Love Candidate - The Brothers - Chapter 7

I was walking home alone after my late shift when I heard footsteps rushing toward me from behind, but before I could turn- I felt a firm grip over my mouth. My eyes grew open in panic when a few men dragged me down the empty street, so I thrashed wildly and tried to scream, but it was useless because I was outnumbered. My heart started pounding in fear as they dragged me into a van and slammed the door shut after shoving me inside.

"HELP- LET ME GO! WHO ARE YOU-" I tried to unlock the door, frantically turning to the other door, but halted in shock when I found... my mother? Sitting on the seat next to mine. I panted with sweat beads on my forehead as I stared at her composed reaction. She was smoking in the van in her flaming red dress with a sunglasses on her nose tip.

"Why are you screaming?" She dawdled after putting out the cigarettes and took off her sunglasses before crossing her legs.

"I'm getting kidnapped- Of course, I had to scream! Open the door!" I seethed at her and tried to unlock the door again, but it wouldn't budge, so I turned to glare at her in frustration.

"What happened to Kim Seokjin?" My mother questioned. I fired her a spiteful glare and leaned back against the car seat in frustration.

"Why are you asking me if you already know the answer!" I grimaced and glanced out the tinted car window to find her men guarding the door.

"Did I not make it clear? I told you your father-"

"HE'S NOT MY FATHER!" I screamed at her face in frustration. Eomma scoffed at my attitude in disbelief, turning to glare at me with her furious gaze.

"He gave you everything-"

"No, he didn't! Whatever he gave me came with a cost! Don't call him my father! Appa died years ago! And you- you took me away from him!" I glowered at my mother in tears. My mother gripped her fist and glanced out the window with an upset expression after hearing my words.

"I won't argue with you. The Kim's middle child has returned, and he's not as lenient as Kim Seokjin. Kim Namjoon will ruin Jaehyun's project if he overpowers Kim Seokjin," Eomma grimaced at me as she rubbed her temple.

"Overpower Kim Seokjin?" I turned to look at eomma in confusion.

"Kim Seokjin might be the oldest, but Kim Namjoon is more competent than him. Jaehyun needs the Kim's authority to proceed with his project. But I fear Kim Namjoon will convince his father to retreat from the deal," Eomma exhaled restlessly.

"Why don't you expose the Kim's youngest son? He's a drug lord-"

"Everyone knows that. The government will never bat an eye at Kim Taehyung's illegal cult. And it is Kim Taehyung we should fear. Not Kim Seokjin or Kim Namjoon. That little brat. He will wipe out all of his parent's rivals with a single strike," Eomma turned to glare at me. Kim Taehyung? He's the biggest threat?

"And if the Kim is against us, then why won't they wipe you out?" I questioned. I might not know the details about whatever illegal project my stepfather is operating... but it seems like this project will cripple my parents if they fail.

"Because of the Jung. They're against Jaehyun's project, but they're the Kim's biggest threat," Eomma explained.

"Whatever. I'm out of this. Take your money back. I don't care about your-"

"HWANG JIYOUNG!" Eomma suddenly gripped my forearm with all her might after I shoved the money envelope into her hands.

"I don't care about your husband's project-"

"Do you think you can avoid Jaehyun forever? I'm secretly meeting you without his knowledge because I'm trying to help you! He will drag you back to the villa if you ruin his project! And he will make you marry Jeon Jungkook! By force. I'm sure Jungkook already spoke with you about the situation, right? And your boyfriend... Jaehyun will kill him if you keep testing his patience. So if you want to avoid all the troubles... make sure Kim Seokjin favors us," Eomma seethed at me with her angered eyes. I gulped in fear after hearing her threatening words.

"It wasn't me! It's Seokjin who didn't want to see me!" I whined in frustration. What am I supposed to do?!

"If Jaehyun finds out you're not seeing Seokjin anymore. I promise you, he will drag you back to the villa. And this time, even I can't protect you there. But I'll convince him to let you see other candidates. The worse that could happen is that he'll force you with Jeon Jungkook, but the Jeon won't last if it happens. Jaehyun will use Jungkook's family as a scapegoat to cover his dirty works," Eomma shrugged.

"I am not going back to him! I'd rather die than walk back there!" I snapped, turning to glare at my mother in irritation.

"Then don't upset him," Eomma exhaled, calmly staring at my infuriated look. I gripped my fists in frustration until I felt my chest swelling in distress, so I gulped and lowered my face to bite my lips in defeat.

A moment later.

"What's the matter? You look pale," Jimin questioned when I slumped on the couch in exhaustion. I don't know what to do anymore! Jimin slowly sat down beside me with a worried look after putting his rice bowl away when I wouldn't respond to him. I stared at him until tears filled my eyes because I couldn't voice out my words, so I bit my trembling lips and leaned forward to hug him. Jimin welcomed me into his arms and held me close to his body as he rubbed my back to comfort me.

"Eomma- She came to see me," I whispered, pulling away to stare at Jimin in dread.

"When? Now? Was your stepfather there? Did he hurt you???" Jimin stared at me in shock as he scanned my body for signs of injuries.

"No. Only eomma came to warn me," I gulped and slumped back against the couch in frustration, so Jimin took my hands in his and held it tightly.

"Why? Why was she-"

"She said my stepfather will be furious with me if I don't see Seokjin. She said- He'll drag me back to the villa if I ruin his plan," I sobbed in distress when the endless traumatizing memories filled my head, making me shake in fear. The painful blows on my head... the forceful strokes on my body... the rough gripped around my throat... I don't want to think about it!

"Then see Seokjin," Jimin spoke sternly. I stopped sobbing and looked up at Jimin in tears with a baffled expression.

"I don't want to see him!" I whimpered and rubbed my face in distress until Jimin pulled me back into a crushing hug. I don't want to be involved!

"You told me he's a good person. If he's good for you, then you should see him," Jimin whispered, firmly holding me against his body. I choked on my own tears, frantically shaking my head as I buried my face into his shoulder.

"He seems like a good man, but I'm scared it's all an act. I don't want to let you go because- What if he's not like you? What if it's all a scheme to satisfy his family's motive? What if I'm just an object in their game? No one had ever genuinely loved me until you came along. What if I let you go and end up in a marriage with no love? How can I live that way? You know I'm desperate for love, and you're the only person I find comfort in," I bawled in pain, so Jimin pulled my body closer to his and hugged me tightly. I grew hushed when Jimin gently started rocking me from side to side in his soothing embrace.

"Jiyoung. I know. Who says you have to give up on me? Hmm? You can put up an act too. See him. See him if it's the only way to keep your parents away. Play along with their games," Jimin exhaled, pulling away to stare at me with his encouraging gaze.

"What about you-"

"I told you I don't mind. Just keep it platonic with Seokjin. What matters is that you are safe. I won't let your stepfather touch you again. I promise," Jimin whispered, firmly gripping my shoulders with his anxious eyes.

"But what if things escalate out of control? What if he wants more? What will we do then?" I muttered. Jimin reached out to brush his thumb over my tear stains and let out a heavy exhale.

"You told me the brothers are against each other. For all we know... They might tear each other apart. I know what you're capable of doing, Jiyoung, so play their games. Play mind games with them like we did with the thugs, and I'll be right behind you. Don't worry about the future yet because I need you to stay away from your parents. Let's just survive day by day like we used to. Okay?" Jimin questioned, raising his eyebrows to assure me. I bit my lips and nodded at him, so he pulled me back into a crushing hug. I gripped his shirt tightly and lowered my face to press it against his chest.

Fast Forward

"Did you make up your mind yet?" Seokjin asked as I walked toward him with a bright smile. We're meeting at the same park near his work building because Seokjin was busy with work. He wasn't free until sunset, so I had to wait for him until he completed his schedule.

"You look tired," I smiled after sitting down beside him. Seokjin tugged his tie to loosen it while taking off his suit and placed it on the side of the bench before leaning back to exhale in relief. I sat quietly by his side and watched him breathe softly with his eyes closed.

"It's my last day at work. I'm on a short vacation now," Seokjin smiled, turning to look at me, and despite his cheerful smile... His eyes were very dim.

"You deserve a break," I nodded and glanced away from him.

"Well? Did you make up your mind? I'll respect your decisions because it was my fault, to begin with. It was wrong of me to decide whether we should see each other or not without your involvement. That's why I think it's appropriate to let you decide because if you don't want to see me anymore, then I'll accept it. After all, I was really careless with my words and actions, and you deserve better," Seokjin nodded at me.

"Let's see each other again," I smiled without hesitation. Seokjin stared at me in silence as he sat facing me, so I raised my eyebrows at him. Why is he muted?

"Do you want to go to my place?" Seokjin suddenly questioned. I blinked at him in confusion, taken aback by his invitation.

"Your place? At this time?" I glanced at the time on my phone.

"Oh. I want to take you to my place. It's more comfortable there," Seokjin nodded. I gulped and scratched my head unsurely... Did he get the wrong idea? Did we get lost in translation?

"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I'll take you back home," Seokjin chuckled when he noticed my hesitant reaction. I gripped my fists unsurely.

"Oh. Yeah. Sure," I nodded stiffly. Seokjin smiled, got onto his feet, and took me to his car. Am I crazy? Why am I going to his house at this hour- but he said he won't do anything- and you trust him? Ah! I don't know! Eomma said I should make him favor me! What if he tries to take advantage of you!? I nervously tapped my feet and glanced at Seokjin as he drove through a villa's gate. Fuck. It's too late now. I sneakily sent Jungkook my location and got out of his car. Seokjin's place was a giant glasshouse. The villa was transparent, and the property was completely empty. Only a few guards were guarding the main gate, and not a single maid was present at his place.

"I only have leftover food. I'll order-"

"Ah, it's fine! I can eat anything!" I smiled as he held the door open for me after entering his door pin. My jaws dropped when I stepped inside to find his... oddly organized home. I'm used to the luxurious interior because I've grown up at my parents' place. But Seokjin's villa was weirdly... clean. It looks like a newlyweds place...

"I'll be right back and make yourself at home," Seokjin nodded at the living room, so I slowly sat down and glanced at the pool outside his house in disbelief. Wah... I don't think we're compatible... at all. He's so neat and tidy... and I'm a fuckingb mess. Seokjin eventually returned to the living room in a casual T-shirt and sweatpants. He warmed up his leftovers and settled them in the living room, so I slid onto the floor to sit across from him.

"You're very organized," I smiled at him after accepting the chopstick from him. Seokjin popped a beer can and handed it to me.

"I get very stressed when everything is disorganized," Seokjin shrugged at me. I must be a nightmare to him then...

"Thank you for the food," I smiled and lowered my face to eat.

"I lost to my younger brother today," Seokjin exhaled, so I pursed my lips and looked up at him unsurely.

"You lost? Taehyung?-"

"No. Kim Namjoon. He's the middle child. I lost my position to him at the representative meeting," Seokjin exhaled. Oh? Does he have another brother? Kim Namjoon is Seokjin's younger brother?

"Ah. I'm sorry-"

"It's fine. I expected it anyways," Seokjin shrugged at me. I glanced at my rice bowl, awkwardly looking back up at him. Why did he tell me about it if it's bad news? Am I supposed to comfort him?

"I really want to console you, but I don't know anything about our parent's business," I looked at him apologetically. I'm so dumb! I didn't even go to university!

"You're really clueless, huh? Why did you run away from home?" Seokjin suddenly questioned. I gulped and lowered my chopsticks with my eyes trained on the food. So much happened in the past... so many reasons... I can't even voice it out loud without tearing myself apart.

"They weren't good to me," I shrugged, avoiding his eyes uneasily when he kept his eyes trained on mine. The hint should be enough. Seokjin grew hushed and stared at me in silence.

"Tell me. Tell me about your life. You don't have to tell me about your stepfather if it's uncomfortable but tell me who you really are because I know nothing about you," Seokjin exhaled. I looked up at him in surprise and nervously drank the beer. Is Seokjin aware of my stepfather? Did Jungkook tell him? Perhaps, my mother?

"Well... I really don't know where to start-"

"Your birth father. He's a well-known chairman," Seokjin sighed at me.

"Oh. My father was a famous chairman, but his firm went bankrupt when I was 12. He lost everything. All he had left was his daughter and my mother," I nodded at Seokjin. Appa was a successful man until everything went downhill. I was too young, so I don't know what happened. I still don't know until today.

"And your mother remarried?" Seokjin questioned. I gripped my fist after recalling the past memories.

"Oh. My parent's marriage failed after appa lost his company, so my mother divorced appa. I chose to stay with appa when I found out my mother was seeing another man, my stepfather," I sighed. Eomma married a wealthy heir after appa lost everything, and it killed our mother-daughter relationship. Appa was devastated, but there was nothing he could do. She left us for another man.

"I guess she took you in after your father passed away," Seokjin sadly stared at me. I gripped my chopsticks and chuckled softly.

"No. Eomma tried to take me from appa, ever since she got with her new man. He's a sterile man. They couldn't have an heir, so he convinced my mother to take me from my father. She tried to take me from appa countless times, but I refused to leave until appa- convinced me to live with my mother because he couldn't support me. We were struggling with money. He didn't want to see me suffer, so he agreed to leave me under my mother's care. I moved out to live with my mother at 14, and the first year at her place was pretty peaceful. I'd visit appa everyday to see him after school," I mumbled. My mother wouldn't let me stay with appa for long after she had her hands on me. I was only allowed to stay with appa during the weekends. Seokjin stared at me with his pitiful eyes and stopped chewing after hearing my tragic story.

"They must've changed your first name after your father passed," Seokjin finally nodded at me. They did. I was so angry when my stepfather replaced my father's first name with his. I confronted my mother about it, but she stayed silent and let the man do whatever he wanted.

"Anyways. Since we're seeing each other. Why are you interested in me?" I dismissed the topic because I didn't want to be reminded of my past.

"What do you mean? I told you I had my eyes on you-"

"I was a minor when you met me," I sighed and crossed my arms. I was still a student when he met me, so to say that he had his eyes on me since I was 14 is very creepy.

"Ahhh... don't get the wrong idea! I wasn't into you or anything. I just happened... to stumble on your profile again when my father brought up his competitor's family record. You looked familiar, so I asked my secretary to research about you, and it turns out you were the umbrella girl. I had my eyes on you then until my father wanted me to look for a lover, and you naturally came to my mind," Seokjin chuckled softly and shook his head.

"You're interested because I gave you an umbrella?" I weakly smiled at him. He's living in his own fantasy, huh? It's so cliché.

"Oh. It might mean nothing to you... but I really needed someone to shield me that day. And you showed up," Seokjin nodded at me. He was very... devastated when I saw him bawling on the sidewalk. What happened? Why was he so... shattered?

"I still find it... hard to believe you. It's weird. I'm sorry," I shrugged. I'm trying to understand Seokjin's side of the story, but something about him didn't sit right with me. Seokjin looked at me sternly and suddenly got onto his feet. He circled the table and sat down beside me instead, so I turned to look at him in surprise. Why did he suddenly change his seat?

"I want to make progress with you," Seokjin exhaled, turning to look at me as we sat shoulder to shoulder.

"Progress-?"

"Oh. The first few dates were a free trial, and I was holding back because I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable. But because you've agreed to see me again... let's put in some effort," Seokjin nodded, turning to smile at me with one eyebrow raised. My cheeks flushed red at how close he was to me. He slowly lifted his arm and placed it over my shoulder. What the fuck is he- The first few dates were a free trail? What the heck-

"E-Effort?" I stuttered as I stared at his tender eyes. Seokjin tilted his head at me with a flirty gaze, so I swallowed in difficulty when he wouldn't stop gazing at my face.

"Oh. I don't want to go on endless dates without any progress. Let's take this seriously and see each other for real... until you're ready to make it official between us," Seokjin smiled at me. He gently squeezed my shoulder, making me shudder at his touch. Oh fuck is he..? Oh no. He wants to get closer with me?! Should I reject him? Eomma will kill me though!?

"Oh- Yeah- sure," I gulped, turning my face away from him because my heart was racing out of control. Jimin told me to keep it platonic with Seokjin, but now he wants to escalate our relationship?! AH! I'm so screwed! Calm down, Jiyoung! Just play pretend with him!

"I might've lost to my brother at the shareholder meeting, but I won't lose the real election. I have to prove them wrong with you by my side," Seokjin exhaled and lifted his arm off my shoulder. I exhaled in relief at his sudden retreat. Did he notice my uncomfortable reaction?

"Election?" I cluelessly turned to look at Seokjin as he sat by my side.

"You really don't know anything about your family business?" Seokjin chuckled, turning to look at me in disbelief.

"I ran away from home and never went to college," I shrugged at him. I'm completely useless, so I really don't understand why an educated man like him needs me... in his business game?

"Your parents... They're very corrupted, you know? That's why they are so keen to launch their project. There will be a huge fund from abroad, and your stepfather plans on stuffing his pockets with the money," Seokjin explained.

"What? You must be kidding me-"

"Yeah. Your father is well-known for being a corrupt chairman. He takes bribes and steals fund money, but no one did anything because he's very good at what he does," Seokjin chuckled. I never knew what they were doing in detail except for the fact that they run companies or whatever.

"So why would your family want to associate with my parents?" I blinked at Seokjin in confusion.

"The Kim is against corruption. That's why my father tried to disable your father to snatch the project from him, but your stepfather is a smart man. He negotiated with my father and offered a fair deal, so they agreed to split the illegal turnover," Seokjin nodded at me.

"So your parents are now accepting corrupted money?-"

"No. To put it simply, your father is doing the dirty work with the blood money. Since my parents have political connections with the governments, he will overlook your parent's dirt holes. And in return, your father will sponsor or fund my father's activities," Seokjin exhaled. I pursed my lips and stared at Seokjin without blinking.

"So my stepfather is the one stealing the fund to aid your family?" I muttered. Seokjin nodded at me.

"But my brother is back. Namjoon. He's against corruption. He has been controlling foreign activities, but he's back. And he might convince my father to retreat from the deal with your parents," Seokjin exhaled. I blinked at Seokjin and scratched my head to process my thoughts.

"If your brother is against corruption. Why are you okay with it?" I questioned unsurely.

"What will happen to you if your family collapses?" Seokjin questioned, turning to look at me with a faint smile.

"I'll-"

"They'll strip your family of everything. Even your birth father's home. You'll lose everything, so I'm returning the favor for what you did for me," Seokjin nodded at me. I was taken aback by his words, so I stared at him doubtfully to process my thoughts.

"I don't think that's the only reason-"

"And my father has faith in me. I'm the oldest son, so I'm pressured to uphold the family's reputation. Namjoon and Taehyung are my stepbrothers. My father had a mistress, but she passed, so my mother took care of the brothers. My mother wants me to take over my father's position because I'm his first born son with my mother. His first wife," Seokjin exhaled. Oh. So that's why he's not on good terms with his brothers? Because one of them is threatening to take over his position. Oh.

"I wish I could help you... but I'm really useless," I weakly smiled at him.

"No. I chose you because I liked you... not for business purposes. It's only a coincidence that you're the successor of the Hwang's family," Seokjin chuckled while shaking his head. I find it hard to believe his words. This is too surreal... What does he want from me exactly? I guess I'll have to find out. Should I talk to eomma about this? Maybe she knows his intention.

"You're flustering me," I mumbled and lowered my head. I just have to impress him for now, so let's stay focused. Seokjin turned to look at me with a faint smile and suddenly leaned forward. I sucked in my breath when he glanced at my lips, slowly averting his eyes back to mine.

"I want to kiss you," Seokjin whispered as he hovered his face over mine. I gulped at him with my terrified eyes when he slowly tilted his head to the side and leaned towards me. UH- WHAT IS HE- JUST STAY STILL, JIYOUNG! I closed my eyes stiffly to expect his kiss until I felt his soft lips on my cheek instead. I opened my eyes in confusion when he suddenly pulled away with a cheeky smile.

"I- You- um-"

"You're clearly uncomfortable. I told you I won't do anything without your consent," Seokjin chuckled, turning to drink his beer. I gently touched my cheek to feel the lingering sensation of his lips until I felt my face growing numb in embarrassment. I'm terrible at this job! I have love issues, so I'm really desperate for love! I go weak with just a hint of affection- I can't do this anymore!

"You're very... good at flirting," I chuckled and lowered my head to recollect my thoughts.

"And you're oddly... very reserved..." Seokjin smiled at me as I rubbed my cheek with a flustered face.

"I'm not innocent- it's just- I don't know!" I whined and drank the rest of the beer in panic when I couldn't find an excuse. I used to kiss boys and even slept with them without having any feelings for them- so why am I so shaken- because he's not a boy Jiyoung. He's a man. A GODDAMN EDUCATED MAN WITH QUALITIES.

"I'll keep approaching you until you accept my feelings, so don't back away if you want to make progress with me," Seokjin smiled with his red cheeks. I stared at him in horror and turned to look out the window when I felt my body heating up for no apparent reason. FUCK. APPA, PLEASE HELP ME. WE HAVE TO STAY PLATONIC, BUT HE'S FLUSTERING ME SO MUCH.

"I should head home! I think we're getting drunk!" I awkwardly smiled and hurriedly got up when he suddenly tugged me back down. I tried to pull my hand away, but he refused to let go of me.

"I'll take you home-"

"Stop flustering me!" I snapped, unconsciously cupping his cheeks in irritation to squish his face. Seokjin froze in shock as he stared at me in surprise and glanced down at my lips again.

"What will you do if I don't stop?" Seokjin whispered, teasingly leaning forward to shorten the gap between our bodies. I shakily tried to scoot away from Seokjin, but he grabbed my arm and gently pinned me back against the couch.

"I- I will- um-" I stuttered between my words as he breathed softly against me with a teasing smirk.

"You're really cute when you're flustered," Seokjin chuckled and suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. I sucked in my breath in shock as he held me against his body, so I gulped and patted his back in confusion. What's with him?

"I think you're drunk..." I whispered while rubbing his back.

"Yeah. I'm tipsy," Seokjin whispered, pulling away from me to recollect his thoughts when my phone started ringing. It was Jungkook. He came to pick me up after I sent him the address.

"Give me your number. I'll contact you personally from now on," Seokjin handed me his phone as I stood by the doorway as Jungkook sat against his motorbike to wait for me. I tapped on his screen, and gave it back to him after saving my contact on his phone.

"I'll see you soon," I weakly smiled at Seokjin when he suddenly leaned forward to peck my cheek again. I froze in shock as he pulled away with a weak smile.

"I'll call you," Seokjin nodded. I bit my lips and hurried towards Jungkook as he stared at me in disbelief. My heart is pounding in my ears! AHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHH! Someone please slap me!

"Did he just kiss you??? I thought-"

"Stop talking! Take me home!" I snapped, smacking Jungkook's arm, and hurried onto his motorbike after putting on my helmet. Jungkook fired me a disapproving look and took me back home. He tried to make me explain the situation, but I told him to leave me alone and rushed into my house before he could stop me. I hurried to my room to take a bath and rubbed my face in distress. I'm losing my mind right now!

Fast Forward

"Oh! Clumsy woman?! I didn't expect your presence!" Taehyung gasped when he found me striding into his parent's mansion. He was holding onto a bunch of gift bags in his hand.

"Hey," I bitterly nodded at him and glanced around the living room to search for Seokjin's parents. Seokjin told me it was his mother's birthday, so he invited me to dinner with her.

"Taehyungie~?" Seokjin's mother came strolling down the staircase dressed in her fancy golden dress.

"Eomma! I got gifts for you! I brought it from abroad just for you!" Taehyung beamed at his mother as he lifted the gifts in his hands with an excited grin. What's with him? Why do I feel like he has an evil twin? He acts so differently when he's around his parents.

"Aigo~! You never disappoint me! Why did you buy so much?! You're so sweet- Oh- Jiyoung-shi! My daughter in law!" Mrs. Kim gave Taehyung a comforting hug and turned to smile at me.

"Annyeonghaseyo~!" I smiled, slightly bowing my head at her.

"Jiyoung, you forgot your purse," Seokjin came strolling into the mansion with my purse in his hand. He picked me up from my house and told me to head inside first because he had to talk on the phone with his secretary.

"Aigo! My lovely baby! I miss you so much! Why didn't you visit me this week?" Mrs. Kim rushed towards Seokjin after dropping Taehyung's gifts to give her eldest son a crushing hug. She gripped Seokjin's face and repeatedly smooched his cheeks until his face flushed red. I chuckled at their interactions, so Seokjin fired his mother an embarrassed look as she caressed his face. I halted when I turned to find Taehyung eyeing this gift on the floor after his mother dropped it with an empty look.

"Wah! My eldest son came to visit today~" Mr. Kim appeared in his formal suit and walked over to pat Seokjin's shoulder with a proud smile.

"Did you eat well at your place? Aigo~ Should I ask the maid to pack you side dishes?" Mrs. Kim examined Seokjin's face worriedly. So I averted my eyes back to Taehyung after he picked the gift bag from the floor, bitterly turning to watch his parents shower Seokjin with their affection.

"Oh. You came too," Mr. Kim lightly patted Taehyung's shoulder with little to no attention.

"Neh. Abeoji I brought-"

"Are you hungry? We should eat! I told the maid to make your favorite food even if it's my birthday!" Mrs. Kim beamed at Seokjin, interrupting Taehyung, so he pursed his lips and glanced out the window with an envious expression.

"Eomma hajima! I'm not a baby!" Seokjin whined cutely and walked towards me, so I weakly smiled at him.

"He's usually a baby around us, but he's a man around you. Aigo~ I'm so proud of you," Mr. Kim chuckled at Seokjin. I pursed my lips when Seokjin unconsciously placed his hand on my waist, gently tugging me against him as he smiled at his parents.

"You're embarrassing me on purpose!" Seokjin shook his head in disbelief and turned to smile at me. I noticed a small leaf in his hair, so I reached out to brush it for him when his parents suddenly shrieked excitedly, startling me with their reaction.

"Omo! You're so perfect together!" Mrs. Kim gasped as she clung to her husband's arm. I blushed and lowered my face before glancing at Seokjin to find him smiling at me. Seokjin gripped my shoulder instead and gently gave me a comforting rub. I giggled and turned to find Taehyung eyeing Seokjin intensely as he averted his eyes to his parents and back to me. Taehyung kept his face neutral, but he was clenching the bags so hard... his hands were shaking.

"Oh! Namjoon!" Mr. Kim looked past us, so we turned around to find a tall man walking down the stairs in his neat suit. He was much buffier than Seokjin. He had natural honey-skin, short push back black hair and a pair of seductive dragon eyes.

"Annyeonghaseyo~" I greeted him.

"Anneonghaseyo Jiyoung-shi~ I'm Kim Namjoon," He softly chuckled, placing his hand forward for a handshake. I accepted his hand with my eyes trained on his cute dimples. What's with the Kim family? Why are all the sons so handsome and crazy hot?- Jiyoung! Stay focused! What's the matter with you!? I blinked and snapped out of my thoughts after being blown away by Namjoon's powerful energy.

"He's our middle child! Our pride! He scored first place in school and even at the university. A very competent leader! He never failed to achieve the corporation's benchmark, not once! He's good at everything he does!" Mr. Kim brightly smiled at Namjoon while patting his shoulder with a prideful smile.

"Seokjin never told me you were this pretty," Namjoon nodded at me with a weak smile. I chuckled at his remarks until I felt Seokjin squeezing my shoulder, so I glanced at him to find Seokjin frowning at Namjoon. I stopped smiling and glanced at Taehyung, who was... somewhat standing by himself... as if he's the family's shadow. His parents paid little to no attention to the youngest child. Taehyung gulped in silence as he watched his parents praise his older brothers.

"Taehyung, let's eat! I'm so hungry!" Mrs. Kim beckoned Taehyung forward, who immediately brightened his expression and walked after her with the gift bags. Mr. Kim walked alongside Namjoon ahead of us as I walked with Seokjin.

"You have a very warm family. I'm envious of you," I smiled at Seokjin.

"I can warm up your heart and body if you're okay with it," Seokjin leaned down to whisper in my ear. I bit my lips to hold back my reaction when I felt my cheeks flushing red at his words. He chuckled at my flustered face and suddenly slipped his hand into mine to interlace our fingers. I wanted to pull away, but I promised to cooperate with Seokjin, so I gave him a gentle squeeze and entered the dining room to enjoy dinner with Seokjin's parents. The Kims were very funny and warm like usual. Even Namjoon was talkative at the table. He made a lot of jokes.

I was chuckling beside Seokjin when I felt something grazing my finger on the table. So I glanced to my side to find Taehyung brushing his pinky finger against my hand. I was sitting between Taehyung and Seokjin. Namjoon sat across from us with his parents. I pulled my hand away and turned to smile at Mrs. Kim when I felt his shoes grazing my shin under the table. I ignored him until I felt his hand on my thigh under the table, so I turned to look at him in horror, but he wasn't looking at me. I swallowed in difficulty and shoved his hand off my thigh when he suddenly gripped my hand under the table. I quickly glanced at Seokjin and back at Taehyung when he sideways smiled at me. I grew frustrated and tugged my hand with all my might-

"Oh!" I gasped when I accidentally struck the table. The wine glass tipped over and spilled all over us. Seokjin immediately turned to us, so I quickly gripped the napkin to pat my dress.

"Oh no. Are you drunk?" Taehyung raised his eyebrows at me with a smug smile, so I darted him a frustrated glare.

"I'm sorry. I'll use the bathroom for a moment," I muttered and got onto my feet. Seokjin got up as well and took me to the bathroom.

"I'll get the maid to help you-"

"It's fine. I can deal with it," I shook my head before entering their restroom. I dabbed the soaked towel on the wine stain while grumbling under my breath.

"What's the matter with him? He keeps doing this! Should I tell Seokjin? I'll tell him after dinner," I muttered as I dried the stain with a towel and turned to unlock the door, but before I could step into the corridor, someone appeared in front of me. I took a step back in panic, so he walked forward to push me back into the restroom and locked the door behind his back. I stared at Kim Taehyung with my terrified eyes as he stood before me with a cocky smile.

"You spilled the wine on us on purpose, didn't you? Why? Do you want me to undress our bodies?" Taehyung smugly glanced down at his stained shirt and backed up at me.

"Get out of my way! You were the one touching me!" I gritted and tried to walk out of the bathroom when he effortlessly leaned his heavy body backward to block the door and smirked at me with his arms crossed.

"You ruined my shirt. You should pay for it," Taehyung smiled, slowly unbuttoning his shirt as I stood staring at him in shock.

"I will scream!" I threatened him. Taehyung chuckled while shaking his head as he proceeded to undo all his buttons until his hard abs and pecs were exposed under his soaked shirt. I gulped at the sticky wine on his toned skin and glanced back at his tempted eyes.

"The bathroom is soundproof," Taehyung suddenly took a step forward, so I took a step back in panic.

"What's the matter with you!? Are you nuts!? I'm seeing your brother- Yah!" I snapped and tried to dash past him when he roughly caught me in his strong arms and swung me away from the door handle as I desperately reached for it. I screamed in horror when he suddenly turned me towards the mirror by the sink as he hugged me from behind. I stared at our reflection in fright as he held me against his ripe torso.

"You're seeing my brother? Does he know you're seeing another man? Park Jimin? You told my brother he's your roommate, didn't you? Am I nuts? Tell me... Who's the bad person here? You know... brother is very sensitive with the woman he loves, right? I told you he doesn't like to share but... you're sleeping with another man? Behind his back? Jiyoung-shi. Who's the bad person here? Hmm?" Taehyung questioned as he stared sharply at me through the reflection. My heart stopped beating at his words as I panted heavily before the mirror while he held me against his bare body. How- How did he know? Was he stalking me? He knows about my relationship with Jimin? My heart started racing in fear when Taehyung slowly tilted his head to press his nose against my hair to inhale my scent as he tensed his grip around my body. My body turned stiff when he sensually brushed his nose against my ear until goosebumps rose all over my skin. I gulped in fear when Taehyung slowly lifted up his face to stare straight at me with his killer eyes.

His lips slowly curving upward to form a mischievous smile. 

He's... a freak. 

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Hi!!! I'm sorry for not updating for the past two days! I was busy editing Survival T_T But I'm back now! I hope you enjoyed the chapter? Did you like it? Well, thank you so much for being patient with me! <3 I'm working on the plotline for Love Candidate and it's stressing me out because I really don't want to disappoint! But I'll do my best~! I love you guys! Please stay safe and take of your health! <3