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"A blind date?!" The weather was rainy, indicating little chance of success for a date, let alone a blind one. He didn't know that the "good news" his friend was eager to tell him was that he had found a single man interested in meeting someone like Taehyung. He sighed; he simply didn't want to go. It was six o'clock in the afternoon, and the date was scheduled for one hour later, at a small, cozy, family-run restaurant specializing in makguksu. Taehyung didn't want to rush to get ready and mentally questioned why he needed to.
Being an omega and not being marked at 29 was proving difficult for him. He wished he had already found his partner, had his mark, and perhaps his pups. However, even if he didn't have one yet, he didn't believe he needed a blind date for that. Why couldn't it be from natural causes: going to the bookstore, trying to grab a really high book, and a big, hot alpha would reach it for him, they'd get married and live happily ever after... Maybe he's reading too many romance novels.
"Sure, it'll be great, you'll see," Jimin exclaimed. "And no complaining! Isn't it enough that you already complain about not having a boyfriend?"
"But..." He knew nothing would help. It wouldn't be so bad; at least he'd meet someone new and talk about life. In the best-case scenario, he'd actually find an alpha that night—but Taehyung still doubted Jimin's analytical ability to assess who would be a good match for him.
"He should be at the restaurant at 7 PM. Don't be late!"
"Can't you even give me a hint about what he looks like? Like, I don't know, hair color?"
"No," the omega huffed. "But..." he paused. "I can tell you he has a tattoo." It was difficult for Taehyung not to blush at the new information. He truly loved a man with tattoos. Hopefully he had many tattoos, then, he thought. For him, it was the icing on the cake of a whole package with a good personality, intelligence, and a good job—an important point to ask: what his date for the night did for a living.
***
The Kyotan restaurant was entirely made of wood, with some flower arrangements around it, a cat sleeping on the wall next to the facade, and a delicious smell emanating from within. It wasn't a very large place, and from the outside, he noticed there were few employees. From the dining room, he could see a bit of the kitchen and the smoke coming out of the back window. "Welcome! Table for one?"
"No, actually..." he looked around, but in vain; he didn't know what he looked like. "I'm going to meet a friend. Bang Yongguk?"
"Ah, yes!" the waiter replied cheerfully. "He said he was waiting for a date. Please follow me." Passing by the few tables that were there, Taehyung followed him to one in the corner, a little more secluded than the others. He smiled in thanks and spotted his blind date.
He was handsome, Bang Yongguk. Not exactly what he was expecting, and with that shirt and jacket, he could barely see the tattoos. He had well-defined features and a thin face, messy but neatly styled black hair, and seemed tall and thin - although he preferred tall and strong, he would give it a chance anyway. "Yongguk?"
"Taehyung? Hi!" He stood up. "Wow, you... Wow!" He blushed at the reaction and just smiled weakly. He bowed in greeting; no hugs. He pulled out his chair to sit down and the alpha did the same. Taehyung didn't smell a very strong scent coming from him; hints of black tea, but nothing too striking. Nothing that made his inner omega vibrate and feel that it was him.
"Are you alright? Did you wait long?"
"No, no, I just arrived" Yongguk smiled at him, a calm smile. Maybe he was nice, who knows.
"Have you ordered anything yet?" he asked, noticing the menu on the table, but the man in front of him just shook his head as a waiter approached.
"Good evening, everyone! My name is Hoseok, and I'll be serving you tonight!" he greeted them, serving glasses of water. "Would you like an appetizer or a main course?"
"Hm..." Taehyung assessed the options. "What do you recommend?"
"Our chef always recommends his specialty: his best makguksu, made with lots of love and care, ideal for brightening your day."
"Well," the omega laughed at the sales pitch, "you've convinced me! I'd like one, please." He looked ahead, waiting for him to order.
"Same here!" Yongguk said. "Thank you." They watched Hoseok walk away, his request already made, and looked at each other again. Taehyung didn't feel uncomfortable or nervous, despite it being a very unusual situation for him; it just seemed like something didn't make sense. He just didn't feel anything.
"Look, Tae. Can I call you Tae?" He smiled, nodding. "You're beautiful. A wonderful omega, with a sweet cherry scent that would drive any alpha crazy, and you seem intelligent and very kind..." Oh, no. What would come after so many compliments? "But..." Of course. He didn't even have luck on a blind date. Why the universe What was he doing? He felt like he could cry from frustration and shame at any moment, and just looked away.
"I'm so sorry for saying this, but maybe it's better to clarify before we start talking." He tried to be empathetic, but he just wanted to leave. "I came because Namjoon, my friend, asked; no, begged. He's a coworker of Jimin, your friend, and he has a brother, Beomgyu." He sighed as he explained. "I've been in love with his brother for a long time, but he doesn't understand that..." Taehyung expected a date and got a therapy session; and he was the therapist. He definitely didn't expect his night to end like this, but what could he do?
"I'm 35 years old, you know? And Beomgyu is 24; only 24, as Namjoon says. And he's repeated several times that I won't be his brother's alpha. Apparently, for him, being a big alpha brother, this is a huge problem, and I don't understand why." He paused, looking at his plate and fidgeting with his silverware. "I only came to show him that I don't want anything more to do with Beomgyu, but it's not true." He stared at Taehyung. "You know when you see that person and feel that it's them?"
No... He didn't know, he desperately wanted to know, but he didn't. He desperately wanted to feel that, to be emotionally connected with someone, to have his heart stolen and his soul found. He wanted to cry again, but this time for both of them. Taehyung, for not having found anyone, and Yongguk, for having found someone but not being able to be with him.
"To be honest, no." He smiled slightly, surprising the alpha in front of him. "And to be even more honest, I didn't want to come either. But not because of you, don't be offended. I just didn't feel it would be a good date for me." He paused to think a little more. "But..." Since he was already there, in the worst-case scenario, why not try to help him? "I think you shouldn't give up on your omega" he said firmly. "I don't know if you've talked or if he knows about your interest..."
"Yes, he does! "He leaned on the table, so ecstatic. "Well, I never directly said I love him, but maybe he feels it too. I hope so." He wanted to cry again. Oh, to have someone who loves him and wants to proclaim their love for him. Beomgyu was a lucky omega, he was sure. Not because Yongguk seemed like a perfect alpha, but simply because he had already found his alpha (probably), and at 24 years old. How he wished he had experienced that.
"Then you shouldn't give up. If that's what you want, you need to try. And if that's what he wants, you need to live it. Life is too short not to seize the opportunities that fate offers."
"Wow... "he exhaled sharply, catching his breath. "If I didn't have an omega, you'd be excellent, Taehyung. Well, not that I have an omega..." he murmured.
Taehyung just smiled. It wasn't the encounter he expected, but it helped clear his mind and help a lost alpha find his way to his love. "You should text him." he said impulsively, but it made sense. Yongguk looked at him, startled.
"Now?"
"Yes, now."
"But, but I'm here with you, I don't think-"
"Now!" He exclaimed, then laughed at the other's reaction, grabbing his phone hurriedly and rushing to type in the conversation.
"But what about you? I can try to introduce you to someone, a great catch, if you want. And no blind dates, I'll show you the options."
"Thank you" his thanks were sincere.
"And then you tell me if...
Ding.
"Oh my God, already?!" Yongguk checked his phone and saw a new message from Beomgyu less than 3 minutes after his own message. Taehyung was happy for him, for the progress.
"What did you say?"
"I just asked how he is doing."
The omega grimaced. "You need to be direct! Be the alpha he wants you to be! Has it been a long time since you saw each other? Say you miss him. Bring up a topic about a shared interest. Show interest. I don't know, just make yourself available. And then show Namjoon that you can, indeed, be his brother's alpha."
He spoke anxiously along with Yongguk while the alpha quickly typed the messages and Beomgyu on the other end responded at the same speed, phew. Although it wasn't being very romantic for him, Taehyung was having fun. "He wants to call me to talk" Yongguk stared at the omega over the screen. "Taehyung, he wants to call me to talk. What do I do? How do I call? How do I talk? No, wait! I can't. I'm here with you. What do I do?! Schedule it for tomorrow?"
"Of course not!" He gave his arm a light tap. "An old alpha like that, 35 years old, looks more like a 15-year-old teenager. You're going to ask for 10 minutes to get ready, don't let him think you don't want to. And that's the time you'll have to rush home, I think. If anything, answer from the car. But don't let the opportunity slip away."
"But what about you?" What about him? He would just sit there on yet another date, one of the thousands that didn't work out. Everything would be fine, he was used to it. Unfortunately.
"Go enjoy yourself, please. I'll cancel the your order, okay?"
"Taehyung..." he sighed. "I don't know how you're still single." Hearing that was worse than he expected. He didn't know either, he had no way of knowing. He believed he was a handsome and interesting person, but in whose eyes? Apparently, strange and crazy men; the decent alphas are already off the market.
Yongguk quickly stood up, hugged Taehyung, exchanged numbers to keep in touch (since the omega wanted to know the outcome of the affair) and hurried out of the restaurant to his car. Taehyung stared at the empty table in front of him, his mind even emptier. He didn't have much to think about. But he was interrupted from his empty moment when the waiter slowly approached his table.
"Excuse me..." Hoseok said in a low tone. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes," he tried to smile convincingly. "I need you to cancel my friend's order, okay? And mine is for takeout." He was 29 years old, but still young, he tried to think. Despite the momentary sadness, he had hope and firmly believed that life was reserving the best for him, he was sure of it. He was certain that he would find the alpha of his dreams at some point, he just didn't know where.
Not long after, Hoseok returned with a bag containing his order and a note in his hands. "They asked me not to say who it's from," he winked and walked away. Confused, Taehyung checked his order before inspecting the paper. It was small and had only three lines written in a quick, but beautiful, handwriting.
Upon reading it, his eyes widened at the message and he looked around to see if anyone was staring back, but nothing. There weren't many people there and no one seemed to be paying attention to him. The handwriting wasn't Hoseok's, since it was different from the order paper, so whose handwriting was it?
💌"I'm sorry your date didn't work out. You deserve someone who would never leave you alone, under any circumstances. I wish I deserved that."
***
Two nights later, Taehyung was back at the restaurant. Not because of the note (maybe), but because that had truly been the best makguksu he had ever eaten in his entire life, and he needed to try it again. "Hello, welcome! Oh, I remember you!" Hoseok greeted him again. "I see you enjoyed our food, yes?"
The waiter escorted him to an empty table and realized there was no need for a menu, asking if he would like the same dish. It was a Thursday night, and the restaurant, incredibly, was busier than the last time he was there. He didn't recognize anyone and couldn't tell if anyone there had been the other day. "Hello," another waiter approached his table. "Your water."
Could he have been the one who wrote the letter? The waiter didn't seem very interested in him, but there was no way to know for sure. He tried to think of some excuse to find out, and then called him again, preventing him from turning around. "Hm... I'd like to order an appetizer. Baozi, please, just one."
"Alright," the waiter picked up his notepad to write down the order, and Taehyung pretended to stretch to take a look at his handwriting. He sighed. It wasn't the same. The waiter left, and the omega looked out the window again. If this was his chance to have someone, he didn't want to waste it. He himself had told Yongguk the other day: life is too short not to seize the opportunities fate throws at him. Was he an alpha? A beta? Taehyung's scent was too distinctive for them to know his subgenre, so maybe it wasn't an omega who wanted him.
Hoseok returned smiling with the baozi after a little less than 5 minutes and informed him that "Yoongi" would bring his main course. When Yoongi, whom he identified as the other waiter, arrived with the tray, there was another note on it. Damn, when did he get that note? Taehyung hadn't paid attention; he didn't know he would receive another note today and hadn't seen any strange movements, much less noticed anyone looking at him.
💌"Happy you're back. It's a pleasure to watch you."
He quickly looked around. Maybe the person was watching him, waiting for a reaction when he read the note, but nothing. Nobody was looking at him. This didn't make sense. How could a random, unknown person want him when many who knew him didn't?
Maybe this was the person life had reserved for him. But why didn't the person appear and confess? Taehyung tormented himself. It's hard enough having the courage to send an anonymous note, let alone appear in front of him to confess. This made him anxious to reply to the note, but how? To whom?
***
It was Sunday afternoon when Taehyung decided to return to the restaurant to, this time, try another dish from the menu. Hoseok, as always, served him cheerfully - the omega thought he was increasingly happy to see him; but the handwriting wasn't his, so he remained confused about that.
He asked the waiter for another recommendation, which this time was the bibimbap, and then walked away. The place was much emptier this time, but as Hoseok brought his water, he noticed two more tables being occupied and the activity increasing. He didn't see the waiter Yoongi around and noticed Hoseok was quick at his job. He was fiddling with his phone when a plate of bibimbap was placed in front of him, and he looked up to thank Hoseok. But it wasn't the waiter who was there.
"Sorry for the delay. We're full and have few staff today," the man said hurriedly, but with a smile on his face. But not just any man: an alpha. A tattooed alpha (visible on his hand and forearm), a fragrant alpha, with a very strong scent of apricot and caramel filling his nostrils - making the omega restrain himself from deeply inhaling the scent.
He was tall and strong; Taehyung could see well-developed muscles beneath his white chef's uniform. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and his right arm was covered in colorful tattoos. His neatly styled hair was short and black; his mouth and ears were adorned with numerous piercings, and again, his scent. How could someone smell so good?
The omega couldn't utter a word, his reaction being complete silence and awe, in a good way, but, in truth, Taehyung's mind was less empty than before, now completely flooded by this alpha in front of him. "Ah," said the alpha, bowing in greeting. "I'm Jungkook, owner and cook of Kyotan. Enjoy your meal and thank you for coming!"
As quickly as he arrived, he was gone. But why was he gone already? Taehyung didn't know whether to hold him back, go after him, cry from nervousness, ask Hoseok to do something, or simply ask for a courtship. A handsome alpha. And on top of that, a hardworking alpha?! He slowly stared at the plate on the table when instantly his hunger vanished, giving way to an uncontrollable desire to simply talk to that alpha. Was this what Beomgyu had felt when he suddenly asked to call Yongguk just to chat? But if so, it meant that... "Everything alright here?" Hoseok asked, standing beside his table.
"Yes, I..." He had only taken three slow spoonfuls of his (very tasty) dish, but his mind was so occupied that his expression was blank, or even frightened. He looked up at the waiter and cleared his throat. "Could you bring me paper and a pen, please?" After receiving his last anonymous note on Thursday, Taehyung wanted to reply, but he didn't know to whom. In any case, he admired the stranger's courage in writing kind words on a piece of paper and asking a waiter to deliver it. Motivated, he wanted to do the same. So, he would write a note to the alpha cook as well.
But what would he write? 'Hello, do you want to be my alpha?' No, first he needs to know if he's single. 'Hello, do you have an omega?' No, no, he can't be that forward. 'Hello... May the moonlight of destiny bring us together again?' What on earth was he thinking? Unfortunately, he didn't have the courage of his secret admirer and would have to settle for the bare minimum.
Halfway through his plate, Hoseok brought the paper and pen, and he took some more time to decide what he would say. It would have to be simple and concise; after all, it wouldn't be an anonymous note. He could see the kitchen from there; maybe Jungkook would notice him writing. When he finished, he asked for the bill and reread his note.
💌"Thank you for the food and congratulations on the restaurant. I hope to come back more often!"
Simple, nothing forward, no ulterior motives, but still affectionate and kind. Yeah, it would do, especially since it was the first time he'd done this. Hoseok returned with the payment machine and handed him the receipt and, along with it, another note for Taehyung. Another one! Before he could leave, however, he quickly called him back. "Could you...?" he cleared his throat. "Could you give this to the cook? I mean, the owner!" He blushed. "Jungkook, right?" He hoped his voice hadn't faltered.
Hoseok's eyes widened, staring at him in shock. And it was Taehyung who was startled. Did he think it was flirting? Well, maybe. But was that kind of exchange between customers and cook/owner prohibited? "I-it's nothing much, just... I wanted to thank you for the food, it was delicious."
"Of course... What's your name?"
"Taehyung." Still astonished, Hoseok took the paper from his hand and nodded quickly in agreement, bowing goodbye and rushing off to the kitchen. What was that? He didn't know it would be so bad to write to him.
He stared at the third note in front of him and paused to analyze it before opening it. What a coincidence that every time he went to Kyotan, his secret admirer was also there. He looked around, searching for someone who might be watching him back, but the place was already emptier and no one paid any attention to him. He watched Hoseok attending to another table nearby. It wasn't him; Taehyung had seen his handwriting a few times before, and comparing it, it wasn't anything like it. Who would be there every time he was? He decided, then, to open the note.
💌"I was able to discover your scent today and I'm completely ecstatic."
Who would be there every time he was, and this time managed to smell him? As if the world were moving twice as slow, Taehyung took a while to think. There was a possibility in his mind, but it couldn't be... Could it? Of course not...
And then, he looked up at the space where he could glimpse part of the kitchen and saw Jungkook passing by, without looking at him. The alpha was doing his work quickly among stoves, pots, and dishes. Without a single glance at the dining room. At Taehyung.
He sighed. It couldn't be, not at all. It was a mere coincidence, but he didn't know what to do anymore. He simply stood up and waved goodbye to Hoseok. Then, he noticed the cook waving a piece of paper in his right hand: his note. Jungkook placed a hand on his chest, smiled broadly, and bowed in thanks. "Come back anytime." Taehyung already regretted writing the note.
***
Despite this, his desire for discovery grew within him, logically. For someone who so desperately wanted to be with an alpha, having a secret admirer was rare and worth taking advantage of. With that, he returned to the restaurant a few times on spaced-out days so as not to show his anxiety. And, every day, he received more notes.
💌"The day dawned sunny, and I hoped you would stop by today."
💌"I liked your red sweater. I hope you like the cherry, the same color as your clothes and the same scent as your gland."
💌"Do you think you'll ever accept my courtship? Consider the cherry as your first gift."
One Tuesday, however, when Taehyung arrived at the restaurant for lunch, something changed. He ordered ramen with tteokbokki and happily ate his meal, brought by a cheerful Hoseok. However, at the end, he didn't receive a note. The omega found it strange and, he confessed, felt sad about it. Had his secret admirer given up on him? Or was it, by a great coincidence, that he wasn't there that day? He sighed at the lack of a note, which had become a habit, and he felt more and more connected to its mysterious sender.
He put that aside and wiped his mouth with a napkin. The food that day was good, as always. Then, he stopped to think for a moment: since he wouldn't receive a note, why not write one? "Excuse me," he said while paying. "Could you bring me some paper and a pen? I'd like to thank the owner, I mean, the cook, again for the food."
"Ah, of course! Oh, wait, Jungkook?" Hoseok was surprised by the request. "Sorry, but the owner isn't here today."
***
Two weeks later, on a Saturday night, Taehyung dragged Jimin to the restaurant. Or rather, Jimin dragged Taehyung when he told him about the notes and the suspicion that his admirer might simply be one of the most handsome alphas he'd ever seen - and the blond omega was determined to find an alpha for his friend.
When they arrived, they were greeted by a third waiter who introduced himself as Jin and put their names on the list. That day, the Kyotan restaurant was quite full, and all the employees were walking around excitedly. Taehyung even caught a glimpse of Jungkook from the kitchen, thankfully. This time, at least, he was there. The omega and his friend were chatting while waiting for their table when an arm was raised and the person began waving it to get his attention. "Taehyung! Jimin!"
He turned his head to the side and saw a smiling Yongguk waving at them. He raised his eyebrows, surprised by the unexpected encounter, especially when he looked at the alpha's companion, sitting next to him: none other than Beomgyu. "Hi!" Taehyung greeted him from afar.
"Sit here," Yongguk gestured. He pointed to the empty spaces next to the two, since they were sitting at a table with four chairs. But Taehyung said no with his hands; he didn't want to disturb them. However, Beomgyu did the same upon seeing Jimin and waved his arms like Yongguk. Jimin started walking over there, so Taehyung followed him.
"Hey Jimin, long time no see!" Beomgyu said cheerfully; they only saw each other at parties where Namjoon was also present, or for work-related matters involving the two older brothers.
"Hey, dear. How are you?" Jimin then noticed Yongguk in front of him and restrained himself from widening his eyes. Taehyung had obviously told him everything; seeing them there indicated that everything was going well.
"Come on, sit with us," Yongguk added, pointing to the chairs in front of him. The two friends exchanged glances. They wouldn't stay long so as not to disturb the couple on, probably, one of their first dates. But, of course, they could chat for a while. "Wow, it's great to see you," Yongguk seemed genuinely happy to see him; Taehyung hoped Beomgyu wouldn't get jealous if he knew about their pseudo "date" almost a month ago.
They spent a few minutes talking, getting to know each other a little better, the other three occasionally commenting on Namjoon - which Taehyung didn't participate in because he didn't know him that well. The omega, then, sitting across from Beomgyu, was surprised to see him bow in his direction. Taehyung bowed as well. "Is everything alright?" he whispered to the younger omega, who smiled broadly.
"It's you. I'm sure it's you!" he said excitedly, drawing the attention of the other two. Before anyone could ask, Beomgyu continued: "Before you guys arrived, I went to the bathroom. On the way back, I had to go through the kitchen and saw the waiter who was serving us (he introduced himself as Hoseok) talking to the cook, and they were talking about a Taehyung!"
Everyone's eyes widened, especially Taehyung's. Jimin grinned widely, confirming that his friend's suspicions were perfectly correct. The omega was speechless. "The cook was saying something like 'I hope Taehyung comes today,' and then added 'I miss his sweet cherry scent', and hello?!" Beomgyu gestured excitedly to the man in front of him. "It's you, it can only be you!"
"What do you mean, you know the cook?" Yongguk asked.
"He seemed smitten!" Beomgyu added. "And he certainly didn't imagine I could meet you, so he spoke openly about you." Taehyung simply couldn't believe it. This completely proved that his secret admirer was the cook, owner, hot and tattooed alpha, Jungkook. There was no other explanation. He was completely speechless; how was it possible that such a perfect alpha was interested in him?
Of course, he knew he was an interesting person, but probably after a chat, after the person exchanged some ideas and got to know him. Just like that, right away, without exchanging a word (since in the first and only monologue Jungkook alone said a dozen words), it seemed impossible to him.
He couldn't believe that an alpha was so interested in him that he was constantly sending passionate and unhurried notes. In one of his last notes, Jungkook wrote "Do you think you'll ever accept my courtship?" and... Taehyung was sure the other was crazy. How could he possibly not accept the courtship of someone like Jungkook? "Taehyung!" He snapped out of his reverie when Jimin shook him beside him. "What are you waiting for?! Go talk to him right now!"
"But I..."
"No buts! This is life giving you the best romantic opportunity you could ever hope for, as sweet as the romance you always wanted to live. Let yourself be blessed and please accept that an alpha like him wants you!"
With that, he impulsively slammed his hands on the table and stood up quickly, dragging his chair back. He breathed, thinking about what to say. What on earth would he say? He looked at the couple in front of him. Each deserved their honorable love story, which would arrive at the right time, with the right person. Before he could act, however, Jin approached them. "Your table is ready. Are you going to stay here or would you prefer to go over there?"
Jimin stood up, agreeing with the waiter and grabbing his friend's arm to hurry up. He knew that Taehyung could get anxious and decide not to go talk to the alpha at any moment. "Well, let's go to our table" said Jimin. "Enjoy your date, we don't want to interrupt."
"What…" Beomgyu whispered, confused. Yongguk’s eyes widened, but it went unnoticed.
"Yes", Taehyung confirmed. "And I’m very happy that you two are finally together."
"What?!" Beomgyu almost shouted, startling the two of them and drawing the attention of the other customers. "A date? Together?" the young omega turned as red as a pepper.
Taehyung finally understood. Yongguk probably hadn’t confessed yet. It was probably just a friendly outing. And Beomgyu didn’t know anything. Well, until now. Oh, great. Taehyung had something to do, but he felt that he (and Jimin) had made the situation worse for the two sitting at the table. Especially when Beomgyu’s eyes started to well up with tears. "I…" Taehyung stammered, nervous and worried about the two of them. "I’m sorry, I…"
"Do you like me?" It was a whisper from Beomgyu, but everyone heard. He wasn't looking at Yongguk, but the alpha was the most scared of all. Finally, he looked at him. His eyes were still teary, but a happy smile reached his eyes. "I've always liked you, hyung. I never said anything because of my brother, but..." slowly, he took the other's hands. "Please, you..."
"Yes!" Yongguk exclaimed excitedly. "Beommie, be my omega, please." The expectation was high, and Taehyung and Jimin watched everything with great hope. Beomgyu grabbed Yongguk's face with his hands and brought him close, kissing him. Okay, everything was beautiful, and surely Taehyung could catch up later. The newlywed couple's actions seemed to wake him up, and he turned to Jimin.
"I'll be right back." The Kyotan restaurant wasn't a very large establishment, so he didn't need many steps to reach the open counter leading to the kitchen. He could see Hoseok watching him from afar, and he imagined the waiter might be equally ecstatic.
"Your order is ready for..." Jungkook, the cook and owner, approached the counter, speaking without looking at him, thinking he was a waiter. When he raised his face and glimpsed the omega in front of him, his eyes widened. "Cherry! I mean, Taehyung! I mean, hi!" he stammered, making the other laugh. He didn't want any more beating around the bush.
"Hi," he began, looking around into the kitchen. "Do you have apricot and caramel here? I received a gift of my scent and I wanted to give the same..." The alpha was impressed. He didn't have enough courage to show himself to the omega, but the other came to him when he discovered who he was. And he knows exactly his scent, apricot and caramel. "Sorry," Taehyung laughed at his startled look. "It was you, right? Sending me the notes..." Jungkook just smiled.
"Yes," he smiled slightly. "I hope you're not disappointed." He's joking, he must be. The alpha looked around as another order slip was placed on the counter. "I can't have my break now, I'm too busy. The restaurant closes in an hour..." he said and paused, calculating whatever he wanted. "Can we talk after that? I'll make your order. On the house! And then we can talk... Is that okay?"
Taehyung had to pinch himself under the counter. Was all this really happening to him? It was definitely a fairy tale, a perfect dream he never wanted to wake up from. "Okay," he replied softly, pressing his lips together to avoid smiling too openly. He was about to return to his table when Jungkook stopped him, quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, and began to write. He handed the note (yes, another one) to Taehyung and winked at him.
💌"Please don't go."
***
As the restaurant was about to close, the customers had already left, the waiters were preparing to close up, and Jimin left Taehyung alone, vehemently asking the omega to tell him everything later. Hoseok waved goodbye from the door, and silence fell.
Taehyung was sitting at a table near the window, but he was looking towards the kitchen, from where Jungkook was coming in short steps. The alpha smiled, clearly embarrassed, without looking at him for very long. He sat down opposite the other and placed what he had brought on the table: a packet of Kancho and a bottle of water, pushing the food towards Taehyung.
"Look..." the alpha began. "I apologize for the anonymous notes, I just... I saw you, the most beautiful person I've ever seen in my life, and I simply didn't know what to do. I didn't have time to stop and think that day, so the note was my last and only option. I don't know if you were bothered, but..."
"No!" he said quickly. "I loved it. I... I liked it."
"Ah," he let out a breath. "That's good. I know we don't know each other and we've never spoken and just..." he rambled for a few seconds, just staring at Taehyung. "Sorry, your scent is... Wow, it's very strong, it makes me..."
He inhaled deeply with his eyes closed. The omega blushed, unsure what to think. Jungkook composed himself and continued explaining. "That was it, I was mesmerized by you and your scent the first time you came here." He laughed, remembering. "I remember being very sad when I saw you on a date, but I confess I felt relieved when I saw you alone."
"I..." he also wanted to explain and say that he too was mesmerized by the alpha and his scent, but the other continued speaking.
"And I know it might sound weird, but I wanted you at that moment. My alpha wanted you, still wants you" he paused to assess the reaction. "I still want you. I didn't have any bad intentions in sending you those notes, I just got nervous just thinking about getting close to you. I imagined you would never want me, after all, you can have any alpha you want, so..."
"I want you!" he exclaimed hastily, agitated. How could an alpha of that stature speak so beautifully and so nonsensically? "I..."
"Seriously?" Jungkook's round, large eyes shone happily. He took a deep breath, leaning further over the table. "This makes me so happy, and your scent is driving me even crazier, I'm sorry, but..."
"Yes..." he looked at the alpha's hands on the table. "Actually, I really hoped it was you when I suspected the writer of the notes. When I first saw you, the moment you came to deliver my order, I couldn't answer you because I had the same reaction. Hypnotized by you and your scent."
Quickly, Jungkook stood up from his chair and knelt beside Taehyung, taking his hands. "Please, omega, let me court you."
Being an omega and not being marked at 29 was difficult for him. He wished he had already found his mate, had his mark, and perhaps his pups. Maybe he didn't need the bookstore and the loud book. Maybe what he needed was to go to this familiar restaurant and find the best alpha he had ever seen in his life. Then, he smiled with teary eyes. "Yes, of course!"
Jungkook sighed in relief and moved closer to hug him, but stopped abruptly and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. When he opened his eyes again, Taehyung shuddered to see that they were darker and redder than before. "You..." Jungkook sniffed him. "Are you in heat?"
Just the question, coupled with the alpha's gaze, made Taehyung almost groan softly there, sitting in that chair. His breath caught and he began to sweat. He didn't need to answer; they both already knew. But he was sure he wouldn't have his heat for the next two weeks, so why now? Maybe (certainly) the alpha's presence and words had caused it to come sooner.
It felt like 1 minute, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour had passed... when in reality only 30 seconds had passed since they stared intensely at each other. Jungkook mustered his courage and moved a little closer, still kneeling before the omega. "Do you want to go to my place?"
***
The walk to Jungkook's house was difficult, but the two took advantage of the moment to clear their minds and get to know each other a little better. They swapped some information, the alpha being younger - something Taehyung didn't care about and never would (at that point, he would accept anything from the other). The omega said he worked as an art curator at a museum, and Jungkook told him a little more about the restaurant.
Upon arriving in front of the building, parking, and taking the elevator, everything was forgotten. Taehyung was tightly grabbed by Jungkook as soon as they entered the apartment. "I'm sorry, can I..." he firmly gripped the omega's waist, who gasped at the abrupt touch. "Shit, I think you triggered my rut," he whispered, pressing their foreheads together.
"Then do something, alpha." Hugging Jungkook by the neck, Taehyung pressed his lips to his, making the alpha react and squeeze his body tighter against him. The kiss was desperate, their first kiss; it should have been calm and deep, but neither of them had the time or patience for that. However, it was a passionate kiss, and both could feel it.
Jungkook placed his hands under Taehyung's thighs and pulled him up, making the omega wrap his legs around his waist. He hurried to his room and carefully placed the other on the bed. They quickly removed their clothes, running their hands over each other's bodies, savoring the sensations and the moment. Taehyung groaned at the mere thought that this man, this alpha, would be his. He gasped heavily, staring at that body, that throbbing, large cock that would soon be inside him.
Taehyung settled himself, lying on the bed, and Jungkook positioned himself more comfortably on top of him. Both were panting deeply, such was their excitement. The omega gripped the alpha's neck, pulling him closer and attacking his lips in another passionate kiss. Jungkook touched Taehyung's hole, already completely wet naturally - for being an omega - and groaned at the sensation, kissing and sucking his neck, leaving beautiful marks of possession. "You don't know how long I've waited for this..." the alpha said.
"Show me how much." Slowly, Jungkook aligned himself and entered him, forcing his hips forward. Taehyung closed his eyes at the sensation and let himself revel in it. The movements intensified as they loved each other, touched each other, and went wild in their bodies and near climaxes.
"Do you want pups, omega?" Jungkook asked in his ear, making Taehyung groan. Both in heat and rut, there was nothing to think about, their minds occupied with sex.
"Yes..." he moaned softly.
"I want to fill you with my pups." Jungkook lifted his body slightly, one hand holding Taehyung's leg under his left knee and the other supporting himself firmly on the wooden headboard of the bed. The omega groaned louder and...
Crack. "Ah, shit", Jungkook gasped. "I broke the headboard", such was the force with which he gripped it.
Seeming to wake from a trance, Taehyung's eyes widened. "For God's sake, cum outside!' he said desperately, and Jungkook gasped.
"But, omega, you'll look so beautiful with..."
"Alpha", he whispered in his ear. "Please, only tonight, okay?"
Taehyung groaned once more before cumming on his own stomach. Just before reaching his climax, Jungkook pulled out and pumped his cock, cumming in the same spot as the omega. He rested her arm beside Taehyung's head and leaned down to kiss him once again. "Can I tell you that I'm already in love?" the alpha said, and the omega laughed.
"Great. Because I am too."
***
That same night, Taehyung slept with the alpha. The next morning, they went to the restaurant together after waking up, kissing, and getting ready. Jungkook lent Taehyung some clothes, and so they left. It was Sunday, and the Kyotan restaurant was only open for lunch, from 12 pm to 5 pm. Jungkook arrived around 12 pm, and Hoseok, Jin, and Yoongi had already opened the place. Two couples were at the door waiting to enter, and the alpha pulled Taehyung by the hand to go inside.
The waiters greeted him cheerfully, offering words of congratulations and hope, stating that they had always rooted for him to succeed. Jungkook gave Taehyung a quick kiss, then went to the kitchen to start working. He stayed for lunch, so he texted Jimin and Beomgyu (they had created an omega group, yes) briefly telling them everything that had happened and inviting them to have lunch with him at the restaurant. It didn't take long for them to agree and sit next to him.
Beomgyu had brought Yongguk (since he had slept at his house after yesterday's declaration), now a close friend, and all four sat at the same table as the previous day. Then, Taehyung began to tell his story. "Yes, obviously we did it this morning too and..." Taehyung stopped talking when he felt a touch on his shoulder.
"Is everything alright here?" Jungkook asked, bending down to kiss him on the lips.
"Everything's fine. Guys, this is..."
"Your alpha, we already know," Jimin said. Everyone introduced themselves informally, made brief comments about the new couple (the two new couples), and Jungkook looked around to observe the atmosphere. Quiet. Well, more or less. A man rushed through the door and headed towards them.
"Beomgyu?" The younger omega's eyes widened. In fact, everyone's eyes widened.
"Namjoon?!" It was said in unison. The alpha brother looked at Yongguk with a completely confused expression, especially seeing that his friend and younger brother were holding hands on the table.
"What are you doing here?" and then looked at the blond omega. "Jimin?" he said as if asking for an explanation.
"No", said Beomgyu. "What are you doing here?"
"Jimin told me you guys were going to have lunch here and..."
"What?" Beomgyu interrupted him, looking at the blond in front of him, who maintained a guilty expression. "Why did you tell him?"
This time, it was these two's turn to be silent. Taehyung observed everything with great curiosity, and Jungkook didn't understand anything at all, but who doesn't love a good drama, right? "He was at my house, so I thought we'd come for lunch here too, right?" Namjoon replied, but confused everyone even more. Beomgyu grimaced and looked at Jimin.
"What were you doing at my brother's house this morning?" Before Jimin could answer, Namjoon did.
"Actually, he came by last night."
"What were you doing there last night?" Taehyung asked.
Namjoon stared at Jimin. "You didn't even tell your best friend?" Namjoon demanded, pointing at Taehyung.
"You didn't tell me what?" asked Taehyung. Understanding what was happening, the omega's eyes widened. "Since when have you two been together?!"
"What?!" Beomgyu and Yongguk almost shouted in unison.
"Guys, calm down!" exclaimed Jimin, agitated. Jungkook wanted to laugh, but held back. "Nam, I'm sorry. I wanted to be sure you really liked me, you know how everyone in the office is hitting on you. I thought I might just be another omega, you know?"
Namjoon crouched down beside him. "If I could make you mine right now, I would. I thought you didn't want anything serious, since you said not to tell anyone..."
"I'm sorry", said Jimin. "I didn't know. But, yes, I want to be yours. And about your brother" he looked at the couple on the other side of the table."He's old enough to know what he wants, and he knows who he wants. Let them be happy, they deserve each other and they're in love. And now Taehyung has an alpha too, say hi."
Again, a round of introductions, Namjoon pulling up a chair to join them for lunch, a little tension, but it would soon dissipate, and lots of catching up to do. Jungkook bent down again and gave Taehyung a long, lingering kiss. "I'm going back to the kitchen, okay? If you want to go home, I'll call you later. I want to see you tonight." the alpha said, making the omega smile.
"I want to see you too. Every day. Now we have all the time in the world."
***
💌"Cherry, it's been 6 years since we met. It feels like it was yesterday that I saw you and smelled the best sweet cherry scent in the world, from the most handsome man in the world. Today we have a much bigger Kyotan restaurant, and it's all because you always believed in me. I love you, I will always be by your side, leaving you notes around the house, for every time you get up to drink coffee and remember how much you're loved. I always hope to make you and Yunno proud. He's the best pup you could give me, and I love you for that. He'll be 2 years old soon (already!) and I already want another one (please?). I love you, my omega, happy 6th birthday."