12

"NO, NEVER.....," Hoseok declared as he stormed away from the room without waiting for an answer, his heart heavy with pain and confusion.

"Namjoon, Hoseok would never agree to it," Mr. Jung said with a tinge of sadness in his voice. He was well aware of Hoseok's feelings for Joon, but he knew his son would never betray his elder brother by pursuing a relationship with him. Despite this, Mr. Jung felt a sense of pride in Hoseok's integrity and loyalty.

"I promise you, Uncle, if Hoseok doesn't agree to this marriage, I'll respect his decision and walk away," Joon vowed, determination evident in his steps as he made his way towards Hoseok's room.

Mr. Jung's heart ached as he watched Joon's determination to pursue Hoseok despite the potential consequences. He knew his son loved Joon deeply, but he also understood the pain Hoseok was experiencing. Deep down, he wished for their happiness, but he couldn't ignore the complexities of the situation.

Joon approached Hoseok's room with a mix of anxiety and hope. He knew the weight of his request, and he was willing to accept whatever Hoseok's decision would be. As he knocked on the door, his heart raced, anticipating Hoseok's reaction.

Inside the room, Hoseok was overwhelmed with emotions. Anger, hurt, and confusion all fought for dominance in his heart. He had always admired and loved Joon, but now he felt like a mere pawn in a complicated game. His emotions was in an override. He couldn't bear the thought of being seen as a mere replacement for his brother, Jin. What was Namjoon thinking? Did he want to hurt Jin by proposing to Hoseok instead?

Tears welled up in Hoseok's eyes as he questioned his worth and why everyone seemed to treat him as an easy option. He had always been fine with being a nerd and a bit of a loner, but he never wanted to be someone's substitute. Hoseok couldn't understand why others thought they could use him for their own comfort, disregarding his feelings in the process. The pain of feeling like he was being mocked and not taken seriously overwhelmed him.

He was lost in thoughts when Namjoon entered his room. He closed the door behind him.

"Hoseok", he called to the man.

No response.

"Hobi...", Joon called again. Hoseok's heart wavered. The smaller man had his back turned on Namjoon. He couldn't bear to look at Namjoon. He would crumble, for sure. He felt his heart beat getting faster. Joon's voice was tender and sincere as he made his plea. Hoseok's heart clenched as he listened, torn between the love he had for Joon and the pain of feeling like a second choice.

Joon walked towards the man and placed a hand on Hoseok's shoulder as he turned hoseok to face him. Joon looked at Hoseok. The man was crying. He wiped Hoseok's tears. (A/n: Acho da...my poor hobi baby)

"Without asking any questions, without arguing, can you do something for me?"

Hoseok looked at Joon, his eyes welling up in tears as he looked at Namjoon's eyes that carried pain and hope. "Marry me, Jung Hoseok."

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So there they were - Jung Hoseok and Kim Namjoon standing in front of the altar. Within Hoseok's heart, a storm of conflicting emotions raged. This wasn't the way he had envisioned marrying Joon. When he discovered his brother's love for Joon, he selflessly buried his own feelings, prioritizing his brother's happiness above all else. But now... why did Jin have to complicate things like this? Hoseok had always been aware of Jin's selfish nature, but he never expected him to do something so hurtful to Joon.

Priest: "Kim Namjoon, it's time to recite your vows."

Joon nervously spoke out, "I... I need to change my vows. Can I?"

"Of course son", the priest spoke with compassion.

Joon looked at Hoseok nervously, "Jung Hoseok, tonight, you have given me a chance to redeem myself. Till now, you have been my good friend, but today, as we stand in front of each other, vowing to be each other's life partner, I want to ask you, Jung Hoseok, to give me a chance to love you and care for you. I want to cherish you and spend my life with you."

Hoseok looked at Joon with a mix of emotions. He took a deep breath "Kim Namjoon, life is unpredictable, just like this moment. But I assure you, Joon, that I will always want your happiness. I want you to be happy, and if I can be the reason you find happiness, I will willingly do anything for you. You've been there for me in ways I can't even begin to express, and now, as we embark on this journey together, I promise to stand by your side, supporting and loving you with all my heart. I don't know what the future holds, but we'll face life's uncertainties and cherish every moment together. I hope our love will guide us through any sadness or joy that comes our way." (A/N: Damn you JHope...you make me cry.)

"With the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband  and husband. You can exchange the rings."

Joon cleared his throat. "Ummm, father, we will exchange the rings later." The priest nodded understanding the gravity of the situation. Hoseok remembered how he asked the wedding rings to be engraved with "SKJ" for Joon and "NJ" for Seokjin. He smiled in pain at how God was making a joke of his life. No wedding ring, no love...just an arrangement marriage. Where is his life going?

"You may kiss your husband", the priest said as he stood back giving Joon and Hoseok space. Hoseok looked at Joon surprised as he stood near Hoseok. He inched near Hoseok making the man's heart beat faster. Joon smiled gently as he placed a kiss on Hoseok's cheek. Hoseok felt his skin tingle as he looked at the man, his husband staring at him. He smiled lightly at Joon, his HUSBAND. The weight of the word hung heavy on Hoseok's heart.

As soon as they walked down the backyard into the Jung Mansion, they saw few journalists gathered around. The journalists bombarded Joon with uncomfortable questions, their voices filled with curiosity and a hint of gossip. Joon stood tall, his expression composed yet guarded, as he prepared to address their inquiries.

"Mr Kim Namjoon, is it true that Seokjin ran away from his wedding?"

"Mr Namjoon, how do you feel about marrying the brother of the man who left you at the altar?"

"Mr Hoseok, what made you agree to marry your brother's fiancé? Was it out of pity, loyalty, or revenge?"

"Mr Namjoon and Mr Hoseok, how do you plan to deal with the family drama and public scrutiny that your marriage will cause?"

"Mr Namjoon, do you still have feelings for Seokjin? How will you cope when you see him again?"

"Mr Namjoon and Mr Hoseok, what are your expectations and goals for your marriage? Do you intend to stay married or get divorced?"

"Mr Joon will you divorce Hoseok if Seokjin comes back to your life?"

Hoseok looked like a deer in front of headlights. He had never been in public scrutiny or handled paparazzi like this. He licked his lips nervously. The last question was like a knife to his heart. Will Joon leave Hoseok if Seokjin comes back?

Namjoon saw how uncomfortable Hoseok was. He took a deep breath. "Whatever you heard is true, Seokjin chose not to marry me," Joon responded calmly, choosing his words carefully. "While I understand that it may raise speculation, the reasons behind his absence are personal and best left between us and our family."

As the journalists persisted with their probing questions, Joon maintained his composure, refusing to let their insinuations rattle him. "As for the notion of marrying Hoseok to get back at his brother, that is completely false," Joon clarified firmly. "Hoseok is an amazing person and he loves his brother. As for our marriage, it was not driven by any ulterior motives or desire for revenge. It was a mutual decision based on our own connection and the desire to forge a meaningful relationship."

Joon's words were met with a mix of disappointment and curiosity from the journalists, but he remained steadfast in his response. "I hope you can understand that there are always multiple layers to any situation, and it is important to approach it with fairness and respect for the individuals involved. Our focus now is on building a strong foundation for our marriage and nurturing a loving relationship."

With that, Joon gracefully ended the conversation, signaling his desire to move on from the probing questions and embrace the new chapter in his life. He walked away, holding Hoseok's hand firmly. He knew he would face the world with Hoseok and will not leave him alone. He ignored the photographs and journalists barking questions and left them all behind.

****************

At the Kim Mansion:

Hoseok, Jimin, and Joon arrived at the Kim mansion. Hoseok found himself standing alone in Joon's bedroom, the weight of the recent events pressing heavily upon him. He could feel someone walk towards him.  He knew who it was. With a heavy sigh, he couldn't hold back the question that haunted his mind any longer.

"Why did you marry me?" Hoseok's voice trembled with a mix of confusion and pain, seeking answers he yearned to understand.

Joon approached him, his eyes filled with understanding as he gently responded, "I understand your pain. And I know you know well what I am going through." He paused briefly, his voice filled with sincerity and gratitude, "When I read that letter, I felt this darkness surround me. The only light of hope I had was you. You saved me from breaking down. You are great, Hoseok."

Hoseok's brow furrowed as he processed Joon's words. The turmoil within him demanded further clarification. "So is the one who forgives. Why didn't you wait for Jin hyung?" he asked, his voice quivering with a mixture of hurt and longing.

Joon's gaze softened, his voice filled with conviction. "I did forgive him. I don't have any resentment towards him. But why would I wait for him? What reason do I have?" Joon responded, his tone unwavering.

Hoseok was still not convinced. He needed answers, "You and Jin-hyung loved each other so deeply, but in one split moment, he became your past. So, what is the future of this marriage that was taken in that same moment?" he asked, his voice laced with vulnerability.

Joon took a step closer, looking deep into Hoseok's eyes, his voice filled with unwavering devotion. He took Hoseok's hands in his own and held it. "I trust you, Hoseok. And You should trust me too. Or else, I wouldn't have made these vows with you,"  he reassured, his words carrying a resolute certainty that resonated in his gaze.

Feeling the weight of Jin's lingering presence, Hoseok made a heartfelt request, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and resignation. "Without asking any questions, without arguing, can you do something for me, Joon?"

Joon stood calm waiting for Hoseok to speak his mind.

"As long as Jin-hyung stands between you and me, it's better if we live as friends. Even though he isn't here physically, I can still sense his presence lingering between us."

Joon nodded, his expression filled with understanding and a hint of sadness as he let go of Hoseok's hands. "I understand, Hoseok. Today, more than ever, I need a friend by my side. But let me promise you something," Joon's voice softened, carrying a note of unwavering commitment, "The day you think I am more than just a friend to you, just reach out your hand towards me. And Hoseok.....I will be waiting for that day."

************

Hoseok thought it best to sleep in different rooms until the air between them was clear. Joon guided Hoseok towards his room, which happened to be opposite to Joon's. As Hoseok stepped inside, he glanced around the simple and unfamiliar space. This was his new home, a new arrangement that came with the marriage. He let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him.

Meanwhile, Joon looked at Hoseok, a sense of guilt gnawing at him. He couldn't help but wonder if he had forced Hoseok into this marriage or if Hoseok loved someone else. His mind was clouded with questions and doubts, making him feel uneasy about the situation they were in.

"Hoseok?"

Hoseok jumped from his thoughts. "Looking at your face, I feel I did injustice by making you marry me."

Hoseok didn't answer. He didnt know what to say. Part of his mind wanted to marry Joon, but knowing his brother was getting married to him, he swallowed his feelings. Never once did he wish Joon and Jin to separate. Now destiny has put him in crossroads where he is married to Joon but he cannot outright express what he truly felt to the man himself...his love and now his husband who was his elder brother's love. His love for his brother was making him feel guilty and eating him alive. Did he really steal his brother's love, his brother's life? He looked away.

"I am sorry Hoseok."

"No...Joon, that's not it. I..its fine. You don't have to apologize. Remember we are friends now. You didnt force me into anything. I am fine." Hoseok forced a smile.

Joon smiled and nodded. "You're right, Hoseok. We're friends now. And friends should support each other, right?" Hoseok nodded. Joon took a step towards Hoseok and hugged the small man. "I'm glad you're here with me, Hoseok."

Hoseok felt a jolt of electricity run through his body as Joon touched him. He felt his heart skip a beat as Joon hugged him out of the blue. He felt his breath catch in his throat as Joon said those words. He wanted to believe him. He wanted to believe that Joon felt the same way he did. He wanted to believe that they could be more than friends. He wanted to believe that this was not a mistake. But he knew better. He knew that Joon was only being nice and polite. He knew that Joon was only trying to make the best of a bad situation. He knew that Joon was only fulfilling his duty and responsibility.

He cleared his throat. "You're welcome, Joon." He pulled away from Joon's touch and turned around. "Ummm......I'm tired, Joon. I think I'll go to bed now. Good night."

Joon nodded, "Good night, Hoseok."

Joon watched Hoseok walk away and felt a pang of regret and sadness in his heart. Something in his heart wanted to stop Hoseok. He wanted to follow him and hold him close. But he didn't. He didn't say anything. He walked to his own room and closed the door behind him.

He laid on his bed and shook his head. "Sweet dreams, Hoseok." He whispered to himself.

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TBC..........

I couldn't help myself from publishing.

Thank you for all the love and support for this book.

Have a great weekend.