Chapter 24: The Pull

                                    

                                          
A/N: Hey everyone, the past couple of months have been really tough for me. I've been dealing with depression, and my life has felt a bit off track. While I'm doing my best to get back on course, things are still a bit unsettled. To take a break from reality, I've decided to write and post 2-3 chapters. So, I'll be updating all of them today.
The festival grounds were alive with energy. Music floated through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the crackling of the bonfire at the center of the Red Moon Pack's territory. The third day of the celebration marked the peak of the festivities, and every pack member and guest was engaged in activities ranging from traditional dances to feasting on the best food prepared for the occasion. Lanterns glowed softly in the night, casting a warm golden hue over the gathering.
Taehyung sat at the edge of the main celebration area, his delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns. He was seated with Jimin and Bogum, who were deep in conversation about something amusing. Taehyung, however, wasn't paying attention. His focus was entirely elsewhere.
Across the grounds, Jungkook moved with purpose, overseeing the rituals and ensuring everything was running smoothly. He looked regal, commanding respect as he interacted with his pack members and guests. His dark hair glistened under the lantern light, and his broad shoulders and confident stance made him impossible to ignore. Taehyung's eyes remained glued to him, as though he were the only person in the crowd.
Every now and then, Jungkook would glance in Taehyung's direction, catching the Omega prince staring at him. Each time their eyes met, it felt like the world faded away, leaving only the two of them. Taehyung quickly averted his gaze each time, his cheeks flushing pink, but his heart refused to calm down. There was an unexplainable pull between them—an invisible thread tying them together, growing tighter with every passing moment.
Bogum nudged Taehyung, breaking his trance. "You're staring, Tae," he teased with a playful smirk.
Taehyung's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "No, I'm not," he mumbled, avoiding Bogum's knowing gaze.
Jimin chuckled. "You've been staring at Jungkook since the moment we got here. If you're interested, just talk to him. He's not unapproachable, you know."
Taehyung shook his head, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "It's not like that," he lied, though his heart betrayed him, beating faster than ever. "I just... he's very busy. That's all."
Bogum and Jimin exchanged glances but decided not to press further. They knew Taehyung well enough to recognize when he needed space to sort through his feelings.
On the other side of the festival, Jungkook was trying to focus on his responsibilities, but he found his mind constantly wandering. His sharp senses told him that someone was watching him, and every time he glanced toward Taehyung, he confirmed what his instincts already knew. The Omega prince was looking at him—no, staring at him. And Jungkook couldn't help but stare back.
Jungkook's wolf, Midnight, growled in his mind, restless and impatient.
"Go to him," Midnight urged, his voice low and commanding. "He's looking at you. He feels it too. Why are you just standing here?"
Jungkook tensed, his jaw clenching as he resisted his wolf's instincts. "We don't even know him, Midnight. This is not the time or place for this."
"You're such a coward," Midnight snapped, his voice filled with frustration. "You feel it, don't you? The bond? The pull? You're trying to deny it, but you can't. That Omega is ours."
Jungkook's eyes flickered from their usual dark color to a deep crimson, a clear sign that Midnight was struggling for control. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his restless wolf. But Midnight wasn't backing down.