Chapter Text
The weather started to warm up a lot. The change is rather sudden. Just last week there were snow falls; the sidewalks were covered with white thick snow. It was impossible to go out without wearing the thickest, warmest sweater.
But now that Jungkook walks along the same sidewalk, the snow is nowhere to be seen, the sun is bright above his head and his favorite sweatshirt is keeping him safe from the escaping winter wind— he knows that spring is almost here.
Well, at least it’s spring somewhere because Jungkook surely does not feel like it.
Probably the reason why he isn’t listening to whatever the fuck Jihyo is spewing beside him.
“Hey! Asshole! Are you even listening to me?”
Jungkook thought she didn’t notice but he has rarely been right about his intuitions around her and it earns him a hard smack on his bicep. It hurts.
“Sorry, what were you saying?”
Jihyo shakes her head, sighing, “I was asking when are you going to get me a VIP ticket to your show?”
Jungkook’s eyebrows twitch at the question. He gives her a side eye with a raised eyebrow, “What VIP ticket?”
The face Jihyo makes at her best friend is of pure annoyance. She is not impressed at all with that reply.
She takes two fast steps forward and turns around to look at him face to face. It makes Jungkook stop on his tracks. “My best friend is in such a famous band and I, being his best friend, still did not get a chance to experience being his side chick and enjoy the concert from the front row.”
Jungkook gags. Literally gags without giving a care for getting hit once again.
There’s no place for a chick in Jungkook’s life because he’s gay. And also because this chick is gayer than him.
“First of all, ew! You are never going to be my side chick.” he says with another gagging motion. It makes Jihyo’s lips twitch in a tiny smirk. “Secondly, thank you for the flattery but we aren’t world famous. We are just a small band underground.”
It’s not entirely true. Wonder is pretty well known amongst young folks. They have already had several concerts in arenas with hundreds of people. Especially after the song “Wishing on a star” went viral last year. Since then, they have been getting more gigs than they usually have.
But calling it world famous is more than an exaggeration. They are not even popular in Korea yet. Maybe in Seoul—not entirely. They are getting there.
“Soon you are gonna be world famous, I have full faith in you bitch.” Jihyo says with another smack on Jungkook’s back this time. “And when that happens, you better not forget me. The first VIP ticket is mine, otherwise I’m killing you!”
“That might never actually happen.” Jungkook replies almost immediately, with a heavy sigh.
“Why the hell not?”
Why indeed. Jungkook wished the reason was less absurd. But he can’t change it even if he wants to.
So he says it.
“Because I might be getting married soon.”
And the reason why even if the weather is converting to spring, Jungkook’s is still stuck in the cold winter.
Jeon Jungkook is the one and only son of the business tycoon, Jeon Jaehyuk. They are one of the leading conglomerate families in Korea. There’s probably a handful of people who don't know about the Jeon family and about their business. Jungkook’s mother, Lee Somi is also a very well known entrepreneur who works for the betterment of women and elderly. Business runs in their family like water flows in the river.
And Jungkook, the only heir of the Jeon family, doesn’t have a single ounce of interest in the family business.
Which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing, because he found what he truly wants to do in life.
Music.
Ever since he was a child, he was drawn to music and instruments immensely. And after becoming an adult, he knew this is what he needs in life.
A curse, because his father doesn’t approve of it.
This is very common in elite families that children take after the family business and flourish it even more. Nepotism is a normal thing when it comes to choosing a successor for the company. It’s very rare that the heir chose a different career path when everything is already set on a golden plate for them.
But Jungkook refused to be involved in this in any way possible. Let alone be a successor.
Because Jungkook has no interest in his father’s business, nor in his worldwide reputation he built up for his business.
He does not want to walk on the path his father paved for him.
And as if adding salt on his father’s wounds, he chose to be something most elite people would find distasteful.
A lead singer and guitarist of an underground band.
It was already hell when Jungkook got his second piercings on his ears because it's not what sophisticated people should do (bullshit Jungkook thought). So when one day Jungkook bought a guitar home and told his father that he is coming back from singing in a club— he knew hell is going to be upturned.
The thing is, Jungkook is stubborn and he got it from none other than his father.
So nothing, no threat came to fruition in an attempt to make him take on the business.
But Jungkook knows even if he was born with a silver spoon in mouth (diamond if he's being honest), his luck is not at all silvery.
Because being the only heir to the Jeon Group means everyone knows who he is.
Which is why, till this date, he hasn't revealed his face to the public while performing as a singer of his band.
It hasn't been an obstacle in their success.
Not until now.
Jaehyuk has let Jungkook do whatever he wants for so long and now he decides it's time to stop.
So what happened was, he was given an ultimatum.
“You either stop the nonsense you have been doing all this time and go abroad, study business and take on the company.
Or you get married to who I want, someone competent enough to become the next successor of Jeon Group and I'll let you keep singing.”
So yeah.
This is what happened in short.
It might sound dramatic. But Jungkook has no way to deny the fact that he is, in many ways, dependent on his father. Who, if he wants to, can make Jungkook stop singing.
There is a reason why Jungkook's band hasn't been able to go mainstream. It's because Jungkook can't be known to people as one of the members of a band. That was the condition his father gave him when he agreed to let Jungkook keep singing as an anonymous person, with a pseudonym.
But now he has told him that not only will he make Jungkook stop singing, he might harm the band.
The only way Jungkook can save his band and his singing career is by getting married.
“Can’t you just say no? They can’t really force you to do this.” Jihyo says then.
Jungkook starts walking again. Today he didn’t feel like bringing his car and he doesn’t wanna call the chauffeur either. He’d rather walk.
“I wish it was that easy,” he says.
Jihyo doesn’t say anything further, understanding that a lot has been going on with him. She knows better than to pry too much when he’s feeling down.
After coming to an intersection, they part ways. Jungkook’s home is quite a distance from his university. On foot it takes about 30 minutes to reach. Usually he brings his car or their chauffeur drives him.
But he kind of rebelled after the news of the marriage and now he gets that torturing himself was not the right thing because it’s so tiring after a whole day of class.
Which is why Jungkook plans to just sleep it off the rest of the day.
The house is empty apart from the servants when he comes home. Usually his mother would be here around this time.
Jungkook doesn’t make any noise and heads straight to his room.
The first thing he does after coming to his room is walk towards his baby. The guitar.
The fondness in his eye when he looks at his guitar is palpable. It’s a shame that this lifeless object will never get to know how much Jungkook loves it. Probably the only object in the world that has stolen Jungkook’s heart.
Jungkook gives the strings a light stroke and turns around to go to the bathroom to wash up.
It feels good after he takes a shower. He was really exhausted today. That one literature professor is so fucking boring—Jungkook would have dropped his class already if he wasn’t looking for an early graduation.
Anyway, after taking a good warm shower, Jungkook changes into his comfiest loose, worn out t-shirt and a pair of shorts. He has already been told to throw this shirt away a couple hundred times but he’s just too attached to it and really— it’s so comfy that throwing it away would be a waste.
Another thing that looks super comfy right now is his bed. It’s practically calling him over to lie down and sleep like a dead man.
Jungkook is about to lay his body down when there’s a knock on his door.
“Son, you’re back?” It’s mother.
Jungkook sits up on the bed when he hears her, “Yeah, just a while ago.” he says and his mother enters the room after that. “Where were you?” he asks.
Somi picks up the towel that Jungkook carelessly threw on the chair and walks over to him to dry off the dripping water from the strands of his hair. Jungkook doesn’t protest, knowing well she won’t back off until his hair is completely dry. So he sits there silently and lets her do what she wants.
“I went to Minsoo’s for a bit,” She starts saying. “She wanted to have me and the others over for tea for a while now so we had a girls day out.” She smiles a little before saying, “Well—in.”
It makes Jungkook snort too. Somi leaves his poor hair after she’s satisfied with her work and sits down on the chair. Jungkook looks at her with the smug face he has on, “Good for you. But mother, do I need to remind you that you ain’t a girl anymore?”
Today is Jungkook’s day to get hit by women. First Jihyo, now his mother. Though he kinda deserves it. Somi playfully flips his forehead, “You brat! Are you calling your mom old?”
Jungkook makes a sound of pained groan and rubs his palm over his forehead, “Your son is a 24 years old grown man who can’t be considered a boy anymore.”
“But you are forever going to be my little baby boy though,” Somi says and pulls Jungkook’s cheeks.
“Ugh mom! Cut it out!” Jungkook squeals in embarrassment and pulls away from her grip.
She laughs and then there’s a little bit of silence between them. Jungkook notices the way she fidgets and he sighs, “Do you want to tell me something?” he can’t help but ask.
“Uh—I know you don’t want to talk about this but,” Yeah Jungkook really doesn’t, “Have you thought anything— about the wedding?” He should’ve known what this is about.
“No.” Jungkook answers.
“You couldn’t be any faster answering that.”
“Because I don’t have the world’s time to waste on something as bizarre as this, mom.” Jungkook is trying his hardest to keep his cool and not lose it to his mom. As much as this topic pisses him off, he doesn’t want to be disrespectful towards her.
“It’s not like you’re dating anyone that you’d have any problem with this. Think of it as us setting you up with someone because you’ve been single for so long.”
That punches Jungkook in the gut. All this time, Jungkook has never really shown any interest in dating. And he’s like an open book about this to his parents.
“What if I was dating someone? Would you still make me do this?” Jungkook tries.
“Are you dating anyone?” Somi asks with a raised eyebrow. Pinning Jungkook down with the look. “Hm?”
“No…” Jungkook accepts defeat.
“Then just try to meet him at least?”
“I don’t want to.”
Somi sighs heavily, rubbing her crown with the pads of her fingers. She looks tense, “Jungkook-ah, we never said no to anything you wanted to have, anything you wanted to do.” Jungkook could laugh but he let’s her talk, “You said you don’t want to study business and have no interest in inheriting the family business. But someone has to, no? This is the only thing we ask of you.”
Jungkook gets a reminder of all the things that he has been denied till now. Yeah they did let him do whatever he wanted but not for free. Not without putting him through hell.
Well, Jungkook also gave back as much as he received. By rebelling and everything.
But it doesn’t matter because in the end, they let Jungkook be. Didn’t they?
“Does the family business mean that much to yall? Jeongsuk is a far better candidate to take it over. Why don’t you give it to him?” Somi makes an annoyed face at that but Jungkook doesn’t care. “What if the guy you guys are trying to potentially get me married to turns out to be someone who ruins the said business instead of keeping the so-called legacy alive?”
“Do you think we will choose just anyone to hand over the business?”
“And what if he ruins my life?”
There’s a pain in Jungkook’s tone when he asks that.
“Again, do you really think we will choose someone like that for our precious son?” Somi counters him. Her voice softens but it doesn’t phase Jungkook. He’s tired.
“If you really thought about me— you’d actually not force me to get married in the first place.” Jungkook says, his tone emotionless and full of resentment towards the decision they took. “And I wouldn’t have to hide my identity doing what I love to do. I wouldn’t have to sacrifice my dreams and live in the excruciating pain of knowing that my dreams might never come true because of this fucking business and your stupid reputation.”
“Language, Jungkook!” She gasps. But Jungkook only chuckles.
“Oh please.” Jungkook really didn’t want to lose his temper. But it’s getting beyond ridiculous at this point.
Somi seems to lose it as well. “You know very well that the reason you are able to lead a comfortable life without any problems is because of this business. The fancy car you drive? Came from the money your father earns. The roof above your head is built on the money your father earns from the business he built working his ass off from the scratch. He had dreams too which you don’t want to keep alive and it’s fine. But you have to compromise too because we didn’t raise you for you to act like we’ve never done anything for you.”
Jungkook does not deny that they did a lot for him. The problem is that they give and then they say I’ve given as a constant reminder.
It would be much better if they didn’t give anything at all.
“It’s not compromising. It's a sacrifice.” Jungkook tells her. “I’m sacrificing my dream to become a world famous singer because apparently that would be a bad image to the famous business tycoon Jeon Jaehyuk because his son goes around singing in bars and underground clubs, looking like a punk. Isn’t it?”
“I am sorry.” Somi says. That’s the only thing she can say and Jungkook hates it so much. He never hated a word that much in his whole life. “I truly am. But there’s some boundaries you can’t cross and I can’t allow it either because I have restrictions too as your mother and your father’s wife.”
Jungkook thinks of tuning out whatever bullshit she’s trying to say because he knows it’s no use. It doesn’t matter how much he protests, he can’t win this one sided war.
Somi then raises her hand and places it over Jungkook’s head, “Son, I am saying this to you so listen to me. This marriage— is not the prison cell you are thinking it to be.”
Jungkook finds his mother’s words utter bullshit. Though he may be dramatic— but what if it turns out that his would-be husband is a piece of shit and tells him to become is pet dog or something?
It’s not like it’s ancient times when you have to listen to every word of your spouse but what if? Jungkook would hold onto any excuse he can to get out of this wedding.
What if he doesn’t let Jungkook sing anymore?
Jungkook might just commit murder and completely ruin their family reputation when he’s at it.
“It’s not like I have any say in this, you are not going to listen to me anyway and proceed with the marriage as father sees fit.” Jungkook tells her. “You’re probably finding new ways to blackmail me to agree to the marriage and I know it’s something that I won’t be able to avoid so—do whatever you want. I need you to leave me alone for the time being.”
Somi gets up from her seat when Jungkook proceeds to finally—finally lie down on the bed. His head is throbbing suddenly with all the bullshit he heard. “Actually, I came here to tell you that they will be having dinner with us this weekend. You will officially meet him then.”
The tiniest bit of sleep that was coming to Jungkook runs away, “Excuse me?”
Somi is already near the door and her hand is on the door knob. She says while opening the door, “Your father arranged the dinner and asked me to tell you this. So you can prepare beforehand and not be shocked with a sudden meet and greet.”
Wow. How generous of you mother and father.
Jungkook jumps up to sit, “What the fuck do you mean this weekend?” he shouts, not giving a flying fuck about the servants that may hear him. “Mom You know I have a performance this weekend!”
This is the biggest gig they have landed in so long. About a thousand people will be there and they have been practicing so hard for the performance.
He can’t ruin this.
“Mom!”
Somi has a look of pity on her face as she exits the room, closing the door behind.
This really isn’t spring for Jungkook at all.
“Fucking shit!”
Jungkook hasn’t stopped feeling restless since his mother left the room after dropping the bomb on him.
He knew he would have to meet the guy sooner or later. It’s not like he wasn’t expecting a meet and greet but not this soon and definitely not on a day he has prior engagement.
His nerves are going haywire. He really wanted to sleep today. He even told Hoseok that today he won’t be coming for practice. But now staying at home feels like a torture.
So Jungkook gets up from his bed and quickly changes into a pair of sweatpants and throws a hoodie over the worn out t-shirt. He doesn’t forget to grab his wallet and keys before he jumps out of the bedroom window.
The first time Jungkook did this, at the age of 14, he sprained his ankle pretty badly. Since then he’s done it so many times that now he mastered landing on his two feet without hurting any muscles of his body. Also because he’s taller, the distance from his window to the ground is not that far now if he climbs down the roof.
Jungkook could use the front door but that would mean facing his mom again. Worse case scenario, his dad. He doesn’t have the mental state to face any of them right now so sneaking out is the only option. It’s kind of thrilling too.
After giving a glare to the night guard at the front door, Jungkook goes out riding his bike.
The practice studio is actually an apartment where his band members Hoseok and Yoongi live together. They have 4 members in their band. The other one is Mingyu who is the same age as Jungkook. Hoseok and Yoongi are older.
The apartment is not so small nor big but it’s perfect for the two living there. They have dedicated the living space as their practice slash their hang out spot. All the instruments are on one side and there’s a big couch with a center table on the other side. The place may look congested to some but it’s the most peaceful place to Jungkook.
“Kook? You said weren’t coming today.” Jungkook is met with Mingyu as soon as he enters the apartment.
He knows the door code to the apartment but every time he uses it to let himself in, he prays to all the gods out there that he doesn’t walk in on something nasty. It’s a fear that never leaves him.
He comes here often to practice and it was an inconvenience because sometimes they aren’t home but all the things are here. So they let Jungkook and Mingyu know the door code.
Jungkook hopes those two have the decency to not do it in the living room when other people can come in so easily like this.
“Change of plans, I’m practicing.” Jungkook replies to Mingyu and walks over to where the guitar is. He picks it up and settles it on his lap as he sits on the stool. The setlist is in front of him on the stand.
“Did something happen at home?”
Jungkook turns his head around at the sound of Hoseok. He thought he’s not here. “When does something not happen at my home?”
“Wow, you sound pissed.” Mingyu comments. Jungkook wonders if they can tell that he kind of wants to commit arson right now.
He is also in huge tension right now. He has no idea how to bring it up. The news that he is apparently going to have a dinner party with his future husband and in-laws on the day they have a performance. He doesn’t have the guts to say it out loud. He also doesn’t have any idea how he’s going to get out of this or manage things.
The members know who Jungkook is, obviously. At first, they didn’t believe that Jungkook wanted to join their band. They discarded his words as a passing joke because there’s no way the heir of Jeon Group wants to join a lowly underground band.
But Jungkook’s passion and his talent drew them in. Even if they knew having Jungkook as one of the members is going to cost them a lot in more ways than not, they couldn’t help but accept him.
So Jungkook feels super guilty right now.
“Forget about me. Where is Yoongi hyung?” Jungkook asks, trying to avoid the topic.
“Yoongs went outside to buy food. Let me call to ask him to bring something for you as well. Sandwich? Fried chicken?” Hoseok asks, he goes over to the couch instead of joining the practice session.
“Nah, I’m not hungry right now.”
“Something terrible must have happened for you to reject fried chicken. Are you okay my dude?” Mingyu reaches over and squeezes Jungkook’s shoulder in a firm grip.
“What the fuck? Do I always look hungry?” Jungkook says with a frown.
Mingyu looks at him with a shit eating grin, “Sorry to break it to you but you are always hungry and never say no to food.”
Smacking him with the guitar will probably kill him. So Jungkook resorts to the less violent way by showing him the friendly finger and redirects his focus back on practicing, completely ignoring the finger Mingyu throws his way in return.
“Quit you two. Yoongi’s gonna come soon but let’s start practicing without him. He will join when he’s back. On my cue— three, two, one— ” Hoseok says and they start.
Mingyu starts tapping on the drum in a rhythm as Hoseok adjusts the strings of his bass. Jungkook has already tuned his guitar and is ready to blend into it. Yoongi’s keyboard space is empty right now but they start anyway.
Jungkook’s skillful fingers dance along the strings, adding layers and layers of music creating a rhythm that Mingyu and Hoseok follow. The atmosphere around them changes visibly, the air vibrates with the synergy of the instruments.
Jungkook hums along the tune. Not completely singing because they are mostly practicing the instruments now. His vocal practice will be done later.
With Mingyu’s drum’s beat, and Hoseok’s backing vocals, Jungkook finds himself lost in the moment. All tensions gone from his nerves. They fall into harmony. Jungkook experiments with his own improvisations when he gets a compliment from Hoseok.
This is it. This is what Jungkook lives for. The power music has to fade away all the exhaustion from his body, erase all the anxiety— nothing in this world can come between him and his music.
Yoongi comes back in the meantime, Jungkook hears the front door open and close. “I’m back, oh Jungkook you’re here.”
They stop playing the instruments and Jungkook gives Yoongi a smile. “Hyung, I heard the new piece you composed, it sounds so good.”
Yoongi nods curtly. His hands are full with foods and drinks which he drops on the center table and walks over to where everyone is. “I'm still not satisfied with some parts of it. God knows I’ve lost so much hair working on this for nights after nights.”
“Explains the dark circles. Hyung, you can take it easy and rest sometimes you know?” Mingyu says.
Hoseok nods in agreement, “Tell him that. He never listens to me.”
At this, Mingyu can’t help but grin widely, “Oh you can just tell him to cuddle up to you and he will crawl like a tamed cat.” he says. Jungkook is trying so hard to hide his own sheepish grin.
Without replying anything, Yoongi focuses on his keyboard. But no one misses the way the tips of his ears turn red. Hoseok is no better. His cheeks are as red as a tomato.
They go back to practicing properly this time.
And Jungkook doesn’t think he has it in him to break the news to them yet.
Jungkook loses track of time while practicing. By the time they are done, tired and everything, it’s past midnight.
He says goodbyes to the memers. Yoongi tells him to stay the night because it’s late, Mingyu’s crashing too but Jungkook already has a couple missed calls from home— which means they know he sneaked out because no one saw him leave through the front door. He doesn’t really wanna cause a big ruckus by staying out today.
So he comes back home and uses the window to sneak back into his bedroom.
Almost all the lights are off in the house. Everyone must have gone to sleep. Which is good because Jungkook won’t need to explain himself to anyone.
Carefully, Jungkook climbs up the roof and enters his room through the window. His room is dark too so he goes to switch on the light first.
It’s right then the door unlocks and Jungkook almost falls on his as from how startled he gets.
“Jesus fucking christ!”
“Language.” Jungkook’s father, Jaehyuk says in a stern voice.
“Say something when you enter or at least knock! I was about to drop dead.” Jungkook says, his heart is still beating fast from the sudden shock.
“And where are you coming from? Sneaking in like a thief?”
It ticks Jungkook off. “I don’t need to tell you.”
“The older you are getting, the more mannerless you are becoming. This is not acceptable, Jungkook.”
Jungkook has always feared his father. Even though he never raised his hand on him, never even gave him a spank for making mistakes or causing troubles, his words affect Jungkook. Jaehyuk gave him love and care while raising him. He also kept him in a strict discipline.
“Sorry.” Jungkook says in a low voice.
Jaehyuk gives him a nod. “Were you with the boys of your little band again? Till this late?” his tone still has the sharpness in it.
“Yeah. We have a performance coming so we needed to practice.”
Jaehyuk doesn't like hearing about this so Jungkook purposely says. And it works.
Jaehyuk clicks his tongue in discontent. “I’ve let you do your things but it doesn’t mean you are gonna do whatever you want. You need to maintain some rules and disciplines while you’re living here and also as my son.”
With a scoff, Jungkook takes the mask he was wearing when he went outside and holds it in front of Jaehyuk’s face, “No one saw me. See? I am doing what I am supposed to. Not letting people see my face while I go do my thing because it will ruin your reputation. What more do you expect from me?”
Jaehyuk scoffs, “As if you’d come up to my expectations so no, I don’t have anything to expect from you. The least you can do is not get caught up in any trouble right now. Especially nothing scandalous.”
“What are you getting at? When did I ever do something scandalous?” Jungkook counters. He did do scandalous things when he was younger but nothing that went public. Just regular things young adults do.
“I didn’t say you did something. I’m telling you to look out.”
“And what should I be looking out for this time?” Jungkook asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
Jaehyuk gives him a raised eyebrow and an annoyed glance, “Your mother already told me about your little outburst today. But you are meeting the CEO of KTH industries and the family this weekend. I’ve already given them my words.”
“By whose permission? Did I agree to do this?” Jungkook’s voice trembles in anger. “Why? Why are you doing this to me? I don’t wanna get married for fucks sake!”
“Jungkook, we’ve talked about this.”
“No we didn’t! You came out of nowhere and declared you are getting me married to some bigshot businessman and I denied.”
Jaehyuk walks over to Jungkook’s desk. It’s messy. Jungkook suddenly has a nasty feeling when he watches his dad put the pens in the pen holder and organize the books. “Why are you so opposed to this? It’s not like you’re dating someone.” This again! Jungkook kind of wants to ask Mingyu to act like his boyfriend for the time being. “Think of it as we’re setting you up with someone.”
“As if that could ever happen.” Jungkook chuckles sarcastically.
When Jaehyuk deems the desk to be organized he turns back to Jungkook, “I didn’t go forward with this impulsively, Jungkook. I’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s a good union to be joining with the KTH’s. I thought about it a lot and decided on it when I saw the benefits we will get .”
Again, Jungkook chuckles. A mirthless laugh that has no emotion in it. Only anger. “This is why I hate this even more because you treat marriage like a business deal and selling me off as a price.”
Jaehyuk sits down and Jungkook stays standing near the door, hands in his pants pockets because they suddenly feel so clammy. “Taehyung is a nice guy. I would think of choosing him as your husband even if it was for the union based on mutual interest towards a business partnership.”
Ah. Taehyung.
Jungkook forgot the name until now. He kind of let the name enter through one ear and out from the other when he first heard it. But now he remembers again. He thinks he heard the name before too.
“I don’t understand you, dad.” Jungkook says after a moment. “I never thought you’d take such a big decision about my life without even consulting me.”
“I am doing what is good for you. And you better know this already that in life, unexpected things happen. But it’s for the better.”
“Stop giving me life lessons.”
Jaehyuk gets up and walks towards Jungkook, “As I said, behave yourself and meet him this weekend. Taehyung,” he says, more like giving him a warning to not do something stupid as he expects him to. “I’m not selling you off to a prick. It pains me that you think that way but you will understand one day. We all need to look for what’s good for us and as your father, I’m doing exactly that.”
Jungkook wants to argue. He wants to say that he doesn’t care about Jungkook’s betterment at all and it’s only his way of words, he’s doing this for his own benefit and nothing else.
“Stay at your best behavior.”
“I am going to run away.” Jungkook offhandedly comments.
“Watch what you are saying before I ground you.”
“I am 24.”
“And I am your father.” Jaehyuk says with finality in tone and leaves the room.
His father doesn’t often come to his room. Once in a while, like today, he comes to either give Jungkook a scolding or give him a warning beforehand. Today was the latter.
The marriage must mean so much to him for him to personally come and warn Jungkook to not pull something stupid and ruin everything. Jungkook would understand too if he had any interest in the political matter of the business.
He knows things like this happen. Rich people get married to other rich people out of convenience.
Jungkook didn’t think he would actually be like one of them. In moments like this, he regrets not taking an interest in dating too. Then he could at least give an excuse.
But the thing is, no one ever really met his ideal type. No one really caught his eye or made his heart flutter enough to seriously date them. Truth to be told, Jungkook doesn’t know what his type is either.
He might be actually looking into arranged marriage when he was old enough— even if it makes him sound hypocritical after throwing such a tantrum.
But he never ever thought things would turn out like this so early.
When he has dreams to follow, goals to achieve.
Jungkook lies down on his bed. Now exhaustion is truly hitting him. The headache is back.
“Fucking hell! I really don’t have any way out of this marriage.” He says to himself, raising his hand to press it over his forehead. It’s throbbing.
“Fine. I’ll meet this Taehyung.” he adds. There’s a bitter taste in his mouth as he says the name. Well— of course he is the bane of his existence.
It feels childish to be cursing this faceless person. Maybe they were also forced into this? Jungkook doesn’t know. He doesn’t care. The fact that he is coming to meet him this weekend must mean he agreed to this or something similar. He could’ve denied, no? Why does he need to come? Why this weekend?
Jungkook would want to punch Taehyung in the face if he was in front of him right now. Knock some sense into him for choosing the worst weekend of the year.
Unfortunately, he can’t do any of those. Bullshit that Jungkook was born with a diamond spoon in his mouth if he can’t do the bare minimum. Like punching his potential future husband.
The corners of Jungkook’s lips twitch upward at his own childishness. It’s a coping mechanism before things go downhill.
He can’t avoid the meeting. He can’t miss the performance.
The weekend is going to be one hell of a weekend in Jungkook’s life and he has to figure out he is going to manage everything.
Jungkook reaches for his pillow and places it under his head, fixing his posture until he’s in a comfortable position to sleep.
“I’ll meet you, Taehyung. I’ll meet you and let’s see if you wanna marry me after we’ve met.” he mumbles before he falls into a deep slumber.
“And that’s it for tonight’s show. Thank you for being such an amazing crowd! Hope to see you again, guys. We are Wonders.”
The arena vibrates with the cheers from the audience as Hoseok gives his ending ment. His hands are shaking due to the after effect of an incredible they’ve put on and he tries his best to hide it through his bright smile and crinkling eyes.
The performance went great. The four of them gave their absolute best. Apart from the little problem they had with their ear pieces, everything went fine just as they practiced. The organizers are happy too. The crowd was more than they initially expected and they are happy that they could give their best.
It was a successful show and every success deserves a celebration.
But Jungkook is in cold sweats now.
It’s the weekend.
“Fuck, that was dope! Tonight was hands down the best of us so far!” Mingyu jumps in excitement as soon as they come down to the backstage. He’s sweating too but that’s for another reason. Not as absurd as Jungkook’s. He can cool it down by chugging a can of beer that he is already doing without a second wasting because he deserves to treat himself.
“Right? Jungkookies, you killed it tonight. Is it just me or were you extra energetic while performing today?” Hoseok asks.
It was probably the adrenaline rush that Jungkook started getting as soon as he sneaked out from home today.
The dinner was at 7 pm and the performance at 4. He doesn't know what got into him and he thought he would be able to manage both as if he got the power of Flash or something.
It’s 7:20 pm now.
“I definitely felt it too.” Yoongi says next, “Good job guys. The crowd went crazy when you hit those notes and those adlibs.”
Jungkook manages to crack a smile as he takes off his bucket hand and mask.
This was the condition Jungkook’s father gave him when he started singing for the public with the band.
Keep your identity hidden.
The members of the band hesitated at first. Because face value matters when you are in the entertainment service. They thought things wouldn’t work out like this.
But Jungkook has proved himself since then. His talent helped him overcome all the obstacles. He gave himself a new name.
Even though the world already knows him as Jungkook because of his father, that’s not the name he made for himself. And that’s why Jungkook takes so much pride in this. Because these people, those audiences love him, cheer for him not because he has the face of the heir of Jeon Group.
It’s because he’s Jay.
Jay, who has an incredible talent for singing and people acknowledge him for his own hard work.
Not because of the diamond spoon he was born with.
“Thanks guys. You did well too.” he says at last.
“This calls for a celebration. Let's get wasted tonight!” Mingyu chimes in. His face looks red already.
“Fucking yes! Drinks on me, dinners on Yoongi.”
“And who the fuck are you to decide that?” Yoongi says with a flick on Hoseok’s forehead who mewls in pain.
“I’m the main hero.” Hoseok bites back.
Everyone seems so happy and over the moon that Jungkook feels bad to ruin the mood. But he has no choice.
“You all carry on. I have to go home.”
Mingyu immediately makes a sound of boo in protest, “What the hell, don’t be a bummer!”
“I’m sorry, I have something really important. I have to go back.”
“Is daddy dearest giving you a hard time?”
Jungkook snorts at Yoongi’s attempt at sarcasm, “Yeah, sort of.”
“Can daddy dearest chill? It’s not like his son is committing a crime.” Hoseok adds.
“I don’t understand rich people.” Mingyu says, going for another can of beer. He thinks they should have champagne today actually.
“Trust me, I don’t either.” Jungkook nods in agreement and gets a middle finger thrown his way by Mingyu.
“Shut up, rich kid.”
Jungkook snorts one last time before he says, “I’ll join you next time.” If he is still able to do his music he thinks in his head and then says his goodbye. Though they don’t wanna let him leave, considering the circumstances, they cut him some slack.
Jungkook switched off his phone the moment he sneaked out tonight. And he doesn’t have the guts to switch it on now.
Well, he is going home, isn’t he? He is gonna attend the fucking dinner. So what if he’s a bit late?
But deep down, he knows he fucked up. He doesn’t know the consequences. He prays nothing happens to his music.
Though he doubts his father will actually stop him from doing music completely. Considering how he hasn’t taken any extreme measure except from threatening him a couple of times but never going forward with those. As long as he keeps his identity a secret and listens to his father, he’s fine.
Jungkook should consider himself lucky because he wasn’t stopped by any police because he doesn’t think he ever drove this fast in his life. It would usually take 40 to 50 minutes to reach home but it’s 8:05 pm now.
He’s just an hour and five minutes late.
Fuck that. Jungkook doesn’t have time for panic now. He almost jumps off his bike without even parking it properly and runs towards the backyard, near his bedroom window. Climbing up is tougher than climbing down but now he can’t use the front door. If the guests are already here, it would cause chaos.
So even if it’s hard, Jungkook climbs up the walls and gets into his bedroom through the window.
And right when he gets in, he sees a man standing at the door. A stranger. And he gets startled horribly.
“Who the fuck are you?!” Jungkook asks in a sharp tone.
The man doesn’t look like an intruder. He’s well dressed, well presented. Doesn’t look like someone trying to rob or something like that.
And then Jungkook remembers that there’s guests at his house today. More specifically, his potential future in-laws.
And this man right here, could be his potential future husband.
“You must be Jungkook.” The man says. He looks older than Jungkook by a couple years. “I didn’t expect to catch you like this. Nor did I expect to get such an infuriated greeting.”
Jungkook’s eye twitches. “Apologies. I was startled to see someone in my room all of a sudden. But that doesn’t answer my question minus the infuriated greeting. Who are you and what are you doing inside my room?” he can’t help the edge of his tone. He is annoyed actually.
The man, his potential future husband, grins. “I was lost finding the bathroom. I didn’t know it was your room.”
Jungkook doesn’t like his expression. Nor the way he talks. He can’t say it’s because he’s biased and already has a resentment towards his would-be-husband. h e genuinely feels something off about this guy.
“Are you Kim Taehyung?” he asks.
The face the man makes is of pure surprise and shock. “Oh no. Never.” he says, distaste in his voice that doesn’t go unnoticed by Jungkook. “I don’t want to be even if I’m forced.”
Jungkook doesn’t understand.
“But I’m astonished that you don’t even know the face of the man you’re supposed to be marrying. Are you forced into this?”
Jungkook is rarely wrong about his intuitions about people. The moment he saw the man grinning and his skin started to prickle, he knew he doesn’t like him. So the relief Jungkook feels when the man says he’s not Taehyung is somehow reassuring. Because there's no way he’s gonna get married to this guy.
“It’s none of your business. And it’s rude at this point to be avoiding the actual question when I’ve asked multiple times to tell me your identity.” Jungkook says.
“I’m Kim Taemin.”
“And?”
Taemin clicks his tongue. “Taehyung’s younger brother.”
Oh. Not husband but brother-in-law. Jungkook is pissed again. If the brother infuriates him this much, he wonders how much the actual man is going to piss him off. What did his father say? He didn’t choose just anyone? Yeah right.
“So, where are you coming from? Like this?” Taemin indicates towards Jungkook’s attire. He isn’t wearing anything inappropriate. But chains dangling from the hooks of his baggy, big pocketed pants and mesh shirt under his leather jacket, several dangling earrings and even more rings on his fingers, hair tied up in a messy bun and eyeliner on the eyes— is surely not an attire a son of a conglomerate would wear, right?
“Again, it’s none of your business. You should leave the room right and not invade someone’s personal space. The bathroom is down the corridor on the other side.” Jungkook dismisses him. Not wanting to drag this out any longer.
To Jungkook’s utter irritation, Taemin doesn’t leave right away. He lingers there for a moment and then opens his mouth to speak, “You don’t wanna get married, do you?”
Jungkook personally hates people who pry too much. All of his friends know that. This guy doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t annoy him, “what’s it has to do with you? It’s your brother who should be asking the question.”
The irritation just keeps growing as Taemin takes a step inside, observing the room, “I doubt he would. Considering the benefits he’s offered in exchange for this marriage. Poor you— it’s like you’re the one being traded off as a dowry for your own marriage.”
It hits Jungkook right at the gut. It hits him hard and he’s so immensely displeased that he can’t stop himself from reacting to it. A reaction Taemin probably was looking for because he looks smug as he catches it.
“I get how political marriages are.” Taemin continues, shoving his hands in his perfectly tailored suit pants and walking towards Jungkook, “But you are so young and to be in the middle of these money hungry men dealing with anything and everything— I feel sorry for you.”
Jungkook doesn’t take a step back even though feels his personal space invaded. It’s like, if he takes a step back, he’s gonna lose a battle he doesn’t know he started. He keeps his eyes on the man sternly. “You don’t know anything about me. So you should refrain yourself from putting your nose in my business.”
Again, Taemin smirks. It’s ugly. Jungkook doesn’t like it one bit. “Mhmm true. But I have to shamelessly admit that I do have the habit of putting my nose into business that interests me.”
This type of person is dangerous, Jungkook thinks.
Taemin takes another step closer to Jungkook and lowers his voice when he speaks, “I can help you out of this marriage, for your information.”
Jungkook understands that this man has his own issues with the marriage. And he doesn’t like his brother. Otherwise why would someone be so adamant about something like this? So much so that he’s willing to help a total stranger out of a marriage which is supposed to be with his own brother?
The offer does sound tempting though. But Jungkook would rather manage it himself than asking for help from this cunning man.
“I can help myself just fine. For the last time, leave my fucking room right now.” Jungkook tells him, showing his irritation vividly.
Taemin shrugs his shoulders and turns on his heel but not to leave. His eyes fall on the guitar at the corner of the room, and he is about to touch it but at the last moment he stops himself. Jungkook would break his fingers if actually touched it. “I was just trying to help. What can I do if you don’t want a helping hand, eh?”
Jungkook’s head starts to throb.
Jaehyuk is always a poised and perfect man. He doesn’t let it show on his face if he’s going through something in front of other people.
Like right now.
Kim Daehyun, the chairman of KTH group and Kim Taehyung’s grandfather is here. They were supposed to have dinner tonight as planned and talk about the union between two families.
But Jungkook— is missing.
“Taehyung is usually so punctual but he got called for a meeting at the last moment, that’s why he’s a bit late. My apologies.” Daehyun says with an apologetic smile.
“Mr Kim, please no need for apologies. I understand more than anyone else. Duty comes first.” Jaehyun tells him.
To be honest, he’s so thankful that Taehyung is late. Jungkook has his phone switched off so calling him is not working. All he can do now is pray. Pray that Jungkook shows up somehow before Taehyung arrives or when they ask to meet him.
Jaehyuk has told the old man that Jungkook is getting ready and he’s a little shy to show up which is complete bullshit but it worked. Daehyun assured him that it’s better for him to come when Taehyung is here too.
But Jaehyuk is already on the edge of his anger pool.
“My eldest grandchild couldn’t be present either. She’s a married woman so managing both home and work is tough.” Daehyun casually conversates with Jungkook’s parents.
“I hope we can meet soon.” Jungkook’s mother replies, “If everything goes well, I believe I can bond with her as I would be able to relate to her in so many ways.”
“That you certainly would. She’s just as hardworking as you, Somi-ssi. I’ve read your recent article and it was highly commendable.”
“I’m really really honored.”
The time keeps passing as they make small chat. Jaehyuk keeps looking at his watch and keeps trying to call Jungkook from under the table.
After about 5 more minutes, the doorbell rings and one of the servants opens it. Everyone’s attention shifts towards that direction and Jaehyuk’s restlessness piques right away.
Taehyung is here.
“Good evening, Mr and Mrs Jeon. I’m extremely sorry for my late arrival.” Taehyung bows to Jaehyuk and Somi who got up from their chairs to greet Taehyung. “The meeting was an important one, I couldn’t postpone it for another day.”
“There’s my grandson.” Daehyuk says. Taehyung meets his grandfather’s eyes and gives him a bow too.
Jaehyuk wears his mechanical smile that he always has on his face, hiding the restlessness, “Welcom son, we have been waiting for you.”
One of the servants comes and takes Taehyung’s coat for him. Taehyung comes inside the living room where his grandfather is seated.
“Jungkook hasn’t shown himself yet, you know? I heard he’s waiting for your arrival.” Daehyun tells him.
This is another bullshit that Jaehyuk told the old man.
Taehyung looks shocked at the information. His eyes widens but he doesn’t comment on it. “May I please use the washroom first? I feel uneasy after being out all day and coming here straight from work.”
“Sure, your brother also went a moment ago,” Jaehyuk tells him. “You should find him down the corridor on the left side.”
Taehyung nods and excuses himself. The corridor is long but it’s clear which way he should be taking. It would be much better if he could take a shower actually but washing his face and hands will work for now.
When he’s about to enter the washroom, some rambles catch his ears and he pauses.
He can hear two people talking which he shouldn’t pay any attention to because it’s someone else’s house and he should mind his own business.
But he recognizes one of their voices. Taemin’s.
Which is why Taehyung makes a U-turn and follows the voices. That’s when he recognizes the owner of the other voice.
It’s Jungkook.
And Jungkook looks pissed.
“I was just trying to help. What can I do if you don’t want a helping hand, eh?” Taehyung hears Taemin say this with a shrug. He doesn’t understand the context but knowing Taemin, Taehyung is sure he must have caused some trouble because Jungkook looks extremely uncomfortable right now.
So Taehyung doesn’t wait to let his presence be known.
“What are you doing here?”
Both Taemin and Jungkook get startled at his sudden appearance. Taemin fixes his composure right away. “Oh, you’re here already,” he says indifferently. “I was just conversing with Jungkook-ssi here. Though I’m leaving now.” he says and then turns to Jungkook, “Keep my words in mind okay? I’m here to help.”
If he was trying to whisper the words for only Jungkook to hear, he failed. If he was trying to let Taehyung purposely hear it, he succeeded perfectly.
With that Taemin leaves and Jungkook just stands there, dumbfounded.
Taehyung turns to Jungkook and slightly gasps, “I’m sorry about that. If he said anything inappropriate, I apologize on his behalf. I am Kim Taehyung.”
Jungkook is even more shocked now than he was a moment ago.
This is Kim Taehyung.
As pissed as Jungkook is, and all the assumptions he already made about Taehyung in his head after meeting his brother is somehow prickling Jungkook’s skin.
Unlike Taemin, Taehyung at least has the manner to introduce himself right away. He’s even standing outside Jungkook’s bedroom, not even trying to sneak a peek inside.
“It was nothing.” Jungkook dismisses him.
Taehyung nods lightly. The words of his grandfather suddenly ring in his ear because Jungkook doesn’t really look like he was waiting to meet him.
He also looks at his attire for a moment and meets Jungkook’s eyes again, “I think you should change before coming down.”
Taehyung is not criticizing. But he fears Jungkook might take it the wrong way so he quickly adds, “Your outfit is stunning but I don’t think my grandfather would think so too because he is thinking you are at home, eagerly waiting to meet me.”
Jungkook can’t help but let out a laugh. He wouldn’t give two fucks if Taehyung didn’t like how he is dressed. He wouldn’t go downstairs wearing this anyway because his own father would probably get a heart attack let alone the grandfather.
“You don’t need to flatter me. I was gonna change anyway but I fear your brother might have already told your grandfather.”
Taehyung shakes his head, “It’s okay, he might come off a little brazen but he won’t tell grandfather about this. I won’t as well.”
The fact that this is the man his parents chose for him to get married with and he’s in front of him right now doesn’t shock Jungkook as much as it did when he met Taemin. He’s probably still annoyed with the situation from before which is why his biasness doesn’t leave him.
“Why would you do that for me? I don’t care if you sneak on me.” he asks Taehyung.
“I understand if you stepped out for— for a breather. Especially at your age.” Taehyung tells him.
This makes Jungkook crack a smile. The stiffness in his shoulders relaxing a little, “You sound like you’re ancient.”
Taehyung mirrors his smirk. That’s something new he’s ever been called. “You could refer to me like that, yeah.” he says, scoffing.
“How old are you?” Jungkook asks.
“Mhmm? You don’t know my age?”
Jungkook doesn’t know anything, actually. He didn’t even know what he looked like just a moment ago. He almost mistook his younger brother as him. The only thing he knows is his name.
Taemin said he’s Taehyung’s younger brother but Jungkook can’t really guess the age based on how he looks.
Unlike Taemin, Taehyung looks a little disheveled at the moment. Not prim and proper like his younger brother. The coat of his three piece suit is missing— probably the servant took it. The top 2 buttons of his shirt are undone and even the tie is loose. He looks like he came here straight from a day's work.
But he is older— that Jungkook can tell.
“Can’t you say it yourself? What if I am wrong?” Jungkook asks again.
Taehyung has his hands shoved in his pockets. He observes Jungkook for a moment before he replies, “I’m 33.”
The reaction Jungkook gives must be of pure offense because Taehyung’s eyes go wide. A shocked expression takes over his face which mirrors Jungkook’s own.
Jungkook thinks he heard wrong. And he knows he shouldn’t be repeating this because that’s disrespectful but it just slips from his mouth, “What? You’re 33?”
“You didn’t know.”
It’s not a question. It’s a statement.
Yeah, Jungkook didn’t fucking know anything.
The man Jungkook’s parents choose for him to get married with is 9 years older than him.
The humble and approachable expression Taehyung had on his face when he greeted Jungkook slightly changes. Jungkook can’t really blame himself for it or feel guilty. The silence that stretches between them becomes uncomfortable.
Taehyung lets out a sigh then clears his throat, “I’ll be going to the dining. Please come after you’ve changed.” he says and without waiting for Jungkook’s reply he turns on his heels and quietly leaves the place.
Jungkook lets out a curse under his breath. This is so fucked up.
He has nothing against Taehyung at this point. But he can’t suppress his anger that he feels towards his parents.
And he doesn’t hide it either when his mother comes up the moment Taehyung leaves, looking equally shocked and angry.
“Where the hell have you been?” It’s not often Jungkook hears his mother use curse words. Though it’s really tame. She’s trying her best to suppress her voice, “Do you have any idea how mad your father is? Did you want to shame us in front of the Kims tonight?”
Jungkook doesn’t give a fuck about the kims. He completely ignores her mother’s question, “You guys set my marriage with someone 10 years older than me? Are you fucking insane?”
Somi grits her teeth but she doesn’t tell Jungkook to mind his language. She’s probably too angry to do it right now. Even if she said something, Jungkook wouldn’t care.
“Taehyung is the most eligible bachelor in town and he’s 9 years older than you. Not 10. But do not avoid my question, Jungkook.”
Jungkook’s anger makes his veins throb and pop out, “Oh for fucks sake! I’m 24 and he’s 33!”
“So? What’s the problem? Your father is even older than me.”
Jungkook laughs menacingly. “You have lost your mind. I can’t believe this oh my god—”
“I can’t believe you pulled something like this after I explicitly told you about the dinner and how you had to be present. You are lucky they are kind people and Taehyung just arrived a moment ago. Otherwise we would have no face to show. Ridiculous.”
“Huh, I feel like my whole existence is ridiculous at this point.” Jungkook turns away from her. He can’t keep looking at her right now.
“Are you going to deny that what you did was wrong? Sneaking away on an important day like this?” Somi asks strictly.
“I came back, didn’t I?”
“You should have been here already when they arrived and greeted them!” Somi presses her fingers over her temple.
“I told you I had a performance today.”
“You went to sing?”
It ticks Jungkook off terribly, “I dare you to say that again sounding so disgusted.”
Somi lets out a heavy sigh, her voice lowering a little, losing the edge it had, “I am not disgusted. I have never opposed your singing and you know that. I am just shocked.”
Jungkook crooks his eyebrows, his chest suddenly feels tight. “Why are you shocked? You thought I don’t give my work as much importance as you do to your business? Just because it’s a different line of work? Looks like you don’t know me as a mother. With each day passing, you and dad are becoming more of a stranger to me. Especially since this marriage thing got to your head. I don’t fucking know who you are anymore.”
There’s so much disappointment behind those words Jungkook uttered. But sadly, they won’t understand it.
“You cannot talk to me like this, Jungkook. I did not raise you to be disrespectful towards me like this. Haah– we will talk about this later but now get changed into proper formal attire and come downstairs.”
Jungkook scoffs, “Fucking unbelievable. You chose a carbon copy of you.”
“What?” Somi asks in confusion.
Jungkook feels childish to be acting like this because Taehyung didn’t really give him a stinky eye like his mother did seeing his outfit. He didn’t even sound like he actually hated the way he’s dressed. But right now anger wins.
“Nothing,” So Jungkook dismisses the topic.
Somi is about to leave but she gets reminded of something. “Give me your keys.”
Jungkook looks at her with disbelief written all over his face, “Excuse me?”
“Your car keys. Bike keys.”
“You are going too far.”
Somi doesn’t have the angry face anymore but it’s in her tone, “I’m stopping you from going too far. You cannot use your car until all things are settled. This is not the only time we’re going to have to meet them after all. So I need to make sure you don’t pull something like this again and be at your best behavior.”
With that she takes the keys and leaves Jungkook all frustrated.
He closes his door and gets changed.
There’s a glare coming from his father the moment he comes downstairs. Telling him that they will have a conversation after this and he already wants to die.
Jungkook regrets changing into this formal shirt and pants, he should’ve come down the way he was already dressed to piss his father off even more.
But he doesn't want to lose his own respect in front of these people so for now, he pushed the thoughts at the farthest corner of his head and makes his presence known.
“Mr Kim, there is my son.” Somi says everyone turns their head towards Jungkook. “Jungkook, this is Mr. Kim Daehyun. Chairman of the KTH industries and Taehyung's grandfather. And you've already met Taehyung and Taemin here as I've already been told.”
“Hello, I'm Jeon Jungkook.” He says with a bow. “Quite an unexpected encounter but yeah, I've already met them.”
“Hello son. You've already acquainted yourself with my grandsons?” Daehyun asks.
“Unexpectedly as he said.” Taemin replies before Jungkook can, “But quite an interesting meet and greet if I may add.”
“Taemin.” Besides him, Taehyung gives him a warning which only Jungkook understands the reason for and no one else. The others don't even pick it up.
“It must have been interesting for you too, hyung. No?”
Taehyung’s glare only gets intense.
“Jungkook-ssi, sit down.” The old man tells Jungkook as he sits down on the empty chair. Opposite to where Taehyung is sitting at the dining table. “Your father has mentioned how you were feeling a bit of cold feet because of this that you didn't come down until after Taehyung arrived.”
“Yeah he is a shy boy.” Jaehyuk replies this time.
Jungkook can imagine the type of bullshit his father has fed them. But unfortunately for him, everyone in the room understands it. Except the poor old man.
So Jungkook does feel kinda bad for him.
“No, I was actually eager to meet Taehyung-ssi.” He says.
“Taehyung has been eager to meet you as well. So when Jaehyuk-ssi proposed we have a family dinner, I couldn’t say no.” Daehyun tells him.
So it was Jungkook’s father who arranged it all. Without consulting him. When this matter concerns Jungkook the most.
Taehyung seems to get the gist of it by his expression.
“I thought the families should get comfortable around each other. It's nothing formal. Besides, Jungkook and Taehyung should get to know each other in person as well before the formalities regarding the union begins.” Jaehyuk says.
It's extremely hard for Jungkook to suppress his scoff at that. “That's so thoughtful of you, father.” He quips.
“That's right. The children must get acquainted with each other properly. A piece of paper with each other's biodata isn't enough. They are kids of modern age after all, they are more aware of who is going to be their future partner unlike before.”
It's hilarious actually. How this old man who probably is even more conservative than Jungkook’s father, from an older generation but has this decency to think about his child's comfort but Jungkook's own father lacks in that aspect.
Well, he did give Jungkook Taehyung’s biodata but he refused to look at it out of spite.
“Of course. But first, let us serve dinner. You must be hungry. After than, Jungkook and Taehyung can talk in private and we elders can discuss further.” Somi interjects in between and motions for the servants to bring the food.
“Isn't it too fast to discuss that?”
Taemin was silent for some time but he speaks again. Directing everyone's attention back at him.
“What do you mean?” His grandfather asks.
“What if one of them refuses to proceed after they talk?” Taemin says.
The corner of Jaehyuk’s lip twitches. Jungkook knows it happens when his father doesn't like something, “Why would you think that way, son?”
Taemin shrugs leaning back against the chair, “I don't know.” He says, sparing a glance at Jungkook, “I was just saying.”
“Don't pay attention to him. This grandchild of mine is a little mischievous. Loves to joke around.”
Jungkook can hear the warning behind that kind smile.
Everyone around here has a mask of their own.
“But Taehyung, you have been quiet for some time.” Jaehyuk says.
“Uh— no I was just listening to the elders talking. I didn’t want to interrupt.” Taehyung gives an apologetic smile.
But Jaehyuk’s uneasiness doesn't leave him. He laughs awkwardly before speaking again, “Are you going to refuse to marry my son?”
“Is my answer going to be the deciding factor?” Taehyung counters instead of answering. “What about Jungkook-ssi? Is he going to refuse to marry me?”
“Of course not.” Jaehyuk tells him.
Taehyung has noticed this since Jungkook came here.
None of the answers come from Jungkook.
More accurately, he's not allowed to give an answer.
“The food is here. Please settle down and save this talk for later.” Somi puts a stop to the debate for now and everyone goes silent.
The dinner is served and they start to eat. Small chat still goes on in between but nothing regarding the union.
Neither Jungkook, nor Taehyung seems to eat well.
After the dinner they all sit in the living room area.
“Jungkook, why don't you take Taehyung to the rooftop and show him your garden?” Somi says. Who the fuck even talks like that in this day and age?
“Yeah, take him. You should have a bit of privacy while we talk here.” Jaehyuk adds.
Jungkook doesn't know what he is going to talk about.
“Don't feel shy, okay? Taehyung, it's up to you.” Daehyun subtly tells him and Taehyung nods.
“Yeah, sure.”
Seeing no other way, Jungkook gets up. “Come with me, this way.” He says and guides Taehyung towards the rooftop.
Jungkook has a small garden here. This is another little hobby he picked up when he was in middle school. Taking care of plants is kind of a self medication for him just like his music.
It's been a while since he bought a new plant.
They both enter the rooftop. None of them uttered a single word till now.
They gotta talk. Someone needs to bring up the topic sooner or later.
So Jungkook just thinks fuck it and turns to Taehyung, “Before you say anyt—”
“You didn’t agree to this marriage in the first place, did you? You didn't know anything about me either. At all.” But Taehyung beats him to it.
It's a good thing he figured it out. Jungkook won't need to do much work explaining things. But it doesn't feel right somehow.
“Yes. I didn’t agree to this.” Jungkook admits. The night breeze is colder still, unlike the warm mornings. But Jungkook feels extra cold. “If my father has told you or your grandfather that I have, it was out of my knowledge. I don't have a single ounce of interest to lie to you.” He says.
Taehyung doesn’t say much. He nods his head to let him know he heard.
“And about you— my parents did try to tell me things but I purposely ignored them out of jest. Which is why I was a bit shocked earlier.”
Taehyung nods again. It's as if he's thinking something.
Jungkook notices a shadow over his nose. Does he wear glasses?
“But you agreed? Without even knowing me?” Jungkook adds.
Taehyung finally lets out a sigh, “I am going to be completely honest with you, Jungkook-ssi. This marriage is not born out of a romantic relationship. It's a marriage out of convenience.” Jungkook silently listens to him as he talks. “A political relationship which benefits both parties. For this, just an agreement from both parties is enough. And I was told you agreed to this. Which is why I thought we had mutual interest regarding this. But I would still talk to you before things proceeded— in case something like this were to happen.”
Jungkook understands how practical goal oriented Taehyung is. Otherwise who would talk about marriage like it's just a business deal, right?
He really might be a carbon copy of his parents.
“So now that you know I didn't agree to this, are you going to call it off?” Jungkook asks.
“That would be the reasonable thing to do, yeah.” Taehyung says with a nod.
Jungkook nods. “Can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“What would you have gained from this marriage?” Jungkook asks. It's not like he doesn’t know the answer but he still wants to hear it from him.
“Just what your father would have gained.” Taehyung replies.
Just as Jungkook thought. “Money and status.”
“Money and status.” Taehyung affirms.
“Do you know what I was offered?” Jungkook asks again.
“Hmm?”
“Being able to continue with my dream.”
Taehyung frowns. Confusion written all over his face. “I'm sorry but I don't understand.”
Jungkook doesn’t know why he is even explaining things. But he finds that he wants to say it. “What did you think I was doing when you saw me in my room earlier?”
“I thought you sneaked out to party with your friends, probably.” Taehyung says, honestly. Even if the assumption makes him look like an asshole.
Jungkook laughs, “I actually ditched my friends. They wanted to party.”
“Mhmm? Then what were you doing?”
Jungkook doesn’t even hesitate before he speaks. “I just came back from performing. I have a band. I sing. Underground, in clubs and arenas.”
It's not an expression that tells Taehyung is disgusted by what Jungkook just said. But the surprise is so prominent that it could be easily interpreted that he was told the 8th wonder was discovered.
Though Jungkook was prepared for anything. For the worst reaction, getting judged for doing something so low class according to his father.
But Taehyung does none of that.
He is just shocked.
“Aren't you— an English major student pursuing academics?” Taehyung asks after a moment of silence.
Holy shit— did his father just tell them Jungkook is an academic?
If bullshitting was an Olympic sport, his father would surely win a gold medal every year.
“Yeah, I am an English major student. But not an academic, god no! I barely pass my exams.” Jungkook doesn’t care if he is criticized for being an average student. “But music is what my true passion is.”
Taehyung doesn't interrupt him. Understanding that he has more to say. And to be honest, he wants to listen to what he has to say because until now, everyone else has been talking for him.
“Father let me do music along with my studies but he never agreed or supported me fully for it,” Jungkook continues. “Maybe debuting as an idol would have been more respectable to him but I didn’t want that. I already had my members, I don’t want to leave them. I was told I won’t be able to sing with them anymore if I don't agree to this marriage.”
Taehyung is speechless. He doesn’t really know how to respond to that. “I’m sorry. I had no idea about this.”
Of course he didn’t. No way Jeon Jaehyuk would tell the person he potentially wants to create a partnership with that his son is an underground singer. “And what’s worse is that— there’s no guarantee that I would be able to continue it after marriage. That, you will let me continue it.”
Taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed together, “Why won’t I?”
Jungkook shrugs. He walks towards one of his plants and picks out a dead leaf, “I don’t know. You might not like this sort of thing. You might threaten me like my father did.”
For the first time since his arrival, Taehyung looks genuinely annoyed. He looked annoyed when he was talking to Jaehyuk earlier too but now the level is a bit higher. “I am not an imbecile who would try to actively ruin someone’s career, Jungkook-ssi.”
“I am sorry if it came out like that but can you blame me? I am given the short end of the stick.” Jungkook counters, he’s annoyed too.
Taehyung sighs. He takes out one of his hands from his pocket and runs his thumb and index over the bridge of his nose where the shadow is. He has big hands.
“Let me put this out clearly because I think you might need it. If we are to get married, I won’t take away any of your freedom.” Taehyung starts, his eyes fixed on Jungkook so that Jungkook understands each word and knows that whatever he is saying is not empty words. “Because our marriage would just be a piece of paper. You and I are going to be completely on our own, who has the right to do whatever they want with their life. I will be responsible for you, there will be contracts signed, yes, and I will take your responsibility. That won’t mean I am going to control your life.”
Jungkook honestly wasn’t expecting all that. His biasness did subsided a lot after he met Taehyung and accepted the fact that he might not be a whole asshole but this is beyond that.
“Does that mean you never intended to form any kind of relationship with me? Nor use marital privileges and take advantage of them?”
“Do you have any intention of doing so?”
Jungkook shakes his head right away, “No.”
“Neither do I,” Taehyung says. “Taking advantage of marital privileges… that would be lower than a scumbag move if I did that. Besides, it wasn’t really subtle how appalled you were after knowing that I am 9 years older than you.”
Now Jungkook gets embarrassed.
“I had thought about it too, that you were really young. To be honest, I was surprised knowing that you agreed. But that’s history now. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway because as I said, this is a marriage out of convenience. It doesn’t matter how young you are for me or how old I am for you.”
Jungkook suddenly feels that he doesn’t like the phrase marriage out of convenience.
“So you would refuse the marriage if I refuse, right?” Jungkook asks him.
“Yes. I am not going to force you into this. Even though grandfather told me to convince you— it would not be convenient of either of us to proceed like that.”
Jungkook ponders for a moment, “And, if I don't refuse, do I get to perform with my band?”
Taehyung tries to understand what kind of upbringing he has gone through to fear something would be taken away from him. Or it's probably because this is so dear to him. He gets that in some elite families, children are strictly disciplined and some things are seen as taboo.
Either way, Taehyung won't do anything like that. “As I said, I am not going to interfere with your personal life.”
“What about your grandfather?”
“He has nothing to say about the decisions I make. Although, we might have to keep this a secret from him for now because as you know, he has a completely different idea about you. My grandfather is not someone who judges people based on what they do but this complete turn of information might effect him negatively.” Taehyung says.
Jungkook understands, “I expected as much.”
“Yeah.”
Jungkook then laughs. Turning away from Taehyung to walk near the railings. The front lawn looks nice at night. “Do you know what happened after you left my room?”
Taehyung hesitates a bit at first, contemplating if he should move closer or not. In the end he decides to stay where he was, “I saw your mom going to your room.”
Jungkook nods. Taehyung can only see the back of his head. He has long hair. Long enough to tie it up in a pony.
“She confisticated my car keys. In fear that I might sneak out again in future. As if I can't do it without my car.” Jungkook snorts as he finishes his sentence. It's really funny that she thought like that.
“Can you sneak out without your car?” Taehyung foolishly asks.
“Taehyung-ssi, there's things called Taxis and buses.”
“Oh.. I didn't think you'd be the type to ride on public transport.”
Jungkook raises an eyebrow at him as he turns around. He's surprised seeing Taehyung standing afar. So he walks back to him. “Why? Because I was born with a silver spoon?”
“I mean, that's the most obvious thing to think of at first.” Taehyung says with a shrug.
“Have you ever been on public transport?”
“I can't actually. Crowded places like trains and buses make me uncomfortable.” Taehyung tell him.
Jungkook snorts, “Looks like you are more of a silver spoon holder than me.”
“It gives me anxiety.”
Oh.
Jungkook didn't think about that. Well, that's not the obvious thing to think about.
He makes a mental note of that.
A silence falls between them after that. It's not uncomfortable per se. They both walked towards the railings and leaning against it.
The night is just growing deeper. The cold breeze is not so cold anymore.
“Taehyung-ssi, do you have a lover?” Jungkook suddenly asks, breaking the silence.
Taehyung is shocked at the sudden question but he replies anyway, “No. Why?”
Jungkook nods to himself, “And what about in future? What if you want to get a romantic partner.”
Taehyung doesn't understand why he is asking these questions. “I don't have any interest in romantic relationships. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have waited till this age. But why are you asking?”
Jungkook nods again. As if he is taking notes and it makes Taehyung even more confused. “I was just making sure. I don't want to get tangled up with someone who already has a partner.” He says. That would be too much of a hassle. “And also to settle on what would happen if you are to get a romantic partner in future. Because I'm sure the contract is going to include mandatory clause about infidelity.”
Taehyung’s eyebrows shoot up to his forehead and surprise flashes all over his face, “Are you— saying that you are agreeing to this marriage?”
The disbelief in Taehyung's voice is valid.
Jungkook can't believe it himself. He can't believe what he is doing, what he is saying. But he isn't saying it on impulse.
He thought about it after talking to Taehyung.
“I am.” He says. “As long as I get to sing and as you have said, have my own freedom.”
Luck hasn't always been in Jungkook’s favor. So betting on his luck this time might not do him much favor either but he finds that he doesn't want to be told what he is going to do anymore.
If getting married means he ia getting out of this hellhole and going to keep pursuing his music, he will take the chance.
If things go south, he can always run away. But not right now.
“I am not going to stop you from doing anything.” Taehyung says and maybe because of this, because how genuine Taehyung sounds when he says those words is the reason why Jungkook is willing to take this chance.
Businessmen don't take chances if the pros don't weigh more than the cons.
But Jungkook really never had any interest in business. Oh how disappointed his father would be if he knew Jungkook was betting on without knowing the probability of pros and cons.
It's a thin silver lining between the gray clouds, the hint of spring at the end of wind that Jungkook wants to grasp on.
“Is this a deal between us? A non-business deal?” Jungkook asks.
Taehyung clicks his tongue, “Technically, this is also a business. Not an economical one where we benefit from each other on the basis of money. But a business deal nonetheless.”
Jungkook knew this man was practical and goal oriented. And he just got proved right once again.
So he scoffs, “Then, should we shake on being business partners? Can I trust you?”
“I am very loyal when it comes to form business relationships. If that's any help.” Taehyung assures.
Jungkook has nothing more to know.
“Okay then, let's get married.”
But Taehyung doesn’t look so confident himself. “Are you sure?”
“I don't know what my parents will do if I don't do this. So I am going to trust you on this, Taehyung-ssi. Blindly so and hope that the assurance you just gave me weren't just empty words.” Jungkook breaks the last bit of barrier he had around him. Because it's true, his situation is so uncertain that he can't really imagine what's going to happen in future.
This man right here, is the first person who listened to him and told him words that Jungkook desperately needed to hear. Some might say it's foolish to believe a word of a stranger he just met. But what else can he do?
“I am a man of my words. You can trust me. For example, I can give you one of my own cars for the time yours is confisticated from you.” Taehyung jokingly says.
And it works. Jungkook smiles. Not a blank, emotionless one. But a genuine smile, “My friends will call me stupid for this but I am going to put my trust in you.”
Taehyung nods, “And, are you not bothered about my age anymore?”
“If you are trying to embarrass me because of my reaction earlier then you are failing.” Jungkook retorts but he isn't sure himself how much strength he has in his words. It's good that it's not so lit here. “Also, it's a marriage out of convenience isn't it? Not like I am gonna date you love you that I have to take into consideration if you pass my type or not. So your age doesn't matter.”
The smirk Taehyung lets out is a completely new expression Jungkook has seen on him tonight.
Till now, Jungkook didn't look at him. Didn't observe his facial features properly.
Now he does. Under the night sky. But he sees it vividly.
Taehyung has sharp features. Specially his eyes. They are sharp and he has mono-double lid. His jawline defines his face perfectly. It tells Jungkook he is a grown, mature man.
Jungkook doesn't understand the meaning behind Taehyung's smirk though.
Taehyung, on the other hand is somehow glad that even after all this— Jungkook is showing him a mutual trust and seeking mutual benefit from this union.
And Taehyung is going to try his best to live up to his expectations because a business is successful when there’s effort from both parties.
“Then, let's get married, Jungkook-ssi.” Taehyung finally says.
The heart beat has gone erratic since a couple of minutes ago. Jungkook doesn't know why. It's thrilling, it's overwhelming. But Jungkook isn't scared anymore.
He doesn't have the intention of running away either.
If spring is to come, who is Jungkook to deny the course of nature? Maybe it's time for him to let go of winter and embrace spring with both of his arms extended. Even if there's a chance that this spring might never be as pleasant as cherry blossoms all around.
But Jungkook has seen the bright sun melting away the cold snow. A ray of hope in his case.
So he extends his hand and Taehyung takes it to shake, “Yeah, let's get married.”