Try Me Alpha (Taekook)

Chapter 21: Malicious

After releasing the lanterns with the children, Taehyung felt a renewed sense of calm and determination. The festival's lively energy had done its job, soothing his anxieties, at least for the moment. But he knew he couldn't avoid what was gnawing at his heart forever. He glanced over at Minjae, who was talking with a couple of pack elders, charming them with his easy smile and respectful demeanor. Minjae had been a steady presence in his life, a beacon of kindness and understanding that Taehyung had come to rely on. Tonight, though, Taehyung knew he owed Minjae the truth—the full truth.

The night air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and smoke from the campfires. The soft glow of lanterns and fairy lights strung around the trees bathed the festival grounds in a warm, golden hue. Taehyung took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

He made his way over to Minjae, who was just finishing his conversation with the elders. Minjae turned to him, his expression brightening as he saw Taehyung approaching.

"Hey, Tae," Minjae greeted, his tone light. "Are you feeling better?"

Taehyung smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah, much better, thanks to you."

Minjae's grin widened, but Taehyung could see the curiosity in his eyes, the unspoken question of why Taehyung had been so affected earlier. Taehyung knew Minjae was too polite to ask directly, but the question lingered between them like an unfinished conversation.

"Minjae, there's something I need to tell you," Taehyung said, his voice tinged with a seriousness that made Minjae's smile falter slightly. "And I think now is the right time."

Minjae tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching Taehyung's face. "Alright," he said, his voice gentle. "Let's go somewhere quieter?"

Taehyung nodded, leading Minjae away from the bustling heart of the festival to a more secluded spot near the edge of the clearing, where the light was softer, and the sounds of laughter and music were muted. They stopped under a large oak tree, the branches swaying gently in the night breeze.

Taehyung turned to face Minjae fully, his heart pounding in his chest. He had rehearsed this moment in his mind countless times, but now that it was here, the words seemed to stick in his throat. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage.

"Minjae," he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "There's something about my past that I haven't told you yet. It's... it's about Jungkook."

Minjae's expression softened, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes. "It's okay, Tae. You can tell me anything."

Taehyung smiled weakly, grateful for Minjae's patience and understanding. "Jungkook... Jungkook was my fated mate," he confessed, the words heavy but liberating once they were out in the open.

Minjae's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't interrupt, allowing Taehyung to continue.

"We were supposed to be together," Taehyung continued, his gaze dropping to the ground as the memories flooded back. "But... he rejected me. He didn't want me as his mate."

Minjae remained silent, his expression unreadable, though Taehyung could sense the sadness behind his eyes. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, laced with empathy. "I'm sorry, Tae. That must have been incredibly painful."

Taehyung nodded, his eyes glistening with the emotions he had kept bottled up for so long. "It was. It hurt like nothing else. And for a long time, I couldn't understand why it happened. I blamed myself, wondered if I wasn't good enough."

Minjae reached out, gently taking Taehyung's hand in his, a silent gesture of support. "You're more than good enough, Taehyung," he said, his voice firm. "Anyone would be lucky to have you as their mate."