Ties of Fate

The Party

The grand ballroom was a spectacle of wealth and elegance, with chandeliers dripping in crystals. Every corner was filled with well-dressed elites, the conversation mixing with the sound of clinking champagne glasses. The scent of expensive perfume and cologne lingered as people mingled, trading pleasantries and business deals with the ease of seasoned professionals.

Jungkook and Taehyung stepped into the opulent space, immediately drawing the attention of several guests. Dressed in their impeccable suits, they looked every bit the power couple that they had become. Jungkook’s hand rested lightly on Taehyung’s lower back, guiding him through the crowd with quiet confidence.

Taehyung felt the weight of the eyes on them but tried to remain composed. These events were always daunting, even though he had grown used to them over the years. Still, it helped to have Jungkook by his side—steady, reassuring, and slightly mischievous as always.

As they approached a group of familiar faces, Jungkook leaned in close to Taehyung’s ear. “Remember, you’re the most beautiful person here,” he whispered, his voice low and teasing.

Taehyung’s ears immediately burned red, and he nudged Jungkook discreetly. “You’re not going to stop, are you?”

Jungkook grinned. “Never.”

Before Taehyung could respond, they were greeted by one of the business partners, Mr. Han, a tall, sharp-dressed man in his mid-40s. His smile was wide, but his eyes were calculating as they often were at these types of events.

“Jungkook, Taehyung,” Mr. Han greeted them with a firm handshake. “It’s been a while. I trust you both had a pleasant honeymoon?”

Jungkook nodded, his grip firm and professional. “It was wonderful, thank you. But now we’re back and ready to get back into business.”

Taehyung, still slightly red from Jungkook’s earlier teasing, gave a polite smile. “Yes, it was a nice break, but it’s good to be back.”

As they exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Han, Jungkook kept a subtle eye on Taehyung, enjoying the way his blush still lingered. Taehyung did his best to remain composed, but Jungkook’s lingering gaze was making it harder.

More people joined their conversation, and soon they were swept into the ebb and flow of the party. Business talk dominated much of the evening—discussing potential deals, market trends, and the state of the industry. Jungkook navigated it with his usual charm, easily engaging with various investors and partners, while Taehyung quietly contributed when needed, his soft-spoken nature a calming contrast to the more boisterous personalities in the room.

But despite the seriousness of the occasion, Jungkook never let up on his playful teasing. Whenever there was a lull in the conversation or a moment where they weren’t being closely watched, he would lean over to Taehyung with comments like, “You know, every time I look at you, I forget what we’re even talking about,” or “I think you’ve just charmed half the room without even trying.”

Each time, Taehyung’s face would grow warmer, and he would do his best to keep his composure. But Jungkook’s smirk was ever-present, and Taehyung knew he was enjoying every moment of watching him fluster.

At one point, they found themselves alone by one of the grand windows, looking out over the city lights. Taehyung took a sip of champagne, feeling the cool bubbles on his tongue, trying to calm the nervous flutter in his stomach.

Jungkook stepped closer, his hand brushing against Taehyung’s, a subtle gesture that sent a small shock of warmth through him. “You know,” Jungkook began, his voice soft, “I wasn’t joking earlier. You really do look incredible tonight.”

Taehyung turned to face him, the low lighting making Jungkook’s features seem even more striking. “You’ve been saying that all night,” he replied, trying to sound annoyed, but the affection in his voice gave him away.

Jungkook chuckled softly, his hand finally taking hold of Taehyung’s, hidden from view by the long drapes of the window. “Because it’s true. I just like watching you get embarrassed every time I say it.”

Taehyung’s blush deepened, and he tried to look away, but Jungkook tugged him back gently, their eyes meeting. There was a softness in Jungkook’s gaze now, a sincerity that made Taehyung’s heart skip a beat.

“I mean it, Tae,” Jungkook said quietly, his voice dropping to that deep, intimate tone he often used when they were alone. “You’re the most stunning person in this room, and I’m lucky to have you by my side.”

For a moment, the people around them seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, standing by the window and the soft music playing in the background. Taehyung’s heart filled with emotion, his embarrassment giving way to something warmer, something deeper.

“Jungkook…” Taehyung began, but before he could finish, they were interrupted by a familiar voice calling out to them.

“There you are!” Mrs. Kim, one of their family’s close business associates, approached with a warm smile. “I’ve been looking for you both. You simply must come meet a few new investors.”

Jungkook gave Taehyung’s hand one last squeeze before letting go, turning to Mrs. Kim with a polite smile. “Of course, we’d be happy to.”

Taehyung followed Jungkook back into the party, his heart still fluttering from the exchange by the window. As they talked with the guests, he could still feel the warmth of Jungkook’s hand in his, the quiet words repeating in his mind.

Throughout the rest of the evening, Jungkook’s teasing subsided, replaced by a quiet protectiveness that Taehyung could feel whenever they were close. The party continued around them, but for Taehyung, the most important part of the night had already happened.

By the time the party began to wind down, Taehyung found himself feeling both relieved and content. Despite the teasing and the overwhelming nature of the event, the bond between him and Jungkook felt stronger than ever.

As they made their way toward the exit, Jungkook leaned in one last time, his voice low and playful. “Next time, I’ll make you blush even more.”

Taehyung shot him a look, half exasperated, half amused. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Jungkook replied with a wink.

Taehyung couldn’t deny it. He do.