Till death do us part [ j.jk × p.jm ]

chapter 10

As the evening sun cast its warm golden hues across the city, Taehyung found himself strolling back home from a visit with his dear friend Hoseok. Lost in his thoughts, he meandered along the familiar streets, the gentle breeze whispering through his hair.

Unbeknownst to Taehyung, another soul traversed the same path. Namjoon, the enigmatic artist, had just concluded a long day at the studio, where he meticulously reviewed the captivating fashion collections curated by his talented companion, Jimin. As he prepared to enter his car and embark on his own journey homeward, his eyes were drawn to a figure in the distance.

There, amidst the fading light, Namjoon discerned Taehyung's solitary figure making its way through the cityscape. A surge of concern welled up within him, an indescribable urge to offer his assistance and accompany Taehyung on his walk back home. Yet, a profound sense of apprehension gripped him, for Taehyung remained unaware of Namjoon's existence. To approach him now would surely be perceived as peculiar, their paths having never before intersected.

Reluctantly, Namjoon watched as Taehyung's silhouette gradually receded, merging with the twilight. A disappointed sigh escaped his lips, mingling with the restless evening air. Resigned to his unfulfilled desire, he climbed into the confines of his car, its engine humming to life as he directed his course toward his own dwelling.

"Put me at my place," Jimin uttered, his words barely audible as he averted his gaze from Jungkook. There was an unmistakable chill in his voice, a palpable distance between them. Jungkook, too, avoided meeting Jimin's eyes, his focus fixed solely on the road ahead, following its winding path as he navigated their journey. With a weary exhale, he responded to Jimin's statement.

"Despite the events that transpired at the gala party, you continue to display the manners of a primitive bitch," Jungkook murmured, the words laced with a tinge of resignation.

Jimin's brows knitted together, his eyes narrowing as he locked a piercing glare onto Jungkook. "Have you ever encountered someone as conceited as you?" he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Unfortunate as it may be, you will have to grow accustomed to it. After all, we are bound by familial duty," Jungkook replied, his tone clothed in a veneer of composure, yet tinged with a flicker of irritation.

Jimin snorted derisively, his gaze drifting away towards the window, as if seeking solace in the cityscape beyond its glass pane. "As if you have ever truly cared about your family," he muttered, his words laced with a mixture of bitterness and disappointment.

"I do," Jungkook replied curtly. "That's why I had to agree to the engagement, even if I don't want to fucking marry you."

Jimin cast a slow, assessing gaze at Jungkook, who kept his eyes fixed on the road. He couldn't quite explain it, but a pang of underestimation and regret washed over him.

"And you think I want to marry you? I'd rather face the most wretched of deaths," Jimin shot back with venom. "I can't comprehend how Taehyung can stand by the side of such an arrogant asshole who can't even see beyond his own nose."

Abruptly, Jungkook brought the car to a halt. Jimin looked at him, puzzled. "What you're doing?" Jimin's eyebrows knitted together, a disbelieving chuckle escaping his lips.

"I won't do you the favor of driving you to your destination," Jungkook replied forcefully. "Get out, or I'll forcibly remove you from this car myself."

Jimin scowled, staring at Jungkook with disbelief for a moment. "Are you really going to abandon me here? What if something happens to me? What if I get eaten up by some animal?"

Jungkook met his gaze firmly, causing Jimin's frown to deepen. He unlocked the car door and stepped out onto the pavement. Before he could utter a word, Jungkook started the engine and drove away, leaving Jimin behind.

Jimin stood frozen in place, his heart pounding in his chest, as he bore witness to the vanishing silhouette of Jungkook's car. Disbelief washed over him like a relentless wave, leaving behind a residue of panic and smoldering anger. How could Jungkook have committed such an act of betrayal, abandoning him in this desolate expanse that lay far beyond the comforting embrace of the city lights?

As the moon ascended to its zenith, casting an ethereal glow upon the solitary scene, a symphony of crickets began their nocturnal chorus, their rhythmic chirping punctuating the stillness of the early night. The sound seemed to mock Jimin's vulnerability, amplifying the deafening silence that surrounded him.

"YOU FUCKER!!" Jimin's voice cracked with exasperation, his words erupting from his lips with unbridled frustration. He raked his slender fingers through his tousled blond locks, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. Each strand trembled under the weight of his vexation, a testament to the maelstrom of emotions swirling within him.

In the comforts of his cozy apartment, Namjoon busied himself with the art of culinary creation. A symphony of sizzling pans and fragrant aromas filled the air as he meticulously seasoned his dish, his skilled hands dancing effortlessly amidst the ingredients. With practiced precision, he brought a spoonful of the tantalizing concoction to his lips, intending to savor the harmonious blend of flavors.

However, fate had a mischievous plan in store for Namjoon, for as the scorching liquid touched his eager tongue, a jolt of searing pain shot through his senses. A wince contorted his features, his eyes momentarily closing as he grappled with the unexpected burn. Hastily, he abandoned the spoon and reached for a glass of cold water, seeking solace in its refreshing embrace. He gulped down the liquid, the coolness soothing his singed palate.

Just as the soothing silence of his culinary sanctuary began to reestablish itself, a shrill ring shattered the tranquil ambiance. Namjoon's gaze darted towards the source of the disturbance, his eyes landing on the glimmering screen of his mobile phone. The contact name displayed "Jimin," and the calling number blinked insistently, demanding attention.

A brief moment of trepidation hung in the air as Namjoon contemplated answering the call. What news could have prompted Jimin's unexpected contact? With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, he finally mustered the courage to accept the call, bringing the device to his ear. There was a moment of silence.

"What?" Namjoon's voice escaped in a breathless whisper, a single word laden with confusion and urgency. His mind raced to process the revelation that Jimin had undoubtedly shared, his thoughts colliding in a whirlwind of emotions.