Chapter 9: Leaving for a New Place

Taehyung meticulously packed his belongings, a mixture of excitement and a touch of melancholy swirling within him. Today was the day he would finally embark on his dream of living independently in Seoul. It was a goal he had set for himself long ago, and now, it was finally coming to fruition.

"Are you sure about this, Tae? You know I don't mind you living here. We're friends, you know," Nicole said, watching him pack with a mixture of concern and understanding.

Taehyung looked up, his smile reassuring. "Noona, you know this is one of my goals. And you can visit me anytime. Besides, it will be more convenient for you and your boyfriend to live together in this house," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of gentle teasing.

Nicole, however, remained hesitant. "You're right, I'm just worried because he's an Alpha. It's kind of suspicious to me. I don't understand why he was willing to do something like that. He's just your boss, though," she said, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.

Taehyung, however, was confident in his decision. "He's not just my boss, he's actually my friend, Noona. And come on, he's a kind person. There's nothing to be suspicious about," he replied, closing his suitcase with a decisive snap.

Nicole, however, remained unconvinced. "That's what I'm talking about, Tae. People I know who've met him told me that he doesn't befriend omegas. He dislikes people who are of lower rank. And Mingsu told me that Jungkook was just faking his image so people would like him," she explained, her voice carrying a note of concern.

Taehyung, however, remained unwavering in his trust. "I trust him, Noona. He is truly a good person. If he has a bad intention for me, it will be useless. I'm just a simple male omega. I don't see any reason for him to do something to me," he said, his voice firm and confident.

Nicole, sensing Taehyung's unwavering conviction, finally relented. "You're right. If you trust him, then it's settled for me too. Just please, if you need help, you are welcome to come back here, okay?" she said, ruffling his hair affectionately.

"Thank you, Noona," Taehyung replied, his smile genuine as he hugged her tightly.

Suddenly, a car horn blared outside the house.

"I guess that's him. You should go now," Nicole sighed, pulling away from the hug.

Taehyung hummed in agreement and stepped out of the house. He saw Jungkook already waiting in his car, his expression a mixture of anticipation and a hint of amusement.

"Are you done?" Jungkook asked, stepping out of his car.

"Yes, let's go now," Taehyung responded, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

"Let me help you with your luggage first," Jungkook said, taking the suitcase from Taehyung's hand.

"Thank you," Taehyung mumbled, watching as Jungkook carefully placed the suitcase in the trunk of the car.

Just then, Mingsu, Nicole's boyfriend, approached them, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Taehyung, you're leaving?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief.

"Ah, yes, I'm going to live on my own from now on," Taehyung responded, his voice carrying a note of finality.

"What? Why? I mean, are you financially stable?" Mingsu inquired, his voice laced with concern.

"Not really, I—" Taehyung began, but Mingsu cut him off.

"Then why are you leaving if you aren't stable financially?" Mingsu asked, his tone growing sharper.

"I don't think that will be your concern anymore. Besides, he's with me, so he wouldn't mind about money," Jungkook interjected, moving beside Taehyung and placing a hand on his waist.  The gesture was subtle, yet it clearly conveyed a sense of possessiveness and protectiveness.

Mingsu, however, was not easily deterred. "Are you sure about that, Taehyung? Why are you coming with an Alpha if you don't fully know him? He's surely taking advantage of you," he said, his gaze fixed on Jungkook, his voice laced with suspicion.

"I don't have the intention to do that. Don't compare yourself to me, you're the one who has that intention. And he's my friend, as far as I know, there's nothing wrong with helping a friend, right?" Jungkook countered, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"Hyung, he's right. Jungkook is my friend, and please don't mind me. Everything will be fine. You don't have to worry, I can protect myself," Taehyung assured Mingsu, his voice carrying a note of reassurance.

"I know you can do that, but you can't trust that Alpha. He's the worst one. You don't know what's running through his mind right now. What if he hurts you? I'm not there to protect you. You know I'm the only one you can trust, Taehyung," Mingsu insisted, his voice laced with a mixture of concern and possessiveness.

"Hyung, it w—" Taehyung tried to interrupt, but Mingsu continued, his voice rising in frustration.

"Babe, let Taehyung decide on his own. He's a grown-up man. He knows what he's doing," Nicole finally interjected, her voice firm and authoritative.

"But this is not a good idea, Nicole. Taehyung is an omega, an—" Mingsu began, but Nicole cut him off, her voice laced with exasperation.

"Babe, Taehyung is a strong omega. Let him be. It's his life. Why are you overreacting about his decision?" she said, shaking her head in disapproval.

"We should go now, pup. The tenant is waiting for us. Don't waste your time with him. I don't think he deserves an explanation," Jungkook said, opening the car door for Taehyung.  His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

"Goodbye, Noona," Taehyung said, stepping into the car.

Jungkook glared at Mingsu, who was clearly enraged by the situation. He smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes, before following Taehyung into the car.  Taehyung felt a wave of discomfort as he witnessed Mingsu's anger. He never expected him to react so strongly.

As Jungkook drove, he finally addressed the elephant in the room. "Are you okay with that Alpha?" he asked, his voice calm but his gaze focused on the road.

"Yes, why did you ask?" Taehyung replied, his voice carrying a hint of confusion.

"You didn't notice, did you?" Jungkook inquired, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

"What do you mean?" the omega asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"He seems interested in you. It was obvious," Jungkook said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"I don't think that's true. I mean, Mingsu Hyung loves his girlfriend so much. And he's a kind Alpha too," Taehyung explained, his voice carrying a note of innocence.

"Then why would he mind if you're leaving? He shouldn't care at all," Jungkook countered, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

"I guess it's because he's known me for years. He was just worried about me, that's all. He treats me like his little brother," Taehyung said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity.

"I don't think that's it. He's enraged by the fact that you're leaving. It seems like he doesn't like that idea. I'm an Alpha. I can feel their intentions just by looking at them," Jungkook said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"I doubt that. I don't see any reason for him to like me. Nicole Noona is already the best mate. I'd feel bad for her if Mingsu Hyung liked me," Taehyung said, his voice carrying a note of naivety.

"It's not your fault. You're truly a good-looking omega, and ethereal as well. It would be more surprising for me if that bastard didn't admire you," Jungkook chuckled, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

Taehyung laughed softly, biting his bottom lip, his cheeks flushing a delicate pink.  He couldn't deny that Jungkook was right.  He was, after all, a very attractive omega.  And the thought of Mingsu being attracted to him was a little unsettling.

The drive continued, the tension between them easing as they talked, their conversation a mix of playful banter and genuine concern.