The living room of the pack house was lively with chatter and laughter. The wolves rarely got moments to relax like this, and everyone was savoring the weekend evening. Jungkook sat in his favorite corner of the couch, sipping banana milk, his small feet swinging as he watched the pack bicker lightheartedly over snacks.

"Hyungie, why does Jin hyung get so competitive over cookies?" Jungkook whispered to Taehyung, who sat beside him.

Taehyung smirked, leaning close. "Because he thinks every cookie in this house is his birthright."

"Yah! I heard that!" Jin yelled from across the room, wagging a finger. "Don't corrupt the bunny with lies, Taehyung."

"It's true, though," Hoseok teased, dodging a playful slap from Jin.

Suddenly, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught everyone's attention. Taehyung sniffed the air and smiled.

"She's here," he announced casually, earning confused blinks from Jungkook.

"Who's here?" Jungkook asked, looking around as the pack straightened in anticipation.

Before anyone could answer, the front door swung open, and in walked a woman with long, flowing hair and a warm smile. Her confident presence filled the room, and her sharp eyes scanned the group before landing on Hoseok.

"Hobi!"

Hoseok shot up from his seat, his face lighting up. "Amy!" he exclaimed, rushing over to envelop her in a tight hug.

"You're back!" Jimin cheered, clapping his hands as Amy grinned at him over Hoseok's shoulder.

"Yes, I'm back," Amy said, pulling away from Hoseok. "I had to look after my parents while they were recovering, but I missed you all so much."

"Missed us or just Hoseok hyung?" Jimin teased, earning a flick to his forehead.

"Both!" Amy replied, laughing.

Jungkook watched the scene unfold, his wide eyes darting between everyone. "Who is she?" he whispered to Taehyung.

Taehyung smiled. "That's Amy, Hoseok's mate. She used to stay here, but she went to take care of her family a few months ago."

Jungkook's cheeks puffed out slightly as he pouted. "No one told me."

Amy finally noticed him, her eyes softening. "And who's this little cutie?"

Jungkook froze, gripping his banana milk like a lifeline. "I-I'm Jungkook."

"Aw,you are the future Luna,   he's shy and cute!" Amy cooed, stepping closer. "I'm Amy. It's so nice to meet you, Jungkook."

Jungkook gave a small nod, his cheeks turning pink. He glanced at Taehyung, who nudged him gently.

"She doesn't bite," Taehyung whispered teasingly.

Amy laughed. "Not humans, at least."

Jungkook blinked, then giggled softly. "Okay."

It didn't take long for Amy's warm demeanor to win him over. Within minutes, she had Jungkook laughing as she shared stories about her time taking care of her parents.

"Did you really chase a wolf out of the garden with a broom?" Jungkook asked, his eyes wide.

"I did!" Amy replied, chuckling. "Hoseok thought it was hilarious. I thought I was going to lose my flowers!"

The others laughed along, the room buzzing with life again

---------------------------------------------------

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the porch in hues of orange and purple. Jungkook sat on the steps, holding a nearly empty bottle of banana milk, his legs swinging lightly. Amy joined him, carrying two steaming mugs of tea.

"I figured you might like some company," Amy said, handing him one of the mugs.

"Oh, thank you," Jungkook said shyly, accepting the tea even though he continued sipping his banana milk.

Amy chuckled, leaning back on her hands. "You really love that banana milk, huh?"

Jungkook nodded with a grin. "It's my favorite. I don't think I can go a day without it."

"Good to know," Amy said with a wink. "I'll stock up for emergencies if you ever visit the flower shop."

Jungkook tilted his head curiously. "The flower shop?"

"Yeah," Amy said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I run a little shop in town. It's peaceful, surrounded by flowers all day. Though, sometimes it gets a bit lonely since I'm the only one working there."

"Lonely?" Jungkook asked, his brows knitting together.

Amy nodded. "Yeah, but it's not so bad. I love flowers—they make everything feel brighter." She paused, then glanced at Jungkook. "But you know, you'd probably love it there. It's quiet, colorful, and smells amazing. You'd be a perfect little helper."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "Helper? You mean... I could work there?"

Amy smiled. "Of course! If you want to. You wouldn't have to do much—just help with arranging flowers or talking to customers. It might even be fun."

Jungkook's face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. "Really? I wouldn't mess things up?"

"Not at all," Amy assured him. "You seem like the kind of person who'd bring a lot of warmth to the shop. And besides," she added with a playful nudge, "you'd keep me company. It's a win-win."

Jungkook giggled, his nose scrunching. "That sounds nice. I've been kind of bored here sometimes. Everyone's always busy."

Amy nodded in understanding. "I can see that. It must be hard to adjust when things are so different here."

"It is," Jungkook admitted, his voice soft. "But everyone's so kind, so I don't feel lonely. Just... a little restless sometimes."

"Well, the offer's open," Amy said warmly. "You can come by whenever you want. It'll be like having a little adventure outside the house."

Jungkook's smile grew. "Thank you, Noona. I'll ask Tae hyungie about it."

Amy grinned and ruffled his hair lightly. "You're adorable. I'm sure he won't say no—just tell him how excited you are."

Jungkook's lips quirked into a mischievous smile. "I'll make my puppy eyes extra strong."

Amy laughed, shaking her head. "Good luck with that. I've heard Taehyung's immune to cuteness, but maybe you'll be the exception."

Jungkook giggled. "I hope so. Thank you, Noona. You're really nice."

"And you're really sweet," Amy replied, giving him a warm smile. "Now finish your tea—or banana milk, whatever you prefer—and enjoy the stars."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the occasional sound of their laughter breaking the tranquility of the evening.

------------------------------

Taehyung sat on the edge of the bed, flipping through some papers from work. Jungkook lay sprawled across the mattress, his legs swinging in the air as he doodled on a notepad.

"Hyungie," Jungkook began, breaking the silence.

Taehyung hummed in acknowledgment, still focused on his papers.

"Do you think we could have a picnic someday?" Jungkook asked, twirling the pencil in his hand. "Like with sandwiches, and maybe those little cakes Pretty Hyungie makes?"

Taehyung chuckled, setting the papers down. "A picnic? Are you craving fresh air or just sandwiches and cakes , bun?"

"Both," Jungkook replied, giggling. "It sounds fun, doesn't it?"

Taehyung nodded with a small smile. "It does. We'll plan one soon. Maybe by the lake?"

Jungkook clapped his hands excitedly. "Yes! That would be perfect!"

For a moment, the room fell into a comfortable silence, with Taehyung's gaze returning to his work. Then, Jungkook's eyes lit up as he remembered his conversation with Amy earlier.

"Oh!" he exclaimed, sitting up abruptly.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten you so excited?"

Jungkook grinned. "Amy noona told me about her flower shop today! She said I could come and help her there!"

Taehyung's expression immediately darkened. "No."

Jungkook blinked, his shoulders slumping. "But why?"

Taehyung leaned back, crossing his arms. "So... you want to work at her flower shop?"

Jungkook nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I think it'll be fun, and I won't be bored when everyone's busy. I'll even help arrange flowers or talk to customers!"

Taehyung sighed softly, leaning forward to cup Jungkook's cheeks in his hands. "Baby" he began gently, "it's not that simple. You're not like everyone else here. You're special, and there are reasons I don't want you wandering around too much."

Jungkook's excited smile faltered. "But hyungie... Amy noona said it would be okay. And it's just a little flower shop. It's not dangerous, right?"

Taehyung pressed his forehead against Jungkook's, closing his eyes briefly. "It's not about the shop itself, bun. You're human, and your scent is... unique. It's not safe for you to be in town alone, especially without a mark to protect you."

Jungkook pouted, the sadness creeping into his voice. "So I can't even do something small like this? I don't want to be a burden, hyungie. I just... I want to feel useful."

Taehyung's heart clenched at the sight of Jungkook's watery eyes. He shifted, pulling the younger into his lap and wrapping his arms tightly around him. "You're not a burden, baby. Never think that."

Jungkook sniffled softly, burying his face in Taehyung's chest. "But it's frustrating, hyungie. I feel trapped sometimes."

Taehyung kissed the top of his head. "I understand, and I promise we'll figure something out. Once I mark you, it'll be safer for you. Then we can think about work, okay?"

Jungkook nodded reluctantly. "Okay, hyungie. But you have to promise."

"I promise," Taehyung said softly, stroking Jungkook's hair. "Until then, you'll have to stick with me. I'll keep you safe."

Jungkook sighed, his arms tightening around Taehyung's waist. "You're really overprotective."

Taehyung chuckled, tilting Jungkook's face up to meet his eyes. "And you're worth protecting."

The two stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, until Jungkook's sleepy eyes finally closed, and Taehyung carefully tucked him into bed with a soft kiss on his forehead.

----------------------------------

The kitchen buzzed with its usual evening activity. Maids flitted around, preparing for the next day's meals. The clatter of pots and pans mixed with the hum of chatter as the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.

Minji entered, carrying several large grocery bags, her face slightly flushed from exertion. She placed them on the counter with a dramatic sigh, earning a glance from the head maid, Seorin.

"Busy day, wasn't it?" Minji said casually, brushing nonexistent dust from her dress.

Seorin gave a curt nod, already rummaging through the bags. Her sharp eyes scanned each item, as though searching for any irregularity. "Groceries are important, Minji, but we must be meticulous. The king trusts us to ensure nothing harmful or unnecessary enters this household."

Minji smiled sweetly. "Of course, Seorin. I picked only the best."

Seorin's hand froze mid-motion as she pulled out a particularly vibrant fruit, its skin glistening like liquid gold under the kitchen lights. 

Seorin's face darkened. Holding up the fruit, she turned to Minji. "Did you buy this?"

Minji blinked, her expression a picture of innocence. "Yes, I thought it looked fresh and unique. Is there a problem?"

Seorin's voice grew sharper. "This is orapear. It's not just allergenic—it's deadly to humans. Even a small exposure to its juice  trigger severe reactions, and consuming it could cause death."

The kitchen fell silent. A few maids nearby stopped what they were doing, their eyes darting to the fruit in Seorin's hand.

Seorin shook her head, her tone scolding. "Didn't you hear the king's orders? He made it very clear that the future Luna must be protected at all costs. This kind of negligence is unacceptable."

For a brief moment, something flashed across Minji's face—irritation? Annoyance? But she quickly masked it with a sheepish smile. "Oh, I must have missed that, Seorin. My mistake. I didn't mean any harm."

Seorin placed the fruit aside with a frown, her tone still firm. "Mistakes like this aren't just careless; they're dangerous. Ensure this doesn't happen again, Minji. The consequences could be catastrophic."

Minji bowed slightly, her tone syrupy. "I'll be more careful. I promise."

As Seorin turned her attention back to the other groceries, Minji's gaze lingered on the orapear. Her lips curled into a subtle smirk, her fingers absently brushing the counter as if lost in thought.

"Allergic, you say? And deadly?" she muttered under her breath, just loud enough for herself to hear. Her eyes flicked toward the corridor leading to the king's chambers, a shadow of malice hidden behind her composed smile.

She picked up a cloth and began wiping down the counter, her movements slow and deliberate. The soft clatter of dishes and the hum of kitchen chatter resumed, oblivious to the storm quietly brewing in Minji's mind.

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