In the grand office of the Kim Corporation, sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the polished mahogany desk. Mr. Kim sat across from Namjoon, the CEO of Jeon Corporation. The two most powerful businessmen in Seoul were engaged in a conversation that held the future of their companies — and their families — in the balance.
"Mr. Kim, you know as well as I do that this deal isn't just about the companies," Namjoon began, his deep voice steady yet persuasive. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Mr. Kim. "A union between our families would make our businesses untouchable. Together, we could dominate the market and eliminate any potential competition."
Mr. Kim nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand, Namjoon. Our businesses could benefit immensely. However, this is not just about numbers. It’s about my son, Taehyung. He's... delicate, and I'm not sure how he'll take to this arrangement."
Namjoon smiled, his confidence unwavering. "Jungkook may have a tough exterior, but with the right influence, he's more than capable of being a good husband. My wife, Jin, raised him well. And Taehyung, from what I've heard, is a kind-hearted boy. Together, they could balance each other."
Mr. Kim sighed, rubbing his temples. "I hope you're right. I know Taehyung isn’t suited for the harsh realities of our world. He dreams of a peaceful life, away from all this business. But for the sake of our family's legacy, I must ask him to make this sacrifice."
Namjoon leaned back, crossing his arms. "This isn't just about us, Mr. Kim. This is for the future. The Jeon and Kim empires united... no one will be able to touch us."
Mr. Kim nodded once more, sealing the deal in his mind. "I’ll inform Taehyung today. Let’s finalize this soon."
As Namjoon left the office, Mr. Kim remained seated, staring out of the window at the city skyline. The weight of the decision pressed down on him, but he knew there was no turning back now. The deal was too good, too beneficial for both families. But how would Taehyung react?
A few hours later, Mr. Kim found Yoongi in his office, poring over some documents. The calm, calculating co-CEO of Kim Corporation looked up as his father entered, sensing something serious.
"Yoongi," Mr. Kim said, taking a seat in front of his son, "we need to talk."
Yoongi raised an eyebrow. His father rarely looked this tense unless it involved something significant. "What’s going on, Appa?"
Mr. Kim leaned forward, his voice lowered. "I’ve spoken with Namjoon. We've come to an agreement."
Yoongi's brow furrowed. "Agreement? About what?"
"A marriage proposal for Taehyung. Jungkook and Taehyung will be married to strengthen the alliance between our companies."
Yoongi's expression darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Taehyung? You're arranging his marriage with Jungkook, the mafia king? Dad, have you thought this through? Taehyung’s not... he's not suited for that life."
Mr. Kim sighed. "I know. But the business demands it. Our family's legacy demands it. Taehyung will have to adjust."
Yoongi stood, pacing the room. "Adjust? He’s not like us. He’s innocent, sheltered. He doesn't understand the kind of world Jungkook is part of."
"I know, Yoongi. I know," Mr. Kim said, his voice softer now, almost regretful. "But this is what must be done. We have no other option."
Yoongi stopped pacing, his jaw tight. "Have you told Taehyung yet?"
Mr. Kim shook his head. "Not yet. I wanted you to be there when I told him."
Yoongi nodded, his face hardening. He knew his father was right, but that didn’t make the situation any easier. "I'll help you tell him. But this is going to break him."
Later that evening, Taehyung sat in the family’s grand living room, oblivious to the storm about to hit. He was absentmindedly flipping through a book, lost in thoughts of peaceful walks in the garden and dreams of a simple, serene life. His world had always been safe, protected by his father and brother, who handled the complexities of the family business. He had never had to worry about corporate deals or mafia dealings. For him, life was meant to be beautiful and kind.
Yoongi walked into the room first, his expression unreadable. Mr. Kim followed closely behind, his face etched with the weight of the conversation they were about to have.
"Taehyung," Mr. Kim called, his voice a little more formal than usual.
Taehyung looked up, smiling at his father and brother. "Yes, Appa?"
"Sit down," Yoongi said gently, motioning toward the couch. "We need to talk."
Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in Yoongi’s tone. "What’s wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he placed the book aside.
Mr. Kim sat down, his eyes meeting his son’s. "Taehyung, there’s something we need to discuss. It’s about our family and the future of Kim Corporation."
Taehyung’s eyes widened slightly, a small knot of anxiety beginning to form in his stomach. He had never been deeply involved in the business side of things, but he knew when his father spoke like this, it was serious.
"We’ve come to an agreement," Mr. Kim continued, "with Namjoon, the CEO of Jeon Corporation. We’ve arranged for you to marry his son, Jungkook."
The words hit Taehyung like a freight train. He blinked, trying to process what he had just heard. "What?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "A marriage... with Jungkook?"
"Yes," Mr. Kim confirmed. "This marriage will strengthen both of our families. It’s a strategic alliance that will benefit the business immensely."
Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat, his mind swirling with confusion and fear. "But I... I don’t even know him. How can I marry someone I’ve never met?"
Yoongi, seeing the panic rising in his brother’s eyes, knelt down in front of him, placing a comforting hand on his knee. "Tae, I know this is sudden. I know it’s not what you expected. But this is important for our family."
"But why me?" Taehyung asked, his voice trembling. "Why do I have to sacrifice my life for a business deal?"
Mr. Kim’s gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. "Because you are a Kim. And sometimes, being part of this family means making difficult choices for the greater good."
Tears welled up in Taehyung’s eyes, but he fought to keep them from falling. "Appa, I... I don’t want to live that kind of life. Jungkook is... he's dangerous. I’ve heard stories about him."
Yoongi squeezed Taehyung’s knee gently. "Tae, I’ll be here with you. I won’t let anything happen to you. Jungkook may have a reputation, but Namjoon says he’s different with family. Maybe... maybe it won’t be as bad as you think."
Taehyung looked at his brother, searching for reassurance in his eyes. But all he felt was fear and uncertainty. The life he had dreamed of, the peaceful, simple life, seemed to be slipping away from him.
"I... I need time to think about this," Taehyung finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Kim nodded. "I understand, son. Take some time, but not too much. This deal is important, and we need to move forward soon."
As Mr. Kim stood to leave, Yoongi stayed behind, sitting on the couch next to his brother. He pulled Taehyung into a comforting hug, rubbing his back as the younger boy struggled to keep his composure.
"It’s going to be okay, Tae," Yoongi whispered. "I’ll be with you every step of the way."
But even as Yoongi tried to soothe him, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had settled in his chest. His future, once bright and full of possibilities, now seemed shrouded in uncertainty and fear.
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