Episode 16: The First Meeting

The grand dining hall of the Jeon Clan estate was as intimidating as Taehyung had imagined—high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and walls adorned with paintings of generations of Jeon leaders. Taehyung sat stiffly at the long mahogany table, flanked by his father and other representatives of the Kim Clan. The Jeon family sat opposite them, their gazes cold and commanding.

The meeting began with polite but tense exchanges about the proposed alliance. Talks of business ventures and mutual benefits filled the air, but Taehyung’s mind was elsewhere. His thoughts lingered on Jungkook—on his absence, on the betrayal that weighed heavily on Taehyung’s chest, and on the nagging question of whether the person he was supposed to marry could be Jungkook.

As the discussion shifted to the marriage that would seal the alliance, Taehyung couldn’t hold back any longer. Clearing his throat, he interrupted, "Excuse me, but may I ask something about this arrangement?"

The room fell silent. The head of the Jeon Clan, a stern man in his sixties, raised an eyebrow. "Speak."

Taehyung hesitated but pressed on. "Who am I supposed to marry in the Jeon Clan? And... where is Jungkook?"

The tension in the room became palpable. The Jeon family members exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and disdain.

One of the Jeon elders spoke, her tone sharp. "It is not your place to ask such questions, Kim Taehyung. This is a matter decided by the heads of our families, not by you."

Taehyung’s father shot him a warning glare, but Taehyung didn’t back down. "I just want to understand—"

"Understand what?" the head of the Jeon Clan cut him off, his voice cold and unyielding. "You should be grateful that we even considered your family as an ally. The Kim Clan benefits far more from this arrangement than we do. And yet, you dare to question us?"

Taehyung felt the blood drain from his face. His stomach churned with shame and frustration, but he couldn’t find the words to respond.

The head of the Jeon Clan continued, "Your actions today have shown a lack of respect and gratitude. Perhaps we should reconsider this alliance altogether."

The room fell into an icy silence. Taehyung’s father clenched his fists, his jaw tight with anger. He stood and bowed deeply. "On behalf of my son and the Kim Clan, I deeply apologize for this disrespect. We hope you will not let one person’s mistake affect the bond between our families."

The Jeon Clan members rose, their expressions unreadable. Without another word, they left the room, leaving the Kim Clan representatives behind.

As soon as they were outside and back in their car, Taehyung’s father exploded. "What were you thinking, Taehyung?! Do you realize what you’ve done?!"

Taehyung stared out the window, his throat tight. "I just wanted to know..."

"You just wanted to know?" his father snapped. "You’ve jeopardized the entire alliance because of your selfish curiosity! Do you think this is a game?!"

"I didn’t mean to—" Taehyung tried to explain, but his father cut him off.

"You’ve embarrassed the Kim Clan! Do you know how much effort it took to secure this alliance? And now, they’re questioning whether we’re even worthy of it!"

Taehyung’s chest felt heavy, his father’s words like daggers. He clenched his fists, his emotions bubbling to the surface.

"I didn’t ask for this!" he suddenly shouted, his voice trembling. "I didn’t ask to be part of this family’s alliances or plans. I didn’t ask to be a pawn in this marriage!"

His father froze, his anger replaced by shock.

"I’m tired," Taehyung continued, his voice breaking. "Tired of being treated like I’m just an extension of this family. I’m a person, not a tool for your ambitions. And you don’t even see what this is doing to me!"

For a moment, his father said nothing. Then, in a quieter, colder tone, he replied, "You think you’re the only one who’s tired? This is the price we pay for being part of this family, Taehyung. You’re not special."

Taehyung turned away, tears stinging his eyes as he stared out the window. The rest of the ride was silent, the weight of their words hanging heavily in the air.

Back in his room that night, Taehyung sat on his bed, his head in his hands. He thought of Jungkook—his smile, his laugh, and the way he had looked at Taehyung with such trust before everything fell apart. And now, even the possibility that Jungkook might be the person he was supposed to marry felt like a cruel joke.

For the first time, Taehyung felt completely lost. He had always thought he could control everything, but now, everything he cared about was slipping through his fingers. And he didn’t know how to stop it.

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