We should pick nicknames for the score card like we used to. I wanna be Mochi."

"Classic Jimin." Hoseok laughed.

The screen flickered on as the whirling machine dropped a set of pins at the end of the lane. "You're up first, Mochi!" Hoseok said. "Show these pups how it's done." Jimin brought his ball to his chest as he took two steps up to the line. He swung the ball behind him, building momentum before he released it onto the lacquered wood. The ball sped toward the pins, curving at the last second and knocking down six pins on the left side. "Nice one!" Hoseok cheered. "You're set up for a spare!"

Jimin lined up for his next shot and sent the ball slightly to the right. He watched as it crashed into the pins, knocking the rest of them down. "Woo! I've still got it!"

"Go Mochi!" Hoseok clapped.

The two of them swapped back and forth for several turns. By the time the game was over, they'd worked up an appetite. "Food break before we go for round two?" Jimin suggested.

"Yes please." Hoseok nodded eagerly. "Give me that greasy goodness."

"Plus we don't have to just stare longingly at the beers anymore." Jimin pointed out before heading over to the concession stand to put in their order.

He brought the fried chicken and beer back over to their lane for them to share. "Coming here was a really good idea." Hoseok said. "It takes me back to when things were simpler."

Jimin nodded. "Even though our problems felt like the end of the world back then."

"Little did we know…" They ate in silence for a moment until Hoseok let out a sigh. "Look, I know you didn't just bring me here for the food. You wanna know what's going on with me."

"Guilty." Jimin said. "But only because I care about you and it's obvious something's up."

Hoseok bit his lip as he picked at the breading on a piece of chicken. "Don't take this the wrong way but it's hard to watch you and Yoongi together sometimes. I get jealous. Not of Yoongi, of course. Of both of you. Of your relationship. I just…" He exhaled. "I want something real too"

Jimin frowned. "We don’t have to talk about Yoongi and the mating if-"

"No!" Hoseok quickly shook his head. "You have to know that I'm so, so happy for you. And I definitely don't want you to feel like you can't talk about your relationship because I'm sad and single."

Jimin continued to frown, hurt that Hoseok hadn't confided in him sooner. "I'm sorry, Hoseok. I had no idea."

Hoseok offered him a tiny smile. "It's okay. You've got a lot going on right now. And it's not like I need an alpha. I just really want one."

Something about Hoseok's expression made Jimin curious. "Sounds like you're talking about someone specific." Hoseok quickly took another bite, avoiding Jimin's eyes. "Fine, I'll just have to guess." Jimin sighed dramatically. "I bet it's Sejin."

Hoseok nearly choked on his chicken. "Yoongi's driver?"

"He's practically family!" Jimin continued to tease. "Sejin might be a little old for you, but I can put in a good word."

"You got me." Hoseok played along. "I'm a sucker for a halabeoji in a chauffeur hat."

Jimin dramatically reached out to take Hoseok's hand. "Just promise you'll make it last, or the car rides will be really awkward after." He grew serious. "But I do really think I know who you're pining after. It's Geonwoo, isn't it?"

Hoseok visibly deflated, letting out a heavy sigh and hanging his head. "Yes, and I feel horrible. When I ran into him at the coffee shop a few weeks ago, he was just so nice and charming and funny. And then we met at a bookstore. And went to the movies last week."

"He mentioned running into you, but I didn't realize you'd been seeing that much of each other." Jimin said. "I'm not sure it's such a good idea. He's mated, remember? I know he and his mate don't have the best relationship-"

"They have no relationship." Hoseok deadpanned. "She treats him like shit! And Yoongi was engaged with pups when you met but that didn't stop you from falling for him. Or fucking him." Jimin was a little taken aback but he couldn't deny that Hoseok was right. "Sorry."

"No, you're right." Jimin said. "I shouldn't be lecturing you. I of all people know you can't help who you love. I just want you to be careful with your heart."

Hoseok nodded. "I'll try."

Jimin pulled Hoseok in for a hug. "Regardless, you know I'm always here for you. Just like you've been there for me during everything with Yoongi."

"Thanks, Jimin." Hoseok said. "You're the best."

"No, you." Jimin smiled. "Now I think we have a game to finish."

Chapter 6: 6

Jimin happily collapsed onto his couch as soon as he and Hoseok returned to his apartment. "We should do that more often." He said, playfully nudging Hoseok with his foot.

Hoseok laughed. "As if you'll have time between work, Jieun, and planning a mating ceremony."

"Actually that brings me to something Ive been wanting to ask you." Jimin sat up and turned to fully face Hoseok. "You are my best friend and biggest cheerleader and there's no one else I'd want at my side in my mating day. Will you be my maid of honor?"

Hoseok stared at Jimin for a beat before jumping on him in a crushing hug. "Are you kidding?! Of course I'll be your maid of honor, Jimin!" Jimin hugged Hoseok back, glad to have control over that decision at least. "I can't wait to help you plan! The flowers, the cake, the dress! Have you thought about going backless? Show off your tattoos?" The two omegas spent the rest of the night daydreaming about passed appetizers and floral arrangements.

 

Yoongi and Sejin picked Jimin up after work on their way to get Taehyung and Jungkook from Hybe Academy. "Thanks for taking this little detour for me, Sejin." Jimin said gratefully.

Sejin smiled at him in the rearview mirror. "It's my pleasure, Jimin. The boys will be thrilled to see you." He then cleared his throat. "Do you mind if I put the partition up? I'm halfway through an episode of Generation Boom Pod."

"Of course." Yoongi said.

As Sejin raised the partition, Jimin glanced over at Yoongi's hunched shoulders and rigid posture. "Everything okay?"

Yoongi hummed as he met Jimin's gaze. "Oh, yeah, fine. It's just…" He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "Starting my own company is turning out to be a lot harder than I thought." He moved his hand to the back of his neck with a grimace. "Obviously I knew it would be a challenge. That's part of why I wanted to do it. But I feel like I've been having nonstop stress dreams all week."

"You know what helps when I'm stressed?" Jimin asked. "Focusing on crossing just one task off the list at a time." He reached over to replace Yoongi's hand with his own, massaging the alpha's neck. "Is there anything I can help you tackle?"

"Actually there is one problem I've been stuck on all day that's right up your alley." Yoongi said. "I've got a potential client who wants to try sustainable medical supplies. If the product trial goes well, it could be a lucrative partnership. Any ideas on what I should offer them to start?"

"How about non plastic packaging?" Jimin suggested. "There's no reason meds have to be dispensed in plastic bottles or wrapping other than availability."

Yoongi pursed his lips thoughtfully. "That's a great point. What would you recommend instead?"

"Something like aluminum or glass that can easily be reused or recycled." Jimin said.

Jimin's hand slipped from Yoongi's neck as the alpha turned to face him, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Thank you, my brilliant fiancée."

"I'm always happy to help." Jimin said, pressing his lips to Yoongi's for a few more seconds. "But I think you might be taking on too much by yourself." He reached for Yoongi's shoulders that time, kneading slowly until the alpha let out a soft moan. "We have a bit of time before we get to the school. I'd love to help you relax." He slid one hand down to Yoongi's inner thigh, the alpha's breath quickening in response.

Yoongi glanced toward the partition window. "We'd have to keep quiet."

Jimin smirked. "That hasn't stopped us before." He tugged Yoongi closer, angling his body so he could work both the alpha's shoulders.

A sigh escaped Yoongi as he relaxed under Jimin's touch. "That feels nice. Guess I didn't realize just how stressed I've been."

"Then let me make you feel good." Jimin murmured. "Starting with your neck. If your shoulders are any indication, your neck's probably a knotted mess." Yoongi groaned as Jimin's fingers slid along his skin, alternating between gentle sweeps and hard pressure. "Yep, I knew it."

"I guess I’m not used to spending this much time huddled over my desk." Yoongi said.

Once Jimin was satisfied, he moved back to Yoongi's shoulders then trailed his hands down over the alpha's chest. He took his time massaging Yoongi's pecs through the fabric of his shirt. "Close your eyes." Jimin whispered. "Take deep breaths." Yoongi's eyes fluttered shut and he relaxed against Jimin even more as the omega pressed his fingers into the muscles at his waist.

"Let go of any stress you're feeling, any tension." Jimin said. "Imagine it trailing behind my fingers and away from you." He ran a hand up Yoongi's legs before palming the bulge starting to grow in his pants. He kept his touch teasingly light, letting Yoongi's low groans of pleasure spur him on. "I'm still feeling a lot of tension in a particular area."

Yoongi's lips quirked. "What should we do about that?"

"First let's get you out of these pants." Yoongi lifted his hips off the seat so Jimin could help him out of his pants. Jimin then pushed Yoongi back against the seat and leaned down to press a trail of kisses across his thigh.

"I've never felt so relaxed yet tortured at the same time." Yoongi moaned as Jimin grazed his lips lightly over his underwear, the omega enjoying how the alpha tensed in response.

Jimin took the waistband of Yoongi's underwear between his teeth and released it with a playful snap. "In that case, I think we should take all your clothes off just to be safe." Yoongi didn't protest as Jimin undressed him all the way, tossing the rest of his clothes onto the seat next to him. "There. Now I can really help you relax." He bit his lip, thrilled by how hard Yoongi was just from the massage and the teasing touches. He then leaned down to take Yoongi's dick into his mouth, still massaging the alpha's thighs. As Yoongi moaned, Jimin glanced toward the closed partition and smirked as he pulled off the alpha. "You have to keep quiet." He reminded him.

Yoongi sucked in a breath as Jimin swirled his tongue around the tip of his dick. The alpha's hips bucked up off the seat and Jimin opened his mouth wide to take him in again. Jimin sucked hard as Yoongi tried to hold back his moans, the alpha tightly gripping the upholstery. "Just like that…" He grunted.

Jimin took more of Yoongi into his mouth with each bob of his head, teasing the alpha's length with his tongue. He looked up to see Yoongi's eyes were closed in pleasure, the alpha's body instinctively reacting to Jimin's every touch. He pulled off and Yoongi's eyes shot open as he looked at him in confusion. "I want to savor your pleasure." Jimin said. "Can't have you cumming too early."

Yoongi's head lolled against the leather seat as Jimin resumed languidly licking and suckling his tip. "Such a tease."

Jimin locked eyes with Yoongi as he took the alpha fully into his mouth once more, cupping his balls in his hand. He bobbed his head slowly, running his tongue over every centimeter while he fondled and squeezed the alpha's balls. Yoongi's hands went to the back of Jimin's head, his fingers tangling in the omega's hair to encourage him further.

Just when Jimin was sure Yoongi was on the edge of his orgasm, Yoongi suddenly cupped his cheek, tilting his head up to lock eyes. "Do you want me to return the favor?"

Jimin pulled off of Yoongi in order to respond. "I want to focus on you. This is all about you." He wrapped his hand around Yoongi's dick and stroked it for a moment, gazing at it in admiration before taking it into his mouth again.

Yoongi's hips jerked off the seat in time with Jimin's mouth as he sped toward release. "Don't stop." Yoongi panted. Jimin grabbed at Yoongi's ass, encouraging him to keep thrusting. Yoongi gripped the seat for leverage as he hurtled toward the edge. Finally Jimin felt him twitching followed by hot spurts of cum hitting his tongue as Yoongi bit back his moans.

As Yoongi sagged back in his seat, Jimin licked him clean and swallowed before sitting up to catch his breath. He met Yoongi's gaze and they both laughed, giddy at the recklessness and passion. Once they'd calmed down, Jimin reluctantly helped Yoongi redress. "I hope you're feeling a little less stressed now."

"Are you kidding?" Yoongi asked. "I don't know the meaning of the word at this point."

They shared one more kiss just as the car came to a stop. Before they could climb out, Jimin's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to check the text. "Sorry, it's the lab." Jimin informed Yoongi. "I'll be right behind you."

Yoongi nodded. "Take all the time you need."

After a bit of back and forth with Geonwoo, Jimin climbed out of the car to see Yoongi chatting with some of the other Hybe parents. "…it's been an adjustment becoming a work from home dad but I'm enjoying getting to spend so much time with the boys."

Hayun, Junseo, and Sungjin stood around Yoongi, hanging on the alpha's every word. "I can imagine! I wouldn't trade my Woojin time for anything."

"Has it been hard getting actual work done?"

Yoongi chuckled. "Not while they're at school but once they're home, I usually have to wait until bedtime to finish my day. I'll probably need to hire some help again soon." He cleared his throat, trying to hide a secret smile. "Though I'm not feeling too stressed today."

Hayun spotted Jimin and broke into a smug smile. "Why, here comes the help now."

Jimin plastered a smile on his face. "Hayun, you're as subtle as a rock and about as clever as one too."

Junseo snorted. "He's got you there, Hayun."

A scowl formed on Hayun's face. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think that just proves Jimin's point." Sungjin mused.

Yoongi wrapped an arm around Jimin's waist protectively and Jimin instinctively leaned into him. "Of course, Jimin's been the biggest help with the boys as my fiancée but that's not what I meant."

Hayun raised her eyebrows. "Oh, is that still happening?"

Jimin stared at her. "Our engagement? Why wouldn't it be?"

She didn't even try to hide her smirk. "I just assumed with Jieun back in the picture-" She was cut off by the school bell ringing followed by pups bursting out of the front doors.

"See ya!"

"Don't forget the math homework, Jungkook!"

"I won't."

"Taehyung, I'll tell you all about my pet spider later, okay?"

"Yeah, great."

Sungjin looked at his daughter with wide eyes. "What is this about a pet spider, Jihye?"

It took one glance at the twins' expressions for Jimin to know something was off. He put his arms around their shoulders as they all headed back toward the car. "Did you two stay up too late planning pranks or something?" He asked humorously.

"No." Taehyung grumbled. "But maybe we should've. That would show them."

"Show who?" Jimin asked. "What happened?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I don't wanna talk about it."

Jimin ushered them into the waiting car and waited for their seatbelts to be buckled before pushing them. "Come on, tell us what's going on."

"Maybe we can help." Yoongi said.

Jungkook sighed. "People have been talking about us at school. About Jieun coming back. They said she-"

Taehyung cut in. "They said some mean stuff but we're fine. We don't wanna bother you with it."

Jimin frowned. "It's never a bother to help you."

"And if other students are bullying you, I can talk to your teachers." Yoongi added on.

"It really wasn't a big deal." Taehyung insisted. "Don't worry about us."

Yoongi gave Jimin a concerned look and Jimin reached over to squeeze his hand. "I hate seeing them like this." Yoongi whispered in Jimin's ear. "I just wish I could help them."

"I know." Jimin murmured. "Maybe we should do something to cheer them up."

"That's a good idea." Yoongi agreed. "And they might be more willing to talk once they're in a better mood."

"There's a chocolate shop not too far away that does classes." Jimin pointed out. "A sweet treat might do the trick."

Yoongi smiled. "If you think it'll help, I'm in."

Jimin turned to the twins. "You know what? We're taking a detour on the way home."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "We are?"

"Where?" Taehyung asked.

"It's a surprise." Jimin smiled. "But I promise you'll love it. Sejin, I'm sending you the address."

Sejin nodded. "Roger that, Jimin-nim."

Chapter 7: 7

Jimin led Yoongi and the twins into the chocolate shop. "Here we are!"

"A chocolate shop?" Taehyung asked excitedly.

"Not just any chocolate shop." Yoongi grinned. "A make your own chocolate shop!"

Jimin smile as the boys gasped in excitement, ushering them to the back where the stations were set up. "Hey there." An employee greeted them. "Are you two ready to become junior chocolatiers?"

"Yes!" Jungkook nodded eagerly. "Quick question--what's a chocolatier?"

"It means we get to eat all the chocolate!" Taehyung exclaimed.

"Taste testing is an important part of the job." The employee agreed. "But first we have to figure out what kind of chocolate you want to work with."

"I wanna do milk chocolate." Jungkook said.

"I like white chocolate." Taehyung said.

"I'll go dark chocolate." Yoongi glanced at Jimin. "What about you?"

Jimin perused the menu of chocolates and toppings. "I think I'll go dark as well. I like my chocolate a little bitter."

Yoongi smiled a bit. "Great minds."

The employee prepared the supplies for their station, helping them all start melting their chocolate in double boilers. "First we have to temper the chocolate so it'll hold its shape. Otherwise, it'll melt in your hands."

"What if I want it to melt in my hand?" Jungkook asked.

Jimin laughed. "Maybe you can settle for it melting in your mouth instead."

Taehyung nodded. "That's way better."

"Once that's done, take a look at the menu for ingredients to mix in." The employee instructed. "Or you can fill the mold partway, put something in the middle, then fill the rest for a surprise center."

"I want mine to have gummy worms and toffee!" Taehyung declared.

"I'm gonna put peanuts and pretzels and strawberries in mine." Jungkook said. "And sugar!"

Yoongi raised his eyebrows. "I don’t know if you need extra sugar, buddy."

"The rest of that combo sounds pretty good though." Jimin mused. "As for me…" He reached for a bottle of cayenne powder.

"Sugar and spice and everything nice?" Yoongi asked.

Jimin smiled. "My thoughts exactly."

"Amazing job, everyone!" The employee clapped. "The next step is to set them in the blast chiller. Then we can finish them off with toppings." She took their trays and disappeared into a walk-in freezer.

Yoongi turned to the twins. "Are you having fun?"

Jungkook nodded. "Learning how to make chocolate's really fun."

"Can we go to candy school instead of regular school?" Taehyung asked.

Jimin and Yoongi shared a look. "Are you sure you're not just saying that because of what happened at school today?" Jimin pressed.

"No." Taehyung denied. But after a beat, his shoulders slumped. "Okay maybe kind of."

"You said some other kids were saying mean things about Jieun coming back, right?" Yoongi asked.

Jungkook's face fell. "They said that she left us on purpose."

"And that she stayed away for so long because she hates us." Taehyung added on.

Jimin felt Yoongi tense beside him, the alpha clearly trying to mask the protective anger he felt. "They said that?"

"Pups can be so cruel." Jimin sighed. "Jungkook, Taehyung, I know Jieun loves you. She's your mother. Always has been and always will be. And she's doing everything she can to be in your lives now that she's recovering."

Yoongi nodded slightly. "We're still figuring out how to make it work but there's nothing she wants more than you two."

Jungkook chew on his bottom lip. "I guess that makes sense."

"I knew those pups were lying." Taehyung scowled.

"You're just saying that because Jihye yelled at them." Jungkook said.

"Jihye stood up for you?" Jimin asked.

Taehyung nodded. "Our friends have been telling everyone else to stop talking about us."

A relieved smile tugged at Yoongi's lips. "You're lucky to have such good friends. But if your classmates don't stop, you can always come to us. You know that, right?"

"Duh." Jungkook said.

Yoongi patted the boys on the shoulders as the employee reappeared with their trays. "Alright, now that the chocolate's set, you can pop them out of the molds and add toppings."

The twins set to work on decorating their chocolates while Yoongi artfully dusted his with cocoa powder. Jimin opted for a tube of caramel sauce, drawing elegant lines across his truffles. "Those look good enough to be in the window display." Yoongi complimented.

Jimin smiled. "Thank you. But they've got an express ticket straight into my mouth." He picked one up to sample.

"Great job, everyone!" The employee clapped once more. "Let's get these packaged for you."

As the twins followed the employee to the wrapping station, Yoongi put a hand on Jimin's elbow to hold him back. "Thank you for helping me talk to them about Jieun. Some days I'm so worried about saying the wrong thing that nothing comes out." He sighed and shook his head. "I don’t know how you do it. You're so good with them."

Jimin gave a tiny shrug. "I just put myself in their shoes. I say what I wish someone had told me when I was their age."

A thoughtful expression crossed Yoongi's face. "I never went through anything like this when I was a pup but if I had, I would've wanted my parents to be upfront with me."

"Then that's what you should do with the boys." Jimin advised.

Yoongi nodded. "I'll try and be more open with them from now on. Thank you, Jimin." He wrapped an arm around Jimin, and the two of them watched the twins tie ribbons around their bags of chocolate.

"Those look delicious." Jimin said as Jungkook proudly showed his off.

"Wanna trade for one of mine?" Jungkook asked.

"No, Jimin should trade for one of mine!" Taehyung exclaimed.

Yoongi chuckled. "Why don't we all share?"

The four of them tried all of the truffles, laughing and teasing each other long into the afternoon. When they got back to the penthouse, they were surprised to find a visitor waiting for them. "Namjoon samchon!" Jungkook cheered as he and Taehyung rushed to hug the alpha.

"If it isn't my favorite nephews!" Namjoon chuckled warmly.

"We're your only nephews." Taehyung reminded him.

"Then it's a good thing you're my favorite." Namjoon said without missing a beat. "That would be embarrassing otherwise."

Yoongi cleared his throat abruptly. "Alright boys, enough climbing on him. Go start your homework."

The boys rushed off as Jimin eyed Namjoon warily. "What are you doing here?"

"You have a lot of nerve showing up after everything you tried to pull last year." Yoongi crossed his arms over his chest.

Namjoon held his hands up in surrender. "You're right. I promise I'll be quick and then get out of your hair." He took a deep breath. "Yoongi, I want you to hire me."

They stared at Namjoon for a long moment, waiting for the hidden cameras to pop out. When they didn't, Jimin blinked and asked, "You want Yoongi to hire you? After everything you've done?"

"I mean, if I hadn't done those things, Yoongi never would've started his own company." Namjoon pointed out.

Yoongi scoffed. "If that's your pitch, you're wasting your time."

"Still not ready to joke around." Namjoon muttered to himself and sighed. "Look, I owe both of you an apology for everything. I got caught up in the competition and…" He trailed off for a moment before shaking his head. "There is no excuse. But I am sorry."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "That's a start but it's pretty convenient you're only apologizing now that you need something."

Namjoon quickly shook his head. "You have it backward. Yoongi, remember how unstoppable we used to be? Before the competition, before Seokjin. And I'm not just saying that because your dad fired me. I realized the thing I liked best about the job wasn't the job. It was working with you."

Yoongi's stance softened a bit. While Jimin was still wary, he couldn't deny the sincerity he felt coming off of Namjoon. Plus, he remembered all those late-night conversations with Yoongi yearning for the days when he and Namjoon had been inseparable. Jimin took a tiny step closer and lowered his voice, "You have been talking about needing help. If you know you two work well together…maybe it's not such a bad idea."

"We did work well together at one point." Yoongi said. "But I can't just forget everything you've done since, Namjoon."

"I'm not asking you to." Namjoon said. "I'm just asking you to give me a chance to make it up to you. And I know with Jieun back, it's even harder for you to trust people but I want to be in your corner."

Yoongi studied Namjoon for a long moment before glancing at Jimin. Jimin nodded his head, silently indicating that he would support Yoongi no matter his decision. "Fine." Yoongi finally said. "If you prove that you can behave yourself at our engagement party, I'll consider hiring you."

Namjoon broke into a smile and looked like he wanted to pull Yoongi into a hug but settled for a handshake. "You won't regret this, I promise. I'll be a perfect angel."

Jimin snorted out a laugh. "We'll believe that when we see it."

 

"I can't believe this is really happening." Jimin said, feeling slightly nauseous with anxiety as he sat on the edge of his bed in his robe while Hoseok fluttered around him. "The last engagement party I went to was for Yoongi and Seokjin!"

Hoseok paused. "I almost forgot about that. Didn't you and Namjoon have to plan it? Seokjin's so diabolical."

"It was actually pretty fun." Jimin said, thinking about on that time when things had been much more simple. "Picking out decorations, planning a menu, I actually had more of a say in that engagement party than my own." His shoulder slumped. "Yoongi's mom said she'd handle everything, and she meant everything."

Hoseok grinned. "Well, there's one thing she's definitely not in charge of."

Jimin followed Hoseok's gaze to the garment bag hanging on his closet door. "You're right." Jimin let out a breath and smiled. "Yoongi won't even remember his previous engagements after he sees me." He stood up and shrugged out of his robe as Hoseok carefully pulled the off-shoulder champagne colored cocktail dress out of the garment bag, having to help Jimin into it with how tightly it clung to the omega's curves. Jimin let out a sigh of content as he looked at himself in the mirror. "I finally feel like this is myengagement party."

"Then I've fulfilled my duty as your bestie." Hoseok smiled. "Mostly, anyway. Now let's get this party started!"

They headed across the city to the extravagant hotel Jimin's future mother-in-law had chosen for the venue, and a valet opened the car door for Jimin. "The Mins really pulled out all the stops." Jimin mused as he and Hoseok entered the lavishly decorated ballroom.

Hoseok nodded his head, eyes wide with awe. "Sometimes I forget they have all the money."

Jimin felt a hand on his elbow and turned to find Yoongi smiling at him. "There's my beautiful fiancée." He leaned in and brushed his lips against Jimin's. "Looking even more beautiful than usual. I didn't know that was possible." Jimin giggled as Yoongi kissed him again.

"While you two get all lovey dovey, I'm gonna find the open bar." Hoseok announced before walking off.

Yoongi intertwined his fingers with Jimin's as they looked around the room at the gathered guests. At the bar, a parent from Hybe was speaking with Yoongi's parents and Eunkyung. "You really outdid yourself with this party! This place is incredible!"

"Thank you but I can't accept all the credit. Eunkyung's help was invaluable."

Eunkyung chuckled. "All in a day's work."

"It's also a little preview of the mating ceremony." Yoongi's dad said. "As Eunkyung will also be planning that."

"I'm sure it'll be nothing short of spectacular!"

Yoongi squeezed Jimin's hand. "Looks like my parents are having a nice time. We should make sure everyone else is too."

Jimin smiled. "Shall we make the rounds?"

"We shall." Yoongi pressed one more kiss to Jimin's lips before leading him around the room to greet everyone.

Chapter 8: 8

As Jimin and Yoongi made their rounds, Jimin was surprised to see Namjoon and Seokjin talking. At least until they approached the pair and were close enough to overhear the conversation. "Come on, Seokjin, I miss you. I miss us."

"I don't have time for another dalliance."

"You got everything you wanted!" Namjoon exclaimed. "Don't you want someone to share it-"

Seokjin cut Namjoon off as he spotted Jimin and Yoongi. "Jimin, Yoongi, congratulations." He said politely before turning to Jimin with a smile. "You look incredible tonight. Engagement suits you."

Jimin waited for Seokjin to say something backhanded or snarky, but when it didn't come, he realized Seokjin was actually being sincere. "Thank you. Really. Not everyone would be so happy about their ex mating someone else."

Seokjin shrugged. "Not everyone gets engaged to secure a corporate merger either."

"But we all got what we really wanted in the end." Yoongi mused.

Namjoon's jaw ticked slightly as he looked at Seokjin. "We sure did…"

"Seokjin, you made it!" Hayun hurried up, arms outstretched to hug Seokjin. Then she noticed Yoongi and Jimin. "Oh, hello. Congratulations are in order, I suppose."

Before Jimin had a chance to respond, Seokjin took Hayun by the arm. "It's been ages! Let's grab a drink and catch up." Jimin gave Seokjin an appreciative nod as Yoongi steered him away to continue greeting their guests.

However, the two's attention was soon drawn by a familiar voice. "Appa, Jimin, we have a surprise for you!" Jungkook called out.

"And it's not even a prank!" Taehyung added on. "Promise!"

Jimin and Yoongi weaved their way through the crowd to where Sejin was keeping an eye on the boys. "That sounds like a pretty good setup for the ol' prank double cross." Jimin said.

Taehyung gasped. "That's a good point! We should remember that for next time, Jungkook."

"But this time it's a present." Jungkook said. "A real one."

Yoongi reached out to ruffle their hair. "You didn't have to get us anything."

"They insisted." Sejin said. "We've been hard at work all day."

Taehyung pulled his hands from behind his back and handed Jimin a stapled bundle of paper. As Jimin flipped through it, he realized it was a handmade coupon book. "Stop One Prank From Happening…Extra Help in the Kitchen…"

"My personal favorite is An Evening Alone Courtesy of Sejin." Sejin said.

Jungkook smiled up at them. "We made it to welcome you into the family, Jimin."

"I can't wait to cash these in." Jimin said.

"Me too." Yoongi smiled. "I saw one about letting me pick the radio station without complaining."

Taehyung sighed dramatically. "We promise we'll let you listen to your dad music." Jimin brought the boys in for a hug, holding on to them until they pulled back. "Look, Jihye and her dad just got here! Can we go say hi, Sejin?"

"Of course." Sejin agreed.

Jimin glanced toward the door and spotted Sungjin and Jihye taking off their coats. "Remember, best behavior tonight."

"I know, Appa. No pranks or bugs or anything."

A smile spread across Jimin's face as the twins rushed off toward their friend. Then he and Yoongi continued roaming the room until they found Hoseok and Geonwoo huddled together, chatting conspiratorially. The two of them immediately jumped apart when Jimin and Yoongi walked up. "Hope we're not interrupting." Jimin said.

"Of course not!" Hoseok quickly shook his head. "We were just talking about…uh…"

"Textile manufacturing techniques!" Geonwoo blurted out. "Didn't wanna bore you."

After Hoseok's confession about his feelings for Geonwoo, Jimin was pretty sure that wasn't what they were talking about. "Uh huh."

Hoseok's cheeks flushed as he changed the subject. "Doesn't Jimin look amazing tonight, Geonwoo?"

Geonwoo nodded. "It's hard to compete for attention with a venue like this but you blow it out of the water."

"All thanks to Hoseok." Jimin said. "He chose my outfit."

"I just put the cherry on top of a super amazing cake." Hoseok said. "Congrats again, Yoongi. I've never considered anyone good enough for Jimin but you're the closest."

Yoongi chuckled. "I'm glad I have your approval. Otherwise, I suspect we'd be doomed."

"Damn right." Hoseok nodded.

"Jimin, how are you holding up?" Geonwoo asked. "Is it finally starting to sink in?"

Jimin exhaled a bit. "Yeah the engagement party is definitely helping with that. But I don’t think it'll feel real until the actual mating. Plus, I can't wait for the honeymoon after. It'll be nice to have a little vacation."

Geonwoo smiled. "You've earned the chance to relax."

Yoongi smirked at Jimin with fire and mischief in his eyes. "Lots of relaxing on the itinerary."

When Jimin and Yoongi were finished making their rounds, Eunkyung pushed through the guests to find them. "Yoongi, Jimin, it's time for your toast."

Jimin's eyes widened as that was the first he'd heard of a toast. "We didn't prepare anything."

"It's okay." Yoongi assured him. "Just follow my lead."

The crowd grew quiet as Yoongi and Jimin stepped up to the microphone at the front of the room. "Thank you all for coming tonight." Yoongi started off. "We feel so honored to celebrate with all of you." He glanced at Jimin and smiled softly. "I knew Jimin was special from the moment I met him. It wasn't long after that I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. But even with everything we've been through together, I can't tell you how nervous I was to ask him to mate me." The crowd chuckled at the alpha's admission.

"Really?" Jimin asked. "I couldn't even tell you were nervous. You seemed so calm!"

"The boys could feel my hands shaking." Yoongi said. "Luckily I didn't have to wait too long for your answer. And it never would've worked if Taehyung and Jungkook weren't as crazy about Jimin as I am."

"Jimin's the best!" Taehyung cheered only for Jungkook to shush him.

Yoongi smiled. "I knew our little family couldn't be complete without him."

Jimin felt his cheeks flush as he took the microphone. "Yoongi, when I first met you, the first thing I noticed was your passion." He turned to the crowd. "He truly wants to make the world a better place no matter what it takes. I've never met someone who works so hard. He makes me want to be a better person."

"I don’t think that's possible." Yoongi shook his head. "You're already the most amazing person I know."

As Jimin opened his mouth to continue, he noticed Namjoon lingering near Seokjin in the back of the room, staring longingly at the omega. "I hope everyone finds what I found in Yoongi. Someone who has seen you at your worst and loves you anyway. I'm so lucky to have a partner who I don't have to hide anything from. Who appreciates me for exactly who I am. It's a rare and precious gift." A thoughtful expression crossed Seokjin's face and he glanced at Namjoon, who had already looked away from him.

Yoongi cleared his throat. "Now I think we've gushed about each other enough for one night. But if you'll indulge us in raising a glass…"

Jimin lifted his glass of champagne. "To true love." The guests cheered as Yoongi pulled Jimin in for a sweet kiss.

Eunkyung clapped her hands together. "Now for the happy couple to open up the dance floor."

Yoongi took Jimin's hand and led him to the open dance floor. He held Jimin close as they began swaying together to the music. "Do you remember the last time we danced at an engagement party?" Jimin asked.

"Of course." Yoongi nodded. "I could barely control myself that night."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "The way I remember it, you didn't."

The music swelled and Jimin could feel the eyes of their guests on them. "Should we give them a show?" Yoongi asked.

"Why not?" Jimin smiled. "Kiss me." Yoongi placed a finger beneath Jimin's chin, tilting his face slightly to meet him in a sweet romantic kiss. The crowd let out a collective sigh at the display of affection. "How did you feel about me back then?" Jimin asked as Yoongi pulled away. "At your last engagement party?"

"I was still trying to fight it." Yoongi said honestly. "But I was definitely already falling for you."

Jimin leaned in again, letting his lips brushed the edge of Yoongi's ear as he whispered, "Tell me what you wish you could've done to me that night."

An appreciative growl rumbled low in Yoongi's chest. "Those are dangerous words." Jimin just smiled as Yoongi paused. "I wanted to hold you even closer. Like this." He gripped Jimin's waist tighter, jolting the omega against his body. "And I desperately wanted to kiss your neck." He dipped Jimin, baring the omega's neck so he could press a kiss against it. Jimin gasped at the heat of Yoongi's lips against his skin. "It was all I could do not to steal you away and rip your clothes off." Yoongi continued as he brought Jimin back up.

"I might've let you." Jimin said.

"What about now?" Yoongi asked. "If we were to steal away to the rooftop and lock the door behind us? What would you let me do to you?"

Heat flooded through Jimin, his panties already starting to grow damp with slick. "I'd let you do anything you want." He didn't even wait for the song to end before taking Yoongi's hand and pulling him off the dance floor.

When they reached the rooftop lounge, they were greeted by a magnificent view of the city skyline. Jimin moved to the railing to take it in. "Wow…" He breathed out in awe. "Sometimes I forget how beautiful this city is."

"Me too." Yoongi murmured as he joined Jimin. "Like when I'm too focused on how beautiful you are."

Jimin felt his cheeks flush. "I'm already mating you. You don't have to lay it on."

"To be fair, you gave me the perfect setup." Yoongi pointed out as he wrapped his arms around Jimin's waist, pulling the omega back against his chest. "I couldn't resist."

The sense of déjà vu Jimin had felt during the dance grew stronger. "So about the whole ripping my clothes off thing…"

Yoongi turned Jimin in his arms and immediately captured the omega's lips in his, pressing Jimin against the railing and guiding one of Jimin's legs up around his hip. Jimin felt Yoongi's erection pressing against his center through their clothes and couldn't help but moan. Yoongi gripped Jimin's waist as if he needed to have every centimeter of the omega touching him. Jimin sank his teeth into Yoongi's bottom lip, pulling a groan from the alpha as he ran his tongue over the bite. Yoongi's lips moved from Jimin's mouth to his neck, along his jaw, up to his ear, like he was trying to devour Jimin.

Jimin slid his hand between their bodies, smirking against Yoongi's lips as he palmed at the alpha's erection through his pants. Yoongi immediately reached between them to unbutton and unzip his pants, allowing Jimin to slip his hand inside. Jimin closed his hand around the alpha's dick, stroking him gently as his own arousal grew. Then Jimin dropped to his knees before Yoongi, tugging his pants and underwear down to expose him to the omega. "You don't have to-"

"I want to." Jimin said eagerly before taking Yoongi's dick fully into his mouth.

Yoongi's head fell back, the alpha groaning in pleasure as Jimin swirled his tongue along his length. He alternated between licking and sucking, his head bobbing back and forth, taking Yoongi all the way in until his tip hit the back of Jimin's throat then pulling back until he was suckling at just the tip. Jimin glanced up at Yoongi, the act seeming to turn the alpha on even more as he tangled his fingers in Jimin's hair. But then Yoongi tugged just hard enough to get Jimin to pull off of him. "I want to taste you too." Yoongi said, tugging Jimin to his feet and dropping to his knees in front of the omega. He pushed the skirt of Jimin's dress up to his hips and pulled his panties down his legs, burying his face between Jimin's thighs as Jimin braced himself against the railing.

Jimin's entire body was tingling as Yoongi expertly worked him over with his mouth, flicking his tongue over him, nipping and sucking at his hole, eating him like Jimin was his first meal in months. Jimin cried out in pleasure as Yoongi pressed two fingers inside of him, thrusting them in at a pace that Jimin could barely follow. He hitched his leg over Yoongi's shoulder, gripping the railing tightly as he bucked his hips against Yoongi's mouth and fingers. Yoongi lapped at Jimin greedily, his fingers steadily bringing Jimin closer and closer to the edge. "Yoongi, I'm so close." Jimin moaned.

Yoongi pulled his fingers out of Jimin and rose to his feet. He gripped Jimin by the waist and lifted him onto the railing, bracing him as Jimin wrapped his legs around the alpha's waist. "My god, you're so sexy like this." Yoongi groaned.

"Show me." Jimin said.

Yoongi's eyes flashed with hunger as he thrusted his hips forward. Jimin gripped Yoongi's shoulders, mouth open in a silent scream as he savored every centimeter of Yoongi that entered him. He used his grip on the railing and the way his legs were wrapped around Yoongi to move with Yoongi, matching each of his thrusts so the alpha reached as deep as he could physically get inside of Jimin. Jimin buried his face in the crook of Yoongi's neck, nipping at the alpha's skin as their hips collided over and over again, his orgasm threatening to claim him any second. Yoongi raked his nails over Jimin's hips, a growl tinging his words as he said, "Come for me, Jimin." That was all it took for Jimin to scream Yoongi's name, not caring if the entire city could hear the pure ecstasy pouring out of him. Although Jimin could feel Yoongi's knot swelling as he started to come down from his high, the alpha made sure to keep it out of him as he spilled inside the omega, which Jimin knew his future self would be very grateful since that wasn't exactly the best place to be knotted.

After a moment of panting to catch their breath, they untangled themselves from each other and began to fix their disheveled clothing. "Here's to not holding back." Jimin smiled.

"Never again." Yoongi agreed, pulling Jimin in for another kiss.

Chapter 9: 9

As the party started winding down, Jimin danced with Jungkook while Yoongi and Taehyung had a spirited dance off. Jimin's attempts to twirl Jungkook were interrupted by a commotion by the entrance, several guests whispering as someone pushed through the crowd. "Can someone point me toward my mate?"

Jimin's eyes widened in disbelief as Jieun became visible. "What the hell?"

Sejin cleared his throat as he came forward to usher the pups away. "Jungkook and Taehyung, why don't you boys come with me?"

Yoongi stepped forward to meet Jieun. "This is completely inappropriate. You need to leave. Now."

"I'm sorry for making a scene." Jieun said. "But what I have to say is important. Can we talk privately?"

Jimin crossed his arms. "If you really wanted to talk privately, you wouldn't have interrupted our engagement party."

"Just say what you need to say and leave." Yoongi said.

Jieun smirked as she handed Yoongi a piece of paper. Jimin leaned over to see it was Jieun and Yoongi's legal mating license. "When the judge declared me legally alive, he also ruled that our mating license was still valid. Which means, as of right now, even if we aren’t still physically bonded, Yoongi and I are still legally mated."

 

Jimin was woken by the creak of his bedroom door. He opened one eye just enough to see the blurry forms of Jungkook and Taehyung peeking into the room. "You two are up early." Jimin mumbled as he sat up.

"I had a nightmare." Jungkook said.

"And I was just protecting him." Taehyung said. "I definitely didn't have a nightmare too."

Yoongi sat up as well, his brow furrowed in concern. "I'm sorry you two had bad dreams."

"You know what makes me feel better when I have a scary dream?" Jimin asked. The boys shook their heads and Jimin reached out for them. "I like snuggles."

Jungkook eagerly climbed into the bed while Taehyung pouted. "But I didn't have a scary dream so what about me?"

Yoongi chuckled quietly. "We need your help for maximum cuddle power." Taehyung joined Jungkook in between Yoongi and Jimin, the four of them holding each other close. "So what was the nightmare about?" Yoongi asked.

"I was all alone in a subway station and there was a monster chasing me." Jungkook said. "I kept thinking I saw you, Jimin, but you'd disappear before I could get to you."

Jimin ran his fingers through Jungkook's hair. "You know I’m not going anywhere, right?"

"Even though our eomma is back?" Taehyung asked.

"You're stuck with me." Jimin offered them a soft smile. "I hope you like my bad jokes and constant singing because they're sticking around."

Jungkook smiled and snuggled further into Jimin's side. "Good."

"I know this situation is pretty confusing." Yoongi said. "But you can always come to us if you have questions."

"And you won't get mad?" Taehyung asked.

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. "Why would we be mad?"

Taehyung averted his gaze. "Aren't eommas and appas supposed to be together?"

"Families come in all shapes and sizes." Jimin said. "Sometimes pups have both of their birth parents, sometimes they have one."

Yoongi nodded. "Pups can also be raised by their grandparents or adopted. There's no one way to be a family."

Taehyung pursed his lips thoughtfully. "I guess that makes sense."

"So then there have to be a bunch of different things to call eommas and appas, right?" Jungkook asked. "I don't really know what to call Jieun."

"Me neither." Taehyung said. "It feels weird to call her Eomma. We barely even know her."

"It's okay to just call her by her name like you've been doing." Yoongi assured them.

"Whatever you're comfortable with works." Jimin pressed a kiss to each of their foreheads.

Yoongi gently nudged the boys. "Time to get up and brush your teeth and get dressed."

"Race you!" Taehyung called out as he and Jungkook scrambled to get out of the bed.

Once they were gone, Yoongi shifted closer to Jimin and wrapped his arm around the omega. "Thank you for helping me with that. I think they needed to hear it."

"I can't blame them." Jimin said. "I have about a million questions myself after last night." Jimin sighed as he curled into Yoongi's side. "If you and Jieun are still legally mated, don't you have to get a divorce? And how long will that take?"

Yoongi gently cupped Jimin's face, tilting his head so their eyes met. "There's no way that we're still legally mated and I have my lawyers on it. Jieun's just desperate so she's grasping at straws. You're still the omega I want to mate. Our ceremony's still happening. Nothing's gonna stand in the way of that." Jimin nodded and Yoongi pulled him into a tender kiss. "Speaking of, Eunkyung set up some venue tours for us later today."

Jimin smiled. "That sounds like the perfect distraction. Should we bring the boys?"

"That's a great idea." Yoongi said. "We just have to wrangle them first."

 

Sejin pulled up to an assuming warehouse in Seongsu-dong. Jimin raised an eyebrow as he climbed out of the car. "Are you sure this is the right address?"

"It's the one Eunkyung-ssi sent over." Sejin said.

Taehyung began bouncing in excitement. "Is this where your mating ceremony is going to be? I bet there's spiders!"

"And ghosts!" Jungkook added on.

Yoongi wrapped an arm around Jimin's waist. "I'm sure there's an explanation."

As if on cue, Eunkyung appeared with a bright smile. "Hello, hello!"

Jimin turned to her and gestured at the warehouse. "I know you're a miracle worker, Eunkyung, but this might be too big a makeover even for you."

"Oh, no, no, this isn't a venue." Eunkyung assured them. "This is…" She paused. "Actually, it's easier to just show you." They followed Eunkyung into a bright empty room with padded walls. "This is the office of Perfect Day VR, a company that specializes in virtual reality venue planning. Here you can tour potential venues anywhere in the world without leaving Seoul."

"Cool!" Taehyung gushed.

"This sounds amazing!" Jimin exclaimed. "We can really go anywhere?"

"How about ancient Rome?" Jungkook asked.

"Or underwater!" Taehyung requested.

A technician appeared with a cart of equipment and offered them each a VR headset. "It might be good to do a little test run to get your bearings." Eunkyung suggested.

Jimin nodded. "Then let's try ancient Rome." They all put on their headsets as the technician set up the program before handing Eunkyung the tablet. An empty Roman Colosseum materialized around Jimin and he could see Yoongi and the twins' avatars nearby. He looked around the virtual world in awe. "It feels like a lion's gonna pop out and attack any second!"

"I'd fight it and protect you!" Jungkook growled.

"Not if I fought it first!" Taehyung argued.

Yoongi chuckled. "As exciting as it would be to have our ceremony here, I think we're gonna need a venue that still exists."

"Luckly I've found a couple of options that fit the bill." Eunkyung tapped at the tablet and the world began to morph. "The first one is a hotel just uptown."

"I've been to a few events here." Yoongi mused. "It would definitely be convenient."

"The ballroom should fit all your guests and it brings a touch of classic elegance." Eunkyung said.

Jimin hummed as he took in the ballroom around him. "It definitely says 'mating ceremony'."

"But there's no chairs." Taehyung pouted. "Am I gonna have to stand the whole time?"

Eunkyung chuckled. "We'll rent furniture and I'll make sure to get extra comfy chairs for you two."

"This is a solid option." Yoongi said. "But I wanna see what else you found for us."

"Coming right up." The screen went black for a moment, then Jimin found himself standing on an oceanside boardwalk in a tropical locale. "Welcome to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico."

Jimin's lips parted in awe. "It's beautiful!"

"It's a great city too." Yoongi said. "I was there a few years ago after a conference."

"The beach looks fun!" Jungkook exclaimed.

Jimin took a few minutes to navigate in the VR, exploring Puerto Vallarta at his own pace. "Now let me show you the actual venue your ceremony would take place in…" Eunkyung tapped at the tablet and Jimin was momentarily speechless as the next location loaded around him. The soft pink decorations, the arrangement of flowers, and the warm glow of candles lighting the space was almost exactly what Jimin had always pictured his mating ceremony would look like. "Do you love it?"

"It's perfect!" Jimin smiled.

"Yoongi?" Eunkyung asked. "Your thoughts?"

Yoongi reached out to find Jimin's hand and squeezed it. "If Jimin loves it, I love it. And it would be nice to get away from the city for a bit."

Jungkook nodded in agreement. "Like a bonus vacation!"

"With endless burritos!" Taehyung added on.

"What do you think?" Eunkyung asked. "Do you want to have your ceremony here or in Seoul?"

"Definitely here." Jimin said without hesitation.

Eunkyung smiled. "I knew you'd fall in love with this one."

"Could we look around a little more?" Jimin asked. "Start visualizing how the ceremony will go?"

"Of course." Eunkyung nodded. "Take all the time you need." She removed her headset and her avatar disappeared from the virtual room.

Jimin turned to Yoongi, his excitement growing. "I can already picture this place filled with our family and friends. You up at the altar-"

"Like this?" Yoongi stepped into place beneath the archway at the front of the room.

"Perfect!" Jimin clapped excitedly.

"Where are we gonna be?" Jungkook asked.

"You'll be in the processional." Jimin said. "Which means you get to walk down the aisle ahead of me."

"Can I do a robot walk?" Taehyung asked.

"Or we could pretend to be airplanes." Jungkook said.

Jimin giggled. "I think we'll do a regular walk on the day of but since this is just practice, we should definitely walk like robots."

Taehyung immediately began moving his arms stiffly and making his voice sound robotic. "Beep boop! Get. Ready. For. Happily. Ever. After." He began waddling down the aisle, Jungkook laughing right behind him.

"Now it's my turn!" Jimin announced once the boys reached Yoongi. He began his best robot impression as he made his own way down the aisle. Yoongi laughed brightly. "Would you still mate me if I was a robot?" Jimin asked.

"As long as you're still you." Yoongi said sincerely, taking Jimin's hands in his.

Jimin smiled. "Next would be the actual ceremony--readings and vows and everything."

"Do you want a quick ceremony?" Yoongi asked. "Or really go for it with long vows and a 'does anyone object' moment?"

"Oh, we have to do everything and anything." Jimin said. "I plan on this being my only mating ceremony so I want to go all out. Love poems, a super long vows speech from me about what chemical elements we are, a full orchestral rendition of our song."

Yoongi chuckled. "You really mean all out."

Jungkook frowned. "Can Taehyung and I sit with Halmeoni and Halabeoji? Because that seems like a long time to be standing."

"That's fair." Jimin giggled. "We can skip the objections moment though. The only person whose objection I'd care about is yours."

Yoongi smiled. "And you can rest assured I won't have any."

It was funny for Jimin to be looking at Yoongi's avatar as the twins fidgeted beside him. "This place is nice but can we go to outer space?" Taehyung asked.

"Maybe if you ask the technician really nicely." Jimin said.

"We'll be super polite!" Jungkook insisted. Before Jimin could respond, the boys' avatars disappeared and he heard them asking the technician if they could go to the moon in the VR.

Yoongi stepped closer to Jimin, gently squeezing his hands. "I don't wanna spoil my vows so I think the only thing left to practice is the kiss."

Jimin grinned. "We definitely don't wanna forget that." He tilted his head, being careful of their headsets as he pressed his lips to Yoongi's.

Yoongi wrapped his arms around Jimin's waist, tugging him closer. "I love you." He murmured into the kiss.

"I love you too." Jimin whispered. "I can't wait until all this is real."

"It will be before we know it." Yoongi said.

They removed their headsets and walked over to the other side of the room where Eunkyung was supervising the twins. "All good?" Eunkyung asked. "It's still the one?"

Jimin and Yoongi shared a look before nodding simultaneously. "It's the one." Jimin smiled.

"Wonderful." Eunkyung clasped her hands together. "I'll send over the paperwork and we can go from there."

"Sounds good." Jimin said. "Thanks for arranging this, Eunkyung. Everything's starting to feel really real now."

"It'll be here before you know it." Eunkyung said.

Chapter 10: 10

 When Sejin pulled up outside Yoongi's building, he climbed out of the car and handed the keys to Yoongi. "Thank you, Sejin. You've got the boys from here?"

Sejin nodded. "We have an exciting evening of noraebang planned."

"You do?" Jimin asked in surprise.

"And I'm gonna win!" Taehyung exclaimed.

"You can't win noraebang." Jungkook deadpanned. "Plus, if anyone's gonna win, it'll be me."

As Sejin escorted the bickering twins into the lobby of the building, Jimin turned to Yoongi. "What's going on?"

Yoongi smiled. "I am taking you out for a date night just the two of us. After everything we've been through, I don't want you to feel neglected in the midst of all this chaos." Jimin gave Yoongi's hand a grateful squeeze.

The sun was beginning to set by the time they arrived at Seoul Botanic Park. The parking lot was suspiciously empty despite the beautiful weather. "Are you sure it's open?" Jimin asked.

"It is for us." Yoongi said. "I rented out the entire place for the rest of the day."

Jimin shook his head slightly but couldn't help the smile spreading across his face. "Of course you did."

It wasn't quite spring just yet but the gardens were already beginning to bloom. Yoongi offered Jimin his arm as they walked along the paths. "You know, the talk we had with the boys this morning got me thinking…" He glanced at Jimin. "What should they call you once we're mated?"

"They can call me whatever they're most comfortable with." Jimin said. "Whether that be Eomma or Imo or even just Jimin. What matters is that they don't feel forced into calling me something they don’t want." Yoongi leaned over to give Jimin a sweet kiss.

They walked through a row of blooming bushes as the shadows continued to grow longer. "Something else to consider is if we want to expand our little family. Have you thought about whether you'd like to have biological pups?"

Jimin smiled softly at Yoongi. "Another pup is definitely in our future. If Jungkook and Taehyung have taught me anything, it's how much I love seeing you as a father, and I want to be able to witness that from the very beginning. I want to have a pup with you."

The sun finally dipped below the horizon and the gardens erupted in a rainbow of colorful lights. "They put on a lightscape show during the winter months." Yoongi said. "If you time it just right, you can see the flowers and the lights."

"I'm glad our timing worked out." Jimin said.

"Same." Yoongi nodded. "It wasn't too long ago that we didn't have much of a future to talk about."

"But now that we do, it's making me very excited." Jimin said meaningfully.

Yoongi pulled Jimin into his arms as the colors pulsed around them. "We do happen to be all alone out here. We could take advantage of the privacy." He leaned down to nuzzle Jimin's scent gland, his breath warm in the chilly night air.

Jimin bit his lip. "I like the sound of that."

"Then let's live in the present before we get too wrapped up in the future." Yoongi murmured.

Jimin tilted his head to capture Yoongi's lips with his own, looping his arms around the alpha's neck as Yoongi's tightened around his waist. Their tongues danced together and Jimin felt a thrill at being so out in the open even though he knew they were completely alone. "I have an idea." Jimin whispered and Yoongi hummed. "We should play strip hide and seek."

Yoongi raised his eyebrows. "Not sure I'm familiar with that game."

"It's easy." Jimin smiled. "Close your eyes, count to 20, then follow the trail of clothes."

"Sounds fun." Yoongi said. "You ready?" He closed his eyes and began counting as Jimin pulled off his clothes. Jimin left them in a trail as he ventured further into the grove. "19…20! Ready or not, here I come!"

Jimin suppressed a giggle as he put his back to one of the trees to hide. He peeked around it to see Yoongi approaching through the thicket. He moved back to the cover of the tree, waiting until Yoongi was closer before jumping out. "Got you!" Jimin froze in confusion when he realized Yoongi was nowhere in sight. "What?" Furrowing his eyebrows, Jimin headed back toward the edge of the trees only for Yoongi to jump out in front of him, causing him to scream in surprise.

Laughing, Yoongi wrapped his arms around Jimin. "What's my prize for finding you?"

"You get to join me…" Jimin pressed fiery kisses to Yoongi's lips as he tugged at the alpha's clothes, eager to feel his skin against his own.

Once Yoongi was naked, he lifted Jimin up, cupping his ass as Jimin wrapped his legs around the alpha's waist. "That's better." He hummed in approval as he backed Jimin up against one of the trees, their lips crashing together hungrily. Heat grew between them as Yoongi tilted his head to trail kisses down Jimin's neck. Jimin let his head fall back to give Yoongi more space to work with. "As much as I'd like to fuck you right here and now, there are so many other things I want to do to you." Yoongi groaned.

"What's stopping you?" Jimin asked.

With a smirk, Yoongi dropped Jimin to his feet and took his hand to lead him down the path. "We have to find the perfect spot first."

"We should find somewhere among the lights." Jimin suggested. "The brightest most exposed spot in the garden."

"Whatever you want, my love." Yoongi led Jimin over to the far side of the lightscape to a section where the lights surrounded them in an almost blinding array of color.

Jimin laid back on the soft grass, propping himself up on his elbows as he took in Yoongi's form silhouetted against the lights. "Now what's your excuse?"

Yoongi grinned. "Nothing's stopping me now." He knelt over Jimin, who urged him closer, kissing the alpha's thighs and along his hips. The lights illuminated every single place Jimin wanted to touch and taste. He slid his hand down to caress the base of Yoongi's dick as he took the alpha into his mouth. Jimin loved being able to see exactly how much Yoongi loved it. To watch the alpha's chest heaving as his breath quickened. Jimin slowly took every centimeter of his dick into his mouth, feeling the tip hit the back of his throat, before drawing back again, Jimin was happy to take his time getting Yoongi as hot as he already felt. "You feel…so good…" Yoongi moaned out. Jimin hummed against Yoongi, earning a shudder from the alpha. Jimin picked up his pace and Yoongi's soft moans grew louder.

Before Yoongi reached his climax, Jimin pulled off of Yoongi fully and gazed up at him. "I want you to make love to me." He said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "Right here."

Yoongi shifted his position over Jimin, settling in between the omega's legs as he captured his lips in a searing kiss. Yoongi's hunger was apparent in every slide of his tongue against Jimin's. Their bodies were flush against each other and Jimin could feel his own need rising like the tide. Yoongi broke the kiss to trail his lips down Jimin's neck, leaving soft bites every so often.

Jimin gasped as he felt Yoongi's dick pressing against his thigh, the sound quickly shifting into a moan as Yoongi reached between them to guide himself to Jimin's entrance and pushed inside. "Fuck, you feel so good." Jimin moaned, digging his fingers into Yoongi's shoulders.

Yoongi rocked his hips against Jimin, kissing and nipping at the omega's neck with every thrust. Jimin arched his back and tilted his head to give Yoongi better access. As he felt Yoongi's knot starting to swell, Jimin began to lift his hips to meet Yoongi's movements, each thrust driving them both closer to the edge. When Yoongi's knot locked into place, it sent Jimin over the edge, the omega coming with a loud cry of Yoongi's name. Yoongi followed a moment later, groaning deeply against Jimin's neck as he filled the omega up.

As they came down from their high, Yoongi gently shifted them so they were laying on their sides in the grass, his arm securely around Jimin's waist. Jimin turned his head to look up at the stars above and lights all around them. "We should go on surprise dates more often." He decided.

"Absolutely." Yoongi agreed. "As long as they all end in each other's arms." Jimin sighed contentedly as he snuggled even closer to Yoongi.

 

Jimin was in the middle of a meeting when a notification popped up on his tablet--a message from Dohyun. Biting back a groan, Jimin opened the notification.

You need to come back to the lab ASAP

Theres an emergency!

Arent you supposed to be in charge?!

Be right there

Jimin cleared his throat and stood up. "I'm so sorry everyone but I have to cut this short. I'll follow up in an email later." He hugged his tablet to his chest as he rushed out of the conference room toward the elevator.

When he finally arrived at the lab, he found it as calm as ever. There was no sign of fires or chemical spills. Just Dohyun waiting by Jimin's office door. "About time." Dohyun huffed.

"Dohyun, did you lie to get me down here?" Jimin asked in annoyance. "I get that you're not happy that I'm in charge but I was in an important meeting."

"I wasn't lying!" Dohyun insisted. "It's in your office! See for yourself!"

Rolling his eyes, Jimin pushed open the door to find Hoseok and Geonwoo locked in a passionate embrace on his desk. And they were completely oblivious to Jimin's arrival until he flicked the light on, causing them to spring apart. "What the fuck is going on?"

Hoseok and Geonwoo stared at him with wide eyes while trying to cover themselves up. "You're supposed to be in a meeting!" Geonwoo exclaimed.

"And you're supposed to be watching the lab!" Jimin retorted. He crossed his arms and looked between them. "You two have some explaining to do. Do you know how bad this looks? You’re putting my job at risk!"

"I'm so sorry, Jimin." Hoseok said.

Jimin shook his head slightly. "Just get dressed. I can't talk to you like this.” He left the office to find Dohyun waiting for him outside with Seokjin. "You called Seokjin?" Jimin asked in disbelief.

"Of course." Dohyun smiled. "If you refuse to take the security of this lab seriously then someone else has to step up."

Seokjin scowled. "This is the 'emergency' that the CEO of the company had to personally come deal with?"

"Jimin has completely lost control of the lab!" Dohyun exclaimed. "While he was off doing who knows what-"

Jimin cut him off. "I was in a meeting with manufacturing."

Dohyun spoke over him. "And the person you left in charge was having a rendezvous with your best friend, a clear violation of lab security protocols. How can you be in charge when you don't even know what's going on?"

"You're right that it's a security breach." Jimin said. "But everything is under control. This was just one incident and you didn't even give me five minutes to address it. This doesn't mean I don't know what's going on." He looked to Jiyoon and Woojin for support but they averted their eyes.

"See?" Dohyun scoffed. "Not even your friends think you should be in charge."

"They didn't say that!" Jimin said incredulously.

Dohyun looked at Jimin smugly. "They didn't have to."

Seokjin crossed his arms over his chest. "Jimin, if you want to be in charge here, you're gonna have to be better at managing your employees."

"But-"

"You'll have a chance to prove you still deserve this promotion at the end of the week." Seokjin said. "I need you to negotiate a contract with Vitaveo Health Systems on behalf of the lab and Min-Kim at large."

Jimin's eyes widened. "Vitaveo? That's the biggest hospital network in the country!"

"And if you fuck it up, I'll demote you all the way down to intern." Seokjin threatened. "Understood?"

"Understood." Jimin nodded quickly.

"Good." Seokjin said. "Now I have much more important things to do than referee inter office politics so figure out whatever's going on there." He walked off without another word and Jimin steeled himself before going back into his office.

Chapter 11: 11

Hoseok and Geonwoo stood awkwardly in front of Jimin's desk, both wearing ashamed expressions. "I am absolutely mortified you saw that." Geonwoo said.

"Oh, I'm the least of your worries." Jimin said. "Dohyun made sure the entire lab knows what was going on in here. He even called Seokjin down."

Geonwoo's eyes widened in horror. "Oh god, I'll never live this down."

Jimin sighed. "Geonwoo, you know we have to talk about this. Boss to employee." Geonwoo nodded solemnly.

"Please let me stay." Hoseok spoke up. "As your best friend, I owe you an explanation."

"You're right, you do owe me an explanation." Jimin agreed.

Hoseok took a deep breath. "What do you wanna know?"

Jimin crossed his arms over his chest. "Tell me why you thought hooking up in my office was okay. It's incredibly inappropriate, not to mention the security issues. Geonwoo, you took advantage of my friendship and put both our jobs at real risk."

"I am so sorry, Jimin. "Geonwoo repeated.

"We just got caught up in the moment." Hoseok said quietly. "We only just started seeing each other last week. We went to a gallery opening and I couldn’t stand wondering anymore." He and Geonwoo shared a look and smiled fondly at each other despite the tension in the room.

"He told me how he felt and I couldn't lie to him." Geonwoo said. "I told him I felt the same."

"It's been a whirlwind ever since." Hoseok said. "Stealing whatever time together we can."

Jimin felt a pang of sympathy as he thought back to the days of sneaking around with Yoongi. "I know what' that's like." Jimin said softly.

Hoseok frowned. "Maybe that's why it seemed okay to be here. Because you know what we're going through."

"But Yoongi and I only put ourselves at risk." Jimin reminded him. "I'm not saying we did everything right but no one got fired because of us."

"You're right." Hoseok nodded. "We were being selfish."

Jimin studied them for a few more moments before letting out a heavy sigh. "I can tell you care about each other and I do want you to be happy."

"But?" Geonwoo raised his eyebrows.

"I'm gonna tell you what I wished someone had told me when I first started dating Yoongi." Jimin said. "You two should be more careful. Seokjin could've fired you. Could've fired me. And Dohyun could tell your mate, Geonwoo."

"I know." Geonwoo ran a hand through his hair. "We weren't thinking."

"So you're not mad?" Hoseok asked.

"That you're in a relationship?" Jimin shook his head. "It's not my place to judge you. I know what it's like to fall in love with someone you shouldn't. Which is why I'm telling you to watch your step." Hoseok and Geonwoo sat quietly, soaking up Jimin's advice. "You're both adults. I can't control what you do outside of work. But you're also my employee, Geonwoo. I can't look the other way if it's gonna affect the lab."

Geonwoo nodded in understanding. "It absolutely won't happen again."

"Good." Jimin said. "But you know I have to file a report with Hr. And I'm suspending you without pay for the rest of the week."

"I understand." Geonwoo said quietly.

Jimin cleared his throat. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to sanitize my desk."

"We'll help." Hoseok offered.

The tension finally started to dissipate as Jimin wiped down his computer monitor and keyboard very thoroughly.

 

Jimin and Yoongi met Eunkyung at a fancy restaurant to decide on the menu for their mating ceremony. "If the food here's anywhere near as nice as the décor, I think we're in for a treat." Jimin said, eager to start tasting the food.

"This place just opened a few months ago, right?" Yoongi asked. "I've heard the chef is a culinary darling."

Eunkyung nodded. "He's catered for a few prominent couples, all to rave reviews. And here he is now." A young alpha in a chef's coat emerged from the kitchen and approached them with a bright smile. "Chef Cho, this is Min Yoongi and his fiancée, Park Jimin."

"Welcome." Chef Cho bowed to Yoongi and Jimin. "I'm excited to show you what I've come up with for your menu. I hope you're hungry." HE led them to a table and gestured for Jimin, Yoongi, and Eunkyung to take a seat. "I've prepared options for the cocktail hour, starters, and the main course for you to try. And of course, I've had my pastry chef whip up some samples so you can decide on your cake too."

Jimin smiled. "I can't wait to try everything."

"For the cocktail hour, we'll want a full bar plus nonalcoholic options for the pups." Yoongi said.

"Absolutely." Chef Cho agreed. "Which just leaves your signature cocktail. We've prepared a light, refreshing champagne cocktail…" He offered them each a champagne flute topped with fresh berries. The fine champagne was complemented by a hint of raspberry. "And a more classic bourbon with vermouth and a grapefruit twist." Jimin accepted a rocks glass and sipped the bold drink which immediately warmed his stomach.

"So romantic champagne or classic bourbon?" Eunkyung asked.

"I like the bourbon more." Jimin said and Yoongi murmured his agreement.

Chef Cho nodded. "A refined choice for a refined couple." Eunkyung jotted down their choice on her tablet. "I'm gonna check on the first courses. Just give me one minute."

"I'll join you." Eunkyung stood up. "I have a few questions for your pastry chef." They headed toward the kitchen, leaving Jimin and Yoongi alone.

Jimin idly swirled the remaining bourbon cocktail in his glass, his mind wandering to the drama at the lab. He felt eyes on him and glanced up to see Yoongi studying him. "You seem distracted." Yoongi said. "Thinking about Hoseok and Geonwoo?"

"Sorry." Jimin sighed. "It's just hard to focus with everything going on."

"Are you worried about your job?" Yoongi asked. "Or your friends?"

"Both." Jimin said. "But mostly about my place in the lab. I know Dohyun's had it out for me since Seokjin gave me his job but I thought Geonwoo had my back. This made us both look bad."

"One incident shouldn't outweigh all the good work you've done since taking over the lab." Yoongi assured him.

Jimin frowned. "Tell that to Seokjin and Dohyun."

Yoongi wrapped an arm around Jimin's shoulders and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Everything will be okay. At work and with your friends."

"I hope so." Jimin muttered.

A tiny smile tugged at Yoongi's lips. "Can't say I don't understand where they're coming from though. Sometimes when you're stressed at work, all you wanna do is blow off steam. I have a big meeting coming up this week and could use a distraction too."

Jimin felt his skin flush at the implication. "But I still don’t want them fucking on my desk! I'm the only one allowed to have a distraction in there."

Yoongi smirked as he brought his glass to his lips for another sip. "On that, you and I are in complete agreement. Hopefully the same will be true for all of the catering choices we're about to make."

As Jimin met Yoongi's gaze, he was suddenly struck by the strangeness of planning a mating ceremony while Yoongi was still legally mated even if the bond had faded. "Has there been any word from the lawyers?" Jimin asked. "About Jieun and the mating certificate?"

Yoongi cleared his throat, toying with the napkin under his glass. "Not yet. It's taking longer than I expected but-"

"I hope you're ready for some appetizers." Chef Cho and Eunkyung returned, interrupting their conversation. Chef Cho set two mouthwatering dishes in front of them but Jimin's thoughts lingered on Yoongi's response. Something was off with him. Jimin hoped he wasn't having second thoughts.

"I asked Chef Cho to think outside the box for your first course." Eunkyung said. "An unconventional couple deserves an unconventional appetizer."

"We've prepared a beautiful, braised octopus with artichoke or a bright herby Mediterranean bean salad." Chef Cho presented the dishes.

Jimin wasn't a huge fan of seafood himself, but seeing the way Yoongi's eyes lit up as he tried the octopus dish, Jimin knew there was no way he couldn't pick that one. "I'm gonna have dreams about this dish." Yoongi said with a slight moan.

"You won't be disappointed with your choice." Chef Cho assured them. "Next up…" At his command, a server brought out the main courses. "We have roasted duck with a red wine sauce on creamy polenta or baked pesto salmon with asparagus."

Jimin immediately fell in love with the duck. "I could eat this every day for the rest of my life."

"Eunkyung, please make sure we actually have time to eat during the reception." Yoongi begged. "I don't want to miss this."

Eunkyung chuckled. "Noted. There will also be a vegetarian option, of course. But now, let's talk cake."

"We've prepared our most popular flavors for you." Chef Cho presented a slice of chocolate, a slice of strawberry, and a slice of vanilla. Once again, Jimin wasn't a huge fan of cake, so he followed Yoongi's lead when the alpha chose the vanilla. "Now for the design. My pastry chef mocked a few designs for you."

Jimin took a look at the pictures of mating ceremony cakes, his attention snagging on two styles. "What do you think of this one?" HE asked Yoongi as he pointed to a white multi-tiered cake decorated in pink roses.

"Very elegant." Yoongi said. "I also like this one." He pointed to another multi-tiered cake with décor separating the cake in half and a marbled pattern in the icing.

"They're both beautiful choices." Eunkyung said. "You can't go wrong."

Jimin studied both pictures before choosing the one with the pink roses. "I think it fits us, don't you?" He glanced at Yoongi with a soft smile.

"It's perfect." Yoongi murmured.

"Then I think we've got everything." Chef Cho beamed. "I'm excited to work with you on your big day."

Eunkyung turned to the chef. "Let's talk details before we finalize the contract." She glanced at Jimin and Yoongi for a brief second. "We won't be long, you two."

"No worries." Jimin smiled. "We'll just be finishing off these samples."

As Chef Cho and Eunkyung headed toward the back office, Yoongi leaned over to Jimin. "You know, our menu is going to be full of aphrodisiacs. Artichokes, asparagus, chocolate…almost every sample we tasted had one."

Jimin snorted. "There's no scientific basis for food actually stimulating desire."

A wicked smile spread across Yoongi's face. "I bet I can make a believer out of you." He leaned in to kiss and nip at Jimin's scent gland, his intentions apparent.

"Here?" Jimin asked in disbelief. "Now?"

"Eunkyung rented out the entire restaurant for us." Yoongi said. "We can sneak into the kitchen while they finish up in the office." He leaned back to look at Jimin with a challenging glint in his eyes. "Unless you're too afraid of being proven wrong."

Jimin raised his eyebrows, unable to turn down a good challenge. "You know I can't resist a scientific experiment." He grabbed Yoongi's hand and tugged him up from the table, pulling him toward the kitchen.

As soon as the doors swung shut behind them, Yoongi pulled Jimin into his arms. "I'm always happy to be your test subject." He kissed Jimin roughly before breaking away to grab an already open bottle of champagne, pouring them each a glass. "Just a little something to get us started." He raised his glass and Jimin followed suit. "To the scientific method."

"Hear, hear." Jimin giggled and clinked his glass against Yoongi's before taking a sip of his champagne, enjoying the effervescence.

Yoongi leaned in for another kiss, the tingle of champagne lingering on his lips. "Now it's time for the first test." He opened one of the large refrigerators and searched for a moment before returning with a bowl of strawberries.

"Well?" Jimin looked at Yoongi expectantly. "I thought you were gonna prove something to me?" He licked his lips before opening his mouth. Yoongi's breath hitched as he stared at Jimin. Then he plucked a strawberry from the bowl and placed it between Jimin's lips. He carefully bit into the other side, his lips brushing against Jimin's around the berry. "Delicious." Jimin hummed.

"Yes you are." Yoongi smirked.

Jimin bit back a laugh. "Not very empirical though. I think we need another test."

"I know just what to try next." Yoongi headed over to one of the prep stations and brought back a bundle of bright red chili peppers, dangling them before Jimin. "Chili peppers get your heart racing and your adrenaline going, stimulating the body."

"I'm game." Jimin said. "For science."

"How much do you think you can handle?" Yoongi asked.

Jimin plucked a pepper from the bunch. "You know I'm always up for a challenge." Yoongi watched hungrily as Jimin wrapped his lips around the pepper, slowly taking it all into his mouth. When Jimin got to the stem, he bit down and an explosion of heat erupted in his mouth.

"Too hot?" Yoongi asked.

"Nothing I can't handle." Jimin replied. "But I think it's time for a little audience participation." HE captured Yoongi's lips with his own, letting the alpha feel the heat.

When they broke apart, Jimin saw a flush rising in Yoongi's cheeks. "The pepper's hot but you put it to shame." Yoongi winked.

They both tamped down on the spice with some champagne, the lingering heat only making Jimin want Yoongi more. Jimin leaned into Yoongi, his lips trailing from the alpha's mouth to his jaw to his neck in languid kisses. "What other tricks do you have up your sleeve, Yoongi?"

Yoongi's hands roamed Jimin's body, moving over his thighs, his ass, his back. "Just one." HE glanced at a bowl of tempered chocolate sauce on the prep station.

Jimin grabbed the bowl and pulled it over to them, using a spoon to taste the smooth richness of the chocolate. "I hope you don't mind getting a little messy. But I promise I'll lick you clean."

Pure desire raged in Yoongi's eyes. "And where would you like to lick that chocolate off of?"

Jimin spread the chocolate sauce over Yoongi's lips before leaning in to lick it off. He used his tongue to part Yoongi's lips, letting the alpha taste the chocolate on it. "This is how chocolate should always be eaten." Jimin murmured.

"It makes me want to taste something else." In one fluid motion, Yoongi swept some kitchen utensils aside and lifted Jimin onto the countertop. His hands immediately got to work on Jimin's pants, tugging them and his panties down in order to gain access to him.

"I wanna see how fast you can make me cum after all this." Jimin said.

Yoongi knelt in front of Jimin, his eyes flicking up to look at the omega from between his thighs. "Anything for you." He trailed his tongue over Jimin in one long stroke. Jimin groaned and leaned his head back, the cold steel beneath him a balm to his feverish skin. Yoongi's mouth was as skillful as always, and Jimin tried and failed to stifle his moans. Jimin gripped the edge of the counter as Yoongi hooked his legs over his shoulders, pressing further against Jimin and pressing two fingers in alongside his tongue. Jimin bit down on his lip to keep from crying out at the building pleasure. His legs tightened around Yoongi's shoulders, the ecstasy pooling in his stomach quickly approaching its limit. Yoongi's hand pumped furiously against Jimin, the sound of him entering and exiting Jimin's body with the aid of his slick reverberating in the silent kitchen. Finally, Jimin cried out, his voice husky with desire, as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him.

When Jimin's body stopped trembling from the force of his orgasm, Yoongi stood up and helped Jimin off the countertop so he could fix his clothes. "Do you admit I was right about aphrodisiacs?" Yoongi smirked.

Jimin breathed out a laugh. "I'm still not sure the science backs it but you definitely get me hot."

Chapter 12: 12

At the end of the week, it was finally time for Jimin's big contract negotiation. Everything needed to go perfectly that day or Seokjin would have Jimin's head. He was going over his notes when his phone pinged on the nightstand with a new message. "Speak of the devil…" Jimin muttered to himself as he saw that it was from Seokjin.

I hope youre ready for the meeting
today

Im sure i dont need to remind you whats
on the line

Its too early for threats

Can you threaten me AFTER Ive been
awake for more than 2 min?

I need to know youre taking this
seriously

Fine fine Im focused

Can I get back to getting ready now?

Wear something professional so you
dont embarrass me

😐😐😐

After getting dressed, Jimin headed to the hospital the contract negotiations were taking place at and went directly to the reception desk for the administration offices. One of the hospital admin greeted him with a warm smile. "Hello, you must be Park Jimin with Min-Kim."

"That's me." Jimin smiled. "I'm here for a meeting."

"You're actually the second to arrive." The admin informed him.

Jimin blinked in surprise. "The second?"

The omega led him toward a conference room and opened the door to reveal Yoongi, who stood up from the table seeming just as shocked as Jimin felt. "What are you doing here?" Yoongi asked.

"I'm here to negotiate a contract for work." Jimin said.

Yoongi's eyes widened the tiniest bit. "So am I."

Jimin swallowed thickly. "Seokjin didn't tell me that."

"Typical of him." Yoongi sighed. "I didn't realize you'd be here either."

"You two know each other?" The hospital admin asked. "Well, you'll have a minute to catch up while I greet our remaining bidder." He left Jimin and Yoongi in the conference room.

Yoongi cleared his throat and tried to compose himself as he walked over to Jimin. His eyes swept over Jimin and his tense expression softened a bit. "You're beautiful."

"Thank you." Jimin smiled.

"Hopefully the administrator is better at resisting your charms than I am." Yoongi sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I knew I'd be up against Min-Kim eventually--and you. I just didn't think it would be so soon."

"So what do we do?" Jimin asked.

Yoongi shook his head a bit. "Your role in the lab is riding on this. I'd never ask you to sacrifice your career for mine."

"Yeah but a Vitaveo contract would be a game changer for your company." Jimin said. "You have to go for it."

Yoongi bit his lip. "Then I guess we make our pitches and let the best salesperson win."

Jimin nodded in agreement. "Don’t go easy on me. I want to win fair and square."

A smile finally appeared on Yoongi's face. "Then may the best proposal win."

"I'm counting on it." Jimin said.

Before Yoongi could respond, the hospital administrator returned with an alpha in tow. She looked at Yoongi with a broad grin. "Aren't you Min Yoongi? I thought your dad fired you from his company."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I left to start my own venture. Which is why I'm here."

Jimin cleared his throat. "I'm actually representing Min-Kim today." He bowed his head politely as he introduced himself. "Park Jimin. And you are?"

"Jang Ara." She introduced herself. "BioGen Applications."

"It's wonderful to meet you all." The hospital admin said as they gathered around the table. "I'm Lim Seojun and I'll be representing Vitaveo Health Systems. Please sit." He gestured for them all to take a seat. Jimin settled into a chair between Yoongi and Ara, pulling out his proposal paperwork. "As you all know, our hospital network is looking to make a serious investment in innovative medical equipment. I've read your proposals but I want to know what sets your companies apart from your competitors."

Jimin jumped in before either alpha could speak. "Min-Kim is different because of our commitment to sustainability. Last year, we debuted our cutting-edge plastic alternative at the industry expo in Monte Carlo. We demonstrated that it's possible to protect the planet without sacrificing the quality of your equipment."

Seojun smiled. "That presentation is a large part of why Min-Kim is under consideration."

"Jimin-nim and I actually collaborated on using the plastic alternative for applications in robotics." Yoongi chimed in.

"Does that mean you're using the tech in your own company?" Seojun asked.

Yoongi shook his head. "The patent's actually owned by Min-Kim but we're developing our own equivalent."

Ara cleared her throat to cut in. "What sets BioGen apart is that thousands of hospitals across the world trust us to deliver reliable affordable products. If you go with us, you know your bottom line will be safe."

Seojun nodded. "That's an important consideration and BioGen's estimate was the lowest of the three." Ara leaned back with a smug smile.

"You're right." Jimin said. "Cost is important. Which is why Min-Kim invests in innovation. Our products are on the bleeding edge, making healthcare workers' jobs easier while improving patient outcomes. Although the upfront cost is slightly higher than our competitors, you'll save money in the long run."

"I did see some encouraging numbers to that effect in your proposal." Seojun turned to Yoongi. "And what about you, Yoongi-nim? Why should I pay more to work with your company?"

"It's true, we don't have the same manufacturing capacity as industry giants." Yoongi said. "But our quality makes us well worth the price. And as we grow in size, costs will go down. Not to mention, if you go with us, you'll have the kind of dedicated attention that only a small business can provide."

"At least until Yoongi-nim here gets more customers." Ara pointed out. "Then you'll have high prices and divided attention."

Jimin glared at Ara, feeling his protectiveness flare up as Yoongi ignored her. "I can assure you, Seojun-nim, Vitaveo would remain our highest priority."

"You know, Min-Kim doesn't need to insult our competition to prove our value." Jimin said. "Unlike Ara-nim, I'm confident in our bid and our products without having to undermine others."

Ara looked at him in shock. "It's just good business to-"

Seojun cut her off. "I agree with Jimin-nim. Vitaveo values professionalism in our business partners." He jotted down a few more notes then set down his pen and regarded the three of them. "I think I've heard everything I need to reach a decision." He paused for a beat before turning to Jimin. "Congratulations, Jimin-nim. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Min-Kim."

Despite his desire to break into a victory dance, Jimin willed himself to remain professional as he stood and shook Seojun's hand. "Thank you, Seojun-nim. I think this will be the start of something great."

"I'll get the paperwork started now." Seojun said. "I appreciate you all for coming down." He hurried out the door as Jimin continued to bask in his win.

Ara gave Jimin a nod as she moved toward the exit. "Well played. I look forward to dancing with you again." Jimin rolled his eyes and turned to Yoongi only to find that he was already out the door. Without even a goodbye.

Jimin caught up to Yoongi in the lobby. "Yoongi, wait!"

Yoongi stopped and Jimin saw his shoulders rise and fall with a heavy sigh. Yoongi turned to Jimin with an unreadable expression. "Yes, Jimin?"

Jimin was a little taken aback by Yoongi's coldness, biting his lip as anxiety rose within him. "I'm sorry. Are you mad? Or rather…mad at me?"

Yoongi's expression softened a little and he pulled Jimin into a hug. "Of course not. I'm proud of you for winning the contract, Jimin." He sighed again. "I'm just feeling off. This was the first big opportunity I've had with the new company."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out for you." Jimin said. "But there will be more chances where-"

"Sorry, Jimin." Yoongi cut him off and stepped back. "But I really need to get home to catch up on emails before getting the boys. Can we talk about this later?"

Jimin frowned but nodded. "Of course." Yoongi headed off toward the exit as a nagging feeling in the pit of Jimin's stomach told the omega he'd done something wrong.

 

Upon arriving at Min-Kim, Jimin headed straight to Seokjin's office to report on the contract negotiation. "Seokjin, about the contract-"

Seokjin cut him off as he looked up from his computer. "I just got an email from Lim Seojun with the good news. Nicely done."

"Thank you." Jimin smiled. "I'm glad I was able to come through for the company."

"And I’m sure you're happy to retain your position as head of the lab too." Seokjin mused.

Jimin's eyes widened. "So I'm not gonna lose my job?"

Seokjin shook his head. "I'm not in the business of demoting people who deliver results." He turned back to his computer. "I hope you gave Yoongi my regards back at the hospital."

"So you did know that Yoongi was going to be there." Jimin crossed his arms over his chest.

"Of course." Seokjin snorted. "Did you think I assigned you this deal because you're an ace negotiator? When the meeting was scheduled, it was just us and Yoongi. I knew you'd throw him off his game and we'd probably win. BioGen was added at the last minute and by then it was too late to assign someone else."

Jimin glared at Seokjin. "You used an employee's relationship to manipulate a business deal. That's at least a few HR violations."

"Which you're free to file." Seokjin said flippantly. "If you want to be fired and blacklisted from the industry. Your call." He stood up and walked around his desk, leaning against the front of it. "It wasn't personal and I really am sorry if it caused any issues with you and Yoongi. Things must be hard enough with the whole Jieun situation."

"Why would you care?" Jimin asked. "We're not friends."

Seokjin shrugged. "Let's just say I'm no stranger to how challenging Jieun can be. I've known her for a long time. Honestly, I've never been more grateful that I didn't end up mating Yoongi."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "Sounds like you know a lot about Jieun."

"About who she used to be at least." Seokjin pushed himself off of his desk. "And as much as I'd love to dish, I have a nail appointment to get to."

"But-"

Seokjin cut Jimin off. "No buts. Nothing is gonna keep me from this mani pedi." He grabbed his purse and walked past Jimin toward the door.

Jimin couldn't deny how strong the desire to know more about Yoongi's ex was. But Seokjin clearly wasn't going to skip his appointment. But maybe…  Before he could truly think about it, Jimin fell into step with Seokjin as he exited his office.

As Seokjin pushed the elevator call button, he eyed Jimin suspiciously. "What are you doing?"

"I could actually use a good mani pedi too if you're up for some company." Jimin said, smiling as the elevator doors opened.

Seokjin raised an eyebrow as they stepped inside and pushed the button for the ground floor. "And why would you want to join me?"

"Because I want dirt on Jieun." Jimin said honestly. "I get the sense that the two of you have some bad blood."

"You picked up on that, did you?" Seokjin said with the tiniest hint of a laugh.

Jimin nodded. "That's why I thought you might be willing to give me a better understanding of what I'm up against."

Seokjin continued to eye Jimin for a moment before eventually sighing. "Fine, you can come.” Jimin started to clap excitedly but Seokjin spoke again. “But no work talk.” After a beat, Seokjin added on, “And I get to pick your colors."

"Deal." Jimin smiled, refraining from hugging Seokjin as he turned to face the elevator doors for the rest of their silent ride.

Chapter 13: 13

Seokjin's driver dropped the two omegas off at a boutique salon and Seokjin swept inside like he owned the place. "Seokjin-nim!" A worker greeted him. "Always lovely to see you!" Her gaze fell on Jimin. "And your friend, of course."

"I wouldn’t call Jimin a friend." Seokjin shook his head. "More of an underling."

"How about a coworker?" Jimin suggested.

Seokjin gave him a hard stare. "I said what I meant. You're an employee at best."

The nail tech gave Jimin a nervous smile, taking the hint to move on. "Let's get you two settled in. Right this way."

Jimin was ushered to a leather massage chair for his pedicure. Seokjin sat beside him, looking through nail polish samples. "Now I'm thinking either a puke green or a drab gray for you. Any preference?"

"Why, so you can give me the other one?" Jimin quipped.

Seokjin barked out a laugh. "Oh relax, Jimin. I'm not some wicked witch. Besides, you're a representative of my company so I need you to be presentable. Any of these will do." Jimin let out a sigh of relief as Seokjin handed him a few bottles of normal colors.

"All decided on colors?" The nail tech smiled. "Then let's get started."

Jimin noticed the ever-present furrow in Seokjin's brow relaxed as the technicians got to work so he seized his chance. "So Seokjin, you and Jieun were never close? It sorta seems like you hate her."

"Hate's a strong word." Seokjin said. "But we never quite saw eye to eye."

Jimin leaned forward in his chair, eager to hear more. "What was she like back then?"

Seokjin shrugged. "She was the Betty to my Veronica, you could say. The omega next door sort that parents love."

"Jieun didn't have ambitions like you?" Jimin asked.

"Oh, she had ambitions." Seokjin snorted. "But she wanted her perfect penthouse life with a mate and two and a half pups whereas I wanted an empire. She was just as willing to be as cutthroat as I was. The only difference is that she acted like she wasn’t. Honestly, it shouldn't have surprised me when Yoongi went for you. You and Jieun have a lot in common."

"Is that supposed to be an insult?" Jimin asked.

"Only if you take it as one." Seokjin said.

"Well, I don't." Jimin said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. "Jieun clearly loves Jungkook and Taehyung and wants to be in their lives. I don't agree with what she's doing but I don’t think she's some horrible monster."

Seokjin shrugged as the nail techs finished their pedicures and began working on their fingernails. "Maybe you're right. Honestly I don't really care. If you're looking for advice or a pep talk, I can't help you. As far as I'm concerned, Jieun won and I lost."

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. "Lost Yoongi you mean? But I thought-"

"What, that our engagement was a complete sham?" Seokjin asked. "I wasn't in love with Yoongi but I've always cared for him. And I always knew he was the key to my success. I was so sure I'd mate him until Jieun came into the picture. Then she 'died' and I had a second chance. Until you."

"So that's the real reason you don't like Jieun." Jimin said in realization.

"It's one of them." Seokjin confirmed. "But all's well that ends well. Turns out I didn't need Yoongi to get what I wanted."

"You may have 'lost' to her but you still know Jieun way better than I do." Jimin pointed out.

Seokjin hummed. "I suppose that's true. What's it to you?"

"Humor me." Jimin said. "What's her angle? She could be throwing a huge fit but she's cooperating with Yoongi's lawyers and staying away from us."

"I don’t think she has an angle." Seokjin shook his head. "I think she's being honest about wanting her family back. If I were you, I would be more concerned with what she's willing to do to get it."

"That's why I'm trying to figure her out." Jimin said. "I need to know what I'm up against."

Seokjin tilted his head thoughtfully. "It was rare but I saw cracks in her façade on occasion. A little bit of mean omega peeking through."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Takes one to know one?"

"True." Seokjin smirked a bit. "You could try to expose that. Push her buttons to get her to show her true colors."

"Maybe…" Jimin sighed. "But I don't want Jungkook and Taehyung getting caught in the crossfire."

"Then you and Jieun have the same weakness." Seokjin said. "Personally, I would use it against her before she uses it against you."

Jimin fell back into silence, thinking over everything Seokjin told him. Perhaps there was something there he could use to his advantage. "Thank you, Seokjin. For telling me all of this."

Seokjin gave a tiny nod. "My pleasure. I wouldn’t say I'm on your side but I'm definitely not on hers." With an almost genuine smile, Seokjin turned back to his manicurist, making sure his nails were being done exactly right. Jimin was happy to relax for a while longer before going back to the real world.

 

Jimin and Yoongi headed to Busan for a romantic honeymoon planning weekend. Despite everything that went down with the contract, Jimin was determined to make the best of their time together. "I'm really looking forward to this." Jimin said, playing with Yoongi's fingers as the alpha controlled the steering wheel with his other hand. "I can't tell you how nice it'll be to have a break from the lab."

"Yeah, I could use the break from work myself." Yoongi mumbled.

An awkward tension hung in the air. Jimin knew he was talking about the contract negotiation. Luckily, Yoongi pulled up to their resort for the weekend just a few minutes later. "I can't believe we'll be spending our honeymoon here." Jimin smiled.

A smile formed on Yoongi's face. "Even better, the Puerto Vallarta version of here."

"I can't wait to spend the entire honeymoon in our suite." Jimin said. "The resort is gorgeous and all but I don't plan to see very much of it."

Yoongi's eyes darkened with desire. "I'd rather see all of you anyway." He pulled the car around to the valet and a stately alpha came down the steps to meet them. "This must be the manager I spoke with." He murmured as he and Jimin climbed out of the car.

"Yoongi-nim, welcome!" The manager greeted him. "And this must be your lovely fiancée! Is this your first stay at one of our hotels…" He trailed off, clearly waiting for Jimin to introduce himself.

"Jimin." The omega smiled. "And yes it is."

The manager nodded. "Splendid! Then I'll give you the full tour."

The two of them followed the manager into the lobby. A fresh vase of lilies on the reception desk perfumed the air. "We have round the clock concierge service at every location so don't hesitate to call down for anything you need. There's a cocktail hour in the bar before each dinner seating. We also have a private beach, a full-service spa-"

Yoongi politely interrupted the manager. "For now, we'd just like to see the Honeymoon Suite." Jimin didn't miss the way Yoongi looked at him as he made the request, heat filling the alpha's gaze.

"Absolutely, Yoongi-nim. Right this way." The manager led them to the elevators and pressed the button for the penthouse level.

The elevator opened into a lavish suite that overlooked the ocean, shimmering in the moonlight. Jimin saw that their bags had already been delivered. "Here we are." The manager presented the room. "The Honeymoon Suite. I'll let you two get settled in."

"Thank you so much." Jimin smiled at the manager as he stepped back into the elevator. Once he was gone, Jimin took a moment to appreciate his surroundings. "This place is incredible!"

Yoongi came up behind Jimin, wrapping his arms around the omega's waist and leaning down to brush his lips against Jimin's ear. "Sorry for my impatience but this is all I've been able to think about. I say we check out that tub." He nodded to the tub across the large open space.

Jimin melted into Yoongi's embrace. "Even after everything that happened at the hospital? Things haven't really felt right between us since the contract negotiation."

"I know." Yoongi gently turned Jimin around to meet his eyes. "Losing that contract was tough but that's not excuse for my behavior. I owe you an apology. So let me show you how much I love and appreciate you. Starting with a massage in the bath.

Jimin allowed Yoongi to lead him closer to the deep marble tub. "This tub is bigger than some entire bathrooms I've had!" Jimin exclaimed.

Yoongi hummed, leaning in to nuzzle Jimin's scent gland. "More than enough room for…activities."

A flirtatious smile tugged at Jimin's lips. "Any specific activities you have in mind?"

"I thought we could take a soak and get a full preview of our mating night." Yoongi murmured.

"I'd love that." Jimin said.

"Good." Yoongi squeezed Jimin. "I'll draw us a bath while you get yourself ready." Jimin undressed, setting his clothes to the side before turning back to the bath. In the meantime, Yoongi had turned on the spa jets and was bent over, examining a few bottles on the ledge around the tub. "They have a few scents of bubble bath here. Calming lavender, sensual jasmine, or invigorating citrus. Any preference?"

Jimin hummed as he stepped closer. "I wanna feel…sensual."

Yoongi smirked. "I was hoping you'd go with the jasmine." He tipped the jasmine bottle into the bath, the liquid quickly turning to foamy bubbles. Jimin stepped into the tub, making sure to give Yoongi a bit of a show before sinking into the water with a sigh. "How's the temperature?"

"It's a little cool." Jimin said. "Why don't you join me and heat it up?"

"I'd love nothing more." Yoongi undressed and slipped into the tub behind Jimin. He pressed a kiss to Jimin's shoulder. "If you're cold, maybe you just need a bit of skin-to-skin contact." He reached up and began rubbing Jimin's scalp, his fingers instantly relieving the stress Jimin hadn't realized he was carrying.

"I know just the man for the job." Jimin nearly purred as Yoongi dropped his hands to Jimin's shoulders. His deft hands kneaded into Jimin's shoulders and neck, working each knot with gentle pressure. "That feels so good…" Jimin moaned softly, his eyes fluttering shut. The scent of jasmine and the feel of Yoongi's fingers working his muscles made his head spin.

After several minutes of bliss, Jimin felt Yoongi move away. He opened his eyes to see Yoongi reaching for a bottle of soap. "As long as I'm touching you all over, I might as well get you clean." Yoongi murmured.

"Before we get dirty?" Jimin asked and Yoongi hummed. "Then I'll return the favor." Yoongi lathered up his hands with the soap and Jimin reached for the bottle to do the same before turning around to face Yoongi. He started to slowly rub soap onto the alpha's arms and shoulders. Yoongi started with Jimin's collarbones before shifting focus to his chest, teasing the omega's nipples into stiff peaks. "Make sure you get every part of me." Jimin moaned. With a smirk, Yoongi trailed his hand down Jimin's stomach and under the water as Jimin caressed the toned muscles of the alpha's back. He took his time before reaching the apex of Jimin's thighs, his featherlight touch making Jimin whimper as he yearned for more. "I wish we were already on our real honeymoon." He sighed.

"Then let's pretend we are." Yoongi whispered. "My beautiful mate." He moved back against the edge of the tub and pulled Jimin into his lap, the omega's legs straddling his hips.

"Okay, I'll play along." Jimin smiled. "My gorgeous mate." He grinded against Yoongi's already hard dick, relishing the shudder that ran through the alpha's body in response.

"I feel like I've waited my whole life for you to call me that." Yoongi sighed in pleasure. Jimin enjoyed the teasing touch but his mind flickered with temptation at the thought of riling Yoongi up a little quicker. He slipped a hand below the surface of the water between their bodies. Yoongi shuddered with pleasure as Jimin wrapped his fingers around his dick and began to stroke him. "My god, you drive me wild." Jimin caressed Yoongi with a steady building pace, enjoying the sharp intake of breath he earned when he brushed the tip with his thumb. Yoongi moved with Jimin, thrusting his hips in time with Jimin's strokes and sending water sloshing against the sides of the tub. "Jimin…my unbelievable mate…" With a low growl, Yoongi suddenly stood up from the tub, hoisting Jimin up with a firm grip on his ass. "I want to see you as I pleasure you." He set Jimin down on the edge of the tub, the marble a thrilling jolt of cold against Jimin's hot skin as Yoongi knelt in the water before him. Running his hands up Jimin's thighs and trailing steaming water down Jimin's skin, Yoongi dipped his head and pressed a sensual kiss to Jimin's core.

Jimin sighed softly. "I do like watching you work."

Yoongi ran his tongue over Jimin's entrance before pressing two fingers inside of him. Jimin threw his head back at the sudden flood of sensations. Jimin braced himself against the tub wall, his hips bucking reflexively as Yoongi traced hypnotic patterns against him with his tongue. "I want to make you scream for me." Yoongi groaned against Jimin, thrusting his fingers into Jimin as he lapped and sucked, stoking the fire of passion that built deep inside the omega.

"I can't take much more." Jimin whimpered. "I'm gonna-" His words caught in his throat as Yoongi scraped his teeth over Jimin's most sensitive area, just enough to send a shiver of pleasure through him.

"Tell your mate how you want him." Yoongi growled.

Jimin scooted forward until his ass rested mere centimeters from the water and leaned back on his palms. "Right here."

Yoongi fitted his body between Jimin's legs, smiling wickedly as he took in the sight of Jimin spread out before him. "I'm gonna make you scream for me. For your mate."

"So what are you waiting for?" Jimin reached out to pull Yoongi closer, sliding his hand between them to guide Yoongi's dick to his entrance.

With one hard thrust, Yoongi fully entered Jimin, the motion of his hips sloshing the bath water up onto the edge around Jimin. Yoongi gripped Jimin's thigh as he slammed against him. His skin was hotter than the water, mirroring the heat he inspired in Jimin. Jimin lifted his hips to urge Yoongi deeper, meeting every thrust of Yoongi's as he drifted closer to the edge of his orgasm. A particularly sharp thrust sent Jimin hurtling into ecstasy, and Jimin clutched at Yoongi's shoulder as he rode the waves, feeling Yoongi pull out and finish on his inner thigh a moment later.

They both took several moments to catch their breath, sharing a few languid kisses. Then Yoongi helped Jimin slip back into the tub so they could rinse off. Once the last of the bubbles had popped and they were squeaky clean, they each grabbed a towel and dried off. "If that's a sneak peek of our honeymoon, I can't wait for the real thing." Jimin said.

Yoongi smiled. "It's a sneak peek of our honeymoon and everything to follow."

Chapter 14: 14

Jimin and Yoongi lounged on the bed as they began their honeymoon planning in earnest. "We have to visit Zona Romantica." Jimin said. "And I've heard the Bay of Banderas is a must see."

"We should take a day trip to Sayulita too." Yoongi said. "The beaches are unbelievable."

"That sounds amazing." Jimin sighed dreamily.

"We have to be careful not to overbook ourselves though." Yoongi said. "Trust me, we'll want plenty of time to just be together."

Jimin's smile faltered and he dropped his gaze to the comforter. "Right. I keep forgetting that you've already had a honeymoon."

Yoongi tilted Jimin's chin up until their eyes met. "That doesn't matter, Jimin. All that matters is making our honeymoon everything you could dream."

"I want it to be everything we could dream." Jimin said.

"I'll be mated to you." Yoongi smiled softly. "I couldn't dream of anything better." They were interrupted by Yoongi's phone buzzing and he pulled away to glance at it, doing a double take before picking it up. "Sorry, it's my parents." His attention was fully fixed on his phone as he typed out a reply, and Jimin could tell from his frown that it wasn't just a cute picture of the twins.

"Everything okay?" Jimin asked.

Yoongi sighed. "No. My parents were helping Jieun watch the boys this weekend but something came up and they have to fly to Berlin tonight."

Jimin sat up straight, looking at Yoongi in shock. "You didn't tell me Jieun's watching Jungkook and Taehyung while we're gone."

"Sorry, I must have forgotten." Yoongi said distractedly as he climbed out of the bed. "It looks like I have to cut our weekend short. I can send Sejin to pick you up later."

Jimin's shock made way for anger and hurt. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm coming with you."

Once they were on the road, Jimin's frustration at Yoongi's omission only grew. After a while, he could no longer sit silently. "Why didn't you tell me about Jieun watching the boys?"

"I swear, I didn't intentionally keep it from you, Jimin." Yoongi sighed and ran a hand over his face. "I've been so overwhelmed with Jieun and with you causing me to lose the hospital contract. It just slipped my mind."

Jimin scoffed in disbelief. "Oh, so your work stress is my fault now? I thought you were proud of me for winning that deal."

"I didn't mean it like that." Yoongi said.

"Then how did you mean it?" Jimin asked. "Or did that slip your mind too?"

"Jimin-"

"Drop me off at my apartment, please." Jimin turned to look out the window. "I'm sure you can deal with Jieun on your own."

Yoongi sighed again. "Sure. Of course."

The rest of the drive consisted of a tense silence, Jimin counting down the seconds until they reached his apartment. The second he slammed the door behind him, Jimin whipped out his phone and texted Hoseok to ask him to come over. He paced around his living room until he heard a knock on the door, opening it to find his best friend on the other side. "You said it was an emergency." Hoseok said seriously. "Are we talking ice cream or burying a body?"

Although the two of them still hadn't fully resolved things after Jimin had caught Hoseok and Geonwoo in his office but right then he needed his best friend. "I haven't decided yet." Jimin said. "You know how Yoongi and I were supposed to go out of town this weekend?" He flopped down on the couch with a huff and told Hoseok all about the blowup with Yoongi. "And he didn't think it was important to tell me he was letting Jieun watch the boys!"

"I hope you chewed him out." Hoseok said.

"I did." Jimin nodded. "And then he made it seem like all his work stress is my fault and that he just forgot to tell me."

"That's bullshit!" Hoseok exclaimed.

"I agree." Jimin said. "This isn't something small you just forget about."

"Sure as hell isn't." Hoseok agreed.

Jimin slumped further against the back of the couch. "I thought we were in this together. I thought we were equal partners even when it comes to Jungkook and Taehyung. And considering he hasn't told me anything recently about getting their mating license voided…"

Hoseok's eyes widened. "You don't think he still has feelings for Jieun?"

"I don't know!" Jimin sighed in exasperation. "How am I supposed to compete with his first love and the mother of his pups?"

Hoseok reached out and wrapped Jimin in a tight hug. "I truly believe that Yoongi is head over heels in love with you but I know the scientist in you needs proof."

Jimin looked at him curiously. "What are you suggesting?"

"That we conduct an experiment." Hoseok said. "You need to set Yoongi and Jieun up on a date."

There was a beat of silence as Jimin processed that. Then he jumped to his feet, staring at Hoseok incredulously. "You can't be serious! You want me to set up Yoongi and Jieun on a date?"

"Why not?" Hoseok shrugged. "You want proof that Yoongi isn't in love with her. What better way to get exactly that?"

"What if it pushes them together?" Jimin asked. "What if we set them up and it just drives Yoongi into Jieun's arms?"

Hoseok gave Jimin a sad smile. "Then you'll still have your answer. We'll set the two of them up then eavesdrop on the whole thing. One way or another, you'll have your proof."

Jimin bit his lip as Hoseok's plan started to make sense to him. "If we're doing this, we're gonna need some backup. Someone who knows Yoongi and Jieun." He grabbed his phone and sent a quick text.

Hey, wanna help me + Hoseok play a
prank on Yoongi??

Always 😈

 

Jimin, Hoseok, and Namjoon anxiously hid across the street from the restaurant Jimin had requested Yoongi meet him at, waiting for Yoongi and Jieun to show up. "Namjoon, you said there was something special about this place?" Jimin asked.

Namjoon nodded. "Yoongi and Jieun had their first date here during university. It'll make them nostalgic."

"How did you convince Jieun to come anyway?" Hoseok asked.

"Easy." Namjoon shrugged. "I used Yoongi's phone to leave her a message. Said Yoongi wanted to reminisce."

Hoseok nodded. "I'm gonna go in and let the manager know we're here. You two watch the door until it's game time." He headed around back to the kitchen entrance.

After a moment of silence, Namjoon turned to Jimin. "So why are you doing this?"

Jimin took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around himself. "Because I don't know what else to do. I'm second-guessing everything Yoongi says and does. I know it's not healthy but I can't help it."

"You think he's lying to you?" Namjoon asked.

"No." Jimin said quickly but his stomach twisted. "I don’t know." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Honestly, I'm worried he might have feelings he's not even aware of."

"Maybe…" Namjoon murmured. "But I think this whole thing's pointless. Yoongi obviously loves you more than he's ever loved anyone. If you don’t know that by now, I'm not sure what to tell you."

Jimin looked at Namjoon and saw none of his usual playfulness in his expression. "I really hope you're right."

Namjoon gave him a tiny smile. "I guess we'll know soon enough."

After a few more agonizing minutes, Jimin saw a familiar figure walking toward the restaurant. "Incoming." He muttered as Jieun headed inside. He saw her briefly talk with the hostess before being led to a table.

Using the back entrance, Jimin and Namjoon slipped inside and found Hoseok waiting. "We're all set." Hoseok said. "The manager even left out extra uniforms for us."

"I can't believe he agreed to let us do this in the first place." Jimin said.

Hoseok shrugged. "It was easy when I told him it was for a surprise proposal. People love that stuff."

"Plus, it means the staff won't be suspicious about three strangers wandering around the kitchen." Namjoon pointed out.

Jimin found the uniforms hanging on a rack and got changed into one. Hoseok grabbed a hanger to follow suit but Namjoon stopped him. "Yoongi's here."

Jimin's eyes widened. "Oh god, my stomach's in knots."

They all peered into the dining room to see Yoongi's look of confusion as he spotted Jieun sitting at the table. They couldn't hear their exchange but Jieun seemed to catch on that something was amiss. "Showtime!" Hoseok exclaimed.

Jimin watched as Yoongi sat down and took out his phone, typing a quick text. Unsurprisingly, Jimin's phone pinged with a new message.

Hey, im here… and so's Jieun??? 😳

Where are you?

Biting his lip, Jimin considered whether he wanted to be honest or if that would affect the experiment.

Im running really late

Hoseok had a fashion emergency. Im so
sorry 😬

Ok… any idea why Jieun thinks I
invited her?

Idk thats super weird… maybe shes up
to something

Maybe

You should eat with her and find out
what

Cant hurt… just try to get here soon

Jimin pocketed his phone and snuck another peek at Yoongi and Jieun. "Well, they're talking to each other." Hoseok narrated. "And smiling."

"I need to get in there and hear what they're saying." Jimin said.

"We'll get changed and be your backup as soon as we can." Namjoon assured him.

As they left to change, Jimin peered into the dining room until a real waiter came up beside him. "Are you new?"

"Uh, no." Jimin said. "I'm here for the secret proposal thing."

"Oh sure." The waiter smiled. "I won't blow your cover. Let me know if I can help at all. Seriously, I love stuff like this."

An idea hit Jimin as to how he could get close enough to hear Yoongi and Jieun. "Actually, can I pretend to shadow you? I'll pretend to be your trainee or whatever."

"Cool!" The waiter exclaimed. "Does that mean I'll be in on the whole proposal?"

Jimin blinked. "Sure."

"I'm really an actor you know." The waiter continued. "This could be big for me if the proposal goes viral."

The waiter led Jimin out onto the floor and to a table two away from Yoongi and Jieun's. He stood behind the waiter, keeping out of view. The waiter introduced Jimin a bit too loudly as his trainee and then launched into the night's specials while Jimin tuned him out so he could listen in on Yoongi and Jieun. "No, I'm serious." Yoongi was saying. "I honestly thought I was going to throw up. Ask Namjoon."

"Was I really that intimidating?" Jieun laughed. "I was the one going on a date with golden alpha Min Yoongi!"

"So you were nervous too?" Yoongi asked.

"Terrified." Jieun said. "I was basically already in love with you at that point." She smiled. "I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you." Her words hung in the air and Jimin found that he was holding his breath as he waited for Yoongi to respond.

Yoongi cleared his throat, shifting in his chair. "You never told me that."

Jieun's smile fell. "It wasn't immediate for you?"

"I didn't really believe in that kind of thing either." Yoongi shook his head. "Not until Jimin." Jimin's chest grew warm and fuzzy at that. He was brought back to reality when the waiter nudged him, and he followed the waiter back to the kitchen.

"You were so in character!" The waiter gushed. "D'you use the Stanislavsky Technique? I find it's-"

Jimin interrupted him. "Okay, thanks for all your help! I'll let you know when the big event's about to happen." He watched the waiter head off to tend to his other tables as Namjoon and Hoseok rejoined him.

"Get anything good?" Hoseok asked.

"You could say that…" Jimin couldn't stop smiling. "But I still need to hear more to be totally sure." He looked around the kitchen and spotted a silver serving dish on a nearby counter. "This should be big enough to cover my face." He said as he picked it up.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow. "That'll work for a bit but I wouldn't risk staying out there too long. You want backup?"

Jimin nodded. "I'll let you go first. We can trade off so no one's in there long enough to be noticed."

"Got it." Namjoon grabbed the tray from Jimin and walked into the dining room while Jimin and Hoseok watched from the kitchen.

He returned a few minutes later. "What are they talking about?" Jimin asked eagerly.

"How much this restaurant has changed since they had their first date here." Namjoon said. "It was an Italian place back then."

"Doesn't sound like anything too juicy yet…" Jimin turned to Hoseok. "You wanna go?"

Hoseok nodded. "On it." Namjoon handed the serving dish over and off Hoseok went, cleverly weaving between the tables so he could listen longer. When he returned, he pushed the tray into Jimin's hands. "Hurry, I think they're talking about how they first met!"

Jimin's eyes widened. "I have to get out there!" He shouldered the platter and carefully made his way toward their table, keeping the dish between himself and them.

"I could've sworn it was astronomy." He heard Yoongi saying.

"No, it was an art history class!" Jieun insisted. "Remember the professor always wore ties with art from the era we were talking about that week?" Jimin let another server pass him, giving him an excuse to linger by their table. "I still remember the moment you walked in, working that carefully disheveled look."

"I was too shy to sit next to you."

"It took you weeks to subtly move across the classroom. Don't think I didn't notice." Jimin had to move on before they noticed the server standing suspiciously nearby. He could hear Jieun laughing as he retreated followed by the sound of Yoongi joining in.

Jimin headed over to the bussing station for a moment of cover and Namjoon came out to meet him. "They just ordered dessert which means we don't have much time left."

"Then I'd better get back out there." Jimin said.

"Don’t blow it." Namjoon said.

Jimin hugged the wall and approached the hostess stand where he saw a couple of large leather-bound menus. He grabbed them and quickly scanned the room for a way to use them to his advantage. He held the menu in front of his face as he headed for a nearby empty booth, pretending to be engrossed in the dinner options. He sat facing Yoongi and Jieun, the menu obscuring him from view.

"That was a crazy night." Yoongi said.

"I think your mom almost punched a nurse while trying to get in to see the boys." Jieun said.

"She was excited to meet her grandsons."

"Who can blame her? They were so small! Their little toes!"

"Remember how soft their hair was?" Yoongi sighed. "Sometimes I miss those days."

"Me too. Especially after all the time I've lost with them."

"You were still in their lives." Yoongi said. "I had pictures of you up in the penthouse. We always went to your…grave on your birthday."

"You did?" Jieun asked in surprise.

Yoongi nodded. "Of course. You were my mate. You were their mother. You are their mother."

Jimin heard a conspicuous throat clearing next to him and looked up to see the waiter from before looking apologetic. "Sorry but this table's reserved."

"Right, sorry." Using some of the techniques he'd picked up throughout the night, Jimin carefully circled back toward Yoongi and Jieun's table.

"…didn't think your parents could like me even less than they did back then." Yoongi was now saying.

"They'd be suspicious of anyone their daughter was that crazy about that fast." Jieun said. "But I always defended you to them and I always will."

"I know." Yoongi smiled. "That's why they never managed to scare me off." They had so much history, how could Jimin possibly compete with that?

Chapter 15: 15

As Jimin hustled back into the kitchen, he almost collided with Hoseok and Namjoon who had been peeking through the door. "So what's the verdict?" Namjoon asked.

"Did they say anything that implies they still have feelings for each other?" Hoseok asked.

Jimin shook his head. "Nothing earth shattering. They're mainly just talking about the past. Which is to be expected. They haven't really had a chance to talk between all the lawyers and our ceremony planning and everything."

Namjoon nodded in agreement. "It makes sense that they would wanna catch up. They've known each other a long time."

Jimin caught another glimpse of Yoongi and Jieun together from the kitchen and let out a heavy sigh. "Obviously I knew they had history but I didn't expect this. It's hard hearing them talk about their past so fondly like it was yesterday. Like nothing's changed."

"But things have changed, Jimin." Namjoon said. "And they might be talking about the 'good times' now but things weren't so rosy near the end."

"So how do we get them to talk about the bad times?" Hoseok asked.

Namjoon smirked. "That's something I've been thinking about since you told me about this whole thing. And I think I finally have the answer. Their first date ended horribly because the paparazzi started following them during their Han River cruise. Jieun almost turned Yoongi down for a second date because of it."

Jimin's eyes widened. "She said she was running away from the paparazzi the day of the subway crash too."

"Sounds like she didn't appreciate all the attention." Hoseok said.

"Exactly." Namjoon said. "If we can get them to go on a Han River cruise tonight…"

"It might dredge up all those bad feelings." Jimin smiled. "Let's do it."

Once they changed out of the uniforms, the three of them exited the kitchen the same way they had come in and circled around to the street parallel to the river. "We just need to find a boat captain." Namjoon muttered.

They looked up and down before spotting a boat clearly preparing for a river cruise and Jimin ran ahead to get the crew's attention. "Excuse me? Can we speak to your captain?"

As Namjoon and Hoseok joined him, the captain came forward with a warm smile. "Looking for tickets?"

"Yes for some friends of ours." Jimin said. "They're having dinner in that restaurant over there." Jimin pointed to the restaurant.

"We were hoping you might give them a ride." Namjoon said. "They went on a river cruise for their first date."

"Isn't that sweet?" The captain said. "I'd be happy to ask them-"

Jimin interrupted. "We'll pay you ahead of time. Then you can offer the tickets to them for free. Don't take no for an answer."

The captain looked puzzled but just shrugged. "Sure, I can do that."

"Thank you." Jimin said gratefully. "And don't mention we sent you." He gave the captain a brief description of Yoongi and Jieun before he walked off to wait in front of the restaurant.

"We should get tickets of our own so we can keep eyes on them too." Hoseok pointed out.

While Namjoon went to buy tickets, Jimin and Hoseok waited nervously, watching the restaurant for Yoongi and Jieun. Just as they saw them come out and start talking to the captain, Namjoon returned with their tickets and the three of them hurried to get settled on the boat, blending in with the other people on deck.

As Yoongi and Jieun climbed on the boat and they started drifting down the river, Jimin began to hear their conversation carried on the wind. "I think the boat was slightly different."

"I still can't believe the paparazzi dove into the river to try to swim after us." Jieun shook her head. "I should've known then that being in the spotlight wasn't for me."

"Would it have changed things if you had?" Yoongi asked.

Jieun smiled at him. "Probably not. I loved you and-"

Yoongi cut her off. "But you hated it. You talked about it all the time. How you wished we could have a normal life…" Their conversation started to fade as they began to talk more quietly.

"We need to get closer." Hoseok whispered.

They inched closer as Yoongi finished his thought. "You kept saying you knew what you were in for but you never let me forget how much it bothered you."

"It's not crazy to want to live a private life."

"It is if you want to be with me, Jieun."

Jimin glanced at Namjoon. "Looks like your hunch might have been right."

"Here's hoping." Namjoon muttered.

Someone nearby took a picture with the flash on and Jieun's face immediately contorted into a scowl. "Seriously? If we end up on the cover of some magazine tomorrow, I'll-"

"Blame me like you always did?" Yoongi guessed.

Their volume decreased slightly, leaving Jimin unable to hear for a moment before their voices rose again with their argument. "Come on, Jieun, you know that's not true!"

"How is it not?"

"I hired Eunkyung to help you navigate public life but you never listened to her! I knew it would be hard on you so I tried to make it easier. And you basically ignored my help and threw it back in my face."

"Fine, I admit that I was stubborn. I thought I could handle it myself. And then Taehyung and Jungkook were born and it made me question everything."

Hoseok's eyes widened. "This is getting really personal."

"Which means we're finally getting to the juicy stuff." Jimin said.

"Yeah, all this stuff is news to me." Namjoon said.

"Wait, what do the boys have to do with any of this?" Yoongi asked in confusion.

"It wasn't just about me anymore." Jieun said. "It was about them too. I hadn't considered that they would have to live their lives with barely any privacy."

"Why didn't you talk to me about it?"

"I wanted to, Yoongi. I really did. But then…" Jieun trailed off.

Yoongi sighed softly. "You were gone."

The conversation died out as the boat returned to the dock. "That's kinda sad." Hoseok murmured.

"Looks like they're gonna go on a walk." Namjoon pointed out as they exited the boat. "Should we follow them?"

Jimin nodded. "But be cool. We're just three friends taking a nighttime stroll." They all tried to act casual as they followed Yoongi and Jieun, close enough to hear but far enough away to not be seen. "A walk along the Han River at night is awfully romantic."

"Don't worry." Hoseok assured him. "They're social distancing."

Yoongi and Jieun suddenly came to a stop and Jieun took one of Yoongi's hands just as snowflakes began to fall. "It's like the end of a movie." Jimin frowned. "Right before the main characters kiss." Whatever Yoongi and Jieun had been talking about died on their lips and Jimin saw them staring into each other's eyes. "I can't watch this." Jimin turned away from them, tears stinging his eyes. "Someone tell me when it's over."

Hoseok tapped Jimin on the shoulder. "It was just a quick peck on the cheek." Jimin peered back over to see that Jieun was already pulling away.

"That's the kind of kiss I would give my mom." Namjoon mused.

Jimin was so busy feeling a rush of relief that he didn't notice Yoongi turning toward them in time to hide. "Jimin?" Yoongi called out in confusion. "What are you doing here? With Namjoon and Hoseok?"

"Uh…" Jimin swallowed thickly. "I…yeah…"

Namjoon cleared his throat and took large steps back with Hoseok. "We'll give you all some privacy." He and Hoseok turned and ran away as Yoongi approached Jimin with Jieun right behind him.

"What's going on?" Yoongi asked.

Jieun scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Isn't it obvious? He was spying on us. Were you at the restaurant too?" Jimin's guilty expression was all the proof she needed. "No wonder you seemed shocked to see me, Yoongi. I thought your voice sounded strange when you left me that message."

"Yeah that was actually Namjoon." Jimin said sheepishly.

Yoongi stared at Jimin in disbelief. "So you lied about going to dinner with me, invited my ex, and then spied on us?"

Jimin opened his mouth to explain or excuse his behavior but Jieun beat him to it. "As creepy as the whole setup and eavesdropping thing is, I'm actually kinda glad you did it."

"Really?" Jimin asked in surprise.

Jieun nodded. "It was wonderful to catch up with Yoongi after all this time. But tonight reminded me of how unsuited I am to being with him. I never was one for the spotlight. I'll always cherish what Yoongi and I had but he's all yours." She gave Yoongi a wistful smile before walking off.

Yoongi turned to Jimin, his expression a mix of shock, anger, and worry. "Jieun may be fine with this but I still need an explanation. What was tonight about? To see if you'd catch me cheating?"

Jimin hugged himself, averting his gaze as he spoke quietly. "You've done it before. I mean, you were engaged to Seokjin when we-"

"You have to know that was different!" Yoongi exclaimed. "I'm not saying what I did was right but Seokjin and I were never in love." He took Jimin's hand in both of his, his expression soft but sure. "I love you, Jimin. I choose you. Now and forever."

"I'm really sorry, Yoongi." Jimin whispered, a tear of guilt slipping down his cheek. "I should've talked to you about my doubts instead of this whole elaborate scheme."

"Yeah, you really should have." Yoongi agreed, pulling Jimin into his arms and pressing a sweet kiss to his forehead. "I really do love you. I wish you'd believed me in the first place."

"I know." Jimin held Yoongi tightly. "I love you too." He stood there in Yoongi's embrace for a few minutes, taking comfort in the alpha's familiar warmth.

"You know, I never took Jieun to my favorite place…" Yoongi murmured as he pulled back to look at Jimin. "Gyeongbokgung Palace."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Hasn't everyone been there?"

Yoongi smirked. "Not at night when it's closed with someone who knows a secret entrance."

"You've got me there." Jimin giggled.

Yoongi leaned in to capture Jimin's lips with his, the passion stoking a fire within Jimin. "Just think of what we could get up to when we have the place completely to ourselves." Yoongi murmured.

Jimin smiled. "There's no way I'd turn down breaking into a beloved tourist attraction with the alpha I love." Yoongi took Jimin's hand and began leading him to where he'd parked his car.

Eventually they ended up sitting on top of the wall surrounding the palace. "It's so beautiful from up here." Jimin murmured.

"It's one of the secrets I discovered as a teenager when I'd sneak away from my parents' dinner parties to explore the city." Yoongi said.

Jimin glanced at Yoongi. "I didn't know you had such a rebellious streak."

Yoongi smirked. "The kind only a pup of the idle rich can possess."

"Yeah, I guess your average pup's more likely to sneak into an abandoned building than a historical site." Jimin mused.

"Speaking of which…" Yoongi slid off the wall and reached up to help Jimin down too. He led him around the side of a castle to a door shrouded in showers. "This looks latched but if you twist it just right…" Yoongi fumbled with the door and soon enough it popped open. Inside was a staircase that took them up to a balcony that overlooked the courtyard.

Jimin rested his arms against the railing, taking in the sprawling expanse of the courtyard and the glittering skyline beyond it. "It's so beautiful." He repeated.

Yoongi wrapped his arms around Jimin from behind, leaning in to press soft kisses to the omega's neck. "I was hoping you'd like it." His lips brushed Jimin's ear, the tickle of his breath sending a pleasant shiver down the omega's spine. "This reminds of the balcony at the gala I took you to…"

Jimin bit his lip as the memory washed over him. "Where we finally gave in to each other?" Yoongi hummed. "That was some of the best sex we've ever had. And that's saying something."

"It wasn't too rushed?" Yoongi asked. "Impulsive?"

Jimin turned to face Yoongi, pressing his body against the alpha's as he kissed him fiercely. "That's part of what made it perfect." Jimin whispered against Yoongi's lips. "It was an expression of how much we needed each other." Heat pooled in Jimin's core as he continued to think about that night. "I think I'm feeling a similar need right now."

Yoongi smirked. "Let's see if I can help you." He recaptured Jimin's lips in a kiss that was as heated as it was tender. He gripped Jimin's waist, pulling the omega flush against him. He shifted to kiss along Jimin's jaw until he took the omega's earlobe between his lips, pulling a gasp from Jimin. Yoongi's hands began to explore Jimin's body over his clothes, his thumb finding Jimin's nipple and stroking it through his shirt until it stiffened.

Jimin slid his hand down Yoongi's chest, grazing over his muscles and down to the front of his pants, cupping the growing bulge. "Even after all the times we've been together, I never get tired of feeling your body."

Yoongi let out a groan as Jimin continued to touch him, leaning back against the stone railing of the balcony. He tugged gently on Jimin's bottom lip with his teeth as he started to undress the omega. Jimin followed his lead and soon they were both bare in the moonlight. "A view as beautiful as this, yet all I want to look at is you."

"Touch me." Jimin whispered pleadingly.

"I thought you'd never ask." Yoongi braced one arm on the railing, letting his other hand trailed down Jimin's neck, his chest, his stomach, until his fingers found Jimin's entrance. He teasingly circled Jimin's hole, slick leaking steadily out of the omega. "I love when you're already wet for me."

"You know how to turn me on." Jimin moaned softly.

Yoongi knew exactly where to touch Jimin to make him squirm. Jimin tossed his head back as Yoongi pressed two fingers inside him. Jimin gasped, the heat in his belly building with every stroke and pump of Yoongi's fingers. Jimin grasped Yoongi's shoulders for support as his knees went weak but Yoongi bolstered him with another deep kiss. "I won't let you go." Yoongi whispered.

Jimin pulled back to meet Yoongi's eyes, struggling to focus as he pressed his fingers into him again and again. Even in the dark, the hunger in Yoongi's gaze was almost overwhelming. As Yoongi slipped his fingers out of him, Jimin hopped up onto the railing, spreading his legs in invitation, Yoongi gripped Jimin's hips to steady him as he slotted himself between Jimin's thighs. "Fuck me." Jimin demanded. "Now." Yoongi positioned himself at Jimin's entrance and Jimin wrapped his legs around the alpha's waist, holding back a gasp as Yoongi pushed inside him. Yoongi leaned in to kiss Jimin as he thrusted his hips forward to fully enter Jimin, causing the omega to cry out in pleasure. "I love how you feel inside me." Jimin grasped the back of Yoongi's neck, the friction between them already driving him wild.

"You feel amazing…" Yoongi groaned.

Each buck and grind of Yoongi's hips sent a thrill through Jimin's body. Jimin bit down on the alpha's neck to keep from screaming for the entire city to hear. Yoongi nudged Jimin's face out of his neck to capture his lips instead, swallowing every whimper and moan that came up from Jimin's throat. All at once, Jimin's orgasm erupted within him, his muscles tensing and shaking with the sudden release. Yoongi's release followed soon after, the alpha pulling out to finish on Jimin's inner thigh so he wouldn’t knot him there.

As Jimin caught his breath, he smiled at Yoongi. "That was…wow. One hell of a way to share your favorite spot."

"Yeah it was." Yoongi chuckled. "And there's no one else I'd rather share it with." They shared a sweet kiss before separating to pick their discarded clothes off the ground.

"We should get out of here before someone investigates the noise." Jimin said as he slid his panties back up his legs.

Notes:

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Series this work belongs to:

• Part 109 of Fics Based on Choices Stories
• Part 3 of The Nanny Affair