Arranged Marriage | Taekook

60

Taehyung, carrying a backpack and a small duffle bag. His demeanor was calm and quiet, glancing at the arrival signboards while a gentle smile played on his lips. It's been three years since he last set foot in his home country.

As he walked through the terminal, the cheerful sounds of announcements, the hum of conversations, and the shuffle of travelers created a lively backdrop. The sight of his homeland brought forth mixed emotions, joy, a sense of belonging, and a tinge of anxiety about the future that lay ahead. Would things have changed too much in his absence? Would he still fit in easily with his old friends? His family? His husband? All these people who he haven't contacted much in the past few years.

His senses were overwhelmed by the familiar scents wafting through the air, the inviting aroma of Korean street food from vendors near the exit, and the comforting hint of fresh coffee from nearby cafés. Each step closer to the exit felt like peeling back layers of time memories of his childhood danced in his mind.

As he finally emerged into the arrival hall, his eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for his family and friends. Spotting them almost instantly, his heart swelled. His parents stood beaming, their joy palpable, bubbles of laughter and tears mixing as they rushed to embrace him. 

His mother dropped her purse, rushing forward with tears in her eyes. The others followed, enveloping him in a group hug.

Mrs. Kim: Taehyung, my son. You're finally home. I missed you so much. Grandma never stopped talking about you.

Taehyung smiled, remembering how she refused to go back to Korea during his first year in med school. She had to go home because  Taehyung has no time to take care of her because med school was too busy.

Taehyung slowly reached into his bag and pulled out his coat and stethoscope and showed it to everyone, smiling brightly. Everyone cheered and had tears streaming down their faces as they lifted Taehyung off the ground, spinning him around.

Jennie: You did it Taehyung.

Lisa: You actually did it.

Jhope slapped his back making him flinch.

Jhope: You better not have adopted that serious doctor persona.

Taehyung chuckled.

Taehyung: I promise I'm still the same goofball.

Jackson: So, Dr. Kim, what's the first prescription for a homesick friend?

Taehyung: I prescribe to allow me to watch kdrama, some late-night snacks, and a dose of laughter.

Jackson gasped dramatically.

Jackson: That sounds like a terrible side effect.

Taehyung laughed and stepped back to glance at everyone.

Taehyung: You guys haven't changed at all.

Seokjin: You mean that we haven't aged and still look hot right?

Everyone laughed.

Taehyung observed Jackson and Jhope.

Taehyung: So you guys work now?

Jhope: Yeah, I own my own dance school now.

Jackson: And I'm working on my seventh acting project.

Taehyung smiled, remembering how they told him about wanting to become a choreographer and an actor the day they graduated.

Mr. Kim stepped forward and pated Taehyung's shoulder.

Mr. Kim: You've grown even taller, son. And more handsome.

Taehyung: And you're now an old man.

Taehyung moved away from his father and threw himself over Namjoon.

Namjoon: Missed you kiddo.

Taehyung: How have you been hyung?

Namjoon: Never been better.

Taehyung smiled and went to Hyunjin, hugging him and moved onto hug the others until he noticed something. He frowned and glanced at Jungkook's parents.

Taehyung: Where's Jungkook? I thought he'd be here to pick me up.

Mrs. Jeon: Jungkook is really busy with work. He couldn't make it.

Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows.

Taehyung: Really? I thought... he'd want to be here for this.

Everyone shared uneasy looks, sensing his disappointment.

Jimin: It's okay, Taehyung. He's probably just wrapped up in a project. You know how he gets.

Taehyung nodded, trying to brush it off. He forced a laugh.

Taehyung: Yeah, busy with work. That sounds like him.

Yoongi: How about we go home and get you some rest? After that we'll go to your favourite restaurant to celebrate and catch up.

Taehyung: Sounds great.

They start heading towards the exit but Taehyung looked back, still searching the crowd. He wanted to see Jungkook.

Taehyung: Was he so busy that he couldn't even come to pick me up after not seeing me for three years?

>>> At Home <<<

Everyone dropped Taehyung at his and Jungkook's shared home and told him to come to food o'clock restaurant to celebrate later that night.

Taehyung watched his family drive away, leaving him in front of the house, a bunch of emotions blooming inside him.

He took a deep breath.

Taehyung: Here goes nothing...

He pushed the door open, the sound of the hinges creaking lightly in the silence. He looked around, taking in the familiar yet distant space he once shared with Jungkook.

Taehyung: Jungkook?

No answer. Taking a deep breath, he dropped his bags and walked further inside. Memories flooded his mind as he crossed the threshold of their shared living room. He touched the couch where they spent hours studying for their finals.

Taehyung moved to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water, beginning to feel the weight of solitude.

Taehyung: Where is he?

To be continued...

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Sorry for making you wait too long and sorry for the short chapter...

Next chapter will be longer...

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