The news breaks like wildfire.
Within minutes of the rumors surfacing online, the internet goes into overdrive. Ulta detective mode is activated as fans and netizens piece together clues. Photos of Taehyung from various occasions start to flood social media, all showing him with a mysterious person—someone who always has their face fully covered with oversized glasses and a mask. Whether they're seen at cafes, airports, or walking down the streets of Seoul, this anonymous figure always remains hidden, making it impossible for anyone to identify them.
The most compelling pieces of evidence come from Taehyung's recent trip to the U.S. Fans remember the photos of him walking down a New York street with someone by his side, their heads lowered, both wrapped in oversized coats. One particularly sharp-eyed fan posts a grainy image from New York's JFK airport, showing a side shot of Taehyung at the immigration check. His companion, head resting on Taehyung's shoulder, remains just out of view, but the pose is intimate, enough to spark wild speculation.
It doesn't take long for fans to start speculating. Some claim the mysterious person is just a close friend, but others suggest something more. Employees from Kim's company begin to leak small details, sharing that whenever this mysterious individual comes to visit Taehyung at the office, he's visibly happier, his mood brighter.
As theories multiply, the internet buzzes with wild guesses. Some fans ship Taehyung with random idols, others with influential figures. The trending hashtag, #KimTaehyungMarried, causes a frenzy, with people debating whether the marriage rumors are true or just a fabrication.
Back in the hospital, Taehyung and Jungkook are blissfully unaware of the storm brewing online. After the accident, Taehyung had sustained a mild concussion, but the doctors wanted to keep him for observation for a day just to be sure. Jungkook refuses to leave his side, and they spend the hours quietly talking, trying to shake off the tension of the day. Jimin and their families have already contacted Jungkook, who assured them that Tae is fine now.
It's when Taehyung finally manages to reach his secretary, Leo, that the outside world comes crashing back in.
Leo rushes into the hospital room, looking visibly worried. "Sir, are you okay? I came as soon as I heard."
Taehyung, sitting up in bed with a slight wince, gives him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Leo. Just a small accident, nothing serious."
Leo looks relieved but quickly shifts to a more serious expression. "That's good to hear, but... uh... there's something you need to know. It's about the rumors... the press outside."
Taehyung frowns, "What rumors?"
Leo hesitates, then pulls out his phone, showing Taehyung the trending hashtag and a flood of posts. "Somehow, word got out that you... that you might be married. There are pictures, people are putting pieces together from past events. It's all over social media. They're speculating about who your... husband might be."
Taehyung's eyes widen as he scrolls through the posts. His heart races as he sees the viral photo from JFK airport—the one of him with Jungkook at the immigration check, with Jungkook's head resting on his shoulder. Though Jungkook's face isn't visible, the speculation is rampant, and Taehyung knows it's only a matter of time before someone connects the dots.
He looks up at Jungkook, his face filled with worry. "Kook, this... this could get messy. I don't want you to—"
But Jungkook surprises him. Instead of the panic Taehyung expects, Jungkook looks... calm. Relaxed, even. "I told you, Tae," he says softly, reaching out to hold Taehyung's hand. "I don't care about what people say anymore. If you want, we can just tell everyone the truth."
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Reluctant Hearts ✔️
Fanfiction"Once bound by love, then torn apart by heartbreak, fate weaves their paths together again-for a union born of duty, but haunted by the ghosts of their past." Seven years after a bitter breakup that severed their unbreakable bond, powerful business...
