Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 31: The Swarming Media

Chapter 31: The Swarming Media

Taehyung's pleading gaze had been impossible for Jungkook to refuse. The sheer joy radiating from his mate as he accepted the offer to accompany him to work was reward enough. The car hummed beneath them, a quiet counterpoint to the burgeoning warmth in Jungkook's chest.

“I'm serious, Taehyung,” Jungkook said, his voice low and reassuring, “If you feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable, tell me immediately. We'll leave. I'll arrange for you to take time off, no questions asked.”

Taehyung's laughter tinkled like wind chimes.

“Please, Jungkook, don't baby me so much. I can handle myself.” He meant it, genuinely.

He appreciated Jungkook’s unwavering care, but sometimes, the intensity felt overwhelming. He yearned to reciprocate the affection, to show Jungkook just how much he valued his kindness.

Jungkook let out a soft sigh, the tension in his shoulders a testament to his worry. He reached across the console, his fingers finding Taehyung's. His thumb gently stroked the back of Taehyung's hand, a silent reassurance.  The simple gesture spoke volumes.

“It's just… I want you to be safe,” Jungkook murmured, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, yet his heart focused entirely on the man beside him.

Taehyung's eyes, bright with affection, met Jungkook's.

“I know I'll be safe, Jungkook. You're here with me. It's not even remotely scary; it's your company, after all.” He chuckled, a sound that warmed Jungkook from the inside out. He leaned closer, his voice a soft whisper against the gentle rhythm of the car. “You'll protect me, right?”

Jungkook glanced at him, a slow smile spreading across his face. The love in his eyes was undeniable, a comforting beacon in the otherwise mundane setting of their car ride.

“Of course, I will,” he whispered back. He gently pecked the back of Taehyung's hand, the brief contact sending a shiver of delight down Taehyung's spine. Then, their fingers intertwined, a silent promise of unwavering support and love.

Jungkook resumed driving, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. The familiar route to his company, usually a calming routine, now felt charged with a sense of foreboding. Even before he reached the building, he spotted his hired security guard, a figure of controlled alertness, waving him down. He pulled over, the smooth purr of the engine falling silent as he lowered his window.

The guard approached, his face etched with a mixture of concern and urgency. 

“Mr. Jeon,” he began, his voice low and respectful, “The media… they're swarming the front of the building. It's… quite a scene. I'd advise you to proceed directly to the parking lot. Security's trying to manage the situation, but it's getting out of hand.”

The news hit Jungkook with a dull thud. The scandal that had been simmering on social media had finally boiled over. While he usually maintained a detached indifference to such things, a flicker of unease ignited within him. Perhaps, he mused, it was time to start paying attention. The casual disregard he’d previously afforded the situation now felt reckless.

“I understand,” Jungkook replied, his voice calm despite the churning in his stomach.

He raised his window, the glass separating him from the growing chaos, yet the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. The guard, a silent sentinel, expertly guided his car towards the less-exposed back entrance, a small act of protection in the face of mounting pressure.

The parking lot, usually a haven of quiet efficiency, was anything but. As Jungkook navigated the maze of concrete and steel, searching for a vacant space, his progress screeched to a halt. A phalanx of reporters, a sea of flashing cameras, and outstretched microphones blocked access to the elevators. Taehyung, oblivious to the sudden stop and the reason behind it, let out an irritated sigh.

“What's wrong with you, Jungkook?” he hissed.

Jungkook considered a hasty retreat, a desperate attempt to avoid the maelstrom. But then, a notification pinged on his phone, shattering the fleeting thought. It was a message from his Hyungs, informing him of their presence in the building. A wave of frustration washed over him. He sighed, the sound heavy with resignation.

“What's the matter?” Taehyung pressed, his curiosity piqued by Jungkook's sudden change in demeanor.

Ignoring the question, Jungkook swiftly removed his blazer, the action a calculated move. The moment he stepped out of the car, the reporters surged forward, a human tide drawn to the scent of breaking news. He remained unfazed, his attention focused solely on Taehyung. He moved to the passenger side, opened the door with a practiced grace, and draped the blazer over Taehyung's head, effectively shielding him from the media frenzy.

“Keep it covering your face,” Jungkook instructed, his voice low and urgent. “Don't remove it. Do you understand?”

Taehyung, momentarily stunned by the swift turn of events, caught sight of the approaching reporters. He nodded silently, his eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and dawning understanding.

“Hold me tight, don't let me go.” Jungkook instructed him and held Taehyung's hand tightly.

He then started to drag Taehyung with him while Taehyung covered himself with Jungkook's blazer and made sure to look down to avoid the cameras while letting Jungkook lead him in the elevator. But it was difficult to do so because the media were literally pressing themselves to Jungkook to get the information they wanted.

“Mr. Jeon, what about the rumors spreading on social media?”

“Are you aware of the accusations?”

“Is it true you're involved in the disappearance of two people?”

“If so, what's your intention? Don't you deserve to be in jail for kidnapping?”

“Do you think silence will solve anything? You need to answer for your crimes”

Taehyung's anxiety ratcheted up with each shouted question. He clung tightly to Jungkook's hand, his knuckles white, terrified of being discovered. The press, sensing a potential scoop, even turned their attention to the hidden figure.

“Who's that with you? Is he involved?”

“Are you hiding him? If so, he's even worse than you!”

Jungkook's growl cut through the cacophony, a low, guttural sound that silenced the crowd momentarily. He only responded when Taehyung was directly implicated. 

“My mate is not involved,” he snapped, his voice laced with a potent warning. “Don't you dare criticize him.”

Taehyung trembled. Jungkook's alpha pheromones, released in a wave of protective fury, washed over the reporters, many of whom were omegas, visibly affecting them. They recoiled, momentarily stunned by the sheer intensity of his power.

Taehyung whimpered, overwhelmed by the potent scent. His legs, weakened by fear and the alpha's pheromones, threatened to give way. Jungkook, sensing his distress, immediately pulled him close, his embrace a haven of warmth and safety. The elevator doors finally opened, and security personnel, alerted to the situation, formed a protective barrier, shielding them from the press  Jungkook ushered Taehyung inside, the doors closing with a sigh of relief.

“It's okay,” Jungkook murmured, his voice softening, his pheromones shifting to a soothing, comforting scent. “Everything's okay now.”

He held Taehyung tighter, his hand gently caressing his back. The comforting scent washed over Taehyung, his body relaxing against Jungkook's. The omega, completely submissive, nestled his face into the crook of Jungkook's neck, his low whimpers turning into a soft purr as Jungkook whispered sweet nothings in his ear.