⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ¹⁶

The Godfather's voice resonated through the spacious living room, commanding everyone’s attention.

“As we all know, the Kims and the Shins have been partners in business for generations. Our families have grown and flourished together, establishing an unmatched legacy.” He paused, his eyes sweeping over each person present before settling on Y/N, who sat calmly beside her father, Jihoon.

Jihoon, who looked uncharacteristically tense, glanced at his daughter. Y/N, however, maintained an impassive expression. Despite the unease simmering around her, she seemed almost… resigned. Even so, her gaze remained steady, unwavering.

She had a certain look in her eyes—one that spoke of a quiet understanding of what was coming next.

“To ensure that our alliance remains unshaken,” the Godfather continued, his tone unyielding and decisive,

“we have decided that it’s time to formalize our connection with a more personal tie.”

Y/N inhaled slowly, her gaze drifting over to Minhyuk and Luna, who exchanged curious glances. Mrs. Kim was smiling softly, her hands folded delicately in her lap, while Taehyung’s father, Mr. Kim, leaned back with a satisfied look.

Taehyung himself appeared almost bored, his gaze lazily wandering the room before resting on Y/N.

“Y/N,” the Godfather announced with a faint smile, “we have arranged your marriage with Taehyung.”

The room seemed to still for a moment, and Y/N felt all eyes turn towards her. Despite the gravity of the announcement, she didn’t flinch. There was no visible reaction—no shock, no outburst. Instead, she simply sat there, processing. She knew something like this had always been a possibility. After all, in their world, marriages were rarely about love. They were about power, influence, and business.

Calmly, Y/N met the Godfather’s gaze.

“I see,” she said, her voice steady and composed. Her demeanor held a sense of quiet acceptance, though there was a subtle flicker of something else behind her eyes—something calculating.

“Y/N,” Mrs. Kim interjected gently, leaning forward slightly, “this union isn’t just for business. Who knows—maybe you and Taehyung will actually come to care for each other. Perhaps even fall in love.” She smiled, a wistful look crossing her features. “Stranger things have happened.”

Y/N offered a polite smile in return, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Perhaps,” she murmured noncommittally. The very idea of love in a marriage like this felt almost laughable. But she wasn’t naïve. She understood the world she was part of, understood that if not Taehyung, it would have been someone else. Someone she had no control over, someone far more dangerous or less tolerable. At least with Taehyung… she knew what she was getting into. She knew how to navigate him, how to handle his temperament and his whims.

A fleeting thought crossed her mind—if this was to be her role, she would ensure it benefited her. There was a certain power in being the wife of someone like Taehyung, a certain leverage. It wasn’t the future she would have chosen, but it wasn’t the worst outcome either.

“Well,” Taehyung’s father spoke up, breaking the silence. “It’s settled then. The arrangements will proceed as planned. We’ll make the announcement soon, and the wedding will take place before the year ends.”

Y/N turned her gaze to Jihoon, who looked back at her with a conflicted expression. He seemed on the verge of speaking, but something held him back. There was a look in his eyes—something between regret and relief. Y/N offered him a small nod, a silent message that she understood. She knew this decision wasn’t entirely his. There were always bigger forces at play, and it was better to accept it than to resist and face repercussions.