|| CHAPTER - 50 ||

•| CHAPTER ~ 50 |•

•|THE UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL|•

✿───❀  ♡  ❀───✿

The morning sunlight crept in through the hotel curtains, slipping across the bed until it reached Evie's face. She stirred slightly, groaning at the light as her body instinctively shifted under the covers. Every part of her felt sore–especially between her thighs–and she winced softly. Her muscles ache in places she didn't know could hurt.

Her eyes fluttered open as sunlight spilled across her face. She groaned softly, her head heavy as she slowly adjusted to the light filling the room. As her vision cleared, she realized the surroundings were unfamiliar—this wasn't her room.

Confusion settled in for a moment before her mind began to stir, memories rushing back all at once. Jungkook. Her birthday. Their first date. Him bringing her here. The night they spent together and have sex.

She was still in the hotel room.

"Jungkook…"

She reached out, tapping her hand against the space beside her to find him..

The space beside her was empty. For a second, panic hit her.

Did he leave?

No. He couldn't. He wouldn't leave her like that.

She quickly sat up, only then realizing she was still naked. Instinctively, she clutched the bedsheet to her chest as anxious thoughts began to race through her mind. Had he really left after everything that happened between them last night?

But her thoughts slowed when she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. A moment later, the door opened with a soft click.

Relief washed over her, and she let out a quiet sigh. Quickly, she lay back down and pulled the blanket over herself, pretending to be asleep.

Jungkook stepped out, steam following him, a white towel slung low around his hips. His skin still wet, droplets sliding down his chest, tattoos visible, hair damp and pushed back. He looked like sin walking across the room. She quickly shut her eyes again and stayed still, pretending to sleep.

He approached the bed silently, the mattress dipping as he sat beside her. The blanket had slipped off her back during sleep, leaving her bare from the waist up. His eyes trailed slowly over her exposed skin, taking in the faint red marks from the night before. He reached out, fingers warm against her sore back, massaging softly, gently.

She couldn't help the quiet moan that escaped her lips. Her body was aching but the way he touched her now–it was almost soothing. His thumb moved in slow circles, easing the tension out of her muscles.

"So you're awake," he said, amusement in his tone. He leaned down close to her ear, voice teasing. "How's you feeling? Hm? Or should I call for a wheelchair?"

She groaned and turned her face away from him, hiding the blush on her cheeks.

He chuckled softly, hands continuing to ease the tension from her back. His touch was surprisingly gentle, the contrast from last night almost shocking. She could feel his towel brushing her thigh as he leaned closer, like he didn't care one bit about their state.

"You need to get up," he said, voice low but playful. "Take a bath. Eat something. And then maybe think about going home before your dad must be losing his mind already…"

She groaned again, clearly not ready to face the world outside this bed.

He smirked. "You're not coming to the office today," he added casually, "I know you won't even be able to walk straight, so don't act brave."

Her hand reached back weakly to hit at him, but he caught it, pinning it to the bed playfully.

"If you're having trouble," he added smoothly, "I can help you in the shower... scrub your back... or front... your call."

"Shut up," she finally muttered, her voice muffled in the pillow.

He only grinned, brushing his knuckles down her spine slowly.

"Didn't hear a no."

After resting as Jungkook's hands massaging her back, she eventually forced herself to get up, even though her body still aches all over. Her legs felt heavy, and the soreness between her thighs reminded her of every moment from the night before. Jungkook's teasing didn't help–he was playful and smug, making it even harder for her to focus.

Despite the soreness settling deep in her body, she slowly managed to sit up. Jungkook stood beside the bed, holding out a bathrobe to her, that infuriatingly smug look on his face like he was enjoying every second of her discomfort. She reached out and took it from his hand, already knowing what came next and hating him for it. To wear it, she had to lower the bedsheet, and she was completely naked beneath it.

And of course, he didn't even pretend to look away. He just stood there, watching, eyes dark and amused, as if waiting for her to do it.

Bloody shameless man. He wasn't even trying to act decent.

She shot him a look—one that clearly meant turn around—needing a little space, a little dignity. But this was Jungkook. And Jungkook never let a moment like this pass without squeezing every bit of amusement out of it. His lips curved up even more, clearly entertained by her embarrassment.

"What?" he said casually, his voice low and knowing. "Don't act like I didn't fuck you last night."

She groaned and immediately grabbed the pillow beside her, throwing it straight at him. It hit his chest, and instead of apologizing, he laughed.

"Okay, okay," he said, finally turning around, hands raised in mock surrender. "I get it." Then, as if he couldn't help himself, he added, "Do it fast, sweetheart. I can turn back around if you take too long."

"Jungkook, stop," she muttered, mortified, telling him to quit his stupidity.

He only chuckled in response.

She carefully stood up from the bed, her body protesting instantly. Oh god. Every movement reminded her of last night. She slipped into the bathrobe as quickly as she could, tying it tightly around herself. The moment she was done, he turned back around.

"Oops," he said lightly. "Think I'm a little late."

She shot him a glare and whined softly for him to stop, heat rushing to her face. "Jungkook… please."

"Okay okay, I'm just messing with you," he said, laughing, before nodding toward the bathroom. "Go. Take a bath."

She walked toward the bathroom, moving slower than usual, and she knew he noticed. He watched her closely, his eyes following every careful step, the slight limp she tried—and failed—to hide.

Yeah, he had been rough last night.

Poor, girl.

And instead of guilt, it only fed his pride.

"You said you weren't a virgin," he commented, tone teasing, unapologetic. "And look at you. One night with me and you're already struggling. Imagine if I had you for a whole day."

Her face burned. He didn't miss a single chance to embarrass her.

Before she could react, he walked up behind her and scooped her up effortlessly, despite her soft protests telling him to stop. She barely had time to scold him before he carried her straight into the bathroom and gently set her down.

"Need help?" he asked with that wicked grin. "Or… want another round before you clean up?"

"Jungkook!" she snapped, completely flustered, pushing him back toward the door. "Get out."

She shut the door firmly in his face.

On the other side, his laughter echoed through the room.

Still flushed and embarrassed, she turned on the shower and stepped under the warm water, letting it wash over her aching body. The heat helped, easing the soreness little by little, though the memories of last night refused to leave her mind.

When she finally stepped out and returned to the bedroom, she froze.

A fresh set of clothes was neatly laid out on the bed.

They weren't hers–definitely not her usual style but they fit perfectly when she put them on, like they'd been chosen with care. She had no idea where he got them from or when, but it was obvious Jungkook had thought of everything.And somehow, that made her heart soften… even as her cheeks warmed all over again.

After getting dressed, the two of them had breakfast together in the hotel room. The silence between them was calm and warm. Jungkook behaved as if nothing had changed, yet there was a certain softness in his actions–like he was silently taking care of her in his own way.

Before dropping her home, he surprised her again by handing her more birthday gifts. The packages were neatly wrapped and tied with ribbons. She was already overwhelmed from everything he had done the night before and this felt like too much. But it still made her heart flutter. He didn't need to do any of it, but he did and that thought alone stayed with her as she looked at the gifts in her lap during the ride back.

The chain he gave her the previous night still hung around her neck. She touched it gently, smiling to herself. It wasn't just a gift–it felt like a memory carved into silver, a reminder of how everything had changed.

When she reached home, her father was waiting. He seemed a little suspicious. She was supposed to return the night before, but now it was morning. She quickly gave an excuse, saying one of her friends had insisted they stay out longer and they ended up having a girls night for her birthday. Her father seemed unsure at first but relaxed when he heard that she'd had a good time. He had even cooked something special for her birthday dinner, which she had missed. That made her feel a little guilty but seeing him smile and feeling his love still made her heart feel full.

Later, she lay in her bed, completely drained but peaceful. She didn't go to the office, just like Jungkook had said. She wouldn't have been able to move around much anyway. Her body was sore, but her heart was light.

Staring at the ceiling, her mind wandered back to him–his touch, his voice, the way he looked at her like she belonged to him. A soft smile tugged at her lips. Everything felt unreal, like a dream she wasn't ready to wake up from.

And with that thought, she closed her eyes, letting herself rest once again.

✦───────────────✦

[ Almost Six Months Later ]

Life had never been extraordinary for Evie.

She grew up with just her father after her parents divorce, watching their love fall apart at an early age. She had seen the mess of broken promises and learned early that life doesn't always go the way you want it to. Still, she kept going–quietly, strongly.

In her 22 years, Evie had seen both calm and chaos, comfort and pain. But she survived everything with grace, carrying silent strength in her heart.

Her hometown, Albany, had given her a simple life. The kind where everyone knew each other, where the streets were familiar and dreams were modest. Because of her father's job transfers, she lived in many towns growing up. She had become used to packing and starting over. But moving to New York had been different. This city was big, loud, and wild. It had been more than a year since she arrived, full of wide-eyed dreams and silent hopes. She had come to chase something bigger than comfort–something meaningful.

But this one year had brought more than she ever expected.

So much had changed and not all of it was good. The beginning of the year had been full of choas–starting with the incident with Jungkook.

Then came Taehyung, who seemed like a safe space… until he wasn't. He left without an explanation, breaking her heart and all the promises that came with it. That betrayal was deep. Taehyung had caused pain in ways she still didn't like to think about. He didn't just walk away–he made sure to leave scars.

In the middle of that storm, Jungkook returned to her life like an unexpected wave. At first, she didn't know what to make of it. It was strange how he seemed more like a wounded soul than the arrogant man she remembered. He stayed around her, helped her when she didn't ask, supported her when no one else did. It was confusing.

But over the months, something shifted.

He changed–truly changed. And she wasn't the kind of girl who believed people could change. She had always thought it was nonsense and lame when Jungkook said, "Only you can fix me."

Absolutely nonsense and illogical.

She didn't believe in fixing anyone.

But then… it somehow felt real. Like he was trying, not just for her, but for himself. The arrogance, the recklessness, the ego–all of it started to fade slowly. He became more thoughtful, more mature, more aware of how his actions affected her.

And yet, he still held on to the little parts of himself that made him. He was still playful, sometimes stubborn and still annoyed her by not listening but it was all wrapped in this warmth she had never expected from him.

After that intense birthday night they shared, the bond between them deepened. They weren't officially together–he never called her his girlfriend, but his actions spoke louder than any title.

He would send her the sweetest texts–sometimes romantic, sometimes silly, sometimes absolutely cringe–but she'd laugh at them and still smile. He picked her up from work, dropped her off, bought her flowers without any occasion, and planned surprise dinners. He'd say flirty, overly romantic lines that didn't suit his usual cocky personality and she'd tease him for it, laughing at how he tried so hard to sound smooth.

He was still working under his father now, in the process of preparing to take over the company once he turned 26-27. He had grown into his role and with his financial stability, they even bought a bigger house.

It wasn't officially theirs but she spent so much time there, it felt like a shared space. He filled it with things she liked–soft lights, colourful theme paint on walls and things, scented candles, tiny details that only someone who paid close attention would know.

Sometimes, she stayed the night, waking up in his arms, tangled in sheets and warmth. The intimacy between them had only grown. It wasn't just emotional–physically, he was overwhelming in the best ways.

Their nights together left her breathless, aching, and flushed. He was intense, dominant, and never held back, and there were times when the way he touched her, kissed her, made her feel like she'd melt under him. One kiss could leave her soaked, her mind blank, her whole body surrendering.

Even with all the changes, his effects never faded.

At first, she was scared–scared he would get bored, that he was just chasing a thrill. Especially after they crossed that line on her birthday night.

But weeks passed. Then months. And he stayed. Sweet. Attentive. Loyal. He didn't just prove he was serious–he made her believe it. She even tested him once, sending her friend to flirt with him to see if he'd waver, but he didn't even glance her friend's way. His loyalty was silent but steady.

Now, everything felt right. Life was good, full of quiet moments and loud heartbeats. She had stopped doubting him and more importantly, she had stopped doubting herself. And even though they never said the words out loud, she knew she had become his person–and he had become hers.

It was still strange, though… how the man she once hated had become the one she now trusted the most.

Earlier, she had kept it a secret from her father not because he was overly strict, but simply because he had always been protective of her. After everything she had gone through with Taehyung, he was more cautious, more watchful. Evie didn't want him to worry, especially when her heart was still figuring things out. But it turned out, she didn't have to say anything.

Her father had already noticed.

It wasn't hard to tell. Jungkook was always around–picking her up, dropping her off, hovering near her like he belonged there. His presence was so constant, so obvious, that even her father, who usually stayed quiet about her personal life, finally asked one day. Not with anger or suspicion, but with a soft, knowing look.

When he brought it up, she didn't deny it. There was no reason to. She felt safe. Jungkook had already won him over with ease, like he always did with people. That charming smile, the polite tone, the perfectly timed compliments–he didn't even have to try too hard.

And just like that, everything felt settled.

No more secrets, no more hiding. Her father was supportive. There were no lectures, no concerns, no warnings. Just quiet approval. And with that one hurdle crossed, she felt even more at peace. Everything in her life was falling into place. It felt surreal–like something out of a dream.

Sometimes she caught herself smiling for no reason, just replaying little moments with Jungkook in her head. The way he looked at her. The way he called her name softly when she was half-asleep. The way his arms felt like home when she woke up in the middle of the night.

Day by day, her feelings for him grew stronger. She didn't know exactly when she had stopped doubting him–maybe it happened gradually, between stolen kisses and midnight talks. But now, she believed in them. Completely.

It felt too perfect sometimes.

So perfect that it scared her a little. Like she was floating too high, and one strong wind could knock her down.

There were moments when her heart whispered a quiet warning, asking her if this kind of happiness could last.

Was it really this simple?

This smooth?

Could someone really change so much just for her?

But every time that doubt crept in, she would shake it off. Shrug it away. She didn't want to ruin what she had. Not when everything felt so warm, so comforting. So real.

She was living her dream. She felt light, like she was walking on clouds. Her life, once messy and filled with chaos, now felt soft and sweet, like a fairytale coming true.

And she loved it.

Loved the ease of it. The way Jungkook looked at her like she was the only girl in the world. The way her father had accepted everything without question. The way her heart had stopped aching after months of chaos.

But she didn't question it.

She was happy.

And sometimes, being happy made her forget that not everything that feels right… is right.

And her thoughts were interrupted by a tap on her desk–one of her colleagues had come over, asking for a file. She quickly handed it over, offering a soft smile in return before her eyes shifted back to the clock.

The office day was coming to an end and the hour of early evening was creeping in through the blinds. Her mind, though, wasn't on the time or the work anymore. It kept drifting to one person–Jungkook.

A female colleague, someone she'd gotten friendly with, stopped by and asked if she wanted to join a few of them at a nearby restaurant for coffee. It was a casual invitation, just an after-office hangout. But Evie politely declined, saying she had something to do.

But the truth was, her heart just wasn't in it. Her eyes kept flicking toward the entrance of the office building, hoping, maybe foolishly, that Jungkook would show up. He hadn't come all day.

In fact, he hadn't picked her up or dropped her off in the last two or three days–something that had once become so regular, it had started to feel like a habit. His absence felt like a missing piece in her daily routine and no matter how much she tried to dismiss it, she couldn't.

He had texted her earlier, saying he was busy–apparently, he was now working directly under her father to learn the ropes of the business. It made sense. If he was preparing to take over some responsibilities in the future, he had every reason to stay focused.

And she understood that. Truly, she did. But what bothered her wasn't his schedule–it was how distant he'd become suddenly.

He didn't talk to her like he used to. Their phone calls had turned short, his voice clipped and careful, as if every word was being weighed.

And yesterday, when they spoke briefly, she could feel something was off. He avoided simple questions and ended the call quickly. He sounded like he was holding something back–like he was hiding something from her and didn't want her to know it.

And today, he hadn't shown up at all. No calls. Not even a message to ask how her day had been.

She wasn't the kind of girl who got angry over every little thing. She never expected him to report his every move or text her every hour. But one genuine message, one short call to say he was busy—that wasn't too much to ask, was it?

She sighed quietly, then decided something. She wouldn't just sit around wondering what was going on. She didn't think it was wrong to want clarity. If she felt something wasn't right, wasn't it fair to go and talk about it?

She wanted to see him. Just to understand. Maybe he really was under pressure. Maybe she was overthinking. But she wouldn't know until she saw him face-to-face.

With that thought, she packed her bag and walked outside, catching the bus that led toward the district where her father's main office building was located. The ride was long but she barely noticed the time pass, her heart and mind too full of questions.

When she finally arrived, the tall building stood firm, its glass walls reflecting the fading sunlight. As she walked through the main entrance, a few of the staff members recognized her immediately. She smiled and greeted them politely, asking if Jeon Jungkook was available.

One of his managers—His name was Ethan Clone.

He had seen her once or twice before and greeted her warmly. "You're here to meet Jungkook?" he asked. "He's here today. Let me check if he's free." She nodded, grateful for his help.

A few minutes later, Mr. Clone returned with a smile. "You can go ahead. He's in his cabin."

Evie left her bag at the reception area, knowing she wouldn't be long. Her heart beat a little faster as she made her way down the hallway.

She paused at the door, took a breath, and knocked softly.

"Come in," came the voice from inside.

She opened the door and stepped in quietly. Jungkook was seated at his desk, surrounded by files and papers. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, sleeves rolled up, deep in his work. He looked up the moment she entered and his expression changed. Surprise flickered across his face. He hadn't expected to see her here.

"Evie?" he said, startled. "You're here? I thought you'd be home by now."

She walked in slowly, her eyes fixed on him–just…searching within him. "Why?" she asked softly, tilting her head slightly. "Are you not happy to see me?"

He blinked and quickly shook his head, standing up as if to explain himself. "No–of course I am. I'm just… surprised, that's all."

She looked at Jungkook for a moment, then took a step forward just as he stood up from his desk and walked toward her. But then she smiled softly, gently trying to lighten the moment. "How are you?" she asked, her voice calm and tender. "How's everything going here? Did you eat lunch today?"

Jungkook nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I did… Did you?" he asked, brushing his hand through his already slightly messy hair. "How was your day at work?"

"It was okay," she replied with a small shrug, her eyes still studying him. "And don't say it like that–as if I troubled myself by coming here." She smiled a little more, taking another step closer. "I missed you, that's all. I just… wanted to see you."

He sighed quietly and after a second, his hands reached out gently to rest on her waist. She responded naturally, placing her hands on his shoulders. It was a simple gesture, but one that grounded them both. She looked into his eyes and spoke in a quiet voice, "I know this is all new for you. The work, the pressure, the responsibilities– it must feel like a lot. I just want you to take care of yourself too, okay?"

Her hand slowly moved up toward his hair, brushing it aside gently and fixing a few strands that had fallen on his forehead. It was such a small thing, but it felt intimate–like a moment only they shared.

Then she looked at him again and said, "I understand you've been busy, your schedule is tight… but, Jungkook, I've been noticing things." Her voice didn't hold any accusation, just honesty. "You've been acting differently these past few days. Not just tired… it's something else. I don't know if you're not feeling well, or if something's bothering you. But I can feel it."

She paused for a second and then continued, "If something's wrong… you can tell me. Isn't that what being together is about? Sharing things, supporting each other? Maybe I can help."

She didn't really know what his problem was. Maybe he had more going on, more things he was dealing with silently. And if that was the case, she was willing to be there for him–even if there were things she couldn't fix or solve. Sometimes, just sharing things helped, didn't it?

Maybe she couldn't help him directly but she could still support him, ease the weight a little, at least mentally.

She dropped her hands gently and looked down for a second before adding, "I know you've been trying to keep something from me. I can feel it in the way you talk to me during the day–how your voice sounds, how you're not really there. And sometimes it feels like… like you're avoiding me. Like there's something you don't want me to find out."

Before she could finish, Jungkook suddenly let out a half-laugh, half-sigh and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "Oh, God, Evie… you act so stupid sometimes, you know that?" he said, shaking his head before leaning down and pressing his lips against hers, silencing her words with a kiss.

It was deep and full of tension–the kind of kiss that said more than words ever could.

When he finally pulled back, his voice was low and strained, like something heavy had been sitting on his chest. "I'm not ignoring you," he whispered. "You're right… there is something. And it's been eating me up these past few days. I've been meaning to tell you, I swear. But I just… I didn't know how. I didn't know how to even start."

He sighed again, brushing his thumb gently against her cheek, which made her lean into his touch. His touch always comforted her and now it was doing its work, calming her nerves.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was pushing you away. That was never my intention. I've just been… stuck in something. A real mess. And I didn't know what to do." He sighed, showing his inner frustration. "But I know one thing–you're the only one who can pull me out of this."

She looked up at him with concern, waiting patiently for him to continue.

His eyes avoided hers. "Actually… the actual reason–my father… he's planning a big investment move. He wants to invest in one of his oldest business partners' companies. They've been close friends for a long time, and they're trying to strengthen that partnership even more. It's not just about money–it's personal for them. They want to connect both families permanently."

Evie blinked, trying to understand what he meant.

Jungkook let out a slow breath and continued, "That business partner… he has a daughter. She's around our age. And… a long time ago, apparently, both of them–my dad and hers–made some sort of arrangement. Not like an official engagement or anything, but a mutual understanding that when we're older, maybe around twenty-five or twenty-six, they'd like us to settle down together. As a couple."

The actual fuck?

Evie stared at him, visibly confused. "Wait–what?"

He looked at her, then nodded slowly. "I didn't know about it until recently. My father brought it up this week and said it would be the perfect way to combine both businesses, keep things secure in the long run. He thinks I need to stop living like a 'carefree kid' and start acting like a future CEO."

Evie was silent for a second, trying to process the information. "So… you're telling me your parents want you to settle down with someone else?"

This is absolutely insane.

She took a moment before speaking as she stared straight into his eyes, her expression tightening.

"Don't you dare say that you can't do this anymore–that you're going to follow their plan and leave me behind just like that."

How the hell is this even happening? She had started believing that everything was finally falling back into place, never realizing this real shit was going on behind her back.

Her hands immediately grabbed his collar in disbelief. She hadn't even thought before doing it; the reaction was instinctive, defensive and it clearly took him by surprise. "You're seriously going to do this, Jungkook? Now I get why you've been distant with me these past few days."

There was no way she was going to let this happen. If he was even thinking about leaving her behind and settling down, was he insane to believe she'd let it go so easily?

Her voice cracked slightly, anger building up, but she was still trying to stay calm. "If that's what you're going to say, then I swear to god I'll kill—"

"Evie," he cut in gently, his hands moving to hers to calm her down. "No. It's not like that. Please don't jump to conclusions."

Her breathing was heavy. She didn't know if she had jumped to conclusions, but wasn't that the obvious reaction for anyone in this situation?

He looked into her eyes, holding her hands tightly now. "I'm not saying I agree with this. I'm not giving you up, okay? I'm telling you this because I didn't want to lie to you. I just… didn't know how to bring it up without making you feel like this."

She looked at him, breathing slightly heavier, still processing everything. And he just stood there quietly, waiting, letting her take it all in.

Jungkook stayed quiet for a moment, his fingers slowly rubbing against hers, as if preparing himself. Then he looked up at her again, eyes softer now and began to speak with more honesty than she had seen from him in days.

"Then I told my parents about you," he said quietly. "I told them I'm seeing someone–seriously. That I have a girl in my life now who actually means something to me."

Evie blinked, surprised, but didn't interrupt.

"I told them I wasn't interested in any arranged nonsense," he went on, "that I already have someone, and I'm not just playing around this time. I even told my dad I wanted him to meet you. Thought if he met you, he'd finally understand that I'm not lying or messing around anymore."

He paused and let out a tired sigh. "But they didn't believe me. Not even a little."

Evie tilted her head, brows slightly furrowed. "Why?"

"Because they think I'm still the same guy I used to be," he admitted, his tone dipping into something more raw. "Reckless, careless… someone who lies without blinking and treats relationships like temporary fling. And I won't even try to deny it. They're not wrong for thinking that. I really was that guy once. They've seen it all–me sneaking around, being with girls I didn't care about, lying just to cover things up. So now, no matter how serious I am, they don't trust a single word I say."

Evie's sensing the weight in his voice.

"I told them I wanted them to meet you, but they just brushed it off. My dad even said I could easily pay someone to pretend for a few hours, to put on a sweet act and fool them into thinking I've changed. He thinks I'd go that far just to escape their plans."

She couldn't really blame his parents either. They had watched him grow up with behavior that never seemed to change, so of course they struggled to believe him now. Even if he claimed he had changed, that wasn't something easy to trust. She herself had taken a long time to trust him–it hadn't been easy to believe someone who once showed the same nature and then suddenly claimed to be different.

He looked at her now, eyes filled with something conflicted and honest. "And maybe that's the worst part. I can't even blame them. I was that person. I've given them every reason not to believe me."

A silence stretched between them before he continued.

"So I thought… what if I plan something with make them drop all this nonsense?" he said slowly. "What if I played their game with my own rules? I thought I'd hire a girl, give her some money, draw up a contract, and sign fake marriage papers. Just to get my parents off my back. Make it legal enough to make them stop. They couldn't push that girl on me anymore once I'm already legally married, right?"

The mention of it immediately stirred something inside her–a strange feeling she didn't like at all, not even a little. Even though it was just an idea, she stayed quiet and let him continue, wanting to hear him out first.

He hesitated, then shook his head. "But the moment I thought of actually doing that–going through with it–I felt disgusted. I couldn't imagine faking something so serious with a stranger. Even if it's just for show. Even if it's fake. It felt… wrong."

His thumb brushed gently over her wrist, as if he was searching for her reaction, pausing to think of the right way to say it. The touch was meant to calm her before he continued.

"And then I thought—why should I even lie like that when I already have someone who means more to me than anyone ever has? Someone who knows me better than I know myself?"

He looked into her eyes, waiting a moment before finally saying it. He knew that if he messed this up, it could ruin everything, and he needed to be careful.

"So I thought… if I have to fake something just to escape this stupid deal, then at least let it be with someone real. Someone I actually want to be with. You."

Evie's breath caught, and her lips parted slightly, trying to take in his words.

"I didn't want to hide any of this from you," he said. "You deserve to know. I won't lie to you or pretend you're not important. You are. And when I thought about signing fake papers with you… it didn't feel wrong. Not at all. In fact, it felt like the only thing that made sense."

His eyes searched hers, his voice steady but emotional now.

"And then I asked myself something else–why fake it at all?" He said.

No. No. He isn't saying all this, is he? She could already sense what was about to come, and she hoped he wouldn't because she wasn't ready for this.

"We're not kids anymore, Evie. You're twenty-two, I'm turning twenty-three in a few weeks. You're independent. I'm about to take over real responsibilities. We've been together long enough to know what this is. And I know how I feel about you. This thing between us–it's real. So why pretend when it can be something more?"

Something more? No way. She was definitely not ready for this conversation.

God.

He paused, letting his words settle in the air. "I know it's sudden. I know it's a lot. And I'm not pressuring you. But I want you to think about it. We could turn this stupid trap they built for me into something real. We could take control of this ourselves, on our terms–not theirs."

He took her hand gently, holding it between both of his. "Only if you feel the same."

Evie stared at him, her lips parted in disbelief. Her heart skipped a beat, not from excitement, but from sheer shock.

"W-What did you just say?" she asked quietly, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

Jungkook didn't hesitate. "I'm asking you to marry me."

Evie blinked, stunned, her breath catching as the weight of his words settled over her. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Was he… proposing?

Not hinting. Not suggesting. Not teasing around the idea.

But saying it. Directly.

Straight to her face.

A direct marriage proposal.

Just like that. Out of nowhere.

Jungkook noticed the disbelief flickering in her eyes and his face was nothing but calm sincerity. His tone softened, his eyes reflecting vulnerability as he stepped closer, his voice dipping into that gentle register that always managed to disarm her.

"I know what people say," he began slowly. "That we're too young. That we should wait. That most couples don't even think about marriage until their late twenties or thirties."

He believed age didn't matter the way people made it seem. Not really.

People—young or old—could figure things out if they truly wanted to, if what they had was real. He just didn't want to mess this up. He needed to make her understand, calmly and logically.

He paused, watching her carefully. "Not everyone lives by the same timeline. Love isn't always defined by time. It's defined by feeling. And what we have… it's not casual. It's not temporary."

His grip tightened around her hand, partly to steady himself, partly to reassure her. He felt her stiffen slightly under his touch.

His voice softened. "It's not just about saying 'I love you' or putting a label on us. It's more than that. It's deeper. I feel it in every part of me."

He could see it on her face–shock, disbelief. She was processing everything, and he knew it. She could shut him down. Tell him to stop. Walk away. Maybe even slap him. He couldn't predict her reaction. Situations like this pulled out raw emotions and he had to tread carefully.

And especially her stunned expression giving him no clear sign of what she was thinking.

He exhaled and let out a small, almost nervous laugh. "I'm not perfect. I know that. You could probably find someone better. Someone more stable. Someone more deserving." He looked down for a brief second, then met her eyes again. "But I don't want comparisons. I just want to be better. For you."

The words didn't come out perfectly. They weren't polished or planned. They were simply what he felt. He couldn't promise perfection but he could promise effort. Growth.

His tone softened even more. "You stood by me when no one else did. You believed in me. You corrected me, guided me. You saw a version of me I didn't even believe existed. Because of you, I wanted to grow. To be responsible. To want more from life."

His gaze stayed locked on hers, unflinching.

She looked breathless, overwhelmed but he didn't stop.

Because he didn't want to.

"And I want it," he said quietly, honestly. "With you."

Evie's heart ached at his words. Not because they weren't beautiful—they were. Too beautiful. But because marriage, to her, wasn't just a romantic notion. It was serious. It was a personal lifetime decision. It wasn't a decision to take lightly.

She didn't doubt her feelings for him. She saw his efforts. She recognized how far he'd come. And there were moments–quiet, vulnerable moments–when she did imagine a future with him. A real one. But marriage?

Now?

At twenty-two?

It felt too soon.

Too sudden.

"Jungkook, I really don't know what you're suggesting…" Her voice faltered. "I—I…"

She trailed off, not even sure what she was trying to say. A part of her still hoped she had misunderstood him. That she'd heard it wrong.

Her heartbeat picked up.

"I want you to marry me."

He said it plainly. No hesitation. His eyes never left hers.

God. No way.

He was being too direct–too sure. He was actually saying he wanted to marry her.

"I— I'm really sorry," she said quickly, trying to steady herself. "This is too sudden. I understand how it feels when your parents pressure you, I do. But you should talk to them first. If they don't listen, then we can think about it calmly. This—this is too much, too fast."

She tried to pull her hand away.

He didn't let her.

He held on and gently pulled her closer, firmly like he wasn't going to let this be brushed off so easily. Not by chance. Not like this.

"I know exactly what I'm saying," he said, his voice steady. "And I know what I want. I want you. Only you. This isn't about being trapped by my parents and needing your help. If that were the case, I could fake it. But why would I do that when I can actually marry you?"

She inhaled sharply. "Jungkook, stop. Think properly. Don't say things just because the moment feels intense—"

"It's not a moment," he cut in immediately. "I've thought about this. I've wanted this. We've been in each other's lives for months. You've seen me at my worst and my best. What we have isn't casual. It's solid. It's real. For me, you're not a random choice. You're the right one."

"Jungkook, please, just... try to think—"

"I am thinking," he said calmly. "Believe me, I'm not the 'marriage type.' Never have been. Not even close. But if it's you, I don't see it as a cage. I don't see it as giving something up." His grip softened, but his words didn't. "I won't pretend it'll be easy. There will be problems. Adjustments. Hard days. But that's what being human is– learning, messing up, fixing things, trying again. And I want to try with you."

She hated how convincing he sounded.

Hated how measured his words were. Even someone who resisted everything, someone who ran from commitment, would find it hard not to believe him.

And that scared her more than anything else.

She hesitated, trying to form the right words–trying to explain that it wasn't about having real feelings for him or not wanting a life together. It was about timing. About responsibility. About the life she couldn't just leave behind.

"My father…" she started, her voice tight. "He's aging, Jungkook. Alone. He depends on me for everything. I'm his world. Just like he's mine." She paused, her throat tightening. "Marriage means leaving. Creating a separate life. And I don't know if I'm ready to do that. Not now. Not when it might break both our hearts."

Jungkook nodded slowly, listening intently. But he wasn't done.

"You think I haven't thought about that?" he asked gently. "I understand, Evie. I do. But if you say no… I'll have no choice but to pay some random girl to pretend to be my wife."

She looked at him, eyes widening in disbelief.

"I'd fake an entire marriage," he continued, "just to stop my parents from pushing me into one with someone else. Just to protect what we already have."

Shit. She didn't like that at all. The idea of a fake contract marriage irritated her, especially the mention of another girl. Wasn't there some other way to solve this?

God, what kind of situation was she stuck in?

"I don't want to do that. But if you walk away… what other choice do I have?"

What choice did he really have? She didn't know. But surely they could sit down calmly and talk instead of making decisions in the heat of the moment. They could talk to his parents properly. She trusted herself, she knew she could handle this if given the chance.

She slowly pulled one hand free from his grip and lifted it to his face, trying to calm him. He was too anxious right now.

"Jungkook, first calm down, okay?" she said softly. "When people get anxious, they end up making decisions without thinking. If you want, I can talk to your parents. I'll try to make them understand that you can't do this, and that you and I have been together for a long time. I'll make them believe us."

But he didn't agree.

"It won't work," he said. "My parents won't trust you. They're not like your father. You don't know them the way I do." His voice hardened slightly. "And I don't understand why you're backing off from this. Why are you so scared?"

Scared? Of what? Everything, maybe. Especially the word marriage. Her hand dropped from his face.

Still, she tried again. "Jungkook, what will people say? We're too young—"

His eyes never left hers. He could see her distress, the conflict written all over her face. "Why are you so caught up in what society says is the 'right' age?" he asked quietly but firmly. "The law says we're legal. We're both past that. So what's really stopping you?"

He let the question hang in the air.

What was stopping her? She didn't know. It wasn't society–it was the weight of the word marriage itself. The responsibility it carried.

Then, gently, he shifted to the one thing he knew might truly affect her.

"Is it mainly your father," he said softly, "or do you just not trust me enough?"

Evie stiffened.

"If this is about your father, then I know how important he is to you," Jungkook said softly. "I respect that. I've thought about it too. He already knows about me, and he likes me. With a little effort, I can win him over completely. I will."

But it wasn't mainly about her father.

"After the marriage, I won't take you away from him," he continued. "I'll make sure he's taken care of. We'll get full-time help–nurses, whatever he needs. He won't be alone. Maybe he can even stay with us sometimes, or you can go to him whenever you want. We'll figure it out. Together."

Her eyes burned.

Then his voice dropped, raw and honest.

"But if this is really because you don't trust me… I know I'm flawed," he whispered. "I'm not the man every girl dreams about. I've made mistakes. I've done things I'm not proud of. But if there's one thing I'm sure of—it's you."

His grip tightened around her hand, and her nerves refused to calm.

"I don't want to be the best man in the world," he said quietly. "I just want to be better… for you. But after everything we've been through, you still care more about what others think about some imaginary timeline–than what we have…"

He paused.

"I won't stop you."

His eyes met hers as he slowly let go of both her hands, leaving the choice entirely with her.

"I won't beg or force you to marry me, because it's your personal decision, and I can't force you into it."

Of course, she was his choice but he would never push her just because he was stuck in his own problems. Even though he was desperate, he wouldn't make her do something she didn't want. Dragging her into something against her will, just to save himself, would be selfish and he knew that.

"But just know… I'm not asking out of pressure. Or desperation. I'm asking because I genuinely want it."

The room fell quiet.

The silence between them grew heavy.

Evie's eyes began to sting, the pressure of tears building slowly but surely. A whirlwind of emotions churned inside her–fear, love, guilt, hope–all tangled together in a way that made it hard to breathe. Her throat tightened as she tried to say something, anything but no words came out.

She just stood there, silent and overwhelmed.

Jungkook watched her closely, his expression calm and steady. Then, slowly, he raised his hand, palm open toward her–an invitation in quiet confidence.

"Just trust me," he said, his voice low but firm. "If you trust me if what we have is real for you too, then give me this chance."

She held his hand with both of hers, tightening her grip slightly just to make sure she had his full attention.

"Jungkook, look at me," she said softly. "This isn't something we can decide immediately–especially not me. It's not just about staying together or living in the same house. This is a huge responsibility, a lifetime decision and I really need time to think about it properly."

She swallowed, watching his reaction closely. His expression was unreadable, and that made her chest tighten. She couldn't tell if he understood her, if he was hurt, or if he felt rejected.

But it wasn't rejection.

She wasn't saying no.

She was only asking for time–time to think clearly, to reach a decision she wouldn't regret. She hoped, more than anything, that he would understand that.

He cleared his throat, clearly conflicted himself, and spoke in a low voice. "So… is that a no? Or—"

She cut him off immediately. "I'm not saying no," she said firmly but gently. "And I'm not saying yes either. I need time. I want to think and I want my father to know about this too–to hear his opinion. I hope you understand that I'm not pushing you away. I just need some time and I promise I'll tell you my decision once I'm sure."

That was exactly what she meant.

Not yes. Not no.

Just time.

And her father–telling him felt like the hardest part. She had no idea how he would react and that uncertainty scared her.

She searched Jungkook's face again, but she still couldn't read him.

Was he disappointed?

She hoped not. Deep down, she knew he wasn't the kind of man to take this the wrong way but the fear stays anyway.

As if sensing her thoughts, he nodded slowly. He let go of her hands and gently cupped her face, lifting her chin so she had no choice but to look at him.

"It's okay," he said quietly. "Take your time. I'll wait for you and for your decision. Just know that everything I said… I meant it. This isn't about needing your help. It's because I want you."

Overwhelmed, she couldn't find the right words to reply. She just stood there, breathing him in. He leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, and she didn't pull away.

In that moment, it wasn't about decisions or fear—it was comfort, calming the storm inside her heart.

✦───────────✦

Marriage.

It was a heavy word. Not just vows spoken in a church or signing papers and moving in together. Marriage meant a lifetime promise. Something permanent. Something that couldn't be undone without consequences.

It wasn't a one-day decision–it was a forever kind of choice.

And with that forever came responsibility. Real responsibility. Emotional, practical, lifelong. For Evie, that weight felt overwhelming. Not because she was afraid of growing up, but because she understood exactly what marriage demanded and she knew how much it could take from a person.

She had grown up in a middle-class family, watching her parents slowly fall apart. Once, they had been in love–warm, happy, full of plans. And then, somewhere along the way, that love cracked. Their separation wasn't loud or chaotic. It was calm, mature, even respectful. But it was still a divorce. Still painful. Still something that left marks she carried quietly.

That was the real reason she hesitated. If two people who truly loved each other could still end up apart, then anything could happen. No matter how strong a relationship seemed, marriage didn't guarantee safety. And that thought terrified her more than she liked to admit.

It wasn't that she saw what she had with Jungkook as casual or temporary. She didn't. For her, it was serious. Something she had already started imagining in the long term. But her failed relationship with Taehyung had made her even more cautious. She had tested Jungkook more than once. And even now, a part of her still held back.

Yet, on the other side of it all, she wanted to help him. The idea of Jungkook entering a contract marriage with another woman–even if it was fake, even if it was just for his parents made her stomach twist.

She hated it. Completely. The thought of someone else standing in that place beside him, even on paper, didn't sit right with her at all.

She was stuck. Truly stuck.

She had asked Jungkook for time and now her own thoughts were a mess she couldn't untangle. A whole week had passed. Jungkook respected her decision, he didn't push, didn't show up unexpectedly, didn't pressure her. She went to work every day and for the first time in a while, she didn't see him there. He stayed away on purpose, giving her the space she asked for.

Still, he checked on her. Messages asking if she had eaten, if she was okay, if work was tiring. Nothing about marriage. Nothing about decisions. And she was deeply grateful for that. He was respecting her boundaries, her silence, her confusion.

Yet guilt sat heavy in her chest. She replied to his messages but briefly. Carefully. She avoided seeing him, avoided talking too much, not because she didn't care but because she didn't know what to say yet.

And that made her feel stupid.

Why was it so hard to choose when her heart already knew what it felt? Why did fear always speak louder than love?

Gosh. She really needed to figure this out.

It was evening now and she had already returned home from the office. After taking a shower, she went to her room. The house was quiet, and she was alone since her father had gone out for his evening walk.

She decided to prepare dinner, so she headed toward the kitchen. Just before leaving the room, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message. She walked over and saw that it was from Jungkook. Knowing it was him, she didn't open it and left the phone aside.

She felt guilty for ignoring him, but she didn't know how to start a conversation or face everything right now. For the moment, she chose to avoid him, though she didn't know how long she would be able to do that.

With a quiet sigh, she went to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. Time passed as the food cooked.

Soon, she heard the apartment door open and close, followed by footsteps. She assumed it was her father returning from his evening walk. The timing felt perfect–dinner was almost ready and her father was home too.

She called out,

"Dad, you're back? You came a little early today, but that's good. You don't have to make dinner today–I already did."

She smiled to herself. Her father had always handled the household chores on his own since her childhood. Even after she grew up, he rarely let her help, though she still tried whenever she could.

Hearing the footsteps reach the kitchen, she turned around with a smile—

but the smile slowly faded.

The person standing there wasn't her father.

It was Jungkook.

Was she surprised? Not really. He had come to her place many times before. It had been months, and he even knew the house passcode. Maybe he came because she wasn't answering his calls or replying to his messages.

She noticed he had come straight from work–black formal pants, a white shirt, his hair slightly messy. His expression was unreadable… intense, almost.

"You… you're here?" she asked in a small voice, surprised and a little nervous, especially after seeing his expression.

He walked toward her slowly and stopped right in front of her. The dominance that always surrounded him made her feel small without him even trying. She swallowed hard.

"You're ignoring me," his deep voice said as he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes fixed on her with an intense look.

She was quick to defend herself. "No—no, I'm not."

God, why was she getting so nervous?

And he wasn't helping either.

"Yes, you are. You're literally ignoring me for a week now. I gave you time, not to cut yourself off from me. I've been calling and messaging you for days, and you didn't pick up even once. I started thinking maybe I made you uncomfortable and you're running away again. I couldn't take it anymore, so the moment my work ended today, I came here. Your silence is not something I can handle."

Her chest tightened. Guilt washed over her as she noticed the change in his expression. He didn't look angry–he looked hurt. Even though he tried to sound firm, his tone betrayed him.

Unable to face him, she turned slightly toward the stove and switched it off, pretending to check the pot just to avoid his eyes.

"I'm sorry for making you feel like that," she said softly. "I've just been really busy… and a little hesitant. I needed some time, that's why I didn't answer your calls."

Her hands trembled as she stared at the food, checking if it was cooked, though her mind was completely aware of him standing behind her. She could feel his presence even without looking.

The kitchen fell quiet. Too quiet.

Then suddenly, she felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close. He held her tightly, hugging her from behind, his body pressing into hers. His head rested in the crook of her neck as he let out a tired sigh, snuggling closer as if he had finally found some comfort.

She froze, stopping whatever she was doing, standing there without moving. Slowly, she placed her hands over his, which were locked around her waist.

"Jungkook…" she whispered his name.

He took a deep breath against her skin, inhaling her scent before exhaling slowly.

"If you don't want it, then don't," he murmured. "If you're not comfortable, don't force yourself. But… don't ignore me."

Her heart started racing. She breathed out slowly. "Jungkook, it's not like that—"

But he cut her off, resting his chin on her shoulder, his voice quieter now.

"I can see it's not easy for you. Especially for a woman. I understand the weight of it, the responsibility as it's not a small thing. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or feel like you have to avoid me. If my proposal is the reason you're ignoring me, then we'll drop it. Forget it. I'll handle my parents myself and find another way out of this problem. But I won't do something that makes you pull away from me. Hmm."

Her heart ached.

The way it was beating, the way her nerves refused to calm down–she couldn't even explain it. That wasn't what she meant at all. He thought she didn't want him, but that wasn't true. She did want him. It was just that certain things were holding her back.

And now she felt horrible for ignoring him.

She gently loosened his hold and turned around to face him, lifting her hands to cup his face.

"Jungkook, that's not how it is. Please don't misunderstand. It's not that I don't want you. It's just… it's just hesitation," she said, her voice unsteady, especially with the way he was looking at her.

"What kind of hesitation?" he asked.

"It's— it's my parents," she admitted. "They're divorced. They were a good couple, they loved each other, and still they separated. And then what happened with Taehyung… all of it makes me hesitate. It makes me wonder… what if."

That was enough for him to understand the storm inside her. He couldn't blame her; her fear was natural.

"Don't you trust me, Evie?"

Her heart started beating faster.

Did she trust him?

Yes. She had spent months with him–watching him, testing him, understanding him beyond words. She had seen him when he was calm, when he was frustrated, when he was soft without realizing it. And through all of that, she had learned one thing clearly.

She trusted him.

A sudden gasp left her lips when she felt his mouth brush against her neck. She hadn't even realized when his hands had tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, or when he had leaned down, fitting himself into the curve of her neck. His lips grazed her skin slowly as if he wasn't trying to rush anything–just feel her.

He breathed out softly, the warm air hitting her skin, sending a shiver through her.

"Hm?" he murmured, his voice low. "I asked you something. Don't you trust me?"

Her lips parted. Her eyes fluttered, threatening to close but she forced them open even as his mouth lingered there. Her hands moved on their own, reaching back to hold onto him, as if grounding herself.

"Yes," she breathed out, barely louder than a whisper.

"Then why?" he asked softly, his breath still warm against her skin as he slowly moved upward, closer to her ear. He knew exactly what he was doing. He always did. And in moments like this, she couldn't even think straight enough to stop him.

"Jungkook…" she breathed his name when his lips brushed just beneath her ear, her voice shaky.

"Tell me," he said again, gently this time. He lifted his head, his lips leaving her skin, guiding her to turn slightly until their faces were close. Her eyes were half-closed, his gaze steady on her. There was barely any space between them, just enough for her to feel his breath on her face.

"Why are you hesitating?"

"I… I don't know," she whispered honestly.

His eyes softened, but he didn't step back. Instead, his forehead rested lightly against hers, his thumb brushing slow, calming circles over her waist.

"Don't you want me then?" he asked quietly.

"I want you," she answered immediately, before she could even think. The truth slipped out without hesitation. She had never doubted that part. She wanted him–deeply, genuinely.

Her fear was never about him. It was about herself.

His hand moved from her waist to her back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

"Then listen to me," he said softly. "Your doubts aren't because you don't want me. They're because you're scared of losing something real. And that's okay."

He brushed his nose against hers, slow and gentle, making her breathe unevenly.

"You don't have to decide anything today," he continued. "You don't have to be brave all at once. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay right here, erasing that fear piece by piece, until you don't feel so alone in it anymore."

Her heart was hammering so hard, she could almost swear he could hear it.

Why was he always like this? Why was he so good at breaking down every wall she built, making her doubts vanish like they were nothing?

"What if… what if everything goes wrong? What if it doesn't turn out like we think, and it all falls apart… and we can't handle it?" she whispered, barely audible, as if the words themselves carried the weight of her fear.

She closed her eyes as he leaned closer, his nose brushing against hers. Her lips parted instinctively, as if drawn without her permission.

"We're human," he said softly, his breath warm against her lips. "Humans make mistakes. Humans learn, adjust, and keep trying. Nothing has to be perfect. It just has to be real, and it has to be us working together."

She gasped softly when he tightened his grip around her waist, pressing himself firmly against her. Her body pressed back, front against him.

"Just trust me, Evie," he murmured low.

And then he closed the last gap. His lips met hers with slow pressure. First, gentle, testing the reaction, sliding softly over hers. His mouth moved with patience, but there was strength underneath, that demanded nothing and yet claimed everything.

His hands moved up her back, tilting her slightly as he deepened the kiss. She felt the weight of him pressing against her. His lips moved in tandem with hers, exploring, claiming. He pulled her slightly closer, chest pressing against chest, and the kiss grew more urgent.

When he finally pulled back, just enough to breathe, his forehead rested against hers. He didn't speak immediately he let the closeness.

She pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against his chest, and finally spoke. "But… what about my father? How… how do we even talk to him about this?" Her voice was small, hesitant, betraying the swirl of worry in her mind.

Jungkook's hands tightened around her waist, his tone calm but teasing. "Have you talked to him yet?"

She shook her head, biting her lip. "No… not yet. I… I've been caught up in my own mess, and I didn't even get a chance to figure it out myself. I—"

He chuckled, that low, knowing sound that always made her heart flutter. "Don't worry about it," he said, tilting his head so he could look down at her. "I'll talk to him. You don't have to do anything."

She blinked, surprise flashing across her face. "You… you will?"

"Of course," he replied confidently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's my responsibility. You don't need to stress. I know how your father sees me and… trust me, I can make this easy. I'll handle it."

She let out a soft laugh, partly from relief and partly from his boldness. "You're unbelievable, you know that?" she teased, trying to lighten the moment. "Always thinking you can fix everything."

Jungkook grinned, lips brushing hers for a brief second, before he looked back at her with that familiar smirk. "Maybe. But when it comes to you, I don't plan on letting anything go wrong."

Her laughter softened into a quiet sigh. "Well… okay. But… maybe go now? Before my father comes back and finds you here like this," she said, pointing toward the living room, cheeks warming slightly at the thought.

He shook his head slowly, still holding her close. "Go? No way. Dinner's here, too. I'm not leaving."

She groaned softly, half exasperated and half amused. "Jungkook… really? You're going to stay?"

"Absolutely," he said, his eyes glinting with that mix of mischief and certainty she hated and loved at the same time. "Besides, it's the perfect chance to see you relax. I'm not going anywhere."

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You're impossible," she whispered, burying her face in his chest again.

"And you," he murmured back, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "you're worth every bit of impossible."