Bodies move to and fro, each of them carrying bright smiles and laughter. A sight only ever visible when very important people enter an event like this. Not to say Mother and Father don't carry an aura of importance, they do. We all do, but Mr Jeon and Mrs Jeon do it better.

With polite smiles and expensive attire, I watch as my soon-to-be parents walk with their arms linked, staring right at me as I stand beside Father, hoping my face doesn't show how nervous I feel. It's been a while since I've seen Jeongguk's parents. Remembering how unpleasant our last meetings have been doesn't help ease my nerves. I'm just happy they are attending, even if they missed half of the event.

Father steps forward offering hugs to both, while I politely bow, not sure how close I'm supposed to get. Mrs Jeon reaches out to me, her smile more real than it had been a moment ago.

"Soa, dear, you look like you're about to get scolded," I let out and awkward chuckle, allowing myself to relax in her hold. Her hugging me shows that we're somewhat okay, "No need to behave differently now. Business is business and family is family."

She smiles one last time before disappearing after Father. Her husband only gives me a nod of acknowledgement, something I should probably start getting used to. He's never been fond of me and that will most likely never change. No wedding could change that.

I pull my eyes off the couple and instead focus in on the glass of champagne in my hands. A glass of liquid courage to face the questions and congratulations that have been following me around all evening. Bubbles rise to the surface, a clear representation of what I feel. The inner fear and excitement of not knowing what's next.

Jeongguk ambles up to me, hair neatly styled out his face. Fresh cut doing nothing to hide his very evident scowl. It's been there all evening. Jimin had teased him about wrinkles, only for the male to cuss at him. Now, he directs that same look at me.

"We need to talk."

It's a firm statement. No negotiation or discussion. I place the almost empty glass of champagne on the bar beside me.

"What happened-"

"If it isn't the lovely couple," A woman I don't recognize cuts in with a shrill voice. The glass beside me could easily crack from the pitch of it. "Congratulations on your engagement, Jeongguk. You've really grown into a handsome young man." She smiles, patting his shoulder. Her diamond ring glistens under the lighting, showing that like every other member of his family, she's got money or married into it.

He smiles, tight and fake. Pulling away from her hand after a few taps. "Thank you, aunty. I'm glad you could make it." It sounds small and less like the gravelly sound he used when speaking to me.

She scoffs, running her hand along his jaw. There's plenty of affection in the act, raising my eyebrows. If she's so close, how come I've never met her? "As if I'd miss your engagement party. Your mother didn't even need to convince me to come." She laughs, patting him again.

I watch the interaction with amusement. Now knowing she's related to his mother, I understand the friendly and comfortable aura she exudes. Her personality clearly a huge contrast from the introvert that is her nephew. The scene pulls a tipsy smile out of me. The temporary distraction an easy opportunity for me to disappear into the crowd of wealth and riches.

Gowns and suits worth millions pass me as I move in the direction of Kim Taehyung who stands nursing a plate of dessert. His new courage booster as the time of his speech draws near.

He rolls his eyes at my form, "Here to make me go over my lines again?"

I scoff at his attitude, "I would've asked Namjoon, but Father insisted you do it."

He rolls his eyes again causing me to nudge his arm. The two of us both share a look, both aware that Taehyung only carries annoyance because reality is sinking in. We won't always be together anymore. Just yesterday we were having lunch in his office, today we went dress hunting. A week from now he'll watch me walk town the aisle. Time surely had been swept from under our feet. Moving Jeongguk into our home also hasn't helped with his mood swings. Some sort of jealousy has been brewing within him since then.

Like Jeongguk, Taehyung wasn't happy with the rush of an engagement party. All evening he'd been on the sidelines, avoiding conversations and congratulations. Avoiding all the business partners and friends who wanted to find out when he'd be ready to marry. Mother wouldn't have it though. Told him to he mature and accept the reality for what it is.

They call him up and somehow Jeongguk has found a spot beside me again. This time with less of a scowl on his face. There's still no genuine smile, but atleast his aunt managed to calm down whatever anger he was feeling.
He intertwines our hands, rubbing at my knuckles with his thumb. I lean into him, knowing this moment is about to be emotional.

"Good evening everyone," Taehyung smiles, charming every member of the audience. "I don't know why I'm always the one making these speeches, but tonight I'm more than happy to do it, but also a little sad." He chuckles, finding my eyes with a sad smile.

"Soa and I grew up together like twins, always following each other around every playground. To say goodbye tonight is a little hard." He laughs again. It's awkward, but cute. "And Jeongguk is one of my best friends. I still don't know why he likes my sister so much, but he does and he does it well." He winks at the male.

The audience laughs, finding amusement in Taehyung. He's always been the public favourite. Mother says it's because he has a bright personality. I argue that they want him to marry their daughters. Tonight, it's because he looks handsome and demands respect in a calm manner. There's no intimidation or powerful aura. It's just my older brother being himself.

"The two of you are complete opposites and your relationship is extremely difficult. Both leading two good companies, I can't imagine how many tears and fights have occurred, but the fact that we're here tonight proves that love can exist in business and it can be as happy and as pure as the love between the two of you." He smiles," Tonight, I want to congratulate you and wish you both years of happiness and love. Thank you for years of laughter, fun and memories. Thank you for having me on your journey. I love you both." He smiles, holding a glass into the air. "To the future Mr and Mrs Kim."

There's a pause before cheers and celebration start. Taehyung makes his way from the stage, passing polite smiles to every person he finds along his path. An orchestra starts performing pulling a lot of people onto the dance floor, but I don't care for the festivities. I pull him in for a hug, knowing things are about to change drastically. "I love you, Tae."

He hums, "Love you too, Soa. Always." Placing a kiss on my cheek, "Love you too, Guk." He smiles at the younger who carries a neutral expression.

Jeongguk sends him a finger heart, causing Taehyung to dramatically fawn at the action.

-

"She looks beautiful." His mother appears, holding onto her purse with class and grace. Her other hand holds a glass of champagne, the drink that had everyone else in a merry mood. Everyone except Jeongguk. He stands to the side, watching Soa laugh with Fei. Her hands hold Shaun with ease. The emerald gown is perfectly shaped to hug her figure. Her hair hands loosely in bouncy curls that move as she plays with the baby.

"She always looks beautiful."

His mother hums, "She'd look even more beautiful if you were beside her."

Jeongguk turns to her, anger on his face. Just seeing his mother after all the days and weeks is enough to have him swallow down a batch of tears. The politeness he had earlier was a show of respect. "Why are you and Dad here?"

His mother visibly blanches at the question. Her eyebrows shoot up into her hairline. The almost empty glass of champagne gets passed to a random server passing by. He watches as she turns to him again. A look of apology on her face, "We wouldn't miss your engagement party, Jeongguk. It's an important milestone-"

"But you can allow them to kick me out of the company?" He retorts, the anger now seeping into his face. The scowl is back and so is his bad mood. Watching his parents model into the room with auras that demand authority annoyed him. Watching them move around the room passing smiles to everyone added to that. How they could show kind behaviour to strangers, but not their own son didn't sit well. "We're marrying as Kims, Mom. All because I love a woman who's got a life and money of her own?"

He laughs, but there's no humour, "We're here to celebrate, but all I want to do is cry. Thank you for making one of my milestones a sad moment I'd like to forget as soon as I leave here." He starts moving in the direction of the doorway, but turns back, "And you're no longer invited to the wedding. As a Kim, I see no reason why any Jeons should be present."

His mother reaches for him, "Jeongguk, don't do this." Tears already line her eyes, threatening to fall at any second.

He doesn't budge and marches off toward the exit. People murmur amongst each other, all aware of the event that transpired between mother and son. Mrs Jeon turns toward her husband, a look of anguish marking her features.

Unaware of the most recent events, Soa talks to Seokjin, a smile lighting up her features. The excitement of the wedding being the buzzing topic between the group of siblings. Taehyung makes a joke, causing all of them to laugh.

Jeongguk leaves the hall, angrily wiping at tears while the guards mind their own business. Each of them stand with firm posture, unmoving while he cusses, kicking at a random wall.

The first to see him is Yoongi who walks along Irena. The latter wearing a dazed expression and a light blush. The giggles they have die down at the sight of Jeongguk. The definition of an emotional mess as he leans his forehead against a wall, shoulders moving erratically.

Frowning the older man steps toward his friend, motions for his girl to get Soa. While she moves toward the hall, he moves toward the younger male. "Jeongguk, what's going on? Why are you out here?" He asks, patting the man on the shoulder.

He doesn't reply, just continues to bawl his eyes out. The quietness of his crying now turning into sobs while Yoongi stands beside him, not sure how to handle a crying Jeongguk. If anything, he's only ever seen the man annoyed. Crying is a whole leap of emotions he doesn't know how to deal with.

Soa comes out already wearing a worried expression. Yoongi shrugs at her and watches as her face turns into a forlorn expression of apology. He knows her mind is most likely spiralling to all sorts of conclusions. "Hey, don't overthink it. Just wait until he's ready."

-

Jeongguk is only ready when we're home. His crying hasn't stopped and for some reason, I can't imagine a reason to why the man has to cry so much. It's supposed to be our night of celebration. Instead we're in my room, laying beside each other while he cries into the hollow of my neck. My hands play with his hair, whispering reassurances that fall on unhearing ears.

He's ready when he pulls my hand into his own, wet lips meeting the expanse of my skin. "I'm sorry I'm such a mess. You deserve better." He chokes.

I disapprove, cooing at him to stop worrying and tell me what's got him in this state. For two people about to walk the aisle, the both of us have been nothing but emotional wrecks. Crying has become the norm in what was once a happy relationship. Gone are the days of kissing and giggling whenever we were caught by either of our parents. Now, all we know is tears.

"I deserve you." I reply, kissing his hand back.

He sighs, "Mom and Dad waltzed into that hall like two celebrities. My grandparents didn't even show. You invited them because of me and they couldn't even return your respect. You spoke to my mother as usual, but my old man couldn't even give you a smile of congratulations." He scoffs.

"He kicks me out of the company then shows up at my engagement party, offering us a house at the estate. Why would I want to move in there now?" He scoffs again, cleary now upset at whatever had transpired between him and his father. A conversation I have no knowledge of.

"Now we're marrying under your surname all because they failed to meet their end of the bargain."

"That's only on paper, Guk. For the sake of you taking over-"

"Baby, I know, but it makes me so angry." He groans, "Why do you have to go through this for the sake of me? Why do we both have to suffer like this because you have a job? Fei runs the show and no one says anything. This is not an arranged marriage." He grits.

I nod, knowing he's not wrong. It's been a whole mess with ample meetings and discussions. Father didn't like the idea at first, but the reality is that I never wanted to run Kim Group. I never wanted to be at the top. Now, Jeongguk can take over and help Taehyung and I can reclaim my old position.

Jeongguk was emotional when we explained everything to him. Elephant tears rolling down his cheeks at the sacrifice. Taehyung had been really supportive, not letting his jealousy cloud his rational thinking.

"I never wanted to run the show," I chuckle. "And we've made it this far. Just one more week and then you're free as a dove. We'll be in our home, away from all of this, making babies-"

"Don't finish that sentence." He laughs.

I chuckle because it's all I've been talking about. Children and our little family. Taehyung leaves the room everytime I start and Seokjin decides to offer parenting advice and extra time with Shaun for the sake of  "practice". Deep down I know it's because he wants alone time with his wife.

"They're going to be so cute." I smile.

"They?" He asks, lifting his head up, "We're only having two kids. Not a soccer team."

I nod, "We'll see when we're in bed."

He laughs, pecking my mouth with a giggle. A soft kiss that carries love and excitement for the future, "I love you, baby."

"And I love you, Mr Jeon." I reply. "Wanna go to Love Maze and check what Jimin and Tae are up to?" He rolls his eyes, complaining about me always wanting to be around my brother. It's true, but that's never been a secret.

"It seems like we have to compete for your attention." He clicks his tongue. I roll my eyes.

"Oh please, you love Taehyung as much as I do." I retort.

-

Back at the Jeon mansion, Mrs Jeon cries silently in her bedroom. Her phone clutched in her hand as she tries to reach Jeongguk. She only ends up with a number of missed calls and more tears. Beside her Mr Jeon sighs, rubbing a reassuring hand onto her back.

"Honey, give him time. I'm sure he was just surprised to see us there-"

"No," She shakes her head, "He meant every word he said. We've ruined his evening. We've lost him." She starts again, dialing Jeongguk. She only ends up with another missed call.

Her cries are continuous. The cries of a mother who feels helpless and to blame for the hurt her son is feeling. Jeongguk not being allowed back home was a decision she had accepted. Him being removed from the business was another choice she didn't object, supporting all the reasons stated to her.

He was said to be unfit, irresponsible and disrespectful, but seeing her son after weeks, he still behaved and looked the same. He greeted his father with respect, kissed his mother with love. There was no ounce of pride in him. Only disappointment and sadness. Emotions that should not have been present tonight.

A staff member hands her a cup of tea, nervously leaving the bedroom as Mr Jeon comforts his wife. "Jeongguk needs to learn that business is a matter of using your head, not your heart. He's being emotional and irra-"

"Maybe you should start learning that your son has real values. This business and all it stands for will never mean more to him than his friends and family." She speaks, "And it'll certainly never mean more than his love for Soa. Maybe if you had been around more, you'd know that we raised a good boy. If anything, we're to blame for tonight."

"We should've defended him against your father." She shakes her head, "Now we've lost our son and he's the only one we have." She starts crying again, not caring for the cup of tea.

-

Soa and Jeongguk are sat at Love Maze, her leaning against his frame while they both observe Jimin and Hoseok go at it. Arms flailing in all directions as the two dance. The bass moves through the building, exciting everyone present. Yoongi and Irena slow dance to a beat of their own. It's all a chaotic mess to observe.

Taehyung falls down onto his sister, a dazed expression on his face. Hair dishevelled and messy. He looks more than buzzed. High or on some sort of drug as he smiles at her worried face. He'd disappeared as soon as they entered the club.

She wants to ask him what's wrong, but Namjoon beats her to it. "What are you on, Taehyung?" His voice comes out stern. The tone of an older brother who's had enough for the evening.

Sent to overlook and remain sober, Namjoon had noticed Taehyung slip out of the section with a stranger. Some redhead none of them had ever seen. No one cared to stop him. Not even Soa who had been whispering to Jeongguk, not caring about anyone else around her. He didn't need to ask questions to know that even she was not sober.

Jeongguk chuckles, moving the man off of Soa, "I think he's high. Smells like weed."

Before Namjoon can start stressing about the illegality of the substance, the younger passes him a beer, "I won't tell her if you don't."

It's a request to relax and not mention Taehyung's situation to anyone. Especially not his younger sister who starts fanning at his face. Taehyung still dazed giggles at the action. The last thing they need is a worried Soa to start cussing at Taehyung for using substances. It's a surprise to them all to see her dazed aswell. Usually she's the sober one.

Jeongguk smiles when she starts kissing his jaw, "We're in front of people." He reminds, turning toward her face with his own. She hums, placing her mouth on his. For a second he let's her kiss him, but pulls away at the thought of Namjoon. It's awkward even though they're old enough to do whatever.

"I love you so much." Soa moans, falling into his body again.

"Please take her home. The last thing I need is a baby Jeon being made in my presence." Namjoon coughs, pulling a face at his sister who melts into Jeongguk like a piece of wax that's been set alight. One wouldn't say she'd been comforting the man hours prior to this moment.

He kisses her forehead, "I love you too, baby. Let's head home, yeah?"

She hums, "Bring Tae too. He's buzzed."

Jeongguk finds his feet, pulling her into a vertical posture aswell. Her eyes land on Namjoon who eyes them with an expression that borders at disgust. She ignores his face, "Take care of Jimin and Hoseok, Joon."

He scoffs, "You just get home and sleep, Mrs Jeon. You've got a long week ahead of you."

-

Eyyy

We're finally nearing the big day! Yay!