Better Together (Taegguk) 05

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The night was quiet in Namjoon and Seokjin's room, the only sound being the soft, rhythmic breathing of their four-year-old son, Seokjun, who lay peacefully between them.

Seokjin lay on his side, watching his child sleep, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Taehyung and the situation unfolding in their family. He sighed softly, unable to keep it to himself any longer.

Seokjin turned toward Namjoon, his voice low so as not to wake Seokjun.

Kim SeokJin

Joon... I’ve been thinking about Taehyung’s situation.

Kim SeokJin

You know how mom keeps pushing him to accept that marriage proposal from the Han family. It doesn’t feel right.

Namjoon, lying on his back with his arm resting under his head, glanced at his husband with tired eyes. He sighed deeply, his expression mirroring the concern Seokjin felt.

Kim Namjoon

I know. I don’t like it either. But you know how things are with my parents... especially mom.

Kim Namjoon

She’s set on this idea of getting Taehyung married off quickly, like it’s some urgent matter.

Kim SeokJin

But Taehyung’s not ready. He’s made it clear to everyone that he doesn’t want this. He’s still young, and he loves his job. Why can’t they just let him be happy with that for now?

Namjoon rubbed his face, frustrated but resigned.

Kim Namjoon

It’s not that simple. You know how mom is. She’s worried about dad’s health, and she thinks if something were to happen to him, it would be better if Taehyung were settled by then.

Kim Namjoon

She doesn’t want him to be alone, and in her eyes, this marriage is the solution.

Seokjin sat up slightly, his brows furrowed.

Kim SeokJin

But forcing him into a marriage he doesn’t want? That’s not the answer, Joon. He’s miserable.

Kim SeokJin

I saw the look on his face tonight—he’s scared and angry, and he feels trapped. It’s not fair to him.

Namjoon nodded, fully understanding Seokjin’s point. He loved his brother, and the thought of Taehyung being unhappy in a forced marriage didn’t sit well with him either.

Kim Namjoon

I know, Jin. Believe me, I know. But what can I do? I’ve always done what my parents wanted.

Kim Namjoon

I’ve never gone against them, and I can’t start now—especially not with dad’s health being what it is. If I oppose them, it’ll just cause more stress for him, and that’s the last thing we need.

Seokjin could hear the conflict in Namjoon’s voice, and he understood. Namjoon had always been the dutiful son, never causing trouble and always respecting his parents’ wishes.

Kim SeokJin

I know you love your parents, and I get that you don’t want to upset them, especially with your dad’s health.

Kim SeokJin

But... Taehyung deserves a say in his own life. He’s not a child anymore. He should be able to decide if and when he wants to marry.

Namjoon sighed again, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. He knew Seokjin was right. Taehyung had always been more independent, more free-spirited than the rest of the family, and forcing him into something he didn’t want would only crush that spirit.

Seokjin reached over and gently placed his hand on Namjoon’s arm, offering silent comfort.

Kim SeokJin

I get it, Joon. I really do. But you need to think about Taehyung’s happiness too. I don’t want him to end up in a situation where he’s stuck with someone he doesn’t love, just because the family thought it was best. That’s not the kind of life he wants—or deserves.

Kim SeokJin

Maybe we can talk to her together. Try to make her understand that this is Taehyung’s life, and he should be the one to decide how he wants to live it.

Kim SeokJin

She’s not unreasonable, Joon. She loves Taehyung, and maybe if we explain things the right way, she’ll listen.

Namjoon let out a long breath, considering Seokjin’s words. It wasn’t going to be easy, but maybe if they approached his mother calmly and with reason, she might see things differently.

Kim Namjoon

Maybe. It’s worth a try, at least. I just want what’s best for everyone—for dad, for mom, and for Taehyung.

Seokjin squeezed Namjoon’s arm gently.

Kim SeokJin

We’ll figure it out. Together.

Namjoon smiled softly, feeling grateful for Seokjin’s unwavering support. He leaned over and kissed his husband’s forehead, careful not to wake their sleeping son.

Kim Namjoon

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

Seokjin chuckled softly, settling back down beside Namjoon.

Kim SeokJin

You’d probably be lost. But luckily for you, I’m not going anywhere.

Namjoon smiled, pulling Seokjin a little closer as they lay in the quiet darkness.

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