Reborn Hearts~ (Taekook/Vkook) A Handshake and a Lie

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When Taehyung stopped in front of him, close enough that Jungkook could see the flecks of amber in his dark eyes, the alpha's scent hit him full force. It was like being pulled back through time—to stolen moments in moonlit gardens, to whispered promises in empty castle corridors, to the last time those strong arms had held him as life bled away.

Kim Taehyung

Jeon Jungkook..

Taehyung's voice was exactly the same, but emotionless. He extended a hand.

Kim Taehyung

Kim Taehyung. It's... a pleasure.

A pleasure. Not 'my prince,' not 'my love,' not even recognition. Just polite, distant courtesy.

Jungkook took the offered hand, and the moment their skin touched, he saw Taehyung's pupils dilate slightly.

The alpha's grip tightened imperceptibly, as if his body remembered what his mind had forgotten.

Jeon Jungkook

The pleasure is mine (Jungkook managed, proud that his voice didn't shake)

Jeon Jungkook

I've heard impressive things about your work at Kim Corporation.

Kim Taehyung

Have you? (Something flickered in Taehyung's eyes—surprise? Interest?)

Kim Taehyung

Wasn't aware you followed business news so closely.

Jeon Jungkook

.... (I've followed everything about you for twenty-three years)

Jeon Jungkook

(I know you graduated from Harvard. I know you prefer your coffee black and your meetings efficient. I know you have a scar on your left shoulder from a childhood accident, even though in our past life, it was from defending me against assassins)

He wanted to say it all... But instead he smiled

Jeon Jungkook

I'm full of surprises.

For a moment...just a heartbeat Taehyung stared at him with an intensity that made Jungkook's omega instincts sing.

It was the same look he used to get when Taehyung would study his face like he was memorizing it, like he was afraid Jungkook might disappear.

Then Taehyung blinked, and the moment shattered.

Kim Taehyung

Indeed (he said coolly, releasing Jungkook's hand)

Kim Taehyung

Well, I suppose we should discuss the... arrangements.

Arrangements. Not 'our engagement,' not 'our future.' Just cold, clinical arrangements.

Jeon Jungkook

Of course. (Jungkook replied, matching his tone)

Jeon Jungkook

Though I was hoping we might have a chance to talk privately first. Get to know each other.

Something dangerous flashed across Taehyung's face.

Kim Taehyung

I don't see the necessity. This is a business arrangement, Jungkook-ssi. I'm sure we can maintain a civil, respectful partnership without unnecessary... intimacy.

Each word was like a knife to Jungkook's chest. Partnership. Civil. Respectful. All the things their love had never been.

Jeon Jungkook

I see... (Jungkook's smile never wavered, even as his heart shattered)

Jeon Jungkook

How practical of you.

Kim Taehyung

Practicality is important in matters like these. I hope you understand.

Jeon Jungkook

(I understand that you don't remember dying in my arms. I understand that you don't remember promising to love me across lifetimes. I understand that to you, I'm just another omega being traded for business gains)

Jeon Jungkook

Perfectly.. (he said softly)

Jeon Jungkook

Though I have to ask...do you believe in fate, Taehyung-ssi?

Kim Taehyung

(For the first time since they'd started talking, Taehyung looked genuinely caught off guard) Fate?

Jeon Jungkook

You know. The idea that some people are destined to find each other, no matter how many obstacles stand in their way. That love can transcend time, circumstances... even death.

Kim Taehyung

(Taehyung's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly) I believe in making your own destiny. Relying on fate is for people who are too weak to fight for what they want.

Too weak to fight. The irony was almost unbearable. Taehyung had fought harder than anyone—and died for it.

Jeon Jungkook

How alpha of you. (Jungkook murmured, and this time, his smile had a sharp edge)

Jeon Jungkook

I suppose I should be grateful I'm getting such a strong, practical husband.

Kim Taehyung

(Something in his tone made Taehyung's eyes narrow) Are you mocking me?

Jeon Jungkook

Not at all. I'm simply... adjusting my expectations. (Jungkook stepped closer, just enough that Taehyung's scent wrapped around him like a memory)

Jeon Jungkook

Tell me, do you ever have dreams about places you've never been? People you've never met but somehow... know?

Kim Taehyung

(Taehyung went very still) No.

But his scent spiked with something that smelled suspiciously like a lie.

Jeon Jungkook

How fortunate for you.. (Jungkook said quietly)

Jeon Jungkook

Dreams can be... haunting.

Before Taehyung could respond, Namjoon appeared at his brother's elbow.

Kim Namjoon

Sorry to interrupt, but the formal announcement is about to begin (He looked between them with obvious curiosity)

Kim Namjoon

Everything going well?

Jeon Jungkook

Wonderfully (he said brightly)

Jeon Jungkook

Your brother is exactly what I expected.

And as the crowd began gathering for the official engagement announcement, Jungkook caught Taehyung staring at him with confusion and something that might have been longing.

Jeon Jungkook

*You'll remember* (Jungkook promised silently)

Jeon Jungkook

*And when you do, Kim Taehyung, you're going to realize that fate brought us together again for a reason*

Jeon Jungkook

*This time, no one is taking you away from me* (his eyes darkened)

Author (V)

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Author (V)

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