A/N: One thing I would clarify before you indulge in the story; the concept of imprinting and destine mate in the story is RARE! Like not every single werewolf has a destine mate. Only handful of werewolves can get lucky and find a part of their 'soul', you can say. Seokjin and Yoongi are mates BUT THEY DID NOT IMPRINT ON EACH OTHER. They fell in love and got mated, easy enough right?? Similarly, Namjoon and Hoseok are mates but not destine mates. I hope that would clear things for you all. If you have any queries, feel free to PM me ~^o^~

~CHAPTER FOUR~

Jungkook dropped down on his designated place in the cafeteria with a loud relieved sigh. He was tired and hungry and the lectures were just dragging all day long. He was the first one to reach the table, no lunch tray accompanying him because today he had begged Yoongi to prepare him an actual lunch. To many it might seem childish to get lunchbox like a preschooler; however, Jungkook had had enough of measly food the school had to offer.

Stomach twisting with hunger, Jungkook opened the lid of his lunchbox and grinned at the fried chicken, cheese sticks, mash potato, fresh carrots cut in long finger strips and two tiny chocolate cupcakes; all sitting in different compartments of the box.

“That looks delicious,” Yugyeom’s comment made Jungkook pause for a second, a piece of chicken dangling from his chopstick. The tall Alpha was looking at Jungkook’s lunchbox in envy. Jungkook was a known soft heart since an early age, thus the reason why he begged his dad to pack in excessive amount.

"Help yourself," Jungkook said around a mouthful of tender chicken. The Alpha almost moaned in satisfaction. Yugyeom readily sat beside Jungkook and stole a piece of a cheese stick, carefully putting it at the edge of his own food tray in hope to eat it in the end, something to wash down the tasteless cafeteria food.

After only a couple of minutes, Jaehyun, Mingyu, Sehun, and Taehyung arrived, each carrying a tray and guffawing about something private. They all took their place, not realizing something was different today. Taehyung was the first to spot the appealing aroma of food before narrowing his eyes at Jungkook's grin. But before the dual-core Alpha could utter a single word, Taeyong was seen scuttling toward the table, an easy smile on his lips. The petite Alpha poked around and made a space between Jaehyun and Mingyu to settle. Finally, the group of mismatch Alphas was completed.

Jungkook couldn't help but smile at the view. Just four days ago when he had proposed to join forces with the most popular group of Alphas in WW High, Jaehyun had not been particularly happy about it. The lunch on Monday had been awkward, to say the least. But Taehyung's friends- Sehun and Taeyong- had been welcoming. Taeyong might have made a couple of jokes about letting principal's son sit with them and find all the pranks they have been planning for the said principal… but they all had laughed it off good-naturedly. Not that Jungkook had been convinced Taeyong was joking in the first place.

Slowly the ice had melted. On the third day, Mingyu had gathered enough courage to joke around with others and Yugyeom had genuinely laughed at Taeyong's cracked jokes. Jaehyun had also started to lower his guards, but the principal's son was still somewhat wary of Taeyong. There was a certain tension between the pair and Jungkook was unable to label it.

In no time, everyone had taken a piece or two out of Jungkook’s lunch box and carefree conversation flowed between them. Sehun put forward the idea of exploring the forest on the coming weekend. The full moon was hardly a week away, and unfortunately, Jungkook was still not familiar with all the routes. There was a lake running at the edge of the town, which served as an invisible barrier between Woodfield’s werewolves’ clan and an old Vampire family living on the other side of the mountain. Taehyung had assured Vampires didn’t bother with them anymore, something about a signed treaty. But it didn’t mean they don’t have to be careful while delving the woods.

They were halfway through the lunch when an unexpected party stopped by their table; a smiling Jongin with a reluctant Jimin in tow. The sun-kissed skin Omega smiled at the lot before taking a seat beside Sehun. The kiss between the mated pair was short, thankfully. It appeared, Sehun and Jongin had long left the ‘honeymoon' phase. The couple had imprinted on each other right after reaching of age, at tender sixteen. Jongin was courted by the tall Alpha for a year before getting marked as a mate. Jungkook had been surprised to learn, just because Sehun marked his Omega didn't mean he was allowed to live together like a married couple.

"We are too young," Sehun had told Jungkook a couple of days ago. "Yes we are meant for each other, so naturally I would mark him as my Omega. After imprint, the heat becomes almost unbearable for Omegas, you see, until they are marked by their Alphas. However, currently, I am only used during Jongin's heats. His parents refuse to let us live together until I get myself a proper job and a meaningful life. The part-time jobs Jongin and I invest time on won't pay for all necessities, especially if we plan for our younglings."

Considering the low rate of imprints, most werewolves wait till mid-twenties to settle and start a family, Jungkook concluded after hearing Sehun's side of the story. Of course, Jungkook knew about it since his parents mated when they were twenty-four, as well. On the other hand, the Alpha still felt sorry for Sehun and Jongin.  Because if Jungkook ends up imprinting on his destined mate, his parents were willing to support both Jungkook and his future mate till they both graduate from reputed universities and start their own careers.

"You said it was gonna be quick," Jimin's loud grumble snapped Jungkook out of his thoughts. The bronze haired Alpha looked up to see Jimin frowning in displeasure as Jongin snuggled against Sehun and murmured sweet nothings in his Alpha's ear. Both Sehun and Jongin ignored Jimin's nagging and kept seeking each other's body heat. Jungkook would have complained as well if he was not aware of Sehun and Jongin's issue.

“Let them be,” Jungkook told the petite Omega while scooting over to make some space on the bench. “You can sit for a while. It looks really awkward if you stand in the way like this.”

It was obvious; Jimin was offended by the Alpha’s mere suggestion.

"Jungkook is right," Taehyung butted in to say, gesturing at the space beside the other dual-core Alpha. "Just sit for a while. If Sehun doesn't get a daily dose of Jongin's scent and affection, he becomes a real pain in the ."

“I would show you what it feels like to have actual pain in the ,” Sehun retorted, shoving a laughing Taehyung. “But unfortunately, I have to agree with your statement. It’s hard being away from your mate.”

Jimin stood contemplating his next action for a moment, before sighing in dejection and lowering his lunch tray on the edge of the table and gingerly sitting at the corner of the bench; a good two feet distance between him and Jungkook. The latter's attention immediately went toward Jimin's untouched food. Jungkook frowned because the only thing on Jimin's tray was assemble of vegetables. He swore he had seen Jaehyun and Sehun sipping a kind of beef stew just moments ago.

“Is the menu for Alphas and Omegas different as well?” Jungkook wondered out loud, turning to look at Jaehyun for the answer.

"Sometimes," Jaehyun shrugged. "Once in a week, Omega's menu consists entirely of vegetables. Since the food grown by plants is thought to hold more minerals, thus it's thought to be good for Omega's nourishment."

"No, they just don't want to give us, the Omegas, proteins in case we grow enough muscles to fight Alphas," Jimin whispered under his breath, rage transparent in his tone. Startled, Jungkook turned to stare at the Omega. Jimin's voice had been so low, Jungkook was sure no one other than Taehyung and he could have heard it.

Immediately Jimin's face drained of all colors like he just recalled that Jungkook's ears were extra sensitive and might have caught his words. Jimin quickly ducked his head, trying to make himself invisible. But Jungkook was not a common Alpha who might lash out at an Omega's imprudence; something Jimin needs to learn sooner rather than later. Chuckling under his breath, Jungkook took the last couple of cheese sticks and a cupcake from his lunchbox and dropped them on Jimin's plate, silently gesturing the Omega to eat something. Jimin couldn't possibly go hungry for the rest of the school day.

However, it grew eerily silent over the table as Jimin inhaled sharply, looking up at Jungkook with wide eyes. Feeling self-conscious, Jungkook looked around the table and found similar ballooned eyes watching him, mouths gaping. Abruptly, Jimin jumped on his feet, his breath heavy and cheeks flushed. With a last look at the Alpha, Jimin stormed out of the cafeteria. Jongin- giving same wide eyes to Jungkook- quickly got up to run after his friend.

“What happened?” Jungkook asked, rattled to his soul, looking around in puzzlement.

“Jungkook… don’t you realize what you did?” Jaehyun asked, frowning at the confusion sheening on Jungkook’s face. The Alpha slowly shook his head, waiting to be given a proper and detailed answer. “You put food on Jimin’s plate.”

“Yeah so?” Jungkook pushed.

“Jungkook, it’s an action associated with courting,” Sehun enlightened the younger Alpha, making Jungkook’s eyebrows to shoot toward his hairline. “You just courted Jimin, albeit unknowingly.”

“What the-?” Jungkook started, and then he paused while taking a deep breath. Roughly palming his face Jungkook look around at his friends, all- except Taehyung- giving him a worried look. It would have been a laughing matter if his friends were not looking at him like Jungkook had been given the last verdict to be hanged… and knowing Jimin’s reputation in school, Jungkook won’t be surprised if they all actually believed Jungkook might die at the Omega’s hands. “Come on guys! I gave food to all of you. Does that mean I courted you all?”

"No Jungkook, it's different," Yugyeom said sotto voce. "You offered food and we took it ourselves. You put food on Jimin's plate, without saying a word. It's a centuries-old traditional way of starting a courting. The most common and shy manner of courting an Omega, one fancy."

“Oh my!” Jungkook exhaled in annoyance before throwing his hands up. “I just wanted to give him some food since he doesn’t like vegetables. How can a small gesture like that be received in an entirely different way?”

"I know its bull," Taehyung waved away Jungkook's dilemma in a nonchalant manner. "I mean, of course, if you had said ‘Here Jimin, take the cheese stick' it wouldn't have been as bad as your sweet and thoughtful gesture… but honestly, these traditional myths are rather farfetched. Like when you swapped your plate with Jimin's the other night-"

“What?” A chorus rose from others but Taehyung ignored their outburst.

“Jimin didn’t even think twice and dig-in to eat… when technically, you looking out for Omega’s comfort was in a way, a manner of courting as well.” Taehyung grinned at Jungkook’s hinged jaws.

The bronze hair Alpha let out a whistle before leaning back and shaking his head, "You people sure have some complicated traditions that I did not sign up for!"

“Chill dude,” Taeyong singsong. “At least you didn’t end up courting an Alpha, unintentionally. Imagine the crisis that could bring.”

Jungkook snorted before a mischievous thought entered his mind. Plastering an endearing smile on his face, Jungkook leaned forward to put the last piece of carrot on Taeyong’s plate. The petite Alpha had quick reflex action thus he jerked his plate away and scowled at Jungkook.

"I know I am attractive, but I am sorry Jungkook, you are not my type," Taeyong joked back, making the table to resolve into laughter and earlier awkwardness to evaporate… thankfully. On the outer surface, Jungkook tried to act all right but from inside he couldn't help but keep repeating his friends' words in his head. He unknowingly courted an Omega. So much for keeping his distance from Jimin like Yoongi had asked him the other day.

O-o-o-o-O

Jungkook took a nice and warm shower before treading downstairs because he could hear Yoongi moving saucepans and pots in the kitchen. With hairs slightly dripping, Jungkook entered the kitchen and moved to back hug an unsuspecting Yoongi. Well not entirely unsuspecting considering Yoongi's sharp Alpha senses… especially regarding his son. The shorter Alpha smiled, letting Jungkook sway them a little while standing before the stove.

"Is it finally that time of the month?" Yoongi nudged his son, making Jungkook laugh a little.

“You say it like I am an Omega, about to go in heat,” Jungkook complained, although without any spite.

"Omegas go into heat after every three months," Yoongi snorted, moving his arm to stir the stew he was preparing. "You, on the other hand, gets cuddly once in a month… religiously, might I add."

"Wonder whom he picked that habit from, huh?" Another voice joined the pair of father and son. Jungkook grinned as he turned to look at Seokjin's- tired yet content- face. The bronze hair taller Alpha still had his doctor's coat on, black briefcase in the hand. "I would never forget the time I tried courting you, Yoongles, and all I would get were blank looks, awkward silence, and punches on my arm. I swear, every freaking time I started to tell myself that you were not interested at all, suddenly you would be there, demanding for cuddles and body heat and being extra cute. Remember that?"

"I do," Yoongi admitted, a slight blush coloring his cheeks a pretty pink. Yoongi was endearing, Seokjin thought right then, smiling at his mate with affection. "And I never said Jungkook didn't adopt this habit from me either. I already know. I just wanted to a little."

“Besides,” Jungkook exclaimed loudly, half scared his parents would start getting mushy even before they have their dinner. Being the diligent son he was, Jungkook started setting the table while Seokjin dispose-off of his stuff. “Dad, I would cuddle with you every day if father leaves you alone for more than two minutes.”

“Why would I?” Seokjin demanded, looking amused at Jungkook’s pout. “Go get yourself a mate to cuddle each day, if you must!”

"And we are back to the mate talk!" Jungkook said, throwing his hands up in an act of exhaustion like he had heard this enough times already. Which he has mind you!

It was an ultimate weapon Seokjin and Yoongi used against him, whenever they wished to render their son speechless. It's not like Jungkook didn't want a mate. He was an Alpha with needs. Nonetheless, Jungkook had never deemed ‘mate' topic as worthy of his attention before Seokjin announced the sudden move. He can vividly recall that day, Seokjin made quite an effort to present a beautiful dinner, only to end up dropping the bomb of moving back to Woodfield. The elder Alpha had tactfully carved the reason and hinted how Jungkook has already passed the sweet sixteen mark and might never be able to imprint if they don't return to their home town. Jungkook hated to admit but his cheeks had burnt red, his neck prickling in embarrassment while his parents heatedly discussed the scenario. And now here they were… again with the same topic… same jokes… yet something changed. That something being Jungkook himself.

The young Alpha eyed his parents for a moment while Seokjin and Yoongi took their seats around the table. Jungkook gingerly sat on the chair beside Yoongi’s. His foot anxiously tapped against the kitchen’s floor linoleum before Jungkook gathered sufficient courage to discourse his raw thoughts.

“But since we are at the topic of mates…” Jungkook started, pointedly staring at his plate. Once the merry chatter of his parents ceased, the younger male glanced through his eyelashes. Both Seokjin and Yoongi had amused smiles sitting on their lips as they gave their undivided attention to their son. “I was just wondering… the full moon is in a week… but what if I was unable to imprint on anyone? What would happen then?”

"This is why your father wanted you to spend at least three full moons in this town," Yoongi reminded him patiently, however, the amused glint in his eye shone brighter than ever. "I mean, of course, the power of full moon guides the werewolves toward their better half on its own… but the fact remains; there is a probability of you failing to find your destined mate on the first try. But we have time, right Jungkook?"

"Yes," Jungkook his suddenly chapped lips as he looked from Yoongi to Seokjin and then back on his dad. "But, everyone does not necessarily imprint on another, right? As the chance of having a destined mate itself is around 1%. What if I can't find my destine mate here, in this town?"

It was silent for a moment, Seokjin and Yoongi shared a look which did not go amiss by Jungkook’s sharp eyes. He gulped… waiting for the elder’s response.

“What would you wanna do?” Seokjin threw back the question, face serious and expecting.

Jungkook chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating how to voice his thoughts. Finally, he looked straight in Yoongi's black orbs, trying to read the emotions behind them before he uttered, "If I am unable to find my destine mate… in other words, if I fail to imprint. I would have to mate to a random Omega, wouldn't I?"

"Who might that be?" Yoongi prodded, nevertheless the smile on petite Alpha's lips was enough to convince Jungkook that Yoongi very well knew whom he was talking about… and also, it didn't look Yoongi was astonished in the least.

“You might call me whipped-” Jungkook started with a scowl afore he was cut off by his father’s diverted snort.

“You are whipped,” Seokjin commented before returning his attention toward the stew he was about to eat with bread. “Now get on with it boy, the food is going cold.”

“I am not whipped,” Jungkook huffed like a child, angrily eyeing Seokjin. “But I was thinking… you know how… well… it’s only because I feel bad for him. He is being treated rather grimly so I thought… if I must mate a random Omega, wouldn’t it be better to… umm… I don’t know, but maybe Jimin isn’t entirely a bad choice, right?”

“Hmm,” Both Seokjin and Yoongi dragged the words painfully slow but their lips twitched at the corners.

“And…?” Jungkook urged, seeking a more detailed response. “Are you guys’ fine with it?”

“I mean… really another Kim?” Yoongi acted to roll his eyes before getting a pinch from his husband. “But on the other hand, Jimin is also Hoseok’s son… that makes it more bearable.”

"What your dad is trying to say," Seokjin jumped in the conversation, shoving the petite Alpha for intimidating their son like this. "We would be happy regardless of whom you choose. It's your choice, your life… and your life partner. If Jimin finds you appealing enough, we would be happy to welcome him in the family."

Jungkook smiled, feeling like a humungous weight had been lifted off his shoulders. But there was this one tiny problem, as Seokjin had so carelessly thrown at Jungkook. The point being; IF Jimin finds him appealing enough. An effort to court the Omega was Jungkook’s part… the response of the courting was exclusively Jimin’s decision to make.

“Besides, it’s not like we can change the inevitable,” Yoongi murmured under his breath as he reached to fill Jungkook’s empty plates.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook questioned, frowning when Seokjin quickly shook his head and told him it was nothing. Yoongi was only smiling, giving him a furtive look as well. Soon Jungkook dismissed it in favor to talk about another pressing matter. “Anyways, there is something else I needed clarification for. I am sure Taehyung was just messing with me.”

“Hmm, sure,” Seokjin nodded at him to go on.

“The other night, at dinner, when I exchanged plates with Jimin… what did that mean?” Jungkook asked cautiously. The young Alpha was alarmed when his parents burst out laughing.

“So you figured it out, huh?” Yoongi said, shaking his head. “See Seokjin, I told you it was useless to hide this from him.”

“You mean… Taehyung was right?” Jungkook asked in a mere whisper, horror visible on his face. “The thing about courting? Did I really, unintentionally, court Jimin? But why didn’t you guys say anything about it? Why didn’t you stop me?”

"Jungkook…" Yoongi said sotto voce, eyes soft. "Let's just say, you not imprinting on your destined partner is least of your worries. Yes, it is true… one can never find their destine mates while in their human form. The imprint has to take place during the full moon. But it also doesn't mean the same rule applies on a dual-core Alpha. Your inner Alpha is stronger in every sense possible. It is only our theory, but the way you interacted with Jimin or how you stood up for him the other night… I and your father wondered if it meant your Alpha recognized Jimin as more than just an ordinary Omega."

“But it’s only our theory,” Seokjin injected when he noticed the foul scowl on Jungkook’s face.

“I honestly don’t know whether to be happy or put-out,” Jungkook confessed truthfully. “At first I thought… Jimin isn’t even my type… but