Late bloomer

Poison ivy

They returned to the camp after a week, and Jungkook bought gifts for both Jhope and Namjoon. So Jimin didn’t feel guilty about accepting his extravagant present. Alders brought garments for the whole clan, including Jimin, since they had lost most of their belongings in the fire. Jimin had used his clothes as bandages for the injured. So omega didn’t refuse when Jungkook bought him new clothes. All the omegas in the clan got together and engaged in sewing and weaving garments. The winter was around the corner, so they all needed warm clothes.

Jimin was allowed to go horseback riding along the meadow up to the border of the jungle in the vicinity of the campsite. Jimin often rode with J-Hope, who was also rewarded with a horse. After returning from their journey to Port Scalloway, Jhope was oddly silent and was always in deep thought about something. It looked as if something was bothering him. So, one morning, Jimin addressed the matter while galloping together.

“Jhope, is everything alright? You always look deep in thought these days”. Jimin said.

“It’s nothing,” Jhope answered. “I just keep thinking a lot about my family these days, ever since our visit to the temple of the goddess.”

“Have you been there with your family before?”

“Yes, I have, and they are all dead in the hands of these monsters, and I’m serving them and caring for them. The very people who are responsible for the demise of our whole clan,” Jhope said viciously. Jimin shuddered at the rage in his voice. It was the first time Jimin had seen Jhope in such a hateful state.

“I know, it’s really difficult, isn’t it?” Jimin said thoughtfully. “But what can we do?”

“I don’t know, I just feel like I should do something”

“We can’t go against them, Jhope; we are too weak; nothing good will come of it; see what happened to me? But you don’t even have that advantage. He didn’t kill me that night because of the obsession he has with me, but he won’t hesitate with you. So don’t try anything stupid,” Jimin advised him, fearing for his life.

“Please promise me you won’t try anything stupid, I really treasure your friendship, Jhope,” he pleaded when Jhope didn’t answer.

“I do too,” Jhope said, smiling at Jimin. “Besides, what can I even do?” He added.

Jimin started joining the Alpha for suppers again, as per his request. Jimin tried to get Jungkook to talk about his past, but the alpha was reluctant. So Jimin didn’t push it. Maybe he was uncomfortable talking about his past, or he clearly didn’t want Jimin to know. Instead, he constantly questioned the omega about how things were done in his clan. He seemed genuinely interested, so Jimin told him. Occasionally, Yoongi also joined them, but most of the time it was just them. The only thing Jimin felt uneasy about was Jungkook’s constant gaze at him. Alpha never took his eyes off Jimin when he was around.

Jungkook often visited Jimin in his shed, he always came with some made-up excuse, but Jimin knew why he was really there. It was to get a glimpse of him. Ever since Jimin told him about the tradition of the exchanging of courting gifts between alphas and omegas, he started bringing the omegas simple gifts. Most of the time, they were small, handcrafted figurines of animals, trees and other mythical creatures. Jungkook seemed to have a talent for that. Jimin weaved a hooded scarf for Jungkook since the winter was approaching. Alpha loved being in Jimin’s presence, and Jimin wondered if he would feel the same after he presented as an omega.

Alders planned to head for the Smokey Mountains, taking the path around the valley, since they didn’t want to take the risk of being attacked by the raiders hiding in the mountains. A week before their departure, Jungkook came to his shed with a basket full of strawberries. He had gathered them during a hunting expedition. Alders no longer took omegas in the jungle for hunting due to the risky situation. Everyone was busy preparing for their journey back home.