12

The roar of the engines was a constant thrumming counterpoint to the frantic drumming of Jungkook's heart. Outside the window, the world blurred into a canvas of cotton candy clouds, tinged with the fiery hues of the setting sun. Yet, all Jungkook saw was Y/n's face, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling in her beautiful eyes.

He'd told her the truth, or at least a part of it.

He'd pleaded with her to trust him, it's something bigger than them, this facade of a marriage, to untangle the mess he was in.

But trust was a fragile thing, easily shattered. Had his words reached her, resonated with her?

Or would she be heartbroken, furious, her image plastered across news outlets, painting him as a villain in their love story?

A stab of guilt twisted in his gut. He knew Y/n wasn't naive.

She'd understand the ruthless world he navigated, the strings that often controlled his seemingly free life.

He told her about his image, his life, didn't he?

But would that understanding be enough to quell the inevitable hurt, the betrayal that would surely cloud her judgment?

He squeezed his eyes shut, the image of her holding onto his hand, her touch a grounding force in the storm, flashing in his mind. "Please, Y/n," he whispered, his voice lost in the engine's drone. "Wait for me. Just a month. Trust me, a little bit."

A stewardess glided by, her smile as sterile as the white uniform she wore. "Would you like anything to drink, Mr. Jeon?"

Jungkook forced a smile. "Water, please." The clink of the glass against the ice cubes was a harsh reminder of the cold reality he was hurtling towards.

Moscow, a gilded cage, awaited him, and with it, an ugly stranger who would become his wife. But his heart, a stubborn thing, refused to acknowledge this new reality. It ached for Seoul, for the warmth of Y/n's smile, for the whispered promises exchanged under the starlit sky.

---

[Seoul]

The sterile white walls of the examination room felt like they were closing in on Y/n. Her grip tightened on Taehyung's hand, his warmth a grounding force in the sea of her anxieties.

She was a jumble of emotions - nervous excitement for the first glimpse of her baby, a dull ache radiating from her lower back that had become a constant companion these past few weeks, and a gnawing, hollow feeling in her chest.

Taehyung, ever the optimist, beamed beside her. He'd taken a day off work just to be here, his goofy grin a silent promise of unwavering support. "Ready to see our little peanut, sis?" he nudged her playfully.

Y/n managed a weak smile. "Ready as I'll ever be, I guess."

The doctor bustled in, a kind smile etched on her face. "Alright, Y/n, let's get you comfortable." Her gentle demeanor eased some of Y/n's tension.

As the cool gel spread across her stomach, a wave of nausea washed over her, but Taehyung squeezed her hand comfortingly.

The doctor positioned the ultrasound probe, a grainy image flickering on the screen. It was like peering into an alien world, shades of grey forming shapes she couldn't decipher.

Then, it happened. A tiny flicker, a rhythmic pulse. The doctor pointed it out with a smile. "There you go, Y/n. That's your baby's heartbeat."

Tears welled up in Y/n's eyes. In that grainy image, a spark of life flickered, a testament to the miracle growing inside her. A sob escaped her lips, a mixture of overwhelming joy and a sharp pang of loneliness. The image on the screen was breathtaking, a tiny being kicking off its journey, yet the father of this child, the one who should be sharing this moment, was miles away.

Taehyung noticed her distress, his smile faltering. He leaned in and whispered, "Hey, it's okay. You're not alone in this. I'm here,"

His words offered a fleeting comfort. She squeezed his hand, her voice thick with emotion. "I know, Tae. It's just..."

He understood.

He knew about the baby daddy's situation.

But right now, there was no space for the complexities of their relationship. Y/n focused on the flickering image on the screen, willing her anxieties away, promising herself and the tiny life inside her that she would be okay.

As the doctor printed the ultrasound picture, a tangible reminder of this momentous day, Y/n tucked it safely into her purse.

The walk back to their apartment was a quiet one. Y/n clutched her purse tightly, the ultrasound image a secret pressed against her heart. Reaching their floor, she fumbled with her keys, finally unlocking the door and stepping inside.

Taehyung followed her in, his usual cheer slightly subdued. He cast a worried glance at Y/n, sensing the turmoil simmering beneath her surface.

Y/n made a beeline for her bookshelf, a determined glint in her eyes. Pulling out a thick leather-bound volume titled 'Project Phoenix: Deconstruction and Analysis,' she carefully tucked the ultrasound photo between its pages.

It was a makeshift file, a collection of her research on the Phoenix MK weapon, a project that now felt even more linked to her future.

Turning to Taehyung, her voice was barely a whisper, "Promise me you won't tell anyone about the baby, not even dad."

Taehyung raised his eyebrows, surprised by the request. But seeing the raw vulnerability in her eyes, he readily agreed. "Of course, Y/n. Your secret's safe with me."

With a shaky breath, Y/n nodded. Relief washed over her, a temporary reprieve from the storm brewing within.

They settled on the couch, a comfortable silence settling between them. Taehyung finally broke it, his voice gentle. "So, what are your thoughts about the little one?"

Y/n met his gaze, a mix of emotions swirling in her eyes. "Scared, mostly," she admitted. "Excited, a little bit, of course, but mostly scared. What if I can't do this alone? I'm barely in college, Tae. How do I raise a child?"

"It's not just about being alone," she confessed, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's the fear. The fear of what society will say, a single mother at my age. The fear of facing Dad, of disappointing him. And what about absence of a father?"

She wiped a stray tear, her voice thick with emotion. "There's so much uncertainty, Tae. This little life is a miracle, a gift, but it also feels like a burden, a constant reminder of everything that's falling apart."

Taehyung listened patiently, his heart aching for his sister. He knew the weight of her worries, the societal pressures that would inevitably come crashing down. But he also saw the fierce determination in her eyes, the love for this tiny being already blooming within her.

"Hey," he said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out, together. You're strong, Y/n, stronger than you think. And this baby, it's a part of you. Focus on the love, the hope. We'll face the challenges together, one step at a time."

Y/n leaned into his touch, finding solace in his unwavering support. Maybe he was right. Maybe amidst the whirlwind of emotions, there was a tiny spark of hope.

Just then, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Picking it up, she saw a notification for a new email. It was titled 'Internship Opportunity - Moscow.' Her heart skipped a beat as she opened it.

"This can't be real," she breathed, reading the email aloud. It was a notification for a two-credit internship program offered in Moscow, a program that would require her presence there for two months.

The most shocking part, however, was the name of the sponsoring office - The Office of Robert Silvia, a powerful official with close ties to the Russian President Putin himself.

"Taehyung," she said, her voice trembling, "The sender... it's a referral from a scientist named Kim Namjoon. Remember the one I met at Jenesis R&D while researching Phoenix?"

Taehyung's eyes widened. "The same one who was impressed with your work?"

Y/n nodded, a cold dread creeping into her stomach. "He must have been really impressed. This internship... it's with Robert Silvia's office."

Y/n stared at the email, her mind racing.

Moscow.

Two months.

It felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke on her. "This is crazy," she whispered, her voice barely a breath.

Taehyung, after reading the email over her shoulder, whistled. "Wow, an internship with Silvia's office? That's a golden opportunity, Y/n. Can you imagine the boost it'd give your CV?"

Y/n looked up, a flicker of hope battling the dread in her eyes. "But Moscow... and two months..."

"Exactly!" Taehyung exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "Think about it! Two months is a good chunk of time, but not an eternity. You could learn so much, network with brilliant minds, and come back with a perspective that'd set you apart from the competition."

He saw the hesitation clouding her features and leaned forward, his voice dropping to a reassuring tone.

"Look, I know this throws everything into disarray, especially with the baby. But listen, you're still in the early stages. Two months wouldn't make much of a difference physically. Plus, imagine the facilities and resources you'd have access to in Moscow. It could be amazing for your prenatal care."

A hesitant smile tugged at Y/n's lips. There was a strange logic to Taehyung's words. Maybe, just maybe, this opportunity could be a blessing in disguise.

"And hey," Taehyung continued, his eyes twinkling, "Moscow might just be the fresh air you need to clear your head about everything with the baby daddy. Maybe some distance will help you see things more clearly."

Taking a deep breath, she looked at Taehyung, a newfound determination replacing the fear. "Maybe you're right, Tae. Maybe this internship is exactly what I need right now."

A relieved smile lit up Taehyung's face. "See? It'll be an adventure. A chance to grow, both professionally and personally."

A hesitant smile tugged at Y/n's lips. There was truth in Taehyung's words. Maybe this internship was the push she needed. With a newfound resolve, she stood up. "Alright, Tae. Let's do this. Moscow, here I come."

She descended the stairs, the scent of her father's signature fried rice wafting up from the kitchen.

Dinnertime.

Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the conversation.

Her father, Mr. Kim, looked up from his newspaper as she entered, a warm smile creasing his eyes. "There you are, Y/n. Dinner's almost ready."

As they ate, Y/n cleared her throat, steeling herself. "Dad, I have some news." She explained the Moscow internship offer, the prestigious name of Robert Silvia's office, and the two-month duration.

Mr. Kim listened intently, his smile slowly fading. A frown creased his forehead. "Moscow, huh? Two months is a long time, Y/n. Are you sure about this?" The protectiveness in his voice was unmistakable.

Taehyung, sensing his father's apprehension, chimed in. "Actually, Dad, it's a fantastic opportunity! Remember how bummed Y/n was after they took away the Phoenix project? This internship with Silvia's office? It's a big deal. It'll give her a chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the field."

He winked at Y/n. "Besides, she's been sulking around the house for weeks. Maybe a change of scenery will do her some good."

Mr. Kim chuckled, his stern expression softening slightly. "Sulking, huh? You wouldn't be feeling so down if you didn't spend all your time locked up in your room with that research!" he teased Y/n.

Y/n's cheeks flushed a faint pink. "Well, it's not like I had a choice, Dad. They yanked the project out from under me."

Mr. Kim sighed, a hint of worry still lingering in his eyes. "But Moscow in the winter? It gets freezing there, Y/n. And with all those classes..."

Y/n countered, her voice firm but respectful. "Actually, Dad, the internship offers two credits. That can easily cover one of my electives this semester."

After a moment's contemplation, Mr. Kim finally nodded, his gruffness masking a hint of pride. "Alright, alright. Seems you've made up your mind. Then it's settled. Moscow it is. Just promise me you'll bundle up. We wouldn't want you catching a cold, would we?"

A genuine smile bloomed on Y/n's face. "Thanks, Dad! I promise I'll be careful."

Mr. Kim beamed, the worry replaced by a twinkle in his eye. "Excellent! Then we better start packing some warm clothes. Looks like our little firecracker's about to travel the world!"

---

The apartment resembled a snow globe caught in a winter storm. Socks tumbled out of overflowing suitcases, scarves tangled themselves around lampshades, and crumpled balls of packing peanuts littered the floor like confetti from a party gone wrong.

Mr. Kim, with a stray scarf draped comically over his head, wrestled a giant winter coat into Y/n's luggage, muttering about "Siberian blizzards" and "sub-zero temperatures."

Taehyung, sporting a mismatched pair of fuzzy socks and a superhero t-shirt under a business suit, was a whirlwind of activity. He shoved the last of her toiletries into a bag, humming a motivational tune off-key. "Think of it, Y/n! Moscow! Land of the Tsars, the Bolshoi Ballet, and... borscht, I think? Anyway, it's gonna be epic!"

Y/n, surprisingly calm amidst the chaos, tried to hide a smile. They were a mess, her father and brother, but a mess fueled by love and worry.

As she tucked away a well-worn sweater, a pang of guilt stabbed at her heart. Nestled amongst her clothes was the leather-bound research file on Project Phoenix.

It was the last tangible connection she had to Jungkook, a bittersweet reminder of their shared passion. It felt wrong to leave it behind, even if it meant carrying a piece of the past with her.

Suddenly, Mr. Kim, his eyes red-rimmed from a sudden wave of emotion, grabbed Y/n in a fierce hug. "You take care of yourself, you hear? You eat well, you sleep well, and you bundle up like a polar bear! And no working yourself to the bone!"

Y/n hugged him back, her own eyes welling up. "I promise, Dad. I'll be fine."

Taehyung, ever the drama king, joined the hug, sandwiching his sister between them. "We'll miss you, Y/n! Like, seriously, the house will look like a deserted island without your sunshine."

His dramatics earned him an elbow to the ribs from Y/n, but the light in her eyes betrayed her amusement.

Finally, with the last suitcase zipped shut and a tearful goodbye pecked on Mr. Kim's cheek, it was time to go. As Y/n hailed the taxi, Taehyung placed a hand on her shoulder, his goofy grin momentarily replaced by a sincere look.

"Remember, Y/n, this internship is a chance to shine. Show those bigwigs in Moscow what you're made of. And hey, maybe you'll even bump into a hot hunk someone..." he winked.

Y/n laughed, a wet, shaky laugh. "Maybe," she agreed, her gaze flickering to the research file tucked securely in her bag.

Sliding into the taxi, she took one last look at her tearful father and Taehyung, waving frantically from the doorstep.

Maybe, just maybe, Moscow wasn't just a fresh start - it was a chance for a new chapter, a chapter where she could redefine her future, one discovery at a time.

With a deep breath, Y/n leaned back in the seat, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors. Moscow beckoned, and Y/n, with a heart full of trepidation and a research file full of memories, was ready to answer the call.

---

[Moscow, Russia]

The sleek black car glided through the deserted streets of Moscow, the city lights painting an alien glow on the snow-covered landscape.

Y/n, still buzzing from the long flight, clutched the worn leather-bound file in her lap, finding solace in its familiar weight.

The car finally pulled to a stop before a wrought-iron gate that creaked open with a dramatic flourish. Beyond, a sprawling estate bathed in warm yellow light came into view.

Towering pines lined the driveway, their branches heavy with snow, which glittered like a million tiny diamonds.

"Welcome to the Silvia Mansion, Miss Kim," the driver announced, a clipped Russian accent adding a touch of formality to his words.

Y/n stepped out, the crisp Moscow air biting at her cheeks. A butler, clad in a crisp black suit, materialized at her side, ushering her towards the grand entrance.

Inside, the mansion was a marvel of opulent luxury. Marble floors gleamed, crystal chandeliers dripped with light, and tapestries depicting scenes of Russian grandeur adorned the walls. A grand staircase with a crimson carpet swept upwards, leading to unseen opulence.

Amidst this extravagant scene stood a man. Tall and imposing with a shock of silver hair and a face etched with the wisdom of his 58 years, he radiated an air of authority. He extended a hand towards Y/n, a warm smile creasing his eyes.

"Welcome to Russia, Miss Kim. I am Robert Silvia."

There was something familiar about his face, a flicker of recognition that sparked in Y/n's mind.

But where had she seen him before?

"Thank you, Mr. Silvia," she said politely, shaking his hand. The warmth of his grip surprised her. Powerful men like him were rarely known for their soft touches.

"Please, call me Robert," he insisted, ushering her towards a plush armchair in front of a roaring fireplace.

"May I offer you some tea? Perhaps some caviar?"

Y/n declined politely, her mind swirling with questions.

Why was she here, in this opulent mansion, offered a position that seemed beyond her experience?

Robert seemed to read her mind.

"Let me explain, Miss Kim," he began, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Mr. Namjoon, a dear scientist friend of mine from Korea, spoke highly of you. He was particularly impressed with your unfinished report on the Project Phoenix weapon."

A jolt passed through Y/n.

Phoenix MK - VI.

Her unfinished research journal.

How could they possibly know about that?

"You see, Miss Kim," Robert continued, his smile turning a touch more serious,

"Russia is preparing a grand display of strength in front of the Western world. A new weapon, a proof of our technological powers. We are planning an official journal for the President's desk - a public display of our advancements."

Y/n's heart hammered against her ribs.

Public display?

Weapon?

Was this connected to Jungkook in any way?

"Ideally, we would have chosen a seasoned journalist for this task," Robert admitted, "but Mr. Namjoon assured me that your passion for weaponry, coupled with your expertise achieved from the Phoenix project, would be invaluable. He called your report 'brilliant' - an unfinished work of genius, he said."

The weight of his words settled heavily on Y/n.

Russia's face.

Russia's articles.

Propaganda through the upcoming two months.

This wasn't just an internship.

They were handing her the reins to manipulate information, to be a pawn in their political chess game.

Y/n swallowed the lump in her throat. Was this a chance to get closer to the truth, to find out what was truly going on?

Or was she just a pawn in a larger game?

With a deep breath, she met Robert's gaze.

"Mr. Silvia," she said, her voice surprisingly steady, "I appreciate the opportunity. However, I need to know more about this project, about its purpose, and about my role in all of this."

Robert smiled, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. "Excellent question, Miss Kim. Let us discuss it over some tea, shall we?" He gestured towards a silver tea set resting on a mahogany table, the steam swirling up like ethereal whispers in the opulent room.

Y/n, her mind a whirlwind of emotions, took a seat, the worn leather file resting protectively on her lap.

This was a gamble, she knew.

But in the heart of Russia, with the weight of a nation's propaganda on her shoulders, she was determined to play her hand carefully.

The aroma of Earl Grey tea swirled around Y/n, a stark contrast to the icy grip of fear tightening around her heart.

Robert Silvia, his eyes gleaming with a predator's hunger for control, elaborated on his vision.

"Miss Kim," he began, his voice a soothing baritone, "we need a voice. Not just any voice, but one that resonates with the West. Someone from the ' US allies,' so to speak, who can capture the awe-inspiring power of our latest creation and translate it into a narrative that will shake the world."

Y/n's breath hitched.

"Creation?" she echoed, the word tasting like ash in her mouth.

The implication hung heavy - a weapon.

And not just any weapon, but one so powerful it was meant to strike fear into the hearts of the West.

Silvia leaned forward, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Precisely. And that's where your brilliance comes in. Mr. Namjoon raved about your unfinished report on Project Phoenix. It wasn't just the technical knowledge you displayed, Miss Kim, it was the power of your words. Your ability to weave a narrative that captured the essence of such technology."

A cold sweat prickled at Y/n's skin.

Phoenix.

What did they know?

"You see, Miss Kim," Robert continued, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips, "we need a counterpoint. A voice from a friend of the West, a South Korean, who can sing of the awe-inspiring might of Russian technology. It will be a subtle message, but a powerful one nonetheless. Imagine the headlines - 'South Korean Prodigy praises Russian Weaponry' - wouldn't that send a shiver down the spines of the USA?"

He steepled his fingers, his eyes fixed on her. "It's amazing, wouldn't you agree? A young, talented woman, devoid of the cynicism of seasoned journalists, writing with such passion and reverence that it would sow fear and doubt amongst the NATO powers."

Y/n felt a wave of nausea rising in her throat.

This wasn't an internship.

This was a weaponization of her skills, a twisting of her passion for personal gain.

"But... but Mr. Silvia, what about the ethics of this? How can I..." her voice trailed off, the enormity of the situation settling in.

"Ethics, my dear, are a luxury reserved for times of peace," he countered, his smile hardening. "We are at a crossroads, Miss Kim. And your words, your eloquent prose, could be the key to tipping the scales in our favor. Imagine, a single voice, a young Korean praising Russian technology - wouldn't it force NATO to reconsider their Asian expansion plans?"

[Meaning : Ethics can only be followed when peace prevails. When it's war, there are no morals, no ethics.]

Y/n's mind raced.

This was bigger than she ever could have imagined.

This wasn't just about her internship, it was about global politics, about the delicate balance of power between nations.

There had to be a catch.

There was always a catch.

"But why me, Mr. Silvia?" she managed to ask, her voice barely a whisper. "Why a young, inexperienced student?"

A sly smile played on Robert's lips. "Because, Miss Kim, unlike seasoned journalists, you are malleable. You possess the raw talent, the raw passion, and let's be honest, a certain naive journalist can be... beneficial. Trained and experienced journalists would walk out at such a task, but you, my dear, have the potential to be our secret weapon."

A cold dread settled in Y/n's stomach, a leaden weight that threatened to pull her under.

Weaponization.

Propaganda.

Fear tactics.

These words echoed in her mind, churning with the Earl Grey tea that now tasted metallic in her mouth. The weight of the responsibility they were placing on her, a young woman barely out of college, was suffocating.

"But... weapons?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

The very idea of glorifying instruments of destruction repulsed her.

"This display of power... is it just a show, or... War with any other country?"

Robert's smile faltered for a fleeting moment, a flicker of something she couldn't decipher crossing his eyes. He recovered quickly, though, his tone placating.

"Absolutely not, Miss Kim. This is a peaceful display of our nation's technological prowess. A show of strength meant to deter conflict, not incite it. Imagine it as a grand unveiling, a flexing of muscle that will make our adversaries think twice before crossing us."

"So... no war?" The question tumbled out of her, laced with a desperate hope.

Robert chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. "War? Remove the thought, Miss Kim. We are civilized people here in Russia. This is all about maintaining peace through strength, a delicate balance that our new creation will surely guarantee."

His words did little to ease the knot of worry tightening in her gut. But deep down, a sliver of logic whispered that perhaps he was right.

Perhaps this was just a display, a political chess move to establish dominance without resorting to bloodshed.

Y/n took a deep breath, trying to quell the rising tide of apprehension. "Alright, Mr. Silvia," she said, her voice regaining a semblance of firmness.

"If that's the case, then I'm willing to listen more."

A satisfied smirk played on Robert's lips. Internally, however, a different thought bloomed. Y/n, with her youthful idealism, didn't need to know the true extent of their ambitions.

She just needed to weave a powerful narrative, a tapestry of awe and fear that would serve their purpose. The young journalist, he mused, was a pawn in a much larger game, a game where the true cost of victory was often hidden from the eyes of those wielding the pen.

"Excellent, Miss Kim! Excellent!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "It's a pleasure to have you on board. Now, let's get you settled in. You'll be staying comfortably here at the mansion, of course. All your needs will be attended to."

Y/n nodded mutely, her mind still grappling with the enormity of the situation.

This wasn't an internship; it was a Faustian bargain, a deal with the devil where her words would be used as weapons.

Just then, Robert's smile softened as if remembering something. "Speaking of family, my daughter, and her fiancé will be arriving tomorrow. They'll be able to brief you further on the project. Young love, you know," he chuckled, a hint of fondness in his voice.

"They're getting married soon, and wouldn't you know it, your fiancé just happens to be a fellow South Korean! Flew in from Seoul today, the poor boy. Maybe you two can find something Korean to eat in Moscow - a little taste of home, wouldn't that be nice?"

Y/n offered a weak smile, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. A South Korean fiancé? The gears in her mind started turning.

"And who is this fiancé, Mr. Silvia?" she inquired, a flicker of curiosity overcoming her apprehension.

Robert's laughter boomed across the room, a hearty sound that seemed at odds with the weight of their conversation.

"Oh, Miss Kim," he said, wiping a tear from his eye, "I'm sure you've heard of him. A very famous man in his own right. But why spoil the surprise, eh? Let's leave you with a little curiosity to keep you company tonight. You'll meet him tomorrow, and then you can decide for yourself if he lives up to his reputation."

Y/n's stomach lurched.

A famous South Korean man, arriving in Moscow to marry Robert Silvia's daughter?.....A/n : For those of you who didn't understand the last part, here is a summary in detail -

Robert Silvia happens to be a man who is very important in Russia's defense.

Russia is known for its aggressive war politics and I'm sure y'all are aware of how it's not a democracy, but almost a dictatorship.

Here, y/n is the journalist who will be writing articles praising Russia's weapons technology and Silvia has chosen her because her work on Phoenix was excellent.

Silvia wanted someone with amazing writing skills but he also wanted someone who can be easily manipulated and not understand what the weapons are being used for.

Hence, he chose Y/n, on Namjoon's recommendation.