Ties of Fate

Heat The Pot II

The night was far from over, and although Jungkook’s jealousy had been tempered, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that Jimin wasn’t quite done with his antics. After all, this was Jimin—the same person who lived for chaos, especially when it involved his closest friends.

Taehyung felt the weight of Jungkook’s arm around his waist as they walked back to their seats. The possessiveness in Jungkook’s touch was unmistakable, but there was also warmth and protection that made Taehyung feel safe. Still, the mischievous glint in Jimin’s eyes hadn’t disappeared, and Taehyung knew better than to think his friend was done playing his games.

Jungkook leaned down, his breath tickling Taehyung’s ear. “Don’t worry about Jimin. I can handle him.”

Taehyung gave a small smile, though the knot in his stomach remained. “I don’t know… he’s not finished, I can feel it.”

And Taehyung was right.

Barely ten minutes after the game had ended, Jimin was back, his smile wide, eyes gleaming like a cat who had cornered a mouse. He slid into the seat next to Jungkook and Taehyung, acting as if nothing had happened, but the smirk on his lips gave away his true intentions.

“So, how are my favorite newlyweds?” Jimin asked, his tone overly sweet. “Having fun at the party?”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “We were… until your little game.”

Jimin feigned innocence, placing a hand on his chest. “What? It was just a harmless game! Besides, I thought Taehyung and Bogum made a great team.”

Jungkook’s eyes darkened just slightly, but before he could respond, Taehyung leaned in, trying to cut the tension with humor. “We survived it, thanks. But, Jimin, what else are you plotting?”

Jimin’s grin widened. “Who, me? Plotting? Never.”

But Taehyung knew that look all too well. Jimin always had something up his sleeve, and tonight was no different.

As if on cue, Jimin clapped his hands together, drawing the attention of some of the other guests nearby. “Alright, everyone! Since the night’s still young, how about we kick things up a notch?”

Jungkook narrowed his eyes at him. “Jimin, what are you planning now?”

Jimin flashed an innocent smile. “Oh, just a little dance-off. Couples’ edition.”

A collective murmur rippled through the crowd, and several people perked up, intrigued by the idea. Taehyung’s eyes widened. A dance-off? Jimin knew very well that dancing—especially in front of people—wasn’t exactly his strong suit, and putting him on the spot like this was clearly another one of his attempts to stir the pot.

Before Taehyung could protest, Jimin was already moving. “I’ll pair everyone up, of course,” he said with a wink. “But don’t worry—I’ve already got some great pairings in mind.”

Taehyung’s heart sank, and he exchanged a quick glance with Jungkook, whose expression had once again hardened. Jungkook could see right through Jimin’s ploy, but there was little he could do to stop it without causing a scene.

Jimin began calling out names, pairing couples left and right, and as expected, when he reached Taehyung’s name, he announced with a flourish, “Taehyung and… Bogum!”

Taehyung groaned inwardly, casting an apologetic glance at Jungkook, who was now sitting stiffly beside him. Jimin had once again thrown them into an awkward situation, and it was obvious that he wasn’t going to let up until he got the reaction he wanted.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched, but before he could say anything, Jimin paired him with one of their mutual friends. He wasn’t happy, but he knew causing a scene wouldn’t do any good. Instead, Jungkook shot Jimin a cold look, as if silently warning him that this would have consequences later.

The music started up, and Taehyung, reluctantly paired with Bogum, stepped onto the dance floor. He could feel Jungkook’s eyes on him the entire time, and it made his skin tingle with nervous energy. Bogum, completely oblivious to the tension, offered Taehyung a friendly smile.

“You look uncomfortable,” Bogum said as they swayed to the rhythm. “I’m sorry if this is awkward for you.”

Taehyung forced a smile. “It’s fine. It’s just… Jimin being Jimin.”

Bogum chuckled softly, completely unaware of the storm brewing on the other side of the room. As they danced, Taehyung’s mind was elsewhere, focused on Jungkook and the inevitable teasing that was bound to come once this was over. He didn’t want to upset Jungkook any more than he already had, but there wasn’t much he could do.

From across the room, Taehyung caught Jungkook’s gaze, and the intensity in his husband’s eyes made him shiver. The music faded, and the dance finally came to an end, but Taehyung knew the real storm was just beginning.

As he stepped off the dance floor, Bogum offered him a polite nod and walked away, leaving Taehyung to make his way back to Jungkook. The moment he reached his husband, he was pulled into Jungkook’s arms, the grip on his waist firm and possessive.

“You okay?” Jungkook asked, his voice low, though the tension in his words was unmistakable.

“I’m fine,” Taehyung replied, placing a hand on Jungkook’s chest. “Jimin’s just… being Jimin.”

Jungkook’s lips pressed into a thin line, but before he could respond, Jimin appeared once again, his grin wider than ever.

“Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?” Jimin asked, clearly enjoying the tension he had created.

Jungkook glared at him. “I’m onto you, Jimin. And don’t think I’ll let this slide.”

Jimin raised his hands in mock surrender. “What? I was just trying to make things interesting!”

“Interesting,” Jungkook repeated, his tone dangerously low. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

Taehyung, sensing that things might escalate, quickly stepped in. “Okay, let’s not kill each other at the party, alright? We can deal with this later.”

Jimin chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. “Oh, relax. I’m just having a little fun. You’ll thank me later.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, but his grip on Taehyung remained firm as he pulled him even closer. “We’ll see about that.”

As the night continued, Taehyung could feel the tension lingering between Jungkook and Jimin, but thankfully, no more games were introduced. Jungkook stayed close, his possessive nature still simmering, while Jimin watched from the sidelines, a satisfied smile on his lips.

Taehyung knew one thing for certain: Jimin wasn’t done. Not by a long shot. But for now, he was content to stay in Jungkook’s arms, safe from the chaos his mischievous friend had stirred.