Episode 10: Deep Confusion

Taehyung sat silently in the grand dining hall of the Kim residence. His father and the elders discussed the importance of his future role in the family.

“Taehyung,” his father began, “your sister will inherit the majority of the Kim family businesses. However, you will play a critical role in strengthening our alliance with the Jeon clan.”

“Alliance?” Taehyung asked, feigning indifference but feeling the weight of the conversation.

“You are going to marry one of the children of the Jeon clan,” his father said firmly.

Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. Marry? The idea of tying himself to someone from the Jeon clan felt distant and foreign, especially when he considered his current lifestyle.

“You’ll be introduced officially after graduation, but this arrangement must remain confidential for now,” his father added.

Taehyung nodded mechanically, masking his growing turmoil. The thought of marriage unsettled him, and his thoughts inevitably drifted to Jungkook.

In the following days, Taehyung began to pull away from Jungkook. It was subtle at first—ess texting, fewer smiles—but as the week went on, his indifference became impossible to ignore.

During practice sessions, Taehyung’s once-flirty demeanor faded. He avoided sitting next to Jungkook, and their conversations felt forced and distant.

Jungkook noticed every change. The warmth that Taehyung had once radiated was gone, replaced by an unfamiliar coldness.

“Did I do something wrong?” Jungkook wondered to himself, though his mind inevitably returned to the memory of Taehyung kissing someone at the bar.

A few days earlier, Jungkook, Jimin, Hoseok, Bang Chan, and Eunbi had decided to visit a nearby bar for a break from school stress.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with the hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses. As they settled into their seats, Jungkook’s eyes wandered across the room, and his breath hitched.

There, in a dimly lit corner, was Taehyung—leaning close to someone unfamiliar. The way Taehyung’s lips met theirs sent a pang of hurt through Jungkook’s chest.

Jungkook’s heart raced, confusion and denial taking over. “He’s probably just drunk,” he muttered under his breath, trying to convince himself.

But the scene was too vivid to ignore. Taehyung’s smirk, the way he moved closer—it all felt too intentional.

Jimin noticed Jungkook’s discomfort and gently placed a hand on his arm. “Are you okay, Kook?”

“I’m fine,” Jungkook replied, though his expression betrayed him. He quickly looked away, unwilling to let his friends see the cracks in his composure.

Later that night, Jungkook walked aimlessly around the campus, his chest heavy and his thoughts racing. He told himself not to cry, but the tears fell silently, streaming down his face without his realizing it.

His mind was filled with memories of Taehyung—the way he smiled, the way he made Jungkook feel special. Despite everything, Jungkook couldn’t stop loving him.

“Why does it hurt so much?” he whispered to himself.

Unbeknownst to him, Jimin had been nearby and witnessed everything.

Jimin couldn’t hold himself back any longer. Seeing Jungkook in such pain tore at his heart. He approached cautiously, placing a gentle hand on Jungkook’s shoulder.

“Kook,” Jimin said softly, his voice laced with concern. “Are you okay?”

Jungkook quickly wiped his tears, trying to put on a brave face. “I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Jimin said, his tone firm but caring. “I can see how much this is hurting you.”

Jungkook looked away, his walls crumbling. “I just… I don’t understand, Jimin. Why does it feel like I’m not enough for him?”

Jimin’s heart ached. He wanted nothing more than to take away Jungkook’s pain. Without thinking, he pulled Jungkook into a hug.

“You are more than enough, Jungkook,” Jimin said, his voice steady. “Don’t let him make you feel otherwise.”

Jungkook hesitated before leaning into Jimin’s embrace. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to feel comforted.

Meanwhile, Taehyung couldn’t ignore the guilt that lingered after his encounter at the bar. Despite telling himself it was all part of the plan, Jungkook’s face kept appearing in his mind.

His father’s words from the Kim clan meeting echoed in his head. You’re going to marry one of the children of the Jeon clan. Stop playing around, Taehyung.

But Taehyung was torn. His plans to toy with Jungkook had seemed so clear at the start, but now, he didn’t know if he was in control anymore.

Later that evening, as Taehyung wandered aimlessly near Jungkook’s apartment, he noticed a group of sleek, black cars pulling up.

Men in suits stepped out, bowing respectfully as Jungkook approached them.

“Young Master Jeon,” one of them said, opening the car door. “Your father requests your presence at the gathering tonight.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened. Young Master Jeon?

Hidden in the shadows, Taehyung watched as Jungkook got into the car. His confusion deepened, and for the first time, he felt truly unprepared for what lay ahead.

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