Untamed (Namkook)

3. Time Stands Still

Jungkook sat in the chair in his room, staring at his reflection in the mirror while Aeri dabbed more powder onto his face for what felt like the hundredth time that day. His fingers nervously fidgeted in his lap as she worked, ensuring every detail was perfect.

"Make sure it looks natural! Not too much pink!!" Seul said as she carefully picked through the left over family heirlooms, selecting a few pieces of jewellery for him to wear . She selected a few rings and a pair of earrings and passed it to Aeri. She was focused...meticulous and was treating this day as if it were a grand event—a day that determined everything.

But for Jungkook, it was nothing but a nightmare.

"Yes, unnie" Aeri responded obediently, as she put the earrings on his ears

This was the day—the alpha his family had selected for him was coming to visit. And Jungkook hated this...getting all dolled up like he was some pretty object to be shown off. It wasn't about him..it was about presenting him to an alpha as if he were a commodity to be evaluated, bought and sold. He was nothing more than a product in their eyes, a well-dressed omega made to look desirable for whoever came next.

The thought made him feel sick, but what choice did he have?

Aeri dusted off the excess makeup from his face and stepped back, tilting his chin up to examine her work. She smiled. "I'm done... what do you think?" she asked Seul

Jungkook felt a sense of dread as Seul stepped forward to inspect him. She scanned him from head to toe "Hmm, perfect. He looks cleaned up! " she finally said with a nod of satisfaction. "Now you look like a proper omega !" she remarked, as if she were appraising a piece of furniture.

Jungkook felt bile rise in his throat at her words. Every time she treated him like a doll, like he had no feelings, his insides twisted with anger. But he kept silent, knowing it would do no good to argue.

"His outfit... is it ironed?" Seul asked, glancing around.

"Yes! Haeun unnie has it in her room. She did it this morning!!" Aeri replied.

"Good!" Seul said, turning on her heel. "You finish getting him ready and I'll go check the kitchen. I need to help Haeunnie." As she began to leave Jungkook reached for his phone on the dresser, hoping to steal a moment of distraction.

But Seul was faster...her sharp eyes catching the movement before his fingers could close around it. She grabbed it out of his hand. "No phones!" she snapped. "Just stay put... one day, just one day Jungkook, can't you be a good omega!" Her voice dripped with annoyance, as if his mere existence was a constant disappointment.

Jungkook clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Okay, I won't... but just give it back to me! I'm not a child, noona!" He protested, reaching out. But before Seul could respond, Hajoon stepped in and took the phone from her hand. "Ahh, I'll take care of that, noona!!" he said, gently placing it into his pocket. Jungkook felt a small wave of relief wash over him. He knew Hajoon would never go through his phone.

Seul gave Hajoon a sour look, clearly displeased by his actions."You both!!  keep an eye on him!" she ordered in her thick accent , dismissing both Hajoon and Jungkook with a wave of her hand before going out of the room

"Yes, noona!" Aeri bowed before turning to Jungkook. "Don't mind her..she is just stressed about the whole thing!! I'll go grab your outfit. Stay here ,okay " She tapped his shoulder lightly before hurrying out of the room.

As Aeri's footsteps echoed down the hallway, Hajoon placed a comforting hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "You okay, Kook?" he asked quietly with concern

Jungkook shrugged, his eyes staring blankly at the floor. "Does it even matter? It's not like anyone cares how I feel."