Wanting You (A tale of love & loss)

Chapter - 10

The day had arrived, a day Jimin never thought would come without Do-yun by his side. The preparations had all blurred together, and now, in the quiet of the dressing room, Jimin was alone with his thoughts, surrounded by fabric and tradition that felt as heavy as the weight in his chest. His phone kept buzzing with calls from Do-yun, each ring like a stab to his heart. But every time it rang, he turned his face away, biting back tears.

Taehyung, watching his friend's silent suffering, couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Why don't you pick up the call and tell him? Just tell him you're getting married!" he burst out, his tone angry but laced with concern. "I don't get it, Jimin. Why didn't you talk to Do-yun? Or your appa?"

Jimin's gaze fell as he struggled to explain. "Do you think I didn't try, Tae? When I finally gathered the courage to talk to Appa about Do-yun... I overheard him talking to Eomma. He was rejecting another alliance for me just because that person didn't have family, didn't have a strong background. I could hear the worry in his voice. He wants me with someone he believes can support me and take care of me. And he's determined to see me married soon." Jimin choked back a sob. "I can't wait for Do-yun to come back... and I can't ask Do-yun to come back now, to sacrifice everything he's worked so hard for."

Jimin's voice grew shaky as he continued, "Do-yun would drop everything in a second if I asked him. But I can't... I can't let myself be the reason he gives up on his dream. I tried, Tae. I tried to buy some time with Appa, but he wouldn't hear it. He needs to feel secure, to see me safe with someone he trusts before he can have peace." Tears streamed down Jimin's cheeks, and Taehyung's anger melted as he listened. The pain in his friend's voice was unbearable, and he reached out, pulling Jimin into a tight hug.

As the ceremony began, Jimin's appa took his hand, leading him down the aisle. He felt like he was moving through a fog, barely able to register the familiar faces around him. All he could think of was the man who should have been here with him, the life he had dreamed of sharing with Do-yun, now slipping further and further away.

At the altar, Jimin's appa stopped, placing Jimin's hand in his future mate's. "Take care of my child," he said softly, with a seriousness that mirrored his deep love and concern. And then, a quiet voice responded, "I will."

The sound of that voice snapped Jimin out of his haze. He felt his hand gripped tightly, a warmth both foreign and reassuring. Slowly, he raised his gaze, his heart pounding as his eyes met the deep, doe-eyed gaze of Jeon Jungkook. There was a worry in Jungkook's eyes, as though he knew just how fragile this moment was for Jimin. And within that gaze, Jimin saw a reflection of his own fear, a silent understanding that spoke more than words.

The priest's voice broke the silence, asking, "Do you, Park Jimin, take Jeon Jungkook as your lawful partner?"

Jimin's heart raced as he looked out, seeing his appa and eomma watching him with hopeful, expectant faces. His appa gave a slight nod, encouraging him. Jimin took a deep breath, swallowing back his turmoil. This was his life now—a life he never envisioned, a life without Do-yun but full of sacrifices for those he loved.

With trembling lips, Jimin whispered, "I do."