Mix and Match ~ TK

26

Jungkook's POV

"Hyung." I breathed out as soon as I arrived where my brother asked me to meet up. I didn't spot Seojoon or Hyunsik so I assumed that he wanted to talk to me privately, hence the location of our meeting.
We were currently in a café a few blocks away from uni, known for being a student's hotspot, but currently housing very few customers as winter break has started.

I sat down in front of Yoongi after he gestured for me to do so. He looked quite pale, even more than his normal porcelain complexion. I just realized that even though it's been more than a week since he came, we didn't talk much. I missed him so much, and seeing him in the flesh only makes me miss the rest of Bangtan even more.

"I see you're doing quite well." Remembering what he's referring to, I can't help bowing my head down shamefully. I lied to him about me finding my mate. I regret that he had to see me in that way, pained and hopeless. I even bet bringing Taehyung to my bed was his idea. It's a common thing back in our pack. Having your fated one by your side can heal any pain, even that of the unconsumed bond.
I nod my head slowly, I am doing great indeed. Better than I deserve honestly. But I also know for a fact that this relief is momentary and that Taehyung and I are in obligation to settle this matter quickly before this time ends up being actually the end.

"Thank you Hyung. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it sooner, I was... kind of ashamed."

I hear Yoongi click his tongue, probably finding my statement stupid. Heck, I find it stupid. I just didn't want my brother to find out another side of me that is broken. I'd rather have arranged the mess between my mate and I by ourselves. The last thing I want is for Namjoon to find a reason to deem me not worthy of being a member of his pack. I wonder how he feels now that it's all in the open.

"You're stupid JK." He deadpanned. "Why would I blame you for not being accepted by your mate? If anything I should blame the asshole for not accepting you, or having the balls to reject you properly in the least."
I flinch unconsciously at the mention of that last part. If him ignoring our bond made me suffer martyr for a whole week, I don't want to imagine my wolf's reaction to an actual rejection.
I looked up to see my brother's furrowed eyebrows, a discontent frown decorating his lips. Taehyung better not cross his path anytime soon, I hope for the brunette's sake.
I clear my throat, trying to change the subject.

"How's the pack, hyung?"

I feel him stiffen before answering coolly. "Great. I told the parents you're part of a new pack and that you're happy or whatever." He rolled his eyes ceremoniously, then continued "I sent father a report of my stay in Lupus so far, he seems content with that at last." I nod along slowly. "Mother cursed you, but she's happy you're alive and healthy. Said to eat a lot of vegetables." We both roll our eyes this time but I smile nonetheless. I can't wrap my head around the fact that they forgive me after everything I did. I'm so lucky to have such an accepting and loving family even though all I do is disappoint them as of late. "The rest of the boys said fuck you or more precisely from what I heard in the background you can tell that cunt to fuck himself so hard his intestines come out of his mouth and he ends up having to poop from both holes."

I can't hide the disgust from showing on my face, my brother snickering, clearly enjoying it.

"After as few screeches from the girls and a hit from Jisoo I think they said something like just kidding love you bro. No homo tho." I roll my eyes again. Literally half of them are as gay as they come but go off I guess.

"That's.. refreshing." Yoongi laughs loudly at the disconcerted expression on my face just as the waitress came with our coffees which I assume were ordered before I arrive. I smiled at the girl only to realize it was Chaeyoung.

"Oh Jungkook!" She smiles brightly when I called her name. Quickly waving at me and bowing to my brother.

"I didn't know you had a brother! I've never seen him around."

"He doesn't live here, just visiting." Yoongi smiles at the young adorable girl.

"Oh that's great! I bet it's amazing in the south innit? I always wanted to go visit there but my parents said that it was super far and that it's very different from us!" She babbled endlessly, eyes shining with curiosity as Yoongi happily feeds her details about our hometown and how similar it actually is from here.
I sat there watching the exchange with a smile. I forgot how Yoongi loves talking about packs, werewolves, legends and laws. Truly a Beta in every sense of the word. I always used to admire him for being so passionate about it and how immensely proud he was to be nominated Beta after our former one died of old age. Father was equally proud of him, as were the rest of the pack honestly.
I guess that's how different we are, and why it took him a lot to understand my refusing of the head Alpha role. He's always been a Beta at heart when deep down, I never was an Alpha.

"She's cute." I focus on the gummy smile of my brother to realize Chaeyoung was already gone and it was only the both is us again.

"Yeah, quite bubbly for an alpha but she's only sixteen." I smile, remembering my first time meeting with the young ones at the welcoming ceremony. It was very funny how curious they all were of my coming to Lupus.

"I'm glad you actually get along with pack members here. I knew I didn't have to worry too much. Ever the charmer, brother." He winks and I scoff.

"Whatever, Yoongi."

"Yah! Is this how you speak to you elders?" He kicks me under the table but the smile was prominent on his face. Suddenly I remember something.

"Oh by the way, how's Hobi hyung?"

That's when I saw my brother's face fall. Gone was the comfortable aura now replaced with sad melancholy.

"Uhm, good I think...?" He scratches the back of his ear, looking away. After the many years we spent with each other, it was clear to me that he was nervous. Maybe I shouldn't have brought up the subject? But as far as I know Hoseok and Yoongi are the love couple. Like the couple you read amazing romance books about. You know, the type to hate each other at first but are secretly in love all along? Yeah that's them.
Did something happen before Yoongi came here?

"Well since I called you here to talk might as well get it over with." I hear him state after a long shaky breath. This is so unlike Yoongi hyung that I'm actually nervous. What's going on?

"I think Hoseok and I broke up." Silence ensured after a while. Unsure of wether he's joking or not, I keep quiet, wanting him to finish explaining. "Uhm I don't think broke up is the word though? I have no idea what the fuck happened but we were fighting for a while, even before you went away. I guess we were trying to hide it from everyone, mostly from ourselves as well. We would fight crazily one day and wake up the next like nothing happened. I'm no couple's therapist but I think it grew out to affect our relationship. It became toxic. We'd burst over the most insignificant things and then stop talking for days.
I'm pretty sure the day I left to come find you was the last straw. I felt it Jungkook. I felt the bond snap. Not entirely of course I mean I still have the mark but.. something happened that day and now I can't feel him at all. I've been going crazy but he absolutely refuses to talk to me."

My eyes widen in understanding. I've never heard of a consumed mate bond deteriorating? Is this even possible?
I study my brother who was busy fixing his entwined hands on the table before him, only now recognizing the changes in him. He clearly lost a lot of weight and his amber eyes, that used to be so clear and intimidating look heavily dull at best.
I open and close my mouth, having so many questions to ask him but he beat me to it.

"Also, I think I found my other mate."

My jaw drops to the floor.

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