Forced Vows,true Love ||top Tae

11

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As the night deepened, the grand hall was filled with laughter, music, and the hum of conversations. Guests from every corner of the kingdoms gathered to celebrate the union of the Kim and Jeon families. Ornate tables were set with the finest delicacies, dishes crafted to honor the traditions of each kingdom, symbolizing the hope for harmony and prosperity in this marriage.

Taehyung and Jungkook sat side by side at the head of the table, adorned in their wedding attire, their expressions a study in contrast. Taehyung maintained a stoic, almost indifferent look, his gaze focused on the festivities rather than the man sitting beside him. Jungkook, however, wore a carefully practiced smile, though his eyes held a distant sadness, masked by the polite nods and glances he offered to their guests.

As each ruler, noble, and royal family approached to offer their blessings, they brought tokens of good fortune—rare jewels, exotic fabrics, and mystical artifacts, each a symbol of their hope for a long and prosperous union. Some whispered kind words, others delivered flowery speeches about the strength of alliances, and still others commented on the beauty of the couple.

Jungkook lowered his head respectfully with each blessing, his heart heavy as he felt the weight of their expectations. With every well-wish, he felt the silent pressure to uphold this union, even if his new husband remained as distant as ever.

When it was Taehyung’s parents’ turn to approach, Queen Hyejin placed a gentle hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, her eyes kind yet knowing. She leaned in, her voice soft as she said, “Welcome to our family, Jungkook. May your bond grow in time, stronger than even the finest silk, unbreakable as steel.”

Jungkook met her gaze, her warmth offering a brief moment of comfort, and he nodded with a quiet, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Taehyung’s father, King Daehyun, nodded approvingly, though his expression held an unspoken question as his eyes flicked briefly toward Taehyung. He was aware of his son’s reluctance and hoped that perhaps, with time, Taehyung would open his heart to this bond.

After the blessings and congratulations, the guests were served a grand feast, a symphony of flavors and fragrances. Taehyung ate in silence, making no effort to engage with Jungkook, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Jungkook picked at his food, the heaviness in his heart making each bite taste empty, his mind clouded with thoughts of their earlier encounter by the lotus pond and the coldness he still felt from Taehyung.

Finally, as the festivities wound down and the last of the guests departed, both families gathered one last time, giving their final blessings for the night. Taehyung’s mother offered a small smile to Jungkook, her silent support clear, while Jungkook’s parents embraced him, offering gentle words of encouragement.

With the celebrations over, the newlyweds were escorted to their chamber, a beautifully adorned room filled with symbols of unity and good fortune. As the doors closed, silence enveloped them, and Jungkook’s heart pounded with apprehension. This was meant to be the first night of their life together, but instead, he felt like he was sharing the room with a stranger who wanted nothing to do with him.

Taehyung glanced around the room, his jaw clenched, his discomfort evident as he finally spoke, his tone distant. “We don’t have to pretend here. You can stay on your side, and I’ll stay on mine. There’s no need for anything more.”

Jungkook swallowed hard, nodding as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “As you wish,” he replied quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

With those words, Taehyung turned away, leaving Jungkook standing alone, surrounded by the remnants of a wedding that felt more like a gilded cage than a celebration of love.

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The morning sun filtered softly through the windows, illuminating the grand hall where the newlywed rituals were set to take place. Decorated with red silks and golden ornaments, the space was filled with an air of festivity and expectation. A large tub sat in the center, filled with crystal-clear water and scattered with vibrant red rose petals that floated delicately on the surface, creating a scene both beautiful and symbolic. Hidden at the bottom was a golden ring, and the first of many rituals required that the couple find it together, their hands dipping into the water side by side.

Jungkook approached the tub with graceful steps, his face calm yet tinged with the same quiet sadness he’d carried since last night. Today, he wore a red hanfu adorned with golden patterns that shimmered in the sunlight, symbolizing his role as the prince’s consort. Across from him stood Taehyung, dressed in robes of deep red and gold, his posture proud and slightly rigid as he awaited the start of the ritual, his expression still as unreadable as ever.

The elder leading the ritual clapped his hands, signaling for them to begin. "This ring symbolizes unity and cooperation,” he announced to those gathered around, the elders, family, and nobles watching with interest. “Both of you must reach in together and find it as one."

Taehyung shot Jungkook a brief, impassive glance before extending his hand toward the water. Jungkook mirrored the action, his hand slipping into the cool water just inches away from Taehyung’s. They searched together in silence, their fingers brushing the smooth rose petals, and every so often, their hands would graze each other, sending a subtle spark through Jungkook’s heart, though he tried to suppress it.

The tub was large, and the ring elusive. Jungkook was trying to focus on finding it, but each unintentional touch between them reminded him of the vast emotional distance that lay between them. He may be right beside me, he thought, but his heart is so far away.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jungkook’s fingers brushed against something hard and cold at the bottom of the tub. He grasped the ring and, as tradition dictated, gently slid it toward Taehyung’s hand. Taehyung took it, his hand brushing Jungkook’s one last time before he raised the ring above the water, showing it to the onlookers.

The gathered crowd erupted in applause, cheers echoing through the hall as the couple completed the ritual. Jungkook mustered a small, polite smile, but his heart felt heavy, knowing the moment was purely ceremonial, a show for the guests. To Taehyung, this wasn’t a symbol of unity but rather a formality, a chore he had no desire to perform.

After the ritual, the elder presented the ring to Taehyung, who, as tradition required, was to place it on Jungkook’s finger, symbolizing his commitment to protect and cherish him. Taehyung held the ring and reached for Jungkook’s hand, his touch warm but devoid of tenderness as he slipped it onto Jungkook’s finger.

I just saw these type of ritual in instagram and had no idea about it .

I wrote it in my way