16: The Only Way

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The grand ballroom was filled with laughter and music, the scent of expensive perfume mingling with the aroma of gourmet food. It was an event that brought together the crème de la crème of the city, an opportunity for networking and showcasing alliances. Among the distinguished guests were Seungcheol and Jeonghan from the Midnight gang, and Seokmin and Joshua from the Amber gang.

Jeonghan, ever the socialite, was introducing himself to a group of influential attendees. "Hello, I'm Yoon... Choi Jeonghan," he said with a charming smile, emphasizing his married name to highlight his bond with Seungcheol.

Joshua, standing beside Seokmin, mirrored the sentiment. "And I'm Joshua Lee, happily married to Seokmin," he added, smiling warmly at his husband.

The event was meant to solidify alliances and display unity, but behind the smiles and pleasantries, the leaders of the Midnight and Amber gangs had an urgent matter to discuss.

Seungcheol and Seokmin found a quiet corner of the ballroom, away from prying eyes and ears. The tension between them was palpable, a reminder of their recent argument. But tonight, they had a different kind of proposal to consider.

"We need to find a way to strengthen our truce," Seungcheol began, his voice low but firm. "Something that goes beyond words and promises."

Seokmin nodded in agreement. "A bond that ties our gangs together in a way that's unbreakable."

Jeonghan and Joshua joined them, sensing the seriousness of the conversation.

"And how do we propose to do that?" Jeonghan asked, curiosity piqued.

Seokmin glanced at Joshua before speaking. "Marriage. We marry off two of our most eligible members to create a lasting alliance."

Joshua's eyes widened in surprise. "Who do you have in mind?"

Seungcheol's expression was thoughtful. "Wonwoo from the Midnight gang and Mingyu from the Amber gang. Both are respected, capable, and... they are bisexual, so the gender of their spouse shouldn't be an issue."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "And you think they'll agree to this arrangement?"

Seokmin sighed. "That's the challenge. We know Wonwoo and Mingyu have a complicated history. But if we present this as a duty, as a necessary step for peace and stability, they might accept it."

The leaders decided to break the news to Wonwoo and Mingyu the next day, summoning them to a neutral location. The air was thick with anticipation and unease as Wonwoo and Mingyu entered the room, their expressions guarded.

Seungcheol and Seokmin exchanged a glance before Seungcheol began. "Thank you both for coming. We have an important matter to discuss with you."

Wonwoo's eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?"

Seokmin took a deep breath. "To solidify the truce between our gangs, we have decided on a strategic marriage between the Midnight and Amber gangs."

Mingyu's jaw tightened. "And who exactly is getting married?"

Jeonghan stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "We believe that the most suitable and eligible members are you, Wonwoo, and you, Mingyu."

There was a moment of stunned silence. Wonwoo's expression hardened, and Mingyu's eyes flashed with anger.

"You're kidding, right?" Mingyu finally said, his voice low and dangerous. "You want us to marry each other?"

"It's not a joke," Seungcheol replied calmly. "This marriage would be a powerful symbol of our alliance. It would show our members and our enemies that we are united."

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