Chp 41- A few words of wisdom
A few days later, Taehyung paid a visit to the Jeon residence.
The moment he stepped inside, he sincerely apologized to Mr. and Mrs. Jeon for everything that had happened. His words carried genuine remorse, and after listening to him patiently, both of them smiled warmly before forgiving him with open hearts.
Taehyung then calmly explained the entire situation, assuring them that his intentions had never been wrong.
He spoke about Minho and Tzuyu's relationship, although they both don't love each other ,he still said that they love eachother, and how they truly deserved a chance to build a happy future together.
His heartfelt words eventually melted their hearts.
After a long conversation, Mr. and Mrs. Jeon finally gave their blessing, happily granting permission for Minho and Tzuyu's marriage.
---
Present Time
Taehyung was deeply engrossed in his work when his phone suddenly rang. The moment he saw Jungkook's name flashing on the screen, he immediately put aside the file in his hands and answered the call with a warm smile.
"Yes, my dear wifey? Tell me" he said, his eyes still scanning the documents on his desk.
Jungkook's soft voice came from the other end.
"Have you had your lunch?"
"Of course, I have. How could I possibly wait until evening to eat the delicious food you packed for me? The moment it was lunchtime, I ate it right away."
A shy smile spread across Jungkook's face.
"You really are something! Anyway... I actually called to tell you that dadi and everyone have made plans for today. They asked you to come home early."
"Oh? And what are these plans, wifey?"
"We're going shopping for Minho bhai's and Tzuyu's engagement, as well as Yoona didi's and Bogum's wedding. We have to choose the rings and buy everything else too. That's why everyone wants you to come. And please bring bhai along with you. Eomma and appa have already left the house."
"Alright biwi, as you wish. I'll be there soon. Though I wonder.... what exactly am I supposed to do there?"
"What do you mean, what are you supposed to do?" Jungkook pouted, her cheeks turning pink. "I'm going too. Who else is going to help me choose my saree?"
A teasing smirk appeared on Taehyung's lips.
"Ah, yes... that's a very important responsibility. Fine, I'll come. Only for you. We'll let them do their shopping while we do ours."
"What do you mean by our shopping?" Jungkook asked curiously.
"Nothing at all," Taehyung replied with a quiet chuckle before suddenly asking, "By the way... could you wear that sky-blue saree today?"
"Why? I've already freshened up and changed into a pink saree."
"Oh... I see." A hint of disappointment flickered across Taehyung's face, though he quickly hid it behind a smile. "That's alright. I'll be home soon. I'll hang up now."
Without saying anything else, he ended the call.
The smile that had been on his face moments ago slowly faded. Somewhere deep inside, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, though he kept the reason to himself as he quietly returned his gaze to the file in front of him.
Taehyung looked up from the files on his desk before pressing the intercom.
"Minho come to my office."
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Minho stepped inside and offered a respectful nod.
"Yes, sir? Did you need something?"
"If I didn't have work, why would I call you in?" Taehyung replied without even looking up from the file in his hands.
Minho secretly rolled his eyes.
Seriously... This man will never change. Can't he answer a question like a normal person for once?
Suppressing an awkward laugh, he smiled instead.
"Right... So, what did you need, sir?"
"Finish whatever work you have as quickly as possible. We're leaving for shopping."
The words had barely left Taehyung's mouth when Minho's eyes lit up.
"Shopping?!" he exclaimed dramatically. "Sir, you're taking me shopping? Wow! Thank you so much! I never knew you cared about me this much."
He placed a hand over his heart and continued proudly, "Well... I can't really blame you. I'm just that lovable."
Completely lost in his own excitement, Minho failed to notice Taehyung's sharp, icy gaze slowly lifting from the file... and settling directly on him.
The office suddenly fell silent
Minho's grin slowly faded.
Why does it suddenly feel so cold in here?
He cautiously looked up. The moment his eyes met Taehyung's expressionless face, the smile disappeared from his lips altogether.
Taehyung leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. "Are you done praising yourself?"
Minho cleared his throat awkwardly. "I-I was just saying..."
"Hm."
Another uncomfortable silence filled the cabin. Minho scratched the back of his neck before forcing an innocent smile. "So... we're really going shopping?"
"Yes."
"For me?" Minho asked pointing at himself smiling.
Taehyung finally closed the file in his hands with a soft thud.
"No."
Minho's shoulders instantly slumped.
"Oh!"
"We're going because the family is shopping for your engagement with Tzuyu and Yoona and Bogum's wedding. Jungkook called. She said dadi wants us there as soon as possible."
The disappointment on Minho's face vanished in an instant. "Oh right!" he laughed sheepishly. "I got so excited that I completely forgot."
Taehyung sighed, already expecting nothing less. "I noticed."
Minho flashed an awkward grin. "So... should I tell the driver to get the car ready?"
"No. I'll drive."
"Alright, sir."
Minho turned to leave but froze halfway to the door. "Oh, right! Should I inform Tzuyu that we're coming?"
Taehyung shook his head. "The elders have already informed everyone."
"Okay."
He grabbed the doorknob but couldn't resist turning back one last time. "Sir..."
"What now?"
Minho folded his hands dramatically. "Since we're going shopping anyway... can I buy a few extra suits? You know... my fiancée deserves a handsome husband."
Taehyung looked at him for a long moment before replying in the calmest voice possible. "Buy ten if you want."
Minho's face lit up. "Really?"
"With your own money."
The smile on Minho's face cracked instantly.
Taehyung returned his attention to the file as if nothing had happened, Minho let out a defeated sigh. "There goes my dream."
As he walked out of the cabin, he muttered under his breath,
"One day... just one day, this man will speak sweetly to me."
Without looking up, Taehyung responded,
"I heard that."
Minho froze.
"Get back to work."
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Minho practically sprinted out of the office closing the door behind him, making Taehyung shake his head in silent amusement. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Idiot"
Yet despite the insult, there was undeniable fondness in his voice.
---
The black sedan moved smoothly through the city roads, blending into the evening traffic.
Taehyung preferred driving himself. One hand rested on the steering wheel while the other changed gears with effortless ease. His expression remained calm, his eyes focused on the road ahead.
Beside him, Minho sat quietly, not because he had nothing to say, but because Taehyung was both his boss and his Jiju.
There was respect between them. Minho was cheerful by nature, but in front of Taehyung, he always measured his words carefully.
For a few minutes, silence filled the car.
The soft music playing in the background and the faint sound of passing vehicles were the only things breaking the quiet atmosphere.
Minho glanced at Taehyung for a moment before looking away. Then, after hesitating for a while, he finally spoke.
"Sir..."
"Hm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
Taehyung kept his eyes on the road. "Ask."
Minho looked down at his hands. "That day... when you spoke to my eomma and appa" He paused. "You looked so calm."
Taehyung didn't say anything, allowing him to continue.
"I was nervous the entire time. I kept thinking... what if they don't agree? What if I disappoint them? What if I fail to make them understand?" Minho smiled faintly. "But you never seemed worried."
For a few moments, Taehyung remained silent; not because he didn't want to answer, but because he was choosing his words carefully.
Finally, he spoke.
"Minho."
"Yes, sir?"
"Being calm doesn't mean a person isn't worried."
Minho looked at him, Taehyung's voice remained steady.
"It means they don't let their worries control their decisions." Minho listened quietly.
"When people are responsible for others..." Taehyung paused for a brief moment. "they don't have the luxury of panicking."
His words were simple, but they carried weight, minho lowered his gaze, thinking about them.
Taehyung continued, "When you become someone's husband," His tone softened slightly, carrying the patience of an elder brother. "your decisions won't affect only you anymore."
Minho looked up. "They'll affect Tzuyu too."
The car slowed as they stopped at a traffic signal. Taehyung rested both hands on the steering wheel and looked ahead.
"If you're worried, that's normal, but don't let your fear stop you from doing what is right."
Minho listened carefully, not wanting to miss a single word.
Taehyung continued calmly, "There will be times when your family disagrees with you... There will be times when people question your decisions, and there will be times when you'll doubt yourself." He glanced at Minho for a brief second. "That's when responsibility matters."
Minho remained silent.
"When you know your intentions are good" Taehyung said quietly, "stand by them."
The signal turned green, the car moved forward once again. Minho looked outside the window for a moment, then he smiled softly.
"You sound just like an elder brother, sir."
Taehyung's expression didn't change. "I am older than you."
Minho laughed quietly. "I didn't mean that."
Taehyung already understood what he meant, but he said nothing. After a few moments, Minho spoke again.
"To be honest..." He smiled sheepishly. "I was really scared before."