Forced Vows,true Love ||top Tae

bonus chapter 3

The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden hue over the palace courtyard. Taehyung, calm as ever, was seated under the shade of the cherry blossom trees with a small scroll in hand. Jungkook, meanwhile, lounged nearby, quietly watching his alpha with fond eyes—until the sound of footsteps drew both their attention.

“Your Majesty,” a guard announced, bowing deeply. “An old acquaintance, Hyunwoo, seeks an audience with you. He has arrived with his mate.”

Taehyung’s fingers froze against the scroll, though his expression remained blank. Jungkook, on the other hand, perked up instantly. Hyunwoo? He didn’t miss the slight tension in Taehyung’s shoulders.

“Let them in,” Taehyung said flatly, his tone betraying no emotion.

Jungkook shifted uncomfortably as the guests entered. Hyunwoo, still radiant as ever with soft features and a composed demeanor, walked forward with his fated mate—an alpha named Sanghoon, tall and broad-shouldered, with an aura that rivaled Taehyung’s. The sight of them together was enough to make Jungkook’s lips thin into a line. He didn’t know Hyunwoo well, but the energy in the air was enough to make his wolf bristle.

“Taehyung,” Hyunwoo greeted with a polite smile, bowing slightly. “It’s been a long time.”

Taehyung nodded curtly. “It has.”

Jungkook, meanwhile, stared daggers into Hyunwoo, his dark gaze practically boring holes into the omega’s skull. If looks could kill, Hyunwoo would have dropped on the spot. How dare this person come back here? And with his mate, of all things!

“I heard about your victories,” Hyunwoo continued, clearly trying to maintain casual conversation. “Your name spreads far and wide now, Taehyung. I’m happy for you.”

Sanghoon placed a hand on Hyunwoo’s shoulder, a silent display of their bond, and Jungkook’s eyes narrowed further. His fists clenched under his sleeves as his wolf growled possessively inside him.

Why is Taehyung so calm? Why aren’t they leaving already? Jungkook thought irritably, the flames of jealousy licking at his insides. His rational side told him that nothing was happening here, but that didn’t stop the anger bubbling within him.

Taehyung, meanwhile, noticed the shift in Jungkook’s mood. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, amused at the omega’s visible irritation. He cleared his throat, turning his attention back to Hyunwoo.

“What brings you here, Hyunwoo? I doubt this is simply a social visit.”

Hyunwoo’s smile faltered slightly. “You’re right. I wished to thank you for something. The strength you showed back then—walking away when I…” He glanced at Sanghoon briefly before looking down, “…made my choice. It allowed me to face my own path. I owed you that.”

Jungkook’s ears perked up at those words, his mind racing. Wait. What kind of ‘strength’? What path?

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook finally snapped. “You owed him?” he blurted out, standing up abruptly, his voice sharper than he intended. “If you truly felt gratitude, why come now, when there’s nothing to be said?”

The room fell silent.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jungkook’s sudden outburst, while Hyunwoo and Sanghoon exchanged awkward glances.

“I—” Hyunwoo began.

“Let me guess,” Jungkook cut him off, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “you came here to ‘make peace’ or ‘seek closure.’ But I don’t see why you’d think Taehyung needed that from you. He’s fine. We’re fine.”

Taehyung’s lips curled into a subtle smile as he watched Jungkook fiercely defend him. The jealousy radiating from the omega was almost palpable.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung said gently, rising from his seat and moving to stand beside his mate. He placed a firm hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, grounding him. “It’s alright.”

“But—”

“Truly,” Taehyung murmured, giving Jungkook a look that only he could understand. It was soft, reassuring, and full of silent promises. Jungkook’s shoulders loosened slightly, though he still glared at Hyunwoo.

Hyunwoo, looking slightly flustered, cleared his throat. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to stir anything.” He glanced at Jungkook with an understanding smile. “You’re lucky to have someone who cares this much.”

“I know,” Taehyung said simply, his tone carrying a sense of finality.

Hyunwoo and Sanghoon took that as their cue to leave, bowing one last time before departing. The moment they disappeared, Jungkook spun on his heel to face Taehyung, his cheeks puffed out indignantly.

“Why were you so calm? They came here just to rub their happiness in your face!”

Taehyung chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s waist and pulling him close. “Jealous, were you?”

“I—” Jungkook’s face flushed bright red. “I wasn’t jealous! I just didn’t like how… how he spoke to you.”

Taehyung hummed in amusement, leaning down so their faces were only inches apart. “You’re adorable when you’re possessive, you know that?”

“I wasn’t—”

Taehyung silenced him with a gentle kiss, his thumb brushing against Jungkook’s jaw. The omega melted instantly, his earlier irritation dissipating into thin air.

When they pulled apart, Taehyung whispered against his lips, “I only have eyes for you. You don’t need to worry about anyone else.”

Jungkook bit his lip to hide a smile, mumbling, “Good… because you’re mine.”

Taehyung grinned, his deep voice low and teasing. “Always.