Fated by 'I Do'

Chapter 3: Admiration from the Shadows

For Kim Taehyung, life had never been about luxury or excess. He came from a humble background, raised in a small town where the value of hard work was ingrained in him from an early age. He didn't have much growing up, but his parents had taught him to appreciate the simple joys in life, to be grateful for what he had, and to always stay grounded. Yet, in the midst of his quiet, hardworking existence, there was one constant that filled his heart with something more than just gratitude-Jeon Jungkook.

Taehyung's admiration for the golden boy of the Jeon family had begun subtly, like a whisper he couldn't ignore. It wasn't love at first sight, but it was something deep and growing. Over time, it had transformed into a one-sided affection that Taehyung held close to his heart, something he would never dare confess. Jungkook, with his charming smile, effortless grace, and soft personality, had become the center of Taehyung's world, even if Jungkook himself was blissfully unaware.

Jungkook wasn't just handsome-though his beauty was undeniable with those doe-like eyes and that radiant smile. No, it wasn't just his looks that captivated Taehyung. It was everything about him, all the little things that others might overlook but Taehyung found utterly endearing. The way Jungkook's eyes sparkled when he talked about something he loved, the subtle way he tucked his hair behind his ear when he was thinking, the way his nose scrunched slightly when he laughed-all these things had etched themselves into Taehyung's mind, creating an image of Jungkook that was almost too perfect to touch.

Taehyung's role as the accountant for Jeon Enterprises meant he often had to visit the Jeon mansion for work-related matters. Those visits, while professional on the surface, were a secret delight for Taehyung. It was during those moments that he would catch glimpses of Jungkook, sometimes passing by in the halls or sitting in the garden, basking in the sunlight. And every time Taehyung saw him, it felt like a small spark ignited in his chest. He could be having the most mundane day, sorting through endless paperwork or crunching numbers, but the mere sight of Jungkook would change everything.

They had barely interacted, at least not in the way Taehyung wished they could. Jungkook was often busy, surrounded by friends or family, always the center of attention. But there had been moments, fleeting and precious, where their worlds had intersected. A polite greeting here, a smile there. Nothing extraordinary, but to Taehyung, those moments were everything.

One day, Taehyung had been at the mansion, going over financial reports with Namjoon in the study. It was a typical workday, filled with numbers and figures, until Jungkook had burst into the room, his face glowing with excitement.

"Dad, have you seen the new gaming console that just came out? I really want to get it!" Jungkook exclaimed, his voice laced with the same enthusiasm as a child on Christmas morning.

Namjoon chuckled, clearly indulgent of his son's requests. "Of course, princess. We'll order it today."

Taehyung had barely looked up from his papers, but he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. Jungkook's excitement was infectious, and even though Taehyung had no interest in gaming consoles, he found himself drawn to Jungkook's enthusiasm. There was something so pure, so innocent about it, like Jungkook had never known the weight of the world. It made Taehyung's heart ache with an affection he couldn't fully understand.

Later that day, as Taehyung was leaving the mansion, he had accidentally bumped into Jungkook in the hallway. It was a brief moment, but one that Taehyung would replay in his mind for days to come.

"Oh, sorry!" Jungkook had said, flashing that brilliant bunny-toothed smile that made Taehyung's heart flutter in his chest.

"N-no, it's fine," Taehyung had stammered, feeling his cheeks heat up as he tried to keep his composure. "I should have been more careful."