Chapter 3

French toast. That was the first thing Jimin could think about as soon as he woke up – the smell of it was overwhelming. His whole body hurt leaving him wincing against the huge pillow he’d been resting on before. The scene took him by surprise – Jeongguk was struggling to silently close the door of the bedroom behind him as he carried a large wooden tray. There were two mugs alongside the plates on the tray but Jimin didn’t dare to open his mouth and tell him to be careful.

He thought the sight was amusing but couldn’t smile.

He curled into a smaller ball as Jeongguk finally managed to complete the task. His stomach began to grumble but he ignored it completely until he saw warm brown eyes staring back at him. He was sure he looked disgusting because his face was usually swollen in the morning and given last night’s circumstances, it was probably worse.

“Good morning,” Jeongguk said hesitatingly, as if he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to use pet names or not. “I hope you’re hungry because I’ve prepared quite the breakfast.”

What was resting on the tray was impressive and Jimin mouthed a “good morning”, feeling that his throat was impossibly dry while he sat up, resting against the bedpost. He could read the concern all over the alpha’s face and he hated it. It made him feel weak. He grabbed one of the cups that seemed to be filled with a latte and gulped the coffee rapidly, relieved with the soothing feeling.

“I can make some more.” Jeongguk said after he saw how rapidly the drink vanished. “But you should eat something first.”

Jimin nodded once before digging into the omelet he was offered, avoiding the other’s stare at all cost. He felt ashamed – in fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so bad about himself – and he wanted to go home. He wanted to pretend the last 48 hours didn’t happen, that he didn’t rely on a stranger’s kindness. In the end that was all Jeongguk was – a stranger.

“I’m sorry for yesterday,” Jimin finally whispered. “I should have gone home.”

“I told you that I’m glad you’ve called me.”

The omega bit on his lower lip. He couldn’t understand what he should make out of the words; he wished honesty could be smelt. If Jeongguk was going to continue to speak in the same tone, Jimin knew his façade was going to collapse soon and he didn’t want that – he already felt too exposed.

“And I’m still here.” The alpha didn’t want to intrude but he wanted to underline that Jimin was not even close to being a bother. He enjoyed his presence more than he would have liked to admit. “If you want to talk to someone –” There was a small pause. “Or if you just don’t want to be alone.”

Jimin’s face was expressionless and Jeongguk took his time to study his features. He was breathtakingly beautiful, from the tip of his button nose to the plumpness of his lips and the few freckles creating constellations on his skin. Jeongguk wished he could see him smile more. He wanted to reassure Jimin about the crooked tooth peeking through whenever he was too happy, to tell him he’s never seen a more beautiful omega in his life.

Little fingers hesitated before they finally found the hem of the shirt Jimin was wearing and tugged on the material. He threw it on the floor and rested against the pillows, looking at Jeongguk questioningly, as if he was curious about his reaction.

“What are you doing?” The alpha asked quietly and placed the tray on the floor, trying to look away from the other’s bare chest.

“Accepting your proposal.” Jimin sounded defeated. He was moving to grab a handful of the sweatpants he was wearing when Jeongguk stopped him and squeezed at his fingers. The blond didn’t understand why Jeongguk always touched him like he was made of glass. He couldn’t remember ever being handled with so much care, not even as a child.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I don’t get you,” Jimin confessed and felt tears threatening to form once again. He was crying an awful lot lately. “I don’t understand what you want from me. Aren’t you aware of what I do for a living?” His words died down by the end of the question and Jimin gulped loudly, still trying to get a hold of his emotions.

“I am,” Jeongguk promised as a small, kind smile spread on his lips. “Aren’t you tired?”

Jimin became an escort at eighteen, and no one had ever asked him that in the five years he’d been doing this . All of his clients knew exactly what they wanted, and that was sex. Jimin’s wellbeing didn’t matter. The truth was that he was exhausted, that he didn’t know how much longer he could go on like this; he tried to swallow another sob uselessly.

“Oh, baby –” Jeongguk whispered, slowly pulling him closer. He was trying to ignore the bruises decorating the base of the omega’s neck. The little body felt smaller in his arms and he took the freedom of kissing the inviting forehead in front of him. There was a little bit of dried blood in the beautiful sandy blond strands and Jeongguk wondered how many other hidden scars there were. “It breaks my heart to see you like this.”

They remained like that for a while, with Jimin’s head hung low, legs on either side of the alpha’s torso.

“You could stay here today. I took the day off work.” Jeongguk wanted to make sure that the boy was alright and he was glad he decided to take time off because he finally had the chance to help Jimin understand him..

Jimin decided to take a bath first, feeling the need to wash off every reminder of the previous night. He brought his phone with him and re-read all the articles Jeongguk sent him about ddlb, the idea of a decision weighing on his brain. He could have walked out that fancy apartment’s door and never looked back but he could also stay and see how things would progress.

“Why do you want to be my Daddy?” Those were the last words that left his mouth as soon as he entered the bedroom once again and Jeongguk almost dropped the pen he was holding. The alpha turned around to look at the clean boy who immediately casted his stare downwards.

How could Jeongguk explain his protectiveness when he didn’t understand it himself?

“Does it matter?” He was trying to be evasive, but didn’t blame Jimin for the nod that followed. “I really enjoy your company, Min, you already know that.” Their little official meetings were supposed to offer him the illusion of a friend but before he could realize, Jeongguk had started to get attached. Jimin was much more than a pretty face and a well-proportioned body and with every little fact he shared, Jeongguk fell deeper into his heart’s trap. “I thought you enjoyed mine too. Maybe I misread –”

“No.” Jimin exhaled. “I do.” But I’m scared. “I don’t really understand what you expect of me.”

All the alpha knew was that he wanted the other close.

“I’d like you to go on a date with me.” He confessed. “To get to know you better, the you outside your workplace.”

“Jeongguk.” The omega could already feel the taste of disappointment on his tongue. He was sure that what he was going to say next would be a deal breaker. “I can’t give up on being an escort.” No matter how tempting it was to find someone willing to invest in him, he would never agree to that way of living. Escorting meant he was his own being at the end of the day – being someone’s exclusive sugar baby changed the equation.

“I know.”

“It’s not dating if I’m sleeping with other people, is it?” Jimin sounded timid. “But that’s alright because you don’t want me.” It was obvious how hard it was for him to comprehend what the alpha suggested. “I don’t do relationships.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t believe in love.”

“You don’t have to. Just let me take care of you.” Jeongguk moved closer and pulled him into a hug. “You can’t live a loveless life, Min.”

“I don’t do relationships, Ggukie,” Jimin’s voice was soft as he repeated the words. He was trying to make the alpha understand that they would never be together – not in the way he suspected the other wanted to. His certitude crumbled with every inhale of the alpha’s green-tea scent but he never showed it, knowing it was for the best.

“Okay.”

Jimin decided not to spend the day, but they agreed on seeing each other on Thursday to have their date. Jimin had enough money in his bank account to skip work until then. A bruised face was not exactly the most attractive thing in the world, so he spent the days in somewhat of a pity party, watching anime and coloring, barely leaving his apartment. He didn’t have any friends, he wasn’t keeping in contact with his family, the only times he received a text it was from Jeongguk who asked him how he was.

Lonely.

Jimin had never been on a date before. He took a cab towards the place they were supposed to meet in and spotted the alpha right away due to the huge bunny grin he had on. Jeongguk was dressed differently than usual, less formal but not casual enough to mimic disinterest, and he greeted Jimin with a gentle hug before intertwining their fingers.

“I thought that we could grab some coffee and have a walk through the park.”

Jimin felt a little bit disappointed when he realized that was all this was going to be, but followed the other towards the nearest coffee shop. They ordered two grande flavored lattes and entered the park with slow, lazy steps. “I used to come here all the time with my parents when I was a little child. They’d buy me and my brother ice cream and we’d spend the whole day playing.”

“You have a brother?”

Jeongguk smiled, nodding.

“He’s older than me and he’ll be married soon. I can’t believe someone is willing to spend the rest of their life with him. Tragic.” The dramatic remark earned a little giggle from Jimin and the alpha felt his heart skipping a beat at the sound. “Do you have siblings?”

“No.” He stopped himself from saying “thankfully”. “I don’t mind being an only child, but I guess it would also be fun to have a brother or a sister.”

“My brother and I used to fight all the time when we were little.” Jeongguk had many memories of them physically fighting over trivial things, running to their parents so they could earn the confirmation that they were right in whatever silly argument they had. “But now we’re pretty close.”

“Do you see each other often?”

“My mother makes the three of us have lunch together every Sunday. It’s become a tradition.” Jeongguk didn’t mention how it used to be the four of them when his father was alive.

They talked about all sorts of things and Jimin managed to relax for the first time in what felt like forever. Even if it was a compromise and if he was aware that this date had no future, he couldn’t dislike Jeongguk. He found himself completely absorbed by the alpha to the point that he sometimes had to remind himself not to stare. Jimin was used to being the center of attention but it was usually because of what he was later obliged to offer. Jeongguk had no ulterior motive and that thought alone made the blond boy feel shy.

“Look, there it is.”

Jimin looked at the old building the other pointed out, wondering what there was supposed to be. His confusion must have been obvious because Jeongguk chuckled nervously and squeezed his little fingers. There was a huge banner above the main entrance that read “Exhibition of Live Butterflies” and Jimin’s mouth opened in surprise when he spotted it, interest perked. He tugged on the alpha’s hand almost impatiently, hurrying their steps towards the building, trying to ignore how touched he truly felt by the gesture. Of course Jeongguk would put so much thought into their date – he’d actually listened, he actually cared.

There weren’t a lot of people waiting in line so they managed to grab their tickets pretty fast, and Jimin could feel himself slipping as soon as he saw the sparkling blue butterfly engraved on the piece of papers he was holding. He had never been to one of these, in fact, he had no idea they took place in Seoul.

They were guided inside the main entrance, and the omega let out a small gasp seeing the image of tens of butterflies chasing each other from one flower to the other exploding in front of him. They were so colorful that Jimin was left breathless by their beauty, and Jeongguk had to wrap an arm around him to wake him up from the daze he was experiencing. He even felt fluttering wings in his belly as soon as the alpha leaned in to kiss the top of his head.

“Do you like it?”

“I –” Jimin turned to watch the taller man, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I love it!” He thought about rising on his tiptoes, pressing a little kiss on Jeongguk’s cheek as a thank you, but a dark brown butterfly flew above their heads, completely distracting him. “Oh my God, that’s a Skipper!”

The alpha burst into laughter.

“A what?”

“A Skipper! They’re faster than horses!” Jimin forgot about everything beside the little creature that was now resting on a big leaf close to them. He pulled on the other’s hand so they could get close to the butterfly. “He’s so beautiful, Ggukie!” Between the tone of the omega’s voice and the nickname , Jeongguk knew right away that the boy had entered that headspace.

“He is, baby.”

Jimin’s scent became sweeter as soon as the pet name reached his ears.

“What about that one?” The alpha asked, pointing toward a white butterfly that had two black markings on top of its white wings.

“That’s a Cabbage White,” Jimin informed him right away. “They eat cabbage, that’s where their name comes from.”

“Wow, you sure know a lot about butterflies, don’t you?”

The nod that followed was so enthusiastic that Jeongguk felt his heart skip a beat at the adorableness. If this was how the omega always acted when he was in little space, then he wanted to keep him hidden in his pocket, to keep him close forever. They continued like that, the alpha asking questions and being fascinated by the amount of facts Jimin could share about every species of butterfly they spotted. No one would have suspected that the blond could have such an interesting passion, and Jeongguk was definitely glad that his plan of making the boy smile had succeeded.

At some point a dark blue butterfly – an Eumaeus – decided to land on the tip of Jimin’s nose, and the omega had to hold himself back from giggling at the ticklish sensation while Jeongguk swooned at the sight. He knew by now that butterflies had sensors located under their feet so he couldn’t help but say:

“He landed on you because you’re the sweetest boy he’s ever seen.”

That was all it took for Jimin to let out a little chuckle of delight, causing the creature to get scared, flying away.

“Ggukie!” Jimin was obviously fake-mad because his pout was quivering as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“I was just telling the truth.”

“And how could you know?” If the question was a flirting attempt, it came out a lot quieter than Jeongguk expected. The alpha looked straight into cinnamon eyes and moved closer to their owner, smiling widely at the sight of the omega’s cheeks dusting with pink.

“Min?” Their hands were still linked and doe eyes slid to plump lips. “Can I kiss you?”

There were only a few people beside them enjoying the exhibition and they were all busy talking silently so it almost felt like they were alone. Jimin couldn’t hear the sound of wings fluttering anymore because his own heartbeat was booming so loudly in his ears. The concept of kissing haunted him after the horrible experience he’d gone through, but right now all the fear evaporated. He could only think about how Jeongguk’s lips would feel against his own.

“Yes.”

Jeongguk leaned closer slowly, searching Jimin’s brown eyes for further approval before allowing his mouth to capture the omega’s, the softness of it surprising him. The gesture was impossibly tender and Jimin felt his whole body melt as soon as a hand snuck around his waist, offering him a gentle reminder of who was kissing him. The alpha believed it was the best to keep it chaste because he feared anything more would be overwhelming or maybe even scary and that was far from what he wanted Jimin to experience. He broke the kiss with a smile and nuzzled their noses together, mimicking an Eskimo kiss. As soon as the boy opened his eyes he grabbed a fistful of Jeongguk’s shirt.

“Again?” Jimin’s voice was small, but his scent was speaking for itself, urging Jeongguk to fulfill his every wish. “Please.”

The alpha kissed the corner of his mouth before capturing his lips again, this time angling his head a little bit differently. Jimin was shy because he didn’t know what to do, but something was telling him that Jeongguk had enough patience to teach him and he was right because moments later he was able to begin mirroring the little movements of the other’s mouth. Normally, Jimin would have overtought the fact that he had no idea what he was doing but Jeongguk’s lips made him forget everything. Everything was instinctual when it came to the alpha – his inner wolf loved the way he was treated.

Jimin let out a little sigh as soon as they parted and Jeongguk chuckled at the cuteness, leaning to peck his forehead one last time.

“Pink looks good on you, little one,” Jeongguk said, obviously referring to the pink cheeks of the other.

They spent more time in the exhibition before deciding to have something to eat, and chose a random restaurant that was nearby. They couldn’t get enough of each other and beside the sweet touches, they had kisses to share, the omega flustered beyond measure whenever their lips touched. Later, Jeongguk walked him home and before they parted Jimin managed to remind him that it was just a date. That he didn’t do relationships. The alpha offered him a nod and a hurt smile before wishing him good night and leaving.

Jimin decided to start working again on Monday. So that very day found him dressed impeccably and applying a discrete layer of make-up on his face. He had a 6 P.M. meeting which meant dinner too, but his client wanted to meet him in a hotel room first. Jimin wasn’t worried, he’d been seeing this man for more than a couple of months now. He took a cab there and before he arrived he received a text from Jeongguk that had a selfie attached – the alpha’s shirt was soaked with sweat so it was clear that he had been working out. They’ve been texting back and forth ever since their date, but haven’t seen each other because being the chaebol of a company meant Jeongguk was working a lot of hours a day. Jimin texted back, saying that he would message him later before turning off his phone and paying the cab driver.

Eighth floor. Room 802.

Jimin considered himself a brave man – he had to be, to be an escort. He was usually knocking on the door with his most seductive smile on, with a conversation starter on his mind, but when his fist rose, ready to knock on the hardwood he froze in place. “You’re just another hole for me to use.”

Memories of himself being thrown around and hurt washed over him, and his whole body began to tremble. He had no idea what took over him but his breathing became irregular as panic rose, and he tried to close his eyes, to count, but he was alarmed by the time that was passing by. He was afraid. He didn’t want history to repeat itself – that was the reason why he avoided going back to work for so long; but at the same time, what could he do?

His knees gave out and he found himself falling as he pressed his back against the nearest wall and grabbed his phone. The anxiety was becoming worse and worse so he tapped on Jeongguk’s contact and waited for the alpha to answer.

“Min?”

“I don’t want to do this anymore.” He whispered and let out a dry sob, his stomach twisting in knots. There weren’t a lot of other options for him to pursue though, he needed to work.

“Where are you, baby? Are you safe?” Jeongguk sounded genuinely concerned and Jimin felt ashamed because all he seemed to receive from the other was pity.

“I don’t want to get killed, Ggukie.” He felt tears springing into his eyes and hurried to wipe them away. “But I’m not –” He winced. “I don’t know what else to do –”

“Sweetheart, try to breathe for me. No one’s gonna hurt you.”

“How –”

“Get a cab and come to my place, little one.”

Jimin sniffled and nodded despite the fact that Jeongguk couldn’t see him. He felt guilty because a part of him wanted nothing more than to hear those words, to be invited into safe arms. So he apologized halfheartedly to his client through a text, told him that he was going to send all the money back, and futilely tried to calm down until he reached Jeongguk’s place, not even hesitating to knock. As soon as Jeongguk opened the door, his lower lip began quivering, relieved to see the familiar face.

“No, baby.” The man grabbed his hand, pulling him inside before wrapping his arms around him. “You’re alright. You’re with me now,” Jeongguk whispered against his blond hair and kissed his forehead. He instinctively began crooning, and after a couple of minutes felt Jimin’s little body relax in his hold. He could understand why going back to work was scary, and a part of him had been worried too, but Jeongguk knew it was not his place to say what Jimin should and shouldn’t do.

“I was thinking about ordering food. What do you want to eat?”

“Anything is fine.” The omega sniffled, taking off his shoes. “I’m sorry to intrude.”

“You’re not – I asked you to come, didn’t I?”

“I should snap out of it.” Jimin whispered defeatedly as they walked to the living room. “I can’t afford staying home for much longer.”

“Have you ever thought about other jobs?”

“Not really, because –” The omega furrowed his brows. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“That’s alright, but give it a thought. I bet there are other things that you could do and be successful at,” Jeongguk smiled, offering his hand a little squeeze. Jimin knew Jeongguk meant well, but had no idea how to explain that using his body was the way he was coping with his situation, that he was a disgusting, sex-starved creature; he didn’t want Jeongguk to look at him differently.

“I don’t think I deserve something else,” Jimin spoke softly. “I like sex a lot so I sleep with whoever, it doesn’t matter how sick it makes me feel, because I don’t deserve better.”

Jeongguk’s mouth opened and no word came out of it for a couple of seconds. He felt some sort of anguish at the idea that the omega thought so lowly about himself.

“That’s not true, Min.”

Jimin smiled in his direction as tears began rolling down his face.

“It is. I’m disgusting.” The boy was pulled onto a comfortable lap and felt the familiar purrs of Jeongguk urging him to calm down. Urging him to forget about everything he was worried about. Jimin felt like he could break under the pressure anytime but when Jeongguk began crooning again he allowed himself to completely let go and rested his head against one of the alpha’s shoulders, taking in his scent.

“You’re not and you’ll never be able to convince me of otherwise.”

The alpha took Jimin’s right hand in his and brought it close to his face, until his nose could rub against the scent gland in its wrist. He knew scenting was not to be taken lightly, but the omega allowed him to do so before to calm him down, and Jeongguk loved the flowery scent of the other. He was convinced it was the perfect scent any omega could have. Jimin was looking at him with big eyes, his lips pressed in a line as the alpha rubbed his nose against his other wrist, obviously conflicted.

“I think –” Jimin said quietly. “I think I’m feeling little.”

“That’s alright,” Jeongguk promised. “I’ll take care of you.” A large hand began combing through his blond strands and they remained pressed together until the little one’s stomach began to grumble. The alpha ordered food and spent the following hour feeding him, surprised by how quiet Jimin was when feeling little. The night they went out clubbing, little Min was much more outgoing and talkative. As soon as their order arrived, Jeongguk paid for it and returned to the omega who was still sitting on the couch with his legs folded under his body. “Do you think you could eat –”

“I can,” Jimin said with a raspy voice. It came out so suddenly that the alpha was sure he said it just so he wouldn’t “bother” him.

“I usually like to eat in the kitchen but we can do it here tonight.” Jeongguk opened up the casseroles and placed them strategically on the dark-colored coffee table. He immediately grabbed Jimin’s share and a pair of chopsticks. “Open up, pup.”

The omega’s cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink and he looked like he wanted to protest for a few seconds, until he gave up and did as he was told. He chewed on his food while looking directly into brown orbs and let out a satisfied sound as soon as he swallowed.

“It’s so good, Daddy!” The last word rolled off his tongue before he realized and as soon as his own brain registered it he felt his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He didn’t want to screw what they had, he wasn’t ready to lose Jeongguk. “I’m sorry.” His voice was barely audible. “I don’t know why –” A sob cut him off mid-sentence and the alpha put the food down, his chest tightening at the sight. Jimin was doing his best to wipe his tears off and he looked seconds away from running away so the alpha grabbed his little hands.

“It’s alright, baby, I’m not upset.”

Jimin cried so much lately. Jeongguk brought the hands to his mouth so he could kiss the both of them and caressed the waists lovingly with his fingers.

“I promise I’m not upset.” He leaned closer until their foreheads were pressed together. “I’d love to be your Daddy.”

“You don’t think that’s weird?”

“No,” Jeongguk whispered and rubbed their noses together. “I think nothing my sweet pup is doing can be weird.” Long fingers brushed fat tears away and a little kiss was pressed against Jimin’s forehead before the other pulled away. “Do you think you can continue eating?”

“Will you still feed me?” The omega sniffled.

“Of course.”

It must have taken more than half an hour for them to be done but Jeongguk was satisfied because by the end of it, Jimin was completely relaxed. He curled on the couch like a kitten while the alpha cleaned up so when the latter came back, he found Jimin blinking drowsily.

“Your back’s going to hurt if you fall asleep here,” Jeongguk said and received a whine of protest instead of a reply. “Come on, little one. You know Daddy’s bed is ten thousand times more comfortable.” The word Daddy still had a peculiar taste, but it was slowly growing on him. Jeongguk particularly enjoyed the way Jimin reacted to it. When he saw the omega still hadn’t moved, preparing to fall asleep on the couch, he decided to lift the boy up in his arms and throw him over his shoulder.

Jimin let out a little gasp of surprise and started giggling as soon as they began moving towards the bedroom. He loved that Jeongguk was strong enough to lift him as if he weighed nothing. It made spikes of pleasure shoot down his spine at the thought of being manhandled by the alpha like that, but suppressed the idea immediately.

“What does my baby want to wear to bed?”

“Can I pick?” Jimin asked shyly and Jeongguk smiled before placing him right in front of his walk in closet. The little took it as a free pass to go inside, and didn’t hesitate, curiosity taking over him. Jeongguk had a multitude of clothes – very much like he did, but for the most part they were following a certain chromatic pattern. There was a lot of black and white and he purposely avoided those and picked the only pale yellow shirt he managed to find. “This one?” He turned to look for approval and found the alpha with a huge grin on his face.

“It’s all yours. Now pick some comfy pants too.”

It wasn’t cold inside the apartment so he chose a pair of white shorts, satisfied with the little outfit he managed to put together, and went to the bathroom to change. When he came back, he found Jeongguk staring at the screen of his laptop, his eyebrows furrowed. Jimin climbed on the bed and scooted closer, until he managed to rest his head against his strong shoulder. There was a complex graphic covering the screen so he kept his lips sealed, not wanting to interrupt Jeongguk’s work.

“I’ll be done in a second.” It was as if the chaebol read his mind and Jimin smiled, burying his face in the white shirt the alpha was wearing. He was almost purring in delight because of the scent surrounding him.

“And then we can watch A Bug’s Life?”

Jeongguk kissed the omega’s head lovingly.

“You bet.”

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