BunBun Mine // taekook

Chapter 47

As soon as Taehyung's words reached Jungkook's ears, he was stunned. His flushed plump cheeks turned a shade of crimson red immediately. Feeling flustered, he glanced at his father, with uncertain eyes, then shifted his gaze to Taehyung. Taehyung appeared utterly unperturbed, as though he had said nothing shocking or embarrassing. He sat there, waiting patiently for Hoseok’s response, his expression calm and composed.

Hoseok’s brows furrowed deeply, a crease forming on his forehead. He stepped forward, stopping right in front of Taehyung. His voice was stern as he asked, “What do you mean, take him as your bride? Did we ever agree to this? Didn’t you promise to take him to your home only after he finished college?”

Taehyung, still seated, replied in an indifferent tone, “Please, have a seat, father in law. Let’s talk this through.”

Hoseok’s anger flared up instantly. Never in his life had he encountered such insolence. He wanted nothing more than to slap some sense into this audacious young man, but circumstances held him back. His voice, now burning with fury, lashed out, “Say what you have to quickly. I have no interest in sitting down with you. You might be an influential figure in Seoul, but to me, you’re just an insufferable brat.”

A radiant, almost mischievous smile lit up Taehyung’s face. Without rising from his seat, he replied, “Whether I respect you or not, you seem to think I’m being insolent either way. I’ve neither earned any recognition as your nephew nor as your son-in-law. You’ve never viewed me with kind eyes. If you had, my mistakes would have seemed like virtues to you. Having a father-in-law like you is a loss in itself. And now, you’re withholding my wife. The wedding is done; my spouse will stay with me. Why set conditions?”

“Can’t you see he’s still at an age to focus on his studies? How is he supposed to manage a household? Did I ever express a desire to marry him off to you? You tricked and manipulated my naive son into this marriage!” Hoseok’s words, brimming with indignation, struck Taehyung like sharp arrows.

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he made an effort to maintain his composure. Choosing not to prolong the argument, he replied firmly, “I have no desire to quarrel with you. Your son may be really younger, but I am not. My age for starting a family is slipping away. And let’s not forget—you were ready to marry off this baby son of yours to Jackson just a few months ago. Did his age not bother you back then? Stop using these excuses with me. I love your son, and you’re exploiting my emotions to make me suffer. But let me remind you, my dear father-in-law, if you push me too far, I will walk the same path you do.”

In a low voice, Taehyung uttered the final words as he stepped closer to Hoseok who let out a deep sigh, the sound slightly audible. He realized he could no longer stand firm against this cunning stubborn man. Once, he had wanted to remain unyielding in his pride and crush the spirit of every resident of the Kim's Haven. But now, it felt as if his own actions were coming back to haunt him.

For years, the mystery had been shrouded, but today Taehyung unveiled it, humiliating him in front of the entire area's people. He had been consumed by greed, lured by the promise of greater power, and had contested the council's election to defeat the renowned Kim Namjoon and expand his reign over this city of Busan. But all his plans had unraveled. In his quest to win through manipulation and bribery, he had trapped himself for a lifetime.

Taehyung had taken full advantage of the situation to obliterate Hoseok's ego. Hoseok had always sensed a unique bond between his innocent angel and Taehyung. He had tried to create distance between Jungkook and Taehyung to make Taehyung suffer. But it was all in vain. Hoseok always admitted that he loved his pride and honor more than his loved ones. Everything else seemed insignificant in comparison. But today, for the first time, he felt utterly helpless. Even his stubbornness failed him in front of Taehyung.