Jimin stared at his reflection in the mirror, his usually warm, brown eyes filled with a mix of anxiety and resignation. His soft, platinum-blond hair was perfectly styled, and he wore a traditional hanbok, its vibrant colors accentuating his fair complexion. He looked every bit the perfect groom, but his heart wasn’t in it. How could it be when he was about to marry a man he barely knew?
The whole situation felt surreal. Just a month ago, Jimin had been living his life as usual, focused on his dance career and enjoying time with his friends. He had always known that his parents were traditional and that they expected him to settle down eventually, but he never imagined they would arrange his marriage. Yet, here he was, about to marry Jeon Jungkook, the son of one of his father’s closest business partners.
Jungkook was a name Jimin had heard often. His father spoke highly of the younger man, always praising his business acumen and maturity. Jimin, however, had only met Jungkook a handful of times at family gatherings. Jungkook had always been polite but distant, his cold demeanor making it clear that he wasn’t interested in small talk or getting to know Jimin better. And now, they were about to be husband and husband.
The knock on the door pulled Jimin out of his thoughts. His mother walked in, her expression a mix of pride and concern.
"Jimin-ah, it's time," she said softly.
Jimin nodded, taking a deep breath. His mother gave him a reassuring smile before leading him out of the room and toward the hall where the ceremony would take place.
As they reached the entrance, Jimin's heart pounded in his chest. The doors opened, revealing a large room filled with family and friends. At the end of the aisle stood Jungkook, tall and strikingly handsome in his own traditional attire. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes met Jimin's, and for a brief moment, Jimin thought he saw something flicker in those dark orbs—something akin to uncertainty.
With his parents by his side, Jimin walked down the aisle. His steps were slow and deliberate, his mind racing with thoughts of what his life would be like after this moment. Would they be happy together? Or would this marriage be a cold, loveless union, a mere arrangement to satisfy their parents?
When Jimin finally reached Jungkook, the elder’s voice came out softer than he intended, "Hi."
Jungkook’s lips twitched slightly. "Hi."
They stood there, facing each other as the officiant began the ceremony. The words washed over Jimin, barely registering in his mind. He could feel Jungkook's gaze on him the entire time, but he couldn't bring himself to look up. His mind was too busy trying to prepare for whatever was to come.
Before he knew it, the officiant was asking them to exchange vows. Jimin's hands trembled slightly as he took the ring, sliding it onto Jungkook's finger. His voice was steady, though, as he spoke his vows, promising to stand by Jungkook's side through good times and bad, in sickness and in health.
Jungkook's vows were equally composed, but there was a hint of sincerity in his tone that surprised Jimin. As he slipped the ring onto Jimin's finger, his touch was warm, and for a brief moment, Jimin felt a spark of hope.
The ceremony ended, and they were declared married. As they turned to face their guests, Jimin forced a smile, his heart still heavy with uncertainty. The reception was a blur of well-wishers, speeches, and dances. Jimin played the part of the happy groom, but his mind was elsewhere, trying to process everything that had just happened.
It wasn’t until the evening when they finally arrived at Jungkook’s apartment—now their shared home—that reality began to sink in. The car ride had been silent, neither of them knowing what to say. Now, as they stood in the living room, the awkwardness between them was palpable.
