Jungkook's pov

The wedding is held in the small Paradise Shores chapel, a beautiful wooden church with weathered wood and stone floors. It looks like something out of a fairy tale, filled to the brim with bouquets of lilies, one after the other, the smell heady and intoxicating.

When I comment on the flowers to Jisso noona, she shoots me a grin. "That's at his mother's insistence. And I've been told that if anyone asks, we're to repeat that fact, so no one thinks she's that narcissistic."

I laugh. "I'll do the same, then."

Jisso hurries to take her place as one of the bridesmaids and I head to my allocated seat. It's on the front row, right next to Mrs. Kim, alongside uncles and aunts.

In the front row on the right side of the church is a handful of people. An elderly-looking man and a young woman with hair the color of Namjoon's. A few men sit beside them-Namjoon's military friends?

My gaze travels back, inevitably and predictably, to the front of the church. Taehyung in a tuxedo is not something to miss. He's the second tallest of the four men up there, his brothers and Namjoon. Altogether, they're a stunning display of masculinity in its prime-thick hair and broad shoulders, all of them tanned from time spent at sea. I can practically feel the pride and emotion radiating from Mrs. Kim next to me.

Taehyung's eyes land on me, and under his heavy gaze, something tightens in my chest. Happiness, longing, fear. Uncertainty and embarrassment. Twice in two days, I've basically asked him to sleep with me. And twice in two days, he's said no.

He's clearly more in control than I am. And despite us agreeing that it wouldn't, this weekend has changed things. Last night changed things, with his hand in between my legs and lips against my neck.

I can't have him as my boss anymore.

It's the only way forward, even if this is just an inconvenient attraction to him and nothing more. I couldn't bear it if I had to schedule his dates or plan his trips-to see him at work every day, but never get anything more in return.

He'd wanted a game about who could be more professional, and he'd been right when he said he always won, because I've reached my limit. My heart is already too invested. I'm done playing.

Mrs. Kim leans in closer, whispering in my ear. "Isn't he handsome?"

She means Taehyung, who is still looking straight at me, a small crease in between his eyebrows.

"Yes," I murmur. "He's amazing."

An expectant hush falls over the congregation, and in the silence, a single violin starts to play the Wedding March. It's hauntingly gorgeous. Heads turn, expectantly, but I don't look at where Jin hyung is entering. I look at Namjoon hyung.

I've only been to a few weddings before, but each time, this is what I want to see-the look on the groom's face. Call me a romantic, but it floors me every time. Namjoon doesn't disappoint.

The raw emotion on his face brings tears to my eyes. From the way he's staring, there might as well be no one here at all, and that's when I realize that this whole wedding is just for him (Jin). All of it. He would be just as happy in a courthouse, and he would look at Jin the exact same way, knowing Jin was agreeing to spend his life with him.

Only then do I look at Jin hyung, and he's glowing, a vision in white. His smile is as broad as I've ever seen it, but there are tears in his eyes, too.

I swallow my emotions and watch in stunned silence as Mr. Kim kisses him on the cheek and hands him over to Namjoon hyung.

Their vows are short, but they're spoken with the kind of stark sincerity that betrays far deeper emotions. They're raw. And I can tell that it's held short because it's private; this couple isn't showy. It makes me like Taehyung's family even more.

Namjoon and Jin say I do. His voice is low and vibrating with emotion; Jin's nearly breaks with it. Their kiss makes me teary-eyed again, to my surprise. I've just met them, and still... It's the kind of wedding that makes me long for the day I might have my own.

Mrs. Kim reaches for my hand-unexpectedly-and squeezes as we both watch them together up there. I squeeze back.

Taehyung's eyes find mine again. This weekend, we've gone from almost strangers to almost lovers. I don't know how to act around a man who brought me over the brink, who walked hand in hand with me along the beach at midnight, and who will sign my next paycheck.

The ceremony finishes and people all around me start to rise, watching the newlyweds walk down the aisle hand in hand. We make our way outside, the reception held on the lawn outside the chapel, the sea a blanket of dark blue in the distance. It's a gorgeous venue, the summer sun shining.

I'm talking to one of Jin hyung's aunts when an arm wraps around my waist. "There you are," Taehyung says. "Sorry, Auntie. Is it okay if I steal my date for a moment?"

Her eyebrows rise in surprise. "But of course, Tae. It was lovely talking to you."

"Likewise, Mrs. Zhou."

Taehyung's arm tightens around my waist as he leads me to the refreshment table.

"That was beautiful," I breathe.

He hands me a glass of champagne and takes one himself, spinning me around so I'm facing him. "You were watching Joon hyung," he says, "when Jin hyung walked in. Why?"

I swallow. "The first look. I like it. I like seeing... it's hard to describe."

"It made you sad."

"No, not sad. They were happy tears."

His hand runs along the bare skin of my arm. "You've just met them."

"Yes, but..." I struggle to find the words. "Love is beautiful, don't you think? And it was there, in that church, in a purer form than I've seen for a long while. Maybe I'm jaded, I don't know, but it's not something I see often."

Taehyung's gaze is warm, and his answer is a long time coming. "Maybe it would've been easier if I didn't hire you," he says softly, "but I'm very glad I did."

"What are you saying?"

"What I should have said this morning. Jungkook, I slept better last night than I have in years, and it was because of you."

"Really? You were... uncomfortable."

He chuckles. "Yes, but you were in my arms."

"Another point lost."

"Fuck the points, Jungkook. Fuck that whole thing. I want you. And not just in bed."

My world narrows, until it's just him and me, our gazes locked. The champagne glass in my hand is shaking. "Are you serious?"

"Deadly," he says. "You've said so yourself-when do I joke?"

"Oh, but you do," I say, and I'm smiling, and stepping closer to him, and the sun flares impossibly brighter. "You're very funny when you choose to be."

He tips my head back and kisses me, his arms sliding around my waist. It's a kiss with purpose-a kiss that speaks of more kisses to come, that this is the beginning, not the end. It's the best kiss he's ever given me. "You make me lose all self-control, Jungkook."

"Oh, so it's my fault?"

The sound of his deep laugh in my ear sends shivers down my back, and then he readjusts, and I can feel just how much he wants me. "Oh."

"I'm half out of my mind with want. Have been for days, but after last night, it's nearly uncontrollable."

"Kim Taehyung, out of control." I reach up and run a hand through his hair, warm from the sunshine. "This is one for the books."

"Not my best moment. We're at my hyung's wedding reception, for God's sake. There are people everywhere. I should be mingling and catching up with relatives, but the only thing I want to do is take you away from here."

I look up at him through my lashes, biting my lip slightly, and watch as his eyes darken.

"Damn it."

"I'm sorry. Maybe I should move away..."

His hand grips my waist. "Not necessary. I'll have it under control in a minute."

I take a sip, the champagne cool against my parched tongue. "This is going to complicate things further, you know."

"You and me?"

Hearing him say it gives me goose bumps. "Yes."

"Life is complicated," he says. "We'll figure it out. Trust me, Jungkook."

And the crazy thing is... I do.

"Now, come on. Let's try to do what we came here for before I go completely mad." He bends down to my ear again. "Did I tell you that you look stunning?"

I smile. "Yes. But I'm not sure I believed you the first time."

"Well, I'll just have to say it again. And again. And again..."

I laugh, my head spinning happily. "I'd tell you to stop, but I don't want you to."

He grins. "Then I won't."

.

We spend the rest of the reception mingling. It's like the Founders' Gala all over again, only this time, we don't leave each other's side. Taehyung's hand is on the small of my back, or at my elbow, grasping my hand, touching at all times.

I'm no better. I lean into him when we listen to the violinist play, and I thread my fingers through his as we suffer through anecdote after polite cocktail party anecdote.

"It's time for dinner soon," he says. "We're seated at the same table, but I'm not sure if we're next to each other."

"I can handle it." He looks pained, and I laugh. "Can you?"

"I'm not sure. I might have to rearrange the seating chart."

"Taehyung, no," I laugh, and he bends to kiss me again, without regard for anyone who's watching.

"Fine. I'll grin and bear it, I suppose."

The dinner is gorgeous. Namjoon hyung and Jin hyung return, both flushed, having taken their wedding pictures. I'm seated at the family table, with Yeonjun to my right and Jisso to my left. Oddly enough for someone who's a plus-one, I feel completely at home.

"Thanks for the breakfast this morning," Yeonjun tells me. "It was an impressive spread."

"Oh, you're welcome. It was nothing."

"No, it was effort. Plus," he adds, eyebrows drawing closer together, "Taehyung would kick my ass if I didn't give you your dues."

I laugh. "I doubt that."

"I don't."

"Did you fight a lot growing up?"

"No. Well, yes. But not terribly. Eunwoo and Jin hyung, though, they liked to get into it."

"Really?" I look over at where Eunwoo is sitting, looking like an angelic Abercrombie model, with his black hair and square jaw.

"Oh yes. Close in nature and both too stubborn for their own good."

I think of Taehyung's determination, and the fire in Yeonjun's eyes. "I'd say you're all stubborn."

His lips twitch. "Yes, I suppose we are. It's a family vice."

"And a strength."

He raises his glass to mine. "I didn't get a chance to tell you, but the way you stood up to Dad the other night at dinner was legendary. You'll be written about in the history books, immortalized in statues, saved forever for posterity."

I laugh again. "I was afraid I'd be convicted as a war criminal. Does your dad hate me?"

"Hate you? He loves nothing more than someone who can stand up to him, if that someone isn't related to him. No, don't worry about that. And he knows that he'd lose Tae hyung if he ever said a bad word to you about it."

I look at Taehyung, sitting further up the table. He looks over, as if sensing my gaze, and smiles. You okay? he mouths. I wink at him, and his smile grows impossibly wider. He only looks away when he has to-drawn into conversation on his end.

"See?" Yeonjun says at my side. "No, you have nothing to fear from our father. Hyung's approval is all that matters."

"He seems difficult, though, or so Taehyung has told me. Did you also have it out with him growing up?"

It's meant as an innocent question, but Yeonjun's face shutters. "Yes," he says. "You could say that."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"No, I know you didn't."

I frown, realizing I know nearly nothing about him. I know about Jin hyung's art gallery and Eunwoo's business. But Yeonjun? What does he do?

I open my mouth to apologize again when someone clinks their spoon to a wineglass. This time it's Jisso, Jin's maid of honor, and I watch in amazement as Jin hyung cries during her speech. It's a funny one, too.

"I think he'll cry seven times tonight," Yeonjun tells me in an aside. "Taehyung wagered five, but I know him best."

I smile. As an only child, their dynamic is marvelous to observe. "Where do I place my bets?"

"You'd bet against Taehyung hyung?"

"Of course. He always needs to be knocked down a peg."

Yeonjun laughs, and I notice several of his family members turn their heads to observe it. The grin he gives me is a bit wild. "Never leave my brother, please. You make family events so much more amusing."

I can only smile in response to that.

We're halfway through dinner when Taehyung pushes back his chair. The music hushes as he raises his glass, the picture of male elegance in his tux and thick hair. "I think we can all agree that today has been a magical day," he says, voices quieting down to listen. "Unfortunately, that will probably end now, because my brothers and I will attempt something that we've failed at many times before. Cooperation."

Scattered laughter rings around the room, and I lean back in my chair, watching Taehyung perform. He looks down at Jin. "Hyung, we all love you so much. I just hope you feel the same about us after we've butchered our speech."

More laughter, and Jin hyung's eyes glitter as he watches Eunwoo stand as well. To my left, Yeonjun pushes back his chair.

"We have known you your whole life, Hyung. While I'll admit that not all of us were always thrilled about the idea of having big siblings," Taehyung glances meaningfully at Eunwoo, who makes a show of looking contrite, "you always completed our family. You kept Eunwoo on his toes and made Yeon experience emotions. For my sake, I was happy to have a rock to hold on when i have a breakdown and a student on the sailing boat who actually listened when I gave instructions."

Jin hyung laughs again, looking up at Taehyung, and in that moment my heart feels like it's welling over for him.

Eunwoo clears his throat. "For those of you who don't know-though I can't imagine that's anyone here-Jin hyung is very stubborn. It's amazing that we made it out of the War of the Chores unscathed." He regales the crowd with a story about their childhood that makes everyone laugh, about dog walking and bitter sibling rivalry.

Yeonjun's voice is cold when he starts. "We've known hyung all of his life, but oddly enough we've also known Namjoon hyung for most of his. I'll be the first to admit that we had our doubts at times. Being good enough for our hyung who is our princess isn't an easy task. I didn't take it well when I found out." He raises his glass to Namjoon hyung, and then to Jin. "I'd apologize for that, but I'm not actually sorry."

Eunwoo shakes his head. "But he's happy now. Aren't you, Yeon hyung?"

The middle brother makes an elegant half-bow toward the bride and groom. "Ecstatic. It's an odd thing to see two people you know so well getting married. Joon hyung, there is no one I'd rather see my hyung with. Being your groomsman today was an honor," he says, sincerity ringing in his voice. Then he clears his throat. "Also, Jin hyung would have killed me if I said no."

Good-natured laughter erupts from the guests again, and I watch as Namjoon ducks his head.

Taehyung is smiling broadly, catching my eye. This time, he's the one who winks. "Joining this family can be daunting. We're a complicated, stubborn, cantankerous bunch, every last one of us." He glances down at Namjoon, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder. "Thankfully, that means Joon hyung fit right in."

Taehyung pauses for the laughter, Namjoon and Jin's included. From the way they're both looking up at him... he's playing his role so well. Responsible brother and entertainer. Welcoming and teasing at the same time.

By the time the three of them are finished, they've practically brought down the house. I join in on the thunderous applause and watch as they take turns kissing Jin on the cheek. Taehyung bends to whisper something in Namjoon's ear, and the man nods in thanks, his eyes wide and sincere. Curiosity is burning inside me.

When dinner is over, staff clear away the tables and the music changes gear, drifting away from soft and romantic to upbeat. Taehyung finds me, his body strong and sure behind me, as we watch Namjoon and Jin's first dance.

"You were magnificent," I tell him quietly. "The speech was fantastic."

"Thanks," he says, gently running his hands up my arms. I'm glad we're in the shadows and everyone's attention is locked on the newlyweds.

"You practiced it this morning?"

He presses a soft kiss to my temple. "Yes."

"All this public display of affection..."

"You object?"

"Not at all." I lean against his body and shiver when his arms close around my waist. "Will you dance with me later?"

His arms tighten around my waist. "All night, if you'll have me."

"I will."

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To be continued........

Everything is good,, and little sweet confession of want and need between the couple.. what's more is there in the story👀✨

Taehyung's look :-