Chapter 05 : A Glimpse of Forever

The black luxury car stopped just outside the Kim estate gates. Jungkook's fingers clutched the hem of his soft cardigan, eyes wide as he looked up at the grand house before him. The Kim residence stood like a warm fortress—majestic yet inviting, with soft ivy crawling over its brick walls and white columns glowing under the afternoon sun.

Taehyung stepped out first, fixing his coat before circling around to Jungkook’s side. He opened the door gently and held out his hand.

“Come on,” he said softly. “You’re just visiting. No pressure. But I want you to meet everyone before we begin the real preparations.”

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand in Taehyung’s—warm, firm, safe. Taehyung smiled at him like he always did, like Jungkook was the only one he saw in the entire world. That smile alone melted half the anxiety clenching Jungkook's stomach.

The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

“Jungkook!” Jin, Taehyung’s mother, immediately welcomed him with a glowing smile and open arms. “You’re finally here, my dear.”

Jungkook blinked, unsure how to respond. But his arms were already wrapping around him in the gentlest hug he’d ever received. Warm. Maternal. Real.

“I’ve been preparing snacks since morning,” he said, brushing his hair back with affection. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to meet the boy who captured our Taehyung’s heart.I always wanted to talk with you, but that day wasn't a day where I would've talked with you.”

Namjoon, standing nearby in his home office attire, walked over with a calm smile. “It’s good to finally meet you, Jungkook. You’re welcome here, always.”

Jungkook bowed shyly, tapping a thank-you into his phone before showing it to them.

Taehyung stood beside him, watching his parents with pride and relief. “I told you,” he whispered to Jungkook. “They’d love you the second they met you.”

In the living room, As Jungkook sat between Taehyung and Jin, soft conversation flowed through the room. It was the kind of domestic peace Jungkook never had. Jin rested his head on Namjoon’s shoulder, stealing bites from his plate. Namjoon responded with quiet laughter, brushing crumbs from his lips.

Taehyung leaned closer to Jungkook and murmured, “They’ve been married for almost thirty years. Still like high school lovers.”

Jungkook turned to him, surprise twinkling in his eyes.

“I want that,” Taehyung added, his voice low and earnest. “With you.”

Jungkook’s heart skipped.

He glanced away, cheeks pink.

Taehyung took out some marriage fabric swatches, guest list notes, and even a cute Pinterest board of wedding ideas saved on his tablet. “I want us to plan everything together,” he said. “Even the flowers.”

Jungkook chuckled silently, nodding as he scrolled through Taehyung’s chosen color palette—creamy whites, golds, and dusty lavender.

“I know it’s still overwhelming,” Taehyung said, gently reaching out to fix Jungkook’s messy sleeve. “But you’re not alone anymore, Jungkook. This isn’t something I want to do for you. It’s something I want to do with you.”

Jungkook met his gaze. And for the first time, he didn’t feel like a guest in someone else’s life. He felt like he belonged.

Later, Taehyung drove Jungkook back home.

The car ride was quiet, filled with soft music and glances exchanged like secrets. When they reached the house, Taehyung reached for Jungkook’s hand.

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he whispered. “Let them say what they want. But don’t let them change your heart.”

Jungkook looked at him—really looked—and nodded.

He stepped out of the car.

And that’s when it happened.

His stepmother opened the door, eyes already scanning him.

But the glint of silver on his ring finger froze her mid-step.

“You’re still wearing it?and we thought you would've make them call off the whole marriage shit!”

His stepsister came running to the door and stopped, her eyes widening in disbelief. Then, without a word, she turned and stormed away in tears.

“You selfish little—” the stepmother began, venom dripping from her tone.