Love Candidate - In Disguise - Chapter 15

I returned to ajumma's store to work as usual after I delivered the side dish to Taehyung as Changwon requested before he left the store to work. Taehyung's words stayed in my head the entire day, so I couldn't help but think about it. Is it really possible to get rid of my stepfather? But does that mean he will murder Jaehyun? What's the price I have to pay for him to slaughter my stepfather? I'm sure he'll ask for something in return. Meanwhile... Ajumma was weirdly happy today. She kept humming throughout the day and even bought lunch for me. We were so busy with the workload I didn't get the chance to ask her and did my job without taking a break to compensate for my frequent absences.

"I'm going to raise your salary!" Ajumma finally smiled after I sat down to cool my body in front of the old fan.

"Wae?" I raised my eyebrows in confusion when she kept beaming at me from her desk.

"You don't have to lift goods anymore! Just stay in my office from now on," Ajumma reached over her desk to pat my back with a bright smile. I stared at her unsurely when she wouldn't stop taunting me with her weirdly cheerful mood. Is she possessed by a ghost?

"What do you mean? If I don't lift the goods, then who will lift-"

"I'll hire a few employees to substitute you," She nodded while counting her money with an excited smile.

"Hire...? But you barely earn-"

"Oh! That's right, your boyfriend dropped by earlier! He brought me a basket of top-quality pears! He's so handsome and why didn't you tell me he's well-off!? Did your parents introduce you to him?" Ajumma chuckled, reaching out to smack my shoulder with a playful smile.

"My boyfriend? Seokjin? He came by?" I blinked at ajumma in confusion. Why would he visit my workplace???

"Oh. I think your boyfriend wanted to take you out for lunch, but I told him you had an errand to run. He left after chatting with me about the delivery service," Ajumma nodded as she counted her cash.

"Delivery service-?"

"He claimed he wanted to use our service and told me he'd contact his outsource companies to transfer their distribution deal. Yah~! If we get that deal- I'll never have to worry about my business anymore! I'll raise your salary so you can live comfortably!" Ajumma grinned at me. I blinked at her and glanced at the delivery trucks in front of the store with an uncomfortable feeling. What is Seokjin doing? Why didn't he tell me about it? I left her store after closing it and walked back home on the usual street with a blank expression. If I choose to work for Taehyung... Will he really get rid of my stepfather? And Seokjin? What does he want from me exactly?

"You look stressed," Someone spoke up from beside me.

"I am," I muttered without realizing his presence and walked forward.

"Why are you stressed?" The person asked as I unblinkingly walked down the street to organize my thoughts.

"Because of my boyfriend-" I abruptly halted on the sidewalk when it suddenly struck me, snapping me out of my head. Slowly, I turned to find Jungkook walking by my side. He was staring at the street ahead of us with his hands in his pockets.

"You can talk to me about your boyfriend- Yah! Jiyoung, stop it!" Jungkook nodded, turning to smile at me. I tried to hurry away from him when he hastily caught my arm to hold me back. I groaned and turned to glare at Jungkook when- FLASH.

Flashback

I turned around to find a middle school Jungkook tugging my uniform skirt with a mischievous smirk as I strolled on the sidewalk with my backpack.

"I told you to wait for me!" Jungkook scolded, suddenly head locking me from behind, making me shriek in shock as he playfully ruffled my hair.

"You're always late! Stop it!- Yah! My hair is a mess!" I screeched in frustration as he tightened his arm around my throat, making me gag in distress.

"Aigo~ You're such a good student!" Jungkook laughed, finally releasing me from his suffocating grip. I lowered my head to gasp for air, coughing in difficulty as I rubbed my neck on the sidewalk until my eyes filled with tears. I snapped my head in his direction and slowly straightened my body, resentfully glaring at Jungkook in annoyance.

"I'm going to kill you!" I screamed in frustration.

"Catch me if you can!" Jungkook playfully poked his tongue out at me and sprinted off, so I screamed and rushed after him. We both chuckled in exhaustion as we stumbled down the school's corridor after chasing each other to school. Completely out of breath, we slid the classroom door open- and halted awkwardly at the doorway when we realized the teacher was in the middle of teaching his first class. Everyone in the classroom turned to look at us as we struggled to catch our breath by the doorway with heavy sweat beads on our foreheads. Our homeroom teacher turned to fire us a disappointed expression as we stood side by side in guilt.

"I'm going to switch schools!" Jungkook grimaced a moment later as he stood outside the classroom with me with our arms raised in the air. It's the punishment for being late to class.

"I can't afford to switch schools," I muttered, sulkily staring out the corridor's window as I raised my arms with my fists clenched. Jungkook had already switched from three different schools, and I followed him around because my birth father used to be a rich man. But I can't do it anymore... not after my family went bankrupt.

"You two! Don't lean against the wall! Stand up straight! You're always late to school!" Seonsaeng-nim suddenly stepped out of the classroom to scold us. Jungkook and I immediately stiffened our bodies in panic as he glared at us.

"Saem! You should let Jiyoung inside! She's a top student, and she was late because I asked her to wait for me!" Jungkook defended me as he struggled to hold up his sore arms.

"You're a bad influence to her! Jiyoung, why would you prioritize him over your studies?! Aigo! You two are always partners in trouble! That's enough! Head inside!" Saem glared at us. We instantly dropped our hands in exhaustion. I weakly smiled at Jungkook before turning to apologize to saem and walked inside with Jungkook as he playfully massaged my shoulders. We sat in the same row and took out our books to study.

"Aigo. Are you sure you'll be full with just that?" A classmate questioned, worriedly eyeing me when she noticed I only brought a pack of snacks to the school canteen for lunch.

"I'm on a diet," I weakly smiled at her while tearing open my cracker and was about to eat it when Jungkook suddenly snatched the snack from my hand. He shoved everything into his mouth as he settled next to me with a lunch tray. His parents registered him for school lunch.

"Yah Jeon Jungkook! Jiyoung only brought the snack for lunch! Why would you eat her snack?!" Our classmate scolded him as Jungkook chewed the cracker with a smug expression.

"I'm helping her maintain her diet," Jungkook scoffed, earning glares from our classmate. I said nothing and quietly drank my plain water as Jungkook lowered his head to eat his food.

"Ah~~" Jungkook funnily lifted his spoonful of rice to wiggle it before my face with his mouth hanging open.

"It's alright. I'm not hungry-"

"Eat! I know you're starving yourself!" Jungkook grimaced, forcefully shoving the food into my mouth. I smiled weakly and shared the lunch with him, but he didn't eat much and gave me his food. He always gives me his food during lunch, claiming he's working on his body muscles for the basketball team.

"Do you have a tournament today?" I questioned, glancing at his basketball jersey with a weak smile.

"Oh! It's against another school, so many pretty girls will visit our school today. I need to look handsome while I'm in action on the court," Jungkook smirked, brushing his hair back with a playful smirk. I blinked at his pretty eyes and glanced at the food shyly when I felt my face growing warm...

"Have fun at the tournament," I nodded weakly.

"Wae? You're not coming to cheer for me? Why not!?" Jungkook frowned at me in shock.

"I'm behind on an assignment for history class, so I need to complete it-"

"I'll give you my sample. Don't worry about it, so come to the tournament! Okay?" Jungkook gripped my shoulders with a bright smile and got onto his feet after I agreed with him. He ruffled my hair again, then jogged off to join his basketball team as they left the canteen to warm up for the tournament.

"Jiyoung! Are you going to watch the tournament? We're going to our film club since we don't want to be in the noisy auditorium," A fellow friend rushed to me with a film poster in her hand.

"Ah. I'm going to the tournament. I'll join you guys later," I smiled at her and entered the auditorium before the other students to watch the players warm up on the court.

"Potato head!" Jungkook yelled from across the auditorium to get my attention with a basketball in his hand. He waved at me and turned to mess around with his teammates. I smiled at him and waved back when someone sat beside me on the bleacher, so I turned to find a high school sunbae smiling at me.

"I finally found the school's heartthrob's girl best friend," Sunbae laughed at me with his kind eyes as he watched the middle school team train on the court.

"He's anti-romantic," I shrugged, turning back to look at Jungkook.

"You're entering high school next year, right? I'll be a senior next year. I heard a lot about you from the teachers at the student council. You should join us next year," Sunbae smiled at me.

"I'll consider it," I shyly nodded at him.

"I'm counting you in, so don't disappoint me," Sunbae laughed. The auditorium suddenly flooded with people after lunch break ended. Sunbae gave me a juice box before walking away to be with his friends. I cheered for Jungkook with my classmates as our school's team competed against the other team. I shrieked and laughed happily throughout the entire game, impatiently anticipating our school's victory. The girls from our schools kept nudging me as we watched the hot boys on the rival team. The boys from our school were also drooling over the girls from the rival school. I like it when schools meet up for events like this... I get to see a lot of pretty girls and guys! I stomped my feet happily as the auditorium erupted in excitement during the championship announcement. Our school won the tournament after an intense game.

"Water!!!!" Jungkook gasped as he rushed to the bench in exhaustion. I chuckled when the girls crowded around him with different refreshing drinks. He shyly took it from them and slumped down next to me to drain the water while dabbing his flowing sweat from his neck.

"You did well," I smiled at him.

"Is that for me?" Jungkook snatched the juice box from my hand.

"No! Sunbae gave it to me!" I whined and tried to snatch it back when he poked the juice and drained it all with a single gulp without my permission, earning a sharp glare from me. Jungkook handed me the empty box and skipped back to the court when the coach called for both teams to gather on the court. The game ended after the teams accepted their victory and defeat, but the players were still communicating with each other on the court.

"Hi! I'm Park Jimin! You are?" A cute player suddenly approached me with his oddly glowing pale mochi skin. I flushed red the instant I realized how cute he was.

"Lee Jiyoung!" I weakly smiled, placing out my hand to shake his.

"Well. I'm from the opposite team, but I wonder if I could get your number-"

"No! She's not available!" Jungkook suddenly appeared with his arms on his hips. Jimin turned to look at Jungkook unsurely and glanced back at me.

"Do you have a boyfriend-"

"Yes. I'm her boyfriend," Jungkook interrupted, puffing his chest at Jimin.

"Ani- He's just joking!-"

"KAJA!" Jungkook dawdled, suddenly pulling me away from Jimin and dragged me with him.

"Waeeeee?! He's so cute! I want to give him my number!" I groaned in frustration, turning to pout at Jimin as he watched us leave the auditorium.

"Ohoh? How can you meet up with a guy you barely know?!" Jungkook ruffled my hair. I grimaced at him in annoyance as we strolled back into the crowded corridor. Students and teachers wanted to take pictures with him and his basketball team, so I strode ahead to pack my things, then walked out of class with Jungkook's backpack over my shoulder.

"The high school team invited me to eat out with them to celebrate our victory. You can come with me. I'll ask them to spare a seat for you," Jungkook suddenly appeared next to me as I walked down the stairs.

"I'm heading home. You have fun," I muttered as I strolled out of the school's building.

"What's the matter with you? Are you upset because I won't let you give your number to a guy?" Jungkook suddenly stopped to stare at me in disbelief. I rolled my eyes and walked forward, so he tugged my arm to hold me back

"Just leave-"

"What's the matter? I'm only trying to protect you-"

"You're so annoying! You keep scaring all the guys away when they approach me! I want to meet new people!" I grimaced at Jungkook.

"Why do you need to meet new people when I'm your best friend!? We're both popular! I'm popular on the sports team, and you're popular with your school achievements! We're the best duo!" Jungkook whined at me with his bewildered eyes.

"I'm not talking about meeting people to be friends! I want to have a boyfriend, and that guy was so cute- I could've-"

"Wah! Are you saying he's cuter than me?! Am I not cute enough for you!?" Jungkook leaned his face towards mine with an offended look. I gulped in silence as I stared at his charming visual until I felt my heart pounding repeatedly against my ribs.

"But you're my friend. I want to be with someone who is cute and is also my boyfriend. There's a difference," I fired him a dumbfounded look. Jungkook frowned at my words and straightened his back to process my words.

"Are you saying you want me to be your boyfriend then?" Jungkook questioned in confusion.

"Yeah. Oh-? Oh! No! I mean- I want a cute boyfriend!" I nodded without thinking but snapped my head in embarrassment to deny my words with a startled expression.

"Ok. You got a cute boyfriend now. Stop sulking," Jungkook nodded, placing his arm on my shoulder and dragged me forward. I blinked in confusion and turned to look at him unsurely.

"Yah! Don't you understand my words?! I said-"

"You said you want a cute guy to be your boyfriend! I understand! I'm not dumb! I'm also a top student!" Jungkook snapped at me in annoyance.

"Yeah, so why-"

"Am I cute!?" Jungkook questioned, turning to glare at me with his piercing eyes.

"Oh?-"

"Just answer me!" Jungkook pressed as he stared at me with an irritated expression.

"Sure. You're cute-"

"And am I your best friend?" Jungkook didn't let me finish my words.

"Yeah? What are you-"

"You're wrong. I'm not your best friend anymore because apparently, you don't want a 'cute best friend' but a 'cute boyfriend', so I am now your cute boyfriend. Problem solved. How can a school genius be so stupid?" Jungkook narrowed his eyes at me. I frowned at him as I tried to make sense of the situation, but I still couldn't comprehend his words.

"Jungkook! Are you coming?! Is Jiyoung coming with us as well?!" One of his team members called as they waited by the entrance, so I unconsciously walked after Jungkook.

"Oh. My girlfriend is coming with me," Jungkook nodded at his groupmate, making them frown at him.

"Wah... I still don't get it. Whatever. I'm leaving. Jungkook, I'm heading home," I shook my head when my head refused to process whatever he was saying. I tried to walk away but didn't make it far when I felt a firm grip on my hood, so I turned to find Jungkook pinching my jacket with an uptight frown.

"Who's your girlfriend? Didn't you tell me you had no girlfriend?" His team turned to look at him with a questioning look.

"Yeah. I had no girlfriend until a minute ago," Jungkook nodded at his teammate.

"You have a girlfriend? Since when?" I turned to look at him with my baffled eyes. Jungkook fired me an 'I'm so done' expression and turned to look at his curious teammates.

"Since you said you wanted a cute boyfriend, Jiyoung-shi. You are my girlfriend!" Jungkook widened his eyes at me. I pursed my lips in shock when it suddenly struck me until I felt my chest fluttering with an odd sensation as I stared at him in disbelief. All the guys turned to stare at me in shock.

"Jiyoung is your girlfriend-"

"Oh! She wanted a cute boyfriend, so I'm her boyfriend now, and she's my lovely girlfriend," Jungkook nodded at his team without hesitation. The basket team burst into excited cheers until I felt my face going numb. The guys grabbed my arm and hopped around us to tease Jungkook until we both turned red like a tomato.

End of Flashback

"I don't feel like talking-"

"It's been weeks since we last talked, and you kept avoiding me whenever I approached you. I won't let you leave until we resolve this problem," Jungkook firmly held onto my arm. I took a deep breath and tugged my arm out of Jungkook's clutch.

"There's nothing to talk about," I said shortly, keeping my face expressionless as he sorely examined me.

"How old are you?" Jungkook questioned.

"I'm serious-"

"Answer me. How old are you?" Jungkook stubbornly questioned as he stared at me.

"24 years old," I replied dully.

"We've been by each other's side for 20 years. We've fought countless times. And we even faced rough patches in our friendship before, but we overcame them. So are you going to avoid me like this?" Jungkook spoke in a disappointed tone. I gripped my fists tightly as I maintained our eye contact and finally agreed to leave with Jungkook. He took me to a picnic park because I refused to eat. There were many people in the area, so we walked away from the crowd until we found an unoccupied bench facing the dark river and sat down with a bag of beer. Jungkook popped the can open and handed it to me. I accepted from him and drank it in silence.

"I've thought a lot about your words. The first thing I want to say is that I'm sorry for making you feel like I was taking our friendship for granted," Jungkook cleared his throat when I refused to speak with him and kept my head low.

"There's nothing for you to be sorry about," I muttered after a long pause between us.

"Do you still have feelings for me? Be honest with me because I had no idea you were feeling that way," Jungkook briefly glanced at me as he chewed his lower lips. I thought about his question and tried to search for the answer.

"I don't know. I liked you a lot when we were young, and I think I always liked you ever since we met. Not until I met Jimin again. I'm just attached to you," I mumbled as I stared at the beer without blinking.

"What about now? What do you feel?" Jungkook asked, uneasily staring at me.

"Nothing. I feel absolutely nothing at all. I can't feel anything, and that's the problem. I'm so numb. I've been like this ever since appa passed away. I can't feel anything, and even if I did... it's only temporary," I sighed, straightening my back to tilt my head toward the dark sky with a hopeless expression.

"I love you a lot. Not just as a friend but also as my family. You know that, Jiyoung. I know I let you down ever since... I asked to break up with you in middle school. It pained me when I realized you were very hurt by my decision. But the reason I did it... It wasn't because I didn't like you. It was because I was afraid to lose you. I saw people around us. They became friends at first... then they developed their feelings into a relationship. And then they break up and become strangers again. I witnessed so many broken relationships at school I began to feel anxious because the last person I'd want to walk away from me is you. I thought I'd lose you if we pursued our relationship, so I asked to be friends instead. I was young and immature, so I thought you'd feel the same way about our friendship. I had no idea you wanted us to be more than that," Jungkook sadly stared at me. I turned to look at him with nothing in my chest and glanced at the river.

"You did the right thing in middle school. You saved our friendship. If we pursued our relationship... we'd be strangers right now. I'm glad we chose our friendship over our relationship. But it's not about the middle school incident," I softly shook my head. I understood his intention back then. Even if I didn't really know much about love... I knew it was for the best.

"Then what is it? What is it that's making you avoid me like this?" Jungkook sighed. I gripped the beer can and lowered my face to bite my trembling lips to stop myself from bursting into tears. I can't cry right now.

"I just don't understand why I can't be loved by anyone. I know you love me. I know, but it's just not the same-"

"It's not that you can't be loved. The truth is... you refused to be loved because you think people will leave your side... like your father did. I know. I wouldn't have seen other women if I knew you needed me to fulfill your needs of being loved," Jungkook sighed at me. I closed my eyes at his words and shook my head.

"I don't think you can give me the love I need either. It wouldn't have worked," I turned to look at Jungkook with my tearful eyes. I know he cares about me, and I feel the same way for him, but I don't think the love I'm desperately searching for is in him.

"You asked why I didn't want to marry you, and that hurt me a lot because you're the only person I want in my life forever. Whether it's friendship or relationship," Jungkook exhaled, reaching to hold my hand with a torn expression.

"I just don't know what I want. I think that's the reason why I'm so... lost? I don't know what's good or bad for me. I'm trying so hard to walk on the right path, but I feel like all my efforts are meaningless," I shrugged. I've lived as they encouraged me to. I even changed myself to be a good person like I was told to. I'm at peace now, but what's the purpose of all this? I'm not feeling any better.

"What about Seokjin? You seemed happy with him," Jungkook exhaled. I scoffed and chuckled at his words.

"He's pretty good in bed," I laughed and rubbed my face in distress.

"You already slept with him?" Jungkook blinked at me in surprise, so I chuckled and nodded at him.

"Oh. I have good feelings for Seokjin... because of his positive energy. I agreed to be his girlfriend, and we always had a good time together," I giggled and took a mouthful gulp of the beer to numb my aching chest.

"Then why are you like this?" Jungkook raised his eyebrow at me unsurely.

"Seokjin is protecting a rapist," I gritted in anger as I glared at the dark river. He might be my lover, but he's protecting a man who assaulted me physically and sexually! How can I live like this?

"Does he know...? About your stepfather?" Jungkook frowned at me.

"That's the mess-up part. Seokjin doesn't know what my stepfather did to me. I only told Seokjin he's an abusive man. I can't even bring myself to tell him the truth," I shook my head in distress. I endured and lived with the pain he inflicted on me every day of my life. And my boyfriend is protecting the man responsible for the lingering touches he left on my body! It makes me sick.

"I find it odd. The Kims. They were always neutral. So why...? Why would Seokjin want to side with your stepfather? For what purpose?" Jungkook exhaled and nodded at me.

"That's what I question too. Why is he into me? What does he want from me? I can't figure it out. I feel very restless about it even if he claims to have good feelings for me," I muttered as I stared at the dark river with my emotionless eyes.

"Well. Why don't you play along with Seokjin first? If he's a good man, I'm sure you can convince him to get rid of your father. But I want you to promise me one thing," Jungkook gripped my hand with an anxious expression.

"What is it?" I muttered unsurely.

"The moment Seokjin makes you doubt your worth or importance in your relationship. You have to pull away from him. Especially when he's hurting you. Got it?" Jungkook stared at me with his stern eyes. I nodded and leaned forward to let him hug me. Jungkook took me home afterward... only to find Secretary Yoo waiting by my gate.

"Annyeonghaseyo!" I greeted him after Jungkook left.

"Oh! Jiyong-shi! I'm heading to Seokjin's place after discussing the contract with your local store, so I thought I should drop by. Do you want to visit Seokjin's place? I'm heading there," Secretary Yoo politely bowed at me. Whatever Seokjin or the Kims are planning... I don't want to be a clueless person anymore. I can't let myself fall back into my stepfather's clutch, so I can't play the victim in this game anymore if I want to escape him. Taehyung might not be a reliable person... but his words made a lot of sense. I have to keep my eyes open at all times because if I'm careless... I might be the one bearing all the consequences. I agreed to leave with Secretary Yoo and headed to Seokjin place with him. I'm going to start with Seokjin first. I can't hide in my shell forever... I've got skills, and I will use it to build a defensive wall around me. Seokjin will not lose anything even if he chooses to discard me, and I can't let anyone destroy me again.

"I brought the documents!" Secretary Yoo announced as we entered Seokjin's bright villa.

"Can you send Yeona a flower bouquet?" Seokjin's voice echoed from somewhere in the villa, making me halt in place. Secretary Yoo glanced at me with an awkward expression, but I pretended to not pay attention as I slipped off my shoes.

"Yes, sir-"

"Make sure it's her favorite," Seokjin called again. Yeona... she's real. I just need to confirm Taehyung's words.

"Jiyoung is here with me!" Secretary Yoo announced loudly to stop Seokjin from speaking about Yeona. I said nothing and strolled into the living room just as Seokjin appeared in the living room.

"Oh? Jiyoung! I didn't expect you!" Seokjin gasped, startled by my presence, and turned to look at Secretary Yoo in confusion.

"He invited me to have dinner with you. Am I not supposed to be here?" I blinked innocently at him. I didn't mind his love history but to send her flowers when he's with me? That's too much.

"No no no! I prepared enough food for all of us. Stay with me tonight," Seokjin weakly chuckled, so I tiptoed to kiss his lips, drawing him against me by his waist. Taehyung was right. I shouldn't be naive... especially when I'm a red flag woman. I wanted to be good for Seokjin... but if he's playing dirty with me, then I won't hold back either.

"I figured Jiyoung should be here as a representative since you want to use her local delivery company. She can help us prepare the contract to ensure both parties are comfortable with the terms and conditions," Secretary Yoo smiled as he slipped off his jacket.

"Do you want to get changed?" Seokjin questioned.

"I brought my own clothes to stay," I smiled at him.

"You brought clothes to say with me?" Seokjin raised his eyebrow with an excited grin. I winked at him and hurried into his bathroom to change into my comfortable nightwear. I need to find solid evidence of Yeona. The moment I can confirm he's still with her... I'll switch sides.

The three of us had dinner together in the kitchen instead of the living room because it was more spacious for the documents. Apparently, Seokjin will accept ajumma's service to help her increase her daily deliveries. He even offered to fund her store so she could purchase more trucks and hire more employees. It was a fair offer, and I was surprised by his generosity... not until he brought up another topic.

"I want you to stop working there. You keep lifting heavy things," Seokjin sighed after draining his wine glass.

"I need to work-"

"You can work with me. I'll free a spot for you. What do you think?" Seokjin smiled at me as Secretary Yoo ate his food.

"I didn't attend university...? I can't join your corporation," I shook my head unsurely.

"Secretary Yoo will train you. You can type on computers, right? Don't worry about it," Seokjin shook his head at me. I gulped unsurely. He wants me to quit working?

"We can register you as a paid intern. Don't worry about your income," Secretary Yoo smiled at me.

"I'll consider it after talking to ajumma," I nodded and turned to eat my food. I eventually left for Seokjin's bedroom while he discussed other work-related matters with secretary Yoo. I tied my hair and scanned his room with my suspicious gaze. Yeona... I need to find evidence of her. I gulped and slowly walked up to the drawers to pull them open, but there was nothing important inside. Maybe I should check his office? His room is pretty empty. 

I cautiously stepped out of the bedroom to hear Seokjin's faint voice from the kitchen and wandered down the corridor to his office. I reached out to turn the handle, but it was locked. Right... he must've locked it ever since the break-in incident with Jimin. I scratched my head awkwardly as I glanced around the villa and strolled forward to find a glass wall along the corridor when I noticed an odd black door. I walked up to it, carefully reaching out to grab the door handle. It's locked. Fuck. I lost my patience, so I withdrew the pin from my hair and started picking the lock in a hurry- Click. The door slid open as I stood in the doorway, gently pushing it open when I felt firm arms encircling my waist.

"Ah!" I shrieked in shock when Seokjin back hugged from behind, swiftly turning me in the opposite direction. I turned to look at him in panic.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you sleepy?" Seokjin asked with a confused smile.

"Oh! I got a bit curious and walked around the place. I'm sorry for being nosy," I chuckled awkwardly. Seokjin smiled at me, then glanced at the gap between the door before reaching out to close it.

"It's alright. You can do anything you want. But... this room is off-limits," Seokjin weakly smiled at me as he held onto my waist.

"Oh. I'm sorry-"

"It's fine. Just please don't go into that room. I can't tell you the reason, but it's my personal space. It's nothing weird... but there are certain things I prefer to keep to myself. I'll share it with you when we're married," Seokjin smiled and leaned forward to kiss me. I nodded after he pulled away and glanced at the door again.

"Married?" I giggled shyly.

"Yeah. Aren't we dating to marry? Please be patient with me until then," Seokjin leaned down to kiss me again. Okay. That's very suspicious.

I kept my guards up ever since I discovered Seokjin's secret room. I don't know if I'm being paranoid, or maybe he's really hiding things from me but something didn't feel right. I kept my feelings to myself and spent time with Seokjin whenever he was free, and we had a pretty good time, but the restless feeling in my chest never left me either. Seokjin wanted me to quit working with ajumma so I had to talk with her. She encouraged me to do as he suggested because she didn't want me to work for minimum wages. I ended up attending private lessons with Secretary Yoo every afternoon at the corporation after considering the consequences and risks of my decisions.

"Jiyoung-shi?" Secretary Yoo waved his hand before my face, snapping me out of my thoughts. I blinked and turned to find him standing before the wide screen in a small meeting room.

"Oh? Neh. I'm sorry," I shook my head and sleepily glanced down at the document.

"We'll take a break. You look tired," Secretary Yoo nodded at me before walking out of the room to give me some space, so I got up to use the restroom. I washed my hands at the sink and was about to step into the corridor when I overheard a conversation.

"-she's doing well," Secretary Yoo informed.

"That's a relief. Oh- Can you send gifts to Yeona's parents? I heard her mother fell ill," Seokjin instructed his secretary. I pursed my lips and took a step back from the door to rub my face. Seokjin has been sending gifts to Yeona... or her family. He never mentions anything about her whenever he's with me, but I keep overhearing conversations about her. I had the urge to rush to Taehyung to ask him about Yeona, but I wanted to confirm it myself first. What is this?

"Oh? Someone's sick?" I hastily opened the door to find Seokjin standing with Secretary Yoo. Seokjin turned to look at me in panic as if he didn't expect my presence at all.

"Ah. A friend's parent is sick, and I was just asking Secretary Yoo to-"

"Oh? Why don't we visit them?" I suggested keenly with my eyes fixed on Seokjin to observe his body language, but he didn't react the way I anticipated.

"They live far from here. I'll visit them when I'm free. Also. Do you want to come to my place tonight?" Seokjin questioned, turning to face me.

"Sure. I'll leave with you," I nodded. Seokjin tried to kiss me, but I walked away and pretended as if I didn't notice his gesture, intentionally leaving him hanging in the corridor. I'm trying to perceive him as a good man, but he's secretly contacting another woman!? What is this?!!

"I got you honey tea," Secretary Yoo placed a mug of warm tea for me after we stepped back into the meeting room.

"I have a question," I sighed, averting my curious eyes to him as he flipped through his files.

"Related to the-"

"Who's Yeona? Is there something I'm supposed to know?" I questioned, leaning forward to narrow my eyes at him. Secretary Yoo stared at me with a blank expression and cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Seokjin restricted me from talking about Yeona. I can't tell you anything, unfortunately," Secretary Yoo forcefully smiled at me.

"He sends her gifts... flowers... food... and even medical supplies to her parents. I thought it was nothing, but I'm really bothered by this... secret woman," I exhaled, crossing my arms with an upset expression. I really want to trust Seokjin, and I like him... but he's making me doubt his intentions! It's been a month, and the only progression we make is when he's thrusting between my legs on his bed! He refuses to discuss anything else but take me on stupid boring dates!

"I'm sorry, but I can't speak-"

"Then answer one question. Yeona is not his friend, is she?" I pressed, averting my dull eyes to Secretary Yoo. He stared at me in difficulty, finally nodding to confirm my suspicion instead of answering. My heart sank at his words, and I suddenly felt dizzy. Taehyung was right. Fuck. Jaehyun came to see me a few days ago because Seokjin was avoiding him. My stepfather wants to know about Seokjin's plan... but Seokjin is refusing to discuss the situation with me. And Namjoon is launching an investigation at a corporation scale to scoop up all the dirt related to the corrupt representatives! So my stepfather is very agitated by Seokjin's careless effort to handle the situation. And me? I'm struggling with this love and business game. I have a boyfriend, but I'm very suspicious of him! And my stepfather is threatening to drag me back home!

"I'll head to the front gate to speak with the security department for a moment. Let's eat when I return," Seokjin informed me as I showered in his bathroom. I slowly stepped out of the bathroom after he left and quickly got dressed before rushing toward the drawers again.

"Fuck! Where would he keep the key!?" I muttered as I opened his drawers in a hurry but paused when I noticed a box of condoms and turned to look at the bed. What if he's just using me for my body? Whatever! I quickly strolled out of his bedroom and headed to the kitchen to wait for him, but he wasn't there yet. I gulped and glanced at the corridor and back at the front door with temptation.

"I don't care if I get busted! I need confirmation!" I gritted under my breath and hurried down the corridor out of impulse until I reached the familiar black door.

"Let's find out," I muttered and reached out to open the door when it suddenly opened, and Seokjin stepped out of the room. My eyes bulged open in shock when he froze before me with a startled expression. I pursed my lips as he frowned at me and slowly closed the door behind him.

"What are you doing here?" Seokjin's face suddenly neutralized.

"I was looking for you-" I stuttered in panic as he frowned at me. Shit! He said he's with the guard! So why is he in the room?

"I told you not to come to this room!" Seokjin suddenly raised his voice at me for the first time, making me wince in fright at his unexpected outburst.

"I looked all over the place for you-"

"What are you looking for exactly!? I saw you picking my lock the first time I followed you here! But I let it slide! And now you're back when I told you I was seeing the guard!?" Seokjin suddenly confronted me in anger. I gulped at him in fright as he flared his nostrils at me. Jiyoung... What do you know? Do I play weak, or are you going to confront him? Did I really think this was a healthy relationship when he only invited me to his place to have sex with me!?

"I'm sorry," I exhaled in defeat and lowered my face to stare at the ground. Not now... I need to be smart about this.

"Sorry? Tell me why you're snooping around in my house like this?! I pitied you, so I did everything I could to make you feel comfortable yet-"

"You pitied me?" I whispered in disbelief. The room suddenly grew hushed as the words echoed in my empty mind. I scoffed in shock when I felt my chest clenching in pain. What did he just say...?

"I did everything to please you! I helped your store! I even got you a place at the corporation! And I even stepped down from my position for you, and yet you're picking my locks when I told you to respect my boundaries?!" Seokjin snapped, furiously lowering his angry face to glower at me. I stared at him with a blank expression because I didn't know how to react to the situation. Taehyung was right. Seokjin... He loves to be the savior in people's pitiful lives. I thought it was love even if I was doubtful of his intention, but it was just pity...?

"Who's Yeona?" I gulped, firing him the triggering question. Taehyung urged me to question Seokjin if I wanted to know the truth, but I held back because I didn't want to upset Seokjin. I'm done. I lost my patience, and I want to know the truth!

"What-"

"Who is Yeona!?" I snapped furiously until his face turned pale.

"Did Taehyung-"

"NO! ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW! YOU SAY I'M YOUR GIRLFRIEND AND THAT YOU LOVE ME- SO WHO IS YEONA?! WHY DO YOU KEEP GIFTING HER THINGS!? DID YOU THINK I WAS A FOOL BECAUSE I SEEMED HELPLESS?! DID YOU THINK I DIDN'T REALIZE THE REASON YOU STOCKED YOUR FUCKING CONDOMS?! EVERY TIME YOU INVITED ME TO YOUR PLACE- DID YOU THINK I WAS ACTUALLY CLUELESS?!" I exploded when I felt my body fuming in anger as I stood before Seokjin in frustration.

"She's just a friend!" Seokjin stared at me in horror. I rudely scoffed at his response I didn't believe Taehyung until Secretary Yoo confirmed Yeona isn't Seokjin's friend. Even Namjoon mentioned he was fighting with Taehyung for her. Did he think I was a fool just because I gave up on my education after high school!?

"You said you hate an unfaithful partner. You must really hate yourself then," I sneered at him in disappointment. Seokjin's face suddenly turned red after hearing my mocking statements.

"What about Park Jimin?! Did you think you could hide the fact that he's your ex-boyfriend!? I gave you many chances to tell me the truth, but you lied to me!" Seokjin snapped at me, causing my body to turn cold. What? He knew about Jimin?

"Why did you ask me about Jimin if you knew!? Why?!-"

"I wanted you to be honest with me! I let it slide over and over again because I respected your personal privacy- only to realize you had the fucking nerve to barge into my room! I fucking told you not to invade my boundaries! And I hate it when people disrespect me like this!" Seokjin argued until bulging veins formed on his neck. My chest thumped at his harsh words, but I refused to surrender to him.

"Fine. I lied about Jimin, but I have nothing to do with him. Jimin knows I'm seeing you! And he never bothered me about it! Our relationship is platonic because I chose you. But I guess... I'm only the unfortunate girl turned princess after a prince saved her in your delusional love story! I was a fool to think you really loved me, but it was just out of pity! Wae? Did you fuck me out of pity too?" I screamed in his face and stomped off in anger when he suddenly grabbed my hand and tugged me back to stop me from leaving.

"ARE YOU TAKING ME FOR GRANTED? I DID SO MANY THINGS FOR-"

"YEAH, AND I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL, RIGHT? FOR MAKING ME FEEL LIKE THE MAIN CHARACTER IN YOUR STUPID LOVE STORY? You're only doing all this to make yourself better! I never asked for your help- so don't use it against me! I let you have everything your way because I thought you were genuine with me but no! Not until I realized you're still in love with another woman!" I screamed at him in tears and roughly tugged my arm back. Lies! He's been telling me lies!

"I didn't mean it that way when I said I pitied you!" Seokjin snapped at me with his eyebrows furrowed. I rubbed away my tears in difficulty while glaring at his bitter eyes.

"I'm leaving!" I snapped and turned to storm away.

"Jiyoung! Wait-"

"Don't touch me! If I'm a pathetic person- then don't bother wasting your time on a fool like me! I will not let anyone make me feel worthless again! Not even you! Not after I overcame my trauma just to fucking be pity fucked by you!" I seethed at him when Seokjin tried to stop me as I hastily collected my things from his bedroom.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out at you- Jiyoung, I'm sorry!" Seokjin suddenly softened his voice as I tried to walk out the door.

"Get out of my way!" I demanded in tears.

"I can't let you leave in an unstable state like this!" Seokjin frowned at me.

"I don't need your pitiful concern, so move aside!" I snapped and tried to push him away when he suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug.

"I'm sorry. Okay? Jiyoung- I'm sorry- I didn't mean it-" Seokjin whispered as he held onto my head.

"No! I said-" I screamed at Seokjin when he pulled away to pin his lips against mine to mute me with his suffocating kiss, making me halt in shock. I tried to break free from his clutch, but he refused to release me and kissed me aggressively as he held onto my head.

"Don't leave me. Please... I'm sorry," Seokjin whispered in a pleading tone with his hands cupped around my cheeks. I stood in my place when he suddenly reached under my shirt to grope my breasts as he lustfully kissed me. Lust. It's lust. How can I be this blind? Taehyung warned me, but I didn't listen to him. I gulped in horror as Seokjin fondled my body and tried to slip his hand into my pants.

"Stop- I said stop it!" I snapped, thrusting him away from me in anger. Seokjin stumbled backward and turned to look at me with his troubled eyes. All those times I slept with him... he kept asking me to do erotic things for him.

"Jiyoung. I'm sorry, alright? I'll make it up to you. I promise," Seokjin stubbornly walked back towards me.

"Is it lust? The reason you wanted me...?" I whispered in shock. Seokjin halted in his position with an uneasy frown as I stared at him in tears.

"No. I like you, Jiyoung... I really do. You're the only woman-"

"Let's end it here. I don't want to see you anymore," I muttered and walked past him in pain. I'm his only woman? Oh. I love it when he uses his good-guy image to fool me like this. That's why I fell for him in the first place... because I was so desperate for love. I'm so fucking pathetic!

"Jiyoung. Please... listen to me..." Seokjin suddenly back hugged me again when I got to the front door. I gulped in difficulty as he fastened his arms around my body to secure me against him. He tilted his head to kiss the side of my neck until I felt goosebumps crawling over my skin at his sensual strokes. I shakily exhaled when I felt his stimulating activities over my sensitive areas. Hopelessly... I leaned my head against his chest as he held me against his warm body. My mind is growing numb with the overflowing realization.

Taehyung warned me. Seokjin was just like him... but smarter. 

Disguising his real intentions with the perfect man image to fulfill his desire. 

And I didn't believe Taehyung.

I shuddered at Seokjin's tingling breath over my ear as he gently kissed my shoulder while roaming his invasive touches all over my body. Lustfully... absorbing me into him... as if I'm a possession he wants for himself... just like his toys.

"Stay with me," Seokjin whispered, slowly turning me to face him as he stared at me with his sorry yet sensual gaze. My face turned pale, and my body grew numb when he leaned forward to kiss me again, but this time... he was really impatient with me. 

I could feel it... his thirst and raging desire... desperately begging for my response. 

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Hi!!! How's everyone doing! I'm so sleepy lmao! I'll go to sleep right away after publishing this chapter~! I need more sleep T_T We're already at chapter 15? Damn. I really need to finish his story ASAP. I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please stay safe and always take care of your health~! I love you~! <3 <3 <3