The first rays of sunlight kissed the Manisons carved jharokhas (balcony windows), casting golden lace-like shadows on the marble floors. The scent of chandan , gulab jal , and marigold petals lingered in the corridors leftovers from the rituals and dance rehearsals the night before.

The sangeet night had ended with cheers, laughter, and just the right amount of drama mostly caused by Jungkook's sassy dance moves that had Taehyung blushing all the way to his ears.

The night had been full of Taekook moments stolen glances, teasing smiles, and a dip that left the crowd screaming and Jungkook proudly strutting away with a wink.

But now, it was time for the next big step their engagement.✨

The Kim and Jeon families had gathered at an exclusive wedding boutique, joined by Aiden, Hobi, Jimin, and Yoongi. The atmosphere was loud and chaotic in the best way.

Mrs. Jeon and Jin were deep into selecting wedding outfits, fabrics flying everywhere as they debated between maroon and cream shades. Mr. Jeon and Namjoon were off to the side, discussing guest lists and engagement rituals in low tones.

Jungkook, meanwhile, wandered a little away from the crowd, fingers grazing along a row of traditional outfits. That's when he saw it.

A saree.

A breathtaking red silk saree with gold embroidery, delicate as moonlight and powerful as fire. His eyes sparkled. He stepped closer, fingertips gently touching the fabric. The richness, the grace it called to him.

"You like it?" a low voice asked from behind.

Jungkook turned with a soft smile already forming. "Yeah... but Father won't allow it," he whispered, almost to himself.

Taehyung stepped beside him, gazing at the saree with a hum. "Then we'll make him," he said simply, but Jungkook just sighed.

Just then, Mr. Jeon approached, a folded sherwani in hand. His gaze landed on the saree in Jungkook's arms, and instantly, his expression turned rigid.

"That's enough, Jungkook. Come try this one. It's more masculine than... that thing."

The air shifted.

Jungkook's smile faded. He didn't argue, only nodded, gently placing the saree back. But Taehyung's eyes narrowed.

"Mr. Jeon," Taehyung spoke, his tone still respectful, "What's wrong with him wearing that saree?"

Mr. Jeon's expression hardened. "Because Jungkook is a man. I raised him to be one."

A heavy silence fell over the boutique.

Jimin, who had been checking out a navy-blue kurta nearby, slowly turned around. His arms crossed. "Oh? So being a man comes down to fabric now?"

Mr. Jeon's jaw clenched. "It comes down to dignity. Discipline. Presentation."

"Funny," Jimin replied, walking closer, "because I thought it came down to integrity, honesty, and strength."

Yoongi looked up from a seating area. "Jungkook's stronger than half the people I know. Strong enough to keep smiling even when he's constantly being told he's not enough."

Taehyung stood tall beside Jungkook. "You say you raised him to be a man. But I fell in love with someone who's more than your definition of that word."

Mr. Jeon looked at them, lips pressed into a thin line. "You're encouraging him to embarrass himself."

Namjoon's voice broke in, quiet but firm. "No. He's encouraging him to be free."

Mrs. Jeon stepped forward. "Let him try it on. Let him see himself. That's all."

Mr. Jeon was silent.

Jungkook's voice finally came, soft but clear, "Appa... I never wanted to embarrass you. I just... I loved how it looked. I wanted to feel beautiful."

His voice cracked a little, and he looked away.

Jin stepped in then, gently placing a hand on Mr. Jeon's arm. "Do you know what real strength is? Letting your child live honestly. Not molding them into something that pleases the world."

There was silence again.

Mr. Jeon's gaze lingered on his son. For a flicker of a moment, the harshness in his eyes wavered. But he said nothing, only turned and walked away.

No one followed.

Taehyung turned to Jungkook with a soft smile. "Come on, love. Try it on for me."

Jungkook hesitated but nodded.

Minutes later, the boutique's curtains were drawn back and every head turned.

There stood Jungkook, glowing in the red saree. The gold shimmered under the lights. The way it hugged his body, the confidence in his posture, the sparkle in his eyes it was breathtaking.

Taehyung's lips parted in awe. "You look... divine."

Jimin clutched his chest dramatically. "If this is illegal, arrest him."

Yoongi blinked. "You're gonna break necks at the engagement."

Even Mrs. Jeon gasped. "My baby... looks like royalty."

Namjoon smiled, eyes twinkling. "I think we found your outfit."

And Jungkook? He looked into the mirror, fingers grazing the edge of the pallu, and for the first time in a long time, he saw himself not the version he was told to be.

Aiden snapped a picture quietly. "That's going viral. Period."

Taehyung walked over, wrapping an arm around Jungkook's waist. "If you wear this... I might forget my vows mid-ceremony."

Jungkook smirked, playful again. "Then I'll just have to remind you... later."

The boutique burst into laughter and teasing.

But deep inside, hearts were healing.
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