Love or Destiny

A Secret Binding

"Because...there is already someone in my life." Taehyung's voice was low but firm.

Jungkook's eyes widened. "What!?"

"Yes...that's why I can't marry Jennie," Taehyung said, trying to keep his tone steady.

"V...What are you...Tell me everything," Jungkook urged, sensing the weight behind his words.

Taehyung hesitated, swallowing the lump in his throat. But finally, he decided to share everything, the secret that had been buried deep within him for two long years.

"Remember two years ago, when I suddenly had to go to Korea?" Taehyung began.

"Yeah." Jungkook nodded.

"My dad called me," Taehyung continued. "He's one of the top ten businessmen in South Korea, Kim Jungki. And I am the only heir. But I never had any interest in the family business. That's why I came here, three years ago, to follow my dreams. But two years ago, my father called me back."

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Two years ago...

Taehyung arrived in Korea and went straight to his home. After a short while, his father asked him to join him in his study. Taehyung sat down, trying to hide the anxiety bubbling in his chest.

"Dad, what's the matter? Why did you call me here so urgently?" Taehyung asked, trying to sound calm.

"Taehyung," his father began, his voice steady, "I have my own company. After I retire, you're supposed to take over. But you chose to chase your dreams in the U.S. And that's fine. I respect that."

"Dad, if you called me here to convince me on taking over the company..." Taehyung started, confused.

"First, listen," his mother, Kim Ara, intervened gently. "Hear what your father has to say."

Taehyung pursed his lips but nodded, turning his attention fully to his dad.

"I didn't call you to hand over the company," his father said, "but there's something else you can do."

"And what is that?" Taehyung asked.

"The company is running at a loss," his father explained, "and we've already taken a huge loan. I was planning to sell it to Mr. Kim Jae Beom..."

"The No. 1 businessman in Korea?" Taehyung asked.

"Yes," his father nodded. "But he refused to buy it outright. He offered to help...on one condition."

"What condition?"

"You will have to marry his granddaughter, Kim Jisoo."

Taehyung's world froze. "What?"

"Yes," his father said, calm but firm. "This is the only way you can help the company survive."

"But...why his granddaughter?" Taehyung asked, bewildered.

"I don't know," his father admitted, "but you're the only one who can make this work."

His mother placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Taehyung, you wanted to pursue your dreams and we let you go to the U.S. Now it's your turn to help the family. Don't say no."

Taehyung exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

But then after a while he spoke.

"Okay...but I have one condition."

"Anything," his father replied instantly.

"I want this marriage to remain on papers and confidential until I returns to Korea and marry in person. No one can know, except a few trusted friends and family. Can you manage that?"

His father nodded. "Alright. The papers are ready. You just need to sign them."

Taehyung signed the papers, sealing a secret that would follow him across continents. His parents smiled and he left the room, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.

────୨ৎ────

Back to Present...

Taehyung finished his story and Jungkook was silent for a long moment, processing everything.

"That means...you're married?" Jungkook finally asked.

"Yes," Taehyung admitted.

"That's why...you never wanted to do anything with Jennie," Jungkook said quietly.

"Exactly." Taehyung avoided his gaze.

"And...do you love Jisoo?" Jungkook asked hesitantly.

"I...I have never seen her properly. Haven't even called her," Taehyung replied, the truth bitter on his tongue.

"She didn't call you?"

"No. But I heard from my mother that she was living with my parents. That's why I haven't reached out."

"So...do you have any feelings for her now?"

Taehyung stayed silent, the question echoing in his mind.

"And what if she loves you?" Jungkook pressed softly, his voice almost a whisper.

Taehyung didn't answer.

He couldn't.

His heart thudded painfully, caught between loyalty, duty and the faint stirrings of something he had never allowed himself to feel.

Jungkook didn't ask again but Taehyung couldn't stop thinking about his words.

What if she loves you?

The question lingered in the air, heavy and impossible to ignore, as Taehyung stared out the window, the city lights blurred by the weight of his secret