CHAPTER 21

"Jungkook, I still love you... but you love her—" Before Riya could even finish speaking, Jungkook's hands cupped her face and he smashed his lips onto hers. The kiss was desperate... almost painful. It lasted so long that when they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, chests rising and falling like they were running out of air.

"I love you, Riya," Jungkook said, looking straight into her eyes. "You cared for me when even I didn't care for myself. Even when you knew I didn't love you... you still stayed. I love you a lot, Riya."

Her eyes softened. "I love you more, Kookie," she whispered.

Before either of them could say anything more, Jungkook's phone rang. He frowned and picked it up — his mother's name flashing on the screen.

Call Conversation

Jungkook: "Hey Mom... what happened? Why are you calling at this hour?"

Mrs. Jeon: "Jungkook, I told you we're looking for your marriage—"

Jungkook: "But Mom, I don't want to—"

Mrs. Jeon: "No buts, Jungkook. You need to marry her. She is sweet and kind."

Jungkook: "Mom, please..."

Mrs. Jeon: "We've already fixed the engagement day. It's on Monday."

Jungkook: "Mom I don't want to get married!"

Mrs. Jeon: "Sorry Jungkook, but this is final."

And she ended the call.

Jungkook stared at the phone, sighed deeply, and ran a hand through his hair.

"Riya... I love you. I want to spend my whole life with you," he said in a tired, broken voice.

Riya gently patted his shoulder, her eyes turning soft and convincing. "Jungkook, I'm still here. I won't leave you."

"But my parents have already fixed my marriage... the engagement is on Monday," Jungkook said, his voice cracking with frustration.

Riya slowly held his face, forcing him to look at her. "Even after you marry her... you'll still love me, right?"

Jungkook nodded immediately. "I will, Riya. But I'm scared you'll leave me one day..."

She gave a small smirk—soft but dangerous. "Who said I'm like Y/N? I'm not going to leave you. I loved you then, I love you now, and I'll stay with you."

Jungkook exhaled in relief and leaned closer.

"I love you, babe," he whispered before crashing his lips onto hers again.