Chapter Text
A black suv car with tinted windows was running smoothly towards its destination before it’s maneuvering to enter the basement area of a building, and as soon as the car finally stopped and parked in the reserved spot, Jimin turned his body to see his son who sat beside him in the backseat of the company’s car they rode together.
“Juju-ya, listen to me pup..” Jimin called his son softly, his hand reaching out to adjust the little pup’s hat and the mask he wore. “You need to stay close to one of the ahjussi guards, ok? Don’t wander around too far while Eomma in the meeting. If you need to go to the bathroom, ask someone to accompany you. Ok? Please don’t go anywhere alone.” He went on to remind the pup their usual set up with a serious face.
“Do you understand pup?” His tone was calm yet heavy with concern, and his hand instinctively moved to caress the little pup’s cheek while looking straight into those big innocent eyes, waiting for an answer. Even though it’s not the first time they were in this situation, but still, Jimin would always be wary of his only son’s safety whenever they were in public space.
“Yes, Eomma. Don't worry too much.” The little pup held his mom's hand on his cheek and reassured his mom. “I’m going to be six soon. I’m a big pup now. I’ll be careful aaaalll the time..” He added, making sure he emphasized the word ‘all’ to let his mom know how much he meant it.
“Yes, yes.. Of course you are, baby..” Jimin’s serious expression finally cracked after hearing his son’s cute reply and a sweet fond smile formed on his lips behind his own mask, relief and pride washing over him.
His son was someone who matured more than he needed to be for a pup at his age. It’s a thing that sometimes brought a bittersweet feeling for Jimin, a constant reminder of the life that they’re both in and currently living.
“I’ll be fine, Eomma.” The little pup added with a cheery voice, comforting his mom like he always did.
Jimin used to bring his pup to his schedules from time to time when not one of his best friends were available to help him to take care of his pup when he’s going to work. Of course they all had their own lives and were busy with their own businesses or jobs. So Jimin wouldn't ask for more from them if he could, that’s why occasionally, he just brought his pup along with him and his team. He was already well aware about how much his friends had done for him throughout the lowest years of his life, and even until now to be honest. They made him feel so grateful for having their presence and support in his and his pup’s life ever since the day one of his arrival in this world.
“Jimin-ah, it’s time.” The car’s door was being opened from the outside and Jimin could hear his manager’s voice Kim Yeonsuk, an older beta, reminding him to get going for his schedule.
“Alright.” He responded politely to the older man before getting out of the car then signaled his son to follow him. “Let’s go, pup.” He then helped the little pup to also get off the vehicle after him.
After all his team had gathered together, the group then walked in a close circle to the elevator which would bring them up inside the building. The big and tall alphas with tough and badass look bodyguards were surrounding the duo mother and pup, protecting them from any possible harm during their short trip to the appointed store within this luxury shopping building in Seoul.
As for today, Jimin had received an exclusive invitation from Dior, a brand that he recently worked as the Global Ambassador, for a private viewing of their new collections. This meeting purpose was also to discuss other projects that connected to the brand, like his next photoshoot for a few magazines’ covers for their next issues, both for Korea and Japan release.
Jimin actually already had a meeting with the magazines and they had agreed on the concepts for the photoshoot. So as for today's viewing, aside from Dior had wanted to present their new collections to Jimin, it was for Jimin to look and decide which pieces would fit into the concept for his next photoshoot and also to see if there’s any clothes that he liked from their collections and he would want to add to the photoshoot later.
So when the group finally arrived in the fancy outlet, they were immediately being ushered to the back of the store where they usually assisted and served their VVIP or VIP customers. In this room, Jimin needed to leave and separated from his pup who’s sitting in the waiting area while Jimin was proceeding to greet and talk with the brand’s presentator, then they started the meeting right away. Meanwhile, his bodyguards were already familiar with their jobs while waiting for Jimin, and one of them was that they needed to accompany and keep his pup safe when he was occupied in the meeting.
Everything usually went smoothly without any hassle whenever he brought his pup with him to work, but Apparently, it’s just not today. Because when he was almost wrapping up the meeting for today, he got notified by his manager who's whispering in his ear, letting him know that his pup had gone missing when he went to the restroom with one of the bodyguards. The alpha bodyguard who accompanied his pup had already told the little pup to wait while he used the toilet too. But it seemed that the pup didn't listen and decided to venture alone without the older man.
Jimin’s heart was plummeting on the spot. The smile on his face fell immediately and his face turned pale after listening to the bad news. His omega panicked and felt so agitated, worrying about their pup and his safety, wanting to join the others to search for his pup outside this room. It’s no doubt that his scent had turned sour and almost rotten by now, definitely would have filled and suffocated these people in the room with him, if it’s not because of the scent blocker that he wore today. It’s a good thing that he decided to put the scent blocker patch on his scent gland for this meeting before he went out of his home earlier, after considering that he would be in a crowded place and would be having a meeting with some people in a small and closed off room.
Jimin couldn’t fully blame his bodyguard for this horrid incident. Because he knew how his pup was and totally aware about how curious he was to his surroundings sometimes. Minjun must have seen something that caught his interest and decided to check on it. Wandering alone in this big building with no supervision without knowing the risk and danger that came with it. It actually would be faster to find his pup if Jimin could join the search-party too. Because unfortunately, Jimin had put a scent blocker patch on his pup too. So he wasn't sure if his bodyguards alone could easily navigate and find his little pup anytime soon. But as a mom, it’s given that Jimin understood his pup so well and might have known a few places that Minjun perhaps got interested and went to. However for now, Jimin couldn’t help but just kept his focus on this meeting and stayed professional to finish it as fast as possible, so he could run and search for his pup after this, before anything bad happened to his precious pup.
True to Jimin’s mother instinct, his pup was actually wandering around to another level of the building, just to see a big Tiffany & co. billboard ad from up close under the Dior flag store. The pup, Park Minjun, actually had seen a glimpse of his Eomma new ad from his newest collaboration with the brand Tiffany & co. when he came out from the restroom. Even though the bodyguard who accompanied him already asked him to stay and wait for him when he did his business in the restroom too, the pup was too curious to see his Eomma in the big lcd billboard. Making him venturing alone, going down to another level of the building by the escalator and walking closer to the bright billboard so he can see it from a short distance. But as the pup got closer to the billboard, he saw that there’s another pup already standing in front of his Eomma’s ad and making his head filled with another curiosity again. Seeing the figure of the pup from the back, Minjun guessed that he’s younger than him so he was wondering why the small pup was alone standing there without any adult’s supervision. And since his curiosity got the best of him, Minjun kept walking closer to the stranger pup, determined to approach him. But then, it’s only after he was a few steps away from the younger pup that he was able to hear a small voice coming from that small body.
“So pretty..” Minjun heard the small pup muttering in a very soft voice, barely a whisper, clearly talking to himself.
A sense of pride bloomed in Minjun’s chest after he heard what the little pup said. He surely talked about his Eomma, right? Because he stood in front of the billboard and seemed so immersed in seeing the new ad. So before he could hold back himself -even though his Eomma had told him to not talk with strangers-, Minjun already kept moving his feet to walk forward and stand beside the small pup then started to talk with him, “You like my Eomma?”
The younger one was startled when he suddenly heard someone talking to him and he saw an older pup that he didn’t know was currently standing beside him. So he was looking scared at first, and his body was being alert with a defensive stance. But the recognition about what the older pup had asked him earlier was changing his demeanor so fast from terrified to surprise, “He’s your Eomma?” His doe eyes were getting bigger, full with curiosity and wonder. His previous thought about the possibility of the danger from talking with strangers like how his Appa and Samchons had always reminded him has instantly dissolved into thin air.
“Emm..” Minjun replied with a hum, looking back at the other pup while tugging down his mask. But then he decided that it was better to remove it and shoved it into his pant’s pocket. He didn’t want to scare the younger one and appear like a suspicious person. Besides, he saw that the younger one also didn't wear a face mask, so it’s only polite to talk with him without one too.
What a cute pup! And that’s the first impression Minjun had for the younger pup after he saw his face from a close distance. His big doe eyes, so round and bright, with pink chubby cheeks, straight stubborn nose and small thin lips. Minjun thought that the pup was definitely so pleasing to the eye and surely would be going to be a heartthrob when he’s getting older. Then Minjun could feel a warm and fuzzy feeling inside his chest when he suddenly had a thought about how nice it would be to have a sibling like him. Nurturing and protecting a younger pup, helping and taking care of a little brother like him. He actually has long felt the longing to have a sibling, brother or sister -and any subgender is fine-, to the point that sometimes he felt so envious of his friends in the school if he saw them arriving or going home together with their siblings everyday. But of course, he couldn’t say anything to his Eomma about his childish notion. Because he didn't want to burden him even more. Minjun knew he already worked so hard to support their life as a single parent by working alone to raise him and give him all he needed. So he decided to not add any more weights to his shoulder like asking him about unimportant things such as having another sibling.
“My Eomma is pretty right? Your Eomma must be pretty too, because you're so cute.” Minjun continued, praising his Eomma and the little pup with a cheerful voice and a big smile. His fondness was palpable in his tone.
But after hearing what Minjun had said, the small pup then turned quiet and lowered his head. He looked so sad, even though Minjun couldn’t smell his scent because he was perhaps using a scentblocker like him too. Minjun then could see how his lips were wobbling and he guessed that the pup might also have teary eyes too by now. So when Minjun realized that the pup looked like he was going to cry, it had alerted him and his wolf in instance.
“What’s wrong?” Minjun asked in concern, his brow now furrowed. His heartbeat picked up and he almost went into a panic mode because he worried that he had said something wrong to him or maybe the pup was actually hurting somewhere in his body that Minjun wasn't aware of.
“Min— Minmin d- don’t have Eomma..” Finally Minjun heard the younger reply with a wavering voice, stuttering his words while still looking at the floor. “Minmin— only ha- have Appa..” By now the pup sounded like he’s going to cry anytime soon, so it alarmed the older pup and made his brain reeling to find a way to prevent the younger from crying.
“Hey, hey.. It’s ok..” Minjun tried to coax the little one, patting his head and caressing the silken curls so softly. Minjun never has a little sibling and it’s his first time comforting a younger pup, so he didn’t know if this was alright and enough to stop him from crying.
“I want Eoommmaaa..” But the smaller one finally broke into tears in the end, sobbing so loudly till they gathered attention from some people around who passed them by, so Minjun panicked and quickly thought about what to do next to calm him. He was worried that the adults would blame him for making the pup cry. And his Eomma was not here either, so he didn't know exactly what to do right now.
“Waahh, don’t cry..” He awkwardly tried to persuade the little pup to stop crying. Argh, what should I do?
“Hey, hey, how about this..?! I can share my Eomma with you if you want..” Minjun said the out-of-nowhere idea bluntly. Just to appease the younger pup and make him stop crying. Minjun didn't know how he could come up with an idea like that, but he just thought that he didn't mind having a little brother like this pup who he didn't know his name yet, but called himself Minmin.
“Really?”
Minjun's eyes widened when he realized that his silly idea really worked because the pup instantly stopped crying and asked him back instead after Minjun finished his words, looking up expectantly at the taller boy with teary doe eyes.
“Mm..” He nodded, confirming his own words to the little pup. Minjun didn't know how this sharing Eomma thing would work but for now, at least the pup already turned calmer. He even seemed to look so ecstatic, undoubtedly holding on and trusting Minjun’s words for real.
“You’re cute. I don’t mind sharing my Eomma with you.” The taller boy smiled and wiped the tears from the little one’s face until there’s no remnant of wetness left. He didn't have the heart to take back his words or back off from this idea. So he made a mental note to find a way to make it actually happen sooner or later.
“I don’t have Appa.. So I know how it feels. Sometimes I wish I could have an Appa too..” The older pup smiled, a little bit sad. He felt like he already cared too much for this stranger-little pup, so he really didn't want him to feel the same way as he did. Sometimes, Minjun hoped that his Appa was still with them.
“Then,” The little one suddenly exclaimed. “I will share my Appa too!” He suddenly looked excited two times more than when he heard about Minjun’s idea. His eyes beaming with great enthusiasm, a bunny smile now blooming on his innocent tiny face.
“Hyung is nice. I like hyung.. So I’ll share my Appa too..” He added with twinkling eyes looking at the older pup.
“Really?” Minjun smiled. They both were still pups and Minjun was not sure how to make this sharing possible, but he wanted it. He wanted to. And this pup, Minmin, seemed as determined as him. So Minjun thought he just needed to think more about it -or maybe asked around to some adults later- and he knew they would eventually find a way.
“Mmh..” The little pup nodded rapidly, solidifying his intention.
“Ah, thank you.. We will share our Eomma and Appa from now on then..” Minjun said and giggled happily. Somehow he felt the sudden rush of excitement filling his body and it made his heart flutter with expectation about what would happen next from his and Minmin spontaneous decision.
“Do you think Eomma will like me?” The little pup, Minmin, suddenly asked Minjun with a soft and hesitant voice when they’re back to stare at the billboard again. The perception of having an Eomma was truly a new concept for the little one, so he wasn't sure if he would be good enough or if their Eomma would accept him.
“Of course he will! You’re a good boy and sooo cute. I know that he will definitely love you.” Minjun reassured him. He was sure that his Eomma would love this Minmin too. His Eomma has a big and tender heart. Minjun knew how he was always capable of giving love to everyone who deserved it or needed it.
“I know Appa will love hyung too..” Minmin replied back, then letting out the cutest giggles Minjun ever heard. The little pup looked so happy.
“Minjun!”
“Jeongmin!”
The young pups heard their names being called from behind them and they immediately recognized those voices, so they both turned back their body at the same time to the source of the voice and saw their parents were running towards them from two different directions, left and right.
“Eomma!”
“Appa!”
Both pups answered the call of their names before they ran to their respective parents, going for a hug while obviously looking so elated. They were so excited, and couldn't wait to tell their parents soon about all their talk earlier and how they had decided to share their Eomma and Appa, so they both could finally have a complete family.
So when Jimin saw Minjun run towards him with an excited expression etched on his face, he felt a little bit relieved from knowing that his pup seemed alright. But it still didn’t stop him from double checking with the pup after his eyes finally met him then scanning the boy’s body to see if there’s any invincible injury, “Are you okay pup?”
The pup nodded firmly at Jimin in a jiffy with his eyes still twinkling with eagerness, making him sigh in relief that nothing went bad from this unanticipated incident. Meanwhile from the corner of his eyes, Jimin could still catch another movement from the other pup who had also run back excitedly to his Appa -whom Jimin assumed as the Alpha father by looking at his physical traits since the taller man was using scent blocker too- as the Alpha was immediately carrying his pup off the floor and bringing him up to his eyes level. Soon questioning the little one with a face frowning in full concern while his big hand was caressing the back of his pup’s head in a comforting manner. Jimin could also notice the trickle of sweat that was visible on the Alpha’s forehead and his temple. He must be so worried after being separated from his little pup and perhaps had run around for quite some time in this building to search for him. Jimin actually kind of understood the terrifying feelings that the Alpha had experienced till a moment ago, so somehow he also felt relief for the Alpha after he found and reunited with his pup in here.
“Juju-ya, what have I told you in the car about not wandering around?” The Omega shifted back his attention to his own pup again and started questioning him as well. His voice was soft, but still lacing with a stern intonation in it. His frowning eyes met the pup’s eyes in the same level because he had kneeled on the floor when Minjun ran to him earlier, so they would be in the same height when he checked on the pup for any discomfort.
Jimin searched into the young pup’s face as he waited for his answer, wanting to hear his thoughts and his explanation first before giving him his piece of mind. And Jimin soon noticed that the pup's bright expression from earlier had changed into a guilty one after he heard Jimin’s question and he seemed disappointed with himself when he realized that he had broken his promise to his mother.
“I’m sorry, Eomma. I wasn’t thinking..” The pup admitted honestly in a small voice. “I saw your ad there. And wanted to look at it closer. So I went ahead and walked alone to find a closer spot to see it.”
“You could’ve waited for ahjussi, Juju-ya..” Jimin pointed out what the young pup was supposed to do. Correcting him from his wrong doings. “He would definitely accompany you to see it.”
“I know, I’m sorry Eomma. I was just too excited and moved on my own without realizing it.” He casted down his eyes to the floor, looking troubled after he knew he had disappointed his Eomma as well.
“It could be dangerous, pup. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Jimin put his hands over his small shoulders, leaning his face closer to the young pup as he carefully studied the small face. “I don’t wanna lose you.” He murmured the last sentence in a more quiet tone, like he was afraid to say his fear out loud.
What if he jinxed it?
Because after what happened to him in the past, Minjun was his only anchor in his life and his everything.
“I’m really sorry Eomma, I won’t do it again.”
His pup looked up to him with earnest glassy eyes as he apologized again. It’s not usual for Minjun to actually break his promise or disobey Jimin, so he must have been really disappointed at himself as well. And though Jimin didn’t like the sad expression that currently clouded his precious pup’s cute face, he needed to let him know that what he did today was wrong. But of course Jimin couldn’t act angry towards his pup for so long, and forgave him right away after he was sure that Minjun had noted and understood his mistake.
“Alright. Apology accepted.” He caressed his pup's head while smiling at the somber pup. His tone has turned lighter and comforting. “Just don’t do that and scare me like this again, hm?”
“I understand.” The pup bobbed his head, nodding frantically before lunging towards his mother, circling his small hands around Jimin’s neck to hug him tightly.
Jimin chuckled at his pup fondly and he was in the middle of stroking Minjun’s dark hair and small back when he accidentally glanced to the direction of the Alpha and his little pup who perched on his tattooed arm. His heart had thumped so hard when he realized that the Alpha had already set his eyes on him and Minjun all along without him noticing. His stare was intense, and Jimin somehow felt flustered and tried to hold back himself from squirming under the Alpha’s heavy smoldering gaze. Jimin then remembered that in the moment of haste, he had forgotten to wear his mask when he bolted out to find his pup as soon as the meeting ended, so right now he kinda felt so exposed and vulnerable to the Alpha without his mask and hat. Fortunately a few seconds later, the eye contact between them was finally broken when they all heard quick footsteps running closer to their spot. Making the four sets of eyes immediately shifted their sight to the newcomers who were approaching them fast. Apparently, they were Jimin’s manager and his security team.
“Jimin-ah, you found him. Is he ok?” His manager walked closer and asked with a mix of relief and concern. So Jimin stood, then held his pup’s hand in his before answering him.
“Yes, he’s fine, hyung. Sorry for making everyone panic and working extra to search for him.” He gave an apologetic smile to his manager who has been close like a family to him and his pup during his career and the bodyguards who stood not far behind him, bowing his head a bit towards them all.
“Ah, it’s okay. Pups are always moving on their own interest sometimes. I’m just glad that nothing bad happened.” His manager reassured him until not long after, he seemed to realize there’s another presence standing close near them and diverted his attention to the strangers. Then Jimin could see a quick change in his expression and recognition was flashing on the beta’s face too, making him certain about the Alpha’s identity right away.
He was already aware that the Alpha’s face seemed so familiar to him after he looked at him briefly for the first time, and the change in his manager’s face was just right in time to confirm that it wasn't only him who thought the tall Alpha as who he was. He then saw his manager bow a little bit in acknowledgement towards the Alpha which was being responded back politely by the other man.
“Let’s go Jimin-ah. Your schedule is clear for today, so we’ll drive you home.”
Jimin was about to move, started walking to follow his manager when he felt Minjun tugged his hand and stopped him to step further. “No, Eomma. I need to tell you something. Let’s talk to Minmin and his Appa first.”
“Minmin?” Jimin asked, confused after hearing the name for the first time. Then he glanced in between his pup and the little pup with his Appa who was seemingly in another deep conversation as well.
Jimin could faintly catch the words from their talk about the pup still wanting to stay and also heard him mentioning the word hyung for a few times which Jimin concluded that he was referring to Minjun. But the Alpha then started to coax him to go home instead which ended up so unsuccessfully with the pup crying and hiding his small head in the Alpha’s neck, still persistently saying no no no in repeat.
“Is Minmin that pup’s name?” Jimin looked back at Minjun to ask, but he saw his pup already had his eyes on the crying pup, looking worried and very concerned. So Jimin averted his eyes to the father and son again, noticing that the Alpha still tried to calm his now-wailing pup while stroking his back softly.
In the meantime, the smaller pup’s crying sound has already started gaining the other visitors' attention around them, making them take a double look at the group and some were murmuring in a hush tone among themselves, probably starting to recognize them and making wild conclusions about the current situation. It made Jimin start to feel agitated about the possibility of them getting mobbed later or maybe worse, it would make a new scandal or headline rumor between him and the Alpha tomorrow. Jimin was afraid of the public reaction if it ever happened. Because this Alpha was not just a simple man to mess with, and he certainly didn’t want to get caught in the whirlwind of jeopardy from the Alpha’s massive fanbase on social media after this.
“Juju-ya!!” Jimin was planning to take his pup from the scene right away when he felt Minjun suddenly wrenched his hand from his hold and ran towards the duo father and son, making him call out his pup a little too loud than he intended to after the pup startled him with an unexpected move.
So Jimin didn’t have a choice aside from following his pup, afraid that Minjun would be evading the father and son’s personal space and interrupting their conversation or disturbing their privacy. After all, he didn’t know the Alpha too well personally aside from his unmatched reputation in his field and his soaring career worldwide. While he took a few quick steps forward to reach his pup, Jimin could hear from over his shoulders when his manager was telling the bodyguards to stand by and form a safety protection circle around the four of them to cover them from all the prying eyes or nosy people around the area, and Jimin was grateful for his team fast damage control.
When he finally stood one feet away from the three wolves -the Alpha and the two pups-, Jimin could see that Minjun had already consoled the crying pup, persuading him to stop crying while rubbing the little pup’s back so tenderly which to everyone’s surprise, not long after that, the cries of the smaller pup, Minmin, was actually reduced until it only became soft sniffles. And then Jimin also saw how the Alpha looked at Minjun with wide eyes and astonished expression, maybe getting totally caught off guard after Minjun could calm his pup so easily.
“Minmin— hic, don’t wanna.. hic— go home, hyung..” The little pup then finally spoke to Minjun in between his hiccups while staring down at him from his father’s hold with teary red-rimmed eyes.
Jimin’s heart squeezed inside his chest when he saw the pup’s sad and tear stricken face. Maybe it was his Omega’s instinct, or maybe it was his motherhood nature reacting. But seeing the upset pup like this was really like he was seeing his own pup in distress. He certainly would be feeling restless if his pup, Minjun, was in a heartbreaking state like this, so the Alpha must be feeling the same helplessness too, and Jimin was glad his pup could be a little help to calm the younger pup.
Finally sensing that his Eomma was standing close, Minjun turned his body slightly towards Jimin and stared up at him with a hopeful expression before he asked for his permission to stay. “Can we stay a little bit longer, Eomma?”
Growing up, Minjun rarely requested things from him or ever behaved like a stubborn or handful pup. No, it’s not his character, and his Minjun was always so understanding all the time. So it was really hard for Jimin to deny his pup’s current wish when he finally had something that he really wanted to do even when the pup knew it’s gonna make him look like a spoiled kid. But Jimin also wasn’t sure either if staying was the right thing to do for them at this time. Besides, he even didn’t know if the Alpha would be okay with having them around since they’re basically strangers to each other till some time ago.
“Uh, um..” Jimin hesitated to give his answer and unconsciously threw a glance at the Alpha to know his reaction for the pups’ interaction.
The Alpha, who was instantly aware of Jimin’s inner battle and catching his conflicted look at him then swiftly gave a response to offer a solution. “I’m so sorry that Minmin is kinda cranky right now. I think he’s hungry..” He paused, staring at Jimin with a hesitant flicker in his eyes before he continued, “So maybe, do you mind joining us for lunch?”
“If.. You don’t have any other appointment, of course.” The Alpha added almost immediately, worried that his offer sounded like a demand.
“Ah, um.. We actually don’t have anywhere to be right now. I think.. I think we can join you for lunch. Yeah..” Jimin licked his lips and nodded nervously while giving his answer to the Alpha. He wasn’t sure what was on his mind right now for agreeing to have lunch with an Alpha he just met, even though at some point, of course Jimin had known a few things or more about the said Alpha -because honestly who wouldn't in their field of work-.
This Alpha who’s now standing in front of him was thee Jeon Jungkook, a Global Superstar. A very talented and successful soloist who was being considered as a living legend because of his prominent music career and his achievements for his discographies. Releasing hits after hits that were loved by his loyal fans and many listeners worldwide. A veteran artist who had a very extensive experience in the industry for more than a decade and also had a large fanbase all around the world. In short, he was totally a big figure. An Elite . He was one of the A-list celebrities in their country which was so far different from Jimin’s level in career wise. He was still nothing compared to the Alpha, so it made him kinda anxious -and maybe a little insecure too- around the taller man.
But Jimin also couldn’t bear to witness the upset little pup any longer than this or to refuse his own pup’s request, so that’s why he thought he could spare his time -his and Minjun’s bonding time actually- just for a while. He thought that it’s just a quick lunch and they're in a public place, so Jimin was sure there wouldn't be any difficulties to protect himself and his pup if the Alpha turned out to be a red flag or if maybe he’s some kind of a creep. Jimin could always scream if anything happened or speed dial his manager or best friends. But truth to be told, Jimin and his Omega didn't have any threat alert or sign of danger from the said Alpha until now. In fact, his Omega was kinda taken by the Alpha after observing how calm and collected the Alpha was to handle his fussy pup. He was patient and understanding. Because one thing Jimin knew for sure after becoming a parent himself -a single mother at his young age too-, that parenting was clearly not for everybody. So after witnessing how the Alpha took care of his own pup following the unexpected incident with profound love and gentleness, it was enough proof for Jimin to figure out that he was a capable and decent father for his pup, and perhaps a reliable mate for his Omega too. Jimin couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious to the faceless Omega for having such a good Alpha. If only he wasn’t a fool and gullible Omega in the past. Maybe Jimin could find a good Alpha for himself too, and wouldn’t be experiencing the struggle of life and death, trying to survive on his own with his pup. Without a doubt, his little pup Minjun was definitely the only blessing he welcomed and cherished from the aftermath of his past mistake.
“Oh great! Ok then..”
If Jimin could be so blatantly assuming, he would definitely indulge in the thought of the Alpha’s reaction as something akin to an excitement, that flashing briefly on his handsome face and his twinkling eyes, before he cleared his throat to compose himself again and his expression turned back to neutral again.
“I know a place where we can ask for privacy. So uh, maybe.. Let’s go?” The Alpha’s invitation somehow sounded like a question instead, even for himself. He blamed it on his wrecking nerves for having a close proximity and interacting with an Omega who could stir his Alpha for the first time after so long.
So Jimin smiled reassuringly at the Alpha in hope that maybe they could be more comfortable around each other, especially if they would be sitting at the same table while having their lunch together later. “Alright. I need to talk with my manager first. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Therefore, Jimin then approached his manager to tell his plan and also invited them to join for lunch too -which the older Beta declined considering giving Jimin a private free time-. But his manager still suggested that they could escort the four of them first to their intended destination before they would go back to the company.
“You can call me if you’re done later, Jimin-ah. I will send a company car to pick you up from here then drive you home.” He added another suggestion. After all, their company was taking their talent’s safety very seriously and it was his responsibility to make sure that Jimin was always safe.
“Ah, don’t worry hyung, I can call a taxi later. We can wear masks and hats as usual, I don’t think anyone would recognize us.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, hyung. It’s already past working time and I’m off schedule for now. So I think I’ll be fine by myself for a short while.” Jimin reassured the older man. “It’s not the first time Juju and I go out alone in my free time. So don’t worry, okay?”
“Okay, if you say so. You and Jeon Jungkook-ssi can go ahead and lead the way now, we’re going to follow you for your safety until the restaurant.”
“Okay.”
So Jimin walked back to the three wolves who had been waiting and following his every move with their curious eyes. Jimin observed the expression on their faces carefully and couldn’t help but chuckle to himself when he saw how the three of them seemed so much alike when they all set their eyes on him. Round puppy eyes with expectant looks and very good looking faces with some hints of similarity in their features. If anyone didn’t know better, they would think that the three wolves -the Alpha and the two young pups- were actually related and a real family.
“Ok, we can get going now.” Jimin smiled again at the Alpha and his little pup, Minmin -who was now has stop crying after knowing Minjun would stay with them a little longer- once he was standing in front of them before taking his own pup’s hand to hold, then they all proceeded to walk together in a small group to the place that the Alpha had in mind.
Somewhere along the way, the little pup, Minmin -who had introduced himself politely to Jimin as Jeongmin with a shy smile- had asked his father to put him down so he could walk side by side with Minjun while intertwining their little hands together. Making both the Alpha and the Omega could only throw an awkward glance into each other with a small smile on their faces after seeing their pups’ very unpredictable behavior. The two pups obviously looked so immense in their own little world at the moment -happily talking and laughing together-, all while the adults around them could clearly hear their cheery and adorable conversation all the way to the restaurant that the Alpha had mentioned during their walk.
After they arrived in front of one of the michelin restaurants in the shopping mall, the Alpha was greeted by the host then immediately asking for a private room for them. Then waited for Jimin to bid his goodbye and send off his manager and bodyguards first, before the four of them let themselves to be led to the farthest section inside the restaurant where a few private rooms were located. Once they’re inside one of the rooms, they settle themselves right away, sitting on the opposite side of the table with their own pups sitting beside them. The Alpha and the Omega were listening to their beta server’s brief greetings before she handed the menu to them then dismissed herself to give the guests a moment to check the menus and decide their orders.
When Jimin was scanning the menu to choose foods for him and his pup, he heard the Alpha was clearing his throat softly, but enough to catch his attention and making him look up past the menu book to see the man in front of him who already stared at him intently.
“Um, please order anything you like or your pup would love to eat from the menu.” The Alpha suddenly offered out of nowhere with a smile that made Jimin’s heart thumping hard again for the second time today. “My treat.”
And Jimin had already opened his mouth to refuse when the Alpha quickly added his reason. “Please consider it as a thank you because your son found my pup and stayed with him, so he didn’t get scared or panic while being alone in the crowded place.“
Jimin’s lips still opened ajar when listening to the Alpha before he finally smiled and gave him a soft thank you to the Alpha, deciding to accept the Alpha’s thoughtful offer. He actually didn’t feel too comfortable for receiving a treat from the Alpha that he just met in person, because even though he knew him already for quite some time from the news, the tabloids or the talk from his staffs and some people around him, it’s still different to experience the direct interaction with the real person. But he surely couldn't refuse the Alpha’s good intention and genuine thought at the same time. Afraid it would possibly offend him or something, because he really barely knew the Alpha behind the superstar image he saw in the magazine's cover or billboard and his top celebrity status.
A few minutes later, after they finally placed their orders, Jimin was kinda feeling anxious again and fidgeting nervously on his seat, didn’t know what to do with himself since it’s his first time to be around with an Alpha in a private setting alone -usually when he did, he was accompanied by his best friends or had many other staffs around him-. Meanwhile the pups beside them were still being so carefree and didn’t seem aware of their surroundings as they continued their interesting talk and totally being oblivious about the nervous adults beside them, currently talking about their Iron Man and Spiderman collections at home, then some of their movie scenes. Apparently, both pups were the same avid fans of Marvel series. It’s a relief for Jimin, that their orders didn’t take too long to arrive on the table, starting from their drinks then their foods and various side dishes that were placed one by one, arranged neatly by their servers on the opulent wooden table.
And just like that, despite the awkward tension between the two adult wolves especially after the ecstatic pups suddenly changed their discussion about their favorite superheroes and hastily told their respective parents about how they had decided to share their Appa and Eomma earlier -which thankfully, they got easily distracted after their favorite meals were served on the table just in time before the adults could reply anything-, then with a few stealing glances and small shy smiles at each other when their eyes met while helping their own pups with their meals, the unexpected cordial lunch was considered going smoothly after both families could finally feel at ease around each other as they slowly blended in and engaged in a pleasant conversation that gradually melt the tense air around them, until they decided that they’re done with their meals and went separate ways for heading to their own home after managing to wait for the two reluctant pups saying their long goodbye to each other -with a tight hug and promise to meet again-.
So that’s where Jimin and Minjun were at the very moment. Currently sitting together side by side in the backseat of a taxi that Jimin had booked as the car maneuvering in the busy road, on the way to their home. Both mother and son were quiet as their minds were occupied by their own thoughts about the event that just happened not too long ago. But the comfortable silence was eventually broken when Jimin heard his pup's high pitched excited voice beside him.
“Oh, it’s Appa!!” Minjun suddenly exclaimed out of nowhere when the car stopped at the red traffic light of an intersection near a massive billboard display that was promoting a brand new single from the soloist -the Alpha- they just met earlier.
“Look eomma, that’s Appa! Appa is so cool, right?”
The little pup was looking back and forth between the impressive billboard outside the tinted glass window of the car and his Eomma by his side with eyes twinkling with happiness and joy. The sight that Jimin rarely saw in his pup’s eyes aside from a few special occasions between them or when his other two best friends were around.
“Juju-ya.. That’s not how it works..” Jimin started hesitantly when he heard Minjun kept repeating to call the Alpha as his Appa. He didn’t want to crush his little pup’s happiness but he also didn’t want to give him a false hope. Even thought from the conversation he heard from the pups during their lunch earlier that the Alpha seemed not to have any Omega in his life -thus the little pup, Minmin, clearly didn’t have a mother figure in his life too-, but still, Jimin didn't think it’s appropriate for his pup to consider the Alpha as his father just because both the pups wanted to and they insisted on it. He was actually worried that the Alpha would feel uncomfortable or worse, getting offended, if he ever directly heard about Minjun calling him Appa without his explicit permission.
“You can’t sharing Appa with Jeongmin just like that..” Jimin continued again, his voice was soft and tender to the little pup, trying to explain and give some understanding to his little pup after he didn’t hear any verbal response from him. Only his furrowed eyebrows that visibly formed on his young face was evident, showing that he was currently thinking hard in his little head and proceeding about what Jimin had said to him.
“Why? I don’t have Appa and Minmin said he never has Eomma. If we share, then we both can have Eomma and Appa together.” The pup then finally pointed out his innocent logic with earnest eyes looking at Jimin after he didn't get any other better conclusion other than this one.
“We- we barely knew them, juju-ya..” Jimin tried again. Still explaining carefully about this sensitive matter to his pup, because he’s afraid to hurt the little one’s feelings. But nevertheless, he also knew that he needed to say the truth and the right thing to his pup.
“And Eomma doesn't know much about Jeongmin’s Appa either. We never ever talked before and we’re not even friends. We can’t easily barge into another people’s life just like that, juju-ya..” Jimin continued to let Minjun know that in reality, both of their families weren’t actually related by any means and really had nothing to do with each other.
“Then talk to him, Eomma.” But Minjun then replied so fast like it was an easy solution.
“Minmin said his Appa is a good man.. He said he’s kind and said that he’s the best Appa in the world. And I think.. I think Minmin is right. I’m sure you’ll like his Appa too once you know him.” The little pup encouraged him with an expectant bright smile, and it rendered Jimin speechless right away while his mind was reeling to find any other way to make Minjun understand that what he expected was inconvenient and most likely impossible to happen.
Meanwhile in another black sleek car, on the other direction on the way to the father and son’s home. The Alpha, Jeon Jungkook was driving his car swiftly with his little pup Jeongmin sitting in his car seat, all buckled up for his safety on the backseat of the Alpha’s first hard-earned luxury car.
“Eomma is so pretty.. Right appa?” The little pup suddenly asked while looking up front to his Appa who’s driving in the driver seat.
All this while, the little pup has been so quiet, only admiring the new photo from his Appa’s phone that they took during the out of the ordinary lunch with an unexpected pair of mother and son. Earlier, the pups have been so persistent to take a photo together, so Jungkook had volunteered to take one with his phone to appease and calm the rowdy pups. But what he didn’t expect was for the pups to promptly clinging and hugging the omega too when he was ready to take the picture of the little ones with his phone. So now the significant photo included the three of them in it, a pretty Omega mother with two elated pups who clearly adored him, saved into Jungkook’s personal phone photo library.
“Eomma? Do you mean Minjun’s Eomma?” Jungkook asked while glancing briefly at the pup through his car’s rear view mirror before focusing back on the road ahead of him.
“Noooo!” But the immediate response that Jungkook got from his pup was a long whine of disagreement, a high pitch voice filling the small space of his car soon after Jungkook had asked the simple confirmative question. “He’s my Eomma too! Hyung said he would share his Eomma with me so I can have Eomma from now on.” Another whine escaped from the little one’s as he tried to convince his father. Repeating again what he said during their lunch before, so his father would know that he -or they- meant it.
That’s the moment when Jungkook realized that his pup -and maybe the other pup as well- was still very much insisting about sharing their parents together like they’ve been talked about earlier.
“You like Minjun hyung that much?” Jungkook asked, trying to shift the young one’s attention from the idea of calling an Omega they just met as his mother. He didn’t think the Omega would very much appreciate the idea of having another Omega’s offspring as their own. Motherless or not.
But his pup, Jeongmin, was a quiet child and so close off to almost every person around him. Mostly because he was shy and seemingly an introvert just like himself when he was younger. So to see him very excited about some strangers, a pup and his Eomma whom he just met for the first time and barely even knew, honestly, it was the first time for Jungkook to witness that.
“Mm..” The pup nodded with a hum and got back to the only thing he did during their ride home, which was staring at their new photo on his Appa’s phone screen.
“I like Minjun hyung soo much..” The small pup then murmured so softly, even though Jungkook could still hear his words -that were lacing with admiration and excitement- clearly from his seat.
“And I like Eomma too..” He added with an adoring tone this time. “He’s kind. And so pretty.. And, and I like to see him when he smiles..” The pup poured his heart, which was also another rare thing he’s ever done, even to Jungkook as his own father who raised him -with the help of his parents and his friends too actually- ever since he was born to this world.
Jungkook glanced back once again through the rearview mirror and he could see his little pup caressing the phone screen with his chubby small thumb as a smile visibly blooming on his face.
“Do you think Eomma and Hyung would want to live together with us soon?” The far-fetched question caught Jungkook a little off guard and he was glad that he didn't stomp on the brake of his car in reflex as he was astounded by the innocent but somehow complicated question.
But then he remembered the bright smile and happiness that lit on his little pup’s face from belatedly an hour ago, ever since he spent the time with the other pup -and his very considerate mother who’s entertained and played along with the pups’ bizarre idea- until now. And Jungkook couldn’t stop his lips curling into a fond smile too when he remembered the tender memories of them sitting together around the table for their lunch earlier, talking and being domestic with each other, just like a real complete family.
“We’ll see about that later, champ.. We’ll see..” Though Jungkook didn’t oppose the idea of being a family and his Alpha was feeling giddy a little bit too much about it, he could only give his pup a vague reply as for now since he also wasn’t sure what the next development that would happen in the future.
But if Jungkook thought that the serendipitous encounter was only a phase and a moment in passing that soon would turn into a core memory like another one of their life experience, in the next few days, the Alpha was being proved so wrong. So so wrong. Because Minmin totally seemed like he wasn’t getting over it any time soon, as he kept talking about the older pup and continuously asking to meet him and his -self proclaimed- Omega mother once again. And what’s even more odd was this occurrence not only happened to his pup but somehow befell upon himself too.
All while he had tried to coax his pup every day to wait until the right convenient time for their next meeting, giving him reason like he’s currently having tight busy schedules for his work because he was near to his comeback -with his next single Seven- so he didn’t have time to arrange a meet up with the older pup and his mother yet, which actually only half of the truth since the fact was he didn’t know how to contact them and only tried to buy some time, hoping Minmin would forget the idea and their life would be back to normal soon.
But alas, it turned out that not only Minmin, who was very adamant and kept thinking and talking about the mother and son in every chance he got, but seemed like Jungkook had gotten affected by it too. Because somehow he often found himself thinking about the stranger Omega when he was practicing during the day or at night when he was going to sleep at home. His Alpha was certainly the one who was affected the most, because it would feel ecstatic and lolling his tongue out in the thought of seeing the Omega again and having him close or near them. His Alpha, as he noticed, was obviously so enamoured by the beautiful and delicate Omega ever since they first landed their eyes on him that day. Because not only it was stirred for the first time -since they were heartbroken before and Jungkook tried to suppress his Alpha-, but now he could feel his Alpha was so alive and very much active till it could influence him to do things that out of his reasonable mind, like wanting to court and mate the Omega they just met once.
It took all his self control -and also his exhausted state from practicing all day at the company-, to hold back his Alpha’s impulsive desire and drop everything he needed to do just to find and chase the said Omega. And even if he was already tired to the bone and his body so spent every day he went back home, his wandering mind and the Alpha inside him were still making him toss and turn in his sleep, resulting in him feeling so restless and frustrated, until one night he finally thought that he couldn’t keep continuing being a mess like this -because it would certainly affect his life and his work that possibly cost his career too-. That’s why right then, he ended up deciding to do something -anything- to sate his absurd yearning for the captivating Omega, so maybe he could finally have a peaceful mind to carry on his activities -and also a content Alpha plus a happy pup too in the process-.