Fated by 'I Do'

Chapter 8:Court Marriage

As Taehyung got up to leave, the clock struck midnight. He glanced outside and noticed the gentle drizzle that had started, painting the night with a misty glow. Just as he reached for his coat, Jungkook, standing nearby, hesitated before speaking up.

"Are you sure you want to leave? The roads might be slippery because of the rain. You could just stay here tonight," Jungkook suggested, his voice soft, yet there was a hint of hope behind his words.

Taehyung appreciated the concern in Jungkook's eyes but smiled gently. "I appreciate it, really, but I need to prepare some material for a meeting with your father tomorrow. I don't want to be underprepared."

Jungkook's face fell ever so slightly, and he unconsciously pouted. He didn't say anything, but inside, he wished he could find a reason to make Taehyung stay just a little longer. The comfort of having him around was something he hadn't realized he'd come to enjoy so quickly.

Taehyung noticed the small pout but decided not to mention it. He walked downstairs, adjusting his coat, when he was met with Namjoon and Seokjin, who were deep in conversation. They both stopped talking the moment they saw Taehyung.

"Where are you going at this hour?" Namjoon asked, his voice filled with fatherly concern. "It's past midnight."

Taehyung stood respectfully, trying to explain. "I was just heading home, sir. I have some work to finish before tomorrow's meeting."

Namjoon's face hardened slightly, his voice firm. "You'll do no such thing. The roads are wet, and it's too late to be driving back. You're staying here tonight, Taehyung."

"But I-" Taehyung started, but before he could finish, Seokjin, his future mother-in-law, walked over to him with a playful glint in his eyes.

He reached up and, much to Taehyung's surprise, lovingly twisted his ear with mock seriousness. "Do you think we'll let you drive home at this hour after my son has already asked you to stay? And now Namjoon too?" He scolded with exaggerated sternness, though his eyes were warm.

"Ouch, I'm sorry!" Taehyung winced, though he was clearly more embarrassed than hurt. He tried to protest, "I really need to prepare for tomorrow-"

Seokjin released his ear but shot him a playful glare, crossing his arms. "You can prepare tomorrow morning. I won't hear any more excuses."

Taehyung, rubbing his ear, couldn't help but feel touched by how naturally they were treating him as part of the family already. He glanced over at Namjoon, who gave him an approving nod, and then back at Seokjin, who still held that fake angry look on his face.

"Fine," Taehyung relented with a smile. "I'll stay."

From the distance, Jungkook had been watching the whole scene unfold, a soft giggle escaping his lips. The sight of his parents teasing Taehyung so warmly brought a sense of lightness to his heart. It was clear that they already cared for Taehyung, and seeing how comfortable he was with them made Jungkook feel a little more at ease about the whole situation.

Taehyung turned and caught Jungkook's eyes, noticing the giggle. "You think this is funny?" he asked with a mock pout, though he couldn't suppress his own grin.

Jungkook's giggle turned into full laughter. "Maybe just a little."

Taehyung sighed dramatically but smiled nonetheless. Seokjin and Namjoon, too, smiled warmly at the easy rapport between the two. It was late, but the atmosphere in the Jeon mansion was warm and filled with laughter.

~×~×~×~

As the playful atmosphere began to settle, Seokjin gently placed a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Kookie, why don't you show Taehyung the guest room and get him some of your father's clothes for the night? Oh, and don't forget to give him a fresh towel too," he said with a warm smile.