Arranged Art of Love: Diamonds and Dreams ( KTH ff)

25. Territory marked

Jungkook leaned forward, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "You know," he began, looking directly at you, "she calls me the 'handsome stranger,'" he said, pointing at you who were busy in the kitchen for final plating.

Jin, catching onto the teasing game, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Well, she calls me 'worldwide handsome,'" he countered.

Jungkook glanced at you, then at Taehyung, who was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The air grew tense as Taehyung's eyes bore into Jungkook. "But she's my wife... WIFE," Taehyung emphasized, his voice deep and authoritative.

Not missing a beat, Jungkook continued, chuckling softly, "She even offered me to be her boyfriend to escape this marriage," he said, his eyes locked onto Taehyung's, relishing the tension he was creating.

Jin, sensing the brewing competition, decided to stir the pot further. "Oh? Well, she once told me that if she couldn't find a good man, she'd marry me," he said with a laugh.

Taehyung's expression darkened, and he turned his intense gaze toward Jin, who was still laughing. "But I'm her husband now," Taehyung declared, his voice steady but with an edge of finality.

You were in the kitchen, setting the table and unaware of the full extent of the conversation. You could only catch snippets of their exchange, wondering what was happening.

Jin, still smiling, leaned back and spoke confidently, "We've known each other for years. I know everything about her."

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook jumped in again. "She was impressed by me even when she was drunk. Clearly interested," he teased, knowing exactly what he was doing.

Taehyung scoffed, feeling the need to assert his position. "Does it matter now? We're a legally married couple, living in the same house... and even in the same room," he lied, his voice firm and resolute. He wanted to put an end to the playful taunting and reclaim his territory.

As you finished setting the table, you overheard Taehyung's last statement. You paused, shocked. Did he just say we live in the same room? You thought, confused. Why would he say that? And what are they talking about that made him say this?

Jungkook, noticing your reaction, walked over and took your hand gently. "You remember calling me the 'handsome stranger,' right?" he asked with a playful smile.

You nodded slowly, unsure where this was going. "Yes,... and?"

Jungkook's smile widened. "You offered me something else that night. Remember?"

Your eyes widened as you realized where he was going. "What?" you stammered, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks.

Jungkook leaned in, his voice soft but clear, "You offered me to be your fake... or maybe real boyfriend to escape the marriage thing."

You felt a mix of embarrassment and shock. "B-but I was drunk that time!" you exclaimed, trying to dismiss the memory.

Suddenly, Taehyung stood up abruptly, cutting the conversation short. "Can we have dinner? I'm quite hungry," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Everyone moved toward the table. Jungkook was the last to join, lingering for a moment to savour the situation. He was keenly aware of Taehyung's simmering emotions and this made him sure.

As everyone sat down at the table, the tension from earlier seemed to dissipate, or at least it was hidden. Taehyung's eyes never left yours, his gaze piercing and intense. Jungkook, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the awkwardness, a sly smile playing on his lips.