Crimson Vows {A Jeon Jungkook Fanfiction}

3. | The Thin Line Between Control and Chaos

Chapter 3: The Thin Line Between Control and Chaos 

The chandelier's crystals caught the light and scattered it across the ballroom like shards of ice. Luna Moretti stood at the center of it all, a dark force in her fitted black gown, as her father's hand rested heavily on her shoulder. His grip was a silent warning.

"Smile, Luna," Enrico murmured in her ear, his voice like steel. "And be convincing."

Her jaw tightened, but she plastered a cold smile on her lips. Across from her, Jeon Jungkook extended his hand, the polished image of a gentleman. His smile was faint, but his eyes burned with smug confidence—a stark contrast to the storm raging inside her.

She stared at his hand as if it were a snake, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath.

"Luna," Enrico growled.

She bit the inside of her cheek, tasting blood, before reluctantly placing her hand in Jungkook's. His grip was firm, his palm cold, and she had to resist the urge to yank hers back as he slid the engagement ring onto her finger. The applause that erupted around them felt more like the hammering of nails into her coffin.

Jungkook leaned in, close enough that his breath brushed her ear. "Relax," he murmured. "You're ruining the moment."

Her smile sharpened, hiding the venom in her words. "I'd relax if you weren't still standing."

His soft laugh sent a shiver down her spine, but she didn't look at him. She couldn't—not without wanting to bury her knife into his side.

---

The engagement banquet felt like a war zone, though the weapons here were smiles and lies. Jungkook sat beside her at the long table, their proximity unbearable.

"You didn't have to dig your nails into my hand back there," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"You didn't have to breathe in my direction," she retorted, slicing into her steak with a precision that made him smirk.

"Feisty." He took a sip of wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. "I like it."

She leaned closer, her smile never faltering. "Keep pushing me, Jeon, and I'll make sure you like your next meal through a straw."

"Charming," he said, setting his glass down. "No wonder your father trusts you to keep his empire in line. You'd kill me and make it look like an accident, wouldn't you?"

Luna tilted her head. "Who said anything about making it look like an accident?"

His laughter was quiet but genuine, a sound that grated against her nerves. "You're going to be fun, Moretti. A handful, but fun."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't mistake me for entertainment.""Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," he said, leaning back with a lazy grin. "You're far too dangerous for that.

 ---

Later, the cold air of the balcony was a welcome relief from the heat of the room. Luna gripped the railing, her knuckles white, as she stared out at the city.

"What a sight," Jungkook said, stepping up beside her. 

She didn't look at him. "Go away."

"I would, but people might notice. Can't have the happy couple sneaking off separately, can we?" 

Her laugh was humorless. "Happy. Right. You've got the first part of that sentence wrong."

He turned, leaning casually against the railing to face her. "You know, this could be easier if you'd stop fighting me on everything."