Omega for Hire | Jikook ✓

Chapter 20: Moral Support

Jungkook

"Jimin, Jimin," I exclaim, jumping into my boyfriend's arms in the parking lot in front of the car.

He chuckles, showering me in kisses. "Congratulations, baby. I'm so proud of you."

With a wide grin, I let go of Jimin to show the certificate I received from the school on my way out: proof of a scholarship for my remaining time at college.

"Look how much, Jimin! I never thought I'd be offered so much. Every year, I apply and apply, but the most I would get would barely cover the cost of my textbooks, not even the art supplies needed for my major."

Jimin wipes my tears away. "You deserve it."

Blushing, I look away. "Of course you'd say that."

"He isn't wrong. Your work is spectacular."

My eyes widen as I turn to the owner of the voice.

"M-Mrs. Park, you really think so?"

She smiles. "I do. You're skilled and hold a lot of promise. I see a bright future for you. What is it you hope to do?"

I look down, feeling self conscious. Will she think my idea is dumb, childish... unnecessary?

"Tell her, Koo. It's a good goal and I know it'll happen." Jimin rubs my back.

Swallowing, I gather my nerves. "Well... I... um... You see..." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "The art field, believe it or not, is severely lacking when it comes to omegas. It's a field dominated by alphas and betas. However, recent historians theorize that a lot of works were actually done by omegas, but in order to sell their work, they had to get someone else to claim it since for a long time in history, omegas were not allowed to have jobs. Even worse, sometimes, their credit was stolen from other classes and claimed that way."

Jimin hugs me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder as I open my eyes to look at Mrs. Park.

"As an omega myself who is lucky enough to get an education and pursue art, I thought it would be nice to open an art gallery where aspiring omega artists can sell their work and later down the line, I would open a foundation to fund the education of omegas in the art field."

Mrs. Park stares at me, dumbstruck, as I fiddle with my fingers. She's old fashioned and was raised to be a certain way, but I can't help but wish for her approval, yearn for her support.

"J-Jungkook," she swallows, "that's... wow. You really are an amazing young man."

My breath hitches. "You really think so?"

"I know so. And I know you'll accomplish your goals, and soon. I can't wait to see for myself and fund it."

"You'd want to?"

She smiles and grabs my hands. "Seeing what this generation is aiming for, I can't help but feel like sometimes, it's too good to be true. Although I... I'm the one who founded and came up with Park Industries, I had my husband take all the credit. My parents told me it was best this way, that it was improper to outdo your alpha."

Her eyes look into mine. "When I was in my youth, I was more radical in my views. I was part of the generation that fought for omegas' suffrage and things regarding reproductive health and rights to abortion. I let time wear me down and I became more conservative with age."

Jimin squeezes me tighter. "Grandmother..."

A tear rolls down her cheek. "I... I even had a girlfriend when I was about Jungkook's age, an omega. We were constantly harassed and threatened. Male alphas would follow us around, ask if they could 'join in.' I started to wish she were an alpha. Everything would be easier if we were a traditional couple. But I loved her, so I kept going. But things didn't last. I was devastated. But things are changing. I shouldn't have inserted myself into Jimin's romantic affairs. Jimin, I'm sorry."