Chapter Text
“Where are you going hyung?”
Namjoon was startled from putting on his gloves when Jimin seemingly came out of nowhere. He jumped, dropping his gloves and along with it his dignity.
Jimin picked up the gloves for him with an amused chuckle and Namjoon tried to ignore his own embarrassment.
He thanked Jimin and grabbed the item to attempt to put them on again.
“Where are you going hyung?” Jimin repeated the question, watching Namjoon fondly with a smile as he struggled to put the cursed gloves on.
“Yoongi wants me to look over his project,” Namjoon admitted a bit guiltily, knowing that his hyung has been taking up most of his time lately.
Jimin’s smile fell from his face and it made Namjoon feel ten times worse.
“The semester is almost over, then we’ll be able to hang out as much as you want, I promise.” The assurances stumble across his tongue. To Namjoon, one of the worst things was making Jimin sad, and Namjoon can feel his own distressed omega feelings being projected.
“Okay, it’s okay hyung.” Probably sensing the distress, Jimin quickly draped himself on Namjoon in an overwhelming hug.
Jimin had to be one of the cuddliest omegas Namjoon has ever met. He never hesitated to get in Namjoon’s space to create a small pile of omegas consisting of the two of them. He would even sometimes make a cute low noise, strangely similar to a growl, whenever Jin would push his way into their cuddle. (Jin always ignored it, but Namjoon thought it was adorable.)
Namjoon held back some laughter as Jimin went in to scent him. Namjoon tended to be a bit ticklish, especially when Jimin goes in to scent him around his neck without any warning as he often does.
Jimin huffed good-naturedly as some of Namjoon’s giggles managed to escape before slowly releasing his captive. “You still need to invite this friend of yours over, I can’t believe we haven’t met him yet.”
Namjoon has been trying to cajole Yoongi to come over for the past month. The other omega was rather stubborn and doesn’t like meeting other people if he doesn’t have to. However, Namjoon feels like he’s been slowly crumbling the metaphorical wall Yoongi had set up and getting closer to accomplishing his goal. He hadn’t been particularly pushy about it, especially after finding out that Yoongi has a small pack of his own.
The situation was completely different compared to their newest packmate, Hoseok, who had no pack of his own before joining theirs. Namjoon had been very persistent in getting Hoseok to join their pack, absolutely sure that he would get along with Jimin and Jin.
In actuality, it had been a close call. Namjoon thought with Hoseok’s dance background and cheery attitude, he and Jimin would be like two peas in a pod, and if anything Hoseok might clash against Jin.
However it turned out to be the opposite. Jimin had been strangely resistant in having Hobi join their pack, leaving Namjoon very distraught and confused. But according to Jin, what the two needed was just a long private talk. After that was set up and done, it was like their relationship took a complete one-eighty, turning them from enemies into friends.
Namjoon had no clue what that talk had been about, but he was just so grateful and relieved that they had managed to talk their issues through that he didn’t ask for specifics. Speaking of Hoseok—
“Hoseok-ah is going to be having dinner with us, right?” he asked, wanting to double check. Their new packmate just recently moved in, and sometimes the dancer would get into the mindset that he needed to leave them alone because he was too bothersome. This kind of behavior was to be expected from someone transitioning from being packless to becoming a member of a pack, and Namjoon was aware that they just needed to be patient and welcoming.
“Yep, I’ll make sure of it,” Jimin reassured him, reaching up to rearrange some of Namjoon’s hair. “You always take such good care of us.”
Not expecting such blatant praise, Namjoon could feel himself blushing and his body tingling in content. His omega side was in bliss and wanted to hear more praises, wanted him to stay and cuddle and get praised while praising in return—
“I’m leaving now,” Namjoon squeaked, fumbling out the door and away from Jimin’s reach.
“Don’t forget to ask him to come over,” Jimin reminded as Namjoon accidentally slammed the door between them in his haste to leave.
Oops. Namjoon sighed as he headed on over to the studio where Yoongi was waiting. While Namjoon was extremely doubtful, who knows? Maybe today would be the day that Yoongi agreed.
“Actually--”
Namjoon’s head turned so fast in Yoongi’s direction he almost fell off his chair.
“Namjoon,” Yoongi scolded exasperatedly as he had to help and make sure that the fellow omega didn’t fall.
He barely paid attention to Yoongi’s assistance, more focused on the fact that after nonchalantly asking Yoongi to come over for dinner the immediate response wasn’t no. “What were you saying hyung?” he asked with the purpose of bringing their attention to more important matters. It was about time he made his monthly quota of falling out of his chair anyways.
Yoongi shot Namjoon with an amused private smile that he was slowly getting acquainted with. “Actually, I was going to invite you to come over to my place for dinner tonight, as a thank you for doing all of this.” At the word ‘this’, Yoongi gestured to his laptop and desk, referring to the final project that they had been diligently working on. “My pack and I were going to have takeout, and they agreed that they wanted to meet you.”
Inviting someone into your home to meet the other pack members was a big deal. It was normal to have friends over, but what made it special was when you deliberately made it an event to meet the rest of the pack. It’s the intention that matters.
The fact that Yoongi was inviting Namjoon over to meet his pack meant that he considered them really close, and it was an honor that Namjoon never expected.
“I— of course hyung,” Namjoon gasped out, gaping at the other in surprise.
When Namjoon had first invited Yoongi over to meet his pack, an impromptu decision without much thought, Yoongi blankly stared at him for about a minute. They had been meeting up for barely a month and Namjoon was well aware that he was probably moving their relationship along too fast, but the omega in him just knew that Yoongi belonged in his pack.
After some silence Yoongi had declined, informing Namjoon that he has his own pack to eat with. It flustered and embarrassed Namjoon when he realized that they weren’t even close enough for him to know that Yoongi had a pack already. That night he made sure to get extra cuddles from Jimin so he could try and forget his blunder.
After that instance, and after actually talking to his pack to make sure it was alright, Namjoon continued to ask the same question every once in a while. Every time without fail, Yoongi would refuse, but Namjoon had been determined.
Therefore after having his invitation turned down again and again, Namjoon was shocked to have Yoongi return the invite.
Yoongi gave a short laugh when Namjoon failed to change his startled expression. “Don’t worry Joon-ah, you’ll be wanting to leave after you meet them. They’re a bit of a hassle.”
And even as Yoongi griped about his pack, Namjoon caught the affection in his eyes and the fondness in his smile. Namjoon has started to learn Yoongi’s ways, and he knew that although Yoongi often complained about others, Yoongi tended to show that he cares in ways that you just have to pay attention to.
Namjoon was gradually becoming an expert in noticing how Yoongi shows his affection, and he could tell that the smaller omega cared about his pack a lot. Because Namjoon was aware of this, he knew it was important to make a good impression on the people that Yoongi cares so deeply about.
First he’ll have to text his pack that he won’t be able to make it to dinner.
Namjoon winced as he felt his phone vibrate yet again in his front pocket.
Yoongi noticed. “You sure your pack is okay with you coming over?” he asked again dubiously, watching Namjoon reach in his pocket.
“Yeah it’s fine.” Namjoon was quick to reassure, biting his lip as he read more of Jimin’s texts.
Jimin
Are you sure this guy is safe?
You’ll text me when you get there, right?
Jin is making your favorite
I miss you
The last text sent a sharp pang in his heart that Namjoon wasn’t expecting. He was quick to text back and assure that Yoongi-hyung was more than safe, make sure to save him some leftovers for tomorrow, and that he missed him too.
The last part made Namjoon smile a bit. Putting his phone back, Namjoon glanced up to see Yoongi staring at him contemplatively.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Okay. Namjoon could tell it wasn’t nothing, that Yoongi had something on his mind, but he decided to let it slide so he could ask, “Are you sure what I’m wearing is okay?”
He wasn’t expecting Yoongi’s audible groan. “Joon, that’s the fourth time you’ve asked. I promise you that it’s fine.”
Well then.
They had left the studio, taken a train, and were now walking through an apartment complex. Namjoon was following Yoongi’s lead while internally fretting more about his appearance and what he should say.
It must have been obvious that he was stressed, because as soon as they arrived at the door Yoongi placed a comforting hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. “You’re really worrying about nothing Joon-ah, they’re a bunch of dorks. It’ll be fine.” Yoongi gave his shoulder a squeeze and an encouraging smile.
While it was sweet for Yoongi to take a moment to soothe Namjoon’s nervousness, (and it really did warm his heart) he still did not feel prepared when Yoongi opened the door without warning and pushed him inside.
“Hyung,” he hissed, trying to firmly place his heels down to stop the other from pushing him but to no avail.
“Stop being a baby,” Yoongi sassed back, continuing to push him through the small hallway that led to the living room and open kitchen.
Before Namjoon could reply how utterly unfair Yoongi was being, they made it into the living room. Having completed his goal, Yoongi had stopped being so unnecessarily forceful, and Namjoon froze when he took in the environment.
Sitting on the couch were two guys, but not any two guys. Two alphas.
Yoongi had mentioned his pack in the past. ‘They’re both brats. Tae likes to be annoying and try to snuggle all the time, even when I’m trying to get stuff done. And Kookie is a super brat, but at times he can be as snuggly and clingy as Tae,’ Yoongi had complained, explaining why he hadn’t been able to make much progress in his project, painting the picture in Namjoon’s head of two omegas who had similar touchy tendencies to his Jimin.
These two guys however, were most definitely not omegas. It was obvious the moment Namjoon set foot in the living room that he had been completely wrong in his assumption, the strong musky scent of alpha wafting and lingering in the apartment was the strong indicator.
Now Namjoon has nothing against alphas. He really has nothing against alphas it’s just—he just tended to avoid them. In his experience, alphas tended to either feel threatened by his intelligence, which made them become offensive and rude, or they tended to aggressively flirt with him after catching his omega scent. Both cases had taught Namjoon to be more wary of alphas.
There had been numerous times where he had to defend himself after being mocked by alphas. Many times they would point out his unpleasing omega physique (too tall, too lanky) after realizing his unsuspecting true status. It had made him self-conscious for a while, especially when he would go home to Jimin whose appearance completely encompassed what a true omega should look like based on society standards.
So it was these past experiences that influenced Namjoon to make an unconscious move that he really should have thought about first: he took a step back. The action was observed closely by Yoongi and the two alphas, and Namjoon realized his mistake right away.
Before he could try to correct it however, both alphas stood to greet them. “You must be Namjoon.” The alpha who spoke was gorgeous, tanned with light brown hair. The alpha next to him was good-looking in a boyish way and muscular, fitting the mould of the ideal alpha image easily.
They kept a respectful distance from Namjoon, one he was sure wouldn’t have existed if he hadn’t broadcasted his unease.
Yoongi who had been standing behind him was suddenly standing next to him, their sides touching in an obvious sign to provide comfort.
“I’m Taehyung, and this is Kookie,” one of the alphas introduced, unapologetically jumping on the back of the other.
“Jungkook,” the proclaimed ‘Kookie’ corrected, quickly shifting to accommodate the sudden weight. It looked like the action was done absent-mindlessly, like having another alpha hanging off of him was a normal daily occurrence.
“Ah, Yoongi told me a lot about you guys. It’s nice to finally meet you. Thank you for having me over.” Namjoon, eager to make up for his mistake, offered several polite pleasantries.
“Yoongi-hyung is picky, like a cactus,” Taehyung solemnly informed Namjoon, ignoring the exasperated muttering that ‘cactus’ aren’t picky hyung, they’re prickly’ from Jungkook. “So if he likes you, that must mean that you’re a good person.”
The amiable smile along with the kindhearted words had Namjoon feeling bashful. In the corner of his eye, he could see Yoongi was also affected by the embarrassed scowl.
As Yoongi opened his mouth, probably to gripe over something like ‘Taehyung’s disrespect’, the doorbell rang.
“That’ll be the food! I hope you like Korean barbecue Namjoon-hyung.” Taehyung rushed past them for the door, surprising Namjoon with the way he nonchalantly referred to him in a casual manner.
The action warmed Namjoon, feeling honored that they felt comfortable with him already. He was determined to treat them the same. Namjoon was never one to judge someone based on their status, and he wasn’t going to start now with these alphas who were treating him with kindness.
Jungkook shot Namjoon a small smile which Namjoon easily returned as they followed Yoongi into the kitchen which contained a small round dining table.
“I’ll get the plates, go sit,” Yoongi admonished, ushering Namjoon away when he tried helping with setting the table. “You’ll just drop everything anyways.”
So Namjoon sat next to Jungkook, feeling a little useless watching Taehyung take out the food from the takeout boxes for Yoongi to plate.
For a split second Namjoon was nervous that he was going to say something offensive or make the wrong move again in front of Jungkook. However when Jungkook politely said, “thank you for coming, Namjoon-hyung,” while ducking his head shyly, looking every bit like a young child, Namjoon felt his heart melt and his nerves fade away.
“Thank you for the invitation,” he returned, smiling at Jungkook softly.
“Don’t let the innocent act trick you,” Yoongi interrupted as he placed down the food in the middle of them. “Kook-ah is actually a menace.”
“Hyung,” said menace whined, looking put-off at the unexpected slander.
Taehyung laughed and ruffled Jungkook’s hair on the way to his seat, ignoring the full-on pout that was gracing the young alpha’s lips. The obvious ease in which the pack communicated with each other and teased each other made Namjoon feel at home.
After everyone filled their plates with food, the conversation flowed smoothly and Namjoon began to learn a lot about Yoongi’s packmates. He learned that both Taehyung and Jungkook were in college; Tae was majoring in photography while Jungkook was currently undecided.
“There’s a lot of things I want to do, it’s hard to pick one,” Jungkook had admitted, almost in shame.
Shame? Now that wouldn’t do. “You don’t have to pick right away.” Namjoon spoke up. “In fact, being undecided can be a good thing. It gives you a chance to explore and find what really ignites your passion. I wouldn’t focus too much on societal expectations. In fact—” His tirade was cut short when Yoongi grabbed onto his hand he was using to gesture with.
Oh, this was embarrassing. Namjoon had the slightest tendency to go off on tangents when it to certain topics, and this had been one of them. He glanced around the table to see Jungkook and Taehyung staring at him wide-eyed.
“We would have been listening for fifteen minutes if I didn’t stop him,” Yoongi commented with a shrug as he continued to stuff his face with rice and bulgogi.
“Sorry,” he quickly apologized.
“Wow,” was the only response from Taehyung, staring at him with a starry eyed expression. Namjoon wasn’t sure how to interpret that.
He also learned that it was Yoongi who found Taehyung and Jungkook at separate times before taking them in as a pack.
“We weren’t very good at taking care of ourselves until Yoongi-hyung helped us,” Taehyung admitted, shooting Yoongi an extremely grateful look.
Yoongi grunted.
Jungkook hid a smile at his food.
He learned small things too; like Jungkook likes really spicy foods, Taehyung loves to watch anime, Yoongi writes music daily, Taehyung likes cuddling too much, Jungkook works out too much, Yoongi simply works too much, Taehyung despairs at his own cooking abilities—
“Oh, I’m not too good at cooking either,” Namjoon confessed. “Jin-hyung is the chef of my pack.”
Taehyung, who was hunched over his plate picking at the remains with his chopsticks, suddenly sat straight. “How many are in your pack hyung?” His eyes were filled with curiosity.
Even Jungkook and Yoongi stopped eating, giving Namjoon their rapt attention, making Namjoon feel a little put on the spot.
“Oh uh well. There’s four of us in total. Hobi — I mean Hoseok has only been with our pack for around two months, he’s an amazing dance teacher and we like calling him our sunshine.” He smiled fondly. “Jin-hyung actually owns a bakery in town. He makes sure we all stay alive by feeding us and makes sure we don’t accidentally burn the house down, which might have almost happened one time,” Namjoon confessed. He was most definitely not going to mention how he had been the culprit in that situation. “And then there’s Jimin. When he laughs he lights up the whole room. His kindness has no limit, he’s always there when you need him, and his cuddles are the warmest. I actually think you would get along great with him Taehyung.”
He hoped he did justice in describing how great his pack is, how proud he is of who they are and their accomplishments. Namjoon also hoped he didn’t overstep any boundaries by making the last off-hand comment. It’s so easy for him to visualize their two packs meeting, maybe even combining in the future, but he was probably moving too fast again.
After realizing he was busy staring off and daydreaming about their packs together, Namjoon forced his attention back to his hosts— who were all staring at him with strange expressions. Taehyung and Jungkook had their mouths gaping at different degrees, while Yoongi stared at him with narrowed eyes.
Just when Namjoon was going to ask what was wrong, his phone made a noise to indicate he received a text message. The noise appeared to break whatever trance everyone was in.
As Namjoon reached in his pocket, apologizing for the interruption, Jungkook said, “It sounds like you really love them.”
Namjoon blinked. “Of course I do, wouldn’t you say the same for your pack?” Wasn’t that a given?
Jungkook blinked back. “I— I guess you’re right.”
“Aw Kookie, I love you too!” Taehyung squealed, kicking Jungkook under the table.
“Hyung, what the hell? Stop that, that hurts!”
Deciding to follow Yoongi’s lead and temporarily ignore the chaos, Namjoon glanced down at his phone.
Jin
Joonie, please come home soon
Namjoon
Is everything okay?
Jin
Please help
Jimin is being insufferable
Btw what is a cow’s favorite Disney Princess?
Namjoon
Idk hyung, what?
Jin
Moo-lan
LOL
Namjoon sighed.
“Everything okay?” Yoongi called out, making Taehyung and Jungkook freeze from their kicking frenzy to glance at Namjoon.
“Everything’s fine,” Namjoon assured.
“Your pack wants you home?” Yoongi guessed, hitting the nail on the head.
While that was undoubtedly true, Namjoon still hesitated, unsure how to proceed.
Yoongi, noticing the indecision, ultimately decided for him. “We’re pretty much done here anyway.” He nodded down toward the empty plates. “You can go ahead and head back.”
“At least let me help clean up.” They had paid for the food and had Namjoon over, it was the least he could do.
Yoongi looked ready to disagree, but Namjoon’s sharp glare stopped him. “Fine.” He sighed, which Namjoon took as a victory.
“It’s Kookie’s turn to clean up, you can help him,” Taehyung spoke up, reaching over the table to squeeze one of Jungkook’s cheeks.
“Hyung, why are you being so mean today?” the younger alpha complained, swatting away the offending hand.
“You make it too easy Kookie.” Taehyung shrugged. “C’mon Yoongi-hyung, my new show is about to start.” Easy switching topics, Taehyung grabbed ahold of Yoongi’s hand to drag him along. Surprisingly, Yoongi followed without resistance.
Jungkook made a face of disgust and grumbled, “They’re so obvious.”
“What?” Namjoon couldn’t be more lost by that statement. What was so obvious?
Jungkook turned to stare at Namjoon, the confusion reflected in his expression from the fact that he needed to spell it out. “They’re going to go make out. Whenever Tae mentions watching a ‘new show’, he takes Yoongi away to do gross stuff. Taehyung thinks he’s clever, but he’s really not.” The alpha shuddered. “I really wish they would pick a new phrase.”
That— that was not what Namjoon was expecting. “Oh,” he squeaked, trying to get rid of the imagery in his head and blush on his face as he began helping Jungkook bring the dishes to the sink.
“Yeah, they actually weren’t together when I joined the pack if you can believe it.”
Namjoon watched as Jungkook stuck his tongue out while focusing on putting the plates in the dishwasher and couldn't help but think: cute.
“They kept dancing around each other, it was annoying. I had to trick them into confessing.” The young alpha sounded so proud of himself. It made Namjoon smile.
“That was really nice of you. It sounds like they owe you a lot,” he commented as he moved around the plates that Jungkook kept misplacing in the dishwasher.
“Yeah.”
Apparently Namjoon really helped in stroking Jungkook’s ego. Namjoon watched as Jungkook puffed his chest out and his scent turned smug for a short time.
However the second their eyes met, he instantly deflated. “Uh, yeah,” Jungkook repeated, turning a little shy and embarrassed at his brief moment of alpha strutting. “I’m just glad they’re happy now,” he muttered, now refusing to make eye contact.
Jungkook had to be the cutest alpha out there, Namjoon quickly decided.
“Thanks for helping Namjoon-hyung,” Jungkook thanked the floor when they finished.
“You’re welcome. If you ever want someone to hang out with when they uh— watch their new show, you can always text me,” Namjoon offered.
Jungkook finally moved his gaze from the floor, looking startled. “Really?”
“Of course. You could even bring your school work if you wanted.” He really wanted his pack to meet the three of them, and if he could get Jungkook to come over it would be a win-win situation.
“Thanks.”
They smiled good-naturedly at each other until Yoongi walked in looking a bit ruffled compared to when he left. “Oh good, you’re done.” The omega’s voice came out a bit rough, so Yoongi took a moment to clear it.
Namjoon thought to himself that he would have preferred to remain oblivious.
“I’ll walk you to the door Joon-ah.”
On the way, Namjoon glanced down at his phone when it dinged again.
Hoseok
Please tell me you’re on your way (＞人＜;)
Namjoon
I’m leaving now!
Is everything okay?
Hoseok
Yeah, we just miss you dummy o(｀ω´ )o
Also Jimin needs his monster cuddles ヽ(*＾ω＾*)ﾉ
“I guess you better be on your way.”
Not realizing that Yoongi had been looking over his phone, Namjoon jumped and fumbled with his cellphone before safely securing it in his grasp.
Both Namjoon and Yoongi gave a sigh of relief.
“You have to be more careful Namjoon,” Yoongi scolded as he opened the door to let Namjoon out.
Really, it was a common thing for Yoongi to nag about. Namjoon smiled. “Thanks for inviting me over, I had a good time.”
Yoongi shrugged, making Namjoon chuckle at the obvious Yoongi response. It was chilly outside, so he attempted to warm his hands from the cold by rubbing them together.
“Wait here.”
Namjoon blinked in surprise when Yoongi abruptly disappeared back into the apartment, leaving the apartment door slightly open. Luckily he didn’t have to wait long as Yoongi reappeared, this time with gloves in his hands.
“Here.” Yoongi shoved them into Namjoon’s hands.
“Oh.” Wait a minute. “Oh, I forgot my gloves at the studio,” Namjoon realized.
Yoongi scoffed. “Of course you did. Just use mine, you can give them back next time I see you.”
Slipping the gloves on, Namjoon can tell that the pair of gloves weren’t cheap. They were made for optimal comfort and warmth, and Namjoon was moved that Yoongi would allow him to borrow them. “Thank you hyung.”
“Just remember to bring them in tomorrow.”
“I will,” Namjoon promised as he finally made his leave. On his way back home, he hummed and walked with a skip to his step, feeling pleased with how his day was going. Namjoon couldn’t wait to tell his own pack about it.
“Finally!”
Thankfully Namjoon was expecting to be bombarded coming home, the impatient texts had been a big indicator, therefore he wasn’t too surprised when Hoseok grabbed him into a hug the minute he walked inside.
Okay actually— he was a bit surprised it was Hoseok in his arms instead of Jimin, since usually it was Jimin the first to greet him. Not that he was complaining. Namjoon sighed, tugging the beta closer as he used his foot to close the door behind him.
“How was dance practice? Was dinner good?” Namjoon always felt the unbearable itch to make sure each pack member had a pleasant day and to comfort them if they hadn’t.
“Yeah sure.” Hoseok leaned away from their hug, so they could look at each other face to face but still be in contact.
The answer was rather dismissive, leaving Namjoon a little confused and concerned. The uncertainty portrayed in Hobi’s face, replacing the usual sunshine persona, was a blatant sign something was amiss.
“Jin-hyung and Jiminie got in a fight,” Hoseok spoke.
That was unusual, but before Namjoon could ask for specifics he saw someone walk over in his peripheral.
“Namjoon, I saved leftovers in the fridge for you to have tomorrow.”
Both Hoseok and Namjoon turned to face Jin who was frowning and releasing exhausted pheromones like it was no tomorrow.
Before Namjoon could consider it, he made a small questioning whine.
In response, the tenseness that Namjoon hadn’t noticed right away was slowly released from the older omega’s broad shoulders. Jin sighed, rubbing his hand with his face a little aggressively. “Everything’s fine, it’s just been a long day.”
Hoseok released Namjoon, allowing him to move away and closer to Jin.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked hesitantly, trying to stand close enough to provide a measure of comfort but not too close as to appear overbearing.
Jin gave a weak smile. “It’ll be better after a night’s sleep. Tensions were just high tonight.”
Apparently Namjoon was more obvious than he thought in his desire to scent the other omega to make sure he was truly okay, since Jin rolled his eyes and tilted his head as an unspoken ‘go ahead.’ Sheepishly Namjoon went ahead and scented his hyung, confirming Jin’s reassurances that he was indeed fine.
It was a relief to smell Jin’s calming sweet scent without any strong negative emotions affecting it. However for some reason Namjoon’s senses weren’t satisfied.
Namjoon yawned.
“Okay, time for bed,” Jin ordered, pushing Namjoon in the direction of his bedroom.
“Wait hyung,” Namjoon half-heartedly protested. His omega instincts were trying to tell him something wasn’t right. Was Hoseok really okay? And where was Jimin?
“You should probably see Jiminie before you go to bed,” Hoseok called out.
There was a small spike of annoyance from Jin’s scent before it disappeared, not really helping to calm Namjoon’s concern.
“Good night Namjoon,” Jin said, giving a one-armed hug before leaving.
His pack felt off-kilter tonight, leaving Namjoon slightly disoriented. He decided to ultimately follow Hoseok’s advice and visit Jimin before bed— which will most likely lead to falling asleep in Jimin’s bed. That should hopefully settle Namjoon, since it was a common occurrence.
He would shower tomorrow, Namjoon decided as he removed the gloves and got dressed into his pajamas. Namjoon yawned again as he trudged from his bedroom to Jimin’s bedroom, softly knocking on the door.
With his ear pressed against the door, Namjoon was able to make out the sleepy ‘come in.’ Opening the door slowly and slipping through the space before closing the door shut behind him, Namjoon felt an overwhelming sense of relaxation when hit with Jimin’s soft flowery scent.
There laid Jimin in bed and haphazardly covered in blankets. Even in the darkness, Namjoon could make out the sweet smile on the omega’s face. It seemed like Namjoon’s presence was making Jimin more aware and waking him up, which wasn’t his intention, but before he could apologize Jimin moved over in his bed and opened his arms.
As if Namjoon would say no to a good snuggle session. Trying not to seem too eager, Namjoon went over to the bed in long strides and hurried under the covers to join his Jimin.
“You were gone for too long,” Jimin complained, his voice slightly muffled as he dipped his head directly to Namjoon’s scent glands.
“Sorry,” he apologized, running his hands through Jimin’s hair. Namjoon contemplated bringing up the fight Jimin had with Jin, but he didn’t want to ruin the mood so he mentally tucked it away until morning.
“Did you have a good time?” Jimin asked.
That was weird. Jimin’s voice sounded strained, kind of unhappy.
Namjoon didn’t like it. “Yeah,” he answered hesitantly, thinking maybe he did need to bring up the fight since it sounded like Jimin might still be affected.
Jimin’s bangs were making its way into his eyes, so Namjoon gently pushed them away. Living with Jimin for so long, Namjoon had noticed that Jimin tended to overthink things and keep things bottled up. Sometimes Jimin needed a push to get things off his chest. Namjoon continued to run his hands through Jimin’s bangs, considering the best possible way to bring it up when—
Jimin froze and his scent turned a little sour.
It was so sudden that it left Namjoon reeling. “Jiminie?” he asked, moving to sit up to figure out what was wrong.
Jimin’s arms tightened around him, forcing Namjoon to keep still.
“Why do your hands smell weird?” Jimin’s voice continued to sound strange, making Namjoon think something was seriously wrong.
“Weird?” Namjoon repeated, quickly moving his hands under his nose to determine what it was that Jimin was smelling that was making him act this way. It became quickly apparent that Namjoon’s hands were covered in a strawberry scent that was distinctly Yoongi’s. “Oh.” Did Jimin not like the scent of strawberries? “Oh, sorry Jimin. I had to borrow hyung’s gloves because I forgot mine in the studio.”
Sometimes scents of one person can be revolting to another. It’s rare, but it does happen. Namjoon really hoped that wasn’t the case though. It would be extremely difficult for Yoongi and Jimin to be in the same pack if they found each other’s scents repulsive, which would completely dismantle Namjoon’s attempt to join the packs together.
“I can go wash my hands,” Namjoon offered, ready to do anything to make Jimin feel better.
There was a pause.
“I think I need to sleep by myself tonight.”
Namjoon wasn’t sure he heard right. “What?”
“I need you to leave.”
Namjoon almost wanted to ask Jimin to repeat himself again, but he had sounded so stern, so maybe Namjoon's hearing was actually working. But he was so confused.
“Jimin?” This time Jimin let Namjoon sit up. “Jimin, what’s wrong? You know you can tell me anyth—” As he spoke, Namjoon reached out to cup the omega’s cheek when there was a loud smacking noise and his hand pulsed in pain.
Sweet, gentle, kind, generous Jimin had just slapped Namjoon’s hand away. Namjoon was in shock.
Jimin wouldn’t have done that unless Namjoon had done something wrong. Namjoon must have done something wrong, what did he do wrong? He must have been bad. (He was bad, bad, bad.)
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry hyung.” At this point Jimin had also sat up, but he looked terrified. “I can’t believe I just did that, oh my god.”
At least Jimin’s voice has returned to normal.
“I— I need some space,” Jimin stuttered. “I can’t do that to you again. I’m sorry hyung, I think my heat is coming up.”
At least Jimin’s voice has returned to normal. That was good, Namjoon vaguely noted.
“Oh no.” Jimin sounded like he was close to crying. “Oh no.”
Namjoon watched as Jimin reached out to hold him but faltered before he could touch.
“Shit.” The blond was so aggrieved, Namjoon must be making it worse somehow. “Stay here.” Jimin scrambled out of bed, going around Namjoon and raced out the door.
Namjoon could tell he was going into the negative depths of subspace. Usually omegas had mental walls to prevent them from dropping, but Namjoon had always got rid of them around his pack, especially around Jimin. He never needed to protect himself from Jimin.
“Namjoon?”
Namjoon wasn’t sure when Hoseok got here. He blinked at the disheveled state the beta was in with his clothes wrinkled and his hair in disarray. His mouth was in the shape of a triangle, an etched frown, and his expression was full of worry. Behind Hoseok he could see Jimin crying.
Namjoon whined.
“Hey hey.” Hoseok moved so that Namjoon could no longer see the omega, forcing Namjoon to move his attention. “Let’s go to my room and cuddle, okay?”
No, not okay. Namjoon frowned. Jimin obviously needed cuddles instead.
“Actually,” Hoseok said. “Actually, Namjoon, I don’t feel so well. I think I need some cuddles. Can you please come with me to my room?”
Ah-ha! Namjoon knew something was wrong with Hoseok earlier, he should have listened to his omega instincts. He nodded, going to stand up so they could leave for Hoseok’s room. However, he should have been paying better attention to his surroundings because Namjoon forgot he was still wrapped in Jimin’s blanket and almost tripped in his haste to leave.
Hoseok caught him. “Our clumsy leader.” It was said fondly.
Namjoon welcomed the soft hands petting him and offered no resistance when his face was directed into the warm shoulder.
“You’re going to be okay?” Hoseok asked.
It didn’t sound like the question was directed to him, but he nodded anyways.
There was a suspicious pause that almost prompted Namjoon to look up, but then he was suddenly being guided away.
“Let’s go Joonie. You’re so good, you’re going to give me the best cuddles.” Hoseok’s voice was so soothing. It had a good quality to it.
“You should be a rapper,” Namjoon told the beta as they left the room, his hand enclosed in Hoseok’s as he was being pulled away.
Hoseok snickered. “I bet you say that to all the cute guys.”
“You are cute,” Namjoon agreed. Wow, Hoseok was even cuter when he blushed.
In a blink of an eye, Namjoon found himself in Hoseok’s bed, wrapped by the beta and very content.
This was a turn of events. It looked like he was going to sleep with Hoseok-hyung tonight instead of Jiminie. It was unexpected. Namjoon tried to think back to what happened and realized that he must have been bad. Jimin slapped him and kicked him out because he must have been bad. He needed to think about what he did and apologize as soon as possible because—
“Hey.” Hoseok wiped away the tears that Namjoon didn’t know was on his face. “Hey, you’re okay Namjoon. You’re okay.”
“Hyung.” Namjoon’s voice was so weak because he wasn’t sure. He needed to know because he wasn’t sure if— “Am I good?”
Hoseok sucked in a breath. “Of— of course you’re good Namjoon. You’re so good. You take such good care of all of us. You’re such a good packmate.” The praise came tumbling out and continued as Hoseok cuddled Namjoon fiercely.
Hoseok sounded so desperate in letting Namjoon know what a good omega he was, that Namjoon felt strong affection wash over him. So when Hoseok paused in his litany of praise, Namjoon made sure to let Hoseok know that— “You’re the best.”
The beta seemed oddly taken aback by the compliment. “Wh- what?” Hoseok croaked.
“You’re the best, Hobi,” Namjoon reiterated. “I’m so glad you agreed to join our pack.” He yawned, snuggling closer. “You’re the best beta, we got so lucky.” So very lucky.
It was quiet after that, and right when Namjoon was skirting the edge of sleep, he heard Hoseok whisper, “Thank you.”
He wasn’t particularly sure what Hoseok was thanking him for, but it was the last thing he heard before falling asleep.