The next day was vibrant and alive, the Jeon mansion transformed into a picturesque celebration.
Warm sunlight poured through the windows, reflecting off the strings of twinkling lights and banners hung meticulously across the hall.
The floral arrangements and balloons added an air of whimsy, perfectly complementing the joyous occasion. It was everything Jaybum had dreamed of a magical party just for him.
Jaybum's face lit up like the fairy lights as he dashed around, his excitement contagious. "It's perfect!" he shouted, clapping his small hands together.
Jungkook stood in the corner, finishing the final touches with the decorators. Despite his sharp suit and confident demeanor, the faint dark circles under his eyes hinted at a restless night.
His focus was solely on ensuring the party was flawless, yet there was something distant about his gaze-something heavy weighing on his chest.
Jin was the first to arrive. Being tasked with managing the cakes and desserts, he had come early to set up. Rows of intricately designed cupcakes, a towering cake, and delicate pastries adorned the dessert table. Everything was aligned with Jin's precise touch, making the display a centerpiece of the celebration.
As one of Jungkook's close friends, he greeted Jungkook warmly, though he couldn't help but notice the fatigue etched on his friend's face.
By the time Jungkook had gotten Jaybum dressed, the little boy looked like a prince.
His neatly tailored suit fit perfectly, his bowtie slightly crooked in a way that added to his charm. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he twirled in front of the mirror, showing off to his father.
"You look so handsome, bun," Jungkook said with a smile, kneeling down to adjust his son's bowtie. "Just like you wanted."
Jaybum giggled, grabbing Jungkook's hands. "Thank you, Dadda! I can't wait for TaeTae to see!"
At 4 PM, guests began arriving. Laughter and chatter filled the mansion as children played and adults mingled. Hoseok arrived shortly after, carrying a large gift wrapped in bright paper.
"Hey, Bumie!" Hoseok called out, his energy infectious as he scooped Jaybum into his arms.
"Hey! Is that for me?" Jaybum asked, his eyes widening with curiosity as he eyed the box.
"Of course, bun! But you'll have to wait to open it," Hoseok teased, placing it near the growing pile of gifts.
Not long after, Namjoon and Jimin arrived. They walked in together, their smiles broad as they spotted the birthday boy.
"Look at our big guy! Already four!" Namjoon exclaimed, crouching down to ruffle Jaybum's hair.
Though Namjoon eyes also went to Jin. Both made eye contact,longer then intended. It was Jin who finally broke the eye contact.
Jimin pulled Jaybum into his arms, smothering his cheeks with kisses. "How's my favorite little guy?" he cooed, making Jaybum squeal with laughter.
Amid the bustling party, Jaybum's excitement faltered as he turned to Jungkook with a frown. Tugging on his father's sleeve, he asked, "Dadda, where's TaeTae? I won't cut my cake without him!"
Jungkook opened his mouth to reassure him, but before he could respond, a familiar voice rang out from the doorway.
"You summoned me, my lord?" Taehyung's playful tone cut through the room.
Jaybum's eyes lit up, his pout vanishing instantly. "TaeTae!" he squealed, dashing toward the door.
Taehyung caught him effortlessly, scooping him into his arms and twirling him around. Dressed in a tailored coat that hugged his frame perfectly,Taehyung exuded effortless grace and charm. His hair was styled neatly, and the soft smile on his face seemed to light up the room.
"Oh my! Look at you, looking so handsome!" Taehyung gasped, holding Jaybum's face in his hands.
Jaybum giggled, hiding his face in Taehyung's neck.
Jungkook, who had been observing from a distance, felt his breath hitch. He'd seen Taehyung countless times before, but today, he seemed different-radiant, almost otherworldly. For a moment, Jungkook forgot the party, the guests, and even himself.
But his attention was quickly pulled to the figure standing beside Taehyung.
The man was unfamiliar yet unmistakably significant. Dressed casually but with an air of confidence, his presence was understated but magnetic.
He leaned slightly toward Taehyung, his posture comfortable and familiar.
Jungkook's stomach tightened as recognition dawned on him. It was him-the man from Taehyung's phone wallpaper.
Taehyung, with Jaybum snug in his arms, approached the group, Yoongi trailing close beside him. Jaybum's wide eyes finally settled on Yoongi, and the boy gasped, "Woah, TaeTae! Kitty Vampie is even paler than you!"
Yoongi chuckled at the innocent observation. "Am I, little guy?"
Jaybum nodded vigorously, his small hands clutching Taehyung's collar as he stared curiously at Yoongi.
Taehyung smiled warmly and decided it was time to formally introduce Yoongi to everyone. "Hyung, come here," he said, tugging lightly on Yoongi's arm to bring him closer.
Jungkook, standing quietly on the side, couldn't help but notice the way Taehyung's hand lingered on Yoongi's arm.
Something about the casual touch made his jaw tighten, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek in silent irritation.
"Hyung, this is Jin-hyung," Taehyung began, gesturing toward the man currently arranging desserts with the precision of a master sculptor. "The cakes I often bring home? They're all from him."
Yoongi stepped forward with a polite smile and extended his hand. "Hello. I've heard a lot about you. Tae always praises your desserts."
Jin, momentarily distracted from his perfectionism, returned the smile and shook Yoongi's hand. "Well, if Tae's been talking me up, I hope I live up to the hype."
Taehyung then turned to the next person. "And this is Hoseok-hyung."
"Yoongi," Yoongi greeted simply, offering a firm handshake.
"Jung Hoseok" Hoseok replied with a grin, immediately picking up on the quiet, enigmatic aura Yoongi carried.
"And," Taehyung said, glancing at Jimin, "you've already met Jimin, right?"
Yoongi nodded, his sharp eyes locking onto Jimin's. "Yes, we've met before."
Jimin, who had been silently sipping his drink, nearly choked under Yoongi's gaze. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly averted his eyes, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.
Perhaps... Jimin and Yoongi had exchanged numbers during the time when Jimin came to their house with magazine.
Since then, their late-night text conversations had been filled with teasing, shared thoughts, and an undeniable spark neither had yet admitted to.
"And finally," Taehyung said, shifting slightly as he turned toward Jungkook, "this is Mr. Jeon. My boss."
Jungkook straightened his posture, his sharp gaze meeting Yoongi's as Taehyung gestured toward him.
"Min Yoongi," Yoongi introduced himself, his voice calm as he extended a hand.
"Jungkook,Jeon Jungkook," Jungkook replied, his tone cool and deliberate as he clasped Yoongi's hand in a firm handshake.
Taehyung then tried to give the final introduction,
"So this is Yoongi-hyung, my br-" Taehyung began, but before he could finish, Hoseok suddenly blurted out, "MATE!"
Everyone's heads snapped toward Hoseok, who stood frozen, his wide eyes fixed on the entrance. Following his gaze, they all turned toward the doorway, where a young woman stood hesitantly. Her presence seemed to carry a certain magnetic pull, and her eyes locked with Hoseok's.
"MATE," the woman repeated softly, her voice trembling with equal shock and wonder.
A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone processed the interaction. It wasn't every day that a witch-someone long believed not to have mates-discovered one.
Hoseok, usually so composed and full of energy, was now visibly flustered.
"I... I... I'm Hoseok. Jung Hoseok," he stammered, stepping forward as if drawn by an invisible string. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, the overwhelming sensation of their connection almost too much to bear.
"Park Amy," the woman, witch herself replied, her cheeks a rosy hue. "Nice... nice to meet you." Her voice wavered, her nervousness palpable, but the warmth in her eyes mirrored Hoseok's emotions.
Namjoon, ever curious, broke the moment with a question. "Wait, your mate? But... you could smell her like we werewolves do?"
Hoseok shook his head, his gaze never leaving Amy.
"No, Joon. We witches don't have that ability. But.., there's... a spark. A feeling. Like something inside clicks, and you just know." His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he glanced at Amy again, his lips curling into a shy smile.
You'll remember when Taehyung originally went the the Jeons for a decent 9-5 job?
Though he wasn't selected but Amy was . Maybe..just maybe destiny played it's part.
Namjoon, always the supportive friend, clapped Hoseok on the back, his grin teasing.
"Welcome to the club, then! Being bonded to someone for life-it's not all bad," he said with a pointed glance at Jin, who was attempting to look indifferent but failing miserably.
Hoseok chuckled nervously, his usual exuberance replaced by an unfamiliar shyness. "All my life, I thought witches didn't have mates," he murmured, almost to himself.
"I watched Werewolves and even vampires find their mates and wondered what it felt like. And now..."
He trailed off, his voice thick with emotion as he looked back at Amy. "Now, I think I'll understand."