"NIGHT TO REMEMBER" ~Tk

16

~

"Mr. Jeon!"

The room fell silent as Jungkook’s voice echoed. His father turned, momentarily shocked by his son’s entrance, but quickly composed himself, crossing his arms with an icy stare.

Taehyung stood frozen, his cheek stinging from the slap, still holding the paper Jungkook’s father had forced into his hands.

Jungkook took a step closer, fists clenched. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, voice barely steady with the anger he was holding back.

His father scoffed. "Saving you from a mistake," he replied coldly.

"This boy is only after your money. He’s a distraction, nothing more. I’m simply giving him a way out.”

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, who looked down, clutching the paper, his expression torn. He stepped protectively in front of Taehyung, his voice calm but resolute.

"Taehyung isn’t with me for money. He's with me because he cares. And I’m with him because I love him. Nothing you say or offer will change that."

His father’s gaze hardened. "If you stay with him, you’ll lose everything we’ve built for you."

Jungkook didn’t waver. “Then I’ll start from scratch if I have to,” he replied.

“But I won’t lose him.”

The tension in the room was thick. Jungkook’s father’s expression grew darker, clearly unaccustomed to such defiance. He stepped forward, his tone dripping with disdain.

“You’re choosing this boy over your own family? Over everything we’ve worked to give you?” he hissed, eyes narrowing.

“You’ll be left with nothing, Jungkook.. do you understand that? No money, no support, no inheritance.”

Jungkook looked at his father with a steady gaze. "I understand perfectly," he replied firmly.

"For once, I'm choosing what makes me happy, and that’s Taehyung. You’ve done everything to make me feel like I have to fit a mold, but this is my life, not yours.”

The principal shifted uncomfortably, clearly caught in the intensity of the confrontation. Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, feeling a swell of pride, but also worry. He knew how much this decision would cost Jungkook.

Jungkook’s father glared at Taehyung, bitterness etched into every line of his face.

“You won’t last. This life isn’t for you, and you’ll regret it. Mark my words.”

Jungkook moved even closer to Taehyung, intertwining their fingers, his grip strong and reassuring.

“I’ll decide what’s best for me. And it’s not wealth, reputation, or anything you can buy.” He glanced at Taehyung with a soft smile.

“And it’s him.”

With one last glare, Jungkook’s father turned away, his voice sharp as he spoke over his shoulder.

“Then don’t come back looking for forgiveness. When you fail, and you will, remember you threw away everything.”

Jungkook took a deep breath, watching as his father left. Then he turned to Taehyung, brushing his thumb over his cheek softly. “Are you okay?”

Taehyung nodded, though his expression was still shaken.

“I am.. now that you’re here.”

They shared a quiet moment, letting the reality of what had just happened settle. Finally, Taehyung gave a small smile, squeezing Jungkook’s hand.