#ot6 x jungkoook

[btschooseafic]

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook loses his job and gains a new one.

Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

***

Jungkook was towards the end of his shift when he caught the posturing alpha scent. It broke through the bar’s typical alcohol and sweat smells. He scanned the crowd as he finished making the drink he was working on, placing it front of the customer with a tense smile.

There was a man looming over a girl in the corner.

Jungkook moved over to them. “Everything okay here?” He called out, over the many conversations in the room.

“We’re fine,” the man said, barely glancing at him. The girl’s body was frozen stiff, but her wide eyes flickered to meet Jungkook’s.

Jungkook frowned. “Give her some space.”

“What?” Now the man turned to look at Jungkook, gritting his teeth, lip pulled back in a partial snarl. “This is none of your business, man. Back off.”

“You’re the one who should back off,” Jungkook thought aloud. “She clearly wants nothing to do with you.”

The man smirked. “She never said anything.”

The girl opened and closed her mouth, eyes still locked on Jungkook, gaze turning pleading. The man leaned his palm on the wall behind her, pinning her there. She whimpered. He laughed and the sour scent of terrified omega curled into the air.

“That’s it.” Jungkook came out from behind the bar and grabbed the man’s arm, pulling him away from her.

“What the fuck!”

Jungkook twisted his arm behind his back and shoved him towards the entrance. Minho was working the door tonight.

“Keep him out of here, he’s scaring omegas!” Jungkook told the bouncer.

Minho nodded, grabbing the protesting alpha.

“You’ll regret that!” The alpha shouted after Jungkook as he moved back inside.

The girl was still in the corner. “You okay?” Jungkook asked. “Are you here alone?” She shook her head.

“My… my friends went to the bathroom. I went to get drinks, and…” She swallowed. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Jungkook grimaced. “That sucks. I’m sorry you were made to feel unsafe here.”

She shrugged. “I’m… it happens. I wish I was better at…” She sighed. “Thank you.”

Jungkook waited with her until her friends came back. They immediately wrapped their arms around her and offered to get a cab together.

Most of the customers left in the next hour, Minho shepherding any stragglers out the door with a firm hand and a tough look.

After he finished cleaning, Jungkook started the walk home.

It was early morning. The streets were mostly empty.

Jungkook sped up when the back of his neck prickled, like he was being watched.

Before he could react, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him into a nearby alleyway. There was a loud rip as his jacket tore. It hung off his arm. Jungkook’s back slammed into the wall. He couldn’t breath.

“I told you you’d regret it.” It was the man from earlier, sneering down at him.

Jungkook gulped in air.

“I don’t,” Jungkook told him truthfully. Even if this alpha beat him up, he didn’t regret helping that girl earlier. She didn’t deserve this man invading her personal space like that.

The man’s brow furrowed. He leaned in and sniffed at Jungkook’s neck. Jungkook squirmed, trying to protect his scent glands. It was too late.   The man laughed. Jungkook’s scent blockers must have worn off. They were a cheap brand that he frequently sweated off during his longer shifts.

“Omega,” he cooed. “Were you jealous? You wanted me to pay attention to you instead of her?”

Jungkook’s face twisted in disgust. “You’re delusional.” He tried to twist out of the man’s hold again.

“You’re too worked up,” the man told him. “Let me help you calm down.” He reached for the back of Jungkook’s neck. Jungkook bit his hand. The man growled and reeled back. Jungkook kneed him between the legs. The man howled and crouched down, curling in on himself. Jungkook took off at a run.

Maybe that was a mistake.

Alphas like that liked a chase.

Jungkook ran with the man on his tail for several blocks. Then he saw a crowd of people coming out of a nearby club.

He wove his way into the crowd, hoping the mixture of scents would hide his. Club goers frequently wore strong scent blockers or perfumes so they could enjoy their night without dynamics interfering. Jungkook caught a strong fruity scent and moved closer to it. He saw the man pause at the end of the block, raising his head to sniff.

“Are you being chased?”

Jungkook flinched, turning to the strawberry-scented man who addressed him. Jungkook’s eyes widened. He was very handsome, dark fluffy hair contrasted with his bright red jacket. His arm was slung over the shoulder of a shorter man, who was also incredibly good looking.

Jungkook nodded, still catching his breath.

“For fun, or an unwanted suitor?” The shorter man asked. Jungkook stared, still a little startled by how good looking the two men were. In his job, he saw a lot of people dressed their best on a night out, but he never seen anyone look so good in a plain white t-shirt. The shirt’s wide neck line showed off several mating marks. Jungkook pouted slightly—of course such a pretty man already had mates.

The man was still looking at him expectantly.

“He’s a bully,” Jungkook explained. “I wasn’t… I’m sorry I’m hiding behind you.” He glanced back at the end of the block. The man was gone. Jungkook sighed in relief. “Looks like he’s gone. I’ll leave—“

“Better stay for another couple of minutes. Make sure he’s really gone.” The man in the red jacket leaned closer to whisper to Jungkook. Jungkook breathed in the strawberry perfume, the sweetness making him dizzy. He wondered how it would mix with the man’s natural scent. “What?” The man raised an eyebrow at him.

“Tae!” The shorter man smacked his hand. “Give him some space.”

“Sorry.” Tae straightened up, smiling sheepishly.

“It’s okay…” Jungkook mumbled. He listened to the two men (mates?) bicker for a few more minutes before he turned to leave.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay getting home?” The man in the white shirt asked him concernedly. Jungkook nodded. “Well… okay, stay safe.”

When he got home, Jungkook scrubbed his skin hard to get rid of the feeling of that man looming over him. He was a little disappointed when the strawberry scent disappeared as well.

Jungkook woke later that afternoon, a little sore and bruised, but otherwise fine. He frowned at the tear on his favorite coat for a while before cooking something to eat. Before long it was early evening, time to head to work.

“You’re fired,” Jungkook’s boss said. Jungkook stared at him.

“What?”

“A customer came to me this morning, told me you attacked him, unprovoked, showed me the bite mark on his hand.”

“It wasn’t unprovoked!” Jungkook snapped. “He attacked me first—and he was harassing another customer!”

“I didn’t hear anything about that, just that you attacked someone,” his boss said. He waved his hand dismissively. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter who started it, the customer is always right.” Jungkook lowered his head, trying to think about whether to curse his boss out, or beg for his job back. He needed the money, but at what point did this job stop being worth it? “It’s nothing personal, but I’m running a business here.” He clapped Jungkook on the shoulder. Jungkook tensed at his touch. “I’ve got to make the tough decisions sometimes.”

Ten minutes later, Jungkook sat on the curb outside the bar, Minho standing beside him, watching him in quiet concern.

“Oh.”

Jungkook looked up, seeing the girl from last night. She smiled hesitantly at him.

He nodded at her. “What’s up?”

“I was hoping to find you here. I wanted to thank you, again, for last night.”

Minho squinted at her. “This is the girl that creep from last night was bothering?” He asked. Jungkook nodded. “Maybe she could talk to the boss, get him to give you your job back.”

The girl’s eyes widened. “You lost your job?”

Jungkook nodded again. “Our ‘friend’ decided to drag me into a dark alley. I defended myself. He complained to my boss, so I lost my job.”

The girl frowned. “That’s ridiculous!”

Jungkook shrugged. “I think I’m done working here anyway. It sucks.” He glanced back at Minho. “No offense.”

Minho snorted. “None taken.”

“So… you don’t want me to try and help you get your job back?” The girl asked. Jungkook shook his head.

“The job search will be hell, but it’ll still be better than this.”

The girl bit her lip. “What if… what if I know a job you could go for?”

“Really?” Jungkook smiled. “That would be great!” He had already been dreading the process of touching up his resume. He hadn’t touched his portfolio since he left his apprenticeship. Unless his arm counted as an example of his work? He tilted his head. “What kind of job?”

Jungkook spent the rest of the night pacing in his apartment. He tried to settle down in his nest, but his nerves wouldn’t let him. He’d counted and recounted his savings, but it wouldn’t be enough to pay his rent and send hyung money. He needed this job. Hopefully the meeting tomorrow morning would go well.

Jin’s Cafe had the name Jin written over and over again on the window. Jungkook frowned, imagining a self-centered manager who wouldn’t be much better than his last.

“They’re really nice,” the girl said, as if she was reading his mind. “I promise.”

The sign on the door was flipped to ‘closed,’ but the girl punched a code into the keypad and opened the door.

The cafe smelled nice. There were the usual coffee and pastry smells, but also a fresh green scent, like a garden. The room was filled with shelves of books, records, and plants. Curving green vines ran under everything from trot to hip hop.

A man was restocking one of the shelves. He turned as they walked in, eyes widening slightly.

“Jiwoo-yah, you’re early. Your shift doesn’t start until later.”

“I know.” She smiled at him. “But, I actually wanted to introduce someone to you. You know how you said you could still use another employee?” She motioned at Jungkook.

“Hello.” Jungkook bowed slightly. “I’m Jeon Jungkook.”

“Min Yoongi.” Yoongi dipped his head. “I’m one of the managers here at Jin’s Cafe. Are you open to a casual interview, Jungkook-ssi?”

“Sure.”

“Jiwoo, have you eaten yet?” Yoongi asked her. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen and get some breakfast from hyung? He’s got a new matcha toast he’s trying out.” Jungkook perked up. Yoongi grinned. “Ah. Bring one out for Jungkook-ssi as well.”

“Oh, no, no.” Jungkook shook his head. “It’s fine. I was just… curious.”

“Jin-hyung loves testing his food out on unsuspecting guests,” Yoongi told him, waving Jiwoo along. “So, Jungkook-ssi, do you have any experience working as a barista?”

Jungkook nodded. “I did work in a coffee shop during school.”

Jungkook waited for Yoongi to ask what he went to school for, but instead he asked, “Did you enjoy working there?”

Jungkook smiled. “Yeah. The manager was nice. And good at baking! She made these really good banana nut muffins I always used my employee discount on.”

“Do you have any interest in books, or plants, or music?” Yoongi asked. “We sell all three, so it’s good to know a little about them.”

“Well, I don’t know read much, and I don’t know anything about plants, but I do like listening to music,” Jungkook told him honestly. He and Yoongi talked about what kind of music they liked to listen to until Jiwoo came out again with a plate for Jungkook. The matcha toast was pretty, the green spread contrasting nicely with a neat row of strawberries on top.

“It’s yummy,” Jiwoo said. “Have some.”

“But don’t praise it too much, or hyung’s head will get too big,” Yoongi added. Jungkook actually lost his ability to talk for a moment, savoring the flavors mixing in his mouth. He let out a few appreciative noises. Yoongi frowned. “You don’t have to keeping eating it if you don’t like it.”

“What?” Jungkook frowned back at him. “But, it’s so good.”

“But your face is so angry!” Jiwoo protested.

“Oh…” Jungkook scratched the side of his face. “That’s just… how I look when I enjoy things.”

Yoongi grinned. “How cute.”

Jungkook flushed. “I…”

“You have green on your mouth,” Jiwoo told him. Jungkook groaned as she handed him a napkin. Yoongi was still smiling.

“Jungkook-ssi, how would you feel about starting on a trial basis?” He asked. “You haven’t met the rest of us yet, so I’d like to see how we all get along first, but I like what I’m hearing from you so far.”

“That would be great.” Jungkook bowed again. “Please take care of me.”

“No need to be so formal,” Yoongi said. “How old are you? Call me hyung.”

Jiwoo, as it turned out, was Jungkook’s same-age friend. She dropped formalities quickly, complimenting the purple tips of Jungkook’s hair as she walked him through how to use the espresso machine. Jungkook liked how she filled any silences with cheerful chatter before they could get awkward.

As soon as she finished running him through the sales system, Yoongi shooed him out the door.

“I wouldn’t start you on the morning rush for you first shift!” Yoongi said. “Are you free later tonight? We can introduce you to the rest of the guys and show you how to close up.”

“That sounds good, hyung.”

Jungkook walked home with a little spring to his step. He saw his brother had texted him, asking if he’d be available for a video chat with Seoyeon soon. Jungkook settled down in his nest, hugging the plush rabbit that Seoyeon had sent him from his last birthday. She had a matching one, “So when I hug my bunny, you hug yours, and it’s like we’re hugging each other, samchon!”

Junghyun answered after the first ring.

“What’s wrong?”

“What? Why does something have to be wrong for me to call you? You texted me earlier.”

“Yeah, but you hardly ever respond to my texts. Usually, I have to get Seoyeon to lure you in if I want a response.”

Jungkook pouted. “That’s not true.”

“…Sure. So, what’s up?”

“Well, don’t freak out, but I got fired.”

“…Jungkook.”

“It’s fine! Totally fine! I didn’t like that job much anyway, and anyways, I got a new job already!” Jungkook didn’t tell Junghyun why he’d gotten fired, but he told him all about Jiwoo and Yoongi and how nice they were being to him.

“It really sounds like you could get along with them well,” Junghyun thought. Jungkook hummed in agreement. “I’m happy for you.”

Jungkook usually got along with coworkers, but he had never been too close to any of them. Jiwoo and Yoongi seemed like people he wouldn’t mind spending time with even outside of work.

“I’m excited,” he admitted. “I hope it all works out.”

[btschooseafic]

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook struggles with the idea that the pack are his Fated Mates.

Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

It had been several days since Jungkook went to work. In fact, he’d barely left the apartment. He hadn’t showered, or eaten much either.

When he heard his doorbell ring, he was scared it was one of them. But looking through the peephole he saw a different familiar face.

“I heard what happened,” Jiwoo said, when he let her in. “I just don’t understand what the problem is. Do you not want to mate them?” Jungkook shrugged jerkily.

“The idea of Fated Mates just… it just isn’t for me.”

“What do you mean?” Jiwoo prompted, sitting down at his table. Jungkook got her a glass and poured her some water for something to do. His whole body felt twitchy with excess energy. He should clean—Why had he let Jiwoo into his apartment without cleaning first? There were empty ramyeon containers on the counter and dirty clothes strewn everywhere.

Jiwoo gave him a pointed look. She was waiting for an answer.

“The idea that people are meant to be together, I just… I don’t believe in that kind of thing.”

“Well, you don’t have to be with them like that,” Jiwoo said. “Sure, it’s unusual to reject your Fated Mate, but not totally unheard of. And the pack are good people, they wouldn’t hold it against you if you don’t have romantic feelings for them.”

“It’s not that… I mean, I like them a lot, and I could totally see myself falling for them,” he admitted. “I just don’t want to be Fated Mates.”

“Well, unfortunately, that isn’t something we can choose for ourselves.” Jiwoo sipped at her water.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “We don’t have to talk about this. You’re friends with them too. I don’t want to make it awkward for you.”

“Too late,” she said bluntly. He winced. “But, that’s okay. I like all of you very much, but you’re the one having a rough time right now, so I want to support you in any way I can.”

“You’ve already helped me so much,” he thought. “You’ve been my friend, and you helped me find this job in the first place.” He grimaced. “And now I might lose it, since I’m not showing up to work.”

“Well, I think the pack would understand a few days absence, but, would you even be comfortable working there still?”

“…I don’t know,” he admitted.

Jiwoo took another sip of water. The kitchen was quiet for a moment and then took a deep breath. “If you really don’t know, there’s another place I know of that might take you on.”

He blinked at her. “For real?” He sniffed his shirt. “Ah, maybe I should shower first.”

The train ride was quiet. Jiwoo played a shooting game on her phone, Jungkook watching over her shoulder, occasionally pointing out zombies sneaking up behind her avatar.

They got off the train and walked a few blocks.

She brought him to a store front. The windows were clean and the door was done in a fresh coat of blue paint.

Neon above the door dubbed the place as Blue Parrot Tattoos. “This is my potential mate’s place,” she explained. “One of the pack that’s courting me is a tattoo artist. A couple of years ago she opened her own parlor.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Wow.” He couldn’t imagine the freedom that came with being your own boss, but it probably required a lot of hard work as well.

The inside was just as clean, with a girl chewing bubblegum sitting in front of an old wooden desk. She brightened as soon as she saw Jiwoo.

“Jiwoo-yah! As happy as I am to see you, please tell me I didn’t forget we had a date today!”

Jiwoo giggled like Jungkook had never heard her before.

“No, unnie, we didn’t have plans. I came here as a surprise today. I wanted to introduce Chaeyeon-unnie to my friend Jungkookie. Is that okay? Is unnie very busy today?”

“I don’t think so… just one appointment earlier and one later…” The girl at the desk clicked through her computer and then smiled. “Yeah, she should have a good chunk of time free right now. Go right through.”

“Thanks so much, unnie!” Jiwoo walked over to kiss her cheek. Jiwoo’s unnie flushed slightly. Jungkook grinned, they seemed to be getting along well.

Chaeyeon was a woman with short blue hair. She didn’t look too much older than Jungkook and Jiwoo. She was sitting at a desk sketching, frowning.

“She looks upset,” Jungkook whispered to Jiwoo. “Maybe we should come back another time.”

“Nonsense,” Jiwoo said. “That’s just what her face looks like when she’s concentrating—unnie!” Chaeyeon startled and turned.

“Jiwoo! I wasn’t expecting you today. What a pleasant surprise!”

Jiwoo smiled shyly. “I’m happy to see you as well unnie, but I didn’t come just to hang out. I wanted to introduce my friend Jungkookie to you. You were saying you could use an assistant, and Jungkookie does tattoos as well.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jungkook said, bowing quickly. Chaeyeon inclined her head. Jiwoo elbowed him.

“Show her!”

“Oh, ah, if you don’t mind.” Jungkook handed over a worn folder.

“This is great,” Chaeyeon said, flipping through the portfolio Jiwoo insisted Jungkook bring with him.

“It’s a little outdated,” Jungkook admitted shyly.

“He has a sleeve as well, that he did himself,” Jiwoo added.

“May I see?” Chaeyeon asked. Jungkook nodded, rolling up his sweater sleeve. Chaeyeon made an appreciative noise. “Do you have any previous experience tattooing?” Jungkook shook his head.

“These were my first attempts.”

“You’re a natural, then,” Chaeyeon said. Jungkook flushed.

For the next fifteen minutes, Jungkook and Chaeyeon discussed what Chaeyeon needed from an assistant. Jungkook thought it sounded very reasonable.

Then Chaeyeon had to prepare for her next client, so they said goodbye.

Jiwoo insisted on treating Jungkook to lunch afterwards. They slurped up noodles, making fun of each other splattering sauce.

“I’m glad it seems to be working out, but you should know, I also suggested this place for Jimin-oppa to get his next tattoo, so you might see him around,” Jiwoo said.

Jungkook remembered Taehyung saying Jungkook’s art would look pretty on Jimin’s skin. He felt something flutter in his stomach. Was he really excited at the prospect of doing a tattoo for Jimin? He couldn’t be so conflicted about the pack if he wanted to permanently mark Jimin like that.

He hadn’t gotten to know Jimin well, but he wanted to. Truth be told, he missed them all.

But still, he couldn’t imagine just going back to work like nothing happened. Would working at Blue Parrot Tattoos be better? But would the Kim Pack even want to see him outside of work, especially after he left them like that?

When he got home he did what he always did when he was uncertain, he called Junghyun. Junghyun listened silently to the whole story.

‘I want to meet them,’ Junghyun said when Jungkook was finished. ‘I have something I’d like to tell them about.’

Jungkook carefully started preparing for his family’s visit. He scrubbed down everything, did a load of laundry, and bought Seoyeon’s favorite snacks. He spent the most time building the best nest he could.

He was perfectly willing to leave the bed to Junghyun and Seoyeon while he slept on the couch, but he had a feeling Junghyun and Seoyeon would insist he join them.

It wouldn’t be the first time the three of them shared a nest, but it had been a while.

When they arrived, they greeted him with a group hug. Jungkook felt like crying. He hadn’t realized, until now, how little physical affection he got. He remembered with great clarity the last hug he’d gotten from Hoseok and Namjoon. It had felt so good, but now, holding his brother close, Jungkook realized he wanted more. He wanted to be able to smell them as he hugged them, to bury his nose in the crooks of their necks and take in the sweetness of their happiness.

“Samchon!” Seoyeon beamed up at him. “Look.” She pointed at her mouth, lisping a little. “I lost another tooth!”

Jungkook laughed. “Wow! Good job!”

“The tooth fairy left me this.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pink bear keychain. “I want you to have it.”

“What?” Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“Cause appa says you’re sad. So maybe this’ll cheer you up.”

“Thank you, baby.” Jungkook took it from her, kissing her forehead. “I feel better already.” He really did.

Jungkook cooked dinner, a recipe Seokjin had shown him. The ingredients were cheap and the end result was both tasty and filling. Everyone had seconds. Jungkook could imagine Seokjin cooking for them, blushing severely when they showered him in compliments.

The three of them spent the rest of the night cuddling in the nest, watching videos of baby animals on Jungkook’s phone.

“We’ve got to get you a new one,” Jungkook thought, glancing at Junghyun’s cracked screen. He kept his voice low. Seoyeon had just drifted off. Junghyun waved his hand.

“We don’t have to worry about that right now. Especially if you’re not sure about where you want to work.”

“I really liked Blue Parrot,” Jungkook said. “It was a nice space, and Chaeyeon-ssi was so accepting of my lack of experience. But I can’t just leave the cafe. I have to talk to them…” He bit his lip. “You said you wanted to talk to them too?” Junghyun nodded. “Can we go together?”

“Of course. We’ll go together.” Junghyun smiled, rubbing his back like he did when they were younger. Between that and Chaeyeon’s soft snores, Jungkook could feel sleep settling over him.

“Wait.” He yawned. “I have to let them know first. I haven’t responded to any of their calls or texts, I can’t just show up out of the blue.”

After thinking it over, he decided on texting Namjoon. Leaving work without notice hadn’t been professional, so he should approach them seriously. Contacting the Pack Leader would show his earnestness. Besides, email somehow felt less intimidating than texting or calling.

‘Dear Kim Pack Leader,

I’m sorry I haven’t responded to any of your pack’s texts or calls. I’m sorry I haven’t shown up for work. That was horribly unprofessional. I understand if you want to fire me, but before that I would really like to explain the reason behind my actions to your pack. Could we set up a time to meet in person?

Thank you,

Jungkook.’

“What do you think?” He asked, showing his phone to Junghyun. Junghyun’s eyes skimmed the screen. His nose wrinkled.

“Are you sure you want to sound so stiff with them? Aren’t they your friends?”

“…They were. I’m just not sure where we stand now. I mean, my feelings would be hurt if someone avoided me the way I’ve been avoiding them.”

Junghyun shook his head. “They don’t have the whole story. But, if they can’t forgive you for something like this, you aren’t meant to be friends, much less mates.”

“Hyung!” Jungkook flushed and shoved him.

“Don’t jostle Seoyeon!” Junghyun warned him in strained whisper. Jungkook slapped his hand over his mouth. Their eyes met. They laughed quietly.

Jungkook woke up and glanced at his phone. It was three in the morning. He groaned. He was sweaty, Junghyun clinging to him on one side, Seoyeon half on top of him on the other side. He wriggled out from underneath them and went to the bathroom. On the way back, he checked his phone again. He was surprised to see an email notification from Namjoon.

Jungkook,

I’m so glad to hear from you! I know you wouldn’t leave work without good reason, although that is not my main concern.

How are you? I admit we were worried when you didn’t respond to any of our attempts to contact you. I wondered if we were overzealous. I sincerely apologize if my pack has done anything to offend you.

We would love to meet in person. Just say when and where.

Yours,

Namjoon

Jungkook’s heart thumped. Yours. Was he really? Did Jungkook want him to be?

Namjoon,

To be honest, I’ve mostly been confused recently. But my brother and niece have come to visit, so I’m feeling better already. I’m sorry again for avoiding you. I don’t think you were overzealous, I just couldn’t bring myself to respond. I’m sorry.

You haven’t done anything to offend me. It isn’t your fault.

Would it be possible to meet this Thursday?

Jungkook racked his mind for a meeting place and finally decided on an ice cream place that wasn’t too far from a playground he had been meaning to take Seoyeon when she visited next.

P.S. My brother and niece would like to join us, if that’s okay with you.

[btschooseafic]

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook goes into heat.

Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

Jungkook now had a row of plant cuttings in shot glasses lining the window next to his bed. During his last video chat with Seoyeon they discussed names for the cuttings.

He was extra excited when he saw Namjoon for the first time in days, to let him know what they’d come up with.

Namjoon froze when he saw Jungkook.

“Hyung! Hyung!” Jungkook beamed at him. “I’m so glad I chose the closing shift today—I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“No, I…” Namjoon cleared his throat. “It’s nice to see you too. Is Yoongi-hyung around?”

Jungkook nodded. “He’s in back—do you want me to get him?”

“No! I’ll go. I have, ah, something I wanted to mention to him. I’ll be… just a second.” Namjoon inched out of the room in an awkward sort of crab walk. Jungkook frowned. Was Namjoon lying? He didn’t actually seem happy to see him. Jungkook’s chest tightened. He rubbed it and then shrugged, going back to sweeping the floor. It was a hot summer’s night, so his bangs were sticking to his forehead as sweat dripped into his eyes. He groaned. Maybe he should ask Jin for one of the hair clips he used to keep his hair out of the way while preparing food?

Yoongi burst out of the curtain at a faster speed than Jungkook had ever seen him move.

“Jungkook-ah?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you…?” Yoongi paused, brow furrowed as he looked him over, sniffing. “You’re in pre-heat.” Jungkook realized what all the sweating meant. He touched his neck, feeling his skin smooth instead of the tackiness of his scent blocker. He whined in embarrassment. Yoongi’s gaze softened. “It’s fine. Hyung’s got you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stick of roll-on scent blocker.

Jungkook swallowed the burst of affection that wanted to spill from his lips. “Thanks,” he muttered instead. Yoongi placed it on the counter. Jungkook walked up to get it. He applied it carefully, on both his neck and his wrists. “I hope I didn’t make Namjoon-hyung too uncomfortable.” Namjoon must not like the scent of his pre-heat. That’s why he left the room so awkwardly.

Yoongi snorted. “He’s a big boy. He can handle a little pre-heat scent,” he said. Jungkook nodded woodenly. He moved to start sweeping again. “Jungkook-ah.” Jungkook turned to look at him. “You’re free to go early, if you like.” Jungkook shrugged. “And you don’t have to come in tomorrow.”

“What?” Jungkook stared at him. “Hyung, don’t fire me—I can work hard, even if I’m in pre-heat!”

“Whoa, slow down, Jungkookie. I’m not firing you.” Yoongi looked just as shocked as Jungkook felt. “I’m just reminding you of the clause in your contract.” Jungkook squinting at him. “You’re entitled to paid heat leave, which includes a few days of pre-heat. You’re free to work during pre-heat if you’re comfortable doing so, but you shouldn’t feel required too.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Yoongi raised an eyebrow at him. “Did you seriously not read the contract before signing it?”

Jungkook laughed sheepishly. “I was just so excited to get the job I kind of sped through it.”

Yoongi clicked his tongue. “Reckless. We could be taking advantage of you.”

“Hyungduel would never,” Jungkook disagreed. Yoongi smiled slightly.

“Yeah, well… think about not coming to work, then.”

Jungkook did come into work the next day, but left early again when he sweat through his scent blocker again. Yoongi gave him his again and told him to keep it this time.

“It’s a fairly sweat proof brand, Jiminie’s a dancer and he swears by it,” Yoongi told him.

Jungkook put the scent blocker stick next to the plants by the window. If he popped his head out of his nest to smile at them ever so often, that was no one’s business but his own.

Several days later, Jungkook was in full heat. If he’d thought the sweating was bad before, he must’ve been mistaken.

“Hyung…” He whined in a voice message to Junghyun. “The air feels like soup. I think I’m dying… also, now I want to eat soup. Hyung… come make me soup.”

After a few minutes, his brain caught up to him.

“Hyung, I’m not really dying, please don’t come running all the way to Seoul cause my heat-addled brain is melting.”

His phone buzzed. Jungkook squinted at the screen.

JK, I think you meant to message someone else, but nevertheless, I do have soup.

Tell me your address if you want it.

Jungkook let out a high pitched scream and threw his phone across the room. How the fuck had managed to text Seokjin instead of Junghyun? After a few minutes of breathing rapidly, Jungkook noticed his phone buzzing again. Curiosity got the better of him. He rolled out of bed and crawled over to his phone. Every movement hurt.

If you’re comfortable with that.

Wait, this was weird, wasn’t it?

Sorry. I shouldn’t have offered you soup.

Oh Jin. Jungkook melted in another way.

Not weird at all, he texted back. I was just surprised. After a few minutes of bitting his lip and rolling around the floor in indecision, he finally texted, What kind of soup?

Kimchi Jigae, it’s Jimin’s comfort food. He had a bad day today, so I made a lot. Would you like some?

Jungkook felt a small flash of jealousy at the idea of Jimin, someone he had barely met once, being surrounded by comfort on a bad day, while Jungkook was lying on a the floor alone during his heat. Then he immediately felt bad for thinking that about Jimin, who had seemed kind and helpful the one time they met.

Sorry he isn’t feeling well. Is there anything I can do to help? If you give me soup, will he still have enough?

Very sweet of you. There’s plenty of soup for everyone. Just focus on resting during your heat.

Jin-hyung?

Yes?

Can I have soup, please? Jungkook texted his address.

I’ll be there ASAP.

Jungkook fell asleep on the floor, holding his phone waiting for Jin. He woke when it buzzed.

I’m leaving the goods outside the door. Do you want anything else while I’m here?

No thanks. Thank you soooooo much for the soup.

Thank me after tasting it.

Please. Like, your cooking could be bad. Jungkook smiled, imagining how red his ears must be getting.

He walked to the door, there were two bags. One had two containers of soup in it. Jungkook immediately poured some into a bowl and started heating it up. The other bag was labeled FROM JIMIN AND YOONGI. There was a handwritten note, which must be from Jimin, because it didn’t look like Yoongi’s handwriting.

Dear Jungkook,

Heats suck. Hopefully these things will help yours suck a little less.

Jimin

Instead there were heat packs, ice packs, several kinds of candies and chips, wet wipes, and a blanket that looked hand knitted.

Jungkook stared at the blanket for what felt like a lifetime, jumping when the microwave beeped. He sat at the table to drink the soup, nearly crying at how good it tasted, and then took the heat care package into his nest with him. The blanket he carefully wove into the wall of the nest, where he could stare at it and run his fingers over it. It was unscented, which Jungkook was surprised disappointed him. Still, a handmade blanket during his heat, that was almost like a courting gift, wasn’t it? But no, why would they be courting someone like him? Jimin had only met him once, and Yoongi… Yoongi had plenty of other mates to love. There was no reason to go after Jungkook.

When Jungkook got back to work after his heat break, Namjoon was visiting again. It was early morning, before they’d even opened yet, and Hoseok was covering his face in kisses, rubbing his chest like it was granting him good luck. Namjoon’s dimples were on full display as he wrapped his arms around his mate.

Jealousy squirmed in Jungkook’s stomach, although he wasn’t sure which one he was jealous of. It wasn’t that he wanted to pull them apart—they looked beautiful together. He just wanted…

“Jungkookie!” Hoseok beamed when he saw him, reaching to pull him into the hug. Oh. This was much better. Jungkook had reasons for not wanting to be physically close with people, but he couldn’t deny the warmth coming off the two of them felt heavenly. “Guess what?” Jungkook made a questioning noise. “Namjoonie made a deal with the supplier we’ve been having trouble with—now Jin-hyung can work on products with higher quality chocolate!”

“That’s great!” Jungkook hadn’t even known they’ve been having trouble with a supplier, but found himself easily caught up in Hoseok’s excitement.

“We should celebrate! Tonight! Even Jiminie has the night off—“

“Oh, that’s okay,” Namjoon said. “Jimin probably wants to use his free time to practice. We don’t need to celebrate—“

“Nonsense!” Hoseok said. “Jimin’s been working too hard recently. He could use an actual break. And you worked hard on this deal too, we should celebrate! I’ll take care of everything, you just get yourself back here tonight.”

“Well, okay, then,” Namjoon acquiesced.

Throughout the day, Hoseok zipped in and out of the room, working on his plans for the party.

“I’m so disappointed I can’t come,” Jiwoo grumbled as they chatted in the locker room.

“Huh, why not?” Jungkook wondered. “I thought you finished up your latest class.”

“Yes, well…” Jiwoo flushed. “Don’t go spreading this around, cause we’re still in early stages, but… I’m kind of, sort of being courted by a pack. I have a date tonight.”

“Wow!” Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Congrats, friend” Jiwoo pushed his shoulder.

“Shut up. I told you, I’m still not sure…” She bit her lip. “I’ve never been courted before. This is all so new to me.”

“I hope it goes well,” Jungkook said, stomach clenching at the thought it might not. Jiwoo was sweet and kind, she deserved mates who treated her well. “Text me if anything goes wrong, okay? I’ll come running.”

Jiwoo smiled softly. “I’m sure you would. But you could stand to focus a little on yourself too, you know.”

Jungkook’s brow furrowed. “What d’you mean?”

Jiwoo considered him. “Hmm. Well, if you haven’t started that conversation with them yet, I’m not starting it for you.”

“Jiwoo…” Jungkook whined, pulling on her arm. She shook her head.

“Go home and rest, and then come back and enjoy yourself at the party, I’m sure you’ll figure it out sooner than later.”

At home, Jungkook spoke with his brother about plans for Chuseok. The thick summer air was fading into a cool autumn breeze. Even though they did the same thing every year, somehow, this year felt different. Jungkook was in less of a rush to go back to his hometown. Seokjin was developing white chocolate moon shaped cookies. Jungkook was enjoying taste testing them.

“If you’re happy where you are right now, you don’t have to come,” Junhyun said. “I can do the cooking and cleaning by myself. Mom and dad would want you to enjoy your life.”

Jungkook shook his head. “I miss you guys. I’ll come home and help. I’ll see if Jin-hyung can give me extra cookies to share with Seoyeonie.”

“Bring me something that isn’t white chocolate,” Junghyun said, his nose wrinkling.

The cafe was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a sparkly banner that spelled out Namjoon’s name.

There was a wide variety of foods, both sweet and savory on the counter, including a large plate of moon cookies.

“I think they’re almost done,” Seokjin said, smiling in amusement as Jungkook scarfed down three in a row. “All I need now is a sign to advertise them.”

“Say no more!” Jungkook said, holding up his hand. “Just give me a piece of paper and a pen.”

“Sure.” Seokjin got it for him.

Jungkook sat quietly, sketching out the different phases of the moon. The shading was difficult to get right. He was so focused, he didn’t even notice Seokjin leaving.

“That’s beautiful,” someone said in a gasp. Jungkook looked up and saw the handsome stranger from outside the club, Jimin.

“That would look so pretty on your skin,” Taehyung said from behind him. Jungkook looked at him. “Jimin’s thinking of getting a tattoo.”

“Taetae said you did your own.” Jimin smiled hesitantly. “Could I see?” Jungkook wiggled from side to side, thinking about it. He nodded and pulled off his sweater. “So cool.” Jimin reached out. His fingertips grazed the bare skin of Jungkook’s arm. They both jerked as they felt the sparks between them.

“Wait…” Taehyung looked back and forth between them. “Did that just happen? Did you just…?” He reached out and grabbed Jungkook’s hand. Sparks shot between them as well. Taehyung’s cheeks went full as he smiled. “I can’t believe it—you’re our Fated Mate!” He squeezed Jungkook’s hand. “Come on, you have to touch the others!”

“No!” Jungkook pulled away from him. Taehyung stared. “I don’t… I can’t…” Jungkook struggled to suck in sharp breaths.

“Breathe…” Jimin said. “Just breathe, it’s okay, we’ll figure this out together.” Jungkook shook his head and ran for the door, ignoring the others calling out from across the room.

[btschooseafic]

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook meets (most of) the pack that runs Jin's Cafe.

Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

***

Jungkook was used to getting ready for work as evening approached (although it was a little earlier than usual). He wasn’t used to the small flutter of excitement at his chest. Or, at least, he hadn’t felt it in some time.

When he got the job at the bar, he’d thought it would be temporary, just until he could refine his portfolio and start applying again. The job wasn’t so bad, at first. He enjoyed seeing people celebrate—job promotions—new mates—good times. But then the nights dragged on. He saw more people lost in the bottom of their cups than celebrating. He was drained by the end of the night, no energy left to work on his portfolio.

“Jungkook-ah!” Yoongi waved and smiled and Jungkook felt something dancing in his stomach. “How are you doing?” Yoongi seemed to actually be waiting for a response.

“I’m—I’m good. Excited to be here.”

Yoongi studied him. “That’s good. Are you ready to see how to close up?” He asked. Jungkook nodded. So Yoongi showed Jungkook how to clean the coffee machines and counters. “There’s a separate routine for the back. Jin-hyung can show you what it’s like over the next couple of days. You can try working in the front and in the back, see what you like better.”

A broad shouldered man stepped out from behind the curtain marked ‘employees only!’

“Yoongi-yah, where’d you put the—“ The man broke off, blinking at Jungkook. “Hello?”

“Hi?” Jungkook replied.

The man put his hand in front of his mouth and leaned close to Yoongi. “I thought you were closing up,” the man whispered loudly. “Who is this?”

“Hyung.” Yoongi rolled his eyes. “Remember I told you Jiwoo brought in a prospective employee?” The other man just squinted at him, like he remembered nothing of the sort. Yoongi sighed. “He liked your matcha toast.”

“Ha ha! Of course he did! I’m an excellent cafe owner, obviously everything I make is spectacular!”

Jungkook concluded that this was Jin, and he was just as self-centered as Jungkook first assumed. Then he saw how Jin’s ears were bright red. Was he embarrassed that Jungkook liked his toast? Jungkook’s lips twitched. That was… kind of cute, actually.

“I’m Jungkook,” he introduced himself, bowing slightly.

“Kim Seokjin.” He paused, pursing pink puffy lips. “I’m sorry I forgot about you, it’s coming back to me a little now. Thanks for enjoying my food.”

“Ah, hyung, it’s fine, it’s been a long day,” Yoongi reassured him. He pulled out his phone and glanced at it. “Namjoonie is heading over now.”

“Excellent!” Jin clapped his hands together. “Jungkook, would you like a tour of the kitchen before he arrives?”

As an omega, Jungkook hesitated for a moment before agreeing to be alone with a stranger.

“I’ll come too,” Yoongi offered. “Just in case hyung forgets anything else important.”

“Yah!” Jin’s ears flushed again.

A small giggle escaped Jungkook’s lips. Seokjin and Yoongi looked at him. Jungkook held his hand over his mouth.

“Ah, sorry, it’s just… you two seem to get along well.”

“I would hope so!” Seokjin huffed. “Seeing as Yoongi’s my mate.”

Jungkook blinked. “Oh…”

“Yoongi didn’t tell you?” Seokjin shot him a look. “Seems like I’m not the only one forgetting important things. Anyway, come along, I’ll explain as we walk.” He held open the curtain. Yoongi and Jungkook stepped through. Seokjin showed him around the kitchen, and pointed through another door at the locker room. “It’s not much, but to me, it’s beautiful.” Seokjin touched the oven, smiling at it. “It’s always been my dream to open a cafe. Of course, it’s hard to run a cafe by yourself, so my mates helped me.” He reached over to pinch Yoongi’s cheek. “And they’re actually very good at it.”

Yoongi swatted him off, blushing slightly. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”

“We also sell records, because Yoongi is obsessed with music, and plants, cause Namjoonie likes leafy green things.” Seokjin paused. “Not vegetables. He could stand to eat more of those.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, that concludes our short, yet sweet, tour. Tips are appreciated.” He held his hand out.

Jungkook stuck his hands in his pockets. He felt something small and round and pulled it out. It was one of the candies he kept on hand for Seoyeon. He placed it on Seokjin’s palm.

Yoongi snorted. “Don’t encourage him.”

“This…” Seokjin held it up. “Is the single best tip I’ve received in my entire career.”

Jungkook squinted. “You can’t have received many good tips, then.” Seokjin shrugged, unwrapping the candy and popping it in his mouth.

They returned to the front, Yoongi telling Jungkook about the best selling albums currently. The door opened, the little bell above it jingling.

“Am I late?” The man asked, slightly out of breath. Yoongi shook his head.

“This is Jungkook.”

“I’m Kim Namjoon.” He smiled. Oh. Dimples!

“Anyway,” Seokjin said. “The three of us are in charge. Hoseok still works here part time, but Taehyung and Jimin have other responsibilities now, so that’s why we needed more employees.”

Jungkook nodded, even though he didn’t know who Seokjin was talking about, he figured they were more of Seokjin’s mates. “That makes sense.”

“If you could help us with closing today, and then tomorrow come in around two or three, you could meet Hoseok then, and he can run you through the afternoon shift.” Namjoon showed Jungkook how to wipe down the tables and couches and water the plants. “To be honest, the books don’t make a significant profit,” Namjoon told Jungkook as they straightened out the shelves. “But customers are allowed to read the books without purchasing them,  or donate used books. I think it makes for a nice atmosphere.”

Seokjin showed Jungkook what needed to be prepped for tomorrow morning in the kitchen. They sliced apples together, and Seokjin let Jungkook nibble at the core.

Jungkook stared at the check Namjoon placed in his hands at the end of the night.

“We can do cash, if you prefer,” Yoongi commented. Jungkook shook his head.

“This is fine, I’m just… I didn’t realize I would be getting paid for the trial period.”

Yoongi’s brow furrowed. “It’s work. Of course we’re paying you.”

“Normally we pay weekly, but for the trial period I figure we’ll do daily, in case something ends up not working out,” Namjoon told him. Jungkook nodded, tucking the check into his pocket, determined that he would reach that weekly pay.

The afternoon shift was nice. He got to hang out a bit with Jiwoo. “The afternoon shift is my preference, since I take classes at night,” she told him.

After a week of learning under Hoseok, Jungkook was refreshed in his coffee knowledge. He often worked out front, practicing more and more elaborate latte art to surprise the customers with.

He also became familiar with the specific aspects of working at Jin’s Cafe.

Yoongi let him choose some albums to order to sell, and gave him editing permissions on the cafe’s playlists.

Sometimes Jungkook worked in the back. He wasn’t great at cooking the same recipe over and over, especially for profit. He preferred cooking for himself, the freedom of just throwing things together and hoping they tasted good.

“Namjoon isn’t allowed in the kitchen cause one time he burnt a hole through one of my favorite pots,” Seokjin told Jungkook. “Compared to that, you’re welcome back here anytime.”

At the end of the week, Jungkook insisted he was ready for the infamous morning rush.

It was just halfway into the shift when Jungkook finally got a break. He stood at the counter, munching on a chocolate almond croissant Hoseok brought him from the kitchen.

Jungkook was good at customer service, and he enjoyed that challenge, but it took a lot of energy out of him.

“Jin-hyung is the same way,” Hoseok said when Jungkook admitted this to him. “He’s great at charming even the most difficult customers, but it leaves him totally drained afterwards, so he prefers staying in the kitchen. Besides, he really enjoys cooking. As long as he can peek out and see how people are liking his food, he’ll be happy.”

“What about you?” Jungkook wondered. Even while working only part time, Hoseok seemed great at remembering customer’s names favorite orders. Jungkook had heard him asking after a regular customer’s mother’s surgery and how that big project at work ended up.

Hoseok smiled sheepishly. “I’m similar. I enjoy meeting new people, but it also makes my heart race too fast. We’re all mostly introverted here, except for Joonie. That’s why he takes care of the business side of things,” Hoseok explained. Jungkook nodded. Namjoon only stopped by every couple of days—though he had still found time to give Jungkook a plant cutting. Jungkook was enjoying the small sprout of green in his apartment. “He does all the meetings with the investors and stuff like that. Seokjin would end up yelling and I’d end up…” He paused. “Probably lecturing them.” He giggled. Then his face turned serious. “We’ve had some pretty shitty investors in the past. They didn’t give us the freedom to do what we wanted with the cafe. It’s better now, but it was really hard for a while.”

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook said. “But I’m glad it’s better now.”

Hoseok smiled. “I can tell you really mean that. You’re lovely.”

Jungkook flushed. “Sajangnim…”

Hoseok waved his hand. “You can call us all hyung.” He paused. “Unless that’ll make you uncomfortable? Jiwoo said she’s happy to address us casually, but you’re your own person, so if you don’t want to—“

“I want to!” Jungkook said quickly. He liked the idea of having several more hyungduel to look after him (and vice versa).

Hoseok’s grin was heart shaped. “Great! Now, let’s see what else I can teach you, Jungkookie!” The chalkboard outside needed to be redone. “Usually we do a doodle and a joke. Often a pun. The secret goal is to make Jin-hyung laugh. Why don’t you give it a try this time?” He handed Jungkook a box of colorful chalk pens.

“Got it.” Jungkook nodded seriously. Hoseok laughed.

“Cutie.”

“…Hyung.” Jungkook squirmed, not necessarily disliking Hoseok calling him cute, but not sure what to do about that. Instead of dealing with it, he leaned over and started to draw. He drew a steaming cup of coffee and a scrawled out a quick little pun.

Hoseok rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That’s good! I mean, the pun is… could use some work, honestly,” he said. Jungkook wilted slightly. “But the drawing is great, feels like I could reach in and grab the cup to go!” Jungkook smiled tentatively. Hoseok clapped his hands together. “I know, how about you take care of the chalkboard whenever you take the morning shift! What do you think?”

“I can do that,” Jungkook said, resolving to Naver coffee puns later.

Soon, Jungkook’s trial was over. He had mostly settled into morning shifts. He knew the names of several regular customers, and regularly updated Yoongi’s morning playlist.

One afternoon, he was lingering in the locker room to chat with Jiwoo. Jiwoo glanced at her phone.

“Oh, I’ve got to hurry, it’s almost time for me to start.”

“Is it that time already?” He needed to get going, he had a call with Junghyun soon. “Do you mind if I change in front of you?” Jungkook asked.

“Go ahead,” Jiwoo waved her hand, turning around to organize something in her locker. Jungkook pulled off his work shirt, comfortable enough to change in front of another omega. He was wearing an undershirt anyway.

The door burst open. “Hyung, are you in here?”

Jungkook froze, staring at the man in the doorway.

It was the strawberry boy, one of the mates from in front of the club that night. The strawberry scent was gone now, leaving the faint smell of alpha, most likely peeking through scent blockers at the end of the day. Jungkook was surprised to find he didn’t mind the alpha’s natural scent. He nearly stepped closer to smell it better.

“Goddammit Taehyung!” Jiwoo said, standing in front of Jungkook and trying to shield him from view (she was shorter than him, but Jungkook appreciated the effort). “You can’t just burst in here—it’s not just your mates that work here anymore.”

“Sorry, sorry.” Taehyung bowed.

“It—it’s fine,” Jungkook said, wondering if Taehyung would remember him. “I’m sure it was just an accident.” He pulled on his hoodie and zipped it up.

Taehyung nodded wildly. “Ah, but I couldn’t help but notice… your tattoos are really cool.”

Jungkook’s cheeks felt warm. “Thanks.”

“Where’d you get them done?” Taehyung wondered.

“Oh, I did them myself,” Jungkook admitted.

“Seriously?” Jiwoo’s eyes widened. “That’s so cool…”

“It is!” Taehyung agreed. “But, what are you doing working in a cafe if you’re so good at tattoos?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m so good. That was just practice. I’ve never done anyone else’s.” Jungkook thought Taehyung was probably just exaggerating cause he felt bad about bursting in on him changing.

“No, really, they’re so good,” Jiwoo told him. “You should be proud of them. Anyway, are you okay, JK? Cause I’ve got to get to work.”

“I’m fine,” Jungkook assured her. She rushed out of the room. Jungkook slung his bag over his shoulder.

“Um…” Taehyung smiled shyly. “I was wondering, do you remember me?”

“…Yeah, I’m surprised you remembered me.”

“You’re surprised?” Taehyung’s brow furrowed. “Jimin and I have been worried about you this whole time. I mean…” He held his hands up. “Not that you didn’t seem capable of defending yourself, but I know some alphas can be real assholes.”

“Sure,” Jungkook said. “But some aren’t. You…” He cleared his throat. “I mean… thanks again, for helping me, that night.”

Taehyung shook his head. “I didn’t really do anything.”

“Maybe not intentionally,” Jungkook acknowledged. “But your perfume was strong enough to hide my scent. That really helped.”

“Strawberries.” Taehyung grinned. “I like sweet scents, good thing one of my mates opened a bakery, huh?”

“I want you to know, I scolded Tae for rushing into the locker room like that,” Hoseok told him the next day. “He’s aware that you and Jiwoo change in there, so he should act better.”

“I’m fine,” Jungkook said seriously. “Taehyung-ssi seemed nice.”

Hoseok nodded slowly. “He’s very nice, but he’s still very puppy-like. He’s our maknae, you know, so he might be a little too exuberant sometimes. But I promise he will back down if you ever feel uncomfortable.”

Jungkook nodded, although, for some reason, he couldn’t actually imagine Taehyung making him feel uncomfortable.

***

taglist

@ldysmfrst

[btschooseafic]

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook explains some things to the pack.Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

‘I’m nervous,’ he admitted to Hoseok over text. Namjoon might be the pack’s leader, but Hoseok was his right hand man. Hoseok was aware of everything that went on in the pack—could analyze and problem solve before Namjoon had to step in.

‘Me too,’ Hoseok texted back after a moment. ‘We’ll figure this out together. I’m hopeful this will all work out.’

After playing at the playground for a while, they headed to the ice cream shop.

Jungkook saw the pack standing out front. Hoseok and Namjoon were arguing playfully about mint chocolate.

“Personally, I like it,” he cut in.

“Traitor,” Namjoon muttered, pouting in exaggeration. Jimin pinched his cheek. Hoseok giggled.

“I’ve got Kookie on my side, which means I win.”

“But I don’t like it,” Seoyeon said. Taehyung grinned.

“Ha!” Namjoon gave Hoseok a superior look. “The baby is on my side, which means I win.” Seokjin nodded seriously.

“I’m not a baby,” Seoyeon said, laughing a bit. “I’m Seoyeon Jeon!”

“This is my niece and my brother Junghyun, her father,” Jungkook introduced them. “Hyung, this is Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon, Jimin, and Taehyung.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Yoongi bowed slightly.

“No need to be so formal, I’m Taehyung and Jimin’s age, I believe.”

Jimin’s eyes widened. “We’re the same age…?” He glanced at Seoyeon. Jungkook frowned. Junghyun smiled.

“I had Seoyeon when I was still young,” he told them.

“Ah, then call me hyung,” Yoongi said easily.

“Shall we order?” Namjoon suggested. Hoesok nodded.

“I spot a table, I’ll go save it for us.”

Inside, Jungkook picked Seoyeon up so she could see all the flavors. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Jimin bowing to Junghyun. Junghyun waved his hand dismissively.

Seoyeon tugged on Jungkook’s arm. “I wanna try the banana.”

“It’s banana rum, sweetheart, you can’t have that,” Jungkook told her apologetically. She frowned.

“What about strawberry?” Taehyung said. “Do you like strawberry? It’s my favorite.”

“Strawberry is pretty good,” Seoyeon acknowledged.

“Let’s try some,” Taehyung encouraged her.

They filed out clutching cups and cones. Hoseok waved them over to his table. They tried each others flavors, disagreeing cheerfully over which was the best.

As the ice cream dwindled, Seoyeon told them about her best friend, who wanted to be a ballerina. Jimin got up from the table to show off a few positions. Jungkook oohed and awed with the rest of them, Seoyeon clapping loudly. Yoongi rolled his eyes, but there was an undeniably proud look on his face.

Seoyeon jumped up to try and copy him.

“Uh-oh,” Junghyun said. “We’ve got a sugar high coming up, don’t we?”

“Should we had back to the playground for a bit?” Jungkook suggested. He looked at the others. “If you don’t mind. I know we still haven’t talked but—“

“Playground sounds great,” Taehyung said.

At the playground, they all ran around with Seoyeon. She orchestrated a game of tag, obviously aware that they were letting her win, but not complaining in the slightest.

When Seoyeon tripped and fell on some dead leaves, Junghyun was immediately at her side with a bottle of water to rinse off the scrape on her knee.

Namjoon held out a box of Pokemon band aids. Seoyeon focused so hard on selecting one that she stopped crying.

They went to rest on some benches.

“You feeling better, little one?” Jungkook asked her.

“Samchon…” Seoyeon let out a big yawn.

“Do you need to go home for a nap?” Taehyung asked gently.

“I have something I want to tell you about before we part ways,” Junghyun said.

“Samchon, pick me up?” Seoyeon suggested.

“Of course,” Jungkook agreed easily. He gathered her into his arms. She tucked her chin over his shoulder. A few minutes later, Junghyun leaned over to look at her face.

“She’s asleep already?” Jimin asked quietly. Junghyun nodded. “Wow.”

Junghyun smiled. “That’s my sweet girl, always the best at sleeping, as long as she has something or someone to hold on to.”

Jimin covered his mouth as laughter bubbled up. “Tae’s the same way.”

“What did you want to tell us about, Junghyun-ssi?” Yoongi prompted.

“Our parents died when I was nineteen,” Junghyun told them. Jimin and Hoseok gasped. Namjoon gazed at them sadly.

“It’s okay,” Jungkook said, keeping his voice low so he didn’t wake Seoyeon. She was a heavy sleeper, but, still. “Hyung took care of me.”

“For a couple of years,” Junghyun said. “And then I met this guy.” He sighed. “He was my Fated Mate, and, I thought, the answer to all my prayers. You see, Jungkook said it was fine, and I did my best, but really, we were struggling financially. We still are. I worked two jobs at that point. My Fated Mate told me those days were over. He would help take care of me and Jungkook. But he was lying.”

“He didn’t really like me,” Jungkook said, stroking Seoyeon’s back. “I think he wanted hyung all to himself. He didn’t like that a kid was hanging around them all the time.”

“That’s stupid,” Taehyung said. “Children are blessings.”

“He didn’t think like that,” Junghyun said. “So it only got worse when we found out I was pregnant. He left. I haven’t heard from him since.”

“That’s horrible!” Hoseok said. Junghyun shrugged.

“He didn’t like children. In some ways it’s better he left than sticking around pretending to be the father he wasn’t.”

“But she was his child too,” Yoongi pointed out. “At the very least he should pay child support.”

“Did he?” Namjoon asked Junghyun. Junghyun shook his head.

“He had plenty of money too,” Jungkook grumbled. “He just didn’t think we were worth spending it on.”

“So, you see, my situation left Kookie with a lot of doubt in the soulmate system,” Junghyun continued.

“…I understand,” Jimin said. He turned to Jungkook. “I understand if that makes you wary of us.”

“You’re good people,” Jungkook said. “I know that. But, it was still scary to find out that you were my Fated Mates.”

“I’d love to hear how you feel about it in your own words,” Namjoon said, gazing into Jungkook’s eyes. Jungkook squirmed a little. There was a familiar feeling dancing his stomach, something between nerves and excitement.

“Hyung was always so cool to me,” he muttered. Junghyun grinned.

“What’s that? Want to say it a little louder?”

“Shut up,” Jungkook grumbled. Junghyun laughed. Then he stiffened.

“Whew, she’s still asleep. Continue, Jungkook.”

“Ah, well, I always thought Junghyun was so cool, so he deserved the best Fated Mate. Meanwhile, I majored in Fine Arts, which felt like a useless degree—I couldn’t even manage to get a proper job after school.”

“Jungkook.” Junghyun frowned. Jungkook took a deep breath.

“If someone as cool as hyung couldn’t get the perfect Fated Mate, then how could I luck out and get you guys? You guys are already the perfect pack, you don’t need me. I’ll only bring you down.”

“Ridiculous,” Taehyung muttered. “Sure, your brother is cool, but don’t you know how awesome you are yourself?” Jungkook shook his head.

“Tae’s right,” Jimin said. “So, you have some insecurities, I get that. I doubt myself a lot too. But I want to tell you that my mates are always talking about you. The look in their eyes is warm and fond, and their words are sweet. I want to get to know you better. Yes, we are a good pack without you, but with you we could shine even brighter, I know it.”

“Maybe,” Jungkook said. “If we weren’t Fated Mates…”

“We can’t ignore the fact that we’re Fated Mates,” Namjoon said. “Even if we never touch skin to skin again, we can’t turn back time and forget what happened. But, I do want you to know, we already liked you very much before we knew you were our Fated Mate.”

“And our feelings haven’t changed,” Hoseok added. “We missed you a lot when you left.”

“I keep turning to tell you something and you aren’t there,” Seokjin said.

“Hearing about what happened to Junghyun, I understand if you’d want nothing to do with us,” Yoongi said. “But please understand that we would do our best to treat you with all the love and kindness you deserve.”

“Which is infinite,” Taehyung added. “You deserve infinite love and kindness, more than we could ever give you, but we would still try our best.”

“Please say you’ll give us a chance,” Jimin said.

“I still want you in my life,” Jungkook said. “Seeing you playing with Seoyeon today solidified that for me. But…I’m not sure whether I want to be just friends or…”

“That’s fine,” Yoongi said. “You don’t have to figure that out right away. We’re happy to wait.”

“Maybe you could start by coming back to work?” Seokjin suggested.

Jungkook bit his lip. “About that… I loved working in the cafe, but…” He told them about The Blue Parrot.

“That sounds like an amazing opportunity,” Jimin said. “You should take it.”

“But, I don’t want to leave you with fewer employees than you need,” Jungkook said. “Maybe I should come back to work, just for now…”

The solution came a few days later when he received a text from Minho, asking how he was doing.

‘I don’t know much about Fated Mates, but it’s good you got away from here when you could,’ Minho told him once Jungkook filled him in on the basics. Minho explained to him that their boss had gotten arrested by the government for tax fraud, so the bar would be closing. Having an idea, Jungkook asking Minho if he had any barista experience.

A few weeks later, Jungkook was at the Blue Parrot. He hadn’t actually tattooed anyone’s skin yet, but he was getting plenty of practice on the fake skin Chaeyeon provided him with. And he was drawing more than ever. He was hoping Jimin’s moon tattoo would be his first real experience. Jimin said he was willing to wait until Jungkook was ready for him.

Months later, Jimin showed off his new tattoo. Hoseok threw a party to celebrate. Jiwoo brought her potential mates with her. Jungkook was wearing his favorite jacket, the tear mended by Yoongi’s colorful embroidery floss. It was the first courting gift Jungkook had accepted.

“Looks good on you, baby,” Namjoon said, kissing his cheek.

“You’re beautiful,” Yoongi agreed.

“Not as pretty as Jimin,” Jungkook said dismissively.

“Shut up, we both look great,” Jimin retorted.

“Our omegas are the best,” Taehyung said, kissing each of them on the head. Yoongi flushed and swatted at him. Jungkook thought he looked good all pink. He wanted to think up new ways to make Yoongi blush next week during their first heat together. Jimin grinned. Jungkook opened his mouth.

“Don’t argue,” Seokjin said, placing a cookie between his lips. Jungkook took the cookie and chewed.

He swallowed. “Fine, but Hoseokie-hyung is the best beta, for putting this all together.” Jungkook had never felt so comfortable at a party before.

“Hear, hear!” Taehyung raised his glass.

“Thank you, little love,” Hoseok pulled Jungkook into a hug. “It’s nice to have my hard work recognized.” He ran his hands up and down Jungkook’s bare arms. Jungkook shivered as pleasant sparks rang and down his skin. 

[lovebodymindstuff]

The way I need more of this fic ! 🥰

Scared of Love (in a coffee shop)

Pairing: ot7, ot6 x jungkook

Details: jungkook centric, a/b/o dynamics, coffee shop au, soulmates au

Summary: Jungkook struggles with the idea that the pack are his Fated Mates.

Warnings: implied mpreg (not jk), attempted assault

Masterlist

It had been several days since Jungkook went to work. In fact, he’d barely left the apartment. He hadn’t showered, or eaten much either.

When he heard his doorbell ring, he was scared it was one of them. But looking through the peephole he saw a different familiar face.

“I heard what happened,” Jiwoo said, when he let her in. “I just don’t understand what the problem is. Do you not want to mate them?” Jungkook shrugged jerkily.

“The idea of Fated Mates just… it just isn’t for me.”

“What do you mean?” Jiwoo prompted, sitting down at his table. Jungkook got her a glass and poured her some water for something to do. His whole body felt twitchy with excess energy. He should clean—Why had he let Jiwoo into his apartment without cleaning first? There were empty ramyeon containers on the counter and dirty clothes strewn everywhere.

Jiwoo gave him a pointed look. She was waiting for an answer.

“The idea that people are meant to be together, I just… I don’t believe in that kind of thing.”

“Well, you don’t have to be with them like that,” Jiwoo said. “Sure, it’s unusual to reject your Fated Mate, but not totally unheard of. And the pack are good people, they wouldn’t hold it against you if you don’t have romantic feelings for them.”

“It’s not that… I mean, I like them a lot, and I could totally see myself falling for them,” he admitted. “I just don’t want to be Fated Mates.”

“Well, unfortunately, that isn’t something we can choose for ourselves.” Jiwoo sipped at her water.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “We don’t have to talk about this. You’re friends with them too. I don’t want to make it awkward for you.”

“Too late,” she said bluntly. He winced. “But, that’s okay. I like all of you very much, but you’re the one having a rough time right now, so I want to support you in any way I can.”

“You’ve already helped me so much,” he thought. “You’ve been my friend, and you helped me find this job in the first place.” He grimaced. “And now I might lose it, since I’m not showing up to work.”

“Well, I think the pack would understand a few days absence, but, would you even be comfortable working there still?”

“…I don’t know,” he admitted.

Jiwoo took another sip of water. The kitchen was quiet for a moment and then took a deep breath. “If you really don’t know, there’s another place I know of that might take you on.”

He blinked at her. “For real?” He sniffed his shirt. “Ah, maybe I should shower first.”

The train ride was quiet. Jiwoo played a shooting game on her phone, Jungkook watching over her shoulder, occasionally pointing out zombies sneaking up behind her avatar.

They got off the train and walked a few blocks.

She brought him to a store front. The windows were clean and the door was done in a fresh coat of blue paint.

Neon above the door dubbed the place as Blue Parrot Tattoos. “This is my potential mate’s place,” she explained. “One of the pack that’s courting me is a tattoo artist. A couple of years ago she opened her own parlor.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Wow.” He couldn’t imagine the freedom that came with being your own boss, but it probably required a lot of hard work as well.

The inside was just as clean, with a girl chewing bubblegum sitting in front of an old wooden desk. She brightened as soon as she saw Jiwoo.

“Jiwoo-yah! As happy as I am to see you, please tell me I didn’t forget we had a date today!”

Jiwoo giggled like Jungkook had never heard her before.

“No, unnie, we didn’t have plans. I came here as a surprise today. I wanted to introduce Chaeyeon-unnie to my friend Jungkookie. Is that okay? Is unnie very busy today?”

“I don’t think so… just one appointment earlier and one later…” The girl at the desk clicked through her computer and then smiled. “Yeah, she should have a good chunk of time free right now. Go right through.”

“Thanks so much, unnie!” Jiwoo walked over to kiss her cheek. Jiwoo’s unnie flushed slightly. Jungkook grinned, they seemed to be getting along well.

Chaeyeon was a woman with short blue hair. She didn’t look too much older than Jungkook and Jiwoo. She was sitting at a desk sketching, frowning.

“She looks upset,” Jungkook whispered to Jiwoo. “Maybe we should come back another time.”

“Nonsense,” Jiwoo said. “That’s just what her face looks like when she’s concentrating—unnie!” Chaeyeon startled and turned.

“Jiwoo! I wasn’t expecting you today. What a pleasant surprise!”

Jiwoo smiled shyly. “I’m happy to see you as well unnie, but I didn’t come just to hang out. I wanted to introduce my friend Jungkookie to you. You were saying you could use an assistant, and Jungkookie does tattoos as well.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jungkook said, bowing quickly. Chaeyeon inclined her head. Jiwoo elbowed him.

“Show her!”

“Oh, ah, if you don’t mind.” Jungkook handed over a worn folder.

“This is great,” Chaeyeon said, flipping through the portfolio Jiwoo insisted Jungkook bring with him.

“It’s a little outdated,” Jungkook admitted shyly.

“He has a sleeve as well, that he did himself,” Jiwoo added.

“May I see?” Chaeyeon asked. Jungkook nodded, rolling up his sweater sleeve. Chaeyeon made an appreciative noise. “Do you have any previous experience tattooing?” Jungkook shook his head.

“These were my first attempts.”

“You’re a natural, then,” Chaeyeon said. Jungkook flushed.

For the next fifteen minutes, Jungkook and Chaeyeon discussed what Chaeyeon needed from an assistant. Jungkook thought it sounded very reasonable.

Then Chaeyeon had to prepare for her next client, so they said goodbye.

Jiwoo insisted on treating Jungkook to lunch afterwards. They slurped up noodles, making fun of each other splattering sauce.

“I’m glad it seems to be working out, but you should know, I also suggested this place for Jimin-oppa to get his next tattoo, so you might see him around,” Jiwoo said.

Jungkook remembered Taehyung saying Jungkook’s art would look pretty on Jimin’s skin. He felt something flutter in his stomach. Was he really excited at the prospect of doing a tattoo for Jimin? He couldn’t be so conflicted about the pack if he wanted to permanently mark Jimin like that.

He hadn’t gotten to know Jimin well, but he wanted to. Truth be told, he missed them all.

But still, he couldn’t imagine just going back to work like nothing happened. Would working at Blue Parrot Tattoos be better? But would the Kim Pack even want to see him outside of work, especially after he left them like that?

When he got home he did what he always did when he was uncertain, he called Junghyun. Junghyun listened silently to the whole story.

‘I want to meet them,’ Junghyun said when Jungkook was finished. ‘I have something I’d like to tell them about.’

Jungkook carefully started preparing for his family’s visit. He scrubbed down everything, did a load of laundry, and bought Seoyeon’s favorite snacks. He spent the most time building the best nest he could.

He was perfectly willing to leave the bed to Junghyun and Seoyeon while he slept on the couch, but he had a feeling Junghyun and Seoyeon would insist he join them.

It wouldn’t be the first time the three of them shared a nest, but it had been a while.

When they arrived, they greeted him with a group hug. Jungkook felt like crying. He hadn’t realized, until now, how little physical affection he got. He remembered with great clarity the last hug he’d gotten from Hoseok and Namjoon. It had felt so good, but now, holding his brother close, Jungkook realized he wanted more. He wanted to be able to smell them as he hugged them, to bury his nose in the crooks of their necks and take in the sweetness of their happiness.

“Samchon!” Seoyeon beamed up at him. “Look.” She pointed at her mouth, lisping a little. “I lost another tooth!”

Jungkook laughed. “Wow! Good job!”

“The tooth fairy left me this.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pink bear keychain. “I want you to have it.”

“What?” Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“Cause appa says you’re sad. So maybe this’ll cheer you up.”

“Thank you, baby.” Jungkook took it from her, kissing her forehead. “I feel better already.” He really did.

Jungkook cooked dinner, a recipe Seokjin had shown him. The ingredients were cheap and the end result was both tasty and filling. Everyone had seconds. Jungkook could imagine Seokjin cooking for them, blushing severely when they showered him in compliments.

The three of them spent the rest of the night cuddling in the nest, watching videos of baby animals on Jungkook’s phone.

“We’ve got to get you a new one,” Jungkook thought, glancing at Junghyun’s cracked screen. He kept his voice low. Seoyeon had just drifted off. Junghyun waved his hand.

“We don’t have to worry about that right now. Especially if you’re not sure about where you want to work.”

“I really liked Blue Parrot,” Jungkook said. “It was a nice space, and Chaeyeon-ssi was so accepting of my lack of experience. But I can’t just leave the cafe. I have to talk to them…” He bit his lip. “You said you wanted to talk to them too?” Junghyun nodded. “Can we go together?”

“Of course. We’ll go together.” Junghyun smiled, rubbing his back like he did when they were younger. Between that and Chaeyeon’s soft snores, Jungkook could feel sleep settling over him.

“Wait.” He yawned. “I have to let them know first. I haven’t responded to any of their calls or texts, I can’t just show up out of the blue.”

After thinking it over, he decided on texting Namjoon. Leaving work without notice hadn’t been professional, so he should approach them seriously. Contacting the Pack Leader would show his earnestness. Besides, email somehow felt less intimidating than texting or calling.

‘Dear Kim Pack Leader,

I’m sorry I haven’t responded to any of your pack’s texts or calls. I’m sorry I haven’t shown up for work. That was horribly unprofessional. I understand if you want to fire me, but before that I would really like to explain the reason behind my actions to your pack. Could we set up a time to meet in person?

Thank you,

Jungkook.’

“What do you think?” He asked, showing his phone to Junghyun. Junghyun’s eyes skimmed the screen. His nose wrinkled.

“Are you sure you want to sound so stiff with them? Aren’t they your friends?”

“…They were. I’m just not sure where we stand now. I mean, my feelings would be hurt if someone avoided me the way I’ve been avoiding them.”

Junghyun shook his head. “They don’t have the whole story. But, if they can’t forgive you for something like this, you aren’t meant to be friends, much less mates.”

“Hyung!” Jungkook flushed and shoved him.

“Don’t jostle Seoyeon!” Junghyun warned him in strained whisper. Jungkook slapped his hand over his mouth. Their eyes met. They laughed quietly.

Jungkook woke up and glanced at his phone. It was three in the morning. He groaned. He was sweaty, Junghyun clinging to him on one side, Seoyeon half on top of him on the other side. He wriggled out from underneath them and went to the bathroom. On the way back, he checked his phone again. He was surprised to see an email notification from Namjoon.

Jungkook,

I’m so glad to hear from you! I know you wouldn’t leave work without good reason, although that is not my main concern.

How are you? I admit we were worried when you didn’t respond to any of our attempts to contact you. I wondered if we were overzealous. I sincerely apologize if my pack has done anything to offend you.

We would love to meet in person. Just say when and where.

Yours,

Namjoon

Jungkook’s heart thumped. Yours. Was he really? Did Jungkook want him to be?

Namjoon,

To be honest, I’ve mostly been confused recently. But my brother and niece have come to visit, so I’m feeling better already. I’m sorry again for avoiding you. I don’t think you were overzealous, I just couldn’t bring myself to respond. I’m sorry.

You haven’t done anything to offend me. It isn’t your fault.

Would it be possible to meet this Thursday?

Jungkook racked his mind for a meeting place and finally decided on an ice cream place that wasn’t too far from a playground he had been meaning to take Seoyeon when she visited next.

P.S. My brother and niece would like to join us, if that’s okay with you.