As Taehyung and Jungkook entered the grand ballroom, the clinking of champagne glasses surrounded them. The room was filled with powerful business figures, all dressed in their finest, engaged in discussions that Taehyung barely understood. He took a deep breath and forced a smile as they made their way through the crowd.
Jungkook’s hand rested on the small of Taehyung’s back, a subtle reminder that he was not alone in this. It was comforting, grounding even, as they approached their table.
“I hate these things,” Taehyung whispered under his breath, leaning closer to Jungkook.
Jungkook smirked, his eyes scanning the room. “It’ll be over before you know it. Just smile, nod, and leave the talking to me.”
Taehyung chuckled softly, grateful for Jungkook’s easygoing nature. As they sat down, he couldn’t help but glance around the room, catching sight of some familiar faces. Both their parents were present, seated at another table, already engaged in conversation with important investors.
Despite the heavy atmosphere, Jungkook seemed relaxed, confident even. It was a trait Taehyung admired about him—no matter the situation, Jungkook always seemed to take control effortlessly. He could charm a room full of strangers without breaking a sweat, something Taehyung was still learning to do.
“Just breathe,” Jungkook murmured, noticing the tension in Taehyung’s shoulders. “I’ve got you.”
Taehyung gave him a small smile, nodding. “I know. It’s just… a lot.”
Before Jungkook could respond, someone approached their table. A tall, older man with sharp features and an expensive suit. He smiled politely, extending his hand toward Jungkook.
“Jungkook, my boy. It’s been too long,” the man said, his voice smooth with authority.
Jungkook stood and shook his hand firmly. “Mr. Choi, good to see you again.”
The man’s eyes flickered to Taehyung, his smile widening slightly. “And this must be your husband. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Taehyung stood, forcing a polite smile as he shook Mr. Choi’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Mr. Choi said, his gaze briefly lingering on Taehyung before turning back to Jungkook. “You’ve done well for yourself, Jungkook. Your father must be proud.”
Jungkook smiled, though Taehyung could sense the underlying tension in his expression. “I do what I can.”
As Mr. Choi continued speaking, Taehyung allowed himself to zone out slightly, nodding along when necessary. These conversations were never his strong suit, and he often found himself feeling out of place. But as the conversation dragged on, Jungkook’s hand found its way back to Taehyung’s, resting on his knee beneath the table. The subtle gesture sent a wave of reassurance through him.
After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Choi excused himself, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone at their table once again.
“See?” Jungkook teased, squeezing Taehyung’s knee lightly. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Taehyung let out a soft laugh, rolling his eyes. “Easy for you to say. You were doing all the talking.”
Jungkook grinned, leaning closer. “Well, you were looking pretty while I did.”
Taehyung’s cheeks warmed at the compliment, and he swatted Jungkook playfully. “Stop it.”
Before Jungkook could respond, the lights in the ballroom dimmed slightly, signaling the start of the evening’s main event. A stage had been set up at the far end of the room, and soon enough, the host of the evening took his place behind the microphone, welcoming everyone and explaining the importance of the dinner.
Taehyung let out a quiet sigh of relief. At least now he wouldn’t have to make any more small talk—at least, not for a while.
Throughout the evening, Taehyung found himself stealing glances at Jungkook. He looked so effortlessly handsome in his tailored suit, his sharp jawline catching the light in just the right way. Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat every time Jungkook’s gaze flicked to him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
They didn’t need words to communicate how they were feeling. Even in a room full of people, Taehyung felt connected to Jungkook in a way he never had with anyone else. It was a comforting thought, knowing that no matter how overwhelming the evening became, he had Jungkook by his side.
---
As the dinner came to a close and people began to trickle out of the ballroom, Taehyung felt a wave of exhaustion hit him. He had managed to get through the evening without any major mishaps, but the constant pressure of keeping up appearances had drained him.
Jungkook noticed immediately, his hand slipping into Taehyung’s as they stood to leave. “Ready to get out of here?”
Taehyung nodded, grateful for the escape. “Yes, please.”
They made their way out of the ballroom and toward the entrance, where their car was waiting. As soon as they stepped outside into the cool night air, Taehyung let out a deep breath, feeling the tension melt away.
Jungkook wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close as they walked toward the car. “You did great tonight, Tae.”
Taehyung smiled tiredly. “Thanks, but I’m glad it’s over.”
Jungkook chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Taehyung’s head. “Me too.”
As they climbed into the car and settled into their seats, Taehyung leaned against Jungkook, feeling the weight of the evening begin to lift. They drove home in comfortable silence, the quiet hum of the engine lulling Taehyung into a sense of peace.
He closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax completely for the first time that night. With Jungkook beside him, the world felt a little less overwhelming, a little easier to navigate.
And for now, that was enough.
YOU ARE READING
Ties of Fate
FanfictionJeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung had never liked each other. From childhood, their families had been fierce rivals, constantly competing in the world of business. The Jeon family owned the most prestigious chain of luxury hotels in South Korea, while...
