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Jeongguk thought he is grateful for he has not had such a peaceful Wednesday in a long while. Lectures went normal it’s almost boring, no org meeting scheduled, it’s truly a day where his only worry is getting home early.
Jeongguk is walking his usual path to the library, scorching sun almost blinding him, when he felt his phone vibrate. It was Jimin. Pausing by the nearest pavement, eyes still squinting, Jeongguk picked up the call.
“Jimin, I’m sorry, I already told you I need to go home early. I’ll make dinner.”
“What? No. Where are you? Right now?” Jimin replied, rather in a hurry.
“On the way to the library. Is everything alright?” Jeongguk felt his chest starting to feel heavy. This can’t be another day like that, right? No way.
“Well yes, but you need to know something.” Jimin said, Jeongguk catching a bit of hesitation. He sighed, almost sure this cannot be good news.
“What.”
“Uhmm... I’m currently at football practice right now to go see Yoongi and... Gguk. It’s Taehyung... he’s in practice right now. In the field.”
Jeongguk felt his stomach drop.
In any normal day, hearing that Taehyung, the team captain of their collegiate football team, is at football practice is just like saying a pretty much known fact, like how the sun rises in the east.
But hearing this after Taehyung had a concussion just last week... Jeongguk almost did not believe his ears, at the same time thinking how can he still be surprised? It’s Taehyung after all, his stubborn, annoying alpha.
“But... he promised me no training for at least two weeks. Jimin, he just had a concussion!”
“I know! That’s why I rushed to tell you. I told Yoongi to talk some sense out of him, but Tae just kept on saying he feels fine and he won’t exhaust himself too much.” Jimin sighs. “I know you’d be worried.”
Jeongguk nods, his forehead still scrunched not only due to the direct sunlight, but also in annoyance.
Jeongguk cannot believe that no less than a week ago, he almost lost his mind, and his Taehyung, and that now he's having the continuation of it all.
Does not mean he’s chill about it.
Thing is, Jeongguk cannot blame anyone but himself. It was him who fell in love with a football player. A star player in his team, an aspiring professional footballer with a name to be known in the whole world, with immense talent that's only meant for greatness in the sport.
On that blessed day, he received a call from Yoongi, Taehyung's teammate, while walking on the way home. Earlier that day, Taehyung met up with him during their free time, mentioned about a practice match in the afternoon and how he’d love to have dinner with him at home after the practice, kissing Jeongguk's temple as Jeongguk giggles and nods.
He was surprised that just before dusk finally approached the sky, it was Yoongi who called him, instead of Taehyung. Yoongi sounding apologetic and downright sad it’s like he’s in the verge of tears too... it’s already an out of this world experience for Jeongguk. He knows it’s already that bad.
Right after that blessed call from Yoongi, he sprinted his way to the hospital.
He could still remember how he was running at full speed with the wind playing with the cheeks in his face. Heart twisting. Limbs numbing. One of his biggest fears in life has finally happened.
He thought he had his mind ready for this kind of possibility. He knows getting injured is almost second nature to athletes.
Still, no one could have prepared him for seeing Taehyung lying on the hospital bed, with his steady breathing, so calm and peaceful Jeongguk would have thought he’s sleeping if not for the weakened scent he could smell from the alpha.
His chest hurt from having to swallow his whimpers and cries. About five of Taehyung's teammates are still in the room, including Yoongi and their coach, Mr. Choi. He knows they are watching him closely, with a bit of apprehension in their body language. As if expecting he’s going to lash out to them any minute now.
But Jeongguk promised to himself he’d be calm. Instead, he held Taehyung’s right hand, his other hand immediately reaching for his face. Kim Taehyung looks heavenly.
Jeongguk leaned closer, tears starting to fall down his cheeks. “I’m already here, baby. Wake up soon, hm? I would prepare for our dinner, as you wished.” Jeongguk whispered as he scented Taehyung’s temple. He knew Taehyung would be up and running in no time. What Jeongguk does not know is for how long his chest is gonna hurt from all the inner turmoil he’s yet to process.
Which was why he cannot process the news he’s heard from Jimin just now. Kim Taehyung will truly be the death of him.
“Hey Jeongguk, you okay? Are you gonna come here?” Jimin said, sounding worried now.
Jeongguk looked around sighing. “No. I’m so pissed, hyung. I will only end up pulling his ear by myself to get him out of that damn field.”
“And you know he might only listen to you right?”
“I don’t care anymore! He could literally kiss and make out with the grass field for all I care! I’m done.”
There was about a two second pause and then Jimin actually giggles.
“We know that’s not it for your very much whipped-for-Taehyung ass, Jeongguk.” Jimin giggled again, Jeongguk rolled his eyes so hard he felt his eyes sticking up to his lids. “But to be fair, he seems to be in a good shape. He’s in full gear, not doing much running. Maybe he just feels guilty if he can’t be present in practice."
“Again, the hell I care.” Jeongguk said immediately, though he cannot lie on how those information comforted him even just a little bit.
“I’m sure he’s gonna talk to you later, Kookie. Get home safely.”
“Thanks, hyung. You too.” Jeongguk said with a sigh. He cannot believe Taehyung has the audacity to not even text him about going to practice. Dinner his ass. He could eat his football and the grass and his shoulder pads for dinner.
He resumes walking, still taking the same route to the library, wondering if he can still be productive after Jimin’s news. Thinking if he should leave Taehyung a text. Thinking how he feels defeated when really he shouldn't care. Thinking if he could still make dinner, how suddenly it's like he can't stomach any meal now. Wondering and thinking and overthinking.
Again, he knows deep, deep down, Kim Taehyung will be the death of him.
✨✨
Back to his apartment with the night sky completely dark and quiet, barely any stars in sight, Jeongguk has finished preparing dinner, and yet not feeling having his dinner yet.
No, he did not send Taehyung a text.
No, he is not waiting for him in case he will still drop by for dinner.
Dinner at his dimly lit home near campus is one of his favorite parts of the day. Wearing his favorite black pajamas, turning on soft music by the speaker he’s left in the pantry, he had always loved this soft quiet time by himself.
Sometimes it would not be as quiet whenever Taehyung comes over for dinner.
Jeongguk sits by his dinner table, endlessly scrolling his instagram when he hears a clicking sound at his door.
As Jeongguk turns his gaze at the door, he already knows what to expect.
Still, he sees red when the door opens. Literally, as he sees Taehyung open the door in his red shirt, his exaggerated red shoulder pads entering even before his right foot does, holding his gym bag on his left arm and his football helmet on the other. Figuratively, because he cannot believe his boyfriend has the audacity.
He cannot help but throw his phone directly to the door's direction, missing Taehyung as he ducked, barely even entering Jeongguk's front door.
"Gguk? What the hell babe, is this your phone?" Taehyung said as he picked up Jeongguk's phone on the floor, still alive and breathing with its extreme brightness, screen still showing his Instagram feed.
Jeongguk is already looking away, not wanting to meet Taehyung's eyes. Not wanting to admit that his alpha's scent has immediately given him comfort and sense of calm.
He's fully committed pursing his lips and rolling his eyes the whole night, thank you very much.
Given the silent treatment, Taehyung tried speaking to him again.
"Babe, I'm sor--"
"Shut up. Don't call me babe. Don't talk-- Why are you still in full gear???" Jeongguk looked up, cannot hide the surprise in his face when he saw Taehyung still in his football helmet and shoulder pads, still standing in his doorway, holding Jeongguk's phone with a lopsided smile.
Taehyung's eyes lit up like a puppy when it seemed Jeongguk has given him the chance to speak with him again.
God he's so cute.
"Jimin told me that you guys talked and that you're pissed. I knew I had to be ready to duck and I thought the helmet would help with, you know." Taehyung said while pointing around his head. "I just didn't expect you'd be throwing your phone."
It took every oxygen in Jeongguk's body to stop himself from smiling. His boyfriend is so unserious. Jeongguk is so endeared. Can he pause and go to Taehyung to squeeze his cheeks and then go back to his angry, cold act again?
No, he's still mad at him, truly.
"I'm mad at you, Taehyung. I don't care, give me back my phone then you can leave."
Taehyung winced as he heard the words, Jeongguk back to not looking at him. "Let me apologize and then we can have dinner, hm?" Taehyung said ever so calmly, as he always does.
"Who said anything about dinner." Jeongguk replied curtly. Not looking anywhere, then goes looking at his nails, then back to looking at anywhere but Taehyung.
Taehyung sighed, still making a few steps to approach Jeongguk. He cannot blame the omega; he knows he's made him upset.
Though Jeongguk has not thrown him another thing yet, which Taehyung took as a sign to try explaining himself.
"If only you'd come near me then you can have your phone back." Taehyung said.
"Brave of you to assume I'd come anywhere near your stinky post practice shirt and sweat." Jeongguk said, back to looking at his very plain, very normal-looking nails.
"Ha ha. I know you too well to know you won't bother, babe. But I did take a shower before leaving practice, I swear."
"I don't care."
"Not going anywhere until you hear me out."
Jeongguk finally stood up. Never in his whole life he's admitted to having the calmest, best temper, hasn't he?
"Tae, you promised me no practice, no football, until after two weeks and done with your follow up check up with your doctor. Now you kept this day to me a secret. You walked me to my class this morning while kissing me good bye, and then you'll fully turn rouge on me. I am not happy. Do you wish me to throw the chopping board next?" Jeongguk rambled, almost out of breath.
"Ouch, that would give me another concussion, won't it?" Taehyung smiled while removing his football helmet, moving carefully.
Jeongguk rolled his eyes, seeing the full handsome face card of his boyfriend, he knows the battle's already lost on his end. Ugh. Kim fucking Taehyung.
Taehyung took it as a cue to go and hug his sweet, caring omega.
Jeongguk put his cheeks on Taehyung's shoulders almost immediately while Taehyung wraps his arms around Jeongguk's waist, the motion being too familiar it's like a muscle memory, like puzzle pieces locking in place.
"I'm still mad, Kim Taehyung. I'm not joking so stop smiling." Jeongguk felt Taehyung stopped breathing for a while, as if truly holding his laughter.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry, babe." Taehyung said biting his own lips from smiling. He actually listens to his boyfriend... sometimes.
"I told you a million times Tae, that day, I almost had a heart attack. I felt cold all over. I felt cold for two nights you aren’t waking up. All I wish is for you to fully heal before you get back on the field. I'm not asking you to leave football, Taehyung. I know I could never take football away from you. I know I could never win over football," he felt Taehyung shaking his head softly then sighing on his hair, "I hope I can deal with it better next time, but right now, I cannot handle another concussion, Tae." Jeongguk is almost whispering by the end, he can feel Taehyung's presence calming him a bit too much.
Taehyung can't help but feel his heart break by every word. He felt so loved.
"Jeongguk, baby, look at me." He moved to gently hold the omega's face, seeing how Jeongguk's a bit teary eyed, cheeks flushed.
Of course, he will never forget that morning he woke up from his concussion. Aside from the constant ache in his head and some sore muscles, he felt fine all over. However, as soon as he saw Jeongguk's puffy eyes gleaming with tears when they made eye contact, he felt his heart ache as well. He's really not used to seeing the feisty, stubborn omega he knew, crying this much. Jeongguk's eyes were so sad he felt tugging in his chest.
He also felt warmth. So much warmth he felt like he's gonna burst in love.
"Jeongguk baby, always remember this okay? I will always come back to you. There's no other place for me. You're my home. Yours is the only light I'd follow."
Jeongguk scoffs, but Taehyung continues.
"I'm sorry for today, I do not have any explanation but being stubborn. I felt okay, even better than the past days, coach tried to stop me too and Yoongi said he'd punch me if only that would not lead to another risk of injury for me. So I stepped foot on the field but I promise I did not exhaust myself. I just want to overlook the practice, that's all. I did not even touch a football," Jeongguk rolled his eyes which made Taehyung smile. "Okay I might have passed it around a bit but only to like hand it over to my teammates, not as if I’m actually playing. And I'm sorry I kept it a secret from you, just because I know you'd be upset. That's truly immature of me."
"I love you, sorry for making you worry today, and to make you worry some more for the next days, and even the next 20 years that I’d probably still play football." (Jeongguk smiled, heart skipped a beat at the implication.) "I promise to take care of myself, and be healthy, and not to get another stupid concussion or injury. For you."
"That's not for me, clearly that's for the team. And the trophy."
Taehyung laughed again, very heartily this time. "Stop being a brat and just take it, Gguk. I mean it. All of it."
Jeongguk felt his face burning. From the sincerity he's felt from Taehyung's words, from his intense gaze. Jeongguk turned his head a bit to kiss Taehyung's wrist, his huge callused hand still holding his small face. Jeongguk can’t help that now he’s smiling too. "I know Tae, sorry for being dramatic as always, but still I believe I have all the right to be upset."
"I know baby, I'm sorry again." Taehyung's puppy eyes looked so apologetic, Jeongguk is two seconds away from cooing. "I'd text you when we'll have the next practice, okay?"
Jeongguk nods, "But no real training for you until our visit to the doctor next week. Promise me!"
"Yup. Promise, my love. I won't let you worry again." Taehyung replied, then proceeds to press his nose to Jeongguk's neck, scenting him. Jeongguk felt dizzy with the alpha pheromones suddenly emitted in the air.
Jeongguk scoffed. "Fat chance, with this chosen career of yours."
"You love seeing me all sweaty and aggressive on the field though.”
"I'd rather see that on our bed, actually."
"Oh?" Taehyung's head perked up to look at Jeongguk who's already wiggling his eyebrows. Jimin's right, he's too whipped for his boyfriend.
Taehyung held him even closer, holding his waist tighter as if not letting go anytime soon.
"I am now starving though." Jeongguk said, this time it's his turn to scent Taehyung.
Taehyung felt goosebumps in an instant. He just loves being scented by Jeongguk. So much so he's now closing his eyes, feeling so calm he's ready to go to a deep slumber. Also a lot turned on by Jeongguk's sweet lavender scent.
Jeongguk continued rubbing his nose on Taehyung's scent gland, Taehyung almost being lost in the feeling, eyes closed, tilting his head to let Jeongguk scent him deeper. "Uhmmm... Gguk, you know I'm not one to say no to this, but I think the doctor told us we can't until after... maybe... next week?"
Jeongguk immediately stopped to look at the alpha. "Huh? I meant, I'm starving for dinner, you dog!"
The apartment rang with laughter. Jeongguk smiling so big, a lot blushing, before Taehyung pecked his lips, later on nibbling on his lower lip before fully kissing him. Later on having the makguksu Jeongguk has prepared for dinner, while Taehyung can’t seem to stop touching him everywhere.
Taehyung never had another concussion, nor any serious injury, in the entirety of Taehyung’s professional football career.
After all, Taehyung has kept his promise to Jeongguk.
Jeongguk promised Taehyung his forever.