For the rest of the week, Seulgi met him at the school gates with other Omegas, and they formed a huddle around him, snarling at everyone who came close. Jimin knew he should feel embarrassed, or childish. But he just felt sheltered, safer with these people he barely knew than with anyone he'd ever known.

Still, he slipped away, telling them he needed to talk to someone in private and promising to be back quickly when Seulgi protested.

"Sir? May I speak to Jisoo for a moment?"

Heads perked up, and Jisoo leapt to her feet, shooting a questioning glance at the teacher. The old beta nodded, laughing softly.

"Of course," he said.

Jisoo hurried out the door, and Jimin stepped back, trying to ignore the drop of his heart when he saw Yoongi staring at him from the back row, eyebrows furrowed, as if he were trying to solve a puzzle.

The second the door closed Jisoo threw her arms around him, squeezing him until he pushed her away. "I'm so sorry," she cried, reaching up to grab his shoulders and looking him in the eyes. "Are you alright? I honestly thought he already knew, I wanted him to give you a break--"

"What did you tell him?"

She sighed, playing with her fingers. "I asked him how he could continue to force himself on you when he knew your father had done the same thing to your mother."

Jimin's eyes widened. "Soo!" he cried, using her nickname in his panic.

"I'm sorry!" she said, and, to his horror, she began to cry right there. "I'm so stupid! I knew the second I said it that I was wrong, he looked absolutely furious, and then he just-- he just-- he just started calling for you, and I made it even worse, and I'm so sorry--"

"Soo..." Jimin mumbled, moving forward to hug her. She clung to him, sobbing, and he felt a shiver run up his spine. Doubtless, Yoongi was watching them. "What class is your mate in?" Jimin asked softly.

Luckily, Jisoo caught the hint. She pulled back, slightly, and pointed down the hallway, taking a shaky breath. "I'll call him to meet us," she said. "I'm so sorry, I've ruined everything--"

"It's okay," Jimin said, though his stomach was churning. "H-he would have found out eventually."

"Is that why you're not on suppressants anymore?" she asked, matching his soft tone.

Jimin stiffened, then nodded. "I... I don't want my head to hurt."

"No wonder they're so protective," Jisoo laughed sadly. "Your scent is pretty strong right now."

"Oh," Jimin sighed.

They reached the end of the hallway, and a young man came running up, running a hand through his hair.

"Jisoo!" he cried. "What happened?"

"I happened," Jimin said, biting his lip. "I'm sorry. She didn't know--"

Jisoo's mate gave him an odd look, then smiled gently, holding his hand out. "Min Yoongi's mate?" he said. "Jisoo talks about you a lot. She was really torn up that night."

"I'm sorry," Jimin said, shaking his hand. "This--"

"I know why you think we shouldn't be friends," Jisoo said softly, giving him one last hug before slipping into her mate's arms. "But we've never wanted you to force yourself into something you're not comfortable with. We would never try to pressure you into this."

"Then why can't alphas leave omegas alone?" Jimin asked bitterly.

"I guess it's nice to feel needed," her mate said.

Jimin gave him a long look, then sighed, smiling reluctantly. "Sounds like you speak from experience."

"Jisoo didn't accept me that easily," he said. "I had to prove myself."

Jisoo laughed, pressing her fingers to his lips. "Hush!"

Jimin swallowed, slowly wrapping his arms around his stomach. "I'm sorry," he told Jisoo. "It's been-- everything's been so much, lately. I don't know--"

It was Jisoo's mate whose eyes widened first, and then they were both there, with their arms around him, each trying to speak over the other while maintaining a soothing tone.

"It's alright--"

"--you don't need to be afraid--"

"--these things take time, he just needs to listen--"

"He'll understand--"

"--I know it's hard--"

Jimin let his head fall between their shoulders, laughing even as the tears dribbled down his face. "Thank you," he said, voice breaking. "Thank you."

As he stood there, wrapped in their arms, Yoongi's voice slid smoothly into his mind, without the usual pain.

"I'll be here, whenever you're ready."