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World of Sinners | SJY Masterlist

⟶ 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 jung sungchan and lee heesung

❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: mafia!au, arranged marriage!au

❥ rating: 18+

⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: dark themes, mentions of drugs, mentions of violence, vulgar language, mentions of death and murder, forced marriage, corruption, consumption of alcohol, possessiveness, explicit sexual content.

a/n: another fic that has been in the basement finally getting to see the light of day! send in an ask or leave a comment to be added to the taglist. chapters will be posted every friday at 12pm est starting july 5th ! maybe sooner if i get impatient

↳ status: incomplete

↠ chapter 1: “she looks at me with shadowless eyes.” (9.0k)

↠ chapter 2: “my heart craves it even though i’m such a monster.” (8.0k)

↠ chapter 3: “you’re the only savior to me full of scars.” (8.4k)

↠ chapter 4: “i can only be me when i’m by your side.” (7.0k)

↠ chapter 5: “in the end, it’s always you, only you.” (7.0k)

↠ chapter 6: “i’m still a monster.” (8.4K)

↠ chapter 7: “i’m not a monster.” (10.8k)

world of sinners iii | 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 lee heesung

❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: mafia!au, arranged marriage!au

❥ 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 8.4k

⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: dark themes, mentions of drugs, mentions of violence, vulgar language, mentions of death, forced marriage, corruption, possessiveness, mentions of guns, attempted murder, talk of murder.

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Three weeks have passed since your wedding to Jake, a union formed not out of love but necessity. The initial awkwardness between you two has subsided somewhat, replaced by a tentative friendship. Jake is often off at work, leaving you at home to explore the enormous house or hide away in your art studio. You’ve found a surprising new muse in Jake, and the past few weeks have seen you hardly putting down your paintbrush.

It’s a peaceful morning, and the sun filters softly through the curtains. You’re lost in the tranquility of your surroundings when Rose enters your room.

“Good morning, madam,” she says, her tone professional yet warm. “Your in-laws have requested your and Mr. Jaeyun’s presence for brunch today. Shall I help you prepare?”

A sense of dread settles in your stomach. Brunch with Jake’s family sounds taxing. Nevertheless, you comply. “Thank you, Rose.”

She nods and moves further into your room, showcasing a burgundy dress that matches Jake’s family color slung over her shoulder. “This will be perfect for today. Mr. Sim chose it for you.”

You thank her before heading to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The warm water helps wake you up, and as you step out, you find your bed made and the dress neatly laid out. Once dressed, you admire the elegant fit before heading downstairs.

Jake is already ready, dressed in a suit with the first few buttons of his shirt undone and his hair slicked back. He looks up and smiles warmly at you, stepping closer to kiss your forehead and reach for your hand. “Good morning.”

He greets you warmly, the gesture catches you off guard. While the hostility between you has diminished, affection has not been a part of your relationship. Jake notices your confusion and offers an explanation.

“It’s just for the sake of appearances,” he says softly. “I don’t want my parents to pick up on any tension between us. It’s better if we start acting affectionate at home before we arrive.”

You nod, understanding his reasoning. Jake senses your unease and squeezes your hand gently. “Don’t worry. I know my family can be a bit much, but I’ll be right there with you.”

As you both prepare to leave, Jake explains, “They probably want to see how we’re functioning as a unit now. My father is keen on assessing how well we’re adjusting.”

You nod in understanding. “Do you think they’re happy with the arrangement?”

Jake looks thoughtful for a moment. “My father is satisfied as long as the business runs smoothly. My stepmother, on the other hand... well, she has her own opinions, as I’m sure you’ve seen.”

You chuckle lightly. “Kind of hard to miss.”

As you both get into the car, Jake starts the engine and glances at you. “How have you been feeling about everything?”

You take a deep breath. “It’s been an adjustment, like you said. But I think we’re handling it well. I’ve found a lot of peace in painting.”

Jake smiles. “I’d love to see your work sometime. I’m sure it’s incredible.”

You blush slightly, the majority of your work nowadays all contain some essence of Jake. You’re quick to brush off the compliment. “It’s nothing special. Just a hobby to pass the time.”

Jake frowns slightly, not buying your modesty. “I’m sure it’s more than just that. When we get back home, I’ll join you in the studio to take a look.”

You nod, feeling a mix of embarrassment and anticipation. “Alright. If you insist.”

The beginning of the drive to his family’s house is quiet at first, both of you lost in your thoughts. Eventually, Jake breaks the silence.

“It’s important to them that we present a strong front.” He says, glancing at you

You nod, understanding the importance of this brunch. “I’ll do my best. It’s just... a lot of pressure.”

Jake reaches over and takes your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I know. But we’re a team now, remember?”

You smile, feeling a bit more at ease. “Yeah, a team.”

The rest of the drive is filled with small talk, Jake making an effort to keep you relaxed. When you arrive, the grandeur of the house matches that of your own, with perfectly manicured lawns and vibrant flowers.

Jake parks the car and helps you out, his arm protectively around your waist as you walk inside. As you begin walking, you take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the upcoming brunch.

The foyer is grand, with a sweeping staircase and chandeliers that catch the morning light. Jake's stepmother and father are already waiting in the sitting room.

“Jaeyun, my boy,” his father greets, his tone commanding yet warm. “It’s good to see you.”

“Father,” Jake replies with a nod. “Mother.”

Yerin gives you a once over, her eyes raking over your appearance. “I see you’ve managed to dress appropriately today.”

Before you can respond, Jake’s father intervenes. “Enough, dear,” he says sternly, his tone brooking no argument. “Let’s not start with criticism.”

Yerin purses her lips but remains silent. Jake’s father turns his attention back to you and Jake, his gaze more appraising. “How have you two been?”

Jake speaks up first, his tone steady. “We’re managing well, Father. We’re taking things one step at a time.”

You nod in agreement, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. “It’s been an adjustment, but we’re finding our rhythm.”

Jake’s father nods thoughtfully. “That’s good to hear, especially in times like these.”

Yerin, not entirely satisfied with the direction of the conversation, pipes up again. “And what about your duties as a wife? Are you keeping up with everything?”

You feel a flush of embarrassment creeping up your neck, you haven’t left the house since Jake’s last meeting. You know you’ll have to pick up the slack soon but you’ve been enjoying the peace of being at home away from all the bustling business deals. “I’m doing my best, Mother. There’s a lot to learn, but I’m committed.”

Jake squeezes your hand gently, offering silent support. “She’s been doing great,” he adds. “Happy to have her by my side.”

Jake’s father seems to approve of Jake’s response. “That’s good.” He turns to face his wife and places a hand on her hip. “Why don’t you take ____ to look at the garden? Jaeyun and I will join you once Heeseung arrives. It’ll give us a chance to catch up and discuss some business matters.”

You hesitate, not wanting to be alone with Jake’s mother. Sensing your unease, Jake leans in and kisses your forehead gently. “It’s alright. Go ahead.”

You nod, feeling reassured by his gesture. “Okay.”

Yerin gestures for you to follow her and begins walking away. “Come along, dear. Let’s make sure everything is in order for brunch.”

As you walk away, you glance back at Jake one last time. He gives you a small, reassuring smile before turning to face his father.

You follow Yerin through the lavish mansion, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in your stomach. As you step into the garden, you’re greeted by the sight of meticulously maintained flower beds and elegant topiaries. The tranquility of the garden provides a stark contrast to the tension inside.

Yerin turns to you, her demeanor still hard and guarded. “The garden is a reflection of our family’s legacy. It requires constant care and attention, much like the relationships within the family.”

You nod, understanding the metaphor she’s drawing. “It’s beautiful. You must put a lot of work into it.”

Yerin’s lips curve into a small smirk. “We do. It’s a labor of love. Just like marriage.”

The two of you continue to walk, Yerin spares you a glance before asking, “Any plans for children soon? It’s important for the family to have heirs.”

Her question catches you off guard, and you feel heat creeping up your neck. Despite the growing camaraderie, your relationship with Jake has remained strictly platonic. You can't help but wonder if Jake even sees you in a sexual way. His kindness and support are undeniable, but there’s a distance between you that makes you question your sex appeal.

Yerin’s gaze is piercing, and you scramble to find a suitable answer. “We haven’t really discussed it in depth,” you say, choosing your words carefully. “There’s still so much we’re getting used to, and with Jake’s responsibilities, it hasn’t been a priority.”

Yerin’s lips press into a thin line. “Responsibilities are one thing, but ensuring the continuation of our family’s legacy is paramount. You need to prioritize that.”

You nod, trying to hide your discomfort. “Of course, mother. We understand the importance.”

She stops walking and turns to face you fully, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Marriage isn’t just about companionship. It’s about duty and preserving what generations before you have built. Don’t lose sight of that.”

You swallow hard, feeling the weight of her expectations pressing down on you. “I understand.”

Her gaze softens slightly, but her tone remains firm. “Good. It’s also crucial to show a united front. People are watching, always. They need to see that you and Jaeyun are strong together.”

As she speaks, you can’t help but think about the unspoken divide between you and Jake. How can you present a united front when you’re not even sharing the same space? The irony isn’t lost on you, and you wonder if Jake feels the same pressure.

“I know,” you reply quietly. “We’re working on it.”

Yerin gives a small nod, her expression still scrutinizing. “See that you do. The last thing we need is any sign of weakness.”

Embarrassed, you nod, “Yes, mother…”

The conversation leaves you feeling unsettled and overwhelmed. As you continue to set the table, you find yourself lost in thought. The expectations of this marriage are heavy, while Jake has proven himself to not be all that bad, his family has become a major source of stress.

As you finish setting the table, Jake and his father join you. The conversation is stilted, filled with polite but strained exchanges. Jake’s father, with a faux smile, breaks the silence.

“So, how do you two find living together?” Jaehee asks, his eyes piercing into yours.

“We’re managing well, Abeonim,” Jake replies calmly. “It’s new and different, but we’re working through it together.”

Yerin sniffs delicately, her gaze critical as she looks you over. “And how is the house? Are you finding everything to your liking?”

“It’s beautiful,” you respond politely. “I’ve enjoyed exploring and getting to know the place.”

Yerin raises an eyebrow. “And what about the prospect of children? I assume you both have discussed it?”

The question catches you off guard, you can see the evil glint in Yerin’s eyes as she waits for Jake’s response. Having already heard your side you know she expects Jake to fumble in front of his father. You glance at Jake, trying to subtly shake your head but he only squeezes your hand under the table.

“We haven’t really had time to think about that yet,” Jake answers smoothly. “We’re still getting to know each other and settling into our roles.”

Jaehee leans back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Marriage is not just about partnership but also about legacy. It’s important to think about the future.”

You feel a knot form in your stomach at the familiarity of the words. “We understand that,” you say quietly. “We’re just taking things slow.”

The room falls silent, the weight of your words hanging in the air. Yerin’s lips thin into a disapproving line, but Jaehee nods slowly.

“I see,” he says finally. “It’s good to take your time and build a strong foundation. But don’t forget the importance of continuing the family line.”

You stiffly nod, feeling as if you might explode if you hear one more mention of your womb and the expectations of a baby, a baby you don’t think will ever exist. You can’t imagine Jake making a move to ever bed you. You wonder if he’ll find another woman just as his father did, if he’ll fall in love with her and give his father an heir that way. He may be kind to you and has shown that for now the two of you are a team but at the end of the day he’s still the son of Lee Jaehee and heir to the most powerful mafia in all of Asia, you can’t imagine him never having a child.

Jaehee’s eyes narrow slightly. "If you don’t mind me asking, why the delay? The sooner you start, the better. An heir is crucial."

You hesitate, but before you can speak, Yerin interjects, "I've heard some rumors that you two aren't even sharing a bed."

Her comment hangs in the air, heavy and accusatory. Jake’s father’s gaze sharpens. "Is this true, Jaeyun?"

You feel a lick of ice run through your veins- not only do you feel violated by the fact that Yerin seemingly has spies planted in your home, reporting back to her but you also feel angry at the fact that your own staff, staff that you have treated sincerely from the start, has been trading your secrets to your mother-in-law who clearly has a dislike for you.

Jake takes a deep breath, but you decide to address the elephant in the room. "It’s true. We haven’t consummated our marriage yet."

The silence that follows your admission is deafening. Yerin looks smug, while Jaehee's face turns red with anger.

"That is unacceptable," Jaehee says, his voice low and dangerous. "An heir is not just a formality; it's a necessity for the stability of our empire."

Jake, sensing the need to de-escalate the situation, squeezes your hand. "We understand the importance, Father. We just needed some time to adjust. We’ll handle it."

Yerin, not wanting to let go of the topic, presses further. "If it’s taking this long, perhaps a honeymoon is in order. Sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders."

You feel your patience wearing thin but manage to maintain your composure. "Thank you for the suggestion. We'll consider it."

Jaehee waves his hand dismissively. "I’ll arrange it. You two will leave by the end of the month. I expect results."

Before either of you can respond, Heeseung strolls in, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His father scowls at him. “You’re late.”

Heeseung shrugs nonchalantly, ignoring his father’s glare. “It’s called being fashionably late.”

His mother fusses over him, but he brushes her off, taking a seat and grabbing a mimosa. “He was probably with one of his whores,” his father mutters, the disdain clear in his voice after hearing his wife ask about his whereabouts.

Heeseung scoffs. “Why pretend? Everyone knows the real reason we’re here—to see how the happy couple is doing.”

His comment cuts through the fragile peace, and his father’s eyes narrow. “That’s enough Heeseung.”

Heeseung, however, isn’t done. He leans forward, a sly grin on his face. “So, Jaeyunie, how’s married life treating you? Is the pussy any good? I heard that being tied down to the same bi-”

Jake shoots him a warning look. “Finish that sentence and I’ll kill you myself.”

Heeseung chuckles. “Who’s the pussy whipped one now?”

Jaehee interrupts, his tone firm. “Enough, Heeseung. We’re here to enjoy a family meal, not to bicker.”

Heeseung shrugs, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Just making conversation.”

Jaehee sighs, rubbing his temples. “Jaeyun, take your wife and show her around the house, I need to have a word with your brother.” Jake stands, helping you up from your chair.

Once inside, the tension eases slightly. Jake glances at you, a small smile on his lips. “Where would you like to go?”

You think for a moment before responding. “How about your bedroom? I’d like to see what you were like growing up.”

Jake looks surprised but nods. “Uh, alright. Let’s go.”

As you walk through the house, you notice the ornate decorations and family portraits lining the walls. When you reach Jake’s old room, he opens the door and gestures for you to enter.

When you enter his childhood room, the space is surprisingly empty, devoid of personal items. No posters, no decorations—just a king-sized bed and a desk with a single picture frame.

You glance at Jake, puzzled. He sees your questioning look and explains, “I didn’t want to live with my father. I grew up with my mother until I was six and was forced to move in here. My father couldn’t deal with my anger issues though and shipped me off to a boarding school in Australia after a year, I was rarely home until Uni.”

You nod at the new information, guess that explains the thick Aussie accent you picked up on when you first met. “Anger issues?”

Jake nods, “it’s gotten better over the years, moving in with my father was just a huge adjustment. No need to worry about me ever losing my temper with you.”

You nod and walk around the room, trying to imagine Jake in this space. “It’s hard to believe this is where you called home.”

No reply comes and you walk up to the desk and examine it. You pick up the picture frame, studying the image of a pregnant woman. “Is this your mother?”

Jake nods, a soft smile on his lips, though you can see the pain in his eyes. “Yes.”

You did your fair share of research on Jake once your father had made it clear that this marriage wasn’t something you’d be escaping but you found it incredibly hard to find any information on the male. It was almost like Jake was a ghost up until his father made the announcement of him taking over.

You had Anton run multiple background checks to see if he could find anything but all he had to offer was the announcement Veridian made about Jake’s birth and how the rumors of him being the son of an affair were true.

Aside from that, the only public information about Jake is that he attended a prestigious international boarding school in Australia, graduated from Seoul National University Suma Kum Laude and that he’s now married to you. Nobody knows who his mother is or much about his childhood.

His father faced backlash from the Korean public once news of the affair was made known, you heard from your father that keeping Jake hidden was a PR move to clean up the image of Veridian. It seems that’s another thing you and Jake have in common, fathers who prioritize their businesses before their own children.

You hesitate before asking the next question. “Where is she?”

Jake’s expression hardens. “She’s dead.”

You’re ready to apologize, but Jake continues. “My stepmother hated that my father had an affair with my mom. She wanted both of us dead, but when my dad found out I’d be a boy, he hid my mother away until she gave birth. She ran away to protect us, but my father found her when I was six and had her killed to make his wife happy.”

You step closer, instinctively wanting to comfort him. You bring him into a hug, and he holds you tightly. When you pull away, you’re still close, your faces inches apart. Jake’s eyes drop to your lips, and he leans in, his breath mingling with yours.

Just as your lips are about to meet, the door opens, and a maid enters “Your father is waiting for you to continue the brunch.”

The moment is shattered and you pull back, flustered. Jake sighs and nods. “Thank you, we’ll be right there.”

He releases you gently from the hug, his gaze lingering on your face for a moment longer than usual. He clears his throat, breaking the silence. “We should get back to brunch before my father gets more impatient.”

You nod, feeling the tension from the almost kiss still hanging in the air. “Yeah, we should.”

Jake leads you out of the room, his hand resting lightly on your back as you walk down the hallway. The silence between you is palpable, each step echoing your unspoken thoughts. When you reach the top of the staircase, you hear the television in the living room, its volume turned up.

As you begin to descend the stairs, a news anchor’s voice catches your attention. “Breaking news: The chief of police has officially been declared missing. Authorities are seeking any information regarding his last known whereabouts…”

You stop in your tracks, your breath hitching. Jake notices your sudden pause and turns to look at you, concern etched on his face. “What’s wrong?”

You swallow hard, your mind racing. You remember seeing Sungchan with the chief a few weeks ago, engaged in a heated exchange. Could your brother be involved in this? Your mind also goes back to your own meeting with the chief just before the wedding, when you handed over his monthly bribe money and discussed business. If he was truly missing, this could ruin you.

Jake’s voice pulls you back to the present. “Hey, are you okay?”

You force a smile, trying to mask your anxiety. “Uh, yeah. I just…umm I recognize the chief from some old business deals.”

Jake’s eyes narrow slightly, not fully convinced but not pressing the issue. “Do you want me to make some calls? See if any of my men know something?”

You nod, grateful for his support. “Yes, please. That would help.”

Jake takes out his phone and steps aside to make a call. You take a deep breath, trying to calm your racing thoughts. When Jake returns, he gives you a reassuring nod. “I have someone looking into it now. We should go back to the garden and wrap up brunch.”

You both continue down the stairs, the weight of the news still heavy on your mind. When you reach the garden, you notice that Heeseung is no longer there. Jake’s father and stepmother are engaged in conversation, but they pause as you approach.

“Where’s Heeseung?” Jake asks, looking around.

“He had to leave,” Jaehee replies, his tone dismissive. “Something about an urgent matter.”

You exchange a glance with Jake, the timing of Heeseung’s departure striking both of you as odd. However, neither of you voice your suspicions. Instead, you take your seats, and the conversation resumes, albeit with a lingering tension.

Suddenly, Jaehee's phone rings. He glances at the screen and frowns before answering.

"Yes?"

You and Jake exchange a look, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Jaehee's expression darkens as he listens to the caller, his jaw tightening. "What do you mean he's missing?" His voice is low but laced with agitation. "How long has it been?"

There's a pause as the person on the other end responds. Jaehee's fingers drum impatiently on the table. "And you're sure there's no trace of him? This is a disaster."

Another pause, and Jaehee's eyes narrow.

"Find out who's responsible. We can't afford any loose ends."

He ends the call abruptly and pockets his phone, his expression stormy. Jake leans forward, his concern evident. "What was that about, Father?"

Jaehee sighs, rubbing his temples. "The chief of police has been declared missing. This isn't just bad—it's potentially catastrophic."

Your heart skips a beat. Jake glances at you before turning back to his father. "Why is it such a big deal? I mean, I know he was important, but-"

Jaehee cuts him off, his tone sharp. "Jaeyun, do you have any idea how many of our business associates have ties to the chief? He was the linchpin keeping several of our deals in place. If he's really been taken, and it's by any of our enemies, we're looking at a shitshow of epic proportions. Not to forget we’re already on the FBI’s radar, we can not afford any potential leaks."

The word "shitshow" hangs heavily in the air, and you feel a chill run down your spine.

Jake's face hardens as he processes his father's words. "Who do you think did it?"

Jaehee shakes his head. "I don't know yet. But we need to prepare for the worst. If our enemies have him, they could use him to dismantle our operations piece by piece. The information he has it’s... it's invaluable."

You speak up, your voice hesitant. "Maybe he's already dead."

Jaehee's gaze snaps to you, his eyes intense. For a moment, you think he's going to reprimand you, but then he sighs deeply.

"That would be the best-case scenario. If he's dead, we can at least control the narrative, claim he was taken out by a rival or in a random act of violence. But if he's alive and talking..."

He trails off, the implication clear. Jake's hand tightens around yours under the table.

"So, what do we do?"

Jaehee's expression hardens with resolve. "If he's alive, we find him and we kill him ourselves if necessary. We can't afford to have our entire syndicate compromised. Every second he's missing increases the risk."

Yerin interjects, her tone composed. "Do you have any leads?"

Jaehee shakes his head. "Not yet. But I have people working on it. Jaeyun, I need you to reach out to our contacts, see if anyone has heard anything. We need to be proactive but discrete."

Jake nods, his face set in determination. "I’ll get on it right away."

You feel an odd surge of anxiety at the thought of Jake diving headfirst into this dangerous situation. "Is there anything I can do to help?" you ask, trying to keep your voice steady.

Jaehee looks at you thoughtfully. "Just keep your eyes and ears open. If you hear anything, no matter how trivial it may seem, let us know immediately."

You nod, your resolve hard. Jake's hand squeezes yours again, offering silent support. "It’ll be okay," he says quietly, his eyes locked onto yours.

Jaehee stands, his posture commanding. "I'll make some calls. Yerin, keep an eye on things here. And you two," he says, looking at you and Jake, "stay vigilant. We can't afford any mistakes."

With that, he leaves the table, his phone already to his ear as he steps into the house.

Yerin watches him go, her face passive. "This family has faced challenges before, and we've always come out on top. This will be no different."

Jake nods, his jaw set. "We'll do whatever it takes."

You look at him, feeling fearful. You’ve come to understand that you don’t like Jake when he’s in his leader mode. He becomes cold, calculated and ruthless.

You all finish your meal in relative silence. When the meal ends, you and Jake excuse yourselves, making your way back to the car. Jake starts the engine and glances at you. "Are you really okay?"

You take a deep breath, your thoughts racing. "I don't know. I'm worried about what this could mean for me, for Sungchan."

Jake reaches over and takes your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "We'll figure it out. Together."

You nod, feeling a little lightheaded at the way he says the word with so much conviction. "Yeah, together."

As you drive, your mind races with thoughts about the chief, Sungchan, and the potential fallout from all this. Your phone buzzes, the screen lighting up with an unknown number. You frown and decline the call, feeling uneasy.

A few minutes later, the phone rings again with the same unknown number. Jake glances at it and then at you, his expression serious. "You should answer it."

Reluctantly, you pick up the call. "Hello?"

There's a heavy silence, then the sound of labored breathing. After a moment, a weak voice whimpers, “…S..sa.ve... me."

Before you can respond, the line cuts off. You stare at the phone, shaken. The voice was so faint and distorted, you couldn't even recognize who it was.

Jake's eyes are on you, concern etched on his face. "What was that?"

You force a shrug, trying to keep your voice steady. "Probably just a spam call."

He watches you for a moment, then nods, seemingly accepting your explanation. The car ride continues in tense silence until you reach a stoplight, and Jake takes an unexpected turn.

"Jake, where are we going?" you ask, confusion lacing your words.

He smiles, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I have a surprise for you."

"What's the occasion?" you ask, a blush creeping up your cheeks at the gesture.

"To celebrate being partners," he says simply. He glances at you and smirks, “and a gift for surviving brunch with my family.”

You can't help but smile, feeling a flutter in your chest. "That's sweet of you."

He drives for a bit longer until you pull into the parking lot of the Museum of Modern Art. You look at him, puzzled. "A museum?"

Jake nods, a proud look on his face. "I know how much you love art. I thought we could spend some time together doing something you enjoy."

You feel a rush of gratitude and warmth. Jake has yet again gone above and beyond. You wonder how much more your heart can take before you fall for him. "Thank you, Jake. This means a lot."

You both continue through the gallery, stopping occasionally for you to explain different pieces and their historical contexts. Jake listens attentively, asking insightful questions and clearly enjoying learning about the art world from your perspective.

At one point, you come across a serene landscape painting. "This is by Claude Monet. It's one of his famous Water Lilies series."

Jake's eyes soften as he looks at the delicate brushstrokes. "It's beautiful. Peaceful."

You nod. "Monet was a master of capturing light and atmosphere. He painted these in his garden at Giverny. It's like he's inviting us into his private world."

Jake smiles. "I like that. It's like a glimpse into his soul."

You move on to a bold, geometric piece by Piet Mondrian. "This one's called 'Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow.' Mondrian was all about simplicity and balance."

Jake studies the painting, the intersecting lines and primary colors. "It's so different from the others we've seen. Almost mathematical."

"Exactly," you say. "He believed in reducing art to its purest form. It's all about finding harmony."

Jake chuckles. "You're a little art geek huh? Really passionate about this, aren't you?"

You blush slightly. "I guess I am. Art has always been a way for me to escape and express myself."

Jake's expression softens. "I'm glad you're sharing it with me. I feel like I'm getting to know you better through this."

As you continue to explore, you come across a striking sculpture by Auguste Rodin. "This is 'The Thinker.' It's one of the most famous sculptures in the world."

Jake walks around the statue, taking in its intricate details. "The detail is incredible. It's like you can feel his thoughts."

You smile. "That's what makes Rodin so amazing. He could capture human emotion and thought in such a tangible way."

Jake nods, clearly impressed. "It's like he's frozen in a moment of deep contemplation."

You spend hours wandering through the museum, discussing various artworks and sharing your thoughts and feelings about them. Jake's genuine interest and engagement make the experience even more enjoyable. You feel a growing connection between the two of you, a bond that goes beyond the superficial.

As you leave the museum, the sun is beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the city. Jake holds your hand as you walk back to the car. "Thank you for today," you say softly. "I had a great time."

Jake smiles. "So did I. I'm glad we got to spend this time together."

You drive in comfortable silence for a while, the city lights flickering outside the car windows. Eventually, Jake breaks the silence. "There's something I need to do before we head home."

You glance at him curiously. "What's that?"

"I need to stop by the packaging warehouse," Jake explains. "I need to speak with Sunghoon and Jay about how to distribute this batch. We're running low on baggie boys, and with the chief's disappearance, I’m sure the police are cracking down on drug deals."

You nod, understanding the urgency. "Alright. I'll come with you."

Jake looks at you, a mix of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "You don't have to, but I'd appreciate the company."

The drive to the warehouse is short, and Jake parks the car in a secluded area. The building is nondescript, blending in with the industrial surroundings. Jake leads you inside, where Sunghoon and Jay are already waiting.

"Hey, boss," Sunghoon greets Jake with a nod. "We were just going over the inventory. It's getting tight."

Jake frowns, his mind clearly focused on the problem at hand. "We need to figure out a way to stretch what we have and find new suppliers. The last thing we need is a shortage right now."

Jay nods in agreement. "With the police cracking down, it's going to get harder to move product. We need to be careful."

Jake turns to you, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Any ideas?"

You hesitate for a moment, then speak up. "Maybe we could diversify our distribution methods. Use different channels to move the product and keep the police off our trail."

Sunghoon raises an eyebrow. "Not a bad idea. We could use some of our legitimate businesses as fronts."

Jake nods, a look of approval in his eyes. "That's a good start. We'll need to be smart and stay one step ahead."

Sunghoon clears his throat, looking hesitant. "I know it's bad timing, but..." He trails off, unsure of how to continue.

Jake sighs at his best friend. "Just spit it out, Sunghoon."

Sunghoon takes a deep breath. "The shipment of overseas ammunition we ordered has disappeared."

Jake is silent for a moment, then his voice is deadly calm. "How the fuck does a cargo freight carrying sixty thousand dollars worth of ammunition go missing?"

Sunghoon scrambles to explain. "It went missing a few minutes after leaving the harbor earlier today. We've been trying to find it, but so far, no luck."

Jake's anger is palpable, his fists clenching at his sides. You place a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him down. "Jake, you need to stay level headed."

He heeds your words, taking a deep breath before speaking again. "Keep me posted, Sunghoon. We need to find that shipment before tomorrow. It's meant for the Byun's, and Baekhyun isn't known for being a patient man."

Sunghoon and Jay nod, leaving to figure out the situation. As they walk away, you turn to Jake, noticing the tension in his shoulders. "Come on, let's go to your office. You need to relax."

Jake leads you into his office, closing the door behind him. You can see the stress etched into his features, the weight of the day's events bearing down on him. You guide him to sit behind his desk, leaning beside him against the table.

"You've had a rough day," you say softly. "Let me help you unwind."

Jake’s eyes darken as he looks at you from his seated positions “And how do you plan to do that?”

Jake knows very well that his question opens the door for something more, more room for exploring the more intimate parts of your relationship and for a second he thinks he may have jumped the gun. Though when you lift yourself from his desk, looking into his eyes with desire and need swirling in your irises, he gulps as he thinks he may not have made a mistake after all.

Jake swallows, looking into your expectant eyes as you look at him innocently, sparing a glance at his thighs; deliciously manspreading. You try to remain calm about it, taking a deep breath and going all in, tentatively bring your hands to his chest and hook one of your legs over him.

You bravely straddle Jake’s lap in a single moment, settling above his crotch as you peer at him with an unreadable expression.

Jake freezes, eyes wide as his hands naturally fall around your hips sitting on him, and he can’t help but grow weak at the innocent look in your eyes though your body is doing the contrary. He only watches as your eyes linger on his soft lips, his own hands canvasing up to grip your sides with an emotion he could only label as want, eyes filled with anticipation.

“I can fix it… like this.” You speak, hand sliding up to grab Jake’s jaw. You don’t pause to think, mind blank as you lean forward and press your mouth against Jake’s in a single second. Jake doesn’t even have time to feel surprised, in shock for an instant before he begins relishing in the familiar sensation of your lips, warm palms smoothing over your sides.

You slide closer to his body, feeling your chest push against his own as you deepen the kiss, slowly with a hint of lust that leaks into the way you began grinding your body against his, needing more. Jake gladly accepts that, opening his mouth to let his tongue roam your own.

He tongue swipes your bottom lip, loving the wet feeling and you open right up for his taking, all-consuming and head-spinning.

You sneak your hands up into his hair, tugging at the base lightly and Jake groans into your mouth. You become more impatient for friction, something to quell the arousal shooting through your veins, and so you begin moving yourself over his welcoming crotch. You feel him twitch underneath you, beginning to rock himself along with your smaller body, pushing his hips up into you.

Your mouths begin moving more harshly the more time passes, full on making out as you move more urgently against him. He catches your bottom lip between his teeth as he pulls away from you, tugging on the flesh as he breathes for much needed air, moaning as your foreheads find each other.

“Let me take care of you Jake.” You breathe hotly. “I’m yours, aren’t I?”

Jake instantly feels ignited, his cock jolting at just the feeling of you straddling him and he drags his tongue along the inside of his cheek, smirking.

The heat of Jake’s stare then turns dark as he says, “all mine.”

For some odd and unknown reason, Jake finds himself wanting to be the only one who gets to have you; maybe it’s because he’s never felt this way before, or has never felt so strongly about it. But it constantly eats at his brain, thinking of the possibility of other men that got to kiss you just like this, got to have you sit on their lap just like this before he came into the picture.

And he fucking hates it.

Though now that the proverbial line has been irreversibly crossed all Jake can feel in this moment is his sheer desire, his incessant, passionate desire for you and how it has been growing. Ever since the kiss from three weeks ago at lunch, his mind has been spiraling.

He wants to kiss you all the fucking time.

“I need to take you home, baby.”

You nod, that’s exactly what you want. “Please.” You whimper.

Jake is quick to help you to your feet and shift his pants around to hide his raging boner. He grabs you by the back of your elbow and leads you out of his office then the warehouse all together.

He walks you back to the car, his hand gently resting on your lower back. "Can’t wait to get you home," he all but moans.

As Jake starts the car and begins driving, the city lights blur past. You can feel the tension from the day's events slowly ebbing away only to be replaced by a different kind of tension.

He glances at you, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he starts, his tone borderline serious, "I've been thinking a lot about us lately."

You look at him, curious. "What do you mean?"

Jake takes a deep breath, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "I mean, I want more. I want us to be more than just a team…and if we’re going to fuck, I want us to be more than people who just sleep with each other."

Your heart skips a beat. "Jake, I..."

Before you can respond, the deafening sound of gunshots pierces the air. Jake's eyes widen as he swerves the car, narrowly avoiding the bullets that shatter the rear windshield.

"Get down!" Jake yells, pushing you down as low as you can go. He maneuvers the car through the empty streets of Seoul, trying to shake off the assailants.

You can hear the gunfire getting closer, the bullets pinging off the car. You're frozen in fear, the reality of the situation paralyzing you. Jake reaches over and pulls you down even further just as a bullet crashes through the window on your side, embedding itself in the backseat.

"Hold on!" Jake shouts. He hits the gas, the car lurching forward as he attempts to outmaneuver the shooters. The assailants' car pulls up alongside yours, and you can see the muzzle flashes as they fire again. Jake swerves violently in their direction, sending the other car careening off the road and into a ditch.

Jake slams on the brakes and pulls out a gun from the console, handing you a spare. "If anyone comes near the car, shoot them," he orders, his voice firm and unyielding.

You nod, gripping the gun tightly as Jake gets out of the car. You watch him approach the other vehicle, his movements calculated and purposeful. You can see his lips moving as he questions the driver and shooter, but you can't hear anything over the pounding of your heart in your ears.

Suddenly, Jake lifts his gun and fires, the shots echoing in the night. He stands there for a moment, looking down at the bodies before turning and heading back to the car.

Your anxiety is palpable, but not because of what you just witnessed Jake do. The realization that someone tried to kill you is overwhelming. Jake come back to the car, standing in front of your door, his expression unreadable.

"Hand me the burner phone from the glove compartment," he says calmly. You do as you're told, your hands trembling slightly.

Jake dials a number and waits for a moment. When someone answers, he simply says, "Crimson dove." Then he hangs up, wipes the phone clean, tosses it to the ground and stomps on it before getting into the car and speeds away from the scene, his focus entirely on getting you both to safety.

The remainder of the drive is silent, the tension settling once again, thick as ever. Gone is the sexual desire and want. Instead, in its place is anxiety and anger.

You can't shake the feeling of unease, the fear that still lingers from the attack. When you finally pull into an opening at the top of a hill leading to a tiny home, you spot Sunghoon and Jay standing at the front of the house, their expressions grim.

"What the hell is going on?" Sunghoon demands as Jake helps you out of the car.

Jake's jaw tightens. "Someone put out a hit on us," he says, his voice cold and controlled.

Jay looks shocked. "What the hell? Are you both okay?"

"We're fine," Jake replies. "But we need to act fast. Jay, I need you to go clean up the scene. The car is in a ditch on the outskirts of town."

Jay nods. "Got it. I'll call Sunoo to come and take care of your car."

"Good. Sunghoon, stay here with me. We need to figure out what's going on. First, the missing ammunition shipment, and now this. There’s no way they aren’t connected."

Sunghoon's expression hardens. "We'll get to the bottom of it."

Jake takes a deep breath, his hand still on the small of your back, a silent reassurance. "Let's go inside," he says, guiding you toward the house.

When you step inside Jake doesn't waste any time. He begins pacing the room, his mind clearly working through the details of the attack.

"Sunghoon," he starts, "we need to double-check our security. Make sure there are no leaks. I want a full sweep of our network."

Sunghoon nods, already pulling out his phone to make the necessary calls.

Jay returns, his expression tense. "The scene is being cleared as we speak. Sunoo is on his way to take care of the car."

"Good," Jake replies. "Now, let's focus on the ammunition shipment. I want to know who had access to it and who could have known about our movements."

You watch as Jake effortlessly takes control of the situation, his leadership and anger evident. Despite the chaos, you feel a sense of security knowing he's in charge. A complete change of heart compared to this morning at brunch, God that seems like forever ago now.

Hours pass as the men work tirelessly, making calls and gathering information. You stay close to Jake, offering support where you can. The fear from earlier lingers, but the resolve to find out who targeted you burns even stronger.

As the night wears on, Jake finally turns to you, his expression softening for the first time since the attack. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice filled with genuine concern.

You nod, managing a small smile. "I will be. As long as we're together."

Jake pulls you into a tight embrace, his arms strong and protective around you. "Together," he murmurs.

You nod against his chest, playing with the buttons on his dress shirt. You pull away when you hear footsteps approaching. It's Jay, looking serious as ever.

"Sunghoon and I are leaving now to follow up on some leads," Jay informs him, his tone brisk and professional.

Jake nods, his expression hardening again. "Good. Keep me updated on anything you find."

Jay gives a quick nod, and with a final glance at you, he turns and leaves with Sunghoon. The door closes behind them, and the house feels eerily quiet.

You follow Jake into the living room, the tension from earlier still lingering. Both of you sit on the couch, and Jake wraps his arms around you, pulling you close. You nestle into his embrace, finding comfort in his warmth.

After a moment of silence, you murmur, "Crimson dove."

Jake freezes at your words, his body tensing. You pull away slightly to look at him, curiosity and concern in your eyes. "What does it mean?"

Jake sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It's a secret code Heeseung and I came up with when we were younger. During the year I stayed with my dad, Heeseung and I were inseparable. Whenever our dad would get on my nerves and I felt my anger issues start to act up, Heeseung told me to just call out 'crimson dove,' and he'd come running to help calm me down."

He smiles bitterly, the memory clearly a mix of fondness and pain. "Heeseung used to be a good older brother to me."

You comfortingly pat his back. "Does it mean anything special?"

Jake laughs softly, shaking his head. "When I asked Heeseung why 'crimson dove,' he just shrugged and said because it sounded tough."

You laugh with him, the tension easing slightly. "Sounds like something Heeseung would say."

Jake's smile lingers for a moment before he continues. "I figured there would be some opposition once I took over and would need a safe phrase or word for when that trouble came knocking. 'Crimson dove' was the first thing that came to mind."

You look at him, your expression thoughtful. "And the safe house?"

Jake nods. "Jay found it. He decided it would be our meeting point if a 'crimson dove' situation ever happened. The three of us, now four including you, are the only ones who know about its existence. Jay and Sunghoon are my closest friends. Sunghoon was meant to keep a close eye on me while I was abroad, and Jay is the son of my father's right-hand man. He's the one who helped me find my role in this world. Jay, in a way, has become like an older brother to me."

You reach out, placing a hand on Jake's cheek. "I'm sorry Heeseung has changed."

Jake shrugs, leaning in to peck your lips. "It's not your fault."

You stare at each other in silence, the tension giving way to a different kind of intensity. The desire in his eyes mirrors your own. Slowly, you lean in and kiss Jake more passionately, your hands threading through his hair.

He responds immediately, his arms tightening around you as he deepens the kiss. The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of you in this moment. His touch is both gentle and demanding, a perfect reflection of the complex man he is.

Your hands explore the contours of his back, feeling the muscles tense under your touch. Jake's hands are just as busy, one tangled in your hair, the other tracing patterns down your spine.

As the kiss continues, you can feel the day's stress melting away, replaced by a fiery need. Jake pulls you even closer, if that’s possible, his lips never leaving yours. When you finally break apart for air, you're both breathing heavily, eyes locked in a heated gaze.

"I can't lose you," he whispers against your lips.

"You won't," you assure him, your voice equally breathless. "We're in this together, remember?"

Jake nods, his forehead resting against yours. "Together," he repeats, his voice filled with an emotion you can’t quite place.

The kiss resumes, this time even more fervent. Your body presses against his as his hands roam your back, exploring and memorizing every curve. The passion between you is undeniable, a testament to the bond you now share.

As the intensity builds, you pull back slightly, looking into his eyes. "Jake..."

He looks into your eyes, desperately searching them for any sign of discomfort.

“I want you.”

world of sinners v | 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 & lee heesung

❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: mafia!au, arranged marriage!au

❥ 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 7.0k

⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: dark themes, mentions of drugs, mentions of violence, vulgar language, mentions of death, forced marriage, corruption, consumption of alcohol, possessiveness, dirty talk, oral (f receiving), rough(?) sex, penetrative sex, vaginal sex, slight nipple play, praise, fingering (f receiving), dom!jake, sub!reader, unprotected sex.

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Jaeyun had done a fantastic job of choosing your attorney. Stella, a tall, slim woman with bright red hair in her late twenties, is sought out by rich business owners who often find themselves in legal trouble. Though she's only a few years older than you and relatively new to law, she exudes an air of high maintenance and smugness.

Stella takes her seat beside you, her smile unwavering, followed by the officers who had made a spectacle of arresting you in public for all of Korea to see. They settle across from you, letting a beat pass before they begin questioning you again.

"Mrs. Sim," the detective begins, his tone formal, "we need to ask you a few questions regarding your whereabouts during the time of the chief's death."

You swallow hard, glancing briefly at Stella, who gives you a reassuring nod and a cheerful wink. "I was at home with my husband," you reply steadily.

The officer who arrested you, Taehyun, leans forward slightly. "Can anyone else confirm that?"

You take a deep breath, trying to keep your voice calm. "Yes, our staff can confirm it. We were together all evening."

The detective scribbles something in his notebook. "Can you provide any more details about your evening? Any visitors? Any phone calls?"

You think back, trying to recall anything that might help. "We had dinner together. No visitors, no phone calls that I can remember."

Stella interjects, her voice bright and confident. "My client has already provided her alibi. Unless you have further evidence to suggest otherwise, we see no reason for this continued detention."

Officer Kang ignores Stella. “Mrs. Sim, you do understand that the evidence against you is pretty damning, right?”

You don’t say a word.

The detective and officer share a look. “The chief was last seen having lunch with you a week prior to his disappearance. Care to explain?”

Stella scoffs with a playful roll of her eyes. “What’s wrong with going out to eat with an associate? Haven’t you done it before, detective?”

Detective Choi tisks but disregards Stella’s comment. He places a sheet of paper on the table and twists it so you have a clear view. “You were the last person Chief Minho called,” he says, placing down two other call logs. “You also seemed to share multiple calls dating back to before you even announced your engagement to Sim Jaeyun.”

You frown. “Impossible,” you mutter as you look down at the call logs. Taehyun uses this as an opportunity to sink his claws into you.

“Impossible? Why do you say that?”

Stella places a hand on your shoulder and encourages you not to answer, but you’re too out of it to comply. “I mean, yeah, we’ve called each other a few times, but I can’t be the last person he called.”

Yeonjun hums. “Is that so?”

Stella hisses, “Do not engage with them, ____.”

You shrug her off. “The call logs have to be wrong, maybe even doctored. I remember this date,” you say as you point to it. “It was yesterday. My husband took me to the museum that day. I didn’t get a call from the chief, just a call from an unk—” You cut yourself off as you realize exactly who called you from the unknown number yesterday. “That son of a bitch!” you hiss. It was the chief. It makes sense. Whoever killed him did a hell of a job making sure all fingers would point back to you.

Yeonjun smirks and sinks back into his seat. “The museum, huh? Thought you were at home with your husband?”

You gape at the detective as you realize the hole you’ve dug yourself into. You and Jake spent that night at his safe house, there’s no CCTV of you ever making it back home from the museum. Seeing as these cops are hellbent on putting you away they can easily check the street camera to see when you made it home.

“They went to the museum in the morning and spent their afternoon at home. What are you getting at, Yeonjun?” Stella asks, her voice lilting with mock curiosity.

His eyes flicker to your defense attorney before he turns back to you. “Are you happy with your marriage, ____?”

Your body freezes at the question. Are you happy? You entered your engagement and marriage indifferently, angry at the world for where you had ended up. But things are different now. You’re falling in love with Jaeyun; he’s made you incredibly happy in these short few weeks. Maybe you’re beginning to become content with where you are now?

“What does my client’s marriage have to do with the murder charges against her?”

“The FBI has an ongoing case against your husband. I assume murder isn’t below him just as it isn’t below you. I suspect you were having an affair with the Chief, wanted to make things official, but he didn’t seeing as you were getting married. In a fit of rage, you killed him. Your husband, who’s madly in love with you, then proceeded to cover up your crimes.”

You feel a dull throb in your temple. You have no doubt you'll have a migraine by the time you leave this interrogation room.

“Stop badgering my client; this is all speculation.”

Detective Choi doesn’t stop. “We understand the chief owed your family money?”

You nod. “Yes.”

The bastard had upped his bribe fee once it was announced that Sungchan would be taking over but never followed up on his half of the deal. Sungchan had asked you what he should do two days before your wedding, but you told him you would take care of it and arranged to meet Minho the next night.

You’re willing to bet that the pictures they claim to have of the two of you out to lunch are probably of you two in a heated argument over when he would uphold his half of the deal. Either that or he’d pay back the money. Taehyun flips through pages of paper on his clipboard.

“That’s motive.”

You raise an eyebrow. Motive? “Stop stating false claims. I didn’t kill him.”

Taehyun ignores you. “Okay, I believe you. You weren’t having an affair, but you thought you could get an upper hand on your father who handed the company over to your brother when it should have been yours. You figured if you couldn’t have the company, you could at least get away with the money. You met with the chief for lunch to discuss a payment plan for what he owed your father, but when he refused to give you the money, you stormed to his home and killed him, then had your husband cover it up.”

You let out a dry laugh. They think you're envious of Sungchan? If anything, you pity your elder brother. You despise that company with your whole being. “You think I want the company? It can burn to the ground for all I care. As for the money, have you forgotten I married rich? Why would I need the four billion won your Chief stole from my family when my husband spoils me with extravagant gifts?”

Stella places a hand on your thigh. “That’s enough, ____,” she turns to the officer and detective. “As for you two, you’re both speculating and writing two very different narratives. My client didn’t kill the chief for money, nor did she do it because of a torrid affair. If you continue on, we’ll sue for harassment and defamation.”

The two share a look, and Detective Choi clears his throat. “Maybe we’re looking at this wrong, hm? Maybe it was accidental? You didn’t mean to kill him, did you? An argument transpired while you two were out for lunch. You felt wronged and went to his loft to speak to him, but he dismissed you. In a fit of rage, you pushed him, and he fell, hitting his head on the way down. Scared, you hid the body.”

Stella interjects in a harsh tone, “My client will not be answering that.”

You stare off into space, no longer knowing what to do. You’re truly at a loss. No matter what you say and no matter how many times you deny it, they will find a way to convict and sentence you for a crime you didn’t commit. Even in death, the bastard was still screwing you over.

“We have no further questions. Make sure you stay in Seoul and are reachable. I’m sure we’ll have more questions as more evidence turns up.”

Officer Kang and Detective Choi pack up their papers and bid you goodbye. You let out a sigh of relief and let your body sag. You were right about the migraine.

“Jake has requested we meet him for lunch to discuss a few details about your case. Let’s go,” Stella says as she packs up her briefcase, her tone still bright. You nod and follow behind her.

“____! Are you okay? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Jake asks as you come into his line of vision. He engulfs you in a hug and holds you tightly to his chest. Stella sidesteps you two and bounces over to the table, beaming.

“I’m starving! Can we eat now? I could eat a horse!” she exclaims with a giggle.

You blush and push Jake off of you before taking a seat across from Stella. Jake fixes his suit and sits beside you. “How was it? Do you really think they can convict her?”

Stella grabs a menu, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, they’ll try their best, but they’ve got nothing solid! I bet they’ll drag their feet until they find the murder weapon or some more witnesses. But don’t you worry, they’re going to have a hard time pinning it on you!” she says, winking.

She waves the waiter over and orders with enthusiasm, then turns to you and Jake with a dazzling smile, “What about you two? You’ve got to try the gnocchi here, it’s to die for!”

You look at her, stunned. You’re the leading suspect in a murder you didn’t commit; why is she so cheerful? You shake your head, “I don’t think I can stomach anything at the moment.”

Stella shrugs, “Suit yourself! More room for dessert then!” she says, laughing.

Jake places his hand on your thigh and gingerly rubs soothing circles, “I’ll have a glass of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and my wife will have a pot of chamomile tea.”

The waiter nods and takes down your drink orders before walking away.

“Forensics didn’t find any of your DNA on the chief's body or clothes, which is great news! But the detectives say they have a witness who claims to have seen you fleeing the chief’s home a few minutes after the alleged time of death,” Stella says, her eyes twinkling as if she’s sharing a juicy piece of gossip.

You stare at her wide-eyed, “What do you mean? I have an alibi for the night he was killed!”

Stella sighs dramatically, “It’s not the best alibi, honestly. The prosecution could easily poke holes in it. But don’t fret! We’ve got time to figure this out.” The waiter returns with your drinks, pouring your tea before leaving. “Be honest, are you guilty?”

Jake scowls, “What kind of question is that? Of course she isn’t.”

Stella sends him a sunny smile, “No need to get so angry. I just want to make sure there are no secrets between us. I’ll head down to the station tomorrow to see if I can find out who the witness is. I’ll keep you updated on any changes in your case.”

You nod and pick up your tea cup, blowing on the hot drink and taking a small sip. “I’m meeting a friend at the NFS later today. Right now the prosecution only has a case because of the doctor’s findings in Chief Minho’s autopsy. If we can come up with a different cause of death or estimated time of death, you could be exonerated,” Stella says, her voice full of excitement.

“Wait, the case is riding on one medical examiner's results? What if they were falsified?” Jake asks.

Stella nods eagerly, “Exactly! That’s why I’m meeting with my friend. He’s super meticulous with his autopsies. I’ll leave him a copy of the report and see what he has to say. If he comes up with different findings, we can easily get the charges dropped!”

The waiter returns and takes your food orders, leaving you in a momentary silence. The restaurant's ambiance is calming, but your mind is far from at ease. Stella, ever cheerful, breaks the silence.

"In the meantime, stay strong! The prosecution’s case is weak without concrete evidence, but we need to be prepared for anything,” she says brightly.

You nod absently, sipping your chamomile tea. Jake's hand remains on your thigh, his touch grounding you.

The food arrives, and though you have no appetite, you force yourself to take a few bites. Stella, on the other hand, eats with an unhurried elegance, her demeanor never faltering.

Once lunch is finished, Stella dabs her lips with a napkin and stands. "I'll head to the NFS now. Stay reachable. I'll contact you as soon as I have any updates!"

Jake rises to pay the bill, nodding to Stella. "Thank you, Stella. We appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Stella gives a curt nod and walks away with her briefcase in hand. Jake returns to you, helping you to your feet and guiding you out of the restaurant. The drive home is quiet, Jake occasionally glancing over at you, but you remain silent, lost in your thoughts. The weight of the accusations, the potential outcomes, and the sheer injustice of it all consume you.

When you arrive home, the quiet comfort of your surroundings does little to alleviate your anxiety. As soon as you step inside, you turn to Jake, your eyes pleading. You need a distraction, something to take your mind off the nightmare your life has become.

You step closer, hands trembling as you start to unbuckle his belt.

Jake's hands cover yours, stopping you. “____, not like this."

"Please, Jake," you whisper, your voice cracking with the weight of your desperation. "I need to focus on something other than what's going on. I need you."

Jake's resistance falters at the raw vulnerability in your eyes. He pulls you close, his lips finding yours in a kiss that starts gentle but quickly becomes urgent. You cling to him, needing his touch, his presence, to ground you.

His hands move to lift your hoodie, and you remove his shirt before guiding him to the bedroom. The need to lose yourself in him, to escape the crushing reality even for a moment, drives every action. You reach for his belt again, and this time he doesn't stop you.

"Are you sure?" he murmurs against your lips, his breath warm and reassuring.

You nod, your fingers deftly undoing the buckle. "I'm sure. I need this, Jake. I need you.”

The moment you step foot in Jake’s bedroom, you feel the temperature rise. Your clammy hands shake almost imperceptibly in his while Jake slowly pulls you closer towards his bed. Almost as if he can sense your nervousness, Jake’s eyes soften; his fingers lightly grip your chin and turn you up and towards him. He can see the anxiousness in your eyes and feel the way your body trembles near his.

“Hey, we don’t have to do this. We can just cuddle or something,” Jake says, his hands moving to trace your side. His touch is completely attentive, fingers slowly massaging your flesh through your clothing. Reflexively, your eyes flutter, a soft whine escaping your lips. His words cause your heart to clench, and you quickly shake your head, your hair following the movement. “No. I want this. I want you,” you whisper as you look earnestly into his eyes.

Steeling every single nerve you have, you gather yourself and run your hand down his sculpted chest and towards his clothed length. Jake lets out a pained moan as you begin palming him through his slacks. You can almost feel everything through his boxers. He’s still a little soft, but despite that, he feels huge under your palm.

“Ah,” Jake gasps. Then, as one of your fingers runs along the length of his shaft through his clothing, he hisses. Completely taken by how he feels, you find yourself slowly admiring his cock. You can’t see it yet, but it radiates heat through his clothing as it pulses under your touch, slowly hardening. He grows under your touch, slacks just barely tenting as you continue to palm him through the material of his clothing.

“Fuck… princess,” Jake breathes out, his face scrunched up in pleasure. You stare up at him, eyes scanning across his features as your hand slowly goes past the barrier and into his briefs. Your hand curls around his length before pumping up and down. When he lets out a pained groan, his eyes slowly shutting at your ministrations, you find your core clenching. Jake looks beautiful.

Jake suddenly pulls your hand away and shakes his head. “No, this is about you.” He unbuttons your jeans and slides them down your legs with your underwear.

“Come ‘ere,” Jake says, reaching out for you. He takes your hand within his before pulling you towards the bed. He takes a seat first and then slides his pants and boxers down, his hands then perch themselves on your hips, and he pulls you further between his thighs. Long, dexterous fingers trace along your hips and towards the hem of your top before sliding it up your torso, completely taking it off. He presses his face against your stomach, and you shiver when his lips run along the flesh, his breath fanning your stomach. Then, he’s guiding you to sit on his thighs.

“You’re so beautiful,” Jake says, looking up at you as his hand cups your jaw while his thumb runs over your swollen lips. His words cause your eyes to soften, and you cup his jaw with both your hands before kissing him tenderly. Jake’s eyes slip shut before deepening the kiss. You begin grinding against his thighs, your core completely soaked, aching with the need for him.

Feeling your hot pussy against his naked thigh, Jake slowly lifts you off of him before spinning around and laying you down on the bed. Jake braces himself over you as both his arms cage your body. His lips never leave yours, finding it almost impossible to pull away. Your tongues dance sensually, Jake’s caressing yours tenderly as he pours every ounce of his feelings into the kiss. The only reason you both finally pull away is due to the need for oxygen in both your lungs.

With a gasp, Jake breaks away, instead, peppering kisses along your jaw and down towards your neck. When his tongue scrapes against the outline of your clavicle you find yourself gasping. His teeth gently nibble your skin, pulling the flesh between his plush lips and sucking as he leaves marks on you. When he’s sufficiently marked you, he pulls away, admiring you. He places a soft kiss against the mark before angling his neck and kissing the underside of your jaw.

Jake shifts his body down so his face is just over your breasts. Brushing his lips over the hem of your bra, Jake’s mouth grazes your breasts just slightly. With a groan, you arch into his tender touch. He’s so gentle with you and even more tender with the way his lips ghost every inch of your chest.

“Jaeyun?” you ask, head tilting. Jake only hums in response, pressing a tender kiss to the top of your left breast before nuzzling into the soft skin.

“Aren’t you going to fuck me?” you ask, and Jake chuckles against your skin. He buries his face between your breasts, letting your breasts encompass his face as he kisses along your sternum, just above the hem of your bra.

“Mhm… gotta undress you first,” Jake replies. You blink before you feel his fingers gently trail along your side and under your back. Aiding him, you arch your back, letting him fumble around with the clasp for a few moments before he unlocks it and tosses it across his room.

Once stripped of all your clothes, Jake gently pushes you back down on the bed before he begins trailing his slim fingers along your wet folds. You buck your hips into him, you can feel your wetness sticking and unsticking to the lace of your panties with your movements.

“What do you want, princess? Use your words.” He encourages as you involuntarily clench at nothing. “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what you want.”

“I-I want your fingers,” you’re cut off by Jake pinching your pussy lips. You release a loud moan and jerk your hips into his hand, “a-and your mouth.”

“Anything for my princess” He says and then slips your panties down your legs, Jake trails his fingers up and down your slit, gently brushing against it. He pushes one of his long digits into your dripping heat. Your breath quickens as he begins pumping the curled finger in and out slowly. You bite down on your lip, hard enough to draw blood.

Jake sinks a second finger into you, you hiss. He pulls his fingers out causing you to whine, hips chasing his hand as you buck into the air. He grins at you before sucking his fingers, licking your arousal clean off of them. You clench at the sight.

He leans down and places kisses on your body until he comes to your navel. He parts your legs and groans at the sight. You blush at the way he stares down your wet pussy and try to close your legs but he glares at you and shakes his head, “don’t.”

He parts your thighs again and leans down between them and places a soft kiss against your clit. You cry out and thrust your hip into his face. He pushes his lips against your clit, his tongue flicking and licking your nub as he sinks his fingers back into your snatch.

Messily, Jake eats you out, his tongue lashes against your clit as he plunges his fingers in and out of you at a high speed. He gently bites your clit and sucks harshly making you spasm. “I’m gonna cum.” You warn.

“Cum for me. Cum on my fingers,” Jake says, drawing out your orgasm. Your walls clench and he lets out a little groan, You shut your eyes tightly as you come undone all over his fingers and face.

He helps you ride out your high before stepping away and moving up your body to kiss you again. “You’re so beautiful.” He mutters against your lips. He steps away for a quick moment to take his cock into his right hand and pumps it a few times. “How do you want it baby?”

“Doggy. I want you inside me. I need you to fill me with your cum.” You breathe out, your voice soft and submissive. You look at him timidly. Your lips are parted to release whimpers. “Can you please fuck me?”

Jake gulps at your words, he’s always heard that you were known for being blunt but never would he have expected that. Your words send a reaction straight to his cock which is painfully hard.

“Lay on your stomach,” he demands, pinning his dark eyes on you. “Now.”

You scramble to do as he says. You flip yourself so you’re laying down on your stomach and wait for him to touch you, your body heating up at the thought of having his dick inside you. You can hear him step closer to you and can feel his presence by your legs. A surprised gasp escapes your lips when he slides his arm under your stomach and lifts you up. He drags your body closer to the edge of the mattress so that you are bending over the bed but he doesn’t let go of you just yet.

He grabs a few pillows from the head of his bed and slides them under your hips, propping you up. You let out a little content sigh as he drops your body. You can feel the bed dip as he rests a knee beside your hip. You jolt forward when he spanks your ass with full force. You wait with baited breath as Jake squeezes your cheeks. You moan at the feeling of him fondling your bum.

“You have such a pretty ass.” He mutters in a low appreciative growl.

You blush but say nothing to the compliment. Jake decides to be merciful and stops fondling your ass. He positions himself at the back of your thighs and puts his weight very lightly on you. He uses his hands to pull your cheeks apart, spreading them to make sure you are well lubricated. When he sees how your womanhood is glistening with slick and cum he hums, “you’re so wet for me, princess.”

He shuffles up the bed a little bit and lets go of your ass. You feel his cock tap on your bottom. “Are you ready, love?”

You hum and wiggle your bottom. You let out a little mewl when you feel his tip tease your entrance. He rubs his cock up and down your slit to coat his tip with your slick. You both let out shaky breaths as he slips his thickness inside you, your tight walls milking his throbbing length. You whimper and mewl at the pleasure, your entire body heating up with want. Jake stays like this for a few moments to let you adjust to the feeling before he starts to slip in and out of you. His thrusts start to pick up speed, hitting the right spot each time, leaving you a moaning mess. He is grunting and breathing loudly behind you. The sound of his hips slapping against your bouncing ass is loud.

“You’re such a good girl, ____.” Jake grunts, slamming his cock deep and hard into your pussy. You let out a high pitched gasp at the feeling. The pleasure is so amazing that you push your ass out even more, directly pressing your ass on his hips. Jake hikes his other leg up next to you and leans down to lay his body on you. He slides his hands under your arms then he leans down to press a soft kiss on your nape. He lays a few kisses on your neck and flexes his muscles to hold him up better, he picks up his pace again and starts fucking you hard and fast. He groans into your ear and starts whispering dirty things into your ear. The faster he goes the closer you feel to your climax.

He brings his elbows closer together so that you are wedged tighter between his arms. “F…fuck, princess,” he whines, “I’m going to cum in you.” You hum and lift your ass.

“Please do.”

He fucks you deep and hard, each thrust filled with overflowing love and passion. Jake lets out a low growl into your ear and in one more powerful thrust, he fills you up with his warm sticky cum. But he’s relentless, he continues to fuck you through his climax. You whine and mewl, you feel so full with both his thick cock and cum shoved in you, in no time you feel your orgasm crashing through your body.

Jake continues to thrust in and out of you as you both ride out your highs. Once you’ve both calmed down he slides off of you and removes the pillows so your hips can touch the bed. He pulls you close to him and covers you both with his blanket.

You and Jake lay entwined in the bed, the warmth of his body a comforting presence against the chill of your fears. The room is silent except for the gentle rhythm of your breaths, and for a while, it feels as though the world outside your bedroom doesn’t exist.

Jake breaks the silence first, his voice a gentle murmur against your hair. “Are you okay now? Do you want to talk about it?”

You take a deep breath, considering his question. You’re not okay, not really, but talking might help. You turn to face him, your eyes meeting his gaze. “Yeah, I think I’m ready.”

Jake’s hold on you tightens slightly, offering silent support. You begin, telling him what Anton had told you about Sungchan’s call, about the preparations for you to leave Korea. Jake’s jaw tightens as you speak, a flash of anger in his eyes at the thought of someone trying to take you away from him. He pulls you closer, as if to shield you from even the idea of being taken away.

“I don’t want to suspect my own brother,” you continue, your voice trembling. “It doesn’t even make sense. But I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

Jake’s expression softens, but there’s a hard edge to his eyes. “I didn’t want to say this before, but I had Jay and Jungwon do some digging on the missing baggie boys. They caught one of the guys sneaking into our territory and got him to talk. He confessed that he was sent by Sungchan.”

The news hits you like a punch to the gut and your heart sinks at the revelation, a sense of betrayal twisting in your chest. "Sungchan?" you whisper, your voice barely audible. "My own brother?"

Jake nods, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't want to believe it either."

You sit up suddenly, a memory flooding back to you. "Oh my gosh," you gasp, your eyes wide with realization.

Jake sits up as well, worry etched across his features. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"The night of the dinner party, the one where you proposed. Sungchan promised me he would do whatever it took to get me back home. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now.." Your voice trails off, tears welling up in your eyes as the pieces start to fall into place.

Jake wraps his arms around you, his touch warm and grounding. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I can't believe he'd go this far."

But you’re already moving, slipping out of bed and hurriedly getting dressed. “I have to meet with Sungchan. I need to know the truth.”

Jake is out of bed in an instant, grabbing your arm gently but firmly. “No, it’s too dangerous. He’s already proven he’s willing to hurt you. He’s framing you for murder, for fuck’s sake.”

You shake your head, your resolve firm. “He’s my brother, Jake. He won’t hurt me. His goal isn’t to harm me, but to help me.”

“Things might have changed,” Jake argues, his grip tightening. “Especially if he’s the one who ordered the hit on us!”

You pull away, fear and impatience in your eyes. “I have to do this alone, Jake. Please, understand.”

Jake follows you as you head towards the door, desperation in his voice. “At least take Niki with you if you won’t take me.”

You stop for a moment, turning to face him. The pain in his eyes almost makes you reconsider, but you shake your head. “I need to do this alone, Jake. It’s the only way I’ll get answers.”

Without waiting for his response, you rush out of the house, grabbing your keys and heading to the car. Jake stands at the doorway, watching helplessly as you drive off, his worry and anger a palpable weight on his shoulders.

As you speed through the streets, your mind races with possibilities. Sungchan, your own brother, could be behind this entire mess. The thought tears at your heart, but you need to know the truth. You need to confront him and find out what’s really going on, no matter the cost.

You bang on the door to Sungchan’s apartment, anger, betrayal and fear all coursing through your body as you wait for him to respond.

“Fuck, wait a second.” You hear from the other side before the door is pulled open and you’re met with a disheveled looking Sungchan.

"____?" he says, his voice a mix of confusion and concern. "What are you doing here?"

You step closer to his face, your eyes locking onto his.

"We need to talk, Sungchan. Now."

He steps aside to let you in, closing the door behind you. "What's going on?" he asks, his voice wary.

"You've been behind all of this, haven't you?" you say, your voice trembling with anger and hurt. "The missing baggie boys, the attempt on my life, framing me for Chief Minho's murder?"

Sungchan's eyes widen in shock. "What are you talking about? I've been trying to protect you!"

"Protect me? By framing me for murder then sending me off to France?" you say, your voice rising. "How is that protection?"

"I didn't frame you for murder," he says, his voice honest. "I've been trying to find out who did. I called Anton to make preparations because I thought you were in danger, not because I wanted to take the fall!"

Sungchan's words hang in the air, a mix of desperation and sincerity. You feel a knot tightening in your stomach as you try to make sense of it all.

You take a step closer, your voice trembling.

"Sungchan, I need to understand. If you're not framing me, then who is?"

He sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. "I'm not the one framing you…but I did bribe Chief Minho."

Your eyes widen in shock. "You what?"

"I bribed the Chief to cause more chaos for Jake, to distract him," Sungchan admits, his voice low and filled with anger. "I thought if Jake was preoccupied, it would buy me enough time to make the preparations to get you out of the country."

You feel a mix of anger and betrayal. "You bribed him to create chaos? Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Sungchan looks away, guilt etched on his face. "I didn't call a hit on you, this is the first I'm even hearing about it. I would never go that far."

"Then who did?" you demand, your voice rising. "Who is trying to kill me and frame me for murder?"

"I don't know," Sungchan admits, his voice soft. "But I swear to you, it wasn't me."

The tension in the room is palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions. You search his eyes, looking for any sign of deception, but all you see is the brother you've always known, the brother who has always tried to protect you in his own misguided way.

"Why, Sungchan?" you ask, your voice breaking. "Why are you doing this?"

He takes a deep breath, his eyes swirling with sadness.

"Because I'm trying to save you, ____. This life you're living, it's not safe. I just wanted to give you a chance to escape, to go to Paris like you always dreamed."

“If you thought I was in danger, why didn’t you come to me directly?” you demand, your voice shaking. “Why all this secrecy?”

“Because you wouldn’t have listened!” Sungchan replies, frustration creeping into his tone. “You’re so wrapped up in your new life with Jake, you wouldn’t have believed me.”

You shake your head, trying to comprehend. “So you thought the best way to protect me was to have me forcibly taken away from my home, my husband?”

Sungchan’s eyes narrow. “Would it really be so bad? Leaving Jake behind and going to Paris? That’s all you ever wanted, right? To leave and go to Paris with Anton and Haru. I’m doing you a favor.”

You recoil at his words, a wave of disgust washing over you. “A favor? How is sending me away from my husband a favor?”

Sungchan’s expression hardens. “Jake isn’t a good person, ____. Don’t you remember? You begged me to get you out of the engagement.”

Your anger flares. “That was before I knew him! Jaeyun is a good person, Sungchan. You don’t know him.”

“Jaeyun?” He spits out, “you’re on a first name basis now? Fucking great. He’s worse than our father,” Sungchan snaps. “Has he brainwashed you already?”

You scoff, shaking your head in disbelief. “I know what he does, I’ve seen it firsthand. I live with the man! But he’s never hurt me, and he’s made it very clear that he never will. That’s more than I can say for our father.”

Sungchan’s expression falters at the mention of your father. Memories of the abuse you both suffered flicker in his eyes, and he seems to deflate a bit, the fight going out of him.

“Please, Sungchan,” you beg, your voice softening. “Stop this. I can take care of myself.”

Sungchan’s face hardens again, and he shakes his head. “If I could, I would. But it’s out of my hands.”

He moves to open the door, his expression closed off. “You need to leave.”

You stare at him, disbelief and hurt welling up inside you. “Sungchan, please…”

He doesn’t respond, only gestures for you to go. You feel tears prick at your eyes as you step outside, the door closing behind you with a finality that breaks your heart.

You stand on his doorstep, tears streaming down your face, the weight of the betrayal crashing down on you. After what feels like an eternity, you force yourself to move, getting into your car and driving back home to Jake.

The drive is a blur of tears and painful memories. By the time you pull into the driveway, you’re exhausted, emotionally and physically. You stumble into the house, Jake rushing to meet you as soon as he hears the door.

“____,” he says, his voice full of concern. “What happened?”

You collapse into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Jake holds you tightly, his hand soothingly running up and down your back. “It’s okay, I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his voice a calming presence.

“I don’t know what to do,” you cry, your words muffled against his chest. “Sungchan… he’s behind everything. He wanted to send me away. He thinks he’s protecting me.”

Jake pulls back slightly, looking into your eyes. “Tell me everything,” he says softly.

You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. “Sungchan isn’t working alone. He told me he wasn’t behind the hit and my framing. I know my brother, Jake. He wasn’t lying. He’s working with someone else, I can feel it.”

Jake’s brow furrows. “Why do you think that?”

“Because he knew too much,” you explain. “There’s a mole within your circle. The chief went missing before he could carry out what Sungchan had paid him for, so that means someone else has been feeding him information.”

Jake’s expression darkens, but he nods. “I expected as much. The only people we can trust are Jay and Sunghoon.”

Just then, Jake’s phone rings. He answers it and puts it on speaker. “Sunghoon, what’s up?”

“Jake, you and ____ need to get to the safe house. Now,” Sunghoon’s urgent voice comes through the line.

You and Jake exchange glances before you both head to his car and drive off to the location. The tension in the car is palpable, but you remain silent, trying to process everything.

When you arrive at the safe house, Sunghoon is waiting for you. “What’s going on?” Jake asks as soon as you step inside.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on Sungchan like you asked,” Sunghoon begins, glancing briefly at you. Jake side-eyes you, but you’re not mad. You nod in understanding.

“It’s only expected with how Sungchan has been behaving,” you say quietly.

Sunghoon continues, “I had Sunoo tail him. Sungchan has been meeting up with Yerin for months, starting six months ago.”

Jake furrows his brows. “What do you mean? He's been meeting my stepmother?”

Jay steps in, his expression awkward and tense. “He’s been meeting her at hotels and bars. Sungchan has been sleeping with your stepmother, Jake.”

Your stomach churns with disgust at your brother’s actions. Jake looks dumbfounded. “Is Yerin the one behind everything?” he asks, his voice tinged with disbelief and anger.

Sunghoon nods. “From what we’ve gathered, it seems Yerin is the brains behind the operation. She’s been using Sungchan and Heeseung as her goons to carry out acts on the ground. I have no doubt she’s behind the chief’s death and you being framed for it.”

Jake’s jaw tightens as he processes this information. “What does Heeseung have to do with this?”

Sunghoon sighs. “When he ran into ____ at the police station, it was to have the lieutenant call in a fake witness for the chief’s murder case. He’s part of the reason why the cops have a solid case against ____.”

Jake’s anger flares, his fists clenching. “What now?”

You stand more confidently, meeting Jake’s gaze. “Send me in.”

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

world of sinners vii | 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 & heesung

❥ 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: mafia!au, arranged marriage!au

❥ 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 10.8k

⟶ 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: dark themes, mentions of violence, vulgar language, mentions of death, forced marriage, possessiveness, mentions of pregnancy, slight talk about childhood trauma, lots and lots of kissing.

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The morning light filters softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as you begin to wake. The first thing you notice is Jake's arms securely wrapped around you, his body warm and comforting against yours. You shift slightly, your movement causing him to stir as well. His hold tightens, and he buries his face in the crook of your neck, pressing a soft kiss to your skin.

“Good morning,” he mumbles, his voice deep and raspy with sleep.

You smile, turning in his arms to face him. His eyes are still heavy with sleep, but there’s a soft, loving look in them as he gazes at you. “Good morning,” you reply, reaching up to brush a few stray strands of hair from his forehead.

Jake’s hand starts to trace slow, lazy circles on your back, his touch gentle and soothing. “It feels like a dream,” he says quietly, his voice tinged with awe. “Waking up like this… with you in my arms.”

You tilt your head up to look at him, your eyes meeting his. There’s so much love in his gaze, so much depth and emotion that it nearly takes your breath away. “We’ve come so far, haven’t we?” you whisper, reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from his face.

Jake nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. “We really have,” he agrees. “I can’t believe it. Everything we’ve been through… and now, here we are. Together.”

You both fall into a comfortable silence, letting the weight of those words sink in. You think back to everything you’ve faced together—the threats, the fears, the moments of doubt. But also the laughter, the joy, the way you’ve grown closer with every obstacle. It’s been a journey, and you know it’s far from over, but right now, in this quiet morning light, you feel like you’ve reached a milestone. A place of security and love that you never imagined could be possible.

Jake’s fingers brush along your jaw, tilting your face up toward his. “I wouldn’t trade any of it,” he says softly, his eyes locking onto yours. “Every moment, every struggle, it’s all been worth it to get to where we are now.”

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes, but they’re tears of happiness, of overwhelming love. “I wouldn’t either,” you whisper back, your voice thick with emotion. “I’m so grateful for you, Jake. For everything you do, for how much you love me. I never imagined I could feel this way.”

He tightens his hold on you, his arms wrapping around you like a protective shield. “You’re everything to me,” Jake whispers, his voice filled with emotion. “And I promise I’ll keep doing everything I can to make you happy.”

You lift your head to look at him, your heart swelling with love. “You already make me happy, Jake. Every single day. I don’t need anything else.”

He gazes at you, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings. “You deserve the world,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I’m going to spend the rest of my life giving it to you.”

Your breath catches in your throat at his words, and you feel tears prick at the corners of your eyes. You lean down, pressing your forehead against his. “I love you,” you whisper, your voice thick with emotion. “So much.”

Jake’s hand cups your cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that escapes. “I love you too,” he replies, his voice equally soft. He pulls you down for a kiss, and you can feel the love and tenderness in every movement of his lips.

The kiss is slow and unhurried, filled with all the emotions you’ve both been feeling. His hand trails down your back, and you shiver at the sensation. As the kiss deepens, you feel a warmth spreading through your body, a familiar heat building between you.

Jake’s lips move to your jawline, trailing soft kisses down to your neck. He nips at your skin gently, and you let out a quiet gasp, your hands gripping his shoulders. “Jake,” you murmur, your voice a mix of longing and affection.

He hums against your skin, his hands wandering lower. “Hmm?” he responds, his voice deep and filled with desire. “Just let me take care of you…”

You’re about to reply when the sound of your phone vibrating on the nightstand breaks through the haze of warmth and affection. Jake groans in frustration, his lips still pressed against your neck. “Ignore it,” he mumbles, his voice slightly muffled as he continues his kisses.

You let out a soft laugh, gently pushing against his chest. “Jake, we can’t just ignore it,” you say, though there’s a playful note in your voice. You reach over to grab your phone, but he catches your wrist, his eyes dark with desire as he tries to pull you back to him.

“Come on,” he whispers, leaning in to capture your lips again. “It’s probably nothing important.”

You manage to twist in his grasp and grab the phone, glancing at the screen. Your eyes widen slightly when you see the caller ID. “It’s Yerin,” you say, holding up the phone.

Jake pauses, a small frown forming on his lips. “Yerin?” he echoes, his brow furrowing slightly. He finally releases his hold on you, letting out a sigh of resignation. “Why is she calling?”

You swallow the unease rising in your throat and answer the call, pressing the phone to your ear. “Hello?” you say, your voice edged with caution. “Yerin?”

“Good morning,” Yerin’s voice comes through, smooth and detached. There’s no warmth in her tone, just a cold, measured cadence. “I trust I’m not interrupting anything important.”

You glance at Jake, who is watching you with a mix of tension and curiosity. “No, not at all,” you reply, forcing yourself to remain steady. “I just wasn’t expecting to hear from you. Is everything alright?”

There’s a pause on the other end, the kind that makes you feel as though she’s assessing you, weighing every word. “Everything is fine,” Yerin says eventually, though her tone suggests otherwise. “I thought it appropriate to check in. How is the pregnancy progressing?”

Your heart skips a beat. You had hoped the pregnancy story you spun would be enough to keep Yerin at a distance, but it seems to have had the opposite effect. Quickly, you compose yourself, leaning into the narrative you’ve woven. “It’s… progressing,” you say, allowing a faint sigh to escape your lips. “The morning sickness has been rough—worse than I expected. I’ve barely been able to keep anything down.”

Yerin’s silence stretches, thick and oppressive, before she speaks again, her voice laced with a subtle edge. “I see. I’m sure Jake has been doing his part, taking care of you. He’s always had a way of getting too involved in matters.”

You bristle at her thinly veiled jab but keep your tone light. “He’s been wonderful, really. I’m lucky to have him.” You emphasize the last part, hoping to deflect some of her bitterness.

A cold hum is the only response you receive, the sound low and calculating. “Indeed. Well, I’ll be arriving shortly for brunch. I expect to be there within the hour.”

Your heart stops momentarily, shock rippling through you. “You’re coming over?” You try to keep your voice even, but the surprise seeps through.

“Yes,” Yerin replies, her tone indicating that it’s not up for debate. “I assume that won’t be a problem? I’d hate to disrupt your ‘rest,’ but it’s important that we have a conversation.”

You scramble to regain composure, forcing a polite tone. “Of course. I just… wasn’t expecting company. I’ll do my best to get ready.”

“You should rest,” Yerin counters, a hint of mock concern in her voice. “I won’t be long. We’ll talk, and then you can go back to taking care of yourself.”

“Right,” you say, feeling cornered. “I’ll see you soon, then.”

“Good,” she says, her tone clipped and final. “I’ll be there shortly.”

The line goes dead, and you slowly lower the phone, still trying to process the conversation. Jake’s eyes are fixed on you, concern deepening as he reads the confusion and unease on your face. He reaches out, his hand finding yours, and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

“What did she say?” he asks gently, his voice low as if not to startle you.

You blink, coming back to the present moment. “She’s coming over,” you say, the words feeling strange on your tongue. “She wants to have brunch and… talk.”

“Talk?” Jake echoes, his brows knitting together. “About what?”

You shake your head, frustration and confusion bubbling up inside you. “I don’t know, she didn’t say. Just that she wouldn’t stay long.” You pause, biting your lip as a thought occurs to you. “Do you think she’s caught on? About the bugs we had Jungwon plant?”

Jake’s expression hardens, the playful warmth from earlier vanishing as he considers the possibility. “I don’t think so,” he says after a moment. “If she had, I doubt she’d just show up for a chat. But I’ll check in with Jungwon, just to be sure.”

You nod, feeling a little better at his reassurance, but the anxiety still simmers beneath the surface. Jake gives your hand another squeeze before releasing it, his voice softening as he says, “Come on, let’s get ready. We’ll figure this out.”

You manage a small smile and follow him as he leads you toward the bathroom. The tension in your shoulders starts to ease as you settle into the familiar routine of getting ready together. Jake’s presence is a comfort, his calm demeanor helping to ground you.

As you both stand side by side at the sink, Jake hands you your toothbrush with a small, playful grin. “Think she’ll be impressed by our synchronized brushing?”

You let out a soft laugh, the sound easing some of the tension in the room. “She’ll probably criticize our technique.”

“Let her,” Jake replies, his tone teasing. “We’ll dazzle her with our perfect coordination.”

You can’t help but smile as you start brushing your teeth together, the mundane act surprisingly comforting in the midst of the morning’s uncertainty. Jake catches your eye in the mirror, giving you a small wink that makes you laugh again.

After brushing your teeth, Jake moves to the shower, turning on the water and testing the temperature. He looks back at you with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Care to join me?”

You raise an eyebrow, feigning skepticism. “Are you trying to distract me, Mr. Sim?”

“Absolutely Mrs. Sim,” he says without missing a beat, reaching for your hand to pull you into the shower. “And I’ll do a good job of it, too.”

You can’t argue with that, and soon the warm water is cascading over both of you, washing away the last of your lingering tension. Jake is gentle, his touch soft and comforting as he washes your body. It’s moments like this that remind you just how much he cares, how much he wants to protect you from anything that might cause you stress.

“Thank you,” you whisper as he rinses your body.

“For what?” he asks, his voice low as he leans in to press a kiss to your temple.

“For always knowing what I need,” you reply, turning to look at him. “Even when I don’t know it myself.”

Jake smiles, a soft, loving expression that makes your heart swell. “I’m just doing what I can to take care of you,” he says, his thumb brushing over your cheek. “You’re the most important thing in my life.”

The shower becomes a tender exchange of affection, each touch, each kiss filled with unspoken words of love and support. By the time you step out, your earlier anxieties have been replaced by a warm sense of security. You both take your time drying off, the simple act of helping each other with towels becoming another quiet expression of your bond.

Jake, ever the thoughtful partner, starts rummaging through his side of the closet as you begin your skincare routine. You catch him glancing over at you, a contemplative look on his face.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” you ask with a smile as you apply moisturizer.

Jake grins, holding up one of his oversized hoodies. “I was thinking… Can I dress you today?”

You burst out laughing, the idea of Jake playing stylist both endearing and amusing. “You want to dress me?” you repeat, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” he says, his tone serious but playful. “You’re ‘pregnant’, right? Comfort over anything else.”

You shake your head, still laughing but touched by his suggestion. “Yerin’s going to have something to say about me wearing your clothes instead of dressing up.”

“She’ll have something to say no matter what,” Jake counters, stepping closer and holding the hoodie out to you. “Besides, I think you look beautiful in my clothes.”

You pretend to think about it, but the truth is, you’re already sold on the idea. There’s something incredibly intimate about wearing his clothes, especially when you know it’s for his comfort as much as yours. “Alright,” you say, taking the hoodie from him. “But if she makes a snide comment, I’m blaming you.”

Jake chuckles, leaning in to kiss your cheek. “Deal.”

You slip on the hoodie, the soft fabric enveloping you in warmth, and you can’t help but smile at how it practically swallows you whole. It’s cozy, and despite the situation, it makes you feel safe. Jake watches you with a satisfied grin, clearly pleased with his choice.

As you finish getting dressed, the two of you hear a soft knock on the door, signaling that Yerin has arrived. Your heart skips a beat, but Jake is quick to grab your hand, squeezing it gently. “Ready?” he asks, his voice steady.

“As I’ll ever be,” you reply, taking a deep breath as you head downstairs with Jake by your side.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you see one of the housekeepers opening the front door for Yerin. She steps inside with the air of someone who expects the world to bend to her will. Her posture is as straight and poised as ever, her eyes as sharp as knives as they sweep across the foyer, taking in every detail. The moment her gaze lands on you, her eyes narrow slightly, lingering on your oversized hoodie. But before she can comment, you notice something unusual: a decent sized chest in her hand, intricately carved and clearly old. Your heart skips a beat, but you force yourself to remain composed, deciding not to ask about it just yet.

Jake steps forward, his tone polite but wary. “Mother,” he greets, gently guiding you to stand beside him. “Thank you for coming.”

Yerin’s smile is a little too perfect, her demeanor uncharacteristically warm. “Jake,” she responds, her voice honeyed. “It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.” She glances around the house with an approving nod, then turns her attention back to Jake. “You’ve got a lovely home here.”

Jake raises an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by her sudden amiability. “Thank you,” he replies cautiously. He exchanges a quick glance with you, as if trying to gauge your reaction to this new, unsettling version of his stepmother.

Yerin doesn’t miss a beat. “And you, my dear,” she says, turning to you with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Pregnancy seems to agree with you. You’re positively glowing.”

You offer a polite smile in return, the unease bubbling beneath the surface. Yerin has never been one to dole out compliments, especially not to you. “Thank you,” you manage, feeling the need to tread carefully.

Yerin continues, making an effort at small talk, something she rarely does. “Jake, how’s the business going? I hear we’re expected to receive a five percent bump in the next quarter.”

Jake nods, clearly suspicious but unwilling to show it. “Yes, we’ve been doing well,” he replies. “The team’s been working hard.”

She nods approvingly, as if she’s genuinely interested, but there’s something about her tone that feels calculated. “That’s good to hear,” she says. “Your father is proud.”

Jake’s grip on your hand tightens slightly, a subtle sign that he’s not entirely buying her act. “Thank you, Mother,” he says, his voice carefully neutral.

Yerin then turns to you with that same unsettling smile. “I’d like to spend some time with you, dear. One-on-one, if you don’t mind,” she says, her tone light, almost too casual. “It’s important for us to get to know each other better.”

You feel Jake stiffen beside you, his protective instincts flaring. “I’d prefer to stay,” he interjects. “The pregnancy has been taking a toll, and I’d feel better if I were here.”

Yerin’s smile doesn’t waver, but there’s a hint of something sharper in her eyes now. “Jake, I gave birth to Heeseung,” she says, her voice calm but firm. “I’m more than capable of looking after her. Besides, it’s only right that she and I have some time to talk, don’t you think?”

Jake hesitates, clearly torn. You can sense his reluctance, his unwillingness to leave you alone with her. But he knows better than to push back too hard, especially when Yerin is being this... diplomatic. With a sigh, he relents. “Alright,” he agrees, though his tone betrays his dismay. He turns to you, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “I’ll be in the study if you need anything,” he says softly, his eyes conveying a silent promise to return if things go awry.

You watch him go, feeling a knot of unease tighten in your stomach. Yerin’s sudden shift in demeanor is unsettling, and you can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to her visit than she’s letting on. Once Jake is out of sight, you turn to Yerin, trying to mask your discomfort.

“Shall we?” you say, gesturing toward the kitchen, forcing a smile.

Yerin follows you, her eyes still roaming the house as if she’s evaluating it, judging it. Once in the kitchen, you move to put on a pot of tea, trying to steady your hands as you do so. The silence between you is thick, almost suffocating, but before it can stretch too long, Yerin surprises you again by attempting to make conversation.

“How have you been feeling?” she asks, her tone carefully measured. “Pregnancy can be such a trying time, especially in the early months.”

You glance at her, wary but trying not to show it. “I’ve been managing,” you reply, keeping your tone neutral. “There are good days and bad days, but Jake’s been very supportive.”

Yerin nods, as if this is exactly what she expected to hear. “That’s good. You’re lucky to have him by your side. He’s always been such a strong, reliable boy,” she says, and for a moment, you wonder if she’s actually sincere. But there’s an edge to her voice that makes you doubt it.

As you wait for the water to boil, Yerin’s eyes land on a canvas propped against the far wall, one of your unfinished paintings. “I see you’re still working on your art,” she comments, her voice casual, almost offhand. “I heard Jaeyun is opening up an art sector for your works.”

You blink, taken aback by the fact that she even remembers your interest in the fine arts. Yerin has never shown the slightest interest in you let alone your artwork before. “Yes, I am and he is,” you say slowly, unsure of where this is going.

Yerin tilts her head slightly, as if considering something. “It must be challenging to find the time now, with the baby on the way and all. But it’s good that you’re still pursuing your passions.”

You nod, feeling more and more unsettled by the second. “It helps to keep me sane” you admit, wondering if there’s an ulterior motive behind her sudden interest.

The kettle whistles, cutting through the tension like a knife. You busy yourself with preparing the tea, grateful for the distraction. As you pour the steaming liquid into two delicate cups, you can’t help but wonder what game Yerin is playing. Her demeanor is too pleasant, too... nice. And Yerin is never nice without a reason.

Once the tea is ready, you bring the cups to the table, setting one in front of Yerin and one for yourself. She takes a sip, her eyes never leaving you, and you feel like a specimen under a microscope.

Finally, Yerin sets her cup down and reaches for the small chest she had been holding earlier. Without a word, she slides it across the table toward you, her expression unreadable.

You slowly put down your own cup, your heart pounding in your chest. “What is this for?” you ask, your voice carefully neutral.

Yerin’s smile is still in place, but there’s something almost predatory in her eyes now. “It’s a chest filled with things Jake’s mother left behind for him,” she explains, her tone soft, almost too soft. “It was meant to be given to him once he got married.”

The revelation takes you completely by surprise. You blink, trying to process the information. “Why are you giving this to me?” you ask, suspicion creeping into your voice.

Yerin sighs, as if the answer should be obvious. “We were instructed to give it to Jake once he was married, but his father thought it would be a hindrance, make him weak, so he decided to hide it away. I thought it would be a nice surprise for the two of you, especially now that you’re expecting. It’s only appropriate.”

You hesitate, your mind racing. This is the last thing you expected from Yerin, and you’re not sure how to react. The chest likely contains items that will mean the world to Jake, perhaps the last things his mother left behind before she was killed. The weight of the decision presses down on you—should you open it now, or wait for Jake? But curiosity wins out, and with trembling hands, you unlatch the chest and lift the lid.

Inside, you find letters upon letters, baby clothes and shoes that must have belonged to Jake, and pictures of Jake and his mother when he was younger. Your heart aches as you take in the contents, your eyes skimming a letter addressed to “the one my son chooses.” Though it doesn’t explicitly bear your name, the intent is clear. You’re absolutely shocked, unable to hide your emotions as you think about how much joy this will bring Jake.

“Thank you,” you manage to say, your voice thick with emotion.

Yerin hums in response, taking another sip of her tea as she examines you, her eyes narrowing slightly. There’s something about her gaze that makes your skin prickle, as if she’s sizing you up, waiting for something. The air is thick with tension, and you can’t shake the feeling that Yerin’s pleasant demeanor is just a facade.

Then, with a delicate clink, she sets her teacup down and leans back in her chair, her smile fading. The air around her seems to chill, the warmth draining from her expression.

“Let’s drop the coy act, shall we?” she says, her voice smooth as silk, but laced with something cold and dangerous. The shift is so sudden, so jarring, that it takes you a moment to process. All at once, the real Yerin.

You can’t help but scoff lightly at her sudden change in tone, but you don’t back down. Instead, you sit up straighter in your chair, meeting her gaze head-on. "I’m sure you know why I’m here," she continues, her voice smooth and full of confidence.

You tilt your head slightly, genuinely puzzled. "Whatever do you mean?" you ask, keeping your tone even. You have a feeling that she’s here to ask for something, or perhaps she’s aware that you and Jake are on to her, but you’re not about to give away anything just yet.

Yerin’s lips curl into a smirk, a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. "I’m not stupid. I know you’re on to me," she says, her voice dripping with condescension.

Her words catch you off guard, but you force yourself not to react. Internally, your mind is racing. How much does she know? Should you admit it, or continue playing dumb? The weight of the decision presses on you, but after a moment, you decide that the truth might be the best leverage you have right now. She’s clearly here with an agenda, and perhaps you can use that to your advantage.

“…Yes. I am,” you admit, your voice firm, locking eyes with her to convey that you’re not afraid.

Yerin doesn’t miss a beat. “Good,” she says, her tone as smooth as silk. “Then I’ll get straight to the point. I want you to join me.”

You scoff again, leaning back in your seat and crossing your arms over your chest. “Join you?” you echo, incredulous. “Have you forgotten the hit you put on me?”

Yerin waves her hand dismissively, “That wasn’t me,” she says casually, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Her response throws you off balance. You stare at her, confused. “What do you mean it wasn’t you?” you ask, suspicion and disbelief mingling in your voice. Of all the people who would benefit from your elimination, Yerin seemed like the most obvious culprit.

Yerin’s expression turns cold, her eyes narrowing. “The hit wasn’t meant for you,” she explains, her tone clipped. “It was meant for Jaeyun.”

Your breath catches in your throat as you process her words. “But why would—”

“Heeseung,” Yerin interrupts, her voice laced with disdain. “He was impulsive, reckless. He disregarded my direct orders to sit tight and decided to take matters into his own hands. The fool thought he could eliminate Jaeyun and make his move, despite knowing how dangerous that would be.”

You mull over her words, the pieces slowly falling into place. It does make sense—Heeseung has always been ambitious, desperate to prove himself, but his impatience has always been his downfall. You remember Jake telling you about how Heeseung was constantly trying to one-up him during the time the throne was up for grabs. But it’s one thing to suspect Heeseung of being reckless; it’s another to hear it confirmed by Yerin herself.

“And what about the second hit?” you ask, your voice hardening. “The one meant for me and my baby?”

Yerin smirks, her eyes gleaming with something dark. “Water under the bridge?” she suggests, her tone light, almost playful, as if the attempt on your life were some trivial matter.

You’re completely unamused by her response, your expression turning stony. Yerin sighs, as if disappointed that you didn’t find her little joke funny. “I underestimated you,” she admits, her tone begrudgingly respectful. “You’ve proven to be a worthy opponent.”

You don’t comment on her backhanded compliment, your mind racing with all the implications of what she’s revealed. Instead, you decide to hit her where it hurts. “Jaehee will kill you when he finds out what you’ve done,” you say coldly, knowing full well the truth of your words.

But Yerin doesn’t flinch. In fact, she looks like she was counting on this response. “You won’t say anything,” she counters smoothly, her voice dripping with certainty. “Because that would mean admitting that Sungchan slept with me. And we both know Jaehee would definitely kill him if he found out.”

Her words hang in the air, a challenge laid bare between the two of you. For a moment, she seems to think she’s won, that she’s backed you into a corner. But you’ve already anticipated this. You know the stakes, and you know how much Yerin is underestimating you right now.

“My brother made his bed,” you say, your tone icy, your expression unwavering. “He should lie in it.”

Your response visibly rocks Yerin. You can see the brief flicker of shock in her eyes, the way her composed facade cracks for just a moment. She thought Sungchan would be the one thing she could hold over your head, the one leverage she could use to control you. But now, she realizes she’s severely misjudged you.

It takes her only a second to recover, masking her shock with a cold smile. “Ruthless,” she remarks, her tone almost admiring. “That’s what I need. Not someone weak or impulsive like the men surrounding us.”

You shake your head, not buying into her attempt to flatter you. “What about Heeseung?” you ask pointedly. “Aren’t you doing all of this so he can take over?”

Yerin sighs, taking a deliberate sip of her tea before responding. “That was the original plan,” she admits, her voice tinged with disappointment. “But Heeseung has proven himself to be reckless and a liability. I need someone who’s calculated, trustworthy, and seen as an underdog—someone like me to work in the background alongside him.”

You nod, understanding where she’s coming from, but you’re not convinced. “And Jake?” you press, needing to know where her loyalties truly lie.

Yerin’s lips curl into a knowing smile. “I don’t need Jake,” she says, her tone matter-of-fact. “And neither do you. In this game, Jake may be the king, but the king is nothing without the queen. And I know you’re the one who’s been controlling Jake, guiding his moves. Why let all that power go to waste over a man?”

Her words cut deep and send a chill down your spine, Heeseung said the exact same to you the night of your wedding. You don’t let it show how much the words have rocked you, instead, you sit there, processing everything she’s said. Before you can respond, Yerin stands, her movements graceful and deliberate. She’s ready to leave, the conversation clearly over in her mind. But as she turns to go, she tosses her phone onto the table, her eyes gleaming with dark amusement.

“Oh, and the next time you decide to tap my phone, do make sure it’s untraceable,” she says, her voice laced with condescension.

Your heart skips a beat, but you keep your expression neutral, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing you react. Yerin smirks, clearly pleased with herself, and then she turns on her heel and strides out of the kitchen, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

You watch her go. Yerin’s proposal hangs in the air, a disturbing truth to where her allegiance lies, with herself. She truly is just as ruthless as you thought her to be but more than that, you’re left with the knowledge that this battle is far from over. Yerin is playing a dangerous game, and if you’re going to survive, you’ll have to be just as ruthless as she is.

The door clicks shut behind her, and you’re left in the heavy silence of the kitchen, Yerin’s phone still lying on the table like a taunt. You glance at it, your mind already working through the possibilities. You knew Yerin was dangerous, but now you’re certain—this is a war, and you’ll have to play every card right if you want to come out on top.

The sound of footsteps approaching pulls you from your thoughts, and a moment later, Jake steps into the kitchen. His eyes immediately go to the phone on the table before they shift to you, concern etched on his face.

“What happened?”

You take a deep breath, still processing the encounter. “Yerin tried to recruit me,” you say, the words sounding surreal even as they leave your lips.

Jake’s eyes widen in shock. “Recruit you?” He can’t hide his disbelief. “Does she know we’re onto her?”

You nod slowly, your thoughts already two steps ahead. “Yes. She knows. She also knows about the tap we had Jungwon put on her phone.”

Jake’s expression shifts from shock to something more focused, more dangerous. “But why would she want to recruit you? Isn’t this all for Heeseung?”

Shaking your head, you reply, “I don’t think so. She said Heeseung is impulsive, I doubt she’d willingly hand everything to him now.”

Jake pauses, his mind clearly racing as he tries to piece together the puzzle. “You don’t think…” His voice trails off, his thoughts moving faster than he can articulate them.

“What are you thinking?” you prompt, watching as the realization begins to dawn on him.

“Yerin is always ten steps ahead,” Jake says slowly, his tone filled with a dawning horror. “She wouldn’t offer you this position unless she was planning on getting rid of Heeseung completely.”

Then it clicks, the horrifying truth settling over both of you like a shroud. “She’s going to kill him,” you say, your voice low. “And take all the power for herself. This was a distraction! She’s counting on us trying to figure out her motive so she can eliminate the last obstacles in her path!”

Jake’s face hardens with resolve. “We need to call Heeseung,” he says. “He’s probably next on her hit list.”

Without another word, Jake pulls out his phone and hurries out of the room to make the call. The urgency in his movements mirrors the urgency you feel in your chest. But as Jake’s footsteps fade, your gaze drifts back to the chest Yerin had brought earlier. The memories inside are precious, and you don’t want Jake’s attention to be divided. He deserves to have all the time in the world to reminisce about his mother’s keepsakes without the looming threat of Yerin overshadowing everything.

Carefully, you pick up the chest and carry it to your bedroom. Finding a safe spot in the closet, you tuck it away where it won’t be disturbed. For now, it’s best if Jake’s focus remains solely on the danger at hand. You’ll revisit it when the time is right—when Jake can afford to let his guard down.

Returning downstairs, you find Jake in the sitting room, pacing anxiously. The phone is still in his hand, and he’s tapping it nervously against his thigh. The silence between you is heavy, laden with the knowledge of what’s about to happen.

The doorbell rings, cutting through the tension like a knife. Jake moves to answer it, and a moment later, Heeseung strides into the room. He’s as confident as ever, a smug grin playing on his lips as he looks between you and Jake.

“What’s going on?” Heeseung asks, his voice dripping with amusement as he looks between you and Jake. His demeanor is as smug as ever, and you can tell he isn’t aware of the situation.

Heeseung smirks as he saunters into the room, making a show of looking around. “I see you’re still playing house,” he says, his tone condescending. He then turns his gaze to you, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “So, how did you enjoy your stay in jail? I hear the accommodations aren’t exactly five-star.”

You bite back a retort, forcing yourself to remain calm. Jake, however, seems less inclined to humor his brother’s arrogance.

“Heeseung, this isn’t a joke,” Jake says firmly, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. “We know what you and Yerin are up to. We know about Sungchan, the shipments, the hits. All of it.”

For a moment, Heeseung’s smug expression falters, but he quickly recovers, letting out a scoff. “And what exactly do you plan to do with that information? Turn me in? Or maybe you’d rather end things now and hand over the family business?”

Before Jake can respond, you step forward, your patience wearing thin. “Yerin is going to kill you,” you state bluntly, cutting through the tension with cold precision.

Heeseung stares at you for a moment, and then bursts into laughter, a genuine, deep laugh that echoes through the room. “Kill me? You’re delusional. Why would my own mother kill me?”

Jake remains silent, his eyes narrowing as he watches his brother. When the laughter finally dies down, Jake speaks, his tone steady. “Yerin is doing this for herself, and for power. It was never going to be fully yours.”

Heeseung’s smile falters, just a little. “What are you saying?”

Jake takes a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “Yerin offered, ____ your position,” he nods toward you, “just a few minutes ago.”

The smile drops from Heeseung’s face entirely, replaced by something more calculating, more dangerous. “Fuck,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair. The reality of the situation is sinking in, and for the first time, Heeseung looks truly shaken.

“What now?” he asks, the bravado gone from his voice, replaced by a genuine uncertainty.

Jake looks back, his hand finding its way to yours and entwines them, grounding both of you. “You can have it,” Jake says quietly. “If you want it, I’ll give it to you. You just have to promise me that nothing will happen to my family. Nothing can happen to her.”

Before you can say anything, Heeseung cuts in, disbelief coloring his words. “You’re serious? You’re willing to give up all this power and respect…for your wife?”

Jake fully turns to you, his expression softening as he smiles. Leaning in, he kisses you softly, a gentle brush of lips that conveys more love and certainty than words ever could. “I have everything I could ever need,” he says, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

The sincerity in his tone, the warmth in his eyes—everything about this moment touches you deeply. Heeseung sees it too, and for a moment, the cold, calculating demeanor fades, replaced by the brother Jake grew up with—the one who was kind, who had dreams beyond the family business.

Heeseung sighs, the fight leaving him. “Alright,” he says, his voice resigned but tinged with something softer. “I’ll turn on her. I’ll make sure nothing happens to your family.”

Jake nods, his relief evident as he pulls out his phone again. “I’ll make the calls,” he says, walking into the sitting room. He dials his father’s number first, asking him to come over immediately, his tone leaving no room for argument. Once he’s done, he calls Jay, instructing him to keep an eye on Yerin, to make sure she doesn’t try to pull anything before they can set the plan in motion.

As Jake moves to make the next set of arrangements, you glance at Heeseung. He’s leaning back against a pillar, staring at the ceiling, the weight of his decision settling over him. Despite everything, there’s a sense of finality to the moment.

You take a deep breath, deciding to approach him. As much as the past few months have been tense between the brothers, you know there’s still a bond there, something that’s worth saving. “He misses you, you know?” you say softly, drawing Heeseung’s attention. He lowers his gaze from the ceiling, eyes narrowing in confusion.

“What are you talking about?” he asks, though there’s a hint of guarded curiosity in his tone.

You take a step closer, choosing your words carefully. “Jake. He misses you,” you clarify, meeting his gaze. “Despite everything that’s happened, you still mean a lot to him. He’s missed his older brother. He just doesn’t know how to reach out anymore. Maybe… maybe it’s not too late for you two to fix things.”

Heeseung remains silent for a moment, the tension in his expression softening just slightly. He’s listening, even if he doesn’t want to admit it. “You really think that?” he finally asks, his voice quieter, more vulnerable than you’ve heard in a long time.

You nod. “I do. But it’s going to take effort, Heeseung. Jake might not show it, but he’s hurting. He needs his brother… the one who used to be his hero. You can still be that person to him, if you try.”

Heeseung’s gaze falters for a moment before he looks away, a deep frown settling on his face. It’s clear that your words have struck a chord, but he’s not ready to admit it out loud. "It’s not that simple," he mutters, but there’s a hint of doubt in his voice now, like maybe, just maybe, he’s considering it.

“You’re right," you agree, not pushing him further. "But nothing worth having is ever simple."

Satisfied that you’ve planted the seed, you offer him a small, encouraging smile before excusing yourself. “I’m going to get some snacks. I’ll be back in a few,” you say, giving him a chance to sit with his thoughts.

In the kitchen, you start putting together a finger food board, carefully arranging slices of fruit, cheeses, and crackers. As you work, the sound of muffled voices drifts in from the living room. You pause for a moment, recognizing the familiar tones—Heeseung and Jake.

At first, you can’t make out what they’re saying, but soon enough, the quiet murmur of conversation turns into something you didn’t expect: laughter. The sound is warm, genuine, and for a moment, you find yourself smiling. Maybe your words got through to Heeseung after all.

Before you can finish the snack board, Rose walks into the kitchen, her expression one of gentle insistence. “I’ll take over from here,” she says, giving you a pointed look that says she knows exactly what’s happening in the other room. You hesitate for a moment, but then nod, allowing her to take over as you wipe your hands on a nearby towel and head back to the living room.

As you step out of the kitchen, you hear a knock at the front door. You know immediately who it is— Jaehee. Taking a deep breath, you walk over to the door and open it, greeting him with a polite smile. His eyes soften as he sees you, his usual stern demeanor tempered by the thought that you’re carrying his future grandchild.

"How’s my grandchild doing?" he asks, his voice full of genuine warmth and excitement.

Your stomach twists at the mention of the baby—a lie you know you’ll have to address soon—but for now, you play along. "Doing well," you reply with a tight-lipped smile, quickly changing the subject. "We’ve got some important news to discuss. Jake’s in the living room."

"Important news, huh? Jake sounded pretty cryptic on the phone," Jaehee comments as he follows you inside, his curiosity piqued.

Rose passes by with the snack board just as you’re ushering Jaehee into the living room. When you reach the living room, you find Jake and Heeseung sitting side by side on the couch, the television playing a football match in the background. They’re laughing, relaxed, sharing a moment that feels both foreign and familiar. It’s a sight you haven’t ever seen, and judging by the look on Jaehee’s face, it’s one he hasn’t seen in a while.

Jaehee is the first to break the silence, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. “Well, this is a welcomed surprise,” he comments, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Jake and Heeseung look up from the snacks they’ve been munching on, both grinning like kids caught in the middle of some harmless mischief. "Yeah, it’s been a long time coming," Jake says, his eyes meeting Heeseung’s with a mix of relief and fondness.

Heeseung clears his throat, the moment of vulnerability passing as he stands up, Jake following suit. Jaehee’s expression turns serious again as he addresses them both. "So, what’s this about? While I like seeing you two get along, I doubt this was a social call."

The mood in the room shifts slightly, the weight of the situation returning as the three of them prepare to explain. Jake takes a deep breath and begins. “We’ve uncovered some things… things about what Yerin has been doing behind the scenes,” he starts, his tone serious.

Heeseung jumps in, backing up Jake’s words with his own account of what he’s uncovered. "She’s been running operations behind our backs, consolidating power for herself." As they go on, you can see Jaehee’s expression darkening, his anger barely contained as he listens to the full extent of Yerin’s betrayal.

When they finally finish explaining, you decide to step in, knowing that the next part might be the hardest for Jaehee to accept. “There’s one more thing,” you say, drawing everyone’s attention. “Yerin… she had an advantage because she was sleeping with my brother. He was manipulated by her, doing everything for my sake. Please, Jaehee, leave him out of this. He doesn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire.”

Jaehee’s eyes flash with anger, his jaw tightening as he processes your words. But then, surprisingly, you see a hint of something else in his expression—perhaps a begrudging respect for you all. “Impressive,” he finally says, his tone measured. “The lengths you were all willing to go.”

He turns to Heeseung, his gaze sharp. “But let me make this clear. The decision is final. The syndicate belongs to Jake. He’s proven that he’s the right one for the job.”

Before Heeseung can react, Jake cuts in, his voice firm but calm. “Actually, I’m giving it to Heeseung,” he says, causing everyone in the room to pause. “He’s always wanted it more than I did. I’ll remain in control of our legitimate businesses, but the mafia… that’s his.”

Jaehee stares at Jake in shock, unable to hide his disbelief. “Why are you giving it away? After everything Heeseung’s done… he tried to kill you!”

Jake’s expression softens as he glances at you, his hand reaching out to squeeze yours. “Because it’s not worth it,” he says quietly, but with conviction. “I never wanted it to begin with. I’ve found something much more important in my life. I’ve found love.”

Jaehee’s gaze shifts between the two of you, and he finally nods, though there’s still a lingering tension in his eyes. “Very well,” he says, turning to you. “But I can’t let Sungchan go scott-free. It won’t send the right message, he still slept with my wife. There will be consequences—a tax on all future imports.”

You nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Thank you,” you reply, relieved that the punishment is at least somewhat lenient.

Jaehee’s expression darkens again as he turns back to Heeseung. “And as for Yerin… I’ll deal with her.” You all know what that means, it’s clear—Jaehee plans to kill her.

Heeseung steps forward, a mix of defiance and desperation in his voice. “Is that really necessary? She’s still my mother.”

Jaehee scoffs, his voice cold. “Need I remind you of the hit she’s placed on your head? On Jake’s head? On your unborn nephew’s head?”

The truth of Jaehee’s words hangs in the air, heavy and undeniable. You can feel the tension rising again, and in a moment of nervousness, you let out a small laugh, cutting through the silence. "Actually... I’m not really pregnant," you admit, your voice tinged with a mix of guilt and relief. "It was a ploy to get Yerin to show her hand."

Jaehee huffs, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processes your confession. But then, surprisingly, a hint of admiration flickers in his gaze. “Impressive,” he repeats.

Heeseung, sensing the thick tension in the room, tilts his head and gives you a half-smirk. “Well, I’m glad you’re not pregnant,” he quips, his voice light. “I was starting to worry how we’d ever explain the lack of resemblance between the baby and Jake.”

A chuckle escapes Jake, and even Jaehee’s stern expression softens, a begrudging smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The air in the room lightens a bit, the tension easing just enough to make everyone feel like they could breathe again.

Jaehee shakes his head, the hint of a smile still lingering. “You all certainly know how to keep things interesting,” he says, more to himself than to anyone else. He looks between Jake and Heeseung, his gaze lingering on his sons. There’s a sense of pride there, mingled with the frustration and disappointment that had clouded his features earlier. Finally, he nods, as if coming to a conclusion. “I’ll leave you to it, then,” he says, turning to head for the door. “You know where to find me if you need anything.”

Jake and Heeseung stand side by side, watching their father leave. As the door closes behind Jaehee, a quiet stillness falls over the room once again. The two brothers remain where they are, not speaking, not moving, just absorbing the gravity of what’s happened.

After a moment, Jake turns to Heeseung, his expression softening. “You know,” he starts, his voice low, “I didn’t expect this. Any of this. But... I’m glad you’re here.”

Heeseung glances at Jake, his usual cocky demeanor tempered by something more genuine. “Yeah, well, you’ve always had a knack for dragging me into things,” he says, though there’s no bite to his words. In fact, there’s something almost tender in the way he says it, a hint of the older brother Jake used to know—the one who protected him, the one who cared.

Jake’s lips curl into a small smile, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting Heeseung’s again. “I’m serious, Heeseung. I missed this... missed you.” There’s a vulnerability in his voice that’s rare, something raw and real that he’s only ever let show in the most private of moments.

Heeseung seems to struggle with his emotions, the tough exterior he’s maintained for so long wavering. He opens his mouth to say something, then closes it, the words seemingly caught in his throat. Finally, he lets out a breath, one that sounds like it’s been held for years.

“I missed you too, Jake,” he admits quietly, his voice almost a whisper. “More than I ever let on.”

Jake’s heart swells at the admission, and before he can think twice, he steps forward and pulls Heeseung into a hug. It’s awkward at first—two brothers who have spent years at odds with one another—but then Heeseung relaxes into it, his arms wrapping around Jake in return. For a moment, they’re not two men caught up in the dangerous games of power and betrayal—they’re just brothers, trying to find their way back to each other.

“I’m sorry,” Heeseung murmurs, his voice muffled against Jake’s head. “For everything.”

Jake tightens his hold on Heeseung, shaking his head slightly. “Don’t be,” he replies. “We’ve both done things we’re not proud of. But we can’t change the past... we can only try to do better moving forward.”

Jake pulls back slightly to look at Heeseung, his eyes searching his brother’s face for any sign of hesitation. But what he finds there instead is a quiet resolve.

“Let’s do better, then,” Heeseung says, his voice firm with determination. “For both of us. For our family.”

Heeseung nods, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “For our family,” he agrees.

The two brothers stand there for a moment longer, the weight of their shared history settling into something a bit lighter, something they can carry together. It’s not a perfect reconciliation—there’s still so much left unsaid, so much that needs to be worked through—but it’s a start. And for now, that’s enough.

Heeseung breaks the hug with a gentle pat on Jake’s back, a soft smile still lingering on his lips. "Well," he starts, trying to lighten the mood, "if you ever do need advice on, you know, anything baby-related, just remember—I’m always available."

Jake chuckles, shaking his head. "I’ll keep that in mind, but something tells me you’re not exactly the expert."

Heeseung smirks, raising an eyebrow. "You’d be surprised. I’m great with kids—just ask anyone. Besides, who could resist this charm?" He winks at you playfully, adding, "If Jake ever messes up, you know where to find me."

You laugh, shaking your head at his teasing. "Sorry, Heeseung, but I’m just as madly in love with him as he is with me. So, I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere."

Heeseung smirks, “are you sure, sweetheart? I’m known for being the bigger brother.”

Jake rolls his eyes, but there’s a grin on his face. "Nice try, Heeseung. But you’re going to have to find someone else to charm. This one’s off-limits."

Heeseung shrugs with a good-natured smile. "Can’t blame a guy for trying." He turns serious for a moment, glancing between the two of you. "But really, I’m glad you both have each other. It’s good to see you happy, Jake."

You and Jake exchange a look, warmth filling the space between you. "Thanks, Heeseung," Jake says, his voice soft. "That means a lot."

Heeseung nods, and the three of you stand there for a moment, a comfortable silence settling in. But then, Heeseung’s mischievous grin returns. "But just so you know, if Jake ever messes up... I’ll be right here."

You laugh, leaning into Jake as he wraps an arm around you. "I’ll keep that in mind, Heeseung. But I think Jake’s doing pretty well so far."

Heeseung chuckles, giving Jake a playful punch on the arm. "Take care of her, Jake. Don’t make me come back here and steal her away."

Jake grins, pulling you closer. "Don’t worry, Heeseung. I’ve got this."

With one last smile, Heeseung nods and heads for the door. "Alright, I’m out. Get some rest, both of you. And Jake—remember, I’m just a call away."

"Will do," Jake replies, his voice genuine.

As the door closes behind Heeseung, the room feels quieter, the intensity of the earlier conversation fading away. Jake turns to you, his arms wrapping around you in a tight hug. “It feels like this is finally the end of all the bad,” he murmurs into your hair. “The start of something good—something real.”

You nod, resting your head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “I believe it’s only going to get better from here.”

Jake pulls back slightly to look at you, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and hope. “Yeah, it will. We’ll make sure of it.”

You smile, brushing a hand through his hair. “Speaking of making things better… I have something to share with you. Something Yerin gave me.”

Jake’s brows furrow in curiosity. “What is it?”

You take his hand, leading him upstairs to your bedroom. “It’s something your mother left behind for you,” you explain, your voice gentle as you open the closet and pull out the chest Yerin had brought earlier. “She wanted you to have it when you got married.”

Jake’s eyes widen in surprise as he takes in the sight of the chest. “My mother… did this?”

You nod, setting the chest down in front of him. “Yes, before she passed away. It’s full of things she wanted you to have, to remember her by.”

Jake slowly lowers himself onto the bed, staring at the chest with a mixture of awe and disbelief. His hand hovers over the lid, almost as if he’s afraid to touch it. “I can’t believe she did this… for me.”

You sit beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “She loved you, Jake. She wanted to make sure you knew that, even if she couldn’t be here.”

Taking a deep breath, Jake finally opens the chest. Inside, he finds the baby pictures, a pair of tiny booties he wore as a baby among other baby clothes, and the stack of carefully folded letters. The sight of these treasures brings tears to his eyes, the emotions he’s held back for so long finally breaking free.

He picks up one of the baby pictures, his hands trembling slightly. “This is… me,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion. Then he reaches for the little booties, holding them as if they were the most precious thing in the world. “She kept these...”

Tears spill from his eyes, and you rub his shoulder, your heart aching for him. “She wanted you to have these memories, Jake. To remember her and the love she had for you.”

Jake wipes at his eyes, but the tears keep coming. He sets the booties aside and picks up one of the letters, the one addressed to him at the very top. With a deep breath, he opens it and begins to read aloud.

The letter starts with a heartfelt message: “If you’re reading this, Jaeyun, then my biggest fear has come true. I’ve been taken from you, and I’ve left my only joy behind. But I want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world. You’ve been the light of my life, and I’ve cherished every moment we had together.”

Jake’s voice breaks as he continues reading, tears falling freely now. “I hope you grow into the man I always knew you would be—a good man, a kind man. And I hope you can forgive me for not being able to stay. I wanted to be there for every milestone in your life, but since I can’t, I’ve written these letters for you. Each one is meant for a different moment, a different milestone. Keep them close, and know that I’m with you in spirit, every step of the way.”

He pauses, overwhelmed by the emotions surging through him. You squeeze his shoulder gently, offering silent support as he finishes reading the letter.

Jake sets the letter down, his eyes red and swollen from crying. But there’s a sense of peace in his expression now, a weight lifted off his shoulders. “She... she really thought of everything,” he whispers, almost to himself.

As he digs through the chest, he suddenly pulls out another letter, this one addressed “To the one my son chooses.” He sniffs, his eyes meeting yours with a mixture of sadness and hope. “This one’s for you,” he says, handing it to you.

Your hands tremble slightly as you take the letter, your heart pounding in your chest. With a deep breath, you open it and begin to read.

The letter is filled with warmth and love, the words carefully chosen. “To the one my son chooses,” it begins. “To the one my son chooses… I hope you know how extraordinary he is. His heart is kind, but strong. He’s slow to anger yet always ready to defend his friends and help anyone in need. If I can be so bold, I dare say he has everything good from myself that I wished he would have when I first found out I was pregnant with him. Courage, compassion, selflessness, and an undying love for math.”

You pause to clear your throat, the words getting to you as well. “Jaeyun was raised by his father following my death. I'm sure he wasn’t awarded the luxury of love or empathy and so I hope that the one he chooses— you, I hope you are good to him.”

“I suppose every mother wishes the best for her child. I hope you are everything he needs and deserves. I hope you support him when he doubts himself, I hope you encourage him to be the best person he can be and I hope you challenge him when he needs to be challenged. Know that he will want to give you everything. He will love you with all of his heart. That is just the way he is. Please be good to him, because he believes so deeply in the goodness of the world, and I never want to see that vanish. If he has found you, then I am glad you'll be there for him as I can not.”

“Thank you for loving Jaeyun. Thank you for being there for him when I couldn’t be. I know he’s in good hands with you, and that brings me so much peace. Please, take care of him, cherish him, and help him find the happiness he deserves. And know that I’m grateful for you, for the love you’ve brought into his life. All of my love, sieomeoni.”

You look up at Jake, tears brimming in your eyes. “Your mother... She was an incredible woman, Jake. I’ll do everything I can to honor her wishes.”

Jake smiles through his tears, pulling you into a tight embrace. “She would have loved you,” he whispers. “Just like I do.”

As Jake pulls you into the embrace, his warmth and the steady beat of his heart against your cheek soothe the storm of emotions swirling inside you. His arms around you feel like a sanctuary, and you lean into him, drawing comfort from his presence.

He gently pulls back, his eyes searching yours, a tender smile still lingering on his lips. “Thank you for being here,” he murmurs, his voice hushed but filled with gratitude.

You nod, your eyes misty as you try to hold back the tears. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” you reply softly, reaching up to touch his cheek. The tenderness of the moment seems to stretch between you, an unspoken understanding passing silently in the space.

Jake’s gaze drops to your lips, and he takes a slow, deliberate breath. His hand brushes along your jaw, fingertips barely grazing your skin, igniting a spark of warmth that spreads through you. He leans in, his lips brushing yours in a gentle, exploratory kiss.

The touch is electric, sending shivers down your spine as you respond, your hands finding their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss deepens, growing more passionate as Jake’s hands slide to your waist, drawing you in.

As the kiss deepens, the world around you seems to dissolve into the softness of the moment. Jake’s hands move gently across your back, pulling you even closer. You can feel his heartbeat quicken, a rhythm that matches the quickening pace of your own.

The intimacy of the kiss is overwhelming, a blend of tenderness and passion that makes it hard to distinguish where his emotions end and yours begin. Jake’s lips are warm and inviting, and the way he holds you feels both protective and loving.

Gradually, the intensity of the kiss starts to subside. Jake pulls back slightly, his breath mingling with yours, his eyes searching yours with a mixture of emotion and vulnerability. You can see the depth of his feelings reflected in his gaze, a silent conversation passing between you.Jake’s thumb lightly brushes against your cheek, and his expression is one of pure tenderness. “I love you,” he says softly, his voice a gentle murmur.

You smile through the haze of emotion, your heart swelling with affection. “I love you too,” you whisper back, your voice barely more than a breath.

Jake takes your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Come on,” he says with a soft smile, guiding you up the bed. The room feels warm and inviting, and you follow him willingly, your heart full of love and contentment.

He lays down on the bed and gently pulls you down beside him, wrapping his arms around you in a cozy embrace. You settle against him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the comfort of his presence. The warmth of the bed and the closeness of Jake create a safe and serene haven where you both can simply be.

Jake kisses the top of your head, his voice soft and content. “I’m really happy with how things have turned out,” he murmurs. “I didn’t know what to expect, but being here with you now… it feels right.”

You snuggle closer, resting your head against his chest, and listen to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “Me too,” you reply softly. “I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared and for the chance to be here with you.”

Jake’s arms tighten around you, and you both settle into the peaceful quiet of the room, wrapped in each other’s warmth. The sense of connection and love between you feels more profound than ever, and you know that, no matter what the future holds, you’ll face it together, with each other’s support and affection.

As you drift into a comfortable embrace and silence, the world outside fades away, leaving just the two of you in a cocoon of love and contentment.

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

the last thread SENT ME🤣🤣

boomerang － thirty one ; sunoo best wingman

SYNOPSIS you and jake sim have always been academic rivals. it was always you against him for top of the class, and jake is sure that you two were made to hate each other. a couple years later when you debut and become an idol, you find yourself talking to him again - but it’s in a group chat with other aussie idols, and perhaps you realise that he isn’t that insufferable.

thirty one － sunoo best wingman! previous ★ next ♡ masterlist

authors note: and we are now entering jakey/n romance era!!!! 9 chapters of boomerang to go (not counting the special chapters i have lined up ^_^)

BOOMERANG! a jake smau. genre: smau, angst, fluff, crack, enemies to lovers pairing: idol! jake x idol! fem! reader warnings: swearing, ignore timestamps, photos of yujin from ive will be used to visualise outfit / concepts for y/n! taglist is CLOSED!

the manager chat SENDS ME

boomerang － thirty five ; in a bro way

SYNOPSIS you and jake sim have always been academic rivals. it was always you against him for top of the class, and jake is sure that you two were made to hate each other. a couple years later when you debut and become an idol, you find yourself talking to him again - but it’s in a group chat with other aussie idols, and perhaps you realise that he isn’t that insufferable.

thirty five － in a bro way! previous ★ next ♡ masterlist

authors note: love the managers theyre slayers . jake still in his denial era?? COME ONNNNNN

BOOMERANG! a jake smau. genre: smau, angst, fluff, crack, enemies to lovers pairing: idol! jake x idol! fem! reader warnings: swearing, ignore timestamps, photos of yujin from ive will be used to visualise outfit / concepts for y/n! taglist is CLOSED!

( 심재윤 ) ★ LATE NIGHT DRIVE

. 𝐫é𝐬umé ❀ you don't like him, you always told yourself. but what makes the walls you build between you and him to crack?

𝓟airing , 𝒥ake x ℱame reader .☘︎ ݁˖ ( 1.7k ) ' ' ' fluff oneshot friends to lovers sligt angst? ‼ kissing unnecessary plot °｡

(𝓚im's 𝓝otez ./. ) thanks for reading my niki fic! I truly appreciated it❤️

[ ( reblogs + feedback is appriciated ) . ୨୧ . 𝔠𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔩𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔢]

A wave of relief washed over you as the final class of the day comes to an end. You couldn't wait to head back home, curl up in your cozy bed and watch "The Princess Diaries" again. Just as you about to call a cab, a loud honk from your side snapped you out of your thoughts. Curious, you turned to see who had been honking at you, and to your surprise, it was none other than your friend, Jake.

"Y/N! get in." he exclaimed, gesturing for you to get in the car. With a lighthearted chuckle, you obliged his request and hopped into the car. "Thanks my money-saver hero." you joked, grateful for his offer to give you a ride home. He chuckled at your comment. "Don't wanna let you waste your money when you have me."

A warm smile spread across your face as you realized how much of a life saver he was. Without him, your life must be difficult. Relieved, you brushed away those thoughts and turned your attention to the scenery outside, watching the world pass by through the car window.

"Jake." you called out, catching his attention. He kept his focus on the road but turned his head slightly in your direction.

"Yes, princess?" he replied.

"Don't take me home yet." you asserted. Before he could asked you 'why so sudden?', you quickly replied. "I want to go to the beach."

It took him seconds to process what you had just said, his eyes widening in surprise "You want to go... to the beach?" he repeated, even though the answer was obvious. "Yes." you confirmed.

"Why so sudden?" finally, the sentence came out of his mouth.

"Nothing. Just craving for the sea breeze." you replied.

"At this hour?" he looked at you, still not fully convinced. You nodded, like what you had just said was no sort of jokes. "Okay then, can't argue with you. But don't come crying to me when you feel cold and ask me to take off my jacket for you," he teased, his charming smile engraved on his face. Despite the initial desire to wipe that smile off his face, you couldn't help but be captive by it.

You always adore Jake's smile. You swear no one has the most beautiful smile than his. That's why you developed a crush on him the very first day of college. He seems to have that charming smile on his face, no matter if he's greeting someone, helping out, or even when others speak ill of him. You use to tell yourself that it was just a mere slight crush, but your feelings kept growing stronger. However, nowadays, you consider him just a friend. You love him, but only as a dear friend.

"Sorry for the bad news princess, but we have to make a quick stop at a gas station. My car's run out of oil." Jake said, waking you from your thoughts.

"Your car is sucks. You should buy a new one." you replied.

"Hey! Don't you dare talk bad about Layla. Besides, I don't want to buy a new car. No car is better than my Layla." He protested, clearly defensive about his beloved car.

"You named your car?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. My lovely Layla." he exclaimed, placing a tender kiss on the steering wheel.

You glad your feelings for him have long faded. You couldn't imagine being stuck with such a weirdo. "Gross." you said as you mockingly pretended to vomit.

Minutes passed by without none of you spoke, until you two finally arrived at the gas station. After refueling the car, Jake started the engine, ready to hit the road once more when suddenly, he halted. Confused, you were about to question him 'what happened' but before you could utter a word, he cut you off. "I suddenly craving for some snacks." he said with a sheepish smile, something you rarely seen on him. You hated to admit it but did you just find him cute?

"Okay..." you replied, still somewhat baffled. With a blink of an eye, Jake darted into the store, his speed leaving you surprised. "I'll be quick, promise!" he called out before disappearing inside.

. . . 🌺

"You promised to be quick." you stated with your arm crossed, as he get into the car. "Sorry princess, the store has many kind of snacks!! They all looked so delicious so i..."

You sighed in frustration and said, "It's okay. Just... you broke your promised." As you spoke, a pout began to form on your lips. You couldn't stand it when people didn’t keep their promises, no matter how small they were.

"Don't...! Pout!" Jake stated. He just broke a promised and now he's yelling at you? Sensing the swift in your mood, he quickly apologized. "S-sorry. I don't mean to yell at you it just some sort of reflexed."

"You're weird." you chuckled, unable to stay mad at his foolishness. He soon joined in your laughter, relieved to see you smile again.

"I got you something," he said, handing you an ice cream.

"OMG! Thanks! I thought you only got some for yourself." you exclaimed, genuinely surprised that he had bought ice cream for you too. "But how did you know my favorite flavor? I don't remember telling you what it was." you asked curiously.

He answered with a slight shrug, "Umm..nothing just thought the flavor taste good."

You resisted the urge to question him further, not wanting to ruin the mood. However it looked kinda suspicious. How on Earth did he know about your favorite flavor?

. . .🌺

"Wake up princess, we've arrived at your choosen destination." Jake voice rings on your ear, reminding you why the hell you want to go to the beach at this hour when you could be enjoying the comfort of your soft, warm bed right now! Regrets are pointless now that you had already reached the beach.

The coolness of the night wakes you up from sleepiness. You slowly opened your eyes and when you fully opened it, you were shocked to see the scenery in front of you. Without hesitation, you quickly removed your shoes and stockings, eager to experience the feeling of the sand against your bare feet.

"Jake!!!" you cried out, excitement lacing your voice. "Come here! It's real sand!! Actual sand!!".

This side of you was making Jake's heart flutter. He wish he could capture this moment and frame it in his head, but he knew that doing so, would simply remind him of the day he realized you had feelings for him. At that time, he was prepared to return those feelings, but things were just not meant to be. He blame himself for not realizing it sooner. He was a stupid to let you go when he had the chances.

"Jake!!"you called him again, noticing that he was passing out.

"Coming!!" he replied, waving at you as a sign that he heard you.

Soon, Jake finally joined you. The two of you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves playing on the beach, but all good things come to an end and soon enough, it was time to bring this playful hour to an end.

As you took a break by the shoreline, gazing out at the vast sea, you started speaking up. "You know," you began, "I've always dreamed of visiting the beach when I was younger. There's something calming about watching the waves softly crash against the shore."

"Umm, so that's why you begging me to take you to the beach when I can just rest at home right now?" he queried, a hint of playfulness in his tone. You didn't reply, allowing the tranquility and stillness of the moment to envelope you, enjoying the simplicity of the silent atmosphere.

After spending hours of running and playing at the beach, the sudden drowsiness start to get into you. Without a second thought, you leaned your head against Jake's shoulder, seeking out a momentary place to rest. The unexpected contact made him flinch in surprise. It feels weird but he didn't push you away. In fact, he secretly relished the sudden intimacy between you two.

"Princess," he called, gently waking you up, "It's time to head home."

You murmured in agreement, still slightly groggy from sleep. However, before you could stand up, he spoke up again.

"But wait," he said, a solemn expression on his face. Your curiosity piqued as you looked at him, wondering what was on his mind.

He took a deep breath and confessed, "I need to confess something. I don't care if you rejected it but I want you to know, that I like you Y/N. I've liked you ever since the first day at college. My heart has been drawn to you from the start, and when I found out that you had feelings for me, I was prepared to return your feelings as well."

"That day was one of the worst days of my life, filled with regret and self-blame. I should have confessed sooner, I should have realized it sooner... I was stupid Y/N. I was stupid." His voice trembled, filled with both regret and remorse.

" Sorry if this is too sudden. Just... pretend like you don't hear anything. I don't want to ruin our friendship because of thi-"

Before he finish his sentences, you suddenly leaned in and kissed him. Jake was startled at first, but he quickly responded to the kiss, his arms instinctively encircling your waist and pulling you closer. This was unexpected, and against everything you had promised yourself as you found yourself giving into the moment, letting your guard down and surrendering to the desires.

You pull away, taking a moment to catch your breath as you confess, "I like you too Jake. I like you since the first day of college. Even though you're such a weirdo, I will always been drawn to you. I like you."

Jake was overcome with happiness, both because he had finally confessed his feelings and also receiving your own confession in return. He couldn't help but smile as he opened his arms, inviting you for an embrace. "Come here."

You happily accepted his invitations as you hugged him back, "So, now.. what are we?" you asked with a curious expression.

"Everything you wanted us to be Princess. It's up to you."

© 2024, amorek1m 💌 perm tl . ღ @icyy-hoon @luvvknowle

a/n . . . this is supposed to be a scenario but it become muuuchh longer than i expected it to be😔 but hey, it come out pretty well (i guess?) thanks to my honey lily for giving me ideas for this fic. love for you🤍. As always, taglist are open for my upcoming fic! :)

SAFETY NET ⸺ SIM JAEYUN

genres! fluff, established relationship

word count! 371

playlist! safety net by Ariana Grande

Jake Sim was truly something, the man felt like a dream. You couldn’t quite put your finger on what had you falling so hard and so fast, though there were a myriad of reasons to fall in love with him.

He was the epitome of beauty and kindness, you were almost certain the heavens were created in his honor, he was everything good and pure in this world, an earth angel many would say.

His cherubic eyes sparkled with every smile and every laugh, the fluff of his chocolate brown hair, voice that dripped like honey from his beauteous lips only speaking the kindest of words, his lean body like an ancient sculpture of a Greek god, the protruding veins in his forearms that traveled through his backhands towards his lengthy slim fingers, but his charm went beyond the physical.

Jake was beautiful in the mind, his gray matter being one of his most admirable qualities, always remaining humble despite his immense success as an artist, his tenderhearted nature and virtuous spirit, his air of benignity and sense of social consciousness, his good-willed attitude, and his ability to be pristine in who he was as a person; perennial in staying true to himself.

He was your guardian angel, he had a way of providing you with exactly the kind of safety and security you needed, assuring you of your significance in his life without you ever needing to ask, his strong arms would wrap around you conciliating any trace of discontent.

Truth be told when you first met Jake you initially hadn’t been looking for love, content with your current path in life but one flash of his winsome smile now had you off track and you don’t know if you should fight or flight although after some time you found you didn’t mind, not when it was him at least.

You were falling hard and you were falling fast for Jake Sim with nothing to soften the descent, your love for him inexhaustible and it scared you, how out of control you were spiraling because of this man but unbeknownst to you Jake’s arms would always be your safety net, ready to catch you no matter when, where or how.

© 2023 hoonven, all rights reserved. i do not give permission to alter, repost, translate, or plagiarize my works on any platform.

TIRED OF LOVE SONGS ⸺ SIM JAEYUN

genres! fluff, 90s au, high school au, strangers to lovers

word count! 1173

warning! minor profanity

synopsis! in which jaeyun is tired of the universal notion of romance but one look in your eyes changes everything he once thought he was so sure of

august, 1995

Sim Jaeyun was tired of love songs, love letters, love poems, love confessions in the school hallways, love-themed novels and movies, that dreadful day reserved for celebrating love otherwise known as Valentine’s Day.

He was tired of always hearing his friends fawn over their significant others or crushes, his extended family members asking if he had a girlfriend yet at every family gathering, his parents constantly introducing him to “nice girls” his age at church, just about anything to do with love, in general, had the moody teenager rolling his eyes at the overrated notion.

That is until he met you, replaying that fateful moment in his head incessantly, that sweet smile you gave him as you asked if the seat next to him on the Ferris wheel was empty and the way he made a complete fool of himself by not uttering a single word instead his puppy-like eyes staring at you in incredulity, he had never seen anyone prettier.

Jaeyun swore he was dreaming, the bright yellow glow of the sun in the afternoon of a cool summer day adorning you in a soft lambency, and the way you laughed as you sat beside him sounded like a melody he could play on repeat all day, the floral scent of your perfume filling his lungs and he could feel flowers blooming inside his chest in a garden of your face.

The tingle in his hand as he shook yours for the first time while you introduced yourself, explaining that you were new to the city and looking to make some friends to which he instantly volunteered himself, and as if he couldn’t get any luckier it turned out you would be attending his high school come Monday morning.

Needless to say the weekend was over fairly quickly but for the first time in years Jaeyun didn’t mind, in fact he was looking forward to it. It seemed as though upon meeting you the boy had abandoned all ideology of romance being insufferable.

“My bad, man.” Sunghoon pats Jaeyun’s shoulder. “Didn’t mean to dip out at the fair but if it makes you feel any better I got her number.” His best friend offers a light apology in regards to ditching him for a random girl he immediately crushed on when spotting her in line for the Ferris wheel.

He wasn't sure how Sunghoon getting a girl’s number would apply to him, but he simply brushed it off. Besides, he had other things on his mind, specifically you.

Normally Jaeyun would be sulking and going off on a tangent about the triviality of crush culture but something else appeared to be preoccupying the chocolate-haired boy’s mind as he simply brushed off his friend with a brief nod and hum in agreement, his eyes never once halting from scanning the faces in the sea of students in search of yours.

This caused Sunghoon to raise an eyebrow in wonder at what could’ve possibly been eating away at his friend to the point he didn’t take an opportunity to shit on romance; something he was notoriously known for.

“Yo, you good?” Sunghoon questions.

Jaeyun is silent for a moment, not sure if he wants to confess, but Sunghoon is his best friend in the whole world, so he caves.

“I met this girl… and, uhh, I think I like her.”

Sunghoon blinks, “What?”

Jaeyun rolls his eyes with an exasperated sigh, “Dude, I have a crush on someone.”

The raven-haired boy’s eyes widen, mouth falling open in disbelief at the words that just came out of his friend’s mouth, unable to comprehend it, the Sim Jaeyun finally had a romantic interest in someone since his crush moved away in fifth grade. It had been so long that he almost forgot Jaeyun was capable of liking anyone in a non-platonic manner.

However, Sunghoon quickly recovered from the shock, not wanting to make a big deal about the situation knowing how sensitive his friend could be, “When you gonna ask her out?”

“Umm, never,” Jaeyun quips with an approving nod of his own self-sabotaging decision, resulting in Sunghoon to facepalm.

“Dude, no,” he says, “you’re trippin’ just chill out and stop overthinking.”

“God, I feel so stupid. I don’t know how you do this. It’s the first day of senior year, I should be worrying about graduation, not some girl-“

“Jaeyun!” The boy is suddenly interrupted by your call of his name causing both boys to turn their heads in your direction and he can’t help the way his heartbeat speeds up at the sight of you, especially when your calling his name and smiling like that.

“Is that her?”

“Yeah but could you do me a favor?”

“What’s up?”

“Go away.”

Sunghoon blinked, turning his attention to his two-timing friend, he couldn’t believe he was ditching him for a girl he’d just met after years of loyal brotherhood.

“Whatever bro,” Sunghoon gives in, wandering off to go find their third counterpart, Jay.

Weeks passed and meeting up in the hallway first thing in the morning became a routine for you and Jaeyun, soon after your friendship blossomed outside of school hours, hanging out every day after school and even on the weekends, calling each other as soon as you got home only to be up almost all night laughing and talking about anything and everything.

It was a late Saturday night when things finally started to take a turn for the better between you and Jaeyun, you two had practically spent the whole day together, waking up early to go get breakfast together at your local diner despite the fact it was the weekend meaning you could sleep in but you found you’d rather be in each others company, playing at the arcade for a few hours and then resting at the park where he bought you both ice cream and you sat on the bench people watching and now as he walked you home from your visit to the movie theater.

“I had fun today.” You smiled as you and Jaeyun stood on the porch of your house. “I always have fun with you.”

He chuckles nervously, scratching at the back of his neck and you find it endearing, “Yeah, me too. I really like spending time with you.”

Your heart flutters at his saccharine words, your cheeks spreading in a wide grin in spite of the aching from smiling all day, you nod, looking down at your shoes as if to end the conversation but it’s clear neither of you are quite ready to say your goodbyes.

Jaeyun’s eyes never leave your face, he never looked away when you smiled, wanting the sight forever etched into his mind.

Some powerful force in the cosmos must’ve possessed him that night because he finds himself unable to hold back anymore.

He gently places his index finger under your chin, tilting it up so your eyes meet, thumb softly caressing your jawline, his gaze warm and intense, “Can I kiss you?”

The moment you nod Jaeyun doesn’t waste a second, hands still gentle as he cups your cheeks, holding your face as if it were delicate porcelain before his soft lips press against yours, kissing you with tender passion.

Sim Jaeyun may have been tired of love songs but he could never be tired of you.

© 2023 hoonven, all rights reserved. i do not give permission to alter, repost, translate, or plagiarize my works on any platform.

CHERRY THEORY ⸺ SIM JAEYUN

genres! fluff, established relationship, based off the ‘olive theory’ on tiktok

word count! 388

warning! reader loves cherries

playlist! lovers rock by tv girl

synopsis! in which opposites attract

“Sorry,” you cut off Jake halfway through his story, “but are you gonna eat that?” You ask, pointing to the single cherry that was left uneaten in his ice cream bowl, the red fruit sinking into the leftover melting cream.

“Nah, I don’t really like Cherry,” he scrunches his nose in distaste with a shake of his head.

You pluck the crimson orb from his bowl by its green stem and plop it into your mouth, “I love Cherry.”

Jake leans back in his chair, chuckling as he watches you with a tender smile, your elbows propped on the table, chin resting in the palms of your hands, waiting for him to continue telling you one of his childhood anecdotes.

The moment would look like a scene from a rom-com to any passerby in the rectangular picture-framed window of the ice cream parlor, you and him sitting across from each other, gazing lovingly into one another’s eyes with soft smiles, “Lovers Rock” by TV Girl playing lowly through the speakers, it was a simple ice cream date and yet there was nothing more endearing in the world.

You love cherries, while Jake hates them, which makes the relationship a “perfect balance” thus validating your’s and Jake’s compatibility, an opposites attract kind of love.

The ancient Greeks believed humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and two faces but Zeus feared their power and ordered his son Apollo to split them into two, condemning them to search for their other half for the rest of their lives, Jake was your other half and you were his, you completed each other like the tellings of the mythology.

“I love you,” Jake finds himself confessing, and although it's the first time he's saying it, he's not nervous like he thought he'd be when replaying this scenario in his head over and over again, constantly obsessing about the outcome, he doesn't anticipate your response like he imagined he would, worrying that you may not feel the same way, because in this moment he realizes what it truly means to love someone, he couldn't care less about his feelings right now, the only thing that mattered to him was for you to know he loved you truly and wholeheartedly.

Your lips curl into a wider grin, “I love you too, Jake.”

© 2023 hoonven, all rights reserved. i do not give permission to alter, repost, translate, or plagiarize my works on any platform.

REDAMANCY ⸺ SIM JAEYUN

genres! fluff, minor angst, princess x royal librarian, forbidden romance, Edgar Allan Poe reference at the end

word count! 655

warnings! mention of execution

synopsis! in which you profess your love to a forbidden man

“Redamancy,” Jaeyun says, finally meeting your gaze through his thinly framed specs.

“It's a noun,” he informs with a playful smile. His eyebrows raised for a quick moment before falling back into place, then averting his eyes back to the old burgundy book that lay open on his desk.

You chuckle, your smile stretching further across the plain of your face, lips remaining closed.

“The act of loving the one who loves you,” he reads, “a love returned in full.”

It's tranquil in the ambiance of the royal library, the only sounds that can be heard are your hushed voices and soft laughter reverberating off the stone walls and marble floors.

You can't help but think how you could happily spend the rest of your life in this room with him, hiding away from the rest of the world and basking in the affection of your love for each other.

Jaeyun was the first person in the chapters of all your life with whom you sincerely enjoyed conversation, in the same sensuous way you enjoyed reading a book or roaming the gardens.

He looks up once again and he’s not surprised to find you already looking back at him, for there was never a moment in which you were not adoring him.

“What are you thinking, Princess?” he queries. His elbow propped on the wooden desk as his chin rested in the palm of his hand, his spindly fingers grazing his plump lips.

“You,” you confess, not letting a single second pass, “my mind is consumed by thoughts of you.”

He’s unreadable for a moment but his gaze nor yours ever falters, and then his lips curve into a grin. He chuckles, “I’m honored, Princess.”

He leans in closer, “My heart grows fonder of you with every beautiful smile you grace upon me, my regard for you may be enough to overflow the oceans.”

You lean in closer as does he, your foreheads now meeting in a delicate collision just as your hearts had all those months ago.

Jaeyun brings his hand away from his chin to tuck away a tuft of hair behind your ear, his caress so utterly gentle that you can barely feel it.

The way he handles your body so tenderly and meticulously swells your heart, his every touch zephyr-like as though he’s holding the daintiest flower in all the land.

Your eyes close as do his, and your next words are an act of treason but you would do that for Jaeyun and more, you would do anything for him—with him.

“Let’s run away.”

He chuckles and you can feel his smile through your closed eyes, “I would be executed if we were caught but perhaps I can be convinced.”

You shift your head so the tip of his nose meets the apple of your cheek, “How so?”

“With a kiss.”

His soft lips graze against your own, his small puffs of breath linger into your mouth as yours does to his, and the cold rims of his specs are a stark contrast to the warmth of your skin.

Finally, your lips meet in a forbidden kiss. For a moment everything is still, like a meadow on a clement summer day where the only thing you can hear is the buzzing of bees and the distant chirping of birds from the surrounding trees.

Where the floral scent of wildflowers wafts all around you, where the slightest breeze lingers through the fabric of your dress cooling your skin from the embrace of the fierce sunlight, that's where you go when Jaeyun kisses you.

And you hope he finds someplace nice when he kisses you too.

You loved with a love that was more than love, you and your Sim Jaeyun. A love that wingèd seraphs of heaven.

A love greater than the monarchy that threatened to keep you apart, a love written in the stars, forever etched into the universe.

© 2024 hoonven, all rights reserved. i do not give permission to alter, repost, translate, or plagiarize my works on any platform.

crème de la crème - s.jy

"look at you baby, such a mess for me and we're only just starting" jake smirked as he kept his eyes on where you two were joint. admiring the absolute mess he had made of you. cake icing all over your torso, the traces of whipped cream on your chest, the way your essence formed a sticky white ring around the base of his cock. "baby- eungh" you struggled to finish your sentence. too caught up in the way he was ploughing into your soppy cunt. strokes making you absolutely dizzy. you suppose it was your fault for treating him with such an honour. "aww sweetheart, don't tell me you wanna quit," pace not faltered, he teased in a low voice as he came dangerously close to your ear. " I mean, you did say I could use you, however...i...want" thrusts punctuating his every word. you don't regret letting him take you as he pleased, you were just a tad bit worried that your 3rd orgasm which you're just about on the brink of might lead you to black out. "jake I'm... mmmmph....shit. I'm gonna cum" he continued his devilishly fast pace making you see stars "that's it, baby, come for daddy, huh? " you mewled, his signal triggering your orgasm. he threw his head back in a groan, your walls spasming around his length had him in a frenzy. leading him to his own high. hot cum shooting onto your already messy cunt. he sighed as he collapsed atop of you, head resting on your neck. post-clarity settling in, he peppered kisses all over your neck. "best present ever" he chuckled. rolling your eyes cheekily at him. "happy birthday baby."

a/n: what an epic comeback. i'm actually pretty proud of this one. happy birthday jakey