The first rays of sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow over the mansion's pristine interior. Everything was silent, controlled, and perfect—just the way Taehyung liked it.
Wake up at five. Shower. Dress in crisp, tailored clothing. A cup of black coffee, no sugar. No disturbances. No emotions. Just discipline.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he descended the grand staircase. The stillness of the house greeted him—but something was off.
The scent.
It was faint, but there.
Something warm, something sweet. Vanillawith hints of soft floral notes.
His steps slowed.
Omega.
His Omega.
His grip on the coffee cup tightened slightly, his Alpha instincts reacting before his mind could shut it down.
He hated this.
Hated how the scent of someone he didn't even want had the power to shift something in his chest.
Taking a sharp breath, Taehyung forced himself to move forward—only to stop when his gaze landed on the study table.
Jungkook.
Fast asleep, his head resting on a pile of books, his body curled into itself like a child lost in a world too big for him.
Taehyung's first instinct was irritation.
Why was he here? Why wasn't he in bed?
But his second instinct…
He ignored it.
Shoving aside the unfamiliar weight in his chest, Taehyung stepped closer, arms crossed, voice sharp as ever.
"You should be in bed, not sleeping here. And what's with all these books?"
Jungkook's body jolted at the deep voice cutting through the air.
His heart skipped painfully as he sat up abruptly, blinking the sleep away.
He barely processed where he was before he saw him.
Tall. Intimidating. Taehyung.
Alpha.
His Alpha.
No. Not his. Atleast not yet.
Jungkook's breath caught in his throat, and his body tensed instinctively.
The rich, musky scent of Taehyung was overwhelming this close—a presence that demanded submission, even without words.
No.
He curled his fingers into his lap, forcing his Omega to stay still.
Forcing himself not to give in.
"I was making notes…"
His voice came out quieter than he wanted.
Taehyung studied him, unreadable, distant.
Then, without another word, he leaned down, picking up one of the books.
The movement was simple.
But it shattered Jungkook's focus.
Because the moment Taehyung moved closer, his Alpha scent surrounded him completely.
It wrapped around his senses—commanding, powerful, dark and rich.
Jungkook's breath hitched.
A deep, instinctive part of him wanted to move closer.
Wanted to press his face into the crook of Taehyung's neck and breathe him in.
NO.
He gritted his teeth, fighting the pathetic shiver that ran down his spine.
Taehyung flipped through the book lazily, but something in his eyes flickered.
"These are advanced topics." His voice was sharp. "You should be focusing on the basics."
Jungkook stiffened.
"I did my basics already."
His words came out quicker than he intended—more defensive than he wanted.
Taehyung's dark eyes flickered up. And for the first time, he actually looked at him.
A long, unreadable stare.
A stare that made Jungkook feel exposed.
Then, Taehyung's voice dropped slightly.
"Look at me."
The command was subtle. But Jungkook's Omega felt it instantly.
A shudder ran through him. His body reacted before his mind could stop it.
His breath hitched.
His fingers trembled slightly.
His instincts screamed at him to obey.
And slowly—against every bit of defiance in his body—he lifted his gaze.
Their eyes met.
And for the briefest moment—
Something in Taehyung softened.
Barely.
"How come you're so far ahead?"
Jungkook's throat felt tight.
"I prepared everything before…" He hesitated. "I don't want to fail at anything."
Silence.
For a moment, Taehyung just studied him.
Then, something unexpected—a shift.
The tension in his shoulders loosened slightly.
"Failure is a part of learning." Taehyung's voice was quieter. "You can't avoid it entirely. But your dedication is… admirable."
Jungkook's Omega purred at the smallest bit of acknowledgment.
He hated it.
He hated how badly he wanted more.
But before he could even process the feeling—
His eyes snapped to the clock.
He froze.
"Shit—I'm late!"
He jumped up, nearly knocking over the books.
Taehyung's sharp eyes followed him, brows raising slightly.
"Come down soon and eat."
Jungkook barely glanced back.
"No time!"
And then, he was gone.
The door slammed shut behind Jungkook, leaving a sharp silence in its wake.
Taehyung stood still, staring at the empty space where Jungkook had been.
His scent still lingered.
Faint. Sweet. A presence that refused to fade.
Taehyung exhaled slowly.
Ran a hand through his hair.
For a long moment, he didn't move.
Then—just barely—
A small, reluctant smirk pulled at his lips.
"So much energy…"
His voice was quiet. Almost amused.
And then, just as quickly, he turned away—pretending the strange warmth in his chest wasn't there.