The Engagement Night
Author Joy
Let’s get it ♥️
New York – Tae’s small apartment, midnight
(The room is silent except for the soft hum of the heater. Tae sits hunched over his laptop, scrolling through endless articles.)
Headline flashing across the screen:
“Jeon & Ink heir Jeon Jungkook engaged to world-class model Kim Victor.”
Kim Taehyung
(thinking, hands trembling)
…Jungkook… and hyung?
He stares at the screen. Jungkook’s tall figure in his black tuxedo, V’s flawless smile in white. The photo captures them mid-laughter, the perfect couple.
Kim Taehyung
(whispers to himself)
So this is how it ends. Not with words. Not with goodbyes. Just a headline.
The glass of water on his desk slips from his hand and shatters against the floor. He doesn’t move. His eyes blur as he presses his palm to his chest.
Kim Taehyung
(thinking, broken)
I should be happy for V. I should… but why does it feel like I’m being crushed alive?
Seoul – The Grand Imperial Hotel Ballroom, glittering with chandeliers.
MC
(announcing with grandeur)
Tonight, history is written. Please welcome the couple of the century—President Jeon Jungkook and Model Kim Victor!
Crowd erupts in applause. Camera lights flash like stars. V walks in first, elegance personified, his white suit sharp, his smile dazzling but practiced. Jungkook follows, powerful in his midnight-black tuxedo, gaze cold yet magnetic.
Guests
(whispering)
“They look perfect together.”
“Such a match of power and beauty.”
“This marriage will change everything.”
Jeongguk stands near the back, champagne glass in hand. His posture is relaxed for the crowd, but his knuckles whiten around the stem of the glass.
Jeon Jeongguk
(thinking, forcing a smile)
Hyung… you’re holding his hand. The world thinks it’s love. But I know what those eyes hide. They hide me. And I can’t… I can’t take him from my brother. But how do I breathe when I’m losing both?
The engagement ceremony begins. Two velvet boxes are presented. The crowd hushes.
MC
Tonight, the Jeon heir binds himself to the pride of Korea.
Jungkook lifts the diamond ring, his hand steady, expression unreadable. But inside, his chest pounds.
Jeon Jungkook
(thinking)
“This is it. I’ve given my life to power, to Jeon & Ink. Everyone wanted my empire, but no one wanted me. Maybe now… maybe he’ll stay. Maybe this marriage will mean I’m no longer alone.”
He slides the ring onto V’s finger. The diamond catches the chandelier light, igniting applause.
Guests
“Perfect fit!”
“Such a beautiful couple.”
V raises his hand with Jungkook’s, smiling flawlessly for the cameras. But his eyes—searching desperately, landing only on Jeongguk in the corner. Jeongguk’s gaze meets his for a fleeting second, filled with silent pain.
Kim Victor (V)
(thinking)
“I’m sorry, Jeongguk. Forgive me for standing here. Forgive me for smiling when my heart is breaking too.”
New York – Tae watches the livestream. His laptop screen glows, showing Jungkook sliding the ring on V’s finger. Applause echoes through tinny speakers.
Kim Taehyung
(murmurs, lips trembling)
That’s the smile you gave me once, Jungkook. Back in college. You don’t remember, but I do. Every time you passed me in the corridor, every quiet nod… I carried those moments. They carried me through years. And now… it’s his ring you hold.
Tears slip silently. He curls his knees to his chest on the chair, body shaking. The shattered glass lies forgotten on the floor.
Kim Taehyung
(thinking, hollow)
It’s over. Whatever foolish dream I had… it’s over. My brother will stand where I once wished to. And I… I will remain unseen.
Seoul – Later, balcony overlooking the city lights. The ballroom has quieted. Jungkook stands with a glass of wine, his gaze on the glittering skyline.
Jeon Jungkook
(calmly, without looking at V)
You handled tonight well, Victor.
Kim Victor (V)
(chuckling lightly, a mask of ease)
It’s part of my job. Smile, walk, look perfect.
Jungkook turns, his expression unreadable, but his eyes softer than before.
Jeon Jungkook
Marriage isn’t business to me. Not this time. I don’t… want it to be.
V’s breath catches. For a heartbeat, he sees through Jungkook’s armor—the boy who grew up unloved, the man who craves affection but doesn’t know how to ask for it. The ruthless president, beneath it all, just a lonely soul.
Kim Victor (V)
(softly, forcing his lips to curve)
…I understand.
Jungkook holds his gaze for a moment longer, as if searching for something real. But when he looks away, V’s eyes immediately flicker back to Jeongguk, who stands across the hall, his expression calm but his hands trembling.
New York – Tae lies on his bed, phone clutched to his chest, replaying the image of Jungkook placing the ring on V’s hand.
Kim Taehyung
(thinking, broken whispers)
If love was meant for me… it would’ve found me. But I was never chosen. Not by my family. Not by him. I’ll always be the shadow… watching the light from afar.
He closes his eyes, tears soaking the pillow. Across the world, his twin smiles for cameras, Jungkook allows himself hope, and Jeongguk silently bleeds. None of them know that this night is only the beginning.
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