Ties of Fate

Doubt Is An Enemy

The days following the gala were filled with compliments and success. News of the event spread quickly till it reach the news, and Taehyung and Jungkook received countless emails and calls praising their efforts. Their collaboration was seen as innovative and influential, and both families were proud of the outcome. But beneath the surface, something was shifting.

Taehyung had noticed Jungkook acting a little differently since the party. At first, he chalked it up to exhaustion—after all, they’d worked tirelessly for weeks to pull off the gala. But as the days passed, Jungkook seemed quieter, more distant, his usual teasing banter replaced by thoughtful silences.

One evening, Taehyung found Jungkook sitting alone in their shared office, staring out the window, his brow furrowed in thought. The room was dimly lit, and the air felt heavy.

“Hey,” Taehyung said softly as he approached. “You okay?”

Jungkook turned his head slightly, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Taehyung sat down across from him, studying Jungkook’s face. “Thinking about what?”

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. “About us. About everything, really.”

Taehyung’s heart clenched slightly, unsure where this conversation was heading. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been feeling… off, lately,” Jungkook admitted, his voice low. “Like I’ve been holding back or not giving you everything you deserve.”

Taehyung frowned, confused. “What are you talking about? We’re doing great, Jungkook. We just pulled off a huge event together. We’re closer than ever.”

Jungkook nodded, but his gaze remained distant. “I know. And that’s the thing. I love what we have, Tae. But lately, I’ve been questioning if I’m doing enough for you—if I’m being the kind of partner you need.”

Taehyung’s chest tightened at Jungkook’s words. “You are enough, Jungkook. More than enough. Why would you think otherwise?”

Jungkook let out a frustrated sigh, finally turning to face Taehyung. “Because I see the way people look at you. I know I’m not the only one who sees how amazing you are. And sometimes, I wonder if you’re settling for me when you could have someone better.”

Taehyung stared at Jungkook, shocked. “What? No, Jungkook, that’s not true at all. I chose you. I want you. Why would you even think like that?”

Jungkook ran a hand over his face, his expression filled with self-doubt. “Maybe it’s just me being insecure. Maybe it’s seeing Bogum at that party, remembering how he used to be important to you. I know you’ve moved on, but…”

Taehyung’s heart sank as he realized where this was coming from. Bogum. He hadn’t even considered how his old crush might be affecting Jungkook. It was something he’d buried long ago, but seeing Bogum again, and the way Jimin had stirred things up, must have brought out old fears in Jungkook.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung said gently, reaching for his hand. “Bogum is my past. You’re my present and my future. You have nothing to worry about.”

Jungkook’s eyes softened as he looked at Taehyung. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Tae. It’s just… sometimes I feel like I’m not enough for someone like you. You’re so beautiful, talented, and everyone seems to want your attention. It messes with my head.”

Taehyung stood, moving to kneel in front of Jungkook, holding his hands tightly. “Jungkook, you are everything to me. Don’t you see that? I don’t care what anyone else thinks. You make me feel loved, safe, and happy. There’s no one else for me.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, exhaling deeply as Taehyung’s words washed over him. “I’m sorry, Tae. I didn’t mean to doubt us. It’s just been hard to shake off these feelings.”

Taehyung pressed a soft kiss to Jungkook’s knuckles, his heart aching at the vulnerability in Jungkook’s voice. “You don’t ever have to apologize for how you feel. But please don’t doubt how much I love you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jungkook opened his eyes, looking down at Taehyung with a mix of love and gratitude. “I love you too, Tae. More than anything.”

Taehyung smiled softly, standing up and pulling Jungkook into a tight hug. “We’re in this together, okay? No more doubts. We’ll figure everything out, like we always do.”

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung, holding him close. “Okay,” he whispered against Taehyung’s shoulder. “No more doubts.” "And don't you dare call me beautiful again, I am a man." Said Taehyung.

They stood there for a long time, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the weight of the conversation slowly lifting as their hearts synced once more.

---

The next morning, things felt lighter between them. Jungkook seemed more at ease, and Taehyung was determined to show him just how much he meant to him. They spent the day together, running errands and preparing for their next business venture, but it felt like a fresh start—a renewed sense of connection after their late-night talk.

At one point, as they were walking through a quiet park, Jungkook stopped and pulled Taehyung into his arms, planting a firm kiss on his lips.

“What was that for?” Taehyung asked, breathless from the sudden kiss.

Jungkook smirked, his eyes twinkling with affection. “Just reminding myself how lucky I am.”

Taehyung’s cheeks flushed, but he couldn’t help but smile. “You don’t need to remind yourself, Jungkook. You’re stuck with me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jungkook replied, pulling Taehyung closer for another kiss.

As they walked hand in hand, Taehyung couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. They had faced insecurities, doubts, and fears, but they had come out stronger on the other side. Together, they could handle anything.

And whatever the future held, they would face it side by side, just as they always had.