chapter 17

The clock read 6:45 AM—fifteen more minutes before Jungkook had to leave for his meeting. It was his final chance to go over any remaining work or gather his essentials. But instead, he stood in front of the full-length mirror, hands running through his soft brown locks, carefully adjusting them into place.Today, he was dressed in a sapphire blue suit, tailored perfectly to his frame, paired with a crisp white shirt, a matching blue tie, and polished dress boots. The fabric clung to him in all the right places, accentuating his broad shoulders, lean waist, and powerful stance.There was no denying it—Jeon Jungkook was the most handsome and desirable man in the entire business industry.But he was also the coldest.A man whose very presence commanded attention, yet whose demeanor sent a clear message: Stay away.It wasn’t that something had changed him, nor was there some tragic love story that left him bitter. No, Jungkook had always been this way. Distant. Emotionless. Reserved. He had never been the type to engage in unnecessary conversations, never one to offer comforting words or gentle reassurances.He had no idea how to care for someone, how to express warmth, how to let people in.And perhaps… that was why he had lost so many important people in his life.People wanted love. They wanted affection. And when they didn’t receive it from him, they left. They always left.And now, his wife was no different.Except… she hadn’t left.Not yet.A sudden knock on the door broke the trance she had unknowingly fallen into, forcing her to divert her gaze.She hadn't realized just how long she had been standing there—watching him.Admiring him in silence.Y/N was tucked away in the corner of the room, hidden in the shadows, yet her eyes never left him. Every movement, every small action, every detail of him—she took it all in. The way his long fingers adjusted his tie with precision, the way his sharp jaw clenched ever so slightly when he was lost in thought, the way the morning light from the window kissed his features, making him look almost… unreal.He was breathtaking.And he was her husband.But the cruel reality was… he never truly felt like hers.She was always looking at him from afar, even when they stood in the same room.Always admiring him in secret, even when she had every right to love him openly.Always yearning for his warmth, even when he was just a few steps away.But there was something about him—something untouchable, something distant—that made her hesitant to reach out.She was waiting.Waiting for the day she could admire him freely.Without hiding.Without fear.Without the ache of knowing he might never look back at her the same way.She didn't know if that day would ever come.But until then, she would continue to love him in the only way she could—from a distance.No matter how hard she tried, she could never stop her own eyes from betraying her.They always sought him out.Even when she told herself not to look. Even when she knew it would only bring her pain. Her heart might have been good at pretending—at swallowing emotions, at locking away the longing—but her eyes? They were traitors.Because when you’re in love, everything betrays you.Your heart races when it shouldn't.Your breath catches at the smallest things.Your mind memorizes details you never meant to remember.Even your own body turns against you.She knew it was foolish. Knew that looking at him like this—with hope, with admiration, with love—would only leave her aching.Because love had always been a cruel thing.It gives you wings but never lets you fly.It fills you with warmth only to leave you cold.It makes you dream of something that might never be yours.And yet, despite all of that…She still loved him.Even if it meant betraying herself every single time.Y/N knew, deep down, that she would never get anything in return.No lingering touches.No whispered confessions.No soft smiles meant just for her.At the end of this path, all that awaited her was a broken heart—shattered into pieces too small to ever be put back together. An unbearable pain that would settle into her bones, a permanent reminder of the love she once held but was never meant to keep.And yet…She couldn’t stop.She couldn’t stop her heart from beating a little faster when he was near.Couldn’t stop the way her eyes searched for him in every room.Couldn’t stop admiring the way he carried himself—cold and distant to the world, yet still so devastatingly beautiful.Even knowing the inevitable, even knowing this love would never be hers…She still chose to love him.Maybe it was foolish.Maybe it was painful.But love, in its purest form, was never about expectations.It was about giving without asking.Loving without needing.Admiring, even from the shadows, simply because he was the only one her heart had ever chosen.She don't know if she ever will be able to hold him in her arms but At Least she can secure him in her heart. Yes it hurts to not be able to hold him even he is close,but it's not her fault. She is just loving him. She is drowning, losing her breath but who knows one day he will become the reason of her existence. Call her unlucky for not getting the love she is showing in return but isn't it beautiful to experience it,no expectations......just pure love. Wiping away the lone tear threatening to escape, Y/N took a deep breath before walking over to open the door.The moment it swung open, she was met with the sight of Leena standing there, an all-too-familiar smugness in her posture.Despite the heaviness in her chest, Y/N forced herself to muster a small smile—polite, if nothing else. She didn’t want to seem rude, even when she felt anything but composed.Leena, however, didn’t even acknowledge the effort. She barely spared Y/N a glance before striding inside like she owned the place, her heels clicking against the floor with an air of entitlement.Y/N clenched her jaw slightly but said nothing. It wasn’t worth it.Not today."Kookie!" Jungkook hissed at her high pitched tone. Can't the girl speak slowly?"Leena! What are you doing here?"Jungkook asked turning around, taking his mobile which was placed on bed."Today is your big meeting, right? I thought I’d drop by to wish you luck. Best of luck, Kookie!"Leena's voice was bright, almost overly cheerful, carrying the same enthusiasm as a girlfriend sending off her boyfriend before an important exam.Jungkook forced a polite smile, nodding slightly, though internally, he was already exhausted.Did she always have to be this dramatic?"There is no need to do. Still thank you." With a cold tone Jungkook said and tilted his head to look at his dear wife with a tie in his hand. "Y/n I am getting late,here do this."While y/n was still stood there even after being called out by Jungkook. Something was going on in her mind. "Y/n I am saying something." The boy repeated,as he perceived her motionless state. Jungkook frowned when she avoided the eye contact. She was looking nervous. "Leena could you please help Jungkook? Till then I'll give Jungkook his other things." Y/n said and opened the cupboard. While Jungkook was perplexed by his wife's attempt of ignoring him. Did she really thought,he won't notice? Her body language speaks. "Of course!" Leena conceded at once. This was the opportunity she was longing for. And when she got it,how can she let this slip away? Before she could retrieve tie from Jungkook's hand he swiftly move his hand away. "Leena I think you should leave. No need of your help." Jungkook bluntly said still looking into y/n's direction. "Kookie I can hel....""I said no need." He said cutting her off in between.Leena's jaw clenched at his rough tone. She stormed out of the room, sending glares to y/n. Y/n could feel him approaching, each step making her heart race with increasing anxiety. Her pulse thudded in her ears, and a cold shiver ran down her spine, causing the hairs on her neck to prickle with unease. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying the calm she was trying to maintain.Then, she felt it—a breath, warm and steady, brushing against the back of her neck. The proximity sent a wave of heat rushing through her, and she couldn't suppress the shudder that rippled through her body.Her hands had frozen, the task she had been focusing on forgotten in an instant. Before she could gather her thoughts, she heard his voice, low and smooth, drifting just behind her ear."Looking for something?"The deep, velvety tone of his voice sent a cold shiver down Y/n’s spine. Her fingers trembled as she continued to search through the drawer, her mind blanking under the weight of his presence behind her. She knew he was close—too close. The warmth radiating from his body seeped into her skin, making it nearly impossible to concentrate.Still, she forced herself to respond."Y-your wa-wallet," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.Her hands fumbled clumsily through the small space, shifting papers and little trinkets, but her search came up empty. It only took seconds for her to realize that something felt off."You already gave it to me, Y/n."Her entire body stiffened at his words.She squeezed her eyes shut in sheer mortification. Of course, she had. She had handed it to him just moments ago before getting lost in her own thoughts.Her lips parted in a desperate attempt to save herself from the embarrassment."Uhb, I-I mean your bag," she blurted out, grasping at any excuse.A deep, husky chuckle rumbled from behind her, so low and rich it sent an involuntary shiver through her spine. She felt the heat of his breath fan against the nape of her neck, making it impossible to ignore just how incredibly close he was."Since when did you start keeping my office bag in the cupboard?"Her stomach twisted at his teasing tone.Damn it.Y/n felt like smacking her own forehead against the wooden drawer. If there were a hole nearby, she would gladly crawl into it."I—I’ll get it for you!" she hurriedly added, eager to escape the moment before she made a bigger fool of herself.Without sparing another second, she turned swiftly, trying to slip past him—but he was faster.Before she could even take a step, she felt a strong grip wrap around her wrist. A gasp escaped her lips as Jungkook tugged her back, closing the distance between them in an instant.Y/n’s heart lurched into her throat as she suddenly found herself pinned against the closed cupboard, her back pressing into the cool wood. The air in the room grew thick as her chest heaved against his.Her wide eyes snapped up to meet his, only to be trapped under the weight of his dark, burning gaze. There was something different in his expression—something unreadable.Her pulse raced.Jungkook’s hand rested flat against the cupboard beside her, effectively caging her in. His scent—an intoxicating mix of expensive cologne and something undeniably him—wrapped around her senses, making her lightheaded.She swallowed hard, struggling to form words, but her voice had abandoned her completely.What was this?Had she done something wrong?Or… was this something else entirely?"Wrong move Jeon y/n." His voice was octave low and gaze dark, something which y/n couldn't handle and hung her head low. Jungkook gaze slightly went down and stop at her lips which she was biting harshly. They were raw, bright red from her nervous habit, and he found himself staring longer than he should.A strange heat pooled in his chest. Why was she doing this to herself?Before he could think twice, his fingers moved on their own, brushing against her lower lip with a featherlight touch. He pressed just enough to free it from her teeth, his thumb lingering for a second longer than necessary.The moment his cold fingers met her warm skin, a shiver ran through her entire body.Y/n froze.Her breath hitched audibly, and her eyes widened, doubling in size as she stared up at him in shock. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t expected him to touch her with such gentleness.Jungkook, too, seemed momentarily taken aback. His fingers still tingled from the fleeting contact, the softness of her lips imprinted in his memory. He withdrew his hand slowly, curling it into a fist as if trying to suppress something—something dangerous, something unfamiliar.But the moment had already shifted.The air between them grew thick, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of them dared acknowledge.Y/n’s heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it. She remained still, unsure of what to say, unsure if she even wanted to break the silence.Jungkook, on the other hand, was staring at her with an intensity that sent heat creeping up her neck. His eyes were dark, stormy, unreadable.For the first time, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.And for the first time, Jungkook felt an unfamiliar tightness in his chest—a feeling he couldn’t name, one he wasn’t sure he wanted to understand.His fingers twitched at his side, itching to reach out again, but he clenched his fist tighter.No.He couldn’t let this happen."Now will you do? Or should I call someone else as you seems uninterested in doing your own husband's work?" Without saying another word, Y/n took the tie from his outstretched hand, not wanting to test his patience any further. Her fingers trembled slightly as she met his gaze, but Jungkook simply stepped back, giving her space. Or at least, that’s what she thought.Taking a deep breath, she moved closer, standing on her toes to reach his height. Her delicate fingers adjusted the collars of his crisp white shirt before carefully beginning to tie his tie.The action was simple, something a wife might do for her husband every morning, yet to Y/n, it felt like a moment suspended in time—dangerous and fragile all at once.Her hands moved methodically, but her mind was in chaos. Because throughout the entire process, Jungkook didn’t look away. Not even for a second.His dark eyes burned into her with an intensity that sent an unsettling warmth crawling up her neck. She could feel the weight of his gaze, feel the way his attention was solely on her, as if he was studying every minute detail of her expression, every little twitch of her lips, every flicker of emotion in her eyes.Her heart hammered against her ribcage, fingers faltering slightly as she pulled the knot tight.She just needed to finish this and step away.As Y/n focused on tying his tie, completely immersed in the task, she remained oblivious to the subtle movements of the man before her.Jungkook, despite his cold exterior, had instinctively lifted his hand behind her—hovering just inches from the small of her back, ready to catch her if she lost balance.He wasn’t even thinking about it. It was an automatic reaction.She was so small compared to him, standing on her toes, struggling to match his height as she meticulously worked on the knot. He could see the slight wobble in her stance, the way her fingers trembled just the tiniest bit.But she was unaware. Unaware that his palm was there, hanging in the air, protecting her in silence.Unaware that while she was tying his tie, he was keeping her steady. Like he always does, and she was unaware of it. But just when she thought she could escape, just when she attempted to move back—he struck.In a swift motion, Jungkook closed the distance between them, his firm hands gripping her waist and pulling her flush against him.A quiet gasp left Y/n’s lips as she collided with his chest, her balance tipping for a moment before his strong arms steadied her effortlessly.She barely had time to process before she found herself trapped—his firm hold keeping her in place, his breath mingling with hers, his eyes holding her captive.The air thickened between them, the tension coiling like an unspoken force neither of them could ignore.Jungkook’s fingers flexed slightly against her waist, his touch burning even through the fabric of her dress. He wasn’t saying anything—just watching her, reading her, as if daring her to look away first.Y/n swallowed hard.Her body stiffened, yet she didn’t push him away. Couldn’t.Because despite the fear, despite the uncertainty, despite knowing she meant nothing to him—her heart still ached for him.And right now, as his hold tightened just slightly, as his unreadable eyes bore into hers, she could almost pretend he ached for her too."J-jungkook!" "I know very well what are you trying to do Jeon y/n. So better not play these tricks with me. Otherwise I have to switch into my husband form. And let me tell you one thing,"He leaned in, closing the remaining distance between them, his warm breath ghosting over her skin. A shiver ran down her spine as his lips hovered near her ear, the heat of his presence sending an unexplainable rush through her veins.Then, in a voice so low yet laced with something dark and unreadable, he whispered his next words—each syllable deliberate, each breath grazing her skin like a silent command.Y/n felt her heart stutter, her grip tightening on the fabric of his suit as the air seemed to leave her lungs entirely. The room, the world, everything blurred into insignificance, leaving only the dangerously close proximity between them and the weight of his words sinking deep into her chest."You won't be able to handle it." (A/n;- ( ͝° ͜ʖ͡°)ᕤ)Jungkook slowly pulled back, his movements unhurried, as if savoring the effect he had on her. His smirk deepened when he noticed how rigid she had become—her fingers still curled into the fabric of his suit, her breath uneven, and her wide eyes betraying the storm of emotions raging inside her.His gaze flickered over her face, taking in the slight tremble of her lips and the way she refused to meet his eyes, as if afraid that doing so would shatter the last bit of composure she was desperately holding onto.Amused, he tilted his head slightly, letting his smirk linger, knowing full well the chaos he had left in his wake."Now wish your husband luck." "Huh!" The poor girl was completely thrown off guard. Everything was too much for her small heart to handle. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She quickly looked away, hoping to hide the blush creeping up her neck, but there was no escaping his gaze.Jungkook chuckled at her reaction, a deep, husky sound that sent another wave of shivers down her spine. The rare sight of him in such a teasing mood only made her heart race faster. This was too much for her—the girl who had never experienced such moments with her husband before."I’m getting late, Y/n. Do fast." His voice was back to its usual commanding tone, snapping her out of her daze.Y/n had no choice but to comply. Still fidgeting with her fingers, she hesitated before mumbling in a voice just loud enough for him to hear, "G-good luck."Jungkook’s sharp eyes flickered with something unreadable for a fraction of a second, but his lips curled into a faint smirk. "Hmm! Better," he said, stepping back, his expression once again unreadable.Y/n let out a silent breath of relief, but just as she thought the moment was over, she noticed him raising an eyebrow, silently questioning why she was still standing there. Realizing what he meant, she hurriedly ran to the other side of the room, grabbing his office bag and handing it to him with both hands."I am going now. Take care," Jungkook said casually as he slung the bag over his shoulder.Y/n nodded quickly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Bye."With that, Jungkook turned and closed the door behind him. The second he was gone, Y/n clutched her chest, her heart still hammering wildly. A strange, unfamiliar feeling washed over her—one she couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t just nervousness.It was something deeper, something that left her breathless and aching for more."What just happened?" ----Meanwhile, Jungkook arrived at the destination where the meeting was set to take place. The grand five-star restaurant exuded luxury, its sleek interiors reflecting the prestige of the gathering. He stepped out of his car, adjusting the cuffs of his sapphire-blue suit before striding confidently inside.Upon entering, he was escorted to the second floor—an entire level he had reserved to ensure an undisturbed discussion. The restaurant staff had been given strict instructions to maintain privacy, allowing only his associates and the essential waitstaff in the vicinity. The faint sound of classical music played in the background, adding to the ambiance.Jungkook approached a large, polished wooden table where the other businessmen were already seated. With his signature commanding aura, he greeted them with a slight nod."Good morning, everyone," he said smoothly, his deep voice resonating through the quiet space.The men at the table straightened their postures, acknowledging his presence. One of them, Mr. Han, a seasoned investor, spoke up. "Good morning, Mr. Jeon. We hope the morning traffic wasn’t much trouble."Jungkook pulled out a chair and adjusted his suit before settling in. "I hope I didn’t waste much of your time," he said, his sharp gaze scanning the faces of those present."Not at all," another executive reassured him with a polite smile. "We only arrived five minutes ago ourselves.""That’s good to hear." Jungkook leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. "Shall we begin?"The meeting commenced with Jungkook taking the lead. His team presented detailed projections on the upcoming project, showcasing market trends, risk assessments, and investment opportunities. Jungkook spoke with unwavering confidence, articulating his vision and expectations."We need to ensure that every phase of this project aligns with our long-term goals. I expect top-tier execution," he stated firmly, his piercing gaze daring anyone to challenge him.Discussions continued, with other members pitching in their perspectives, while Jungkook listened attentively, nodding occasionally. Every word he spoke carried weight, every decision he made shaping the course of the deal.Despite the professional setting, Jungkook’s mind momentarily drifted to the morning encounter with Y/n—the way her delicate fingers had fumbled with his tie, the warmth of her presence so close yet untouchable. His jaw clenched slightly at the thought, but he quickly refocused.This was business, and distractions were unacceptable.Shaking off the fleeting thoughts, he straightened his posture and continued. "Let’s finalize the terms. I want the paperwork ready by tomorrow."As expected, no one dared to object.----------"Come on, Y/n! If you never try different things, how will you ever develop an interest? Do you want to become a skeleton, locked up in these four walls forever?"Bora huffed in frustration as she continued to blend the blush onto Y/n’s cheeks, determined to make her look as stunning as possible.Y/n groaned, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Bora, I really don’t like this. Makeup isn’t my thing. And honestly, I don’t even want to go. I’m perfectly fine staying here."But her protest fell on deaf ears. Bora and Zaid had already planned an outing, and this time, no amount of Y/n’s excuses could get her out of it. Right now, Bora was more like a forceful artist, treating Y/n’s face as her masterpiece, while Y/n sat there helplessly, enduring the ‘transformation.’"Habits can change, sweetheart," Bora quipped, carefully applying a soft shade of lipstick. "And you will change because I’m not letting you off the hook this time."Y/n sighed in defeat. There was no winning against Bora when she was this persistent."And… done!" Bora clapped her hands together, stepping back to admire her work. "Now, at least take a look at yourself. I put in so much effort!"Amused by her adorable pout, Y/n chuckled before turning to the mirror.The moment her eyes landed on her reflection, she gasped softly.She barely recognized herself.Her usual bare face was now glowing with just the right touch of elegance. The subtle eyeshadow enhanced her soft eyes, the rosy blush brought warmth to her cheeks, and the gentle pink shade on her lips made them look fuller. Her long hair, usually left untamed, had been styled to frame her face perfectly.Never in her life had she paid attention to changing her appearance. But for a fleeting moment, she imagined doing all this for him.If only Jungkook would look at me…She had wanted to try everything to impress him—to make him notice her, even if just for a second. But what was the point when he never even spared her a glance?"You’re looking so pretty," Bora beamed, breaking Y/n’s train of thought. "Of course, the credit goes to me."Y/n giggled at her dramatic self-praise before smiling sincerely. "Thank you so much, Bora."Bora waved her off. "No need for thanks, Y/n. Anything for you."She grabbed her phone, checking the time. "Alright, you finish up here. I need to get ready too, or else Zaid will throw one of his tantrums—as usual—for being late. Bye~!"With that, she left the room, leaving Y/n alone with her thoughts.She stared at her reflection for a long moment, tracing her fingertips over the wooden dresser.Would this version of her ever be enough for Jungkook?Meanwhile…Jungkook returned to the hotel, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. The meeting had gone well, but his mind was elsewhere. He wasn’t sure why, but something about this morning’s interaction with Y/n had been lingering in his thoughts.Sliding his hand into his pocket, he pulled out the key and inserted it into the lock. The moment he pushed the door open, a loud, panicked voice reached his ears."Don't come near. Please stay there."Here you all ☺️Hope you all had liked it 😍Tell me ok 🥺and please don't lower the ratings,you can tell me my mistakes ❣️Your Coconut 🥥