Till death do us part [ j.jk × p.jm ]

chapter 31

Jungkook and Hoseok continued their conversation, the soft hum of the buffet creating a cozy backdrop to their morning ritual. They sipped their coffees, talking about the upcoming game with animated gestures and easy laughter.

Hoseok glanced towards the front door and his face broke into a wide smile. “Hey! Taehyung! Over here!”

Jungkook turned just in time to see Taehyung walking in, his face lighting up as he spotted Hoseok and Jungkook. Taehyung’s smile widened, and he quickened his pace, his steps full of warmth and familiarity. He greeted Hoseok first, clasping his hand firmly.

“Hey, Hoseok! How’s it going?” Taehyung asked, his voice cheerful.

“Excellent now that you’re here to help,” Hoseok replied with a grin. “We’ve had quite the morning rush.”

Taehyung chuckled, nodding. “I’m ready to dive in.”

Then he turned to Jungkook, his expression softening. He wrapped his arms around him in a warm, tender embrace. “Hey,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Hey,” Jungkook replied, holding him close. For a moment, they simply stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside fading away.

When they finally pulled apart, Jungkook gazed into Taehyung’s eyes, curiosity mingling with a touch of concern. “Where were you this morning?” he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

Taehyung hesitated, searching for the right words. His eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions. “I went to the hospital,” he began slowly. “Our neighbor, and also my father’s friend, had an allergic reaction last night. I wanted to check on him.”

Jungkook’s frown deepened, a shadow crossing his face. "Since when is Namjoon your neighbor?"

Taehyung’s eyes flickered with confusion and a hint of defensiveness. "What do you mean?"

"What was Namjoon doing at your house?" Jungkook pressed, his voice carrying a sharper edge.

Taehyung sighed, feeling the tension rise. "I told you, he's my dad's friend."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his expression. "A friend? Since when? And how?" His penetrating gaze demanded an explanation.

Taehyung struggled to find the right words. "Jungkook, I don’t know all the details..."

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. "You know what? I don't like this."

"What exactly don’t you like?"

"The way he's suddenly hanging around you and your dad," Jungkook said, his voice laced with suspicion and irritation.

Taehyung stared at him, disbelief and hurt mingling in his gaze. "Jungkook..."

"What?" Jungkook snapped, his annoyance palpable.

"Mr. Namjoon is kind and nice. He was just being friendly," Taehyung explained, striving to keep his tone calm.

"Yeah? Well, I can be friendly too and not mean it at all," Jungkook retorted, his words biting.

Taehyung took a deep breath, his patience wearing thin. "Jungkook, I really don’t want to argue this morning. I have to work."

Jungkook stepped closer, his frustration bubbling over. "Don’t you get it, Taehyung? Don’t you think it’s strange? My parents are trying to push me into marrying Jimin, and suddenly Namjoon is having dinner with you?"

Taehyung met his gaze, a mixture of sadness and resignation in his eyes. "What’s wrong with Namjoon visiting us? My dad invited him; they’re good friends. And as for your marriage to Park Jimin, that's between you and your parents..." His voice faltered, pain evident. "You yourself finally agreed to the wedding," he continued, his tone softening yet filled with hurt. "Because you care more about wealth than our love..."

With those final words, Taehyung turned away, his heart heavy. He walked toward the kitchen to join Hoseok, leaving Jungkook standing there, grappling with the weight of their conversation and the emotions it stirred.

As Jungkook stood there, grappling with the weight of their conversation and the emotions it stirred, he made a decision. Without a word, he turned on his heel and headed towards the exit, his steps heavy with unresolved tension.

Taehyung noticed Jungkook’s departure but said nothing, a heavy silence settling between them. Even Hoseok, busy at work, caught sight of Jungkook leaving and furrowed his brow in concern. He approached Taehyung, his expression questioning.

“What happened?” Hoseok asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

Taehyung shook his head, a somber expression on his face, and returned to his tasks, choosing to bury the unease brewing inside him beneath the routine of work.

Jimin’s fingers danced across the sketchpad, his mind consumed with thoughts of fabric, cuts, and designs. The studio buzzed with creative energy, bolts of fabric strewn about, and the hum of sewing machines providing a rhythmic backdrop to his work.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his focus, and he looked up to see Vicky, Namjoon’s secretary, standing in the doorway, her expression etched with concern.

“Mr. Jimin,” she greeted him, stepping into the room. “I wanted to ask, have you heard from Namjoon? Is he okay?”

Jimin’s heart softened at the concern in Vicky’s voice. “Yeah, he’s doing better,” he reassured her, setting aside his sketches. “He’s on the road to recovery.”

Relief washed over Vicky’s features. “Oh, thank goodness." Before Vicky could leave, she hesitated, her brow furrowing with a new thought. “Oh, and one more thing…” she began tentatively. “We just got word that a fashion runway event is scheduled in two weeks.”

Jimin’s heart skipped a beat, panic coursing through his veins. Two weeks? That was hardly enough time to breathe, let alone create a collection.

“Two weeks?” he echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief. “That’s not enough time!”

Vicky nodded sympathetically. “I know it’s short notice, but it’s a big opportunity for us. We need to present our latest designs at the event.”

Jimin’s mind raced, trying to come to terms with the daunting deadline looming over him. “I understand,” he murmured, running a hand through his hair. “But I won’t have enough time to create new proposals, let alone complete the designs.”

Vicky’s gaze softened with encouragement. “I know it’s a tight deadline, but I believe in you, Mr. Jimin. You’ve always delivered amazing work under pressure.”

Taking a deep breath, Jimin nodded resolutely. “Okay, I’ll do my best,” he promised, determination flickering in his eyes. “Just need to figure out how to make this work.”

“You’ve got this,” Vicky reassured him, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. “Let me know if you need any help.”

“Thanks, Vicky,” Jimin replied gratefully, watching as she left the room, leaving him to grapple with the daunting task ahead.