Chapter Text
Jimin had created a thousand imaginary scenarios in his mind, different scenarios about how he'd get married one day, which ranged from conventional court marriages to bizarre elopements. And yet he wasn't prepared for how he was actually getting married, right this instant. An arranged marriage. Arranged marriages aren't uncommon. While their frequencies had dwindled, the norm was still practiced in many parts of the world. So, no. The arranged marriage was not what had been a shock for Jimin.
Only an hour ago, he was getting dressed and was excited to attend his older brother's wedding ceremony. And somehow he finds himself getting married to the same groom. It was the urgency of the patched up affair, the lack of time to actually make a decision, the lack of any prior knowledge about his getting married today, which took him by surprise.
His older brother, Jihoon, was the one supposed to be tying the knot. It was an arranged marriage for him too. The entire union had been planned by their grandparents in their infancy and both the men knew about it. A potential union between the Jeons and the Parks was known information. And it was only right for Jihoon to be the one to get married, he'd said he was okay with it. He was going to inherit the business and the position of the CEO soon. The union between him and Jungkook would have been ideal.
Jeon Jungkook was the sole heir to the Jeon industries. And to be honest, Jimin didn't quite know much about the man. He didn't think he needed to, for it wouldn’t be him getting married to the man. But he IS. All he knew about the man is that he possessed a cold attitude, which had instantly created a bad impression of the taller man in his eyes. But Jimin wasn't the one to hold grudges against people, no matter how much someone pisses him off. His first encounter with Jungkook was an utter proof of it.
**
It was the first time Jungkook was attending one of the annual galas hosted by the Parks. The man rarely attended these events. A social recluse, Jimin had concluded. It was a shock to both Jihoon and Jimin. This meant that it would also be the first time they'd be meeting the said man. But Jimin wasn't as interested. He just wanted his brother to be happy. Jimin himself rarely attended these galas. He was a teacher, he taught kindergartners and had almost no clue or interest about his family business.
Jimin's family had never pressured either of their children to join the business. Jihoon's interest in the family business was out of his own volition. A blessing for his parents. Jimin pursued his degree in education, while also pursuing a lateral degree in dance. And he now worked as a kindergarten teacher and sometimes volunteered at the local dance academy. The contrast between him and his brother resembled that of night and day. But they loved one another all the same.
Their differences shone in their choice of clothing too, which was why Jimin felt a little weird to be the only one in bright colours amongst the sea black suits and grey pants in the gala. They were introduced to Jungkook sometime later in the evening. And Jimin would be lying if he said he didn't find the man attractive.
Dressed in a well-fitted suit, hair pulled back and supporting sharp features, Jeon Jungkook looked absolutely breathtaking. He didn't speak much, conversation limited. Even with his brother. They mostly discussed business and Jimin felt out of place. And when his brother had excused himself to go to the washroom, Jimin being Jimin, had wanted to converse and break the ice with Jungkook.
"Is this your first time attending the annual gala hosted by our company?" Jimin knew that it was, but he needed something to start with.
Jungkook hadn't replied for the longest minute, before simply nodding.
"Oh.. It's mine too" Jimin had beamed at him.
"I figured" Jungkook said, an air of superiority in his gestures.
"Huh? How?" Jimin asks, curiosity genuine in his voice.
"Considering your choice of apparel for a formal function, I would only be a fool to assume you've attended similar galas." Jungkooks says, posture straight, voice devoid of any emotion.
And it takes a moment for Jimin to realise what Jungkook had said. Jimin had never really bothered with how he appears or wears in formal gatherings. He was not going to be a part of it. He didn't know half the people and he just didn't feel like conforming into someone he was not, something his parents supported him for. And he was okay, he felt confident. Up until now. Jimin looks down at the baby blue sweater and white trousers he's wearing. He realises he doesn't like Jungkook, not one bit. Not any bit.
He raises his face, to find the man staring at him, one eyebrow raised, assessing. And Jimin feels enraged, because how dare he come here and insult the host? But he remains seated and only politely smiles.
"Wouldn't wanna be lost in the sea of greys and blacks.. I am not one to be in the shadows, you see" He smiles before excusing himself.
He avoids Jungkook like the plague that evening. But every now and then his eyes find the doe eyed man and sometimes, he swears he feels eyes on him too. He watches his brother and him smile, and converse. At least Jihoon is happy. So he's happy too. I don't care. It's not like I'm gonna have to bear with his superiority complex, he chuckles.
**
Jimin thinks the devil must have laughed at his thoughts. Because right now, standing next to the same Jungkook feels unreal. It all feels unreal. His brain refuses to believe it's happening, but it is. He is getting married. And it's not a drill.
**
An hour and a half ago..
"What do you mean, he's gone?" Jimin finds his mother asking Taehyung, Jimin's best friend who was also a part of the wedding party.
"What's happening, Tae?"
"Min.. Jihoon hyung.. He's gone.."
"What?"
"I went to ask him about his tie and ring, but the room was vacant and.. We found this letter.." Tae hands him a letter, long paragraphs in Jihoon's own handwriting waiting to be read.
Eomma and Appa,
By the time you'll be reading this letter, I will have already left Seoul. I am sorry. I wish I had better words to convey how sorry I am. But I cannot commit so soon to a relationship, to someone. Jeon Jungkookssi is a wonderful person, he's driven and ambitious like me. But I cannot find myself settling down so soon.
I had hoped by the time the wedding would approach my feelings towards this entire arrangement would surely change. And to some extent it did, but I am still unsure and scared. I know what I am doing is cowardly. But I hope Jungkook would understand. I will return soon. I just needed to get away. I am sorry. Please forgive me.
Jihoon
"Oh.." Jimin sighs and looks towards his parents.
"W-what do we do now?" Jimin turns towards his parents, who are crying. Jimin hates to see his parents in such a circumstance. He's angry at Jihoon, but to some extent he understands his brother. If only he'd confessed before.
"We.. The union had been planned for years.. The entire business environment knows about it. Going back on our words would dampen our reputation in the market." Jimin's father scrambles.
"I.."
"And how will I ever face Jungkook's grandfather. My own father had given his word, it was his last wish.. I.." Jimin watches as his mother tries to soothe his father. And Jimin realises how he never wants his parents to be in this position ever again. He doesn't think about it much when he puts his suggestions forth.
"I.. Have you told this to Jungkook?" Jimin enquires. Both his parents shake their heads.
"If.. If he's willing.. And if he doesn't mind.. I.. I am willing to take Jihoon hyungs place and marry him instead"
"Jiminah.. We can't let you do this" Jimin's mother exclaims.
"It's okay..I don't have any reason to decline too. If it was Jihoon hyung’s responsibility, then it's mine as well.. We're both Parks.."
"Jimin.." His father hugs him, thanks him and heads out to have a chat with the Jeons.
Jimin internally hopes that the cold man refuses the offer and the entire union plan gets sabotaged. But it's not what happens. Jimin is shocked to find his father informing him of Jungkook's approval. Why would he marry me? Jimin wants to scream but he doesn't. Instead he begins getting ready to get married.
"Are you out of your mind?" He finds his best friend rushing inside the room.
"No, Tae.. It's for the best"
"For whom?"
"For everyone, Tae.."
"Don't even try with me Jimin, I've known you all my life. I've been with you for decades. I know about your dreams, and aspirations. I even know how you have an entire list of traits you wanted your husband to possess.. Does Jungkook even possess one of those traits?" Taehyung stands in front of Jimin but Jimin just continues doing his buttons up.
"Well.. He's a man.."
"Jimin.."
"What? Imagine I had to marry a girl.. What would I do then? At least he's a guy.. And.. He seems okay.. I don't know.. Maybe it'll work out"
"Maybe?"
"What do you want me to say, Tae? I am as shocked as you are but I can't let my family bear the brunt of the hounding media. And who knows, maybe he's nice and it does work out.."
"I.. Jimin.. I hope it does.. But please know, I am always here.. For you.. With you.."
Jimin smiles, a sad smile.. "I know.."
***
Jimin breaks out of the trance as the priest clears his throat again.
"Hmm.. I'm sorry.."
"I asked you if you would take Jeon Jungkook as your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest asks, loud. Maybe Jimin hadn't heard the first time, maybe that's why the man in robes is literally screaming.
Jimin takes a look at the man standing next to him. Jungkook looked beautiful, but then again he always looked beautiful. He's wearing a black suit, pressed shirt and his hair is pulled back. He looks a bit nervous too, but he tries to put the uncaring facade on, Jimin notices. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad, maybe they could fall in love someday. Jimin wants to hope. He wants to try.
"I do." He says, confidently.
And then he listens to Jungkook, doing the same.
"You may now kiss your partner" The priest says, but the two men are just staring at one another. Awkwardness spilling in large waves. Both of them take a step towards one another, wanting to do it but then refusing to at the last minute. They simply decide to forego it and walk towards their parents.
The wedding itself was a very small and private affair. Jungkook had remained aloof most of the time, avoiding Jimin and just minding his business. Jimin shouldn't have expected anything different.
The only highlight from the evening was meeting Jungkook's grandfather. He was almost in his 80s and looked as cheerful as one could be.
"You're beautiful," The older man says.
"Thank you so much"
"My grandson is a bit difficult. But I hope you two will get along well. I.. I know this isn't what you had wanted but.. I think everything happens for a reason, Jiminah.. And I hope you'll be happy.. Try to be patient with him.."
"I.. I will try my best"
The older man had then kissed Jimin's forehead and wished him the best.
It was only an hour later when the newly married couple were ushered to the car waiting for them at the parking lot. They took their seats, silence engulfing them completely. Jimin tries to look at the man sitting next to him every now and then, but Jungkook completely ignores Jimin.
And when they reach what Jimin assumes to be Jungkook's house, Jimin is shocked. The house is beautiful but devoid of any bright colours. The entire decor is a mix of black, white and greys. Jimin feels so out of place. Jungkook had simply walked them inside. Jimin had no luggage, he hadn't packed. He didn't know he'd be getting married. So he just stood there in the middle of the living room, like a fool. After 5 minutes, Jungkook had finally stepped out and pointed Jimin towards another door.
"This will be your room. Do not enter my room without permission. We're both adults, let's do this civilly." Jungkook recites almost mechanically.
"You were not supposed to be here. You and I are both shocked at the outcome. But we're both adults. We can live together without disturbing each other's lives, can't we?" It was a rhetorical question, Jimin knew and yet he nodded..
"Good. We can order dinner. I have a maid who visits during the afternoon. I know neither of us wanted this to happen, but we can't help it." And with that he leaves.
He leaves, leaving behind Jimin on the verge of tears. Why did he marry then? He wanted to scream. Would he have been so cold and calculated with Jihoon too? He wanted to know. He probably wouldn't have been. He must have been so disappointed to be marrying someone who was the polar opposite to Jihoon. Don't think like that, Jimin. He scolds himself. He could have said no. Why didn't he? Jimin wanted to cry. Because in all his expectations and made up scenarios, he'd never expected to get married and end up in a relationship devoid of emotions, devoid of love.