VOWS OF A BEAUTIFUL LIE (TaeKook) The lie that was sealed

The cathedral doors slowly shut behind Taehyung with heavy thud that felt like the sealing of the tomb

Candles flickered along the grand marble aisle, casting soft golden glows across the vervet draped pews. Guests were seated in silence, holding their breath, watching what they believed to be the perfect union between nobility and military union

Only Taehyung knew the truth

His footsteps echoed, every heel click a reminder that this wasn't his life. The veil pressed against his cheeks, warm from his shallow breathing. His gown swept behind him in waves of silk, heavier with every step he took toward a man who didn't know he was marrying a ghost

General Jeon Jungkook turned toward him at the altar. Taehyung only dared to meet his gaze for a second

It was enough

Steel gray eyes, cold controlled, but searching. Like a soldier always looking for an enemy, even in beauty

Taehyung lowed his gaze quickly, bowing his head in practiced submission. He offered his hand

Jungkook took it. Firm grip, calloused fingers. Taehyung's heart skipped

The priest began

？？？

Priest: We are gathered here to witness the sacred union of general Jeon Jungkook and Miss Lee Ji eun

Each word dropped like lead in Tae's ears

This wasn't sacred. It was survival. A performance

？？？

Priest: Do you Jeon Jungkook, take Lee Ji eun to be your lawfully wedded wife, to honor and to protect her, in strength and in weakness, in times of peace and in times of war?

Jeon Jungkook/ML

*he didn't hesitate* I do

His voice was deep. Resolute. Like a vow carved into stone

Taehyung almost forgot to breathe

The priest turned to him

？？？

Priest: And you Lee Ji eun, take Jeon Jungkook to be your lawfully wedded husband, to respect and stand by him, in loyalty and devotion, until death do you apart?

Taehyung throat closed

He couldn't lie in a whisper. It had to be loud. Clear

Kim Taehyung/MC

I...* his voice cracked faintly, too soft. A flicker of tension rippled through the room*

Jungkook's eyes narrowed

Taehyung swallowed hard and drifted his chin

Kim Taehyung/MC

I do

A whisper of relief slid through the crowd

Then the priest continued

？？？

Priest: The rings, please

A young boy stepped forward with a velvet box. Jungkook picked up the gold band. No engraving. Clean. Unemotional

He took Tae's gloved hand and paused

Then gently, he slid the ring into his finger

Taehyung fingers trembled. He picked up Jungkook's ring next. For a moment his hands shook too much. Jungkook, noticing, reached forward and steadied the wrist

Their eyes met

Tae stiffened slid the ring onto Jungkook's finger

And just like that, a lie was sealed in gold

？？？

Priest: By the power invested in me*he announced*

？？？

Priest: I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may...?

He hesitated slightly, glancing at Jungkook

Jungkook simply nodded once, like a soldier accepting orders

？？？

Priest: You may now kiss the bride

Taehyung stiffened. His body locked

Jungkook leaned in slowly. He was close now, so close Tae could smell the faint scent of leather and cedar wood from his uniform. His lips hovered near Tae's veil

And then gently, he lifted it

Taehyung's breath caught. The world went still

Eyes not cold, but Unreadable. Analyzing

Then he leaned in and pressed soft, formal kiss on Tae's cheek. Not lips

Respectful. Distance

Safe

The crowd applauded

Taehyung exhaled, buy he didn't feel safe

Because behind the music, the applause, and the flashing cameras. He could feel it

Jeon Jungkook was suspicious

Not yet certain. Not yet confronting

But he had looked too long

Too closely

And the war had only just begun

~bye bye~