Behind the Perfect Smile
Seoul – Kim Mansion, three days after engagement.
The grand living room is filled with designers, planners, and staff. Swatches of fabric, invitations, and jewelry boxes cover the tables. V sits elegantly, flipping through a wedding catalog, his smile never faltering. Cameras occasionally click—every preparation is being documented for the media.
Wedding planner
Mr. Kim, this couture suit will compliment President Jeon perfectly. You both will look dazzling.
Kim Victor (V)
(smiling politely)
Of course. Perfection is expected.
The staff beams at him, but once they leave, V exhales slowly, his hands trembling slightly as he closes the catalog.
Kim Victor (V)
(thinking)
“I’m suffocating… but I can’t let anyone see. Not when the entire country is watching.”
Jeon Mansion – Jungkook’s office, late night.
(Jungkook sits at his desk, surrounded by files, but his eyes linger on the engagement photos displayed on his phone. He zooms in on V’s smile, memorizing it.)
Jeon Jungkook
(thinking)
“He looked so perfect. For a moment… it felt real. Could it be real?”
He sets the phone down, leaning back. His face hardens again, the ruthless mask returning.
Jeon Jungkook
(aloud, to himself)
I’ll make this work. I’ve lost too much already. This marriage… I won’t let it slip away.
Jeon Mansion – Jeongguk’s room.
(Jeongguk sits on the floor, guitar resting across his lap. His fingers hover above the strings, unmoving. His phone buzzes—messages from V.)
Kim Victor (V)
(Text)✉️
“I can’t come over today.”
“We can’t risk it. Not now.”
(Jeongguk grips the phone tightly. His chest aches. He types, deletes, types again.)
Jeon Jeongguk
(thinking)
“Tiger, you’re slipping further away from me. Into his world. Into my brother’s arms… even if it’s just for show, it’s killing me.”
[Finally, he texts back.]
Jeon Jeongguk
(Text)✉️
“I just want to see you once. Even for a minute.”
The screen remains empty. No reply.
Seoul – Boutique fitting room.
The Jeon and Kim families gather to see the wedding outfits.
(V steps out in a cream silk suit embroidered with subtle patterns. Cameras flash immediately. His parents beam with pride. The Jeon elders nod approvingly. Jungkook’s eyes, however, remain locked on him—silent, unreadable.)
Kim Victor (V)
(smiling to everyone)
What do you think? Does it suit me?
Mrs.Kim
Of course, darling. You’ve never looked better.
Jeon Jungkook
(quiet, low voice, only for V)
…Handsome.
V’s practiced smile falters for half a second at the softness in Jungkook’s tone. He quickly recovers, bowing slightly.
Kim Victor (V)
(thinking)
“Don’t look at me like that, Jungkook. Don’t… because I can’t give you what you want.”
Seoul – Private dinner arranged by Jeon family, night.
(A candlelit table for two. V and Jungkook sit across each other, cameras forbidden tonight. Just them. A chance for intimacy.)
Jeon Jungkook
(cutting steak, tone even)
You didn’t eat much at the fitting earlier.
Kim Victor (V)
(smiling faintly)
Models don’t eat much before events. Occupational hazard.
Jeon Jungkook
(studying him, lowering his fork)
You don’t need to pretend with me.
V freezes, then laughs softly, masking discomfort.
Kim Victor (V)
You give me too much credit. Pretend? That’s my profession, Jungkook.
Jeon Jungkook
(leaning forward, voice deep)
I don’t want your profession. I want you. The real you.
The words strike like thunder. For a moment, V forgets how to breathe. His lips part, but no answer comes. His chest aches with guilt.
Kim Victor (V)
(thinking) “You’ll regret wanting that.”
Jungkook studies him silently. The candles flicker between them. He says nothing more, but his gaze lingers—hungry, desperate, aching.
New York – Tae’s apartment, packing suitcase quietly.
(The news of wedding preparations floods every channel. Tae finally closes the laptop, sliding it into a drawer.)
Kim Taehyung
(thinking)
“I can’t watch anymore. Not from here. If I’m going to lose him completely… I want to see it with my own eyes. Even if it destroys me.”
He zips the suitcase shut, determination in his tear-streaked face.
Kim Taehyung
(murmuring)
Wait for me, Jungkook. I’ll be there… even if it’s only to watch you belong to someone else.
Jeongguk’s studio, midnight.
(The idol sits alone, recording booth lights dim. He sings softly, voice cracking on the high note. He removes his headphones, burying his face in his hands.)
Jeon Jeongguk
(thinking)
“I can’t do this. I can’t watch my brother find happiness in the arms of the only man I love. I’m breaking,Tiger. And if you keep pushing me away… I might shatter completely.”
Jeon Mansion – Jungkook’s room, late night.
(Jungkook sits at the edge of his bed, engagement ring box in his hand. He opens it again, staring at the twin band meant for the wedding.)
Jeon Jungkook
(thinking)
“This time, I’ll give everything. This time, I’ll make it work. Even if he doesn’t love me yet… he will. He has to.”
He closes the box firmly, determination hardening his gaze. Outside his room, Jeongguk passes by quietly, pausing at the door, his hand trembling before he walks away into the darkness.
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