The lecture hall at Xperia University buzzed with conversation, the air filled with excitement as students settled into their seats.
Jungkook sat in the front row, fingers curled around his pen, notebook open, posture straight. He wasn't just any student—he was an Omega sitting in an Alpha-dominated space.
But more than that—he was an Omega mated to the very man about to walk through that door.
And yet, in this setting, that bond meant nothing.
The moment the door swung open, the energy in the room shifted.
A heavy, commanding Alpha scent filled the space—dark, musky, laced with quiet dominance.
Jungkook swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around his pen as Kim Taehyung stepped inside.
The professor.
The Alpha.
His Alpha.
Dressed in a tailored black suit, exuding confidence and power, Taehyung's presence alone was enough to silence the room.
Jungkook hated that his Omega reacted before he did.
Hated the way his heart picked up speed, how his body instinctively straightened as Taehyung's sharp gaze swept over the lecture hall.
Then—
Their eyes met.
For one second too long, Taehyung's stare lingered on him.
Then, just as quickly, it moved on.
"Good morning, everyone." Taehyung's voice was deep, smooth, authoritative. "Let's begin."
And just like that, the class was in session.
Jungkook clenched his jaw, forcing himself to focus.
This was nothing.
Just another lecture.
Just another moment where his Alpha ignored their bond like it was nothing more than a contract on paper.
He exhaled slowly, grounding himself as Taehyung launched into his lecture on advanced technology principles.
Despite everything—**despite the bond, despite the tension, despite the coldness between them—**Jungkook still admired the way Taehyung taught.
He was captivating.
Clear. Precise.
His deep voice carried through the room with unshakable authority, demanding attention without effort.
Jungkook let himself get lost in it—in the knowledge, in the words, in something that wasn't this unbearable, one-sided bond.
His pen moved swiftly across the page, taking down notes with practiced ease.
Then—
"Are there any questions about what we covered so far?"
Several hands shot up.
Jungkook hesitated.
His fingers hovered above his notebook, his instincts screaming at him to stay invisible.
To not draw attention to himself.
But his mind won the battle.
His hand lifted slightly—higher than the others.
The room stilled.
Taehyung's gaze snapped to him instantly.
Something in his eyes flickered.
He could've ignored him. He should've.
But instead—
He nodded.
"Go ahead, Jungkook."
Jungkook took a slow breath, pushing away the unwanted rush of warmth that came with hearing his name in that deep, commanding voice.
"Professor," he began, voice steady, "could you elaborate on the impact of quantum computing on data security?"
The room fell completely silent.
Taehyung stared at him.
Something subtle, something almost approving, crossed his face before he masked it with his usual indifference.
"Excellent question."
And just like that, the tension in the air shifted.
The Alpha moved toward the whiteboard, explaining in crisp, intelligent detail.
Jungkook listened, hanging onto every word, taking notes so fast his wrist ached.
But then—
Something unexpected happened.
Taehyung's gaze drifted toward Jungkook's notes.
And for a moment, he didn't look away.
Jungkook felt it.
Felt the weight of Taehyung's stare lingering on his notebook.
His throat went dry.
This was dangerous.
Attention from an Alpha was always dangerous.
And yet, something in Taehyung's expression shifted.
"Your notes are exceptionally organized." His voice was neutral, but there was something… almost intrigued. "Impressive."
Jungkook froze.
The room was silent.
Too silent.
Then—
A soft ripple of whispers spread through the class, particularly among the Omega girls in the back.
"Did he just… praise him?" One of them muttered.
"He never does that. Ever."
Jungkook felt the weight of every jealous stare on his back.
And Taehyung?
Taehyung seemed completely unaware.
Or—maybe he didn't care.
"Keep it up," Taehyung added, before moving on.
Jungkook swallowed hard, forcing himself to breathe.
He had no idea why his Alpha was suddenly acknowledging him in front of everyone.
He wasn't sure if he liked it.
The rest of the lecture continued, but the air felt different.
Every now and then, Jungkook felt eyes on him—Taehyung's, the students', the whispers that never seemed to end.
The moment the lecture ended, students began filing out quickly, leaving Jungkook sitting frozen in his seat.
His fingers twitched around his pen.
His mind raced.
Then—
A scent.
Warm. Familiar. Alpha.
He didn't even have to turn to know.
Taehyung was standing right behind him.
Jungkook's breath caught, his entire body going stiff as the heat of the Alpha's presence pressed into his back.
"Stay after class."
Taehyung's voice was quiet.
Controlled.
And yet, something in his tone sent a shiver down Jungkook's spine.
Jungkook's throat bobbed.
His Omega screamed at him to submit.
But he forced his voice to stay level.
"Why?"
Taehyung didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he simply exhaled—a slow, heavy breath that Jungkook felt against the back of his neck.
Then—
"Just stay."
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Jungkook completely breathless.