Better Together (Taegguk) 04

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Frustration welled up in Taehyung’s chest as hot tears began to spill down his cheeks. He angrily wiped them away, hating how powerless he felt in his own home.

His mother’s words echoed in his mind, making him feel trapped—like no matter what he said, it wouldn’t be enough to convince them that he deserved more than this arranged marriage.

He couldn’t sit here and let them decide his future. He needed to talk to someone who truly understood him, someone who had always been there for him when no one else would listen.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and dialed the number of the one person he could always count on—his sister, Taeyeon.

Taeyeon was the apple of their parents' eye—the perfect daughter who had always done everything they asked without question.

She was obedient, disciplined, and everything they had wanted Taehyung to be. But unlike their parents, Taeyeon understood her younger brother.

She had supported him through every tough decision, including the one that had led him to become an art teacher instead of rushing into marriage like they had wanted.

The phone rang twice before her familiar, warm voice answered.

Taeyeon

Taehyung-ah? What’s wrong? Why are you calling this late?

Taehyung sniffed, his voice shaky but determined to keep it together.

Kim Taehyung

Noona... I need to talk to you.

There was a pause on the other end, and Taeyeon’s voice softened.

Taeyeon

Are you crying? What happened?

Taehyung sat up, feeling the weight of everything settle on his shoulders. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

Kim Taehyung

They brought a marriage proposal for me today. Some Alpha named Han Haejun... and mom is pushing me to say yes.

Kim Taehyung

You know how much I don’t want this. I’ve told them so many times that I’m not ready, that I want to focus on my career... but they won’t listen.

His voice cracked at the end, the frustration and exhaustion clear.

Taeyeon sighed on the other end, already understanding the situation. She had seen this coming, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear.

Taeyeon

Oh, Taehyung... I’m so sorry. I know how hard this must be for you. They’ve always been like this—trying to make decisions for you, thinking they know what’s best.

Taeyeon

But have you told them how you feel? Really told them?

Kim Taehyung

I did! I told mom flat-out that I don’t want to marry him.

Kim Taehyung

But she keeps saying it’s for the family’s benefit, that it will help dad financially, and that I’m being selfish if I don’t agree.

There was another pause, and Taeyeon’s voice grew more firm, more protective.

Taeyeon

You’re not being selfish, Taehyung. You have every right to decide what you want for your life.

Taeyeon

Just because they think this is a good match doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Don’t let them guilt you into something you don’t want.

Taehyung nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. He felt a bit of the weight lift off his chest, knowing that his sister was on his side.

Kim Taehyung

I know, but it’s so hard, noona. You know how they are—especially mom.

Kim Taehyung

She keeps using dad’s health as a reason for me to go along with this. And Haejun... he’s creepy. He stared at me the whole time, like I was some kind of trophy.

Taeyeon’s tone became sharp at the mention of Haejun.

Taeyeon

He stared at you like that? Ugh, I don’t like him already. You don’t deserve that, Taehyung.

Taeyeon

No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable, especially someone they expect you to marry.

Taehyung could hear her frustration, and it made him feel a little better, knowing that she shared his anger.

Kim Taehyung

I just... I don’t know what to do. They’ll never listen to me.

Taeyeon

They’ll listen to me.

Her voice was firm now, filled with confidence.

Taeyeon

I’ll talk to mom and dad. You know they’ve always listened to me, especially when it comes to big decisions like this.

Taeyeon

I won’t let them pressure you into anything you’re not ready for. You deserve to make your own choices, just like I did.

Taehyung’s heart swelled with gratitude. His sister had always been his biggest support, even when their parents couldn’t understand him. He knew that if anyone could get through to them, it was her.

Kim Taehyung

Thank you, noona... really. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Taeyeon chuckled softly.

Taeyeon

You’ll never have to find out.

Taeyeon

I’ll talk to them tomorrow. You just focus on taking care of yourself tonight, okay? Don’t stress about this anymore. I’ll handle it.

Taehyung wiped away the last of his tears, feeling a small sense of relief.

Kim Taehyung

I’ll try. But noona... I’m scared. What if they don’t listen this time?

There was a brief silence before Taeyeon’s voice softened again.

Taeyeon

Then I’ll make them listen. Don’t worry, Taehyung. You have me on your side, and I won’t let them push you into something you don’t want. We’ll figure this out together.

Taehyung closed his eyes, finally feeling the tightness in his chest ease a little.

Kim Taehyung

Okay. Thank you.

Taeyeon

Get some rest, Taehyung. I’ll call you tomorrow after I talk to them.

They exchanged goodnights, and as Taehyung hung up the phone, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. His sister had always been his protector, and once again, she had stepped in when he needed her most. Maybe, just maybe, things would turn out okay after all.

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