The bell above the bookstore door chimed, drawing Mr. Lee’s attention from the worn spines lining his shelves. He smiled warmly at the young man entering, a familiar face in the quiet village. “Taehyung! Back for another read?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Lee! Thank you,” Taehyung replied, handing over the book he’d borrowed the week before. He moved towards the shelves, already scanning for his next choice.
It had become a quiet ritual. Mr. Lee had noticed Taehyung’s frequent visits, the boy spending hours absorbed in books without ever purchasing one. One day, he’d finally asked. Taehyung confessed he lacked the funds, and his mother forbade frivolous expenses like books.
But Taehyung *was* a bookworm. He lost himself in stories, savoring the scent of aged paper and ink. He yearned for the lives he read about, dreaming of adventure and romance. He was, as Mr. Lee often remarked, a hopeless romantic.
“I think I’ll borrow this one,” Taehyung said, selecting a volume he’d been eyeing.
“Good choice. My granddaughter loves that one,” Mr. Lee complimented, watching Taehyung’s sweet smile as he thanked him.
Lost in thought, Taehyung didn’t notice the figure he bumped into until he stumbled back, eyes widening in alarm. He apologized quickly, then recognized the man before him.
“Oh- Hoseok hyung!” he smiled brightly.
People always glanced at them, their eyes drawn to Taehyung. He didn’t venture far from home, disliking the attention his appearance – and scent – attracted.
“Taehyungie! What are you doing here?” Hoseok asked, surprised by the omega’s rare outing.
“Got another book,” Taehyung supplied, a sheepish smile on his face as Hoseok shook his head teasingly.
“Always with your nose stuck in a book,” Hoseok laughed, making Taehyung blush faintly. He noticed, and his expression turned serious. “Seriously, you should watch where you’re going. You know how the alphas get around here, especially with you.”
Taehyung knew. He felt their stares, the lust in their eyes as they sniffed the air, seeking his scent. He was born an omega, vulnerable and powerless to refuse an alpha’s demands.
The villagers knew him as “the sweet one,” “the omega,” “the kind and gentle boy.” Younger alphas whispered about his “delicious smelling, curvy” form.
“I know, I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful,” Taehyung nodded, feeling scolded despite Hoseok’s gentle tone.
“I’m surprised your mother let you come down here alone!” Hoseok said, surprised to see Taehyung unaccompanied.
Taehyung winced, casting his eyes downwards. “She doesn’t know I’m here.”
Hoseok’s eyes widened comically. He would have laughed if he weren’t so ashamed of sneaking out while his mother was on the phone.
“Why are you still standing here? Let’s go, I’ll walk with you,” Hoseok said quickly, placing a hand on Taehyung’s upper back and guiding him forward.
Taehyung didn’t mind Hoseok’s touch. They’d known each other for over ten years. Hoseok was only a couple years older, his *hyung*. They were close friends, even if Taehyung still felt he needed to be respectful of the alpha.
What truly set Hoseok apart was his kindness. He never made advances, never used his status to gain favors.
Taehyung giggled softly as they approached his home, clutching his book tightly.
“Oh- Hey, do you want one?” Hoseok asked, realizing he’d been carrying a paper bag filled with bread.
Before Taehyung could respond, Hoseok was shoving a piece of sweet bread into his hand. It smelled warm and inviting. He should have stopped by the bakery.
He shyly accepted the bread, thanking Hoseok quietly. Hoseok hummed lightly.
They reached his home, and Hoseok smiled. “Well, here we are. You better get going before—”
“Taehyung! Come inside right now!” Taehyung’s mother’s voice sliced through the air. She threw open the door, her eyes blazing with anger.
He quickly looked up at Hoseok who watched his mother awkwardly for a second before patting Taehyung's shoulder lightly.
“Goodbye Taehyungie, see you soon.”
Taehyung smiled apologetically at the alpha before watching as Hoseok gave his angry mother one last look before walking down the road.
Taehyung flinched as his mother grabbed his arm harshly, yanking him inside.
“Mother, I can explain—”
“Explain what?! That you snuck out to get another one of those stupid books?” She gestured angrily at the book still clutched in his hand, making him look at the floor like a kicked puppy.
“Nothing bad happened. Hoseok hyung was with me the entire time,” he whispered.
She scoffed. Taehyung knew where the conversation was headed.
“That alpha needs to know where he stands with you. Have you told him? Have you told him you’re already spoken for?” She sneered, but Taehyung saw the fear in her eyes. He knew why.
When he was twelve, his mother told him about the deal. The deal they’d made with the king and queen in exchange for their lives.
He hadn’t understood it then, not until he devoured romance novels. He’d imagined princes sweeping princesses off their feet.
He wasn’t ashamed to admit he hadn’t dreaded the arranged marriage, hoping it would bring the love he’d read about.
He’d seen countless portraits of Alpha Prince Jeon Jeongguk, each one making him blush and imagine the moment the prince would claim him.
His mother had promised him the prince would come for him on his eighteenth birthday, not a day before.
“He doesn’t know,” Taehyung whispered, feeling bad that Hoseok was oblivious to the impending loss.
She sighed, seeing the tears in Taehyung’s eyes. “Honey, I’m not trying to be a mean witch here like in those books of yours. I just need you to understand that you can’t keep letting those friends of yours take liberties with you. They might get the wrong idea and, God forbid, want to court you.”
Taehyung sniffled as his mother’s arms wrapped around him, pressing his head against her shoulder for comfort.
“Hoseok hyung isn’t like that. I’ve known him for years, and he would never try anything with me,” he croaked.
She sighed again, feeling bad for making him sad.
“I hope you’re right, baby, because that would be bad for us. You’re already promised to the prince, and only God knows what he would do if something interferes with that.”
She paused, her body tense. Taehyung shivered at her fear of the royal family.
“But right now, you need to go take a bath. You reek of that alpha.” She scrunched her nose in distaste, gently pushing him towards the bathroom. He poutted but obeyed.