#taekookau Jeongguk slept badly that night. When sleep finally took...
Candy🍬@ggeumbi7
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Nov 15, 2026
~69 min read
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1
#taekookau
Jeongguk slept badly that night. When sleep finally took him, he found himself standing in a kitchen he recognized.
Morning sunlight from the windows falling on Taehyung as he stood by the counter, cooking breakfast. Jeongguk watched him for a moment.
Jeongguk slept badly that night. When sleep finally took him, he found himself standing in a kitchen he recognized.
Morning sunlight from the windows falling on Taehyung as he stood by the counter, cooking breakfast. Jeongguk watched him for a moment.
2
He walked forward without thinking. His arms slipped around Taehyung’s waist, pulling him gently against his chest. Jeongguk buried his face into the curve of Taehyung’s neck and breathed in.
Honeysuckle.
Taehyung laughed softly, “Ggukie, I’m cooking.”
Honeysuckle.
Taehyung laughed softly, “Ggukie, I’m cooking.”
3
Jeongguk tightened his arms around him, “Then cook with me like this.”
Omega laughed again, leaning back against his chest. Taehyung went quiet for a moment before smiling, “I love you.”
Alpha kissed his cheeks, “I love you too.”
Omega laughed again, leaning back against his chest. Taehyung went quiet for a moment before smiling, “I love you.”
Alpha kissed his cheeks, “I love you too.”
4
Jeongguk abruptly woke up from sleep with tears running down his face. His eyes opened and for several seconds, he simply stared at the ceiling, breathing hard.
The room was still dark, the early morning light barely coming through the curtains. His chest rose and fell unevenly.
The room was still dark, the early morning light barely coming through the curtains. His chest rose and fell unevenly.
5
He lifted a trembling hand to his face and touched the wetness beneath his eyes. He was crying abd he didn’t know why. Slowly, he sat up. The dream stayed in his mind.
Taehyung’s laughter, his scent and the warmth of his body in alpha’s arms. The words they’d exchanged.
Taehyung’s laughter, his scent and the warmth of his body in alpha’s arms. The words they’d exchanged.
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I love you.
I love you too.
Jeongguk closed his eyes, trying to shake off the unwanted feeling. It had only been a dream and he knew that but it had felt too real. Even now, he could still feel Taehyung’s warmth against him and hear his soft laughter.
I love you too.
Jeongguk closed his eyes, trying to shake off the unwanted feeling. It had only been a dream and he knew that but it had felt too real. Even now, he could still feel Taehyung’s warmth against him and hear his soft laughter.
7
Jeongguk swallowed hard. Why was he dreaming about Taehyung like that?
/I shouldn’t be…. It’s wrong./
The thought was enough to make him uncomfortable, so he wiped his face roughly and forced himself out of bed. He didn’t want to think about it.
/I shouldn’t be…. It’s wrong./
The thought was enough to make him uncomfortable, so he wiped his face roughly and forced himself out of bed. He didn’t want to think about it.
8
He showered and changed, trying to put the dream out of his mind. Maybe it had happened because he had been spending too much time around Taehyung lately. That had to be it. There was nothing more to it.
But alpha had no idea that it was something he had actually lived through.+
But alpha had no idea that it was something he had actually lived through.+
9
It was one of the memories he had lost in the accident, buried somewhere he couldn’t reach.
By the time he made his way into the kitchen, he had almost convinced himself. He pushed the thought aside and started preparing breakfast.
By the time he made his way into the kitchen, he had almost convinced himself. He pushed the thought aside and started preparing breakfast.
10
He pulled out the rice, set the soup on the stove and started preparing a few side dishes.
His hands moved automatically as he cooked but his mind kept returning to the dream. Jeongguk frowned and shook his head. He was stirring the soup when he heard footsteps behind him.
His hands moved automatically as he cooked but his mind kept returning to the dream. Jeongguk frowned and shook his head. He was stirring the soup when he heard footsteps behind him.
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“Ggukie?”
Jeongguk’s hand paused over the stove. For a moment, he didn’t turn. He could still hear the same voice from his dream, soft and sleepy.
He swallowed before finally looking over his shoulder. Taehyung was standing at the kitchen entrance, +
Jeongguk’s hand paused over the stove. For a moment, he didn’t turn. He could still hear the same voice from his dream, soft and sleepy.
He swallowed before finally looking over his shoulder. Taehyung was standing at the kitchen entrance, +
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+ still looking a little sleepy, one hand resting against his belly.
“You woke up early,” Taehyung said.
Jeongguk looked at him for a moment before turning back to the stove, “Yeah.”
Taehyung came closer, glancing at the dishes, “I’ll help.”
“You woke up early,” Taehyung said.
Jeongguk looked at him for a moment before turning back to the stove, “Yeah.”
Taehyung came closer, glancing at the dishes, “I’ll help.”
13
Jeongguk’s hand tightened around the spoon. For a brief second, the dream came back to him. In the same kitchen, Taehyung was standing in front of him, his arms wrapped around his waist.
He pushed the thought away, “No.” Taehyung stopped.
He pushed the thought away, “No.” Taehyung stopped.
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Jeongguk glanced at him and quickly added, “Let me cook.”
“But–”
“You should rest more.” His voice softened, “Why did you wake up so early?”
Taehyung gave him a small frown, “You woke up early too.”
“But–”
“You should rest more.” His voice softened, “Why did you wake up so early?”
Taehyung gave him a small frown, “You woke up early too.”
15
“I know.” Jeongguk turned the heat down and checked the soup. “I’m almost done anyway. Just sit there, okay? I’ll bring everything over.”
Taehyung watched him for a moment, trying to figure out what was wrong. Jeongguk kept his eyes on the stove.
Taehyung watched him for a moment, trying to figure out what was wrong. Jeongguk kept his eyes on the stove.
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He didn’t want Taehyung to see how badly the dream was still bothering him.
Taehyung hesitated before finally pulling out a chair and sitting down. Jeongguk kept cooking.
Taehyung hesitated before finally pulling out a chair and sitting down. Jeongguk kept cooking.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
18
Over the next few days, Jeongguk started keeping a little more distance between them. Nothing obvious enough for Taehyung to question.
When Taehyung asked him to sit beside him, Jeongguk still did, just leaving a small space between them.
When Taehyung asked him to sit beside him, Jeongguk still did, just leaving a small space between them.
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When Taehyung reached for his hand, Jeongguk let him hold it for a while before gently pulling away, making up some small excuse.
He still helped whenever Taehyung needed him. He still cooked, took care of things and made sure Taehyung was comfortable.
He still helped whenever Taehyung needed him. He still cooked, took care of things and made sure Taehyung was comfortable.
20
From the outside, nothing seemed different but Jeongguk had started avoiding his eyes.
The dreams kept coming, each one different but always about Taehyung. The more Jeongguk tried not to think about them, the more careful he became around him. Omega didn’t seem to notice yet.
The dreams kept coming, each one different but always about Taehyung. The more Jeongguk tried not to think about them, the more careful he became around him. Omega didn’t seem to notice yet.
21
That evening omega was curled up on the couch, already waiting for him when he looked up,“Ggukie, come watch anime with me.”
He looked at the empty space beside him. For a moment, he wanted to sit there like he always did. Instead, he smiled faintly.“I can’t. I have a headache.”
He looked at the empty space beside him. For a moment, he wanted to sit there like he always did. Instead, he smiled faintly.“I can’t. I have a headache.”
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Taehyung immediately sat up, “Headache? Do you want to go to the hospital?”
Jeongguk almost laughed at how quickly Taehyung worried about him, “No, Tae. It’s not that serious.”
Taehyung frowned, still concerned. “Then I can give you a massage. You’ll feel better.”
Jeongguk almost laughed at how quickly Taehyung worried about him, “No, Tae. It’s not that serious.”
Taehyung frowned, still concerned. “Then I can give you a massage. You’ll feel better.”
23
Jeongguk looked at him. He imagined himself sitting beside Taehyung, letting him gently rub his temples for a moment.
He smiled softly and shook his head, “No, Tae. I’ll sleep it off.”
“But–”
“I’ll be fine. You watch, okay?” Jeongguk said gently. “Don’t worry about me.”
He smiled softly and shook his head, “No, Tae. I’ll sleep it off.”
“But–”
“I’ll be fine. You watch, okay?” Jeongguk said gently. “Don’t worry about me.”
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Taehyung looked at him for another moment before giving a small nod, “Okay.”
Jeongguk smiled at him and walked toward his room. He didn’t turn around. If he did, he knew he might change his mind.
Jeongguk smiled at him and walked toward his room. He didn’t turn around. If he did, he knew he might change his mind.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
26
Things had become overwhelming. Jeongguk had tried to convince himself that he could handle it.
That he could stay beside Taehyung, be his friend, help him through the pregnancy and eventually watch his mate return without letting his feelings get in the way.
That he could stay beside Taehyung, be his friend, help him through the pregnancy and eventually watch his mate return without letting his feelings get in the way.
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He couldn’t keep doing this. Being around omega was becoming harder with every passing day.
He was always there, always within reach. Close enough to touch, close enough to hear his laughter, close enough to feel his scent. That was the part that was slowly driving him insane.
He was always there, always within reach. Close enough to touch, close enough to hear his laughter, close enough to feel his scent. That was the part that was slowly driving him insane.
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Taehyung was within reach, yet completely out of reach at the same time. Every moment beside him felt like something was pulling at his soul. He couldn’t stop loving him.
No matter how much he tried to bury it, distance himself or convince himself that friendship was enough, +
No matter how much he tried to bury it, distance himself or convince himself that friendship was enough, +
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+his feelings only grew stronger.
He didn’t want to become selfish. He didn’t want to start resenting omega’s mate for loving him first, especially when that alpha hadn’t even done anything wrong.
He didn’t want to become selfish. He didn’t want to start resenting omega’s mate for loving him first, especially when that alpha hadn’t even done anything wrong.
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He didn’t want his feelings to turn into something Taehyung would have to carry on top of everything else.
Jeongguk realized that simply trying to suppress his feelings wasn’t enough anymore. He needed to do something before they grew beyond his control.
Jeongguk realized that simply trying to suppress his feelings wasn’t enough anymore. He needed to do something before they grew beyond his control.
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He spent the rest of the evening thinking about what he should do. There had to be a way to put some distance between his heart and the person it had chosen, even if it meant making a choice that would hurt.
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Past midnight, Jeongguk stood in the hallway for a long time, staring at Taehyung’s bedroom door. He slowly opened the door. He stood there for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness.
Taehyung was asleep. The curtains were only half closed, +
Taehyung was asleep. The curtains were only half closed, +
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+letting a little citylight into the room.
He was curled slightly onto his side, one hand tucked under his cheek while the other rested over his belly.
His breathing was slow and peaceful, completely unaware that the person standing at the doorway.
He was curled slightly onto his side, one hand tucked under his cheek while the other rested over his belly.
His breathing was slow and peaceful, completely unaware that the person standing at the doorway.
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Jeongguk didn’t know why he had come in. He had been lying awake in his own room for what felt like hours, staring at the ceiling.
His eyes began to sting as he walked closer and crouched beside the bed. Taehyung didn’t wake. He simply watched omega breathe for several seconds.
His eyes began to sting as he walked closer and crouched beside the bed. Taehyung didn’t wake. He simply watched omega breathe for several seconds.
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His fingers curled against his knees. He wanted to touch him. Just once but he didn’t have the right.
Jeongguk lowered his head, “I’m sorry, Tae.” His voice was barely more than a whisper. Taehyung didn’t stir. Jeongguk smiled sadly through the tears gathering in his eyes.
Jeongguk lowered his head, “I’m sorry, Tae.” His voice was barely more than a whisper. Taehyung didn’t stir. Jeongguk smiled sadly through the tears gathering in his eyes.
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“I had to go.” His voice trembled, “Me staying isn’t fair to either of us.” He wiped quickly at his cheek before another tear could fall.
“I’m really sorry, Tae.” He looked at Taehyung, his eyes burning with tears. “I fell in love with you before I knew you were mated and +
“I’m really sorry, Tae.” He looked at Taehyung, his eyes burning with tears. “I fell in love with you before I knew you were mated and +
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+ when I found out, I tried to stop.”
He gave a small, broken smile, “I kept telling myself that you belonged to someone else, that I had no right to want you.”
His voice trembled again, “But no matter how hard I tried, my stupid heart just wouldn’t listen.” +
He gave a small, broken smile, “I kept telling myself that you belonged to someone else, that I had no right to want you.”
His voice trembled again, “But no matter how hard I tried, my stupid heart just wouldn’t listen.” +
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He looked down, “I still love you. I still want you. And that’s why I know I have to leave.”
Taehyung shifted slightly in his sleep, making Jeongguk freeze. He waited until Taehyung grew still again before quietly letting out the breath he’d been holding.
Taehyung shifted slightly in his sleep, making Jeongguk freeze. He waited until Taehyung grew still again before quietly letting out the breath he’d been holding.
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His eyes drifted to the small bump under the blanket. He leaned closer, his hand slowly hovering toward Taehyung’s belly. He wanted to say goodbye properly.
But his fingers trembled awkwardly over his belly. He couldn’t do it. He had no right.
But his fingers trembled awkwardly over his belly. He couldn’t do it. He had no right.
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His hand fell back into his lap and he looked at the bump through tearful eyes.
He lowered himself until his face was closer to Taehyung’s belly, careful not to touch him, “Hi, puppy.” His lips trembled into a tiny smile, “It’s Bunny again.”
He lowered himself until his face was closer to Taehyung’s belly, careful not to touch him, “Hi, puppy.” His lips trembled into a tiny smile, “It’s Bunny again.”
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His eyes filled with tears,“Sorry for disturbing you while you’re sleeping.” He sniffed quietly, “But...I won’t disturb you or your eomma again, okay?”
A tear slipped down his cheek. Alpha quickly wiped it away,“I have to leave, puppy.” He stared at the small curve of his belly.
A tear slipped down his cheek. Alpha quickly wiped it away,“I have to leave, puppy.” He stared at the small curve of his belly.
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“Me being in your eomma’s life isn’t good for you or him. So I have to leave.” His throat tightened, “I’m leaving. Take care of your eomma, okay?”
His eyes moved to Taehyung’s sleeping face. Jeongguk took a shaky breath, “Don’t trouble him too much.”
His eyes moved to Taehyung’s sleeping face. Jeongguk took a shaky breath, “Don’t trouble him too much.”
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A tiny laugh escaped through his tears. “And you should know something. Bunny loves you a lot.” His lips trembled, “A lot.”
For a moment, Jeongguk couldn’t speak. He simply stared at Taehyung’s belly, wishing he could touch it and stay, +
For a moment, Jeongguk couldn’t speak. He simply stared at Taehyung’s belly, wishing he could touch it and stay, +
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+wishing more than anything that things could be different.
Then he whispered the words that hurt the most, “Be good for your eomma until… u-until your a-appa comes back." The word felt strange in his mouth. Jeongguk had imagined himself being called that.
Then he whispered the words that hurt the most, “Be good for your eomma until… u-until your a-appa comes back." The word felt strange in his mouth. Jeongguk had imagined himself being called that.
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He had imagined holding the pup in his arms, watching them grow and hearing that little voice call him ‘Appa’ but that place belonged to someone else.
He looked down, his smile barely holding together. Another tear rolled down his cheek, “Just… Please don’t forget Bunny, okay?”
He looked down, his smile barely holding together. Another tear rolled down his cheek, “Just… Please don’t forget Bunny, okay?”
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He immediately shook his head. He laughed softly at himself, “No, that’s silly.” He wiped his face,“You don’t even know me.”
Alpha slowly got to his feet but he didn’t leave right away. He stood beside the bed, looking down at omega, trying to hold onto the sight of him forever.
Alpha slowly got to his feet but he didn’t leave right away. He stood beside the bed, looking down at omega, trying to hold onto the sight of him forever.
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He knew he should go before he lost the courage to. Still, it took everything in him to finally step back. “I’m sorry for everything, Tae,” he whispered, his voice barely holding together.
He turned away before the tears could fall and walked out of the room.
He turned away before the tears could fall and walked out of the room.
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He pulled the door shut as quietly as he could. Leaving felt like tearing himself away from the only place he wanted to be.
Then he walked into his room. His luggage was already waiting beside the bed. He picked it up before leaving. Jeongguk’s eyes filled again, “Goodbye, Tae.”
Then he walked into his room. His luggage was already waiting beside the bed. He picked it up before leaving. Jeongguk’s eyes filled again, “Goodbye, Tae.”
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Then, after one last glance at the apartment, Jeongguk quietly closed the door behind him.
And left for good.
And left for good.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Taehyung woke up slowly, still half-asleep. He freshened up and stepped out of his room, expecting to hear Jeongguk somewhere in the apartment.
“Ggukie?” No answer. He frowned and peeked into Jeongguk’s room first only to find it empty.
“Ggukie?” No answer. He frowned and peeked into Jeongguk’s room first only to find it empty.
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/Maybe he was already in the kitchen./
Taehyung walked over but the kitchen was empty too. The stove was cold, the electric rice cooker wasn’t switched on and there was no sign that Jeongguk had started breakfast.
He glanced around, confused, “Where did he go this early?”
Taehyung walked over but the kitchen was empty too. The stove was cold, the electric rice cooker wasn’t switched on and there was no sign that Jeongguk had started breakfast.
He glanced around, confused, “Where did he go this early?”
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Taehyung wandered into the living room, still wondering where Jeongguk had disappeared to. Maybe he had gone out for groceries without waking him.
Then something bright on the coffee table caught his attention. He slowed to a stop.
Then something bright on the coffee table caught his attention. He slowed to a stop.
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A bouquet of tiger lilies was there, with a gift box beside it, a pretty ribbon tied neatly around the top. Taehyung blinked, then his lips slowly curved into a smile.
“Ggukie…” A soft laugh escaped him. He walked over, already smiling to himself, “Stop hiding and come out.”
“Ggukie…” A soft laugh escaped him. He walked over, already smiling to himself, “Stop hiding and come out.”
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He shook his head amused, before carefully picking up the flowers. His fingers brushed over the bright orange petals, admiring them one by one, “They’re so pretty…”
He placed them back down and reached for the gift. Taehyung slowly untied the ribbon.
He placed them back down and reached for the gift. Taehyung slowly untied the ribbon.
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Inside it was a small box, along with something soft beside it. His eyes widened at the sight of knitted baby socks. Cream colored with little pink bunny ears.
His smile instantly grew into that big, boxy grin. “Ggukie…” he whispered, touching one of the tiny socks. +
His smile instantly grew into that big, boxy grin. “Ggukie…” he whispered, touching one of the tiny socks. +
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+ “You finished them.”
He had known Jeongguk was secretly knitting them for the pup but seeing them finished made his heart feel unbearably warm.
Taehyung looked around the empty room again, “Is this your hide and seek game?”
He had known Jeongguk was secretly knitting them for the pup but seeing them finished made his heart feel unbearably warm.
Taehyung looked around the empty room again, “Is this your hide and seek game?”
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He called, laughing softly. “Come out, Ggukie. I love the gifts.” Still, there was no answer.
Taehyung reached for the little box and carefully opened it. He froze at it. Inside was the delicate gold chain with the small emerald four leaf clover pendant.
Taehyung reached for the little box and carefully opened it. He froze at it. Inside was the delicate gold chain with the small emerald four leaf clover pendant.
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The same necklace he’d admired at the jewelry store. “Ggukie…” Taehyung stared at it in disbelief, “You got it…for me?”
He remembered the way he had looked at it that day, how Jeongguk had noticed even though Taehyung hadn’t said he wanted it.
He remembered the way he had looked at it that day, how Jeongguk had noticed even though Taehyung hadn’t said he wanted it.
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He had only stared at it for a few seconds and then told him it was too expensive.
Jeongguk had remembered something Taehyung had only glanced at once. Just like his mate always did.
Jeongguk had remembered something Taehyung had only glanced at once. Just like his mate always did.
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Omega’s eyes softened as he carefully lifted the necklace from the box, a happy smile returning to his lips, “Ggukie…”
He called again, nothing. Taehyung looked toward the hallway, expecting Jeongguk to suddenly appear and tease him for being so excited.
He called again, nothing. Taehyung looked toward the hallway, expecting Jeongguk to suddenly appear and tease him for being so excited.
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But Jeongguk didn’t answer. His smile faltered for just a moment. Then he looked down at the tiny socks in his hand and smiled again, gently running his thumb over one of the little bunny ears. “He really is too sweet…”
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As Taehyung lifted the little socks, he noticed a folded piece of paper below them.
A letter.
Taehyung carefully picked it up and sat down on the couch, placing the gifts beside him. “Ggukie, aren’t you going to come out?” he murmured with a small laugh, “I love everything.”
A letter.
Taehyung carefully picked it up and sat down on the couch, placing the gifts beside him. “Ggukie, aren’t you going to come out?” he murmured with a small laugh, “I love everything.”
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He glanced toward the hallway one last time. Still no sign of Jeongguk. Taehyung looked down at the letter in his hands. His name was written on the front. He slowly unfolded it.
His smile disappeared.
His smile disappeared.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Author’s note
And that’s where I’ll leave y’all, packmates. Yes, I know, I’m evil. You’ll survive....Probably.
And remember.. the more you interact, quote, comment and scream, the faster I update. Consider it your payment for my cr!mes😌
Now go suffer. See you tomorrow.
And that’s where I’ll leave y’all, packmates. Yes, I know, I’m evil. You’ll survive....Probably.
And remember.. the more you interact, quote, comment and scream, the faster I update. Consider it your payment for my cr!mes😌
Now go suffer. See you tomorrow.
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To compensate for this emotional damage, a drabble drops tomorrow💗 Enjoy this one until then.
Candy🍬@ggeumbi7
Pretty Enough To K!ll; #taekookau [A/B/O]
Jeongguk went to a shady bar for a drink and accidentally found a dangerously smart omega who could talk circles around three alphas.
Now he wants to court him.
Taehyung? He’d rather bite.
Unfortunately, Jeongguk thinks that’s cute.
Jeongguk went to a shady bar for a drink and accidentally found a dangerously smart omega who could talk circles around three alphas.
Now he wants to court him.
Taehyung? He’d rather bite.
Unfortunately, Jeongguk thinks that’s cute.
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Tae,
If you’re reading this, I’ve already left. I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye properly. I thought about doing it a hundred times but every time I imagined looking at you and telling you I was leaving, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
So I’m writing this instead.
If you’re reading this, I’ve already left. I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye properly. I thought about doing it a hundred times but every time I imagined looking at you and telling you I was leaving, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
So I’m writing this instead.
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Please don’t be angry with me. I know I said I’d stay. I know I said I’d be here for you and the puppy. I meant it, I really did but I don’t think I can keep pretending that being your friend is enough for me.
I fell in love with you, Tae.
I fell in love with you, Tae.
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I know I shouldn’t have. After you told me about your mate, I tried to stop…I really tried. I kept reminding myself that you already had someone you loved, that there was no place for me. But every time I was around you, I wanted more.
I’m sorry for that.
I’m sorry for that.
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You gave me kindness when I honestly didn’t deserve it. After everything I said to you after the accident, you still took care of me and worried about me.
You still called me Ggukie.
I’ll regret hurting you for a long time.
You still called me Ggukie.
I’ll regret hurting you for a long time.
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I can’t undo what I did but I can leave before I hurt you again.
You love your mate and you should. Anyone would be lucky to be loved by you. I think I just got selfish for a while, pretending I could stay close to you without wanting more.
You love your mate and you should. Anyone would be lucky to be loved by you. I think I just got selfish for a while, pretending I could stay close to you without wanting more.
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But I know I can’t,so I’m leaving before my feelings become something ugly & I start wishing for things that can never belong to me.
Please don’t look for me. Please don’t blame yourself and please,please don’t think that you did something wrong. You were nothing but good to me.
Please don’t look for me. Please don’t blame yourself and please,please don’t think that you did something wrong. You were nothing but good to me.
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The flowers are for you. The necklace too. I remembered you looking at it that day. You never asked for it but I knew you liked it and the socks are for the puppy. I wish I could stay long enough to see pup wear them.
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Please take care of yourself. Eat on time, stop skipping your iron supplement.
Thank you for being kind to me, Tae. Thank you for letting me be part of your life, even if it was only for a little while.
Goodbye.
Ggukie
Thank you for being kind to me, Tae. Thank you for letting me be part of your life, even if it was only for a little while.
Goodbye.
Ggukie
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Taehyung stared at the last line for a long time. He read it again. Then once more, as if the words might somehow change if he looked at them enough but they didn’t.
His fingers tightened around the paper, making it crumple slightly at the edges. His lips parted but +
His fingers tightened around the paper, making it crumple slightly at the edges. His lips parted but +
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+ no sound came out.
The smile he’d been wearing only moments ago was completely gone, “Ggukie…” His voice came out so quietly that it barely sounded like his own.
He quickly got up and went to Jeongguk’s room. His eyes moved around the room, +
The smile he’d been wearing only moments ago was completely gone, “Ggukie…” His voice came out so quietly that it barely sounded like his own.
He quickly got up and went to Jeongguk’s room. His eyes moved around the room, +
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searching for something that would tell him this wasn’t real. His clothes were gone. His bag was gone. Even the little things he usually left behind were missing.
“No…” omega stepped inside, his breathing growing shaky.
“Ggukie…” He looked around once more to find him.
“No…” omega stepped inside, his breathing growing shaky.
“Ggukie…” He looked around once more to find him.
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The tears came harder now, his shoulders shaking as a broken sob escaped him, “He left…”
He covered his mouth, trying to hold himself together but another sob tore through him, “He really left me.”
He shook his head, “No, no, no.”
He covered his mouth, trying to hold himself together but another sob tore through him, “He really left me.”
He shook his head, “No, no, no.”
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Taehyung stared at the letter until the words blurred by his tears. His chest hurt so badly that he could barely breathe, “You idiot…” The words came out as a whisper, “You stupid, idiot alpha.”
He wiped furiously at his face but the tears wouldn’t stop, +
He wiped furiously at his face but the tears wouldn’t stop, +
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+ “How-w could you thin-nk that-t?”
His voice cracked, “H-how could you possibly think I wanted someone else?” He looked down at the letter, fingers trembling around the edges.
He wanted to be angry. He wanted to scream at Jeongguk for leaving without even giving him a chance+
His voice cracked, “H-how could you possibly think I wanted someone else?” He looked down at the letter, fingers trembling around the edges.
He wanted to be angry. He wanted to scream at Jeongguk for leaving without even giving him a chance+
83
+to explain.
But how could he? Jeongguk didn’t remember. That was the part that hurt the most.
He didn’t remember their wedding. He didn’t remember their home, their life together, the nights they’d fallen asleep holding each other.
But how could he? Jeongguk didn’t remember. That was the part that hurt the most.
He didn’t remember their wedding. He didn’t remember their home, their life together, the nights they’d fallen asleep holding each other.
84
+He didn’t remember promising to stay. He didn’t remember that Taehyung was his mate.
He remembered only the omega from college. The rival he’d hated.
The person he had once believed had stolen everything from him and despite all of that, he’d fallen in love with him again.
He remembered only the omega from college. The rival he’d hated.
The person he had once believed had stolen everything from him and despite all of that, he’d fallen in love with him again.
85
Only to leave because he thought Taehyung belonged to someone else.A broken laugh escaped Tae, “You really are an idiot, Ggukie.”
His hand drifted instinctively to his belly,“And what about us?”His voice became smaller,“You didn’t even know you were leaving your own pup behind.”
His hand drifted instinctively to his belly,“And what about us?”His voice became smaller,“You didn’t even know you were leaving your own pup behind.”
86
That thought shattered whatever strength he had left. Taehyung pressed the letter against his chest and sobbed. He was angry, hurt and terrified and underneath all of it was the one thing he couldn’t stop thinking.
//You came back to me. You fell in love with me again. +
//You came back to me. You fell in love with me again. +
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+So why did you leave?//
Taehyung scrambled for his phone with shaking hands and called him. The ringing seemed to drag on forever before the call finally ended. He stared at the screen for a second, then called again.
Taehyung scrambled for his phone with shaking hands and called him. The ringing seemed to drag on forever before the call finally ended. He stared at the screen for a second, then called again.
88
“Please…” His voice came out small and broken, “Pick up, Ggukie.” He called again, holding the phone tightly against his ear but there was still no answer. Jeongguk wasn’t picking up.
89
His tears spilled faster, “You don’t get to do this,” he whispered desperately. “You don’t get to make me fall in love with you all over again and then disappear.”
He swallowed against the lump in his throat, “You promised you’d stay.”
He swallowed against the lump in his throat, “You promised you’d stay.”
90
His hand tightened over his belly, “You promised us.”
Tae whispered the words he knew Jeongguk couldn’t hear, “I love you too.”
Tae whispered the words he knew Jeongguk couldn’t hear, “I love you too.”
91
His voice broke, “So please come home.”
His own mate had left him because he thought he belonged to someone else and that was the most heartbreaking and stupid thing Jeongguk had ever done.
His own mate had left him because he thought he belonged to someone else and that was the most heartbreaking and stupid thing Jeongguk had ever done.
92
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
93
Namjoon and Seokjin were halfway through breakfast when Namjoon’s phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen, surprised to see Taehyung calling this early in the morning.
“Who is it?” Seokjin asked.
“Tae.” Namjoon answered immediately, “Hello?”
“Who is it?” Seokjin asked.
“Tae.” Namjoon answered immediately, “Hello?”
94
For a few seconds, there was only shaky breathing on the other end. “H-hyung…”
Taehyung’s voice cracked so badly that Namjoon immediately straightened in his chair, “Tae? What happened?”
He tried to speak but the words kept getting lost between his sobs, “G-ggukie…h-he…”
Taehyung’s voice cracked so badly that Namjoon immediately straightened in his chair, “Tae? What happened?”
He tried to speak but the words kept getting lost between his sobs, “G-ggukie…h-he…”
95
Namjoon exchanged a worried look with Seokjin, “What about Jeongguk? Tae, slow down. Tell me what happened. Are you alright?”
“He left.” The words finally came out, barely audible, “He… he left me, hyung.”
“He left.” The words finally came out, barely audible, “He… he left me, hyung.”
96
Namjoon stood from his chair. “What do you mean he left? Where did he go?”
“I-I don’t know.” Taehyung broke down again. “His things are gone. He left a letter and… he’s not answering my calls.”
Namjoon’s heart dropped, “Tae, listen to me. Stay there, okay? +
“I-I don’t know.” Taehyung broke down again. “His things are gone. He left a letter and… he’s not answering my calls.”
Namjoon’s heart dropped, “Tae, listen to me. Stay there, okay? +
97
+ Don’t go anywhere. We’re coming.”
“Hyung…”
“I’m here. Just stay with me on the phone.” Namjoon grabbed his keys while Seokjin was already getting up, “We’re on our way.”
The call stayed connected as they hurried out, Taehyung’s crying following them through the phone.+
“Hyung…”
“I’m here. Just stay with me on the phone.” Namjoon grabbed his keys while Seokjin was already getting up, “We’re on our way.”
The call stayed connected as they hurried out, Taehyung’s crying following them through the phone.+
98
Neither of them knew what had happened between Jeongguk and Taehyung.
The doorbell rang. Taehyung hurried to the door and opened it without even checking who it was. The moment he saw Namjoon and Seokjin, whatever little control he had left broke.
The doorbell rang. Taehyung hurried to the door and opened it without even checking who it was. The moment he saw Namjoon and Seokjin, whatever little control he had left broke.
99
“Hyung…” He stumbled forward and wrapped his arms around them, sobbing into Seokjin’s shoulder, “Ggukie left…”
Namjoon said softly, holding him steady, “Come on. Sit down first.”
Namjoon said softly, holding him steady, “Come on. Sit down first.”
100
They carefully brought him to the couch. Seokjin immediately went to get him some water, kneeling beside him and making sure he drank a few sips. “You need to breathe, Tae. Think about the pup too, okay?”
Taehyung nodded weakly, tears still running down his face.
Taehyung nodded weakly, tears still running down his face.
101
Taehyung nodded weakly, tears still running down his face. By then, Namjoon had already called Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok. They arrived soon after. “What happened?” Jimin asked softly.
Taehyung couldn’t answer. Instead, he reached for the letter on the table with trembling +
Taehyung couldn’t answer. Instead, he reached for the letter on the table with trembling +
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+fingers and handed it to Namjoon,“Ggukie left this.”
Namjoon took it and began reading. His expression changed with every line.
Seokjin sat beside Taehyung, rubbing his back while Yoongi quietly stayed close to Namjoon reading the letter..
Namjoon took it and began reading. His expression changed with every line.
Seokjin sat beside Taehyung, rubbing his back while Yoongi quietly stayed close to Namjoon reading the letter..
103
“We’ll find him,” Yoongi said firmly after finishing the letter. “You don’t have to worry about that.”
“He probably just needs some time,” Hoseok added gently. “But we’ll find out where he went.”
“He probably just needs some time,” Hoseok added gently. “But we’ll find out where he went.”
104
Taehyung wiped his cheeks, trying to stop himself from crying again, “You promise?”
Namjoon nodded, “I promise.”
Jimin squeezed Taehyung’s hand. “And until then, you’re not allowed to blame yourself. Stress isn’t good for you or the pup.”
Namjoon nodded, “I promise.”
Jimin squeezed Taehyung’s hand. “And until then, you’re not allowed to blame yourself. Stress isn’t good for you or the pup.”
105
Taehyung looked down at his belly, his lips trembling. “We’ll bring Ggukie back, Tae,” Seokjin said softly. “Just take care of yourself for now.” Taehyung still couldn’t stop crying but at least he wasn’t alone anymore.
106
Namjoon exchanged a look with Yoongi and Hoseok before turning to Seokjin and Jimin, “Stay here with him. Don’t leave him alone, not even for a minute.”
Seokjin nodded immediately. “We won’t.”
Seokjin nodded immediately. “We won’t.”
107
Namjoon looked at Taehyung, his voice softened. “We’ll find him, Tae. You just stay here and take care of yourself and the pup.”
The three alphas left soon after to find Jeongguk but finding him wasn’t easy. For five long days, they followed every lead they could.
The three alphas left soon after to find Jeongguk but finding him wasn’t easy. For five long days, they followed every lead they could.
108
Namjoon even reached out to his contacts in the Seoul Metropolitan Police, hoping they could help track down Jeongguk’s whereabouts.
Finally on the fifth day, they got something. Jeongguk was in Busan in a tiny apartment near the seaside.
Finally on the fifth day, they got something. Jeongguk was in Busan in a tiny apartment near the seaside.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
110
Author’s Note
And… CUT😭
Tae is crying, Ggukie is missing, the boys are searching and our idiot alpha ended up in Busan🤡
WHY DO MY CHARACTERS MAKE THEIR OWN BAD DECISIONS?!
Now tell me, when Tae finds Ggukie, what happens? Drop your theories in quotes, packmates🫶
And… CUT😭
Tae is crying, Ggukie is missing, the boys are searching and our idiot alpha ended up in Busan🤡
WHY DO MY CHARACTERS MAKE THEIR OWN BAD DECISIONS?!
Now tell me, when Tae finds Ggukie, what happens? Drop your theories in quotes, packmates🫶
111
Something fluffy to indulge until the next update!
Candy🍬@ggeumbi7
The Orange Peel Theory; #taekookau [A/B/O]
Where omega Taehyung is hopelessly in love with his alpha best friend and desperately needs to know if Jeongguk feels the same.
So he came up with a foolproof theory or atleast he thinks it is.
All he needs is one orange to prove it.
Where omega Taehyung is hopelessly in love with his alpha best friend and desperately needs to know if Jeongguk feels the same.
So he came up with a foolproof theory or atleast he thinks it is.
All he needs is one orange to prove it.
112
Taehyung was sitting between Seokjin and Jimin on the couch, barely listening as the two of them tried their best to keep him distracted.
Seokjin was telling him some ridiculous story from work while Jimin kept jumping in with his own comments, occasionally nudging +
Seokjin was telling him some ridiculous story from work while Jimin kept jumping in with his own comments, occasionally nudging +
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+Taehyung’s shoulder whenever he noticed him drifting off. Taehyung smiled whenever they expected him to, even laughed once or twice but his mind was somewhere else entirely for the past five days.
Every sound from the hallway had made him look up.
Every sound from the hallway had made him look up.
114
Every time the phone rang, his heart had jumped and every night, he had gone to sleep hoping that when he woke up, Jeongguk would be standing in the kitchen again, making breakfast like nothing had happened but he never was.
The front door opened. Taehyung immediately looked up.
The front door opened. Taehyung immediately looked up.
115
Namjoon stepped inside with Yoongi and Hoseok behind him. Something in their expressions made Taehyung’s heart start pounding.
He stood too quickly, one hand going to his belly, “Hyung?”
Namjoon looked at him for a moment before nodding, “We found him.”
He stood too quickly, one hand going to his belly, “Hyung?”
Namjoon looked at him for a moment before nodding, “We found him.”
116
Namjoon stepped closer, “Busan.”
The word barely registered before Taehyung was already reaching for his phone, “Let’s go.”
Namjoon caught his wrist gently, “Tae, wait. We’ll go. You stay here with Jin and Jimin.”
“No.” Taehyung shook his head, “I’m coming.”
The word barely registered before Taehyung was already reaching for his phone, “Let’s go.”
Namjoon caught his wrist gently, “Tae, wait. We’ll go. You stay here with Jin and Jimin.”
“No.” Taehyung shook his head, “I’m coming.”
117
“Tae–”
He shook his head harder, “You don’t understand. I’m not staying here while you go get my husband.”
Taehyung’s breath trembled as he continued. “I already let him leave once.” His voice broke. “I’m not sitting here again wondering if he’s okay.”
He shook his head harder, “You don’t understand. I’m not staying here while you go get my husband.”
Taehyung’s breath trembled as he continued. “I already let him leave once.” His voice broke. “I’m not sitting here again wondering if he’s okay.”
118
Taehyung looked at Namjoon again, “Please, hyung.”
Namjoon closed his eyes for a moment. He knew that look. Taehyung had already made up his mind. Finally, Namjoon sighed, “Fine.”
Taehyung nodded immediately. Seokjin walked over and gently fixed Taehyung’s hair.
Namjoon closed his eyes for a moment. He knew that look. Taehyung had already made up his mind. Finally, Namjoon sighed, “Fine.”
Taehyung nodded immediately. Seokjin walked over and gently fixed Taehyung’s hair.
119
Jimin was already grabbing Taehyung’s bag, “I’ll pack some things.”
Hoseok checked his phone, “I’ll get the car ready.”
The drive to Busan felt both endless and impossibly short. Taehyung sat in the back seat between Seokjin and Jimin, his hands clasped tightly together.
Hoseok checked his phone, “I’ll get the car ready.”
The drive to Busan felt both endless and impossibly short. Taehyung sat in the back seat between Seokjin and Jimin, his hands clasped tightly together.
120
Hoseok was driving. Namjoon sat in the passenger seat while Yoongi followed behind them in another car. Taehyung barely spoke. He kept staring out the window.
/I fell in love with you, Tae./
Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut, “You fucking idiot.”
/I fell in love with you, Tae./
Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut, “You fucking idiot.”
121
Seokjin looked at him, “Tae?”
Taehyung opened his eyes, “I should’ve told him everything.”
Seokjin reached for his hand, “You were trying to protect him.”
“I know.” Taehyung looked down, “But maybe I protected him too much. I thought if I told him he was my mate, +
Taehyung opened his eyes, “I should’ve told him everything.”
Seokjin reached for his hand, “You were trying to protect him.”
“I know.” Taehyung looked down, “But maybe I protected him too much. I thought if I told him he was my mate, +
122
+he’d get confused . I thought if I showed him everything we’d built, maybe he’d feel like I was forcing him to remember. And I was scared it would make him hate me even more. So I hid everything.”
Jimin rubbed his back softly, “And he fell in love with you again anyway.”
Jimin rubbed his back softly, “And he fell in love with you again anyway.”
123
+ Taehyung looked at him. Jimin smiled sadly, “He did that all on his own.”
A tear slipped down Taehyung’s cheek, “That’s what hurts.” He wiped it away. He didn't remember loving me snd he still loved me.”
He stared out the window again, “I just want my Ggukie back.”
A tear slipped down Taehyung’s cheek, “That’s what hurts.” He wiped it away. He didn't remember loving me snd he still loved me.”
He stared out the window again, “I just want my Ggukie back.”
124
By the time they reached Busan, the sky had begun turning orange. The ocean was visible between buildings as they drove farther into the city.
The car slowed. Hoseok looked toward the buildings ahead, “That’s the apartment building.” He pulled the car to the side of the road.
The car slowed. Hoseok looked toward the buildings ahead, “That’s the apartment building.” He pulled the car to the side of the road.
125
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
126
They finally reached the tiny apartment. Namjoon walked up to the door and knocked. No response came. So he knocked again, a little louder.
Taehyung stared at the door, already getting impatient, “Hyung, move.”
Taehyung stared at the door, already getting impatient, “Hyung, move.”
127
Before Namjoon could react, Taehyung pushed past him and started knocking aggressively, “GGUKIE!”
Bang, bang, bang.
There was still no sign of movement inside. Jimin blinked at the door. “Maybe he’s sleeping?”
Bang, bang, bang.
There was still no sign of movement inside. Jimin blinked at the door. “Maybe he’s sleeping?”
128
Taehyung slowly turned to look at him, “Sleeping?” Jimin immediately regretted speaking.
“He abandoned his pregnant mate and he’s sleeping?!” Taehyung turned back to the door and banged even harder,
+
“He abandoned his pregnant mate and he’s sleeping?!” Taehyung turned back to the door and banged even harder,
+
129
+ “OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR, JEONGGUK! YOUR PREGNANT MATE HAS COME TO COLLECT YOU!”
Hoseok whispered, leaning toward Yoongi, “Should we stop him?”
Yoongi watched Taehyung attacking the door, “No. I want to see how this ends.”
Hoseok whispered, leaning toward Yoongi, “Should we stop him?”
Yoongi watched Taehyung attacking the door, “No. I want to see how this ends.”
130
Namjoon sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Tae, maybe he genuinely isn’t hearing us.”
Taehyung glared at the door, “Then he better have a very good explanation.” As if summoned by the threat, the lock suddenly clicked.
Everyone went silent. The door slowly opened.+
Taehyung glared at the door, “Then he better have a very good explanation.” As if summoned by the threat, the lock suddenly clicked.
Everyone went silent. The door slowly opened.+
131
Jeongguk looked horrified at the sight in front of him the moment he opened the apartment door.
For five days, he had convinced himself that leaving was the right thing to do. He had told himself Taehyung would be better off without him, that distance would make things easier.
For five days, he had convinced himself that leaving was the right thing to do. He had told himself Taehyung would be better off without him, that distance would make things easier.
132
He hadn’t expected to see Taehyung standing outside his door with tear stained cheeks and red rimmed eyes.
“Tae?” The name slipped out before he could stop it. Taehyung stared at him for one long second. Then he slapped him hard and everyone froze.
“Tae?” The name slipped out before he could stop it. Taehyung stared at him for one long second. Then he slapped him hard and everyone froze.
133
Jeongguk touched his cheek, blinking in confusion, “…Okay.”
“Okay?!” He snapped, staring at him in disbelief, “That’s all you have to say?! You fucking idiot!” His voice cracked halfway through the words and whatever anger had been holding his tears back finally disappeared.
“Okay?!” He snapped, staring at him in disbelief, “That’s all you have to say?! You fucking idiot!” His voice cracked halfway through the words and whatever anger had been holding his tears back finally disappeared.
134
Taehyung burst into tears and Jeongguk had no idea what to do. His eyes widened with panic as he took a hurried step closer.
“Wait...T-tae, don’t c-cry.” His hands hovered awkwardly between them, clearly wanting to hug him but too scared to touch him without permission, +
“Wait...T-tae, don’t c-cry.” His hands hovered awkwardly between them, clearly wanting to hug him but too scared to touch him without permission, +
135
+“Please… I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
Taehyung shoved the crumpled letter against his chest instead, “You left me!” His fingers trembled around the paper as he glared through his tears. Five days of fear, anger and heartbreak came out all at once.
Taehyung shoved the crumpled letter against his chest instead, “You left me!” His fingers trembled around the paper as he glared through his tears. Five days of fear, anger and heartbreak came out all at once.
136
Jeongguk caught the letter against his chest, his fingers tightening it, “I thought–”
“I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THOUGHT!” Taehyung’s voice broke as he cut him off. Months of pregnancy hormones, mood swings and tears he’d been swallowing down every little breakdown +
“I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THOUGHT!” Taehyung’s voice broke as he cut him off. Months of pregnancy hormones, mood swings and tears he’d been swallowing down every little breakdown +
137
+ for the sake of Jeongguk. But after five days of worrying about Jeongguk, he couldn’t hold any of it in anymore.
The alpha looked completely overwhelmed now. “You apologized for loving me?!” Omega cried. “Who does that?!”
The alpha looked completely overwhelmed now. “You apologized for loving me?!” Omega cried. “Who does that?!”
138
Jeongguk’s face crumpled immediately because hearing those words out loud sounded just as pathetic as it actually was.
Alpha stared at him helplessly, “I didn’t want to make things harder for you.” He had genuinely believed he was doing the right thing.
Alpha stared at him helplessly, “I didn’t want to make things harder for you.” He had genuinely believed he was doing the right thing.
139
He thought leaving was the only way to stop himself from wanting someone who belonged to another alpha.
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief, “You ARE my things harder!” The words came out so quickly that everyone went silent.
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief, “You ARE my things harder!” The words came out so quickly that everyone went silent.
140
Taehyung blinked as his expression changed when he realized how that sounded, “…That didn’t come out right.”
For one second, nobody moved. Then Jimin snorted. Hoseok immediately covered his mouth, trying to hide his laugh. Seokjin rubbed a hand over his face, +
For one second, nobody moved. Then Jimin snorted. Hoseok immediately covered his mouth, trying to hide his laugh. Seokjin rubbed a hand over his face, +
141
+ clearly fighting the urge to laugh at the worst possible moment. Jeongguk looked like he was seconds away from completely falling apart, “Tae…”
Taehyung’s face turned bright red, “I meant… you’re making things harder!”
“Yeah, we understood,” Yoongi muttered.
Taehyung’s face turned bright red, “I meant… you’re making things harder!”
“Yeah, we understood,” Yoongi muttered.
142
Before Taehyung could die of embarrassment, Yoongi ushered everyone toward the door. Jimin and Hoseok were still trying not to laugh, while Namjoon shook his head with a smile. Seokjin gave Taehyung a fond look before following them out.
A moment later, the door clicked shut.
+
A moment later, the door clicked shut.
+
143
Taehyung slowly turned back toward Jeongguk.
Jeongguk still didn’t understand what was happening. All he knew was that Taehyung was crying, angry with him and insisting that Jeongguk had no right to leave.
Jeongguk still didn’t understand what was happening. All he knew was that Taehyung was crying, angry with him and insisting that Jeongguk had no right to leave.
144
Taehyung pointed at him with a trembling finger, “You don’t get to disappear because you decided loving me was inconvenient!”
Jeongguk flinched. “That’s not what I meant.” He looked down at the letter still clutched in his hands, “I was trying to respect your relationship.”
Jeongguk flinched. “That’s not what I meant.” He looked down at the letter still clutched in his hands, “I was trying to respect your relationship.”
145
The words came from a place of genuine guilt. Jeongguk had spent all these days convincing himself that he had crossed a line simply by falling in love with a mated omega.
Taehyung stared at him, “What relationship?”
Jeongguk looked confused by the question, “Your mate.”
Taehyung stared at him, “What relationship?”
Jeongguk looked confused by the question, “Your mate.”
146
Taehyung’s anger seemed to disappear for a moment, replaced by complete disbelief. He slowly lowered his hand. Then he stared at Jeongguk as though he had finally understood just how ridiculous the entire situation was, “Oh my god.”
Jeongguk frowned.+
Jeongguk frowned.+
147
Taehyung wiped at his cheeks but more tears immediately replaced the ones he had brushed away, “You really are stupid.”
Jeongguk’s eyebrows drew together, “Tae…”
“I am your m-mate!” Taehyung’s voice cracked on the last word. Jeongguk stared at him, stunned. +
Jeongguk’s eyebrows drew together, “Tae…”
“I am your m-mate!” Taehyung’s voice cracked on the last word. Jeongguk stared at him, stunned. +
148
+The letter slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. “…What?” His voice came out barely above a whisper.
Taehyung let out a broken laugh, unable to believe he actually had to explain this, “You heard me.”
Jeongguk shook his head slowly, “No.”
Taehyung let out a broken laugh, unable to believe he actually had to explain this, “You heard me.”
Jeongguk shook his head slowly, “No.”
149
He looked genuinely frightened now because if omega was telling the truth, then everything he had believed for the past few months had been wrong. “No, because if you were my mate, I would remember.”
“You lost your memories!” Omega’s hand pressed against his belly +
“You lost your memories!” Omega’s hand pressed against his belly +
150
+as his voice trembled.
Jeongguk stared at him,“Not all of them.”
Taehyung stepped closer, “Enough of them. Enough to forget that I’m your husband.”
Jeongguk’s face went pale, “Husband?” The word barely left his mouth.
Omega nodded, tears slipped down his cheeks again, “Yes.”
Jeongguk stared at him,“Not all of them.”
Taehyung stepped closer, “Enough of them. Enough to forget that I’m your husband.”
Jeongguk’s face went pale, “Husband?” The word barely left his mouth.
Omega nodded, tears slipped down his cheeks again, “Yes.”
151
He reached under the collar of his shirt with trembling fingers, “You wanted to know who my mate was. He’s standing in front of me being an idiot!”
He pulled the chain free. A pair of wedding rings slipped into view. Jeongguk stopped breathing and stared at it.
He pulled the chain free. A pair of wedding rings slipped into view. Jeongguk stopped breathing and stared at it.
152
His heartbeat thundered in his ears, “Tae…”
Taehyung looked at him through tear filled eyes, “You’re the alpha I was talking about.”
Jeongguk’s eyes widened, “The one who travels for work?”
Taehyung gave a watery laugh, “I lied”
Taehyung looked at him through tear filled eyes, “You’re the alpha I was talking about.”
Jeongguk’s eyes widened, “The one who travels for work?”
Taehyung gave a watery laugh, “I lied”
153
Jeongguk swallowed hard, “The one who takes care of you?”
“You.” Taehyung nodded.
Alpha asked, “The one who loves you?”
Taehyung’s lips trembled, “You.”
Jeongguk stared at him, completely shattered, “And the pup…” His eyes slowly dropped to Taehyung’s belly.
“You.” Taehyung nodded.
Alpha asked, “The one who loves you?”
Taehyung’s lips trembled, “You.”
Jeongguk stared at him, completely shattered, “And the pup…” His eyes slowly dropped to Taehyung’s belly.
154
Taehyung placed a soft hand over the bump, “Our puppy.”
Alpha had been courting his own mate. He had fallen in love with his own mate all over again and then he had left him.
Alpha’s eyes filled with tears, “You’re mine??”
Omega nodded through his own tears, “Yes, Ggukie.”
Alpha had been courting his own mate. He had fallen in love with his own mate all over again and then he had left him.
Alpha’s eyes filled with tears, “You’re mine??”
Omega nodded through his own tears, “Yes, Ggukie.”
155
His voice shook, “I thought you loved someone else.”
Taehyung stepped closer until there was barely any distance between them, “I was talking about you, Ggukie.”
Jeongguk’s tears finally spilled over, “I’m sorry, Tae. I’m sorry for everything.”
Taehyung stepped closer until there was barely any distance between them, “I was talking about you, Ggukie.”
Jeongguk’s tears finally spilled over, “I’m sorry, Tae. I’m sorry for everything.”
156
Taehyung shook his head, crying harder, “You idiot.” He reached forward, grabbed the front of Jeongguk’s shirt and pulled him closer, reached up and cupped Jeongguk’s cheek, “You were jealous of yourself.”
Jeongguk let out a tiny, watery laugh.+
Jeongguk let out a tiny, watery laugh.+
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Jeongguk let out a tiny, watery laugh. Taehyung leaned closer and Jeongguk’s eyes widened slightly when omega’s lips touched his.
The kiss was soft. Barely more than a gentle press of lips but Jeongguk’s entire body trembled.
The kiss was soft. Barely more than a gentle press of lips but Jeongguk’s entire body trembled.
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Omega had missed this. He had missed his husband. Alpha’s hand tightened around Taehyung’s waist. He kissed him back.
Taehyung immediately broke down. A sob escaped him as he grabbed the front of Jeongguk’s shirt and pulled him closer.
Taehyung immediately broke down. A sob escaped him as he grabbed the front of Jeongguk’s shirt and pulled him closer.
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Jeongguk pulled away just enough to look at him, completely shaken, “Why…” His fingers touched his own lips, “Why does that feel familiar?”
Omega smiled softly, “Because you’ve kissed me a thousand times before,” His thumbs brushed gently over Jeongguk’s cheeks.
Omega smiled softly, “Because you’ve kissed me a thousand times before,” His thumbs brushed gently over Jeongguk’s cheeks.
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Alpha leaned into his touch, resting his forehead against Taehyung’s. “I don’t remember everything,” he whispered, “But…I think my heart does.” Taehyung hugged him tighter, burying his face against Jeongguk’s chest.
Taehyung pulled back and grabbed Jeongguk’s hand, “Come on.”
Taehyung pulled back and grabbed Jeongguk’s hand, “Come on.”
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Jeongguk barely had time to react before Taehyung was dragging him toward the door. The moment they stepped outside, five pairs of eyes turned toward them.
Taehyung pointed at the apartment. “Pack his things, hyungdeul. We’re leaving in thirty minutes.”
Namjoon blinked, “Tae–”
Taehyung pointed at the apartment. “Pack his things, hyungdeul. We’re leaving in thirty minutes.”
Namjoon blinked, “Tae–”
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“Thirty minutes,” Taehyung repeated, already pulling Jeongguk closer.
Hoseok laughed softly, “Okay, okay. Just take care of yourself.”
Taehyung glanced at him with a small, smug smile, “My husband is here to take care of me, hyung. Don’t worry.”
Hoseok laughed softly, “Okay, okay. Just take care of yourself.”
Taehyung glanced at him with a small, smug smile, “My husband is here to take care of me, hyung. Don’t worry.”
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Jeongguk’s lips curled into a shy smile at the words.
His husband.
He still didn’t remember everything but hearing Taehyung call him that felt right.
His husband.
He still didn’t remember everything but hearing Taehyung call him that felt right.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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The beach was beautiful, the evening breeze carrying the sound of the waves with it.
Jeongguk carefully helped Taehyung sit on the sand before settling beside him. He never let go of Taehyung’s hand. Their fingers stayed intertwined.
Jeongguk carefully helped Taehyung sit on the sand before settling beside him. He never let go of Taehyung’s hand. Their fingers stayed intertwined.
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Taehyung rested his head against Jeongguk’s shoulder, taking a small breath.
Cinnamon.
He smiled against Jeongguk’s shoulder. Of course his bunny still smelled like cinnamon, still smelled like home.
Cinnamon.
He smiled against Jeongguk’s shoulder. Of course his bunny still smelled like cinnamon, still smelled like home.
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Neither of them spoke for a few minutes. Taehyung frowned at him, still unable to understand, “Who leaves their own home and runs away like that?”
Jeongguk looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. “Your mate was supposed to come back, wasn’t he? I thought I’d leave +
Jeongguk looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. “Your mate was supposed to come back, wasn’t he? I thought I’d leave +
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+ before that happened.” He gave a small shrug, “Maybe… once I moved on, I planned to come back.”
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief before smacking his arm. “You were going to come back after you got over me? What kind of stupid plan is that?”
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief before smacking his arm. “You were going to come back after you got over me? What kind of stupid plan is that?”
169
Jeongguk rubbed his arm, looking sheepish. “I thought it made sense.”
“It clearly didn’t,” Taehyung muttered, giving him another small smack.
Jeongguk’s smile faded a little. He looked down at their joined hands. “You should’ve told me I was your mate,” he murmured.
“It clearly didn’t,” Taehyung muttered, giving him another small smack.
Jeongguk’s smile faded a little. He looked down at their joined hands. “You should’ve told me I was your mate,” he murmured.
170
“Maybe smacked some sense into me right after I woke up from the accident.” He gave a small, bitter laugh. “I made you go through so much, Tae. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for that.”
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Taehyung squeezed his hand and shook his head, “If I told you and you decided you didn’t want me anymore… what was I supposed to do?” His voice softened. “I was terrified of losing you, Ggukie.”
He looked at him for a moment before giving him a small smile, +
He looked at him for a moment before giving him a small smile, +
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+ “I could survive you forgetting me. I could survive you hating me. But I don’t think I could survive a life where you weren’t in it at all.”
Jeongguk’s eyes fell to the chain around Taehyung’s neck, “Our wedding rings?” he asked.
Jeongguk’s eyes fell to the chain around Taehyung’s neck, “Our wedding rings?” he asked.
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Taehyung glanced down, “Right.” He unhooked the chain and pulled the rings free. Then he took Jeongguk’s hand, gently trying to slide one onto his finger.
Jeongguk curled his fingers into his palm. The ring stopped halfway and his hand stilled. “Why?” he asked softly.
Jeongguk curled his fingers into his palm. The ring stopped halfway and his hand stilled. “Why?” he asked softly.
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Jeongguk looked at him for a moment. “Do you love me?”
Taehyung lowered his eyes to the curve of his belly, then back at him. A tiny smile touched his lips.
“I think this is enough proof,” he murmured, resting a hand over the bump. “But yes, I love you.”
Taehyung lowered his eyes to the curve of his belly, then back at him. A tiny smile touched his lips.
“I think this is enough proof,” he murmured, resting a hand over the bump. “But yes, I love you.”
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Jeongguk shook his head, “Do you love this Jeongguk?”he asked quietly. “Not your mate. Not the Jeongguk who remembers everything. Just me. The Jeongguk who doesn’t remember any of it.”
Taehyung looked at him for a long moment before smiling, “I love my husband,” he said softly.+
Taehyung looked at him for a long moment before smiling, “I love my husband,” he said softly.+
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+“And I love my mate.”
His hands came up to cup Jeongguk’s cheeks, “But I love this Jeongguk too. The one who doesn’t remember loving me. The one who still found his way back to me anyway.”
Jeongguk smiled, looking a little too happy.
His hands came up to cup Jeongguk’s cheeks, “But I love this Jeongguk too. The one who doesn’t remember loving me. The one who still found his way back to me anyway.”
Jeongguk smiled, looking a little too happy.
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“You made me fall in love with you again, Jeongguk,” Taehyung whispered. “There were so many times I wished my mate would come back to me. But somewhere along the way…” He smiled faintly. “I forgot how to wait for him because I didn’t want to lose you either.”
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His thumbs gently brushed Jeongguk’s cheeks, “I love you, Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk’s lips curved into a small, fond smile, “I love you too, my moon.”
Jeongguk leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to his lips. It lasted only a moment before they slowly pulled apart.
Jeongguk’s lips curved into a small, fond smile, “I love you too, my moon.”
Jeongguk leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to his lips. It lasted only a moment before they slowly pulled apart.
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Jeongguk caught his hand again before he could move away, “Tae?”
“Hm?” He hummed.
Jeongguk hesitated for a second, then looked at him with that small, hopeful smile. “Will you marry me?”
Taehyung blinked before a soft laugh escaped him, “Silly Ggukie, we’re already married.”
“Hm?” He hummed.
Jeongguk hesitated for a second, then looked at him with that small, hopeful smile. “Will you marry me?”
Taehyung blinked before a soft laugh escaped him, “Silly Ggukie, we’re already married.”
180
Taehyung blinked before a soft laugh escaped him, “Silly Ggukie, we’re already married.”
“I know,” Jeongguk said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But I don’t remember. I want to make you mine before your mate comes back and steals you away from me.”
“I know,” Jeongguk said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But I don’t remember. I want to make you mine before your mate comes back and steals you away from me.”
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Omega stared at him for a second before laughing softly, “Jealous bunny,” he murmured. “Even after knowing you and my mate are the same person, you’re still jealous?”
“Yes.” Jeongguk didn’t even hesitate. “He got to have you first. He even put a puppy inside you before I did.”
“Yes.” Jeongguk didn’t even hesitate. “He got to have you first. He even put a puppy inside you before I did.”
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Taehyung’s eyes widened. He smacked Jeongguk lightly on the shoulder. “Yah! Ggukie!”
Jeongguk laughed, rubbing his shoulder. “Okay, fine,” Taehyung huffed, trying not to smile. “I’ll marry you.”
Jeongguk laughed, rubbing his shoulder. “Okay, fine,” Taehyung huffed, trying not to smile. “I’ll marry you.”
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Jeongguk’s face immediately lit up with the biggest bunny smile. Taehyung held out his hand. “Now, shall we go back to our home?”
“Our home,” Jeongguk repeated softly.
He took Taehyung’s hand and smiled, “Our home.”
“Our home,” Jeongguk repeated softly.
He took Taehyung’s hand and smiled, “Our home.”
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Author’s note
Packmates, these two have officially taken ten years off my life (huffs dramatically)😂
We’ve got one or two more fluffy updates before we say goodbye to this fic🥹💗
So tell me… are you ready to see our silly bunny and his moon finally get their happy ending?
Packmates, these two have officially taken ten years off my life (huffs dramatically)😂
We’ve got one or two more fluffy updates before we say goodbye to this fic🥹💗
So tell me… are you ready to see our silly bunny and his moon finally get their happy ending?
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Packmates, show these two some love! Your likes, comments and little screams fuel me to write more❤️
Don’t make me beg… I have a fic to finish and a couple to emotionally recover from😭
Don’t make me beg… I have a fic to finish and a couple to emotionally recover from😭
187
The car finally came to a stop outside their apartment building. Hoseok turned around from the driver’s seat with a grin, “Okay, newly reunited couple. We’re here.”
Jimin immediately leaned forward between the seats, “And before you two disappear inside and forget we exist–”
Jimin immediately leaned forward between the seats, “And before you two disappear inside and forget we exist–”
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“We won’t,” Taehyung laughed.
“You better not,” Jimin said dramatically.
Seokjin leaned over and pulled Taehyung into a careful hug from the side, “Take care of yourself, okay Tae?”
Taehyung nodded against his shoulder, “I will.”
Then Seokjin looked at Jeongguk, “And you.”
“You better not,” Jimin said dramatically.
Seokjin leaned over and pulled Taehyung into a careful hug from the side, “Take care of yourself, okay Tae?”
Taehyung nodded against his shoulder, “I will.”
Then Seokjin looked at Jeongguk, “And you.”
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Jeongguk blinked, “Yes, hyung?”
Seokjin pointed at him with a serious expression, “Take care of him.”
Jeongguk glanced at Taehyung before looking back at Seokjin, “I will.”
Taehyung smiled. Namjoon opened his door and stepped out before looking back at them, +
Seokjin pointed at him with a serious expression, “Take care of him.”
Jeongguk glanced at Taehyung before looking back at Seokjin, “I will.”
Taehyung smiled. Namjoon opened his door and stepped out before looking back at them, +
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+ “Don’t make us regret leaving you two alone.”
Yoongi snorted, “They’ve already given us enough drama for one lifetime.”
Taehyung immediately glared at him, “Hyung.”
Yoongi shrugged innocently, “What? I’m right.”
Hoseok laughed and pulled Yoongi away before another +
Yoongi snorted, “They’ve already given us enough drama for one lifetime.”
Taehyung immediately glared at him, “Hyung.”
Yoongi shrugged innocently, “What? I’m right.”
Hoseok laughed and pulled Yoongi away before another +
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+ argument could start, “Come on. Let them have their moment.”
Jimin waved through the window, “Call us if you need anything!”
Taehyung waved back, “Goodnight!”
The cars finally disappeared down the street. They walked inside together. The moment the apartment door opened, +
Jimin waved through the window, “Call us if you need anything!”
Taehyung waved back, “Goodnight!”
The cars finally disappeared down the street. They walked inside together. The moment the apartment door opened, +
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+ they both stepped inside and closed the door behind them.
Taehyung had barely taken a few steps inside when Jeongguk gently caught his arm and guided him toward the couch, “Sit”
“I’m fine,” Taehyung complained.
“I know,” Jeongguk said with a small smile. “Sit anyway.”
Taehyung had barely taken a few steps inside when Jeongguk gently caught his arm and guided him toward the couch, “Sit”
“I’m fine,” Taehyung complained.
“I know,” Jeongguk said with a small smile. “Sit anyway.”
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He rolled his eyes but listened, dropping onto the couch with one hand resting over his belly.
Alpha disappeared into the kitchen as he watched him curiously. Alpha washed his hands before taking a glass from the cabinet. He filled it with water & walked back toward him,“Here.”
Alpha disappeared into the kitchen as he watched him curiously. Alpha washed his hands before taking a glass from the cabinet. He filled it with water & walked back toward him,“Here.”
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Taehyung accepted the glass. Jeongguk sat beside him, leaving only a small distance between them, “Are you hungry?”
Taehyung shook his head.
“Tired?”
“No.”
“Anything hurts?”
“No.”
Jeongguk nodded but a second later he glanced at him again, “Sure?”
Taehyung shook his head.
“Tired?”
“No.”
“Anything hurts?”
“No.”
Jeongguk nodded but a second later he glanced at him again, “Sure?”
195
Taehyung gave him a look, making Jeongguk smile sheepishly, “I’m just checking.” Jeongguk relaxed against the couch.
For a while, neither of them spoke. Taehyung took a small sip of water. Jeongguk glanced around the living room again, “This is our home, right?”
For a while, neither of them spoke. Taehyung took a small sip of water. Jeongguk glanced around the living room again, “This is our home, right?”
196
He nodded, “Yes.”
Alpha looked around, his brows furrowing slightly, “It didn’t look like a home where mates live when I came back from the hospital.”
His smile faded, “I changed it,” he admitted softly. “I moved my things into the guest room and made the bedroom yours.”
Alpha looked around, his brows furrowing slightly, “It didn’t look like a home where mates live when I came back from the hospital.”
His smile faded, “I changed it,” he admitted softly. “I moved my things into the guest room and made the bedroom yours.”
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He looked down at their joined hands, “You didn’t remember me, Ggukie. I thought it would hurt less if this felt like your home instead of ours.”
His voice trembled, “So I packed away our pictures and everything that reminded you of us… and pretended it didn’t hurt when +
His voice trembled, “So I packed away our pictures and everything that reminded you of us… and pretended it didn’t hurt when +
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+ I slept alone.”
Jeongguk’s eyes softened, “Can we bring our home back?”
Taehyung looked at him through teary eyes and nodded, “Yes.”
Jeongguk squeezed his hand, “Then let’s make it our home again.”
Jeongguk’s eyes softened, “Can we bring our home back?”
Taehyung looked at him through teary eyes and nodded, “Yes.”
Jeongguk squeezed his hand, “Then let’s make it our home again.”
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The doorbell suddenly rang, making both of them look toward the door. Jeongguk got up and checked before heading downstairs. A few minutes later, he returned with a medium-sized box in his arms, looking far too pleased with himself.
Taehyung raised an eyebrow,“What did you buy?”
Taehyung raised an eyebrow,“What did you buy?”
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“Nothing.” The happy smile on Jeongguk’s face told Taehyung that was definitely a lie.
Jeongguk placed the box in the middle of the living room and started opening it.
Taehyung watched with curiosity as he unboxed the package. “What is it?”
Jeongguk placed the box in the middle of the living room and started opening it.
Taehyung watched with curiosity as he unboxed the package. “What is it?”
201
Jeongguk pulled out a large pregnancy pillow with a proud smile, “Your pregnancy pillow. I ordered it a while ago. It just got delivered.”
“I don’t need it.” Omega said plainly.
Jeongguk looked offended, “why?? It’s good quality. I checked the reviews too.”
“I don’t need it.” Omega said plainly.
Jeongguk looked offended, “why?? It’s good quality. I checked the reviews too.”
202
Before Jeongguk could say anything, Taehyung suddenly wrapped his arms around him and buried his face against his chest, “I don’t need one.”
Jeongguk blinked, his ears slowly turning red, “Why?”
“Because I have my husband now.”
Jeongguk blinked, his ears slowly turning red, “Why?”
“Because I have my husband now.”
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Jeongguk went completely shy, “So… that means we cuddle and sleep together?”
Taehyung laughed softly against his chest, “Yes, my silly alpha.”
Jeongguk hugged him back, a small smile spreading across his face, “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”
Taehyung laughed softly against his chest, “Yes, my silly alpha.”
Jeongguk hugged him back, a small smile spreading across his face, “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”
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Omega leaned up and kissed his cheek, “Get used to it.” He smiled against his skin, “I’m done hiding my affection for you.” His arms tightened around Jeongguk to make sure his words were perfectly clear.
Alpha smiled, “Good.” He glanced at the pillow, “But we’re keeping it.”
Alpha smiled, “Good.” He glanced at the pillow, “But we’re keeping it.”
205
Taehyung laughed, “Why?”
“In case my arms get tired.” Jeongguk answered without missing a beat.
“Yah!” Taehyung immediately smacked his arm, his laugh escaping despite his attempt to look offended.
“In case my arms get tired.” Jeongguk answered without missing a beat.
“Yah!” Taehyung immediately smacked his arm, his laugh escaping despite his attempt to look offended.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Once they were in bed, Jeongguk sat beside Taehyung and ducked down towards the curve of his belly. He gently rested his hand over it. “Hi, little bunny,” he whispered sleepily. “It’s your appa bunny.”
Taehyung smiled softly, watching him. “I’m sorry I left you and your eomma +
Taehyung smiled softly, watching him. “I’m sorry I left you and your eomma +
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+ for so long,”
Jeongguk murmured, “I promise I won’t do it again.”
His thumb moved gently over Taehyung’s belly, “I love you, little bunny.” Then he whispered, “And I love your eomma very, very much.” Taehyung’s heart melted as he ruffled Jeongguk’s hair.
Jeongguk murmured, “I promise I won’t do it again.”
His thumb moved gently over Taehyung’s belly, “I love you, little bunny.” Then he whispered, “And I love your eomma very, very much.” Taehyung’s heart melted as he ruffled Jeongguk’s hair.
209
Jeongguk laid down on his back stiffly on his side, leaving a ridiculous amount of space between them.
“Are you sleeping over there?”
“Giving you room.”
“I don’t need a whole mattress, Ggukie.” Taehyung scooted closer and wrapped himself around Jeongguk.
“Are you sleeping over there?”
“Giving you room.”
“I don’t need a whole mattress, Ggukie.” Taehyung scooted closer and wrapped himself around Jeongguk.
210
Jeongguk froze, cheeks warming, before carefully hugging him back. “Relax,” Taehyung whispered.
Jeongguk mumbled something Taehyung couldn’t hear.
“What?”
“I’m nervous.”
“I’m yours, baby. Don’t be.”Taehyung rested his cheek against alpha’s chest, “Better?”
Jeongguk mumbled something Taehyung couldn’t hear.
“What?”
“I’m nervous.”
“I’m yours, baby. Don’t be.”Taehyung rested his cheek against alpha’s chest, “Better?”
211
Jeongguk nodded, “Much.”
Taehyung closed his eyes, still smiling, “Goodnight, Ggukie.”
Jeongguk’s ears turned red but his arms tightened around him, “Goodnight, my moon.”
Taehyung closed his eyes, still smiling, “Goodnight, Ggukie.”
Jeongguk’s ears turned red but his arms tightened around him, “Goodnight, my moon.”
212
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
213
The wedding happened three weeks later. There was no huge venue, no elaborate decorations and no long guest list, just the seven of them.
Seokjin had strung fairy lights across the place, while Jimin had insisted on adding small flowers along the path leading to the little +
Seokjin had strung fairy lights across the place, while Jimin had insisted on adding small flowers along the path leading to the little +
214
+ wooden arch. Hoseok had taken charge of the music, Yoongi had ended up in charge of the food and Namjoon had spent most of the morning making sure everything was actually standing where it was supposed to.
By the time everything was ready, the sun had begun to set.
By the time everything was ready, the sun had begun to set.
215
Hoseok stood beside him, fixing his collar for the third time. “Stop fidgeting, Jeongguk. It’s not your first time getting married.”
He looked at him, mildly offended. “Hyung, you forgot that I don’t remember my first one.” He adjusted his sleeve again. “Let me live my moment.”
He looked at him, mildly offended. “Hyung, you forgot that I don’t remember my first one.” He adjusted his sleeve again. “Let me live my moment.”
216
Hoseok stared at him for a second before laughing. “Fine. Live your moment.”
Jeongguk nodded before immediately fixing his collar again, “Do I look okay?”
Hoseok smiled, “You look like a handsome groom.” Jeongguk took a slow breath and looked toward the entrance again.
Jeongguk nodded before immediately fixing his collar again, “Do I look okay?”
Hoseok smiled, “You look like a handsome groom.” Jeongguk took a slow breath and looked toward the entrance again.
217
Hoseok followed his gaze and chuckled. “He’ll come out.”
“I know.” Jeongguk gave him a small look, “I’m nervous.” Hoseok patted his shoulder. When the music began, Jeongguk immediately turned toward the house.
“I know.” Jeongguk gave him a small look, “I’m nervous.” Hoseok patted his shoulder. When the music began, Jeongguk immediately turned toward the house.
218
The door opened, Jimin stepped out first, followed by Seokjin. They walked slowly down the little path, smiling as they took their places near the arch.
Then Taehyung appeared and for a moment, Jeongguk forgot to breathe.
Then Taehyung appeared and for a moment, Jeongguk forgot to breathe.
219
Taehyung wore a simple cream colored suit with delicate details of lace and pearls along the collar and sleeves. His hair was styled and a clover leaf pendant carved from deep green emerald rested against his neck on a fine gold chain.
220
He looked beautiful but it wasn’t the suit that made Jeongguk stare.
It was Taehyung.
Hoseok glanced at Jeongguk and smiled, “Close your mouth.” Jeongguk blinked and quietly shut it. Taehyung laughed when he noticed.
It was Taehyung.
Hoseok glanced at Jeongguk and smiled, “Close your mouth.” Jeongguk blinked and quietly shut it. Taehyung laughed when he noticed.
221
Namjoon stood at the path beside him, “Ready?” Taehyung nodded. Namjoon offered his arm and Taehyung took it. Together, they slowly walked down the flowers covered path.
Jeongguk couldn’t take his eyes off him. When they reached the arch, Namjoon gently placed Taehyung’s hand +
Jeongguk couldn’t take his eyes off him. When they reached the arch, Namjoon gently placed Taehyung’s hand +
222
+ into Jeongguk’s, “Take care of him.”
Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, “I will.”
Namjoon smiled before stepping aside. Yoongi cleared his throat from beside them, “Alright. Since I’m the only one responsible enough to remember what comes next…”
Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, “I will.”
Namjoon smiled before stepping aside. Yoongi cleared his throat from beside them, “Alright. Since I’m the only one responsible enough to remember what comes next…”
223
Everyone laughed. Yoongi looked at Jeongguk and Taehyung, “Let’s keep this simple.”
He turned toward Jeongguk first, “Jeongguk, your vows.”
Jeongguk looked down at their joined hands before looking back at Taehyung, “I don’t remember our first wedding. +
He turned toward Jeongguk first, “Jeongguk, your vows.”
Jeongguk looked down at their joined hands before looking back at Taehyung, “I don’t remember our first wedding. +
224
+ I don’t remember the first time I held your hand like this. I don’t remember the first time I called you my mate.”
Taehyung’s smile softened. He squeezed omega’s hand, “But I remember how it feels to love you.” Taehyung’s eyes became a little shiny.
Taehyung’s smile softened. He squeezed omega’s hand, “But I remember how it feels to love you.” Taehyung’s eyes became a little shiny.
225
Jeongguk smiled, “I lost a lot of memories, Tae. I even forgot that I was married to the person I was falling in love with.”
A small laugh went through everyone. Jeongguk smiled sheepishly, “I guess I really am an idiot.”
Taehyung laughed softly.
A small laugh went through everyone. Jeongguk smiled sheepishly, “I guess I really am an idiot.”
Taehyung laughed softly.
226
“But if I had to do it all again…” Jeongguk paused, looking at him. “I think I’d still choose you.”
Taehyung’s fingers tightened around his, “Even without the memories?”
“Especially without them.” Jeongguk smiled, “Because I found you anyway.”
Taehyung’s fingers tightened around his, “Even without the memories?”
“Especially without them.” Jeongguk smiled, “Because I found you anyway.”
227
Taehyung looked down for a moment, blinking away the tears threatening to fall. Yoongi turned toward him, “Taehyung, Your vows.”
Taehyung took a small breath before looking at Jeongguk, “I spent so long missing the Jeongguk who remembered me.+
Taehyung took a small breath before looking at Jeongguk, “I spent so long missing the Jeongguk who remembered me.+
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+ I thought if I could just get my husband back, everything would be okay.”
He smiled, “Then you came along and made me fall in love with you all over again.” Jeongguk lowered his head, smiling.
Taehyung reached for his hand again, “You took care of me. You made me laugh. +
He smiled, “Then you came along and made me fall in love with you all over again.” Jeongguk lowered his head, smiling.
Taehyung reached for his hand again, “You took care of me. You made me laugh. +
229
+You slowly became someone I could trust again.” His thumb brushed over Jeongguk’s knuckles.
“I love the Jeongguk who remembers me and I love you too. I don’t want to lose either. So I don’t need you to remember everything.”
“I love the Jeongguk who remembers me and I love you too. I don’t want to lose either. So I don’t need you to remember everything.”
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He squeezed his hand,“I just need you to keep choosing me everyday and I’ll keep choosing you too.”
Jeongguk nodded, his own eyes shining. Yoongi looked between them before clearing his throat, “Alright, rings.”
Seokjin stepped forward and handed them the rings.
Jeongguk nodded, his own eyes shining. Yoongi looked between them before clearing his throat, “Alright, rings.”
Seokjin stepped forward and handed them the rings.
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Jeongguk took Taehyung’s hand, slid the ring onto his fingers. Taehyung did the same for him. This time, the ring slid easily onto his finger.
Yoongi smiled and looked at them both, “Well, that’s it. You’re married.”
Hoseok immediately clapped, Jimin cheered and +
Yoongi smiled and looked at them both, “Well, that’s it. You’re married.”
Hoseok immediately clapped, Jimin cheered and +
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+ Seokjin wiped at the corner of his eye while pretending nobody noticed.
Yoongi stepped back, “Now kiss.”
Jeongguk looked at Taehyung and omega smiled at him. They leaned toward each other and shared a soft kiss.
The moment they pulled apart, Jeongguk whispered,“My mate.”
Yoongi stepped back, “Now kiss.”
Jeongguk looked at Taehyung and omega smiled at him. They leaned toward each other and shared a soft kiss.
The moment they pulled apart, Jeongguk whispered,“My mate.”
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Taehyung smiled, “My alpha.”
From behind them, Jimin yelled, “Again!” Taehyung laughed and Jeongguk shook his head, smiling before leaning in to kiss him once more.
From behind them, Jimin yelled, “Again!” Taehyung laughed and Jeongguk shook his head, smiling before leaning in to kiss him once more.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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It had been a long, beautiful day. Their wedding day and now they were finally alone. Just him and his husband. His very handsome husband.
Taehyung smiled to himself as Jeongguk unlocked the apartment door. Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, then at his lips.
Taehyung smiled to himself as Jeongguk unlocked the apartment door. Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, then at his lips.
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Then omega eyes wandered lower and lower. He immediately looked away.
//Behave!//
A second later, his eyes wandered back.
//Actually... why?//
//Behave!//
A second later, his eyes wandered back.
//Actually... why?//
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He had been trying to behave for months. Sleeping alone, pretending he didn’t notice every little thing his body was asking for.
Pregnancy had already turned his emotions upside down but being separated from his mate had made everything worse.
Pregnancy had already turned his emotions upside down but being separated from his mate had made everything worse.
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There had been nights when his skin felt too sensitive, his instincts too restless and his body aching for the comfort of his mate. He’d survived by telling himself, ‘Not now.’
Now they are married again. Jeongguk was his and Taehyung was absolutely done waiting.
Now they are married again. Jeongguk was his and Taehyung was absolutely done waiting.
239
Tonight was their wedding night. Surely Jeongguk understood what that meant. Taehyung’s lips curled into a tiny smile.
//Ahem!//
They stepped inside. Jeongguk locked the door and turned around. Taehyung immediately gave him his sweetest smile.
//Ahem!//
They stepped inside. Jeongguk locked the door and turned around. Taehyung immediately gave him his sweetest smile.
240
Jeongguk smiled back, “Are you tired?” Taehyung nearly laughed.
//No, my alpha. I am pregnant, hormonal and currently looking at my husband like he’s dessert.//
He tilted his head innocently, “A little.”
//No, my alpha. I am pregnant, hormonal and currently looking at my husband like he’s dessert.//
He tilted his head innocently, “A little.”
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Alpha nodded, “Then go change and freshen up. We can go to bed after.” omega blinked, his lips curled into a tiny smirk.
//Oh. Change and freshen up?
So he wants me looking nice for him.//
He practically floated toward the bedroom but the moment he opened the door, he stopped.
//Oh. Change and freshen up?
So he wants me looking nice for him.//
He practically floated toward the bedroom but the moment he opened the door, he stopped.
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The room had been decorated just enough to make his heart flutter. Soft fairy lights around the headboard, rose petals were scattered across the bed and a few scented candles sat waiting to be lit. Their friends had clearly been busy.
243
Taehyung smiled as he shook his head fondly before turning toward the closet.
He wanted to wear something pretty and sexy that would make his husband look twice but his eyes landed on Jeongguk’s oversized T-shirts. A slow, mischievous smile appeared. He pulled one out.
He wanted to wear something pretty and sexy that would make his husband look twice but his eyes landed on Jeongguk’s oversized T-shirts. A slow, mischievous smile appeared. He pulled one out.
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//Actually…What’s sexier than pretty omega in his alpha’s clothes!??//
Especially with nothing else obvious underneath. Then his eyes landed on the black lace panties. Taehyung’s cheeks warmed.
//...Maybe a little something sexy.//
Especially with nothing else obvious underneath. Then his eyes landed on the black lace panties. Taehyung’s cheeks warmed.
//...Maybe a little something sexy.//
245
Taehyung grabbed his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom for a quick shower.
A few minutes later, he stepped out wearing Jeongguk’s oversized T-shirt over black lace panties. The shirt fell loosely over his thighs.
A few minutes later, he stepped out wearing Jeongguk’s oversized T-shirt over black lace panties. The shirt fell loosely over his thighs.
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His mating mark was visible along the side of his neck, standing out against his skin. He checked himself in the mirror, tilted his head slightly to make sure the mark was clearly visible and nodded.
When he returned to the bedroom, Jeongguk had already changed into a +
When he returned to the bedroom, Jeongguk had already changed into a +
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+ black T-shirt and grey sweatpants. Omega’s smile slowly widened.
//Oh, this is going to be fun.//
Jeongguk caught him staring, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
//Oh, this is going to be fun.//
Jeongguk caught him staring, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
248
Taehyung smiled innocently, “Like what?”
//Like I’m wondering how long It’ll take before you stop being so damn polite and fuck me on our marital bed.//
Instead, he stepped closer and kissed him. He kissed him back and Taehyung’s fingers curled lightly into his alpha’s hair.
//Like I’m wondering how long It’ll take before you stop being so damn polite and fuck me on our marital bed.//
Instead, he stepped closer and kissed him. He kissed him back and Taehyung’s fingers curled lightly into his alpha’s hair.
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When Jeongguk suddenly picked him up, omega’s eyes widened. Alpha carried him straight toward the bed. Taehyung looked at the mattress. He was carefully lowered onto it.
Jeongguk climbed onto the bed. Taehyung waited some more.
//Come on, bunny. Do your thang.//
Jeongguk climbed onto the bed. Taehyung waited some more.
//Come on, bunny. Do your thang.//
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Then Jeongguk pulled the blanket over them. Taehyung looked stunned. Before he could say anything, Jeongguk wrapped his arms around him, tucked himself comfortably against his side and closed his eyes, “Goodnight, my moon.”
//Good fucking night?? What the fuck he mean??//
//Good fucking night?? What the fuck he mean??//
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He looked around the decorated room. Then back at Jeongguk, “You’re going to sleep?” Jeongguk hummed. Taehyung’s mouth fell open as he stared at alpha for a solid thirty seconds.
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//This stupid alpha of mine looked at all of this and thought… perfect environment for eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.//
Taehyung poked his cheek, “Ggukie.” Another sleepy hum left alpha.
Taehyung poked his cheek, “Ggukie.” Another sleepy hum left alpha.
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//I wore your shirt and lace panties underneath it. I have been dropping hints so obvious they could probably be seen from space and you want to SLEEP?//
“Ggukie.”
Jeongguk pulled him closer, “Mmm?”
Taehyung muttered before narrowing his eyes, “You’re unbelievable.”
“Ggukie.”
Jeongguk pulled him closer, “Mmm?”
Taehyung muttered before narrowing his eyes, “You’re unbelievable.”
254
//I should’ve married a smarter alpha. No… I love this idiot.//
Then a mischievous thought suddenly crossed his mind.
//Or maybe I should wake you up in a very... special way.//
Then a mischievous thought suddenly crossed his mind.
//Or maybe I should wake you up in a very... special way.//
255
Taehyung’s smile slowly turned evil. His hand slithered towards alpha’s waist band before he abruptly stopped himself and pulled his hand back.
//No. No, no, no. What the hell is wrong with me?//
//No. No, no, no. What the hell is wrong with me?//
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//I am a respectable married omega... but I’m also a pregnant omega with very questionable thoughts.//
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He glared at the sleeping alpha. Jeongguk snuggled closer in his sleep. He looked at his alpha’s sleeping face and snuggled closer.
//Enjoy your sleep, bunny. Tomorrow, I’m not letting you escape that easily.//
//Enjoy your sleep, bunny. Tomorrow, I’m not letting you escape that easily.//
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Author’s note
Poor Tae waited all this time only to find out that his husband’s idea of a perfect wedding night is cuddles and sleep😂
Packmates, how long do you think our omega can survive this level of patience?
Poor Tae waited all this time only to find out that his husband’s idea of a perfect wedding night is cuddles and sleep😂
Packmates, how long do you think our omega can survive this level of patience?
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Just one or two more updates and we’ll be saying goodbye to Palimpsest🥹
I’ll also be going private before the next update, so make sure you hit that follow button to stay with me and not miss it🤍
I’ll also be going private before the next update, so make sure you hit that follow button to stay with me and not miss it🤍
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Taehyung was still curled against Jeongguk, warm and comfortable with one arm tucked beneath his pillow and Jeongguk’s arm securely wrapped around his belly. Taehyung’s phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Buzzzz…..
Buzzzz…..
Buzzzz…..
Buzzzz…..
Buzzzz…..
Buzzzz…..
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Taehyung groaned without opening his eyes. He blindly reached for it with a sleepy frown and squinted at the screen.
Annoying chick🐥
> Good morning, Newlywed Omega Jeon😏
> Or should I say…
> OMEGA VERY-SATISFIED-JEON???👀
Annoying chick🐥
> Good morning, Newlywed Omega Jeon😏
> Or should I say…
> OMEGA VERY-SATISFIED-JEON???👀
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Taehyung’s sleepy eyes widened and he immediately typed.
Taeger🐯
> Go away
The reply came within seconds.
Annoying chick🐥
> OH MY GOD
> You’re awake
> Answer the important question
Taeger🐯
> What?
Taeger🐯
> Go away
The reply came within seconds.
Annoying chick🐥
> OH MY GOD
> You’re awake
> Answer the important question
Taeger🐯
> What?
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Annoying chick🐥
> Don’t play innocent with me, Jeon Taehyung.
> So??? Was the wedding night wild?
> Don’t be shy. I want DETAILS.
Taehyung stared at the screen. Then slowly looked at Jeongguk. His husband was sleeping peacefully.
> Don’t play innocent with me, Jeon Taehyung.
> So??? Was the wedding night wild?
> Don’t be shy. I want DETAILS.
Taehyung stared at the screen. Then slowly looked at Jeongguk. His husband was sleeping peacefully.
265
One cheek was squished against the pillow. His hair was sticking up in three different directions. He looked far too innocent after the wreck he caused. Taehyung’s eyes twitched at the sight.
Taeger🐯
> What is wrong with you?
Taeger🐯
> What is wrong with you?
266
Annoying chick🐥
> I’m your best friend. It’s my duty to ask.
> Was your bunny wild or gentle?
> Slow or Impatient?
> Did he take you well?
> Did you two play around with positions? Considering you’re preggy?
Taeger🐯
> You’re disgusting!
> I’m your best friend. It’s my duty to ask.
> Was your bunny wild or gentle?
> Slow or Impatient?
> Did he take you well?
> Did you two play around with positions? Considering you’re preggy?
Taeger🐯
> You’re disgusting!
267
Annoying chick🐥
> And curious.
> So? Spill.
> With memories or without memories? Which bunny fucked you better?
Taehyung slowly looked at the sleeping alpha beside him. Jeongguk was still sleeping, completely unaware that his reputation was currently being discussed.
> And curious.
> So? Spill.
> With memories or without memories? Which bunny fucked you better?
Taehyung slowly looked at the sleeping alpha beside him. Jeongguk was still sleeping, completely unaware that his reputation was currently being discussed.
268
Taehyung sighed and typed.
Taeger🐯
> My bunny didn’t do anything.
Three dots appeared immediately.
Annoying chick🐥
> ...
> EXCUSE ME?
Taeger🐯
> Nothing happened!
Annoying chick🐥
> You mean you spent the whole night together and NOTHING happened?
Taeger🐯
> My bunny didn’t do anything.
Three dots appeared immediately.
Annoying chick🐥
> ...
> EXCUSE ME?
Taeger🐯
> Nothing happened!
Annoying chick🐥
> You mean you spent the whole night together and NOTHING happened?
269
Taeger🐯
> We made out and he carried me to bed.
> I thought finally.
Annoying chick🐥
> 👀
> AND?
Taeger🐯
> He tucked me in.
Annoying chick🐥
> NO.
> YOUR HUSBAND TUCKED YOU IN?!
Taehyung’s fingers flew over the keyboard.
Taeger🐯
> He said goodnight and went to sleep.
> We made out and he carried me to bed.
> I thought finally.
Annoying chick🐥
> 👀
> AND?
Taeger🐯
> He tucked me in.
Annoying chick🐥
> NO.
> YOUR HUSBAND TUCKED YOU IN?!
Taehyung’s fingers flew over the keyboard.
Taeger🐯
> He said goodnight and went to sleep.
270
Annoying chick🐥
> IN THE ROMANTICALLY DECORATED BED???
Taeger🐯
> YES!!
Annoying chick🐥
> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LMFAO
> TAEHYUNG😭
> Did you at least try to seduce him?
Taehyung stared at the message.
Taeger🐯
> I’m blocking you.
Annoying chick🐥
> That means yes.
> IN THE ROMANTICALLY DECORATED BED???
Taeger🐯
> YES!!
Annoying chick🐥
> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LMFAO
> TAEHYUNG😭
> Did you at least try to seduce him?
Taehyung stared at the message.
Taeger🐯
> I’m blocking you.
Annoying chick🐥
> That means yes.
271
Annoying chick🐥
> Did you give him the bedroom eyes?
Taeger🐯
> Jimin beach!
Annoying chick🐥
> Did you wear something nice for him?
Taehyung’s face heated up, before he responded Jimin’s message popped on screen.
> OH MY GOD, YOU DID.
Taeger🐯
> I hate you.
> Did you give him the bedroom eyes?
Taeger🐯
> Jimin beach!
Annoying chick🐥
> Did you wear something nice for him?
Taehyung’s face heated up, before he responded Jimin’s message popped on screen.
> OH MY GOD, YOU DID.
Taeger🐯
> I hate you.
272
Annoying chick🐥
> 😭😭😭
> Babybear, I’m so sorry.
He put his phone down. Then Jeongguk’s sleepy voice came from beside him, “Who were you talking to?”
Taehyung turned toward him with the sweetest smile imaginable, “Jimin.”
Jeongguk blinked sleepily, “Why?”
> 😭😭😭
> Babybear, I’m so sorry.
He put his phone down. Then Jeongguk’s sleepy voice came from beside him, “Who were you talking to?”
Taehyung turned toward him with the sweetest smile imaginable, “Jimin.”
Jeongguk blinked sleepily, “Why?”
273
Taehyung leaned closer, “Nothing.” Jeongguk sighed comfortably and hugged him closer.
Taehyung smiled to himself. Maybe it was time his husband finally learned how dangerous a very patient and very frustrated pregnant omega could be.
Taehyung smiled to himself. Maybe it was time his husband finally learned how dangerous a very patient and very frustrated pregnant omega could be.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
275
After the disaster of their wedding night, he had decided that if Jeongguk couldn’t understand his hints, he would simply have to make them impossible to misunderstand because he had reached his limit.
Jeongguk was working at the desk when Taehyung appeared wearing +
Jeongguk was working at the desk when Taehyung appeared wearing +
276
+ Jeongguk’s shirt again with his pretty legs on full display.
He wandered toward the bean bag and climbed onto it, just like he would climb his husband during their sexy times. Then settling himself down, both of his legs on either side of the bean bag while giving Jeongguk +
He wandered toward the bean bag and climbed onto it, just like he would climb his husband during their sexy times. Then settling himself down, both of his legs on either side of the bean bag while giving Jeongguk +
277
+ his most seductive bedroom eyes.
Alpha finally looked up and his doe eyes widened. Omega’s heart leaped excitedly. Jeongguk stood and walked straight toward him.
//Yes my alpha, show your omega good times.//
Alpha finally looked up and his doe eyes widened. Omega’s heart leaped excitedly. Jeongguk stood and walked straight toward him.
//Yes my alpha, show your omega good times.//
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He picked Taehyung up. Omega’s arms went around his neck.
//Oh, we’re doing this.//
Then Jeongguk carried him directly to the couch and Taehyung blinked. Jeongguk carefully sat him down and fixed the cushion behind his back, “The bean bag isn’t safe.”
//Oh, we’re doing this.//
Then Jeongguk carried him directly to the couch and Taehyung blinked. Jeongguk carefully sat him down and fixed the cushion behind his back, “The bean bag isn’t safe.”
279
Taehyung stared at him, “...That’s why you picked me up?” Alpha hummed softly.
280
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
281
Jeongguk sat at the edge of the bed with his parenting book in his hand. He was propped against the headboard, watching him with the kind of expression that should have come with a warning label.
He slowly stretched one leg toward alpha. His toes brushed against alpha’s bicep.
He slowly stretched one leg toward alpha. His toes brushed against alpha’s bicep.
282
Jeongguk stilled and omega’s eyes immediately sharpened with lust. He slowly traced his foot along his alpha’s bicep, watching his husband’s reaction.
Jeongguk lowered his book and looked down at the foot. Then up at Taehyung.
Jeongguk lowered his book and looked down at the foot. Then up at Taehyung.
283
Taehyung held his gaze, his expression practically screaming I am giving you one last chance to figure this out.
Jeongguk caught his ankle. Jeongguk lifted his foot and gave it a tiny lingering kiss before resting it on his lap. Taehyung’s brain immediately went blank.
Jeongguk caught his ankle. Jeongguk lifted his foot and gave it a tiny lingering kiss before resting it on his lap. Taehyung’s brain immediately went blank.
284
Jeongguk continued gently rubbing his foot. Then with the most innocent expression imaginable, he looked up, “Are you craving something, Tae?” Taehyung stared at him with disbelief.
//Yes, you.//
But before he could answer, Jeongguk was already reaching across the bed.
//Yes, you.//
But before he could answer, Jeongguk was already reaching across the bed.
285
He picked up omega’s discarded sock, still lying near the pillows and pulled it over his foot before continuing to rub it, “Icecream??”
Taehyung’s face went completely flat.
//The only cream I wanted is creampie… your cum inside me, alpha. Why can’t you understand?//
Taehyung’s face went completely flat.
//The only cream I wanted is creampie… your cum inside me, alpha. Why can’t you understand?//
286
But instead he huffed, cheeks puffing slightly, “Strawberry.”
Jeongguk smiled immediately, “Strawberry ice cream?” Taehyung nodded, staring at him with an exhausted expression.
Jeongguk smiled immediately, “Strawberry ice cream?” Taehyung nodded, staring at him with an exhausted expression.
287
Jeongguk happily reached for his phone. Taehyung sank back against the headboard.
At this point, he wanted his husband to grow a brain. Unfortunately, that wasn’t available for delivery.
At this point, he wanted his husband to grow a brain. Unfortunately, that wasn’t available for delivery.
288
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
289
Taeger🐯
> Jimin.
Annoying Chick🐥
> What did the bunny do now?
Taeger🐯
> I tried.
Annoying Chick🐥
> Tried what? 👀
Taeger🐯
> Everything.
Annoying Chick🐥
> Define everything.
> Jimin.
Annoying Chick🐥
> What did the bunny do now?
Taeger🐯
> I tried.
Annoying Chick🐥
> Tried what? 👀
Taeger🐯
> Everything.
Annoying Chick🐥
> Define everything.
290
Taehyung immediately unleashed a furious stream of messages about his failed seduction attempts, each one more humiliating than the last. By the end, he was practically screaming at Jimin through the laptop screen.
Taeger🐯
> I TRIED EVERYTHING, JIMIN😭
+
Taeger🐯
> I TRIED EVERYTHING, JIMIN😭
+
291
+
> AND THAT STUPID ALPHA STILL DIDN’T GET IT!!!
Annoying Chick🐥
> 😭😭😭
> Babybear, breathe.
Taeger🐯
> What if he doesn’t find me attractive anymore?
> Maybe he thinks I’m ugly now with my belly swollen.
Jimin’s reply came almost instantly.
> AND THAT STUPID ALPHA STILL DIDN’T GET IT!!!
Annoying Chick🐥
> 😭😭😭
> Babybear, breathe.
Taeger🐯
> What if he doesn’t find me attractive anymore?
> Maybe he thinks I’m ugly now with my belly swollen.
Jimin’s reply came almost instantly.
292
Annoying Chick🐥
> Oh, shut up.
> Your husband fell in love with you twice, Tae.
Taeger🐯
> But
Annoying Chick🐥
> No buts.
> He lost his memories and STILL fell for you again.
> He looks at you like you’re the most beautiful person in the room.
+
> Oh, shut up.
> Your husband fell in love with you twice, Tae.
Taeger🐯
> But
Annoying Chick🐥
> No buts.
> He lost his memories and STILL fell for you again.
> He looks at you like you’re the most beautiful person in the room.
+
293
+
> Stop filling your head with nonsense.
Taehyung stared at the laptop screen, his pout slowly returning.
Taeger🐯
> ...You really think so?
Annoying Chick🐥
> I know so.
> Now go bother your husband instead of bullying yourself.
Taeger🐯
> You’re annoying.
> Stop filling your head with nonsense.
Taehyung stared at the laptop screen, his pout slowly returning.
Taeger🐯
> ...You really think so?
Annoying Chick🐥
> I know so.
> Now go bother your husband instead of bullying yourself.
Taeger🐯
> You’re annoying.
294
Annoying Chick🐥
> And I’m right❤️
Taehyung huffed at the screen but the fight had taken more out of him than he wanted to take nap. A few minutes later, he was asleep on the couch, curled into the corner with the laptop still open beside him.
> And I’m right❤️
Taehyung huffed at the screen but the fight had taken more out of him than he wanted to take nap. A few minutes later, he was asleep on the couch, curled into the corner with the laptop still open beside him.
295
When Jeongguk came in, he noticed the laptop dangerously close to sliding off the cushion. He sighed softly, “Seriously, Tae…”
He caught it just before it fell and picked it up, intending to shut it down. He absolutely had no intention of snooping through his mate’s +
He caught it just before it fell and picked it up, intending to shut it down. He absolutely had no intention of snooping through his mate’s +
296
+ private conversation with his best friend.Unfortunately, his own name was sitting right there on the screen.
Jeongguk blinked, “...Why am I trending in omega best friends chats?” He leaned closer, just one little look doesn’t hurt anyone, right?
Jeongguk blinked, “...Why am I trending in omega best friends chats?” He leaned closer, just one little look doesn’t hurt anyone, right?
297
Soon Jeongguk was standing beside the couch, scrolling with the guilty expression of a child caught near an open cookie jar.
His ears slowly turned red. Then his cheeks and then his entire face, “Oh.”
He read another message, his eyebrows shot up, “Oh.”
His ears slowly turned red. Then his cheeks and then his entire face, “Oh.”
He read another message, his eyebrows shot up, “Oh.”
298
Jeongguk pressed his lips together, desperately trying not to laugh “Ah…”
He glanced at the sleeping Taehyung. The omega was completely knocked out, curled up peacefully as if he hadn’t spent the entire day plotting his husband’s downfall.
He glanced at the sleeping Taehyung. The omega was completely knocked out, curled up peacefully as if he hadn’t spent the entire day plotting his husband’s downfall.
299
Jeongguk looked back at the screen. Suddenly, every strange look from Taehyung, climbing bean bag, suspicious cuddling, bedroom eyes, the foot and increasingly desperate attempts made sense.
Jeongguk covered his mouth, “How did I not notice?”
Jeongguk covered his mouth, “How did I not notice?”
300
He scrolled a little further, then immediately stopped when he realized he was definitely snooping now. He slowly closed the laptop and opened it again. Just one more message.
He read it and his face went scarlet, “Nope.” He closed the laptop for real this time and +
He read it and his face went scarlet, “Nope.” He closed the laptop for real this time and +
301
+ looked at his sleeping mate and shook his head, smiling helplessly. His poor omega had been trying so hard. He buried his face in his hands, “Idiot.” Then he peeked at Taehyung again. A shy smile appeared.
Well...
Well...
302
If that was what his mate wanted, Jeongguk would happily give it to him.
Just preferably before Taehyung sent Jimin another twelve-message complaint about his husband.
Just preferably before Taehyung sent Jimin another twelve-message complaint about his husband.
303
˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
304
Author’s Note
Okay, I guess no one’s interested in reading anymore😭 I was gonna update long ass chap today with the smut but ghost reading killed my mood💀
If you still want the smut, show this update some love… or I’ll assume I’m writing for ghosts, not my packmates👻🥲
Okay, I guess no one’s interested in reading anymore😭 I was gonna update long ass chap today with the smut but ghost reading killed my mood💀
If you still want the smut, show this update some love… or I’ll assume I’m writing for ghosts, not my packmates👻🥲
305
When Taehyung woke up, he made a decision. He was done with these good for nothing attempts.
No more flirting or embarrassing himself and no more trying to make his own husband understand what was practically written across his forehead.
No more flirting or embarrassing himself and no more trying to make his own husband understand what was practically written across his forehead.
306
Unfortunately Jeongguk wanted to talk about it. The moment he approached, Taehyung gave him the coldest shoulder imaginable and marched straight into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
“Tae–”Jeongguk followed, “Can I help? I can chop these.”
“Tae–”Jeongguk followed, “Can I help? I can chop these.”
307
Jeongguk picked up an onion. Taehyung immediately snatched it from his hand,”I’ll do it.”
Jeongguk blinked, “I was just trying to–”
“I said I’ll do it.” Omega turned around and started chopping. Jeongguk stood behind him, staring.
Jeongguk blinked, “I was just trying to–”
“I said I’ll do it.” Omega turned around and started chopping. Jeongguk stood behind him, staring.
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He reached for another onion. Omega snatched that one too and he sighed. The onion wasn’t even the problem… he was.
Dinner was eventually prepared although his attempts to help were repeatedly rejected. By the time they finished eating, omega was still refusing to look at him.
Dinner was eventually prepared although his attempts to help were repeatedly rejected. By the time they finished eating, omega was still refusing to look at him.
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He immediately started cleaning the kitchen, putting every container back exactly where it belonged.
One container was just out of reach. Taehyung stretched onto his toes. Before he could grab a chair, Jeongguk stepped in behind him, easily reached over and placed the +
One container was just out of reach. Taehyung stretched onto his toes. Before he could grab a chair, Jeongguk stepped in behind him, easily reached over and placed the +
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+ container inside the cupboard. Taehyung immediately tried to slip past him. Jeongguk caught him around the waist.
Alpha rested his chin against omega’s shoulder, nuzzling softly into his neck before peppering a few gentle kisses along his jaw.
Alpha rested his chin against omega’s shoulder, nuzzling softly into his neck before peppering a few gentle kisses along his jaw.
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Omega’s eyes widened at alpha’s touch. Jeongguk smiled against his skin, “Aren’t you going to talk to me”
Taehyung stared straight ahead. Jeongguk hugged him tighter, “Not even a little?” He didn’t answer. He simply turned around, intending to push his husband away and escape.
Taehyung stared straight ahead. Jeongguk hugged him tighter, “Not even a little?” He didn’t answer. He simply turned around, intending to push his husband away and escape.
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He barely got his hands against Jeongguk’s chest before the alpha leaned in again, nuzzling into his neck.
Taehyung stiffened. Jeongguk pressed a few mouth kisses along his collarbone to mating mark, just enough to make Taehyung’s ears turn red.
Taehyung stiffened. Jeongguk pressed a few mouth kisses along his collarbone to mating mark, just enough to make Taehyung’s ears turn red.
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Then he moved up his lips to omega’s neck, his jaw and finally the corner of his lips. His breath hitched. Before he could turn away, alpha cupped his face and kissed him properly.
Omega’s hands which had been ready to push him away moments ago, slowly relaxed against his chest.
Omega’s hands which had been ready to push him away moments ago, slowly relaxed against his chest.
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Jeongguk held him close, kissing him and making one thing very clear that his mate was loved, wanted and cherished beyond words.
Taehyung’s fingers curled into Jeongguk’s shirt. All that stubborn anger he’d been holding onto began slipping away embarrassingly fast.
Taehyung’s fingers curled into Jeongguk’s shirt. All that stubborn anger he’d been holding onto began slipping away embarrassingly fast.
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By the time they finally parted, Taehyung was left breathless, cheeks burning and completely forgetting what he had been angry about in the first place.
He blinked up at Jeongguk, utterly confused by the sudden change in his husband’s behavior.
He blinked up at Jeongguk, utterly confused by the sudden change in his husband’s behavior.
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Before he could ask, Jeongguk gently brushed his thumb over Taehyung’s cheek, “You’re the most beautiful omega I’ve ever laid my eyes on. So don’t ever doubt that.”
Taehyung’s eyes widened as he stared at Jeongguk, still flustered. “You read my texts?”
Taehyung’s eyes widened as he stared at Jeongguk, still flustered. “You read my texts?”
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“I didn’t mean to. I accidentally saw one.” Alpha found guilty.
“One?” Omega questioned him.
Jeongguk looked away, “…Several.”
Taehyung narrowed his eyes, “You read everything?”
He nodded, ears turned red, “Why didn’t you tell me that you wanted me, Tae?”
“One?” Omega questioned him.
Jeongguk looked away, “…Several.”
Taehyung narrowed his eyes, “You read everything?”
He nodded, ears turned red, “Why didn’t you tell me that you wanted me, Tae?”
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Taehyung’s embarrassment quickly turned into annoyance, “How am I supposed to tell you when you’re this dumb?”
Jeongguk burst out laughing. Taehyung huffed but the corner of his mouth betrayed him, “Then... why didn’t you want to touch me?”
Jeongguk burst out laughing. Taehyung huffed but the corner of his mouth betrayed him, “Then... why didn’t you want to touch me?”
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Jeongguk’s laughter faded into a gentle smile. “I did, Tae. I did really want you.” He reached up and carefully moved a fallen strand of hair away from Taehyung’s face, “I just didn’t want to hurt you. You’re almost seven months along and I didn’t want to risk anything.”
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Taehyung blinked, “But the doctor said it’s fine to have sex.”
Jeongguk smiled sheepishly, “It’s just... it’s my first time and you’re carrying our pup. I didn’t want to accidentally hurt either of you.”
Taehyung couldn’t help laughing at how adorably serious his husband +
Jeongguk smiled sheepishly, “It’s just... it’s my first time and you’re carrying our pup. I didn’t want to accidentally hurt either of you.”
Taehyung couldn’t help laughing at how adorably serious his husband +
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+ looked, “Silly alpha. We spent more than a thousand nights together making love and you’re still nervous?”
Jeongguk’s ears immediately turned red. Taehyung poked his chest, grinning. “And don’t worry. I know my husband’s d!ck game. You’re going to do just fine.”
Jeongguk’s ears immediately turned red. Taehyung poked his chest, grinning. “And don’t worry. I know my husband’s d!ck game. You’re going to do just fine.”
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Jeongguk let out a breathy laugh. “Huh–huh?”
Taehyung laughed harder at his flustered face. Jeongguk finally shook his head, leaned in and kissed him, his smile impossible to hide. Before Taehyung could say anything else, Jeongguk scooped him up into his arms, “Ggukie!”
Taehyung laughed harder at his flustered face. Jeongguk finally shook his head, leaned in and kissed him, his smile impossible to hide. Before Taehyung could say anything else, Jeongguk scooped him up into his arms, “Ggukie!”
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He laughed and carried his laughing omega toward their bedroom. “So…” He grinned. “You wanted your husband, right?” Taehyung eagerly nodded and alpha’s smile softened, “Then you get all of me.”
“Yes!” Omega simply wrapped his arms around his neck, smiling against his shoulder.
“Yes!” Omega simply wrapped his arms around his neck, smiling against his shoulder.
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MDNI
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For a long time, the only sound in the room was their heavy breathing. Jeongguk didn’t pull out immediately.
He stayed buried deep, enjoying the warmth and the closeness. He shifted slightly, kissing the back of Taehyung’s neck, his lips stayed on the skin.
He stayed buried deep, enjoying the warmth and the closeness. He shifted slightly, kissing the back of Taehyung’s neck, his lips stayed on the skin.
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Taehyung let out a soft, content sigh, his body feeling heavy and light at the same time. “You did good for me, alpha.”
Jeongguk let out a breathy laugh, finally sliding out of him. He quickly pulled the duvet over both of them, scooping Taehyung into his arms and +
Jeongguk let out a breathy laugh, finally sliding out of him. He quickly pulled the duvet over both of them, scooping Taehyung into his arms and +
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+ pulling him flush against his chest. “I thought I was nervous,” Jeongguk admitted, his voice returning to its gentle tone.
Taehyung chuckled, snuggling closer. “You were. But you’re a fast learner.”
“Do you think our pup will have your eyes?” Taehyung asked, his voice sleepy.
Taehyung chuckled, snuggling closer. “You were. But you’re a fast learner.”
“Do you think our pup will have your eyes?” Taehyung asked, his voice sleepy.
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Jeongguk kissed his temple, “I hope pup has your heart and maybe your stubbornness.”
“Yah!” Taehyung protested, though there was no heat in it.
“I'm serious,” Jeongguk whispered, tightening his grip. “Everything about you is exactly where it needs to be. I’m sorry I was +
“Yah!” Taehyung protested, though there was no heat in it.
“I'm serious,” Jeongguk whispered, tightening his grip. “Everything about you is exactly where it needs to be. I’m sorry I was +
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+ so blind for so long.”
Taehyung turned in his arms, looking into the alpha’s eyes. The memory loss had been a cruel bridge between them but they had crossed it together.
He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Jeongguk’s forehead,“We’re okay now,” Taehyung said softly+
Taehyung turned in his arms, looking into the alpha’s eyes. The memory loss had been a cruel bridge between them but they had crossed it together.
He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Jeongguk’s forehead,“We’re okay now,” Taehyung said softly+
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+ “We’re finally okay.”
Jeongguk smiled as he shifted his position, looking at the mating mark on Taehyung’s neck that Jeongguk had given him long ago.
Jeongguk traced the mark with his thumb, “Tae?”
“Yeah?”
“I want you to mark me,” Jeongguk whispered.
Jeongguk smiled as he shifted his position, looking at the mating mark on Taehyung’s neck that Jeongguk had given him long ago.
Jeongguk traced the mark with his thumb, “Tae?”
“Yeah?”
“I want you to mark me,” Jeongguk whispered.
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Taehyung blinked, surprised. “What? You’re the alpha. You mark the omega. That’s how it works.”
“I know how it works,” Jeongguk said, his voice trembling slightly. “But I lost everything once. I lost you. I lost the memory of us. The thought that I could wake up one day and +
“I know how it works,” Jeongguk said, his voice trembling slightly. “But I lost everything once. I lost you. I lost the memory of us. The thought that I could wake up one day and +
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+ not know who you are... it terrifies me. I want your mark on me. I want something that says I belong to you, something that doesn’t rely on my brain remembering. I want it in my skin.”
Taehyung looked at him, his heart swelling, “You want my mark? Really?”
Taehyung looked at him, his heart swelling, “You want my mark? Really?”
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Jeongguk gave a small smile, “Why wouldn’t your husband with memories appreciate being claimed by his omega?”
Taehyung chuckled and reached up, flicking Jeongguk’s chin playfully, “He absolutely would.” He moved his lips to the scent gland on Jeongguk’s neck.
Taehyung chuckled and reached up, flicking Jeongguk’s chin playfully, “He absolutely would.” He moved his lips to the scent gland on Jeongguk’s neck.
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He could smell the cinnamon and the raw desire. He didn’t just kiss the skin but he nipped, his teeth sinking into the alpha’s flesh.
Jeongguk let out a groan, his eyes closing in submission. It wasn’t a traditional mating mark, omegas couldn’t bind an alpha the same way +
Jeongguk let out a groan, his eyes closing in submission. It wasn’t a traditional mating mark, omegas couldn’t bind an alpha the same way +
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+ but it was a claim.
As Taehyung bit down, something happened. Jeongguk’s body suddenly became rigid. His eyes snapped open, breath hitched and he suddenly let out a sharp painful gasp, his hand flying up to clutch his head. He groaned with pain.
As Taehyung bit down, something happened. Jeongguk’s body suddenly became rigid. His eyes snapped open, breath hitched and he suddenly let out a sharp painful gasp, his hand flying up to clutch his head. He groaned with pain.
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Taehyung pulled back immediately, seeing Jeongguk clutching his head. He panicked, his eyes wide. “Ggukie! What happened? Are you okay? Do you feel sick?”
Jeongguk did not answer for a moment. He was shaking as a flood of images came back into his mind. He saw the wedding, +
Jeongguk did not answer for a moment. He was shaking as a flood of images came back into his mind. He saw the wedding, +
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the first home they had shared, the arguments, the laughter and the exact moment he had lost everything.
He looked up at Taehyung. His eyes were filled with tears, shimmering. “Baby,” Jeongguk whispered.
Taehyung froze, stared at the alpha, his breath catching in his throat.+
He looked up at Taehyung. His eyes were filled with tears, shimmering. “Baby,” Jeongguk whispered.
Taehyung froze, stared at the alpha, his breath catching in his throat.+
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“You... y-you got your memories?”
“Yes, yes baby,” Jeongguk sobbed, a smile breaking through the tears. “I remember. I remember everything.”
Taehyung threw himself into Jeongguk’s arms, sobbing into his chest. “I missed you. I missed you so much.”
“Yes, yes baby,” Jeongguk sobbed, a smile breaking through the tears. “I remember. I remember everything.”
Taehyung threw himself into Jeongguk’s arms, sobbing into his chest. “I missed you. I missed you so much.”
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“I missed you too,” Jeongguk whispered, holding him as tight as he could without hurting the pup.
After a few minutes of crying, Jeongguk pulled back slightly, looking at the omega with confusion. “Wait. How did you know I got my memories back so quickly? I only said one word.”
After a few minutes of crying, Jeongguk pulled back slightly, looking at the omega with confusion. “Wait. How did you know I got my memories back so quickly? I only said one word.”
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Taehyung let out a wet chuckle, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “Jeongguk without memories calls me my moon,” Taehyung explained. “You just called me baby.”
Jeongguk paused, then a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. “My baby likes being called my moon, hmm?”
Jeongguk paused, then a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. “My baby likes being called my moon, hmm?”
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Taehyung rolled his eyes but the smile on his lips gave him away. “If my mark was all you needed to get your memories back, I would’ve bitten you the moment you opened your eyes after the accident.”
Jeongguk stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. +
Jeongguk stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. +
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“You could’ve saved us months of suffering!”
“Exactly!” Taehyung huffed, poking him in the chest. “Do you know how much trouble you caused me?”
“I know.”Jeongguk caught his hand and kissed his knuckles, still grinning.
“Exactly!” Taehyung huffed, poking him in the chest. “Do you know how much trouble you caused me?”
“I know.”Jeongguk caught his hand and kissed his knuckles, still grinning.
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“I will still call you my moon,” Jeongguk whispered, kissing his nose, “because that idiot is still inside me.”
Taehyung giggled, snuggling back into the warmth of his alpha. “I think I can live with that.”
Taehyung giggled, snuggling back into the warmth of his alpha. “I think I can live with that.”
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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A few months later…
Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, their little daughter peacefully asleep in his arms, “Still your rival?”
Jeongguk looked at him for a moment before smiling, “My greatest one.”
Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Even now?”
Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, their little daughter peacefully asleep in his arms, “Still your rival?”
Jeongguk looked at him for a moment before smiling, “My greatest one.”
Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Even now?”
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“Especially now.” Jeongguk leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose. “You stole my heart twice, remember?”
Taehyung laughed softly, “I thought I stole your internship.”
“You did that too.” Jeongguk teased him. Taehyung burst out laughing as Jeongguk pulled him closer.
Taehyung laughed softly, “I thought I stole your internship.”
“You did that too.” Jeongguk teased him. Taehyung burst out laughing as Jeongguk pulled him closer.
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He had chosen Taehyung once with a thousand memories of their love and then, when those memories were taken from him, he had chosen him all over again.
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Perhaps that was the greatest proof of all. Jeongguk’s mind had forgotten their story but his heart had never forgotten Taehyung.
He would choose his moon again and again in every lifetime, in every version of their story and love him like it was the first time, every time.
He would choose his moon again and again in every lifetime, in every version of their story and love him like it was the first time, every time.
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˚⊱🎀Palimpsest🎀⊰˚
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Author’s note
And that’s a wrap, packmates🥹
I’m not ready to let these two go but I think they’ve tortured me enough😂
Thank you so much for reading, laughing, screaming & suffering with me through this story. Every bit of love meant more to me than you know.
And that’s a wrap, packmates🥹
I’m not ready to let these two go but I think they’ve tortured me enough😂
Thank you so much for reading, laughing, screaming & suffering with me through this story. Every bit of love meant more to me than you know.
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I hope you loved them as much as I did. Now excuse me while I go cry because it’s actually over🥲😂
Until the next one🤍
My other work!
Until the next one🤍
My other work!
Candy🍬@ggeumbi7
The Orange Peel Theory; #taekookau [A/B/O]
Where omega Taehyung is hopelessly in love with his alpha best friend and desperately needs to know if Jeongguk feels the same.
So he came up with a foolproof theory or atleast he thinks it is.
All he needs is one orange to prove it.
Where omega Taehyung is hopelessly in love with his alpha best friend and desperately needs to know if Jeongguk feels the same.
So he came up with a foolproof theory or atleast he thinks it is.
All he needs is one orange to prove it.
