Never Not [Taekook]

NN 10

Jungkook.

Trying to fathom why Taehyung behaved so oddly, my nerves kicked in. He left the restaurant, tightly hugging Jimin, crying incessantly, leaving me perplexed and hurt.

Running my fingers through my hair, I struggled to recall any wrongdoing on my part. Minutes later, I noticed Yoongi's car fading away. I hastily stood, left money on the table, and raced outside. However, the car vanished, leaving me frustrated.

Under my breath, I cursed, gripping a handful of my hair. Suddenly, my phone rang.

[Jessie Calling.....]

Answering after a moment, I cleared my throat. “Hello?”

“Oppa? Where are you?”

I spotted my car and walked towards it. “On my way home. Why?”

“Can you make it to my pad? My family's visiting, and I need you there.”

I cursed again before agreeing, “On my way,” and ended the call.

Sighing, I drove to Jessie's place, standing at her door minutes later. Knocking thrice, Mr. Do welcomed me with enthusiasm.

“Ow! Jungkook!” he exclaimed, smiling. I bowed. “Mr. Do.”

“Nice to meet you here, Jungkook. I never thought you knew Jessie's pad,” he said, full of enthusiasm.

I nodded. “I've been here several times now, Mr. Do.”

Jessie was nowhere to be found. I questioned Mr. Do with a glance, and he explained, “Jessie isn't here. We've been looking for her. I thought she's with you.”

I nodded, sat on the couch, and texted her.

Jungkook-Oppa 💖

Where the heck are you?!

Do Jessie

I'm with Sunghon, oppa.

Please don't tell them.

Unconsciously running my fingers through my hair, I sighed heavily.

Jungkook-Oppa 💖

Get here now or your days with your boyfriend will be over!

Do Jessie

I'll be there in a minute.

Receiving her reply, I leaned back on the couch, closing my eyes. This situation was insane. What the heck was she thinking? She might get caught!

Stressed over the day's events, from the fight with Taehyung to almost getting caught, my phone buzzed. Jessie's mother, Mrs. Do, sat beside me, her genuine smile warming the room. I smiled back, but her firm grip on my hand sent shivers down my spine.

“Please don't hate my daughter for being a mess,” she said sincerely. Holding my breath, I smiled and patted her hand.

“That's not going to happen, Mrs. Do. I love your daughter,” I lied. Meeting her tearful eyes, I panicked and rubbed her back. “Did I say something wrong?” I nervously asked.

Mr. Do chuckled, sitting behind his wife. “She's just happy, son. Finally, our daughter found her 'the one.' I've been dreaming of a better future for her, and I'm so happy the Jeons like her a lot. I can sell my company for my daughter's sake, even if it means I won't manage our family business. Just for her.”

His words sank into my chest. I grapple with the realization that I'm venturing into morally murky territory. The desperation of Mr. Do for a brighter future for Jessie leads him to a brink where he's willing to sell his company, a business intricately linked to mine. Their company teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, an advantageous circumstance for me as I aspire to acquire it. However, Mr. Do's shrewd business acumen comes to play as he presents a deal that forces me to deliberate deeply.

Ultimately, I acquiesce to the arrangement: marrying their daughter in exchange for their struggling company. The transaction feels surreal, as if they're trading their precious daughter for the company I covet most, relinquishing the price tag.

This decision is irreversible. Once married, there's no turning back, and though divorce might be an option, it comes at the cost of devastating parents who only wish the best for their child. The charade intensifies as we fabricate a love story, concealing the reality that Jessie has a boyfriend, and I, in all honesty, cannot envision her as my wife. The conflict between personal freedom and the façade for the greater good weighs heavily on my conscience.

“I'll take good care of her,” I said genuinely, for the first time meaning what I said. I wanted to make Jessie feel she wasn't losing anything.

Mrs. Do cried, hugging me tightly. Even Mr. Do shed tears. Smiling through it all, I played along. The Do family's happiness was built on our pretense, and I was tangled in this web of deceit.

The emotional moment ended when Jessie's sudden entrance disrupted the scene. She hugged her father, whispering an apology. Mr. Do joked, “Don't do this again, sweetie. Jungkook might back out.”

Awkwardly chuckling, I playfully scrunched up my nose.

Their visitation unfolded seamlessly. Laughter, teasing, and tears filled the room, though the latter belonged solely to the Do family. As they prepared to leave, Mrs. Do, embracing her husband who remained flustered, explained, “We won't be able to have dinner with you two. I hope you understand.”

Amused by the dark red on Mr. Do's cheeks, I chuckled. Jessie, her hand wrapped around my waist, furrowed her eyebrows, following my playful pout toward her father. She chuckled too and tightened her grip, prompting me to squeeze her shoulder where my arm rested.

“Jungkook won't be able to taste your dishes, eomma,” Jessie remarked.

Mrs. Do laughed, shaking her head. “I'll come next time,” she said with a smile.

“Then, I believe we should go,” Mr. Do interjected. I smiled and nodded.

A minute later, the Do's car departed. Alone once again, we quickly pulled away, exhaling in relief. Jessie looked at me and smiled. “Thank you, Oppa,” she expressed. I merely smiled and ruffled her hair.

About to scold her, she suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. Stunned, my heart raced—not from affection, but nervousness. As I was about to push her away, she grabbed my nape, and before I knew it, our lips collided.

My eyes widened in shock. Yes, I had kissed her before, but this was different. I despised it. I hated how my heart raced, not for her, but for a certain brunette guy. Her lips lingered against mine before she pulled back. I stared at her, still in shock. She realized her actions, covered her mouth, and stared at me wide-eyed.

“I'm sorry!” she quickly apologized.

I remained silent, lips unmoving, just staring at her. Eventually, I turned around and walked to my car. My heart still pounded, not because of the kiss, but due to thoughts of a certain person while Jessie kissed me.

That certain brunette-haired man. Was this normal? Was it right? Was it okay? I found myself thinking about my best friend while my fiancée kissed me. Even the thought of it made my heart race.

Oh god~ What am I thinking? What am I doing? Jeez,

Why is my heart beating this fast?

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