Perfect

Break even

Taehyung enters the apartment alongside his mother, an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry you had to come all the way here, but Seokjin is having his heat. It'll last about two days. After that, we can spend as much time together as you want."

His mother smiles warmly, "I'm just glad you're mated, Taehyung. Your father and I are both so happy for you. We just hope you and your mate live a happy and healthy life." She gently pats Taehyung's shoulder. "Now, ask him to come see me."

"He didn't know you were coming. He had to stop by his agency. You should settle in. The guest room is right there," he points to the one spare bedroom they have, adjacent to the two that are occupied.

Taehyung lets his mother settle in and, in the meantime, cooks for her and Seokjin. After taehyung finishes cooking, he settles on the couch beside his mother, resting his head on her lap. "I'm so happy you're here."

"And I'm happy that you're happy, Taehyung. I hope you're treating Seokjin well too," she replies, gently stroking his hair.

Taehyung bites his lip, contemplating whether he should share this information with his mother. "Eomma," he mutters, "I accidentally mated him during my rut." He sits up straight, unable to meet her eyes.

She sighs, "I had an idea something was wrong, but I wasn't expecting this. I won't say I'm not disappointed, but at least he's happy, right?"

"He isn't," Taehyung admits, his voice trembling. "He doesn't want to stay with me. We're sleeping in separate rooms." He fidgets with the hem of his shirt. "I've been very unkind to him, and I've hurt him beyond repair. It's really hard for me to get by, but I think of Seokjin, who's having a much worse time than me."

"Taehyung," she says gently, "are you trying to help him? Have you acknowledged your wrongs?" She holds his hands in hers.

"I am," he replies, "but he doesn't trust me. And I'm scared."

"Why would you be scared? Does he hate you that much?" she asks, shifting on the couch to look directly into Taehyung's eyes.

Taehyung's voice trembles as he answers, "I'm scared that he'll disappear."

His mother takes a deep breath, her eyes softening with empathy. "Honey, why don't you talk to him? Talk to him every day and tell him how you feel. Stay close to him. I'm sure both of you will figure it out. You have your whole life to make up for lost time. Honestly, I would suggest separation if you both weren't bonded. I know it's worse that he has to live with someone who hurt him so much, but Taehyung, think of it differently. He needs you to help him."

She pauses, gauging her son's reaction before continuing, "Do you know how heavily he has scented you right now? He probably does want your comfort and is too scared to ask or confess because of how you've treated him in the past. Just remind him how much you love him and what he means to you. I'm sure, at the end of the day, both of you will find happiness."

Tears well up in Taehyung's eyes as he listens to his mother's words. She gently pulls his head into her lap, stroking his hair tenderly. "You'll be fine. What matters the most is for you to acknowledge all your wrongs. Never make up excuses or give him reasons for your past mistakes. Just admit that you're wrong and prove to him through your actions that you can do better." she whispers, kissing his forehead.

Taehyung closes his eyes, feeling the comfort of his mother's presence. Soon, he drifts off to sleep, the alpha finding solace in his mother's embrace after a long time.

Jin comes in a little while later, surprised to find Taehyung sleeping in a woman's lap. Realizing it must be Taehyung's mother, he awkwardly stares at her, unsure of what to say. After a moment, he remembers his manners and bows, "I'm Seokjin, Taehyung's mate," introducing himself formally.

She smiles warmly, "It's nice to finally see you in person, Seokjin-ah. Go freshen up, and I'll wake him up."

"Let him sleep. He slept in late," Seokjin replies. "I'll join you for dinner," he adds before walking away from the living space.

Entering his room, Seokjin immediately takes off his clothes, feeling way too hot due to his pre-heat. He had to stop by the agency to reschedule his upcoming projects, and the day's stress is evident. As he hears his phone ring in his pocket, he knows exactly who it might be. Deciding to avoid the call, he turns his phone off and heads into the bathroom for a soothing bath.

After bathing, Seokjin puts on a loose robe and steps outside his bedroom, feeling a bit more refreshed. He takes a deep breath, preparing himself to face the evening.

"You're up," Jin mumbles when he sees Taehyung standing at his door, his eyes heavy with sleep.

"Can we talk?" Taehyung asks softly, his tone laced with concern.

"Sure, yeah." Jin steps aside, allowing the alpha to enter the room. Taehyung's presence feels both reassuring and unsettling at the same time.

"You don't have to worry about your heat," Taehyung begins, his eyes scanning the room nervously. "If you want, I can leave altogether and eomma can take care of you."

Jin shakes his head, trying to appear nonchalant as he busies himself with tidying up his desk. "I'd rather you see me that vulnerable than anybody else," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try my best to manage. Also, don't mind, my mother will be here for a week or two. I've told her about our circumstances, so don't worry about her expectations from you while disregarding your comfort. Just be yourself, do your thing."

"What do you mean by her expectations from me?" Jin asks, turning around abruptly, his eyes flashing with hurt and confusion.

Taehyung takes a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "That didn't come out right," he admits. "I meant that we don't have to pretend to be a conventional mated couple for her sake."

Jin's anger slowly dissipates, replaced by a weary acceptance. "That's good," he comments, his tone softer now, "She must be waiting for us. Let's go now."

Jin avoids looking into Taehyung's eyes, afraid that his desperate need to be close to the alpha will be too obvious.

When they enter the dining area, the table is already set. "You didn't have to," Taehyung says, rushing over to help his mother.

"It's alright, let's eat," she replies with a warm smile.

Jin takes a seat next to Taehyung, feeling nervous that doesn't go unnoticed by Taehyung's mother. "Why don't you switch seats with Jin?" she asks her son.

Taehyung frowns slightly but obliges, getting up to let Jin sit next to his mother. "I see you've already chosen your favorite," he grumbles teasingly.

Jin settles into the seat, "Eat some rice too," Taehyung's mother says, nudging a bowl towards him.

"Eomma, he is—" Taehyung starts, but Jin cuts him off by serving himself a portion of rice. "I'll eat some," he says, his voice steady.

"That's good, eat up," she says approvingly, placing a piece of meat on Jin's plate.

Taehyung watches with a sense of relief as Jin starts to eat, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, seeing Jin make an effort brings him a small measure of comfort.

After they're done eating, Taehyung starts washing the dishes, his mother standing beside him. "He really has you wrapped around his finger," she laughs, watching her son set the dishwasher. "Doing dishes and laundry, cooking. I remember scolding you because you never cleaned up after yourself."

"Time did its thing," he chuckles, wiping his hands on a towel. "Also, Taehyung, I wanted to ask you about Seokjin's parents?"

Taehyung purses his lips into a thin line before answering, "They're no more. It was their death anniversary yesterday, actually. They had Seokjin very late in their lives, so they passed away of old age."

"That's sad to hear. Poor child, having to go through that, and then you," she points at her son, "He's such a polite, well-behaved omega. If you screw up again, Taehyung, I'll make sure you're the one sacrificing yourself by leaving." She threatens, her tone firm.

"I won't. I'll never hurt him," Taehyung replies with understanding.

His mother nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "Good. He deserves someone who will take care of him."