A small note:
Thank you for 1k views.

Edit #1
I can't believe this book crossed 7k views. Thank you everyone for reading, voting and commenting on this book. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Edit #2
10K views

Edit #3 

 15K views 😭

Once again, THANK YOU

✰•∙・✰•∙・✰∙・✰•∙・✰

Go ahead, Enjoy❀

✦✧✦

 the sun dips below the horizon, a hush falls over the Kim Manor grounds, signalling the arrival of night. The sky, painted in hues of dusky purples and pinks, sets the stage for an enchanting evening.

Media crews, equipped with cameras and microphones, position themselves to capture the night.

One by one, family members grace the entrance. Laughter and heartfelt greetings fill the air.

As the night deepens, the Kim Manor's atmosphere evolves into refined jubilation. Soft music from the ballroom draws guests in with melodic invitations. Cameras flash as the media captures the elegance of the setting.

The scent of savoury cuisine wafts from the buffet, tempting guests to indulge. Laughter and conversations create a lively environment as relatives and friends share stories and create memories.

Suddenly,

The lights inside the Kim Manor suddenly dim. A hush falls and all eyes turn toward the grand staircase. In the dimness, a single spotlight illuminates the top of the stairs.

Descending with grace, Kim's bride covered by a beautiful red veil leads the way, accompanied by Jimin and their cousins.

The atmosphere shifts from lively chatter to silence as the bride makes her way down the staircase. Her attire catches the light as she moves.

Jungkook's heart pounding and she took a deep breath. The luxurious fabric of her dress nudged against the steps, creating a rustling sound. Her fingers clutched the edges of her veil, to make it stay in place. She glanced briefly at the guests below, her doe eyes wide with nervousness.

Jungkook's breath was shallow, her lips slightly parted as she focused on placing one foot carefully in front of the other, to avoid any embarrassing accident.

Grandma Kim nudged Taehyung gently, signalling him to take his place at the bottom of the staircase. Taehyung nodded slightly and moved to the base of the stairs.

He stood there, his stoic expression a contrast to the ethereal beauty of the bride descending towards him.

Jungkook took a deep breath. Each step down the grand staircase felt like an eternity. Her fingers, still lightly gripping the edges of her veil, moved, causing the fabric to shift delicately with each step.

When Jungkook reached the bottom, the cousins and jimin quietly slipped away, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone in the soft pool of light. Jungkook's eyes, wide and shimmering with shyness and wonder, met Taehyung's gaze.

For a brief moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, the noise of the guests fading.

Taehyung stood still, allowing Jungkook to take in the sight of him, his dark eyes betraying a hint of something more than mere formality. Jungkook's heart raced as she came to a halt before him. Her gaze flickered from Taehyung's stoic face to the warmth of his eyes. Her fingers relaxed at her sides as she took in the moment.

Taehyung extended a hand toward Jungkook. Jungkook hesitated for a moment as she looked down at his outstretched hand. Her breath hitched slightly, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. With a gulp, she carefully placed her smaller hand into his.

Taehyung's fingers curled around hers gently. The contrast between his large, solid hand and her small, delicate one was striking. Jungkook's hand seemed to almost disappear in his. His fingers, calloused and strong, against hers, as she placed her hand in his, the touch sending a shiver through her.

Jungkook's gaze remained fixed on Taehyung, her eyes reflecting hope. Her lips curved into a small smile. The room awaits the next turn of events.

Grandma, standing tall, addressed the room.

"Hello everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight. This evening is all about celebrating a very special moment for our family. We're not just marking the union of two people but embracing a tradition that's been close to our hearts for generations."

Her eyes softened as she looked at the newlyweds. "Kim Taehyung and Kim Jungkook, you both are stepping into a new chapter of your lives together.

 To honour this, we'll be holding a face-showing ceremony—a lovely tradition that symbolizes the start of your journey together."

With a nod, she invited everyone to join in.

Jungkook sat beside Taehyung, the red veil gently draped over her face, its vibrant hue contrasting with the soft, subdued light of the hall. The veil fluttered slightly with her breath. She looked serene yet slightly nervous, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dress.

Grandma Kim caught Taehyung's gaze, her eyes filled with a knowing glint. With a subtle nod and a graceful wave of her hand, she signalled that the moment had arrived. Taehyung turned towards Jungkook. His eyes, though cold, softened as he looked at her.

"Are you comfortable with all this?" His voice, though typically stern, was gentle and low, almost a whisper against the quiet buzz of the hall.

Jungkook, her cheeks already flushed with delicate pink, tilted her head slightly and whispered back, "Yes." The simple words carried a weight of vulnerability and trust.

Taehyung's fingers moved to the edge of the veil. As he gently lifted it, a subtle tremor of anticipation seemed to ripple through the room. Jungkook's eyes fluttered open wider, meeting Taehyung's gaze. Her heart raced and her breath caught in her throat as the veil slowly cleared her face.

The veil revealed Jungkook's radiant features. Her eyes locked onto his stoic expression. Her lips quivered into a hesitant smile that spoke of a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a tender thrill shared in this intimate moment.

As the veil fell away, revealing her full face to the guests and media, Jungkook's cheeks grew warmer, her blush deepening. She looked around briefly, her eyes darting between the faces in the crowd and Taehyung's unwavering gaze. Tiny droplets of perspiration glistened on her forehead.

Taehyung allowed his gaze to linger on Jungkook for a moment longer, his hand gently holding the edge of the veil. The brief touch of their hands as he adjusted the veil was electric, a subtle connection in the otherwise formal setting.

The room held its breath, enjoying the endearing exchange between the newlyweds. The moment was tender marking the beginning of their journey.

Grandma raised her hands in blessing, "May your journey together be filled with joy and strength,".

The guests began to approach, offering congratulations and well wishes. The other family members moved toward them and blessed the couple with good wishes. Taehyung looked at his mother, who stood in a corner far away from them. Soomin looked away and turned to go away from that place.

He stood from his place and went in his mother's direction. Jungkook looked at the male disappearing in the crowd.

Taehyung moved with swift steps and marched forward toward his mother, but a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. It was Mr. Shah, a business partner, his face decorated with a warm smile.

"Ah, Mr Kim! Congratulations on your wedding!" the enthusiastic man exclaimed, extending a hand for a hearty shake. Taehyung exchanged pleasantries with a curt nod, all the while stealing glances at his mother who continued to stand at a distance.

Mr. Shah, oblivious to the family drama, continued, "I must say, this is a splendid celebration. Your happiness is truly infectious!"

Taehyung nodded, his attention divided between the well-wishing business partner and his mother. Politely excusing himself from Mr. Shah's conversation, Taehyung made another attempt to reach his mother.

The resentment in her gaze was observable, and it weighed heavily on the son's heart.

"Mother," Tae said, his voice soft, "I'm glad you came."

His mother's eyes remained fixed on the dance floor, avoiding his gaze. "I'm here for you, not for this mockery," she replied, her tone edged with bitterness.

Taehyung sighed, knowing the source of her discontent, "Mother, I know you're hurt and have deep scars in your heart. I will not ask for anything, you came here, this is more than enough for me."

Taehyung kissed her forehead and hugged her close to him. He signed in peace when he felt his mother's scent surrounding him.

"Ahem, if this mother-son moment is finished, then may I say something," Grandma said smiling at the duo.

Both mother and son parted away.

"Soomin," Grandma said, "come, my dear."

Soomin approached with a guarded expression, her posture rigid and unwelcoming. The elder Kim led Soomin and Taehyung to the centre of the room where Jungkook was sitting.

Grandma Kim turned her gaze toward Jungkook, who stood beside Taehyung as soon as he arrived.

"Jungkook," Grandma began, "in our family, tradition and blessings hold a special place. Soomin will offer a blessing for you and Tae on this journey together."

Jungkook's eyes flicked nervously between Soomin and Taehyung. She tried to keep her posture straight, but her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her dress.

Soomin's eyes narrowed, her expression clearly showing her disagreement. She hesitated for a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line, before stepping forward. Her voice, when she spoke, was laced with disdain.

"Blessing? For this union?" Soomin scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Jungkook, you may be part of this celebration, but let's not pretend this is anything more than what it is."

Jungkook's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She tried to maintain her composure but found it hard to ignore the sharp edge in Soomin's words. She clasped her hands together, her fingers trembling slightly as she stood beside Taehyung.

The air between them fell into an uncomfortable silence. Taehyung's gaze shifted to Soomin with a hint of frustration. Jungkook's eyes darted from Taehyung to Soomin, her heart pounding with fear and confusion.

Grandma intervened with a soothing but firm tone. "Soomin, this is a day of celebration. Let's not spoil it with conflict."

But Soomin pressed on, her voice cutting through the festive atmosphere like a knife. "Celebration, yes. But let's not hide the truth. Taehyung, you've made your choice, but don't expect me to approve this farce anymore. I came downstairs, didn't I?"

Grandma gently took Soomin by the arm and whispered urgently, "Perhaps this discussion is better suited for another time. Just pretend to give a blessing to the bride. All the guests and media are present. I don't want any wrong image on my grandson's reputation."

Soomin reluctantly moved towards Jungkook, her eyes sharp and unyielding. Jungkook met her gaze with wide, glistening eyes. The harshness in Soomin's eyes made her feel small and vulnerable.

"May God bless you," Soomin said, "I hope you find happiness in the path you choose."

The blessing felt more like a warning than a genuine wish for happiness.

 Taehyung's face tightened as he stepped between Jungkook and his mother. He shielded Jungkook with his presence, his eyes filled with plea as he faced Soomin.

"Mother, please, not now, " Taehyung's voice was strained, his gaze imploring. 

Soomin's eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a faint, bitter smile.

"Wife's slave," Soomin scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. She cast one last, contemptuous glance at Taehyung before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

Taehyung's face fell as Soomin's words cut through him. His eyes shimmered with hurt and disbelief. He stood there, rooted to the spot, his chest tight with an emotional pain that felt almost physical. His gaze followed Soomin's retreating figure, struggling to reconcile the image of his loving mother with the harsh reality of her contempt.

 The warmth he had once felt in his mother's presence now felt like a distant memory, replaced by an ache that pierced his very soul. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he tried to regain his composure but the hurt in his eyes was undeniable.

Jungkook's heart clenched as she saw the pain in Taehyung's eyes. Soomin's words reminded her of her mother and the harsh, mocking taunts that had once wounded her deeply. Each taunt had left a scar and now she saw those same wounds reflected in Taehyung's face.

Her eyes filled with sympathy. Her hand trembled slightly as she raised it, hesitating for a moment before gently placing it on his arm. She let her fingers stay there offering a soft touch.

Jungkook took a step closer. Her lips parted, but no words came out—she didn't trust herself to speak without her voice betraying her emotions. 

 Her own experiences had taught her, made her aware of how deeply Soomin's words had cut. The feeling of being belittled by someone who should have been a source of unconditional support was all too familiar.

Taehyung's gaze slowly shifted to Jungkook. He took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself, though the hurt was still evident in the tension of his shoulders and the way he avoided meeting Jungkook's gaze directly.

Yi-Jun noticed the couple and decided to intervene. She placed a comforting hand on Jungkook's shoulder, her fingers caressing it gently.

 "This sudden marriage has disturbed Soomin. Don't take her words to heart, dear."

Jungkook looked up at Yi-Jun, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She offered a weak smile, her heart heavy with the situation. Her fingers continued to fidget with the fabric of her dress, a small gesture that betrayed her inner turmoil. She nodded in understanding, trying to steady her breathing and keep the tears at bay.

The gentle reassurance from Yi-Jun provided a small comfort but Jungkook's gaze darted back to Taehyung. She wanted to be strong for him, even as her own emotions threatened to overwhelm her.

When Soomin left the place, Arathorn sensed the heaviness in the air. 

Gliding gracefully towards the male, Arathorn chirped softly, as if sharing a silent conversation with his human companion.

Arathorn nudged him slightly, a subtle encouragement to weave a spell that could bring a moment of magic to counteract the negativity. Taehyung summoned the spell, a soft glow enveloping his hands.

The spell took effect and the atmosphere shifted in the room leading to the beautiful rose petals begin to appear in the air.

The soft, velvety petals created a mesmerizing spectacle. They twirled and twisted, descending in a slow fall.

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze lifting to follow the gentle fall of the petals. As they drifted toward her, she extended her delicate hands, trying to catch them. The petals brushed her fingers with a light, almost ticklish sensation, her eyes sparkling with delight.

A blush crept onto her cheeks as she felt the petals land on her dress and shoulders. Her small, dainty hands tried to gather a few, but the petals slipped through her fingers like silk.

a delicate smile appeared on Jungkook's lips, her eyes wide with wonder.

Taehyung observed her from a distance, his expression unmoved, but a flicker of something unspoken played behind his cold eyes. The scene, with Jungkook's innocent delight, stirred an unfamiliar feeling within him— satisfaction.

Jungkook's eyes met Taehyung's, her gaze conveyed a heartfelt thank you without the need for words. She looked up at him and a small smile played at the corners of her lips as she blinked slowly, the silent message clear.

Taehyung's expression remained stoic but his gaze softened slightly as he noticed the silent thanks in Jungkook's eyes. He gave a small nod, acknowledging her unspoken words. Jungkook's cheeks turned a delicate pink as she looked up, her heart fluttering at the sight of the falling petals.

Despite the pain from the earlier confrontation, both Taehyung and Jungkook found solace in each other's presence.

As the soft, velvety petals gently touched her skin, Jungkook couldn't help but murmur under her breath, "Why does this feel so... confusing?"

Her tiny fingers caught a few of the falling petals, their texture a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she felt. Her thoughts drifted back to the wedding day.

"He was so cold then," she thought, her brows knitting together. "But now, with these petals, it's like he's trying to show another side of himself."

She bit her lip, "Why does he have to be so complicated? Can't he just be nice all the time? Bipolar Ice Cube!"

Jungkook's gaze met Taehyung's briefly, her eyes wide and questioning.

"It's like he's a puzzle I can't quite solve. One moment he's all business and the next... I don't know."

Jimin approached Jungkook with a playful grin. "Well, well, looks like Hyung has a few tricks up his sleeve. Who knew he could summon a shower of roses?"

Jungkook came out of her reverie and managed a small laugh, "It's...unexpected, but beautiful."

"Hyung, you never did anything for us like this. Is this the new you after marriage? Bringing out the magic tricks and flowers? Changing so soon, huh?"

Taehyung responded with a quirk of his eyebrow, "Shut up,"

Jungkook who was not accustomed to being the centre of attention, felt a warmth creeping up her cheeks. She fidgeted with the edge of her dress, trying to find the right words.

"I-I..." the new bride stammered, her shyness taking over. She stole a glance at Taehyung, who was watching her, "It's... um, nice. Different, but nice."

Jimin couldn't resist pushing a bit further, "Come on, don't be shy. Tell us how you feel about the new, romantic Kim Taehyung."

Taehyung interjected with a sharp tone, "Jimin"

Jimin closed her mouth as she sensed the warning. Jungkook managed a small smile and glanced down, trying to conceal the embarrassing blush that painted her cheeks.

✦✧✦

Happy reading🫨