Love Candidate - Him & I - Chapter 20

Warning: This chapter contains a mature scene.

Taehyung slowly lowered his hand from his wild hair with his pale expression fixed on mine and lips slightly ajar as if he didn't expect my presence in the room. I blinked at him, blankly averting my eyes back to the corpse in the kitchen until I felt the urge to barf out my intestines. I quickly turned around and rushed to the bathroom just as Taehyung took a step forward to explain the situation. A rush of vomit shot up my throat, violently ejecting out of my mouth the instant I reached the toilet bowl. I puked so hard I felt my own intestine twisting and tearing itself apart. My head was throbbing so much I could feel my own pulse in my temples as I fought to regain control of my senses and finally lowered my head to catch my breath with my eyes closed after emptying my stomach.

"Jiyoung-" Taehyung touched my shoulder as I hovered over the toilet. I let out a shaky exhale, flushed the vomit and straightened my body to inhale softly. I shrugged Taehyung's hand off my shoulder without looking at him and walked towards the sink to rinse my lips. Slowly, I averted my tearful eyes to the mirror to find Taehyung standing behind me with a dim expression.

"Hah," I weakly scoffed in disbelief and lowered my face with my arms pressed against the sink. Taehyung tried to walk toward me with an anxious expression, so I quickly turned around, strode out of the bathroom and strolled back into the living room.

"Jiyoung, you should stay in my room-" Taehyung gently reached out for my wrist in the corridor. I pulled my hand out of his grasp with a dull expression as Taehyung stared at me with his pleading eyes. I want to see everything, and he will not stop me. I darted Taehyung a cold stare before strolling to the kitchen to find a few men heaving the dead body out of the apartment. The thugs were scrubbing and dabbing the blood with hydrogen peroxide to clean up the nasty blood spill. Yoongi was busy instructing the men while Taehyung stood beside me with a restless expression. He seems calm... but I know he's very anxious because he keeps rubbing his hands together.

"Sir," A man walked up to Taehyung and handed him a few freshly printed photographs of the dead man's corpse. I turned to stare at Taehyung without uttering a single word. He gulped uneasily at my harsh silent treatment and shoved the pictures into his pocket. Taehyung tried to convince me to leave the room, but I refused to listen and watched the thugs until they cleaned up the entire kitchen. The dead man disappeared after an hour of intensive cleaning. Not a single trace of blood was left, and the evidence was destroyed. The kitchen was polished, as new as ever. No one would have guessed a person was recently murdered in this room. The only suspicion was the foul chemical smell of the hydrogen peroxide used to destroy the bloody evidence. I slowly walked into the living room with my arms crossed after the men left, turning to find Yoongi sighing on the couch with his head hung low, finally averting my eyes to Taehyung. He was oddly quiet while studying me with his hands clasped together. Like a guilty child...

"I'm heading out," Yoongi sighed and got up to leave the apartment because he couldn't stand staying behind after covering the disturbing murder for his boss. I sighed and walked back to my room to collect my phone and clothes to place it in my bag when I felt Taehyung entering the room after me. He quietly watched me pack my things without uttering a single word.

"I'm going home," I whispered, turning to find him leaning against the door with a troubled expression. I slowly walked toward him, but he refused to let me out and reached out to hold my waist with an apologetic expression.

"You said you won't leave my side," Taehyung whispered.

"I said I'm going home," I exhaled, dryly staring at him with my listless eyes.

"Jiyoung- please-"

"Step aside. Don't make me repeat myself," I coldly interrupted. Taehyung gulped at my withdrawn behavior and stepped aside as I instructed him.

"Will you come back to me?" Taehyung asked in tears as I reached out to grab the handle.

"No. You come to me when you're ready to explain your actions," I turned to look at Taehyung in disappointment and walked out of the room. Taehyung let out a soft whimper and walked out after me but didn't dare touch me.

"You know I have a gun, right?" Taehyung suddenly spoke up, making me halt in my place. I slowly turned to study his upset expression and glanced at the empty kitchen again.

"I'm leaving because I don't think either of us is in the right mind right now. Reflect on your actions while I'm away, and don't use the gun against me. I told you, didn't I? I will stay by your side only if you learn to respect our relationship. You know you'll hurt my feelings if you harm yourself... and you still want to do it? Try hurting yourself again, and you'll see the consequences of your actions. I've already revealed my feelings and even expressed how much I care for you and if you think... it's appropriate to use self-harm against me after I begged you to stay alive... then I have no choice but to end our relationship. I will not tolerate a toxic relationship," I responded, paralyzing Taehyung with my cold words until his face turned pale. He knows he can't threaten me. I turned around and left the apartment without looking back and headed home because I was very numb and bewildered by his inhumane acts.

Am I scared of leaving him alone? Yes. I am terrified... but I can't let him behave like this. I can't let him use his pain as an excuse to make me submit to him. I love him, but I will not tolerate a toxic relationship either. Although I'm good with mind games and manipulation... I'll never use it against people I love. Taehyung is trying to keep me by his side by threatening to hurt himself, and most women would surrender out of fear... and that's their biggest mistake. The moment you let your lover suppress you with their emotional excuses... You've unwillingly registered for an unhealthy relationship. It will destroy you. Sooner or later, even if you love the person. As much as I want to comfort him... I can't or I'll give him the upper hand to control our relationship. He will keep on repeating his actions with the same excuses.

Fast Forward

"Moh?" Jungkook snapped as he sat across from me in the cafe with a slight frown.

"It just happened," I shrugged, unable to look at his eyes because I knew he was on the verge of smacking me in the face.

"You're dating Kim Taehyung?" Jungkook gasped dramatically with his bulging doe eyes.

"What's wrong with that?" I mumbled when Jungkook suddenly leaned over the table to smack my head with his fist, making me groan in pain.

"I told you to avoid drugs! Now you're dating a drug lord?!" Jungkook snapped in disbelief before sitting back down as I rubbed my head in irritation.

"He doesn't do drugs!" I whined, firing Jungkook a deadly glare.

"What do you mean he doesn't do drugs when he's the one distributing drugs?! Don't be absurd!" Jungkook snapped back at me. The other tables turned to look at us with annoyed expressions.

"He's just selling them!" I lowered my voice to argue with Jungkook.

"Wae? WAE? Why would you date him!?- AH!" Jungkook raised his voice, so I quickly flicked his forehead to shush him. Jungkook gasped in shock and clasped his hand painfully over his head while firing me a sharp glare.

"Can't you be supportive?!" I gritted in irritation.

"Supportive of my best friend's relationship with a mafia boss? I must be a brainless idiot to be happy for you!" Jungkook mocked me. I crossed my arms at his irritated face and turned away in frustration.

"You're so annoying," I grumbled under my breath while sipping my drink.

"Did you sleep with him?" Jungkook asked, eyeing me bitterly.

"Of course I did! He's hot! How can I not!?" I darted him an irritated glare. Jungkook pursed his lips at my snappy response with an uptight frown.

"And what makes you think he's not fooling around with you? He's famous for seeing many women-"

"He's only seeing me now. I know that because I was always at his place," I shrugged. Jungkook widened his eyes at me like a startled mother. He's very disappointed in me. I might not have a proper mother, but with Jungkook around... He bears the duty as my strict mother. Always scolding me about men. 

"You went to his place? The mafia-"

"He lives on the top floor, and it's a decent apartment with a great view," I countered before he could nag me. Jungkook scoffed at me as if I was nuts and turned to glare out the window.

"Is that all you care about? A hot guy with a luxury apartment!? Moh? A nice view?! You've really lost your mind! I don't like it. You and Kim Taehyung. I was rooting for you and Seokjin, but you really chose a drug lord over a competent heir," Jungkook sighed, leaning back in his chair with a disappointed look.

"You were never supportive with any of my relationships anyways. I figured I'll just be with someone I'm happy with," I muttered while sipping the frappe from my plastic cup.

"What about the news? Didn't the media claim Kim Taehyung was involved in a murder? He's dangerous," Jungkook frowned at me.

"It wasn't actually a murder. Taehyung is covering Seokjin's crime to protect his older brother's image," I shook my head. Jungkook doubtfully stared at me as he sipped his drink, offending me with his judgy attitude.

"How are you sure he's telling the truth?" Jungkook rolled his eyes at me.

"I heard his mother talking about it too. Seokjin is protecting the case for Taehyung," I protectively refuted Taehyung's innocence.

"I think I might go crazy! You're really seeing him???" Jungkook gasped, leaning forward with a terrified expression as if he thought I was joking with him the entire time we were bickering.

"Yeah, but I don't know anymore," I muttered, finally lowering my eyes to stare at my drink. Taehyung murdered a man in front of me... and I can't tell Jungkook about it.

"What's the matter? Did he hurt you?" Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows at my sudden sulky mood.

"We fought," I grumpily whispered.

"Break up with him," Jungkook said shortly. Tsk. He's always like this. Break up with him. Break up with Jimin. He tells me to break up with this guy and that man whenever I talk to him about my relationship crisis.

"The fight has nothing to do with my relationship with Taehyung. It's more about his family affair. His mother is using him to protect Seokjin," I sighed heavily.

"You're not a superwoman, so don't be involved with their family. The Kim might lose their authority for their crimes. Your father will regain full control of the corporation again," Jungkook shook his head at me. I was about to respond to Jungkook when someone suddenly sat down next to me in a gray hoodie... with a hood over his head to hide his face. Jungkook glanced at the person with a baffled expression but almost spat his drink when he recognized the man. I turned to find Taehyung sitting beside me with his head hung low. His dark and wild hair were blocking his eyes and a part of his face, so I couldn't see his expression. Jungkook and I exchanged awkward glances at Taehyung's unexpected appearance. Speak of the devil...

"What are you doing here?" I whispered, frowning at Taehyung. How did he find me?

"Let's go," Taehyung suddenly grabbed my hand and got up from the seat. I sat stiffly in my position, refusing to move as he tugged me repeatedly.

"Excuse me. Why are you dragging Jiyoung?" Jungkook stared at Taehyung.

"I said come with me!" Taehyung snapped his angered eyes to me from under his hood when I refused get up. Jungkook's eyes widened at Taehyung's outburst. He tried to scold Taehyung with a dumbfounded expression until  I signaled him not to.

"Let go of my hand," I averted my cold gaze to Taehyung. He breathed heavily under his hood and tightened his firm grip around my wrist with a frustrated expression. Just like a child refusing to let go of his toys...

"I've had enough-"

"Do I have to repeat myself?" I interrupted him. Taehyung averted his angered eyes to mine and gulped in difficulty before glancing at Jungkook's sour expression. Jungkook stared at Taehyung's unstable condition with a disapproving look. He's ready to stop Taehyung from dragging me away. I sternly stared at Taehyung to assert my dominance until he loosened his grip around my wrist and pulled his hand away.

"Please come with me," He whispered, softening his voice with his head hung low. Jungkook turned to look at me with a puzzled expression at Taehyung's sudden surrender as I kept my sore gaze on Taehyung.

"I'll leave when I want to. Sit down," I exhaled, nodding at the seat beside mine. Taehyung gripped his fists, slowly sat back down without complaining, and lowered his face to stare at his hands in silence.

"What the fuck?" Jungkook mouthed me in shock, averting his eyes back to Taehyung's composed behavior in bewilderment. I sighed and got up to order a milkshake for him.

"Drink it," I muttered, placing the drink in front of Taehyung. Taehyung didn't say anything and leaned forward to sip from the straw... still keeping his face down. Jungkook scoffed at Taehyung with his arms crossed and glanced at me for explanations.

"Why is he so submissive?" Jungkook mouthed me as he studied Taehyung.

"I'll explain later. You should leave," I mouthed Jungkook. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung again and slowly got onto his feet.

"I'll get going then," Jungkook nodded and left the cafe. I watched Jungkook mount his bike until he left the street before turning back to find Taehyung chewing his straw in silence.

"Why are you here?" I questioned. Taehyung stopped drinking and slowly averted his weary eyes to mine as he sat by my side.

"I missed you," He whispered, apologetically looking at me.

"I don't think this is an appropriate place to talk," I sighed and got up from my seat. Taehyung got up with the drink and followed me out of the cafe, so we walked back to my place without exchanging conversations. I unlocked the door to let him in. He quietly sat down on the couch and placed the milkshake away as I took off my shoes and sat down on the couch with him.

"Are you still mad at me?" Taehyung asked, looking up at me from his hood with his usual hopeless puppy eyes.

"I wasn't mad at you. What are you talking about?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Then why did you leave me?" He asked quietly.

"Did you expect me to stay at the apartment after what you did? You didn't want me there anyway," I sighed. Did he expect me to stay with him after I witnessed the man's death before my eyes?

"I had no choice," Taehyung shook his head.

"I know it was your mother. How long has she been doing this to you? How many people have you killed for her?" I questioned. Taehyung refused to answer me and sat in silence with his fists gripped tightly. His mother must've threatened him to keep quiet. I grew frustrated and got up from the couch after losing my patience when he wouldn't talk to me.

"You should leave-"

"No! I'm sorry! Don't make me leave!" Taehyung whimpered when I tried to pull him off the couch.

"You won't speak with me anyways!" I snapped at him when he suddenly slid off the couch to kneel before me, frantically pushing off the hood of his head to look up at me with his pleading eyes. My heart clenched at his torn expression.

"I'm sorry! I just wanted to see you because I terribly missed you! So don't push me away!" Taehyung gripped my hands apologetically as I stood over him.

"Why are you kneeling? Get up. Don't be like this-"

"I was wrong, so-"

"I'm not your mother! Don't kneel!" I snapped in frustration. How badly was he abused by his mother for him to kneel for love like this!? Taehyung quickly got up with his hands clasped together as he struggled to hold back his tears and pursed his lips at me like a frightened child. I stared at his helpless condition in frustration. I want to push him away but damn his puppy eyes! I exhaled after pondering my thoughts and finally pulled him into a crushing hug.

"I'm sorry-" He sobbed, gripping tightly onto my shoulders as I patted his back to comfort him.

"I told you to reflect on your actions... not to kneel for me," I whispered. You're driving me crazy with your divided personalities!

"I don't want to leave," Taehyung shook his head against my shoulder.

"Okay, I won't make you leave. Sit down. You can stay," I nodded after a long pause, slowly releasing Taehyung from my embrace. Taehyung sniffled and sat down with his worried eyes trained on mine. I turned to grab a few tissues, gently wiped his tears, and sat beside him with a pained expression.

"I told you I'm a monster. I didn't want you to see me that night, but you did-" Taehyung pouted sadly with a torn expression. A hot lump formed in my throat as I stared at his unstable mental state in difficulty. Why is he so... hopeless? I don't want to pity him, but I feel so sorry for him.

"It's your mother, isn't it?" I asked.

"Yeah. I have to do it, or I'll get in trouble," Taehyung nodded. I closed my eyes at his words and gently reached out to hold his shaky hand.

"How many times? How many times did she make you kill for her?" I asked, worriedly searching his tearful eyes.

"I don't remember... there's too many," He whispered. My heart broke at his confession. Too many? I thought Taehyung made his thugs kill her targets, but no. He had to do it himself to keep the murder confidential.

"What makes you think it's acceptable to kill for her?" I questioned, sadly shaking my head at him.

"I wanted her to be proud of me," Taehyung whispered. How can a mother be this cruel to a child? Even if he's not her birth child. This is unacceptable! And brutal!

"You did it because you wanted love? So you killed for her?" I sighed heavily.

"Yeah. The first few times were alright... but it started killing me, so I tried to beg her. I told her I wanted to stop... but she said- she said- it's the least I can do for our family," Taehyung whispered.

"Will you keep on killing for her then? Even if it's breaking you like this?" I nodded at his miserable condition.

"I'll do anything to be loved," Taehyung nodded. I pursed my lips at his response and lowered my head to process my messy thoughts. This can't be it. I can't stand this anymore. It's not my business, but I can't dismiss his mother's malicious intentions either. What will I do? Do I walk away from Taehyung... or do I stay by his side? Although it isn't our relationship problem... his family affair is indirectly tearing me to pieces because I care about him. What should I do? I calmly breathed with my eyes closed to contemplate my decisions.

"Do you hate me now? You don't love me anymore?" Taehyung whispered after a somber silence between us.

"Love... is that what you really want?" I finally exhaled after making up my mind and slowly looked up at him with an exhausted expression.

"Yeah," Taehyung nodded at me.

"Will you stop hurting people if I give you my love? Or is it not enough?" I asked while staring at his torn eyes.

"What do you mean?" He questioned in confusion.

"I want you to stop killing for your mother, and I will love you instead. Or is it not enough?" I asked unsurely. Taehyung thought about my words with difficulty.

"I love you, Jiyoung. I really do, but I don't know if I can defy my mother's command," Taehyung exhaled. I stared at him with a conflicted expression and turned to lean against the couch in exhaustion. He slowly leaned forward to hug me tightly, so I inhaled deeply and patted his head in silence. Taehyung stayed at my house that day, and I let him because he didn't look well. I will figure this out. I have a way to free Taehyung from this misery, but I'll need to play mind games with him... it's a dangerous gamble... but if I don't defy his family... our relationship will break at his mother's hand.

I need Namjoon's help.

Fast Forward

I carefully placed the document on Namjoon's empty desk when someone suddenly strolled into the room, so I turned to find Taehyung dressed in a gray striped suit. He paused to stare at me in surprise when he noticed me in his brother's office.

"What are you doing here?" Taehyung asked as he approached me with a weak smile. I stared at his neat pushed back hair and bright expression with a slight smile. He looks well today.

"Seokjin asked me to get an approval from Namjoon. What are you doing here?" I replied. Taehyung placed his arm around my waist to draw me towards him and gently leaned down to kiss me. I smiled with my palms placed over his warm cheeks as I gently stroked my lips over his at a steady rhythm.

"Eomma wanted to see me," Taehyung answered, pulling away to smile at me. I brushed my lipstick stain off his lips... and gave him a soft peck on his cheek as he held onto my lower waist.

"-Aigo~ I'm so tired," Mrs. Kim suddenly opened the door to the office. Taehyung immediately released me in panic, so I turned to fix my hair just as she strolled into the office in her usual fancy dress.

"Mother," Taehyung slightly bowed at her.

"Aigo! You're here! There's lipstick on your cheek! Did you have fun before you came here? Aigo! Jiyoung-shi! You're here too!" Mrs. Kim stopped to examine Taehyung's cheek when she noticed my lipstick imprint on his skin, causing Taehyung's cheeks to flush rosy red. I forcefully smiled at her with an unsettled feeling. Namjoon suddenly walked into the office in his work attire and smiled at me.

"Why did you want to see me, eomma?" Namjoon asked as he took off his suit to hang it on the coat hanger before sitting down to review the document I delivered to him.

"I'm here to discuss about the press," Mrs. Kim shrugged, leaning forward to pour herself a warm tea after an assistant delivered it to her.

"Seokjin wants you to approve the deal. I will leave if you need time to review it and will visit later to collect it," I informed Namjoon. He nodded at me with a weak smile.

"Actually. I want to talk with you three. Stay, Jiyoung. I want to speak with you too," Mrs. Kim smiled when I was about to leave. I unsurely glanced at Taehyung and turned back to her. Taehyung sat down on the single couch and leaned back against the seat. I didn't want to sit because of her uncomfortable presence, so I stood beside Namjoon's desk with my hands clasped together.

"Namjoon. I need you to stop provoking the corrupt chairman," Mrs. Kim suddenly straightened her back. Namjoon lowered the file from his hand and lifted his head to look at her.

"It is my duty as the president to-"

"I permitted your return to Korea because I didn't want you to feel left out," Mrs. Kim sternly stared at her second son. Namjoon grew tense at her words and clasped his fingers together.

"I'm getting close to the illegal funds-"

"We've already struck a deal with Jiyoung's father. You can keep operating the investigation for show but refrain from provoking the men. We can't afford to let the representatives fight one another... not when there's a threatening controversy. They might seize the opportunity to expel us from the board," Mrs. Kim shook her head at her son.

"Do it for show? What do you mean, mother?" Namjoon raised his eyebrow unsurely.

"Namjoon, eomma is very proud of your dedication, but the seat you're sitting in belongs to Seokjin, your older brother. I pitied you, so I let you take over his position... but Seokjin will reclaim his position, so don't provoke the chairmen. Just terrorize them a little. Everyone will vote for Seokjin next year," Mrs. Kim exhaled. Namjoon grew hushed at her words. He looked irritated but didn't dare complain. Oh, his mother is a bitch. Namjoon earned his spot with his own effort, yet she's telling him to back off because Seokjin deserves the position more. Namjoon must be offended by her biased remarks.

"And Jiyoung honey. What happened between you and Seokjin? He's been feeling unwell lately due to your breakup," Mrs. Kim turned to smile at me.

"Our relationship didn't work out, so we figured it's best to separate our ways," I smiled at her.

"We? Seokjin told me you didn't like him. Is that true? Is it because he lost his status? Honey. Seokjin is the heir, and he will reclaim his title again. Don't worry, okay? Why don't you guys see each other again?" Mrs. Kim sadly smiled. I chewed the inner side of my mouth at her ridiculous words. Did she really think I only wanted her son for his status??? Taehyung stared at me with an unsettled expression.

"I will not see him until he's clean of the controversy," I replied. Mrs. Kim stared at me in confusion after hearing my words.

"What do you mean-"

"Although I'm fond of your family... I can't risk being involved in your family affairs. I think my father would feel the same way, so I will keep a low profile until the case is properly handled," I nodded at her, leaving her speechless. She looked irritated but held herself back and let out a weak chuckle instead.

"Don't worry about the controversy. Taehyung will handle it," Mrs. Kim turned to look at her youngest son. Taehyung suddenly straightened his back at her intimidating gaze and lowered his nervous eyes in fright.

"Yes, mother," He nodded.

"The journalists and reporters will be present tomorrow at the press, so be prepared. The supreme court will investigate the case again. Just say it was an accident and claim you're innocent. Don't mention anything else," Mrs. Kim exhaled.

"I will," Taehyung nodded.

"Oh. Did you take care of the government official?" Mrs. Kim turned to stare at Taehyung.

"I have. What does the man have to do with the controversy?" Taehyung questioned unsurely.

"He tried to blackmail me for money," She shrugged.

"He blackmailed you?" Namjoon frowned.

"He's the chief executive at the central police station. The foolish man threatened to expose the security footage of the accident," Mrs. Kim replied.

"He has the footage?" Namjoon frowned at Mrs. Kim, who suddenly darkened her expression.

"Oh. He has it. He wanted to expose Seokjin for causing the accident. I couldn't let it happen," Mrs. Kim nodded. I froze in my place... Taehyung suddenly turned to look at his mother in horror.

"So he was a witness," Namjoon replied, averting his eyes to Taehyung's pale expression. Blood drained from Taehyung's face. So the man knew Taehyung was innocent... so he tried to expose the truth but was killed to cover the information? Mrs. Kim made Taehyung kill his own witness to save her oldest son? What the fuck? I averted my eyes to Taehyung's dreadful face and glanced at Mrs. Kim with a startled expression. The man could've cleared Taehyung's name- but she killed him to redirect the suspicion toward Taehyung. I gripped my fists in anger as she proudly smile at her sons...

Taehyung and Namjoon were both staring at her with a fearful yet upset expression. I couldn't stand looking at her anymore, so I quickly strode out of the office before I exploded. Taehyung eventually left his brother's office with his mother to escort her to the entrance. I texted Taehyung and asked him to see me on an empty floor because the entire department was evacuated earlier to be interrogated.

"Wae?" Taehyung questioned as he cautiously glanced around the empty corridor to ensure we were alone. I grabbed his hand and dragged him into the restroom before turning to lock the door. I checked all the stalls to confirm it was all empty before stomping up to him with an uptight expression.

"The man knows you're innocent! She made you kill a witness!" I snapped at Taehyung in shock.

"He's dead," Taehyung shook his head.

"You saw what she did! Instead of using him to clear your charge- she made you kill him to save Seokjin! And you're okay with this?!" I frowned at him in shock.

"I'm tired..." Taehyung shook his head as he leaned against the sink with his head hung low.

"How long are you going to let her fool you in the name of love? Hmm? It's not love, Taehyung. She's using you," I gulped in tears. Taehyung slowly lifted his face to stare at me in silence.

"I didn't know that until you showed me what love is. It's too late now, so I'll keep on following her orders to protect our relationship," Taehyung weakly smiled, making my soul ache at his discouraged expression.

"I will not let you fall," I whispered, taking a step forward to place my warm palm against his face.

"Jiyoung, just stay out of my family affair. I don't want you to get hurt," Taehyung shook his head as he held onto my hand. I stared at him in silence.

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"I'm not supposed to be with you. Eomma restricted me from having a permanent woman in my life," Taehyung sadly stared at me.

"What?" I blinked at him. Taehyung bit his lips and leaned forward to kiss me before pulling away to stare at my eyes.

"I'm not allowed to love anyone because eomma fears that I'll stop listening to her. That's why she's been sending me women... to distract me from searching for love. She knew I was growing restless with my loneliness... so she permitted me to have many sexual partners," Taehyung shook his head. My heart sank at his words. She did what to him?

"Then why did you disobey her?" I whispered.

"She keeps me deprived of love, so I'll always turn to her. She might hurt you if she knows you're giving me love... and you are. I love you. I know you want to help me, but if I stop obeying her... she will suspect... and if she finds out you're hindering me from obeying her- She will hurt you. And I don't want you to get in trouble," Taehyung whispered in a worried tone. I stared at him in disbelief. So Taehyung... he was fooling with women because of his mother? Because she didn't want him to fall for anyone? She kept Taehyung packed with temporary women to tame him by feeding her love and only hers? That's why Taehyung's so desperate for love and comfort?

"I don't care. You have to stop kneeling for your mother," I firmly spoke with my eyes fixed on his.

"Jiyoung. I can't-"

"You don't want my love?" I whispered, taking a step back from him.

"It's not like that. Jiyoung, I want you. I need you-"

"But you can't accept me fully because of your mother?" I coldly stare at Taehyung.

"I'm afraid of losing you. My mother might hurt you," Taehyung whispered in a pleading tone. I bawled my fingers into a tight fist at his words. Taehyung slowly reached for my hand again, gently pulling me back to kiss me. I gripped his shoulders as he held onto my waist while leaning against the sink, so I lowered my hand down to his pants to unbuckle his belt.

"Don't worry about me," I whispered as I undid his trousers.

"Jiyoun- wait- ah~ Hah~ Jiyoung-" Taehyung tried to stop me from undoing his pants, but I shoved his hand away and slipped my hand under his waistband to grab his private part. He shakily breathed on my face with a troubled expression as I gently rubbed his sensitive area.

"I will love you," I whispered, leaning forward to kiss him. Taehyung grunted against my lips when I slipped out his hardened hump from under his trouser and crouched down to give him an oral sexual favor. He moaned in distress as I bounced my head over his crotch until he gripped my head and leaned back to let out a breathy moan, so I quickened my pace until he grew impatient and pulled me up to face him.

"You're driving me crazy," Taehyung panted, aggressively kissing me as I rubbed his bare hump between my slimy hands. He gripped my hair with one hand while slipping his other hand under my skirt's waistband to touch me. I shivered at his sensual stroke in my panties and shakily lowered my face to moan against his shoulder as he rubbed my sensitive area until I felt myself dripping wet at his touch.

"Come here," I whispered, pulling him into one of the stalls. I slipped off my skirt and stockings before him as he sat pantless on the toilet lid.

"I don't have a condom," Taehyung whispered as he watched me strip my own clothes with his rosy cheeks.

"It's my safe day. We can do it raw," I whispered, slowly adjusting his bulge underneath me until it slipped inside, sending a surge of warmth all over our crotches. Taehyung groaned at the penetration and leaned back on the toilet as I sat facing him with a thirsty expression. I slowly undid his buttons as I ride him at a steady pace and pulled the shirt apart to reveal his hot body.

"What if someone walks in?" Taehyung questioned, lifting his face to look at me since the stall door was left wide open.

"I locked the main door already," I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him while rubbing my hands over his hard abs. Taehyung undid my shirt and slipped his hands under my bra to fondle my breasts, making me exhale in pleasure at his teasing strokes when he leaned forward to nibble my sensitive tips.

"You're really naughty," Taehyung chuckled, pulling his face away from my chest with a mischievous smile. I giggled and leaned down to kiss him when he started thrusting into me from beneath to hit my hot spot, making me gasp in shock at the overwhelming pleasure. I arched my body backward at how deep he was shoving into me, so Taehyung secured his arms around my waist to hold me in place. I moaned in distress when he accelerated his speed and gripped his shoulders with an uptight expression. Taehyung pulled me into a deep kiss to stifle my breathy whimpers with his addictive tongue wrapped around mine. I whimpered against his lips when he made me bounce harder onto him until I felt every inch of my nerves twitching at the intensity.

"Taehyung-ah~" I whispered, pulling away from his lips as he worked his way into me.

"Hmm?" Taehyung raised his eyebrows as I bounced over him.

"Tomorrow... at the press..." I whispered, gently cupping his rosy cheeks as he clutched onto my buttcheeks and thrust harder, leaving me out of breath as I struggled to speak. He's so good- I can't think straight- not when he's inside me like this.

"What about it?" Taehyung sexily groaned when he felt the intense surge between our private parts.

"You have to mention Seokjin," I whispered, lustfully grinding my hips on his crotch to increase the pleasure until my body jerked at the extreme throbbing sensation.

"W-what?" Taehyung stuttered as he struggled to contain his breathy moan.

"Tell everyone Seokjin was with you that night," I whispered as I rubbed his moist lips.

"What? I can't-"

"Listen to me! You can't let your mother use you forever! Do it! Drag Seokjin into the controversy!" I furiously whispered. Taehyung moaned in distress as I humped him harder until he tilted his head back. He's reaching his climax. Taehyung moaned aloud as he gripped my waist while thumping into me with his powerful hip thrusts, making me whimper in shock.

"B-But-"

"Promise me! You have to do it!" I gripped the side of his head and lifted his face to look at me. Taehyung stared at me in difficulty as he struggled to contain himself. I pulled him into a deep kiss when he wouldn't answer me while gripping his hair to resist the urge to scream in pleasure. 

"Okay- I'll do it," Taehyung nodded at me after I pulled away. I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him hard. We both whimpered against each other's lips when we felt the pleasure peaking with every thump. My inside was melting at the friction, and my sensitivity was unbearable, so I couldn't help but clawed my fingers into his flesh to resist the agonizing throbs. Taehyung hugged me tightly when he suddenly ejaculated with his last pump just as I squirted all over him. We both orgasmed from the intense sexual intercourse.

"Hah~" I panted in shock after pulling my slimy lips from his. Taehyung pulled my sweaty body against his soaked torso and hugged me tightly as the discharge flowed between our crotches. I shuddered in relief and slumped against him in exhaustion.

"Why does sex feel so different with you? I feel like you're sucking out my soul," Taehyung whispered after I broke the hug to straighten my back. I gently lifted my hips to slip his private part out of me and sat back on his thighs. We both glanced down at our throbbing sensitive areas in silence and looked back up at one another.

"It's because we're making love," I grinned at him. Taehyung gently rubbed my cleavage and lowered his hand to hold my hips. He finally sat up to kiss me while rubbing my back to soothe my tense muscles as I ran my fingers through his hair. Taehyung helped me clean up the mess we made between our bodies, and we got dressed afterward. He gently kissed my lips before striding out of the restroom with me and we left the empty floor together.

"What should we eat today?" I asked him as we walked side by side.

"You're my favourite meal," Taehyung joked, making me blush at his words. He gently nudged my shoulder with a bright smile when Seokjin suddenly appeared with his secretary. We both halted at his presence. Seokjin stared at us with a questioning look when he noticed we were teasing each other in the corridor.

"I've delivered your file to Namjoon. He said he will review it first," I informed him as Taehyung fixed his messy tie and wild hair with an awkward expression.

"What's that smell? It smells familiar..." Secretary Yoo sniffed the air with a confused look. Taehyung glanced at his sweaty inner shirt, so I unconsciously rubbed my sweaty neck as Seokjin observed our flustered expression.

"You can go home," Seokjin nodded and walked past us. Secretary Yoo kept sniffing the corridor, so we quickly avoided him with a flustered face.

"He can smell us? Do we reek of sex?" Taehyung muttered as he sniffed himself. I slightly leaned in to smell him but couldn't detect any scent. Maybe it's because we reek of the same scent?

"Secretary Yoo said it smelt familiar. He must've had a good time with his wife," I laughed under my breath. Taehyung chuckled at my joke, sideways smiling at me. We stepped into the elevator and left the building separately because we didn't want anyone to suspect us.

Fast Forward

My stepfather wanted to see me before the press, so I agreed to see him at his office. I strolled through the building and entered his office to find him sitting on the couch with a newspaper in his hands. He uncrossed his legs and settled the paper down as I sat opposite him.

"I'll make it brief. You need to keep on seeing Seokjin," Jaehyun cleared his throat.

"You still want to associate yourself with the Kim after the controversy?" I questioned him.

"Oh? You're getting smarter now? I always knew you were smart because I raised you well," My stepfather chuckled at me with a proud smile.

"Why do you need the Kim?" I sighed heavily.

"For business purposes, obviously," He laughed.

"What were the conditions you agreed with to gain their support?" I questioned. I need an answer.

"I need the Kim to guarantee my position, but their second son is defying his family now, and the youngest is causing trouble with the controversy. Seokjin will win the election again next term, and you'll marry him after he gets his seat back," My stepfather sighed.

"What did Seokjin ask from you? The reason he agreed to join forces with you," I questioned. Jaehyun smiled at me as he sat in silence.

"You," He answered.

"What?" I frowned at him.

"There was only one term. Seokjin will assist me if he has you. He adores you very much, my lovely daughter," Jaehyun nodded.

"Tell me the truth-"

"That is the truth. Seokjin said he wanted to marry you the day he came to see me," My stepfather shrugged dismissively. That can't be it. Why would he want me and only me?

"Does it have to be the Kim Family? My love candidate," I averted my eyes to my father.

"Yes. Seokjin's mother contacted me earlier because Seokjin is apparently very upset with your decision to end your relationship. I'll schedule a family dinner after the press, and we'll help you resolve your conflict. He's a decent man... I don't understand why you don't favor him," My stepfather nodded. I grew hushed and leaned back against the seat with an uptight expression.

I couldn't sleep the night before the press because I was worried sick about Taehyung and he didn't sleep either. He stayed up all night drinking. And he was very moody as well... so we ended up having sex twice that night to keep our minds off the thoughts. I got up early in the morning to get dressed in formal clothes and went to the conference before Taehyung. The news reporters, journalists, and government officials were all gathered at the venue. Many executives at the corporation were also present at the conference, and The Kim was already there. I couldn't stand staying in the crowded room, so I got up to use the toilet and stepped out to find Seokjin leaning against the wall with a dull expression.

"Did your father tell you about the family dinner?" Seokjin questioned.

"He did. I'll be there," I nodded at him and was about to walk away when he suddenly tugged me back.

"Are you seeing Taehyung?" Seokjin questioned, suspiciously staring at me.

"Are you really clueless... or are you testing me again?" I smiled at him with a smug expression.

"You left his apartment-"

"You're stalking me now? I was there to see Jimin," I sighed, tugging my hand out of his grip. I headed back into the venue to sit next to Mrs. Kim, who was seated beside her husband. Namjoon sat down beside me with a firm expression. We didn't talk. Seokjin took his seat beside his father after returning to the venue as the guests got in their place. The speaker got up to make a brief statement on the stage. I nervously crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair when Taehyung stepped onto the stage. The hall grew hushed at his presence as he strode towards the seat on the stage in his heavy black coat. He bowed at the guests and sat down with his hired attorney.

"Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Kim Taehyung," Taehyung spoke in a low voice. He wore a vacant expression, so I weakly smiled at him. He's good at acting. The speaker asked Taehyung to speak about the controversy, so he leaned toward the microphone with a straight expression.

"The news on the media is false," Taehyung stated firmly. The guests inside the room loudly booed at his words to express their disapproval.

"Can you elaborate on the controversy?" The speaker questioned. Taehyung's attorney nodded at Taehyung to approve the question, so Taehyung leaned forward again.

"The circulating rumors are subjective, and I am not a murderer. The incident took place almost ten years ago and it was an accident. The victim, unfortunately, passed away because she was not wearing her seatbelt. We have settled the matter with the deceased's family," Taehyung answered in a dull tone. Mrs. Kim nervously watched Taehyung from her seat.

"What are your thoughts on the controversy?" The speaker questioned. The attorney nodded at Taehyung again.

"I believe it is a petty scheme to damage my parent's reputation," Taehyung replied as he searched the crowd, and his eyes finally found mine. He kept his eyes on mine, so I weakly smiled at him until I noticed Seokjin staring at me with a suspicious expression.

"The supreme court have recently authorized the investigation. Will you cooperate with the law?" The speaker questioned.

"Neh. I will cooperate with the court because I am innocent. There's no reason for me to avoid the law because it wasn't me who caused the accident," Taehyung exhaled. Mrs. Kim suddenly straightened her back at Taehyung's words. The attorney immediately leaned into Taehyung's ear when he accidentally revealed additional information.

"Are you suggesting someone else caused the accident?!" Someone yelled from the crowd. The venue suddenly buzzed at the rude interruption. Mrs. Kim fired Taehyung a warning glare as she stiffened her body in her seat.

"Neh," Taehyung replied shortly, sending a shockwave of uproar throughout the venue.

"What is he doing!?" Mrs. Kim snapped in shock as Taehyung stared dully at the crowd.

"Excuses! You're using your parent's money and power to cover your crime! You killed the woman! You deserve to die a miserable death! You motherfucker!" Someone suddenly screamed at Taehyung.

"Put him in jail!"

"The nerve to deny his crime!"

"Korea should have a death penalty for a monster like him!"

"Son of a bitch!"

The guests started cursing at Taehyung, and the room suddenly erupted in chaos as people spat hurtful words at him. Taehyung maintained a straight face, but I knew he was very upset. Taehyung uneasily averted his eyes to his mother, who was frantically signaling him to leave the stage, then averted his gaze to me with a conflicted expression and back to his mother's ashen face. He's not going to defend himself?

"Get off the stage!" Mrs. Kim snapped in anger. Taehyung frowned at his mother's disappointed face and uneasily stood up as the crowd swore at him. A rush of security squads entered the venue to hold back the protestors when they tried to rush onto the stage to attack Taehyung. I exhaled in frustration and stood up to leave as Taehyung watched the angry faces in anger. Fuck! I knew it! He will kneel for his mother again! Taehyung's eyes widened in panic when he noticed my bitter expression as he watched me storm out of the venue. I suddenly stopped midway and turned to face him for the last time as he struggled to make up his mind. Taehyung blinked at me with a nervous expression from the stage, so I slowly... raised my hand upward.

Five.

I placed one finger down.

Four.

I placed another finger down. Taehyung's face grew pale when he realized I was counting down. That's it. I will turn around and leave if he refuses to speak for himself.

Three.

I placed another finger down. Taehyung gripped his fist and turned to his parents with his fearful eyes.

Two.

I sternly stared at him with a cold gaze.

One.

I placed all of my fingers down... and yet... he refused to budge. Taehyung fired me an apologetic look, so I sighed in disappointment and walked away with my arms crossed. He knows his family affairs will ruin our relationship, so if he chooses to protect his family... then I have no choice but to end our relationship before things get out of hand. If I'm not enough, then there's no point in being with him. I'm willing to help him oppose his parents, but if he wants to suffer and chooses to be their slave... I guess my love was never enough for him.

"-Wait!" Taehyung's startled voice echoed across the venue, making me halt in place. I slowly turned to find him gripping the microphone firmly with his eyes on the audience. Mrs. Kim was screaming for Taehyung to leave the stage.

"YOU BASTARD"

"I AM INNOCENT!" Taehyung roared at the crowd. He nervously averted his eyes to me with his puppy eyes and glanced back at his terrified mother.

"LIAR! YOU SHOULD BE EXECUTED-"

"THERE WAS A WITNESS THAT NIGHT!" Taehyung bellowed, averting his eyes back to me again. I exhaled and turned to face the stage with my arms crossed.

"Come on, baby. You got this," I whispered under my breath, firing Taehyung a reassuring nod. 

"YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH STOP MAKING UP EXCUSES-" The room suddenly broke into a disorder, and everyone was insulting him again.

"Stop him-" Mrs. Kim screamed in fear. Seokjin stood up to glare at his brother in horror as Taehyung swallowed intensely at the chaos before him. The attorney tried to snatch the microphone out of Taehyung's grip, but Taehyung was too strong. He effortlessly shoved the man away and turned to stare straight at Seokjin.

"My brother. Kim Seokjin... he was the witness that night. He was with me. Right, hyung? You were there that night. You know I was innocent, right? Tell them hyung. Tell them it wasn't my fault!" Taehyung finally confessed, angrily glaring at Seokjin. The entire venue grew hushed at his words, and everyone turned to look at the heir in shock. Mrs. Kim gasped at Taehyung's betrayal and suddenly collapsed from the shock. Seokjin stared at Taehyung with his angered yet tearful eyes until Taehyung dropped his mic and stormed off the stage.

"Omo! Are you okay, Mrs. Kim?" I shrieked, rushing back to the woman as she hyperventilated in her seat.

"Call the ambulance!" Seokjin turned to snap at Namjoon.

"Is she having a stroke?! How terrific! Please don't die!" I pouted at her as I rubbed her back. She turned to look at me with her dazed eyes as I stared at her with a worried expression, slightly curving my lips to smile at her. Fucking bitch. Namjoon suddenly lifted up his mother and rushed out of the venue with her... so I ran after them in a hurry.

Namjoon immediately took his mother into the ambulance once it arrived. All the guests flooded out of the venue to watch the ambulance in chaos. Everyone was snapping pictures and reporting live on national television. I stood in the crowd with a dull expression until I noticed Taehyung leaving through the other exit to enter his car. Yoongi is driving him. I averted my eyes to find Seokjin rushing toward his car and sped off when the reporters tried to swarm around him. Smiling, I walked through the crowd as people pushed in the opposite direction until I reached Taehyung's car. No one noticed us because they were too busy chasing after Seokjin, so I pulled the car door open and got in beside Taehyung in the back seat.

"Seokjin is in so much trouble now," Yoongi chuckled as he reversed the car, and we left through the back exit. I turned to find Taehyung sitting stiffly in his seat with a drained expression, so I scooted closer to him and climbed onto his thighs.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, cupping his pale cheeks between my palms with my eyes trained on him. Taehyung unconsciously gripped my waist as I sat on him in the backseat.

"I feel-" He gulped, but I didn't let him finish his words and leaned in to press my lips against his.

"You did a great job. They're all after Seokjin now," I whispered, pulling away to stare at him with my proud eyes.

"I feel so... relieved," Taehyung weakly smiled at me. I chuckled and leaned down to press my lips against his, so he pulled me closer to hold me against him.

"Yah~ Don't do anything weird in the backseat!" Yoongi warned. We both broke out laughing as we stared at each other. I smiled and pulled him into a crushing hug.

"Put on your seatbelt," Taehyung whispered, pulling away to graze my face with his thumb, so I got off him to sit in my seat as he leaned over to buckle my seatbelt. Taehyung interlaced his fingers with mine as we sat side by side with a bright beam.

Fast Forward

I strolled into the dining room at the Kim's mansion on the designated night to join my parents and The Kim's dinner party. Mrs. Kim looked ill ever since Taehyung exposed Seokjin... and Mr. Kim didn't look well either. The news caused a drastic decrease in the corporation's stock price.

"Omo! You're here! Take a seat!" Mrs. Kim smiled at me as soon as I entered the room in a nude off-shoulder dress. I sat down beside my mother so she turned to examine me with a proud smile. My stepfather was seated at the end of the table, opposite of Mr. Kim. Namjoon was seated beside Mrs. Kim... and Seokjin sat right across from me. They didn't invite Taehyung.

"How are you feeling?" I weakly smiled at Mrs. Kim.

"I'm feeling much better thanks to my lovely sons. They stayed at my mansion to look after me," Mrs. Kim patted Seokjin's shoulder with a bright beam.

"Ah. How are you dealing with the situation? Where's Taehyung?" I innocently questioned. Mrs. Kim stiffened at Taehyung's name, but she maintained her expression and forcefully smiled at me.

"We're dealing with the case in private," She nodded at me.

"It was an unfortunate incident, but the Hwang is with you. That's why we're having dinner together, right?" My stepfather smiled at the Kim.

"We're assured," Mr. Kim nodded at my father.

"So what happened to you two? Love is very complex," My mother chuckled as she patted my back. I smiled at her and lifted my face to smile at Seokjin. He doesn't look good either because everyone is gossiping about him at the corporation. Namjoon looked happy though... because everyone favors him now.

"We're still figuring out our feelings," Seokjin smiled at our parents as we ate in the dining room.

"What was the reason behind your unfortunate splitting?" Mrs. Kim asked curiously.

"Ah, it was nothing-"

"Seokjin was sending flowers to his first love," I replied, cutting Seokjin short. He looked up at me with a dumbfounded expression.

"Moh? Your first love? Why would you-"

"I was sending flowers to Yeona's grave," Seokjin corrected my claim and tilted his annoyed face to the side to fire me a warning stare. The Kim turned pale when they realized we were talking about the dead woman their son accidentally killed.

"Jiyoung. Seokjin is just showing his respect. Why are you so sensitive? Aigo. I didn't know my daughter was such a jealous lover," My mother chuckled at me.

"Ani. The reason we fought... was because she was seeing her ex-boyfriend," Seokjin smiled at me. I gripped my spoon with an irritated expression as Seokjin lowered his face to eat with a smug smile. 

"What do you mean?" My stepfather turned to stare at me with a questioning look.

"I wasn't seeing him. He was visiting me," I shrugged dismissively. Seokjin lifted his eyebrow in disbelief. The elders grew hushed when they noticed the tension between us.

"Well. It's a misunderstanding on both sides," Namjoon suddenly joined the conversation.

"Right? You guys should resolve the conflict," Mrs. Kim beamed at us.

"It was mostly my fault, so I'm trying to make it up to Jiyoung. We've even talked about our marriage," Seokjin smiled at his mother.

"Omo! Really? Aigo~ Young couples fight a lot! Don't make it a big deal~" My mother suddenly gasped. I rolled my eyes at her reaction and glanced at Seokjin.

"Ah. This is embarrassing. I wanted to sort this problem out between us in private, but we had to get you guys involved. We really are clueless about love," Seokjin smiled at my parents.

"You two are really a good match! Don't let a minor problem ruin a good relationship," My mother agreed before sipping her wine.

"I don't think I can do it," I finally exhaled. Namjoon lifted his head to look at me with a confused expression. The elders stopped eating and uneasily averted all their attention to me.

"Why not? Whatever you need. I'll fulfill it," Seokjin smiled at me from across the table.

"Ah~! My son is so manly! Jiyoung, please forgive him! Men are a headache, but my baby is doing his best!" Mrs. Kim cheerfully nudged Seokjin's shoulder.

"I know he's trying his best. You make me happy but someone else can make me happier," I chuckled weakly. The elders laughed at my statement but halted with a confused expression when it struck them.

"What do you mean someone else can make you happier?" Mr. Kim frowned at me with an uneasy smile. Seokjin lifted his face to stare at me with a wary expression.

"Are you seeing someone else?" My father questioned, firing me a warning stare. I was about to respond to them when the door opened, and Taehyung strolled inside in a formal suit. Mrs. Kim's eyes grew wide open at his unexpected entrance.

"What are you doing here!?" Mr. Kim snapped at his youngest son in shock.

"I'm here for the family dinner, of course!" Taehyung beamed, dismissively sitting down beside me with a bright smile. Mrs. Kim glared at her son in anger as Mr. Kim gripped his fork with his burning eyes fixed on his youngest child.

"How dare you show up here?!" Mr. Kim snapped at Taehyung in anger.

"Let's not fight over dinner," Seokjin sighed at Taehyung as the maid prepared a plate for him. The Kims cleared their throat awkwardly when he noticed my parents' uncomfortable faces.

"Anyways, Jiyoung-shi. Please agree to see our son. We promise he'll be good for you," Mrs. Kim cleared her throat and turned to smile at me again.

"I am seeing your son," I nodded at her. Everyone frowned at my answer as Taehyung ate his food in silence.

"What do you mean? I thought you fought with Seokjin?" My mother blinked at me.

"Yeah, we did fight. Why?" I questioned her. The elders were utterly baffled by my statements.

"But you said you're seeing our son? Seokjin said you-"

"Ah! Neh! I'm seeing your son," I nodded happily, fighting the urge to burst out laughing at their chaotic expression.

"Jakiya. Can you hand me the tissues?" Taehyung muttered while stuffing his cheeks with food. I grabbed the tissue and gently wiped his lips for him. The entire table grew hushed as they watched me dab Taehyung's lips.

"Eat slowly!" I scolded Taehyung.

"Thank you," Taehyung smiled, leaning in to peck my cheek and turned back to his food. Namjoon was staring at us with a weak smile and shook his head in disbelief after he caught on to me. Seokjin froze before me with his eyebrow raised, uneasily glancing back and forth between us. The elders were staring at us... completely paralyzed in their seats.

"What is this-"

"Ah! Yes! I'm seeing your son! Taehyung! Not Seokjin! He's your family, right? The Hwang and Kim can still be in-laws!" I giggled when Mr. Kim tried to speak. Mrs. Kim dropped her fork with her mouth hanging wide open. My mother widened her eyes at my words, uncomfortably glancing at Seokjin, who was staring at Taehyung's unbothered expression with an offended expression. Namjoon pursed his lips as he struggled to resist the urge to laugh out loud when he realized I was messing with our parents. He lowered his face to chuckle in silence as Mr. Kim awkwardly stared at me.

"T-Taehyung? But he's not the candidate..." Mrs. Kim turned pale as she stuttered between her words. Taehyung finally sat up after finishing his food and emptied the glass of water with a bright smile.

"I am her love candidate. She chose me," Taehyung smiled, casually lifting our interlaced hands under the table to place it on the table. The elders widened their eyes at our hands in horror and snapped their shocked eyes to us in disbelief. Taehyung held onto my hand since he sat down with me, and we've been holding hands under the table.

"You must be kidding-"

"He makes me happy! Right, love?" I grinned, leaning against his shoulder with a bright smile.

"I love you," Taehyung smiled, so I leaned forward to kiss him before all of their eyes.

"This can't be happening!" Mrs. Kim suddenly gasped, standing up to glare at Taehyung. She suddenly lost her balance and stumbled to the side.

"Eomma!" Namjoon gasped after she fainted in her chair. Seokjin immediately grabbed his mother's weak body to secure her and turned to glare at us. The maids rushed forward to help while others sprinted out of the room to call a doctor. Taehyung turned to look at me with a proud smile after we caused the disorder inside the room to ruin the dinner party. I smiled and gave his hand a light squeeze while my parents stared at us in disbelief.

"It's boring here. Wanna leave?" Taehyung smiled. I nodded at him. We quickly got up from our seats and rushed out of the room hand in hand.

"KIM TAEHYUNG!" Mr. Kim screamed in frustration. We giggled at his father's thundering voice as we rushed down the corridor and fled the mansion together in Taehyung's car. I laughed out loud as soon as Taehyung drove out of the mansion gate. He smiled at me, and we raced onto the empty road. I rolled down the window and placed out my arms to feel the cold wind with a wide smile. This is what I always wanted! A carefree life with someone I love! I turned to smile at Taehyung and leaned toward his seat give him a kiss on his cheek. Taehyung freed one of his arms from the steering wheel and held my hand with a tender smile. He suddenly activated the system, and the car's rooftop suddenly opened to expose us to the refreshing wind. I lifted my hand in the air with my eyes closed to savor the soothing breeze until the stuffy emotions completely subsided from my chest,

"Let's live freely!" Taehyung yelled through the wind as we raced down the road.

"Okay!" I turned to smile at him and leaned back against the seat with a wide grin. Taehyung tightened his grip around our interlaced fingers and lifted my hand to kiss it. I giggled and waved our hands in the air to celebrate our relationship exposure to our families.

________________________

Update! I'm going to sleep now! Hahaha I'm sleep deprived because I have to wake up super early everyday! I hope everyone is safe and healthy! I love you guys! <3 Thank you so much for your support! I will be back soon! Hopefully? Hehehe! I hope you enjoyed the chapter~!