Chapter Text
“Right there, Jeongguk!”
The screaming and yelling are numb to Jeongguk’s ears. He can’t even understand what everyone is saying precisely, but each time he hears his name as a demonstration of support, it gives him more strength. The pain on his fist becomes non-existent as he continues to throw punches, hitting the other alpha’s skin so harshly that he stumbles back and falls into the ground.
That’s the cue Jeongguk needs to jump on top of him and move on with his attack, now using both of his hands to punch that alpha on his sides. It’s nothing personal — it never is —, but he has long learned to not think of his opponents as real people with dreams and hopes and fears. They are all there for different reasons, and even though Jeongguk isn’t completely sure of his own motives to continue to fight, he can’t stop until he wins. His alpha is eager and extremely competitive.
Just like now, he can’t stop punching, even though there is an inexplicable amount of blood on his hands. Even though the other alpha is looking weaker and weaker, becoming less resistant until he finally gives up fighting back.
There’s only one voice capable of making Jeongguk’s stop, and it’s when he listens to it that he pulls back his hands and freezes on top of his opponent.
“It’s enough,” says Lee Ebun, the Head Alpha. Like Jeongguk, the yelling abruptly comes to an end. All the eyes are on the leader of the pack, standing on all his magnitude not too far away from where the fight was just happening.
Jeongguk is still trying to recover his breath, spilling some blood from his mouth and inhaling and exhaling regularly as he stands up to face the Head Alpha. The adrenaline slowly begins to fade away from his body, making space for pain solely. His legs, ribs, shoulder, and especially on his head, where he had been hit right at the beginning of the fight. Yet, he pushes that away and bows at Ebun’s direction, not daring to move until he says something.
“Boo Taerin has a moment to stand up and resume the fight, if he wishes to do so,” Ebun continues, but they all know it’s impossible for that alpha to do that. He can’t barely even move, much less stand up and fight back. A quiet, non-understandable mumble comes from his mouth, which is enough for them all to get that he won’t go back.
And despite knowing he should hate every moment of that, Jeongguk senses a silent smile coming into life as he continues to look down at the floor, waiting to be announced as the winner.
Victory tastes good, his father had told him. Enjoy tasting a blood that isn’t your own.
“Very well,” Ebun says, and Jeongguk takes that as his lead to raise his head and stare at the Head Alpha, whose expression becomes less serious and more amused. Both of them have done that dozens of times before, but still, Jeongguk takes a deep breath while he waits to hear what sounds to music to his ears.
“The winner is Jeon Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk feels like he can let go completely, and the crowd once again explodes into screamings and yellings, most calling for his name. The Head Alpha congratulates him and leaves, giving space for others to approach Jeongguk in order to do the same. He knows that a fight doesn’t excite him only, and that everyone who was watching him is still agitated and even distressed, so coming to Jeongguk and talking to him is their way to relieve some of that tension.
However, he hates it. The last thing he needs after a fight is over is to feel overwhelmed by dozens of different scents invading his personal space, and yet, he tries his best to smile and act as politely as he can, thanking everyone who had cheered for him.
“All right, fight is over. Move over, give him some space.”
Recognizing Taehyung’s voice brings a huge wave of relief to Jeongguk, who eventually spots him alongside Hoseok. His friends are doing a great job by using their alphas pheromones and forcing people to move, until they get to where Jeongguk is standing.
“You did nice today,” Hoseok says, a gentle smile on his face. As usual, he looks deep into Jeongguk’s eyes, checking if he is about to pass out or if he’s still a little out of himself. “And the injuries don’t look as bad as last time. How are you feeling?”
“Like shit,” Jeongguk replies, scoffing and running his bloody hands through his hair. “But yes, it wasn’t so bad tonight.”
“You should still stop by the infirmary,” Taehyung says as he grabs one of Jeongguk’s arms and brings it close to his face. “It looks like you might need a couple of stitches.”
“I know someone will be waiting for you,” Hoseok wiggles his eyebrows, and if Jeongguk wasn’t feeling so exhausted, he would probably come up with something to say in response, or at least lightly punch his friend’s arm.
Even though he knows by heart the way to the infirmary, Hoseok and Taehyung still insist on accompanying him there, probably being afraid that the aftermath of the fight will only hit him later. It’s not unusual for Jeongguk to throw up hours after it’s over, or that he sleeps for two days straight, if he isn’t needed on the pack. So he doesn’t mind having his friends by his side as the three of them walk in silence, all aware that he prefers to avoid any type of conversation right now.
It’s definitely not usual to have a pack which promotes fights between their own with no apparent reason. Everyone thought it was a crazy idea at first, that their alphas would get weaker for nothing. Now, however, almost the entire Lee pack agrees to that. They are probably scared that things will go back to the way they were once the war was over.
For almost twenty moon years, the packs from the South region were at war against each other. There were periods which were more violent than others, but during all that time, every pack lived in alert. Ready to attack and defend. Eventually, the war came to an ending, but it wasn’t easy for the wolves to calm down and live in harmony. In the Lee pack, the alphas were still restless, not ready to go back to a life where violence would be used only for hunting. Most wolves started to pick up fights with each other just because they didn’t know any different, and they unfortunately had some losses because of that.
And then, Lee Ebun, the Head Alpha, allowed others to fight. But the fights were only supposed to occur in a specific time and place, so he would be around to make sure no one was killed or severely injured. And of course, for others to watch, cheer and relieve some of their tension.
What first seemed like an absurd idea worked perfectly for their pack. So much that it has become a tradition, every summer, for the Lee pack to receive members from other South packs in order to celebrate their established peace. For a couple of days, there is a competition amongst alphas, who fight each other until the winner is declared, whereas all the others drink and eat as if there’s no tomorrow. And even though it seems like a fun event, there’s a lot at stake — after all, it’s an opportunity for pack leaders to have a glance at how well the alphas from other packs are doing, in case any of them are crazy enough to consider going to war again.
Jeongguk is considered one of the pack’s best fighters, maybe the best by some, and what makes him so good is not his skills only. It’s the fact that he understands that, in the end, it all comes down to politics and protection. He fights to remember that a war can start at any given second, and that he must be ready for it. He fights for his parents, brutally killed when he was young because of that horrendous war. Fighting makes him feel powerful, and he wants every pack to know that they will be facing him if they ever decide to have the Lee pack as their enemy.
If he ends the night with a broken rib or stitches, then so be it.
“Do you need us to come inside with you?” Hoseok asks once they stop in front of the infirmary.
Jeongguk shakes his head in denial. “I’ll probably have to spend the night here, anyways. You should go home and rest,” he answers, knowing that fights can be just as exhaustive for his friends. Seokjin, as supportive as he is, has already given up on watching them, since he gets too affected and worried about Jeongguk. Hoseok and Taehyung are there to cheer for Jeongguk and take care of him if needed, but he is aware they don’t love it. It’s not exactly nice to see someone you love bleeding out and barely even breathing.
“We’ll stop by in the morning. Now, I should go and let Seokjin know you’re alive and well,” Hoseok says back, and just mentioning his mate’s name makes his scent turn lighter and less preoccupied.
“Tell him I said hi.”
“I will. Take care, Jeongguk.”
“I’m staying,” Taehyung says as Hoseok turns around to leave, his arms crossed. Jeongguk only raises his eyebrows, not surprised. “Hobi was obviously just being polite because he has Seokjin waiting for him, but let me make you some company and see that you won’t die in your sleep or something.”
“There’s no point in arguing, is there?”
The two alphas walk inside the infirmary, and Jeongguk immediately spots Taerin, who he was just fighting, laying in one of the beds at the corner of the room. He’s sleeping peacefully, and two omegas are standing by his side, cleaning his wounds and probably checking for any injury that looks more serious. Jeongguk usually doesn’t feel guilty about his fights — everyone is there because they want to, after all —, but it never feels good to look at his opponents right after it’s over. It actually makes Jeongguk a little scared over how close he was to killing someone.
Already used to the procedure, Jeongguk lays on the bed closer to the door, avoiding to stay near Taerin; not everyone accepts the loss so easily. He closes his eyes, feeling that he’ll fall asleep soon, but the smell of gardenias and lemons takes over his surroundings, and his alpha becomes much more at ease.
“Jeongguk,” Dongil says, as calmly and gently as always, but when Jeongguk opens his eyes, he notices the worried expression on the omega’s face. “I’d say that’s nice to see you, but the circumstances aren’t exactly great, are they?”
Jeongguk forces a small smirk on his face. “You should’ve seen the other guy.”
“Oh, I did. Trust me,” he replies, leaning over Jeongguk and squeezing his eyes while analyzing his injuries. “You don’t look completely fucked up tonight. I assume you’ve won the fight, then.”
“As always,” Jeongguk’s smile gets bigger despite the pain, and his own scent of burning wood and rain gets clearer and less rough. His alpha is always proud and glad to claim his victory after a fight, but even more when such a beautiful and kind omega is near him.
“I said completely fucked up, but you still need stitches and lots of ointment. And rest, of course,” Dongil answers as he steps back and picks up all that will be needed to treat Jeongguk. He looks down, his black hair covering his face, and looks away. “Hi, Taehyung.”
“Hey, Dongil,” Taehyung says and rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry for the trouble. Again.”
“Nothing that I’m not used to.”
An absolute truth. Around the same time Jeongguk started to join the pack’s fights, Dongil was beginning to visit the infirmary, observing and learning, before becoming one of the pack’s healers. He also happens to be Lee Ebun youngest son, and the only one who still wasn’t mated.
Yet.
Jeongguk always thought the omega was attractive, yes, but being the Head Alpha’s son could be very intimidating in order to do something about it. But Dongil took care of him so well every time he ended up in the infirmary that it was only logical for the alpha to look at him with different eyes. As a possible mate and partner, someone he could lean on and trust. Only recently has Jeongguk begun to actually court Dongil, leaving him gifts and trying to get his attention.
The problem, as expected, is that Dongil is probably the most requested omega in the pack. Not only that, but he’s nice enough to treat everyone with respect, accepting their courting gifts and engaging in gentle conversations. Right now, it seems that Dongil is in no rush to find himself a mate, so he hasn’t denied nor accepted any of his courting proposals.
As eager and anxious as Jeongguk’s alpha is, he respects his decision. Even if it bothers to see Dongil constantly surrounded by so many different alphas.
And a beta — who, of course, walks inside the infirmary just when Dongil is done taking care of Jeongguk’s wounds.
“Oh,” Dongil says, raising his eyebrows in surprise as he stares at the entrance. “Hello, Jimin.”
Jeongguk has to take a deep breath before turning his head around, feeling Taehyung’s cautious eyes upon him. Standing there, with a large shirt and equally large pants, is Park Jimin. His wavy, auburn hair is tied up into a small ponytail, and he seems surprised to see Jeongguk there with Dongil — which is obviously a lie, since it is quite predictable that he would be at the infirmary after a fight. Yet, the beta pulls up a perfectly fake smile.
“Dongil, hi!” Jimin exclaims, smiling and putting his hands behind him. He nods at the two alphas’ direction. “Taehyung. Jeongguk. Was the fight good?”
As if you weren’t there, Jeongguk thinks, but his response is only a scoff as he glances away, biting his lower lip. He truly wishes he didn’t look so vulnerable in this moment, lying down and hurt, so Jimin would feel more intimidated by his presence, and not so… happy.
“Jeongguk won,” Taehyung, a much more polite person than Jeongguk, answers.
“Good,” Jeongguk hears Jimin saying. “Let’s hope there’s no permanent damage there, yes? I know a lot of people can start to act very strangely after receiving so many punches in the head.”
Jeongguk clenches his fists, and if Dongil wasn’t in the room, he would absolutely snap at Jimin, as he usually does. Instead, he remains in silence.
“Anyways,” Jimin continues, “Dongil. I just wanted to check if you need any company on your way home. It’s quite late.”
“You arrived right on time,” Dongil answers, smiling, and Jeongguk looks up at the omega feeling surprised (and maybe betrayed). “I’m just finished. Taehyung, you mentioned you would spend the night here with Jeongguk, right?”
“Uh,” Taehyung mumbles, but he responds before Jeongguk can look at him, signalizing that he needs to say no. “Sure, I will.”
“Great. Some other pack healers will also be around, but I’m sure you’ll be just fine, Jeongguk. Are you feeling better?”
It would be very simple to say no. Jeongguk could answer that he’s still feeling bad, that there’s something hurting or any other type of pain. But as he glances at Jimin, who is waiting with a smirk on his face that does not convince Jeongguk that he has good intentions, he knows he’s facing a dilemma. If he says he is not feeling better, Dongil could see him as weak, which is the last thing Jeongguk wants to be seen as by the omega he is currently courting.
Despite being the winner earlier on, right now Jimin is the one with a victorious smile.
“Yeah, I’m doing good.”
“I’ll be back in the morning,” Dongil answers and squints his eyes, trying to sound threatening as he points at him. “Don’t you dare leave before this.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t. Good night, Dongil.”
“Good night, Jeongguk,” he says, looking back at Taehyung and smiling softly. “Bye, Taehyung.”
“Good night.”
As soon as Dongil is standing next to Jimin, the beta quickly looks at Jeongguk before leaving, some sort of spark in his eyes. They walk away with the sound of Dongil chuckling at something Jimin said, and Jeongguk feels his blood boiling.
There’s no opponent in a fight that gets on his nerves as much as Park Jimin does.
*****
In the Lee’s pack, to every 10 new pups brought into the world, five turn out to be strong alphas, and four grow to become beautiful omegas.
Only one out of the 10 ends up as a beta.
It’s not difficult to imagine the hardships and prejudices a beta goes through in such a pack, where ranks and relationships have such a big role on your position amongst other wolves. The male one are barely ever courted by alphas, who are not interested in getting mated to someone that will not bring them any pups. When a few braver betas decide to court omegas from the pack, they are usually rejected, for not carrying such a prestigious position like the alphas.
In the end, what’s normal is for betas to end up courting and mating others like them — betas. From the moment their wolves are presented, when they are young and become aware of their rank in the pack, they need to think twice before going after any stronger bond with other wolves. All liabilities need to be considered, and in the end, it’s only natural for betas to interact more often amongst themselves and, therefore, getting mated to them.
That isn’t Jimin’s case.
“I thought it bothered you that he fights.”
“It does,” Dongil replies, shrugging, as they continue to walk. “But it’s my duty, at the end of the day. To take care of the ones that are hurt.”
Jimin scoffs. “Yeah, but you shouldn’t have to take care of people who purposely get hurt. These fights are so pointless.”
“And I thought you were the one who asked me to not talk about potential suitors when we are together,” Dongil replies, raising his eyebrows as they continue to walk. Jimin feels his cheeks getting red, but he shakes his head in denial as he speeds up to reach the omega.
Even before Jimin was presented as a beta, he didn’t have a lot of friends within the pack. His mother, an omega, works in the kitchen, being one of the responsibles to bring food to everyone else. Jimin’s father, on the other hand, used to be a very strong, respected alpha. That is, until he was attacked during the war and, in order to survive, had his leg cut off his body. It happened when Jimin was very young, he doesn’t even remember it, but it surely changed how their family was treated by others in the pack. Not being able to hunt anymore or actively participate in the war, what Jimin’s father mostly did was to stay with his son and raise him well, which was basically seen as the role of an omega.
However, Jimin didn’t mind how others looked at them. His father was, and still is, nothing but kind and supportive, as well as his mother. Besides, he didn’t need to have a large number of friends when he had Lee Dongil by his side.
Dongil was just one of those kids that everyone adored — the elders, other children, alphas, omegas, betas, and probably every single living being. He was sweet and gentle, never allowing others’ judgements to stop him from chatting with Jimin, and even inviting him to his place so they could play together. His cabin was the only one Jimin ever went to, besides his own, when he was young. When Jimin presented as a beta, his world fell apart, knowing damn well that betas on his pack are treated badly.
But Dongil stayed. For a long time, they were the closest of friends, even after he presented as an omega, and despite the fact that Jimin was seen by others with a lot of prejudice. They would eat almost every meal together, and spend most of their free time swimming at the lake near the cabins. As they grew older, however, it was natural for them to get a bit more distant from each other, especially when Dongil’s father became the Head Alpha, therefore acting more controlling regarding to whom his son should spend his time with.
It’s been a while since Jimin realized he couldn’t see himself courting anyone else, to become the mate of another wolf. It’s been Dongil ever since they were young. And if the omega never seemed to have a problem with Jimin being a beta, he sure wouldn’t mind being courted by one, by him, right?
As soon as Jimin’s feelings became clear, he went to Dongil to tell him his intentions. However, the omega happens to be a very cautious wolf, and it wouldn’t be any different when it came to choosing his mate. He told Jimin that he would like to take some time in order to try and see him as more than a friend while still keeping other options, which meant receiving other courting propositions as well. Jimin didn’t like it, sure, but it was better than a rejection. Besides, he’s confident that, being one of Dongil’s closest friends, he has an upper hand to those alphas. Jimin knows him.
As risky as it was, Jimin was willing to try. He’s already the pack’s joke, being both a beta and for taking care of his father, so it’s not like he has anything to lose. If Dongil happens to not be interested in becoming his mate, he will surely let him down gently enough and resume their friendship as if nothing had ever happened. But having a tiny bit of possibility that Dongil accepts him, Jimin is willing to offer everything he has. He truly can only see himself spending the rest of his life being mated to someone as beautiful, nice, and amusing as Dongil.
Without any stupid alpha getting on the way.
“The weather is getting warmer,” Dongil says, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. “I can’t wait for summer to be here.”
Jimin smiles while looking at the omega’s peaceful expression. “Any plans in mind?”
“Honestly, just being able to swim at the lake without freezing to death will be a win,” Dongil chuckles, but his expression soon becomes serious as he crosses his arms and looks away. “My father told me I need to choose a mate by the end of the festival.”
“With the South packs?” Jimin asks, surprised, as if the answer isn’t obvious. The gathering, which happens every summer, isn’t too far away — and until now, Dongil didn’t mention until when he’s planning on keeping receiving court proposals before making a decision.
“I know,” Dongil replies, biting his lower lip, and his scent of gardenias and lemons becomes a little sour. “I’ll have the first few days to get to know wolves from other packs, if I happen to be interested in any of them, and he’s determined that the festival shall end with the news of his youngest son getting mated.”
Jimin clenches his fists, and does his best to be Dongil’s friend right now, and not the beta courting him. If he’s already having a hard time when he’s competing with just a few alphas, he can’t imagine how it will be with dozens of new wolves from other packs trying to get close to Dongil.
“And you still have no idea?” Jimin asks for reassurance, without thinking too much about it. Dongil stares at him with frowned eyebrows, and the beta cleans his throat before continuing. “About your future mate?”
Dongil chuckles and looks down. “Oh, that.”
“I don’t mean to pressure you,” Jimin quickly reassures the omega, starting to feel more anxious by the second. “I know what you said. That you used to see me as a close friend only and it isn’t easy to change that from day to night. But I was just wondering-”
“Jimin,” Dongil gently interrupts him, grabbing his wrist and smiling. Jimin hadn’t even realized how harshly he was gesticulating, moving his hands as he spoke. “You are one of the bravest people I’ve ever known, caring, trustworthy, and simply kind, really. I would be lying if I said that I can’t see you as more than a friend. But there are so many conflicting feelings inside me, not to mention what my omega wants. You’re too important to me, so I can’t just go and act recklessly, saying I want you to be my mate if I’m not sure about it. Do you get what I’m saying?”
So far, Dongil hasn't been so honest, so vulnerable about what he’s feeling. Deep down, Jimin was still believing he was kidding himself by thinking he had a shot, a truthful one. But now, he feels like everything has changed. Jimin sees in the omega’s eyes how conflicted he is, and he must have his own reasons for that.
Not to mention what my omega wants.
Of course an omega wouldn’t want a beta as his mate, and Jimin has to gulp down those sincere and bitter words. He can’t offer everything that an alpha can, and even though he’s used to being looked down at by the pack, Dongil isn’t. But he did say that he can see Jimin as more than a friend, and this is what the beta will choose to focus on. With such a short period of time until the festival, he has to make sure he will be the one Dongil chooses to end up with. He’ll do what he has to in order to make sure of that, even if it means to end up with the competition.
“Can I ask you something as a friend, then?” Jimin asks as they are approaching Dongil’s cabin.
“Sure, I guess.”
Jimin holds his breath before staring at Dongil. “Amongst the alphas that are courting you, is there anyone who you are actively considering?”
For a moment, Dongil stays in silence, and he tries to avoid Jimin’s eyes on him. He bites his lower lip and stares at his own hands before letting out a heavy sigh. “Jimin…”
“Please, Dongil. So far I’ve asked you to treat me as a beta courting you, and not a friend, but this is the only time I’m asking you to make an exception. Give me an advantage, just this once.”
After hesitating for a few moments, Dongil nods his head. “Yes, there’s one alpha.”
Jimin is afraid to admit it, but he knows who Dongil is thinking about. The omega has shown a soft spot for the alpha ever since he lost his parents at the war, and he obviously must be affected by treating him after so many fights, a bond growing between them. From the moment he decided to start courting Dongil, Jimin was aware of the tough rival he had to face. As obnoxious as that alpha was, the omega saw something in him.
And as much as he would like to remain oblivious, Jimin has to be sure about it.
“Who?” He asks, listening to Dongil’s voice before the words are even out.
“Jeon Jeongguk.”
*****
“You have a weird look on your face.”
Jimin blinks a couple of times, focusing on his two friends sitting across from him. He’s not one to distract so easily in a conversation, but his mind has been all over the place ever since his last conversation with Dongil.
“And you have a weird face.”
“Not in a good mood, huh?” Namjoon asks, while Yoongi throws a threatening stare at Jimin after their bickering. “What’s going on?”
“Dongil, obviously,” Yoongi answers, and Jimin just parts his bread and puts it inside his mouth before he humiliates himself. He’s barely awake, and it’s too early to admit how worried he is.
Out of all the alphas in the pack, why Jeon Jeongguk had to be the one that Dongil is interested in? Out of all the omegas, why Jeongguk had to court Dongil?
It’s not like Jimin hated the alpha — they have lived in the same pack since they were born, and Jeongguk was always minding his own business. He never made an effort to talk to Jimin, nor to make fun or humiliate him. But the second those fights started after the war ended and Jeongguk eventually became a known face, Jimin, unintentionally, grew to dislike him at least a little bit. He believes the fights are just an excuse for alphas to display their physical abilities because of their stupendous egos, and that it is unbelievable they are willing to get hurt so easily.
They take their bodies and lives for granted, whereas Jimin’s dad lost his leg in order to defend himself and the pack, and it is now looked down upon by those same wolves.
Just thinking about it is enough to make Jimin clench his jaw, especially when he sees Jeongguk walking inside the dining room with Taehyung by his side, both alphas chuckling about something while a dozen of omegas sigh at them. Of course, Jimin seems to be an exception when it comes to thinking of them as reckless, brainless alphas.
“What does Dongil even see in him?” Jimin asks while narrowing his eyes and Jeongguk, who is busy grabbing his food. He isn’t expecting an answer, but his friends soon become very quick to express their opinion.
“Like you don’t see how attractive Jeongguk is,” Yoongi scoffs and shakes his head in denial, making Jimin look back at him again. “What? You know it’s true.”
“He’s not attractive,” Jimin insists, feeling his ears burning up. Having Jeongguk and attractive in the same phrase is more than enough to give him a headache — he refuses to admit something which may also cross Dongil’s mind.
“Don’t worry, Jimin,” Namjoon smiles as he, as always, tries to lighten the mood between Jimin and Yoongi. “You’re way better looking than him. I would absolutely try to court you if I didn’t have this prick as my mate.”
Jimin groans and lowers his head, pressing it against the table, while he has to listen to Yoongi’s protests and Namjoon trying to make him laugh. He definitely is in a bad mood after a poor night of sleep, and now having to glance at Jeongguk first thing in the morning. Besides, he’s dealing with a bunch of presumptuous alphas today, one of his least favorite things to do even though it’s his main duty on the pack.
For some unknown reason, Jimin has always been extremely smart — to the point that, even as a beta, the rest of the pack had to acknowledge it. His father had too much free time when Jimin was growing up, so he taught him everything about war strategies, fighting, hunting, and even about herbs. And because Jimin is thinner and smaller than the alphas, and his lack of a scent, it’s much easier for him to blend in and go by unnoticed. It’s what made him one of the best hunters in the pack, especially during the war, when they had to compete for food with their own rivals.
That’s probably the only reason why the pack leaves him alone and doesn’t insult him directly, as everyone has, at least once, eaten the food he brought. It’s also why he became so close to Namjoon and Yoongi — a couple of alphas wouldn’t be so easily accepted, but the two of them were undeniably intelligent and came up with several strategies to help the war to come to an end. The three of them are a nice group, made of outsiders who simply can’t be completely ignored because of the compensations they bring to the Lee pack.
And deep down, they love it.
“So, when will you be back?” Namjoon asks. The hunters of the pack are divided into different groups so they go hunt together every two fortnights or so, and each time they spend a couple of days away so they can go deeper into the forest.
“In three days, if no one dies this time,” Jimin answers, shrugging and eating some more.
“You’re so empathetic, it really shocks me.”
“Well, forgive me if last time I explicitly told everyone to not go north because the weather was still cold, but I was completely ignored,” Jimin looks at Yoongi. “At least it will help them to listen to me carefully this time.”
“Be prepared. The Head Alpha is expecting a lot of food for the festival. I heard even the Shin pack is coming this time.”
And as if destiny decided to make a fool out of Jimin today, he sees Hongsun, the leader of his hunting group, walking at the table where he’s sitting. Judging by his face, Jimin doesn’t think the alpha is bringing good news.
“Jimin, a word with you,” he says, not even acknowledging Namjoon and Yoongi’s presence as he waits for Jimin to leave his food aside and follow him. They walk towards a corner of the room, with everyone too busy with their own meals.
“What’s up?” Jimin asks as they stop, his instincts telling him it has something to do with their hunting later on.
“You’re not coming today,” Hongsun simply says, crossing his arms. Bingo. “Orders of the Head Alpha.”
Jimin sighs and presses his fingertips against his right temple. As much as it annoys him to spend days surrounded by alphas who are most definitely not his friends, he likes the huntings; they make him feel useful and keep his mind busy. And he hates changing plans at the last minute. “Did he mention the reason behind it?”
“Too many people, supposedly. Jeongguk and Jinyoung are joining us this time, and Woonho is feeling better, so he’s going as well.”
This better be a joke, Jimin thinks, clenching his fists and frowning his eyebrows. He might even have let out a quiet, somber growl at that. It’s bad enough of an excuse to say that he’s staying behind because too many people are coming, especially when he’s arguably one of the best hunters in their group, if not the best. Someone else should not be going instead of him. But it makes it even worse to know who is going instead.
Immediately, Jimin looks at the table on the other side of the room, spotting Jeongguk calmly eating his food. It’s like he feels that there are eyes on him, so he raises his head and stares right at the omega. For a few moments, the voices around them stop, and Jimin feels he’s on a hunt, with eyes on his prey, not even breathing to avoid making any noises. Jeongguk is the one who ends it with a sly smirk on his face, and right on time, Dongil sits by his side with his own tray of food.
“Excuse me,” Jimin mumbles, leaving without looking at Hongsun again. He goes straight to Jeongguk’s table, trying his best to keep his breathing under control and putting on a fake, pleasant expression on his face, absolutely ignoring Namjoon and Yoongi’s curious and worried expressions.
Something has definitely happened. Jeongguk talked to someone important to make those changes. So far, despite their obvious rivalry because of Dongil, they never did anything directly against each other other than sharp comments and harmless provocations, such as when Jimin walked inside the infirmary and interrupting Dongil and Jeongguk, or when the alpha asked to see Dongil exactly when Jimin was eating with the omega.
The only thing that he can think of is that Jeongguk heard them talking the other night, when Dongil admitted that he’s conflicted between him and Jimin. But that couldn’t be possible, right? Jimin would’ve heard the alpha. That couldn’t be the reason why Jeongguk has acted so stupidly to take him off the hunt like Jimin was nothing.
And yet, it’s what is running through Jimin’s mind. It’s what makes him come to the conclusion that Jeongguk has made the first move, but it’s Jimin’s turn now.
“Is there someone sitting here?” Jimin asks once he’s close enough, and all three heads look up at him, only two of them in surprise. Jeongguk and Taehyung are sitting side by side, so Jimin’s question is obviously directed at Dongil, who has his eyes slightly widened-up and eventually smiles.
“Hey, Jimin! No, I don’t think so, right?” Dongil says and stares at Jeongguk for confirmation. The alpha quickly glances at Jimin himself, his face a mix of amusement and doubt.
“All yours,” Jeongguk answers and raises one of his eyebrows, almost like a challenge.
Once the surprise is gone, Dongil squeezes his eyes, as if he is well aware that Jimin has second intentions on sitting with them. However, Jimin has become extremely good at keeping his expression at ease, so he has no trouble at all to wink at the omega before he turns his body to talk to Jeongguk and Taehyung.
“You’re going hunting today, huh?” Jimin simply asks as he studies Jeongguk’s face.
“The Head Alpha asked me to,” Jeongguk replies while biting his apple and locking his eyes on Jimin’s.
“So you two are going together?” Dongil asks innocently, but Jimin doesn’t dare to move his eyes while he’s talking.
“I’m staying. There are too many people going already, I believe so,” he answers and scoffs, the words sounding even more absurd when coming out from his mouth. Jimin senses that Dongil is about to ask more about it, but he quickly continues before it happens. “So, Jeongguk, I’m surprised that you recovered so quickly from your last fight.”
“I’m used to it by now. My body heals rather quickly, thanks to Dongil,” Jeongguk says and wiggles his eyebrows at Dongil — who giggles in response —, and Jimin tries to not roll his eyes.
“How great,” Jimin smiles and glances at his fingertips. “It’s such a shame that you don’t go hunting more often. I’m sure you would be a lot more helpful there than you are with those fights of yours.”
He catches a subtle scent of burning wood and rain which belongs to Jeongguk, and there’s a sharpness in his eyes which tell Jimin what he needs to know. He’s getting somewhere.
“And who are you exactly, to tell me how I can be more helpful in the pack?”
“Oh, I’m no one, really,” Jimin once again smiles and tilts his head to his left, his hair falling in front of his face as he does so. He brushes it away as he feels the atmosphere getting denser and heavier, with Taehyung and Dongil merely observing as neither do nothing to interfere. These are all words that have been stuck on their throats for too long. “My dad used to tell me about your father, Jeon Jisung. Did you know they were friends?”
“Jimin…” Dongil whispers and tries to grab Jimin’s wrists, but he pulls it away. He’s done with Jeon Jeongguk and everything he represents.
“Apparently, they had a great chemistry hunting together. The best hunters in the pack, as a matter of fact. But, strangely enough, once my father lost his leg they were never seen together again,” Jimin pauses and analyzes Jeongguk’s face, and the only hint of annoyance is his clenched jaw and sharpened eyes. “My dad didn’t hold any value to yours as soon as he stopped hunting, so it makes me wonder what he would think of his own son. An alpha who’s too busy involved in meaningless fights to provide for his pack.”
“Shit.”
“Jimin!” Dongil and Taehyung exclaim at the same time, but neither of them say anything more.They can’t once Jeongguk growls at Jimin and pretty much everyone sitting nearby decides to look at them.
Jeongguk remains silent before he puts his hands on the top of the table and leans forward, his voice coming out low and like a warning. “You really wanna talk about who is more worthy for the pack, beta? Even your father is more respected than you. Or do you really think that hunting is enough to make people forget about how useless you truly are?”
With the corner of his eyes, Jimin notices Yoongi and Namjoon standing up and walking towards him. He has no idea who else is listening to their conversation, but he tries to keep his cool. Being treated like he’s inferior because he’s a beta is something Jimin is used to, and Jeongguk would hardly make him feel any different about it. Jimin knows he doesn’t mean anything to anyone other than his parents, Namjoon and Yoongi — and hopefully, Dongil.
That’s why he’s doing that. Jimin has started to court Dongil first, and he needs to show Jeongguk’s true face that only he seems to notice.
Jimin sighs and looks away. “I feel bad for you, I really do. I don’t know if it’s because you lost your parents or something else, but you must hate yourself very much in order to treat your life like it’s nothing. You fight for others’ entertainment, like a fool. I’m aware of my place as a beta, but are you aware of how pitiful it is to see you bleeding out over nothing? When so many lost their lives to protect ours?”
No one says anything for a while, but Jimin can swear he sees the pain flashing through Jeongguk’s eyes. He knows he was too harsh, especially by mentioning Jeongguk’s parents, but he’s tired of being treated by others with such inferiority when there’s someone — sitting right across from him — that engages in fights that are so deteriorating and go against every principle they fought for. To only get hurt when needed, and yet act so superior about it.
More than anything, even if Dongil doesn’t end up choosing Jimin as his mate, he needs to make sure his childhood friend won’t carry the mating mark of someone as foolish and cocky as Jeon Jeongguk.
Jimin stands up and quickly glances at Dongil, who is looking down, almost as if he’s embarrassed to have witnessed such a conversation. Luckily, it doesn’t look like too many people were paying attention to them, because he definitely did not intend to make a scene. Right before he turns around to walk away, he listens to Jeongguk talking.
“And yet, despite all you have said, guess who they still chose to be a part of the hunting group today?”
Jimin presses his lips against each other and takes a long breath. There’s still a lot of things that he wants to say, that he wants to show to Jeongguk. But there will be the right time, and the right place.
When it happens, Jimin just has to make sure that Jeongguk feels as insignificant as he does.