A Taste Of Midnight

86

The private venue was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns and fairy lights, their warm flicker casting delicate patterns on the surrounding trees. The air carried the faint scent of roses and night-blooming jasmine, chosen carefully by Jungkook himself. The gathering was intimate, with less than a hundred guests seated in rows of white chairs, their murmurs blending with the gentle rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

Jungkook stood at the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with subtle gold embroidery along the lapels. His gaze was fixed on Seokjin as he walked down the aisle, his suit mirroring Jungkook's but with silver accents that caught the light beautifully.

Seokjin's steps were graceful, his expression composed, but Jungkook could see the faint blush on his cheeks as he approached. Jimin trailed behind him as his unofficial best man, his usual smirk replaced with a soft, almost proud smile.

The ceremony began with quiet reverence, the priest's voice calm and steady as he welcomed everyone and spoke of love and eternity.

Then came the vows.

Jungkook turned to Seokjin, his hands trembling slightly as he took Seokjin's into his own. His voice was steady but filled with emotion as he began to speak.

"I never imagined my life would lead me to this moment," Jungkook said, his gaze unwavering. "But from the moment I met you, my world changed. You've shown me strength, kindness, and a love that I never thought possible. With you, forever doesn't seem so long—it feels like the only thing that makes sense."

Seokjin's eyes glistened, his lips parting as he prepared to respond. But just as he began, the large wooden doors at the back of the venue creaked open.

All eyes turned as a figure stepped into the light.

Taehyung.

He was dressed impeccably, his crimson eyes subdued but no less striking as he strode confidently down the aisle. The whispers among the guests were hushed but unmistakable, curiosity and tension rippling through the crowd.

Taehyung's movements were unhurried, almost leisurely, as he approached the altar. Without a word, he slipped into an empty chair near the back, leaning back with an air of casual indifference.

"Don't let me stop you," Taehyung said smoothly, his voice carrying just enough to be heard. "Continue."

Seokjin's hands clenched around Jungkook's, his calm demeanor cracking as worry flickered in his eyes. Jungkook tightened his grip, his jaw setting as he turned back to Seokjin, silently urging him to focus.

"It's okay," Jungkook whispered, his voice so low only Seokjin could hear. "I'm here."

Seokjin took a deep breath, his voice shaking slightly as he began.

"Jungkook," he said softly, his words almost trembling with emotion. "You came into my life when I thought I had nothing left to give, and you showed me that there's still light, still hope. You've given me a chance to be happy again, to believe in love again. And for that, I will love you for every moment of this eternity we share."

The vows ended with a gentle kiss, the guests applauding softly as the tension lingered in the air.

When the priest reached the familiar line, "If anyone here has an objection to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace," the atmosphere shifted.

Taehyung's presence became a tangible weight, his gaze locked onto the pair at the altar. The silence stretched, every second feeling like an eternity.

Seokjin's hands tightened on Jungkook's, his worry written plainly across his face. Jungkook's protective instincts flared, his body tensing as he prepared for the worst.