Chapter Text
A knock on his office door nearly starts Taehyung, engrossed in his sketching for his next spring collection.
“Come in,” he answers but doesn’t lift his pencil from his sketchbook.
Jimin, his chief operating officer walks in, “Just to remind you, because you asked me to, you have dinner with your parents in an hour.”
Jimin is more than just the COO to Taehyung. Jimin has been his best friend since middle school, always encouraging him to pursue fashion. When Taehyung created his fashion brand, Kimémoire, nearly 7 years ago, Jimin was the first-person Taehyung employed knowing he wanted him there by his side.
Taehyung looks at the vintage Cartier on his wrist and nods, “Thanks Chim. Are you coming too? You now mom and dad would love to see you.”
Jimin pulls his phone from his pocket, “I would love to see mama and papa Kim too, but I have a meeting with the team in Paris scouting locations for our show next June and confirm we are good for January in a few months.”
Taehyung ears perk up at that, putting the sketchbook down, “Can we try and please secure the botanical gardens? I think that is perfect for what I have in mind. Just like the opera house is perfect for the fall/winter collection.”
Jimin nods, “Of course, I’ll make it happen, you know I always do.”
“You’re the best” Taehyung goes back to the sketch he was working on
Jimin shakes his head and looks at his own wrist, “Clocks ticking Tae. You’ve got to head out soon if you want to make it on time.”
Taehyung hums a nonverbal response but still an acknowledgement.
Jimin crosses his arms, “Alright what’s wrong?”
Taehyung shrugs, “I don’t know what you mean, nothing is wrong.” Not lifting his head from the drawing, “just trying to finish this sketch.”
“You act like you don’t take that sketchbook with you everywhere.” Jimin crosses his arms and tries to better get a read on his best friend. “You’re stalling. Why?”
“Me? Stalling? No.” He puts his pencil down and looks up at Jimin. “See sketch is done.”
“Mmhmm, yet you make no move to get up.” He gives taehyung a sideways glance, “What’s wrong?”
Taehyung leaned back in his chair, throwing his head back “The last time I saw my parents they brought up marriage again and I just don’t want to think about yet. The brand is in a really good place, and I just don’t have the time.”
Jimin takes a seat in front of him, “If you told them last time, do you really think they would bring it up again?”
“I don’t know,” Taehyung shrugs, “I think they really listened to me last time I just don’t want to have the conversation once again.”
Jimin offers a soft smile, “if you don’t bring it up, maybe they won’t either.” He glances at his wrist, “But I know how much you hate being late, so you need to leave now to make it.”
Taehyung finally stands from his desk and stretches, “I know, I know. I’m going now.”
Jimin walks out of the CEOs office in favor of his own leaving Taehyung to collect his things and make his way to the garage so that he can fight traffic and make it to dinner on time.
He unlocks the cream-colored Porshe and starts to make his way to the restaurant. Luckily traffic wasn’t horrible, but he made it just in time for the reservation his parents had.
He checks himself in the rearview mirror and took a deep breath, stepping out of the car and handing his key to the valet.
His parents were standing by the door waiting for his arrival.
“Hi bear,” his mother greets him with a kiss to the cheek and a hug, “You look stunning as always.”
“Hi mom,” he returns the hug, “Also thank you, I didn’t have a chance to go home and change,” he says moved to his father who offers his extended hand.
The Kim men shake hands and then the doorman opens the door for them so that they can be seated by the host.
Once seated the exchange some pleasantries about how business is, order a bottle of pinot noir.
Taehyung’s father clears his throat, “Son, the last time we saw you, we had brought up marriage.”
Frustration rises in Taehyung, “Dad I-” he tries to speak but his father raised his hand to stop him.
His father continues, “I know you said that you’re too busy, and we respect that.”
Taehyung relaxes at that, thinking that his parents had in-fact heard him out. But his father wasn’t done.
“So, we took it into our hands and arranged your marriage to Jeon Jungkook.”
Taehyung’s jaw went slack, “an arranged marriage, to the CEO of JeonTech?”
His father shakes his head and his mother speaks up, “Jungkook has already agreed to it, and you and Jungkook are going to meet by the end of the week.”
Taehyung didn’t know how much further his jaw could drop, “Do I get any say in this?”
His parents drop their smiles, “We’re doing this for you.”
“If this is for me, what am I getting out of this?” Taehyung has never felt betrayed by his parents but that is the feeling rising in his chest.
“Companionship, a family, he has a daughter you know,” his father states. “Plus, it won’t hurt your business, nor his, and this is easier for everyone. End of discussion.”
Taehyung downs his wine, “A discussion implies I knew about this ahead of time and that I had a say in the matter.” He stands up from his chair, “I need some air. I’m sorry, you guys have a good dinner.”
He exits the restaurant, getting his car back from the valet and heading for home. The conversation playing in his head over and over, some of the words settling on him. Jungkook has a daughter, so he is going to be a husband and a parent.
Once he reaches his penthouse, he immediately calls Jimin.
“Hey Tae.”
“Hey Chim, do you have a minute I’m kind of freaking out.”
“Yeah, but take a breath, what happened? Do you want me to come over?”
Taehyung takes a deep breath, “No, no, stay at home, but I left dinner with my parents early.”
“Okay?”
“They brought up marriage again.”
“Geez, I’m sorry, what did they say?”
“That I’m getting married to Jeon Jungkook.”
The line goes quiet for a second or two.
“What the fuck did you just say?”
“That my parents apparently met with the Jeons and arranged my marriage to their son.”
“Jeon Jungkook? Like the tech guy?”
“Yep, the hot and broody one.”
“Wait, doesn’t he have a kid?”
“Mmhmm.”
“Holy shit.”
Taehyung swiped his hands across his face, “I always thought that when I got married, it would be to someone I love you know.”
“There is nothing saying it couldn’t grow to that.”
“I’m not delusional Jimin, I don’t think I can do this with any sort of expectation.”
“So, don’t. Just also don’t go into it thinking you’re doomed. Maybe talk to the guy and see where he is at.”
….
Jungkook was driving over to his parents’ house, Hana in her car-seat in the back singing the ABCs to herself while looking out the window.
Hana is Jungkook’s four-year-old daughter, and his entire world. Hana’s mother, Mira, had been a friend who really wanted a kid, so he had agreed to help with the baby as well as be her sperm donor. Unfortunately, Mira had died during childbirth, leaving just Jungkook and Hana. He swore that he would never let her feel the absence of not having two parents, always putting her first.
Hana had stopped singing in the backseat, “Daddy, why am I going to Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
Jungkook smiled at his daughter through the rearview mirror, “Daddy has a business meeting over dinner, and they wanted to see you.”
“Are you going to be back before I fall asleep?” the four-year-old asked hugging the doll that was in her lap closer to her chest.
“Daddy will be back to pick you up before bedtime, I promise.”
Hana smiles at that. In her four years, she has never gone to sleep without Jungkook tucking her in and leaving a kiss on her forehead.
Jungkook turns into the driveway of his parent’s mansion and parks close to the front door, “Ready to go?”
Hana kicks her feet in the back seat and eagerly nods her head.
Jungkook opens the door, and undoes her car seat, lifting her out of the car, setting her on the ground where she runs to the front door. She isn’t there long before her grandparents open the door.
“There is our princess,” her grandparents engulf her in a hug.
“Grandma, I learned a new dance at ballet, can I show you?” Hana tugs on her grandma’s shirt.
“Of course, sweetie. Tell Daddy bye,” Jungkook’s mother waved at Jungkook for Hana to follow.
Hana waves, “Bye daddy, see you later.” Before turning, to go inside the house.
Jungkook smiles and waves at Hana and his mother. Leaving himself and his father standing outside the house.
“Are you ready for this?” Jungkook’s dad asks him.
Jungkook drops the smile. “Of course, it will go like any other business meeting.”
Jungkook’s father shakes his head, “You are meeting your future husband.”
“Yes, whom I have seen in passing at countless social events over the years. I have also done my research on him this week, so I know exactly what to expect and how to handle it.” Jungkook nods towards the door, “She doesn’t know so don’t say anything.”
“Of course,” his father turns to go back inside, “Just try not to scare him off.”
Jungkook feigns offense, “I’m not scary, “he turns to walk back to the car. “But I believe the Forbes article did day said ‘ruthless’.”
His father shakes his head and walks inside the house waving Jungkook off.
Jungkook drives in silence through the city until he arrived at the restaurant. Due to this meeting between the CEOs needing to stay hush-hush until the press release, they booked a private lounge at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Seoul.
Jungkook arrived first. He took the corner seat near the tall window, the view overlooking the Seoul skyline. He didn’t bother to look out, his thoughts were focused on why he was there.
When his parents approached him about the idea of the marriage, and the practicality of it, he agreed. He had then done his research on his soon to be husband.
He found that Kim Taehyung created his fashion brand, Kimémoire, about seven years ago. The brand had walked both the men and women’s fashion week in the same clothes, focusing that clothes had no gender. He had several business and fashion magazines praising the man and the label he had created. Most notably, even though he was the only son and heir of Kim Investments, he didn’t use that to get where he was.
Jungkook’s idea of Taehyung was not completely foreign. He had heard his name in passing and they had grown-up in similar socialite environments. They had also been in the Forbes 30 under 30.
He ordered a drink and was already nursing it when the door opened.
Taehyung stepped inside without a sound, but everyone knew he was there. He was less flashy than Jungkook had been expecting from a fashion designer. Taehyung was wearing soft colors with a dark wool coat draped over one arm, a quiet but effortless aura about him.
Jungkook stood out of reflex, just like he started every meeting.
Taehyung’s eyes found his, seemingly calm, and he gave s light nod. “You’re early,” Taehyung shrugged the coat off, and handed it to the attendant.
“And you’re right on time,” he sat back down and took a sip of his drink.
“I hate being late,” Taehyung shrugged and then ordered a glass of wine. “Are you always early?”
Jungkook nods, “I like having the control.”
Taehyung nearly snorts, “Then you must have loved being told that you’re getting married.”
Jungkook didn’t respond right away, sitting with the statement. “I assume you’ve been given the full pitch and the benefits. It is practical to both of us, removes some of the societal pressure, and makes it easier since I don’t have the time to date.”
“You talk like it is more of a merger of our companies than a marriage,” Taehyung sits back in his chair and crosses his arms.
“It is,” Jungkook responds bluntly, “At least for now.”
Taehyung nodded, absorbing the words without reaction. He looked at the glasses on the table instead of his future husband.
“And you’re fine with that?” Jungkook asked.
Taehyung didn’t look up immediately, but when he did, he gave a defeated smile, “I am not so naive to expect love from a stranger. The only things we know about each other we found through a Naver search of each other’s names, and everything we’ve heard about each other from our social circles.” He paused, “But I am also not indifferent to what could come from this. We are going to spend a lot of time together. Hell, we’re going to live together, so I’m not saying there is anything off the table for a future.”
Jungkook blinked. “What exactly are you hoping for from this?”
Taehyung’s gaze met his. “Honesty, respect, and the space to exist as myself.” He tilted his head slightly, “And eventually,” he paused, “comfort.”
Jungkook folded his arms and leaned back matching Taehyung’s posture. “You don’t want affection?”
“I didn’t say that,” Taehyung’s lips curved slightly.
The statement left a pause in the air. Jungkook studied the man in front of him.
They both went for their drinks, finishing them. It was Jungkook that broke the silence.
“You’re aware that I have a daughter, correct?”
Taehyung’s expression softened, “Yes.”
Jungkook set the glass down, “She doesn’t know about any of this yet.”
“You want to wait.” it was a statement rather than a question.
Jungkook nodded. “I don’t want to make her aware of anything until I know where you stand in this. Until I am sure she won’t be confused.”
Taehyung nodded slowly, “I understand.” He softly smiles at his future husband, “What is she like?”
For the first time, Jungkook’s gaze softened, “She’s four and amazes me every day. She is so smart and caring, loves bunnies because she says I look like one. She has been doing ballet recently and has loved it. She is overly protective of me, which goes both ways.” His face goes back to its stoic setting. “Please understand she is the first priority for me always.”
“She sounds wonderful, and I cannot wait to meet her.' Taehyung pauses, "Can I ask about her mother?”
Jungkook clears his throat, “I think it is best to have you meet her a couple of times before the wedding, and before you move in. Her mother was my best friend, who wanted a child, and then passed away before ever really meeting Hana.”
Taehyung agrees, “Thank you for telling me, I’m really sorry for your loss. I think that is reasonable for me to meet her a few times. I looked over the press release, and we are to get married in a month and a half?”
Jungkook nods, “Yes, the announcement is going out at the end of next week. So, what does your schedule look like in two days?”
Taehyung takes out his phone to check his calendar. “It’s Saturday, I try my best not to work on the weekends if I can help it. I’m almost always free, even if I was busy, this is important.”
Jungkook takes out his own phone, “great, let’s exchange phone numbers. That way I can text you my address, plus I’m sure we will need it eventually. Then I need to leave.”
They exchange numbers, and then Jungkook gets up to leave. “It was nice to meet you; I look forward to our partnership.” Before slipping out of the lounge in order to get back to a certain princess with a bedtime tradition to not break.
…
It was Saturday, Taehyung had been nervous for this for the last 48 hours. Why does this feel like another business meeting?
He arrived at the address that Jungkook has sent him the day before and he was left in awe. Jungkook’s house was the top floor penthouse of the most expensive building in Seoul. He had an elevator reserved just for them, and an exclusive garage. When he got off the elevator, he looked between the door and the doorbell. Does he knock? Does he ring the doorbell? He decides to knock but before he can connect his fist to the door, it opens.
“How did you kn-?” he tried to ask but was cut off by Jungkook.
Jungkook motions the corner of room they were currently in, “I have a camera and security downstairs told me you were here.” Jungkook moves aside, “Come in.”
“Oh, thank you.” Taehyung walks in, takes off his shoes, and takes in the man in front of him. Jungkook was dressed casually, black t-shirt, and black sweatpants. The short sleeves exposing a tattoo sleeve that Taehyung had no idea about. Jungkook was never photographed in casual outfits, and never in short sleeves.
After checking out the man, Taehyung also takes in the interior. The house looks like it is straight out of architecture digest; it was spotless, and neutral in color. “You home is lovely.”
“Thanks,” he leads them to the living room, “wait here, I will be right back.”
Taehyung nods and takes a seat, keeping the small box, he brought with him in his lap. The living room had a large TV that was framed like a work of art. The couch was beige, but comfortable.
One thing about the house was that it was seemingly quiet, so even though Jungkook was now several rooms away he could overhear the conversation between the father and daughter.
“Hey princess, my friend I told you about is here.” Jungkook spoke softly. “Can we put the dolls down and go say hello?”
“Who is he 'gain?” Hana asked.
Jungkook cleared his throat, “He is Daddy’s special friend.”
There was no response from Hana, but Taehyung heard their footsteps approaching the living room.
He stood and turned to where the two were coming from around a corner, hand-in-hand, a well-loved worn bunny in the little girl’s hand that wasn’t holding Jungkook’s.
Hana was wearing a pink dress with strawberries on it, hair in pigtails and big, dark brown eyes that peeked out from under her bangs.
Jungkook broke the silence, “Hana this is Kim Taehyung. Taehyung this is Jeon Hana.”
Taehyung stood from the couch and took a step closer to the pair. He then crouched down to be at the height of the toddler, “Hi Hana, I let my friends call me Tae or Taetae.”
Hana said nothing, just stepped back, hiding behind Jungkook’s leg, not taking her eyes off the man in front of her.
Taehyung cleared his throat. “I have a gift for you. I heard you like bunnies, so I found this little music box with a bunny inside. When you turn the crank, it spins like a ballerina.”
Hana stared at the gift, and then at him. She still said absolutely nothing. After a few long seconds, she turned wordlessly, letting go of Jungkook and walked away.
Taehyung stood up defeated taking a seat back on the couch, Jungkook sat in the lone chair in the living room. He placed the music box on the coffee table. “No pressure, she can open it wherever she wants or not at all.” He swipes a hand through his hair, “She’s beautiful by the way. She looks just like you.”
Hana returns to the room, a second bunny in her other hand, now hiding behind Jungkook’s chair.
“She won’t open it,” Jungkook said eyes on Taehyung. “She doesn’t like strangers. Don’t take it personally."
“I can see that, I was just as shy when I was her age” Taehyung tries to smile at the girl, “Doesn’t mean I won’t try.”
“She’s not shy, just discerning.” Jungkook crosses his arms. “You don’t need to try so hard.”
“It isn’t trying hard, just merely making an effort,” Taehyung said without missing a beat. “This wasn’t some bribe to get on her good side. I was at a market yesterday looking at fabric swatches and passed an antique store. I saw this in the window, and I thought of her, so I thought she might like it.”
Jungkook glanced at the untouched box. “She didn’t.”
“No,” Taehyung smiled faintly. “But she looked, and that is at least something.”
Behind the chair, Hana peeked out at him. Her expression had not softened, but Jungkook was right she is smart, so she was listening.
“She is cautious.” Jungkook stated after a moment, “it isn’t a flaw especially in our world.”
“I didn’t say it was.”
The three of them sat in silence for a moment. Then Hana stepped halfway into view again, still behind her father’s chair, her small hand resting lightly on the armrest. She didn’t look at Taehyung directly. But she did glance once towards the box on the table, then back to her father.
“I’m honestly surprised she is still in the room.” Jungkook murmured, there was a shift in his voice, the coldness was still there but he seemed less guarded.
Taehyung noticed the change but didn’t say anything. Instead, he said gently, “She is brave. Even if she doesn’t want the music box.”
This time Jungkook did look at him. Not with approval, but also not quite with disapproval either. Just a long unreadable stare, like he was seeing something he hadn’t expected to find.
Behind the chair Hana watched Taehyung for another long moment. Then, without a word, she rounded the chair and whispered in Jungkook’s ear. Jungkook nods and then picks up the toddler and puts her in his lap.
Jungkook smiled at her, Hana started talking to him from his lap. She is ignoring Taehyung but still talking with him in the room.
“Daddy, I think Bun-Bun needs another bath.”
Jungkook smiles and nodded, “When you take a nap, you can keep Snugglebun with you, and I will give Bun-Bun a bath. How does that sound?”
The toddler nods and continues to talk to just Jungkook about nothing and everything.
Taehyung observes the pair for most of the afternoon. When it came time for her nap, Jungkook carried to her room upstairs, and came back down where Taehyung was staring out of the window.
“Would you like some tea?” Jungkook’s voice startled Taehyung. It wasn’t as cold as it was at the meeting two days ago, it was a little warmer, but it still had some ice to it.
Taehyung shook his head, “I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“This is your home in a matter of weeks Taehyung,” Jungkook put his hands in his pockets. “You’re welcome to stay and look around.”
Taehyung smiles, “Just like I told Hana my friends call me Tae. If I am going to be living here, might as well be less formal.” He moves to walk towards the front door, “I’m sure I will be here multiple times in the coming weeks, I will look around then.”
Jungkook walked Taehyung to the door. “I will text you when should meet again.”
Taehyung turns before walking out the door, “I look forward to getting to know you and Hana better. You can also just text me, again you don’t have to be so formal. Bye Jungkookie.” Taehyung turns and walks out before saying anything else and before Jungkook could respond.