Ties of Fate

Uncertainty

In the days following their heart-to-heart, things seemed to be back to normal between Jungkook and Taehyung. They slipped back into their easy rhythm—working together, spending time with each other, and finding comfort in their growing bond. But the shadow of Jungkook’s earlier doubts lingered at the edges of Taehyung’s thoughts. He knew that while they had reassured each other, there was still a deeper layer of uncertainty beneath the surface.

They received an invitation to a business networking event on a Friday afternoon. It was an exclusive dinner, hosted by one of the top CEOs in the industry, and it promised to be a huge opportunity for networking and expanding their business empire.

“Wr definitely need to go,” Taehyung said as he looked over the elegant invitation. “This could be a game-changer for us.”

Jungkook nodded in agreement, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, it sounds important.”

Taehyung sensed Jungkook’s hesitation, though he didn’t bring it up. Instead, he placed the invitation down and moved closer to Jungkook, touching his arm gently. “We’ll go together. We’ll handle this like we always do.”

Jungkook looked down at Taehyung and gave a soft smile. “You’re right. We’ve got this.”

---

On the evening of the event, the mansion was alive with activity as the staff helped them prepare. Taehyung, dressed in a sharp navy suit that hugged his frame perfectly, couldn’t help but notice how distracted Jungkook seemed. Jungkook had chosen an all-black ensemble, looking effortlessly handsome, but his mind appeared elsewhere as they got ready.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?” Taehyung asked as they stood in front of the mirror, adjusting their ties.

Jungkook met his eyes in the reflection and sighed. “I’m fine, Tae. Just thinking about the night ahead.”

Taehyung didn’t press further, though a part of him wanted to dig deeper. Instead, he finished fixing his tie and turned to face Jungkook directly. “We’re going to crush this event. No one can stand in our way.”

Jungkook’s lips curved into a small smile, the tension in his shoulders relaxing just a bit. “Yeah, you’re right.”

As they walked out of the mansion and into their car, the night ahead—both a potential triumph and a test.

---

The venue for the dinner was grand, a modern building with glass walls that reflected the city’s lights. Inside, the elite of the business world clinking their glasses, discussing deals and partnerships. Taehyung and Jungkook were greeted warmly, their reputation as a power couple preceding them.

But as the evening progressed, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Jungkook seemed quieter than usual, responding politely to conversations but without his usual charm. Taehyung did his best to keep up with the flow of the evening, but his attention kept drifting to his husband.

At one point, Taehyung excused himself to the restroom, needing a moment to collect his thoughts. As he splashed some water on his face, he stared at his reflection, wondering if he was imagining things. He wanted to believe that everything was fine, that Jungkook was just stressed about the event, but a small voice in the back of his mind told him otherwise.

When he returned to the main room, he saw Jungkook standing near the bar, talking to a man Taehyung didn’t recognize. The conversation seemed intense, and for a brief moment, Taehyung’s heart raced. Was this someone from Jungkook’s past? A competitor? Or just another businessman trying to make a deal?

As Taehyung approached, Jungkook noticed him and quickly wrapped up the conversation, the man giving a polite nod before walking away.

“Who was that?” Taehyung asked, trying to keep his voice casual.

“Just someone trying to pitch a deal,” Jungkook replied, though his tone was clipped. “Nothing important.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, sensing that Jungkook was withholding something, but before he could ask further, they were approached by the host of the evening—CEO Park, a powerful figure in their industry.

“Mr. Jeon, Mr. Kim, I’ve been meaning to speak with you both,” CEO Park said, his smile warm but calculating. “I’ve heard great things about your collaboration. I trust the rumors are true?”

Taehyung gave a practiced smile. “We’re always open to new opportunities, Mr. Park.”

Jungkook, however, seemed distracted, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for someone. “Of course,” he added, though his enthusiasm was noticeably lacking.

Taehyung stepped in, engaging in conversation with CEO Park while Jungkook remained silent beside him. The exchange went smoothly, but Taehyung couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that something had changed between them.

---

The car ride home was quiet, the silence between them heavy and unspoken. Taehyung wanted to ask Jungkook what had been bothering him all night, but he didn’t know where to start. Was it insecurity? Jealousy? Or something else entirely?

As they arrived back at their mansion, Taehyung finally decided to break the silence.

“Jungkook,” he said softly, as they stood in the foyer, “I need you to be honest with me. What’s going on?”

Jungkook sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair before looking down at the floor. “I don’t know how to explain it, Tae. I feel like I’m losing control. Like no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake these doubts.”

Taehyung’s heart clenched. “Doubts about us?”

Jungkook shook his head quickly. “No, not about you. About me. About whether I’m doing enough, being enough. Seeing you in these settings, seeing how people look at you, it’s hard not to feel like I’m failing somehow.”

Taehyung stepped closer, placing his hands on Jungkook’s shoulders, forcing him to look up. “You’re not failing, Jungkook. You’re doing more than enough. But you need to stop comparing yourself to others, especially when it comes to me. I don’t want anyone else. I chose you.”

Jungkook’s eyes softened, the tension in his body slowly releasing as he let Taehyung’s words sink in. “I know. I just… I need to work on trusting that. Trusting myself.”

Taehyung nodded, his thumb brushing lightly against Jungkook’s cheek. “And I’ll help you with that. We’ll get through this, just like we always do.”

Jungkook leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. “I’m sorry for being distant. I’ll do better.”

Taehyung smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “We’ll figure it out, together.”

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the silence between them no longer heavy but comforting. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, side by side.