Kim Mansion

The Kim family sat down to a traditional Korean dinner, a rare occurrence. The table was laid with an assortment of dishes—kimchi, japchae, bulgogi, and steaming bowls of rice—all waiting to be enjoyed. The atmosphere, however, was far from warm. Jungkook sat quietly, chopsticks in hand, his mind elsewhere as he absentmindedly picked at his food. Across from him, his older brother, Taehyung, and his wife, Miso, exchanged glances, sensing the tension in the air.

It was Jeon Soojin, Jungkook’s mother, who had insisted on this family meal. She knew her husband, Kim Minho, had been pushing Jungkook too hard, and she hoped this dinner would offer some peace, or at least a break from the constant pressure. But Minho was not one to waste time on pleasantries.

Jungkook,” Minho said, setting his chopsticks down with a deliberate calmness, “have you made a decision regarding the arrangement we discussed?”

Soojin’s brow furrowed in confusion, her gaze snapping toward her husband. “Arrangement?” she repeated, clearly puzzled. “What arrangement are you talking about, Minho?”

Minho didn’t look at her, his eyes still fixed on Jungkook. “The marriage,” he said plainly, his tone unyielding.

The room seemed to still at the question. Soojin subtly shook her head at her husband, a silent plea for him to stop pressing. “Minho, let him eat,” she said softly, hoping to defuse the situation. “He needs time.”

Taehyung nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowing slightly at their father. “Yeah, Dad. No need to rush him.”

But Jungkook, who had been quiet until now, surprised them all with his response. “I’ve already made my decision,” he said flatly, placing his chopsticks down with a quiet clink. His gaze didn’t waver as he looked directly at his father. “I’ll be moving out next week.”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the entire table was silent. Soojin looked at her son in surprise, her eyes wide with concern. she asked, her voice rising slightly in shock. “why… why are you moving out? What’s going on?”
Taehyung straightened in his seat, exchanging a confused look with Miso, who remained silent but observant as always.

Minho’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his voice remained calm. “So, that means… you’ve agreed to the arrangement?”

Jungkook’s response came cold and emotionless. “Yes.”

The shock was palpable. Soojin gasped, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. “Jungkook, why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “Why… why so suddenly?”

Taehyung, who had been quietly observing, suddenly sat up straighter, his own surprise evident. “Moving out?” he asked, his eyes shifting to his younger brother. “You’re moving out?”

Jungkook coldly replied “Yes”

Taehyung, recovering from his initial shock, cleared his throat. he asked, his tone unsure. “Where are you planning to live?”

“Hannam-dong,” Jungkook answered simply. “It’s close to my workplace.”

Minho’s brow furrowed slightly, his voice calm but laced with disapproval. “Hannam-dong? You expect to live in a simple apartment, especially with your future wife? Arin will be the CEO of Kim Corporation soon. How can she manage living in a place like that? It’s too far from her office, and she’ll need a proper home befitting her status.”

Taehyung, still processing the news, looked at his father with raised brows. “Arin?” he repeated, his tone still edged with surprise. “So, her name is Arin?”

Minho nodded curtly. “Yes. Min Arin . The only daughter of Min Hyunwoo, the CEO of Min Enterprises, and her mother, Lee Seojin, is a famous fashion designer. Arin is intelligent, capable, and poised to take over her father’s company.Now she'll be new ceo of Kim corporation.She’s an excellent match for our family.”

Miso, ever the one to try and lighten the mood, offered a small smile. “Wow, a future CEO and the daughter of a designer? Sounds like she’s got it all figured out.”

Taehyung gave a small, reluctant nod. “If father’s chosen her, then it must be a good decision,” he said, though his voice was quiet, more a statement of resignation than agreement.

Jungkook listened quietly, his jaw tightening at his father’s words. So this girl was just another pawn in his father’s game—a power move, nothing more. Just like him, Jungkook thought bitterly. His father was using marriage to consolidate power, and this girl—Arin—was clearly willing to do the same. He felt a surge of resentment but kept his face impassive.

His expression remained cold as he looked at his father. “That’s not my concern,” he said icily. “If you’re so worried about her comfort, hire her a chauffeur.”

The sharpness of his words cut through the room, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. Soojin looked at him with pleading eyes. “Jungkook,” she began softly, “don’t be so harsh. He's just trying to make sure everything is… right for you. We just want you to be happy.”

Jungkook didn’t respond, his gaze focused on the table in front of him. He knew this wasn’t about happiness, not for him, at least. This was about control—his father’s control. But he had agreed to the marriage, knowing full well what it meant. And he would live with that decision, but on his own terms.

Minho watched his son carefully, his expression unreadable. Inside, however, he was calculating. Let him act defiant now, Minho thought. Once they’re married, things will change. He’ll change.

Miso, sensing the heavy atmosphere, tried once more to bring some levity, her voice soft but playful. “Well, maybe Arin will surprise us all. She seems like someone who could handle anything—maybe even Jungkook.”

Taehyung glanced at his wife, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips despite the tension. Miso’s lighthearted attempts often helped in situations like this, but even she seemed cautious tonight, her usual boldness tempered by the weight of the conversation.

Jungkook remained silent, his mind already made up. His father could push him into this marriage, but that didn’t mean he would bend to his will beyond that. He would find his own way through this, no matter what Minho planned.

Everyone started talking about wedding arrangements , but Jungkook said nothing. He picked up his chopsticks again and took a small bite of his food, though the taste barely registered. His mind was already elsewhere, lost in thoughts of what lay ahead. This was all just another one of his father’s schemes, another move in the never-ending game of control. But if this was the price for his freedom, then so be it. He would marry the girl, but he wouldn’t let his father  dictate his life.

As the meal wound down, Jungkook excused himself from the table, nodding briefly to his mother. Soojin watched him go, her heart heavy with worry. She knew her son better than anyone, and she could see the storm brewing beneath his cold exterior.

As Jungkook stepped outside into the cool night air, he felt a fleeting sense of relief. But deep down, he knew that this agreement—this marriage—wasn’t going to be as simple as he pretended it would be. The real battle was just beginning.
_______________________________________

                 Min Mansion

The Min family’s living room was bathed in warm light, the soft hum of conversation filling the air. Arin sat quietly on one of the large, plush couches, her fingers nervously twisting in her lap. Her mother, Lee Seojin, sat across from her, practically glowing with excitement. Yoongi sat beside Arin, tense and silent, while their father, Min Hyunwoo, stood near the fireplace, ready to drop the next bombshell.

“I’ve spoken to Kim Minho,” Hyunwoo began, his tone authoritative and final. “The wedding will be held next week.”

The words hung heavy in the air. Arin felt her stomach drop. Next week? Her eyes widened as she processed the sudden news. That was barely any time at all. She looked over at Yoongi, who immediately shot up from his seat, his jaw clenched tightly.

“Next week?” Yoongi’s voice was sharp, disbelief radiating from him. “That’s way too soon! You can’t be serious, Dad.”

“I’m serious, Yoongi,” Hyunwoo replied, his voice firm and unyielding. “It’s already arranged. The sooner we solidify this union, the better it will be for both families.”

Yoongi threw his hands up in frustration. “This is ridiculous! Arin barely knows Jungkook. How can you expect her to marry him in a week? This isn’t fair!”

Hyunwoo’s expression darkened, his patience thinning. “The decision is made. Arin understands the importance of this alliance.”

Before Yoongi could continue, Lee Seojin jumped in, her voice brimming with excitement. “Oh, Arin, darling, I can’t believe it! A wedding next week!” She clasped her hands together, practically bouncing with joy. “We’ll need to get everything ready right away! Invitations, flowers, the venue—it’s going to be so beautiful!”

Arin’s mother’s enthusiasm made her head spin. “Mom… it’s happening too fast,” Arin said, trying to keep her voice steady. “There’s barely enough time…”

“Exactly!” Seojin interrupted, waving her hand as if brushing away Arin’s concerns. “That’s why we need to start immediately! I’ll make sure everything is perfect. You don’t need to worry about a thing.” She leaned forward, her eyes shining. “I can’t wait to see you in your wedding dress. You’ll look like an absolute angel. This is a mother’s dream come true!”

Arin’s stomach twisted at the thought. The last thing she wanted was a grand, extravagant wedding. She could already picture the hundreds of people, the flashing cameras, the expectations weighing down on her. It was overwhelming.

Yoongi, pacing in front of the couch, ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “This isn’t just about decorations and dresses, Mom. This is Arin’s life we’re talking about! You’re rushing her into this.”

Seojin, still smiling, waved him off. “Oh, Yoongi, don’t be so dramatic. This is a joyous occasion! Our little girl is getting married.”

Arin took a deep breath, feeling like the room was closing in on her. She knew she had to say something, to at least try and take control of the situation. “If it’s possible…” she began, her voice soft but steady. “Could we keep the wedding small? Just family and a few close friends. No media, no huge crowd. I… I don’t want a big ceremony.”

Hyunwoo frowned, clearly not expecting her to voice her opinion. He crossed his arms, considering her request. “A small wedding?” His voice was low, as if he were weighing the pros and cons. “This is a significant union, Arin. It’s more than just a family affair. It’s about business, power, and alliances.”

“I understand that,” Arin said quickly, her voice growing firmer. “But I don’t want a spectacle. Just the people who matter to us. No reporters, no flashing lights.”

Her father was silent for a moment before finally sighing. “It’s not what I had in mind,” he admitted, “but it seems Jungkook feels the same way.”

Arin blinked, surprised. “What?”

Hyunwoo nodded. “Kim Minho mentioned that Jungkook also requested a small wedding. No media.”

Arin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. It was the first time she felt a small sense of relief. At least one thing was going her way. “Thank you,” she said quietly, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and disbelief.

“Well,” her mother chimed in, clearly still determined to enjoy every moment of planning, “even if it’s a smaller wedding, we’ll still make it beautiful. We don’t need a big event to make it special, right? Just think, Arin—a gorgeous intimate ceremony. I’ll make sure everything is just right.”

Arin forced a smile, though her heart still felt heavy. Her mother’s excitement was palpable, but the reality of marrying Jungkook in just a week was starting to sink in. Despite the small victory of avoiding a grand affair, the weight of the situation felt immense.

Yoongi, now seated again, leaned closer to her, his voice low and concerned. “Are you sure about this?”

Arin met his gaze, her expression calm but resigned. “Do I really have a choice, Yoongi?”

He didn’t answer, his silence speaking volumes. Instead, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, letting her know he was still on her side.

As the conversation in the room shifted back to wedding preparations, Arin sat quietly, her mind racing. The idea of marrying Jungkook still felt surreal, but maybe—just maybe—it wouldn’t be as unbearable as she’d feared.

Author's Note:

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