ABC's of Love

Episode 7

As they exchanged their engagement rings, there was a hush in the room. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, watching two souls come together with a sense of irresistible.
Jungkook slipped the ring onto Taehyung’s finger, his hands steady as he met Taehyung’s gaze. Taehyung followed, placing Jungkook’s ring with gentle fingers, feeling the warmth of his hand under his own.

The room erupted in applause, but for Jungkook and Taehyung, it felt like they were the only two people there. Amid the cheers and congratulations, they exchanged a soft, private smile.

Afterwards, they mingled with guests, receiving well wishes and blessings. But as the night wore on, they found a quiet corner, away from the crowd. Jungkook turned to him.

Jungkook: "Taehyung, can we go for coffee?"

Taehyung glanced at him, tempted to brush off the invitation, but after a pause, he nodded in agreement.

Suga: *taesed* "Where are you two going?" *raising an eyebrow*

Mrs. Jeon chimed in with a warm smile.
Mrs Jeon: "Go on, my son, enjoy your day."

Her words brought laughter from everyone around them.

They went to a nearby coffee shop. The quiet hum of conversations around them filled the air, yet a palpable tension hung between Jungkook and Taehyung.

Jungkook finally broke the silence.
Jungkook: Are you happy?

Tae: "I didn’t know an arranged engagement could feel like this," *murmured*
Jungkook: *gazed fix* "Taehyung, I know you don’t want an arranged marriage, But for me… it’s not arranged at all, because I love you."

Taehyung’s hand tensed under Jungkook’s touch, and he flinched slightly. Jungkook held his hand gently, his voice softening as he continued.

Jungkook: "I first saw you in Jimin’s engagement photos. From that day on, I wanted to meet you. Say something, Taehyung. Are you happy?"

Taehyung pulled his hand away gently, managing a weak smile. His heart ached with the weight of everything he couldn’t say, for the sake of his father, for Jimin. He knew Jimin’s wedding could be at risk if he were to speak his mind.

Jungkook noticed the subtle change in Taehyung’s expression, though he didn’t fully understand it.
Jungkook: "After we’re married, we can live in London. Are you okay with that?"

Taehyung looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Tae:  "I’m still studying," *his voice barely above a whisper*

Jungkook gave him a reassuring smile.
Jungkook: "After your studies, then. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with you here in the meantime."

They fell into a quiet silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Jungkook spoke up again, his tone almost playful.
Jungkook: "Don’t you want to ask me anything?"

Taehyung: *smiled faintly* "You’ve already told me everything about yourself before I could even ask."

Jungkook chuckled, the tension easing just slightly.
Jungkook: "Guilty as charged."

Taehyung’s smile lingered a moment longer before it faded.
Tae: "Shall we head home? I’m feeling a bit tired."

Jungkook nodded, his voice soft as he replied, "Alright…"

As the night wore on, Jungkook realized he wanted to see Taehyung again, to know him beyond the brief hours of this engagement ceremony. But there was an unspoken tension in Taehyung’s eyes, a look that told him things might not be so simple.

.......

Taehyung tried to reach out to Minho several times, hoping for a familiar shoulder to lean on. But every time he called or tried to meet, Minho was busy, spending his days with his fiancée, Hana. Slowly, the isolation wore on Taehyung, leaving him feeling weak and unheard.

One evening, Taehyung was alone at home, absorbed in a novel, when he heard a knock at the door. He opened it to find Jungkook standing there, a small, hesitant smile on his face.

Jungkook: "Can I come in? I won’t ask for coffee, I promise…" *trying to lighten the mood*

Tae: *slight nod* "Come in…"

As Jungkook stepped inside, he noticed the book in Taehyung’s hand and chuckled softly. Jungkook: "Detective Taehyung…"

Taehyung’s expression immediately darkened.
Tae: "Are you making fun of me?"

Jungkook’s smile faded as he quickly shook his head.
Jungkook: "No, Taehyung, never…"

Taehyung’s eyes held a flash of pain as he spoke, his voice low.
Tae: "Only my brother calls me that. You’re not my friend or my brother, so don’t be so familiar."

Jungkook took a deep breath, keeping his tone calm.
Jungkook: "Alright, relax… I’ll be more careful next time."

Taehyung’s anger flared up again.
Tae: "You… you can go now."

Jungkook nodded, hurt flickering in his eyes as he turned and left. Taehyung watched him go, feeling a pang of regret as the door clicked shut.

Jungkook: "What have I done to him? Damn it…" *muttered to himself, running a hand over his face*

At University

J-Hope found Minho at the café, looking relaxed as he sipped his juice. Without hesitation, J-Hope sat across from him, his expression serious.

Tae: "Minho, you didn’t invite Taehyung."

Minho: "Why… what happened?"

J-Hope: "He called me, asking about you, I told him you were busy with your fiancée."

Minho: *eyes widened* "What? And…?"

J-Hope: *sighed* "He told me about his wedding…"

Minho: *stunned* "Wedding? When…?"

J-Hope: "This weekend…"

Minho sat back, processing the news.
"Hmm…"

.....

TBC