3

Kook knew it was coming.

He could feel the eyes on him the moment he stepped into the school gates—the whispers, the judging looks, the quiet laughter behind his back. It wasn’t new. He was an Omega, and not just any Omega, but a poor one. That was enough for people to think he was beneath them.

But today, the weight of it all felt heavier than usual.

Kook clutched his scent-blocker locket tightly, fingers curling around the small metal piece. It wasn’t much, but it was his protection, his shield—one of the only things keeping him safe in a world that saw Omegas like him as weak, as nothing.

He kept his head down as he walked toward his classroom, hoping to avoid trouble. But, of course, luck was never on his side.

A foot suddenly stuck out in front of him.

Before he could react, he tripped, his books scattering across the floor. A sharp gasp escaped him as he landed on his hands and knees, his palms stinging from the impact.

Laughter erupted around him.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” a familiar voice sneered.

Kook swallowed hard. He didn’t need to look up to know who it was.

Choi Seungmin, an arrogant Beta who loved to remind Kook of his place, stood over him with his usual smirk. Behind him, his group of friends—mostly Betas and a few low-rank Alphas—chuckled at the scene.

“You should watch where you’re going, Omega,” Seungmin continued, bending down slightly. “Or maybe you just like being on your knees? Isn’t that what weak little Omegas do?”

The laughter around him grew louder. Kook bit his lip, forcing himself to stay quiet. He wouldn’t give them the reaction they wanted.

Seungmin clicked his tongue. “Tsk. Ignoring me now? That’s not very smart, Kook. You really should be more respectful to your betters.”

He reached out, fingers grazing the chain of Kook’s locket.

Kook's eyes widened in panic, and he grabbed at Seungmin’s wrist. “Don’t—”

“What’s this, huh?” Seungmin yanked at the locket, tugging it hard enough that the thin chain strained against Kook’s neck. “Hiding your scent like a coward?”

Kook’s breath hitched. If they took his locket—if they smelled what he really was—

“Let go.”

The voice was calm. Too calm.

Kook’s heart jumped.

Seungmin barely had a second to process before a strong hand grabbed his wrist, prying it away from Kook’s locket with ease. The grip was firm, almost painful.

Jungkook stood behind him, his dark eyes emotionless, his presence overwhelming.

“Let go,” he repeated, voice cold.

Seungmin scoffed, trying to shake off Jungkook’s grip. “What’s your problem? We’re just having a little fun with the weakling.”

“I don’t recall asking,” Jungkook said smoothly.

And then, without warning, he twisted Seungmin’s wrist back just enough to make him yelp.

The laughter stopped.

Seungmin’s friends took a step back, suddenly aware of who they were dealing with.

“You think it’s fun to pick on someone weaker than you?” Jungkook’s voice was quiet, but the threat in it was loud. “Does that make you feel strong?”

Seungmin gritted his teeth, trying to hide his pain. “It’s none of your business.”

Jungkook tilted his head, his grip tightening slightly. “Oh? That’s funny, because Kook is mine.”

Kook’s breath caught in his throat.

The words weren’t meant to be romantic. They weren’t a confession. They were a claim. A warning.

And Jungkook wasn’t alone.

A slow, mocking clap echoed through the hallway.

Jungguk leaned against the lockers, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with amusement.

“I was wondering how long it would take for someone to be stupid enough to touch what’s ours,” he mused, his tone almost lazy. “Guess I got my answer.”

Seungmin paled.

Everyone knew the Jeon triplets were untouchable. Not just because they were Alphas—because they were them. Jungkook was the silent, deadly one. Jungguk was the cold, unforgiving one. And together, they were a nightmare no one wanted to face.

“I’d apologize if I were you,” Jungguk suggested, his smirk sharp as a knife.

Seungmin hesitated, but Jungkook twisted his wrist just a little more.

“Fine!” he spat. “I’m sorry, okay?”

Jungkook released him instantly, letting him stumble back. Seungmin shot Kook a glare before grabbing his bag and shoving past his friends. “Let’s go,” he muttered.

The hallway stayed silent until the bullies were out of sight.

Jungkook turned to Kook, eyes scanning him carefully. “Are you hurt?”

Kook shook his head quickly, not trusting his voice.

Jungguk sighed, stepping closer. “You’re too soft, Kook. You should have fought back.”

Kook lowered his head. “I… I didn’t want to make trouble.”

Jungguk scoffed, ruffling Kook’s hair roughly. “Trouble finds you no matter what, idiot. Next time, don’t just stand there.”

Kook mumbled a quiet, “Okay.”

Jungkook sighed, then reached into his pocket. “Here,” he said, holding out a piece of candy.

Kook blinked. “Huh?”

Jungkook averted his gaze, looking slightly embarrassed. “You look like you need it.”

Kook hesitated before taking it, warmth spreading in his chest.

Jungguk rolled his eyes. “You’re both hopeless.”

But even he didn’t stop Kook from holding onto Jungkook’s candy like it was the most precious thing in the world.

Because in that moment, he knew—no matter what the world thought of him, no matter how much people looked down on him—he wasn’t alone.

And as long as his brothers were by his side, he never would be.

AFTER SCHOOL

The walk home was unusually quiet.

Jungkook and Jungguk kept glancing at Kook, who walked in between them, his eyes fixed on the ground. His tiny hands clutched his school bag straps tightly, his usually soft expression replaced by something unreadable.

He hadn’t said a word since they left school.

Jungkook sighed, lightly nudging Kook’s shoulder. “Hey… You okay?”

Kook gave a small nod. But that was it. No words, no usual bright energy, just a silent, withdrawn presence that made both his brothers uneasy.

Jungguk frowned, watching Kook closely. “You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?”

Kook didn’t answer.

Jungkook exhaled, frustration creeping into his voice. “Why do you let those guys get to you, huh? They’re nothing, Kook. You know that.”

Still, no response.

Jungguk clicked his tongue, glancing at Jungkook before suddenly stepping in front of Kook, blocking his path.

Kook blinked up at him in surprise.

Jungguk crouched down slightly, meeting Kook’s eyes. “You’re mad at us,” he guessed. “That’s why you’re not talking.”

Kook's eyes widened. “I’m not—”

“Then why are you acting like this?” Jungguk pressed.

Kook hesitated, his grip on his bag tightening. “…I just don’t like it.”

Jungkook furrowed his brows. “Don’t like what?”

“That you always have to protect me,” Kook mumbled, lowering his gaze again. “I feel… weak.”

Jungkook’s heart clenched. He hadn’t expected that.

Jungguk, however, simply scoffed, reaching out to flick Kook’s forehead. “Idiot. We don’t protect you because you’re weak. We protect you because you’re ours.”

Kook blinked up at him, startled.

Jungkook stepped beside Jungguk, voice softer this time. “And because we’re your hyungs.”

Kook’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Jungguk smirked, leaning in closer. “Say it.”

Kook tilted his head. “Say… what?”

Jungkook crouched slightly to meet Kook’s eyes. “Say ‘Hyung.’”

Kook’s cheeks flushed. “Huh?”

“You never call us that,” Jungguk pointed out, crossing his arms. “It’s always just ‘Jungkook’ and ‘Jungguk.’”

Jungkook pouted slightly. “Yeah, don’t we deserve a little respect, Kook?”

Kook shifted awkwardly, looking between them. “…But you don’t act like hyungs.”

Jungguk gasped dramatically. “Excuse me?”

Jungkook feigned offense. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kook huffed, crossing his arms. “You always tease me!”

Jungguk chuckled, ruffling Kook’s hair. “That’s because you’re cute.”

Kook pouted, swatting his hand away. “I’m not cute.”

Jungkook smirked, leaning in closer. “Say ‘Hyung,’ and we’ll stop teasing you.”

Kook narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing them. “You’re lying.”

“Try us,” Jungguk challenged, tilting his head.

Kook hesitated, shifting his weight from foot to foot. His cheeks were still pink, but under his brothers' expectant gazes, he finally mumbled—

“…Hyung.”

Jungkook and Jungguk froze.

For a second, the world seemed to stop.

Then—

“Oh my god,” Jungguk whispered dramatically, clutching his chest.

Jungkook looked equally stunned. “Did you hear that?”

“I did,” Jungguk breathed. “It was so soft. So pure.”

Kook frowned, his face turning redder. “W-Why are you acting like that?!”

Jungkook grinned. “Say it again.”

“No.”

“Just once more.”

“Never.”

Jungguk smirked, leaning closer. “Kookie~” he cooed playfully.

Kook shivered. “D-Don’t call me that!”

Jungkook pouted. “Then say ‘Hyung’ again.”

Kook groaned, covering his face with his hands. “You’re both so annoying!”

Jungguk laughed, throwing an arm around Kook’s shoulders. “Yeah, but you love us anyway.”

Jungkook mirrored the gesture, hugging Kook from the other side. “And now, we finally got you to admit we’re your hyungs.”

Kook sighed but didn’t pull away.

Maybe they were annoying. Maybe they teased him too much.

But they were his hyungs.

And even if he wouldn’t say it out loud again, he knew—no matter what—he was safe with them.

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