𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Twenty

~~~

The crisp air of New York hit Jeongguk's face as he stepped out of the airport, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

The city was alive, even at this hour—cars honking, bright lights flickering, people rushing past him. It was nothing like home. It was overwhelming.

It was isolating.

He exhaled, adjusting his grip on his suitcase, and walked toward the waiting cab. His phone buzzed in his pocket, he pulled it out and without looking, he already knew who it was.

"Did you land safely?"

Taehyung.

Jeongguk's thumb hovered over the screen. His chest tightened.

"Safe flight, Ggukie. Take care."

He read the last message again, jaw clenching before locking his phone and shoving it into his pocket. He wasn't ready to answer. Not yet.

~~~

Days turned into weeks. Jeongguk buried himself in his classes, early morning runs, and reckless nights. He had no pack, no responsibilities, no lingering gazes waiting for him to become something he wasn't ready to be.

It should've felt freeing.

Instead, it felt hollow.

It was at the university gym, late at night when most students were already done for the day. Jeongguk had been punching the bag for over an hour, trying to burn off the restless energy that gnawed at him ever since he stepped foot in this city.

The voice of jimin running in his head.

"You and bogum will make a good couple"

"He is perfect Tae, and he doesn't have mate too, just date him"

"You're gonna break that thing," a voice called out.

Jeongguk exhaled sharply, turning to see a guy leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He had an easy smirk, messy dark hair, and an aura that screamed confidence.

"Jung Jaehyun," the guy introduced himself, pushing off the wall. "You're new here, right? Been hearing about you."

Jeongguk arched a brow. "That so?"

Jaehyun grinned. "Yeah. Alpha. Brooding. Looks like he's about to punch a hole through the wall every second of the day."

Jeongguk let out a dry chuckle despite himself.

"Come out with me," Jaehyun said suddenly, tossing a towel over his shoulder. "You look like you need to let loose."

Jeongguk hesitated. He wasn't here to make friends. He didn't want attachments.

But something about Jaehyun was easy. He didn't pry. Didn't ask unnecessary questions.

And maybe that's why Jeongguk found himself saying, "Fine."

That night, he let Jaehyun drag him to a club.

The music was loud, bass thrumming beneath their feet. The room was packed—omegas and betas eyeing them, the scent of alcohol thick in the air.

Jaehyun moved through the crowd like he owned the place, flashing smirks and throwing flirtatious winks at anyone who crossed his path.

Jeongguk, on the other hand, leaned against the bar, nursing his drink.

"You look like you're thinking about someone," Jaehyun noted, taking a sip of his own.

Jeongguk scoffed, swirling the liquid in his glass. "I'm not."