As you and Miyeon sit together, sharing coffee and refreshments, the air between you is thick with the aftermath of an intense emotional exchange. Despite the gravity of the conversation, you feel a strong pull to offer support. "Miyeon-ssi, you can stay with me until you feel comfortable moving on by yourself. It could be 2 weeks or 2 years, I don't mind," you propose, hoping to provide her with a sense of safety and stability.
However, Miyeon's response is immediate and firm. "No," she says, shaking her head while continuing to eat. "I can never risk you being dragged into my mess." Her refusal is rooted in a deep concern for your safety, a worry that your involvement could entangle you in the dangerous web that she's been trying to escape. "You don't know the things I know, and it's better that way," she adds, her gaze laden with worry, underscoring the seriousness of her situation.
Despite her resistance, your resolve only strengthens. "I can't let you live at a hotel on your own like this. You're coming home with me. It's not a choice," you insist, watching her carefully, your determination to help her unwavering.
Miyeon's reluctance is palpable as she tries to make you understand the gravity of her fears. "I can't, Y/N. You have to understand." She then reveals more about the perilous situations others connected to Jungkook have faced, painting a chilling picture of the threats that loom over those close to him. The incidents involving HoSeok's fiancée, Namjoon's sister, and the potential danger to Jin's sister highlight a pattern of targeted attacks, raising alarms about the safety of anyone associated with Jungkook and his circle.
Her revelation that there might be a mole within their group, leaking information to their adversaries, adds another layer of complexity and danger to the situation. "All of them think there's someone in the group who is leaking information about their close ones but haven't found him yet," she explains, highlighting the precariousness of their circumstances.
Miyeon's account makes it clear why she's hesitant to accept your offer. The fear that your proximity to her could make you a target is a burden she's unwilling to impose on you.
"A mole? Who and why could someone be doing that?" Your question hangs in the air, charged with curiosity and concern. Miyeon's reaction is subtle yet telling; her eyes dart away, not blatantly, but enough to suggest she might know more than she's letting on. It's a fleeting moment, but it speaks volumes, hinting at layers of complexity and secrets that run deep within the dangerous world she's entangled in.
"I...don't know, but I just know that I can't put you back from where you escapedâ" Her attempt to steer the conversation away and protect you is abruptly interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. The sudden break in the conversation leaves her sentence hanging, unfinished, adding to the air of mystery and urgency that surrounds her.
"I keep getting these calls from different numbers but I know it's just my husband trying to find me" She speaks with her low eyes, studying the phone screen.
This reminds you of the times you were getting calls from that one guy who had threatened you not to be around Jungkook. Relating the feelings with her, you again suggest to Miyeon that she should stay with you. All you want is for her to be safe. But she's really worried about dragging you back into a mess you've been trying to get away from. She explains that she has to keep moving, changing where she stays to stay safe. It's a lot for her, and she doesn't want to make it your problem too. You let her know that your door is always open, no matter what.
It was decided for her to join the work starting next Monday. She couldn't wait to join you at the work and you both had something to look forward to the upcoming week.
That night, you try to catch up on some work for the café and finish up some school assignments. It's tough to concentrate after all you've learned today. Your mind keeps drifting back to Jungkook, especially after realizing there was so much going on with him that you never knew about. You feel really bad about the things you said to him when you left. It was all so complicated, and now, knowing what you know, you can't help but wish things had gone differently.
Opening the "pictures" folder on your computer, you find yourself wandering down memory lane, courtesy of the photos Hyeyeon sent from your time in Busan. Each image brings a mix of nostalgia and a subtle smile to your face, a visual diary of moments spent together, of laughter and shared experiences.
As you scroll through the photos, a particular image catches your eye, one from the gala dinner â the moment when Jimin is proposing to Hyeyeon, and you're just arriving on the scene. But it's not the happy couple that draws your attention; it's Jungkook, captured in the background, standing right behind you. While everyone else's attention is fixed on Jimin and Hyeyeon, Jungkook's gaze is locked on you, a look of being utterly lost in the moment.
This picture stirs something deep within you, a flurry of emotions that you can't quite name. The way he's looking at you â it's a revelation, a window into feelings you hadn't realized were there, at least not so visibly. You find yourself staring at the photo, trying to decipher the emotions captured in his eyes. It's a look that speaks volumes, suggesting a depth of feeling that you hadn't noticed at the time, or perhaps had chosen not to see.
The confusion about what this look truly means swirls in your mind, but amidst the uncertainty, one thing is clear: it feels good to see him looking at you like that. It's a bittersweet realization, one that warms your heart even as it complicates your memories of that time. This single image, frozen in time, offers a glimpse of what might have been, sparking a mixture of regret and fondness for the moments you shared.
Just as you're about to surrender to sleep, your eyes catch one more photo, a candid shot that seems to hold the essence of an entire story within its frame. It's a moment frozen in time, capturing Jungkook as he enters the gala, his hair still partially wet, lending him an unexpectedly vulnerable air. He stands there, in front of you, his gaze locked on you with an intensity that's almost palpable. You, clad in a rosy satin dress that now seems like a relic of another lifetime, are caught in the act of meeting his eyes, the connection between you both electric and undeniable.
This photo, unlike the others, strikes a chord deep within you. It's not just a memory captured; it's a reminder of the connection you shared, a moment of unspoken understanding and mutual admiration. The way he looks at you, with such open admiration and something more profound, and how you look back, suggests a depth of feeling that neither of you perhaps fully acknowledged at the time.
Compelled by an impulse you don't fully understand, you save the picture to your phone. It feels important to keep this moment close, to preserve this snapshot of a time when the complexities of your intertwined lives were distilled into a single, pure exchange of looks. It's a memento of what was, a bittersweet token of a connection that, for all its challenges, brought moments of undeniable beauty and intensity into your life.
With the image safely stored on your phone, a tangible link to a past filled with both joy and pain, you finally allow sleep to take you. The photo, a silent testimony to a moment of connection, rests in the palm of your hand, a bridge between past and present, as you drift off into the quiet of the night, holding onto that memory even as you seek rest and escape in sleep.
As you sit there, the glow of the screen fading as you close the folder, you let your mind wander through the good times in Busan. You sift through your memories, choosing to focus on the laughter, the camaraderie, and the moments of sheer joy you shared with everyone. It's like picking out pearls from a sea of mixed memories, holding onto the ones that shine the brightest. With these thoughts cradling your mind, you don't even notice how your eyelids begin to droop, heavy with the weight of the day's revelations and the emotional journey you've been on. The couch, which has become your unintended sanctuary for the moment, cradles you as you slowly, almost imperceptibly, drift into sleep.
***
Three days later,
The atmosphere in your management class is thick with anticipation and a hint of anxiety as the professor prepares to discuss the results of the last test. The tension among your classmates is palpable, everyone eager yet apprehensive about their midterm performance. It's a critical point in the semester, and the stakes feel higher than ever.
The professor, sensing the mood, decides to raise the stakes by announcing a reward for the top 5 students who excelled in these midterms. The reward is not just any token of recognition but an opportunity that could potentially alter the course of your career: an invitation to attend an upcoming Entrepreneurs Meet happening in the city. Hosted at a venue owned by Seoul National University, this event is a gathering of the country's top leaders and wealthiest individuals. It's an annual affair, highly private and exclusive, with dinner passes priced at over 100 grand and access strictly limited to those of a certain status.
The mere thought of being among those top students, of earning a place at this event, sends a thrill through you. This isn't just an opportunity to mingle with the elite; it's a chance to expand your network in ways you've only dreamed of. Meeting these influential figures could open doors for your café, potentially attracting investors or sponsors willing to fund or invest in your business. The prospect of such an outcome is exhilarating, the kind of breakthrough you've been hoping for.
As the professor continues to build up to the announcement of the top performers, you find yourself holding your breath, hoping against hope that your name will be among those five names. The opportunity to attend the Entrepreneurs Meet would be a game-changer, a chance to step into circles that could offer the support and visibility your café project desperately needs. It's a moment of high stakes and high hopes, with the potential to be the best thing that's happened to you in a long while.
The anticipation in the classroom reaches to peak as the professor hands out the test results, each enveloped in secrecy, waiting for his command to be revealed. The atmosphere is charged, every student on edge, knowing that within those envelopes lies not just grades but potential tickets to a life-changing event.
"Alright then, only five students in the class have received the grade A+, and those five will be the ones going to the meet," the professor announces, his voice cutting through the thick tension like a knife.
"Go ahead and please check your results."
His words are the cue for a collective breath-holding moment, a mere five seconds that stretch into eternity, filled only with the sound of envelopes being cautiously opened. Then, as if on cue, the room erupts into a symphony of paper rustling, a stark contrast to the preceding silence. The calm before the storm gives way to chaos as everyone scrambles to discover their fate.
Amidst the chaos, you find yourself frozen, envelope in hand, overwhelmed by a mix of anticipation and dread. The weight of the moment, the significance of what that envelope represents, renders you immobile. It's as if, by delaying the reveal, you're holding onto a thread of hope, unwilling to face the possibility of disappointment. The envelope feels like a Pandora's box, filled with dreams and fears alike, and you're just not ready to confront its contents.
The noise around you fades into a blur, classmates exchanging excited or disappointed looks, but you're caught in a bubble of your own making. The anxiety of not knowing battles with the fear of knowing, leaving you in a standstill, envelope unopened, heart racing. It's a moment of vulnerability, a test of patience and courage, as you grapple with the decision to face whatever reality lies within that sealed paper.
The classroom falls into an expectant hush as the professor commands attention once more. "The people who have received A+, please stand up," he instructs, his voice carrying a note of finality that underscores the importance of the moment. You watch, heart in your throat, as one by one, individuals rise from their seats. First one, then a second, followed by a third, and eventually the fourth. Each student standing feels like a small echo of your fading hope.
There's a pause, a breath held collectively by the room, before the fifth and final person stands, their movement almost hidden from your view until the last moment. It's not you. The realization settles in with a weight, a tangible disappointment that dims the light of your earlier optimism. You had allowed yourself to dream, to imagine the possibility of being among those chosen, and the absence of that reality is a bitter pill to swallow.
With the five standing, confirming your fears, you finally muster the courage to confront your own result. The envelope, once a beacon of potential, now feels more like a bearer of bad news. You tear it open, a part of you still clinging to a sliver of hope, only to have it definitively dashed. An A grade stares back at you, a mere three points shy of the coveted A+. You might be good at many things but not the best yet.
"Fuck my life," you sigh, the words a soft exhale of resignation. It's a moment of self-pity, a natural reaction to the sting of coming so close yet falling just short of a goal that felt within reach. The opportunity to attend the Entrepreneurs Meet, to rub shoulders with the elite and possibly secure support for your café, slips through your fingers over a margin so slim it feels cruel.
As you stride out of the classroom, each step feels heavier than the last, your mind clouded with thoughts of what could have been. The excitement and potential you had felt earlier now seem like distant memories, overshadowed by the disappointment of the missed opportunity. It's in this somber mood that you hear your name being called, a voice unfamiliar yet unmistakably directed at you.
"Y/N," the voice calls again, prompting you to halt and turn, curiosity mingling with your surprise. The person who called you is one of the students who won the ticket to the meet, a presence in your class you recognize but don't know well. He's known for his silence and focus on academics, a figure of intrigue among his peers, especially the girls, though he's never shown any interest in anything beyond his studies.
"Yes?" you respond, your voice tinged with uncertainty, aware of your inability to place his name.
"Hwang Yeobin," he says, introducing himself as he closes the distance between you, his observant eyes catching the flicker of recognition failing to light up in yours.
"Oh right! Sorry, I'm very bad at remembering names," you are quick to apologize, feeling a bit awkward for not remembering someone as notable as him.
He waves off your apology with a polite nod, his demeanor calm and straightforward. "Sorry to stop you like that. I don't like to beat around the bush, so I'll just get to the point," he begins, his voice steady and clear. "Would you like to go with me to the meet?" he asks, the simplicity of his question belying the significance of the offer.
His proposal catches you off guard, a lifeline thrown in the midst of your disappointment. For a moment, you're speechless, processing the unexpected turn of events. The opportunity you thought was lost is suddenly within reach again, offered by someone you've barely spoken to yet who's recognized your shared ambition.
"Ummm, I don't think these passes have a plus one on them," you reply, still trying to wrap your head around his unexpected offer. It seems too good to be true, and you're looking for the catch.
He explains, "I won't need the pass. My brother is a big industrialist, and he's already secured a ticket for me on his invitation. Directly bought tickets come with a plus one." He pauses before asking again, "Would you like to go?"
Your skepticism finds voice in a straightforward question, "In that case, why me?" It's hard to believe he's choosing you for such an exclusive event out of nowhere.
"Because my girlfriend isn't into business and wouldn't appreciate such opportunities, whereas you... you're passionate about this and would truly value it. I saw how your eyes lit up when the professor mentioned the reward." He adds, with a hint of sincerity, "Plus, you're pretty, so I'd love to enter that hall with someone like you to make a good impression in front of those important people."
"Just tell me yes or no, don't overthink itâ" he urges, looking for a simple answer.
"Yes," you interject before he can finish, driven by your eagerness to seize this chance. "Pick me up at 7 on Friday," you say, pushing aside any lingering doubts in favor of the opportunity to attend the meet.
"Done deal! See you on Saturday," he responds with a nod, a smile hinting at his approval of your quick decision. With that, he turns and leaves, leaving you to process the whirlwind exchange.
Despite the unusual circumstances, you find yourself trusting him enough to believe this isn't some ploy. His straightforwardness, combined with the fact that he's not shown any signs of inappropriate behavior, reassures you that he's genuine in his offer. This unexpected opportunity not only reignites your excitement but also offers a glimmer of hope for your café's future, all wrapped up in an interaction that's as surprising as it is serendipitous.
The walk home is electrified with anticipation, each step quickened by the unexpected opportunity that Friday promises. Thoughts of networking at the Entrepreneurs Meet fill you with hope for your café's future, making the day ahead a beacon of potential. This chance encounter has turned an ordinary day into a thrilling preamble to an opportunity that could change everything.
*Friday*
On Friday, you strategically took the morning shift at the café, aligning your schedule to ensure you'd be free for the Entrepreneurs Meet in the evening. As you were getting ready, meticulously applying your makeup, and mentally preparing for the night ahead, your phone buzzed with a message from Yeobin, letting you know he was on his way to pick you up. Dressed in a stunningly elegant black dress that you'd chosen for its sophisticated yet approachable style, you aimed to strike the perfect balance for a business cocktail event. This was more than just a party; it was a golden opportunity to network with VIPs, and you were determined to leave a lasting impression. You knew what you were doing.
As Yeobin lets you know he's arrived, you quickly finish getting ready, slipping into your heels and grabbing a wrap against the evening chill. Just as you're about to head out, your phone rings with a call from Miyeon. Glancing at the screen, you hesitate, aware that Yeobin is waiting and time is ticking. With the urgency of the moment pressing on you, you decide to let the call go to voicemail, reasoning that Miyeon will call back if it's truly important. After all, she's called about work-related matters before; this could wait until later.
Locking up behind you, you step outside to find Yeobin waiting by the car, a gesture that adds a touch of formality to the evening. His soft, sincere smile as he opens the car door for you is both welcoming and slightly unexpected, given your professional arrangement for the night. "I knew I did a good job choosing you to take with me," he comments, his gaze appreciative as he takes in your appearance.
"You know you don't have to say nice things or open the door for me. It's not a date," you reply, a mix of amusement and slight awkwardness in your voice. It's a strange middle ground, this arrangement of attending the event together without the personal ties that usually accompany such attentions.
"Well, for the next 3 hours, we are!" he retorts with a smirk, playing along with the pretense of a date for the evening. His humor lightens the mood, and you can't help but shake your head at his joke as you settle into the car.The drive to the event is filled with a mix of anticipation and a curious sense of camaraderie, born out of this unique situation you've found yourselves in. As the city lights glide past, you find yourself wondering about the evening ahead, about Miyeon's call, and about the delicate balance of personal and professional worlds that tonight represents.
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A/N: don't forget to vote and comment peeps <3 thanks for reading this chapter. Next chapter is going to be a turn around :)