・Chapter 34

Once everyone was seated, Eva leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Y/N. "Now that the formalities are out of the way, are you going to tell us what really happened? Three months without a word, not even a text message? Then suddenly you're back with this wild story about an extended vacation?"

Y/N's smile faltered slightly. "I needed some time away—"

"From your friends?" Olivia interjected, her academic precision evident even in casual conversation. "Because if I remember correctly, the last time we spoke, you were excited about joining us for Mannat's birthday celebration. Two days later, you disappear without explanation."

Jungkook's hand found Y/N's knee beneath the table, a silent message of support or warning—it wasn't entirely clear which.

"The truth is," Y/N began carefully, "things were complicated. I wasn't in a position to reach out."

Rida's eyes narrowed, her legal training evident in her questioning. "Let's address the elephant in the room. There are rumors, substantiated rumors, that you were kidnapped by the Russian Bratva. That you weren't with your husband at all." Her gaze shifted to Jungkook, challenging. "Care to comment on that, Mr. Jeon?"

Jungkook's expression remained impassive, but Y/N felt his muscles tense beside her. "I'm afraid the rumors of my wife's kidnapping have been greatly exaggerated," he replied, his voice carrying just enough edge to make Rida sit back slightly.

"Then where was she?" Rida persisted, undeterred. "Because my contacts at the justice department suggest there was significant movement among certain security agencies around the time of her disappearance."

Y/N intervened before Jungkook could respond. "I was in a private location under protection," she admitted, choosing her words carefully. "There were... threats. Jungkook was ensuring my safety."

"For three months?" Aish asked skeptically. "Without allowing you to contact anyone?"

"It was for her protection," Jungkook stated, his tone brooking no argument.

Rida leaned forward, her gaze piercing. "With all due respect, Mr. Jeon, isolating someone from their support network for months isn't protection, it's control. Y/N had a life before she married you, friends who care about her. Yet the moment there's trouble, you whisk her away and cut all ties?"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Jungkook's expression darkened. "You speak of matters you don't understand," he said quietly, danger lacing his words.

"Enlighten me then," Rida challenged. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like Y/N traded her freedom for your protection."

Y/N placed a hand on Jungkook's arm, feeling the coiled tension beneath his skin. "Rida, that's enough," she said firmly. "Jungkook did what was necessary at the time. The situation was... complicated."

"Is it still complicated?" Olivia asked gently. "Because we're concerned, Y/N. You disappear for months, return looking thinner and with shadows under your eyes, and tonight is the first time you've reached out. Are you truly safe now?"

The question hung in the air, loaded with implication. Y/N felt Jungkook's gaze on her profile, waiting for her response just as eagerly as her friends.

"I am safe," she said finally, her voice steady as she met each of their concerned gazes. "The threats were real, and yes, the protective measures were extreme. But I'm here now, and I'm trying to reclaim my life."

Eva's expression softened slightly. "And is that something you're being allowed to do?" Her gaze flickered briefly to Jungkook. "Because security details and your husband accompanying you to a girls' night suggests otherwise."

Before Jungkook could respond, Y/N laughed, the sound only slightly forced. "Actually, his presence tonight was a compromise. The alternative was a team of security personnel hovering around our table all night."

Mannat, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Well, if Y/N says she's safe, I believe her. And if she's fine with Jungkook joining us tonight, then so am I." She raised her glass. "To reunions, however complicated they may be."

The toast broke some of the tension, glasses clinking as the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Y/N felt Jungkook gradually relax beside her, though his hand remained possessively on her knee beneath the table.

After about twenty minutes of catching up on Mannat's latest fashion collection and Aish's business expansion, Eva suddenly stood up with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "This is all very civilized, but it's not why we came to The District." She signaled to the bartender. "It's time to revive a university tradition."

The bartender nodded in understanding, disappearing briefly before returning with two colleagues. Each carried a tray laden with shot glasses filled with clear liquid.

"Oh no," Y/N laughed, recognition dawning in her eyes. "Not this again."

"What's this?" Jungkook asked, genuine curiosity breaking through his carefully maintained façade.

Eva grinned wickedly. "Only Y/N's specialty. Five rounds, five shots each round. Last person to finish their shots is eliminated each round. Winner takes all the glory."

The bartenders began placing five shot glasses in front of each person, including Jungkook.

"You should know," Olivia added with a sly smile, "that your wife was the undisputed champion for three years running. She has a surprising capacity for someone her size."

Jungkook turned to Y/N with raised eyebrows. "Is that so?"

Y/N shrugged, a hint of her earlier defiance returning. "There are many things you don't know about me, Jungkook."

"Like how she once drank that exchange student from Russia under the table," Mannat giggled. "Poor guy never lived it down."

Jungkook's expression shifted from surprise to concern as he eyed the shot glasses. "Y/N, I don't think this is a good idea."

"Oh, come on," Aish cajoled. "Let her have some fun. You're here to take care of her, aren't you? Make sure she gets home safely?"

Y/N's eyes met Jungkook's, silent challenge burning in her gaze. "I'm playing," she stated firmly.

Jungkook's jaw tightened. "Y/N—"

"You're welcome to join us," Rida interrupted, sliding a shot glass closer to him. "Unless you can't handle your liquor?"

The subtle challenge hung in the air. Jungkook glanced at the shots before shaking his head. "I'm driving," he said simply. "But if Y/N wants to participate, that's her choice."

The concession surprised Y/N more than anyone else at the table. She'd expected a fight, another battleground in their ongoing war. Instead, he'd yielded, allowing her this small freedom.

"Excellent!" Eva clapped her hands. "Everyone ready?"

The women positioned themselves, fingers poised above their first shots. Jungkook leaned back, his arm draped casually along the back of the couch behind Y/N, watching with curious intensity.

"Three, two, one... GO!" Eva shouted.

The first round was chaotic, filled with laughter and good-natured taunts as each woman raced to down their shots. Y/N moved with practiced efficiency, throwing back each glass in quick succession. Jungkook watched her with undisguised fascination, a new appreciation dawning in his eyes as she finished well ahead of Mannat and Olivia.

Aish was the last to finish, groaning dramatically as she set down her final empty glass. "I knew I shouldn't have had wine with dinner," she lamented as the bartenders cleared the empty glasses.

The second round commenced with equal fervor. This time, Mannat faltered, her designer bracelets jangling as she struggled with her fourth shot.

By the third round, the effects of the alcohol were becoming evident. Olivia's academic precision deteriorated with each shot, her normally articulate speech giving way to giggles as she was eliminated.

The fourth round left only Y/N and Eva facing off for the championship. The bartenders set up their final five shots each, the clear liquid gleaming under the azure lighting.

"Just like old times," Eva grinned, her cheeks flushed. "Ready to lose, Y/N?"

Y/N smirked, though her own equilibrium was noticeably compromised. "In your dreams."

Jungkook leaned forward slightly, his expression a mixture of concern and reluctant amusement as the final countdown began.

The race was close, each woman matching the other shot for shot until the very end. Y/N reached for her final glass just as Eva did, but her fingers fumbled, giving Eva the split-second advantage she needed. Eva slammed down her empty glass with a triumphant cry.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in victory. "After four years, I've dethroned the champion!"

Y/N laughed, finishing her last shot before falling back against Jungkook's chest. "I demand a recount," she protested weakly, her words slightly slurred.

The alcohol had clearly hit her system full force, her usual guardedness replaced by a loose-limbed relaxation that had her unconsciously leaning into Jungkook's embrace. He adjusted his position to support her better, his arm now around her shoulders rather than merely resting on the couch behind her.

"Another round?" Mannat suggested mischievously, already signaling to the bartender.

"Absolutely not," Jungkook interjected, his tone gentle but firm. "I think twenty shots between them is more than enough."

Y/N tilted her head back to look up at him, her eyes bright and slightly unfocused. "You're no fun," she pouted, though there was no real bite to her words.

"I'm plenty of fun," he countered softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was surprisingly tender, witnessed by all five women who exchanged knowing glances.

"Why don't we try something else?" Rida suggested, her own speech showing signs of the multiple shots she'd consumed. "Something that doesn't involve quite so much alcohol?"

Jungkook nodded appreciatively. "That sounds like a sensible idea."

"But what?" Olivia asked, leaning heavily against the arm of the couch. "I'm not sure any of us are coordinated enough for dancing at this point."

An impish smile spread across Eva's face. "Truth or dare?"

Y/N giggled, the sound light and unrestrained in a way Jungkook hadn't heard in months. "Yes! Perfect!" She sat up straighter, though she remained within the circle of Jungkook's arm. "You first, Eva, since you're the champion."

Eva's triumphant smile turned mischievous as she surveyed the group, her championship victory still fresh. "Truth or dare, Y/N?" she asked, zeroing in on her friend with laser precision.

Y/N, still nestled comfortably against Jungkook's side, considered for a moment. The alcohol had dissolved her usual barriers, leaving her feeling lighter than she had in months. "Truth," she declared, reaching for her cocktail with slightly unsteady fingers.

Eva leaned forward, her eyes glinting with wicked amusement. "Who's more dominant between you two in your relationship dynamics?"

Y/N choked mid-sip, the liquid catching in her throat as she coughed and sputtered. A collective "Ooooh!" rose from the other women, their laughter filling the Azure Room as Y/N's cheeks flushed crimson.

Jungkook's lips curved into a knowing smirk, his eyes darkening as he watched Y/N's reaction. The expression didn't escape her notice, and she narrowed her eyes at him before turning back to Eva.

"Jungkook," she admitted finally, her voice soft but certain. "Definitely Jungkook."

Another round of hoots and laughter erupted from the women. Jungkook's smirk deepened, satisfaction evident in the slight tilt of his head as he watched Y/N's blush spread down her neck.

"Your turn," Eva prompted, gesturing expansively toward Y/N.

Y/N straightened slightly, though she remained within the protective circle of Jungkook's arm. "Rida," she called, turning to the corporate attorney with newfound focus. "Truth or dare?"

Rida, her normally impeccable composure somewhat compromised by alcohol, tossed her hair back confidently. "Truth. Always truth. I have nothing to hide."

Y/N's lips curved into a wicked smile. "As a corporate lawyer, what's the most ridiculous thing a client has ever asked you to make legally defensible?"

Rida collapsed into a fit of giggles, her professional demeanor completely abandoned. "Oh my god, okay. So last year I represented this couple in their divorce, right? Super messy split. The only thing they couldn't agree on was custody of their smart speaker." She paused for dramatic effect.

"This $30 Alexa! They fought over it for WEEKS! Finally, I suggested they just buy another one, and they both looked at me like I'd suggested cutting their actual child in half!" She gestured wildly, nearly spilling her drink. "The husband finally blurted out, 'But THIS one knows all our inside jokes!' They ended up with joint custody - she gets it weekdays, he gets weekends and holidays!"

The group dissolved into laughter, even Jungkook's stoic expression cracking into genuine amusement.

"My turn," Rida announced once the laughter had subsided. Her calculating gaze swept the circle before landing decisively on Jungkook. "Mr. Jeon," she said, the formality at odds with her mischievous expression. "Truth or dare?"

A hush fell over the group as all eyes turned to Jungkook. Y/N felt him tense slightly beside her, his arm tightening imperceptibly around her shoulders.

"Dare," he replied after a moment, his deep voice carrying a hint of challenge.

Rida's smile was triumphant. "I dare you to kiss your wife right here, right now. We need confirmation that you two are actually a normal married couple."

The air between Y/N and Jungkook seemed to crackle with sudden electricity. Y/N's breath caught as Jungkook's eyes dropped to her lips, his gaze so intense it felt almost tangible. There was something predatory in the way he shifted toward her, his movements deliberate and measured.

"Well?" Rida pressed, watching them with unabashed curiosity. "Or is that too much to ask?"

Jungkook's eyes never left Y/N's face as he reached for her hand, lifting it with deliberate slowness. The entire group watched, transfixed, as he turned her palm upward and pressed his lips against it in a gesture both chaste and startlingly intimate.

"I love my wife," he stated, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that sent shivers down Y/N's spine. "And she loves me." His thumb traced small circles against her wrist as he continued, "But I won't be giving you all a free show tonight."

He turned back to Rida, his expression composed but eyes glinting with challenge. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline your specific dare. Though I promise you" his gaze slid back to Y/N, "it will be completed in private later this evening."

The implication hung heavy in the air, causing Y/N's already alcohol-flushed cheeks to burn hotter. She found herself unable to look away from him, captivated by the intensity radiating from his every pore. Despite their recent conflicts, despite the walls between them, the magnetic pull remained undeniable. In her intoxicated state, the anger and frustration that had been her armor seemed distant, overshadowed by a more primal awareness of his presence.

"Fair enough," Rida conceded with a dramatic sigh. "I suppose that counts, technically."

"My turn, then," Jungkook stated, smoothly taking control of the game. His gaze settled on Aish with calculated precision. "Truth or dare?"

Aish straightened slightly, the business executive in her clearly recognizing a strategic challenge. "Truth," she replied confidently.

Jungkook's expression remained neutral, but his question was anything but. "During university, did Y/N date anyone seriously?"

The question elicited immediate laughter from all five women, their mirth clearly confusing Jungkook as his brow furrowed slightly.

"What's so funny?" he asked, his arm still draped possessively around Y/N's shoulders.

Aish wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "We're laughing because we all dated someone in university except her." She gestured toward Y/N with her glass. "We tried so hard to set her up. There were perfectly good men practically throwing themselves at her feet, but she wouldn't give any of them the time of day."

Y/N turned to Jungkook, her expression mischievous despite the flush still coloring her cheeks. "Trying to dig into my romantic history, Jungkook? That's not very subtle of you."

His expression softened unexpectedly, something almost vulnerable flickering in his eyes. "Just filling in the gaps," he murmured, too quiet for anyone but her to hear.

"My turn," Aish announced, refocusing the group's attention. "Olivia, truth or dare?"

Olivia, whose academic precision had long since dissolved into giggly abandon, clapped her hands. "Dare! I'm feeling adventurous."

Aish's smile turned positively wicked. "I dare you to properly propose to Mr. Jeon."

A chorus of hoots and laughter erupted around the table. Olivia's eyes widened comically as she glanced between Aish and the couple on the couch.

"But he's Y/N's husband," she protested, though her eyes danced with amusement.

Y/N waved a dismissive hand, alcohol making the gesture more expansive than intended. "I don't mind," she declared magnanimously. "I'm curious to see what you come up with."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow but made no comment, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and resignation.

Olivia stood, smoothing her dress with exaggerated dignity before approaching Jungkook. She knelt before him with theatrical grace, taking his free hand in both of hers.

"Jeon Jungkook," she began, her academic's vocabulary persisting even through her intoxication. "From the moment you walked into this azure sanctuary, I have been captivated by your enigmatic presence and the subtle mathematics of your facial symmetry."

Suppressed laughter rippled around the table as Olivia continued, undeterred.

"Would you do me the extraordinary honor of considering a hypothetical future in which our souls might commune in matrimonial harmony? In simpler terms" she paused dramatically, "will you hypothetically marry me?"

Even Jungkook couldn't suppress his smile at the elaborate proposal. He inclined his head respectfully, his response surprisingly gentle. "I'm flattered by your eloquent offer, Olivia. And I might even have said yes" his gaze shifted to Y/N, something warm and genuine replacing his usual calculated coldness, "if I hadn't seen Y/N first."

A chorus of "Awww" rippled around the table, the women clearly charmed by this unexpected display of sentiment.

Y/N leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Are you serious right now?"

Jungkook turned his head slightly, their faces mere inches apart as his lips curved into a genuine smile. "Not at all," he murmured back, his voice pitched for her alone. The teasing response, so at odds with his usual intensity, startled a laugh from her.

The game continued, each round growing progressively more outrageous as the alcohol continued to work its way through their systems. Y/N found herself relaxing further into Jungkook's embrace, the familiar warmth of his body a comforting anchor as the room began to spin slightly around her.

After particularly boisterous laughter following Mannat's elaborate mime performance, Y/N turned her face toward Jungkook's neck, her lips brushing his skin as she whispered, "I need to go to the bathroom."

Without hesitation, Jungkook stood, helping her to her feet with a steadying hand at her waist. "I'll go with you," he announced to the group, his tone brooking no argument.

Five pairs of eyebrows rose in synchronized surprise.

"You need to accompany her to the bathroom?" Eva asked incredulously. "She's tipsy, not incapacitated."

"It's fine," Y/N assured her friends, leaning into Jungkook's support more heavily than she'd intended. "He's just being protective."

"We'll be back shortly," Jungkook stated, his arm wrapping securely around Y/N's waist as he guided her toward the door.