Went Straight To Liked Songs ITS ACTUALLY SO GOODDD?? I Personally Feel Honored To Have This Song Though

went straight to liked songs ITS ACTUALLY SO GOODDD?? i personally feel honored to have this song 😮‍💨 though i need to ask what gave u the vibe

you really listened to it and liked it, i'm honored by that! and, well, a bit about the lyrics themselves... maybe you'll give me that vibe, in a positive way, of course :(

CRIMINAL LOVE — p.sunghoon

PAIRING: killer!sunghoon x rich!fem!reader GENRES: angst, smut, maybe fluff WC: 4.6k+

WARNINGS: weapons, drink, drugs, swearing. mention and execution of murder, blood, fights (physical and verbal). unprotected sex (the details of the sex parts i'll add as i post the chapters), but there are more than two, for sure. lmk if i forgot anything else.

SYNOPSIS: paid to kill people, sunghoon finds himself in the biggest dilemma of his life. getting paid the most money his profession has ever given him to kill a woman. but he can't do it because it goes beyond his principles, who has never laid a finger on a woman. what will he do when the twist is right in front of his eyes?

NOTES: i had this initial idea for jay, but i don't know why i thought i'd write it for sunghoon. i've modified a few things and i'm thinking of making it a story with a few chapters. i hope you like it!

TAGLIST: i don't know if i'll do it, but…

masterlist | prologue | part 1 | part 2 [...]

None of this was new to Park Sunghoon. The eyes stared at him in fear, shining with a pair of panicked features as they begged for their lives. His index finger against the trigger of the gun before he asked to speak his last words and then fired. Seeing the body slowly collapse in front of you, the eyes losing life and the blood dripping through the fabric of the clothes and onto the floor. This was a very familiar scenario, even more so as a hitman.

If anyone ever asked him why he lived this life, the answer would come quickly: easy money.

Sunghoon got used to being on the streets in search of a job to maintain his almost miserable life after the death of his parents. His grandfather, an alcoholic who barely stayed at home, was the only living relative he had. And the only person who could give him a roof over his head at fifteen.

Wandering the streets in search of something solid led Sunghoon to meet all sorts of people and ways of making ends meet. He worked with a bit of everything until he found the job he had settled into today. It was through Jake, one of the first people he befriended, that he learned what it was like to kill for money. His friend's father had a scheme and paid him well enough to eat, dress, and live in his grandfather's house, which he barely saw.

Jake and his father became a family to Sunghoon, even if it was in the worst of environments, but it was the only thing he could get close to that bordered on a good feeling. The boy couldn't call it love because he'd never heard it from any of his friends, although they could say that they respected and cared for each other, but love, for Sunghoon, was too strong.

Who would say about love when, in fact, he was hired to kill? Often people from his own family and for financial reasons. So how could he believe that love existed when his job showed otherwise? Of course, everyone had family problems… Look at him! Sunghoon wasn't the greatest example of this, but come on, he would never have his grandfather or anyone else killed in his own home. It was bizarre, but unfortunately, that's what he dealt with most of the time. And that's what filled his pocket and made him change his life.

Moving into his apartment after his grandfather died, having more contact with Jake and his father about the business, and even getting on a bit more when things started to expand. This was all thanks to Sunghoon's skill and eye for instigating Jake's father to think bigger. It was risky for him to try to suggest that they think big, such as killing some CEO in debt or someone high up.

You've got to be crazy, he heard Jake mutter once, at an informal meeting they had after a successful case. Sunghoon could be crazy, but when it came down to it and money, the highest cases paid well. And that's what he asked Jake's father about until they had their first diplomat client. The amount to be paid was so high that they had never thought of having it in their bank accounts.

"We need to kill about four people to get that" Jake muttered after looking at the amount. A sigh left his father's lips before he agreed.

And so began the great social affair between Jake and Sunghoon – along with Jake's father – for bigger cases with fat sums in their money accounts.

It was dangerous, but Sunghoon lived for it. He didn't have anyone else, he didn't have anything to think about except his well-being and how he could have what he wanted more peacefully after living in poverty for years. He didn't want to go through the insecurity of not having anything to eat, or having to wander the streets looking for something to do or somewhere to stay so that he wouldn't have to be alone in a house where he didn't know who would come back. But now, in his apartment, he shared the peace of knowing that everything was his. Every little thing in there had been earned by him, even if the money wasn't in the cleanest way, but someone had to do that kind of work.

And it wasn't as if Sunghoon would kill just anyone either, he had strict criteria about this that he made very clear to Jake and his father before things got as strong as they are today. Like killing people who had only done some kind of harm to those who had asked for it. Like women who had been beaten by their husbands, or someone in particular who had physically or mentally hurt whoever was hiring the service. Or that person posed a risk to the society in question and they knew that no authority would do anything about it. So they did. And the most important thing of all was that under no circumstances would Sunghoon lay a hand on a woman.

But the universe seemed to play tricks on him that morning, arriving at the office and seeing Jake's eyes light up. It would be pointless to ask why, considering that he was one of the first to receive clients and their proposals, so someone had probably come to Jake to talk to him and give him a huge sum of money.

"Dude, I think we're rich" he threw himself into the leather chair that initially belonged to his father. But as long as the older man didn't arrive at the office, Jake took possession of it until that happened.

"What do you mean?" Sunghoon held back a laugh as he walked a little further into the office, throwing his body into the small armchair opposite the desk Jake was sitting at "A client with good money?"

"Better than that" he sighed, throwing his head back "This client wants to hire our services for two people, but the price is—"

"Jake, spit it out" Sunghoon said quickly.

"Bro, she'll pay two million" he looked directly at Sunghoon. That amount would cheer the boy up if he hadn't heard it before, or even been paid for it "For each of us, and for each of the two people we're going to kill."

Wait, that was new to Sunghoon. Two million for each of them, totaling two people to kill, so… Four million for him, and four million for Jake?

"Man, that's…"

"Insane, I know" Jake interrupted him as if he already knew what his friend was going to say. But something seemed a little off because he didn't have that much energy to say that amount. Normally Jake would have been bouncing around the room literally like a child, totally losing his hitman pose as he commented on the four million that would be playing around in his bank account for the next few weeks.

"What's wrong?" Sunghoon asked at once, noticing the change in his friend's mood as the seconds passed. Jake now looked a little uncomfortable in his father's chair and shifted his body a few times to try to find a comfortable position, opting to lean his elbows on the table and tilt his body a little.

"You know it's four million each, right?" he asked, watching Sunghoon agree "And that the percentage we give my father on each client is very small because, well, he already has a lot of money…"

"Speak up, man. You're stalling on something." Sunghoon wasn't out of patience, but he knew that Jake tended to talk too much when he was nervous. What could have happened to make him like this?

Jake nodded in agreement and continued to lean on the table, leaning towards Sunghoon, who settled into the armchair and imitated his friend's position on the other side. Leaning his elbows on the table and looking at the boy in front of him, who was now looking at his hands.

"A woman wants us to kill her brother and…" Jake slowly closed his eyes "Her niece."

Sunghoon felt a ringing in his ear and then his whole body tensed up. He couldn't explain why he had that reaction, but just mentioning that there was a woman for him to kill made everything seem completely out of place to him.

"You're kidding me, right?" Sunghoon asked.

"I really wanted to, man, I swear" he whined, watching Sunghoon's withdrawal appear little by little as he slid his arms off the table and leaned back in the armchair.

"And what did those two do to make her want to kill two people at once?"

"I don't know" Jake shrugged. "She hasn't told me yet, she's arranged a meeting and my father wants to go along. It's too high…"

"You two do it" he stood up, walking to the middle of the room before he heard Jake calling after him. Without turning around, Sunghoon closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He waited a few seconds before finally turning to his friend.

"I can't do this without you, bro. You know we've been working together forever" Jake began.

"But what are my conditions?" Sunghoon asked, and for a moment he saw a glimmer of regret in Jake's eyes. For mentioning or even thinking that his friend might do this kind of thing. Maybe the money had messed with his head a bit and he wouldn't deny it, but Jake knew Sunghoon well enough, he just wanted to try until he couldn't anymore. Even though he knew it would come to nothing because Sunghoon would never accept.

Silence was Jake's way of responding, not knowing exactly what to say because he knew Sunghoon's terms well. Everyone was aware and in agreement, so why change their minds at that moment?

"I just need your help, then" he said after some quiet time.

"I'm not putting my hands on either of you, be warned," Sunghoon said, a little angry about the whole situation until he saw Jake nod silently, implying that he had nothing more to say.

Then, as if on cue, he left the room and walked around the building in search of something to clear his mind of what had just happened. It was an unimaginable amount for him, but Sunghoon wouldn't go against his principles for it.

For the first time, he had refused something that Jake had asked of him. And he felt immensely awkward about it.

You could feel the migraine invading you little by little. The side of your head ached like never before, while your eyes stung and you tried your best to pay attention to people and their words of condolence.

It had been a week since your grandfather's death, and the only sincere tears you had seen – apart from your own – were those of your uncle. He was the closest thing to real family you had after your father's death a year ago. Having him around was comforting, especially as your family was driven by money and scandal. Everything revolved around social and financial status. Your grandfather's company was the focal point of all that arrogance in the family members.

But now, with his death and the will read, you had to assimilate that the only beneficiaries were you and your uncle, the one who was still crying over his father's death and trying to understand how it had all happened. And then there was him, a well-groomed gentleman who eschewed the stereotype of the rich old man and business owner who walked around with a glass of whisky in his hand. On the death certificate, his grandfather had died of cirrhosis, but you were surprised. Even though he wasn't a health professional, you could assume that this would be different, to say the least, since the old man had never drunk a drop of alcohol.

“This is terrible for your health” he once said. “Try never to drink more than necessary. And at parties, I promise to serve you the best natural juice.”

Those words always lingered in your mind because your grandfather was serious, in his own right, but he was very loving. You became so attached to him that you took an interest in the affairs of your grandfather’s company with a genuine gesture of helping him, which he appreciated.

Maybe that was what had made him put your name on that paper, inheriting half of the family fortune. While your uncle got the other half.

Millions and millions, or should say billions? It was so much money that you swore you would die and the amount would continue to yield in your account even though you used it almost every day. That was why you knew that some people who had always been there for your grandfather’s money were now furious because they couldn’t enjoy a single cent of it.

“We are so sorry for the loss of your father, Yvone” someone’s voice took you out of your thoughts, making your eyes dart around the people around you. A well-dressed woman with a tired expression was greeting your aunt. She didn’t have a trace of sadness on her face. That stranger seemed sadder than your aunt over the loss of her father.

“I’m sure you are too” she tried to fake a sad voice that you recognized from afar. Your stomach almost churned as she hugged the other woman.

Suddenly, your embarrassment became even greater, because your aunt's gaze was immediately on you. She seemed angry, with something bad inside her that immediately wanted to be directed at you. Your gaze soon turned away from her to try to find your uncle who was desolate.

Your steps through the environment were fast and precise, the sound of leather shoes against the devastated floor was inhibited by the sound of other people's voices and laments. You weren't running, but the things inside your body said very well that you seemed to be in a hurry.

Your eyes quickly spotted your uncle a little further away, sitting on a bench alone outside. You walked a little calmer towards him until you sat next to the man. He didn't need to look up to know that the only person with compassion in that family was you.

"I wish this nightmare would end" he said quietly, a sob breaking out of his voice when your uncle raised his head and continued to look ahead.

"I still can't believe it" you sighed. Your eyes are locked on the events in front of you. Some people were coming and going from your grandfather's mansion with small flowers in their hands or pieces of paper, like written notes of thanks. Of course, he wouldn't read them, he was dead. But it was a way of thanking everyone he knew, and the reading would be up to you and your uncle. The only ones who cared about the sentimental side of things.

"Do you think Yvone hates us now?" your uncle asked, finally looking at you. His eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets and bloodshot from his eyeballs, they were so red. You swallowed a sigh and just nodded.

"For the reading of Grandpa's will? Of course" you laughed humorlessly, listening to him accompany you.

As if summoning a haunting, just saying her name out loud made your aunt's figure appear in the doorway of the mansion. She welcomed people by trying to look sad or convincing whoever was arriving. Her eyes quickly fell on you and your uncle, further away from the house and sitting on a secluded bench. She didn't show any reaction but took her cell phone out of her pocket to do something you didn't even care about. Her attention was on the man next to her.

“I can’t be happy knowing that my father left all this for me and you” he ran his hands through his hair, almost pulling it out if it weren’t for your hands stopping him. You held one of his hands and kept it in your lap.

“It’s okay uncle, I’m not happy about this either” you said. “Money won’t erase anything that’s happening to the two of us, you know that.”

Of course, he knew. You and your uncle could sometimes say that you were born into the wrong family because you were the only ones who didn’t count on money. Even though you knew that your whole life revolved around it. Even though every interaction you had since the day you were born was driven by money. It wasn’t your fault for being born into a family like that, but you could deal with it and think about how you spent what you had.

“How about you come in and get a drink? I bet you’re thirsty” your uncle said quietly, making you look at him after some time of contemplation while still watching people entering and leaving the mansion.

“I think I’ll go in a little while, I want to stay here a little longer” you smiled sadly at the man as he stood up and just waved in your direction. Just as you knew when he wanted some time alone, your uncle was also able to understand when you needed it.

Leaving him and going back into the mansion, you saw him disappear among the little people who had now gone inside the house. You remained there, looking around that immense land that your grandfather owned. One of them, to be more exact. You remember playing with your uncle and your father to guess which was the largest land your grandfather had in his name. Of course, the two older men always let you win, even though it was a rather unfunny game. But it was one of the few moments when the three of you were together, aware of the money you had and trying to make good use of it.

Your body slowly shrank with a small gust of wind, indicating that the weather was changing from sunny to something colder and almost rainy. You looked up at the sky, noticing the clouds beginning to darken. Rain was the last thing you wanted, but maybe you needed it. To wash away all that heaviness you've felt since your grandfather died. Rain could help wash away the dirt that remained beneath your feet and wash away all the bad feelings and burdens you would face in the days to come.

The decision to go back inside wasn't so difficult as your body shrank a little more, curses spilling from your lips as you missed a coat or a blanket that could cover your arms. Just a tank top and silk pants weren't a suitable outfit for the moment, but it was the first thing you could think of to wear when your aunt summoned the whole family to pay homage to your grandfather at his mansion.

You got up from the bench and stretched your whole body, trying to shake off some of the day's exhaustion and thinking about how you wanted to go back to your apartment and take a shower. Get all those sticky, fake hugs off your body. Those words buzzing around in your head lamenting what had happened. No one there really cared, so you at least paid attention to the fake tears in front of you.

You walked in slow steps to the front door, trying to avoid walking in with anyone who might greet you. You didn't want to talk to anyone anymore, just to be there long enough to leave. But your steps were quickly stopped.

Feeling a hand around your waist, you looked up to find your aunt standing in the doorway just as something covered your mouth. It all happened too quickly. Your vision began to blur as you struggled against a body that seemed much bigger than yours. Your hands were useless at grabbing any kind of skin to scratch because the arms holding you were covered.

You don't remember much, but the only thing that didn't leave your mind before passing out was the cynical smile of the woman right in front of you.

“What did she ask for?” Sunghoon was exasperated, pacing back and forth as he looked at your unconscious body on the other side of the room.

“To torture her and get a video of her saying she wants to pass everything on to her aunt…” Jake began.

“First of all, I never agreed to this” he interrupted his friend, controlling himself as much as possible so as not to scream and wake you up. They had just taken off the masks and all the equipment when they laid you down on the small mattress with almost no foam.

“My dad just asked you to help me bring her in, I know.” Jake sighed. “I don’t want to do this either, but—”

“Dude, listen” Sunghoon looked at him. “We can deny this and say fuck you to those four million. Seriously, there’s no way we can continue.”

The desperation in his voice was completely real, Jake could feel it. He was also desperate about all of this, although it wasn’t something new for either of them. But the cruelty in how his aunt was making requests of them without even knowing them or having finished the job. How demanding she was and how she wanted everything to be done as quickly as possible. Sunghoon never had bad feelings about his work, he just went there and killed whoever was necessary. But as soon as he looked at his aunt through the gap in the mask and noticed her smile, the way she behaved in front of the people who were entering the house, without even noticing that he and Jake were carrying her to a black car with no license plate.

He didn't know what he was doing, he didn't know why he had accepted all of that. Sunghoon was breaking one of his biggest rules and all because of money? Four million wouldn't pay for his principles even if his job was one of the worst possible. He already had too much blood on his hands, but that didn't matter when you had a woman unconscious and almost ready to be killed by Jake.

Arguing with Mr. Sim was out of the question, he had already tried since he received the offer and saw the man's eyes light up at the amount. Even though he knew that Sunghoon's biggest criteria were at stake.

"If you're not going to kill her, at least help Jake bring her here" was the only thing he said after finishing the little discussion he had started. He couldn't win this one, he couldn't deny something that he had at least managed to keep going.

Now here he was, pacing back and forth and going over what your aunt wanted Jake to do to you.

For one lousy moment, Sunghoon felt a twinge of regret and compassion for you. Your calm countenance while you were unconscious and the way you seemed harmless, something clicked in his mind telling him that you weren't as bad as the woman said you were. Maybe she'd done the worst kind of propaganda just to make you look bad enough for them to kill you.

"Sunghoon, hey" Jake called out quickly, taking off his black glove and throwing it on the table "What are we going to do?"

"I already told you," Sunghoon sighed once again, stopping walking and feeling his throat irritated because he had already shouted at Jake the whole way "Let's give up that four million, it's not worth it."

"Is that all I'm worth?"

Sunghoon looked in Jake's direction and they both froze. Eyes wide, breathing almost labored as they searched for something to cover their faces. But it was too late. As soon as Sunghoon crossed the room and focused on you, there you were. You were sitting with your back against the wall, your hands tied by the ribbons perched perfectly on your lap. Your hair was completely messed up, but he could still see every detail of your face. How, even so, you looked very beautiful.

"Shit" Jake cursed softly, turning away while Sunghoon stood there staring at him. He felt his friend pull him a few times so that you wouldn't stare so hard at his face that you wouldn't recognize him if something went wrong. But Sunghoon simply couldn't move.

"It's okay, I've seen you. I've been awake for a few minutes" your voice was hoarse, perhaps from lack of use, and because you tried to scream before Sunghoon put the cloth over your mouth to force you to faint.

Jake hesitated to turn around but did so when he saw that his friend wasn't moving at all.

"If you say anything—" Sunghoon made Jake look like he was speaking rudely when he landed a weak punch on his arm. He didn't know why he was defending you like that, not least because that was Jake's role, to be rude at first and gradually hurt whoever was in front of them.

Knowing this, Sunghoon already sensed that he would start being rude until Jake's hands were on you to hurt you. And he didn't want that.

"What did you hear?" Sunghoon addressed you for the first time. His eyes still glazed over at your completely weak and staggering figure in front of him.

He noticed that your eyes were bright, maybe watery, and if you blinked a little more, tears would fall like waterfalls. He was already weak just knowing that he had done this to you, seeing you cry would do what to him? Sunghoon didn't want to know. That case was getting too emotional.

"Just the four million part" you moaned a little in pain as you moved and felt your back crack. That mattress was terrible and you assumed you'd been on it for a long time, but it wasn't important. Your mind was elsewhere and on how you were here, so before you could even think of anything, you asked "It was her, wasn't it?"

"Her who?" Sunghoon and Jake asked at the same time.

For a long minute, you were quiet, just thinking about the little interactions you had with the woman who was supposed to have done this to you. Your heart ached, that wasn't possible. You never thought she could do that.

"My aunt told you two to kill me," you tried to keep your voice steady, "did I?"

It was the turn of the two boys to be silent right in front of you. Jake moistened his lips and tried to find the words to answer you, pondering whether or not to be rude to you. Not least because he didn't want to be punched again by Sunghoon. He swallowed dryly and looked away a few times, wondering whether or not to tell the truth.

"I triple it."

"What?" Jake raised his voice, echoing throughout the room as he looked in your direction and then at Sunghoon.

"I say I'll triple that amount" you moved again, trying to find a more comfortable position on that shitty mattress that was making all your muscles ache "If you don't kill me."

Jake laughed. Nervously, perhaps, but he tried to look a little more cool as he walked towards you and bent down right in front of you. Knees bent enough to bring him close to your face. If you were in the best condition, you could lift your leg and kick him in the knee, only to stagger and fall backward. But you just wanted answers.

"Do you think we're open to negotiations, princess?" he shifted his gaze between your eyes and your mouth but remained in your gaze, which was still sparkling. Jake didn't want to seem arrogant, but that's how he'd been taught.

That's how he learned to deal with that kind of situation, listening to everything and every possible appeal before doing his job. But he never received a counter-proposal, especially one as high as that.

"I don't think you'll even get paid that four million, actually" you looked at him, your voice becoming more and more shaky, "but since the whole inheritance is with me, I'll triple it if you don't kill me."

For a second Jake looked back to Sunghoon for support at that moment. He knew that his friend would probably accept because it would give him the chance to never lay a finger on you.

"Instead, I want you to kill my aunt."

That turn of events was making Jake and Sunghoon's heads spin. Hearts pounding as you let a single tear fall down your cheek. You tried to look convincing and strong talking to two guys who were about to kill you.

But being able to protect yourself was one of the few things you learned because it wasn't the first time someone had approached you out of interest. So why not use the money you had to your advantage? You never thought you'd be able to do that kind of thing, but you'd try anything to make sure no one killed you.

And if the case was to have those who wanted you dead killed, then you'd start with that.

© ikeuverse, 2024. do not copy, translate or steal my stories.

jake being gentle with her, even in the midst of everything they're both going through, leaves my heart at peace. but i feel like it's going to get really crazy... should i be afraid? 🥺

world of sinners vi | sim jaeyun

⟶ 𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦: your parents are the head of one of the nation’s most lucrative syndicates and your older brother is heir to the throne which leaves you free to leave this world of evil behind. you’ve been waiting for this day for twenty years of your life, you can practically taste the freedom. what will you do, however, when your parents arrange a marriage for you to bind together their empire with the lee’s to stop a full on gang war?

❥ 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔: sim jaeyun x f!reader ft brother sungchan and heesung

❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: mafia!au, arranged marriage!au

❥ 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 8.4k

⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: dark themes, mentions of violence, vulgar language, mentions of death, forced marriage, corruption, consumption of alcohol, possessiveness, mentions of pregnancy, slight talk about childhood trauma. pls let me know if i missed anything !

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“Send me in.”

Jake’s eyes widen, his voice hardening. “No way. Absolutely not. I’m not sending you in there.”

You take a step closer, your resolve unshaken. “Jake, listen to me. I know how to corner Yerin and get her to show her cards.”

Jake shakes his head vehemently. “You don’t understand how dangerous this is. Yerin’s ruthless. If she even suspects something—”

“That’s exactly why I need to do this,” you interrupt, your voice firm. “Think about it, Jake. Why would Yerin want me out of the picture? It’s because with me gone, Heeseung gets the ‘throne’. The only thing standing in the way of Heeseung taking over now is if we had a baby. Yerin is banking on us not having a child to take us out and give the position to Heeseung.”

Jake’s face tightens with realization. “But we don’t have a kid. Nor are you pregnant. And everyone knows that.”

You smirk, a determined glint in your eye. “I have a plan. Just trust me on this.”

Jake’s skepticism is palpable. “What plan? How can I trust you if I don’t know what you’re planning?”

You shake your head. “The less you know, the better for now. Trust me, Jake. I can do this. I just need some time to plan it out.”

Jake’s eyes search yours, looking for any sign of doubt. Finding none, he sighs heavily, still hesitant. “Fine. But I don’t like this. Not one bit.”

You turn to Sunghoon. “Get Jungwon to tap Yerin’s phone. I want every conversation she has monitored.”

Sunghoon nods, immediately pulling out his phone to make the call.

Then you look at Jay. “I need you to keep a close eye on Yerin. Follow her, watch her every move. See if she slips up.”

Jay gives a curt nod before walking away to make the necessary phone calls.

Jake, still clearly unhappy, pulls you aside. “I don’t like not knowing what’s going on. And I hate the idea of letting you walk into the wolf’s den like this.”

You place a reassuring hand on his cheek. “I know it’s hard, but you have to trust me. We need to act like everything is normal, like we’re none the wiser.”

Jake’s pout is almost endearing. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

You smile softly, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I’ll be careful.”

Jake sighs but nods, “okay.”

With that, you both say your goodbyes and head home. You slip into Jake’s bed, maintaining the facade of normalcy, but your mind is racing with plans and contingencies. Jake pulls you close, his warmth a comforting reminder that you really are in this together, it’s no longer you versus the world but instead, you have Jake fighting not just with you but for you.

A week later, Jake is still tense, his worry evident in his every action. As you sit down for breakfast, he’s unusually quiet, his eyes flickering to you with concern.

“You need to eat,” you remind him gently, pushing a plate of French toast Rose had prepared towards him. “We have to keep up appearances.”

Jake picks at his food, his appetite clearly diminished by the stress. “I know. I just can’t shake this feeling, you know? That something’s going to go wrong.”

“Nothing will go wrong if we stick to the plan,” you reassure him. “Yerin won’t see this coming. She’s too confident in her position, too sure that she’s covered all her bases.”

Jake sighs, finally taking a bite of his food. “I hope you’re right.”

You sip your coffee, watching him carefully. “We need to act normal, Jake. If she senses anything off, she’ll bolt, and we’ll lose our chance.”

Jake nods, chewing slowly. “I just don’t like not knowing what’s going on. I’m worried about you.”

“I know you are,” you say softly, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “But I won’t let anything happen to me.”

Jake grips your hand tightly, his eyes searching yours. “I wish I could do more. I hate feeling helpless.”

“You’re not helpless,” you assure him. “You’re doing everything you can by supporting me and keeping an eye on Yerin.”

He sighs again, but some of the tension in his shoulders seems to ease. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Always,” you promise, giving him a small smile.

The two of you continue breakfast in relative silence, the only sound being the clinking of silverware against plates. Despite the tension, you try to enjoy the moment, savoring the familiar comfort of your home and the presence of Jake.

After breakfast, you check in with Sunghoon and Jay. Sunghoon informs you that Jungwon has successfully tapped Yerin’s phone and they’re already gathering data. Jay reports that Yerin has been acting normally, which in itself is suspicious.

“Everything’s set,” Sunghoon confirms. “We’re monitoring her every move. If she makes a call, we’ll know about it.”

Jay nods. “I’ll keep a close eye on her today. If she slips up, we’ll be ready.”

You thank them, feeling a bit more reassured knowing they’re on top of things. You end the FaceTime call and head to your room to start getting ready, sitting down at your vanity to do your makeup. As you focus on the task, trying to keep your mind clear, Jake enters the room, watching you for a moment before speaking.

“Am I allowed to know the plan now?” he asks, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

You meet his gaze in the mirror, pausing your makeup routine. “Alright. I’ll fill you in. The plan is to trick Yerin and your father into believing that I’m pregnant. It’ll force Yerin’s hand. She’s been banking on the fact that we don’t have a child to take us out and give the position to Heeseung. But if she thinks we’re expecting, she’ll have to make a move.”

Jake’s eyes widen slightly. “How are you going to pull that off?”

“I have a plan for that too,” you explain. “I’ll be subtle about it at first, drop hints. Then, when I’m with them, I’ll have a doctor’s note confirming the pregnancy. It’ll be enough to make them believe it. Yerin will start making calls to ensure everything goes her way, and that’s when we’ll find out her plans and end her.”

Jake runs a hand through his hair, looking both impressed and worried. “That’s a smart plan, but you’re willingly putting yourself in danger.”

“I know,” you admit, resuming your makeup. “But it’s the best way to get Yerin to reveal herself and figure out who else she might be working with. Once we have that information, we can deal with them.”

Jake watches you carefully, his concern evident. “I hate this. But I can see how it could work. Just... promise me again you’ll be careful.”

“I will,” you promise, finishing up your makeup. As you stand up, Jake wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you close.

“Why are we still using separate bedrooms?” he asks softly, his breath warm against your ear.

You blush, realizing you don’t have a good answer. “I don’t know,” you admit. “We probably shouldn’t be.”

Jake smiles, pressing a kiss to your temple. “While you’re off with Yerin, I’ll have some of the maids move my things into your room. You have the master bedroom, after all.”

You nod, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. “I’d like that.”

You kiss him goodbye, a lingering kiss filled with unspoken promises and reassurances. Then you head outside, where Niki is waiting by the car. He gives you a nod as you slide into the backseat.

“Ready?” he asks, his eyes meeting yours through the rearview mirror.

“Ready,” you confirm, steeling yourself for what’s to come.

As Niki drives you to your in-laws’ home, you take a deep breath, focusing on the plan and the roles everyone is playing. Before you enter the compound, the car rolls to a stop and Niki hands you a Manila colored envelope.

“Jay-hyung left this with me, he said it has what you asked for.”

You smile curtly and thank him before placing the envelope in your Rive Gauche tote. “Thank you for taking good care of this.”

Niki nods before proceeding to drive. The car pulls up to the grand estate, and you step out, smoothing down your dress. With one last glance at Niki, you turn and walk towards the house, ready to put your plan into action.

Inside, the house is as opulent and imposing as ever. The staff greets you with polite smiles, but there’s a tension in the air, an undercurrent of unease that matches your own. You make your way to the sitting room where Yerin and your father-in-law are waiting.

Yerin looks up as you enter, her expression unreadable. "Good morning," she says, her voice sweet but laced with something sharper.

"Good morning," you reply, forcing a smile. "I hope I'm not too early."

"Not at all," your father-in-law says, rising to kiss your cheek. "We're glad to see you. How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired, but otherwise fine," you say, subtly placing a hand on your stomach. It's a small gesture, but you see Yerin's eyes flicker to it for a split second before she masks her reaction.

As you sit down, you notice Yerin's gaze lingering on you, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. You force yourself to relax, to play your part convincingly.

"So, how have things been here?" you ask, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Busy as always," Yerin says smoothly. "There’s always something to take care of."

You nod, pretending to be interested in the mundane details of their lives, while your mind races with the next steps of your plan. Yerin may be sharp, but you have the advantage of knowing her endgame. And you're determined to turn the tables on her, no matter the cost.

Jake’s father stands, gesturing towards the dining room. “Why don’t we move into the dining room for brunch? I have a new wine imported that I’d love to try.”

You force a polite smile, shaking your head gently. “I’ll pass on the wine, thank you. Could I have some tea instead?”

Yerin’s eyes narrow slightly, but she says nothing, while Jake’s father looks a bit disappointed. “Alright, I’ll save it for when Jake comes around. The three of us can enjoy it together.”

You nod, pretending to be flustered. “That sounds wonderful.”

As you take your seat in the dining room, the maids bring out a charcuterie board. The sight of the pepperoni makes your stomach churn, and you place a hand over your mouth, mimicking a gesture as if you’re about to vomit.

Yerin’s grip on the table tightens, her eyes sharp. “What’s wrong?”

You give her a bashful smile. “I’ve been having an upset stomach for some time now. It’s nothing serious, just something that comes and goes.”

Jake’s father, concerned, signals the maid. “Take that away and bring something else. What would you like, dear?”

You apologize, looking genuinely sorry for the inconvenience. “I’m so sorry for being a bother. Some cut-up fruit would be lovely.”

Once the maid brings the fruit and everyone has been served, Jake’s father clears his throat, looking at you intently. “You know, we talked about grandchildren at our last family brunch. Any improvement on that front?”

You act shy and embarrassed, lowering your eyes. “I’d rather not talk about that.”

Yerin, her curiosity piqued, presses further. “Oh, come on. You can share with us.”

You pause, sighing softly before reaching into your bag for the envelope Niki had given you. It contains pictures of doctored sonograms you had asked Jay to obtain for you. He handed the job down to Jungwon who was able to change the name and date for you. You hand it to your father-in-law, who takes it with a puzzled expression.

“What’s this?” he asks, opening the envelope.

“Well,” you begin, casting your eyes downward in feigned embarrassment, “Jaeyun wanted to break the news together, but now is as good a time as any. I’m pregnant.”

Yerin’s eyes flash with disbelief, her skepticism evident. “May I see the envelope?”

Jake’s father passes it over to her, and she examines the sonogram. Despite her best efforts, her face betrays her shock.

“You’re three months pregnant?” Jake’s father exclaims, his voice filled with confusion.

“Yes,” you confirm, a small, proud smile on your face. “Jaeyun and I couldn’t keep our hands off each other before the wedding. After a night of drinking, we were so hammered we forgot the condom. We were too embarrassed to say anything until I was farther along, which is why we lied about not having consummated our marriage when asked about kids.”

Yerin, her eyes narrowing to slits, asks pointedly, “If you’re so close, why do you sleep in separate rooms?”

Feigning a blush, you explain, “Jaeyuine was scared he’d hurt the baby with his constant moving in his sleep. But rest assured, we’re moving into one room now. The maids are moving his things as we speak.”

Jake’s father, convinced and ecstatic, beams at you. “You should have said something sooner! This is wonderful news!”

Yerin offers a forced smile, her words through gritted teeth. “Congratulations.”

You return her smile with one just as insincere. “Thank you.”

Patting your stomach, you stand. “I’d better go. The further along I get, the more tired I am.”

Jake’s father stands as well, concern in his eyes. “Should one of my drivers take you home?”

You shake your head, smiling. “No, thank you. I came with my own driver.”

He nods, already planning. “We should have a dinner to inform Heeseung about the news as well.”

You nod in agreement and make your way to the door. As you step outside, you feel the weight of the encounter lift slightly. Once in the car, you pull out your phone and call Jake.

“How did it go?” he asks immediately.

“Hook, line, and sinker,” you reply, a triumphant smile spreading across your face.

Jake exhales, relief evident in his voice. “That’s great news. I knew you’d pull it off.”

“I’ll be home soon,” you say. “We’ll go over the next steps then.”

Niki glances at you in the rearview mirror, giving you a small nod of approval. As the car drives away from the estate, you feel a surge of confidence. That bitch is going down.

Niki pulls into your driveway, the afternoon sun casting long shadows against the garage. As the car rolls to a stop, you notice Jake waiting near the garage, his posture tense. Niki swiftly opens the door, allowing you to step out. He stands protectively behind you as Jake approaches.

Jake greets you with a kiss, his arms wrapping around you in a comforting embrace. As you hug, he whispers in your ear, "Jungwon’s inside. He said Yerin made some phone calls once you left. I'm not sure who yet, but-"

Before he can finish, the roar of a sports car pierces the quiet afternoon. You turn to see Sungchan's car speeding towards you. He parks abruptly, nearly skidding to a stop, and frantically makes his way to your side. Jake holds you a little tighter as Niki reaches for his gun, but Jake stops him with a subtle shake of his head.

“That was quicker than I thought.” Jake mutters under his breath as Sungchan gets closer.

Your brother reaches for you, attempting to pull you away. "You're not safe," he mutters under his breath, his grip firm. "You need to leave."

You wince and pull away, acting concerned and oblivious. "Sungchan, you're hurting me. What are you doing here?"

He doesn't relent, repeating, "You need to leave with me. You're not safe."

Jake steps in, pulling you to his side and wrapping an arm around your stomach. "Stop, Sungchan, before you hurt her."

Sungchan pauses, staring at your stomach. You take a deep breath and speak up, "I'm not going anywhere, Sungchan. I'm safe here."

He tries to argue, desperation in his voice. "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into. You're not safe here. You need to leave."

All the while, he keeps staring at your stomach. You hold Jake's hand and shake your head, still acting coy. "Jake will protect me from whatever it is you're talking about.” You wait a beat before adding, “especially since I'm pregnant."

You wait for his reaction, but when Sungchan doesn't respond, you follow up, "But you already knew that, didn't you?"

Sungchan is taken aback, his confusion evident. "W-what? How did- how did you know that-?"

You don't back down, maintaining your gaze. "We know about you and Yerin. Talk. Now."

Sungchan sighs deeply and pulls at his hair in frustration but finally begins to speak. "It's true. I've been sleeping with Yerin, but-"

Jake cuts him off, growing impatient. "Yes, we already established that. We want to know when it started and what she's planning."

Sungchan looks down, ashamed. "It started the night of the dinner party. When Jake took you to the garden to propose, Yerin needed to use the bathroom but got lost. I was getting a new bottle of wine our dad had requested. I helped her find the bathroom, but before I could leave, she stopped me and made a move on me. We kissed and had sex in the bathroom."

You try to hide your disgust, but it’s clear as day, making Sungchan even more embarrassed. He continues, "I thought it would be a one-time thing, but it continued. It’s almost like she could tell how desperate I was to help you out of the engagement and preyed on that. During one of our pillow talks, she told me she would help me if I helped her. She wanted Heeseung to take over, so she convinced me to help sabotage Jake. That way, he wouldn’t be the eligible heir, and you could leave him. Heeseung would take over as it was meant to be."

Your anger boils over, and you take a step towards him, your voice shaking with fury. "How could you, Sungchan? Not only did you put yourself in danger by crossing our father to work with Yerin, but you also put me in danger. You’ve jeopardized everything for a woman who never had any intention of keeping her promises."

Sungchan shakes his head, desperation in his eyes. "No, we agreed nothing would ever happen to you. The plan was to get Jake out and Heeseung in. You were never supposed to be hurt."

You scoff, incredulous. "Did you forget about the attempt on my life? Yerin was only ever in this for herself. She was never going to uphold her end of the deal, and you were a fool to believe she would."

Tears well up in Sungchan's eyes, and he begins to cry, his voice breaking. "I did this for you. Please, you have to understand. I thought I was helping you."

Shaking your head, you step back, the disappointment clear in your voice. "I’m so disappointed in you, Sungchan. You’ve let her manipulate you into risking everything."

Sungchan is visibly distressed, reaching out to you, but you pull away and move closer to Jake. Jake holds you securely, kissing the top of your head. Sungchan watches in confusion, having always believed Jake to be a bad person.

Jake steps in, his tone firm but calm. "Sungchan, do you know what Yerin is planning now?"

Sungchan nods and sniffs, struggling to regain his composure. "She called to tell me that ____ showed up at her home to announce her pregnancy. She said our original deal is off. She has to kill you now. That’s why I came to get you out of the country. Yerin is going to order a hit on you."

A cold silence falls over the three of you. Jake tightens his hold on you, his expression turning steely. Sungchan continues, his voice trembling. "Before, the plan was to make Jake look unfit so his father would take him out of power and the marriage could be broken off. But now that there’s a possible heir, even if they were to kill Jake, the empire goes to you and the baby. Yerin would never allow that."

Jake’s eyes flash with anger as he nods. "I’ll take care of it."

Sungchan's frustration flares, and he takes a step towards Jake, his anger palpable. "She’s in this position because of you! How can you be so calm about this?"

Niki steps between them, ready to intervene, but Jake raises a hand to stop him. "I love her, Sungchan. I will do everything to protect her and our baby. Make no mistake though, you’re only still alive because of the love she has for you. But if you ever dare to cross me or hurt my family again, I won’t let you off so easily."

Your heart skips a beat as Jake’s words sink in. He loves you. It's the first time he's ever said it, and it catches you completely off guard. You’ve never heard those words directed at you with such genuine emotion. Sure, you’ve experienced love from your brother and friends, but this is different. This is a romantic love, a deep, all-encompassing feeling that you’ve never felt before. For a moment, the world stops. You want to say it back, to let Jake know that you’re equally in love with him, but now isn’t the time. There are more pressing matters to address. So, you tuck the words away, making a mental note to talk to him about it later. You need to let him know how you feel, how his love has become your anchor in this storm.

As you stand there, your mind drifts back to your own parents. The love you’ve witnessed between them is nothing like this. Your mother’s love for your father always eclipsed any affection she showed you. She’s so brainwashed by his power and influence that you always felt like an afterthought. It hurt, knowing she didn’t have the capacity to love you the way you deserved. And your father? He’s only ever seen you as a walking dollar sign, ready to sell you off to the highest bidder for his gain. His cold, calculating nature left no room for genuine affection.

But Jake? He’s different. He values you—not just your opinions, but you as a person. He goes out of his way to make sure you’re comfortable and safe, to protect you from the dangers that lurk in your world. The love he’s shown you is something you never thought you’d experience, and you’re certain you never want to let him go.

You stand a little taller at his words, from the knowledge that you have someone who loves you and will stand by you no matter what. It’s a new, unfamiliar feeling, but one that you cherish deeply. And as you look into Jake’s eyes, you know that despite the mess of your life, you’ve found something truly precious.

Turning back to Sungchan, you try to keep your emotions in check. "Sungchan, you need to stop sleeping with Yerin. If today has shown us anything, it’s that she’s willing to kill anyone to get what she wants. You need to get out."

Sungchan nods, tears streaming down his face. "I will. I promise."

You offer him a small, reassuring smile. "I still love you, Sungchan, but I need some time. This has been too much."

Sungchan understands, his expression filled with sorrow and regret. He weakly congratulates you on the baby before slowly walking to his car. You watch as he drives away, the tension in the air finally beginning to dissipate.

Jake gently squeezes your shoulder. “We should go inside now. Jungwon’s waiting for us.”

You nod, following Jake into the house. As you enter, you see Jungwon sitting at the dining table, his hacking setup sprawled out around him. He’s focused on his laptop, typing furiously. When he hears you both come in, he looks up and greets you with a nod.

“Hey,” Jungwon says, giving a small smile.

Jake nods back and gestures for you to sit down. “Jungwon, give her an update on what’s happening.”

Jungwon leans back in his chair, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Okay, so after you left your in-laws, Yerin made three phone calls. One to Sungchan, one to Heeseung, and one to Byun Baekhyun.”

You feel a jolt of shock at the mention of Baekhyun. You turn to Jake, but he’s already heard this information, his expression more controlled.

“What did she discuss with Baekhyun?” you ask, trying to keep your voice steady.

Jungwon flips through his notes. “All she said was ‘green’ before hanging up.”

Jake cuts in, his face grim. “I’m assuming Baekhyun is the one who’s going to carry out the hit on you. And if not him, he’s the one who’ll find the hitman.”

Jungwon nods. “I’m trying to tap Baekhyun’s phone to see his next moves.”

You feel a new wave of frustration and fear wash over you. “How are you going to handle this, Jake?”

Jake looks at you, his eyes steady. “I have Sunghoon tailing Baekhyun until we can tap his phone. We need to know what his next step is before acting. Can’t let him know we’re on to him.”

Unable to contain your frustration, you stand up, the force knocking your chair over. “I can’t believe Sungchan could be so reckless! Now I can’t even leave my home because I have a literal target over my head.”

Jake stands and pulls you into a hug, trying to reassure you. “I’ll fix this. Sungchan was just trying to help you, even if it was a terrible plan. His intentions were never bad. I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.”

As Jake tries to calm you down, Jungwon’s voice cuts through. “Uh, guys.”

You and Jake turn to look at him as he beckons you over. “Yerin is making another phone call.”

The room falls silent as Jungwon listens in on the conversation through his headphones. The call is quick, and Jungwon’s face goes pale as he removes the headphones.

Jake asks, his voice edged with urgency, “What’s wrong?”

Jungwon swallows hard. “She ordered another hit.”

Jake scoffs. “Is it for me?”

Jungwon shakes his head. The worry gnaws at you, and you step closer. “Is it for Sungchan?”

Jungwon’s face is tense as he shakes his head again. Jake’s patience snaps. “Just say it, Jungwon! The suspense is making it worse.”

Jungwon takes a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. “The hit is for your father.”

The air seems to freeze around you. Jake’s father is the head of the biggest syndicate in Seoul, the one with the power to decide anyone’s fate. The implications of this hit are enormous.

Jake’s jaw tightens, and he clenches his fists. "She’s trying to destabilize everything. If my father is taken out, it throws everything into chaos. Yerin and Heeseung are making their move."

You shake your head. “No, there’s no way she would be that reckless? Does she know we’re on to her?”

Jungwon looks up from his screen, his expression serious. “My system is legit and undetectable. I wouldn’t have brought this to you if I wasn’t sure.”

Jake paces the floor, his frustration evident. “What’s her angle? Why would she want to take out both my father and you?”

You place a hand on your chin as you try to wrack your brain for any reason as to why Yerin would compromise her entire operation by placing a hit on her husband.

“It doesn’t make sense. Everyone would know Yerin killed her husband. He doesn’t have any competitors, and if this goes according to her plan, both ‘the baby’ and I will be dead. There’s no way anyone would think it’s all a coincidence. She’s getting sloppy.”

Jake pauses at the mention of sloppiness, muttering under his breath. “Loose ends.”

You and Jungwon both focus on Jake, your concern growing. “What?”

Jake’s eyes widen with realization. “This is Yerin tying up any loose ends. My father will be dead, you’ll be dead, I’ll be stripped of my power, and she might even kill me too. The only person left who would come after her would be Sungchan! Yerin is going to frame Sungchan for my father’s death. That way, she gets what she wants, and no one besides Heeseung will ever know what really happened.”

You feel physically ill, unable to believe the depths of Yerin’s evil. Jungwon curses in shock, but you’re left gobsmacked by how good Yerin is at being a mafioso.

Jake starts barking out orders. “Get Niki to keep an eye on Sungchan. Wherever he goes, Niki follows. Have Jay set up an extra security detail around the family home, and make sure they’re discreet. Go do a check around the perimeter to ensure no one suspicious is on the property. Take one of the guards with you.”

Jungwon nods, already moving to comply with Jake’s commands. He taps furiously on his laptop, sending out the necessary messages. Within moments, he’s coordinating with the team, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

You watch Jake, his anger palpable. He stops pacing and pulls you into a tight embrace, his voice steady and reassuring. “I just need to hold you.”

As you melt into his arms, you’re struck by how Jake, despite everything, remains vulnerable and open with you. He’s not the cold, calculating mafioso the world sees; he’s a man fighting to protect the people he loves. Your heart aches for him, for the weight he carries and the danger that constantly surrounds you both. His embrace feels like a sanctuary, a moment of peace amidst the storm.

You pull back slightly, looking into his eyes, and then you lean in, capturing his lips in a kiss. The kiss starts slow, tender, but quickly escalates. You pour all your fear into it, desperate to feel close to him. Jake responds with equal fervor, his hands gripping your waist, pulling you closer. The world fades away as the kiss deepens, becoming more urgent and passionate. You lose yourself in the sensation, in the warmth of his touch and the intensity of his love.

Just as you begin to forget the chaos outside, Jake’s phone rings, shattering the bubble of intimacy. He groans but pulls away anyway, looking at the screen. It’s Stella.

“Stella, what’s up?” Jake answers, placing the call on speaker.

Stella’s voice crackles through the speaker, her tone chipper and bubbly. “Hey there, you two lovebirds! Guess what? I’ve got some juicy updates for you! So, I managed to get the morgue to release the chief’s body—don’t ask me how, it involved a lot of charm and maybe a bribe or two—and my buddy at the NFS is going to do an official autopsy. We think the original results might have been tampered with. Scandalous, right?”

“What does this mean for me?” you ask, your voice trembling slightly.

Stella’s tone remains upbeat. “Right now, it means the case can’t be closed, and you, my dear, will not be arraigned. Also, I received information about the witness. I’ll be sending the files over to Jake. I’m sure if you pay him a little visit—wink, wink—the witness will recant their statement. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.”

Your eyebrows shoot up. “Isn’t that... illegal?”

Stella giggles. “Well, technically, yes, but let’s just call it ‘creative problem-solving.’ Given the circumstances, we won’t split hairs, will we?”

Jake’s expression is resolute. “Thank you, Stella. That’s good news.”

Stella hums in agreement. “Once the autopsy is complete, you’ll be a free woman. And then, we’re going to go after the police department for conspiracy, civil rights violations, and malicious prosecution. Oh, and we’ll make sure they issue a public apology so your company stocks can rise again. We need to keep those investors happy, right?”

You’re shocked. “Is that necessary?”

Jake scoffs. “Of course it is. With the way they treated you and handled your arrest as a public figure, we should sue for more.”

Stella chimes in, her voice firm despite the bubbly tone. “I can throw in negligence, false arrest, defamation, and harassment for how they interrogated you. The works!”

Jake nods. “Do it. I won’t stop until the bastards who put her in cuffs and conspired with Heeseung are behind bars as well.”

Stella’s voice is filled with understanding. “Got it. I’ll take care of it. And don’t worry, I’ve got a few more tricks up my sleeve if we need them.”

Jake smiles slightly, a hint of relief in his eyes. “Thank you, Stella. We appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Stella’s voice warms even more. “Anything for you two. Now, go take care of each other, and I’ll handle the legal circus. We’ll be in touch soon.”

You, Jake, and Stella bid your goodbyes, and Jake ends the call. The room falls into a heavy silence as you process the information. It’s a small victory in the midst of a war, but it’s a step forward.

Jake pulls you close again, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “A win is a win, right?”

You nod. “Hopefully the first of many.”

Just then, Jungwon returns, his expression calm but focused. “Jay is stationed outside the family home, and the property is clear. Niki also says he has become Sungchan’s official shadow. Everything is secure.”

Jake and you both nod in gratitude. “Thanks, Jungwon,” Jake says. “You’ve been a huge help. You’re free to go home now and get some rest.”

Jungwon smiles slightly, a hint of relief in his eyes. “Take care, both of you.” With a final nod, he gathers his equipment and heads out.

Once he’s gone, you turn to Jake, a mix of anxiety and curiosity in your eyes. “What now? We still have to be cautious, you know.”

Jake gives you a reassuring smile. “It’s still light out, and I was thinking we could have a date night.”

You scoff, unable to suppress a smile. “A date night? Have you forgotten that someone is out to kill me?”

Jake chuckles, shaking his head. “I never said we had to leave the house. I’ve got a surprise planned. All you have to do is go shower and get dressed up.”

You roll your eyes playfully and give him a light shove. “Stop being weird.”

Jake catches your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. “What? Can’t I spoil my beautiful wife?”

A giggle escapes your lips, a mix of embarrassment and delight. His words send a warm flush through you, contrasting sharply with the tension of the past few days. Jake leans in and pulls you in for a kiss. It's soft at first, but the intensity builds, the world around you fading into the background. His lips are warm and insistent, conveying a depth of emotion that makes your heart race.

Just as you're getting lost in the kiss, Jake gives your butt a light slap, causing you to gasp in surprise. "Go on, get ready," he says with a grin.

You try to slap his butt in return, causing Jake to curse and reach to tickle you. You yelp, dodging his hands, and sprint to the stairs, your laughter echoing through the house. As you reach the top, you glance back to see Jake watching you with a tender smile, his eyes filled with love and something deeper—something you're starting to recognize as home.

As you reach the top of the stairs, you dash into your room, your laughter echoing from the playful chase downstairs. You slow to a stop, breathing heavily, and push open the door. The sight that greets you makes your heart skip a beat.

Your room is still familiar, but it's now distinctly Jake's as well. His belongings are scattered around, blending seamlessly with your own. His glasses sit on the bedside table beside a well-worn book, and his multiple rings are laid out next to the book, catching the soft light. A soft smile tugs at your lips as you take in these personal touches.

You walk further into the room, each step revealing more of his presence. The closet door is ajar, and you peek inside to find his extensive shoe collection neatly arranged. His jackets hang in the closet, along with a few pairs of baggy jeans—the kind he only ever wears around the house. Seeing his items amidst your own creates a warm, comforting sense of unity.

A wave of emotion washes over you as you look around. This room, once a sanctuary solely for you, is now shared with Jake. The small details—the glasses, the rings, the casual clothes—reflect a life intertwined with yours. Knowing that Jake, who grew up in a room stripped of personal comforts, has chosen to fill this space with his belongings for the sake of being close to you makes your heart swell.

You run your fingers over the familiar items now infused with his presence. It’s a poignant reminder of how different his life was before and how he’s building a new, shared life with you. This room, filled with his personal touches, signifies his commitment and love for you—a love that goes beyond mere words.

You step toward the bathroom, carrying the comforting warmth of the room with you. The gentle hum of the shower invites you in, and you let the warm water cascade over you as you prepare to unwind. As the steam envelops you, your mind drifts back to Jake and the love he has shown you.

He’s made such a significant effort to be close to you, to share his life with you in such an intimate way. His presence in your room is a testament to his dedication and affection. It’s a love that feels so genuine and different from anything you’ve experienced before. In the midst of everything happening, this gesture reminds you of the strength of your bond.

You take a deep breath, letting the soothing water clear your mind. You think about how you want to express your love to Jake, how you want him to know that you’re just as deeply in love with him. For now, you set aside that thought, ready to enjoy the surprise he has planned for you. As the water washes over you, you feel a sense of peace and anticipation for the evening ahead.

Stepping out of the shower, you wrap yourself in a plush towel, the softness a comforting contrast to the heat. You move to the mirror, wiping away the steam to reveal your reflection. You begin to apply light makeup, enhancing your features with a touch of color and glow. The act of getting ready feels almost therapeutic.

Once finished, you head to the banister and call down to Jake, “What should I wear?”

He looks up, a playful grin on his face. “Something comfy!”

You chuckle, turning back to the closet. As you browse through your options, your eyes drift to Jake’s side of the closet. You decide on a pair of comfy sweats and a hoodie from Jake’s collection. It’s one of his baggier ones, enveloping you in its soft fabric and his lingering scent. It makes you feel close to him, even when he’s not right beside you.

Dressed and feeling cozy, you head downstairs. Jake comes running to stop you at the base of the stairs, excitement in his eyes. “Wait, I’m not ready yet!”

He pauses when he sees you in his clothes, his expression softening. “You look so cute.”

He leans in to kiss you, but you gently push him away with a giggle. “I want my surprise first!”

Jake pouts, leaning in again. “Just one kiss?”

You giggle again, turning your cheek so he kisses there instead. He whines, but you can see the amusement in his eyes. “Please, just one real kiss?”

Relenting, you give him a soft kiss, feeling the warmth and love in the simple gesture. When you pull away, he sighs contentedly. “You’re the best.”

He then straightens, his expression turning serious again. “I’m not ready for you yet. You need to wait a bit longer.”

You raise an eyebrow, curious. “What could you possibly be up to?”

He smirks, guiding you toward the living room. “It’s a surprise, remember? Just sit tight.”

Reluctantly, you sit on the couch, watching him with amusement. He kisses your forehead and heads upstairs, calling over his shoulder, “I’m going to take a quick shower and then I’ll be right back down to join you.”

You nod, settling into the couch and trying to quell your curiosity. The house is quiet except for the faint sound of the shower running upstairs. You smile to yourself, feeling a sense of contentment and anticipation.

After a few minutes, you hear Jake’s footsteps coming down the stairs. He appears, dressed in sweats and a hoodie similar to yours. He grins, spreading his arms wide. "Look at us, a cute matching couple."

You snort, shaking your head. "You’re so corny, Jake."

He pouts, crossing his arms. "You’re such a meanie."

Laughing, you get up from the couch and take his outstretched hand. He leads you toward the kitchen, glancing back with a mischievous smile. "I dismissed all the staff for the night, so it’s just us."

You raise an eyebrow. "Who’s going to cook dinner then?"

Jake’s smirk widens. "I am."

Your eyes widen in surprise. "You can cook?"

He nods, looking quite pleased with himself. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve."

He ushers you to the kitchen island, where some drinks are laid out. He picks up a glass and hands it to you. "I made us some cocktails."

You smile in delight, taking the glass from him. "You really went all out, huh?"

Jake chuckles, holding up his own glass. "Only the best for you. Cheers."

You clink glasses and take a sip of your mojito. The strong taste makes you cough, and Jake grimaces apologetically. "Sorry, I think I added a bit too much liquor."

You laugh it off. "It’s a good thing I’m not really pregnant then."

Jake laughs with you, but there’s a hint of something else in his eyes. You notice the shift and ask, "What’s up?"

He shrugs, looking down at his drink. After a moment, he asks, "Do you want kids?"

The question takes you by surprise. You play with your drink, thinking carefully about your answer. "I’ve always wanted to be a mom. I want to prove to myself that I can love my child the way they deserve, to raise them surrounded by love and happiness. And if it’s with you, I know there would be so much love. But... our lifestyle... it’s dangerous. It wouldn’t be fair to bring a child into that world."

Jake takes in your words, nodding slowly. He sets his glass down and looks you in the eyes. "I want out."

You’re confused. "What do you mean?"

He takes a deep breath. "I’m giving the reigns to Heeseung. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that nothing compares to the love I have for you. I meant it earlier when I said I love you. I’m willing to do anything to make you happy, even if it means going legit. If giving Heeseung what he wants means I get to have you and maybe one day a family, then fuck it. It’s his."

Tears well up in your eyes. "Are you sure?"

Jake nods, his voice steady. "I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. You’re it for me."

You lunge at him, wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him fiercely. Between kisses, you murmur, "I love you. I love you. I love you."

Both of you are crying now, the intensity of your emotions overwhelming. This type of love is new to both of you, and it feels almost surreal. You pull back slightly, looking into his eyes.

"I’ve never experienced anything like this before," you say softly. "I’m so happy that you’re the one I get to love in this lifetime. You make me feel safe, cherished, and valued in a way I never thought possible. I love you more than words can express, Jake. You’re my home, my heart, my everything."

Jake’s tears mingle with yours as he kisses you again, his arms tightening around you. "You’re my world," he whispers. "And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy. I love you so much."

Jake wipes away your tears with his thumbs, his touch gentle and reassuring. "No more tears," he says softly, pressing a final kiss to your forehead. "It’s time to make dinner."

You sniffle, a small smile forming on your lips. "What are we making?"

"It’s a staple from my childhood," Jake replies, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Intrigued, you watch him move around the kitchen, collecting ingredients with a practiced ease. As he starts preparing the meal, you lean against the counter, your curiosity piqued.

"So, how many kids do you want?" you ask, your tone playful.

Jake glances at you, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I’ve always imagined having two or three. Enough to keep things lively but still manageable. What about you?"

"I think two sounds perfect," you reply. "A small, close-knit family."

Jake nods in agreement, his focus shifting back to the ingredients in front of him. "Do you have a preference for a boy or a girl?"

"Not really," you say, considering the question. "But I can see you as a great girl dad."

Jake laughs, shaking his head. "Really? I’ve always pictured myself teaching a son how to play football."

You smile, imagining the scene. "You scream girl dad, Jake. And who knows? You might end up being a ballet dad too."

Jake grins at the thought, his eyes lighting up. "I’d be honored to have a daughter who wants to dance. I’ll be there at every recital, cheering her on."

As you continue to brainstorm about your future family, Jake finishes cooking and turns to face you, presenting the plates with a flourish. You burst into laughter when you see the meal: a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of barbecue sauce.

"Is this it? A grilled cheese sandwich?" you ask, amusement clear in your voice.

Jake feigns offense, holding up a finger. "For your information, it’s a ham and cheese toastie, not just a grilled cheese sandwich."

You laugh harder, but you relent, taking your plate. "Alright, I’ll give it a try."

Jake raises his own half of the sandwich, and you clink them together like glasses. "Cheers."

You take a bite, and to your surprise, the combination of melted cheese, ham, and barbecue sauce is delicious. "Wow, this is actually really good," you say, a note of wonder in your voice.

Jake beams with pride. "Told you."

You finish your sandwich quickly, licking your fingers. "You have to make another one."

Jake laughs, shaking his head. "I have the rest of our lives to make ham and cheese toasties for you."

He steps closer, wrapping his arms around you in a warm hug. He holds you tightly, his chin resting on top of your head. "I love you," he whispers once more, his voice filled with sincerity.

You close your eyes, savoring the moment, feeling the strength of his love surrounding you. After a few moments, Jake pulls back slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Come on," he says, taking your hand and leading you into the living room.

He walks over to the stereo, queues up a soft, romantic playlist, and then turns to you, extending his hand. "Dance with me?"

You smile, placing your hand in his, and he gently pulls you close. You rest your head on his chest as you sway to the music, the world outside fading away. The slow dance feels like a perfect encapsulation of your love—gentle and steady.

As the music plays, you lose yourselves in each other, moving in sync, sharing soft whispers and tender glances. Jake occasionally twirls you around, making you laugh, and then pulls you back into his embrace, his arms a safe haven.

After a while, you both settle onto the couch, deciding to spend the rest of the day enjoying each other's company. You watch movies, baking cookies during intermissions and sneaking kisses as you share the warm treats. You cuddle under a cozy blanket, your bodies intertwined as you laugh at the screen, savoring the sweetness of these simple moments.

As the sun sets you turn to Jake, a contented sigh escaping your lips. "We should go to bed," you suggest, feeling the day’s happiness settle into a gentle fatigue.

Hand in hand, you walk up the stairs, entering your room together. You both go through your nightly routines, brushing your teeth side by side, sharing smiles and soft touches. Once you’re ready for bed, you slip under the covers, and Jake immediately pulls you close, his arms wrapping around you protectively.

"I'm so happy I get to hold you," he murmurs, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead.

You snuggle into his embrace, feeling completely at peace. "Goodnight, Jake," you whisper, your voice filled with love.

"Goodnight, my love," he replies, his voice gentle.

With your heart full and your body warm against his, you both drift off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

taglist: @dreamiestay @inkpot-winters @minniejenseo @faithnsstuff @sumzysworld @sunpov @laurradoesloveu @iheartjayke

he is the owner of my heart, my life, my love, my baby, my man, the reason for my existence, the reason for my happiness, the meaning of all my love :(

[JAKE] 💙

💌send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome.💌

hi wifey I hope you're well!

i love you, my luv wifey 🫶🏻 thank you for everything!

hiii baybby💗hope you're doing well! i adore your theme🫶🏻

the nickname :((( hi precious! are you ok? everything's fine here too... did you like it? thanks, i loved yours too 🫶🏻