Deeper Than the Heart Chp 1
Summery:
In a world where Lycanthropy and Humanity coexist, Y/N finds herself to be the fated mate to a pack of 7 men. However, these wolves aren't just random guys... They're the CEOs of the company where she works! Not to mention the most sought after men in Asia. Y/N soon finds herself in predicaments she couldn't even conjure in her wildest dreams. And what does she do when she finds out a family secret that changes her life? You'll have to read and find out.
Pairing: OT7 X Fem! Reader
Genre: Reverse Harem, CEO! AU, Fluff, Angst, Smut, A/B/O, Black MC
Rating: 18+
Word count: 9k+
Read me on Ao3!
Chapter 1: Possibilities
Y/n checks her makeup in the mirror for the hundredth time for the evening, searching the mirror for any outstanding flaws she may have missed. She runs her hands down the rouging of the burnt yellow dress she's wearing, ensuring it sits on her body just right. It has a sweetheart neckline and stops right above her knees. A simple but sexy dress that just tows the line between professional and sensual. Once she's satisfied that her lashes are perfectly in place and she has no lipstick on her teeth, she makes her way to the living room of her apartment. Pulling her phone from her clutch, she checks the time.
“7:45? Michi sure is pushing it.”
Working with Michi for 3 years and gaining her friendship over that time, the bubbly blonde's tardiness is far from uncharacteristic. Y/n swipes open her phone to call Michi, who’s supposed to be giving her a ride to the Annual Achievements Gala their job hosts. It’s a mid-year event that showcases the company's achievements as well as its employees. An event that every year Michi begs Y/n to attend with her, and habitually declines. From what Y/n’s heard, the Gala is more of a bragging event than anything, and if there’s one thing Y/n dislikes, it's arrogance. Before she can even search for her contact, Y/n's phone is illuminated with an incoming call from Michi.
With a chuckle, Y/n answers the call, “Where are you? You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago. You know I don’t like being late.”
Michi’s high pitched, melodic tone comes through the receiver with a teasing lilt to her voice, “Oh so now you're eager to go to the Gala, Ms. “Stop asking me, I don’t want to go”?”
Rolling her eyes, Y/n pushes past the comment, “Are you close to my place or not?”
“Yeah, yeah, I just pulled up to your complex now. I’m outside” Michi says.
Double checking she has everything in her purse, Y/n relays her descent to the parking lot then hangs up the phone.
With no hesitation, Y/n approaches Michi’s familiar orange Buggie, opens the passenger door, and takes a seat.
Before Y/n can even put her seatbelt on, she’s startled by a strong grip on her wrist and an overenthusiastic squeal from her friend. “Y/n I’m so excited you're finally coming to the Gala! You look stunning, girl!” Michi pulls Y/n closer for emphasis, as if what she’s going to say next is top secret, “Maybe you’ll even leave with someone at the end of the night…”.
Y/n stares unimpressed at her friend and pulls her wrist out of her grip, “Are you crazy, this is a work function. The last thing I should be doing is hooking up with my coworkers.”
Michi checks her mirrors before pulling off while Y/n finally attaches her seatbelt.
Y/n continues, “And anyway I thought you said no expectations. You know I’m not really looking for anything right now.”
With a vigorous nod, Michi agrees “You are absolutely right! No expectations!”
Sighing, Y/n adds to Michi’s remark, “But…”
“But you should still keep an open mind! I know this is your first time at the Gala so I’m going to let you know how these things go.”
Listening to what her friend has to say, with not nearly as much vigor, Y/n laughs under her breath at her exuberant friend’s antics.
“First, not everyone at the Gala works with us. There’s people’s plus ones, 3rd party associates, partners, and investors. TLDR: Hot rich men that can take care of you. As your friend, I’d kick myself If I didn't at least raise the idea of you using tonight to put yourself out there.” The last part being said with such sincerity Y/n cant help but cave to her slightly overbearing friend.
“Geez, okay… There’s still NO expectations for tonight. But I’ll keep myself open to… possibilities.” Y/n rolls her eyes with a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.
Michi stops at a red light and turns her head, shooting Y/n a mischievous grin, “Atta girl!”
Y/n stares blankly out the window watching the cars and street lights pass. She thinks more about tonight. Just how open to possibilities should she be? It’s true she’s not looking for anything right now, but she never really has. Her dating history is scarce to say the least. Y/n blames Korean beauty standards. Being Black in a homogenous country makes dating seem like a joke at times. The last time Y/n went on a date was in her second year of university; A nice guy from her organic chemistry class. They went on a couple dates and would hangout pretty often. He was a Beta, from what Y/n remembers. She had thought things were progressing well in the relationship, so much so that she had invited him to her parents home to introduce them. Y/n thought it went well but a little after that meeting, he grew distant and the whole thing kind of just dissipated. At the time it confused Y/n but soon enough she got too swept up in coursework and internships to care.
After a while, Michi pulls into the parking garage at their place of employment, and parks. Bringing her back to the present, Michi grabs Y/n’s hand. “Now, I know we keep saying no expectations, AND THERE AREN’T ANY! But! If you bag someone, like, oh, I don't know, let's say… one of our bosses... ” Michi says, trying to nonchalantly hide the mirth underneath, “Bring one back for me.” She teases with a wink.
Ah yes, the seven most sought after men in Asia, awarded by Forbes as “Korea’s Richest Bachelors” three years in a row. These men are the CEO's of Asia’s largest tech manufacturing company; Bangtan Manufacturing. Seven young men of lycan descent, presumed to be in a pack of two Betas and five Alphas. In the few years Y/n has been working payroll with Michi at their company’s headquarters in Seoul, Y/n actually hasn't personally seen or met the men. Their offices are at the highest of the building, and her department isn’t necessarily the most exciting. Certainly not enough to warrant any visits from the higher ups.
Y/n let’s out a full laugh at such an audacious request, “You’re impossible.”
As they both get out of the car and start walking towards the parking garage elevator, Y/n’s indifferent reluctance for the night starts being replaced with a shadow of anxiety. She’s never gone to a work function; typically opting for a calm night of watching 90’s sitcoms, rather than spending even more time with her coworkers. What if someone actually does pursue her? In the moment what would she even do? Michi said there’s more than just their coworkers at the event, and surely there's alcohol. What if she gets drugged? Not paying much attention to where Michi is leading her, Y/n is pulled out of her spiral when they stop in front of two large double doors with a sign next to it labeled “Ballroom A”.
“We’re here!” Michi chirps. “Now I can’t guarantee I’ll stick to you like glue the entire night, but don’t forget I am here for you girl! Just let me know when you’re ready to leave… Or when you're about to leave with someone else.” Michi says cheekily.
“Trust me, you’ll be the first person I run to.” Y/n humors.
Michi grabs the handle of the door and opens it for them both, “Alright, lets go!”
Walking through the doors threshold, Y/n is bombarded with an almost overwhelming sight. Taking in the scene, there's a jazz band playing on the stage at the front of the room. There certainly are far more people than she thought would be here, much to Y/n’s dismay. However, she is pleasantly surprised to see that there are all different kinds of people in attendance. Being Black in Korea can get lonely so it's nice to see other people like her. Turning her head the opposite direction, Y/n sees catering tables along the outskirts of the room and what seems to be a table of champagne flutes next to a bar. Y/n is relieved to see there are a few tables and chairs towards the back of the room, so at least she won’t have to just awkwardly stand around wondering what to do with her hands. Speaking of which, are becoming restless apparently, as she wrings her hands nervously.
Michi glances at Y/n, noticing she’s tense. “Okay girl, let’s loosen you up a bit. Come on.”
Dragging her by the elbow, Y/n doesn’t protest at the idea, she could definitely use a drink.
As they cut across the room to head for the champagne table, they're interrupted by the head of their department, Ms. Choi Eunbin. Ms. Choi is the pinnacle of Korean beauty. A thirty something year old woman with a slender frame, pale skin, and shoulder length black hair that seems unnaturally well kept at all times. Aside from some envyable traits, Ms. Choi is a nice woman with a good work ethic. Y/n hasn’t had any qualms working under Ms. Choi, in fact, earlier that year she awarded Y/n’s hard work with a pay raise. While Y/n isn’t against a conversation with her manager, she isn’t too thrilled to go into the conversation without at least a little social lubricant to steady her nerves.
“Well would you look at who’s here! Y/n is that you? Michi you didn’t tell me you’d actually convinced her to come this year! Y/n, I’m so glad you could make it.” Ms. Choi exclaims with a cheerful smile on her face.
Both Michi and Y/n bow in greeting before exchanging pleasantries. Michi makes a remark about finally wearing Y/n down to come to the gala and Y/n agrees with a chuckle. As the women continue on with small talk, a tall Black man with broad shoulders comes behind Ms. Choi. Surely a wolf. He places his hand on her back, smoothly sliding a champagne flute in her hand. Ms. Choi quietly thanks him with a bright smile then looks back to Michi and Y/n with an apologetic look, “Well I won’t keep you girls. I’m sure I'll see you some more as the night goes on. Go and enjoy yourselves!” With that, Ms. Choi and the man part ways, arm in arm.
Exhaling with dramatic exasperation, Michi continues their venture, “God, I thought she would never leave. And who was that guy? I didn’t know Ms. Choi had a boyfriend.” Arriving at the champagne table, and picking up a glass, each, Y/n replies, “Who knows.” Y/n downs her flute in one go to take the edge off then picks up another one to hold and nurse for a while.
Soon enough the music dies down as the company's event organizer grabs everyone's attention to get the night's celebration underway. After a few minutes of introductions and reminiscing on the past year, the organizer closes his speech and introduces two of the CEO’s to the stage; Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin. While they aren’t siblings, their charisma and easygoing banter while giving achievements and acknowledgments, is certainly that of long time friends. A little ways into the awards ceremony, Y/n’s choice to down her first drink in one go is coming back to haunt her. She leans over to Michi and whispers “Hey, I’m gonna find a bathroom.” Without taking her eyes off the CEOs, Michi waves her away in acknowledgement, and Y/n swears she can see drool pooling at the corner of her mouth. Y/n lets out a small laugh at her friend's dreamy expression and proceeds to the hallway outside the ballroom.
It’s at this moment Y/n realizes she should have paid more attention to her surroundings on her way to the ballroom, because it has become apparent that she’s in a part of the building she has never been in. Hoping to find signs or some indication of a bathroom, Y/n begins to venture through the floor in hopes she’ll find one. After turning three corners and trying doors that come up locked, not only is Y/n’s bathroom problem becoming more pressing, but she begins to think she might be lost. Attempting to retrace her steps back to the ballroom, she finds herself alone in the corridor with none other than another one of her CEOs, Min Yoongi. Y/n freezes in place like a deer in headlights as she watches Yoongi leaning on the wall typing away on his phone.
It only takes a few seconds before Yoongi notices a new scent in the hallway and darts his eyes over to her. Yoongi’s face is expressionless but he’s intrigued about the smell of the woman before him. He can tell she's wearing some kind of perfume but her natural scent just barely shows through with a sweet aroma. He gets off the wall and stands up straight heading towards her, wanting to get a better grasp of her scent. He stops a few feet in front of her and asks “Are you lost?”.
Shocked at his proximity and how undeniably handsome he is up close, Y/n barely manages to say while bowing deeply, “My apologies Mr. Min. Yes, I was looking for the nearest bathroom from the Gala and got lost on the way. I’m unfamiliar with this floor.”
Upon closer inspection of Y/n, Yoongi gives her a once over and notices how soft and shiny her skin looks. Almost glistening under the fluorescent lighting of the office building. As well, he's able to better decipher her scent under the chemical smell of her perfume; honey. She smells like raw honey and looks like she’s been dipped in it too. Something about this woman and her scent entices Yoongi’s alpha, but he’s confused as to why considering she’s a human and he can just barely smell her. Noticing Y/n is obviously tense in his presence he shoots her a small grin and insists, “No need to apologize, all these halls blend together after a while. I’ll walk you to the bathroom. Follow me.”
When Yoongi takes off and ensures she is following him, he inquires, “So what’s your name and what brings you to the Gala? I haven’t seen you before in previous years.”
Y/n’s head shoots up to him and she stammers out, “My name is Y/n L/n. A coworker in my department convinced me to come, I’m typically either having late nights at the office or at home enjoying solitude, events aren’t really my thing. I guess you could say I wanted to try something new.”
This answer elicits a shocked eyebrow raise from him as he glances at her. “Oh? You’re a part of the company? What department?”
Y/n starts to feel antsy at what she perceives to be his scrutinizing gaze, so she shyly looks away and answers, “I work in payroll, under Ms. Choi”.
This answer seems to appease him as he gives a curt nod in understanding. Soon Yoongi abruptly stops, looking at Y/n before she picks her eyes up to look at him. Her eyes are a beautiful deep brown, reminding him of a warm cup of coffee. He feels like he could get lost in them and stare at them forever.
Unfortunately for him, she glances to the side and finally notices where they are, “Oh, we’re here. Thank you for walking me.” she says with a rosy tinge to her cheeks.
Yoongi quietly nods his head, not knowing what else to say because something in him doesn’t want to leave her just yet. He settles on a “No problem, have a nice night Ms. L/n.” before giving her a slight head bow and leaving.
On wobbly legs, Y/n steps into the bathroom. Once she reaches the stall and locks it, she takes a deep inhale and lets out a quiet scream. Y/n couldn't calm her heart down if she wanted to. Not only did she just meet and talk with Min Yoongi alone, but she made a complete fool of herself looking like a lost puppy wandering the halls of his building. “Ugh, I should have pulled Michi with me! If I ever see him again, it’ll be too soon” Y/n mumbles in exasperation. After washing her hands and touching up her makeup, Y/n reaches for the handle only to have another revelation: She still has no idea where she is, how she got there, or where the ballroom is in conjunction to her location.
She opened the door back to the corridor muttering to herself, “Damnit, I should have asked him how to get back to the ballroom. Come on Y/n, get a gr-” Her self scolding is interrupted when her front hits a wall. A wall that she swears wasn’t there just a couple minutes ago. She takes a step back from the wall to get a better look only to be filled with the sight of a wide back and shoulders of a blonde haired man. Said man abruptly turns around with a concerned and tentative face; the face of CEO Kim Taehyung.
Y/n is in shock as Taehyung reaches out to her apologetically, ”Oh, I am so sorry. I didn’t realize someone else was back here. Are you alright?. Taehyung looks her up and down, taking in the woman in front of him.
Concern leaves his face and is replaced with a smoldering grin, and in that change Y/n notices something; a small flicker of garnet behind his irises. Y/n doesn’t know much about wolves, and even less about alphas, having never really been close with one. However, one thing she does know is their eyes change color when their presentation takes over their faculties.
With Y/n’s body pressed flush against the door to the bathroom and Taehyung right in front of her, he takes a small sniff at the air around her. While she’s wearing an artificial fragrance, he can still smell the hint of burnt sugar under it, giving away her anxiety at the situation. This puts his wolf on edge, urging him to do something to make her feel better. Making an attempt, he takes a small step away from her and looks her over once more. Something about the way her dress fits on her body like it was made for her. Accentuating her curves in all the right places. Taehyung can't help but call attention to her flustered face, while he so obviously checks her out, “Don’t worry. I don’t bite.” Thankful for the space he put between them, Y/n comes back to herself and remembers to answer his question, “Of course not, Sir. And yes, I am okay. Sorry I didn’t look where I was going. I’ll be heading back to the Gala now.”
Y/n moves her feet and begins her trek in the first direction she sees, not caring about being lost anymore and more concerned about getting away from the gorgeous man paying her far too much attention. She slows her feet some ways away from the bathrooms and looks to see which direction she should take at the intersection. Y/n’s anxiety climbs even higher as she realizes just how bad it would be to go one direction only to come around back to him. For a second she contemplates asking him for directions, but she's sure that just as his hyung did earlier, he would most likely opt to walk with her and Y/n just isn’t sure she’ll make it if he does.
Taehyung watches her with curiosity, concluding that she doesn’t know her way back to the ballroom. Putting her out of her misery, Taehyung offers, “Do you know your way back? I’m here waiting for my friend to leave the bathroom, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind escorting a lovely woman like you back to the ceremony.” Looking back at him, Y/n wants to protest, but she’s not dumb; she knows taking him up on his offer is the best course of action. And so with a small nod of her head she agrees to wait with him while his friend finishes up.
Pleased that she agreed to stay with him and take his help, they walk back to the bathrooms. This time he moves a little closer to her to try and get a proper scent off her. Sniffing so many times he probably sounded sick, he finally is able to make out what's underneath her overbearing perfume; honey. Waiting silently for his friend, Taehyung is caught in thought. He knows humans like to mask their scent with fragrances for some reason, so usually he doesn’t care for human scents but why does he want to smell more of her? Why did his alpha get upset at her anxiety just a second ago? Shaking his thoughts away, he wonders what’s taking his friend so long.
Not even a second later they hear the men's bathroom door open as a man walks out while speaking on the phone. Y/n’s eyes go wide at the sight of the man. She can’t believe this is the friend he mentioned. Just her luck, of course it’s CEO Park Jimin. “-kay hyung, just went to the bathroom with Taehyung, we’re on our way back n-”, Jimin pauses looking Y/n up and down, similar to how Taehyung did earlier. “Yeah, everything's okay, we’ll be there in a second. Bye hyung.”
Jimin hangs up his phone and puts it in his pocket. Smirking and taking strides towards Y/n and Taehyung, Jimin asks curiously “Well well, who do we have here?”.
Taehyung smoothly replies, “I wondered the same thing when she bumped into me. Looks like we have a lost pup on our hands.”
Jimin looks at Y/n, “Is that so? And does said lost pup have a name?”
Collecting herself, Y/n bows and introduces herself and her position at the company. Coming up from the bow, her eyes land on Jimin to see a smile on his face. For a second, Y/n falters wondering how a simple smile can make her knees weak. She’s convinced all the gushing Michi does must have rubbed off on her. While she’s never been so close to any of the CEOs, let alone talked to them, she has seen many pictures and videos of them. She's even seen them in passing but usually it's during a presentation with a crowd or passing a daytime event. But up close and personal, staring into their eyes and dazzling smiles, Y/n finds it harder and harder to keep herself composed.
“Mm, Y/n L/n under Ms. Choi. I’ll be sure to remember that.” Jimin slyly winks at Y/n
He looks back over to Taehyung and proceeds, “Well in any case, I just got off the phone with Hobi hyung. He said we need to hurry back to get ready during the intermission so we can do the second half of the awards.” Taehyung gives him a nod in understanding, looking at Y/n and then back at Jimin with a raise of his eyebrow, implying a question; “later?”. Jimin nods his head silently approving. Y/n’s eyes are trained on the floor, missing the silent conversation between the two alphas. Jimin and Taehyung smirk and at the same time turn to Y/n and simultaneously ask, “Shall we?” Y/n immediately looks to both of them flustered, and nods her head. As they begin walking, Taehyung and Jimin both instinctively walk behind her, satisfying their alpha needs to protect.
While walking, Taehyung nudges Jimin with his elbow to catch his attention. Jimin looks to Taehyung with confusion before Taehyung points at Y/n, then to his nose, instructing him to smell her discreetly. Jimin then walks a little closer behind her, craning his head down to her hair. Jimin’s eyes widen in surprise as her faint honey scent wafts through his nose. It’s a unique and enticing smell. He wants to smell more of it but there’s something in the way. What is that? Essential oils? Jimin’s alpha doesn’t like that at all. Why is she hiding her scent from him? Eventually Jimin relents and falls back beside Taehyung. Jimin looks at Taehyung with both eyebrows raised in surprise, Taehyung mimics his face with a vigorous nod, as if to say “I know right”.
All three of them turn a corner and are met with the same ballroom door Y/n saw when she first got there. Turning around to the two men, Y/n bows deeply and thanks them for escorting her to the ceremony. Taehyung waves her off, “No need to thank us, we were coming here anyway. And like I said, I doubt he minded helping a lovely woman find her way.” He gestures to Jimin who smugly replies, “Certainly not.” Jimin then does something that catches Y/n completely off guard. He grabs her hand, placing a small kiss on it. Y/n is taken aback at her boss's forwardness but can’t bring herself to do anything about it. Little does she know, this was Jimin’s last ditch effort to get a closer smell of her scent from her wrist, however he deflates when he finds that it too is masked by that damned perfume. He swears to himself that when he sees her again, which he will make sure of, that he will convince her to throw the damned fragrance away.
Straightening back up with a smile, he opens the door for her and Taehyung to walk through while he follows. They both smile at Y/n, wishing her a nice evening before they are whisked away to continue the award ceremony.
Dumbfounded and still in shock from tonight's events, Y/n searches the room for Michi. She soon finds her briskly walking towards her with a surprised expression on her face, no doubt about to pepper her with questions of her whereabouts.
When Michi reaches Y/n, she immediately links arms with her, leading them both to a table, and begins her tirade, “Um excuse me!? Did I just see you talking with The Kim Taehyung and The Park Jimin!? I thought you were going to the bathroom? I noticed you were taking a while and I meant to go looking for you but I kept getting pulled for conversation!”
Still in a daze, Y/n stares blankly at the table, thinking of how to answer her friend. Michi then snaps her fingers in front of Y/n’s face to get her attention, “Y/n wake up!” This does as intended and jumpstarts Y/n into her explanation, “W-Well I did go to the bathroom…”
“BUT!?” Michi demands.
“But… I don’t know! I bumped into a few of them.. And talked to them… and…”
Michi trails off reminiscing on the feeling of Jimin’s lips on her hand. How soft and plush his lips felt. She begins to wonder what they might feel like on hers. While thinking she unconsciously touches her lips.
Michi’s eyes go even wider from drawing conclusions, “A few!? Them!? And why did you just touch your mouth!? Y/n did they kiss you!? Oh my god, which one!? Taehyung or Jimin!? Wait…both!? I swear to go-” Y/n covers Michi’s mouth with her hand, knowing that once she starts rambling, that train takes no more passengers. “If you promise to shut up and stop saying their names so loud, I’ll tell you the details, damn!” Y/n says through clenched teeth.
After Michi nods her head in understanding, Y/n takes her hand away and begins the story. Y/n tells Michi about how she got lost and saw Yoongi and how he got her to the bathroom. This piece of the story leaves Michi stunned, “You met Min Yoongi!? He’s so elusive I haven’t even seen him at the Galas. I’ve never seen him at any events outside of work meetings, so I always figured he never comes, but I guess not.”
Y/n nods her head and continues with how she literally bumped into Taehyung waiting for Jimin when she came out of the bathroom, “Yoongi was professional and polite. But Taehyung and Jimin… god… ironically it felt like wolves cornering a prey. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve never met them or because they are who they are, but I swear it felt like they were saying things on purpose to rile me up. But that’s not even the craziest part…”
Y/n leans in closer to Michi and whispers, “Michi, you have to promise not to tell ANYONE!”
Seeing the serious expression on Y/n’s face, Michi’s face sobers and she offers out her pinky “I pinky promise.”
Y/n looks Michi in her eyes, links their pinkies together, then proceeds, “Right before Taehyung, Jimin, and I walked in, after I thanked them for their help… Jimin took my hand… and kissed it…”
Michi had a blank face for once before responding, “What? That’s it? No lips, no tongue!?”
Y/n was scandalised at what Michi was saying, “Of course not! It’s crazy enough that he kissed my freaking hand! You had to be there Chich! The way he looked at me was… I don’t know…”
Michi shrugged, “In some places in the world that's just how people greet women. Honestly I was expecting more from Jimin specifically, considering he is known to be a flirt.”
Y/n looks down at her hand in thought of what happened. Was Michi right? He probably acts that way with a lot of women. Michi pulls Y/n out of her thoughts with a teasing wink and elbow nudge, “But no matter! As long as you save one of them for me we’re all good! Hey, think you can put in a good word for me?” Y/n chuckles and shakes her head at her friend's ramblings.
Michi stands then smoothes out her dress “Anyway I’m gonna get us both another drink, I’ll be right back girly!” Y/n waves her friend away then pulls out her phone to check the time. It reads 9:00 PM. Y/n wonders how much longer the ceremony will go on, she remembers Michi saying it can go on from anywhere between 10:30pm to midnight and right now she’s severely hoping it’s not the latter.
While she scrolls through her phone's notifications she hears Michi’s chair pull out from next to her. Assuming it’s Michi without looking up from her phone, she asks, “Hey Chich, how much longer is this thing gonna be, I’m just about ready to go home.”
However she is surprised when a deep and contagious laugh spills from the person whom Y/n now realizes is not Michi, “Wow Ms. L/n, my dongsangs must have done a number on you, the second half of the ceremony hasn’t even started yet.”
Y/n is nearly startled out of her seat at the sight of none other than CEO Jung Hoseok standing over her. She attempts to sputter an apology, “N-No, Sir! My apologies, It’s not that! They were very helpful to me earlier actually. I’m surprised they told you about me…”
Hoseok chuckles at her flustered expression, waving her off and gesturing to the seat next to her, asking for permission to sit. When she nods her head in permission he continues, “No apologies necessary, I get it truly! I have a soft bed waiting for me as well.” At that she lets out a light giggle. Being a Beta, Hoeseok isn’t as swayed by his presentation as his Alpha counterparts. So when Taehyung and Jimin said they were late from the bathroom because their Alphas just couldn’t leave this beautiful, honey scented woman alone, Hoseok knew he had to see for himself. And thank god he did, because the cute giggle that just left her lips and the beautiful smile she gives him, makes him want to give her anything just to hear and see it again.
Hoseok continues, “And they had no choice but to tell me about you. They weren't supposed to leave the room in the first place, so when they magically appeared after a long bathroom break, I told them to give me the details or I’m having them do the entire awards ceremony next year! After that, they told me all about you”
She lets out a full laugh at that one, “All good things I hope!” Y/n finds herself surprisingly at ease with Hoseok. His sunny and energetic demeanor adds to his undeniable charisma.
He nods in agreement, “Actually…” He leans in to whisper in her ear, placing a hand on hers. The same hand Jimin kissed. But he is briefly taken aback by the sweetness in her honeyed scent. Ah there it is. Taehyung and Jimin did mention she’s wearing something that diminishes her scent, which explains why he couldn't really smell much until he got closer. However, now that he’s close enough to scent the sweetness from her contentment, he almost wants to taste her. Pulling himself from the trance of her being, he continues, “It appears they’ve taken quite the liking to you…” He pulls back a few inches to catch her eye, not taking his hand off hers. With a smirk on his face, he’s delighted in seeing her laugh fall into a flustered chuckle at his words.
Y/n thought Jimin and Taehyung were playing with her earlier, Michi did say Jimin likes to flirt. But what about Hoseok? Surely he wouldn’t…. Then, somewhere in the back of Y/n’s head, she recalls a word from earlier in the night: “possibilities”. Remembering what she told Michi and herself about how she would approach the night, Y/n gathers all her wits and courage, deciding to dive head first in the deep end. If they want to play games, Y/n might as well have fun too.
Y/n replies, “Is that so…?” She trails off glancing from his eyes to his lips, “Then what about you, Mr. Jung?”
For a second Hoseok falters. They were right, there really was just something about this woman. Maybe her smell or her personality. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter, not when she looks so sinful in that dress. And especially not when she was looking up at him through her eyelashes with eyes that made him want to hang the stars for her. He even thinks he can see the ghost of a smirk on her face. She knows exactly what she’s doing.
Whether they meant to or not, their faces were inching dangerously close together. And before they could inch any closer, Y/n hears the familiar high pitched laugh of Michi as she heads back to their table. Clearing her throat, Y/n pulls back from him and coyly tells him, “Looks like my friend is back with our drinks.” She pulls her hand from his and puts on a slight pout to really wound him up, “And I don't think she’ll take kindly to you stealing her seat…”
And as if planned, Michi appears trying to hold three flutes in her hands, paying more attention to the glasses, than the heated tension that's built at the table.
Setting the flutes down and talking a mile a minute, Michi explains “Can you believe they ran out of champagne? I had to wait for them to get a new bottle. But hey I got three, though that means we’ll have to share the… third…one…” Michi’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight in front of her. “O-oh, I didn’t know we were having company.” She shoots Y/n an astonished smile before bowing to Hoseok in greeting.
Hoseok gives a slight head bow before he gets up and straightens his suit. Giving Michi his brightest smile, he interjects, “Not to worry, I was just about to go check on preparations for the second half of the ceremony.”
Turning to Y/n, he drops his cheery demeanor and replaces it with something more sultry “Ms. L/n, it was a pleasure. I hope to see you again in the near future.” And with that Hoseok walks away.
Y/n starts to mull over his words, but before she could get too far, she looks up to Michi who is still standing at the table with a knowing expression. Y/n thought she would be done with Michi’s barrage for the night, but it seems fate has other plans. Taking back her seat Michi begins, “Y/n! Four out of seven!? Okay I’m pretty sure this is reaching harem territory! Are you going to come back with another one every time we separate!?”
Y/n takes a sip from one of the flutes and laughs, “I don’t know, this time he came to me. He said Taehyung and Jimin told him about me. I guess he was curious.”
Slamming her glass on the table, Michi exclaims dramatically. Y/n! He looked a little more than curious when he was saying goodbye to you! I thought I was interrupting something for a second.”
Michi’s remark made Y/n chuckle, “You actually did. I’m pretty sure if you’d come just a couple seconds later, you’d have seen that kiss that you wanted so bad.”
Finding Michi’s jaw dropped expression extremely humorous, shakes her head and finishes the rest of her drink. Michi watches and demands, “Okay who are you, and where is Y/n? Because there’s no way you were about to kiss Jung Hoseok willingly! What happened to the Y/n that was scandalized at the thought of Jimin kissing her?”
“I don’t know, when I was talking to Hoseok I just decided to say “fuck it”. If they can have fun, why can’t I? Weren't you the one pushing me to try something new tonight,” Y/n retorts.
With that, Michi throws her hands up in surrender, “Hey, I don't care how you got there, but I’m glad you did. Sometimes I think you can take yourself too seriously. It’s nice seeing you let your hair down.”
Michi then takes the last remaining glass, gives it to Y/n, and proclaims “Cheers, to new possibilities!” before clinking their glasses together and taking a sip.
A few minutes go by and Michi is pulled into yet another conversation with someone Y/n has never even seen before. Y/n starts to warm up a bit from the champagne and wonders if she should brave going outside to get some air then decides against it when she remembers the endless corridors.
Watching the crowd she notes someone come inside through a sliding door placed precariously like a window. Upon closer inspection she realizes it's a balcony. The gods are certainly hearing her prayers now. She taps Michi’s leg and whispers in her ear as to not interrupt her conversation too much, “Hey I’m going on the balcony to get a little air.”
Michi nods in understanding but grabs Y/n’s wrist before she can walk away, and teases, “Don’t bring back any strays.” Michi snatches her arm back and rolls her eyes before heading towards the balcony.
Opening the sliding door and stepping out to it, Y/n stands and looks out at the city, taking in the fresh air. Scanning the scene, she’s startled when she hears a chair scrape across the ground and a tall masculine figure makes himself known at the opposite end of the balcony. However, this is no random man. No, this man is the head of the company; Kim Namjoon himself.
“Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t know someone else was here. I’ll head back inside.” Y/n attempts to make an exit.
But before she can turn around, he takes a few steps in her direction, flashing his dimpled smile, “No no, you’re fine. Good company is always welcome.”
A part of Y/n still wants to run and hide from his gaze, but another part wants to stay and see where things go; So she nods and relaxes.
He takes a few more lazy steps towards her and stands beside her, watching the city with her. It’s a perfect night, the weather is temperate with the transition from spring to summer on its way. Namjoon can't help but steal a few glances at the woman standing next to him. He’s entranced by the way her dark skin reflects the moon's light, making her look like an ethereal fairy wrapped in yellow.
As he admires her radiance, a gust of wind breezes by, taking her scent with it. Though lightly mixed with something else, there’s no doubt about it; she smells like honey straight from a beehive. Her smell is addicting. So addicting it has his wolf paying attention too. Isn’t she a human? Since when do humans smell so delicious and enchanting? Especially since he’s sure she was probably wearing some kind of artificial fragrance beforehand. If he were a weaker man, he just knows his eyes would be glowing from his wolf’s excitement.
Namjoon’s curiosity is now thoroughly peeked, so he proceeds with small talk, “How’s your night going? I hope the ceremony isn’t boring you.”
Y/n turns her head to look at him, only to see him standing just a couple feet apart, staring right back at her, with a pleasant smile. She short circuits for a second, taking in his beautiful features. His tall broad frame towering over her. His attentive brown eyes that she’s actively getting lost in. Maybe Michi was right to drool, Y/n is surely close to doing so.
Before the pause can go on too long, Y/n responds, “All in all my night is going pretty well. Honestly I can't speak much to the ceremony. I was lost looking for a bathroom for most of the first half.” She immediately regrets letting the last part slip, remembering he and Seokjin were the emcees for the first half.
However, her faux pas elicits a hearty laugh from Namjoon, “Well I'm glad you made it back in one piece. Apparently you’re not the only one tonight. I was told by one of my colleagues that he had helped someone find the bathroom.” Namjoon remembers his surprise to hear Yoongi had walked a young lady to the bathroom. A bit out of character for his borderline antisocial friend.
Namjoon watches as Y/n looks away shyly, but he decides not to dwell on it, quickly mesmerized by another waft of her scent in the breeze. He can’t for the life of him understand why he’s so taken with her scent. Humans typically have mild scents and are usually buried under perfumes and colognes, so it’s rare that he’s able to distinguish them at all. The wind is both his friend and his enemy. Carrying her scent away from him. Making him wait on edge for the next gust of air to cross him so he can catch her scent again. It’s almost taunting him. Who is this woman anyway?
As soon as Namjoon goes to ask her name, he’s stopped by the sound of the balcony door opening. There, he sees the event organizer looking frantic and stepping onto the balcony, “Mr. Kim, I’m glad I found you. The current investors and prospective investors would like a picture with you. ”
Namjoon lets out a sigh at the interruption. The last thing he wants to do is leave her. He doesn’t even know her name. Is she an employee? Namjoon doubts it, he’s never seen her at any of the other Galas or around the office, and surely he’d remember a scent like hers. It is only a picture or two, maybe she’ll still be out there when he’s done. Amidst his train of thought he looks at her, this time surprised to see her looking at him first. She can’t look at him like that. Like she’s innocent in the way he’s entranced by her. But he has responsibilities. Namjoon believes in fate, and he reminds himself that if they are meant to cross paths again, then they will.
Bringing himself back to the present, he bows to her and wishes her a good night before he leaves the balcony with the event organizer.
Watching Namjoon’s retreating figure, Y/n let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Turning back around, and looking out to the skyline, she thinks about the future. Sure she’s letting loose and indulging herself now, but will anything that happened tonight really amount to anything? And if it did, what would something with any of them even look like? What do they want from her exactly? The more Y/n thinks and questions, the more she starts to regret her meetings with the men. She’s getting involved with what is essentially her coworkers, the one thing she was avidly against at the start of the night, and still kind of is. And to make matters worse they aren’t just her bosses they are her Big Bosses. The epitome of unreachable and unobtainable. They’ll probably forget about her over the weekend. She’ll go back to pushing papers in her office, probably never to see them again, considering she’s gone three years doing so. It’s probably better off that way.
Y/n continues to stare into the night until she’s interrupted by her stomach talking. She’s been here for over two hours and has yet to get any of the provided food. Y/n shakes her head in disappointment. What’s the point of going to a work event if you're not going to eat the food? Now on a mission, Y/n leaves the balcony and steps back into the ballroom making her way to the first table on the line of many. The first couple of tables has only meat, the next couple with several different options of banchan, and the last has an assortment of sweets ranging from macaroons to cakes.
Grabbing a plate, Y/n pauses as the room's attention is drawn back to the event organizer introducing the emcees for the second half of the ceremony. Most of the crowd gathers to the front watching the ceremony while Y/n stays in the back at the food tables, alone. Well mostly. As Y/n makes her way down the line of tables, she hears two voices getting strangely close to her left side. Without turning her head she side eyes a glance at the two men beside her. Nearly dropping the tongs and the kimchi she's picking up, she’s shocked to see the two bickering men before her; Jeon Jungkook and Kim Seokjin.
“Ah come on hyung, it’s not fair you took the last of the samgyeopsal. You know it’s my favourite!” Jungkook’s whiny voice says with a pout.
“Yah! You brat. You already had two plates of it. If anything it's your fault it’s all gone now. Not to mention I just got done with half of the ceremony, I haven’t eaten all night!” Seokjin scolds, leaving no room for argument.
Y/n scoots further down the line, attempting to not come in contact with the oldest and youngest pair of CEOs.
“Hyung please, just one piece and I swear I’ll leave you alone!” Jungkook bargains while lunging forward towards Seokjin’s plate.
In one swift motion, Seokjin stops Jungkook's advance with a big step back, moving his plate to the opposite hand of the one currently holding Jungkook at bay. Effectively stepping right into Y/n causing her to lose her balance and Jin's plate to fall to the floor.
Realizing his misstep and seeing the young lady before him start to fall backwards, he doesn't hesitate to grab her arm and pull her towards his chest. As soon as she's placed firmly in his hold, he’s hit with the mouth watering scent of honey and his eyes glaze over in emerald green. With a scent so sweet and alluring, there’s no mistaking that scent. His wolf recognizes her immediately. Mate. His fated mate.
In the blur of the moment Y/n is still bracing herself for impending impact but is confused when her front is flush against a warm chest. Finally opening her eyes, she looks up to the wide eyed and blown out expression on Seokjin's face. She takes note of how beautiful his eyes are while his wolf is present before realizing their precarious situation. The way he’s just holding her and staring into her eyes so intensely makes her want to squirm. She attempts to pull away from him but he can’t seem to let her go. Not in the state of shock he's currently in.
Feeling naked under Seokjin’s gaze, Y/n looks over to catch Jungkook's eyes, silently pleading for him to do something. Taking the hint he rushes over to them and puts his hand on Seokjin’s shoulder.
“Beta Seokjin.” Jungkook says in a calm and steadying manner, almost a complete 180 from his prior whining.
Having his wolf be spoken to by a higher designation seems to do the trick because soon enough the emerald green glow behind Seokjin’s eyes dims to a murky forest green, nearly imperceptible.
Realizing him and Y/n’s position he lets her go but never takes his eyes off her, not wanting her to leave his sight for one second.
With his hand still on Seokjin’s shoulder, Jungkook spins his hyung around to look at him and make sure he’s okay, “Jin hyung, are you okay?”
Jin glances back at Y/n for a second then back to his friend, trying to find the words for the all encompassing pull he’s feeling right now, “I… yeah… I'm… good.”
Jungkook isn’t sure what's gotten into Jin but it’s clear the woman involved is also shaken too, so he calmly approaches her with an apologetic look, “I’m so sorry about all this, it was my fault he bumped into you in the first place”. Jungkook bows deeply to Y/n to express his sincerity.
Feeling embarrassed at the whole situation. She waves her hands in front of herself shaking her head at his apology. “No, no, please stand straight. It’s okay! Accidents happen!”
In her effort to console him, Y/n reaches a hand to his shoulder to help straighten him up. But it does the exact opposite effect as he goes rigid from catching her sugary scent. It is at that moment that Jungkook quickly stands up straight and takes a step towards Y/n forcing her to look up at him looming over her, flashing his bright red eyes. Looking deep into her eyes and smelling her scent from the proximity, he draws the same conclusion Seokjin did.
Almost in a trance Jungkook turns his head to Seokjin who is behind him watching, and he ushers him a question, “Hey hyung…You felt it too, didn’t you?”
With crossed arms and his eyes still on Y/n, he takes a quick glance at Jungkook and makes a curt nod of his head. Solidifying the truth of who’s in front of them.
Not only do they both share the same fated mate, she is also human. Human fated mates are so rare, they take up around 2% of the fated mate population. For a wolf to choose to mate with a human is one thing, but to have their fated mate be human is nearly uncharted territory.
Turning back around to Y/n he notices the confused look on her face at what is transpiring in front of her. Jungkook want’s, no, needs to know her name. Their mate’s name.
“What’s your name?” he simply asks after a hesitant silence.
Still a bit confused about what is happening, Y/n begins to respond but is interrupted by the crowd in front of them clapping, cheering, and dispersing through the ballroom, signifying the end of the ceremony. Soon enough, people flank Seokjin and Jungkook left and right trying to pull them into conversations, but they both can't help but stare at Y/n. Noticing a line starting to form at the food tables, Y/n bows to them apologetically and takes off to find Michi, leaving them awestruck and in a whirlwind.
After finding Michi, both women exit their place of employment and get into Michi’s car, headed towards Y/n’s apartment. During the car ride, Michi goes on and on about the night's events and gushing about the men she flirted with. Y/n doesn’t want to come off as uninterested but she has so many thoughts buzzing around in her mind about the night's events. Will she see Jimin again? Hoseok? What happened when she landed on the notoriously unflappable Seokjin that had his Beta on full display? Why did Jungkook act similarly towards her? What did he mean when he asked Seokjin “You felt it too”. So many thoughts and questions she might not even get the answers to.
Having finally arrived at Y/n’s place, Michi brings Y/n from her contemplative state, “Y/n I really am glad you came out tonight! And it seems like I wasn’t the only one…” Michi wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
Gathering her things, Y/n let out a tired laugh, “Yeah well, I’m sure it was just one off thing. They’ll go back to their jobs on Monday and I’ll go back to mine.”
Not taking Y/n’s assumption too seriously, Michi encourages, “Well you never know. Fate loves playing games.”
Y/n shakes her head with a chuckle, having nothing else to say.
Michi inserts in full earnest, “Hey, seriously don’t think too hard about it. If something happens it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I’ll be there for you regardless”
With that, Y/n and Michi exchange good nights and be safes before Michi drives off into the night.
Walking into the sanctity of her apartment, Y/n finally has a moment to relax and come undone. She’s exhausted socially, mentally, and emotionally from the night's activities. So much so that she almost wants to save her shower for the morning. However, upon giving herself a sniff check, she realizes her antiperspirant body spray has given out, and she’ll be damned if she gets in her bed smelling like b.o. and outside. So she trudges along to the bathroom and takes a long hot shower before sliding into bed and falling asleep.
Next Chapter >
