Chapter Text
Tell us your worries and we'll take them away from you, even if it's for only a moment.
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Jungkook was not in the mood to do the walk of shame back to their house. An hour had passed by since his phone call with his Hyung and he had been feeling better, he had been trying to psyche himself up in the middle of the park. He might've garnered a few odd stares but there were more pressing matters.
A hand pressed itself to his flaming cheeks, he was already blushing at the mere thought he had cried just because he couldn't handle some affectionate touching.
What made it worst was that it made him feel so amazing, he had been teetering on arousal. Only a few minutes ago he allowed himself to admit that. That in itself wasn't the best to be feeling in such a situation when all they were trying to do was make him feel welcome. Seokjin had been so sweet in his assurance but Jungkook knew if he had stayed any longer his heart would yearn and he would get his heart broken. If not that then fatally injured.
So yeah, the mere thought of heading back after his very much unnecessary outburst wasn’t something he willingly wanted to do. But then again when did he ever want to do anything out of his comfort zone? Jungkook knew deep down these people were anything but like the people he once knew. His Hyung was right when he questioned that over the phone. The only reason he was hesitating so much aside from his anxiousness and shyness was that he was scared to get heart all over again. But even if he did this time he had his Hyung ready to rush to his aid, as much as it was reassuring it wasn't enough of a push to make him want to retry all over again.
Maybe it made it worst that they were so sweet to him. It'd just make him want to do it all over again even if it meant the chances of love with them were so slim.
On the walk through the more empty-then-not streets, Jungkook turned his sights to the convenience store that came into view from beneath the weakly flickering street nights and paused for a moment. Perhaps he should grab something as some sort of reconciling peace treaty for what had happened before even though he hadn’t even ‘battled’ them at all in any sense that warranted that. He just felt obligated to get them to not think he was some rude person.
Jungkook decided he would grab something for them and himself. He deserved banana milk after everything he went through today. His bank account definitely would be feeling the pain if he did so but it was a small price to pay. It wouldn’t hurt too much to go hungry for a lunch or two if it meant he would be forgiven or at least be considered not a jerk.
The convenience doors slid open and he was greeted with a gust of cool artificial air. It took a bit to adjust to the bright light that invaded his eyesight. The tired and somber store clerk gave him a small nod in his direction before going back to stocking the shelves. Jungkook wandered through the stores – basket in hand – he grabbed whatever he thought they would like. There were honey butter chips, gummies, dried fruit, and of course banana milk.
As he wandered through the store, he couldn’t help but brood over some thoughts that had been stewing in his mind since the minute he had fled like the scared bunny he was. It truly was ironic how he fit that very description. It wasn’t like he wanted to be like this he just was. No matter how many times his mother had urged him to play with all the other bunnies and hybrids the result was always the same. He’d come back crying, his small knuckles desperately trying to wipe away the onslaught of tears to no avail. In the end, his mother accepted her son would never be able to interact easily with any of the other kids. From then on he was allowed to stay at home and play games or watch television.
They would call him nasty words, really nasty words.
Jungkook couldn't help but think it had started happening much earlier than high school.
It could have been that one time in kindergarten when one of his classmates pulled at his ears and tail that had been the beginning of his anti-social behavior. Those words they had spat at him stuck to him like parasites. The damage had already been done before he could escape their cruel clutches. He found himself in his youth fixating on those words that they spat at him. No matter how much he washed himself in the bathroom, no matter how many tears he never truly felt cleansed of those words.
A singular thought would multiply into more on its own accord. Just like how his mind was already beginning to spiral.
What if they thought it was their fault he ran away? He didn’t want to be seen as prejudiced against their kind. After all, he had been frightened by Yoongi's tentacle the minute he had seen the man. Perhaps not frightened but more shocked although it did come off as something unpleasant. Jungkook had grown up surrounded by more common breeds of dogs and felines so his surprise wasn't unwarranted. Overall though it wasn't a great first impression.
In actuality, he had felt quite the opposite even in spite of that. He couldn’t help but admire them. Each and every one of them was gorgeous and handsome beyond belief and they had been so welcoming despite him being a stranger invading their home (even though he had been assigned to live there he felt like an inconvenience). Namjoon had been so sweet and everyone else was just as kind. They welcomed him so easily into their home and it made his heart swoon.
Jungkook couldn’t believe he lucked out to be roomed with them for such an affordable price. Maybe he wasn’t as lucky as he thought because he was making a fool of himself before them. Something he had been trying to avoid since he got here but was all that he had done.
It was weird for him to feel so endeared so quickly. he was used to reigning in his emotions and keeping them on a tight leash. Why did it feel so right yet wrong at the same time? Why couldn't Jungkook just let himself enjoy the moment and think of the consequences later?
The world seemed to be telling him to scurry back from where he came from. Everything felt against him when it really wasn’t. He didn’t fit this kind of life in Seoul. He wasn’t sociable, rich, good-looking, or even the bare minimum of not being an embarrassment to society and himself. That was something everyone else seemed to have achieved to some extent here.
Jungkook felt like some country bumpkin headed to the city for the first time because that was what he was. In comparison to them, the difference was night and day, a comedic sight in all honesty. Here he was fumbling to adjust to the big wide world, having lived a life in a small, cramped bubble for so long. Just like a baby deer trying to stand on its fragile two feet, wobbly as they try and walk. While the others ran through life with the prospects of great hopes and aspirations. If what he'd heard about Namjoon and Taehyung said anything then all of them were amazing.
But the thing was Jungkook wasn’t a baby anymore. He had to ‘man up’ as his old friends (if they could even be called that as they had so kindly put it like that). They had laughed at him and told him it had been all his own fault, his own stupidity that led to everything. They simply told him that he should know how to fend for himself and that they weren't to be blamed for his weaknesses.
So Jungkook tried. He tried to be a better son and person. But he felt like he was the deer left to die out in the wilderness, he didn’t know how long he’d be able to survive on his own. It really shouldn’t be a big deal. But Jungkook wasn’t used to any of this, he hadn’t gotten time to slowly integrate into the lifestyles of people who lived in Seoul yet. Soon enough he has to study, work and study some more. If he couldn’t handle the struggles now then what did that say about his future?
"Um excuse me that'll be $18.95."
Jungkook was startled out of his daze, not even realizing he had already had his products all scanned. He hadn't even processed heading to the checkout after ensuring he grabbed everything he wanted. He scrambled to find his wallet stuffed in his jeans somewhere, his hands frantically patting down his pockets because he couldn't remember which one he had put it in. Jungkook couldn't even realize he could feel where it was even if he had forgotten in his slight panic. The worker just eyed him in slight annoyance at his disorderly state and he couldn't find it in himself to blame them. To outsiders, he must be looking like an emotional wreck.
After triple checking he had given enough he placed the crumpled notes on the counter with an awkward smile. His change was given to him, signaling he was free to go. Jungkook immediately grabbed his plastic bag and left after a swift thank you and a half-hearted response of 'Please come again'. Jungkook felt like that was a lie but it was over so there was no point in brooding over it. Thank gosh.
Now with snacks in hand, he prepared himself for the battle ahead, heading home and apologizing. The bed waiting at 'home' seemed so tempting now but before he got his reward like in any game he'd have to overcome the enemy beforehand.
With the night in the full course, he began his journey home. He took a moment to just admire Seoul. The people and lights breathe life into the place. The street food stalls tempt tourists and citizens alike into their place with alluring smells. If Jungkook hadn't just eaten such delicious food by Seokjin he might've fallen into their traps and indulged despite his wallet already crying.
The night was a nice distraction from his overly-loud thoughts. The people's chatter managed to be louder than his own one's. It was a nice break, at least for a little while.
The more he walked though the colder he felt.
A strong gust of wind caused his body to shiver, aside from his wallet and phone he only brought the clothes on his back in his haste to flee. The silky shirt did very little to keep his warmth close to him, escaping into the cool air. Jungkook could feel his sensitive nipples harden and rub against the silky fabric, causing a lick of arousal to tickle his stomach.
Now really wasn't the time to get turned on. Sometimes Jungkook wanted to curse out at his hereditary, it wasn't his fault bunny hybrids were well more inclined to indecent things. Not that he was shaming his own kind, it was just sometimes an inconvenience, like right now. Jungkook opted to just cross his arms over his chest to hide the face his nipples were visible and keep the little warmth he managed to maintain close to himself. If he didn't quicken his pace he'd freeze out here.
With more haste in his footsteps, it was only a couple of minutes before he made it back. Once again was he faced with the large gated mansion. He hesitated to press the little black box, his finger hovering over the button to announce his arrival. He wouldn't cry, that was a promise. Could he really do this though?
But before he could hesitate a moment longer the door to the mansion burst open, spilling the golden light from within it into the dark night. An actual angel rushed toward him and unlocked the door before pulling him into a tight hug. The force of the hug almost made him drop all his snacks and drinks. At first, he had tensed up but immediately melted into the touch. His alert ears flattened on top of his brown hair. A frown marred the angel's face, something that shouldn't even grace such angelic features.
It felt as if his body and heart were being wrapped in a warm blanket, protecting him from everything that the world had been throwing at him. Just for a moment, it reminded him of those nights spent talking to the moon for hours at a time from his bedroom window, wrapped in his favorite blanket that was currently still tucked away in his suitcase. Something that had been one of his only solace on those lonely nights when his minded tended to drift, like a small boat on a calm lake.
How was it that this angel brought the warmth of sunlight but the comfort of the night with them?
Jungkook swallowed down the whine that began to rise but couldn't stop his lips from forming a watery smile and whimpering softly. He snuggles further into his chest, it felt nice. It felt so nice and warm and comforting.
"You worried us sick bun bun! You're freezing to the touch."
The angel also known as Hoseok ushered him into the house, not once taking the hands around his waist away. Jungkook was safely tucked into their side, trying not to cry like he had promised himself just a few seconds ago. He knew it would be futile because he tends to cry a lot about minuscule and major things alike.
The minute he walked in he was crowded around, worried eyes looking at him and caring hands caressing his cool skin. It felt like too much and not enough at the same time. He felt himself succumb to their loving touches, eyes fluttering shut as he bathed in their warm and affectionate words. He felt so guilty though.
While he was off having some crisis they were here waiting for him, worried sick. He really was being immature and terrible. Only kids ran away as he did. Jungkook hoped he could scramble and make amends for his mistake even if it was just a little bit.
He handed Seokjin the bag of goodies in his tightly clutched fist. After all, he was the one closest, not currently hugging him, and the person he had fled from after being questioned simply because he was worried. Seokjin took the plastic bag with furrowed eyebrows, Jungkook couldn't help but shrink on himself, seemingly trying to make himself smaller in Hoseok's hold, the other simply cradled his head whispering words of reassurance to calm him down.
"I-I know it's not much but I hope you forgive me f-for how I was acting before. I-It was uncalled for and immature. Forgive me."'
Seokjin set the bag of snacks aside and lifted Jungkook's chin up, his eyes were squeezed shut, and his lips quivering.
"Eyes on me baby.", Jungkook obeyed.
"Baby, you're a precious little one, aren't you? I and certainly the others were never mad at you. We don't need any gifts for forgiveness. We only need to know you're safe and okay. But I implore you that please just talk to us. You really worried us when you ran out like that. I don't want you to shut us out. I'd really love to get to know you if you'd give us a chance. If you already have us this endeared what does that say about you to us in the near future."
Jungkook let out a water laugh and looked up at Seokjin's sincere eyes from over Hoseok's shoulders, he was still being hugged tightly.
"I-I'm sorry Hyung. I'm not very good at s-sorting out my feelings without running away."
Yoongi swooped in and wiped the tears he hadn't even realized had slid down his cheeks, his calloused finger rubbed the skin beneath his eyes gently.
"If you need space to think just tell us, I know our group can be a bit overbearing. But say the word and we'll back off. Whatever you have to say won't ever madden us. We just appreciate proper communication so no feelings get hurt unnecessarily. It doesn't mean you have to tell us everything. It is enough to just tell us that you need some time or space to think to tell us if you need a hug or something. Okay, lovely?"
"Yes Yoongi-hyung. I'm sorry, I'll try telling you properly next time. C-Can I have a hug now?"
"Of course lovely."
In an instance hands curled around him, Hoseok side-stepped to make room for Yoongi but kept his palm on Jungkook's back.
Namjoon eyes stared right at him, leaning into his ears to whisper,
"You're such a good boy for your Hyung's."
Oh
A shiver shot up his spine and his ears perked up at the praise. Why did Namjoon suddenly say that.
That was new.
A few mere words made him preen with happiness. He wanted to be a good boy for them. It stirred something deep in his stomach, and a flare of arousal shot through him and that mortified him. Why did he suddenly want to seek their praise so desperately? Jungkook was now trying to tell his body and mind to shut up before he blabbered something stupid because he tended to lose his mouth and mind filter often.
It would be an absolute horror if he revealed the inner working of his mind.
To hide his inflamed ears that seemed to throb to the beat of his pulse he hid in the crook of Yoongi's neck, inhaling the faint coffee scent there. Hopefully, they couldn't see the ting of pink he thought coated his ears. After so long he had trained himself to not show such emotions through his body. Right now he couldn't seem to stop it though. Fingertips glided across every bump and curve of his spine, sending tingles up his. He felt goosebumps run their way around his body all over his body. He almost whimpered at the sensation.
Gosh, could his body please match the mood of his situation!?
"You good Kookie? You feeling alright now?"
Jungkook peeked up to look at Taehyung who was brushing his hair back from his forehead and planted a kiss there. A bold move that wasn't at all unwanted. He abandoned his previous thoughts to brood on later. He could figure out his secret kinks later, but now wasn't the time. He could question himself all he wanted to alone as it should be.
"Mhm Tae Tae-hyungie. I just tend to get lost in my mind. I'm sorry for overreacting before. I don't know what got over me.", he couldn;t help but admire how Taehyung looked so flawlessly gorgeous, only heightened by the tenderness in his eyes.
"You're like our Joonie Hyung, he too tends to get lost in his mind. And don't ever apologize for ever acting like that, I know someone hurts you. We only want to nurture your heart and love it, not hurt it. We want to love not hurt."
Jimin carded his fingers through his hair, eyes soft with fondness.
"Tell us your worries and we'll take them away from you, even if it's for only a moment."
Jungkook felt his heart overflow with a sudden burst of affection and happiness.
Tears slipped from his eyes.
This time they were happy tears.
He sobbed freely, protected within their arms and soothed by their words. He was surrounded by all of them and their love.
Eunwoo-hyung was right, they really weren't like the others.
No one else has ever made him feel so safe and loved.
Could he give this a chance?
Whether it be for friendship or love he wanted this, he wanted them so badly. His heart yearned for them and Jungkook was never the best at holding back his heart from loving.
Something told him he could believe in their words. Even if it failed in the end at least Jungkook could say he tried.
He couldn't ever replace his old memories but he could make new ones, happier and better ones. Could Jungkook have that with them?
One look at them was enough of an answer in that moment.
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"Next time you feel overwhelmed talk to us, okay baby? Your running off almost gave me a few grey hairs."
"Okay! But I thought you were already old Jin-hyung."
"Yah! You brat, still have to respect your elders!"
Jungkook smiled brightly, bunny teeth on full display, his adorable cheeks flushed and bunched up.
The others couldn't find it in themselves to seriously chide the bunny if it meant they got to see that smile. They were endeared and on the journey of falling in love.
That smile was worth it all though. They knew it was worth it in the end if it meant Jungkook was happy. They knew it the minute he walked into their lives in all his shyness and loveliness.
It would take time but they had plenty of that.