Ties of Fate

Party Prep

Taehyung and Jungkook had been invited to a gathering of some of the most influential figures in the business world. It wasn’t their first time attending such an event, but the stakes felt higher after their honeymoon—an opportunity to present themselves as a united, powerful couple.

Upstairs, in their walk-in closet, Taehyung was carefully selecting an outfit. His fingers hovered over several options before landing on a sleek black suit with a subtle shimmer. He pulled it from the rack and held it up to himself, studying his reflection in the floor-length mirror.

Just as he was about to slip it on, Jungkook walked in, already dressed in his perfectly tailored suit. The deep navy color contrasted beautifully against his sharp features, and his presence immediately commanded attention.

“You’re looking through your options like you’re choosing between stars,” Jungkook teased, leaning casually against the doorframe, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Taehyung glanced at him through the mirror, rolling his eyes. “It’s a business party, not a fashion show.”

“Oh, but with you, everything is a show,” Jungkook said, walking over and standing just behind Taehyung, his hands lightly grazing Taehyung’s waist. “Especially when you look this good.”

Taehyung’s cheeks tinged pink, and he tried to brush it off. “I haven’t even changed yet.”

Jungkook leaned closer, his breath warm against Taehyung’s neck as he whispered, “Doesn’t matter. You’re always beautiful.”

The word hit Taehyung like an unexpected wave. His grip on the suit tightened as his blush redder. He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out—just a quiet exhale of embarrassment. Jungkook was relentless when it came to teasing him like this, and it didn’t help that Taehyung never got used to the compliments, no matter how often they came.

Jungkook chuckled, clearly enjoying Taehyung’s reaction. “Come on, put that on. I want to see you in it.”

Taehyung huffed lightly, turning away from the mirror and heading toward the bathroom to change. “You’re too much,” he muttered under his breath, but his lips betrayed him with a small smile.

As he changed into the suit, Taehyung’s mind raced with thoughts of how Jungkook could make him feel so flustered with just a few words. It wasn’t as though they hadn’t grown closer over the past weeks—if anything, they were more connected than ever—but Jungkook’s teasing always caught him off guard.

When Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed in the sleek suit, he felt Jungkook’s eyes immediately on him. The intensity of his gaze made Taehyung’s stomach flip.

Jungkook’s smile widened as his eyes roamed appreciatively over Taehyung. “Wow,” he said, his tone low and deliberate. “You’re stunning.”

Taehyung’s face heated up again, and he shifted awkwardly on his feet. “Stop,” he said, though it came out more like a shy plea than a demand.

But Jungkook wasn’t done. He stepped closer, his hand coming up to adjust the collar of Taehyung’s suit. “No, really. You always look good, but tonight…” Jungkook’s fingers grazed Taehyung’s jaw as he tilted his face slightly, making Taehyung look at him directly. “You’re breathtaking.”

Taehyung could feel the redness creeping up his neck and into his ears, and he quickly averted his gaze. “You’re just trying to embarrass me before the party.”

“Is it working?” Jungkook teased, clearly amused by Taehyung’s reaction.

Taehyung pouted, biting his lower lip as he tried to avoid the heat spreading across his face. “You know it is.”

Jungkook let out a low laugh, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. “Good. It’s fun seeing you all flustered like this.”

Taehyung groaned softly, swatting at Jungkook’s arm. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re adorable,” Jungkook quipped back smoothly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on Taehyung’s temple.

The simple, affectionate gesture sent another rush of warmth through Taehyung, and he looked down, fidgeting with his cufflinks to distract himself. But Jungkook wasn’t letting him off that easily.

As they finished getting ready, Jungkook kept up a steady stream of compliments, each one more ridiculous and over-the-top than the last. Every time Taehyung thought he had composed himself, Jungkook would say something like, “You know, if you walked into that party right now, I’m pretty sure half the room would faint,” or, “They should make a rule about being too good-looking at these events.”

Taehyung’s face was a permanent shade of red by the time they were ready to leave, and Jungkook was absolutely reveling in it.

As they stood by the door, preparing to head out, Jungkook leaned in close, his lips brushing Taehyung’s ear as he whispered, “I’m going to spend the whole night trying to keep people from falling in love with you.”

Taehyung turned to face Jungkook, his face still flushed but now mixed with a hint of playful defiance. “And what about you? Don’t think I haven’t noticed all the attention you get at these parties.”

Jungkook smirked, his eyes locking with Taehyung’s. “I only care about your attention.”

Taehyung’s heart fluttered at the sincerity in Jungkook’s voice, but before he could respond, Jungkook grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door. “Come on, let’s go before I make you blush even more.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t suppress the smile that crept onto his face. Even as Jungkook’s teasing flustered him, there was no denying the warmth that filled him knowing how much Jungkook adored him.

As they left the mansion and headed to the party, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that, no matter how public the event, his and Jungkook’s world was their own private orbit—full of teasing, love, and a connection that no one else could touch.