my cold classmate is my cold husband 😥😥😥

part 36

The wedding had come and gone, and Tiyara’s life had shifted dramatically in a way she could never have predicted. Now, in the grand mansion, which had been gifted to her and Jungkook by his parents as a wedding present, everything seemed like a dream she couldn’t fully comprehend.

The mansion was magnificent, a blend of modern elegance and classic beauty. It was vast, with tall ceilings and endless rooms. Everything about it screamed luxury, yet Tiyara felt a chill when she walked through its halls. It wasn’t the house that made her uneasy, but the distance between her and Jungkook.

Since their wedding day, Jungkook had remained distant. He was kind, but not in the way she had hoped. There were no tender glances, no quiet moments shared between them. He treated her like a companion—a necessary one, yes, but not someone he desired to be close to. He still kept his distance, physically and emotionally. There were times when she could see the care in his eyes, the small gestures he made to ensure she was comfortable, but they felt like obligations rather than affection.

Tiyara had spent the first few days in the mansion trying to adjust to her new life, but it felt like she was living in a stranger’s home, always in the background, never fully part of the life they were supposed to build together. Every morning, Jungkook left early for work, and every evening, he returned with his mind clearly preoccupied. The only time he seemed truly present was when his family visited.

It was during one of those visits that his parents decided to give them a special gift—something to mark the beginning of their married life.

“I know this isn’t the most ideal situation for both of you,” Mrs. Jeon said, her voice warm yet tinged with sadness. “But we want to give you both something to help you start fresh. This mansion is yours, Tiyara. And Jungkook, we hope it brings you both peace.”

Jungkook looked over at his parents, nodding. He didn’t seem as excited as they were, but there was an unspoken understanding between them. His parents had been behind the decision to marry Tiyara, and they wanted to ensure she was well taken care of. But Jungkook wasn’t sure if he could give her more than that. His promise to protect her was all he had to offer, but he couldn’t offer her his heart.

Later that evening, Tiyara stood by the balcony, gazing out at the sprawling view of the estate. The sky was darkening, the stars beginning to twinkle overhead. She had yet to make the mansion feel like home. It felt like a gilded cage, a beautiful, lonely place where she could never truly belong.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Jungkook standing in the doorway, his posture rigid as always. He wasn’t smiling, but his gaze was softer than usual.

“Is it everything you expected?” he asked, his voice low.

Tiyara nodded slowly. “It’s beautiful. But... it feels empty.”

Jungkook didn’t answer at first, his eyes scanning the vast mansion before looking back at her. “It will take time,” he said. “We’ll make it work. But... I know it’s not ideal.”

Tiyara turned back toward the view, her fingers gripping the railing tightly. “I never expected this, Jungkook. I never expected us to be here, married, but living like strangers.”

There was a pause. Jungkook stood beside her now, his body still, but there was something about the way he stood next to her that made her heart race. It wasn’t a gesture of closeness, but it was different—almost protective.

“I never wanted to marry you like this,” he finally said, his voice quiet, but his words felt heavy. “But I made a promise to my parents to protect you. And that’s what I’m doing. I won’t let anything happen to you, Tiyara. I just... I don’t know how to give you more than that.”

Tiyara’s breath caught in her throat. She had heard him say it before, but hearing it again felt different. She didn’t expect love from him, not right now, not so soon. But she had hoped that someday, something would grow between them—a connection, something real.

“I don’t need more than that,” she whispered, turning to look at him. “But... I need you to be here. I need you to try. I can’t do this alone.”

Jungkook’s eyes softened, but the wall he had built around himself remained. He nodded slowly, though his gaze remained distant. “I’m here, Tiyara. I’m trying. I just... don’t know how to fix this. But I will protect you. I promise.”

It wasn’t the answer she had hoped for, but it was the only one she could get. She smiled faintly, feeling a weight lift off her chest. It wasn’t love. But maybe, just maybe, it was a start.

---

Later that night...

The mansion was quiet, the house now settling into its nighttime rhythm. Jungkook was in his study, as usual, but Tiyara found herself wandering the halls. She passed the grand staircase, the open living room, and finally, the door to their bedroom.

She stopped for a moment, staring at the door, unsure whether to go inside. It was their room now, but it still felt unfamiliar. She had hoped that maybe they would spend the night together, talking, connecting in some way. But every time she approached him, it felt like she was being met with a wall.

With a sigh, Tiyara turned away, deciding to give him space. She knew that Jungkook wasn’t ready for anything more. Maybe he never would be. But she had made her own promise—to herself, at least. She would try to make this work, even if it meant living with the silence and the distance for now.

As she lay in bed that night, the silence around her felt deafening. She wished things could be different, wished that she could feel more than just this quiet ache in her chest. But for now, she had to live with the fact that her marriage was built on promises, not love. And though it hurt, she could only hope that someday, things would change.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sarangae, 🥹💜🫰