Between Chances And Choices

Chapter 5

The day is bright and warm as if the gloom and strife of the previous days were just a figment of imagination. Jungkook sat inside a palanquin, listening to the harmony resounding off numerous percussions and strings. Still quite hesitant, though not anymore completely unconvinced, he anxiously waited, wanting to just get it over with.

Honestly, he regretted agreeing to marry without giving a second thought. It was an impulsive decision driven by his emotions. His judgment got clouded because of how rattled, and touched, he was with the utmost faith and sacrifice of the head monk.

Unlike others, their family was sent to the mansion of the Kims. There, he learned that Taehyung wasn't really a part of the rescue team and he just went out when he heard that the temple had been adversely affected by the surge.

Why? He asked him.

He was thrown an incredulous look.

Because I have to.

Jungkook retired to his room after making sure that everyone, especially the good head monk, had been evacuated from the temple. And then, regret washed over him. He realized that he had been too rash.

He would have lamented his impulsive decision until the next day. But when he woke up, he found the sun brightly shining. As if it didn't hide for days. They said that the rain stopped during the night and after that, the flood subsided quickly.

Everyone believed that it's because of him. And frankly, for him, it has become difficult to disagree.

So there he was, waiting to be married.

He heard loud cheers and peered out the window. He saw his groom perched on the back of a horse, looking regal in his blue court robe. They had to tweak a lot of details since Jungkook wasn't a typical bride. So like Taehyung, he was also donning a traditional court attire but in red, the symbolic color of the Jeons.

Taehyung rode across the grounds, towards the Jeons who were standing in two lines in front of the palanquin carrying Jungkook. He was followed by his parents and his brothers who were walking on foot.

He got off the horse upon reaching the other party and offered a bow to his soon-to-be parents in law. Their families exchanged bows and greetings. Then, gave each other a wooden box containing gifts.

Jungkook watched through the curtain. The box given by the Kims was comparably bigger than what their family exchanged. It's tradition. The Kims who were blessed by the gods with worldly wealth should shower the Jeons who were always told to live humbly and simply with gifts.

It's expected but still, he saw his sister gape her mouth in surprise. Taehyung must have given him something of extreme luxury. As opposed to him who only gifted him a high-end vintage watch and a branded tie. The watch was bought by his parents. On the other hand, the tie was from his own pocket. Although a fraction of the money used to buy it was loaned to him by Jimin and Jin.

After accepting the gifts, the fathers lit the candle in their spouse's hands, each one representing their traditional family color. Then, the women paced away with it, towards the ceremonial table at the center where they both set alight the wick of a white candle.

Their mothers took their places on the side while Taehyung strode to the square, low table. He was then followed by their fathers and their siblings who joined their matriarch on their respective sides.

The palanquin was opened. Jungkook was assisted out to walk the way and join Taehyung at the ceremonial table. He raised his arms forward, bent it in front of him to conceal his face as was tradition. He took a deep breath before taking a step. Taehyung saw his shoulders lifted as he did. He watched his face despite it being half-hidden behind his wide sleeves.