A few days later, you found yourself at your parents' place in Daegu, taking a much-needed break after that harrowing night. Life had returned to normal around you, but you were isolating yourself, reeling from the revelation of family secrets and feeling deceived about your own identity.
You were helping your father load the truck with fresh produce you'd picked up together at the farmers market when he asked, "Y/N-ah, would you like some coffee? There's a stall with fresh brews over there." He knew how much you enjoyed organic flavored coffee and was trying to lift your spirits.
With a small smile, you shook your head and climbed into the passenger seat of his pickup truck."How long are you going to dwell on it?" he asked gently as he settled in the driver's seat.
You remained silent, staring out the window as he started the truck and began driving home.
"Why didn't you ever tell me about our family history?" you asked finally, unable to keep it in any longer.
He sighed deeply. "Because your mother always fought me whenever I wanted to share it with you."
You listened intently, the realization sinking in. "Is that why you and Mom used to argue all the time?" you asked, beginning to understand that you may have been the reason for their conflicts.
Your father hesitated before responding, which only solidified your suspicions. "It wasn't always because of that," he said. "We used to find all sorts of things to fight over. It just happened. But not anymore. We've found peace after growing old together."
You listened with a mix of horror and resignation, leaning back in the seat and looking out the window.
"Your mother and I would like you to stay with us until your semester break ends. You've taken a gap, so let's make the most of it. I'll ask Yeonhan to take a break and come home too. We want to spend time with our children."
"No, don't call him back here. I want to keep him away from all of this," you said sharply.
"Don't you think that's what Jin was trying to do when he was protecting you?" your father asked. "Me and your uncle agreed that you and Yeonhan shouldn't know anything about this. We wanted you to live normal lives, and so did Jin. You can't just hold a grudge against him and refuse to speak to him. He's your brother."
You listened silently, his words taking a toll on you.
"So, are you staying?" he asked.
"Not yet," you replied. "I need to head back and sell my house, drop out of college. I'll probably move back, but I need to take control of my life again."
"And moving back will fix things?" he asked.
"Didn't you want to open a cafe in Seoul?"
"Sometimes it's better to leave dreams as dreams," you said. "I'm not ready for any of that right now. I think I'd rather find a job here or help manage our restaurant business."
"I never taught you to give up on your dreams, Y/N," he said, his voice firmer now. "You can't let this change who you are."
"I'm not the same person anymore, and my dreams aren't the same," you said.
"And, what are your dreams or wishes now?"
"I just want a normal life. A normal job. I want to get married to a normal person, have kids, and a normal family. I just want to be happy."
"When did you start thinking this typical? You've always been my extraordinary duaghter" he asked incredulously. "Is that how I raised you?"
"Dad, I'm tired. The path I was on led me to this point, and I can't live like that anymore. I don't want to talk about this anymore."
"Fine. Do what you want, as long as you're happy," he said.
That night, you cooked with your mom and caught up on new things while gossiping about your relatives. It was refreshing to have normal conversations again, being back home, and spending time with your parents. Cooking with your mother, watching daily soaps over dinner, going out shopping with them, helping at the family restaurant and convenience store, head massages from your mom, eating her home-cooked meals, and evening walks togetherâeverything felt like a much-needed reset. Despite not wanting to return to Seoul, you knew you had to. At least now, you were clear about what you wanted.
--
"Y/N-ah, we need to talk," your parents say as they walk into your room while you're folding laundry.
"What's wrong?" you ask, looking up at them.
"You know what day tomorrow is, right?" your father asks.
"Yes, and I already said I'm not going," you respond, turning away to busy yourself.
"Y/N, it's been years. You didn't even attend your uncle's funeral. After everything you've learned, you should at least join the anniversary gathering this year," your mother scolds gently."Honey," your father says, calming her.
"Y/N, you need closure. We're going to Busan tomorrow for his memorial and lunch with the family," he declares.
"I don't think I'm ready yet," you admit softly.
"I understand. You'll still come with us to Busan, but I won't force you to visit his grave. Do it whenever you're ready, but please consider it tomorrow. He always cared for you, even more than his own son. You owe him," he says, and leaves when you remain silent.
You clutch your garment as flashes of the day your uncle was killed flood your mind, refreshing old scars and trauma. Tears brim in your eyes, and your heartbeat quickens.
---
Dressed for the memorial, you head to Busan with your parents, still lost in thought. Your heart races and tears persist. Upon arriving at the venue, you notice familiar carsâyour family, Jin, Hyeyeon, Jungkookâeveryone's there, but all you can think of is your uncle.
Inside the cemetery, you stop a few feet away from his grave, seeing it for the first time. Your parents sense your hesitation, move forward, pray, and place flowers on his grave. You grip tightly the bouquet and a photograph of you and your uncle in your hands.
The emotions swirling within you are too overwhelming, making it impossible to approach the grave immediately. Your parents step into the memorial venue, and your mother casts a worried glance back towards you. Inside, they greet everyone, including Jin, who is hosting the service. When your father tells Jin that you're outside by the grave, Jin is visibly moved, realizing you're finally seeking closure.
He takes a deep breath, gathers his courage, and rushes outside to support you. For a moment, he stands quietly behind you, his heart aching. Then he steps forward and gently rests his hand on your back, a comforting presence. You glance up at him and tears well up in your eyes. Despite the complexities and misunderstandings, he is your brother, the son of the father you both lost.
The others follow Jin out, hoping to show their support. Jungkook steps closer, his face etched with concern, his eyes fixed on you. Though he's still upset about the risks you took that night, right now all he sees is your vulnerability. He longs to comfort you but understands this moment is personal.
"It's time, Y/N," Jin says softly, his gaze steady and reassuring. You nod, grateful for his presence, and with him beside you, the path to the grave feels more bearable.
As you reach the grave with soft steps, you kneel before the headstone and stare at your uncle's photo, your hands trembling. You carefully place the flower bouquet on the grave, then add a cherished photograph of you and your uncle. As you acknowledge the finality of his resting place, memories of his sacrifice flood back, and you can't hold back the tears any longer. You sob openly, finally releasing years of grief.
Jin kneels beside you and wraps his arms around you as you bury your face in his chest. "I miss you, Uncle" you sob, your voice raw. Jin's eyes brim with tears as he holds you tightly, sharing in your grief. For a few moments, you both remain locked in this embrace, finding solace in each other's presence, mourning the loss of a father and uncle who meant so much to both of you.
---
"Are you feeling better now?" Jin asks gently, as he offers you another spoonful of rice and seaweed soup. The two of you are sitting in a quiet corner of the memorial, and he's taking care of you just like he did when you were children.
You nod, taking a bite.
"I'm sorry, Y/N," he says softly, the weight of his past lies heavy on his conscience.
"You let me live with the guilt," you say, your voice steady but laden with emotion. "I thought that because I couldn't tell anyone that he didn't die in an accident but was murdered, his killers would never be punished" "I believe they were all put in their places by uncle's funeral day. Am I right?"
"Yes," Jin admits, understanding more questions are bound to follow. He keeps feeding you, trying to offer some solace.
"I don't want you to lie or hide anything from me ever again. Promise?" you demand.
"I promise," he says quietly.
"Who killed him, and why?" you ask, your eyes searching his face for answers.
Jin sighs deeply before responding. "Ahn Dohyun and his father," he finally says. "I don't know why they killed Dad, but it was personal."
"Ahn Dohyun..." you repeat, the name triggering a memory.
"Your boyfriend's older brother," Jin adds, connecting the dots you were struggling to piece together. Suddenly, you understand why Bohyun was involved with Seongjae and Yeobin.
But how does Jin know that you know him? Your gaze searches his face, looking for answers he might still be withholding.
Jin sees the confusion on your face and steps in to clarify. "Hyeyeon came to me that night after we went to the hospital for Jungkook," he begins. "She told me everything: how she saw Bohyun there and figured out he was your boyfriend after Yeobin spilled everything to her following her kidnapping. She didn't tell Jimin or Jungkook, and I'd like to keep it that way."
"He's not a bad person like his brother, is he?" you ask, disbelief evident in your voice.
"I don't know yet," Jin replies carefully. "I'm still investigating, but he's disappeared."
"I didn't remember anything about him until two weeks ago," you admit. "Why couldn't I remember?"
"He was feeding you excessive doses of antidepressants, making you forget things if you took more than necessary," he explains.
Your heart sinks as the betrayal settles in.
"Are you still in contact with him?" Jin asks.
"We broke up the day everything went downhill," you reply, your voice somber. He sighs deeply and leans back in his chair, digesting the weight of your words.
"Y/N," Jin begins softly, "I'll make sure nothing like that night ever happens again. But if it does, you can't act recklessly like that ever again. It puts you and everyone who cares about you in danger. You, Hyeyeon, and Jungkook could have died that day."
You nod, your eyes searching the room for Jungkook. "How is he? He was hurt because of me," you say, guilt weighing heavy in your voice.
"It wasn't his first rodeo. He's fine, but if I hadn't reached him in time that day..." Jin trails off, knowing you understand the gravity of the situation.
"That man can't think for himself when it comes to your safety. He put himself in harm's way for you, and I know he'd do it again. And you're the same when it comes to protecting your loved ones. That's why I had to keep you two apart. I don't want to host any more funerals for the people I care about the most. I'd rather die myself, Y/N."
"You had to keep us apart?" you ask, latching onto that one revelation from everything he said.
Jin sighs, nodding. "Yes. I thought it was the best way to keep both of you safe. I warned Jungkook to stay away from you years ago, after he treated your bullet wound and kept you hidden. That was when I told everyone who you were to me. Jungkook fought back, but I told him I'd send you to the States and tell you about every crime he has committed, if he ever saw you again. He hated me for it and never spoke to me again. Although, he did do whatever it took to keep you away from him. But two weeks ago, when he saw you almost die in front of his eyes, he understood what I was talking about and apologized for all these years.
"After all this, I've realized that keeping you two apart is harder than I thought. I don't think it's for the best anymore now that you know everything. I don't care what you two decide to do, but I think Jungkook he himself, wants to stay away from you for your safety now. So, if he pushes you away with the tricks that might hurt you, just understand his intentions and please do not hate him" "He's always cared about you, more than he realizes".
He pauses, his eyes heavy with the weight of his confession. "I'm not sorry, because I'd do it again for your safety. And I know you'd do the same if you were in my shoes and Yeonhan in yours."
"I can't believe this," you say quietly, processing the revelations.
"But I do understand," you continue after a long pause. "That day, I thought I was going to lose him, and that thought was unbearable, especially knowing he did it for me. Maybe you're right. Maybe it's best if Jungkook and I stay away from each other and move on." you couldn't believe you were saying this.
Jin looks at you, a mix of surprise and relief in his eyes. "I'm glad you understand," he says softly.
"Also, can you forgive Hyeyeon for hiding who I was to you and not telling you?"
"I couldn't stay mad at her for long anyway," you reply with a small smile. "She's my best friend, and I understand why she did what she did."
Jin nods and gently kisses your forehead as you both stand up, ready to mingle with the other guests. You scan the crowd, searching for Hyeyeon, and soon your eyes meet. It's as if she had been waiting for you to find her. Her eyes are filled with hope as she watches you approach.
"How are you?" you ask, your gaze momentarily lingering on the almost-healed injuries from that night.
"I'm good, but how are you?" she counters, concern evident in her voice.
"Good," you reply, your tone somewhat distant.
"I was relieved to hear you went back home this time, instead of isolating yourself like before," she says gently.
You nod, absorbing her words.
"Are you still upset with me? You didn't answer any of my calls," she asks tentatively.
"I'm not mad. It's just become hard to trust people now," you admit. "Can you promise not to keep things from me anymore?"
"I promise," Hyeyeon responds eagerly, stepping closer and searching your face for signs of forgiveness.
You smile and pull her into a warm embrace, the pain of thinking she had been lost to you resurfacing briefly. "Thank you for risking so much for me, Y/N. Jimin gave up, but you didn't. I'll never forget that," she murmurs into your shoulder. "I love you so much!"
"I'd do it again, and I know you would do the same for me," you reply. "We're sisters before we're best friends."
She nods, tears glimmering in her eyes.
"Hyeyeon, I know you told Jin-oppa about Bohyun-ssi, but did you also mention seeing Miyeon there?" you ask as you step back from the hug.
"I did. It was the only way to explain why I was there," she replies.
"Are Taehyung-ssi and Miyeon still together?" you inquire.
"Yes, they are. Miyeon wasn't there by choice. Seongjae was blackmailing her. He had personal photos of her and was holding them over her head," Hyeyeon reveals.
"I don't trust her. Why didn't she come to us if that was the case? None of this would have happened," you say, frustration coloring your voice.
"Not everyone is as brave as you, Y/N," Hyeyeon responds softly. "You need to cut her some slack; she's been through a lot."
You roll your eyes, still skeptical. "Whatever," you mutter, still wrestling with mixed feelings about the whole situation.
As you and Hyeyeon converse, your attention is drawn to Jungkook's silhouette departing the hall. Your heart skips a beat seeing him after that night.
"I'll be back," you excuse yourself and follow him outside. Trailing behind him, you watch as he approaches his car where a woman is rummaging through the trunk.
"Did you find them?" he asks her.
"Yes. Why did you come out?" she inquires, a stranger to you.
"To check on you, I was worried," he responds, affectionately ruffling her hair.
"I'm fine. They're just high blood pressure meds, Kookie," she reassures him, using a nickname that irks you and stirs a pang of jealousy.
"Can we leave?" she asks, stepping closer and leaning against his chest.
"I can't. I need to stay by Jin Hyun's side," he answers, gently moving a strand of her hair away from her face.
"Jin-oppa's side or Y/N's side?" she chuckles, teasingly.
"I told you not to bring her up, wasn't I clear?" Jungkook's tone hardens slightly.
"Why can't we talk about her? She doesn't mean anything to you anymore, right? You said it yourself a few days ago," she pushes.
"If you want to leave, I'll drop you off," he says, closing the conversation.
"No, I'll stay with you. I've missed you," she insists, embracing him in a manner that's more intimate than typical.
"Alright. Let's go inside then," he concedes and turns to head back with her. As they turn, Jungkook's eyes meet yours, capturing the moment in an awkward and charged silence.
""Iâ I didn't mean to intrude. I just needed something from my car," you stammer, caught off guard, averting your eyes.
Jungkook's eyes soften slightly upon seeing you, but quickly harden again.
You start walking briskly toward your car, realizing you don't have the keys.
"I'll meet you inside," Jungkook tells the woman.
"Are you sure?" she asks, concerned.
"Yes," he responds, his gaze fixed on you.
She notices Jungkook's unwavering focus on you, rolls her eyes, and heads inside, losing the control of the situation.
Jungkook follows you to your car, which you are locked out of. "I forgot the keys," you say, pretending to search for them, your eyes avoiding his. You turn to leave, suddenly overwhelmed and not ready to face him.
As you pass him, he grabs your arm, stopping you in your tracks. Without looking at you, he pulls you in front of him, making you face him directly.
There's a silence between you two as you stare at his feet, unable to meet his eyes. His gaze, however, remains fixed on you.
"Y/N," he says softly, and your heart skips a beat at the sound of your name on his lips.
You respond immediately, "Who is she?"
He frowns slightly before answering, "She is my childhood friend. She came to be by my side when I was at the hospital, recovering from the wounds you caused me by doing exactly what I told you not to do," he speaks, his tone laced with frustration and anger.
"I'm sorry," you say, finally looking up at him after hearing his piercing words. Your eyes meet his, filled with a mix of remorse and pain.
"Your sorry isn't going to do any good nowâ" Jungkook started to groan.
"Yes, I know, Jungkook, I fucked up, but no one asked you to come save me. At most, I would have died, but why do you care?" you yell, cutting him off, angry about what you heard earlier from that woman's mouth.
"You are so fucking ungrateful," he looks at you with disgust.
"Yes, I am, so next time this happens, think about yourself and don't meddle, especially if you're going to rub it in my face," you say, stepping closer to him, gritting through your teeth.
"I was trying hard to be respectful of the occasion, but you are just the worst," he yells, grabbing you by your neck and pushing you against the car. As soon as he does that, you scream in pain. He immediately lets go, thinking he might have grabbed you too hard and slammed you too forcefully. You watch him step back, his face a mix of anger and regret.
"I didn't mean to grab so hard. I'm sorryâare you okay?" he then steps closer, more concerned than mad now.
"It's not you," you hold your neck and immediately move away from the car, placing your hand on your back.
"Then what's wrong?" he asks, trying to understand, thinking he is still at fault.
"It's okay, I'm fine now," you say, still burning from the repercussions of his actions.
"I won't ask again, Y/N! What is it?" he demands, now agitated.
"Then don't ask," you snap, darting your eyes at him again.
"Y/N," he insists, not willing to let it go. He grabs you and pulls you towards him.
"See! You care more than you think you do," you say, looking into his eyes.
"Yeah, fine, I do. Now tell me what's wrong. Why was that painful?" he asks, his tone softening with genuine concern.
You see the sincerity in his eyes and surrender your stubbornness. Moving your hair away from your neck, you reveal the bruises from when Seongjae tried to choke you. They haven't healed yet. You watch as his eyes soften and dampen at the sight of the bruises. You then turn around and move your hair to the front, your deep-back dress revealing the scratches and marks from Seongjae's nails across your back when he ripped the top off you. Glancing back at Jungkook, you see his blood boil behind the tears pooling in his eyes.
After staring at those marks for a long second, he gently takes your hair and spreads it across your back. Then, he takes off his coat and drapes it over your shoulders.
"I just didn't want you to face all of those men by yourself," you say as you turn to him.
"I'm sorry for this," you say softly, touching the spot on his torso where Seongjae stabbed him.
Before he can respond, Taehyung calls out, "Y/N, Jungkook, let's go. They're starting with the prayer."
Jungkook seizes the opportunity to leave the emotionally charged moment, quickly heading towards the event. You watch him walk away, feeling a mix of emotions."Y/N," Taehyung says, waiting for you. You nod and let him escort you inside.
*_*
A/N: long awaited chapter!!