The Choice

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Jungkook stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie for the third time. His black suit fit him perfectly, yet it felt like a cage. He stared at his reflection, his thoughts spinning.

"This is my life now," he muttered under his breath, his tone bitter.

Behind him, his father appeared in the doorway. "You look perfect, son."

Jungkook didn't turn around. "Do I?" His voice was flat, emotionless.

"Lisa will be thrilled. This union is everything our family needs," Mr. Jeon said proudly, stepping inside the room. "You'll make us proud today, Jungkook."

Jungkook nodded but kept his eyes on his reflection. Proud. The word felt heavy. "Sure," he said quietly, though his chest felt tight.

His father patted his shoulder. "Let's go. Everyone's waiting."

Jungkook followed, his footsteps heavy. The car ride to the church was silent, except for his parents discussing wedding plans. His mother chatted excitedly about the guest list, while his father spoke about merging the families.

Jungkook leaned back in his seat, staring out of the window. His hands fidgeted in his lap.

"Are you nervous?" his mother asked, noticing his silence.

"Not really," Jungkook replied, forcing a small smile.

She beamed. "You'll be fine. Lisa is perfect for you."

Perfect. That word again. Jungkook glanced out of the window. But is she perfect for me?

When they arrived, the church looked stunning. White flowers draped over every surface, and chandeliers sparkled like stars.

Lisa stood at the altar, radiant in her white gown. Her smile lit up the room as her eyes met Jungkook's. She looked... happy.

But Jungkook didn't feel anything. No excitement. No warmth. Just a growing emptiness.

He walked down the aisle, his steps slow and deliberate. His heart felt like it was being squeezed.

"Jungkook," the officiant began, his voice echoing in the silent church. "Do you vow to love and cherish Lisa for as long as you both shall live?"

Jungkook froze. His mouth opened, but no words came out. His palms were sweaty, and his chest felt tight.

"Jungkook?" Lisa whispered, her eyes wide with concern.

He glanced at her, then at the expectant faces in the crowd. His father's proud smile. His mother's hopeful gaze.

And then—

CRASH! ⟵⁠(⁠o⁠_⁠O⁠)

The sound of shattering glass and screeching metal filled the church. People screamed as a car barreled through the front doors, skidding to a halt in the aisle.

Jungkook's heart raced. The guests scattered in panic. The world spun around him.

And then~~darkness.

When Jungkook opened his eyes, he wasn't in the church. He was lying on the ground, surrounded by towering trees.

He sat up quickly, his head pounding. "What...?"

The forest was silent except for the rustling of leaves. The air was cool and fresh, but confusion gripped him.

"Where am I?" he murmured, standing unsteadily.

He took a step forward, his shoes crunching on the leaves. The forest seemed endless, the trees casting long shadows.

A soft meow broke the silence.

Jungkook turned and saw a small white cat sitting a few feet away. Its green eyes locked onto his.

"Hey," Jungkook said, his voice shaking slightly. "Where did you come from?"

The cat didn't answer, of course. It just blinked and began walking away, pausing to look back at him.

"You want me to follow you?" Jungkook asked, unsure why he was talking to a cat.

The cat meowed again and continued walking. Jungkook hesitated but eventually followed.

After a while, the forest opened up to reveal a small wooden cabin. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the scent of food filled the air.

The cat ran ahead, disappearing into the cabin.

Jungkook stood at the door, hesitant. "Hello?" he called out.

The door creaked open, and a soft voice answered. "Come in."

Jungkook stepped inside cautiously. The cabin was warm and cozy, with a fire crackling in the hearth. A young man stood near the window, his back to Jungkook.

When he turned around, Jungkook's breath caught. The man was beautiful, with soft features and striking green eyes.

"Who are you?" Jungkook asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The man smiled gently. "I'm Jimin."

"How do you know me?" Jungkook asked, his confusion growing.

Jimin stepped closer. "I've been waiting for you."

"Waiting for me?" Jungkook repeated, his brow furrowing. "Why?"

Jimin's gaze softened. "Because you're lost, Jungkook. You've been carrying a weight that's not yours to bear."

Jungkook's chest tightened. "I don't know what you mean."

"You do," Jimin said gently. "You've been living for others, not yourself. But now, you have a chance to choose your own path."

Jungkook stared at him, the words sinking in. He felt exposed, like Jimin could see every fear and doubt he had ever hidden.

"Why are you helping me?" Jungkook asked after a moment.

Jimin smiled. "Because you deserve to be free. To be happy."

Jungkook swallowed hard. The weight on his shoulders felt heavier now, but at the same time, lighter.

Jimin held out his hand. "Come with me. Let me show you a different way to live."

Jungkook hesitated, then took Jimin's hand.

"Okay," he said softly. "Show me."

And together, they walked out of the cabin, into the sunlight, and toward a future Jungkook never thought he could have

     

    ✤𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.✤

                                           END

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