One Step Closer [Social Media AU]

One Step Closer - 8 💕

42.

Jungkook woke up to the sounds of gentle knocks on his door. He cracked his eyes open, feeling slightly disoriented from being roused abruptly. Sunlight streaked through the worn-out curtains from the only kitchen window.

The omega stumbled out of the bed, wondering when he had fallen asleep at night. His eyes were heavy, swollen, and slightly itchy. He could feel how his tears had dried up on his face and how it gently pulled at his skin when he scrunched his nose.

What day is it? He just remembered it was his rare day off. All because he lost his part-time job. The restaurant owner had told him they hired someone else and didn't want someone with connections with loan sharks in their establishment.

That, combined with the landlord's news, had thrown him off the grid. But the thought of losing his home hadn't allowed him to grieve the loss of work. Life was unfair, just like every other Tuesday.

He rubbed his eyes, throwing the door open, half expecting his landlord, Mr. Han. However, his eyes bulged when he noticed Mr. Park standing there with a few shopping bags in his hands.

"Did I wake you up?" The alpha smiled, and it was one of the warmest smiles Jungkook received in months. "May I come in?"

Jungkook nodded. Mr. Park showing up at his home to check on himself even after he left him without any response was touching for him. He felt his eyes tearing up, stinging with a burn because his tears were welling up. Just last night, he thought he had no one else to lean on, but here he was in the morning, showing up with a soft smile that felt like sunlight after heavy rain.

"Have you been crying?" Mr. Park stepped inside his home, glancing around quickly before removing his shoes.

Jungkook moved back involuntarily, allowing him entry, and fought the urge to break down again.

"I...ah, brought you a few things." Mr. Park scratched his head. His features softened considerably. He pursed his lips and rubbed his nose.

Jungkook knew he'd smell his distressed scent. His home was soaked with sadness and despair. There were no words to explain his anguish. Asking for help wasn't something he was used to.

He didn't know how to ask, even if he wanted to. So he simply stared at the alpha with no words forming in his throat. He couldn't even bring himself to ask what things Mr. Park bought for him. So he simply stared at the bags.

"These are some clothes." Mr. Park cleared his throat. "I scented a few lightly so you could have an alpha scent to accompany you. Ah, there are others I didn't scent in case you aren't comfortable with my scent."

That was all that Jungkook needed for his dam to break one more time, opening the floodgates of tears. He covered his face, sobbing into his palms, and couldn't bring himself to feel ashamed.

"I'm sorry you're going through this, son. I wish I could take all that pain away." He felt a flood of calming pheromones of the alpha washing over him. He smelled like nature and forest. "May I hug you?"

Be selfish.

Jungkook threw his arms around Mr. Park, hugging him and crying into his shoulders. He felt a gentle hand rub his back, the soft voice speaking in his ears.

"It's okay."

"Let it all out."

"I got you."

"Hold on to me, son."

"You have me."

Be selfish.

For the first time since his father's death, Jungkook grieved, letting it all out, crying until his knees gave out. Even then, Mr. Park just slid to the floor with him, holding him and speaking to him in a soothing voice.