Where Star Alligns

12

Everyone gasped at Jungkook's declaration. Taehyung, witnessing the scene, felt his heart shatter. Jungkook, his mate, was claiming Bora as his own.

Bora, still feigning concern, asked, "But Jungkook, your birthday and mate revelation are next month. How can you be so sure I'm your mate?"

Jungkook's eyes flashed with intensity, his fangs descending. "I don't care about fate or destiny. I only want you, Bora. I won't accept anyone else."

Bora beamed with triumph, but Taehyung's sorrow deepened.

Seokjin and Yoongi exchanged perplexed glances. Moments ago, Jungkook was writhing in agony; now, he was professing love for Bora.

Yoongi's voice laced with suspicion. "Kook, what's going on? You were in excruciating pain, and now...this?"

Bora's composure faltered, her nerves frayed by the questioning.

Jungkook's smile seemed forced. "It was just an act, Hyung. I wanted to confess my love to Bora and propose marriage as soon as possible."

Yoongi and Seokjin looked stunned, incredulous. This wasn't the Jungkook they knew.

Taehyung, however, felt his hope dwindling. Had he lost Jungkook forever?

Jungkook gazed adoringly at Bora. "Bora, I love you. I've loved you for years. I want you to be mine as soon as possible. Will you marry me?"

Bora's smile radiated joy. "Yes, I'll marry you!"

She glanced at Taehyung, whose eyes welled up with tears, and smirked.

"Let's get married soon, Jungkook. Why don't you meet my parents tomorrow?" Bora suggested.

Jungkook nodded enthusiastically.

Taehyung, overwhelmed with heartbreak, gathered his belongings and fled the cafeteria. Jimin, concerned, chased after him.

On the terrace, Jimin found Taehyung sobbing on his knees. "What's wrong, Taehyung?" Jimin asked, worry etched on his face.

Taehyung buried his face in Jimin's shoulder, tears streaming down.

After a few minutes, Taehyung's sobs subsided, replaced by sniffles. Jimin gently lifted his friend's face.

"Tell Hyung what's wrong, Tae," Jimin coaxed.

Taehyung's voice trembled. "Hyung, my mate...he doesn't want me."

Jimin's eyes widened. "What? Who's that person?"

Taehyung whispered, "Jungkook."

Jimin's expression turned stunned. "Jungkook is your mate?"

Taehyung nodded, his eyes welling up again.

Jimin's anger toward Jungkook simmered, but he prioritized comforting Taehyung. As he hugged his friend, he noticed something peculiar – Taehyung's eyes, now blue, sparkled in the sunlight.

Jimin's curiosity grew. "Tae, I've never seen your eyes like this before. They're...blue."

Taehyung's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "No one has, Jimin. My parents warned me to keep it hidden."

Jimin's eyes widened. "Hidden? Why?"

Taehyung hesitated before speaking. "My parents told me to never reveal my true self, especially my wolf. No one knows what I am, not even you, until now."

Jimin's expression softened. "I'm honored you trust me, Tae."

Taehyung's smile faltered. "You must promise not to tell anyone. My parents fear...consequences."

Jimin nodded solemnly. "I promise, Tae. Your secret is safe with me."

Jimin pondered the mystery surrounding Taehyung. "What about your wolf? Has anyone seen it?"

Taehyung shook his head vigorously. "No, never. My parents taught me to control it, keep it hidden."

Jimin's curiosity deepened. "Why the secrecy, Tae?"

Taehyung's voice dropped to a whisper. "My parents said...I'm different. Not alpha or beta. Something more."

Jimin's eyes locked onto Taehyung's. "More? What does that mean?"

Taehyung's shoulders shrugged. "I don't know. My parents never explained."

The air thickened with unanswered questions.

Jimin's reassuring words comforted Taehyung. "Don't worry, Tae. We'll figure out what's going on with Jungkook. Now, no more tears. Smile for me."

Taehyung nodded, a faint smile on his lips.

Unbeknownst to them, V watched from afar, his eyes fixed on his brother's sorrow, Ji-Anand sol. He vowed to protect Taehyung's happiness, no matter the cost.

"I won't let anyone take our mate from us," V whispered to himself. "Even if it means interfering in the mortal world."

As Jimin dropped Taehyung home, he offered words of encouragement. "Don't worry about anything, Tae. We'll find a solution."

Taehyung nodded silently and headed upstairs.

Meanwhile, Bora burst into the kitchen, beaming. "Mom, I'm so happy!"

Her mother's curiosity piqued. "What's the reason for your joy?"

Bora's excitement spilled over. "Jungkook proposed to me! He's coming tomorrow to meet all of you."

Her mother's eyes widened in surprise, but a warm smile followed. "Then I'm happy for you, Bora. You've found the love of your life."

Bora's grin faltered slightly at the mention of Taehyung. "And I hope Taehyung finds his mate soon," her mother added.

Bora's smile regained its radiance. "Yes, Mom. I'm sure he will."

Her mother's eyes sparkled. "I'll start preparing for Jungkook's visit. We'll make a great impression."

Bora nodded enthusiastically.

Upstairs, Taehyung overheard the conversation, his heart aching.