For anybody not caught up: Tennessee just passed a new map that pretty much makes it so black neighborhoods have no power in local votes. Two things about this. While protestors were chanting "No Jim Crow", white Tennessee lawmakers were caught laughing on video. On top of this, Representative Justin Pearson and his brother KeShaun Pearson were arrested for trying to give their takes on the matter (which is not only their legal right but literally his job). If you give a shit about black people, help fight this. We can't allow a return to Jim Crow.
ˎˊ˗ IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SIMPLE HOOKUP ... maybe you really are a whore! When you first started seeing Wen Junhui, you told yourself it was a private ordeal; something to relieve your stress. At least, it was, until he invited his friend, Minghao... who invited his friends. Now you’re caught between thirteen seriously handsome guys!
⌗ paring: seventeen ot13 x fem!reader
↳ content: pure smut. every chapter. horny horny horny boys and lots of threesomes. it's all relatively tame, though. read at your own risk
ᐢ..ᐢ lae's notes ↬ can we get some more ot13 shit guys .. don't make me write it all myself .. anyways, please support by commenting and reblogging! it helps me grow immensely!
⌗ 001 1+1 DEAL ⤷ JUNHUI & MINGHAO
⌗ 002 CAN I BORROW HER? ⤷ SOONYOUNG & JIHOON
⌗ 003 WELL, IF YOU DO IT... ⤷ JOSHUA & HANSOL
⌗ 004 CHANGED MY MIND ⤷ SEUNGCHEOL & JEONGHAN & WONWOO
⌗ 005 EASIEST MONEY OF MY LIFE ⤷ MINGYU & SEOKMIN
⌗ 006 WHAT, WE CAN'T GO? ⤷ SEUNGKWAN & CHAN
on another note, watched The Mummy (1999) the other day and I couldn’t help feel like the O’Connells and the Addams (Addams Family Values (1993) would get on really well ya know? The O’Connells are basically the pastel adventure version of the Addams, surely they would just be vibin’ over tea and crumpets in an extremely haunted mansion having a ball of a time
*Rick and Gomez, still frantically sword fighting*
Rick: Have I mentioned how wonderful my wife is yet, I really feel like I haven’t really expanded enough on how wonderful she is
Gomez: do go on, I would be delighted to hear about how wonderful your wife is, I strongly encourge all men to extoll the virtues of their wives with rapturous praise, however I should perhaps mention my wife is in fact better
*sword fighting intensifies as both men rapturously extoll the virtues of their wives*
summary: when you break seungcheol’s most important rule, he knows he has to punish you. you just didn’t know how much you would end up liking it.
word count: 4.9k
warnings: angst if you squint, smut, nsfw, dom!seungcheol, sub!reader, spanking, some pain play, praise and degradation, rough (and I mean ROUGH) sex, oral (m receiving), fingering, orgasm denial, lots of dirty talk, daddy kink, mentions of subspace. Pls read at your own risk.
a/n: this is the most out there thing I’ve written seriously…. I usually don’t write dynamics like these so this was an exercise for me too lol. I hope you like it! Feedback is always loved and appreciated xx
Things felt off from the very start.
You know it’s your fault. You had a terrible day, and you should’ve just taken it easy when you got back home. Work was a shitshow, and for hours, all you wanted was to just lay down in your bed and never speak to another human being again. You should have communicated that. Without a doubt, Seungcheol would’ve dropped everything to pamper you. He would’ve drawn you a nice, warm bath and taken over the dishes after dinner. He would’ve rubbed your feet and gotten you something overly sweet for dessert as a treat for getting through the absolute hell of a day you had.
But you didn’t say anything. In fact, you just kissed him harder, with more purpose, and told him dinner could wait. You pawed at his clothes and told him to take you hard and rough. You wanted to feel, but you forgot that your mind is really not strong enough today to handle what you were asking your boyfriend to give you.
Because, you see, Seungcheol has rules.
You had always been a fan of more spice in the bedroom, and you truly feel like you met your match when you got with Seungcheol. For every submissive tendency in your body, for all the times you wanted zero control over your own senses, Seungcheol was more than happy to take the reins. He loved it, basked in it, knew how to play your body like a stringed instrument. His dominance in the bedroom came with only one, all encompassing rule: you don’t do anything he doesn’t give you explicit permission to do. And that includes every single one of your innumerable orgasms.
Usually, you love it. Your job is taxing and overburdening, and sometimes, you want someone else to take charge and just tell you what to do. For years, you have been perfect, the epitome of submission. You’re his good girl, always, disciplined and in-line. There’s only a smattering of brat in you, which Seungcheol tolerates in small doses, but otherwise, you are perfectly pliant, suited for his needs the way he is suited to yours. There’s a harmony here, established by many years of communication and understanding. So you should’ve known. You should’ve said something, told him to take it easy. But you stupidly kept your mouth shut, and hence began your current predicament.
He’s fucking you into the mattress just like you asked, his sweats pulled down just enough to let him pound his cock into you. You’re naked from the waist down, arching, chest constricted in your pale, buttoned up blouse. You hadn’t even let him fully undress you. You didn’t want to take your time, you just wanted him in you. Even when he tried to tighten his grip on you, tried to mumble a ‘slow down’ into your mouth, you didn’t let him, begging, pleading, promising to be good for him if he would just fill you up, and so he complied.
That was the mistake, and it became your undoing when, just minutes later, you are clamping up around him, your body already so stiff and wound up, so glaringly exhausted, that no amount of self control can stop you. You clench hard and come, writhing on the mattress fisting the sheets, wailing as it washes over you in scattered, broken waves. You haven’t even come down from it when tears coat your eyes and you realise what you’ve done.
Seungcheol slows to a stop, still throbbing inside you, but jaw dropped in shock. This might be the first time in years that you’ve come without slurring out your usual ‘please’ or ‘let me’ or ‘can I?’, waiting for his permission. You’d always listened, always done what you were told, never once stepping even a toe out of line.
This is incredibly out of character.
Immediately, he can see it weigh heavily on you. You’re panting, legs still trembling, but your body is stiffening, he can feel it around his dick, and your face is crumpling. He knows you regret it, but he also knows why this happened. He should’ve known. God, he should’ve spotted it the second you walked in through the door. The hard plane of your shoulders, the tight line of your lips. But he had gotten barely two words out of his mouth before you were smothering him with yours, begging in that cute, whiny voice of yours that you need this bad. He had stupidly agreed, and now he’s watching you fall apart.
He needs to fix this.
“I’m-” Your voice is pitched and wobbly. Your arms tuck into your body, legs pulling together as much as they can with him between them. You’re trying to shrink yourself. “‘M sorry. Cheol, I’m so-”
This isn’t on you, he knows this. This isn’t your fault at all. If anything, it’s his. He should know you well enough by now to estimate what you need and give it to you. But now is not the time to beat himself up. You need to forget this happening, or you will do what you always do; think about this to the point of spiraling and making yourself sick with guilt. He also knows that no amount of reassurance is going to make you forget it.
Through your teary vision, you hear a tut of disappointment, and then your boyfriend pulls out. You’re filled with dread, because you don’t want him to step back. You know you’ve fucked up. This is one of his most important rules. There’s just no conceivable universe where you’re allowed to cum without Seungcheol telling you to, and already, guilt is striking your chest like stab wounds from knives.
“That wasn’t like you, sweetheart.” His voice is rough but soft. “I’m very surprised.”
You sniffle, resisting the urge to curl into yourself. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you?” You feel his hands on your bare knees, closing them and sitting back on his haunches. You sit up shakily, blinking hard to try and see him in the relative darkness of the room. The golden light from the lamp hits the side of his face. His expression is blank. You can’t tell what he’s thinking.
“I am sorry.” You insist again. “I don’t know what came over me-”
“I don’t know what came over you either.” He tilts his head, watching you. “Thats not how good girls behave.”
Your heart lurches. This is your biggest medal. Your point of pride; being good for Seungcheol. Never once in all your years of doing this had you let him down. Never. The mere thought of it might push you to panic. Before you can say anything, you feel Seungcheol’s hand, strong and sure, run over your jaw and cup the back of your neck. He squeezes slowly, affectionately, and you lean into it, wet eyelids fluttering. Every fibre in you hopes he isn’t mad.
“When good girls misbehave, they have to be punished.” He whispers. “I know you never have before, princess, but you know it’s fair.”
You swallow tightly before hesitantly nodding. It’s the rules. You step out of line, you get punished. You will do anything to make up for your misstep. You will take any punishment.
“Okay.” You sniffle. Seungcheol sighs and nods.
“Good.” He says, not ‘good girl’. But you don’t deserve to be called that right now. “Strip.”
Seungcheol stands as he watches you shakily undo your blouse buttons. You tug it off and reach back for your bra. When you’re sat bare before him, you watch him tuck his erection back into his sweats, seating himself on the edge of the bed with his back to you. He reaches an arm back to gesture to you.
“Come here.”
You comply, crawling to him on your hands and knees. He maneuvers your body very easily, settling you on his lap until your stomach is pressed to his thighs, strong and sturdy under the soft material of his pants. Your legs dangle, ass sticking out. You flush at the position, realising what’s coming. You’ve been spanked before, mostly during sex when Seungcheol is whispering dirty things into your ear from behind and slapping your ass. But never like this. You almost jump when you feel his hand run up your right asscheek.
“I think ten sounds good.” He hums. “You will count, and you will say thank you after every single one. Got it?”
Your eyelids flutter. You rest your head on your arms. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.”
The first one is the biggest shock to your system. Seungcheol’s hand comes down with unbelievable force, full palmed and encompassing your entire ass cheek. You yelp loudly, fingernails digging into your arms. Immediately, tears spring into your eyes. You were just wondering why he decided to do only ten, but now it’s clear to you that even ten will be more than anything you can withstand.
“O-one.” You immediately choke out. “Thank you, sir.”
The second one marrs your other asscheek, stinging just as much, and your entire face scrunches as you cry out. You writhe where you’re draped over his lap. Your skin is screaming, and you already feel dizzy.
“Two.” You heave, the very air feeling like torture on your skin.
“Two what?” Seungcheol snaps. “Already forgetting the rules? Don’t make me start over, princess.”
You shake your head immediately, trying to take long breaths. “I’m sorry, sir. Thank you. Thank you.”
You whisper it again, and again, even as he lands more spanks on your ass. It feels heated now, like it’s on fire, and by the time you reach eight, you are lightheaded, sobbing openly, poor pussy clenching around nothing as the sensitivity spreads all the way down your thighs as well.
Seungcheol tuts and sighs, you can hear him over the sound of your own cries. You lurch when he caresses your stinging skin. He reaches down, one thick finger sliding through your slit and pressing into your aching nub. Your eyes roll, the feeling so intense that you can barely process it. You’ve been edged before, so many times, you’ve been overstimulated and wanting, but never has it felt this divine, the pleasure curling around the tendrils of pain running through your body. Seungcheol dips a finger into your squelching hole, sinking it in to the last knuckle, and you wail at the feeling.
“So wet, baby.” He coos. “Greedy little thing, you even enjoy your punishment.”
“I’m sorry.” You whimper, trying everything in your power to not buck back into his finger. When he pulls out, you almost cry, but he wastes no time, using that already wet hand to spank you again, just as harsh, not losing steam at all.
“N-nine.” You weep. “Thank you, sir.”
You almost feel like you’re seeing spots in your vision. Seungcheol reaches between your thighs again, like he knows this is becoming too much. He cups your pussy, sliding his fingers through the sopping mess side to side, just enough to stimulate your clit.
“Last one, princess.” He encourages. “Ready?”
You nod weakly, voice cracking when you cry out again as his hand meets your ass one last time. You choke out the number, the thank you. You’re openly tearful, face nearly as wet as your cunt, and finally Seungcheol moves. He lifts you up, placing you very gently on your back in the center of the mattress. You feel his lips on your forehead, and you bask in the feeling.
“Such a good girl.” He says finally, hand caressing through your sweaty hair. “You took that so well, baby.”
You keen, pussy clenching desperately around nothing.
“‘M your good girl.” You slur.
You don’t see the fond smile on his face, eyes soft with affection. He kisses your forehead, your cheeks, any part of you he can reach.
“Yes, you are.” He reassures you. “My perfect girl. Your first time and you did so good.”
You whine, shaky hands reaching up to claw at his shirt. He takes the hint, sitting back to tug it off, followed by his sweatpants. His cock bobs up, thick and hard, leaking copious amounts of precum.
“I think you deserve my cock now, princess.” He hums. “For being such a good girl.”
You nod eagerly, spreading your legs before he can even do it for you. He settles between them, running the angry, throbbing head through the sticky mess in your slit. He does that a few times, coating his shaft until it’s glistening, before finally reaching down and nudging the entrance. When he slides in, your jaw goes slack, eyes rolling at the feeling. Your ass still stings, especially where it rubs on the sheets, but it sends pleasant, burning tendrils shooting through your skin, and it adds to how sensitive you already are. It does nothing but augment your arousal even more. You moan wantonly as Seungcheol bottoms out, and you hear him softly curse.
“Perfect little cunt.” He groans. “Tight as anything even after I’ve fucked it for so many years. You’re molded to me, aren’t you baby?”
You nod eagerly as he starts moving, your moans punched out of your throat with every thrust, little ‘uh, uh, uh’s that only seem to spur him on more. You’re dripping consistently, wetting his cock as it rams in and out of you at a punishing pace. Every slam of his hips into you jolts your body, your breasts bouncing, and his hungry eyes train on every movement.
“You’ve got the prettiest tits, baby.” He grunts, one hand reaching up to pinch harshly at your left nipple and tug. You cry out. Then, he lets it go, reaching a hand back and bringing it down to harshly slap the swell of it. You gasp.
“Good?” He rasps. You nod enthusiastically and arch up, tempting him more. He groans and does it again, the sting making your eyes roll.
“Dirty slut.” He grits out. “You love this. Love getting slapped around, don’t you?”
You’re so far gone as he rams into you, nearly delirious with it. Even after so long of being together, there are things you’re discovering not only about Seungcheol, but about yourself as well. You’re sinking into the depths of depravity, and you want to fall further into it. So you blink wetly up at your boyfriend, eyes wide and big.
“Only if daddy does it.”
Seungcheol’s hips stutter. You can see the shock pass over his face, but it hardens immediately. His pace slows. He slams his hips into yours and stays there, leaning down closer to you.
“What did you just say?”
You bite the inside of your cheek, clenching wildly around his suddenly still cock. “Only wanna be slapped around by daddy.”
You can see, in real time, Seungcheol’s eyes darken as his pupils dilate. He bites the plump of his bottom lip. Beside your head, his hands fist the sheets tightly.
“You’re playing a dangerous game.” He grits, voice low and brassy. You swallow tightly.
“You don’t like it?”
The corner of his mouth twitches. He pulls out slowly until only the head of his cock is snug inside you. Then, he lurches forward, slamming into you so hard your whole body jerks. You gasp.
“I love it, baby.” He does it again. “Maybe a little too much.”
You can’t speak, all the breath knocked straight out of your lungs with every harsh, deep, slow thrust of Seungcheol’s hips. His head smooches the opening of your cervix, a shooting sensation through your lower abdomen that makes you gush around his thick cock. You feel his hand encircle your neck, and your toes curl in anticipation.
“You’re gonna be a good girl for Daddy then, sweetheart?” Another thrust. You feel your hair brush the headboard as your body is pushed up by sheer force. You nod vigorously, unable to say the words. His grip on the sides of your throat tightens, and you start to feel a little lightheaded.
His pace is brutal, picking up speed as he slams into you over and over. He uses his free arm to tuck just above your head so you don’t slam into the bed frame, but he doesn’t let up even once. He mutters the most filthy, unbearable things in your ear, telling you how you’re his perfect little cocksleeve, made to take him whenever he wants it, no questions asked. That he has trained your pussy to be this way, the perfect little slut for him. You moan whenever he loosens his grip on your neck, choking out how much you love getting fucked hard by daddy, how you’re just a hole for him to fuck and use, and when you can’t take it anymore, you ask him the golden question.
“Can I cum, daddy?”
His thrusts immediately get harsher. “Don’t you fucking dare.” He grits. “You think you deserve to, after cumming without permission? I’ve barely forgiven you for that, baby. You’ve got a lot of making up to do before you get a reward.”
You wail, chest heaving as you clamp desperately around his throbbing, huge cock. You know he’s right. You’ve been bad, and some spanking and one offering of your wet pussy isn’t enough to earn you forgiveness. So you don’t protest. You don’t ask again. You only agree.
“I’m sorry for asking, daddy.” You babble. “You’re right, I don’t deserve it. I’m just daddy’s little cum dump. I’ll take whatever daddy will give me.”
Seungcheol’s groan is broken. “God, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I love it, sweetheart. Being such a perfect girl for me, fuck.”
You shake and cry as he fucks into you some more, your head now tilting forward as he folds you closer and closer to the headboard, crowding you against it. You can’t barely breathe at the force. And finally, finally, his movements turn sloppy.
“Think you should be allowed to take my cum?” He grits out. “Feels awfully like a reward, no? Have you earned it, baby?”
Your face crumples. You want to feel it inside you so bad, the heat of his release warming your insides. But you know what he wants to hear, you know you haven’t been good enough to deserve a big reward like that.
“No, daddy.” You whimper. “I don’t deserve it. I haven’t been good.”
Seungcheol’s smirk is sick. He licks over his bottom lip. “You’re so self aware tonight.” His tone is near-mocking, and it makes you tighten pathetically.
When he abruptly pulls out, it feels like getting your insides ripped from you. His hand moves rapidly over his wet cock, and he shuffles up until he’s straddling your torso.
“Open your mouth.” He grits. You immediately obey, sticking your tongue out. Your eyelids flutter when the first rope of it hits your lips, dripping over your tongue. Some of it splatters on your cheek, but you manage to catch most of it as he groans and shudders above you. You can’t take your eyes off him, sweaty and shaky, muscles shifting under his pale skin as he rides his high. Your poor pussy clenches around nothing, deprived so suddenly of the intense pleasure. You swallow every last drop, using your fingers to collect whatever your mouth missed and popping it between your lips. Seungcheol is heaving as he shifts back.
Even though your legs are shaky and you feel dizzy, you manage to sit up, making wide, pleading eyes at your boyfriend.
“Can I clean you up?”
You can see how soft and fond his smile is, the little dimple indenting his cheek with it. He sits back leaning on his hands and nods.
“Go ahead, baby.”
You settle between his legs, using little kitten licks to clean your mess, and some of his, off his soft cock. It twitches under your ministrations, already getting half hard as you keep going. He sighs and hums approvingly, running a soft hand through your hair. This was half your motive, anyway, because you like to see this power you have over him. He’s in control, always, but his dick hardens at your very touch, and that makes you giddy.
He pulls you away with a gentle tug on your hair. You lick your lips for any remnants of his taste, blinking eagerly up at him.
“Lay back now.” He whispers. “I’m not done playing with that pretty cunt.”
He sits with your legs framing his hips, laid back on the mattress. You look up at him half with anticipation and half with hesitation, because you know he will toy with you until you’re begging to cum, and even then, you don’t know if he will let you.
He runs his hands gently up your thighs, delicate brushes that only wind you up more. You try to lay perfectly still, knowing he doesn’t like it when you’re impatient. He massages the creases of your thighs, playing with your pussy lips, stroking over them softly. You’re already sensitive from the harsh fucking he gave you just earlier, so you’re twitching a little before he has even properly touched you. You don’t want to beg, mostly because you still think you’re not entitled to it. This is for him. He wants to play with you, it’s not for your pleasure.
(You both know that it is.)
Finally, his fingers slide through your slit, parting your lips to open you up. Your hole quivers, twitches, and he watches it with heated eyes. He hums and his eyes are reverent as he traces the lines of your pussy. He nudges your clit just barely, and you let out your first, tiny moan.
“Don’t hold back, baby.” He coos. “You let me know whenever it feels good.”
You comply beautifully, little whimpers and sighs that accompany every touch of his fingers over your aching center. He takes his time as he toys with your clit, rubbing, flicking, pinching it until it is swollen and throbbing under his fingers. He circles your opening to collect the wetness, using it to smear over the rest of your cunt and leaving you wet all over. When you feel like your skin is quietly buzzing, hypersensitive because of his touches, he finally dips into your entrance, sliding his index finger in to the last knuckle. You sigh in palpable relief, clenching hard around the digit.
“Yes.” A tear slips down the side of your face. “Thank you, daddy.”
He likes that, because he moves it the exact way you want it, curling it and probing your most sensitive spot. He adds another quickly, watching every shift in your face as you swallow his fingers greedily. Two of his thick fingers means a stretch, the kind that you love, and when he scissors them inside you, you moan loudly.
After your last failed orgasm, this one builds too quickly. Your face pinches, your legs stiffening as you hold back. Seungcheol notices, and it only makes him finger you harder. You whine in protest.
“What’s wrong, baby?” He goads you.
“Feels-” You almost choke as he curls both fingers hard into your sweet spot. “Feels so good. Please.”
“Please what?”
You buck your hips into him, self control slipping. “Please, can I cum, daddy?”
Seungcheol hums, as if contemplating. His fingers don’t slow for a single second.
“I don’t know. Do you deserve it?”
Your face crumples. You want to, you do. But the submissive, depraved part inside you shakes its head. You know if you are to cum, you want it to be on his cock. So you squeeze your eyes shut and whimper out a little ‘no’.
“Then keep taking it like a good girl.” Seungcheol responds. You know he likes that you’re depriving yourself of this. It strikes a sick part of him. The sounds of his fingers fill the room, filthy, sopping noises that come from his digits slamming into you over and over. You are panting heavily, gripping the sheets so hard that you’re almost afraid you will rip them, toes curled and legs stiff, doing everything in your power to not gush over his fingers, to prove to him that you can take whatever he will give you and you won’t do anything you’re not allowed to.
Seungcheol pulls out his fingers just when you think you’re reaching your limit. His wet hand comes down with a harsh spank on your tingling pussy. You scream. He does it two more times, and you weep through it. Finally, you can’t take it anymore.
“Please.” You sob. “Please, daddy. Need your cock. Wanna cum on it, please.”
By this time, he is throbbing hard again, and he wastes not even a single second, groaning as he tugs your body down and stuffs your aching cunt full of himself once again. His pace from the start is rough and fast. There’s no indulgence in him anymore. Watching you shake and tremble under him as he abused your pussy must have been enough, because he is nothing but primal need now. He’s so hard it’s almost painful, like you’re being impaled, but the relief of the stretch has you wailing loudly. The room is dense with the smell of sweat, sex and cum, noises picking up as he fucks you the way you need. Your mind blanks, focused on nothing but the wonderful feeling of it. Your body sings, glows, buzzes with anticipation because this time, you know he will let you reach your peak.
You don’t even have to ask. He cups your jaw, tilts your head and slots his lips into yours. He kisses you until you can’t breathe, your walls spasming hard around him, more than ready, as he whispers.
“Cum.”
You nearly black out.
It’s less like a wave and more like an electric shock, shooting through your body and freezing every nerve inside you. Your breath catches and your lungs scream. You cry and wail through it, not even caring how you sound as you gush around Seungcheol’s cock. He rubs harshly over your poor clit, prolonging an already intense high. You arch so deeply you feel like your soul is leaving your body. You babble nonsense, a mix of swear words, thank yous, and incoherent phrases. Seungcheol holds you down after a bit, draping his weight over you to ground you, and it’s such a welcome feeling that your whole body relaxes into it. When the roaring in your ears lessens, you hear his endless praises, telling you how good you are, how sexy and perfect, cumming so beautifully like that. He thrusts shallowly into you, not even properly leaving your cunt, rutting into you so you’re not empty for a single second.
“That was divine, sweetheart.” He sighs. “So pretty when you cum. You want another reward for being such a good girl? You want my cum?”
You’re already nodding before he even finishes speaking, blinking your tear-heavy eyelids.
“Please, daddy. Need it.”
He shushes you, brushes the hair off your face and presses his forehead to yours.
“No more begging, baby. You deserve it.”
And then he floods you, two or three more thrusts until you feel warmth coat your insides. It’s perfect, it’s everything you could’ve asked for and more. He empties his balls into you, thrusting until it dampens into a slow grind, plugging his cum inside your thoroughly fucked out hole.
It’s silent for a long time before Seungcheol moves. Your chests rise and fall together, slowly catching your breaths. He’s draped over you still, and it feels so reassuring that you can’t help but whine in protest when he moves. It makes him chuckle.
“If you get cold like this, your muscles will be very sore in the morning, sweetheart.” He reasons. He would know, the gym freak that he is, so you curl into yourself as he trudges into the bathroom. You can hear water running, and a familiar fruity aroma quickly drifts into the room through the open door. He’s running you a bath.
The warm water is like balm on your skin as he carries your body into it. You moan appreciatively, letting your boyfriend knead and press into your thighs. His front presses against your back as he slowly works over you in blissful silence, laying tiny kisses on your shoulders as he works. After a while, he finally speaks.
“So,” he begins, “what happened at work today?”
You blink, thinking. After a few seconds, you giggle.
“Honestly, I don’t even care anymore.”
That makes him laugh. “Well, I guess that’s a job well done for me.”
You turn in his arms just a bit to lay a kiss on his lips, and he returns it so softly and sweetly that you almost want to cry. This time from unadulterated bliss.
You don’t even know if you have the words to tell Seungcheol how much you love him. But when he squeezes your body tightly to his, you think you don’t have to. He already knows.
summary: the night of your 18th birthday left nothing to be desired; waking up to no hint of any soul bond left you one of the unbonded. almost eight years later, however, you find out that you are very much not unbonded, and that your soulmate is someone who you admire. very much.
pairing: choi seungcheol x reader
genre: soulmate au, soul bonds, fluff, angst
warnings: not a lot, overwhelmed and insecure mc, mc believes she's unlovable, bad thoughts, scoups falls first, hopeless romantic scoups,
word count: 3.3 k
part 1 of ?
masterlist
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Despite the normal day you were having, bosses who never seemed to learn how to use their volume button properly and coworkers who continued to get into your space despite you constantly reminding them how much you enjoy your singular personal space, you felt the tension building in your body like no other.
You could feel how tense your shoulders grew as the day trudged on, shuffling, and crumbling on the invisible weight that seemed to settle write in the crook of your neck and shoulder. “Coat hanger pain” is what your doctor had called it, another symptom of your undesirable stress and anxiety. No massage on earth could help it though, as you had been to numerous masseuses, some even recommended by your doctor. None had worked or even lessened your pain.
By lunch time you had decided you needed a break, a well-deserved break, if anything. So, you had scheduled your couple-day wellness time, something your company thankfully provided despite your supervisors absolutely hating that they couldn’t deny the requests. You would be off work for the next three days, as well as the weekend, so five days total.
That should definitely be enough time to relax and take the ever-growing load off your shoulders, you think, more like you hope.
In addition to the break, you decided you would also treat yourself to your favorite take-out, having been depriving yourself of it as of late due to work.
It had been a split second decision, but something completely worth it as you kick your front door closed behind you and retreat to the couch, almost immediately dropping your work bag and coat onto the floor in favor of placing your food onto the small table that you had placed in front of your couch.
You tried to ease your mind, empty your thoughts as you watched mindless reality television, but your attention was caught by a program about the research and cause of unbonded.
Unbonded were people who never received a soul bond on the morning of their 18th birthday. There are a few well known soul bonds.
Soul transport, where one member of the soul bond transports to their other.
Soul glow, where upon being in the presence of your soul mate, your body will glow in an attempt to draw the two souls together, only the people in the bond can see the glow.
Soul bloom, where a crown of flowers favored by the other soulmate will appear and will only go away once you touch your soulmate.
Soul string is the last well known one, where the “red string of fate” ties you to your soulmate, growing thicker or disappearing depending on how close or far away your soulmate is.
You woke up to nothing. Not even one of the rarer soul bonds like the soul mark. You had waited, days, weeks, and now eight years later, you had resigned yourself to the fact you were one of the unbonded. It was something that constantly hung on the back of your mind, watching your friends and even coworkers discover their bonds and finding their soulmates over the years.
But it wasn’t meant to be for you.
Suddenly feeling a little nauseous, you put the bite of food you were about to eat back into the take-out container, your thoughts getting to you again as the program continued to play. You had always dreamed about having a soulmate, someone who would love you unconditionally and take care of and be there for you.
You had been so used to doing everything yourself, by yourself, that you secretly wished for someone to take care of you. Someone who you could just turn your thoughts off with and they would make all the important decisions for you. Maybe you just wanted ot be babied, you didn’t know, but you were tired of being alone and being crushed by the seemingly unbearable weight hanging from your shoulders at any given time.
“Unbonded are found to be people who are deemed “unlovable” and individuals who don’t fit in with soc—” You can’t help but want to throw your remote at the man who spoke as you turned the television off.
You had heard those words way too many times now and grew resentful at how those words hit right into your core.
Yeah, you did feel unlovable sometimes, but you didn’t think that warranted not being gifted a soulmate by the universe. You tried to be better, to help those in need never when you yourself needed help, thinking that then, maybe then, the universe might take pity on you.
“No!” you exclaimed firmly. There was no way you were gonna set yourself up for more unbearable thoughts and tear stained pillows. Not again.
“You’re gonna sit, enjoy your food, drink some wine, and watch your favorite movie. This is a well-earned break and you are going to enjoy it.” You told yourself, trying to break out of the negative thoughts and mood you put yourself in.
And that’s exactly what you do. You indulge in the food, watch your favorite movie, laugh out loud at your favorite parts, and even have a glass of wine or two.
But you still go to bed dejected, taking the words of the program from earlier to heart. Maybe you were unlovable and unworthy of a soulmate. Maybe it was time for your dreams of having a soulmate to come to an end and accept that it just wasn’t meant to be for you.
A small tear fell from your waterline as you fell asleep, heart and head heavy at the thought of your future.
-*-*-
You dreamt you were enveloped in the best hug ever, big arms wrapped around you and small but loving kisses placed against your temple. You remember burrowing into the person’s chest, reveling in the warmth you were feeling and the sense safety you were experiencing. It was like nothing you had felt before.
Seungcheol’s dream almost mirrored your own, his arms wrapped tightly around you, almost covering you with his entire body, holding you against him and keeping anyone else from seeing you so vulnerable. He loved how you fit just perfectly against him, how you curled deeper into his embrace, your nose nuzzling against his clothed chest, taking in his comforting scent.
He couldn’t help but to bring one of his hands down your hip and to the back of your thigh, cupping it and moving your so your leg was propped up over your hip. He needed to feel closer to you, desiring to feel closer to you in any way he can.
Neither of you wanted the dreams to end, but your phone alarm drew you from your slumber.
“Fuck.” You bite out, having forgotten to turn your alarm off the night before. You try to untangle yourself from the warm weight you felt on top of you, holding you to them—wait a minute.
You open your eyes, alert and scared at the fact that someone was in your room, in your bed with you, only to stare into the sleepy, closed eyed face of Scoups from your favorite kpop group, Seventeen.
You blink heavily, trying to get rid of the sleep still in your eyes, almost hoping that your eyes weren’t lying to you. They had to be, right? There is no way your ult bias of all people was currently wrapped around you, holding you tightly to their chest.
Your body tenses in shock, still for a couple of seconds before you try to forcefully remove yourself from the man’s embrace, surprise and slight embarrassment fill your body as he only tightens his hold on you.
“Stop moving, baby.” You haven’t practiced your Korean in a while, but you knew you didn’t misunderstand his words as he tries to nuzzle into your hair. “Go back to sleep.”
“Uhm, excuse me, sir? I’m not sure how you got here, but I am really freaking out.” You whisper, not wanting to break the atmosphere but also wary of what kind of reaction Scoups will have once he realizes he isn’t at home in South Korea but in your bed in America.
However, he doesn’t react like you thought he would. You imagined him pushing you away, maybe in disgust or fear, and angry yelling asking you what was going on or how he got here. None of that happened.
“His eyes opened, not recognizing the room he was in or the person he was holding, but he knew exactly what had happened. Only one thing could explain what had happened to him.
Smiling down at you, he couldn’t begin to think of how to express his excitement, only holding you closer whispering as he did so.
“Finally.” You watched the word leave his lips, this time in English. Confusion flooded you as your eyebrows furrowed at his statement. You couldn’t understand what was going on.
You had to be dreaming still, that was it.
You were dreaming.
But your alarm was still going off.
“Uh, sir? I’m not sure exactly what you mean, but if you could let go of me, that would be nice.” You try again, hoping that some sense of the situation you found yourselves in would hit him, but it didn’t seem to work.
“I’m never letting you go, not now that I’ve finally found you.”
Despite appearing unbonded, Seungcheol had always known he had a soulmate, had a feeling gripping his soul and wanting him to follow the feeling. He had always desired to have a soulmate, someone to take care of and who would understand his sometimes overprotective and possessive nature. He knew he would wait as long as he needed to, for any semblance of a bond to kick in, despite people trying to convince him otherwise. It wasn’t normal, he had been told, for late soul bonds to occur. But here he was, holding his soulmate to his chest, in her room only the heavens know where.
Soul Transport.
His bond with you transcended space and time and brought him to where and when you needed him the most. He could see the tear stains on your cheeks, how puffy and red your eyes were. He had the sudden desire to hide you from the world, scaring away all of your troubles and worries and keeping you with him at all times.
You would never be subjected to taking care of yourself ever again. Not while he was there to do it for you. All of your wants, needs, and desires would be met by him. Your soulmate.
You were his soul.
The only thing to snap him out of whatever trance he was still in, smiling softly down at you, was his phone ringing.
Scoups reached down to the pocket of his sweatpants to grab his phone, giving you the opportunity to scramble out of his arms and bracing yourself across the room. You observed the idol, watching as what seemed to be disappointment crossed his face for a second before he answered his phone.
“Hello?” Seungcheol answered the call, already knowing one of his members was the one calling him, probably wondering where he disappeared too.
“WHERE ARE YOU?! We’ve looked everywhere. We have a meeting with our managers in twenty minutes and you’re nowhere to be found!” Jeonghan yelled into the phone, making him wince and pull away for a second.
“I’ve found her.” Was all he said, smile growing on his lips again.
“Huh? What are you talking about? What do you mean you found her?” This time it was Joshua on the phone, grumbling coming from the background.
“I’ve found my soulmate.” Seungcheol was barely able to get his sentence out before he heard screaming on the other end.
You, on the other hand, was just lost in complete shock at the situation you woke up to. You went to bed last night crying about not having a soulmate and being unlovable, and now, now you had not only a soulmate, but your soulmate was your ult bias from your favorite kpop group.
There was no way in hell you weren’t dreaming.
Either that or the universe was really fucked up at the moment, giving you false hope only to probably take it back.
You couldn’t help but to watch Scoups, sitting up in your bed and holding one of your plushies to his chest, smiling as he listened to whoever was talking on the phone and responding back. You were too in your head to even begin to try and translate the conversation, caught up in the way he was just smiling at you, so softly and with all the love in the world.
You weren’t gonna lie, it was making you a little uncomfortable. You were so unused to anyone looking at you in a positive light that you didn’t know how to react or think.
A hand gently grabbing onto your own snapped you out of your thoughts, looking up to see Scoups looking at you concerned.
“Are you okay, my soul?” Oh my gosh, his English was so adorable, you couldn’t help but fangirl for a second. He called you his soul. He called you his soul. He really did think you were his soulmate.
“Uhm, I’m not sure.” You replied honestly, truly unsure of how you were feeling. You felt tingles and sparks suddenly at his embrace of your hand and looked down, only for black words to slowly appear on your forearm right under the palm of your hand.
His name was now written in black script on your arm.
A soul mark.
You looked at his own forearm only for your name to be written on his skin, your handwriting staring back at you.
Now you knew you weren’t dreaming.
Two soul bonds were rare. Almost unheard of. Your own bond with Scoups was soul transport and soul marks was an even rarer combination. Looking up at him, his expression mirrored your own, one of complete shock.
“Hello? Cheol? You still there?” The voice of Joshua came from the speaker on his phone, breaking the moment between you and your soulmate.
“Yes, we are here.” His eyes refused to leave you, like he was trying to imprint the image of you into memory.
“Hello there. My name is Joshua and I am a friend to your soulmate.” Joshua’s voice was so sweet and he spoke. You figured he was there to translate for Scoups, seeing as Joshua was from the states and spoke English fluently.
“Hello Joshua. I uh, actually know who you are and who my, uh, soulmate is. I am a fan of your group.” The blush on your face wasn’t even considered a blush anymore. Your entire face was red from embarrassment as you looked at your Seventeen posters right behind your bed on the wall leading Scoups to look. You couldn’t even look his way once the smirk grew on his lips.
“And I do speak a little Korean. I’m uhm, still learning though.” You finish off, looking anywhere but Scoups who was still holding your hand, his thumb now brushing softly against your palm.
“Oh, you are a carat? That’s awesome!” You could tell Joshua and Scoups had become genuinely excited at the fact that you were a fan of them, and it made you smile a little bit. Joshua then asked for your name, and upon hearing you say it, you could see Scoups mouthing it, the gentle smile still on his lips.
After exchanging a bit of information about yourself like where you live and work, the conversation turned a little deeper.
“Well, Cheol wished for me to explain to you what needs to happen. I’m sorry about this, but soulmate laws are a little different in Korea.” You finally looked back to Scoups, only for him to bow his head a little bit. “Because your soulmate is South Korean, you are now considered a South Korean citizen and therefore, fall under our soulmate laws and registry.” Joshua finishes, but you still don’t understand what is going on.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand what that means.” You tell both men, trying to make sense of why Joshua was telling you this.
“Well y/n, it basically means you will need to reside in South Korea with Seungcheol, as South Korea has a ‘No Separation’ policy.” Your life seemingly flashed in front of your eyes.
Yes, you hated your job and all of your coworkers, as well as your small, shitty apartment. But it was all you had for yourself. It was something you accomplished on your own.
But you’ve always wanted to be taken care of. This could be your chance to be with your soulmate and he obviously seems to want to take care of you. your inner voice spoke up.
It was true. Just from what you know of Scoups, he loves to take care of his members and those around him, but you had to remind yourself that you don’t truly know your new soulmate, only what the cameras show of him.
“Seungcheol wants me to reassure you that he will do whatever he needs to do in order to make everything comfortable for you. Well, he actually wanted me to tell you that he will provide everything for you and that you will never want for anything again but it seemed a little too forward.” Joshua rushed out the last sentence causing a surprised laugh to leave your lips.
It was almost too perfect.
You had a soulmate who fit every wish of your dreams.
Everything started to feel overwhelming. You didn’t know how Scoups was so accepting of this, seeing as he has had to wait longer than you have for the bonds to click between you two. You felt Scoups squeeze your hand before drawing you into his chest, enveloping you into his embrace. It’s like he could tell you were about to fall apart and he was there to hold the pieces together.
“Our managers are already booking plane tickets for you to travel back here, and the plan will leave tomorrow morning. I’m so sorry about how fast this has to move, but for both of your safety and because of our hectic schedules, we need to get you both here as soon as we can. Is this enough time to get things sorted out for you? If not, when you arrive, our team will help you settle everything else.” Joshua’s voice seemed a thousand miles away and you felt like you were floating.
“It seems I don’t have a choice, so yes.” You could feel Scoups squeeze you tighter before talking into the phone and ending the call.
He held you for another couple minutes, not wanting to let go of you. You didn’t want him to let go either. You knew the bonds were real now, that your soulmate was indeed Choi Seungcheol from the kpop group Seventeen. The safety and reassurance you feel just from his touch was enough for you to accept everything.
To believe everything would be okay.
“My soul?” By the heavens above you loved his name for you. You don’t think you would ever grow tired of it. You could feel the heat rushing towards your cheeks as his name for you reminded you of everything going on right now.
Reluctantly pushing away from Scoups, you made your way to your closet, looking for the luggage set your bought when you last visited your family. Once you found it, you turned around, only to find Scoups looking over your kpop collection. You grew a little embarrassed, really not expecting your soulmate to be a kpop idol.
You needed to start packing if your flight was going to be leaving tomorrow morning. You set your luggage on the floor, earning you a look from Scoups who moved forward looking ready to do whatever is needed. A man on a mission.
You were leaving tomorrow to live in South Korea with your soulmate, and by the heavens you would try to fit everything you could into your luggage set.
When you return home, the alphas are having dinner. They look surprised to see you.
“Where were you?” Asks Namjoon from the head of the table.
You glance at Jungkook, who is also watching you intently. “I told Jungkook I was going to stay at my friend’s house.” You answer in a calm, collected voice. You feel defensive under the alphas’ scrutinizing gazes, particularly Namjoon’s.
“So why are you back early?” Namjoon asks, irritating you.
“I changed my mind.” You refuse to be interrogated. You turn your attention to Seokjin, who arches an eyebrow at you. “Is there enough for me?”
“Of course there is.” Seokjin answers mid-bite. “Bring your dishes over here.”
Being unfamiliar with the pack’s kitchen, it takes a bit of rummaging around before you find chopsticks and a spoon. You find the bowls easily enough in a cabinet, but unfortunately for you, they’re on the highest shelf. You lift up onto your tiptoes, reaching for them. After a few tries, you hear a chair scrape against the floor.
In a heartbeat, Seokjin is pressed behind you. “I forget how small you are.” He murmurs, easily retrieving two bowls for you. A shiver runs down your spine as his breath hits the back of your neck. The alpha leans in, pressing his nose to your bite and inhaling your scent. Your skin burns under the weight of the six other alphas watching. “Mmm, a bit sour with a faint note of something else. Eucalyptus, is it? Must be a beta or an omega.” Seokjin notes, gaze softening slightly as he identifies it as not being an alpha’s.
Your face burns as Seokjin easily identifies Ashley’s scent. You try to get out by stepping backwards, but Seokjin doesn’t get the hint to move. Or rather, he ignores it. The alpha pins you in place with the counter in front of you and him behind. “What?” You snap, craning your head to look up at the alpha. You glare. “Are you checking if I smell like someone else?” You, of all people?!
Seokjin is as shameless as always. “Can I not?” He asks easily. The alpha glances toward the dining table, then back to you. “Coming home late and with an attitude towards Head Alpha is a no-go no matter how cute you are, sweetheart. Apologize.”
You grit your teeth. “I’m not a child with ‘an attitude’, I’m a grown woman. And I told Jungkook I was going to be at my friend’s house tonight.”
Seokjin turns his attention to Jungkook. “Did she?”
Jungkook nods sheepishly. “Yeah, although I didn’t see it until later.”
“Then it’s Jungkook’s fault for not telling the rest of us.” Namjoon concludes. “Now sit down.”
Seokjin is reluctant to let you go, eyes still full of suspicion at your newfound boldness. Then, he does. The alpha fills both bowls for you, one with rice and the other with fresh, hearty soup. You hold your hands out to accept them, but the alpha ignores you. He sets them down at his own place at the table. You frown, following him there.
In the blink of an eye, Seokjin pulls you down onto his lap.
You inhale sharply. “S-Seokjin?”
Seokjin chuckles, and you feel the sound reverberating in his chest. “Why are you so shy suddenly?”
“D-Don’t you have to finish eating?” You ask, turning your head to look up at him.
Seokjin’s beautiful almond eyes sparkle with amusement. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. No matter how hungry I am, I won’t eat you. Unless you ask nicely, of course.” He jokes, then hands you your utensils.
Your entire face feels hot, blushing from Seokjin’s attempts to discipline you. You know Seokjin is only making you eat on his lap because his first attempt failed. You refuse to give him the satisfaction of winning. You recall the words Ashley drilled into your head earlier tonight. You’re the omega of this pack. Isn’t it normal for you to be doted on, to sometimes eat with them like this?
Two can play this game, Kim Seokjin. You think. You eat the majority of your meal in silence, pretending you don’t feel Seokjin waiting eagerly for a reaction. Then, towards the end, your eyes catch on the little plate of kimchi just slightly out of reach.
“Could you pass me some kimchi?” You ask in that same cool, indifferent voice. Namjoon is closest to it, so he grabs some with his chopsticks. He holds them out to you, likely expecting you to raise your bowl to let him place the kimchi on your rice.
You put a hand on Seokjin’s thigh, using him for support as you lean in. Without breaking eye contact, you take the piece in your mouth straight from Namjoon’s chopsticks. Behind you, Seokjin inhales sharply. In front of you, Namjoon looks gobsmacked. The table goes deathly quiet. You can only imagine what Jungkook’s face looks like.
You suppress the smile bubbling up, then adjust yourself in Seokjin’s lap so you sit more comfortably. Seokjin’s hand automatically comes to rest on your hip to steady you. You take in another spoonful of rice nonchalantly. Checkmate, you bastards.
As they say, all’s fair in love and war. Although this looks more like war than love.
Without a peep out of the alphas, you finish your dinner in peace. Seokjin has nothing to say when you hop off his lap, taking your dirty dishes to deposit them in the sink. You wash your hands, then leave. But you’re not done yet, not by a long shot. Seokjin, after all, owes you for blue-balling you not once, but twice. You think tonight will be the night you settle that score.
You shower in anticipation. Knowing Seokjin, he won’t let you have the last word. Which means by the time you get out, he’s sure to be waiting for you. You smile to yourself as you button up your PJ top. It feels good to win for once.
As expected, Seokjin is waiting for you. But knowing his ego, the alpha doesn’t wait outside your room but instead a few paces down the hallway. The alpha stands with his back to you, a thin cardigan clinging to his wide shoulders and chest. He looks out the window, admiring the snowy view. “The first snow.” He whispers as you approach him. He glances down at you. “Pretty, isn’t it?”
You shrug. It is, but you’re not willing to admit it. The alpha takes a step, closing the distance between you. His dark eyes sparkle in the low light. “You’re angry because I said I was checking for someone else, aren’t you?” Seokjin asks softly.
You stare back at him. “So you know you were wrong.”
“I was, but you also checked me once, remember?” He says, reminding you of the woman named Rina and how you scented Seokjin in the car.
Your heart hurts at the reminder of the woman. You draw in even closer, lifting up onto your tiptoes. You bypass his thin cardigan and grab the collar of his baggy tee directly. “You think that makes us even?” You whisper, trying to hold your anger back. “I asked you in private. You interrogated me in front of the pack. You were wrong, Seokjin.” Emotion bleeds into your words despite your best attempt to hide it. How many women do you have? You bite back the accusation. How dare you belittle me like this?!
To your surprise, Seokjin yields easily this time. “I was wrong. I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He places his strong, warm hands overtop of yours. You don’t loosen your grip, even though you know it would be easy for Seokjin to pry your hands off. The alpha’s eyes soften. “There’s something different about you tonight.”
Make them yours. Ashley’s words echo in your head. Make them understand there’s only room for one omega and it’s you.
You’re beyond logic now, driven forward only by your wants and needs. I won’t share you with anyone. No matter who it is. You pull the alpha down to your level. Seokjin gasps, narrowly avoiding knocking heads with you.
“Like what?” You challenge him.
Seokjin chuckles. His breath fans over your skin. “Like you’re putting us in our place.”
“Can’t I, as pack omega?” You return, raising an eyebrow.
Seokjin groans. “Fuck,” He curses. The alpha pulls your hands off him as easily as expected. He pulls you into his chest, arm tight as a vice around your waist. “That’s so fucking hot.” He glares like he’s irritated at how turned on he is, then cups your face and pulls you in for a kiss.
The kiss is hot and deep but painfully slow, like Seokjin is holding himself back. It annoys you. You know he can be rougher than that. You whine into the kiss, wanting more. The alpha’s reaction is immediate. He picks you up in his arms and you wrap your legs around his middle easily. As he walks, Seokjin adjusts you once and you gasp at how strong he is to be able to bounce you in his hold.
You hear the bedroom door slam behind you as Seokjin kicks it shut, then walks you over to your bed. The alpha lays you down gently, a sharp contrast to the desire in his eyes. Immediately, you pull Seokjin down on top of you. Your hands wander, but the alpha doesn’t allow it. He pins your wrists down on either side of your head, caging you in. The alpha looks down at you like he wants to eat you whole. Then, he begins to scent you. You writhe under the alpha’s heavy, muscular body. Seokjin growls low, then nips at your bite. You gasp. “So impatient.” He chides you as if he’s not as breathless as you are.
The alpha releases your wrists, hands gently sifting through your hair as he moves you as he pleases to give him better access to your bite. You mewl in pleasure, inner wolf thrilled at being the alpha’s focus. Slick pools between your legs, dripping out and staining your panties. You open your legs and Seokjin groans as he smells the strong, sweet scent. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t reprimand you for wrapping your legs around his hips and arching up into his half-hard clothed knot.
After a small eternity of scenting and grinding, you wrap your arms around the alpha’s shoulders and hold him even closer. “G-Good?” You manage between whines. “S-Smell like Alpha S-Seokjin?”
Seokjin rewards you by licking a long stripe up your neck. You shudder in his hold. “Yeah,” He breathes. “Pack omega smells like Alpha Seokjin. Like that, hmm?”
“Y-Yeah!” You reply eagerly, making Seokjin chuckle into your skin.
“So honest when you’re all worked up.” The alpha praises, sitting up slightly to observe your face. He cups your face, stroking away stray hairs. The look on his face takes your breath away. It’s adoring, loving. “What does my good girl want?”
You avert your eyes, too embarrassed to say it. You mumble the words out. Seokjin tilts his head, looking down at you curiously. He tips your chin up, forcing you to meet his eyes. “Say that again.”
You whimper. “Please eat me.” Seokjin’s expression darkens. You frown. “I-I’m asking nicely like you said to! Please? Please, alpha?”
“Oh, you’re going to be the death of me.” The alpha growls, pulling back. You’re startled, scared the alpha might be leaving. But then, he grabs your hips and turns you over onto your stomach. Easily, Seokjin pushes a pillow under your hips.
The alpha hooks his fingers in the waistband of your pants, tugging them and your panties both down and in one go. You wriggle in place, feeling exposed. The more you move, the more slick gushes out of you, covering your thighs, the pillow and the sheets. Seokjin groans, running a finger along your slit. You shudder.
The alpha tests your entrance with one finger, but it’s clear as soon as he slides in that you’re more than ready. Still, Seokjin tests you with two fingers, pumping in and out slowly. You moan and whine as the alpha works you up even more. “A-Alpha Jinnie!” You sob. Seokjin laughs breathlessly, peppering kisses on your back.
“You’re so gone already, hmm? Forgetting Alpha’s name like a silly girl.” Seokjin teases, running his free hand up and down your back. You breathe heavily. “My pretty pup needs to come?”
“Yes, yes! Oh, please, Alpha Jinnie!” You beg shamelessly.
The alpha’s free hand withdraws from your back. You hear the sheets rustle for a second and you’re confused. Then, you feel the alpha’s plump lips against your clit. “Good girl. Come.”
You come immediately, gushing out slick. You expect Seokjin to tease you, but the alpha just laps at your sweet juices without a word. The alpha doesn’t leave you with just one orgasm, however. He pushes the pillow up further to your ribcage. Then, he slides underneath you, supporting your shaking thighs with his strong hands. You all but sob as he gives you another orgasm, then another, then another back to back.
“A-Alpha N-Nini! Done!” You sob after the fourth orgasm. Seokjin chuckles against your overstimulated clit.
“You’re the cutest.” He says, getting out from under you. You shake as you sit up, tears pooling in your eyes. Seokjin thumbs them away easily and lets you grab at his clothes wordlessly. He chuckles, then easily strips off his tee. You shamelessly ogle his golden skin and beautiful muscles. You raise yourself up onto your knees, wrapping your arms around the alpha’s neck. You scent him desperately, trying to cover him with your lavender scent. Seokjin strokes your hair gently. “Easy, sweetheart. It’s okay, Alpha has your scent on him already. Don’t need to try so hard.” He reassures you, but it’s not enough.
It has to be me. Only me.
“Mine, mine, mine.” You repeat the words like a prayer, digging your nails into the alpha’s skin. Seokjin winces, but doesn’t stop you. Instead, he unbuttons your PJ shirt and helps you out of it. The alpha’s eyes darken at the lack of bra, but he doesn’t comment on it. Instead he dips down and begins kissing along your chest. You shiver as his tongue wraps around one of your already-hard buds, sucking on it. He goes back and forth like that for a few minutes, and his warm, sticky fingertips draw circles on your skin.
You nip at the alpha’s scent glands, making him hiss. Immediately, the vibe shifts. “No.” Seokjin orders, pulling back.
Tears spring to your eyes at Seokjin’s aggressive tone. Hate? Alpha hate?
Seokjin’s eyes soften. “Not without Head Alpha’s approval.” He amends, stroking your hair gently. “Be good, okay? Good omega.”
Your tears drip down onto Seokjin’s bare skin. “I’m sorry. Just wait a bit more, okay?” Seokjin apologizes, peppering kisses along your chest and sucking at your nipples. “Alpha will let you bite. But not yet.”
Your breaths come fast now. You feel like you’re going insane. Everything—from his teasing to the weight of his body on yours to his rose scent that’s now heavy with lust—is too much. His touch is a stark reminder of how weak you really are, how much stamina you’ve lost even in just a few weeks. You need him so badly.
“A-Alpha—” You gasp.
Immediately, the alpha stops what he’s doing. “What’s wrong?” He asks.
You sniff. “It hurts.” You complain.
“Where?” Seokjin urges you. Tears slip down the sides of your face, landing on the alpha’s golden skin. “Where, sweetheart?” The alpha presses.
You wrap your hand around his wrist, guiding his hand down between your legs. “Here.” You cry.
Seokjin’s expression darkens. “Alpha already helped you with that, sweetheart.”
You shake your head in frustration. “No!” You grind down on the alpha’s pants, on his hard knot. He flips you onto the bed, pinning you down again.
“We can’t.” Seokjin insists, looking pained. “You can’t take it right now, I could hurt you.”
“I can. I need it.” You beg. “Please take me, please.”
Your wording sends Seokjin over the edge. He takes a shaky breath, then strips out of his pants. “Want Alpha to take you?” He asks, revealing his hard, leaking cock. You nod. The alpha lines himself up to your entrance, both of you moaning as he rubs the tip against you. Despite the notable thickness and length of the knot, you take it relatively easily. While not as long as the Head Alpha or as veiny as Jungkook, Seokjin’s member is heavy and—
“Want to be filled, sweetheart?” Seokjin asks, breaking your train of thought. You sigh in pleasure as the alpha enters you slowly. Without waiting for an answer, the alpha continues. “Our omega wants to be taken…All wet with her legs spread like a good girl. Alpha should reward her with lots of seed, hmm? Fill you up and get you nice and full of pups?”
You’re both so turned on that neither of you remember the IUD fighting for its life inside you. But the ability to get pregnant isn’t as important as the thought. The thought of being taken, swollen with the proof that you belong to this pack is enough to drive you insane.
“Oh, please, Nini! P-Please!” You beg, digging your nails into the alpha’s shoulders. He leans in, kissing you with more desperation than before.
“I know, sweetheart, I know. Just be patient, Alpha will take care of you.” Seokjin murmurs, bottoming out. You both groan at how you instinctively tighten around him. The alpha growls possessively, lifting your legs to give him more access. The gesture alone is enough to send you over the edge, coming around the alpha. But Seokjin is nowhere close to being done, and he begins to fuck you through your orgasm. Your whole body shakes at the alpha’s strong, precise strokes. You’re essentially babbling nonsense by the time the alpha’s hips begin to stutter. The alpha’s handsome face twists in pleasure, mouth falling open as he finishes inside you. You come again at the sight.
You shake as hot come fills you up and you feel the already-big cock’s knot swelling inside you. You whine as the size becomes uncomfortable. Seokjin leans over you, pressing his sweaty forehead to yours. “It’s okay, I’m here. Such a good girl, taking Alpha’s knot so well. So good.”
“Nini, Nini.” You mumble his name, insides throbbing around his knot. You run your hands through the alpha’s hair absentmindedly, distracting yourself from the faint ache inside you.
After a small eternity, you feel the knot begin to deflate. You whimper as the alpha slips out of you. You hear him get out of bed, then hear the tap turn on in your bathroom.
Seokjin returns with a clean, damp washcloth. He sits between your spread legs, wiping you down gently. You purse your lips, nervous. “What?” He asks gently.
“N-None came out, right?” You ask nervously.
The alpha’s eyes soften. He presses a kiss to your mons pubis. “Not even a drop. Such a good girl.”
You hum once in satisfaction, feeling like you’re on cloud nine. The alpha wipes himself down, then dresses quickly. You watch from the bed, admiring Seokjin’s beautiful body. The alpha smirks faintly as he catches you looking. “What, still want more?” He teases, helping you put on your panties and PJ pants. You smile faintly. The alpha helps you sit up. He places a hand on your lower back as if worried you’ll be unsteady. When you show you’re not, he helps you put your PJ shirt back on. He buttons it up for you. “I bet you won’t be able to walk tomorrow if we do.”
“I’ll call out sick.” You reply, voice hoarse.
Seokjin laughs under his breath. “Just listen to you. Wait here.” He leaves the room briefly, returning with a glass of water. He has a sip first, then holds the glass out to you. You refuse to take the glass itself, pressing your lips to the same spot Seokjin drank from. To your surprise, Seokjin is perfectly patient as he lets you drink.
Seokjin sets the empty glass on your nightstand when you’re done. “You should do that more often.”
You arch a brow. “Let you fuck the daylights out of me?”
The alpha’s juicy pink lips spread into a wide smile. He tips his head back, laughing. “No,” He tries, but isn’t quite done laughing yet. When he’s done, Seokjin meets your eyes. “Well, yes. But I meant you should let us dote on you more. You’re cute like that.”
You chuckle. “And if I refuse to do anything on my own anymore?”
Seokjin rolls his eyes. He gets into your bed, laying down. Easily, he pulls you into his side. You curl into his arms, comfortable. “We might not know each other that well, but I know you enough to know you’d never do that.”
“Well, you never know. As they say, all’s fair in love and war.” You retort, rolling onto your back.
Seokjin shakes his head in disbelief. He rolls on top of you, then rests his head on your chest. You smile, stroking his hair gently. “Always have to have the last word, don’t you?” Seokjin mumbles between your breasts.
You giggle. Seokjin smiles with his eyes closed, feeling the reverberations of your laugh against his skin. “Always.”
I need a cigarette and a cuddle now. OMG that was such a cute stopping point. I loved how the chapter went. Take what's yours girl! I need to go back and read everything all together again
Some of our favorite quotes from Artemis ii so far:
"Copy. Moon joy."
"I have two Microsoft Outlooks, and neither one of those are working."
"Houston, if you could give me about 20 new superlatives in the mission summary for tomorrow that will help out my vocabulary a little bit, that would be great. Thank you."
“If you’ve ever seen the top of the spotlight of the top of the Luxor at night in Vegas, this looks like what it wants to be when it grows up.”
"To all of you down there on Earth... we love you, from the moon. See you on the other side."
"We just went sci fi.
"It is so great to see Earth again. To Asia, Africa, and Oceania: we are looking back at you. We hear you can look up and see the moon right now. We see you too."
"We will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other."
“It’s a bright spot on the moon, and we would like to call it Carroll.” (The name of Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife)
"Amaze amaze amaze."
"I said that we do not leave Earth, but we choose it. And that is true."
"Christina has been sleeping head down in the middle of the vehicle, kind of like a bat"
"It's really fun to be floatin' around, it just makes me feel like a little kid."
"Trust us, you look amazing, you look beautiful."
"'Homo Sapiens' is all of us, no matter where you're from or what you look like. We're all one people."
"We're going to power cycle the toilet from the ground."
"I'm proud to call myself the Space Plumber."
"We were all eagerly awaiting the chorus." (After Mission Control cut off Pink Pony Club early when waking up the crew)
"Copy heart. Copy bracelet." (In response to Wiseman giving his daughters heart hands and showing them the bracelets they made him that he was wearing)
“Welcome back. We are still here. They are in space.”
"Copy. Bubble wrap nominal."
"We have rediscovered the chocolate snacks."
“The truth is, the moon really is its own body in the universe. It's not just a poster in the sky that goes by, it is a real place."
“We will build ships. We will visit again. We will construct science outposts. We will drive rovers, we will do radio astronomy.”
"I've seen a lot of new perspectives, but my perspective has not changed because I launched with the perspective that there is enough for all." (After being asked if they had a new view on humankind.)
"On behalf of all Canadians, we wanted some reassurances of your preferences for maple syrup over Nutella on your pancakes."
(The best of this post and its reblogs, but with links that work)
Here is a website where you can scroll down to all the different levels of the ocean
Here is a website where you can see the future of the universe
Here is a website where you can press a ‘make everything okay’ button, over and over, until things really are okay
Here is a website that you can read if you feel like a burden
Here is a website where you can look at strobe illusions (TW strobe/flashing)
Here is a website where you can cut stuff up (TW blood/sh)
Here and here are websites where you can play with sand
Here is a website where you can draw with macaroni and other fun foods
Here is a website where you can paint someone’s nails
Here is a website where you can grow a garden with emojis
Here is a website with hundreds of videos of people hugging you (rightfully dubbed ‘the nicest place on the internet’ because it really is, y’all, it made me cry)
Here is a website that will take you to other useless websites
Here is a website where you can make a tiny cat play bongo drums (and other instruments!)
Here is a website to help give you gentle reminders <3
Here is a website where you can grow a tiny farm
Here is a website where you can take a bunch of scientific personality tests
Three yaks dance in Lhasa city (cr 情满拉萨，吉吉)(If you do not reside long-term in a high-altitude environment, please avoid intense physical activity at high altitudes, as it may trigger altitude sickness.)
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
When Hongjoong stepped fully back into the dim hush of the living room, for a split second he just looked at his pack.
Steady warmth still surrounded the nest, and all was peaceful and calm.
He felt his chest ache at the thought of breaking it apart.
He stood still, watching you - curled small between Yunho and San, face fully settled for what felt like the first time all day. Your cheeks were warm, your lashes casting dark shadows - your expression was finally - finally - at rest. No tension, no fear lingering in the lines. Just soft, quiet sleep. And he was about to rip it away.
Was it some cruel curse cast upon him?
He knelt down by the edge of the blankets, the fabric shifting under his weight, and gently gripped Seonghwa’s shoulder just a little firmer than usual.
“Hyung,” he murmured quietly.
“Wake up.”
Seonghwa’s eyes burst open almost instantly. The oldest blinked away his sleepiness in seconds, and by the time he took one look at Hongjoong’s face, he was already sitting up.
“What happened?”
Hongjoong didn’t answer yet, worrying his lip between his teeth as he bent over the rest of his packmates. He reached across and tapped Jongho’s arm, moving Yeosang's thigh next.
“Guys. Wake up.”
The youngest inhaled sharply, eyes already scanning the room before he was even fully awake. Yunho blinked blearily and tightened his hold around you protectively, his forearm coming up to cradle the back of your head closer to his neck. Mingi pushed himself up on one elbow, hair a mess, eyes narrowing in concern.
“…hyung?”
“Everyone, you need to wake up,” Hongjoong said quietly but firmly.
“Now.”
At his tone, everyone was alert soon after, blinking away any remaining sleep. Yunho shifted carefully so he didn’t jostle you too much as he too lifted himself on an elbow.
“What’s going on?” he asked, his voice low.
Hongjoong kept his voice steady as he breathed out.
“They posted everything.”
A beat of silence followed.
“Everything?” San asked, that thin line of hope quick to disappear at the remorseful look the older one shot him.
“Yeah. Photos of the building, our unit number… It’s already circulating on X, Pann, Instiz- We need to leave. It’s not safe here anymore.”
The air changed immediately.
Wooyoung swore under his breath and started to stand fully, scent spiking sharply with anger as he brushed a pillow away with his ankle. His leader reached out fast, gripping his wrist before he could step away.
“Don’t,” he said quietly but firmly.
“Calm down, Woo-ah.”
The younger’s jaw tightened. “Hyung-”
“Your scent,” Hongjoong cut in softly.
“You’ll freak her out, and we need her as calm as possible. We cannot have her drop on us right now.”
That sobered him quickly, the alpha forced a slow breath, nodding stiffly, hand running through his hair as anxiousness beat at his ribs.
And, in the very middle of the nest, you stirred.
It was the sudden shift in the room - the tension - that pulled you from that tender rest. Your eyes blinked open sluggishly, unfocused and heavy as your fingers tightened on Yunho’s shirt. When the alpha looked down, he sucked in a breath, eyes closing for a moment to gather his thoughts.
You looked small. Confused, your cheeks still sleep-warm and soft in the dim light-
“Oppa…?” You mumbled, pouty as your head turned slightly toward the rest of your mates.
Every single one of the alphas' heads turned toward you at once.
Hongjoong moved hastily, kneeling in front of you so you saw him first, calming his breathing.
“I’m so sorry, babygirl,” he said gently, brushing your hair back from your face.
“I know you’re sleepy, I know...”
Your brows knit faintly when you felt the pack alpha's kind hands start and move the warm blankets off of you.
“What…?”
“The photos were posted,” he explained softly. “So we need to go to the company for a little while, okay?”
Your eyes blinked again, slower this time as your brain tried to catch up.
“Go… now?”
“Yes, honey,” he murmured, hands quick under your arms as he pulled you up carefully to sit properly.
“Cars will be here in about fifteen minutes. I need you to get up f’ me, alright? Just for a tiny bit. Alphas will take care of everything else, I promise.”
You looked around at the others, still half-lost in sleep. Yeosang nodded reassuringly when your eyes met his, coming up to stand with a reassuring smile.
“Just a small trip, angel, then we go back to bed.”
The pack alpha stood, turning back to the group.
“Fifteen minutes,” he repeated voice far sharper now. “Essentials only. IDs, wallets, phones, chargers, some clothes...”
Mingi quickly straightened.
“Jongho and I already packed some stuff earlier. Her suitcase is ready.”
Hongjoong exhaled sharply in relief. “Good. Thank you.”
Seonghwa was already moving past the nest. “I’ll grab her documents and medicine.”
San nodded and headed toward his room. Yunho moved to gather his phone and wallet after he helped you prop up against the maknae instead. Wooyoung disappeared down the hallway, muttering swear words under his breath but keeping his scent clean not to alert you.
The apartment shifted from serene sleep to haste urgency in seconds.
You were sitting upright now, but your hands were starting to tremble as awareness crept in.
Were you all moving?
Did you need to leave everything behind?
What about school today?
Before your mind could spiral any further, Jongho knelt in front of you, taking your hands gently, having smelt your scent souring.
“Everything’s gonna be okay ‘mega.”
“We’re right here, princess,” Mingi added softly, brushing your shoulder.
“As long as we’re here, nothing happens to you.”
Still, your breathing wobbled, your eyes turning glossy. Mingi glanced at Jongho, then nodded toward your room, the other man agreeing silently.
“Let’s get dressed first, yeah? You’ll get cold like this baby.”
You looked down at your short pajama set like you were only just noticing it. They always kept you warm during nighttime. But outside it was freezing, and a soft, thin cotton pair of shorts and a top wouldn’t keep the chill away.
And so, they guided you gently to your feet, steady and supportive, before you found your footing on the wobbly mess of softness beneath you.
Once you finally made it to your room, Jongho moved quickly but carefully, pulling open your closet and one of the large drawers further down. He grabbed a pair of soft sweatpants you liked, the loose, plush ones that never itched. The older alpha took you to sit down on your bed, eyes kind.
“Arms up f’ me, baby,” Mingi murmured gently as he helped you slide out of your little pajama top, changing it for a warmer long sleeve. They helped you step into the sweatpants, tugging them up carefully so you didn’t trip accidentally. Jongho pulled a random hoodie from off your chair - black, oversized, with an embroidered logo.
“Here,” he said softly.
They guided your arms into the sleeves, pulling them down over your head. The fabric swallowed you, warm and faintly scented like Hongjoong. You clutched at the hem instinctively.
Mingi smoothed your hair back. “There we go, good girl.”
Your eyes were so big now, sleep and fear mixing together as your hands found the younger’s sleeve.
“Are we in trouble?” You asked quietly.
Jongho’s expression softened immediately.
“No, baby, no.”
“We are just being careful,” Mingi added, thumb rubbing a slow circle into your shoulder.
“That’s all.”
From the hallway, Hongjoong’s voice floated in, steady and controlled.
“Five minutes, everyone...!”
The soft cotton of the alpha’s hoodie was still bunched in your fists when there was a light knock on the doorframe. San stepped in, already dressed in his heavy, black coat, hair hastily pushed back, and a duffel bag slung across his shoulder. His eyes went straight to your face once he passed the opened door.
They softened moments later.
“Hey,” he said gently, crouching a little so he was closer to your level.
“Do you want to take anything else, my baby?”
He unzipped the duffel slightly, showing you the contents at the top. He didn’t mention all the clothes beneath.
“I got your phone…headphones, charger…your sketchbook, pencil case..." He offered a small, hopeful smile. “All the important stuff but-”
You stared at him as his hand brushed past the items he listed, brows furrowing when he thought of anything else that was too important to leave behind.
For how long would you be away from the home anyway?
When he looked back at you, your bottom lip was trembling.
And before any of them could brace for it, you were already leaning forward and wrapping your arms around his waist tightly.
“I don’t wanna go, o-ppa,” you whimpered into his chest. The sound shattered something in him.
San dropped the duffel immediately to hold you properly, one arm wrapping around your shoulders, the other cradling the back of your head, fingers entangling between your messy, sleep-ridden hair.
“I know,” he breathed, leaning down to peck the crown of your head.
“I know, my sweetest angel.”
Your fingers fisted into his shirt, tears soaking through the fabric as they finally spilled over.
"Don't wa-nna go, oppa,” you repeated, voice small and cracking, your big, wet eyes finding his, trying to make him understand - but he already did.
The alpha pulled you closer to his heart.
Mingi moved to both of you instantly, hand coming up to rub slow circles into your back, his own calming scent drifting around you. Jongho shifted to your other side as well, steady and grounding.
“Shhh, baby,” Mingi murmured softly.
“Hush now, my princess.”
“We gotta keep you safe,” Jongho added, voice low and even.
“We can’t stay here right now, baby.”
Your breathing started to hitch, quiet sobs sounding in the room.
“What about all of our things? Are we l-leaving everything?” You asked between quiet sobs, pearly eyes glancing towards the painted rocks still lying by your desk.
“No, no,” San answered immediately, pulling back just enough to look at you. His thumbs wiped gently at your cheeks.
“No, sweetheart. We’re not leaving anything behind.”
“If there is something you forget,” Mingi promised, “we’ll send someone. Don’t worry about a thing.”
Jongho nodded firmly.
But, even then you shook your head weakly, overwhelmed.
From the hallway, footsteps approached quickly. Seonghwa appeared in the doorway, already dressed, his expression crumpling the second he saw your tear-streaked face.
“Aigoo… babygirl,” he sighed softly. He crossed the room in two steps and crouched in front of you, brushing your damp hair back from your cheeks, palms cradling your face.
“Come ‘ere,” he cooed gently. San helped guide you into Seonghwa’s arms, and the oldest gathered you close, one hand rubbing slowly up and down your back.
“It’s okay darling,” he murmured.
“We’ll all be together the whole time...”
They had so little to comfort you with, and their words seemed of small value to your heavy mind. You clung to him, sniffing softly, hands lacing with his, as your nose tucked under his chin.
He let you, closing his eyes for just a minute.
“We have to go now,” Seonghwa said carefully after a moment, his voice still warm.
“Cars are here.”
From the living room, Hongjoong’s voice carried faintly. He spoke in a calm, controlled manner into the phone again. Most of the others were already at the entrance, slipping on shoes and lifting bags when they spotted you slowly shuffling toward them as well.
When you saw it properly - the line of suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks lining the outside hallway - your breath stuttered again. You made a small, distressed sound, head turning to look for your closest mate for comfort automatically.
“Shhh,” San soothed immediately, stepping in close again.
“It’s all alright, cub.”
What a liar he was.
Seonghwa knelt in front of you without hesitation, his mind set on distracting you from what felt like impending doom.
“Foot up, baby,” he said softly. When you did as he said, he helped you into your shoes carefully, tying them snugly so they wouldn’t slip. His hands were steady despite the tension in the air.
Your own shook like leaves.
San stepped forward the moment both your feet were firmly on the ground, arms outstretched with your winter jacket - the thick, baby pink one with the cream-colored fluffy lining.
“Arms,” he said gently.
You obeyed automatically, still sniffling, and he helped you into it, zipping it all the way up and adjusting the hood so you were truly warm, pulling it over your head. Mingi leaned down and pressed a soft kiss onto your forehead, shuffling his own jacket on hastily.
“Good girl,” he whispered again, like some kind of mantra that would keep you from falling apart on them.
Seonghwa stood up soon after and took your hand firmly in his. But before leading you out, but soon he leaned down slightly, scenting you in a slow, grounding inhale near your temple, meant only to calm your nerves.
“Let’s go, darling,” he said quietly, cooing when you whimpered in response. The cold hallway air brushed your cheeks, and for a moment you watched Yunho kneeling by one of the backpacks. To your left, Yeosang was already ahead, hauling two suitcases, the light pink one unmistakably yours.
He glanced back at you immediately, smiling calmly.
You and the eldest followed soon after, a dark green duffel slung over his shoulder, his other hand holding yours tightly as he slowly led you to the other alpha, already waiting by the large, metal door.
And so, once inside the elevator, you stayed tucked between Seonghwa and San, Yeosang standing close in front, blocking most of the open space from your view. The rest of the alphas were still trailing behind.
Your rushing thoughts were broken by the older one's voice.
“It’s like a secret mission, baby,” San tried gently, nudging your shoulder, a small spark in his eyes.
You didn’t smile, your forehead leaning onto his arm in response instead.
His heart clenched.
Yeosang reached back and squeezed your shoulder, sighing softly. Your eyes were all glossy by the time the elevator doors finally slid open with a ding that felt too loud, familiar fear sitting heavy in your chest.
When the chilly air of the underground garage greeted you all, the two dark minivans were already parked near the exit, engines running. Seonghwa tightened his hold on your hand and gently guided you forward.
“It’s okay darling,” he repeated softly.
“Let’s go sit down now, hm?”
You didn’t reply.
San stayed close at your back, one hand hovering near your waist as if afraid you might disappear if he didn’t keep you within sight. Yeosang walked slightly ahead, the two suitcases firm in one hand as the wheels rolled on the pavement.
One of the staff members - the designated driver for the night, or was it the morning? - hurried around from the front of the first van when he saw you all approaching.
“Good morning,” he greeted quietly, bowing his head respectfully to the alphas despite the urgency, making sure his eyes didn’t stray to you for too long.
His expression was serious but calm, and the older man was obviously wearing scent blockers. You had no clue what his second gender was, and so you just stuck closer to your mate’s side.
“We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.” He said as he moved to the back, popping open the trunk. Seonghwa gave the others a quick look.
“I’ll go sit with her,” he murmured under his breath, already shifting direction, his other arm going up to turn your shoulder smoothly. He lowered his dark green luggage near the other packmates without ceremony and led you toward the sliding side door next to you.
The door glided open with a soft mechanical sound. The older man bent, his arm quick to find the latch under a seat to move it to the side and give you access to the back.
“Up you go, my darling,” he said gently, arms quick to lift you by your waist to the edge of the closest seat, quick to climb up behind you. Your eyes burned as you took in the odd scent surrounding the van - you were so used to their cars taking you, the sharper, clean leather scent did nothing to calm you down.
Behind you, more footsteps echoed as the rest of the pack filtered into the garage - Jongho and Mingi carried additional bags, Yunho had a backpack slung over one shoulder, Hongjoong was still on his phone but scanned the area constantly. Wooyoung trailed close behind him, eyes just as sharp.
"Here, honey.” Seonghwa hummed as he reached for the seatbelt, carefully pulling it over your chest before it clicked in the lock. You shifted anxiously, a small whimper slipping out when the unfamiliar scent of the vehicle wrapped around you further.
He unwound his scarf without hesitation and tucked it carefully around your neck, adjusting it so it sat all snug and warm.
“Aish…” he muttered softly under his breath.
“We forgot yours.”
His hand smoothed over your hair apologetically, and he leaned low to peck your forehead. A moment later, Hongjoong’s head appeared through the open door to the side, reaching around the seat in the back to see you both better.
“Everything okay?” he asked softly, his voice entirely different than it had been on the phone minutes ago.
When you didn’t respond, eyes closed from sleepiness mixed with horror, and your nose just tucked further into the scented fabric, he sighed.
Seonghwa gave him a small nod in reassurance instead, knuckles grazing your arm kindly.
“She’s being such a brave girl.”
It made Hongjoong’s expression soften even more.
“Yeah. She is.”
He murmured quietly, utterly heartbroken, before stepping out of the vehicle for a brief moment to exchange a few final words with the driver. Just then, Wooyoung climbed in and slid into the seat beside you, careful not to jostle you. The oldest alpha remained on your other side, helping your other mate put the angled seat back to how it had belonged previously. Each motion was so careful, like you might shatter if they weren’t careful enough. Hongjoong sat by the driver who joined you all soon enough, and Yeosang was the last one to go in the same car as you.
The rest of your mates were already piling in the other vehicle, and when San waved at you and Wooyoung tried to get you to wave back, you just whimpered, tucking into yourself further. The alpha’s expression faltered, but he reached across as far as he could anyway, clasping your hand in a firm, grounding squeeze.
Soon the van rumbled to life and set in motion.
City lights streaked across the glass in blurred lines of orange and white, the world still dark and asleep. The van stayed quiet except for the low rumble of the engine and the occasional murmur from the second vehicle over the radio. Hongjoong spoke about something with the driver at the very front, voice tight and tense, but his words were too far away for you to make out.
For a minute or two your eyes closed, but you never knew how to properly sleep while sitting up, and so you were left anxious and sleepy all the same.
You felt hollow.
The drive to the company passed in a blur. After a few beats you stopped sniffling, but much to their despair your eyes stayed just as glossy, just too far away to reach and so distant.
When Seonghwa tried to break you out of the spell it didn’t work, none of their soft words helping at all. In the end they stuck to talking to you tenderly, even if you barely responded, your scent harsh and unsettled, so much so it was impossible to ignore.
He shifted slightly closer, tracing slow strokes along your arm.
“Hey,” he murmured, voice soft.
“We’re nearly there, darling.”
Wooyoung leaned in, his voice quiet but bright in a way that was so clearly forced even to his own ears.
“How about this,” he suggested gently.
“When we get to the studio, you make us a little nest. Just a small one, doesn't have to be big. Does that sound nice?”
Your lashes fluttered faintly, but your eyes stayed closed.
They knew you loved to nest.
It was their ultimate tactic at bringing you comfort when nothing else worked.
“We brought some blankets,” Seonghwa added, voice soft.
“Yeosangie even packed the pink fluffy one you like, hm?”
Wooyoung nodded eagerly beside you, not letting his scent sour when they got barely a whine in response.
“Yeah. We can cuddle as much as you want baby.”
As much as you wanted, or at least until the morning where the real chaos would begin.
But no matter their musings and gentle touches, your scent in the enclosed space stayed just as sharp, anxious, unsettled, and thin in a way that made every alpha in the vehicle feel like something inside them was splintering.
Seonghwa leaned closer as much as he could, brushing his nose gently into your hair, scenting you slowly.
“Not much longer now my darling,” he whispered even if it did nothing to help. “Hold on just a few more minutes baby.”
The younger alpha pressed his forehead lightly to your shoulder when your fingers tightened on his, breathing out through his nose.
And so, when the godforsaken van had barely come to a full stop, the door was already slid open and the cold night air spilled inside the closed space bruising your cheeks.
For a split second you hadn’t seemed to register the motion stopping at all.
Still, the oldest alpha leaned across you quickly, his fingers caringly gentle as he unclicked your seatbelt with practiced ease. The soft sound felt too loud in the quiet garage, but before you could even so much as flinch, he had already pulled you into his chest, arms cradling you close.
Seonghwa scented you slowly. Thoroughly. Chin grazing over your temples and neck over and over while his hand cradled the back of your head carefully.
“Oh, honey...” He murmured into your temple. He despised how usual it has become over the past few days for you to break apart.
His soul was in pieces.
A fragile sound escaped your lips - barely a whisper if anything - when your eyes finally opened after what felt like an eternity.
Oh, but he was going to start crying himself if this would go on any longer.
Outside, the other van had since parked, and Yeosang and Wooyoung hurriedly adjusted the seats to make space for the three of you to get out. The oldest guided you toward the door with strong, careful hands before you even realised it.
San was already waiting, molars grinding in barely contained worry.
The minute your shoe-clad foot touched the van’s edge, he stepped closer and gathered you up against his chest, one arm sliding under your knees, the other strong and secure across your back, rubbing your side. The movement had been steady and practiced, shielding in a way that made the others exhale softly in relief even if the parking lot was practically empty. You whimpered the second you were lifted, small tears drifting down your cheeks.
You just wanted to go back home.
“Shhh, baby,” San cooed, pulling you closer so your face pressed against the warm column of his neck where his scent was the strongest. So tender when he felt you shake did he speak:
“I’ve got you. Let’s go lie down, okay? Just gonna go inside.”
Your fingers weakly fisted into the collar of his jacket, shaking from anything but the cold. Your breaths puffed up in small clouds that caught your attention, eyes drifting up to follow wherever they disappeared of to.
Seonghwa hovered close just half a second after, watching the way your nose instinctively brushed San’s scent gland with creased brows.
“She loves San’s scent,” he mumbled quietly to Hongjoong who stood next to him just as worried, voice threaded with worry.
“It usually settles her right away…”
The packalpha stepped closer then, his own expression tightening when he saw your eyes so unfocused and glossy, beads of tears gathered along your tear line. The man clicked his tongue softly, the sound gentle but firm, and leaned in close enough that his scent layered over your other mate’s.
“Hey,” he murmured, fingers grazing over your cheek.
“Look at me, sweetheart.”
Your lashes fluttered, but your gaze hadn’t quite found him, making his stomach do an uncomfortable flip. San shifted you subtly then, angling your nose closer to his scent gland.
“Breathe in,” he whispered.
“That’s it. Come on, my baby. Need you to breathe in, nice and proper now.”
But your shoulders stayed too tense, hands shaking just as they had been for the past half an hour, and it really seemed they pushed you too far at that moment.
Seonghwa’s chest tightened visibly.
“She’s barely reacting Joong-ah,” he said under his breath to his younger mate, unable to hide the tremor of concern.
“Even to him.”
Yeosang had moved forward then without a word.
His younger packmember had carefully transferred you into his arms when he was close enough, and you had settled against him as if guided by instinct, your head falling heavily onto his collarbone.
When he adjusted his hold slightly, you had let out a small, distressed whimper.
“Sorry angel,” he had murmured instantly, cooing while pulling you a bit closer.
“I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”
He had unzipped the collar of his jacket just enough to expose more of his neck, subtly guiding your nose there without forcing it, his palm flat against the back of your head.
The moment had been so careful it hurt to watch.
For a long second, nothing had changed.
But then your shoulders sagged, just a little, and that tightness in your neck went down by a pitch. He smelled your scent sweeten, even if not by a lot by some kind of a miracle.
Yeosang had closed his eyes briefly in relief.
“There you are 'mega,” he had whispered, rubbing the back of your head. Hongjoong had exhaled slowly, the tension in his posture easing by a fraction.
“It’s probably best we let her sleep,” he had said quietly.
“Let's just- just get her somewhere warm for now.”
They had all nodded, but the rest of the pack stayed hovering around anxiously. They could handle tears and whimpers, but the minute your mind wandered somewhere far away they couldn’t quite reach was when things started to spiral.
The driver had opened the trunk, and before any of the alphas could start unloading their hastily packed luggage, Hongjoong had spoken up again.
“Take only what we need for today,” he had instructed calmly.
“Leave the rest for now, manager Noh-nim will take care of it.”
Mingi had grabbed a backpack and Yunho had taken a duffel. Wooyoung had slung another bag over his shoulder without complaint, just as Seonghwa had done before him.
Before anyone could say anything else, Yeosang had started his march toward the elevator entrance with you tucked securely in his arms, humming low under his breath - something steady that made his chest rumble in just the softest way. San stayed like glue at his side, one hand constantly petting through your hair, his scent practically drowning you.
Yunho had hovered close behind too, fingers brushing gently over your shoulder whenever your breathing hitched. The lights in the garage were turned on, but it was still dim, and the air smelled faintly of cleaning solution and early morning crisp.
While they waited for the elevator to come by, the alpha had shifted you slightly and opened his collar a tad more, letting your nose press properly against his skin. When your breathing finally really deepened - even if it still wasn’t fully calm, but still less fractured, and a win is a win - his jaw had slackened slightly with relief.
“Good girl, our best, best 'mega,” he had whispered, pecking your forehead repeatedly.
When the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, the light from the hallway spilled in, far brighter than the dim garage below. Only the first few ceiling lights had been switched on, but it was still way too awake considering the hour.
You whimpered softly, turning your face to bury it into Yeosang’s neck.
“Shhh, shh, sweetheart,” he hushed immediately, tightening his hold and angling his body slightly so he shielded your eyes. His lips brushed your temple. San stepped closer on instinct at your discomfort, his chest pressed to the alpha’s arm as he smoothed his palm through your hair in slow, repetitive strokes.
“Just stay tucked in, you don’t gotta look baby,” he murmured.
Halfway down the corridor, a young beta staff member hurried toward them. She slowed immediately when she saw the way you were curled in your mate’s arms, her expression softening into something respectful.
“Good morning,” she said in a low voice, bowing deeply.
“Manager Noh-nim asked me to take you to the studio.”
Hongjoong returned the bow, equally polite despite the exhaustion lining his face. “Thank you for coming in early.”
“Of course.” Her gaze flicked up briefly.
“The smaller recording studio has been prepared. We’ve opened the windows for a while and adjusted the ventilation system, one of the other staff members is finishing airing it out now, so it should feel better.”
Yeosang adjusted you slightly when your fingers twitched at the unfamiliar voice, and San leaned closer again, pressing his nose briefly to your hairline, scenting you profusely.
She continued speaking gently:
“Manager Noh-nim has just stepped outside to greet the detectives at the main entrance, he said he’ll join you shortly.”
Hongjoong’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but his voice remained steady.
“I understand.”
“There will be a first briefing meeting once everyone has gathered,” she added. “We’ll notify you when it’s ready to begin.”
The pack alpha glanced at you and at the way your lashes trembled faintly against your cheeks.
“I’ll stay with my pack for now,” he said.
“Please come get me when it’s time.”
“Yes, of course,” she replied softly.
The beta walked slowly, making sure her shoes barely made a sound on the polished floor as she led them down the familiar corridor and toward the smaller studio.
The room she opened for the pack was modest - it wasn’t their main studio, but one of the secondary recording rooms mainly other producers used. There was a small couch pressed against one wall, dark, covered in suede fabric, clearly meant for two or three at most. A wide carpet covered the center of the room, worn but clean. Beyond the glass partition, the recording booth sat empty, dark and quiet.
The air still carried the faintest trace of cleaning solution and unfamiliar scents that bothered just enough.
“Please let me know if you need anything at all,” the staff member said gently, attempting to be helpful in the horrible situation. Mingi stepped forward slightly at that, voice careful.
“Would it be possible to check if there are any unscented blankets in storage?”
Her eyes flicked behind him in unharmful curiosity, but his shoulder shifted in a way that held you beyond sight.
Her gaze dropped in respect just as quick.
“Of course, I’ll look right away,” she reassured him.
“And I’ll bring some water.”
“Thank you,” Seonghwa replied warmly, bowing low from where he remained just a step behind the younger man.
As soon as the staff member left, the room shifted from polite professionalism to that soft vulnerability you were used to.
Yeosang lowered himself onto the couch first, holding you carefully to his chest still before sliding your coat and shoes off for you. San then slid in beside him, close enough that his thigh pressed against Yeosang’s, one arm wrapping around both of you on the backrest after the alpha put the discarded garments to the side.
You made a small, sleepy sound and buried your face deeper against Yeosang’s collar when your eyes fluttered open a little.
“I know,” he whispered, brushing his lips against your hair.
“New place, huh.”
Jongho soon crossed the room and switched off the remaining overhead lights, leaving only a small lamp glowing in the corner. The shift from ceiling light to lamplight softened the room fast.
“There,” he said quietly, smiling in your direction. “Better.”
Yunho cracked a window for just a moment before adjusting the ventilation panel, trying to cycle out any lingering scents, though it seemed futile. Mingi and Wooyoung carefully pushed a small table further against the wall, opening more of the carpet space.
Seonghwa knelt by the bags and began pulling things out with quiet focus - hoodies, jackets, spare shirts, anything soft was soon gathered on the carpeted floor in a pile. The maknae soon joined him on the ground, reaching through a different bag himself.
Even if they didn’t speak, their intention was obvious.
Hongjoong stood by the thermostat, pressing the buttons with a faint frown. “Why is it still so cold in here?” he muttered to himself, increasing the temperature a few more degrees after Yunho closed the window again.
Behind him, Yeosang tilted his head slightly so he could look at you better.
“Hm…,” he murmured softly, lips grazing your cheek.
“Would you look at that, baby.”
Your eyelids fluttered, too heavy.
“Will you make alphas a pretty nest?”
The alpha asked delicatly, brushing his thumb along your cheekbone to wipe away any remaining wetness.
“Our little ‘mega makes the coziest ones.”
San smiled faintly and leaned closer, nose brushing yours in a gentle caress.
“The softest, prettiest ones. Nobody does it any better.”
“That’s right,” Wooyoung chimed in softly from the floor.
Yeosang carefully shifted you so you were sitting on the couch cushion instead of fully in his lap, angling your body so you could see the softness forming on the carpet.
For a moment, you simply stared at it, blinking.
Then recognition flickered faintly, and your fingers reached out sluggishly toward one of the sleeves of a hoodie after the oldest outstretched toward you, coaxing you closer to the soft space.
“That's it,” Seonghwa encouraged, his voice warm just like his gaze over you--
But the second you noticed Yeosang’s warmth missing properly, you made a distressed little sound and turned, clumsily shimming your way back into his lap, as though the couch had tilted beneath you and was about to swallow you whole.
He gathered you instantly, wrapping both arms around your middle and pressing a kiss to your hair in response to that fear that spiked up within you.
“Okay,” he murmured. “We’ll do it together. That's okay.”
Before the pack could lean down further to try and help, a soft knock sounded and the door opened again. The staff member slipped inside, careful not to widen the door too much before placing several water bottles down, mindful not to walk any further into the fragile space.
“I’m very sorry,” she said quietly.
“I couldn’t find any unscented blankets. Only ones that have been washed with detergent.”
“That’s alright,” Hongjoong replied, eyes polite despite his slight frustration.
“Thank you for checking.”
“If you need anything else, please call,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes stuck to the ground not to do any further damage. They bowed low in thanks, and she slipped out just as quietly soon.
Yeosang stood up cautiously, still holding you, and lowered himself onto the carpet this time along with you, settling onto the edge of the carpet with you tucked safe between his legs.
San leaned forward, helping arrange the jackets into a softer mound while Yunho added the fuzzy throw over the top. Mingi placed his own coat down without hesitation, making sure to turn it over so that the hard buttons wouldn't ache anyone. Jongho folded a hoodie to use as a makeshift pillow. The quiet alpha then guided you down slowly, letting your head rest against his arm while his body curved protectively around your back.
You hesitated again when your cheek touched the unfamiliar fabric of the carpet accidentally, your shoulder tensing slightly.
San immediately laid down in front of you, his forehead almost touching yours as he tried and set a good example.
That usually worked aswell.
“I know,” he whispered. “Alphas are here, baby.”
Wooyoung curled near your legs, draping his own coat over your knees. The maknae settled at your other side, one arm braced protectively near your back. Yunho and Mingi settled against the couch, knees pressed to the edge of the nest, their long limbs far too big for the small space. Seonghwa lowered himself to sit nearby, close enough to smooth your hair whenever your breathing hitched.
Hongjoong crouched beside you for a moment longer before standing tall.
“Lay down proper, baby,” Yeosang coaxed softly, tucking the layered jackets more securely around you.
“Let's just close our eyes for a minute...”
You whimpered again, all small and uncertain.
“It’s like camping,” Wooyoung whispered with a faint smile.
“Indoor camping.”
But you didn't want to indoor camp, you just wanted to go back home, back to your real nest, back where they would keep you safe. Did they not understand?
You didn’t have the strength to quite smile back, but your hand laced with his when he reached closer.
It was too soon when Hongjoong’s phone vibrated softly in his pocket. He stepped away to answer it near the door, speaking in low, controlled tones. When he returned, his expression was composed and calm, as if nothing could disturb him at this point.
“I’ll go to the first meeting now,” he said quietly, eyes meeting the other alphas. Seonghwa immediately pushed himself up to stand.
“I’ll come with you, I’m not tired.”
Liar.
Hongjoong nodded, smiling a little. Soon, they both crouched beside you.
Seonghwa brushed your hair back, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to your forehead. He inhaled deeply, his scent sticking to your skin.
“Sleep now, ‘mega.”
Hongjoong cupped your cheek briefly, thumb stroking once beneath your eye, lips brushing the tip of your nose sweetly.
“If anything feels wrong,” he told the others, voice quiet but dead serious, “come get us immediately.”
The rest of the pack nodded solemny.
The door closed quietly behind them after they slipped out, their movements mindful to not alert you any further of their impending absence. Then Jongho reached over and switched off even the small lamp, plunging the studio into near darkness, only the faint glow from the equipment panel and the thin line of light beneath the door remaining.
Every time your breathing evened out, it would catch again. Every time your body softened, it would tense once more. Small whimpers slipped out of you before you could stop them, so fragile and confused.
The entire rest of the night felt wrong.
Not catastrophic - not enough to send anyone scrambling to call Hongjoong or Seonghwa back - but wrong in that subtle, aching way that left all of them strung tight.
The room was unfamiliar.
The air hummed differently.
The couch loomed too close.
The nest was smaller than it should have been.
Yes, the alphas kept you tucked in close how they usually did, hushing every shaky breath and distress, but no matter how softly they whispered or how tightly they held you, you found it impossible to fully settle.
Time dragged on.
Whenever your breathing began to slow, when it seemed like sleep might finally take you, your fingers would twitch or your shoulders would jerk. You whimpered again, small and uncertain, your hand curling into San’s sleeve as if testing whether he was still there.
His hand was fast to hold yours then.
“I’m here, honey,” San whispered without hesitation, pressing his forehead lightly to yours, lips ghosting over it next.
“Shh… Don’t cry baby, I’ve got you. I’m right here…”
Wooyoung inched closer to your legs, brushing his thumb back and forth over your ankle in slow, repetitive strokes as he curled up in a tighter barrier around you.
“Rest that pretty mind for me, you’ve done enough thinking tonight, petal.”
Your lashes fluttered. Your breathing slowed - almost.
For a few fragile seconds, it seemed like you might really drift off.
But then your body jerked faintly, a tremor running through you as though your thoughts had stumbled over something unseen. A soft, distressed sound left you before you could swallow it down, fear clouding your usually sweet scent.
Yeosang was there to hold you then.
His arm tightened around your middle, firm but careful, pulling you flush against his chest. His other hand cradled the back of your head, guiding your face into the crook of his neck where his scent was the warmest, making sure to turn your spine slowly so you wouldn’t hurt yourself.
“No,” he murmured, lips brushing your hair.
“No, baby. Don’t be scared. We won’t let a thing happen to you again, not a single thing. Shhh…”
He pressed a slow kiss to your temple, breathing you in as though anchoring himself as much as you.
What have they done to deserve this? To have their smallest mate all afraid even when under their care?
Mingi leaned forward from where he sat propped against the couch, exhaustion in his posture but warmth in his voice, always there for you.
“It’s still nighttime," he would remind you gently. “We’re supposed to be sleeping right now, yeah?”
His hand reached down to smooth once over your shin through the coat covering you. Yunho, back pressed against the couch as well, thigh next to his pack member, continued rubbing slow circles into your shoulder without pause. He hadn’t stopped once since you finally lay down. His voice came low and steady from above you.
“Everyone’s resting. Let’s rest too, baby.”
San’s fingers slid down to lace gently with yours, squeezing once. Jongho, who had been silent near your other side, eyes deep-set with worry, reached over and brushed his knuckles lightly over your forearm-once, twice - and then left his hand there, a quiet reminder of his presence.
It took nearly an hour before your body finally gave in to exhaustion.
Your breathing evened out for longer than a few seconds.
Then longer.
Then longer still.
Yeosang froze when he felt it - that subtle shift from restless to truly sleeping in the way you slumped against his chest when the rest of your previous tension gave out and dissapeared.
He didn’t dare move.
When a full minute passed without a hitch in your breathing, they exchanged small, cautious glances in the dark.
Relief came quietly - San’s shoulders sagged just a fraction, Mingi leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes for the first time, and Jongho exhaled slowly through his nose.
Eventually, sleep pulled at Yeosang too, now that he knew you were safely resting for the rest of the night, as he hoped.
His breathing deepened, though his arm never loosened around you, holding you just as close as before. San drifted off next. Wooyoung’s head dipped forward against the edge of the nest, his body folded over in a way that would leave his muscles all achey when he woke.
Only Yunho, Mingi, and Jongho remained blinking awake in the dark, bodies uncomfortable from the cramped space but too wary to adjust.
It was impossible to tell how much time had passed when the barely-there knock finally came.
Yunho’s shoulders tightened up first.
Mingi’s head lifted from where it had been resting back against the couch.
Jongho’s gaze snapped toward the door in an instant.
For a second, they all held their breath - but you remained undisturbed, breathing still just as slow and even.
The door opened only a fraction, controlled carefully so it wouldn’t creak or let the brighter hallway light spill too far inside. A thin blade of pale light cut across the floor before stopping. Seonghwa slipped in sideways, one hand still on the handle to guide it closed behind him with quiet precision.
His eyes searched the dim room in a rush, scanning over the couch, the carpet, the shape of bodies gathered too closely together - until they found you.
Curled up small in the middle of the nest, your face remained softened in sleep. No tremor in your shoulders now. No restless twitch of your hands.
The relief that crossed his face came quick, his posture loosening by degrees, the tension he’d been carrying since he left easing out of his shoulders.
He stepped further in, careful of where his shoes touched the floor. His mouth opened slightly-
Yunho’s free hand lifted firmly.
Finger pressed to his own lips, eyes sharp despite the exhaustion carved into them. The other hand never stopped its slow, automatic motion against your shoulder - steady circles, over and over, as if afraid that stopping even once might undo the fragile peace you had finally seemed to find.
Don’t.
Seonghwa froze mid-step, expression softening into a small, apologetic smile. He dipped his head in acknowledgment, silently promising he wouldn’t make a sound, as he reached for his phone instead.
He dimmed the brightness all the way down before typing, thumbs moving quickly but carefully. A second later, the quiet vibration of notifications pulsed through the room, softened by layers of fabric and hands that caught their phones quickly before the sound could travel any further.
Mingi shifted just enough to grab his, shielding the screen with his palm. Jongho followed, angling his body away from the nest so the faint glow wouldn’t reach your face. Yunho waited, your breathing remaining undisturbed, before glancing down at his packmember’s screen.
Seonghwa had sent a text to their ATEEZ group chat - the one they strictly used for band-related issues only and frequented far less than the chat they had with you.
The only light in the room now came from the dim glow of their screens, reflecting faintly in their tired eyes. They read in silence, taking in every word slowly.
When they reached the end, they exchanged brief looks, sighing softly.
It would do.
Seonghwa watched them, searching their expressions for dissent, for doubt. When none arose, he shifted slightly, tilting his head in silent question.
With slow, deliberate movements, the maknae untangled himself from where he had been sitting against the wall. He adjusted his hoodie and stepped carefully over the edge of the nest, mindful not to disturb even the air around you.
Mingi followed, stretching his stiff legs with the smallest grimace before stepping away just as quietly. Yunho stayed sitting, his hand remaining on your shoulder, continuing its steady motion, thumb brushing small arcs into the fabric covering you.
Seonghwa met his eyes and mouthed softly, ‘You sure?’
The alpha looked down at you first, then nodded resolutely.
Seonghwa’s expression softened in gratitude, affection, and maybe even quiet pride before he stepped backward toward the door. The two alphas slipped out ahead of him, their movements nearly soundless. The oldest packmember lingered half a second longer, eyes resting on you one more time, before he eased the door closed, the room shrouding itself back into darkness.
Eventually, despite himself, his own eyes drifted shut.
It wasn’t real sleep, only shallow, fractured minutes at a time that made him more tired if anything. Every shift in the building’s noise pulled him back to awareness instantly, his gaze snapping down to check on you, on his packmembers, ever protective even in exhaustion.
When the morning came, it felt far too soon.
You barely registered them waking you up - when Mingi slipped back in sometime earlier, the hallway outside was already louder. Voices carried faintly through the soundproofing, hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor as more nervous, stressed-out staff arrived.
The posting of the photos online seemed to have swept a wave of agitation across the entire company.
When the alpha quietly stepped in, he showed his phone screen to both San and Yunho, the alphas already awake, though they stayed in their spots, keeping you close.
It was already a few minutes past six, and there was no other option but to wake you up again.
Yunho’s jaw tightened faintly. He sighed softly, clearly wanting to let you sleep longer, to grant you just a little more peace, but he nodded in understanding and shuffled up to stand taller.
Together, the three of them began the delicate task of waking you.
San leaned closer first, brushing his nose lightly against your temple. “Baby,” he murmured softly, fingers brushing away the stray hairs off your forehead. His voice was too deep in the cold air of the foreign room.
“Wake up...”
Your eyes fluttered open only halfway before slipping shut again, and you burrowed further into Yeosang’s chest soon after, the older alpha’s eyes slowly blinking awake at the commotion.
Mingi reached for the water bottle near the wall and passed it to San, who guided you gently upright, one arm wrapped securely around you when you swayed with sleep. He cracked the lid open and pressed the bottle to your lips.
“Go on, baby,” he coaxed gently. “Drink up.”
You took a small sip, already leaning to move away and go back to sleep, but his hand on the back of your head stopped you before you could move any further.
“No, honey,” he murmured, tipping it slightly again. “Have some more, please…there you go.”
You drank a little more this time, blinking slowly as the cool water refreshed you, waking up to the coldness in your throat. Yunho praised you softly, and when your tired eyes met his, he leaned over to smooch your forehead quickly.
Mingi crouched in front of you next, offering you an exaggerated smile.
“Some staff are bringing breakfast over soon, and I heard there are croissants," he continued playfully, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Hongjoong-ie hyung specifically asked for one with almond filling inside. I wonder who that could be for?”
He ruffled your hair, standing up and stretching with an exhausted sigh.
By the time you were on your feet, you felt much more awake but still tired and dazed by what all has been happening these past few days. Once Yunho, on whose chest you were currently leaning on unceremoniously, noticed then that you had shrugged off your hoodie sometime during the night, he reached down, picked up another soft sweater from the pile, and pulled it carefully over your head, adjusting the sleeves so your hands were covered.
“There,” he said softly. “Much better.”
Soon enough the alpha lead you over through the door to the much louder hallway. He didn’t care one bit that staff were already hurrying through the hallway, only bowing respectfully in greeting. No matter who passed by, he kept you tucked against his side, cooing softly when you blinked at the brightness and petting your side kindly.
When he pushed open the restroom door and you noticed the sign, your steps hesitated, your hand tugging on his sleeve, making him lean low to hear your shushed whispers.
“It’s the male one, oppa…” you protested weakly.
Yunho just chuckled softly, brushing your hair back from your face.
“I won’t let anyone come in, baby.“ The alpha hummed reassuringly.
“Promise.”
Washing your face only aided in being more aware, and when San, Wooyoung, and Yeosang slipped in shortly after, each grabbing toothbrushes from a small toiletry bag the older brought, you were already brushing your teeth. The bathroom was filled with the quiet, mundane sounds of morning you were used to, yet the environment felt different and sparked discomfort within you.
You stayed at their side, staring sleepily at your reflection while San stood close behind you, one hand resting reassuringly at your waist. The packmembers stayed quiet, only humming half-spoken replies and short sentences, too exhausted to do otherwise.
And so, after you finished, San took you back to the timid, small studio where a large paper bag now sat on the coffee tables pushed back to their previous place.
The alpha settled you gently on the couch this time, brushing his thumb along your jaw before he quietly changed his shirt near the wall. He hummed under his breath as though this were any other morning as he shuffled through a duffel bag you recognized as his.
You moved slowly but obediently, unpacking the food onto the table after he sweetly asked you to do so for him. You recognised the name of the café – it was the freakishly expensive French-style one from the very city center where the line was always far too long. Their pastries were to die for, though, and the pack sometimes spoiled you with a sweet treat from the pricey store.
When Mingi popped in a few minutes later, accompanied by Yeosang, Yunho and Wooyoung, he ruffled your hair lightly again, careful not to move you too much, before stepping back.
“I already ate, princess,” he said, voice warm. “But you have to eat loads for me, okay?”
The croissant was very tasty, even if you didn’t have the energy to finish it whole. After a few bites from the youngest’s strawberries and cream dessert, you slumped back in your seat and refused any other spoons heading your way.
When Yeosang looked at the time, you were calmly sipping on a cup of fresh orange juice, eyes dull and slow, completely out of it. San sat next to you, running fingers through your hair you mumbled about not having a brush for right now, the alpha having claimed he would fix it.
When the quiet alpha mumbled about it being time to go, they moved efficiently, folding paper bags, stacking empty containers, and quickly wiping the table clean. Yunho capped the juice and tucked it away for you to have later, having been relieved you were at least drinking better than yesterday – and if an overpriced orange juice was what it took, so be it. Wooyoung gathered the napkins and slipped them into the trash. San wiped your fingers carefully, as though you might not notice the crumbs otherwise.
Before you fully registered the shift, you were back on your feet, sweater sleeves tugged down low over your hands. San’s palm rested firmly at the small of your back as they guided you into the hallway.
When the dreaded conference room came to view, your steps instinctively slowed but you followed with no other protests when the door was pulled open for you.
Somehow, it was even busier than yesterday and far less structured – or at least at the time you entered.
You recognized director Noh, speaking to a pair of people you had no clue about. As your eyes swept over the rest of the room timidly, you noted some other familiar faces – there were the same attorneys as yesterday, though now huddled close with even more people, all shuffling near an open laptop on the table, obviously deep in a tense discussion. Some people filtered in and out quietly, closing the heavy door with deliberate care each time. You saw the contracted private investigative firm workers standing near the water dispenser, as well as Detective Sargeant Lee, flanked by other officers, currently speaking in a clipped tone to the rest of your mates.
The alphas sat quietly, attentive and obviously paying attention to the older woman, barely letting the tiredness show.
When San pulled you in their direction, you slowly started to make out their conversation, the worker’s previously quiet tone becoming more clear by each step you took.
“…ding on intent and the nature of the material, there may also be violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and unlawful distribution statutes. We’re reviewing whether additional charges apply, and-”
And then Hongjoong looked up.
The moment the pack alpha's eyes found your meek form, he excused them smoothly, and all four of them stood almost in unison, chairs sliding back in a soft chorus against the floor. The leader reached you first, hands cradling your forearms as he pulled you close to a hug. Your arms wrapped tight around his slim waist, his fingers gentle and caring on the back of your head.
"Hey, babygirl…” He hummed, lips grazing your forehead slightly, not enough to attract any attention, but a step closer to soothe his hurting. Seonghwa brushed his knuckles against your cheek, eyes searching yours carefully.
“Morning, sweetheart,” he said quietly, the darkness under his lids too prominent.
Mingi and Jongho moved subtly to your other side, their broad frames instinctively creating a barrier between you and the open room, hovering and watchful in the open space.
“You okay? Did you sleep a bit?”
The packalpha asked next, worry lacing his tone, as he pulled back just enough to look at you properly. His thumb brushed beneath your eye, careful and slow.
The alpha didn’t mention the fact that he himself slept barely an hour in total.
Now, with his world tucked safe in his arm, his exhaustion felt distant and foreign.
What mattered he had, and he felt better.
You hummed in reply, nose brushing his neck, and without hesitation, he leaned down a fraction, arranging himself so you could press closer, giving you better access without making a show of it. His chest unclasped when he felt you breathe in his scent, and he closed his eyes in relief.
Both of the younger alphas' shoulders squared further, now truly shielding you from the multitude of people still in the room.
Too soon did the calm moment break, Hongjoong having gently brushed his nose over the top of your head before guiding you to the seat beside him, saying a tender: “Stay close, baby.”
Before you knew it, he was already pulling the chair out slowly and waiting until you were fully settled before taking his own. His palm lingered at the small of your back, warm and grounding, before it shifted to your thigh under the desk. Seonghwa soon sat down next to you, eyes warm and smile soft.
The room stayed busy, even after you entered, and barely anyone paid much attention to you all. Hongjoong leaned towards you then, lowering his voice so only you could hear.
“We finalized the response, baby,” he explained.
“It’ll be released at seven.”
He paused, searching your face, his eyes glancing at the clock mounted on the wall. There wasn’t much time left, and his heart panged with guilt.
“I need you to read it first for me, love. Just to make sure you’re okay with it.”
You nodded, shoulders low and curled into yourself, making the oldest reach over and thumb the nape of your neck in comfort. Your form lightly slumped towards him as you waited, the packalpha having stood up next to you.
It barely took ten seconds before Director Noh was handing him a paper with some text printed over, but the realization dawned on you soon enough – this was the paper that would change your lives.
Hongjoong accepted it immediately and held it steady in front of you, angling it so you wouldn’t have to lift your arms too much. As you leaned forward, he pressed a soft kiss into your hair, subtle enough to pass unnoticed. His scent followed, warm and grounding in the sterile air of the room.
Hello,
This is KQ Entertainment.
First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all fans who continuously support and care for our artists.
We have recently become aware of unauthorized images being circulated online that depict our artists and certain private locations. This matter constitutes a serious violation of privacy and legal rights, and we are treating it with the utmost urgency and seriousness.
KQ Entertainment has taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals involved. We are actively monitoring the situation, and any additional unauthorized materials will be promptly addressed through removal requests and comprehensive legal action against those responsible for the creation and distribution of such content.
We respectfully ask the public and members of the media to refrain from sharing, reposting, or further disseminating any unauthorized materials. The continued circulation of such content may cause significant harm and may also result in legal liability.
We deeply appreciate the continued trust and support of our fans. Please be assured that the safety, privacy, and well-being of our artists remain our highest priority.
Thank you.
KQ Entertainment
Your eyes moved over the text, but you barely absorbed any of it.
Your mind seemed to be moving far too slowly for the past few days, and so you just nodded faintly. Still, the alphas searched your face carefully, eyes scanning for hesitation.
“Are you sure?” Seonghwa asked, voice barely above a whisper.
You nodded again, eyes finding theirs for a small moment before you looked back down.
When a pen made its way to you, you added your small signature right next to the rest of your packmates. Hongjoong had turned toward you fully then, one hand lifting to cradle the back of your head, shielding you slightly from the room, making sure you were actually looking at him when he spoke.
“I’m so, so sorry, baby,” he murmured under his breath.
“I never wanted this to happen to us. Not like this. Not-…”
His thumb brushed slowly along your hairline, soothing and repetitive, to calm you or him you couldn’t tell. His words soon died in his throat, eyes shut tight before he schooled his expression back to its calm state. He sucked in another breath, too sharp and controlled, after you whispered it was okay.
It wasn’t.
Manager Noh approached the table with a folder tucked neatly against his side just then, posture composed but face drawn from the long night, looking over the pack.
“The statement will be released by seven sharp… once it goes live, the PR team will monitor domestic portals, international platforms, and community forums. We’ve prepared takedown templates and coordinated with legal counsel for immediate escalation, if necessary, as we have discussed...”
He glanced toward the packalpha briefly before continuing, looking at the time swiftly.
“Following the release, we should proceed with a structured response plan, so that’s internal security review, schedule adjustments, and further coordination regarding protective measures at the apartment buildings. We should also discuss contingency planning depending on public reaction.”
You turned slightly smaller in your seat as the attention shifted again, fingers curling loosely in your lap. The room felt stuffy and odd, like you didn’t belong among that structured atmosphere.
Hongjoong inclined his head politely.
“Thank you, Manager-nim.”
Seonghwa echoed it just as smoothly, his voice steady despite the fatigue beneath it, the other alphas saying the same.
You dipped your head as well, a soft, almost inaudible, “Thank you,” slipped from your lips.
But his expression still softened in acknowledgment before he stepped away to resume discussions with the legal team that motioned him over.
Sergeant Lee soon continued outlining next procedural steps with the alphas again, coming over with a new, still warm, printed paper with too much written on it to properly read through when it passed by you – you heard her say it was about the new, formal complaints being filed and coordination with cyber investigation units, whatever that meant, and she was currently talking about documentation forms for potential prosecution.
Hongjoong and the others re-engaged, their tones professional and focused as they asked about timelines and jurisdictional cooperation.
Beside them, you slowly drifted.
The lady’s words blurred together again, that legal terminology you barely understood any of is like a distant echo now. You tried to follow her sentences, you really did, but exhaustion tugged heavily at you, and soon after you completely gave up on paying attention any further.
Minutes ticked away.
A staff member stepped inside briskly a while later, tablet in hand. It was the same beta that greeted you by the entrance all those hours ago, you realized, embarrassingly late.
“Excuse me, everyone, the statement has been released,” she announced softly but clearly.
“It’s live across all official channels, and we’re monitoring responses now.”
A subtle shift rippled through the room.
Someone murmured about trending keywords. You felt Seonghwa straighten up slightly to your left. Director Noh stepped forward, clasping his hands together after abandoning his seat.
“Alright,” he said with a small nod.
“Thank you, everyone, for your patience. We will begin the strategic meeting shortly - we’ll review initial public response metrics and media framing and outline adjustments to promotional schedules for the upcoming weeks. Security will also present current recommendations regarding residence and studio access.”
Hongjoong’s attention shifted back to you the moment their head manager stopped talking.
Tenderly - so gently it was painful - he reached behind you and pulled your chair back from the table a few centimeters, creating a small pocket of space just for you to gather in. The alpha turned the chair slightly, so you were faced toward him better, and soon his hands came to rest lightly on your knees.
“Baby,” he murmured softly, hands brushing the hair that was framing the side of your face away. “Do you want to stay for this part? You don’t have to, honey.”
His eyes searched yours slowly.
“Would you rather go rest, love?”
Your lips pushed into a small pout, eyes glossy with fatigue and unshed tears. You looked so small sitting there, Yeosang's sweater's sleeves half-covering your hands, and it made his mind scream at him to do something.
Hongjoong’s expression softened further, eyes closing for a second.
“Manager Lee-nim is here,” he added gently. “She offered to stay with you for a bit, if you’d like. You remember her, hm, baby?”
You did.
Their main makeup artist was a kind, older woman, always careful with you during long schedules. She had let you play with her expensive products one too many times. You had even borrowed the makeup to do Wooyoung’s look when you were bored out of your mind months ago.
Before you could respond, Seonghwa leaned closer from the other side, voice low and impossibly sensitive.
“Honey,” he murmured, brushing his thumb lightly over your sleeve-covered knuckles.
“Alphas will handle everything here, that’s our job. But-”
His brows drew together faintly as he fought to find the right words.
“Your body’s gone through a lot these past days, you barely sleep and eat-”
The alpha’s forehead almost brushed yours after he stopped himself.
“We can’t have our baby hurting herself any further, can we?”
His fingers squeezed yours gently.
You hesitated, silence dragging between the three of you in that vulnerable, sacred minute, then looked up at them with something almost hopeful.
“...can I go to school oppa?” you asked quietly.
The innocence of it all made Hongjoong’s chest tighten.
The pack alpha immediately took both of your hands into his, warming your fingers between his palms, rubbing them in a soothing motion.
“Baby…” he cooed softly, leaning impossibly closer, pecking your knuckles repeatedly.
“No. Not right now.”
Your pout deepened slightly.
“It’s not safe for you right now love,” he explained, voice full of apology.
“But, we’ve already spoken with management, they contacted your school this morning. We’re working on a solution, okay? I promise, my ‘mega… but for now, you can’t. I’m really sorry.”
Seonghwa nodded gently in agreement, brushing your hair back from your temple, shushing the heartbroken sound that left your constricted throat.
“Just for a while, honey, until things calm down. I promise, darling, no longer than that.”
You were quiet for a few seconds more, shoulders slumping slightly in reluctant understanding, nodding slowly.
“…Can I stay with Manager Lee-nim then?” You asked again, voice smaller than before. You always grew timid when they refused a request, even in a nearly whispered question.
Hongjoong’s expression brightened just a fraction with relief.
“Of course, baby,” he answered, pecking the top of your palms again. Then he stood, letting out an exaggerated little groan as he stretched his arms over his head, shoulders rolling dramatically. With his hand on the small of your back, he hummed under his breath, standing in front of the rest of the pack, now turned to give you their attention when they felt you come close.
“I’ll go take ‘mega to stay with Manager Lee-nim for now, I’ll be back in a bit.”
The older alphas cooed at your shy eyes, humming things like: “Have fun and rest lots,” and “Don’t worry about a thing, baby, alphas will take care of everything, you go play,” followed by: “Make sure you drink and have something to eat later, okay?”
By the time you and the pack alpha slipped past them, your cheeks were pink and warm.
He didn’t tease you about it.
Instead, his fingers slid down to lace with yours, holding your hand as he led you into the hallway.
Hongjoong held your hand as he took you through the familiar corridor - it was the one that led to their main studio at the back, as well as both of the dance practice rooms they used most often. After a few moments, he opened a door you recognized: the dressing room.
He allowed you to step in first, a gentle smile grazing his lips as he moved just a step behind you.
The older woman looked up when she heard the doors move, but her expression settled as soon as she recognized you two. She bowed respectfully, both of you following suit, before Hongjoong placed a palm lightly on the small of your back, slightly ushering you forward when your feet seemed to freeze.
You knew this place - the bright mirror lights framed the long counters, their glow reflecting across bottles, palettes, hair tools, and neatly organized trays. It was always a little crowded when all eight of them were preparing for schedules, but right now it felt calm and spacious.
“Ah,” the older woman said gently, setting aside the cloth she had been using to wipe down one of the tables.
“Good morning, Hongjoong-ssi, Y/N-ssi.”
Her mouth seemed tighter than usual, but that kind, familiar spark in her eyes was still right there.
“I was wondering,” your mate began softly, voice polite but warm, “if it would be alright for Y/N-ah to stay with you for a bit?”
Hongjoong ushered you further, his voice low as he ran his fingers through your hair, watching over you fondly for a moment before his gaze met the beta again.
“She’s still tired, and it’s been… a lot this morning…”
The woman smiled reassuringly, faint wrinkles around her eyes deepening. “Yes, of course,” she said without hesitation.
“I was just cleaning up anyway. I could definitely use some company.”
When you turned slightly toward the counter, distracted by the colorful clutter of makeup products, Hongjoong bowed more deeply than usual toward the older woman.
“Thank you,” he had said quietly then.
Consolation crossed your mate’s face, knowing you’d be safe and sound for the rest of the morning. But still, he kept his voice professional, scenting you subtly, before rubbing your arm one last time so you wouldn’t notice too much.
“I’ll come check on you later, baby,” he murmured gently.
“Y/N-ssi, would you like to help me depot some of the palettes? It’s easy, here, I’ll show you…”
She demonstrated slowly, popping one of the small eyeshadow pans from its plastic casing and placing it into a magnetic palette sorted by color.
The pack alpha smiled at you encouragingly when you glanced over your shoulder, watching closely as the beta guided you to the back of the room where she had a bunch of products already set up.
You only looked up at the makeup artist when she called your name again, and when you turned to look for the alpha once more, he was already gone.
You wanted to be brave, so you listened carefully, sat with her when she asked you to, and helped quietly with her current task. One by one, you popped eyeshadows from old containers, placing the small, colorful tiles into the color-sorted magnetic pans.
The older woman didn’t speak much, but when she noticed your movements slowing, she began chatting lightly - of the new puppy her husband brought home, how her son was learning to count, a movie she thought you’d like...
Minute by minute, your form softened.
By the time you completely filled up the peach-toned pinks palette, more time had gone by than you realized. Your hands grew tired from holding the metal tool so tightly, she quickly gave you something else to do: “Here, you can wash the brushes if you want - that’s good. Now, how about helping me wipe the mirrors?”
Her thanks were genuine, and when she noticed your movements slowing further, she had you sit in one of the swirly, plush chairs your mates usually occupied. She handed you her expensive tablet and stylus, switching on a drawing program you soon recognized.
“I remember you like drawing,” she added with a small smile. “You can sketch if you want.”
Your mates hadn’t told her much about you when she first met you, except that you loved art and drawing.
You didn’t protest.
You opened a new file, playing with a few settings before finding a feature that added a face stencil - so you could sketch makeup look ideas.
Before you knew it, you were in your space, calm and content, even if tired, listening to the soft sounds of lids closing, water in the basin, and the disinfectant spraying.
You somehow managed to forget about it all for a while then.
When Jongho popped in later, steps smooth and light, your cheeks were already puffy and warm, eyes closed as you curled small and tight in the seat like a tiny kitten. His heart lurched when he didn’t spot you right of the bat, but after hurrying further into the room, he noticed you--
It had his chest swelling.
The maknae practically melted on the spot, walking to you slowly now, careful in the way alphas moved when trying not to disturb something fragile. His hand caressed your exposed shoulder as he thanked the makeup artist - she just nodded, smiling over you fondly while continuing to put hair styling tools away, quiet and mindful not to startle you awake either.
“I’ll take her now…”
She bowed, waving her hand as if it were nothing.
The alpha leaned down to take the now-turned-off tablet from your loose grasp, leaving it on the table just in front. Then he bent low, scooping you up slowly. When your eyes eased open a little, Jongho quickly pulled you closer against his chest, one hand coming up to cradle the back of your head.
“Shh, shush cutie,” he hummed softly, his voice dropping into that warm tone he always used when you were half asleep.
“’s just alpha, baby… you’re okay.”
Your nose brushed instinctively against the front of his shirt, breathing in his scent. Your body relaxed again seconds after, the last bit of awareness slipping away as exhaustion pulled you right back under.
When you woke up again, the first thing you noticed was Wooyoung’s scent.
When your eyes blinked open, you had to nudge your face forward a bit to see properly, the hoodie on which your head was propped nearly falling away at your movements. Your bones felt heavy and tired, a big yawn slipping past your lips when you rubbed your eye a little.
Pushing yourself up on your palms, your back straightened a little, your mind fuzzy and slightly dizzy when you sat up a bit, the cool leather beneath your hands stark to the once previous warmth you were tucked in.
You stayed there for a moment, breathing slowly while your head cleared, slowly taking in your surroundings.
It took you a solid minute before you realised you were in the backseat of a car, no one else sitting in it – though the moment your head turned a little to the right, your mind, even if lazy and sluggish, recognized your mates outside the windows promptly.
The underground garage lights cast pale pools of brightness across the concrete floor outside, and shadows stretched long across the space as two tall figures stood beside the car doors, conversing.
Even over the closed doors of the car you finally recognized as Wooyoung's, you could hear your mates speak, their voices low but tense in that controlled way they used when they were trying not to let any frustration spill over.
San was leaning against the door nearest you, one broad shoulder resting against the metal, and Mingi stood close beside him, his tall frame partially blocking your view through the window. Your shoulders lowered, and you pulled the heavy, wool coat smelling of Seonghwa a tad closer.
“...saw.” The older had said, his voice hollow over the glass panes.
“Protective fans are trying to shut it down but…” he shook his head slightly, facing away from you.
“It’s spreading faster than they can report it.”
Mingi’s form tightened so much you saw it even in the dim lights.
“...the detectives told me something else just earlier, hyung."
San glanced at him immediately.
“What?”
Mingi looked truly irritated now, the kind of frustration that made his shoulders tense. You didn’t see him angry often, or at least at you.
Not like this.
“…her school information is already circulating on some platforms.”
San went completely still. For a second he just stared at him.
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah.”
Mingi shuffled lightly at the concrete floor, clearly trying to keep his temper under control. His scent under control.
“They’re trying to take it down, but screenshots already exist.”
San mumbled something under his breath, too quiet for you to make out, shaking his head.
“They can’t give her a fucking break, can they?”
“No,” Mingi replied, his voice just as heavy. “Apparently not.”
San pushed himself off the car door then, pacing a few steps away before running both hands down his face before turning back towards his pack member.
“I don’t give a damn what they say about us,” he muttered.
“They can call us whatever they want.”
He shook his head. You could practically feel the anger pulsing off him in waves.
“But dragging her into it? She has nothing to do with this.”
Mingi nodded grimly, crossing his arms. Their conversation was cut short by hurried footsteps echoing lightly through the garage. Both of them turned quickly, shoulders squaring up.
You felt your chest tighten when your mind milled over what they had just spoken about.
Someone already figured out who you were.
You gulped, trying to set your head straight, fingers tight on Seonghwa’s sleeve, not wanting to cry anymore.
As the steps grew closer, your mates shuffled a little on their feet. You heard more voices but only recognized them when the trunk of the car opened and you could hear them clearly. It was Seonghwa’s voice that you noted first, calm and measured, his scent barely reaching you.
“…ave about an hour in the end,” he was saying, shifting something heavy in the trunk. “It’s not much time, but it’s still better than nothing.”
A bag rustled as it was moved.
“The security team has already been notified,” he continued. “They’re waiting for us at Hannam-dong.”
It was Yunho who hummed in acknowledgment, barely audible over the backs of the seats you were leaning on now.
“Management arranged everything for now, it’s quieter and the building security is stricter... Hopefully it won’t be for too long though.” The oldest said, as he huffed, and you heard a zipper being tugged, and a faint creak of metal was audible next.
“I’ll go with Hongjoong-ah and the rest in a few minutes,” he added. “They’re still finishing up with the filed reports-”
“What has gotten into the two of you?”
Wooyoung’s tone was teasing, but there was clear tension underneath it.
“You smell pissed.”
Silence followed for a second, but then more things moved into the trunk.
“The detective stopped me in the hallway earlier.” Mingi said so quietly you barely made it out.
“When I was heading after San and Y/N-nnie.”
The mood shifted instantly, so much so you didn’t even need to see them properly to know.
“…and?” Yunho prompted carefully.
“He told me her school location is already circulating online.”
Total silence followed.
So you really didn’t overhear earlier. No, this was very much real.
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was.”
“They’re trying to remove it, but screenshots are already spreading.” San added, and you heard some murmurs follow, though you couldn’t understand well enough.
“Is she okay?” Yunho asked immediately, voice softening with worry.
“She’s still sleeping?”
San hummed automatically.
“Yeah, she’s okay, she was dead asleep when I took her earlier, she must have been exh--”
But as he spoke, something made him glance toward the car window beside him unconsciously, to check on you.
And he froze.
Through the slightly tinted glass he could see you clearly now, sitting up in the backseat, Seonghwa’s coat clutched in your hands, eyes wide and glossy when they met his shocked ones.
The alpha’s breath caught.
“Baby-?”
The word slipped out of him in a small gasp.
Before anyone else could react, he reached for the handle and pulled the door of the expensive car open, cold air rushing in. San immediately crouched down beside the seat, eyes scanning your face with concern, hand dipping in to pet your hair, any traces of his anger long gone.
“Hey,” he murmured softly, one hand already reaching for yours, finding it amongst the heavy, scented fabric.
“Hey, sweetheart… did we wake you? Aw, I’m sorry.”
You shook your head a little, still in shock. “It’s okay oppa.”
Was it though? Was any of this okay?
Your pouty lips trembled a little as you thought about everything harder. The alpha reacted instantly, cooing softly as he climbed into the back seat fast. You heard your other mates crowd around the entrance and heard Seonghwa scold Wooyoung when he cursed loudly.
San tucked your sock-clad feet closer to himself, one arm wrapped securely around your shoulders while his other hand began slowly rubbing along the sole of your foot through the fabric. When he leaned down to scent you, the tension in his shoulders softened slightly.
A small smile appeared on his face when his eyes met you for a fleeing second, even though his thoughts were racing a mile a minute.
He had absolutely no clue on how to fix the situation they had just made a hundred times worse.
This was most definitely not the way they wanted to break that reality to you.
“It’s a bit cold, hm? ‘you want your jacket, baby?” He glanced around the seat, movements a bit clumsy.
“We thought you’d want to lay down for a little longer, but- ah, your shoes are here, wait, cub…”
Your mate bowed down, hands quick to find your boots stacked neatly under you. You didn’t protest when he slid them on, one of your feet in his lap at a time when he tied them up. You barely reacted at all, simply letting him handle you. He tied the laces slowly, making sure they were comfortable before moving to the other foot. His fingers worked carefully, almost absentmindedly soothing your ankle afterward as he worried his lip.
You didn’t quite register the rest of the alphas speaking outside hurriedly. Before you could sink too deeply back into your thoughts, another familiar presence appeared beside the door.
Seonghwa leaned down slightly, resting one hand against the frame as he looked at you.
“Did you sleep well, honey?” he asked gently.
Your eyes lifted to him, and you gave a small nod. The eldest alpha brushed a few strands of hair away from your forehead with careful fingers.
“We’re going to head to the new apartment now, alright?” he explained softly.
“I’ll wait here for Hongjoong-ah and the others, then we’ll come right after you.”
Another small nod from you.
“Good girl,” Seonghwa murmured fondly. The oldest gave San’s shoulder a light squeeze before stepping back.
“Drive carefully.”
Wooyoung slid into the driver’s seat, running a hand through his hair before starting the engine. Yunho settled into the passenger seat beside him, already glancing back toward you with quiet concern. They greeted you, but when they barely got any response in return, all the alphas shared a quick glance. The last door opened and closed quickly as Mingi climbed in beside you and San in the back, the alpha reaching over to gently squeeze your knee.
"Hi, princess,” Mingi said softly, offering you a small smile as he ran your hair away from your eyes. “You slept like a rock back there. That’s good.”
Until you didn't.
Wooyoung pulled the car slowly out of the garage after he made sure all the seatbelts were in place.
“Seriously,” The younger added from the front seat, forcing some lightness into his tone. “You missed Yunho hyung snoring. It was so good.”
“Lies,” Yunho replied immediately, glancing back with mock offense, remembering the short nap he shared with you a few minutes ago after his head felt like it was seriously gonna blow up if he listened to one more meeting. He had curled up with you and Jongho in the tiny, cramped up studio again, only mumbling barely coherent words to the maknae when he woke up at the noise.
You stayed silent, your mind running haywire, past taking in their real words.
Did this mean you wouldn't be able to go back to school anymore?
Ever?
The car had only been moving for a few minutes, and Wooyoung and San were already bickering about a new trend they saw on TikTok. Yunho occasionally chimed in with amused comments from the passenger seat, while Mingi sat close beside you, one arm resting along the back of the seat behind your shoulders, rubbing up and down as he stared out of the window, lip worried between his teeth. Truth to be told the alphas were walking on eggshells, terrified of what they'd done.
Your eyes followed the passing streets through the window, still a little foggy, and the weight of Seonghwa’s coat gathered comfortingly around you. San’s fingers absentmindedly traced soft circles along your wrist where he still held your hand, his thumb brushing over the scent gland.
Before you could stop yourself, you spoke up.
“Oppa…”
Your voice was quiet, hesitant, but it cut cleanly through the car.
San and Wooyoung stopped bickering mid-sentence.
“…does this mean I can’t go to school again?”
You could hear a pin drop in the silence that followed.
Wooyoung’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. Yunho’s head turned slowly from the passenger seat towards you, eyes wide. Mingi went still beside you, the same way San did.
For a moment, none of them knew what to say.
Your fingers twisted nervously into the sleeve of Seonghwa’s coat, eyes glancing up to meet theirs anxiously, naturally seeking reassurance.
“Sweetheart--” Yunho started before being cut off by his pack member who drove.
“No, no, no.” The alpha added quickly from the front, his voice softer than usual as he glanced back at you through the mirror, still mindful of his driving.
“Don’t think like that, okay, petal? It’s not like that.”
San squeezed your hand tightly, the other hand finding your chin.
“Baby, hey,” he murmured, turning toward you more fully, his thighs touching yours.
“Don’t worry about that right now. It’s going to be okay, yeah? We’ll figure it all out.”
“People forget things like fish,” Wooyoung said, trying to sound reassuring.
“Seriously. The internet moves on in like- three days.”
Mingi leaned impossibly closer, practically caging you between him and San’s legs.
“We’ll figure something out, princess,” he said carefully, rubbing your cheek. “Maybe- maybe you could finish the rest of the year online for now, or-”
The sound that left you was a small, broken little whimper that shut the alpha right up.
“I d-don’t want online,” you whispered, shaking your head as you met your eyes with his, the alpha’s eyebrows high and eyes practically desperate to make you feel even a split bit better.
But your voice trembled, and before anyone could respond, your words spilled out faster, tangled with sadness and fear.
“I want to be with Sisi… a-and I like my classmates…”
Your breathing hitched as you closed your eyes tight.
“…even if they- don’t-don’t like me--”
The last words dissolved into quiet sobs as you tried to catch your breath, hands shaking. Your shoulders curled inward as you folded into yourself, hands clutching the eldest’s coat tighter around you. Tears slid down your cheeks like big drops of pearls.
If you hadn't gone on your own from that café, this would have never happened.
San’s heart dropped straight into his stomach, his hand shooting up to hold your forearm as he tried to move closer.
“Woo-ah pull over.” Mingi said immediately, his voice breathy and strangled when he pulled away the hand you were wiping your eye with too roughly for his liking, cooing softly.
Sooner than not, the car slowed and rolled to the side of the road. And the moment it stopped, the younger alpha clicked your seatbelt off within the time San turned fully toward you, his arms wrapping around you before you could shrink further into yourself and dissolve into sobs and cries.
“Hey, hey, hey-” he breathed softly, pulling you into his chest. His calming scent was like a cloud around you, and it eased your mind just a bit. Mingi moved at the same time, helping guide you closer to his packmember, hand stopping at your temple.
Your sobs came harder now that you were in their arms.
“I just-just want to finish school like n-normal and- and--”
You cried quietly, your voice breaking against San’s collar, the alpha angling you closer to breathe at his scent gland. The alpha’s chest tightened so much it truly hurt at that point.
“Aigoo, baby…” he whispered, his voice syrupy sweet.
You felt the other alpha’s large hand come up to cradle the back of your head, fingers threading gently into your hair, letting his scent stick to you.
“Shh, sh-sh-sh, hey,” he murmured, his voice thick with despair after his own eyes had already started to sting.
“It’s okay, princess. It’s okay.”
In the front seat, Wooyoung pressed the heel of his hand against his mouth for a moment, blinking rapidly before turning around in his seat.
“Hey,” he said softly, his voice wobbling despite the smile he tried to force. “Look at me, jagi.”
But your cries continued as you tucked yourself closer to the alpha, the man rocking you gently in his arms, pressing one kiss to the top of your head after another.
“No one is taking school away from you,” he murmured desperately. "Okay, baby? No one. We won't let it, alphas won't let them cub.”
But the truth sat heavy in his throat.
Even then did his hand rub slow circles over your back as he thought of a way to make you feel any better. His chest rumbled when he felt your form shaking with every too-small breath you took, and that tiny tremble in your fingers when you gripped his jacket just above his heart-
“Alphas will fix it ‘mega, we promise.”
Mingi nodded quickly beside him.
“But-”
“No buts,” Yunho said quietly from the front seat, turning fully around now. His expression was soft, cheeks shining faintly.
“We’re your alphas, sweetheart,” he reminded you gently. “It’s our job to solve the hard stuff.”
San pressed another kiss into your hair. “Just breathe f’ me now,” he whispered into your hair.
“Okay, baby? One thing at a time.”
You didn’t hear the front doors opening over that constant hum in your ears.
Your body had already worn itself thin.
Between the sleepless nights and barely eating and drinking anything these past few days, you had nothing left to give. After a few minutes your sobs dwindled into small hiccups, your breathing slowly evening out as the two alphas held you close, their hands never stopping their soothing motions.
Your eyes closed after even more long minutes went by, the alpha’s scent close. Neither San nor Mingi moved when your weight went slack between them. The alpha adjusted his hold instinctively, tucking your head more securely under his chin while the younger carefully brushed the damp strands of hair away from your face.
Yunho had stepped out quietly, careful to close the door without a sound. You didn’t see him outside the door, this time far enough that his voice didn’t carry at all.
They weren’t making the same mistake again.
He spoke on the phone, not turning once to face away from your direction, his tone tense.
When the car slowly began moving again, it was the first time any of them had ever broken their nearly sacred rule of only driving when you were properly buckled in.
San simply held you tighter, one arm wrapped securely around your middle while the other cradled your head against his shoulder. Mingi stayed pressed close beside him the entire ride, occasionally leaning down to press quiet kisses to your temple. Wooyoung drove very carefully the rest of the way, both hands firm on the wheel, and once the car made its way past the security perked up all over the perimeter of the entrance, the rest of their mates were already there at the underground parking lot, pacing outside the car.
Hongjoong couldn’t stand still near the parking line, arms folded tight across his chest, Yeosang stayed beside him while Seonghwa spoke quietly to him. Jongho leaned against the wall nearby, though even he looked tense.
The moment Wooyoung pulled into a parking spot, they moved.
San stepped out first, still holding you carefully in his arms as if you weighed nothing at all. Your head shifted slightly against his shoulder, but you didn’t wake, your cheeks still faintly blotchy pink from crying too much.
The packalpha’s hands hovered over your shoulders before his expression darkened and he shook his head in disbelief.
“What were you thinking?” he asked quietly, the calmness somehow making it worse.
No one answered.
His tired eyes moved slowly over all of them - San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Yunho - before finally landing on Seonghwa.
“Hyung.”
The oldest didn’t protest and simply lowered his gaze slightly, accepting the reprimand. Hongjoong exhaled slowly through his nose, running a hand back through his hair as if he were trying to physically push the exhaustion away.
San’s arms instinctively tightened around you when he smelled his scent burn.
“…we didn’t mean for this, hyung.” Wooyoung muttered under his breath, his own voice shaky and fractured.
“I know you didn’t,” Hongjoong replied tiredly. “But that doesn’t really change the result, does it."
Silence followed. Mingi’s hands tightened into fists before he loosened them.
“We’re sorry.” He said quietly.
“…not me you should be apologizing to.” Their leader murmured, his spine straightening up, hand incredibly gentle when it caressed your warm cheek.
“Alright,” he said after a moment, his voice calmer now though the stress and fatigue still lingered heavily.
“We don’t have much time…let’s just go.”
The remains of the pack followed his steps, few of the alphas slinging some of the bags over their shoulders, though they left many behind to be taken later. San cradled you close when the silent elevator arrived at one of the top floors the apartment was at. The alphas didn’t speak, rest for a few soft coos coming your way.
But your eyes stayed closed, having truly tired yourself out beyond any quick repair.
There was no large hallway that greeted them, practically standing in front of the sleek door to their new place already. Hongjoong moved to it and began entering the lengthy code into the keypad beside it before swiping a keycard and using another key. After a short pause the lock clicked open, the leader slid in silently, and the moment was followed by the quiet beep of the alarm system shutting off.
Soon the pack members walked in slowly, abandoning the stuff in the entryway as they spread out. San stayed just inside right next to their bags with you still sleeping in his arms, refusing to set you down even for a second, guilt eating him whole, soft kisses dropped to your forehead periodically.
The men moved through the new space methodically and carefully.
First they checked the bedrooms – there were fewer than they were used to, but it was nothing that made them too worried. Jongho stepped out onto the balcony to inspect the locks from both in and out while Yunho moved from window to window testing the latches right next to him. Yeosang crouched low to look under the beds while Hongjoong walked slowly through each room, scanning everything with tired but sharp eyes.
After a few minutes it was Seonghwa who leaned slightly out from the hallway, his voice gentle.
“San-ah.”
San immediately looked up, eyes big.
“It’s okay,” Seonghwa said softly.
He barely took in the apartment itself - the high ceilings, the expensive-looking furniture, the wide windows overlooking the city in a different view than what they were used to.
His focus never really left you.
The alpha lowered himself onto the couch slowly, adjusting you against his chest so you stayed comfortable, moving away one of the hard pillows from under his arm. For once no one commented on the fact that he was still wearing his shoes or his coat.
The oldest then eased your jacket from your shoulders, folding it neatly before placing it aside, helping his younger unlace your shoes before he carried them to one of the heaters under the windows Mingi was fiddling with.
San brushed your hair back from your forehead, thumb tracing softly over your temple as he looked down at you.
“…I’m sorry, baby,” he whispered softly, lips grazing your forehead.
Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader
Status: Ongoing series
Chapter number: 2 of unknown
Word count for Chapter: 3,899
Work count for Story: 8353
Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine
Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Bullying, Anxiety, Panic attacks, and Cultural differences.
Story Summary: The Hybrid K-pop group BTS is on tour in America; of course, things don't start out the way they should, but after an encounter with Y/n, things change but will everyone follow Fate?
It was filled with nightmares of the meeting going wrong, a pack of world-famous idols hunting you down, and worse of all, losing your job, which caused you to move back home.
Looking at the time, you see that it is barely 5 am. You usually get up at 7 am, so technically, it is not super early, but you are sure you may have had about three hours of sleep even after Derek and Evie tried to comfort you yesterday.
Getting out of bed, start your morning meditations with your room lit by the Holiday Cookie scented candle you got from your mother last Christmas. It smells like cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked bread, but if you really pay attention, there is a bit of vanilla, too.
You take a pampered shower by spending extra time shaving and using your hybrid-friendly, scent-blocking shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You take forever to pick out what to wear today because you want to maintain professionalism. At the same time, the nightmare has ingrained in your brain that you would need to be ready to run away if something terrible happened.
You gotta love how anxiety can control you like that over something that may never happen, yet the reality of feral hybrids makes it an actual thing that could happen. This possibility caused you to pick high-waisted black pants that belled after the knee (a.k.a. Professional looking get the fuck out of here running pants), with a deep purple peasant lace top, a black under-tank top, and a half-sleeve black sports coat.
Usually, you wore some kind of slight heel in the name of professionalism and gender conformity. Still, today, you decided that your black slight platform combat boots, which made you feel like a badass, would give you a confidence boost and make it easier to run, or so you hoped. Forgoing your typical breakfast, due to nerves, you drink a vanilla java energy drink and catch the train to work.
You arrive at work with about 10 minutes to spare, giving you time to boot up the computers in all the offices and make a coffee in the breakroom for everyone. Idle hands are the Devil's work or Anxiety’s playground in your case.
Derek arrives right on time with his best friend Lily, who is also a Fox hybrid and works in the IT department. You are 90% sure they want to court each other but neither one of them has stepped up to the plate, afraid to destroy what they already have. Both speed walk to the breakroom, taking advantage of the hot coffee before returning to your desk, smelling the air slightly.
“Ah... Derek, I can smell the fresh coffee and you, but I do not smell y/n,” Lily states while looking you over from head to toe as you stand at your desk, putting out sign-in sheets and additional pens. “Missy, what's with the scent? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, missy. What is going on? Are you still worried about today? Your raccoon eyes are worse than Stephen’s, and he is a raccoon hybrid! You didn’t sleep, did you?” Derek rambles, pulling you to stop what you are doing and making you look at him, his tail resting on your leg in concern.
“Good morning to you both, too. I did not sleep well but showered today with hybrid-friendly, scent-blocking products. I did not want to interfere with the matching process this afternoon since, after yesterday’s meeting, it is clear that I am expected to be here. We all know I have difficulty keeping my scent in check, and with how uncontrolled it was yesterday, I figured today would not be much better. I plan on putting on makeup before the clients arrive so I don’t look like I was part of Stephen’s collective when they arrive. Thank you very much,” you huff out while trying to find any way to keep your mind busy.
“Oh my. They must have you on edge. Maybe it is a good idea that you smell like nothing. Are you wearing your ass-kickers today too? Though I will say, you look hot in that. It's kind of professional and boss-bitch all rolled into one. Yeah. Hot,” purrs Lily.
You giggle at Lily’s comments. Lily has always been in the group of friendly coworkers who do not have a filter. Their life was not easy before their emancipation. The owner trained Lily to be a pleasure fox for other clients. After a more brutal visit from a regular client, the urgent care hybrid doctor realized that Lily was born male but raised to think and act as if they were a female.
Hybrid Protective Services, another newer addition to most police forces, took them away from the current owner that same day. Then, they were taken to a facility for a few years to receive therapy and care to understand what the former owner did was a felony and what their new life choices were, and they eventually found employment here at PMS.
Lily has been through a lot but has deemed themselves to be non-binary. After 17 years of being a girl, they are still more comfortable in feminine clothing. On rare occasions, they will also wear masculine clothing. So, to be respectful at the office, we observe what Lily is wearing that day to know how to address Lily comfortably.
Today is a Miss Lily Day and not a David Day.
“Thank you, Miss Lily. Yes, these are my ass-kickers. I needed the extra sass today to help me through. I appreciate your compliments,” you answer the Fox.
Turning your attention to Derek, “I was able to send emails from home last night. Don’t start.” Putting up your hand because you know he was about to get on you for working from home again. “I could not sleep. Besides, this gave me something to focus on and not spiral as far. Anyway, I emailed all available Korean-speaking male and female Playmates. As of about a half hour ago, I have five confirmations of attendance and one denial, which included a resignation because their family figured out what they did for work and did not want them working as a Playmate anymore.”
“That is not too bad. It sucks that we are losing one, but we all understand that family comes first, and though this work is legal, there are still some old-time sticklers who believe otherwise. The ones that are good to go are all set to arrive at 2:30 pm, then? Neutral clothing, natural scents only, and have eaten prior?” Derek asks, morphing into his work mode.
“I have them coming here at 11 am to go over their NDA again with lunch provided. This is potentially our biggest high-end client contract, and I wanted to ensure they remember ALL the policies and consequences. I will also utilize the locker room to keep all electronics and personal items away from the conference rooms as an extra safety net,” you begin to explain.
Taking a deep breath, you level your sight at Derek and Lily, “This could be the best or worst thing for the US Branch. I will not let it go south because of someone turning into a sasaeng or freaking out about meeting some of the members of BTS today.”
“BTS!” Lily exclaims with their tail fluffing out, eyes bouncing between you and Derek while their ears stand tall. “No Way! JK and Agust D will be here today?!?!”
“Lily… you are banned from the area if you act like that, but yes, they should both be here, along with the remaining members,” you confirm.
Nibbling on your lower lip, you continue, “However, if yesterday's meeting was any indication, Mr. Min does not want anything to do with this. So please calm down. Keep your scent in check, or hide in your IT closet for the rest of the day. If you don’t think you can do this, go home,” you say, standing and taking Lily’s hands in yours. “I know you love them and mean well, but I cannot have this go any further sideways than it already is.”
Rolling their eyes but smiling, “Harsh Y/n. It's understandable but harsh. I guess I will lock myself in the IT closet for the day.” Giggling under their breath, Derek and Lily make their way to their respective offices, and your day starts.
The meeting with the Playmates went well. All points were covered, new NDAs were signed, everything electronic was locked away, and lunch was served. Derek happily chats with some of the Playmates and shares some of Big Hit's requests, and a slightly nervous energy starts to fill the room, as it always does before any Playmate/client meeting. However, it may be higher this time because everyone knows who they will meet. You trust them all to remain professional.
Again, you avoid eating anything for fear of vomiting all over the idols when they come. Making your way out of the room, you excuse yourself to fix your makeup and sit at your desk, waiting for the clients to arrive. Deep breathing exercises and some calm music help settle you down before you hear the ding of the elevator doors and the multiple footsteps falling on the floor announcing their arrival before the office doors open. Opening your eyes and smiling brightly, your professional persona takes over like always.
“Hello and welcome to Playmate Service Incorporated USA Idol division. My name is y/n,” you say in Korean, standing and bowing at the waist. After a beat, you hear silence as BTS stands there looking at you, shocked to be greeted so respectfully in their native language. They return the bow with their eyes still on you. The group is covered head to toe in designer clothes, hats, and facemasks, allowing you only to see their eyes.
Looking over at Manager Sejin, who is dressed similarly to how he was yesterday, bowing again to him, you continue in Korean, “Manager Sejin, it is a pleasure to see you again. All arrangements have been made, and the conference room is waiting. If you will, please follow me.”
Switching back to English out of nerves and limited knowledge of the Korean language, you speak to the group, “The conference room where you will meet the potential Playmates is specialized for hybrids. It has a one-way mirror with couches, tables, and shared air circulation. As a group, it will be up to you who will be allowed in the main room where the Playmates will be and who will remain in the observation room. Since you are an established pack, no other hybrids will be allowed to enter either space and human contact will be limited to the Playmates.”
Gesturing to follow you down the hall, you briefly look back to the group of hybrids. You catch the narrow eyes of one of the two shorter members, and your spine tingles. God, you hope the scent-blocking products are working.
Continuing your duties to explain how this meeting will you, you say, “Our fox hybrid, Mr. Gulley, will draw up the contact in a separate conference room if you choose a Playmate today, and I, human, will remain out of the rooms but available should you need anything. We hold your bond with great respect,”
Stopping in front of two side doors, you gesture to the one on the left, “this is the observation room. You may start there and discuss in private who will be moving to the main meeting room.” You point to the door to the right. “Please also discuss if you want to meet them one at a time or together. We only have four females and one male Playmate, which are currently not contracted. Next week, we will have two more males you can meet if you do not find a compatible Playmate today.”
While you share the information, you see the members looking at each other and then back at you in glances and hushed but sharp tones of speaking murmur after you stop with your speech. Attempting to remain as calm as possible while wishing you had a hybrid hearing ability; you still feel like your nightmare of being hunted is going to come to life.
Slowly and intentionally, one of the members stands to his full height, stepping forward and removing his mask; you see that the RM is now observing you with sharp eyes. “Miss Y/n, meeting you after hearing your opinion over the phone yesterday is a pleasure. I am Kim Namjoon, Prime Alpha and Alaskan Timber Wolf hybrid. I,” a low growl is heard from behind him, “We have a few questions for you.”
Glancing behind him to the group, which remains covered other than their eyes, you see variations of confusion, concern, caution, and maybe …is that hope? Glancing at Manager Sejin and back to the Prime Alpha before you. You smile politely bow showing respect for his position in the group and subgender, and nod, not trusting your voice.
“Firstly, Manager Sejin warned… Well, he informed us of your strong scent and inability to control it as a human, but none of us can smell it. Are you hiding something from us?” He questions you with narrow eyes and shifts into a more protective stance, blocking you from seeing the rest of the pack as much as possible.
The amount of energy pouring from the hybrid is astonishing.
No wonder their concerts are so much hype.
Shaking your head gently and trying not to stutter, “No, Sir. Mr. Kim, I know of my inability to control my scent very well. Two of my colleagues and my best friend are hybrids. So, I have heard how strong my scent can get at times. Out of respect for your pack, I wanted to not interfere with the process of choosing a Playmate and thought it would be best to use scent-blocking hygiene products by Earthwise today. I do not mean to hide anything from you or your pack.”
Bowing at the waist at a full 90-degree angle and speaking in Korean, you say, “My apologies to you, Prime Alpha, and your pack. I mean no harm or disrespect. Please forgive me.”
As you remain in your bow, you hear a higher-pitched whine from someone in the pack, causing you to look up and see a large, toothy grin on the Prime Alpha.
“Miss Y/n, please stand up. You have not caused some great offense. In fact, it is endearing to see someone be so considerate not only in hybrid culture but also in Korean culture. Where did you learn your Korean? You have a Busan tilt to your words, like Jungkook-ah and Jimin-ah.”
Standing and smoothing out your waistline, you nervously giggle and respond again in Korean, “My college roommate was from Busan. She taught me enough to hold short conversations. Actually, I think I learned more from her than I did from the university.”
Smiling lightly, you change back to English, “Unfortunately, I am not fluent enough to do much good. However, the Playmates some of you will be meeting have all passed and are current with our fluency licensing for being contacted with Korean Idols. So, there is not going to be a communication issue for any of the pack. I made sure of that.”
“Thank you for your diligence and consideration, Miss Y/n. The pack spoke before coming here. Seokjin-hyung, Jungkook-ah, Taehyung-ah, and Jimin-ah are the ones who want a companion Playmate for this trip. Hoseok-hyung, Yoongi-hyung, and I will observe. Of course, as Prime Alpha, I will be included, but Yoongi and Hoseok will be excluded from any may come about from your office,” informs the Prime Alpha. His eyes watching your reactions to understand what you think of the split in his pack since he cannot smell your reactions.
Smiling to yourself, the Rap line does not want a Playmate. Nodding your head, you open the door to the observation room, allowing Hoseok and Namjoon to walk in. Yoongi starts to walk in, then stops next to you briefly as his eyes casting over your form as if he wants to say something but chooses not to before continuing in. When closing the door, you look at the remaining members and open the meeting room doors for them.
“Miss y/n, I am Seokjin, Alpha Roan Ferret hybrid. Namjoon said you can bring all the Playmates at once, but please excuse the male one, as he will not be accepted due to territory issues,” softly speaks the eldest member of the Bangtan pack.
“Mr. Kim, pleasure. I understand and will bring them over in a moment. Please get settled; bottles of water and fruits are on the table for your enjoyment.” Bowing slightly, you watch his feet enter the room before standing and starting the meeting process.
“Minnie! Jinnie! Did you see her? She is so pretty! Why is she not a Playmate? Can’t we take her? I bet she smells so nice,” Jungkook rambles excitedly to Jimin while tugging on his arm and removing his mask, following the lead of his hyungs.
“Yah! That’s my arm you are trying to rip off Muscle Bunny. But you are right, she is gorgeous. She did seem rather nervous though. You could feel her nervous energy rolling off her and whenever her eyes seemed to show her overthinking, she looked like she was trying not to shake from it all,” comments Jimin, taking a seat next to Taehyung and Seokjin.
“Hyung, what do you think of Miss Y/n?” asks Taehyung, his eyes never leaving the door, almost as if his Alpha can still see you start to pace on the other side.
“I think you both are right, but she is not a Playmate, so stop focusing on who you cannot have and pay attention to who you can when they come in.” Looking at the one-way mirror, he says, “Unless there is something that Joonie can do to make it happen, but it would be a big request.”
In the other room, Yoongi had taken a seat in the far corner, removing his mask but keeping his eyes pinned at the office door, black jaguar tail tip flicking back and forth with agitation. Namjoon and Hoseok, also having removed their masks, observe him cautiously.
“Yoongi, are you okay with being here? Manager Sejin can take you back to the hotel?” Namjoon asks, worried that he is too much into his hybrid mindset at the moment. When they met with Miss Y/n, his scent had changed to something that none of the pack had expected to smell for a long time: fascination.
All the ears in both rooms twitch to the sound of the conference room door opening and the potential Playmates entering. They are all beautiful and could easily walk the runways in New York Fashion Week. Blonde, auburn, and two black-haired women introduce themselves in proper Korean. Their conversational skills are on par as expected, and the energy seems to flow easily.
You can tell they are professionals.
However, it is not the Playmates that have Namjoon concerned as the smell of burning wood starts to fill the observation room and flow into the other, drawing the attention of the rest of the pack. Seokjin, Jimin, and Jungkook continue to speak with the Playmates, but their hybrid ears are listening to the other office. Namjoon and Hok turn again to look at Yoongi, “Hyung, are you okay?”
“I don’t like any of them. I don’t want any of them around the pack. The blonde is a fake. The redhead has a stick up her ass. The black-haired women are too cocky. These are not good for the pack, Namjoon,” Yoongi states, glaring at the one-way mirror and then up at Namjoon. “Do what you can to fulfill our bun’s request. If it will help the pack, Hoseok-ah and I will join the contract, too.”
“What? I will? I wasn’t going to have a play…” Turning to face Yoongi and getting a leveling glare from the jaguar stops Hoseok's complaint. “Umm… yeah, I will join a pack-companion contract.”
Yoongi is restless. He has not felt anything like this before. It worries him because you are not expected, and if it is what he thinks it is, then he is concerned about why the rest of the pack does not seem to respond the same way. BTS is a bonded pack, so they all were mates, and if another mate were to join them, each of them should feel the connection.
The only one who seemed to show any major additional interest was Jungkook, and he was a Flemish Giant Rabbit, so liking someone was not uncommon due to his hybrid half. He took a liking to almost any living thing. He was also a very young Alpha Buck, and even when he joined the BTS pack, he took some convincing that he was also a mate and not just a pack member they needed for the K-pop group.
Unable to keep still without wanting to claw at the furniture, Yoongi stands, walks out of the office, running right into you. Knocking you off balance, you fall with a yelp. Instinctively, you reach out to catch yourself with most of your weight on your right hand because you land awkwardly. Glancing down, next to your left hand is another left hand with very prominent veins running under the skin. You find your waist circled in a short-haired black tail and an arm around your chest like you are being hugged from behind. While your right wrist stings a little, you are relatively unscathed.
Hearing a bit of commotion behind you and a jumble of English and Korean versions of ‘Are you okay? What happened?” you hear sniffing just below your left ear, followed by a faint growl you feel through your back from the chest pressed against you. “Sweet peas. So that is what Miss Y/n’s scent is.” At that, your heart races as you quickly regain your wits.
Your attempt to stand while fixing your hair, not as gracefully as you would have wanted while trying not to wince at the pain in your right wrist. You are sure your face is fire engine red, and your breath is uneven. Turning around you end up facing the whole pack and half the office, all while trying to avoid the eyes of the owner of the black tail standing right next to you. Your gaze stops and falls when you see the smirks on the Playmates' faces.
“Y/n, what are you doing, throwing your weight around like that? You are going to hurt the clients. Maybe you should have stayed at your desk and not paced the hall,” one of the Playmates scoffs, followed by a round of chuckles from the rest and some under breath comments of looking like a little piggy with how red your face is.
Looking at the ground, you mumble an apology in a mix of English and Korean, bow, then bolt out of the hall into the farthest corner of the breakroom. Hiding your face from the world as the tears of embarrassment, of disgust with yourself, and of pain take over your being.
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