🥀 Love is pain 🥀 ' Junoon ❣️ ' ( ✓ )

43.

The haldi ceremony began with an air of tension so thick, it was hard to breathe. Jimin sat silently, dressed in traditional white and yellow, his face expressionless as guests cheered and laughed around him. But inside, he was breaking apart piece by piece. The reality of his marriage to Jack was sinking in, suffocating him. He didn’t want any of this—none of it felt right.

When Yoongi was called up to apply the haldi on Jimin’s face, everyone in the room could feel the weight of the moment. Yoongi approached slowly, his jaw clenched, his eyes cold and distant. His once warm gaze, which had been filled with love and tenderness for Jimin, was now filled with bitterness and anger. He knelt down in front of Jimin, his hands trembling slightly as he dipped his fingers in the turmeric paste.

Yoongi’s hands hovered over Jimin’s face for a brief moment, and when his eyes met Jimin’s, there was a flicker of something—something that hinted at all the unresolved emotions between them. But that flicker disappeared as quickly as it had come. With a hardened expression, Yoongi smeared the haldi across Jimin’s cheek. The touch was rough, almost punishing, as if he was trying to hurt Jimin for the pain he had caused.

Jimin flinched, feeling the sting of Yoongi’s touch, but he didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. He just sat there, swallowing the lump in his throat as Yoongi stepped back.

Next came Taehyung and Jungkook. Taehyung’s gaze was a mix of concern and sadness. He knew things were wrong, he could sense it, but he also felt helpless. Jungkook, on the other hand, couldn’t even look his brother in the eye. His heart was broken, feeling betrayed by the brother he had once idolized. Jungkook applied the haldi silently, his movements robotic and detached. The atmosphere was unbearable, with everyone trapped in their own emotional turmoil.

When the ceremony ended, Jimin couldn’t breathe. He felt the weight of everyone’s stares, the judgment, the unspoken words hanging in the air. His chest tightened, and he excused himself, heading towards the washroom to find a moment of peace.

But before he could reach the door, Jack appeared out of nowhere, blocking his path. His expression was dark, and without warning, he grabbed Jimin by the wrist, slamming him against the wall. The force of the impact made Jimin gasp, his eyes widening in fear. Jack’s grip was like iron, and the twisted smirk on his face sent a chill down Jimin’s spine.

“You’re too beautiful, Jimin,” Jack whispered in a low, predatory voice, leaning in close. “No wonder Yoongi couldn’t resist you.”

Before Jimin could respond, Jack’s lips were on his neck, pressing rough, unwanted kisses against his skin. Jimin froze, his body trembling with fear and disgust. He tried to push Jack away, but Jack’s grip only tightened. Jimin’s heart raced as panic set in. He was trapped, helpless against Jack’s strength.

“Stop—please,” Jimin managed to choke out, but Jack ignored him, laughing softly against his skin.

In that moment, Yoongi walked past the hallway, his eyes catching a glimpse of Jack pinning Jimin against the wall. From where he stood, it looked like Jimin was willingly in Jack’s arms. Yoongi’s heart dropped, the image searing into his mind. A wave of anger and betrayal washed over him. So this is what it was all about? Yoongi thought bitterly. Jimin had moved on to Jack, just like that. He turned away, unable to watch any longer, the pain twisting like a knife in his chest.

Meanwhile, Jimin finally managed to shove Jack away, gasping for air as tears welled up in his eyes. He felt violated, humiliated. His body shook as he bolted into the washroom, locking the door behind him. As soon as he was alone, the dam broke. Jimin slid to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

He clutched his chest, the panic overwhelming him. The weight of everything—the forced marriage, the betrayal of his parents, Yoongi’s hatred, and now Jack’s assault—it was all too much. He had no one to turn to, no one who understood what he was going through. He was completely alone.