Arrange Marriage: Bound By Hate Chapter 2

Taehyung paced back and forth in his room, his mind racing. He could still feel the anger from the argument with his father, and now Jungkook’s message was making his blood boil even more. The audacity of that man to message him like nothing was wrong.

The sound of his phone buzzing again made him pause. He glanced at the screen. Another message from Jungkook.

Jeon Jungkook

Meet me at the café downtown in 20 minutes. Don’t make me come to you.

Taehyung let out a bitter laugh.

Kim Taehyung

Oh, so now he’s giving orders?

He muttered. He tossed his phone onto the bed and sat down, gripping his head. The idea of meeting Jungkook, of seeing his smug face, made his stomach churn. But ignoring him wouldn’t solve anything. If they were going to be forced into this nightmare, he had to confront him eventually.

Reluctantly, Taehyung stood up, grabbed his jacket, and left the house. The cold evening air hit his face as he walked toward the café. His steps were heavy, his frustration clear with every stomp.

When he arrived, Jungkook was already there, sitting at a corner table. Dressed in a crisp black suit, Jungkook looked as perfect as ever. His dark eyes were sharp, his expression unreadable. Taehyung hated how calm and composed he seemed.

Taehyung didn’t bother with pleasantries. He pulled out the chair across from Jungkook and dropped into it with a loud thud.

Kim Taehyung

What do you want?

He snapped, crossing his arms.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Taehyung’s attitude.

Jeon Jungkook

Nice to see you too,

He said coolly. He took a sip of his coffee before setting the cup down.

Jeon Jungkook

We need to talk about this marriage.

Taehyung scoffed.

Kim Taehyung

Oh, now you want to talk? Where was this 'talk' when our parents were making decisions for us?

Jeon Jungkook

I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it either,

Jungkook said, his tone sharp.

Jeon Jungkook

But it’s happening whether we like it or not.

Kim Taehyung

Then maybe you should’ve said no,

Taehyung shot back, his voice rising slightly.

Kim Taehyung

Or are you so desperate for a spouse that you’ll just go along with whatever your parents say?

Jungkook’s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure.

Jeon Jungkook

Watch your mouth, Taehyung,

He warned.

Jeon Jungkook

I don’t want this any more than you do, but throwing a tantrum won’t change anything.

Taehyung leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.

Kim Taehyung

You think I’m just throwing a tantrum? You think this is easy for me? You’re the last person on earth I’d ever want to marry.

Jeon Jungkook

The feeling’s mutual,

Jungkook said coldly.

Jeon Jungkook

But unlike you, I’m not wasting time complaining about it. I’m trying to figure out how we deal with this.

Kim Taehyung

Deal with this?

Taehyung repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm

Kim Taehyung

You mean how we pretend not to hate each other while everyone expects us to play the perfect couple?

Jungkook stared at him, his expression unreadable.

Jeon Jungkook

Exactly.

Taehyung laughed bitterly.

Kim Taehyung

You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you? Well, let me make one thing clear. Just because we’re being forced into this doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for you.

Jungkook’s lips curved into a small, humorless smile.

Jeon Jungkook

I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.

The tension between them was thick, the air practically crackling with their mutual hatred. For a moment, neither of them spoke, their eyes locked in a silent battle.

Finally, Jungkook broke the silence.

Jeon Jungkook

I’ll say this once, Taehyung. We don’t have to like each other, but we do have to work together. If we go against our families, it’ll make things worse for both of us.

Taehyung clenched his fists under the table, his stubbornness fighting against the logic in Jungkook’s words. He hated that he was right. As much as he wanted to rebel, defying his family would only make things harder.

Kim Taehyung

Fine,

Taehyung said through gritted teeth.

Kim Taehyung

But don’t think for a second that I’m going to make this easy for you. I hate you, Jungkook. That’s never going to change.

Jeon Jungkook

Trust me,

Jungkook replied, his voice low,

Jeon Jungkook

I hate you just as much.

✨-TBC-✨