𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)

chapter 2

Jungkook's POV:

I was jolted awake by the sound of knocking at the door, my mind still foggy from sleep. For a moment, I didn't remember where I was, and then it all rushed back-last night, the wedding, the vows. My heart sank as reality settled in. Slowly, I got up and made my way to the door, pulling it open.

"Good morning, son! How was your sleep?" My mother-in-law greeted me with a bright smile.

I tried to shake off the grogginess and offered a polite smile. "It was good, aunty," I said, my voice sounding more awake now.

She gave me a warm look, her eyes full of kindness. "From now on, call us Mom and Dad, okay?"

I hesitated for a moment, but I knew it was part of my new reality. "Yes, Mom," I replied, smiling again, though it didn't quite reach my eyes.

She looked past me, her smile growing fonder. "Now, is my lazy chick still sleeping?" she asked, peeking into the room. I followed her gaze to where Jimin was sprawled out on the bed, limbs flung in every direction, his soft hair tousled into a wild mess. His innocent face, peaceful and untouched by the harshness of reality, made him look even more like a child. A beautiful
mess.

I opened the door wider, and Mom gasped, walking quickly into the room. She approached the bed with a mischievous glint in her eyes before gently slapping Jimin's bum.

He groaned, whining in his sleep, "Five more minutes, Mom..." His voice was muffled by the pillow, still clinging to the last remnants of slumber.

Mom shook her head, embarrassed by his childishness. "Yah, get up, you lazy child!" she scolded, shaking his shoulders lightly, but he only rolled over, burying his face deeper into the covers.

I chuckled, watching the scene unfold. It reminded me of all the times I'd seen them together before, Jimin forever sheltered by his parents, oblivious to the realities of the world. "Let him sleep a little longer, Mom I'll wake him up in a bit," I said softly.

Mom sighed, throwing her hands up in surrender. "Alright, but don't let him sleep too long. Breakfast will be ready soon," she said, heading out of the room.

I quickly freshened up and returned to the bed. Jimin was still fast asleep, his lips slightly parted, his chest rising and falling in slow, even breaths. I couldn't help but smile at how peaceful he looked, despite everything.

"Jimin-ah, wake up," I called softly, sitting beside him and brushing a hand through his messy hair. He stirred slightly, snuggling closer to me, his face pressed against my stomach. His warmth seeped through the fabric of my shirt, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt in my chest.

He opened his eyes slowly, blinking up at me with a sleepy smile. "Good morning, hyung," he said, his voice soft and sweet, making my heart ache. How was I supposed to do this?

"Good morning," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "Get up and get ready. We have to go down for breakfast."

Jimin groaned, pouting as he sat up, his hair sticking up in every direction. He looked at me, eyes wide and pleading, and raised his arms toward me, asking to be carried to the washroom like he always did when we were younger. I sighed, but couldn't deny him-old habits die hard, and the only difference now was that we were married.

I lifted him up, carrying him to the washroom, his arms wrapped loosely around my neck. He rested his head on my shoulder, still half-asleep. Once he was inside, I waited in the bedroom, my mind wandering.

Thoughts swirled around me like a storm-what would things be like when we reached Canada? What would everyone say when they found out I was married? And worst of all, what would she say? The thought of her stung more than I could admit.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I felt Jimin's arms wrap around me from behind. His head rested against my back, his voice soft and innocent as he asked, "What were you thinking about, hyung?"

"Nothing," I lied, turning to face him with a smile I didn't feel. "Let's go eat breakfast, your majesty," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Jimin giggled, playing along with my joke. "We should," he replied, puffing out his chest and pretending to act royal. Then he bolted down the stairs, his laughter filling the house.

As I watched him, I couldn't help but make a silent promise to myself: I'll try my best to keep you happy, Jimin. Even if it's not the way a husband should.

The breakfast table was lively, filled with the warmth of both of our families. Laughter echoed around us as we ate, and for a moment, I almost forgot about the weight on my shoulders. We spent the rest of the day out, shopping, eating, laughing. Jimin's excitement was infectious, and despite the growing tension in my chest, I tried to enjoy the moments with him and our families.

But the tension never left. It lingered, a constant reminder of the storm that awaited us in Canada. A storm I wasn't ready to face.

_________________________________________

That night, I found myself packing for the trip. Tomorrow, we'd be boarding the flight back to Canada, and my life would change in ways I couldn't predict. I had worked as a cyber security analyst there for almost six months before everything changed. Before the tragedy struck. Before I was forced into this marriage. Now, I wasn't sure what to expect when we returned.

I packed my suitcase first, then turned to help Jimin with his. He wasn't much for organizing, his things scattered around the room like he hadn't even started. As I folded his clothes and placed them neatly into his suitcase, the knot in my stomach tightened. Tomorrow, the real disaster would begin.

There was a knock on the door, and Jimin hurried to open it. His parents stood there, looking hesitant and a little sad.

"Can we come in?" they asked, though Jimin laughed at their formality.

"Why are you guys asking permission now? You always come in without knocking before," Jimin said innocently, and his parents blushed slightly at the truth of his words.

"We were wondering, Jungkook... would it be alright if Jimin sleeps with us tonight?" his father asked, looking slightly embarrassed but also filled with sadness. "It's your last night here before you leave, and..."

I understood their feelings. Jimin was precious to them in a way that went beyond the usual parental love. After years of trying to have a child, Jimin was their miracle baby, their entire world.

I smiled at them, though my heart felt heavy. "Of course, Dad. I don't mind," I said softly.

Jimin's face lit up, and he turned to me, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. "Goodnight, hyung!" he said, standing on his toes and aiming to kiss my cheek. He missed, his lips brushing my neck instead, and he giggled before running off to his parents' room.

I watched him go, a sigh escaping my lips as I lay down on the bed alone. The room felt emptier without him, and the weight of everything crashed down on me all at once.

Tomorrow, we'd fly to Canada, and I'd have to face her. Jimin was an angel, most of the time, but even angels could become devils when pushed too far. I wasn't sure how things would play out. I didn't know how Jimin would handle the truth when he found out that I couldn't see him as my husband.

But despite it all, I made one final promise to myself. I'll be loyal to him. No matter what happens, I'll stay by his side.