Safe With You | Yoonmin

Chapter 10: The Winter Festival

| Taehyung |

For Taehyung this was the best day of the year -- the first day of the Winter Festival -- and he was up at sunrise, busily preparing.

This morning almost the entire pack would gather at the Great Hall for three straight days of feasting, singing, dancing and competition. It was a time to reunite with friends after weeks of being cooped up indoors. And there was only one friend on Taehyung's mind -- Jimin. He was anxious to make sure the omega was okay.

After rolling out of bed, Taehyung filled a basin with warm water and washed his wavy black hair. He selected loose fitting black trousers and a simple white tunic. The collar of the shirt dipped low, enough to show his gold chain necklace and a generous amount of smooth sun-kissed skin.

Over this he wore a red sleeveless robe which reached down to his knees, fastened with a bright green sash. The red garment was stunning, trimmed in black with silver moons and stars embroidered along the lower hem. The look was completed with gold earrings, a brown fur cloak and warm fur boots.

Lastly, he bundled up two thick quilts -- one for him and one for Jimin -- tying them with a string of deer hide.

When Taehyung stepped out of his room he immediately had to flatten himself against the wall, bundle held high above his head as several household staff raced past him, laughing and shouting.

Everyone was excited, bustling about in their brightest colored robes, gathering furs, blankets and food to take to the festival.

Grinning, Taehyung weaved his way through the halls, dodging family and servants alike until he made it out into the frozen front garden.

To his surprise, a familiar dark figure stood just outside the front gate, waiting patiently in the snow.

"Jungkook!" he called cheerily, "What are you doing here?"

The alpha smiled shyly, "I was hoping you would let me accompany you to the festival?"

"In those clothes?" Taehyung laughed.

"What? Why?" The alpha looked down at his clothes in surprise, as if seeing them for the first time. "This is what I always wear."

The young warrior was in his typical dark attire, minus his sword. His trousers, shirt, and outer garment were all varying shades of black. Even his jet black hair was tied back with a dark piece of cloth. The only hint of color came from a sash fastened around his waist, which could maybe, maybe, be considered dark red.

Taehyung had to admit that there was a certain appeal to the look, but, "It's not exactly ... festive?"

Jungkook shifted his feet, uncomfortable under Taehyung's skeptical gaze. "I don't have many other clothes."

Taehyung mentally kicked himself. The Kims and the circles they ran in were wealthy. It was easy to forget that not everyone could afford material luxuries.

"Does this mean your answer is no--"

"No! I'm sorry! I was just surprised, a-and it's not that I don't like your clothes. I do like them. It's not festive, but you look handsome--"

The alpha ducked his head, blushing.

"--so yes, I would be happy to have you accompany me."

Jungkook looked up, flashing a cheeky grin. But his posture remained stiff and awkward as he clasped and unclasped his hands. He clearly didn't know what to do with his hands without a sword hilt to grasp or rest them upon.

"Would you carry this for me?" Taehyung offered the bundle of quilts.

The alpha's relief was too obvious, "Yes, of course!"