Chapter 3: Setting the Stage

Taeko spent the next day observing Jungkook and Taehyung from the sidelines, carefully planning his next move. He had to create situations where his parents would naturally interact and begin to understand each other beyond their surface impressions.

In the crowded cafeteria, Taeko spotted Jungkook sitting alone at a table, eating quietly while reading a book. Across the room, Taehyung was surrounded by a group of friends, gesturing animatedly as he discussed a new design idea.

Taeko smirked to himself. “Time to set the stage.”

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Later That Day – The Library

Jungkook sat at his usual corner table, a mountain of books spread out in front of him. His sharp gaze moved from one page to the next, completely absorbed in his studies.

Taeko entered the library with Taehyung in tow, chatting away about fashion trends.

“Honestly, Taeko,” Taehyung said, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder, “I don’t know how you convinced me to come to the library. It’s not exactly my scene.”

“You’ll survive,” Taeko replied with a grin. He subtly guided Taehyung toward Jungkook’s table. “Besides, I think you’ll find this place more interesting than you expect.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes but froze when he saw Jungkook.

“Jeon Jungkook?” Taehyung muttered under his breath, his brows furrowing slightly.

Jungkook glanced up, his expression hardening the moment he saw Taehyung. “Kim Taehyung,” he said curtly, his tone as cold as ever.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ice King,” Taehyung quipped, crossing his arms. “What brings you here? Plotting world domination or just brooding in solitude?”

Jungkook sighed, clearly annoyed. “Some of us take our studies seriously, Taehyung. You wouldn’t understand.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Oh, please. Just because I don’t bury myself in textbooks doesn’t mean I’m not serious about my work.”

Taeko quickly jumped in, feigning innocence. “You two know each other? That’s perfect! You can work together.”

“Work together?” Jungkook and Taehyung said in unison, both looking at Taeko in confusion.

“Yes!” Taeko beamed. “I heard the school is hosting a charity event, and they’re looking for someone to plan it. With your brains, Jungkook, and Taehyung’s creativity, you’d make an amazing team.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not interested.”

“Neither am I,” Taehyung added, crossing his arms.

Taeko gave them a pleading look. “Come on, it’ll be fun! And it’s for a good cause.”

Jungkook sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Fine. If it shuts you up, I’ll do it.”

Taehyung smirked. “Well, if Mr. Perfectionist is in, I suppose I can grace this project with my talent.”

Taeko clapped his hands together, a triumphant smile on his face. “Great! This is going to be amazing.”

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That Evening – Taeko’s Room

Sitting on his bed, Taeko scribbled notes in a small notebook, brainstorming ways to bring his parents closer.

“Step one: Force them to spend time together,” he muttered to himself. “Step two: Make Jungkook see Taehyung’s good side. Step three…”

He paused, staring out the window at the starry sky. “Step three: Stop Dad from falling for Soojin.”

Taeko sighed, his determination hardening. “I’ll make sure they end up together. No matter what it takes.”

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