Love Candidate - Election Day - Chapter 13

Why am I never enough!?

Jungkook stood with his eyebrows furrowed and stared at me speechlessly until I burst into tears because I could no longer hold back my feelings for him. He was too dumbfounded to react to the situation, so I rubbed away my tears in defeat when he refused to respond to me and turned to walk away from him.

"Jiyoung I-"

"Leave me alone. I don't want to talk with you right now," I muttered, tugging my hand back when Jungkook reached out for me.

"Jiyoung, wait-" I didn't let Jungkook finish his sentence and slammed the gate shut in his face. Sobbing in distress, I slowly walked into my house and collapsed onto the door with my hands gripped in my hair. What's the purpose of my life? It feels like I'm stuck in the exact position no matter how hard I try to sprint forward. Why does it feel like I'm trapped in my own life? It's my fucking life, so why can't I have control of it? Why is everything caught up in the storm when I'm trying so hard to walk on the right path? What do I want? I don't even know anymore. I'm lost, and I really don't know what to do.

I finally got up and walked to my room to take a warm bath because I felt really stuffy. I slowly walked toward my bed to stare at the stained bedsheet, suddenly recalling vivid flashbacks of Taehyung. I stood without blinking as I recalled the way Taehyung struggled with his pain. He didn't scream. Instead, he bit his lips and muffled against me as I held onto his hand. A child... afraid to show his weakness because even if he cried for help... no one will notice him anyways. If I cry for help... will anyone hear me? I forced out my thoughts and pulled off the dirty bedsheet to put in the laundry, then returned to replace the sheet on my bed when I heard something drop on the floor, so I crouched down to find... Taehyung's gun? Huh? Why did he leave it here? I furrowed my eyebrows and lifted it up unsurely. Why is it so light? I blinked at the gun and slowly pulled the trigger-

"BEEEEEEP!"

"AH!" I screamed, stumbling in panic until I fell back onto my butt, accidentally dropping the gun when the colorful confetti exploded in my face. I panted in shock as I stared at the toy gun on the floor before me in disbelief. He used a toy gun all this time??? To threaten me??? I quickly scrambled towards the gun, lifting it up to find a small note stuck to it.

A gift for my blood donor.

I weakly smiled at the ugly scribble on the paper and chuckled by myself before averting my eyes to the mess on the floor. He's so weird. I placed the toy gun on the nightstand while shaking my head and proceeded to clean the room. For some unknown reason, I felt a lot better after finding Taehyung's toy gun, so I strolled down the stairs and opened the fridge to find it stuffed with fresh food. Huh? Did Taehyung fill my fridge before he left? That's so thoughtful of him. I decided to cook with the available ingredients, packed the food and left my house to grab a taxi. I'm going to visit Seokjin.

"I brought you food~" I announced as I slipped off my shoes by the door, then entered Seokjin's living room to find him sitting on his couch.

"Oh? Jiyoung. What a coincidence! Your father came to see me," Seokjin immediately got onto his feet to greet me. I abruptly halted when I realized there was another person in the room, and my body turned numb when the man turned to look at me. A sudden flash of triggering memories filled my head as soon as his eyes met mine.

"My daughter! I haven't seen you in so long! Wah! I missed you~!" My stepfather unexpectedly pulled me into a crushing hug. THUD. I accidentally dropped my lunchbox when I felt his cold touch over my body, making me tremble in fear as he held onto me. My stepfather eventually pulled away to beam at me. I slowly turned to find Seokjin frowning at us, so I gripped my fist to stay composed. Fuck! I can't lose control! I avoided Jaehyun's eyes, shakily bending down to pick up the lunch box, but before I reached it- Seokjin grabbed the lunch box off the floor, and placed his arm over my shoulder. I gulped and turned to face my stepfather as he smirked at me with a bone-chilling gaze, making me shudder at his deadly energy. I glanced away uncomfortably while standing beside Seokjin as I struggled to stay calm.

"Oh- Appa- I didn't expect to see you here-"

"Aigo~! You look so sick! This is why I'm against you living alone! She's terrible at taking care of herself," My stepfather chuckled, reaching out to brush my cheek- making me wince in fright. Seokjin glanced at my timid response with a suspicious look when I suddenly gripped his forearm and slightly turned my head away from my stepfather's hand. Jaehyun stopped smiling at my alarming reaction to his touch and fired Seokjin with an awkward expression.

"You're sweating!" Seokjin chuckled forcefully to break the tension between us and reached out to dab my forehead, so I weakly smiled at him while hiding my trembling hands behind my back.

"I'll use the bathroom for a moment," I stuttered, hurrying out of the living room, and rushed into the bathroom, frantically turning the faucet to fill the sink. I shakily splashed the cool water against my face in distress to comfort my racing heart. I exhaled and inhaled while leaning against the sink with my eyes closed. Jiyoung. You can't be like this in front of Jaehyun. Get yourself together! He'll get mad at you if I keep acting like this around him in front of Seokjin. I gulped the lump in my throat, finally opening my eyes to stare at my pale expression in the mirror, and walked out of the bathroom with my fists clenched. I shouldn't be afraid... Seokjin is with me, so he can't do anything. My stepfather was sitting across from Seokjin, so I carefully sat down beside Seokjin as the man observed me with his intimidating stare. He wants to speak with me in private...

"I came here to check on my future son-in-law's condition after I heard he was hurt, but I'm at ease now," Jaehyun chuckled at us with an innocent smile. I shifted my eyes away uncomfortably. I can't stand being in the same room with him!

"If it weren't for Jiyoung... I wouldn't be sitting here right now," Seokjin smiled, reaching out to hold my hand, so I weakly glanced at his bandaged head and back at our hands.

"Well. I'll get going now, knowing Jiyoung will be taking care of you," My stepfather chuckled, getting onto his feet while beaming at Seokjin. We quickly got up after him and followed him to the front door when my father suddenly grabbed onto my hand with a dull smile. I froze in my place the moment I felt his cold touch and averted my fearful eyes to him unsurely as he examined my pale expression.

"Take great care of yourself, okay? Or I'll have to bring you back home," Jaehyun smiled blankly, paralyzing my body with his words. He's threatening to take me with him if I don't behave. I gulped at him in fear and slowly nodded with my eyes on the floor.

"Please take care of her," Jaehyung chuckled, grabbing Seokjin's hand to place his hand on mine.

"Have a safe trip, father," Seokjin politely bowed at my stepfather as he held onto my trembling hands. I gulped and tried to control my suspicious behavior... but my fingers wouldn't stop shaking. Seokjin glanced down at my fingers with a slight frown. He glanced back at my father as the man waved at us while striding towards his secretary, waiting by the car. I bit my lips in relief and lowered my face to regain control of my senses until I felt my feet growing weak. So I unconsciously leaned against the wall for support when Seokjin unexpectedly drew me into a comforting hug. I gripped his broad shoulder in surprise, startled by his sudden embrace as he gently patted my head.

"I missed you," Seokjin muttered, pulling away to smile at me as he clutched my shoulders and leaned forward to press his lips against mine. I was too overwhelmed by the clashing emotions, so I stood staring at him with a dazed expression. Seokjin chuckled at my rosy cheeks and dragged me back into the living room with him.

"I brought you food," I cleared my throat, sitting down with Seokjin as he examined my face with a worried expression.

"Are you sick? Your eyes are a bit puffy," Seokjin questioned, tilting his head to study my worn-out face. I pursed my lips at his innocent eyes in difficulty... What should I do? Do I give up now?

"No. I'm fine, don't worry," I smiled, but Seokjin wouldn't drop his gaze and kept examining me.

"So... Do you have the answer now? Let's eat while we talk," Seokjin exhaled, slipping onto the floor to unpack my food. I rounded the table to sit across from him since it was easier to converse by sitting face to face. What should I say? My stepfather made it clear... that I can't stop seeing Seokjin... and Taehyung will keep bothering me. What should I do now? I really want to stop seeing Seokjin, not because I don't like him but because I don't want to hurt his feelings. I can't play date with him just to please my father.

"Does your head still hurt?" I mumbled to avoid the topic and lowered my face to eat the food.

"I got it checked before I left the hospital. They said I'm fine, but I'll need to return next week to get it examined again," Seokjin nodded, carefully placing a slice of eggroll on my plate.

"Did you lose anything? Or did you find out why... the culprit was searching your office?" I muttered, unsurely looking at Seokjin as he chewed his food.

"Your father actually came to see me because he's worried about his ledger," Seokjin nodded as he poured water into a cup for me.

"Ledger?" I questioned, looking up at him in surprise. Taehyung talked about my father's ledger before... so he was telling the truth.

"Oh. Your father lent me his confidential ledger," Seokjin nodded.

"And what does it have to do with the break-in?" I questioned innocently.

"They stole the ledger. I lost it. I lied to your father... told him I still had it with me," Seokjin's face suddenly darkened as he spoke.

"They stole the ledger? What will-"

"It was a copy given by your father. I don't know who took it, but if the anti-corruption committee gets their hands on it... Your father will be in trouble, and that's why I have to win the election to overrule their accusations against your family," Seokjin sighed bitterly.

"What will happen if your brother, Namjoon... gets elected?" I questioned eagerly. Seokjin suddenly stopped chewing with a blank expression and glanced down at his food to think about it.

"I'm still the heir even if he gets elected. Do you want to attend the council election? It'll be nice if you come along," Seokji ignored my question and smiled at me.

"Oh? Attend it-"

"I've been preparing for it, so come to cheer for me. I want you to be there with me. You're my source of strength," Seokjin teased, but I still felt very restless despite his uplifting responses. I gripped my chopstick with my anxious eyes trained on him in silence. I can't tell him we're splitting up now, huh? I might ruin his spirit... Should I hold back until the election is over? I don't want to upset him when he's working so hard to secure his position in whatever council he's in.

"Oh. I'll be there," I nodded shortly after making up my mind. I can't do it now. I'll wait a little longer.

"So... you've been avoiding my question..." Seokjin sighed, curiously looking up at me.

"I want to apologize for what happened that night. It really wasn't your fault, and I know I made you feel very uncomfortable with the way I reacted," I exhaled in difficulty. I still don't know why he triggered my past traumas... and I feel very terrible about it.

"Sorry? Don't be sorry for something you're not responsible for. I told you I'll be patient with your explanation," Seokjin reached out to hold my hand from across the table, so I turned to look at his hand and back at his encouraging look.

"I might've not been entirely honest with you... about my past," I gulped as he gently rubbed my knuckle. Should I tell him the truth? But I don't want to. What if he views me as an unworthy person after I tell him everything? Not everyone is like Jimin...

"About your stepfather? I know," Seokjin replied, causing me to freeze in place as he stared at me without blinking.

"How did you know-? You knew?" I whispered in horror. Seokjin knew? About my past-

"Well... You're obviously very uncomfortable around your stepfather. I might not know the details, but I can tell. I won't pressure you if you don't want to tell me yet," Seokjin nodded, giving me a gentle squeeze as I stared at him. He doesn't know the details...

"He's an abusive person. I didn't have a good childhood," I admitted, nervously staring at him. Seokjin grew hushed while studying me with his uncertain expression, so I blinked uneasily as we sat in absolute silence.

"He hurt you?" Seokjin questioned after a long pause between us, slightly tilting his head at me with a concerned expression.

"Oh. My stepfather hurts me when he's angry or frustrated. He beats me but not since I left home," I nodded at Seokjin. I can't tell him about the rape... I don't want to bring it up again.

"That's why you didn't want me to touch you... but why-"

"To be honest with you... I don't know either. I suddenly freaked out that night and lost control. But believe me when I say it's not your fault," I gripped his hand apologetically. Seokjin stared at me with an observing look as if he was trying to unravel a riddle but eventually nodded at me in defeat.

"So... The reason you're seeing me is... because you're afraid of him?" Seokjin sighed, pursing his lips with an upset expression. Shit... did I hurt his feelings again?

"Yeah. I didn't want to return home, so I agreed with my father's request. I was doubtful about the setup, but after meeting you... it's not so bad after all," I answered, nervously studying his sulky mood.

"Not so bad...?" Seokjin blinked at me in confusion.

"You're my ideal type! I really like you, so I enjoyed my time with you... a lot," I beamed at Seokjin in panic until he broke into a bright smile.

"Then should we keep on seeing each other? Is that a yes?" Seokjin chuckled.

"Oh. I'm hanging on," I chuckled, nodding at Seokjin. I'll stick with my father's plan until the election is over.

"I'm sorry," Seokjin suddenly exhales.

"Wae? What for-"

"I know I was really inconsiderate of you. I kept pressuring you to rush our relationship without knowing about your past struggles. I should've walked at your pace... if only I respected your decision... maybe you wouldn't have recalled your past traumas," Seokjin sadly stared at me.

"But it wasn't your fault-"

"I'll be patient from now on. You can lead our relationship... and I'll walk at your pace so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable again. Okay?" Seokjin smiled at me while shaking his head. I grew hushed at his sweet solution and gently gripped his hand.

You guessed it. I agreed with Seokjin's terms and stayed at his place until dusk before leaving to head home on my own because Seokjin was still healing from his injury. I really can't avoid this, huh? Well, this sucks. I took a deep breath after unlocking my door but froze in confusion when I noticed another pair of shoes on the rack.

"What the fuck-" I whispered, turning to the living room in shock to find Taehyung watching the TV in my house. How did he get inside my house-

"Annyeong, Jiyoung-shi!" Taehyung waved the TV remote control at me and sat up with an innocent beam.

"What are you doing here? And where's my couch!?" I snapped. Dumbfounded by his presence until I noticed my couch was missing.

"Are you blind? I got you a new couch because I ruined your filthy old one. This one is a limited edition- Similar to mine-" Taehyung patted the leather couch with a smug smile, making my jaw drop in disbelief.

"HOW CAN YOU THROW AWAY MY THINGS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?! LEAVE! AH! YOU'RE GIVING ME A HEADACHE!" I screamed at him in frustration. How did he even get inside to replace my couch?!

"Ohoh! I'm expressing my gratitude! Why are you so ungrateful-"

"Leave and take your couch with you!" I whined in distress. Taehyung suddenly leaped onto his feet, offended by my rude reaction.

"Ohoh? Look at that attitude! If you don't like the couch, then throw it out yourself! Did you think I dragged it inside by myself? I asked the delivery service to install it while you're away!" Taehyung scoffed at me. I panted heavily and glanced at the couch in frustration... I can't lift it on my own.

"Leave and don't come back!" I grabbed his arm and dragged him to the gate.

"Let me put on my shoes! What's the matter with you!?" Taehyung snapped, so I turned to find him holding his shoes in his hands and glanced down at his socks. Taehyung glared at me and lowered his shoes to put them on while we stood at my gate.

"If you come back-"

"Why can't I come back? I'm bored, so I want to see you," Taehyung interrupted me with a stubborn gaze. Fuck... Can I punch his face?

"I don't care if you're bored! I'm not a toy for you to mess around with when you have nothing better to do! I told you I don't want to waste my time with pointless men like you-"

"Then be my girlfriend!" Taehyung snapped with his eyes wide open. I halted in shock, taken aback by his sudden confession.

"Moh-"

"You said you don't want to waste time with temporary people! You wouldn't take me seriously, so let's get together! If it's official, then it's not a waste of time, right? I'll be your boyfriend if that's what you call a serious relationship!" Taehyung ranted at me in irritation. I grew hushed and stared at his eager yet frustrated eyes in silence. He doesn't know what he's saying... just like a kid... stubbornly wanting a toy on the shelves without looking at the price tag.

"When was the last time you slept with another woman?" I exhaled, calmly staring at him.

"Before I came here. About an hour ago," Taehyung immediately replied without thinking. Wah...

"See? If you really like me... or any woman at all... you wouldn't be fooling around with another woman. You don't like me... okay? You just want my attention because you're bored. I'm not a toy, alright?" I sighed, calmly explaining the situation to him as if he was a clueless child.

"But I asked you to be my girlfriend-"

"Yeah. You want me to be your girlfriend, but it's not because you like me. You just want to address me as your girlfriend, so you can somewhat call me yours. Just like a child... snatching a toy off the rack. You can pay for a toy and call it yours, but relationships don't work that way, okay? Go home," I firmly gripped his shoulders with my anxious eyes trained on him. Taehyung frowned at me with a confused look. He tried to speak again, but I turned him away, gave him a slight nudge, and slammed the gate shut. God dammit! I'm going crazy!

I eventually returned to work with Ajumma the next day after taking a few days off. I couldn't remove the couch Taehyung got for me, so I gave in and accepted his gift. Well, the couch is quite comfortable... I even fell asleep on it while watching tv.

"Oh, Jiyoung-shi. You're working overtime?" Changwon stepped onto the store at around 8:00 PM in his coat as I sorted the lists for ajumma.

"I'll leave after I help ajumma close the store. How was your day at work?" I smiled as he sat down beside me to drink his water.

"Exhausting. I had three surgeries today," Changwon chuckled as he leaned back against the chair to rub his nose bridge.

"That sounds tiring," I briefly smiled at him.

"Oh! About your secret man... is he alright? He paid me a generous amount," Changwon suddenly straightened his back to look at me.

"Moh? Secret man- We have nothing to do with each other. What do you mean he paid you?" I frowned at him unsurely.

"He sent his people to deliver me 30 million won in cash! I refused it, but they wouldn't leave me alone, so I had to rush home with a bag of money. He's crazy rich, huh? Is he from a wealthy family or something? A chaebol?" Changwon widened his eyes at me. My jaw dropped at his words... 30 million won? Kim Taehyung gave Changwon that much money just for a few stitches...? That's insane.

"Just keep the money and never contact him again. Don't be involved with him," I warned, uneasily staring at Changwon.

"He asked me to be his personal doctor, but I refused. He's so sketchy. You should be careful around him," Changwon agreed and leaned back against the chair. What the heck? He tried to lure Changwon into the mafia too? He's really determined, huh...?

Fast Forward

I nervously entered the crowded lobby with my parents and the secretary on the election day, heading up to the main conference room where all the entitled representatives were gathered. My stepfather greeted his men while I awkwardly stood with my mother.

"Kim Namjoon is very determined to overpower Seokjin," Eomma exhaled when she spotted Namjoon speaking with a few chairmen from other firms. I gulped and glanced around the crowded hall to search for Seokjin. Half of the men and women seemed to favor my father... while the other half... gave me weird looks.

"Jiyoung-shi! Annyeonghaseyo, mother-in-law!" Taehyung suddenly appeared in a formal black suit. I blinked at his slick pushed back hair without blinking, freezing in my position at how handsome he was compared to his everyday style.

"Oh? Are you the youngest son-"

"I'm Kim Taehyung! Seokjin's younger brother," Taehyung cheerfully shook my mother's hand. He winked at me with a smug smile, snapping me out of my thoughts. I shook my head in disbelief and turned away awkwardly when he caught me staring at him.

"You have such a lovely daughter, but it's weird how she doesn't look like you... at all. She must've inherirted her father's genes," Taehyung chuckled, earning a sharp glare from me. Eomma stared at him unsurely. Is he seriously teasing me right now!? He knows my father is dead! Taehyung shot me a teasing smile and glanced at my stepfather, who was too busy chatting with his men.

"Annyeonghaseyo," Seokjin suddenly appeared with a wary look when he noticed Taehyung speaking with us.

"My son-in-law! You're so handsome!" Eomma chuckled at Seokjin, causing his cheeks to flush pink at her compliment. Taehyung pressed his tongue against his inner mouth and rolled his eyes when my mother diverted all her attention to Seokjin.

"Ah. You're flustering me. Thank you for attending the conference," Seokjin nodded at her and turned to smile at me. He reached out to hold my hand, so I smiled and held onto his hand until I felt the gawking eyes staring at us in displease. Seokjin's parents appeared to greet my parents, so I greeted them and turned to Seokjin with a bright smile.

"You took off the bandage," I smiled at his radiating visual.

"I didn't think you'd come," Seokjin chuckled at me.

"Of course, I had to be here with you. Are you nervous?" I questioned as he fixed my hair with a weak smile.

"Yeah. I'm a lot more nervous now that you're here," He smiled at me. Taehyung walked away with a disgusted face after listening to our conversation to join Namjoon when he couldn't stand us anymore. Seokjin sideways darted his brothers an irritated glare before turning to me.

"Let's go to our seats," Seokjin carefully led me through the crowd. We sat down on the second row from the stage when I suddenly turned to find... Jungkook strolling into the room with his parents. Our eyes met, and his face suddenly dimmed, so I cleared my throat and turned away from Jungkook.

"You told me you won't be seeing my brother anymore," Taehyung whispered in my ear after he sat down on my right side while Seokjin sat to my left. I didn't say anything and kept a straight expression, so Taehyung chuckled and crossed his legs, rudely firing me a sharp glare. The head secretary began the briefing the conference objectives after everyone settled in their seat. I turned to the side again to find Jungkook staring at me with a troubled frown. I gulped and turned away when I felt Seokjin tightening his grip around my hand, so I turned to smile at him instead.

"I'll be right here," I patted Seokjin's hand when he was invited onto the podium to state his final remark before the election. Seokjin nodded firmly and strolled onto the stage, leaving Taehyung with me.

"He'll never beat Namjoon," Taehyung muttered with his eyes trained on the stage, so I sideways glared at him as Seokjin bowed at the crowd of chairman in his tailored suit. I grew tense as Seokjin stepped onto the podium with his robust confidence and turned to examine the audience with a stern expression.

"Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Kim Seokjin, the heir of Kim's family. It is my great honor today to stand on this stage again as a candidate for this year's term. I'd like to thank all the chairman, my family, and Jiyoung for being with me today. It's my pleasure to serve the corporation's vision with uttermost honesty in ensuring the sustainability and stability of our association. The corporation has attained transcending triumphs to further facilitate our business prestige amongst the top competitors. I have served the corporation for the past three years, constantly exhausting my limitless exertion to strengthen our corporation's network in the unpredictable nature of the dynamic market. Hence, I intend to challenge my competency by inducing an effective organizational development project to guarantee a substantial future for our enterprise in extending our market power. Capturing at least half of the market share to establish our dominance in the free economy," Seokjin spoke sternly until our eyes met. He weakly smiled, so I waved at him from my seat until Taehyung rolled his eyes at me. Seokjin concluded his speech and bowed at the crowd, earning thundering applause from the audience before stepping down with a confident smile.

"I'm so proud of you!" I proudly gasped when he sat down beside me with a beaming smile.

"I was so nervous!" Seokjin chucklrd, so I grabbed his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Taehyung scoffed at my reaction and folded his arms in irritation.

"Here comes the real winner," Taehyung mocked. Seokjin's face immediately neutralized when Namjoon stepped onto the stage with his powerful charisma.

"Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Kim Namjoon of the Kim family. I'm certain everyone is anticipating my appearance because I have never been involved with leading headquarters business affairs, at least not in Korea. Nevertheless, I have been leading and executing foreign associates in various countries for the past 5 years. I'm convinced everyone is aware of the facts and digits of my achievements. Well, I am rather nervous since this is my first time standing as a candidate for the election in Korea. How can I not be tense when my contender is no other than my competent older brother? As a matter of fact, I want to clarify the absurd rumors about the Kim's family affairs. My presence on this stage today is not to beat my older brother for the position because we actually have identical goals to serve our corporation. I desire nothing but a prosperous future for our firm. Regardless, I am aware there are crucial issues within the internal council. Corruption. Upon my first week of arrival, I uncovered serious problems with illegal cash flows within our company. I believe corruption is the culprit in hindering the corporation's growth. Thus, I am standing today before everyone, not as your leader but as a middleman to deny the circulating rumors about my older brother's relationship. I will be the gatekeeper to barricade business affairs from our personal family affairs. I firmly deny the absurd rumor, claiming the Kim is siding with the Hwang for corrupted money. Of course, the Hwang is innocent of the indictment until proven guilty. I, Kim Namjoon, promise to sanctify our corporation until it is free from unfaithful individuals to safeguard our association's security," Namjoon sternly spoke to the audience. Slowly averting his ambitious dragon eyes in our direction. I felt Seokjin gripping my hand tightly, so I turned to find him glowering at Namjoon with a disapproving look. What? Am I dumb? I turned around to find my stepfather staring at Namjoon in dread as well. What's happening?

"Hah. Namjoon really confronted your family in the most respectful manner. Daebak. Innocent until proven guilty?" Taehyung scoffed at Namjoon with his arms crossed in disbelief. I turned back and forth cluelessly when everyone grew tense after Namjoon's speech. I don't know what's happening. Everyone clapped for Namjoon until the secretary took over the stage again and finally dismissed the meeting.  The shareholders eventually poured into another private room to vote for the candidates. I stayed back in the conference room with Taehyung and a few other secretaries. Jungkook tried to approach me, but I refused to speak with him and hurried out of the venue.

"You don't look nervous," A man suddenly appeared by my side as I stared out the window with a dull expression. I turned to find a familiar face staring at me with his bright yet arrogant expression. I've met him before... when I visited Seokjin's office.

"Nervous about what?" I muttered in disinterest. I don't know what's going on with the election or the speeches.

"Kim Namjoon promised to wipe the corporation clean. Seokjin must be upset since it's going to hurt your family," The man shook his head with a slight smile. I frowned and turned to look at him, but before I could reply to his statement... he suddenly turned and left.

"Jung Hoseok. He's part of the anti-corruption committee. He's like a police officer in the corporation. He investigates illegal cash flows to expose the corrupted directors," Taehyung suddenly appeared with his eyes fixed on Hoseok as the man strode away from me.

"I might not understand everything, but the atmosphere was very heavy," I shrugged. I don't know if I should be anxious about it or not.

"You should be nervous because Namjoon will win the election this term," Taehyung shrugged. I turned to look at him with a skeptical look.

"How are you so sure? Seokjin will win-"

"Are you deaf? Or are you really that dumb? Namjoon played the ultimate card," Taehyung chuckled, firing me a disappointed look.

"Care to elaborate? I was never interested in the business affairs," I muttered, averting my eyes back to the street.

"Many representatives are against corruption, and only a few men are actually corrupted. Like your father. But he's untouchable because those few corrupted men are far too powerful. They use money and threats to seal people's lips, paralyzing them with death threats. And my family... the Kim is a neutral party in the council. We're one of the biggest shareholders, so Seokjin got his seat for the past three years," Taehyung shrugged.

"Huh? Then why don't your father get rid of my stepfather and other men if he's powerful?" I mumbled in confusion.

"Because those greedy chairmen are the reason the corporation is earning crazy turnovers annually. They might be corrupted, but they're extremely skilled. They're masters in market warfare. The corporation might fail without them... so that's why my father instructed Seokjin to be lenient with your father but refused to be involved. Until now... my father is accepting your father's funds, and not many shareholders are happy with that decision," Taehyung grimaced as he stood beside me.

"So why is Namjoon winning-"

"Woman. Are you that clueless? Namjoon claimed he's the middleman in the council. Everyone knows Namjoon opposes corruption, so they'll vote for him instead of Seokjin. Why? Because they know Seokjin is in a relationship with you. The Hwang's daughter. They know Seokjin will overlook your father's illegal acts to protect you. In other words, Seokjin lost the election because of you," Taehyung scoffed at me. I grew hushed when I finally understood the situation. Shit... Everyone will favor Namjoon because Seokjin is involved with me.

"Then why is Seokjin with me?! If he knows I'll be his downfall!?" I frowned at Taehyung's disbelief. Seokjin knew he'd lose his position if he pursued our relationship, so why did he ask me to come to the meeting? Why? Shit! I should've split up with him sooner! He wouldn't have lost his position if I didn't agree to see him anymore-

"Because I wanted to prove my sincerity. I knew you were doubting me," Seokjin suddenly spoke up from behind me. Taehyung and I quickly turned around to find Seokjin standing behind us with a sore expression.

"Seokjin- I would've never agreed to see you if I knew-"

"It's alright. I don't regret it. I'm tired of leading anyways," Seokjin shrugged at me. Taehyung cleared his throat and walked away with his hands in his pockets, leaving us alone in the corridor.

"I feel terrible-" I was cut short when Seokjin pulled me into a crushing hug. I wanted to apologize again until I felt him tightening his grip around me, so I exhaled and hugged him back. Maybe I shouldn't talk yet. I gripped his shoulder when Jungkook suddenly appeared down the hall with a dull expression. He halted in place when he found me hugging Seokjin, so I averted my eyes away from Jungkook and closed my eyes to keep him out of my mind.

Seokjin invited me to his place after the election, so I had no choice but to leave with him. Even if Seokjin wore a cheerful smile around me, I could still sense his anxiety.

"The result will be out soon," Seokjin muttered, sitting next to me on the couch. I leaned against his shoulder as he tapped the screen on his phone to refresh the president profile on the company's page. I gripped my hands nervously as they loaded the result.

Loading...

President: Kim Namjoon.

Seokjin grew hushed when he saw his brother's name on the president status instead of his. I gulped and slowly looked up at him apologetically while Seokjin kept his eyes fixed on the screen with a somber expression. He didn't say anything and remained motionless on the couch, so I slowly wrapped my arms around his waist to give him a comforting hug. Seokjin exhaled and lowered his face to lean against my shoulder as I rocked him back and forth.

"I'm really sorry," I whispered when I felt terrible guilt clenching in my chest. Did the representatives really turn their back on Seokjin because he chose to side with my stepfather?

"Don't be. I saw it coming," Seokjin muttered, pulling away to smile at me with a reassuring expression.

"What will you do?" I questioned, raising my eyebrow sadly. He worked so hard for the past three years as the president, and I ruined it all.

"It's alright, don't blame yourself. I needed this break anyways. I've been too focused on working and never really got the time to breathe properly," Seokjin shook his head as he held onto my hand.

"What about your parents? Your mother... won't she be upset?" I questioned. Seokjin told me his mother had high expectations of him as the family's heir. But today... he lost his position to his brother.

"I'm still the heir. Namjoon is exclusively handling the corporation affairs, and he's still a part of our family. They must be proud of him," Seokjin shook his head, but no matter what he said, I still felt responsible for his defeat.

"My father... will he be in trouble?" I questioned, nervously looking at Seokjin. My parents depended on Seokjin to safeguard their illegal cash flow... but Seokjin lost. What if my father drags me back home? What will I do then?

"Someone stole your father's ledger, so we need to get it back before they uncover everything. I'll sort it out quietly," Seokjin gulped anxiously. 

"What if they expose my stepfather?" I asked curiously. I don't pity my stepfather at all... I pray for his tragic failure... but I'm afraid he'll unleash his wrath on me.

"They might. I do not know the exact motive, but it won't be easy to disable your father either. I still have control of the corporation as the leading heir, so I'll do whatever I can in my power to prevent Namjoon from utilizing his plan. I might be at a disadvantage after losing my position... but it was also a narrow escape," Seokjin shrugged.

"Narrow escape? From what?" I blinked at him in confusion.

"The president's position comes with a lot of pressure and consequences. Based on the regulations, if the executives are found guilty of corruption... and if... the president is involved... I'd be permanently eliminated from the council. If I was re-elected to the council today... whoever took the ledger can use it to defy me. I could have faced the charges and lost my position forever. So I'm kind of relieved I lost this round... it's like a short break. I can always run for the position again, so don't worry too much- Haha- Are you alright? It seems like I lost you," Seokjin tried to explain but paused to laugh at me when he noticed I was staring at him with a super-concentrated yet confused expression. I'm so fucking dumb... He really had to give a dummy explanation for me to get it.

"I'm just overwhelmed-" I scratched my head awkwardly when Seokjin leaned forward to kiss me. I pursed my lips when he pulled away with a weak smile and leaned in to press his lips against mine again.

"Since I'm on a break... I'll focus on you from now on," Seokjin smiled, pulling away to ruffle my hair, making my heart flutter at his playful gestures. Should I tell him now? That I don't want to see him anymore- I sat on the couch blankly. I'm internally conflicted by my decisions. If I leave him now... What will I become? Seokjin lost his position because of me. Can I really walk away from him after his sacrifice to prove his love? I can't walk away right after he lost his title. What should I do then? I recently fought with Jungkook and haven't even resolved the conflict with him yet. Appa... is this a sign...? Are you nudging toward Seokjin? Is he the one?

I finally resolved my thoughts and decided to stay by Seokjin's side because I didn't want to leave him right after he stepped down from his position to stand with me. I like Seokjin, and I enjoy being around him... so I'll stay with him until... hopefully... until I fall in love with him. I need to be patient. Seokjin offered to drive me home at midnight, but it was already late... I knew he was still recovering from his injury, so I refused his offer and insisted on taking the taxi home. He wouldn't let me head home alone, so I agreed to stay at his place for the night.

"I feel terrible, you know?" I muttered while sitting on his bed.

"It's okay. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable again, so I'll be in the living room if you need me," Seokjin weakly smiled at me as he sat on the edge of the mattress.

"Okay," I nodded. Seokjin leaned forward to kiss me and tried to pull away, so I tugged him back to brush my lips against his. He chuckled after I finally released him and got up to leave the room.

"Good night," Seokjin smiled after switching off the light and left the room. I sighed and laid down on the pillow to stare at the glass window. Seokjin gave me his bed because he wanted me to feel comfortable and safe at his place. He's so selfless... not just to me but to his brothers as well. No matter how badly they treated him... He's always so calm and considerate. I gripped my hair when I thought of Jungkook again. What do I do now? All these years... I knew I was still into Jungkook but ever since... I exploded... I felt a lot more at peace with myself. Maybe it was all I needed to do... to tell him the truth. I don't expect anything from Jungkook... I was just stressed because my life was spinning out of control. And Jimin? He's aware I'm seeing Seokjin. Jimin is okay with me being in a relationship with Seokjin, but I know he's very doubtful of Seokjin. I sighed and turned to stare at the ceiling with a restless feeling. Why am I so scared of Seokjin? Because he's perfect? Am I withdrawing from him because he's treating me right? It's too good to be true... Maybe that's why I'm afraid of him? I let out a deep sigh, sat up on the bed to scan his dark room, and walked out of the room to find Seokjin sleeping on the couch with a thin blanket. I gripped my hand nervously and slowly walked up to him as he snuggled against the uncomfortable cushion in the living room.

Next Morning

I stirred on the mattress when I felt Seokjin rubbing my shoulder, so I grumbled and turned to hug his bare chest with my eyes closed. I didn't say anything and softly inhaled his sweet scent as he ran his fingers through my hair and leaned forward to kiss my forehead.

"Did I wake you?" Seokjin whispered when he noticed I was still sleepy. I shook my head and pulled him closer to me.

"You're not going to work today?" I questioned, groggily opening my eyes to look at him.

"I'm taking some time off to rest since I'm no longer the boss," Seokjin chuckled as I felt his hard pecs. I stared at the hickeys on his neck until my face flushed red when I remembered everything we did last night.

"Well... I'm late for work," I laughed, turning to lay on my back as Seokjin played with my hair. Seokjin slowly drew the blanket off my body to expose my naked figure as he lay sideways on the bed to watch me with his tender gaze. I pursed my lips when he gently traced his fingers over my stomach... making my skin crawl at his sensual strokes.

"Do you want to go to work? I'll drive you there," Seokjin smiled as he gently massaged my hips to stimulate my nerves until I felt my cheeks burning. I bit my lips when Seokjin lowered his hand to reach between my legs, making me arch my back at his touch. I gripped his hand over my crotch and twisted my legs when he started pleasing me, so I moaned and tilted my head back on the pillow.

"I want to stay with you today," I whispered, pulling his hand away from my sensitive area and sat up to face him. Seokjin gently pulled me into a deep kiss as I slowly crawled onto his lap to encircle my arms around his neck. He panted heavily when I reached under the blanket to feel his hump and sensually rubbed it as we made out on the messy bed.

"I have a question... last night... it wasn't your first time, was it?" Seokjin sensually stared at me as I pleased him under the blanket with my hand.

"Was it your first time?" I smirked when I felt him tensing his body beneath me.

"No... but you were very skilled. I was surprised," Seokjin smiled. I chuckled between our kisses and slowly inserted his private part into me while I sat on him. We both stopped laughing and tensed our bodies after the successful penetration... panting heavily against each other's lips with our tempted eyes fixed on one another. Seokjin gripped my waist to hold me in place, so I smiled and brushed his hair back as he gently kissed my neck. I moaned against his ear while grinding my hips at a steady pace, triggering a surge of pleasure all over our aroused bodies.

We made love in the morning...

Fast Forward

"How was Daegu?" I questioned when Jimin finally strolled down the stairs in his pajamas. He returned home last night and asked if he could share the bed with me because he was very exhausted, so I let him. He slept the entire day until sunset. I didn't bother him and went to work. I was watching my drama when he brought his food bowl to sit on the floor beside me with his eyes trained on the TV.

"It was tiring. There was a lot of maintenance work at the site. Taehyung is operating a gambling headquarter there. Where did you get this couch??? It looks expensive," Jimin mumbled, turning to examine the leather couch as I sat with my legs crossed.

"Your boss gifted it to me," I muttered shortly.

"My boss? Taehyung? Why-? He came to see you???" Jimin turned to look at me in surprise. So Jimin doesn't know...? Taehyung lied. That stupid freak.

"Oh. Taehyung was severely wounded, but don't tell him I told you. He said he needed a hideout. Stayed here for a few days, and my entire house was a bloody mess. He replaced the damaged couch with this," I nodded at Jimin.

"SORA!-"

"Omo!- What a bitch~?" I gasped in shock when one of the female alpha splashed hot kimchi paste at the female lead. I cussed at the TV until the OST came on and leaned back to rub my face after the show ended.

"Did he hurt you? Kim Taehyung," Jimin questioned worriedly.

"No. It's the other way around. He almost cracked his skull because of me," I shook my head. Jimin turned to look at me in confusion.

"You hurt him?-"

"He's a pervert, so I kicked him off my bed. His head struck the nightstand. Had to bring ajumma's son over to stitch his head and even gave him my blood," I grumbled while recalling the memories. Jimin grew quiet at my words and got off the floor to sit on the couch with me while he ate his food.

"Keep his gift. He might be ill-mannered and hot-tempered... but he's very generous. He doesn't like to owe people favors. That's why he gave you the couch," Jimin shrugged at me.

"That's why you accepted his offer?" I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"Jiyoung. I'm not doing drugs anymore. His deal isn't so bad," Jimin shrugged at me.

"You can do whatever you want. It's your life, but just don't get in trouble," I briefly glanced at Jimin. It's too late to stop Jimin now. He can do whatever he wants since we're not together anymore.

"It's actually fun... to run the operations. Maybe when I'm experienced enough... I'll open my own operation. I don't have to work for anyone then," Jimin smiled at me. I shook my head at him in disbelief. Jimin might have been born in a low-class family, but he's actually really smart. His mind is business-oriented. Jimin dealt drugs very well when we were together, so we had floods of customers back then. The other dealers got pissed at Jimin for his promotional deal... it's funny. Jimin agreed to lend desperate people drugs without payment. They could use his drugs without making an immediate payment but they had to pay interests for the amount they owed. People were desperate.... so they accepted the deal. Jimin would later collect his turnover with a high-interest rate. His profits tripled with that strategy. Jimin was a great businessman on the street.

"Just be careful around Taehyung," I shook my head. Nothing comes without a price.

"I know. I'm going to investigate Taehyung's background while I work for him. Actually. Taehyung was charged with murder. Were you aware? I don't know what he did, but he apparently went to court once. I'll dig into it later," Jimin turned to look at me with a keen smile.

"He told me killed a lot-"

"Yeah. Taehyung kills his rivals and people related to the mafia but apparently... He was convicted of murder years ago. Even before he became the mafia leader. His parents probably covered everything to protect him. Maybe... that's why his brother doesn't like him," Jimin shook his head at me. What? Taehyung killed someone before he became the mafia boss...? So the concern on Seokjin's face... is it because of his brother's past offense?

"Seokjin never spoke about-"

"Of course not. I only heard stories from his thugs... and you what's interesting? His family- I mean- his parents... apparently use Taehyung's mafia to commit crimes," Jimin scoffed at me. What...?

"But the Kim was never involved in any illegal affairs because they have powerful government ties-"

"Exactly. The government stays quiet. Seokjin is the heir, so he's the face of the Kim family. Namjoon is the pride of the Kim family. And Taehyung? He's their secret weapon," Jimin nodded at me, making my jaw drop at his words.

"Secret weapon...?" I whispered unsurely.

"Taehyung kills for his family. The kill order... is not from Taehyung. It's from his parents. When they need to cover up certain affairs... they turn to him, and Taehyung does the killing. News reporters, journalists, government officials, corporation representatives... many have been killed to seal the family's dirty secrets," Jimin shrugged. Is Seokjin aware of this? But the family I ate dinner with... they seemed so... warm...? So it's true. Eomma warned me. Kim Taehyung is the person I should be afraid of... not his brothers.

"That's why Seokjin warned me to stay away from Taehyung...?" I whispered unconsciously.

"You're seeing him? Seokjin? Didn't he get hurt a few days ago?" Jimin asked, turning to look at him with a questioning look.

"Oh. I'm seeing him. It's official between us now," I nodded. Jimin's face darkened at my words, but he nodded anyways.

"Did you tell him about your past?" Jimin questioned anxiously.

"Oh. I told Seokjin my father is an abusive man... but not about the rape. Not yet," I gulped nervously.

"Jiyoung, there's something wrong with the Kim brothers. I'm going to investigate their family affairs, so promise me to keep your guard up until I'm sure Seokjin is a good person. Alright?" Jimin exhaled, anxiously gripping his rice bowl.

"Oh. I will be cautious around him. Don't worry and don't do anything suspicious... Taehyung might hurt you," I nodded. Jimin exhaled in relief, got to his feet to put the dish away then returned to the living with a painkiller.

"Take it before going to bed," Jimin dismissively handed it to me.

"Wae? I'm fine..." I frowned at the painkiller as Jimin drank his water.

"Didn't you hurt your head? Let me see... it's still bruised. Make sure to apply the cream to your elbows," Jimin muttered, gently grabbing my face to check behind my head and poked the swollen bruise. Oh... it's still hurting...

"Thank you," I muttered. Jimin dismissively nodded at me and walked up the stairs to sleep, so I grabbed the glass of water and took the pill while rubbing the back of my head. I forgot I got a bruise from fighting with the man- I froze in my place when something struck me.

How did Jimin know...? He came home last night, and I didn't tell him about Seokjin. So how did he know? Did Taehyung tell him? That's impossible... because even Taehyung didn't know I hurt my head during the fight. So how did Jimin know I hurt my head? My body turned cold as I struggled to process my alarming thoughts with a uneasy feeling, so I furrowed my eyebrows- SNAP. My eyes grew wide open in horror as I sat on the couch with my mouth hanging open.

The culprit... that night... it was Jimin...?

He broke into Seokjin's place.

_________________________

I'm a bit late! I'm so sorry! I had a club meeting right before midnight so I couldn't edit this chapter on time. But I hope you liked the chapter! And thank you for supporting Love Candidate! I hope everyone is well and happy! Please take care of your health and stay safe! Always~! I love you <3