Between Chances And Choices

Chapter 3

Jungkook beheld the stranger's gaze. As seconds tick by, his nonchalant stare transforms into a sharp, annoyed look, hooded by a pair of thick furrowed eyebrows.

"Dad."

He looked at his father, begging for help.

"There has to be a mistake. No. There's certainly a mistake. I can't be picked. My name shouldn't be there."

"But the gods should have stopped it if it's the case."

"What?"

"Jungkook, you have to go there." His mother insisted.

"No. I won't. I won't be betrothed to a man. I'm not a woman!"

"Just go there, son."

"No, Dad!"

"Just go there for now. We'll figure it out later." His father calmly convinced him.

"Come on. The whole country is looking at you. For once, stop embarrassing us."

Jungkook stopped at his mother's words. He stared at her as she did the same to him, only with gritted teeth. He looked around and saw the same look on the people's face as that of the man whom 'the gods' are forcing him to marry.

He pressed his lips tight, feeling utter frustration. He's used to not having anyone on his side. But at least, he's always been free to do anything he wanted. It's completely different to what's happening to him at that moment. It feels like everyone is forcing him. It felt like he's being ganged up on. Tears began pooling at the corners of his eyes.

"Go. The King's blood is waiting." His mother ordered in a stern voice.

He clenched his fist around the bands and finally marched forward, sniffing. He kept his eyes on the ground while he made his way towards the center, his sight blurring with tears. He halted directly in front of the king's descendant. He could only see his shoes. He bowed without looking at him.

He seemed so out of it. Taehyung thought. Well, it's understandable. He's in shock that he'll be marrying a man too. But it is what the gods ordained. So they should just suck it up and do their duty. He noticed that his betrothed wasn't even looking at him. He bowed to him with his eyes cast down and lips in a pout.

A narrow table was slid in between them. It held a cup of water and a small plate of grains. The chosen one is supposed to give them to the king's blood. Like what Jungsoon did to Taesang when they met.

"Jungkook." One of the monks whispered. "Offer the water."

Taehyung watched him pull a long snivel. He lifted his head but just as he thought that he'd immediately do as he's told, he turned to his side.

"Hyung." He pleaded with his jutted lips trembling.

"Jungkook." The monk hissed.

He let out a whine before taking the cup and harshly extending his hand towards Taehyung, almost causing it to spill.

"Respectfully. As you were taught." He was scolded.

He loudly huffed, then placed his palm on the bottom of the cup and hung his head low.

Taehyung stared at him incredulously.

How old is he? He's throwing a tantrum.

He accepted the water. Then, he was offered the grains. It was presented the same way, forced and impolite, that he can't stop himself from reacting disapprovingly.

"Suck it up. Stop being a kid." He said under his breath but loud enough for the younger to hear.

Jungkook looked at Taehyung square. He beheld his eyes for the first time. He did it with the most hateful glare he could muster. He's so mad at him. How could he say that? Who is he to say such things? He doesn't know what he's going through!