Ties of Fate

The Bride

The grand ballroom was bathed in a soft golden glow, the ceiling covered in chandeliers that sparkled like the stars. White roses and intricate gold accents filled the space, and the air buzzed with the excited murmur of the guests. The union between the Jeon and Kim families was not just a wedding; it was an event of the year. The arranged marriage that had been talked about for months was now unfolding before their eyes.

And at the heart of it all was Taehyung.

He stood in front of the ornate mirror in a private room, dressed in an immaculate white silk suit. The fabric draped gracefully over his frame, the intricate lace detailing on the cuffs and the subtle embroidery shimmering in the soft light. His long train flowed behind him, giving him an almost ethereal look. A crown of delicate white flowers sat on his head, blending seamlessly into his dark hair.

Taehyung had been called many things in his life, but today, the word "bride" felt both surreal and inescapable. He stared at his reflection, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. He looked every bit the picture of elegance, yet underneath, he was bracing himself for what lay ahead.

Jimin, his best friend, stayed nearby, his expression soft but filled with concern. "You look breathtaking," he said, stepping forward to adjust the collar of Taehyung's suit. "Are you ready for this?"

Taehyung let out a small, humorless laugh. "Ready? As if I have a choice." He glanced at Jimin, his voice quieter. "I just want to get through today."

Jimin's eyes softened with understanding. "You know, it's okay to feel how you're feeling. But maybe it won't be as bad as you think. Maybe Jungkook—"

Taehyung cut him off with a sigh. "Jungkook and I are doing this for our families and the company. Nothing more. I don’t expect it to be anything else."

Jimin nodded but didn’t push further. They both knew this marriage was about business, not love. And yet, as Taehyung prepared to walk down the aisle, a small part of him couldn’t help but wonder—what if there was more? What if things didn’t have to be as cold and mechanical as they seemed?

---

The ceremony was grand, just as Taehyung had expected. The ballroom was packed with influential figures from both families, business partners, and media representatives. The entire room had been transformed into a dreamscape of white roses and gold, the kind of setting you’d see in a fairy tale. Except this was no fairy tale for Taehyung.

As the soft music began to play, signaling the start of his walk down the aisle, Taehyung took a deep breath and stepped into the grand ballroom. The long train of his suit swept across the floor behind him, and all eyes turned toward him as he made his way down the aisle. He kept his expression calm and neutral, though his heart pounded in his chest.

When his eyes found Jungkook’s at the altar, he had to fight the urge to look away. Jungkook stood tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his face as unreadable as ever. His dark hair fell slightly into his eyes, and the way he looked at Taehyung—it made his heart skip. Was that amusement in Jungkook’s eyes? Taehyung couldn't be sure.

As Taehyung reached the altar, he came to stand beside Jungkook, their proximity making his skin tingle. The officiant began to speak, but Taehyung could barely hear him. All he could focus on was the warmth radiating from Jungkook, the steady rise and fall of his chest as they stood shoulder to shoulder, surrounded by a room full of people yet feeling like they were the only two in the world.

Then came the vows.

Jungkook spoke first, his voice calm and measured as he recited the words they had both agreed upon. "I, Jeon Jungkook, take you, Kim Taehyung, to be my partner, in business and in life. I promise to honor our families' legacy and work with you to build a future together, no matter what challenges come our way."

The words were formal, but as Jungkook spoke, there was a softness in his tone that Taehyung hadn’t expected. Was there a hint of sincerity beneath the surface? Taehyung quickly pushed the thought away. This was just another business deal, he reminded himself.

When it was his turn, Taehyung hesitated. The weight of everything they were about to step into pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe. But he forced himself to speak, his voice steady but devoid of emotion. "I, Kim Taehyung, take you, Jeon Jungkook, to be my partner. I promise to fulfill my duty to our families and to work with you in whatever way is necessary."

It was cold, practical, but honest.

The officiant nodded, clearly pleased, and then came the final words: "You may now kiss your spouse."

Taehyung stiffened slightly at the command. This was the part that made him feel most vulnerable, exposed. A kiss—something that would be photographed, dissected, and scrutinized by the world. It had to be perfect. It had to look real.

Jungkook turned to face him, and Taehyung’s breath caught. There was something playful in Jungkook’s eyes now, a glint that hadn’t been there before. Without a word, Jungkook placed his hands on Taehyung’s waist, drawing him in closer.

"Relax," Jungkook whispered, his voice teasing as his lips hovered just inches from Taehyung's. "You might enjoy this."

Taehyung opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Jungkook leaned in, pressing their lips together in a slow, deliberate kiss. Taehyung froze for a moment, caught off guard by the softness of Jungkook’s lips, by the way his hands gripped him firmly, almost possessively.

But what truly shocked him was that Jungkook didn’t pull away. The kiss lingered, far longer than necessary. What was supposed to be a brief formality turned into something that made Taehyung’s pulse race. Jungkook's lips moved against his with a teasing slowness, almost like he was daring Taehyung to react.

Heat rushed to Taehyung's cheeks, and he could feel his heart hammering in his chest. The room around them faded, the applause of the guests distant as all Taehyung could focus on was Jungkook—his scent, the warmth of his body pressed against him, the way his lips curved slightly as if he knew exactly what he was doing.

When Jungkook finally pulled back, his eyes locked on Taehyung’s, a smirk playing on his lips. "Was that so bad?"

Taehyung blinked, trying to regain his composure. His heart was still racing, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and... something else. Something that made his stomach twist in knots.

"Y-you..." Taehyung stammered, but Jungkook simply chuckled, turning to face the crowd as if nothing unusual had just happened.

Taehyung’s mind spun. He had expected a quick peck, a businesslike kiss to seal the deal. But this—this had felt intentional. Almost like Jungkook was playing a game, one that Taehyung wasn’t sure he knew the rules to.

As the guests clapped and cheered, Taehyung forced a smile, his face composed once more. But deep down, he knew something had shifted between them. Jungkook’s teasing kiss had stirred something inside him that he couldn’t quite name—a feeling he wasn’t ready to face.

And as they walked down the aisle together, hand in hand, the world watching their every move, Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder what game Jungkook was playing—and how much longer he could keep up the charade.