The rain was relentless that night, pounding against the pavement as Officer Kim Taehyung moved cautiously through the abandoned warehouse. The mission was simpleârescue the hostages and apprehend the criminals. But as the operation unfolded, it became anything but simple.
Amid the chaos of fleeing captives and handcuffed perpetrators, a faint whimper caught his attention. He turned sharply, flashlight slicing through the shadows. There, crumpled in the corner like a forgotten doll, was a young girl.
Her face was streaked with dirt, her clothes torn, and her body trembling from exhaustion. She was no older than sixteen, her wide, terrified eyes locking with his. "Help me," she rasped, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung didnât hesitate. He knelt beside her, carefully wrapping his jacket around her frail shoulders. "Youâre safe now," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "Iâve got you."
It was the first promise he made to her.
---
Y/N didnât remember much from that nightâor from her life before it. The trauma had stolen her memories, leaving her a blank slate with nothing to cling to but fear and confusion. Taehyung took responsibility for her, ensuring she received medical care and placing her in a respected orphanage.
Years passed, and Y/N tried to rebuild her life. The orphanage became her sanctuary, but she never stopped wondering about the man who had saved her. He visited occasionally, checking on her progress, offering quiet support. She called him âMr. Kimâ out of respect, though she often wished she could call him something warmer.
When she turned nineteen, her life took another unexpected turn.
---
Taehyung stood at the edge of Y/Nâs hospital bed, his brows furrowed in concern as the doctor explained her condition. Lingering trauma from her past had led to complicationsâones that required consistent care. Y/N, who had always been strong despite her circumstances, seemed smaller now, her vulnerability laid bare.
"I can take care of her," Taehyung said without hesitation. "Iâll make sure she gets what she needs."
Y/N moved into his apartment a week later. It was meant to be temporary, just until she recovered. But for Y/N, it felt like coming home.
---
Living with Taehyung was both a dream and a challenge. He was kind and attentive, always making sure she ate properly, took her medication, and rested. He treated her like a younger sibling, but for Y/N, her feelings were far from familial.
She noticed the little things about himâthe way his brow furrowed when he read, the warmth in his laughter, the quiet strength in his presence. She fell for him slowly, her heart aching with a love she knew was one-sided.
Taehyung, ever oblivious, continued to treat her with the same gentle care. He saw himself as her protector, someone who owed her safety and stability. He didnât notice the way her eyes lingered on him or the way her voice softened when she spoke his name.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Taehyung flipping through case files while Y/N pretended to read, she finally gathered the courage to speak.
"Taehyung," she said softly, setting her book aside.
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Whatâs wrong? Are you feeling okay?"
"Iâm fine," she assured him, though her heart was racing. "I just... I want to thank you. For everything."
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "You donât have to thank me. Iâm just doing what anyone would do."
"No," she said firmly. "Youâre doing more than anyone else ever has. Youâve given me a home. A family."
Her voice wavered, and Taehyung reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You deserve all of it, Y/N. Donât ever doubt that."
She wanted to tell him thenâabout her feelings, about the way her heart ached for him. But she swallowed the words, afraid of ruining the fragile balance between them.
Instead, she leaned into his touch, savoring the moment, even if it wasnât the one she truly wanted.
---
Taehyung continued to search for clues about her past, determined to give her the answers she deserved. But as the days turned into weeks, Y/N began to wonder if her future might matter more than her past.
Could she ever tell him how she felt? Would he ever see her as more than the girl heâd rescued?
For now, she kept her feelings locked away, content to remain by his side, even if it was only as the girl he had sworn to protect.
â---
Y/N stepped out of her room, her heart hammering in her chest. The girl sitting in the living room was beautiful, poised, and clearly interested in Taehyung. She smiled politely at Y/N, but Y/N barely acknowledged her as she hurried toward Taehyungâs room. She couldnât let this happen.
Her mind raced as she reached the door. She had never entered his room uninvited before, but this was different. The thought of him leaving with someone else, of giving his heart to someone who wasnât her, was unbearable.
She pushed the door open without knocking.
Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt. He was halfway through tying his tie when he noticed her. His brows furrowed in surprise, and he turned toward her.
"Y/N? Whatâs wrong?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with confusion. She had never acted like this before, and her teary eyes immediately put him on edge.
Y/N shut the door behind her, leaning against it as if to block his way out. Her hands trembled, and she couldnât stop the tears from spilling over.
"Taehyung," she began, her voice shaking. "You canât go."
He blinked, startled by her tone. "What do you mean? Did something happen? Are you okay?"
She shook her head, wiping her cheeks quickly, though it didnât stop the tears. "No, Iâm not okay. I canât let you go on this date. I just... I canât."
Taehyung stared at her, utterly perplexed. "Y/N, itâs just a date. My grandma set it up; I couldnât say no to her. You know how much sheâ"
"Donât," she interrupted, her voice rising. "Donât act like this is just about her. Youâve never gone on a date before, Taehyung. Never. Youâre always working, always focused on everyone else, and nowâ" She choked on her words, her emotions spilling over.
His expression softened, concern replacing confusion. "Y/N..."
"I love you," she blurted out, her voice breaking. "Iâve loved you for so long, and I canât stand the thought of losing you to someone else."
Taehyung froze, the weight of her confession hitting him like a tidal wave. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Y/N closed the distance between them.
She reached up, cupping his face with trembling hands, and kissed him.
It wasnât hesitant or unsure; it was full of raw, desperate emotion. Taehyungâs hands instinctively found her waist, steadying her as he kissed her back without thinking. For a brief moment, he let himself get lost in itâthe warmth of her lips, the intensity of her loveâbut reality came crashing down all too quickly.
He pulled back abruptly, his breathing unsteady.
"Y/N," he said firmly, his hands still on her waist as he guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. She looked up at him, her tear-streaked face breaking his heart, but he couldnât let this go unanswered.
"This isnât right," he said softly but seriously. "Youâre young, Y/N. Youâve been through so much, and I know how confusing feelings can be when someoneâs there for you the way Iâve been."
She shook her head vehemently. "No, Taehyung, itâs not like that. This isnât confusion or gratitude. I love you. Iâve loved you for years. Youâre the only one whoâs ever cared about me, the only one whoâs ever made me feel safe and wanted."
Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/N, I... I care about you too. More than I can even explain. But thisâwhat youâre feelingâcould be something else. And I need you to take time to understand it."
Her heart broke at his words, but she couldnât give up. "I know how I feel," she whispered. "And I know you feel something too. You kissed me back."
He closed his eyes briefly, guilt washing over him. "That was a mistake. I shouldnât have done that."
"Taehyungâ"
"Y/N," he interrupted gently, crouching in front of her so they were eye level. "I need you to trust me. I need you to trust that Iâll always be here for you, no matter what. But this... this isnât something we can rush. Please, let me go tonight. Let me figure out how I feel, and you need to do the same."
Her lips trembled, but she nodded reluctantly, knowing she couldnât force him to stay.
He reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I promise weâll talk about this. But not now, okay?"
She nodded again, her heart heavy as she watched him rise and finish getting ready. As he left the room, she stayed seated, her mind spinning.
The door clicked shut behind him, and Y/N was left alone with her thoughtsâand the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, heâd come back to her.
â----
The clinking of cutlery echoed softly in the upscale hotel restaurant, but Taehyung barely noticed it. He sat across from the woman his grandmother had so lovingly chosen for him, her soft voice filling the space between them as she spoke about her life, her ambitions, and the future she envisioned.
But he wasnât listening.
His mind was stuck in the moment from earlierâthe way Y/Nâs teary eyes had burned into his soul, the way her trembling voice had confessed everything he had tried so hard to ignore. And then, the kiss. Her lips on his, full of raw emotion, had stirred something deep inside him he couldnât quite place.
"Are you okay?" the womanâs voice broke through his thoughts.
Taehyung blinked, realizing he hadnât responded to a word sheâd said in the last five minutes. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, meeting her concerned gaze. "Iâm sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You seem distracted," she said gently, tilting her head. "If somethingâs wrong, we can rescheduleâ"
He shook his head firmly, then stopped, realizing he couldnât lie. "No," he admitted, his voice low. "Iâm not okay."
The womanâs brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. "Is it me?"
Taehyung gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Itâs not you. Youâre kind, and Iâm sure youâre amazing. But..." He hesitated, thinking of how Y/Nâs face had crumbled in front of him, her words still echoing in his mind. "Iâm not interested. Iâm sorry."
The woman blinked, clearly taken aback. "Oh... I see."
Standing, Taehyung reached for his wallet and pulled out cash to cover the bill. "I didnât mean to waste your time. I appreciate you coming here tonight, but I need to go."
Before she could respond, he offered her a polite bow and left, leaving her sitting there, stunned.
---
When Taehyung returned to the apartment, the sight that greeted him made his chest tighten. Y/N was curled up on the couch, fast asleep in an uncomfortable position. Her arm dangled off the side, her face pressed awkwardly against the cushion. The dim glow from the table lamp highlighted her swollen eyes and blotchy cheeks, clear signs she had been crying for hours.
He sighed softly, guilt weighing heavily on him. Moving closer, he crouched beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open.
"Taehyung?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
"Itâs me," he said softly, his hand still resting near her cheek. "Why are you sleeping here? You should be in your room."
Y/N blinked a few times, sitting up slowly. She winced as the stiffness in her neck caught up with her. "I... I didnât mean to. I was just waiting for you to come back."
Her words tugged at something deep within him. "You didnât have to wait for me," he said gently, though he couldnât deny the warmth that spread through him knowing she had.
Y/N rubbed her eyes, avoiding his gaze. "How was the date?"
He hesitated, watching her closely. Her voice was casual, but the vulnerability in her expression betrayed her.
"I left," he admitted.
Her head shot up, her wide eyes meeting his. "You... left?"
He nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I couldnât stop thinking about earlier."
Y/N swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. "About what I said?"
"About everything," he said softly. He reached out, his hand cupping her cheek gently. She froze at the warmth of his touch, her breath hitching as his thumb brushed against her skin. "Youâve been crying," he noted, his voice tinged with regret.
"I couldnât help it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you might..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"Might what?" he prompted, his tone gentle but insistent.
"Forget about me," she whispered.
His chest tightened at her words. Without thinking, he leaned closer, his forehead brushing against hers. "I could never forget about you, Y/N."
Her eyes welled up again, and he immediately shook his head. "No more tears," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "I hate seeing you like this."
"Then donât leave me," she said, her voice breaking. "Please, Taehyung."
He closed his eyes, his hand slipping to the back of her head as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, as if she were afraid heâd disappear if she let go.
"Iâm not leaving you," he promised, his voice low and steady. "But this... whatâs between us... we need time to figure it out. I need time."
Y/N nodded against his chest, clinging to the hope in his words. For now, it was enough.
As he held her close, Taehyung realized that whatever lay ahead, it wasnât something he could ignore any longer.
Taehyung carried Y/N to her room, cradling her as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. She clung to his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly, as if afraid he would slip away.
"You didnât have to wait for me," he murmured, laying her gently on the bed.
"I didnât want to be alone," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung knelt beside her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her face, her swollen eyes, and her vulnerability. He could see the weight of her emotions, and it tugged at him in a way he couldnât explain.
"You wonât ever be alone, Y/N," he said firmly, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Iâm here. Iâll always be here."
Her gaze met his, wide and searching. "You promise?"
"I promise," he replied, his voice steady but warm.
The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken words. Y/Nâs hand reached up hesitantly, her fingers grazing his jawline. "Why did you leave the date?"
Taehyung sighed, leaning into her touch. "Because I couldnât stop thinking about you."
Her heart raced at his confession. "Me?"
"Yes, you," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and tenderness. "I tried to focus, but all I could see was you. Your tears, your words, your kiss..."
Her cheeks flushed at the mention of the kiss, and she looked away. "I shouldnât have done that."
"Y/N," he said, his tone gentle but firm. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I didnât stop you because I didnât feel anything. I stopped because... I didnât want to hurt you. I needed time to understand what I was feeling."
"And now?" she asked, her voice trembling.
His eyes softened, and he leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Now, I know I donât want to be without you."
Tears filled her eyes again, but this time, they werenât from sadness. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I love you, Taehyung. I really do."
He held her tightly, his lips brushing against her hair. "I know. And I..." He hesitated for a moment, then pulled back to look into her eyes. "I love you too, Y/N."
Her breath hitched at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of relief and overwhelming joy.
Their gazes locked, and the world seemed to fall away. Slowly, Taehyung leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was tender yet filled with all the emotions he had kept buried.
The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in each other. Taehyungâs hands cradled her face, his touch soft and reassuring, while Y/Nâs fingers tangled in his hair.
He pulled away just enough to whisper, "Are you sure about this?"
Her answer was immediate, her voice steady despite the vulnerability in her eyes. "Iâve never been more sure of anything."
Taehyung searched her face for any hesitation, but all he found was trust and love. "Then let me take care of you," he murmured, his voice a promise.
The rest of the night was a blur of whispered confessions, gentle touches, and unspoken emotions. They moved with a quiet understanding, their actions speaking louder than words ever could.
When the first rays of dawn crept through the curtains, Taehyung held Y/N close, her head resting on his chest. Her breathing was soft and even, and his fingers traced lazy patterns on her back.
For the first time in years, Taehyung felt at peace. With Y/N in his arms, he realized that home wasnât a placeâit was her. And he would do everything in his power to protect it.
The rain was relentless that night, pounding against the pavement as Officer Kim Taehyung moved cautiously through the abandoned warehouse. The mission was simpleârescue the hostages and apprehend the criminals. But as the operation unfolded, it became anything but simple.
Amid the chaos of fleeing captives and handcuffed perpetrators, a faint whimper caught his attention. He turned sharply, flashlight slicing through the shadows. There, crumpled in the corner like a forgotten doll, was a young girl.
Her face was streaked with dirt, her clothes torn, and her body trembling from exhaustion. She was no older than sixteen, her wide, terrified eyes locking with his. "Help me," she rasped, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung didnât hesitate. He knelt beside her, carefully wrapping his jacket around her frail shoulders. "Youâre safe now," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "Iâve got you."
It was the first promise he made to her.
---
Y/N didnât remember much from that nightâor from her life before it. The trauma had stolen her memories, leaving her a blank slate with nothing to cling to but fear and confusion. Taehyung took responsibility for her, ensuring she received medical care and placing her in a respected orphanage.
Years passed, and Y/N tried to rebuild her life. The orphanage became her sanctuary, but she never stopped wondering about the man who had saved her. He visited occasionally, checking on her progress, offering quiet support. She called him âMr. Kimâ out of respect, though she often wished she could call him something warmer.
When she turned nineteen, her life took another unexpected turn.
---
Taehyung stood at the edge of Y/Nâs hospital bed, his brows furrowed in concern as the doctor explained her condition. Lingering trauma from her past had led to complicationsâones that required consistent care. Y/N, who had always been strong despite her circumstances, seemed smaller now, her vulnerability laid bare.
"I can take care of her," Taehyung said without hesitation. "Iâll make sure she gets what she needs."
Y/N moved into his apartment a week later. It was meant to be temporary, just until she recovered. But for Y/N, it felt like coming home.
---
Living with Taehyung was both a dream and a challenge. He was kind and attentive, always making sure she ate properly, took her medication, and rested. He treated her like a younger sibling, but for Y/N, her feelings were far from familial.
She noticed the little things about himâthe way his brow furrowed when he read, the warmth in his laughter, the quiet strength in his presence. She fell for him slowly, her heart aching with a love she knew was one-sided.
Taehyung, ever oblivious, continued to treat her with the same gentle care. He saw himself as her protector, someone who owed her safety and stability. He didnât notice the way her eyes lingered on him or the way her voice softened when she spoke his name.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Taehyung flipping through case files while Y/N pretended to read, she finally gathered the courage to speak.
"Taehyung," she said softly, setting her book aside.
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Whatâs wrong? Are you feeling okay?"
"Iâm fine," she assured him, though her heart was racing. "I just... I want to thank you. For everything."
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "You donât have to thank me. Iâm just doing what anyone would do."
"No," she said firmly. "Youâre doing more than anyone else ever has. Youâve given me a home. A family."
Her voice wavered, and Taehyung reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You deserve all of it, Y/N. Donât ever doubt that."
She wanted to tell him thenâabout her feelings, about the way her heart ached for him. But she swallowed the words, afraid of ruining the fragile balance between them.
Instead, she leaned into his touch, savoring the moment, even if it wasnât the one she truly wanted.
---
Taehyung continued to search for clues about her past, determined to give her the answers she deserved. But as the days turned into weeks, Y/N began to wonder if her future might matter more than her past.
Could she ever tell him how she felt? Would he ever see her as more than the girl heâd rescued?
For now, she kept her feelings locked away, content to remain by his side, even if it was only as the girl he had sworn to protect.
â---
Y/N stepped out of her room, her heart hammering in her chest. The girl sitting in the living room was beautiful, poised, and clearly interested in Taehyung. She smiled politely at Y/N, but Y/N barely acknowledged her as she hurried toward Taehyungâs room. She couldnât let this happen.
Her mind raced as she reached the door. She had never entered his room uninvited before, but this was different. The thought of him leaving with someone else, of giving his heart to someone who wasnât her, was unbearable.
She pushed the door open without knocking.
Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt. He was halfway through tying his tie when he noticed her. His brows furrowed in surprise, and he turned toward her.
"Y/N? Whatâs wrong?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with confusion. She had never acted like this before, and her teary eyes immediately put him on edge.
Y/N shut the door behind her, leaning against it as if to block his way out. Her hands trembled, and she couldnât stop the tears from spilling over.
"Taehyung," she began, her voice shaking. "You canât go."
He blinked, startled by her tone. "What do you mean? Did something happen? Are you okay?"
She shook her head, wiping her cheeks quickly, though it didnât stop the tears. "No, Iâm not okay. I canât let you go on this date. I just... I canât."
Taehyung stared at her, utterly perplexed. "Y/N, itâs just a date. My grandma set it up; I couldnât say no to her. You know how much sheâ"
"Donât," she interrupted, her voice rising. "Donât act like this is just about her. Youâve never gone on a date before, Taehyung. Never. Youâre always working, always focused on everyone else, and nowâ" She choked on her words, her emotions spilling over.
His expression softened, concern replacing confusion. "Y/N..."
"I love you," she blurted out, her voice breaking. "Iâve loved you for so long, and I canât stand the thought of losing you to someone else."
Taehyung froze, the weight of her confession hitting him like a tidal wave. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Y/N closed the distance between them.
She reached up, cupping his face with trembling hands, and kissed him.
It wasnât hesitant or unsure; it was full of raw, desperate emotion. Taehyungâs hands instinctively found her waist, steadying her as he kissed her back without thinking. For a brief moment, he let himself get lost in itâthe warmth of her lips, the intensity of her loveâbut reality came crashing down all too quickly.
He pulled back abruptly, his breathing unsteady.
"Y/N," he said firmly, his hands still on her waist as he guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. She looked up at him, her tear-streaked face breaking his heart, but he couldnât let this go unanswered.
"This isnât right," he said softly but seriously. "Youâre young, Y/N. Youâve been through so much, and I know how confusing feelings can be when someoneâs there for you the way Iâve been."
She shook her head vehemently. "No, Taehyung, itâs not like that. This isnât confusion or gratitude. I love you. Iâve loved you for years. Youâre the only one whoâs ever cared about me, the only one whoâs ever made me feel safe and wanted."
Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/N, I... I care about you too. More than I can even explain. But thisâwhat youâre feelingâcould be something else. And I need you to take time to understand it."
Her heart broke at his words, but she couldnât give up. "I know how I feel," she whispered. "And I know you feel something too. You kissed me back."
He closed his eyes briefly, guilt washing over him. "That was a mistake. I shouldnât have done that."
"Taehyungâ"
"Y/N," he interrupted gently, crouching in front of her so they were eye level. "I need you to trust me. I need you to trust that Iâll always be here for you, no matter what. But this... this isnât something we can rush. Please, let me go tonight. Let me figure out how I feel, and you need to do the same."
Her lips trembled, but she nodded reluctantly, knowing she couldnât force him to stay.
He reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I promise weâll talk about this. But not now, okay?"
She nodded again, her heart heavy as she watched him rise and finish getting ready. As he left the room, she stayed seated, her mind spinning.
The door clicked shut behind him, and Y/N was left alone with her thoughtsâand the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, heâd come back to her.
â----
The clinking of cutlery echoed softly in the upscale hotel restaurant, but Taehyung barely noticed it. He sat across from the woman his grandmother had so lovingly chosen for him, her soft voice filling the space between them as she spoke about her life, her ambitions, and the future she envisioned.
But he wasnât listening.
His mind was stuck in the moment from earlierâthe way Y/Nâs teary eyes had burned into his soul, the way her trembling voice had confessed everything he had tried so hard to ignore. And then, the kiss. Her lips on his, full of raw emotion, had stirred something deep inside him he couldnât quite place.
"Are you okay?" the womanâs voice broke through his thoughts.
Taehyung blinked, realizing he hadnât responded to a word sheâd said in the last five minutes. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, meeting her concerned gaze. "Iâm sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You seem distracted," she said gently, tilting her head. "If somethingâs wrong, we can rescheduleâ"
He shook his head firmly, then stopped, realizing he couldnât lie. "No," he admitted, his voice low. "Iâm not okay."
The womanâs brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. "Is it me?"
Taehyung gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Itâs not you. Youâre kind, and Iâm sure youâre amazing. But..." He hesitated, thinking of how Y/Nâs face had crumbled in front of him, her words still echoing in his mind. "Iâm not interested. Iâm sorry."
The woman blinked, clearly taken aback. "Oh... I see."
Standing, Taehyung reached for his wallet and pulled out cash to cover the bill. "I didnât mean to waste your time. I appreciate you coming here tonight, but I need to go."
Before she could respond, he offered her a polite bow and left, leaving her sitting there, stunned.
---
When Taehyung returned to the apartment, the sight that greeted him made his chest tighten. Y/N was curled up on the couch, fast asleep in an uncomfortable position. Her arm dangled off the side, her face pressed awkwardly against the cushion. The dim glow from the table lamp highlighted her swollen eyes and blotchy cheeks, clear signs she had been crying for hours.
He sighed softly, guilt weighing heavily on him. Moving closer, he crouched beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open.
"Taehyung?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
"Itâs me," he said softly, his hand still resting near her cheek. "Why are you sleeping here? You should be in your room."
Y/N blinked a few times, sitting up slowly. She winced as the stiffness in her neck caught up with her. "I... I didnât mean to. I was just waiting for you to come back."
Her words tugged at something deep within him. "You didnât have to wait for me," he said gently, though he couldnât deny the warmth that spread through him knowing she had.
Y/N rubbed her eyes, avoiding his gaze. "How was the date?"
He hesitated, watching her closely. Her voice was casual, but the vulnerability in her expression betrayed her.
"I left," he admitted.
Her head shot up, her wide eyes meeting his. "You... left?"
He nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I couldnât stop thinking about earlier."
Y/N swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. "About what I said?"
"About everything," he said softly. He reached out, his hand cupping her cheek gently. She froze at the warmth of his touch, her breath hitching as his thumb brushed against her skin. "Youâve been crying," he noted, his voice tinged with regret.
"I couldnât help it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you might..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"Might what?" he prompted, his tone gentle but insistent.
"Forget about me," she whispered.
His chest tightened at her words. Without thinking, he leaned closer, his forehead brushing against hers. "I could never forget about you, Y/N."
Her eyes welled up again, and he immediately shook his head. "No more tears," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "I hate seeing you like this."
"Then donât leave me," she said, her voice breaking. "Please, Taehyung."
He closed his eyes, his hand slipping to the back of her head as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, as if she were afraid heâd disappear if she let go.
"Iâm not leaving you," he promised, his voice low and steady. "But this... whatâs between us... we need time to figure it out. I need time."
Y/N nodded against his chest, clinging to the hope in his words. For now, it was enough.
As he held her close, Taehyung realized that whatever lay ahead, it wasnât something he could ignore any longer.
Taehyung carried Y/N to her room, cradling her as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. She clung to his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly, as if afraid he would slip away.
"You didnât have to wait for me," he murmured, laying her gently on the bed.
"I didnât want to be alone," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung knelt beside her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her face, her swollen eyes, and her vulnerability. He could see the weight of her emotions, and it tugged at him in a way he couldnât explain.
"You wonât ever be alone, Y/N," he said firmly, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Iâm here. Iâll always be here."
Her gaze met his, wide and searching. "You promise?"
"I promise," he replied, his voice steady but warm.
The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken words. Y/Nâs hand reached up hesitantly, her fingers grazing his jawline. "Why did you leave the date?"
Taehyung sighed, leaning into her touch. "Because I couldnât stop thinking about you."
Her heart raced at his confession. "Me?"
"Yes, you," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and tenderness. "I tried to focus, but all I could see was you. Your tears, your words, your kiss..."
Her cheeks flushed at the mention of the kiss, and she looked away. "I shouldnât have done that."
"Y/N," he said, his tone gentle but firm. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I didnât stop you because I didnât feel anything. I stopped because... I didnât want to hurt you. I needed time to understand what I was feeling."
"And now?" she asked, her voice trembling.
His eyes softened, and he leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Now, I know I donât want to be without you."
Tears filled her eyes again, but this time, they werenât from sadness. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I love you, Taehyung. I really do."
He held her tightly, his lips brushing against her hair. "I know. And I..." He hesitated for a moment, then pulled back to look into her eyes. "I love you too, Y/N."
Her breath hitched at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of relief and overwhelming joy.
Their gazes locked, and the world seemed to fall away. Slowly, Taehyung leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was tender yet filled with all the emotions he had kept buried.
The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in each other. Taehyungâs hands cradled her face, his touch soft and reassuring, while Y/Nâs fingers tangled in his hair.
He pulled away just enough to whisper, "Are you sure about this?"
Her answer was immediate, her voice steady despite the vulnerability in her eyes. "Iâve never been more sure of anything."
Taehyung searched her face for any hesitation, but all he found was trust and love. "Then let me take care of you," he murmured, his voice a promise.
The rest of the night was a blur of whispered confessions, gentle touches, and unspoken emotions. They moved with a quiet understanding, their actions speaking louder than words ever could.
When the first rays of dawn crept through the curtains, Taehyung held Y/N close, her head resting on his chest. Her breathing was soft and even, and his fingers traced lazy patterns on her back.
For the first time in years, Taehyung felt at peace. With Y/N in his arms, he realized that home wasnât a placeâit was her. And he would do everything in his power to protect it.
The rain was relentless that night, pounding against the pavement as Officer Kim Taehyung moved cautiously through the abandoned warehouse. The mission was simpleârescue the hostages and apprehend the criminals. But as the operation unfolded, it became anything but simple.
Amid the chaos of fleeing captives and handcuffed perpetrators, a faint whimper caught his attention. He turned sharply, flashlight slicing through the shadows. There, crumpled in the corner like a forgotten doll, was a young girl.
Her face was streaked with dirt, her clothes torn, and her body trembling from exhaustion. She was no older than sixteen, her wide, terrified eyes locking with his. "Help me," she rasped, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung didnât hesitate. He knelt beside her, carefully wrapping his jacket around her frail shoulders. "Youâre safe now," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "Iâve got you."
It was the first promise he made to her.
---
Y/N didnât remember much from that nightâor from her life before it. The trauma had stolen her memories, leaving her a blank slate with nothing to cling to but fear and confusion. Taehyung took responsibility for her, ensuring she received medical care and placing her in a respected orphanage.
Years passed, and Y/N tried to rebuild her life. The orphanage became her sanctuary, but she never stopped wondering about the man who had saved her. He visited occasionally, checking on her progress, offering quiet support. She called him âMr. Kimâ out of respect, though she often wished she could call him something warmer.
When she turned nineteen, her life took another unexpected turn.
---
Taehyung stood at the edge of Y/Nâs hospital bed, his brows furrowed in concern as the doctor explained her condition. Lingering trauma from her past had led to complicationsâones that required consistent care. Y/N, who had always been strong despite her circumstances, seemed smaller now, her vulnerability laid bare.
"I can take care of her," Taehyung said without hesitation. "Iâll make sure she gets what she needs."
Y/N moved into his apartment a week later. It was meant to be temporary, just until she recovered. But for Y/N, it felt like coming home.
---
Living with Taehyung was both a dream and a challenge. He was kind and attentive, always making sure she ate properly, took her medication, and rested. He treated her like a younger sibling, but for Y/N, her feelings were far from familial.
She noticed the little things about himâthe way his brow furrowed when he read, the warmth in his laughter, the quiet strength in his presence. She fell for him slowly, her heart aching with a love she knew was one-sided.
Taehyung, ever oblivious, continued to treat her with the same gentle care. He saw himself as her protector, someone who owed her safety and stability. He didnât notice the way her eyes lingered on him or the way her voice softened when she spoke his name.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Taehyung flipping through case files while Y/N pretended to read, she finally gathered the courage to speak.
"Taehyung," she said softly, setting her book aside.
He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Whatâs wrong? Are you feeling okay?"
"Iâm fine," she assured him, though her heart was racing. "I just... I want to thank you. For everything."
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "You donât have to thank me. Iâm just doing what anyone would do."
"No," she said firmly. "Youâre doing more than anyone else ever has. Youâve given me a home. A family."
Her voice wavered, and Taehyung reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You deserve all of it, Y/N. Donât ever doubt that."
She wanted to tell him thenâabout her feelings, about the way her heart ached for him. But she swallowed the words, afraid of ruining the fragile balance between them.
Instead, she leaned into his touch, savoring the moment, even if it wasnât the one she truly wanted.
---
Taehyung continued to search for clues about her past, determined to give her the answers she deserved. But as the days turned into weeks, Y/N began to wonder if her future might matter more than her past.
Could she ever tell him how she felt? Would he ever see her as more than the girl heâd rescued?
For now, she kept her feelings locked away, content to remain by his side, even if it was only as the girl he had sworn to protect.
â---
Y/N stepped out of her room, her heart hammering in her chest. The girl sitting in the living room was beautiful, poised, and clearly interested in Taehyung. She smiled politely at Y/N, but Y/N barely acknowledged her as she hurried toward Taehyungâs room. She couldnât let this happen.
Her mind raced as she reached the door. She had never entered his room uninvited before, but this was different. The thought of him leaving with someone else, of giving his heart to someone who wasnât her, was unbearable.
She pushed the door open without knocking.
Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt. He was halfway through tying his tie when he noticed her. His brows furrowed in surprise, and he turned toward her.
"Y/N? Whatâs wrong?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with confusion. She had never acted like this before, and her teary eyes immediately put him on edge.
Y/N shut the door behind her, leaning against it as if to block his way out. Her hands trembled, and she couldnât stop the tears from spilling over.
"Taehyung," she began, her voice shaking. "You canât go."
He blinked, startled by her tone. "What do you mean? Did something happen? Are you okay?"
She shook her head, wiping her cheeks quickly, though it didnât stop the tears. "No, Iâm not okay. I canât let you go on this date. I just... I canât."
Taehyung stared at her, utterly perplexed. "Y/N, itâs just a date. My grandma set it up; I couldnât say no to her. You know how much sheâ"
"Donât," she interrupted, her voice rising. "Donât act like this is just about her. Youâve never gone on a date before, Taehyung. Never. Youâre always working, always focused on everyone else, and nowâ" She choked on her words, her emotions spilling over.
His expression softened, concern replacing confusion. "Y/N..."
"I love you," she blurted out, her voice breaking. "Iâve loved you for so long, and I canât stand the thought of losing you to someone else."
Taehyung froze, the weight of her confession hitting him like a tidal wave. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Y/N closed the distance between them.
She reached up, cupping his face with trembling hands, and kissed him.
It wasnât hesitant or unsure; it was full of raw, desperate emotion. Taehyungâs hands instinctively found her waist, steadying her as he kissed her back without thinking. For a brief moment, he let himself get lost in itâthe warmth of her lips, the intensity of her loveâbut reality came crashing down all too quickly.
He pulled back abruptly, his breathing unsteady.
"Y/N," he said firmly, his hands still on her waist as he guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. She looked up at him, her tear-streaked face breaking his heart, but he couldnât let this go unanswered.
"This isnât right," he said softly but seriously. "Youâre young, Y/N. Youâve been through so much, and I know how confusing feelings can be when someoneâs there for you the way Iâve been."
She shook her head vehemently. "No, Taehyung, itâs not like that. This isnât confusion or gratitude. I love you. Iâve loved you for years. Youâre the only one whoâs ever cared about me, the only one whoâs ever made me feel safe and wanted."
Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/N, I... I care about you too. More than I can even explain. But thisâwhat youâre feelingâcould be something else. And I need you to take time to understand it."
Her heart broke at his words, but she couldnât give up. "I know how I feel," she whispered. "And I know you feel something too. You kissed me back."
He closed his eyes briefly, guilt washing over him. "That was a mistake. I shouldnât have done that."
"Taehyungâ"
"Y/N," he interrupted gently, crouching in front of her so they were eye level. "I need you to trust me. I need you to trust that Iâll always be here for you, no matter what. But this... this isnât something we can rush. Please, let me go tonight. Let me figure out how I feel, and you need to do the same."
Her lips trembled, but she nodded reluctantly, knowing she couldnât force him to stay.
He reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I promise weâll talk about this. But not now, okay?"
She nodded again, her heart heavy as she watched him rise and finish getting ready. As he left the room, she stayed seated, her mind spinning.
The door clicked shut behind him, and Y/N was left alone with her thoughtsâand the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, heâd come back to her.
â----
The clinking of cutlery echoed softly in the upscale hotel restaurant, but Taehyung barely noticed it. He sat across from the woman his grandmother had so lovingly chosen for him, her soft voice filling the space between them as she spoke about her life, her ambitions, and the future she envisioned.
But he wasnât listening.
His mind was stuck in the moment from earlierâthe way Y/Nâs teary eyes had burned into his soul, the way her trembling voice had confessed everything he had tried so hard to ignore. And then, the kiss. Her lips on his, full of raw emotion, had stirred something deep inside him he couldnât quite place.
"Are you okay?" the womanâs voice broke through his thoughts.
Taehyung blinked, realizing he hadnât responded to a word sheâd said in the last five minutes. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, meeting her concerned gaze. "Iâm sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You seem distracted," she said gently, tilting her head. "If somethingâs wrong, we can rescheduleâ"
He shook his head firmly, then stopped, realizing he couldnât lie. "No," he admitted, his voice low. "Iâm not okay."
The womanâs brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. "Is it me?"
Taehyung gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Itâs not you. Youâre kind, and Iâm sure youâre amazing. But..." He hesitated, thinking of how Y/Nâs face had crumbled in front of him, her words still echoing in his mind. "Iâm not interested. Iâm sorry."
The woman blinked, clearly taken aback. "Oh... I see."
Standing, Taehyung reached for his wallet and pulled out cash to cover the bill. "I didnât mean to waste your time. I appreciate you coming here tonight, but I need to go."
Before she could respond, he offered her a polite bow and left, leaving her sitting there, stunned.
---
When Taehyung returned to the apartment, the sight that greeted him made his chest tighten. Y/N was curled up on the couch, fast asleep in an uncomfortable position. Her arm dangled off the side, her face pressed awkwardly against the cushion. The dim glow from the table lamp highlighted her swollen eyes and blotchy cheeks, clear signs she had been crying for hours.
He sighed softly, guilt weighing heavily on him. Moving closer, he crouched beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. She stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open.
"Taehyung?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
"Itâs me," he said softly, his hand still resting near her cheek. "Why are you sleeping here? You should be in your room."
Y/N blinked a few times, sitting up slowly. She winced as the stiffness in her neck caught up with her. "I... I didnât mean to. I was just waiting for you to come back."
Her words tugged at something deep within him. "You didnât have to wait for me," he said gently, though he couldnât deny the warmth that spread through him knowing she had.
Y/N rubbed her eyes, avoiding his gaze. "How was the date?"
He hesitated, watching her closely. Her voice was casual, but the vulnerability in her expression betrayed her.
"I left," he admitted.
Her head shot up, her wide eyes meeting his. "You... left?"
He nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I couldnât stop thinking about earlier."
Y/N swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. "About what I said?"
"About everything," he said softly. He reached out, his hand cupping her cheek gently. She froze at the warmth of his touch, her breath hitching as his thumb brushed against her skin. "Youâve been crying," he noted, his voice tinged with regret.
"I couldnât help it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you might..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"Might what?" he prompted, his tone gentle but insistent.
"Forget about me," she whispered.
His chest tightened at her words. Without thinking, he leaned closer, his forehead brushing against hers. "I could never forget about you, Y/N."
Her eyes welled up again, and he immediately shook his head. "No more tears," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "I hate seeing you like this."
"Then donât leave me," she said, her voice breaking. "Please, Taehyung."
He closed his eyes, his hand slipping to the back of her head as he pulled her into a gentle embrace. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, as if she were afraid heâd disappear if she let go.
"Iâm not leaving you," he promised, his voice low and steady. "But this... whatâs between us... we need time to figure it out. I need time."
Y/N nodded against his chest, clinging to the hope in his words. For now, it was enough.
As he held her close, Taehyung realized that whatever lay ahead, it wasnât something he could ignore any longer.
Taehyung carried Y/N to her room, cradling her as if she were the most delicate thing in the world. She clung to his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly, as if afraid he would slip away.
"You didnât have to wait for me," he murmured, laying her gently on the bed.
"I didnât want to be alone," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Taehyung knelt beside her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her face, her swollen eyes, and her vulnerability. He could see the weight of her emotions, and it tugged at him in a way he couldnât explain.
"You wonât ever be alone, Y/N," he said firmly, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Iâm here. Iâll always be here."
Her gaze met his, wide and searching. "You promise?"
"I promise," he replied, his voice steady but warm.
The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken words. Y/Nâs hand reached up hesitantly, her fingers grazing his jawline. "Why did you leave the date?"
Taehyung sighed, leaning into her touch. "Because I couldnât stop thinking about you."
Her heart raced at his confession. "Me?"
"Yes, you," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and tenderness. "I tried to focus, but all I could see was you. Your tears, your words, your kiss..."
Her cheeks flushed at the mention of the kiss, and she looked away. "I shouldnât have done that."
"Y/N," he said, his tone gentle but firm. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I didnât stop you because I didnât feel anything. I stopped because... I didnât want to hurt you. I needed time to understand what I was feeling."
"And now?" she asked, her voice trembling.
His eyes softened, and he leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Now, I know I donât want to be without you."
Tears filled her eyes again, but this time, they werenât from sadness. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "I love you, Taehyung. I really do."
He held her tightly, his lips brushing against her hair. "I know. And I..." He hesitated for a moment, then pulled back to look into her eyes. "I love you too, Y/N."
Her breath hitched at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of relief and overwhelming joy.
Their gazes locked, and the world seemed to fall away. Slowly, Taehyung leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was tender yet filled with all the emotions he had kept buried.
The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in each other. Taehyungâs hands cradled her face, his touch soft and reassuring, while Y/Nâs fingers tangled in his hair.
He pulled away just enough to whisper, "Are you sure about this?"
Her answer was immediate, her voice steady despite the vulnerability in her eyes. "Iâve never been more sure of anything."
Taehyung searched her face for any hesitation, but all he found was trust and love. "Then let me take care of you," he murmured, his voice a promise.
The rest of the night was a blur of whispered confessions, gentle touches, and unspoken emotions. They moved with a quiet understanding, their actions speaking louder than words ever could.
When the first rays of dawn crept through the curtains, Taehyung held Y/N close, her head resting on his chest. Her breathing was soft and even, and his fingers traced lazy patterns on her back.
For the first time in years, Taehyung felt at peace. With Y/N in his arms, he realized that home wasnât a placeâit was her. And he would do everything in his power to protect it.
Y/N had barely settled into her seat when the turbulence started. It was supposed to be a routine flight back to her university after attending a law seminar, but the shaking of the plane made her clutch the armrests tightly. Across the aisle, a sharply dressed man with an aura of quiet authority barely looked up from his phone.
Sheâd noticed him during boarding. His tailored suit and the way he carried himself screamed wealth, yet he was on a commercial flight. Strange, but she had other things to worry aboutâlike her impending exam.
A sudden, violent jolt interrupted her thoughts, and the cabin lights flickered. Passengers gasped, some screaming as the plane shook again. The oxygen masks dropped from above, and Y/N grabbed hers, her heart racing.
âLadies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking,â came the strained voice over the intercom. âWeâre experiencing a severe emergency. Please brace for impact.â
The words sent a wave of panic through the cabin. Y/N barely managed to follow the instructions of the flight attendants, her mind racing with thoughts of survival. The next thing she knew, the world erupted in chaosâa deafening crash, metal screeching, and a blinding light.
---
When Y/N opened her eyes, the world was quiet except for the faint crackle of fire and the rustle of leaves. She was lying on the forest floor, surrounded by debris from the plane. The air smelled of smoke and fuel, and her head throbbed painfully.
âIs anyone there?â she croaked, struggling to sit up.
A groan from nearby made her turn. A manâhim, the one in the suitâwas pulling himself out of the wreckage. His face was smeared with dirt, and his suit was torn, but he was alive.
âAre you okay?â Y/N asked, crawling toward him.
âI think so,â he replied, wincing as he sat up. His voice was deep, calm despite the chaos. âWhere are we?â
âThe forest,â she said, glancing around. âThe plane... it crashed.â
They looked around, the devastation sinking in. Most of the passengers hadnât survived. Among the wreckage, they found the pilot, barely alive but conscious.
âWe need to get him help,â Y/N said, kneeling beside the man.
The strangerâTaehyung, as he introduced himselfâhelped her stop the bleeding from the pilotâs leg using strips of fabric torn from his shirt. Together, they searched the wreckage for anything useful, finding a few bottles of water, some snacks, and a first aid kit.
âRescue teams will come,â Captain Lee, the pilot, murmured weakly.
âWe just have to survive until then,â Y/N said, though her voice wavered.
As night fell, the three of them huddled around a small fire. The forest was cold and alive with unfamiliar sounds. Taehyung draped his jacket over Y/Nâs shoulders, his face unreadable in the firelight.
âYou look like you belong in a boardroom,â Y/N said, trying to break the silence.
He gave a faint smile. âAnd you look like you belong in a library.â
âIâm a law student,â she said, clutching the jacket tightly.
âTaehyung,â he replied simply.
âY/N,â she offered. âThanks for the jacket.â
âYou were shivering.â
Their quiet exchange was interrupted by Captain Lee groaning in pain. Despite their best efforts, his condition worsened overnight. By dawn, he had passed away, leaving them to bury him beneath a pile of stones.
âWeâll find a way out,â Taehyung said as they stood over the makeshift grave.
Y/N nodded, though tears streaked her cheeks. She didnât know this man well, but the crash had bound them together in ways she couldnât explain.
---
The following day, they decided to move. Taehyung supported Y/N when her legs faltered, and she steadied him when he stumbled. Their conversations were sparse but meaningful, filled with unspoken understanding.
By late afternoon, they stumbled upon a small stream. Exhausted, they collapsed by the water, taking turns drinking and washing their faces.
âThink anyoneâs looking for us?â Y/N asked, her voice barely audible.
âThey have to be,â Taehyung said, though his tone wasnât as confident as before.
Y/N looked at him, his usually composed demeanor cracked by exhaustion and uncertainty. For the first time, she saw him not as a stranger or a billionaire, but as someone just as human as she was.
âWeâll make it,â she said, more to herself than him.
Taehyung looked at her and nodded. âTogether.â
The forest remained vast and silent, but with each otherâs company, the overwhelming fear felt a little more manageable.
â-
Y/N and Taehyung stood at the base of a towering tree, their gazes climbing toward the canopy above. It had been Taehyungâs idea to climb, reasoning that they might get a better view of their surroundings. The dense forest had been unrelenting, and the hope of spotting a path or sign of civilization kept them going.
âAre you sure about this?â Y/N asked, her voice uncertain as she craned her neck to look up.
âNot entirely,â Taehyung admitted with a faint smile. âBut we need to know if thereâs a way out.â
He hoisted himself onto the first sturdy branch and began climbing, his movements deliberate but swift. Y/N followed, her hands trembling slightly from exertion and nerves. By the time they reached a point high enough to see above the treetops, the sight stole the breath from her lungs.
The forest stretched endlessly in every direction, an ocean of green with no visible roads or clearings.
âItâs... isolated,â Y/N murmured, her hope faltering.
Taehyung sighed, brushing a hand through his disheveled hair. âLooks like weâre stuck until someone finds us. We canât keep wandering aimlessly.â
They climbed back down in silence, the weight of their situation heavier than before.
---
Hours later, as they trudged deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon a clearing. In the center stood an old, weathered treehouse, perched among sturdy branches overlooking a mesmerizing lake. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and a gentle fountain bubbled at its center, surrounded by lush greenery.
Y/Nâs eyes widened. âItâs beautiful.â
âIt is,â Taehyung agreed, though his gaze lingered more on the treehouse. âLetâs check it out.â
The structure was small and in poor condition, with creaky wooden planks and patches of moss growing along its walls. It didnât look like anyone had used it in years, but it was shelter.
âThis will do,â Taehyung said, setting down the few supplies theyâd salvaged from the crash.
Y/N glanced at the lake longingly, the idea of washing off days of sweat and dirt almost too tempting to resist. But the thought of bathing in the open, with no privacy, made her hesitate.
Instead, she busied herself unpacking their meager belongings: a few pieces of clothing, some snacks, and a couple of bottles of water. Taehyung had also managed to save a small knife and a lighter, both invaluable in their current situation.
âYou can go clean up, you know,â Taehyung said casually, noticing her glances toward the water.
She shook her head, her cheeks warming. âI canât. Itâs too exposed.â
He raised an eyebrow but didnât push further. As Y/N focused on organizing their supplies, Taehyung began gathering sticks and branches from the surrounding area.
âWhat are you doing?â she asked, watching him drag a large branch toward the fountain.
âBuilding you some privacy,â he replied simply.
---
By the time he finished, Taehyung had fashioned a makeshift enclosure using sticks and leaves near the fountain. It wasnât perfect, but it shielded the area well enough to give Y/N a sense of security.
âThere,â he said, dusting off his hands. âGo ahead.â
Y/N hesitated, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. âThank you.â
He gave her a small nod and turned away, giving her space.
The water was refreshingly cool as Y/N washed away the grime and sweat. Her skin tingled from the rashes caused by days of exposure to dirt and lack of proper hygiene. She scrubbed gently, careful to avoid the stinging pain from a deep cut on her leg.
Afterward, she changed into a clean shirt salvaged from the wreckage and returned to the treehouse, feeling a thousand times better.
âItâs all yours,â she said to Taehyung, who was inspecting the treehouseâs damaged walls.
He nodded and headed to the fountain.
---
Taehyung washed quickly, the cold water soothing his aching muscles. As he stepped back toward the treehouse, he noticed Y/N sitting on the wooden floor, wincing as she adjusted her leg.
âWhatâs wrong?â he asked, kneeling beside her.
âItâs nothing,â she said dismissively, but her pained expression gave her away.
âLet me see.â
Reluctantly, she rolled up her pant leg to reveal a deep, angry-looking cut on her calf. Taehyung frowned, grabbing the first aid kit.
âYou shouldâve said something,â he scolded gently, cleaning the wound as carefully as he could.
âI didnât think it was that bad,â she murmured.
âYouâve been walking on this for hours,â he said, his tone softening. âYou need to take care of yourself.â
As he bandaged her leg, Y/N watched him quietly. For all his wealth and polished exterior, Taehyung had proven to be resourceful, calm under pressure, and unexpectedly kind.
âThank you,â she said softly.
He glanced up, meeting her gaze. âWeâre in this together, Y/N. We look out for each other.â
She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the pain. For the first time since the crash, she felt a glimmer of hopeânot because of the forest or their situation, but because of him.
â
The small treehouse was their refuge, but as night fell, the temperature plummeted. The clothes theyâd salvaged from the crash werenât enough to shield them from the biting cold. The soft rustling of the lakeâs gentle waves and the distant chirping of crickets only emphasized the eerie stillness of the forest.
Taehyung sat cross-legged on the uneven wooden floor, his back pressed against the treehouseâs wall. Y/N sat nearby, wrapped in her thin jacket, her knees pulled tightly to her chest.
âYou okay?â he asked, his deep voice breaking the silence.
Y/N shook her head, her teeth chattering. She wasnât. The cold was seeping into her bones, and she could feel her strength waning. âItâs freezing,â she admitted, her voice weak.
Taehyung frowned, watching her carefully. Her cheeks were pale, and her hands trembled despite her attempts to hide it. He moved closer, his brows furrowed with concern.
âYouâre not going to last the night like this,â he said bluntly.
âIâll be fine,â she whispered, though even she didnât believe her words.
âNo, you wonât.â He sighed and grabbed her hands, his larger, warmer ones enveloping hers. He began rubbing them gently, trying to generate some warmth.
Y/N tensed at the sudden contact but didnât pull away. The warmth spreading from his hands was a small comfort in the frigid air.
âLean back,â he said after a moment, gesturing toward the pile of leaves theyâd gathered earlier to use as bedding.
âWhat?â
âTrust me,â he replied, meeting her gaze. âYou need to stay warm, and the only way is to share body heat.â
Y/N hesitated but eventually nodded. She was too cold to argue. Lying down on the makeshift bed of leaves, she shivered uncontrollably as Taehyung settled beside her.
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. His body was warm against hers, and she couldnât deny the relief it brought. He began rubbing her back gently, his movements steady and soothing.
âThis is ridiculous,â she mumbled, her voice muffled against his chest.
âBetter ridiculous than frozen,â he retorted, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
She let out a small laugh despite herself. âYouâre annoyingly practical.â
âSomeone has to be,â he teased, though his focus remained on keeping her warm.
As the hours passed, the cold only seemed to deepen. Taehyung shifted his attention to her legs, rubbing them gently but firmly to restore circulation. He didnât speak much, his concentration fully on ensuring she stayed conscious and warm.
âYouâre strong,â he said quietly, breaking the silence.
âNot strong enough,â she murmured, her eyelids growing heavy.
âYes, you are,â he insisted, his voice soft but firm. âYou survived a plane crash. Youâre here, fighting. Thatâs strength.â
Y/N didnât reply, but his words brought a faint warmth to her chest, even as the cold gnawed at her.
---
The hours dragged on, and Taehyung stayed awake, watching over her. Every now and then, heâd press his hand against her forehead, checking her temperature. Her breathing remained steady, though her body shivered less as the night wore on.
Finally, the first rays of dawn broke through the canopy, casting a golden light over the lake and their small shelter. The warmth of the sun began to creep in, chasing away the bitter cold.
Taehyung exhaled a breath he hadnât realized he was holding. Y/N stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open as the sunlight warmed her face.
âYou made it through the night,â he said softly, relief evident in his tone.
âBarely,â she whispered, her voice still weak but steadier than the night before.
Taehyung offered her a small smile. âThe sunâs up now. Things will get better.â
For the first time in hours, he allowed himself to relax. They werenât out of danger yet, but theyâd survived another challenge together. And for now, that was enough.
â
The sun had barely risen above the horizon when Y/N stirred awake, the distant sound of birds chirping filling the air. She sat up slowly, stretching her stiff limbs as the events of the past few days settled back into her mind. Taehyung was already awake, sitting on the edge of the treehouse with his legs dangling, staring out at the shimmering lake.
âMorning,â she mumbled, still groggy.
He glanced over his shoulder, offering a small nod. âMorning.â
Her stomach growled loudly, breaking the serene silence. Y/N winced in embarrassment while Taehyung chuckled softly.
âI guess thatâs our next priority,â he said, standing up.
âWhat do we even have left?â she asked, rummaging through the small pile of salvaged supplies. It didnât take long to realize the answerânothing.
Taehyung sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. âWeâre out. No food, no snacks. Just some water.â
âWhat are we supposed to do?â Y/N asked, her tone slightly panicked.
He gestured toward the lake. âWe fish.â
âFish?â she repeated incredulously. âHave you ever even caught a fish before?â
âNo,â he admitted, a faint smirk playing on his lips. âBut how hard can it be?â
---
Taehyung waded into the lake, the cool water reaching up to his knees. Heâd fashioned a makeshift spear out of a sturdy stick, sharpening the tip with the knife theyâd salvaged. Y/N sat on the bank, her arms wrapped around her knees as she watched him with mild skepticism.
âRemind me again why Iâm not helping,â she called out.
âBecause you said you didnât want to step into the cold water,â he replied, his eyes focused on the rippling surface.
âFair point,â she muttered.
Taehyung remained silent for a while, concentrating on the small movements beneath the water. He struck suddenly, but when he lifted the stick, it was empty.
âThis is harder than it looks,â he admitted with a sigh.
Y/N couldnât help but laugh. âFor a billionaire, youâre surprisingly bad at improvising.â
He turned to her, raising an eyebrow. âOh, so youâve been paying attention.â
âHard not to,â she replied. âYou donât exactly blend in, even in the middle of a forest.â
Taehyung chuckled softly, then returned his attention to the water.
âTell me something,â Y/N said after a moment, her voice softer. âYouâre obviously not used to this kind of thing. Whatâs your story? Who are you outside of... all this?â
He paused, the question catching him off guard. âYou want to know about me?â
âWell, weâve been stuck together for days, and I know next to nothing about you,â she said, shrugging. âConsider it a distraction while you hunt.â
Taehyung sighed, straightening up slightly. âAlright. Iâm Kim Taehyung. I run a company my father built. Tech, finance... a little of everything. And in about a month, Iâm supposed to be getting married.â
âMarried?â Y/N asked, her eyebrows shooting up. âIs it... love?â
âNo,â he replied simply. âItâs arranged.â
âArranged?â she repeated, tilting her head. âSo you donât even get a say in it?â
He hesitated. âItâs complicated. Itâs not that I dislike her. Itâs just... expected. You wouldnât understand.â
âTry me,â she challenged.
Taehyung glanced at her, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. âThereâs a lot riding on me. Family expectations, business alliances... Love wasnât really part of the equation.â
Y/N was quiet for a moment. âThatâs... sad.â
He shrugged. âItâs just the way things are.â
âWhat about you?â he asked, turning the conversation back to her. âDo you have a boyfriend waiting for you back home?â
She shook her head. âNo time for that. My parents are... strict. My focus has always been on school, on becoming the perfect daughter. Law school wasnât my choiceâit was theirs.â
âSounds like weâre both living lives someone else chose for us,â Taehyung said, a hint of bitterness in his tone.
Y/N nodded, her expression somber. âI guess we are.â
---
Their conversation was interrupted when Taehyung suddenly struck the water again. This time, when he lifted the stick, a small fish wriggled at the end of it.
âGot it!â he exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
Y/N clapped her hands, laughing. âTold you youâd figure it out.â
They quickly gathered firewood and used the lighter to ignite a small fire by the lake. Taehyung cleaned the fish as best as he could, while Y/N sorted through a handful of berries sheâd found nearby, making sure they werenât poisonous.
The fish was skewered and roasted over the fire. As they ate, Y/N grimaced slightly.
âNot a fan?â Taehyung asked, amused.
âNot really,â she admitted, poking at her piece of fish. âBut itâs food, and Iâm starving, so...â
Taehyung chuckled, taking another bite. âYouâre surprisingly picky for someone stranded in a forest.â
Y/N narrowed her eyes at him. âAnd youâre surprisingly capable for someone who probably has people do everything for him.â
He raised an eyebrow, smirking. âWhat, you thought Iâd fall apart out here?â
âHonestly? A little,â she said with a grin.
Their playful banter faded into a comfortable silence as they finished their meal. The fire crackled softly, and the stars began to appear in the darkening sky.
âYouâre not what I expected,â Y/N said quietly, glancing at Taehyung.
He looked at her, his expression curious. âAnd what did you expect?â
âSomeone cold, distant, maybe even arrogant,â she admitted. âBut youâre... different.â
Taehyung smiled faintly. âAnd youâre not what I expected, either.â
Y/N tilted her head. âWhat did you expect?â
âSomeone whoâd break down at the first sign of trouble,â he said, his tone teasing. âBut youâre tougher than you look.â
Y/N laughed softly, shaking her head. âGuess weâre both full of surprises.â
As the fire crackled between them, a quiet tension lingered in the air. They were still strangers in many ways, but the bond they were forming felt undeniable. For the first time since the crash, the forest felt less daunting. Together, they were starting to feel like they might just survive.
â
The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange as the day began to wind down, casting a warm glow over the lake. A light breeze stirred the leaves, creating soft rustling sounds in the air. Y/N stood at the edge of the water, the damp fabric of her dress sticking to her skin, her eyes following the rhythm of the waves.
âThink we can catch anything tonight?â she called out to Taehyung, who was already waist-deep in the lake, spear in hand.
âIâll give it my best shot,â Taehyung replied with a determined smile, though his tone was light, as if trying to make the situation sound less grim.
Y/N chuckled softly, then glanced at the sky. The sun was dipping lower, and the forest around them seemed to come alive in the dusk. There was something calming about the way the lake reflected the changing skyâalmost as if the wilderness had a rhythm, a pulse of its own.
âI donât think weâll ever get used to this,â she said quietly, watching Taehyung.
He turned slightly to look at her, his expression softening. âYouâre right. But... sometimes, the strangest things happen. Things we donât expect.â
Y/N caught his gaze, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. âYouâre talking about fishing, right?â
He chuckled. âIn part, yes. But also... about us, maybe. How we ended up here, depending on each other.â
A silence hung between them as she processed his words. It felt strange, this connection that was forming, as if they were no longer strangers but something more. But Y/N quickly shook off the thought, reminding herself that they were just two people trapped in a desperate situation. Nothing more.
Suddenly, Taehyung lunged forward, his spear piercing the water with precision. He pulled back with effort, revealing a large fish wriggling at the end of the stick.
âI got it!â he exclaimed, breathing heavily. The size of the fish made him momentarily struggle, but he didnât let go.
âNice job!â Y/N cheered from the shore, her eyes wide with admiration.
But as Taehyung pulled the fish closer to shore, the slippery creature wiggled free, and for a moment, it seemed like all their effort had been in vain.
âHold it!â Y/N shouted instinctively, rushing to the waterâs edge.
Without thinking, she waded into the lake, her wet dress trailing behind her. She reached out just as Taehyungâs grip faltered, and together, they finally managed to bring the fish to safety.
When it was over, Y/N was panting, her dress drenched, and the cool water clinging to her skin. Her body instinctively shivered from the chill, but she smiled at their success.
âPhew, that was close,â she said, laughing lightly, but the sound caught in her throat when she realized how soaked she was.
Taehyungâs gaze flickered downward, and he quickly looked away, his face tinged with a blush. He didnât mean to stare, but it was hard not to notice the way her dress clung to her skin.
âUh... you might want to change,â he said awkwardly, his voice suddenly tense.
Y/N, too, became aware of how exposed she was, the dress clinging to her body in a way that made her feel both vulnerable and oddly exposed. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hide the discomfort she felt.
âI... yeah, I will,â she said, nodding quickly. She turned and retreated to the treehouse, her heart pounding in her chest for reasons she couldnât quite explain.
---
While Y/N changed, Taehyung focused on the fish, his mind racing. He wasnât sure why he was reacting this way. It wasnât like he hadnât seen her beforeâsheâd been by his side through everything, sharing the same hardships. But something about the way she had looked earlier... the water-soaked dress, her hair falling loosely around her faceâit had taken him by surprise.
He shook his head, trying to focus on starting a fire. When Y/N returned, dressed in dry clothes, Taehyung glanced at her briefly, his gaze lingering just a little longer than usual before he quickly turned his attention back to the fire.
âYou look... better,â he said, though his voice was lower than usual.
Y/N gave him a small smile, relieved that the awkward tension between them had dissipated. âThanks.â She crouched next to the fire, watching him as he began to clean the fish. There was an ease between them now, but also something unspoken.
They worked in silence for a while, the only sound being the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of the trees around them. Once the fish was cooked, they sat down on the ground, the warmth from the fire spilling over them.
Y/N took a bite of the fish, trying to hide her grimace. âItâs... not the worst thing Iâve ever eaten.â
Taehyung laughed, glancing at her with amusement. âGlad to hear it. You seem pretty picky for someone stuck in a forest with no other option.â
âIâm not picky,â she said, raising an eyebrow. âI just have standards.â
He smiled, his eyes softening. âYouâre full of surprises, arenât you?â
âI could say the same about you,â she replied, her smile mirroring his.
They fell into a comfortable silence again, eating and watching the stars slowly take their place in the night sky. But something had shifted. The atmosphere between them had changed, and neither of them could ignore it.
âY/N,â Taehyung said suddenly, breaking the silence.
She looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his gaze. âYeah?â
âIâve been meaning to ask you...â He hesitated, as though considering his words carefully. âWhatâs it like? To have freedom? To make your own choices?â
Y/N was caught off guard by the question. She paused, looking at him for a long moment, then glanced down at her hands. âFreedom is a strange thing,â she said quietly. âMy parents... theyâve always planned my life for me. I was never asked what I wanted.â
Taehyungâs expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. âThat must be tough.â
She met his gaze, surprised by the depth of understanding she saw in his eyes. âIt is. But itâs also my life. And Iâm starting to realize... maybe I can still change it. Maybe I can still choose for myself.â
There was a long pause, and in the quiet of the night, with the crackling fire between them, Y/N felt her chest tighten. She wasnât sure what had come over her, but there was something about the way Taehyung was looking at herâlike he understood her in a way no one else ever had.
The silence stretched between them, but it wasnât uncomfortable. It was filled with a quiet intensity, a tension neither of them was willing to name just yet.
âYou know,â Taehyung said, his voice suddenly soft, âI never thought Iâd be here. In a place like this. With someone like you.â
Y/N raised an eyebrow, amused. âSomeone like me?â
He hesitated, then smiled, the corners of his lips curling up slowly. âSomeone whoâs not afraid to dive into a freezing lake to help me. Someone who can still make me laugh, even when weâre stuck in the middle of nowhere.â
Her heart fluttered at his words, and she couldnât help but feel a warmth spread through her chest. She smiled back, her eyes softening. âI guess weâre both full of surprises.â
Taehyungâs gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, and this time, neither of them looked away. It wasnât just the fire that warmed the air between themâit was something deeper, something unspoken but undeniably there.
They both knew that the night would pass, the stars would fade, and they would have to face the reality of their situation. But for now, in the silence of the forest, with only the sound of their breathing and the crackling fire, they allowed themselves a brief moment of connectionâa quiet acknowledgment that, despite everything, they were no longer just two strangers lost in the wilderness. They were something more.
â
The night had fallen completely now, the moon casting a silver glow across the lake. The crackling fire between them offered a flickering warmth, but the cool night air lingered, wrapping them in a quiet stillness. Y/N sat beside Taehyung, her heart racing in a way that didnât quite match the calm of their surroundings.
She hadnât expected this. Didnât expect to feel so... drawn to him. The way the firelight danced in his eyes, the soft smiles they shared, the way their conversations had shifted from survival to something deeperâsomething real.
âYouâre quiet,â Taehyung murmured, his voice low as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
Y/N blinked, her breath catching in her throat. âI was just thinking... about how strange this all is.â
He looked at her fully now, his expression serious, yet tender. âStrange?â
She nodded. âHow weâve ended up here together... and how much itâs changed. You know, when we first met, I never would have thought Iâd be this close to you.â
A soft smile tugged at his lips. âFunny how things work out, isnât it?â
There was a lingering silence as their eyes met, the fire flickering between them. Taehyung didnât break his gaze, and neither did she. Something between them had shifted, deepened.
For a moment, the world around them fadedâthere was only the sound of their breathing, the soft rustle of the trees, the warmth of the fire. Y/Nâs heart pounded in her chest, her lips tingling with the unspoken words that hovered between them.
Slowly, almost instinctively, she leaned in, her eyes fluttering shut as she tilted her head, and Taehyung followed suit. The distance between them vanished, and in that fleeting moment, the world seemed to pause.
Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. It wasnât rushed or desperateâit was gentle, as if they were both savoring the moment, feeling the weight of everything that had led to this.
When they finally pulled away, the silence that followed was thick with emotion. Their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.
âYou... you feel it too, right?â Y/N whispered, her voice shaky with the intensity of the moment.
Taehyung smiled, a small, genuine smile that reached his eyes. âI do.â
He took her hand, his fingers warm against hers. âCome on,â he said softly, his voice tender. âLet me carry you back to the treehouse.â
Y/Nâs heart skipped a beat at his words. Without a second thought, she allowed him to scoop her up in his arms, his strength surprising yet comforting. The world outside seemed distant, but for this moment, there was only Taehyung and her, wrapped in the warmth of the fire and the intimacy of what they had just shared.
As he carried her through the forest, the soft rustling of the leaves was the only sound. Y/N nestled closer into his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck, feeling the beat of his heart against her.
When they reached the treehouse, Taehyung gently set her down, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment before he stepped back. He looked at her, his eyes soft and full of something unspoken.y/n suddenly pulled him above her and atarted to kiss him passionately.
Taehyung understood the situation so he backed away breaking the kiss and said cupping her face, â Look y/n, I think we are rushing into something. as you know we only knew each other for two weeks since we've lost.â âI donât care Misterâ that's all she said before pulling him again into a kiss and started to unbuttoned him.Â
â Are you sure?â He asked lifting her frock exposing her fully to his desirable eyes. He knew she wasnât wearing anything as her only underwear is outside getting dry after the thing happened in lake, so he wasn't surprised. she widened her legs before nodding her head and said âYesâ.
He didnât wait much before diving in between her legs and started to lick her. She throw her head back letting out a load moan gripping his head, she leaned back on her elbow looking at him pulling back before parting her folds by his hands. â You taste a lot like cherries darling.â He said while looking at her in the eyes. He was about to finger her but she stopped saying she want him to be inside her.
âAnd please be gentle. I've never done it before.â Taehyungâs eyes widen but acted normal. â I'm not new to give pleasure darlingâ he said before pulling down his shorts and boxers and started to stroke his member. She hesitated a bit after seeing his size but he entered into her making her scream just by the tip. He lift her up on his lap before asking her to take him in little by little as per her liking. She ride him not taking him in fully but got exhausted soon.Â
He put her down before ramming into her making her moan loadly in pleasure. She gripped him tightly.â I think I'm goâŠ.â she released her juices all of sudden and clenched hard making him get his end too. In the heat of the moment no one cared about where he finished. He layed down hugging her close to him and both slept like that.
âÂ
Days rolled up as they got more and more close by emotion and their body too. He wasnât able to take control himself anytime he see her doing something sensual.Â
Two months had passed since that fateful plane crash, and life in the forest had become a strange new normal. The once unfamiliar sounds of the wilderness were now background music to their days. The treehouse was no longer just a shelter; it had become home. Y/N and Taehyung had developed their own rhythms, their days spent fishing, gathering food, and keeping each other company through the long hours.
Despite the challenges, there was a strange sense of peace in the isolation. But Y/N couldn't help the thoughts that clouded her mind on that morning.
She hadn't had her period in a while, and the realization weighed on her. She'd been too distracted by the day-to-day survival to think much about it, but now, the thought had planted itself firmly in her mind. Had she missed it because of stress? Or something else?
She tried to push the thought aside, but it kept coming back, nagging her as she sat on the edge of the treehouse, gazing out at the quiet lake. She knew she needed to talk to Taehyung about itâabout everythingâbut how could she bring it up? She didnât even know where to start.
Just as the thoughts became overwhelming, the faintest sound broke through her inner turmoilâa distant hum that grew louder.
Taehyung!
She jumped to her feet, her heart racing. From somewhere in the forest, Taehyung came running toward her, his face filled with a mix of hope and urgency.
âTaehyung?â Y/N called out, her voice barely above a whisper.
âY/N!â He grabbed her hands as he reached her, his grip tight and reassuring. âY/N, listen. Thereâs a helicopter! I think theyâve found us!â His voice cracked with emotion.
Y/Nâs heart surged with disbelief and joy. A helicopter? After all this time, after all the struggles, help was finally here. She could hardly process the news, her mind spinning with the possibility of rescue.
âWe have to make a signal, quickly,â Taehyung said, urgency in his voice. âWe donât know how much time we have.â
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the last lighter they had left. Y/Nâs eyes widened as he crouched down, striking the lighter with quick, practiced movements.
He managed to create a small fire in the clearing, the smoke rising into the air. âThis will be our signal. Stay close.â
The seconds felt like hours as they both watched the smoke rise, the sound of the helicopter drawing nearer. The roar of the blades echoed in the distance, and soon, the dark silhouette of the helicopter appeared above them. Y/N felt tears prick at the corners of her eyesâtears of relief, of hope, of joy.
âWeâre going home,â she whispered, barely believing the words.
The helicopter hovered overhead for a moment, then descended to land in the clearing near them. The doors opened, revealing two Navy officers who quickly rushed toward them. They didnât waste any time, their professionalism evident as they ensured Y/N and Taehyung were safely aboard.
As the helicopter took off, the forest they had called home for the past two months slowly disappeared behind them. Y/N clung to Taehyungâs hand, her eyes brimming with tears, her mind still struggling to comprehend everything that had just happened.and she could feel her eyes closing by tiredness.
---
The next thing Y/N knew, she was lying in a hospital bed, the sterile smell of the room overwhelming. She blinked, disoriented, as she looked around. Her body felt heavy, sore, and she realized she was hooked up to an IV drip.
It was then that she rememberedâshe had been rescued. She wasnât in the forest anymore.
Her chest tightened at the thought of Taehyung. She needed to see him.
The hours passed, and soon, Y/N and Taehyung were in separate rooms. News outlets had already picked up the story of their rescue. Their faces were everywhere.Â
And their families were informed. And both of their family was there in the hospital.
â
The sterile smell of the hospital room, the buzzing of machines, and the soft beeping of monitors faded into the background as Y/N's world shifted once again. It was hard to focus on the present when the doctorâs words echoed in her mind.
"You're pregnant."
The sentence hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Y/N's heart skipped a beat, her hands trembling as she tried to process the news. She hadnât even thought about it. She had been too focused on survival and her pleasure.
The doctor gave her a moment to absorb the information, but the shock was too much. Before she could respond, Y/Nâs parents entered the room, their faces a mix of relief and anxiety.
But as soon as her father caught sight of Y/Nâs pale face, he turned his attention to the doctor. âWhatâs going on?â
The doctor glanced at Y/N, who nodded slightly, giving her consent. "Sheâs pregnant. Itâs early, but the tests confirm it."
Her fatherâs face turned a shade darker, and her motherâs lips trembled as the room filled with tension.
Y/Nâs father crossed his arms, glaring at her. "Pregnant? How could this happen? Whoâs responsible for this?" His voice was harsh, his disappointment palpable.
Y/Nâs heart sank. She had imagined so many different outcomes in her head, but none of them had been like this.
Before she could explain, Taehyung stepped forward, his face a mixture of concern and guilt. âIâ Iâm the one responsible,â he said, his voice steady, but his eyes avoiding Y/Nâs fatherâs angry gaze. "And I will take full responsibility."
Y/Nâs father shook his head in disbelief. âThis is unacceptable,â he snapped. âYouâre not even engaged, and now youâre telling me my daughter is pregnant? What were you thinking?â
Y/Nâs mother began to tear up, her hands wringing together in distress. "This is not how we raised you, Y/N. This is... this is a mistake."
But before things could escalate further, Taehyung spoke again, his voice unwavering. âI understand your anger, and I wonât ask for forgiveness. But I promise you, I will do everything I can to make things right.â He turned to Y/Nâs father, his gaze sincere. âI will marry her. I donât care about the circumstances. I want to marry Y/N. Itâs my choice.â
The room went silent as Y/Nâs parents took in his words. Her father, still angry, stepped back, glaring at Taehyung, but his words were lost in the growing tension.
On the other side of the room, Y/N could see Taehyungâs parents standing stiffly, their eyes wide with shock. His father, a tall, imposing man, stood with his arms crossed, his mouth set in a tight line. His mother, usually composed, looked as if she had just been struck by something unexpected.
Taehyungâs father cleared his throat, his voice deep and controlled. âTaehyung⊠we had hoped you would have more sense than this.â
Taehyung stood tall, not backing down. âIâm sorry, Father. I truly am. But I canât keep living my life the way you want me to. Iâm not marrying someone I donât love, someone I didnât choose. I choose Y/N. And I will make it work, no matter what it takes.â
Y/Nâs heart pounded in her chest. She had always admired Taehyungâs strength, but in this moment, it was his vulnerability that stood out. She hadnât realized until now how much he had been carrying, how much he had been holding back.
Her gaze flickered to his hand. The ring that had once been a symbol of his upcoming marriage, the ring he had worn for duty was gone. Y/N felt a relief in her chest as she processed the absence of the ring, a silent statement of everything that had changed.
He noticed her gaze and, without a word, gently held up his hand. âI donât need it anymore. Iâm not bound by it. Iâm choosing my own future. And itâs with you, Y/N.â
Her breath caught in her throat. It was more than just a confessionâit was a promise.
âYouâve always had a choice,â Y/N whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. âI never wanted you to feel trapped by anything.â
Taehyung smiled softly, his eyes full of affection. âI know. And now, Iâm choosing the life I want. Iâm choosing you.â
Y/Nâs parents exchanged uncertain glances, the tension in the room palpable. Her father opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything further, Taehyung continued.
âI understand youâre upset, and I canât ask you to forgive me right away,â Taehyung said, his tone respectful yet firm. âBut I promise you, I will make sure that Y/N and the baby are well taken care of. I will take responsibility, and I will make sure she has everything she needs.â
Y/Nâs father finally spoke, his voice quieter now but still firm. âI donât know if I can ever accept this, Taehyung. But youâre right about one thingâyou have to live your life for yourself. And if you truly love her, I canât stand in the way.â
Her mother wiped her tears, her voice soft as she looked at Y/N. âI donât agree with how this happened, but if youâre both determined... then weâll try to support you.â
Taehyung nodded, his eyes never leaving Y/Nâs. âThank you. I promise I wonât let you down.â
As the conversation turned to plans for the future, Y/N couldnât help but feel a strange sense of peace settle over her. Despite everythingâdespite the shock, the disappointment, the angerâthey were going to be okay. She wasnât alone.
And as Taehyung leaned over to her, his hand gently brushing her cheek, his eyes soft and filled with love, she knew, deep down, that this wasnât the end of their journey. It was just the beginning.
âAre you sure about this?â Y/N whispered.
Taehyung smiled, his voice full of determination. âIâve never been more sure of anything in my life.â
And as the room filled with the hum of activity, Y/N leaned into Taehyung, feeling the weight of everything that had happened, and everything that was yet to come. Together, they would face it all.
They said everyone had a guardian angel. Y/N had grown up hearing the storiesâtales of beings of light watching over humans, guiding them, and keeping them safe. She never doubted it, not until she realized she was different. She had no angel watching over her.
Instead, she had him.
The feeling began in her teenage years, a heavy, suffocating sensation of being watched. Not the soft, comforting presence people described when they spoke of their angels, but a dark, possessive weight that seemed to coil around her soul. At first, she dismissed it as paranoia, but it grew stronger as time went on. And then, there were the incidents.
The night someone followed her home after a late shift at work, she had been cornered in a dark alley. Panic had seized her, freezing her limbs as the man advanced with a sinister grin. She had barely managed to scream before he was ripped away from her, his body hurled across the alley like a ragdoll.
Standing in the shadows was a manâno, something more. His eyes glowed crimson, his presence consuming. He didnât speak as he stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk that sent chills down her spine.
âItâs taken care of,â he had said simply before disappearing into the night.
From that day forward, Y/N knew she wasnât alone.
Her protector wasnât an angel. He was a demon.
---
Y/N hated the way she grew used to him. He didnât always appear, but she could feel him, lurking in the shadows, watching. At first, she feared him, but as the years passed, that fear turned into a strange, twisted comfort. He was violent, ruthless, and possessive, but he kept her safe.
It wasnât until she saw him up close for the first time that her fear returned tenfold.
It was late, and she had fallen asleep on her couch, the TV playing quietly in the background. A strange noise woke her, and she jolted upright, her heart racing. Standing at the edge of her living room, bathed in the soft glow of the TV, was him.
He was beautiful in a way that was almost inhuman. His sharp features were framed by dark hair that fell into his piercing eyes, and the faint glow of red in his irises made her shiver. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as if he had been waiting for her to notice him.
âYouâre more careless than I thought,â he said, his deep voice sending a chill down her spine.
âWhat are you doing here?â she demanded, clutching a throw pillow to her chest as if it could shield her from him.
âWatching over you.â He tilted his head, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her squirm. âYouâre mine to protect, Y/N. No one else is allowed to touch you.â
The possessiveness in his tone was unnerving.
âWho are you?â she whispered, her voice trembling.
âTaehyung,â he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. âYour guardian demon.â
---
Taehyung was everything Y/N had been taught to fear. He didnât just protect her; he annihilated anyone who posed a threat. When her coworker got too close, Taehyung ensured the man never came near her again. When she rejected his help, he reminded her that she had no choice.
âYou donât get to decide,â he growled one night, pinning her against the wall after she tried to confront him about his violent methods. His eyes burned with anger, but there was something else beneath itâsomething raw and desperate. âYouâre mine, Y/N. I will keep you safe, whether you like it or not.â
His touch was cold but electrifying, and it terrified her how easily she melted under his gaze. He was dangerous, unrelenting, and completely obsessed with her.
But what scared her the most wasnât him. It was the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way she found herself searching for him in the shadows, craving his presence despite the fear.
She was falling for her guardian demon.
---
Taehyungâs love was suffocating, but it consumed her in ways she couldnât escape. He was dark and violent, but he was also hersâjust as she was his.
âDonât you see, Y/N?â he whispered one night, his hand brushing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes with an intensity that stole her breath. âYou were never meant for anyone else. Iâve been watching you your entire life. You belong to me.â
And somehow, despite everything, she believed him.
She didnât have a guardian angel. She had a guardian demon. And he would burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
They said everyone had a guardian angel. Y/N had grown up hearing the storiesâtales of beings of light watching over humans, guiding them, and keeping them safe. She never doubted it, not until she realized she was different. She had no angel watching over her.
Instead, she had him.
The feeling began in her teenage years, a heavy, suffocating sensation of being watched. Not the soft, comforting presence people described when they spoke of their angels, but a dark, possessive weight that seemed to coil around her soul. At first, she dismissed it as paranoia, but it grew stronger as time went on. And then, there were the incidents.
The night someone followed her home after a late shift at work, she had been cornered in a dark alley. Panic had seized her, freezing her limbs as the man advanced with a sinister grin. She had barely managed to scream before he was ripped away from her, his body hurled across the alley like a ragdoll.
Standing in the shadows was a manâno, something more. His eyes glowed crimson, his presence consuming. He didnât speak as he stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk that sent chills down her spine.
âItâs taken care of,â he had said simply before disappearing into the night.
From that day forward, Y/N knew she wasnât alone.
Her protector wasnât an angel. He was a demon.
---
Y/N hated the way she grew used to him. He didnât always appear, but she could feel him, lurking in the shadows, watching. At first, she feared him, but as the years passed, that fear turned into a strange, twisted comfort. He was violent, ruthless, and possessive, but he kept her safe.
It wasnât until she saw him up close for the first time that her fear returned tenfold.
It was late, and she had fallen asleep on her couch, the TV playing quietly in the background. A strange noise woke her, and she jolted upright, her heart racing. Standing at the edge of her living room, bathed in the soft glow of the TV, was him.
He was beautiful in a way that was almost inhuman. His sharp features were framed by dark hair that fell into his piercing eyes, and the faint glow of red in his irises made her shiver. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as if he had been waiting for her to notice him.
âYouâre more careless than I thought,â he said, his deep voice sending a chill down her spine.
âWhat are you doing here?â she demanded, clutching a throw pillow to her chest as if it could shield her from him.
âWatching over you.â He tilted his head, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her squirm. âYouâre mine to protect, Y/N. No one else is allowed to touch you.â
The possessiveness in his tone was unnerving.
âWho are you?â she whispered, her voice trembling.
âTaehyung,â he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. âYour guardian demon.â
---
Taehyung was everything Y/N had been taught to fear. He didnât just protect her; he annihilated anyone who posed a threat. When her coworker got too close, Taehyung ensured the man never came near her again. When she rejected his help, he reminded her that she had no choice.
âYou donât get to decide,â he growled one night, pinning her against the wall after she tried to confront him about his violent methods. His eyes burned with anger, but there was something else beneath itâsomething raw and desperate. âYouâre mine, Y/N. I will keep you safe, whether you like it or not.â
His touch was cold but electrifying, and it terrified her how easily she melted under his gaze. He was dangerous, unrelenting, and completely obsessed with her.
But what scared her the most wasnât him. It was the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way she found herself searching for him in the shadows, craving his presence despite the fear.
She was falling for her guardian demon.
---
Taehyungâs love was suffocating, but it consumed her in ways she couldnât escape. He was dark and violent, but he was also hersâjust as she was his.
âDonât you see, Y/N?â he whispered one night, his hand brushing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes with an intensity that stole her breath. âYou were never meant for anyone else. Iâve been watching you your entire life. You belong to me.â
And somehow, despite everything, she believed him.
She didnât have a guardian angel. She had a guardian demon. And he would burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
They said everyone had a guardian angel. Y/N had grown up hearing the storiesâtales of beings of light watching over humans, guiding them, and keeping them safe. She never doubted it, not until she realized she was different. She had no angel watching over her.
Instead, she had him.
The feeling began in her teenage years, a heavy, suffocating sensation of being watched. Not the soft, comforting presence people described when they spoke of their angels, but a dark, possessive weight that seemed to coil around her soul. At first, she dismissed it as paranoia, but it grew stronger as time went on. And then, there were the incidents.
The night someone followed her home after a late shift at work, she had been cornered in a dark alley. Panic had seized her, freezing her limbs as the man advanced with a sinister grin. She had barely managed to scream before he was ripped away from her, his body hurled across the alley like a ragdoll.
Standing in the shadows was a manâno, something more. His eyes glowed crimson, his presence consuming. He didnât speak as he stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk that sent chills down her spine.
âItâs taken care of,â he had said simply before disappearing into the night.
From that day forward, Y/N knew she wasnât alone.
Her protector wasnât an angel. He was a demon.
---
Y/N hated the way she grew used to him. He didnât always appear, but she could feel him, lurking in the shadows, watching. At first, she feared him, but as the years passed, that fear turned into a strange, twisted comfort. He was violent, ruthless, and possessive, but he kept her safe.
It wasnât until she saw him up close for the first time that her fear returned tenfold.
It was late, and she had fallen asleep on her couch, the TV playing quietly in the background. A strange noise woke her, and she jolted upright, her heart racing. Standing at the edge of her living room, bathed in the soft glow of the TV, was him.
He was beautiful in a way that was almost inhuman. His sharp features were framed by dark hair that fell into his piercing eyes, and the faint glow of red in his irises made her shiver. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as if he had been waiting for her to notice him.
âYouâre more careless than I thought,â he said, his deep voice sending a chill down her spine.
âWhat are you doing here?â she demanded, clutching a throw pillow to her chest as if it could shield her from him.
âWatching over you.â He tilted his head, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her squirm. âYouâre mine to protect, Y/N. No one else is allowed to touch you.â
The possessiveness in his tone was unnerving.
âWho are you?â she whispered, her voice trembling.
âTaehyung,â he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. âYour guardian demon.â
---
Taehyung was everything Y/N had been taught to fear. He didnât just protect her; he annihilated anyone who posed a threat. When her coworker got too close, Taehyung ensured the man never came near her again. When she rejected his help, he reminded her that she had no choice.
âYou donât get to decide,â he growled one night, pinning her against the wall after she tried to confront him about his violent methods. His eyes burned with anger, but there was something else beneath itâsomething raw and desperate. âYouâre mine, Y/N. I will keep you safe, whether you like it or not.â
His touch was cold but electrifying, and it terrified her how easily she melted under his gaze. He was dangerous, unrelenting, and completely obsessed with her.
But what scared her the most wasnât him. It was the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way she found herself searching for him in the shadows, craving his presence despite the fear.
She was falling for her guardian demon.
---
Taehyungâs love was suffocating, but it consumed her in ways she couldnât escape. He was dark and violent, but he was also hersâjust as she was his.
âDonât you see, Y/N?â he whispered one night, his hand brushing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes with an intensity that stole her breath. âYou were never meant for anyone else. Iâve been watching you your entire life. You belong to me.â
And somehow, despite everything, she believed him.
She didnât have a guardian angel. She had a guardian demon. And he would burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
They said everyone had a guardian angel. Y/N had grown up hearing the storiesâtales of beings of light watching over humans, guiding them, and keeping them safe. She never doubted it, not until she realized she was different. She had no angel watching over her.
Instead, she had him.
The feeling began in her teenage years, a heavy, suffocating sensation of being watched. Not the soft, comforting presence people described when they spoke of their angels, but a dark, possessive weight that seemed to coil around her soul. At first, she dismissed it as paranoia, but it grew stronger as time went on. And then, there were the incidents.
The night someone followed her home after a late shift at work, she had been cornered in a dark alley. Panic had seized her, freezing her limbs as the man advanced with a sinister grin. She had barely managed to scream before he was ripped away from her, his body hurled across the alley like a ragdoll.
Standing in the shadows was a manâno, something more. His eyes glowed crimson, his presence consuming. He didnât speak as he stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk that sent chills down her spine.
âItâs taken care of,â he had said simply before disappearing into the night.
From that day forward, Y/N knew she wasnât alone.
Her protector wasnât an angel. He was a demon.
---
Y/N hated the way she grew used to him. He didnât always appear, but she could feel him, lurking in the shadows, watching. At first, she feared him, but as the years passed, that fear turned into a strange, twisted comfort. He was violent, ruthless, and possessive, but he kept her safe.
It wasnât until she saw him up close for the first time that her fear returned tenfold.
It was late, and she had fallen asleep on her couch, the TV playing quietly in the background. A strange noise woke her, and she jolted upright, her heart racing. Standing at the edge of her living room, bathed in the soft glow of the TV, was him.
He was beautiful in a way that was almost inhuman. His sharp features were framed by dark hair that fell into his piercing eyes, and the faint glow of red in his irises made her shiver. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as if he had been waiting for her to notice him.
âYouâre more careless than I thought,â he said, his deep voice sending a chill down her spine.
âWhat are you doing here?â she demanded, clutching a throw pillow to her chest as if it could shield her from him.
âWatching over you.â He tilted his head, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her squirm. âYouâre mine to protect, Y/N. No one else is allowed to touch you.â
The possessiveness in his tone was unnerving.
âWho are you?â she whispered, her voice trembling.
âTaehyung,â he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. âYour guardian demon.â
---
Taehyung was everything Y/N had been taught to fear. He didnât just protect her; he annihilated anyone who posed a threat. When her coworker got too close, Taehyung ensured the man never came near her again. When she rejected his help, he reminded her that she had no choice.
âYou donât get to decide,â he growled one night, pinning her against the wall after she tried to confront him about his violent methods. His eyes burned with anger, but there was something else beneath itâsomething raw and desperate. âYouâre mine, Y/N. I will keep you safe, whether you like it or not.â
His touch was cold but electrifying, and it terrified her how easily she melted under his gaze. He was dangerous, unrelenting, and completely obsessed with her.
But what scared her the most wasnât him. It was the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way she found herself searching for him in the shadows, craving his presence despite the fear.
She was falling for her guardian demon.
---
Taehyungâs love was suffocating, but it consumed her in ways she couldnât escape. He was dark and violent, but he was also hersâjust as she was his.
âDonât you see, Y/N?â he whispered one night, his hand brushing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes with an intensity that stole her breath. âYou were never meant for anyone else. Iâve been watching you your entire life. You belong to me.â
And somehow, despite everything, she believed him.
She didnât have a guardian angel. She had a guardian demon. And he would burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
Y/N had barely settled into her seat when the turbulence started. It was supposed to be a routine flight back to her university after attending a law seminar, but the shaking of the plane made her clutch the armrests tightly. Across the aisle, a sharply dressed man with an aura of quiet authority barely looked up from his phone.
Sheâd noticed him during boarding. His tailored suit and the way he carried himself screamed wealth, yet he was on a commercial flight. Strange, but she had other things to worry aboutâlike her impending exam.
A sudden, violent jolt interrupted her thoughts, and the cabin lights flickered. Passengers gasped, some screaming as the plane shook again. The oxygen masks dropped from above, and Y/N grabbed hers, her heart racing.
âLadies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking,â came the strained voice over the intercom. âWeâre experiencing a severe emergency. Please brace for impact.â
The words sent a wave of panic through the cabin. Y/N barely managed to follow the instructions of the flight attendants, her mind racing with thoughts of survival. The next thing she knew, the world erupted in chaosâa deafening crash, metal screeching, and a blinding light.
---
When Y/N opened her eyes, the world was quiet except for the faint crackle of fire and the rustle of leaves. She was lying on the forest floor, surrounded by debris from the plane. The air smelled of smoke and fuel, and her head throbbed painfully.
âIs anyone there?â she croaked, struggling to sit up.
A groan from nearby made her turn. A manâhim, the one in the suitâwas pulling himself out of the wreckage. His face was smeared with dirt, and his suit was torn, but he was alive.
âAre you okay?â Y/N asked, crawling toward him.
âI think so,â he replied, wincing as he sat up. His voice was deep, calm despite the chaos. âWhere are we?â
âThe forest,â she said, glancing around. âThe plane... it crashed.â
They looked around, the devastation sinking in. Most of the passengers hadnât survived. Among the wreckage, they found the pilot, barely alive but conscious.
âWe need to get him help,â Y/N said, kneeling beside the man.
The strangerâTaehyung, as he introduced himselfâhelped her stop the bleeding from the pilotâs leg using strips of fabric torn from his shirt. Together, they searched the wreckage for anything useful, finding a few bottles of water, some snacks, and a first aid kit.
âRescue teams will come,â Captain Lee, the pilot, murmured weakly.
âWe just have to survive until then,â Y/N said, though her voice wavered.
As night fell, the three of them huddled around a small fire. The forest was cold and alive with unfamiliar sounds. Taehyung draped his jacket over Y/Nâs shoulders, his face unreadable in the firelight.
âYou look like you belong in a boardroom,â Y/N said, trying to break the silence.
He gave a faint smile. âAnd you look like you belong in a library.â
âIâm a law student,â she said, clutching the jacket tightly.
âTaehyung,â he replied simply.
âY/N,â she offered. âThanks for the jacket.â
âYou were shivering.â
Their quiet exchange was interrupted by Captain Lee groaning in pain. Despite their best efforts, his condition worsened overnight. By dawn, he had passed away, leaving them to bury him beneath a pile of stones.
âWeâll find a way out,â Taehyung said as they stood over the makeshift grave.
Y/N nodded, though tears streaked her cheeks. She didnât know this man well, but the crash had bound them together in ways she couldnât explain.
---
The following day, they decided to move. Taehyung supported Y/N when her legs faltered, and she steadied him when he stumbled. Their conversations were sparse but meaningful, filled with unspoken understanding.
By late afternoon, they stumbled upon a small stream. Exhausted, they collapsed by the water, taking turns drinking and washing their faces.
âThink anyoneâs looking for us?â Y/N asked, her voice barely audible.
âThey have to be,â Taehyung said, though his tone wasnât as confident as before.
Y/N looked at him, his usually composed demeanor cracked by exhaustion and uncertainty. For the first time, she saw him not as a stranger or a billionaire, but as someone just as human as she was.
âWeâll make it,â she said, more to herself than him.
Taehyung looked at her and nodded. âTogether.â
The forest remained vast and silent, but with each otherâs company, the overwhelming fear felt a little more manageable.
â-
Y/N and Taehyung stood at the base of a towering tree, their gazes climbing toward the canopy above. It had been Taehyungâs idea to climb, reasoning that they might get a better view of their surroundings. The dense forest had been unrelenting, and the hope of spotting a path or sign of civilization kept them going.
âAre you sure about this?â Y/N asked, her voice uncertain as she craned her neck to look up.
âNot entirely,â Taehyung admitted with a faint smile. âBut we need to know if thereâs a way out.â
He hoisted himself onto the first sturdy branch and began climbing, his movements deliberate but swift. Y/N followed, her hands trembling slightly from exertion and nerves. By the time they reached a point high enough to see above the treetops, the sight stole the breath from her lungs.
The forest stretched endlessly in every direction, an ocean of green with no visible roads or clearings.
âItâs... isolated,â Y/N murmured, her hope faltering.
Taehyung sighed, brushing a hand through his disheveled hair. âLooks like weâre stuck until someone finds us. We canât keep wandering aimlessly.â
They climbed back down in silence, the weight of their situation heavier than before.
---
Hours later, as they trudged deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon a clearing. In the center stood an old, weathered treehouse, perched among sturdy branches overlooking a mesmerizing lake. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and a gentle fountain bubbled at its center, surrounded by lush greenery.
Y/Nâs eyes widened. âItâs beautiful.â
âIt is,â Taehyung agreed, though his gaze lingered more on the treehouse. âLetâs check it out.â
The structure was small and in poor condition, with creaky wooden planks and patches of moss growing along its walls. It didnât look like anyone had used it in years, but it was shelter.
âThis will do,â Taehyung said, setting down the few supplies theyâd salvaged from the crash.
Y/N glanced at the lake longingly, the idea of washing off days of sweat and dirt almost too tempting to resist. But the thought of bathing in the open, with no privacy, made her hesitate.
Instead, she busied herself unpacking their meager belongings: a few pieces of clothing, some snacks, and a couple of bottles of water. Taehyung had also managed to save a small knife and a lighter, both invaluable in their current situation.
âYou can go clean up, you know,â Taehyung said casually, noticing her glances toward the water.
She shook her head, her cheeks warming. âI canât. Itâs too exposed.â
He raised an eyebrow but didnât push further. As Y/N focused on organizing their supplies, Taehyung began gathering sticks and branches from the surrounding area.
âWhat are you doing?â she asked, watching him drag a large branch toward the fountain.
âBuilding you some privacy,â he replied simply.
---
By the time he finished, Taehyung had fashioned a makeshift enclosure using sticks and leaves near the fountain. It wasnât perfect, but it shielded the area well enough to give Y/N a sense of security.
âThere,â he said, dusting off his hands. âGo ahead.â
Y/N hesitated, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. âThank you.â
He gave her a small nod and turned away, giving her space.
The water was refreshingly cool as Y/N washed away the grime and sweat. Her skin tingled from the rashes caused by days of exposure to dirt and lack of proper hygiene. She scrubbed gently, careful to avoid the stinging pain from a deep cut on her leg.
Afterward, she changed into a clean shirt salvaged from the wreckage and returned to the treehouse, feeling a thousand times better.
âItâs all yours,â she said to Taehyung, who was inspecting the treehouseâs damaged walls.
He nodded and headed to the fountain.
---
Taehyung washed quickly, the cold water soothing his aching muscles. As he stepped back toward the treehouse, he noticed Y/N sitting on the wooden floor, wincing as she adjusted her leg.
âWhatâs wrong?â he asked, kneeling beside her.
âItâs nothing,â she said dismissively, but her pained expression gave her away.
âLet me see.â
Reluctantly, she rolled up her pant leg to reveal a deep, angry-looking cut on her calf. Taehyung frowned, grabbing the first aid kit.
âYou shouldâve said something,â he scolded gently, cleaning the wound as carefully as he could.
âI didnât think it was that bad,â she murmured.
âYouâve been walking on this for hours,â he said, his tone softening. âYou need to take care of yourself.â
As he bandaged her leg, Y/N watched him quietly. For all his wealth and polished exterior, Taehyung had proven to be resourceful, calm under pressure, and unexpectedly kind.
âThank you,â she said softly.
He glanced up, meeting her gaze. âWeâre in this together, Y/N. We look out for each other.â
She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the pain. For the first time since the crash, she felt a glimmer of hopeânot because of the forest or their situation, but because of him.
â
The small treehouse was their refuge, but as night fell, the temperature plummeted. The clothes theyâd salvaged from the crash werenât enough to shield them from the biting cold. The soft rustling of the lakeâs gentle waves and the distant chirping of crickets only emphasized the eerie stillness of the forest.
Taehyung sat cross-legged on the uneven wooden floor, his back pressed against the treehouseâs wall. Y/N sat nearby, wrapped in her thin jacket, her knees pulled tightly to her chest.
âYou okay?â he asked, his deep voice breaking the silence.
Y/N shook her head, her teeth chattering. She wasnât. The cold was seeping into her bones, and she could feel her strength waning. âItâs freezing,â she admitted, her voice weak.
Taehyung frowned, watching her carefully. Her cheeks were pale, and her hands trembled despite her attempts to hide it. He moved closer, his brows furrowed with concern.
âYouâre not going to last the night like this,â he said bluntly.
âIâll be fine,â she whispered, though even she didnât believe her words.
âNo, you wonât.â He sighed and grabbed her hands, his larger, warmer ones enveloping hers. He began rubbing them gently, trying to generate some warmth.
Y/N tensed at the sudden contact but didnât pull away. The warmth spreading from his hands was a small comfort in the frigid air.
âLean back,â he said after a moment, gesturing toward the pile of leaves theyâd gathered earlier to use as bedding.
âWhat?â
âTrust me,â he replied, meeting her gaze. âYou need to stay warm, and the only way is to share body heat.â
Y/N hesitated but eventually nodded. She was too cold to argue. Lying down on the makeshift bed of leaves, she shivered uncontrollably as Taehyung settled beside her.
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. His body was warm against hers, and she couldnât deny the relief it brought. He began rubbing her back gently, his movements steady and soothing.
âThis is ridiculous,â she mumbled, her voice muffled against his chest.
âBetter ridiculous than frozen,â he retorted, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
She let out a small laugh despite herself. âYouâre annoyingly practical.â
âSomeone has to be,â he teased, though his focus remained on keeping her warm.
As the hours passed, the cold only seemed to deepen. Taehyung shifted his attention to her legs, rubbing them gently but firmly to restore circulation. He didnât speak much, his concentration fully on ensuring she stayed conscious and warm.
âYouâre strong,â he said quietly, breaking the silence.
âNot strong enough,â she murmured, her eyelids growing heavy.
âYes, you are,â he insisted, his voice soft but firm. âYou survived a plane crash. Youâre here, fighting. Thatâs strength.â
Y/N didnât reply, but his words brought a faint warmth to her chest, even as the cold gnawed at her.
---
The hours dragged on, and Taehyung stayed awake, watching over her. Every now and then, heâd press his hand against her forehead, checking her temperature. Her breathing remained steady, though her body shivered less as the night wore on.
Finally, the first rays of dawn broke through the canopy, casting a golden light over the lake and their small shelter. The warmth of the sun began to creep in, chasing away the bitter cold.
Taehyung exhaled a breath he hadnât realized he was holding. Y/N stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open as the sunlight warmed her face.
âYou made it through the night,â he said softly, relief evident in his tone.
âBarely,â she whispered, her voice still weak but steadier than the night before.
Taehyung offered her a small smile. âThe sunâs up now. Things will get better.â
For the first time in hours, he allowed himself to relax. They werenât out of danger yet, but theyâd survived another challenge together. And for now, that was enough.
â
The sun had barely risen above the horizon when Y/N stirred awake, the distant sound of birds chirping filling the air. She sat up slowly, stretching her stiff limbs as the events of the past few days settled back into her mind. Taehyung was already awake, sitting on the edge of the treehouse with his legs dangling, staring out at the shimmering lake.
âMorning,â she mumbled, still groggy.
He glanced over his shoulder, offering a small nod. âMorning.â
Her stomach growled loudly, breaking the serene silence. Y/N winced in embarrassment while Taehyung chuckled softly.
âI guess thatâs our next priority,â he said, standing up.
âWhat do we even have left?â she asked, rummaging through the small pile of salvaged supplies. It didnât take long to realize the answerânothing.
Taehyung sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. âWeâre out. No food, no snacks. Just some water.â
âWhat are we supposed to do?â Y/N asked, her tone slightly panicked.
He gestured toward the lake. âWe fish.â
âFish?â she repeated incredulously. âHave you ever even caught a fish before?â
âNo,â he admitted, a faint smirk playing on his lips. âBut how hard can it be?â
---
Taehyung waded into the lake, the cool water reaching up to his knees. Heâd fashioned a makeshift spear out of a sturdy stick, sharpening the tip with the knife theyâd salvaged. Y/N sat on the bank, her arms wrapped around her knees as she watched him with mild skepticism.
âRemind me again why Iâm not helping,â she called out.
âBecause you said you didnât want to step into the cold water,â he replied, his eyes focused on the rippling surface.
âFair point,â she muttered.
Taehyung remained silent for a while, concentrating on the small movements beneath the water. He struck suddenly, but when he lifted the stick, it was empty.
âThis is harder than it looks,â he admitted with a sigh.
Y/N couldnât help but laugh. âFor a billionaire, youâre surprisingly bad at improvising.â
He turned to her, raising an eyebrow. âOh, so youâve been paying attention.â
âHard not to,â she replied. âYou donât exactly blend in, even in the middle of a forest.â
Taehyung chuckled softly, then returned his attention to the water.
âTell me something,â Y/N said after a moment, her voice softer. âYouâre obviously not used to this kind of thing. Whatâs your story? Who are you outside of... all this?â
He paused, the question catching him off guard. âYou want to know about me?â
âWell, weâve been stuck together for days, and I know next to nothing about you,â she said, shrugging. âConsider it a distraction while you hunt.â
Taehyung sighed, straightening up slightly. âAlright. Iâm Kim Taehyung. I run a company my father built. Tech, finance... a little of everything. And in about a month, Iâm supposed to be getting married.â
âMarried?â Y/N asked, her eyebrows shooting up. âIs it... love?â
âNo,â he replied simply. âItâs arranged.â
âArranged?â she repeated, tilting her head. âSo you donât even get a say in it?â
He hesitated. âItâs complicated. Itâs not that I dislike her. Itâs just... expected. You wouldnât understand.â
âTry me,â she challenged.
Taehyung glanced at her, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. âThereâs a lot riding on me. Family expectations, business alliances... Love wasnât really part of the equation.â
Y/N was quiet for a moment. âThatâs... sad.â
He shrugged. âItâs just the way things are.â
âWhat about you?â he asked, turning the conversation back to her. âDo you have a boyfriend waiting for you back home?â
She shook her head. âNo time for that. My parents are... strict. My focus has always been on school, on becoming the perfect daughter. Law school wasnât my choiceâit was theirs.â
âSounds like weâre both living lives someone else chose for us,â Taehyung said, a hint of bitterness in his tone.
Y/N nodded, her expression somber. âI guess we are.â
---
Their conversation was interrupted when Taehyung suddenly struck the water again. This time, when he lifted the stick, a small fish wriggled at the end of it.
âGot it!â he exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
Y/N clapped her hands, laughing. âTold you youâd figure it out.â
They quickly gathered firewood and used the lighter to ignite a small fire by the lake. Taehyung cleaned the fish as best as he could, while Y/N sorted through a handful of berries sheâd found nearby, making sure they werenât poisonous.
The fish was skewered and roasted over the fire. As they ate, Y/N grimaced slightly.
âNot a fan?â Taehyung asked, amused.
âNot really,â she admitted, poking at her piece of fish. âBut itâs food, and Iâm starving, so...â
Taehyung chuckled, taking another bite. âYouâre surprisingly picky for someone stranded in a forest.â
Y/N narrowed her eyes at him. âAnd youâre surprisingly capable for someone who probably has people do everything for him.â
He raised an eyebrow, smirking. âWhat, you thought Iâd fall apart out here?â
âHonestly? A little,â she said with a grin.
Their playful banter faded into a comfortable silence as they finished their meal. The fire crackled softly, and the stars began to appear in the darkening sky.
âYouâre not what I expected,â Y/N said quietly, glancing at Taehyung.
He looked at her, his expression curious. âAnd what did you expect?â
âSomeone cold, distant, maybe even arrogant,â she admitted. âBut youâre... different.â
Taehyung smiled faintly. âAnd youâre not what I expected, either.â
Y/N tilted her head. âWhat did you expect?â
âSomeone whoâd break down at the first sign of trouble,â he said, his tone teasing. âBut youâre tougher than you look.â
Y/N laughed softly, shaking her head. âGuess weâre both full of surprises.â
As the fire crackled between them, a quiet tension lingered in the air. They were still strangers in many ways, but the bond they were forming felt undeniable. For the first time since the crash, the forest felt less daunting. Together, they were starting to feel like they might just survive.
â
The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange as the day began to wind down, casting a warm glow over the lake. A light breeze stirred the leaves, creating soft rustling sounds in the air. Y/N stood at the edge of the water, the damp fabric of her dress sticking to her skin, her eyes following the rhythm of the waves.
âThink we can catch anything tonight?â she called out to Taehyung, who was already waist-deep in the lake, spear in hand.
âIâll give it my best shot,â Taehyung replied with a determined smile, though his tone was light, as if trying to make the situation sound less grim.
Y/N chuckled softly, then glanced at the sky. The sun was dipping lower, and the forest around them seemed to come alive in the dusk. There was something calming about the way the lake reflected the changing skyâalmost as if the wilderness had a rhythm, a pulse of its own.
âI donât think weâll ever get used to this,â she said quietly, watching Taehyung.
He turned slightly to look at her, his expression softening. âYouâre right. But... sometimes, the strangest things happen. Things we donât expect.â
Y/N caught his gaze, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. âYouâre talking about fishing, right?â
He chuckled. âIn part, yes. But also... about us, maybe. How we ended up here, depending on each other.â
A silence hung between them as she processed his words. It felt strange, this connection that was forming, as if they were no longer strangers but something more. But Y/N quickly shook off the thought, reminding herself that they were just two people trapped in a desperate situation. Nothing more.
Suddenly, Taehyung lunged forward, his spear piercing the water with precision. He pulled back with effort, revealing a large fish wriggling at the end of the stick.
âI got it!â he exclaimed, breathing heavily. The size of the fish made him momentarily struggle, but he didnât let go.
âNice job!â Y/N cheered from the shore, her eyes wide with admiration.
But as Taehyung pulled the fish closer to shore, the slippery creature wiggled free, and for a moment, it seemed like all their effort had been in vain.
âHold it!â Y/N shouted instinctively, rushing to the waterâs edge.
Without thinking, she waded into the lake, her wet dress trailing behind her. She reached out just as Taehyungâs grip faltered, and together, they finally managed to bring the fish to safety.
When it was over, Y/N was panting, her dress drenched, and the cool water clinging to her skin. Her body instinctively shivered from the chill, but she smiled at their success.
âPhew, that was close,â she said, laughing lightly, but the sound caught in her throat when she realized how soaked she was.
Taehyungâs gaze flickered downward, and he quickly looked away, his face tinged with a blush. He didnât mean to stare, but it was hard not to notice the way her dress clung to her skin.
âUh... you might want to change,â he said awkwardly, his voice suddenly tense.
Y/N, too, became aware of how exposed she was, the dress clinging to her body in a way that made her feel both vulnerable and oddly exposed. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hide the discomfort she felt.
âI... yeah, I will,â she said, nodding quickly. She turned and retreated to the treehouse, her heart pounding in her chest for reasons she couldnât quite explain.
---
While Y/N changed, Taehyung focused on the fish, his mind racing. He wasnât sure why he was reacting this way. It wasnât like he hadnât seen her beforeâsheâd been by his side through everything, sharing the same hardships. But something about the way she had looked earlier... the water-soaked dress, her hair falling loosely around her faceâit had taken him by surprise.
He shook his head, trying to focus on starting a fire. When Y/N returned, dressed in dry clothes, Taehyung glanced at her briefly, his gaze lingering just a little longer than usual before he quickly turned his attention back to the fire.
âYou look... better,â he said, though his voice was lower than usual.
Y/N gave him a small smile, relieved that the awkward tension between them had dissipated. âThanks.â She crouched next to the fire, watching him as he began to clean the fish. There was an ease between them now, but also something unspoken.
They worked in silence for a while, the only sound being the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of the trees around them. Once the fish was cooked, they sat down on the ground, the warmth from the fire spilling over them.
Y/N took a bite of the fish, trying to hide her grimace. âItâs... not the worst thing Iâve ever eaten.â
Taehyung laughed, glancing at her with amusement. âGlad to hear it. You seem pretty picky for someone stuck in a forest with no other option.â
âIâm not picky,â she said, raising an eyebrow. âI just have standards.â
He smiled, his eyes softening. âYouâre full of surprises, arenât you?â
âI could say the same about you,â she replied, her smile mirroring his.
They fell into a comfortable silence again, eating and watching the stars slowly take their place in the night sky. But something had shifted. The atmosphere between them had changed, and neither of them could ignore it.
âY/N,â Taehyung said suddenly, breaking the silence.
She looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his gaze. âYeah?â
âIâve been meaning to ask you...â He hesitated, as though considering his words carefully. âWhatâs it like? To have freedom? To make your own choices?â
Y/N was caught off guard by the question. She paused, looking at him for a long moment, then glanced down at her hands. âFreedom is a strange thing,â she said quietly. âMy parents... theyâve always planned my life for me. I was never asked what I wanted.â
Taehyungâs expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. âThat must be tough.â
She met his gaze, surprised by the depth of understanding she saw in his eyes. âIt is. But itâs also my life. And Iâm starting to realize... maybe I can still change it. Maybe I can still choose for myself.â
There was a long pause, and in the quiet of the night, with the crackling fire between them, Y/N felt her chest tighten. She wasnât sure what had come over her, but there was something about the way Taehyung was looking at herâlike he understood her in a way no one else ever had.
The silence stretched between them, but it wasnât uncomfortable. It was filled with a quiet intensity, a tension neither of them was willing to name just yet.
âYou know,â Taehyung said, his voice suddenly soft, âI never thought Iâd be here. In a place like this. With someone like you.â
Y/N raised an eyebrow, amused. âSomeone like me?â
He hesitated, then smiled, the corners of his lips curling up slowly. âSomeone whoâs not afraid to dive into a freezing lake to help me. Someone who can still make me laugh, even when weâre stuck in the middle of nowhere.â
Her heart fluttered at his words, and she couldnât help but feel a warmth spread through her chest. She smiled back, her eyes softening. âI guess weâre both full of surprises.â
Taehyungâs gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, and this time, neither of them looked away. It wasnât just the fire that warmed the air between themâit was something deeper, something unspoken but undeniably there.
They both knew that the night would pass, the stars would fade, and they would have to face the reality of their situation. But for now, in the silence of the forest, with only the sound of their breathing and the crackling fire, they allowed themselves a brief moment of connectionâa quiet acknowledgment that, despite everything, they were no longer just two strangers lost in the wilderness. They were something more.
â
The night had fallen completely now, the moon casting a silver glow across the lake. The crackling fire between them offered a flickering warmth, but the cool night air lingered, wrapping them in a quiet stillness. Y/N sat beside Taehyung, her heart racing in a way that didnât quite match the calm of their surroundings.
She hadnât expected this. Didnât expect to feel so... drawn to him. The way the firelight danced in his eyes, the soft smiles they shared, the way their conversations had shifted from survival to something deeperâsomething real.
âYouâre quiet,â Taehyung murmured, his voice low as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
Y/N blinked, her breath catching in her throat. âI was just thinking... about how strange this all is.â
He looked at her fully now, his expression serious, yet tender. âStrange?â
She nodded. âHow weâve ended up here together... and how much itâs changed. You know, when we first met, I never would have thought Iâd be this close to you.â
A soft smile tugged at his lips. âFunny how things work out, isnât it?â
There was a lingering silence as their eyes met, the fire flickering between them. Taehyung didnât break his gaze, and neither did she. Something between them had shifted, deepened.
For a moment, the world around them fadedâthere was only the sound of their breathing, the soft rustle of the trees, the warmth of the fire. Y/Nâs heart pounded in her chest, her lips tingling with the unspoken words that hovered between them.
Slowly, almost instinctively, she leaned in, her eyes fluttering shut as she tilted her head, and Taehyung followed suit. The distance between them vanished, and in that fleeting moment, the world seemed to pause.
Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. It wasnât rushed or desperateâit was gentle, as if they were both savoring the moment, feeling the weight of everything that had led to this.
When they finally pulled away, the silence that followed was thick with emotion. Their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.
âYou... you feel it too, right?â Y/N whispered, her voice shaky with the intensity of the moment.
Taehyung smiled, a small, genuine smile that reached his eyes. âI do.â
He took her hand, his fingers warm against hers. âCome on,â he said softly, his voice tender. âLet me carry you back to the treehouse.â
Y/Nâs heart skipped a beat at his words. Without a second thought, she allowed him to scoop her up in his arms, his strength surprising yet comforting. The world outside seemed distant, but for this moment, there was only Taehyung and her, wrapped in the warmth of the fire and the intimacy of what they had just shared.
As he carried her through the forest, the soft rustling of the leaves was the only sound. Y/N nestled closer into his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck, feeling the beat of his heart against her.
When they reached the treehouse, Taehyung gently set her down, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment before he stepped back. He looked at her, his eyes soft and full of something unspoken.y/n suddenly pulled him above her and atarted to kiss him passionately.
Taehyung understood the situation so he backed away breaking the kiss and said cupping her face, â Look y/n, I think we are rushing into something. as you know we only knew each other for two weeks since we've lost.â âI donât care Misterâ that's all she said before pulling him again into a kiss and started to unbuttoned him.Â
â Are you sure?â He asked lifting her frock exposing her fully to his desirable eyes. He knew she wasnât wearing anything as her only underwear is outside getting dry after the thing happened in lake, so he wasn't surprised. she widened her legs before nodding her head and said âYesâ.
He didnât wait much before diving in between her legs and started to lick her. She throw her head back letting out a load moan gripping his head, she leaned back on her elbow looking at him pulling back before parting her folds by his hands. â You taste a lot like cherries darling.â He said while looking at her in the eyes. He was about to finger her but she stopped saying she want him to be inside her.
âAnd please be gentle. I've never done it before.â Taehyungâs eyes widen but acted normal. â I'm not new to give pleasure darlingâ he said before pulling down his shorts and boxers and started to stroke his member. She hesitated a bit after seeing his size but he entered into her making her scream just by the tip. He lift her up on his lap before asking her to take him in little by little as per her liking. She ride him not taking him in fully but got exhausted soon.Â
He put her down before ramming into her making her moan loadly in pleasure. She gripped him tightly.â I think I'm goâŠ.â she released her juices all of sudden and clenched hard making him get his end too. In the heat of the moment no one cared about where he finished. He layed down hugging her close to him and both slept like that.
âÂ
Days rolled up as they got more and more close by emotion and their body too. He wasnât able to take control himself anytime he see her doing something sensual.Â
Two months had passed since that fateful plane crash, and life in the forest had become a strange new normal. The once unfamiliar sounds of the wilderness were now background music to their days. The treehouse was no longer just a shelter; it had become home. Y/N and Taehyung had developed their own rhythms, their days spent fishing, gathering food, and keeping each other company through the long hours.
Despite the challenges, there was a strange sense of peace in the isolation. But Y/N couldn't help the thoughts that clouded her mind on that morning.
She hadn't had her period in a while, and the realization weighed on her. She'd been too distracted by the day-to-day survival to think much about it, but now, the thought had planted itself firmly in her mind. Had she missed it because of stress? Or something else?
She tried to push the thought aside, but it kept coming back, nagging her as she sat on the edge of the treehouse, gazing out at the quiet lake. She knew she needed to talk to Taehyung about itâabout everythingâbut how could she bring it up? She didnât even know where to start.
Just as the thoughts became overwhelming, the faintest sound broke through her inner turmoilâa distant hum that grew louder.
Taehyung!
She jumped to her feet, her heart racing. From somewhere in the forest, Taehyung came running toward her, his face filled with a mix of hope and urgency.
âTaehyung?â Y/N called out, her voice barely above a whisper.
âY/N!â He grabbed her hands as he reached her, his grip tight and reassuring. âY/N, listen. Thereâs a helicopter! I think theyâve found us!â His voice cracked with emotion.
Y/Nâs heart surged with disbelief and joy. A helicopter? After all this time, after all the struggles, help was finally here. She could hardly process the news, her mind spinning with the possibility of rescue.
âWe have to make a signal, quickly,â Taehyung said, urgency in his voice. âWe donât know how much time we have.â
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the last lighter they had left. Y/Nâs eyes widened as he crouched down, striking the lighter with quick, practiced movements.
He managed to create a small fire in the clearing, the smoke rising into the air. âThis will be our signal. Stay close.â
The seconds felt like hours as they both watched the smoke rise, the sound of the helicopter drawing nearer. The roar of the blades echoed in the distance, and soon, the dark silhouette of the helicopter appeared above them. Y/N felt tears prick at the corners of her eyesâtears of relief, of hope, of joy.
âWeâre going home,â she whispered, barely believing the words.
The helicopter hovered overhead for a moment, then descended to land in the clearing near them. The doors opened, revealing two Navy officers who quickly rushed toward them. They didnât waste any time, their professionalism evident as they ensured Y/N and Taehyung were safely aboard.
As the helicopter took off, the forest they had called home for the past two months slowly disappeared behind them. Y/N clung to Taehyungâs hand, her eyes brimming with tears, her mind still struggling to comprehend everything that had just happened.and she could feel her eyes closing by tiredness.
---
The next thing Y/N knew, she was lying in a hospital bed, the sterile smell of the room overwhelming. She blinked, disoriented, as she looked around. Her body felt heavy, sore, and she realized she was hooked up to an IV drip.
It was then that she rememberedâshe had been rescued. She wasnât in the forest anymore.
Her chest tightened at the thought of Taehyung. She needed to see him.
The hours passed, and soon, Y/N and Taehyung were in separate rooms. News outlets had already picked up the story of their rescue. Their faces were everywhere.Â
And their families were informed. And both of their family was there in the hospital.
â
The sterile smell of the hospital room, the buzzing of machines, and the soft beeping of monitors faded into the background as Y/N's world shifted once again. It was hard to focus on the present when the doctorâs words echoed in her mind.
"You're pregnant."
The sentence hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Y/N's heart skipped a beat, her hands trembling as she tried to process the news. She hadnât even thought about it. She had been too focused on survival and her pleasure.
The doctor gave her a moment to absorb the information, but the shock was too much. Before she could respond, Y/Nâs parents entered the room, their faces a mix of relief and anxiety.
But as soon as her father caught sight of Y/Nâs pale face, he turned his attention to the doctor. âWhatâs going on?â
The doctor glanced at Y/N, who nodded slightly, giving her consent. "Sheâs pregnant. Itâs early, but the tests confirm it."
Her fatherâs face turned a shade darker, and her motherâs lips trembled as the room filled with tension.
Y/Nâs father crossed his arms, glaring at her. "Pregnant? How could this happen? Whoâs responsible for this?" His voice was harsh, his disappointment palpable.
Y/Nâs heart sank. She had imagined so many different outcomes in her head, but none of them had been like this.
Before she could explain, Taehyung stepped forward, his face a mixture of concern and guilt. âIâ Iâm the one responsible,â he said, his voice steady, but his eyes avoiding Y/Nâs fatherâs angry gaze. "And I will take full responsibility."
Y/Nâs father shook his head in disbelief. âThis is unacceptable,â he snapped. âYouâre not even engaged, and now youâre telling me my daughter is pregnant? What were you thinking?â
Y/Nâs mother began to tear up, her hands wringing together in distress. "This is not how we raised you, Y/N. This is... this is a mistake."
But before things could escalate further, Taehyung spoke again, his voice unwavering. âI understand your anger, and I wonât ask for forgiveness. But I promise you, I will do everything I can to make things right.â He turned to Y/Nâs father, his gaze sincere. âI will marry her. I donât care about the circumstances. I want to marry Y/N. Itâs my choice.â
The room went silent as Y/Nâs parents took in his words. Her father, still angry, stepped back, glaring at Taehyung, but his words were lost in the growing tension.
On the other side of the room, Y/N could see Taehyungâs parents standing stiffly, their eyes wide with shock. His father, a tall, imposing man, stood with his arms crossed, his mouth set in a tight line. His mother, usually composed, looked as if she had just been struck by something unexpected.
Taehyungâs father cleared his throat, his voice deep and controlled. âTaehyung⊠we had hoped you would have more sense than this.â
Taehyung stood tall, not backing down. âIâm sorry, Father. I truly am. But I canât keep living my life the way you want me to. Iâm not marrying someone I donât love, someone I didnât choose. I choose Y/N. And I will make it work, no matter what it takes.â
Y/Nâs heart pounded in her chest. She had always admired Taehyungâs strength, but in this moment, it was his vulnerability that stood out. She hadnât realized until now how much he had been carrying, how much he had been holding back.
Her gaze flickered to his hand. The ring that had once been a symbol of his upcoming marriage, the ring he had worn for duty was gone. Y/N felt a relief in her chest as she processed the absence of the ring, a silent statement of everything that had changed.
He noticed her gaze and, without a word, gently held up his hand. âI donât need it anymore. Iâm not bound by it. Iâm choosing my own future. And itâs with you, Y/N.â
Her breath caught in her throat. It was more than just a confessionâit was a promise.
âYouâve always had a choice,â Y/N whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. âI never wanted you to feel trapped by anything.â
Taehyung smiled softly, his eyes full of affection. âI know. And now, Iâm choosing the life I want. Iâm choosing you.â
Y/Nâs parents exchanged uncertain glances, the tension in the room palpable. Her father opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything further, Taehyung continued.
âI understand youâre upset, and I canât ask you to forgive me right away,â Taehyung said, his tone respectful yet firm. âBut I promise you, I will make sure that Y/N and the baby are well taken care of. I will take responsibility, and I will make sure she has everything she needs.â
Y/Nâs father finally spoke, his voice quieter now but still firm. âI donât know if I can ever accept this, Taehyung. But youâre right about one thingâyou have to live your life for yourself. And if you truly love her, I canât stand in the way.â
Her mother wiped her tears, her voice soft as she looked at Y/N. âI donât agree with how this happened, but if youâre both determined... then weâll try to support you.â
Taehyung nodded, his eyes never leaving Y/Nâs. âThank you. I promise I wonât let you down.â
As the conversation turned to plans for the future, Y/N couldnât help but feel a strange sense of peace settle over her. Despite everythingâdespite the shock, the disappointment, the angerâthey were going to be okay. She wasnât alone.
And as Taehyung leaned over to her, his hand gently brushing her cheek, his eyes soft and filled with love, she knew, deep down, that this wasnât the end of their journey. It was just the beginning.
âAre you sure about this?â Y/N whispered.
Taehyung smiled, his voice full of determination. âIâve never been more sure of anything in my life.â
And as the room filled with the hum of activity, Y/N leaned into Taehyung, feeling the weight of everything that had happened, and everything that was yet to come. Together, they would face it all.
Y/N and Jungkook had been friends for as long as they could remember. Growing up in Seoulâs upper crust, their lives were intertwined from the start. Y/Nâs father was a titan in the business world, owning a conglomerate spanning industry from real estate to luxury retail. Her family lived in a mansion that could rival a palace, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a garden so vast it could host a small festival.
Jungkookâs upbringing was equally privileged but in a different way. His father was a prominent political figure known for his charisma and influence, and his family name carried weight in every corner of the city. Despite their wealth, the Jeons were more grounded in public life, constantly attending events and mingling with people from all walks of life.
Y/Nâs and Jungkookâs fathers were longtime friends, a bond forged through years of mutual respect and collaboration. Naturally, their children became friends too. From kindergarten to university, their paths always aligned. Yet, despite their shared history and privilege, Y/N and Jungkook couldnât have been more different.
---
Y/N was calm, composed, and mature beyond her years. Even as a child, she preferred books over toys, classical music over pop, and well-thought-out plans over spontaneity. Her reserved nature made her a role model for her peers and a source of pride for her parents, who saw her as the perfect heir to the family empire.
Jungkook, on the other hand, was a free spirit. He was the kid who climbed trees in his school uniform, the teenager who dyed his hair blue on a dare, and the young man who chased his dreams of being a professional car racer despite his familyâs protests. He owned a luxurious restaurant as a side hustle, but his real passion was the thrill of the race. Carefree and impulsive, he lived life like it was one big adventure.
Despite their differences, the two were inseparable. Jungkook loved teasing Y/N, calling her âPrincess Robotâ for her seemingly perfect, emotionless demeanor. In turn, sheâd roll her eyes at his antics but secretly appreciated how he brought chaos into her otherwise structured life.
---
By her late twenties, Y/N was working as a project manager in one of her fatherâs companies. Her days were filled with board meetings, strategy sessions, and managing high-stakes projects. On the surface, she seemed to have it allâbeauty, intelligence, wealth, and success. But beneath the polished exterior, she felt suffocated.
Her life had always been dictated by others: her fatherâs expectations, her motherâs insistence on perfection, and the ever-present pressure to uphold the family name. She had no time for hobbies, no freedom to make her own choices, and certainly no room for a personal life.
Her parents had recently taken their control one step further by arranging her marriage to Minhyuk, the CEO of another powerful company. He was everything they wanted for her: accomplished, wealthy, and poised. But to Y/N, he was a walking spreadsheet. Conversations with him were dry and devoid of any spark.
---
Meanwhile, Jungkookâs life was a whirlwind of excitement. When he wasnât racing cars, he was managing his restaurant, throwing impromptu parties, or traveling the world. Heâd built a reputation as a wildcardâunpredictable but dependable when it mattered most.
Jungkook had always been Y/Nâs escape. Whenever her world felt too rigid, he was there to remind her that life was meant to be lived. Whether it was sneaking out for midnight drives or crashing random parties, Jungkook made her feel alive in a way no one else could.
â
The engagement party was a grand affair held in Y/Nâs family mansion. The guest list included politicians, business tycoons, and celebrities, all dressed to impress. Y/N stood beside Minhyuk, listening to him drone on about market trends while smiling politely for the cameras.
Jungkook arrived fashionably late, as always. He wore a suit that fit him perfectly but paired it with sneakers, much to the horror of the older guests. Spotting Y/N, he made a beeline for her.
"Yo, Princess Robot," he greeted her with a cheeky grin. "Why do you look like youâre attending your own funeral?"
"Donât call me that," she replied, her tone sharp but her eyes betraying a flicker of amusement.
"You didnât answer my question," he pressed.
"Not here, Kook," she whispered, glancing around.
Jungkookâs eyes narrowed, but he let it go for the moment.
---
Later that evening, Y/N managed to steal a moment of solitude, sitting on a couch in a quieter corner of the mansion. Jungkook, ever perceptive, found her there.
"Youâre really bad at hiding your misery, you know that?" he said, plopping down beside her.
She sighed. "I donât want to marry him, Kook. Heâs a good person, but⊠heâs just like my dad. All business, no emotion. I canât live like that."
"So donât," Jungkook said simply.
"Itâs not that easy," she argued. "My parents wonât listen. Theyâve planned everything. The wedding is in a week."
"Then run away," he said with a shrug.
"Are you insane?"
"Probably," he grinned. "But Iâm serious. If you hate this so much, why go through with it? Iâll help you, Y/N. I always have your back."
She shook her head. "I canât. It would ruin everything."
"Fine. But if you change your mind, call me."
---
The night before the wedding, Y/N reached her limit. Her parents refused to listen, and Minhyuk dismissed her concerns as mere jitters. Feeling trapped, she finally dialed Jungkookâs number.
"Kook, I need you," she said, her voice shaking.
"Iâm on my way," he replied without hesitation.
---
Jungkook arrived at the mansion, using his charm and familiarity with Y/Nâs family to get past security. He made up a story about needing to discuss wedding plans and slipped into her room.
"Pack light, Robot Princess. Weâre getting out of here," he said, grinning.
"What if they catch us?" she asked, her nerves getting the better of her.
"They wonât. And even if they do, Iâve got a backup plan. Trust me."
Their escape was a mix of chaos and comedy. Jungkook used every trick in the bookâbluffing the guards, distracting Y/Nâs nosy aunt with fake compliments, and even pretending to trip to buy time.
Once they were in his car, Y/N let out a laugh, the weight of her situation momentarily lifted.
---
They drove to a secluded seaside town where Y/N could finally breathe.
"What now?" she asked as they sat on the beach.
"Now, you live your life," Jungkook said. "And if anyone tries to stop you, theyâll have to deal with me."
For the first time in years, Y/N felt free. And as she leaned her head on Jungkookâs shoulder, she realized that no matter how chaotic he was, he was her anchor in a world that often felt too rigid.
"Thank you, Kook," she whispered.
"Anytime, Princess Robot," he replied with a smirk.
The clock struck midnight as Y/N stood alone in the quiet library, her fingers tracing the leather spine of an ancient book. She had always been drawn to stories of the supernatural, tales of creatures from another realm. Little did she know, her fascination was about to become a reality.
From the shadowed corner, a man emerged. His appearance was captivatingâdark hair framing his sharp features, his eyes glinting like obsidian under the dim light. His voice was smooth, laced with a charm that sent shivers down her spine.
âBurning the midnight oil?â he asked, his lips curling into a subtle smile.
Y/N looked up, startled but intrigued. âI could ask you the same. Do you always lurk in libraries at this hour?â
The man chuckled, the sound resonating like a melody. âCall it fate. I had a feeling Iâd find someone interesting here tonight. Iâm Taehyung.â
There was something about himâan inexplicable pull that made her feel as if the world had shifted on its axis. They talked, the hours slipping away as Taehyungâs enigmatic charm wrapped around her like a silken web.
Unbeknownst to Y/N, Taehyung was not human. He was a demon, sent to the human realm on a mission. But he hadnât expected to find herâa mortal whose presence stirred something ancient and powerful within him. For centuries, demons had been forbidden to fall for humans, yet Taehyung found himself unable to resist.
One evening, he invited her to his homeâa secluded mansion on the outskirts of the city. The air inside was thick with a strange energy, the flickering candles casting long shadows on the walls.
âI want to show you something,â Taehyung said, leading her to a room filled with ancient artifacts. He handed her a pendantâa dark stone encased in silver. âThis belonged to someone very special. I want you to have it.â
Y/N hesitated, sensing the weight of his words. âWhy are you doing all this for me?â
Taehyung stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. âBecause youâve bewitched me, Y/N. Youâve made me feel things Iâve never felt before. Let me show you what itâs like to truly be alive.â
His words sent a thrill through her, but there was an undercurrent of danger she couldnât ignore. Before she could respond, Taehyungâs lips brushed against hersâa kiss that ignited a fire deep within her.
Unbeknownst to Y/N, the pendant was enchanted. By accepting it, she had unknowingly tied her soul to his. Taehyungâs power coursed through her, binding her to him in ways she couldnât yet comprehend.
That night, as they shared an intimate moment, the boundaries between their worlds blurred. Shadows danced across the room, and Taehyungâs true form briefly flickeredâa glimpse of horns and blackened wings before his human guise returned.
Y/N pulled back, her breath hitching. âWhatâŠwhat are you?â
Taehyung cupped her face gently, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. âIâm yours, Y/N. And now, youâre mine.â
Realization dawned on her as the pendant around her neck pulsed with a faint, eerie glow. She was trapped, bound to him for eternity. Yet, as she looked into his eyes, she felt an inexplicable sense of belonging.
âI should be afraid of you,â she whispered.
âBut youâre not,â Taehyung murmured, his lips curling into a dark smile. âBecause you feel it too, donât you? The pull between us. You were always meant to be mine.â
As the night deepened, Y/N surrendered to the inevitable. She couldnât fight the darkness that had wrapped around her heart, nor did she want to. Taehyungâs love was a curse, but it was also the most thrilling thing she had ever known.
And so, under the light of the waning moon, a human and a demon became bound together, their fates entwined in a love that defied the laws of both their worlds.
Y/N hummed softly as she arranged fresh flowers in a vase on the living room table. The house was quiet except for the faint sounds of Taehyung working upstairs in his study. Her hand instinctively rested on her rounded belly as she admired the cozy space they had built together. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the neatly arranged photo frames on the mantleâeach one a testament to the love and life she shared with her husband.
The doorbell rang, pulling her from her thoughts. Slightly puzzled, as they werenât expecting visitors, Y/N smoothed her maternity dress and walked to the door.
The woman on the other side looked out of place. Her clothes were simple and slightly worn, her face pale and drawn. She looked exhausted, but there was something sharp and guarded in her eyes as they swept over Y/N.
âHello,â Y/N said politely, offering a welcoming smile. âCan I help you?â
The woman hesitated, her lips trembling as if she was struggling to find the right words. Finally, she spoke. âIâm⊠here to see Taehyung.â
Y/N blinked, slightly surprised. It wasnât uncommon for Taehyung to have visitors related to his business, but something about this felt different. âHeâs working upstairs right now. I can call him down for you. Would you like to come in and wait?â
The woman hesitated again before stepping inside. Her eyes roamed the living room, lingering on the photos on the mantle. She took in the sight of Y/Nâs hand resting on her belly, her elegant dress, and the homeâs rich, tasteful decor.
âYouâre his relative?â Y/N asked, trying to ease the awkward silence.
The womanâs eyes flicked back to Y/N, and she seemed to struggle with her response. After a long pause, she nodded. âYes. You could say that.â
Y/N smiled, oblivious to the turmoil boiling beneath the surface. âWhy donât you have a seat? Can I get you some water or tea?â
The woman shook her head but moved toward the couch, sitting stiffly. Her hands clutched her bag tightly, and her gaze flitted around the room again, her emotions unreadable.
âYou said heâs working upstairs?â she asked quietly, breaking the silence.
âYes,â Y/N replied, settling into the armchair across from her. âHeâs been busy preparing for an upcoming project. Heâll be down in a moment if youâd like me to call him.â
The woman shook her head quickly. âNo. I can wait.â
The tension in the room was palpable. After a long pause, the womanâs gaze fell on Y/Nâs belly. âHow far along are you?â
Y/Nâs face lit up at the mention of her pregnancy, her smile warm and genuine. âAlmost eight months now. Weâre having a boy. Taehyungâs over the moon about it. Itâs our first child, and heâs been so attentiveâmaking sure I donât overwork myself and that everything is perfect for the babyâs arrival.â
The womanâs face twisted briefly, but she quickly masked it. Her hands clenched tighter around her bag. âHe must be very happy,â she murmured, her voice heavy with bitterness.
âOh, he is,â Y/N said, not noticing the shift in the womanâs tone. âHe talks about how much he wants to teach himâabout business, life, everything. Heâs already planning family trips we can take after the baby is born.â
The woman let out a hollow laugh that made Y/N pause. âHeâs good at making plans, isnât he?â
Y/N tilted her head slightly, sensing something was off but not understanding what. âAre you sure you donât want something to drink? You seem tired.â
Before the woman could answer, Taehyungâs voice called from upstairs. âY/N? Whoâs here?â
Y/N turned her head toward the staircase. âSomeoneâs here to see you! She says sheâs your relative.â
The woman stiffened as heavy footsteps echoed on the stairs. Taehyung appeared at the top of the landing, his face calm until his eyes landed on the woman sitting on the couch.
His entire body froze. His hands tightened on the banister, and the color drained from his face. âHyejinâŠâ he breathed, barely audible.
Y/N turned back to the woman, her smile faltering. âYou know each other?â
Hyejin didnât answer, her jaw clenched and her eyes fixed on Taehyung. He descended the stairs slowly, his gaze darting between the two women.
Y/N frowned, confused by the tension. âTaehyung, she says sheâs your relative.â
Taehyung forced a tight smile as he approached. âY-yes. Hyejin is⊠a distant cousin.â
Hyejinâs lips twitched into a bitter smirk, but she said nothing, instead folding her arms and leaning back slightly.
âIâll make some juice,â Y/N said, sensing the unease but misinterpreting it as Taehyung being surprised by the unannounced visit. She stood and left for the kitchen, leaving them alone.
Taehyung turned to Hyejin as soon as Y/N was out of earshot. âWhat are you doing here?â he hissed.
Hyejinâs eyes burned with unshed tears, but her voice was cold. âWhat am I doing here? Shouldnât I be asking you that, Taehyung? You disappeared from our lives over a year ago. Minseo and Jiyeon barely know who their father is anymore.â
âI send money every monthââ
âMoney?â she snapped, cutting him off. âIs that what you think they need most? They need you, Taehyung. They ask about you every day. They wonder why you havenât visited. And now I find out why. Youâve built a new life here, with her.â
Taehyung swallowed hard, guilt flashing in his eyes. âHyejin, please. Y/N doesnât know anything about this. Sheâs⊠sheâs innocent. Please donât tell her.â
Hyejin let out a bitter laugh, her voice rising. âInnocent? What about me, Taehyung? What about your daughters? You abandoned us for her. For this life!â
Before he could respond, Y/N reappeared, holding a tray of juice. She stumbled slightly, and Taehyung rushed to steady her, his hands gentle as he took the tray and guided her to sit.
âCareful,â he murmured, his voice soft.
Hyejin watched the tenderness between them with a heavy heart. She couldnât destroy this womanâs happiness, no matter how much pain she carried.
As Y/N sipped her juice, she turned to Hyejin. âAre you staying in the city for long?â
Hyejin forced a smile. âNo. Just passing through.â
Her gaze dropped to Y/Nâs belly again, and she felt a pang of jealousy and heartbreak. Taehyung had built a new family, and she wasnât a part of it.
When it was time for her to leave, Y/N turned to Taehyung. âItâs getting late. You should drop her off at the station. Iâll be fine here.â
The car ride to the station was suffocatingly silent, but Hyejin finally broke it. âYouâll regret this one day, Taehyung. When Minseo and Jiyeon ask why their father didnât choose them, what will you say?â
Taehyung gripped the wheel tightly. âIâll always support them. Iâll make sure they have everything they need.â
Hyejin scoffed, tears streaming down her face. âEverything but their father.â
When they reached the station, she turned to him, her voice trembling. âIâll protect them, Taehyung. From the truth, from your lies, from all of this. But donât think for a second that Iâll forget what youâve done.â
She stepped out of the car and walked into the station, her heart heavy with betrayal.
Taehyung watched her go, guilt and fear warring in his chest. For the first time, he wondered how long he could keep this secret from unraveling.
â
The sound of cicadas filled the quiet village night as Hyejin pushed open the creaking wooden door of her in-lawsâ house. The warm glow of a single bulb lit the living room, where Mr. Kim sat on an old armchair reading the newspaper, and Mrs. Kim was quietly knitting by the window.
Hyejin stepped inside, exhaustion weighing heavily on her shoulders. Her daughters, Minseo and Jiyeon, were already asleep in the small bedroom upstairs, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in their motherâs heart.
Mr. Kim looked up from his newspaper, his thick brows furrowing. âYouâre back earlier than I expected. Did you meet Taehyung?â
At the mention of his name, Hyejinâs throat tightened. She nodded and sat down on the edge of the couch, her hands trembling as she placed her bag on the floor. Mrs. Kim glanced at her but said nothing, her knitting needles continuing their rhythmic click.
âI met him,â Hyejin said after a long pause, her voice strained. âAnd I found out things I wish I hadnât.â
Mr. Kim folded his newspaper, setting it aside. âWhat do you mean? Did something happen?â
Hyejin let out a shaky breath, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. âTaehyung⊠heâs married. He has another wife in the city. Her name is Y/N, and sheâs pregnant with his child.â
The room fell silent, save for the faint clicking of Mrs. Kimâs knitting needles. Mr. Kimâs expression shifted from confusion to shock. âWhat are you saying? Thatâs impossible! Taehyung is married to you!â
Hyejin laughed bitterly, tears streaming down her face. âI thought so too. But itâs true. Heâs built a life with herâhis beautiful, rich wife in their perfect home. And I⊠Iâm nothing but a secret he left behind.â
Mr. Kimâs face darkened with anger. âThat ungrateful boy! After everything weâve done for him, this is how he repays us? Abandoning his family?â
As his voice rose, Mrs. Kim set her knitting down and looked away, her expression tight. Hyejin noticed the way she avoided her gaze, and a sinking feeling settled in her stomach.
Mrs. Kimâs shoulders stiffened. She clasped her hands in her lap, her head bowed.
âSay something!â Hyejinâs voice cracked as her emotions spilled over. âYou knew about Y/N, didnât you? You knew he was living this double life while we struggled here, and you said nothing!â
Mrs. Kim finally looked up, her eyes heavy with guilt. âI⊠I went to the city months ago,â she admitted softly. âI told you I was going for a medical checkup, but I visited Taehyung. I saw Y/N. I met her.â
Hyejinâs chest tightened, her breath hitching. âYou met her? You looked her in the eye and didnât tell me?â
âSheâs⊠sheâs a kind woman,â Mrs. Kim murmured, her gaze dropping again. âAnd sheâs pregnant. With a boy.â
Hyejin froze, the words hitting her like a punch to the gut. Her mind flashed back to Y/Nâs glowing smile as she spoke about her unborn child, her voice filled with hope and love.
âSheâs innocent,â Hyejin whispered, more to herself than anyone else. âShe doesnât know anything about me, about Minseo and Jiyeon. She has no idea what kind of man Taehyung really is.â
Mr. Kim rubbed his temples, his face etched with frustration and disappointment. âThis isnât right. None of this is right. Taehyung has a responsibility to his familyâboth of them.â
Hyejin shook her head. âHe warned me not to tell Y/N. He didnât beg or pleadâhe warned me, like I was the villain in all of this. And do you know whatâs worse? He said you, Mom, already knew, and you âunderstood.ââ
Mrs. Kimâs shoulders sagged further as tears spilled down her cheeks. âI didnât mean for it to happen this way,â she whispered. âI thought⊠I thought I was protecting everyone. But now I see Iâve only made things worse.â
Hyejin turned to Mr. Kim, her voice shaking with anger. âAnd you? Did you know, too?â
Mr. Kimâs face darkened further. âHyejin, you know I would never stand for this! Taehyung has gone too far. I raised him better than this.â He glared at Mrs. Kim. âAnd youâyouâve been lying to all of us? Covering for him? What were you thinking?â
Mrs. Kim didnât answer, her head hanging low.
Hyejinâs voice broke as she continued. âY/N deserves to know the truth, but I couldnât bring myself to tell her. Sheâs so happy, so hopeful. Sheâs everything Iâm not anymore. And sheâs carrying his sonâthe child heâll love and cherish while my daughters grow up wondering why their father doesnât care enough to stay.â
Mr. Kim slammed his fist against the armrest of his chair. âThat boy needs to come back here and fix this mess. Heâs not getting away with this.â
âNo,â Hyejin said sharply, standing abruptly. âHeâs not coming back here. I wonât let him disrupt my daughtersâ lives again. Minseo and Jiyeon deserve better than this mess Taehyung has created. Iâll protect them from the truth as long as I can, but one day, theyâll know who their father really is. And when that day comes, it wonât be me they hateâitâll be him.â
She turned to leave, her tears blurring her vision. Before she disappeared up the stairs, she paused and looked back at Mr. and Mrs. Kim.
âI hope youâre proud of the son you raised,â she said bitterly. âBecause I canât even look at him without feeling disgusted.â
As Hyejin ascended the stairs to check on her daughters, the weight of the truth settled heavily in the living room. Mr. Kim sat in silence, his anger simmering, while Mrs. Kim buried her face in her hands, silently weeping for the family she had triedâand failedâto hold together.
â
The years had passed quietly, but the silence between the two families was becoming unbearable. Taehyung, at 42, had worked hard to maintain the illusion of a perfect life with Y/N, 33, and their childrenâSeojun, now 13, and their 3-year-old daughter Eunji. They lived in a spacious, modern home in the city, the kind of place one might envy from the outside. To Y/N, it was a sanctuary.
Y/N had grown up in an orphanage, and Taehyung was her world. He had given her a life she had never imaginedâlove, stability, and a family. Her joy came from seeing their children grow and from the quiet moments she shared with Taehyung. Her trust in him was unshakable. Mrs. Kim, Taehyung's mother, visited from time to time to see her grandkids, and Y/N always welcomed her with open arms. She never suspected that the woman before her had a history far more tangled than she could ever imagine.
Mrs. Kim came as often as she could, though each visit was more difficult than the last. She adored Seojun and Eunji, but every time she saw Y/N's trusting smile, it felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Y/N had no idea about the life Taehyung had left behind, and Mrs. Kim knew her silence was a betrayal. The secret was eating at her, but she had chosen to live with it, to protect the happiness Y/N had with her son.
Meanwhile, Hyejin, now 40, had been raising their daughtersâMinseo, 20, and Jiyeon, 18âon her own. Despite the pain of betrayal, Hyejin had found the strength to give her daughters a life free from the shadow of their father. She made sure they knew their worth and never felt like they were missing out. Minseo, bright and determined, was studying law, while Jiyeon, slightly more reserved, was preparing for college entrance exams.
However, the truth had always been there, hidden beneath the surface. Taehyungâs sporadic money transfers, along with his infrequent check-ins with Mrs. Kim, were a reminder of his absence. Minseo and Jiyeon had learned about their fatherâs neglect years ago, and it had only fueled their anger toward him. Though they had grown accustomed to the lack of a father figure, there was always a lingering resentment that he had abandoned them. They didnât need him. They had Hyejin, and that was enough.
It had been years since Hyejin confronted Mr. Kim about Taehyungâs second family. She had learned the truth, not just about Taehyungâs actions, but also about the way his parents had silently condoned them. Mr. Kim had been furious when he first heard about Y/N, about the life Taehyung had built with her in the city, but when he met her, everything changed.
It was one of those rare visits that Mr. Kim had made to the city, under the guise of checking on his son. But as soon as he met Y/N, everything was different. She was kind, young, and full of life. She greeted him with a warmth that softened his anger, and by the end of the night, Mr. Kim could barely bring himself to confront his son.
Y/N had shared stories of her childhood, how she had grown up in the orphanage, and how grateful she was for the family Taehyung had given her. She spoke of her unborn child, who had already begun to show signs of a bright future. âI donât know what I would do without him,â Y/N said with a loving smile, unaware of the storm that was brewing beneath her husbandâs carefully curated image.
For Mr. Kim, it was too much to bear. He saw the innocence in her eyes and realized she was completely unaware of the double life Taehyung had been leading. Mrs. Kim had been visiting Y/N , keeping the truth hidden, but Mr. Kim felt the weight of his sonâs betrayal more deeply after meeting Y/N. He left that night with the knowledge of Taehyungâs wrongdoings, but he didnât confront his son.
Instead, he buried the truth, rationalizing that exposing it would only destroy Y/Nâs happiness. She deserved the life she had with Taehyung, he thought, even if it was built on lies. So he kept the secret, believing it would spare her the pain.
Now, 13 years later, everything was still the same on the surface. Taehyung, despite his neglect, still sent money regularly to Hyejin and their daughters, providing for them financially but emotionally absent. He asked Mrs. Kim about them, but he never made an effort to be part of their lives. He knew they hated him, and perhaps he felt a twinge of guilt, but it was easier to keep his distance.
Mrs. Kimâs visits to the city had become more infrequent. Every time she saw Y/N, her heart broke a little more. Y/N was still as trusting as ever, completely unaware of the family Taehyung had left behind. The guilt weighed heavily on Mrs. Kim, but she continued to visit, to see her grandchildren, especially Seojun, who had grown into a bright and curious young teenager. She couldnât bear the thought of losing the only family she had left, even though she knew that keeping the secret from Y/N was wrong.
During one visit, Y/N was in the kitchen, preparing a meal when Mrs. Kim turned to her. âY/N, youâve done a wonderful job raising your children. Seojun and Eunji are lucky to have you.â
Y/N smiled brightly, unaware of the sadness behind Mrs. Kimâs words. âIâm lucky to have them. Taehyung has been so supportive. Heâs such a good father.â
Mrs. Kimâs eyes clouded for a moment, and she quickly looked away. âYes, he is.â
But there was something different in the air now. Mrs. Kimâs heart felt heavy as she looked at Y/N, who seemed to glow with happiness. If only she knew the truth.
Meanwhile, Minseo and Jiyeon were growing older, and the resentment toward their father had only deepened. They were both intelligent, independent young women, and they had learned the full truth about Taehyungâs betrayal. They knew he had abandoned them for another family, and that he had continued to live a lie for over a decade.
When Minseo turned 20, she could no longer stay silent. She confronted her mother one evening after dinner, her voice shaking with anger. âMom, why did you protect him? Why did you keep us from the truth?â
Hyejin sighed, her heart aching for her daughters. âI wanted to shield you from the pain. I didnât want you to grow up hating him, but I see now that it didnât matter. You deserve to know the truth, but thereâs nothing more to be done.â
Jiyeon, who had always been quieter, spoke up softly. âI donât need him. We have you, Mom. Weâve always had you.â
Hyejin hugged her daughters tightly, feeling the weight of the years slip away. âAnd youâll always have me.â
Though Minseo and Jiyeon hated Taehyung for what he had done, they had learned to live without him. They didnât need his money or his empty apologies. They had their mother, and that was enough.
But as they grew older, they began to wonder what would happen if they ever met Taehyung. Would they confront him? Would they tell him the truth about the daughters he had abandoned? For now, they focused on their futures, their studies, and their dreams, but one day, they knew they would have to face him.
And when that day came, Taehyungâs carefully constructed world would come crashing down.
The Kim mansion was an imposing structure, standing tall amidst acres of land, its grandeur never quite hiding the unsettling quiet that lingered in the air. Hyunjae, now 21, had grown up within these walls, but it had never truly felt like home. He was used to the wealth and the luxury, but the mansion always seemed like it was hiding somethingâsomething dark, something buried beneath the surface.
His parents, Taehyung and Y/N, were the picture of perfect love. But there was always an odd distance between them. Despite their outward happiness, Hyunjae couldn't shake the feeling that there were secrets he was never meant to know.
On that stormy evening, as the wind howled outside, Hyunjae, intent on finishing a university paper, found himself in the library of the mansion. The large, open space was his favorite sanctuaryâdusty shelves full of ancient books, the faint smell of aged paper, and the quiet solitude of it all. But tonight, it felt different.
While searching for a specific book, Hyunjaeâs eyes landed on one shelf. He had passed it countless times but never paid it any attention. Tonight, however, something about it drew him in. One of the shelves was slightly askew. His curiosity piqued, Hyunjae reached out to adjust itâand the unexpected happened.
With a faint click and a groan, the shelf moved, revealing a hidden passage behind it. A shiver ran down his spine, his breath catching in his throat.
âWhat in the world?â Hyunjae muttered, his heart pounding as he stepped inside the narrow, dimly lit passage.
The passage led down a long, winding staircase that seemed ancient, its steps creaking underfoot. At the bottom, there was a doorâold, worn, and slightly ajar. Hyunjae could feel his pulse quicken as he approached, unsure of what he would find.
He pushed the door open, revealing a small, secret room.
---
The room was cold and musty, its walls lined with shelves filled with personal belongingsâbooks, photographs, old trinkets. The place was far from what one might expect from the rest of the mansion, which was always pristine and meticulously maintained. But this room felt differentâsecretive, intimate, as if it had been untouched for years.
His eyes swept across the room, finally landing on the center of it allâa large wooden table. Upon it, neatly placed in the center, was a leather-bound diary. The sight of it sent a strange chill through Hyunjae as he stepped closer, drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
The diary was familiar. Heâd seen it beforeâhis fatherâs handwriting. He picked it up hesitantly, the weight of the leather book pressing in his hands. With a deep breath, he opened it, unsure of what he was about to uncover.
The first page was filled with his father's familiar scrawl.
---
âIt was the village that drew me in. She was unlike anyone Iâd ever met. Y/Nâfragile, innocent, untouched by the world I came from. I had to have her.â
---
Hyunjaeâs fingers tightened around the diary as his eyes skimmed the words. His heart raced as he continued reading.
---
âShe was helping an elderly woman when I first saw her. It was a sight Iâll never forgetâthe way the light danced around her like something from a dream. She had this softness about her that I couldnât resist. I knew she was different from the others, and thatâs why I became obsessed.â
---
The more Hyunjae read, the more his heart sank. His fatherâs obsession with his Y/N, the woman who would become his mother, had been far darker than he had ever imagined. Taehyungâs attraction to her wasnât based on love or even desireâit was a need to possess something pure, something untouched.
Taehyung had been a man of power and wealth, accustomed to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it. But when he saw Y/N, he was confronted with a kind of innocence he had never encountered before. She was different from all the women he had been withânaive, kind, unaware of the games he played.
---
âI had to make her mine. I couldnât let her slip away. I used my power, my money, my influence. I made it impossible for her to say no.â
---
Taehyungâs manipulation had begun slowly, subtly. He had approached Y/Nâs grandparents with a marriage proposal, but they had rejected him outright, not trusting the man who seemed too polished, too perfect to be real. Her grandfather had seen through Taehyungâs facade and had refused to let his granddaughter marry someone like him. But Taehyung was not the type to be refused.
He made their lives difficultâbusiness deals were canceled, supplies were withheld, and slowly, the village began to struggle. The pressure mounted, and Y/Nâs grandparents, desperate for her to be taken care of, eventually caved to Taehyungâs demands.
Y/Nâs grandmother, fearing for Y/Nâs future, finally agreed to the marriage. She had no other choice, but she made one last request.
---
âTake care of her, Taehyung. Sheâs all I have left.â
---
Hyunjae felt the room spin as he read the words. His mother had been forced into an arranged marriageâa marriage that, from the outside, seemed like a fairytale. But the truth was far darker. His father had used his wealth and power to bend Y/N to his will, trapping her in a life that wasnât her choice.
---
Y/N had no idea what she was walking into. She was young, innocent, and unaware of the manipulation that had taken place behind the scenes. She had grown up with nothing but the love of her grandparents and a small sense of freedom in the village. To her, the marriage was simply a way to surviveâto have someone to care for her after the loss of her family.
Her grandmother had made her promise to obey, to respect her husband, but Y/N had no understanding of the depths of Taehyungâs obsession. She had entered the marriage with no expectations other than to be a dutiful wife.
Taehyung, for his part, had convinced himself that he loved her. In his twisted way, he truly believed that he loved Y/N. But love, in his eyes, had always been a form of possession. He controlled every part of her lifeâhow she dressed, what she did, even who she saw. He kept her isolated, and she had no idea just how much of her life had been orchestrated by him.
Years passed, and Y/N gave birth to four children, her life becoming a blur of motherhood and obedience. She had never questioned her role, never challenged her husbandâs authority. To her, this was loveâquiet, patient, and unwavering.
Taehyungâs obsession only grew, though he never voiced it. His control was subtle, like a web tightening around her, and she couldnât see the trap she had walked into.
---
Hyunjae closed the diary, his heart heavy with the weight of the truth. His fatherâs confession had opened a door he never wanted to walk through. He had always admired Taehyung, but now, the man he had known as a hero seemed like a villainâa man who had manipulated his mother into a life of servitude and silence.
The reality of his motherâs life hit Hyunjae with full force. His motherâkind, loving, and always so gentleâhad been trapped in a web of control, never fully aware of the way his dad had bent her life to his will.
Hyunjae stared at the diary for a long moment, conflicted. He had always seen his parents as a perfect couple, as role models. But now, he saw the truth. His father, despite his love for his mother, had used her innocence for his own gain.
When he left the secret room, he locked the door behind him. He didnât want to confront his father, not yet. For now, he wanted to keep the peaceâhe couldnât shatter the fragile world his mother had built for herself.
As he walked back into the main part of the house, he found his mom sitting on the living room floor, his dad l resting his head on her lap, surrounded by their children. The scene before him was one of contentment, of a family that seemed happy and whole.
Hyunjae couldnât bring himself to destroy this image. He quietly kissed his motherâs cheek, whispering, âI love you, Mom.â
Y/N smiled up at him, her eyes full of warmth. âI love you too, Hyunjae.â
As he walked away, he made a promise to himself. He would protect his motherâs happiness, no matter what the cost. Some secrets were better left buried.
In the heart of London, where power and wealth collide, a man stands atop an empire. Kim Taehyung, the cold, calculated, and untouchable. He carries the weight of a legacy, his name a symphony of success and arrogance.
She enters like a breezeâY/N, a vision of innocence and charm. A fashion student with dreams stitched in gold, yet untouched by the corruption of affluence. Her smile lights up rooms, her laughter softens hearts.
Their worlds collide at an engagement partyâhis engagement, her first step into a world she barely knows. One glance, and everything changes. A sharp pain pierces their hearts. An ache too familiar, too haunting.
Why does her presence unsettle his soul? Why does his gaze feel like a key to a forgotten door?
Neither knows their past, a love that once burned brighter than the stars, extinguished in betrayal and blood. Neither remembers the betrayal that ended it all. But fate remembers. Fate always remembers.
As shadows from a forgotten life stir, secrets unravel. Love ignites in stolen moments, yet danger lurks. Their enemies walk among them, disguised as allies, bound by the same cruel history.
He is ice; she is fire. He is the storm; she is the calm.
Can they defy destinyâs cruel cycle? Will their love, forged in the flames of a past life, be enough to conquer the darkness ahead?
"In love, in war, and in vengeanceâ
Fate always finds its way."
Eternal Echoes: A tale of love reborn and revenge rekindled.
Y/N wiped her damp hands on her skirt, nerves rolling through her as she stood outside the grand Jeon mansion. This wasnât the life she had envisioned, but life rarely turned out as planned. Her motherâs weak smile and trembling hands were her only motivation to move forward. Her mother needed treatment, and this marriage was the price.
She had been Mr. Jeonâs secretary for over two years, and in that time, she had come to admire him for his professionalism and sharp intellect. When he suggested the marriage, promising to cover all medical expenses and ensure the best care for her mother, she hesitated for days. But with no one else to rely on and mounting hospital bills, she had agreed.
The door to the mansion opened, and the butler greeted her warmly. âThis way, Miss Y/N. Mr. Jeon and Jungkook are waiting for you in the study.â
Her heart thudded. Jungkook. Sheâd heard whispers of him around the office. The prodigal son of Jeon Industries, he had spent years building a name for himself in the US. But his reputation in Korea was far from pristine. Stories of his wild parties, indulgences, and lack of interest in responsibility painted a stark contrast to his father.
Y/N entered the study, a spacious room lined with dark oak shelves and the faint scent of leather. Mr. Jeon smiled at her, his eyes kind. Next to him stood Jungkook, his expression unreadable. He was strikingâbroad shoulders clad in a crisp black shirt, sharp jawline, and piercing eyes that seemed to see through her. Yet, there was a coldness to him, an air of detachment that made her feel insignificant.
âY/N,â Mr. Jeon began, âthis is my son, Jungkook. I believe you two should get to know each other before the wedding.â
The word âweddingâ hit her like a brick, and she forced a smile. âItâs nice to meet you, Jungkook.â
His gaze swept over her briefly before he nodded curtly. âLikewise.â
Mr. Jeon excused himself, leaving them alone in the room. The silence was heavy, and Y/N fidgeted with the hem of her blouse. She decided to break it. âI heard you just returned from the US. How was it there?â
He leaned against the desk, arms crossed, his demeanor nonchalant. âIt was fine. I didnât expect to come back to... this.â
The dismissal in his tone stung, but she pressed on. âI understand this arrangement isnât ideal for either of us, butââ
âLetâs cut to the chase,â he interrupted, his voice sharp. âIâm not interested in this marriage. My father thinks tying me down will change me, but I have no intention of becoming the perfect son he wants. This is just a game to him.â
Her breath caught in her throat. âWhat are you saying?â
âIâll go through with this for a year,â he said, his tone devoid of emotion. âOne year to see what itâs like. If I hate it, weâll part ways. If itâs tolerable... well, weâll see. But donât expect anything from me.â
Y/N stared at him, her world spinning. âA year? Thatâs all this is to you?â
He shrugged. âItâs better than nothing, isnât it?â
Tears pricked her eyes, but she held them back. She wanted to storm out, to scream that she wouldnât be a pawn in his twisted game. But then her motherâs frail face flashed in her mind.
âFor my mom,â she whispered to herself. She looked up at him, determination hardening her features. âFine. One year. But donât expect me to make this easy for you.â
He smirked, as if amused by her defiance. âI wouldnât dream of it.â
---
The wedding came faster than she anticipated. It was grand, as expected of the Jeon family, but Y/N felt like a spectator in her own life. Jungkook played his part perfectlyâsmiling for the cameras, holding her hand, and even whispering sweet nothings during the vows. But when they were alone, the mask fell.
The first night in their shared home, he laid down the rules. âDonât expect me to change. Iâll come and go as I please, and I donât need you meddling in my life.â
Y/N crossed her arms. âAnd what about me? Do I get to have rules?â
âDo whatever you want,â he said with a shrug. âJust donât embarrass me.â
---
Days turned into weeks, and Y/N settled into a routine. Jungkook was true to his wordâhe came home late, often smelling of alcohol, and left early without a word. She buried herself in work and focused on her motherâs treatment, visiting her every chance she got.
But it wasnât easy. The loneliness of the mansion, the whispers of his escapades in tabloids, and the coldness in his eyes chipped away at her resolve. She tried to keep up appearances, attending events with him and smiling for the cameras, but behind closed doors, they were strangers.
One night, as she sat alone in the living room, the door slammed open. Jungkook stumbled in, clearly drunk. He looked at her, his gaze hazy but filled with something she couldnât decipher.
âWhy do you even bother?â he slurred. âPretending like this matters?â
She stood, anger bubbling up. âBecause it does matterâto me, at least. I didnât ask for this, Jungkook, but Iâm trying.â
âTrying?â he laughed bitterly. âTrying to play house with someone like me? Donât waste your time, Y/N.â
Her fists clenched. âYouâre right. This is a waste of time. But you know what? I made a promise, and Iâm not breaking it. So, if you want to keep acting like a spoiled child, go ahead. But donât drag me down with you.â
For a moment, he looked taken aback, as if no one had ever dared speak to him like that. Then, without a word, he turned and disappeared into his room.
---
Y/N lay awake that night, wondering how long she could endure this. One year felt like a lifetime, and yet, she couldnât help but wonder if there was more to Jungkook than the cold, detached man he showed her.
She had no choice but to find out.
Six months had passed since Y/N and Jungkookâs wedding, and life in the Jeon household had settled into a rhythm. While their relationship was far from romantic, the hostility that once lingered between them had softened into something resembling companionship. Y/N continued to fulfill her duties diligentlyâmaking his breakfast, ironing his clothes, and keeping the house in order. Jungkook, though still distant, seemed to appreciate her efforts in his own quiet way.
But despite the small progress, Jungkook hadnât changed much. His nights were often spent outside, indulging in the lifestyle his father disapproved of, and his mornings were hurried, a mere nod to Y/N as he grabbed his coffee and left. For Y/N, it was lonely, but she persevered, keeping herself busy with work and caring for her mother.
Then came the accident.
It happened on a rainy evening when Jungkook was driving back from a business dinner. The brakes had failed on a slick road, and his car collided with a divider. Y/N was in the middle of organizing papers in the study when Mr. Jeon called her. His voice trembled as he explained what had happened, and she rushed to the hospital, her heart pounding.
When she saw Jungkook, lying unconscious with cuts and bruises on his face, a lump formed in her throat. Despite his flaws and the emotional distance between them, the sight of him so vulnerable made her chest ache.
The doctors explained that while his injuries werenât life-threatening, the impact had severely damaged his knee and hip, making it impossible for him to walk for the time being. âIt will take about three months of rehabilitation for him to get back on his feet,â the doctor said.
Y/N nodded, her resolve hardening. âIâll take care of him.â
---
The first few weeks after the accident were the hardest. Jungkook was bedridden, unable to move without assistance. Y/N stayed by his side, ensuring he was comfortable, feeding him, and even helping him with tasks that made her cheeks burnâlike using the toilet and taking showers. At first, Jungkook resisted her help, his pride taking a hit every time she had to lift or support him.
âI can do it myself,â he muttered one day, attempting to sit up on his own but wincing in pain.
âStop being stubborn,â Y/N said, her tone firm as she helped him adjust. âYouâre not Superman, Jungkook. Let me help you.â
He sighed, frustration evident in his eyes, but he didnât argue further.
As the days turned into weeks, a quiet routine emerged. Y/N spent her mornings helping Jungkook with his basic needs and feeding him breakfast. She guided him through his physical therapy exercises, encouraging him when he wanted to give up. In the evenings, they sat together in the living room, sometimes watching TV in comfortable silence, other times talking about trivial things.
For the first time, Jungkook began to see a side of Y/N he had ignored before. She was patient, strong, and compassionate, qualities that reminded him of his late mother. He hadnât spoken about her to anyone in years, the pain of losing her still raw, but he found himself thinking of her whenever Y/N was around.
---
One particularly challenging day, Jungkook had struggled with his walking exercises, nearly collapsing from the effort. Frustrated and angry, he lashed out at Y/N.
âWhy are you even doing this?â he snapped. âYou donât have to pretend to care.â
Y/N stared at him, her own exhaustion visible in her eyes. âIâm not pretending, Jungkook. I care because someone has to. And whether you like it or not, Iâm your wife.â
Her words hung in the air, and for the first time, Jungkook couldnât come up with a sarcastic retort. He simply looked away, guilt gnawing at him.
---
By the third month, Jungkookâs progress was remarkable. With Y/Nâs constant support, he could walk short distances without crutches, and his confidence grew. Mr. Jeon often visited, expressing his gratitude to Y/N.
âYouâve done more for him than I ever could,â Mr. Jeon said one day, his voice heavy with emotion. âIâm thankful youâre here, Y/N.â
She smiled softly. âHeâs stronger than he thinks, Mr. Jeon. He just needs someone to remind him.â
---
One chilly night, the first snow of the season began to fall. Y/N was curled up on the couch with a blanket, sipping tea, when Jungkook joined her. He had been walking more confidently lately, though he still favored his right leg.
âItâs cold,â he remarked, sitting down beside her.
She glanced at him, surprised he was choosing to sit with her instead of retreating to his room. âDo you want some tea?â
He shook his head, his gaze fixed on the snow outside. After a moment, he spoke, his voice quieter than usual. âYouâve done a lot for me these past few months.â
âItâs my duty,â she replied, though her tone lacked the usual detachment.
âNo, itâs more than that,â he said, turning to look at her. His eyes softened, and for the first time, Y/N thought she saw a glimpse of the man behind the cold façade. âThank you, Y/N. I mean it.â
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away, unsure how to respond.
As the night wore on, the cold crept into the room despite the heater. Jungkook, noticing Y/N shivering, grabbed the blanket and draped it over both of them. Their shoulders brushed, and the proximity made her cheeks warm.
âAre you always this warm?â he teased, his voice lighter than sheâd ever heard it.
She laughed softly, a sound that surprised even herself. âMaybe youâre just cold.â
They sat like that for a while, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. The physical closeness felt natural, but the emotional distance still loomed. Y/N wondered if this newfound warmth between them was a sign of something deeper or just a fleeting moment of comfort.
---
As the night deepened, the room grew quieter, with only the soft sound of snow tapping against the window. Jungkook turned to Y/N, his gaze lingering on her face longer than usual. There was something different in his eyesâsomething she couldnât quite decipher but felt drawn to.
âY/N,â he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
She looked at him, her breath hitching under the intensity of his stare. His hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and the simple touch sent a shiver down her spine.
The cold outside seemed to disappear as the warmth between them grew, a silent understanding passing between them. He leaned closer, his movements slow and deliberate, giving her the space to pull away if she wanted to. But she didnât.
In that quiet, snow-filled night, the walls that had kept them apart for so long began to crumble. The distance between them faded, replaced by an unspoken connection. As the blanket fell to the floor and the fire in the hearth crackled softly, they found solace in each other, crossing the fragile boundary that had kept their hearts guarded.
It was a moment of vulnerability, a step into the unknown, and while it wasnât clear where their hearts truly stood, for that night, they chose to let go of the doubts and simply be together.
â
The year had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Slowly but surely, Y/N and Jungkook had slipped into the rhythm of married life, their relationship evolving from cold strangers to something much warmer. They shared momentsâcooking meals together, late-night conversations about everything and nothing, and even affectionate gestures that had once seemed impossible.
It wasnât perfect, but it was real. For Y/N, it had begun to feel like a true marriage. She thought, maybe, just maybe, this was the life they would continue building together.
But on the morning of their first anniversary, everything fell apart.
---
The Jeon household was lively that day, with Mr. Jeon joining them for breakfast. Y/N had dressed up in a simple yet elegant outfit, planning to visit the church afterward. Jungkook, seated at the head of the table, seemed unusually casual, chatting with his father and even cracking a few jokes. Y/N smiled, thinking that this was how family life should feel.
As they finished their meal, Jungkook leaned back in his chair and glanced at Y/N. âAre you ready to go home?â he asked casually, as though discussing the weather.
The room fell silent. The house chef froze mid-step, and the maid looked on in disbelief. Y/Nâs heart plummeted, the meaning of his words striking her like a blow.
âHome?â she repeated, her voice barely audible.
Jungkook, oblivious to the shift in the roomâs atmosphere, nodded with a faint smile. âYeah. Youâre dressed up already, so I thought itâd be a good time. Iâll drop you off.â
Her gaze darted to Mr. Jeon, whose face had darkened with disapproval. âJungkook,â his father began, his tone firm, âwhat are you talking about? You canât seriously mean this.â
But Jungkook didnât seem fazed. âWe had a deal, didnât we, Father? One year. Itâs been a year. I think weâve both fulfilled our ends of the bargain.â
Y/N felt her throat tighten as tears welled in her eyes. She had thoughtâhopedâthat their time together had meant something more to him. That their shared moments, their growing bond, had softened his resolve. But now, it was clear he hadnât changed his mind at all.
âIâll... pack my things,â she whispered, her voice trembling.
âY/N,â Mr. Jeon called, his voice laced with guilt and sorrow.
She shook her head, blinking back tears. âItâs fine, Mr. Jeon.â She stood and walked upstairs, her steps unsteady as her world crumbled around her.
---
Jungkook drove her to her apartment in silence, the air between them heavy. Y/N sat with her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her wedding ring digging into her palm. Jungkook, however, seemed completely at ease, even cheerful.
âYou know,â he began, breaking the silence, âyou wonât have to wait up for me anymore. You can finally sleep without worrying when Iâll come home.â
Y/N said nothing, her gaze fixed out the window.
âAnd if you ever need anything, donât hesitate to call,â he added. âSeriously, Y/N, youâve been great this past year. I mean it. You deserve someone who can give you more than this arrangement.â
When they reached her apartment, Jungkook parked the car and turned to her. âDo you want to take anything from the house? Itâs yours too, after all.â
Y/N finally looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She slipped off her wedding ring, holding it in her palm. âThis is all I want,â she said quietly.
For the first time that day, Jungkook faltered. His casual demeanor cracked as he stared at the ring in her hand. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.
Y/N stepped out of the car, clutching the ring tightly. She didnât look back as she walked into her apartment building, her vision blurred by tears.
---
Back in the car, Jungkook sat motionless, staring at the empty passenger seat. For a moment, the weight of his decision pressed down on him in a way he hadnât anticipated. He had thought she would be relieved, maybe even happy to leave behind the marriage that had started as nothing more than a contract. But the look in her eyes, the quiet heartbreak she carried as she walked away, lingered in his mind.
For the first time in his life, Jungkook felt something unfamiliarâregret. But by then, Y/N was already gone.
â
The morning after Y/N left, Jungkook woke up to the eerie silence of his home. The usual warmth of the kitchen, where Y/N would hum softly while preparing breakfast, was gone. Instead, the quietness wrapped around him, unsettling and cold.
He walked into the kitchen, and the chef handed him a cup of coffee, the same way he had for years before Y/N entered his life. Jungkook took a sip but immediately frowned. It was bitter, not the comforting blend Y/N had made just right every morning.
âIs something wrong, sir?â the chef asked, noticing his reaction.
Jungkook shook his head, setting the cup down. âNo, itâs fine,â he muttered, but the emptiness in his tone betrayed him.
As the day unfolded, Jungkook found himself distracted at work. Memories of Y/N lingered in his mindâthe way she smiled softly when she handed him his tie in the mornings, her shy blush whenever he teased her with a kiss, the way sheâd wave goodbye from the doorway, her eyes full of quiet hope.
He had once found these gestures unnecessary, even annoying. Now, he realized how much they had become a part of his life, grounding him in ways he hadnât understood until they were gone.
---
Meanwhile, Y/N was determined to rebuild her life. Her mother, fully recovered now, supported her decision to move forward. âYou donât have to stay in a situation where youâre not valued,â her mother had told her when Y/N returned home. âYouâve done more than enough.â
Y/N nodded, her resolve firm. She reached out to an old friend who owned a small company and secured a job there. It wasnât as prestigious as working for the Jeon family business, but it was honest work, and that was all she needed.
When Y/N had first told her mother about the marriage, her mother had been hesitant. âAre you sure about this?â she had asked, worried for her daughterâs future. But Y/N had reassured her, explaining the deal she had made with Mr. Jeon for her motherâs treatment.
Now, seeing the pain in Y/Nâs eyes, her mother regretted supporting the decision. âYou deserved better than this, Y/N,â she said one evening as they sat together.
âI know,â Y/N replied softly. âBut Iâm going to be okay now. I just need to move on.â
Her mother nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. She couldnât help but feel guilty, knowing that Y/N had sacrificed so much for her.
---
Jungkookâs life, on the other hand, began to feel increasingly empty. Even the things that once brought him comfortâhis nights out with friends, the fleeting company of womenânow felt hollow. The house that Y/N had filled with warmth and life seemed unbearably cold without her.
He caught himself lingering in the spaces she had once occupied. The kitchen counter where she brewed his coffee, the hallway mirror where sheâd check her reflection before heading out, the bedroom closet now half-empty without her clothes.
One morning, as he stood in front of the mirror adjusting his tie, his hands faltered. He realized he missed her small hands fixing it for him, her gentle smile as she whispered, âThere, perfect.â
It was in these moments that Jungkook began to acknowledge the truth he had been avoiding: he missed Y/N. More than that, he regretted letting her go.
---
For Y/N, the process of moving on was slow but steady. She threw herself into her new job, making friends among her colleagues and even attending social events to regain a sense of normalcy.
She refused to let herself dwell on the past, though memories of Jungkook occasionally surfaced. She thought of his rare, genuine smiles, the quiet moments they had shared, and the fleeting hope she had once felt for their relationship. But those memories only fueled her determination to leave him behind.
She had given her all to their marriage, and he had discarded her without a second thought. Now, she was determined to live for herself.
---
Back at the Jeon estate, Mr. Jeon couldnât ignore the change in his son. Jungkook was quieter, more irritable, and noticeably restless.
âYou miss her, donât you?â Mr. Jeon asked one evening over dinner.
Jungkook looked up sharply, startled by the question. âWhat are you talking about?â
His father sighed, setting his fork down. âYou think I havenât noticed? Youâve been lost ever since she left. Y/N was good for you, Jungkook, but you were too blind to see it.â
Jungkook opened his mouth to retort but found himself unable to deny the truth. That night, as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the weight of his fatherâs words sank in.
He had thought Y/Nâs departure would be a relief, that he could return to his old life without complication. Instead, her absence had created a void he couldnât ignore.
For the first time in his life, Jungkook felt truly alone. And for the first time, he wondered if it was too late to make things right.
â
Jungkook could no longer endure the void Y/N's absence had left in his life. He had spent days questioning his decisions, replaying every moment they had shared, and realizing how deeply he had wronged her. With a renewed determination, he decided to win her back.
The next morning, he drove to Y/Nâs apartment. When her mother answered the door, her expression instantly turned cold.
âWhy are you here?â she asked sharply, blocking the doorway.
âI need to speak with Y/N,â Jungkook said, his voice steady but laced with guilt.
âYouâve done enough already,â her mother snapped. âYou think you can just walk back into her life after breaking her heart?â
âI know I made a mistake,â Jungkook admitted, lowering his gaze. âBut I love her. I didnât realize it until she was gone, and now Iâm here to make things right. Please, I just want a chance to talk to her.â
Her motherâs eyes narrowed. âDo you even know what sheâs been through? She gave up so much for you, for that ridiculous contract. And you threw her away like she meant nothing!â
Jungkookâs jaw tightened. âI know I donât deserve her forgiveness, but I want to try. Please, Mrs. Y/L/N. Iâll do whatever it takes.â
Her mother studied him for a long moment, her anger softening as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. She sighed heavily, stepping aside. âFine. But if you hurt her again, Jungkook, I wonât forgive you.â
---
Y/N returned home a little while later, carrying groceries and humming softly to herself. Her smile vanished the moment she saw Jungkook sitting in the living room with her mother.
Her expression turned cold. âWhat are you doing here, Mr. Jeon?â she asked, her tone sharp and mocking.
Jungkook winced at the formality but stood up. âY/N, I came toââ
She held up a hand, cutting him off. âIf youâre here to say something about the contract, save it. Itâs over. Iâm not part of your life anymore.â
He stepped closer, desperation flashing in his eyes. âY/N, please, just listen to me. I donât want the contract anymore. I donât want a year, or two years, or any kind of arrangement. I want you. I want us.â
She scoffed, dropping her groceries on the counter. âUs? There was never an us, Jungkook. I was just a convenience for you, a way to get your father off your back. I wonât go back to being something you can pick up and discard whenever you feel like it.â
âThatâs not true!â he protested. âI didnât realize it back then, but Iââ
âEnough!â she shouted, her voice trembling with anger and pain. âYou donât get to come here and act like you care now. You didnât care when I was there, trying to make it work, trying to love you.â
The room fell silent except for her labored breaths. She turned away, walking toward her room.
But before she could get far, Jungkook grabbed her wrist gently, his eyes pleading. âY/N, donât do this. I love you. I know I donât deserve you, but please... come back.â
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she yanked her hand away. âIâm not something that can be bought in a store, Jungkook,â she said coldly. âI donât need you. I can take care of myself.â
The argument grew more heated, their voices rising as they hurled their frustrations at each other. Suddenly, Y/Nâs face went pale, and her knees buckled.
âY/N!â Jungkook shouted, catching her before she hit the floor. Her mother screamed, rushing to her side as Jungkook carried her to the car and sped to the hospital.
---
Hours later, the doctor emerged with a smile. âSheâs fine. Just some stress and exhaustion. But thereâs something else.â
Jungkook and her mother exchanged worried glances. âWhat is it?â he asked anxiously.
âSheâs pregnant,â the doctor announced. âAbout two months along.â
The words hit Jungkook like a tidal wave. His mind raced back to the moments they had sharedâmoments of intimacy that now seemed all the more significant. A surge of joy and relief coursed through him.
âItâs my child,â he whispered, his lips curving into a smile.
Inside the room, Y/N sat on the hospital bed, her expression blank as the doctor explained her condition. When Jungkook walked in, his face lit up with a mixture of guilt and joy.
âY/N,â he began softly, sitting beside her. âWeâre going to have a baby.â
She turned to him, her eyes cold. âIâm going to have a baby. You donât have to worry, Jungkook. I can take care of my child on my own. I donât need you.â
His smile faltered. âBut I want to be there. For you. For our baby.â
âYouâre not even my husband anymore,â she said sharply, her words cutting like a knife.
Jungkook reached for her hand, but she pulled it away. âY/N, I know I donât deserve your forgiveness, but please, let me be part of this. I love you, and Iâll do whatever it takes to prove it to you.â
Her eyes softened momentarily, but she quickly steeled herself. âYou had your chance, Jungkook. I gave you everything, and you threw it away. This baby is the only thing that matters now.â
As she turned away, Jungkook felt a pang of heartbreak but refused to give up. For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to fight for someoneâand he wasnât going to stop until he earned Y/Nâs trust and love again.
â
It had been seven months since Y/N had walked away from Jungkook, choosing to focus on her pregnancy and her independence. Despite the challenges, she had built a new life for herself, working hard and preparing for her babyâs arrival. Jungkook, however, had not given up.
He had spent months strategizing, determined to win her back. He knew Y/Nâs pride and stubbornness wouldnât let her forgive him easily, but he was willing to do whatever it took.
---
One morning, Y/N arrived at her office, ready to tackle another busy day. As she entered the building, she noticed an unusual buzz of excitement among her colleagues.
âWhatâs going on?â she asked a coworker.
âThe company has been sold!â they replied eagerly. âWeâre meeting the new CEO today!â
Y/Nâs heart sank, unsure of how this change would affect her position. She made her way to the lobby, where the entire staff had gathered with bouquets to welcome their new leader.
As she stood among the crowd, her friendâthe former owner of the companyâstepped forward with a broad smile. âEveryone, please welcome the new CEO, Mr. Jeon Jungkook!â
Time seemed to freeze for Y/N. She stood rooted to the spot as Jungkook entered the room, exuding the same confidence and charisma that had once drawn her to him. He was dressed in a sharp suit, his expression calm and composed as he accepted handshakes and bouquets from the staff.
Her heart pounded in her chest as he approached her. His dark eyes locked onto hers, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.
âY/N, itâs your turn,â someone whispered behind her, nudging her forward.
Swallowing hard, she stepped up, holding out the bouquet reluctantly. Her hands trembled slightly as he took it, their fingers brushing. Jungkook reached out for a handshake, and she hesitated, her mind screaming at her to turn away.
âShake his hand, Y/N,â his assistant said gently, sensing the tension but remaining professional.
Y/N had no choice. She extended her hand, and as soon as their palms touched, Jungkookâs fingers curled around hers in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasnât just a handshakeâit was deliberate, intimate, and far too familiar.
Her eyes widened, but she quickly masked her reaction, pulling her hand away as soon as was polite. Around them, no one seemed to notice the subtle exchange, distracted by the introduction of their new CEO.
Jungkookâs gaze lingered on her, his lips curving into a subtle smirk that only she could decipher. It was the same look he had given her in the past, the one that always preceded moments of closeness.
Y/Nâs chest tightened with a mix of anger and unease. She turned and walked back to her desk, her mind racing.
---
For the rest of the day, Y/N tried to avoid Jungkook, keeping her head down and focusing on her work. But his presence was impossible to ignore. His voice carried through the office as he spoke with authority, and she couldnât help but feel his eyes on her whenever he passed by.
When she finally managed to sneak away for lunch, she found herself face-to-face with him in the breakroom.
âY/N,â he greeted smoothly, leaning casually against the counter.
âWhat do you want, Jungkook?â she asked, her voice cold.
âIâm your boss now,â he said, his tone teasing but firm. âShouldnât you address me as âMr. Jeonâ?â
Her jaw clenched. âWhat are you doing here?â
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. âIâm here for you.â
She scoffed, turning away. âYou canât just buy a company to get close to me.â
âWhy not?â he replied, unbothered. âIâve already made it clearâI want you back, Y/N. And Iâm not giving up.â
She spun around to face him, her eyes blazing with anger. âYou donât get to decide that! You donât get to waltz back into my life like nothing happened. I donât need you, Jungkook. Iâve been fine on my own.â
His gaze softened, but there was determination in his eyes. âI know I hurt you, and Iâll spend the rest of my life making up for it if I have to. But Iâm not going anywhere. Not this time.â
Y/N shook her head, her emotions swirling. âYou donât get it, do you? Iâm not the same person I was before. Iâm stronger now. And I donât need you to take care of me or my baby.â
âOur baby,â he corrected gently, his voice firm. âAnd I know you donât need me. But I want to be thereâfor both of you. Please, Y/N. Let me prove that Iâve changed.â
Her eyes filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall. âItâs too late, Jungkook.â
As she walked away, Jungkook watched her go, his heart aching but his resolve unwavering. He had a long road ahead, but he was willing to fight for Y/Nâfor their family. And he wasnât about to give up now.
â
The office was unusually lively that morning. Employees bustled around, laughing and chatting as they shared chocolates and opened their unexpected bonuses. The source of the excitement? Jungkook, who had personally ensured that everyone in the company celebrated his wife's birthdayâa wife none of them had met, or so they thought.
Y/N, sitting at her desk, overheard the chatter and felt her blood boil. She had explicitly told Jungkook to keep his distance, but this was a blatant attempt to undermine her wishes. When she saw Jungkookâs assistant and some familiar faces from his old company personally distributing the gifts, she had enough.
Stomping into his office, she pushed the door open without knocking, startling Jungkook, who was lounging on the couch with his legs crossed. He looked up with a lazy smirk as she marched in, fire in her eyes.
âJungkook!â she snapped, slamming the door shut behind her.
He leaned back, arms crossed casually, and raised an eyebrow. âAh, my wild cat has arrived. To what do I owe this pleasure?â
âStop calling me that!â she hissed, ignoring the heat that rose to her cheeks. âWhat are you doing? Bonuses, chocolates, announcing my birthday to the entire office? You promised to stay professional!â
Jungkook shrugged, unbothered. âItâs your birthday. Shouldnât the world celebrate the woman who makes my life better?â
Her jaw dropped. âIâm notââ She stopped herself, taking a deep breath. âI want to resign. Effective immediately.â
Jungkookâs smirk faltered, replaced by a more serious expression. âYouâre not resigning, Y/N.â
âOh, yes, I am!â she retorted, stepping closer. âYou canât keep using this company to meddle in my life!â
He tilted his head, his eyes twinkling with amusement. âYou look so hot when youâre mad. Like a wild cat ready to pounce.â
âJungkook!â she shouted, her face flaming.
Before she could continue, she suddenly winced, clutching her belly as a sharp pain radiated through her body. A soft moan of discomfort escaped her lips, and her anger turned into worry.
Jungkook was on his feet in an instant, his teasing demeanor gone. âY/N, whatâs wrong? Are you okay?â
âI⊠itâs just pregnancy pain,â she mumbled, trying to steady herself. But the pain didnât subside, and she felt tears prick her eyes.
âSit down,â Jungkook said firmly, guiding her to the couch. She resisted briefly but gave in as another wave of discomfort hit her.
He crouched in front of her, his face full of concern. âIâm getting some help.â
âNo,â she said quickly, her voice shaky. âItâll pass. Just⊠help me relax.â
Without hesitation, Jungkook grabbed a small bottle of olive oil from his desk drawer.
âWhy do you have olive oil in your office?â she asked, her voice strained but curious.
âEmergency skincare,â he replied, deadpan, though his focus was entirely on her.
Before she could protest, he gently unbuttoned the bottom of her shirt, exposing her round belly. His touch was surprisingly tender as he poured a small amount of oil onto his palms and began to massage her belly in slow, soothing circles.
Y/Nâs breath hitched, partly from the relief and partly from the intimacy of the moment. Jungkookâs hands moved expertly, his fingers warm and gentle against her skin.
âYouâre going to be okay,â he murmured, his voice soft and full of emotion. âIâve got you.â
As the pain began to subside, he moved to massage her shoulders and legs, his touch firm yet careful. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Y/N couldnât help but notice how deeply he cared.
âWhy are you crying?â she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
âBecause I canât stand seeing you in pain,â he admitted, his gaze dropping to her belly. âYouâre carrying our baby, Y/N. Youâre doing this all on your own, and IâŠâ He trailed off, his voice cracking.
Y/Nâs heart softened as she watched him cradle her bump gently, his fingers splayed protectively across her skin.
The baby kicked suddenly, and Jungkookâs eyes widened in awe. âDid you feel that?â he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Y/N nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. For the first time in months, she saw the man she had fallen in love withâthe man behind the arrogance and teasing.
Without thinking, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but it quickly deepened, both of them pouring months of unspoken emotions into that single moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Jungkook rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. âDoes this mean youâll stay?â
She chuckled softly, her cheeks flushed. âOnly if you promise to stop calling me a wild cat in front of people.â
He grinned, his dimples appearing. âDeal. But behind closed doors?â
Y/N rolled her eyes, playfully swatting his arm. âWeâll see.â
As the tension dissolved into laughter, the two of them realized that the wall between them had finally come down. They werenât just co-parents or ex-spouses anymoreâthey were partners, ready to face whatever the future held together.
