New Kpop Stans Have No Idea What It Was Like Being A Lucas Biased Nctzen Last Year

new kpop stans have no idea what it was like being a lucas biased nctzen last year

i ripped my lip but ts kinda giving da vinci ngl

sobbing because i'll be 26 when seventeen's ot13 comeback comes out

my dealer is out of town so i have to roll on my own...for the first time...shit got me gagged

spoiled 2 (스포일드 2) — kim seokjin (김석진)

the first part can be found here

✧.* 18+

you had always been the embodiment of a scheming siren, a creature spun from the threads of allure and intellect. every glance, every smile, was a carefully crafted tool, sharpened to perfection. you thrived in the delicate art of manipulation, pulling strings from behind the veil of charm, weaving plots that ensnared the unwary. with a single touch, you could shift the tides of fate, bend them to your will, and watch as those around you danced to the silent tune you composed.

but this time, the game had changed. the role you played was no longer for pleasure or power—it was for escape. your engagement, a gilded cage, had been crafted for you, a symbol of everything you were meant to control but now found yourself ensnared by. the diamond on your finger weighed like a shackle, and the promises made in whispered words felt like chains tightening around your throat.

you twisted your mind, searching for cracks in the flawless facade, knowing that your freedom lay not in confrontation, but in the subtle unraveling of the very threads that bound you. the plans you spun were delicate, a web of deception layered with just enough truth to keep suspicion at bay. every move was calculated, every word chosen with care, to shift the narrative in your favor. you painted yourself as the perfect fiancée, playing the role with grace, all the while nurturing the seeds of doubt and discord in the shadows.

in the past, your plots were for sport, for the thrill of seeing how far you could push the boundaries of control. but now, every step was survival, every twist of fate another step closer to breaking free. you were no longer the siren who lured others into the depths for amusement; you were the one fighting to rise to the surface, to breathe again. the endgame was clear—a way out, a return to the freedom you once commanded with such ease. and so, you continued to weave, to plot, with the same precision and finesse that had always been your trademark, but with a desperation that had never once been a part of your schemes.

the candlelight flickered softly between you and taehyung, casting a warm glow over the pristine white tablecloth, though it did little to thaw the icy silence that hung between you. it was always like this—silent, awkward, a charade neither of you cared to keep up any longer. you barely touched the expensive meal before you, your appetite lost in the labyrinth of your thoughts. across from you, taehyung’s eyes flicked up, dark and unreadable as they met yours.

“you’ve barely touched your salad,” he noted, his voice flat, lacking the usual lilt that others found so charming.

your gaze drifted to the untouched plate, the elaborate dish as unappealing as the life laid out before you. the game you’d played so expertly was wearing thin, and the time had come to take control in a way you hadn’t before. “i want to break off the engagement,” you said, your tone measured, each word a carefully placed stone.

for a moment, you might have thought he hadn’t heard you. he continued to eat, each movement slow, deliberate, as if your words had no more effect than the faint rustle of leaves outside. but you knew him well enough to see the slight tension in his shoulders, the way his grip tightened ever so slightly on the silverware.

“i don’t love you,” you continued, the truth sitting like a heavy stone in the pit of your stomach. it was something you had never spoken aloud, a reality you both had known but never acknowledged.

he scoffed, the sound bitter, as he finally looked at you with those inscrutable eyes. “what makes you think i love you?” you flinched inwardly, the words stinging more than you expected, but you pressed on. “then why are we doing this? let’s break it off now.”

he set his knife and fork down with a deliberate clink, the sound sharp in the heavy silence. his gaze locked onto yours, stern and unwavering, the weight of his words settling over the table. “we’ve known each other our whole lives.” he paused, a slow breath filling the space between you. “when we were ten, i thought you were amazing. you were beautiful and smart. you talked to yourself in japanese, spoke to your cousin in english, and talked to me in korean.”

his voice softened, a hint of something you couldn’t quite place threading through his words. but the moment passed as quickly as it came, replaced by something harder, something that had been there between you for far too long. “but you didn’t like me—you liked my brother.” you stiffened at the mention of his brother, memories flickering at the edge of your mind like shadows in the dark. “what’s your point, taehyung?”

he leaned back slightly, his gaze still locked on yours, unyielding. “you know well that if you break it off with me, they’ll find you someone else. the son of the jeguk group, or one of the twins from min’s hotel. what’s the point?”

the scoff escaped your lips before you could stop it, a sharp sound of disbelief. “i won’t accept anybody.”

he wiped his mouth with his napkin, the movement as controlled as everything he did, but you could sense the simmering frustration beneath the surface. he set the napkin down aggressively, the sound like a final punctuation in this conversation that was rapidly spiraling out of control. “you’ve always been spoiled.” he paused, as if considering whether to say more, then added, almost as an afterthought, “that, i will admit.”

the words hung in the air, a final insult that tipped the scales. you had heard enough. the frustration and the suffocating weight of expectations pressed down on you, and you knew staying here any longer would only solidify the chains you were desperately trying to break. without a word, you rose from your seat, grabbing your purse and coat in one fluid motion, your resolve hardening like ice.

the echo of your footsteps followed you as you walked out, the heavy silence left behind only punctuated by the faint rustle of taehyung’s exhale. you stepped into the cool night air, your eyes scanning for your chauffeur, the last tether to the life you were determined to leave behind. the night was silent, save for the distant hum of the city, and you felt a pang of something akin to relief as you neared the car. the engagement was an illusion you no longer cared to maintain, and taehyung, with all his calculated words and quiet power, was nothing but a ghost in the rearview mirror.

you climbed into the backseat, the soft leather beneath you a stark contrast to the tumult in your heart. as the car pulled away, the city lights blurred into a streak of colors, and you allowed yourself one final glance back. the restaurant, the engagement, and taehyung’s piercing gaze—each of them dissolved into the night, leaving only the road ahead.

the ride back to your complex was shrouded in silence, the weight of your conversation with taehyung still pressing heavily on your mind. the city passed by in a blur of lights and shadows, but your thoughts were elsewhere, turning over the words exchanged, the cold finality in his gaze, and the undeniable truth of the life you were desperately trying to escape.

when the car finally pulled up to the familiar building, you stepped out, the crisp night air doing little to clear the fog in your head. the doorman greeted you with a polite nod, and you returned it with a fleeting smile, your focus already drifting to what awaited you inside. the elevator ride was swift, the hum of the machinery barely registering in your consciousness as you stared at your reflection in the mirrored walls. there was something unfamiliar about the woman staring back at you, something cold, determined—a part of you that had been dormant for far too long.

as you entered the apartment, the soft glow of the living room lights met your eyes, the air thick with the scent of expensive wine. your mother was there, sitting on the velvet couch, her legs crossed elegantly as she sipped from a delicate crystal glass. she didn’t look up immediately, her attention seemingly absorbed in the dark liquid swirling within the glass.

“how was dinner with taehyung?” she asked, her voice as smooth and composed as ever, betraying no hint of concern or curiosity—just a formality, a question asked out of obligation.

you stood in the doorway, your hands still gripping the strap of your purse, the frustration from earlier resurfacing with a vengeance. “i want to break off the engagement,” you said, each word clipped, cold, and devoid of the warmth you knew she expected. she finally looked up, her gaze sharp, eyes narrowing slightly as they met yours. “why? did you two get into a fight?”

the question was laced with casual indifference, as if the idea of breaking off the engagement was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. but the flippancy in her tone, the way she dismissed your feelings as easily as one would a passing remark, ignited something within you—something fierce and uncontrollable.

you snapped, your voice rising despite your best efforts to keep it steady. “just because you can do it for the money, doesn’t mean i can. i won’t.”

her eyes hardened, and she turned her attention back to the wine, swirling it gently in her glass as if your words hadn’t just sliced through the delicate balance of civility that hung between you. “i’ve done everything to give you a good life,” she said, her tone laced with an almost clinical detachment. “you haven’t worked a day in your life.”

she paused, letting the words hang in the air, heavy with the implication that your existence had been one of ease and luxury, that you owed her something in return for the life she had so carefully curated. “you won’t ruin it—not now, and not ever.”

there was no point in arguing with her; you knew that much. the woman before you was a fortress of ice, impervious to any attempt at warmth or understanding. the realization hit you with a cold finality—this was not a battle you could win, at least not here and not now. so you turned in silence, your resolve firm, knowing you wouldn’t put up with this charade any longer.

as you made your way down the hall, the faint sound of your mother setting her glass on the table echoed behind you, but you didn’t stop, didn’t look back. your hand reached for the door to your room, but something made you pause, a feeling—a presence. the guest room door was closed, a subtle but significant detail that sent a pang of anxiety through you. you hadn’t noticed it before, hadn’t even considered the possibility that he might be there.

your heart pounded as you reached for the handle, the cold metal under your fingertips as you slowly pushed the door open. the room was dark, save for the sliver of moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the figure in the bed. seokjin was there, his chest rising and falling with the even rhythm of sleep, his features softened in the peaceful embrace of slumber.

your heart softened at the sight of him, the tension that had coiled within you slowly unwinding as you stepped closer, your eyes tracing the familiar lines of his face. there was a warmth in your chest, a certainty that had eluded you for so long—seokjin. the one person who understood you, who saw through the layers of pretense and expectation, who loved you for who you were, not for what you represented.

you stood there for a moment longer, watching the rise and fall of his chest, your heart swelling with a quiet determination. you needed to find a way to break free from taehyung, from the expectations that had been placed upon you since birth. for seokjin, and for yourself. the path ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges and risks, but for the first time in a long time, you felt a flicker of hope. turning silently, you left the room, closing the door softly behind you, the decision made. you would find a way out. you had to.

the next morning dawned with a heavy stillness, the early light filtering through the windows as you made your way downstairs. the events of the previous night lingered in your mind, the conversation with your mother, the sight of seokjin asleep in the guest room, all swirling together in a mix of frustration and longing. you moved with the practiced grace of someone accustomed to hiding their emotions, but the tension in your shoulders gave you away.

the ride to school was quiet, the car gliding smoothly through the city streets, each passing building a blur of stone and glass. seokjin sat beside you, his presence as familiar as it was comforting, though the silence between you was laden with unspoken thoughts. you didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to break the fragile peace that hung in the air, so you kept your eyes trained on the window, watching the world pass by.

but he had other ideas. out of the corner of your eye, you saw him shift in his seat, his gaze turning toward you with a hint of mischief. “you always get shy on me after sleeping with me,” he remarked, his voice low, laced with a teasing edge.

your eyes widened at his words, the shock of them jolting you out of your reverie. you whipped your head around to check on the driver, your heart skipping a beat as you wondered if he had heard. your voice came out sharper than intended as you hissed, “keep it down, asshole.”

he chuckled softly, unbothered by your concern, and leaned back into his seat with that same easy confidence that seemed to follow him everywhere. “okay, sister,” he said, the word laced with irony that made you scoff in response.

you glared at him, the irritation bubbling just beneath the surface, but there was no real heat in it. he always had a way of getting under your skin, of pushing your buttons in a way that both infuriated and amused you. but before you could retort, he surprised you by turning serious, the teasing light in his eyes dimming as he observed you more closely.

“don’t look so down,” he said, his tone softer, more considerate than before. you hesitated, your expression shifting as you turned to face him fully, your curiosity piqued by the sudden change in his demeanor. “why not?” you asked, your voice tinged with a guarded hope you couldn’t quite suppress.

he paused, as if considering his words carefully, before finally speaking. “i found a way to nip your engagement in the bud.”

your heart skipped a beat at his words, a thrill of excitement sparking in your chest despite your best efforts to remain composed. but you were careful, your voice calm as you replied, “what did you have in mind?”

he shrugged nonchalantly, a casual gesture that belied the gravity of what he was about to say. leaning back further into the car seat, he crossed one leg over the other, his posture relaxed as he looked at you with a knowing glint in his eyes. “taehyung’s a man,” he began, his tone light but with an edge of something more. “you can’t forget that.”

his words left you confused, your brows knitting together as you tried to parse his meaning. but he let the silence stretch, allowing the tension to build before he continued. “he just has to get caught in the act.”

“caught in the act?” you echoed, the confusion clear in your voice. your mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of his plan, but you couldn’t quite grasp where he was leading. he didn’t elaborate, leaving you to wonder, to imagine the possibilities. there was a glimmer of a plan in his words, something you could almost see forming in the back of your mind, but it was still too vague, too undefined to latch onto fully. yet, the idea that there might be a way out, that he might have found a solution, was enough to keep your hope alive.

you didn’t press him further, sensing that he wanted to leave you with this kernel of information to ponder over. instead, you settled back into your seat, your mind swirling with thoughts and questions. the silence returned, but it was different now—charged with a sense of anticipation, a promise of something more. as the car continued its journey, the city outside seemed to fade into the background, your thoughts consumed by the plan that he had hinted at. there was so much you didn’t understand, so many pieces missing, but for the first time in a long while, you felt like there might be a way out of it.

the halls of the school buzzed with the usual morning chatter, but you were too absorbed in your thoughts to pay much attention. you stood by your locker, mechanically sorting through your books, trying to focus on the task at hand. the conversation with seokjin the same morning still played on a loop in your mind, each word he’d said etched into your memory, lingering like a half-formed dream. his vague plan had left you with more questions than answers, but a small spark of hope had been lit within you, a fragile thing you held onto tightly.

you slammed the locker door shut with a little more force than necessary, the metal clanging loudly in the otherwise quiet hallway. the sudden noise seemed to draw attention, and as you turned, you were met by a crowd of faces, all eager, all too close for comfort. the voices came at you in a rush, a cacophony of praise and congratulations that made your stomach turn.

“you’ve outdone yourself, (y/n)!”

“congrats—you’re the talk of the town!”

“your stocks are skyrocketing, it must feel good!”

“you’ve reached a new level of money now.”

their words washed over you like a cold wave, their faces blurring together as confusion gripped you. you stared at them, speechless, trying to make sense of what they were saying. the disjointed phrases clattered around in your mind, each one more bewildering than the last. stocks? money? outdone yourself? none of it made sense.

your eyes darted to one of the boys standing near the front of the crowd, a smug grin on his face as he held up his phone, clearly relishing in whatever had caused this sudden surge of attention. without thinking, you snatched the phone from his hand, your fingers trembling as you brought the screen closer, desperate to understand what had happened. and then you saw it.

your heart sank, a heavy, leaden feeling that pulled you down into a spiral of disbelief. there, in bold letters at the top of the screen, was a headline that made the ground beneath your feet shift and crumble—“esther (l/n) and kim hyunsoo's engagement confirmed.”

the words blurred before your eyes as you reread them, over and over, each time hoping they would change, that somehow, this was all a mistake. but they didn’t. they stayed the same, staring back at you with a cold, unyielding certainty. you could feel your pulse quicken, anger bubbling up from deep within, threatening to spill over. your mother. she had gone through with the publishing, had taken the reins of your life without so much as a word, steering you into a future you had desperately wanted to escape. and now, it was real, more real than any nightmare you could have imagined.

your hand shook as you shoved the phone back into the boy’s hand, the look on your face enough to silence any further congratulations he might have had planned. you didn’t bother to look back at the others, didn’t care about the whispers that followed you as you stormed off down the hallway. the world around you seemed to narrow, your vision tunneling as you focused on putting one foot in front of the other, each step fueled by the burning rage that had taken root in your chest.

you pushed through the crowd, ignoring the curious glances, the murmured questions. there was only one thought in your mind now—escape. you had to find a way out of this, no matter the cost. your mother had played her hand, but you weren’t about to fold so easily. not when everything you cared about was on the line. but even as you tried to cling to that resolve, the weight of the situation pressed down on you, threatening to crush the fragile hope you had nurtured.

the courtyard of the school stretched out before you, a tranquil space where students gathered in small groups or walked alone, lost in their thoughts. the late morning sun cast long shadows across the stone pathways, the gentle rustle of leaves providing a soothing backdrop to your racing mind. you walked slowly, your footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones as you tried to make sense of the chaos that had been thrust upon you.

your mother had gone public with her engagement to seokjin’s father. it wasn’t just a problem—it was an impending disaster, a chain of events set in motion that you had no idea how to stop. the very thought of it made your chest tighten, your mind spiraling as you imagined the consequences. you had always known that your mother had a mind of steel, her ambitions driving her to secure the best future for herself, regardless of how you felt. but this was more than you could bear. seokjin, the one person who had always been there for you, would soon be bound to you in a way that made your love impossible. it felt like you were standing on the edge of a precipice, the ground crumbling beneath your feet.

your thoughts were disrupted by a voice, smooth and familiar, cutting through the haze of your worries. “i take it you’ve seen the news, sister.”

you didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. seokjin’s voice, with its calm assurance, sent a shiver down your spine. you shook your head, a bitter smile tugging at your lips as you replied, “it’s all over.”

before you could gather yourself, you felt his presence behind you, the warmth of his body radiating through the air. to your surprise, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a gentle embrace. his chin rested on your shoulder, the soft press of his cheek against yours sending your heart into a frantic rhythm.

you stiffened, a protest forming on your lips. “someone could see us,” you whispered, trying to ignore the way your body instinctively leaned into his touch. but his grip didn’t falter. “i don’t care,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, a contrast to the turmoil raging within you. “i just wanna be with you.”

his words, so simple and sincere, made something inside you crack. for a moment, you allowed yourself to savor the feeling, the safety and comfort of his arms, the way his breath tickled your neck. but reality crashed back down on you, the implications of your relationship too heavy to ignore.

you pulled free from his embrace, the loss of his warmth leaving you feeling cold. turning to face him, you searched his eyes, hoping to find some semblance of an answer there. “you think i don’t want that?” you asked, your voice trembling with the weight of everything unsaid. “even if i leave taehyung, you’ll still be my step-brother.”

he shook his head, his expression softening as he leaned down, his eyes locking with yours. “you have to learn to trust me,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet determination that both comforted and unsettled you. trust. The word lingered in the air between you, heavy with meaning. could you trust anyone in this world that seemed so hell-bent on controlling your life? you opened your mouth to respond, but no words came out. there was too much to say, too much to feel, and no way to express it all.

sensing your hesitation, seokjin filled in the silence. “wait for the party tonight,” he said, his tone laced with an unspoken promise. “and you’ll see.”

his words hung in the air, a thread of hope that you weren’t sure you could cling to. but the way he looked at you, the way he seemed so certain, made you want to believe him. he ruffled your hair with a smile, the gesture so familiar, so brotherly, yet tinged with something more. then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing alone in the courtyard, the weight of the world pressing down on your shoulders.

the room was harshly lit, the heavy curtains drawn to keep out the afternoon sun. a silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension, as your mother sat at the edge of the long mahogany table, her hands folded under her chin. her posture was one of rigid composure, but the tightness in her jaw betrayed the turmoil simmering beneath the surface. beside her sat hyunsoo, his expression unreadable, a man who had mastered the art of concealing his thoughts. his presence dominated the room, his aura commanding even in the stillness.

a man in uniform stood at attention by their side, his back straight, his face set in a neutral mask. his hands were steady as he reached into his jacket, producing a thick stack of photographs. the slight crinkle of paper as he pulled them out was the only sound that broke the oppressive silence.

hyunsoo’s eyes flicked up, sharp and focused, as he addressed the man. “what do you have to show us?”

without a word, the man stepped forward and began laying the photographs on the table, spreading them out with the precision of someone used to handling sensitive information. the images, once hidden within the confines of the man’s jacket, were now exposed under the dim light. picture after picture, they filled the table, a damning array of moments captured in secret. your mother didn’t move at first, her eyes fixed on a point somewhere beyond the table, beyond the room. but as the man continued to lay out the photographs, the urge to look became too strong. she turned her head, her gaze falling on the scattered images, and in that instant, the composed mask she had worn so carefully shattered.

it was all there, in vivid detail—moments of you and seokjin, moments meant to be private, meant to be yours alone. the two of you hugging, your arms wrapped around each other as if nothing else in the world mattered. kissing, your lips meeting his in a stolen moment of intimacy. holding hands, fingers intertwined in a way that spoke of a bond that ran deeper than mere affection. each photograph was a piece of evidence, proof of a love that was as undeniable as it was forbidden.

your mother’s breath caught in her throat, her face paling as she took it all in. she glanced at the images for only a moment before she turned her head away, shame and disbelief contorting her features. her hands trembled as she brought them to her face, her voice breaking as she whispered, “i can’t believe this,”

hyunsoo remained still, his body tense as he absorbed the full weight of what was in front of him. his expression hardened, the lines of his face set in a cold, unforgiving mask. when he finally spoke, his voice was low, controlled, but there was an unmistakable edge to it—a promise of what would come if this scandal ever saw the light of day.

“burn these,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “don’t let the public see them.”

the man nodded, his movements efficient as he began to collect the photographs, each one disappearing back into the stack. he moved with the brisk professionalism of someone who had been through it all before, who knew the stakes and the consequences of failure. within moments, the evidence was gone, tucked away once more, as if it had never been there at all.

your mother’s shoulders slumped, her body folding in on itself as she fought to regain her composure. but the damage was done, and she knew it. “this can’t happen,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it out loud would make it less real, less dangerous. hyunsoo nodded, his gaze fixed on the table where the photographs had been moments before. his voice was as cold and unyielding as steel when he replied, “it won’t.”

but beneath the surface, the cold words masked the roiling sea of emotions—a mixture of anger, betrayal, and determination. in his world, image was everything, and any threat to that image had to be eliminated with ruthless efficiency. your mother, despite her shock and shame, understood that as well as he did. there was no room for mistakes, no room for weakness. what had been seen today could never be spoken of again, buried deep in the recesses of their minds along with the photographs now destined for the fire.

the light of your vanity mirror cast a warm glow across your bedroom, softening the sharp edges of your reflection. you stood before it, your gaze fixed on the image staring back at you. the dress your mother had chosen for tonight was a deep shade of red, the kind that caught the light and shimmered with every movement. it fit you perfectly, accentuating your figure in all the right places, the fabric clinging to your curves as if it had been made for you and you alone.

your hands moved with practiced ease, brushing through your hair, smoothing down the fabric, adjusting the delicate straps that rested on your shoulders. but no matter how perfect you looked on the outside, it couldn’t quiet the storm of anxiety brewing within. the night ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, each minute that passed bringing you closer to whatever seokjin had planned. the anticipation gnawed at you, but you kept it hidden beneath a calm, composed exterior.

a soft knock on the door interrupted your thoughts, and you barely had time to turn before your mother entered the room. she moved with the grace of someone who had spent her life perfecting every gesture, her presence commanding attention even in the quiet intimacy of your bedroom. her smile was warm, affectionate, the kind of smile that could easily be mistaken for love if you didn’t know better.

she came to stand beside you, her gaze meeting yours in the mirror. for a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence filled only by the faint sound of music drifting up from the party below. then, she reached out, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “you’re as beautiful as you’ve ever been,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of years of expectation, of hopes and dreams she had pinned on you.

you stayed quiet, your eyes still locked on your reflection. the words she had spoken didn’t settle in the way they once might have. Instead, they hung in the air, distant, almost hollow. you absorbed yourself in the mirror, studying the face that stared back at you—flawless, composed, every inch the perfect daughter she had molded you to be. but beneath it all, you felt a hollow ache, a deep-seated exhaustion from the constant performance.

your mother’s smile didn’t falter as she continued, her tone light, almost playful. “let’s hope taehyung will think so too.”

the mention of his name sent a ripple of tension through you, but you forced it down, your face remaining serene. you turned to her, forcing a smile that you knew she would accept without question. “he will,” you replied, your voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil within.

she nodded, seemingly satisfied with your response, before stepping back to admire you once more. “remember, tonight is important. everything we’ve worked for is coming together. you just need to play your part.” the words were meant to be reassuring, a reminder of the role you were expected to fulfill. but they only served to deepen the sense of unease that had settled in your chest. you nodded in response, giving her the answer she wanted, even as your mind drifted elsewhere.

seokjin had been explicit in his instructions: wait. do not enter the party for a good hour, he said, his voice calm and certain as always. he had insisted that taehyung would already be there, that everything would be in place by the time you made your entrance. the trap, whatever it was, would be ready then. you had no idea what he had planned, what steps he had taken to ensure that tonight would mark the beginning of the end for your engagement. but despite the uncertainty, you had agreed. there was no other choice.

as the minutes ticked by, you continued to prepare, each movement precise and deliberate. your mother eventually left the room, her parting words a reminder of the expectations she had placed on you. but as the door clicked shut behind her, you were left alone once more, the silence wrapping around you like a shroud.

you stared at your reflection, the image of a woman who was as beautiful as she had ever been, just as your mother had said. but there was no comfort in that beauty, no solace in the perfection of your appearance. it was a mask, a carefully constructed façade that you had worn for so long you sometimes forgot what lay beneath it. tonight, that mask would be tested. you didn’t know what the plan entailed, or how it would unfold, but you knew that it was your only chance to free yourself from the life that had been planned for you. the life you didn’t want. the life that had been built on false pretenses and expectations you could never truly fulfill.

you took a deep breath, steadying yourself as you reached for the final touch—a delicate necklace that sparkled in the light. as you fastened it around your neck, you caught your own gaze in the mirror once more. this time, you saw something different in your eyes—an edge of determination, a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, tonight would be the night everything changed.

the party was in full swing by the time seokjin arrived, the air thick with the mingling scents of champagne and cologne. the grand hall was adorned with opulent decorations, shimmering lights casting a soft glow over the guests as they moved through the space, their laughter and chatter blending into a symphony of indulgence. seokjin made his way through the crowd with an air of casual confidence, a drink in hand, his posture relaxed yet alert. he was well aware of the expectations tonight, even if his role was more passive than proactive.

hyunsoo stood nearby, his gaze scanning the room with a sharpness that belied his calm exterior. he approached his son with a reserved nod. “behave yourself,” he said, his tone a mere whisper against the backdrop of the party’s noise. there was no mention of the photographs, no further elaboration—just the simple command and the weight of its implications. after delivering his message, he turned on his heel and made his way toward another corner of the room, where he would wait for your mother’s arrival.

seokjin watched him leave, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. he took a slow sip of his drink, savoring the taste as he scanned the room. his eyes were alert, his mind already shifting to the task at hand. the trap, he reminded himself, was set to unfold tonight. and then he saw it.

from the corner of his eye, a flicker of movement caught his attention. his face lit up with a sly grin as he took in the scene that was unfolding before him. taehyung played his expected role as the center of attention, surrounded by a group of admirers. it was no surprise—his popularity was a well-known fact, and the jealousy and envy he stirred among those he had left behind were palpable. seokjin’s gaze followed the group, noting the way the girls lingered around taehyung, their eyes filled with a mix of adoration and disdain for you.

two of the girls, their flirtations almost palpable, made their way toward taehyung with an eagerness that seokjin found amusing. he watched as taehyung, seemingly indifferent to their advances, wrapped his arms around their waists. the three of them moved through the crowd, their destination clear—one of the private rooms that had been set aside for more intimate encounters.

seokjin’s smirk widened into a full-blown grin, his eyes narrowing as he took out his phone. he snapped several photos of the scene, the camera capturing every detail of taehyung’s interaction with the two girls. the images were clear and explicit—him holding them close, their hands touching his, the unmistakable intimacy of the moment preserved in high resolution.

he wasn’t finished yet. seokjin knew the power of a well-placed scandal, the way a single image could ripple through society, spreading chaos and discontent. with a few taps, he made sure the photos were in the hands of those who could make the most of them. he texted one of his trusted friends, someone well-versed in the art of media manipulation. the message was concise, yet to the point: “photos of kim taehyung with two girls. get the best journalists and publishers. make sure these see the light of day.”

he hit send and watched with satisfaction as the message disappeared into the ether. the wheels were set in motion, the trap closing in on taehyung. all that was left now was to wait and watch as the carefully orchestrated plan began to unfold. as he took another sip of his drink, his gaze remained fixed on the private rooms. the night was far from over, and there was still much to be done. but for now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

the party enveloped you as you stepped into the grand hall, the muffled clamor of voices and the soft hum of music greeting you like a wave. instantly, you were surrounded, a whirlwind of faces eager to engage you. questions about your mother’s engagement poured in from all directions, a chorus of curiosity and congratulations that felt more like an invasion than a warm welcome. despite the flurry of attention, you maintained your composure, allowing your chauffer to push back the crowd and create a path through the sea of well-wishers.

your eyes scanned the room, seeking out the familiar face that would provide a semblance of calm amidst the chaos. there he was—seokjin, standing confidently by the bar, his presence a beacon of stability in the shifting tides of social interaction. as you drew closer, you allowed yourself a genuine smile, a rare and fleeting moment of relief.

his eyes met yours, and a grin spread across his face. “you look gorgeous,” he said, his voice a soothing contrast to the cacophony around you. then, with a playful glint in his eye, he added, “sorry, i shouldn’t say that about my sister.”

you scoffed, shaking your head as you approached him. “quite the comedian, aren’t you?”

he chuckled softly, a note of appreciation in his voice as he surveyed you. even amidst the tension, you couldn't deny how striking he looked, his tailored suit fitting him impeccably. but there was no time for pleasantries. you needed to know what he had planned, how the night was supposed to unfold.

he leaned closer, his expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. “don’t insult me just yet,” he said, his tone a mixture of amusement and anticipation. “the plan went through.”

curiosity sparked in your eyes as you asked, “what exactly was the plan?”

instead of answering directly, he pulled out his phone and opened his gallery, his fingers moving with practiced ease. he handed you the device, and as you glanced at the screen, your eyes widened at the images that greeted you. the photos were explicit—taehyung with the two girls, their interaction as intimate as it was public. the sight was enough to spark a mixture of relief and discomfort within you.

you should have felt elation, and part of you did. but the images stirred something deeper—a painful reminder of the far-reaching consequences of tonight’s plan. silently, you handed the phone back to seokjin, your emotions a swirl of complex feelings. he seemed to notice your subdued reaction and raised an eyebrow. “what’s wrong? i thought you’d be happy.”

you shook your head, trying to muster a smile that didn't quite reach your eyes. “i am happy,” you assured him, though your voice betrayed a hint of the turmoil beneath. his gaze softened, his concern evident. he could tell that there was more to your reaction than you were letting on. “what’s bothering you?” he asked gently, his tone devoid of judgment.

the question caught you off guard, and you found yourself grappling with an emotion you hadn’t fully acknowledged. “why does it feel like i’m never enough for anyone?” you asked quietly, your voice barely above a whisper.

his eyebrows shot up in surprise. without a word, he tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his gaze. his touch was firm but gentle, a deliberate gesture to convey the weight of his words. “someone could see us,” you protested, trying to pull away, but he held his ground.

“look at me,” he said firmly. “you’re more than enough. no one deserves to have you.”

his declaration was both comforting and startling. there was an intensity in his eyes that spoke volumes, a sincerity that reached through the layers of your self-doubt. after a moment, he let you go, his fingers brushing lightly against your skin as he did. “especially not that asshole,” he added, his voice laced with an unmistakable edge of disdain.

you scoffed, a mixture of frustration and resignation in your tone as you watched him order a drink for you. “it should be my step-brother, right?” you remarked, trying to inject a bit of levity into the conversation.

he shook his head with a smile, his eyes dancing with mischief. “you won’t have to worry about that either,” he said, his words trailing off into a promise he didn’t fully elaborate on.

the lack of details in his words left you, yet again, with more questions than answers. whatever seokjin had planned, it was clear that the night was far from over, and that the pieces were still in motion. the plan, though shrouded in mystery, had set into motion a series of events that would alter the course of your life. as you took a sip of the drink he had ordered, you allowed yourself a moment of reflection, even if it wasn’t going to last long.

the night had taken on a hazy quality, a swirl of lights and music that seemed to pulse with each beat. you had indulged in more drinks than you initially intended, a decision made in part to celebrate and in part to drown out the chaos of your thoughts. the alcohol had a way of loosening your inhibitions, allowing you to momentarily forget the weight of the life that had been predetermined for you.

seokjin, though equally affected by the night’s libations, kept a vigilant eye on you. his attempts to remain composed were challenged by the sight of you in your red dress, a garment that clung to your figure and accentuated your every move. the way you moved through the crowd, dancing with an abandon that spoke of a desperate need for freedom, left him both entranced and worried.

the dance floor was a mass of swaying bodies, the rhythm of the music a temporary refuge from your reality. for a few fleeting moments, as you lost yourself in the beat, the suffocating constraints of your life seemed to fade away. but the fleeting escape was short-lived. the crowd pressed in around you, and amidst the swirls of movement, you began to feel an unsettling touch on your hips.

you turned to confront the source of the unwanted attention, but the stranger’s face was a blur, the dim lighting and your own inebriation distorting your perception. the smirk on his lips, however, was unmistakable. his voice was a low purr in your ear. “who knew the fiancée was such a good dancer?”

you recoiled, telling him to get lost, but the command only seemed to encourage him. his hands were persistent, his touch increasingly insistent as he tried to pull you closer. panic rose within you as you struggled to break free, but before you could react further, a familiar presence intervened.

seokjin appeared out of nowhere, his face a mask of determination. he pulled you behind him with a protective gesture, his gaze locked on the intruder. the stranger’s look of confusion quickly turned into a grin of recognition. “hey, it’s the step-brother,” he said, amusement evident in his tone.

he stepped forward, his posture exuding authority. “the step-brother’s gonna kick your ass in three seconds,” he warned, his voice a low hiss.

the stranger raised his hands in defeat, a mix of irritation and relief crossing his face as he backed away. seokjin’s presence was enough to diffuse the situation, and the stranger retreated, disappearing into the crowd. turning to you, his expression was a blend of concern and frustration. “haven’t you had enough to drink?” he asked, his tone laced with an edge that cut through the alcohol-induced fog.

you pouted, a hint of defiance in your gaze. “i was just about to have some fun,” you replied, your words carrying a taunting undertone.

he leaned in, his face close to yours, his breath warm against your skin. his gaze was intense, his eyes searching yours with a familiarity that bordered on possessiveness. “are you sure about that?” he asked, his voice soft but commanding.

you felt the pull of his gaze, the way his proximity made it difficult to think clearly. he had always had a way of making you feel both vulnerable and cherished, a combination that left you questioning your own resolve. the tension between you was palpable, an unspoken understanding that you were deeply entwined with each other’s lives.

you looked up at him, a spark of mischief in your eyes. “what are you gonna do about it?” you asked, your voice carrying a blend of challenge and curiosity.

you weren’t really sure when exactly it all happened, as it all happened too fast for either of you to comprehend. the night unfolded in a blur, a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations that seemed to merge together. the pounding beat of the music faded as you and seokjin made your way back upstairs to your room, the path between the club and the secluded sanctuary of your space becoming an indistinct passage of movement and desire. his grip on you was steady, a constant reassurance amidst the swirling chaos of your intoxicated minds.

the door to your room slammed shut behind you, the sound a final punctuation in the disorienting sequence of events. In that moment, everything else seemed to fall away as his lips found yours, his touch igniting a fire that you had tried to suppress. the intensity of his kiss was matched by your own hunger, a desperate need that had been building throughout the night.

your hands were quick to explore, roaming over his chest as you fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. the fabric was a barrier that you were determined to remove, your fingers trembling with anticipation. his hands mirrored your urgency, sliding down your back and waist with a touch that was both possessive and tender as it cupped your flesh, tainted by the fabric of your dress.

he lowered his lips to your neck, his breath warm against your skin. the sensation of his kisses and gentle bites sent shivers down your spine. you couldn’t suppress the sounds that escaped you, a mixture of pleasure and longing that seemed to echo through the room. his teeth grazed your skin, and his voice, a low purr, was almost playful. “so needy,” he murmured, his words a tantalizing tease. “what happened to the girl who just wanted to have fun?”

you shook your head, trying to convey your need despite the haze of alcohol. your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, desperate for the connection that only he could provide. “i don’t want anybody,” you whispered, your voice strained with emotion. “just want you.” the confession hung between you, a raw and vulnerable admission of your deepest desires. hia grip tightened as he pulled you closer, his lips continuing their journey across your skin. the world outside seemed to cease to exist, leaving only the two of you in a cocoon of want and need.

his gaze remained locked on yours, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned closer. his tone, taunting and playful, pierced through the haze of your intoxication. “that’s too bad,” he said, the words carrying a mixture of challenge and desire. without breaking eye contact, he deftly pulled at the fabric of your dress, drawing it down from the front until it pooled at your feet, leaving you exposed and vulnerable. “’cause you’re gonna have to beg me.”

the suddenness of his action took you aback, a sharp intake of breath escaping your lips. you shook your head, trying to assert control. “that’s not gonna happen,” you said, your voice a blend of defiance and uncertainty. he didn’t relent. instead, he sank to his knees before you, his hands trailing along your skin as he planted kisses down your stomach. his lips were soft but insistent, moving slowly, deliberately. when he reached the hem of your panties, he paused, his breath warm against your sensitive skin as he grazed his teeth lightly along the edge.

his hands moved to your thighs, fingers caressing and stroking with a tenderness that contrasted with the intensity of the moment. “seems like i’ve spoiled you too much,” he murmured, his voice a low, seductive growl. he spread your thighs apart, his lips continuing their gentle assault with soft kisses, his words carrying a promise that was as tantalizing as it was elusive. “seems like i’m not gonna give you what you want.”

the weight of his words and the intensity of his touch were nearly overwhelming. you needed him desperately, and despite your earlier resolve, your pride melted away in the face of your desire. you swallowed hard, the lump in your throat a physical manifestation of your inner conflict. “please,” you managed to utter, your voice barely more than a whisper, but filled with a deep and earnest plea. “please take me.”

his eyes lit up at your submission, the smirk on his face morphing into a grin. “that’s more like it,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. with one swift motion, he hooked his fingers into your panties and pulled them down, leaving you completely exposed before him. the cool air of the room kissed your skin, heightening the anticipation. you stepped out of the fabric, your legs trembling slightly as you waited for his next move.

he didn’t keep you waiting long. he leaned in and placed a single, lingering kiss on your pussy, the contact sending an electric shock through your body. you gasped, your hands reflexively grabbing onto his shoulders for support as he parted your folds with his tongue. his mouth was hot and wet, the sensation of his tongue gliding over your clit making you moan loudly. he was thorough, savoring every inch of you as if you were the sweetest thing he had ever tasted.

his hands cupped your ass, lifting you slightly to give him better access. the way he ate you out was like nothing you had ever experienced before. his tongue danced around your clit, applying just the right amount of pressure to drive you wild. your legs began to shake as the orgasm built, your nails digging into his shoulders. “yes, yes, please, just like that,” you panted, unable to form coherent thoughts beyond the need for more.

his mouth was relentless, his tongue swirling and flicking with a rhythm that had you on the edge of release. when he finally slid two fingers inside you, the sensation was almost too much to handle. you were soaking wet, your pussy eagerly welcoming the intrusion. the feel of his thick, bare cock pressing against your thigh made your core clench with want. “please, please, fuck me, seokjin,” you begged, your voice hoarse from the passion that was consuming you.

he chuckled against your skin, the vibration sending another jolt of pleasure through your body. “i was hoping you’d say that,” he murmured before standing up and wrapping his arms around you. he carried you to the bed, laying you down gently, his eyes never leaving yours. as he positioned himself between your legs, you could feel the tip of his cock brushing against your entrance, the promise of what was to come making your heart race.

his hand reached down to stroke himself, the sight of him touching his own hardness making you wetter. “are you sure you can take it?” he asked, his voice thick with lust. “no condom, baby. gotta take it raw, let me fill you up, ruin your pussy.” the thought was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time, but in that moment, you knew there was no going back. it wasn't the first time, but it always seemed like it was with him. each time he claimed you, it left you wanting him even more.

you nodded frantically, your voice a desperate whine. “yes, i’m sure. want all of you, jin. please, just fuck me,” with that, he aligned himself with your pussy and pushed inside you. there was a brief moment of pain, but there always was with seokjin. your body stretched to accommodate his size, but it quickly gave way to an overwhelming sensation of fullness. he was so deep, so big, it was like nothing you had ever felt before, even though he had filled you up more times than you were willing to admit.

his eyes searched yours, looking for any sign of hesitation. finding none, he began to move, his hips pumping into you with a slow, deliberate rhythm that had you moaning uncontrollably. your hands reached up to play with your tits, the sensation of your own touch mixed with the feeling of him inside you was indescribable.

you watched as he took you, his muscles tensing and relaxing with every thrust. his eyes were dark with desire, and his expression was one of pure, unbridled lust. he leaned down, capturing your mouth in a bruising kiss as he picked up the pace, driving into you harder and faster. the sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, a reminder of the raw passion that was consuming you both. his cock was thick and unyielding, stretching and filling you completely. every stroke hit a spot that had you seeing stars, a delicious friction that had you begging for more. your nails dug into his back, leaving trails of red against his tanned skin. “fuck, yes, yes, cum inside, please,” you moaned against his neck.

his response was a feral growl, his body moving with a primal urgency. your breath hitched as he reached down, taking one of your nipples between his teeth, tugging and rolling it as his hips pounded against yours. the pleasure was intense, a crescendo building in your core. “yes, yes, like that, just like that,” you whispered, your voice a breathless chant that seemed to fuel his movements.

his hand slid down your body, his thumb circling your clit in time with his thrusts. the pressure was exquisite, a delicate balance that had you teetering on the edge of oblivion. your hips bucked up to meet him, desperately seeking that final bit of friction that would send you spiraling over the edge. “you’re so wet, so tight,” he groaned, his voice strained with his own impending release. “gonna make me cum so hard, baby.”

his words spurred you on, your body responding to the need in his voice. your pussy clenched around him, tightening with every stroke. the pleasure was almost too much to handle, your orgasm building like a storm in your belly. “please, please, i’m gonna cum, jin,” you panted, your voice a desperate cry. with one final, deep thrust, he reached the spot that made your eyes roll back in your head, your body arching off the bed as the most intense orgasm of your life crashed over you.

his own release followed shortly after, his cock pulsing deep inside you as he filled you with his hot cum. the feeling of him coming inside you, with no barriers, was almost too much to bear. it was primal and carnally satisfying. you felt a sense of belonging that was unlike anything you had ever experienced. as he collapsed onto you, his weight a comforting warmth, you felt your body relax into the aftermath of pleasure. his breath was ragged in your ear, his heart pounding against your chest.

for a moment, the world outside didn’t matter. it was only the two of you, tangled together in a mess of sweat and passion. your heart raced as his cock softened within you, the warmth of his semen a stark reminder of the connection you had just shared. “love you so much,” he murmured, his voice still shaky with the aftershocks of pleasure. he kissed the top of your head, his arms tightening around you. “love you too,” you whispered back, your voice filled with tenderness that mimicked your submission.

the room was quiet, save for the sound of your mingled breaths and the distant thump of the club's bass. the scent of sex lingered in the air, a heady reminder of the intensity of your encounter. as the world slowly began to seep back in, you couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. it was dangerous, you knew. but as he held you close, the only thing that mattered was the feeling of him inside you, claiming you as his own, with no barriers between you. it was a feeling that was hard to walk away from, even if you knew you should.

you awoke to the quiet solitude of the room, a sense of disorientation lingering from the night before. the sheets were cool against your skin, unlike the heat you had experienced hours prior. seokjin was gone, and the absence of his warmth brought a peculiar relief, a momentary escape from the tangled emotions of the night. dressing quickly, you moved into the living room, the house seemingly holding its breath.

the scene that greeted you was one of subdued tension. your mother was seated in one of the armchairs, her face etched with fatigue. seokjin was sprawled on the couch, his expression guarded as he sat next to his father. across from them were taehyung and his mother, both visibly uneasy. you paused in the doorway, your heart racing as you asked, “what’s going on?”

your mother motioned for you to take a seat, her demeanor cool but authoritative. you complied, nodding politely at taehyung’s mother, who avoided your gaze, her eyes downcast. taehyung, too, couldn't bring himself to meet your eyes. the air was thick with unspoken words and suppressed tension.

with a sigh, your mother handed you her phone. the screen displayed a series of news articles and photos—images of taehyung with the two girls from last night, each photograph a vivid reminder of the scene seokjin had captured. the realization hit you hard, but you masked your emotions, forcing a shocked expression as you met seokjin’s gaze. he gave you a reassuring nod, a silent encouragement to maintain your facade.

taehyung’s expression was a complex mix of shame and frustration, but he kept his eyes averted. his mother, her voice trembling with both remorse and desperation, began to apologize profusely. “he wasn’t in his right mind,” she said, her words filled with a pleading undertone.

to your surprise, your mother took the initiative. “consider the engagement terminated,” she declared firmly. her tone left no room for negotiation. taehyung’s face momentarily flickered with a blend of disbelief and something you couldn’t quite place—regret, perhaps, or anger. his mother tried to salvage the situation, suggesting that they could work something out, but your mother was resolute.

“this is unacceptable,” she stated coldly, her gaze steady as she gestured toward your hand. understanding the gesture, you removed the engagement ring, the symbol of a future now lost, and handed it back to taehyung’s mother. your voice was steady as you offered a brief apology, “i’m sorry.”

his mother accepted the ring with a strained smile, but her eyes were filled with a cold, unforgiving disappointment. she turned to taehyung, her voice firm and cutting as she spoke, “you’ve always been a child.”

as they prepared to leave, the weight of the situation settled heavily upon you. the relief of the engagement being called off mingled with a deep, unsettling guilt. in the end, he was in the same situation as you. maybe he, too, wanted to experience the same things you did. maybe he wanted a life of his own, as his own person, rather than his mother’s puppet. he was more mature than you, more ready to accept a life he knew he didn’t deserve if it meant saving his company, his future. that was where your differences started.

your mother’s voice cut through the charged atmosphere, sharp and commanding. “we’re not finished,” she said, her gesture motioning for you to sit back down. you hesitated for a moment before complying, your pulse quickening as a fresh wave of unease washed over you.

hyunsoo, who had been silent until now, leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. “did you really think we wouldn’t find out?” he asked, his tone tinged with a cold edge. the panic you had been holding at bay surged forward, threatening to overwhelm the earlier relief. you and seokjin exchanged glances, your earlier connection now overshadowed by a deepening tension.

your mother’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as she addressed you with a piercing gaze. “where did i go wrong with you?” her voice carried a note of both disappointment and disbelief, each word landing like a blow. “never during the last eighteen years did i take you for a whore until now.”

the shock of her accusation hit you like a physical force, your face flushing with a mix of humiliation and anger. you struggled to find your voice, the weight of her words pressing down on you. seokjin interjected with a defensive edge to his voice. “it isn’t like that,” he said. “we’re in love with each other.”

hyunsoo scoffed, the sound laced with disdain. “love? you can love anyone you want, but not your step-sister.” his words were harsh, the finality in his tone making it clear that he considered this a non-negotiable boundary.

seokjin stood, facing his father with a steely determination. “or what?” he demanded, his posture rigid with defiance.

your mother’s gaze shifted back to you, her disappointment palpable. “you’ll stop with this,” she said, her voice cold. “if you think you can choose who you’ll love, choose. choose between the roof over your head, or him.” her words were a final ultimatum, her tone leaving no room for argument.

the room fell into a heavy silence. even hyunsoo seemed taken aback, his usual composure disrupted by the gravity of the situation. the tension was almost tangible, the air thick with unspoken emotions and fractured expectations.

you took a deep breath, feeling a rush of resolve. standing up, you gathered your wallet and phone, your movements deliberate and resolute. turning to your mother, you looked her in the eye, the weight of your decision clear in your expression. “i’m sorry i couldn’t be who you wanted me to be,” you said, your voice steady despite the tumult of emotions within you.

without waiting for a response, you walked out of the room, your steps echoing in the silence that followed. the door closed behind you, leaving the fractured family dynamics and the unresolved tensions to linger in the air. the world outside seemed both distant and immediate as you left the comfort of the home you had been so used to. your mother’s decision was finalized, but so was yours. for the first time, you were given the opportunity to make your own decision. you just had to make peace with the consequences.

stepping out into the crisp night air, you found yourself enveloped in a profound silence. the complex loomed behind you, its imposing structure now a symbol of everything you were leaving behind. you looked around, the world suddenly vast and disorienting. the streetlights cast long shadows, the cityscape a blur of darkened shapes and distant lights. your mind raced as you grappled with your next steps, the weight of your mother’s ultimatum still fresh in your mind.

just as you began to gather your thoughts, a voice broke through the stillness. “are you out of your mind?”

the voice was familiar, filled with concern and a touch of frustration. you turned to see seokjin approaching, his features etched with worry. the sight of him, despite the tension, brought a semblance of solace. you scoffed, trying to mask the tremor in your voice. “my mind’s intact,” you replied, though the uncertainty you felt was evident. his eyes searched yours, a mix of confusion and something softer, almost tender.

“why would you do something like this?” he asked, his tone now laced with a deeper concern.

you took a breath, the enormity of the situation sinking in as you spoke. “i love you,” you said, the words coming out as a whisper but carrying the weight of your entire being.

his expression softened, and he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from your face. his touch was gentle, yet it held an intensity that spoke volumes. “i love you too,” he murmured, his voice breaking slightly with emotion. he paused, his gaze dropping to the ground for a moment before meeting yours again. “but you can’t lose everything because of me.”

the sincerity in his voice was real, and you shook your head, the tears you’d been holding back threatening to spill. “you are my everything,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

his face contorted with guilt, his eyes reflecting a profound sense of regret. he felt it, the crushing weight of your sacrifice, and it was almost unbearable to witness. the guilt was written all over him, each line on his face a testament to his internal struggle. his shoulders slumped as if the burden of your actions was too heavy for him to bear alone. without another word, he pulled you into a tight embrace. you buried your head in his chest, the rhythmic beat of his heart a comforting reminder that you weren’t alone. “i’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice muffled against your hair.

you pulled away slightly, looking up at him with a small, reassuring smile. “it’s okay,” you said, though the enormity of the situation was far from resolved.

as you turned to walk away, the uncertainty of where to go next hanging over you, seokjin called out. “what are you doing?”

you glanced back, your face reflecting your confusion. “i have to find a place to sleep,” you said, the reality of your situation sinking in with each step you took.

he scoffed, shaking his head as if the solution was obvious. “my dad’s hotel is in the other direction,” he said, gesturing vaguely.

the mention of the hotel caused a flicker of confusion to cross your face. before you could ask any further questions, he approached his motorcycle, patting the seat with a sense of urgency and determination. “come on,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “let’s go.”

your mother’s office was unlike its usual vibrant atmosphere. now, it was an echoing void, filled with the sharp clatter of keyboards and the occasional murmur of frustration. she worked through the night, her fingers numb from exhaustion as they flew over the keyboard, her eyes bloodshot and glazed over from the flickering screen.

the room was littered with sketches, fabric swatches, and design mock-ups. empty wine glasses, once filled with red, now lay on their sides, the remnants of her attempts to numb the persistent ache gnawing at her heart. her face was ashen, her usually impeccable appearance now marred by the fatigue of a woman who had pushed herself beyond her limits. the once-fashionable elegance of her attire had degenerated into a disheveled mess, her designer dress wrinkled and her carefully styled hair falling in loose tendrils around her face.

her assistant, a young woman who had been with her through many tumultuous seasons, approached with a hesitant look. “miss (l/n), the files for the upcoming line are ready. do you need anything else?” your mother’s gaze flickered with a detached weariness as she looked at the neatly stacked files. “no, thank you,” she replied, her voice hollow. “just leave them on my desk.”

as the assistant departed, your mother stared blankly at the piles of documents, her thoughts tangled in a web of regret and stubborn pride. she had spent her life crafting an image of control and success, yet now, that facade seemed to crumble under the weight of her choices. the culmination of a lifetime’s work felt like it was slipping through her fingers, and she couldn’t escape the bitter sting of her decisions.

with a final, resigned sigh, she gathered her things—files, notes, and remnants of her shattered resolve—before heading to the waiting chauffeur. the drive to hyunsoo’s hotel was spent in contemplative silence. the city’s lights flickered by the windows, a blur of bright, artificial stars that seemed to mock her inner turmoil. ypon arrival, she stepped out of the car and made her way to the hotel’s entrance. the lobby, as always, was pristine and welcoming, but her presence seemed to cast an air of melancholy. she approached the main desk, where a poised receptionist looked up from her work.

“good evening,” your mother said, forcing a thin smile. “i’m here to see hyunsoo. could you tell me where he is?” the receptionist’s smile was polite but distant. “mister kim is in his office. the elevator is to your left.”

your mother thanked her with a curt nod and headed towards the elevator. as she ascended, the weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her shoulders. each ding of the elevator seemed to echo her mounting dread. when the doors finally opened, she stepped out into the hallway, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor as she approached his office. the door was slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling out into the corridor. her hand trembled slightly as she pushed it open, the hinges creaking softly. the sight that greeted her made her blood run cold.

hyunsoo was seated behind his desk, his shirt discarded and his posture relaxed. a woman, half-naked and draped across his lap, was adjusting her clothes with hurried, frantic movements. the scene was awful and intimate, jarring unlike the cold, sterile environment of the office.

your mother’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the tableau. hyunsoo’s gaze met hers with a mixture of surprise and annoyance. “what are you doing here?” he demanded, his tone edged with irritation.

your mother’s lips parted in shock, her face blanching as she struggled to find her voice. “i should be asking you that,” she managed, her words barely above a whisper.

hyunsoo glanced at the woman, his expression a mix of indifference and mild embarrassment. the woman scrambled to dress, her movements hurried and clumsy as she slipped into her clothes and gathered her things. with a final, hasty glance, she exited the office, leaving behind a lingering tension in the air.

as the door closed behind her, hyunsoo’s gaze returned to your mother, his eyes cold and unyielding. “it’s just business,” he said, his voice devoid of any trace of apology.

your mother’s stomach churned, a wave of nausea rising within her. the sight of hyunsoo, so casual and dismissive in the face of her turmoil, was almost too much to bear. her heart pounded in her chest, the bitter realization of her own vulnerability and the reality of her situation crashing over her. with a shaky breath and a heavy heart, she turned on her heel and walked out of the office. each step felt like a leaden weight, the finality of her actions settling over her like a shroud. as she moved through the hotel lobby, she tried to compose herself, but the sting of betrayal and the crushing sense of loss left her feeling hollow and broken.

the room seokjin had rented in his father’s hotel was cozy, filled with the warm aroma of the dinner you were preparing. the kitchen was small, just big enough for the two of you, with sleek countertops and modern appliances that gleamed under the soft overhead lights. you stood by the stove, stirring the contents of a simmering pan, the rich scent of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. it was a simple meal, but one that brought a sense of normalcy.

seokjin lounged against the counter, his arms crossed as he watched you with a smirk playing on his lips. his gaze was warm, and there was a twinkle in his eyes that made your heart skip a beat. “this truly is a sight to see,” he mused, his voice tinged with playful admiration. he paused for a moment, his smirk widening as he added, “my step-sister making me dinner.”

you couldn’t help but scoff at his teasing, raising the spatula in your hand as if in mock defense. “you need to stop calling me that,” you retorted, shaking your head with a smile.

he chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. “you’re right,” he conceded, pushing himself off the counter. he crossed the small distance between you, his presence a comforting warmth at your back as he wrapped his arms around your waist. his voice softened as he murmured against your ear, “the love of my life making us dinner.”

his words sent a flush of warmth through you, your cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as you ducked your head slightly, trying to focus on the task at hand. but his proximity, the feel of his breath against your skin, made it hard to concentrate. when he planted a soft kiss on your forehead, you felt your heart swell with a mixture of affection and contentment.

as you continued to cook, the rhythmic motions of stirring and seasoning bringing a sense of calm, your phone rang, the sudden sound cutting through the peaceful atmosphere. without thinking, you asked him to answer for you, your hands too occupied to pick up the call.

he reached for your phone, his eyebrows knitting together as he glanced at the screen. “yes, doctor cha?” he answered, his voice steady, though you noticed a slight tension in his tone.

at the mention of your doctor’s name, your movements stilled. a flicker of unease crept into your chest, and you turned abruptly, your eyes searching seokjin’s face for any sign of what was wrong. he didn’t meet your gaze immediately, his attention focused on the call. “this is kim seokjin,” he said, his voice calm but edged with concern. “is everything okay?”

the silence that followed seemed to stretch on forever, the seconds ticking by in agonizing slowness. you could feel your pulse quickening, a knot of dread forming in the pit of your stomach. seokjin’s expression remained carefully controlled, but you could see the worry beginning to cloud his features.

finally, he spoke again, his voice quiet. “okay, we’ll be there soon.” he ended the call and slowly lowered the phone, his eyes meeting yours. the look on his face—part sadness, part anxiety—made your heart clench.

“what’s wrong?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, though you weren’t sure you wanted to hear the answer.

he hesitated, his hand reaching out to take yours. “don’t panic,” he began, his thumb brushing reassuringly over your knuckles. he paused, searching for the right words before he finally said, “it’s your mother. she had a heart attack.”

the world seemed to tilt, the floor shifting beneath you as the weight of his words hit you. a heart attack. the phrase echoed in your mind, a sharp, cruel reminder of how fragile everything was. regret and panic surged through you in waves, crashing over the sense of security you had clung to. memories of your last encounter with her, the bitter words exchanged, flashed before your eyes, and the realization that you might lose her without the chance to make things right overwhelmed you.

“i have to see her,” you stammered, your voice shaking as the full force of the situation bore down on you. your mind raced, filled with a cacophony of thoughts—fear for her health, guilt for the things left unsaid, and the desperate need to be by her side.

“we will,” he assured you, his voice gentle but firm. he could see the turmoil in your eyes, the way your breath had quickened with rising panic. “i’m taking you to her, okay?”

you nodded, barely registering his words as he led you toward the door. the room, which had felt so safe and warm just moments before, now seemed stifling, the air heavy with the weight of impending loss. he grabbed his jacket and handed you yours, his movements quick and efficient, though you could see the strain in his eyes. as you left the room, the sounds of the hotel—distant chatter, the hum of the elevator—faded into the background, your focus solely on getting to your mother. the ride down to the parking lot was a blur, and before you knew it, you were standing beside his motorcycle. he handed you a helmet, his expression serious as he watched you fumble to put it on with trembling hands.

“take a deep breath,” he instructed softly, his hands steadying you as he adjusted the helmet’s strap. you nodded, doing as he said, though the breath you took was shaky and uneven. when he was satisfied that you were secure, he swung his leg over the motorcycle and waited for you to climb on behind him. you wrapped your arms around his waist, holding on tightly as he started the engine and the roar of the bike reverberated through your chest.

as he guided the motorcycle out of the parking lot and onto the road, the city lights blurred into streaks of color, the wind whipping past you as you sped toward the hospital. the ride was fast and tense, every second stretching into eternity as you clung to seokjin, your mind a swirl of fear, regret, and a desperate hope that you weren’t too late. you buried your face against his back, the tears you had been holding back finally spilling over as the reality of the situation set in. the thought of losing your mother, of never having the chance to reconcile, gnawed at you with a ferocity that left you breathless.

his hand found yours, squeezing it reassuringly even as he kept his focus on the road ahead. “we’ll be there soon,” he promised, his voice barely audible over the rush of wind. and though his words were meant to comfort, they did little to quell the storm of emotions raging within you. all you could do was hold on and pray that you’d make it in time.

the hospital loomed large as you and seokjin arrived, its sterile white walls and harsh fluorescent lights a stark contrast to the darkening sky outside. the ride had been a blur of speed and anxiety, but now that you were here, the weight of the situation settled heavily on your shoulders. you could feel your heart pounding in your chest as you rushed through the automatic doors, the scent of medicine and the low murmur of voices filling the air.

seokjin led the way to the reception desk, his grip on your hand firm and reassuring as he addressed the receptionist. “we got a call from doctor cha,” he said, his voice steady despite the worry that laced his tone. “we’re here to see esther (l/n).” the receptionist glanced up, her expression softening as she noticed the anxiety in your eyes. she nodded and quickly typed something into her computer before giving you both a set of directions. “room 321,” she said gently, pointing down the hall. “third floor, to the right.”

“thank you,” seokjin replied, already moving toward the elevators with you in tow. the elevator ride felt agonizingly slow, the seconds ticking by in tense silence. you couldn’t stop the thoughts from swirling in your mind—what if you were too late? what if something had happened while you were on your way here? the fear gnawed at you, making it hard to breathe.

when the elevator doors finally slid open, you bolted out, seokjin right beside you as you followed the signs to room 321. your footsteps echoed in the hallway, the sound amplifying the urgency you felt in every fiber of your being. as you neared the room, the door opened, and doctor cha stepped out, his expression calm but serious. “doctor,” seokjin greeted, his voice slightly breathless. “how is she?”

doctor cha gave a small, reassuring smile and stepped aside to allow you both into the room. “she had a heart attack, but she’s stable now,” he explained. “she’s going to recover quickly, but she’s not allowed any alcohol for the time being. it’s important that she takes it easy for a while.”

relief washed over you like a tidal wave as your eyes fell on your mother, lying in the hospital bed. her complexion was pale, and she looked tired, but her eyes were open, and they met yours with a softness you hadn’t seen in a long time. the tight knot of fear in your chest loosened, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

“mom,” you breathed, your voice choked with emotion as you rushed to her side. for the first time in what felt like an eternity, you wrapped your arms around her, holding her close as if to reassure yourself that she was really there. she let out a weak laugh, her hand coming up to pat your back. “you haven’t hugged me like this since you were twelve,” she murmured, a touch of warmth in her voice that brought tears to your eyes.

you pulled back just enough to look at her, the tears you had been holding back finally spilling over. “i’m so sorry,” you whispered, the words catching in your throat as you tried to convey everything you felt in that moment—regret, guilt, relief, and a deep, abiding love. she smiled softly and brushed away your tears with trembling fingers. “it’s okay, darling,” she said, her voice gentle. “i’m here. i’m okay.”

you nodded, though the lump in your throat made it hard to speak. “what happened?” you asked, needing to understand how everything had gone so wrong.

your mother’s smile faltered slightly, and she looked down at her hands. “i broke off the engagement,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

both you and seokjin were stunned, your minds racing to comprehend what she had just said. “what?” you asked, the disbelief clear in your voice. she shook her head, a shadow passing over her face as she avoided your gaze. “it doesn’t matter,” she murmured. “what matters is that i’m sorry. i’m so sorry for everything, for how i treated you.”

the apology took you by surprise, and you stared at her, the shock evident in your expression. “mom, i’m sorry too,” you replied, your voice trembling with emotion. “but i won’t stop seeing him.”

to your astonishment, she nodded, her eyes softening as she looked at you. “i don’t want you to,” she said simply, her words carrying a weight that left you momentarily speechless. you blinked, struggling to process her sudden change of heart. “what?” you whispered, the disbelief making your voice barely audible.

she turned to seokjin, offering him a small, sincere smile. “i’m sorry, jin,” she said, her voice filled with a quiet resignation. “just don’t take my daughter for granted.”

he met her gaze, his expression serious as he nodded. “i never planned to,” he assured her, his voice steady and sincere.

you couldn’t hold back the question that had been burning in your mind. “why?” you asked, your voice thick with emotion. “why the sudden change?”

your mother sighed, her gaze distant as she considered her words. “i got to live in your shoes for a while,” she admitted, her voice laced with regret. “but without you, and it wasn’t worth it.”

the admission broke something inside of you, and without thinking, you hugged her again, your arms wrapping around her as if to shield her from all the pain and regret that had led you both to this moment. “i love you, mom,” you whispered, the words heavy with the weight of everything you hadn’t said before.

she held you tightly, her hand smoothing over your hair. “i love you too, sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. whe paused, then turned to seokjin with a faint smile. “a son-in-law is better than a stepson anyway.”

the words were so unexpected, so filled with acceptance and a sense of reconciliation, that they took your breath away. you pulled back slightly, looking at her with wide eyes, the shock still evident on your face. seokjin, too, seemed momentarily taken aback, but then a slow, relieved smile spread across his lips. he reached out, taking your hand in his, and squeezed it gently, a silent promise in his touch.

the room was quiet for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened settling over the three of you. but there was also a sense of peace, a feeling that seemed to promise that things could finally start to heal. you had seokjin by your side, and now, for the first time in a long time, you had your mother too.

✧.*

a/n: writing fluff is so weird ts be corny asl what could possibly be stopping me from ending the story with jackson wang shooting everyone

crazy how even google knows