Archive of Our Own ^beta

Heeseung stops brushing Heuk’s mane, catching sight of his boyfriend strutting towards them.

Like déjà vu, Taehyun leans on the fence, looking at the alpha with sparkly eyes. The omega’s dressed in an expensive ensemble, black from head to toe, and his now silver hair makes him look luxurious against the greenery around them. His gray lenses match the jewelry adorning his ears, just as stunning as the sparkly makeup on his lids,  and Heeseung really fears for the well-being of his leather shoes.

“I brought us lunch,” he announces, pointing back with his thumb.

“I just have to clean Heuk, then I can take my break, you can wait for me at the front house,” Heeseung watches Taehyun climbing over, so he hurries to extend his hands out for him. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll help you so you finish faster,” swatting his boyfriend’s hands away, the omega easily lands on his feet on the other side. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m not splitting my paycheck with you,” Heeseung lightheartedly jokes, giving Taehyun a once-over, and the younger rolls his eyes at him, “but are you sure? Your clothes look like they’re worth said paycheck.”

“Nah, it’s fine,” the omega shrugs with a smile, “I was planning to give this away anyway.”

Heeseung blinks at how nonchalantly the younger said that, “Good to know… I guess,” they turn to look at Heuk. “Stay away from his back legs, and don’t let him eat your hair.”

“Got it.”

Heeseung signals with his head for Taehyun to follow him.

“Heuk!” Taehyun half laughs, half yells, trying to cover himself with his hands.

Heuk’s in a playful mood, so he rubs his wet muzzle all over the omega. Heeseung chuckles, patting the black stallion’s neck with a dry towel, making sure he’s ready to go back to his pen.

“Alright, all done, big guy,” Taehyun caresses his side, stepping back to give his boyfriend space to take him in. “Jake will introduce you to a new friend this weekend.”

“Jake got a new horse?” his curiosity gets the best of him, and the alpha shakes his head, explaining one of his overseas friends is moving to Korea and brought his own horse. “Weird, my parents’ haven’t gossiped about it.”

“Did they finally find a hobby?” the omega wheezes, smacking his arm, so he gently bumps heads with his boyfriend. “C’mon, let’s have lunch.” Heuk neighs, and they both pet his muzzle, “I’ll get you a snack too, Heuk-ah.”

“Want you so bad,” Taehyun shivers at his alpha’s soft whisper in his ear.

Rather desperately, their lips crash into each other. Teeth clash and tongues brush, and Taehyun curls one of his legs around Heeseung’s side. His alpha gets the hint, easily picking him up and pressing him against the door to his room.

The omega tangles his fingers in his boyfriend’s dark locks, pulling him back in. Heeseung kisses him like he’s the oxygen he needs, licking into his mouth, and Taehyun’s soon softly whining, out of breath.

“Do you have to go back home today?”

Taehyun grinds his ass down onto Heeseung’s growing erection, “You think I’d leave without getting that dick in me?”

They manage to get in, almost breaking the lock in the process, and kick the door closed.

Taehyun moans as Heeseung leaves a trail of kisses down his chest, tilting his head to the side, until he notices something.

The room smells like peaches.

Sunoo blinks at him from the bed across.

Twin high-pitched shrieks make the alphas groan.

Taehyun quickly keeps Heeseung’s face squished against his chest as Sunoo rushes toward the bathroom, picking his clothes from the floor so briskly he nearly trips over their discarded shoes.

“Hyung said you wouldn’t come back until much later!” the poor embarrassed omega whines from behind the door.

Sunghoon laughs like a madman, looking around for his shirt, “Relax, it's just skin.”

“You’re so possessive of Sunoo, how are you so chill about Heeseung hyung seeing him naked?!” Taehyun scowls but finds it endearing that Heeseung stays still and quiet, his eyes closed even if he can’t see anything

“Even unmated, Heeseung hyung wouldn’t be interested in any other omega," the blonde alpha shrugs, fixing his hair.

Sparkly eyes fix on a blushed face, which belongs to the bashful alpha on top of him. An endeared laugh escapes from him, rubbing cheeks with him then pecking the tip of his nose. Heeseung clears his throat, carefully moving off, so Taehyun can sit next to him.

"I promise I didn't see anything," Heeseung reassures Sunghoon anyways.

"It's fine, hyung. It's you. If it had been any other alpha, they wouldn't have made it through the door."

“Lucky them, now Sunoo’s ass will haunt my dreams,” Taehyun gags then turns towards the bathroom. “No offense, Sunoo-yah!”

“None taken,” opening the door, Sunoo shyly steps out and rushes toward Sunghoon. He doesn’t waste time in tackling his alpha down, slapping him on the arm and chest, “You are the worst! You knew they were coming and didn't tell me!"

"To be honest, I didn't  think they’d be in the same predicament, Sunoo-ah," he looks at his omega like a kicked puppy, pouty lips and arched eyebrows. "I'm very sorry, but Taehyun should feel honored to have witnessed that beautiful ass of yours."

"Park Sunghoon!" the two omegas growl.

"We'll let you talk this out, okay?" Heeseung pipes in, grabs his boyfriend's hand, and walks out.

"Will they be okay?" Taehyun asks, a bit concerned for their friends.

"Yeah, yeah, Sunoo can't stay mad at Hoon. They really love each other," the alpha reassures him, kissing the back of his hand. "Don't worry… but will you be okay without getting my dick?"

Taehyun smirks, scratching under Heeseung’s chin, “Worry about yourself first, Heeseungie hyung,” he flicks his hair back, “I got a knotting dildo at home, I’ll be just fine.”

Heeseung’s eyebrows shot up, mouth agape, as he dumbly blinks at his omega.

“Oh, my uber’s here,” Taehyun winks and blows a kiss, waving as he goes. “Sweet dreams, hyung!”

Heuk senses Jaeyun before Heeseung himself, so he starts neighing loudly. The Aussie greets the older alpha with an enthusiastic high-five and a bro-hug then coos at his animal partner, petting his muzzle. Heuk sighs, happily nudging Jaeyun, making the boy laugh.

“I was gone one weekend and he acts like I left for 5 years,” the horse gently paws at the ground close to his owner’s feet. “Yeah, yeah, I know, let me just saddle you up, boy.”

“He just loves you a lot, Jaeyun-ah,” Heeseung grins, helping Jaeyun by holding Heuk still. “How was America?”

“Good, but people kept asking me to repeat like my accent is so incomprehensible,” he secures the girth under his horse’s barrel. Once he checks everything is in place, he pats Heuk’s croup. “Let’s go, Heukkie!”

After Jaeyun puts his helmet on, Heeseung hands him the reins. Following them out to the manège, he opens the fence. Heuk bends his front legs, one by one, and the alpha caresses his horse’s shoulder, cueing him forward.

“Thanks, hyung,” Jaeyun bows his head a bit. “Oh, by the way,” he starts, so Heeseung ambles next to them, “Jongseong’s coming back in two weeks.”

Heeseung stops for a second, “Jongseongie is coming back? He's the one you told me about? I thought he’d stay in America for good.”

“He already finished his master’s, he wants to take a break from working and studying,” Jaeyun snorts. “Whatever, that’s why his horse, Injang, is coming in a week so he asked me to tell you to please help her get acquainted with everything.”

“He knows I’m still here?” Heeseung quirks an eyebrow, and the younger alpha avoids his gaze. “Well, he knows I got into vet school anyways.”

Jaeyun hums, “How’s that going?”

“Good, just one more year,” doing a little dance, he almost bumps into Heuk, who snorts. “Hey, I’m not giving you extra snacks today.”

“Will you open your own clinic afterwards?”

“That’s the idea, but… I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” Heeseung steps out of the arena, closing the fence behind him, “for now, I like it here.”

Jaeyun gives him a thumbs up, straightening his back, before he focuses on practicing Heuk’s movements.

Taehyun brushes Heeseung’s bangs away from his eyes, throwing his head back, as he shudders in pleasure. His alpha’s mouth on his dick feels amazing, warm and wet, before he relaxes so his cockhead touches the back of his throat.

Big hands squeeze his strong thighs, and the omega sighs, “Hyung,” he grips the counter behind him harder, “feels so good, keep going.”

Drawing back, a string of saliva connects his lips to his omega’s cock until it snaps, “Fuck my mouth, Taehyunnie,” it comes out a little rough, yet the request is still adorable.

Taehyun looks down at Heeseung’s doe eyes, his pupils blown, like a puppy admiring his beloved owner. His cock throbs, and his heart aches in the best of ways. It’s not a moment to get sappy, but he feels loved . Cupping his boyfriend’s jaw, he starts rocking his hips slowly, enjoying the image of Heeseung’s pretty lips stretching around his shaft.

Heeseung’s moans send vibrations down his length, which rip out groans and gasps from his omega. His slick dribbles out, making the alpha whine a little. Taehyun’s smell and taste are delicious, his sunflower scent turns caramel when he’s turned on, and Heeseung can’t get enough of it.

A flick of tongue has Taehyun’s knees buckle, so he moves his hand to the back of his alpha’s head. Heeseung chokes a bit, breathing through his nose, as Taehyun slowly loses his self-control. It’s not long before Taehyun’s body locks, bending slightly forward, shoving his cock in and cumming down Heeseung’s throat.

Despite his gag reflex and teary eyes, Heeseung lets him rock for a few more seconds, until his boyfriend rides his orgasm out. Taehyun tastes like pure sugar, so much his alpha’s mouth is watering, but he can only stare at his beautiful omega.

“Was it good?”

Taehyun’s gaze softens at his question, running his thumb over Heeseung’s bottom lip, “Very,” he gently tugs him back on his feet. “C’mere…”

“You don’t have to,” it’s a whisper, but Taehyun frowns, pulling him closer by the hips. “Taehyunnie…”

“Quiet,” Heeseung licks his lips, nodding, then gasps as Taehyun easily undoes his jeans.

They don’t have that much time before Taehyun’s parents return from their dinner date, so he quickly wraps his fingers around Heeseung’s hard cock, pulling it out so he can get him off.

Loud squelches and gasps mix together, and Heeseung bites Taehyun’s neck, trying to muffle his noises. Taehyun guides his face up, diving into a deep kiss, as he feels his alpha tremble. Each stroke brings Heeseung closer to completion until he’s whimpering like a puppy, coming in short spurs.

Taehyun giggles, bringing his hand up to his lips, licking his fingers clean.

“You’ll be the death of me,” Heeseung nuzzles his cheek.

“Before you die though, help me clean this mess up.”

No sooner Jaeyun makes his way out into the manegè, the crowd goes wild—especially the females—. Heeseung purses his lips to hide a smile, closing the fence behind them.

As per usual, he stays near, watching Heuk trotting and half-passing across the area. A tingle makes him turn toward the stands, where a familiar pair of eyes is fixed on him. He smiles and waves, lowkey, not wanting to draw attention to them.

Taehyun's mother leans to say something in her son’s ear, distracting him, so Heeseung watches Jaeyun again. The alpha and his horse are mesmerizing, doing things gracefully rather than perfectly, which seems to please the judges too.

Heeseung claps whenever they complete another movement, so absorbed he nearly misses Taehyun standing up to greet someone.

The newcomer is tall and lean but looks older than them, clearly well in his twenties. The alpha can't really make his features from a distance, yet something in the way he puts his hand on his omega's hip has him furrowing his eyebrows. Their moves around each other are familiar, and even Taehyun’s parents keep patting the man’s arms and shoulders, encouraging them to continue chatting.

His alpha growls but bites it down.

The crowd cheers when Jaeyun and Heuk finish their routine.

“Jaeyunnie, congratulations!” Taehyun hugs the alpha, who gratefully squeezes his shoulders. “You too, Heuk-ah,” he pets the horse’s muzzle.

“Taehyun-ah—oh, Jungkook hyungnim,” Jaeyun bows, and Heeseung notices Heuk huffing, clearly not pleased with the newcomer’s presence. “How you been?”

“Very good, thank you, Jaeyun-ah. How was your trip to America?”

Heeseung’s eyes narrow a bit, his back tensing as soon as the man’s scent reaches him. It’s musky, strong like the ashy smell that lingers after a forest fire, and it matches his lavish look—undeniably alpha. He wonders if Jaeyun’s stress is related to it, since he can see his tight grip on Heuk’s reigns as he answers Jungkook’s question.

Jaeyun’s interrupted by Heuk’s digging on the dirt, silently pressuring him, “I’m very sorry, but Felix’s waiting for us,” he points at his stallion, “and this boy’s impatient already.”

“Say hi to Yongbokkie hyung,” Heeseung and Taehyun say in unison, making Jaeyun giggle, humming.

Once they all wave Jaeyun goodbye, the omega stands close to Heeseung, “Heeseung hyung, I want you to meet Jungkook hyung.”

Jungkook takes a step closer, giving him a casual bow, while Heeseung does a formal one, “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Taehyunnie was just telling me about you,” the older alpha smiles, like he knows something Heeseung doesn’t. “He told me you look after Jaeyun’s horse and help around the stables.”

“I’m in vet school.”

“Heeseung hyung’s really good with animals, he wants to open a clinic once he graduates,” Taehyun smiles at him, innocently, unaware of Jungkook’s mocking glint, “right, hyung?”

“Yes, Taehyunnie, you’re right,” the omega rests his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder.

Heeseung catches Jungkook’s eye as he looks for something on Taehyun, and it doesn’t take a genius to know what exactly he’s searching for, so the younger alpha helps him by tracing along his boyfriend’s forearm. His fingers dance down until they intertwine, the omega’s closing instinctively around his, before he turns their wrists a bit, exposing their mating marks.

Jungkook frowns, his expression falling and recovering so fast Taehyun doesn’t notice, but Heeseung tightens his grip on his hand.

Usually, alphas back off as soon as they see an omega’s mating mark, yet Jungkook’s still holding Heeseung’s stare, silently challenging his position next to Taehyun.

“Are you heading back to your dorm when your shift’s done?” they’re both brought back when the omega talks again, and Heeseung quickly nods. “Jake’s family is hosting a dinner party to celebrate his homecoming.”

“He did mention it, but Sunghoon said he needed help with a project,” Taehyun pouts, and Heeseung smiles. “I’ll text you when we’re done, okay? Have fun though.”

“I’ll send you photos!”

“Promise to have him home by 10.”

Jungkook looks pleased by Heeseung’s glare while Taehyun amusedly rolls his eyes.

Heeseung’s not surprised to see Jungkook walking up to him as he’s finishing his shift a few days later. He’s still in his work outfit, dirty jeans and baggy shirt, boots covered in mud from cleaning up the stables, so he’s the complete opposite of the pristine alpha, who’s wearing an expensive attire.

Heeseung kind of wishes Jungkook would step on horse shit and ruin his designer shoes.

“Taehyun’s not here.”

“Unlike Taehyunnie,” he gives the younger alpha a once-over, “I don’t really have time to play around with the horses.”

Heeseung clicks his tongue, cursing the other in his head, “Then what are you doing here?”

“I just have a few questions,” the older alpha leans on the fence, arms crossed in front of his chest. “Since when are you two a thing?”

“We’ve been mated for almost a year now,” there’s nothing to prove, and he’s not up for an argument with a stranger. “Why can’t you ask Taehyun this, Jungkook-ssi?”

“I just want to know his alpha’s perspective, that’s all.”

Heeseung senses hostility coming from the other but only sighs, “Sadly, I have projects to work on, so maybe some other time?”

“You must’ve fucked him senseless,” Jungkook doesn’t physically stop him but speaks louder as he walks by him, “if he let you mate him, that is,” he starts following the younger alpha. “I mean, who wouldn’t mate him on the spot, right? With the pretty dimples on his lower back and the moles on his neck? Or the cute birthmark on his inner thigh?”

Heeseung’s never been one to let other alphas get under his skin, used to being called a disappointment to his rank, but right now, he’s finding it hard not to let his fist meet Jungkook’s jaw, especially with the way he continues talking about his boyfriend, as if Taehyun is some kind of fancy toy he played with first.

“Has he scratched you when you hit his sweet spot? Has he begged you to pull out because your knot’s too big?”

His claws are digging into his palm, forcing to keep his breathing steady, as they almost reach the front house’s backdoor.

“Does he tell you he loves you every time he cums?”

Still looking ahead, Heeseung knows Jungkook’s smirking, just like he knows his eyes are blood red, close to really losing it. His wolf’s ready to pick a fight, ready to defend his omega, ready to show that he’s also an alpha. As he’s about to turn and give the older a piece of his mind, his eyes fall on his mating mark, the scar of Taehyun’s fangs on him.

The proof that Taehyun chose him over every other alpha.

All rage fades, and a new voice catches their attention.

“Jungkook hyung? What a surprise to find you here, I didn’t know you were into equestrian dressage.”

“Jongseong-ah, I thought you’d be back next week.”

“Well, good thing I’m early, right?” Jongseong continues brushing Injang’s mane. “Why was Jungkook hyung here anyway? But the real reason, I don’t buy that bullshit about being interested after watching Jake’s performance,” he adds dramatic air quotation marks.

Heeseung slumps a bit, “The truth is… I don’t know, he just kept talking about Taehyun-ah.”

“As in Kang Taehyun?” the American alpha raises an eyebrow, “Kang Taehyun, your longtime crush?”

“Yes, Kang Taehyun, my longtime mate,” Heeseung grins, showing off his mating mark. “We’ve been dating for a while now.”

Jongseong stares at him for a second, and Heeseung wonders if he did something wrong, until the younger lets out a happy shout, “ Finally! Congratulations, hyung, I thought you’d pin after him for the rest of your life.”

Embarrassment washes over Heeseung, who rubs the back of his neck. Not a long of people know about his crush on the rich omega, and he intends on keeping it that way. Jongseong is one of the few exceptions, moreso since he’s someone special to him. They haven’t seen each other for years, yet they feel so comfortable upon meeting again, easily catching up with each other.

“Thanks, Jongseong-ah…”

“It’s such a relief that I won’t have to pretend to not know you around him,” Injang pushes her head against Jongseong’s shoulder, so he pets her.

“About that…” Heeseung gives him an ashamed smile, “he doesn’t know we dated.”

“He doesn’t know I’m your ex-boyfriend?”

“Exes have never come up in our conversations…”

“Well,” Jongseong deadpans, “that explains why you’re oblivious to the reason Jungkook hyung was here,” he rolls his eyes. “Jeon Jungkook, chaebol heir to one of the biggest companies in this country, is your darling’s ex-boyfriend.”

Sunoo’s squeal rips a wince out of the two alphas in the room.

Sunghoon squints his eyes at his boyfriend while Heeseung slowly uncovers his ears, “He’s not that good-looking.”

“Are you kidding me, hyung?” the omega glares at his boyfriend then cups his own face. “He’s a real life prince.”

Sunghoon huffs, “He’s not a prince, he’s a snob, and apparently Heeseung hyung’s love rival.”

“This isn’t a drama...” Heeseung mumbles, going unnoticed by the couple.

“He’s a chaebol, he can be whatever he wants,” Sunoo counters, “and with that face? And that body? Please, any omega would be honored to be his mate.”

“I’m Taehyun’s boyfriend though…” 

“You would love it, wouldn’t you, Sunoo-yah?”

“Well, if he was challenging my alpha, it’s up to you whether he gets me or not.”

“A challenge? What are we? In the old century? You’re no object!”

“Only if you lose.”

“What does that even mean?!”

Sunoo’s about to reply when he sees Heeseung quietly staring at his laptop screen, and Sunghoon nods, silently agreeing to stop their dumb bickering. They carefully peek over to find a picture of Jaeyun’s party, shocked by Jongseong’s presence in the photo where Jaeyun and Felix are in the middle, besides Taehyun and Jungkook, who has his arm wrapped around the omega’s waist.

“It’s just a photo for social media, hyung, you know that, right?” Sunoo’s tone is gentle as he pats the oldest alpha’s back.

“I know.”

“I think it’s better if you talk to Taehyunnie directly before you start overthinking,” the younger alpha puts a comforting hand on his hyung’s shoulder too. “You guys aren’t just dating, you’re mates, don’t let Jungkook mess with your head.”

Taehyun’s room is the same size as Heeseung’s dorm with Sunghoon, but his omega has helped him feel at home in his house too. The first time Heeseung was there, he was so stiff Taehyun wondered if his heat scent was affecting him—yes, it was, but everything looked like it was worth Heeseung’s yearly income—so he just pretended it was because of the awkward situation they were in.

Taehyun asked him to stay until his suppressants kicked in, yet Heeseung didn’t know how long he would be able to control his heartbeat. Despite his impassive expression, he was freaking out on the inside.

“What are you thinking about?” pretty eyes bat their eyelashes at him, and the alpha blinks in awe.

“Nothing,” Taehyun purses his lips, sitting next to him on the bed with his laptop in his hands. “I promise we can go wherever you want as soon as I send this progress report to hyung-nim.”

“It’s okay, we can stay in tonight, your thesis is more important,” Heeseung pats his boyfriend’s head lovingly.

“I just feel like we haven’t had a proper date in forever,” a pout forms on Taehyun’s lips. “My parents are here too, so we can’t fuck neither.”

“And whose fault is that?”

“It’s not my fault if I feel good!” he smacks the older’s shoulder, “Don’t act like you don’t like it too! Mr. Say My Name, I’m sure that’s a kink.”

“Type, type, you should be typing, not arguing with me,” the alpha ushers him toward his laptop, which makes the younger giggle, rolling his eyes.

Taehyun hums, focusing on his report once again. Heeseung starts absent-mindedly combing his fingers through his silver strands, admiring his beautiful boyfriend. After about half an hour, Taehyun groans, cracking his bones as he stretches, before he closes his laptop, putting it away. His alpha watches him, following his every move like a lovesick puppy, and the blonde places his hands on his hips.

“What?”

“I have a confession.”

“Okay,” Taehyun sits on his lap this time, arms draped around his neck, “tell me.”

“Park Jongseong is my ex-boyfriend,” Heeseung blurts out immediately. “Yes, Park Jay, the one that just came back from America.”

“Wait, how do you know him?” his omega tilts his head to the side.

“We went to the same high school, I’ve always been on scholarships.”

Suddenly, Taehyun’s brain finally connected the dots, “You… wait, we? I went to Jay’s high school too.”

“Yeah, you did,” the alpha holds his omega’s cheeks, caressing them. “Ever just as pretty and petty, a spoiled brat. A year younger, childhood best friends with senior Choi Yeonjun.”

“I… don’t remember you,” guilt creeps around his heart, like vines around his throat, because his memories of Heeseung start the summer before college, and his boyfriend knows so. He was literally there. “Why don’t I?”

“Don’t feel bad, Taehyunnie, I didn’t want to be perceived, and I spent most of my time with Sunghoon and Sunoo,” he explains, shrugging, “besides… we hadn’t presented yet. I had my growth spurt during the last part of my senior year, right before I started working with the horses.”

“Right before I noticed you,” Taehyun clarifies, and Heeseung nods. “So you dated an alpha?”

“Yes, I did, for some months then he went to America, but… then my old crush came up to me and asked me to go see butterflies.”

“I was… you crush?” the omega’s eyes hold stars, big and bright, blinking down at his alpha. “So you fell first?!”

“You fell harder though,” Heeseung smirks, brushing his boyfriend’s hair back, “crying in public and asking to mate with me after one shower.”

“Shut up, you made me wait for almost a year!”

“I waited for years, plural!”

Taehyun pouts and huffs, hugging Heeseung, before he kisses his cheek, “Fine, fine… but why are you telling me now? Is it because he’s back? Do you still feel something?”

“No, not at all, we’re just friends… and, actually, Jungkook-ssi,” he almost spits out the honorific, “came to visit me at work.”

Taehyun frowns, “Why was hyung there?”

“He told me a lot of stuff about you,” Heeseung fists the fabric around his omega’s waist, “I think he’s not happy about our relationship.”

Taking a hint, Taehyun purses his lips, “We dated for a while,” exhaling, he continues, “it wasn’t really… emotional, my parents were quite pleased with it since he’s the ideal alpha in their heads, but I…” he stops, staring at the older, who encourages him on, “I got bored of it all, and I broke it off a few months earlier to meet— noticing you. He wasn’t in love with me either, so I don’t understand why he’s acting like this.”

“It’s okay,” Heeseung pecks him, “I just didn’t want it to turn into a problem between us.”

“We’re not in a drama, right?” Taehyun teases him, which makes his alpha playfully bite his shoulder.

Taehyun laughs, not even pushing Heeseung off, as they roll around the bed. The alpha’s hands wiggle all over the younger’s body, tickling him, until he’s moving like a worm, his face flushed. Eventually, his hyung lets him breathe, running his fingers down his sides, softly pressing his lips to his forehead.

Their hearts feel lighter, so much even their wolves feel at ease, and they know better than to take each other for granted. As long as they trust in each other’s feelings, as mates and as a couple, everything will work out.

Heeseung’s in love.

It might not show, but he's in love with the pretty omega sleeping soundly on his chest.

His alpha rumbles with pride and adoration whenever he looks at Taehyun, but his heart… his heart skips a beat, almost sending him into cardiac arrest.

With this being said, Heeseung's in love and bad at expressing any of it despite having good communication as a couple.

They've been together—mated and dating—for months now, yet somehow the words still stay stuck in his throat whenever he wants to pronounce them to an awake Taehyun.

He has no doubt Taehyun’s probably waiting for him to say it first, not wanting to pressure him like he did in the past, but part of Heeseung’s mind is wondering if Jungkook’s words were true.

Tracing down Taehyun’s nose bridge, carefully as to not wake him up, he opens his mouth to say them, the confession almost rolling off his tongue, but he swallows them back down.

Ever since they all got into their senior year, Heeseung was adopted by Beomgyu and Kai since they share a similar schedule. Sometimes their boyfriends join them if their lectures finish earlier, but it’s generally just them at lunch.

“Hyungs, are you coming with Taehyunnie to Jay’s party?”

“Mmh, Felix hyung invited us, but Soobin hyung isn’t a fan of wearing formal clothes,” Beomgyu rolls his eyes. “What about you, Lee Heeseung?”

“Stop saying my name in vain,” Heeseung playfully pushes him with his shoulder. “Ah, yeah, Jake told me something about it last week. I don’t know, but Taehyun will be there for sure.”

“Why don’t you ever go with him to these events?”

“I don’t know, I don’t… I just don’t feel like I fit in.”

“Well, hyung,” Kai pipes in, “I don’t either, but I do it for Junnie hyung. He enjoys my company, especially when things get too boring and we come up with excuses to leave early.”

“Soobin hyung and I are not even part of it all, we’re only invited thanks to him,” he jabs a finger at the maknae among them, “being idol trainee Choi Yeonjun’s boytoy.”

“We’ve been dating for four years?” Kai whines.

“Labels doesn’t make you any less of a boytoy, honey.”

“We’re mated!”

“Alright,” Heeseung finally raises his voice, “I get it. I’ll go with Taehyun this time, I’ll be a good boyfriend.”

“Trophy alpha.”

Heeseung glares at a smirking Beomgyu.

“Did you want to come because it’s your ex’s party?”

“No,” Heeseung looks utterly offended while Taehyun throws his head back laughing.

“I know, Beomgyu hyung told me he and Kai convinced you.”

Taehyun looks up at him, with adoration, before he slips his hand between his boyfriend’s, interviewing their fingers. Heeseung squeezes his hand, reassuringly.

The party is nothing like Heeseung initially imagined, sure, everything looks expensive, but the people don’t have unwelcoming expressions. They’re most people their age anyways, so no one really pays attention as Taehyun guides them through the crowd, probably looking for their friends.

One or two people greet Taehyun from afar, asking about his companion, to which the omega happily chirps, “My alpha,” before he waves, continuing their journey all the way to the center of the hall, where Jongseong’s surrendered by a bunch of familiar faces.

“Heeseung hyung?!” Jaeyun grins at them, immediately turning to his boyfriend, who’s just as excited, “I can’t believe you’re here!”

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you both,” Felix bows his head a bit, and the newcomer couple does the same.

“That’s because you never wanna go riding with me,” Jaeyun looks like an actual kicked puppy, and Felix runs his thumb over his cheek lovingly. “Luckily, Jay will be there too!”

“Are we really going to talk about equestrian dressage, Jake?” Jongseong makes a funny face before he turns to Taehyun. “So, who’s there with you?”

Taehyun confusedly frowns, and Heeseung states, “He knows, Jongseong-ah.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” the American alpha lets out a dramatic sigh, “you should’ve told me sooner! Sorry, Taehyun-ah…”

“It’s fine, we’re good.”

Heeseung watches his mate and his ex-boyfriend give each other a bro-hug, and he almost wants to howl in happiness. Knowing two of the most important people in his life can get along, that Taehyun accepts him and his past, it’s everything he could ever ask for. Jaeyun and Felix give him thumbs up, then hear voices approaching them.

“Our plan worked!”

Beomgyu and Kai high-five each other, and their boyfriends don’t even need to question them as they spot Heeseung.

“Did they trick you into this, Heeseung-ah?” Yeonjun calmly asks, always so poised whenever he’s in this type of event.

“Something like that,” the alpha holds Taehyun’s hand, “and that I wanted to be with Taehyunnie,” his omega smiles, puckering his lips just a tiny bit in a lowkey flying kiss.

Heeseung’s phone vibrates, so he excuses himself for a second after reading Sunghoon’s name on the screen. He can’t hear his friend very well, so he slips out from the noisy hall, walking down random hallways until he is out by the pool. Little fairy lights and lamps decorate the entire yard, the grass still moist, and it looks almost like a fairy forest, so much he almost gets distracted until Sunghoon’s voice brings him back.

“Hyung, where are you? We literally just found Taehyunnie and the others. ”

“You could’ve said that before I got out of there.”

“Why would you?! Anyways, we’re next to the snack table now, hurry. ”

“Sure, I’ll be right there.”

Hanging up, he puts his phone away, making his way to the door when Jungkook steps outside, lighting a cigarette. Heeseung almost scoffs but manages to keep a straight face, still heading inside, just as a clawed hand drags him back, back, back toward the pool ledge. Jungkook looks at him, judging him from head to toe, and blows out a puff of smoke.

“Did Taehyunnie buy it for you? Looks like his style.”

“Well, I guess my brother had good taste for his graduation ceremony then.”

Jungkook chuckles, huffing, “A hand down, I see.”

“Let’s stop this act because I have no idea what’s your deal with me,” Heeseung puts his hands in his pockets, “but I’m Taehyun’s boyfriend, mate and alpha, so I’m trying to be respectful for him.”

“You really think he’ll be satisfied with the life you can give him? Just look at him,” the older alpha points with a nod for Heeseung to look back. 

Behind glass doors, Heeseung catches sight of his omega. A vision in white. Wearing a designer suit, limited-edition shoes, and exclusive jewelry, along with his neatly styled silver hair, he outshines everyone in the room. Taehyun’s standing there, holding a glass of champagne as he talks to his friends, like a pink star diamond in the middle of a group of gemstones; the most expensive of them all.

Taehyun feels so out of Heeseung’s reach, even if he’s a few steps away.

“He deserves to be seen, not stay hidden in a barn.”

The younger alpha breathes out, “Don’t you think the choice is his? Whatever Taehyun feels or wants or thinks, it’s up to him.”

“Isn’t he quite a handful though?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Heeseung shrugs. “Taehyun’s the loveliest person I've ever met. Unlike you, I don’t care about wealth or power… and I don’t believe we’ll work on love alone, but we can make it together.”

“I didn’t wanna resort to this, but everyone’s got a price,” Jungkook flicked his cig away, stepping on it. “What’s yours, vet boy?”

Something snaps inside Heeseung, and his blood heats up under his skin. His anger doesn’t usually surface, but whenever it does it’s like a volcano eruption. He’s an alpha, after all. Red is all he sees for a second, his fangs and claws drawing out, and he straightens his back, imposing his entire height over Jungkook’s.

“Taehyun’s not something you can fucking buy!”

Despite the menacing steps he takes, Jungkook holds his gaze, the same hostile glow in his own irises, ready to take on the younger’s challenge. Two alphas on the verge of fighting isn’t something easy to miss, but Heeseung’s too gone to care for his friends rushing out, Taehyun included.

Sunghoon and Soobin attempt to step in, but Heeseung growls, “This is between us.”

“Do you want to fight right here? In your first public event with Taehyun? What a lowlife.”

The alpha snarls, about to pounce on the other older one, when someone beats him to it.

There's a loud splash as Jungkook falls sideways into the water.

Heeseung blinks at Taehyun, who’s seething with rage and his knuckles bruised from his strong right hook to Jungkook’s jaw. Icy eyes meet crimson ones, before the alpha breathes in his sour scent, realizing how affected he truly is under his furious façade.

Jungkook resurfaces, wiping his face as he groans in pain, outfit and look ruined entirely.

"What the fuck, Taehyun?!"

“Don’t you ever dare calling my boyfriend a lowlife again!” Taehyun’s not only fuming, he’s also disappointed and hurt over his ex-boyfriend's words, which Heeseung can’t blame him for. “I don’t fucking care who you are, you have no right to disrespect him or our relationship!”

“Taehyun-ah…”

“Jungkook hyung,” Jongseong pipes in, crossing his arms in front of his chest, “I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Me?” the alpha in question scoffs, “I was attacked!”

“And this is my party, so it’s up to me who stays.”

“Jongseong-ah,” Taehyun bows his head a bit, “thank you.”

“No need,” the American grins, “however, I do think our families might have to deal with some business consequences after this.”

“It’ll be fine, Yeonjun hyung said he’ll take care of it, so don’t worry about it.”

“Alright then, I need to check on the other guests, see you around though?” they share a small smile before he moves onto another group of people.

A pair of warm hands grab Taehyun’s waist, and Heeseung’s soft voice whispers next to his ear, “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

Heeseung’s dragon blood scent immediately relaxes his omega, so the younger leans against his chest, head turning to tickle his alpha’s jaw, “I’m okay.”

“You sure? We can go if you want.”

“Nah, I wanna keep on showing my hot alpha boyfriend off for a little while.”

Taehyun smiles up at him, a whole galaxy shining only for Heeseung, before he tiptoes, trying to reach his alpha’s lips. Heeseung chuckles, meeting him halfway, in a sweet kiss. Just as they’re about to deepen it, the lights go low and the DJ welcomes them.

Heeseung catches sight of Jongseong getting dragged onto the dancefloor by Felix and Jaeyun, half laughing, half crying. Sunghoon’s characteristic eish comes from their right, and the couple knows Sunoo got his way again. Loud laughter echoes around, and it’s not hard to spot Beomgyu and Soobin having a blast along with Kai.

“No way!” Yeonjun squeals as soon as the next song comes on, frantically looking around for Taehyun, completely losing his cool image for a second, “It’s our song!” he exclaims, already pulling on his best friend’s arm.

“Ah, hyung, will you be fine here by yourself?”

“What do you mean?” Heeseung frowns, and Taehyun tilts his head like a confused puppy, “I can teach you a few moves too.”

The omega’s face lights up, hand tightening around his alpha’s. 

As Taehyun and Yeonjun scream the lyrics, jumping around, Heeseung takes a look around. Despite their differences, even their friends are enjoying themselves.

When his omega turns to him, locking stares, Heeseung realizes he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.

Taehyun chooses him every moment, without hesitation, more than ready to burn gold for him.

It’s only right for Heeseung to start fires for him too.