Ties of Fate

After Party

The ride back to the mansion was filled with a thick, uncomfortable silence. Taehyung stared out the window, the lights of the city blurring as the car sped through the streets. He could feel the tension still hanging between them, a leftover from the events at the party. Despite Jungkook’s reassurances, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that things had shifted, that somehow the night had left a mark.

Jungkook’s hand rested on Taehyung’s thigh, a gesture meant to comfort, but Taehyung’s thoughts were spinning. He couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for not speaking up sooner, for letting Jimin’s game push them into such an awkward situation. And then there was the matter of Bogum—his old crush. The feelings he once harbored for Bogum were long gone, but the situation had brought up memories he’d rather forget.

Jungkook, for his part, hadn’t said much since they left the party. His grip on Taehyung’s hand remained firm but gentle, his thumb occasionally brushing over Taehyung’s skin as if to remind him that he was there, that they were okay.

When they finally pulled up to the mansion, Taehyung let out a small sigh of relief. The driver opened the door, and they stepped out into the cool night air. Taehyung shivered slightly as they walked toward the front door, but whether it was from the cold or the lingering tension, he wasn’t sure.

As soon as they were inside, Jungkook closed the door behind them and turned to face Taehyung. His expression was unreadable, a mix of concern and something deeper—something darker that Taehyung couldn’t quite place.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked softly, his eyes searching Taehyung’s face for any sign of discomfort.

Taehyung nodded, but his voice felt stuck in his throat. He didn’t know how to explain the jumble of emotions swirling inside him, how to tell Jungkook that he felt responsible for the awkwardness at the party.

Jungkook stepped closer, cupping Taehyung’s face in his hands. “You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?”

Taehyung looked down, biting his lip. “I just… I feel bad. I should’ve said something. I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

Jungkook’s thumbs gently stroked Taehyung’s cheeks, pulling his gaze back up. “Tae, you don’t need to worry about that. Jimin was the one who pushed things too far, not you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Taehyung exhaled, the weight of Jungkook’s words slowly easing the knot of guilt in his chest. “I know, but… when I saw the bottle land on Bogum, I just—” He paused, struggling to find the right words. “I didn’t know how to handle it. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Jungkook’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. “It’s okay. I trust you, Taehyung. I know you didn’t want any of that to happen.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung’s lips. “And you don’t have to worry about Bogum. He’s just your past. I’m your future.”

Taehyung felt his heart swell at Jungkook’s words. The warmth of Jungkook’s kiss lingered on his lips, grounding him in the moment. “You’re right. I’m just overthinking things.”

Jungkook smiled, pulling Taehyung into a tight embrace. “You tend to do that.” He kissed the top of Taehyung’s head before pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. “But don’t. You’re mine, and that’s all that matters.”

Taehyung smiled softly, the tension in his body finally beginning to ease. “Yeah, I’m yours.”

Jungkook’s eyes sparkled with a hint of playfulness. “And don’t you forget it.” He leaned in, his lips brushing against Taehyung’s ear. “Now, why don’t we go upstairs and forget all about that party?”

Taehyung shivered at the low, teasing tone in Jungkook’s voice. He nodded, letting Jungkook take his hand and lead him toward the staircase.

As they ascended the stairs, Taehyung felt lighter, the worries of the night slowly melting away with every step. By the time they reached their bedroom, the party, the games, and even the awkward moment with Bogum felt like distant memories.

Jungkook closed the door behind them, and in the quiet intimacy of their room, Taehyung could finally breathe fully. Jungkook pulled him close again, their bodies fitting together perfectly as they stood in the dim light.

“I love you,” Jungkook whispered, his lips ghosting over Taehyung’s skin as he spoke.

Taehyung smiled, the last remnants of his anxiety disappearing as he melted into Jungkook’s arms. “I love you too.”

And as they lay down together that night, wrapped in each other’s warmth, Taehyung realized that no matter what, as long as they had each other, nothing else mattered. Not Bogum, not Jimin’s games, not the awkwardness of the evening. It was just them, and that was enough.

For now, and for always.