Beyond The Fortress - Echo of an unheard voice {BangTan Fanfic}

2. Shrouded secret

Throughout lunch, Jin was a bundle of nerves. His eyes kept darting toward Taehyung's new ring, silently praying Namjoon wouldn't notice. What if he asks? Worse-what if Taehyung blurts out the truth? Jin forced himself to stay calm, though his stomach churned with unease.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was blissfully unaware of Jin's turmoil. He savored the feast with zero cares, chatting away with Namjoon about future plans for his career. Namjoon remained his composed self, calmly eating and nodding as Taehyung spoke, while Jin silently prayed for the meal to end without incident.

Once lunch was over and Namjoon headed back to work, Jin made sure all the staff were busy with tasks downstairs before sneaking up to Taehyung's room. He knocked softly, and when the door opened, Taehyung stood there in his pajamas, looking sleep-deprived but still grinning. Poor guy-jet lag had clearly hit him hard.

Jin hesitated but knew he couldn't let it go. "Are you sleepy? Do you have a few minutes to talk?" he asked gently.

Taehyung's grin widened, and he stepped aside. "For you, hyung? Always."

Jin slipped inside and shut the door behind him, not wanting anyone to overhear. He wasted no time. "You said you got married. What exactly do you mean by that, Taehyung?"

Taehyung plopped onto his bed, hugging a pillow to his chest, and grinned mischievously. "I mean I got married, hyung."

Jin blinked. Oh, this kid. He's joking, right? Jin facepalmed internally. "Taehyung, this isn't the time for jokes."

"I'm not joking, hyung. I'm serious!"

The grin on Taehyung's face wasn't playful-it was euphoric. Jin's heart sank. This wasn't a prank. The realization hit him like a truck.

"Okay," Jin said, trying to steady his voice. "Why didn't you tell your hyung? And most importantly, who did you marry? Why the rush?"

Taehyung leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hyung, promise you'll keep it a secret for now. I'll find the right time to tell Namjoon hyung."

Jin nodded, his heart pounding.

"He's Korean too. We met in New York. He was there for a short management course, and we spent the last semester living together." Taehyung's cheeks turned pink as he continued. "You know JFK Group, right? He's their founder's son. Jeon Jungkook."

Jin's jaw dropped slightly. "Jungkook? You mean that Jeon Jungkook?"

Taehyung nodded eagerly. "Yes, hyung. I love him so much. He's coming back to Korea in two days. I want to introduce him to you first."

Jin's concern deepened. "Why did you rush into marriage, Taehyung?"

Taehyung's eyes widened innocently. "I know you and Namjoon hyung would support us in a heartbeat. But Gukkie's dad? He's... a bit tougher. It was Jungkook's idea to get married in Vegas. It's legal, hyung, and it helps make our case stronger."

Jin stared at him, frozen in disbelief. Vegas? Legal? How had this sweet, mischievous kid ended up in such a whirlwind situation?

"Hyung? Are you mad?" Taehyung's voice softened, and his puppy eyes practically begged for reassurance.

Jin shook his head quickly. "No, Taehyung. I'm happy for you." He wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "But let's figure out the best way to tell your brother, okay?"

Taehyung grinned, squeezing Jin back. "That's why you're the best hyung!" He pulled back and kissed Jin's cheek playfully.

Jin forced a chuckle, masking his lingering anxiety. "Let's meet him once he's back. Does that work?"