1
The Kim household buzzed with a rare, restless energy that afternoon. The sharp scent of polish mingled with the sweetness of freshly cut fruits, and the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors.
Maids scurried from room to room.. some balancing trays laden with porcelain cups and silver dishes, others carefully wrapping colorful boxes with ribbons that shimmered under the light. A few knelt with dusters in hand, sweeping across the carved furniture until it gleamed. The air itself seemed heavy with excitement and chaos, like the house was preparing for a celebration not yet revealed.
In the midst of that whirlwind, the lady of the house sat in quiet command. Mrs. Kim reclined gracefully on the velvet settee, her silk dress flowing over its edges like water. In her hand, she held a brown envelope, now open, a single photograph card pinched delicately between her manicured fingers. Her eyes softened as she gazed at the image, and a smile.. half knowing, half tender.. curved her lips.
“I never imagined,” she said, her voice smooth but tinged with amusement, “that when I asked Mia to find a decent match for him, she would bring me something this perfect.”
She adjusted herself, crossing her left leg neatly over her right, the poise of someone who had long grown accustomed to being listened to. Yet her hands betrayed her composure as they absentmindedly combed through the dark, silken hair of the boy lying with his head in her lap.
Her son, the youngest, however, was anything but composed. He craned his neck upward, his eyes narrowing in mock irritation as he tried; unsuccessfully - to snatch the photograph from her hand.
“Mom!” he protested, his deep voice vibrating with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment.
But Mrs. Kim only chuckled, tilting the card just out of his reach. Her gaze returned to the picture, her eyes shining with the kind of fondness one reserves for precious discoveries. “Isn’t he a little too pretty for you?” she teased, her tone light, though her words carried a sharp edge that only a mother could wield without malice.
Her fingers reached down to pinch her son’s nose playfully, and he groaned in protest, wriggling against her lap like a child. The maids passing by tried to hide their smiles at the sight; a moment of softness in the otherwise stern and commanding household.
The photograph fluttered slightly in Mrs. Kim’s grip as she held it up to the light again, studying every line, every shadow of the boy captured there. There was admiration in her gaze, yes, but also something else.. anticipation. As if this picture was not just a proposal, but the beginning of a story she had already started weaving in her mind.
And beneath her steady hand, her son’s restless energy quieted just for a moment, though his pride still burned, as if the thought of someone being “too pretty” for him was both an insult and a challenge.
“Let me see, Mom,” her youngest son's voice boomed again, filled with impatience. He leaned forward, stretching his hand out dramatically as if the photograph were a treasure meant for him alone.
However, Mrs. Kim arched a brow and gave his wrist a sharp slap, smirking at his theatrics before turning and handing the photo card to the woman sitting opposite to them.
Lisa, her daughter-in-law, accepted it gracefully, her eyes widening the moment they landed on the image. “Waaah,” she gasped, unable to hide her admiration. “He is pretty, Mom. Tall, those perfect lines, that doll-like face… You’re absolutely right.. he’s far too refined to be paired with this marshmallow.” Her eyes flicked teasingly toward the boy sprawled across Mrs. Kim’s lap, and her laughter filled the room like a soft bell.
Before Lisa could admire the photo any further, a hand darted forward and snatched it away.
The youngest Kim, Mingyu, now triumphant, plopped down cross-legged on the couch with his mother. His usually sharp features softened as he studied the photograph intently. A shy smile tugged at his lips, his ears turning pink as though the boy in the photo could see him staring.
“Mom,” he began, voice dropping into a sulky whine, “why can’t we just go today? You could’ve told them we’d come by evening for dinner and fix the date already. Why are you always like a snail when it comes to important things?” His complaint hung in the air like a child begging for candy.
Mrs. Kim clicked her tongue, though the amusement in her eyes betrayed her stern tone. She leaned over and slapped his arm lightly, her bracelets clinking with the movement. “Your father and brother are tied up with an important meeting today. We can’t go without them. And besides.. be patient, Gyu. Don’t act like some lovesick boy. You haven’t even seen him face-to-face yet.”
But Mingyu only hugged the photograph closer to his chest, his eyes glimmering with a dreamy shine. “So what?” he said with the conviction of someone already lost in fantasy. “I’m already in love with him.” His lips curved into a wide grin, and his gaze softened with puppy-like devotion, as if the boy in the picture had already captured his entire world.
The maids who passed by with trays tried to hide their giggles at the sight. Lisa shook her head fondly, chuckling under her breath. Mrs. Kim only sighed, brushing her son’s hair from his forehead with a hand that was equal parts exasperated and affectionate.
“Aish, this boy will ruin the Kim's image if he keeps acting like that,” Lisa scoffed, reaching for the nearest cushion and tossing it straight at Mingyu. The pillow bounced off his shoulder, but Mingyu only grinned wider, clutching the photograph like it was a priceless relic. “Mom, we really shouldn’t take him along. Better to keep him at home.. locked up, even.”
“Nuna!” Mingyu shot back, sitting up straighter, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You shouldn’t be the one saying that. You should be grateful to me for fixing you up with my brother.” He puffed his chest proudly, as though he were the mastermind behind her marriage.
Lisa gasped in mock outrage, her hand flying to her chest. “Grateful? Ha! It was my beauty that wrapped him.. your brother.. around my little finger. Who in their right mind could ever reject this face.. and this mind?” She struck a dramatic pose, chin tilted upward like a queen expecting applause.
Mingyu squinted at her theatrics, his lips twitching as he struggled not to burst out laughing. “Can you maybe… leave the ‘mind’ part out of your sentences?” he said in mock seriousness, lifting the photo just enough to shield his expression. “It makes everything sound awkward.”
Lisa’s lips immediately formed a pout, her eyes narrowing like an offended kitten, which only made Mingyu’s shoulders shake with suppressed laughter.
“Stop bickering, you two.” Mrs. Kim’s firm voice cut through their banter, though her tone carried more fondness than scolding. She shook her head, tapping her fingers lightly on the armrest of the sofa as if used to their endless back-and-forth.
Still, Lisa leaned closer to Mrs. Kim, lowering her voice just slightly. “So, Mom… will he be joining our company after the marriage?”
Mrs. Kim’s gaze flicked to the photograph still clutched in Mingyu’s hands. She gave a small nod. “Yes.”
Lisa’s brows arched. “As a runway model?” she pressed, curiosity sparking in her tone.
“Maybe,” Mrs. Kim replied thoughtfully, leaning back against the cushions. “I’m not entirely sure yet.”
At that, Mingyu gave a low hum, stretching out across the couch like a cat in the sun. He lifted the photograph again, studying the delicate features with a dazed smile, his eyes softening with every glance. “Runway model or not…” he murmured dreamily, “…he’s perfect.”
However, the chatter and laughter in the living room stilled the moment a deep, steady voice cut through the air.
“What is the big deal happening here?” Mr. Kim asked, his steps deliberate as he entered the room, a sleek laptop bag slung casually over his shoulder. “Share it with us as well, so we can put down our opinions.”
His presence shifted the atmosphere. Even the maids seemed to soften their hurried steps, bowing slightly as they passed. Mrs. Kim immediately rose to greet him, her expression brightening.
“Oh, you’re back,” she said warmly, moving forward to relieve him of the bag. “Where is he?”
“Coming,” Mr. Kim replied, loosening his tie with one hand. “Still stuck on some calls.” He lowered himself onto the couch with a sigh, pulling his blazer off in one smooth motion. The weight of the day clung to his shoulders, but his composure never wavered.
Mrs. Kim, ever attentive, placed a cool glass of water in his hand. He accepted it without question, taking a long sip. The simple domesticity spoke of a partnership built on years of quiet understanding.
“Yeah, yeah… that’s fine. Let’s make the final decision after reviewing the reports once more,”
Another voice echoed from the hallway. It carried authority, clipped yet calm. A moment later, their elder son appeared.. phone pressed against his ear, his stride confident yet unhurried.
“Ask Mr. Choi to connect me at 9:00 p.m. Yes, today. Okay, that will do. Bye.”
With that, Taehyung, the eldest Kim ended the call, sliding his phone into his pocket before dropping into the space beside his father. His movements were sharp, efficient, his demeanor polished from years of discipline.
Mrs. Kim was already there with another glass of water, as though she had anticipated the moment. He accepted it with a brief nod of thanks, his features softening only slightly.
Mr. Kim glanced between his wife and the others, his brow lifting. “So,” he said, “what were you all discussing with such enthusiasm when I walked in?”
Mrs. Kim smoothed her dress and smiled knowingly. “Nothing serious, dear. Just.. about his marriage. Mia brought us a photo of the bride.” Her gaze slid toward Mingyu, who sat with the picture clutched protectively in his hand. “So we were looking at it. Gyu, show your father.”
With a reluctant sigh but a spark of excitement in his eyes, Mingyu crossed the room and handed over the photograph. Mr. Kim accepted it, holding the card at a distance, letting his sharp eyes study every detail.
“Mmm,” he murmured after a pause, his lips curving in faint approval. “He is good looking. I never knew Jeon had another son.”
At that, Lisa drifted closer, her presence light but deliberate. She slid gracefully onto the couch beside Taehyung and slipped her arm through his, leaning her head against his shoulder in a gesture that was both affectionate and claiming. Taehyung allowed it with his usual stoic calm, his attention still on his father.
Mrs. Kim’s voice filled the pause, her tone laced with seriousness. “He was studying in the UK for years. Dabbled in modeling and fashion if my memory serves me right. He never showed much interest in joining his father or brother in their business empire.” Her words carried both curiosity and a hint of calculation, as though already weighing the possibilities this alliance could bring.
Then, turning her eyes back to Mr. Kim, she gestured lightly. “Give the photo to Tae.”
Her husband nodded silently, passing the card into Taehyung’s hand. The elder son’s long fingers held it delicately, yet his gaze was steady and assessing, unlike Mingyu’s dreamy one. The photo rested against the backdrop of Taehyung’s composed face.. two different portraits, one captured on glossy paper, the other carved in real time by duty and expectation.
The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for what the eldest Kim would say.
Taehyung’s gaze lingered on the photograph, his eyes trailing slowly over every detail as though he were studying a painting. The boy’s sharp jawline, the delicate curve of his mouth, the soft but piercing eyes.. there was a quiet magnetism in the image that made him pause longer than intended.
“Isn’t he pretty?” Lisa’s voice broke his silence, her tone teasing as she snuggled closer against his forearm.
Taehyung only hummed in response, his eyes still on the card.
Lisa tilted her head, her fingers tightening around his arm as she pressed again, “More than me?”
That pulled his attention away. He turned, eyes flicking to hers, then drifting lower to the curve of her lips. His expression softened, and with a calm certainty he replied, “No. You’re the prettiest.”
Her red lips curved instantly into a smile.. wide, radiant, the kind of smile that transformed her face into something strikingly alive. And almost unconsciously, Taehyung’s own lips mirrored hers, his boxy smile breaking through like sunlight, softening his otherwise stoic features.
For a fleeting second, it was just the two of them.. husband and wife, bound in that private exchange of warmth.
Then, as though remembering, Taehyung looked back down at the photograph once more before handing it back to Mingyu, who snatched it eagerly like a child reclaiming his toy.
“Jungkook,” Mingyu announced proudly, as if unveiling the name of a long-awaited hero.
Taehyung’s brows lifted slightly, a flicker of confusion passing across his face.
“Mm… his name,” Mingyu clarified, hugging the card to his chest.
“Oh, okay,” Taehyung murmured, his deep voice calm, unbothered. He reached over to take Lisa’s delicate hand into his large palm, his thumb brushing slowly against her skin.
“Jungkook,” he whispered under his breath, tasting the syllables as though testing their weight. A quiet smile ghosted his lips, and he gave his wife’s hand a gentle squeeze, anchoring himself back to her presence.
Around them, the household chatter picked up again.. the maids’ hurried footsteps, the faint rustle of gift boxes being stacked.. but Taehyung’s thoughts seemed to hover briefly on the unfamiliar name, before fading into the background of his smile.
Hours later,
The clatter of silverware filled the long mahogany dining table as the Kim family sat together, the fragrance of roasted meat and garlic seasoning hanging in the air.
“Taehi,” Mr. Kim said, his voice steady as he cut into his food, “I called them earlier. We should leave by six tomorrow evening. And, Tae, reschedule that Fendi meeting for the next day.”
“Yes, Dad,” Taehyung replied calmly, his deep voice respectful yet detached, eyes fixed on his plate.
Turning slightly, Mr. Kim looked toward his youngest. “Do you have duty tomorrow, Gyu?”
Mingyu straightened in his chair, eager. “Yes, Dad. But only till three.. just consultations.”
Mr. Kim hummed approvingly, chewing another bite. Before he could continue, Mrs. Kim cut in, her voice quick and brimming with excitement. “And about gifts.. you don’t need to trouble yourself with such things. Everything is already prepared. Just come with us tomorrow. We’ll bring that boy home. I can’t wait to see him here.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, her tone almost impatient with anticipation.
“Me too!” Mingyu piped in immediately, his grin boyish and unrestrained.
Every head at the table turned toward him with sharp looks.
Caught, Mingyu gave a nervous smile, scratching the back of his neck. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
Laughter broke out, first from Lisa and then from the others. Mingyu flushed pink but tried to laugh along, only to be teased mercilessly for the rest of the meal. The jokes grew louder, until finally, sulking and embarrassed, he pushed away his half-eaten chicken drumstick—his favorite.. and stood abruptly.
“Yah, this family…” he muttered, storming off.
The sight of his dramatic retreat set the table roaring with laughter. The sound followed him down the hall until he disappeared, leaving the atmosphere lighthearted and easy.
After dinner, the family dispersed into their rooms, the house slowly dimming as the maids cleared the last of the dishes.
Later,
In Taehyung’s room, the mood was different.
Lisa emerged from the bathroom wrapped in warmth, the faint scent of rose water trailing her. Her hair fell damp over her shoulders, and she sat before the dressing table, dabbing creams gently onto her skin. Catching her reflection in the mirror, she smiled softly.. her eyes drifting to her husband on the bed.
Taehyung lay stretched out, one arm bent under his head, the other holding his phone loosely. The glow of the screen lit his sharp features, his expression unreadable.
Lisa rose, turned off the bright lights, and left only the amber night lamp glowing softly in the corner. She padded to the bed and climbed over him, straddling his torso. Her slender fingers traced the firm lines of his bare chest, her touch light and coaxing.
Taehyung sighed, lowering his phone to the side table. His large hand found her waist, steadying her as though holding her in place.
She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. He closed his eyes, his grip gentle yet firm.
Sliding lower, she moved to straddle his lap, but his hand tightened on her waist, stopping her.
“No,” Taehyung said quietly yet in a firm voice.
Lisa froze, her eyes searching his face. “Why, Tae?” she whispered.
“It won’t… it won’t work,” he replied, his tone careless, almost detached.
Her lips parted, her voice growing soft but desperate. “Why, Tae? Don’t you find me attractive anymore? Look..” she gestured to the black nightgown flowing around her figure, delicate lace tracing her curves.. “I even wore your favorite.”
His eyes softened. He reached up, cupping her small face in his large palm, thumb brushing her cheek tenderly. “You’re beautiful, Lisa. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re sexy, cute, and attractive.. more than anyone I’ve ever known. But…” He paused, searching for words that refused to come. “I don’t know how to explain it.”
Lisa’s throat tightened. She bit her lip before murmuring, “Can we consult a doctor? Maybe it’ll help…”
Taehyung hesitated, then exhaled. “Mm… yeah. I’ll think about it.”
She nodded faintly, climbing off him, her shoulders small in the dim light. Curling beside him, she wrapped an arm around his torso and pressed her face into his chest. Within minutes, her breathing softened into sleep.
But Taehyung lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his chest rising and falling beneath her. His eyes were heavy, yet his mind churned with thoughts he couldn’t name. He stroked her hair gently, his face unreadable in the glow of the lamp.
They, Taehyung and Lisa, had been best friends once.. five years of laughter and companionship, which had easily ripened into marriage when Lisa’s modeling career took her to KTH, his company.
Lisa was beautiful.. strikingly so. Men turned their heads wherever she walked, and many would have given anything just for one night with her. Falling in love with her had felt easy, natural, inevitable.
But marriage had not been.
Because no matter how much he tried.. no matter how much he admired her beauty, her kindness, her charm, Taehyung could not give her the one thing she craved. He didn’t know why. She was perfect.. an eleven out of ten.. but that spark, that hunger, the raw desire that should have come naturally… never did.
He had tried everything, but still he could not take the final step with his pretty wife.
And that truth lay heavy on his chest, unspoken, as Lisa slept soundly against him.
..to be continued..
